Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Article Types

Countries / Regions

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Search Results (2,709)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = predictive prognostic factors

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
28 pages, 8275 KB  
Article
SUMOylation-Driven Subtype Heterogeneity and Prognostic Biomarkers in Renal Cell Carcinoma
by Xiaobo Zhang, Zhiming Li, Ruoxin Lin, Suping Yang, Xiaohui Sun and Shicheng Chen
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2026, 48(8), 751; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb48080751 (registering DOI) - 23 Jul 2026
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common malignancy of the urinary system, characterized by high incidence, mortality, and resistance to therapy. Its molecular heterogeneity presents challenges for effective precision treatment. RCC is highly heterogeneous, yet treatment guidelines rely predominantly on kidney renal [...] Read more.
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common malignancy of the urinary system, characterized by high incidence, mortality, and resistance to therapy. Its molecular heterogeneity presents challenges for effective precision treatment. RCC is highly heterogeneous, yet treatment guidelines rely predominantly on kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) studies, neglecting other molecular subtypes, which limits therapy personalization for non-KIRC patients. This study aimed to explore the role of small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMOylation)-associated genes in the progression and prognosis of RCC and its subtypes. We identified 298 SUMOylation-associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 151 RCC-specific genes after excluding expression changes attributable to RCC subtype-specific variation. Ten core genes (PRKCG, PRKCQ, PRKCD, IRS4, SLC2A4, SLC27A1, SLC27A4, LCN2, S100A7, and S100A9) were identified, with LCN2 expression not only discriminates tumor from normal tissue but also separates KIRC from KICH/KIRP, proposing LCN2 as a potential second-step biomarker for KIRC identification on top of traditional histology. Inter-subtype RCC heterogeneity represented a key factor limiting predictive performance of the six prognostic signature genes (CREB3L1, GNA11, PFKM, PPARGC1A, PPP2R2C and PRKCG). Its 5-year AUC exceeded 0.7 for every individual RCC subtype in the TCGA training cohort, with pooled 5-year AUCs of 0.61 (TCGA training cohort) and 0.67 (independent PCAWG validation cohort). The prognostic risk model demonstrated strong predictive performance, with a C-index of 0.791 before calibration and 0.774 after calibration. Importantly, the C-index remained above 0.75 throughout the 60-month follow-up period, indicating stable and robust long-term prognostic accuracy. High-risk patients exhibited greater immune cell infiltration, indicating potential for immunotherapy. Following secondary screening, three RCC cell lines (BFTC909, CAKI1, and CAL54) and five target genes (PRKCD, SLC27A1, SLC27A4, LCN2 and GNA11) were identified as optimal candidates for subsequent mechanistic investigations. This study uncovers the prognostic and functional relevance of SUMOylation in RCC and offers a novel framework for biomarker development, therapeutic targeting, and immunotherapeutic stratification. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms and Treatment of Kidney Diseases)
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 4586 KB  
Article
Prognostic Significance of the CALM Index in Surgically Resected Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
by Soomin An, Wankyu Eo, Sookyung Lee and Dae Hyun Kim
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(15), 5772; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15155772 (registering DOI) - 23 Jul 2026
Abstract
Background: Anatomical staging is often insufficient for predicting outcomes in stage I-IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients after curative resection due to inherent prognostic variability. In this study, we evaluated the prognostic value of the C-reactive protein–albumin–lymphocyte–monocyte (CALM) index as an [...] Read more.
