Use of Topical Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM) in Diabetic Septic Foot Disease in Makkah Region, Western of Saudi Arabia, an Exploratory Study

Diabetes is a chronic condition that is significantly impacted daily by environment. At least one in five Saudis, suffer from diabetes. “Diabetes is a pandemic of unprecedented magnitude spiraling out of control” (Boulton). Saudi Arabia ranks the second highest in the Middle East, and is the seventh in the world for the prevalence of diabetes (WHO). Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been found to be related to high mortality, morbidity accompanied by poor general health and lower quality of life. Current Saudi diabetes patients’ behaviors, practices, and beliefs regarding foot health problems such as ulcers, are not well investigated. Diabetic patients frequently utilize natural remedies and Herbs for self-medication as a part of complementary and alternative Medicine. Aim of study: To explore the widespread use of the alternative remedies in the local communities of the Western Saudi Arabia, the drives behind using and to focus on the potential adverse effects following their usage. Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional study of 386 diabetic patients with feet problems in Makkah Region, West of Saudi Arabia during the period April - June 2023. Results: Out of the 531 participants, only 386 participants reported diabetic foot disorder (DFD). Most of the participant were above 65 years of age group (24.61 %). Male (52.08%) more than female (47.92%) in the research group. All of the participants had diabetic foot disorders at least once. The prevalence of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) use among them was 67.88%, as solitary or in combination with hospital medicines. Honey headed the list followed by myrrh and black seeds. Acquaintances advice (59.54%) was the most reason for using the alternative medicine. 60.30% of Diabetic foot patient complained of adverse effects during CAM remedies use. Conclusion: Consumption of CAM remedies among diabetic patients for Diabetic Foot Disorder (DFD) is common. Honey headed the list followed by myrrh and black seeds. Additional wide-scale research is required to establish their actual efficacy, safety and potential adverse out-comes and to generalize the outcomes.

Tri-modal death distribution towards personalized management of intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct patients:Every story has its own conclusion

The concept of intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct(IPNB)has gained recognition as a discrete entity[1,2],possessing many features including multiplicity[3,4],mucin production[3],slow progression[3,5],various morphology[6,7],easy sloughing and seeding[8],and having unique risk factors[2,9-11].We have previously proposed a morphologic classification[6]and a progression model of IPNB[12].

Diseases of bile duct in children

Several diseases originate from bile duct pathology.Despite studies on these diseases,certain etiologies of some of them still cannot be concluded.The most common disease of the bile duct in newborns is biliary atresia,whose prognosis varies according to the age of surgical correction.Other diseases such as Alagille syndrome,inspissated bile duct syndrome,and choledochal cysts are also time-sensitive because they can cause severe liver damage due to obstruction.The majority of these diseases present with cholestatic jaundice in the newborn or infant period,which is quite difficult to differentiate regarding clinical acumen and initial investigations.Intraoperative cholangiography is potentially necessary to make an accurate diagnosis,and further treatment will be performed synchronously or planned as findings suggest.This article provides a concise review of bile duct diseases,with interesting cases.

Aberrant bile duct communicating with the cystic duct:From early detection to management of late surgical complications

The aberrant hepatic duct is classified by Huang et al.[1]into type A(right intrahepatic duct variant)and type B(left intrahepatic duct variant).Type A and B are further classified into 5(A1-5)and 6(B1-6)subtypes,respectively.The variation of cystic duct involves only in type A.Type A1 or classic arrangement refers to the formation of the common hepatic duct(CHD)by the left hepatic duct(LHD)and the right hepatic duct(RHD).The RHD has two tributaries composed of the right anterior hepatic duct(RAHD)and the right posterior hepatic duct(RPHD).Then,the common bile duct(CBD)is formed when the cystic duct joins with the CHD(Fig.1).Type A2 refers to the RAHD and RPHD joining with LHD at hepatic hilum,and the absence of the RHD.Type A3 refers to the RAHD or RPHD directly draining to the LHD.Type A4 refers to the RAHD or RPHD directly draining to the CHD.Type A5 refers to the RAHD,RPHD or RHD directly draining to the cystic duct(or aberrant bile duct communicating with the cystic duct,ACC)(Fig.1)[1].

