UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to identify parameters influencing DNA extraction and PCR amplification efficiencies in an attempt to standardize Mucorales qPCR. The Fungal PCR Initiative Mucorales Laboratory Working Group distributed two panels of simulated samples to 26 laboratories: Panel A (six sera spiked with Mucorales DNA and one negative control serum) and Panel B (six Mucorales DNA extracts). Panel A underwent DNA extraction in each laboratory according to the local procedure and were sent to a central laboratory for testing using three different qPCR techniques: one in-house qPCR assay and two commercial assays (MucorGenius and Fungiplex). Panel B DNA extracts were PCR amplified in each laboratory using local procedures: nine in-house qPCR assays and two commercial kits (MucorGenius and MycoGENIE). All data were compiled and anonymously analyzed at the central laboratory. For Panel A, a total of six different automated platforms and five manual extraction methods were used. Positive rates were 64%, 70%, and 89%, for the MucorGenius, Fungiplex, and the in-house qPCR assay, respectively. Using a large volume of serum for DNA extraction provided the highest analytical sensitivity (82.5% for 1 mL compared with 62.7% for smaller volumes, P < 0.01). For Panel B, five in-house qPCR assays and two commercial kits had >78% positivity. Using larger PCR input volumes (≥7 μL) was associated with the highest sensitivity at 95.5% compared to 58.3% when lower input volumes were used (P < 0.01). Using larger sample volumes for nucleic acid extraction and DNA template volumes for PCR amplification significantly improves the performance of Mucorales qPCR when testing serum. IMPORTANCE: Mucormycosis is a life-threatening mold infection affecting immunosuppressed patients but also other patients with diabetes or trauma. Better survival is linked to shorter delays in diagnosis and treatment initiation. Detection of Mucorales-free DNA in serum or plasma using quantitative PCR allows a prompt diagnosis and earlier treatment. Several techniques and protocols of quantitative Mucorales PCR are used in Europe, and improving performance remains a common objective of laboratories participating in the fungal PCR Initiative Working Group. This study, which combined results from 26 laboratories in Europe, showed that the main parameters underpinning sensitivity are the preanalytical variables (volume of serum used for DNA extraction and DNA template volume), irrespective of the extraction platforms and qPCR assay/platform.

• MeSH
• diagnostické techniky molekulární normy   metody   MeSH
• DNA fungální * krev   genetika   MeSH
• kvantitativní polymerázová řetězová reakce * normy   metody   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• Mucorales * genetika   izolace a purifikace   MeSH
• mukormykóza * diagnóza   mikrobiologie   krev   MeSH
• senzitivita a specificita * MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• hodnotící studie MeSH

Lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab significantly improved efficacy versus sunitinib in treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC) in the phase 3 CLEAR study. We report results of an exploratory post hoc analysis of tumor response data based on baseline metastatic characteristics of patients who received lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab versus sunitinib, at the final overall survival analysis time point of CLEAR (cutoff: July 31, 2022). Treatment-naïve adults with aRCC were randomized to: lenvatinib (20 mg PO QD in 21-day cycles) plus pembrolizumab (n = 355; 200 mg IV Q3W); lenvatinib plus everolimus (not reported here); or sunitinib (n = 357; 50 mg PO QD; 4 weeks on/2 weeks off). The most common (lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab; sunitinib, respectively) metastatic site was lung (71.0%; 63.9%), followed by lymph node (45.6%; 43.7%), bone (22.5%; 24.9%), and liver (17.7%; 19.6%). Across treatment arms, ≥65% had two or more metastatic organs/sites involved, >80% of patients had nontarget lesions, and ~45% had baseline sums of diameters of target lesions ≥60 mm. Lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab demonstrated greater progression-free survival, objective response rate, and duration of response versus sunitinib across evaluable subgroups regardless of site or size of baseline metastasis or number of metastatic sites at baseline. Overall survival generally trended to favor lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab versus sunitinib; and tumor shrinkage was greater across sites (lung, lymph node, liver, and bone) for patients in the lenvatinib-plus-pembrolizumab arm versus the sunitinib arm. These results further support lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab as a standard-of-care in patients with aRCC regardless of site or size of baseline metastasis or the number of metastatic sites.

