Potential Diagnostic Tool Research Articles

Recent advancements in photodynamic therapy and cancer biosensor using natural products

Cancer is one of the utmost lethal diseases that disrupts metabolic pathways in a biological system where human cells acquire the transition from normal growth stages to neoplastic growth states, leading to the development of malignant tumours. It continues to be a problem for the world health, requiring constant innovation in prevention, early detection and treatment methods. Cancer biosensors have become potent diagnostic tools that allow for the quick and accurate identification of cancer biomarkers. Additionally, natural products have drawn interest owing to their potential for use in cancer therapy and cancer diagnosis. This review aims to highlight the applicability of plant-based, marine-based and microbe-based biosensors. Combining these biosensors with Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), a non-invasive therapeutic approach, offers a lot of potential for targeted cancer therapy. This review also elaborates on the value of natural materials as sources of photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy and demonstrates their advantages such as, raised selectivity, fewer adverse reactions, and better therapeutic results. Moreover, the combination of photodynamic therapy using natural products with cancer biosensors provides a cutting-edge strategy in oncology. The care of cancer may be revolutionised as research advances by addressing problems and improving these methods, opening the door for more efficient, patient-specific interventions.

Immunogenic Biomarkers HMGB1 and sRAGE Are Potential Diagnostic Tools for Ovarian Malignancies.

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), soluble receptor of advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) and programmed cell death markers PD-1 and PD-L1 are immunogenic serum biomarkers that may serve as novel diagnostic tools for cancer diagnosis. We investigated the four markers in sera of 231 women, among them 76 with ovarian cancer, 87 with benign diseases and 68 healthy controls, using enzyme immunoassays. Discrimination between groups was calculated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and sensitivities at fixed 90% and 95% specificities. HMGB1 levels were significantly elevated and sRAGE levels were decreased in cancer patients as compared to benign and healthy controls. In consequence, the ratio of HMGB1 and sRAGE discriminated best between diagnostic groups. The areas under the curve (AUCs) of the ROC curves for differentiation of cancer vs. healthy were 0.77 for HMGB1, 0.65 for sRAGE and 0.78 for the HMGB1/sRAGE ratio, and slightly lower for the differentiation of cancer vs. benigns with 0.72 for HMGB1, 0.61 for sRAGE and 0.74 for the ratio of both. The highest sensitivities for cancer detection at 90% specificity versus benign diseases were achieved using HMGB1 with 41.3% and the HMGB1/sRAGE ratio with 39.2%, followed by sRAGE with 18.9%. PD-1 showed only minor and PD-L1 no power for discrimination between ovarian cancer and benign diseases. HMGB1 and sRAGE have differential diagnostic potential for ovarian cancer detection and warrant inclusion in further validation studies.

Stereotactic biopsy for brain lesions: Doing more with less.

Stereotactic biopsy (STB) is a potential diagnostic tool considering its minimal invasiveness, high diagnostic yield, and minimal associated complications. Over the years, various frame-based instrument systems and frameless stereotactic biopsy systems have emerged to be employed in clinical use. With this study, we intend to get more by doing less in the form of STB for the patients of doubtful intracranial lesions treated over the past 5 years. We also want to highlight the technique of performing the procedure under scalp block, which can be used as a versatile tool in many clinical scenarios. Stereotactic biopsies may be planned even in rural district-level health facilities. One-time investment to procure instruments and avail existing imaging can lead to establishing definitive diagnoses in many doubtful cases. This will result in lesser cost and early establishment of treatment. Independent risk factors determining the outcome, such as deep-seated lesions, associated edema, and intraoperative hypertension, were studied. Establishing the diagnosis helped in prognosticating the disease, explaining the natural progression of symptoms, and starting adjuvant therapy. This tissue biopsy would also help secure samples for research and molecular analysis. Twenty patients underwent STBs at our institution between January 2018 and December 2022. We retrospectively analyzed patient characteristics, tumor pathology, surgical procedures, and outcomes, including the diagnostic value and surgery-related complications. These patients were followed up, and their progression-free and overall survival were analyzed. The need for adjuvant treatment was noted and analyzed. All procedures were performed using Cosman Roberts Wells® stereotactic frame. Pre-procedure magnetic resonance scans were performed at the time of admission. Contrast-enhanced computerized tomography (CT) scan after frame application was performed to identify targets and calculate the coordinates. A post-procedure CT scan was done to confirm the accessibility of the targeted lesion. The most common location of the tumor was a deep-seated thalamic lesion. A definitive diagnosis was established in 19 patients (95%) at the first STB. The diagnoses were glioma in 55% of cases, primary central nervous system lymphoma, tuberculosis, and demyelinating disorders in 10% of each, and a metastatic brain tumor in 1 (5%). The post-operative complications were all transient except in one patient with deterioration of motor weakness. The follow-up was noted, and modes of adjuvant treatment needed in these patients were recorded. Stereotactic biopsy is a useful and effective method for achieving a definitive diagnosis and aiding in treating multifocal or small deep-seated lesions in or around eloquent regions.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells as a potential biomarker for recurrent pregnancy loss and recurrent implantation failure: Increased levels of MDSCs in recurrent reproductive failure.

