Citations

Abstract Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteomics offers insights into molecular changes in aging and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Key AD biomarkers, in particular amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau, in CSF are strongly associated with APOE genotype, the strongest genetic risk determinant of AD. To investigate how APOE genotype influences CSF proteome across AD pathology and age, we analyzed 362 neurology-related proteins and established AD biomarkers in CSF from 145 cognitively unimpaired participants in the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging. Importantly, our cohort is uniquely balanced across APOE genotypes, with similar representation of APOE2 carriers, APOE3/3 genotype, and APOE4 carriers. We identified several proteins, including lipid metabolism-related Lp-PLA2 and immune-related ITGAM, with strong APOE genotype-specific association. Notably, meta-analysis confirmed that ITGAM levels were consistently higher in APOE4 compared to APOE2 carriers across multiple cohorts and proteomic platforms. In addition, with increasing amyloid deposition, APOE4 carriers exhibited stronger immune responses, reflected by elevated ITGAM, TNF-α receptors, and IL-6, whereas APOE2 carriers showed attenuated responses. We further observed sex-specific effects among APOE2 carriers, characterized by distinct patterns in amyloid and CXCL11 levels. These findings suggest distinct mechanisms underlying APOE2’s protective and APOE4’s detrimental effects in brain aging and AD, paving for personalized diagnostics and interventions.

392 Background: PAC+RAM is the standard second-line therapy for advanced GEA. However, PAC-related neuropathy is a major challenge, particularly since many pts have pre-existing neuropathy from prior platinum exposure. An effective “neuropathy-free” regimen remains an unmet need. We evaluated FTD-TPI+RAM as an alternative to PAC+RAM. Methods: This multi-center, randomized, phase II study enrolled GEA pts who progressed on or were intolerant to fluoropyrimidine+ platinum therapy. Pts were randomized to FTD-TPI+RAM (Arm A) or PAC+RAM (arm B) at a 1:1 ratio. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS), defined as time interval between randomization date and the date of disease progression or death; Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS) and adverse events (AEs). The design hypothesized non-inferiority (NI) of Arm A to Arm B with a NI margin of hazard ratio 1.19. 90 PFS events from 116 pts provide 80% power with a one-sided alpha of 0.15. The interim futility analysis, conducted in December 2024 with 20 events, did not cross the futility boundary (Z statistic ≥ 1.172 ) and continued enrolling pts. The trial closed enrollment in March 2025 due to slow accrual. At the time of interim analysis, 20 events had occurred and the Z statistic was 0.4532. Final analysis included the 29 pts that were eligible, consented, randomized, and received any protocol treatment. Results: Among 29 pts (15 Arm A; 14 Arm B), baseline characteristics were balanced (in Arms A vs B, median age 64 vs 63; 80% vs 85.7% male; 86.7%% vs 78.6% White; 80% vs 78.6% ECOG 1). At data freeze of 8/4/2025, 26 PFS events were reported. Median PFS was 3.2 vs. 3.9 months in Arm A vs. Arm B (HR 1.37, 95% CI 0.61-3.02). NI was not demonstrated (Z =0.34, threshold for NI<-1.036). Median OS was 8.4 vs. 10.7 months, in Arms A and B, respectively. Grade ≥3 AEs occurred in 93% (Arm A) vs 71% (Arm B) with hematologic AEs occurring more frequently in Arm A than Arm B (53% vs 29%). Peripheral sensory neuropathy (any grade) occurred more frequently in Arm B (86%) vs. Arm A (47%). Conclusions: Although NI was not achieved due to early closure and small sample size, FTD-TPI+RAM was relatively safe and associated with less neuropathy compared with PAC+RAM. This regimen warrants further evaluation for pts in whom neuropathy limits taxane use. Clinical trial information: NCT04660760 .

