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16 pages, 3592 KB  
Systematic Review
Decoronation as a Surgical Technique for Managing Ankylosed Permanent Anterior Teeth in Growing Patients: A Systematic Review
by Gwendelyn Bulosan Laurencio, Tawfiq Hijazi Alsadi, Agustina Muñoz Rodríguez, Kais Hijazi Muwaquet and Susana Muwaquet Rodriguez
Healthcare 2026, 14(13), 1811; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14131811 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026
Abstract
Background: Dental ankylosis (DA) in growing patients leads to progressive infraocclusion and alveolar ridge deformities, compromising future implant rehabilitation. Decoronation has been proposed as a biologically driven alternative to extraction for preserving alveolar bone during growth. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the clinical [...] Read more.
Background: Dental ankylosis (DA) in growing patients leads to progressive infraocclusion and alveolar ridge deformities, compromising future implant rehabilitation. Decoronation has been proposed as a biologically driven alternative to extraction for preserving alveolar bone during growth. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of decoronation—alveolar ridge preservation, infraocclusion progression, implant site development, and the influence of treatment timing—in growing patients with ankylosed permanent anterior teeth. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE (EBSCO), EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science was performed (January 2006–May 2026), supplemented by grey literature screening. Eligible studies included clinical investigations reporting outcomes of decoronation in patients ≤18 years. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist. Certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE framework. Lastly, an inter-rater agreement was quantified using Cohen’s kappa coefficient. Results: Five studies (two retrospective cohorts and three case series) comprising 140 decoronated teeth with follow-up periods ranging from 1 to 30 years were included. A total of 78 records were identified across four databases; five studies met the eligibility criteria after duplicate removal and screening. Inter-rater agreement at the full-text eligibility stage was good (κ = 0.70). The overall risk of bias was low to moderate, and the certainty of evidence was rated as low using the GRADE framework. Vertical alveolar bone preservation or gain was consistently observed, particularly when decoronation was performed during the prepubertal or pubertal growth phases. The largest cohort (n = 103) reported substantial vertical bone gain when intervention occurred at a mean age of 13.0 years in girls and 14.6 years in boys. Infraocclusion stabilisation or improvement was reported across all studies. In contrast, horizontal ridge reduction persisted, with the only quantitative study reporting a mean bucco-palatal loss of 1.67 ± 1.12 mm (p = 0.004). No included study directly assessed implant placement outcomes. Overall, the certainty of evidence was low due to observational study designs, heterogeneity in outcome assessment, and absence of controlled comparators. Conclusions: Decoronation appears to be a promising strategy for preserving vertical alveolar bone and stabilising infraocclusion in growing patients with ankylosed teeth, particularly when performed before or during the pubertal growth phase. Evidence showed considerable bone height preservation, though horizontal ridge reduction persisted across cases. However, the certainty of evidence remains low because available studies are observational, heterogeneous, and lack direct extraction comparators. Therefore, high-quality prospective studies with standardised outcome measures and controlled comparisons are required to establish definitive clinical protocols. Participants underwent decoronation during childhood or adolescence (≤18 years); reported follow-up periods of up to 30 years reflect monitoring that extended into adulthood. Clinical significance: For clinical decision-making, decoronation should be considered once ankylosis with progressive infraocclusion is confirmed during active growth, ideally before the pubertal spurt; the decision should be guided by growth stage rather than chronological age, and clinicians should anticipate likely horizontal ridge reduction by planning for possible augmentation at implant placement and coordinating multidisciplinary follow-up until skeletal maturity. Full article
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35 pages, 845 KB  
Review
Targeting Ferroptosis in Glioblastoma: Molecular Mechanisms, Tumor Microenvironment, and Therapeutic Opportunities
by Wiktoria Karło, Magdalena Długoń, Izabela Gutowska, Agata Wszołek and Wojciech Żwierełło
Cancers 2026, 18(12), 2018; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18122018 (registering DOI) - 22 Jun 2026
Abstract
Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive primary brain tumor in adults and remains associated with poor prognosis despite multimodal treatment. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death driven by lipid peroxidation and redox imbalance, has recently emerged as a potential therapeutic [...] Read more.
Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive primary brain tumor in adults and remains associated with poor prognosis despite multimodal treatment. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death driven by lipid peroxidation and redox imbalance, has recently emerged as a potential therapeutic vulnerability in glioma. This review summarizes current knowledge on the molecular regulation of ferroptosis in glioma and discusses its implications for tumor progression, therapeutic resistance, and translational targeting. Methods: A structured narrative review of the literature was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Experimental, translational, and clinically relevant studies investigating ferroptosis-related mechanisms and therapeutic strategies in glioma and GBM were qualitatively analyzed. Results: Ferroptosis in glioma is regulated by interconnected pathways involving iron metabolism, phospholipid remodeling, oxidative stress, and antioxidant defense systems, particularly the SLC7A11–glutathione–GPX4 axis. Additional protective mechanisms mediated by FSP1 and DHODH, together with regulatory networks involving NRF2, ATF4, p53, and hypoxia-related signaling, contribute to adaptive resistance to ferroptosis. Increasing evidence indicates that ferroptosis interacts bidirectionally with the glioma tumor microenvironment and may exert both antitumor and immunosuppressive effects. Preclinical studies further suggest that ferroptosis induction may enhance the efficacy of temozolomide, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, although clinical translation remains limited by tumor heterogeneity, blood–brain barrier penetration, and resistance mechanisms. Conclusions: Ferroptosis represents a biologically plausible and therapeutically promising target in glioma. Improved understanding of ferroptosis regulation, tumor microenvironment interactions, and biomarker-guided therapeutic strategies may support the future development of more effective treatments for GBM. Full article
33 pages, 518 KB  
Article
Sharp-Wave EEG Activity and Cytomegalovirus Exposure in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: A Neuroimmune Perspective
by Mădălina Georgeta Sighencea, Marius Cornițescu and Simona Corina Trifu
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(12), 4841; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15124841 (registering DOI) - 22 Jun 2026
Abstract
Background: Immune mechanisms are increasingly implicated in the heterogeneity of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Cytomegalovirus (CMV), a latent immunomodulatory herpesvirus, is linked to cognitive and immunological alterations, but its electrophysiological correlates remain largely unexplored. This study investigates the relationships among CMV serostatus, EEG [...] Read more.
Background: Immune mechanisms are increasingly implicated in the heterogeneity of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Cytomegalovirus (CMV), a latent immunomodulatory herpesvirus, is linked to cognitive and immunological alterations, but its electrophysiological correlates remain largely unexplored. This study investigates the relationships among CMV serostatus, EEG features, inflammatory markers, and clinical–cognitive variables. Methods: In this prospective cross-sectional study, 123 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders underwent integrated clinical, cognitive, laboratory, and qualitative visual EEG assessments. CMV exposure was determined via IgG serology. Results: Global electroencephalographic EEG organization did not differ by CMV serostatus. However, a descriptive increase in resting-state sharp-wave discharges was observed in CMV-seronegative patients, independent of baseline cortical rhythms. Immunologically, CMV-seropositive individuals exhibited significantly higher total leukocyte counts, consistent with latent viral immune remodeling rather than overt systemic inflammation. Clinically, CMV-seropositive patients demonstrated descriptively higher scores on the disorganization dimension derived from the PANSS (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale) five-factor consensus model. While these variations did not retain statistical significance after multiple testing correction, separate dimensional analyses revealed that patients exhibiting sharp waves demonstrated better overall cognitive functioning and superior performance within a memory-related item grouping. Notably, the presence of sharp-wave activity was independent of both peripheral inflammatory profiles and treatment-resistant status, underscoring a distinct electrophysiological phenotype. Conclusions: CMV exposure represents a modulating biological background associated with corrected leukocyte elevations and subtle electrophysiological variability, rather than a direct determinant of global clinical severity. The nominal EEG variations and their independent link to better-preserved memory performance highlight non-linear neuroimmune interactions. Given the cross-sectional design, these exploratory patterns warrant a non-causal interpretation but outline a foundation for future longitudinal investigations. Full article
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47 pages, 2613 KB  
Review
Artificial Intelligence in Nanopharmaceutical Development: From Predictive Design to Clinical Translation
by Renato Sonchini Gonçalves
Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(6), 764; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18060764 (registering DOI) - 22 Jun 2026
