The Efficacy of Cabazitaxel in Treating Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Cabazitaxel, a second-generation taxane chemotherapy agent, has demonstrated efficacy in treating metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) in patients who have previously received docetaxel-based therapy. By targeting microtubule dynamics, cabazitaxel inhibits cancer cell division and induces apoptosis, thereby extending survival and delaying disease progression in this challenging patient population. A systematic review and meta-analysis were done by searching the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, MEDLINE (including MEDLINE InProcess; OvidSP), Web of Science, Embase (OvidSP), and Scopus databases. ROB2 Cochrane tools assessment for RCTs. In the analysis, we used RevMan Cochrane software. Our research reveals significantly improved outcomes in terms of patient survival rates, both progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), for cabazitaxel over comparative treatment (PFS HR 0.77 [0.61, 0.97]) (OS HR 0.79 [0.70, 0.88]). The treatment response rates were also favorable for cabazitaxel, reported as PSA Reduction Response of more than 50% (PRR) (odds ratio (OR) = 1.59 [0.56, 4.52]) and tumor response rate (TRR) (OR = 2.34 [1.28, 4.28]). Cabazitaxel was associated with significantly more incidence of adverse events. The risk ratio (RR) for serious adverse events was 1.64 [1.14, 2.35] for cabazitaxel compared to the current regimen. A systematic review and meta-analysis were done by searching in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, MEDLINE (including MEDLINE InProcess; OvidSP), Web of Science, Embase (OvidSP), and Scopus databases. ROB2 Cochrane tools assessment for RCTs. In the analysis, we used RevMan Cochrane software.

Abscesses in different body sites among children: a single-center prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: An abscess is a localized collection of pus contained within a fibrous capsule. In this study, we aimed to determine the demographic pattern, common anatomical sites, risk factors, and the microbial profile of abscesses in different body sites among children. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study in our pediatric surgical department among children with abscesses in different body sites between January 2019 and December 2022. RESULTS: During the study period, 85 children were included. The participant age range was 0 to 14 years old, and 66% of participants were boys. The most common anatomical sites where abscesses formed were the pelvis (n = 29, 34%), abdomen (n = 22, 26%), neck (n = 14, 16%), and extremities (n = 12, 14%). Risk factors of abscesses in different body sites included cannulation, lymphadenitis, mastitis, perforated appendix, and perianal fistula. We observed that 74% of abscesses were of a polymicrobial nature. CONCLUSION: The most common anatomical sites for abscesses in children included the pelvis, abdomen, neck, and extremities. Most abscesses in these sites were polymicrobial in nature.

Unveiling Resmetirom: A systematic review and meta-analysis on its impact on liver function and safety in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis treatment.

Background and Aim: The role of Resmetirom in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) represents a promising therapeutic approach in addressing the growing global burden of liver disease. With NASH emerging as a leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality worldwide, there is an urgent need for effective treatments. Resmetirom, a selective thyroid hormone receptor-ß agonist, offers potential benefits in improving liver histology and metabolic parameters in patients with NASH. This review examines the current evidence surrounding Resmetirom's role in NASH management. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was done by searching in Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, MEDLINE (including MEDLINE InProcess) (OvidSP), Web of Science, Embase (OvidSP), and Scopus databases. ROB2 Cochrane tool was used for assessing risk of bias in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). In the analysis, we used RevMan Cochrane software. Results: The study showed that patients who were treated with Resmetirom had significantly lower low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (mean difference [MD] -10.45; 95% confidence interval [CI] -15.86 to -5.83; P < 0.001) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (MD -7.18; 95% CI -12.67 to -1.68; P = 0.01) as compared with those in the placebo group. The risk of adverse events including diarrhea [risk ratio (RR) 1.81; 95% CI 1.40 to 2.35; P < 0.001] and nausea (RR 1.72; 95% CI 1.31 to 2.27; P < 0.001) was significantly increased for the Resmetirom group as compared with the placebo group. Conclusion: Resmetirom presents a promising therapeutic option for NASH, offering potential benefits in reducing liver fat content and improving histological outcomes. The encouraging results from clinical trials suggest that Resmetirom may address an unmet need in NASH management, providing hope for patients with this progressive liver disease. Further research and long-term studies are warranted to validate its efficacy and safety profile in larger patient populations.

Effectiveness of remote ischemic preconditioning in patients undergoing transplant surgery: meta-analysis of randomized control studies.