Background: Anatomical staging is often insufficient for predicting outcomes in stage I-IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients after curative resection due to inherent prognostic variability. In this study, we evaluated the prognostic value of the C-reactive protein–albumin–lymphocyte–monocyte (CALM) index as an integrative biomarker for overall survival (OS). Methods: This retrospective study included 533 patients with stage I-IIIA NSCLC. We assessed the association between the CALM index and OS using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models, adjusted for established clinicopathological factors. We employed LASSO-penalized regression to optimize variable selection and ensure model stability. Comprehensive performance metrics were calculated, including Harrell’s C-index, integrated area under the curve (iAUC), integrated discrimination improvement (IDI), and decision-curve analysis (DCA). Results: The CALM index was identified as a stable, independent predictor of OS across both conventional and LASSO-penalized models. The final multivariable model incorporated the CALM index alongside age, pathological stage, American Society of Anesthesiologists status, pleural invasion, and the modified Shine–Lal index. Incorporation of the CALM index significantly enhanced model discrimination and risk reclassification at 3 and 5 years, while consistently increasing net clinical benefit across a wide range of threshold probabilities. Conclusions: The CALM index is a biologically plausible, robust, and readily accessible prognostic biomarker that provides incremental prognostic information beyond established factors in patients with resected stage I-IIIA NSCLC. Its integration into postoperative assessment offers a framework for refined prognostic stratification and more individualized clinical decision-making. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

32 pages, 15032 KB  
Article
Specific Biomarkers Involved in Sarcoidosis Diagnosis and Prognosis
by Elena Matei, Viorica Pîslan (Zamfir), Victoria-Cristina Șuța, Georgeta Camelia Cozaru and Elena Danteș
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(14), 6516; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27146516 - 22 Jul 2026
Abstract
Biomarker discovery in sarcoidosis mechanisms represents an innovative research tool. Inflammatory responses in sarcoidosis patients were analyzed by flow cytometry to highlight CD8a+CD45+, CD45+CD8a−, CD4+CD19+, CD4+CD19−, CD3+CD56+CD16+, CD56+CD16+, and CD16+CD56− as predictive biomarkers. In our study, monocyte-derived macrophage activation (M1 phenotype), represented by [...] Read more.
Biomarker discovery in sarcoidosis mechanisms represents an innovative research tool. Inflammatory responses in sarcoidosis patients were analyzed by flow cytometry to highlight CD8a+CD45+, CD45+CD8a−, CD4+CD19+, CD4+CD19−, CD3+CD56+CD16+, CD56+CD16+, and CD16+CD56− as predictive biomarkers. In our study, monocyte-derived macrophage activation (M1 phenotype), represented by CD8a+CD45+ expression, is characteristic of granulomatous inflammation in active and progressive sarcoidosis and serves as a biomarker with very good accuracy and high specificity for establishing a diagnosis of sarcoidosis. As a prognostic biomarker, it is an independent predictive factor of disease progression, being negatively associated with applied treatments by sarcoidosis stage. The accumulation of activated CD4+ T-helper cells in sarcoid granulomas is responsible for the establishment of a pro-inflammatory phenotype and serves as a biomarker with good accuracy and high specificity for sarcoidosis diagnosis. As a prognostic biomarker, CD3+CD56+CD16+ (iNKT) is an independent predictor associated negatively with disease progression, being positively correlated with treatment applied by sarcoidosis stage. CD biomarker analysis, yielding predictive models with specificity for diagnosis and prognosis, is an important research tool for estimating disease progression in patients with different inflammatory response phenotypes across the stages of sarcoidosis. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 721 KB  
Article
Pretreatment Staging FDG PET-Derived Radiomic Score Predicts Progression-Free Survival in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Treated with Total Neoadjuvant Therapy
by Kadir Alper Kucuker, Onder Kaan Vezir, Aysegul Aksu, Adem Sengul, Ahmet Alacacioglu and Bulent Turgut
Diagnostics 2026, 16(14), 2294; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16142294 - 22 Jul 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Clinical outcomes in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) treated with total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) remain heterogeneous, and available clinicopathological parameters provide limited prognostic accuracy. This study aimed to develop a radiomic score (RadScore) from baseline staging 18F-FDG PET/CT images using LASSO-penalized [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Clinical outcomes in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) treated with total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) remain heterogeneous, and available clinicopathological parameters provide limited prognostic accuracy. This study aimed to develop a radiomic score (RadScore) from baseline staging 18F-FDG PET/CT images using LASSO-penalized Cox regression, and to evaluate its ability to independently predict progression-free survival (PFS) in LARC patients treated with TNT followed by surgery. Methods: Eighty-five patients with LARC who underwent surgical resection after TNT between May 2018 and December 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Primary tumor volumes were semi-automatically segmented on pretreatment FDG PET/CT images, and 140 radiomic features were extracted in accordance with Image Biomarker Standardisation Initiative (IBSI) guidelines. After correlation-based filtering, 23 non-redundant features were subjected to five-fold cross-validated LASSO-Cox regression for feature selection and RadScore construction. Internal validation used 1000-repetition bootstrap resampling. Results: Disease progression was recorded in 33 of 85 patients (mean PFS: 57.5 months). The final RadScore comprised two features—Intensity Histogram Kurtosis and GLCM Difference Entropy—and was identified as an independent prognostic factor in multivariable Cox analysis (HR = 1.81; 95% CI: 1.23–2.67; p = 0.003). The model achieved a C-index of 0.674, with a bootstrap-corrected C-index of 0.650 (95% CI: 0.568–0.741). Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated significantly shorter PFS in the high-risk group (log-rank p = 0.006). Conclusions: A pretreatment FDG PET-derived RadScore independently predicts PFS in LARC patients treated within a TNT framework, offering preliminary evidence for a potential imaging biomarker for preoperative risk stratification and individualized treatment planning—to our knowledge, among the first such evidence in a TNT-treated rectal cancer cohort. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging)
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 931 KB  
Review
Type A and Type D Personality in Cardiovascular Health: A Narrative Review
by Diana Mariana Banceu, Horatiu Suciu and Cosmin Marian Banceu
Healthcare 2026, 14(14), 2199; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14142199 - 21 Jul 2026
Abstract
This narrative review critically summarizes the literature on the associations of Type A and Type D personality, together with related personality traits, with cardiovascular disease (CVD) onset, prognosis, cardiac surgery, and rehabilitation outcomes. For the past half a century, there has been a [...] Read more.
