Lung cancer screening program quality indicators - review & recommendations - An International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer Delphi process study.

Introduction: Lung cancer screening (LCS) using low-dose-computed tomography reduces lung cancer mortality in high-risk individuals. Evaluating and monitoring LCS programs are important to ensure and improve quality, efficiency and participant outcomes. There is no agreement on LCS quality indicators (QIs).

The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer Staging Project: The Database and Proposal for the Revision of the Staging of Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Carcinoma in the Forthcoming Ninth Edition of the TNM Classification for Lung Cancer.

Introduction: Pulmonary high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) includes small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC). The seventh and eighth editions of the TNM classification for lung cancer confirmed the applicability of this staging system for SCLC. With the proposal of N2 and M1c subcategories for the ninth edition classification, we assessed the applicability to NECs.

Efficient Discovery of Robust Prognostic Biomarkers and Signatures in Solid Tumors.

Recent advancements in multi-omics and big-data technologies have facilitated the discovery of numerous cancer prognostic biomarkers and gene signatures. However, their clinical application remains limited due to poor reproducibility and insufficient independent validation. Despite the availability of high-quality datasets, achieving reliable biomarker identification across multiple cohorts continues to be a significant challenge.

Global impact of 10- and 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines on pneumococcal meningitis in all ages: the PSERENADE project.

Background: Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) introduced in childhood national immunization programs lowered vaccine-type invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), but replacement with non-vaccine-types persisted throughout the PCV10/13 follow-up period. We assessed PCV10/13 impact on pneumococcal meningitis incidence globally.

Methods: The number of cases with serotyped pneumococci detected in cerebrospinal fluid and population denominators were obtained from surveillance sites globally.

Update in Clinical Science: Autoimmune Hepatitis.

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an enigmatic, relatively rare disease with a variable spectrum of presentation whose pathogenesis, diagnosis and management remain a major challenge. Methods. We have performed a review incorporating recent developments in basic science, epidemiology, clinical science, therapeutics, regulatory science and evaluated the challenges associated with the application of translational research and clinical trial design to a condition that is a chameleon in nature, where outcomes range from relatively benign disease through cirrhosis and acute liver failure.

Cytoplasmic expression of trans-active response DNA-binding protein-43 in aged mice display hippocampal sclerosis-like degeneration and neuronal loss with reduced lifespan.

Trans-active response DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43) is the major pathological protein in motor neuron disease and TDP-43 pathology has been described in the brains of up to 50% of patients with Alzheimer disease (AD). Hippocampal sclerosis of aging (HS-A), an age-related neuropathology characterized by severe neuronal loss and gliosis in CA1 and/or subiculum, is found in ∼80% of cases that are positive for phosphorylated TDP-43. HS-A is seen as a co-pathology in cases with AD, limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy neuropathologic changes (LATE-NC), and frontotemporal degeneration.

Using Laboratory Test Results for Surveillance During a New Outbreak of Acute Hepatitis in 3-Week- to 5-Year-Old Children in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Curaçao: Observational Cohort Study.

Background: In March 2022, a concerning rise in cases of unexplained pediatric hepatitis was reported in multiple countries. Cases were defined as acute hepatitis with serum transaminases >500 U/L (aspartate transaminase [AST] or alanine transaminase [ALT]) in children aged 16 years or younger. We explored a simple federated data analytics method to search for evidence of unreported cases using routinely held data.

The association of loneliness and social isolation with multimorbidity over 14 years in older adults in England: A population-based cohort study.

Background: Previous longitudinal studies have linked multimorbidity to loneliness (feeling alienated) and social isolation (having reduced social contact). However, the nature of these associations over time is unclear.

Objective: To examine bidirectional associations of multimorbidity with loneliness and social isolation over a 14-year follow-up in a nationally representative cohort of adults aged ≥ 50 years.

Exploring Bangladeshi English as a foreign language learners' mindfulness and engagement in the online learning context.

This empirical study investigates the relationship between mindfulness and online engagement among Bangladeshi English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners during the Covid-19 pandemic. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative data from the Langer Mindfulness Scale (LMS) and the Online Student Engagement Scale (OSES) with qualitative data from open-ended responses. A total of 215 university students participated in the study, providing insights into their mindfulness levels and engagement in online learning.

Dilemma: Utilizing the activation decision-construction-action theory to understand and predict children's hypothetical decisions to conceal cases of school bullying.

The Decision component of the Activation-Decision-Construction-Action theory (ADCAT) proposes that if people perceive the benefits of lying higher than the truth, they are more likely to lie. To expand on the existing ADCAT research, the current study investigated the cost-benefit appraisals of 115 children ages 7-to-14 when concealing information about school bullying. Further, the current study examined the impact of the type of bullying (verbal vs.

Beyond disability: A scientometric review of quality of life in developmental disabilities.

Quality of Life (QoL) is a crucial concept that pertains to an individual's perception of their position in life. In the context of developmental disabilities, QoL is pivotal for improving evidence-based practices, providing support and organizing services for individuals, thereby enabling them to achieve their potential with dignity and equality. Despite its importance, QoL has often not been the primary focus in many studies on developmental disabilities and remains less developed compared to other research areas.

A comparative life cycle analysis of Sol-Char and anaerobic digestion sanitation systems.

