Molecular Stratification of Light-Chain Cardiac Amyloidosis With F-Florbetapir and Ga-FAPI-04 for Enhanced Prognostic Precision.

Background: Cardiac involvement in amyloid light chain (AL) amyloidosis significantly influences prognosis, necessitating timely diagnosis and meticulous risk stratification.

Objectives: This prospective study aimed to delineate the molecular phenotypes of AL cardiac amyloidosis (AL-CA) by characterizing fibro-amyloid deposition using F-florbetapir and gallium-68-labeled fibroblast activation protein inhibitor-04 (Ga-FAPI-04) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) imaging. The authors also proposed a novel molecular stratification methodology for prognosis.

Decreased Structural Connectivity Between Thalamic Nuclei and Hippocampus in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy-A Diffusion Tensor Imaging-Based Study.

Background: Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) can lead to structural brain abnormalities, with thalamus atrophy being the most common extratemporal alteration. This study used probabilistic tractography to investigate the structural connectivity between individual thalamic nuclei and the hippocampus in TLE.

Methods: Thirty-six TLE patients who underwent pre-surgical 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 18 healthy controls were enrolled in this study.

Gemcitabine and docetaxel for high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: EuroGemDoce group results.

Objective: To evaluate the oncological efficacy and safety of sequential intravesical gemcitabine/docetaxel (Gem/Doce) therapy in a European cohort of patients with high-risk and very-high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) after previous Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) treatment.

Materials And Methods: Data were retrospectively collected from 95 patients with NMIBC, treated with Gem/Doce at 12 European centres between 2021 and 2024. Patients previously treated with BCG who had completed a full induction course and received at least one follow-up evaluation were included.

Scientific Progress in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Little by Little.

New international recommendations on the diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were published in autumn 2023 [...

Renal T1 Times on Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Reflect Renal Dysfunction and Are Associated with Adverse Outcomes: Insights from an All-Comer Cohort.

Renal disease is common in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and is associated with adverse outcomes. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) with advanced mapping techniques is the gold standard for characterizing myocardial tissue, and renal tissue is often visualized on these maps. However, it remains unclear whether renal T1 times accurately reflect renal dysfunction or predict adverse outcomes.

Platelets, Biomarkers of Coagulation and Fibrinolysis, and Early Coronary Stent Thrombosis.

: Acute stent thrombosis (ST) is a rare yet severe complication following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Herein, we investigated the possible association between routinely available coagulation and fibrinolysis markers with early ST. : Within a single-center registry, we investigated the association between the preprocedural platelet count, plasma levels of fibrinogen and D-Dimer, and the incidence of early ST in the first 30 days after PCI.

Primary Mediastinal Ewing's Sarcoma: Post Hoc Analysis from Two International Multicenter Prospective Randomized Trials.

Objective: Ewing sarcoma (EWS) of the mediastinum is extremely rare, with only a few cases reported in the literature. We aimed to gain a better understanding of primary mediastinal EWS, describing patients treated within two international, multicenter, prospective, randomized EWS trials.

Methods: Data from patients with primary mediastinal EWS were retrieved from the database of the EURO-E.

Spatial Genomics Identifies Heat Shock Proteins as Key Molecular Changes Associated to Adipose Periprostatic Space Invasion in Prostate Cancer.

Purpose: To identify molecular changes during PCa invasion of adipose space using Spatial Transcriptomic Profiling of PCa cells.

Methods: This study was performed on paired intraprostatic and extraprostatic samples obtained from radical prostatectomy with pT3a pathological stages.

Results: Differential gene expression revealed upregulation of heat shock protein genes: DNAJB1, HSPA8, HSP90AA1, HSPA1B, HSPA1A in PCa PanCK+ cells from the adipose periprostatic space.

Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Differently Processed Smoothies and Fresh Produce from Austria.

