Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

Am J Hypertens 2020 Jul 2. Epub 2020 Jul 2.

Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.

Prevention and treatment of hypertension (HTN) is a challenging public health problem. Recent evidence suggests that artificial intelligence (AI) has potential to be a promising tool for reducing the global burden of HTN, and furthering precision medicine related to cardiovascular (CV) diseases including HTN. Since AI can stimulate human thought processes and learning with complex algorithms and advanced computational power, AI can be applied to multimodal and big data, including genetics, epigenetics, proteomics, metabolomics, CV imaging, socioeconomic, behavioral and environmental factors. Read More

Curr Opin Struct Biol 2020 Jun 29;64:59-65. Epub 2020 Jun 29.

Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain; Instituto de Ciencias de la Vid y del Vino (ICVV), CSIC - Universidad de La Rioja - Gobierno de La Rioja, 26007 Logroño, Spain. Electronic address:

Computational docking approaches aim to overcome the limited availability of experimental structural data on protein-protein interactions, which are key in biology. The field is rapidly moving from the traditional docking methodologies for modeling of binary complexes to more integrative approaches using template-based, data-driven modeling of multi-molecular assemblies. We will review here the predictive capabilities of current docking methods in blind conditions, based on the results from the most recent community-wide blind experiments. Read More

Curr Opin Struct Biol 2020 Jun 29;63:123-133. Epub 2020 Jun 29.

Technische Universität Darmstadt, Department of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Alarich-Weiss-Str. 4, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany. Electronic address:

The booming demand for environmentally benign industrial processes relies on the ability to quickly find or engineer a biocatalyst suitable to ideal process conditions. Both metagenomic approaches and directed evolution involve the screening of huge libraries of protein variants, which can only be managed reasonably by flexible platforms for (ultra)high-throughput profiling against the desired criteria. Here, we review the most recent additions toward a growing toolbox of versatile assays using fluorescence, absorbance and mass spectrometry readouts. Read More

Curr Opin Genet Dev 2020 Jun 29;62:44-49. Epub 2020 Jun 29.

Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA. Electronic address:

Differences in gene expression are thought to account for most phenotypic differences within and between species. Consequently, gene expression is a powerful lens through which to study divergence between modern humans and our closest evolutionary relatives, the Neanderthals and Denisovans. Such insights complement biological knowledge gleaned from the fossil record, while also revealing general features of the mode and tempo of regulatory evolution. Read More

Ophthalmology 2020 Jun 29. Epub 2020 Jun 29.

Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX. Electronic address:

Intraocular lens (IOL) power calculations are less accurate in eyes that have undergone corneal refractive surgery. A wide range of methods have been proposed. We reviewed the methods and outcomes of IOL power calculations in eyes with previous laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK), excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), or radial keratotomy (RK). Read More

J Mol Diagn 2020 Jun 29. Epub 2020 Jun 29.

Department of Pathology Blood Cell Development and Function Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Electronic address:

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a malignancy of B cells with a variable clinical course. Prognostication is important to place patients into different risk categories for guiding decisions on clinical management, to treat or not to treat. Although a number of clinical, cytogenetic and molecular parameters have been established, in the past decade, a tremendous understanding of molecular lesions has been obtained with the advent of high-throughput sequencing. Read More

Lab Chip 2020 Jul 2. Epub 2020 Jul 2.

Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.

Despite a growing demand for more accessible diagnostic technologies, current methods struggle to simultaneously detect multiple analytes with acceptable sensitivity and portability. Colorimetric assays have been widely used due to their simplicity of signal readout, but the lack of multiplexibility has been a perpetual constraint. Meanwhile, particle-based assays offer multiplex detection by assigning an identity code to each analyte, but they often require lab-based equipment unsuitable for portable diagnostics. Read More

JCO Glob Oncol 2020 Jun;6:959-965

Synteract Limited, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom.

Clinical trials research involving human participants has led to numerous medical advances. Historically, however, clinical trials research was the source of major concerns for the safety and welfare of the human participants taking part in these studies. The ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, and justice came about in response to medical atrocities, and regulations were ultimately put in place to protect the rights and welfare of human participants and to maintain the public trust in the research enterprise. Read More

Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020 Jul 2. Epub 2020 Jul 2.

Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd) , Spain.

