Survival outcomes for patients with invasive lobular cancer by MammaPrint: Results from the MINDACT phase III trial.

Background: Evaluation of the prognostic performance and clinical utility of the MammaPrint 70-gene signature in early-stage invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) for whom such analyses in a randomized trial is awaited.

Patients And Methods: Exploratory subgroup analysis of MINDACT trial patients with centrally assessed histology (n = 5929) with invasive breast cancer of no-special-type (NST), or pure ILC. In the trial patients were categorized based on the 70-gene signature for genomic risk and modified Adjuvant!Online for clinical risk.

Comparison of cadmium pathways in a high Cd accumulating cultivar versus a low Cd accumulating cultivar of Theobroma cacao L.

Understanding cadmium (Cd) pathways in cacao trees is critical for developing Cd mitigation strategies. This study investigates whether Cd uptake and translocation mechanisms differ between a low and a high Cd-accumulating cacao cultivar. We sampled three replicate trees of each cultivar, and a grafted cultivar that shared the same scion as the low Cd accumulator but had a different rootstock.

Stress and telomere length in leukocytes: Investigating the role of GABRA6 gene polymorphism and cortisol.

Telomere length (TL) is considered a biomarker of aging, and short TL in leukocytes is related to age and stress-related health problems. Cumulative lifetime stress exposure has also been associated with shorter TL and age-related health problems, but the mechanisms are not well understood. We tested in 108 individuals whether shorter TL in leukocytes is observed in individuals with the GABRA6 TT genotype, which has been associated with dysregulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity (the main biological stress system) compared to the CC genotype.

Chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder: conclusions from a Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Controversies Conference.

In 2017, Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) published a Clinical Practice Guideline Update for the Diagnosis, Evaluation, Prevention, and Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD). Since then, new lines of evidence have been published related to evaluating disordered mineral metabolism and bone quality and turnover, identifying and inhibiting vascular calcification, targeting vitamin D levels, and regulating parathyroid hormone. For an in-depth consideration of the new insights, in October 2023, KDIGO held a Controversies Conference on CKD-MBD: Progress and Knowledge Gaps Toward Personalizing Care.

Encorafenib, cetuximab and chemotherapy in BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer: a randomized phase 3 trial.

Encorafenib + cetuximab (EC) is approved for previously treated BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) based on the BEACON phase 3 study. Historically, first-line treatment of BRAF V600E-mutant mCRC with chemotherapy regimens has had limited efficacy. The phase 3 BREAKWATER study investigated EC+mFOLFOX6 versus standard of care (SOC) in patients with previously untreated BRAF V600E mCRC.

Osilodrostat improves blood pressure and glycemic control in patients with Cushing's disease: a pooled analysis of LINC 3 and LINC 4 studies.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of osilodrostat and hypercortisolism control on blood pressure (BP) and glycemic control in patients with Cushing's disease.

Methods: Pooled analysis of two Phase III osilodrostat studies (LINC 3 and LINC 4), both comprising a 48-week core phase and an optional open-label extension. Changes from baseline in systolic and diastolic BP (SBP and DBP), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA) were evaluated during osilodrostat treatment in patients with/without hypertension or diabetes at baseline.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis caused by FUS mutations: advances with broad implications.

Autosomal dominant mutations in the gene encoding the DNA and RNA binding protein FUS are a cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and about 0·3-0·9% of patients with ALS are FUS mutation carriers. FUS-mutation-associated ALS (FUS-ALS) is characterised by early onset and rapid progression, compared with other forms of ALS. However, different pathogenic mutations in FUS can result in markedly different age at symptom onset and rate of disease progression.

Unique considerations in the assessment and management of traumatic brain injury in older adults.

The age-specific incidence of traumatic brain injury in older adults is rising in high-income countries, mainly due to an increase in the incidence of falls. The severity of traumatic brain injury in older adults can be underestimated because of a delay in the development of mass effect and symptoms of intracranial haemorrhage. Management and rehabilitation in older adults must consider comorbidities and frailty, the treatment of pre-existing disorders, the reduced potential for recovery, the likelihood of cognitive decline, and the avoidance of future falls.