Introduction: Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) is a phenomenon in which the induction of shortened periods of ischemia prior to surgical procedures within a distant tissue preserves other tissues or organs of concern, such as the liver or kidney in transplant surgery, in the event of prolonged ischemic insults. The authors aim to evaluate the effectiveness of RIPC in patients undergoing transplant surgery, specifically kidney and liver transplants. Materials and methods: PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were searched until 19 December 2023 for trials evaluating RIPC in patients undergoing transplant surgery. A total of 9364 search articles were obtained, which yielded 10 eligible studies. Data analysis was done using RevMan 5.4 software. The risk of bias was done using Cochrane risk of bias tool. Results and discussion: For graft rejection, the study observed a relative risk of 0.99 (95% CI, 0.49-1.98, P=0.97) from 5 trials, indicating no significant effect of RIPC on graft survival in both kidney and liver transplants. The length of hospital stay also showed no significant decrease for those undergoing RIPC, with mean difference (MD) of -0.58 (95% CI, -1.38 to 0.23, P=0.16). GFR at 1-year post-kidney transplant did not significantly change in the RIPC group compared to controls, as evidenced by an MD of -0.13 (95% CI, -3.79 to 3.54, P=0.95). These results collectively suggest that RIPC may not be effective in reducing patient, or graft, outcomes.

Effect of Pemafibrate on the Lipid Profile, Liver Function, and Liver Fibrosis Among Patients With Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease.

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) are prevalent conditions linked to obesity and metabolic disturbances, with potential complications such as cirrhosis and cardiovascular risks. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of pemafibrate, a drug targeting fat and sugar metabolism genes, in treating patients with MASLD/MASH. Methods: Databases such as MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus were searched until September 2023 to identify relevant studies. Selected studies underwent a thorough quality assessment using tools like Risk of Bias 2 tool (ROB-2) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Quality Assessment Tools. Comprehensive meta-analysis software was used for statistical evaluations, with a focus on lipid profiles, liver function tests, and fibrosis measurements. Results: A total of 13 studies were included; 10 of them were included in the quantitative analysis. Our findings showed that pemafibrate significantly decreased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (effect size (ES) = -9.61 mg/dL, 95% confidence interval (CI): -14.15 to -5.08), increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (ES = 3.15 mg/dL, 95% CI: 1.53 to 4.78), and reduced triglycerides (TG) (ES = -85.98 mg/dL, 95% CI: -96.61 to -75.36). Additionally, pemafibrate showed a marked reduction in liver enzyme levels, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), with significant effect sizes and P values. For liver stiffness outcomes, pemafibrate decreased AST to platelet ratio index (APRI) (ES = -0.180, 95% CI: -0.221 to -0.138). Conclusions: Pemafibrate, with its enhanced efficacy and safety profile, presents as a pivotal agent in MASLD/MASH treatment. Its lipid-regulating properties, coupled with its beneficial effects on liver inflammation markers, position it as a potentially invaluable therapeutic option.

Managing Alkaptonuria in Absence of Appropriate Medication: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Alkaptonuria is an inborn error of metabolism inherited as an autosomal recessive disorder due to a mutation in the homogentisic acid dioxygenase gene. It occurs rarely (global prevalence of alkaptonuria is 1 in 100,000 to 250,000), and mainly affects the joints and connective tissue of the body due to deposition of homogentisic acid giving affected areas a blue-black discoloration (ochronosis).In this case report, we present a male patient, aged 47 years, with joint and scleral involvement. He had been diagnosed many years ago with the disease by gas chromatography. His symptoms kept progressively worsening since he was recently prescribed physiotherapy and vitamin C for his disease, which has not been shown to be an effective treatment. A main reason for his disease deterioration was also the lack of nitisinone availability in his home country, as well as in the subcontinent region generally. We also presen a summary of some previously reported cases and treatment regimens to compare our case and present the comparison as a learning source for future physicians.

First reported case of primary small cell cancer of the pancreas with positive TTF-1 tumor marker.

Small cell carcinomas are very aggressive malignancies that are most often linked with lung cancer, although they may also develop in the pancreas, colon, rectum, skin, and cervix. SCC of the pancreas accounts for about 1% of these neoplasms. An 88-year-old male with several comorbidities who presented with significant weight loss was diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma after complaining of persistent epistaxis and back pain. This case underscores the significance of using atypical tumor markers, such as thyroid transcription factor 1, to diagnose small-cell pancreatic cancer. It also emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach to managing these aggressive tumors.

