Financial crisis and its association with parental stress and children's mental health in Lebanon.

Background: Lebanon has experienced a series of devastating crises that continue to have significant adverse effects on the mental health of parents and their children, especially those who are unemployed, burdened with debt or financial difficulties, and have pre-existing mental health conditions. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess the effect of financial insecurities on parents in Lebanon amid the multiple crises, and the impact of parents' mental health on their children's emotional and behavioral wellbeing.

Methods: A cross-sectional study including 589 parents in Lebanon was performed using convenience sampling of parents of any gender with children aged 4 to 18 from the five Lebanese governorates.

Immunogenomic determinants of exceptional response to immune checkpoint inhibition in renal cell carcinoma.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors can lead to 'exceptional', durable responses in a subset of persons. However, the molecular basis of exceptional response (ER) to immunotherapy in metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (mccRCC) has not been well characterized. Here we analyzed pretherapy genomic and transcriptomic data in treatment-naive persons with mccRCC treated with standard-of-care immunotherapies: (1) combination of programmed cell death protein and ligand 1 (PD1/PDL1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 inhibitors (IO/IO) or (2) combination of PD1/PDL1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor inhibitors (IO/VEGF).

Exploring food safety knowledge and practices in Lebanon.

Background: Lebanon's economic and financial crises have affected the quality-of-life, including food safety and food security.

Aim: To assess food safety knowledge and practices among a sample Lebanese population and the association with the sociodemographic and economic characteristics of participants.

Methods: This cross-sectional study collected data online from 412 Lebanese adults aged ≥ 18 years [mostly female (77.

Correction: Self-reported food intolerance, dietary supplement use and malnutrition in chronic inflammatory bowel diseases: Findings from a cross-sectional study in Lebanon.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors-associated vasculitis: a heterogeneous condition with possible severe disease course.

Objective: To describe presentation, treatment and outcome of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) associated-vasculitis in cancer patients in a multicentre study.

Methods: Thanks to the ImmunoCancer International Registry (ICIR), a multidisciplinary network focused on the research of the immune related adverse events related to cancer immunotherapies, patients presenting with a clinical and/or radiological suspicion of vasculitis, and histological evidence of vasculitis after being exposed to ICIs were retrospectively identified.

Results: Twenty eight cases were identified in the ICIR registry.

Cytoreductive Nephrectomy in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Individual Patient Data.

Background And Objective: The role of cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) in the era of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is controversial. We aimed to investigate the survival benefit of CN in patients with mRCC treated with ICIs.

Methods: We searched the EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Web of Science databases up to August 26, 2023 to identify studies comparing overall survival (OS) for patients with mRCC treated with ICIs with or without CN.

Minimally invasive serial collection of cerebrospinal fluid reveals sex-dependent differences in neuroinflammation in a rat model of mild traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are the seventh leading cause of disability globally with 48.99 million prevalent cases and 7.08 million years lived with diability.

Safety outcomes and immunological correlates in a prospective clinical trial of immune checkpoint therapy plus debulking surgery for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

Surgical removal of primary tumors was shown to reverse tumor-mediated immune suppression in pre-clinical models with metastatic disease. However, how cytoreductive surgery in the metastatic setting modulates the immune responses in patients, especially in the context of immune checkpoint therapy (ICT)-containing treatments is not understood. Here, we report the first prospective, non-comparative clinical trial to evaluate the feasibility, clinical benefits, and immunologic changes of combining three different ICT-containing strategies with cytoreductive surgery or biopsy for patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (mccRCC).

Financial insecurity and mental well-being: experiences of parents amid the lebanese economic crisis.

Background: This study investigates the impact of financial insecurity on the mental well-being and stress levels of parents in Lebanon amid the country's severe economic crisis. The context of Lebanon's economic collapse, coupled with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Beirut port explosion, has exacerbated financial and psychological distress among the population. This research aims to understand the correlation between financial instability and parental stress, identifying key factors contributing to mental health challenges in this demographic.

