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Assessing time to symptomatic progression, a patient-relevant efficacy endpoint, in the MARIPOSA study in non-small cell lung cancer.

INTRODUCTION: In the phase 3 randomized MARIPOSA study, amivantamab and lazertinib combination therapy demonstrated improved progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) versus osimertinib in participants with previously untreated, epidermal growth factor receptor-mutated advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Time to symptomatic progression (TTSP) was introduced to assess clinical worsening and complement endpoints that investigate radiographic disease progression and patient-reported outcomes. TTSP provides an easily interpretable measure of disease-specific symptom worsening to further support patient experience. METHODS: In MARIPOSA, TTSP was quantitatively assessed as a secondary efficacy endpoint and defined as the time from randomization until participants experience disease-specific symptom worsening requiring a clinical intervention or treatment change, or death. To evaluate the impact of amivantamab and lazertinib on TTSP considering its established OS benefit against osimertinib, an exploratory analysis censoring death events was performed. RESULTS: At the final protocol-specified OS analysis (median follow up: 37.8 months), median TTSP was 43.6 months with amivantamab and lazertinib versus 29.3 months with osimertinib (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.57-0.83; p&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.0001). Amivantamab and lazertinib reduced deaths following a TTSP event compared to osimertinib. A strong correlation between TTSP and PFS or OS was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Amivantamab and lazertinib significantly delayed TTSP versus osimertinib. TTSP offers a clinician-validated measurement of disease-specific symptom worsening, capturing symptoms perceived by patients that prompt clinical action. TTSP is highly correlated with PFS and OS, providing complementary insights alongside traditional endpoints. TTSP enhances understanding of treatment benefit and supports informed clinical decision-making by integrating patient experience.

Humans

Soluble CD163 as a Non-Invasive Biomarker in Autoimmune Nephrological and Rheumatological Diseases.

Autoimmune nephrological and rheumatological diseases involve macrophage-driven inflammation, yet disease activity is often assessed using invasive or non-specific measures. Soluble CD163 (sCD163), released from activated monocytes and macrophages, is emerging as a biomarker of macrophage-mediated inflammation in these conditions. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on the diagnostic, prognostic, and disease-monitoring potential of sCD163 measured in blood, urine, and synovial fluid in autoimmune nephrological and rheumatological diseases. This review is based on a narrative analysis of selected publications investigating the clinical utility of sCD163 in autoimmune kidney and rheumatic diseases, with emphasis on correlations with disease activity, histopathological findings, and clinical outcomes. Urinary sCD163 shows excellent diagnostic accuracy for active lupus nephritis (area under the receiver operating characteristic [AUROC] 0.89-0.998), correlates with histological activity index (but not chronicity), and distinguishes ongoing inflammation from chronic damage during treatment. In IgA nephropathy, it predicts remission failure and greater benefit from corticosteroids. In ANCA-associated vasculitis, it identifies active renal involvement (AUROC 0.95 in multicenter cohorts). In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), serum sCD163 correlates with early disease activity, predicts radiographic progression, and detects subclinical macrophage activation in remission. In spondylarthritis, synovial fluid sCD163 reflects a disease-specific M2-polarized macrophage phenotype distinct from RA. Utility is compartmentalized: urinary levels indicate intrarenal macrophage activation, synovial fluid local joint inflammation, and serum systemic activation. sCD163 is a promising macrophage-specific biomarker across autoimmune diseases, but its compartmentalized nature requires context-specific measurement. Before clinical implementation, assay standardization, multicenter validation, and interventional trials showing the benefit of sCD163-guided management are needed.

