Exploring the bioactive potential of edible insects for a sustainable future.

Edible insects have emerged as promising sources of bioactive materials with potential applications across various sectors, including the food, feed, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries. This review evaluates the potential of edible insects as eco-friendly and nutritionally superior materials by analyzing their key nutritional components. Focusing on drying methods, this study examines the advantages and disadvantages of different processing techniques to enhance usability and leverage their potential value.

Tumour-specific delivery of ω-conotoxin MVIIA via engineered Salmonella for safe anticancer therapy.

Introduction: Solid tumours present a significant treatment challenge owing to the poor penetration of therapeutics into the tumour core. Bacteria offer a unique solution to this problem because they can selectively target tumours and proliferate within the tumour microenvironment.

Methods: In this study, we engineered Salmonella typhimurium to deliver MVIIA, a ω-conotoxin that inhibits N-type calcium channels.

Gut Microbiome and Metabolome Dynamics as Predictors of Clinical Outcomes in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) profoundly disrupts the gut microbiome and metabolome, which in turn influence immune-related complications and patient outcomes. To systematically characterize these perturbations, we performed a longitudinal analysis of fecal microbiota composition and metabolite profiles in HSCT recipients at three critical timepoints: pre-transplant (T1), peri-transplant (T2), and post-transplant (T3). We observed that reduced microbial diversity at T1 and T3 was strongly associated with increased incidence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), progressive disease (PD), and decreased overall survival (OS).

Mucus plug and lung cancer incidence in patients with COPD.

Airway mucus plugs are frequently observed on chest computed tomography (CT) scans in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the association between the presence of mucus plugs and the risk of lung cancer in COPD patients has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to determine whether mucus plugs are associated with an increased risk of lung cancer in COPD patients.

Classification of shoulder diseases in older adult patients: a narrative review.

This review classifies and summarizes the major shoulder diseases affecting older adults, focusing on rotator cuff disease, frozen shoulder, osteoarthritis, and shoulder instability. It explores each condition's pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies to guide clinicians in optimizing patient outcomes and enhancing quality of life. Age-related degenerative changes, comorbidities, and distinct etiological factors contribute to the presentation of shoulder disorders in older adults.

GDF15 promotes gallbladder cancer progression by activating the NF-κB mediated Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGFA) expression.

Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) has been found to be elevated in several different types of cancer, thus demonstrating its potential for use as a biomarker. Although its physiological and pathophysiological roles in cancer are increasingly understood, the specific functions and molecular mechanisms of GDF15 in gallbladder cancer remain unclear and require further investigation. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to evaluate the expression of GDF15 in tissue samples from 57 patients with gallbladder cancer.

Evaluation of Safety of Disposable Saliva Ejectors after Autoclaving Sterilisation.

Purpose: To identify the bacteria and proteins that remain after cleaning and sterilisation of SEs used in dental practices, and to investigate potential problems when reusing SEs.

Materials And Methods: In total, 105 SEs used on study participants were collected. The collected SEs were immediately immersed in the disinfectant solution and then washed with tap water and a cleaning brush.

Understanding the impact of antenatal corticosteroids via placenta and fetal lung microphysiological analysis platform (MAP) on a chip.

Antenatal corticosteroids are recommended for preterm births to enhance lung maturity; however, the guidelines are based on limited studies. Here, we present a placenta-fetal lung microphysiological analysis platform (MAP) to study how corticosteroids promote fetal lung maturation and determine their optimal concentration with minimal side effects. We create trophoblast-capillary-pneumocyte MAP on chips to analyze the transport of corticosteroids from mother to fetus through the placenta.

Nivolumab Plus Chemotherapy Versus Placebo Plus Chemotherapy in Korean Patients with HER2-Negative, Untreated, Unresectable Advanced or Recurrent Gastric or Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer: Subgroup Analysis of a Randomized, Multicenter, Double-Blind Phase 3 Trial (ATTRACTION-4).

Purpose: We report the safety and efficacy of nivolumab + chemotherapy for first-line treatment of advanced or recurrent gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer in the Korean subpopulation of the ATTRACTION-4 clinical trial.