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and recurrent implantation failure (RIF) represent distinct clinical conditions with established definitions, both of which have been linked to an underlying pro-inflammatory state. This study aimed to explore the levels of monocytic-myeloid-derived suppressor cells (M-MDSCs) and regulatory T cells (TReg ) in a cohort of RPL and RIF women and their potential contribution to RPL and RIF. One hundred and eight non-pregnant women were evaluated: 40 RPL, 41 RIF, and 27 fertile healthy controls (HC). A multiparametric flow cytometry approach was utilized to measure and quantify the frequency of M-MDSCs and TReg cells. Cytokine levels in plasma samples were evaluated through a multiplex assay. M-MDSCs levels were significantly higher in RPL and RIF patients compared to HC. M-MDSCs levels were significantly higher in RPL (9.4% [7-11.6]) and RIF (8.1% [5.9-11.6]) patients compared to HC (6% [4.2-7.6]). An optimal cut-off of 6.1% for M-MDSCs disclosed a sensitivity of 75.6% and 89.7% and a specificity of 57.7% and 57.7% in RIF and RPL groups, respectively. A significant negative correlation was observed between M-MDSCs and TReg (p=.002, r=-.51). Our preliminary data allowed us to build a predictive model that may aid as a potential diagnostic tool in the clinic. These findings could provide a better understanding of these pathologies and a better definition of patients that could benefit from personalized treatments to promote pregnancy. Additional exploration and confirmation in distinct study groups are needed to fully assess the diagnostic capabilities of this biomarker.

Coronary computed tomography angiography imaging features combined with computed tomography-fractional flow reserve, pericoronary fat attenuation index, and radiomics for the prediction of myocardial ischemia

BackgroundThis study aimed to predict myocardial ischemia (MIS) by constructing models with imaging features, CT-fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR), pericoronary fat attenuation index (pFAI), and radiomics based on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). Methods and resultsThis study included 96 patients who underwent CCTA and single photon emission computed tomography-myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT-MPI). According to SPECT-MPI results, there were 72 vessels with MIS in corresponding supply area and 105 vessels with no-MIS. The conventional model [lesion length (LL), MDS (maximum stenosis diameter × 100% / reference vessel diameter), MAS (maximum stenosis area × 100% / reference vessel area) and CT value], radiomics model (radiomics features), and multi-faceted model (all features) were constructed using support vector machine. Conventional and radiomics models showed similar predictive efficacy [AUC: 0.76, CI 0.62–0.90 vs. 0.74, CI 0.61–0.88; p >0.05]. Adding pFAI to the conventional model showed better predictive efficacy than adding CT-FFR (AUC: 0.88, CI 0.79–0.97 vs. 0.80, CI 0.68–0.92; p <0.05). Compared with conventional and radiomics model, the multi-faceted model showed the highest predictive efficacy (AUC: 0.92, CI 0.82–0.98, p <0.05). ConclusionpFAI is more effective for predicting MIS than CT-FFR. A multi-faceted model combining imaging features, CT-FFR, pFAI, and radiomics is a potential diagnostic tool for MIS.

Alteration of the Exhaled Volatile Organic Compound Pattern in Colorectal Cancer Patients after Intentional Curative Surgery-A Prospective Pilot Study.