Surgical strategies for challenging common bile duct stones in the endoscopic era: A comprehensive review of current evidence

While endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)remains the primary treatment modality for common bile duct stones(CBDS)or choledocho-lithiasis due to advancements in instruments,surgical intervention,known as common bile duct exploration(CBDE),is still necessary in cases of difficult CBDS,failed endoscopic treatment,or altered anatomy.Recent evidence also supports CBDE in patients requesting single-step cholecystectomy and bile duct stone removal with comparable outcomes.This review elucidates relevant clinical anatomy,selection indications,and outcomes to enhance surgical understanding.The selection between trans-cystic(TC)vs trans-choledochal(TD)approaches is described,along with stone removal techniques and ductal closure.Detailed surgical techniques and strategies for both the TC and TD approaches,including instrument selection,is also provided.Additionally,this review comprehensively addresses operation-specific complications such as bile leakage,stricture,and entrapment,and focuses on preventive measures and treatment strategies.This review aims to optimize the management of CBDS through laparoscopic CBDE,with the goal of improving patient outcomes and minimizing risks.

Rescue from complications after pancreaticoduodenectomies at a low-volume Caribbean center:Value of tailored peri-pancreatectomy protocols

BACKGROUND Pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD)is a technically complex operation,with a re-latively high risk for complications.The ability to rescue patients from post-PD complications is as a recognized quality measure.Tailored protocols were instituted at our low volume facility in the year 2013.AIM To document the rate of rescue from post-PD complications with tailored protocols in place as a measure of quality.METHODS A retrospective audit was performed to collect data from patients who experienced major post-PD complications at a low volume pancreatic surgery unit in Trinidad and Tobago between January 1,2013 and June 30,2023.Stan-dardized definitions from the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery were used to define post-PD complications,and the modified Clavien-Dindo classification was used to classify post-PD complications.RESULTS Over the study period,113 patients at a mean age of 57.5 years(standard deviation[SD]±9.23;range:30-90;median:56)underwent PDs at this facility.Major complications were recorded in 33(29.2%)patients at a mean age of 53.8 years(SD:±7.9).Twenty-nine(87.9%)patients who experienced major morbidity were salvaged after aggre-ssive treatment of their complication.Four(3.5%)died from bleeding pseudoaneurysm(1),septic shock secondary to a bile leak(1),anastomotic leak(1),and myocardial infarction(1).There was a significantly greater salvage rate in patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists scores≤2(93.3%vs 25%;P=0.0024).CONCLUSION This paper adds to the growing body of evidence that volume alone should not be used as a marker of quality for patients requiring PD.Despite low volumes at our facility,we demonstrated that 87.9%of patients were rescued from major complications.We attributed this to several factors including development of rescue protocols,the competence of the pancreatic surgery teams and continuous,and adaptive learning by the entire institution,cul-minating in the development of tailored peri-pancreatectomy protocols.

Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Kidney Transplant Questionnaire 25 to Greek

BACKGROUND Kidney transplantation leads to continuous improvement in the survival rates of kidney transplant recipients(KTRs)and has been established as the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage kidney disease.Health-related quality of life(HRQoL)has become an important outcome measure.It is highly important to develop reliable methods to evaluate HRQoL with disease-specific questionnaires.AIM To translate the disease-specific instrument Kidney Transplant Questionnaire 25(KTQ-25)to the Greek language and perform a cross-cultural adaptation.METHODS The translation and adaptation of the original English version of the KTQ-25 to the Greek language were performed based on the International Quality of Life RESULTS Eighty-four KTRs(59 males;mean age 53.5±10.7 years;mean estimated glomerular filtration rate 47.7±15.1 mL/min/1.73 m2;mean transplant vintage 100.5±83.2 months)completed the Greek version of the KTQ-25 and the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey,and the results were used to evaluate the reliability of the Greek KTQ-25.The Cronbach alpha coefficients for all the KTQ-25 dimensions were satisfactory(physical symptoms=0.639,fatigue=0.856,uncertainty/fear=0.661,appearance=0.593,emotions=0.718,total score=0.708).The statistically significant correlation coefficients among the KTQ-25 dimensions ranged from 0.226 to 0.644.The correlation coeffi-cients of the KTQ-25 dimensions with the SF-36 physical component summary(PCS)ranged from 0.196 to 0.550;the correlation coefficients of the KTQ-25 with the SF-36 mental component summary(MCS)ranged from 0.260 to 0.655;and the correlation coefficients of the KTQ-25 with the total scores with the SF-36 PCS and MCS were 0.455 and 0.613,respectively.CONCLUSION According to the findings,the Greek version of the KTQ-25 is valid and reliable for administration among kidney transplant patients in Greece.

