Nevin Manimala

Curr Rheumatol Rev. 2025 Aug 15. doi: 10.2174/0115733971375944250811060418. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: 14-3-3η (eta), an intracellular chaperonin, is elevated in the serum of patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis, a progressive inflammatory “autoimmune” disease that impacts joint function and daily activities. This study aimed to assess 14-3-3η levels in DMARD-naïve Rheumatoid Arthritis patients and analyze their association with TNF-α, MMP-1, RA factor, ACCP, and disease activity.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 90 DMARD-naïve RA patients. The clinical evaluation included the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) and the Disease Activity Score of 28 joints using ESR (DAS28-ESR). Serum levels of RF, ACCP, 14-3-3η, TNF-α, and MMP-1 were measured using ELISA. Mann-Whitney and Spearman correlation tests were applied, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Among 90 RA patients (76 females, 14 males), 68(75.6%) were seropositive. Serum levels of 14-3-3η and TNF-α differed significantly between seropositive and seronegative groups. TNF- α correlated positively with both 14-3-3η (r = 0.397, p < 0.001) and MMP-1 (r = 0.284, p = 0.007).

DISCUSSION: The correlation between 14-3-3η and TNF-α suggests a possible role for 14-3-3η as an adjunctive biomarker in early RA. While findings are promising, the small sample size and lack of follow-up warrant cautious interpretation. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm its clinical utility and integration within composite biomarker models.

CONCLUSION: Serum 14-3-3η may serve as a supportive biomarker for the diagnosis of early rheumatoid arthritis and assessment of disease activity. Its correlation with TNF-α reflects a potential link to inflammatory burden. Further large-scale, longitudinal studies are needed to confirm its clinical utility.

PMID:40849740 | DOI:10.2174/0115733971375944250811060418

Urol J. 2025 Aug 16. doi: 10.22037/uj.v22i.8061. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This paper reviewed studies comparing effectiveness of primary urethral realignment (PUR) and suprapubic cystostomy diversion (SCD) in the early treatment of blunt posterior urethral injuries (PUI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of original studies that directly compared the incidence of urethral strictures (US), urinary incontinence (UI), and erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients receiving primary management for pelvic fracture posterior urethral injuries with PUR vs SCD. We used Review Manager 5.3 for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: The initial search yielded 205 articles, and 14 met the inclusion criteria for the final systematic review. Meta-analysis showed that PUR was significantly more effective than SCD in reducing the proportion of US in the 365 and 335 cases of PUR and SCD, respectively (OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.04-0.22, p < 0.0001). However, there was no significant difference between PUR and SCD in the incidence of UI (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.33-1.11) or ED (OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.45-1.11).

CONCLUSION: PUR is more effective than SCD in reducing the incidence of US in patients with pelvic fracture posterior urethral injuries. However, there was no significant difference between PUR and SCD in the incidence of UI or ED.

PMID:40849733 | DOI:10.22037/uj.v22i.8061

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2025 Aug 1;26(8):3111-3122. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2025.26.8.3111.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality globally. Early detection through Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) screening is essential, particularly among at-risk populations. However, evidence linking dietary consumption behavior to FIT test outcomes remains limited in Thailand, especially in the southern region. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of positive FIT results and to examine the association between dietary consumption behavior and sociodemographic factors with positive FIT results among at-risk individuals in Southern Thailand.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional analytic study was conducted among participants aged 50-70 years who underwent FIT screening in primary healthcare units in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province between October 2023 and August 2024. Totally, 382 participants were included, 191 cases with positive- and 191 controls with negative-FIT results. The case-control ratio was 1:1. Data were collected using structured questionnaires assessing demographic characteristics, health risk factors, and dietary consumption behaviors. Crude and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with a positive FIT result.

