The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has led to a significant burden on global healthcare systems. COVID-19-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) is among one of the complications, that has emerged as a critical and frequent condition in COVID-19 patients. This AKI among COVID-19 patients is associated with poor outcomes, and high mortality rates, especially in those with severe AKI or requiring renal replacement therapy. COVID-19-induced AKI represents a significant complication with complex pathophysiology and multifactorial risk factors. Indeed, several pathophysiological mechanisms, including direct viral invasion of renal cells, systemic inflammation, endothelial and thrombotic abnormalities as well as nephrotoxic drugs and rhabdomyolysis are believed to underlie this condition. Moreover, histopathological and immunohistopathological findings commonly observed in postmortem studies include acute tubular necrosis, glomerular injury, and the presence of viral particles within renal tissue and urine. Identified risk factors for developing AKI vary among studies, depending on regions, underlying conditions, and the severity of the disease. Moreover, histopathological and immunohistopathological findings commonly observed in postmortem studies include show acute tubular necrosis, glomerular injury, and viral particles within renal tissue and urine. While, identified risk factors for developing AKI vary among studies, according to regions, underlying conditions, and the gravity of the disease. This narrative review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the incidence, pathophysiology, risk factors, histopathology, and outcomes of AKI induced by COVID-19.

Surgical masks(SM) have become essential to our daily lives with the COVID-19 pandemic. It is recommended as the cheapest, most effective preventive method. The effects of SM on patients receiving chemotherapy are unknown. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of SM on oxygenation and CO2 retention in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and to examine its possible clinical consequences. Patients diagnosed with cancer and receiving chemotherapy were included in the study. Venous blood gas, SO2 by pulse oximeter, and vital signs were recorded before and after treatment. Acute toxicities encountered during treatment were recorded. One hundred twenty-six patients with a median age of 60 (33-85) were evaluated in the study. The comparison of pre-post treatment parameters showed statistically significant changes in Ph (7.37 vs. 7.35, p < 0.01), pCO2 (44.2 vs. 45.8, p = 0.049), HCO3 (25.7 vs. 25.3, p = 0.003), SpO2 (97.0 vs. 96.0, p = 0.08), fever (36.4 vs. 36.3, p = 0.023). All the changes were clinically insignificant and in normal ranges. Chemotherapy-related acute toxicity was noted in 4 (3.2%) of the patients. Lung morbidity, cancer type, lung metastasis status, treatment applied, duration of therapy, and acute toxicity do not affect the current parameters. In our study, it was shown that constantly wearing a SM in patients receiving chemotherapy caused CO2 retention and a tendency to hypoxemia. However, the current changes were clinically insignificant and within the normal range. Surgical masks can be used safely in cancer patients receiving systemic treatment.

Individuals with cancer exposed to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), are more susceptible to COVID-19-related complications [...].

Viral mutations and immune dysfunction still lead to recurrent infections of COVID-19 in cancer patients. Our aim in this study was to explore the differences in cumulative risk of COVID-19 death from different cancer types and characterise clinical and demographic factors associated with COVID-19 death.

We conducted a population-based study using the National Cancer Database, which included all cancer types. We calculated age-standardised mortality, cancer mortality, and COVID-19 mortality. Further, we employed a multivariate competing risk analysis to calculate the cumulative risk of COVID-19 death in different cancer types.

5.3% of cancer patients suffered from COVID-19 death. The highest COVID-19 mortality was in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, while lung and bronchus cancer exhibited lower risk. Notably, years from cancer diagnosis independently predict COVID-19 death. The hazard ratios (HR) in different types of cancers were as follows: lung and bronchus cancer HR = 1.29 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.20-1.40, P < 0.001), colon and rectum cancer HR = 1.22 (95% CI = 1.16-1.29, P < 0.001), urinary bladder cancer HR = 1.22 (95% CI = 1.15-1.30, P < 0.001), non-Hodgkin lymphoma HR = 1.17 (95% CI = 1.11-1.23, P < 0.001), kidney cancer HR = 1.15 (95% CI = 1.06-1.24, P < 0.001), and breast cancer HR = 1.11 (95% CI = 1.06-1.16, P < 0.001). Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgical resection did not significantly correlate with COVID-19 death.

We revealed the burden of COVID-19 death across different cancer types. COVID-19 mortality was highest in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and prostate cancer, while patients with lung and bronchus cancer had a lower risk. Years from diagnosis independently predict COVID-19 death. Based on the results, we support more prompt risk assessment and treatment for various types of cancer.

The goal of this investigation was to compare the time to biopsy (TBI) and time to treatment (TTI) for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and to examine the effect of demographic and clinical characteristics on these intervals.

Our retrospective study at a large regional Hungarian cancer center analyzed data from patients aged 18 or older diagnosed with HNSCC between 1 January 2017 and 15 March 2020 (pre-COVID-19 period) and 16 March 2020 to 13 May 2021 (COVID-19 period). We calculated the time from initial physician contact to biopsy (TBI) and from biopsy to treatment initiation (TTI) and performed descriptive and exploratory statistical analyses.

The median TBI decreased significantly (6 vs. 3 days; p = 0.008), while the median TTI was not affected significantly (28 vs. 29 days; p = 0.972) pre-pandemic and during the pandemic, respectively. Residence in a village was linked to a significant reduction in median TBI during the pandemic (p = 0.000), coinciding with a higher proportion of rural patients diagnosed with oral cavity/oropharyngeal cancers during the pandemic (50.3% pre-pandemic vs. 67.4% during pandemic, p = 0.044). Median TTI decreased significantly during the pandemic for patients with laryngeal tumors (27.5 vs. 18.5 days; p = 0.012).

Our study, one of a few from this region, provides insights into HNSCC patient waiting times. Improvement in TBI likely resulted from the availability of telemedicine, reduced diagnostic demands from non-cancer patients, and an increased incidence of oral cavity/oropharyngeal cancer among rural patients.

