The three most prevalent malignant skin tumors are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and cutaneous melanoma (CM). While BCC and SCC generally exhibit low levels of malignancy, some tumors can become invasive and metastasize. In contrast, CM is the most malignant and lethal form of skin cancer among these three. In recent years, the increasing incidence of skin tumors has garnered significant attention within the medical community. The advent of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology has revolutionized the analysis of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in skin tumors, offering novel insights for clinical research. In this review, we provide a concise introduction to scRNA-seq technology and its application in delineating the heterogeneity of the TME in skin tumors, elucidating the mechanisms of tumor progression and pathogenicity, and uncovering new therapeutic targets. Our review offers a comprehensive overview for researchers, offering insights that may advance the understanding of the skin TME in future studies.

Breast cancer (BC) is a growing global health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Variants of unknown significance (VUS) in BC genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, complicate genetic counseling and treatment decisions, emphasizing the need for reclassification. This systematic review aimed to determine the spectrum of VUS in BRCA1 and BRCA2 among BC patients from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and to evaluate the current understanding and potential reclassification of these variants. A comprehensive search was conducted across electronic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Embase, for studies published up to early 2024. The review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies conducted in the MENA region that focused on BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 in BC and/or ovarian cancer, reported on VUS prevalence, and analyzed coding regions or known mutations. Data extraction was performed using a standardized form, and VUS was reviewed through multiple databases. The review identified 34 eligible studies, with a slight predominance of Middle Eastern studies (n = 18) over North African (n = 16) studies. On reclassification using the ClinVar database, 26% of the VUS were reclassified as benign or likely benign, 34.5% presented conflicting interpretations of pathogenicity, 2% were reclassified as pathogenic or likely pathogenic, and 16.5% remained uncertain. The remaining variants were either not reported or lacked classification. The included studies covered multiple countries in the MENA region, providing insights into the prevalence and characteristics of BRCA1 and BRCA2 VUS in BC patients. The continuous reclassification of VUS is essential for enhancing genetic counseling for BC patients, as it helps clarify the clinical implications of these variants. The findings contribute to understanding the genetic factors in BC susceptibility and may inform clinical practices in genetic counseling and risk assessment in this population.

Integrative medicine (IM) aims to create a comprehensive healthcare system by combining conventional medicine with complementary and alternative approaches. This model prioritizes patients, emphasizing the importance of the doctor-patient relationship. By integrating the most beneficial elements of both conventional and complementary medicine, patients can benefit from enhanced therapeutic outcomes while minimizing risks associated with their combination. Given this complexity, patients need access to qualified IM practitioners who can provide guidance on the potential benefits and drawbacks of these combined approaches. One notable complementary approach is prophetic medicine (PM), particularly prevalent in Muslim communities. This practice offers preventive and curative treatments based on the teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad. Its global recognition is on the rise, attracting increasing interest from scientists regarding its potential benefits. For instance, cupping therapy, a technique employed in PM, has been shown to offer advantages over conventional medications for various ailments, including pain management and blood conditions, such as thalassemia, offering potentially superior outcomes. A precise delineation of the scope of PM practices is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the methodologies employed, their potential integration into contemporary healthcare systems, and the multifaceted factors influencing patient outcomes. By combining conventional medical practices with the principles of PM, IM can provide a more holistic approach to patient care. Hence, this paper explores this new model, its diverse applications, and its potential impact on IM.

Dental implants have become a common dental practice that dentists encounter daily in clinical settings. With this widespread use, peri-implant diseases have also become increasingly prevalent. Similar to periodontitis in natural teeth, peri-implant diseases are primarily caused by microorganisms, which are also referred to as peri-implant pathogens. This causal relationship forms the foundation of our review. This article provides an overview of peri-implant diseases, examines the microbial profile around implant surfaces in both healthy and diseased states, and compares this profile to that of natural teeth. A review of several studies on the microbial profile of dental implants indicates that key periodontal pathogens, including species from the red complex and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, are frequently detected at high percentages in cases of peri-implantitis. However, peri-implantitis is also associated with microorganisms not typically linked to periodontitis. Despite the evident similarities between the microflora of dental implants and natural teeth, it remains premature to conclude that peri-implantitis and periodontitis share an identical microbial profile.

