The fourth LBMR-Tim (Toulouse Referral Medical Laboratory of Immunology) symposium was convened on December 15th, 2025, in Toulouse, France, to discuss recent advances in the understanding and management of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Pathophysiological mechanisms underlying SSc and SLE were discussed from a genetic perspective, with particular emphasis on the X-chromosomal TLR7/TLR8 locus and the interferon signaling pathway. Cellular aspects were explored, highlighting the critical roles of regulatory T cells (Tregs), exhausted T cells, macrophage polarization, and endothelial cells. At the translational research frontier, significant initiatives are underway within the framework of the European Autoimmunity Standardization Initiative (EASI) aimed at enhancing routine biomarker application for diagnosis, disease monitoring, and prognostic considerations. Emerging biomarker candidates promise potential for improving prognostic assessment and follow-up in lupus nephritis (e.g., urinary sCD163/creatinine ratio), cardiovascular complications and vasculopathy associated with SSc (e.g., dephosphorylated-uncarboxylated matrix Gla protein [dp-ucMGP] and endothelial progenitor cells), as well as therapeutic response evaluation (e.g., IGRA-PHA assays and proteomic methodologies). Therapeutically, a paradigm shift is underway with the development of efficacious mono- and multi-targeted antibody treatments alongside cellular therapies designed to eliminate B cells through chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells or to re-establish immune regulation through Treg restoration. The integration of these therapeutic modalities necessitates further investigation to optimize individualized patient selection and management strategies. The multidisciplinary expert panel advocates for a comprehensive approach encompassing fundamental science, translational research, clinical expertise, and therapeutic innovation to advance in the management of these two complex syndromes.
Carboxytherapy, via the Bohr effect, a denser dermal environment, and preserved fibroblast function, along with oral administration of bioactive marine collagen fragments that target fibroblasts, are regenerative strategies that could improve scar elasticity, thickness, and hydration. Their sequential combination might be an innovative approach. In March 2024, a 56-year-old woman began treatment of a large, hypertrophic, partially retracted post-surgical scar in the nasojugal area at the level of the right nasal wing. Ablative techniques were strictly contraindicated; therefore, a regenerative, restructuring approach via carboxytherapy was chosen. A six-session carboxytherapy cycle was performed from October 10, 2024 (T0) to April 3, 2025 (T6). Each session, performed every 15 days, lasted approximately 10 minutes (flow rate: 60 mL/min, 30-G needle, temperature 45°C). Evaluations were conducted after the third (T3) and last (T6) sessions, using the Antera 3D device (quantitative three-dimensional objective analysis of scar depth, texture, erythrosis, and pigmentation) and the POSAS investigator and subject scoring scales. A final injection of persistent hyaluronic acid was performed on April 3, 2025. To support and strengthen the normalization of the scarring process, the first of a twice-yearly oral cycle of hydrolyzed marine collagen fragments began on October 23, 2025. Over the six-month carboxytherapy treatment cycle, the scarred skin area showed significant improvement toward a normal appearance. The vascularity POSAS score (observer component) decreased from 7 at baseline to 3 at T6; the thickness and flexibility scores improved from 5 to 2 and from 7 to 3, respectively. Additionally, the POSAS pain and itching scores (patient component) decreased from 6 to 1. Stand-alone carboxytherapy again appears to be an effective option for hypertrophic, structurally abnormal scars. While further investigations are underway, supplementation with hydrolyzed marine collagen fragments may help maintain the benefits of prior carboxytherapy. Managing postsurgical scars, especially hypertrophic scars, is challenging. Carboxytherapy, the intradermal or subcutaneous administration of carbon dioxide, is well known for reducing the aesthetic and psychological burden of scars. It promotes local vasodilation, improves tissue oxygenation, and induces the production of new, well-organized collagen in the scar area. Emerging research on the skin-restructuring properties of orally absorbed fragments of marine collagen suggests that these bioactive small peptides may also contribute to scar management. These small collagen peptides, produced at the end of the collagen lifecycle when skin collagen breaks down, stimulate skin fibroblasts to produce new collagen. Several marine collagen fragments are identical to the small, bioactive peptides generated by collagen breakdown and likely act similarly. For the first time, the authors tested an innovative regenerative strategy that sequentially combines six sessions of carboxytherapy with long-term supplementation with hydrolyzed marine collagen in a 56-year-old woman. The woman sought treatment for a disfiguring hypertrophic scar on the right nasal wing following surgery for a skin carcinoma. The outcomes of this innovative treatment strategy appear encouraging, though preliminary, as the woman has completed only her first at-home cycle of oral marine collagen supplementation. Progress in the appearance of the disfiguring scar was monitored using a quantitative three-dimensional skin analysis device and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). Definitive conclusions from any experience with a single patient must await the results of well-designed clinical studies, some of which are already underway.
