Importance of etiologies of secondary diabetes:How often do we think off in clinical practice?

The article"Secondary diabetes due to different etiologies:Four case reports"by Song et al,published in the World Journal of Clinical Cases,delves into the identi-fication of rare causes of secondary diabetes and emphasizes the necessity for healthcare professionals to recognize these conditions.Failure to do so can result in treatment delays and compromised patient outcomes.The article discusses spe-cific types of diabetes,including maturity onset of diabetes in young,pancreas-related diseases,endocrinopathies,drug-induced diabetes,infections,and con-genital genetic syndromes associated with diabetes mellitus.Case summaries highlight how patients with secondary diabetes,stemming from conditions such as Williams-Beuren syndrome and pituitary adenoma,often exhibit distinct characteristics overlooked in clinical practice.The authors stress the importance of a holistic diagnostic approach and advocate for proactive management through early intervention,including genetic tests and antibody detection.Increased awa-reness and education are crucial for timely identification and proper management,ultimately improving patient well-being.These findings prompt a call to action for healthcare professionals to consider rare causes of secondary diabetes,facili-tating better glycemic control and overall patient care.

Hemogram-derived ratios as prognostic markers for major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND Non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction(NSTEMI)poses significant challenges in clinical management due to its diverse outcomes.Understanding the prognostic role of hematological parameters and derived ratios in NSTEMI patients could aid in risk stratification and improve patient care.AIM To evaluate the predictive value of hemogram-derived ratios for major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)in NSTEMI patients,potentially improving clinical outcomes.METHODS A prospective,observational cohort study was conducted in 2021 at the Internal Medicine Clinic of the University Hospital in Tuzla,Bosnia and Herzegovina.The study included 170 patients with NSTEMI,who were divided into a group with MACE and a control group without MACE.Furthermore,the MACE group was subdivided into lethal and non-lethal groups for prognostic analysis.Alongside hematological parameters,an additional 13 hematological-derived ratios(HDRs)were monitored,and their prognostic role was investigated.RESULTS Hematological parameters did not significantly differ between non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction(NSTEMI)patients with MACE and a control group at T1 and T2.However,significant disparities emerged in HDRs among NSTEMI patients with lethal and non-lethal outcomes post-MACE.Notably,neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR)were elevated in lethal outcomes.Furthermore,C-reactive protein-to-lymphocyte ratio(CRP/Ly)at T1(>4.737)demonstrated predictive value[odds ratio(OR):3.690,P=0.024].Both NLR at T1(>4.076)and T2(>4.667)emerged as significant predictors,with NLR at T2 exhibiting the highest diagnostic performance,as indicated by an area under the curve of 0.811(95%CI:0.727-0.859)and OR of 4.915(95%CI:1.917-12.602,P=0.001),emphasizing its important role as a prognostic marker.CONCLUSION This study highlights the significant prognostic value of hemogram-derived indexes in predicting MACE among NSTEMI patients.During follow-up,NLR,PLR,and CRP/Ly offer important insights into the inflammatory processes underlying cardiovascular events.

Prevalence of linked angina and gastroesophageal reflux disease in general practice

AIM： To evaluate the association between gastroesophageal reflux diseases （GERD） and coronary heart diseases. METHODS： One thousand nine hundred and seventy consecutive patients who attended our hospital were enrolled. All of the patients who first attend our hospital were asked to respond to the F-scale questionnaire regardless of their chief complaints. All patients had a careful history taken, and resting echocardiography （ECG） was performed by physicians if the diagnostic necessity arose. Patients with ECG signs of coronary artery ischemia were defined as ST- segment depression based on the Minnesota code. RESULTS： Among 712 patients （36%） with GERD, ECG was performed in 171 （24%）, and ischemic changes were detected in eight （5%）. Four （50%） of these patients with abnormal findings upon ECG had no chest symptoms such as chest pain, chest oppression, or palpitations. These patients （0.6%; 4/712） were thought to have non-GERD heartburn, which may be related to ischemic heart disease. Of 281 patients who underwent ECG and did not have GERD symptoms, 20 （7%） had abnormal findings upon ECG. In patients with GERD symptoms and ECG signs of coronary artery ischemia, the prevalence of linked angina was considered to be 0.4% （8/1970 patients）.CONCLUSION： The present study suggested that ischemic heart disease might be found although a patient was referred to the hospital with a complaint of GERD symptoms. Physicians have to be concerned about missing clinically important coronary artery disease while evaluating patients for GERD symptoms.

