Category: Nevin Manimala

Cancer Immunol Immunother. 2025 Feb 4;74(3):103. doi: 10.1007/s00262-025-03951-2.

ABSTRACT

As a type of “cold tumor” with limited immune cell infiltration, ovarian cancer has historically shown limited efficacy in immunotherapy. In this study, we report that exosomes from ovarian cancer can specifically target omentum which is the predilection site for ovarian cancer to metastasize and combat subsequently implanted tumor. Furthermore, we found a substantial increase in the proportion of CD3 + T cells, particularly CD8 + T cells, within the omental tissue where exosomes homed. This increase was accompanied by a significant enhancement in granzyme B levels within CD8 + T cells. Additionally, there was a notable elevation in the concentration of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in peripheral blood. In vitro results indicated that exosomes could be internalized by dendritic cells (DCs), promote DC differentiation, and subsequently induce the production of granzyme B and IFN-γ in T cells. Surprisingly, we also observed high expression of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) in the omentum. Therefore, we discovered whether combining PD-L1 blockade led to further tumor regression. However, although the combination group showed complete tumor regression, this difference did not reach statistical significance. But in general, we emphasize that in the case of pre-injection, exosomes have great potential to combat the famous “cold tumor”, ovarian cancer, via targeting omentum and activating anti-tumor immunity, offering a novel avenue for overcoming ovarian cancer.

PMID:39904884 | DOI:10.1007/s00262-025-03951-2

Folia Microbiol (Praha). 2025 Feb 4. doi: 10.1007/s12223-025-01243-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

A recently discovered source for infection of slaughter pigs, and thus entry for bacteria into the food chain, is the installed drinking equipment in lairage pens of pig abattoirs. To mitigate this, nano-coating of stainless steel, currently used in human medicine fields as well as in other parts of the food chain, appears as promising technology. In this study, silicon dioxide nano-coating was applied to six drinkers and installed for one and three months in a lairage of a pig abattoir, while results were compared with those of drinkers that had not been nano-coated. Laboratory examination of eight sample types related to the drinkers was conducted for total aerobic plate count, Enterobacteriaceae count, Pseudomonas spp. count, Salmonella presence, pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica presence, Listeria monocytogenes presence and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus presence. The nipple drinker, which the pigs take into their mouth for drinking, was then examined using scanning electron microscopy and elemental analysis. The nano-coating did not produce statistically significant reductions in the loads or presence of these bacteria compared to the same but uncoated drinking equipment used under the same conditions. Further studies should focus on the implementation of combined methods, such as nano-coating and sanitary treatment, as well as modifications to the coating itself, to produce meaningful reductions of the bacterial loads on/in abattoir lairage drinking equipment.

PMID:39904879 | DOI:10.1007/s12223-025-01243-x

Brain Imaging Behav. 2025 Feb 4. doi: 10.1007/s11682-025-00975-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Here, we explore the relationship between transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and brain-behavior interactions. We propose that tDCS perturbation allows for the investigation of relationships between brain volume and behavior. We focused on the hippocampus (HPC) and cerebellum (CB) regions that are implicated in our understanding of memory and motor skill acquisition. Seventy-four young adults (mean age: 22 ± 0.42 years, mean education: 14.7 ± 0.25 years) were randomly assigned to receive either anodal, cathodal, or sham stimulation. Following stimulation, participants completed computerized tasks assessing working memory and sequence learning in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) environment. We investigated the statistical interaction between CB and HPC volumes. Our findings showed that individuals with larger cerebellar volumes had shorter reaction times (RT) on a high-load working memory task in the sham stimulation group. In contrast, the anodal stimulation group exhibited faster RTs during the low-load working memory condition. These RT differences were associated with the cortical volumetric interaction between CB-HPC. Literature suggests that anodal stimulation down-regulates the CB and here, those with larger volumes perform more quickly, suggesting the potential need for additional cognitive resources to compensate for cerebellar downregulation or perturbation. This new insight suggests that tDCS can aid in revealing structure-function relationships, due to greater performance variability, especially in young adults. It may also reveal new targets of interest in the study of aging or in diseases where there is also greater behavioral variability.