TMPRSS4, a transmembrane serine protease type II, is associated with various pathological illnesses. It has been found to activate SARS-CoV-2, enhance viral infection of human small-intestinal enterocytes and is overexpressed in different types of cancers. Therefore, this study aims to disover potential TMPRSS4 inhibitors that have better binding affinity than the approved inhibitors: 2-hydroxydiarylamide and tyroserleutide. Since no 3D-structure is known for TMPRSS4, structural models for the TMPRSS4 serine protease domain were developed. The modeled structures were validated and subjected to molecular dynamics simulations. FDA-approved, clinical/preclinical drugs and natural products were docked to the pocket of TMPRSS4. Moreover, through a systematic analysis, MD simulations and MM-GBSA binding free energy calculations revealed that the best candidates Ergotamine, S55746, NPC478048, Lifirafenib, and NPC77101 are highly stable drug candidates in complex with TMPRSS4, displaying low RMSD and RMSF values with strong binding stability. Among these compounds, Ergotamine showed the most favorable binding energy (-33.73 kcal/mol). Overall, our in silico results revealed that these compounds could act as potent TMPRSS4 inhibitors and need to be validated by future experimental studies.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been associated with a significant fatality rate and persistent evolution in immunocompromised patients. In this prospective study, we aimed to determine the duration of excretion of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in 37 Tunisian patients with hematological malignancies (40.5% with lymphoma and 37.8% with leukemia). In order to investigate the accumulation of viral mutations, we carried out genetic investigation on longitudinal nasopharyngeal samples using RT-PCR and whole-genome sequencing. Patients' samples were collected until the RT-PCR results became negative. SARS-CoV-2 infection was symptomatic in 48.6% of cases with fever, and cough was symptomatic in 61% of cases; the mortality rate was estimated to be 13.5%. The duration of viral RNA shedding ranged from 7 to 92 days after onset; it exceeded 18 days in 79.4% of cases. An intermittent PCR positivity was observed in two symptomatic patients. Persistent PCR positivity, defined as the presence of viral RNA for more than 30 days, was found in 51.4% of cases. No significant differences were observed for age, sex, type of hematological malignancy, or COVID-19 evolution between this group and a second one characterized by non-persistent PCR positivity. Lymphopenia was an independent predictor of prolonged SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection (p = 0.04). Three types of variants were detected; the most frequent was the Omicron. Globally, the mean intra-host variability in the SARS-CoV-2 genome was 1.31 × 10-3 mutations per site per year; it was 1.44 × 10-3 in the persistent group and 1.3 × 10-3 in the non-persistent group. Three types of mutations were detected; the most frequent were nucleotide substitutions in the spike (S) gene. No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups as to the type and mean number of observed mutations in the whole genome and the S region (p = 0.650). Sequence analysis revealed the inclusion of one to eight amino acid-changing events in seventeen cases; it was characterized by genetic stability from the third to the twentieth day of evolution in six cases. For the two patients with intermittent PCR positivity, sequences obtained from samples before and after negative PCR were identical in the whole genome, confirming an intra-host evolution of the same viral strain. This study confirms the risk of persistent viral shedding in patients with hematological malignancies. However, persistence of PCR positivity seems to be correlated only with a continuous elimination of viral RNA debris. Additional studies based on cell culture analysis are needed to confirm these findings.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious viral disease, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It can manifest as mild to severe flu-like and non-flu-like symptoms and signs, which are associated with immune dysfunction and increased mortality. The findings from COVID-19 patients imply a link between immune system abnormalities such as impaired T-cell responses or cytokine imbalances and increased risk for worse clinical outcomes, which has not been fully understood. Owing to the regulatory role of inhibitory immune checkpoints during COVID-19 infection, this review summarizes the available studies concerning the TIM3 as a relatively less characterized immune checkpoint in COVID-19 patients.

The aim of this study was to assess the seroconversion rate and percent inhibition of neutralizing antibodies against the wild-type and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 in patients with solid cancer who received two COVID-19 vaccine doses by comparing chemotherapy and nonchemotherapy groups.

This prospective cohort study enrolled 115 cancer patients from Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, Sriphat Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, and Chiang Mai Klaimor Hospital, Chiang Mai, Thailand, between August 2021 and February 2022, with data from 91 patients who received two COVID-19 vaccine doses analyzed. Participants received vaccines as part of their personal vaccination programs, including various mRNA and non-mRNA vaccine combinations. Blood samples were collected at baseline, on day 28, and at 6 months post-second dose to assess neutralizing antibodies. The primary outcome was the seroconversion rate against the wild-type and Omicron variants on day 28. Secondary outcomes included seroconversion at 6 months, factors associated with seroconversion, and safety.

Among the participants, 45% were receiving chemotherapy. On day 28, seroconversion rates were 77% and 62% for the wild-type and Omicron variants, respectively. Chemotherapy did not significantly affect seroconversion rates (p = 0.789 for wild type, p = 0.597 for Omicron). The vaccine type administered was positively correlated with seroconversion, with an adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 25.86 (1.39-478.06) for the wild type and 17.38 (3.65-82.66) for the Omicron variant with the primary heterologous vaccine regimen. Grades 1 and 2 adverse events were observed in 34.0% and 19.7% of participants, respectively.

Despite the lower seroconversion rate against the Omicron variant, no significant difference was observed between the chemotherapy and nonchemotherapy groups. COVID-19 vaccinations demonstrated good tolerability in this cohort. These findings highlight the importance of vaccine safety and immunogenicity in cancer patients and can inform tailored vaccination strategies for this vulnerable population.

Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare systems worldwide, leading to the postponement of elective surgeries, including inguinal hernia repair (IHR), as healthcare resources prioritized critical care. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the incidence and outcomes of IHR procedures. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 604 patients who underwent IHR over six years, spanning pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic periods. Data on patient demographics, type of surgical procedure (elective or emergency), use of mesh, surgical duration, hospitalization period, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed across the three time frames. Results: Patient age remained consistent across the three periods, but a significant increase in female patients was observed during and after the pandemic (p < 0.001). Elective IHR surgeries significantly decreased during the pandemic (p < 0.001), paralleled by an increase in emergency cases (p = 0.004). In the post-pandemic period, elective surgeries rebounded, while emergency interventions declined (21.9% vs. 10.3%). Mesh repair usage increased notably in the post-pandemic phase (p < 0.001). Although surgeries took longer during the pandemic (p < 0.001), both total and postoperative hospital stays were reduced during and after the pandemic (p < 0.001). Minimal postoperative complications were reported throughout, with only one mortality during the pandemic. Conclusions: This study highlights the need for robust healthcare strategies to maintain elective surgical care during global crises, as delays in IHR may elevate risks for complications like hernia incarceration and strangulation.

SARS-CoV-2, a highly contagious coronavirus, is responsible for the global pandemic of COVID-19 in 2019. Currently, it remains uncertain whether SARS-CoV-2 possesses oncogenic or oncolytic potential in influencing tumor progression. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the clinical and functional role of SARS-CoV-2 on tumor progression.

Here, we integrated bioinformatic analysis of COVID-19 RNA-seq data from the GEO database and performed functional studies to explore the regulatory role of SARS-CoV-2 in solid tumor progression, including lung, colon, kidney and liver cancer.

