Validation of salivary proteomic biomarkers for early detection of oral cancer in the Egyptian population.

Purpose: The present study evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of important proteomic salivary biomarkers; IL-6, IL-8, and sCD44 in the early detection of oral cancer, and any possible associations with risk factors of oral cancer in an Egyptian population.

Methods: The present investigation was conducted on 100 individuals; 25 healthy controls, 25 patients having oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) with dysplasia; 25 patients having OPMDs without dysplasia, and 25 oral cancer patients. Demographic data modified gingival index, oral hygiene level, and salivary levels of the biomarkers were assessed.

Association of oropharyngeal cancer recurrence with tumor-intrinsic and immune-mediated sequelae of reduced genomic instability.

Background: Limited understanding of the biology predisposing certain human papillomavirus-related (HPV+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCCs) to relapse impedes therapeutic personalization. We aimed to identify molecular traits that distinguish recurrence-prone tumors.

Methods: 50 HPV+ OPSCCs that later recurred (cases) and 50 non-recurrent controls matched for stage, therapy, and smoking history were RNA-sequenced.

Modeling linear and nonlinear viscoelastic oscillatory rheometric stress-strain hysteresis of asphalt binders.

Understanding the complex stress-strain hysteresis behavior of asphalt binders under varied conditions is critical for optimizing pavement performance. This study addresses the challenge by analyzing and modeling asphalt binder responses in oscillating shear mode across different aging states (unaged, short-term aged, and long-term aged), stretch amplitudes, frequencies, and temperatures. Fifty-three stress-strain hysteresis loops were meticulously analyzed, revealing distinct stress paths relative to applied stretch levels.

The imprint of viral oncoproteins on the variable clinical behavior among human papilloma virus-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas.

Human papilloma virus-related (HPV+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCCs) are variable in their progression, immune landscape, treatment responses, and clinical outcomes. Their behavior is impacted not only by differences in host genomic alterations but also by diversity in levels and activity of HPV-encoded oncoproteins. Striking differences in HPV mRNA levels are found among HPV+ OPSCCs and likely derive in part from variations in the structurally diverse mix of integrated and episomal HPV genomes they often contain.

A Meta-Analysis Comparing RYGB with Long Biliopancreatic Limb (BPL) Versus Long Alimentary Limb (AL) in Groups with Equal or Nearly Equal Combined Bypass Lengths (Combined BPL and AL Lengths): Does Switching Seats Enhance Weight Loss?

It is well-established that extending either the biliopancreatic limb (BPL), the alimentary limb (AL), or both, results in increased combined bypass (CB) length, which in turn leads to enhanced weight loss and potential nutritional deficiencies due to heightened malabsorptive effects. However, a key question remains: Assuming no change in CB length, does altering BPL length affect outcomes? To address this question, we examined studies comparing long BPL and long AL (short BPL) while maintaining equal or nearly equal CB lengths. We conducted this systematic literature review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Cancer: Current Use and Future Prospects.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have emerged as a leading targeted cancer therapy, reducing the side effects often seen with non-targeted treatments, especially the damage to healthy cells. To tackle resistance, typically caused by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, four generations of TKIs have been developed. Each generation has shown improved effectiveness and fewer side effects, resulting in better patient outcomes.

Metal-organic frameworks in drug delivery: engineering versatile platforms for therapeutic applications.

Recently, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted much attention as versatile materials for drug delivery and personalized medicine. MOFs are porous structures made up of metal ions coupled with organic ligands. This review highlights the synthesis techniques used to design MOFs with specific features such as surface area and pore size, and the drug encapsulation within MOFs not only improves their stability and solubility but also allows for controlled release kinetics, which improves therapeutic efficacy and minimizes adverse effects.

Durable local control with hypofractionated radiation therapy for unresectable or metastatic melanoma.

Background And Purpose: As patients with advanced melanoma live longer in the context of systemic therapy advancements, better strategies for durable control of bulky tumors are needed. In this study, we evaluated if dose-escalated hypofractionated radiation therapy (HFRT) can provide durable local control and improve tumor-associated symptoms in patients with unresectable or bulky metastatic melanoma for whom stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (RT) approaches are not feasible due to tumor size or location.

Materials And Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 49 patients with unresectable or bulky metastatic melanoma who were treated to a total of 53 tumor targets with 12-17 fractions HFRT at our institution between 2015-2022.

The Battle of Endoscopic Bariatric Therapies for Obesity: Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty Versus Endoscopically Inserted Intragastric Balloon-A Pairwise Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies and a Call for Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background: Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) represents the latest primary endoscopic intervention for managing obesity. Both ESG and intragastric balloons (IGBs) have demonstrated effectiveness and safety for weight loss. However, there is a paucity of high-quality evidence supporting the superiority of one over the other, and no pairwise meta-analysis of comparative studies has been published to date.

Acid Etching's Effect on Hypomineralized Teeth's Bond Strength and Enamel Surface Structure.