Humans

Association of ERBB4 and SHBG gene polymorphisms with polycystic ovarian syndrome in South Indian women: a case-control genetic analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial endocrinological disorder with a substantial genetic component. However, the role of genes involved in follicular development and androgen regulation remains incompletely understood, particularly in South Indian populations. This study aimed to evaluate how variations in the ERBB4 and SHBG genes affect PCOS risk. METHODOLOGY: A hospital-based case-control study was conducted among 400 South Indian women, comprising 200 women with PCOS and 200 age-matched healthy controls. Genomic DNA was extracted to study SNPs at ERBB4 (rs2178575 and rs1351592) and SHBG (rs1799941 and rs727428) using ARMS-PCR genotyping. The study compared genotype and allele frequencies between cases and controls while assessing their associations with allelic, homozygous, heterozygous, dominant, recessive, and over-dominant genetic models. Genotyping accuracy was confirmed by re-genotyping and Sanger sequencing of a subset of samples. RESULTS: The ERBB4 rs2178575 polymorphism demonstrated a significant association with PCOS, as the AA genotype and A allele combination increased risk across all three genetic models, including homozygous, recessive, and allelic models. The ERBB4 rs1351592 variant was associated with 3-fold higher risk of PCOS in heterozygous and GC carriers. The SHBG rs1799941 polymorphism showed a significant link to PCOS through its effects on heterozygous and allelic states, whereas rs727428 displayed no significant connection due to its monomorphic distribution. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that polymorphisms in ERBB4 and SHBG may contribute to PCOS susceptibility in South Indian women in a locus- and model-specific manner, revealing the intricate genetic structure that defines this medical condition.

Humans

Clinical and genetic features of Ph-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms with dual-driver gene positivity.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical laboratory characteristics and gene mutation features of dual-driver gene positivity in patients with Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloproliferative neoplasm (Ph-negative MPN). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical data and genetic test results from 203 newly diagnosed patients with Ph-negative MPN. Of these, 194 had single-driver gene positivity and 9 had dual-driver gene positivity. High-throughput sequencing was used to detect mutations in JAK2, CALR, and MPL. Clinical characteristics and gene mutation profiles were compared between the two patient groups. RESULTS: The incidence of dual-driver gene positivity was 4.4% (9/203), with the most common combinations being JAK2 with CALR (4 patients) and JAK2 with MPL (4 patients). Compared with the single-driver group, the dual-driver group had a significantly higher risk of bleeding [4.1% (8/194) vs. 33.3% (3/9), P&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.008] and a higher proportion of uncommon mutations [3.6% (7/194) vs. 33.3% (3/9), P&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.006]. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding age, thrombosis incidence, splenomegaly, or routine blood test indicators. During follow-up, 1 patient in the dual-driver group died from cerebrovascular disease. No leukaemia transformation or disease-related deaths occurred among the remaining patients. DISCUSSION: The increased bleeding risk in dual-driver patients may be related to a higher proportion of CALR mutations, elevated platelet counts, and higher variant allele frequencies, though these findings require validation in larger cohorts due to the small sample size. The higher prevalence of uncommon mutations suggests a more complex mutational landscape in this subgroup. CONCLUSION: Patients with Ph-negative MPN and dual-driver gene positivity may have a higher risk of bleeding and a more complex gene mutation profile.

Humans

Effect of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors on survival in glioma patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASIs) on the survival outcomes of glioma patients, determine whether using RASIs correlates with survival benefit, and provide evidence-based guidance for the clinical treatment. METHODS: Studies assessing the effects of using RASIs versus non-use in glioma patients were retrieved from the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase databases from inception to April 17, 2024. The included studies reported hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for overall survival (OS) and/or progression-free survival (PFS), as well as the effect on brain edema and steroid dosing in patients. RESULTS: Seven articles involving 2660 patients were included in this study. Pooled results indicated there was no significant difference in OS (HR&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.89, 95% CI 0.75-1.06, P&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.204) or PFS (HR&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.98, 95% CI 0.82-1.18, P&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.847) between RASIs-treated patients and non-RASIs-treated patients. Sensitivity analysis identified the ACEIs-focused trial reported by Happold et al. as a major contributor to inter-study heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses revealed that in recurrent glioblastoma, pooled OS was significantly longer in RASIs-treated patients than non-RASIs-treated patients (HR&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.70, 95% CI 0.54-0.92, P&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.01). Similarly, compared with bevacizumab monotherapy, bevacizumab combined with RASIs significantly extended OS in glioblastoma patients (HR&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.73, 95% CI 0.63-0.86, P&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.001). CONCLUSION: The results revealed that treatment with RASIs may show a trend toward prolonged overall survival (OS) in patients with glioma. For patients with glioblastoma, RASI therapy could prolong OS in those with recurrent disease. Furthermore, compared with bevacizumab monotherapy, the combination of RASIs and bevacizumab was associated with improved OS in glioblastoma patients.

