Reduced Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Expansion Postinfusion Is Associated with Poor Survival in Patients with Large B Cell Lymphoma after Two or More Therapies.

CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy is now standard of care for relapsed/refractory large B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Despite good overall response rates, many patients still experience disease progression and therefore it is important to predict those at risk of relapse following CAR-T therapy. We performed a prospective study using a flow cytometry assay at a single treatment center to assess early CAR T cell expansion in vivo 6 to 9 days after CAR T cell infusion.

Modeling full PCSELs and VCSELs using modified rigorous coupled-wave analysis.

An integrated rigorous coupled-wave analysis (RCWA) algorithm is presented in this paper, which can simulate full vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) and photonic crystal surface-emitting laser (PCSEL) structures. A classic RCWA can only analyze a structure when the light source is incident from the top, bottom, or both sides of the device. However, for VCSEL applications, the light source is generated in the middle and propagates in both directions.

COVID-19 Outcomes Among Hematopoietic Cell Transplant and Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Recipients in the Era of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variants and COVID-19 Therapeutics.

Recipients of cellular therapies, including hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CART) therapy, are at risk for poor outcomes from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). There are limited data describing outcomes among patients in the pre- and early post-cellular therapy period during the Omicron era when multiple antiviral therapeutics were widely available. The objective of this study is to describe COVID-19 treatment and outcomes in patients diagnosed with COVID-19 during the pre- or early post-cellular therapy period.

In dystrophic hindlimb muscles where fibrosis is limited, versican haploinsufficiency transiently improves contractile function without reducing inflammation.

Versican is increased with inflammation and fibrosis, and is upregulated in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In fibrotic diaphragm muscles from dystrophic mice, genetic reduction of versican attenuated macrophage infiltration and improved contractile function. Versican is also implicated in myogenesis.

Infectious Disease Updates for Primary Care.

This article summarizes the situation with public health threats for primary care patients as of early 2024 and provides updates on strategies for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of common infections where new treatments and vaccines are available. For flu and COVID, an update on treatment is also provided-along with pearls useful for the busy primary care provider. The authors also discuss a new treatment option for drug-resistant vulvovaginal candidiasis and provide a balanced view of the increasingly popular technique of preventing bacterial sexually transmitted infections using doxycycline after condomless sex among men who have sex with men.

FLT3-TKD Measurable Residual Disease Detection Using Droplet Digital PCR and Clinical Applications in Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

The tyrosine kinase domain of the FMS-Like tyrosine kinase 3 (-TKD) is recurrently mutated in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Common molecular techniques used in its detection include PCR and capillary electrophoresis, Sanger sequencing and next-generation sequencing with recognized sensitivity limitations. This study aims to validate the use of droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) in the detection of measurable residual disease (MRD) involving the common -TKD mutations (D835Y, D835H, D835V, D835E).

Flicker electroretinogram in preterm infants.

Background: Infants born prematurely are at risk of developing retinopathy of prematurity, which is associated with abnormalities in retinal function as measured using electroretinography. The aim of this study was to record non-invasive flicker electroretinograms (ERGs) in preterm infants and compare function of moderate and very or extremely preterm infants.

Methods: In this non-randomized, cross-sectional study, 40 moderate preterm (gestational age (GA) 34 0/7 to 36 6/7 weeks, Group A) and 40 very or extremely preterm infants (GA ≤ 31 weeks, Group B) were recruited for flicker ERG recording through closed eyelids using the RETeval® device and skin electrodes.

Comparing paediatric optometric vision care in Canada over a 14-year period.

Purpose: In Canada, teaching in paediatric eye care has increased in the past decade both within the optometry curriculum and as continuing education to optometrists. Paediatric vision care guidelines have also been established by North American optometric associations. This study examined whether this exposure was associated with changes in paediatric eye care in Canada over a 14-year period.

Clinical outcomes and frequency of persistent infection among immunosuppressed patients treated with bebtelovimab for COVID-19 infection at an ambulatory cancer center.