The RNA-binding protein PCBP1 modulates transcription by recruiting the G-quadruplex-specific helicase DHX9.

PCBP1, polycytosine (poly(C)) binding protein 1, an RNA and single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) binding protein, binds poly(C) DNA tracts but it remains unclear whether its ability to bind ssDNA contributes to transcriptional regulation. Here, we report that PCBP1's DNA binding sites are enriched at transcription start sites and that by binding to promoter regions, PCBP1 regulates transcription in addition to splicing and translation. At PCBP1 target genes, we show that PCBP1 interacts with several RNA/DNA hybrid (R-loop) associated G-quadruplex resolving helicases.

Vascular heterogeneity of tight junction Claudins guides organotropic metastasis.

Carcinomas are associated with metastasis to specific organs while sparing others. Breast cancer presents with lung metastasis but rarely kidney metastasis. Using this difference as an example, we queried the mechanism(s) behind the proclivity for organ-specific metastasis.

Upfront Versus Deferred Cytoreductive Nephrectomy in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis.

Background And Objective: Despite its well-established role in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), the optimal timing of cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) is unclear. The aim of this systematic review is to compare the overall survival (OS) between upfront (uCN) and deferred (dCN) CN.

Methods: The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were queried (end of search date: August 26, 2023) for studies comparing OS between uCN and dCN in mRCC patients.

Self-reported food intolerance, dietary supplement use and malnutrition in chronic inflammatory bowel diseases: Findings from a cross-sectional study in Lebanon.

Background/aims: Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are known for a combination of food intolerance, decreased oral intake, and malabsorption which all predispose patients to malnutrition and suboptimal dietary intake. The present study was conducted to 1) examine self-reported food intolerances and dietary supplement use 2) assess nutritional intake 3) assess the nutritional status and screen for malnutrition among patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease (CIBD).

Methods: 48 patients with CIBDs (28 Crohn's disease, 15 ulcerative colitis and 7 with atypical forms of IBD) took part in this cross-sectional study.

Organelle phenotyping and multi-dimensional microscopy identify C1q as a novel regulator of microglial function.

Microglia, the immune cells of the central nervous system, are dynamic and heterogenous cells. While single cell RNA sequencing has become the conventional methodology for evaluating microglial state, transcriptomics do not provide insight into functional changes, identifying a critical gap in the field. Here, we propose a novel organelle phenotyping approach in which we treat live human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived microglia (iMGL) with organelle dyes staining mitochondria, lipids, lysosomes and acquire data by live-cell spectral microscopy.

Clinical Characteristics, Management, and Outcomes of Patients with Renal Medullary Carcinoma: A Single-center Retrospective Analysis of 135 Patients.

Background And Objective: SMARCB1-deficient renal medullary carcinoma (RMC) is a rare kidney cancer associated with sickle cell hemoglobinopathies with poor outcomes described only in case reports and small series. We report disease and management characteristics as well as contemporary survival outcomes in a large cohort of patients with RMC.

Methods: Data were extracted retrospectively from all patients with RMC treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center between January 2003 and December 2023.

Anterior variable angle locking neutralisation plate superiority over traditional tension band wiring for treating transverse patella fractures.

Purpose: This paper investigates the biomechanical benefits of using hybrid constructs that combine cannulated screws with tension band wiring (TBW) cerclage compared to cannulated screws with anterior Variable Angle locking neutralisation plates (VA LNP). These enhancements can bear heavier loads and maintain the repaired patella's integrity, in contrast to traditional methods.

Method: Eighteen fresh-frozen human cadaver patellae were carefully fractured transversely at their midpoints using a saw.

The impact of financial stress on student wellbeing in Lebanese higher education.

Background: The financial crisis has indirectly affected Lebanese university students, leading to economic distress. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess the substantial negative impact of financial stress on the mental health and well-being of Lebanese college students.