Humans

Exercise for the mitigation of cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction in breast cancer patients treated with anthracyclines: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) is a significant concern for breast cancer patients undergoing anthracycline-based chemotherapy. Although exercise has been proposed as a cardioprotective strategy, existing reviews have largely examined heterogeneous cancer populations receiving varied treatments, leaving a gap in the evidence base focused exclusively on anthracycline-induced CTRCD. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to address that gap by evaluating the effects of long-term exercise on key CTRCD markers in breast cancer patients treated exclusively with anthracyclines. METHODS: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science was conducted for randomized controlled trials including breast cancer patients undergoing anthracycline-based chemotherapy, receiving long-term exercise interventions (&#x2265;&#x2009;12&#xa0;weeks, &#x2265;&#x2009;1 session/week) compared to usual cancer care, and reporting at least one of the following outcomes: left ventricular ejection fraction, global longitudinal strain, cardiac troponin I, cardiac troponin T, or N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide. RESULTS: Six randomized controlled trials involving 360 participants were included. Exercise significantly attenuated cardiac troponin I elevation compared to controls (SMD&#x2009;=&#x2009;-0.50; 95% CI, -0.93 to -0.06; p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.02). No statistically significant between-group differences were observed for left ventricular ejection fraction, global longitudinal strain, cardiac troponin T, or N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide. CONCLUSION: The cardioprotective role of exercise during anthracycline treatment remains uncertain, though the attenuation of cardiac troponin I elevation suggests a potential protective signal warranting further investigation through larger, standardized trials employing advanced assessment modalities and longer follow-up periods.

Humans

Frequent mutations in the BIRC3 gene promote metastatic potential of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells through the TRAF2-NF-&#x3ba;B pathway.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a head and neck cancer characterized by highly locoregionally invasive behavior attributable to the latent infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and genomic instability. It is well established that EBV-encoded oncogenic molecules actively contribute to the malignant behavior of NPC cells. However, the mechanism by which aberrant genomic alterations enable NPC cells to become aggressive remains largely unknown. In the present study, whole-exome sequencing (WES) revealed that the gene encoding the baculoviral IAP repeat-containing 3 (BIRC3) protein was frequently mutated in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) but not in paired primary tumor cells from patients with metastatic NPC. A minigene assay indicated that the c.637&#xa0;A&#xa0;>&#xa0;G mutation disrupted normal mRNA splicing, resulting in the partial deletion of Exons 2 and 3 and altered stability of BIRC3 mRNA. In vitro experiments demonstrated that ectopic expression of the BIRC3c.637A>G mutant enhanced NPC cell invasive properties, including proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, migration, and invasion. Furthermore, overexpression of wild-type BIRC3 promoted invasive characteristics in NPC cells through the TRAF2-NF-&#x3ba;B signaling axis. In summary, BIRC3 acts as a regulator of the malignant features of NPC cells. Frequent BIRC3 mutations in CTCs, such as the c.637&#xa0;A&#xa0;>&#xa0;G mutation, further enhance the metastatic potential of disseminated NPC cells by inducing aberrant alternative splicing. These findings suggest the therapeutic feasibility of targeting the BIRC3/TRAF2/NF-&#x3ba;B axis in the treatment of NPC.

Humans

Unravelling Ovarian Cancer: an analysis of the Influence of LRP1 and PAI1 Genetic Variations.

