Pediatric acral pigmentation related to a beetle contact.

We report a case of the appearance of dark pigmented skin on the plantar surface of the foot and toes in a young child, likely caused by the beetle Few such documented cases occur in the literature and none reported from our region. Identifying the cause is important to avoid unnecessary investigations and treatment, and to provide reassurance to patients.

Maintenance-phase serum anti-TNF levels are not associated with mucosal healing in pediatric Crohn's disease.

Objectives: Mucosal healing (MH) is a key therapeutic target in Crohn's disease (CD) and is associated with improved outcomes. While adult studies indicate a positive correlation between serum anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) levels and MH, data in pediatric patients is limited. We aimed to define the association of serum anti-TNF levels with MH in pediatric patients with CD during maintenance therapy.

Aberrant Cytoplasmic INSM1 Expression in Erythroid Cells: A Potential Diagnostic Pitfall Versus Neuroendocrine Neoplasms.

Insulinoma-associated protein 1 (INSM1) is a relatively new immunostain used in the diagnostic assessment of tumors with neuroendocrine differentiation. While INSM1 positivity has been described in some non-neuroendocrine neoplasms, reactivity in red blood cells (RBCs) has only been anecdotally noted in one prior study without description of the degree/extent of staining. INSM1 staining in nucleated erythroid precursors has not been previously reported.

Value of MRI-based radiomics models for predicting visual outcome in patients with MOG-optic neuritis: A preliminary study.

Purpose: To investigate the predictive value of MRI-based radiomics models for the recovery of visual acuity after 12 months in patients with acute phase MOG-optic neuritis(MOG-ON).

Materials And Methods: Clinical and MRI imaging data were collected consecutively from January 2021 to April 2022 from patients with acute stage MOG-ON, and the visual acuity of patients were followed up after 12 months. After stratified random sampling, patients were divided into training and test sets, and prediction models based on CE-T1WI, FS-T2WI, and combined CE-T1WI and FS-T2WI were developed.

CytoNorm 2.0: A flexible normalization framework for cytometry data without requiring dedicated controls.

Cytometry is a single cell, high-dimensional, high-throughput technique that is being applied across a range of disciplines. However, many elements alongside the data acquisition process might give rise to technical variation in the dataset, called batch effects. CytoNorm is a normalization algorithm for batch effect removal in cytometry data that was originally published in 2020 and has been applied on a variety of datasets since then.

Robotic surgery for paediatric neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction: a systematic review.

Objective: To evaluate in a systematic review the outcomes, benefits, and limitations of robot-assisted surgeries for paediatric neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD), as robot-assisted techniques have emerged as a potential alternative, offering enhanced precision, dexterity, and visualisation.

Methods: This review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO identifier CRD42023464849) and adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We included studies of paediatric patients (aged <18 years) with neurogenic LUTD undergoing robot-assisted continence surgery, assessing safety and efficacy.

Risk of Variceal Bleeding in Patients Receiving Atezolizumab-Bevacizumab Treatment for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Background And Aims: Real-world data on the variceal bleeding (VB) risk in patients receiving atezolizumab-bevacizumab (Atezo-Bev) treatment remain limited. This study aimed to assess the risk of VB and identify risk factors in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) receiving Atezo-Bev treatment.

Methods: This retrospective study included 640 patients with HCC who underwent endoscopy before Atezo-Bev treatment at two hospitals in Korea.

Xolography for Biomedical Applications: Dual-Color Light-Sheet Printing of Hydrogels With Local Control Over Shape and Stiffness.

Current challenges in tissue engineering include creation of extracellular environments that support and interact with cells using biochemical, mechanical, and structural cues. Spatial control over these cues is currently limited due to a lack of suitable fabrication techniques. This study introduces Xolography, an emerging dual-color light-sheet volumetric printing technology, to achieve control over structural and mechanical features for hydrogel-based photoresins at micro- to macroscale while printing within minutes.