RESULTS: The prevalence of positive FIT results was 13.77% (95% CI: 12.04-15.66). Multivariate analysis showed low dietary consumption behavior was prevalent (83.77%), it was not significantly associated with FIT positivity (AOR = 1.10, 95%CI: 0.71-1.68), after adjusting for confounders. However, lower education level (AOR = 0.50, 95%CI: 0.32-0.78), agricultural occupation (AOR = 0.45, 95%CI: 0.25-0.82), and monthly income between 3,000-8,000 Baht (AOR = 2.11, 95%CI: 1.27-3.49) were significantly associated with a positive FIT result.

CONCLUSION: Education, occupation, and income were significantly associated with positive FIT results. Targeted education and risk-reduction strategies are recommended to improve CRC screening outcomes in at-risk populations.

PMID:40849728 | DOI:10.31557/APJCP.2025.26.8.3111

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2025 Aug 1;26(8):3103-3109. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2025.26.8.3103.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The number of immediate breast reconstructions has significantly increased in recent years. Autologous breast reconstruction, in particular, offers superior long-term cosmetic outcomes and patient satisfaction. However, the effects of postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) on autologous reconstructions remain a subject of debate. This study aims to evaluate the long-term outcomes of autologous breast reconstruction in patients who underwent PMRT compared to those who did not.

METHODS: Patients who underwent mastectomy and immediate autologous reconstruction between 2018 and 2023 were prospectively followed for complications and patient-reported outcomes. Patients were categorized into two groups: those who received PMRT (n = 43) and those who did not (n = 59). Patient-reported outcomes were assessed using the BREAST-Q questionnaire, while complications were analyzed based on clinical records. Statistical analysis included logistic regression to identify factors associated with complications and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS: The incidence of overall complications were significantly higher in the irradiated group (46.5%) compared to the unirradiated group (23.7%). PMRT was associated with a higher rate of fat necrosis (39.5% vs 8.5%) and flap fibrosis (9.3% vs 0%). The BREAST-Q scores for the physical well-being of the chest and satisfaction with breast reconstruction were significantly lower in the irradiated group. The psychosocial well-being scores did not differ between the two groups. Patients irradiated with the IMRT and VMAT techniques had lower complication rates and higher BREAST-Q scores compared to those treated with the 3D technique.

CONCLUSION: While PMRT increases the risk of complications following autologous breast reconstruction, overall patient satisfaction remains high. The use of advanced radiotherapy techniques such as IMRT and VMAT may help mitigate some of the adverse effects associated with radiation therapy. Future research should focus on optimizing reconstruction techniques and refining patient selection criteria to enhance long-term outcomes.

PMID:40849727 | DOI:10.31557/APJCP.2025.26.8.3103

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2025 Aug 1;26(8):2909-2917. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2025.26.8.2909.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer constitute a major global health problem influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Genetic variations within base excision repair (BER and) nucleotide exchange repair (NER) pathway genes can impact DNA repair capacity. Investigating the combined effects of BER and NER pathway genes offers a promising avenue for understanding their impact on cancer susceptibility. This study was aimed to address combined effects of genetic variants in BER and NER on the risk of developing GI cancer.

METHODS: Genetic polymorphisms within BER and NER genes were examined in two hundred histologically confirmed GI cancer cases, along with equal number of controls by the PCR-RFLP technique. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% CI and associated p-values were computed to assess an extent of association of these polymorphisms with GI cancer susceptibility, with statistical significance established at p ≤0.005.

RESULTS: Regression analysis revealed compelling evidence of synergistic effects between specific variant genotypes. Notably, combinations involving variants of XPG (rs17655) and XRCC1 (rs1799782) (OR=2.20; 95% CI: 1.02-4.72; p=0.042) and XRCC1 (rs25487) (OR=2.56; 95% CI: 1.39-4.72; p=0.002) as well as XPD (rs238406) and XRCC1 (rs1799782) (OR=3.02; 95% CI: 1.60-5.70; p=0.0006) and XCC1 (rs25487) (OR=6.63; 95% CI: 3.63-12.10; p=0.0001) exhibited significant associations with increased GI cancer risk within the study population.