This narrative review critically summarizes the literature on the associations of Type A and Type D personality, together with related personality traits, with cardiovascular disease (CVD) onset, prognosis, cardiac surgery, and rehabilitation outcomes. For the past half a century, there has been a consistent interest in the question of whether or not there is a connection between personality qualities and CVD. At the same time as individuals with a Type A personality who were angry, competitive, and excessively motivated were overrepresented among patients seeking treatment for CVD, it was also noted that these individuals were more likely to acquire coronary artery disease or syndrome. Anger and animosity were among the unfavorable impacts that were found to be connected with worse cardiovascular outcomes, according to the findings of research. After that, a new personality entity was brought into existence, which was referred to as the type D “distressed” personality. This personality type coupled negative affectivity and social inhibition. Type D personality subsequently became a major focus of research, and several studies reported associations with poorer patient-reported health and adverse cardiac outcomes. However, these findings have not been consistently replicated, and the stability, incremental predictive value, and independence of Type D personality from depression, disease severity, and other psychosocial factors remain debated. As a result, there are a number of criticisms that pertain to the current knowledge of the connection between personality construct and the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases as well as the outcome of these diseases. This review provides a critical narrative synthesis of supportive and conflicting evidence and highlights the methodological limitations that currently prevent definitive causal or prognostic conclusions. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 849 KB  
Article
The Value of the Albumin–Myosteatosis Gauge in Predicting the Postoperative Outcomes of Non-Metastatic Gastric Cancer
by Huihui Zhang, Yunshi Huang, Jiacheng Jiang, Yuchen Wang, Xiangyang Xue and Xinxin Yang
Cancers 2026, 18(14), 2333; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18142333 - 20 Jul 2026
Viewed by 189
Abstract
Background: The potential synergistic prognostic value of myosteatosis and albumin levels in patients with gastric cancer (GC) remains to be elucidated. This study evaluates the value of the albumin–myosteatosis gauge (AMG) and Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) score in predicting postoperative [...] Read more.
