No abstract

Machine learning (ML) algorithms were used to identify a novel biological target for breast cancer and explored its relationship with the tumor microenvironment (TME) and patient prognosis. The edgR package identified hub genes associated with overall survival (OS) and prognosis, which were validated using public datasets. Of 149 up-regulated genes identified in tumor tissues, three ML algorithms identified COL11A1 as a hub gene. COL11A1was highly expressed in breast cancer samples and associated with a poor prognosis, and positively correlated with a stromal score (r=0.49, p<0.001) and the ESTIMATE score (r=0.29, p<0.001) in the TME. Furthermore, COL11A1 negatively correlated with B cells, CD4 and CD8 cells, but positively associated with cancer-associated fibroblasts. Forty-three related immune-regulation genes associated with COL11A1 were identified, and a five-gene immune regulation signature was built. Compared with clinical factors, this gene signature was an independent risk factor for prognosis (HR=2.591, 95%CI 1.831–3.668, p=7.7e-08). A nomogram combining the gene signature with clinical variables, showed better predictive performance (C-index=0.776). The model correction prediction curve showed little bias from the ideal curve. COL11A1 is a potential therapeutic target in breast cancer and may be involved in the tumor immune infiltration; its high expression is strongly associated with poor prognosis.

No abstract

Dog owners are usually in close contact with dogs. Whether dogs can affect the gut microbiota of elderly dog owners is worth studying. Data from 54 elderly (over 65 years of age) dog owners were screened from the American Gut Project. Owning a dog did not affect the α-diversity of the gut microbiota of the dog owner. Dog ownership significantly modulated the composition of the gut microbiota of the dog owner. The abundance of Actinobacteria was significantly increased. The abundances of Bifidobacteriaceae and Ruminococcaceae were significantly increased, while the abundance of Moracellaceae was significantly suppressed. In general, dog ownership can regulate the composition of gut microbiota and has a more significant effect on elderly males.

Rationale:Myasthenia gravis (MG) is the most common cause of acquired neuromuscular junction disorder. Thymectomy has been established as an effective therapy for MG, as it attenuates the natural course of the disease and may result in complete remission.Patient concerns:We report the case of a 22-year-old female with a 6-year history of MG presented with bilateral ptosis, diplopia, and intermittent dysphagia. She denied shortness of breath, dysarthria, and fatigue.Diagnoses:She had been diagnosed with MG 6 years previously at the Neurology Department of our hospital. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed thymic hyperplasiaInterventions:She was treated with modified unilateral VATET that minimized incision size.Outcomes:Unilateral VATET was performed using two 5-mm incisions to minimize pressure on intercostal soft tissues/nerves and reduce postoperative pain.Lessons:The lesson learnt from this case report is that this modified VATET method could be a useful approach to the management of non-thymomatous MG. The ability to achieve complete dissection with good cosmetic results may lead to wider acceptance of this technique by patients with MG and their neurologists for earlier thymectomy and improved outcomes. Additional studies are needed to determine the superiority of this approach to established methods.

A whole-grain (WG) diet affects human health in multiple ways. However, the effect of WG on the gut microbiota of the elderly individuals is still largely unknown. In this study, WG did not affect the microbial α-diversity but had a profound impact on the microbes' abundance in the elderly individuals. WG increased the abundance of Verrucomicrobia and decreased the abundance of Firmicutes. The prediction of microbial function showed that glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism were inhibited. In addition, the effects of WG on the gut microbiota of normal-weight (NW) and overweight (OW) individuals were different. WG increased Verrucomicrobia in the NW group and decreased Firmicutes in the OW group. Meanwhile, the effect of WG on gut microbiota showed gender characteristics, Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was decreased in women, while Verrucomicrobia abundance was increased in men. The use of WG could improve the microbial composition and promote the growth of beneficial microbes, which may be beneficial to the health of the elderly individuals.

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the breast is a rare subtype of carcinoma of chemosis for which there is no effective chemotherapy regimen. Breast squamous cell carcinoma is usually “triple negative”, with poor chemotherapy effects and poor prognosis. Here, we report a successful case of primary breast squamous cell carcinoma treated with apatinib. The patient was treated with 2 cycles of apatinib. The efficacy was evaluated as partial remission, and a sublesion of approximately 4 cm fell off.

No abstract