PMID:39904871 | DOI:10.1007/s11682-025-00975-1

J Robot Surg. 2025 Feb 4;19(1):60. doi: 10.1007/s11701-025-02222-7.

ABSTRACT

Robotic right colectomy (RRC) has been researched and compared in the past to the laparoscopic approach (LRC). However, it remains unclear whether RRC outperforms LRC in patients aged 65 or older with colon cancer or adenoma. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to compare the short-term outcomes of RRC to LRC in this particular age group. PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were searched for related literature. Studies and data were extracted by two independent reviewers. Inverse variances weighted mean differences (WMD) with random effects model were used for continuous values, and odds ratios (OR) with random effects model using the Mantel-Haenszel’s formula were used for dichotomous values. Heterogeneity using Higgins I² and p values were calculated. A sensitivity analysis was performed for operative duration and number of harvested lymph nodes. In total 382 patients, 157 in RRC and 225 in LRC, were included in this study. A statistically significant increase of 43.91 min [95%CI: 19.61, 68.22], P = 0.001, was observed regarding operative duration in the RRC group, compared to LRC, but with high heterogeneity, I² = 89%. However, a statistically significant decrease of 42% [OR = 0.58 (0.34, 0.98), P = 0.04, I²=2%] was observed with regard to overall complications in RRC compared to LRC. Non-significant differences between the two approaches were observed in the number of harvested lymph nodes [WMD = 0.44 (95%CI: -3.94, 4.82), P = 0.85, I² = 52%], wound infections [OR = 0.63 (95%CI: 0.11, 3.52), P = 0.60, I² = 13%], rate of ileus [OR = 0.29 (95%CI: 0.08, 1.00), P = 0.05, I² = 0%], length of hospitalization [WMD = 0.18 (95%CI: – 0.74, 1.11), P = 0.70, I² = 0%], and anastomotic leakage [OR = 0.52 (95%CI: 0.09, 3.11), P = 0.47, I² = 0%]. The results of the operative duration and number of harvested lymph nodes remained statistically significant and non-significant, respectively, after sensitivity analysis. Robotic right colectomy appears to require a longer operative duration, but possibly offers lower rates of overall complications, compared to laparoscopic right colectomy in patients ≥ 65 years of age. Due to the lack of studies identified in the literature, and the ones included being non-randomized, no solid conclusions can be drawn and cautious interpretation of the results is advised. Future studies are necessary to further examine both short- and long-term outcomes. Prospero registration: CRD42024603354.

PMID:39904868 | DOI:10.1007/s11701-025-02222-7

Int Endod J. 2025 Feb 4. doi: 10.1111/iej.14207. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To evaluate whether performing apical patency (AP) poses a risk for the development of osteonecrosis in rats treated with the antiresorptive drugs Zoledronic Acid (ZA) or Denosumab (DMAB).

METHODOLOGY: Forty-two male Wistar rats were divided into six groups according to the medication administered and whether apical patency was performed (n = 7): ZA, ZA-AP, DMAB, DMAB-AP, and the control groups CON and CON-AP. The ZA and ZA-AP groups received 0.125 mg/kg of ZA, while the DMAB and DMAB-AP groups received 0.25 mg/kg of DMAB, both administered via intraperitoneal injection twice a week for 4 weeks. One week after completing drug administration, endodontic access was performed on the distal occlusal fossa of the lower left first molars in all animals. AP was carried out in the distal canal of the ZA-AP, DMAB-AP, and CON-AP groups using a size 10 K-file with the aid of an electronic apex locator, extending beyond the apical foramen. In the other groups, the file was inserted up short of apex as determined by electronic apex locator measurement. Coronal sealing was performed and after 21 days, the animals were euthanized, and visual analysis, micro-CT, and histopathological assessments were conducted to evaluate the presence or absence of osteonecrosis. Statistical analysis was performed using frequency statistics and a GLM multivariate ANOVA model followed by Tukey’s test with significance at p < .05.

