Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is an acute, febrile, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-associated syndrome, often with cardiohemodynamic dysfunction. Insight into mechanism of disease is still incomplete. Our objective was to analyze immunologic features of MIS-C patients compared to febrile controls (FC). MIS-C patients were defined by narrow criteria, including having evidence of cardiohemodynamic involvement and no macrophage activation syndrome. Samples were collected from 8 completely treatment-naive patients with MIS-C (SARS-CoV-2 serology positive), 3 patients with unclassified MIS-C–like disease (serology negative), 14 FC, and 5 MIS-C recovery (RCV). Three healthy controls (HCs) were used for comparisons of normal range. Using spectral flow cytometry, we assessed 36 parameters in antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and 29 in T cells. We used biaxial analysis and uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP). Significant elevations in cytokines including CXCL9, M-CSF, and IL-27 were found in MIS-C compared to FC. Classic monocytes and type 2 dendritic cells (DCs) were downregulated (decreased CD86, HLA-DR) versus HCs; however, type 1 DCs (CD11c⁺CD141⁺CLEC9A⁺) were highly activated in MIS-C patients versus FC, expressing higher levels of CD86, CD275, and atypical conventional DC markers such as CD64, CD115, and CX3CR1. CD169 and CD38 were upregulated in multiple monocyte subtypes. CD56^dim/CD57⁻/KLRG^hi/CD161⁺/CD38⁻ natural killer (NK) cells were a unique subset in MIS-C versus FC without macrophage activation syndrome. Orchestrated by complex cytokine signaling, type 1 DC activation and NK dysregulation are key features in the pathophysiology of MIS-C. NK cell findings may suggest a relationship with macrophage activation syndrome, while type 1 DC upregulation implies a role for antigen cross-presentation.

Background/Objectives: Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among American men, following lung cancer. While diet and exercise have been extensively studied in relation to prostate cancer prevention, the evidence remains inconclusive. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed to identify observational studies investigating the association between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and prostate cancer risk and mortality, determined by the NOVA classification system. In addition, we conducted subgroup analyses to assess the association based on study design, age, and data collection methods. Results: Six studies were identified, including four cohort studies and two case–control studies. No significant association was found between high UPF consumption and increased risk of prostate cancer [RR = 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.96–1.08, n = 5]. However, there was a slight increase in mortality (RR = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.99–1.35, n = 2). A subgroup analysis by the dietary assessment method revealed an RR of 1.01 (95% CI = 0.93–1.09) for studies using the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and 1.04 (95% CI = 0.93–1.16) for studies using 24-h recalls. There was no significant heterogeneity among the studies (I² = 0, p = 0.82). Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggests no significant association between high UPF consumption and prostate cancer risk. Given the known associations with other chronic diseases, the potential public health implications of reducing UPF consumption remain important. Further research with the use of more robust food assignment systems and more precise dietary assessments is needed to clarify the role of UPF in prostate cancer development.

Objective: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is highly prevalent, yet its association with upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) cancers beyond esophageal adenocarcinoma remains incompletely defined. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to quantify the risk of specific UADT cancers in individuals with GERD. Data Sources: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and CINAHL was conducted for studies published from January 2000 to October 2024. Review Methods: Observational studies (cohort or case–control) evaluating GERD as a risk factor for UADT cancers in adults were included, following PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD42024602545). Esophageal adenocarcinoma was excluded due to its well‐established association with GERD. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Pooled relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using random effects models. Results: Seventeen studies (12 case–control, 5 cohort), encompassing 1,768,394 participants, met inclusion criteria. GERD was significantly associated with laryngeal cancer (RR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.19–2.31). No significant associations were found for pharyngeal, oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, or esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Subgroup analysis showed stronger associations in U.S.‐based studies (RR = 1.61) and in studies using ICD‐coded GERD (RR = 1.93). Conclusion: GERD is associated with an increased risk of laryngeal cancer. Findings support further investigation into reflux‐related carcinogenesis in the UADT, particularly in high‐risk populations.

ACL injuries are extremely common, especially in soccer, and often require extensive and invasive treatment such as surgery. Braces are almost always used to provide support and stability to the knee during the recovery period, following injury, and for preventative purposes. Additionally, braces aid the patient by preventing excessive movement and rotation that can further damage the ligament. This review article aims to explore the use of braces in the prevention and recovery of ACL injuries, especially in soccer. In addition to the physiology and biomechanics of the ACL, this article will also discuss the factors that contribute to ACL injuries including gender, playing surface, and neuromuscular traits. It will also explore the different types of braces and their unique functions and role in injury prevention and rehabilitation. With more research, we can move towards a future where ACL injuries in soccer could become a rarity rather than a common concern.