The scientific literature extensively discusses the role of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the etiology of type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the specific mechanisms linking SNPs to T2D remain incompletely understood. Historically, the development of T2D has been attributed to insulin resistance and dysfunction in insulin secretion. The primary aim of this review is to assess the risk of T2D based on its pathophysiology through genetic analysis, with a particular focus on Asian populations, given the ethnic variability in SNPs, and to propose personalized therapeutic strategies. This review identified SNPs involved in insulin regulation, including those related to insulin synthesis and secretion, insulin degradation, peripheral insulin sensitivity, and circadian rhythms. Furthermore, SNPs influencing the response to T2D medications, including biguanides, thiazolidinediones, non-sulfonylurea secretagogues, and sulfonylureas have been identified. Identification of SNPs associated with T2D risk and drug responses suggests that genetic screening could play a key role in both prevention and treatment, offering personalized strategies based on an individual’s genetic profile. Moreover, early identification of SNPs before disease manifestation presents an opportunity for prevention, as epigenetic factors influenced by lifestyle changes may alter disease risk. Further studies are needed to fully understand the mechanisms linking SNPs to T2D and to develop personalized therapies, with a particular focus on Asian populations.

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies among women worldwide and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Studying gene mutations associated with BC risk in Kazakh women can help identify hereditary predispositions and facilitate early prevention. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology was used to sequence 113 candidate genes, followed by bioinformatics analysis, on BC patients from Western Kazakhstan. NGS sequencing revealed 28 polymorphisms from the genome-wide association studies catalog, seven of which were identified as statistically significant risk polymorphisms for BC: RARG (Rs2229774), FGFR2 (Rs2981582), ATM (Rs1800057), MAP3K1 (Rs889312), BRCA2 (Rs11571833), FGFR2 (Rs7895676), and FGFR2 (Rs1219648). Inheritance model analysis showed that the polymorphism in the Rs2981582 of the FGFR2 gene increased the likelihood of developing BC across four inheritance models. The Rs2229774 polymorphism of the RARG gene elevated BC risk in three models, whereas the Rs889312 polymorphism of the MAP3K1 gene did so in two models. The Rs137852985 polymorphism of the BRIP1 gene raised BC risk in four models, and Rs137852576 of the AR gene increased the risk in the codominant model. In a one-factor risk prediction, 32 significant factors were identified, with risks ranging from 69.7% to 90.6%. The combination of polymorphisms “Rs2229774 (AG),” “Rs889312 (AA, CC),” and “Age <54 years” yielded a high-risk assessment (95.8%), with a predictive quality score of 0.88. Overall, NGS sequencing identified six statistically significant gene polymorphisms (ATM Rs1800057, RARG Rs2229774, BRCA2 Rs11571833, MAP3K1 Rs889312, FGFR2 Rs2981582, and BRIP1 Rs137852985) associated with a high risk of BC in Kazakh women.

Non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) is a prevalent condition in emergency settings, with lesion severity influencing treatment pathways. The SYNTAX score is determined by coronary angiography, which accurately assesses lesion complexity but is an invasive procedure. In contrast, the HEART score - based on history, electrocardiogram, age, risk factors, and troponin - offers a non-invasive, rapid assessment tool. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the HEART score in predicting the severity of coronary lesions, as represented by the SYNTAX score, in patients with NSTE-ACS. This cross-sectional study included 120 patients with NSTE-ACS admitted to Trung Vuong Hospital between December 2023 and September 2024. Patients were assessed for the HEART score and coronary angiography within 48 h of admission. The SYNTAX scores categorized patients into low- (0 - 22), moderate- (23 - 32), or high-risk groups (≥33). Spearman’s correlation was used to assess the HEART-SYNTAX relationship, with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis identifying the optimal HEART score cutoff for predicting SYNTAX ≥23. The mean age of the cohort was 63.9 years, of which 66.7% were men. Common risk factors included hypertension (80.8%), hyperlipidemia (73.3%), and diabetes (25.8%). A significant positive correlation (ρ = 0.819, P < 0.001) was observed between the HEART and SYNTAX scores, with higher HEART scores reflecting greater lesion complexity than SYNTAX scores. ROC analysis yielded an area under the curve of 0.912 (95% CI: 0.862 - 0.963), with a HEART score cutoff of 5 showing 90.6% sensitivity and 83.9% specificity for predicting moderate-to-high SYNTAX scores (≥23). The HEART score is an effective, non-invasive predictor of coronary lesion complexity in patients with NSTE-ACS, significantly correlating with the SYNTAX scores. A HEART score of ≥5 accurately identifies patients at risk for severe coronary disease, supporting its use in rapid, non-invasive risk stratification and facilitating timely intervention in emergency settings.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) through virtual assistants and chatbots is transforming oncology care by providing continuous, personalized, and accessible support. This study aims to evaluate the role of AI-powered tools in improving patient engagement, symptom management, emotional support, and treatment adherence in oncology. A qualitative methodology was employed, which included an extensive review of peer-reviewed literature from 2015 to 2023 and the development of a conceptual framework for oncology-specific chatbot systems. This framework incorporates natural language processing, machine learning, and personalized response algorithms. Key findings from this study indicate that these AI tools enhance access to healthcare information, empower patients, and reduce the burden on healthcare systems, particularly in remote or underserved regions. However, challenges remain concerning data privacy, accuracy, and the need for human intervention in complex cases. The study underscores the importance of maintaining a balance between innovative AI applications and human-centered care, advocating the integration of AI-based technologies as complementary tools in oncology.