RESULTS: None of the animals exhibited bone exposure or other clinical signs associated with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. No cortical bone destruction, periosteal reaction, or bone sequestration was observed in the micro-CT or histopathological assessments. Medication significantly influenced some micro-CT parameters (p < .05), while the apical patency alone did not (p > .05). When interacting with medication*apical patency, the ZA-AP group showed a significantly lower percentage of bone volume and bone mineral density compared to the ZA group, a tendency not observed in DMAB groups (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS: Apical patency in rats treated with zoledronic acid or denosumab did not cause osteonecrosis of the jaw, only micro-CT changes in bone microarchitecture that cannot be linked to osteonecrosis in zoledronic acid treated animals.

PMID:39904856 | DOI:10.1111/iej.14207

Ann Surg Oncol. 2025 Feb 4. doi: 10.1245/s10434-025-16950-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pylorus-preserving partial pancreatoduodenectomy (ppPD) is a treatment for tumors of the pancreatic head. Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is one of the most common complications following ppPD. In a retrospective analysis, intraoperative endoluminal pyloromyotomy (PM) was shown to be associated with a reduction in DGE rates.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate the effect of intraoperative endoluminal PM on DGE after ppPD.

METHODS: Patients undergoing ppPD were randomized intraoperatively to receive either PM or atraumatic stretching of the pylorus prior to creation of the duodenojejunostomy. The primary endpoint was the rate of DGE within 30 days after surgery.

RESULTS: Sixty-four patients were randomly assigned to the PM group and 64 patients were assigned to the control group. There were no differences between the two groups regarding baseline characteristics. The DGE rate was 59.4% (76/126). In two patients (1.6%) DGE was not assessable. The most common DGE grade was A (51/126, 40.5%), followed by B (20/126, 15.9%) and C (5/126, 4.0%). The rate of DGE was 62.5% in the PM group versus 56.3% in the control group (odds ratio 1.41, 95% confidence interval 0.69-2.90; p = 0.34). The complication rate did not differ between both groups (p = 0.79) and there were no differences in quality of life on postoperative day 30.

CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative endoluminal PM did not reduce the rate or severity of DGE after ppPD compared with atraumatic stretching of the pylorus.

PMID:39904851 | DOI:10.1245/s10434-025-16950-5

J Gen Intern Med. 2025 Feb 4. doi: 10.1007/s11606-025-09398-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hypertension onset is linked to sleep, but the precise sleep duration affecting it remains unclear. Our goal is to pinpoint the sleep duration impacting hypertension incidence, offering valuable insights for prevention and management.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic search in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, Cqvip, and Wanfang Database, up to May 30, 2023, focusing on cohort studies examining the association between nighttime sleep duration and hypertension risk in adults aged 18 and above. Two authors independently performed data extraction, quality assessment, and synthesis based on predefined criteria. A random-effects model was used to estimate pooled effect sizes with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was quantified using the I² statistic, with potential sources explored through subgroup and sensitivity analyses to validate the robustness of the results.

RESULTS: Out of the 173,734 participants included in the meta-analysis, 41,528 eventually developed hypertension. The analysis revealed a correlation between short sleep duration and increased risk of hypertension: 1.07 (95% CI 1.00-1.14) for those sleeping ≤ 7 h, 1.04 (95% CI 1.02-1.07) for 6-7 h, and 1.17 (95% CI 1.06-1.28) for < 6 h. For women, with sleep duration 6-7 and < 6 h, the pooled risk of hypertension incidence was 1.07 (1.02-1.12) and 1.12 (1.06-1.19). In individuals under 60 years of age, an elevated risk of hypertension was observed with sleep durations of less than 6 h and between 6 and 7 h, with pooled risks of 1.24 (95% CI 1.10-1.39) and 1.05 (95% CI 1.00-1.11), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Hypertension is significantly correlated with sleep duration under 7 h, especially in women and those under 60, highlighting the importance of sleep management in hypertension prevention and treatment strategies.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO: CRD42022345513.

PMID:39904837 | DOI:10.1007/s11606-025-09398-6

Obes Surg. 2025 Feb 4. doi: 10.1007/s11695-025-07681-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Obesity is increasingly prevalent worldwide and has been linked to various health conditions, including hypothyroidism.

