Citations

Background: Qualification of non-invasive tests (NITs) and blood biomarkers for fibrosis severity and risk assessment is an unmet need in clinical care for cirrhosis. The paucity of reproducibility data for imaging and blood biomarkers in cirrhosis hinders their application for longitudinal monitoring. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility of imaging and blood biomarkers in a prospective cohort of adults with cirrhosis. Methods: We prospectively enrolled adults with cirrhosis in an observational, longitudinal cohort study. Participants completed a research visit with vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) with liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and blood testing, including AST, ALT, platelets, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and the Fibrosis-4 Index (FIB-4). Biomarkers were repeated a median of 3 months apart without any interim intervention. The primary outcome was the reproducibility of each biomarker as assessed by the reproducibility coefficient (RDC%), within-participant coefficient of variation (wCV), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Bland–Altman analysis. Results: In total, 40 participants (mean age 62, 60% female, mean BMI 28.6 kg/m 2 ) had VCTE/CAP, 38 AST/ALT, and 26 had AFP at both time points. The RDC% for VCTE-LSM was 54.4, wCV 0.19, and ICC 0.91. VCTE CAP had an RDC% of 56, a wCV of 0.30, and ICC 0.47. AFP had an RDC% of 58, a wCV of 0.21, and an ICC of 0.95. RDC% for AST, ALT, and FIB-4 ranged from 70% to 79%. On Bland–Altman analyses, VCTE-LSM demonstrated the lowest relative bias (0.4%). Conclusions: Prospective assessment of repeat biomarkers in adults with cirrhosis found that VCTE-LSM and CAP provide consistent assessments across individuals but may yield substantial within-individual variation. Blood-based biomarkers had poor reproducibility within individuals but were consistent in detecting between-patient variability. These data can inform ultrasound-based non-invasive testing qualification by defining thresholds that may reflect measurement variability rather than true biologic change over time.

Abstract Two recent studies suggested that the APOE ε4 haplotype was associated with increased α-synuclein pathology in cell and mouse models. Genetic variants in the SNCA region have strong association with Parkinson’s disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and idiopathic REM sleep behaviour disorder (iRBD), while APOE is a genetic risk determinant for only DLB. To determine if genetic-level interactions between SNCA and APOE exists that can explain the protein-level association, we investigated the genotypic interaction of APOE and SNCA in cohorts of PD, DLB and iRBD. We analysed genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from 5229 PD patients and 5480 controls, 2610 DLB patients and 1920 controls, and 1055 iRBD patients and 3667 controls. We used logistic regression interaction models across all three cohorts independently between the (i) top GWAS signals of SNCA single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and APOE haplotypes and (ii) SNP×SNP and three-way SNP interaction across the entire coding region plus 200 kb flanking each gene. No significant interactions were found to be associated with any of the synucleinopathies after correction for multiple testing. Our results do not support a role for genetic interactions between APOE and SNCA across PD, DLB and iRBD. Since the tested genetic variants affect the expression and function of these proteins, it is likely that any interactions between them do not affect the risk of PD, DLB and iRBD.

ABSTRACT Background We recently published the first real‐world multicenter and multi‐institutional study of cisplatin, gemcitabine, and durvalumab in patients with advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC). Here we present an expanded patient cohort with an increased sample size and longer median follow‐up. Methods The study population included patients with advanced BTC, who received cisplatin/gemcitabine plus durvalumab at 55 centers across 12 countries in Europe, the United States, and Asia. The primary endpoints of the study were progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints were overall response rate (ORR) and safety. Results Overall, 1358 patients were enrolled. Median PFS was 7.6 months (95% CI: 7.2–8.1), and median OS was 15.6 months (95% CI: 14.8–16.5). ORR was 35.6%, and DCR was 82.7%. Any grade AEs occurred in 1213 patients (89.3%). Grade 3–4 AEs occurred in 597 patients (43.2%). The rate of immune‐related AEs (irAE) was 20.3%. Grade 3–4 irAE occurred in 3.0% of patients. At the multivariate analysis for OS, normal albumin level (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.57–0.81, p < 0.0001), CEA levels within normal ranges (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.57–0.82, p < 0.0001), NLR < 3 (HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.52–0.74, p < 0.0001), ECOG PS 0 (HR 0.51, 95% CI 0.42–0.61, p < 0.0001), and prior surgery (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.65–0.99, p = 0.036) were positive prognostic factors. Conclusion The updated findings, derived from an expanded cohort, further support the adoption of durvalumab in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin in routine clinical practice, reinforcing the efficacy and safety outcomes demonstrated in the phase III TOPAZ‐1 trial.

