The potential mechanism and clinical application value of remote ischemic conditioning in stroke

Some studies have confirmed the neuroprotective effect of remote ischemic conditioning against stroke. Although numerous animal researches have shown that the neuroprotective effect of remote ischemic conditioning may be related to neuroinflammation, cellular immunity, apoptosis, and autophagy, the exact underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. This review summarizes the current status of different types of remote ischemic conditioning methods in animal and clinical studies and analyzes their commonalities and differences in neuroprotective mechanisms and signaling pathways. Remote ischemic conditioning has emerged as a potential therapeutic approach for improving stroke-induced brain injury owing to its simplicity, non-invasiveness, safety, and patient tolerability. Different forms of remote ischemic conditioning exhibit distinct intervention patterns, timing, and application range. Mechanistically, remote ischemic conditioning can exert neuroprotective effects by activating the Notch1/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway, improving cerebral perfusion, suppressing neuroinflammation, inhibiting cell apoptosis, activating autophagy, and promoting neural regeneration. While remote ischemic conditioning has shown potential in improving stroke outcomes, its full clinical translation has not yet been achieved.

Beyond statistical significance:Embracing minimal clinically important difference for better patient care

The minimal clinically important difference(MCID)represents a pivotal metric in bridging the gap between statistical significance and clinical relevance,addressing the direct impact of medical interventions from the patient's perspective.This comprehensive review analyzes the evolution,applications,and challenges of MCID across medical specialties,emphasizing its necessity in ensuring that clinical outcomes not only demonstrate statistical significance but also offer genuine clinical utility that aligns with patient expectations and needs.We discuss the evolution of MCID since its inception in the 1980s,its current applications across various medical specialties,and the methodologies used in its calculation,highlighting both anchor-based and distribution-based approaches.Furthermore,the paper delves into the challenges associated with the application of MCID,such as methodological variability and the interpretation difficulties that arise in clinical settings.Recommendations for the future include standardizing MCID calculation methods,enhancing patient involvement in setting MCID thresholds,and extending research to incorporate diverse global perspectives.These steps are critical to refining the role of MCID in patient-centered healthcare,addressing existing gaps in methodology and interpretation,and ensuring that medical interventions lead to significant,patient-perceived improvements.

Machine learning applications in healthcare clinical practice and research

Machine learning(ML)is a type of artificial intelligence that assists computers in the acquisition of knowledge through data analysis,thus creating machines that can complete tasks otherwise requiring human intelligence.Among its various applications,it has proven groundbreaking in healthcare as well,both in clinical practice and research.In this editorial,we succinctly introduce ML applications and present a study,featured in the latest issue of the World Journal of Clinical Cases.The authors of this study conducted an analysis using both multiple linear regression(MLR)and ML methods to investigate the significant factors that may impact the estimated glomerular filtration rate in healthy women with and without non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).Their results implicated age as the most important determining factor in both groups,followed by lactic dehydrogenase,uric acid,forced expiratory volume in one second,and albumin.In addition,for the NAFLD-group,the 5th and 6th most important impact factors were thyroid-stimulating hormone and systolic blood pressure,as compared to plasma calcium and body fat for the NAFLD+group.However,the study's distinctive contribution lies in its adoption of ML methodologies,showcasing their superiority over traditional statistical approaches(herein MLR),thereby highlighting the potential of ML to represent an invaluable advanced adjunct tool in clinical practice and research.

Microwave ablation for liver metastases from colorectal cancer:A comprehensive review of clinical efficacy and safety

Microwave ablation(MWA)is emerging as a highly effective treatment for colorectal liver metastases(CRLMs).This review explores the advantages of MWA compared to other ablative techniques such as radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation and highlights its clinical efficacy,safety,and technical considerations.MWA offers significant benefits,including higher intratumoral temperatures,larger ablation zones,and reduced susceptibility to the heat-sink effect,which make it particularly suitable for tumors near large blood vessels.This review details the patient selection criteria,procedural approaches,and the use of advanced imaging techniques to improve the precision and effectiveness of MWA.Clinical outcomes indicate that MWA achieves high rates of complete tumor ablation and long-term survival with a favorable safety profile.This review is significant because it provides updated insights into the expanding role of MWA in treating unresectable CRLM and its potential as an alternative to surgical resection for resectable tumors.By summarizing recent studies and clinical trials,this review highlights the comparative effectiveness,safety,and integration with systemic therapies of MWA.In conclusion,MWA is a promising treatment option for CRLM and offers outcomes comparable to or better than those of other ablative techniques.Future research should focus on optimizing technical parameters,integrating MWA with systemic therapies,and conducting large-scale randomized controlled trials to establish standardized treatment protocols.Advancing our understanding of MWA will enhance its application and improve long-term survival and quality of life for patients with CRLM.