Introduction: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a non-IgE-mediated food allergy that currently represents the main cause of dysphagia and food impaction in children and young adults. Diet remains the only therapy targeting the cause of the disease. Relevant advances in recent years allow novel approaches to dietary therapy in EoE. Read More

Altern Lab Anim 2020 Jul 2:261192920929701. Epub 2020 Jul 2.

Center for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal.

Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide, particularly in elderly populations. To mitigate the expected increase in prostate cancer-related morbidity and mortality as a result of an expanding aged population, safer and more effective therapeutics are required. To this end, plenty of research is focusing on the mechanisms underlying cancer initiation and development, the metastatic process and on the discovery of new therapies. Read More

Br J Radiol 2020 Jul 1:20200552. Epub 2020 Jul 1.

Department of Radiology, Inonu UniversityFaculty of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey.

Objective: T2blackout (TBO) effect, which is a commonfinding in thebrains of multiplesclerosis (MS) patients and older population that are imaged for other reasons on diffusion weighted imagings (DWI) and apparent diffusion coefficent map (ADC) shows the existence of paramagnetic materials in thetissue. Becauseiron is known to accumulate in especially deep graymatter (DGM) structures in MS brains, we aimed to investigate the relationship between TBO and clinico-radiological parameters that may be iron-related in MS.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the latest MR images of MS patients on 3 Tesla MR scanner between 2018-2019. Read More

Br J Radiol 2020 Jul 2:20200197. Epub 2020 Jul 2.

Department of Radiotherapy, PGIMER, Regional Cancer Centre, Chandigarh, India.

Objective: This study presents a methodology for voxel-based evaluation of two phase sequential radiotherapy treatment plans having conventional dose scheme in the first phase and subsequent hypofractionation dose scheme in the second phase based upon different priority [planning target volume (PTV), clinical target volume (CTV) and organs at risk (OAR)] of display modes.

Methods: A case of carcinoma prostate was selected for demonstration. Varian Eclipse treatment planning system (TPS) was used for contouring and planning. Read More

Bioinformatics 2020 Jul 2. Epub 2020 Jul 2.

Biocenter, Institute of Bioinformatics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.

Summary: Advances in single-cell technologies have enabled the investigation of T cell phenotypes and repertoires at unprecedented resolution and scale. Bioinformatic methods for the efficient analysis of these large-scale datasets are instrumental for advancing our understanding of adaptive immune responses. However, while well-established solutions are accessible for the processing of single-cell transcriptomes, no streamlined pipelines are available for the comprehensive characterization of T cell receptors. Read More

J Cell Biol 2020 Aug;219(8)

Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.

Mitochondria, so much more than just being energy factories, also have the capacity to synthesize macromolecules including phospholipids, particularly cardiolipin (CL) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). Phospholipids are vital constituents of mitochondrial membranes, impacting the plethora of functions performed by this organelle. Hence, the orchestrated movement of phospholipids to and from the mitochondrion is essential for cellular integrity. Read More

Med Sci (Paris) 2020 Jun-Jul;36(6-7):607-615. Epub 2020 Jul 2.

Centre hospitalier universitaire de Nantes, Nantes Université, service d'ophtalmologie, 1 place Alexis Ricordeau, 44093 Nantes, France - Inserm UMR 1089, thérapie génique translationnelle des maladies génétiques, IRS 2 - Nantes Biotech, 22 boulevard Benoni Goullin, 44200 Nantes, France.

Retinitis pigmentosa is the most common blinding inherited retinal dystrophy. Gene therapy is a burgeoning revolutionary approach that paves the way to treatment of previously incurable diseases. At the end of 2017 and 2018, a gene therapy, Luxturna, obtained a marketing authorization by respectively the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the EMA (European Medicines Agency). Read More

Med Sci (Paris) 2020 Jun-Jul;36(6-7):600-606. Epub 2020 Jul 2.

Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France.

In inherited retinal diseases such retinitis pigmentosa, characterized by progressive loss of light sensitive neurons (photoreceptors), cell therapy is now considered as an attractive strategy. Photoreceptor cell replacement would be valuable for restoring function to retinas in a way that is independent from the cause of the disease. With advances in stem cell biology, considerable strides have been made towards the generation of retinal cells, in particular with the development of 3D culture systems allowing the generation of retinal organoids from pluripotent stem cells. Read More

Future Oncol 2020 Jul 2. Epub 2020 Jul 2.