Epidemiological and Therapeutic Aspects of Obstetric Fistula in 2021: A Review of 97 Cases at the Departmental University Hospital Centre of Borgou and Alibori in Benin

Background: Obstetric Fistula (OF) is a breach of the birth canal due to obstructed labor. It is a major public health problem in developing countries. Objective: Study the epidemiology and treatment of obstetric fistulas at the Departmental University Hospital Centre of Borgou and Alibori (CHUD-B/A) in Parakou, Benin. Study Method: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with prospective data collection on women treated during OF care missions from February 2020 to April 2021 in CHUD-B/A in Parakou, Benin. The data concerned their socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric history, the clinic and therapeutic characteristics of their obstetric fistulas. Results: In total 97 patients with OF were treated during the 14-month period. The average age of the patients was 36.42 ± 11.75 years old. The patients were married (51.54%), without professional occupation (54.64%) and had no formal education (73.20%). The vesico-vaginal variety was predominating (54.64%). The fistulas were of Type I (46.39%), Type II (20.62%) and Type III (32.99%) according to the classification of Waaldjik Kees. The patients were operated on under spinal anesthesia (94.79%), and vaginally (55.67%) according to the principle of Chassar Moir (68, 60%). The associated procedures were lengthening urethroplasty (17.53%), and interposition of the Martius flap (1.03%). The overall success rate without Stress Urinary Incontinence was 71.13%. The factors associated with the failure of the fistula repair were: the nutritional status of the patients (p = 0.004), the previous repair failure (p = 0.001), the high size of the fistula (p = 0.007), the fistula severity (p and a urethral reconstruction (p Conclusion: OF is a relatively frequent pathology in Benin. Vesico-vaginal fistula is the most common form. The success rate of the surgical treatment is satisfactory, but depends on some factors.

Effect of Health Education Program on Self-Efficacy and Functional Capacity of Patients with Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery in Khartoum State-Sudan, 2015-2019

Coronary heart disease is among the most prevalent and costly of all global health problems. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has been increasingly used since the 1960s. Coronary heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, including Sudan. Self-efficacy and functional capacity is a critical factor for quality of life in patients who has undergone CABG as well as for their caregivers from their families. Aim of the Study: To explore the effects of an educational program on self-efficacy and functional capacity of patients after CABG. 1) There will be no significant difference between the intervention group and control group concerning knowledge regarding Self-efficacy and functional capacity post CABG surgery. 2) The application of our educational program for the patients will enhance the patients with CABG surgery and improve knowledge about Self-efficacy and functional capacity post CABG surgery. 3) There are some socio demographic factors that affect the response to the educational program. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental, interventional and hospital-based study, including pre-test, a post-test and follow-up test, with a control group, conducted during the period from September 2014 to June 2019. Patients were recruited consecutively to the cases and control group using convenience sampling. The sample consisted of 76 patients;41 as cases and 35 as control group. The sample included those who had undergone CABG in Khartoum State. Relevant data were collected using a checklist to monitor the effect of a health education program on self-efficacy and functional capacity of the patients. Result: The results showed marked improvement in patients’ self-efficacy and functional capacity between pretest and posttest for the study group;p-value = (0.001) in the health status of cases in comparison to the control group. The indices were observed to be higher for patients who received a nursing educational program throughout the study period;p-value = (0.002).

