Abstract: Cancer is one of the major global health threats. In cancer treatment, the development of drug resistance and tumor recurrence are important clinical challenges. Epigenetic regulation is closely associated with the occurrence and progression of cancer, and many recent studies have also shown that abnormal epigenetic regulation is widely linked to cancer drug resistance. This article reviews the impact of various abnormal epigenetic modifications on cancer drug resistance and discusses the potential of combining epigenetic drugs with existing cancer treatment methods to overcome cancer drug resistance. Read More

Abstract: As the global cancer burden grows, early cancer detection gains importance. This paper explores the application of antigen protein chip technology in early cancer detection. Offering high - throughput, high - sensitivity, and high - specificity simultaneous detection of multiple tumor - related antigens, the technology improves detection accuracy. For instance, multi - protein combined detection raises lung cancer detection sensitivity from 40% to 70% and enables personalized detection. However, high - preparation costs and limited sample size restrict its large - scale clinical application. Its application can boost early - screening efficiency, cut medical costs, and optimize resource allocation. In the future, with technological optimization and cost reduction, it is expected to be widely used in early cancer detection, chronic disease screening, and health management, promoting a medical - mode shift from disease treatment to health management. Read More

Abstract: This study investigates the correlation between cancer treatment costs and social health inequality. Through integrated analysis of hospital records and survey data, combined with regression modeling and correlation analysis, we demonstrate that socioeconomic disparities significantly influence treatment affordability. Economically disadvantaged populations face higher financial burdens, while educational limitations hinder patients' ability to make informed treatment decisions. Geographically, disparities in healthcare resources and insurance coverage between urban-rural and regional areas disproportionately burden patients in rural and economically underdeveloped regions. These findings provide critical insights for reducing cancer treatment costs and advancing social health equity. Read More

Abstract: Sarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by a progressive decrease in skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function. In recent years, its significance as an important prognostic indicator in perioperative surgery management has become increasingly prominent. This article aims to explain the value of sarcopenia in predicting postoperative outcomes and propose a comprehensive intervention strategy based on existing evidence to significantly improve the postoperative prognosis of surgical patients, enhancing their quality of life and reducing the burden of medical care. Read More

Abstract: Introduction: Atherosclerotic antigens can elicit an adaptive immune response, resulting in increased levels of autoantibodies in patient serum. However, the direct effects of patient serum and its autoantibodies on lipid uptake and foam cell formation remain unexplored. Methods: In this study, we investigated the effects of patient serum and its autoantibodies on macrophage lipid phagocytosis and foam cell formation, as well as assessed the antibody status against the whole antigen of foam cells in the serum. Human serum, which included samples from forty-five patients and eight healthy individuals, was co-cultured with the oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) and macrophages, and then the effect of the serum on inhibiting ox-LDL lipid engulfment by macrophages was assessed. Next, the binding ability of human serum antibodies to foam cells was evaluated using ELISA and immunofluorescence staining. Results: Our results indicated that 17.8% of patient serum samples demonstrate a significant inhibition of ox-LDL uptake by macrophages (p < 0.05). Among these samples, ELISA and immunofluorescence staining results further revealed that the circulating IgG and IgM levels against foam cell antigens were significantly higher in patients than in healthy individuals. The IC50 value of purified antibodies from patients reached as low as 0.024 mg/mL in inhibiting ox-LDL uptake by macrophages, which is significantly lower than the IC50 value of 0.054 mg/mL observed in healthy individuals. Conclusion: This study provides new insights into the protective role of patient serum and its autoantibody against atherosclerosis. Read More