To assess the potential association between LRP1 (rs715948) and PAI1 (rs2227631, rs1799889) gene variation and ovarian cancer (OC) susceptibility. This study evaluated the genotypic and allelic distributions of LRP1 gene and PAI1 gene variants using Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) analysis in 134&#xa0;&#xb0;C patients and 134 healthy controls. LRP1 (rs715948) showed a significant association with OC risk. The TC genotype was (OR&#x2009;=&#x2009;3.7823, 95% CI: 2.1732-6.5825, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.0001), and the CC genotype has (OR&#x2009;=&#x2009;2.1613, 95% CI: 1.0054-4.6459, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.0484). The C allele was significantly more frequent in cases (46%) than controls (32%) (OR&#x2009;=&#x2009;1.7684, 95% CI: 1.2443-2.5133, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.0015). For PAI1 (rs2227631), AG and GG genotypes showed no significant association (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.3519 and p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.1165, respectively). PAI1 (rs1799889) AG genotype was (OR&#x2009;=&#x2009;5.855, 95% CI: 2.4663-13.9027, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.0001), while GG genotype showed no significance (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.1025). The dominant model of LRP1, (TC&#x2009;+&#x2009;CC) and C alleles, were significantly more frequent in OC cases, indicating a potential risk factor. In contrast, the dominant models (AG&#x2009;+&#x2009;GG) and G alleles of PAI1 (rs2227631, rs1799889) showed no significance with OC susceptibility. Genetic variation in LRP1 (rs715948) significantly associated with increased OC risk, particularly the TC and CC genotypes and C allele. The C allele of this gene is key markers linked to higher OC susceptibility. Whereas in PAI1 (rs2227631, rs1799889), dominant models (AG&#x2009;+&#x2009;GG) show no significance, association suggesting a less prominent role in OC susceptibility. These findings highlight LRP1 as a potential genetic biomarker for OC risk assessment, while the role of PAI1 variants warrants further investigation in larger sample size.

Humans

Finerenone and quality of life in heart failure: component-level analyses and clinical relevance of the Kansas City cardiomyopathy questionnaire.

AIMS: Finerenone was shown to improve overall health status, as measured by the aggregate 23-item Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) score, in heart failure with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction (HFmrEF/HFpEF). This study aimed to contextualize KCCQ changes in a manner that is relevant to patients and clinicians, thereby improving understanding of this metric in HFmrEF/HFpEF. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this prespecified analysis of FINEARTS-HF, a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of finerenone in HFmrEF/HFpEF, we performed exploratory assessments of treatment effects on mean score changes from baseline to 12 months for each of the 23 KCCQ components (scaled from 0 [worst] to 100 [best]) using multivariable linear regression. We further compared the impact of finerenone on the KCCQ-overall summary score (KCCQ-OSS) at 12 months with the expected decline per year. Of 6001 participants in FINEARTS-HF, 5006 completed the KCCQ both at baseline and 12 months (age: 72 &#xb1; 10 years, women: 45%, baseline KCCQ-OSS: 63.9 &#xb1; 22.0). Finerenone, compared with placebo, numerically improved all but one KCCQ component, with the greatest nominal improvement observed in lower limb oedema frequency (+2.5, 95% CI: 0.9-4.1), fatigue burden (+2.2, 95% CI: 0.9-3.5), fatigue frequency (+2.1, 95% CI: 0.7-3.6), and lower limb oedema burden (+1.8, 95% CI: 0.6-2.9). KCCQ-OSS at 12 months was inversely related to age, with finerenone shifting the age-KCCQ-OSS relationship by 4.7 (95% CI: 0.4-9.1) years. CONCLUSIONS: In FINEARTS-HF, finerenone was associated with modest improvements in health status-most notably lower limb oedema and fatigue-in patients with HFmrEF/HFpEF.