Enhanced recovery after surgery in emergency colorectal surgery:Review of literature and current practices

Enhanced recovery after surgery(ERAS), a multidisciplinary program designed to minimize stress response to surgery and promote the recovery of organ function, has become a standard of perioperative care for elective colorectal surgery. In an elective setting, ERAS program has consistently been shown to decrease postoperative complication, reduce length of hospital stay, shorten convalescence, and lower healthcare cost. Recently, there is emerging evidence that ERAS program can be safely and effectively applied to patients with emergency colorectal conditions such as acute colonic obstruction and intraabdominal infection. This review comprehensively covers the concept and application of ERAS program for emergency colorectal surgery. The outcomes of ERAS program for this emergency surgery are summarized as follows:(1) The ERAS program was associated with a lower rate of overall complication and shorter length of hospital stay – without increased risks of readmission,reoperation and death after emergency colorectal surgery; and(2) Compliance with an ERAS program in emergency setting appeared to be lower than that in an elective basis. Moreover, scientific evidence of each ERAS item used in emergency colorectal operation is shown. Perspectives of ERAS pathway in emergency colorectal surgery are addressed. Finally, evidence-based ERAS protocol for emergency colorectal surgery is presented.

Learning curve of enhanced recovery after surgery program in open colorectal surgery

BACKGROUND Enhanced recovery after surgery(ERAS) reduces hospitalization and complication following colorectal surgery. Whether the experience of multidisciplinary ERAS team affects patients' outcomes is unknown.AIM To evaluate and establish a learning curve of ERAS program for open colorectal surgery.METHODS This was a review of prospectively collected database of 380 "unselected"patients undergoing elective "open" colectomy and/or proctectomy under ERAS protocol from 2011(commencing ERAS application) to 2017 in a university hospital. Patients were divided into 5 chronological groups(76 cases per quintile). Surgical outcomes and ERAS compliance among quintiles were compared. Learning curves were calculated based on criteria of optimal recovery:defined as absence of major postoperative complications, discharge by postoperative day 5, and no 30-d readmission.RESULTS Hospitalization more than 5 d occurred in 22.6%(n = 86), major complication was present in 2.9%(n = 11) and 30-d readmission rate was 2.4%(n = 9) accounting for unsuccessful recovery of 25%(n = 95). Conversely, the overall rate of optimal recovery was 75%. The optimal recovery significantly increased from 57.9% in 1 st quintile to 72.4%-85.5% in the following quintiles(P < 0.001). Average compliance with ERAS protocol gradually increased over the time-from 68.6% in 1 st quintile to 75.5% in 5 th quintile(P < 0.001). The application of preoperative counseling,nutrition support, goal-directed fluid therapy, O-ring wound protector and scheduled mobilization significantly increased over the study period.CONCLUSION A number of 76 colorectal operations are required for a multidisciplinary team to achieve a significantly higher rate of optimal recovery and high compliance with ERAS program for open colorectal surgery.

Role of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging on the surgical outcomes of radical prostatectomy:Does preoperative tumor recognition reduce the positive surgical margin in a specific location?Experience from a Thailand prostate cancer specialized center

Objective Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)has become the standard of care for the diagnosis of prostate cancer patients.This study aimed to evaluate the influence of preoperative MRI on the positive surgical margin(PSM)rates.Methods We retrospectively reviewed 1070 prostate cancer patients treated with radical prostatectomy(RP)at Siriraj Hospital between January 2013 and September 2019.PSM rates were compared between those with and without preoperative MRI.PSM locations were analyzed.Results In total,322(30.1%)patients underwent MRI before RP.PSM most frequently occurred at the apex(33.2%),followed by posterior(13.5%),bladder neck(12.7%),anterior(10.7%),posterolateral(9.9%),and lateral(2.3%)positions.In preoperative MRI,PSM was significantly lowered at the posterior surface(9.0%vs.15.4%,p=0.01)and in the subgroup of urologists with less than 100 RP experiences(32%vs.51%,odds ratio=0.51,p<0.05).Blood loss was also significantly decreased when a preoperative image was obtained(200 mL vs.250 mL,p=0.02).Multivariate analysis revealed that only preoperative MRI status was associated with overall PSM and PSM at the prostatic apex.Neither the surgical approach,the neurovascular bundle sparing technique,nor the perioperative blood loss was associated with PSM.Conclusion MRI is associated with less overall PSM,PSM at apex,and blood loss during RP.Additionally,preoperative MRI has shown promise in lowering the PSM rate among urologists who are in the early stages of performing RP.

