Rescue therapy after failed thrombectomy in medium/distal vessel occlusions: A retrospective analysis of an international, multi-center registry.

Background: There are limited therapeutic options in cases of failed reperfusion (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction [mTICI] score < 2b) after stent-retriever and/or aspiration based endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke. Despite the absence of data supporting its use, rescue therapy (balloon angioplasty and/or stent implantation) is often utilized in such cases. Studies are limited to large vessel occlusions, while the outcomes and complications after rescue therapy in medium/distal vessel occlusions (MDVOs) have not been reported.

Behind the scenes of EQA - characteristics, capabilities, benefits and assets of external quality assessment (EQA).

Providers of external quality assessment (EQA) programs evaluate data or information obtained and reported by participant laboratories using their routine procedures to examine properties or measurands in samples provided for this purpose. EQA samples must offer participants an equal chance to obtain accurate results, while being designed to provide results in clinically relevant ranges. It is the responsibility of the EQA provider to meet the necessary requirements for homogeneity, stability and some other properties of the EQA items in order to offer participants a fair, reliable and technically interesting EQA experience.

Aberrant Complement Activation Is Associated With Structural Brain Damage in Multiple Sclerosis.

Background And Objectives: Levels of activated complement proteins in the CSF are increased in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and are associated with clinical disease severity. In this study, we determined whether complement activation profiles track with quantitative MRI metrics and liquid biomarkers indicative of disease activity and progression.

Methods: Complement components and activation products (Factor H and I, C1q, C3, C4, C5, Ba, Bb, C3a, C4a, C5a, and sC5b-9) and liquid biomarkers (neurofilament light chain, glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP], CXCL-13, CXCL-9, and IL-12b) were quantified in the CSF of 112 patients with clinically isolated syndromes and 127 patients with MS; longitudinal MRIs according to a standardized protocol of the Swiss MS cohort were assessed.

The African Initiative for Bioinformatics Online Training in Neurodegenerative Diseases (AI-BOND): Investing in the next generation of African neuroscientists.

Unlabelled: Neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and AD-related dementias (AD/ADRD), pose significant challenges to health care systems globally, particularly in Africa. With the advances in medical technology and research capabilities, especially in next-generation sequencing and imaging, vast amounts of data have been generated from AD/ADRD research. Given that the greatest increase in AD/ADRD prevalence is expected to occur in Africa, it is critical to establish comprehensive bioinformatics training programs to help African scientists leverage existing data and collect additional information to untangle AD/ADRD heterogeneity in African populations.

Same-session dual chromophore riboflavin/UV-A and rose bengal/green light PACK-CXL in Acanthamoeba keratitis: a case report.

Background: Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is the most challenging corneal infection to treat, with conventional therapies often proving ineffective. While photoactivated chromophore for keratitis-corneal cross-linking (PACK-CXL) with riboflavin/UV-A has shown success in treating bacterial and fungal keratitis, and PACK-CXL with rose bengal/green light has demonstrated promise in fungal keratitis, neither approach has been shown to effectively eradicate AK. This case study explores a novel combined same-session treatment approach using both riboflavin/UV-A and rose bengal/green light in a single procedure.

Late re-engagement into HIV care among adults in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study.

Introduction: Little is known about the clinical status of persons with HIV (PWH) who re-engage in care after an interruption. We evaluated the immunological and clinical characteristics of individuals re-engaging in care within the Swiss HIV Cohort Study.

Methods: Participants who re-engaged in care after an interruption >14 months with a viral load ≥100 copies/mL were classified as having interrupted ART.

Vestibular Implant Surgery: How to Deal With Obstructed Semicircular Canals-A Diagnostic and Surgical Guide.

Background: A vestibular implant can partially restore vestibular function by providing motion information through implanted electrodes. During vestibular implantation, various obstructions of the semicircular canals, such as protein deposits, fibrosis, and ossification, can be encountered. The objective was to explore the relationship between preoperative imaging and intraoperative findings of semicircular canal obstruction and to develop surgical strategies for dealing with obstructions of the semicircular canal(s) in patients eligible for vestibular implantation.