• MeSH
• chinoliny * aplikace a dávkování   terapeutické užití   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• fenylmočovinové sloučeniny * aplikace a dávkování   terapeutické užití   MeSH
• humanizované monoklonální protilátky * aplikace a dávkování   terapeutické užití   MeSH
• karcinom z renálních buněk * farmakoterapie   patologie   mortalita   sekundární   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• metastázy nádorů MeSH
• nádory ledvin * farmakoterapie   patologie   mortalita   MeSH
• protokoly protinádorové kombinované chemoterapie * terapeutické užití   MeSH
• senioři nad 80 let MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• sunitinib * aplikace a dávkování   terapeutické užití   MeSH
• výsledek terapie MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři nad 80 let MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• klinické zkoušky, fáze III MeSH
• multicentrická studie MeSH
• randomizované kontrolované studie MeSH

Juxtaglomerular cell tumor (JxGCT) is a rare type of renal neoplasm demonstrating morphologic overlap with some mesenchymal tumors such as glomus tumor (GT) and solitary fibrous tumor (SFT). Its oncogenic drivers remain elusive, and only a few cases have been analyzed with modern molecular techniques. In prior studies, loss of chromosomes 9 and 11 appeared to be recurrent. Recently, whole-genome analysis identified alterations involving genes of MAPK-RAS pathway in a subset, but no major pathogenic alterations have been discovered in prior whole transcriptome analyses. Considering the limited understanding of the molecular features of JxGCTs, we sought to assess a collaborative series with a multiomic approach to further define the molecular characteristics of this entity. Fifteen tumors morphologically compatible with JxGCTs were evaluated using immunohistochemistry for renin, single-nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP), low-pass whole-genome sequencing, and RNA sequencing (fusion assay). In addition, methylation analysis comparing JxGCT, GT, and SFT was performed. All cases tested with renin (n=11) showed positive staining. Multiple chromosomal abnormalities were identified in all cases analyzed (n=8), with gains of chromosomes 1p, 10, 17, and 19 and losses of chromosomes 9, 11, and 21 being recurrent. A pathogenic HRAS mutation was identified in one case as part of the SNP array analysis. Thirteen tumors were analyzed by RNA sequencing, with 2 revealing in-frame gene fusions: TFG::GPR128 (interpreted as stochastic) and NAB2::STAT6 . The latter, originally diagnosed as JxGCT, was reclassified as SFT and excluded from the series. No fusions were detected in the remaining 11 cases; of note, no case harbored NOTCH fusions previously described in GT. Genomic methylation analysis showed that JxGCT, GT, and SFT form separate clusters, confirming that JxGCT represents a distinct entity (ie, different from GT). The results of our study show that JxGCTs are a distinct tumor type with a recurrent pattern of chromosomal imbalances that may play a role in oncogenesis, with MAPK-RAS pathway activation being likely a driver in a relatively small subset.

• MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• epigeneze genetická MeSH
• epigenomika MeSH
• fúze genů * MeSH
• genetická predispozice k nemoci MeSH
• genomika MeSH
• imunohistochemie MeSH
• jednonukleotidový polymorfismus MeSH
• juxtaglomerulární aparát patologie   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• metylace DNA MeSH
• nádorové biomarkery * genetika   MeSH
• nádory ledvin * genetika   patologie   chemie   MeSH
• sekvenování celého genomu MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• multicentrická studie MeSH

The prevalence of centenarians, people who lived 100 years and longer, is steadily growing in the last decades. This exceptional longevity is based on multifaceted processes influenced by a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors such as sex, (epi-)genetic factors, gut microbiota, cellular metabolism, exposure to oxidative stress, immune status, cardiovascular risk factors, environmental factors, and lifestyle behavior. Epidemiologically, the incidence rate of cardiovascular diseases is reduced in healthy centenarians along with late onset of age-related diseases compared with the general aged population. Understanding the mechanisms that affect vascular ageing in centenarians and the underlying factors could offer valuable insights for developing strategies to improve overall healthy life span in the elderly. This review discusses these key factors influencing vascular ageing and how their modulation could foster healthy longevity.

