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Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and Bioactivity of the Stable Peptide RCB-1 from Ricinus communis

Boldbaatar D, Gunasekera S, El-Seedi HR, Göransson U

J Nat Prod, 2015 Nov 25;78(11):2545-51.
PMID: 26509914 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.5b00463

The Ricinus communis biomarker peptides RCB-1 to -3 comprise homologous sequences of 19 (RCB-1) or 18 (RCB-2 and -3) amino acid residues. They all include four cysteine moieties, which form two disulfide bonds. However, neither the 3D structure nor the biological activity of any of these peptides is known. The synthesis of RCB-1, using microwave-assisted, Fmoc-based solid-phase peptide synthesis, and a method for its oxidative folding are reported. The tertiary structure of RCB-1, subsequently established using solution-state NMR, reveals a twisted loop fold with antiparallel β-sheets reinforced by the two disulfide bonds. Moreover, RCB-1 was tested for antibacterial, antifungal, and cytotoxic activity, as well as in a serum stability assay, in which it proved to be remarkably stable.
Fulltext Priorities for cancer research in low- and middle-income countries: a global perspective

Pramesh CS, Badwe RA, Bhoo-Pathy N, Booth CM, Chinnaswamy G, Dare AJ, et al.

Nat Med, 2022 Apr;28(4):649-657.
PMID: 35440716 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-022-01738-x

Cancer research currently is heavily skewed toward high-income countries (HICs), with little research conducted in, and relevant to, the problems of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This regional discordance in cancer knowledge generation and application needs to be rebalanced. Several gaps in the research enterprise of LMICs need to be addressed to promote regionally relevant research, and radical rethinking is needed to address the burning issues in cancer care in these regions. We identified five top priorities in cancer research in LMICs based on current and projected needs: reducing the burden of patients with advanced disease; improving access and affordability, and outcomes of cancer treatment; value-based care and health economics; quality improvement and implementation research; and leveraging technology to improve cancer control. LMICs have an excellent opportunity to address important questions in cancer research that could impact cancer control globally. Success will require collaboration and commitment from governments, policy makers, funding agencies, health care organizations and leaders, researchers and the public.
Fulltext Barriers to Palliative Care Integration for Children With Cancer Across Asia Pacific

Cuviello A, Salek M, Handayani SA, Blair S, Chandra A, Job G, et al.

JCO Glob Oncol, 2026 Apr;12(4):e2500512.
PMID: 41985116 DOI: 10.1200/GO-25-00512

PURPOSE: Early integration of palliative care (PC) for children with cancer is vital to improved patient outcomes. Despite this, access to PC services for children in Asia Pacific (AP) is sparce. We aimed to explore potential barriers to PC provision in childhood cancer care across AP.
METHODS: The Assessing Doctors' Attitudes on Palliative Treatment survey was revised for cultural context, translated into six languages, and distributed electronically to physicians who care for children with cancer. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data. Secondary analyses used the Pearson chi-square test or Fisher exact test to examine associations between prior PC training and physician subspecialty with reported barriers. The McNemar test was applied to evaluate differences between actual versus ideal timing of PC consultations. Analysis of variance was conducted to compare mean values for perceived barriers across country income levels.
RESULTS: Six hundred twenty-one physicians from 18 countries participated, with an overall response rate of 27% (621/2,305) and a median country response rate of 30% (range, 11%-85%). Most respondents (n = 366; 59%) believed PC should be consulted at diagnosis, but only 18% (n = 117) stated that this occurred in their clinical setting (P < .001). The most highly ranked barriers to PC provision included limited physician knowledge (n = 511; 82%), lack of national health policy/advocacy (n = 494; 79%), lack of PC-trained clinicians (n = 492; 79%), lack of home-based services (n = 487; 78%), and physician discomfort in discussing PC (n = 483; 78%). Physicians practicing in lower-middle-income countries rated these barriers more significantly.
CONCLUSION: Physicians report a discrepancy between ideal and actual timing of PC integration and identify several barriers to PC provision. Study findings will inform capacity building, education, and advocacy initiatives to improve the timing and quality of PC delivery in the region.
Fulltext Physician Perceptions Toward Palliative Care Integration in Childhood Cancer Care in Asia Pacific

Salek M, Cuviello A, Handayani SA, Blair S, Chandra A, Job G, et al.

JCO Glob Oncol, 2026 Jun;12(6):e2500513.
PMID: 42361278 DOI: 10.1200/GO-25-00513

PURPOSE: Palliative care (PC) integration in pediatric oncology improves outcomes, yet access to PC in the Asia Pacific (AP) region remains limited. This study aimed to understand physician perceptions of PC integration in childhood cancer care across AP.
METHODS: The validated Assessing Doctors' Attitudes on Palliative Treatment survey was modified for use in AP, translated into six languages, and adapted for cultural relevance. The survey was distributed electronically between February 2022 and February 2024 to physicians caring for children with cancer in 18 AP countries. The primary outcome was alignment with WHO PC guidance, calculated as a mean percentage per physician. Secondary analyses explored associations between demographic variables and WHO alignment scores using regression analyses. Open-ended responses were analyzed qualitatively.
RESULTS: A total of 621 physicians from 18 countries participated (median country response rate 30%; range, 11%-85% per country). Most (70%; n = 432) had >10 years of clinical experience and no prior PC training (65%; n = 401). Although 57% (n = 352) had access to pediatric PC experts, only 50% (n = 308), 36% (n = 221), 27% (n = 166), and 34% (n = 209) expressed comfort addressing patient/family physical, emotional, spiritual, and grief/bereavement needs, respectively. Additionally, 40% (n = 248) reported feeling burdened addressing end-of-life suffering. The mean alignment with WHO guidance was 76% (range, 48%-92%). Almost all (>90%; n = 570) desired further PC training.
CONCLUSION: Study findings demonstrate that most physicians in AP expressed discomfort with providing core components of PC to patients with cancer and their families. This study signals the urgent need for focused expansion of PC services and training and identifies regional opportunities to improve PC education, research, and advocacy efforts.