Spatially restricted and ontogenically distinct hepatic macrophages are required for tissue repair.

Our understanding of the functional heterogeneity of resident versus recruited macrophages in the diseased liver is limited. A population of recruited lipid-associated macrophages (LAMs) has been reported to populate the diseased liver alongside resident Kupffer cells (KCs). However, the precise roles of these distinct macrophage subsets remain elusive.

Measurement properties of the Trunk Impairment Scale-modified Norwegian version among people with mild to moderate multiple sclerosis.

Purpose: The Trunk Impairment Scale-modified Norwegian version (TIS-modNV) measures trunk control for clinical and research purposes. This study examined the validity and reliability of the TIS-modNV in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS).

Materials And Methods: Sixty-eight pwMS (mild to moderate) participated.

Alcohol, Tobacco and Illicit Drug Use During Pregnancy in the Longitudinal BELpREG Cohort in Belgium Between 2022 and 2024.

Substance use during pregnancy is associated with adverse outcomes for both mother and child. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use before and during pregnancy in Belgium. An observational study was conducted using data from the longitudinal BELpREG registry.

Autoimmune Type 1 Diabetes: An Early Approach Appraisal for Spain by the AGORA Diabetes Collaborative Group.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic beta-cells, leading to lifelong insulin dependence. This review explores the current understanding of T1D pathogenesis, clinical progression, and emerging therapeutic approaches. We examined the complex interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental factors that could trigger the autoimmune response as well as the immunological mechanisms involved in beta-cell destruction.

Synthesis and Advanced NMR Characterization of Ordered 3D Reticular Materials with PolySilicate Nodes and Hydrophobic OrganoSilicone Linkers.

This work describes the synthesis of ordered 3D siloxane-silsesquioxane reticular materials with silicate D4R cubes (SiO), harvested from a sacrificial tetrabutylammonium cyclosilicate hydrate (TBA-CySH) precursor, interlinked with octyl and dicyclopentyl (Cp) hydrocarbon functionalities in a one-step synthesis with organodichlorosilanes. Advanced solid-state NMR spectroscopy allowed us to unravel the molecular order of the nodes and their interconnection by the silicone linkers. In the case of octyl-methyl silicone linkers, changing the silane-to-silicate ratio in the synthesis allowed for tuning the length of the linker between the nodes.

Optimization of SARS-CoV-2 M Inhibitors by a Structure-Based Multilevel Virtual Screening Method.

With the aim of developing novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs to address the ongoing evolution and emergence of drug-resistant strains, the reported SARS-CoV-2 M inhibitor was selected as a lead to find novel, highly potent, and broad-spectrum inhibitors. Using a fragment-based multilevel virtual screening strategy, 15 hit compounds were identified and subsequently synthesized. Among them, (IC = 1.

Synthetic GPR84 Agonists in Colorectal Cancer: Effective in THP-1 Cells but Ineffective in BMDMs and MC38 Mouse Tumor Models.

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the colorectal cancer (CRC) microenvironment promote tumor progression but can be reprogrammed into a pro-inflammatory state with anti-cancer properties. Activation of the G protein-coupled receptor 84 (GPR84) is associated with pro-inflammatory macrophage polarization, making it a potential target for CRC therapy. This study evaluates the effects of the GPR84 agonists 6-OAU and ZQ-16 on macrophage activation and anti-cancer efficacy.

Enlightening Nursing Care: A Protocol for a Multicenter Observational Study Measuring Nursing Work in Hospital Settings.

: Rising costs and demands for improved quality of care present complex challenges for existing healthcare systems. The strain on healthcare resources is exacerbated by the increasing complexity of patient conditions. The Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) system classifies inpatients according to clinical and treatment criteria, controls healthcare expenditures, and ensures the sustainability of procedures.