Nucleotide-binding domain,leucine-rich repeat,and pyrin domaincontaining protein 3 inflammasome:From action mechanism to therapeutic target in clinical trials

The nucleotide-binding domain,leucine-rich repeat,and pyrin domain-containing protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome is a critical modulator in inflammatory disease.Activation and mutation of NLRP3 can cause severe inflammation in diseases such as chronic infantile neurologic cutaneous and articular syndrome,Muckle-Wells syndrome,and familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome 1.To date,a great effort has been made to decode the underlying mechanisms of NLRP3 activation.The priming and activation of NLRP3 drive the maturation and release of active interleukin(IL)-18 and IL-1βto cause inflammation and pyroptosis,which can significantly trigger many diseases including inflammatory diseases,immune disorders,metabolic diseases,and neurodegenerative diseases.The investigation of NLRP3 as a therapeutic target for disease treatment is a hot topic in both preclinical studies and clinical trials.Developing potent NLRP3 inhibitors and downstream IL-1 inhibitors attracts wide-spectrum attention in both research and pharmaceutical fields.In this minireview,we first updated the molecular mechanisms involved in NLRP3 inflammasome activation and the associated downstream signaling pathways.We then reviewed the molecular and cellular pathways of NLRP3 in many diseases,including obesity,diabetes,and other metabolic diseases.In addition,we briefly reviewed the roles of NLRP3 in cancer growth and relative immune checkpoint therapy.Finally,clinical trials with treatments targeting NLRP3 and its downstream signaling pathways were summarized.

Effect of Modulen vs budesonide on clinical response and mucosal healing in Crohn’s patients

BACKGROUND Mucosal healing has become an important goal of Crohn’s disease(CD)treat-ments.Modulen,enriched with transforming growth factor-beta 2,and budeso-nide are commonly accepted treatments for mild-moderate CD.However,their effects on the small bowel(SB)mucosa remain underexplored.AIM To prospectively assess clinical and mucosal responses to Modulen vs budesonide in adults with CD,using SB capsule endoscopy.METHODS Thirty patients were divided into two groups:Modulen+home-based diet(21 patients)and budesonide(9 patients)for an eight-week intervention followed by four weeks of follow-up.Clinical,laboratory,and endoscopic responses were evaluated.The mucosal changes were assessed through SB capsule endoscopy.RESULTS Results indicated significant clinical improvement in the Modulen group with reduced CD activity index(P=0.041)and improved inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire score(P=0.016).Moreover,Modulen was associated with a signifi-cant SB mucosal improvement,evidenced by a decrease in Lewis score(P=0.027).No significant changes were observed in calprotectin or other laboratory parame-ters.Conversely,budesonide exhibited more modest clinical effects,but it improved calprotectin,hemoglobin,and C-reactive protein levels(P=0.051,P=0.014,and P=0.038,respectively).The capsule endoscopy did not reveal a significant mucosal response in the budesonide group.CONCLUSION Both interventions have a role in CD treatment.Yet,their effects differ and may complement each other:Modulen yields clinical and mucosal improvements,while budesonide primarily leads mainly to laboratory improvements.