As current follow-up modalities for colorectal carcinoma (CRC) have restricted sensitivity, novel diagnostic tools are needed. The presence of CRC changes the endogenous metabolism, resulting in the release of a specific volatile organic compounds (VOC) pattern that can be detected with an electronic nose or AeonoseTM. To evaluate the use of an electronic nose in the follow-up of CRC, we studied the effect of curative surgery on the VOC pattern recognition using AeonoseTM. A prospective cohort study was performed, in which 47 patients diagnosed with CRC were included, all of whom underwent curative surgical resection. Breath testing was performed before and after surgery using the AeonoseTM. A machine learning model was developed by discerning between the 94 pre-and postoperative breath samples. The training model differentiated between the pre-and postoperative CRC breath samples with a sensitivity and specificity of 0.78 (95%CI 0.61-0.90) and 0.73 (95%CI 0.56-0.86), respectively, with an accuracy of 0.76 (95%CI 0.66-0.85), and an area under the curve of 0.79 (95%CI 0.68-0.89). The internal validation of the test set resulted in an accuracy of 0.75 (95%CI 0.51-0.91) and AUC of 0.82 (95%CI 0.61-1). In conclusion, our results suggest that the VOC pattern of CRC patients is altered by curative surgery in a short period, indicating that the exhaled VOCs might be closely related to the presence of CRC. However, to use AeonoseTM as a potential diagnostic tool in the clinical follow-up of CRC patients, the performance of the models needs to be improved through further large-scale prospective research.

Physics-informed neural network for fast prediction of temperature distributions in cancerous breasts as a potential efficient portable AI-based diagnostic tool

This work presents the development of a novel Physics-Informed Neural Network (PINN) method for fast forward simulation of heat transfer through cancerous breast models. The proposed PINN method combines deep learning and physical principles to predict the temperature distributions in breast tissues and identify potential abnormal regions indicating the presence of tumors. The PINN model is normally trained by physics in terms of the residuals of the heat transfer equation, as well as boundary conditions with and without datasets of surface thermal imaging data concerning cancerous breast tissues, which can be used for future inverse thermal modeling to calculate tumor sizes and locations. The model is validated by comparing its predictions with those obtained by traditional Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for various cases. The comparison validates the PINN model as an accurate and fast method for thermal modeling and breast cancer diagnostic tool as the PINN simulation is found to be around 12 times faster than its FEM counterpart. The utilization of deep learning and physical principles in a diagnostic tool provides a non-invasive and safer alternative for breast self-examination compared to traditional methods such as mammography. These findings hold promise for the ongoing development of a new portable Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool for the early detection of breast cancer in breast self-examination as promoted by WHO, which is crucial for reducing mortality rates of breast cancer in the world.

The Ie-Re plane and the 3D-kappa space of stellar systems

Contact. This paper is the fourth in a series dedicated to the observed parallelism of properties passing from globular clusters to early-type galaxies. To a lesser extent, it also covers galaxy clusters and groups. Aims. Here, we investigate the Ie-Re plane and the 3D-kappa space defined by Bender, Burstein and Faber, as potential diagnostic tools in studies of the past evolution of these stellar systems. In the space of the parameters characterizing a stellar system such as the luminosity, L, stellar mass, Ms, half-light (mass) radius, Re, central velocity dispersion, σc, surface brightness, Ie, and so on, the Ie-Re plane is one of possible projections that was thoroughly investigated over the years with many important results. The 3D-kappa space relies on three variables that are suitable combinations of the logarithms of the above parameters. Among others, perhaps the most important result from this new space is the discovery of the fundamental plane of early type galaxies. In this paper, we intend to explore in more detail the potential capability of the joined investigation of the Ie-Re plane and 3D-kappa space. Methods. Based on the collected literature data on the mass, half-mass (light) radius, velocity dispersion, and surface brightness in different bands for the objects under investigation, we set up the Ie-Re plane and the 3D-kappa space. We then compared the observed distributions of these objects with those predicted by simple theoretical galaxy models. Results. We explored the effects of different mass-radius relationships, star formation, infall, and mass assembling histories on the diagnostic planes under examination. We also investigated variations in the 3D-kappa space as a function of the redshift. Conclusions. We show that the distribution of the stellar systems on the various diagnostic planes can cast light on the mass-radius relation and the history of star formation in stellar systems going from globular clusters to early type galaxies.

MiRNA Studies in Glaucoma: A Comprehensive Review of Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives.

