Functional plasticity shapes neutrophil response to Leishmania major infection in susceptible and resistant strains of mice.

Neutrophils rapidly infiltrate sites of infection and possess several microbicidal strategies, such as neutrophil extracellular traps release and phagocytosis. Enhanced neutrophil infiltration is associated with higher susceptibility to Leishmania infection, but neutrophil effector response contribution to this phenotype is uncertain. Here, we show that neutrophils from susceptible BALB/c mice (B/c) produce more NETs in response to Leishmania major than those from resistant C57BL/6 mice (B6), which are more phagocytic. The absence of neutrophil elastase contributes to phagocytosis regulation. Microarray analysis shows enrichment of genes involved in NET formation (mpo, pi3kcg, il1b) in B/c, while B6 shows upregulation of genes involved in phagocytosis and cell death (Arhgap12, casp9, mlkl, FasL). scRNA-seq in L. major-infected B6 showed heterogeneity in the pool of intralesional neutrophils, and we identified the N1 subset as the putative subpopulation involved with phagocytosis. In vivo, imaging validates NET formation in infected B/c ears where NETing neutrophils were mainly uninfected cells. NET digestion in vivo augmented parasite lymphatic drainage. Hence, a balance between NET formation and phagocytosis in neutrophils may contribute to the divergent phenotype observed in these mice.

Prevalence and factors associated with hepatitis B susceptibility among men who sex with men on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in Northeastern Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with susceptibility to hepatitis B virus (HBV) among cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM) on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in Northeastern Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, analytical study conducted between September 2021 and June 2023. Participants underwent structured interviews to collect sociodemographic and clinical information, including hepatitis B vaccination history, HIV PrEP use and sexual health history. Blood samples were collected for hepatitis B serologic testing: HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), HBV surface antibody (anti-HBs), total and IgM HBV core antibody (anti-HBc). HBV susceptibility was defined as nonreactive results for all these serological markers. RESULTS: A total of 287 participants were enrolled into the study. The median age of the individuals was 31 years (interquartile range: 27; 36). HBV susceptibility was found in 58 out 286 individuals (20.3%; 95% CI: 15.9-25.2). Seventy-six percent of the participants reported completing the three-dose hepatitis B vaccine schedule. Susceptibility was significantly associated with a monthly income ≤ 5 minimum wages (PR: 2.02; 95% CI: 1.01-4.05), lack of complete hepatitis B vaccination schedule (PR: 4.52; 95% CI: 2.89-7.06), initiation of HIV PrEP (PR: 2.18; 95% CI: 1.21-3.94), duration of six months of HIV PrEP (PR: 2.16; 95% CI: 1.19-3.91), absence of tattoos (PR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.00-2.40) and no history of sexually transmitted infections (PR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.07-2.54). CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the significant burden of HBV susceptibility among MSM on HIV PrEP in Northeastern Brazil. Socioeconomic factors, vaccination status, PrEP use and sexual health behaviors play critical roles in determining susceptibility to HBV. Integrating hepatitis B screening and vaccination into PrEP services is critical for identifying and addressing HBV susceptibility among MSM. Interventions aimed at increasing vaccination coverage and promoting safer sexual practices are essential for mitigating the burden of HBV infection in this population.

Methylome-wide analysis in systemic microbial-induced experimental periodontal disease in mice with different susceptibility.

Objective: The study delved into the epigenetic factors associated with periodontal disease in two lineages of mice, namely C57bl/6 and Balb/c. Its primary objective was to elucidate alterations in the methylome of mice with distinct genetic backgrounds following systemic microbial challenge, employing high-throughput DNA methylation analysis as the investigative tool. Methods: Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg)was orally administered to induce periodontitis in both Balb/c and C57bl/6 lineage. After euthanasia, genomic DNA from both maxilla and blood were subjected to bisulfite conversion, PCR amplification and genome-wide DNA methylation analysis using the Ovation RRBS Methyl-Seq System coupled with the Illumina Infinium Mouse Methylation BeadChip. Results: Of particular significance was the distinct methylation profile observed within the Pg-induced group of the Balb/c lineage, contrasting with both the control and Pg-induced groups of the C57bl/6 lineage. Utilizing rigorous filtering criteria, we successfully identified a substantial number of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) across various tissues and comparison groups, shedding light on the prevailing hypermethylation in non-induced cohorts and hypomethylation in induced groups. The comparison between blood and maxilla samples underscored the unique methylation patterns specific to the jaw tissue. Our comprehensive methylome analysis further unveiled statistically significant disparities, particularly within promoter regions, in several comparison groups. Conclusion: The differential DNA methylation patterns observed between C57bl/6 and Balb/c mouse lines suggest that epigenetic factors contribute to the variations in disease susceptibility. The identified differentially methylated regions associated with immune regulation and inflammatory response provide potential targets for further investigation. These findings emphasize the importance of considering epigenetic mechanisms in the development and progression of periodontitis.