CONCLUSION: These findings suggested combined influence of SNPs within XRCC1, XRCC3, and APE1, in combination with polymorphisms of XPC and XPD, on the development of GI cancer. Nonetheless, further investigations on larger scale are warranted to validate and expand upon these observations.

PMID:40849707 | DOI:10.31557/APJCP.2025.26.8.2909

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2025 Aug 1;26(8):2803-2810. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2025.26.8.2803.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The oral cavity includes the lips, buccal mucosa, teeth, gingiva, anterior two third of the tongue, the floor of the mouth, and hard palate. Comprehensive data on the burden of oral cancer are lacking at the national and state levels. Therefore, analysing the changing trend in oral cancer in India over the last three decades fills a significant gap.

METHODS: In this study, the number of new cancer cases, the population at risk, and the crude incidence rate were extracted from the GBD 2019 data. We used the Joinpoint regression to assess the trends in age-adjusted incidence rates per 100,000 population for lip ad oral cancer among men in India from 1990 to 2019 and we used the cancer registry data for the projection of the cancer incidence for all the states, union territories, and India every five years from 2026 to 2036 for lip and oral cancer among men.

RESULTS: The estimate of lip and oral cancer cases among Indian men will be 131,414 in 2026, will increase to 147,488 during 2031, and will increase to 163,224 during 2036.

CONCLUSION: The present study estimates the lip and oral cancer cases, which will help for planning purpose of cancer screening facilities for early detection, awareness of cancer, modifying lifestyle, reduction in tobacco use, and establishment of adequate treatment guidelines that can effectively be carried out at different levels (district hospitals, teaching hospitals, specialized hospitals, etc.) would also help in the reduction of mortality due to oral cancer as well as the burden of oral cancer.

PMID:40849696 | DOI:10.31557/APJCP.2025.26.8.2803

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2025 Aug 1;26(8):2793-2802. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2025.26.8.2793.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) compared to CCRT alone in locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC).

METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, EBSCOHost, ProQuest, and grey literature (Google Scholar, OpenGrey, WorldCat) up to April 26, 2024 (PROSPERO: [CRD42024540599]). Seven studies were included (stages IB2-IVA, FIGO 2018), involving 446 participants. Outcomes included complete response (CR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse effects.

RESULTS: Seven studies were included (n = 1,638), with 825 patients receiving NACT+CCRT and 813 receiving CCRT alone. The NACT+CCRT group showed higher CR rates (77% vs. 70.9%), but the difference was not statistically significant (OR 1.23, 95% CI 0.40-3.83). No significant differences were found in PFS (HR 0.94, 95% CI 0.53-1.69) or OS (HR 1.07, 95% CI 0.56-2.03). Adverse effects, including anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and creatinine elevation, showed no significant differences between the groups.

CONCLUSION: In patients with locally advanced cervical cancer, NACT followed by CCRT is associated with comparable survival outcomes and a similar safety profile to standard CCRT, with a non-significant trend toward improved CR.

PMID:40849695 | DOI:10.31557/APJCP.2025.26.8.2793

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2025 Aug 1;26(8):2785-2792. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2025.26.8.2785.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical outcomes of thyroid artery embolization (TAE) in the treatment of thyroid nodules.

METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Relevant studies published between 1973 and 2023 were identified through PubMed, Cochrane Central, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials and observational studies that evaluated TAE in patients with thyroid nodules. Data were extracted on hormonal levels (FT4, TSH), nodule volume, complications, quality of life, and surgical outcomes. Statistical analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.4.1 with fixed or random-effect models, and results were expressed with pooled mean differences or odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS: Ten studies with a total of 347 patients were included. TAE significantly reduced nodule volume (mean difference: -51.95 mL, 95% CI: -78.58 to -25.33, p = 0.0001), increased TSH levels (mean difference: -0.63 µIU/mL, 95% CI: -1.10 to -0.16, p = 0.009), and reduced surgical blood loss and operative time. The odds ratio for minor versus major complications was 42.60 (95% CI: 17.51 to 103.64, p < 0.00001), indicating a favorable safety profile. Quality of life showed a trend toward improvement, although not statistically significant (OR: 27.72, 95% CI: 0.47 to 1648.47, p = 0.11).

