Citations

Background: This qualitative study sought to understand factors related to low rates of screening mammography among transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals and how these rates might be improved. Methods: Individuals who self-reported as TGD were recruited from multiple sites and national patient advocates. Consenting participants completed an individual interview using a semistructured guide informed by the Health Belief Model (HBM). Interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: A total of 44 individuals completed the interview (median age, 44.9 years; range, 19–77 years); 11% were a racial/ethnic minority; and 52%, 20%, and 25%, respectively, self-identified as a transgender woman, transgender man, or nonbinary. Three themes emerged around constructs in the HBM. First, individuals voiced a hope to be treated equally (“I just want to go to work, pay my taxes, love my family, and go along my day and be a good human”) and described how such equitable treatment during screening guarded against gender dysphoria and favored gender affirmation (“it is affirming…being treated as any other woman”). Second, barriers and facilitators related to mammography were identified, including the need to address cost/low cost (“screenings are a luxury”); prior negative/positive experiences (“they would call my name and look at me but dismiss me”); absence/presence of education (“none of the doctors…ever told me what that process looks like”); and perceived low/high cancer risk (“my mom died pretty young from breast cancer”). Finally, practical recommendations were offered, including individual changing/waiting rooms, hiring gender-diverse staff, and engaging clinicians who provide whole-person, trauma-informed care. Conclusions: Mammographic screening among TGD individuals could be improved by proactively creating safe, affirming spaces; working to lower costs; providing educational materials tailored to the TGD community about cancer risk and the practical aspects of screening; and hiring gender-diverse staff. These recommendations from TGD participants merit implementation as well as further study.

Background The Impella 5.5 is employed to provide left ventricular support in cardiogenic shock. Mechanistic understanding of biventricular relationships is essential in device optimization. Using a porcine model of acute myocardial infarction in tandem with pressure–volume loops, this study aimed to understand the impact of Impella 5.5 on biventricular hemodynamics. Methods Using Domestic Yorkshire pigs, an Impella 5.5 was inserted percutaneously under fluoroscopic guidance via carotid/aortic access and an acute myocardial infarction was created. Biventricular pressure–volume loops and derived parameters were generated for each level of support before (n=6) and after myocardial infarction (n=6). Results With increasing Impella 5.5 support, left ventricular pressure–volume loops shifted left, and right ventricular (RV) loops shifted right. In a healthy porcine heart, the RV adequately compensated for increased preload from the device, demonstrated by increased RV performance at higher P levels. After myocardial infarction, pigs were unable to tolerate speeds beyond P7 from diminished RV stroke volume reserve compared to healthy hearts. Median RV stroke volume percentage change from P1 to P9 before myocardial infarction was from 5.7% (interquartile range, −15.1% to 9.7%) to 50.6% (interquartile range, −11.6% to 60.2; P <0.05), and following acute myocardial infarction from P1 to P7 was from 3.9% (interquartile range, −2.7 to 78.4) to 13.4% (interquartile range, −8.9% to 147.2; P =0.94). Conclusions Impella 5.5 speed modulation highlights significant interventricular interactions with opposing biventricular trends. While the heart can mount an improvement in RV stroke volume with increasing Impella 5.5 support, these data suggest an attenuated response following acute myocardial infarction, which may relate to inadequate response to increased preload needed by the device after infarction affecting the interventricular septum.

Background Studies have demonstrated neighborhood structural inequities are associated with cardiovascular outcomes among breast cancer survivors. We investigated the associations between bias in mortgage lending practices (contemporary redlining and racial lending bias) and cardiovascular outcomes in women with breast cancer. Methods Using the SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results)–Medicare database, we identified 51 007 Black and White women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2010 and 2014 with follow‐up through 2020. We used Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data to calculate census‐tract contemporary redlining index and racial lending bias index, and assessed indices continuously and categorically (low, moderate, or high). We used Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate multivariable‐adjusted, cause‐specific hazard ratios (HRs) for major adverse cardiovascular events, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and cardiovascular death. Results In the overall population, a 10%‐unit increase in redlining was associated with increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (HR, 1.04 [95% CI, 1.02–1.06]). Among Black women, those in high redlining neighborhoods had an increased heart failure risk compared with those in low redlining neighborhoods (HR, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.05–1.41]). Similarly, White women in high redlining neighborhoods had an increased risk of ischemic heart disease (HR, 1.23 [95% CI, 1.15–1.30]) and stroke (HR, 1.09 [95% CI, 1.03–1.16]). Black women in high racial lending bias neighborhoods had reduced cardiovascular mortality risk compared with those in low racial lending bias neighborhoods (HR, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.54–0.90]). Conclusions We identified associations between contemporary redlining and cardiovascular outcomes among breast cancer survivors. High racial lending bias was associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality risk among Black women. Bias in mortgage lending practices may serve as a structural driver of cardiovascular disparities.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the clinical value of breast MRI in radiation-associated angiosarcoma of the breast (RAASB) for assessing disease extent at diagnosis and after neoadjuvant therapy compared with clinical examination and surgical pathology. Methods This IRB-approved retrospective study included 25 patients with breast MRIs between1995 and 2020. MRI estimated disease extent was compared to clinical exam and surgical pathology. MRI findings were evaluated for additional disease and impact on clinical management. Agreement between MRI and clinical assessment of disease was evaluated using Cohen’s kappa statistic. Results Baseline MRI demonstrated moderate agreement with clinical disease extent (Cohen’s κ = 0.44; 95% CI, 0.14-0.75). Thirteen of 24 (54%) of MRIs reflected clinical exam, 4/24 (17%) MRIs underestimated disease, and 5/24 (21%) MRIs overestimated disease. Baseline MRI changed surgical management in 4/24 (17%). In 8 patients who proceeded directly to surgery, MRI reflected pathology in 6/8 (75%). In 10 patients with post-neoadjuvant MRI, 4/10 (40%) pathology and MRI extent were similar, 5/10 (50%) MRI overestimated disease, and 1/10 (10%) MRI underestimated disease. Conclusion MRI has clinical value in assessing RAASB with the potential for significantly altering surgical management. In this small cohort, post-neoadjuvant MRI demonstrated limited additional clinical value. Larger studies are needed to define the optimal role and timing of post-neoadjuvant MRI. Advances in knowledge Baseline MRI detected additional disease not identified on initial clinical exam in 5/24 (21%) and changed surgical management in 4/24 (17%). Although baseline MRI demonstrated moderate agreement with clinical examination, post-neoadjuvant MRI frequently overestimated residual disease when compared with final pathology.

