Citations

Purpose Automating quality assurance (QA) for contours generated by automatic algorithms is critical in radiotherapy treatment planning. Manual QA is tedious, time-consuming, and prone to subjective experiences. Automatic segmentation reduces physician workload and improves consistency. However, an effective QA process for these automatic contours remains an unmet need in clinical practice. Materials and Methods The patient data used in this study was derived from the AAPM Thoracic Auto-Segmentation Challenge dataset, including left and right lungs, heart, esophagus, and spinal cord. Two groups of organ-at-risk (OAR) were generated. A ResNet-152 network was used as a feature extractor, and a one-class support vector machine (OC-SVM) was employed to classify contours as ‘high’ or ‘low’ quality. To evaluate the generalizability, we generated low-quality contours using translation and resizing techniques and assessed correlations between detection limits and metrics such as volume, Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), 95% Hausdorff distance (HD95), and mean surface distance (MSD). Results The proposed OC-SVM model outperformed binary classifiers n metrics such as balanced accuracy and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) . It demonstrated superior performance in detecting various types of contour errors while maintaining high interpretability. Strong correlations were observed between detection limits and contour metrics. Conclusion Our proposed model integrates an attention mechanism with a one-class classification framework to automate QA for OAR delineations. This approach effectively detects diverse types of contour errors with high accuracy, significantly reducing the burden on physicians during radiotherapy planning.

ABSTRACT Objective There is limited consensus on endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS) reconstruction principles. This study aims to generate comprehensive themes regarding ESBS reconstruction by pooling the experiences of ESBS experts, with comparison to a literature review of current published evidence. Methods Structured qualitative interviews of ESBS experts regarding postoperative management and reconstruction of various defect locations were conducted. Results A total of 68 experts comprising 40 academic teams across 13 countries with an average of 18 years of ESBS experience were included. We propose 10 stepwise algorithms for common skull base reconstruction scenarios based on these expert interviews. When available, the nasoseptal flap is used for all high_flow cerebrospinal leak defects. Multilayered reconstruction is favored at all anatomical subsites with increasing number of layers for increasing defect size and complexity. Heterogeneity exists in terms of inlay technique and materials, free grafting versus various pedicled flap options for low‐flow defects or in the absence of a nasal septum, nasal packing, tissue sealant, lumbar drain use, and postoperative management. Commonalities and discrepancies between experts were summarized. Conclusion Skull base reconstruction and post‐ESBS management is highly complex with a wide variety of practice patterns and expert strategies. Further research of higher quality evidence is warranted to identify optimal management patterns, though the current work aims to inform surgeons on these controversial areas by drawing from numerous experiences.

Objectives Generative artificial intelligence (GAI) tools can enhance the quality and efficiency of medical research, but their improper use may result in plagiarism, academic fraud and unreliable findings. Transparent reporting of GAI use is essential, yet existing guidelines from journals and institutions are inconsistent, with no standardised principles. Design and setting International online Delphi study. Participants International experts in medicine and artificial intelligence. Main outcome measures The primary outcome measure is the consensus level of the Delphi expert panel on the items of inclusion criteria for GAMER (Rreporting guideline for the use of Generative Artificial intelligence tools in MEdical Research). Results The development process included a scoping review, two Delphi rounds and virtual meetings. 51 experts from 26 countries participated in the process (44 in the Delphi survey). The final checklist comprises nine reporting items: general declaration, GAI tool specifications, prompting techniques, tool’s role in the study, declaration of new GAI model(s) developed, artificial intelligence-assisted sections in the manuscript, content verification, data privacy and impact on conclusions. Conclusion GAMER provides universal and standardised guideline for GAI use in medical research, ensuring transparency, integrity and quality.

