Risk prediction and early intervention strategies for persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) face heightened mortality and accelerated disease progression when persistently infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This critical situation underscores the urgent need to identify risk factors and establish early intervention strategies tailored to this vulnerable population. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors associated with persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection in NHL patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The comparative study of the efficacy of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide combined with vasoactive medications for elderly patients with heart failure and hypotension receiving injections.

Background: Heart failure (HF) in elderly patients with concurrent hypotension presents a therapeutic challenge due to limited standard HF therapies' applicability. Recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide (rhBNP) and vasoactive medications have shown potential in HF management, but their combined efficacy in elderly patients with HF and hypotension remains understudied.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included elderly HF patients with hypotension who received rhBNP alone (Group A, n = 68), rhBNP with dobutamine (Group B, n = 74), or rhBNP with dopamine (Group C, n = 71).

Efficacy of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR exon 19 insertions: clinical-genomic, preclinical analysis through LC-SCRUM-Asia (multi-institutional genomic screening registry).

Background: EGFR exon 19 insertions (EGFRex19ins) are rare EGFR mutations. Their clinical-genomic characteristics and outcomes with EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) remain uncertain.

Methods: We evaluated the clinical-genomic characteristics and outcomes of EGFR-TKIs for EGFRex19ins in the multi-institutional prospective lung cancer genomic screening project (LC-SCRUM-Asia).

Implications of EGFR expression on EGFR signaling dependency and adaptive immunity against EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma.

Background: In EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma (EGFRm LUAD), EGFR mutations do not necessarily result in increased EGFR expression (EGFR-exp), which differs among patients. However, the factors influencing EGFR-exp and the impact of EGFR-exp on tumor characteristics in patients with EGFRm LUAD remain unclear.

Patients And Methods: Whole-exome and RNA sequencing were performed for patients with early- and advanced-stage EGFRm LUAD.

Favorable outcomes of de novo advanced phases of pediatric chronic myeloid leukemia in the tyrosine kinase inhibitor era.

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a rare disease during childhood, and accelerated phase (AP) and blast phase (BP) CML, also called advanced phases, are even rarer. We retrospectively collected and analyzed clinical data of children younger than 20 years with de novo advanced-phase CML between 1996 and 2017 in Japan. Median follow-up time was 8.

Pre-frailty is associated with higher risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a large prospective cohort study.

To investigate the prospective association of frailty status, especially the early stage, with the long-term risk of Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in a large prospective cohort. We included participants who were free of GERD and cancer at baseline and use of aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) from the UK Biobank (UKB). Frailty status was assessed using Fried phenotype including five items (weight loss, exhaustion, low grip strength, low physical activity, slow walking pace) and classified as non-frail, pre-frail, and frail.

A phase 1b study of cofetuzumab pelidotin monotherapy in patients with PTK7-expressing recurrent non-small cell lung cancer.

Background: Protein tyrosine kinase 7 (PTK7) overexpression in lung cancer is associated with tumor progression. Cofetuzumab pelidotin (Cofe-P) is an antibody-drug conjugate comprising an anti-PTK7 antibody conjugated to a microtubule inhibitor. Herein, we report the results of a phase 1b study evaluating Cofe-P safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics in patients with recurrent non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Impact of Haplo-Donor Age on Transplant Outcomes: A Comparative Analysis of Haploidentical vs Cord Blood Transplantation.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) from HLA-matched donors is the gold standard. However, haploidentical stem cell transplantation using posttransplant cyclophosphamide (PTCY-haplo) and cord blood transplants (CBTs) are alternatives when HLA-matched donors are unavailable. Using the Japanese Registry data, we evaluated the impact of haploidentical donor age on posttransplant outcomes by comparing PTCY-haplo and CBT.

PLSKB: An Interactive Knowledge Base to Support Diagnosis, Treatment, and Screening of Lynch Syndrome on the Basis of Precision Oncology.

Purpose: Understanding the genetic heterogeneity of Lynch syndrome (LS) cancers has led to significant scientific advancements. However, these findings are widely dispersed across various resources, making it difficult for clinicians and researchers to stay informed. Furthermore, the uneven quality of studies and the lack of effective translation of knowledge into clinical practice create challenges in delivering optimal patient care.

