Age Stage Research Articles

The Impact of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease on the Presence of Cerebral Microbleeds: A Case-Control Matched Study.

Individuals with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) can present with diverse renal and extra-renal manifestations. Large vessel anomalies, such as cerebral aneurysms, are potentially fatal extra-renal manifestations. However, limited research has been conducted on cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). This study aimed to examine the correlation between ADPKD and CSVD, specifically cerebral microbleeds (CMs) and white matter hyperintensity (WMH). This retrospective study with a prospective design included 140 participants aged >20 years diagnosed with ADPKD between 2014 and 2023. The reference cohort included 126 outpatients without ADPKD within the same period. After 1:1 matching for sex, age, chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage, and hypertension (HTN) status during the same period, 45 pairs of patients were enrolled. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging was reviewed for qualitative and quantitative analyses of CMs and WMH. There were significant differences between the ADPKD and non-ADPKD groups in the presence of cerebral (p=0.036) and deep microbleeds (p=0.003). Univariate and multivariable analysis revealed that ADPKD (odds ratio [OR]: 6.18, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.26-30.40, p=0.025) and age (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.04-1.18, p=0.003) were independently associated with CMs. In contrast, age (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.05-1.34, p=0.006) was independently associated with moderate-to-severe WMH, while ADPKD was not. Individuals diagnosed with ADPKD exhibited markedly elevated susceptibility to CMs compared tonon-ADPKD participants after adjusting for age, sex, HTN, and CKD stage.

NON-FUNCTIONING SPORADIC PANCREATIC NEUROENDOCRINE TUMOR IS AN INDEPENDENT RISK FACTOR FOR RECURRENCE AFTER SURGICAL TREATMENT.

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are uncommon and heterogeneous neoplasms, often exhibiting indolent biological behavior. Their incidence is rising, largely due to the widespread use of high-resolution imaging techniques, particularly influencing the diagnosis of sporadic non-functioning tumors, which account for up to 80% of cases. While surgical resection remains the only curative option, the impact of factors such as tumor grade, size, and type on prognosis and recurrence is still unclear. To investigate prognostic risk factors and outcomes in patients with sporadic PNETs treated surgically. A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with sporadic PNETs who underwent pancreatic resection. Data were collected from medical records. A total of 113 patients were included: 32 with non-functioning tumors (NF-PNETs), 70 with insulinomas, and 11 with other functioning tumors (OF-PNETs). Patients with insulinoma were significantly younger, had a higher BMI, lower prevalence of comorbidities and ASA scores, and underwent significantly more pancreatic enucleations compared to patients with OF-PNET and NF-PNET. The insulinoma group had more grade I tumors, smaller tumor diameter, lower TNM staging, and lower disease recurrence rates. In univariate analysis, age, tumor type, tumor size, and TNM staging were identified as potential risk factors for tumor recurrence. In multivariate analysis, only the NF-PNET type was identified as an independent prognostic factor for disease recurrence. NF-PNETs are an independent prognostic risk factor for disease recurrence. This finding supports the need for closer follow-up of patients with small tumors who are selected for conservative management.

Effects of clinical stage, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, and living arrangement on social distance towards people with dementia.