Our results demonstrate that infection with SARS-CoV-2 is associated with a decreased expression of genes associated with cancer proliferation and metastasis in lung tissues from patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Several cancer proliferation or metastasis related genes were frequently downregulated in SARS-CoV-2 infected intestinal organoids and human colon carcinoma cells. In vivo and in vitro studies revealed that SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein inhibits colon and kidney tumor growth and metastasis through the N-terminal (NTD) and the C-terminal domain (CTD). The molecular mechanism indicates that the N protein of SARS-CoV-2 interacts with YBX1, resulting in the recruitment of PKM mRNA into stress granules mediated by G3BP1. This process ultimately destabilizes PKM expression and suppresses glycolysis.

Our study reveals a new function of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein on tumor progression.

COVID-19 started to spread early in 2020, the precise year that lung cancer (LC) patients were recruited into the prospective epidemiological cohort KBP-2020-CPHG in French hospitals. This provides a unique opportunity to study COVID-19 incidence, survival risk factors, and overall prognosis.

COVID data was collected before vaccination was made available. Clinical characteristics were compared (COVID vs non-COVID), incidence rate ratios were calculated based on clinical characteristics, survival (1 and 3 months) was estimated and the impact of COVID-19 on the overall prognosis of the cohort was studied.

In 2020, 285 out of 8,999 lung cancer patients were diagnosed with COVID-19. Diagnosis was mainly based on PCR tests (86.3 %). The annual incidence was 8.3 % (95 % CI [7.4, 9.3]); it was higher in former smokers and patients with squamous cell carcinoma or small cell carcinoma than in those with adenocarcinoma, in those with a PS score ≥2 versus 0-1, and with stages III-IV versus stages I-II. The incidence was reduced in patients who received chemotherapy or immunotherapy. 64.9 % of patients were hospitalized due to COVID-19. Risk factors for death at 1 and 3 months in COVID-19 patients were age, LC stage, and PS score. Multivariate analysis showed a major prognostic impact of COVID-19 on mortality of LC patients (hazard ratio: 4.12, 95 % CI [3.42, 4.97], p < 0.001).

This prospective study demonstrated the high incidence of COVID-19 in LC patients and identified as risk factors for COVID-19: smoking status, histology, PS, and stage. The impact of COVID-19 on lung cancer mortality appears major.

Immunocompromised patients face higher risks of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 infection and co-infections, leading to a possibility of high disease severity and poor outcomes. Conversely, immunosuppression can mitigate the excessive inflammatory response induced by the virus, potentially reducing disease severity. This study aims to investigate the prognostic differences and early inflammatory response characteristics in various types of immunocompromised patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) admitted to intensive care unit (ICU), summarize their clinical features, and explore potential mechanisms.

A retrospective analysis was conducted on critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU of 59 medical centers in mainland China during the Omicron outbreak from November 2022 to February 2023. Patients were categorized into two groups based on their immunosuppression status: immunocompromised and immunocompetent. Immunocompromised patients were further subdivided by etiology into cancer patients, solid organ transplant (SOT) patients, and other immunocompromised groups, with immunocompetent patients serving as controls. The mortality rates, respiratory support, complications, and early inflammatory cytokine dynamics upon ICU admission among different populations were analyzed.

A total of 2030 critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted to ICU were included, with 242 in the immunocompromised group and 1788 in the immunocompetent group. Cancer patients had a higher median age of 69 years (IQR 59, 77), while SOT patients were generally younger and had less severe illness upon ICU admission, with a median APACHE II score of 12.0 (IQR 8.0, 20.0). Cancer patients had a twofold increased risk of death (OR = 2.02, 95% CI 1.18-3.46, P = 0.010) compared to immunocompetent patients. SOT and cancer patients exhibited higher C-reactive protein and serum ferritin levels than the immunocompetent group in their early days of ICU admission. The CD8+ T cells dynamics were inversely correlated in cancer and SOT patients, with Interleukin-6 levels consistently lower in the SOT group compared to both immunocompetent and cancer patients.

Critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU exhibit distinct clinical outcomes based on their immunosuppression status, with cancer patients facing the highest mortality rate due to variations in inflammatory responses linked to their immunosuppression mechanisms. Monitoring dynamic changes in inflammatory markers and immune cells, particularly CD8+ T lymphocytes and IL-6, may offer valuable prognostic insights for these patients.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a great burden worldwide, but its impact on patients with genitourinary cancer (GUC) is poorly characterized. This study aimed to characterize the clinical features and evolution of GUC patients affected by COVID-19 in Spain.

SOGUG-COVID-19 was an observational ambispective non-interventional study that recruited patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection who had been treated for GUC in 32 Spanish hospitals. Data were collected from patients' medical records in a short period of time, coinciding with the first waves of COVID-19, when the mortality was also higher in the general population.

From November 2020 to April 2021, 408 patients were enrolled in the study. The median age was 70 years, and 357 patients (87.5%) were male. Most frequent Cancer Origin was: prostate (40.7%), urothelial (31.4%) and kidney (22.1%). Most patients (71.3%) were diagnosed at the metastatic stage, and 33.3% had poorly differentiated histology. Anticancer treatment during the infection was reported in 58.3% of patients, and 21.3% had received immunotherapy prior to or concurrent with the infection. The most frequent COVID-19 symptoms were pyrexia (49.0%), cough (38.2%) and dyspnea (31.9%). Median age was higher for patients with pneumonia (p < 0.001), patchy infiltrates (p = 0.005), ICU admission (p < 0.001) and death (p < 0.001). Tumor stage was associated with complications (p = 0.006). The fatality rate was 19.9% and the 6-month COVID-19-specific survival rate was 79.7%.

Patients with genitourinary cancers seem exceptionally vulnerable to COVID-19 regardless of tumor type or anticancer therapy. Age and tumor stage were the only identified risk factors for severe COVID-19.

We examined the factors influencing hospitalization and prognosis among patients with non-small cell lung cancer receiving epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) targeted therapy during the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

In total, 267 patients diagnosed with NSCLC who were receiving treatment with third-generation EGFR-TKIs were included in our retrospective study. Data on patients' demographics, clinical characteristics, and survival were collected and analyzed.

Over a mean follow-up of 18 months, 80.5% (215/267) of the patients contracted COVID-19, and 12.6% (27/215) of these patients were hospitalized for COVID-19 treatment. Vaccinated patients, those with body mass index (BMI) ≥22.3 kg/m2, and those with no comorbidities had lower rates of infection and hospitalization than unvaccinated patients, those with BMI <22.3 kg/m2, and those with comorbidities, respectively. Continued NSCLC treatment in patients with COVID-19 was identified as a risk factor for patient survival.

