Tannic acid-modified FK506-loaded nanoparticles targeting lymph nodes for acute heart transplant rejection treatment.

Significant efforts have been made to deliver immunosuppressants-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) to lymph nodes (LNs) to mitigate transplant rejection. However, conventional administration techniques encounter challenges in enhancing the retention of NPs in the LNs. Attributing the strong affinity of tannic acid (TA) molecules to the elastin of LN conduits, we developed a novel formulation of NPs encapsulating Tacrolimus (FK506), and subsequently modified with TA to produce TA-FNP with a final diameter of approximately 86.

Ribosomal protein L6 suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma by modulating FBXO22-mediated p53 degradation.

The ribosomal protein L6 (RPL6) is significant in the progression of different cancer types. However, its precise role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. This research demonstrated that the expression levels of RPL6 are notably decreased in HCC tissues.

A novel piperine derivative HJJ_3_5 inhibits colorectal cancer progression by modulating EMT signaling pathways.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a fatal cancer prevalent worldwide, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key factor in tumor invasion and metastasis. Piperine, a natural alkaloid known for its antitumor properties, faces limitations in clinical use due to its moderate potency. To address this, our team synthesized and validated a new derivative, HJJ_3_5, which has shown potent antitumor activity against CRC cells.

Intermittent Fasting Ameliorates β-Amyloid Deposition and Cognitive Impairment Accompanied by Decreased Lipid Droplet Aggregation Within Microglia in an Alzheimer's Disease Model.

Scope: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia, lack of effective therapeutic interventions. In this study, we investigate the impact of intermittent fasting (IF), an alternative strategy of calorie restriction, on cognitive functions and AD-like pathology in a transgenic mouse model of AD.

Methods And Results: APP/PS1 mice at 6 months were randomly allocated to two dietary groups: one receiving ad libitum (AL) feeding and the other undergoing IF for 1 month.

Utilizing Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing for Rapid, Accurate, and Cost-Effective Pathogen Detection in Lower Respiratory Tract Infections.

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic performance and clinical impact of targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) in patients with suspected lower respiratory tract infections.

Methods: Following propensity score matching, we compared the diagnostic performances of tNGS and metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS). Furthermore, the diagnostic performance of tNGS was compared with that of culture, and its clinical impact was assessed.

F-FDG PET/CT findings in a mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma patient coexisting with primary myelofibrosis.

A 61-year-old male presented with hematemesis and melena. Biopsy and immunohistochemistry confirmed mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma in the posterior wall of the gastric antrum, prompting further evaluation with F-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). In addition to elevated uptake in the gastric antrum, F-FDG PET/CT showed diffuse uptake in multiple bone marrow, initially suspected to indicate bone marrow involvement by lymphoma.

Targeting the chemokines in acute graft-versus-host disease.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) constitutes a critical therapeutic approach for patients with malignant hematological disorders. Nevertheless, acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), one of the most prevalent complications associated with HSCT, remains a leading contributor to non-relapse mortality. In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on the interplay between chemokines and their receptors in the context of acute GVHD.

Exploring the relationship between illness perception, self-transcendence, and demoralization in patients with lung cancer: A latent profile and mediation analysis.

Objective: This study examined the heterogeneity of illness perceptions in patients with lung cancer and evaluated the mediating role of self-transcendence in the relation between illness perception and demoralization.

Methods: A convenience sample of 477 patients with lung cancer was selected from three tertiary hospitals in Wuhan, China, between January and June 2024. Participants completed the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, Self-Transcendence Scale, and Demoralization Scale.

Research focus and theme evolution on enhanced external counterpulsation: A bibliometric analysis.

Aims: The study delved into the identification of key research areas and evolving trends within the domain of Enhanced External Counterpulsation, aiming to gain comprehensive insights into the subject matter.

Methods: Utilizing the sophisticated search parameter of 'topic' (TS) on the Web of Science (WoS) database, the necessary information was retrieved. This research employed an array of tools for effective data extraction, analysis, and visualization, which included Microsoft Excel for tabular management, HistCite Pro for citation analysis, GunnMap for geographical mapping, BibExcel for bibliometric assessments, and VOSviewer for network visualization purposes.

Strategies for specific multimodal imaging of cancer-associated fibroblasts and applications in theranostics of cancer.

Fibroblast activating protein (FAP) is up-regulated in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) of more than 90 % of tumor microenvironment and also highly expressed on the surface of multiple tumor cells like glioblastoma, which can be used as a specific target for tumor diagnosis and treatment. At present, small-molecule radiotracer targeting FAP with high specificity exhibit limited functionality, which hinders the integration of theranostics as well as multifunctionality. In this work, we have engineered a multifunctional nanoplatform utilizing organic melanin nanoparticles that specifically targets FAP, facilitating both multimodal imaging and synergistic therapeutic applications.

Effect of different scanning threshold triggers on the image quality of brain computed tomography angiography: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: The scanning trigger threshold affects image quality. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different scanning trigger thresholds on brain computed tomography angiography (CTA) image quality.

Methods: In this prospective study, 80 patients undergoing brain CTA examinations with dual-layer CT (DLCT) were randomly divided into group A and group B, with 40 patients in each group.

Update on the treatment navigation for functional cure of chronic hepatitis B: expert consensus 2.0.

As new evidence emerges, treatment strategies toward the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B are evolving. In 2019, a panel of national hepatologists published a Consensus Statement on the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B. Currently, an international group of hepatologists has been assembled to evaluate research since the publication of the original consensus, and to collaboratively develop the updated statements.