Materials And Methods: ATTRACTION-4 (NCT02746796) was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of patients aged ≥20 years with histologically confirmed unresectable advanced or recurrent gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer. Patients received nivolumab or placebo, both combined with physician-choice chemotherapy (oxaliplatin plus oral S-1 [tegafur‒gimeracil‒oteracil] [SOX] or oral capecitabine [CAPOX]).

Renal hyperfiltration as risk factor of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

The potential interaction between the heart and kidneys is thought to contribute to the development of renal hyperfiltration (RHF). However, the clinical implications of RHF remain unclear in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). A total of 9561 AMI patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 60 mL/min/1.

An Artificial Intelligence Algorithm for Early Detection of Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction in Patients with Normal Sinus Rhythm.

Most previous studies using artificial intelligence (AI) to detect left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) from electrocardiograms (ECGs) relied on data obtained near the time of echocardiography or included patients with known cardiac disease, limiting their specificity for screening. We aimed to evaluate whether AI models could predict future LVSD from ECGs interpreted as normal and recorded one to two years before echocardiography. We retrospectively analyzed 24,203 sinus rhythm ECGs from 11,131 patients.

Engineering Bacterial Secretion Systems for Enhanced Tumor Imaging and Surgical Guidance.

Current imaging techniques suffer from a lack of specificity and resolution, leading to inaccurate tumor imaging and limited applicability of targeted contrast agents, as they require cancer-specific development. The need for enhanced contrast through improved tumor-to-background ratio (TBR) and the toxicity from repeated injections due to fading fluorescent signals further complicate the issue. Additionally, challenges in visualizing the entire 3D tumor with surface-stained contrast agents highlight the demand for advanced imaging solutions for more precise surgical guidance.

reverses neuronal atrophy in knockout mice with depression-like phenotypes.

Genetic predispositions can shape the gut microbiome, which in turn modulates host gene expression and impacts host physiology. The complex interplay between host genetics and the gut microbiome likely contributes to the development of neuropsychiatric disorders, yet the mechanisms behind these interactions remain largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated the gut microbiota in knockout (KO) mice, which exhibit anxiety- and depression-like behaviors, as NEGR1 (neuronal growth regulator 1) is a cell adhesion molecule linked to neuronal development and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Impact of inhaled corticosteroids on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease risk in COPD patients.

Background: The systemic impact of long-term use of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) on the liver remains poorly understood in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Our study aimed to identify whether long-term ICS therapy impacts the risk of Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in patients with COPD.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using claims records from a large population-based database.

Comparing large scale and selected feature learning for community acquired pneumonia prognosis prediction using clinical data: a stacked ensemble approach.

This study investigated and validated all-cause in-hospital death prediction models for hospitalized pneumonia patients based on large-scale clinical data, including diagnoses, medication prescriptions, and laboratory test codes. Feature selection was performed using both large-scale feature learning with a Common Data Model (CDM) and specific pneumonia-related risk factors. A stacked ensemble mixed machine-learning model was compared with traditional machine-learning models.

Distinct risks of exacerbation and lung function decline between never-smokers and ever-smokers with COPD.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can occur in patients without a history of smoking, which is a strong risk factor for COPD. However, few studies have focused on the prognosis of never-smokers with COPD. We investigated the difference of the longitudinal clinical outcomes between never-smokers and ever-smokers with COPD.

Exploiting Bacterial Shuttles: Enhancing Deep Tissue Delivery of Nanoparticles for Targeted Cancer Therapy.

Cancer, a leading cause of death, poses challenges for chemotherapy due to limited selective accumulation. Targeted approaches and nanoparticles exploit enhanced permeability but face obstacles in effective delivery. Bacteria, historically effective for cancer targeting, show promise as carriers for nanoparticles, overcoming deep tissue hindrances.

Postoperative Corticosteroid Injection After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair in Patients With Stiffness Has Similar Clinical Outcome Compared With Repair Combined With Capsular Release: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial.

Purpose: To investigate whether 2 months of a postoperative intra-articular corticosteroid injection after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) in rotator cuff tear (RCT) patients with stiffness would improve the functional scores and range of motion of the operated shoulder without capsular release during ARCR.

Methods: From March 2020 to September 2021, a total of 73 patients who had RCT with stiffness and were scheduled for ARCR were enrolled prospectively and randomly allocated into 2 groups. The patients who underwent ARCR with capsular release were allocated to group 1 (n = 37).