Abstract Background Ten years after the original publication, the Centiloid framework is now broadly used to harmonize amyloid‐PET quantification, facilitate data sharing and comparison across cohorts, and even assist visual interpretation in clinical settings. We evaluated the global implementation of Centiloids by comparing their distribution and corresponding positivity thresholds across cohorts. Methods We gathered data from publicly available cohorts and reached out to investigators across the world to collect cross‐sectional Centiloids, demographic and clinical information, and visual read data. Gaussian mixture models (GMM, k=2) were fitted to Centiloid values for each cohort and cutoffs were calculated as mean + 2SD of the lower Gaussian. When visual reads were available, we determined Centiloid cutoffs that maximized correspondence with visual reads (Cohen's kappa). Data was combined across cohorts using random effects meta‐analyses. Results As of January 2025, we included 37 cohorts ( n = 41,678 participants) with heterogeneous pipelines, radiotracers, and clinical and demographic characteristics (Table‐1). The low Gaussian peaks ranged from ‐9 to 10CL; the meta‐analysis identified a common peak at 1CL. The second peaks were more heterogeneous (range=38‐102CL; meta‐analysis outcome=64CL). Across cohorts, the proportion of cognitively unimpaired versus impaired participants impacted the position of both peaks, with better separation in cohorts enriched in impaired individuals (Figure 1C). The meta‐analysis indicated a GMM‐based cutoff of 19CL (95%CI: 16‐21CL, Figure 1B); subgroup analyses showed no evidence of significant effect between single versus multicenter settings (17 versus 20CL, p = 0.30), MRI‐based or PET‐only processing (18 versus 19CL, p = 0.88), and no evidence of difference across radiotracers (Flutemetamol: 16CL; PIB: 17CL, Flutafuranol: 18CL, Florbetaben: 19CL, Florbetapir: 20CL, p = 0.78). In a subset of 29,496 participants with visual reads available, binary visual reads corresponded well to Centiloids (common kappa=0.86, Figure 2A). The visual read‐based cutoff of 24CL (95%CI: 21‐27CL, Figure 2B) maximized correspondence between visual read and quantification and was slightly higher than the GMM‐based cutoff. All meta‐analysis models showed high non‐random heterogeneity (I 2 >80%) across studies, suggesting non‐random differences in peaks and cutoffs. Conclusions Meta‐analysis‐based cutoffs align well with thresholds from the existing literature. High heterogeneity among studies underscores the need to investigate contributing factors, raising concerns about applying common cutoffs.

Abstract Background Ten years after the original publication, the Centiloid framework is now broadly used to harmonize amyloid‐PET quantification, facilitate data sharing and comparison across cohorts, and even assist visual interpretation in clinical settings. We evaluated the global implementation of Centiloids by comparing their distribution and corresponding positivity thresholds across cohorts. Methods We gathered data from publicly available cohorts and reached out to investigators across the world to collect cross‐sectional Centiloids, demographic and clinical information, and visual read data. Gaussian mixture models (GMM, k=2) were fitted to Centiloid values for each cohort and cutoffs were calculated as mean + 2SD of the lower Gaussian. When visual reads were available, we determined Centiloid cutoffs that maximized correspondence with visual reads (Cohen’s kappa). Data was combined across cohorts using random effects meta‐analyses. Results As of January 2025, we included 37 cohorts ( n = 41,678 participants) with heterogeneous pipelines, radiotracers, and clinical and demographic characteristics (Table‐1). The low Gaussian peaks ranged from ‐9 to 10CL; the meta‐analysis identified a common peak at 1CL. The second peaks were more heterogeneous (range=38‐102CL; meta‐analysis outcome=64CL). Across cohorts, the proportion of cognitively unimpaired versus impaired participants impacted the position of both peaks, with better separation in cohorts enriched in impaired individuals (Figure‐1C). The meta‐analysis indicated a GMM‐based cutoff of 19CL (95%CI: 16‐21CL, Figure‐1B); subgroup analyses showed no evidence of significant effect between single versus multicenter settings (17 versus 20CL, p = 0.30), MRI‐based or PET‐only processing (18 versus 19CL, p = 0.88), and no evidence of difference across radiotracers (Flutemetamol: 16CL; PIB: 17CL, Flutafuranol: 18CL, Florbetaben: 19CL, Florbetapir: 20CL, p = 0.78). In a subset of 29,496 participants with visual reads available, binary visual reads corresponded well to Centiloids (common kappa=0.86, Figure‐2A). The visual read‐based cutoff of 24CL (95%CI: 21‐27CL, Figure‐2B) maximized correspondence between visual read and quantification and was slightly higher than the GMM‐based cutoff. All meta‐analysis models showed high non‐random heterogeneity (I 2 >80%) across studies, suggesting non‐random differences in peaks and cutoffs. Conclusions Meta‐analysis‐based cutoffs align well with thresholds from the existing literature. High heterogeneity among studies underscores the need to investigate contributing factors, raising concerns about applying common cutoffs.