Global, Regional, and National Burden of Low Back Pain: Findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 and Projections to 2050.

Study Design: This was an observational study.

Objective: Assessing the global burden of disease for low back pain (LBP) using the 2021 GBD (Global Burden of Disease) database.

Summary Of Background Data: LBP is a leading cause of workforce loss and disability.

Fusion of tumor cells and mesenchymal stem/stroma cells: a source of tumor heterogeneity, evolution and recurrence.

The heterogeneity and evolution of tumors remain significant obstacles in cancer treatment, contributing to both therapy resistance and relapse. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent stromal cells within the tumor microenvironment that interact with tumor cells through various mechanisms, including cell fusion. While previous research has largely focused on the effects of MSC-tumor cell fusion on tumor proliferation, migration, and tumorigenicity, emerging evidence indicates that its role in tumor maintenance, evolution, and recurrence, particularly under stress conditions, may be even more pivotal.

Construction and validation of nomograms to predict central lymph node metastasis in clinical node-negative unilateral papillary thyroid carcinoma.

The scope of neck lymph node dissection remains controversial for unilateral papillary thyroid carcinoma (UPTC) patients with no clinical evidence of lymph node metastasis (cN0). This study aims to build and validate a model for predicting central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) in UPTC patients through preoperative basic information and intraoperative rapid frozen pathology results. Retrospective analysis covered 1928 patients with PTC from the Wuhan Union Hospital database (2010-2020), randomly split into training and validation sets in a 7:3 ratio.

Genetic mapping of serum metabolome to chronic diseases among Han Chinese.

Serum metabolites are potential regulators for chronic diseases. To explore the genetic regulation of metabolites and their roles in chronic diseases, we quantified 2,759 serum metabolites and performed genome-wide association studies (GWASs) among Han Chinese individuals. We identified 184 study-wide significant (p < 1.

Dedicator of Cytokinesis 2 regulates cytoskeletal actin dynamics and is essential for platelet biogenesis and functions.

Aims: Dedicator of Cytokinesis 2 (DOCK2), a member of the DOCK family of Guanine nucleotide exchange factors that specifically act on the Rho GTPases including Rac and Cdc42, plays pivotal roles in the regulation of leukocyte homeostasis. However, its functions in platelets remain unknown.

Methods And Results: Using mice with genetic deficiency of DOCK2 (Dock2-/-), we showed that Dock2-/-mice exhibited a macrothrombocytopenic phenotype characterized as decreased platelet count and enlarged platelet size by transmission electron microscopy.

Histogram of Apparent Diffusion Coefficient to Evaluate the Activity of Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the activity of extraocular muscles (EOMs) in patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) using turbo spin echo imaging. By analyzing tissue heterogeneity, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) histogram analysis offers enhanced insights into edema within the EOMs.

Methods: Eighty-eight patients with TAO were retrospectively evaluated and allocated into active (n = 24, clinical activity score [CAS] ≥ 3) and inactive (n = 64, CAS < 3) groups.

Computed Tomography-Based Radiomics and Genomics Analyses for Survival Prediction of Stage III Unresectable Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treated With Definitive Chemoradiotherapy and Immunotherapy.

The standard therapy for locally unresectable advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is comprised of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) before immunotherapy (IO) consolidation. However, how to predict treatment outcomes and recognize patients that will benefit from IO remain unclear. This study aimed to identify prognostic biomarkers by integrating computed tomography (CT)-based radiomics and genomics.

Genetic insights into visceral obesity with health conditions, from disease susceptibility to therapeutic intervention.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between visceral obesity and various disease traits, as well as to identify potential safe targets for the prevention and treatment of visceral obesity.

Study Design: Univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were performed to examine the associations between visceral obesity and 1883 disease traits. Furthermore, we assessed the potential effect of 1684 protein expressions on visceral obesity using the available quantitative trait locus data for plasma proteins.

Integrating bioinformatics and machine learning to identify AhR-related gene signatures for prognosis and tumor microenvironment modulation in melanoma.

Background: The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) pathway significantly influences immune cell regulation, impacting the effectiveness of immunotherapy and patient outcomes in melanoma. However, the specific downstream targets and mechanisms by which AhR influences melanoma remain insufficiently understood.

Methods: Melanoma samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and normal skin tissues from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) database were analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes, which were intersected with a curated list of AhR-related pathway genes.

Chemokine family significance and prognostic value in colorectal cancer.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a substantial global health concern, exhibits inconspicuous early symptoms, and is typically diagnosed at advanced stages leading to unfavorable outcomes. The intricate tumor microenvironment plays a crucial role in CRC development and progression, where chemokines contribute significantly. These chemokines exhibit widespread expression within tumor cells, facilitating immune cell infiltration, angiogenesis, and the establishment of distant metastases.

Roles and therapeutic opportunities of ω-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in lung cancer.

Over the past decades, researchers have continuously investigated the potential functions of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) in cancers, including lung cancer. The ω-3 LCPUFAs, primarily consisting of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, were found to modify inflammatory tumor microenvironment, induce cancer cell apoptosis and autophagy, and suppress tumor development when administered alone or with other therapeutical strategies. Although the precise anti-tumor mechanism has not been elucidated yet, ω-3 LCPUFAs are often used in the nutritional treatment of patients with cancer due to their ability to significantly improve patient's nutritional status, increase the sensitivity of tumor cells to treatments, and alleviate cancer-related complications.