The role of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) in diabetic retinopathy: A scoping review.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic systemic disease characterized by a multifactorial nature, which may lead to several macro and microvascular complications. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most severe microvascular complications of DM, which can result in permanent blindness. The mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of DR are multiple and still poorly understood. Factors such as dysregulation of vascular regeneration, oxidative and hyperosmolar stress in addition to inflammatory processes have been associated with the pathogenesis of DR. Furthermore, compelling evidence shows that components of the immune system, including the complement system, play a relevant role in the development of the disease. Studies suggest that high concentrations of mannose-binding lectin (MBL), an essential component of the complement lectin pathway, may contribute to the development of DR in patients with DM. This review provides an update on the possible role of the complement system, specifically the lectin pathway, in the pathogenesis of DR and discusses the potential of MBL as a non-invasive biomarker for both, the presence and severity of DR, in addition to its potential as a therapeutic target for intervention strategies.

Susceptibility of solid organ transplant recipients to viral pathogens with zoonotic potential: A mini-review.

A substantial number of zoonotic diseases are caused by viral pathogens, representing a significant menace to public health, particularly to susceptible populations, such as pregnant women, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Individuals who have undergone solid organ transplantation frequently experience immunosuppression, to prevent organ rejection, and, thus are more prone to opportunistic infections. Furthermore, the reactivation of dormant viruses can threaten transplant recipients and organ viability. This mini-review examines the up-to-date literature covering potential zoonotic and organ rejection-relevant viruses in solid organ transplant recipients. A comprehensive list of viruses with zoonotic potential is highlighted and the most important clinical outcomes in patients undergoing transplantation are described. Moreover, this mini-review calls attention to complex multifactorial events predisposing viral coinfections and the need for continuous health surveillance and research to understand better viral pathogens' transmission and pathophysiology dynamics in transplanted individuals.

Multidimensional behavioral profiles associated with resilience and susceptibility after inescapable stress.

Clinical depression is characterized by multiple concurrent symptoms, manifesting as a complex heterogeneous condition. Although some well-established classical behavioral assessments are widespread in rodent models, it remains uncertain whether rats also display stress-induced depression-related phenotypes in a multidimensional manner, i.e., simultaneous alterations in multiple behavioral tests. Here, we investigated multivariate patterns and profiles of depression-related behavioral traits in male Wistar rats subjected to inescapable footshocks (IS) or no-shocks (NS), followed by a comprehensive battery of behavioral tests and ethological characterization. We observed generalized stronger intra-test but weaker inter-test correlations. However, feature clustering of behavioral measures successfully delineated variables linked to resilience and susceptibility to stress. Accordingly, a noteworthy covariation pattern emerged, characterized by increased open field locomotion, reduced time in the elevated plus maze open arms, lower sucrose preference, and increased shuttle box escape failures that consistently differentiated IS from NS. Surprisingly there is little contribution from forced swim. In addition, individual clustering revealed a diversity of behavioral profiles, naturally separating NS and IS, including subpopulations entirely characterized by resilience or susceptibility. In conclusion, our study elucidates intricate relationships among classical depression-related behavioral measures, highlighting multidimensional individual variability. Our work emphasizes the importance of a multivariate framework for behavioral assessment in animal models to understand stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders.

Selective Medial Septum Lesions in Healthy Rats Induce Longitudinal Changes in Microstructure of Limbic Regions, Behavioral Alterations, and Increased Susceptibility to Status Epilepticus.