Background: The potential synergistic prognostic value of myosteatosis and albumin levels in patients with gastric cancer (GC) remains to be elucidated. This study evaluates the value of the albumin–myosteatosis gauge (AMG) and Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) score in predicting postoperative complications and survival in patients who have undergone radical resection for GC. Methods: The present study enrolled patients diagnosed with stage I–III GC who underwent subtotal or total gastrectomy. Skeletal muscle area (SMA) and skeletal muscle density (SMD) were measured at the CT scan closest to the surgical procedure, which was performed for clinical diagnostic purposes. The AMG was defined as SMD × albumin. In this study, patients were divided into specific quartiles according to the AMG and GLIM. A series of analyses was conducted with the objective of identifying the risk factors associated with postoperative outcomes following GC surgery. The construction of a nomogram model for predicting prognosis was undertaken, and calibration curve analysis was utilised. Results: This study demonstrated that AMG is a more reliable predictor of OS than single indicators such as serum albumin and muscle density in patients with non-distant metastatic GC. Furthermore, the combination of AMG and GLIM scores has greater predictive value for GC outcomes and can be used as a novel prognostic scoring index in a GC patient prognostic model reflecting cachexia and malnutrition risk. Conclusions: The construction of a nomogram by our study team constitutes a simplified, reliable and efficient model for the prediction of the prognosis of GC, exhibiting considerable discriminative and calibration abilities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Pathophysiology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 3132 KB  
Article
Prognostic Value of Morphological Characteristics and Immune Microenvironment in High-Grade Serous Cancer (HGSC)
by Danijel Antonio Grubišić, Branka Petrić Miše, Toni Čeprnja, Vesna Telesmanić Dobrić, Vesna Čapkun and Snježana Tomić
Cancers 2026, 18(14), 2327; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18142327 - 19 Jul 2026
Viewed by 252
Abstract
Background/Objectives: High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSC) is the most aggressive subtype of epithelial ovarian cancer and is characterized by marked heterogeneity of the tumor immune microenvironment. SET morphology has been associated with homologous recombination deficiency and BRCA1/2 mutations; however, its relationship with the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSC) is the most aggressive subtype of epithelial ovarian cancer and is characterized by marked heterogeneity of the tumor immune microenvironment. SET morphology has been associated with homologous recombination deficiency and BRCA1/2 mutations; however, its relationship with the immune microenvironment and progression-free survival (PFS) remains insufficiently understood. This study investigated the association between SET morphology, immune microenvironment characteristics, and PFS in patients with advanced-stage HGSC. Methods: A retrospective cohort of 305 patients with FIGO stage III–IV HGSC treated with primary surgery between 1996 and 2021 was analyzed. Histopathological assessment included evaluation of SET morphology, stromal and intraepithelial tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (sTILs and itTILs), tumor immune phenotype, and lymphoid aggregates. Immunohistochemical analyses included CD8 and PD-L1 expression. Associations between SET morphology and immune parameters were evaluated using χ2 and logistic regression analyses. PFS was assessed using Kaplan–Meier analysis, log-rank testing, and Cox proportional hazards regression. Results: SET morphology was significantly associated with higher sTIL and itTIL levels, increased stromal and intraepithelial CD8+ T-cell infiltration, higher PD-L1 TPS and CPS, more frequent primary and secondary lymphoid aggregates, and a predominance of the inflamed immune phenotype (all p < 0.05). Despite these features of an immune-active tumor microenvironment, SET morphology, CD8+ T-cell density, PD-L1 expression, lymphoid aggregates, and immune phenotype were not independently associated with prolonged PFS. In contrast, age remained an independent prognostic factor, with patients older than 55 years having a 50% higher risk of disease progression than younger patients (HR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1–2.1; p = 0.012). Higher intraepithelial TIL levels (>10%) were independently associated with improved PFS (HR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.0–4.4; p = 0.045). Conclusions: SET morphology identifies an immune-active subtype of HGSC characterized by increased immune infiltration and PD-L1 expression but does not independently predict prolonged PFS. The dissociation between immune cell abundance and clinical outcome suggests that immune cell functionality, rather than immune infiltration alone, may determine prognosis. Routine histopathological assessment of SET morphology may facilitate biological characterization of HGSC and provide a practical surrogate marker for future biomarker-driven studies evaluating immunotherapy and targeted treatment strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Tumor Microenvironment: Interplay Between Immune Cells)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1494 KB  
Article
SHP-2 Expression Is a Positive Prognostic Biomarker in Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma: Association with KRAS Mutation and Prolonged Survival
by Konstantinos Stamopoulos, Georgios Pilichos, Eleni Karatrasoglou, Penelope Korkolopoulou and Stratigoula Sakellariou
Pathophysiology 2026, 33(3), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathophysiology33030052 - 18 Jul 2026