Epidemiological and clinical features,treatment status,and economic burden of traumatic spinal cord injury in China:a hospital-based retrospective study

Traumatic spinal cord injury is potentially catastrophic and can lead to permanent disability or even death.China has the largest population of patients with traumatic spinal cord injury.Previous studies of traumatic spinal cord injury in China have mostly been regional in scope;national-level studies have been rare.To the best of our knowledge,no national-level study of treatment status and economic burden has been performed.This retrospective study aimed to examine the epidemiological and clinical features,treatment status,and economic burden of traumatic spinal cord injury in China at the national level.We included 13,465 traumatic spinal cord injury patients who were injured between January 2013 and December 2018 and treated in 30 hospitals in 11 provinces/municipalities representing all geographical divisions of China.Patient epidemiological and clinical features,treatment status,and total and daily costs were recorded.Trends in the percentage of traumatic spinal cord injuries among all hospitalized patients and among patients hospitalized in the orthopedic department and cost of care were assessed by annual percentage change using the Joinpoint Regression Program.The percentage of traumatic spinal cord injuries among all hospitalized patients and among patients hospitalized in the orthopedic department did not significantly change overall(annual percentage change,-0.5%and 2.1%,respectively).A total of 10,053(74.7%)patients underwent surgery.Only 2.8%of patients who underwent surgery did so within 24 hours of injury.A total of 2005(14.9%)patients were treated with high-dose(≥500 mg)methylprednisolone sodium succinate/methylprednisolone(MPSS/MP);615(4.6%)received it within 8 hours.The total cost for acute traumatic spinal cord injury decreased over the study period(-4.7%),while daily cost did not significantly change(1.0%increase).Our findings indicate that public health initiatives should aim at improving hospitals’ability to complete early surgery within 24 hours,which is associated with improved sensorimotor recovery,increasing the awareness rate of clinical guidelines related to high-dose MPSS/MP to reduce the use of the treatment with insufficient evidence.

Clinical manifestations,diagnosis and long-term prognosis of adult autoimmune enteropathy:Experience from Peking Union Medical College Hospital

BACKGROUND Autoimmune enteropathy(AIE)is a rare disease whose diagnosis and long-term prognosis remain challenging,especially for adult AIE patients.AIM To improve overall understanding of this disease’s diagnosis and prognosis.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the clinical,endoscopic and histopathological characteristics and prognoses of 16 adult AIE patients in our tertiary medical center between 2011 and 2023,whose diagnosis was based on the 2007 diagnostic criteria.RESULTS Diarrhea in AIE patients was characterized by secretory diarrhea.The common endoscopic manifestations were edema,villous blunting and mucosal hyperemia in the duodenum and ileum.Villous blunting(100%),deep crypt lymphocytic infiltration(67%),apoptotic bodies(50%),and mild intraepithelial lymphocytosis(69%)were observed in the duodenal biopsies.Moreover,there were other remarkable abnormalities,including reduced or absent goblet cells(duodenum 94%,ileum 62%),reduced or absent Paneth cells(duodenum 94%,ileum 69%)and neutrophil infiltration(duodenum 100%,ileum 69%).Our patients also fulfilled the 2018 diagnostic criteria but did not match the 2022 diagnostic criteria due to undetectable anti-enterocyte antibodies.All patients received glucocorticoid therapy as the initial medication,of which 14/16 patients achieved a clinical response in 5(IQR:3-20)days.Immunosuppressants were administered to 9 patients with indications of steroid dependence(6/9),steroid refractory status(2/9),or intensified maintenance medication(1/9).During the median of 20.5 months of followup,2 patients died from multiple organ failure,and 1 was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.The cumulative relapse-free survival rates were 62.5%,55.6%and 37.0%at 6 months,12 months and 48 months,respectively.CONCLUSION Certain histopathological findings,including a decrease or disappearance of goblet and Paneth cells in intestinal biopsies,might be potential diagnostic criteria for adult AIE.The long-term prognosis is still unsatisfactory despite corticosteroid and immunosuppressant medications,which highlights the need for early diagnosis and novel medications.

基于Clinical Trials数据库的癌性疼痛治疗药物临床试验分析

目的了解近年来癌性疼痛(癌痛)治疗药物临床试验的趋势和特点,为癌痛治疗药物的开发和临床研究提供参考依据。方法从Clinical Trials数据库中检索1987—2022年癌痛治疗药物临床试验的相关信息,从试验类型、备案时间、申报地区、癌痛类型、癌痛治疗药物等角度进行描述性分析。结果筛选出临床试验376项,由研究者发起的试验(IIT)项目数多于注册类试验(IST),其中北美洲的总项目数、IIT和IST项目数最多;试验总项目数和IST项目数先增长后回落,IIT的试验项目数稳步增长。针对慢性癌痛、爆发性癌痛和重度癌痛的研究相对较多。研究对象以阿片类药物尤其是芬太尼的占比最高。结论癌痛治疗药物临床试验对推进癌痛治疗药物治疗发挥了重要作用,未来有待进一步加强IST在新型癌痛治疗药物的研究和开展更多IIT研究,以更好地优化癌痛治疗效果。