Medical Oncology, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan.

Despite advances in the treatment of hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative metastatic breast cancer, the disease is rarely curable. In this review, we focus on the use of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors, examining clinical experience and the mechanisms underlying the development of resistance, and evaluating treatment options after failure to respond to CDK4/6 inhibitors. Current basic research supports the use of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors after CDK4/6 inhibitor failure; however, more data are needed, particularly regarding treatment sequencing. Read More

J Mater Chem B 2020 Jul 2. Epub 2020 Jul 2.

Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais - UFMG, Brazil.

Despite the undeniable advances in recent decades, cancer remains one of the deadliest diseases of the current millennium, where the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is very aggressive, extremely metastatic, and resistant to conventional chemotherapy. The nanotheranostic approach focusing on targeting membrane receptors often expressed at abnormal levels by cancer cells can be a strategic weapon for fighting malignant tumors. Herein, we introduced a novel "all-in-one nanosoldier" made of colloidal hybrid nanostructures, which were designed for simultaneously targeting, imaging, and killing TNBC cells. Read More

Nanoscale 2020 Jul;12(25):13186-13224

Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China.

Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) have attracted extensive attention due to their excellent optoelectronic properties, such as high quantum efficiency, narrow emission peaks, high color saturation, high stability and solution processability. Compared with the traditional display technology, QD based light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) show broad application prospects in the field of flat-panel displays and solid-state lighting. However, for full-color displays, the efficiency and lifetime of blue QLEDs are inferior to those of their green and red counterparts. Read More

Chem Commun (Camb) 2020 Jul 2. Epub 2020 Jul 2.

State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China.

The development of dinuclear transition metal catalysis has gained considerable momentum in recent years. The synergistic interaction between two metals enables the development of dinuclear metal catalysts with high efficiency, robustness and uniqueness. In this highlight, we take the transition metals Ni and Pd as examples, and provide a current perspective of synthetic methodology development catalyzed by dinuclear Ni- and Pd-complexes in the past several years. Read More

Phys Chem Chem Phys 2020 Jul 2. Epub 2020 Jul 2.

Radiation & Photochemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400 085, India. and Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Campus, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400 094, India.

Organophosphorus pesticides, widely used as insecticides for crop protection, are classified as an extremely toxic class of chemical compounds by the World Health Organization (WHO). Organophosphorus pesticides show marked specificity for the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, and can cause irreversible harm to the nervous system. The excessive use of organophosphorus pesticides, specifically in developing countries, made WHO to impose a ban on certain organophosphorus pesticides being sold to the developing nations. Read More

J Neural Eng 2020 Jun 30. Epub 2020 Jun 30.

School of Computer Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore, SINGAPORE.

Stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term disability among adults and contributes to major socio-economic burden globally. Stroke frequently results in multifaceted impairments including motor, cognitive and emotion deficits. In recent years, Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) based therapy has shown promising results for post-stroke motor rehabilitation. Read More

Acc Chem Res 2020 Jul 2. Epub 2020 Jul 2.

School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom.

ConspectusThe availability of new light sources combined with the realization of the unique capabilities of spectroscopy in the X-ray region has driven tremendous advances in the field of X-ray spectroscopy. Currently, these techniques are emerging as powerful analytical tools for the study of a wide range of problems encompassing liquids, materials, and biological systems. Time-resolved measurements add a further dimension to X-ray spectroscopy, opening up the potential to resolve ultrafast chemical processes at an atomic level. Read More

Small 2020 Jul 1:e2002454. Epub 2020 Jul 1.

Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Hong Kong SAR, China.

InP quantum dots (QDs) are typical III-V group semiconductor nanocrystals that feature large excitonic Bohr radius and high carrier mobility. The merits of InP QDs include large absorption coefficient, broad color tunability, and low toxicity, which render them promising alternatives to classic Cd/Pb-based QDs for applications in practical settings. Over the past two decades, the advances in wet-chemistry methods have enabled the synthesis of small-sized colloidal InP QDs with the assistance of organic ligands. Read More

Chem Asian J 2020 Jul 1. Epub 2020 Jul 1.

