Mismatch repair (MMR) and microsatellite instability (MSI) phenotypes across solid tumors: A comprehensive cBioPortal study on prevalence and prognostic impact.

Mismatch repair deficiency (MMR-d) and microsatellite instability (MSI) are prognostic and predictive biomarkers in oncology. Current testing for MMR/MSI relies on immunohistochemistry (IHC) for MMR proteins and molecular assays for MSI detection. This combined diagnostic strategy, however, lacks tumor specificity and does not account for gene variants.

Neutralizing antibody immune correlates in COVAIL trial recipients of an mRNA second COVID-19 vaccine boost.

Neutralizing antibody titer has been a surrogate endpoint for guiding COVID-19 vaccine approval and use, although the pandemic's evolution and the introduction of variant-adapted vaccine boosters raise questions as to this surrogate's contemporary performance. For 985 recipients of an mRNA second bivalent or monovalent booster containing various Spike inserts [Prototype (Ancestral), Beta, Delta, and/or Omicron BA.1 or BA.

Role of the International Society of Liquid Biopsy (ISLB) in establishing quality control frameworks for clinical integration.

Liquid biopsy (LB) has revolutionized molecular pathology, offering non-invasive insights into tumor biology. However, widespread adoption is hindered by a lack of standardized protocols, requiring robust quality control and harmonized workflows. Large-scale studies are needed to establish effective standard operating procedures (SOPs), particularly for circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) assays tailored to different disease stages.

Interrupted time series analysis to evaluate the impact of COVID-19-pandemic on the incidence of notifiable infectious diseases in the Lazio region, Italy.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency has represented a profound upheaval in the dynamics of infectious diseases transmission worldwide. This phenomenon has been at least in part driven by the introduction of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), implemented to counteract viral transmission. Our study aimed to assess the magnitude and the features of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of notifiable infectious diseases (NIDs) in the Lazio region, Italy.

Cerebrovascular reactivity and response times describe recent ischaemic symptomatology in patients with moyamoya.

Moyamoya is a non-atherosclerotic intracranial steno-occlusive condition that places patients at high risk for ischaemic stroke. Randomized trials of surgical revascularization demonstrating efficacy in ischaemic moyamoya have not been performed, and as such, biomarkers of parenchymal haemodynamic impairment are needed to assist with triage and evaluate post-surgical response. In this prospective study, we test the hypothesis that parenchymal cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) metrics in response to a fixed-inspired 5% carbon dioxide challenge correlate with recent focal ischaemic symptoms.

Awareness and knowledge regarding female genital schistosomiasis among European healthcare workers: a cross-sectional online survey.

Background: Adequate knowledge and awareness regarding diseases are essential for appropriate, high-quality healthcare. Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS) is a non-sexually transmitted gynaecological disease that is caused by the presence of Schistosoma haematobium eggs in the female genital tract and the resulting immune response that causes tissue damage. It is estimated to affect 56 million women, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where healthcare workers (HCWs) have limited awareness and knowledge of FGS.

The Safety and Suitability of DNA Sequencing of Tissue Biopsies Performed on Patients Referred to a Phase I Unit.

Background: Early-phase clinical trials offer a unique opportunity for patients with cancer. These trials often mandate biopsies to collect tumor tissue for research purposes, requiring patients to undergo invasive procedures. Some trials mandate molecular prescreening, but the success of these analyses relies on the quality and quantity of the tested materials.

Immunohistochemical labeling of ongoing axonal degeneration 10 days following cervical contusion spinal cord injury in the rat.

Study Design: Experimental Animal Study.

Objective: To continue validating an antibody which targets an epitope of neurofilament light chain (NF-L) only available during neurodegeneration and to utilize the antibody to describe the pattern of axonal degeneration 10 days post-unilateral C4 contusion in the rat.

Setting: University of Florida laboratory in Gainesville, USA.

Predictors of Long COVID Among Symptomatic US Adults Testing Positive for SARS-CoV-2 at a National Retail Pharmacy.

