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Author Response: Lung Ultrasound in the Intensive Care Unit: Strengths, Limitations, and the Continued Role of Computed Tomography
Integrated agronomic and chloroplast genomic analysis reveals forage potential and evolutionary insights in Pennisetum centrasiaticum
Lung Ultrasound in the ICU: Strengths, Limitations, and the Continued Role of Computed Tomography
Evaluation of alternative transfusion triggers in hemodynamically stable, non-ventilated cancer patients: a prospective observational study
Abstract Anemia is highly prevalent among oncological patients and is often managed with red blood cell transfusions. Current guidelines predominantly rely on hemoglobin levels to guide transfusion, but hemoglobin alone may not accurately reflect oxygen delivery. Physiological triggers, particularly the oxygen extraction ratio (O 2 ER), could provide a more individualized transfusion strategy. This prospective, single-center, observational study included 107 clinically stable adult oncology patients at the Kazakh Institute of Oncology and Radiology. All patients required red blood cell transfusion based on a restrictive trigger (Hb 70 g/L). Patients were stratified into two groups according to their baseline O 2 ER (≤ 35.4% or > 35.4%). The primary outcome was the change in O 2 ER before and one hour after transfusion. We also measured changes in central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO 2 ), central venous oxygen partial pressure (PvO 2 ), arteriovenous oxygen difference (A-V O 2 diff), lactate, and veno-arterial carbon dioxide difference (ΔCO 2 ). Patients with higher baseline oxygen extraction ratio (O 2 ER > 35.4%) demonstrated more pronounced improvements in oxygenation parameters—including O 2 ER, ScvO 2 , PvO 2 , A‑V O 2 diff, and ΔCO 2 —following transfusion, compared to patients with O 2 ER ≤ 35.4%. Although baseline hemoglobin levels and post-transfusion increases in hemoglobin were similar between groups, significant differences were observed across all physiological markers of oxygen transport. Correlation analyses showed significant associations between baseline O 2 ER and changes in PvO 2 , ScvO 2 , A‑V O 2 diff, ΔCO 2 , and lactate. In contrast, baseline hemoglobin demonstrated no significant correlations with most physiological response parameters, except for a moderate but statistically significant correlation with the change in blood lactate levels. Lactate levels remained within normal limits in the majority of patients, indicating that critical oxygen delivery thresholds were not reached. In stable cancer patients with anemia, hemoglobin levels alone may not adequately capture oxygen delivery status. The oxygen extraction ratio and other physiological triggers offer valuable insights into which patients may benefit most from transfusion. Our findings support a more individualized transfusion strategy, though larger randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm the safety and efficacy of physiological triggers in broader patient populations. Trial Registration The study protocol was retrospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06952361, Initial Release 04/23/2025).
Utility of Extracellular Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyl Transferase as a Novel Biomarker in Predicting Early Severe Organ Dysfunction and Mortality in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Prospective Observational Study
Thermally assisted microbot transport through high-viscosity media
Enhancing Post-Code Blue Debriefing through Identification and Overcoming Barriers Encountered by Healthcare Practitioners
A Bertrand model with Brownian motion and behavioral errors
Old Wine in a New Bottle: VASOGRADE Scale and Biomarkers, Composite Model in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Chondrosarcoma organoids reveal SHH pathway activation driven by PTCH1 and BCOR alterations
Abstract Chondrosarcoma is the second most common malignant bone tumor, characterized by the production of cartilaginous matrix and a high degree of resistance to conventional therapies such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Effective treatment options remain limited, highlighting the urgent need for preclinical models to explore novel therapeutic approaches. This study aimed to establish patient-derived organoid (PDO) models of chondrosarcoma and to investigate their utility in elucidating molecular mechanisms and drug responses. Chondrosarcoma specimens were collected from patients and cultured using a modified air–liquid interface (ALI) organoid method. The resulting PDO were serially expanded in vitro and transplanted into NOD-SCID IL2Rgnull mice for in vivo validation. Histological and genetic analyses were performed to compare organoids with the corresponding primary tumors. Whole-exome profiling was used to identify genetic alterations. Organoid-based drug sensitivity testing was conducted using vismodegib, a Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway inhibitor. Two PDO lines were successfully established. Organoid-derived xenografts preserved the histological and genetic features of the parental tumors. Genomic profiling revealed loss-of-function mutations in PTCH1 and BCOR , suggesting activation of the Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway. Consistently, vismodegib exhibited strong in vitro antitumor activity, indicating functional pathway dependence. We established the first PDO models of chondrosarcoma that faithfully recapitulate key tumor features. These models provide a valuable preclinical platform for dissecting molecular pathogenesis and for advancing the development of targeted therapeutic strategies in this intractable malignancy.
Relationship of Circulatory Markers of NETosis with COVID-19 Severity: A Prospective Cohort Study
Correction: Impact of congenital cytomegalovirus infection on vestibular dysfunction and hearing outcomes in a cohort of children
A Composite Model – “VASS-DCI” – for Delayed Cerebral Ischemia Following Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Role of VASOGRADE and Inflammatory Biomarkers
Miniature inverted repeat transposable elements in the genome of sugar beet and their impact on gene expression
Abstract Miniature inverted-repeat transposable elements (MITEs) are the most abundant group among class II mobile elements in plant genomes. They are frequently located in gene-rich regions, which may affect gene structure and expression, leading to functional diversity. Our research aimed to perform a comprehensive global annotation of MITEs in the sugar beet genome, which has been lacking to date. We also attempted to elucidate the association between the presence of MITE insertions and the regulation of gene expression. Analysis of the MITEs distribution in sugar beet revealed that MITEs cover about 3% of the genome, with the largest group comprising Stowaway -like elements. Approximately 60% of all identified MITEs were located within genic regions, indicating their potential impact on gene expression regulation. Stowaway and Tourist -like elements were frequently present in introns and downstream from genes. Tourists were also relatively more enriched in 3’UTRs than the other MITE groups. hAT -like MITEs were present mainly in introns and 5’UTRs, while Mutator -like elements were relatively more frequently located in 5’UTRs than in the other MITE groups. Our study also showed that a considerable portion of the differentially expressed genes in plants from two F2 sugar beet families was associated with MITEs, especially Stowaways and Tourists . We provided a comprehensive landscape of MITE distribution in the sugar beet genome and described examples of MITE insertions located in the regulatory regions of genes that show significant differential expression. These results will facilitate research into the role of MITEs in their potential impact on gene expression regulation.