Evenly Distributed Microporous Structure and E7 Peptide Functionalization Synergistically Accelerate Osteogenesis and Angiogenesis in Engineered Periosteum.

Repairing large bone defects remains a significant clinical challenge. Stem cell is of great importance in bone regeneration, and periosteum is rich in periosteal stem cell, which has a great influence on repairing bone defects. Bioengineered periosteum with excellent biocompatibility and stem cell homing capabilities to promote bone regeneration is of great clinical significance.

Incidence and Predictors of Clinical Outcomes in Real-Life Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Treated With Oral Factor Xa Inhibitors: The Follow-Up Results of the ANATOLIA-AF Study.

Objective: The main objective of this study is to determine the incidence and predictors of clinical outcomes in patients with AF treated with factor Xa inhibitors in a real-world setting.

Methods: The present study was a multicentre and observational study that included patients with AF who were treated with factor Xa inhibitors. The primary outcome was the composite of ischemic stroke, TIA, systemic embolism, major bleeding, and all-cause mortality.

Advancements in Artificial Intelligence in Noninvasive Cardiac Imaging: A Comprehensive Review.

Background: Technological advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are redefining cardiac imaging by providing advanced tools for analyzing complex health data. AI is increasingly applied across various imaging modalities, including echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and nuclear imaging, to enhance diagnostic workflows and improve patient outcomes.

Hypothesis: Integrating AI into cardiac imaging enhances image quality, accelerates processing times, and improves diagnostic accuracy, enabling timely and personalized interventions that lead to better health outcomes.

Fluconazole step-down therapy versus echinocandins for the treatment of Candida glabrata invasive candidiasis with candidaemia.

Objectives: Candida glabrata is the second most common species responsible for invasive candidiasis, including candidaemia. Echinocandins are typically the first-line therapy for C. glabrata candidaemia, with the option to transition to oral fluconazole.

Aortic valve repair in adults: long-term clinical outcomes and echocardiographic evolution in different valve repair techniques.

Objective: Aortic valve repair/sparing have been established as effective treatments for aortic regurgitation and/or aortic aneurysms. However, concerns remain regarding long-term durability, reproducibility, and patient selection. This study aims to asses long-term clinical and echocardiographic outcomes, with a focus on aortic regurgitation grade and left ventricular ejection fraction evolution, in adults undergoing these procedures.

Role of the Veterans Health Administration's LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinators in Facilitating Care for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Veterans.

Introduction: Transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals frequently encounter discrimination in health care settings. The Veterans Health Administration (VA) is committed to addressing the health disparities experienced by TGD veterans. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of TGD veterans with LGBTQ+ veteran care coordinators.

Furin-Mediated Modification Is Required for Epithelial Sodium Channel-Activating Activity of Soluble (Pro)Renin Receptor in Cultured Collecting Duct Cells.

(Pro)renin receptor (PRR) contains overlapping cleavage site for site-1 protease (S1P) and furin for generation of soluble PRR (sPRR). Although S1P-mediated cleavage mediates the release of sPRR, the functional implication of furin-mediated cleavage is unclear. Here we tested whether furin-mediated cleavage was required for the activity of sPRR in activating ENaC in cultured M-1 cells.

Positive impact of cladribine tablets on reducing brain atrophy in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: A longitudinal study.

Background: Measuring brain volume changes over time is an objective and dependable surrogate marker for the pathological processes that damage the brain in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). These measures are particularly valuable for monitoring the long-term impact of immunomodulatory treatments such as cladribine.

Objectives: To evaluate the long-term impact of oral cladribine treatment on brain volume loss in patients with RRMS.

A Clinical Multicenter Trial of Recombinant Human Interferon Gamma in Tuberculosis (GAM2022) Experience with the Use of Human Recombinant Interferon Gamma in TB Practice.

Background: In this article, we present the results of a multicenter clinical trial of IFN-γ in patients with drug-susceptible and drug-resistant pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB) in routine clinical practice.

Objective: This study aimed to confirm the efficacy and safety of IFN-γ administered to patients with TB.