Abstract Cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) is a powerful tool for atomic- and molecular-resolution structure determination, while molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are similarly powerful tools for predicting molecular trajectories. Given the challenges in estimating biomolecule dynamics with cryoEM alone, MD simulations are employed to forecast molecular motions and to interpret cryoEM reconstructions. Few methods, however, can evaluate MD predictions directly. Here, we use multislice wave propagation to project sampled snapshots of MD trajectories, either coarse-grained (CG) or all-atom (AA), into simulated cryoEM 3D reconstructions. We compared simulated and experimental images of low- and high-curvature membranes to show that MD simulations qualitatively reflect the fluidity and thus the contrast of biological membranes observed by cryoEM. MD simulations also correctly predicted bilayer dimensions for single component flat bilayers observed in cryoEM images. However, Martini3 CG-MD simulations failed to predict changes in membrane thickness induced by high curvature and with heterogeneous lipid compositions. We pinpointed the misbehavior of polyunsaturated lipid tails and cholesterol in Martini3 simulations as the main error sources contributing to inaccurate bilayer thicknesses. Our comparisons also explain membrane structure discrepancies between cryoEM and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Further testing of MD predictions by direct comparisons between simulated and experimental cryoEM images should lead to the development of more accurate MD force fields. Statement of Significance Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are frequently employed to predict the dynamics of biological macromolecules and assemblies, but these predictions remain difficult to validate experimentally. Cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) can be used to directly image the conformational ensemble of macromolecules, but images of Coulombic potential cannot be easily compared to snapshots of atoms from MD simulations. Here, we show that a physics-based multislice image projection algorithm accurately converts MD trajectories to simulated cryoEM 2D images and 3D reconstructions. Using this approach, we identify consistencies and discrepancies between MD simulations and cryoEM experiments. Notably, coarse-grained MD performs poorly compared to all-atom MD when simulating membranes composed of mixtures of lipids that include cholesterol and polyunsaturated lipids, providing observables for MD force field improvement.

Abstract Background. Uproleselan (GMI-1271) is an antagonist of E-selectin, an adhesion molecule expressed on endothelial cells in the vascular niche of the bone marrow. Engagement of E-selectin by acute myeloid leukemia (AML) blasts, which express E-selectin ligand, activates cell survival pathways and promotes resistance to chemotherapy. In multiple preclinical AML tumor models, blockade of E-selectin with uproleselan enhanced the efficacy of chemotherapy. Methods. We conducted a phase (P) 2/3 study in which subjects age ≥ 60 years with untreated, FLT3 unmutated AML were randomized to receive conventional chemotherapy with or without uproleselan. Induction chemotherapy consisted of 7+3 (cytarabine + daunorubicin) +/- uproleselan with a second induction cycle with 5+2 +/- uproleselan administered for residual AML. Uproleselan 800 mg IV was administered as a single dose 24 hours before the first dose of chemotherapy and then every 12 hours until 48 hours after the completion of chemotherapy. Post-remission therapy consisted of up to 3 cycles intermediate-dose cytarabine 2 gm/m2 IV d1-5 +/- uproleselan. Allogeneic transplant was performed at the discretion of the treating physician. The primary endpoint was event-free survival (EFS) for P2 and overall survival (OS) for P3. Results. The study enrolled 267 patients between March 2019 and November 2021, with a median age of 66.9 years (IQR 63.8-69.9). 32% were classified as 2017 ELN intermediate risk, 41% as adverse risk, with 62 (29%) having complex karyotype / mutated TP53. The P2 analysis was to be performed when at least 191 events were observed. However, as the required events had not been observed &gt; 5 years after study initiation and 3 years after completion of P2 enrollment, an independent statistician was consulted, and the analysis plan was amended to conduct the P2 EFS analysis in November 2024. With a median follow-up of 53.1 months, the EFS was not significantly different between the two arms (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.70-1.23, P=0.58). As the study did not meet its P2 EFS endpoint, enrollment in the P3 was not initiated. There was no significant difference in OS between the 2 arms (HR 0.99, p=0.94) with a median OS in the uproleselan arm of 23.6 months (95% CI 15.1-35.4 mo) vs 19.8 months (14.6-36.3) for the control arm. The overall rate of CR/CRi after induction was 65% (CR: 60%) in the uproleselan arm versus 63% (CR: 55%) in the control. MRD results by either local or central assessment in patients achieving a CR/CRi were available for 129 patients with the MRDneg rate of 81 % (95% CI 69.5-89.9%) in the uproleselan arm vs 67% (54.3-78.4%) in the control arm (p=0.053), The 30-day mortality was 5.3% for uproleselan vs 8.1% in the control. Forty-eight (36%) patients in the uproleselan arm and 55 (40%) in the control arm underwent alloHCT, including 37 (27%) and 29 (22%) in CR1, respectively (p = 0.34). In patients undergoing alloHCT in CR1, those randomized to uproleselan and allografted in CR1 had an HR 0.71 (95% CI 0.34-1.47; P=0.35) compared to the control arm. Expression of E-selectin ligand on AML blasts was performed by flow cytometry, with subjects having an E-selectin ligand expression above the median having a trend towards worse median OS 16.2 (95% CI 11.4-24.3) vs 32.2 (15.9-57.8) months, but was not affected by treatment arm. In both univariate and multivariate analyses, WBC at baseline, ELN genetic risk group, and TP53/complex karyotype were found to be associated with EFS. A subgroup analysis identified an improvement in EFS favoring uproleselan in patients with mutated ASXL1 (HR 0.25, 95% CI 0.08-0.78, p&lt;0.017). Conclusions. Although the addition of uproleselan to intensive chemotherapy was associated with a higher rate of MRDneg CR/CRi in older adults with AML, uproleselan failed to improve EFS or OS and did not overcome the adverse outcomes associated with higher E-selectin expression on AML blasts. The median OS of 20-24 months with an overall 3-year OS of almost 40% for patients treated on this study exceeds previous CALGB / US Cooperative Group studies (median OS ~12 months, 3-year OS ~20%) and continues to support a role for intensive chemotherapy in the management of older adults with AML. Furthermore, this study suggests a potential benefit for uproleselan in patients harboring ASXL1 mutations, which may warrant further investigation. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03701308