Importance Treatment for cognitive dysfunction due to postacute sequelae of long COVID (ie, symptoms of fatigue, malaise, weakness, confusion that persist beyond 12 weeks after an initial COVID infection) remains a significant unmet need. Objective To test evidence-based rehabilitation strategies for improving cognitive symptoms in persons with long COVID. Design, Setting, and Participants This was a 5-arm, multicenter, randomized clinical trial of 3 remotely delivered interventions conducted between August 17, 2023, and June 10, 2024. The study took place at 22 trial sites and included the screening of individuals with cognitive long COVID. Interventions Participants were randomized to 1 of 5 arms: adaptive computerized cognitive training (BrainHQ [Posit Science]), cognitive-behavioral rehabilitation involving both group and individual counseling sessions (PASC-Cognitive Recovery [PASC-CoRE]) paired with BrainHQ, and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) paired with BrainHQ. Two comparator arms were included as follows: unstructured computer puzzles and games (active comparator) and sham tDCS paired with BrainHQ. The interventions occurred 5 times per week over 10 weeks. Main Outcomes and Measures Cognitive and behavioral in-person assessments were performed at baseline, midintervention, at the end of intervention, and 3 months after the end of the intervention. The primary outcome measure was the modified Everyday Cognition Scale 2 (ECog2) completed at the end of the intervention compared to the baseline visit based on participant self-report looking back over the prior 7 days. Results A total of 378 individuals were screened, from which there were 328 participants (median [IQR] age, 48.0 [37.0-58.0] years; 241 female [73.5%]; race: 15 Asian [4.6%], 47 Black [14.3%], and 235 White [71.6%]; ethnicity: 52 Hispanic [15.9%]). None of the 3 active interventions demonstrated benefits on the modified ECog2 in the intention-to-treat population by the end of the intervention period. The adjusted differences in mean change were 0.0 (95% CI, −0.2 to 0.2) for BrainHQ vs active comparator, 0.1 (95% CI, −0.1 to 0.3) for PASC-CoRE + BrainHQ vs active comparator, 0.0 (95% CI, −0.2 to 0.2) for tDCS-active + BrainHQ vs tDCS-sham + BrainHQ, and 0.1 (95% CI, −0.1 to 0.3) for PASC-CoRE + BrainHQ vs BrainHQ alone. Secondary participant-reported outcomes and neuropsychological tests showed no differential benefits for any treatment arm. All 5 arms demonstrated some improvements over time on the modified ECog2 and on secondary outcomes. There were no serious adverse events attributable to the interventions. Conclusions and Relevance This phase 2 randomized clinical trial failed to demonstrate differential benefits for online cognitive training, a structured cognitive rehabilitation program, and tDCS for cognitive long COVID. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05965739 .