Septo-hippocampal pathway, crucial for physiological functions and involved in epilepsy. Clinical monitoring during epileptogenesis is complicated. We aim to evaluate tissue changes after lesioning the medial septum (MS) of normal rats and assess how the depletion of specific neuronal populations alters the animals' behavior and susceptibility to establishing a pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected into the MS with vehicle or saporins (to deplete GABAergic or cholinergic neurons; n = 16 per group). Thirty-two animals were used for diffusion tensor imaging (DTI); scanned before surgery and 14 and 49 days post-injection. Fractional anisotropy and apparent diffusion coefficient were evaluated in the fimbria, dorsal hippocampus, ventral hippocampus, dorso-medial thalamus, and amygdala. Between scans 2 and 3, animals were submitted to diverse behavioral tasks. Stainings were used to analyze tissue alterations. Twenty-four different animals received pilocarpine to evaluate the latency and severity of the status epilepticus 2 weeks after surgery. Additionally, eight different animals were only used to evaluate the neuronal damage inflicted on the MS 1 week after the molecular surgery. Progressive changes in DTI parameters in both white and gray matter structures of the four evaluated groups were observed. Behaviorally, the GAT1-saporin injection impacted spatial memory formation, while 192-IgG-saporin triggered anxiety-like behaviors. Histologically, the GABAergic toxin also induced aberrant mossy fiber sprouting, tissue damage, and neuronal death. Regarding the pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus, this agent provoked an increased mortality rate. Selective septo-hippocampal modulation impacts the integrity of limbic regions crucial for certain behavioral skills and could represent a precursor for epilepsy development.

Prenatal Programming of Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1 Signaling in Autism Susceptibility.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that involves functional and structural defects in selective central nervous system (CNS) regions, harming the individual capability to process and respond to external stimuli, including impaired verbal and non-verbal communications. Etiological causes of ASD have not been fully clarified; however, prenatal activation of the innate immune system by external stimuli might infiltrate peripheral immune cells into the fetal CNS and activate cytokine secretion by microglia and astrocytes. For instance, genomic and postmortem histological analysis has identified proinflammatory gene signatures, microglia-related expressed genes, and neuroinflammatory markers in the brain during ASD diagnosis. Active neuroinflammation might also occur during the developmental stage, promoting the establishment of a defective brain connectome and increasing susceptibility to ASD after birth. While still under investigation, we tested the hypothesis whether the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) signaling is prenatally programmed to favor peripheral immune cell infiltration and activate microglia into the fetal CNS, setting susceptibility to autism-like behavior. In this review, we will comprehensively provide the current understanding of the prenatal activation of MCP-1 signaling by external stimuli during the developmental stage as a new selective node to promote neuroinflammation, brain structural alterations, and behavioral defects associated to ASD diagnosis.

Histone 3 Trimethylation Patterns are Associated with Resilience or Stress Susceptibility in a Rat Model of Major Depression Disorder.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a severe and multifactorial psychiatric condition. Evidence has shown that environmental factors, such as stress, significantly explain MDD pathophysiology. Studies have hypothesized that changes in histone methylation patterns are involved in impaired glutamatergic signaling. Based on this scenario, this study aims to investigate histone 3 involvement in depression susceptibility or resilience in MDD pathophysiology by investigating cellular and molecular parameters related to i) glutamatergic neurotransmission, ii) astrocytic functioning, and iii) neurogenesis. For this, we subjected male Wistar rats to the Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress (CUMS) model of depression. We propose that by evaluating the sucrose consumption, open field, and object recognition test performance from animals submitted to CUMS, it is possible to predict with high specificity rats with susceptibility to depressive-like phenotype and resilient to the depressive-like phenotype. We also demonstrated, for the first time, that patterns of H3K4me3, H3K9me3, H3K27me3, and H3K36me3 trimethylation are strictly associated with the resilient or susceptible to depressive-like phenotype in a brain-region-specific manner. Additionally, susceptible animals have reduced DCx and GFAP and resilient animals present increase of AQP-4 immunoreactivity. Together, these results provide evidence that H3 trimethylations are related to the development of the resilient or susceptible to depressive-like phenotype, contributing to further advances in the pathophysiology of MDD and the discovery of mechanisms behind resilience.