Ganoderma lucidum:a comprehensive review of phytochemistry,efficacy,safety and clinical study

Ganoderma lucidum,one of the most well-known edible fungi,is believed to be very beneficial for longevity and vitality.A long usage history suggests that G.lucidum has various clinical therapeutic effects.And experimental studies have confirmed that G.lucidum has multiple pharmacological effects,including antitumor,anti-microbial,anti-HIV protease,and antidiabetic activity and so on.With the deepening of research,more than 300 compounds have been isolated from G.lucidum.There is an increasing population of G.lucidum-based products,and its international development is expanding.Currently,G.lucidum has drawn much attention to its chemical composition,therapeutic effect,clinical value,and safety.This paper provides a comprehensive review of these aspects to enhance the global promotion of G.lucidum.

Clinical characteristics of acute non-varicose upper gastrointestinal bleeding and the effect of endoscopic hemostasis

BACKGROUND Acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(ANVUGIB)constitutes a prevalent emergency within Gastroenterology,encompassing 80%-90%of all gastrointestinal hemorrhage incidents.This condition is distinguished by its abrupt onset,swift progression,and notably elevated mortality rate.AIM To gather clinical data from patients with ANVUGIB at our hospital in order to elucidate the clinical characteristics specific to our institution and analyze the therapeutic effectiveness of endoscopic hemostasis.METHODS We retrospectively retrieved the records of 532 patients diagnosed with ANVUGIB by endoscopy at our hospital between March 2021 and March 2023,utilizing our medical record system.Data pertaining to general patient information,etiological factors,disease outcomes,and other relevant variables were meticulously collected and analyzed.RESULTS Among the 532 patients diagnosed with ANVUGIB,the male-to-female ratio was 2.91:1,with a higher prevalence among males.Notably,43.6%of patients presented with black stool as their primary complaint,while 27.4%had hematemesis as their initial symptom.Upon admission,17%of patients exhibited both hematemesis and black stool,while most ANVUGIB patients primarily complained of overt gastrointestinal bleeding.Urgent routine blood examinations at admission revealed that 75.8%of patients had anemia,with 63.4%experiencing moderate to severe anemia,and 1.5%having extremely severe anemia(hemoglobin<30 g/L).With regard to etiology,53.2%of patients experienced bleeding without a definitive trigger,24.2%had a history of using gastric mucosa-irritating medications,24.2%developed bleeding after alcohol consumption,2.8%attributed it to improper diet,1.7%to emotional excitement,and 2.3%to fatigue preceding the bleeding episode.Drug-induced ANVUGIB was more prevalent in the elderly than middle-aged and young individuals,while bleeding due to alcohol consumption showed the opposite trend.Additionally,diet-related bleeding was more common among the young age group compared to the middle-aged group.Gastrointestinal endoscopy identified peptic ulcers as the most frequent cause of ANVUGIB(73.3%),followed by gastrointestinal malignancies(10.9%),acute gastric mucous lesions(9.8%),and androgenic upper gastrointestinal bleeding(1.5%)among inpatients with ANVUGIB.Of the 532 patients with gastrointestinal bleeding,68 underwent endoscopic hemostasis,resulting in an endoscopic treatment rate of 12.8%,with a high immediate hemostasis success rate of 94.1%.

