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Air pollution-related immune gene prognostic signature for hepatocellular carcinoma: network toxicology, machine learning and multi-omics analysis

Front Immunol. 2025 Sep 12;16:1638445. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2025.1638445. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Air pollution may crosstalk with immune system to promote hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development, but its precise mechanisms and prognostic significance remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to construct a prognostic signature for HCC based on air pollutant-related immune genes (APIGs).

METHODS: We obtained mRNA-seq and scRNA of HCC from GEO, TCGA and ICGC. AP-related target genes were retrieved from several online databases. APIGs were obtained using WGCNA, differential gene expression analysis and immune infiltration analysis. Molecular subtypes were conducted based on APIG expression to characterize immune features. A total of 101 combinations of 10 machine learning algorithms were used to construct an APIG-based prognostic signature (APIGPS). Furthermore, we performed qRT-PCR, survival analyses, functional enrichment, immune infiltration and single-cell analyses. Subsequently, LASSO, RF, and RFE-SVM were employed to identify diagnostic genes, followed by pan-cancer analysis.

RESULTS: We identified 19 APIGs. HCC samples were divided into 3 subtypes, with C1 exhibiting a pro-tumor immune microenvironment and poorer prognosis. APIGPS constructed by 7 APIGs (CDC25C, MELK, ATG4B, SLC2A1, CDC25B, APEX1, GLS), demonstrated robust predictive ability independent of clinical features. The biological pathway differences between APIGPS-based high- and low-risk groups involved immune responses and cell proliferation and migration. APIGPS genes had stable binding to 7 APs and were mainly expressed in macrophages, with HRG exhibiting higher macrophage abundance. CDC25C was identified as the hub gene after intersecting diagnostic genes and APIGPS genes. CDC25C was associated with survival of 10 cancers, MSI in 10 cancers, TMB in 21 cancers, and immune cell abundance in 13 cancers.

CONCLUSIONS: We identified key APIGs and constructed a robust APIG-based prognostic signature for HCC. CDC25C was a key target through which APs impact HCC and multiple other cancers.

PMID:41019083 | PMC:PMC12463942 | DOI:10.3389/fimmu.2025.1638445

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Genomically matched therapy in advanced solid tumors: the randomized phase 2 ROME trial

Nature Medicine, Published online: 29 September 2025; doi:10.1038/s41591-025-03918-x

In the proof-of-concept phase 2 ROME trial, comprehensive genomic profiling followed by molecular tumor board evaluation and randomization of patients with metastatic solid cancer to receive personalized therapy or standard of care led to a significantly higher objective response rate and longer progression-free survival in patients who received personalized therapy.
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Application of Behavioral Science in Digital Therapeutics for Individuals With Prediabetes: Scoping Review

Background: Digital therapeutics are increasingly used to manage prediabetes due to their accessibility and potential for personalization. Their success depends heavily on applying behavioral science and integrating theoretical models into digital platforms. However, there has not been a comprehensive account of how behavioral science has been used in digital therapeutics for individuals with prediabetes. Objective: This scoping review aimed to examine the use of behavioral theories and techniques in digital therapeutic interventions for individuals with prediabetes, and to identify opportunities to optimize theory-driven and technology-supported strategies. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the Arksey and O’Malley framework and guided by the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) checklist. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, CNKI, and VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals for studies published up to March 10, 2025. Eligible studies included adults (≥18 years) with prediabetes, as defined by the American Diabetes Association, and examined digital therapeutic interventions informed by behavioral science. All study designs were eligible; included studies were screened, and key characteristics were charted. Results: Of the 21 included studies, 17 were randomized controlled trials. The most frequently used behavioral theories were social cognitive theory, theory of planned behavior, and transtheoretical model; however, 11 studies applied behavior change techniques without explicitly stating a theoretical framework. In terms of delivery, digital modalities often comprised smartphone apps (14/21, 67%), human coaching (13/21, 62%), messaging tools (9/21, 43%), wearable devices (9/21, 43%), and web platforms (3/21, 14%). About behavior change techniques, the most frequently used were self-monitoring of behavior (19/21), instruction on performing the behavior (16/21), goal setting (15/21), information about health consequences (15/21), and unspecified social support (11/21). Across studies, outcomes were typically assessed for metabolic and body composition (19/21), glycemic control metrics (17/21), cardiovascular risk and physiological function metrics (16/21), behavioral and cognitive intervention indicators (11/21), and, less frequently, comprehensive health outcome measures (2/21). Conclusions: Behavioral science plays a crucial role in developing effective digital therapeutics for individuals with prediabetes. However, greater clarity in theory selection, better integration between models and digital functions, and more culturally inclusive research are needed to improve the scalability and impact of these interventions.
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Article: Disaggregation in Large Language Models: The Next Evolution in AI Infrastructure

Large Language Model (LLM) inference faces a fundamental challenge: the same hardware that excels at processing input prompts struggles with generating responses, and vice versa. Disaggregated serving architectures solve this by separating these distinct computational phases, delivering throughput improvements and better resource utilization while reducing costs.

By Anat Heilper
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