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Real-world evidence is needed to determine the value of tofacitinib (TOFA) for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). To assess the safety and effectiveness of TOFA in clinical practice. TOFA-UC is a multicenter, observational study performed among the Sicilian Network for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (SN-IBD). All consecutive patients with UC starting TOFA from its introduction in Sicily (July 2021) to July 2022 were included. 111 patients were included (mean follow-up: 31.7 ± 14.9 weeks; biologic-experienced: 92.8%). Nineteen adverse events were reported (17.1%; incidence rate: 28.2 per 100 patient years), including 11 cases of hypercholesterolemia and 3 infections (no cases of herpes zoster reactivation. At week 8, the rates of clinical response, steroid free clinical remission, and CRP normalization were 74.8%, 45.0%, and 56.9%, respectively, and 68.5%, 51.4%, and 65.2%, respectively, at the end of follow-up. Eighteen patients experienced a loss of response after successful induction (21.7%; incidence rate: 33.2 per 100 patient years). Twenty-six patients (23.4%) discontinued TOFA over time, of whom 3 due to AEs, and 23 to non response or loss of response. TOFA is safe and effective in patients with UC, including those with history of multiple failures to biological therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Racial minorities with gastrointestinal cancer suffer disproportionately poor overall and disease-specific survival. We used a nationally representative sample to examine the relationship between race/ethnicity and mortality and determine whether these disparities were observed in the perioperative period.Materials and Methods: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) was used to examine patients undergoing surgery for cancers of the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, colon and rectum ("GI cancer") between 2008 and 2012. Logistic regression was used to evaluate whether race/ethnicity was associated with perioperative mortality after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, perioperative factors and presentation (ER vs elective).Results: A total of 110,044 subjects were identified, including 75.8% Whites, 10.5% Black patients, 7.2% Hispanic patients, and 3.1% Asian/Pacific Islanders (API). Whites were generally older than minorities. In adjusted multivariable generalized linear mixed logistic models, no increase in perioperative mortality was seen for minorities. Worse outcomes were observed for those with higher Elixhauser comorbidity score (OR 6.90, CI 5.96-7.99), lower income region (OR 1.24, CI 1.10-1.40), males (OR 1.54, CI 1.42-1.68), and those without private insurance (Medicare OR 1.34, CI 1.16-1.55; Medicaid OR 1.27, CI 1.02-1.58; self-pay OR 1.64, CI 1.24-2.17). Differences in mortality were predominantly driven by comorbidities (pseudo %ΔR2 = 38.56%) and only minimally by race (pseudo %ΔR2 = 0.49%).Conclusion: Minority groups do not suffer higher rates of perioperative mortality for GI cancer surgeries after controlling for clinical and demographic factors. Future work to address cancer disparities should focus on areas in the cancer care trajectory such as cancer screening, surveillance, socioeconomic factors, and access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometriomas are the most common presenting subtype of endometriosis. Although most endometriomas are asymptomatic, patients can rarely present acutely with spontaneous rupture causing diffuse peritonitis and severe systemic inflammatory response. Here we describe a case of ruptured endometriomas in a 26-year-old nulligravid female with a history of heavy menses, progressive abdominal distension, and a recent urinary tract infection. The patient presented to the emergency department with upper abdominal pain radiating to her back with associated nausea. Computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated diffuse ascites with a large, multilobulated, and multicystic septated mass arising in the right pelvis and extending into the lower abdomen. Findings were concerning for peritoneal carcinomatosis and the patient was admitted for evaluation. She developed progressive signs of sepsis and was emergently brought to the operating room for surgical exploration on hospital day (HD) number two. She was found to have ruptured pelvic cysts arising from both ovaries with diffuse contamination of the abdomen by cyst contents and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) was performed. Final pathology demonstrated benign bilateral endometriomas. Endometrioma rupture is extremely rare and imaging findings may appear to represent disseminated peritoneal malignancy. CT findings demonstrating a pelvic mass with concurrent ascites should raise clinical suspicion for ruptured endometrioma, particularly in younger patients. Prompt surgical exploration and complete resection of pathologic tissue may be necessary for diagnosis and treatment in some patients with clinical deterioration related to perforated endometriomas. Combined oral contraceptives are recommended in the postoperative period. • Endometriomas can rarely present acutely with spontaneous rupture. • Imaging demonstrating pelvic mass with ascites should raise suspicion for ruptured endometrioma. • Endometriosis-related ascites can lead to chemical peritonitis. • Surgical exploration and complete resection of pathologic tissue for ruptured endometrioma [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Esophageal resection is most frequently undertaken for malignancy. Indications for esophagectomy with reconstruction for benign disease include perforation, obstruction, and dysmotility. Considerations for operative planning must include the underlying disorder, localization, and extent of disease, and options for esophageal conduit based on prior surgical anatomical adjustment. We will review the indications and technical approaches to reconstruction in these circumstances, addressing the risks and benefits