Expression, purification and immunogenicity analyses of receptor binding domain protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 from delta variant.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. The receptor binding domain (RBD), located at the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, contains most of the neutralizing epitopes during viral infection and is an ideal antigen for vaccine development. In this study, bioinformatic analysis of the amino acid sequence data of SARS-CoV-2 RBD protein for the better understanding of molecular characteristics was performed.

Surface Composition Impacts Selectivity of ZnTe Photocathodes in Photoelectrochemical CO Reduction Reaction.

Light-driven reduction of CO into chemicals using a photoelectrochemical (PEC) approach is considered as a promising way to meet the carbon neutral target. The very top surface of the photoelectrode and semiconductor/electrolyte interface plays a pivotal role in defining the performance for PEC CO reduction. However, such impact remains poorly understood.

High school students' social media use predicts school engagement and burnout: the moderating role of social media self-control.

Students' social media use has quickly gained attention given the effect of considerable time spent on and widespread usage of social media on their development and success. The study aimed to examine whether high school students' social media use predicts more school engagement and less burnout for those who were more successful in controlling their social media use in goal-conflict situations. A sample of 107 Chinese high school students (  = 19.

Construction of a cuproptosis-tricarboxylic acid cycle-associated lncRNA model to predict the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer.

Background: In cuproptosis, excess copper ions induce cell death via fatty acylation in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. However, the effects of cuproptosis-TCA-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) on the clinical prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the associated tumor microenvironment remain unclear. The purpose of this study is to use cuproptosis-TCA related lncRNAs to predict the prognosis of NSCLC.

Radiomic signatures of brain metastases on MRI: utility in predicting pathological subtypes of lung cancer.

Background: The pathological sub-classification of lung cancer is crucial in diagnosis, treatment and prognosis for patients. Quick and timely identification of pathological subtypes from imaging examinations rather than histological tests could help guiding therapeutic strategies. The aim of the study is to construct a non-invasive radiomics-based model for predicting the subtypes of lung cancer on brain metastases (BMs) from multiple magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences.

Construction of a prognostic survival model with tumor immune-related genes for breast cancer.

Background: Numerous studies have demonstrated that immune cell infiltration is a significant predictor in the prognosis of those with breast cancer. This study aimed to develop a prognostic model for undifferentiated breast cancer using immune-related markers.

Methods: Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and prognostic factors were identified from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database.

Neurofibromatosis with diffuse intestinal ganglioneuromatosis: a case report.

Background: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1), a rare autosomal dominant disorder, arises from gene mutations affecting neurofibromin, a Ras GTPase regulator. These mutations activate Ras proteins, triggering clinical symptoms such as skin spots, epilepsy, pain, and tumors. Although gastrointestinal stromal tumors are well-known in NF-1, diffuse intestinal ganglioneuromatosis remains an extremely rare complication.

Clinical and pathological characteristics of HR+ breast cancer with HER2 low and HER2(0) expression: exploring endocrine therapy sensitivity.

Background: The clinical significance of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) low and HER2(0) expression in hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer patients remains uncertain. This study aimed to explore the clinical and pathological characteristics, prognosis, and endocrine therapy (ET) sensitivity among HR+ breast cancer patients with HER2 low and HER2(0) expression.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 390 HR+, HER2-negative breast cancer patients who underwent radical surgery at The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University between December 2014 and December 2017.

IRF5 as a potential immunological biomarker in lung adenocarcinoma.

Background: In the clinic, the primary conventional treatments of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown promise in optimizing therapeutic benefits when combined with other immunotherapies or standard therapies. However, effective biomarkers for distant metastasis or recurrence have yet to be identified, making it difficult to determine the best therapeutic approaches.

Association of branched-chain amino acids and risk of three urologic cancers: a Mendelian randomization study.

Background: Multiple studies suggest a plausible connection between urologic cancers and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) breakdown metabolic enzymes. Nevertheless, there is scarce exploration into the variations in circulating BCAAs. In our research, we utilize bidirectional, two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to predict the link between BCAAs levels and three distinct types of urological tumors.

Mitochondrial cholesterol metabolism related gene model predicts prognosis and treatment response in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: The persistently high mortality and morbidity rates of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain a global concern. Notably, the disruptions in mitochondrial cholesterol metabolism (MCM) play a pivotal role in the progression and development of HCC, underscoring the significance of this metabolic pathway in the disease's etiology. The purpose of this research was to investigate genes associated with MCM and develop a model for predicting the prognostic features of patients with HCC.

The high levels of fibrinogen and platelets are associated with poor survival in nephroblastoma in children.

Background: Pediatric nephroblastoma is the most common abdominal malignancy in children. Hyperfibrinogenemia and thrombocytosis are often associated with malignancy and poor prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between high fibrinogen and platelet levels and the clinicopathologic features as well as overall survival in pediatric nephroblastoma.

Percentage of fat in milk consumption and risk of six cancers: a Mendelian randomization study.

