Mobilization-based chemotherapy-free engraftment of gene-edited human hematopoietic stem cells.

Hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell gene therapy (HSPC-GT) is proving successful to treat several genetic diseases. HSPCs are mobilized, harvested, genetically corrected ex vivo, and infused, after the administration of toxic myeloablative conditioning to deplete the bone marrow (BM) for the modified cells. We show that mobilizers create an opportunity for seamless engraftment of exogenous cells, which effectively outcompete those mobilized, to repopulate the depleted BM.

Coexisting portal vein thrombosis and aortic thrombosis in a patient with COVID-19: A case report and literature review.

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has rapidly progressed, resulting in significant global morbidity and mortality. Predominantly affecting the respiratory tract, it has been found to be associated with extrapulmonary manifestations such as coagulopathies. We hereby report a case of an elderly man with no predisposing risk factors or history of hypercoagulable disorder who presented with acute onset abdominal pain and was diagnosed with portal vein thrombosis and splenic infarct two weeks following mild COVID-19.

Immobilization-Induced Hypercalcemia in COVID-19 With a Prolonged Intensive Care Unit Stay.

Immobilization is an uncommon etiology of hypercalcemia. It is usually seen in conditions associated with limited movements such as spinal cord injuries, vascular events, or following prolonged hospitalization. Hereby, we present a case of a young patient who had prolonged hospitalization following infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Capture Rate of V(D)J Sequencing for Minimal Residual Disease Detection in Multiple Myeloma.

Purpose: Minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity is a strong predictor for outcome in multiple myeloma. To assess V(D)J clonotype capture using the updated Adaptive next-generation sequencing (NGS) MRD assay in a clinical setting, we analyzed baseline and follow-up samples from patients with multiple myeloma who achieved deep clinical responses.

Experimental Design: A total of 159 baseline and 31 follow-up samples from patients with multiple myeloma were sequenced using the NGS MRD assay.

Regulatory Frameworks for Clinical Trial Data Sharing: Scoping Review.

Background: Although well recognized for its scientific value, data sharing from clinical trials remains limited. Steps toward harmonization and standardization are increasing in various pockets of the global scientific community. This issue has gained salience during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Insertion of S into Donor-Acceptor Cyclopropanes: Access to Dithiolanes and Their Conversion to Thietane Dioxides.

A facile and efficient route to dithiolanes starting from donor-acceptor cyclopropanes is reported. Potassium -toluenethiosulfonate has been established as the reagent of choice for this formal insertion of the disulfide moiety. Using this methodology, dithiolanes have been synthesized in moderate to good yields with high functional group tolerance.

Effect of Injection Speed of Heavy Bupivacaine in Spinal Anesthesia on Quality of Block and Hemodynamic Changes.

Background And Aims: Spinal anesthesia is a technique widely used for gynecological, lower abdominal, pelvic and lower limb procedures. Even though it causes a profound nerve block, it is associated with profound hypotension.

Aims Of The Study: To assess the effect of the speed of injection of heavy bupivacaine on quality of block and hemodynamic changes in patients undergoing gynecological surgeries under spinal anesthesia.

Health utilities and costs for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.

Background: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare, neurological disease that places a significant burden on patients, their carers, and healthcare systems.

Objectives: To estimate patient and carer health utilities and costs of NMOSD within the UK setting.

Methods: Patients with NMOSD and their carers, recruited via a regional specialist treatment centre, completed a postal questionnaire that included a resource use measure, the EuroQoL (EQ)-5D-5L, EQ-5D-VAS, Vision and Quality of Life Index (VisQoL), Carer Experience Survey (CES) and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).

Hemorrhage Enlargement Is More Frequent in the First 2 Hours: A Prehospital Mobile Stroke Unit Study.

Background: Hematoma enlargement (HE) after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a therapeutic target for improving outcomes. Hemostatic therapies to prevent HE may be more effective the earlier they are attempted. An understanding of HE in first 1 to 2 hours specifically in the prehospital setting would help guide future treatment interventions in this time frame and setting.

The CCR5 Gene Edited CD34CD90 Hematopoietic Stem Cell Population Serves as an Optimal Graft Source for HIV Gene Therapy.

Transplantation of allogenic hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) with C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) Δ32 genotype generates HIV-1 resistant immune cells. CCR5 gene edited autologous HSPCs can be a potential alternative to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) from HLA-matched CCR5 null donor. However, the clinical application of gene edited autologous HSPCs is critically limited by the quality of the graft, as HIV also infects the HSPCs.

An Update on the Management of Mixed Neuroendocrine-Non-neuroendocrine Neoplasms (MiNEN).

The classification of mixed neuroendocrine-non-neuroendocrine neoplasms (MiNEN) is evolving, and no clear management guidelines are currently available. However, recent studies provide insight into factors affecting outcomes and could help develop treatment decisions for patients with these rare malignancies. The majority of MiNENs have a poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) component which is associated with an aggressive clinical course and poor outcomes.

Diagnostic accuracy and performance of artificial intelligence in measuring left atrial volumes and function on multiphasic CT in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm for fully automated measurement of left atrial (LA) volumes and function using cardiac CT in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Methods: We included 79 patients (mean age 63 ± 12 years; 35 with atrial fibrillation (AF) and 44 controls) between 2017 and 2020 in this retrospective study. Images were analyzed by a trained AI algorithm and an expert radiologist.