Efficacy and safety of different dosages of rituximab for myasthenia gravis: a single-arm meta-analysis.

Background: Rituximab (RTX) is one of the treatment options for refractory myasthenia gravis (MG), yet the optimal dosing schedule remains undetermined. Our study aims to explore this issue and offer a valuable reference for clinical dosing.

Methods: This is a single-arm meta-analysis.

Mizoribine or Cyclophosphamide for Lupus Nephritis: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Lupus nephritis is typically treated with intravenous cyclophosphamide, which is associated with serious adverse effects. Oral mizoribine may be an alternative for induction therapy of lupus nephritis. However, large-scale, long-term, randomized clinical studies of mizoribine are lacking.

Use of Intraoperative Manual Drainage for the Detection of Lymphatic Ducts for Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis.

Background: Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a widely accepted conservative treatment for lymphedema. Lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) is a minimally invasive bypass surgery that improves lymphedema. However, identifying the lymphatic duct can be challenging during LVA.

Extended Anterolateral Thigh Flaps: Maximum Size for Covering Cancerous Defects.

Background: The anterolateral thigh perforator flap is frequently used for massive soft-tissue defect reconstruction. Cadaver perfusion examinations of isolated anterolateral thigh flaps have suggested a maximum skin area that may be vascularized based on the perforating vessels (ie, 250 cm2). Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate a series of consecutive cases involving use of extended anterolateral thigh flaps for oncologic reconstruction of massive soft-tissue defects.

Atezolizumab in High-Risk Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Treating locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (LA SCCHN) involves any combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, followed by routine monitoring for local recurrence or distant metastases. Given the poor patient outcomes, a significant unmet clinical need for improved treatment options remains.

Objective: To evaluate efficacy and safety of maintenance atezolizumab in patients with LA SCCHN at high risk of disease progression after multimodal definitive treatment.

Predicting survival outcomes in dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma: a prognostic factor analysis from a National Registry.

Introduction: Dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma (DDCS) is a high-grade subtype of chondrosarcoma with a poor prognosis. Treatment for localized DDCS generally involves wide resection; the effectiveness of adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy is questionable. This research was designed to find prognostic factors for DDCS and evaluate the impact of adjuvant therapies on localized cases.

Distinct Clusters of Testosterone Levels, Symptoms, and Serum Trace Elements in Young Men: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

: Modern societal stressors have been linked to declining testosterone levels among young men, contributing to somatic, psychological, and sexual health problems. Despite growing evidence suggesting a link between trace elements and testosterone-related symptoms, there are only a few comprehensive analyses on younger populations. This study's aim was to examine how serum trace elements modulate the relationship between testosterone levels and symptom severity.

The Development of a 10-Item Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Care Bundle in the General Intensive Care Unit of a Tertiary Hospital in Vietnam: Lessons Learned.

We developed a 10-item VAP care bundle to address the high incidence of VAP in Vietnamese intensive care units (ICUs), comprising (i) hand hygiene, (ii) head elevation (gatch up 30-45°), (iii) oral care, (iv) oversedation avoidance, (v) breathing circuit management, (vi) cuff pressure control, (vii) subglottic suctioning of secretions, (viii) daily assessment for weaning and a spontaneous breath trial (SBT), (ix) early ambulation and rehabilitation, and (x) prophylaxis of peptic ulcers and deep-vein thrombosis (DVT). The VAP incidence (27.0 per 1000 mechanical ventilation days) slightly and not significantly decreased in the six months after the implementation of the care bundle.

Trends in Efficacy Endpoints in Phase II Glioblastoma Trials: A Regulatory Science Analysis (FY2020-FY2022).

: In glioblastoma trials, efficacy evaluation often deviates from the standard Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST), an objective response rate (ORR) method, because of the unique nature of brain tumors. In phase II trials from the fiscal years (FYs) 2017-2019, primary endpoints (PEs) were overall survival (OS) at 29%, ORR at 20%, progression-free survival (PFS) at 17%, and OS rate at 10%. Clinical trial methodologies have likely evolved in recent years.

First-Line Tislelizumab Plus Chemotherapy for Advanced Gastric Cancer with Programmed Death-Ligand 1 Expression ≥ 1%: A Retrospective Analysis of RATIONALE-305.

