High-dose glucocorticoid treatment vs. glucocorticoid replacement in immune checkpoint inhibitor associated hypophysitis (CORTICI): an open, randomised controlled trial.

Objective: One of the most severe endocrine side effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) is hypophysitis leading to adrenal insufficiency. Recovery is rare, although it has been reported after high-dose glucocorticoid treatment. This is the first randomised study to evaluate whether hormonal recovery differs in patients treated with high-dose glucocorticoids versus glucocorticoid replacement therapy.

Right versus left thoracic approach esophagectomy for patients with neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy.

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of left thoracic approach (LTA) and right thoracic approach (RTA) in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy (NICT).

Methods: This study included 83 ESCC patients who underwent right transthoracic esophagectomy ( = 61) and left transthoracic esophagectomy ( = 22) after NICT in our hospital from October 2019 to September 2023. The data of these patients were retrospectively analyzed.

Virtual screening: hope, hype, and the fine line in between.

Introduction: Technological advancements in virtual screening (VS) have rapidly accelerated its application in drug discovery, as reflected by the exponential growth in VS-related publications. However, a significant gap remains between the volume of computational predictions and their experimental validation. This discrepancy has led to a rise in the number of unverified 'claimed' hits which impedes the drug discovery efforts.

The vestibular and oculomotor dysfunction in Fabry disease: a cohort study in China.

Objective: Whereas a few studies have evaluated vestibular involvement in Fabry disease (FD), the relationship between vestibular/oculomotor abnormalities and disease-specific biomarkers remain unclear. Therefore, we seek to evaluate these quantitatively and analyze their relationship with disease phenotype and biomarkers in FD.

Methods: This cohort study enrolled 37 Chinese FD patients registered in our center.

Pharmacist-Directed Transition of Care Services Decrease Readmissions at a Safety-Net Hospital.

Background: Limited data exist describing the influence of pharmacist-led transition of care (TOC) services in safety-net hospital settings.

Objective: This analysis assessed the impact of pharmacist-led TOC services on hospital readmissions in a high-risk managed Medicaid population impacted by housing instability, substance use disorder (SUD), and mental health issues.

Methods: A retrospective evaluation of patients who received safety-net hospital-based TOC pharmacy services between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022, was conducted.

Biochemical osteomalacia in adults undergoing vitamin D testing in the North-East of Scotland.

Background: International guidelines give greatly varying definitions of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) insufficiency and deficiency. Vitamin D testing is increasing despite 2016 UK guidance for adults advising routine vitamin D supplementation October-March and year-round for high risk groups. A service evaluation of vitamin D testing and biochemical osteomalacia in the North-East of Scotland (57-58°N) could inform definitions and testing guidance.

Pediatric, adult, and late onset multiple sclerosis: Cognitive phenotypes and gray matter atrophy.

Objectives: We aim to investigate cognitive phenotype distribution and MRI correlates across pediatric-, elderly-, and adult-onset MS patients as a function of disease duration.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 1262 MS patients and 238 healthy controls, with neurological and cognitive assessments. A subset of 222 MS patients and 92 controls underwent 3T-MRI scan for brain atrophy and lesion analysis.

Quality by Design-Based Methodology for Development of Titanate Nanotubes Specified for Pharmaceutical Applications Based on Risk Assessment and Artificial Neural Network Modeling.

Background: Nanotechnology has been the main area of focus for research in different disciplines, such as medicine, engineering, and applied sciences. Therefore, enormous efforts have been made to insert the use of nanoparticles into the daily routines of different platforms due to their impressive performance and the huge potential they could offer. Among numerous types of nanomaterials, titanate nanotubes have been widely recognised as some of the most promising nanocarriers due to their outstanding profile and brilliant design.

Global Transcriptomic Analysis of Inbred Lines Reveal Candidate Genes for Response to Maize Lethal Necrosis.