Trauma patterns in patients attending the Emergency Department of Jazan General Hospital, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND: Modern civilization and the sharp rise in living standards have led to dramatic changes in trauma pattern in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to describe the different patterns of injuries of patients attending the Emergency Department of Jazan General Hospital(JGH) in the southwest corner of Saudi Arabia.METHODS: A total number of 1 050 patients were enrolled in the study. A pre-organized data sheet was prepared for each patient attended the Emergency Department of JGH from February 2012 to January 2013. It contains data about socio-demographics, trauma data, clinical evaluation results, investigations as well as treatment strategies.RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 25.3±16.8 years. Most(45.1%) of the patients were at age of 18–30 years. Males(64.3%) were affected by trauma more common than females. More than half(60.6%) of the patients were from urban areas. The commonest kind of injury was minor injury(60%), followed by blunt trauma(30.9%) and then penetrating trauma(9.1%). The mean time from the incident to arrival at hospital was 41.3±79.8 minutes. The majority(48.2%) of the patients were discharged after management of trivial trauma, whereas 2.3% were admitted to ICU, 7.7% transferred to inpatient wards, and 17.7% observed and subsequently discharged. The mortality rate of the patients was 2.6%.CONCLUSION: Trauma is a major health problem, especially in the young population in Saudi Arabia. Blunt trauma is more frequent than penetrating trauma, with road traffic accidents accounting for the majority.

Oncologic safety of colonic stenting as a bridge to surgery in leftsided malignant colonic obstruction:Current evidence and prospects

Approximately 7%-29%of patients with colorectal cancer present with colonic obstruction.The concept of self-expandable metal stent(SEMS)insertion as a bridge to surgery(BTS)is appealing.However,concerns on colonic stenting possibly impairing oncologic outcomes have been raised.This study aimed to review current evidence on the short-and long-term oncologic outcomes of SEMS insertion as BTS for left-sided malignant colonic obstruction.For short-term outcomes,colonic stenting facilitates a laparoscopic approach,increases the likelihood of primary anastomosis without a stoma,and may decrease postoperative morbidity.However,SEMS-related perforation also increases local recurrence and impairs overall survival.Moreover,colonic stenting may cause negative oncologic outcomes even without perforation.SEMS can induce shear forces on the tumor,leading to increased circulating cancer cells and aggressive pathological characteristics,including perineural and lymphovascular invasion.The conflicting evidence has led to discordant guidelines.Well-designed collaborative studies that integrate both oncologic outcomes and data on basic research(e.g.,alteration of circulating tumors)are needed to clarify the actual benefit of colonic stenting as BTS.

Immune microenvironment of medulloblastoma:The association between its molecular subgroups and potential targeted immunotherapeutic receptors

Medulloblastoma(MB)is considered the commonest malignant brain tumor in children.Multimodal treatments consisting of surgery,radiation,and chemotherapy have improved patients’survival.Nevertheless,the recurrence occurs in 30%of cases.The persistent mortality rates,the failure of current therapies to extend life expectancy,and the serious complications of non-targeted cytotoxic treatment indicate the need for more refined therapeutic approaches.Most MBs originating from the neurons of external granular layer line the outer surface of neocerebellum and responsible for the afferent and efferent connections.Recently,MBs have been segregated into four molecular subgroups:Wingless-activated(WNT-MB)(Group 1);Sonichedgehog-activated(SHH-MB)(Group 2);Group 3 and 4 MBs.These molecular alterations follow specific gene mutations and disease-risk stratifications.The current treatment protocols and ongoing clinical trials against these molecular subgroups are still using common chemotherapeutic agents by which their efficacy have improved the progression-free survival but did not change the overall survival.However,the need to explore new therapies targeting specific receptors in MB microenvironment became essential.The immune microenvironment of MBs consists of distinctive cellular heterogeneities including immune cells and none-immune cells.Tumour associate macrophage and tumour infiltrating lymphocyte are considered the main principal cells in tumour microenvironment,and their role are still under investigation.In this review,we discuss the mechanism of interaction between MB cells and immune cells in the microenvironment,with an overview of the recent investigations and clinical trials.

