Proton or photon? Comparison of survival and toxicity of two radiotherapy modalities among pediatric brain cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: With the introduction of new therapy modalities and the resulting increase in survival rates, childhood brain cancers have become a focal point of research in pediatric oncology. In current protocols, besides surgical resection and chemotherapy, radiotherapy is required to ensure optimal survival. Our aim was to determine which of the two major irradiation options, proton (PT) or photon (XRT), was the least harmful yet effective for children with brain tumors.

Evolving Spectrum of Pneumocystis Host Specificity, Genetic Diversity, and Evolution.

Following over a century's worth of research, our understanding of Pneumocystis has significantly expanded in various facets, spanning from its fundamental biology to its impacts on animal and human health. Its significance in public health has been underscored by its inclusion in the 2022 WHO fungal priority pathogens list. We present this review to summarize pivotal advancements in Pneumocystis epidemiology in relation to its host specificity and evolution.

Donor-derived cell-free DNA for detection of acute rejection in lung transplant recipients.

Introduction: Acute rejection is a significant risk factor for developing chronic lung allograft dysfunction. Current monitoring tools, transbronchial biopsies and HLA antibody determination, have limitations in detecting acute rejection. This study aims to explore the potential utility of donor-derived cell-free DNA (ddcfDNA) as a non-invasive biomarker for detecting acute rejection in lung transplant recipients (LTR).

Propensity score matched comparison of lymph node upstaging in early-stage lung cancer: open versus minimally invasive surgery with standardized lymphadenectomy.

Background: Lymph node upstaging represents a quality criterion for standardized lymphadenectomy in lung cancer surgery. The aim of the study was to compare whether the quality of standardized lymphadenectomy in lung cancer surgery is comparable in minimally invasive (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) and the open approach (thoracotomy). Furthermore, factors associated with lymph node upstaging were assessed, as was its impact on overall survival and progression-free survival.