University of Newcastle, Global Innovative Center for Advanced Nanomaterials, University Drive, Callaghan 2308, 2308, Newcastle, AUSTRALIA.

Organo-functionalized materials with porous structure offer unique adsorption, catalytic and sensing properties. These unique properties make them available for various applications, including catalysis, CO 2 capture and utilization, and drug delivery. The properties and the performance of these unique materials can be altered with suitable modifications on their surface. Read More

Exp Physiol 2020 Jul 2. Epub 2020 Jul 2.

Laboratory of Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise under Physiological and Pathological Conditions (AME2P), Université Clermont Auvergne, EA 3533, Clermont-Ferrand, 63171, France.

What is the topic of this review? The topic of this meta-analysis is the efficacy of HIIT in reducing weight, total fat mass (FM) and (intra)-abdominal FM in normal-weight and overweight/obese women before and after menopause. What advances does it highlight? HIIT programs in women significantly decrease body weight, and total and abdominal FM. Their effects are more evident in pre- than in postmenopausal women. Read More

J Clin Psychol 2020 Jul 2. Epub 2020 Jul 2.

Department of Psychology, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, California, USA.

Objective: Social deficits are already exhibited by people at risk for schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. Technological advances have made passive detection of social deficits possible at granular levels.

Method: In this real-world study, we tested if schizotypy status (high/low) predicted two types of social behavior: (1) being around other people; and (2) actively socializing with others. Read More

J Med Syst 2020 Jul 1;44(8):136. Epub 2020 Jul 1.

Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute, Mumbai, India.

Breast cancer is not preventable. To reduce the death rate and improve the survival chances of breast cancer patients, early and accurate detection is the only panacea. Delay in diagnosis of this disease causes 60% of deaths. Read More

Ann Surg Oncol 2020 Jul 1. Epub 2020 Jul 1.

Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.

SF J Med Oncol Cancer 2020 11;1(1). Epub 2020 May 11.

Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, USA.

Despite advances in chemotherapy and radiation, stage IV breast cancer presents a serious challenge to clinicians in light of the continued poor outcomes for patients. Stage IV breast cancer frequently metastasizes to the brain often necessitating neurosurgical intervention. The goals of the neurosurgeon are to adequately address metastatic disease to the central nervous system, limit morbidity for the patients, while preserving as much neurologic function as possible, and to help guide next steps regarding need for radiation and immunotherapy. Read More

Vasc Biol 2020 20;2(1):E1-E2. Epub 2020 May 20.

School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana, USA.

Endothelial barrier dysfunction is the hallmark of inflammatory lung disease, including Acute Lung Injury and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. The purpose of the present editorial is to emphasize on recent advances in the corresponding field, as it relates to P53. This tumor suppressor protein has been shown to enhance the vascular barrier integrity via distinct molecular pathways. Read More

Heliyon 2020 Jun 20;6(6):e04248. Epub 2020 Jun 20.

Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon.

Background: Acute gastroenteritis is a very common infectious disease facing all age groups worldwide, especially the pediatric population. Viruses, bacteria, and parasites are all possible causes of infectious gastroenteritis; however, viruses have become more frequently identified with the advances in the ability to diagnose viral infections, particularly rotavirus and adenovirus. We aimed in our study to compare between the prevalence, risk factors, and clinical characteristics of rotavirus and adenovirus among children with viral gastroenteritis in Lebanon. Read More

Front Chem 2020 16;8:513. Epub 2020 Jun 16.

Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.

Asparagine (N)-linked glycosylation is one of the most common co- and post-translational modifications of both intra- and extracellularly distributing proteins, which directly affects their biological functions, such as protein folding, stability and intercellular traffic. Production of the structural well-defined homogeneous N-glycans contributes to comprehensive investigation of their biological roles and molecular basis. Among the various methods, chemo-enzymatic approach serves as an alternative to chemical synthesis, providing high stereoselectivity and economic efficiency. Read More

Front Chem 2020 16;8:464. Epub 2020 Jun 16.

The School of Mechanical & Vehicle Engineering, Linyi University, Linyi, China.

