Antonio Romero-Moreno^1,2, Lorenzo Rodríguez-Riesco^1,2, Isaac Lavi¹, Serafín Cruces-Montes^1,2,*

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.2, pp. 125-136, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.059526 - 03 March 2025

Abstract Background: Research on therapeutic processes has explored the elements that enhance psychotherapy’s effectiveness, particularly the role of common factors across various models. The therapist’s use of directiveness and support, as common variables, is crucial for effective treatment. Effective therapists adapt their level of directiveness and support according to the treatment phase, the issue being addressed, and the patient’s characteristics. This study examines the importance therapists attribute to directiveness and support, as well as its relationship with theoretical orientation, access to research publications, and stance on the similar effectiveness of different psychotherapeutic models. It aims to… More >

HYE IN KA^#, SE HWAN MUN^#, SORA HAN^#, YOUNG YANG^*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.3, pp. 519-531, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.056860 - 28 February 2025

Abstract Osteosarcoma is a bone malignancy characterized by strong invasiveness and rapid disease progression. The tumor microenvironment of osteosarcoma contains various types of immune cells, including myeloid-derived suppressor cells, macrophages, T cells, and B cells. Imbalances of these immune cells can promote the proliferation and metastasis of osteosarcoma. Recent studies have indicated a substantial increase in the levels of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, an immune cell associated with immunosuppressive and pro-cancer effects, in the peripheral blood of patients with osteosarcoma. Moreover, the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 18 are positively correlated with those of myeloid-derived suppressor More >

LI SUN^1,#, SHICHAO ZHUO^2,#, XIAOXIN LI², HUSHENG KONG³, WEIWEI DU³, CHONG ZHOU⁴, JUNXING HUANG^1,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.3, pp. 641-651, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.050057 - 28 February 2025

Abstract Background: Cisplatin (DDP) has been used in the treatment of various human cancers. However, DDP alone lacks efficacy in treating triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), and its clinical application is often hampered by side effects. Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) is one of the active components extracted from Astragalus membranaceus and has gained attention for its various biological properties. This research is aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a combination of APS and DDP on TNBC and explore the potential mechanisms. Methods: The efficacy and mechanisms of single or combined treatment were evaluated using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay, Annexin… More >

AUGUSTO FUSCO¹, STEFANO BONOMI^2,*, LUCA PADUA^1,2

BIOCELL, Vol.49, No.1, pp. 1-5, 2025, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2024.058418 - 24 January 2025

Abstract Connective tissue is a dynamic structure that reacts to environmental cues to maintain homeostasis, including mechanical properties. Mechanical load influences extracellular matrix (ECM)—cell interactions and modulates cellular behavior. Mechano-regulation processes involve matrix modification and cell activation to preserve tissue function. The ECM remodeling is crucial for force transmission. Cytoskeleton components are involved in force sensing and transmission, affecting cellular adhesion, motility, and gene expression. Proper mechanical loading helps to maintain tissue health, while imbalances may lead to pathological processes. Active and passive movement, including manual mobilization, improves connective tissue elasticity, promotes ECM-cell homeostasis, and More > Graphic Abstract

RENATA DA SILVA CARNEIRO¹, MATEUS HENRIQUE DE ALMEIDA DA COSTA¹, JOSé ZILTON LIMA VERDE SANTOS¹, VALDILéIA TEIXEIRA UCHôA², LUCIANO DA SILVA LOPES³, ANDERSON NOGUEIRA MENDES^1,*

BIOCELL, Vol.49, No.1, pp. 109-125, 2025, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2024.058405 - 24 January 2025

Abstract Neurodegenerative diseases are a major public health challenge, mainly affecting the elderly population and compromising their cognitive, sensory, and motor functions. Currently, available therapies focus on alleviating symptoms and slowing the progression of these conditions, but they do not yet offer a definitive cure. In this scenario, terpenes emerge as promising natural alternatives due to their neuroprotective properties. These compounds can reduce the formation of protein aggregates, neutralize free radicals, and inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes, which are crucial factors in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, terpenes also play an important role in the… More >

Mukul Mishra¹, Deeba Khan², Sehbanul Islam^1,*

BIOCELL, Vol.49, No.1, pp. 127-147, 2025, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.058038 - 24 January 2025

