Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency in Greece: Focus on rare variants.

Purpose: AAntitrypsin deficiency (AATD) pathogenic mutations are expanding beyond the PI*Z and PI*S to a multitude of rare variants.

Aim: to investigate genotype and clinical profile of Greeks with AATD.

Methods: Symptomatic adult-patients with early-emphysema defined by fixed airway obstruction and computerized-tomography scan and lower than normal serum AAT levels were enrolled from reference centers all over Greece.

Sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma: MRI features and their association with survival.

Objective: To evaluate MRI features of sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and their association with survival.

Methods: This retrospective single-center study included 59 patients with sarcomatoid RCC who underwent MRI before nephrectomy during July 2003-December 2019. Three radiologists reviewed MRI findings of tumor size, non-enhancing areas, lymphadenopathy, and volume (and percentage) of T2 low signal intensity areas (T2LIA).

Validation of Linear Range HER2/Estrogen Receptor/Progesterone Receptor IHControls for Daily Quality Assurance.

Objectives: To evaluate a new US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared immunohistochemistry (IHC) control (IHControls [Boston Cell Standards]) comprising peptide epitopes for HER2, estrogen receptor (ER), and progesterone receptor (PR) attached to cell-sized microspheres and to compare its performance against conventional tissue controls.

Methods: IHControls and tissue/cell line controls for HER2, ER, and PR were compared side by side daily at 5 clinical IHC laboratories for 1 to 2 months. Separately, the sensitivity of the 2 types of controls was evaluated in simulated IHC assay failure experiments by diluting the primary antibody.

Different risk factors distinguish myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome from severe fatigue.

Fatigue is a common reason that patients seek medical care. Only a fraction of these patients meet criteria for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). To determine if ME/CFS is just a more extreme form of fatigue, or a qualitatively different condition, we assessed whether risk factors for ME/CFS and for Severe Fatigue were similar.

Optimizing molecular testing of lung cancer needle biopsy specimens: potential solutions from an interdisciplinary qualitative study.

Background: Molecular testing can detect actionable genomic alterations and tumor cell surface proteins in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, utilization remains suboptimal, representing missed treatment opportunities. This study aimed to identify challenges and potential solutions to obtaining percutaneous lung needle biopsy specimens for successful molecular testing in patients with advanced NSCLC.

Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of deferoxamine-based nanochelator in rats.

To characterize the pharmacokinetics of deferoxamine-conjugated nanoparticles (DFO-NPs), a novel nanochelator for removing excess iron. The pharmacokinetics of DFO-NPs were evaluated in Sprague-Dawley rats at three doses (3.3, 10 and 30 μmol/kg) after intravenous and subcutaneous administration.

Marginalized youth participation in a civic engagement and leadership program: Photovoice and focus group empowerment activity.

To evaluate marginalized youth participation in a civic engagement and leadership program accompanied by a photovoice activity. This study employed an exploratory qualitative method through semistructured focus group discussions among 11 participating teens, as well as 63 photographs from the photovoice activity and their accompanied narratives. The data was coded, and themes related to teens concerns and workshop impact were summarized.

Parental experience of hypoglossal nerve stimulator implantation in adolescents with Down Syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the experience of parents in deciding whether to participate in a clinical trial of the insertion of the Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator (HNS) to treat their adolescent with Down Syndrome (DS) and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

Design And Methods: A qualitative descriptive design with interviews was used to gather parental experiences from those who consented to HNS for their adolescent with DS and OSA. Interviews were conducted, audiotaped, and transcribed.

Dual Antiviral Therapy for Persistent Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Associated Organizing Pneumonia in an Immunocompromised Host.

The management of patients with prolonged viral shedding and coronavirus disease 2019 symptoms remains unclear. Combining antivirals, as practiced in other infections, is theoretically advantageous. We present a case of persistent, symptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection and associated organizing pneumonia that was successfully treated with an extended course of combination antiviral therapy.

Association of Antibodies to Prevotella copri in Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide-Positive Individuals At Risk of Developing Rheumatoid Arthritis and in Patients With Early or Established Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Objective: Prevotella copri (P copri), a gut commensal, has been reported to be an immune-relevant organism in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study sought to evaluate anti-P copri (anti-Pc) antibody responses in our participant cohorts and to determine when in the natural history of RA such responses develop.

