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Background: Stoma prolapse (SP) is a common stoma-related complication, particularly in loop colostomies. This study aimed to investigate potential risk factors for SP development after laparoscopic loop colostomy. Methods: In total, data from 140 patients who underwent laparoscopic loop colostomy were analyzed between September 2016 and March 2022. Risk factors for SP were investigated retrospectively. Results: The median follow-up duration after colostomy was 12.5 months, and SP occurred in 33 (23.6%) patients. Multivariate analysis showed that being overweight (body mass index ≥ 25; odds ratio [OR], 8.69; 95% confidential interval [CI], 1.61–46.72; p = 0.012) and having a thin rectus abdominis penetration of the stoma (< 8.9 mm; OR, 8.22; 95% CI, 2.50–27.05; p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for SP. Other patient characteristics and surgical factors associated with stoma construction were unrelated to SP development. Conclusions: Being overweight and the route penetrating the thinner rectus abdominis during stoma construction was associated with a significantly higher incidence of SP after laparoscopic loop colostomy. Selecting a construction site that penetrates the thicker rectus abdominis muscle may be crucial for preventing SP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The appropriateness of laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) for super-geriatric patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC) is inconclusive, and the prognostic factors are also yet to be elucidated. Herein, we aimed to investigate the surgical and oncological outcomes of LG versus open gastrectomy (OG) for geriatric patients with LAGC who have outlived the average lifespan of the Chinese population (≥ 78 years). Methods: This is a monocentric, retrospective, comparative study. A 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to minimize selection bias and ensure well-balanced characteristics. The primary endpoint of interest was 3-year overall survival, while secondary endpoints included procedure-related variables, postoperative recovery indices, and complications. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed to identify unfavorable prognostic factors. Results: Of 196 eligible individuals, 107 underwent LG and 89 underwent OG, with a median age (interquartile range [IQR]) of 82 [79, 84] years. PSM yielded 61 matched pairs, with comparable demographic and tumor characteristics. The LG group had a significantly lower overall complication rate than the OG group (31.1% vs. 49.2%, P = 0.042), as well as shorter duration of postoperative hospital stay [12 (11, 13) vs. 13 (12, 15.5) d, P < 0. 001], less intraoperative blood loss [95 (75, 150) vs. 230 (195, 290) mL, P < 0.001], but a longer operative time [228 (210, 255.5) vs. 196 (180, 219.5) min, P < 0.001]. The times to first aerofluxus, defecation, liquid diet, and half-liquid diet were comparable. Kaplan–Meier analyses revealed no significant difference in 3-year overall survival between the groups, either in the entire cohort or in subgroups with different TNM staging. Moreover, Age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index scores of > 6 [hazard ratio (HR) 4.003; P = 0.021] and pathologic TNM stage III (HR 3.816, P = 0.023) were independent unfavorable prognostic factors for long-term survival. Conclusions: LG performed by experienced surgeons offers the benefits of comparable or better surgical and oncological safety profiles than OG for super-geriatric patients with LAGC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of preoperative comorbidities, including depression, anxiety, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, hypothyroidism, and the type of surgery on %EBWL (percent estimated body weight loss) in patients 1 year after bariatric surgery. Patients who choose to undergo bariatric surgery often have other comorbidities that can affect both the outcomes of their procedures and the postoperative period. We predict that patients who have depression, anxiety, diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, or hypothyroidism will have a smaller change in %EBWL when compared to patients without any of these comorbidities. Methods and procedures: Data points were retrospectively collected from the charts of 440 patients from March 2012–December 2019 who underwent a sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass surgery. Data collected included patient demographics, select comorbidities, including diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, hypothyroidism, depression, and anxiety, and body weight at baseline and 1 year postoperatively. Ideal body weight was calculated using the formula 50 + (2.3 × height in inches over 5 feet) for males and 45.5 + (2.3 × height in inches over 5 feet) for females. Excess body weight was then calculated by subtracting ideal body weight from actual weight at the above forementioned time points. Finally, %EBWL was calculated using the formula (change in weight over 1 year/excess weight) × 100. Results: Patients who had a higher baseline BMI (p < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.026), hypothyroidism (p = 0.046), and who had a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy rather than Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (p < 0.001) had a smaller %EBWL in the first year after bariatric surgery as compared to patients without these comorbidities at the time of surgery. Controversially, patients with anxiety or depression (p = 0.73) or obstructive sleep apnea (p = 0.075) did not have a statistically significant difference in %EBWL. Conclusion: A higher baseline BMI, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, and undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy may lead to lower %EBWL in the postoperative period after bariatric surgery. At the same time, patients' mental health status and sleep apnea status were not related to %EBWL. This study provides new insight into which comorbidities may need tighter control in