Maize lethal necrosis (MLN) is a significant threat to food security in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with limited commercial inbred lines displaying tolerance. This study analyzed the transcriptomes of four commercially used maize inbred lines and a non-adapted inbred line, all with varying response levels to MLN. RNA-Seq revealed differentially expressed genes in response to infection by maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV) and sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV), the causative agents of MLN.

Dietary Interventions, Supplements, and Plant-Derived Compounds for Adjunct Vitiligo Management: A Review of the Literature.

Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune pigmentation disorder shaped by a complex interplay of genetic predispositions and environmental triggers. While conventional therapies-phototherapy, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants-can be effective, their benefits are often partial and temporary, with recurrence common once treatment stops. As such, there is increasing interest in exploring complementary approaches that may offer a more sustainable impact.

Dysregulation of Mitochondrial Homeostasis in Cardiovascular Diseases.

Mitochondria dysfunction plays a central role in the development of vascular diseases as oxidative stress promotes alterations in mitochondrial morphology and function that contribute to disease progression. Redox imbalances can affect normal cellular processes including mitochondrial biogenesis, electrochemical equilibrium, and the regulation of mitochondrial DNA. In this review, we will discuss these imbalances and, in particular, the potential role of mitochondrial fusion, fission, biogenesis, and mitophagy in the context of vascular diseases and how the dysregulation of normal function might contribute to disease progression.

Enhancing Localization Accuracy and Reducing Processing Time in Indoor Positioning Systems: A Comparative Analysis of AI Models.

This paper presents a comparative study of different AI models for indoor positioning systems, emphasizing improvements in localization accuracy and processing time. This study examines Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), and the Kalman filter using a real Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) and 9-axis ICM-20948 sensor. An in-depth analysis is provided in this paper for data cleaning and feature selection to reduce errors for all the models.

Early Autonomic Dysfunction in Traumatic Brain Injury: An Article Review on the Impact on Multiple Organ Dysfunction.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a complex condition and a leading cause of injury-related disability and death, with significant impacts on patient outcomes. Extracranial organ involvement plays a critical role in the outcome of patients following TBI. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and challenges in diagnosing patients with autonomic dysfunction after TBI.

Machine Learning Models for the Early Real-Time Prediction of Deterioration in Intensive Care Units-A Novel Approach to the Early Identification of High-Risk Patients.

Predictive machine learning models have made use of a variety of scoring systems to identify clinical deterioration in ICU patients. However, most of these scores include variables that are dependent on medical staff examining the patient. We present the development of a real-time prediction model using clinical variables that are digital and automatically generated for the early detection of patients at risk of deterioration.

Stereoelectronic Effect of Protecting Groups on the Stability of Galactosyl Donor Intermediates.

Using methods of DFT, we investigated the effect of electron withdrawing and electron donating groups on the relative stability of tentative glycosyl donor reaction intermediates. The calculation shows that by changing the stereoelectronic properties of the protecting group, we can influence the stability of the dioxolenium type of intermediates by up to 10 kcal mol, and that by increasing nucleophillicity of the 4--Bz group, the dioxolenium intermediate becomes more stable than a triflate-donor pair. We exploited this mechanism to design galactosyl donors with custom protecting groups on O2 and O4, and investigated the outcome of the reaction with cyclohexanol.

Rapid Fluid Velocity Field Prediction in Microfluidic Mixers via Nine Grid Network Model.

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence is transforming the computer-aided design of microfluidic chips. As a key component, microfluidic mixers are widely used in bioengineering, chemical experiments, and medical diagnostics due to their efficient mixing capabilities. Traditionally, the simulation of these mixers relies on the finite element method (FEM), which, although effective, presents challenges due to its computational complexity and time-consuming nature.

Feasibility and Acceptability of Integrating Acupuncture for Management of Multiple Symptoms in Medically Underserved Breast Cancer Survivors.

