Citations

ABSTRACT Electrocardiography (ECG) is a critical diagnostic tool for identifying cardiac conditions. While standard lead positions are widely used to ensure diagnostic accuracy, alternative lead placements have been developed to address specific clinical scenarios. These alternative configurations can overcome physical or technical challenges, enhance rhythm assessment, improve signal quality, and provide greater specificity for certain conditions, ultimately enabling more personalized diagnostic strategies. This paper examines the clinical significance of alternative ECG lead positions, highlighting their advantages, limitations, and potential applications in various clinical settings.

Importance Adjuvant chemotherapy regimens may be administered after pancreatic resection for adenocarcinoma arising from intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (A-IPMNs), although the evidence supporting their use is limited. Objective To evaluate the survival benefit associated with contemporary adjuvant chemotherapy regimens after resection in A-IPMNs between 2017 and 2023. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study was an international, multicenter study with 69 participating centers across Europe, North America, South America, and the Asia-Pacific region. Patients undergoing resection for A-IPMNs were included. Data were analyzed from May to August 2025. Intervention Contemporary adjuvant chemotherapy regimens, such as gemcitabine-capecitabine (GemCap); 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan (FOLFIRINOX), modified FOLFIRINOX (mFOLFIRINOX), and S-1. Main Outcome and Measure Overall survival (months). Results Among 1321 patients (median [IQR] age 70 [63 to 76] years; 713 males [54.0%] and 608 females [46.0%]), 781 patients (59.1%) received adjuvant chemotherapy, while in 181 patients (13.7%) it was omitted due to poor patient fitness. Of patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy, 568 patients (72.6%) received contemporary regimens, including GemCap (232 patients [29.7%]), FOLFIRINOX (176 patients [22.5%]), mFOLFIRINOX (71 patients [9.1%]), and S-1 (70 patients [9.0%]). The median (IQR) follow-up for the cohort was 64.2 (40.4 to 85.0) months, and the median overall survival was 73.8 months (95% CI, 66.4 to 81.9 months). After 90-day landmark analysis and exclusion of patients ineligible for chemotherapy, adjuvant chemotherapy vs no adjuvant chemotherapy (propensity score–matched populations, 243:243 patients) was not associated with improved overall survival (median, 82.3 months; 95% CI, 78.2 months to not applicable [NA] vs not reached; 95% CI, 75.3 months to NA; P = .58). Contemporary regimens vs no adjuvant chemotherapy (propensity score–matched populations, 309:309 patients) was not associated with longer survival, and a mean survival benefit greater than 4.2 months over 5 years was excluded (difference in restricted mean survival, 1.26 months; 95%, −1.72 to 4.24 months). Treatment outcomes did not vary by chemotherapy regimen or disease characteristic (eg, N stage or carbohydrate antigen 19-9 level). Conclusions and Relevance In this study, contemporary adjuvant chemotherapy was not associated with improved overall survival in A-IPMNs, and a randomized clinical trial is indicated.

Summary The American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology convened a 45-member international expert task force to identify circumstances supporting the deprescribing of core psychotropic medications for major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorders. Three Delphi survey rounds plus a selective literature review identified points of consensus (predefined as ≥75% agreement) about when antidepressant, antipsychotic, mood stabiliser and sedative-hypnotic deprescribing is warranted. Twenty out of 32 statements (63%) achieved consensus across seven thematic areas. In MDD, panellists favoured discontinuing antidepressants when mechanisms of action are duplicative, adequate trials produce ≤25% improvement or loss of prior efficacy cannot be regained through dose increases or augmentations. Indefinite antidepressant maintenance in MDD was favoured after three or more lifetime episodes. In bipolar disorder, antidepressant deprescribing was favoured in the setting of rapid cycling, mixed features or emerging mania/hypomania symptoms; and discouraged if prior antidepressant cessation led to relapse. In nonpsychotic mood disorders, panellists favoured deprescribing antipsychotics that caused significant weight gain or tardive dyskinesia over adding pharmacological antidotes. Deprescribing to achieve an eventual medication-free status was considered inappropriate, in bipolar type 1, but not necessarily bipolar type 2 disorder. Although individualised circumstances necessarily inform psychopharmacology management, clinical presentations that misalign with existing pharmacotherapies may signal the desirability of cautious deprescribing.