Dementia presents significant challenges, including social exclusion, which can be exacerbated by public stigma. This study aimed to clarify how social distances, a common measure of public stigma, towards people living with dementia and its associated factors vary with clinical stage, presence of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), and living arrangements. The study involved 2,589 Japanese participants aged 40 to 90 years. They were exposed to one of four vignettes depicting an 80-year-old woman progressing from normal ageing to mild, moderate, and severe dementia: Vignette A (living with husband, without BPSD); Vignette B (living with husband, with BPSD); Vignette C (living alone, without BPSD); and Vignette D (living alone, with BPSD). Social distance showed no significant differences in the normal aging and mild stage of dementia across all vignettes. At the moderate stage, social distance was higher for individuals exhibiting BPSD, regardless of living arrangement. At the severe stage, the lowest social distance was observed towards individuals living with their family without BPSD, whereas the highest was towards those living alone, exhibiting BPSD. For Vignette A, possession of social capital (p<0.001) and having experience of social contact with people living with dementia (PLWD) (p = 0.001-0.007) were independently associated with lower social distance across all dementia stages. In addition, in the mild stage of dementia, high perceived social support (p = 0.005) and having knowledge about dementia (p = 0.036) were associated with lower social distance, but not in the moderate or severe stage of dementia. For Vignette D, possession of social capital (p≤0.001) and having experience of social contact with PLWD (p<0.001 to p = 0.006) were independently associated with lower social distance across all dementia stages. In mild dementia, female sex (p = 0.004) and knowledge about dementia (p = 0.026) were associated with lower social distance. Furthermore, in mild and moderate dementia, living in rural area (p = 0.003-0.048) was associated with lower social distance. Social distance is higher toward PLWD who live alone and exhibit BPSD than toward those who live with family and/or do not show BPSD, indicating a higher risk of exclusion for the former. Moreover, factors affecting social distance towards PLWD vary across different clinical stages of dementia. While greater knowledge about dementia is associated with lower social distance toward PLWD, this effect appears to be most pronounced in the mild stage. In contrast, opportunities for social contact with PLWD are crucial for achieving lower social distance across all stages of dementia. The findings underscore the need for stage-specific interventions to address stigma, with a focus on education and opportunities for social contact. Targeted efforts are especially important for promoting the inclusion of PLWD who live alone and exhibit BPSD.

Effect of GPa-level pressure on the microstructure and properties of Cu-8Ni-1.8Si alloy

Reducing or completely eliminating the reticular grain boundary phases in alloys is crucial for enhancing the mechanical and electrical properties of Cu-Ni-Si alloys with high nickel and silicon content (Ni + Si > 5wt.%). In this study, we investigated the microstructure, mechanical properties, and electrical conductivity of Cu-8Ni-1.8Si (wt.%) alloy prepared by high-pressure solidification (HPS) and subsequent aging treatment. The interfacial growth stabilizes as the pressure reduces the crystal growth rate, inhibits the diffusion of solute atoms, and increases the solute partition coefficient. The reticulated Ni31Si12 and granular Ni2Si phases disappear under 6GPa pressure, forming a complete Cu (Ni, Si) solid solution. After direct aging treatment, the precipitated phase of the HPS alloy is β-Ni3Si at the early stage of aging. At the peak aging state, β-Ni3Si and δ-Ni2Si phases coexist in the matrix. Additionally, the Avrami equations for the phase transition kinetics of HPS alloys at different aging temperatures were derived from the electrical conductivity data, and the strength contributions from solid solution strengthening and precipitation strengthening were calculated. The alloy aged at 450 °C exhibited the largest volume fraction and the smallest average size of precipitates, resulting in a more pronounced obstruction effect of nano precipitates on dislocation bypassing and demonstrating the best precipitation strengthening effect. At the peak aging states, the alloy's hardness reaches 367.5 HV, and the compressive yield strength reaches 788.2MPa. These results indicate that high pressure is an effective method to improve the solid solution degree of alloying elements and enhance the mechanical properties of Cu-Ni-Si alloys.

Effect of Cu on precipitation hardening and clustering behavior of Al-Zn-Mg alloys in the early stage of aging

Effect of Cu on precipitation hardening and clustering behavior of Al-Zn-Mg alloys in the early stage of aging

EFFECT OF ORIGINAL STRUCTURE ON AGING-INDUCED MICROSTRUCTURE AND TRANSFORMATION BEHAVIOR OF Ni-RICH NITI ALLOY USING VARIOUS AGING MODEs

