Characterization of the immune cell profile in metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated cancer, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown efficacy in its treatment. The combination of chemotherapy and ICIs represents a new trend in the standard care for metastatic NPC. In this study, we aim to clarify the immune cell profile and related prognostic factors in the ICI-based treatment of metastatic NPC.

VISTA-induced tumor suppression by a four amino acid intracellular motif.

VISTA is a key immune checkpoint receptor under investigation for cancer immunotherapy; however, its signaling mechanisms remain unclear. Here we identify a conserved four amino acid (NPGF) intracellular motif in VISTA that suppresses cell proliferation by constraining cell-intrinsic growth receptor signaling. The NPGF motif binds to the adapter protein NUMB and recruits Rab11 endosomal recycling machinery.

Development of a peptide-based tumor-activated checkpoint inhibitor for cancer immunotherapy.

Antibody-based checkpoint inhibitors have achieved great success in cancer immunotherapy, but their uncontrollable immune-related adverse events remain a major challenge. In this study, we developed a tumor-activated nanoparticle that is specifically active in tumors but not in normal tissues. We discovered a short anti-PD-L1 peptide that blocks the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction.

Post-irradiation Sinus Mucosa Disease in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients Treated With Proton Therapy.

Objective: Post-irradiation sinonasal mucosa disease (SMD) is observed in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with radiotherapy (RT), leading to a detrimental impact on quality of life. This study aimed to assess the incidence, severity, and regression of the post-irradiation SMD among patients with NPC treated with proton therapy.

Methods: NPC patients treated with proton therapy were retrospectively enrolled.

Whole-Body and Segmental Phase Angles and Cognitive Function in the Older Korean Population: Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Background: Recently, the phase angle (PhA) has emerged as an essential indicator of cellular health. Most studies have examined its association with physiological conditions, such as sarcopenia, frailty, and physical function, in older populations. Simultaneously, growing attention is being paid to the clinical relevance of segmental PhAs for future applications.

Exploring Multivalency in the Development of Anti-PD-L1 Peptides for Cancer Immunotherapy.

Purpose: The PD-1/PD-L1 pathway is one of the most effective immune checkpoint pathways utilized for cancer immunotherapy. Despite the success of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 mAbs, there is growing interest in developing low molecular weight anti-PD-1/PD-1 agents, such as peptides, because of their improved tumor penetration. We recently developed a small anti-PD-L1 peptide and demonstrated its promising anti-tumor activity.

Park proximity and all-day and time-specific physical activity and sedentary behaviour in older adults.

Background: Proximity to parks has been suggested as a factor influencing physical activity in older adults. However, it remains unclear the optimal distance between residences and parks for promoting physical activity and reducing sedentary time and whether these associations vary by the time of day. We examined whether the proximity to neighbourhood parks at varying distances is associated with all-day and time-specific physical activity and sedentary behaviour in older adults.

Margin-to-depth ratio as an independent prognostic factor in resected oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma: A nationwide cohort study.

Background: The prognostic significance of margin-to-depth ratio (MDR) in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) remains unclear, particularly in comparison to traditional margin status. We aimed to examine the association between MDR and clinical outcomes in a large Taiwanese cohort.

Methods: A total of 18,324 patients with first primary OCSCC were categorized by margin status: positive (1013), <5 mm (8371), and ≥ 5 mm (8940).

Prognostic significance of adjuvant therapy and specific radiation dosages in Taiwanese patients with oral cavity cancer and extra-nodal extension: a nationwide cohort study.

Background: The evidence for adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) with extra-nodal extension (ENE) in National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines is derived from patients with head and neck cancer. The guidelines further suggest a radiation dose ranging from 6000 to 6600 cGy. In this nationwide study, we sought to evaluate the prognostic significance of adjuvant therapy and the specific radiation dosage in Taiwanese patients with pure OCSCC and ENE.

Estimating Costs Associated with Adverse Events in Patients with Advanced Lung Cancer.

Purpose: This study aimed to estimate the costs associated with adverse events (AEs) in advanced lung cancer patients treated with first-line therapies.

Subjects And Methods: All patients with advanced lung cancer diagnosed between 2011 and 2019 were identified from the Taiwan National Cancer Registry. First-line treatment was defined as a therapy that began within 30 days before and 90 days after the diagnosis.

Resurgence of influenza and enterovirus infections in Taiwan post-COVID-19: A nationwide surveillance study.

Background: The global impact of COVID-19 has prompted profound shifts in public health policies. The epidemiology of respiratory infectious disease may change in the post-covid era. This study investigates the repercussions of these policies on respiratory infectious diseases, specifically the resurgence of severe influenza and enterovirus infections in the post-COVID-19 era.

Tricuspid valve maladaptation in sheep with biventricular heart failure: The posterior and septal leaflets.

Tricuspid valve leaflets are dynamic tissues that can remodel in response to altered biomechanical and hemodynamic loads. The anterior, posterior, and septal leaflets exhibit distinct morphology, composition, and mechanical properties, resulting in varying in vivo strains. We hypothesized that these differences would result in leaflet-specific remodeling changes in a sheep model of biventricular heart failure.

Delivery of a STING Agonist Using Lipid Nanoparticles Inhibits Pancreatic Cancer Growth.

Introduction: The tumor microenvironment (TME) of pancreatic cancer is highly immunosuppressive and characterized by a large number of cancer-associated fibroblasts, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and regulatory T cells. Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is an endoplasmic reticulum receptor that plays a critical role in immunity. STING agonists have demonstrated the ability to inflame the TME, reduce tumor burden, and confer anti-tumor activity in mouse models.

Association of urinary glyphosate levels with iron homeostasis among a representative sample of US adults: NHANES 2013-2018.

Purpose: Glyphosate and glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH), widely used globally, were initially considered harmless to humans. Experimental studies have suggested that these substances can disrupt iron homeostasis by interfering with iron uptake or triggering inflammatory responses. However, their potential impact on human iron homeostasis remains underexplored.

The relationship between serum monoterpene levels and bone health: a retrospective cross-sectional analysis from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data.

Introduction: Monoterpenes, a subset of the terpene family composed of two isoprene units, have garnered significant attention in research circles owing to their potential medicinal benefits. Recent experimental studies indicate that they might exert positive effects on bone health. Nevertheless, the impact of monoterpenes exposure on bone health remains unexplored in humans.

Examining a decade-long trend in exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and their correlation with lipid profiles: Insights from a prospective cohort study on the young Taiwanese population.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are artificial chemicals extensively utilized in everyday products, and numerous cross-sectional epidemiological studies consistently link PFAS exposure with lipid profiles across diverse populations and age groups. In longitudinal studies, the findings also indicate a positive correlation between PFAS and lipid profiles; however, this association remains unexplored in adolescents and young adults. Notably, previous research has predominantly focused on conventional lipid biomarkers, with limited exploration of the relationship between PFAS and diverse lipoprotein subfractions.

Auxiliary Diagnosis of Dental Calculus Based on Deep Learning and Image Enhancement by Bitewing Radiographs.

In the field of dentistry, the presence of dental calculus is a commonly encountered issue. If not addressed promptly, it has the potential to lead to gum inflammation and eventual tooth loss. Bitewing (BW) images play a crucial role by providing a comprehensive visual representation of the tooth structure, allowing dentists to examine hard-to-reach areas with precision during clinical assessments.