"Outcomes of optical penetrating keratoplasty with the large sized donor for failed therapeutic grafts for infectious keratitis from the tertiary eye care center, South India".

Purpose: To evaluate the preoperative risk factors, complications, and postoperative outcomes following regraft with the large-sized donor for failed therapeutic grafts.

Methods: In this retrospective interventional case series, patients who underwent optical penetrating keratoplasty for failed therapeutic keratoplasty (TPK) from 2010 till 2019 were studied at the Cornea clinic, Tertiary eye care center, with a maximum follow-up period of 3 years within the study period. Demographic patterns, preoperative risk factors, graft survival, visual outcomes, and complications were reviewed from the electronic medical records.

Bowel perforation in morbid obesity secondary to COVID-19 infection.

The pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 is unique in the different pathways the virus utilizes to induce severe systemic inflammation, leading to a higher potential for critical care requirements and a poorer prognosis. Although there are several risk factors for the development of severe infection, one associated with poorer outcome is obesity. In this report, we present a case of bowel perforation in an obese patient with severe COVID-19 infection.

Late onset of pituitary apoplexy following gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist for prostate cancer treatment.

Pituitary apoplexy (PA) is a clinical condition characterised by a sudden increase in pituitary gland volume secondary to ischaemia and/or necrosis. Most cases occur in non-functioning pituitary adenoma but can also occur in functioning adenoma. Certain predisposing factors can result in PA and the use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists for prostate cancer (PCa) is one such condition.

Association between retinal vascular measures and brain white matter lesions in schizophrenia.

Objective: Recent studies have examined retinal vascular abnormalities in schizophrenia as retinal vascular imaging is a non-invasive proxy to cerebral microvasculature. However, relation between retinal vascular abnormalities and brain structure is not well examined in schizophrenia. Hence in this study, for the first time, we examined the relationship between retinal vascular measures and brain white matter lesions in schizophrenia.

An Engineered Nanocomplex with Photodynamic and Photothermal Synergistic Properties for Cancer Treatment.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) are promising therapeutic methods for cancer treatment; however, as single modality therapies, either PDT or PTT is still limited in its success rate. A dual application of both PDT and PTT, in a combined protocol, has gained immense interest. In this study, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were conjugated with a PDT agent, meso-tetrahydroxyphenylchlorin (mTHPC) photosensitizer, designed as nanotherapeutic agents that can activate a dual photodynamic/photothermal therapy in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells.

Daily reality of violence in a rural emergency department: Is violence becoming the new normal?

Objectives: Violence in emergency healthcare is a persistent and concerning problem. The objective of the present study was to explore and understand rural nurses' views on the daily experience and impact of violence, and its perpetrators.

Methods: The present study took a descriptive exploratory approach.

Policy-Driven, Multimodal Deep Learning for Predicting Visual Fields from the Optic Disc and OCT Imaging.

Purpose: To develop and validate a deep learning (DL) system for predicting each point on visual fields (VFs) from disc and OCT imaging and derive a structure-function mapping.

Design: Retrospective, cross-sectional database study.

Participants: A total of 6437 patients undergoing routine care for glaucoma in 3 clinical sites in the United Kingdom.

Impact of the first COVID-19 lockdown in Germany on the rate of acute infections during intensive chemotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma.

Purpose: Evidence on the effect of self-protection via social distancing and wearing face-masks on infections during chemotherapy is currently not available. We asked if the occurrence of acute infections during chemotherapy for advanced-stage Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) decreased when COVID-19 protection measures were in effect.

Methods: We analyzed the occurrence of infections during all documented eBEACOPP cycles starting between 01 March and 30 June of 2017 to 2020 in patients treated within the GHSG HD21 study in Germany and compared the infection rates and characteristics by logistic regression models and means of descriptive statistics.

Research Questions and Priorities for Pediatric Tuberculosis: A Survey of Published Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.

Background: Advancing a research agenda designed to meet the specific needs of children is critical to ending pediatric TB epidemic. Systematic reviews are increasingly informing policies in pediatric tuberculosis (TB) care and control. However, there is a paucity of information on pediatric TB research priorities.

Deep learning model using retinal vascular images for classifying schizophrenia.

Contemporary psychiatric diagnosis still relies on the subjective symptom report of the patient during a clinical interview by a psychiatrist. Given the significant variability in personal reporting and differences in the skill set of psychiatrists, it is desirable to have objective diagnostic markers that could help clinicians differentiate patients from healthy individuals. A few recent studies have reported retinal vascular abnormalities in patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) using retinal fundus images.

Correlates of psychological distress among adults with obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: The present study evaluated changes in stress and loneliness among participants with obesity engaged in weight loss self-management in the United States (US) during COVID-19, and identified factors that may increase risk or protect against psychosocial distress during this time.

Design: Participants who were enrolled in a weight self-management program prior to the COVID-19 pandemic ( = 55, 91% female, 36% Caucasian, mean age = 49.8 years) completed an online survey about social, economic and health behaviour changes during COVID-19 and their relationship to changes in perceived stress and loneliness.