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease symptoms are more common in general practice in Japan

To accurately assess the prevalence of GERD symptoms in general practice. METHODS： 4139 consecutive patients （2025 men and 2114 women with a mean age of 43 years）, who first attended the Outpatient Department of General Medicine and Emergency Care at Toho University Omori Hospital, were asked to respond to the F-scale questionnaire regardless of their chief complaints. The questionnaire is a self-report instrument, written in a simple and easy-to- understand language, containing 12 questions. RESULTS： Of 4139 subjects, 1554 patients （37.6%） were identified as GERD according to their F-scale score （〉 7）. However, there were only 45 consultations （1.1%） for typical GERD symptoms. Although GERD symptoms are common in adults of all ages, the prevalence of GERD was highest in the 20-29 years age group and the age group 70-79 years had the lowest prevalence for both males and females. CONCLUSION： Although there was a high rote indicating GERD in our primary care population, only 1.1% of outpatients attended our hospital with a chief complaint of GERD symptoms. Since about one-third of GERD patients are affected by atypical symptoms, general physicians need to be cautious about extrapolating these results to patients with a chief complaint other than typical GERD symptoms.Watanabe T, Urita Y, Sugimoto M, Miki K. Gastro-esophagea reflux disease symptoms are more common in genera practice in Japan. World J Gastroenterol 2007; 13（31） 4219-4223

Fermented Ethnic Medicine (<i>Pueraria mirifica</i>) Designed by Lactobacillus Regulated Leukocyte Subsets via Activation of Complement Components

A plant fermentation was carried out by Lactobaccilli against the Rhizome from Pueraria milifica (f-PMF). This material was evidenced by safe in animal toxic study. The main aim of this study was to revise the traditional way of hot water extraction to fermentation so as to use up the original material and finding new activity. We tried to show the new activity through phytoestrogen and immune-competent cells from the host that administrated either of original remedy and the new fermented sample, plus activated water SRE. In mice, compromised host was prepared by cancer chemotherapeutic agent (Mitomycin-C). After administration of f-PMF to immno-suppressed animals, the effects by both samples were augmented by lymphocyte in number and functions, macrophage activities, anti-oxidative activity. However, the intense of effect was much more by fermented one but not by conventional one. The anti-oxidative assay was also carried out ex-vivo system by peritoneal macrophage that we proposed as suitable system for evaluating anti-oxidative assay. In our clinical study by 20 healthy volunteers, granulocyte and lymphocyte ratio was regulated as neutral in peripheral white blood cells, increasing one, two and three weeks after the administration of f-PMF. We have found the significant regulation of blood chemical factors that were important makers for the lifestyle-related diseases. The mechanism of augmentation by probing directory with immuno-electrophoretic method, generating new complement component, especially found by alternative pathway of complement. So we discussed the process concerning designed f-PMF molecule for activation of complement component and bound for the biological activity of each physical component. In a limited condition, fewer numbers of volunteers, the breast size was tending to increase along with the administration time. Including these evidences, we discussed the possibility of this traditional ethnic medicine, originally found and spread in the highland area in Thailand and Myanmar.

