Improving osteoarticular characterization in magnetic resonance imaging: the role of simulated computed tomography sequences.

Increasing tissue contrast for bone assessment on magnetic resonance imaging has been the aim of several recent studies, and various techniques have been proposed for that purpose, including ultrashort echo time sequences, zero echo time sequences, and gradient echo sequences in various acquisition forms. In this article, we discuss the fast field echo resembling a computed tomography using restricted echo-spacing (FRACTURE) sequence, which we have started to use routinely in our practice. The FRACTURE sequences are based on the acquisition of gradient echo sequences with different echo times and specific postprocessing.

Computational Modeling for Circulating Cell-Free DNA in Clinical Oncology.

Purpose: Liquid biopsy, specifically circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA), has emerged as a powerful tool for cancer early diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment monitoring over a wide range of cancer types. Computational modeling (CM) of cfDNA data is essential to harness its full potential for real-time, noninvasive insights into tumor biology, enhancing clinical decision making.

Design: This work reviews CM-cfDNA methods applied to clinical oncology, emphasizing both machine learning (ML) techniques and mechanistic approaches.

Assessment of radiological capacity and disparities in TB diagnosis: a comparative study of Mozambique, South Africa and Spain.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in children, where diagnosis is challenging. Radiological resources such as chest X-rays and CT scans play a crucial role in early screening and diagnosis, especially in the absence of microbiological confirmation of disease. However, radiological capacity and access vary widely across regions and countries.

Gallbladder cancer and dysplasia in cholecystectomy specimens: A large study in high-incidence regions of South America.

Background And Aims: Gallstone disease has been causally linked to gallbladder cancer (GBC) via the carcinogenesis model of gallstones and inflammation leading to gallbladder dysplasia then GBC". Efficient GBC prevention through cholecystectomy requires accurate prediction of individual GBC risk, especially in low- and middle-income regions, where studies tend to be small and of low quality, and where financial and surgical capacity are limited.

Methods: In a collaborative study from high GBC incidence regions of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Peru, we collected and validated clinical information from 10,561 patients with gallstone disease who underwent cholecystectomy.

Microbial dynamics of acute pancreatitis: integrating culture, sequencing, and bile impact on bacterial populations and gaseous metabolites.

Background: Our study examined the composition of the intestinal microflora in a hospitalized patient with AP symptoms treated several months earlier for diverticulitis. The therapeutic intervention necessitated Hartmann's procedure, culminating in colostomy creation.

Aims: Employing a thorough microbiological analysis we attempted to demonstrate whether the microflora isolated from the peripancreatic fluid exhibited a stronger correlation with the contents of the stoma or with the rectal swab.

Clinical Impact of Olaparib for Platinum-Sensitive Recurrent Ovarian Cancer.

: Olaparib, a poly ADP ribose polymerase inhibitor, has been effective in prolonging progression-free survival in platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer. The clinicopathological factors that predict a favorable prognosis remain unclear. Therefore, we retrospectively analyzed the prognostic effect of clinicopathological factors in the patients treated with olaparib for platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer.

Low phylloquinone intake deteriorates endothelial function in normolipidemic and dyslipidaemic mice.

While the plasma phylloquinone (PK) concentration is inversely correlated with cardiovascular risk, the involvement of PK in regulating endothelial function has not been directly investigated. Therefore, in this study we assessed the effects of short-term treatment with PK-deficient diets (5-10 weeks) on endothelial function in normolipidemic 14-week-old male C57BL/6JCmd mice and age-matched dyslipidaemic male E3L.CETP mice.

National eHealth strategies: a comparative study of nine OECD health systems.

Background: The development of effective eHealth strategies is critical to enhancing healthcare systems' efficiency and outcomes. However, there is limited comparative analysis of eHealth strategies across health systems, particularly in terms of their vision, objectives, implementation methods, and follow-up processes. This study compares the eHealth strategies of nine health systems, focusing on three key dimensions: vision and objectives, means to achieve objectives, and structures for follow-up.

IgA displays site- and subclass-specific glycoform differences despite equal glycoenzyme expression.

Background: Glycosylation is an important posttranslational modification of proteins and in most cases indispensable for proper protein function. Like most soluble proteins, IgA, the second most prevalent antibody in human serum, contains several N- and O-glycosylation sites. While for IgG the impact of Fc glycosylation on effector functions and inflammatory potential has been studied intensively, only little is known for IgA.

Does nutritional support prevent severe mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer treated with chemoradiotherapy? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: For patients with advanced head and neck cancer (HNC) chemoradiotherapy (CHRT) is the main treatment option. CHRT is a severe treatment with a high ratio of side effects which may be even more pronounced due to mucosities related malnutrition. Nutritional intervention like nutritional counseling (NC) and oral nutritional supplements (ONS) may prevent malnutrition.

Patient-Derived Organoid Models for NKT Cell-Based Cancer Immunotherapy.

Invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells are a unique subset of T cells that bridge innate and adaptive immunity, displaying potent anti-tumor properties through cytokine secretion, direct cytotoxicity, and recruitment of immune effector cells such as CD8 T cells and NK cells. Despite their therapeutic potential, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), characterized by regulatory T cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), limits iNKT cell efficacy. Patient-derived organoid (PDO) platforms provide an innovative model for dissecting these complex interactions and evaluating strategies to reinvigorate iNKT cell functionality within the TME.

A Non-Pharmacological Paradigm Captures the Complexity in the Mechanism of Action of Poliprotect Against Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Dyspepsia.

