Exosomal microRNA

This research study examines recovery after a sports-related concussion or mild head injury. Many athletes experience lingering problems with thinking, balance, and mood months after a concussion. We are testing a new home-based program called BraW-Day™ (Brain \& Walk Exercise Every Day). This 14-day program uses a mobile app on your smartphone and combines simple brain exercises (like counting backwards) with walking exercises. The idea is that doing these tasks together may help your brain and body recover more effectively. What You'll Do: * Two in-person visits at UNLV (baseline and after 14 days) for assessments * Daily 15-minute exercises at home using the BraW-Day app * Provide a small saliva sample for biomarker testing * Complete brief questionnaires about your symptoms and health Potential Benefits: You may experience improvements in thinking, balance, or mood. Even if you don't benefit directly, your participation will help researchers understand how to better support athletes recovering from concussion. Who Can Join: * Ages 18-40 * Had a sports-related concussion or mild head injury within the past 3-12 months * Have a smartphone and can safely do light walking and simple tasks This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov and approved by the UNLV Institutional Review Board to protect your safety and rights.

This prospective observational study aims to evaluate whether exosomal microRNA profiles derived from tumor tissue and blood serum are associated with pathological complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with breast cancer. Breast cancer patients with similar clinical and pathological features may respond differently to treatment, underscoring the need for reliable biomarkers that can help predict therapeutic outcomes. Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles released by tumor cells that carry molecular signals, including microRNAs, which may reflect tumor behavior and treatment sensitivity. In this study, patients with breast cancer receiving standard NAC as part of routine clinical care will be followed prospectively. Exosomal microRNA profiles obtained from tumor tissue and blood samples collected during routine diagnostic and treatment procedures will be analyzed and compared with pathological complete response (pCR) assessed after completion of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. A group of patients with benign breast disease will be included as a reference control for comparative analyses. The results of this study may contribute to the identification of minimally invasive biomarkers that support personalized treatment strategies in breast cancer.