Breast Cancer Stem Cells Upregulate IRF6 in Stromal Fibroblasts to Induce Stromagenesis.

The microenvironment of a cancer stem cell (CSC) niche is often found in coexistence with cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Here, we show the first in-depth analysis of the interaction between primary triple-negative breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) with fibroblasts. Using 2D co-culture models with specific seeding ratios, we identified stromal fibroblast aggregation at the BCSC cluster periphery, and, on closer observation, the aggregated fibroblasts was found to encircle BCSC clusters in nematic organization.

Clinical Effectiveness of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Using Tritanium C Anterior Cervical Cage vs. PEEK Cage.

Introduction: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) has proven to be a clinically efficient and cost-effective method for treating patients with degenerative cervical spine conditions. New intervertebral implant products are being developed to improve fusion and stability while decreasing complications. This study assesses the effectiveness of Tritanium C (Tri-C) Anterior Cervical Cage (Stryker) in the treatment of degenerative disk disease (DDD) of the cervical spine compared with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages.

The activating receptor NKp65 is selectively expressed by human ILC3 and demarcates ILC3 from mature NK cells.

Innate lymphocytes comprise cytotoxic natural killer (NK) cells and tissue-resident innate lymphoid cells (ILC) that are subgrouped according to their cytokine profiles into group 1 ILC (ILC1), ILC2, and ILC3. However, cell surface receptors unambiguously defining or specifically activating such ILC subsets are scarcely known. Here, we report on the physiologic expression of the human activating C-type lectin-like receptor (CTLR) NKp65, a high-affinity receptor for the CTLR keratinocyte-associated C-type lectin (KACL).

Effect of Cervicothoracic Junction LIV Selection on Posterior Cervical Fusion Mechanical Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Study Design: Systematic review and Meta-analysis.

Objective: Analyze and summarize literature evaluating the role of C7, T1, and T2 lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV) selection in posterior cervical fusion (PCF) and if this affects the progression of mechanical failure and revision surgery.

Summary Of Background Data: Literature evaluating mechanical failure and adjacent segment disease in the setting of PCF at or nearby the cervicothoracic junction (CTJ) remains limited with studies reporting conflicting results.

NKG2D-mediated detection of metabolically stressed hepatocytes by innate-like T cells is essential for initiation of NASH and fibrosis.

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from benign steatosis to cirrhosis. A key event in the pathophysiology of MAFLD is the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can potentially lead to fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, but the triggers of MAFLD-associated inflammation are not well understood. We have observed that lipid accumulation in hepatocytes induces expression of ligands specific to the activating immune receptor NKG2D.

Determining the Effect of Intraoperative TXA on Postoperative Blood Loss in ACDF.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study using prospectively collected data.

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of intraoperative tranexamic acid (TXA) in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) on postoperative blood loss.

Summary Of Background Data: TXA has been proven to be a safe and effective agent in reducing blood loss after cervical surgery; however, its efficacy when used intraoperatively for ACDF surgeries had yet to be researched.

The importance of Hounsfield units in adult spinal deformity surgery: finding an optimal threshold to minimize the risk of mechanical complications.

Background: Low bone mineral density (BMD) is a well-established risk factor for mechanical complications following adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. Hounsfield units (HU) measured on computed tomography (CT) scans are a proxy of BMD. In ASD surgery, we sought to: (I) evaluate the association of HU with mechanical complications and reoperation, and (II) identify optimal HU threshold to predict the occurrence of mechanical complications.

Comparing Patient-Reported Outcomes, Complications, Readmissions, and Revisions in Posterior Lumbar Fusion With, Versus Without, an Interbody Device.

Study Design: Retrospective analysis on prospectively collected data.

Objectives: To compare posterior lumbar fusions with versus without an interbody in: (1) Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) at 1 year and (2) postoperative complications, readmission, and reoperations.

Summary Of Background Data: Elective lumbar fusion is commonly used to treat various lumbar pathologies.

Efficacy and Safety of the Ultrasonic Bone Scalpel in Lumbar Laminectomies.

Introduction: Despite recent advances in applied instruments and surgical techniques, the incidence of iatrogenic durotomies caused by traditional techniques remains significant. The ultrasonic bone scalpel (UBS) has been shown to improve speed and reduce complications in laminectomies in the cervical and thoracic spine when compared to traditional methods utilizing high-speed burr, punch forceps, or rongeurs. Thus, in this study, we aim to evaluate whether the use of the UBS in the lumbar spine would result in equivalent safety, efficacy, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) improvement when compared to traditional methods of laminectomy.

Engaging natural killer cells for cancer therapy via NKG2D, CD16A and other receptors.

The field of immuno-oncology has revolutionized cancer patient care and improved survival and quality of life for patients. Much of the focus in the field has been on exploiting the power of the adaptive immune response through therapeutic targeting of T cells. While these approaches have markedly advanced the field, some challenges remain, and the clinical benefit of T cell therapies does not extend to all patients or tumor indications.

Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion Versus Posterolateral Fusion Alone in the Treatment of Grade 1 Degenerative Spondylolisthesis.