In the present study we discuss the evolution of aging-induced microstructure, critical temperatures of martensitic transformations (MTs) and their specific temperature ranges, latent heat and thermal hysteresis in Ni50.8Ti alloy with various original structures (OS) obtained using three different processing (including cold rolling/drawing, hot shear rolling and subsequent various solution treatment): fine-grained recrystallized structure (OS_1); hot deformation-induced structure (OS_2); coarse-grained recrystallized structure (OS_3). Subsequent aging was performed in a temperature range of 300−500 °C for 1−20h. After aging, OS_1 ensures two-stage MTs A→R and R→M upon cooling regardless of aging mode; OS_2 provides evolution from one-stage MT A→R to triple-stage MT at latest stage of aging; the quadruple-stage MT is revealed in OS_3 after aging at 430°C. Low-temperature aging at 300 °C ensures the most effective stabilization of R-martensite regardless of an original structure; high-temperature aging at 500 °C provides the least effective stabilization of R-martensite. Specific features of evolution of the latent heat and the width of hysteresis vs aging modes was explained by microstructural evolution. The correlation between values in the latent heats upon cooling/heating and hysteresis vs the aging duration were revealed. Hysteresis of an original structure is inherited after subsequent aging. The combined effect of an original structure and aging mode on the above characteristics is very complex and depends on a lot of competing factors; they are analyzed in detail. The revealed regularities permit precise tuning of the studied characteristics in a wide range to ensure the most favorable their combination for practical use.

Differentiated thyroid cancer in adolescents – does extent of disease at presentation differ with age?

Abstract Objectives The authors sought to assess whether the age of 18 reflects a true pathological inflection point that justifies transitioning between pediatric and adult paradigms of care with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients aged 12–24 undergoing hemithyroidectomy or total thyroidectomy for papillary or follicular thyroid carcinoma from 2010 to 2020. Results A total of 153 patients receiving surgery for DTC were assessed for pathological stage, nodal metastasis, and thyroid neoplasm characteristics. When comparing pathologic tumor staging of patients &lt;18 vs. ≥18 years old, there was a significant relationship between age and pT stage (p=0.009), but not between age and pN stage (p=0.319). However, when comparing patients ≤15 vs. &gt;15 years, there was a significant relationship between age and pT stage (p=0.015) and age and pN stage (p=0.016). Patients ≤15 years of age most commonly had stage pT2 tumors (48.9 %, n=22), whereas most &gt;15 years had stage pT1 tumors (37.9 %, n=41). Of patients whose lymph nodes were analyzed, patients ≤15 years were most likely to have pN1b disease (31.1 %, n=14), while patients &gt;15 years were most likely to have pN0 disease (33.3 %, n=36). Conclusions In this sample, separating children and adults at an age of 15, rather than 18, yielded more significant differences in risk of nodal involvement. Markers of invasive histology were more common in patients older than 15, while nodal involvement was more common in patients 15 and under.

Self-healing characteristics of asphalt during oxidative ageing evolution from the molecular scale

ABSTRACT The asphalts were aged at different ageing levels to simulate oxidative ageing evolution. The changes in the four components and chemical functional groups of the asphalts at different ageing stages were analysed, and their corresponding asphalt molecular models were established. Then, the self-healing molecular models during ageing evolution were established based on the asphalt molecular models. The self-healing characteristics of the virgin, fast-aging, slow-aging and full-aging stages were studied using the density, radial distribution function (RDF), energy, relative concentration and diffusion coefficients. The results show that the characteristic peak values of RDF curves at the same distance increase with ageing. The bond energy increases less in the fast-ageing stage but greatly in the slow-ageing stage, due to limited sulphur atoms in the asphalt molecule, while the non-bond energy increases greatly in the fast-ageing stage, and less in the slow-ageing stage, due to the stronger polarity of sulphoxide. The relative concentration of saturate changes most, and asphaltene changes less, aromatic and resins change evenly during ageing. The decrease rate of the diffusion coefficient of saturate, aromatic, resin and asphaltene is 12.6%, 11.12%, 10.42% and 9.2% in the fast-ageing stage and 0.62%, 0.60%, 0.55% and 0.62% in the slow-ageing stage.

