Mechanistic insights into circRNA-mediated regulation of PI3K signaling pathway in glioma progression.

Circular RNAs (CircRNAs) are non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) characterized by a stable circular structure that regulates gene expression at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. They play diverse roles, including protein interactions, DNA methylation modification, protein-coding potential, pseudogene creation, and miRNA sponging, all of which influence various physiological processes. CircRNAs are often highly expressed in brain tissues, and their levels vary with neural development, suggesting their significance in nervous system diseases such as gliomas. Research has shown that circRNA expression related to the PI3K pathway correlates with various clinical features of gliomas. There is an interact between circRNAs and the PI3K pathway to regulate glioma cell processes such as proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, inflammation, angiogenesis, and treatment resistance. Additionally, PI3K pathway-associated circRNAs hold potential as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. In this study, we reviewed the latest advances in the expression and cellular roles of PI3K-mediated circRNAs and their connections to glioma carcinogenesis and progression. We also highlighted the significance of circRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in glioma.

Empyema necessitans as a rare manifestation of Staphylococcus aureus.

Empyema necessitans (EN) is a rare complication of empyema, in which pus accumulates within the pleural space and spreads through the chest wall, leading to the formation of a subcutaneous abscess. This condition presents significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to its rarity and potential for serious complications. Here, we present the case of an 8-year-old boy with a history of parapneumonic effusion that was incompletely treated due to a lack of fibrinolytic agent injection. He presented with fever, chills, a productive cough, and left-sided chest pain with yellowish purulent secretions from the left chest wall. The patient was diagnosed with EN caused by Staphylococcus aureus, which has occurred due to inadequate treatment and the lack of administration of a fibrinolytic agent injection for the patient. He was treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, video-assisted thoracic surgery, and a chest tube for complete drainage. The patient showed a smooth and uneventful recovery, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and prompt treatment of EN to avoid further complications. This case report aims to increase awareness among clinicians about the importance of early recognition and appropriate management of EN to improve patient outcomes.

A review of isotretinoin in the treatment of frontal fibrosing alopecia.

INTRODUCTION: Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is characterized by scarring alopecia of the frontotemporal scalp and facial papules. Isotretinoin is a vitamin A-derived retinoid discovered in 1955 and approved for treating nodulocystic acne. This drug can also affect facial papules and frontotemporal hair loss in patients with FFA. In this article, we conducted a review of the available studies investigating the use of oral isotretinoin for FFA treatment. Our study provides insights into the efficacy and safety of isotretinoin as a potential treatment option for FFA and highlights areas for future research. METHOD: In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential advantages and disadvantages of isotretinoin as a treatment for FFA. To identify all relevant articles, we developed a comprehensive search strategy and conducted a thorough search of three major databases: PubMed, Embase, and Science Direct. We retrieved a total of 82 articles from the search results. Two independent reviewers then screened each of the 82 articles based on our inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulting in the identification of 15 articles that were deemed relevant to our study. RESULTS: Across the 15 articles, 232 patients who suffered from FFA were involved. Nearly 90% of patients experienced a significant reduction of symptoms after receiving oral isotretinoin at 10-40 mg daily. We conclude that isotretinoin can positively affect facial papules and help suppress hair loss.

Efficacy and safety of topical brimonidine in dermatology: A review article.

Brimonidine is a vasoconstrictive agent used to treat several dermatologic disorders. Here, we review the uses of brimonidine in different aspects of dermatology. We searched keywords including rosacea, erythema, topical brimonidine, dermatology, and skin disease in PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar to collect the related published articles. In a review of 15 articles, we found topical brimonidine improved the facial erythema of rosacea. In addition, it reduced the erythema associated with alcohol flushing syndrome, intense pulsed light therapy, and photodynamic therapy. Furthermore, topical brimonidine was used as a hemostatic agent in dermatosurgery procedures such as Mohs surgery and nail surgery to reduce intra-operative and postoperative bleeding. Some side effects such as erythema, flushing, and burning were reported in a few patients. Based on our findings, brimonidine is a beneficial drug that can be used in various dermatologic disorders with negligible side effects.