Tag: pubmed

Front Oncol. 2025 Mar 31;15:1568764. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2025.1568764. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) is the most common malignancy of the penis. Considering the increase in incidence of PSCC in many countries, there is a need for better and effective therapies for these patients. The tumor microenvironment may offer insights into a better understanding of the tumor, which may inform on predictive and prognostic targets. In this study, we investigated immune cell infiltration into the stroma of PSCC, and how it may be affected by multiple factors including smoking, HIV infection, and/or HPV infection.

METHODS: We carried out a prospective analytical cross-sectional study at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. Consenting patients with confirmed PSCC, attending the Urology Clinic and scheduled for partial or total penectomy were enrolled into the study. HIV testing by serology, HPV detection and genotyping on fresh tumors by real time PCR, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and immunohistochemistry staining for CD3⁺ and CD8⁺ cells on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue, and flow cytometry for immunophenotyping circulating immune cells were done.

RESULTS: We enrolled 33 participants into the study. The participants had a mean age of 56 years, the majority (84.8%) were HIV positive, high-risk HPV was detected in 63.6% of the tumors, and 57.6% were positive for both HIV and high-risk HPV. HPV-positive PSCC tumors had a significantly lower proportion of infiltrating lymphocytes in the stroma on H&E staining than HPV-negative tumors [18% vs 53%; p=0.025]. Smokers had a significantly lower number of infiltrating CD8⁺ cells in the stroma than non-smokers [68 vs 99; p=0.035]. No difference in the density of stromal lymphocytes between HPV/HIV co-infected and non-co-infected individuals was observed. There was a statistically significant positive correlation in number of CD3⁺ (⍴=0.38; p=0.027) and CD8⁺ (⍴=0.40; p=0.02) cells in the stroma and intra-tumor. Factors including histological stage, tumor grade, HPV status, and HIV status seem to influence the correlation in number of stroma and intra-tumoral immune cells.

CONCLUSION: Smoking and presence of hrHPV is associated with a lower density of infiltrating lymphocytes in the stroma of PSCC. There is a positive correlation in the number of CD3⁺ and CD8⁺ cells between the stroma and intra-tumoral compartment of PSCC.

PMID:40231254 | PMC:PMC11994432 | DOI:10.3389/fonc.2025.1568764

Int J Gen Med. 2025 Apr 8;18:1983-1998. doi: 10.2147/IJGM.S511534. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Despite significant advancements in the epigenetics of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), particularly in the domain of microRNA (miRNA), little is known about miRNAs that play a causal role in CRS. This study aims to identify miRNAs with a causal relationship to CRS and explore their potential clinical value and mechanisms in CRS.

METHODS: We conducted small RNA sequencing on blood and nasal samples to find miRNAs with consistent expression differences in CRS. These miRNAs were confirmed via qRT-PCR and assessed for clinical relevance through Spearman correlation and statistical analysis used to evaluate diagnostic accuracy. Bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR, a genetic causal inference method) analyzed their causal links to CRS. Target genes of causally significant miRNAs were identified using miRWalk, and their mechanisms were explored through pathway enrichment and validation studies.

RESULTS: We identified differentially expressed miRNAs in blood and nasal tissues using a |log2(Fold Change)| > 0.58 and P-value < 0.05 threshold. Following False Discovery Rate correction, hsa-miR-941 was identified as an upregulated miRNA in both CRS patient samples. The experimental validation of miR-941 expression closely matched sequencing results. Spearman and statistical analysis associated miR-941 expression changes with CRS severity and diagnostic accuracy. Bidirectional MR demonstrated a significant association of miR-941 with CRS risk, without evidence of reverse causality. Target gene and Western blot assays suggested miR-941’s potential influence on CRS through the PI3K/AKT pathway.

CONCLUSION: There is a positive causal relationship between hsa-miR-941 and CRS, making hsa-miR-941 a valuable target for the diagnosis and treatment of CRS. These findings position miR-941 as a valuable biomarker and therapeutic target, providing new opportunities for precision medicine in CRS treatment. miR-941 may exert its effects by modulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

PMID:40231245 | PMC:PMC11994465 | DOI:10.2147/IJGM.S511534

Int J Gen Med. 2025 Apr 10;18:2067-2075. doi: 10.2147/IJGM.S512606. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of STAT6, ERG, miR-647 in prostate cancer (PCa).

