Citations

Noninvasive electrophysiological source imaging (ESI) is a valuable tool for localizing and imaging brain activity, with significant potential to aid presurgical planning in focal drug-resistant epilepsy (fDRE) patients. Scalp electroencephalography (EEG) biomarkers, including interictal spikes, high-frequency oscillations (HFOs), and seizures, each offer unique capabilities in estimating the epileptogenic zone (EZ). However, there is a limited quantitative understanding of how these biomarkers differ in source-imaging precision, requiring distinct processing pipelines. Here, we developed a spatial–temporal–spectral imaging (STSI) framework for precision source imaging, and quantitatively evaluated various epilepsy biomarkers for source imaging in 2,081 individual events (spikes, HFOs, and seizures) from a cohort of 42 fDRE patients, comparing results to clinical ground truth such as surgical resection outcomes and intracranial EEG-defined seizure onset zones. The STSI enabled quantitative comparisons across key EEG epilepsy-related biomarkers, with averaged localization errors of 6.67 mm for seizures, 8.73 mm for HFOs overlapping with spikes (pHFO), 10.28 mm for HFO-riding spikes (pSpike), 19.59 mm for general spikes (aSpike), and 36.53 mm for general HFOs (aHFO), respectively, for seizure-free patients. These findings indicate that HFOs overlapping with spikes is the most spatially accurate interictal biomarker for mapping the EZ. The proposed STSI framework not only establishes a unified analysis approach for epileptic biomarkers to enhance presurgical planning in focal drug-resistant epilepsy, but could also generalize as a versatile tool for mapping event-related potentials, neural oscillations, and dynamic brain states, within a single framework to advance cognitive neuroscience research and clinical management of neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Abstract Introduction Odronextamab, a CD20×CD3 bispecific antibody, demonstrated compelling efficacy with a generally manageable safety profile in heavily pretreated patients (pts) with relapsed/refractory (R/R) follicular lymphoma (FL) in the Phase 2 ELM-2 study (NCT03888105; Kim TM, et al. Ann Oncol 2024). Pts in ELM-2 received odronextamab monotherapy until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity, with dosing frequency reduced to every 4 weeks (Q4W) in those with sustained complete response (CR) for at least 9 months. Here, we report longer term outcomes in the global FL population of ELM-2, including efficacy and safety in pts who switched to Q4W dosing. Methods Details of the ELM-2 study for the R/R FL cohort have been reported previously. Odronextamab monotherapy was administered intravenously, with step-up dosing in Cycle (C) 1 to help mitigate the risk of cytokine release syndrome (CRS), followed by 80 mg in C2–4, then 160 mg every 2 weeks (Q2W) maintenance. Pts with a CR for ≥9 months switched from 160 mg Q2W to Q4W. Pts with the opportunity for response assessment at 12 weeks were included in this analysis. Primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) per Lugano criteria by independent central review (ICR). Key secondary endpoints included CR rate, duration of response (DOR), and progression-free survival (PFS) by ICR, overall survival (OS), and safety. Results As of May 5, 2025 data cutoff, 128 pts with R/R FL Grade (Gr) 1–3a were evaluable for efficacy and safety analysis (overall global population). Median duration of odronextamab exposure was 42.9 weeks (range 0.4–264.0) and median follow-up was 34.1 months (95% CI 33.8–37.9). Eligible pts (n=48) switched to Q4W dosing, with median duration of follow-up from time of switching to Q4W dosing of 19.7 months (95% CI 16.2–31.9). Baseline characteristics were generally similar between the overall population and the subgroup of pts who switched to Q4W dosing. The ORR by ICR in the overall population was 80.5% and CR rate was 74.2%, with a median DOR of 26.0 months and median duration of CR of 32.2 months. In pts with sustained CR for ≥9 months who transitioned to Q4W maintenance, the median DOR from time of switching was 31.5 months. In the overall population, the median PFS was 24.1 months and median OS was not reached (estimated 24- and 36-month OS rates: 70.1% and 64.3%, respectively). In pts with CR, median PFS was 38.0 months and median OS was not reached (24- and 36-month OS rates: 80.1% and 75.2%). All 128 pts had treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), with Gr ≥3 TEAEs reported in 112 pts (87.5%). Discontinuation due to TEAEs occurred in 29 pts (22.7%), and 5 pts died due to treatment-related TEAEs. With the 0.7/4/20 mg step-up regimen, CRS was reported in 55.0% (33/60; Gr 3 in 1 pt) of pts, with no new CRS events observed after switching to Q4W. Infections occurred in 81.3% (Gr ≥3, 46.1%) of pts, with COVID-19 (any Gr, 39.8%) the most frequent. After switching to Q4W dosing, the rate of any grade infection was 81.3% (Gr ≥3, 39.6%). Opportunistic infections (narrow SMQ defined) were reported in 18% (Gr ≥3, 8.6%) of pts in the overall population, with 22.9% (Gr ≥3, 8.3%) of pts having an opportunistic infection after switching to Q4W. Conclusions In the ELM-2 study with ~3-year follow-up in heavily pretreated pts with R/R FL, odronextamab continued to demonstrate deep and durable responses, as well as encouraging PFS and OS, particularly in the majority of pts who achieved CR. Responses remain durable in those who switched to Q4W dosing, lasting for a median additional 31.5 months from the time of switching, demonstrating the long-term, continued therapeutic benefit of odronextamab in pts with R/R FL. The safety profile remained generally manageable, with no new safety signals observed, and no evidence of increased infection risk in pts who switched to Q4W maintenance. Updated data will be presented.