Leading government Safety Investigation Authorities (SIAs) that investigate major aviation accidents are members of the International Transportation Safety Association (ITSA). Investigation analysis methodology details are rarely included on SIA websites, in final accident reports, shared with peers, or specified by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Some 'New View' safety researchers assume SIAs don't use systemic methodologies and that accident investigation has little value. Because of the sensitivity of SIA work and need to prioritize safety value from available investigation funding, there has been little academic research on choice and use of investigation analysis methodologies to address these issues supported by SIAs or involving multiple SIAs. Investigation analysis methodologies were defined broadly to include SIA-used academic models and 'bespoke' investigation processes. Over several years we gained the trust of 12 ITSA SIAs to provide written and interview data to address four research questions. NVivo12 software supported interview thematic analysis. Ten SIAs reported using Rasmussen-based methodologies, 7 Reason-based, 6 own bespoke methodologies, 5 BowTie, 5 more recent systemic methodologies such as CAST and FRAM, and 10 SIAs used other methodologies such as SHELL, 6M, and bespoke methodologies from other ITSA SIAs. Multiple investigation analysis methodologies were used by all SIAs, sometimes in the same investigation. In contrast with aging ICAO publications and negative New View claims, the SIA research data illustrates choice and usage of complex systemic and less complex analysis methodologies in varying investigative contexts. The research is being used by the 12 SIAs to better understand, and draw from, each other. It has broad relevance for updating ICAO documentation that is now underway, for other SIAs and the wider aviation community, and for other high-risk industries that seek to understand professionally operationalized methodologies used for investigation, analysis, and safety action with associated learning.
with the aim of guiding the strategic response to major viral infections, this study aimed to determine the epidemiological profile of HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the Far North region of Cameroon. we conducted a cross-sectional epidemiological surveillance study in the Mayo-Tsanaga Division and surrounding localities in the Far North region of Cameroon from August 1 to September 20, 2024. After obtaining informed consent, each participant was given a standard questionnaire and tested for the three infections (HIV, HBV, and HCV) in accordance with the national testing algorithm. The collected data were analyzed using Excel 2019 and Power BI software, with a statistical significance threshold set at p < 0.05. a total of 3,188 participants were tested (60% female, median age 34 years [IQR 20-46]), of whom 396 tested positive overall, including 13 who were HIV-positive, 373 who were HBV-positive, and 10 who were HCV-positive. According to each type of infection, HIV, HBV and HCV seropositivity rates were 0.41% (13/3,170), 11.7% (373/3,188) and 0.31% (10/3,188), respectively. Despite the high endemicity of HBV (>8%), no statistically significant differences were observed by age or sex (p > 0.05). the low prevalence rates (<1%) of HIV and HCV suggest that their elimination is effectively underway among populations in the Far North region of Cameroon. However, the high endemicity of HBV indicates ongoing transmission and underscores the urgent need to prioritize vaccination as the primary preventive intervention toward elimination. dans le cadre de la triple élimination du VIH, des virus de l'hépatite B et C, une meilleure compréhension du fardeau local de ces infections est essentielle pour orienter les interventions ciblées. Cette étude vise à déterminer le profil épidémiologique du VIH, des hépatites virales B (VHB) et C (VHC) dans le département du Mayo-Tsanaga à l'Extrême-Nord du Cameroun. étude transversale de surveillance épidémiologique réalisée du 1er août au 20 septembre 2024. Un échantillonnage consécutif a été effectué. Après obtention du consentement éclairé, chaque participant a rempli un questionnaire standardisé et a été testé pour le VIH, le VHB et le VHC selon l'algorithme national. Les données ont été analysées avec Excel 2019 et Power BI, avec un seuil de significativité p<0,05. au total, 3188 participants (60% de femmes, âge médian 34 ans [IQR 20-46]) ont été inclus. Parmi eux, 396 (12,4%) ont été testés positifs à au moins une infection: VIH 0,41% (n = 13), VHB 11,7% (n = 373), VHC 0,31% (n = 10). Pour le VIH, une majorité de femmes (77%), concentrée dans la tranche de 25-34 ans. Pour le VHB, on avait une positivité élevée au-delà de 55 ans (27%), femmes 63,6%, pas de différence significative selon le sexe (p = 0,138). Pour le VHC, on avait une distribution homogène, sans différence significative selon âge ou sexe. nos résultats suggèrent une possible transition vers l'élimination du VIH et du VHC dans cette population au vu de leur faible séropositivité. En revanche, la forte positivité du VHB appelle à renforcer la stratégie vaccinale couplée au dépistage et à la sensibilisation ciblant prioritairement les jeunes.
Inverse vulcanised polymers are an emerging class of materials with a broad range of applications from energy storage to fertiliser systems. As these materials are still subject of research, scaling to real-life applications is just underway. One major factor for these materials to be fit for industrial use is their ageing behaviour under environmental influences such as temperature, sunlight, moisture and pH or biological attack. Since ageing is rarely discussed in literature, we herein investigate the ageing behaviour of common inverse vulcanised polymers under real-life and simulated environmental influences. The results show strong structure-properties relationships depending on the comonomers used for the polymerisation. Aliphatic non-functional monomers produce rigid polymers with high resistance towards environmental influences, whereas bio-derived and functional monomers deliver more flexible materials that are prone to degradation by oxidation and hydrolysis. This study provides groundwork for future research into the design of sulfur polymers that require environmental stability or controlled degradation for their individual application.