Abstract RATIONALE: Alveolar Type 2 (AT2) cells play a critical role in maintaining alveolar function and facilitating repair processes in the lung. Despite recent advancement on transcriptomic mapping of cell identities and AT fate selection, the mechanisms governing AT2 fate plasticity remain elusive. Notably, in AT2-derived pulmonary diseases such as COPD and IPF, disruptions in AT2 differentiation are observed, suggesting alterations may exist in the regulation of fate plasticity. Therefore, a refined model describing the regulation of AT2 fate plasticity is needed, along with an assessment of the model's conservation across murine and human AT2s. METHODS: We performed scRNA-sequencing, ATAC-seq, and bioinformatic analysis on samples across murine lung development and validating findings by immunostaining of embryonic lungs. We conducted organotypic cultures as well as genetically engineered mouse model experiments to assess changes in AT2 fate plasticity in. Further, we established a Mayo Clinic patient lung cell biorepository from patient tissue derived AT2s. In parallel, we performed long read scRNA-sequencing for isoform discovery, organotypic culture and immunostaining in human AT2 organoids, to characterize the presence of similar regulatory mechanisms. RESULTS: Throughout the late embryonic and early perinatal period, we found a window of fate plasticity exists in AT2s whereby they retain the capacity to give rise to AT1s, and that its being closed over time by the bZIP transcription factor C/EBPα, as its genetic deletion in AT2s results in regaining fate plasticity. By ATAC-seq and ChIP-seq, we found C/EBPα binds closely to the Dlk1 locus, a Notch signaling regulator implicated in AT2-to-AT1 conversion that is upregulated following Cebpa deletion. Following adult lung injury, we found C/EBPα downregulation is required for re-accessing AT2 fate plasticity and is likely mediated by the dominant negative C/EBP family member CHOP. Finally, we observe Cebpa loss also activates a “defender” AT2 state enriched in interferon stimulated antipathogenic gene expression that is distinct from its reparative state and propose AT2s can toggle between these states following infection to robustly protect and repair alveoli.Further, we validated the presence of C/EBPα and absence of Dlk1 in human AT2s isolated from healthy adult patients, which persists following in vitro expansion. We conclude that AT2 cells window of fate plasticity is dictated by a molecular circuit involving C/EBPα suppressing and Dlk1. Future works aim to remove C/EBPα in human AT2s to reopen their fate plasticity for cell therapy.

Abstract Introduction / Rationale Mucus plugs (MPs) on chest computed tomography (CT) are associated with increased respiratory symptoms, worse lung function, and elevated mortality and acute exacerbations among individuals with GOLD2-4 COPD. Whether mucus plug distribution in the upper versus lower lobes differentially impacts future acute exacerbations (AEs) has been incompletely explored. Methods Data from current and former tobacco users, ages 40-80, with ≥10 pack-years, at the enrollment visit in COPDGene were analyzed. MPs were visually-assessed on chest CTs using a sequential reading system; the MP score was calculated as the number of bronchopulmonary segments with plugs (range 0-18). Among subjects with MPs, the percent of lower lobe MPs (%LLMPs) was calculated as the number of bronchopulmonary segments in the right and left lower lobes divided by the total number of bronchopulmonary segments (range 0-100%). Moderate-to-severe AEs were assessed prospectively biannually for up to 15.5 years. Zero-inflated Poisson regression, adjusting for age, sex, BMI, race, smoking status, pack-years, FEV1% predicted, history of AEs (year prior to enrollment), and clinical center assessed the relationship between %LLMPs, total MPs, and prospective AEs; duration of follow-up was included as the offset. Subgroup analyses by lung function category (GOLD0, GOLD 1-4 COPD, and Preserved Ratio Impaired Spirometry, PRISm) were also performed using the same model. Results Among 10,198 tobacco-exposed individuals, 9,406 subjects (mean age 59.7±9.0, 53.4% male, 68% non-Hispanic white) had chest CT scans scored for MPs. The overall prevalence of MP>0 was 30.4%, with an average MP score of 0.78±1.88 and average %LLMP of 48%±39%. The prevalence of MPs varied by lung function category (20.1% GOLD0, 26.2% PRISm, 40.8% COPD) as did the mean MP score (0.28±0.93 GOLD0, 0.49±1.38 PRISm, 1.30±2.42 COPD) (Figure 1). The %LLMP also varied by lung function category (33%±39% GOLD0, 38%±37% PRISm, 57%±37% COPD). Among subjects with MPs>0 (n=2,857), higher %LLMP was associated with a significantly increased risk for future AEs (adjusted rate ratio (aRR) [95%CI]= 1.11[1.05-1.17]; Figure 1). Subgroup analyses by lung function category supported a significant association between increased %LLMP and future AEs in GOLD0 (aRR 1.45 [1.25-1.69]), but not in the COPD or PRISm subgroups (Figure 1). Conclusions A higher proportion of lower lobe mucus plugs is significantly associated with increased risk for future AEs among tobacco-exposed persons. Despite having the lowest burden of MPs, the highest risk for prospective AEs with increasing %LLMP was observed in the subgroup with normal spirometry (GOLD0).