Humans

Daridorexant in severe obstructive sleep apnea: effects on sleep-disordered breathing and sleep.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of daridorexant on nighttime respiratory function and sleep in adults with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) without insomnia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-period, crossover trial was conducted at a single sleep center in 16 adults (&#x2265;18&#xa0;years) with severe OSA without insomnia. In each period, daridorexant 50&#xa0;mg or placebo was administered every evening for 5&#xa0;days. Primary and secondary endpoints were the treatment differences (daridorexant-placebo) for apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) and oxygen saturation (SpO2) during total sleep time (TST), respectively, after last dosing. A mean increase in AHI &#x2265;10 events/h and mean decrease in nocturnal SpO2 &#x2264;-2% were the minimum changes considered to be clinically meaningful negative effects. Other endpoints included TST, latency to persistent sleep (LPS), and wake after sleep onset (WASO). RESULTS: Mean baseline AHI was 51.2 events/h (range 30.8, 82.2) and mean SpO2 during TST was 92.1% (range 88.5, 94.3). No clinically meaningful effect of daridorexant on AHI or SpO2 during TST was detected. Treatment differences were&#x2009;-3.7 events/h (one-sided 95% CI&#x2009;&#x2264;&#x2009;+4.2) and&#x2009;-&#x2009;0.12 % (one-sided 95% CI&#x2009;&#x2265;&#x2009;-0.6), respectively. Compared with placebo, daridorexant increased TST by 32.5&#xa0;min (90% CI: 6.9, 58.2), associated with shorter LPS (-10.3&#xa0;min [90% CI: -20.6, -0.02]) and a trend towards reduced WASO (-15.2&#xa0;min [-31.2, 0.9]). Four adverse events were reported (daridorexant n&#x2009;=&#x2009;3; placebo n&#x2009;=&#x2009;1), all of mild intensity and none related to respiratory function. CONCLUSION: Short-term treatment with daridorexant does not impair sleep-disordered breathing and may improve sleep in patients with severe OSA. CLINICAL TRIAL: ClinicalTrials.gov, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05458193, NCT05458193. Statement of Significance Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is highly prevalent and associated, in 30%-50% of cases, with insomnia-related symptoms, yet the safety of insomnia medications in OSA remains unclear. Daridorexant, a dual orexin receptor antagonist for the treatment of adults with insomnia disorder, previously showed no negative effect on sleep-disordered breathing in participants with mild/moderate OSA. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial evaluates daridorexant 50&#xa0;mg (maximum therapeutic dose) in participants with severe OSA without insomnia. Repeated dosing (5 nights) did not impair nighttime respiratory function, as assessed by apnea/hypopnea index and nocturnal oxygen saturation. Moreover, improvements in sleep characteristics were observed with daridorexant, extending evidence that daridorexant 50&#xa0;mg is safe and well-tolerated and may improve sleep in adults with severe OSA.

Humans

Selective and sensitive colorimetric sensing of carbosulfan based on BiO2-x/Bi2O2.75 nanosheets with excellent haloperoxidase-like activity.

The development of colorimetric methods based on directly inhibiting nanozyme activity for pesticide detection has attracted considerable attention. In this study, we report a novel colorimetric sensing strategy utilizing BiO2-x/Bi2O2.75 nanosheets (BiO2-x/Bi2O2.75 NSs) with haloperoxidase (HPO)-like activity for the rapid and sensitive detection of carbosulfan (CBS) in foods. Oxygen-vacancy-rich BiO2-x/Bi2O2.75 NSs with HPO-like activity were rationally constructed. Kinetic studies revealed a remarkable Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) of 0.014&#xa0;mM for I-, indicating a higher affinity for iodide ions than other reported HPO-like nanozymes, as evidenced by its lower Km. Under acidic conditions, CBS tends to be hydrolyzed to produce reductive sulfide species, which directly inhibit the iodoperoxidase-like activity of BiO2-x/Bi2O2.75 NSs, enabling selective detection with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.18&#xa0;&#x3bc;g/mL and a linear range of 0.20-100&#xa0;&#x3bc;g/mL. When the concentration of interfering pesticides and substances was 5 times that of CBS, the sensor remained unaffected, exhibiting excellent stability and specificity. This work contributes to the detection of CBS in complex food matrices, bridging the application gap of HPO-like nanozymes in pesticide detection and providing a promising method for food safety detection.

Colorimetry

Developmental roles of LSD1/KDM1A-like (LDL) proteins in plants.

LYSINE-SPECIFIC DEMETHYLASE 1-like (LDL) proteins are conserved FAD-dependent amine oxidases that serve as pivotal regulators in plants. While animal systems typically rely on a single LSD1/KDM1A enzyme, the Arabidopsis thaliana genome encodes an expanded family of LDL homologues (FLD, LDL1, LDL2, and LDL3), resulting in substantial subfunctionalization and specialized recruitment mechanisms. This review explores the diverse developmental roles of plant LDLs, ranging from flowering time and circadian clock regulation to heterochromatin maintenance and epigenetic regulation. We discuss the redundant roles of FLD, LDL1, and LDL2 in repressing the floral repressor FLC and their nonredundant specialized function within the CCA1/LHY-TOC1 circadian feedback loop. A central focus of our review is the emerging mechanism of transcription-coupled demethylation, in which LDLs associate with the phosphorylated C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II to modify chromatin cotranscriptionally within gene bodies. By integrating findings from Arabidopsis thaliana and crops such as tomato and soybean, we illustrate how the diversified LDL-mediated regulatory toolkit facilitates precise, gene-specific regulation. Ultimately, the LDL family represents a cornerstone of the sophisticated epigenetic strategies that regulate plant phenotypic plasticity in response to developmental and environmental cues.

