Introduction: Mutant KRAS is a genetic driver of multiple cancers that has challenged clinical anti-cancer therapeutics in the last 3 decades. Neo-antigens encoded by KRAS mutations have been identified as tumor-specific with high immunogenicity and can be used to deliver precision cancer vaccines to promote anti-tumor immune responses. KRAS mutation-based cancer vaccines have produced encouraging preclinical and clinical results. Cancer vaccines represent a promising approach to treat KRAS-driven cancers. Areas covered: In this review, we summarize the development and progress of vaccines targeting KRAS and evaluate their potential benefits and obstacles in the current landscape of therapy for KRAS-driven cancers. Expert opinion: KRAS mutation-based cancer vaccines can induce immunogenicity in patients with KRAS-driven cancers. However, the mechanisms of tumor suppression including cellular and molecular factors within the tumor microenvironment may limit vaccine efficacy. Combining KRAS-driven therapeutic cancer vaccines with other methods and adjuvants can circumvent immunosuppression and promote therapeutic successes.

To compare the effect of Kinesio taping on ankle functional performance with that of other taping methods (non-elastic taping) in healthy individuals and patients with ankle sprain. A search was performed in electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) for studies published up to 31 March 2018 using the following keywords: ankle, Kinesio taping, KT, and tape. Studies on ankle functional performance were selected, and data on Star Excursion Balance Test results, vertical jump height, and range of motion were extracted. Meta-analyses (where appropriate and possible) using either fixed or random effects model, standardized mean differences, and tests of heterogeneity were performed. Ten studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The Star Excursion Balance Test results indicated that Kinesio taping was superior to other taping methods (placebo taping or tension-free taping). The mean difference was 3.2 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.84–5.59, I² = 5%, P = 0.008). In studies in which vertical jump height was measured, a negative effect was observed for other taping methods (athletic taping or placebo taping), but not for Kinesio taping (mean difference = 1.06, 95% CI: 0.19–0.93, I² = 15%, P = 0.02). Both Kinesio taping and common taping had no significant effect on range of motion, with no differences between these methods (I² = 0%, P = 0.80). Kinesio taping is superior to other taping methods (athletic taping) in ankle functional performance improvement.

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive and malignant tumor with an exceedingly high mortality rate. The quality of life and survival rates of pancreatic cancer patients with metastasis are poor compared with those without metastasis. Thus far, no effective treatment strategy has been established for metastatic pancreatic cancer patients. Therefore, an appropriate therapeutic method based on the elimination of metastatic pancreatic cancer is critical to improve patient outcome. Tumor-targeted vaccines have been widely discussed in recent studies and enabled important breakthroughs in the treatment of pancreatic cancer by preventing the escape of tumor cells from immune surveillance and activating the immune system to eliminate cancer cells. T cells can be activated by the stimulation of tumor-targeted vaccines, but to mount an effective immune response, both immune checkpoint inhibitors and positive costimulatory molecules are required. In this review, we discuss potential tumor-targeted vaccines that can target pancreatic cancer, elaborate the probably appropriate combination of vaccines therapy and evaluate the underlying benefits as well as obstacles in the current therapy for metastatic pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a pernicious cancer of the digestive system which remains a high degree of malignancy. Increasing studies demonstrated that regulating the gut microbiome may become a brand new strategy to improve the therapeutic outcomes of PC. This study is aimed at obtaining the pathway in the microbial tumorigenesis of PC. Microarray datasets GSE27890, GSE46234, and GSE17610 were downloaded from the GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) database. Differential analysis was performed for every single gene chip using the R software package (“Limma” package), and functional enrichment analyses were carried out by DAVID (Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery). The PPI (protein‐protein interaction) network was constructed with the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING). The survival analysis was performed by GEPIA and USCS. A total of 84 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, and 3 of them were extracted (TUBB, TUBA4A, and TLR5). Biological process analysis revealed that these 3 genes were mainly enriched in pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection. Survival analysis and pathway analysis revealed that TUBB (tubulin, beta class I) may be associated with the pathogenic E. coli infection, which may be involved in the carcinogenesis and progression of PC by activating the TUBB/Rho/ROCK signaling pathway. Elevated evidence indicated that a specific gut microbe could affect the progression of PC by suppressing immune response. However, little attention has been paid to the relationship and crosstalk between TUBB/Rho/ROCK signaling, microbes, and PC. This article is aimed at deducing that gut and tumor microbes are related to the development of PC by stimulating TUBB/Rho/ROCK signaling, while ablation of microbes by antibiotics cotreated with inhibitors of TUBB/Rho/ROCK signaling were identified as a novel target for PC therapy.

Continuous sutures and interrupted sutures have been widely applied to skin closure after non‐obstetric surgery or traumatic wounds. Usually, continuous sutures were divided into transdermal or subcuticular sutures according to whether the stitches were placed through or below the epidermal layer. Interrupted sutures, on the other hand, involved penetration of the loose connective tissue beneath the skin layers, with stitches placed through the external skin layer. Complications including infection, dehiscence, and poor cosmetic appearance were not rare after suturing. Whether a suture method is a suitable option for rapid wound healing and long‐term cosmetic appearance remains controversial. To examine the potential benefits and harms of continuous skin sutures vs interrupted skin sutures in non‐obstetric surgery or traumatic wounds. Searching websites such as PubMed, the Cochrane Central Library, Web of Science and Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched up to 5 January 2022 and were assessed and guided by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analysis rules as well as guidelines. All relevant randomised controlled studies comparing continuous sutures with interrupted sutures of skin closure were analysed. The suture techniques and material used in each trial were recorded. The transdermal and subcuticular continuous sutures were separately compared with interrupted sutures in the subgroup analysis of dehiscence and cosmetic appearance because the visual appearance of these two continuous suturing techniques was significantly different. Ten studies including 1181 participants were analysed. Subcuticular continuous sutures had comparatively higher visual analogue scale (VAS) scores among patients and doctors than interrupted sutures (OR = 0.27, 95% Confidence Intervals [CI] = 0. 07‐0.47, P < .01). Similarly, priority was found regarding transdermal continuous sutures and interrupted sutures (OR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.21‐0.60, P < .01). Five randomised controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrated relevant data about dehiscence events. The incidence of continuous suture was significantly lesser than that of interrupted suture (OR = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.07‐0.37, P < .01). There was no significant difference between the infection events rates of two suture methods (OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.40‐1.21, P = .62, I² = 0%). This systematic review indicated the superiority of both transdermal and subcutaneous continuous sutures over interrupted sutures in skin closure in terms of wound healing and cosmetic appearance.