• MeSH
• dlouhověkost * fyziologie   MeSH
• kardiovaskulární nemoci patofyziologie   epidemiologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• oxidační stres fyziologie   MeSH
• rizikové faktory MeSH
• senioři nad 80 let MeSH
• stárnutí * fyziologie   MeSH
• střevní mikroflóra fyziologie   MeSH
• zdravé stárnutí fyziologie   MeSH
• životní styl MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři nad 80 let MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

AIMS: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is guideline recommended for the treatment of symptomatic heart failure (HF) with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and prolonged QRS. However, patients with common comorbidities, such as persistent/permanent atrial fibrillation (AF), are often under-represented in clinical trials. METHODS: The Strategic Management to Optimize Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (SMART) registry (NCT03075215) was a global, multicentre, registry that enrolled de novo CRT implants, or upgrade from pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator to CRT-defibrillator (CRT-D), using a quadripolar left ventricular lead in real-world clinical practice. The primary endpoint was CRT response between baseline and 12 month follow-up defined as a clinical composite score (CCS) consisting of all-cause mortality, HF-associated hospitalization, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class and quality of life global assessment. RESULTS: The registry enrolled 2035 patients, of which 1558 had completed CCS outcomes at 12 months. The patient cohort was 33.0% female, mean age at enrolment was 67.5 ± 10.4 years and the mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 29.6 ± 7.9%. Notably, there was a high prevalence of mildly symptomatic patients (NYHA class I/II 51.3%), non-left bundle branch block (LBBB) morphology (38.0%), AF (37.2%) and diabetes mellitus (34.7%) at baseline. CCS at 12 months improved in 58.9% (n = 917) of patients; 20.1% (n = 313) of patients stabilized and 21.0% (n = 328) worsened. Several patient characteristics were associated with a lower likelihood of response to CRT including older age, ischaemic aetiology, renal dysfunction, AF, non-LBBB morphology and diabetes. Higher HF hospitalization (P < 0.001) and all-cause mortality (P < 0.001) were observed in patients with AF. These patients also had lower percentages of ventricular pacing than patients in sinus rhythm at baseline and follow-up (P < 0.001, both). A further association between AF and non-LBBB was observed with 81.4% of AF non-LBBB patients experiencing an HF hospitalization compared with 92.5% of non-AF LBBB patients (P < 0.001). Mortality between subgroups was also statistically significant (P = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: This large, global registry enrolled a CRT-D population with higher incidence of comorbidities that have been historically underrepresented in clinical trials and provides new insight into factors influencing response to CRT. As defined by CCS, 58.9% of patients improved and 20.1% stabilized. Patients with AF had particularly worse clinical outcomes, higher HF hospitalization and mortality rates and lower percentages of ventricular pacing. High incidence of HF hospitalization in patients with AF and non-LBBB in this real-world cohort suggests that ablation may play an important role in increasing future CRT response rates.

• MeSH
• celosvětové zdraví MeSH
• funkce levé komory srdeční * fyziologie   MeSH
• kvalita života * MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• následné studie MeSH
• registrace * MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• srdeční resynchronizační terapie * metody   MeSH
• srdeční selhání * terapie   patofyziologie   mortalita   MeSH
• tepový objem * fyziologie   MeSH
• výsledek terapie MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• multicentrická studie MeSH