New compact micro-hole zone catheter enables women to achieve effective bladder emptying without flow-stops.

BACKGROUND: Clean intermittent self-catheterisation (CISC) with conventional eyelet catheters (CECs) is associated with urine flow-stops, which require the catheter to be repositioned so flow can resume. Flow-stops often occur because bladder mucosa is sucked into the eyelets. AIMS: This investigation aimed to compare the bladder-emptying performance of the micro-hole zone catheter (MHZC) with the CEC. METHODS: This was a multi-centre, randomised, open-label, controlled cross-over study with 82 women comparing the MHZC to the CEC. The endpoints relating to bladder-emptying performance included the residual volume at first flow-stop, the number of flow-stops and the proportion of successful treatment responses. The women's perception of the catheters was assessed as well as device discomfort. FINDINGS: Catheterisations with MHZC significantly reduced the risk of flow-stops, with relative risk results showing a 2.74 times lower risk of flow-stops with a health professional-led catheterisation and a 2.52 times lower risk during self-catheterisation. There was no statistical difference in residual urine volume at first flow-stop between the two catheters. Catheterisations with the MHZC were significantly more likely to achieve zero flow-stops and a residual urine volume of <10 ml at first flow-stop. The women had a significantly more positive perception of the MHZC than the CEC in areas including handling, confidence, sensation and satisfaction. CONCLUSION: The MHZC enabled effective bladder emptying without catheters needing to be repositioned, supporting the women by simplifying the procedure and making them feel confident that their bladders were empty.

First documented case of ichthyosis prematurity syndrome in Iraq: A case report with literature review.

Ichthyosis Prematurity Syndrome (IPS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by premature birth, respiratory distress, and distinctive skin abnormalities. Infants with IPS typically present between 30 and 34 weeks of gestation with a thick, caseous, desquamating epidermis resembling vernix caseosa. We report a case of a female neonate born at 30 weeks, weighing 1400 grams, with severe respiratory distress and characteristic skin abnormalities. Immediate intervention, including mechanical ventilation and surfactant therapy, was essential. Histopathological examination revealed hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, and a thickened stratum corneum, with genetic testing confirming FATP4 gene mutations. Comprehensive care by a multidisciplinary team, including CPAP, emollients, and enteral feeding, led to significant improvement, and the neonate was discharged after 4 weeks. This is the first reported case of IPS in Iraq. This case highlights the importance of early recognition, genetic testing, and a coordinated care approach for managing IPS, emphasizing the need for awareness of its characteristic features to improve patient outcomes.

Early-onset renal dysfunction in Jeune syndrome: A case report with atypical presentation.

Jeune syndrome, a rare autosomal recessive disorder, is characterized by skeletal abnormalities, particularly a narrow, bell-shaped chest, leading to severe respiratory distress in newborns. This case report details a full-term female neonate presenting with significant respiratory challenges, typical skeletal features, and early-onset renal dysfunction. Despite normal initial imaging, persistent renal abnormalities were observed, underscoring the need for early diagnosis, vigilant monitoring, and a multidisciplinary management approach to optimize outcomes for patients with Jeune syndrome.

Seronegative celiac disease with transient protein-losing enteropathy and vitamin B12 deficiency in a pediatric patient: Case report.

Key Clinical Message: Early recognition and management of seronegative celiac disease, even in the absence of typical serological markers, can prevent complications and ensure better health outcomes in pediatric patients. Consideration of a gluten-free diet in similar cases can lead to significant clinical improvement. Abstract: Celiac disease, characterized by its diverse clinical manifestations, often necessitates adherence to a gluten-free diet, particularly in pediatric patients for optimal growth and development. This report presents the case of an 11-year-old male who exhibited recurrent symptoms of fever and diarrhea progressing to edema and pallor, with a history dating back to age 3. Laboratory findings revealed pancytopenia, hypoalbuminemia, and proteinuria. Despite negative serological markers, noninvasive tests, along with clinical improvement on a gluten-free diet and supportive measures within a month, suggested celiac disease complicated by transient protein-losing enteropathy and vitamin B12 deficiency. It is important to note that other malabsorption disorders can also show clinical improvement following a gluten-free diet. Additionally, the antibiotic treatment received by the patient could have addressed other possible causes of malabsorption, complicating the differential diagnosis. This case highlights the importance of early recognition and management of celiac disease, especially in pediatric patients, to prevent complications and promote optimal health outcomes.