Abstract Introduction: The landscape of classical hematology has undergone substantial evolution over the last decade, marked by new diagnostic tools, nuanced therapeutic strategies, and an expanding understanding of underlying pathophysiology. This increasing complexity often presents unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. These challenges are further compounded by workforce shortages in classical hematology marked by educational gaps, geographic limitations, and difficulty accessing prompt specialty care. Unlike the well-established “Tumor Boards” in oncology, a comparable dedicated, widely accessible forum for classical hematology has largely been absent. This gap contributes to potential practice heterogeneity and isolation, especially across dissimilar care settings and geographic regions, impacting the consistent application of evidence-based practices and access to specialized expertise. To address this critical need, the “Blood Board” initiative was created to serve as an informal, virtual resource for discussing classical hematology topics and cases, fostering diverse perspectives, and collaborative problem-solving. Methods: The Blood Board was formally launched in April 2025, operating as a bi-monthly, hour-long virtual meeting conducted via non-recorded videoconferencing. The forum was designed with broad inclusivity in mind, welcoming all healthcare professionals involved in the care of adult patients with classical hematologic disorders, including trainees such as hematology/oncology fellows, academic and community-based hematologists, and any other interested providers. To date, dissemination of this initiative has been by word of mouth and e-mails containing a calendar invitation have been sent to anyone interested in participating (https://forms.gle/doyHNSx1SVFBJZmy8). To facilitate participation from various practice models and geographical locations, the virtual format was prioritized, eliminating barriers of travel and time commitment often associated with traditional in-person conferences. Participation is voluntary, encouraging an open and informal environment for de-identified case presentations, didactic discussions, and expert opinion sharing. Self-reported data on participant demographics (e.g., role, practice setting) and geographical representation have been collected to assess the initiative's reach and impact. Results: To date, sessions have consistently garnered engagement with a median of five participants in attendance at each session. There have been over 20 unique participants representing a broad spectrum of roles including both trainees and practicing hematologists/hematologist-oncologists and drawing from private practice, community-based hospitals, and academic medical centers. Over half of all participants were either in fellowship or within five years of completion of training. The virtual format has successfully overcome geographical limitations, attracting attendees from numerous states including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Wisconsin highlighting its broad appeal and potential for knowledge dissemination across a wide professional network. Conclusions: The Blood Board has demonstrated utility and met a previously unaddressed need. Sustained intellectual interest in Blood Board, coupled with a wide geographical and professional reach underscores a critical role for accessible, free, and multidisciplinary collaborative platforms in the evolving field of classical hematology. Similar to Tumor Boards, Blood Board promotes knowledge exchange and evidence-based care, garners expert support for challenging cases, and harmonizes clinical approaches, which we hope may ultimately improve patient care outcomes across diverse settings. Furthermore, this platform facilitates a national classical hematology community to support workforce development. Future goals include expanding dissemination efforts, measuring specific educational benefits, analyzing impacts on patient care, and increasing participant diversity, including recruitment of advanced practice providers and pharmacists.