Viewed by 111
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Lung cancer tumors are the most frequent malignant tumors and the primary cause of cancer-related deaths. Despite the improvement in survival related to the implementation of immunotherapy, a significant proportion of patients fail to demonstrate satisfactory response. As a result, the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Lung cancer tumors are the most frequent malignant tumors and the primary cause of cancer-related deaths. Despite the improvement in survival related to the implementation of immunotherapy, a significant proportion of patients fail to demonstrate satisfactory response. As a result, the need for new biomarkers, which will predict patient response, as well as for novel therapeutic targets, is urgent. SHP-2 is an intracellular signal transduction molecule, modifying signal transduction of numerous intracellular cascades, acting primarily as an oncogene. In this study we analyzed the expression pattern of SHP-2 in a cohort of non-small-cell lung cancer cases and attempted to correlate it with available clinicopathological parameters. Methods: We performed immunohistochemistry for SHP-2 detection in a cohort of 258 NSCLC cases. H-score was estimated and statistical analyses correlated it with survival and other clinicopathological and molecular parameters. Results: SHP-2 expression was observed in 60 cases (23.3%), with an H-score ranging from 150 to 300. Positive samples were distributed among the three major histological subtypes, without statistically significant differences. Statistical analysis revealed significant positive correlation of SHP-2 expression with smoking, PD-L1 levels, and KRAS mutations. Moreover, positive SHP-2 immunohistochemistry was associated with better clinical outcome in both the total cohort and in the group of patients who received immunotherapy. Finally, the simultaneous presence of SHP-2 expression and KRAS mutation was correlated with prolonged survival. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that SHP-2 could be a useful prognostic factor and a very reliable biomarker in predicting response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

29 pages, 960 KB  
Review
Risk Stratification and Strategies Towards Front-Line Therapy of EGFR-Mutant NSCLC: A Narrative Review
by Kyle Taing, Hei Yeung Lam and Robert Hsu
Cancers 2026, 18(14), 2285; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18142285 - 16 Jul 2026
Viewed by 243
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has undergone rapid therapeutic evolution. However, heterogeneous outcomes persist, driven by mutations, central nervous system (CNS) involvement, and dynamic tumor burden reflected in part by circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). As [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has undergone rapid therapeutic evolution. However, heterogeneous outcomes persist, driven by mutations, central nervous system (CNS) involvement, and dynamic tumor burden reflected in part by circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). As such, this review aims to summarize the most recent risk stratification frameworks in treating EGFR-mutant NSCLC, evaluate evidence supporting treatment intensification strategies and managing adverse effects, and explore the evolving role of ctDNA in guiding personalized therapy. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using major medical databases with a focus on key relevant studies on the workup and management of EGFR-mutant NSCLC. All authors reviewed the literature, assessed study quality, and interpreted the results from each study. Results: Molecular co-alterations, such as TP53 and RB1, as well as central nervous system (CNS) involvement, are consistently associated with inferior outcomes, supporting consideration of upfront treatment intensification. Combination strategies, including osimertinib plus chemotherapy or amivantamab-based regimens, demonstrate improved progression-free survival and delayed CNS progression when compared against osimertinib monotherapy. Intensification, however, is associated with a higher risk of increased toxicity, including dermatologic adverse events and infusion-related reactions. Finally, the utilization of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has emerged as a strong prognostic marker, with ongoing trials investigating its predictive role for both escalation and de-escalation of therapy. Conclusions: The treatment paradigm for EGFR-mutant NSCLC is gradually evolving beyond first-line osimertinib to include a more integrated approach that considers molecular features, CNS involvement, and early ctDNA response. Although intensified regimens offer meaningful efficacy gains for high-risk patients, proactive toxicity management is essential to preserving quality of life. ctDNA-guided strategies represent a new and promising frontier for escalation and de-escalation of therapy, with results from ongoing trials poised to further refine personalized treatment algorithms. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 276 KB  
Article
Performance-Based Personality Functioning and Long-Term Outcome in Hospitalized Women with Depression: A Four-Year Follow-Up
by Sana Čoderl Dobnik, Sinja Babič Miloševič and Jurij Bon
Psychiatry Int. 2026, 7(4), 160; https://doi.org/10.3390/psychiatryint7040160 - 16 Jul 2026
Viewed by 201
Abstract
Background: Depression is among the most prevalent psychiatric conditions and markedly disrupts everyday functioning. Its origins are multifactorial, with biological, psychological, and contextual influences jointly shaping the course of recovery and the response to treatment. Personality has been proposed as a relatively stable [...] Read more.
