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.

Distinct roles of small extracellular vesicles from resident and infiltrating macrophages on glioma growth and mobility.

Previous studies revealed that tumor-associated macrophages/microglia (TAMs) promoted glioma invasiveness during tumor progression and after radiotherapy. However, the communication of TAMs with tumor cells remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the role of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) derived from TAMs in TAMs-mediated brain tumor invasion.

Predictors of hepatic flares after nucleos(t)ide analogue cessation - Results of a global cohort study (RETRACT-B study).

Background & Aims: Flares after nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) cessation are common and potentially harmful. Predictors of flares are required for risk stratification and to guide off-treatment follow-up.

Method: This multicenter cohort study included virally suppressed patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) who were hepatitis B e antigen negative at NA cessation.

The C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 5, Which Exerts an Antioxidant Role by Inducing HO-1 Expression, Is C-X-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 2-Dependent in Human Prostate Stroma and Cancer Cells.

While the C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CXCL5) is recognized as an inflammatory mediator and a potent attractant for immune cells, its functions within the human prostate remain unclear. This study explored the expression, functions, and regulatory mechanisms of CXCL5 in prostate stroma and cancer cells. CXCL5 secreted from prostate cancer cells enhanced neutrophil migration.

Basal metabolic rate correlates with excess postexercise oxygen consumption across different intensities.

Background: Both the basal metabolic rate (BMR) and excess postexercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) can be influenced by physical training and are associated with body composition and aerobic capacity. Although a correlation between the two is expected, this relationship has not been explored. Our hypothesis is that a higher BMR is correlated with lower EPOC.

Selective treatment de-escalation in advanced prostate cancer: have we come full circle?

Compelling evidence has solidified the notion of early treatment intensification in managing patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). Landmark trials have provided Level 1 evidence for the survival benefits achieved by combining multiple agents. The efficacy of combined therapy relies not only on how treatment is intensified but also on how it is de-escalated.

Predictive modelling of hospital-acquired infection in acute ischemic stroke using machine learning.

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are serious complication for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), often resulting in poor functional outcomes. However, no existing model can specifically predict HAI in AIS patients. Therefore, we employed the Gradient Boosting matching learning algorithm to establish predictive models for HAI occurrence in AIS patients and poor 30-day functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale > 2) in AIS patients with HAI by analyzing electronic health records from 6560 AIS patients.

Baseline urinary ALA and PBG as criteria for starting pharmacologic prophylactic treatment in acute intermittent porphyria treated with givosiran.

Introduction: For patients with acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), a true attack could be difficult to distinguish from chronic abdominal pain. This study focused on treatment responses from two patients with confirmed elevated biochemical data (delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), porphobilinogen (PBG)) and clinical evidence for acute attacks before starting givosiran.

Methods: Data from patients who participated in the phase III givosiran trial in Taiwan between May 2018 and May 2021 were reviewed.

The novel role of LOC344887 in the enhancement of hepatocellular carcinoma progression via modulation of SHP1-regulated STAT3/HMGA2 signaling axis.

Pseudogene-derived long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have become crucial regulators in cancer progression. Extensive research highlights the pivotal role of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in promoting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. As a result, targeting aberrant STAT3 activation presents a promising therapeutic strategy for HCC.

Lateral epiglottic collapse in obstructive sleep apnea is associated with laterally directed pharyngeal collapse.

Study Objectives: Epiglottic collapse can obstruct the airway in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients in an anteroposterior (E-ap) or lateral direction (E-lat). The present study investigates the concept that lateral or concentric pharyngeal collapse patterns may remodel the epiglottis and predispose it to lateral collapse. To do so, we hypothesized that the presence of-any form of laterally directed pharyngeal collapse, e.

Long-Range Temporal Correlations in Electroencephalography for Parkinson's Disease Progression.

Background: Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) present progressive deterioration in both motor and non-motor manifestations. However, the absence of clinical biomarkers for disease progression hinders clinicians from tailoring treatment strategies effectively.

Objectives: To identify electroencephalography (EEG) biomarker that can track disease progression in PD.

Associations between serum indium levels and preserved ratio impaired spirometry among non-smoking industrial workers: A nationwide cross-sectional study in Taiwan.

Background: Indium, a rare heavy metal, extensively used in flat panel display manufacturing, poses potential respiratory health risks to workers. Preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm), a term describing nonobstructive lung function abnormalities, is associated with adverse health outcomes. Despite known risks, the relationship between serum indium levels and PRISm remains underexplored.

Augmented triboelectric properties of graphene-filled poly(vinylidene difluoride--hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) nanofibers.

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are devices that convert mechanical energy into electrical energy through the triboelectric effect, supplying power to a wide array of advanced sensing and monitoring systems. In this work, we utilized graphene-filled nanofibrous poly(vinylidene difluoride--hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) as TENGs, employing electrospinning technology. We examined how the dielectric characteristics and transferred charge of the electrification mat affect the output of TENGs.

Biphasic cartilage repair implant versus microfracture in the treatment of focal chondral and osteochondral lesions of the knee: a prospective, multi-center, randomized clinical trial.

Background: Autologous minced cartilage is a method for cartilage defect repair, and our study focuses on a newly developed biphasic cylindrical osteochondral construct designed for use in human knees. We aimed to compare its clinical effectiveness and safety with microfracture, the commonly utilized reparative treatment for knee chondral or osteochondral defects.

Materials And Methods: Conducted as a prospective multicenter, randomized controlled, non-inferiority trial across nine hospitals, the study involved 92 patients with International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grade 3 to 4 chondral or osteochondral lesions on femoral condyles.

Glucose Upregulates ChREBP via Phosphorylation of AKT and AMPK to Modulate MALT1 and WISP1 Expression.

Glucose can activate the carbohydrate response element binding protein (ChREBP) transcription factor to control gene expressions in the metabolic pathways. The way of ChREBP involvement in human prostate cancer development remains undetermined. This study examined the interactions between prostate fibroblasts and cancer cells under the influences of ChREBP.

Effects of a Smartphone App-Based Intervention on Rheumatoid Arthritis Self-Management Efficacy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Self-management programs can help patients with rheumatoid arthritis develop strategies to address their disease-related problems. However, accessibility to traditional self-management programs is often limited.

Purpose: This study was developed to assess the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of a smartphone-delivered self-management program application (app) for adults with rheumatoid arthritis.