Introduction. The coexistence of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is commonly observed, primarily due to overlapping risk factors like smoking and environmental exposures. This dual diagnosis introduces complex clinical scenarios, often associated with worsened outcomes and heightened vulnerability to treatment-related side effects. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, especially atezolizumab, have emerged as pivotal agents in enhancing clinical outcomes for individuals diagnosed with NSCLC. Recent evidence suggests that atezolizumab remains effective and well-tolerated in NSCLC patients with coexisting COPD. This review evaluates the efficacy and safety of atezolizumab in NSCLC patients with coexisting COPD. Methods. Literature related to atezolizumab use in NSCLC patients with coexisting COPD was retrieved from PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases, covering all studies published until June 1, 2025. Both randomized trials and real-world evidence were analyzed. Results. Findings from major clinical trials such as OAK, POPLAR, IMpower110, and IMpower150, along with real-world data, demonstrate that atezolizumab enhances both progression-free and overall survival, without a notable rise in immune-mediated adverse effects like pneumonitis., particularly in patients with mild-to-moderate COPD. Conclusions. Atezolizumab demonstrates significant efficacy and a favorable safety profile in NSCLC patients with COPD, particularly among those with GOLD stage I–II disease
The objectives of this study were to review the literature covering the perceptions about influenza vaccines in the Middle East and to determine factors influencing the acceptance of vaccination using Health Belief Model (HBM).
A comprehensive literature search was performed utilizing PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Three keywords were used: Influenza vaccine, perceptions and Middle East. Empirical studies that dealt with people/healthcare worker (HCW) perceptio
Tuberculosis (TB) still remains an important medical problem due to high levels of morbidity and mortality worldwide. A series of innate immune mechanisms that create a cytokine network control the pathogenesis of tuberculosis and this response has the capacity to modify the host genomic DNA structure through epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation which could constantly alter the local gene expression pattern that can modulate the metabolism of the tissues and the immune-response. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is an important pro-inflammatory cytokine regulator of the innate immune response to TB. This study aims to determine DNA methylation patterns of INF-γ gene promoter and measure serum IFN- γ level in newly diagnosed TB patient
... Show MoreMetal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as revolutionary materials for developing advanced biosensors, especially for detecting reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in biomedical applications. This comprehensive review explores the current state-of-the-art in MOF-based biosensors, covering fundamental principles, design strategies, performance features, and clinical uses. MOFs offer unique benefits, including exceptional porosity (up to 10,400 m²/g), tunable structures, biocompatibility, and natural enzyme-mimicking properties, making them ideal platforms for sensitive and selective detection of ROS and H₂O₂. Recent advances have shown significant improvements in detection capabilities, with limit
... Show MoreUltraviolet photodetectors have been widely utilized in several applications, such as advanced communication, ozone sensing, air purification, flame detection, etc. Gallium nitride and its compound semiconductors have been promising candidates in photodetection applications. Unlike polar gallium nitride-based optoelectronics, non-polar gallium nitride-based optoelectronics have gained huge attention due to the piezoelectric and spontaneous polarization effect–induced quantum confined-stark effect being eliminated. In turn, non-polar gallium nitride-based photodetectors portray higher efficiency and faster response compared to the polar growth direction. To date, however, a systematic literature review of non-polar gallium nitride-
... Show MoreBackground: The transcriptional control of various cell types, especially in the development or functioning of immune system cells involved in either promoting or inhibiting the immune response against cancer, is significantly influenced by DNA or RNA methylation. Multifaceted interconnections exist between immunological or cancer cell populations in the tumor's microenvironment (TME). TME alters the fluctuating DNA (as well as RNA) methylation sequences in these immunological cells to change their development into pro- or anti-cancer cell categories (such as T cells, which are regulatory, for instance). Objective: This review highlights the impact of DNA and RNA methylation on myeloid and lymphoid cells, unraveling their intricate
... Show MoreMutations in genes encoding proteins necessary for detoxifying oxidative stress products have been predicted to increase susceptibility to lung cancer (LC). Despite this, the association between waterpipe tobacco smoking (WP), genetic polymorphisms, and LC risk remains poorly understood. This is the first study to explore the relationship between WP tobacco smoking and these genetic factors. Previously, we investigated the association of GSTP1 SNPs (rs1695-A/G and rs1138272-C/T) with LC in Iraqi males who smoke WP. Here, we expanded our analysis to include GSTM1 (active/null) and GSTT1 (active/null) genotypes, both individually and in combination with GSTP1 SNPs. Multiplex PCR and RFLP-PCR assays were utilized to determine the genotypes of
... Show MoreThe systemic and resistant nature of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancers (mCRPC) renders it largely incurable even after intensive multimodal therapy. Proliferation, survival, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are three fundamental events that are deeply linked to carcinogenesis. Hence, it is necessary to find a new combination of several therapies, targeting those vital mechanisms without causing side effects. Significant research works have shown differential low expression of the metabolic Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in primary and metastatic prostate cancer suggesting their importance in prostate pathogenesis. Obticholic acid (INT 747), a potent FXR agonist is widely used in primary biliary chola
... Show MoreThyroid disease is a common disease affecting millions worldwide. Early diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disease can help prevent more serious complications and improve long-term health outcomes. However, thyroid disease diagnosis can be challenging due to its variable symptoms and limited diagnostic tests. By processing enormous amounts of data and seeing trends that may not be immediately evident to human doctors, Machine Learning (ML) algorithms may be capable of increasing the accuracy with which thyroid disease is diagnosed. This study seeks to discover the most recent ML-based and data-driven developments and strategies for diagnosing thyroid disease while considering the challenges associated with imbalanced data in thyroid dise
... Show MoreThis review delves deep into the intricate relationship between urban planning and flood risk management, tracing its historical trajectory and the evolution of methodologies over time. Traditionally, urban centers prioritized defensive measures, like dikes and levees, with an emphasis on immediate solutions over long-term resilience. These practices, though effective in the short term, often overlooked broader environmental implications and the necessity for holistic planning. However, as urban areas burgeoned and climate change introduced new challenges, there has been a marked shift in approach. Modern urban planning now emphasizes integrated blue-green infrastructure, aiming to harmonize human habitation with water cycles. Resil
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