Comparison of Outcomes of Haploidentical Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation with Post-Transplant Cyclophosphamide in Older Versus Younger Patients.

Background: Previous studies have shown that allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) from an HLA haploidentical (haplo) donor followed by graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis with post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) results in lower relapse rates and improved DFS when compared to haplo bone marrow transplant (BMT) with PTCy. However, PBSCT leads to higher rates of GVHD. It is unknown whether the benefits of haplo PBSCT may be nullified in older patients (>60 years) by a higher susceptibility to GVHD and transplant related toxicity.

DNA Repair Capacity and Clinicopathological Characteristics in Puerto Rican Hispanic/Latino Patients with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer.

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) accounts for 22% of the new cases diagnosed in Hispanic/Latino (H/L) men in the US. PCa has the highest incidence (38.3%) and mortality (16.

A Review of Telomere Attrition in Cancer and Aging: Current Molecular Insights and Future Therapeutic Approaches.

Background/objectives: As cells divide, telomeres shorten through a phenomenon known as telomere attrition, which leads to unavoidable senescence of cells. Unprotected DNA exponentially increases the odds of mutations, which can evolve into premature aging disorders and tumorigenesis. There has been growing academic and clinical interest in exploring this duality and developing optimal therapeutic strategies to combat telomere attrition in aging and cellular immortality in cancer.

Direct Prediction of 48 Month Survival Status in Patients with Uveal Melanoma Using Deep Learning and Digital Cytopathology Images.

Background: Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults. The median overall survival time for patients who develop metastasis is approximately one year. In this study, we aim to leverage deep learning (DL) techniques to analyze digital cytopathology images and directly predict the 48 month survival status on a patient level.

Unmasking Racial, Ethnic, and Socioeconomic Disparities in United States Chordoma Clinical Trials: Systematic Review.

Background: Chordoma is a rare bone cancer with limited treatment options. Clinical trials are crucial for developing effective therapies, but their success depends on including diverse patient populations. The objective of this study was to systematically evaluate the reporting of racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity in United States clinical trials exploring treatment for chordoma.

Evolving Trends and Patterns of Utilization of Magnetic Resonance-Guided Radiotherapy at a Single Institution, 2018-2024.

: Over the past decade, significant advances have been made in image-guided radiotherapy (RT) particularly with the introduction of magnetic resonance (MR)-guided radiotherapy (MRgRT). However, the optimal clinical applications of MRgRT are still evolving. The intent of this analysis was to describe our institutional MRgRT utilization patterns and evolution therein, specifically as an early adopter within a center endowed with multiple other technology platforms.

Evaluating Tumor Tissue Modified Viral (TTMV)-HPV DNA for the Early Detection of Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Recurrence.

Background: The incidence and mortality of anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) are rising, with greater than 80% of cases linked to human papillomavirus (HPV), primarily HPV16. Post-treatment surveillance can be challenging due to the limitations of anoscopy, digital anal rectal exam (DARE), and imaging. Plasma tumor tissue modified viral (TTMV)-HPV DNA has shown strong sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value in detecting the recurrence of HPV-driven oropharyngeal cancer.

Thrombocytopenia in Critically Ill Children: A Review for Practicing Clinicians.

Thrombocytopenia frequently occurs in patients before, during, and after admission to Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs). In critically ill children, it is often due to multifactorial causes and can be a sign of significant organ dysfunction. This review summarizes the potential causes/mechanisms of thrombocytopenia in acutely ill children, their identification, and treatments, with special attention paid to septic patients.

Pediatric Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Trends, Mortality, and Socioeconomic Disparities in the U.S., 1998-2020.

Background/objectives: We aim to describe the changing inpatient epidemiology of NAFLD in the U.S. and identify major risk factors associated with mortality in the disease among hospitalized pediatric patients.

Body Composition in Preterm Infants: Current Insights and Emerging Perspectives.

In recent years, significant advancements in respiratory and nutritional care have markedly improved the survival rates of preterm infants and enhanced long-term health outcomes. Despite these improvements, emerging research highlights the lasting impacts of early growth patterns on an individual's health trajectory. Adults born prematurely face a higher incidence of health issues related to their early birth.

Artificial Intelligence in Pediatric Electrocardiography: A Comprehensive Review.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing healthcare by offering innovative solutions for diagnosis, treatment, and patient management. Only recently has the field of pediatric cardiology begun to explore the use of deep learning methods to analyze electrocardiogram (ECG) data, aiming to enhance diagnostic accuracy, expedite workflows, and improve patient outcomes. This review examines the current state of AI-enhanced ECG interpretation in pediatric cardiology applications, drawing insights from adult AI-ECG research given the progress in this field.

Nanoparticles for Biomedical Use Derived from Natural Biomolecules: Tannic Acid and Arginine.

: Tannic acid (TA) is a well-known natural phenolic acid composed of ten gallic acids linked to each other with ester bonding possessing excellent antioxidant properties in addition to antimicrobial and anticancer characteristics. Arginine (ARG) is a positively charged amino acid at physiological pH because of nitrogen-rich side chain. : Here, poly(tannic acid-co-arginine) (p(TA-co-ARG)) particles at three mole ratios, TA:ARG = 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3, were prepared via a Mannich condensation reaction between TA and ARG by utilizing formaldehyde as a linking agent.

Direct-Acting Oral Anticoagulants in the Management of Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis-Where Do We Stand?