We thank Guseva Canu and van der Molen for their thoughtful commentary (1) on our article advocating for the development of occupational exposure limits (OEL) for psychosocial hazards. We appreciate their careful consideration of both the conceptual and methodological challenges associated with transferring established approaches from the assessment of non-psychosocial (ie, chemical and physical) hazards to the psychosocial domain. We also welcome that the authors share the concerns raised in our original discussion paper (2) regarding uncertainties in existing operationalizations of psychosocial hazards. Nonetheless, psychosocial risk assessment has progressed substantially and is considerably more nuanced than suggested in the commentary. While our discussion paper was framed as a mapping of the current knowledge - explicitly titled around "what we know and what we do not know, yet" - we believe the commentary engages primarily with a narrowed reading of our argument, namely a proposal to immediately establish OEL, rather than the roadmap of conceptual and methodological requirements we presented. Considering recent methodological advances, we conclude that advancing toward OEL for psychosocial hazards is not a premature leap but a timely and necessary next step. From latent variable models to actionable items It is true that, for decades, influential work-stress theories have relied on latent variable models to operationalize psychological phenomena which, although not directly observable, have repeatedly been linked to employee health outcomes. Methodologically, manifestations of distinct individual aspects of the latent constructs are combined to operationalize the latent variable of interest. It should be noted, however, that eg, the latent variable job demands represents no more an observable hazard than generic categories like dust or metal represent identifiable hazardous substances. Accordingly, while the goal is to optimize job demands or job control, this can only be accomplished by addressing the distinct actionable items that constitute such latent constructs. Guseva Canu and van der Molen themselves use the example of bus drivers for whom efforts had been disentangled into 39 distinct actionable items. As an additional example, the Joint German Occupational Safety and Health Strategy (3) identifies more than 70 actionable items that constitute six latent domains of job stressors (work content, work organization, working time, social relations, work equipment, work environment) each representing a quantifiable presence or absence of hazards. The "fundamental paradigm shift […] toward more specific, measurable, and harmonized approaches", as advocated by Guseva Canu and van der Molen, is thus already underway. Whether no-observed adverse effect level (NOAEL)/ lowest-observed-adverse effect level (LOAEL) are most usefully defined at the level of individual items, item composites, or aggregated constructs is itself an empirical question that future research should address. Subjective bias and social construction of hazards Guseva Canu and van der Molen argue that assessments of social support, decision authority, or emotional demands are inherently subjective or socially constructed. By referencing cultural norms and economic pressures, they highlight individual processes of perception, implying that actual exposure cannot be accurately quantified in terms of OEL. We believe that these phenomena can still serve as valid and meaningful decision aids for preventive action: Within occupational groups, employees show high within-group agreement in psychosocial risk assessments, and in addition, there is substantial agreement between employee evaluations and those conducted by occupational safety and health (OSH) committees for the same job activities (4). Moreover, methodological advances are improving our understanding of how subjective bias can be minimized. Stress measures frequently confounded exposure with appraisal as items often incorporate evaluations of job characteristics as stressful. To address this, it was recommended to operationalize job stress using condition-related, non-evaluative items (5, 6). Finally, advanced understanding of the psychometrics of psychosocial risk assessment, including activity-based rather than person-based item wordings combined with frequency rather than agreement response options, can further reduce subjective bias via personality traits on assessments (7). These developments demonstrate that, despite inherent subjectivity, psychosocial exposures can be reliably quantified when validated and carefully designed instruments are used. Concluding remarks As with chemical and physical hazards, decisions regarding psychosocial exposures should be guided as objectively as possible by evidence-based criteria, giving both employees and organizations the confidence that preventive measures - or the decision not to implement them - are justified rather than based on subjective judgments. We believe that, despite their construct-dependent ontological nature, OEL for psychosocial hazards can provide substantial support for preventive decision-making. We also share Guseva Canu's and van der Molen's emphasis on the political economy of the OEL setting, which our own call for institutionalized discussion forums (Essential 4) explicitly anticipates. With our proposal, we aimed to establish a framework for these decisions based on the current scientific state of the art. While its methodological foundations may not be perfect, we believe it represents a substantial improvement to harmonize research efforts and standardize reporting in a way that encourages researchers to tackle the remaining challenges. In other words, act on OEL where the evidence permits and continue to improve where gaps remain. References 1. Guseva Canu I, van der Molen HF. Occupational exposure limits for psychosocial hazards: A promising concept or a premature leap? Scand J Work Environ Health 2026 Mar. https://doi.org/10.5271/sjweh.4280. 