Plant-derived foods are potential vehicles for microbial antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), which can be transferred to the human microbiome if consumed raw or minimally processed. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and the amount of clinically relevant ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in differently processed smoothies (freshly prepared, cold-pressed, pasteurized and high-pressure processed) and fresh produce samples (organically and conventionally cultivated) to assess potential health hazards associated with their consumption. The MGE and the class 1 integron-integrase gene were detected by probe-based qPCR in concentrations up to 10 copies/mL in all smoothies, lettuce, carrots and a single tomato sample.

The Accuracy of the Passive Leg Raising Test Using the Perfusion Index to Identify Preload Responsiveness-A Single Center Study in a Resource-Limited Setting.

We investigated the accuracy of predicting preload responsiveness by means of a passive leg raising test (PLR) using the perfusion index (PI) in critically ill patients showing signs of hypoperfusion in a resource-limited setting. We carried out a prospective observational single center study in patients admitted for sepsis or severe malaria with signs of hypoperfusion in Chattogram, Bangladesh. A PLR was performed at baseline, and at 6, 24, 48, and 72 h.

Are We Ready to Measure Skin Permeation of Modern Antiaging GHK-Cu Tripeptide Encapsulated in Liposomes?

Cosmetically active compounds (CACs), both of lipophilic and hydrophilic origin, have difficulty reaching the deeper layers of the skin, and this shortcoming significantly reduces their efficacy. One such CAC that occurs naturally in the human body and displays many beneficial properties (via reducing fine lines and wrinkles, tightening skin, improving its elasticity, etc.) is the glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine tripeptide complex of copper (GHK-Cu).

Prevalence and functional impact of chronotropic incompetence in amyloid cardiomyopathy: a multicentre analysis.

Background: Little evidence is available about heart rate (HR) response to exercise as well as its relationship with functional capacity in amyloid cardiomyopathy. Then, in a multicentre cohort of patients with amyloid cardiomyopathy, we investigated the prevalence of chronotropic incompetence (CI) and its relationships with cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) variables.

Methods: Data from 172 outpatients with amyloid cardiomyopathy who performed a maximal CPET and who had no significant rhythm disorders were analysed.

Left atrial appendage cannulation for left ventricular unloading in a patient with ventricular thrombus on extracorporeal life support.

Background: Left ventricular unloading is needed in patients on extracorporeal life support (ECLS) with severely impaired left ventricular contractility to avoid stasis and pulmonary congestion, and to promote LV recovery. The presence of thrombi in the LV precludes the use of conventional active unloading methods such as transaortic microaxial pumps or apical LV vents. We describe placement of a vent cannula via the left atrial appendage (LAA) as a useful bailout option.

The cranium from the Octagon in Ephesos.

During excavations in 1929, a well-preserved skeleton was discovered in a sarcophagus in the Octagon at Ephesos (Turkey). For the following century, archaeologists have speculated about the identity of this obviously notable person. Repeated claim is that the remains could represent Arsinoë IV, daughter of Ptolemy XII, and younger (half-)sister of Cleopatra VII.

Clinical trials for implantable neural prostheses: understanding the ethical and technical requirements.

Neuroprosthetics research has entered a stage in which animal models and proof-of-concept studies are translated into clinical applications, often combining implants with artificial intelligence techniques. This new phase raises the question of how clinical trials should be designed to scientifically and ethically address the unique features of neural prostheses. Neural prostheses are complex cyberbiological devices able to acquire and process data; hence, their assessment is not reducible to only third-party safety and efficacy evaluations as in pharmacological research.

Variations in extracellular vesicle shedding of Cystoisospora suis stages (Apicomplexa: Coccidia).

Cystoisospora suis, a porcine enteral parasite of the order Coccidia, is characterized by a complex life cycle, with asexual and sexual development in the epithelium of the host gut and an environmental phase as an oocyst. All developmental stages vary greatly in their morphology and function, and therefore excrete different bioactive molecules for intercellular communication. Due to their complex development, we hypothesized that the extracellular vesicles (EVs) cargo is highly dependent on the life cycle stages from which they are released.