Background: Depression is among the most prevalent psychiatric conditions and markedly disrupts everyday functioning. Its origins are multifactorial, with biological, psychological, and contextual influences jointly shaping the course of recovery and the response to treatment. Personality has been proposed as a relatively stable factor that may reflect developmental influences on emotional and cognitive functioning and may be associated with long-term clinical outcomes in depression. The present study aimed to examine the association between implicit personality characteristics in women hospitalized for depressive disorder and their long-term psychosocial functioning, using a performance-based measure of personality (the Rorschach Inkblot Method, RIM). Subjects and Methods: At baseline (T1), 58 women hospitalized for depressive disorder completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and the Rorschach Inkblot Method (RIM); Rorschach protocols were scored using the Ego Impairment Index—second revision (EII-2), a behaviorally derived index spanning perceptual accuracy, executive integrity, and social cognition. Demographic and clinical information was abstracted from medical records, and an independent rating of functioning was obtained with the Global Assessment of Functioning scale (GAF). Four years later (T2), patients were re-administered the BDI-II and the GAF, and major life events occurring during the follow-up interval were quantified with the Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS). Results: Baseline implicit personality organization showed a significant association with psychosocial functioning four years after the index hospitalization. Among the variables examined, personality structure at admission outperformed both initial depressive symptom severity and the burden of intervening life events in predicting later functional status. In particular, EII-2 accounted for an additional 10.3% of the variance (ΔR2 = 0.103, p < 0.05) over and above age, chronicity, stress, and depressive symptom severity when predicting four-year GAF-rated functioning. Among the predictors examined, age was the most influential variable in the final model (β = 0.442), indicating that demographic factors carry substantial weight alongside personality functioning in shaping long-term outcomes. Conclusions: Our findings are consistent with the view that a patient’s personality may influence the course of recovery and suggest that personality-level factors deserve attention when planning care for this clinically complex disorder. The present results indicate that implicit cognitive–perceptual features—assessed through performance-based methods that bypass conscious self-report—may be associated with long-term psychosocial functioning in women hospitalized for depression. These findings suggest that performance-based personality assessment deserves further study as a potential prognostic aid, although replication in larger and more diverse samples is needed before clinical application. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

25 pages, 5507 KB  
Article
High Histological Entropy Is Correlated with Poor Overall Survival and Death Within the First 2 Years in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
by Joaquim Carreras, Yara Yukie Kikuti, Shunsuke Nagase, Giovanna Roncador, Haruka Ikoma, Atsushi Ito, Makoto Orita, Sakura Tomita, Yuki Tanigaki, Akihisa Ueno, Yusuke Kondo, Naoya Nakamura and Yohei Masugi
Cancers 2026, 18(14), 2279; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18142279 - 15 Jul 2026
Viewed by 332
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive lymphoma and one of the most common hematological neoplasia. Entropy is a statistical measure of randomness that characterizes the texture of an input image and measures tissue complexity. Methods: Image processing and computer vision [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive lymphoma and one of the most common hematological neoplasia. Entropy is a statistical measure of randomness that characterizes the texture of an input image and measures tissue complexity. Methods: Image processing and computer vision analysis were performed on a series of 114 diagnostic DLBCL cases and 44 reactive lymphoid tissues stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Histological entropy was measured to differentiate between reactive lymphoid tissue and DLBCL and predict clinical evolution. At protein level, immunohistochemistry analyzed Ki67, LMO2, MYC, MDM2, CDK6, E2F1, BCL2, CASP8, MYOB, TP53, cPARP, cCASP3, ISY1, TNFAIP8, CSF1R, CD163, PD-L1 and IL-10 markers. Gene expression analysis using the NanoString nCounter PanCancer Immune Profiling Panel was performed in 29 cases. Results: In comparison with reactive lymphoid tissue, DLBCL was characterized by lower entropy (7.32 ± 0.16 vs. 6.82 ± 0.44, respectively; p < 0.001). Within the DLBCL diagnostic category, higher entropy was associated with poor overall survival and death events within the first 2 years (hazard-risk = 2.4, p = 0.004) and lower entropy with a moderate and more favorable outcome (hazard-risk = 0.4, p = 0.004). High entropy was also correlated with ECOG performance status ≥ 2, lower protein expression of apoptosis markers of cPARP and cCASP3, and upregulation of specific immuno-oncology genes such as STAT3, BTK, CASP8, CD47, VCAM1, and MYD88. The prognostic value of entropy was independent of the international prognostic index (IPI), Epstein–Barr virus (EBER), and cell of origin (Hans). Conclusions: The histological evaluation of entropy is useful for the differential diagnosis of reactive lymphoid tissue and DLBCL and is a predictive factor of DLBCL prognosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hematologic Malignancies: Clinical Features and Prognostic Indicators)
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 4780 KB  
Article
MIF-Associated Immunosuppressive CAF Remodeling Predicts Poor Prognosis During Lung Adenocarcinoma Progression: A Single-Cell and Multicohort Transcriptomic Study
by Guo Lin, Jianrui Ji, Fan Ge and Zhouguang Hui
Biomedicines 2026, 14(7), 1581; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14071581 - 15 Jul 2026
Viewed by 253
Abstract
Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) develops through a stepwise pathological status from atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH), adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), and minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA) to invasive adenocarcinoma (IA). Although malignant epithelial evolution during this process has been increasingly characterized, the dynamic remodeling of [...] Read more.
Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) develops through a stepwise pathological status from atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH), adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), and minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA) to invasive adenocarcinoma (IA). Although malignant epithelial evolution during this process has been increasingly characterized, the dynamic remodeling of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and their contribution to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) remain incompletely explored. Methods: Single-cell RNA sequencing data from treatment-naïve LUAD lesions, including AAH, AIS, MIA, and IA, were analyzed together with external bulk transcriptomic cohorts. CAF subsets were characterized according to their transcriptional features, inferred developmental states, transcription factor activity, functional programs, and predicted cell–cell interactions. Ligand–receptor analysis was used to examine MIF-related communication between epithelial cells and CAFs. MIF-related genes were then used to develop a machine learning-based prognostic signature in the TCGA-LUAD cohort, followed by validation in independent GEO cohorts. Results: Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of 131,639 cells from 25 treatment-naïve LUAD lesions identified six CAF subtypes, including alveolar CAFs, antigen-presenting CAFs, extracellular matrix CAFs, EndMT-like CAFs, inflammatory CAFs, and myofibroblastic CAFs. CAF composition differed across pathological stages, with MIA lesions showing a distinct enrichment of eCAFs and reduced proportions of inflammatory and myofibroblastic CAF populations. Compared with pre-invasive lesions, IA lesions exhibited increased proportions of exhausted CD4+ and CD8+ T cells together with reduced cytotoxic features. Cell–cell communication analysis identified enhanced epithelial–CAF interactions in IA, including enrichment of MIF-CD74/CD44 signaling. Based on MIF-related genes, a machine learning prognostic signature was developed and validated in independent cohorts, consistently stratifying patients into distinct risk groups with significantly different survival outcomes. Conclusions: These findings suggest that CAF-related stromal remodeling is associated with immune suppression during LUAD progression. MIF-mediated epithelial–CAF communication may be involved in the formation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment and is associated with poor prognosis. The MIF-related signature may provide a useful approach for prognostic stratification in LUAD. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2641 KB  
Article
Integrated Impact of Post-TAVR Cardiac Damage and Pacemaker Implantation on Long-Term Outcomes
by Xinyue Yang, Ruisi Tang, Yijun Yao, Fei Chen, Xingzhou Pu, Xi Wang, Jianyong Wang, Chengqiang Liao, Yun Bao, Chao Li, Yiming Li and Mao Chen
Biomedicines 2026, 14(7), 1569; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14071569 - 13 Jul 2026
Viewed by 213
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Post-procedural permanent pacemaker implantation (PPMI) and cardiac damage are individually associated with adverse outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). However, their joint impact has not been systematically evaluated. Methods: Individuals who underwent TAVR procedures between 2013 and 2024 were [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Post-procedural permanent pacemaker implantation (PPMI) and cardiac damage are individually associated with adverse outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). However, their joint impact has not been systematically evaluated. Methods: Individuals who underwent TAVR procedures between 2013 and 2024 were retrospectively enrolled and classified into four groups based on their PPMI and cardiac damage status. Univariate and multivariable Cox regression were used to analyze the association of these factors with long-term outcomes, while receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, decision curve analysis (DCA), net reclassification improvement (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) were used to further assess their predictive performance. Results: A total of 1274 patients met the inclusion criteria. Compared to non-PPMI patients with early cardiac damage stage, those with PPMI and advanced stage had higher all-cause mortality (HR: 2.98; 95% CI: 1.60–5.56; p value < 0.001) and more cardiac deaths (HR: 3.85; 95% CI: 1.36–11.10; p = 0.012). Multivariable analysis confirmed PPMI and cardiac damage stage as independent prognostic factors. Notably, the predictive model incorporating both variables achieved the best performance (AUC = 0.703) with significant NRI and favorable DCA results, suggesting incremental value for identifying high-risk patients and acceptable clinical utility. Conclusions: The current study is among the first to explore whether post-procedural cardiac damage may identify a subgroup in whom PPMI carries a particularly adverse long-term prognosis, highlighting the need for integrated risk assessment for post-TAVR lifelong management. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 5873 KB  
Article
Prognostic Value of the Combined Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio and Handgrip Strength in Patients with Resected Pancreatic Head Cancer