order to optimize weight loss outcomes after bariatric surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to investigate the impact of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) & left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) which are the independent predictors of subclinical atherosclerosis. Methods: To assess the change in CIMT & echocardiographic parameters of left ventricular function & correlate with %EWL 6 months and 12 months after LSG, the mean CIMT of bilateral common carotid arteries were measured at 3 different places & 7 parameters were assessed for left ventricular dysfunction after 6 and 12 months of LSG & correlated with the %EWL. Results: A total of 30 patients (27(90%) women & 3(10%) men) with the mean age of 38 ± 7.84 were prospectively enrolled. BMI was significantly reduced from 42.66 ± 3.79 to 37.93 ± 3.60 kg/m2 at six months to 36 ± 3.34 at 12 months after LSG. CIMT values were significantly decreased at 6 months after surgery from 0.50 ± 0.11 mm to 0.46 ± 0.09 mm (p < 0.01) to 0.39 ± 0.07 (p < 0.05) at 12 months. However, no significant change was observed in the right mean CCA values at 6 months after surgery 0.50 ± 0.11 mm vs 0.47 ± 0.09 mm (p = 0.07) as compared to decrease at 12 months after surgery to 0.40 ± 0.08 (p < 0.05). Left mean CCA values at 6 months changed from 0.50 ± 0.11 to 0.45 ± 0.09 (p < 0.01) and at 12 months after surgery to 0.39 ± 007(p < 0.05). On 2D ECHO, ejection fraction increased at 6 months from 60.80 ± 5.89 to 61.93 ± 4.47 (p < 0.5) to after 12 months at 64.30 ± 4.20 (p < 0.05). Wave deceleration time changed at 6 months from 170 ± 36.80 to 150 ± 28.82 (p < 0.05) to 12 months 139.07 ± 17.98 (p < 0.05). Peak early diastolic mitral annular velocity (e) changed at 6 months from 8.12 ± 1.66 to 7.02 ± 1.76 (p < 0.05) to 12 months 6.33 ± 0.76 (p < 0.05). Inter-ventricular septum thickness (IVSD) changed at 6 months from 0.99 ± 0.14 to 0.91 ± 0.14 (p < 0.05) to 12 months 0.82 ± 0.09 (p < 0.05). Intraventricular relaxation time (IVRT) at 6 months changed from 94.33 ± 21.71 to 84.36 ± 14.85 (p < 0.03) to 12 months after surgery 77.40 ± 10.19 (p < 0.05). Left atrial volume index (LAVI) at 6 months decreased from 38.08 ± 11.23 to 30.93 ± 7.16 (p < 0.01) to 12 months after surgery 25.43 ± 3.65 (p < 0.05). Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction [LVIDD] at 6 months changed from 4.32 ± 0.52 to 4.11 ± 0.52 (p < 0.02) to 3.94 ± 0.26 (p < 0.05) to 3.94 ± 0.26 (p < 0.05) at 12 months after surgery. PwD at 6 and 12 months changed from 1.00 ± 0.19 to 0.87 ± 0.10 (p < 0.01) to 0.82 ± 0.08 (p < 0.05) respectively. LV mass changed in 6 months from 148.37 ± 33.09 to 117 ± 29.90 (p < 0.001) to 12 months at 110.64 ± 20.79 (p < 0.05) and left ventricular mass index [LVMI] changed in 6 months from 70 ± 16.89 to 59.626 ± 15.35 (p < 0.001) reaching a value of 57.53 ± 11.18 (p < 0.05) at 12 months. The mean 10-year risk of death due to CVD calculated was significantly reduced from 5.45 ± 6.6 to 2.8 ± 1.7% at 6 months (p < 0.05). This significant decrease in CVD risk has a positive correlation with the decrease in CIMT over 6 months showing a correlation coefficient of 0.018 with statistically significant analysis (p value < 0.05). Conclusion: We observed a significant reduction in CIMT & improvement in 2D ECHO parameters at 6 after LSG although no statistically significant change was observed in mean right CIMT & EF at 6 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aims to compare clinical outcomes and financial cost of intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) versus retromuscular (RM) repairs in robotic incisional hernia repairs (rIHR). Methods: Patients who underwent either IPOM or RM elective rIHR from 2012 to 2022 were included. Demographics, operative details, postoperative outcomes, and hospital costs were directly compared. Results: Sixty-nine IPOM and 55 RM were included. Age and body mass index (BMI) did not differ between both groups (IPOM vs RM: 59.3 ± 11.2 years vs. 57.5 ± 14 years, p = 0.423; BMI 34.1 ± 6.3 vs. BMI 33.2 ± 6.9, p = 0.435, respectively). Comorbidities and hernia characteristics were comparable. Extensive lysis of adhesions (> 30 min) was required more often in IPOM (18 vs. 6 in RM, p = 0.034). Defect closure was achieved in 100% of RM vs. 81.2% in IPOM (p < 0.001). Median (interquartile range) postoperative pain score was higher in RM than in IPOM [5(3–7) vs. 4(3–5), respectively, p = 0.006]. Median length of stay (0 day) and same-day discharge rate did not differ between groups (p = 0.598, p = 0.669, respectively). Six (8.7%) patients in the IPOM group versus one (1.8%) patient in the RM group were readmitted to hospital within 30 days postoperatively (p = 0.099). Perioperative complications were higher in IPOM (p = 0.011; 34.8% vs. 14.5% in RM) with higher Comprehensive Complication Index® morbidity scores [0(0–12.2) vs 0(0–0) in RM, p = 0.008)], Clavien–Dindo grade-II complications (8 vs 0 in RM, p = 0.009), and surgical site events (17 vs. 5 in RM, p = 0.024). Within a follow-up period of 57(± 28) months, recurrence rates were similar between both groups. Hospital costs did not differ between groups [IPOM: $9978 (7031–12,926) vs. RM: $8961(6701–11,222), p = 0.300]. Although postoperative complication costs were higher in IPOM ($2436 vs RM: $161, p = 0.020), total costs were comparable [IPOM: $12,415(8700–16,130) vs. RM: $9123(6789–11,457), p = 0.080]. Conclusion: Despite retromuscular repairs having lower postoperative complications than intraperitoneal onlay mesh repairs, both techniques offered encouraging results in robotic incisional hernia repair at a comparable total cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There is growing evidence that the use of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) in colorectal cancer resections is associated with improved short-term outcomes when compared to laparoscopic surgery (LS) or open surgery (OS), possibly through a reduced systemic inflammatory response (SIR). Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) is a sensitive SIR biomarker and its utility in the early identification of post-operative complications has been validated in a variety of surgical procedures. There remains a paucity of studies characterising post-operative SIR in RAS. Methods: Retrospective study of a prospectively collected database of consecutive patients undergoing OS, LS and RAS for left-sided and rectal cancer in a single high-volume unit. Patient and disease characteristics, post-operative CRP levels, and clinical outcomes were reviewed, and their relationships explored within binary logistic regression and propensity scores matched models. Results: A total of 1031 patients were included (483 OS, 376 LS, and 172 RAS). RAS and LS were associated with lower CRP levels across the first 4 post-operative days (p < 0.001) as well as reduced complications and length of stay compared to OS in unadjusted analyses. In binary logistic regression models, RAS was independently associated with lower CRP levels at Day 3 post-operatively (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.21–0.59, p < 0.001) and a reduction in the rate of all complications (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.26–0.56, p < 0.001) and major complications (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.26–0.95, p = 0.036). Within a propensity scores matched model comparing LS versus RAS specifically, RAS was associated with lower post-operative CRP levels in the first two post-operative days, a lower proportion of patients with a CRP ≥ 150 mg/L at Day 3 (20.9% versus 30.5%, p = 0.036) and a lower rate of all complications (34.7% versus 46.7%, p = 0.033). Conclusions: The present observational study shows that an RAS approach was associated with lower postoperative SIR, and a better postoperative complications profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Revisional bariatric surgery after an index adjustable gastric band (AGB) may be indicated to remedy weight relapse or band-related complications. We examined outcomes five years following revision from AGB to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (AGB-LSG) or to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (AGB-RYGB). Methods: We conducted a retrospective review to identify patients (men and women, age 18–80) who underwent one revisional bariatric procedure with AGB as the index procedure at two medical centers in our healthcare system between January 2012 and February 2017. We only included patients with a pre-revision BMI > 30 kg/m2 for whom 5-year follow-up data were available. We compared 5-year weight loss and remission of comorbidities in patients undergoing AGB-LSG and AGB-RYGB conversion. Results: A total of 114 patients met inclusion criteria (65 AGB-LSG, 49 AGB-RYGB). At 5-year post-revision, percent total weight loss (3.4% vs 19.9%; p < 0.001), percent excess weight loss (7.0% vs 50.8%; p < 0.001) and decrease in BMI (1.5 vs 8.8; p < 0.001) was greater in AGB-RYGB vs. AGB-LSG. No significant difference in remission or development of new comorbidities was observed. Conclusion: Conversion of AGB to RYGB is associated with superior intermediate-term weight loss compared to conversion of AGB to LSG. Future multicenter studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to further describe the intermediate-term outcomes of revisional bariatric surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endoscopic full-thickness gastric resection (EFTGR) with laparoscopic regional lymph node dissection (LLND) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) with LLND have been investigated as treatment options for early gastric cancer beyond the absolute indications for ESD. However, comparative studies on the long-term outcomes of these procedures are lacking. This study aimed to analyze and compare the 10-year outcomes of both procedures in a real clinical setting. Methods: Between January 2009 and December 2013, 28 and 37 patients diagnosed with EGC beyond the absolute indications for ESD were treated with EFTGR with LLND and ESD with LLND, respectively. In both procedures, the dye was injected into the tumor. However, after injection and LLND, EFTGR was performed immediately in the EFTGR with LLND group, whereas LLND was followed by ESD in the ESD with LLND group. The primary endpoint was the 10-year survival rate. Results: The EFTGR with LLND group had one case of local recurrence (3.6%) and mortality (3.6%) each, while the ESD with LLND group had none (0.0% for both); however, the differences were not statistically significant (P = 0.247 for each). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in complications such as ischemia and anastomosis leakage between the groups (P = 0.247). Conclusions: When the procedures were properly applied, EFTGR with LLND and ESD with LLND did not increase the 10-year mortality in patients with EGC beyond the absolute ESD indications compared with conventional radical gastrectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatic resection combined with intraoperative ablation has been described as a technical solution potentially widening the resectability rate of patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Nevertheless, the perioperative and oncological benefit provided by this combined approach remains unclear. We hypothesized that textbook outcome (TO), which is a composite measure achieved for patients for whom some desired health indicators are met, may help to refine the indications of this approach. Methods: Patients submitted to hepatectomy with curative intent in combination with radiofrequency ablation or microwave ablation for CRLM ≤ 3 cm in two tertiary referral centers were included. TO was defined according to a recent definition for liver surgery based on a Delphi process including also the achievement of complete radiological response of the ablated lesion/s at 4 weeks. Results: Between 2015 and 2022, 112 patients were enrolled. Among them, 63 (56.2%) achieved a TO. According to multivariate analysis, minimally invasive (MI) approach (OR 2.72, 95% CI 0.99–7.48, p = 0.050), simultaneous CR resection (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.11–0.70, p = 0.007), tumor burden score (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82–0.96, p = 0.004), and major hepatectomy (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.03–0.52, p = 0.004) were significantly associated with the achievement of TO. Median overall survival was longer in those patients who were able to achieve a TO compared to those who did not. Conclusions: The combination of hepatectomy and ablation constitutes a valuable solution in patients affected by multiple CRLM and it may provide, also using a MI approach, adequate perioperative and oncological outcomes, allowing to achieve TO, however, in a selected number of patients and depending on several factors including the burden of disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite a significant 30% ten-year readmission rate for SBO patients, investigations into recurrent risk factors after non-operative management are scarce. The study aims to generate a risk factor scoring system, the 'Small Bowel Obstruction Recurrence Score' (SBORS), predicting 6-month recurrence of small bowel obstruction (SBO) after successful non-surgical management in patients who have history of intra-abdominal surgery. Methods: We analyzed data from patients aged ≥ 18 with a history of intra-abdominal surgery and diagnosed with SBO (ICD-9 code: 560, 568) and were successful treated non-surgically between 2004 and 2008. Participants were divided into model-derivation (80%) and validation (20%) group. Results: We analyzed 23,901 patients and developed the SBORS based on factors including the length of hospital stay > 4 days, previous operations > once, hemiplegia, extra-abdominal and intra-abdominal malignancy, esophagogastric surgery and intestino-colonic surgery. Scores > 2 indicated higher rates and risks of recurrence within 6 months (12.96% vs. 7.27%, OR 1.898, p < 0.001 in model-derivation group, 12.60% vs. 7.05%, OR 1.901, p < 0.001 in validation group) with a significantly increased risk of mortality and operative events for recurrent episodes. The SBORS model demonstrated good calibration and acceptable discrimination, with an area under curve values of 0.607 and 0.599 for the score generation and validation group, respectively. Conclusions: We established the effective 'SBORS' to predict 6-month SBO recurrence risk in patients who have history of intra-abdominal surgery and have been successfully managed non-surgically for the initial obstruction event. Those with scores > 2 face higher recurrence rates and operative risks after successful non-surgical management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has emerged as a widely accepted treatment for achalasia, with limited studies for over 2 years. Additionally, traditional measurements of achalasia after POEM have deficiencies. The study aimed to analyze the long-term outcomes of POEM under different criteria. Methods: Patients with achalasia who received POEM between November 2012 and March 2021 were recruited. Patients and characteristics were shown, and risk factors related to two novel definitions of recurrence, symptomatic reflux, and reflux esophagitis were analyzed. Results: Three hundred and twenty-one patients were included. At a median follow-up of 52 months, twenty-three failures happened (7.17%) under the modified criterion, and forty-seven failures occurred (14.64%) under the normal standard. Hospitalization (P = 0.027) and esophageal myotomy length (P = 0.039) were significantly associated with long-term efficacy under the modified and normal criteria, respectively. Fifty-two patients (16.20%) reported reflux symptoms and endoscopy performed in 88 patients revealed reflux esophagitis in 22 cases (25.00%). There were no predictors in the analysis of symptomatic reflux and gender (P = 0.010), LESP (P = 0.013), IRP (P = 0.015), and the esophageal myotomy length (P = 0.032) were statistically related to reflux esophagitis. Conclusion: POEM is an extremely safe and effective treatment for achalasia with long-term follow-up. Shorter hospitalization and shorter esophageal myotomy length may decrease the incidence of recurrence under the modified and normal criteria, respectively. Long-term outcomes of POEM are unpredictable. No risk factors were related to symptomatic reflux, and male patients with low preoperative LESP and IRP needed relatively shorter esophageal myotomy to prevent reflux esophagitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence regarding the outcomes benefits of robotic approach, when compared to a laparoscopic approach, in colectomy remain limited. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the value of robotic approach compared to laparoscopic approach in minimally invasive colectomy. Design: Cohort study of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). Setting: This study included data from the NSQIP from 1/2016 to 12/2021. Patient: Adult patients undergoing minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) colorectal surgery. Intervention: Robotic versus laparoscopic colectomy. Outcome measures: Risk ratios for the incidence of medical and surgical morbidity and overall mortality. Results: Compared to laparoscopic, robotic colectomy was associated with a significant decrease in postoperative morbidity [RR 0.84 (95%CI 0.72–0.96), P < 0.001], a significant reduction in postoperative mortality [RR 0.83 (95%CI 0.79–0.90), P 0.010)], and in post operative ileus [RR: 0.80 (95%CI 0.75–0.84), P < 0.001]. Yet, robotic approach was associated with a significant increase in total operative time despite a significant decrease in total length of stay. No benefit was observed regarding anastomotic leak. Limitations: Observational nature of the study cannot exclude residual bias. Conclusions: In this prospective cohort from the NSQIP, robotic colectomy was associated with a significant reduction in postoperative ileus, unplanned conversion to open surgery, morbidity, and overall mortality when compared to laparoscopic colectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bile duct leaks (BDLs) are serious complications that occurs after hepatobiliary surgery and trauma, leading to rapid clinical deterioration. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the first-line treatment for BDLs, but it is not clear which patients will respond to this therapy and which patients will require additional surgical intervention. The aim of our study was to explore the predictors of successful ERCP for BDLs. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using data from six centers' databases. All consecutive patients who were clinically confirmed as BDLs were included in the study. Collected data were demographics, disease severity, and ERCP procedure characteristics. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to select independent predictive factors that affect the outcome of ERCP for BDLs, and a nomogram was established. Calibration and ROC curves were used to evaluate the models. Results: Four hundred and forty-eight consecutive patients were clinically confirmed as BDLs and 347 were excluded. In the 101 patients included patients, clinical success was achieved in 78 patients (77.2%). In logistic multivariable regression, two independent factors were negatively associated with the success of ERCP: SIRS (OR, 0.183; 95% CI 0.039–0.864; P = 0.032) and high-grade leak (OR 0.073; 95% CI 0.010–0.539; P = 0.010). Two independent factors were positively associated with the success of ERCP: leak-bridging drainage (OR 4.792; 95% CI 1.08–21.21; P = 0.039) and cystic duct leak (OR 6.193; 95% CI 1.03–37.17; P = 0.046). The prediction model with these four factors was evaluated using a receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve, which demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.9351. The calibration curve showed that the model had good predictive accuracy. Conclusion: Leak-bridging drainage and cystic duct leak are positive predictors for the success of ERCP, while SIRS and high-grade leak are negative predictors. This prediction model with nomogram has good predictive ability and practical clinical value, and may be helpful in clinical decision-making and prognostication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim: Balloon endoscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (BE-ERCP) is an emerging procedure for pancreatobiliary diseases in patients with surgically altered anatomy. However, data on BE-ERCP for hepatolithiasis after hepaticojejunostomy (HJS) are still limited. Methods: Stone removal success, adverse events and recurrence were retrospectively studied in consecutive patients who underwent BE-ERCP for hepatolithiasis after HJS between January 2011 and October 2022. Subgroup analysis was performed to compare clinical outcomes between patients who had undergone HJS over 10 years before (past HJS group) and within 10 years (recent HJS group). Results: A total of 131 patients were included; 39% had undergone HJS for malignancy and 32% for congenital biliary dilation. Scope insertion and complete stone removal were successful in 89% and 73%, respectively. Early adverse events were observed in 9.9%. Four patients (3.1%) developed gastrointestinal perforation but could be managed conservatively. Hepatolithiasis recurrence rate was 17%, 20% and 31% in 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year after complete stone removal. The past HJS group was the only risk factor for failed stone removal (odds ratio 10.4, 95% confidence interval 2.99–36.5) in the multivariable analysis. Failed scope insertion (20%) and failed guidewire or device insertion to the bile duct (22%) were two major reasons for failed stone removal in the past HJS group. Conclusions: BE-ERCP for hepatolithiasis was effective and safe in cases with HJS but the complete stone removal rate was low in the past HJS group. Recurrent hepatolithiasis was common and careful follow up study is needed even after complete stone removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Wireless pH monitoring allows for a definitive GERD diagnosis, which is essential for optimal medical or surgical management of the patient. However, there is no guideline recommendation on whether prolonged pH testing (72 or 96 h) provides additional benefit when compared to the standard 48-h testing. We aimed to assess whether prolonged pH monitoring diagnoses more patients with GERD, as well as compare the DeMeester score to acid exposure time as diagnostic criteria for GERD. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of consecutive adult patients who underwent wireless esophageal pH monitoring between August 2018 and July 2021. The primary outcome was the additional diagnoses of GERD (predominant acid exposure pattern) in patients who underwent 48-h versus 96-h pH monitoring. Secondary outcomes included comparison of the DeMeester score to acid exposure time and internal agreement between the first and second 48-h blocks of a prolonged 96-h pH study. Results: When comparing 48-h versus 96-h pH testing, the prolonged monitoring group was more likely to have a predominant reflux pattern and thus be diagnosed with definitive GERD by elevated DeMeester score (58.8% vs. 40.8%, p = 0.003) or acid exposure time > 6% (44.7% vs. 32.4%, p = 0.039). For patients who underwent prolonged testing, the results of monitoring beyond 48 h led to a clinically meaningful change in study interpretation in 24.8% of patients. The study data from Days 3 to 4 yielded only a 56.6% agreement with the first 2 days. Conclusions: In patients undergoing extended pH monitoring, almost half were found to have an abnormal pH study after a normal study on Day 1. An additional 25% of patients had a change in study interpretation by extending the study beyond 48 h. Our findings suggest only 48 h of pH monitoring will miss a diagnosis of GERD in a clinically important number of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies on early abstinence suggest that cognitive function is significantly reduced in the first year of abstinence, which raises the question of whether it is relevant to early relapse in