Methods: We analyzed serum levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgG antibodies from a 27-kd protein of P copri (anti-Pc-p27), an immunogenic P copri protein, in study participants at risk of developing RA, participants who transitioned to RA, participants with early RA (<1 year of disease), and participants with established RA, with comparisons made to their matched controls.

Stakeholder and Equity Data-Driven Implementation: a Mixed Methods Pilot Feasibility Study.

We conducted a mixed methods pilot feasibility study of a Stakeholder and Equity Data-Driven Implementation (SEDDI) process to facilitate using healthcare data to identify patient groups experiencing gaps in the use of evidence-based interventions (EBIs) and rapidly adapt EBIs to achieve greater access and equitable outcomes. We evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of SEDDI in a pilot hybrid type 2 effectiveness-implementation trial of a paired colorectal cancer (CRC) and social needs screening intervention at four federally qualified community health centers (CHCs). An external facilitator partnered with CHC teams to support initial implementation, followed by the SEDDI phase focused on advancing health equity.

Thirty-day readmission in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: Insights from the nationwide readmission database.

Background: There are rising numbers of patients who have heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Poorly understood pathophysiology of heart failure with preserved and reduced ejection fraction and due to a sparsity of studies, the management of HFpEF is challenging.

Aim: To determine the hospital readmission rate within 30 d of acute or acute on chronic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and its effect on mortality and burden on health care in the United States.

Unsealed Source: Scope of Practice for Radiopharmaceuticals Among United States Radiation Oncologists.

Purpose: Our purpose was to determine the utilization of and barriers to implementation of radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) among U.S. radiation oncologists.

Electrochemiluminescence in paired signal electrode (ECLipse) enables modular and scalable biosensing.

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) has an inherently low background and enables precise chemical reactions through electrical control. Here, we report an advanced ECL system, termed ECLipse (ECL in paired signal electrode). We physically separated ECL generation from target detection: These two processes were carried out in isolated chambers and coupled through an electrode.

Role of streptococcal infection in the etiopathogenesis of pityriasis lichenoides chronica and the therapeutic efficacy of azithromycin: a randomized controlled trial.

The exact aetiology of pityriasis lichenoides chronica (PLC) remains unknown. While phototherapy is the most investigated therapeutic modality, azithromycin has been used scarcely. The aim of this study is to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of azithromycin in the treatment of PLC compared to NB-UVB and evaluating the presence of streptococcal infection as a possible etiological factor in PLC patients.

Tackling recalcitrant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in critical illness via anti-virulence monotherapy.

Intestinal barrier derangement allows intestinal bacteria and their products to translocate to the systemic circulation. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) superimposed infection in critically ill patients increases gut permeability and leads to gut-driven sepsis. PA infections are challenging due to multi-drug resistance (MDR), biofilms, and/or antibiotic tolerance.

Design and Validation of a Handheld Optical Polarization Imager for Preoperative Delineation of Basal Cell Carcinoma.

Background: Accurate removal of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is challenging due to the subtle contrast between cancerous and normal skin. A method aiding with preoperative delineation of BCC margins would be valuable. The aim of this study was to implement and clinically validate a novel handheld optical polarization imaging (OPI) device for rapid, noninvasive, in vivo assessment of skin cancer margins.

Synergistic effect of self-efficacy and social support on regular participation in leisure-time physical activity among nursing staff.

Aims: This exploratory study, using mixed methods research, aimed to (1) examine the associations among self-efficacy, social support and regular leisure-time physical activity of nursing staff, and (2) identify motivators and barriers to leisure-time physical activity.

Background: It is important to engage nursing staff in regular leisure-time physical activity as a countermeasure against high occupational stress and poor health. Limited research has examined nursing staff's participation in leisure-time physical activity and associated factors.

Short- and Long-Term Risk of Lead Dislodgement Events: Real-World Experience From Product Surveillance Registry.

Background: Lead dislodgement (LD) has been one of the most common early complications after cardiovascular implantable electronic device implant. However, limited data are available on the clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes of LD events. The aim of this study was to examine the risk factors, clinical significance, and management strategies of LD events after cardiovascular implantable electronic device implant.