Background: There are limited data on clinical outcomes associated with the use of bebtelovimab for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among cancer patients. We aimed to define the clinical characteristics and outcomes among patients receiving bebtelovimab as part of the COVID-19 therapeutics program at our cancer center.

Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of immunosuppressed adult patients who received bebtelovimab at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center between March 2022, and November 2022.

Acute respiratory infections among individuals seeking outpatient care in the states of Washington and Michigan by pregnancy status, 2011-2016.

Background: Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) during pregnancy are associated with poor maternal and fetal outcomes.

Methods: Using U.S.

Extensively Microtwinned Diamond with Nanolaminates of Lonsdaleite Formed by Flash Laser Heating of Glassy Carbon.

Diamond's unique properties on the nanoscale make it one of the most important materials for use in biosensors and quantum computing and for components that can withstand the harsh environments of space. We synthesize oriented, faceted diamond particles by flash laser heating of glassy carbon at 16 GPa and 2300 K. Detailed transmission electron microscopy shows them to consist of a mosaic of diamond nanocrystals frequently joined at twin boundaries forming microtwins.

Neuromorphic sensing of biomolecules covalently immobilised on polydimethyl glutarimide.

Polydimethyl glutarimide (PMGI) layers with sub-micron thicknesses have been modified in a 2.5 kV Ar plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) process to introduce free radical covalent binding sites. The surface roughness of the PMGI increased after the PIII treatment but no through-layer defects were observed.

Validation of the Waterloo Differential Visual Acuity Test (WatDAT) and Comparison With Existing Pediatric Tests of Visual Acuity.

Purpose: The new Waterloo Differential Acuity Test (WatDAT) is designed to allow recognition visual acuity (VA) measurement in children before they can typically undertake matching tests. The study purpose was to validate WatDAT in adults with normal and reduced VA.

Methods: Eighty adults (18 to <40 years of age) participated (32 normal VA, 12 reduced VA, and 36 simulated reduced VA).

Impaired vision in children prenatally exposed to methadone: an observational cohort study.

Background/objectives: To examine prevalence of failed visual assessment at 8-10 years in children born to methadone-maintained opioid dependent (MMOD) mothers and relate this to known in utero substance exposure.

Subjects/methods: Follow up of observational cohort study of methadone-exposed and comparison children matched for birthweight, gestation and postcode of residence at birth. Participants were 144 children (98 exposed, 46 comparison).

Successful Treatment of Persistent Symptomatic Coronavirus Disease 19 Infection With Extended-Duration Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir Among Outpatients With Hematologic Cancer.

Persistent symptomatic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a distinct clinical entity among patients with hematologic cancer and/or profound immunosuppression. The optimal medical management is unknown. We describe 2 patients who had symptomatic COVID-19 for almost 6 months and were successfully treated in the ambulatory setting with extended courses of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir.

ISCEV guidelines for calibration and verification of stimuli and recording instruments (2023 update).

This document developed by the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision (ISCEV) provides guidance for calibration and verification of stimulus and recording systems specific to clinical electrophysiology of vision. This guideline provides additional information for those using ISCEV Standards and Extended protocols and supersedes earlier Guidelines. The ISCEV guidelines for calibration and verification of stimuli and recording instruments (2023 update) were approved by the ISCEV Board of Directors 01, March 2023.

Antiviral Prescribing Among Patients at an Ambulatory Cancer Center With Laboratory-Confirmed Influenza.

Among 133 cancer outpatients diagnosed with influenza between 2016 and 2018, 110 (83%) were prescribed oseltamivir. Among 109 with a known symptom onset date, 53% presented for care and 31% were prescribed oseltamivir within 48 hours. Patient/provider education and rapid diagnostics are needed to improve early oseltamivir use among cancer patients with influenza.

Transient Increase of Flicker Electroretinography Amplitudes after Cataract Surgery: Association with Postoperative Inflammation.

Purpose: To determine the characteristics and cause of the increase in the amplitude of flicker electroretinography (ERG) after cataract surgery.

Design: Prospective, observational clinical study.

Participants: Thirty patients who underwent cataract surgery.