Importance Patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass often require platelet transfusions for bleeding. Platelets are routinely stored at room temperature (20-24 °C) for up to 5 to 7 days; however, cold storage (1-6 °C) may allow for increased storage duration without loss of hemostatic function. Objective To determine the maximum cold-storage duration, up to 21 days, for which cold-stored platelets (CSPs) are noninferior or superior in hemostatic efficacy to room-temperature platelets (RTPs) when transfused in actively bleeding patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Design, Setting, and Participants A phase 3, multicenter, randomized, partially blinded, adaptive, noninferiority, storage duration–ranging trial conducted in pediatric and adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery with planned cardiopulmonary bypass at 27 sites in the US and Australia from December 2021 to March 2025. Statistical analysis was conducted from September 9 to October 3, 2025. Intervention Patients were randomized 2:1 to receive CSPs with a maximum of 21 days of storage vs RTPs with a maximum of 7 days of storage. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was a hemostatic efficacy score with values ranging from 1 to 5 and higher values indicating greater bleeding. The noninferiority margin was 1 point. The success criterion was met if at least 1 cold-storage duration of 7 days or more had a posterior probability of noninferiority of at least 97.5%. The secondary outcome was 24-hour chest tube output. Results Of the 1000 patients who underwent platelet transfusion, 989 were included in the primary analysis (650 CSPs and 339 RTPs). The cohort had a mean (SD) age of 42.1 (30.1) years and 67.8% were male. CSPs were noninferior to RTPs for the primary outcome, with a probability of greater than 99.9% for all cold-storage durations. Pooled across storage durations, CSPs had a mean difference from RTPs of 0.09 (95% credible interval, −0.06 to 0.23). Median (IQR) chest tube output at 24 hours (8.9 mL/kg [5.2-15.4] for CSPs vs 8.4 mL/kg [5.5-15.9] for RTPs; difference in medians, 0.4 [95% CI, −1.0 to 1.5]) was not statistically different between study groups. In a post hoc analysis, as all storage durations were noninferior, considering the CSPs as a single group, the hemostatic efficacy score was similar between both groups: mean (SD) of 3.08 (1.15) CSPs vs 2.99 (1.10) RTPs. There were no differences in venous or arterial thrombotic events, transfusion-associated adverse events, acute respiratory distress syndrome, kidney failure, septic shock, and mortality between the study groups, except for increased reexploration rates in the CSP group. Conclusions and Relevance For patients undergoing cardiac surgery, CSPs stored up to 21 days are noninferior to RTPs for the control of active surgical bleeding. Use of CSPs may allow for increased availability of platelets by reducing wastage and shortages and may allow for incorporation of platelets into inventory at locations where platelets cannot be maintained due to the 5- to 7-day shelf life of RTPs. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04834414