Circadian clock

Transdermal 17&#x3b2;-Estradiol for the Treatment of COVID-19: Protocol of an Early Terminated Phase 2 Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Early epidemiological studies suggested that pre- and postmenopausal women receiving estrogen therapy were less likely to develop severe disease or die from COVID-19 infection. Potential mechanisms include estrogen-mediated immunomodulation and 17&#x3b2;-estradiol-induced downregulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme type 2 (ACE2), the cellular receptor for SARS-CoV-2. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and preliminary efficacy of transdermal 17&#x3b2;-estradiol as an adjunctive treatment for COVID-19 in men and postmenopausal women. METHODS: We designed and conducted a randomized controlled trial comparing 17&#x3b2;-estradiol transdermal gel plus standard care with standard care alone in adults with confirmed COVID-19. Initial ethics and funding approvals were obtained in March 2021. Owing to changes in the epidemiology of COVID-19 in Qatar and revisions to national quarantine policies, protocol amendments were required before recruitment commenced in February 2022. The treatment duration was reduced from 10 to 7 days due to changes in national quarantine guidelines. Recruitment and follow-up were conducted between February 2022 and June 2022. RESULTS: Recruitment was substantially lower than anticipated because widespread COVID-19 vaccination, declining disease severity, and revised national quarantine policies markedly reduced the number of eligible hospitalized patients. Consequently, the planned sample size was not achieved, and the study was terminated in June 2022. A total of 29 men with mild COVID-19 were enrolled, with 44.8% (n=13) randomized to standard care and 55.2% (n=16) to transdermal 17&#x3b2;-estradiol plus standard care. The intervention was well tolerated, with no adverse safety signals or thromboembolic events reported. CONCLUSIONS: Although the study was underpowered to assess efficacy because recruitment targets were not achieved, it showed that transdermal 17&#x3b2;-estradiol was well tolerated, with no major safety concerns among enrolled participants. The experience also provided important operational lessons for conducting clinical trials during rapidly evolving pandemics. Adequately powered studies are required to determine whether transdermal estrogen has therapeutic potential against COVID-19, other ACE2-mediated coronavirus infections, or potentially other severe viral illnesses.

Humans

Antibody-drug conjugates against multidrug-resistant cancers: Biomarker-guided patient selection, payload engineering, linker chemistry, and bystander effects.

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are one of the most significant advancements in modern cancer therapeutics. Combining the target selectivity of monoclonal antibodies with the cytotoxic potential of payloads, ADCs effectively kill cancer cells and offer hope to patients with even refractory cancer types. Beyond simply increasing the number of therapeutic options available for cancer patients, ADCs have become a powerful frontline agent in overcoming multidrug resistance (MDR). As one of the most challenging obstacles to effective cancer care, MDR is mediated by ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter-mediated drug efflux, target-based mutations, and dysregulated apoptosis. The clinical success of ADCs specifically engineered to overcome MDR, including in heterogeneous tumors and cancer cells that exhibit bypass signaling, is well established. This is especially evident with trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) in HER2-low, HER2-positive, and HER2-mutant cancers; sacituzumab govitecan (SG) in TROP2-expressing triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and urothelial carcinoma; and enfortumab vedotin in Nectin-4-positive bladder cancer. By overcoming MDR, ADCs have enabled more effective treatment algorithms across multiple malignancies. Most importantly, the clinical application of ADCs has become inextricably linked to cancer genomics. HER2 testing has evolved from a two-tiered system to a continuous spectrum including HER2-ultralow, HER2-low, HER2-positive, and ERBB2-mutant categories. Each of these categories exhibits different eligibility guidelines for ADC patient selection. As cancer cells continue to evolve and develop resistance to even ADCs through mutations and variants, researchers and clinicians have used pharmacogenomics to predict ADC response and resistance. To define the genomic architecture of ADC-resistant tumor subpopulations, single-cell transcriptomic studies and liquid biopsy approaches are being used to enable real-time examination of the tumor genome during ADC therapy, thereby optimizing treatment and circumventing resistance driven by emerging mutations and variants. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the molecular structure of ADCs, the pharmacological principles underlying their potent cytotoxic activity against MDR cancer cells, the genomic and transcriptomic biomarkers that guide ADC patient selection, and the emerging resistance mechanisms that will shape the next generation of promising ADC development.

