Multimodal integration of blood RNA and ctDNA reflects response to immunotherapy in metastatic urothelial cancer.

Background: Previously, we demonstrated that changes in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) are promising biomarkers for early response prediction (ERP) to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC). In this study, we investigated the value of whole blood immunotranscriptomics for ERP-ICI and integrated both biomarkers into a multimodal model to boost accuracy.

Methods: Blood samples of 93 patients were collected at baseline and after 2-6 weeks of ICI for ctDNA (N=88) and immunotranscriptome (N=79) analyses.

recovered from hospital patients, livestock and dogs in Nigeria share near-identical genome sequences.

Genomic data on from the African continent are currently lacking, resulting in the region being under-represented in global analyses of infection (CDI) epidemiology. For the first time in Nigeria, we utilized whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic tools to compare isolates from diarrhoeic human patients (=142), livestock (=38), poultry manure (=5) and dogs (=9) in the same geographic area (Makurdi, north-central Nigeria) and relate them to the global population. In addition, selected isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility (=33) and characterized by PCR ribotyping (=53).

Studying gender in the experiences of patients with heart failure: A scoping review of qualitative studies and methodological recommendations.

Background: Considering how gendered experiences play a role in the lives of patients with heart failure (HF) is critical in order to understand their experiences, optimise clinical care and reduce health inequalities.

Objectives: The aim of our study was to review how gender is being studied in qualitative research in HF, specifically to (1) analyse how gender is conceptualised and applied in qualitative HF research; and (2) identify methodological opportunities to better understand the gendered experiences of patients with HF.

Eligibility Criteria: We conducted a systematic search of literature, including qualitive or mixed-methods articles focussing on patients' perspectives in HF and using gender as a primary analytical factor, excluding articles published before 2000.

Ring Augmentation of the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis of 5-Year Follow-Up Results.

Background: The ring-augmented Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (raRYGB) has been reported to result in higher long-term weight loss compared to regular Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). However, the type of ring used varied within studies, leading to heterogeneity in reported results. Therefore, this study compares the 5-year results of RYGB with and without ring augmentation using a specific prefabricated gastric ring.

Experiences of Disclosure, Resilience and Viral Suppression among People Living with HIV in Ghana.

Support for people living with HIV (PLHIV) as they disclose their HIV status can impact continuity of HIV treatment and adherence to antiretrovirals. In the presence of multi-level adversities, resilience among PLHIV can promote health-seeking behaviors and better health outcomes. However, few studies have examined how disclosure experience and resilience work together to impact HIV treatment outcomes among PLHIV.

Measuring adaptive expertise and adaptive performance in (becoming) healthcare professionals: a scoping review of measurement instruments.

Professional work in healthcare is increasingly disruptive, requiring professionals to be flexible and adaptable. Research on adaptive expertise and adaptive performance in healthcare has grown, and operationalisation and measurement of these concepts are crucial to meet professionals' evolving needs. This study provides an overview of measurement instruments for adaptive expertise and adaptive performance in (becoming) healthcare professionals, including an evaluation of their operationalisations and the amount of evidence supporting their quality.

Revision of the genus Canalirogas van Achterberg & Chen (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from India with description of four new species and a key to the Indian species.

The Indian species of the genus Canalirogas van Achterberg & Chen, 1996 are revised. Four new species, Canalirogas multinigratus Gupta & van Achterberg sp. nov.

Artificial intelligence for segmentation and classification in lumbar spinal stenosis: an overview of current methods.

Purpose: Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a frequently occurring condition defined by narrowing of the spinal or nerve root canal due to degenerative changes. Physicians use MRI scans to determine the severity of stenosis, occasionally complementing it with X-ray or CT scans during the diagnostic work-up. However, manual grading of stenosis is time-consuming and induces inter-reader variability as a standardized grading system is lacking.

Diet, lifestyle and telomere length: using Copula Graphical Models on NHANES data.

Telomere length has been related to human health and ageing in multiple studies. However, these studies have analyzed a small set of variables, according to pre-formulated hypotheses. We used data from NHANES 1999-2002 to perform a preregistered cross-sectional analysis.

Validation of a Pretransplant Risk Prediction Model for Early Allograft Dysfunction After Living-donor Liver Transplantation.

Background: Early allograft dysfunction (EAD) affects outcomes in liver transplantation (LT). Existing risk models developed for deceased-donor LT depend on posttransplant factors and fall short in living-donor LT (LDLT), where pretransplant evaluations are crucial for preventing EAD and justifying the donor's risks.

Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data from 2944 adult patients who underwent LDLT at 17 centers between 2016 and 2020.

Exploring the Impact of the Multimodal CAPABLE eHealth Intervention on Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Melanoma Undergoing Immune-Checkpoint Inhibition: Prospective Pilot Study.

Background: Patients with melanoma receiving immunotherapy with immune-checkpoint inhibitors often experience immune-related adverse events, cancer-related fatigue, and emotional distress, affecting health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and clinical outcome to immunotherapy. eHealth tools can aid patients with cancer in addressing issues, such as adverse events and psychosocial well-being, from various perspectives.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the effect of the Cancer Patients Better Life Experience (CAPABLE) system, accessed through a mobile app, on HRQoL compared with a matched historical control group receiving standard care.

Web-Based Exercise and Nutrition Intervention to Improve Leg Muscle Strength and Physical Functioning in Older Adults: Pre-Post Pilot Study.

Background: The lifestyle intervention ProMuscle, which combines resistance exercise and an increased protein intake, was effective in improving muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical functioning in older adults. However, due to a growing shortage of health care professionals, the rapidly growing aging population cannot be personally guided in the future. Therefore, Uni2Move, a scalable web-based variant of ProMuscle, was designed to reach larger groups of older adults without putting additional burden on health care professionals.

