Clinical Utility of Serial Circulating Tumor DNA Analysis as a Minimally Invasive Biomarker in Advanced Urothelial Cancer.

Purpose: Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis is an alternative to tissue biopsy for genotyping in various cancers. We aimed to establish a plasma ctDNA sequencing assay, then evaluate its clinical utility in advanced urothelial cancer (UC).

Materials And Methods: This study included 82 patients with muscle-invasive or metastatic UC.

Virtual Chest Radiographs Developed From Computed Tomography Images for Differentiating Central Venous Versus Misplaced Arterial Lines and for Training Radiologists.

Objective: Radiographic findings to identify central venous catheter misplacement in the arteries, which can cause lethal complications, have not been fully evaluated, and its training is difficult because it is rare. The purpose of this study is to clarify radiographic findings for differentiating central venous and misplaced arterial lines using virtual chest radiographs and elucidate their usefulness in training radiologists.

Methods: This retrospective study included 150 patients (mean age, 67 [SD, ±12] years; 97 men) who underwent colon cancer surgery between January 2018 and December 2020.

Deep Learning Reconstruction for Enhanced Resolution and Image Quality in Breath-Hold MRCP: A Preliminary Study.

Objective: This preliminary study aims to assess the image quality of enhanced-resolution deep learning reconstruction (ER-DLR) in magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and compare it with non-ER-DLR MRCP images.

Methods: Our retrospective study incorporated 34 patients diagnosed with biliary and pancreatic disorders. We obtained MRCP images using a single breath-hold MRCP on a 3T MRI system.

Usefulness of Dual-Energy CT for Differentiating Hemorrhage From Iodine Extravasation in Meningiomas After Preoperative Embolization.

Objective: Discriminating between hemorrhage and iodine extravasation can pose challenges in conventional computed tomography (CCT) images following preoperative embolization for meningioma. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in differentiating hemorrhage from iodine extravasation after preoperative embolization for meningioma.

Methods: Twenty-one consecutive meningioma patients who underwent CCT before and DECT immediately after preoperative embolization were included in this study.

Reconstruction Kernel Optimization for Ultra-High-Resolution Photon-Counting Detector Computed Tomography of the Lung.

Background: The latest generation of computed tomography (CT) systems based on photon-counting detector promises significant improvements in several clinical applications, including chest imaging.

Purpose: The aim of the study is to evaluate the image quality of ultra-high-resolution (UHR) photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) of the lung using four sharp reconstruction kernels.

Material And Methods: This retrospective study included 25 patients (11 women and 14 men; median age, 71 years) who underwent unenhanced chest CT from April to May 2023.

68Ga-Pentixafor PET in Combination With MRI Improves the Differential Diagnosis of Glioblastoma and Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma.

Purposes: This study aims to investigate the diagnostic performance of combining 68Ga-pentixafor PET with MRI to differentiate primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) from glioblastoma (GBM), particularly focusing on atypical lymphoma identification.

Patients And Methods: Seventy-one PCNSL and 53 GBM patients who underwent both 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT and MRI were retrospectively included. We evaluated the quantitative imaging parameters and MRI features of positive lesions, identifying atypical PCNSL by hemorrhage, necrosis, or heterogeneous enhancement.

Association between pre-stroke frailty and post-discharge destination in acute stroke among Chinese older adults.

Aims: To investigate the association between pre-stroke frailty and discharge destination in hospitalized older adults in China.

Methods: We conducted this prospective cohort study in a tertiary care hospital in China. We enrolled patients aged 60 years and older admitted to the hospital for acute stroke from January 2022 to May 2022.

Resveratrol amplifies the anti-tumor effect of α-PD-1 by altering the intestinal microbiome and PGD2 content.

The anti-PD-1 mAb may be further considered along with PGD2 or active molecules that can promote PGD2 synthesis to enhance the anti-tumor immune response.

Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential in Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

Background: Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is the presence of somatic mutations in myeloid and lymphoid malignancy genes in the blood cells of individuals without a hematologic malignancy. Inflammation is hypothesized to be a key mediator in the progression of CHIP to hematologic malignancy and patients with CHIP have a high prevalence of inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and characteristics of CHIP in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Artificial Intelligence Anxiety in Nursing Students: The Impact of Self-efficacy.

As in many other sectors, artificial intelligence has an impact on health. Artificial intelligence anxiety may occur because of a lack of knowledge about the effects of artificial intelligence, its outcomes, and how it will be used, as well as potential labor concerns. This study aims to determine the artificial intelligence anxiety levels of nursing students and examine whether there is a relationship with their self-efficacy levels.

Distinct and interdependent functions of three RING proteins regulate recombination during mammalian meiosis.

During meiosis, each pair of homologous chromosomes becomes connected by at least one crossover, as required for accurate segregation, and adjacent crossovers are widely separated thereby limiting total numbers. In coarsening models, this crossover patterning results from nascent recombination sites competing to accrue a limiting pro-crossover RING-domain protein (COR) that diffuses between synapsed chromosomes. Here, we delineate the localization dynamics of three mammalian CORs in the mouse and determine their interdependencies.

Effects of metformin on postprandial blood pressure, heart rate, gastric emptying, GLP-1 and the prevalence of postprandial hypotension in type 2 diabetes - a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study.

Individuals with type 2 diabetes are at high risk of postprandial falls in blood pressure (BP) (i.e., a reduction in systolic BP of ≥20mmHg, termed postprandial hypotension (PPH)), which increases the risk of falls and mortality.