Background: Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and posterolateral fusion (PLF) alone are two operations performed to treat degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. To date, it is unclear which operation leads to better outcomes.

Objective: To compare TLIF vs PLF alone regarding long-term reoperation rates, complications, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in patients with degenerative grade 1 spondylolisthesis.

Which Approach Leads to More Reoperations in Single-Level, Open, Posterior Lumbar Fusion: Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion or Posterolateral Fusion Alone?

Background: Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and posterolateral fusion (PLF) without an interbody device are two common approaches for single-level, open posterior fusion. Presently, it is unknown whether one of these operations leads to better outcomes. We sought to compare reoperation, complication, and readmission rates between TLIF and PLF for patients undergoing elective single-level, open, posterior lumbar fusion.

IRAK2 Downregulation in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells Decreases Cellular Growth In Vitro and Delays Tumour Progression in Murine Models.

Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are responsible for tumour recurrence and therapy resistance. We have established primary BCSC cultures from human tumours of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a subgroup of breast cancer likely driven by BCSCs. Primary BCSCs produce xenografts that phenocopy the tumours of origin, making them an ideal model for studying breast cancer treatment options.

Clinical and Cost-Effectiveness of Lumbar Interbody Fusion Using Tritanium Posterolateral Cage (vs. Propensity-Matched Cohort of PEEK Cage).

Introduction: Surgical management of degenerative lumbar spine disorders is effective at improving patient pain, disability, and quality of life; however, obtaining a durable posterolateral fusion after decompression remains a challenge. Interbody fusion technologies are viable means of improving fusion rates in the lumbar spine, specifically various graft materials including autograft, structural allograft, titanium, and polyether ether ketone. This study assesses the effectiveness of Tritanium posterolateral cage in the treatment of degenerative disk disease.

In Single-Level, Open, Posterior Lumbar Fusion, Does Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion or Posterolateral Fusion Lead to Better Outcomes?

Background: Two common approaches for open, one-level, posterior lumbar fusions include transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and posterolateral fusion (PLF) alone without an interbody.

Objective: To compare TLIF vs PLF alone in (1) discharge disposition, (2) return to work (RTW), and (3) patient-reported outcomes (PROs).

Methods: A single-center, retrospective cohort study was undertaken between October 2010 and May 2021, all with a 1-year follow-up and excluding patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Presentation of Patients With Spinal Metastases.

Study Design: Retrospective review.

Objective: The aim was to determine if preoperative spinal instability neoplastic scores (SINSs) and Tokuhashi prognostication scores differed in patients receiving surgical care before and during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Summary Of Background Data: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused delays in scheduling nonemergent surgeries.

Assessing the Insurance Deductible Effect on Outcomes After Elective Spinal Surgery.

Background: Private insurers use the calendar deductible system, placing pressure on patients and medical personnel to perform medical services before the end of the year to maximize patient savings. The impact of the deductible calendar on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after spine surgery is poorly understood. The objective of our study was to investigate if patients undergoing surgery in December had different PROs and demographics compared with all other months.

The postoperative course of mechanical complications in adult spinal deformity surgery.

Purpose: (a) Describe the time course of each mechanical complication, and (b) compare radiographic measurements and preoperative patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) among each mechanical complication type.

Methods: A single-institution case-control study was undertaken of patients undergoing adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery from 2009-2017. Exposure variables included patient demographics, operative variables, radiographic measurements, and preoperative PROMs, including Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Numeric Rating Scale Back/Leg-pain scores (NRS-Back/Leg), and EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D).

Targeting MICA/B with cytotoxic therapeutic antibodies leads to tumor control.

MICA and MICB are tightly regulated stress-induced proteins that trigger the immune system by binding to the activating receptor NKG2D on cytotoxic lymphocytes. MICA and MICB are highly polymorphic molecules with prevalent expression on several types of solid tumors and limited expression in normal/healthy tissues, making them attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. We have generated a series of anti-MICA and MICB cross-reactive antibodies with the unique feature of binding to the most prevalent isoforms of both these molecules.

Outcomes Following Direct Versus Indirect Decompression Techniques for Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: A Propensity-Matched Analysis.

Study Design: Retrospective review.

Objective: The aim was to compare outcomes at 3 and 12 months for patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis treated with direct decompression (DD) versus indirect decompression (ID) techniques.

Summary Of Background Data: Debate persists regarding the optimal surgical strategy to treat lumbar spondylolisthesis.

Complications, Readmissions, Revisions, and Patient-reported Outcomes in Patients With Parkinson Disease Undergoing Elective Spine Surgery: A Propensity-matched Analysis.

Study Design: Retrospective analysis on prospectively collected data.

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of elective spine surgery in patients with Parkinson disease (PD).

Background Context: PD has become increasingly prevalent in an aging population.

Complications, readmissions, reoperations and patient-reported outcomes in patients with multiple sclerosis undergoing elective spine surgery - a propensity matched analysis.

Background Context: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, neurodegenerative disease that can lead to significant functional disability. Improving treatment regimens have extended life expectancy and led to an increase in the number of elective spine surgeries for degenerative conditions in the MS population. Recent literature has reported mixed results regarding the efficacy of elective spine surgery for patients with MS.