Sawsan Ismail , Firas Shammas , Yamam Makhlof , Hala Mohammad Al Ali , Zuheir Alshehabi , Kanaan Al-Tameemi , Tamim Alsuliman
{"title":"Digital pathology and artificial intelligence in the era of modern slides: A state of the art","authors":"Sawsan Ismail , Firas Shammas , Yamam Makhlof , Hala Mohammad Al Ali , Zuheir Alshehabi , Kanaan Al-Tameemi , Tamim Alsuliman","doi":"10.1016/j.retram.2025.103546","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.retram.2025.103546","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":54260,"journal":{"name":"Current Research in Translational Medicine","volume":"73 4","pages":"Article 103546"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145304501","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"CRISPR-Cas9: a prominent genome editing tool in the management of inherited blood disorders and hematological malignancies","authors":"Ghazaleh Behrouzian Fard, Mohammad Hossein Ahmadi, Mehran Gholamin, Mahdi Hosseini Bafghi","doi":"10.1016/j.retram.2025.103531","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.retram.2025.103531","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Several hematologic diseases with genetic defects, like sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia can be treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) from healthy donors. However, suitable tissue-matched donors are often unavailable, and HSCT involves risks such as graft-versus-host disease and potential disease relapse. Due to the genetic heterogeneity of blood disorders and the complexity of the hematopoietic system, identifying effective genes for managing and treating both benign and malignant conditions remains a significant challenge. The genome editing field is rapidly expanding and is essential for identifying genetic factors in pathological processes. These developments highlight the importance of using <em>ex vivo</em> gene therapy approaches for autologous hematopoietic stem cells. Also, gene editing technologies are gaining significant interest in engineered cell therapies for hematological malignancies . Today, various programmable nucleases are available for genome editing, with the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system standing out due to its high efficiency, low cytotoxicity, cost-effectiveness, and precision. This system can serve as a genomic modification tool for treating blood disorders, including hereditary diseases and immunotherapy for cancer using chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T cells). Advancements in CRISPR-Cas9 are expected to significantly impact medical research and clinical applications. However, challenges such as off-target effects and immunogenicity must be addressed. This review summarizes the mechanism and delivery strategies of CRISPR-Cas9, discusses its applications in treating inherited blood disorders such as sickle cell disease, β-thalassemia, and fanconi anemia, as well as hematological malignancies, and highlights the associated challenges.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54260,"journal":{"name":"Current Research in Translational Medicine","volume":"73 4","pages":"Article 103531"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144756846","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Adebimpe O. Esan , David B. Olawade , Afeez A. Soladoye , Bolaji A. Omodunbi , Ibrahim A. Adeyanju , Nicholas Aderinto
{"title":"Explainable AI for Parkinson’s disease prediction: A machine learning approach with interpretable models","authors":"Adebimpe O. Esan , David B. Olawade , Afeez A. Soladoye , Bolaji A. Omodunbi , Ibrahim A. Adeyanju , Nicholas Aderinto","doi":"10.1016/j.retram.2025.103541","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.retram.2025.103541","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive neurological disorder with significant clinical and economic impacts globally. Early and accurate prediction remains challenging with traditional diagnostic methods due to subjectivity, delayed diagnosis, and variability. Machine Learning (ML) approaches offer potential solutions, yet their clinical adoption is hindered by limited interpretability. This study aimed to develop an interpretable ML model for early and accurate PD prediction using comprehensive multimodal datasets and Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) techniques.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The study applied five ML algorithms: Support Vector Machine (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Logistic Regression (LR), Random Forest (RF), XGBoost, and a stacked ensemble method to a publicly available dataset (<em>n</em> = 2105) from Kaggle. Data encompassed demographic, medical history, lifestyle, clinical symptoms, cognitive, and functional assessments with specific inclusion/exclusion criteria applied. Preprocessing involved normalization, Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE), and Sequential Backward Elimination (SBE) for feature selection. Model performance was evaluated via accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and Area Under Curve (AUC). The best-performing model (RF with feature selection) was interpreted using SHAP and LIME methods.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Random Forest combined with Backward Elimination Feature Selection achieved the highest predictive accuracy (93 %), precision (93 %), recall (93 %), F1-score (93 %), and AUC (0.97). SHAP and LIME analyses indicated UPDRS scores, cognitive impairment, functional assessment, and motor symptoms as primary predictors, enhancing clinical interpretability.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The study demonstrated the effectiveness of an interpretable RF model for accurate PD prediction. Integration of ML and XAI significantly improves clinical decision-making, diagnosis timing, and personalized patient care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54260,"journal":{"name":"Current Research in Translational Medicine","volume":"73 4","pages":"Article 103541"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145048755","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kimberly T. Peta , Chrisna Durandt , Marlene B. van Heerden , Michael S. Pepper , Melvin A. Ambele