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly influencing nanopharmaceutical development by supporting the transition from empirical formulation screening toward predictive, data-driven, and translationally oriented design. Nanocarrier-based therapeutics are governed by nonlinear relationships among material composition, physicochemical attributes, manufacturing parameters, biological identity, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and therapeutic [...] Read more.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly influencing nanopharmaceutical development by supporting the transition from empirical formulation screening toward predictive, data-driven, and translationally oriented design. Nanocarrier-based therapeutics are governed by nonlinear relationships among material composition, physicochemical attributes, manufacturing parameters, biological identity, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and therapeutic performance. In this review, we examine how AI can contribute to nanopharmaceutical development from predictive formulation design to clinical translation. We synthesize current applications of machine learning, deep learning, physics-informed modeling, hybrid mechanistic–AI approaches, and automated optimization workflows, with emphasis on critical quality attribute modeling, multi-objective optimization, design of experiments, quality-by-design, process analytical technology, digital twins, and continuous manufacturing. We also discuss applications involving nano–bio interactions, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, immunogenicity, and precision nanomedicine. AI-based approaches can support rational nanocarrier design, identify nonlinear formulation–property relationships, guide optimization, improve process understanding, and integrate heterogeneous experimental, biological, and manufacturing datasets across diverse nanopharmaceutical platforms. These methods are particularly relevant for modeling protein corona formation, cellular uptake, intracellular trafficking, biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, immunogenicity, and patient-specific responses. However, translational implementation remains limited by fragmented datasets, inconsistent reporting standards, limited interpretability, insufficient external validation, uncertain predictions, poorly defined applicability domains, and evolving regulatory expectations for adaptive computational models. Overall, AI should be viewed not only as an optimization tool, but also as a translational framework connecting formulation science, biological prediction, manufacturing control, and clinical implementation. Future progress will depend on standardized data infrastructures, explainable and externally validated models, uncertainty quantification, applicability-domain definition, hybrid mechanistic–AI frameworks, regulatory-ready documentation, and clinically relevant case studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Drug Delivery and Controlled Release)
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34 pages, 1678 KB  
Review
A Comprehensive Review on Biomass Valorization Through Thermochemical Pathways: Product Properties and Usage of Artificial Intelligence
by Gourav Kumar Rath, Jesús David G. Palencia and Ajay K. Dalai
Energies 2026, 19(12), 2938; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19122938 (registering DOI) - 22 Jun 2026
Abstract
Biomass valorization plays a vital role in achieving carbon neutrality and circular economy frameworks. Owing to its carbon-rich structure, biomass represents a promising feedstock to produce bio-based hydrocarbons via biological and thermochemical pathways. While biological conversion routes have been extensively studied, their deployment [...] Read more.
Biomass valorization plays a vital role in achieving carbon neutrality and circular economy frameworks. Owing to its carbon-rich structure, biomass represents a promising feedstock to produce bio-based hydrocarbons via biological and thermochemical pathways. While biological conversion routes have been extensively studied, their deployment at commercial scale is constrained by high capital costs and low product yields. In contrast, thermochemical conversion technologies are increasingly being explored as viable large-scale biomass valorization routes. This review presents a comprehensive assessment of thermochemical pathways, with particular emphasis on hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL). The review identifies hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) as a strategically advantageous route for wet and heterogeneous biomass valorization, due to simultaneous yields of liquid biocrude, and solid hydrochar. The review emphasizes the application of biocrude upgradation processes like hydrodeoxygenation under biphasic solvent systems using sulfided NiMo and CoMo catalysts. Further, the review also establishes hydrochar as a tunable functional material rather than a mere byproduct for applications in fields of energy production, soil amendment, and heterogeneous catalysis. The review article examines technology readiness levels of different biomass valorization techniques, and suggests that while combustion, anaerobic digestion, torrefaction, and transesterification are commercially mature, HTL and carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS)-integrated fuel synthesis pathways remain at intermediate readiness. Additionally, the review carries out an in-depth study on artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI and ML) applications in biomass valorization, where it observes that Tree-based ensemble models, particularly Random Forest and XGBoost, show strong performance for several HTL prediction tasks, while Gaussian Process Regression and neural network–Bayesian optimization approaches provide additional advantages for uncertainty estimation and process-level optimization. Finally, the future research opportunities in biomass valorization and AI/ML application in HTL-process optimization have been identified for improving the bio-based fuel production techniques. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section A4: Bio-Energy)
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17 pages, 5066 KB  
Article
