Blood lipid metabolic biomarkers are emerging as significant prognostic indicators for survival in cancer patients.

Background: Dyslipidemia is a common comorbidity in patients with cancer, yet the impact of abnormal lipid levels on tumor prognosis remains contentious. This study was conducted to synthesize the current evidence regarding the prognostic utility of blood lipid levels, including high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), and apolipoprotein B (ApoB), in predicting overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in cancer patients.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed across electronic databases to assess the associations between blood lipid levels and OS or DFS in cancer patients.

Engineering bacteria for cancer immunotherapy by inhibiting IDO activity and reprogramming CD8+ T cell response.

Inhibiting indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO) for anticancer therapy has garnered significant attention in recent years. However, current IDO inhibitors face significant challenges which limit their clinical application. Here, we genetically engineered a high tryptophan-expressing (L-Trp CB) strain that can colonize tumors strictly following systemic administration.

Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa-B-Expressing Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Derived Extracellular Vesicles for Osteoporosis Therapy.

The dynamic balance between bone resorption and formation is critical for maintaining healthy bone homeostasis. However, the receptor activator of the nuclear factor B ligand (RANKL) primarily stimulates mature osteoclasts to resorb bone, and its upregulation leads to osteoporosis in patients. Here, we designed RANK-expressing extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from mesenchymal stem cells to maintain bone homeostasis in mice.

Intramedullary schwannoma of conus medullaris with syringomyelia: a case report and literature review.

Intramedullary schwannomas in the conus medullaris are very rare and are usually not associated with syringomyelia. We report a unique case of intramedullary schwannoma in the conus medullaris with long-segment syringomyelia. The patient was a 60-year-old male, initially presenting with left dorsalgia, subsequently developing weakness in the right lower extremity.

Self-Cross-Linked Collagen Sponge from the Scale for Hemostasis and Wound Healing Applications.

Type I collagen, a crucial component maintaining the structural integrity and physiological function of various tissues, is widely regarded as one of the most suitable biomaterials for healthcare applications. In this study, shad scales, used for treating ulcers, scalds, and burns in traditional Chinese medicine, were exploited for type I collagen extraction. After self-assembly into hydrogels, the extracted collagen was subsequently freeze-dried to form collagen sponges.

Characterization and clinical outcomes of outpatients with subacute or chronic post COVID-19 cough: a real-world study.

Background: Limited research exists on the features and management of post-COVID cough. This real-world study investigates outpatients with subacute or chronic post-COVID cough, aiming to delineate characteristics and regimen responses within the population.

Method: We enrolled eligible patients from our outpatient unit between August 2023 and February 2024.

Vitamin D and focal brain atrophy in PD with non-dementia: a VBM study.

Background: The status of vitamin D has been proposed to have an impact on cognition. Gray matter volume (GMV) is a potential marker of cognitive function. We investigated whether lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level was associated with reduced cerebral GMV in Parkinson's disease with non-dementia (PDND) patients.

Bacteria-based biohybrids for remodeling adenosine-mediated immunosuppression to boost radiotherapy-triggered antitumor immune response.

Radiotherapy (RT) can trigger immunogenic cell death (ICD) in tumor cells and release adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to activate antitumor immunity. However, the formation of immunosuppressive adenosine (ADO) mediated by ectonucleotidases including CD39 and CD73, can exacerbate the immunosuppressive effects. Herein, a radiosensitizer-based metal-organic framework (MOF) composed of bismuth (Bi) and ellagic acid (EA) was synthesized in situ on the surface of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) to serve as a carrier for the CD39 inhibitor sodium polyoxotungstate (POM-1).

Radiomics based on dual-layer spectral detector CT for predicting EGFR mutation status in non-small cell lung cancer.

Objective: To explore the value of dual-layer spectral computed tomography (DLCT)-based radiomics for predicting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods: DLCT images and clinical information from 115 patients with NSCLC were collected retrospectively and randomly assigned to a training group (n = 81) and a validation group (n = 34). A radiomics model was constructed based on the DLCT radiomic features by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) dimensionality reduction.

Advances in the pathological mechanisms and clinical treatments of chronic visceral pain.

Chronic visceral pain stems from internal organs and is frequently associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Since the underlying mechanisms of visceral pain remain largely unclear, clinical management is often limited and ineffective. Comprehensive research into the pathogenesis of visceral pain, along with the development of personalized therapeutic strategies, is crucial for advancing treatment options.

Targeting Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Schisandrin A Triggers Mitochondrial Disruption and Ferroptosis.

The main focus of this research was to examine SchA's role in the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. LO2 and Huh7 cell viability were assessed using the MTT assay. The experiments included flow cytometry, colony formation, transwell, wound healing, and immunofluorescence assays to evaluate apoptosis levels, cells colony-forming ability, ROS levels, invasion and migration ability, and mitochondrial membrane potential.