Incidence, Predictors, and Management of Femoral Vascular Complications Following Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Duplex Ultrasound Study.

Catheter ablation is an effective treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF) but is associated with femoral vascular complications. While anticoagulation therapy has been linked to these complications, specific risk factors remain unclear. This study assessed the incidence and predictors of vascular complications after catheter ablation using systematic duplex ultrasound (DUS) as well as their outcomes.

Development of an AI Model for Predicting Methacholine Bronchial Provocation Test Results Using Spirometry.

: The methacholine bronchial provocation test (MBPT) is a diagnostic test frequently used to evaluate airway hyper-reactivity. MBPT is essential for diagnosing asthma; however, it can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. This study aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) model to predict the MBPT results using forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV) and bronchodilator test measurements from spirometry.

A Multicenter Phase II Study of Modified FOLFIRINOX for First-line Treatment for Advanced Urachal Cancer (ULTMA; KCSG GU20-03).

Purpose: To assess the efficacy and safety of the first-line modified FOLFIRINOX in patients with advanced urachal cancer.

Materials And Methods: The ULTIMA trial (NCT04611724) is a single-arm, open-label, multicenter phase II study evaluating modified FOLFIRINOX (Oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2 over 2 hours, Irinotecan 150 mg/m2 over 1.5 hours, Leucovorin 400 mg/m2 over 2 hours, and 5-FU 2400 mg/m2 over 46 hours) plus prophylactic pegteograstim in patients with recurrent or metastatic urachal cancer every 2 weeks for up to 12 cycles, or until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

First-line pembrolizumab-axitinib versus sunitinib in metastatic RCC: subgroup analysis of patients enrolled in the phase 3 KEYNOTE-426 in Eastern Asia.

Background: The phase 3 open-label KEYNOTE-426 study demonstrated that first-line pembrolizumab plus axitinib improved overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) versus sunitinib for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) in a global population. This subgroup analysis investigated the efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab-axitinib versus sunitinib in patients enrolled in KEYNOTE-426 in East Asia (Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan).

Methods: Adults with clear cell mRCC were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive intravenous pembrolizumab 200 mg every 3 weeks with oral axitinib 5 mg twice daily or oral sunitinib 50 mg once daily (4 weeks on/2 weeks off).

Post-transplant cyclophosphamide plus anti-thymocyte globulin decreased serum IL-6 levels when compared with post-transplant cyclophosphamide alone after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Background: Post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) and anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) are common prophylactic strategies for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT). Interleukin (IL)-6 is a surrogate marker for cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and acute GVHD.

Method: The clinical outcomes and complications of haplo-HSCT with PTCy plus ATG versus PTCy monotherapy were compared according to serum IL-6 levels at Chungnam National University Hospital (Daejeon, South Korea) from January 2019 to February 2023.

Controlling tumor progression and recurrence in mice through combined treatment with a PD-L1 inhibitor and a designer strain that delivers GM-CSF.

Combination therapy with checkpoint inhibitors blocks inhibitory immune cell signaling and improves clinical responses to anticancer treatments. However, continued development of innovative and controllable delivery systems for immune-stimulating agents is necessary to optimize clinical responses. Herein, we engineered to deliver recombinant granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in a controllable manner for combination treatment with a programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor.

Outcomes by Retrospective Eligibility for Maintenance Therapy of Patients With Advanced Urothelial Carcinoma: Post Hoc Analysis of the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-361 Trial.

Introduction: The phase 3 KEYNOTE-361 trial of first-line pembrolizumab with or without chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone in patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (la/mUC) completed enrollment before the approval of postchemotherapy maintenance avelumab for patients without progressive disease. This post hoc analysis evaluated the outcomes of patients who received chemotherapy alone in KEYNOTE-361 by retrospective eligibility for subsequent maintenance therapy.

Patients And Methods: Patients in the chemotherapy alone arm were retrospectively categorized as maintenance eligible (received ≥4 cycles of chemotherapy and did not die or experience disease progression within 10 weeks of chemotherapy completion), maintenance ineligible (received <4 cycles of chemotherapy or had progressive disease or died within 0-10 weeks after completion of ≥4 cycles of chemotherapy), and indeterminate eligibility for maintenance therapy (if neither maintenance eligible or ineligible).