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Bladder cancer (BCa) imposes a substantial economic burden on health care systems and patients. Understanding these financial implications is crucial for effective resource allocation and optimization of treatment cost effectiveness. Here, we aim to systematically review and analyze the financial burden of BCa from the health care and patient perspectives. METHODS: A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA)-compliant systematic review was conducted, searching PubMed/Medline, Embase, and public sources for studies evaluating the financial impact of BCa, encompassing costs, cost effectiveness, and financial toxicity (FT). KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS: Non-muscle-invasive BCa (NMIBC) incurs significant costs for surveillance and treatment, with costs exceeding $200 000 after 5 yr for high-risk NMIBC patients progressing after bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) treatment (including inpatient, outpatient, and physician service expenses). Muscle-invasive BCa generates substantial costs from radical cystectomy (RC) and neoadjuvant chemotherapy, averaging $30 000-40 000 from surgical costs of RC, with additional expenses in case of complications. Trimodal therapy has higher costs (1-yr management cost >$200 000) than RC because of higher outpatient, radiology, and medication costs. Metastatic BCa incurs the highest financial burden, with systemic therapy costs ranging from $40 000 to over $100 000 per five-cycle course, increasing further with combination therapies (ie, enfortumab vedotin and pembrolizumab), treatment-related toxicity, and supportive care. FT is particularly prevalent among younger, less educated, and minority populations. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: BCa treatment, particularly in advanced stages, imposes a substantial economic burden. Innovations in care, while improving oncologic outcomes, necessitate detailed cost-effectiveness assessments. Addressing these economic challenges is essential for optimizing BCa management, targeting patients at a higher risk of FT, and improving patient quality of life.

• MeSH
• analýza nákladů a výnosů MeSH
• cystektomie ekonomika   škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• metastázy nádorů MeSH
• nádory močového měchýře * ekonomika   terapie   patologie   MeSH
• náklady na zdravotní péči * MeSH
• osobní újma zaviněná nemocí * MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH
• systematický přehled MeSH

OBJECTIVE: We comprehensively characterized a large pediatric cohort with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) type 1 to expand the phenotypic spectrum and to identify predictors of postsurgical outcomes. METHODS: We included pediatric patients with histopathological diagnosis of isolated FCD type 1 and at least 1 year of postsurgical follow-up. We systematically reanalyzed clinical, electrophysiological, and radiological features. The results of this reanalysis served as independent variables for subsequent statistical analyses of outcome predictors. RESULTS: All children (N = 31) had drug-resistant epilepsy with varying impacts on neurodevelopment and cognition (presurgical intelligence quotient [IQ]/developmental quotient scores = 32-106). Low presurgical IQ was associated with abnormal slow background electroencephalographic (EEG) activity and disrupted sleep architecture. Scalp EEG showed predominantly multiregional and often bilateral epileptiform activity. Advanced epilepsy magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocols identified FCD-specific features in 74.2% of patients (23/31), 17 of whom were initially evaluated as MRI-negative. In six of eight MRI-negative cases, fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (PET) and subtraction ictal single photon emission computed tomography coregistered to MRI helped localize the dysplastic cortex. Sixteen patients (51.6%) underwent invasive EEG. By the last follow-up (median = 5 years, interquartile range = 3.3-9 years), seizure freedom was achieved in 71% of patients (22/31), including seven of eight MRI-negative patients. Antiseizure medications were reduced in 21 patients, with complete withdrawal in six. Seizure outcome was predicted by a combination of the following descriptors: age at epilepsy onset, epilepsy duration, long-term invasive EEG, and specific MRI and PET findings. SIGNIFICANCE: This study highlights the broad phenotypic spectrum of FCD type 1, which spans far beyond the narrow descriptions of previous studies. The applied multilayered presurgical approach helped localize the epileptogenic zone in many previously nonlesional cases, resulting in improved postsurgical seizure outcomes, which are more favorable than previously reported for FCD type 1 patients.

• MeSH
• dítě MeSH
• elektroencefalografie * metody   MeSH
• epilepsie MeSH
• fokální kortikální dysplazie MeSH
• kohortové studie MeSH
• kojenec MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• magnetická rezonanční tomografie * MeSH
• malformace mozkové kůry, skupina I * chirurgie   komplikace   diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• malformace mozkové kůry chirurgie   komplikace   diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• pozitronová emisní tomografie MeSH
• předškolní dítě MeSH
• refrakterní epilepsie * chirurgie   diagnostické zobrazování   patofyziologie   MeSH
• výsledek terapie MeSH
• Check Tag
• dítě MeSH
• kojenec MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• předškolní dítě MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex, highly structured, and dynamic ecosystem that plays a pivotal role in the progression of both primary and metastatic tumors. Precise assessment of the dynamic spatiotemporal features of the TME is crucial for understanding cancer evolution and designing effective therapeutic strategies. Cancer is increasingly recognized as a systemic disease, influenced not only by the TME, but also by a multitude of systemic factors, including whole-body metabolism, gut microbiome, endocrine signaling, and circadian rhythm. In this review, we summarize the intrinsic, extrinsic, and systemic factors contributing to the formation of 'cold' tumors within the framework of the cancer-immunity cycle. Correspondingly, we discuss potential strategies for converting 'cold' tumors into 'hot' ones to enhance therapeutic efficacy.

