Neoadjuvant sintilimab and chemotherapy followed by transoral surgery for HPV-positive resectable oropharyngeal cancer: a single-arm, two-centre, phase 2 trial.

Background: Treatment deintensification, such as neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy and transoral surgery, has shown promise but remains under investigation in human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPVOPSCC). We aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy and the feasibility of sequential transoral surgery in patients with resectable HPVOPSCC.

Methods: In this single-arm, two-centre, phase 2 trial, patients with resectable HPVOPSCC (clinical stage T2-4N0-3M0) were recruited and received two cycles of neoadjuvant sintilimab, cisplatin, and nab-paclitaxel every three weeks, followed by transoral surgery, including transoral robotic surgery (TORS).

[Identification of the PfDof transcription factor family in and functional analysis of in lipid synthesis].

(L.) Britt. is a characteristic oil crop rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly α-linolenic acid, which has important development and utilization value.

Transforming the "cold" tumors to "hot" tumors: strategies for immune activation.

Immunotherapy has emerged as a paradigm-shifting approach in oncology; however, its efficacy remains limited by the inherent heterogeneity of TME. Tumors are classified as "cold" or "hot" based on the density and functional status of TILs, with this classification serving as a critical determinant of therapeutic response. "Cold" tumors, characterized by reduced immunogenicity, impaired antigen presentation, and limited TIL infiltration, typically exhibit immune evasion and poor responsivenes to immunotherapy.

Selective Reductive Coupling of Formaldehyde into Carbohydrate Precursors.

Direct and highly selective conversion of formaldehyde to multicarbon (C) products is a highly desirable but challenging approach to synthesize carbohydrate precursors. In this study, we investigated the use of environmentally friendly imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs)-NHC to promote formaldehyde coupling under a base-free condition. The highly selective conversion of formaldehyde into glycolaldehyde precursor (GP) and dihydroxyacetone precursor was achieved through a one-pot, two-step process with [BHMIm][OAc] as a crucial intermediate.

Botulinum toxin A prevents hypertrophic scarring by suppressing PARP14/SOCS2-mediated M2 polarization of macrophages.

Botulinum toxin A (BTXA) is a safe and widely used neurotoxic protein in cosmetic procedures and medical applications. This investigation focuses on the function of BTXA on macrophage phenotype during hypertrophic scar (HS) formation and the underlying functional mechanism. A mouse model of HS was generated, where BTXA treatment reduced dermal thickness, epidermal hyperplasia, and collagen deposition in a dose-dependent manner.

Macrophage Efferocytosis as a Therapeutic Strategy in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration.

In recent years, a growing number of studies have disclosed the substantial role of macrophages-key immune cells-in the pathological process of intervertebral disc degeneration. Researchers have categorised macrophage phenotypes into M1 and M2 polarisation, associating these polarisations with intervertebral disc degeneration. Essentially, macrophage phenotypes can be classified as either pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory.

Evaluation of Efficacy of Neoadjuvant Immunochemotherapy for Cervical Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Unknown Primary.

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the antitumor activity of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy in patients with cervical metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary (CMSCCUP), providing a new idea for its treatment.

Method: We retrospectively examined the medical records from Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center to identify patients with CMSCCUP from July 2020 to November 2023. CMSCCUP's diagnoses are based on the results of biopsy and imaging examination.

Treatment Outcomes of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Soft Palate and the Prognostic Significance of HPV/p16 Status.

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma of the soft palate (SCCSP) represents a rare subtype of oropharyngeal cancer. This study aims to evaluate the treatment outcomes of SCCSP and to assess the prognostic significance of HPV status.

Methods: Patients diagnosed with SCCSP between January 1981 and December 2021 were collected.

Metabolic expression profiling analysis reveals pyruvate-mediated EPHB2 upregulation promotes lymphatic metastasis in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.

Lymphatic metastasis is a well-known factor for initiating distant metastasis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), which caused major death in most patients with cancer. Meanwhile, metabolic reprogramming to support metastasis is regarded as a prominent hallmark of cancers. However, how metabolic disorders drive in HNSCC remains unclear.

The role of lymph node level ratio in predicting prognosis and the benefits of postoperative radiotherapy in patients with pathological N1 stage head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Objective: To analyze the role of lymph node level ratio (LNLR) in predicting prognosis and the benefits of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) in patients with pathological N1 (pN1) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods: Patients with pN1 HNSCC from January 2011 to February 2021 were included. Patients were grouped by the LNLR, lymph node yield (LNY), and lymph node ratio (LNR) and were analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate Cox model.

Controlling crystal planes of biomass-derived carbon based Mo2C NPs and the electrochemical performance.

The electrochemical property of Mo2C nanoparticles (NPs) depends on the structure and crystal planes. Herein, Mo2C nanoparticles were prepared and dispersed on carbon nanosheets by the construction of a biomass-derived carbon precursor, and the exposed dual crystal planes were also controlled by optimal conditions. The structure, compositions, and morphology of the carbon-based Mo2C were characterized, and the Mo2C NPs were well dispersed on the carbon nanosheets.

The effect of sports participation on the social identity of Chinese university students.

Objective: Strengthening youth sports and comprehensively promoting the participation of Chinese university students in sports to enhance their social acceptance are key initiatives for delivering high-quality talent for China's economic and social development.