Identification of a T2-hyperintense Perivascular Space in Brain Arteriovenous Malformations.

Background/aim: Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are vascular malformations characterized by dysmorphic, aberrant vasculature. During previous surgeries of compact nidus brain AVMs (representing the majority of cases), we have observed a "shiny" plane between nidal and perinidal AVM vessels and the surrounding grey and white matter and hypothesized that preoperative neuroimaging of brain AVMs may show a neuroradiological correlate of these intraoperative observations.

Patients And Methods: We retrospectively reviewed and analyzed multiplanar and multisequence 3-Tesla magnetic resonance (3T MR) imaging in five consecutive brain AVMs with special attention on imaging characteristics of the brain-AVM interface, i.

Systematic literature review and meta-analysis informing the EULAR points to consider on the initiation of targeted therapies in patients with inflammatory arthritis and a history of cancer.

Background: Targeted therapies have been associated with potential risk of malignancy, which is a common concern in daily rheumatology practice in patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA) and a history of cancer.

Objectives: To perform a systematic literature review to inform a Task Force formulating EULAR points to consider on the initiation of targeted therapies in patients with IA and a history of cancer.

Methods: Specific research questions were defined within the Task Force before formulating the exact research queries with a librarian.

2024 EULAR points to consider on the initiation of targeted therapies in patients with inflammatory arthritis and a history of cancer.

Background: Potential associations between targeted therapies and a new cancer in patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA) and a previous malignancy are a frequent concern in daily rheumatology practice.

Objectives: To develop points to consider (PTC) to assist rheumatologists when initiating a targeted therapy in the context of a previous malignancy.

Methods: Following EULAR standardised operating procedures, a task force met to define the research questions for a systematic literature review and to formulate the overarching principles (OPs) and the PTC.

Early and Sustained Response to Benralizumab in Severe, Eosinophilic Asthma: A Real-World Observational Study.

Purpose: Although studies have evaluated benralizumab, a monoclonal IL-5 receptor α antibody in severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA), in real-world settings, additional evidence is needed to further characterize its effectiveness in specific patient populations. Our study aimed to evaluate asthma control over 56 weeks in patients treated with benralizumab in Swiss real-world settings.

Patients And Methods: Conducted across 13 centres, this prospective, observational, non-interventional study involved 73 adults with physician confirmed SEA.

Gait characteristics in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus: a review on the effects of CSF tap test and shunt surgery.

Background: Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a progressive disease characterized by disproportionate ventricular enlargement at brain imaging with gait disturbance and an increased risk of falling. Gait assessment is a key feature in the diagnosis of iNPH and characterization of post-surgical outcomes.

Research Question: How do gait parameters change 24 h after CSF tap test (CSFTT) and after ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery?

Methods: The PRISMA guidelines were used to perform the systematic review.

Dynamics of affect modulation in neurodevelopmental disorders (DynAMoND) - study design of a prospective cohort study.

Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neuro-developmental disorder that often persists into adulthood. Moreover, it is frequently accompanied by bipolar disorder (BD) as well as borderline personality disorder (BPD). It is unclear whether these disorders share underlying pathomechanisms, given that all three are characterized by alterations in affective states, either long or short-term.

Clinical, Ethical, and Legal Considerations Raised by Self-Reported Genital Mutilation Following Voluntary Cosmetic Labiaplasty.

An increasing number of women are undergoing female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS). Labiaplasty, the most commonly performed FGCS, consists of a surgical procedure to decrease the inner labia size so that no or less tissue protrudes beyond the outer labia. Anatomically, it is similar to female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) Type 2a.

Improved phosphorus MRSI acquisition through compressed sensing acceleration combined with low-rank reconstruction.

Objectives: Phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (P-MRSI) is a non-invasive tool for assessing cellular high-energy metabolism in-vivo. However, its acquisition suffers from a low sensitivity, which necessitates large voxel sizes or multiple averages to achieve an acceptable signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), resulting in long scan times.

Materials And Methods: To overcome these limitations, we propose an acquisition and reconstruction scheme for FID-MRSI sequences.

A stratified treatment algorithm in psychiatry: a program on stratified pharmacogenomics in severe mental illness (Psych-STRATA): concept, objectives and methodologies of a multidisciplinary project funded by Horizon Europe.