When the protective mechanisms of the gastroesophageal mucosa are overwhelmed by injurious factors, the structural and functional mucosal integrity is compromised, resulting in a wide spectrum of disorders. Poliprotect has recently been shown to be non-inferior to standard-dose omeprazole for the treatment of endoscopy-negative patients with heartburn and/or epigastric pain or burning. Here, we provide preclinical data describing the mechanism of action of the Poliprotect formulation, a 100% natural, biodegradable, and environmental friendly medical device according to EU 2017/745 and containing UVCB (unknown or variable composition, complex-reaction products, or biological materials) substances of botanical and mineral origin, according to the REACH and European Chemical Agency definitions.

Understanding microRNA-Mediated Chemoresistance in Colorectal Cancer Treatment.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains the second most lethal cancer worldwide, with incidence rates expected to rise substantially by 2040. Although biomarker-driven therapies have improved treatment, responses to standard chemotherapeutics, such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), oxaliplatin, and irinotecan, vary considerably. This clinical heterogeneity emphasizes the urgent need for novel biomarkers that can guide therapeutic decisions and overcome chemoresistance.

Effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on sperm telomere length.

Purpose: The repercussions and outcomes of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has raised concerns about potential adverse effects on the male reproductive system. Telomeres are crucial in maintaining the integrity and stability of genomic DNA, and viral infections can induce changes in telomere biology. In this study, the repercussions of SARS-CoV-2 infection in male reproductive health were analyzed.

Sclerosing Odontogenic Carcinoma: A Unique Odontogenic Carcinoma with Metastatic Potential.

Background: The recent World Health Organization (WHO) classification of odontogenic tumours defines Sclerosing Odontogenic Carcinoma (SOC) as a rare primary intraosseous carcinoma (PIOC) of the jaws. With the exception of one case, there have been no cases of SOC with metastatic disease. We report a unique case of SOC with neck node metastases, further expanding the clinical, radiological and histological spectrum of this rare intriguing tumour.

Cancer burden across the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation in 2022.

Objective: The objective of this study is to present a cross-sectional analysis of cancer burden in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) region and explain unique characteristics of its cancer burden as compared with the rest of the world.

Methods And Analysis: Using publicly available data from the Global Cancer Observatory (GCO) and the World Bank, we collected cancer statistics and population statistics for Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka from 2017 to 2022.

Results: The number of newly diagnosed cases in the region was 1 846 963, representing 9.

Genomic profiling at a single center cracks the code in inborn errors of immunity.

Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) entail a diverse group of disorders resulting from hereditary or de novo mutations in single genes, leading to immune dysregulation. This study explores the clinical utility of next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques in diagnosing monogenic immune defects. Eight patients attending the immunodeficiency clinic and with unclassified antibody deficiency were included in the analysis.

Association of Circulating Basophil Count with Gastric Cancer Prognosis.

Purpose: Basophils play a crucial role in immunoglobulin E-mediated allergic reactions and parasitic infections. Recently, a low basophil count was reported to be a poor prognostic indicator in patients with malignant tumors. This study aimed to investigate the cut-off value to evaluate the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of the basophil count in patients with gastric cancer.

Impact of Early-Life Microbiota on Immune System Development and Allergic Disorders.

The shaping of the human intestinal microbiota starts during the intrauterine period and continues through the subsequent stages of extrauterine life. The microbiota plays a significant role in the predisposition and development of immune diseases, as well as various inflammatory processes. Importantly, the proper colonization of the fetal digestive system is influenced by maternal microbiota, the method of pregnancy completion and the further formation of the microbiota.

International Validation of a Novel PEACE Scale to Improve the Quality of Upper Gastrointestinal Mucosal Inspection During Endoscopy.

Introduction: The performance of a high quality esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is dependent on the mucosal cleanliness. Recently, the Polprep: Effective Assessment of Cleanliness in EGD (PEACE) scale was created to assess the degree of mucosal cleanliness during EGD. The aim of this study was to validate this scoring system in a cohort of international endoscopists.

Percutaneous cryoablation therapy for abdominal wall endometriosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: Abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE) consists of endometrial tissue between the peritoneum and the abdominal wall. The established treatment involves amenorrheic drugs-not always successful and tolerated-or invasive surgery. In this scenario, minimally invasive techniques such as cryoablation are a potential option.

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 11 (CLN11) presenting with early-onset cone-rod dystrophy and learning difficulties.

Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 11 (CLN11) is an ultra-rare subtype of adult-onset Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis. Its phenotype is variable and not fully known. A 21-year-old man was evaluated in our neurogenetic outpatient clinic for early onset complex phenotype, including learning difficulties, cerebellar ataxia, cone-rod dystrophy, epilepsy, and dystonia.

Strategic SWOT analysis of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital using Modified Delphi Technique: implications for strengthening national and regional health systems.

Background And Aim: The perennial underperformance of the Nigerian Health System necessitated enhanced advocacy for health to be placed at the centre of a renewed social contract and as a means of bolstering public trust. The hospital management of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) introduced initiatives to improve the hospital's operational environment and service performance in response to the population served. Following these changes, an Organizational Capacity Assessment (OCA) is critical to direct further development in the organization.

Inbreeding and Gallbladder Cancer Risk: Homozygosity Associations Adjusted for Indigenous American Ancestry, BMI, and Genetic Risk of Gallstone Disease.

Latin Americans have a rich genetic make-up that translates into heterogeneous fractions of the autosomal genome in runs of homozygosity (F) and heterogeneous types and proportions of indigenous American ancestry. While autozygosity has been linked to several human diseases, very little is known about the relationship between inbreeding, genetic ancestry, and cancer risk in Latin Americans. Chile has one of the highest incidences of gallbladder cancer (GBC) in the world, and we investigated the association between inbreeding, GBC, gallstone disease (GSD), and body mass index (BMI) in 4029 genetically admixed Chileans.