Longitudinal study on 3D ultrasound-based rupture risk assessment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

Aims: Image-based, patient-specific rupture risk analysis of AAAs is promising but it is limited by invasive and costly imaging modalities. Ultrasound (US) offers a safe, more affordable alternative, allowing multiple assessments during follow-up and enabling longitudinal studies on AAA rupture risk.

Methods And Results: This study used time-resolved three-dimensional US to assess AAA rupture risk parameters over time, based on vessel and intraluminal thrombus (ILT) geometry.

Effectiveness of clindamycin-based exposure strategies in experimental mature staphylococcal biofilms.

Unlabelled: Due to increasing antimicrobial resistance and side effects caused by current standard antimicrobial regimens used for treatment of prosthetic joint infection (PJI), alternative options are urgently needed. We aimed to investigate the effect of clindamycin in different exposure strategies against in an mature biofilm model. In short, 7-day biofilms were generated on polystyrene plates and titanium-aluminum-vanadium discs using a clinical PJI isolate.

Multimodal Artificial Intelligence Model for Prediction of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Shrinkage After Endovascular Repair ( the ART in EVAR study).

Purpose: The goal of the study described in this protocol is to build a multimodal artificial intelligence (AI) model to predict abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) shrinkage 1 year after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).

Methods: In this retrospective observational multicenter study, approximately 1000 patients will be enrolled from hospital records of 5 experienced vascular centers. Patients will be included if they underwent elective EVAR for infrarenal AAA with initial assisted technical success and had imaging available of the same modality preoperatively and at 1-year follow-up (CTA-CTA or US-US).

High immunoproteasome and low constitutive proteasome subunit levels correlate with sensitivity to bortezomib-containing chemotherapy: update from the Children's Oncology Group AALL1231 trial.

Not available.

Prevalence and Incidence of Oral Benzodiazepine Use in Hospitalized Surgical Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of intrahospital oral benzodiazepine use in the surgical population of a tertiary care centre.

Summary Of Background Data: Oral benzodiazepines used for treating sleep disturbances and anxiety are widely used in the general population. Information regarding benzodiazepine use during hospitalization is scarce.

Retina-on-chip: engineering functional models of the human retina using organ-on-chip technology.

The retina is a complex and highly metabolic tissue in the back of the eye essential for human vision. Retinal diseases can lead to loss of vision in early and late stages of life, significantly affecting patients' quality of life. Due to its accessibility for surgical interventions and its isolated nature, the retina is an attractive target for novel genetic therapies and stem cell-based regenerative medicine.

Young TPI: empowering animal-free science among the next- generation of scientists.

Strategies emphasizing animal-free innovation are imperative for the contemporary and future scientific research. They not only address important ethical concerns, but also should directly improve research accuracy and reliability through redirecting scientific inquiry toward more reliable and translatable methodologies. Promotion and encouragement for use of animal-free innovations among the next-generation of scientists, alongside knowledge acquisition and training in the increased capabilities of novel technologies, are fundamental for advancing science and the welfare of animals used for scientific purposes.

A scoping review and expert consensus on digital determinants of health.

Objective: To map how social, commercial, political and digital determinants of health have changed or emerged during the recent digital transformation of society and to identify priority areas for policy action.

Methods: We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science on 24 September 2023, to identify eligible reviews published in 2018 and later. To ensure we included the most recent literature, we supplemented our review with non-systematic searches in PubMed® and Google Scholar, along with records identified by subject matter experts.

Measuring adjustment of siblings of children with disabilities: psychometric properties across translations, age groups and informants.

Objectives: The Negative Adjustment Scale (NAS) is used to measure adjustment to having a sibling with a disability. However, several adaptations to the scale have been made, and implementation varies across studies and countries. This study examined the psychometric properties across different versions and provides directions for future use and development of the NAS.

Ultrasound B-Scan for Posterior Segment and Extraocular Evaluation in Ocular Cysticercosis.

Purpose: Cysticercosis, caused by Taenia solium larvae, can affect various ocular and extraocular structures, leading to significant morbidity. Ultrasound B-scan imaging plays a pivotal role in diagnosing and classifying cysticercosis lesions. The aim of the study was to describe the ultrasound B-scan characteristics of ocular and extraocular cysticercosis, proposing a classification system based on anatomical localization to enhance understanding and management.

Value contribution of leniolisib in the Treatment of Activated PI3Kδ syndrome (APDS) in Spain using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA).

Background: Activated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) δ Syndrome (APDS) is an ultra-rare, potentially life-threatening disease that lacks approved treatments in Spain. This study aimed to apply Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) to assess the value of the first pharmacological treatment for APDS in Spain.

Methods: A multidisciplinary group of 8 experts evaluated the selective PI3Kδ inhibitor leniolisib against Standard of Care (SoC).

Protocol of the Nutritional, Psychosocial, and Environmental Determinants of Neurodevelopment and Child Mental Health (COINCIDE) study.

Background: Over 250 million children are developing sub-optimally due to their exposure to early life adversities. While previous studies have examined the effects of nutritional status, psychosocial adversities, and environmental pollutants on children's outcomes, little is known about their interaction and cumulative effects.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the independent, interaction, and cumulative effects of nutritional, psychosocial, and environmental factors on children's cognitive development and mental health in urban and rural India.

Evaluating plasma biomarkers NfL, GFAP, GDF15, and FGF21 as indicators of disease severity in Charcot-Marie Tooth patients.

Background: Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a slowly advancing hereditary nerve disorder, presents a significant challenge in the medical field. Effective drugs for treatment are lacking, and we struggle to find sensitive markers to track the disease's severity and progression. In this study, our objective was to investigate the levels of neurofilament light chain (NfL), glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) in individuals with CMT and to compare them to a control group.