The current study evaluated the bracket bond strength of hypomineralized teeth with and without acid etching. Twenty premolar teeth extracted for orthodontic purposes were used in this study. Hypomineralization was induced in all experimental teeth using a cariogenic solution.

Successful management of pre-existing psoriatic arthritis through targeting the IL-23/IL-17 axis in cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy: a case series.

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have significantly improved outcomes for patients with cancer. However, these therapies are associated with adverse events including de novo immune-related adverse events or flare of pre-exiting autoimmune disorders. Up to 80% of patients with cancer and pre-existing psoriasis (PsO) or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) experience PsO/PsA flare after initiating ICIs.

Mitigating diabetes-related complications: Empowering metformin with cholecalciferol and taurine supplementation in type 2 diabetic rats.

Background: Type 2 diabetes is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. Current treatment options like metformin (MET) effectively counteract hyperglycemia but fail to alleviate diabetes-associated complications such as retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, hepatopathy, and cardiovascular diseases.

Aim: To propose the supplementation of cholecalciferol (CHO) and taurine (TAU) to enhance MET efficacy in controlling diabetes while minimizing the risk of associated complications.

Retrieval of Cu and Cd ions from aqueous solutions using sustainable guar gum/PVA/montmorillonite nanocomposite films: effect of temperature and adsorption isotherms.

Uncontrolled or improperly managed wastewater is considered toxic and dangerous to plants, animals, and people, as well as negatively impacting the ecosystem. In this research, the use of we aimed to prepare polymer nanocomposites (guar gum/polyvinyl alcohol, and nano-montmorillonite clay) for eliminating heavy metals from water-based systems, especially Cu and Cd ions. The synthesis of nanocomposites was done by the green method with different ratios of guar gum to PVA (50/50), (60/40), and (80/20) wt%, in addition to glycerol that acts as a cross-linker.

GLUT1 inhibitor BAY-876 induces apoptosis and enhances anti-cancer effects of bitter receptor agonists in head and neck squamous carcinoma cells.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are cancers that arise in the mucosa of the upper aerodigestive tract. The five-year patient survival rate is ~50%. Treatment includes surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy and is associated with lasting effects even when successful in irradicating the disease.

Baseline biomarkers of efficacy and on-treatment immune-profile changes associated with bempegaldesleukin plus nivolumab.

In PIVOT IO 001 (NCT03635983), the combination of the investigational interleukin-2 agonist bempegaldesleukin (BEMPEG) with nivolumab (NIVO) had no added clinical benefit over NIVO monotherapy in unresectable/metastatic melanoma. Pre-defined baseline and on-treatment changes in selected biomarkers were analyzed to explore the potential mechanisms underlying the clinical observations. In each treatment arm, higher baseline tumor mutational burden or immune infiltration/inflammation was associated with improved efficacy compared with lower levels.

Comprehensive analysis of optimal power flow using recent metaheuristic algorithms.

This paper provides six metaheuristic algorithms, namely Fast Cuckoo Search (FCS), Salp Swarm Algorithm (SSA), Dynamic control Cuckoo search (DCCS), Gradient-Based Optimizer (GBO), Northern Goshawk Optimization (NGO), Opposition Flow Direction Algorithm (OFDA) to efficiently solve the optimal power flow (OPF) issue. Under standard and conservative operating settings, the OPF problem is modeled utilizing a range of objectives, constraints, and formulations. Five case studies have been conducted using IEEE 30-bus and IEEE 118-bus standard test systems to evaluate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed algorithms.

Pressure-dimension index and left ventricular sphericity index following HeartMate II and HeartMate 3 implantation.

Aims: This study aimed to compare the changes in the left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) geometry and performance after the implantation of HeartMate II (HMII) and HeartMate 3 (HM3). In addition, we investigated whether the echocardiographic parameters LV sphericity index (LVSI) and the novel pressure-dimension index (PDI) can predict post-operative right ventricular failure (RVF).

Methods And Results: Between 2012 and 2020, 46 patients [HMII (n = 22) and HM3 (n = 24)] met the study's criteria and had echocardiography tests pre-operatively, 6 and 12 months post-operatively.

Effect of Slow Maxillary Expansion and Alternative Rapid Maxillary Expansion Protocols on Airway Volume in Cleft Palate Cases: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Based Study.

A total of 22 patients with cleft palate aged 8 to 12 years were selected and categorized into two groups: the first group was treated with alternate rapid maxillary expansion and constriction (Alt-RAMEC) using an expander with differential opening (EDO) and facemask, while the second group was treated using slow maxillary expansion (SME) using an EDO. Finally, the pharyngeal airway volume in the two groups was compared using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). CBCT scans were performed before expansion and six months following the expansion.

The Impact of Food Insecurity Rate on Bariatric Surgery Outcomes.

Introduction: Various factors impact outcomes following bariatric surgery. Lack of access to healthy food options (food insecurity [FI]) is another potential factor affecting outcomes. No prior studies have directly explored the relationship between residing in a high FI zip code and patient outcomes relating to weight loss after bariatric surgery.