Glaucoma, a neurodegenerative disorder that leads to irreversible blindness, remains a challenge because of its complex nature. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators of gene expression and are associated with glaucoma and other diseases. We aimed to review and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of miRNA-focused molecular studies in glaucoma through discussing their potential as biomarkers for early detection and diagnosis; offering insights into molecular pathways and mechanisms; and discussing their potential utility with respect to personalized medicine, their therapeutic potential, and non-invasive monitoring. Limitations, such as variability, small sample sizes, sample specificity, and limited accessibility to ocular tissues, are also addressed, underscoring the need for robust protocols and collaboration. Reproducibility and validation are crucial to establish the credibility of miRNA research findings, and the integration of bioinformatics tools for miRNA database creation is a valuable component of a comprehensive approach to investigate miRNA aberrations in patients with glaucoma. Overall, miRNA research in glaucoma has provided significant insights into the molecular mechanisms of the disease, offering potential biomarkers, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic targets. However, addressing challenges such as variability and limited tissue accessibility is essential, and further investigations and validation will contribute to a deeper understanding of the functional significance of miRNAs in glaucoma.

Time-Resolved Fluorescence Spectroscopy of Blood, Plasma and Albumin as a Potential Diagnostic Tool for Acute Inflammation in COVID-19 Pneumonia Patients.

Fluorescence lifetime measurements of blood or plasma offer valuable insights into the microenvironment and molecular interactions of fluorophores, particularly concerning albumin. Neutrophil- and hypoxia-induced oxidative stress in COVID-19 pneumonia patients leads to hyperinflammation, various oxidative modifications of blood proteins, and potential alterations in the fluorescence lifetime of tryptophan-containing proteins, especially albumin. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy of blood and plasma as a prompt diagnostic tool for the early diagnosis and severity assessment of COVID-19-associated pneumonia. This study examined a cohort of sixty COVID-19 patients with respiratory symptoms. To investigate whether oxidative stress is the underlying cause of the change in fluorescence lifetime, human serum albumin was treated with chloramine T. The time-resolved spectrometer Life Spec II (Edinburgh Instruments Ltd., Livingston, UK), equipped with a sub-nanosecond pulsed 280 nm diode, was used to measure the fluorescence lifetime of blood and plasma. The findings revealed a significant reduction in the fluorescence lifetime of blood (diluted 200 times) and plasma (diluted 20 times) at 360 nm in COVID-19 pneumonia patients compared with their respective values recorded six months post-infection and those of healthy individuals. Significant negative correlations were observed between the mean fluorescence lifetime of blood and plasma at 360 nm and several severity biomarkers and advanced oxidation protein products, while a positive correlation was found with albumin and the albumin-globulin ratio. The time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy method demonstrates the potential to be used as a preliminary screening technique for identifying patients who are at risk of developing severe complications. Furthermore, the small amount of blood required for the measurements has the potential to enable a rapid fingerstick blood test.

Clinical Spectrum of Tuberculosis Otitis Media (TBOM) and Management Outcomes

Objectives. To determine the initial clinical diagnoses of patients with tuberculous otitis media (TBOM), to determine the value of PCR test, biopsy, and ancillary diagnostic procedures in detecting middle ear TB infection, and to establish the differences in treatment outcomes.Methods. The clinical records of twenty-eight patients identified with middle ear TB infection by PCR test and biopsy, from January 2010 to December 2016, were reviewed to determine their initial clinical diagnoses. The positivity rates of PCR test and biopsy were compared. The records of 12 patients included in a previous publication were revisited and included in the present study population. The combined cases were classified according to clinical diagnosis to constitute a summary of demographic characteristics, clinical diagnoses, laboratory tests, and treatment outcomes. Results of diagnostic and surgical procedures were reviewed and analyzed. Clinical findings and hearing test results before and after treatment were compared.Results. Of the 28 patients, eight different clinical diagnoses of patients confirmed with middle ear TB were determined. PCR test diagnosed most cases belonging to the early and chronic stages of the disease process. Biopsy diagnosed mostly the chronic cases but failed to diagnose acute cases and late cases with diagnosis of chronic suppurative otitis media with cholesteatoma. By including the twelve cases that were published in 2011, the range of clinical diagnoses was expanded and an outcome of eleven clinical diagnoses confirmed with TB infection was established. Analysis of treatment outcomes showed that the clinical and hearing outcomes were better for patients managed at the early stage of the disease than for those presenting at the late stages of the disease process who underwent more complicated surgical procedures.Conclusion. Our study supports the concept of tuberculous otitis media (TBOM) clinical spectrum, implying a paradigm shift in the established thinking that TBOM presents only as a chronic disease. The combined use of PCR and biopsy is a potential diagnostic tool to improve case detection rate, further broaden the scope of the clinical spectrum, and develop better control and preventive strategies for TBOM.