NSCLC treatment can be continued for patients who received COVID-19 vaccines, those with higher BMI, and those without comorbidities during the COVID-19 epidemic, but treatment interruption might be required for patients during the active phase of infection.

Despite the severe impact of COVID-19 on cancer patients, data on COVID-19 outcomes in cancer patients from low- and middle-income countries is limited. We conducted a large study about the mortality rate of COVID-19 in cancer patients in Iran.

We analyzed data from 1,079 cancer (average age: 58.2 years) and 5,514 non-cancer patients (average age: 57.2 years) who were admitted for COVID-19 in two referral hospitals between March 2019 and August 2021. Patients were followed up until death or 31st August 2021. Multiple logistic regression models estimated the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of factors associated with ICU admission and intubation. The Cox regression model estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CI of factors associated with hospital and post-discharge 60-day mortalities.

The cancer patients had higher ICU admission (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.42-1.91; P-value 0.03) and intubation (OR = 3.13, 95% CI = 2.63-3.73, P-value < 0.001) than non-cancer patients. Moreover, hospital mortality was significantly higher in cancer patients than in non-cancer patients (HR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.89-2.41, P-value < 0.001). HR for the post-discharge mortality was higher in these patients (HR = 2.79, 95% CI: 2.49-3.11, < 0.001). The hospital, comorbidities, low oxygen saturation, being on active treatment, and non-solid tumor were significantly associated with ICU admission (P-value < 0.05) in cancer patients, while only low oxygen saturation was associated with intubation. In addition, we found that old age, females, low oxygen saturation level, active treatment, and having a metastatic tumor were associated with death due to COVID-19 (P-value < 0.05). Only lung cancer patients had a significantly higher risk of death compared to other cancer types (HR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.06-2.10, P-value = 0.02).

Cancer patients are at a higher risk of ICU admission, intubation, and death due to COVID-19 than non-cancer patients. Therefore, cancer patients who are infected with COVID-19 require intensive care in the hospital and active monitoring after their discharge from the hospital.

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) triggers a detrimental shift in mitochondrial dynamics, characterized by increased fission and decreased fusion, contributing to cardiomyocyte apoptosis and cardiac dysfunction. This study investigated the impact of modulating mitochondrial dynamics on DCM outcomes and underlying mechanisms in a mouse model. DCM induction led to upregulation of fission genes (Drp1, Mff, Fis1) and downregulation of fusion genes (Mfn1, Mfn2, Opa1). Inhibiting fission with Mdivi-1 or promoting fusion with Ginsenoside Rg1 preserved cardiac function, as evidenced by improved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), fractional shortening (FS), and E/A ratio. Both treatments also reduced infarct size and attenuated cardiomyocyte apoptosis, indicated by decreased caspase-3 activity. Mechanistically, Mdivi-1 enhanced mitochondrial function by improving mitochondrial membrane potential, reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and increasing ATP generation. Ginsenoside Rg1 also preserved mitochondrial integrity and function under hypoxic conditions in HL-1 cardiomyocytes. These findings suggest that restoring the balance of mitochondrial dynamics through pharmacological interventions targeting either fission or fusion may offer a promising therapeutic strategy for mitigating MI-induced cardiac injury and improving patient outcomes.

Background: Palliative care addresses a range of needs, from symptom management to providing support to patients with hepatocellular cancer (HCC) and their families throughout the illness. However, research on palliative care in HCC remains limited, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigates the healthcare utilization associated with palliative care referral among patients with HCC. Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional analysis conducted using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2019 to 2021 among patients with HCC age ≥18 years. Results: Among the 35,220 hospitalizations with HCC as the principal diagnosis, 18.7% received inpatient palliative care referrals. Factors associated with increased palliative care referrals included age ≥65 years, Midwest region, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score ≥3, and end-of-life care, as reflected by discharge resulting in death. No racial or insurance disparities were observed. Palliative care consultations were associated with lower total hospital costs ($20,573 vs $26,035, <0.0001). A higher prevalence of "do-not-resuscitate" status was also found among patients with palliative care referrals. Conclusion: The study provides an understanding of palliative care utilization across pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. Factors such as advanced age, hospital region, and underlying comorbidities influenced the likelihood of referral, with no discernible racial or insurance disparities identified. Palliative care involvement has also been shown to provide cost-effective supportive care with lower hospital costs. These findings provide invaluable guidance for optimizing the integration of palliative care alongside HCC management.

In the realm of this study, obtaining a comprehensive understanding of ischemic brain injury and its molecular foundations is of paramount importance. Our study delved into single-cell data analysis, with a specific focus on sub-celltypes and differentially expressed genes in the aftermath of ischemic injury. Notably, we observed a significant enrichment of the "ATP METABOLIC PROCESS" and "ATP HYDROLYSIS ACTIVITY" pathways, featuring pivotal genes such as Pbx3, Dguok, and Kif21b. A remarkable finding was the consistent upregulation of genes like Fabp7 and Bcl11a within the MCAO group, highlighting their crucial roles in regulating the pathway of mitochondrial ATP synthesis coupled proton transport. Furthermore, our network analysis unveiled pathways like "Neuron differentiation" and "T cell differentiation" as central in the regulatory processes of sub-celltypes. These findings provide valuable insights into the intricate molecular responses and regulatory mechanisms that govern brain injury. The shared differentially expressed genes among sub-celltypes emphasize their significance in orchestrating responses post-ischemic injury. Our research, viewed from the perspective of a medical researcher, contributes to the evolving understanding of the molecular landscape underlying ischemic brain injury, potentially paving the way for targeted therapeutic strategies and improved patient outcomes.

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury exacerbates cellular damage upon restoring blood flow to ischemic cardiac tissue, causing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. This study investigates Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), a precursor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), for its cardioprotective effects. Administering NR to mice before I/R injury and evaluating heart function via echocardiography showed that NR significantly improved heart function, increased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and fractional shortening (FS), and reduced left ventricular end-diastolic (LVDd) and end-systolic diameters (LVSd). NR also restored E/A and E/e' ratios. It reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro, inhibiting elevated caspase-3 activity and returning Bax protein levels to normal. In vitro, NR reduced the apoptotic rate in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-treated HL-1 cells from 30% to 10%. Mechanistically, NR modulated the SIRT3/mtROS/JNK pathway, reversing H2O2-induced SIRT3 downregulation, reducing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), and inhibiting JNK activation. Using SIRT3-knockout (SIRT3-KO) mice, we confirmed that NR's cardioprotective effects depend on SIRT3. Echocardiography showed that NR's benefits were abrogated in SIRT3-KO mice. In conclusion, NR provides significant cardioprotection against myocardial I/R injury by enhancing NAD+ levels and modulating the SIRT3/mtROS/JNK pathway, suggesting its potential as a novel therapeutic agent for ischemic heart diseases, meriting further clinical research.