Schizophrenia (SCZ), bipolar (BD) and major depression disorder (MDD) are severe psychiatric disorders that are challenging to treat, often leading to treatment resistance (TR). It is crucial to develop effective methods to identify and treat patients at risk of TR at an early stage in a personalized manner, considering their biological basis, their clinical and psychosocial characteristics. Effective translation of theoretical knowledge into clinical practice is essential for achieving this goal.

Pan African Vivax and Ovale Network (PAVON) Malaria Diagnostic Competency Training: Offering Training Opportunities to Impact Malaria Elimination Strategies in Sub-Saharan Africa.

PAVON has developed a malaria microscopy competency training scheme to augment competency in malaria microscopy. Here, data accrued from training activities between 2020 and 2023 in Botswana are presented. Three trainings were done for 37 central and peripheral level technicians for a two-week period.

Impact of Endocrine Disruptors on the Genitourinary Tract.

Over the last decades, the human species has seen an increase in the incidence of pathologies linked to the genitourinary tract. Observations in animals have allowed us to link these increases, at least in part, to changes in the environment and, in particular, to an increasing presence of endocrine disruptors. These can be physical agents, such as light or heat; natural products, such as phytoestrogens; or chemicals produced by humans.

Epicardial Fat Volume Assessed by MRI in Adolescents: Associations with Obesity and Cardiovascular Risk Factors.

: In adults, epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is associated with metabolic syndrome (MS) and coronary artery disease. EAT thickness is increased in obese youth, but total EAT volume and its correlation with cardiovascular risk factors have not been studied. : To determine EAT volume in adolescents and its association with obesity and cardiovascular risk factors.

Subsequent intraocular lens surgery in eyes with combined versus sequential phaco-vitrectomy.

Objective: To determine the risk factors for subsequent intraocular lens (IOL) surgery among eyes undergoing either combined or sequential phaco-vitrectomy.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Participants: Adult patients undergoing phacoemulsification at 8 United Kingdom National Health Service clinical centers between July 2003 and March 2015.

Impact of dementia and mild cognitive impairment on bone health in older people.

Mild cognitive impairment, dementia and osteoporosis are common diseases of ageing and, with the increasingly ageing global population, are increasing in prevalence. These conditions are closely associated, with shared risk factors, common underlying biological mechanisms and potential direct causal pathways. In this review, the epidemiological and mechanistic links between mild cognitive impairment, dementia and skeletal health are explored.

Paediatric Personalized Research Network Switzerland (SwissPedHealth): a joint paediatric national data stream.

Introduction: Children represent a large and vulnerable patient group. However, the evidence base for most paediatric diagnostic and therapeutic procedures remains limited or is often inferred from adults. There is an urgency to improve paediatric healthcare provision based on real-world evidence generation.

Adults living with dementia and chronic wounds, wound types, care challenges, and impact across dementia stages: A scoping review protocol.

Objective: The objective of this scoping review is to map the existing evidence on the epidemiology, care challenges, and impacts of various wound types among individuals living with dementia across different stages of the disease.

Introduction: Dementia is a growing global health concern, projected to rise significantly as the population ages. This condition not only affects cognitive function but also increases the risk of chronic wounds in part due to impairments in mobility, self-care, and communication.

Sex and Gender Considerations in Orthopaedic Research: Existing Barriers, What's Needed by Institutions and Research Departments, and How to Guide Junior Investigators and Faculty.

JBJS convened a symposium to discuss the reporting of sex and gender in research studies as an imperative to improve research methods and results to benefit all patients. Barriers to improved reporting include a lack of societal and cultural acceptance of its need; a lack of education regarding appropriate terminology and appropriate statistical methods and efficient study designs; a need for increased research funding to support larger group sizes; unknown concordance of cell and animal models with humans to reflect biologic variables such as sex; and a lack of understanding of key considerations of gender, race, and other social determinants of health and how these factors intersect. Attention to developing and disseminating best-practice statistical methods and to educating investigators (at all career levels), reviewers, funders, editors, and staff in their proper implementation will aid reporting.