BAP1 and PBRM1 Loss Is Associated with Aggressive Clinicopathological Features in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: Prognostic Implications in a 10-Year Surgical Cohort
by Mario Daniel Tapia-Tapia, Daniel Sánchez-Zalabardo, Jorge Caño-Velasco, Marcos Torres-Roca, Sara Esparza-Alamanzón, María Rodríguez-Gómez, Eduardo Miraval-Wong, Jaione García-Martínez, Vanesa Ocon-Cruz, Felipe Villacampa-Aubá, Carmina Alejandra Muñoz-Bastidas, Daniel González-Padilla, Julián Sanz-Ortega and Bernardino Miñana-López
Diagnostics 2026, 16(12), 1933; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16121933 (registering DOI) - 22 Jun 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a biologically heterogeneous disease. Beyond VHL inactivation, alterations in chromatin remodeling genes BAP1 and PBRM1 define distinct tumor phenotypes with prognostic implications. We sought to characterize the clinicopathological features and oncological outcomes associated with [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a biologically heterogeneous disease. Beyond VHL inactivation, alterations in chromatin remodeling genes BAP1 and PBRM1 define distinct tumor phenotypes with prognostic implications. We sought to characterize the clinicopathological features and oncological outcomes associated with IHC-defined loss of these markers in a contemporary surgical cohort. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 214 patients undergoing partial or radical nephrectomy for ccRCC (2010–2021). Loss of BAP1 and PBRM1 expression was assessed by automated immunohistochemistry. Tumors with retained expression were classified as wild-type and compared with those showing loss of at least one marker. Survival outcomes were evaluated using Kaplan–Meier analysis, multivariable Cox models, and Restricted Mean Survival Time (RMST). Results: IHC-defined loss was identified in 19 patients (8.9%): BAP1 in 12 (5.6%) and PBRM1 in 7 (3.3%). Tumors with IHC-defined loss showed more aggressive features, including larger size (7.7 vs. 4.7 cm; p = 0.009), higher necrosis (36.8% vs. 18.5%; p = 0.050), and more advanced stage (pT3–pT4: 47.4% vs. 16.4%; p < 0.001). Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated significantly worse survival outcomes in the IHC-loss group across all endpoints (p ≤ 0.011). RMST analysis at 60 months confirmed significantly worse outcomes across all endpoints (p ≤ 0.005). Conclusions: Loss of BAP1 or PBRM1 identifies a biologically aggressive ccRCC subset with worse oncological outcomes. IHC-based molecular profiling is a practical and accessible tool for risk stratification in surgically treated ccRCC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Precision Diagnostics in Kidney Cancer)
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12 pages, 878 KB  
Article
Pure Nodal Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma: Clinical, Pathologic, and Outcome Features in a Single-Center Cohort
by Andreea Georgiana Stoica, Mariana Așchie, Miruna Gherase-Cristian, Anca Florentina Mitroi, Georgeta Camelia Cozaru, Mădălina Boșoteanu, Cristina Cioti, Sorin Deacu and Irina Tica
Medicina 2026, 62(6), 1200; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62061200 (registering DOI) - 22 Jun 2026
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) represents the tissue-based manifestation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Despite their shared biological background, patients with SLL have been underrepresented in CLL-focused clinical trials, and data addressing the clinical behavior of pure nodal SLL remain [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) represents the tissue-based manifestation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Despite their shared biological background, patients with SLL have been underrepresented in CLL-focused clinical trials, and data addressing the clinical behavior of pure nodal SLL remain scarce. The present study aimed to identify factors associated with time to first treatment (TTFT) and progression-only survival in patients with pure nodal SLL. Materials and Methods: In this prospective observational study, 46 patients with pure nodal SLL were included and followed for a median duration of approximately 5 years. Clinical, laboratory, histopathological, and TP53-related parameters were evaluated for their prognostic impact on TTFT and progression-only survival. Results: On univariable analysis, advanced-stage disease, hemoglobin < 10 g/dL, elevated serum β2M, elevated lactate dehydrogenase, del(17p), and aberrant p53 immunohistochemical expression were significantly associated with shorter TTFT and progression-only survival. Conclusions: Pure nodal SLL is a heterogeneous entity with a variable clinical course. Easily assessable clinical and biological parameters, including TP53 abnormalities, may help predict treatment requirement and disease progression, thereby contributing to better risk stratification and more individualized management. Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated significantly shorter time-to-first-treatment (TTFT) among patients with elevated β2M levels (≥3.5 mg/L), bulky lymphadenopathy (≥5 cm), and advanced-stage disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Hematology and Immunology)
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28 pages, 2935 KB  
Review
Regulated Cell Death in Prostate Cancer: Immunometabolic Crosstalk, Therapeutic Resistance, and Biomarker-Guided Combination Strategies
by Chunlin Wang and Ning Li
Cancers 2026, 18(12), 2014; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18122014 (registering DOI) - 22 Jun 2026
Abstract
Prostate cancer remains a major therapeutic challenge, particularly after progression to castration-resistant disease, where persistent androgen receptor signaling, metabolic adaptation, immune escape, and treatment resistance jointly limit clinical benefit. Regulated cell death (RCD) is increasingly recognized not only as an endpoint of tumor [...] Read more.
