Procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, and white blood cell count levels in end-stage cancer patients: A retrospective study on inflammatory markers and their prognostic value.

Procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cell count (WBC) are commonly recognized as inflammatory markers. Some studies showed that these markers were also related to some cancers. This study aimed to investigate whether these markers were exhibited aberrations in end-stage cancer patients and to assess their correlation with infection and prognosis.

Smart G-quadruplex hydrogels: From preparations to comprehensive applications.

In recent years, the accelerated development of G-quadruplexes and hydrogels has driven the development of intelligent biomaterials. Based on the excellent biocompatibility and special biological functions of G-quadruplexes, and the hydrophilicity, high-water retention, high water content, flexibility and excellent biodegradability of hydrogels, G-quadruplex hydrogels are widely used in various fields by combining the dual advantages of G-quadruplexes and hydrogels. Here, we provide a systematic and comprehensive classification of G-quadruplex hydrogels in terms of preparation strategies and applications.

Intra-population genetic diversity and its effects on outlining genetic diversity of ciliate populations: Using Paramecium multimicronucleatum as an example.

Questions regarding ciliate distribution (endemism vs. cosmopolitanism) and degree of genetic diversity (high vs. low) remain unsettled, even when the same organism is under investigation.

Macronuclear Actin copy number variations in single cells of different Pseudokeronopsis (Alveolata, Ciliophora) populations.

Macronuclear chromosomes of ciliates, especially those of Spirotrichea, Armophorea and Phyllopharyngea, are extensively fragmented and their copy numbers vary significantly. A recent study suggested that parental RNA molecules regulate macronuclear copy number in offspring cells after conjugation. However, variations in patterns of macronuclear copy number during vegetative growth are not clear.

Efficacy and Safety of Targeted High-Intensity Medium-Band (304-312 nm) Ultraviolet B Light in Pediatric Vitiligo.

Background/objectives: Phototherapy is a commonly used treatment for vitiligo that has demonstrated safety and efficacy. High-intensity targeted ultraviolet B (UVB) light (304-312 nm) delivered using a phototherapy device is a useful therapeutic option because it can induce repigmentation in a short time without global exposure to radiation, but information regarding this device in children is limited.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 95 patches of vitiligo in 27 children treated using a targeted phototherapy device.

Germinoma in the basal ganglia with an abnormal karyotype: case report and review of the literature.

Introduction: Germ cell tumor of basal ganglia with abnormal constitutional karyotype has been rarely reported.

Case Report: A 9-year-old boy presented with precocious puberty and right hemiparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging showed high intensity on T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images in the left basal ganglia and ipsilateral cerebral hemiatrophy predominantly in the basal ganglia and midbrain.