Abstract: Background Differential expression analysis is usually adjusted for variation. However, most studies that examined the expression variability (EV) have used computations affected by low expression levels and did not examine healthy tissue. This study aims to calculate and characterize an unbiased EV in primary fibroblasts of childhood cancer survivors and cancer-free controls (N0) in response to ionizing radiation. Methods Human skin fibroblasts of 52 donors with a first primary neoplasm in childhood (N1), 52 donors with at least one second primary neoplasm (N2 +), as well as 52 N0 were obtained from the KiKme case-control study and exposed to a high (2 Gray) and a low dose (0.05 Gray) of X-rays and sham- irradiation (0 Gray). Genes were then classified as hypo-, non-, or hyper-variable per donor group and radiation treatment, and then examined for over-represented functional signatures. Results We found 22 genes with considerable EV differences between donor groups, of which 11 genes were associated with response to ionizing radiation, stress, and DNA repair. The largest number of genes exclusive to one donor group and variability classification combination were all detected in N0: hypo-variable genes after 0 Gray (n = 49), 0.05 Gray (n = 41), and 2 Gray (n = 38), as well as hyper-variable genes after any dose (n = 43). While after 2 Gray positive regulation of cell cycle was hypo-variable in N0, (regulation of) fibroblast proliferation was over-represented in hyper-variable genes of N1 and N2+. In N2+, 30 genes were uniquely classified as hyper-variable after the low dose and were associated with the ERK1/ERK2 cascade. For N1, no exclusive gene sets with functions related to the radiation response were detected in our data. Conclusion N2+ showed high degrees of variability in pathways for the cell fate decision after genotoxic insults that may lead to the transfer and multiplication of DNA-damage via proliferation, where apoptosis and removal of the damaged genome would have been appropriate. Such a deficiency could potentially lead to a higher vulnerability towards side effects of exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation, but following low-dose applications employed in diagnostics, as well

Journeys in Healing: A Comprehensive Collection of Homeopathy in Cancer Care explores the integration of homeopathy into oncology. This compilation delves into various contemporary and historical perspectives, offering insights through empirical studies, physician perceptions, and patient experiences. From pediatric oncology in Germany to professional acceptability in France, the book captures a significant spectrum of homeopathic applications. Articles cover the historical roots of homeopathic practices, including Samuel Hahnemann's foundational principles, and investigate modern concepts like the 'memory of water' hypothesis in cancer treatment. Personal narratives, case studies, and observational research underscore the potential quality of life benefits and symptom relief that homeopathy offers cancer patients. With an emphasis on collaborative and informed care, this collection encourages a holistic, patient-centric approach to modern cancer treatment, bridging the gap between conventional and complementary therapies. Quality Research Publishing is dedicated to making knowledge more accessible to the general public by curating a topical compilation of the latest research on various subjects and providing plain language summaries. Each of the articles in this book is available individually and digitally without cost. However, we believe it is important for the contextualizing and sharing of educational and scientific work to curate this research in a way that is understandable and helpful to the average person seeking deeper knowledge of a particular subject. The research articles compiled for this book were published under a permissive Creative Commons license, are in the public domain, or have no copyright restrictions, permitting their use in this book. If you have questions about the licensing of any article, please visit qualityresearchpublishing.com.