by Kazushi Yamashita, Daisuke Suzuki, Katsunori Furukawa, Tsukasa Takayashiki, Satoshi Kuboki, Shigetsugu Takano and Masayuki Ohtsuka
Cancers 2026, 18(14), 2227; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18142227 - 10 Jul 2026
Viewed by 288
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) is an inflammation-based prognostic score (IBPS) that can be easily calculated using routine blood tests. Handgrip strength (HGS), a key diagnostic component of sarcopenia, also predicts survival. Nonetheless, the prognostic role of combined LMR and HGS in patients [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) is an inflammation-based prognostic score (IBPS) that can be easily calculated using routine blood tests. Handgrip strength (HGS), a key diagnostic component of sarcopenia, also predicts survival. Nonetheless, the prognostic role of combined LMR and HGS in patients with pancreatic head cancer undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy remains unclear. This exploratory study aimed to analyze whether the combination of preoperative LMR and HGS is associated with overall survival. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 105 patients with pancreatic head cancer who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy at Chiba University Hospital from January 2016 to December 2020. We examined the prognostic values of IBPSs and HGS and compared combinations of preoperatively measurable factors. Results: Multivariate analysis assessing preoperatively measurable factors demonstrated that low preoperative HGS, low preoperative LMR, and high preoperative carbohydrate antigen 19-9 level were associated with poor overall survival (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29–4.51, p = 0.006; HR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.12–3.76, p = 0.020; and HR: 2.68, 95% CI: 1.25–5.76, p = 0.011, respectively). The combination of low HGS and low LMR was associated with poor overall survival, although only 12 patients were included in this subgroup. Multivariate analysis evaluating clinicopathological factors demonstrated that this combination was associated with poor overall survival (HR: 2.85, 95% CI: 1.06–7.69, p = 0.038). Conclusions: In this single-center exploratory study, the combination of preoperative LMR and HGS was associated with poor overall survival in patients with surgically resected pancreatic head cancer. Further prospective multicenter validation is required before this combined marker can be used for clinical decision-making. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Methods and Technologies Development)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 914 KB  
Article
Predictive Value of the CURB-65, MuLBSTA, Pneumonia Severity Index Scores and Laboratory Parameters for In-Hospital Mortality in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus and COVID-19 Infection
by Andreea Magdalena Ghibu, Ionela Maniu and Victoria Birlutiu
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(14), 5424; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15145424 - 10 Jul 2026
Viewed by 153
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Several risk factors have been identified as being involved in the progression of COVID-19 over time. Among these, age, comorbidities, and various laboratory parameters have been reported. Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common comorbidities found among patients diagnosed with [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Several risk factors have been identified as being involved in the progression of COVID-19 over time. Among these, age, comorbidities, and various laboratory parameters have been reported. Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common comorbidities found among patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Glucose metabolism dysfunction can exacerbate pre-existing diabetes or even induce diabetes mellitus. The purpose of this study is to assess the accuracy of the CURB-65, PSI, MuLBSTA severity scores and laboratory parameters in patients with diabetes mellitus diagnosed with COVID-19. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study involving patients with diabetes mellitus diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection, performed between June 2023 and December 2024. Results: We analyzed 73 patients with pre-existing diabetes who were diagnosed with COVID-19. There were 56.16% men, living mostly in urban areas, with a median hospital stay of 9.38 days. Elevated levels of LDH (367.50, p = 0.002), CRP (133.90, p = 0.012), ferritin (724.25, p = 0.012), ESR (55.00, p = 0.014), D-dimers (2455.04, p = 0.004), white blood cells (12.76, p = 0.007) and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (15.86, p = 0.021) were recorded in the group of deceased patients. Significantly elevated values were recorded for all three severity scores, the AUC for CURB-65 was 0.69, PSI 0.81 and MuLBSTA 0.86. Conclusions: Severity scores showed robust prognostic value in predicting mortality among patients with diabetes mellitus and COVID-19, emphasizing their relevance as clinically applicable tools for risk stratification and outcome assessment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Respiratory Medicine)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop