Neoadjuvant anti-PD-1 alone or in combination with anti-TIGIT or an oncolytic virus in resectable stage IIIB-D melanoma: a phase 1/2 trial.

Neoadjuvant immunotherapies have shown antitumor activity in melanoma. Substudy 02C of the global, rolling-arm, phase 1/2, adaptive-design KEYMAKER-U02 trial is evaluating neoadjuvant pembrolizumab (anti-PD-1) alone or in combination, followed by adjuvant pembrolizumab, for stage IIIB-D melanoma. Here we report results from the first three arms: pembrolizumab plus vibostolimab (anti-TIGIT), pembrolizumab plus gebasaxturev (coxsackievirus A21) and pembrolizumab monotherapy.

Efficacy of Oral Probiotic Supplementation in Preventing Vulvovaginal Infections During Pregnancy: A Randomized and Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Background/objective: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of oral probiotic supplementation in preventing vulvovaginal infections (VVIs) in pregnant women, specifically focusing on abnormal vaginal flora (AVF), bacterial vaginosis (BV), and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC).

Methods: A multicenter-prospective-randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted during 2016-2019. Women with normal vaginal flora (Nugent score < 4 and no candida) were divided into a research group, receiving 2 capsules/day of oral probiotic formula containing , , , , , and , or a control group, receiving a placebo until delivery.

International Nephrology Masterclass in Chronic Kidney Disease: Rationale, Summary, and Future Perspectives.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition that affects more than 10% of the population worldwide, accounting for more than 843 million (M) individuals. The prevalence of CKD (844 M patients) is higher than that of diabetes mellitus (422 M patients), cancer (42 M patients), and HIV (37 M patients), but people are often less aware of it. Global expert groups predict reductions in the nephrology workforce in the next decade, with a declining interest in nephrology careers.

The Impact of Iron on Cancer-Related Immune Functions in Oncology: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Evidence.

Iron metabolism plays a dual role in cancer, serving as an essential nutrient for cellular functions and a potential catalyst for tumor growth and immune evasion. Here, we cover the complex interplay between iron levels within the serum or in the microenvironment and cancer therapy, focusing on how iron deficiency and overload can impact immune function, tumor progression, and treatment efficacy. On the one hand, we highlight iron deficiency as a factor of primary immune responses and its adverse effects on anti-cancer immunotherapy efficacy.

The effect of fixed-time interval and on-demand analgesia protocols for post cesarean pain on maternal chronic pain and child development - follow up of randomized controlled trial.

Objective: Post-cesarean delivery (CD) acute pain may progress to chronic pain, which may impair maternal bonding and child development. In 2013, we compared the efficacy of versus on-demand oral analgesia for post-caesarean pain in a randomized-controlled-trial. The fixed-time-interval group had received scheduled paracetamol, tramadol, and diclofenac regardless of pain level, and the on-demand group received medication as needed, with oxycodone reserved for unrelieved pain in both groups.

Complement-mediated hemolytic uremic syndrome associated with postpartum hemorrhage: case series and systematic review of individual participant data.

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage is considered a risk factor for pregnancy-associated complement-mediated hemolytic uremic syndrome (CM-HUS; previously known as atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome) but has not been systematically studied.

Objectives: To systematically examine the role of postpartum hemorrhage in precipitating CM-HUS and to describe the characteristics of postpartum hemorrhage-associated CM-HUS, its prognosis and recommended management.

Methods: A systematic review of individual participant data from case series and reports in addition to a case series from our institution.

From supportive care to trauma: training integrative practitioners in the treatment of acute stress disorder.

Objective: The present conflict in Israel has led to a surge in cases of acute stress disorder (ASD). The study examined a training program for integrative medicine (IM) providers working in supportive and palliative care settings, teaching clinical skills for treating ASD.

Methods: A 10-h online training program, designed by supportive care trained IM and mental health professionals was attended by a group of 32 IM providers.

Clinical utility of receptor status prediction in breast cancer and misdiagnosis identification using deep learning on hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides.

Background: Molecular profiling of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and ERBB2 (also known as Her2) is essential for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment planning. Nevertheless, current methods rely on the qualitative interpretation of immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), which can be costly, time-consuming, and inconsistent. Here we explore the clinical utility of predicting receptor status from digitized hematoxylin and eosin-stained (H&E) slides using machine learning trained and evaluated on a multi-institutional dataset.

Characteristics and survival of hospitalized combat casualties during two major conflicts between Israel and Hamas: 2023 versus 2014.

Background: In the complex landscape of modern warfare, understanding combat-related injuries leading to hospitalization is crucial for optimizing injury treatment. This study aims to compare combat casualty characteristics and outcomes during the major conflicts between Israel and Hamas in 2023 and 2014 as a basis for understanding the effectiveness of trauma care practices for wounded soldiers.

