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Background: Central nervous system tumors (CNSTs) represent a significant oncological challenge in pediatric populations, particularly in developing regions where access to diagnostic and therapeutic resources is limited. Methods: This research investigates the epidemiology, histological classifications, and survival outcomes of CNST in a cohort of pediatric patients aged 0 to 19 years within a 25-year retrospective study at the Civil Hospital of Guadalajara, Mexico, from 1999 to 2024. Results: Data was analyzed from 273 patients who met inclusion criteria, revealing a higher incidence in males (51.6%) with a mean age at diagnosis of 8.2 years. Histological analysis revealed gliomas as the most common type (52.7%), followed by embryonal tumors (28.6%). High-grade tumors (WHO grade 4) comprised 49.8% of cases, demonstrating significantly poorer survival outcomes (median overall survival of 13.5 months) compared to lower-grade tumors (up to 57 months). The predominance of tumors in the supratentorial region and the notable differences in survival outcomes by tumor type underscore the varied impact of geographical and socioeconomic factors on pediatric oncology in Mexico. Conclusion: This study highlights the critical need for improved healthcare infrastructure and early diagnosis initiatives, as well as the importance of targeted research to address disparities in treatment and outcomes for pediatric CNST in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurofilament light chain (Nf-L) is a biomarker for axonal damage in human neurology but is understudied in cattle. With this study we wanted to determine Nf-L stability at two different storage temperatures and Nf-L levels in healthy cattle and the relationship with age, evaluate whether Nf-L holds diagnostic potential for neurological disorders, and whether an association exists between Nf-L in serum and in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). To do this, we measured Nf-L levels in CSF and serum samples from 49 healthy and 75 sick cattle. Storage at −80 °C or −20 °C had no impact on Nf-L concentration. Physiological median Nf-L levels were 6.3 pg/mL (serum) and 414 pg/mL (CSF) in calves and 5.5 pg/mL (serum) and 828 pg/mL (CSF) in adult cattle. There was no association between Nf-L levels in CSF and calf age (r2 0.07, p = 0.13), while a weak association was found for Nf-L in serum (r2 0.26, p = 0.01), and a significant association in adult cattle (CSF, r2 0.69, p = 0.0001; serum, r2 0.68, p = 0.0003). CSF Nf-L levels were higher in samples from animals with degenerative (median Nf-L 49971 pg/mL) and infectious central nervous system (CNS) disorders (median Nf-L, age < 2 months 8863 pg/mL; age 2–12 months 17474 pg/mL; age 1–6 years 3546 pg/mL), CNS anomalies and metabolic/toxic disorders. There was a significant association between CSF Nf-L and serum Nf-L in cattle with neurological disorders (r2 0.2, p = 0.009). Taken together, these findings suggest the potential of Nf-L as a diagnostic tool in cattle neurology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review investigated the effects of hypersensitivity treatment on molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) using laser therapy, combined or in conjunction with other therapeutic modalities. The review was conducted according to the PICOS strategy (Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome) and was performed in March 2024 using the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and Embase. The RoB 2 tool was employed to evaluate the risk of bias. Seven articles were included, and none were classified as "high risk" for bias. The recommended wavelengths for laser application ranged from 808 to 810 nm, with an irradiation duration of at least 10 s per point. In two studies, the interval between application sessions varied from 48 to 72 h, with a dosage of 1 J. Three studies incorporated a control group that received some form of fluoride-based treatment. Overall, all studies demonstrated a degree of improvement in dentin hypersensitivity after the laser therapy treatment alone. The application of laser therapy for MIH, whether used in isolation or in combination with other desensitizing strategies, exhibited potential for the long-term reduction of hypersensitivity. (CRD42023424401). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different pyrrole and allylamine polymeric materials, were synthesized by plasma polymerization with different powers and doped with iodine. The polymers were characterized physicochemically. A cell line of neuronal origin (N1E-115) was cultured on them to evaluate the effects of the materials on neuronal differentiation. Following a differentiation stimulus, immunofluorescence was performed, and the lengths of neurites, as well as the complexity of the network formed and the number of nuclei, were measured and analyzed to provide a differentiation index. The results showed that the polymeric materials exhibited different physicochemical characteristics depending on the synthesis conditions and enhanced neuronal differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR) or lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) has been used more frequently in conjunction with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in recent years. However, there are still concerns that these procedures may lead to complications such as overconstraint of the lateral compartment, stiffness, infections, tunnel convergence, and other intra- and postoperative complications because of increased surgical time and the need for additional procedures.The lateral extra-articular procedure will reduce the failure rate of reconstructed ACLs without increasing the number of complications. The purpose was to compare the complication and graft reinjury rates of 2 main anterolateral complex procedure categories described in the literature—LET and ALLR with isolated ACLR.Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RTCs); Level of evidence, 2.The methodology followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched on March 15, 2024, to identify RTCs comparing isolated ACLR with ACLR + LET or ALLR. The methodological index for nonrandomized studies was employed for the quality evaluation. Complications and graft reinjury rates were recorded and meta-analyzed from all included studies.The initial search yielded 1411 articles. Seventeen studies that included the complication rates (5 in the ALLR group and 12 in the LET group) were included in the review. No significant differences were found in the incidence of complications between the ACLR and ACLR + ALLR groups (Mantel-Haenszel [M-H], 1.20 [95% CI, 0.05-29.30]; P = .91) or between the ACLR and ACLR + LET groups (M-H, 0.39 [95% CI, 0.05-2.98]; P = .36). Significant differences were observed in the failure rate between the ACLR + ALLR group (M-H, 6.78 [95% CI, 1.98-23.22]; P = .002) and the ACLR + LET group (M-H, 3.14 [95% CI, 1.96- 5.04]; P < .00001).Adding a lateral extra-articular procedure, regardless of the surgical technique, can reduce the failure rate without increasing the number of complications at the mid-term follow-up.PROSPERO (CRD42023458354). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has transformed the care of lymphoma, yet many patients relapse. Several prognostic markers have been associated with CAR T-cell outcomes, such as tumor burden, response to bridging chemotherapy, and laboratory parameters at the time of lymphodepletion or infusion. The effect of cancer cachexia and weight loss before CAR T cells on toxicity and outcomes is not well understood. Here, we present a retrospective single-institution cohort study of 259 patients with lymphoma treated with CAR T cells between 2017 and 2023. We observed that patients with >5% decrease in their body mass index in the 3 months preceding CAR T-cell treatment (weight loss group; all meeting one of the commonly accepted definitions of cancer cachexia) had higher disease burden and inflammatory parameters (C-reactive protein, ferritin, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor α) at the time of lymphodepletion and CAR T-cell infusion. Patients with weight loss experienced higher rates of grade 3+ neurotoxicity and early hematotoxicity, but those effects were not seen upon multivariable adjustment. However, in both univariate and multivariable analysis, patients with weight loss had worse response rates, overall survival, and event-free survival, indicating that weight loss is an independent poor prognostic factor. Our data suggest that weight loss in the 3 months preceding CAR T-cell therapy represents a worrisome “alarm signal” and a potentially modifiable factor, alongside tumor burden and inflammation, and warrants further investigation in patients treated with CAR T-cell therapy.

