Impact of Mechanical and Architectural Signals in the Tumor Microenvironment on Melanoma.

Compared to sun-exposed melanomas, acral melanomas are genetically diverse and occur in areas with low sun exposure and high mechanical loads. During metastatic growth, melanomas invade from the epidermis to the dermis layers through dense tumor stroma and are exposed to fibrillar collagen architectures and mechanical stresses. However, the role of these signals during acral melanoma pathogenesis is not well understood.

Oncologic Anthropology and the African Diaspora: Twenty-Year Anniversary Report, International Center for the Study of Breast Cancer Subtypes (ICSBCS).

The International Center for the Study of Breast Cancer Subtypes (ICSBCS) has played a vital role in defining and overcoming many inequities that exist in breast cancer treatment and outcome on a global basis through capacity-building programs that improve the management of breast cancer patients across the African diaspora. ICSBCS activities also fill critical gaps in disparities research related to the genetics of ancestry. Over the past 20 years, ICSBCS teams have spearheaded landmark studies documenting the relevance of genetic African ancestry to breast cancer risk, while also improving the quality of care delivered to patients in diverse communities.

Consortium profile: the methylation, imaging and NeuroDevelopment (MIND) consortium.

Epigenetic processes, such as DNA methylation, show potential as biological markers and mechanisms underlying gene-environment interplay in the prediction of mental health and other brain-based phenotypes. However, little is known about how peripheral epigenetic patterns relate to individual differences in the brain itself. An increasingly popular approach to address this is by combining epigenetic and neuroimaging data; yet, research in this area is almost entirely comprised of cross-sectional studies in adults.

Chronic kidney disease and incident cancer risk: an individual participant data meta-analysis.

Background: Studies examining the association of chronic kidney disease (CKD) with cancer risk have demonstrated conflicting results.

Methods: This was an individual participant data meta-analysis including 54 international cohorts contributing to the CKD Prognosis Consortium. Included cohorts had data on albuminuria [urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR)], estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), overall and site-specific cancer incidence, and established risk factors for cancer.

The efficacy of the remote monitoring system following transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become a cornerstone in the management of aortic valve disease. However, delayed complications after hospital discharge and readmission remain in an issue following TAVR. We aimed to evaluate the impact of remote monitoring systems on clinical outcomes after TAVR.

Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair for the management of secondary mitral regurgitation - CRT 2025 Beyond the Guidelines.

Secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) remains a prevalent and challenging complication in patients with heart failure (HF), associated with poor prognosis despite optimal guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) and cardiac resynchronization therapy. Current American and European guidelines recommend GDMT as first-line therapy, with transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) reserved for severe symptomatic SMR patients who remain refractory. However, both guidelines preceded the reporting of pivotal randomized controlled trials (RESHAPE-HF2, MATTERHORN, and EFFORT) and emerging evidence in new clinical scenarios.

Radiomic biomarkers associated with immune checkpoint blockade response for advanced renal cell carcinoma.

Purpose: Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has transformed outcomes for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) and has impacted the timing and use of cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN). As ICB responses vary, we evaluated whether radiographic and radiomic biomarkers were associated with clinical and pathological outcomes.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included ICB-treated mRCC patients without upfront CN.

Cancer-specific mortality in secondary bladder cancer after nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

Objective: To examine differences in cancer-specific mortality (CSM) in nonmetastatic upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) patients with vs. without secondary bladder cancer (BCa) after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU).

Methods: Within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (SEER 2000-2021), T1-T4N0M0 UTUC patients treated with RNU and diagnosed with secondary BCa were identified.

Guidelines for Meta-analyses and Systematic Reviews in Urology.

Our guideline comprises points addressing the conduct and interpretation of systematic reviews and meta-analyses in urology. Application of the guideline would lead to a more considered interpretation of a smaller number of systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and could thus help in translating evidence into better decision-making for doctors and patients.

Changes in Medicare's Chronic Condition Files and Disparities in Dementia Identification.

Objectives: In 2017, the Chronic Condition Warehouse released a 30-condition Chronic Condition file (CC30), which fully replaced the prior 27-condition file (CC27) in 2022. CC30 shortened the look-back period for dementia identification from 3 to 2 years and raised the required outpatient/carrier claims from 1 to 2. This change may disproportionately affect individuals with limited access to health care.

Development and validation of the microaggression scale for refugees (MSR): Independent contributions of microaggression and experienced stigma to psychological distress and somatic symptoms.

Background: Refugees face psychosocial challenges after resettling in host nations, including experienced stigma and microaggressions. Microaggressions are subtle/ambiguous discriminatory remarks or behaviors. There is a dearth of research and instruments examining microaggressions refugees face.

Branched DNA for disease diagnosis and therapy.

DNA exhibits remarkable versatility, which is attributed to its inherent molecular recognition capabilities, programmable sequences, and excellent biocompatibility. Among its various topological forms, branched DNA (bDNA), including Y-shaped DNA (Y-DNA), X-shaped DNA (X-DNA), etc., stands out as a fundamental building block for fabricating functional DNA-based materials and has demonstrated great promise across diverse applications in recent years.

Rationale and Design of the Comparative Effectiveness of ICD Versus Non-ICD Therapy in Contemporary Heart Failure Patients at a Low Risk for Arrhythmic Death (CONTEMP-ICD) trial.