Patient Factors Influence Minimal Clinically Important Difference for the SNOT-22 in Medically Treated Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

Background: The present study explores the effect of sociodemographics and comorbidities on the calculated minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) scores in patients with medically treated chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The importance of delineating a threshold to indicate clinically meaningful changes perceived by a patient is well acknowledged, yet the influence of patient-specific factors on MCID has not been fully elucidated.

Methods: Patients with CRS (n = 221) presenting to a tertiary care practice reported their change in disease burden with anchor questions following CRS-directed medical treatment.

Radiofrequency Microneedling in Treating Primary Hyperhidrosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Radiofrequency microneedling (RFM) is a potential treatment for primary hyperhidrosis. However, its efficacy is unclear, and treatment parameters and outcomes vary across studies.

Objective: To understand the effect of RFM on treating primary hyperhidrosis, as measured by changes in the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Score (HDSS) before and after treatment, and to clearly define treatment settings most likely to optimize results.

Impact of sinus surgery on nasal discharge in chronic rhinosinusitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Nasal discharge is one of the cardinal symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis, impacting over 50% of patients. For patients with symptoms refractory to standard medical therapy, endoscopic sinus surgery is an option. The objective of this study is to characterize how nasal discharge improves after surgery in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Patient-Reported Outcome Scale for Allergic Rhinitis (AR-PRO): Development and Validation in China.

Background: Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) have become indispensable measures in allergic rhinitis (AR) clinical trials. However, there is currently no scale specifically designed for the Chinese population. This study aimed to develop and validate the patient-reported outcome scale for allergic rhinitis (AR-PRO) to provide a reliable tool for AR patients in China.

Pretransplant Minimal Pleural and Peritoneal Effusion Is a Potential Poor Prognostic Indicator in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Background: Pleural effusion and ascites developing after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) are generally associated with inferior overall survival (OS); however, the prognostic value of pretransplant effusion on transplant outcomes remained unclear.

Methods: We retrospectively evaluated minimal pleural effusion and ascites detected by computed tomography in 248 consecutive adult patients who underwent their first allo-SCT from January 2007 to December 2022.

Results: Forty-eight patients demonstrated minimal pleural effusion or ascites within 100 days before transplantation (Effusion group) and the other 200 had no effusion (No effusion group).

Second Time Around: Increased Rate of Living Donation From Repeat Organ Donors.

Introduction: Some living organ donors will decide to donate again at a later date. Evidence has indicated that this practice may have increased in recent years. We evaluated the incidence and outcomes of this practice to inform counseling of potential repeat donors.

A Survey Study on the Current Veterinary Practice and Attitudes to Anaesthesia and Analgesia for Spay Surgery in the United Kingdom.

Background: In the United Kingdom, spay surgery is routinely performed in dogs and cats by general practitioners. Data from a decade ago showed that, despite an increased attentiveness of veterinarians to peri-operative pain compared to the past, analgesia could be further improved.

Objectives: To investigate the current veterinary practice and attitude towards anaesthesia and analgesia for spay surgery in the United Kingdom.

Radiation exposure in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Background And Aims: Radiological imaging is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). With increasing awareness of radiation risks, imaging doses should be 'as low as reasonably achievable', with a risk level that one should try to stay underneath 75 mSv. However, real-world data on cumulative exposure are limited.

Aging Oocytes: Exploring Apoptosis and Its Impact on Embryonic Development in Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio).

Ovulation, fertilization, and embryo development are orchestrated and synchronized processes essential for the optimal health of offspring. Post-ovulatory aging disrupts this synchronization and impairs oocyte quality. In addition, oocyte aging causes fertilization loss and poor embryo development.

Prevalence, intensity and risk factors of soil-transmitted helminthiasis after five effective rounds of preventive chemotherapy across three implementation units in Ondo State, Nigeria.

Background: Routine epidemiological data are essential for monitoring the effectiveness of preventive chemotherapy (PC), optimizing resource allocation, and addressing the evolving needs in the elimination of soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH). This study assesses the prevalence, intensity, and associated risk factors of STH following five rounds of albendazole-based PC in three implementation units (IUs) in Ondo State, Nigeria.

Methodology: Fresh stool samples were collected from 2,093 children aged 5-14 years across 45 systematically selected schools in three IUs: Ese-Odo, Irele, and Ile-Oluji.

Physicochemical characterization, bioactive compounds, and in vitro digestion characteristics of Moringa oleifera seed oil: a comprehensive investigation.

Background: Moringa oleifera is a wild plant belonging to the genus Moringa and the family Moringaceae, which possesses valuable nutritional and medicinal properties and is inexpensive. The present study aimed to provide a comprehensive assessment of the potential of M. oleifera seed oil (MoSO) as a food ingredient by investigating its physicochemical properties, bioactivity, and in vitro digestion characteristics.

Malian field isolates provide insight into Plasmodium malariae intra-erythrocytic development and invasion.

Plasmodium malariae is the third most prevalent human malaria parasite species and contributes significantly to morbidity. Nevertheless, our comprehension of this parasite's biology remains limited, primarily due to its frequent co-infections with other species and the lack of a continuous in vitro culture system. To effectively combat and eliminate this overlooked parasite, it is imperative to acquire a better understanding of this species.

The synergistic effects of microcredit access and agricultural technology adoption on maize farmer's income in Kenya.

Addressing global food security demands urgent improvement in agricultural productivity, particularly in developing economies where market imperfections are perverse and resource constraints prevail. While microcredit is widely acknowledged as a tool for economic empowerment, its role in facilitating agricultural technology adoption and improving agricultural incomes remains underexplored. This study examines the synergistic effects of microcredit access and agricultural technology adoption on the incomes of maize farmers in Kenya.