{"title":"Effect of adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal/stem cells on mouse mammary tumour growth and formation of lung metastases","authors":"Kimberly T. Peta , Chrisna Durandt , Marlene B. van Heerden , Michael S. Pepper , Melvin A. Ambele","doi":"10.1016/j.retram.2025.103532","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.retram.2025.103532","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The role of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) in tumour development and progression remains a subject of debate. Previous studies have reported contradictory outcomes, possibly due to variations in experimental design and the use of xenograft models. Xenograft models limit interpretation and translation due to cross-species variability. To address these limitations, we employed an isogenic mouse model of spontaneous breast cancer (BC) to investigate the impact of murine MSCs on BC development and progression. Methods: MSCs isolated from FVB/N mouse adipose tissue (mASCs) were administered to female mice with palpable mammary tumours. Tumour volume and mass were assessed, and analysis of histopathological necrosis and gene expression was conducted on mammary (MT) and lung metastatic tumours (LT). Results: No change in MT mass and volume was observed between mASC-treated and control mice. However, mASC treatment led to increased necrosis in LT but not in MT. Immunohistochemistry revealed that mASC-treated mice had fewer CD163+ anti-inflammatory macrophages in the LT but not in the MT. Tgf-β3, vegfr1, and cd105 were observed and downregulated in both MT and LT in mASC-treated mice. The downregulation of cd36 and tgf-β3 contributes to pro-tumourigenic activities, whereas the downregulation of vegfr1 and cd105 is associated with an anti-tumour effect. In the mASC treatment group, all cytokines tested for, except IL-27, were elevated. Conclusion: This study suggests that mASCs are anti-tumourigenic in pulmonary metastatic BC. Our findings emphasize the importance of considering the tumour microenvironment and employing relevant animal models when investigating the impact of MSCs on tumour progression.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54260,"journal":{"name":"Current Research in Translational Medicine","volume":"73 4","pages":"Article 103532"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144738510","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Simone Cesaro , Manuela Spadea , Franca Fagioli , Fulvio Porta , Marco Rabusin , Giulia Ferrando , Adriana Balduzzi , Arcangelo Prete , Marco Zecca , Maura Faraci
{"title":"Expert consensus on the management of cytomegalovirus infection in pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation","authors":"Simone Cesaro , Manuela Spadea , Franca Fagioli , Fulvio Porta , Marco Rabusin , Giulia Ferrando , Adriana Balduzzi , Arcangelo Prete , Marco Zecca , Maura Faraci","doi":"10.1016/j.retram.2025.103535","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.retram.2025.103535","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the most frequent viral complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). In the pediatric setting, several issues on its management are still debated due to the limited evidence compared to adults. The aim of this consensus was to promote harmonization of practices to improve prevention, control and treatment of CMV infection in children and adolescents.</div><div>Consensus was generated through voting by a panel of experts from 8 Italian pediatric transplant units who selected 11 topics on prevention of CMV infection and disease, risk factors, diagnosis, prophylaxis, pre-emptive, and therapeutic approaches and formulated 11 statements.</div><div>Statements were generated on impact of CMV infection on allo-HSCT outcome; risk factors for infection; monitoring of patients at risk; duration of infection risk; CMV prophylaxis and CMV pre-emptive strategies; choice of the antiviral therapy; use of CMV-IgG; antiviral combination therapy; role of adoptive cell therapy; therapeutic drug monitoring. All statements reached a mean score of ≥7 (agreement) at the first voting round and reached an even higher level of consensus at the second voting round after discussion and possible modification of some statements.</div><div>In conclusion, CMV infection is a risk factor for lower survival and higher non-relapse mortality. We propose a set of expert consensus-generated recommendations aimed at harmonizing the management of CMV infection in pediatric allo-HSCT. We recognize that this field has several unmet needs and emphasize the need for further specific clinical investigations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54260,"journal":{"name":"Current Research in Translational Medicine","volume":"73 4","pages":"Article 103535"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144887590","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Afeez A. Soladoye , Nicholas Aderinto , Bolaji A. Omodunbi , Adebimpe O. Esan , Ibrahim A. Adeyanju , David B. Olawade