2. Pauli R, Lang J, Müller A, Taibi Y, Kraus T, Metzler Y. Requirements for occupational exposure limits in psychosocial risk assessment: what we know, what we don't know and what we can learn from other disciplines. Scand J Work Environ Health 2025 Nov;51(6):559-68. https://doi.org/10.5271/sjweh.4247. 3. Gemeinsame Deutsche Arbeitsschutzstrategie: Berücksichtigung psychischer Belastung in der Gefährdungsbeurteilung - Empfehlungen zur Umsetzung in der betrieblichen Praxis [Joint German Occupational Safety and Health Strategy. Consideration of psychological stress in risk assessments: Recommendations for implementation in operational practice] (4th fully revised edition; as of 15 June 2022, updated January 6, 2026). Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. 4. Schneider I, Mädler M, Lang J. Comparability of self- and observer-ratings in occupational psychosocial risk assessments - Is there agreement? BioMed Res Int 2019 Jun;2019:8382160. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/8382160. 5. Rau R. Questioning or observation or both together? Which instruments should be used when psychic work load and strain have to be analyzed? Zentralbl Arbeitsmed Arbeitsschutz Ergon 2010;60(9):294-301. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03344299. 6. Semmer NK, Grebner S, Elfering A. (2004). Beyond self report: Using observational physiological and situation based measures in research on occupational stress. In P. L. Perrewe & D. C. Ganster (Eds.), Research in occupational stress and well being, volume 3. Emotional and physiological processes and positive intervention strategies (1st ed., pp. 205-263). JAI. 7. Pauli R, Lang J. Survey Design Moderates Negativity Bias but not Positivity Bias in Self-Reported Job Stress. Eur J Psychol Assess 2024;41(5):357-66. https://doi.org/10.1027/1015-5759/a000806.
Quantitative analysis in fluorescence microscopy presents challenges: most open-source Single Molecule Localization Microscopy toolkits emphasize visualization over downstream metrics, and practitioners must iteratively juggle sample preparation variables (e.g., labeling density) with acquisition parameters (e.g., photoswitching conditions) once imaging is underway, obscuring cause effect and slowing optimization. We address this gap with BlinkFusion, a modular, open-source Python platform that unifies filament labeling efficiency and STORM photophysics in a single, reproducible workflow. The system ingests image stacks, extracts metadata, and runs two complementary pipelines: (i) a confocal/filament branch that applies ridge guided ROI selection and Stretching Open Active Contours (SOACs) to quantify degree of labeling (DOL) and morphometrics, providing pre-STORM feedback on staining quality; and (ii) a STORM branch that merges localizations into molecules and computes duty cycle, survival fraction, photon yields, and switching cycles within a quasi-equilibrium window for fair cross dataset comparison. An interactive dashboard enables side by side dataset review, rapid parameter sweeps, and immediate reprocessing. On nanobody labeled tubulin, the filament pipeline automatically captures expected trends in continuity, contrast, and intensity across preparation and illumination settings; on Cy5 benchmarks, the STORM pipeline reproduces literature photophysics within 20% under matched conditions, while reducing peak CPU/heap demand and manual effort. A streamlined DOL workflow cuts processing time versus prior manual practice. BlinkFusion therefore links structural and photophysical readouts to deliver immediate, quantitative feedback and a practical path towards real time experimental optimization.
Disease models are used to evaluate drug candidates, and compounds that are highly effective in vivo models have traditionally been prioritized for development. While conventional 'gold standard' animal models have been central to autoimmune drug discovery, there is increasing recognition that addressing unmet medical needs requires models capable of capturing patient pathophysiology beyond the scope of these classical systems. Accordingly, models that reflect human disease mechanisms not reproducible in conventional animals are becoming increasingly important. Humanized mice are immunodeficient mice transplanted with human immune cells, hepatocytes, thymic tissue, and other components to create a human-like biological environment that cannot be replicated in wild-type mice. Research on humanized mice has advanced through efforts to reconstitute a diverse human immune system in mice, together with accumulating knowledge of patient-specific factors such as autoantibodies and autoreactive T cells. Additionally, single-cell analyses and human tissue studies are underway to recreate the human-specific disease phenomena in humanized mice. In this review, immune-system-humanized mice are used to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances in immune-system-humanized mouse technologies, their applications to immune-related disease models, and their current utilization in drug discovery research.