Human Kallikrein-2 and Free Prostate Specific Antigen as Biomarkers for Early Detection of Prostate Cancer, Sudan: A Case-Control Study

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is considered one of the major health threats facing males in Sudan. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is the most important laboratory test used in the diagnosis of prostate cancer, the main disadvantage of PSA is its limited specificity, which triggered a lot of interest in development, more research on other markers such as serum human kallikrein-2 (KLK-2) and free prostate specific antigen (fPSA). Objectives: To evaluate the validity of serum kallikrein-2 (KLK-2) and free prostate specific antigen (fPSA) in the early detection of prostate cancer among Sudanese patients. Method: In this study seventy men were considered as a case subject, who were diagnosed as cancer prostate at Gezira Hospital for Renal Disease and Surgery (GHRDS), Sudan during the period February 2018 to July 2019. Randomly selected sixty patients of BPH patients and forty-five apparently healthy men as control subject. KLK-2, fPSA and PSA estimations were performed from serum samples using the principle of Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Results: The results revealed a highly significant difference between the serum levels individual biomarkers (KLK-2, fPSA, PSA) and multiple biomarkers (fPSA/PSA, KLK-2/fPSA, KLK-2/PSA) for patients with prostate cancer when compared with the control groups. Furthermore, the fPSA/PSA ratio was lower in the patients with prostate cancer (P value = 0.00) than in the control group, the fPSA/PSA ratio showed that best accuracy to differentiate prostate cancer from control group, fPSA cut-off value was found to be more than (18 ng/ml), with sensitivity (93%), specificity (80%), and odds ratio (55). Conclusions: The use of multiple biomarkers rather than individual biomarkers especially fPSA/PSA ratio improves the specificity as well as maintenance of higher sensitivity for early diagnosis of the prostate cancer.

Surgical Treatment of Olecranon Fractures Using a Medartis Screw-Locked H-Shaped Plate (Medartis Trilock Olecrane Plate) at the Moulins Yzeure Hospital Center (France)

Introduction: Olecranon fractures represent approximately 10% of upper limb fractures, orthopedic treatment is often doomed to failure and surgical treatment consists of fixing the fracture sites. Patients and Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed 130 patients, 90 men and 40 women, aged on average 48.7 ± 11.9 years (30 to 65) treated between 2018 and 2020 in the Orthopedics and trauma department at the Moulins-Yzeure hospital center, for olecranon fracture using the Medartis H-locked plate. The study aimed to evaluate the results of this surgical method, particularly with regard to postoperative complications. Results: Among the 130 patients, there were 90 men and 40 women, with an average age of 48.7 ± 11.9 years (30 to 65). 50% of all patients were aged over 51 years. The plate used was standard, the same for the 130 patients with the same operating technique. The left side was more affected at 53.8%, the dominant side was less affected at 46%;the majority of patients had been temporarily immobilized with a posterior cast splint before surgery. The average time between trauma and operation was 9 days with a minimum time of 1 day and a maximum of 30 days. At a maximum follow-up of 2 years postoperatively, all patients reported satisfactory results with a return to their previous activities within 60 days after surgery. Conclusion: Medartis H-locked plate osteosynthesis is a reliable solution for the surgical treatment of olecranon fractures.

Considerations for the clinical use of stem cells in genitourinary regenerative medicine

The genitourinary tract can be affected by several pathologies which require repair or replacement to recover biological functions.Current therapeutic strategies are challenged by a growing shortage of adequate tissues.Therefore,new options must be considered for the treatment of patients,with the use of stem cells(SCs)being attractive.Two different strategies can be derived from stem cell use:Cell therapy and tissue therapy,mainly through tissue engineering.The recent advances using these approaches are described in this review,with a focus on stromal/mesenchymal cells found in adipose tissue.Indeed,the accessibility,high yield at harvest as well as anti-fibrotic,immunomodulatory and proangiogenic properties make adipose-derived stromal/SCs promising alternatives to the therapies currently offered to patients.Finally,an innovative technique allowing tissue reconstruction without exogenous material,the self-assembly approach,will be presented.Despite advances,more studies are needed to translate such approaches from the bench to clinics in urology.For the 21st century,cell and tissue therapies based on SCs are certainly the future of genitourinary regenerative medicine.

