Enhanced Cytotoxic Effects of Cold Plasma Deposition of Topotecan: A Novel Approach for Local Cancer Drug Delivery to Glioblastoma Cells.

Background/objectives: Despite the numerous advances in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) treatment, GBM remains as the most malignant and aggressive form of brain cancer, characterized by a very poor outcome, highlighting the ongoing need for the development of new therapeutic strategies. A novel intervention using plasma-assisted local delivery of oncology drugs was developed to mediate the drug delivery, which might improve drug uptake and/or chemotherapeutic action. Topotecan (TPT), a water-soluble topoisomerase I inhibitor with major cytotoxic effects during the S-phase of the cell cycle, was selected as the candidate drug because despite its potent antitumor activity, the systemic administration to the brain is limited due to low crossing of the blood-brain barrier.

Mitochondrial respiratory complex III sustains IL-10 production in activated macrophages and promotes tumor-mediated immune evasion.

The cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) limits the immune response and promotes resolution of acute inflammation. Because of its immunosuppressive effects, IL-10 up-regulation is a common feature of tumor progression and metastasis. Recently, IL-10 regulation has been shown to depend on mitochondria and redox-sensitive signals.

Obesity and clinical, radiographic, and surgical outcomes after minimally invasive single-level transforaminal versus lateral lumbar interbody fusion.

Objective: To determine the effect of obesity on clinical, radiographic, and surgical outcomes after lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) versus minimally invasive surgery (MIS) transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and compare the effectiveness of LLIF versus MIS TLIF in treating obese patients.

Methods: A retrospective comparative analysis of patients who underwent single-level L4-5 LLIF or MIS TLIF over a 7-year period was performed. Spinopelvic parameters were compared based on pre- and postoperative radiographs.

Transportation considerations in underserved patient populations receiving multidisciplinary head and neck cancer care.

Background: Underinsured patients with advanced head and neck cancer experience worse outcomes compared to their well-insured peers.

Methods: Retrospective logistic regression analysis testing associations between demographic, geospatial, transportation, disease, and treatment factors in 50 government insured or uninsured patients receiving curative-intent, multidisciplinary cancer care.

Results: Forty percent of patients missed at least one treatment or surveillance appointment within the first year.

Examining the risk of delirium in patients hospitalized with COVID-19: Insights from the homeless population.

For patients hospitalized with COVID-19, delirium is a serious and under-recognized complication, and people experiencing homelessness (PEH) may be at greater risk. This retrospective cohort study compared delirium-associated risk factors and clinical outcomes between PEH and non-PEH. This study used patient records from 154 hospitals discharged from 2020-2021 from the Texas Inpatient Public Use Data file.