Low-power laser irradiation causes ultrastructural changes in cultured fibroblasts. We suggest that these alterations may lead to disturbances in the collagen metabolism.

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Objectives: Mutations in the gene that encodes epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are biomarkers that predict how non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients respond to EGFR-targeted therapies collectively known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Thus, EGFR genotyping provides crucial information for treatment decision. Both Sanger sequencing and real-time PCR methodologies are used for EGFR genotyping. However, methods based on real-time PCR have limitations, as they may not detect rare or novel mutations. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of rare mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain (exons 18-21) of the EGFR gene not targeted by the most frequently used real-time PCR approaches, i.e., the cobas® EGFR Mutation Test, and the Idylla™ EGFR Mutation Assay. Methods: A total of 1228 NSCLC patients were screened for mutations in exons 18-21 of the EGFR gene using Sanger sequencing. Results: We observed that 252 patients (∼20%) had at least one mutation in the EGFR gene, and 38 (∼3%) carried uncommon genetic alterations that would not be identified by the cobas® or the Idylla™ tests. We further found six new single mutations and seven previously unreported compound mutations. Clinical information and patient outcome are presented for these cases. Conclusions: This study highlights the value of sequencing-based approaches to identify rare mutations. Our results add to the inventory of known EGFR mutations, thus contributing to improved lung cancer precision treatment.

Our findings suggest that a decrease in sialic acid in the saliva of diabetic animals can be related to xerostomia reported by diabetic patients. However, further clinical trials are needed to verify if the decrease in sialic acid also occurs in human saliva.

Taken together, short-term green tea treatment improved cardiovascular function in a hypertension model characterized by sympathoexcitation, which may be because of its antioxidant properties.

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