Pathologic response rates in HER2-low versus HER2-zero early breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Currently, the primary methods for detecting HER2 expression levels are immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH), with the traditional standard being a HER2-positive score of 3 + accompanied by ERBB2 gene amplification detected through ISH. However, a new entity has recently emerged: HER2-low, defined as HER2 IHC 1 + or 2 + with negative ISH. HER2-low breast cancer, representing 45-60% of all HER2-negative tumors, has distinct biological characteristics and uncertain responses to conventional HER2-targeted therapies.

Contraceptive Strategies for Female Cattle: Efficacy and Zootechnical Aspects.

Unwanted pregnancies at the slaughterhouse are a recurring problem globally, compromising ethical aspects and animal welfare, and causing production losses. This review explores contraceptive strategies for female cattle, focusing on both management practices and suppression of the estrous cycle and/or fertilisation. Contraceptive techniques such as surgical castration, emasculation of the ovaries with rubber rings, intrauterine devices (IUDs), GnRH agonist implants, and immunocastration are discussed.

Cancer incidence and mortality estimates in 2022 in southeast Asia: a comparative analysis.

Background: Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in southeast Asia. We aimed to present and interpret cancer incidence and mortality statistics in the 11 constituent countries of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Viet Nam to inform research priorities, health services, and cancer policy.

Methods: The number of new incident cases and deaths for all cancers combined and for leading cancers were extracted from the GLOBOCAN 2022 database developed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer for the 11 countries in southeast Asia.

In Vitro Evaluation of the Antiviral Activity of Polyphenol (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG) Against Mayaro Virus.

The Mayaro virus (MAYV), family, genus , has caused several sporadic outbreaks, affecting countries in the Americas. Currently, there are no licensed drugs against MAYV, requiring the search for effective antiviral compounds. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the antiviral potential of polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) against MAYV infection, in vitro.

Phototherapeutic keratectomy for calcific band keratopathy secondary to multiple myeloma.

To report a case of calcific band keratopathy (CBK) secondary to multiple myeloma (MM) successfully treated with phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK). An 80-year-old woman presented with progressive vision loss in her left eye with a best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 4/10 in the left eye (OS). Slit-lamp examination revealed a central band-like corneal opacification indicative of CBK.

Impact of helicobacter pylori infection status on outcomes among patients with gastric cancer treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a microaerophilic gram-negative bacterium, is one of the most common chronic bacterial infections in humans, affecting about 50 % of the global population. Recently, it has been proposed that H.

Cabazitaxel versus abiraterone or enzalutamide for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer following docetaxel failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: Treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) includes chemotherapy and inhibition of the androgen receptor pathway. However, the optimal treatment sequence in this scenario is not yet fully understood. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing cabazitaxel versus abiraterone or enzalutamide for efficacy and safety outcomes as second-line therapy in mCRPC patients after docetaxel failure.

PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors Increase Pathological Complete Response in Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer: A Meta-analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis.

Background And Objective: Gastric cancer (GC) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The current standard of care involves neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by radical gastrectomy. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of neoadjuvant therapy with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in comparison to chemotherapy alone for patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC).

Global linear accelerator requirements and personalised country recommendations: a cross-sectional, population-based study.

Background: The Linear Accelerator Shortage Index (LSI) is a practical tool for prioritising the deployment of linear accelerators (LINACs) in various regions within a country. The LSI reflects the ratio of LINAC demand to current availability. The aim of this study was to use the LSI to predict global LINAC needs and classify countries according to the degree of radiotherapy shortage (LINAC shortage grade).

Azathioprine and risk of non-melanoma skin cancers in organ transplant recipients: a systematic review and update meta-analysis.

Background: Immunosuppression might increase the risk of skin cancer in organ transplant recipients (OTRs), with azathioprine (AZA), exerting a fundamental role in the carcinogenesis of those tumors. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to address the risk of developing malignant skin neoplasms in OTRs undergoing immunosuppression with AZA.

Methods: PubMed, Cochrane and Embase were searched for studies with OTRs who have a treatment regimen involving Azathioprine therapy after transplantation and that analyzed the emergence of skin neoplasia.

Efficacy of Radiofrequency Ablation-Guided by Ultrasound in Primary Hyperparathyroidism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Radiofrequency ablation guided by ultrasound (RFA-USG) is an alternative treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) patients. Despite showing accurate precision and minimal invasion, its efficacy remains questionable.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Portal Regional da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), Web of Science databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies evaluating RFA-USG in PHPT patients.

Statin use and dementia risk: A systematic review and updated meta-analysis.