Altered expression of miR-125a and dysregulated cytokines in systemic lupus erythematosus: Unveiling diagnostic and prognostic markers

BACKGROUND Systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)is a chronic autoimmune disorder impacting multiple organs,influenced by genetic factors,especially those related to the immune system.However,there is a need for new biomarkers in SLE.MicroRNA-125a(miR-125a)levels are decreased in T cells,B cells,and dendritic cells of SLE patients.MiR-125a plays a regulatory role in controlling the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)and interleukin 12(IL-12),which are crucial pro-inflammatory cytokines in SLE pathogenesis.AIM To assess the levels of miR-125a,IL-12,and TNF-αin SLE patients’plasma,evaluating their diagnostic and prognostic value.METHODS The study included 100 healthy individuals,50 newly diagnosed(ND),and 50 SLE patients undergoing treatment.The patients were monitored for a duration of 24 wk to observe and record instances of relapses.MiR-125a expression was measured using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction,while ELISA kits were used to assess IL-12 and TNF-αproduction.RESULTS The results showed significantly reduced miR-125a expression in SLE patients compared to healthy individuals,with the lowest levels in ND patients.TNF-αand IL-12 expression levels were significantly elevated in SLE patients,especially in the early stages of the disease.Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses,and Cox-Mantel Log-rank tests indicated miR-125a,TNF-α,and IL-12 as proper diagnostic biomarkers for SLE.A negative correlation was found between plasma miR-125a expression and IL-12/TNF-αlevels in SLE patients.CONCLUSION Decreased miR-125a levels may be involved in the development of SLE,while elevated levels of IL-12 and TNF-αcontribute to immune dysregulation.These findings offer new diagnostic and prognostic markers for SLE.Moreover,the negative correlation observed suggests an interaction between miR-125a,TNF-α,and IL-12.Further research is necessary to uncover the underlying mechanisms that govern these relationships.

Randomized Control Trial on the Efficacy of Dual Bronchodilator of Glycopyrronium/Indacaterol for Lung Cancer Surgery: Improvement of Postoperative Pulmonary Function in Both Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Normal Pulmonary Function

Background: A dual bronchodilator, long-acting anticholine drugs (glycopyrronium, LAMA) and the long running β-2 stimulant (indacaterol, LABA), are effective for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To evaluate the effectiveness of the perioperative intervention of LAMA/LABA, a randomized prospective trial was performed for the lung cancer patients receiving a lobectomy with normal pulmonary function and COPD. Methods: Based on the results of the preoperative pulmonary function test, 25 patients were diagnosed with COPD [% forced expiratory volume in 1 second (%FEV1) < 70%]. Thirty-seven patients were enrolled as non-obstructive patients (70% ≤ %FEV1), who were randomized into two groups, the LAMA/LABA (n = 19) and the Control group (n = 18). The LAMA/LABA and the COPD groups daily received inhaled LAMA (50 μg) and LABA (110 μg) for 1 week before surgery and for least 4 weeks after surgery. The Control group had no treatment of the dual bronchodilator. The actual values were measured during the perioperative pulmonary function at three points of the preoperative baseline, the postoperative 1 week and the postoperative 4 weeks;these changes and changed ratios were then calculated. The patient-reported outcomes of the quality of life (PRO-QOL) were evaluated by the Cancer Dyspnea Scale (CDS), the COPD assessment test, and the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire. Results: Regarding the value of FEV1 at the baseline, that in the LAMA/LABA group was 79.2% ± 6.4% and that in the Control group was 80.9% ± 6.4%, but that in the COPD groups was 57.9% ± 8.7%;there was a significant difference between the COPD and the Control group (p < 0.0001). At the postoperative 1 week point, the FEV1 value in the Control group was 1.3 ± 0.5 L and that in the LAMA/LABA group was 1.7 ± 0.5 L. On the other hand, that in the COPD group was 1.7 ± 0.5 L, which was significantly higher compared to that in the Control group (p = 0.0251 and p = 0.0369). The intervention of LAMA/LABA for the COPD and non-obstructive patients resulted in the less decreased degree of the pulmonary function in FEV1 compared to that in the Control group. Based on the PRO-QOL by the CDS, the intervention of LAMA/LABA significantly reduced the total dyspnea in the LAMA/LABA group compared to that in the Control group (p = 0.0348). Conclusion: The perioperative intervention of LAMA/LABA should lead to maintaining the postoperative pulmonary function of the FEV1 during the lobectomy with COPD and non-obstructive patients and the improvement of PRO-QOL.