patients with substance use disorders. This study investigates the extent to which impairments in executive function and memory predict alcohol relapse in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Understanding these relationships is crucial for improving therapeutic approaches to prevent relapse in patients with AUD. Methods: We selected 116 adult patients (79 male and 37 female) diagnosed with AUD based on DSM‐5 criteria, all of whom were undergoing alcohol detoxification treatment. A comprehensive array of neuropsychological tests was administered to assess global cognition, memory, and executive functions. Patients' alcohol use was monitored monthly during a 6‐month follow‐up period. Logistic regression and Cox regression were used to explore the relationship between cognitive function and the likelihood of alcohol relapse. Results: Impairments in global cognition, semantic and phonemic fluency, cognitive flexibility, and learning ability during detoxification were significant predictors of relapse in AUD patients, showing similar predictive values at both 3 and 6 months post‐treatment. An abnormal Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score increased the risk of relapse by 123% (HR: 2.227), and impairments in both semantic and phonemic fluency each increased the risk by 142% (HR: 2.423). Additionally, abnormal performance on the MoCA, Trail Making Test Part B (TMT‐B), and California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) was associated with a higher number of drinking days at 3 months (IRR: 3.764; IRR: 2.237; IRR: 2.738, respectively) and abnormal MoCA and TMT‐B scores at 6 months (IRR: 2.451; IRR: 1.859, respectively). Conclusions: The MoCA test is a valuable tool for predicting relapse risk in AUD patients undergoing detoxification treatment, with similar predictive value for relapse at 3 or 6 months. Learning ability needs to be assessed and their impairments considered in the treatment of AUD patients. Future research should explore strategies for managing patients with impairments in memory and learning ability to enhance treatment effectiveness and prevent relapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Post‐operative diarrhoea is a common adverse event after pancreatic surgery. While the risk factors for this condition have been identified, the increasing trend of administering chemotherapy before surgery might change these factors. This study aimed to identify the risk factors of post‐operative diarrhoea in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Design: A retrospective cohort study. Methods: Patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and pancreatectomy because of PDAC between 2021 and 2023 were included. The preoperative characteristics of, operative details of and post‐operative outcomes in patients with and without post‐operative diarrhoea were collected and compared. The independent risk factors of post‐operative diarrhoea were identified using logistic regression analysis. STROBE checklist was used. Results: Post‐operative diarrhoea occurred in 65 out of 145 (44.8%) patients during hospitalization. Elevated white blood cell count, advanced tumour stage, and late abdominal drain removal were independent risk factors for post‐operative diarrhoea (p <.001, p =.006 and p =.009, respectively). Conclusions: Some perioperative factors influence post‐operative diarrhoea in patients who undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy. More attention should be paid to patients at a higher risk of post‐operative diarrhoea, with an emphasis on high‐quality management for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the predictive validity and reliability of the Waterlow scale in critically adult hospitalised patients. Design: A multi‐centre cohort study. Methods: This study was conducted in 72 intensive care units (ICUs) in 38 tertiary hospitals in Gansu Province, China. All adults admitted to the ICU for greater than or equal to 24 h without pressure injury (PI) on admission were screened by the Waterlow scale on admission, during ICU stay and ICU discharge from April 2021 to February 2023. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine a potential cut‐off value for critical adult hospitalised patients. Cut‐off values were then determined using Youden's index, and sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were calculated based on these cut‐off values. Test–retest reliability was used to evaluate inter‐rater reliability. Results: A total of 5874 critical patients on admission were included, and 5125 of them were assessed regularly. The area under curve (AUC) was 0.623 (95% CI, 0.574–0.690), with a cut‐off score of 19 showing the best balance among sensitivity of 62.7%, specificity of 57.4%, positive predictive value of 2.07% and negative predictive value of 99.08%. The test–retest reliability between the first assessment and the regular assessment was 0.447. Conclusions: The Waterlow scale shows insufficient predictive validity and reliability in discriminating critical adults at risk of PI development. To further modify the items of the Waterlow scale, exploring specific risk factors for PI in the ICU and clarifying their impact degree was necessary. Risk predictive models or better tools are inevitable in the future. Patient or Public Contribution: Patients or family members supported nurses with PI risk assessment, skin examination and other activities during the inquiry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Nursing Care Continuity Report (NCCR) is a tool for evaluating the quality of nursing care during hospital admission. Aim: To explore the role of the NCCR in predicting longer length of stay (LOS) in older adults (≥65 years) admitted to a tertiary hospital and determine possible clinical differences at discharge between patients who had a short LOS (≤7 days) and a prolonged LOS (>7 days). Research Design and Setting: A retrospective cohort study was conducted including all patients with a completed NCCR admitted to the hospital between 2015 and 2019. Sociodemographic data, risk of