This study unveils the pivotal roles of taurine metabolic reprogramming and its implications in the development and progression of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA). Leveraging an integrated approach that combines single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA), our research investigates the intricate transcriptional and gene expression dynamics crucial to AAA. Our findings uniquely link metabolic shifts to the integrity of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the functionality of smooth muscle cells (SMCs), key elements in the pathology of AAA. Utilizing scRNA-seq data from a mouse model (GSE152583 dataset), we identified critical alterations in cellular composition during AAA progression, particularly highlighting shifts in fibroblasts and inflammatory cells. Concurrently, WGCNA of human AAA tissue samples has outlined distinct gene expression patterns correlated with disease severity and progression, offering comprehensive insights into both molecular and cellular disease mechanisms. Moreover, this study introduces innovative metabolic profiling techniques to identify differential metabolites in AAA, integrating extensive metabolomic analyses with pathway enrichment strategies. This novel approach has pinpointed potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets, notably within taurine metabolism pathways, crucial for crafting non-surgical interventions. By merging state-of-the-art bioinformatics with thorough molecular analysis, our study not only enhances the understanding of AAA's complex pathophysiology but also catalyzes the development of targeted therapeutic strategies. This research represents a significant advancement in the molecular characterization of AAA, with substantial implications for its future diagnosis and treatment strategies.

Patients with cancer receiving anticancer treatment have a higher risk of severe COVID-19 (C-19) outcomes. We examine the association between breast cancer (BC), recent treatment (systemic therapy, surgery, radiation), and C-19 outcomes.

Retrospective matched cohort study using the Optum® de-identified C-19 Electronic Health Record dataset (2007-2022). Patients with C-19 were categorized into: no cancer, BC with recent treatment, and BC without recent treatment and matched based on age, C-19 diagnosis date, and comorbidity score. We evaluated 30-day mortality, mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and hospitalization. A composite outcome including all outcomes was analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression models were used.

2200 matched triplets (1:1:10) of patients with BC recently treated, BC not recently treated, and no cancer were included. Rates of adverse outcomes improved in 2021 compared to 2020. Compared to patients without cancer, those with BC recently treated had a similar risk of adverse outcomes, while patients with BC not recently treated had a lower risk of ICU stay and hospitalization. Using the composite variable, BC recently treated had similar outcomes (OR = 1.02; 95%CI 0.93-1.11) to patients without cancer, while BC patients not recently treated had better outcomes (OR = 0.66; 95%CI 0.59-0.74). Among patients with BC, chemotherapy within 3 months was associated with a higher risk of hospitalization (OR = 2.30; 95%CI 1.76-2.99) and composite outcome (OR = 2.11; 95%CI 1.64-2.72).

Patients with BC have a similar risk of adverse C-19 outcomes compared to patients without cancer. Among patients with BC, recent chemotherapy was associated with a higher risk of hospitalization.

To analyze the clinical characteristics and prognostic impacts of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection among cancer inpatients during the December 2022 - February 2023 surge, in order to provide scientific evidence for clinical treatment and prevention and control measures.

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical features, prognosis, and vaccination status of cancer in-patients infected with the Omicron variant during the COVID-19 pandemic of December 2022 - February 2023.

A total of 137 cancer inpatients were included in the study, with a median age of 61 years, and 75 patients (54.74%) were male. The main symptoms were cough (69 cases, 50.36%), expectoration (60 cases, 43.80%), and fever (53 cases, 39.69%). Chest CT examination revealed bilateral pneumonia in 47 cases (34.31%, 47/137) and pleural effusion in 24 cases (17.52%, 24/137). Among the cancer patients, 116 cases (84.67%, 116/137) had solid tumors, and 21 cases (15.33%, 21/137) had hematologic malignancies, with the main types being breast cancer (25 cases, 18.25%) and lung cancer (24 cases, 17.52%). Among the cancer patients, 46 cases (33.58%) were asymptomatic, 81 cases (59.12%) had mild disease, 10 cases (7.30%) had severe infection, and 8 cases (5.84%) died. A total of 91 patients (66.42%) had been vaccinated, with 58 patients (42.34%) receiving three doses. Multivariate analysis showed that cerebral infarction and hypoproteinemia were risk factors for death from COVID-19 infection.

Cancer patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron typically exhibit mild disease manifestations, but some cancer patients infected with the Omicron variant might progress to severe illness, and even death, necessitating close monitoring and attention during the early stages of infection. Additionally, the presence of cerebral infarction and hypoproteinemia significantly increases the risk of death.

Amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, the urgent need for timely and precise patient prognosis assessment underscores the significance of leveraging machine learning techniques. In this study, we present a novel predictive model centered on routine clinical laboratory test data to swiftly forecast patient survival outcomes upon admission. Our model integrates feature selection algorithms and binary classification algorithms, optimizing algorithmic selection through meticulous parameter control. Notably, we developed an algorithm coupling Lasso and SVM methodologies, achieving a remarkable area under the ROC curve of 0.9277 with the use of merely 8 clinical laboratory parameters collected upon admission. Our primary contribution lies in the utilization of straightforward laboratory parameters for prognostication, circumventing data processing intricacies, and furnishing clinicians with an expeditious and precise prognostic assessment tool.

The incidence and mortality of cancer is ever-increasing, which poses a significant challengesto human health and a substantial economic burden to patients. At present, chemotherapy is still a primary treatment for various cancers. However, chemotherapy kills tumors but also induces the related side effects, whichadversely impacting patient quality of life and exacerbating suffering. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new and effective treatments that can control tumor growth while reducing the side effects for patients. Arterial chemoembolization has been attracted much attentionwhich attributed to the advantage of ability to embolize tumor vessels to block blood and nutrition supplies. Thus, to achieve local tumor control, it has become an effective means of local tumor control and has been widely used in clinical practice. Despite its efficacy, conventional arterial chemoembolization techniques, limited by embolization materials, have been associated with incomplete embolization and suboptimal drug delivery outcomes. Gradually, researchers have shifted their attention to a new type of embolic material called CalliSperes® drug-eluting embolic bead (DEB). DEB can not only load high doses of drugs, but also has strong sustained drug release ability and good biocompatibility. The integration of DEBs with traditional arterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) promises targeted vascular embolization, mitigated tumor ischemia and hypoxia, and direct intravascular chemotherapy delivery. It can prevent cancer cell differentiation and accelerate their death, meanwhile, directly injecting chemotherapy drugs into the target blood vessels reduced the blood concentration of the whole body, thus reduced the toxic and side effects of chemotherapy. Furthermore, DEB-TACE's sustained drug release capability elevates local drug concentrations at the tumor site, amplifying its antitumor efficacy. Therefore, DEB-TACE has become a hot spot in clinical research worldwide. This review introduces the pathogenesis of solid tumors, the background of research and biological characteristics of DEB, and the action mechanism of DEB-TACE, as well as its clinical research in various solid tumors and future prospects. This review aims to provide new ideas for the treatment of DEB-TACE in various solid tumors.