Introduction: Tislelizumab plus investigator-chosen chemotherapy (ICC) demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in overall survival (OS) versus placebo plus ICC in RATIONALE-305 in patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative gastric cancer/gastroesophageal junction cancer (GC/GEJC) in the intent-to-treat population and in patients with programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) Tumor Area Positivity (TAP) score ≥ 5%. The United States Food and Drug Administration Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee voted (September 2024) against first-line treatment with programmed cell death protein-1 inhibitors in this setting in patients with a PD-L1 combined positive score < 1 or TAP score < 1%, due to an unfavorable benefit-risk profile. Thus, we retrospectively analyzed data from RATIONALE-305 in patients with a PD-L1 TAP score ≥ 1%.

First-Line Tislelizumab Plus Chemotherapy for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Programmed Death-Ligand 1 Expression ≥ 1%: A Retrospective Analysis of RATIONALE-306.

Introduction: The United States Food and Drug Administration Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee voted (September 2024) against the use of programmed cell death protein-1 inhibitors for first-line treatment of advanced or metastatic unresectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) with a programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression Tumor Area Positivity (TAP) score < 1% or combined positive score < 1 due to an unfavorable benefit-risk profile observed across the phase 3 CheckMate 648, KEYNOTE-590, and RATIONALE-306 trials. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective analysis of RATIONALE-306 to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tislelizumab plus investigator-chosen chemotherapy (ICC) versus placebo plus ICC in patients with advanced or metastatic unresectable ESCC and a PD-L1 TAP score ≥ 1%.

Methods: Adult patients with advanced or metastatic unresectable ESCC enrolled in the global, randomized, phase 3 RATIONALE-306 trial randomly received tislelizumab 200 mg every 3 weeks plus ICC or matched placebo plus ICC.

Development and evaluation of an automated phenylephrine delivery system by lower limit control for managing intraoperative hypotension.

Purpose: In this study, we aimed to develop and evaluate an automated phenylephrine delivery system by lower limit control for the management of intraoperative hypotension, assessing its efficacy in maintaining adequate blood pressure levels.

Methods: Twenty patients undergoing surgery with anticipated blood pressure fluctuations were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups.

Development of Antibody-Drug Conjugates for Malignancies of the Uterine Corpus: A Review.

Despite recent advances in cancer treatment, the prognosis for uterine malignancies (carcinoma and sarcoma) requires further improvement. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have emerged as a novel class of anti-cancer therapeutic agents, and multiple ADCs have been approved for other types of cancer. In 2024, trastuzumab deruxtecan received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration for cancer types and became the first ADC approved for the treatment of uterine malignancies.

Differences in Tolerability of Antifibrotic Agents Between Connective Tissue Disease-Associated and Non-connective Tissue Disease-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease.

Background Although antifibrotic agents (AFAs) are often discontinued due to side effects, their tolerability is crucial given the limited treatment options for interstitial lung disease associated with connective tissue disease (CTD-ILD). The possibility of intolerance due to organ damage caused by CTDs has also been considered; however, few detailed studies are available. We hypothesized that AFAs for CTD-ILD would be poorly tolerated or discontinued prematurely due to organ damage caused by collagen disease.

CPT1A Alleviates Senescence and Restores Osteogenic Differentiation of BM-MSC Through SOD2 Succinylation.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) have promising prospects in bone repair and regenerative medicine. However, BM-MSCs gradually lose their original pluripotency and differentiation potential after successive passages. This study aimed to reveal the mechanism underlying the phenomenon.

Gram-negative rods are associated with prolonged treatment in patients with thoracolumbar pyogenic spondylitis after minimally invasive posterior fixation compared with gram-positive cocci: a multicenter retrospective cohort study.

Background: This study compared patient characteristics, clinical outcomes, and antibiotic durations between patients undergoing posterior fixation for gram-negative rods (GNR) or gram-positive cocci (GPC) thoracolumbar pyogenic spondylitis.

Methods: In this multicenter retrospective cohort study, 53 patients who underwent minimally invasive posterior fixation for thoracolumbar pyogenic spondylitis were categorized into a GPC or GNR group based on the identified causative organisms. Patient characteristics, surgical outcomes, and postoperative infection control were compared between the two groups to identify factors affecting antibiotic duration.