Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Predicting the Response to Immunotherapy in Non-small Cell Lung Carcinoma: A Systematic Review.

Non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is a prevalent and aggressive form of lung cancer, with a poor prognosis for metastatic disease. Immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has revolutionized the management of NSCLC, but response rates are highly variable. Identifying reliable predictive biomarkers is crucial to optimize patient selection and treatment outcomes. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the current state of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) applications in predicting the response to immunotherapy in NSCLC. A comprehensive literature search identified 19 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The studies employed diverse AI/ML techniques, including deep learning, artificial neural networks, support vector machines, and gradient boosting methods, applied to various data modalities such as medical imaging, genomic data, clinical variables, and immunohistochemical markers. Several studies demonstrated the ability of AI/ML models to accurately predict immunotherapy response, progression-free survival, and overall survival in NSCLC patients. However, challenges remain in data availability, quality, and interpretability of these models. Efforts have been made to develop interpretable AI/ML techniques, but further research is needed to improve transparency and explainability. Additionally, translating AI/ML models from research settings to clinical practice poses challenges related to regulatory approval, data privacy, and integration into existing healthcare systems. Nonetheless, the successful implementation of AI/ML models could enable personalized treatment strategies, improve treatment outcomes, and reduce unnecessary toxicities and healthcare costs associated with ineffective treatments.

Gender Matters: A Multidimensional Approach to Optimizing Cardiovascular Health in Women.

Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of mortality among women, yet they are often underestimated and insufficiently addressed. This narrative review delves into the gender disparities in cardiovascular health, underscoring the critical importance of recognizing and addressing the unique challenges women face. The article explores the pathophysiological differences between men and women, highlighting the role of hormonal factors, such as estrogen and menopause, in conferring cardioprotection or increasing risk. It examines the complexities of diagnosis and assessment, including differences in symptom presentation, diagnostic accuracy, and the challenges of interpreting non-invasive testing in women. The review also highlights the need for tailored risk assessment and prevention strategies, incorporating sex-specific conditions and pregnancy-related factors. It emphasizes the importance of lifestyle modifications and interventions, as well as the potential benefits of personalized treatment approaches, considering gender-specific variations in medication responses and cardiac interventions. Furthermore, the article sheds light on the impact of psychosocial and sociocultural factors, such as gender norms, mental health considerations, and access to healthcare, on women's cardiovascular health. It also addresses the significant gaps and challenges in research, including the historical underrepresentation of women in clinical trials and the lack of sex- and gender-sensitive studies. Finally, the review advocates for a multidisciplinary approach, involving patient-centered care, shared decision-making, and collaboration among policymakers, stakeholders, and healthcare systems. This comprehensive strategy aims to enhance awareness, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiovascular disease in women, ultimately improving health outcomes and reducing the burden of this often overlooked epidemic.

The Potential of Salivary Biomarkers in Early Detection of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Systematic Review.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a formidable global health concern with a dire prognosis, highlighting the critical need for early detection strategies. This systematic review delves into the potential of salivary biomarkers as a non-invasive means for identifying PDAC at its incipient stages. Saliva's proximity to the circulatory system enables the detection of tumor-derived biomolecules, making it an ideal candidate for mass screening. The analysis of three selected studies reveals promising candidates such as Neisseria mucosa, Fusobacterium periodonticum, polyamines, and specific long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Notably, polyamines like spermine show potential in distinguishing PDAC, while lncRNAs HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) and plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) exhibit superior sensitivity and specificity compared to traditional serum markers. However, challenges, including small sample sizes and a lack of validation, underscore the need for standardized diagnostic panels and large-scale collaborative studies. Advancements in nanotechnology, machine learning, and ethical considerations are crucial for harnessing the diagnostic potential of saliva. The review emphasizes the imperative for extensive clinical trials to validate salivary biomarkers, ensuring not only diagnostic accuracy but also cost-effectiveness, patient compliance, and long-term benefits in the realm of PDAC screening. Longitudinal studies are recommended to unravel temporal changes in salivary biomarkers, shedding light on disease progression and treatment response.

Ferroptosis and Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Systematic Overview of Prognostic Insights and Therapeutic Potential.

