Ephaptic conduction in tonic-clonic seizures.

Objectives: Electroencephalograms (EEGs) or multi-unit activities (MUAs) of tonic-clonic seizures typically exhibit a distinct structure. After a preliminary phase (DC shift, spikes), the tonic phase is characterized by synchronized activity of numerous neurons, followed by the clonic phase, marked by a periodic sequence of spikes. However, the mechanisms underlying the transition from tonic to clonic phases remain poorly understood.

A 7-Gene Biosignature for Ductal Carcinoma in situ of the Breast Identifies Subpopulations of HER2-positive Patients With Distinct Recurrence Rates After Breast-Conserving Surgery and Radiation Therapy.

Purpose: A subpopulation of women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) remains at risk for in-breast recurrence (IBR) following breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and radiation therapy (RT). The NSABP B-43 trial evaluated the role of concurrent RT and trastuzumab in patients with HER2-positive DCIS but did not reach the prespecified endpoint. We hypothesized that a 7-gene biosignature (DCISionRT) with its Residual Risk subtype (RRt) could identify 2 groups of HER2(3+) patients with significantly different IBR risks after BCS plus RT.

Quality-of-life outcomes from NRG Oncology NSABP B-39/RTOG 0413: whole-breast irradiation vs accelerated partial-breast irradiation after breast-conserving surgery.

Background: NRG Oncology NSABP B-39/RTOG 0413 compared whole-breast irradiation (WBI) to accelerated partial-breast irradiation (APBI). APBI was not equivalent to WBI in local tumor control. Secondary outcome was quality of life (QOL).

Outcomes of Haplo-Cord Versus Dual Cord Transplants: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis.

Despite the concurrent use of haploidentical cord (HCT) and dual cord (DCT) stem cell transplant approaches for over a decade, there have been few comparisons of their outcomes. Our objective in this study is to assess for differences in the outcomes and adverse effects associated with HCTs versus DCTs. Here we report a retrospective analysis of HCTs and DCTs at our institution.

Radiation Pneumonitis After Partial Breast Irradiation.

This case presentation describes development of symptomatic radiation pneumonitis in a healthy woman who underwent partial breast irradiation with deep inspiration breath hold for early stage breast cancer meeting all published dose constraints. Risk factors for, diagnosis and management of radiation pneumonitis are discussed in detail. Radiation pneumonitis is rare, ranging from <1% to 1.

Hepatitis C Virus Elimination Program among Prison Inmates, Israel.

The Israeli Prison Services implemented a hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination program in 2020. Inmates considered high risk for HCV were offered serology; HCV-seropositive participants were offered HCV RNA testing. Among participants, 7.

Possible mechanism of schizophrenia origin by excess GABA and synaptic pruning.

Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder that affects approximately 1% of the global population. However, the etiology of this illness remains a subject of debate. One of the proposed mechanisms underlying schizophrenia is the synaptic pruning mediated by microglia in the brains of individuals with schizophrenia, although the precise mechanisms of this process remain elusive.

A possible new cardiac heterogeneity as an arrhythmogenic driver.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the commonest cardiac arrhythmia, affecting 3 million people in the USA and 8 million in the EU (according to the European Society of Cardiology). So, why is it that even with the best medical care, around a third of the patients are treatment resistant. Extensive research of its etiology showed that AF and its mechanisms are still debatable.

Analysis of a Biopsy-Based Genomic Classifier in High-Risk Prostate Cancer: Meta-Analysis of the NRG Oncology/Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 9202, 9413, and 9902 Phase 3 Randomized Trials.

Purpose: Decipher is a genomic classifier (GC) prospectively validated postprostatectomy. We validated the performance of the GC in pretreatment biopsy samples within the context of 3 randomized phase 3 high-risk definitive radiation therapy trials.

Methods And Materials: A prespecified analysis plan (NRG-GU-TS006) was approved to obtain formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue from biopsy specimens from the NRG biobank from patients enrolled in the NRG/Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 9202, 9413, and 9902 phase 3 randomized trials.

A Novel Biosignature Identifies Patients With DCIS With High Risk of Local Recurrence After Breast Conserving Surgery and Radiation Therapy.

Purpose: There is an unmet need to identify women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) with a low risk of in-breast recurrence (IBR) after breast conserving surgery (BCS), which could omit radiation therapy (RT), and also to identify those with elevated IBR risk remaining after BCS plus RT. We evaluated a novel biosignature for a residual risk subtype (RRt) to help identify patients with elevated IBR risk after BCS plus RT.

Methods And Materials: Women with DCIS treated with BCS with or without RT at centers in the US, Australia, and Sweden (n = 926) were evaluated.