Perception of Self-Directed Learning Among Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students at Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore

Objectives: The main objective of this study was to examine changes in the perception and practice of self-directed learning by students in medical schools as influenced by different demographic factors. In general, the study aimed to assess disparities in SDL perceptions in gender, education level, and age, which would have implications for targeted educational designs and support structures that encourage SDL among students at various stages of their studies in medicine. Material and Methods: A total of 150 students from the Shaikh Zayed Hospital participated in this study. The sample consisted of males and females, with all stages of medical education representing 3rd year=2%, 4th year=32%, last year=62%, and last year postgraduate=4%. The age distribution was mostly–21-26years, with concentrations at age 22 (36 %) and age 23 (32 %). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire specifically designed to assess students' perceptions of self-directed learning and were analysed for trends and patterns. Results: The results pointed out a gender distribution showing an edge towards males with a significant representation of final-year students. The age data mentioned that most students belonged to the early twenties. The demographics indicate that SDL perceptions would vary with the stage of medical education and age. Final-year students might require SDL differently than their counterparts in the earlier years. Conclusion: This suggests that the perceptions of SDL, on the part of the students, differ by educational level and age. The closer an end-year student is to entering the profession, a person's SDL needs can differ from those of junior colleagues. The outcomes provide support for targeted SDL in response to differences in individual developmental stages and levels of educational readiness.

Unveiling the Impact of Acetic Acid: Multi-Analytical Assessment for Characterizing Accelerated Aging in Raw Silk and Sappanwood-Dyed Silk

ABSTRACT In this study, raw and sappanwood-dyed silks were exposed to varying concentrations of acetic acid vapor to investigate aging degradation by colorimetry, SEM, FTIR, ATR-FTIR, and HPLC. The findings illustrate that acetic acid gas could lead to increase in color difference, decrease in the relative contents of crystalline regions, and changes in amino acid contents. Therefore, the aging process could be characterized as a progressive procedure: (i) initial stages were marked by color changes, (ii) gradual acid hydrolysis occurred within the protein crystalline region in the intermediate phase, and (iii) diverse trends of increase or decrease in different amino acids prevailed during the final stage of aging. Additionally, raw and sappanwood-dyed silks deteriorated further with acetic acid solution. Colorimetry and SEM showed more severe damage in dyed silk with rougher surfaces and more fiber breakage, indicating that acidic gas in water could cause greater damage and highlighted greater vulnerability of dyed silk. This study innovatively used multiple analytical methods to explore the long-term effects of acidic environments on silk and filled gaps in gas-induced aging research. It emphasized the necessity and importance of addressing gas pollution in museums and sounded the alarm of its damaging effects on silk artifacts.

Differences in the impact of fatherlessness based on developmental age stages: a systematic review

Fatherlessness refers to the absence of a father figure during a child's developmental stages, whether physically or psychologically. This systematic review analyzes 15 international journals to explore the effects of fatherlessness across various developmental periods. The findings highlight significant consequences depending on the child's age.During childhood, the absence of a father is linked to lower academic achievement and an increased risk of engaging in delinquent behavior during adolescence and early adulthood. In adolescence, fatherlessness often contributes to identity confusion, challenges in social interactions, and uncertainty regarding sexual orientation. As individuals transition into adulthood, the absence of a father figure impacts their ability to establish healthy relationships with the opposite sex and heightens their vulnerability to psychological issues.These findings emphasize the profound influence of fatherlessness on various aspects of a child’s growth and development. The review highlights the need for continued research to delve into the nuanced effects of fatherlessness across different stages of development. Such studies are crucial for developing targeted strategies and interventions aimed at minimizing the adverse outcomes associated with the absence of a father figure. By addressing these challenges, future efforts can better support children and young adults in navigating the complexities of their developmental journey

A network dynamic nomogram for predicting overall survival and cancer-specific survival in patients with breast cancer liver metastases: an analysis based on the SEER database