Abstract INTRODUCTION The Consortium for Clarity in Alzheimer's disease related dementias (ADRD) Research Through Imaging (CLARiTI) is a study that aims to collect standardized imaging and plasma biomarkers on 2000 Clinical Core participants enrolled across all Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers (ADRC) sites. We sought to summarize the known heterogeneity across centers regarding scientific focus and initial enrollment plans for CLARiTI. METHODS We developed and distributed a survey capturing information on the 36 CLARiTI site's theme/expertise, recruitment plans, and the intersection of CLARiTI with other ADRC imaging efforts. RESULTS Anticipated CLARiTI enrollees spanned 11 different categories of suspected etiologies underlying impairment. A wide range of risk factors were endorsed across sites regarding the enrollment of unimpaired individuals. Variability also existed regarding site‐level strategies in enrollment into CLARiTI versus other imaging efforts. DISCUSSION We anticipate that the 2000 individuals that will enroll into CLARiTI will reflect the clinical heterogeneity already in place across the ADRC network. Highlights The ADRC Consortium for Clarity in ADRD Research Through Imaging (CLARiTI) will leverage and contribute to the existing Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers (ADRC) program by supporting standardized imaging and plasma collection across all centers. We summarize the variation in scientific focus and enrollment plans across ADRC sites participating in CLARiTI. The anticipated CLARiTI cohort will reflect the clinical heterogeneity that already exists across the ADRC network. CLARiTI will contribute to scientific goals related to the detection of multi‐etiological signatures relevant for Alzheimer's disease and related disorders (ADRDs).

BACKGROUND: Although chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction often coexist with overlapping clinical features, they are usually studied separately. The SPIROMICS HF (Subpopulations and Intermediate Outcome Measures in COPD and Heart Failure Study) is testing hypotheses that new computed tomography emphysema subtypes are associated with specific cardiovascular phenotypes (eg, cor pulmonale , cor pulmonale parvus ), common airway branch variants are associated with right heart dysfunction, and symptomatic tobacco-exposed persons with preserved spirometry have signs of increased left ventricular afterload. METHODS: SPIROMICS is a multicenter observational study of COPD with extensive pulmonary phenotyping of participants with ≥20 pack-years smoking and nonsmoking controls. COPD and COPD severity were defined by standard spirometric criteria and symptomatic tobacco-exposed persons with preserved spirometry by ≥20 pack-years, normal spirometry, and COPD Assessment Test score >10. SPIROMICS HF selected all participants in SPIROMICS visit 5 at major sites. Its comprehensive speckle-tracking echocardiography, which included physiological perturbations of leg raise and low-intensity exercise, was harmonized prospectively with the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis Early Heart Failure and HeartSHARE (Combining Omics, Deep Phenotyping, and Electronic Health Records for Heart Failure Subtypes and Treatment Targets) studies. The cardiopulmonary magnetic resonance imaging protocol with gadolinium administration included myocardial fibrosis sequences, pulmonary angiography, time-resolved 3-dimensional cine magnetic resonance imaging (4-dimensional flow) of venous return, and metronome-paced tachypnea to induce dynamic hyperinflation. Coronary artery calcium was assessed on computed tomography scans. The Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire was administered. RESULTS: Of the final sample of 753 participants, 57% had COPD (15% mild, 27% moderate, and 15% severe), 18% had symptomatic tobacco-exposed persons with preserved spirometry, 16% were smoking controls, and 8% were nonsmoking controls. Reproducibility of the main measures from speckle-tracking echocardiography (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.83–0.99), exercise echocardiography (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.71–0.99) and magnetic resonance imaging (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.57–0.99) were good-to-excellent, including in severe COPD. CONCLUSIONS: SPIROMICS HF aims to characterize and understand cardiopulmonary interactions in COPD and COPD-related phenotypes to inform targeted treatments for combined cardiopulmonary failure.

Purpose of review The rapid growth and integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare has the potential to revolutionize all fields of medicine, including anesthesiology. This review summarizes the role of artificial intelligence in anesthesiology, highlighting how it can enhance patient safety, workflow efficiency, and research capabilities, while also examining the potential risks and ethical issues of introducing this new technology. Recent findings Evolving applications in anesthesiology include closed-loop anesthetic delivery, risk stratification, intraoperative monitoring, natural language processing for literature synthesis, and predictive modeling for adverse events. While these tools offer significant promise for improving efficiency and safety, emerging risks, such as algorithmic bias, lack of transparency, hallucinations, and automation complacency – must be carefully addressed. Regulatory frameworks, clinician education, and transparent model development are necessary to ensure responsible integration. Summary Artificial intelligence is poised to transform anesthetic care, but it must be developed and deployed with caution. Clinician oversight, robust validation, and ethical safeguards are essential to ensure artificial intelligence enhances, rather than replaces, clinical judgment. Strategic adoption can improve patient outcomes, reduce preventable harm, and streamline perioperative workflows.