CONCLUSION: TAE appears to be a safe and potentially effective procedure for reducing thyroid nodule volume and improving surgical outcomes. However, conclusions should be interpreted cautiously due to high heterogeneity and the observational nature of the included studies.

PMID:40849694 | DOI:10.31557/APJCP.2025.26.8.2785

Biophys J. 2025 Aug 22:S0006-3495(25)00532-6. doi: 10.1016/j.bpj.2025.08.020. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

To gain molecular and mechanistic insights into initiation of the RAS-RAF signaling cascade we developed and used a combination of multiscale simulation and experimental approaches. The influence and impact of the membrane on RAS and RAF proteins is a factor we are just beginning to understand and appreciate in more detail. Molecular simulation is an ideal methodology to further study this complicated relationship between the membrane and associated proteins. Our previous work using MuMMI (Multiscale Machine-learned Modeling Infrastructure) investigated different lipid compositions solely around the KRAS4b protein and the interplay between protein behavior and these membrane environments. MuMMI uses machine learning to couple adjacent simulation scales and has been efficiently scaled across some of the world’s largest high-performance computers. Recently, we have expanded this multi-resolution framework to include the all-atom simulation scale, and to incorporate the RAF RBDCRD domains. Here we present the overall analysis results from this new simulation campaign comprising a mixture of RAS and RAF RBDCRD proteins. Approximately 35,000 coarse-grained, and 10,000 all-atom molecular dynamics simulations were completed, sampled from a variety of protein/lipid composition configurations that were generated from a micron-scale continuum simulation containing hundreds of copies of the proteins. Our studies suggest that orientations of the RAS-RBDCRD complex on the membrane occupy distinct configurational states and the spatial patterns of lipid arrangements around these different protein states are unique to each state. The extent, and size of lipid ‘fingerprints’ imposed on the membrane by the RAS-RBDCRD protein complex is significantly larger than observed for just the RAS protein on its own. These protein complexes strongly associate but we do not observe statistically significant preferred protein-protein orientations. These observations indicate that spatial co-localization of RAS-RBDCRD proteins in the same vicinity may be assisted by specific membrane environments, acting to increase the probability of signaling complex formation.

PMID:40849684 | DOI:10.1016/j.bpj.2025.08.020

Med Sci Monit. 2025 Aug 24;31:e948936. doi: 10.12659/MSM.948936.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND At great heights, reduced oxygen levels and barometric pressure can cause retinal damage, leading to high-altitude retinopathy. Military pilots additionally experience gravitational forces from rapid changes in speed and direction, which can impair vision due to short-term retinal ischemia. This study evaluated the association between flight duration and altitude with retinal and choroidal changes on optical coherence tomography (OCT) in 44 Polish military pilots. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study enrolled 88 adult men – 44 pilots from military bases in Poland and 44 controls recruited from among male ground staff in these bases. Data regarding the pilots’ individual work experience was obtained from their official records on site. The average age of the pilots was 39.7 years (SD=6.9; range: 27-50), while the average age of the comparison group was 41.2 years (SD=6.3; range: 28-53). RESULTS Retinal thickness in the foveal and parafoveal region, along with the mean retinal nerve fibers layer (RNFL) thickness and total ganglion cells complex (GCC) thickness, did not differ significantly between study groups. There was also no statistically significant difference in terms of choroidal thickness between the military pilots and controls. However, after splitting the pilots into groups based on their overall hours spent flying, a very significant correlation was revealed in reduction of subfoveal choroidal thickness (SCT) (P=0.0010) proportionally to total flight time. CONCLUSIONS The results of our study suggest that retinal parameters remain stable in military pilots, but the cumulative changes are expressed in choroidal thinning.

PMID:40849679 | DOI:10.12659/MSM.948936