Molecular insights into clinical trials for immune checkpoint inhibitors in colorectal cancer:Unravelling challenges and future directions

Colorectal cancer(CRC)is a complex disease with diverse etiologies and clinical outcomes.Despite considerable progress in development of CRC therapeutics,challenges remain regarding the diagnosis and management of advanced stage metastatic CRC(mCRC).In particular,the five-year survival rate is very low since mCRC is currently rarely curable.Over the past decade,cancer treatment has significantly improved with the introduction of cancer immunotherapies,specifically immune checkpoint inhibitors.Therapies aimed at blocking immune checkpoints such as PD-1,PD-L1,and CTLA-4 target inhibitory pathways of the immune system,and thereby enhance anti-tumor immunity.These therapies thus have shown promising results in many clinical trials alone or in combination.The efficacy and safety of immunotherapy,either alone or in combination with CRC,have been investigated in several clinical trials.Clinical trials,including KEYNOTE-164 and CheckMate 142,have led to Food and Drug Administration approval of the PD-1 inhibitors pembrolizumab and nivolumab,respectively,for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic microsatellite instability-high or deficient mismatch repair CRC.Unfortunately,these drugs benefit only a small percentage of patients,with the benefits of immunotherapy remaining elusive for the vast majority of CRC patients.To this end,primary and secondary resistance to immunotherapy remains a significant issue,and further research is necessary to optimize the use of immunotherapy in CRC and identify biomarkers to predict the response.This review provides a comprehensive overview of the clinical trials involving immune checkpoint inhibitors in CRC.The underlying rationale,challenges faced,and potential future steps to improve the prognosis and enhance the likelihood of successful trials in this field are discussed.

Retrospective analysis based on a clinical grading system for patients with hepatic hemangioma:A single center experience

BACKGROUND The optimal approach for managing hepatic hemangioma is controversial.AIM To evaluate a clinical grading system for management of hepatic hemangioma based on our 17-year of single institution experience.METHODS A clinical grading system was retrospectively applied to 1171 patients with hepatic hemangioma from January 2002 to December 2018.Patients were classified into four groups based on the clinical grading system and treatment:(1)Observation group with score<4(Obs score<4);(2)Surgical group with score<4(Sur score<4);(3)Observation group with score≥4(Obs score≥4);and(4)Surgical group with score≥4(Sur score≥4).The clinico-pathological index and outcomes were evaluated.RESULTS There were significantly fewer symptomatic patients in surgical groups(Sur score≥4 vs Obs score≥4,P<0.001;Sur score<4 vs Obs score<4,χ^(2)=8.60,P=0.004;Sur score≥4 vs Obs score<4,P<0.001).The patients in Sur score≥4 had a lower rate of in need for intervention and total patients with adverse event than in Obs score≥4(P<0.001;P<0.001).Nevertheless,there was no significant difference in need for intervention and total patients with adverse event between the Sur score<4 and Obs score<4(P>0.05;χ^(2)=1.68,P>0.05).CONCLUSION This clinical grading system appeared as a practical tool for hepatic hemangioma.Surgery can be suggested for patients with a score≥4.For those with<4,follow-up should be proposed.

An Update on the Clinical Pipelines of New Antibacterial Drugs Developed in China

Antibacterial resistance is a global health threat that requires further concrete action on the part of all countries.In this context,one of the biggest concerns is whether enough new antibacterial drugs are being discovered and developed.Although several high-quality reviews on clinical antibacterial drug pipelines from a global perspective were published recently,none provides comprehensive information on original antibacterial drugs at clinical stages in China.In this review,we summarize the latest progress of novel antibacterial drugs approved for marketing and under clinical evaluation in China since 2019.Information was obtained by consulting official websites,searching commercial databases,retrieving literature,asking personnel from institutions or companies,and other means,and a considerable part of the data covered here has not been included in other reviews.As of June 30,2023,a total of 20 antibacterial projects from 17 Chinese pharmaceutical companies or developers were identified and updated.Among them,two new antibacterial drugs that belong to traditional antibiotic classes were approved by the National Medical Products Administration(NMPA)in China in 2019 and 2021,respectively,and 18 antibacterial agents are in clinical development,with one under regulatory evaluation,five in phase-3,six in phase-2,and six in phase-1.Most of the clinical candidates are new analogs or monocomponents of traditional antibacterial pharmacophore types,including two dual-acting hybrid antibiotics and a recombinant antibacterial protein.Overall,despite there being 17 antibacterial clinical candidates,our analysis indicates that there are still relatively few clinically differentiated antibacterial agents in stages of clinical development in China.Hopefully,Chinese pharmaceutical companies and institutions will develop more innovative and clinically differentiated candidates with good market potential in the future research and development(R&D)of original antibacterial drugs.