METHODS: This was a retrospective study. There were 210 consecutive patients diagnosed with prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia in our hospital from July 2020 to July 2023. Among those patients, 108 patients pathologically diagnosed as prostate cancer were divided into the prostate cancer group (PCa group), and 102 patients pathologically diagnosed as having benign prostatic hyperplasia were divided into the benign prostatic hyperplasia group (BPH group).

RESULTS: The levels of STAT6 mRNA, ERG mRNA, and miR-647 expression in prostate cancer tissue were higher than those in BPH tissues, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05) . The levels of STAT6 mRNA, ERG mRNA, and miR-647 indicators in prostate cancer patients were not significantly different with respect to patient age and tumor size (P > 0.05) but were related to lymph node metastasis, T stage, and Gleason score (P < 0.05). On the other hand, the tPSA/fPSA had significantly different between two groups (P < 0.05). PCa group had smaller MRI sagittal diameter and anteroposterior diameter in comparison to BPH group (P < 0.05), furthermore, PCa group had larger PI-RAD in comparison to BPH group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The higher level of STAT6, ERG, and miR-647 in prostate tissue are closely related to the occurrence of prostate cancer and have certain value in predicting the onset of prostate cancer.

PMID:40231243 | PMC:PMC11995998 | DOI:10.2147/IJGM.S512606

J Allergy Clin Immunol Glob. 2025 Mar 18;4(2):100455. doi: 10.1016/j.jacig.2025.100455. eCollection 2025 May.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) remains a challenge despite novel therapies such as omalizumab. With growing international interest in research on CSU, a comprehensive review of the global productivity, collaborations, and trending topics in CSU research may help inform future directions in patient management.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to outline the trends in CSU research by using bibliometric analysis, focusing specifically on global productivity, collaborative efforts, and emerging research topics spanning from 1977 to 2023.

METHODS: Publications related to CSU, including original articles, reviews, and letters, were sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection, and statistical analyses were performed using the Bibliometrix package in R and IBM SPSS Statistics.

RESULTS: A total of 2940 publications from 77 countries were analyzed. CSU research activity has increased exponentially since 2010, with more than half of the publications (50.2% [1477 of 2940]) published since 2016. These publications appeared in allergy, immunology, and dermatology journals led predominantly by European, Asian, and American researchers. International collaborations rose from 11.3% to 22.2%. Shifts in research focus, such as a shift in treatments from antihistamines to omalizumab, and growing emphasis on quality of life were noted.

CONCLUSION: This study revealed a dynamic and increasingly collaborative CSU research landscape, emphasizing the need for continuous global partnerships to enhance treatment outcomes and improve patients’ quality of life. Challenges regarding access to advanced therapies persist, highlighting the importance of expanding international collaborations and inclusive research practices.

PMID:40231228 | PMC:PMC11994327 | DOI:10.1016/j.jacig.2025.100455

Nurs Res Pract. 2025 Apr 7;2025:5550685. doi: 10.1155/nrp/5550685. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Background: Migration of healthcare workers has become a foremost issue of health systems, generally from developing countries toward countries with higher income, producing destructive effects on health indicators. Aim: This study was proposed to investigate the intentions of migration among graduated and postgraduate Sudanese nursing students and the causes behind their intentions to migrate and determine the proportions and characteristics (e.g., per gender and profession) of Sudanese nursing students, both graduated and postgraduate, who intend to migrate. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out in Khartoum State, Sudan, between January and April 2022. The study involved 321 Sudanese nurses, both graduate and postgraduate, who were selected through convenience sampling. Data collection was performed using a semistructured, self-administered questionnaire created by the researchers. The questionnaire, prepared in English, was distributed via Google Forms on social media platforms. The study received approval from the Research and Ethics Committee of Alzaiem Alazhari University. Informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to their involvement. Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, Version 25. The results were presented in frequency tables and cross-tabulations. The Chi-square test was used to assess statistical significance, with a p value of < 0.05 considered significant. Results: The current study reflected that half of the nurses (49.5%) were willing to migrate after graduation if provided the opportunity. More than a third (36.8%) of them are interested in migrating to the Gulf countries, while that quarter (24.9%) of them said their main reason for migration is to save money quickly. There was a significant association between five sociodemographic variables (age, sex, education program, marital status, and place of residence) and the reason for migration with a p value of 0.05. Conclusion: The study concluded that there is high intention among graduated and postgraduate nursing students in Sudan to migrate and work outside Sudan.