Spread of human immunodeficiency virus 1 among men who have sex with men is emerging as a genuine social concern and affecting the general populace- case reports from Eastern India

Human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) infection among men who have sex with men(MSM) has increased to a drastic proportion throughout India in the last couple of years due to a lack of productive identification and management framework. In apprehension of social disgrace these men attempt to live a normal hetero conjugal life and, in the process, act as a bridge in spreading the virus to their women partners. In this case report we have highlighted two cases which clearly distinguished the adequacy of HIV treatment among MSM when they are diagnosed during early or late phases of infection. An intensive and ample counseling to comprehend the psychology and sexual behavior of these men was found to be critically important in both the cases. Our study, which is actually the first of its kind, recorded and documented evidence of HIV infected MSM from Eastern India and renders a ray of hope among this marginally isolated group to comprehend the challenges and health risks faced by the MSM population. It also provides a format for the medical practitioners here in managing and treating related cases.

ChatGPT in action:Harnessing artificial intelligence potential and addressing ethical challenges in medicine,education,and scientific research

Artificial intelligence(AI)tools,like OpenAI's Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer(ChatGPT),hold considerable potential in healthcare,academia,and diverse industries.Evidence demonstrates its capability at a medical student level in standardized tests,suggesting utility in medical education,radiology reporting,genetics research,data optimization,and drafting repetitive texts such as discharge summaries.Nevertheless,these tools should augment,not supplant,human expertise.Despite promising applications,ChatGPT confronts limitations,including critical thinking tasks and generating false references,necessitating stringent cross-verification.Ensuing concerns,such as potential misuse,bias,blind trust,and privacy,underscore the need for transparency,accountability,and clear policies.Evaluations of AI-generated content and preservation of academic integrity are critical.With responsible use,AI can significantly improve healthcare,academia,and industry without compromising integrity and research quality.For effective and ethical AI deployment,collaboration amongst AI developers,researchers,educators,and policymakers is vital.The development of domain-specific tools,guidelines,regulations,and the facilitation of public dialogue must underpin these endeavors to responsibly harness AI's potential.

Review of novel therapeutic medicines targeting androgen signaling in castration-resistant prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common male malignant neoplasm.Androgens and the androgen receptor(AR)play a key role in the onset and progression of prostate cancer.The expression of the AR is still preserved in the majority of patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer(CRPC).CRPC is considered to be induced by the following mechanisms:(1)sustained AR activation by enhancing intracellular conversion of adrenal androgens to dehydrotestosterone via a de novo route;(2)AR hypersensitivity;(3)promiscuous activation of AR signaling;and(4)outlaw pathways.Recent advances in the treatment of CRPC include novel medicinestargeting AR signaling pathways.In addition,functional molecular studies have shown that some of the ARregulated genes and AR coregulators are prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets for prostate cancer,particularly in the castration-resistant state.Therefore,identification of the AR signaling pathways responsible for establishment of CRPC is critical for developing new strategies for the treatment of CRPC.

Importance of risk assessment,endoscopic hemostasis,and recent advancements in the management of acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(ANVUGIB)is a common medical emergency in clinical practice.While the incidence has significantly reduced,the mortality rates have not undergone a similar reduction in the last few decades,thus presenting a significant challenge.This editorial outlines the key causes and risk factors of ANVUGIB and explores the current standards and recent updates in risk assessment scoring systems for predicting mortality and endoscopic treatments for achieving hemostasis.Since ANUVGIB predominantly affects the elderly population,the impact of comorbidities may be responsible for the poor outcomes.A thorough drug history is important due to the increasing use of antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants in the elderly.Early risk stratification plays a crucial role in deciding the line of management and predicting mortality.Emerging scoring systems such as the ABC(age,blood tests,co-morbidities)score show promise in predicting mortality and guiding clinical decisions.While conventional endoscopic therapies remain cornerstone approaches,novel techniques like hemostatic powders and over-the-scope clips offer promising alternatives,particularly in cases refractory to traditional modalities.By integrating validated scoring systems and leveraging novel therapeutic modalities,clinicians can enhance patient care and mitigate the substantial morbidity and mortality associated with ANVUGIB.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided treatment of isolated gastric varices entwined with arteries:A case report

BACKGROUND Interventional endoscopic ultrasound is clinically used for the treatment of isolated gastric varices(IGVs)owing to its precise visualization.CASE SUMMARY A 39-year-old man was diagnosed with a large IGV during a routine physical examination.Endoscopic ultrasonography showed gastric varices entwined with an artery,which greatly increased the difficulty of treatment.We successfully treated the patient with endoscopic ultrasonography-guided coil embolization combined with cyanoacrylate injection.CONCLUSION Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided coil embolization combined with cyanoacrylate injection was safe and effective for the treatment of an IGV entwined with an artery.