Frontline workers across multiple occupations operate in high-stress, trauma-exposed environments characterized by chronic demands and irregular schedules, increasing risk of burnout, depression, and poor sleep. Emerging evidence highlights the role of 24-hour movement behaviors in relation to mental health. Despite growing attention, research remains fragmented and often focuses on individual behaviors rather than their combined influence. This protocol outlines a scoping review designed to map existing evidence and identify research gaps. The primary aim is to map research examining relationships between 24-hour movement behaviors and mental health outcomes in frontline workers. Objectives include examining measurement approaches, associations, and methodological gaps. This scoping review will follow the JBI methodology and the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. Eligible studies include English-language research published between 2000 and 2025 involving adult frontline workers across multiple occupations and examining movement behaviors and mental health outcomes. A three-step search strategy will be conducted across multiple databases alongside targeted gray literature searches. Screening and data extraction will be performed independently by two reviewers. Findings will be synthesized using tabular summaries and narrative synthesis. Preliminary searches and pilot-testing were completed in October 2025. As of May 2026, updated database and supplementary searches have been completed, with 527 studies meeting the inclusion criteria for data charting. Data charting and synthesis are currently underway. Completion of the review and submission for publication are anticipated in July 2026. This review will provide a comprehensive overview of research linking 24-hour movement behaviors and mental health in frontline workers. Findings will highlight methodological, occupational, and research gaps to inform future research, policy, and practice.
Linerixibat (LYNAVOY®) is an orally administered reversible ileal bile acid transporter (IBAT) inhibitor developed by GSK for the treatment of cholestatic pruritus. In March 2026, linerixibat received its first approval for the treatment of cholestatic pruritus associated with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) in adult patients in the USA. It is the first US FDA-approved therapy for this indication. Subsequently, linerixibat was approved in May 2026 in the UK for the treatment of cholestatic pruritus in adult patients with PBC. A regulatory review of linerixibat is currently underway in Canada, China and the EU for the treatment of cholestatic pruritus associated with PBC. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of linerixibat leading to these first approvals.
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory skin disease causing recurrent abscesses, tunnels, and scarring. Despite significant disease burden in children and adolescents, treatment data for this population remains limited. This review summarizes the most recent developments in pediatric hidradenitis suppurativa management. The 2025 North American clinical practice guidelines for the medical management of hidradenitis suppurativa in special populations included key consensus-based treatment recommendations for pediatric hidradenitis suppurativa. Although antibiotics remain the mainstay of treatment for acute flares, adult data support the use of intravenous ertapenem as a rescue therapy for severe, recalcitrant hidradenitis suppurativa. Hormonal therapies, including spironolactone and combined oral contraceptives, should be considered in postmenarchal women. Metabolic therapies, particularly metformin and GLP-1 receptor agonists, are newer adjunctive options for patients with comorbid obesity and insulin resistance. Secukinumab was recently approved for moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa in adolescents at least 12 years, and clinical trials for multiple other biologic therapies for pediatric hidradenitis suppurativa are underway. Patients with pediatric hidradenitis suppurativa require individualized management approaches that consider their unique comorbidities and stages of development. Clinicians should integrate the 2025 North American guidelines into clinical practice, recognize, and co-manage comorbidities when appropriate, and counsel patients on approved and emerging biologic options.
Current antithrombotic therapies (combining aspirin, P2Y12 inhibitors, and anticoagulants) target both platelet and coagulation pathways to reduce ischemic events in high-risk cardiovascular patients. Despite efficacy, these regimens are limited by increased bleeding risk, as evidenced by multiple clinical trials. Suboptimal pharmacodynamics and nonindividualized treatment approaches complicate the therapeutic success. Pediatric cardiac conditions and severe thrombophilia underlying arterial and immune thrombosis pose special challenges. The dual actions aim at addressing these gaps by especially attenuating arterial platelet-rich thrombi and safety concerns. We highlight the need for improved antithrombotic strategies across diverse patient populations. To potentially overcome the limitations, we present antiplatelet and anticoagulant (APAC), a heparin proteoglycan mimetic integrating APAC effects. APAC, administered locally or intravenously, targets VWF (von Willebrand Factor) and thrombin, effectively inhibiting platelet-fibrin deposition, under high shear rate flow conditions over surfaces of collagen and TF (tissue factor). Preclinical models show that APAC reduces atherosclerotic and stenotic lesions, inflammation, and ischemia-reperfusion injury without bleeding propensity. These findings position APAC as a promising candidate for safe, translational dual antithrombotic. Early clinical trials demonstrated the safety of APAC under both systemic and local administration. A phase 2 clinical study in peripheral arterial disease is underway, and another is planned for arteriovenous fistula patency for renal patients.
ObjectivesAdolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer often experience educational and vocational challenges that hinder long-term developmental goals and milestones. While more attention has been paid to addressing employment-related needs, little research has focused on identifying and addressing educational needs during or after treatment for AYAs with cancer, particularly younger AYAs, who rely on caregivers for educational support and guidance. We report our process for developing and refining an educational guidance session for caregivers of AYAs with cancer.MethodsGuided by an extended Social Determinants of Health framework, we developed a standardized process to identify and address educational needs reported by caregivers of AYAs with cancer. Key stakeholders were consulted at multiple stages of development, and the process included a prescreening tool, guidance session, and curated resource list. During beta testing, formative guidance sessions were conducted with caregivers, followed by one- and three-month follow-up check-ins to collect feedback and refine the intervention.ResultsDuring beta testing, we pre-screened caregivers of 16 AYAs (ages 12-20 years; M = 16.31; SD = 2.18). Thirteen caregivers screened positive and were eligible for the guided session; 11 reported their AYA had unmet educational needs. Reported concerns were clustered into three domains: school enrollment, learning support, and school-related financial barriers. Most participants reported sessions were helpful and appreciated personalized resources. Preferences varied by depth and frequency of support, underscoring the need for flexibility in delivery and resulted in a standard, yet tailorable slide for future guidance sessions.ConclusionThis caregiver- and patient-informed intervention addresses a critical gap in AYA cancer care by identifying and responding to educational needs. The structured guidance model is more inclusive of educational needs specific to younger AYAs and caregiver support and thus integrated as a component of an AYA needs navigation program (AYA-NAV). Adolescents and young adults with cancer often experience major disruptions to their education and work during and after treatment. These challenges can affect their emotional well-being, independence, and quality of life, yet support for navigating school and job-related needs is often limited. This study describes the development of educational guidance sessions designed to help young people with cancer and their caregivers identify and address education- and work-related challenges. The program includes a brief screening to identify needs, structured guidance sessions with a trained navigator, and tailored resources to support school and employment goals. Feedback from young people with cancer, caregivers, and other stakeholders was used to refine the program so that it is practical, relevant, and responsive to their needs. Although a pilot study is currently underway to examine how feasible and acceptable the program is in a clinical setting, this paper focuses on how the program was developed and refined. This work aims to improve access to educational and vocational support for young people with cancer and their families.
The Editorial Board of Anticancer Research is issuing an official Expression of Concern regarding the article cited above. The study was published purely as “hypothesis-generating", opening the discussion for repurposing of these substances, establishing the ground for future approved, randomized clinical trials. Following publication, serious scientific concerns were raised by the international medical community regarding the verifiability and statistical reliability, and ethical oversight of the underlying dataset. In formal correspondence to the journal dated June 4, 2026, the authors clarified that the study cohort was not drawn from an unverified consumer survey, but instead comprised “provider-screened cancer patients enrolled in a structured prospective cohort” managed via an internal clinical workflow and licensed provider consultations. While the Editorial Board acknowledges the authors' transparency regarding the text-level limitations of selfreported data, a study published in a peer-reviewed oncology journal that reports a “Clinical Benefit Ratio of 84.4%” and specific percentages of “tumor regression” must rest on a verifiably real clinical foundation and adhere to established ethical frameworks for human subject research to maintain its validity in the permanent scholarly record. Anticancer Research does not endorse or condone the unvalidated off-label use of medications for unapproved oncological indications. Disclosing limitations does not exempt a clinical dataset from the foundational scientific requirements of empirical verifiability and independent ethical oversight. Accordingly, based on the authors' confirmation of an established clinical provider-patient workflow, the journal is initiating a formal Post-Publication Data Integrity and Ethical Oversight Audit. This investigation will evaluate the mandatory Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval or exemption documentation, the de-identified, source-verified clinical records confirming the baseline cancer diagnoses of the 197 initial participants and the objective medical documentation supporting the reported anatomical regressions. This Expression of Concern will remain prominently appended to the publication record online and in all indexing databases while this formal data and ethical verification audit is underway.
Oncolytic virotherapy is a novel therapeutic paradigm in oncology that uses viruses to selectively replicate within cancer cells, causing targeted tumor cell destruction with minimal toxicity to healthy tissues. With the rapid growth of oncolytic virotherapy and the accumulation of clinical studies on this subject, the present review aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of current achievements in cancer treatments involving oncolytic viruses (OVs). Numerous clinical trials have been conducted to assess the therapeutic efficacy and safety of OVs across a variety of cancer types. Several OVs have received approval worldwide, with the primary ones being T-VEC (Imlygic) in the treatment of melanoma (FDA/European approval), Oncorine (H101) for cancers of the head and neck (China), and Teserpaturev for gliomas (Japan). Furthermore, several other clinical trials are currently underway, demonstrating the growing interest in the clinical development of oncolytic virotherapy as a potentially effective anticancer strategy. These clinical trials have explored multiple strategies to enhance the safety and therapeutic efficacy of OVs. Approaches include genetic modifications to improve tumor specificity, promote effective cancer cell lysis, and stimulate robust antitumor immune responses. In addition, OVs have been combined with other treatment modalities, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, cell-based therapies, immune checkpoint inhibitors, cancer vaccines, and targeted small-molecule agents. Innovative delivery systems, including cellular carriers, nanoparticles, hydrogels, and cell-based robotic platforms, have also been developed. Oncolytic virotherapy is a new and rapidly evolving treatment modality, which is promising in therapy against cancer. Clinical trials have proven that OVs can be a safe and effective way to treat cancer, making them an essential part of future therapies.