Background: Long COVID remains a significant public health concern. This study investigated risk factors for long COVID in outpatient settings.

Methods: A US-based prospective survey study (clinicaltrials.

Spatially Resolved Molecular Characterization of Noninvasive Follicular Thyroid Neoplasms with Papillary-like Nuclear Features (NIFTPs) Identifies a Distinct Proteomic Signature Associated with RAS-Mutant Lesions.

Follicular-patterned thyroid neoplasms comprise a diverse group of lesions that pose significant challenges in terms of differential diagnosis based solely on morphologic and genetic features. Thus, the identification of easily testable biomarkers complementing microscopic and genetic analyses is a highly anticipated advancement that could improve diagnostic accuracy, particularly for noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasms with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTPs). These tumors exhibit considerable morphological and molecular heterogeneity, which may complicate their distinction from structurally similar neoplasms, especially when genetic analyses reveal shared genomic alterations (e.

Deep learning algorithm on H&E whole slide images to characterize alterations frequency and spatial distribution in breast cancer.

The tumor suppressor is frequently mutated in hormone receptor-negative, HER2-positive breast cancer (BC), contributing to tumor aggressiveness. Traditional ancillary methods like immunohistochemistry (IHC) to assess functionality face pre- and post-analytical challenges. This proof-of-concept study employed a deep learning (DL) algorithm to predict mutational status from H&E-stained whole slide images (WSIs) of BC tissue.

Sexual Dysfunctions and Gynecomastia in Male Rheumatological Patients Treated with Methotrexate: A Systematic Review.

The aim of the current review was to elucidate the clinical context and presentation of sexual dysfunction (SD) and gynecomastia in rheumatological patients undergoing methotrexate treatment. Moreover, we aimed also to make physicians aware of the occurrence of these side effects, to adequately inform the patient before starting treatment. : Systematic review (PROSPERO id: CRD42022358275) was performed according to preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Variations in COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy over time: a serial cross-sectional study in five West African countries.

Objectives: This study aims to identify the factors influencing vaccine hesitancy, willingness and its variation over time in order to inform more responsive strategies for increasing vaccination uptake. The specific objectives are: (1) to describe and compare levels of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among the general population in rural and urban settings in West Africa over time and (2) to identify factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination willingness and hesitancy among the general population across five West African countries over time.

Design: Following a baseline survey (Wave I), three serial cross-sectional surveys (Waves II-IV) were implemented.

The "lows": Update on ER-low and HER2-low breast cancer.

ER-low and HER2-low breast cancers have emerged as clinically significant subtypes that challenge traditional diagnostic categories and treatment paradigms. These subtypes, representing a spectrum of disease, exhibit distinct biological behaviors, therapeutic responses, and prognostic outcomes. HER2-low breast cancer, defined by low HER2 protein expression (IHC score of 1+ or 2+ without HER2 gene amplification), has achieved clinical significance, particularly following the DESTINY-Breast trials, which demonstrated the efficacy of trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) in the population of patients with advanced HER2-low disease.

Molecular tumor board in patients with metastatic breast cancer.

Purpose: Comprehensive genomic profiling is becoming increasingly important in the management of patients with metastatic breast cancer (mBC). Real-world clinical outcomes from applying molecular tumor boards (MTBs) recommendations in this context remain limited. Accordingly, we conducted a retrospective, single-institution analysis to evaluate the clinical impact of discussing patients affected by mBC at the MTB.

A participatory study of indoor environment quality in homes of children and youth in Kanehsatake First Nation.

Indoor air quality is an important determinant for the health of children and youth, but the conditions within Indigenous communities are understudied. We collaborated with Kanehsatake First Nation in Quebec, Canada, to address this gap using a community-based participatory research approach. Levels of key indoor air indicators, including particulate matter (PM), CO, and relative humidity, were measured in 31 randomly selected households between June 2021 and January 2022.