British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) consensus document for the management of benign female urethral lesions.

OBJECTIVE: To provide a consensus document for the management of benign female urethral lesions. METHODS: The British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) Female, Neurological and Urodynamic Urology (FNUU) Section created a consensus document to guide the management of the commonest of urethral swellings using expert consensus with a modified Delphi technique. RESULTS: Benign urethral lesions in females can include urethral mucosal prolapse, urethral caruncle, Skene's gland cysts and urethral diverticulum. They can present in a variety of ways including haematuria, lower urinary tract symptoms and voiding dysfunction, and can initially be overlooked or not recognised, resulting in delayed management. CONCLUSION: This consensus statement led by the FNUU Section of the BAUS, in consultation with BAUS members and consultants working in units throughout the UK, aimed to create a comprehensive and pragmatic management pathway for the assessment, investigation and treatment of benign urethral lesions in females.

Lower urinary tract symptoms among male patients on hemodialysis: Prospective and multi-central cross-sectional study.

Background: Lower urinary tract symptoms are common and can significantly impact quality of life, especially in men with co-morbidities and end-stage renal disease. The presence of lower urinary tract symptoms affect the quality of life of patients on hemodialysis. Objectives: The purpose of this study is assessing the presence and severity of lower urinary tract symptoms among male patients on hemodialysis. Factors that may exacerbate lower urinary tract symptoms were assessed and studied. The impact of lower urinary tract symptoms on quality of life was also identified. Methods: A prospective, multi-central, and cross-sectional study of male patients on hemodialysis was conducted. Demographics, clinical data, and core lower urinary tract symptoms score questionnaire were all collected. A correlation has been made between all variables. Results: One hundred forty-five patients were enrolled. Eighty-seven percent of hemodialysis patients had at least one storage symptom, and 85% had at least one voiding symptom. The prevalence of storage symptoms (frequency, nocturia, urgency, and urgency incontinence) was found to be 3%, 70%, 44%, and 12%, respectively. The voiding symptoms were mainly weak stream, straining, and incomplete emptying, which were found in 60%, 43%, and 36%, respectively. Fifteen percent of the cohort had a negatively significant impact on their quality of life. The absence of voiding symptoms was statistically linked to a better quality of life (p < 0.05). Hemodialysis patients who are over 60 years old, smokers, or obese were found to be significantly more likely to report storage symptoms (18%, 9%, and 79%, respectively; p < 0.05). Bladder pain was significantly correlated to the dialysis duration of more than 24 months (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Storage and voiding lower urinary tract symptoms are common among hemodialysis male patients with a minor impact on their quality of life. Age, smoking, and obesity are major risks of exaggerating such symptoms.

Negative Results, Positive Outcome: A Case of Primary Livedoid Vasculopathy With an Elusive Laboratory Workup.

Livedoid vasculopathy (LV) is a chronic, recurrent thrombotic vasculopathy characterized by painful ulcerations on the lower extremities, which heal slowly and leave atrophic white scars known as "atrophie blanche." This report presents the case of a 31-year-old woman with a 4-year history of recurrent painful ulcerations on her legs and feet. A skin biopsy revealed findings consistent with LV, and an exhaustive laboratory workup ruled out secondary causes such as thrombophilia, malignancies, autoimmune diseases, and peripheral arterial disease. The patient showed remarkable improvement with a treatment regimen of pentoxifylline, nifedipine, and warfarin, resulting in complete ulcer resolution and sustained remission over 5 months. Our case highlights the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach and a multidisciplinary treatment strategy in managing primary LV to achieve remission and prevent recurrence of skin ulcerations.

Evaluating the factor structure and measurement invariance of the 20-item short version of the UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale across multiple countries, languages, and gender identities.

The UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Model and the various psychometric instruments developed and validated based on this model are well established in clinical and research settings. However, evidence regarding the psychometric validity, reliability, and equivalence across multiple countries of residence, languages, or gender identities, including gender-diverse individuals, is lacking to date. Using data from the International Sex Survey (N = 82,243), confirmatory factor analyses and measurement invariance analyses were performed on the preestablished five-factor structure of the 20-item short version of the UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale to examine whether (a) psychometric validity and reliability and (b) psychometric equivalence hold across 34 country-of-residence-related, 22 language-related, and three gender-identity-related groups. The results of the present study extend the latter psychometric instrument's well-established relevance to 26 countries, 13 languages, and three gender identities. Most notably, psychometric validity and reliability were evidenced across nine novel translations included in the present study (i.e., Croatian, English, German, Hebrew, Korean, Macedonian, Polish, Portuguese-Portugal, and Spanish-Latin American) and psychometric equivalence was evidenced across all three gender identities included in the present study (i.e., women, men, and gender-diverse individuals).