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the newly emerged coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has resulted in unprecedented global health challenges, including millions of infections and deaths. While the direct effects of the virus are critical, the interplay between SARS-CoV-2 and cellular host factors significantly impacts the replication cycle of the virus and the clinical severity of COVID-19. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of host-pathogen interactions, focusing on the functional roles and regulatory mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins. We systematically review the literature to detail how SARS-CoV-2 engages with host cellular machinery, with a specific emphasis on their More >

JINGWEI JIANG^1,2, BO JIA³, CHUAN WANG³, CHEN FANG¹, YUGUI LI¹, GUOXING LING¹, BAOSHI ZHENG^1,*, CHENG LUO^1,*

BIOCELL, Vol.49, No.1, pp. 61-78, 2025, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2024.056981 - 24 January 2025

Abstract The role and regulatory mechanisms of macrophage polarization in cardiac transplantation have gained significant attention. Macrophages can polarize into either the M1 (pro-inflammatory) or M2 (anti-inflammatory) phenotype in response to environmental cues. M1 macrophages facilitate transplant rejection by releasing inflammatory mediators and activating T cells, whereas M2 macrophages support graft survival by secreting anti-inflammatory factors and promoting tissue repair. Mitochondrial quality control regulation plays a crucial role in macrophage polarization, which may influence graft survival and immune responses. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of mitochondrial quality control-regulated macrophage polarization in cardiac More >

JESSIE REYES-CARMONA^*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.2, pp. 301-307, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.053764 - 16 January 2025

Abstract The B lymphoma Mo-MLV insertion region 1 homolog (Bmi-1) protein of the polycomb complex is an essential mediator of the epigenetic transcriptional silencing by the chromatin structure. It has been reported to be crucial for homeostasis of the stem cells and tumorigenesis. Though years of investigation have clarified Bmi-1’s transcriptional regulation, post-translational modifications, and functions in controlling cellular bioenergetics, pathologies, and DNA damage response, the full potential of this protein with so many diverse roles are still unfulfilled. Bmi-1 is overexpressed in many human malignancies. Unraveling the Bmi-1’s precise functional role in head and neck… More >

PIAO YANG¹, MOHSEN SHEYKHHASAN^2,*, REZA HEIDARI³, MOHSEN CHAMANARA^4,5, PAOLA DAMA⁶, AMIRHOSSEIN AHMADIEH-YAZDI⁷, HAMED MANOOCHEHRI⁸, HAMID TANZADEHPANAH⁹, HANIE MAHAKI¹⁰, NASER KALHOR¹¹, ASHKAN DIRBAZIYAN¹², SHARAFALDIN AL-MUSAWI¹³

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.2, pp. 283-300, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.052939 - 16 January 2025

Abstract Cancer, a leading cause of global mortality, remains a significant challenge to increasing life expectancy worldwide. Forkhead Box R2 (FOXR2), identified as an oncogene within the FOX gene family, plays a crucial role in developing various endoderm-derived organs. Recent studies have elucidated FOXR2-related pathways and their involvement in both tumor and non-tumor diseases. Dysregulation of FOXR2 has been linked to numerous malignant tumors, spanning the brain, nervous system, thyroid, osteosarcoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, colorectal, liver, pancreatic, lung, breast, ovarian, prostate, female genital tract, endometrial, and uterine cancers. Despite extensive research on FOXR2 dysregulation, its practical applications More >

JUNWEI DU, QIANG ZHANG, JING ZHANG, MAIERDANJIANG MAIHEMUTI, HAIYANG HE, RENBING JIANG^*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.2, pp. 357-367, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.050878 - 16 January 2025

Abstract Objectives: Melanoma is a highly aggressive and metastatic form of cancer, and the role of exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) in its progression remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the effects of melanoma cell-derived exosomal miR-424-5p on angiogenesis and its underlying mechanisms. Methods: Exosomes were isolated from melanoma cell lines A375 and A2058, and their effects on the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were examined. The interaction between miR-424-5p and its target gene, large tumor suppressor kinase 2 (LATS2), was analyzed using luciferase reporter assays and functional experiments. In vivo,… More >