Background: Current recommendations for a prophylactic (primary prevention) implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in patients with both ischemic and non-ischemic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) originate from clinical trials conducted in selected patients over 20 years ago that showed an overall statistically significant survival benefit associated with a primary prevention ICD in the range of 23%-34%. The recent introduction of angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors [ARNI] and sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors [SGLT2i]) was shown to further reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with HFrEF. Thus, there is an unmet need appropriately designed comparative effectiveness clinical trials aimed to reassess the survival benefit of a primary prevention ICD in contemporary patients with HFrEF.

Predicting Treatment Response in Retinal Vein Occlusions Using Baseline Optical Coherence Tomography Biomarkers: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review examines the prognostic value of baseline optical coherence tomography (OCT) biomarkers in predicting visual acuity (VA) outcomes for eyes with macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusions (RVO) treated with anti-VEGF therapies, steroids, laser photocoagulation, or combination treatments. VA predictions at 6, 12, and 24 months post-treatment were assessed using a narrative synthesis approach and vote counting based on effect direction relative to a minimal clinically important difference. Certainty of evidence was evaluated using GRADE guidelines.

Beaver behavior optimizer: A novel metaheuristic algorithm for solar PV parameter identification and engineering problems.

Introduction: Numerical optimization plays a key role in improving the efficiency of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and solving complex engineering problems. Traditional optimization methods often struggle with finding optimal solutions within a reasonable timeframe due to high-dimensional and non-linear problem landscapes.

Objectives: This study aims to introduce a novel swarm intelligence algorithm, the Beaver Behavior Optimizer (BBO), inspired by the cooperative behaviors of beavers during dam construction.

Flow cytometry of the myocardium: An end-to-end analysis of adult cardiomyocytes isolated from pig and mouse hearts.

Selective therapeutic targeting of cardiomyocytes (CMs) and non-myocytes (NMs) within the heart is an active field of research. The success of those novel therapeutic strategies is linked to the ability to accurately assess uptake and gene delivery efficiencies in clinically relevant animal models. Nevertheless, quantification at the single cell level remains a significant challenge.

How much Improvement in Patient Reported Outcomes after Isolated Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction is associated with Surgeon-defined Satisfactory Outcomes? A JUPITER study.

Introduction: The extent of change in Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROs) required to meet surgeon-defined satisfactory outcomes after isolated Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction (MPFL-R) has not been reported. The primary aim of the study was to define the threshold value of maximal outcome improvement (MOI) in PROs associated with surgeon-defined satisfactory postoperative outcomes. The secondary aim was to identify the most effective PRO in predicting these outcomes and to evaluate the factors associated with it.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adult Dialysis Patients: A Review.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an extremely common but underdiagnosed problem in adults receiving dialysis therapy. Patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis have a higher prevalence of OSA compared to the general population (1-3). This condition carries significant clinical implications, contributing to impaired sleep quality, daytime fatigue, and elevated cardiovascular risk if left untreated (4,5).

Career Mentoring Options for Pharmacy Faculty and Staff Navigating the Three Phases of Cancer Survivorship.

Cancer rates are on the rise and new treatments are helping people live longer with cancer, yet the questions remains: when does one consider themselves a cancer survivor and what direction does one's career need to take when diagnosed with cancer? This commentary explores how mentoring can support working individuals, such as pharmacy faculty and staff, across the three distinct phases of cancer survivorship, (1) the acute phase including testing, diagnosis, staging, and treatment; (2) the post-treatment survival phase; and (3) the permanent phase of disease-free survival. While career mentoring programs may exist for pharmacy faculty and staff across various pharmacy practice settings, there is a notable lack of structured mentoring programs available for those faculty and staff navigating a cancer diagnosis, especially as mentoring needs shift throughout these three cancer survivorship phases. Thoughtful mentoring and support can significantly enhance the personal and professional quality of life for individuals with cancer.

Biochemical characterization of a flavodiiron protein from bird parasite Histomonas meleagridis: superoxide as a reaction intermediate.

Histomonas meleagridis is a parasitic protozoan which causes histomoniasis (blackhead disease) in a wide range of birds, including domesticated chickens and turkeys, representing a significant health problem in avian veterinary medicine. Despite being classified as an anaerobic parasite, H. meleagridis can survive transient exposure to oxygen while little is known about the mechanisms that allow this organism to cope with exposure to varying oxygen levels.

Clinical outcomes of Hydrus Microstent implantation for open-angle glaucoma: Results from a large academic center.

Purpose: To assess the clinical outcomes of Hydrus Microstent implantation with cataract extraction for the treatment of open angle glaucoma (OAG) over a maximum of 4 years.

Design: Retrospective, single-center, single-arm, longitudinal cohort study.

Subjects: 308 patients (464 eyes) with OAG who underwent Hydrus Microstent implantation with cataract extraction between February 2019 and December 2021, followed for a median (interquartile range, IQR) of 2.

Most Roads Lead to Cushing: Mapping Neurosurgical Training Lineages in the United States.

Objective: Mentorship and training relationships shape the careers and influence of neurosurgeons. Network analysis can reveal structural characteristics and key individuals who support network connectivity and drive the field's development. This endeavor analyzed the US-based neurosurgical training network derived from NeurosurGen.

A covalent inhibitor targeting Cys16 on RhoA in colorectal cancer.

RhoA is a key cancer driver and potential colorectal cancer (CRC) therapy target but remains undrugged clinically. Using activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) and mass spectrometry (MS), we identified CL16, a covalent inhibitor targeting the unique Cys16 on RhoA subfamily, which confers high specificity over other Rho family proteins. Cys16 is adjacent to the nucleotide-binding pocket and switch regions, which are critical for RhoA function.