Can we use a magnet to see brain inflammation?

The brain's immune system helps us defend ourselves against pathogens and attacks, but what happens when it doesn't or it overreacts? Could it be dangerous? More importantly - Is there a way to detect it on time? Here we have developed a potential diagnostic tool for noninvasive detection of brain inflammation, which we believe could be critical for the diagnosis and monitoring of brain diseases.

Radiolabeled iron oxide nanoparticles functionalized with PSMA/BN ligands for dual-targeting of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most frequent cancer diagnosis in men and the fifth leading cause of death worldwide. Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) and Gastrin Releasing Peptide (GRP) receptors are overexpressed in PCa. In this study, we have developed iron oxide nanoparticles (IONs) functionalized with the Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) and Gastrin Releasing Peptide (GRP) ligands for dual targeting of Prostate cancer. IONs were developed with a thin silica layer on their surface with MPTES (carrying -SH groups, IONs-SH), and they were coupled either with a pharmacophore targeting PSMA (IONs-PSMA) or with bombesin peptide (IONs-BN), targeting GRP receptors, or with both (IONs-PSMA/BN). The functionalized IONs were characterized for their size, zeta potential, and efficiency of functionalization using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). All the aforementioned types of IONs were radiolabeled directly with Technetium-99m (99mTc) and evaluated for their radiolabeling efficiency, stability, and binding ability on two different PCa cell lines (PC3 and LNCaP). The MTT assay demonstrated low toxicity of the IONs against PC3 and LNCaP cells, while the performed wound-healing assay further proved that these nanostructures did not affect cellular growth mechanisms. The observed hemolysis ratio after co-incubation with red blood cells was extremely low. Furthermore, the 99mTc-radiolabeled IONs showed good stability in human serum, DTPA, and histidine, and high specific binding rates in cancer cells, supporting their future utilization as potential diagnostic tools for PCa with Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) imaging.

Differential molecular programs of cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma and CD30-positive transformed mycosis fungoides.

Discriminating between cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (cALCL) and CD30-positive transformed mycosis fungoides (CD30+ TMF) is challenging, particularly when they arise in the context of pre-existing mycosis fungoides. The development of molecular diagnostic tools was hampered by the rarity of both diseases and the limited understanding of their pathogenesis. In this study, we established a cohort comprising 25 cALCL cases and 25 CD30+ TMF cases, with transcriptomic data obtained from 31 samples. We compared the clinicopathological information and investigated the gene expression profiling between these two entities. Furthermore, we developed an immunohistochemistry (IHC) algorithm to differentiate these two entities clinically. Our investigation revealed distinct clinicopathological features and unique gene expression programs associated with cALCL and CD30+ TMF. cALCL and CD30+ TMF displayed marked differences in gene expression patterns. Notably, CD30+ TMF demonstrated enrichment of T cell receptor signaling pathways and an exhausted T cell phenotype, accompanied by infiltration of B cells, dendritic cells, and neurons. In contrast, cALCL cells expressed high levels of HLA class II genes, polarized towards a Th17 phenotype, and exhibited neutrophil infiltration. An IHC algorithm with BATF3 and TCF7 staining emerged as potential diagnostic markers for identifying these two entities. Our findings provide valuable insights into the differential molecular signatures associated with cALCL and CD30+ TMF, which contribute to their distinct clinicopathological behaviors. An appropriate IHC algorithm could be used as a potential diagnostic tool.