Glioma-associated microglia/macrophages (GAMs) have traditionally been described as immunosuppressive. However, within their highly heterogeneous repertoire, pro-phagocytic and cytotoxic subsets with anti-tumoral properties exist. Although macrophages (MACs) can exhibit tumor-suppressive functions, their anti-glioma properties largely remain elusive. To identify anti-glioma myeloid cell effectors, we performed directionally concatenated ligand-receptor (L-R) interactome analyses from dendritic cells (DCs) and microglia (MG) to lymphoid (CD4 + T, Tregs, CD8 + T, NK, and NKT) cells identified by our recent single-cell transcriptomics interrogation of tumor-associated CD45 + leukocytes from tumor brains of eighteen isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)–stratified glioma patients. Within DC-specific and MG-specific interactomes, we identified LGALS9 , which encodes Galectin-9, as a key mediator of cell–cell interactions in IDH-wild type (IDH-wt) gliomas. Spectral cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting analyses confirmed the abundant expression of Galectin-9 in glioma-associated MG, but not in tumor cells. Furthermore, differential gene enrichment analyses revealed transcripts associated with cellular adhesion (coronin 1A, integrin) and phagocytosis (FcγR, phospholipase D, Rab family proteins, etc.) pathways that were significantly upregulated in Galectin-9 + compared to Galectin-9 − MG and MACs. Using an ex-vivo primary human microglia (pMG) and patient-derived glioma stem cells (GSCs) co-culture system, we evaluated the functional role of Galectin-9. Confocal imaging analyses of co-cultured pMG with GSCs revealed that siRNA-mediated knockdown or antibody-based neutralization of Galectin-9 significantly impaired pMG–GSC adhesion. In addition to reduced adhesion, phagocytosis of GSCs was dramatically attenuated across all Galectin-9 silenced or neutralized pMG. Altogether, our study underscores the unappreciated non-canonical role of Galectin-9 in MG as a regulator of glioma cell adhesion and phagocytosis that can be harnessed for glioblastoma immunotherapy.

Background An increasing number of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) are pursuing pregnancy with the potential for cardiovascular complications. This study aimed to establish patient‐centered national research and care priorities to improve pregnancy‐related outcomes for individuals with CHD. Methods This mixed‐methods study used a modified Stakeholder Engagement in Question Development methodology to systematically identify patient‐centered priorities. Key activities included consortium engagement (phase 1), patient and provider questionnaires (phase 2), and an in‐person facilitated meeting to explore survey results and follow‐up virtual focus groups (phase 3). Reflexive thematic analysis was used to synthesize short‐ and long‐term research priorities (phase 4). Results Three overarching goals emerged: (1) improving access to specialized CHD, cardio‐obstetrics, and mental health care; (2) improving quality and consistency in clinical care; and (3) increasing patient and community engagement. These goals were then expanded into 5 central themes: (1) communication within the health care setting; (2) community engagement; (3) ancillary clinical support; (4) integration of patient‐reported outcomes; and (5) implementation, education, and knowledge mobilization. Short‐term (1–5‐year) goals included expanded telemedicine use, best practice recommendations for multidisciplinary care coordination, and targeted educational resources. Long‐term (5–10‐year) goals included expansion of adult CHD and cardio‐obstetrics programs, integration of mental health services, and advocacy to improve insurance coverage. Conclusions The consortium provided a national, community‐driven prioritization that highlights actionable pathways to improve pregnancy outcomes for people with CHD. Sustained engagement with patients and community partners is essential to achieving durable improvements across cardio‐obstetric care, education, research, and mental health.