Exploring In Vivo Human Brain Metabolism at 10.5 T: Initial Insights from MR Spectroscopic Imaging.

Introduction: Ultra-high-field magnetic resonance (MR) systems (7 T and 9.4 T) offer the ability to probe human brain metabolism with enhanced precision. Here, we present the preliminary findings from 3D MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) of the human brain conducted with the world's first 10.

Real-world effectiveness and safety of bulevirtide monotherapy for up to 96 weeks in patients with HDV-related cirrhosis.

Background And Aims: Bulevirtide (BLV) 2 mg/day is EMA approved for treatment of compensated chronic hepatitis due to Delta virus (HDV) infection, however real-life data in large cohorts of patients with cirrhosis are lacking.

Methods: Consecutive HDV-infected patients with cirrhosis starting BLV 2 mg/day since September 2019 were included in a European retrospective multicenter real-life study (SAVE-D). Patient characteristics before and during BLV treatment were collected.

Isotopic analysis of Nd nanoparticles using single particle MC-ICP-MS: A comparative study with single particle-ICP-TOF-MS.

Single particle - inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS) is a powerful technique for characterization of the elemental and isotopic composition of individual particles. In this work, the capabilities of the newest generation of MC-ICP-MS with acquisition rates down to 50 ms were evaluated for single particle analysis, with a focus on isotopic precision achievable on a single-particle level. Nd (NdVO) nanoparticles (∼120 nm in diameter) were used as case study and were first characterized in terms of mass (respective size) and particle number concentration by SP-ICP-TOF-MS and then by SP-MC-ICP-MS for isotopic precision.

Preclinical evaluation of the potential PARP-imaging probe [carbonyl-C]DPQ.

Background: Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) enzymes are crucial for the repair of DNA single-strand breaks and have become key therapeutic targets in homologous recombination-deficient cancers, including prostate cancer. To enable non-invasive monitoring of PARP-1 expression, several PARP-1-targeting positron emission tomography (PET) tracers have been developed. Here, we aimed to preclinically investigate [carbonyl-C]DPQ as an alternative PARP-1 PET tracer as it features a strongly distinct chemotype compared to the frontrunners [F]FluorThanatrace and [F]PARPi.

Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Antitubercular Drugs in the Overweight and Obese Population: Implications for Dosage Adjustments.

The rise in global obesity prevalence has increased the need to understand the pharmacokinetics of drugs in overweight and obese individuals. Tuberculosis remains a significant health challenge, and its treatment outcomes can be influenced by the pharmacokinetic profiles of antitubercular agents. This literature review aims to point out the clinical pharmacokinetics of antitubercular drugs in the overweight and obese patient population, highlighting considerations for potential dosage adjustments.

Analytical review of facial nerve palsy following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination: comprehensive assessment.

Purpose: The SARS-CoV-2 vaccination has reduced COVID-19 infection, though facial nerve palsy (FNP) has emerged as a notable side effect of the vaccine. We evaluated the current literature on the clinical presentation and outcomes of FNP related to COVID-19 vaccination.

Methods: A comprehensive search of seven databases was conducted for studies up to January 2023.

A cellulosic fibre foam as a bicycle helmet impact liner for brain injury mitigation in oblique impacts.

Bulky cellulosic network structures (BRC) with densities between 60 and 130 g/l were investigated as a sustainable alternative to fossil-based foams for impact liners in bicycle helmets. The mechanical properties of BRC foams were characterized across a wide range of strain rates and incorporated into a validated finite element model of a hardshell helmet. Virtual impact tests simulating both consumer information and certification scenarios were conducted to compare BRC-lined helmets against conventional expanded polystyrene (EPS) designs.

Data solidarity: Operationalising public value through a digital tool.

Most data governance frameworks are designed to protect the individuals from whom data originates. However, the impacts of digital practices extend to a broader population and are embedded in significant power asymmetries within and across nations. Further, inequities in digital societies impact everyone, not just those directly involved.