Survival Associations of Timely Postoperative Radiotherapy Among Head and Neck Cancer High-Risk Subgroups.

Objective: Effective implementation of timely postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) as a quality metric for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) care may reduce survival disparities in subgroups with the highest risk of mortality-advanced stage and Black race. We sought to determine if the association between timely PORT and survival varies among clinical and demographic high-risk subgroups.

Methods: In this retrospective cohort study using the National Cancer Database 2004-2020, patients with HPV-negative HNSCC treated with surgery and PORT were identified.

Development and evaluation of a single domain antibody targeting folate receptor alpha for radioligand therapy.

Background: Folate receptor alpha (FRα) overexpression is seen in many cancers. Radioligand therapy (RLT) has emerged as a promising tool to target FRα and has been investigated previously, but further progression was limited due to high kidney retention and, subsequently, toxicity. To circumvent this, we present here the development of a [I]I-GMIB-conjugated anti-human FRα (hFRα) single-domain antibody (sdAb), with intrinsically fast renal clearance and concomitant low kidney retention.

Cost analysis of dropless cataract surgery prophylaxis with intracameral antibiotics and subconjunctival steroids.

Purpose: To determine whether dropless, injection-based cataract surgery prophylaxis with intracameral antibiotic and subconjunctival steroid may reduce healthcare system costs and patient out-of-pocket costs compared with topical medication regimens.

Setting: U.S.

A Functional Human Glycogen Debranching Enzyme Encoded by a Synthetic Gene: Its Implications for Glycogen Storage Disease Type III Management.

Background: Glycogen Storage Disease type III (GSD III) is a metabolic disorder resulting from a deficiency of the Glycogen Debranching Enzyme (GDE), a large monomeric protein (approximately 170 kDa) with cytoplasmic localization and two distinct enzymatic activities: 4-α-glucantransferase and amylo-α-1,6-glucosidase. Mutations in the Agl gene, with consequent deficiency in GDE, lead to the accumulation of abnormal/toxic glycogen with shorter chains (phosphorylase limit dextrin, PLD) in skeletal and/or heart muscle and/or in the liver. Currently, there is no targeted therapy, and available treatments are symptomatic, relying on specific diets.

p75 neurotrophin receptor modulation in mild to moderate Alzheimer disease: a randomized, placebo-controlled phase 2a trial.

p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75) signaling pathways substantially overlap with degenerative networks active in Alzheimer disease (AD). Modulation of p75 with the first-in-class small molecule LM11A-31 mitigates amyloid-induced and pathological tau-induced synaptic loss in preclinical models. Here we conducted a 26-week randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded phase 2a safety and exploratory endpoint trial of LM11A-31 in 242 participants with mild to moderate AD with three arms: placebo, 200 mg LM11A-31 and 400 mg LM11A-31, administered twice daily by oral capsules.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasound Guided Percutaneous Pleural Needle Biopsy for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma.

: Ultrasound (US) has been progressively spreading as the most useful technique for guiding biopsies and fine-needle aspirations that are performed percutaneously. Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) represents the most common malignant pleural tumour. Thoracoscopy represents the gold standard for diagnosis, although conditions hampering such diagnostic approach often coexist.

Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome: Microcephaly and Orofacial Anomalies.

The progressive reappearance of Zika virus (ZIKV) infections since October 2013 and its circulation in >70 countries and territories (from French Polynesia to Brazil and other countries in the Americas, with sporadic spread in Europe and the East) has long been reported as a global public health emergency. ZIKV is a virus transmitted by arthropods (arboviruses), mainly by Aedes mosquitoes. ZIKV can also be transmitted to humans through mechanisms other than vector infection such as sexual intercourse, blood transfusions, and mother-to-child transmission.

Psychological factors and barriers to donating and receiving milk from human milk banks: A review.

Human milk banks (HMBs), established in the early 20th century, aimed to provide safe breast milk for infants with challenges obtaining it. The spread of infections since the 1980s resulted in strict regulations and screening in HMBs, to ensure the safety of donated milk. Several social and personal factors discourage mothers from practicing breastfeeding, making donated milk a viable alternative because of its protective and immunity-enhancing properties.

Preclinical Evaluation of a Radiotheranostic Single-Domain Antibody Against Fibroblast Activation Protein α.

Fibroblast activation protein α (FAP) is highly expressed on cancer-associated fibroblasts of epithelial-derived cancers. Breast, colon, and pancreatic tumors often show strong desmoplastic reactions, which result in a dominant presence of stromal cells. FAP has gained interest as a target for molecular imaging and targeted therapies.

Effects of gamma radiation on engineered tomato biofortified for space agriculture by morphometry and fluorescence-based indices.