Impact of metabolic syndrome components on clinical outcomes in hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND The incidence of hypertriglyceridemia(HTG)-induced acute pancreatitis(AP)is steadily increasing in China,becoming the second leading cause of AP.Clinical complications and outcomes associated with HTG-AP are generally more severe than those seen in AP caused by other etiologies.HTG-AP is closely linked to metabolic dysfunction and frequently coexists with metabolic syndrome or its components.However,the impact of metabolic syndrome components on HTGAP clinical outcomes remains unclear.AIM To investigate the impact of metabolic syndrome component burden on clinical outcomes in HTG-AP.METHODS In this retrospective study of 255 patients diagnosed with HTG-AP at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University,we collected data on patient demographics,clinical scores,complications,and clinical outcomes.Subsequently,we analyzed the influence of the presence and number of individual metabolic syndrome components,including obesity,hyperglycemia,hypertension,and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),on the aforementioned parameters in HTG-AP patients.RESULTS This study found that metabolic syndrome components were associated with an increased risk of various complications in HTG-AP,with low HDL-C being the most significant risk factor for clinical outcomes.The risk of complications increased with the number of metabolic syndrome components.Adjusted for age and sex,patients with highcomponent metabolic syndrome had significantly higher risks of renal failure[odds ratio(OR)=3.02,95%CI:1.12-8.11)],SAP(OR=5.05,95%CI:2.04-12.49),and intensive care unit admission(OR=6.41,95%CI:2.42-16.97)compared to those without metabolic syndrome.CONCLUSION The coexistence of multiple metabolic syndrome components can synergistically worsen the clinical course of HTGAP,making it crucial to monitor these components for effective disease management.

Alzheimer's disease with depressive symptoms: Clinical effect of intermittent theta burst stimulation repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation

BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease(AD),characterized by the ongoing deterioration of neural function,often presents alongside depressive features and greatly affects the quality of life of individuals living with the condition.Although several treatment methods exist,their efficacy is limited.In recent years,repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation(rTMS)utilizing the theta burst stimulation(TBS)mode,specifically the intermittent TBS(iTBS),has demonstrated promising therapeutic potential in the management of neuropsychiatric disorders.AIM To examine the therapeutic efficacy of iTBS mode of rTMS for treating depressive symptoms in patients with AD.METHODS This retrospective study enrolled 105 individuals diagnosed with AD with depressive symptoms at Huzhou Third Municipal Hospital,affiliated with Huzhou University,between January 2020 and December 2023.Participants received standard pharmacological interventions and were categorized into control(n=53)and observation(n=52)groups based on treatment protocols.The observation group received iTBS mode of rTMS,while the control group received pseudo-stimulation.A comparative analysis evaluated psychological well-being,adverse events,and therapeutic at initiation of hospitalization(T0)and 15 days post-treatment(T1).RESULTS At T1,both groups exhibited a marked reduction in self-rating depression scale and Hamilton depression scale scores compared to T0.Furthermore,the observa-tion group showed a more pronounced decrease than the control group.By T1,the Mini-mental state examination scores for both groups had increased markedly from their initial T0 assessments.Importantly,the increase was particularly more substantial in the observation group than in the control group.Fourteen patients in the control group had ineffective treatment effects,while five patients in the observation group experienced the same.Additionally,the observation group experienced a substantially reduced incidence of ineffective treatment as compared to the control group(both P<0.05);there were no recorded serious adverse events in either group.CONCLUSION The iTBS model of rTMS effectively treated AD with depression,improving depressive symptoms and cognitive function in patients without serious adverse reactions,warranting clinical consideration.

Assessment of Appropriateness of Diagnostic Lymph Node Tissue Collection from the Operating Theater and by Interventional Radiologist. A Clinical Audit