Background/objectives: Breast cancer survivors undergoing long-term endocrine therapy often experience multiple symptoms, including pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, hot flashes, anxiety, and depression. This study explored the feasibility and acceptability of integrating acupuncture for symptom management in medically underserved breast cancer survivors.

Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at two clinics serving medically underserved populations.

Ultrasound-Guided Histotripsy Triggers the Release of Tumor-Associated Antigens from Breast Cancers.

There is increasing evidence to indicate that histotripsy treatment can enhance the host anti-tumor immune responses both locally at the targeting tumor site as well as systemically from abscopal effects. Histotripsy is a non-invasive ultrasound ablation technology that mechanically disrupts target tissue via cavitation. A key factor contributing to histotripsy-induced abscopal effects is believed to be the release of tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) or tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) that induce a systemic immune response.

Pediatric Intensive Care Provider Attitudes About Children with Medical Complexity and Neurologic Impairment: A Qualitative Study.

(1) Background: Children with medical complexity (CMC) and neurologic impairment (NI) are a growing population in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). (2) Objective: Our aim was to explore and describe the experiences and beliefs of PICU providers caring for CMC with NI. (3) Methods: A qualitative interview-based study was conducted.

Artificial Intelligence in Fetal and Pediatric Echocardiography.

Echocardiography is the main modality in diagnosing acquired and congenital heart disease (CHD) in fetal and pediatric patients. However, operator variability, complex image interpretation, and lack of experienced sonographers and cardiologists in certain regions are the main limitations existing in fetal and pediatric echocardiography. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI), including machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL), offer significant potential to overcome these challenges by automating image acquisition, image segmentation, CHD detection, and measurements.

Environmental Pollutants as Emerging Concerns for Cardiac Diseases: A Review on Their Impacts on Cardiac Health.

Comorbidities related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and environmental pollution have emerged as serious concerns. The exposome concept underscores the cumulative impact of environmental factors, including climate change, air pollution, chemicals like PFAS, and heavy metals, on cardiovascular health. Chronic exposure to these pollutants contributes to inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction, further exacerbating the global burden of CVDs.

Post-Traumatic Left Subclavian Artery Pseudoaneurysm Secondary to Clavicular Fracture: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Subclavian artery pseudoaneurysms are rare but potentially life-threatening vascular injuries frequently associated with trauma such as clavicle fractures. In this paper we describe the case of a 49-year-old male who developed a post-traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the subclavian artery after a bicycle accident. The diagnosis was delayed due to non-specific symptoms and an initially missed aneurysm on computed tomography imaging.

Oncolytic Viruses and Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Uveal Melanoma and Retinoblastoma: The Current Landscape and Novel Advances.

Intraocular malignant tumors are rare; however, they can cause serious life-threatening complications. Uveal melanoma (UM) and retinoblastoma (RB) are the most common intraocular tumors in adults and children, respectively, and come with a great disease burden. For many years, several different treatment modalities for UM and RB have been proposed, with chemotherapy for RB cases and plaque radiation therapy for localized UM as first-line treatment options.

Prospective Associations Between Preschool Exposure to Violent Televiewing and Externalizing Behavior in Middle Adolescent Boys and Girls.

Objective: Early childhood exposure to violent media content represents an actionable target for preventive intervention. The associated risks for later aggressive behavior have been established in childhood, but few studies have explored widespread long-term associations with antisocial behavior. We investigate prospective associations between exposure to violent television content in early childhood and subsequent antisocial behavior in mid-adolescence.

Using a Hand-Held Icterometer to Screen for Neonatal Jaundice: Validation, Feasibility, and Acceptability of the Bili-Ruler in Kumasi, Ghana.

Background: Neonatal jaundice (NNJ) remains a leading cause of newborn mortality in much of sub-Saharan Africa. We sought to examine the validity of using a hand-held icterometer as a screening tool to determine which newborns need further assessment. Additionally, we sought to assess the feasibility of its use among mothers.