Impact of Social Media on Oncology Care.

This review examines the evolving role of social media (SM) in oncology, highlighting its impact on patient support, professional collaboration, and public health communication. SM platforms enable cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and oncology professionals to share information, seek support, connect with one another, and engage in education. However, the widespread use of SM introduces challenges, including misinformation and privacy concerns.

Functional Radiosurgery in the Management of Cancer Pain: A Comprehensive Review.

Functional radiosurgery is a minimally invasive and highly precise approach to managing refractory cancer pain, offering targeted interventions for both nociceptive and neuropathic pain mechanisms. By focusing on key neuroanatomical targets, such as the thalamus, cingulate cortex, pituitary gland, celiac plexus, and dorsal root ganglia, functional radiosurgery provides effective relief for complex pain syndromes that are often unresponsive to conventional therapies. Advances in imaging and treatment delivery have enhanced the safety and efficacy of these techniques, allowing clinicians to tailor interventions to individual patients.

FLASH Radiotherapy: From In Vivo Data to Clinical Translation.

Delivery of radiotherapy (RT) at ultra-high dose rates or FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH-RT) is an emerging treatment option for patients with cancer that could increase survival outcomes and quality of life. In vivo data across a multitude of normal tissues and associated tumors have been published demonstrating the FLASH effect while bringing attention to the need for additional research. Combination of FLASH-RT with other treatment options including spatially fractionated RT, immunotherapy, and usage in the setting of reirradiation could also provide additional benefit.

Development and Implementation of Digital Health Tools in Radiation Oncology: A Rapid Review.

A rapid review of 21 studies into 20 unique digital health tools found significant benefits to utilizing the following 4 categories of tools: (1) educational videos increased patient knowledge of radiotherapy (RT) and reduced treatment-related anxiety; (2) extended reality tools improved patient understanding of RT and reduced anxiety, with virtual reality coaching enhancing tumor motion reproducibility during CT simulation; (3) digital patient engagement tools helped patients manage treatment symptoms, increased health literacy, and improved quality of life; (4) an electronic feedback form decreased patient anxiety and increased RT knowledge. Most interventions were single-use and implemented before the start of RT.

Novel CO loaded nanoparticle ultrasound-activated contrast agent: A potential urinary catheter-free modality to detect vesicoureteral reflux.

Background: The current gold-standard for detecting vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is the voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG). However, VCUGs require ionizing radiation and bladder catheterization that can be challenging to perform and traumatic for pediatric patients and their parents.

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of a novel urinary catheter-free modality for diagnosing VUR using in vitro and ex vivo models.

Assessment and treatment considerations for patients with colorectal liver metastases: AHPBA consensus guideline and update for surgeons.

Background: Colorectal cancer most commonly metastasizes to the liver. While various treatment strategies have been developed, surgical management of these patients has vital implications on the prognosis and survival of this group of patients. There remains a need for a consensus guideline regarding the surgical evaluation and management of patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM).

Neratinib Efficacy in Patients With EGFR Exon 18-Mutant Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Findings From the SUMMIT Basket Trial.

Background: Activating mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene occur in 7% to 23% of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A small proportion of these (3-5%) are exon 18 mutations. Neratinib, an irreversible pan-HER tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), had activity in the phase II SUMMIT basket study.

Variation in lipoprotein(a) response to potent lipid lowering: The role of apolipoprotein (a) isoform size.

Background: Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a driver of residual cardiovascular risk. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) decrease Lp(a) with significant heterogeneity in response. We investigated contributors to the heterogeneous response.

Protocol of a decisional intervention for older adults with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia and their caregivers: UR-GOAL 3.

Introduction: Therapeutic advances have allowed more adults aged ≥60 years with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) to receive life-prolonging treatments, with improvement in overall survival. In contrast to other cancers, the onset of AML is often sudden, high-risk treatment decisions must be made quickly, and survival is often compromised due to aging-related conditions (e.g.

The Linda Kizazi study: a comparison of morbidity and mortality from birth to 2 years between children who are HIV-unexposed and HIV-exposed, uninfected in the era of universal antiretroviral therapy.

Background: Historically, children who are HIV-exposed, uninfected (CHEU) have been found to have greater morbidity and mortality than children who are HIV-unexposed, uninfected (CHUU). To assess whether this difference persists in the era of universal antiretroviral therapy (ART), we conducted a cohort study to compare the risk of acute diarrhoea, respiratory tract infections (RTI), malaria, hospitalisation, and all-cause mortality between Kenyan CHEU and CHUU from birth to 2 years.

Methods: From December 2018 to March 2020 at Mathare North Health Centre in Nairobi, we recruited pregnant women living with HIV on ART for ≥6 months and pregnant women without HIV from the same community.

Beyond COVID-19, the case for collecting, analysing and using sex-disaggregated data and gendered data to inform outbreak response: a scoping review.

Introduction: Understanding sex and gender differences during outbreaks is critical to delivering an effective response. Although recommendations and minimum requirements exist, the incorporation of sex-disaggregated data and gender analysis into outbreak analytics and response for informed decision-making remains infrequent. A scoping review was conducted to provide an overview of the extent of sex-disaggregated data and gender analysis in outbreak response within low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Acceptability and effectiveness of a study information video in improving the research consent process for youth: a non-inferiority trial.