Development and Internal Validation of a Questionnaire Assessing Predisposition to Nonadherence to Immunosuppressive Medication in Kidney Pretransplant Patients.

BACKGROUND: After kidney transplant, nonadherence to immunosuppressive therapy is the main cause of impaired kidney function and graft loss. The objective of this study was the development and internal validation of a clinical questionnaire for assessing the predisposition to adherence to immunosuppressive therapy in kidney pretransplant patients. METHODS: Multicenter prospective study conducted in 7 kidney hemodialysis and 6 kidney transplant centers of 3 Brazilian state capitals. Kidney transplant candidate patients of both sexes and >18-y-old were included. Retransplanted patients were excluded. A 72-item pilot version of the questionnaire, created through literature review complemented with a focus group of 8 kidney pretransplant patients, was administered to 541 kidney transplant candidate patients. Factor analysis with varimax rotation was used for questionnaire development. Internal validity evaluation used Cronbach's alpha and test-retest reliability. Construct validity was assessed by differentiation by known groups. RESULTS: The final questionnaire, named Kidney AlloTransplant Immunosuppressive Therapy Adherence (KATITA) Questionnaire, consisting of 25 items in 3 dimensions, presented good internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha 0.81). The 3 dimensions and respective Cronbach's alpha were "Carelessness" (14 items, 0.81), "Skepticism" (6 items, 0.57), and "Concern" (5 items, 0.62). The interdimension correlation matrix showed low correlation coefficients (<0.35). Test-retest reliability, evaluated with 154 patients, showed an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.62 (moderate agreement). The scale showed construct validity. CONCLUSIONS: The KATITA-25 questionnaire is the first psychometric instrument for evaluation of predisposition to nonadherence to immunosuppressive medication in candidate patients for kidney transplant in the pretransplant setting.

Epigenetic programming for obesity and noncommunicable disease: From womb to tomb.

Several epidemiological, clinical and experimental studies in recent decades have shown the relationship between exposure to stressors during development and health outcomes later in life. The characterization of these susceptible phases, such as preconception, gestation, lactation and adolescence, and the understanding of factors that influence the risk of an adult individual for developing obesity, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, is the focus of the DOHaD (Developmental Origins of Health and Disease) research line. In this sense, advancements in molecular biology techniques have contributed significantly to the understanding of the mechanisms underlying the observed phenotypes, their morphological and physiological alterations, having as a main driving factor the epigenetic modifications and their consequent modulation of gene expression. The present narrative review aimed to characterize the different susceptible phases of development and associated epigenetic modifications, and their implication in the development of non-communicable diseases. Additionally, we provide useful insights into interventions during development to counteract or prevent long-term programming for disease susceptibility.

Abordagem da homeopatia constitucional na gravidez / Constitutional homeopathy approach during pregnancy

Dentre as várias vertentes de pesquisa e prática homeopática pós-hahnemanniana, a Homeopatia Constitucional leva em consideração os aspectos morfofisiológicos: a biotipologia, o temperamento, as diáteses, não como noções absolutas, mas inseridas no seu devido lugar dentro da Doutrina e Técnicas de aplicação da Homeopatia. O conceito básico persiste sendo a semelhança precisa entre os sinais de um remédio e os mesmos sinais encontrados num paciente. A gravidez é um estado fisiológico que resulta na formação de um ser do qual podemos conhecer os progenitores. É uma oportunidade de abordar este ser diante das imperfeições de terreno que lhes podem ser transmitidas. A homeopatia é a única terapêutica prática, pois é inofensiva à criança e conduz um tratamento "eugênico", permitindo que a criança seja bem constituída.

Among the various aspects of post-Hahnemannian homeopathic research and practice, Constitutional Homeopathy considers morphophysiological aspects: biotypology, temperament and diatheses, not as absolute notions, but inserted in their due place within the Doctrine and Application Techniques of Homeopathy. The basic concept remains the precise similarity between the signs of a medicine and the same signs found in a patient. Pregnancy is a physiological state that results in the formation of a being whose parents we can know. It is an opportunity to approach this being in the face of the imperfections of the terrain that can be transmitted to them. Homeopathy is the only practical therapy, as it is harmless to the child and provides a "eugenic" treatment, allowing the child to be well constituted.