Purpose: There are reported barriers to implementation of esophageal screening during the videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) completed by the speech-language pathologist (SLP). Often, patients referred to the SLP for a VFSS have an esophageal component that may explain their complaint. In this article, authors explore roadblocks to esophageal screening and potential roadmaps to improve patient care through standardization of esophageal screening procedures. Conclusions: A strong body of literature supports physiologic, anatomic, and disease state relationships of the oropharynx and esophagus. Despite this, the assessment of the oropharynx and esophagus is dichotomized. There remain billing limitations for same-day esophagram and VFSS, and the well-documented esophageal screen provides a view of bolus flow in an upright, typical eating position with consideration of oropharyngeal function to provide a comprehensive view of the continuous process of swallowing from mouth to stomach. The continued practice of evaluating the oropharynx without consideration of the esophagus poses a threat to patient safety and may delay care. A collaborative, multidisciplinary effort among healthcare professionals to create streamlined practice parameters, update position statements, and enhance education parameters will allow for cohesive practices among professionals. Assessment of the swallow mechanism is incomplete without consideration of the entire continuum.

Background: Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally, largely due to delayed diagnosis in its early stages. While conventional diagnostic tools like low-dose CT and tissue biopsy are routinely used, they suffer from limitations including invasiveness, radiation exposure, cost, and limited sensitivity for early-stage detection. Liquid biopsy, a minimally invasive alternative that captures circulating tumor-derived biomarkers such as ctDNA, cfRNA, and exosomes from body fluids, offers promising diagnostic potential—yet its sensitivity in early disease remains suboptimal. Recent advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and radiomics are poised to bridge this gap. Objective: This review aims to explore how AI, in combination with radiomics, enhances the diagnostic capabilities of liquid biopsy for early detection of lung cancer and facilitates personalized monitoring strategies. Content Overview: We begin by outlining the molecular heterogeneity of lung cancer, emphasizing the need for earlier, more accurate detection strategies. The discussion then transitions into liquid biopsy and its key analytes, followed by an in-depth overview of AI techniques—including machine learning (e.g., SVMs, Random Forest) and deep learning models (e.g., CNNs, RNNs, GANs)—that enable robust pattern recognition across multi-omics datasets. The role of radiomics, which quantitatively extracts spatial and morphological features from imaging modalities such as CT and PET, is explored in conjunction with AI to provide an integrative, multimodal approach. This convergence supports the broader vision of precision medicine by integrating omics data, imaging, and electronic health records. Discussion: The synergy between AI, liquid biopsy, and radiomics signifies a shift from traditional diagnostics toward dynamic, patient-specific decision-making. Radiomics contributes spatial information, while AI improves pattern detection and predictive modeling. Despite these advancements, challenges remain—including data standardization, limited annotated datasets, the interpretability of deep learning models, and ethical considerations. A push toward rigorous validation and multimodal AI frameworks is necessary to facilitate clinical adoption. Conclusion: The integration of AI with liquid biopsy and radiomics holds transformative potential for early lung cancer detection. This non-invasive, scalable, and individualized diagnostic paradigm could significantly reduce lung cancer mortality through timely and targeted interventions. As technology and regulatory pathways mature, collaborative research is crucial to standardize methodologies and translate this innovation into routine clinical practice.

Introduction Male circumcision (MC) has been shown to decrease transmission of HIV and is a critical strategy to decrease its incidence in countries with high rates of heterosexually transmitted HIV. Early infant MC (EIMC), with single-use MC devices, could increase rates of MC in Sub-Saharan Africa. Our objective was to determine the safety, efficacy and satisfaction of ShangRing EIMC in resource-constrained environments. Methods Healthy male infants aged 1–60 days underwent ShangRing EIMC performed by non-physician clinicians in 14 sites in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The primary outcomes were the safety and efficacy of ShangRing EIMC. Secondary outcomes were pain related to the procedure, wound healing and parental satisfaction. Male infants were assessed at discharge and on postoperative days 7 and 28 for wound healing and complications. This trial is registered with Clinical.Trials.gov, NCT03338699 , and is complete. Results From the 1697 participants enrolled from February to November 2020, 1691 (99.6%) underwent ShangRing EIMC. Median duration of the procedure was 10 min (IQR 6–13). The mean Neonatal Infant Pain Scale 20 min postprocedure was 0.3 (SD 0.8), indicating no pain. At the time of discharge, 1679 (99.0%) participants had a normal-appearing wound and 1574 (93.1%) demonstrated complete wound healing at 28 days. A total of 17 (1.0%) AEs were reported, most related to bleeding. A total of 1635 (99.1%) of parents were satisfied with the appearance of the circumcised penis at 28 days. Conclusion ShangRing EIMC is a simple and successful MC method that non-physician clinicians can perform safely, with low AE rate, satisfactory wound healing and high satisfaction rate among parents. This indicates that the ShangRing EIMC can be considered a long-term strategic approach to accelerate the scale-up of MC in Sub-Saharan Africa. Trial registration number NCT03338699 .