Chandipura virus disease (CHPVD), caused by the sandfly-transmitted Chandipura virus, is a major public health concern due to its reported explosive outbreaks of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) and high mortality in children. We aimed to describe the clinico-epidemiological characteristics of the cases and identify risk factors, following laboratory confirmation of CHPVD in Gujarat, India, in July 2024. We defined case as laboratory-confirmed CHPVD in clinical presentation of AES in a child aged under 15 years from Gujarat in July 2024. We identified cases through enhanced passive surveillance and compared them to age and place-matched controls. We randomly selected two controls (same and neighbouring village) with no fever and seizures or altered sensorium in previous month and aged +/-two years from case-age. We collected data using structured questionnaire. Severe underweight was weight-for-age z-score < -3 Standard deviation. We calculated geometric-mean (GM) for laboratory investigations, adjusted OR (aOR) using conditional logistic regression with Firth penalization. We conducted an entomological survey for sandflies in and around case household. We identified 54 cases with median age of 4 years [Interquartile-range (IQR) = 2-7] and 59% males in 20/33 districts. Case fatality rate was 50%. Rural cases were 81%, 72% had domestic animals, and 34.8% were severely underweight. Clinical manifestations were fever (87%), convulsion (74%), vomiting (70.4%), altered sensorium (57.4%), and loose stools (48%). Median duration between symptom onset and hospital admission was 1 day (IQR:0-2), and from hospital admission to death was 3 days (IQR:2-5.75). WBC count (GM = 15295/mm3), SGOT (GM = 121.7U/L), APTT (GM = 48.9 s) and Lactate dehydrogenase (GM=657U/L.) were elevated. CSF showed lymphocytic predominance, and protein was 63 mg/dL. Underweight status in child (aOR = 4, 95%CI = 1.4-14.3) and poor housing structures and conditions (aOR = 2.66, 95%CI = 1.71-4.93) were significant risk factors. We collected sandflies (Sergentomyia species) from dwelling units while insecticidal control measures were underway. This investigation highlights widespread nature and high mortality from CHPVD outbreak among children in Gujarat. Clinical findings were consistent with acute encephalopathy and disseminated systemic infection. Being underweight and poor housing conditions were risk factors. We recommended physician sensitization in case management, health communication to address nutrition, housing conditions and protection against the sandfly bites. Not applicable.
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare, highly aggressive form of advanced breast cancer that is challenging to diagnose due to its ambiguous clinical nature. Gaps in awareness in clinical and patient communities further contribute to diagnostic delays. Together these issues hinder research, leaving patients with few treatment options and poor prognoses. To address these challenges, Susan G. Komen partnered with IBCRF and the Milburn Foundation to form the IBC Collaborative, launching a multidimensional initiative to overcome systemic barriers to IBC research and care. Early efforts focused on developing the IBC Scoring System, a quantitative diagnostic scoring rubric for IBC. Available as an online tool (komen.org/ibc-calc), the IBC scoring system is gaining global adoption, with over 7,800 users in more than 115 countries to date. Additionally, IBC-dedicated clinics, multi-institutional IBC networks and community oncology centers have reported using the tool to support clinical decision making in ambiguous patient cases. Validation studies have shown that the system can distinguish IBC from non-IBC cases (AUC-ROC 0.84; 95% confidence interval: 0.82-0.87). Additional efforts to enhance its clinical utility are underway and funded by Komen. With a diagnostic system in hand, Komen pursued formal disease recognition by engaging with the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to establish three ICD-10-CM codes (C50.A0, C50. A1, C50.A2) for IBC. Effective October 2025, use of these codes is expected to enhance tracking of IBC incidence, facilitate IBC inclusion in national health datasets and improve coordination of multidisciplinary care. In parallel, a task force was convened to identify key knowledge gaps limiting progress in IBC research and to propose actionable solutions. Through structured discussions, three priority areas in IBC biology emerged: (1) IBC onset and development, (2) detection and monitoring and (3) metastatic dissemination. The group also identified limited shared resources, data silos and the lack of open-access datasets as major obstacles and prioritized areas with high potential to improve the understanding and management of IBC. Together, this integrative approach has advanced IBC research, diagnosis and care through development of a validated diagnostic tool, formal disease coding and identification of critical research gaps. Continued momentum in these areas is expected to improve IBC outcomes.
BackgroundNo vaccine is currently available for syphilis. Research efforts to inform vaccine development are underway. In parallel, understanding factors that would influence willingness to receive a future vaccine can provide useful information for vaccine design and future implementation. This study explored attributes of interest in a hypothetical syphilis vaccine using focus group discussions in Lima, Peru.MethodsIn early 2025, we conducted ten virtual focus group discussions, among five population groups in Lima, Peru: health professionals, sexual/gender minorities, general population, cisgender female sex workers, and parents of minors. Semi-structured guides explored barriers and facilitators to preventive care, attitudes toward vaccines, syphilis knowledge, and desired attributes of a potential syphilis vaccine. Audio recordings were analyzed thematically.ResultsEighty-five participants took part in the discussions. Despite limited syphilis knowledge among many participants, there was interest in a hypothetical vaccine. Acceptability was shaped by three factors including, vaccine attributes, structural conditions and the healthcare provider-user relationship. In vaccine attributes, participants desired high effectiveness, safety, and a single-dose schedule, while expressing concerns about vaccine-induced persistent seropositivity related to stigma about STI prevention. Structural conditions: free vaccination, endorsement from respected health institutions, information environment and health education were viewed as essential for uptake. Third, the healthcare provider-user relationship emerged as a central mediator influencing how individuals interpreted vaccine information and navigated structural barriers.ConclusionsAcceptability of a future syphilis vaccine depends not only on its attributes, but also on structural enablers and the quality of provider-user interactions. Strengthening provider communication, addressing structural barriers, and ensuring transparent information dissemination will be essential for equitable implementation.