Humans

Stage-specific ROMO1 in rheumatoid arthritis: predictive immune insights into the MIF pathway and HLA-DR/IL2RA axis via integrated GWAS, transcriptomic, single-cell, and spatial profiling.

Emerging evidence links reactive oxygen species modulator 1 (ROMO1), a key mitochondrial ROS regulator, to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis. However, its exact mechanism remains elusive given the conflicting evidence about its specific function. We used a four-level integrative framework combining multi-omics data and literature&#x2011;supported mechanistic inference. At the genetic level, Mendelian randomization (MR) was performed to explore potential causal relationships between ROMO1, IL2RA, HLA-DR, MIF, and RA risk, followed by differential expression analysis and machine learning-based feature selection to identify key mROS genes. The temporal expression dynamics of ROMO1 were assessed in RA progression. At the cellular and tissue levels, we integrated single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to map cell-type-specific expression and synovial localization of ROMO1-related immune cells and pathways. Finally, our multi-omics findings were contextualized with literature-supported mechanistic inference. (1) MR results were consistent with a potential protective effect of ROMO1 on RA (OR&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.52) and its potential regulation of risk factors IL2RA (OR&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.46) and HLA-DR (OR&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.40). Conversely, IL2RA (OR&#x2009;=&#x2009;1.42), HLA-DR (OR&#x2009;=&#x2009;1.88), and MIF (OR&#x2009;=&#x2009;1.17) were positively associated with RA risk. Additionally, ROMO1 was identified as a top candidate diagnostic predictor with stage-specific dynamics: downregulated in the early but upregulated in the late/remission stages. (2) Single-cell RNA sequencing showed ROMO1's cell-specific expression in CD14+&#x2009;HLA-DR+&#x2009;CD74+&#x2009;monocytes and CD4+&#x2009;IL2RA+&#x2009;T cells. Cell communication analysis further suggested that these cells may participate in MIF pathway regulation. Spatial transcriptomics subsequently identified that ROMO1-related cells localized to synovial pathological regions, with MIF pathway changes correlated with RA progression. (3) Finally, literature-supported mechanistic inference suggests that ROMO1 may modulate mROS levels to promote anti-inflammatory M2 macrophage polarization, which could theoretically contribute to reduced systemic inflammation and the alleviation of multi-organ decline in RA. This integrated multi-omics investigation, supported by literature-based mechanistic inference, suggests ROMO1 as a stage-dependent biomarker candidate and potential immune regulator in RA.

Humans

Faster N1 latency in response to homeostatic-like plasticity of PREPs is impaired during pain: A randomized-placebo capsaicin-pain study.

INTRODUCTION: Homeostatic-like plasticity (HP-like) stabilizes cortical excitability through long-term potentiation and depression-like mechanisms. The efficacy of homeostatic regulation in the corticomotor system is impaired during pain, which may have functional relevance for chronic pain. This study investigated whether a cortical HP-like response could be assessed by nociceptive stimulation, and if such response was impaired by experimental tonic pain. METHODS: Twenty-eight healthy participants completed placebo and capsaicin sessions, with 11 sham controls for time and design. HP-like plasticity was induced with two blocks of anodal tDCS over the primary motor cortex. The N1 (TP7) and N2P2 (Cz) components of electrically induced pain-related evoked potentials (PREPs) were assessed from the volar forearm before and after patch application, and again immediately and 20&#xa0;min after HP-like induction. An HP-like response was defined by PREP decrease after induction, and further normalization to baseline. RESULTS: Anodal tDCS did not induce an HP-like regulation of PREP amplitudes. Interestingly, an HP-like response was observed as a fastening of N1 latency after HP-like induction, which returned to baseline values after 20&#xa0;min. The latter effect was impaired during capsaicin-induced pain, where N1 was slower. The N2P2 component showed habituation over time in all sessions. CONCLUSION: This is the first study that investigates the HP-like regulation of nociceptive-evoked responses. An HP-like response was observed as a shortening of N1 latency, suggesting that early nociceptive processing may be susceptible to homeostatic regulation. In contrast, the later component, N2P2, showed habituation over time, which prevented evaluation of HP-like effects.

Humans

Integrated morphologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular profiling of advanced upper tract urothelial carcinoma across tumor compartments supports biopsy-based testing.

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is an aggressive malignancy with limited molecular characterization in advanced disease. FGFR3 alterations are well established in low-grade urothelial carcinoma, but their prevalence, stability, and biological significance in locally advanced and metastatic UTUC remain only partially defined. We performed an integrated morphologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular analysis of 24 locally advanced and/or metastatic UTUC from 20 patients. FGFR3 status was assessed by RT-PCR across multiple tumor compartments, including biopsies, primary tumors, lymph-node metastases, and distant metastatic sites. Immunohistochemistry included CK20, CK5, GATA3, p53, and mismatch repair proteins. Targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to characterize co-occurring genomic alterations and to assess concordance with p53 immunophenotype. FGFR3 alterations were identified in 50% of patients and in 54.2% of analyzed tumors. FGFR3 status showed high intra-patient stability, with concordance between primary tumors and distant metastases in 90% of cases, whereas concordance with lymph node metastases was lower (50%), suggesting site-specific clonal divergence. Despite advanced stage, 92.3% of FGFR3-altered tumors displayed papillary urothelial carcinoma morphology, and most showed a luminal immunophenotype (61.5% by CK20/CK5 and 69.2% by GATA3/CK5). Targeted NGS revealed additional pathogenic alterations in 75% of patients, most frequently involving RTK/RAS/MAPK signaling (70%), cell-cycle regulation (25%), and PI3K/AKT pathway components (10%). TP53 mutations co-occurred with FGFR3 alterations in 60% of FGFR3-mutated patients and showed 90.4% concordance with p53 immunohistochemistry. Finally, a few cases exhibited complex, multi-site FGFR3 mutational patterns, consistent with intratumoral clonal evolutions. In conclusion, FGFR3 alterations are frequent and remarkably stable in advanced UTUC, even in high-grade and metastatic disease. These findings support the reliability of FGFR3 testing on limited diagnostic material and reinforce its relevance for therapeutic stratification. UTUC emerges as a molecularly dynamic disease in which early oncogenic drivers such as FGFR3 continue to shape tumor biology and therapeutic vulnerability at advanced stages.

Humans

An Update on Inborn Errors of V(D)J Recombination.

V(D)J recombination is the fundamental process by which developing T and B lymphocytes generate diverse antigen receptors, enabling adaptive immunity. This tightly regulated program operates exclusively in lymphoid precursors during G1 phase and depends on the lymphocyte-specific RAG1-RAG2 recombinase to introduce programmed DNA double-strand breaks at recombination signal sequences, followed by repair through the classical nonhomologous end joining (c-NHEJ) pathway. Disruption of any step in this molecular choreography compromises antigen receptor diversity and underlies a spectrum of inborn errors of immunity (IEIs), ranging from severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) to immune dysregulation with autoimmunity and granulomatous disease. In this review, we place disorders of V(D)J recombination within the broader framework of T-cell development, detailing the temporal waves of recombinase activity, chromatin accessibility, and DNA damage responses that guide thymocyte differentiation. We discuss pathogenic variants affecting the cleavage phase [RAG1, RAG2, and the recently identified RAG cochaperone NudC domain-containing 3 (NUDCD3)], end processing (ARTEMIS), ligation and repair (LIG4, XLF, XRCC4, PRKDC), and genome surveillance pathways (ATM, MRN complex, RNF168), highlighting genotype-phenotype correlations and mechanisms driving immune deficiency and dysregulation. We briefly review recent diagnostic advances, including newborn screening using T-cell receptor excision circles, repertoire sequencing, and functional assays, alongside current therapeutic strategies. Finally, we outline key unanswered questions and argue that continued integration of clinical observation with molecular discovery is essential to improve outcomes and deepen understanding of adaptive immune development.

Humans