Annals of medicine
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The R-spondin protein family comprises four members (RSPO1-4), which are agonists of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Emerging evidence revealed that RSPOs should not only be viewed as agonists of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway but also as regulators for tumor development and progression. Aberrant expression of RSPOs is related to tumorigenesis and tumor development in multiple cancers and their expression of RSPOs has also been correlated with anticancer immune cell signatures. ⋯ KEY MESSAGESAberrant expressions of RSPOs are detected in various human malignancies and are always correlated with oncogenesis. Although extensive studies of RSPOs have been conducted, their precise molecular mechanism remains poorly understood. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that RSPOs may play a part in the development of the immune composition of the tumor microenvironment.
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Although vaccination with the Coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine is important and effective in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the public expressed concerns regarding the adverse effects of vaccine on fertility. Some reviews have focused on it, they have been unable to collect sufficient research data because of the earlier publication period. ⋯ As to female without pregnancy, it is believed that vaccination will not affect fertility; however, more research is needed to explore the short-term impact. Vaccination during any trimester is considered safe in pregnant women.
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N-myristoyltransferase 1 (NMT1) is an indispensable eukaryotic enzyme that catalyses the transfer of myristoyl groups to the amino acid terminal residues of numerous proteins. This catalytic process is required for the growth and development of many eukaryotes and viruses. Elevated expression and activity of NMT1 is observed to varying degrees in a variety of tumour types (e.g. colon, lung and breast tumours). ⋯ Key MessagesElevated expression and activity of NMT1 is observed to varying degrees in a variety of tumour types which creates the possibility of targeting NMT1 in tumours. NMT1-mediated myristoylation plays a pivotal role in cancer cell metabolism and may be particularly relevant to cancer metastasis and drug resistance. These insights can be used to direct potential therapeutic avenues for NMT1 inhibitors.
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Review
Targeting interleukin 4 and interleukin 13: a novel therapeutic approach in bullous pemphigoid.
Aim: Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an organ-specific autoimmune bullous disease characterized by autoantibodies that target the cellular adhesion molecules BP180 and BP230. Both immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgE are involved in the induction of subepidermal blisters. Specifically, IgE autoantibodies are presumed to be responsible for the pruritic and erythematous features of BP. ⋯ KEY MESSAGESBP is an autoimmune skin disease with Th2-mediated autoimmune response involvement. As typical Th2 cytokines, IL-4 and IL-13 may contribute to the pathogenesis of BP in multiple ways, such as promoting Th2 cell polarization, driving the immunoglobulin class switching, recruiting eosinophils and basophils, and inducing pruritus. As a promising therapeutic approach for BP, IL-4/13 antagonists have shown satisfactory outcomes in preliminary clinical studies.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effects of visual aid on state anxiety, fear and stress level in patients undergoing endoscopy: a randomized controlled trial.
The present study aimed to calculate the estimated size and confidence interval for the effects of adding visual aid to counselling on anxiety, stress and fear of patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The secondary aim was to calculate confidence interval for endoscopy-related variables that predict which patients are likely to benefit from visual aids. ⋯ The increase in anxiety, acute stress and fear related to endoscopic procedures can be alleviated with psychological counselling coupled with visual aids before the procedure. Visual aid could lead to supplementary benefits in reducing anxiety scores.