Objectives: In this study, we performed comparative genomic and transcriptomic analysis of clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis collected from patients with drug-susceptible tuberculosis (DS-TB). The clinical isolates were categorized based on treatment duration: standard 6 months or >6 months. Methods: Study participants were recruited from a 2016 to 2018 tuberculosis cohort, and clinical M. tuberculosis isolates were collected from the sputum of patients with tuberculosis. We analyzed the genome and transcriptome of the isolated M. tuberculosis. Results: Genomic analysis revealed a specific non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphism in pe_pgrs9 and ppe34, exclusive to the group treated for >6 months. Transcriptomic analysis revealed increased expression of various virulence-associated protein family genes and decreased expression of ribosomal protein genes and ppe38 genes in the group treated for >6 months. Conclusion The identified genetic variation and gene expression patterns may influence treatment outcomes by modulating host immune responses, increasing virulence, and potentially contributing to persister cell formation in M. tuberculosis. This study provides insights into the genetic and transcriptomic factors associated with prolonged DS-TB treatment. However, our study identified molecular characteristics using a small sample size, and further detailed studies are warranted.

Bispecific antibodies represent a significant advancement in therapeutic antibody engineering, offering the ability to simultaneously target two distinct antigens. This dual-targeting capability enhances therapeutic efficacy, especially in complex diseases, such as cancer and autoimmune disorders, where drug resistance and incomplete target coverage are prevalent challenges.Bispecific antibodies facilitate immune cell engagement and disrupt multiple signaling pathways, providing a more comprehensive treatment approach than traditional monoclonal antibodies. However, the intricate structure of bispecific antibodies introduces unique pharmacokinetic challenges, including issues related to their absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, which can significantly affect their efficacy and safety. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the structural design, mechanisms of action, and pharmacokinetics of the currently approved bispecific antibodies. It also highlights the engineering innovations that have been implemented to overcome these challenges, such as Fc modifications and advanced dimerization techniques, which enhance the stability and half-life of bispecific antibodies. Significant progress has been made in bispecific antibody technology;however, further research is necessary to broaden their clinical applications, enhance their safety profiles, and optimize their incorporation into combination therapies. Continuous advancements in this field are expected to enable bispecific antibodies to provide more precise and effective therapeutic strategies for a range of complex diseases, ultimately improving patient outcomes and advancing precision medicine.

Objectives: In this study, we performed comparative genomic and transcriptomic analysis of clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis collected from patients with drug-susceptible tuberculosis (DS-TB). The clinical isolates were categorized based on treatment duration: standard 6 months or >6 months. Methods: Study participants were recruited from a 2016 to 2018 tuberculosis cohort, and clinical M. tuberculosis isolates were collected from the sputum of patients with tuberculosis. We analyzed the genome and transcriptome of the isolated M. tuberculosis. Results: Genomic analysis revealed a specific non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphism in pe_pgrs9 and ppe34, exclusive to the group treated for >6 months. Transcriptomic analysis revealed increased expression of various virulence-associated protein family genes and decreased expression of ribosomal protein genes and ppe38 genes in the group treated for >6 months. Conclusion The identified genetic variation and gene expression patterns may influence treatment outcomes by modulating host immune responses, increasing virulence, and potentially contributing to persister cell formation in M. tuberculosis. This study provides insights into the genetic and transcriptomic factors associated with prolonged DS-TB treatment. However, our study identified molecular characteristics using a small sample size, and further detailed studies are warranted.

Objectives: In this study, we performed comparative genomic and transcriptomic analysis of clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis collected from patients with drug-susceptible tuberculosis (DS-TB). The clinical isolates were categorized based on treatment duration: standard 6 months or >6 months. Methods: Study participants were recruited from a 2016 to 2018 tuberculosis cohort, and clinical M. tuberculosis isolates were collected from the sputum of patients with tuberculosis. We analyzed the genome and transcriptome of the isolated M. tuberculosis. Results: Genomic analysis revealed a specific non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphism in pe_pgrs9 and ppe34, exclusive to the group treated for >6 months. Transcriptomic analysis revealed increased expression of various virulence-associated protein family genes and decreased expression of ribosomal protein genes and ppe38 genes in the group treated for >6 months. Conclusion The identified genetic variation and gene expression patterns may influence treatment outcomes by modulating host immune responses, increasing virulence, and potentially contributing to persister cell formation in M. tuberculosis. This study provides insights into the genetic and transcriptomic factors associated with prolonged DS-TB treatment. However, our study identified molecular characteristics using a small sample size, and further detailed studies are warranted.

