Clinical, Analytical, and Echocardiographic Associations of Impaired Cardiorespiratory Fitness After Anthracycline Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer: EPIC Fitness Study.

Purpose: This study explores the effects of anthracycline chemotherapy (AC) on breast cancer patients, focusing on changes in body composition, advanced echocardiographic parameters at rest and during exercise, and biomarkers; and subsequently assesses whether these parameters are associated with impaired cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF).

Methods: In this prospective study, we evaluated women with early-stage breast cancer undergoing AC at three visits: before AC, 1 month after, and 6 months post-AC.

Results: The study included 32 women with breast cancer, with functional disability increasing from 9.

Modulation of Stemness and Differentiation Regulators by Valproic Acid in Medulloblastoma Neurospheres.

Changes in epigenetic processes such as histone acetylation are proposed as key events influencing cancer cell function and the initiation and progression of pediatric brain tumors. Valproic acid (VPA) is an antiepileptic drug that acts partially by inhibiting histone deacetylases (HDACs) and could be repurposed as an epigenetic anticancer therapy. Here, we show that VPA reduced medulloblastoma (MB) cell viability and led to cell cycle arrest.

Unsuspecting Plaque on the Forearm: A Diagnostic Challenge.

Microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC) is a rare, slow-growing, locally aggressive malignant, and recurring appendageal tumor. Prolonged UV exposure, immunosuppression, and radiotherapy are a few frequently associated risk factors. MAC classically presents as an asymptomatic skin coloured plaque on the face.

Ghostly intrusion on a frightful Halloween night: a case report of dual valve endocarditis.

Multivalvular endocarditis (MVE) is an uncommon presentation and mostly involves mitral and aortic valves. Here, we present a case of an MVE with an unusual and bizarre presentation on a Halloween night with a massive degree of valve destruction and right- and left-side involvement requiring emergent surgery. A 51-year-old male patient with intravenous drug usage presented with anorexia, fever, and dyspnea, rapidly progressing to septic shock with multiorgan dysfunction.

Metal stents versus plastic stents for drainage of pancreatic fluid collections: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials with trial sequential analysis.

Background And Aims: Pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs), including walled-off necrosis (WON), are significant complications of acute pancreatitis, and their management often involves drainage, although the optimal type of stent for this purpose remains uncertain. This meta-analysis aimed to compare metal versus plastic stents for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage of PFCs.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing metal with plastic stents for drainage of PFCs.