Introduction: Future long-term space missions will focus to the solar system exploration, with the Moon and Mars as leading goals. Plant cultivation will provide fresh food as a healthy supplement to astronauts' diet in confined and unhealthy outposts. Ionizing radiation (IR) are a main hazard in outer space for their capacity to generate oxidative stress and DNA damage.

Circumferential esophageal leiomyoma: Management by combined robotic surgery and intraoperative endoscopy.

Leiomyoma is the most common benign tumor of the esophagus. Open thoracotomy, the traditional approach adopted for the enucleation of the esophageal leiomyoma, over the years, has been gradually replaced by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. However, this minimally invasive approach has limitations, such as two-dimensional vision and reduced range of motion, which have recently been overcome by technical advantages of robot-assisted surgery.

Targeting Endogenous Mechanisms of Brain Resilience for the Treatment and Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder which contributes to millions of cases of dementia worldwide. The dominant theoretical models of Alzheimer's disease propose that the brain passively succumbs to disruptions in proteostasis, neuronal dysfunction, inflammatory and other processes, ultimately leading to neurodegeneration and dementia. However, an emerging body of evidence suggests that the adult brain is endowed with endogenous mechanisms of resilience which may enable individuals to remain cognitively intact for years despite underlying pathology.

Association Between Antibiotic Prescribing and Time to Diagnosis of Head and Neck Cancer.

Importance: Diagnostic delay can negatively affect patient outcomes in head and neck cancer (HNC). Neck mass and other symptoms of undiagnosed HNC may be treated with antibiotics, delaying diagnosis and treatment, despite current clinical practice guidelines.

Objective: To investigate temporal trends, associated factors, and time from symptom onset to antibiotic prescribing before an HNC diagnosis.

COVID-19 and Oral Lichen Planus: Between an "Intriguing Plot" and the "Fata Morgana Effect".

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has led to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide since its declaration as a global pandemic in March 2020. Alongside the typical respiratory symptoms, unusual clinical manifestations such as oral lichen planus (OLP) have been observed. OLP is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous dermatosis that results from a cell-mediated reaction, and its pathogenesis involves the loss of immunological tolerance.

Determining the Efficacy of Surgical Versus Non-Surgical Management in T3M0 Laryngeal Cancer With Cord Fixation.

Objective: Survival of laryngeal cancer is decreasing; thus, optimal treatment selection is paramount. Specifically, T3 disease survival appears similar with surgical or non-surgical management; however, the implications of vocal cord fixation on treatment selection and survival are unknown. This study seeks to determine if surgical treatment of patients with T3M0 laryngeal cancer with vocal cord fixation is associated with superior survival compared to non-surgical treatment.

Margins in Stage I and II Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Review From the American Head and Neck Society.

Importance: The assessment and management of surgical margins in stage I and II oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most important perioperative aspects of oncologic care, with profound implications for patient outcomes and adjuvant therapy. Understanding and critically reviewing the existing data surrounding margins in this context is necessary to rigorously care for this challenging group of patients and minimize patient morbidity and mortality.

Observations: This review discusses the data related to the definitions related to surgical margins, methods for assessment, specimen vs tumor bed margin evaluation, and re-resection of positive margins.

Consumer Awareness and Acceptance of Biotechnological Solutions for Gluten-Free Products.

Celiac disease is an immune-mediated disorder caused by the ingestion of gluten proteins. The gluten-free diet is currently the only therapy to achieve the symptoms' remission. Biotechnological approaches are currently being explored to obtain safer and healthier food for celiacs.

The "Medicare effect" on head and neck cancer diagnosis and survival.

Background: Uninsured individuals age 55-64 experience disproportionately poor outcomes compared to their insured counterparts. Adequate coverage may prevent these delays. This study investigates a "Medicare-effect" on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) diagnosis and treatment.

Use of Botulinum Toxin for Limb Immobilization for Rehabilitation in Rats with Experimental Stroke.

Motor rehabilitation strategies after unilateral stroke suggest that the immobilization of the healthy, unimpaired limb can promote the functional recovery of a paretic limb. In rodents, this has been modeled using casts, harnesses, and other means of restricting the use of the non-paretic forelimb in models of experimental stroke. Here, we evaluated an alternative approach, using botulinum toxin injections to limit the function of the non-paretic forelimb.

Trends and Implications of Adjuvant Systemic Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer Without High-Risk Features.

Objective: Determine trends and survival implications of adjuvant systemic therapy use for lower risk head and neck cancer.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: US National Cancer Database, 2010 to 2019.

Race and socioeconomic status interact with HPV to influence survival disparities in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is associated with a favorable prognosis, yet patients of color and low socioeconomic status (SES) continue to experience inferior outcomes. We aim to understand how the emergence of HPV has impacted race and SES survival disparities in OPSCC.

Methods: A retrospective cohort of 18,362 OPSCC cases from 2010 to 2017 was assembled using the SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) database.