Effect of infarct location and volume on cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients with acute insular cerebral infarction

BACKGROUND The aging of the population has become increasingly obvious in recent years,and the incidence of cerebral infarction has shown an increasing trend annually,with high death and disability rates.AIM To analyze the effects of infarct location and volume on cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients with acute insular cerebral infarction.METHODS Between January 2020 and December 2023,we treated 98 cases of elderly acute insula,patients with cerebral infarction in the cerebral infarction acute phase(3-4 weeks)and for the course of 6 months in Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale(MoCA)for screening of cognition.Notably,58 and 40 patients were placed in the cognitive impairment group and without-cognitive impairment group,respec-tively.In patients with cerebral infarction,magnetic resonance imaging was used to screen and clearly analyze the MoCA scores of two groups of patients with different infarctions,the relationship between the parts of the infarction volume,and analysis of acute insula cognitive disorder in elderly patients with cerebral RESULTS The number of patients with cognitive impairment in the basal ganglia and thalamus was significantly higher than that without cognitive impairment(P<0.05).The total infarct volume in the cognitive impairment group was higher than that in the non-cognitive impairment group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The infarct volumes at different sites in the cognitive impairment group was higher than in the non-cognitive impairment group(P<0.05).In the cognitive impairment group,the infarct volumes in the basal ganglia,thalamus,and mixed lesions were negatively correlated with the total MoCA score,with correlation coefficients of-0.67,-0.73,and-0.77,respectively.CONCLUSION In elderly patients with acute insular infarction,infarction in the basal ganglia,thalamus,and mixed lesions were more likely to lead to cognitive dysfunction than in other areas,and patients with large infarct volumes were more likely to develop cognitive dysfunction.The infarct volume in the basal ganglia,thalamus,and mixed lesions was significantly negatively correlated with the MoCA score.

Dysbiosis promotes recurrence of adenomatous polyps in the distal colorectum

BACKGROUND Colorectal polyps,which are characterized by a high recurrence rate,represent preneoplastic conditions of the intestine.Due to unclear mechanisms of pathogenesis,first-line therapies for non-hereditary recurrent colorectal polyps are limited to endoscopic resection.Although recent studies suggest a mechanistic link between intestinal dysbiosis and polyps,the exact compositions and roles of bacteria in the mucosa around the lesions,rather than feces,remain unsettled.AIM To clarify the composition and diversity of bacteria in the mucosa surrounding or 10 cm distal to recurrent intestinal polyps.METHODS Mucosal samples were collected from four patients consistently with adenomatous polyps(Ade),seven consistently with non-Ade(Pol),ten with current Pol but previous Ade,and six healthy individuals,and bacterial patterns were evaluated by 16S rDNA sequencing.Linear discriminant analysis and Student’s t-tests were used to identify the genus-level bacteria differences between groups with different colorectal polyp phenotypes.Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to evaluate the correlation between intestinal bacteria at the genus level and clinical indicators.RESULTS The results confirmed a decreased level of probiotics and an enrichment of pathogenic bacteria in patients with all types of polyps compared to healthy individuals.These changes were not restricted to the mucosa within 0.5 cm adjacent to the polyps,but also existed in histologically normal tissue 10 cm distal from the lesions.Significant differences in bacterial diversity were observed in the mucosa from individuals with normal conditions,Pol,and Ade.Increased abundance of Gram-negative bacteria,including Klebsiella,Plesiomonas,and Cronobacter,was observed in Pol group and Ade group,suggesting that resistance to antibiotics may be one risk factor for bacterium-related harmful environment.Meanwhile,age and gender were linked to bacteria changes,indicating the potential involvement of sex hormones.CONCLUSION These preliminary results support intestinal dysbiosis as an important risk factor for recurrent polyps,especially adenoma.Targeting specific pathogenic bacteria may attenuate the recurrence of polyps.

Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein, skin changes syndrome with dilated cardiomyopathy: A case report

BACKGROUND Polyneuropathy,organomegaly,endocrinopathy,M-protein,skin changes(POEMS)syndrome is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome that encompass multiple systems.The most common clinical symptoms of POEMS syndrome are pro-gressive sensorimotor polyneuropathy,organ enlargement,endocrine disorders,darkening skin,a monoclonal plasma cell proliferative disorder,and lymph node hyperplasia.The organomegaly consists of hepatosplenomegaly and/or lym-phadenopathy;cases of cardiomyopathy are rare.Diagnoses are often delayed because of the atypical nature of the syndrome,exposing patients to possibly severe disability.Therefore,identifying atypical symptoms can improve the prognosis and quality of life among POEMS syndrome patients.lenalidomide and dexamethasone.CONCLUSION When patients with cardiomyopathy have systemic manifestations such as numb limbs and darkening skin,the POEMS syndrome is the most possible diagnosis.

Typhoid fever presenting as neuropsychiatric oddities:A case report

Rationale:Salmonella is a common etiological agent behind the tropical fever syndrome in the Indian subcontinent.Its prevalence in India remains high due to a lack of proper sanitation services in large parts of the country.Its neuropsychiatric manifestations is rare and the understanding on their pathophysiology is still poor.Patient concerns:A 19-year-old male,presented with a 10-day history of altered mental status,high-grade fever and violent behaviour.2 Days prior to admission,he developed decreased responsiveness and a muttering delirium with self-talking.Diagnosis:Coma vigil secondary to salmonellosis.Interventions:Intravenous ceftriaxone and dexamethasone.Outcomes:The resolution of the coma vigil and the associated Salmonella infection were observed;however,the patient developed residual mutism.Lessons:The atypical presentation of a globally obtunded state followed by mutism in typhoid coma in this case should be brought to the attention of clinicians worldwide.Additionally,the enduring speech limitations and potential psychiatric consequences may be linked to the prolonged duration of the infection.

Is Helicobacter pylori infection protective against esophageal cancer?

Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection affects a substantial proportion of the global population and causes various gastric disorders,including gastric cancer.Recent studies have found an inverse relationship between H.pylori infection and eso-phageal cancer(EC),suggesting a protective role against EC.This editorial focuses on the possible mechanisms underlying the role of H.pylori infection in EC and explores the role of gut microbiota in esophageal carcinogenesis and the prac-ticality of H.pylori eradication.EC has two major subtypes:Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)and esophageal adenocarcinoma(EAC),which have different etiologies and risk factors.Gut microbiota can contribute to EC via inflammation-induced carcinogenesis,immunomodulation,lactagenesis,and genotoxin production.H.pylori infection is said to be inversely related to EAC,protecting against EAC by inducing atrophic gastritis,altering serum ghrelin levels,and triggering cancer cell apoptosis.Though H.pylori infection has no significant association with ESCC,COX-2-1195 polymorphisms and endogenous nitrosamine production can impact the risk of ESCC in H.pylori-infected in-dividuals.There are concerns regarding a plausible increase in EC after H.pylori eradication treatments.However,H.pylori eradication is not associated with an increased risk of EC,making it safe from an EC perspective.

Vitamin D, selenium in type 2 diabetes and Hashimoto's thyroiditis: Is it effective?

The study by Feng et al,explores treatment approaches for these coexisting conditions.It emphasizes the potential advantages of selenium and vitamin D supplementation but also raises methodological and patient selection concerns.Findings indicate a complex interplay between interventions and disease markers,prompting the need for further research.Despite limitations,the study offers valuable insights into managing the intricate relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus and Hashimoto's thyroiditis.The authors'contributions shed light on potential treatment avenues,although careful consideration of study design and patient characteristics is warranted for future investigations in this domain.