Methods: All patients were diagnosed with TB after being tested by bacterioscopic and molecular genetic methods and had no contraindications to standard chemotherapy.

Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy-Directed Tongue Surgery to Treat Persistent Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: To systematically review the literature for articles evaluating outcomes of drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) directed tongue surgery in children with prior adenotonsillectomy and persistent or recurrent obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and to perform a meta-analysis on the polysomnographic (PSG) data.

Design: Systematic review and metanalysis in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement guidelines.

Outcome Measures: Primary, post-operative apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and lowest oxygen saturation (LSAT); Secondary, surgical response rate.

Clinical Characteristics During and After COVID-19 Infection Among Healthcare Workers During the First Wave of Omicron in Chongqing, China.

Background: Revealing the clinical manifestations and associations of COVID-19 before and after negative transition remains an area of significant uncertainty. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical characteristics observed during and after Omicron infection among a specific population, namely healthcare workers (HCWs).

Methods: From November 4, 2022, to January 15, 2023, HCWs in our hospital were enrolled to document clinical symptoms, prevention, and treatment for COVID-19 using a structured questionnaire.

Continuous risk monitoring and management of heart failure: Rationale and design of the ALLEVIATE-HF trial.

Aims: Early identification and management of worsening heart failure (HF) is necessary to prevent disease progression and hospitalizations. The ALLEVIATE-HF (Algorithm Using LINQ Sensors for Evaluation and Treatment of Heart Failure) trial is a prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind, multicentre trial that aims to assess the safety and efficacy of using the Reveal LINQ™ insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) in patients with HF to continuously monitor and evaluate HF risk status and guide timely interventions.

Methods: The ICM algorithm uses parameters derived from electrocardiogram (atrial fibrillation [AF], ventricular rate during AF, heart rate variability, and night heart rate), three-axis accelerometer (patient activity duration), and subcutaneous bioimpedance (fluid volume, respiration rate).

Defining variances in practice for use of electrophysiology studies in risk stratification of patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot: a PACES survey.

Sudden cardiac death poses a significant risk in patients with surgically repaired tetralogy of Fallot. Despite extensive research, risk stratification practices vary. This study surveyed the Pediatric and Adult Congenital Electrophysiology Society to identify these differences.

Research progress in diagnosis and treatment of psychogenic pseudosyncope in children.

Psychogenic pseudosyncope is one of the primary causes of transient loss of consciousness in children and adolescents, essentially classified as a conversion disorder that significantly impacts patients' quality of life. Clinically, psychogenic pseudosyncope shares certain similarities with vasovagal syncope in terms of pre-syncope symptoms and triggers, making it sometimes difficult to differentiate and easily misdiagnosed. Therefore, placing emphasis upon the characteristics of psychogenic pseudosyncope is crucial for early identification and treatment, which holds significant importance for the mental and psychological health of children and adolescents.

Global research hotspots and trends in DNA vaccine research: A bibliometric and visualization study from 2014 to 2024.

This bibliometric and visualization study provides a comprehensive analysis of global research hotspots and trends in DNA vaccine research from 2014 to 2024. By employing data sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection, we identified a total of 3,600 articles. Our analysis reveals a declining trend in annual publications.

Early Division of the Paramedian Forehead Flap: A Systematic Review and Retrospective Analysis.

Objective: To determine whether and when early division of the paramedian forehead flap may be safely performed.

Data Sources: PubMed (NLM), Scopus (Elsevier), and Embase (Elsevier).

Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Embase was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines.

Long-Lasting Auditory and Vestibular Recovery Following Gene Replacement Therapy in a Novel Usher Syndrome Type 1c Mouse Model.

Usher syndrome type 1C (USH1C) is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the USH1C gene, which encodes harmonin, a key component of the mechanoelectrical transduction complex in auditory and vestibular hair cells. USH1C leads to deafness and vestibular dysfunction in humans. An Ush1c knockout (KO) mouse model displaying these characteristic deficits is generated in our laboratory.