Abstract Background The RefleXion X1 is a novel PET/CT‐guided ring gantry linac that introduces unique geometry and workflow compared to conventional systems. Existing QA guidelines (AAPM TG‐142, 148, 306) cover standard linacs and tomotherapy but do not address this platform's needs. Therefore, an automated daily QA solution is required to ensure accurate output, imaging guidance, and couch positioning, which motivated the development and evaluation of the workflow presented in this study. Purpose To develop and evaluate an automated, efficient, and comprehensive daily quality assurance (QA) workflow for a novel PET/CT‐guided ring gantry linear accelerator (RefleXion X1), incorporating tests for dosimetry, imaging guidance, and couch positioning accuracy. Methods An IMRT QA plan was designed following the CT scan of the TomoDose 2D diode detector array (Sun Nuclear, Melbourne, FL) within the RefleXion treatment planning system (TPS). Several spherical targets of varying sizes were contoured to conform the dose distribution to these targets and evaluate beam output, laser localization, profile constancy, and CT‐MV isocenter coincidence. Linear models correlating spatial location of dose peak with intentional shifts in different directions were developed and integrated into an in‐house analysis software, iQA, written in C#. The software was validated for robustness and successfully implemented in clinical practice. Results Validation with 42 intentional shifts showed submillimeter accuracy, with mean deviations of 0.2 mm (X), 0.1 mm (Y), and 0.79 mm (Z), and R 2 values ≥ 0.98. Over 1 year, daily QA data showed stable output constancy (1.006 ± 0.016), left/right target dose constancy (1.007 ± 0.005 and 0.996 ± 0.004), and consistent CT‐MV isocenter offsets (–0.335 ± 0.23 mm in X, 0.19 ± 0.19 mm in Y, and –0.544 ± 0.36 mm in Z). The software also detected a gradual output drift in between, prompting a timely linac adjustment. Conclusion This fully automated, single‐delivery QA workflow enables efficient and robust evaluation of multiple IGRT performance parameters. It improves standardization, reduces human error, and reliably monitors long‐term machine stability. The tools and methodology may be adopted by other clinics seeking a practical and automated daily QA solution. Future developments will focus on incorporating PET QA and rotational couch validations to further enhance the system's comprehensiveness and adaptability.

