Int J Med Sci
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Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is known as the fifth most common cancer in the world for its poor prognosis. New diagnostic markers and treatments are urgent to discover. To evaluate the protein expression of Tropomyosin4 (TPM4) and investigate its prognostic value in HCC, we collected 110 patients with different degrees of HCC and 10 patients with normal hepatic tissues and performed immunohistochemistry. ⋯ And the expression of TPM4 was related to pT status, grade and stage (P<0.001, P=0.015 and P<0.001, respectively). Western blot results indicated that TPM4 was high expressed in HCC cell line and HCC tissues. In conclusion, we believe that TPM4 can be applied as a diagnostic and prognostic marker to assist the management of HCC.
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Observational Study
Distinct profile of cell-free DNA in malignant pleural effusion of non-small cell lung cancer and its impact on clinical genetic testing.
Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in supernatant of pleural effusion from advanced NSCLC patients has been proved as surrogate sample detecting therapeutic targets as well as tumor mutation burden (TMB). As recently reported, cfDNA in pleural effusion supernatant is superior to plasma in TMB evaluation. It is reasonable to hypothesize that cfDNA profile in pleural effusion (PE) and plasma might be different. ⋯ Conclusion: Long-fragment cfDNA in the PE supernatant will introduce low abundant cancer unrelated variants which leads overestimation of TMB. Paired PE-FL and PE-E167 gave comparable outcomes. Direct use of the total cfDNA without fragmentation step (PE-FL) is recommended for library preparation of NGS testing in clinical practice to exclude interference from long fragments of the cfDNA.
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The intimate interaction between redox signaling and immunity has been widely revealed. However, the clinical application of relevant therapeutic is unavailable due to the absence of validated markers that stratify patients. Here, we identified novel biomarkers for prognosis prediction in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). ⋯ Altogether, we identified a redox-immune prognostic signature. A more severe redox perturbation-driven immunosuppressive environment in the high-risk group stratified by the signature may account for poor survival. This may provide a clue to the combined therapy targeting redox and immune in HCC.
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Observational Study
Proteomic analysis of Exosomes derived from the Aqueous Humor of Myopia Patients.
Objectives: Myopia is the most common refractive vision disorder. In recent years, several studies have suggested that the alteration of the exosomal protein levels in the aqueous humor (AH) is associated with the development of several eye diseases. Therefore, we aimed to explore the exosomal protein profile of the AH from myopia patients. ⋯ We found two proteins that were common in AH exosomes and eight proteins that were highly expressed in the myopia group. Conclusions: Our results provide pioneering findings for the exploration of the exosomal protein profile in myopia development. Further studies may provide significant information for the diagnosis, clinical treatment, and prognosis of myopia.
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The spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has challenged hard the national health system worldwide. At any level, the role of health care providers has been rapidly revisited and eventually modified to face the pandemic. The search of the balance between the provision of the most appropriate health-related services and safety of both patients and health care providers has become an indisputable necessity. ⋯ Reasons are proposed to explain the sense of inadequacy currently perceived in relation to the limits imposed by the current pandemic. In more detail, we illustrate the nature and extents of some of the most relevant difficulties in the optimal management of cancer patients and constant efforts towards the scientific upgrade which allows for the improvement of the professional performance. The need for a deeper understanding of the roots and consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic on the mental health of medical oncologists is finally stressed.