Genes resistentes a carbapenémicos y colistina aislados en Musca domestica proveniente de un basural cercano a un hospital de Lima / Carbapenems and colistin resistance genes isolated in Musca domestica from a garbage dump near a hospital in Lima

El objetivo fue determinar la presencia de genes de resistencia a carbapenémicos y resistencia plasmídica a colistina (mcr-1) en bacterias aisladas de Musca domestica en un basural cercano a un hospital de Lima, Perú. Las bacterias con resistencia fenotípica a los carbapénemicos se aislaron en medio CHROMagar mSu-perCARBATM y el perfil de resistencia a colistina se realizó mediante el método de elución de discos de co-listina. La detección de genes blaKPC, blaNDM, blaIMP, blaOXA-48, blaVIM y mcr-1 se realizó mediante PCR convencional. El perfil de susceptibilidad antimicrobiana se determinó mediante el sistema automati-zado MicroScan. Las bacterias con resistencia fenotípica a carbapenémicos fueron 31/38 cepas y a colistina fueron 26/38 cepas con una concentración inhibitoria mínima ≥ 4 µg/ml. Finalmente, se identificaron siete cepas bacterianas con genes de resistencia a carbapenémicos (OXA-48 Y KPC) y una cepa bacteriana con resistencia plasmídica a colistina (mcr-1). Una cepa de Escherichia coli presentó tres genes de resistencia: KPC, OXA-48 y mcr-1.

The Autosomal Short Tandem Repeat Polymorphisms Are Potentially Associated with Cardiovascular Disease Predisposition in the Latin American Population: A Mini Review.

According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide across nearly all ethnic groups. Inherited cardiac conditions comprise a wide spectrum of diseases that affect the heart, including abnormal structural features and functional impairments. In Latin America, CVDs are the leading cause of death within the region. Factors such as population aging, unhealthy diet, obesity, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle have increased the risk of CVD. The Latin American population is characterized by its diverse ethnic composition with varying percentages of each ancestral component (African, European, and Native American ancestry). Short tandem repeats (STRs) are DNA sequences with 2-6 base pair repetitions and constitute ~3% of the human genome. Importantly, significant allele frequency variations exist between different populations. While studies have described that STRs are in noncoding regions of the DNA, increasing evidence suggests that simple sequence repeat variations may be critical for proper gene activity and regulation. Furthermore, several STRs have been identified as potential disease predisposition markers. The present review is aimed at comparing and describing the frequencies of autosomal STR polymorphisms potentially associated with cardiovascular disease predisposition in Latin America compared with other populations.

Both C57BL/KsJ (H2d haplotype) and CB10-H2 (H2b haplotype) mice are highly susceptible to congenital toxoplasmosis.

Congenital toxoplasmosis may cause abortion, neonatal death, or foetal abnormalities. Despite little information from human studies, a genetic influence over congenital disease was demonstrated and, host genome have been implicated to resistance/susceptibility to Toxoplasma gondii infection in both human and mice. It was previously shown that BALB/c mice (H2d) were more resistant to congenital toxoplasmosis than C57BL/6 mice (H2b). However, it is unclear whether these differences are attributable to the MHC haplotype or to other components of the mouse's genetic background. Therefore, in this work, we intend to address this question by investigating the pregnancy outcome in H2d -congenic C57BL/6 mice (C57BL/KsJ-H2d) and H2b-congenic BALB/c mice (CB10-H2-H2b). For this, animals were infected by intragastric route on the first day of pregnancy and examined on days 8 (8dP/8dI) or 18 (18dP/18dI) of gestation and infection. The pregnancy outcome, parasite burden, systemic cytokine profile and antibody response to infection were evaluated. Infected mice showed adverse pregnancy outcomes, in parallel low parasite detection in the uterus/placenta, being that the C57BL/KsJ showed the worst results in relation to CB10-H2 mice. Both mouse lineages showed an increase in IFN-γ and TNF levels systemically on 8dP/8dI and on 18dP/18dI, and C57BL/KsJ showed an increase in IL-6 levels in both gestation/infection periods. Additionally, C57BL/KsJ showed 7- and 7-fold increase in IL-6, 4- and 2.5-fold increase in IFN-γ and, 6- and 4-fold increase in TNF production on 8dP/8dI and 18dP/18dI, respectively in association with 1.5-fold decrease in TGF-ß levels on 8dP/8dI compared to CB10-H2 mice. In conclusion, the high IFN-γ and TNF serum levels observed in C57BL/KsJ (H2d) and CB10-H2 (H2b) mice were involved in the poor pregnancy outcomes in congenital toxoplasmosis. In addition, the higher IFN-γ, IL-6 and TNF levels detected in C57BL/KsJ in relation to CB10-H2 mice on 8dP/8dI seem to be related to the genetic background of C57BL/6J mice that may have contributed to the worse pregnancy outcome in this mouse lineage.

