Yujiang Fang

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) resists checkpoint blockades outside uncommon molecularly selected populations. This narrative review relates clinical combination studies to four overlapping resistance mechanisms: deficient antigenicity, presentation and priming; restricted effector-cell access; suppressive myeloid and regulatory-cell programs; and T-cell dysfunction. The grouping is an organizing heuristic, not a validated treatment-selection algorithm. A source audit through 5 September 2026 reconciled a nonexhaustive inventory of 85 supplied study/cohort entries and relevant additional reports; 84 inventory entries remain in the synthesis after the exclusion of 1 trial. Trial design, endpoint success, component attribution and pharmacodynamic evidence were assessed separately. PA.7 and CISPD3 did not improve their primary survival endpoints when checkpoint blockade was added to chemotherapy. Positive or apparently favorable findings require design-specific interpretation: NASCA changed several components, KG4/2015 pooled randomized and nonrandomized controls, and early vaccine signals have not established a routine benefit. POLAR did not meet its co-primary activity criteria; preliminary SWOG S2001 results did not demonstrate benefits from adding pembrolizumab to olaparib. dMMR/MSI-H remains an established tumor-agnostic selection biomarker, while exploratory PA.7 and tissue-state signatures require independent validation. Human immune changes, immunogenicity and target engagement should not be equated with clinical efficacy. Future trials should test defined component contributions, appropriate pharmacodynamic hypotheses and patient-reported outcomes, with sampling adapted to disease setting and feasibility.

The authors requested that Dr. Dong be designated as the corresponding author in their article titled “Clinical Application of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of NAFLD,” published in “Current Medical Imaging,” 2026, 22, e15734056383747 [1]. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate the opportunity to rectify this matter. The original article can be found online at: https://www.eurekaselect.com/article/152567. Original: Jifei Deng1,#, Shizhao Ou1,#, Lijuan Lai1, Derek Corica2, Lijun Dong3, Yujiang Fang2,* and Guojun Song1,* Corrected: Jifei Deng1,#, Shizhao Ou1,#, Lijuan Lai1, Derek Corica2, Lijun Dong3,*, Yujiang Fang2,* and Guojun Song1,* Original: *Address correspondence to these authors at the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Des Moines University, Des Moines, United States of America; and Department of Radiology, Nanhua Hospital Affiliated to Nanhua University, Hengyang, China; E-mails: yujiang.fang@dmu.edu and ssgj_7131@sina.com #These authors contributed to the work equally and should be regarded as co-first authors. Corrected: *Address correspondence to these authors at the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Des Moines University, Des Moines, United States of America; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China and Department of Radiology, Nanhua Hospital Affiliated to Nanhua University, Hengyang, China; E-mails: yujiang.fang@dmu.edu, donglijunys@163.com and ssgj_7131@sina.com #These authors contributed to the work equally and should be regarded as co-first authors.

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has become a global public health crisis with diverse clinical manifestations affecting multiple organ systems, including the integumentary system. One notable cutaneous manifestation, referred to as “COVID toes,” involves the development of pernio-like chilblains, characterized by red-to-violet macules, plaques, or nodules, primarily on toes and fingers. This characteristic clinical feature gained significant attention due to its apparent association with COVID-19, especially during the early stages of the pandemic when individuals with mild or asymptomatic cases exhibited these symptoms. Concurrently, digital platforms such as Google Trends have emerged as tools for tracking public interest in health-related topics, offering insights into real-time patterns of disease awareness. Previous research has demonstrated that Google Trends data may correlate with the incidence of infectious diseases, suggesting that search interest can be a proxy for disease outbreaks. In this study, we sought to explore the potential relationship between public interest in COVID toes, as reflected in Google Trends, and the incidence and mortality rates of COVID-19. Specifically, we examined whether peaks in search interest for “COVID toes” corresponded with surges in COVID-19 cases and deaths. By analyzing trends in search data, we aimed to assess the utility of digital platforms as an epidemiological tool for monitoring disease progression and public awareness. Our findings provide insights into the potential role of digital search data in forecasting outbreaks and highlight the interplay between public perception and the clinical burden of COVID-19, emphasizing the importance of real-time data in public health surveillance and response.