Importance As the use of robotic cholecystectomy increases, its value remains poorly defined for complex elective cholecystectomy (CEC), where complex gallbladder pathology results in increased technical difficulty. Objective To determine whether a robotic approach is associated with improved clinical outcomes and altered total hospital cost as compared with a laparoscopic approach for patients undergoing CEC. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study analyzed data from an academic hepatobiliary referral center for patients who underwent cholecystectomy from August 2018 to August 2024. CEC was defined by preoperative criteria: prior aborted or partial cholecystectomy, presence of a cholecystostomy tube, and/or history of gallbladder perforation or fistula. Exposure Robotic-assisted vs laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was a composite of an unplanned postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or interventional radiology procedure. Secondary outcomes included operative time, postoperative complications, and operative and total hospital costs. Results A total of 863 patients underwent cholecystectomy and met inclusion criteria; 525 (60.8%) were female and 338 (39.2%) were male, and their median (IQR) age was 61 (45-71) years. Among patients undergoing CEC, the laparoscopic approach was independently associated with an increased need for unplanned endoscopic or percutaneous intervention compared with the robotic group (odds ratio, 4.24; 95% CI, 1.24-14.52; P = .02). There were no significant differences in postoperative outcomes between the laparoscopic and robotic groups in patients undergoing non-CEC. Patients undergoing the laparoscopic approach had significantly reduced operating room costs when compared with patients undergoing a robotic approach in both the CEC ($7720 vs $8936, respectively) and non-CEC groups ($6368 vs $ 8351, respectively). However, there was no difference in the overall total cost of care between laparoscopic CEC and robotic CEC groups ($14 309 vs $14 476, respectively). The overall total cost of care was significantly higher for patients undergoing robotic non-CEC as compared with laparoscopic non-CEC ($11 416 vs $9925, respectively). Conclusions and Relevance This study found that for complex gallbladder disease, robotic cholecystectomy offers a clinical advantage, reducing complications and downstream interventions without increasing the overall costs of care. These findings suggest strategic application of the robotic platform may offer clinical advantages in high-complexity gallbladder surgery, maximizing patient benefit and resource efficiency.

Breathing is a physiological process that extends beyond gas exchange, linking neural, cardiovascular, glymphatic, and autonomic systems. This narrative review summarizes how breathing-based practices modulate physiological processes in the body and brain, emphasizing their applicability in clinical care. Regulating the pace and depth of breathing, particularly with relaxed exhalation, may engage vagal pathways that lower heart rate and blood pressure and promote a shift toward increased parasympathetic tone relative to sympathetic activity. Neuroimaging studies show that controlled breathing reduces activity in stress-related brain regions while enhancing networks supporting calm attention and emotional steadiness. Changes in breathing depth also influence cerebrospinal fluid movement, though direct evidence of waste clearance in humans is lacking. This review identifies populations requiring caution, including individuals with panic symptoms, significant cardiopulmonary disease, or pregnancy. Clinicians should distinguish between breathing-only and multimodal protocols when interpreting research findings, as combined interventions preclude attribution of benefit to breathing alone. Study design quality, particularly the use of active rather than waitlist controls, should inform how effect sizes are interpreted. Breathing practices are not a replacement for medical treatment but may represent accessible, low-cost adjuncts for stress reduction and cardiovascular regulation.

Patients with plasma cell leukemia (PCL) are generally excluded from pivotal T-cell redirecting bispecific antibody (BsAb) trials. We evaluated real-world outcomes in a multicenter retrospective study of 122 patients with primary or secondary PCL across 15 academic centers, categorized as 'active' (≥5% circulating plasma cells within 30 days of BsAb initiation) or 'historical'. In a heavily pretreated population, patients received teclistamab (37%), elranatamab (11%), talquetamab as a line of therapy (Tal LOT, 42%), or talquetamab as bridging therapy to CAR-T (Tal Bridge, 11%). Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) was grade 1-2 in 56% and grade 3-4 in 4%, whereas neurotoxicity was grade 1-2 in 16% and grade 3-4 in 5%. Among 110 evaluable patients, the overall response rate (ORR) was 55%, including 61% with Tal LOT, 58% with Tal Bridge, 46% with elranatamab, and 33% with teclistamab. With a median follow-up of 8.3 months, talquetamab demonstrated superior survival. Tal LOT showed a median progression-free survival (mPFS) of 5.5 months and a median overall survival (mOS) of 11.5 months, and both were unreached in the Tal Bridge cohort. In contrast, teclistamab and elranatamab showed a mPFS of 1.2 and 1.6 months and mOS of 8.1 and 3.6 months, respectively (P=0.007, P=0.023). In active PCL, Tal LOT achieved mPFS/mOS of 6.9/12.2 months versus 0.7/1.4 months with teclistamab and 1.0/3.1 months with elranatamab, respectively (P&lt;0.001, P=0.002). Multivariable analysis associated active PCL with worse survival and Tal LOT with improved outcomes. BsAbs were safe in PCL, with talquetamab showing superior outcomes compared with BCMA-directed BsAbs.

Abstract Multiple myeloma (MM) is a heterogenous cancer that remains mostly incurable. A unifying feature of MM cells is a highly interconnected network of transcription factors and co-factors that coordinate the activity of super-enhancers to enforce myeloma cell identity. Targeting this network offers a promising avenue for therapeutic intervention across genetically diverse myeloma sub-types. Using integrated molecular and functional genomic approaches we identified Menin as a key driver of oncogenic gene expression in MM cells. Menin and its co-factor KMT2A bind at super-enhancers and maintain expression of essential myeloma genes, including IRF4. We demonstrate that Menin inhibitors, which have recently been approved for treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia, are highly active in myeloma cell lines and in vivo models. Combining Menin inhibitors with other super-enhancer targeting therapies such EP300/CREBBP inhibitors or immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) overcomes epigenetic plasticity in cells resistant to single agent treatment.