{"title":"Enhancing Alzheimer's disease prediction using random forest: A novel framework combining backward feature elimination and ant colony optimization","authors":"Afeez A. Soladoye , Nicholas Aderinto , Bolaji A. Omodunbi , Adebimpe O. Esan , Ibrahim A. Adeyanju , David B. Olawade","doi":"10.1016/j.retram.2025.103526","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.retram.2025.103526","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents a significant global health challenge due to its increasing prevalence and the limitations of current diagnostic approaches. Early detection is crucial as pathological changes occur 10-15 years before clinical symptoms manifest, yet current diagnostic methods typically identify the disease at moderate to advanced stages. Machine learning techniques offer promising solutions for early prediction, but face challenges related to feature selection and hyperparameter optimization.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To develop an enhanced predictive model for Alzheimer's disease by integrating advanced feature selection techniques with nature-inspired hyperparameter optimization for Random Forest classifiers while ensuring robust validation and statistical significance testing.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study employed three feature selection techniques (Whale Optimization Algorithm, Artificial Bee Colony, and Backward Elimination Feature Selection) and two hyperparameter optimization algorithms (Artificial Ant Colony Optimization and Bald Eagle Search) to improve Random Forest model performance. A dataset comprising 2,149 instances with 34 features was preprocessed using MinMax normalization and Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) applied only to training data to prevent data leakage. Statistical significance testing using McNemar's test was conducted to compare model performances. Model performance was evaluated using accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and AUC with confidence intervals calculated using bootstrap sampling.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The combination of Backward Elimination Feature Selection with Artificial Ant Colony Optimization achieved the highest performance (95% accuracy ± 1.2%, 95% precision ± 1.1%, 94% recall ± 1.3%, 95% F1-score ± 1.0%, 98% AUC ± 0.8%), outperforming other methodological combinations and conventional machine learning algorithms with statistically significant improvements (p < 0.001). This approach identified 26 significant features associated with Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, nature-inspired optimization algorithms demonstrated substantial computational efficiency advantages over empirical approaches (18 minutes versus 133 minutes).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The integration of advanced feature selection with nature-inspired hyperparameter optimization enhances Alzheimer's disease prediction accuracy while improving computational efficiency. However, external validation on independent datasets and prospective clinical studies are needed to establish real-world utility. This methodological framework offers promising applications for early diagnosis and intervention planning, with potential extensions to other complex medical prediction tasks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54260,"journal":{"name":"Current Research in Translational Medicine","volume":"73 4","pages":"Article 103526"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144557166","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Bone marrow vacuolization to curative strategies: Evolving paradigms in VEXAS syndrome management.","authors":"Mahmoud I Elbadry, Mohamed Mabed","doi":"10.1016/j.retram.2025.103533","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.retram.2025.103533","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>VEXAS syndrome (vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked alongside autoinflammatory and somatic) is a severe aggressive inflammation disorder arising in adults that results from acquired changes to the UBA1 gene. These genetic alterations lead to widespread chronic systemic inflammation, prominent features of clonal hematopoiesis, and worsening cytopenic decays alongside hematological malignancies. The grim prognosis includes survival-seeking patients facing life-threatening infections, bone marrow failure or thrombotic complications with only 76 % three-year survival rate. It mainly occurs in older men but rare cases in women stem from atypical patterns of X-chromosome inactivation. This syndrome shares characteristics with autoimmune disorders like relapsing polychondritis and blood disorders predominantly myelodysplastic syndromes. Diagnosis requires UBA1 genetic analysis and bone marrow examination which shows characteristic vacuolization in myeloid and erythroid progenitors. Current therapeutic approaches concentrate on fighting inflammation alongside supportive therapy. This includes infection control, transfusion administration, hypomethylating agents