Although hydrate-based technology has been considered as a safe and environmentally friendly approach for gas storage and transportation in recent decades, there are still inherent problems during hydrate production, such as a long induction time, slow formation kinetics, and limited hydrate storage capacity. Attempts to resolve these issues have resulted in the development of various kinetics promoters, among which carbon-based materials have become one of the most attractive owing to their unique promotion effect. Herein, results on promotion by bulk wetted carbon materials in the forms of a packed bed, carbon particles in a suspension, and nano-carbon materials in a nanofluid are collected from the published literature. Read More

Front Pediatr 2020 16;8:292. Epub 2020 Jun 16.

Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.

Osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma are the most common primary bone malignancies affecting children and adolescents. Optimal treatment requires a combination of chemotherapy and/or radiation along with surgical removal when feasible. Advances in multiple aspects of surgical management have allowed limb salvage surgery (LSS) to supplant amputation as the most common procedure for these tumors. Read More

F1000Res 2020 29;9. Epub 2020 Jun 29.

Institute for Biochemistry, University Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.

Exonic circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been discovered in all kingdoms of life. In many cases, the details of circRNA function and their involvement in cellular processes and diseases are not yet fully understood. However, the past few years have seen significant developments in bioinformatics and in experimental protocols that advance the ongoing research in this still-emerging field. Read More

Int J Psychol Res (Medellin) 2019 Jul-Dec;12(2):91-104

Laboratory of studies and clinical applications in contexts of political violence, Faculty of Psychology, Fundación Universitaria Konrad Lorenz, Bogotá, Colombia Fundación Universitaria Konrad Lorenz Bogotá Colombia.

Emotional processes and social interactions are relevant units in the study of the actors involved in contexts of political violence, since they have been exposed to constant conflict and they can develop inappropriate behaviors in daily life. Despite the fact that works on the subject are outlined, very few approach the phenomenon from a perspective of behavioral analysis, specially because of the advances that are denoted in related topics. That is why this review seeks to analyze the conceptual and methodological trends in written production on this subject from this theoretical perspective. Read More

Eur Cardiol 2020 Feb 15;15:e50. Epub 2020 Jun 15.

Institute of Experimental and Translational Cardiovascular Imaging, German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Centre for Cardiovascular Imaging, Partner Site Rhein-Main, University Hospital Frankfurt Frankfurt, Germany.

Chronic coronary artery disease remains an unconquered clinical problem, affecting an increasing number of people worldwide. Despite the improved understanding of the disease development, the implementation of the many advances in diagnosis and therapy is lacking. Many clinicians continue to rely on patient's symptoms and diagnostic methods, which do not enable optimal clinical decisions. Read More

Interv Cardiol 2020 Apr 15;15:e07. Epub 2020 Jun 15.

Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington Heart Institute Seattle, WA, US.

Advances in transcatheter structural heart interventions and temporary mechanical circulatory support have led to increased demand for alternative sites for large-bore vascular access. Percutaneous axillary artery access is an appealing alternative to femoral access in patients with peripheral arterial disease, obesity or for prolonged haemodynamic support where patient mobilisation may be valuable. In particular, axillary access for mechanical circulatory support allows for increased mobility while using the device, facilitating physical therapy and reducing morbidity associated with prolonged bed rest. Read More

Front Neurosci 2020 16;14:575. Epub 2020 Jun 16.

Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by muscle weakness due to the degeneration of the upper and lower motor neurons. Neuroinflammation is known as a prominent pathological feature of ALS. Although neuroinflammation cannot trigger ALS, activated central nervous system (CNS) microglia and astrocytes, proinflammatory periphery monocytes/macrophages and T lymphocytes, and infiltrated monocytes/macrophages and T lymphocytes, as well as the immunoreactive molecules they release, are closely related to disease progression. Read More

European J Org Chem 2020 Jun 30;2020(22):3171-3191. Epub 2020 Mar 30.

School of Chemistry Trinity College Dublin The University of Dublin Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute 152-160 Pearse Street 2 Dublin Ireland.

Protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) is the porphyrin scaffold of heme b, a ubiquitous prosthetic group of proteins responsible for oxygen binding (hemoglobin, myoglobin), electron transfer (cytochrome c) and catalysis (cytochrome P450, catalases, peroxidases). PPIX and its metallated derivatives frequently find application as therapeutic agents, imaging tools, catalysts, sensors and in light harvesting. The vast toolkit of accessible porphyrin functionalization reactions enables easy synthetic modification of PPIX to meet the requirements for its multiple uses. Read More

Eurasian J Med 2020 Jun;52(2):108-109

Department of Pediatrics, Ataturk University School of Medicine, Erzurum, Turkey.