METHODS: Summary-level GWAS data from the UK Biobank and the FinnGen Biobank were used for Mendelian randomization analysis. The impact of BMI on autoimmune hypothyroidism through putative mediators was assessed through a four-step analytical process. Statistical analyses, including the inverse-variance-weighted (IVW) method, weighted median (WM), and MR-Egger methods, were employed to evaluate causal relationships and detect horizontal pleiotropy. Mediation analysis was performed using a two-step method to assess the causal relationships between BMI, putative mediators, and autoimmune hypothyroidism.

RESULTS: Higher BMI was associated with an increased risk of autoimmune hypothyroidism. Mean corpuscular volume, eosinophil count, and cystatin C levels were found to mediate this association.

CONCLUSIONS: BMI positively correlates with autoimmune hypothyroidism, with mean corpuscular volume, eosinophil count, and cystatin C levels mediating this relationship. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore causal relationships across diverse populations.

PMID:39904833 | DOI:10.1007/s11695-025-07681-3

Can J Anaesth. 2025 Feb 4. doi: 10.1007/s12630-025-02908-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: When difficulty with laryngoscopy is encountered, confirmation of endotracheal access can be confirmed using the tactile feedback (i.e., tracheal clicks) of a tracheal tube introducer (bougie). There is anecdotal evidence that a bougie placed in the esophagus may have a unique, tactile “boggy” resistance. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the sensitivity and specificity of clicks and boggy resistance for infrequent airway providers in cadaveric airways.

METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study using descriptive statistics to examine the diagnostic accuracy of clicks and boggy resistance for bougies placed in cadaveric airways. We recruited prehospital providers from within Atlantic Canada who then underwent a brief formal training protocol. Cadavers were equipped with a static laryngoscope and bougie (placed either in the trachea or esophagus). Each participant, blinded to bougie placement, was then tested on two separate cadavers and asked whether they felt clicks and/or boggy resistance.

RESULTS: Thirty-seven paramedics participated in the study (32 advanced care paramedics, five critical care paramedics) and were randomized to perform 74 bougie assessments on cadaveric airways. For tracheal clicks, we calculated an overall sensitivity of 86% (95% confidence interval [CI], 75 to 98) and an overall specificity of 81% (95% CI, 68 to 94). Sensitivity for the esophageal boggy resistance test was 78% (95% CI, 65 to 92) while specificity was 86% (95% CI, 75 to 98).

CONCLUSION: Following a brief training session, prehospital providers who intubate infrequently seemed to show a relatively high degree of accuracy using tracheal clicks and esophageal boggy resistance to confirm bougie placement in cadaveric airways.

PMID:39904826 | DOI:10.1007/s12630-025-02908-4

Int Urol Nephrol. 2025 Feb 4. doi: 10.1007/s11255-025-04395-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare the safety and efficacy of percutaneous laser ablation and radical nephroureterectomy for renal pelvic tumors.

METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 30 patients diagnosed with renal pelvic tumors who met the established selection criteria. The cohort was divided into two groups: Group I, consisting of 15 patients who underwent percutaneous laser ablation, and Group II, comprising 15 patients who received radical nephroureterectomy. Comprehensive data collection encompassed demographic information, intraoperative and postoperative outcomes, and disease-free survival.

RESULTS: The analysis revealed that percutaneous laser ablation offered modest benefits over radical nephroureterectomy in terms of reduced surgical duration (P < 0.01) and shorter hospital stays (P = 0.03). However, in evaluating long-term oncologic outcomes, percutaneous laser ablation did not achieve parity with radical nephroureterectomy. Although the differences in long-term outcomes were not statistically significant (HR: 0.48; 95% CI 0.05-4.92, P = 0.54), radical nephroureterectomy exhibited a slight advantage in disease-free survival.

CONCLUSION: Percutaneous laser ablation presents a safe and effective, less invasive treatment alternative, rendering it a feasible option for patients who are either unable or unwilling to undergo radical nephroureterectomy due to comorbid conditions or personal preferences.

PMID:39904823 | DOI:10.1007/s11255-025-04395-4