Cervical cancer remains a significant global challenge, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies beyond conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The anticancer potential of natural compounds has recently garnered increased recognition. This study aimed to expand this knowledge by exploring the molecular mechanisms by which spinach extract (SE) influences the growth and survival of HeLa cervical cancer cells. HeLa cells were exposed to SE or medium alone. A clonogenic survival assay was performed following SE exposure, followed by a quick cell proliferation assay. RT-PCR was used to assess the expression of key proliferative and anti-proliferative molecules, and IHC was used to elucidate protein expression. TUNEL staining and caspase-3 assays measured apoptosis in the HeLa cells. SE resulted in increased apoptosis and decreased proliferation of HeLa cells. SE reduced the expression of pro-proliferative molecules, including cyclin B and cyclin D, in HeLa cells. It also reduced the expression of the anti-apoptotic molecule FLIP. Unexpectedly, the expression of p18 was decreased. SE is a low-cost nutritional supplement that was able to significantly slow the growth and promote apoptosis of HeLa cervical cancer cells by decreasing proliferative and anti-apoptotic molecules.

Bladder cancer is one of the most common urological malignancies, with 5-year survival rates below 40% in advanced cases. Oncologic immunotherapy has become a popular approach to treating cancer and programmed death ligand 1 (PDL1), programmed death ligand 2 (PDL2), intercellular adhesion molecule 2 (ICAM2) and 4-1BB ligand (4-1BBL) are key costimulatory molecules in oncologic immunotherapy. Previous research has shown plant phytochemicals can act as immunomodulators by regulating costimulatory functions to increase T-cell activation and thus to inhibit malignant proliferation. However, the role of Aloe vera in the growth of bladder cancer and in the expression of these key costimulatory molecules has not been elucidated yet. This study is designed to investigate if Aloe vera could have a role in the growth of bladder cancer and if it has any effect on the expression of these key costimulatory molecules in bladder cancer. Clonogenic survival assay and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for PCNA staining were used to evaluate growth of a widely used bladder cancer cell line, T24, in the presence or absence of Aloe vera extract (AE). RT-PCR and IHC were performed to investigate the expression of important costimulatory molecules PDL1, PDL2, ICAM2, and 4-1BBL. Clonogenic survival assay showed a reduction in the percentage of bladder cancer cell colonies, and this result was supported by decreased PCNA staining intensity upon treatment with AE. RT-PCR revealed decreased expression levels of PDL1 and PDL2, which are pro-oncogenic costimulatory molecules and increased expression levels of ICAM2 and 4-1BBL, which are anti-oncogenic costimulatory molecules. Their expression levels were further supported by IHC staining. Aloe vera inhibits bladder cancer growth. Aloe vera upregulates the expression of ICAM2 and 4-1BBL and downregulates the expression of PDL1 and PDL2.