In this paper, we synthesized silver nanoclusters using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a template (BSA@AgNCs). Then, we anchored hydroxyphenyl fluorescein (HPF) to yield HPF-BSA@AgNCs. When exposed to X-rays, hydroxyl (∙OH) radicals generated by radiolysis of water react with HPF to produce fluorescein, which emits enhanced fluorescence at 515 nm (λex = 480 nm). The fluorescence intensity of BSA@AgNCs at 685 nm (λex = 480 nm) remains stable when exposed to X-rays. This HPF-BSA@AgNCs ratiometric fluorescence sensor can rapidly detect 0.1-20 Gy (the energy deposited per unit mass, J/kg) of X-rays. In addition, HPF-BSA@AgNCs exhibit good durability and temperature stability. Finally, HPF-BSA@AgNCs were used to measure the absorbed doses of A549 cells and evaluate the cell irradiation damage.

Pediatric COVID-19 epidemiology and factors associated with adverse outcomes - mortality, need for invasive mechanical ventilation, and ICU admission, are largely unstudied. We described the clinico-demographic characteristics of Filipino pediatric COVID-19 patients and determined the factors associated with adverse outcomes.

This is a retrospective cohort study of 180 hospitalized SARS-CoV-2-confirmed cases 0-18 years old from April 2020 to August 2021 in a tertiary COVID-19 referral hospital in Manila, National Capital Region. Crude associations were determined using chi-squared or Fisher's exact tests; and medians were compared using the Mann-Whitney test. Factors predictive of mortality were determined using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. The survivor functions were depicted in graphs.

About 41.67% had mild disease, 58.33% were males, 39.4% aged 0-4 years, and 69.44% had at least one comorbidity. About 9.44% died (adjusted 9.2 persons per 1000 patient-days, 95% CI 5.5%-15.2%), 17.78% needed invasive mechanical ventilation, and 20% needed ICU admission. Independently, severe-critical COVID-19 (HRc 11.51, 95% CI 3.23, 41.06), retractions (HRc 10.30, 95% CI 3.27, 32.47), alar flaring (HRc 4.39, 95% CI 1.53, 12.58), cyanosis (HRc 4.39, 95% CI 1.72, 14.11), difficulty of breathing (HRc 7.99, 95% CI 2.25, 28.71), poor suck/appetite (HRc 4.46, 95% CI 1.59, 12.40), ferritin (HRc 1.01, 95% CI 1.00, 1.01), IL-6 (HRc 1.01, 95% CI 1.00, 1.01), aPTT (HRc 1.05, 95% CI 1.01, 1.10), IVIg (HRc 4.00, 95% CI 1.07, 14.92) and corticosteroid (HRc 6.01, 95% CI 2.04, 17.67) were significant hazards for mortality. In adjusted Cox analysis, only retractions (HRa 34.96, 95% CI 3.36, 363.79), seizure (HRa 9.98, 95% CI 1.76, 56.55), and corticosteroids (HRa 8.21, 95% CI 1.12, 60.38) were significantly associated with mortality while alar flaring appeared to be protective (HRa 0.10, 95% CI 0.01, 0.95). Several clinical characteristics were consistently associated with adverse outcomes.

Majority of hospitalized pediatric COVID-19 patients were very young, males, had mild disease, and had at least one comorbidity. Mortality, invasive mechanical ventilation, and ICU admission were relatively low. Except for alar flaring which appeared to be protective, retractions, seizure, and use of corticosteroids were associated with adverse outcomes.

Elderly patients diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) undergoing reduced intensity R-CHOP therapy are at a heightened risk of acquiring infections, notably coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) as prophylaxis against COVID-19 in this vulnerable population.

A total of 125 elderly patients with DLBCL undergoing reduced intensity R-CHOP therapy were analyzed in this prospective, multicenter study. Patients with hypogammaglobulinemia were categorized into IVIG and non-IVIG groups, while those with normal immunoglobulin levels constituted the observation group. The study evaluated COVID-19 infection rates, therapy response, and safety outcomes.

Among the enrolled patients (median age: 77 years), 89 patients (71.2%) presented with hypogammaglobulinemia at diagnosis, and 56 patients enrolled in the IVIG administration group. IVIG administration remarkably reduced COVID-19 infection rates compared to non-IVIG recipients (8.9% vs. 24.6%; p =0.040). Notably, patients over 80 years old were more susceptible to COVID-19. Patients on IVIG exhibited good tolerance with manageable adverse events. Among patients with hypogammaglobulinemia who received IVIG, 40.5% of patients developed additional immunoglobulin deficiencies during chemotherapy. One or more new hypogammaglobulinemia occurred during chemotherapy in 72% of patients with hypogammaglobulinemia who did not receive IVIG, and in 61.3% of patients who did not have hypogammaglobulinemia at diagnosis.

IVIG showed promise in reducing COVID-19 infections among elderly patients with DLBCL receiving reduced intensity R-CHOP therapy. This highlights IVIG's potential as a prophylactic measure, necessitating further investigation to optimize dosing, administration schedules, and potential interactions with vaccination strategies.

Angiotensin-converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) collaborates with Angiotensin (Ang) 1-7 and Mas receptors to establish the ACE2-Ang (1-7)-Mas receptor axis. ACE2 impacts lung function and can cause lung injury due to its inflammatory effects. Additionally, ACE2 contributes to pulmonary vasculature dysfunction, resulting in pulmonary hypertension. In addition, ACE2 is a receptor for coronavirus entry into host cells, leading to coronavirus infection. Lung cancer, one of the most common respiratory diseases worldwide, has a high rate of infection. Elevated levels of ACE2 in lung cancer patients, which increase the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe disease, have been demonstrated in clinical studies and by molecular mechanisms. The association between lung cancer and SARS-CoV-2 is closely linked to ACE2. This review examines the basic pathophysiological role of ACE2 in the lung, the long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on lung function, the development of pulmonary fibrosis, chronic inflammation in long-term COVID patients, and the clinical research and mechanisms underlying the increased susceptibility of lung cancer patients to the virus. Possible mechanisms of lung cancer in SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals and the potential role of ACE2 in this process are also explored in this review. The role of ACE2 as a therapeutic target in the novel coronavirus infection process is also summarized. This will help to inform prevention and treatment of long-term pulmonary complications in patients.