Despite widespread adoption and investment of resources nationally, the pediatric acute care cardiology (ACC) model of care has not been previously evaluated prospectively. To test the hypothesis that adoption of an ACC model will be associated with improved clinical outcomes. This single-center prospective quality improvement study was conducted in a 26-bed ACC unit of a high surgical volume, freestanding children's hospital. The baseline period was May 15 to October 31, 2023, and the intervention period was November 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024. All ACC unit encounters during the baseline and intervention periods were included. Data sources were hospital administrative data, local Pediatric Acute Care Cardiology Collaborative registry, and Patient and Family Experience (PFE) scores. Full-scale change in the model of care: transitioned unit leadership from hospital pediatrics to cardiology, changed attending of record for medical patients to cardiologist, hired nurse practitioners as frontline clinicians, integrated residents into the team, implemented multidisciplinary family-centered rounding, updated communication processes, and transitioned cardiology fellows to in-house overnight call. Complication rate and back transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU) were outcome measures, discharge time was a process measure, 7-day unplanned readmissions and length of stay (LOS) were balancing measures. Standard rules for identifying special cause variation (SCV) were applied. The percentage of patients and families with positive PFE scores (defined as scores of 9 or 10) before and after the intervention were compared using an independent t test. Hypothesis was formulated prior to data collection. There were 483 encounters (45.2% among children aged 1-18 years) in the baseline period and 973 (52.7% among children aged 1-18 years) in the intervention period. Outcome and process measures significantly improved showing SCV following adoption of the ACC model (mean complications: baseline, 23.6% vs intervention, 16.0%; mean back transfer to ICU: baseline, 11.4% vs intervention, 6.9%; mean patient discharge time: baseline, 15.37 hours vs intervention, 14.43 hours). LOS and 7-day unplanned readmissions were unchanged, suggesting no major inadvertent negative consequences of the ACC model. Mean LOS for medical patients decreased (7.83 vs 4.97 days). PFE improved after the intervention (median [SD], preintervention: 76.9% [3.7] vs postintervention: 82.9% [4.3]; P = .04). In this quality improvement study of an ACC model, multiple outcomes improved without evidence of negative consequences. These clinical improvements may justify necessary investment of resources to support ACC models. Adaptation of this model for other subspecialties may help address pediatric resident workforce changes. Ongoing evaluation of resource utilization, sustainability of improvement, and newly embedded improvement efforts is underway.
In recent years, demand for fertility preservation has risen with improved cancer survival and awareness of post-treatment quality of life. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation(OTC) is a well-established strategy to preserve endocrine and reproductive function in women undergoing gonadotoxic therapies. Post-treatment transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue(OTT) can restore endocrine activity, in up to 95% of cases and fertility, with many live births documented.1-2 However, a major limitation of this approach is the follicular loss occurring shortly after reimplantation, which significantly reduces graft efficiency and longevity.3 Platelet-rich plasma(PRP) is currently used in several medical fields with encouraging results, and some applications have also shown promising effects in gynecology.4 A recent pilot study by our group demonstrated its safety and feasibility, suggesting that PRP may accelerate early graft functional recovery.5 In this video, we aim to demonstrate the step-by-step technique for PRP OTT. Academic hospital. 38-year-old woman with prior Hodgkin lymphoma undergoing laparoscopic OTT. Written informed consent was obtained from the patient prior to the procedure. Diagnostic exploration of the abdomen was performed. The ovaries were exposed and a longitudinal incision was made to create a small parenchymal cavity. Similarly, 1-cm peritoneal pockets were made on each side of the pelvis after identifying the course of the ureter and hypogastric nerve. Ovarian tissue fragments, combined with gelified autologous-PRP(aPRP) were implanted into ovarian cavities and peritoneal pockets, and secured with sutures. The procedure was completed in 54 minutes with an uneventful perioperative course, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day one. The OTT restored endocrine function, normalizing gonadotropin levels and resuming the menstrual cycle within three months, without the need for hormonal replacement. Laparoscopic OTT with aPRP is safe and feasible. A phase-II trial(NCT06261658) is underway at our center to evaluate the long-term impact of PRP on endocrine and reproductive outcomes after OTT.