PMID:40231226 | PMC:PMC11996273 | DOI:10.1155/nrp/5550685

Ann Afr Med. 2025 Apr 14. doi: 10.4103/aam.aam_230_24. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: The global spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 since its emergence in 2019 has led to widespread challenges in healthcare, prompting the World Health Organization to declare it a pandemic.

AIM: The aims of this study were to explore the prevalence of arterio-venous thrombosis (AVT) in COVID-19 patients, along with baseline characteristics and predictors of AVT.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study review of charts from adult patients presenting between March 1, 2020, and October 30, 2021, at King Fahd Hospital of the University.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Patients with both AVT and COVID-19 were included and categorized into groups: brain stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), pulmonary embolism (PE), and deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Demographic and clinical data were collected from electronic medical records, and patients were followed up 1 year after discharge.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: SPSS was used.

RESULTS: Five hundred nine adult patients were admitted with COVID-19, and 195 were diagnosed with AVT. Brain stroke, MI, PE, and DVT were observed in 48.7%, 25.6%, 10.8%, and 14.9% of cases, respectively. Risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and smoking were more prevalent among stroke patients. Follow-up revealed varying mortality rates and recurrent AVT cases among different AVT syndromes.

CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights a higher incidence of AVT, particularly brain stroke, in COVID-19-positive patients, with overlapping AVT syndromes observed. The findings emphasize the intricate relationship between COVID-19 and AVT, necessitating further research and targeted interventions to address this critical aspect of the disease.

PMID:40229925 | DOI:10.4103/aam.aam_230_24

Ann Afr Med. 2025 Apr 14. doi: 10.4103/aam.aam_212_24. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: Tuberculosis (TB) is a well-known global health problem with one-fifth of the global burden in India. Although there are diagnostic and prognostic markers for TB, there is lack of specificity and sensitivity of diagnostic methods.

AIMS: The goal of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of blood lymphocyte adenosine deaminase (ADA) levels in pulmonary TB patients.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective observational case-control study. A total of 80 subjects were included in this study and were divided into two groups: 40 people who were healthy in every respect and 40 patients with pulmonary TB. ADA activity was measured in each group by the Giusti and Galanti method using a commercial kit.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were analyzed using t-test with receiver operating characteristic curve analysis done to identify the cutoff values for ADA that had maximum sensitivity and specificity.

RESULTS: The mean serum ADA level in the pulmonary TB group was significantly increased as compared to control group (P < 0.0001), whereas blood lymphocyte ADA levels as well as blood lymphocyte/serum ADA ratio in the pulmonary TB group were significantly decreased as compared control group (P < 0.0001). In regard to the cutoff value of <34.06 IU/mg protein in patients with pulmonary TB, sensitivity and specificity were 90.00% and 80.00%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Blood lymphocyte ADA level may be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis of pulmonary TB.

PMID:40229921 | DOI:10.4103/aam.aam_212_24

Ann Afr Med. 2025 Apr 14. doi: 10.4103/aam.aam_306_24. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of the free androgen index (FAI) in diagnosing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases for relevant studies published up to June 2024. The inclusion criteria were studies that reported the sensitivity and specificity of FAI for PCOS diagnosis. We used a random-effects model to find the pooled sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and summary receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (SROC AUC). We determined positive and negative likelihood ratios (NLRs) using the Fagan nomogram and assessed heterogeneity using I2 statistics. We performed meta-regression and subgroup analysis to explore sources of heterogeneity and used Deeks’ funnel plot to assess publication bias. This study is registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42024546829).