Cell Mol Immunol 2020 Jul 1. Epub 2020 Jul 1.

Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China.

Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment and rejuvenated the field of tumor immunology. Several types of immunotherapy, including adoptive cell transfer (ACT) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), have obtained durable clinical responses, but their efficacies vary, and only subsets of cancer patients can benefit from them. Immune infiltrates in the tumor microenvironment (TME) have been shown to play a key role in tumor development and will affect the clinical outcomes of cancer patients. Read More

Nihon Yakurigaku Zasshi 2020 ;155(4):225-229

Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Juntendo University, Graduate School of Medicine.

The type 2 ryanodine receptor (RyR2) is a sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca release channel that plays a central role in cardiac excitation-contraction coupling. Abnormal activity of the RyR2 is linked to abnormal Ca signaling in cardiac cells, which often results in cardiac arrhythmias. For example, amino acid mutations in RyR2 have been reported to cause various types of arrhythmias, including catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), idiopathic ventricular fibrillation, and left ventricular non-compaction. Read More

Keio J Med 2020 Jul 1. Epub 2020 Jul 1.

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan.

In 2016, the Rome criteria were updated as Rome IV, and only minor changes were introduced for functional dyspepsia (FD). The major symptoms of FD now include not only postprandial fullness, but also epigastric pain and burning, and early satiation at above the "bothersome" level. Investigations into the effect of meal ingestion on symptom generation have indicated that not only postprandial fullness and early satiety but also epigastric pain and burning sensation and nausea (not vomiting) may increase after meals. Read More

Neurol India 2020 May-Jun;68(Supplement):S154-S160

Department of Neurosurgery, Bombay Hospital Institute of Medical Sciences, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

The most common sellar pathology that merits neurosurgical attention is the pituitary adenoma. However, some developmental, inflammatory, and neoplastic lesions may primarily or secondarily involve the sella, mimicking pituitary tumors. Advances in imaging and endocrinological assessment have helped in the recognition of these less common sellar, supra sellar pathologies, which may occasionally create confusion in management. Read More

Neurol India 2020 May-Jun;68(Supplement):S113-S122

Department of Radiation Oncology; Department of Neuro-Oncology Disease Management Group, TMH/ACTREC, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

Pituitary adenomas are benign tumors arising in the adenohypophysis and comprise 8%-20% of all reported primary brain tumors in the west. Transsphenoidal surgery with an aim to achieve complete tumor resection is the recommended first-line treatment for nonfunctioning as well as secretory pituitary adenoma. External beam radiation therapy (RT) has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment modality for pituitary adenoma, uncured by surgery and/or medical therapy, providing excellent long-term local control (>90%), but lower and variable rates (50%-80%) of biochemical remission in secretory tumors. Read More

Neurol India 2020 May-Jun;68(Supplement):S33-S38

Department of Neurosurgery, Bombay Hospital Institute of Medical Sciences, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

Pituitary tumors may well be the most common brain tumors with a mean incidence of 16.7%. Even small tumors become symptomatic when they arise from functioning cells and produce devastating effects on the body. Read More

Neurol India 2020 May-Jun;68(Supplement):S28-S32

Clinical and Research Fellow, Pediatric Endocrinology, Jehangir Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India.

CNS tumours and their treatment commonly lead to endocrinopathies in children. Advances in surgical techniques, chemotherapy and radiotherapy have improved the survival in children with CNS tumours however they have also added to the late effect burden. Since the pituitary and hypothalamus regulate many important bodily functions, loss in their function leads to major derangements in growth and hormonal milieu. Read More

Neurol India 2020 May-Jun;68(Supplement):S13-S19

Department of Endocrinology, Seth G.S. Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

Pituitary adenomas (PA) account for approximately 15% of all intracranial neoplasms. Pituitary adenomas can be of different subtypes based on the cell of origin or associated hormone hypersecretion (non-functioning pituitary adenoma, prolactinoma, somatotropinoma, corticotropinoma, thyrotropinoma, and gonadotropinoma). Functioning PAs are associated with relatively higher morbidity and mortality because of associated hormone hypersecretion syndromes. Read More