Abstract BACKGROUND MYCN-amplified spinal ependymoma is a recently classified, rare, and aggressive subtype of spinal cord tumor, first defined by the 2021 WHO CNS5 classification. It predominantly affects adults in their 30s, with a slight female predominance; fewer than 50 cases have been reported worldwide. PURPOSE To characterize the molecular, imaging, and clinical features of MYCN-amplified spinal ependymomas and highlight their distinctiveness to aid in early diagnosis and therapeutic planning. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed institutional cases of MYCN-amplified spinal ependymomas and performed a literature-based analysis. Data on imaging, histopathology, molecular profiles, and clinical outcomes were examined to identify distinguishing diagnostic and prognostic features. RESULTS These tumors are typically present as intradural extramedullary masses, often in the thoracic spine, with intense contrast enhancement and prominent peritumoral edema. A lack of a clear cleavage plane with the spinal cord, early leptomeningeal, and intracranial dissemination are hallmark features. Rare reports of systemic metastases (e.g., to the humerus and paraspinal muscle) exist. Histologically, they are high-grade (WHO grade III) anaplastic ependymomas with a distinct DNA methylation profile. MYCN amplification—commonly seen in medulloblastomas and glioblastomas—drives tumor aggressiveness. Clinically, these tumors are refractory to standard treatments, with high rates of recurrence or progression within 1–2 years post-treatment. The median overall survival is approximately seven years, significantly poorer than conventional spinal ependymomas. CONCLUSION MYCN-amplified spinal ependymomas represent a rare but highly aggressive tumor subtype with unique imaging, histological, and molecular features. Early recognition is critical given rapid progression and poor prognosis. Investigational therapies targeting MYCN—such as HDAC, PARP, Aurora A-kinase, and BET inhibitors—hold promise for improved outcomes.

Introduction Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), has potential associations with higher rates of diabetic retinopathy (DR) complications including proliferative DR (PDR) and diabetic macular edema (DME). The purpose of this study was to determine whether an association exists between semaglutide and PDR and treatment-requiring DR/DME. Research design and methods This was a retrospective cohort study of 14 databases (six administrative claims and eight electronic health records) in the Observational Health Data Sciences and Informatics Evidence Network. Adults with T2D on semaglutide, other GLP-1RA (dulaglutide, exenatide), or non-GLP-1RA medications (empagliflozin, sitagliptin, glipizide) from 1 December 2017 to 31 December 2023 were included. The association between semaglutide and PDR or treatment-requiring DR/DME was assessed using an active-comparator cohort design comparing new users of semaglutide as second-line T2D treatment to those on other GLP-1RAs and non-GLP-1RAs. Propensity score-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs). Network-wide HR estimates were generated using a random-effects meta-analysis. Results The study included 810 390 new semaglutide users for T2D. PDR risk for semaglutide was similar to dulaglutide (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.42 to 1.54, p=0.51), empagliflozin (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.30, p=0.41) and sitagliptin (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.55, p=0.57) but was lower than glipizide (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.88, p=0.01). The risk for treatment-requiring DR/DME for semaglutide was similar to empagliflozin (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.43 to 1.02, p=0.06) but lower than dulaglutide (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.91, p=0.02), sitagliptin (HR 0.46, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.81, p=0.008) and glipizide (HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.91, p=0.02). Conclusions and relevance We did not identify increased risk for either PDR or treatment-requiring DR/DME comparing semaglutide with other GLP-1RAs or non-GLP-1RAs. Patients with T2D should still undergo close eye care follow-up, particularly when initiating new antihyperglycemic medications.