The liver stands out as one of the most frequent sites for distant metastasis in breast cancer cases. However, effective risk stratification tools for patients with breast cancer liver metastases (BCLM) are still lacking. We identified BCLM patients from the SEER database spanning from 2010 to 2016. After meticulously filtering out cases with incomplete data, a total of 3179 patients were enrolled and randomly divided into training and validation cohorts at a ratio of 2:1. Leveraging comprehensive patient data, we constructed a nomogram through rigorous evaluation of a Cox regression model. Validation of the nomogram was conducted using a range of statistical measures, including the concordance index (C-index), calibration curves, time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Both univariable and multivariable analyses revealed significant associations between OS and CSS in BCLM patients and 14 variables, including age, race, and tumor stage, among others. Utilizing these pertinent variables, we formulated nomograms for OS and CSS prediction. Subsequent validation involved rigorous assessment using time-dependent ROC curves, decision curve analysis, C-index evaluations, and calibration curves. Our web-based dynamic nomogram represents a valuable tool for efficiently analyzing the clinical profiles of BCLM patients, thereby aiding in informed clinical decision-making processes.

Effect of Various Stabilizers on the Characteristics of a Nitrate Esters-Double Base Propellant under Thermal Aging

ABSTRACT The current study examined the stabilizing effect of lignin biopolymer in comparison to traditional 2-nitrodiphenylamine (2-NDPA) and 1,3-Dimethyl-1,3-diphenylurea (C-II) stabilizers on the stability of double-base nitrocellulose (NC)/diethylene glycol dinitrate (DEGDN) propellant during artificial aging (at 338.65 K for 60 days). Various spectroscopic techniques, including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD), were used, along with traditional stability tests like the Bergmann-Junk (BJ) test and isothermal thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Experimental results confirmed that FTIR and XRD provided valuable insights into chemical changes during aging. Particularly, lignin-stabilized NC/DEGDN exhibited comparable stability to C-II and 2-NDPA at all stages of aging, as evidenced by the amount of the released nitrous gases measured by BJ test and thermal stability assessed by TGA. Additionally, multivariate data analysis using principal component analysis (PCA) of FTIR spectra successfully differentiated between aged and unaged samples and highlighted trends in stability. Overall, the findings suggest that lignin offers a comparable stabilizing effect for NC/DEGDN propellants relative to traditional stabilizers.

The impact of special exercises using the (Wheatley's) strategy on learning to perform the underhand serve and reception skills in volleyball for students

Workers in the field of educational sciences seek to advance the level of their students, and one of the most important of these sciences is sports sciences, which have their own methods and techniques in line with the levels of each age stage, which requires the subject teacher to be well versed in all modern teaching methods and techniques. The research aimed to prepare special exercises in accordance with the strategy of Wheatley in learning the skills of transmission and receiving volleyball for students of Najaf High School for the distinguished, as well as knowing the preference of using (Wheatley strategy or the approach followed) in the research variables as well as to choose the school team participating in the Najaf Education Championship, and the researchers used the experimental approach with two control and experimental groups with pre- and post-tests and conducted two tests (transmission from the bottom, receiving the transmitter) and the research sample was represented by the fifth preparatory grade school students for the academic year 2023-2024, which numbered 24 students from a community of origin numbering 72 students, as they were selected in a simple random way (lottery) and were divided into two control and experimental groups, and each group (12) students The statistical bag (SPSS) was used to extract the results, and after presenting and discussing the results, it was concluded that there is a positive impact of Wheatley's strategy in learning the skills of transmission and receiving volleyball between the pre-post-tests for both groups as well as between the control and experimental groups and for the benefit of the experimental group, and the researchers recommend the need to use the Wheatley strategy on other games, and pay attention to updating teaching methods and techniques in line with age groups.

Ontogeny of foraging behaviour in an opportunistic gull inhabiting urban marine ecosystems