Selection bias can arise through many aspects of a study, including recruitment, inclusion/exclusion criteria, input-level exclusion and outcome-level exclusion, and often reflects the underrepresentation of populations historically disadvantaged in medical research. The effects of selection bias can be further amplified when non-representative samples are used in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) applications to construct clinical algorithms. Building on the "Data Cards" initiative for transparency in AI research, we advocate for the addition of a participant flow diagram for AI studies detailing relevant sociodemographic and/or clinical characteristics of excluded participants across study phases, with the goal of identifying potential algorithmic biases before their clinical implementation. We include both a model for this flow diagram as well as a brief case study explaining how it could be implemented in practice. Through standardized reporting of participant flow diagrams, we aim to better identify potential inequities embedded in AI applications, facilitating more reliable and equitable clinical algorithms.

Cancer survivors are particularly vulnerable to adverse COVID-19-related outcomes, but limited data exist on perceptions about the pandemic and related experiences in this group.

In a cross-sectional analysis of 494 survivors of genitourinary, breast, gynecologic, colorectal, lung, melanoma, or thyroid cancer, from a larger study of cancer survivors in New Jersey, we assessed perceptions about COVID-19 threat, impacts, and experiences using three validated instruments. Responses were coded on a 7-point Likert scale, and subscales were averaged across included items, with higher scores indicating greater perceptions of COVID-19 threat and greater impacts and experiences because of the pandemic. Multivariable linear regression models were used to determine factors associated with higher scores, with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons.

In general, cancer survivors reported moderate perceived COVID-19 threat (3 items, mean score = 3.71 ± 1.97), minimal COVID-19-related impacts (6 items, mean score = 2.23 ± 1.34), and COVID-19-related experiences (7 items, mean score = 2.17 ± 1.00). COVID-19 impact subscale scores varied little (mean subscale score range = 2.09 to 2.29), while COVID-19 experiences subscale scores were quite variable (mean subscale score range = 1.52 to 3.39). Asian American/Pacific Islander race, Black race, female sex, and having more cardiovascular and metabolic and other comorbidities were associated with higher scores on the perceived coronavirus threat questionnaire. Having completed the COVID-19 questionnaires earlier in the pandemic, younger age, American/Pacific Islander race, Hispanic ethnicity, and having more comorbidities were associated with higher scores on the COVID-19 impact questionnaire. Younger age, racial minority status, and having more cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities were associated with higher scores on the COVID-19 experience questionnaire.

Among cancer survivors in New Jersey-a state that experienced high rates of COVID-19 infection-sociodemographic and health-related factors (e.g., race and ethnicity, sex, and multimorbidity) correlate with greater perceptions of COVID-19 threat, impacts, and experiences.

Studies are needed to examine the influence of vaccination status on COVID-19 perceptions and identify inequities in clinical outcomes due to pandemic-related disruptions to cancer care.

Ferroptosis, known as a type of programmed cell death that is iron dependent, is characterized by intracellular iron accumulation, glutathione depletion, glutathione peroxidase inactivation and lipid peroxidation. More and more research in recent years has demonstrated the tight connection between viral infections and ferroptosis. This article reviews the potential role and mechanism of ferroptosis in viral infection, and these findings will help in the prevention and treatment of the virus.

Extensive research in countries with high sociodemographic indices (SDIs) to date has shown that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be directly associated with more severe outcomes among patients living with haematological disorders and malignancies (HDMs). Because individuals with moderate to severe immunodeficiency are likely to undergo persistent infections, shed virus particles for prolonged periods, and lack an inflammatory or abortive phase, this represents an overall risk of morbidity and mortality from COVID-19. In cases suffering from HDMs, further investigation is needed to achieve a better understanding of triviruses and a group of related variants in patients with anemia and HDMs, as well as their treatment through vaccines, drugs, and other methods. Against this background, the present study aimed to delineate the relationship between HDMs and the novel COVID-19, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Besides, effective treatment options for HDM cases were further explored to address this epidemic and its variants. Therefore, learning about how COVID-19 manifests in these patients, along with exploiting the most appropriate treatments, may lead to the development of treatment and care strategies by clinicians and researchers to help patients recover faster. Video Abstract.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant challenges in clinical management, and intensive care units (ICUs) worldwide have become epicenters of high-stakes treatment decisions. Among these, corticosteroid therapy has risen as a pivotal, yet controversial, treatment modality. In Saudi Arabia, where unique demographic and health system characteristics intersect, understanding the specific effects of corticosteroids on ICU patient outcomes is not just critical but a pressing necessity in tailoring effective COVID-19 management strategies.

This study aims to elucidate the effects of corticosteroid therapy on the outcomes of severe COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabian ICUs, providing critical insights into treatment efficacy and guiding future clinical practices.

In this cohort study, we meticulously reviewed the medical records of 1085 severe COVID-19 patients admitted to Saudi Arabian ICUs. Our analysis focused on demographic details, ICU outcomes, and the extent and implications of corticosteroid therapy. The study employed comprehensive methods for data collection, evaluation criteria, and statistical analysis, ensuring a thorough understanding of the impact of corticosteroids in this context.

The study encompassed 1085 patients, predominantly male (74.5%, N=806), with an average age of 56 and a mean BMI of 30.07. A significant portion (72.3%, N=784) received corticosteroid therapy. These patients generally experienced longer ICU (mean 23 days) and hospital stays (mean 16 days), along with higher rates of microbiological cure (72.3%, N=648) and increased ICU discharge likelihood. Conversely, corticosteroid recipients showed higher mortality rates at ICU discharge. The statistical analysis confirmed the significance of these findings, reinforcing their importance in managing COVID-19 in ICUs.

The research highlights the intricate dynamics of corticosteroid use in treating severe COVID-19 cases in ICUs. While associated with prolonged ICU stays and increased mortality, corticosteroids also correlate with higher microbiological cure rates and discharge likelihood. These insights call for careful deliberation in applying corticosteroid therapy, with implications for enhancing clinical protocols and guiding future research in severe COVID-19 treatment.

