Deep learning-based Monte Carlo dose prediction for heavy-ion online adaptive radiotherapy and fast quality assurance: A feasibility study.

Background: Online adaptive radiotherapy (OART) and rapid quality assurance (QA) are essential for effective heavy ion therapy (HIT). However, there is a shortage of deep learning (DL) models and workflows for predicting Monte Carlo (MC) doses in such treatments.

Purpose: This study seeks to address this gap by developing a DL model for independent MC dose (MCDose) prediction, aiming to facilitate OART and rapid QA implementation for HIT.

Lesion-based grading system using clinicopathological and MRI features for predicting positive surgical margins in prostate cancer.

Objectives: To develop and validate a lesion-based grading system using clinicopathological and MRI features for predicting positive surgical margin (PSM) following robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) among prostate cancer (PCa) patients.

Methods: Consecutive MRI examinations of patients undergoing RALP for PCa were retrospectively collected from two medical institutions. Patients from center 1 undergoing RALP between January 2020 and December 2021 were included in the derivation cohort and those between January 2022 and December 2022 were allocated to the validation cohort.

Plasma membrane-associated ARAF condensates fuel RAS-related cancer drug resistance.

RAF protein kinases are major RAS effectors that function by phosphorylating MEK. Although all three RAF isoforms share a conserved RAS binding domain and bind to GTP-loaded RAS, only ARAF uniquely enhances RAS activity. Here we uncovered the molecular basis of ARAF in regulating RAS activation.

Platinum drugs upregulate CXCR4 and PD-L1 expression via ROS-dependent pathways, with implications for novel combined treatment in gastric cancer.

CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) are two critical molecules involved in the tumor immune microenvironment. However, the impact of platinum drugs, such as cisplatin, on CXCR4 or PD-L1 expression and the underlying mechanisms in gastric cancer (GC) remain unknown. Moreover, the correlation between their expression levels in GC remains elusive.

Immunological characteristics of peripheral T cells as prognostic markers for Camrelizumab and Apatinib combination therapy in advanced squamous non-small-cell lung cancer.

Purpose: To determine the characteristic changes of peripheral blood T cells and identify potential biomarkers that associated with the clinical efficacy of combined immunotherapy and anti-angiogenic therapy in patients with advanced squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods: We performed a comprehensive immunological assessment of peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples from advanced squamous NSCLC patients before and after combination of immunotherapy (Camrelizumab) and anti-angiogenic therapy (Apatinib) using spectral flow cytometry. Correlations between these immunological features and clinical efficacy were analyzed.

Targeted editing of CCL5 with CRISPR-Cas9 nanoparticles enhances breast cancer immunotherapy.

Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide. Immunotherapy, a promising therapeutic approach, often faces challenges due to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. This study explores the innovative use of CRISPR-Cas9 technology in conjunction with FCPCV nanoparticles to target and edit the C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 5 (CCL5) gene, aiming to improve the efficacy of breast cancer immunotherapy.

Stromal architecture and fibroblast subpopulations with opposing effects on outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Dissecting the spatial heterogeneity of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) is vital for understanding tumor biology and therapeutic design. By combining pathological image analysis with spatial proteomics, we revealed two stromal archetypes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with different biological functions and extracellular matrix compositions. Using paired single-cell RNA and epigenomic sequencing with Stereo-seq, we revealed two fibroblast subsets CAF-FAP and CAF-C7, whose spatial enrichment strongly correlated with the two stromal archetypes and opposing patient prognosis.

Deep learning based analysis of G3BP1 protein expression to predict the prognosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Background: Ras-GTPase-activating protein (GAP)-binding protein 1 (G3BP1) emerges as a pivotal oncogenic gene across various malignancies, notably including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The use of automated image analysis tools for immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of particular proteins is highly beneficial, as it could reduce the burden on pathologists. Interestingly, there have been no prior studies that have examined G3BP1 IHC staining using digital pathology.

The Ubiquitin Ligase CHIP Accelerates Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Metastasis via the Transgelin-Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Axis.