Prostate cancer remains a major therapeutic challenge, particularly after progression to castration-resistant disease, where persistent androgen receptor signaling, metabolic adaptation, immune escape, and treatment resistance jointly limit clinical benefit. Regulated cell death (RCD) is increasingly recognized not only as an endpoint of tumor cell elimination but also as a dynamic regulator of prostate cancer progression, therapeutic vulnerability, and tumor–immune interactions. In this review, we propose an immunometabolic framework in which androgen receptor signaling, lipid and redox metabolic reprogramming, oxidative stress, and therapeutic pressure converge to shape the susceptibility of prostate cancer cells to distinct RCD modalities. We focus on autophagy and ferroptosis as two extensively studied and translationally relevant pathways, while also discussing emerging roles of necroptosis, pyroptosis, and cuproptosis. Particular attention is given to how RCD-associated signals, including damage-associated molecular patterns, inflammatory mediators, and lipid peroxidation products, may remodel the tumor immune microenvironment and influence the transition between immune-cold and immune-inflamed phenotypes. We further summarize RCD-targeted therapeutic strategies, including ferroptosis induction, autophagy inhibition, nanodrug delivery systems, rational combination therapy, and biomarker-guided patient stratification. Finally, we discuss key translational barriers, including context-dependent biological effects, limited clinical validation, tumor heterogeneity, adaptive resistance, and insufficient predictive biomarkers. By integrating cell death biology with metabolic reprogramming, immune remodeling, and therapeutic resistance, this review highlights RCD as a promising but context-dependent therapeutic vulnerability in advanced prostate cancer. Full article
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31 pages, 2460 KB  
Review
Beyond DSM Categories: Criteria for Biologically Valid Disease Axes in Psychiatry
by Lukasz Szarpak, Bernard Rybczynski, Michal Pruc, Bartosz W. Maj, Maciej Maslyk, Iwona Niewiadomska and Wieslaw J. Cubala
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(12), 4830; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15124830 (registering DOI) - 22 Jun 2026
Abstract
Dimensional and transdiagnostic models have become central to contemporary efforts to move psychiatric nosology beyond DSM/ICD categories. This shift reflects persistent limitations of categorical syndromes as final biological targets, including within-diagnosis heterogeneity, cross-diagnostic comorbidity, developmental instability, and incomplete alignment with underlying mechanisms. This [...] Read more.
Dimensional and transdiagnostic models have become central to contemporary efforts to move psychiatric nosology beyond DSM/ICD categories. This shift reflects persistent limitations of categorical syndromes as final biological targets, including within-diagnosis heterogeneity, cross-diagnostic comorbidity, developmental instability, and incomplete alignment with underlying mechanisms. This article examines a central unresolved problem in this transition: when, if ever, a descriptive or predictive psychiatric dimension can be interpreted as a candidate disease axis. We conducted a conceptual synthesis of major dimensional and transdiagnostic frameworks, including Research Domain Criteria (RDoC), Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP), the general psychopathology factor, cross-disorder genomic models, clinical staging approaches, and data-driven subtyping. The analysis separates three levels of inference that are often conflated in psychiatric research: descriptive structure, predictive utility, and disease-level biological validity. The synthesis identifies a recurrent inferential error in which reproducible factors, clusters, or classifiers are prematurely treated as evidence of disease architecture. Such constructs may describe real covariance patterns or improve prognostic prediction without establishing biological validity. We propose an eight-domain hierarchical framework for promotion to candidate disease-axis status, organized into four core gatekeepers—replication across cohorts, ascertainment, and methods, developmental coherence, incremental prognostic value beyond diagnosis and nonspecific severity, and discriminability from nonspecific severity—and four supporting/disciplining domains: cross-level convergence, mechanistic constraint, clinical leverage, and explicit falsifiability/boundary conditions. On this basis, middle-level transdiagnostic spectra and selected cross-disorder genomic liabilities appear more defensible as candidate disease axes than highly global or weakly specified constructs. Psychiatry was justified in turning toward dimensional models, but dimensionality alone does not confer biological validity. The key task is not to choose between categories and dimensions, but to define the evidential thresholds under which dimensional constructs warrant ontological promotion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Advances in Personalized Psychiatry)
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16 pages, 285 KB  
Review
Artificial Intelligence and the Evolving Paradigm of Lung Cancer Management
by Russell Seth Martins, Yousif Hanna and Andrea L. Axtell
Cancers 2026, 18(12), 2012; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18122012 (registering DOI) - 22 Jun 2026
Abstract
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, largely due to late-stage diagnosis, biological heterogeneity, and persistent challenges in staging and treatment selection. This narrative review summarizes current and emerging applications of AI across lung cancer screening and early detection, imaging-based [...] Read more.
