Browse Articles

Structural and functional characterization of CREB-binding protein (CREBBP) as a histone propionyltransferase

Synergy between RNA editing and alternative splicing modulates the biological properties of the voltage-gated calcium channel CaV1.3

Second-line tarlatamab improves OS in SCLC

Hsp110 nucleotide exchange factors may amplify Hsp70-disaggregation by enhanced entropic pulling

The next generation of immunotherapies for lung cancers

Exploring the regulatory mechanism of CCNA2 in colorectal cancer: Insights from multiomics and experimental analysis

The role of chromatin in retroviral preintegration complex function

Medical costs for patients with rheumatoid arthritis who have comorbid diabetes mellitus

Objectives To evaluate medical costs and resource use in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with and without diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods Data were obtained from the Japan Medical Data Center (JMDC) claims database. The baseline period comprised 6 months before the index date (first prescription date post-RA diagnosis) while the 12-month duration post-index date was the follow-up period. Patients with RA and DM prescribed an antidiabetic drug in the baseline period constituted the DM group, while patients with RA without DM or an antidiabetic prescription in the baseline and follow-up periods belonged to the non-DM group. Patients were matched by sex, age, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), months from the first RA codes, and medications. The primary endpoint was total medical costs per patient in the follow-up period. The secondary endpoints were costs for drugs, treatments, and materials, their sub-categories, and proportions of patients using the sub-categories. Results One hundred and sixty-one DM group patients and 2,974 non-DM group patients were eligible for inclusion, and 109 patients were matched from each group. The median values of age and CCI were 59 years and 2.0 in both groups. After excluding DM-specific costs, both total medical costs and drug costs were significantly higher in the DM group compared with the non-DM group (total medical costs: DM/ non-DM: 5,163 USD/ 3,782 USD, P < 0.05; drug costs: DM/ non-DM: 2,242 USD/ 1,066 USD, P < 0.05) because of a higher proportion of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) users in the DM group (DM/ non-DM: 14.7%/ 5.5%). Treatment costs and material costs did not differ between the two groups. Conclusions Medical costs for RA were higher in the DM group than in the non-DM group because of a higher proportion of biological DMARD users.

Adding durvalumab to perioperative FLOT improves gastric cancer outcomes

The ubiquitin ligase Triad1 influences myeloid leukemogenesis by regulating the integrated stress response

Biochemical analysis of human eIF4E-DCP2 interaction: Implications for the relationship between translation initiation and decapping

All eukaryotic mRNAs bear a 7-methylguanosine cap on their 5’ end. The 5’ cap enables mRNA translation by binding directly to eIF4E; which further recruits other factors and the 40S ribosome. Additionally, the 5’ cap maintains transcript stability; removal of the cap by the enzyme Dcp2 is necessary to degrade the mRNA. An a priori conclusion, therefore, has been that cap binding by eIF4E and DCP2 are antithetical to each other as both need access to the same substrate, i.e., the 5’ cap. In this study, we purified native full-length human eIF4E and Dcp2 and utilize biophysical and biochemical approaches to examine the in vitro interplay between Dcp2 and eIF4E. We confirm that Dcp2 is sufficient to remove the 5’ cap. Moreover, we demonstrate that Dcp2 binds RNA with nanomolar affinity. We discovered that, unexpectedly, eIF4E does not interfere with Dcp2’s decapping function, contradicting previous mechanistic models. Moreover, eIF4E binding appears to increase the affinity of Dcp2 for RNA. Although limited to in vitro conditions, our findings warrant a reevaluation of the proposed relationship between these mRNA cap-binding proteins.

Promises and pitfalls of multi-cancer early detection using liquid biopsy tests

Interpreting ribosome dynamics during mRNA translation

Investigating the content and processes of patient-derived quality of care indicators for those affected by multiple long-term conditions (MLTC): A scoping review protocol