Background: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVT) is a rare cause of stroke, constituting 0.5-3% of all strokes with an extremely varied spectrum of presentation, predisposing factors, neuroimaging findings, and eventual outcomes. A high index of suspicion is needed because timely diagnosis can significantly alter the natural course of the disease, reduce acute complications, and improve long-term outcomes.

Magnetoelectric Extracellular Vesicle Latency-Targeting (MELT) Nanotherapeutic for the Block-Lock-and-Kill HIV Eradication Strategy.

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) establishes latent infections in cellular reservoirs, including microglia. HC69 cells, a microglial model of HIV latency, contain an HIV promoter long terminal repeat (LTR)-GFP reporter and were used for testing the efficacy of a two-step magnetoelectric nanoparticle (MENP) and extracellular vesicle (xEV) latency-targeting (MELT) nanotherapeutic. GFP expression in HC69 at rest is low (GFP), and upon exposure to LTR, transcription-activating agents (i.

Nanoparticle-Based Therapies for Management of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, Neurotrauma, and Stroke.

Neurotrauma, stroke, and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) are symptomatically diverse and etiologically complex central nervous system pathologies. Despite numerous therapeutic modalities that are available to minimize neurologic damage and secondary injury, the prognosis can still be dismal and unpredictable. Nanoparticle (NP) technology allows for deliberate, modular, and minimally invasive drug delivery.

Supporting Holistic Health and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Risk Reduction Among Young Native Females Prior to Pregnancy: A Qualitative Exploration.

AI/AN communities are disproportionately impacted by food insecurity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Decreasing the risk of GDM can interrupt the intergenerational cycle of diabetes in AI/AN families, and can decrease diabetes-related health disparities. The goal of this study was to explore ways of supporting holistic health and reducing the risk of GDM among young American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) females prior to pregnancy.

Effects of Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain on Spinal Reflex Excitability and Time-to-Boundary Postural Control in Single-Leg Stance.

: Acute lateral ankle sprain (ALAS) affects balance, often assessed by changes in traditional center of pressure (COP) parameters. Spatiotemporal measures of COP and time-to-boundary (TTB) analysis may offer improved sensitivity in detecting postural deviations associated with ALAS. However, the neurophysiological mechanism underlying these changes remains unknown.

The Safety Profile of Inclisiran in Patients with Dyslipidemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Inclisiran is a novel drug that employs ribonucleic acid (RNA) interference to lower the levels of the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) protein. It has demonstrated a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol levels compared to a placebo. We aim to comprehensively evaluate the safety of using Inclisiran in patients with dyslipidemia and ASCVD or an ASCVD risk equivalent.

Influence of Coping, Esteem, and Resilience on Caregiver Distress in Pancreatic Cancer Patient-Caregiver Dyads.

Through survey and analysis of pancreas cancer patient-caregiver dyads, we aimed to identify patient and caregiver characteristics that influence and determine the impact of caregiver coping strategies, self-esteem, and resilience on caregiver distress. This was a cross-sectional, observational study including pancreatic cancer patients and their caregivers. Demographics of patients and caregivers were collected.

Characterization and In Vitro Digestion Kinetics of Purified Pulse Starches: Implications on Bread Formulation.

This study investigated the contribution of pulse starches (PSs) to the slowly digestible starch (SDS) properties observed in pulses. Purified pulse starches from 17 commonly consumed pulses were examined, focusing on their digestion kinetics using a pancreatic alpha-amylase (PAA) and rat intestinal acetone powder (RIAP) mixture. Chickpea starch, exhibiting a slow digestibility profile, was incorporated as an ingredient to confer slow digestibility to refined wheat flour bread.

High clinical burden of classical homocystinuria in the United States: a retrospective analysis.

Background: Classical homocystinuria (HCU) is a rare genetic metabolic disorder resulting in elevated homocysteine and methionine levels. The clinical characteristics and associated complications of HCU are well documented. However, there is limited published research on the clinical burden of patients with HCU, especially stratified by total homocysteine (tHcy) levels.

Exploring fetal growth patterns in the second trimester: insights from ultrasound measurements among the Minangkabau Ethnic Group in Indonesia.

Background: Understanding fetal growth is essential for predicting perinatal outcomes and long-term health implications. This study explores the correlation between ultrasound parameters and gestational age in the Minangkabau ethnic group, focusing on the biometric variables biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (FL), and humerus length (HL) during the second trimester.

Methods: Conducted from December 2020 to December 2021, the research employed a cross-sectional design at the Fetomaternal clinic of Hospital M.

Population genetic structure of Phaedranassa cinerea Ravenna (Amaryllidaceae) and conservation implications.

Background: Andean orography has shaped the endemism of plant species in montane forests, creating a mosaic of habitats in small and isolated areas. Understanding these endemic species' genetic diversity patterns is crucial for their conservation. Phaedranassa cinerea (Amaryllidaceae), a species restricted to the western Andes of Ecuador, is listed as "vulnerable" according to the IUCN criteria.

Dissecting the genetic basis of fruiting efficiency for genetic enhancement of harvest index, grain number, and yield in wheat.

Background: Grain number (GN) is one of the key yield contributing factors in modern wheat (Triticum aestivum) varieties. Fruiting efficiency (FE) is a key trait for increasing GN by making more spike assimilates available to reproductive structures. Thousand grain weight (TGW) is also an important component of grain yield.