Heart failure (HF) is a multifaceted clinical condition associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. It is an increasing public health concern, impacting millions globally and placing considerable strain on healthcare systems. In recent decades, there has been a growing interest in using machine learning techniques to predict HF outcomes. Hence, this study aims to explore the clinical and demographic characteristics associated with HF outcomes using a comprehensive dataset obtained from Kaggle. The dataset, “Heart Failure Clinical Records.csv,” was preprocessed to address missing values and prepared for analysis. Feature importance analysis and correlation matrix computations were conducted to identify significant predictors of death events among HF patients, including age, serum creatinine, and ejection fraction. Various machine learning models, such as logistic regression, random forest, support vector machine, and gradient boosting machine, were employed to predict death events. The results revealed varying levels of performance among the models, with some demonstrating promising accuracy and predictive power. However, further refinement of these predictive models is warranted to enhance clinical decision-making and patient care in HF management. Overall, this study underscores the value of data-driven approaches in understanding HF outcomes and highlights the necessity for ongoing research in this field.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) poses significant challenges due to its aggressiveness and resistance to standard therapies, necessitating novel treatments. This study evaluates the anticancer potential of flavonoids isolated from Pistacia chinensis against the glioblastoma U87 cell line. Two flavonoids, 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-5,7-dihydroxy-4H-chromen-4-one (Compound 1) and 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-7,8-dihydroxy-3-methoxy-4H-chromen-4-one (Compound 2), were isolated using column chromatography and analyzed through in silico techniques, including molecular docking, density functional theory (DFT), and pharmacokinetic profiling. In vitro studies revealed dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity, with Compound 1 demonstrating higher activity, reducing U87 cell viability by up to 70.11% after 48 h at 75 μg/mL. Molecular docking demonstrated its strong binding affinity to mTOR (−10.391 kcal/mol), while DFT confirmed its structural stability. Both compounds displayed favorable absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) profiles, supporting their potential as therapeutic candidates. These findings underscore the significant anti-GBM activity of flavonoids, particularly Compound 1, warranting further in vivo studies to explore their clinical potential as effective GBM treatments.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) encompasses a range of conditions affecting the cardiovascular system, including complications such as heart attacks and hypertension. As a leading global health concern and the primary contributor to mortality worldwide, understanding the mechanisms underlying CVD is critical due to its profound impact on individuals and society. This study explores the intricate landscape of CVD, focusing on key signaling proteins associated with heart attacks and hypertension. The findings highlight nine proteins (transforming growth factor beta 1, apolipoprotein E, nitric oxide synthase 3, plasminogen activator-tissue, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor, glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta, matrix metalloproteinase 9, and angiotensinogen) that are commonly implicated in pathways linked to these conditions, playing essential roles in physiological processes and contributing to the pathogenesis of CVD. In addition, the study emphasizes the significance of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in cardiovascular signaling pathways, identifying androgen receptor (AR), guanine nucleotide-binding protein, alpha stimulating (GNAS), and tumor protein p53 as critical contributors. Dysregulation of AR is linked to hypertension, atherosclerosis, and heart failure, underscoring its potential as a therapeutic target. Similarly, GNAS mutations disrupt signal transduction, impair heart function, and contribute to arteriosclerosis and hypertension. By examining the interplay between signaling proteins, oncogenes, and suppressor genes, this study offers valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms driving CVD. The identified targets provide promising opportunities for future studies aimed at developing targeted therapies for CVD.