Bispecific antibodies represent a significant advancement in therapeutic antibody engineering, offering the ability to simultaneously target two distinct antigens. This dual-targeting capability enhances therapeutic efficacy, especially in complex diseases, such as cancer and autoimmune disorders, where drug resistance and incomplete target coverage are prevalent challenges.Bispecific antibodies facilitate immune cell engagement and disrupt multiple signaling pathways, providing a more comprehensive treatment approach than traditional monoclonal antibodies. However, the intricate structure of bispecific antibodies introduces unique pharmacokinetic challenges, including issues related to their absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, which can significantly affect their efficacy and safety. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the structural design, mechanisms of action, and pharmacokinetics of the currently approved bispecific antibodies. It also highlights the engineering innovations that have been implemented to overcome these challenges, such as Fc modifications and advanced dimerization techniques, which enhance the stability and half-life of bispecific antibodies. Significant progress has been made in bispecific antibody technology;however, further research is necessary to broaden their clinical applications, enhance their safety profiles, and optimize their incorporation into combination therapies. Continuous advancements in this field are expected to enable bispecific antibodies to provide more precise and effective therapeutic strategies for a range of complex diseases, ultimately improving patient outcomes and advancing precision medicine.

Objectives: In this study, we performed comparative genomic and transcriptomic analysis of clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis collected from patients with drug-susceptible tuberculosis (DS-TB). The clinical isolates were categorized based on treatment duration: standard 6 months or >6 months. Methods: Study participants were recruited from a 2016 to 2018 tuberculosis cohort, and clinical M. tuberculosis isolates were collected from the sputum of patients with tuberculosis. We analyzed the genome and transcriptome of the isolated M. tuberculosis. Results: Genomic analysis revealed a specific non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphism in pe_pgrs9 and ppe34, exclusive to the group treated for >6 months. Transcriptomic analysis revealed increased expression of various virulence-associated protein family genes and decreased expression of ribosomal protein genes and ppe38 genes in the group treated for >6 months. Conclusion The identified genetic variation and gene expression patterns may influence treatment outcomes by modulating host immune responses, increasing virulence, and potentially contributing to persister cell formation in M. tuberculosis. This study provides insights into the genetic and transcriptomic factors associated with prolonged DS-TB treatment. However, our study identified molecular characteristics using a small sample size, and further detailed studies are warranted.

Bispecific antibodies represent a significant advancement in therapeutic antibody engineering, offering the ability to simultaneously target two distinct antigens. This dual-targeting capability enhances therapeutic efficacy, especially in complex diseases, such as cancer and autoimmune disorders, where drug resistance and incomplete target coverage are prevalent challenges.Bispecific antibodies facilitate immune cell engagement and disrupt multiple signaling pathways, providing a more comprehensive treatment approach than traditional monoclonal antibodies. However, the intricate structure of bispecific antibodies introduces unique pharmacokinetic challenges, including issues related to their absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, which can significantly affect their efficacy and safety. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the structural design, mechanisms of action, and pharmacokinetics of the currently approved bispecific antibodies. It also highlights the engineering innovations that have been implemented to overcome these challenges, such as Fc modifications and advanced dimerization techniques, which enhance the stability and half-life of bispecific antibodies. Significant progress has been made in bispecific antibody technology;however, further research is necessary to broaden their clinical applications, enhance their safety profiles, and optimize their incorporation into combination therapies. Continuous advancements in this field are expected to enable bispecific antibodies to provide more precise and effective therapeutic strategies for a range of complex diseases, ultimately improving patient outcomes and advancing precision medicine.