In this study, we compared the Sol-Char sanitation system with an Anaerobic Digestion (AD) system using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate their environmental impacts. Since both systems offer opportunities for human waste treatment and resource recovery, understanding their performance is crucial. This comparison aims to determine their environmental impacts while considering diverse factors, such as energy production and nutrient recovery.

Pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A systematic review.

Background: Long term glucocorticoid treatment in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is associated with a high incidence of fragility fractures. This systematic review aims to assess the current evidence for pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment for osteoporosis in children and adults with DMD.

Methods: Three online databases (Embase, Medline, Cochrane Library) were searched for studies that evaluated interventions for treatment or prevention of osteoporosis in DMD.

Radiation dose assessment and establishment of diagnostic reference levels for MDP Tc-99m bone scans: A multi-hospital study in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Bone scans using technetium-99m methylene diphosphonate (99mTc-MDP) are widely used in nuclear medicine for diagnosing various bone disorders. However, the radiation exposure associated with these procedures necessitates careful consideration and optimization.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate radiation doses in terms of Effective Dose (ED) and establish Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) for 99mTc-MDP bone scans in Saudi Arabia.

The feasibility of using machine learning to predict COVID-19 cases.

Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, emerged as a global health crisis in 2019, resulting in widespread morbidity and mortality. A persistent challenge during the pandemic has been the accuracy of reported epidemic data, particularly in underdeveloped regions with limited access to COVID-19 test kits and healthcare infrastructure. In the post-COVID era, this issue remains crucial.

Testing an Electronic Patient-Reported Outcome Platform in the Context of Traumatic Brain Injury: PRiORiTy Usability Study.

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant public health issue and a leading cause of death and disability globally. Advances in clinical care have improved survival rates, leading to a growing population living with long-term effects of TBI, which can impact physical, cognitive, and emotional health. These effects often require continuous management and individualized care.

ISCT MSC committee statement on the US FDA approval of allogenic bone-marrow mesenchymal stromal cells.

The December 2024 US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of Mesoblast's Ryoncil (remestemcel-L-rknd)-allogeneic bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC(M)) therapy-in pediatric acute steroid-refractory graft-versus-host-disease finally ended a long-lasting drought on approved MSC clinical products in the United States. While other jurisdictions-including Europe, Japan, India, and South Korea-have marketed autologous or allogeneic MSC products, the United States has lagged in its approval. The sponsor's significant efforts and investments, working closely with the FDA addressing concerns regarding clinical efficacy and consistent MSC potency through an iterative process that spanned several years, was rewarded with this landmark approval.

Relationship Between Pre- and Post-Orchidectomy Serum Dihydrotestosterone and Prostate Cancer Severity in a Cohort of Nigerian Patients.

Introduction: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the commonest urologic cancer worldwide and the leading cause of male cancer deaths in Nigeria. In Nigeria, orchidectomy remains the primary androgen deprivation therapy. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the active prostatic androgen, but its relationship with PCa severity has not been extensively studied in Africa.

Pharmacological blocking of microfibrillar-associated protein 4 reduces retinal neoangiogenesis and vascular leakage.

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema are leading causes of vision-loss evoked by retinal neovascularization and vascular leakage. The glycoprotein microfibrillar-associated protein 4 (MFAP4) is an integrin αβ ligand present in the extracellular matrix. Single-cell transcriptomics reveal MFAP4 expression in cell-types in close proximity to vascular endothelial cells including choroidal vascular mural cells and retinal astrocytes and Müller cells.

Blood-based epigenome-wide association study and prediction of alcohol consumption.

Alcohol consumption is an important risk factor for multiple diseases. It is typically assessed via self-report, which is open to measurement error through recall bias. Instead, molecular data such as blood-based DNA methylation (DNAm) could be used to derive a more objective measure of alcohol consumption by incorporating information from cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) sites known to be linked to the trait.

Association of life's essential 8 and inflammatory biomarkers with nutritional anemia in UK adults.

Several modifiable health factors in Life's Essential 8 (LE8) are linked to nutritional anemia and can assess overall cardiovascular health (CVH). This study explored the associations of CVH measured by LE8 score with nutritional anemia and iron deficiency anemia (IDA), including the mediating role of inflammatory biomarkers. This prospective cohort study included 181,069 participants from UK Biobank.

Longitudinal omics data and preclinical treatment suggest the proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib as therapy for ibrutinib-resistant CLL.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is a malignant lymphoproliferative disorder for which primary or acquired drug resistance represents a major challenge. To investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms, we generate a mouse model of ibrutinib resistance, in which, after initial treatment response, relapse under therapy occurrs with an aggressive outgrowth of malignant cells, resembling observations in patients. A comparative analysis of exome, transcriptome and proteome of sorted leukemic murine cells during treatment and after relapse suggests alterations in the proteasome activity as a driver of ibrutinib resistance.

Preoperative anxiety and depression are associated with poorer patient-reported outcomes following total ankle replacements.

Introduction: It is unclear how pre-operative anxiety/depression affects patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) following total ankle replacements (TAR). We investigated the effects of anxiety/depression on PROMs using the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) following TAR.

Methods: PROMs data for primary TAR patients between 2011 and 2022 were extracted from a single-centre regional registry.