Hypoxia and the extracellular matrix (ECM) are critical drivers of metastasis. To comprehensively analyze the development of hypoxia and ECM in cancer and identify potential collaborative relationships, this study employs bibliometric methods to analyze and predict emerging hotspots and potential research directions. This study collected relevant research literature (published in English; 2007 - 2024) from the Web of Science Core Collection using bibliometrics. The research status, hotspots, frontiers, and trends in the field of “hypoxia and ECM and cancer” were analyzed using the R package (bibliometrix). CiteSpace and VOSviewer were employed for visualizing the analysis of authors, countries, institutions, keywords, and co-cited references. A total of 2199 authors from 39 countries contributed to 351 articles published in 201 journals in the research domain. From 2007 to 2024, there was an overall increasing trend, with an average annual growth rate of 13.54%. Developed countries, especially the United States of America (USA) made major contributions, while China, despite its high publication volume, lagged in quality compared to the USA. Notably, Johns Hopkins University demonstrated strong international collaboration. Cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF), tumor microenvironment, and cancer metabolism are current major research areas, with future directions in clinical therapy. The analysis of hypoxia and ECM in cancer using bibliometrics reveals a rapid development from 2007 to 2016. International collaboration has intensified through partnerships with developed countries, resulting in more in-depth research contributions from some developing countries. These research efforts mainly focus on pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, glioblastoma multiforme, and breast cancer. CAF and glucose metabolic reprogramming associated with hypoxia and ECM in cancer have garnered widespread attention. Research in these areas, particularly the challenges of clinical therapy resistance in triple-negative breast cancer closely associated with ECM, is expected to be key focal points in the future.

Nivolumab, in combination with chemotherapy, significantly improves survival in patients with gastric/gastroesophageal junction (G/GEJ)/esophageal adenocarcinoma. The study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of nivolumab plus chemotherapy for the treatment of G/GEJ/esophageal adenocarcinoma. A Markov model was developed from the perspective of United States healthcare payers. We estimated costs and summarized effectiveness in terms of quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the impact of uncertainties on the cost-effectiveness results. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for nivolumab plus chemotherapy (149,636.97,1.24QALYs)comparedtochemotherapyalone(149,636.97,1.24QALYs)comparedtochemotherapyalone(13,941.06, 0.75 QALYs) is $135,695.91, with a difference of 0.49 QALYs. Evidence suggests that nivolumab plus chemotherapy for the first-line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic G/GEJ/esophageal adenocarcinoma may not represent a cost-effective option within the United States healthcare system.

The present study aims to investigate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of the combined use of MaiLuoShuTong pills and dalteparin in managing post-operative hypoparathyroidism following total thyroidectomy. Data from 928 thyroid cancer patients who underwent total thyroidectomy and lymph node dissection at the Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Zibo Central Hospital, between May 2021 and October 2022, were retrospectively analyzed. Among these patients, 261 experienced post-operative decreased parathyroid function. Of these, 151 patients (anticoagulant group) received MaiLuoShuTong pills combined with dalteparin anticoagulant therapy and calcium supplementation starting on post-operative day 1. The remaining 110 patients (control group) received only post-operative calcium supplementation. The incidence of permanent hypoparathyroidism, the average time to normalization of parathyroid function, and the average post-operative days until Hemovac removal and total drainage volume were recorded. Treatment efficacy, as well as serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcium levels were compared between the two groups. The anticoagulant group had a 0% incidence of permanent hypoparathyroidism, which was significantly lower than the 3.64% incidence in the control group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the number of post-operative days until Hemovac removal (P = 0.28) or total drainage volume (P = 0.59) between the two groups. Parathyroid function in the anticoagulant group recovered significantly faster at 15, 30, 90, and 180 days compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Post-operative hypoparathyroidism is a common complication after total thyroidectomy. The combined use of MaiLuoShuTong pills and dalteparin anticoagulant therapy can promote parathyroid function recovery, improve PTH and serum calcium levels, enhance clinical efficacy, reduce the incidence of permanent functional impairment, and ensure a safe and reliable post-operative treatment outcome.

Atherosclerosis is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) are valuable tools for assessing atherosclerotic plaque burden and associated physiological processes. The objective of this study is to evaluate the arterial tissue-to-psoas muscle uptake ratio (TMR) as a metric for assessing the relationship between inflammation and arterial calcification. Thirteen atherosclerotic patients were scanned using fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET/CT. The descending aorta, femoral, and iliac arteries were delineated on PET images and co-registered with corresponding CT slices. Arterial calcium was determined in arterial regions of interest with CT numbers above 130, and calcium level, area, and score were measured and classified into four clusters. FDG aggregation in PET images was assessed using mean TMR, with two cut-off points (1.8 and 2.3). Normality of the FDG signal in the psoas muscle was observed for all participants (p = 0.23). No significant differences in TMR values were observed (TMR, TMR >1.8, and TMR >2.3) across calcium density clusters (p > 0.05). However, a higher calcium area was positively associated with TMR values (p < 0.05) compared to a lower calcium area. The same pattern was observed for calcium score clusters, where higher calcium scores were associated with higher TMR values compared to lower calcium scores (p < 0.05). Using the psoas muscle as a background correction strategy for quantifying FDG uptake is feasible and may help reduce variation seen with a blood-based normalization approach, thus improving the reproducibility of measurements. TMR is a sensitive metric for assessing the relationship between arterial calcification and inflammation. Calcium area is a comparable method to calcium score for quantifying arterial calcium burden.