RESULTS: We included 14 studies with 2870 PCOS patients and 3985 non-PCOS controls. Pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.81 (95% confidence interval [CI]; 0.73-0.86) and 0.82 (95% CI; 0.72-0.90), respectively. The positive and NLRs were 4.6 (95% CI; 2.8-7.6) and 0.23 (95% CI; 0.17-0.33), respectively. The DOR was 20 (95% CI: 10-39), and the SROC AUC was 0.88 (95% CI: 0.85-0.90). Variability in FAI cutoff values contributed significantly to heterogeneity across studies.

CONCLUSION: Serum FAI is a reliable biomarker for diagnosing PCOS, demonstrating sensitivity and specificity exceeding 80%. It is particularly valuable in primary care settings where ultrasound facility is unavailable. FAI assists in diagnosing biochemical hyperandrogenism, especially in cases where clinical criteria are inconclusive.

PMID:40229920 | DOI:10.4103/aam.aam_306_24

Clin Transl Allergy. 2025 Apr;15(4):e70054. doi: 10.1002/clt2.70054.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Monitoring adherence in chronic diseases remains a significant challenge. Allergic rhinitis (AR), one of the most common chronic conditions, serves as an excellent model for studying determinants of app use in monitoring adherence and health assessment during treatment. The Mask-air® app supports clinical decision-making by involving patients in symptom observation and promoting adherence to therapy. This study aimed to identify the defining characteristics of Mask-air® users, describe their disease phenotype and satisfaction with the app, and explore reasons for discontinuation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult patients 20-44 years old suffering from AR (n = 198) receiving care at an allergy outpatient clinic were invited to participate in a trial using the Mask-air® app. Investigators collected data on symptoms, administered treatments, and clinical evaluation results through questionnaires. At a follow-up visit (n = 163), these were compared, and patients were questioned about their satisfaction with the app. Patients presented their app records, and those who declined or stopped using the app were asked to provide reasons in a questionnaire.

RESULTS: No distinguishing characteristics of Mask-air® users (n = 131) were identified compared with those who declined the app (n = 67). App readiness was analyzed according to age, socioeconomic status, disease severity, comorbidities, and therapeutic modality. Respondents were categorized into: those who did not install the app (17.7%), those who installed but did not use it (16.2%), and those who installed and evaluated it (66.2%), with 15.6% failing to produce symptom monitoring records. Overall, satisfaction ratings were high though patients were critical of the app’s therapeutic aspect.

CONCLUSIONS: The study found no specific features distinguishing Mask-air® users, suggesting that it can be recommended to all patients regardless of gender, socioeconomic or educational status, or disease phenotype. However, with a dropout rate of nearly 50%, it is essential for clinicians to emphasize the app’s benefits to improve adherence and engagement.

PMID:40229918 | DOI:10.1002/clt2.70054

Ann Afr Med. 2025 Apr 14. doi: 10.4103/aam.aam_206_24. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic inflammatory disease, causes joint pain and impairment and affects sleep. Sleep disturbances in RA patients can exacerbate pain perception, disease activity, and functional impairment and reduce quality of life. Sleep problems in RA patients, especially in rural areas, have rarely been studied.

OBJECTIVE: The objective is to evaluate the prevalence of sleep disturbances in patients with RA and assess its correlation with disease activity, pain intensity, and functional disability.

METHODS: A total of 98 RA patients who met the ACR/EULAR 2010 classification criteria participated in this cross-sectional analytical study. Data were collected on demographic variables, disease duration, and medication history. Sleep quality was assessed using the Medical Outcome Study Sleep Scale, while disease activity was measured using the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI). Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and functional disability was measured using the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS V.21.0.

RESULTS: Sleep disturbance was found in 28.6% of patients with RA. Individuals with sleep problems had significantly increased CDAI scores (P < 0.001), longer disease duration (P = 0.014), increased pain VAS scores (P < 0.001), and greater functional impairment as assessed by the HAQ-DI. A significant association was found between sleep disturbance and increased physician and global VAS values (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Sleep disturbances are common in RA patients and are significantly associated with higher disease activity, pain intensity, and functional disability. Addressing sleep issues in RA management may improve overall patient outcomes and quality of life.

PMID:40229915 | DOI:10.4103/aam.aam_206_24