Cytoskeleton dysfunction of motor neuron in spinal muscular atrophy.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by deletions or mutations of survival of motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. To date, the mechanism of selective cell death of motor neurons as a hallmark of SMA is still unclear. The severity of SMA is dependent on the amount of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein, which is an essential and ubiquitously expressed protein involved in various cellular processes including regulation of cytoskeletal dynamics.

Advances in Epidural Labor Analgesia for Obese Parturients.

With the development of society and economy, and the improvement of people's living standards, obesity has gradually become a significant issue not only in China but globally. Epidural anesthesia, being the most commonly used method for labor analgesia in clinical practice, has significantly reduced the pain experienced by parturients during childbirth and decreased the cesarean delivery rate. However, due to the anatomical and physiological differences between obese and non-obese parturients, the effectiveness and techniques of labor analgesia may vary.

A novel annexin dimer targets microglial phagocytosis of astrocytes to protect the brain-blood barrier after cerebral ischemia.

Despite the vital role of astrocytes in preserving blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, their therapeutic potential as targets in ischemic stroke-induced barrier disruption remains underexplored. We previously reported externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) on astrocytic membranes concurrent with the emergence of PS externalization in neurons. PS externalization of astrocytes induced microglial phagocytosis of astrocytes, resulting in reduced astrocyte-vascular coupling and subsequent BBB breakdown.

The Joint Effect of Renal Function Status and Coagulation Biomarkers on In-Hospital Outcomes in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients With Intravenous Thrombolysis.

Objective: To demonstrate whether combining renal function status [estimating glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)] with coagulation biomarkers [fibrinogen (Fg) and d-dimer] is more beneficial in predicting in-hospital outcomes following intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients.

Methods: We studied 417 AIS patients with IVT. According to the cut-offs of coagulation biomarkers (Fg and d-dimer) and eGFR determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, the patients were divided into four groups: LFLG (low Fg and low eGFR), LFHG (low Fg and high eGFR), HFLG (high Fg and low eGFR), and HFHG (high Fg and high eGFR); or LDLG (low d-dimer and low eGFR), LDHG (low d-dimer and high eGFR), HDLG (high d-dimer and low eGFR), and HDHG (high d-dimer and high eGFR).

Cytotoxicity of natural and synthetic cannabinoids and their synergistic antiproliferative effects with cisplatin in human ovarian cancer cells.

Introduction: Cannabinoids are reported to suppress the growth of ovarian cancer cells, but it is unclear whether structural modifications can improve their cytotoxic effects.

Methods: Herein, an investigation into the antiproliferative effects of natural cannabinoids on human ovarian cancer Caov-3 cells identified cannabidiol (CBD) as the most promising cannabinoid. Furthermore, chemical modifications of CBD yielded a group of derivatives with enhanced cytotoxicity in Caov-3 cells.

Incremental long-term benefit of drug therapies for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in quality of life but not mortality: a network meta-analysis.

Introduction: The latest evidence revealed that dupilumab, an interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13) blocker, significantly reduces the exacerbation risk in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The efficacy of dupilumab compared with conventional inhaled drugs remains incompletely determined. This study aimed to investigate the comparative efficacy of dupilumab and conventional inhaled drugs in patients with stable COPD.

A Prediction Model for Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting After Laparoscopic Surgery for Gynecologic Cancers.

Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is among the most common adverse events, accompanied with impaired prognosis. This study aimed to investigate independent predictors for PONV after laparoscopic surgery for gynecologic cancers and identify a nomogram model.

Methods: Elderly patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for gynecologic cancers between 2021 and 2024 were retrospectively enrolled.

Anti-PD-1 antibody (Tislelizumab) combined with gemcitabine and oxaliplatin for extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma failing asparaginase: A multicenter phase II trial.

Background: Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTCL) is almost always fatal after the failure of asparaginase. This phase II study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of tislelizumab combined with gemcitabine and oxaliplatin (Tisle-GemOx) in patients with ENKTCL failing asparaginase.

Methods: Eligible patients received Tisle-GemOx as initial induction for 6-8 cycles at 21-day intervals.

Gut microbiota-mediated hsa_circ_0126925 targets BCAA metabolic enzyme BCAT2 to exacerbate colorectal cancer progression.

Recent evidence indicates that a high-fat diet (HFD) can promote tumor development, especially colorectal cancer (CRC), by influencing the microbiota. Regulatory circular RNAs (circRNAs) play an important role in modulating host-microbe interactions; however, the specific mechanisms by which circRNAs influence cancer progression by regulating these interactions remain unclear. Here, we report that consumption of a HFD modulates the microbiota by specifically upregulating the expression of the noncoding RNA hsa_circ_0126925 (herein referred to as circ_0126925) in CRC.