Glycemic impact of gabapentin and Nucleo C.M.P in metformin-controlled diabetic patients: A case report.

This study examines the contraindications of gabapentin and Nucleo C.M.P Forte in metformin-controlled diabetic patients, focusing on their potential to induce hyperglycemia. A case report of a 65-year-old woman with type II diabetes is presented, demonstrating elevated blood glucose levels following the initiation of gabapentin and Nucleo C.M.P Forte. The literature review highlights limited data on gabapentin-induced hyperglycemia, with additional consideration of the potential effects of Nucleo C.M.P Forte. The study suggests modifying insulin therapy in diabetic patients taking gabapentin and calls for further research on this interaction.

Aortic Aneurysm Mimicking Inferior ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Case Report.

Here, we report a rare case of a 22-year-old female presenting with recurrent chest pain mimicking inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) but ultimately attributed to an aortic aneurysm. Despite facing initial challenges in diagnosis, such as normal troponin levels and temporary electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, advanced imaging showed a large mass in the chest pressing on the right coronary artery. Prompt multidisciplinary intervention, including surgical resection of the aneurysm, led to successful management and improved outcomes. This case highlights the importance of considering unusual etiologies in atypical presentations of myocardial infarction, necessitating comprehensive evaluation and collaboration among various specialties for optimal patient care.

Unusual manifestations of Takayasu arteritis: A diagnostic challenge.

Key Clinical Message: Timely recognition of atypical Takayasu arteritis is crucial. Unusual presentations, such as pericardial effusion, can complicate diagnosis. CT angiogram aids in precise diagnosis, guiding targeted immunosuppressive therapy. Multidisciplinary collaboration is vital for comprehensive management, improving patient outcomes in this challenging condition. Abstract: This case study highlights the diagnostic challenges posed by atypical presentations of Takayasu arteritis (TA), focusing on a 42-year-old male presenting with pericardial effusion. Despite inconclusive initial investigations, a CT angiogram revealed large vessel vasculitis, confirming TA. Management with immunosuppressive therapy led to clinical improvement. This case emphasize the importance of recognizing unusual manifestations of TA for timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, emphasizing the role of multidisciplinary collaboration in optimizing patient outcomes.

Why Do People Watch Pornography? Cross-Cultural Validation of the Pornography Use Motivations Scale (PUMS) and Its Short Form (PUMS-8).

Motivations for pornography use may vary across gender identities, sexual orientations, and geographical regions, warranting examination to promote individual and public health. The aims of this study were to validate the Pornography Use Motivations Scale (PUMS) in a diverse, multicultural sample, and develop a short form (PUMS-8) that can assess a wide range of pornography use motivations. Using data from 42 countries (N = 75,117; Mage = 32.07; SDage = 12.37), enabled us to thoroughly evaluate the dimensionality, validity, and reliability of the Pornography Use Motivations Scale (PUMS), leading to the development of the more concise PUMS-8 short scale. Additionally, language-, nationality-, gender-, and sexual-orientation-based measurement invariance tests were conducted to test the comparability across groups. Both the PUMS and the PUMS-8 assess eight pornography use motivations, and both demonstrated excellent psychometric properties. Sexual Pleasure emerged as the most frequent motivation for pornography use across countries, genders, and sexual orientations, while differences were observed concerning other motivations (e.g. self-exploration was more prevalent among gender-diverse individuals than men or women). The motivational background of pornography use showed high similarity in the examined countries. Both the PUMS and the PUMS-8 are reliable and valid measurement tools to assess different types of motivations for pornography use across countries, genders, and sexual orientations. Both scales are recommended for use in research and clinical settings.

Neonatal lupus with complete heart block and long term follow up.

We present the case of a 27-year-old pregnant woman, newly diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) during pregnancy. The patient delivered a newborn at 38 weeks gestation, who, on the first day of life, manifested complete heart block. This case underscores the clinical challenges associated with neonatal lupus, emphasizing the need for collaborative, multidisciplinary management.