Abstract: Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats-associated 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) is one of the most popular gene-editing tools derived from bacterial adaptive immune systems in recent years. Cancer is a complex disease that is related with the accumulation of genetic mutation; it can be caused by physical, chemical, and biological factors and is almost impossible to cure. Due to enabling precise genomic modifications, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing has revolutionized cancer therapy. Recent studies emphasize its multi-functional role in both gene correction and immune regulation, positioning it as a versatile tool against diverse malignancies. Through comprehensive literature research, analyzing, and discussion, this study explores the mechanisms of utilizing CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to treat cancer, including traditional application that focuses on the intensity of gene expression and next generation technology that shifts the research subjects to primers and basepairs, the delivery ways, and some immunology-combined therapies. The study also points out the challenges that still need to be solved in the future. Considering safety, we should think about off-target and live-system-caused gene integration. And for validity, we should figure out what kind of cells can be edited, how efficient is the editing process, and how to deliver the system to the target in human’s body. Through numerous propelling clinic trials, we can see that this newly-discovered gene editing method is bringing a brand new revolution in cancer treatment. CRISPR/Cas9 has the transformative potential to bridge the gap between the laboratory research and clinical application, and open a new era of cancer biology. Read More

Abstract: This study investigates the effects of cadmium (Cd) stress at different concentrations on rice seed germination and physiological metabolism. The results show that under medium to high Cd concentrations, both the germination rate and germination potential of rice seeds significantly decreased, with a particularly pronounced inhibitory effect on the root system. The research concludes that Cd stress disrupts rice seed germination through a dual mechanism of "inhibiting starch catabolism" and "impeding substance transport." Firstly, it suppresses the activity of α- and β-amylase, reducing the consumption rate of stored substances and cutting off the energy source for germination. Secondly, it induces oxidative stress (SOD and POD activities exhibit a "low-promotion, high-inhibition" response, while MDA content significantly increases), damaging the cell membrane system and severely hindering the transport efficiency of stored substances to the seedlings. This disrupts the energy supply during rice seed germination, leading to growth inhibition. These findings provide theoretical support for mitigating Cd pollution through root system protection and metabolic regulation. Read More

Abstract: Influenza vaccination is the most effective preventive strategy against seasonal flu, but vaccine hesitancy still prevents many people from getting it. This qualitative study explored factors shaping attitudes toward influenza vaccination among parents, teenagers, and doctors. 19 semi-structured interviews were conducted with 7 parents, 5 teenagers, and 7 doctors. Open-ended questions were adapted from the World Health Organization’s Vaccine Hesitancy Survey Framework. Transcripts were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis within a social-constructivist framework. Two themes emerged: (1) vaccination as a personal decision shaped by perceived limited effectiveness, confidence in self-health, and neglect of collective value; and (2) vaccination as socially influenced by misinformation, fear of side effects, and medical advice. Teenagers were influenced by peers and health misinformation; parents balanced perceived risks and protection; and doctors emphasized evidence and collective health. These findings indicate that vaccine hesitancy is socially embedded. Uneven trust, miscommunication, and fear of discomfort hinder vaccine confidence, while doctor recommendations remain influential but context dependent. Uptake can be enhanced by empathic, straightforward communication that frames protection as a personal advantage and mild side effects as normal. To maintain increased vaccination rates across populations, policymakers should reestablish institutional trust and incorporate customized communication tactics. Read More

Abstract: With the rapid proliferation of the Internet and digital entertainment in China, violent video games have become increasingly accessible to adolescents. This trend raises growing public health concerns regarding the psychological and behavioral development of young individuals. Adolescents with limited self-regulation may experience excessive exposure to violent gaming content, which has been associated with heightened risks of aggressive behavior, impaired moral judgment, reduced academic performance, and potential antisocial tendencies. These behaviors not only affect individual well-being but may also contribute to broader social and mental health issues. This study aims to examine the relationship between violent video game exposure and adolescent aggressive behavior from a public health standpoint. Key variables include game market penetration, usage patterns, the intensity of violent content, and adolescents' normative beliefs about aggression. Data were collected using the Video Game Questionnaire (VGQ), the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (PBAQ), and the Normative Beliefs About Aggression Scale (NOBAGS). The findings are intended to inform early behavioral interventions and preventive strategies that promote adolescent mental health and reduce the public health risks associated with digital violence exposure. Read More