Importance A subset of Union for International Cancer Control ( UICC )/ American Joint Committee on Cancer ( AJCC ) eighth edition TNM stage I and II human papillomavirus–positive oropharyngeal carcinoma has undesirable outcomes, which might have contributed to a lack of success in phase III deintensification trials. Refining clinical stage groups, especially in the overabundant cN1/stage I group, has become important for treatment selection. Objective To assess the prognostic importance of pretreatment lymph node (LN) characteristics to optimize case distribution and outcome homogeneity within the N classification system. Design, Setting, and Participants This is an international multi-institutional retrospective prognostic cohort study. Analysis of human papillomavirus–positive oropharyngeal carcinoma treated curatively from 4 institutions (International Collaboration of Oropharyngeal Cancer Network for N-Classification [ICON-N] dataset) provided a refined clinical staging proposal; an independent dataset (Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal [CHUM] dataset) validated the proposal. Neuroradiologists reviewed pretreatment computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging for nodal features, including presence or absence of abnormal LN(s), retropharyngeal LN, laterality, number of abnormal LN, and imaging-detected extranodal extension (iENE). Data were collected from February to May 2023, and data were analyzed from June to July 2023. Exposures Definitive chemoradiotherapy/radiotherapy or definitive surgery with or without postoperative chemoradiotherapy/radiotherapy. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary end point was overall survival. A Cox proportional hazards multivariable model was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (AHRs) and to derive an optimal clinical TNM stage classification (AHR-stage schema) incorporating the strongest prognostic nodal features within the UICC/AJCC eighth edition TNM framework after confirming the prognostication of iENE status. The performance (according to overall normalized scores and ranking) of the AHR-stage schema against the current UICC/AJCC eighth edition TNM staging system was evaluated for hazard consistency, hazard discrimination, prognostic importance, and sample size balance. Validation was performed in the CHUM dataset. Results The ICON-N dataset comprised 2053 patients, including 1898 (92.5%) with cN-positive disease and 155 (7.5%) with cN0 disease; a total of 298 (14.5%) were female, and the mean (SD) age was 60.6 (9.3) years. iENE-positive disease was identified in 710 of 1898 patients with cN-positive disease (37.4%). The median (range) follow-up was 5.1 (0.1-14.7) years. iENE was the strongest prognostic nodal feature in multivariable analysis; the AHR for iENE-positive vs iENE-positive disease was 2.43 (95% CI, 1.96-3.03) in the ICON-N dataset and 2.04 (95% CI, 1.28-3.23) in the CHUM dataset (n = 451). Reclassifying iENE-positive cases 1 stratum higher for N categorization without altering iENE-negative cases yielded an AHR-stage schema that outperformed the current TNM staging system in disease-free and overall survival with a lower (ie, better) overall normalized score (2 vs 3). Conclusions and Relevance In this study, reclassifying each N category 1 stratum higher for iENE-positive disease resulted in better disease-free and overall survival. The proposed new classification outperformed the currently TNM staging system in risk stratification and may facilitate future clinical trial design, outcomes research, and patient care.

EndMT has been reported to contribute to the pathogenesis of PAH. In this study, we aimed to determine the role of Ca 2+ signaling in the development of EndMT in human lung vascular endothelial cells. Our data suggest that TGF-β 1 requires store-operated Ca 2+ entry through STIM1/Orai channels to induce SNAI-mediated EndMT. For the first time, we demonstrated that TGF-β 1 -induced EndMT is a Ca 2+ -dependent event, whereas inhibition of STIM1/Orai interaction attenuated EndMT in response to TGF-β 1 .

Abstract Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) block immunoregulatory receptor-ligand interactions and robustly increase survival of cancer patients but frequently result in immune-related adverse events (irAEs). While rheumatologic toxicities are commonly reported as irAEs, the effect of immune checkpoint blockade on the underlying mechanisms of ICI-induced fractures and bone loss is controversial, with reports of both positive and negative effects on bone mass in preclinical models. However, no previous reports have investigated the impact of ICIs on females or aged mice, or on fracture risk in either sex. We report that global deletion of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) broadly results in bone loss in skeletally mature male and female PD-1−/− mice, with a sexually divergent phenotype in adolescent mice, decreased bone strength in adult males and young females, and expansion of multiple T cell subsets in the bone marrow. In a model of pharmacologic PD-1 blockade, administration of α-PD-1 reduced bone mass, expanded multiple T cell subsets in the bone marrow, and increased osteoclast activity and resorptive capacity. T cell deficient mice were resistant to osteoclast-mediated bone loss following α-PD-1 therapy, suggesting that T cells in the bone marrow are necessary for bone loss in the setting of ICI therapy. These findings may be leveraged to identify patients at greater fracture risk following ICI therapy due to enrichment of effector T cell populations in the bone marrow.