Background: Doxorubicin (DOX) is an effective chemotherapy but limited by severe cardiotoxicity. Chemokine receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7 are involved in regulating cardiac survival, inflammation, and fibrosis, yet their specific roles in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity (DICT) remain unclear. Objective: We investigated the cardioprotective effects of TC14012, a dual-target CXCR4 antagonist and CXCR7 agonist, against DICT. Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice received chronic or acute DOX administration with twice-weekly TC14012 treatment. Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography. Markers of cardiac fibrosis and inflammation were assessed. RNA-seq analysis was performed to explore associated molecular pathways. Key pathways were validated in cardiac cells and bone marrow-derived mast cells. Results: TC14012 significantly improved cardiac function, indicated by preservation of ejection fraction and fractional shortening, and increased survival rates optimally at 5 mg/kg, which were accompanied with reductions in cardiac collagen deposition and infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils. RNA-seq revealed that TC14012 protecting against DICT was associated with a remarkable stimulation of signals involving in cardiac contraction and energy reserve metabolism processes, particularly glycogen and glucan metabolism that are crucial for meeting the cardiac energy demand in response to DOX induction. These signals could be further enriched into AMPK signalling pathway and validated by enhancement of cardiac AMPK phosphorylation both in vivo and in vitro . Meanwhile, TC14012’s cardioprotective effects were accompanied by a reduction in signals involving in cardiac mast cell activation and degranulation, which could be enriched into Rap1 signalling pathway and validated by TC14012 inhibiting mast cell activation and Rap1-GTP activity in vitro . Importantly, TC14012 did not compromise DOX’s antitumor efficacy in EL-4 lymphoma-bearing mice. Conclusions: TC14012 may prevent DICT by activating CXCR7-AMPK signalling to reprogram cardiomyocyte metabolism and antagonizing CXCR4-Rap1 signalling to blunt mast cell-mediated sentinel effects without compromising the anticancer efficacy DOX.

Abstract With the rapid advancements in large language model technology and the emergence of bioinformatics‐specific language models (BioLMs), there is a growing need for a comprehensive analysis of the current landscape, computational characteristics, and diverse applications. This survey aims to address this need by providing a thorough review of BioLMs, focusing on their evolution, classification, and distinguishing features, alongside a detailed examination of training methodologies, datasets, and evaluation frameworks. We explore the wide‐ranging applications of BioLMs in critical areas such as disease diagnosis, drug discovery, and vaccine development, highlighting their impact and transformative potential in bioinformatics. We identify key challenges and limitations inherent in BioLMs, including data privacy and security concerns, interpretability issues, biases in training data and model outputs, and domain adaptation complexities. Finally, we highlight emerging trends and future directions, offering valuable insights to guide researchers and clinicians toward advancing BioLMs for increasingly sophisticated biological and clinical applications.

Abstract Background Lung adenocarcinoma in never-smokers is a major public health burden, especially among East Asian women. Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) are promising for risk stratification but are primarily developed in European-ancestry populations. We aimed to develop and validate single- and multi-ancestry PRSs for East Asian never-smokers to improve lung adenocarcinoma risk prediction. Methods PRSs were developed using genome-wide association study summary statistics from East Asian (8002 cases; 20 782 controls) and European (2058 cases; 5575 controls) populations. Single-ancestry models included a PRS with 25 single nucleotide variants (PRS-25), PRS clumping and thresholding (CT), and LDpred2; multi-ancestry models included LDpred2 plus European PRS-128, PRS-CSx, and clumping and thresholding, super learning, empirical Bayes (CT-SLEB). Performance was evaluated in independent East Asian data from the Female Lung Cancer Consortium and externally validated in the Nanjing Lung Cancer Cohort. We assessed predictive accuracy via area under the curve operating procedure (AUC), with 10-year and (ages 30-80 years) absolute risks estimates. Results The best multi-ancestry PRS, using East Asian and European data via CT-SLEB, outperformed the best East Asian-only (LDpred2; AUC = 0.629, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.618 to 0.641), achieving an AUC of 0.640 (95% CI = 0.629 to 0.653) and odds ratio of 1.71 (95% CI = 1.61 to 1.82) per standard deviation increase. Nanjing Lung Cancer Cohort validation confirmed robust performance (AUC = 0.649, 95% CI = 0.623 to 0.676). The top 20% PRS group had a 3.92-fold higher lung adenocarcinoma risk than the bottom 20%. Further, the top 5% PRS group reached a 6.69% lifetime absolute risk. Notably, this group reached the average population 10-year lung adenocarcinoma risk at age 50 years (0.42%) by age 41 years, 9 years earlier. Conclusions Multi-ancestry PRS approaches enhance lung adenocarcinoma risk stratification in East Asian never-smokers, with consistent external validation, suggesting future clinical utility.