Abstract Neurofilament light chain (Nf-L) is a biomarker for axonal damage in human neurology but is understudied in cattle. With this study we wanted to determine Nf-L stability at two different storage temperatures and Nf-L levels in healthy cattle and the relationship with age, evaluate whether Nf-L holds diagnostic potential for neurological disorders, and whether an association exists between Nf-L in serum and in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). To do this, we measured Nf-L levels in CSF and serum samples from 49 healthy and 75 sick cattle. Storage at −80 °C or −20 °C had no impact on Nf-L concentration. Physiological median Nf-L levels were 6.3 pg/mL (serum) and 414 pg/mL (CSF) in calves and 5.5 pg/mL (serum) and 828 pg/mL (CSF) in adult cattle. There was no association between Nf-L levels in CSF and calf age (r2 0.07, p = 0.13), while a weak association was found for Nf-L in serum (r2 0.26, p = 0.01), and a significant association in adult cattle (CSF, r2 0.69, p = 0.0001; serum, r2 0.68, p = 0.0003). CSF Nf-L levels were higher in samples from animals with degenerative (median Nf-L 49971 pg/mL) and infectious central nervous system (CNS) disorders (median Nf-L, age

IntroductionThis study aimed to investigate the analgesic efficacy of perioperative electroacupuncture in fifty-six healthy female dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy as part of a catch-neuter-release project.Materials and methodsTen minutes after sedation with 20 μg/kg medetomidine combined with 0.3 mg/kg butorphanol intramuscularly, the dogs were randomly allocated into two groups and received either electroacupuncture (EA, n = 27) or sham acupuncture (C, n = 29) treatment for 10 min (after sedation until the end of the surgery) at 6 different acupuncture points LI-4 (Large intestine 4), LIV-3 (Liver 3), ST-36 (Stomach 36), SP-6 (Spleen 6) bilateral. After administration of 0.2 mg/kg meloxicam and anesthesia induction with 2 mg/kg ketamine intravenously, ovariohysterectomy was performed by the same experienced surgeon using a midline surgical approach in dorsal recumbency. Pain was evaluated by two blinded and independent anesthetists using the Short Form of the Multimodal Glasgow Composite Pain Scale (mCMPS-SF) before sedation (T0), and three (T3), six (T6), and 24 h (T24) after anesthesia induction.ResultsPostoperative pain scores did not differ significantly between the groups (p = 0.36), but increased significantly three (T3) (p = 0.001) and six (T6) (p = 0.001) hours after surgery compared to before sedation and 24 h postoperative in both groups. Three hours after surgery (T3), 89.4% and six hours postoperatively (T6), 71.4% of the dogs in both groups exceeded the analgesic intervention threshold of the mCMPS-SF, indicating the need for rescue analgesia.DiscussionThe results of the study indicate that perioperative electroacupuncture treatment did not improve postoperative pain in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Therefore, a 10-min electroacupuncture treatment may be insufficient to provide effective postoperative analgesia. The pain assessment in feral dogs was notably impacted by anxious behavior, which may have influenced the final outcome The pain threshold was exceeded in ¾ of the dogs in the early postoperative phase (T3, T6), suggesting that the widely used anesthesia protocol consisting of butorphanol, ketamine and medetomidine in combination with meloxicam may not provide long-lasting and sufficient pain relief.

Allergies are closely associated with sex-related hormonal variations that influence immune function, leading to distinct symptom profiles. Similar sex-based differences are observed in other immune disorders, such as autoimmune diseases. In allergies, women exhibit a higher prevalence of atopic conditions, such as allergic asthma and eczema, in comparison to men. However, age-related changes play a significant role because men have a higher incidence of allergies until puberty, and then comes a switch ratio of prevalence and severity in women. Investigations into the mechanisms of how the hormones influence the development of these diseases are crucial to understanding the molecular, cellular, and pathological aspects. Sex hormones control the reproductive system and have several immuno-modulatory effects affecting immune cells, including T and B cell development, antibody production, lymphoid organ size, and lymphocyte death. Moreover, studies have suggested that female sex hormones amplify memory immune responses, which may lead to an excessive immune response impacting the pathogenesis, airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation of airways, and mucus production of allergic diseases. The evidence suggests that estrogens enhance immune humoral responses, autoimmunity, mast cell reactivity, and delayed IV allergic reactions, while androgens, progesterone, and glucocorticoids suppress them. This review explores the relationship between sex hormones and allergies, including epidemiological data, experimental findings, and insights from animal models. We discuss the general properties of these hormones, their effects on allergic processes, and clinical observations and therapeutic results. Finally, we describe hypersensitivity reactions to these hormones.

