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Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a severe, irreversible lung disease characterized by progressive scarring, with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) being the most prevalent form. IPF's pathogenesis involves repetitive lung epithelial injury leading to fibroblast activation and excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. The prognosis for IPF is poor, with limited therapeutic options like nintedanib and pirfenidone offering only modest benefits. Emerging research highlights the dysregulation of the yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) signaling pathway as a critical factor in PF. YAP and TAZ, components of the Hippo pathway, play significant roles in cell proliferation, differentiation, and fibrosis by modulating gene expression through interactions with TEA domain (TEAD) transcription factors. The aberrant activation of YAP/TAZ in lung tissue promotes fibroblast activation and ECM accumulation. Targeting the YAP/TAZ pathway offers a promising therapeutic avenue. Preclinical studies have identified potential treatments, such as trigonelline, dopamine receptor D1 (DRD1) agonists, and statins, which inhibit YAP/TAZ activity and demonstrate antifibrotic effects. These findings underscore the importance of YAP/TAZ in PF pathogenesis and the potential of novel therapies aimed at this pathway, suggesting a new direction for improving IPF treatment outcomes. Further research is needed to validate these approaches and translate them into clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal forms of malignancies; therefore, new treatment strategies are required to increase the patients' survival. It has been established that different cell types that surround pancreatic cancer cells, thus forming the tumor microenvironment, are responsible for tumorigenicity and inefficacy of treatments, including immunotherapy. In the present review, we aim to summarize current knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms underpinning the interaction of cancer cells with cells of their microenvironment and discuss associated strategies to improve treatment results. Pancreatic cancer demonstrates an ever-increasing incidence over the last years and represents one of the top causes of cancer-associated mortality. Cells of the tumor microenvironment (TME) interact with cancer cells in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumors to preserve cancer cells' metabolism, inhibit drug delivery, enhance immune suppression mechanisms and finally develop resistance to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. New strategies target TME genetic alterations and specific pathways in cell populations of the TME. Complex molecular interactions develop between PDAC cells and TME cell populations including cancer-associated fibroblasts, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, pancreatic stellate cells, tumor-associated macrophages, tumor-associated neutrophils, and regulatory T cells. In the present review, we aim to fully explore the molecular landscape of the pancreatic cancer TME cell populations and discuss current TME targeting strategies to provide thoughts for further research and preclinical testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Influenza vaccination among athletes is a crucial area in sports medicine. This descriptive, cross-sectional study aims to explore the vaccination practices and intentions regarding influenza vaccines among young athletes. Methods: A structured, questionnaire-based study was conducted among students from the National School of Sports in Greece. The survey was conducted over the period of April to May 2023. Overall, 138 participants participated in the study. Results: More than half of the participants had received a flu vaccine in the past, but only 12.3% were vaccinated against influenza for 2022–2023. The main reasons seemed to be the lack of time (40.6%) and the idea that influenza does not lead to any serious health threats for the participants (36.2%). The main factor that affected their decision to get the flu vaccine or not was the need for more information regarding influenza vaccination (79%). Conclusions: The recent study showed low vaccination coverage among people of young age participating in sports activities. The qualitative views of the participants highlighted the significance of the lackof a well-organized information program provided by health professionals and coaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted global daily life, including the world of elite athletes. This paper examines the multifaceted impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on elite swimmers and water polo athletes, specifically their mental health, their concerns over the virus, their intentions of getting vaccinated, and sleep disturbances that they may have faced. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on elite swimmers and water polo players, using an anonymous questionnaire. Results: A total of 200 elite athletes participated. The majority of the participants reported a negative impact on their mental health, screened positive for insomnia (n = 107 (53.5%), with females (n = 101; 57.7%), swimmers (n = 100, 66.7%), and university students (n = 71, 71.7%) being more vulnerable (p < 0.001). Concerns about contracting the disease especially during important training or tournament periods and potential career disruption also affected their psychological well-being. While the majority (75%) had the intention of getting vaccinated, an alarming percentage was yet uncertain over its decision. Conclusions: This study highlights the significant psychological distress faced by elite aquatic athletes during the pandemic. It emphasizes the difficulties faced by elite swimmers and water polo athletes and determines not only the importance of addressing the vaccination intentions of athletes, but also how critical it is to confront the challenges they face both for their personal health and for the restoration of world sports to their pre-pandemic state. More large-scale studies are required to inform policies targeted at minimizing disruption to the athletes' career, provision of information on preventive measures and vaccination, and improvement in psychological well-being in case of similar major public health issues in the future. Additionally, this study calls for further research to explore the unique challenges faced by aquatic athletes, such as those related to their training environments and fear of contagion, to better support them in future public health crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the advancements in lung cancer vaccination, highlighting the challenges faced in targeting this disease effectively. It mentions the development of personalized vaccines targeting neoantigens and the use of mRNA technology, such as the BNT116 vaccine, to treat non-small-cell lung cancer. The article also explores the potential of combining vaccines with existing immunotherapies to enhance the immune system's ability to combat cancer cells. Ongoing research aims to reshape the future of lung cancer vaccination, offering hope for improved treatments and potential preventive vaccines in the future. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in reshaping anticancer drug development, highlighting its potential to predict efficacy and toxicity, streamline clinical trials, and accelerate drug discovery timelines. AI tools like AlphaFold and PERCEPTION have shown promise in predicting drug responses and targeting specific molecules crucial for cancer cell survival. While AI has the potential to reduce health inequalities and democratize access to care, careful oversight is needed to prevent biases and disparities in patient outcomes. Collaboration among AI experts, cancer researchers, oncologists, and regulatory bodies is crucial to fully realize AI's potential in drug development while ensuring the human element of care is not overlooked. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study published in the Journal of Cellular & Molecular Medicine explores the role of a protein called Suv39h1 in liver fibrosis. The study found that Suv39h1 is involved in the transition of hepatic stellate cells to myofibroblasts, which contributes to liver fibrosis. The researchers also discovered that a natural compound called chaetocin can inhibit Suv39h1 and reduce liver fibrosis in a mouse model. However, further research is needed to develop more selective and less toxic inhibitors of Suv39h1 for potential therapeutic use. Additionally, combining Suv39h1 inhibitors with other drugs or mechanotherapeutics may be a promising approach for treating liver fibrosis. [Extracted from the article]

Background: There are limited data on the attitudes and acceptance of the second booster (fourth dose) of the COVID-19 vaccination among physicians. Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based, online study was conducted among members of the Athens Medical Association (A.M.A.) who were invited to participate anonymously over the period from January to March 2023. Results: From the 1224 members who participated in the survey, 53.9% did not receive the fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The main reasons for no vaccination were the lack of obligation to receive the fourth dose, the history of three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and the lack of sufficient information about the effectiveness of the fourth dose. Over half of the three-dose-vaccinated participants were willing to receive the fourth dose in the near future. Interestingly, the vaccination coverage among participants who had been informed about the fourth dose through scientific sources was low. Conclusions: The low vaccination coverage with the fourth dose reported in this study can lead to broad and serious consequences, such as increase in COVID-19 infections, reduction of available healthcare staff and increased caseloads of COVID-19 in hospitals. Furthermore, hesitant physicians will adversely influence the vaccination uptake among the general population due to their key role in informing and recommending the vaccine. The healthcare system administration should acknowledge and address physician's concerns through effective communication and better support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common and deadly disease, with many patients developing metastases that are difficult to treat. Traditional treatments, such as chemotherapy, have limited effectiveness and can cause side effects. However, recent research has shown that targeting the TGF-β signaling pathway, which plays a role in tumor growth and metastasis, may be a promising approach. Various strategies, including small-molecule inhibitors and immunotherapy, are being explored in preclinical and clinical trials. While progress has been made, further research is needed to identify biomarkers and optimize treatment strategies for metastatic CRC. [Extracted from the article]