Background/Objectives: Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although chemoradiation followed by brachytherapy is the curative-intent standard for locally advanced disease, outcomes remain heterogeneous and recurrence and distant metastasis persist. In parallel, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) have expanded systemic options in recurrent or metastatic settings and created new opportunities for multimodality. This review aims to integrate treatment-relevant cervical cancer biology and biomarkers to clarify how chemoradiation, immunotherapy, and ADCs can be optimally selected, sequenced, and combined across disease states. Methods: We conducted a structured narrative, evidence-based literature synthesis focusing on cervical cancer management. The review encompassed: (i) the molecular and immune mechanisms underlying human papillomavirus (HPV)-driven carcinogenesis; (ii) contemporary diagnostic and staging approaches, including advanced imaging modalities and histopathological evaluation; and (iii) clinical and translational evidence supporting the optimization of chemoradiation, immune checkpoint inhibition, and antibody–drug conjugates, with emphasis on clinically validated or emerging biomarkers that are relevant to patient stratification and mechanistically rational combination or sequencing strategies. A systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and major oncology conference proceedings was performed. Priority was given to peer-reviewed original research articles, high-impact clinical trials (Phase II–III), meta-analyses, and consensus guidelines published within the past 10 years to ensure contemporary relevance. Articles published prior to this period were generally excluded to maintain clinical currency; however, seminal studies that established foundational therapeutic standards, mechanistic paradigms, or landmark treatment milestones were intentionally retained due to their enduring influence on current practice. Exclusion criteria included non-peer-reviewed sources, case reports with limited generalizability, non-English publications, and studies lacking methodological rigor or clinical relevance to cervical cancer management. Preclinical studies were included selectively when directly informing therapeutic mechanisms, biomarker development, or translational rationale. This approach was designed to balance historical context with up-to-date clinical applicability, ensuring both scientific rigor and contemporary relevance. Results: Chemoradiation and brachytherapy remain essential for local control, while ICIs can restore antitumor T-cell activity in biomarker-enriched contexts. ADCs enable target-directed delivery of potent cytotoxins and may promote immunogenic cell death, supporting immunotherapy and radiation. However, key challenges include resistance mechanisms, toxicity management, and patient identification for the most beneficial combined multimodality. Conclusions: A biology- and biomarker-informed framework can guide more rational integration of multimodality therapy in cervical cancer. Future progress will depend on validated predictive biomarkers, optimized sequencing/combination strategies, and trials that balance efficacy with short- and long-term toxicity.

Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) is a significant cause of secondary hypertension and kidney injury with important cardiovascular consequences. This review briefly discusses the pathophysiology of ARAS, evaluates in-depth the diagnostic performance of duplex ultrasound, computed tomography angiography, and magnetic resonance angiography, and synthesizes results from major randomized trials and observational studies to explore current treatment options. The objective is to define the current diagnostic and therapeutic landscape of ARAS in a manner that supports evidence-based clinical decision making, and identify which treatment modality may be appropriate based on clinical presentation. The preference for optimized medical therapy as the initial standard of care is largely based on multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which found no overall benefit from invasive endovascular treatments in conjunction with medical therapy. However, the limitations in trial design indicate that these results do not rule out the benefit in carefully selected patients. Evidence from subgroup analyses and non-randomized studies supports invasive endovascular revascularization in presentations such as recurrent flash pulmonary edema, progressive decline in renal function, and hypertension resistant to pharmacologic medical therapy. Endovascular stenting is preferred when anatomy is favorable, while open surgical reconstruction, including aortorenal bypass or endarterectomy, is reserved for complex lesions, failed prior endovascular intervention, or concomitant aortic surgery. The review also discusses emerging strategies, including novel stent platforms and drug-eluting technology, which may improve outcomes if validated in targeted high-risk cohorts.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant global health problem, ranking as the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the world. The highest incidence of CRC is found in developed regions, thus underlining its characterization as a Western disease. Major risk factors for CRC include an unhealthy diet, lack of physical exercise, and cigarette smoking. The gut microbiota refers to the complex community of microorganisms inhabiting the digestive tract and plays a crucial role in the maintenance of host health and modulation of immune responses. Gut dysbiosis can be caused by poor diet and alcohol consumption, increasing CRC risk. Specific bacteria, such as Fusobacterium nucleatum and Escherichia coli, may have a close relationship with CRC development, while the beneficial bacteria are frequently depleted in CRC patients. This paper will discuss the mechanisms of colorectal carcinogenesis, focusing on the effects of bacterial genotoxins, immune evasion, inflammation, and diet. Additionally, it reviews preventative strategies including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotic supplements, and the method of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), showing their potential to improve overall gut health and reduce the risk for CRC. Understanding these mechanisms and implementing specific preventative strategies could significantly enhance clinical interventions and reduce the global burden of CRC.