Background: Appropriate sample requesting, collecting and timely dispatch to the appropriate laboratory is essential in establishing diagnosis of pathologies with lesions. Much time and effort may be wasted if this is not done according to certain standards. We conducted this study to assess the route of lymph node samples from requests to reaching the laboratories. Methods: We conducted an audit over a period from 4th June until 10th Aug 2023. Data for all the procedures performed over this period on lymph node samples (was entered into and analysed using Excel. Results: A total of eighteen samples for sixteen patients were obtained during this period. Median age of the patients was 34 years (19 - 73) with a M:F ratio of 5:11. Among the IR samples, nine samples were from the neck, three from inguinal area and one from axilla. Seven samples (53.8%) were tru-cut biopsies, six samples (46.15%) were FNA. All samples were sent to the pathology laboratory fixed in formalin. Samples for TB were sent only for five cases (31.25%) and for only two cases (12.5%) were samples sent for bacterial culture. For the OR samples, none were sent for either bacterial culture or TB. Overall, eight patients (50%) were not investigated for any infectious etiologies like brucella, toxoplasmosis, CMV, EBV plus other possible causes. Repeat sampling was required for 25% of patients (within and out of the audit period). Conclusions: to avoid delays in making diagnoses, it is paramount to consider infectious etiologies as possible diagnosis for lymphadenopathy and request appropriate investigations. This requires liaising with infectious diseases/clinical microbiology experts to guide regarding types of samples, types of media and timely dispatch to the correct laboratory.

Comment on:Clinical Characteristics,Diagnosis,and Treatments for COVID-19

The clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients have been well summarized by Xie et al.However,we should pay attention to another special manifestation of COVID-19,COVID-19-related immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome(IRIS).SARS-CoV-2,an infectious agent,can alscoause IRIS,similar to Mycobacterium tuberculosis.In the era of the COVID-19 pandemic,increasing cases of COVID-19-related IRIS have been reported.However,the definition and detailed criteria of COVID-19-related IRIS have not been thoroughly clarified.Clinicians should pay attention to 3 essential components in a classical model of IRIS,including a primary disease that causes immunosuppression,a trigger that induces immune reconstitution.

Clinical characteristics and prognosis of takotsubo syndrome patients in single center

Takotsubo syndrome(TTS)is a clinical syndr-ome that frequently occurs in postmenopausal women,mostly induced by stress factors.It is characterized by chest pain,ST-segment elevation,and/or T-wave changes in electrocardiogram,along with my-ocardial troponin elevation.[1]TTS can be easily misdia-gnosed as myocardial infarction,and improper treatme-nt may lead to serious consequences.There are few re-ports and research on this disease.[2]

Clinical and Therapeutic Aspects of Migraine in Brazzaville

Introduction: Migraine is the most common primary headache, and can cause significant disability. There are two types, migraine without aura and migraine with aura. The diagnosis of migraine is essentially clinical. Worldwide prevalence was estimated at 11.6% in 2009. In Africa, it is estimated at 10.4%. Objective: To describe the clinical and therapeutic aspects of migraine in Brazzaville. Patients and Methods: This was a door-to-door cross-sectional study conducted from 1st May to 1 st July 2018 in the city of Brazzaville. Subjects over 18 with clearly expressed consent were included. The questionnaire covered demographic characteristics, diagnostic criteria for migraine according to the IHS, treatments taken. The degree of disability was determined using the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22.0 for MAC. Results: Of the 1017 subjects interviewed in this study, 115 (39.9%) had migraine, including 73 women (63.47%) and 42 men (36.52%). In the group of migraine sufferers, the number of cases of definite migraine was 61 (53.04%) and that of probable migraine 54 (46.95%). For 81 migraine sufferers (70.43%), stress was the triggering factor. The frequency of attacks was weekly and monthly for 30 (26.1%) and 19 (16.5%) sufferers respectively. The location of the migraine was unilateral in 38% of cases and tilted in 24.3%. The intensity of the attack was described as moderate and severe in 41.7% and 57.4% of subjects respectively. Phonophobia/photophobia accompanied the migraine in 65.2% of cases. One hundred and eight subjects were treated. Of these, 106 (98.1%) were on medication. Eleven (10.37%) had received a medical prescription, and ninety-seven (89.8%) were self-medicating. Five and three subjects were under the care of a general practitioner and a neurologist respectively. Conclusion: Migraine is a frequent pathology in Brazzaville. Its preponderance among young people and women calls for the implementation of effective prevention strategies for these already vulnerable social groups. The form without aura was the most common type. Visual aura was the most common type. Headache-related symptoms were dominated by phonophotophobia, followed by nausea and vomiting. Almost all migraine sufferers were self-medicating, and very few were under the care of a doctor. First-line analgesics and NSAIDs were the mainstay of treatment.