Methods: A quantitative research approach was applied and took place from June 13th to July 25th, 2023, targeting 1272 university students aged 17 and above from private and public universities across Lebanon through convenience sampling.

Adjuvant Atezolizumab in Patients with Sarcomatoid Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Prespecified Subgroup Analysis of IMmotion010.

Patients with sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma (sRCC) have a poor prognosis. In the randomised, double-blind phase 3 IMmotion010 trial (NCT03024996), adjuvant atezolizumab did not demonstrate a disease-free survival (DFS) benefit versus placebo in the overall population of patients with locoregional renal cell carcinoma with an increased risk of recurrence following surgery. This prespecified subgroup analysis of efficacy and safety was completed in 104 patients with sRCC.

Perceived advantages and drawbacks of teleworking during the economic crisis and COVID-19: A cross-sectional study among university degree holders.

This study aimed to identify the perceived advantages and drawbacks of teleworking and their correlates, including health problems, among Lebanese workers holding a university degree. A web-based cross-sectional self-report questionnaire created on Google Forms was used to survey 230 participants through snowball sampling between October 2022 and March 2023. The majority of respondents recognized both the advantages (67.

Psychometric properties of the Arabic translation of the Dark Future Scale questionnaire in a non-clinical sample of Arabic-speaking young adults.

Background: Through the years, studying negative behaviors of the worldwide population seized the spotlight from many researchers who focused on building scales in order the measure the level of worries, fear and even depression of such stressed individuals. By definition, "Future anxiety" (FA) is fueled by negative thoughts leading to intense fear of unknown future events. The Dark Future scale (DFS) measures the level of anxiety experienced towards the future.

Real-world study on the characteristics, post-nephrectomy journey, and outcomes of patients with early-stage renal cell carcinoma based on risk groups.

Objectives: To examine real-world characteristics, journey, and outcomes among patients with locoregional, nonmetastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Methods: A retrospective analysis of medical records from the ConcertAI Oncology Dataset was performed on adults in the United States with newly diagnosed nonmetastatic RCC between January 2012-December 2017 who received surgical treatment, and were followed until August 2021. Patients were stratified based on the risk of recurrence after nephrectomy.

Magnetic-Resonance-Imaging-Guided Cryoablation for Solitary-Biopsy-Proven Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Tertiary Cancer Center Experience.

Background: Our purpose is to evaluate the long-term oncologic efficacy and survival rates of MRI-guided cryoablation for patients with biopsy-proven cT1a renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Materials And Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our renal ablation database between January 2007 and June 2021 and only included patients with solitary-biopsy-proven cT1a RCC (≤4 cm) who underwent MRI-guided cryoablation. We excluded patients with genetic syndromes, bilateral RCC, recurrent RCC or benign lesions, those without pathologically proven RCC lesions and patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation or CT-guided cryoablation.

Efficacy and safety of targeted therapies in VEXAS syndrome: retrospective study from the FRENVEX.

Objectives: Vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory and somatic (VEXAS) syndrome is an adult-onset autoinflammatory disease associated with somatic ubiquitin-like modifier-activating enzyme 1 (UBA1) mutations. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of targeted therapies.

Methods: Multicentre retrospective study including patients with genetically proven VEXAS syndrome who had received at least one targeted therapy.

PRMT5-mediated arginine methylation of FXR1 is essential for RNA binding in cancer cells.

Emerging evidence indicates that arginine methylation promotes the stability of arginine-glycine-rich (RGG) motif-containing RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and regulates gene expression. Here, we report that post-translational modification of FXR1 enhances the binding with mRNAs and is involved in cancer cell growth and proliferation. Independent point mutations in arginine residues of FXR1's nuclear export signal (R386 and R388) and RGG (R453, R455 and R459) domains prevent it from binding to RNAs that form G-quadruplex (G4) RNA structures.