Urbanization affects ecosystems by reducing biodiversity and displacing species from native habitats. While some suffer, others, like urban wildlife, adapt through innovative feeding and behaviours that improve their fitness in human‐altered settings. Despite research on wildlife in urban areas, the development of foraging behaviour in urban species is still understudied. Here, we examined the age‐related differences in the foraging behaviour of yellow‐legged gulls Larus michahellis in Barcelona (Spain), a densely populated coastal urban ecosystem. Using biologging technologies and trophic markers, we compared the foraging strategies, habitat use, human interactions, and trophic niches of juvenile, immature, and adult yellow‐legged gulls over three breeding seasons. The results showed age‐related differences in spatial distribution and foraging behaviour in this opportunistic species. Juveniles and immatures mainly foraged in ports and at sea, while adults favoured urban habitats. These patterns likely stem from reproductive constraints in adults and lower foraging efficiency in younger birds. Adults' primary use of urban habitats also explains their higher trophic niche. Furthermore, fishing activity significantly influenced yellow‐legged gull foraging across age groups, with strong associations between gulls and fishing vessels. By studying how age and life stage influence habitat use and behaviour, this research provides insights to guide targeted management strategies for this species.

Adaptation and Growth Performance of F1 Progeny of Crossbred Sheep in Bangladesh

The research was conducted to assess the growth performance of different crossbred sheep at Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI), Savar, Dhaka. In the crossbreeding program, Perendale, Dorper and Damara breed were considered as sire and BLRI improved native sheep (BNS) was used as dam. The production performance of assorted F1 progeny were evaluated and compared with BLRI improved native sheep. Data analysis was carried out using Generalized Linear Model (GLM) procedure of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. Each crossbred genotype outperformed native sheep in terms of live weights and Average Daily gain (ADG). The live weights (p&lt;0.001 and p&lt;0.01) and ADG (p&lt;0.001) significantly influenced by genotype except the 6 months live weight. Seasonal effects were found non-significant on live weights and ADG except birth weight (p&lt;0.05). Among the crossbreds, the highest birth weight was found in Dorper crossbred (2.37±0.13 kg) while 12 months live weight was found higher in Perendale crossbred (22.33±0.99 kg), respectively. In case of cumulative growth performance of male, the highest value was found in Damara crossbred while, Perendale crossbred female was found better compared to other crossbred. Major disease frequently occurred in crossbred sheep was diarrhea. The survivability rate (%) of crossbred sheep at lamb (0-3 months of age) and grower (3-8 months of age) stage were 92.55 and 90.8, respectively indicates positive influence on the crossbreeding program. Though, this is very first work regarding crossbred sheep, further research is needed in corporation with other economic trait associated with growth and reproduction to evaluate all the crossbred genotype as well as select a suitable crossbred for the production of commercial market lamb in Bangladesh.

High expression of CRTAC1 promotes proliferation, migration and immune cell infiltration of gastric cancer by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

To investigate the expression of cartilage acidic protein 1 (CRTAC1) in gastric cancer (GC) and its effect on biological behaviors and immune cell infiltration of GC. Transcriptomic, GO and KEGG analyses were conducted to investigate the association of CRTAC1 expression with prognosis of GC patients and its involvement in cell function and signaling pathways. ESTIMATE algorithm was used to analyze the effect of CRTAC1 expression on the tumor microenvironment and the tumor mutation load. In two GC cell clines (HGC-27 and MKN-74), CCK8, EdU and clone formation assays, flow cytometry, and Hoechst staining were used to examine the effects of CRTAC1 knockdown on cell proliferation, cell cycle changes and apoptosis. Wound healing assay, Transwell assay, and Western blotting were performed to analyze the effect of CRTAC1 knockdown on GC cell migration and the underlying mechanism. Bioinformatics analysis showed significantly higher expression of CRTAC1 in GC tissues than in adjacent tissues (P<0.05). Age and tumor stage were both prognostic risk factors in GC patients with high CRTAC1 expression (P<0.001). Analysis using ESTIMATE algorithm showed that CRTAC1 expression increased immune cell infiltration and decreased tumor mutational load in GC (P<0.001). In HGC-27 and MKN-74 cells, CRTAC1 knockdown significantly inhibited cell proliferation and migration and promoted cell apoptosis. Western blotting demonstrated that CRTAC1 knockdown significantly increased E-cadherin expression and reduced the expression levels of vimentin, p-PI3K, AKT2, p-AKT and p-mTOR in GC cells. High expression of CRTAC1 in GC tissues affects immunotherapeutic efficacy and prognosis of the patients, possibly by promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition via modulating tumor mutational load, tumor microenvironment, and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Research progress and application status of organoid in breast cancer subtypes