Methods: A cohort study of soldiers hospitalized due to combat injuries during two major wars between Israel and Hamas in 2023 and 2014, using data from the Israeli National Trauma Registry.

Evaluation of Audiovestibular Involvement in Patients with Psoriasis.

Background: Little is known about audiovestibular function in psoriasis, a chronic systemic inflammatory disease that affects 2% of the world's population.

Objectives: To investigate audiovestibular function in patients with psoriasis.

Methods: In this prospective case-control trial, we enrolled 33 patients with psoriasis and 30 healthy controls.

Large language models outperform general practitioners in identifying complex cases of childhood anxiety.

Objective: Anxiety is prevalent in childhood but often remains undiagnosed due to its physical manifestations and significant comorbidity. Despite the availability of effective treatments, including medication and psychotherapy, research indicates that physicians struggle to identify childhood anxiety, particularly in complex and challenging cases. This study aims to explore the potential effectiveness of artificial intelligence (AI) language models in diagnosing childhood anxiety compared to general practitioners (GPs).

Does obesity create a relative sense of excess poverty?

Background: This study investigates the potential relationship between obesity and self-ranking of poverty, as a proxy for self-awareness and happiness. To the best of our knowledge, this issue has not been previously explored based on self-ranking of poverty when income is controlled.

Method: Ordered Probit Regressions.

Nonoperative Management of Acute Appendicitis in the Geriatric Population: A Review.

Appendicitis remains a common cause of acute abdominal pain, particularly challenging to manage in elderly patients due to age-related declines in physiological reserve and the presence of comorbidities. While appendectomy has traditionally been the standard treatment, nonoperative management (NOM) using antibiotics has emerged as a potential alternative for elderly patients, especially those considered frail or at high surgical risk. This review explores the efficacy and outcomes of NOM compared to surgery in this population, with a focus on recurrence rates, postoperative complications, and the impact of frailty on treatment decisions.

Trial eligibility, treatment patterns and outcome for venetoclax-based therapy in AML: a prospective cohort study.

Venetoclax (Ven) plus hypomethylating agents are considered standard-of-care for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) judged ineligible for intensive chemotherapy (IC). Real-world studies complement clinical trials, since patterns of patient selection, treatment-exposure and post-remission management may vary. This prospective observational multi-center study included 209 newly diagnosed IC-ineligible patients with a median age 75 years (interquartile range, 71-81 years).

The effects of power posing on neuroendocrine levels and risk-taking.

Background: The current study attempted to replicate the original findings regarding the effects of power posing on testosterone and cortisol levels, risk-taking behavior, and perceived power. We further extended the investigation by testing the effect of power posing on estradiol and progesterone levels.

Methods: A sample of 92 young adults (30 males; 32 females taking oral contraceptives; and 30 females not taking oral contraceptives who were in their midluteal phase) were randomly assigned to high-power-pose or low-power-pose conditions and asked about their feelings of power.

The effect of botulinum neurotoxin A injections on meibomian glands and dry eye.

Purpose: To assess the influence of Botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT-A) injection on meibomian gland function and dry eye in patients diagnosed with Blepharospasm (BPS) and Hemifacial spam (HFS).

Methods: Adult patients aged 18 years or older who suffer from periocular dystonia, and were treated with BoNT-A injections, were recruited in this interventional prospective study between 2023 and 2024. Each patient was followed up for a period of three months.

Physicians' Stigma Towards Ethnicity of Patients with Cancer and Its Effects on the Health Outcomes: The Moderating Effect of Ethnic Dissimilar Medical Encounters.

Background: This study aimed to examine the moderating effect of ethnic patient-physician similarity versus dissimilarity on the relationship between physicians' stigma towards ethnicity and physicians' communication behaviors during medical encounters and patients' post-meeting anxiety.

Methods: A prospective nested study design with 146 encounters, including 146 patients with cancer and 32 oncology/surgery physicians, was conducted between November 2019 and July 2022 in two medical centers. Before the medical encounters, physicians were asked to complete sociodemographic, professional and the Perceived Ethnic Discrimination Questionnaires (PEDQ-CV).

Upadacitinib for Induction of Remission in Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis: An International Multi‑center Study.

Background And Aims: Data on upadacitinib therapy in children with ulcerative colitis (UC) or unclassified inflammatory bowel disease (IBD-U) are scarce. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of upadacitinib as an induction therapy in pediatric UC or IBD-U.

Methods: In this multicenter retrospective study, children treated with upadacitinib for induction of remission of active UC or IBD-U from 30 centers worldwide were enrolled.