Measuring free radicals with relaxometry: Pioneering steps for measurements in human semen

A possible biological mechanism for unexplained male infertility is due to the effect of oxidative stress (OS), defined by the imbalance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and the capacity of the antioxidant defence system to counteract it. In physiological concentrations, ROS and especially free radicals play an essential role in sperm maturation and fertilization, while an overabundance could lead to OS-induced damage to spermatozoa. To date, there are no direct detection techniques available that can measure the total amount of free radicals real time and identify where and when free radicals are generated. This study applies a quantum sensing technique using fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs), called T1 relaxometry, which is uniquely sensitive and specific for free radicals allowing measurements of the current radical load for nanoscale detection in living cells and body fluids. This proof-of-principle study investigates if we can use this technique to detect the free radical generation in human whole and separated, using density gradient centrifugation, semen. This method could be potentially used as new diagnostic measure for unexplained infertility or to track the effect of therapeutic interventions such as lifestyle changes. We adapted the existing relaxometry technique to measure free radicals in semen. The measured relaxation time (T1 time) was correlated to sperm concentration and progressive motility. Additionally, we explored the influence of the oxidative trigger hydrogen peroxide and the antioxidant glutathione on the free radical concentration measured. No significant correlations were found, which indicates that measurements in more proximity of the sperm cell are required to use relaxometry as a potential diagnostic tool for unexplained male infertility.

Elevated SIRT2 of serum exosomes is positively correlated with diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke patients

BackgroundSilent Information Regulator 2 (SIRT2) protein inhibition has been shown to play a neuroprotective role in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in mice. However, its role in AIS patients has not been fully understood. In this study, we aimed to analyze SIRT2 protein expression in serum exosomes of AIS and non-AIS patients, and evaluate its potential role in diagnosis and prognosis of AIS.MethodsSerum exosomes from 75 non-AIS subjects and 75 AIS patients were isolated. The SIRT2 protein levels in exosomes were analyzed using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was used to evaluate the severity of the disease. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was employed to assess the functional outcomes of the patients at 3-months following stroke onset.ResultsThe SIRT2 protein concentration of serum exosomes were higher in AIS patients than non-AIS patients (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the receiver operative characteristic curve (ROC) demonstrated that higher serum exosome SIRT2 could differentiate AIS patients from non-AIS patients with a sensitivity of 81.3% and a specificity of 75.3%. The area under the curve was 0.838 (95% CI: 0.775, 0.902). Additionally, higher SIRT2 concentration of serum exosomes were associated with NIHSS ≥ 4 (p < 0.001) and mRS ≥ 3 (p = 0.025) in AIS patients. The ROC analysis showed SIRT2 could discriminate stroke with NIHSS ≥ 4 from mild stroke (NIHSS < 4) with a sensitivity of 75.0% and a specificity of 69.6%. The area under the curve was 0.771 (95% CI: 0.661,0.881). Similarly, the test showed SIRT2 could differentiate between AIS patients with mRS ≥ 3 from those with mRS < 3 with a sensitivity of 78.3% and a specificity of 51.9%. The area under the curve was 0.663 (95% CI: 0.531,0.796). The logistic regression analysis revealed that SIRT2 concentration in serum exosomes can independently predict the diagnosis of AIS (odd ratio = 1.394, 95%CI 1.231–1.577, p < 0.001) and higher NIHSS scores (≥ 4) (odd ratio = 1.258, 95%CI 1.084–1.460, p = 0.002). However, it could not independently predict the prognosis of AIS (odd ratio = 1.065, 95%CI 0.983–1.154, p = 0.125).ConclusionThe elevation of SIRT2 in serum exosomes may be a valuable biomarker of AIS, which may be a potential diagnostic tool to facilitate decision making for AIS patients.

The role of microbiota in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A review of the literature.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) exhibits high incidence with poor prognosis. Alcohol drinking, cigarette smoking, and betel nut chewing are well-known risk factors. Dysbiosis, an imbalance of the microbiota residing in a local environment, is known to be associated with human diseases, especially cancer. This article reviews the current evidence of esophageal microbiota in ESCC carcinogenesis, including initiation, progression, and drug resistance. Articles involving the esophageal microbiota, diagnosis, treatment, and the progression of esophageal cancer were acquired using a comprehensive literature search in PubMed in recent 10 years. Based on 16S rRNA sequencing of human samples, cell, and animal studies, current evidence suggests dysbiosis of the esophagus promotes ESCC progression and chemotherapy resistance, leading to a poor prognosis. Smoking and drinking are associated with esophageal dysbiosis. Specific bacteria have been reported to promote carcinogenesis, involving either progression or drug resistance in ESCC, for example Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum. These bacteria promote ESCC cell proliferation and migration via the TLR4/NF-κB and IL-6/STAT3 pathways. F. nucleatum induces cisplatin resistance via the enrichment of immunosuppressive myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Correcting the dysbiosis and reducing the abundance of specific esophageal pathogens may help in suppressing cancer progression. In conclusion, esophageal dysbiosis is associated with ESCC progression and chemoresistance. Screening the oral and esophageal microbiota is a potential diagnostic tool for predicting ESCC development or drug-resistance. Repairing esophageal dysbiosis is a novel treatment for ESCC. Clinical trials with probiotics in addition to current chemotherapy are warranted to study the therapeutic effects.

