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Unveiling the mechanisms and promising molecular targets of curcumin in pancreatic cancer through multi-dimensional data
Abstract Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly aggressive and fatal malignancy, primarily affecting older males. Curcumin, a potential anti-cancer agent, has been shown to regulate key molecules in cancer progression, but its specific mechanisms in PC remain unclear. We conducted a comprehensive database search to identify curcumin-related targets in PC. Gene expression and immune correlations were analyzed using the GEO database, identifying differentially expressed hub genes (DEHGs). A method involving machine learning was employed to identify feature genes and create a nomogram, using external datasets and molecular docking for preliminary validation. Consensus clustering and subgroup comparisons were also performed based on DEHGs expression. We identified 35 DEHGs strongly associated with immune cell infiltration. Five feature genes (VIM, CTNNB1, CASP9, AREG, HIF1A) were used to build a nomogram, with the classification model showing AUC values above 0.9 in both training and validation groups. Molecular docking highlighted potential binding sites of five feature genes for curcumin. Clustering analysis categorized PC samples into four distinct subgroups: C1 and CII, which showed high expression and elevated immune cell infiltration, and C2 and CI, which exhibited the opposite pattern. Significant variations in scores of DEHG were seen between C1 and C2, in addition to between CI and CII. Curcumin may target DEHGs to influence PC, regulating immune and tumor proliferation mechanisms. These outcomes provide potential insights for medical applications and upcoming research.
WT EGFR and the oncogenic mutant EGFR (L858R) employ distinct mechanisms for export from the endoplasmic reticulum, a process critical for their activation
The practice of gender and protection mainstreaming in health response in humanitarian crisis - A case study from the refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
Background The health system is required to be safe, equitable, and accessible to all ages, gender, and vulnerable groups, including older persons and persons with disability, and address their specific needs and concerns. However, limited evidence is available on the effectiveness and practicality of gender and protection mainstreaming interventions in health response in humanitarian crises. Objective The overall objective of the research was to explore practices, gaps, and challenges and generate recommendations regarding gender and protection mainstreaming in health response to the Rohingya refugee crisis in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Methodology The research employed a qualitative case study design to explore the practice of gender and protection mainstreaming in health response in Cox’s Bazar. Data collection methods include an extensive literature review and in-depth interviews with professionals. The professionals interviewed from the area of health and protection, specifically gender, child protection, emergency health intervention, and primary health activities. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis related to gender and protection mainstreaming. Limitations were assessed as to researcher bias because the researcher did all the coding; however, an open recording process, inter-literature cross-potentiation, and ethical considerations of research helped add to the reliability of the research. Exclusion criteria were defined to ensure data consistency, removing insufficiently detailed responses not pertinent to the research objectives. Result The study found a range of good practices on gender and protection mainstreaming in health response, e.g., placement of a gender action plan, monitoring system for gender and disability inclusion, emergency preparedness and response system, availability of sex-segregated toilets and waiting spaces, availability of gender-based violence service and engagement of female community health workers. The study also revealed some best practices which have the potential to scale up, e,g. psychosocial spaces at health facilities for children, palliative care for terminally ill patients, integrated medical and protection services, and facilitation of community health facility support groups. Critical gaps were found in the areas of women’s leadership, coordination, capacity building, targeted interventions for vulnerable groups, infrastructural adaptation and consultation with the community on their concerns. Conclusion We urge policymakers, sector coordinators, health program management, healthcare workers, and global stakeholders to address the gaps and challenges, learn and scale up the best practices, and take action to implement the study’s recommendations to maximise gender and protection mainstreaming in health response.