Virologically suppressed switch to Dolutegravir/Lamivudine 2-Drug regimen versus switch to commonly prescribed 3-Drug regimens in the United States.

Background: Two-drug regimens (2DRs) have been introduced in recent years to potentially reduce antiretroviral therapy (ART) toxicities and drug-drug interactions while demonstrating comparable efficacy to three-drug regimens (3DRs) for people with HIV (PWH). The objective of this study was to compare the real-world effectiveness and durability of a single-tablet 2DR of dolutegravir/lamivudine (DTG/3TC) with that of commonly prescribed 3DRs in ART-experienced, virologically suppressed PWH during the first 24 months of DTG/3TC availability in the United States.

Methods: Virologically suppressed (viral load [VL] < 200 copies/mL) adult PWH initiating DTG/3TC 2DR, bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF), or a DTG-based 3DR between 01MAY2019 and 31OCT2020 were identified in the OPERA cohort and followed through 30APR2021.

Feasibility, safety and efficacy of endoscopic single-operator cholangioscopy: a retrospective single-center study.

Background: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) is the standard endoscopic procedure for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the pancreas and bile ducts. Cholangioscopy provides direct visualization of the bile ducts. It offers the possibility of more detailed diagnostic and therapeutic indications.

Drivers of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among rural populations in Madagascar: a cross-sectional study.

Background: The WHO set the global immunisation threshold for COVID-19 at 70% to achieve worldwide protection against the disease. To date, global COVID-19 vaccine coverage is still below this threshold, in particular in several sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries, such as Madagascar. While factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy have been widely explored in the past few years, research on drivers of COVID-19 vaccine uptake remains scarce.

Female sexual dysfunctions in multiple sclerosis patients with lower urinary tract symptoms: an Italian case-control study.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a recurrent, autoimmune, and inflammatory demyelinating chronic disease that typically manifests in young adulthood and exerts adverse effects on sexual functions.

Aim: The study evaluated the prevalence of sexual dysfunctions (SDs) and the relationship with neurological disability, depression, and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in a cohort of MS female patients, comparing these results with those of healthy women.

Methods: From January 2023 to January 2024, consecutive premenopausal female patients with MS, were recruited and the examination included urinalysis, ultrasonography and a urodynamic test according to the International Continence Society standard.

Electromagnetic stimulation to reduce the hypertonia of the pelvic floor muscles and improve chronic pelvic pain in women.

Background: The increased hypertonicity or activity of pelvic floor muscles can lead to chronic pelvic pain (CPP). It represents an aspecific and persistent pain with no apparent clinical reason, affecting an estimated 6% to 16% of women worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate with validated questionnaires the efficacy and the safeness of a new device that uses Top flat Magnetic Stimulation for the management of muscular hypertonia in women with CCP.

Guillain-Barrè Syndrome-Retrospective Analysis of Data from a Cohort of Patients Referred to a Tertiary Care Pediatric Neuromuscular Center from 2000 to 2017: Electrophysiological Findings, Outcomes, and a Brief Literature Review.

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is the most frequent cause of acute flaccid paresis in children. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and electrophysiological findings and outcomes of children with GBS diagnosed in our unit. Moreover, the literature on pediatric GBS cases from the past 5 years was reviewed.

Barriers and facilitators to next-generation sequencing use in United States oncology settings: a systematic review.

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of solid tumors can inform treatment decisions; however, uptake remains low. This objective of this systematic review was to identify barriers to and facilitators of NGS in US oncology settings. Embase and MEDLINE were searched in March 2023 for articles published from 2012 to 2023 on barriers and facilitators of NGS adoption for solid tumors.

Venous sinus stenting versus ventriculoperitoneal shunting: comparing clinical outcomes for idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

Background: Venous sinus stenting (VSS) has been shown to reduce intracranial venous pressures and improve symptoms in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). However, long-term follow-up data are limited, raising concerns about sustained symptom improvement. We aimed to assess long-term outcomes of VSS compared with ventriculoperitoneal shunting (VPS).