Methods: Using the China Comprehensive Social Survey as the data source and considering social mentality and social identity, we constructed corresponding statistical models to explore how sports participation influences the social identity (class identity, economic status, and emotional belonging) of Chinese university students.

Results: Regarded from a holistic perspective, sports participation can enhance the social identity of college students in all its aspects, and the benefits of sports participation are positively related to its frequency.

The Treatment of Primary Lymphoepithelioma-Like Carcinoma in the Head and Neck and Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.

Background: An uncommon cancer, lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) resembles undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) histologically. The aim is mainly to introduce the diagnosis and treatment of LELC and compare it with NPC in our descriptive study.

Methods: A total of 278 patients with NPC and 157 patients with head and neck LELC had their medical records examined in this study.

Factors Associated with IgG/IgM Levels after SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer.

This study evaluated the factors influencing IgG/IgM antibody levels in 120 patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) following vaccination with inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Each patient's demographic and clinical data were documented, and serum IgG and IgM antibodies were detected using a commercial magnetic chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay kit. The results indicated that while all patients had received at least one vaccine dose, 95 tested positive for IgG and 25 were negative.

A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel-Grouped, Positive-Controlled, Non-Inferiority Clinical Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Injectable Calcium Hydroxylapatite Microsphere Hydrogel Fillers in the Correction of Nasolabial Fold in Chinese Subjects.

Background: Soft tissue fillers are used to improve the appearance of nasolabial folds (NLFs). This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of a new calcium hydroxylapatite microsphere hydrogel filler (Aphranel) versus Restylane for correcting NLFs.

Methods: In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-grouped, positive-controlled, non-inferiority trial, 210 subjects were randomized to bilateral NLF treatment with Aphranel and Restylane on either side of the NLF.

Deciphering the interplay of HPV infection, MHC-II expression, and CXCL13 CD4 T cell activation in oropharyngeal cancer: implications for immunotherapy.

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has become an important etiological driver of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), leading to unique tumor characteristics. However, the interplay between HPV-associated tumor cells and tumor microenvironment (TME) remains an enigma.

Methods: We performed a single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) on HPV-positive (HPV) and HPV-negative (HPV) OPSCC tumors, each for three samples, and one normal tonsil tissue.

Direct carotid-cavernous fistula after functional endoscopic sinus surgery - A case report.

Introduction And Importance: Direct carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCF) are primarily caused by head trauma. Some cases have also been attributed to iatrogenic injuries during endovascular procedures. However, the reports of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) associated with direct CCFs are extremely rare.

mA demethylase Alkbh3 regulates neurogenesis through mA demethylation of Mmp15 mRNA.

Background: N-Methyladenosine (mA) is an abundant modification of transcripts regulating mRNA structure and translation efficiency. However, the characteristics and biological functions of mRNA mA modification in adult hippocampal neurogenesis remain enigmatic.

Results: We found that mA demethylase Alkbh3 was dramatically enriched in neurons and neuronal genesis.

Dual-Site Chemosensor for Visualizing OH-GSH Redox and Tracking Ferroptosis-Inducing Pathways In Vivo.

Oxidative stress, characterized by an imbalance between oxidative and antioxidant processes, results in excessive accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species. Among these responses, the regulation of intracellular hydroxyl radicals (OH) and glutathione (GSH) is vital for physiological processes. Real-time in situ monitoring these two opposing bioactive species and their redox interactions is essential for understanding physiological balance and imbalance.

Combined impact of local anaesthetic infiltration through wound catheter and epidural analgesia following surgical hepatectomy: a meta-analysis.

Introduction: A meta-analysis was performed to examine the effects of wound catheter (WC) local anaesthetic infiltration (LAI) and epidural analgesia (EA) in open hepatectomy (OH).

Material And Methods: A systematic literature review was performed, which found 350 subjects with OH at the baseline of the studies; 159 of them were treated with WC local anaesthetic infiltration, and 191 used EA.

Results: WC LAI substantially reduced the functional recovery time (MD = -0.

Detection of sulphur(II) of carbon dots synthesized from residue.

The detection of anions using carbon dots (CDs) has received less attention compared to cations. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop a fluorescence sensor based on carbon dots (CDs) capable of detecting S in real water samples. The CDs were successfully prepared from the residues of a traditional Chinese herb, , which emitted green photoluminescence (PL) under ultraviolet light irradiation.

Precision Drug Repurposing: A Deep Learning Toolkit for Identifying 34 Hyperpigmentation-Associated Genes and Optimizing Treatment Selection.

Background: Hyperpigmentation is a skin disorder characterized by a localized darkening of the skin due to increased melanin production. When patients fail first line topical treatments, secondary treatments such as chemical peels and lasers are offered. However, these interventions are not devoid of risks and are associated with postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Correction: Polydiacetylene-based colorimetric and fluorometric sensors for lead ion recognition.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1039/D2RA03435B.].

Immune checkpoint inhibitors: breakthroughs in cancer treatment.

Over the past two decades, immunotherapies have increasingly been considered as first-line treatments for most cancers. One such treatment is immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), which has demonstrated promising results against various solid tumors in clinical trials. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are currently available as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).

A comprehensive review on ziconotide.

Managing severe chronic pain is a challenging task, given the limited effectiveness of available pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. This issue continues to be a significant public health concern, requiring a substantial therapeutic response. Ziconotide, a synthetic peptide initially isolated from in 1982 and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency in 2004, is the first-line intrathecal method for individuals experiencing severe chronic pain refractory to other therapeutic measures.