Abstract Purpose: Knowledge of prognostic factors and long-term survival in patients with diffuse hemispheric glioma, H3 G34–mutant (DHG, H3 G34), remains limited in this tumor with a poor prognosis. Experimental Design: This retrospective, multi-institutional study investigated prognostic variables for patients with DHG, H3 G34, and their association with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Uni- and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were applied with multiple imputed datasets. Results: A total of 153 patients (142 G34R, 9 G34V, 2 via DNA methylation) were included. The median age at diagnosis was 17 years (range, 2–45). Initial gross/near total resection (GTR/NTR) was achieved in 43% of patients. Radiation was given in 91% (85% focal irradiation), and initial chemotherapy was given in 87% [70% temozolomide-based (TMZ), 25% TMZ/lomustine, 5% non-TMZ]. Median OS was 24 months [interquartile range (IQR), 22–28] with a median PFS of 14 months (IQR, 12–19). Twelve patients (8%) were found to be long-term survivors (≥5 years). Exploratory multivariable analysis showed that adjuvant radiotherapy [HR, 0.076; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.033–0.17] and achieving GTR/NTR compared with < NTR (HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.33–0.78) were associated with improved PFS. Multivariable analysis showed improved OS with increasing age at diagnosis (HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.57–0.87), initial radiotherapy (HR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.15–0.96), and initial GTR/NTR compared with < NTR (HR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.37–0.97). Conclusions: This cohort highlights prognostic factors for patients with DHG, H3 G34, and describes relapse patterns and therapy approaches. Clinical trials and prospective registries are needed to improve outcomes.

Abstract Introduction Left atrial-to-coronary sinus (LA-to-CS) shunting through the APTURE transcatheter shunt system aims to unload the LA while preserving the interatrial septum. This article aims to examine the 3-year health status, functional capacity, and clinical outcomes of the ALT-FLOW Early Feasibility Study (EFS). Methods Device safety, patency, and echocardiographic parameters, but also symptoms, health status, and exercise capacity were assessed in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) > 40% (n & 95). Meta-Analysis Global Group in Chronic Heart Failure (MAGGIC) score predicted 3-year all-cause mortality was compared with observed mortality assessed by Kaplan–Meier analysis using adjudicated events. Predicted and observed HF hospitalization (HFH)-free survival rates were also compared. Results At 3 years, the safety profile remained stable with no new safety signals, and all implanted shunts remained patent. 76.3% of patients improved by at least one NYHA class, and mean KCCQ Overall Summary Scores increased by 25 points from baseline (P < .0001). The 6-min walk distance improved by an average of 39 m (P & .002). These benefits were consistent regardless of baseline pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). Right heart echocardiographic parameters after 3 years were stable, though a reduction in TAPSE was observed, primarily in the high PVR subgroup. The observed 3-year survival was significantly higher than the MAGGIC-predicted survival (84.4% vs 70.2, respectively; P & .009), as well as the HFH-free survival (68.0% vs 24.0%, respectively; P < 0001). Conclusion In patients with HF and LVEF >40%, the APTURE LA-to-CS shunting confirmed an acceptable safety profile with stable right heart parameters and sustained improvements in symptoms, quality of life, and functional capacity at 3 years. Observed survival and HFH were superior to MAGGIC predictions.

476 Background: Lack of standardized reporting and collection of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) limits cross-trial comparisons of first-line IO-based regimens for mRCC. Prospectively collected real world data may fill this important knowledge gap. Pts with stable/improved QoL at 3 mo versus baseline have longer median OS than pts with worse/unobserved HRQoL versus baseline (Cella, 2024). Methods: ODYSSEY is a multi-site, prospective observational study of 468 US pts with mRCC. Pts must have mRCC (any histology), no prior systemic therapy (ST), and follow up at a PCORnet study site. Exclusion criteria include treatment for cancer except mRCC. Descriptive statistics are used to show PRO score changes from baseline. We evaluate longitudinal change from baseline in PRO scores using least squares mean (LSM). Minimally important differences (MID) are 3 points for FKSI-19 total score, 1 point for the FKSI-Disease Related Symptoms (DRS) subscale and 7 points for FACT-G. Higher score indicates better QOL. The primary objective is to determine patterns of change in QOL and symptom burden of pts with mRCC. Results: As of 10/1/25, 360 pts were managed with ST, including 266 pts on IO-based combinations: 35 cabozantinib + nivolumab (C+N), 49 lenvatinib + pembrolizumab (L+P), 40 axitinib + pembrolizumab (A+P), and 142 ipilimumab + nivolumab (I+N). Overall median follow-up is 12.1 mos (IQR 6, 24). Age, sex and race were similar across regimens. Prior nephrectomy (50%) was lower than in trials. C+N and L+P pts had less clear cell (56 and 65%) versus A+P and I+N pts (94 and 82%). A+P pts had more favorable IMDC risk (19%) and less poor risk (14%). Baseline QOL was variable across regimens, with L+P generally the lowest. Absolute changes in PROs from enrollment to mo 3 (early change) by regimen are shown in the Table. LSM change from baseline in FKSI-19 and FKSI-DRS favored IO-IO versus IO-TKI at 3 mos but not at 6 mos (not shown). Conclusions: While early change in PROs did not meet the MID threshold between the IO-TKI and I+N cohorts, different patterns of early change are apparent among specific IO-TKI regimens. IO-TKI regimens exhibited higher variation in early PRO change vs I+N. As the data matures, we will associate baseline PROs and early PRO changes with early death and other outcomes. Clinical trial information: NCT04919122 . 3 month change. Instrument C+N (N=35) L+P (N=49) A+P (N=40) All IO-TKI(N=124) I+N(N=142) FKSI-19, N (%) 26 (74) 33 (67) 33 (83) 92 (74) 104 (73) Mean (SD) -0.3 (11) 2.8 (13) -3.2 (12) -0.2 (12) 0.7 (10) Median (IQR) 1.4 (-7, 6) 5.0 (-7, 11) -1.0 (-14, 5) 1.4 (-10, 8) -0.3 (-5, 6) FKSI-DRS, N (%) 26 (74) 33 (67) 33 (83) 92 (74) 104 (73) Mean (SD) -0.8 (5) 1.5 (7) -1.8 (6) -0.3 (6) 0.8 (5) Median (IQR) -0.5 (-5, 3) 2.0 (-5, 5) -1.0 (-5, 3) 0.0 (-5, 4) 0.0 (-2, 4) FACT-G, N (%) 27 (77) 32 (65) 29 (73) 88 (71) 102 (72) Mean (SD) 2.1 (14) 5.2 (16) -3.5 (15) 1.4 (15) 0.3 (13) Median (IQR) 4.0 (-4, 10) 1.2 (-6, 13) -6.4 (-11, 4) 1.6 (-8, 10) 1.6 (-7, 8)

Abstract Objectives Sarcomatoid urothelial carcinoma (sUC) is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Herein, we evaluated clinicopathologic features (including PD-L1 expression) for institutional cases. Methods Sixty-five patients with sUC treated by radical cystectomy were matched for age, sex, and pathologic stage to 190 patients with pure urothelial carcinoma (UC). Outcomes were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) results for tumor-specific PD-L1 expression in sUC were quantified using H-scores (range, 0-300). Cases with constitutive PD-L1 expression (cPD-L1; H-score ≥240) were evaluated for amplification events using fluorescence in situ hybridization (n = 28), mate-pair sequencing (Mpseq; n = 6), RNA sequencing (n = 5), and targeted next-generation sequencing (n = 8). PD-L1 regulatory pathways were evaluated using gene set enrichment analysis in the Cancer Hallmark dataset. Results Most patients with sUC had advanced disease (≥pT2, 62/65, 95%), without significant differences in overall and cancer-specific survival, when matched to pure UC. Median PD-L1 H-scores using different clones were 100 (SP142), 120 (SP263), and 195 (22C3). cPD-L1 was seen in 43% (28/65) of cases of sUC that were enriched for TP53, TERT, and CDKN2A/B alterations. PD-L1 amplification was identified in 7 (of 28, 25%) of these cases. Bionformatics analysis consistently identified IL6-JAK-STAT3 and interferon α/γ signaling in sUC with cPD-L1 expression. Conclusions Our results suggest that cPD-L1 expression in most sUC occurs secondary to IL6-JAK-STAT3 and interferon α/γ signaling. This provides a biologic rationale for evaluating response to immunotherapy in this patient population.