The effect of direct-acting antiviral regimens and telemedicine on the treatment of inmates with hepatitis C virus infection in Israeli prisons.

Background: Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens and telemedicine services are both options for treating hepatitis C virus (HCV) within the prison setting. We aimed to compare factors associated with HCV treatment success over the past decade in Israeli prisons, specifically the influence of DAAs and telemedicine.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of inmates with HCV infection in Israeli prisons from 2010 through 2020.

NCCN Guidelines® Insights: B-Cell Lymphomas, Version 5.2021.

In the last decade, a better understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas has resulted in the development of novel targeted therapies, such as small molecule inhibitors of select kinases in the B-cell receptor pathway, antibody-drug conjugates, and small molecules that target a variety of proteins (eg, CD-19, EZH2, and XPO-1-mediated nuclear export). Anti-CD19 CAR T-cell therapy, first approved for relapsed/refractory (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, has also emerged as a novel treatment option for R/R follicular lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma. These NCCN Guideline Insights highlight the new targeted therapy options included in the NCCN Guidelines for B-Cell Lymphomas for the treatment of R/R disease.

Venetoclax and azacitidine followed by allogeneic transplant results in excellent outcomes and may improve outcomes versus maintenance therapy among newly diagnosed AML patients older than 60.

The combination of venetoclax (ven) and azacitidine (aza) has resulted in high response rates in the upfront treatment of AML in patients age > 75 and patients unfit for intensive chemotherapy. Given the poor historical outcomes in patients age ≥ 60 treated with induction chemotherapy, ven/aza has become our institutional preference for the initial treatment of non-core binding factor (CBF) AML patients age ≥ 60. The benefit of allogeneic stem cell transplant (SCT) in patients who achieve response to ven/aza is uncertain.

Caring for the Whole Patient After Breast Cancer Therapy: A Survivorship Guide for Radiation Oncologists.

With 5-year survival rates after breast cancer therapy exceeding 90%, comprehensive follow-up care is a vital component of the treatment plan for patients who have completed active therapy. Although radiation oncologists are generally comfortable with management of the locoregional toxicities of breast cancer radiation therapy, many may be less familiar with the toxicities and available interventions associated with surgery, chemotherapy, and antihormone therapy. For radiation oncologists to provide the greatest value to their patients and play a meaningful role in patients with breast cancer follow-up care, multisystem assessment and management, beyond the breast/chest and axilla, is key.

Genomically Guided Breast Radiation Therapy: A Review of the Current Data and Future Directions.

Purpose: To highlight the current evidence and the limitations in data to support a personalized approach in breast oncology radiation therapy management and define steps needed for clinical implementation.

Methods And Materials: A critical review of the current literature on the use of genomics in breast radiation therapy was undertaken by a group of breast radiation oncologists to discuss current data, future directions, and challenges.

Results: A summary of the existing data, ongoing clinical trials, and future directions is provided.

Percolation and tortuosity in heart-like cells.

In the last several years, quite a few papers on the joint question of transport, tortuosity and percolation have appeared in the literature, dealing with passage of miscellaneous liquids or electrical currents in different media. However, these methods have not been applied to the passage of action potential in heart fibrosis (HF), which is crucial for problems of heart arrhythmia, especially of atrial tachycardia and fibrillation. In this work we address the HF problem from these aspects.

Comparison of Radiation With or Without Concurrent Trastuzumab for HER2-Positive Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Resected by Lumpectomy: A Phase III Clinical Trial.

Purpose: Preclinical studies report that trastuzumab (T) can boost radiotherapy (RT) effectiveness. The primary aim of the B-43 trial was to assess the efficacy of RT alone vs concurrent RT plus T in preventing recurrence of ipsilateral breast cancer (IBTR) in women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

Patients And Methods: Eligibility: Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 0 or 1, DCIS resected by lumpectomy, known estrogen receptor (ER) and/or progesterone receptor (PgR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status by centralized testing.

Presymptomatic Awareness of Germline Pathogenic BRCA Variants and Associated Outcomes in Women With Breast Cancer.

This retrospective cohort study of women with breast cancer evaluates the association of presymptomatic awareness of germline pathogenic variants and treatment outcomes.

Hodgkin Lymphoma, Version 2.2020, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology.

The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology for Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) provide recommendations for the management of adult patients with HL. The NCCN panel meets at least annually to review comments from reviewers within their institutions, examine relevant data, and reevaluate and update their recommendations. Current management of classic HL involves initial treatment with chemotherapy alone or combined modality therapy followed by restaging with PET/CT to assess treatment response.