of each reconstruction option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adult granulosa cell tumor (GCT) is a rare stromal cell neoplasm that most often arises from the ovary. Presenting symptoms are related to external compression of adjacent structures (mass effect) or secretion of hormones such as estrogen. Patients most commonly present with irregular menstruation, postmenopausal bleeding, and abdominal pain. Prolonged estrogen exposure can contribute to endometrial adenocarcinoma development in untreated patients. The highly vascular nature of GCTs can lead to hemorrhagic rupture in rare cases. We describe a case of adult GCT in a 44-year-old female with a history of irregular menstrual bleeding and anemia. The patient presented with shortness of breath and abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated possible hemorrhagic ascites of unclear etiology and a pelvic mass. The patient was brought to the operating room in hemorrhagic shock for surgical exploration where she was found to have active bleeding of a ruptured ovarian tumor for which she underwent left salpingo-oophorectomy. Postoperative course was unremarkable, and pathology demonstrated ruptured GCT. Although rare, ovarian tumors can present with massive bleeding following rupture. Granulosa cell tumors are surreptitious as they grow slowly, and symptoms such as distention, abdominal pain, and irregular vaginal bleeding are nonspecific. CT findings demonstrating a pelvic mass in the setting of spontaneous intra-abdominal bleeding should raise clinical suspicion, particularly in patients with histories of menstrual abnormalities. Patients with suspected intra-abdominal hemorrhage due to any cause are best treated by prompt surgical exploration and aggressive resuscitation. • Granulosa cell tumors may present as hemorrhagic shock. • Large granulosa cell tumors are prone to rupture. • Irregular menstrual bleeding should raise suspicion for granulosa cell tumor. • Resuscitation and surgery exploration for ruptured granulosa cell tumor [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We examined the safety and effectiveness of antegrade laparoscopic inversion esophagectomy (LIE) for patients with multifocal high-grade dysplasia and distal esophageal cancer. Methods: We reviewed our experience with antegrade LIE, using an institutional research board-approved prospective database. Results: Thirty-six patients with an average age of 64 years underwent LIE. Indications included multifocal high-grade dysplasia (n = 4), adenocarcinoma (n = 30), and squamous cell carcinoma (n = 2); 11 patients had undergone neoadjuvant chemoradiation. LIE was completed successfully in 34 (94%) patients, whereas 2 required a conversion to open transhiatal esophagectomy. LIE required 221 minutes to perform, with a median blood loss of 100 mL. R0 resection was achieved in 97% of cases with a median lymph node harvest 15. Median hospital stay was 8 days, and 61% of patients were discharged to their home. Postoperative complications included anastomotic leak (n = 11) and stricture (n = 18), atrial arrhythmia (n = 5), pneumonia (n = 4), and tracheoesophageal fistula (n = 2). Operative outcomes after neoadjuvant therapy did not differ from those for primary operative resection. Conclusion: Antegrade LIE is a safe treatment approach for patients with high-grade dysplasia and distal esophageal cancer. Complete resection with an adequate lymph node harvest can be achieved consistently for primary operative resection or after neoadjuvant chemoradiation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Sparse published data support the optimal surgical management of megaobesity (body mass index >70 kg/m2). The purpose of the present study was to compare laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (ORYGB) in megaobese patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 89 consecutive patients with a body mass index >70 kg/m2 who underwent LRYGB or ORYGB from January 2003 to May 2007 at the Ohio State University Medical Center. Results: LRYGB was performed in 37 patients, with 3 conversions to open surgery, and 52 underwent ORYGB. No statistically significant demographic or preoperative co-morbidity differences were discerned. The mean intraoperative blood loss was lower in the LRYGB group (54 mL versus 211 mL; P < .0001). The median length of stay for both LRYGB and ORYGB groups was 4 days. One patient in the open group died. The postoperative complications were statistically equivalent between the 2 groups. The hernia rate for the LRYGB group was 3% and was 19% in the ORYGB group (P = .02). The patients who underwent LRYGB had greater excess body weight loss at 3 (22.7% versus 17.5%, P = .02) and 6 (37.5% versus 30.5%, P = .03) months. However, the average excess body weight loss at 12 and 24 months was similar (48% and 60%, respectively). Conclusion: LRYGB is a technically feasible and safe surgical approach in the megaobese. The intraoperative blood loss was less with LRYGB than with ORYGB. The overall mortality and complications were not different, with the exception of hernia frequency, which was significantly greater after ORYGB. The percentage of excess body weight loss at 3 and 6 months was better for the LRYGB group. In both groups of patients, the 12- and 24-month excess body weight loss were similar. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Inadequate reprocessing of rigid laryngoscopes has been linked to nosocomial outbreaks with associated morbidity and mortality. Last year an outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a neonatal intensive care unit was responsible for multiple infections and colonisations, and at least two infant deaths. An investigation of this outbreak identified contaminated rigid laryngoscopes as its source, demonstrating that inadequate reprocessing of rigid laryngoscopes remains a current public health concern. This article revisits and reassesses the risk of healthcare-acquired infection during rigid laryngoscopy and establishes the minimum reprocessing requirements for blades and handles of rigid laryngoscopes. Several potential risk factors for microbial transmission are identified and discussed, including the publication of inconsistent reprocessing guidelines for rigid laryngoscopes. Concern about guidelines that recommend low-level or intermediate-level disinfection of rigid laryngoscopes is expressed. The use of a sterile disposable sheath to cover the rigid laryngoscope and minimise the risk of contamination is also discussed. Regardless of whether a sheath is used during the procedure, thorough cleaning followed by high-level disinfection and drying of the instrument is recommended to prevent microbial transmission. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The medical literature was reviewed to evaluate the risk of disease transmission and nosocomial infection associated with flexible laryngoscopes. These instruments have been reported to be contaminated with blood, body fluids, organic debris, and potentially pathogenic microorganisms during routine clinical use. Failure to reprocess properly a flexible laryngoscope may, therefore, result in patient-to-patient disease transmission. Different types of biocidal agents, including 70% isopropyl alcohol, quaternary ammonium compounds, and 2% glutaraldehyde have been reported to be used to disinfect flexible laryngoscopes. A logic, or algorithm, was developed to evaluate the adequacy of these and other types of biocidal agents used during instrument reprocessing. This review determined that flexible laryngoscopes are semicritical instruments that require high-level disinfection (or sterilization) to prevent nosocomial infection. Whereas 70% isopropyl alcohol, quaternary ammonium compounds, and other products that achieve intermediate-level or low-level disinfection are contraindicated for reprocessing flexible laryngoscopes, 2% glutaraldehyde and other products that achieve high-level disinfection (or sterilization) are recommended for reprocessing these instruments to prevent nosocomial infection. A formal set of step-by-step guidelines for reprocessing flexible laryngoscopes is provided. Use of a disposable sheath to cover and protect the flexible laryngoscope from contamination during clinical use is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

19 patients were treatment naïve, 11 patients had prior chemo and 12 had prior chemoradiation, with 1 patient having had a prior Whipple procedure (excluded). There was a direct correlation between number of treatments received and survival after first IA therapy; 1-5 treatments (n = 26):4.9 months vs. 8.3 months for >=6 treatments (n = 16); P = 0.0083. [Extracted from the article]

Reports exist regarding a gradual approach to the care of patients with differences of sexual development. Each patient and family have different values and styles of learning that have to be taken into account. The goals of care should include education about the condition, counseling of the patient and family, and a complete outlining of treatment options. Motivated by a call from the 2010 Health Reform Law for the use of shared decision-making tools and the emphasis placed on these issues by the DSD Consensus Statement, we sought to develop and implement such tools for the DSD population.1-3 Thus, we developed an organized checklist for providers to share with a patients and families affected by CAIS, beginning with the initial visit. The development of the document enlisted input from physicians, clinical coordinator, advocacy groups and affected individuals. It allows providers to explain the process of care and develop a plan for delivery of that care over multiple visits spanning six months or more. The checklist is divided into five sections: 1) An overview addressing how much information is desired and in what manner the patient prefers to obtain information; 2) A preferred words list so that the patient can choose nomenclature that is most comfortable; 3) A list of topics to review over the course of multiple visits; 4) A list of questions to be answered by the providers or other resources over time, and; 5) A list of concerns to be addressed before surgical intervention is considered. An organized approach to long-term delivery of compassionate care and accurate information can be facilitated for patients with CAIS by the use of a shared decision-making checklist. Documentation of the care delivery process can stimulate referral to peer support and promote fully informed consent for treatment decisions. The use of the checklist should encourage trust in the provider, as well as aid in identifying and addressing stressors for the patient and family. The checklist will be updated and revised as new treatments and advanced technology emerges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary We investigated relationships among immune, metabolic, and sleep abnormalities in mice with non-metastatic mammary cancer. Tumor-bearing mice displayed interleukin-6 (IL-6)-mediated peripheral inflammation, coincident with altered hepatic glucose processing and sleep. Tumor-bearing mice were hyperphagic, had reduced serum leptin concentrations, and enhanced sensitivity to exogenous ghrelin. We tested whether these phenotypes were driven by inflammation using neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against IL-6; despite the reduction in IL-6 signaling, metabolic and sleep abnormalities persisted. We next investigated neural populations coupling metabolism and sleep, and observed altered activity within lateral-hypothalamic hypocretin/orexin (HO) neurons. We used a dual HO-receptor antagonist to test whether increased HO signaling was causing metabolic abnormalities. This approach rescued metabolic abnormalities and enhanced sleep quality in tumor-bearing mice. Peripheral sympathetic denervation prevented tumor-induced increases in serum glucose. Our results link metabolic and sleep abnormalities via the HO system, and provide evidence that central neuromodulators contribute to tumor-induced changes in metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]