Background: The causal relationship between percentage of fat in milk consumption and cancer risk lacks sufficient investigation. The purpose of this study was to explore whether the percentage of fat in milk consumption is a factor that affects the risk variation of several common types of cancer.

Methods: Mendelian randomization (MR) was performed to estimate the unconfounded causal relationship between the percentage of fat in milk consumption and the risk of six cancers related to milk intake, as well as to assess the associations between body fat percentage and these cancers.

Regulatory T cell-associated gene signature correlates with prognostic risk and immune infiltration in patients with breast cancer.

Background: Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a pivotal role in the development, prognosis, and treatment of breast cancer. This study aimed to develop a Treg-associated gene signature that contributes to predict prognosis and therapy benefits in breast cancer.

Methods: Treg-associated genes were screened based on single-cell RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) in TISCH2 database and the bulk RNA-seq in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database.

Machine learning-based pan-cancer study of classification and mechanism of BRAF inhibitor resistance.

Background: V-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF) inhibitor (BRAFi) therapy resistance affects approximately 15% of cancer patients, leading to disease recurrence and poor prognosis. The aim of the study was to develop a machine-learning based method to identify patients who are at high-risk of BRAFi resistance and potential biomarker.

Methods: From Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) and Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) databases, we collected RNA sequencing and half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC) data from 235 pan-cancer cell lines and then identified 37 significant differential expression genes associated with BRAFi resistance.

KIF18A and CDK1 as combined therapeutic targets in cervical and endometrial carcinomas: based on bioinformatics analysis and experiments.

Background: Chromosomal instability (CIN) has been identified as a factor that increases the susceptibility of tumor cells to kinesin family member 18A (KIF18A) inhibitors. Limited research exists on genes that are associated with sensitization to KIF18A inhibitors (KIF18Ais). Our study aimed to identify a gene linked to heightened sensitivity to KIF18Ais in cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma (CESC) and uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC).

Multi-slice computed tomography radiomics combined with serum alpha-L-fucosidase: a potential biomarker for precise identification of pleomorphic adenoma and Warthin tumor.

Background: The rising incidence of parotid gland tumors, with a focus on pleomorphic adenomas (PMA) and Warthin tumors (WT), necessitates accurate preoperative distinction due to their treatment variability and PMA's malignant potential. Traditional imaging, while valuable, has limited accuracy. This study employs multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) radiomics coupled with serum alpha-L-fucosidase (AFU) levels to develop a diagnostic model aimed at elevating clinical discernment and precision therapy delivery.

A predictive model for advanced esophageal cancer involving the lower third of the esophagus.

Background: Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide, which has severely threatened human health. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic factors and predictors of survival in patients diagnosed with advanced lower third esophageal carcinoma (aLEC). Based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, we developed a model (nomogram) to provide accurate and individualized survival prediction for the patients who have lost the opportunity to undergo radical surgery.

Pulmonary artery choriocarcinoma mimicking pulmonary thromboembolism: a case report.

Background: Primary choriocarcinoma of the pulmonary artery is an exceedingly rare malignant neoplasm, which is often misdiagnosed due to its nonspecific clinical presentation. While this condition is characterized by the presence of trophoblastic cells, typically associated with gestational trophoblastic diseases, we encountered a case occurring in an extragenital location. The rarity of such tumors makes it challenging for clinicians to consider them in differential diagnosis, especially when the initial symptoms mimic more common conditions such as pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE).

may inhibit esophageal squamous cell carcinoma growth and metastasis by regulating the axis.

Background: FOXF2, a member of the transcription factor FOX family proteins, plays a key role in tumorigenesis and tumor aggressiveness. However, the potential molecular mechanism of FOXF2 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains largely unknown. Exploring its role and mechanism in ESCC progression may help identify new diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.

Insight into dipeptidase 1: structure, function, and mechanism in gastrointestinal cancer diseases.

Dipeptidase 1 (DPEP1), initially identified as a renal membrane enzyme in mature human kidneys, plays a pivotal role in various cellular processes. It facilitates the exchange of materials and signal transduction across cell membranes, contributing significantly to dipeptide hydrolysis, glucose and lipid metabolism, immune inflammation, and ferroptosis, among other cellular functions. Extensive research has delineated the complex role of DPEP1 in oncogenesis and tumor progression, with its influence being context dependent.

A multi-gene blood-based methylation assay for early diagnosis of colorectal cancer.

Background: Early detection for colorectal cancer (CRC) can enhance the patient prognosis. We aimed to validate the combined multi-gene detection in plasma of , , , and for early diagnosing of CRC in this prospective study.

Methods: Overall, 124 participants including 45 CRC patients, 8 advanced adenoma patients, 34 small polyp patients, and 37 normal controls who underwent colonoscopy were enrolled.

Treatment of immune checkpoint inhibitor-related colitis: a narrative review.

Background And Objective: Cancer is one of the most difficult diseases facing modern medicine, and increasing amounts of research and clinical treatments are being applied to the treatment of cancer. Immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy, has revolutionized the treatment and overall survival of patients with several different types of cancer. Approximately one-third of patients treated with ICIs may experience immune-related adverse events (irAEs).