Limited impact of a bioeroding sponge, Cliona sp., on Ostrea chilensis from Foveaux Strait, New Zealand.

Bioeroding sponges can cause extensive damage to aquaculture and wild shellfish fisheries. It has been suggested that heavy sponge infestations that reach the inner cavity of oysters may trigger shell repair and lead to adductor detachment. Consequently, energy provision into shell repair could reduce the energy available for other physiological processes and reduce the meat quality of commercially fished oysters. Nevertheless, the impacts of boring sponges on oysters and other shellfish hosts are inconclusive. We studied the interaction between boring sponges and their hosts and examined potential detrimental effects on an economically important oyster species Ostrea chilensis from Foveaux Strait (FS), New Zealand. We investigated the effect of different infestation levels with the bioeroding sponge Cliona sp. on commercial meat quality, condition, reproduction, and disease susceptibility. Meat quality was assessed with an index based on visual assessments used in the FS O. chilensis fishery. Meat condition was assessed with a common oyster condition index, while histological methods were used to assess sex, gonad stage, reproductive capacity, and pathogen presence. Commercial meat quality and condition of O. chilensis were unaffected by sponge infestation. There was no relationship between sex ratio, gonad developmental stage, or gonad index and sponge infestation. Lastly, we found no evidence that sponge infestation affects disease susceptibility in O. chilensis. Our results suggest that O. chilensis in FS is largely unaffected by infestation with Cliona sp. and therefore reinforces the growing body of evidence that the effects of sponge infestation can be highly variable among different host species, environments, and habitats.

Transcriptomic analysis reveals distinct adaptive molecular mechanism in the hippocampal CA3 from rats susceptible or not-susceptible to hyperthermia-induced seizures.

Febrile seizures during early childhood are a relevant risk factor for the development of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanism induced by febrile seizures that render the brain susceptible or not-susceptible to epileptogenesis remain poorly understood. Because the temporal investigation of such mechanisms in human patients is impossible, rat models of hyperthermia-induced febrile seizures have been used for that purpose. Here we conducted a temporal analysis of the transcriptomic and microRNA changes in the ventral CA3 of rats that develop (HS group) or not-develop (HNS group) seizures after hyperthermic insult on the eleventh postnatal day. The selected time intervals corresponded to acute, latent, and chronic phases of the disease. We found that the transcriptional differences between the HS and the HNS groups are related to inflammatory pathways, immune response, neurogenesis, and dendritogenesis in the latent and chronic phases. Additionally, the HNS group expressed a greater number of miRNAs (some abundantly expressed) as compared to the HS group. These results indicate that HNS rats were able to modulate their inflammatory response after insult, thus presenting better tissue repair and re-adaptation. Potential therapeutic targets, including genes, miRNAs and signaling pathways involved in epileptogenesis were identified.

Adolescent and Young Adult Understanding of Their Childhood Cancer Predisposition Diagnosis: A Qualitative Study.

We characterized germline genetic test result understanding in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) (n = 21) with cancer 1-3.9 years post-disclosure using semistructured qualitative interviews. Most AYAs articulated their cancer risk; however, 5 did not remember results and a subset demonstrated misperceptions regarding risk or confusion regarding their medical care. These findings highlight variability in AYA understanding warranting further inquiry.