Abstract Disclosure: S.R. Chacko: None. C.A. Villavicencio Torres: None. K. Yu: None. S.G. Waguespack: None. L. Lu: None. Z. Belaya: None. T. Bandgar: None. A. Sada: None. O. Ragnarsson: None. B. Altieri: None. A. Newman: None. P. Vibhatavata: None. M. Tóth: None. E.V. Varlamov: None. C. Badiu: None. A. Paissan: None. M. St-Jean: None. H. Falhammar: None. N. Imamudeen: None. L. Haberbosch: None. M. Bobrowicz: None. A. Tabarin: None. R. Shah: None. M.R. Gadelha: None. A. Peersen: None. W.F. Young: None. J. Kaplan: None. J. Varghese: None. M.A. Habra: None. O. Golounina: None. G.A. Melnichenko: None. A.R. Lila: None. C. Yamichannaiah: None. I. Bancos: None. Context: Cushing syndrome (CS) due to ectopic ACTH secretion (EAS) is a rare condition, associated with severe hypercortisolism and consequent morbidity and mortality. Its varied and often emergent presentation make diagnosis and treatment challenging. Objectives: 1.Characterize clinical and biochemical presentation of EAS. 2.Describe the scope of hypercortisolism-related complications, overall and CS-specific mortality. 3.Identify factors associated with CS-specific mortality. Methods: We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study in patients with EAS at 37 centers. Outcomes were clinical/biochemical severity scores, complications, overall and CS-specific mortality. Results: In 1053 patients [median age at diagnosis 52 years (IQR 37-64), 57% women], metastatic disease was present at diagnosis in 585 (56%). The most common sources of EAS were bronchial neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) (304, 29%), pancreatic NEN (114, 11%) and small cell lung carcinoma (114, 11%), with the source of EAS being occult in 192 (18%). Clinical and biochemical severity scores were severe in 475 (45%) and 873 patients (92%) respectively. Hypokalemia was present in 819 patients (78%) in the year prior to diagnosis. Of 342 patients (32%) who had IPSS, 301 (88%) suggested an ectopic source, 7 (2%) a pituitary source, and 23 (7%) were non-diagnostic. Of 595 patients who had both functional and cross-sectional imaging, discordant findings were seen in 122 (21%), concordant lesion was seen on both in 326 (55%), and no lesion in 147 (25%). Of those with discordant results, cross-sectional imaging was accurate in 66 (54%) and functional imaging in 56 (46%).Management included medical therapy alone in 237 (23%), surgical excision of the source of EAS in 158 (15%), bilateral adrenalectomy in 77 (7%) and multimodal therapies in 498 patients (47%). Complications within 5 years after diagnosis included hospitalization related to CS or its therapy in 351 (33%), infection in 337 (32%), thromboembolic event in 102 (10%), cardiovascular event in 83 (8%) and cerebrovascular event in 27 (3%). During a median follow-up of 35 months (IQR 20-122) from CS diagnosis, death occurred in 462 patients (44%), with the cause of death related to CS in 149 (14%). CS-specific mortality was higher in metastatic compared with non-metastatic disease (19% vs. 7%, P&lt;0.001). On multivariable analysis of age, sex, clinical and biochemical severity, older age (HR 1.03, 95% CI: 1.02-1.04) and lower clinical severity score (HR 0.97, 95% CI: 0.94-0.99), were associated with higher CS-specific mortality. Conclusion: Our interim analysis, the largest worldwide, found that most patients with EAS had severe hypercortisolism and hypokalemia. Metastatic disease was present in 56%, and the source of EAS was occult in 18%. CS-related death occurred in 14%, emphasizing the need for urgent management. Presentation: Monday, July 14, 2025