Breast cancer (BC) is a prevalent malignant tumor that poses a significant health risk to women. The complexity of basic BC research and clinical treatment is influenced by multiple factors, including age, fertility, hormone metabolism, molecular subtypes, and tumor grading and staging. Traditional in vitro models often fall short of meeting modern research demands, whereas organoids—an emerging 3D primary culture technology—offer a unique platform that better replicates the tumor microenvironment (TME). Coupled with advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies, organoids have become increasingly valuable in biological and chemical research. Currently, the most widely used organoid model in BC research is the patient-derived organoid (PDO) model, which is generated directly from original tumor tissues. This paper aims to summarize the current status of PDO models across various BC subtypes, highlighting recent advances in genetics, mechanisms of drug resistance, identification of new therapeutic targets, and approaches to personalized treatment. In conclusion, the development of clinical precision medicine urgently requires in vitro models capable of accurately simulating the unique molecular subtypes of patients. This review will examine the challenges and future prospects of organoid models in BC research, offering new insights into the fundamental mechanisms of BC and paving the way for more effective personalized therapies.

Insulin resistance in childhood obesity: The role of dietary habits and their association with novel markers of cardiovascular disease

Background Childhood obesity presents numerous comorbidities such as insulin resistance (IR) and dyslipidemia, and could be associated with alterations in novel markers of cardiovascular (CV) risk like: (1) the activities of associated enzymes such as lipoprotein associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) and paraoxonase 1 (PON 1), (2) reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), which comprises cellular cholesterol efflux (CCE), in addition to lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activities, and (3) high density lipoprotein (HDL) antioxidant capacity. Moreover, IR could worsen these cardiometabolic alterations. The objective of the present study was to characterize the effect of IR on novel CV markers in a pediatric population with obesity. Methods Twenty-five obese children and adolescents with IR, and 25 without IR took part in the study. Anthropometric parameters, Tanner stage and dietary habits were registered. Glucose, insulin, non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), lipid, and high sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP) levels, plus Lp-PLA2, LCAT, CETP and PON 1 activities, as well as CCE and HDL antioxidant capacity were measured. A cutoff point of 3.16 in Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) determined the presence of IR. Results No differences were observed in age, sex and Tanner stage. Expectedly, the group with IR displayed higher insulin and NEFA levels (p &lt; 0.05). They also presented increased Lp-PLA2 and decreased PON activities (p &lt; 0.05). Importantly, these differences were associated with dietary habits (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion IR present in pediatric obesity associated with vascular specific inflammation and reduced PON 1 activity, in addition to alterations in glucose metabolism, thus increasing CV risk in adulthood. These proatherogenic disturbances were conditioned by dietary habits.

Prognostic Factors in Head and Neck Cancer: ARetrospective Cohort Study of 3052 Patients in Brazil.

Evaluate the sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle characteristics at head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) diagnosis and their impact on overall survival (OS) across different anatomical sites. A retrospective cohort study (2011-2021) at Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, involving 3052 HNSCC patients. Survival analyses utilized the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals, incorporating significant variables from univariate analysis. The five-year OS for all HNSCC sites (n = 3052) was 31.4%, with specific rates of 37.0% for laryngeal cancer (n = 935), 35.8% for oral cancer (n = 762), 26.6% for oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) (n = 1189), and 14.8% for hypopharyngeal cancer (n = 166). HPV-positive OPC had a higher five-year OS (59.3%; n = 127) compared to HPV-negative (35.4%; n = 226). Multivariable analysis identified older age (≥ 70 years) and advanced TNM stage (IV) as adverse prognostic factors for oral cavity, oropharynx, and larynx sites. Male gender was associated with poorer prognosis in the oral cavity, while alcohol consumption was linked to worse outcomes in oropharynx and larynx sites. HNSCC OS remains low at a public cancer center in São Paulo. Older age, advanced tumor stage, and alcohol consumption are independent adverse prognostic factors, particularly in oropharynx and larynx sites.