Unlabelled: Dementia affects 55 million people globally, with the number projected to triple by 2050. Statins, widely prescribed for cardiovascular benefits, may also have neuroprotective effects, although studies on their impact on dementia risk have shown contradictory results. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.

Ethnic disparities in survival and progression among EGFR-mutated adenocarcinoma of lung cancer patients treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The benefit of treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR-TKI) for lung adenocarcinoma (ADC), stratified by ethnicity, has not yet been fully elucidated.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases for studies that investigated EGFR-TKI for lung ADC. We computed hazard ratios (HRs) or risk ratios (RRs) for binary endpoints, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy for early-stage breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Radiation therapy (RT) is a standard treatment for non-metastatic breast cancer and is associated with acute and late toxicities. Intensity-modulated RT (IMRT) may decrease toxicity and is convenient for patients.

Objectives: To assess the efficacy and safety of IMRT in women with early stage breast cancer.

Theoretical basis of all-optical modulation of a probe laser beam due to photothermal modulation of the aggregation state in organic dyes, with experimental proof of the principle.

The inherent potential for self-assembly is a well-known attribute of organic dye molecules. This work takes advantage of the changes in dye photochemical and photophysical properties produced by the aggregation phenomenon, to investigate the behavior of all-optical modulation in molecular aggregates. The theoretical principles for a dual beam all-optical modulation, as well as the conception of an optical logic gate by exploring the aggregation phenomenon are discussed throughout the article.

Using a sensitive screen-printed electrode based on printex L6 and polyaniline activated carbon for piroxicam detection.

This study reports the development and implementation of a straightforward, rapid, and cost-effective voltammetric technique for piroxicam (PIR) detection at nanomolar concentrations in biological and environmental samples. The method involved the use of a screen-printed electrode (SPE) enhanced with a combination of Printex L6 carbon (PL6C) and polyaniline-based activated carbon (PAC) on a chitosan film crosslinked with epichlorohydrin (CTS:EPH). The detection was carried out using square-wave adsorptive anodic stripping voltammetry (SWAdASV) in a 0.

The effect of telehealth on clinical outcomes in patients with hypertension and diabetes: A meta-analysis of 106,261 patients.

Introduction: Telemedicine, propelled by recent technological advancements, has transformed healthcare delivery, notably benefiting patients with chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as systemic arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus. This meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials aimed to assess the efficacy of telehealth-based interventions on disease control rates and clinical parameters among NCD patients, including systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels.

Methods: We conducted searches in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Database for interventional studies that compared tele-monitoring with usual care in patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of users versus non-users: unveiling the influence of proton pump inhibitors on capecitabine efficacy in colorectal cancer.

Introduction: Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The impact of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on patients taking capecitabine, an oral fluoropyrimidine, remains uncertain, despite their use by 20 to 55% of cancer patients. We investigated how PPIs affect the effectiveness of capecitabine in treating colorectal cancer.

Health care system factors associated with receipt of treatment and treatment intent in stage III non-small cell lung cancer: A population-based study in Ontario.

Purpose: Stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a heterogeneous disease, with a spectrum of anatomic extent, health status, and treatment approaches. Receipt of treatment and its intent should be independent of health system factors where care quality is optimal. We investigated the degree that modifiable health system factors are associated with receipt of treatment and treatment intent in stage III NSCLC in a large, universal health system.

Genomic mosaicism in colorectal cancer and polyposis syndromes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) and polypoid syndromes are significant public health concerns, with somatic mosaicism playing a crucial role in their genetic diversity. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and impact of somatic mosaicism in these conditions.

Methods: A search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Sciences to identify studies evaluating mosaicism in patients with CRC or polyposis syndromes.

A morphological post mortem profile in minor salivary glands changes in females.

Women experience several systemic changes over all stages of life, many due to hormonal fluctuations. The sensation of dry mouth is the most common oral clinical symptom in women from climacteric period onwards, suggesting that sex hormones are important in maintaining salivary glands and oral homeostasis. Although the oral cavity is not conventional considered a target tissue for oestrogen, the extent to which salivary glands morphology and function are impacted by ageing and hormonal variations remain unknown.

Impact of ABCG2 rs2231142(421C>A) Variant on the Clinical Outcomes of Patients With -mutated Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Treated With Gefitinib: A Comprehensive Meta-analysis.

Background/aim: Lung cancer accounts for the largest percentage of cancer deaths worldwide, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) being the predominant type. Gefitinib, an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI), has shown marked efficacy in NSCLC patients with an EGFR mutation. However, gefitinib resistance because of ABCG2 polymorphisms such as rs2231142(421C > A) might limit its clinical use.