Failure, persistent knee instability, and reinjury rates after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction are still concerns. Biomechanical investigations have highlighted the role of the anterolateral ligament (ALL) as a crucial knee stabilizer, and clinical outcomes after combined ACL and ALL reconstruction appear to indicate the success of the procedure.To compare the functional outcomes, return-to-sport (RTS) rate, and complications between combined ACL and ALL reconstruction and isolated ACL reconstruction.Meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4.The PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Central databases were used to search keywords, and a total of 16 studies were included. The data extracted for quantitative analysis included the Tegner activity scale score, Lysholm knee score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, laxity measured using the KT-1000 knee arthrometer, number and types of complications, RTS rate, and survival rate. Random- and fixed-effects models were used for the meta-analysis of pooled mean differences and odds ratios.A total of 2329 patients were identified, 1116 of whom underwent combined ACL and ALL reconstruction and 1213 of whom underwent isolated ACL reconstruction. The mean ages were 25.4 ± 7.2 years and 26.5 ± 7.8 years for the combined ACL and ALL reconstruction and isolated ACL reconstruction groups, respectively. The mean follow-ups were 40.3 ± 21.4 months and 42.5 ± 21.6 months, respectively. Comparable Tegner activity scale (P = .16), Lysholm knee (P = .13), and IKDC (P = .83) scores were found between groups. Significantly greater postoperative knee laxity was found in the isolated ACL reconstruction group (mean difference, –0.44; 95% CI, –0.85 to −0.04; P = .03). The combined ACL and ALL reconstruction group showed a significantly lower rate of graft failure (odds ratio [OR], 0.37; 95% CI, 0.18-0.77; P = .008), a higher RTS rate (OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.11-1.80; P = .005), and a higher survival rate (OR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.97-4.37; P < .001).Compared with isolated ACL reconstruction, combined ACL and ALL reconstruction yielded comparable functional outcomes but significantly less residual knee laxity and a lower graft failure rate. Patients who underwent combined ACL and ALL reconstruction also had higher RTS and survival rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are caused by a complex interaction between numerous genetic and environmental risk factors, some of which may differ between different populations. A case-control study was conducted among 1232 newborns, including 308 patients with isolated CHDs (cases) and 924 infants without birth defects (controls), born all during the period 2009-2023 at the Hospital Civil de Guadalajara "Dr. Juan I. Menchaca" (Guadalajara, Mexico). Potential parental risk factors for CHDs were compared using multivariate logistic regression analysis to evaluate the deviance explained by different variables of interest. Consanguinity [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.3; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-8.5], relatives with CHD (aOR = 8.5; 95% CI 5.3-13.8), maternal first-trimester exposure to diabetes (aOR = 3.5; 95% CI 2.4-5.1), hypertension (aOR = 2.6; 95% CI 1.5-4.4), alcohol consumption (aOR = 1.5; 95% CI 1.0-2.1), and illicit drug use (aOR = 2.4; 95% CI 1.2-5.3), as well as for the paternal history of alcohol consumption (aOR = 1.4; 95% CI 1.0-1.8) and illicit drug use (aOR = 2.7; 95% CI 1.7-4.1), were associated with CHDs. Contrarily, aOR for maternal age ≤19 years (aOR = 0.6; 95% CI 0.4-0.8) and maternal first-trimester coffee consumption (aOR = 0.7; 95% CI 0.5-0.9) have protective odds. Our results suggest that genetic factors, maternal diseases, environmental exposures, and reproductive factors can increase the occurrence of isolated CHDs in our sample, and they are discussed as clues in its pathogenesis., (© 2024 Japanese Teratology Society.)