The carboxyl-terminus of Hsp70-interacting protein (CHIP) plays crucial roles in tumorigenesis and immunity, with previous studies suggesting a double-edged sword in thyroid cancer. However, its precise functions and underlying molecular mechanisms in thyroid cancer remained unclear. Here, we demonstrate through immunohistochemistry (IHC) that CHIP expression progressively increases from normal thyroid tissue to primary papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and lymph node metastases, with CHIP levels positively correlating with lymph node metastasis ( = 0.

Exploration of the Combined Mechanism of Direct and Indirect Effects of Paeoniflorin in the Treatment of Cholestasis.

Cholestasis is a multifactorial hepatobiliary disorder, characterized by obstruction of bile flow and accumulation of bile, which in turn causes damage to liver cells and other tissues. In severe cases, it can result in the development of life-threatening conditions, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. Paeoniflorin (PF) has been demonstrated to possess favourable therapeutic potential for the treatment of cholestasis.

The role of canopy family proteins: biological mechanism and disease function.

Canopy family proteins are highly sequence-conserved proteins with an N-terminal hydrophobic signal sequence, a unique pattern of six cysteine residues characteristic of the saposin-like proteins, and a C-terminal putative endoplasmic reticulum retention signal sequence. At present, the known canopy family proteins are canopy fibroblast growth factor signaling regulator 1 (CNPY1), CNPY2, CNPY3, and CNPY4. Despite similar structures, canopy family proteins regulate complex signal networks to participate in various biological processes.

Absolute risk prediction for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma adaptable to regional disease burden across diverse regions.

Background: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) exhibits a long latency period and has a significant geographical disparity in incidence, which underscores the need for models predicting the long-term absolute risk adaptable to regional disease burden.

Methods: 31,883 participants in a large-scale population-based screening trial (Hua County, China) were enrolled to develop the model. Severe dysplasia and above (SDA) identified at screening or follow-up were defined as the outcome.

Zinc finger protein 169 promotes tumor progress of hepatocellular cancer via up-regulating cyclin-dependent kinase 19.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks among the most prevalent types of cancer globally. Zinc finger protein 169 (ZNF169) holds significant importance as a transcription factor, yet its precise function in HCC remains to be elucidated. This study aims to examine the clinical importance, biological functions, and molecular pathways associated with ZNF169 in the development of HCC.

High-Viability Circulating Tumor Cells Sorting From Whole Blood at Single Cell Level Using Laser-Induced Forward Transfer-Assisted Microfiltration.

The efficient isolation and molecular analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from whole blood at single-cell level are crucial for understanding tumor metastasis and developing personalized treatments. The viability of isolated cells is the key prerequisite for the downstream molecular analysis, especially for RNA sequencing. This study develops a laser-induced forward transfer -assisted microfiltration system (LIFT-AMFS) for high-viability CTC enrichment and retrieval from whole blood.

Multifractal Spectrum Analysis for Assessing Pulmonary Nodule Malignancy.

Non-invasive assessment of pulmonary nodule malignancy remains a critical challenge in lung cancer diagnosis. Traditional methods often lack precision in differentiating benign from malignant nodules, particularly in the early stages. This study introduces an approach using multifractal spectrum analysis to quantitatively evaluate pulmonary nodule characteristics.

Identifying Primary Sites of Spinal Metastases: Expert-Derived Features vs. ResNet50 Model Using Nonenhanced MRI.

Background: The spinal column is a frequent site for metastases, affecting over 30% of solid tumor patients. Identifying the primary tumor is essential for guiding clinical decisions but often requires resource-intensive diagnostics.

Purpose: To develop and validate artificial intelligence (AI) models using noncontrast MRI to identify primary sites of spinal metastases, aiming to enhance diagnostic efficiency.

Integrated Genomics Reveal Potential Resistance Mechanisms of PANoptosis-Associated Genes in Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is marked by the proliferation of abnormal myeloid progenitor cells in the bone marrow and blood, leading to low cure rates despite new drug approvals from 2017 to 2018. Current therapies often fail due to the emergence of drug resistance mechanisms, such as those involving anti-apoptotic pathways and immune evasion, highlighting an urgent need for novel approaches to overcome these limitations. Programmed cell death (PCD) is crucial for tissue homeostasis, with PANoptosis-a form of PCD integrating pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis-recently identified.