Introduction: Obtaining informed consent for research includes the use of information sheets, which are often long and may be difficult for participants to understand. We conducted a trial to investigate whether consent procedures using a study information video coupled with electronic consent were non-inferior to standard consent procedures using participant information sheets (PIS) among youth aged 18-24 years in Zimbabwe.

Methods: The trial was nested within an endline population-based survey for a cluster-randomised trial from October 2021 to June 2022.

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and salt sensitivity of blood pressure offer new insights in obesity phenotypes.

Objective: Individuals who have metabolically healthy overweight/obesity (MHOO) do not have cardiometabolic complications despite an elevated BMI. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) activation and salt sensitivity of blood pressure (SSBP) are cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks, which are increased in individuals with higher BMI values. Little is known about the differences in RAAS activation and SSBP between MHOO and metabolically unhealthy overweight/obesity (MUOO) phenotypes.

Role of protein and lipid oxidation in hardening of high-protein bars during storage.

Protein bar hardening negatively impacts shelf life, quality, and consumer acceptance. Although oxidation is known to negatively affect the flavor and texture of foods, the specific roles of lipid and protein oxidation in bar hardening have not been thoroughly investigated. Furthermore, most research has concentrated on dairy proteins, with a notable lack of studies addressing the hardening of plant-based protein bars.

Investigating the effects of citric acid concentrations on acidification, rheological, and microbial properties of fermented soy protein isolate yogurts.

As consumer awareness grows regarding the environmental and health impacts of animal-based products, plant-based alternatives are gaining popularity in developed countries. Plant-based proteins, like soy protein isolate (SPI), are valued for their sustainability and ability to complement animal proteins. SPI is commonly used in plant-based yogurts due to its high-quality protein, strong gelling capacity, and support for lactic acid bacteria (LAB) growth.

Older adults and prepared meals: The influence of comfort, nostalgia, and texture preferences on acceptance.

This study's objective was to develop desirable, safe, and nutritious dairy-rich breakfasts and desserts for older adults while identifying the influence of comfort, nostalgia, and texture preferences. Participants (n = 81, mean age = 71 ± 7.3 years) evaluated two breakfast meals (meat-containing, vegetarian) and two desserts (chocolate, vanilla puddings) for acceptance; they also answered inquiries concerning texture preferences and reported their feelings of comfort and nostalgia experienced during evaluation.

Efficacy of sodium hypochlorite and peracetic acid in reducing cross-contamination during washing of baby spinach at different water quality levels.

We evaluated the antimicrobial performance of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and peracetic acid (PAA) during washing of baby spinach in water of varying levels of organic load, as measured by its chemical oxygen demand (COD). Escherichia coli TVS353 was spot inoculated onto one unwashed leaf. Sanitizers were added into water with preadjusted COD (300 or 2500 ppm) to achieve concentrations from 20 to 80 ppm.

Structure-functionality relationship and modification strategies of oat protein: Challenges and opportunities.

The increasing preference for plant-based proteins over animal-derived equivalents has intensified research into alternative protein sources, with oats emerging as a noteworthy specialty crop due to their rich array of functional and bioactive components. Despite the growing interest, research into oat proteins remains in its early stages, particularly in understanding the structure-function relationship and modification strategies within food systems. Designing novel food products using oat protein presents both opportunities and challenges; the compact quaternary structure and high thermal stability of oat globulin limit its functionality in diverse applications.

Diagnosing Huntington's disease on the medical ward.

An African American man in his early 40s with progressive gait impairment and chronic cognitive impairment initially presented to the emergency department after statements of self-harm and was hospitalised. Examination revealed notable neurological abnormalities including impaired memory recall, oral dyskinesia/choreiform movements, dystonia of the right upper extremity with drift, hyper-reflexia and spastic gait. On further evaluation, including neurology and genetics consultation and workup, a clinical diagnosis of the neurodegenerative disorder Huntington's disease (HD) was made.

Management of haemolysis-induced hyperkalaemia in an extremely low birthweight infant exposed to maternal sulfasalazine.

Sulfasalazine is a non-specific immunomodulator with haemolytic anaemia as a known side effect that crosses the placenta. We present a preterm neonate with cardiac arrhythmia secondary to hyperkalaemia in the setting of maternal sulfasalazine therapy. A preterm infant was born to a mother taking hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine, aspirin and enoxaparin throughout pregnancy.

Surgical management of umbilical endometrioma within an umbilical hernia.

A nulliparous woman in her 40s is referred to gynaecological oncology secondary to umbilical pain and bleeding with menses. Examination revealed a blood-filled cystic mass within an umbilical hernia consistent with umbilical endometrioma. The patient exhausted medical management options, then pursued surgical management via umbilectomy, excision of umbilical endometriosis, lysis of adhesions and umbilical hernia repair.

Perianal angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia mimicking Kaposi sarcoma in a patient living with HIV.

A woman in her 70s with well-controlled HIV on antiretroviral therapy presented with a several-month history of an asymptomatic perianal lesion. Skin examination showed a 0.5-1 cm red-pink, shiny, exophytic papule with visible telangiectasias near the anal verge.

Risk factors for emergency department visits and readmissions for postpartum hypertension.

Objective: Postpartum hypertension accounts for 15 to 20% of postpartum Emergency Department (ED) visits and readmissions in the United States. Postpartum readmission is a quality metric and target of quality improvement as it indicates poor control of hypertension and can portend increased morbidity. We aim to evaluate risk factors for postpartum ED visits and readmissions for hypertension.