Gastric cancer (GC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with dietary factors significantly influencing GC risk. However, research on the dietary influences of GC in Middle Eastern populations, particularly in Jordan, remains limited. This study aimed to assess the association between the consumption of grains and legumes and GC risk in a Jordanian population, hypothesizing that refined grains may increase GC risk, while whole grains and legumes may offer protective effects. A case-control study was conducted involving 173 newly diagnosed GC cases and 314 cancer-free controls recruited from major hospitals in Jordan. Data were collected through interview-based questionnaires. Consumption of grains and legumes was assessed using a validated Arabic food frequency questionnaire tailored to Jordanian dietary habits. Statistical analyses were adjusted for key confounders to isolate the impact of dietary intake on GC risk. The findings indicate that a higher intake of refined grains, particularly white bread, is positively associated with an increased risk of GC, as shown by an odds ratio (OR) of 3.13 (confidence interval [CI]: 1.57 - 6.21, p = 0.001). In contrast, moderate rice consumption is linked to a reduced risk of GC (OR = 0.38, CI: 0.18 - 0.81). Legumes, including hummus (OR = 0.48, CI: 0.26 - 0.97) and cooked dried beans (OR = 0.40, CI: 0.20 - 0.81), were found to have protective associations with GC risk. However, the consumption of green peas was unexpectedly associated with an increased GC risk (OR = 2.19, CI: 1.24 - 3.88, p = 0.004), potentially due to preparation methods or consumption patterns. This study provides evidence linking specific grains and legumes to GC risk in Jordan. Refined grains appear to increase GC risk, while legumes may offer protective benefits. These findings underscore the importance of public health interventions that encourage increased consumption of legumes and discourage refined grain intake to mitigate GC risk in similar populations.

Lung cancer (LC) mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), phosphoinositide 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) genes represent promising targets for personalized treatment strategies. This study aims to investigate the mutation profiles of these genes in Moroccan LC patients and examine their correlation with clinicopathological features. In this prospective study, LC specimens were collected from 60 patients. Mutations in specific regions of EGFR (exons 18 - 21), PIK3CA (exons 9 and 20), and HER2 (exon 20) were assessed using polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. Correlation with clinicopathological features was analyzed using Jamovi software. Overall, 25 patients (41.7%, 25/60) harbored mutations in EGFR, and five patients (8.3%, 5/60) had alterations in PIK3CA, while no mutation was found in HER2. Most EGFR mutations were located in exon 21 (19/27), and PIK3CA mutations were found in exons 9 and 20. Interestingly, 3.4% of cases exhibited co-occurring PIK3CA and EGFR mutations. EGFR mutations were observed across multiple histological types, whereas PIK3CA mutations were associated with adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. No notable correlations were found between EGFR mutations and clinicopathological parameters, but a significant association between PIK3CA mutations and age was observed. The occurrence of EGFR and PIK3CA mutations highlights their potential as biomarkers for personalized LC therapy. The absence of HER2 mutations in this cohort warrants further investigation. These findings highlight the importance of expanding molecular profiling to identify additional actionable mutations for tailored treatment in LC patients.

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a genetic disorder characterized by the development of fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys, which can lead to the gradual loss of kidney function over time. This study aimed to explore the health-related quality of life (HRQOL), levels of somatosensory amplification, and perceived stress in patients with ADPKD. A total of 48 patients with ADPKD and 50 healthy volunteers aged 18 and older participated in this study. All patients participating in the study were assessed using the 12-item Short Form Healthy Survey version 2, the Somatosensory Amplification Scale (SSAS), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The scores of the SSAS and the PSS for the patient group were higher but the HRQOL score was lower than those for the healthy group. Upon a simple linear regression analysis, the effect of duration of disease in the polycystic kidney disease (PKD) group on HRQOL was 13.4% and the effect of level of perceived stress on the somatosensory amplification was 18.4%. The patients in the PKD group exhibited higher levels of somatosensory amplification and level of perceived stress but lower levels of HRQOL than the healthy group. The patients with ADPKD experience significantly higher levels of somatosensory amplification and perceived stress, along with lower HRQOL, compared to healthy individuals. The findings highlight the negative psychosocial burden associated with ADPKD, with disease duration affecting HRQOL and perceived stress influencing somatosensory amplification.