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, largely due to late-stage diagnosis, biological heterogeneity, and persistent challenges in staging and treatment selection. This narrative review summarizes current and emerging applications of AI across lung cancer screening and early detection, imaging-based staging and prognostication, tissue and liquid biopsy-based tumor characterization, treatment planning, surgical and intraoperative guidance, and drug discovery. In imaging, deep learning models have demonstrated high performance in pulmonary nodule detection, risk stratification, and prediction of molecular alterations, while also showing promise in improving screening efficiency and reducing interpretive variability. In pathology and liquid biopsy domains, AI enables prediction of driver mutations, immunotherapy response, and survival outcomes directly from histopathology slides, circulating tumor DNA, and other blood-based biomarkers, facilitating minimally invasive precision oncology approaches. In treatment planning and delivery, AI systems are being developed to support clinical decision-making, surgical planning (through advanced image segmentation and delineation of operative anatomy), and intraoperative navigation through robotic and computer vision-enabled platforms. Despite these advances, significant barriers remain, including limited real-world validation, algorithmic biases, workflow integration issues, and unresolved ethical and legal concerns. Future progress will depend on the development of transparent, clinically validated, and generalizable AI systems that augment rather than replace the expertise of clinical providers and healthcare teams. Active engagement from pulmonologists, oncologists, radiologists, and thoracic surgeons will be essential in guiding safe implementation and ensuring that AI-driven innovations translate into meaningful improvements in patient outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Methods and Technologies Development)
29 pages, 1286 KB  
Systematic Review
Peripheral Inflammatory Biomarkers in First-Episode, Drug-Naïve Major Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review
by Esteban Zavaleta-Monestel, Luis Guillermo Herrera-Jiménez, José Miguel Chaverri-Fernández, Sebastián Arguedas-Chacón, Jeaustin Mora-Jiménez and Ricardo Millán-González
Psychiatry Int. 2026, 7(3), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/psychiatryint7030140 (registering DOI) - 22 Jun 2026
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is clinically heterogeneous, and peripheral inflammatory biomarkers may help clarify early biological mechanisms before illness chronicity or pharmacologic treatment confound interpretation. This systematic review synthesized evidence on peripheral inflammatory biomarkers in first-episode, drug-naïve major depressive disorder (FEDN-MDD) compared with [...] Read more.
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is clinically heterogeneous, and peripheral inflammatory biomarkers may help clarify early biological mechanisms before illness chronicity or pharmacologic treatment confound interpretation. This systematic review synthesized evidence on peripheral inflammatory biomarkers in first-episode, drug-naïve major depressive disorder (FEDN-MDD) compared with healthy controls and examined associations with clinical severity. Following PRISMA 2020, searches of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and Scopus from inception to 19 March 2026 identified 313 records; after screening, 16 publications were included in qualitative synthesis. Studies varied in age group, biological matrix, assay platform, and statistical reporting, precluding meta-analysis. The most frequently assessed biomarkers were IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP/hs-CRP. IL-6 showed the clearest recurrent tendency toward elevation in FEDN-MDD, whereas CRP/hs-CRP findings were partially positive but methodologically limited. TNF-α and IL-1β findings were mixed, and clinical correlations with depressive severity were sparse and inconsistent. Overall, the evidence supports heterogeneous early immune dysregulation in a subset of patients with FEDN-MDD rather than a single reproducible inflammatory signature. Peripheral inflammatory biomarkers should currently be considered research tools for biological stratification and mechanistic hypothesis generation, pending larger standardized longitudinal studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Psychiatry and Psychotherapy)
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29 pages, 3393 KB  
Review
AI/ML-Assisted SERS Biosensing for Biomolecular Detection: From Direct Spectral Response to Integrated Diagnostic Systems
by Jun Gyu Park, Woohyun Park, Suji Choi, Sanghyo Lee and Minseok Kim
Biosensors 2026, 16(6), 346; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios16060346 (registering DOI) - 21 Jun 2026
Abstract
Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) offers a powerful route for biomolecular detection because it combines molecular specificity with high sensitivity, rapid optical readout, and multiplexing capability. In real biological samples, however, analytical performance is rarely determined by signal enhancement alone. Biofluids such as serum, [...] Read more.
Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) offers a powerful route for biomolecular detection because it combines molecular specificity with high sensitivity, rapid optical readout, and multiplexing capability. In real biological samples, however, analytical performance is rarely determined by signal enhancement alone. Biofluids such as serum, plasma, saliva, urine, and interstitial fluid contain complex biomolecular mixtures that interfere with target capture, spectral response, and data interpretation. A practical SERS biosensor must therefore localize targets, stabilize spectral responses, tolerate matrix-induced variation, and convert complex spectra into reliable analytical information. This review discusses recent progress in SERS biosensing from an integrated system perspective, with particular focus on artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML)-assisted interpretation. Direct label-free SERS provides chemically transparent readouts but is limited by stochastic adsorption, hotspot heterogeneity, and spectral variation in complex samples. Bio-recognition interfaces improve target localization, while signal-transduction strategies based on nanotags, immunoassays, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) systems, nanozymes, and lateral-flow formats decouple molecular recognition from spectral generation. Digital SERS further improves measurement robustness by converting fluctuating intensities into countable, event-based outputs. AI/ML-assisted analysis can support full-spectrum classification, calibration transfer, explainability, and patient-level decision-making. We frame AI/ML-assisted SERS biosensing as an integrated architecture connecting substrate design, interface engineering, signal transduction, digital measurement, and clinical validation. Future progress will depend as much on validation-ready workflows as on plasmonic enhancement itself, especially for systems intended to operate across different samples, instruments, and clinical settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI/ML-Enabled Biosensing: Shaping the Future of Disease Detection)
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17 pages, 732 KB  
Article
Diagnostic Challenges of Tumor Tissue and Circulating Microsatellite Status Assessment in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer and Their Impact on Access to Immunotherapy: A Real-World Retrospective Study
by Benoist Chibaudel, Linda Dainese, Elisabeth Carola, Perrine Goyer, Hubert Richa, Arnaud Saget, Olivier Oberlin, Hélène Marijon, Nathalie Perez-Staub, Aimery de Gramont, Alain Toledano and Pascal Pujol
Cancers 2026, 18(12), 2006; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18122006 (registering DOI) - 21 Jun 2026
Abstract
Background: Microsatellite instability (MSI) and mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency are key predictive biomarkers for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). In real-world practice, however, diagnostic pathways often involve heterogeneous testing modalities, which may lead to discordant or inconclusive results. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background: Microsatellite instability (MSI) and mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency are key predictive biomarkers for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). In real-world practice, however, diagnostic pathways often involve heterogeneous testing modalities, which may lead to discordant or inconclusive results. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients with mCRC who underwent at least one MSI/MMR assessment between 2015 and 2025. Diagnostic modalities included IHC, tissue-based and liquid-based MSI testing. A predefined decision algorithm classified results as conclusive or inconclusive; discordant cases underwent adjudication that integrated a pathology review, molecular features, and technical considerations. Patients were ultimately assigned to definitive MSS or definitive MSI groups. Clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes—particularly in relation to immunotherapy—were evaluated. Results: Among 727 evaluable patients, the MSI/MMR status was conclusive in 695 (95.6%) and inconclusive in 32 (4.4%). Inconclusive cases resulted from isolated MMR protein loss, heterogeneous or equivocal staining, inter-tumoral discordance, or discrepancies between tissue- and liquid-based assays. After adjudication, 54 patients (7.4%) were classified as definitive MSI and 673 (92.6%) as definitive MSS. Definitive MSI tumors were associated with female sex, right-sided primaries, high-grade histology, nodal involvement, and BRAF V600E mutations. Among the definitive MSI patients, 31 (57.4%) received immunotherapy, achieving a complete response rate of 48.4% and an overall response rate of 71.0%. Median PFS and OS were not reached in the definitive MSI group, whereas definitive MSS patients treated with ICIs experienced significantly poorer outcomes. Conclusive and adjudicated MSI groups demonstrated comparable responses to immunotherapy. Conclusions: In real-world practice, a meaningful proportion (4%) of mCRC patients experience inconclusive MSI/MMR assessment, with important clinical implications. Both technical and biological factors contribute to diagnostic uncertainty. Integrating orthogonal testing modalities and applying structured adjudication improves classification accuracy and ensures appropriate access to immunotherapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Cancer Biology)
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26 pages, 2943 KB  
Article
Multi-Element Exposure in a High-Altitude Páramo Mining District and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Gold Miners
by Lyda Espitia-Pérez, Luz Helena Sánchez Rodríguez, Hugo Brango, Pedro Espitia-Pérez, Dina Ricardo-Caldera, Laura Andrea Rodríguez-Villamizar and Álvaro J. Idrovo
Toxics 2026, 14(6), 534; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14060534 (registering DOI) - 20 Jun 2026
Viewed by 90
Abstract
Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) generates complex metal mixtures, yet their biological effects remain poorly characterized in high-altitude populations, where occupational exposure occurs against a hypoxic environmental background. This study evaluated 49 occupationally exposed gold miners from the Vetas–California mining district, near [...] Read more.
Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) generates complex metal mixtures, yet their biological effects remain poorly characterized in high-altitude populations, where occupational exposure occurs against a hypoxic environmental background. This study evaluated 49 occupationally exposed gold miners from the Vetas–California mining district, near the Santurbán páramo in Colombia, and 25 non-exposed individuals from a comparable high-altitude area. Hair concentrations of essential and toxic elements were quantified by ICP-MS, and serum catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and the GSH/GSSG ratio were assessed. Miners showed a distinct multielement profile, with a higher toxic-metal burden and a dominant mixture mainly characterized by Fe, Mn, As, Pb, Cd, and Hg. CAT and SOD activities did not differ markedly between groups, although SOD activity decreased along the main exposure gradient among exposed workers. In contrast, glutathione-related biomarkers showed a more consistent exposure-related pattern, with higher GSSG and a lower GSH/GSSG ratio, suggesting a shift toward a more oxidized glutathione redox status. Together with positive within-group associations between selected elements and the GSH/GSSG ratio, these results are consistent with a mixture-associated perturbation of glutathione redox homeostasis, with heterogeneous adaptive responses. Overall, this study supports the use of integrated biomonitoring strategies and highlights glutathione-related markers as potential indicators of early redox perturbation in high-altitude mining populations. Full article
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21 pages, 673 KB  
Review
Bridging Ancestry-Stratified Bias in Pharmacogenomics AI: Toward Metabolomics-Inclusive Multi-Omics Precision Medicine
by Heayyean Lee, Khadijah Sajid and Dayeon Lee
J. Pers. Med. 2026, 16(6), 332; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm16060332 (registering DOI) - 20 Jun 2026
Viewed by 155
Abstract
Pharmacogenomics AI offers significant potential for individualized drug therapy; however, its clinical benefits remain unevenly distributed. Models trained predominantly on European-ancestry data consistently underperform in non-European populations, with polygenic risk scores (PRS) showing an estimated 39–73% reduction in predictive accuracy in African-ancestry cohorts [...] Read more.
Pharmacogenomics AI offers significant potential for individualized drug therapy; however, its clinical benefits remain unevenly distributed. Models trained predominantly on European-ancestry data consistently underperform in non-European populations, with polygenic risk scores (PRS) showing an estimated 39–73% reduction in predictive accuracy in African-ancestry cohorts across complex traits. These disparities have driven increased interest in moving beyond single-layer genomic approaches. Multi-omics frameworks integrating genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data have emerged as a promising strategy to improve prediction across heterogeneous clinical populations, as each molecular layer provides distinct and complementary biological information. Among these layers, metabolomics may represent a particularly transferable component across populations. Metabolite profiles capture the downstream functional output of biological systems influenced by genetic, environmental, dietary, and microbiome-related factors, and may therefore be less reliant on ancestry-stratified allele frequency structures that underlie performance disparities in genomic models. This review synthesizes evidence regarding the mechanistic basis of genomic bias in pharmacogenomics AI, the emerging role of multi-omics integration, especially metabolomics, in improving predictive performance, and the current landscape of computational strategies for bias mitigation, including federated learning, transfer learning, domain adaptation, and synthetic data generation. Collectively, current evidence supports metabolomics-inclusive multi-omics frameworks as a biologically plausible, hypothesis-generating strategy to reduce reliance on ancestry-linked genomic features. However, direct evidence that such frameworks reduce ancestry-related bias in clinical AI outputs remains limited, underscoring the need for globally diverse datasets and prospective multi-population validation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Omics/Informatics)
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