Chromatic Pupillometry - a New Technique for Assessing Function in Glaucoma?

Chromatic pupillometry allows quantification of photoreceptor-driven (extrinsic) and melanopsin-driven (intrinsic) responses of the intrinsic-photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs). This small subpopulation of retinal ganglion cells is also affected by glaucoma, making chromatic pupillometry a potential diagnostic tool. Studies show reduced phasic and tonic responses in glaucoma patients. The diagnostic value in earlier studies depended on the technical details and the study design. The purpose of this article is to give an introduction into the principles of chromatic pupillometry and to discuss the potential applications in the management of glaucoma.

Interleukin-6 Levels in Nasal Secretion as a Potential Diagnostic Tool for Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a debilitating condition affecting millions worldwide, and early detection is crucial for effective treatment and management. Due to the cluster of amyloid beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, the neurons in the brain begin to undergo gradual and irreversible neuronal loss. This is why early detection of AD is crucial for effectively treating and managing the disease. However, the current diagnostic methods, such as imaging scans, are not always accessible and affordable and cannot be diagnosed early on. This study investigated the potential of nasal secretion as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for AD. The study employed two assays, Bicinchoninic acid (BCA) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), to measure protein and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in nasal secretion samples. Blood samples were also collected to serve as a comparison tool. The findings suggest that nasal secretion may be a promising diagnostic tool for AD, with elevated levels of IL-6 found in the nasal secretion of mice with AD-like pathology. The total interleukin-6 concentration in Alzheimer’s disease mice was between 0.1367 pg/mL and 0.14233 pg/mL, compared to the nasal secretion in the healthy mice cohort between 0.094 pg/mL and 0.11 pg/mL. The study contributes to the research on the IL-6 biomarker in AD. It shows that utilizing nasal secretion as a diagnostic tool could allow for early detection and improved quality of life for patients. Future research should investigate the accuracy of nasal secretion as a diagnostic tool and compare it to other current methods.

Exploratory analysis to predict pneumonitis during durvalumab consolidation therapy for patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer from proteomic profiling of circulating extracellular vesicles.

Risk factors for predicting pneumonitis during durvalumab consolidation after chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC) are still lacking. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a crucial role in intercellular communication and are potential diagnostic tools for various diseases. We retrospectively collected predurvalumab treatment serum samples from patients treated with durvalumab for LA-NSCLC, isolated EVs using anti-CD9 and anti-CD63 antibodies, and performed proteomic analyses. We examined EV proteins that could predict the development of symptomatic pneumonitis (SP) during durvalumab treatment. Potential EV-protein biomarkers were validated in an independent cohort. In the discovery cohort, 73 patients were included, 49 with asymptomatic pneumonitis (AP) and 24 with SP. Of the 5797 proteins detected in circulating EVs, 33 were significantly elevated (fold change [FC] > 1.5, p < 0.05) in the SP group, indicating enrichment of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. Patients with high levels of EV-RELA, an NF-κB subunit, had a higher incidence of SP than those with low levels of EV-RELA (53.8% vs. 13.4%, p = 0.0017). In the receiver operating characteristic analysis, EV-RELA demonstrated a higher area under the curve (AUC) than lung V20 (0.76 vs. 0.62) and was identified as an independent risk factor in the multivariate logistic regression analysis (p = 0.008, odds ratio 7.72). Moreover, high EV-RELA was also a predictor of SP in the validation cohort comprising 43 patients (AUC of 0.80). Circulating EV-RELA may be a predictive marker for symptomatic pneumonitis in patients with LA-NSCLC treated with durvalumab.