Background People living with multiple long-term conditions (MLTC) are reported to have poorer quality of life, worse health outcomes, and higher health-related expenses compared to those with singular chronic health conditions. Living with MLTC is associated with a higher risk of care that is duplicate or unnecessary. Understanding and monitoring the quality of care (QoC) for those with MLTC is imperative to ensure that individuals complex care needs are met, maximising health and wellbeing and minimising harm and social/economic burden. There is paucity on what QoC means in the context of MLTC, which is likely different than a mere amalgamation of quality indicators of each contributory condition. There is even less understanding on how QoC can be measured in a way that meets the specific care priorities of individuals with MLTC. The aim of this review is to systematically map and analyse evidence on what QoC means for those affected by MLTC and the content and processes of any existing QoC indicators in MLTC, developed with patient or caregivers. Methods We will systematically search for evidence following a Levac et al methodological scoping review process. All eligible studies published in English from 2000 onwards in the following databases will be included: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, APA PsycINFO, Global Health and Health Management Information Consortium. Given expected study heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis is anticipated. Our Community Partner Advisory Group will assist in the identification and analysis of relevant evidence. Discussion Current evidence shows variations in concepts and approaches when developing, implementing or validating QoC indicators, not always capturing patients’ preferences nor the complex processes required in MLTC care. Clarifying concepts and synthesising evidence-based knowledge in this area will be the first step to inform the development of a project aiming to develop a set of patient-derived QoC indicators for use across multiple settings in the United Kingdom (UK) and beyond. Systematic review registration Available on Open Science Framework on https://osf.io/gjr84.

Adding lurbinectedin to maintenance therapy improves outcomes in ES-SCLC

Spatiotemporal fluctuations in fluorescence intensity of rhodamine phalloidin–labeled actin filaments

Preparation and characterization of a novel magnetic nano adsorbent for removal of metal ions

As a result of global urbanization and industrialization, heavy metals are one of the hazardous contaminants facing the world. The adsorption process using agricultural wastes can achieve one of the sustainable development goals for wastewater treatment and resource recovery. Moringa and tea extracts were utilized to synthesize iron nanoparticles for the treatment of aqueous solutions containing heavy metal ions (Cu2+, Pb2+, Se2+, Zn2+, and Cr6+). This method offers a sustainable substitute for conventional chemical wastewater treatment methods. Furthermore, the use of magnetic iron nanoparticles reduces the need for extra separation processes by making it simple to separate the adsorbent from the treated waste using a magnetic field. Various techniques were employed to characterize the prepared nanoparticles, such Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and x-ray fluorescence (XRF). The XRD analysis confirmed the crystalline phase of alpha-FeNPs in the synthesized nanoparticles. The EDX analysis verified the presence of oxygen and iron in the nanoparticles, indicating that the iron was in an oxide form. This study aimed to investigate the removal of heavy metals using nano-magnetic composites of moringa (FeNPs-M) and tea (FeNPs-T). To assess the effectiveness of the FeNPs-M several parameters were tested, including pH, contact time, initial concentration, and nanoparticle dosage. The results indicated that the efficiency of FeNPs-M was significantly higher than that of FeNPs-T for the removal of heavy metals from synthetic solutions, achieving removal efficiency are 96.5% 99.71%, 96.73%, 93.16%, and 91.83% of Cu2+, Pb2+, Se2+, Zn2+, and Cr6+, respectively, when using FeNPs-M, while the removal efficiency are 96.36%, 93.40%, 79.83%, 78.6%, and 77.77% of Cu2+, Pb2+, Se2+, Zn2+, and Cr6+, respectively, 25 °C, with a contact time of 45 min, a pH of 3.0, concentration 3.0 mg/L, a sorbent dose of 0.8 g/L, and 200 rpm at 25 °C.

T-DXd effective as second-line therapy in G/GEJ cancers

The poly(A) polymerase Star-PAP is regulated by stably associated phosphoinositide messengers

The hidden influence: Medical students’ knowledge and attitude of conflict of interest–A cross-sectional study in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Introduction Conflicts of interest (COI) pose ethical challenges in medical education and clinical practice, potentially influencing decision-making. While COI policies and education vary globally, inconsistent training leaves medical students vulnerable to industry influence. In Saudi Arabia, COI education remains underexplored. This study assesses medical students’ knowledge, attitudes, and exposure to COI, aiming to identify gaps and inform educational improvements. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted among 392 medical students from multiple universities in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A validated questionnaire was administered to assess COI knowledge, attitudes, and exposure to industry interactions. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 29.0, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results A total of 392 participants were included. Overall, 71.4% of students were able to define COI, while 28.6% lacked awareness. Clinical students had significantly higher knowledge scores than preclinical students (p = 0.001). Grade Point Average (GPA) was significantly associated with attitudes toward COI, with students who had excellent GPAs scoring the highest (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in knowledge or attitude scores based on gender, research experience, and university affiliation. Over half of the students (52.6%) felt inadequately educated about COI, and 48.5% had never attended a COI lecture. Clinical students (65.2%) reported more interactions with pharmaceutical representatives than preclinical students (34.8%). Conclusion While medical students generally recognize COI, gaps in knowledge and formal education persist. Clinical exposure appears to enhance knowledge, yet inconsistent education leaves students vulnerable to industry influence. Strengthening COI education within medical curricula is essential to promote ethical decision-making and uphold professional integrity.