The main objective of this review is to highlight the therapeutic potential of allicin, a defense molecule in garlic known for its diverse health benefits, and address the key challenges of its bioavailability and stability. The research further aims to evaluate various formulation strategies and nanotechnology-based delivery systems that can resolve these issues and improve allicin's clinical efficacy, especially in cancer therapy. We conducted a comprehensive review of the available literature and previous studies, focusing on the therapeutic properties of allicin, its bioavailability, stability issues, and novel formulation strategies. We assessed the mechanism of action of allicin in cancer, including its effects on signaling pathways, cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, and tumor development. We also evaluated the outcomes of both in vitro and in vivo studies on different types of cancers, such as breast, cervical, colon, lung, and gastric cancer. Despite allicin's significant therapeutic benefits, including cardiovascular, antihypertensive, cholesterol-lowering, antimicrobial, antifungal, anticancer, and immune-modulatory activity, its clinical utility is limited due to poor stability and unpredictable bioavailability. Allicin's bioavailability in the gastrointestinal tract is dependent on the activity of the enzyme alliinase, and its stability can be affected by various conditions like gastric acid and intestinal enzyme proteases. Recent advances in formulation strategies and nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems show promise in addressing these challenges, potentially improving allicin's solubility, stability, and bioavailability. Allicin offers substantial potential for cancer therapy, yet its application is hindered by its instability and poor bioavailability. Novel formulation strategies and nanotechnology-based delivery systems can significantly overcome these limitations, enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of allicin. Future research should focus on refining these formulation strategies and delivery systems, ensuring the safety and efficacy of these new allicin formulations. Clinical trials and long-term studies should be carried out to determine the optimal dosage, assess potential side effects, and evaluate their real-world applicability. The comparative analysis of different drug delivery approaches and the development of targeted delivery systems can also provide further insight into enhancing the therapeutic potential of allicin.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with COVID-19 have an excessive chance of morbidity and mortality. The fecal-nasopharyngeal microbiota compositions of NSCLC patients were assessed in this study.

In total, 234 samples were collected from 17 NSCLC patients infected with COVID-19, 20 NSCLC patients without confirmed COVID-19, 40 non NSCLC patients with COVID-19, and 40 healthy individuals.

In lung microbiota, the abundance of Streptococcus spp. in NSCLC patients with confirmed COVID-19 was significantly higher than the two control groups. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were listed as the most frequent pulmonary bacterial groups that colonized COVID-19 patients. In fecal specimens, the numbers of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria phyla were significantly higher amongst NSCLC patients with COVID-19. NSCLC patients infected with COVID-19 showed lower levels of Lactobacillus spp., Akkermansia muciniphila, and Bifidobacterium spp. The counts of Streptococcus spp., in NSCLC patients with COVID-19 were significantly higher than those of healthy individuals (8.49±0.70 log CFU/g wet feces vs 8.49±0.70 log CFU/g wet feces). Prevotella spp. were enriched in the gut and respiratory tracts of COVID-19 patient groups. The unbiased analysis showed an increment in Enterococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., and Prevotella spp.

Eventually, it was found that compared to control groups, COVID-19 patients with NSCLC showed diminished gut bacteria diversity and increase in Lactobacillus spp., A. muciniphila, and Bifidobacterium spp. The overgrowth of Enterococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., and Prevotella spp. could be potential predictive biomarkers in the gut-lung axis of NSCLC patients with COVID-19.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a pervasive and challenging global health concern. This research delves into the intricate relationship between NSCLC and ACE2 expression, exploring the potential impact of COVID-19 history on this interaction. Tissue samples were meticulously gathered from a cohort of 32 NSCLC patients, 18 of whom had a documented history of COVID-19 infection. The methodology included extensive investigations, such as cell dissociation, histopathological analysis, immunohistochemistry, cell culture, adhesion assays, immunocytochemistry, RNA isolation, and RT-PCR analysis. The results of this comprehensive study unearthed intriguing findings regarding ACE2 expression patterns within NSCLC tissues. Notably, variations were observed in ACE2 profiles between individuals with and without a prior record of COVID-19 infection, hinting at a dynamic interplay. These discoveries carry profound implications for both the understanding of NSCLC progression and the response to COVID-19 in patients with pre-existing NSCLC. The interrelationship between ACE2 expression, NSCLC, and COVID-19, as revealed in this study, may significantly influence patient outcomes and, potentially, therapeutic strategies. In summary, this research serves as an essential contribution to the growing body of knowledge on NSCLC, offering unique insights into the intricate connections between ACE2, COVID-19, and NSCLC. This information may open new avenues for tailored treatment approaches and clinical management strategies, ultimately benefiting patients grappling with NSCLC in the background of the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Cancer patients are more exposed to opportunistic infections, such as COVID-19, due to their poor health status. This study aimed to identify the clinical characteristics of cancer and non-cancer patients with COVID-19 that may lead to death, intubation, and ICU admission. Materials and Methods: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional study was conducted on confirmed COVID-19 adult patients with and without a history of cancer from March 2019 to March 2021. Demographic and clinical features, ICU admission, intubation, and discharge status have been extracted from patients' medical records. Chi-square, odds ratio, Mann-Whitney test, and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Results: The death rate in 1332 cancer patients was 28% compared to the 91464 noncancer patients which was 9% with an odds ratio of 3.94 and p<0.001. ICU admission rates among the cancer group were 43%, while in the noncancer group, it was 17.9% (p<0.001). Moreover, intubation was done for 20.9% of cancer patients and 7.4% of non-cancer patients (p<0.001). However, no significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of length of stay in the hospital. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that age, level of consciousness, SPO2, and autoimmune disorders were associated with mortality in cancer patients with COVID-19. Conclusion: This study showed that older age, loss of consciousness, low oxygen saturation, and suffering from autoimmune disorders were the predictors of death in cancer patients with COVID-19. These results can have important implications for the management and care of cancer patients with COVID-19.

Cancer has been described as a risk factor for greater susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe COVID-19, mainly for patients with metastatic disease. Conversely, to that reported for most solid and hematological malignancies, the few available clinical studies reported that the infection did not increase the risk of death in renal cancer patients. The expression on proximal tubular renal cells of the key players in cellular viral uptake, ACE2, TMPRSS2, and NRP1, seems to be the mechanism for the direct kidney injury seen in patients with COVID-19. Interestingly, data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and experimental analyses on various renal cancer cell lines demonstrated that the above-reported receptors/cofactors are maintained by renal cancer cells. However, whether SARS-CoV-2 infection directly kills renal cancer cells or generates enhanced immunogenicity is a question worth investigating. In addition, some researchers have further addressed the topic by studying the expression and prognostic significance of gene signatures related to SARS-CoV-2 infection in renal cancer patients. The emerging data highlights the importance of better understanding the existence of a link between renal cancer and COVID-19 since it could lead to the identification of new prognostic factors and the development of new therapeutic targets in the management of renal cancer patients.