Association of cardiovascular risks and carotid stiffening at ultrafast ultrasound imaging in young populations.

Objectives: To evaluate the predictive role of carotid stiffening, quantified using ultrafast pulse wave velocity (ufPWV), for assessing cardiovascular risk in young populations with no or elevated cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs).

Materials And Methods: This study enrolled 180 young, apparently healthy individuals who underwent ufPWV measurements. They were classified into three groups: the CVRF-free group (n = 60), comprising current non-smokers with untreated blood pressure < 140/90 mmHg, fasting blood glucose (FBG) < 7.

[Validation and clinical value of prognostic model for assessing the risk of severe acute pancreatitis based on inflammatory and hemostasis markers].

Objective: To validate and assess clinical efficacy of a prognostic model for predicting severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) based on inflammatory markers (IL-6, ΔIL-22), thromboelastography parameters (K-time) and the BISAP score.

Material And Methods: A prospective observational cohort study enrolled 181 patients with acute pancreatitis. Serum IL-6 and IL-22 were measured in 24 and 48 hours after clinical manifestation, respectively.

Incorporating Rare Disease Growth Monitoring Into Routine Practice to Improve Early Recognition and Diagnosis of Genetic Conditions.

Routine growth monitoring includes plotting children on World Health Organization or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention charts that have primarily been developed on typical, healthy populations. However, it is advisable to plot children with known genetic conditions on specialized growth curves (SGCs) when they are available. In this review, we highlight the most common genetic conditions for which SGCs are available, clinical reasons to use SGCs based on specific rare diseases, and how these SGCs can be found.

Are we screening effectively? A systematic review and meta-analysis of proposed risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease screening.

Objectives: To systematically review and meta-analyse the risk factors proposed by the American College of Rheumatology and American College of Chest Physicians as screening tools for rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD), focusing exclusively on studies using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in prospectively collected data from unselected RA patients.

Method: A comprehensive search was conducted to identify studies evaluating RA-ILD risk factors. Selection criteria included studies using HRCT in prospective, unselected RA cohorts.

Early Integration of Palliative Care Services in Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant Patients.

Patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant are at risk for significant morbidity and mortality throughout their treatment course. The aim of this evidence-based practice project was to determine if the use of a palliative care trigger tool impacted the number of palliative care consults and/or the early integration of palliative care services within the pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant patient population. A trigger tool was developed to identify patients at highest risk for stem cell transplant-associated morbidity and mortality.

Exosomal Proteome from Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patient-Derived Xenograft Mice Serves as Identity of Liver Cancer.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) constitutes approximately 90% of liver cancers, yet its early detection remains challenging due to the low sensitivity of current diagnostic methods and the difficulty in identifying minimal cancer cells within the body. This study employed a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse model to screen for biomarkers, leveraging its advantage of low background interference compared to human serum exosome studies. Using a novel microextraction technique, exosomes were isolated from just one microliter of serum from HCC PDX mice, followed by proteomic profiling.

Parity influences on the infant gut microbiome development: a longitudinal cohort study.

Parity, the number of pregnancies carried beyond 20 weeks, influences the maternal gut microbiome. However, whether parity modulates the infant microbiome longitudinally remains underexplored. To address this, 746 infants in a longitudinal cohort study were assessed.

Adherence of Anti-Dementia Medications in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia: A Nationwide Cohort Study in Korea.

Background: Readily available treatments for Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) include acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists. Non-adherence and early discontinuation of anti-dementia medications are prevalent issues. We aimed to investigate factors associated with suboptimal usage of anti-dementia medications in ADRD.

Allergy to : Comprehensive review from the origin to the therapeutic approach.

is an ubiquitous mold commonly found in both outdoor and indoor environments. It is a common airborne mold recognized as a significant aeroallergen linked to pediatric allergic rhinitis and asthma. Although sensitization rates in children vary regionally, evidence suggests that allergy significantly impacts pediatric respiratory health and as its exposure worsens, respiratory outcomes in susceptible pediatric populations .

Early experience with a prefabricated bioprosthetic aortic valved conduit: The first 100.

Objective: To evaluate the early postoperative morbidity, mortality, and prosthetic conduit function of patients who underwent aortic root replacement using a prefabricated bioprosthetic aortic valved conduit.

Methods: Single-center retrospective review of 124 consecutive adult patients who underwent aortic root replacement with a certified prefabricated bioprosthetic aortic valved conduit from 2021 to December 2023.

Results: Indications for operation were aortic aneurysms (n = 92), endocarditis (n = 12), deterioration of prior valve prosthesis (n = 13), and aortic dissection (n = 6).

A Web-Based Dynamic Nomogram for Early Diagnosis in Sepsis: Development and Validation with Real-World Clinical Utility.

Purpose: Sepsis has high mortality and progresses rapidly, requiring early diagnosis; traditional scoring and lab parameters are limited in non-ICU settings, highlighting the need for biomarker integration and continuous monitoring to enhance diagnostic accuracy.

Patients And Methods: A retrospective analysis of 1,098 patients at Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province identified sepsis and non-sepsis groups per Sepsis 3.0 criteria, Logistic regression analyses were used to identify the risk factors.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Arrhythmias in Patients with Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Cardiac arrhythmias are commonly seen in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), but their prevalence, risk factors, and prognostic significance are still not fully understood.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of arrhythmias in patients with AECOPD, identify related clinical factors, and assess their influence on in-hospital mortality.

Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and Cochrane Reviews was conducted to identify observational studies and randomized controlled trials.

Biomarkers for colorectal cancer detection: An insight into colorectal cancer and FDA-approved biomarkers.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) constitutes a significant global health challenge, accounting for a considerable proportion of cancer cases and associated mortality. Projections indicate a potential increase in new cases by 2040, attributed to demographic factors such as aging and population growth. Although advancements in the understanding of CRC pathophysiology have broadened treatment options, challenges such as drug resistance and adverse effects persist, highlighting the necessity for enhanced diagnostic methodologies.

A Novel Posterior Implant System for Sacroiliac Joint Fusion: Preliminary Cadaveric and Clinical Results.

Background Sacroiliac joint fusion is performed to stabilize and fuse the joint in patients with degenerative sacroiliitis and joint dysfunction. While several posterior techniques and implants exist as alternatives to lateral approaches, biomechanical and clinical performance data for these systems used as standalone remains limited. This article provides a preliminary cadaveric and clinical assessment of a novel posterior intra-articular sacroiliac fusion implant system.

Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis: A Case Report.

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a rare, potentially severe cutaneous adverse reaction characterized by the rapid onset of numerous small, sterile pustules on edematous erythema, commonly accompanied by systemic symptoms such as high-grade fever and neutrophilic leukocytosis. AGEP is most frequently triggered by medications, especially antibiotics, though infections and other exposures can also be causative. We report the case of a previously healthy 27-year-old male patient who developed a febrile pustular eruption with systemic involvement.

Early Diagnosis and Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental syndrome that impacts two main areas: social communication and restrictive or repetitive behaviors. Other symptoms and comorbidities may be manifested, according to the different clinical presentations and severity levels. ASD diagnosis can be performed by two years of age; however, certain diagnostic challenges may lead to a late diagnosis and significant intervention delay.

Full-Endoscopic Spinal Canal Decompression After Direct Midline Splitting of the Spinous Process: A Technical Note.

For lumbar spinal canal stenosis, endoscopic spine surgery typically employs a unilateral approach. While this approach has the advantage of early access to the lamina, it risks damage to the facet joint on the entry side. Additionally, decompression of the ipsilateral lateral recess can be challenging, sometimes resulting in inadequate decompression laterally, leading to incomplete symptom relief.

Integrating clinical anxiety scales with pre-trained language models for anxiety recognition on social media.

Leveraging natural language processing to identify anxiety states from social media has been widely studied. However, existing research lacks deep user-level semantic modeling and effective anxiety feature extraction. Additionally, the absence of clinical domain knowledge in current models limits their interpretability and medical relevance.

Japan's Perspective on Facilitating Drug Development Through Asian Cooperation in Multi-Regional Clinical Trials: Insights From Regulatory Research.

Multi-regional clinical trials (MRCTs) have recently become a popular strategy for novel drug development, contributing to the early access to novel medicines in participating regions by enhancing development efficiency. To further facilitate MRCTs in Asia, the Japanese government has financially supported research activities in Japan for over 15 years that have studied the effect of ethnic factors on drug responses and identified practical challenges in conducting MRCTs in Asia. This mini-review highlights these research outcomes and related articles and presents our perspective on the current situation and future direction of MRCTs to explore opportunities for more collaboration between Japan and other East Asian/South-East Asian countries to facilitate drug development.

Developmental outcomes of small infants at a high-risk clinic: A short-term longitudinal study.

Background:  Small infants face more developmental risks than their full-term peers, necessitating early intervention and long-term monitoring.

Objectives:  This study examined the longitudinal developmental and hearing outcomes of small infants attending a high-risk clinic in a South African low-income community setting.

Method:  A short-term longitudinal within-subject descriptive study design was employed, where 28 participants underwent hearing and developmental screenings and assessments at two follow-up appointments (T1 and T2), at 6- and 12-month corrected age.

Communicating Health Research With Plain Language.

Although critical to enacting change, effectively communicating clinical and public health research results remains a challenge. In a webinar that occurred on December 7, 2023, a group of clinical and public health researchers and communications specialists convened to share their experiences using plain language materials to communicate research results. Herein, they provide practical guidance and case examples of lay summaries, infographics, data dashboards, and zines, along with challenges and potential solutions.

Amivantamab Plus Chemotherapy in Japanese Patients With EGFR Exon 20 Insertions NSCLC.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 20 insertion mutations (EGFR Exon 20ins) are the third most common mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and are associated with a poorer prognosis and resistance to conventional EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors. This subpopulation analysis of the open-label phase 3 trial (PAPILLION) evaluates the efficacy and safety of amivantamab-chemotherapy versus chemotherapy among Japanese patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR Exon 20ins mutation (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04538664).

Clinical and genetic characterization of Weaver syndrome: A case report of an EZH2 mutation and review of the literature.

Rationale: Weaver syndrome is a rare congenital overgrowth disorder characterized by a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations that often overlap with other overgrowth syndromes. It is primarily caused by pathogenic variants in the Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2) gene on chromosome 7q36.1.

L-shaped association of systemic inflammation response index with rheumatoid arthritis in U.S. adults: Evidence from NHANES 1999 to 2020.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition characterized by widespread and persistent inflammation. In this study, we sought to investigate the association between the systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) and the likelihood of RA occurrence among individuals in the United States. This study conducted a retrospective analysis using data collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2020.