Paradoxical systemic toxicity by inhaled paraquat poisoning: A case report

Rationale:Multi-organ failure is a symptom of paraquat poisoning,resulting in high mortality and morbidity rates.Though paraquat is widely available,poisoning through inhalation is rare.Patient’s Concern:A 37-year-old male reported to the emergency department with complaints of vomiting after an alleged history of inhalation of paraquat while at work.Diagnosis:Paraquat poisoning.Interventions:Supportive management along with multiple sessions of hemodialysis.Outcomes:Renal complications caused by paraquat were improved after multiple sessions of hemodialysis.However,the patient developed respiratory complications and later due to persistent hypoxemia and non-responsive to supportive therapy,he succumbed to his illness.Lessons:Acute kidney injury is a complication of paraquat poisoning.However,kidney involvement with the inhalational mode is rare.It is caused by reduction and oxidation cycles,as well as the formation of reactive oxygen species,necessitating hemodialysis as the treatment.Without a clear history,a specific clinical trait,or a diagnostic test,diagnosis can be difficult.Our case thus highlights the inhaled paraquat poisoning,presenting with acute kidney injury with late respiratory impairment as a consequence.

Roles and application of exosomes in the development,diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer

As important messengers of intercellular communication,exosomes can regulate local and distant cellular communication by transporting specific exosomal con-tents and can also promote or suppress the development and progression of gas-tric cancer(GC)by regulating the growth and proliferation of tumor cells,the tumor-related immune response and tumor angiogenesis.Exosomes transport bioactive molecules including DNA,proteins,and RNA(coding and noncoding)from donor cells to recipient cells,causing reprogramming of the target cells.In this review,we will describe how exosomes regulate the cellular immune respon-se,tumor angiogenesis,proliferation and metastasis of GC cells,and the role and mechanism of exosome-based therapy in human cancer.We will also discuss the potential application value of exosomes as biomarkers in the diagnosis and treat-ment of GC and their relationship with drug resistance.

Chikungunya encephalitis:A case report

Rationale:Transmitted to humans via the Aedes mosquito,Chikungunya virus(CHIKV)is associated with multi-system complications,sometimes collectively referred to as“atypical features.”However,a disorder of the nervous system appears to be the most common severe complication of CHIKV infection.Patient’s Concern:A seventy-five-year-old patient from India presented to the hospital with fever,chills,rigors,and multiple joint pains for which he was worked up.Diagnosis:CHIKV encephalitis.Interventions:The patient was treated initially on supportive therapy with antipyretics,intravenous fluids;however,during his hospital stay,the patient had altered sensorium during which he was managed in the intensive care unit;required mechanical ventilation.Outcomes:The patient sccumbed to his illness.Lessons:Treating clinicians should keep CHIKV disease in the differential diagnosis in cases of febrile exanthems associated with disabling arthritis,especially in a CHIKV-endemic country like India.

Serum tumor markers:Can they clinically implicate in type 2 diabetes mellitus?

“Serum tumor markers expression(CA19-9,CA242,and CEA)and its clinical implications in type 2 diabetes mellitus”authored by Meng and Shi presents an observational case-control study investigating the correlation between tumor markers and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).The study explores the diagnostic accuracy of tumor markers,particularly cancer antigen 19-9(CA19-9),CA242,and carcinoembryonic antigen,in poorly controlled T2DM patients with hemoglobin A1c levels exceeding 9%,employing receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.Though study offers valuable insights into the potential utility of tumor markers in clinical practice,caution is advised regarding routine tumor marker testing due to challenges such as limited availability and cost.Additionally,the study overlooks potential confounding factors like smoking and alcohol consumption.Variations in CA19-9 and CA242 expression underscore the complex interplay between tumor markers and systemic diseases,warranting further investigation into their diagnostic and prognostic implications.While Meng and Shi represent a significant contribution to the field,more extensive research is needed to fully elucidate the role of tumor markers in diabetes management and beyond.