Automated AI-based image analysis for quantification and prediction of interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis patients.

Background: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare connective tissue disease associated with rapidly evolving interstitial lung disease (ILD), driving its mortality. Specific imaging-based biomarkers associated with the evolution of lung disease are needed to help predict and quantify ILD.

Methods: We evaluated the potential of an automated ILD quantification system (icolung) from chest CT scans, to help in quantification and prediction of ILD progression in SSc-ILD.

EEG Responses to Upper Limb Pinprick Stimulation in Acute and Early Subacute Motor and Sensorimotor Stroke: A Proof of Concept.

Electroencephalogram (EEG) during pinprick stimulation has the potential to unveil neural mechanisms underlying sensorimotor impairments post-stroke. A proof-of-concept study explored event-related peak pinprick amplitude and oscillatory responses in healthy controls and in people with acute and subuacute motor and sensorimotor stroke, their relationship, and to what extent EEG somatosensory responses can predict sensorimotor impairment. In this study, 26 individuals participated, 10 people with an acute and early subacute sensorimotor stroke, 6 people with an acute and early subacute motor stroke, and 10 age-matched controls.

Letter to the editor regarding "a retrospective chart analysis with 5-year follow-up of early care for geriatric hip fracture patients: why we should continue talking about hip fractures".

Background: Timing of surgery remains a topic of debate for hip fracture treatment in the geriatric patient population. The quality indicator "early surgery" was implemented in 2014 at the Department of Trauma Surgery of the University Hospitals Leuven to enhance timely operative treatment. In this follow-up study, we aim to evaluate the performance of this quality indicator, the clinical outcomes, and room for improvement.

Unraveling complexity and leveraging opportunities in uncommon breast cancer subtypes.

Special histologic subtypes of breast cancer (BC) exhibit unique phenotypes and molecular profiles with diagnostic and therapeutic implications, often differing in behavior and clinical trajectory from common BC forms. Novel methodologies, such as artificial intelligence may improve classification. Genetic predisposition plays roles in a subset of cases.

The role of non-respiratory arousals in residual daytime sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea treated with positive airway pressure: An analysis of the European Sleep Apnea Database registry.

Study Objectives: To assess the impact of the non-respiratory arousal burden at baseline polysomnography (PSG) on residual daytime sleepiness in positive airway pressure (PAP)-treated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Methods: We included OSA patients from the European Sleep Apnea Database registry with available arousal data who had at least 2 treatment follow-up visits. The primary outcome was the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score under PAP.

Focal mandibular osteonecrosis following intraosseous anesthesia: A case report.

Introduction And Importance: Intraosseous anesthesia (IOA), an important technique in dental anesthesia, delivers anesthetic directly into the bone, enhancing patient comfort and minimizing side effects. Despite advantages, several disadvantages are known such as injection discomfort, root damage, mechanical obstructions and needle fractures. This report highlights a rare yet significant complication of focal mandibular osteonecrosis following IOA.

Synergizing bioprinting and 3D cell culture to enhance tissue formation in printed synthetic constructs.

Bioprinting is currently the most promising method to biofabricate complex tissues in vitro with the potential to transform the future of organ transplantation and drug discovery. Efforts to create such tissues are, however, almost exclusively based on animal-derived materials, like gelatin methacryloyl, which have demonstrated efficacy in bioprinting of complex tissues. While these materials are already used in clinical applications, uncertainty about their safety still remains due to their animal origin.

Young, female and scientist: exploring barriers, challenges and opportunities.

Different societal, systemic and personal barriers exist at various stages along a female researcher's career that can potentially undermine their success. The equation for women to reach higher positions in STEM is a multivariable one, and while there has been considerable progress towards addressing some of these compared with the past, current solutions are inadequate and do not address all facets. Here, we asked female winners of the FEBS Open Bio poster prize about their experiences regarding barriers they have faced at the predoctoral and postdoctoral stages, their opinions on how these can be addressed and their advice to new students entering a PhD degree.