such as azacitidine, which provide the dual benefit of reducing mutant clones alongside inflammation, as well as immunosuppressive drugs, steroids, and Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors. Even though allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains the sole option for a cure, its extensive toxicity limits widespread application. Some investigational therapies targeting specific pathways show promise, particularly nucleotide-binding domain, Leucine-rich Repeat-containing family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome blockers (IL-1β/IL-6 inhibitors) and proteasome inhibitors like bortezomib (Bortezomib), which exploit the proteostasis defects in UBA1-mutated cells. Core obstacles still lie in the absence of a standardized treatment paradigm due to gaps in genotype-phenotype expression and variability, alongside insufficient biomarkers able to guide therapy selection and directed personalized therapeutic interventions. This review highlights the curative strategies, therapeutic challenges, and advancements in VEXAS syndrome, underscoring the urgent need for targeted strategies to improve the patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":54260,"journal":{"name":"Current Research in Translational Medicine","volume":"73 4","pages":"103533"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144818245","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dipal Mehta, Holly Theaker, Hugo Ferreira, Syeda Ahmed, Aisha Roble, Emma Shambrook, Jonathan Lambert, Andrew Wilson, Donal P McLornan, Samah Alimam
{"title":"Adolescent and young adult patients with ‘Philadelphia negative’ myeloproliferative neoplasms: a real world, UK tertiary-centre study","authors":"Dipal Mehta, Holly Theaker, Hugo Ferreira, Syeda Ahmed, Aisha Roble, Emma Shambrook, Jonathan Lambert, Andrew Wilson, Donal P McLornan, Samah Alimam","doi":"10.1016/j.retram.2025.103530","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.retram.2025.103530","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Increasing numbers of adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients are diagnosed with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Management strategies are often extrapolated from older MPN cohorts and frequently fail to address specific needs. Through retrospective description of 107 AYA patients registered at a UK specialist centre, we identify unique clinicopathological features compared with older patients, including lower incidence of <em>JAK2</em> V617F and additional non-driver mutations, and a reduced rate of transformation. Despite these favourable disease characteristics, we demonstrate significant rates of venous thrombosis (>14 %). This data highlights areas of unmet clinical need and calls for tailored management approaches for AYA MPN patients.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54260,"journal":{"name":"Current Research in Translational Medicine","volume":"73 4","pages":"Article 103530"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144696843","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Antonio Milano , Jacopo Mariotti , Pietro Crivello , Giulia Di Maggio , Giorgia Cornacchini , Giuliana Lando , Silvano Rossini , Marialuisa Lavitrano , Stefania Bramanti , Roberto Crocchiolo
{"title":"Cytomegalovirus HLA antigen load as a new potential predictive factor after haploidentical stem cell transplantation","authors":"Antonio Milano , Jacopo Mariotti , Pietro Crivello , Giulia Di Maggio , Giorgia Cornacchini , Giuliana Lando , Silvano Rossini , Marialuisa Lavitrano , Stefania Bramanti , Roberto Crocchiolo","doi":"10.1016/j.retram.2025.103518","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.retram.2025.103518","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Among the complications occurring after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), infection by human Cytomegalovirus (CMV) represents one of the most relevant in terms of morbidity/mortality and specific management is required by either monitoring viral load and administer anti-CMV therapies. Due to the physiological role of the Human Leucocyte Antigen (HLA) system in presenting foreign antigens to the adaptive immune system to enhance viral clearance, we measured here the HLA antigen load for two immunodominant CMV peptides and correlate with transplant outcome in 238 consecutive adult patients undergoing haploidentical HSCT at a single center.</div><div>Interestingly, a higher class I antigen load (i.e. above the median) for protein IE1 correlated with an inferior absolute incidence of CMV infection; moreover, a statistically significant correlation with lower non-relapse mortality and higher overall survival was observed (HR: 0.32, 0.12–0.84, <em>p</em> = 0.02; 0.34 (0.17–0.69, <em>p</em> = 0.003; respectively), with a protective effect in patients with high antigen load values.</div><div>Despite additional research is needed, our exploratory data support the role of the HLA polymorphism on CMV infection and survival after HSCT. The introduction of CMV antigen load as a new potential predictive factor might contribute to further define the post-transplant risk on an individualised basis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54260,"journal":{"name":"Current Research in Translational Medicine","volume":"73 3","pages":"Article 103518"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144098323","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}