• MeSH
• cirkadiánní rytmus MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• nádorové mikroprostředí * imunologie   MeSH
• nádory * patologie   terapie   MeSH
• střevní mikroflóra MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

Introduction. Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) is a therapeutical option for the treatment of drug-resistant epileptic patients. The response to VNS varies from patient to patient and is difficult to predict. The proposed study is based on our previous work, identifying relative mean power in pre-implantation EEG as a reliable marker for VNS efficacy prediction in adult patients. Our study has two main tasks. Firstly, to confirm the utility of relative mean power as a feature correlating with VNS efficacy in children. The second is to validate the applicability of our prediction classifier, Pre-X-Stim, in the pediatric population. Material and Methods. We identified a group of children with drug-resistant epilepsy. We included only children in whom EEG contained photic stimulation (Task 1) or was recorded based on the defined acquisition protocol used for development Pre-X-Stim (Task 2). Relative mean powers were calculated. VNS responders and non-responders were compared based on relative mean powers' values. In the next step, we evaluate the utility of our classifier, Pre-X-Stim, in the children population. Results: We identified 57 children treated with VNS - 17 patients were recruited for the Task 1 and 7 patients for the Task 2. When focusing on relative mean powers in EEG spectra, we observed statistically significant differences in theta range. The Pre-X-Stim algorithm was able to predict VNS efficacy correctly in 6 out of 7 patients (the accuracy 83.3%, the sensitivity 75%, the specificity 100%). Conclusions. Based on our results, it seems that children and adults share a similar pattern of EEG relative mean power changes. These changes can be used for pre-implantation prediction of VNS efficacy.

• MeSH
• dítě MeSH
• elektroencefalografie * metody   MeSH
• epilepsie * terapie   patofyziologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• předškolní dítě MeSH
• refrakterní epilepsie * terapie   patofyziologie   MeSH
• skalp MeSH
• vagová stimulace * metody   MeSH
• výsledek terapie MeSH
• Check Tag
• dítě MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• předškolní dítě MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

PURPOSE: To evaluate treatment outcomes and toxicity in patients with stage T1-3N0M0 oral cancer treated with surgery followed by high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Retrospective study of 50 patients with stage T1-T3N0 tongue and floor-of-mouth cancer who underwent tumour excision (+ elective neck dissection) followed by postoperative HDR-BT due to the presence of negative prognostic factors (close or positive resection margins, lymphovascular and/or perineural invasion, deep invasion). The plastic tube technique (dose: 18 x 3 Gy b.i.d.) was used. Survival outcomes, toxicity, and prognostic factors were evaluated. RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 81 months (range, 4-121), actuarial 5-year local control (LC), nodal control (NC) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 79%, 69%, and 64%. After salvage treatment (surgery + external beam radiotherapy), LC, NC, and PFS increased to 87%, 77%, and 72.3%, respectively. Five-year overall survival and cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates were 73% and 77%. Treatmentrelated toxicity included two cases of mandibular osteoradionecrosis and five cases of small soft tissue necrosis. T stage was significantly correlated with nodal control (p=0.02) and CSS (p=0.04). Tumour grade correlated with DFS (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: Postoperative HDR-BT 18 x 3 Gy b.i.d. seems to be an effective method in patients with T1-3N0M0 oral cancer with negative prognostic factors after tumour resection.

• MeSH
• brachyterapie * metody   MeSH
• celková dávka radioterapie * MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• míra přežití MeSH
• nádory úst * radioterapie   patologie   chirurgie   MeSH
• prognóza MeSH
• retrospektivní studie MeSH
• senioři nad 80 let MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• staging nádorů * MeSH
• výsledek terapie MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři nad 80 let MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH