Citations

Objective: To determine whether sleep apnea–specific hypoxic burden (SASHB) is associated with self-reported hypertension beyond conventional obstructive sleep apnea metrics in rail workers. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 84 Argentine rail workers undergoing home sleep apnea testing. Associations between SASHB and hypertension were evaluated using adjusted logistic regression. Drowsy driving was examined as an unadjusted exploratory secondary outcome. Results: Higher SASHB was independently associated with hypertension in the fully adjusted model (OR per SD 2.42; 95% CI 1.24–5.29; p=0.015). Higher SASHB was also associated with more severe self-reported drowsy driving in unadjusted exploratory ordinal analyses (OR per SD 1.78; 95% CI 1.09–3.28; p=0.035). Conclusions: SASHB may provide complementary information beyond conventional OSA metrics for cardiovascular risk assessment in occupational populations.

Pediatric sarcomas are a heterogeneous group of rare mesodermal malignancies. These cancers, which affect children from infancy through adolescence and young adulthood, are in general challenging to treat with currently available therapies. Biologically, many are characterized by quiet genomes, fusion oncoproteins, immune “cold” microenvironments, and vast epigenetic deregulation that contributes to diverse and complex mechanistic drivers. Multifaceted advancements in research strategies, including high-throughput screening, new model systems, surfaceome profiling, and study of oncogenic fusion condensates have led to new opportunities for understanding the biology of pediatric sarcomas. To continue to make progress for these difficult to treat cancers, it will be critical to continue to improve access to bioinformatic data, approach patient care using innovative clinical trial frameworks, and foster interdisciplinary partnerships among medicinal chemists, scientists, clinicians, advocates, and industry partners.

Background With improvements in in vitro culture techniques, there has been a steady shift in practice to transfer in vitro fertilisation (IVF) embryos at the blastocyst-stage to increase pregnancy rates per embryo transfer (ET) and reduce the risk of multiple pregnancy. In patients with fewer embryos (≤5 zygotes), fresh cleavage-stage ET is still commonly performed to reduce the risk of cycle cancellation if no embryo survives to the blastocyst-stage in vitro. However, evidence for improved outcomes with cleavage-stage embryo transfer in this subgroup of patients is lacking. We will compare blastocyst-stage to cleavage-stage ET with regard to cumulative live birth rates (CLBR) per oocyte retrieval and other patient-centred cycle outcomes in patients with ≤5 zygotes. Methods and analysis Multicentre, randomised pragmatic comparative effectiveness trial with superiority design comparing blastocyst-stage to cleavage-stage ET in patients with ≤5 zygotes. This trial will enrol and randomise 1126 women aged 18–44 undergoing IVF to either fresh cleavage-stage or blastocyst-stage ET at eleven IVF centres. Surplus embryos will be vitrified at the blastocyst-stage. The primary outcome is the CLBR per oocyte retrieval. Secondary outcomes include: multiple pregnancy, pregnancy loss <20 weeks and cycle cancellation. Exploratory outcomes include: live birth per fresh ET, ectopic pregnancy, time to pregnancy, stillbirth, preterm birth, financial burden, patient distress and facilitators and barriers for patient involvement and implementation. All primary analyses will be conducted according to the intent-to-treat principle. We also will report per-protocol analyses as a sensitivity analysis. A multidisciplinary stakeholder team, including a 5-patient stakeholder panel, will participate in study design, conduct and oversight. Ethics and dissemination The Institutional Review Board at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) provides central regulatory oversight. Results will inform timing of embryo transfer in patients with ≤5 zygotes and will be disseminated through academic publications, meeting presentations and communications to advocacy groups and patient participants. Trial registration number NCT06746129 .

Abstract Objective Epilepsy duration is a modifiable risk factor in the outcome of definitive epilepsy surgery; however, an analogous effect in palliative procedures has not been shown. We reviewed the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Database data for an association between epilepsy duration and seizure reduction in palliative procedures. Methods Patients enrolled between January 2018 and April 2025 who underwent their first epilepsy surgery with palliative intent with 6 months of follow‐up were included. Procedures included neuromodulation, corpus callosotomy, hemispherotomy, lesionectomy, and lobectomy where surgical intent was not seizure freedom. Outcomes of seizure freedom, 90% seizure reduction, and 50% seizure reduction were considered at 6–12 months and >12 months from surgery. Duration from epilepsy onset to surgery was compared for patients above and below each outcome threshold at each time point. Logistic regression analysis for the association between epilepsy duration and seizure reduction adjusted for potential confounders including procedure type, etiology, and other clinical factors. Logistic regression analysis was performed on the overall cohort and subgroups of patients with each procedure. Results A total of 588 patients were included. Initial univariate analysis suggested that epilepsy duration at time of surgery was significantly associated with seizure freedom and 90% seizure reduction at both 6–12 months and >12 months. After adjusting for confounders, only seizure freedom at >12 months was significantly associated with duration of epilepsy. When individual procedures were considered, only lobectomy was sensitive to duration of epilepsy in multivariate analysis, with significant impacts on >50% and >90% seizure reduction at >12 months. Lesional epilepsy predicted seizure freedom at >12 months. Neuromodulation and corpus callosotomy were less likely to achieve seizure reduction than other procedures. Significance We did not find an association between early epilepsy surgery and seizure reduction. This reflects the heterogeneity of our population, including different types of surgical procedures and lesional and nonlesional epilepsies.

Scientific evidence regarding AKI and acute kidney care has advanced in recent years. However, a knowledge gap remains on the implementation of these evidence-based practices (EBPs) into clinical care. Implementation science (IS) is focused on ensuring that this knowledge is translated in an effective, efficient and sustainable fashion. Objectives: 1) Define the current status of IS; 2) Define a roadmap for accelerating IS with a focus on patient/care partner advocacy, digital tool application, social determinants of health, and resource-limited settings; and 3) Develop a robust and broad research agenda incorporating IS methodology into the programs. Evidence Review: ADQI XXXV was conducted through a modified Delphi process with virtual meetings preceding an in-person meeting. Five workgroups were determined a priori to focus on 1) IS definitions and methods applicable to AKI and acute kidney care; 2) IS literature in AKI and acute kidney care; 3) Innovations in IS to accelerate the adoption, adherence to, and sustainment of EBPs in AKI and acute kidney care; 4) IS methods in resource-limited settings; and 5) Recommendations to identify and evaluate EBPs that are ready for implementation or de-implementation. Prior to the in-person meeting, each workgroup met virtually to review the literature and develop framework questions to address their objectives. During the two-day in person meeting, through iterative discussions, questions and supporting statements were finalized. These questions and statements were agreed upon through voting to achieve consensus, defined as agreement of ≥80%. Conclusions and Relevance: We report a structured multidisciplinary consensus for defining the role of IS in AKI and acute kidney care. Future programs should address these consensus questions and apply these statements along with IS methodology in the translation of science into clinical practice and the implementation/de-implementation of EBPs in clinical care.

Abstract Normal scapulothoracic function relies on a delicate balance among several periscapular muscles and is essential for shoulder motion. Disturbance in this balance can lead to abnormal motion, which can impair shoulder function, leading to pain and discomfort. A thorough scapular examination requires an accurate physical assessment and the ability to identify pathologies, such as muscle paralysis (e.g., trapezius or serratus anterior) and hyperactivity (e.g., pectoralis minor). Overall, a comprehensive approach to the physical examination is critical in accurately diagnosing and effectively treating shoulder and scapular pathologies. The purpose of this technical note is to provide a concise, standardized methodology for performing a comprehensive scapular examination, focusing on key clinical tests, anatomical landmarks, and motion patterns.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed cancer therapy but are associated with immune-related adverse events, including ICI–associated acute kidney injury (ICI-AKI). ICI-AKI presents diagnostic and management challenges and can influence decisions regarding immunosuppression and ICI rechallenge, with important implications for both kidney and cancer outcomes. An international, multidisciplinary panel convened at the 34th Acute Disease Quality Initiative (ADQI) consensus conference in September 2024. Systematic literature searches of PubMed were conducted to identify studies on the epidemiology, mechanisms, diagnosis, management, rechallenge, and outcomes of ICI-AKI. The meeting followed the established ADQI process and used a modified Delphi method to achieve consensus. Evidence was reviewed and appraised by workgroups, and consensus statements were developed through structured discussion and voting. Observational data suggest that AKI occurs in up to 20% of patients receiving ICIs, with ICI-AKI accounting for approximately 2%–5% of cases. Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis is the most common lesion, observed in 80%–90% of biopsies, although glomerular diseases are increasingly recognized. No clinical features reliably distinguish ICI-AKI from other causes of AKI, and kidney biopsy remains the diagnostic gold standard. Emerging urinary, circulating, and imaging biomarkers show promise but are not yet ready for routine clinical use. Early glucocorticoid initiation (within 3 days of ICI-AKI diagnosis versus >3 days after diagnosis) is associated with higher rates of kidney recovery, although optimal dosing and duration remain uncertain. Recurrent ICI-AKI occurs in fewer than 20% of patients undergoing ICI rechallenge. Management of high-risk populations, including kidney transplant recipients and patients with autoimmune disease or advanced CKD, requires individualized, multidisciplinary decision-making. ICI-AKI is an important and potentially reversible complication of cancer immunotherapy; these consensus statements provide a framework for diagnosis and management, support cautious ICI rechallenge in selected patients, and identify priorities for future research.

Importance Although adding immune checkpoint inhibitors to neoadjuvant chemotherapy improves outcomes in high-risk early-stage breast cancer, opportunities remain to further enhance response. Dual checkpoint blockade offers a potential strategy to further enhance efficacy. Objective To evaluate the combination of anti−programmed cell death 1 protein (PD-1) cemiplimab and anti−lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3) added to neoadjuvant therapy in ERBB2 -negative early-stage, high-risk breast cancer. Design, Setting, and Participants The I-SPY2 (Investigation of Serial Studies to Predict Your Therapeutic Response With Imaging and Molecular Analysis 2) is an ongoing randomized clinical platform trial being conducted at multiple US clinical sites including patients with early-stage (II or III) ERBB2 -negative, high-risk breast cancer. Participants, continuously enrolled since 2010, were adaptively randomized from February 2, 2020, to December 9, 2021, to one of several experimental neoadjuvant therapies or control groups based on receptor subtypes defined by hormone receptor (HR), ERBB2 status, and MammaPrint (Agendia Inc) molecular risk, categorized as high (MP1) or ultrahigh (MP2). Data were analyzed from January 1, 2022, to August 5, 2025. Interventions Both groups received weekly paclitaxel for 12 weeks, then doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by surgery; concomitant with paclitaxel, the intervention group also received 4 doses of cemiplimab and fianlimab (PCF) every 3 weeks. Main Outcomes and Measures Pathologic complete response (pCR). Treatments graduated when they achieved 85% bayesian probability of success in a subtype-specific phase 3 trial. Pathway-specific biomarkers were assessed for response prediction. Results A total of 78 participants (mean [SD] age, 47 [39-54] years) were randomized to the intervention group, with 350 participants (mean [SD] age, 48 [39-57] years) randomized to the historical control population. PCF graduated in all clinical signatures, with pCR rates vs control of 44% (95% CI, 34%-53%) vs 21% (95% CI, 17%-25%) in all ERBB2 , 53% (95% CI, 39%-67%) vs 29% (95% CI, 22%-36%) in triple-negative, and 36% (95% CI, 23%-49%) vs 14% (95% CI, 9%-19%) in HR-positive and ERBB2 -negative disease. Among the total participants, 16 (21%) experienced adrenal insufficiency, including hypophysitis (11% grade 3 or 4), mostly occurring after immunotherapy completion. PCF was found to be highly effective in the subset of patients with immune signature positive status (ImPrint positive). Conclusions and Relevance In this randomized clinical trial, the combination of PD-1 and anti−LAG-3 inhibition with standard NAC was effective in early-stage ERBB2 -negative breast cancer, particularly in patients displaying a positive ImPrint immune signature. These results warrant further definitive trials. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01042379