Malnutrition exacerbating neuropsychiatric symptoms on the Alzheimer's continuum is relevant to the cAMP signaling pathway: Human and mouse studies.

Introduction: Malnutrition correlates with neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPSs) in Alzheimer's disease (AD); however, the potential mechanism underlying this association remains unclear.

Methods: Baseline and longitudinal associations of nutritional status with NPSs were analyzed in 374 patients on the AD continuum and 61 healthy controls. Serum biomarkers, behavioral tests, cerebral neurotransmitters, and differentially gene expression were evaluated in standard and malnourished diet-fed transgenic APPswe/PSEN1dE9 (APP/PS1) mice.

Inflammation and Immune Escape in Ovarian Cancer: Pathways and Therapeutic Opportunities.

Ovarian cancer (OC) remains one of the most lethal gynecological malignancies, largely due to its late-stage diagnosis and high recurrence rates. Chronic inflammation is a critical driver of OC progression, contributing to immune evasion, tumor growth, and metastasis. Inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-8, as well as key signaling pathways such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), are upregulated in OC, promoting a tumor-promoting environment.

ScRNA-seq unveils the functional characteristics of glioma-associated macrophages and the regulatory effects of chlorogenic acid on the immune microenvironment-a study based on mouse models and clinical practice.

Introduction: Glioma is the most common primary malignant brain tumor. Despite advances in surgical techniques and treatment regimens, the therapeutic effects of glioma remain unsatisfactory. Immunotherapy has brought new hope to glioma patients, but its therapeutic outcomes are limited by the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment (TME).

Advances in prostate-specific membrane antigen-targeted theranostics: from radionuclides to near-infrared fluorescence technology.

Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) is a highly expressed and structurally unique target specific to prostate cancer (PCa). Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in nuclear medicine, coupling PSMA ligands with radionuclides, have shown significant clinical success. PSMA-PET/CT effectively identifies tumors and metastatic lymph nodes for imaging purposes, while -PSMA-617 (Pluvicto) has received FDA approval for treating metastatic castration-resistant PCa (mCRPC).

Unlocking the future: Mitochondrial genes and neural networks in predicting ovarian cancer prognosis and immunotherapy response.

Background: Mitochondrial genes are involved in tumor metabolism in ovarian cancer (OC) and affect immune cell infiltration and treatment responses.

Aim: To predict prognosis and immunotherapy response in patients diagnosed with OC using mitochondrial genes and neural networks.

Methods: Prognosis, immunotherapy efficacy, and next-generation sequencing data of patients with OC were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus.

Cohort study on the treatment of mutant metastatic colorectal cancer with integrated Chinese and western medicine.

Background: Patients with mutant metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) have a low incidence rate, poor biological activity, suboptimal response to conventional treatments, and a poor prognosis. In the previous cohort study on mCRC conducted by our team, it was observed that integrated Chinese and Western medicine treatment could significantly prolong the overall survival (OS) of patients with colorectal cancer. Therefore, we further explored the survival benefits in the population with mutant mCRC.

Tumor-Stroma Ratio is a Critical Indicator of Peritoneal Metastasis in Gastric Cancer.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the correlation between the tumor-stroma ratio (TSR) and peritoneal metastasis (PM) in gastric cancer (GC) and constructs a diagnostic model based on preoperative examination data.

Methods: To determine the feasibility of obtaining TSR in GC patients through preoperative examinations, the consistency of TSR between endoscopic biopsy tissues and postoperative histopathological tissues was evaluated. Additionally, the correlation between TSR and PM in GC was analyzed using Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets.

Mechanisms of Cancer-Induced Bone Pain.

Bone is a common site of advanced cancer metastasis, second only to the lungs and liver. Cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP) is a persistent and intense pain that is caused by a combination of inflammatory and neuropathic factors. As CIBP progresses, the degree of pain intensifies.