Cancer cells characterized by uncontrolled growth and proliferation require altered metabolic processes to maintain this characteristic. Metabolic reprogramming is a process mediated by various factors, including oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, changes in growth factors, and tumor–host cell interactions, which help to meet the needs of cancer cell anabolism and promote tumor development. Metabolic reprogramming in tumor cells is dynamically variable, depending on the tumor type and microenvironment, and reprogramming involves multiple metabolic pathways. These metabolic pathways have complex mechanisms and involve the coordination of various signaling molecules, proteins, and enzymes, which increases the resistance of tumor cells to traditional antitumor therapies. With the development of cancer therapies, metabolic reprogramming has been recognized as a new therapeutic target for metabolic changes in tumor cells. Therefore, understanding how multiple metabolic pathways in cancer cells change can provide a reference for the development of new therapies for tumor treatment. Here, we systemically reviewed the metabolic changes and their alteration factors, together with the current tumor regulation treatments and other possible treatments that are still under investigation. Continuous efforts are needed to further explore the mechanism of cancer metabolism reprogramming and corresponding metabolic treatments.

BackgroundTumor-stroma ratio (TSR) is a promising new prognostic predictor for patients with rectal cancer (RC). Although several studies focused on this pathologic feature, results from those studies were still inconsistent.MethodsThis research aimed to estimate the prognostic values of TSR for RC. A search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science was carried out. A meta-analysis was performed on disease-free survival, cancer-specific survival, and overall survival in patients with RC.ResultsThe literature search generated 1,072 possible studies, of which a total of 15 studies, involving a total of 5,408 patients, were eventually included in the meta-analysis. Thirteen of the 15 articles set the cutoff for the ratio of stroma at 50%, dividing patients into low-stroma and high-stroma groups. Low TSR (rich-stroma) was significantly associated with poorer survival outcome. (DFS: HR 1.54, 95% CI 1.32–1.79; OS: HR 1.52 95% CI 1.34–1.73; CSS: HR 2.05 95% CI 1.52–2.77).ConclusionPresent data support TSR to be a risk predictor for poor prognosis in RC patients.

Objectives To compare the measurement of cephalometric parameters using 3D images obtained from CBCT to 2D images obtained from a conventional cephalogram. Methods An electronic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, CENTRAL, and the grey literature database of SIGLE (up to May 2021). The selection of the eligible studies, data extraction, and an evaluation for possible risk of bias (Quality Assessment of Measurement Accuracy Studies tool) were performed independently by two authors. Inconsistencies were judged by a third author. Statistical pooling, subgroup analysis, a sensitivity analysis and an evaluation of publication bias were performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (version 2.2.064, Biostat, Englewood, NJ). Results A total of eight articles were eligible for final meta-analysis. The differences in two of the skeletal measurement parameters [Ar(Co)-Gn, Me-Go] and one of the dental measurement parameters (U1-L1) were found to be statistically significant when using CBCT and conventional cephalograms (P = 0.000, P = 0.004, P = 0.000, respectively). Conclusions CBCT can be used as a supplementary option to support conventional cephalometric measurements. In clinical situations in which three-dimensional information is required, patients can benefit from CBCT analysis to improve diagnosis and treatment planning.

Metabolic reprogramming manifested as glycolysis is considered a character of metabolic activity in tumor cells. Glucose used in glycolysis is the major energy source to support the growth and development of tumor cells, contributing to the high glycolytic flux production for the accumulation of cell mass. Of note, beside high consumption of glucose, the glutamine of nonessential amino acids (NEAAs) could be used as a carbon and nitrogen source. However, glucose and glutamine alone are still not enough to serve as the nutritional source for tumors. Other NEAAs are also important, such as serine, asparagine, and arginine. Related studies have confirmed in cells and animal models that either increase or decrease of NEAAs can limit the growth of tumor cells. Therefore, NEAAs deprivation diet has attracted more attention in recent years and it has been gradually applied in clinical practice for further research. In this review, the possible mechanism and potential applications of NEAAs in diet deprivation therapy are summarized, which may provide a direction for the future application in cancer treatment.

Objectives To determine whether the incorporation of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) improves the antibacterial ability and biocompatibility of nano silver (NAg)–containing orthodontic cement. Materials and Methods NAg was synthesized using a sodium citrate reduction method. NAg particles were characterized using transmission electron microscopy and ultraviolet-visible absorption spectra. NAg and NAC were incorporated into a resin-modified glass ionomer cement. Enamel shear bond strength (SBS), antibacterial capability, and cytotoxicity were evaluated. Results Incorporating 0.15% NAg and 20% NAC had no adverse effect on the SBS of orthodontic cement (P > .1). Adding NAC into NAg-containing cement greatly reduced the biofilm metabolic activity and lactic acid production (P < .05) and lowered the colony unit–forming counts by approximately 1 log (P < .05). The cell viability against NAg-containing cement was improved by NAC (P < .05). Conclusions The incorporation of NAC into NAg-containing cement achieved stronger antibacterial capability and better biocompatibility, without compromising the enamel SBS. The combined use of NAC and NAg is promising to combat caries in orthodontic practice.