In the realm of oncology, the prognosis and treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) have long been challenges for researchers and clinicians. Characterized by its aggressive nature and limited therapeutic options, TNBC demands innovative approaches to understanding its underlying mechanisms and improving patient outcomes. One such avenue of exploration that has emerged in recent years is the study of ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Ferroptosis has garnered increasing attention due to its potential relevance in the context of TNBC. This systematic review aims to shed light on the intricate interplay between ferroptosis and the prognosis of TNBC. The article delves into a comprehensive examination of the existing literature to provide a holistic understanding of the subject. By investigating ferroptosis as both an intervention and a prognostic factor in TNBC, this article seeks to unravel its potential as a therapeutic target and prognostic marker. The emerging evidence and heterogeneity of ferroptosis in TNBC underscore the need for a systematic approach to assess its impact on patient outcomes. This review will serve as a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and healthcare professionals striving to enhance our knowledge of TNBC and explore novel avenues for prognosis and treatment.

Gazing Beyond the Horizon: A Systematic Review Unveiling the Theranostic Potential of Quantum Dots in Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, poses a significant healthcare challenge worldwide. The accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aß) plaques and hyperphosphorylated tau protein drives neuronal degeneration and neuroinflammation, perpetuating disease progression. Despite advancements in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms, treatment hurdles persist, emphasizing the need for innovative intervention strategies. Quantum dots (QDs) emerge as promising nanotechnological tools with unique photo-physical properties, offering advantages over conventional imaging modalities. This systematic review endeavors to elucidate the theranostic potential of QDs in AD by synthesizing preclinical and clinical evidence. A comprehensive search across electronic databases yielded 20 eligible studies investigating the diagnostic, therapeutic, or combined theranostic applications of various QDs in AD. The findings unveil the diverse roles of QDs, including inhibiting Aß and tau aggregation, modulating amyloidogenesis pathways, restoring membrane fluidity, and enabling simultaneous detection of AD biomarkers. The review highlights the potential of QDs in targeting multiple pathological hallmarks, delivering therapeutic payloads across the blood-brain barrier, and facilitating real-time imaging and high-throughput screening. While promising, challenges such as biocompatibility, surface modifications, and clinical translation warrant further investigation. This systematic review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the theranostic potential of QDs in AD, paving the way for translational research and clinical implementation.

An Emerging Threat: A Systematic Review of Endocarditis Caused by Gemella Species.

Infective endocarditis caused by Gemella species is increasingly recognized as an emerging clinical entity. Gemella species are fastidious gram-positive cocci that are typically commensal organisms but can become opportunistic pathogens. This systematic review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of endocarditis due to Gemella species by synthesizing existing evidence. A total of 52 case reports were identified through a rigorous search and selection process. The most prevalent causative species were G. morbillorum (46.3%) and G. haemolysans (25.9%), with a striking male predominance (79.6%). The clinical presentation was largely nonspecific, mirroring typical infective endocarditis. However, the indolent nature of the illness and fastidious growth requirements of Gemella species often led to diagnostic delays. Echocardiography, particularly transesophageal echocardiography, played a crucial role in the diagnosis, enabling the detection of valvular vegetation and the assessment of complications. Management posed significant challenges, including the need for broad-spectrum empirical antibiotic therapy and increasing antimicrobial resistance among Gemella isolates. Surgical intervention was frequently required for severe valvular dysfunction, persistent infection, or embolic complications. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, endocarditis due to Gemella species remains associated with significant morbidity and mortality, underscoring the importance of early recognition and multidisciplinary management. This review highlights the emerging clinical significance of Gemella species as causative agents of infective endocarditis and identifies areas for further research.

A Systematic Review of the Neuroprotective Effects of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Edema: Unraveling the Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Implications.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of global visual impairment, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its vascular and neural components for effective therapeutic interventions. While vascular pathology is well-established, recent evidence suggests a neurodegenerative role in DR. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), traditionally implicated in angiogenesis, has emerged as a key player with neuroprotective potential. This systematic review evaluates the literature to shed light on molecular mechanisms and clinical implications in this regard. The review adheres to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, encompassing a thorough search strategy across multiple databases. Three in vitro studies met the inclusion criteria, highlighting the limited research in this evolving field. Findings suggest VEGF's neuroprotective effects on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and retinal neurons, unveiling potential therapeutic avenues. However, concerns arise regarding anti-VEGF therapies' impact on RGC survival. The review discusses the need for further research to delineate specific isoforms and signaling pathways responsible for VEGF-mediated neuroprotection. The delicate balance between angiogenesis and neuroprotection poses challenges in therapeutic development, emphasizing the importance of targeted interventions. Despite limitations, this review provides valuable insights into the intricate relationship between VEGF and neuroprotection in DR, paving the way for future investigations and redefining therapeutic strategies.