Objectives: In this study, we performed comparative genomic and transcriptomic analysis of clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis collected from patients with drug-susceptible tuberculosis (DS-TB). The clinical isolates were categorized based on treatment duration: standard 6 months or >6 months. Methods: Study participants were recruited from a 2016 to 2018 tuberculosis cohort, and clinical M. tuberculosis isolates were collected from the sputum of patients with tuberculosis. We analyzed the genome and transcriptome of the isolated M. tuberculosis. Results: Genomic analysis revealed a specific non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphism in pe_pgrs9 and ppe34, exclusive to the group treated for >6 months. Transcriptomic analysis revealed increased expression of various virulence-associated protein family genes and decreased expression of ribosomal protein genes and ppe38 genes in the group treated for >6 months. Conclusion The identified genetic variation and gene expression patterns may influence treatment outcomes by modulating host immune responses, increasing virulence, and potentially contributing to persister cell formation in M. tuberculosis. This study provides insights into the genetic and transcriptomic factors associated with prolonged DS-TB treatment. However, our study identified molecular characteristics using a small sample size, and further detailed studies are warranted.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of baseline values and temporal changes in body composition parameters, including skeletal muscle index (SMI) and visceral adipose tissue area (VAT), measured using serial computed tomography (CT) imaging on the prognosis of operable breast cancers in Asian patients. Materials and Methods: This study retrospectively included 627 Asian female (mean age ± standard deviation [SD], 53.6 ± 8.3 years) who underwent surgery for stage I–III breast cancer between January 2011 and September 2012. Body composition parameters, including SMI and VAT, were semi-automatically calculated on baseline abdominal CT at the time of diagnosis and follow-up CT for post-treatment surveillance. Serial changes in SMI and VAT were calculated as the delta values. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the association of baseline and delta SMI and VAT values with disease-free survival. Results: Among 627 patients, 56 patients (9.2%) had breast cancer recurrence after a median of 40.5 months. The mean value ± SD of the baseline SMI and baseline VAT were 43.7 ± 5.8 cm2 /m2 and 72.0 ± 46.0 cm2 , respectively. The mean value of the delta SMI was -0.9 cm2 /m2 and the delta VAT was 0.5 cm2 . The baseline SMI and VAT were not significantly associated with disease-free survival (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.983; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.937–1.031; p = 0.475 and adjusted HR, 1.001; 95% CI, 0.995–1.006; p = 0.751, respectively). The delta SMI and VAT were also not significantly associated with disease-free survival (adjusted HR, 0.894; 95% CI, 0.766–1.043; p = 0.155 and adjusted HR, 1.001; 95% CI, 0.989–1.014; p = 0.848, respectively). Conclusion Our study revealed that baseline and early temporal changes in SMI and VAT were not independent prognostic factors regarding disease-free survival in Asian patients undergoing surgery for breast cancer.

Objective: The establishment of a proper emergency care system can significantly decrease the number of deaths and disabilities. However, this is neglected in many low- and middle-income countries, including Cambodia. At present, many Cambodian hospitals lack designated emergency departments, formal triage systems, and staff trained in emergency medicine. This study sought to measure the functional capacity of the Cambodian emergency care system corresponding to each hospital level using the Emergency Care Assessment Tool (ECAT). Methods: We conducted a survey from April 19, 2021, to April 27, 2021, by distributing survey sheets to a total of eight Cambodian medical staff who were invited to a hospital in South Korea for an educational program. The ECAT comprises items evaluating the capability of hospitals to perform signal functions for each of the six emergent sentinel conditions that could occur prior to death. We analyzed the data by categorizing the hospitals into basic, intermediate, and advanced levels. Results: Basic-level hospitals had weaknesses in signal functions related to altered mental status and trauma care. The intermediate-level hospital showed weaknesses in signal functions related to respiratory failure, altered mental status, shock, and trauma care. Advanced-level hospitals had weaknesses in signal functions related to respiratory failure, trauma, and shock. Conclusion Our survey shows that most Cambodian hospitals lack the capability to perform the emergency signal functions expected at each level. We believe that this gap can be bridged with proper customized education targeting medical staff based on the level of their hospital and ensuring a proper supply of medical devices.