pressure injuries, level of dependence, presence and intensity of pain, and presence and type of pressure injury were the variables registered in the NCCR. Results: A total of 41,354 patients were included in this study, with a mean age of 78 years, of whom 47% were female. At admission, 21% of patients were at potential risk of developing pressure ulcers. Age, admission to the internal or respiratory medicine unit, and having at least medium risk of developing pressure ulcers were the predictors of prolonged LOS using a random sample of 950 patients. At discharge, patients with prolonged LOS presented higher risk of pressure ulcers and a higher level of dependency and were more likely to present hospital‐acquired pressure ulcers. Conclusions: Older adults from the internal or respiratory medicine unit who exhibited higher risk of pressure ulcers were related to a prolonged LOS, a higher level of dependency, and hospital‐acquired ulcers at hospital discharge. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Identifying clinical data that have a greater relationship with LOS could be a useful tool for nursing management and for the implementation of strategies to prevent adverse events during hospitalisation. No Patient or Public Contribution: No direct patient contact was made during the data collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comparative approaches have revealed both divergent and convergent paths to achieving shared developmental outcomes. Thus, only through assembling multiple case studies can we understand biological principles. Yet, despite appreciating the conservation—or lack thereof—of developmental networks, the conservation of epigenetic mechanisms regulating these networks is poorly understood. The nematode Pristionchus pacificus has emerged as a model system of plasticity and epigenetic regulation as it exhibits a bacterivorous or omnivorous morph depending on its environment. Here, we determined the "epigenetic toolkit" available to P. pacificus as a resource for future functional work on plasticity, and as a comparison with Caenorhabditis elegans to investigate the conservation of epigenetic mechanisms. Broadly, we observed a similar cast of genes with putative epigenetic function between C. elegans and P. pacificus. However, we also found striking differences. Most notably, the histone methyltransferase complex PRC2 appears to be missing in P. pacificus. We described the deletion/pseudogenization of the PRC2 genes mes-2 and mes-6 and concluded that both were lost in the last common ancestor of P. pacificus and a related species P. arcanus. Interestingly, we observed the enzymatic product of PRC2 (H3K27me3) by mass spectrometry and immunofluorescence, suggesting that a currently unknown methyltransferase has been co-opted for heterochromatin silencing. Altogether, we have provided an inventory of epigenetic genes in P. pacificus to compare with C. elegans. This inventory will enable reverse-genetic experiments related to plasticity and has revealed the first loss of PRC2 in a multicellular organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The feline MDR1 mutation (ABCB11930_1931delTC) has been associated with neurological toxicosis after topical application of eprinomectin products labeled for feline use. Information was collected from veterinarians who submitted samples for ABCB11930_1931delTC genotyping. In most cases, the submission form indicated an adverse event involving eprinomectin, in other cases submitting veterinarians were contacted to determine whether the patient had experienced an adverse drug event involving eprinomectin. If so, additional information was obtained to determine whether the case met inclusion criteria. 14 cases were highly consistent with eprinomectin toxicosis. Eight cats were homozygous for ABCB11930_1931del TC (3 died; 5 recovered). Six cats were homozygous wildtype (2 died; 4 recovered). The observed ABCB11930_1931delTC frequency (57%) was higher than the expected frequency (≤1%) in the feline population (Fisher Exact test, p < 0.01). Among wildtype cats, four were concurrently treated with potential competitive inhibitors of P‐glycoprotein. Results indicate that topical eprinomectin products, should be avoided in cats homozygous for ABCB11930_1931delTC. This is a serious, preventable adverse event occurring in an identifiable subpopulation treated with FDA‐approved products in accordance with label directions. Acquired P‐glycoprotein deficiency resulting from drug interactions may enhance susceptibility to eprinomectin‐induced neurological toxicosis in any cat, regardless of ABCB1 genotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate the prevalence of clinical and US (grey-scale and Doppler) abnormalities in joints, periarticular structures and nails of children affected by skin psoriasis (PsO). Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study including consecutive children affected by PsO. A systematic clinical and US evaluation of joints, entheses, tendons and nails were performed by independent examiners blinded to each other's assessment. Results A total of 57 children [26 girls (46%)] with a mean age of 9 years (s. d. 4) were divided into two groups, asymptomatic (Asy, 42 children) and symptomatic (Sy, 15 children), according to musculoskeletal pain. Differences were observed between the two groups in relation to age [9 years (s. d. 3) vs 11 years (s. d. 4), P  < 0.05], PsO duration [2.4 years (s. d. 2.4) vs 5.4 years (s. d. 3.9), P  < 0.001], systemic treatment [23 (54.8%) vs 2 [13.3%], P  < 0.01], tender joint count [0 vs 12 children (80%), P  < 0.001], swollen joint count [0 vs 3 children (20%), P  < 0.01] and entheseal pain [0 vs 10 (66.7%), P  < 0.001] in Asy and Sy children, respectively. US evaluation showed statistically significant differences between the Asy and Sy groups for the presence of US abnormalities [16/42 (38%) vs 12/15 (80%)], synovitis [1/42 (2%) vs 4/15 (25%)] and enthesitis [4/42 (9.5%) vs 5/15 (33%)]. Three children in the Sy group were classified with juvenile PsA (JPsA). Conclusions US abnormalities were higher in the Sy group, with synovitis and enthesitis as the most prevalent findings. Asy patients were more frequently under systemic treatment. US and a systematic clinical evaluation are useful tools for detecting subclinical JPsA in children with PsO and musculoskeletal symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective We investigated the incidence of and risk factors for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in patients with rheumatologic disease. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who were diagnosed with rheumatologic diseases at a tertiary care hospital between May 2009 and July 2022 and identified the patients who were subsequently diagnosed with MDS. Each patient with MDS was matched with five age- and sex-matched controls chosen from the cohort of patients with each specific rheumatologic disease. Results During a total follow-up of 55 841 person-years (PY), MDS occurred in 64 patients, yielding an incidence rate of 1.15/1000 PY {median age 57.0 years [interquartile range (IQR) 41.0–69.0], median duration to MDS diagnosis 6.5 years (IQR 3.0–9.0)]. In an age-matched analysis, SLE was a significant risk factor for MDS [adjusted hazard ratio 2.61 (CI 1.19, 36.06), P  = 0.01]. Refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia was the most common phenotype of MDS (35.9%), and more than half of the patients had karyotypes with a favourable prognosis (54.7%). Compared with matched controls, RA, SLE and AS patients with MDS had lower levels of haemoglobin at the time of diagnosis of rheumatologic disease. Furthermore, the MDS patients with SLE and Behçet's disease had higher levels of glucocorticoid use in terms of frequency of use and mean dose than control patients. Conclusion SLE is a significant risk factor for MDS among patients with rheumatologic diseases. A lower haemoglobin level at the time of diagnosis of rheumatologic disease was associated with the future development of MDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a leading cause of death in patients with SSc. The purpose of this study was to determine the prognostic significance of pericardial effusion in patients with SSc-PH. Methods Pulmonary Hypertension Assessment and Recognition of Outcomes in Scleroderma (PHAROS) is a prospective multicentre registry which enrolled patients with newly diagnosed SSc-PH from 2005 to 2016. The prognostic impact of pericardial effusion status, including those who ever or never had pericardial effusion, and those who had persistent or intermittent pericardial effusion, was analysed. Kaplan–Meier survival analyses, log-rank test, and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression were performed. Results Of the 335 patients with SSc-PH diagnosed by right heart catheterization and documentation of pericardial effusion presence or absence on echocardiogram, 166 (50%) ever had pericardial effusion. Ever having pericardial effusion was not predictive of survival (log-rank test P  = 0.49). Of the 245 SSc-PH patients who had at least two echocardiograms, 44% had a change in pericardial effusion status over an average of 4.3 years of follow up. Having a persistent pericardial effusion was an independent predictor of survival [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR)=2.34, 95% CI 1.20, 4.64, P  = 0.002], while intermittent pericardial effusion was not a predictor of survival (aHR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.52, 1.56, P  = 0.68), in a multivariable-adjusted analysis. Conclusion Persistent pericardial effusion, but not ever having had pericardial effusion or intermittent pericardial effusion, was independently associated with poorer survival. Incorporating information from serial echocardiograms may help clinicians better prognosticate survival in their SSc-PH patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Somatotroph tumors are the second most common type of pituitary neuroendocrine tumors, which can be further classified into 2 subtypes—densely granulated somatotroph tumors (DGSTs) and sparsely granulated somatotroph tumors (SGSTs). The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of the 2 subtypes in a retrospective analysis. From the database of the Ningbo Clinical Pathology Diagnosis Center, we collected patients diagnosed with pituitary somatotroph tumors. We then compiled pertinent clinical and radiological data and proceeded with histopathological examination involving hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining. Subsequent analysis compared the 2 subtypes using either χ2 test or Fisher exact test. We analyzed 40 cases of somatotroph tumors, 18 cases DGSTs and 22 SGSTs. Male-to-female ratio was 5:4 for DGSTs and 4:7 for SGSTs. Mean age was 52.83 years for DGSTs and 47.18 years for SGSTs. Statistically significant differences were observed between the DGST and SGST groups in invasiveness (P = 0.0267) and postoperative remission (P = 0.007). Cells of both DGSTs and SGSTs exhibited coexpression of PIT1, growth hormone, and CAM5.2, although the patterns of CAM5.2 expression differed between the 2 subtypes. The efficacy of CAM5.2 staining in distinguishing between DGSTs and SGSTs was demonstrated. SGSTs, with their increased invasiveness and lower remission rate, are a high-risk subtype. The histological subtype of somatotroph tumors plays a crucial role in guiding treatment decisions and prognostic evaluation in affected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Chronic venous disease is a global public health problem, with high morbidity and economic distress. There is scarcity of data on this disease in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: We conducted the first population-based study over a period of 20 months from 1st February 2020 to 30th September 2021 in the 10 regions of Cameroon. A stratify sampling method was chose to select study site. Socio-demographic data, personal and family history, anthropometric parameters, clinical signs, illustrative images, CEAP (Clinical-Etiological-Anatomical-Pathophysiological) classification revised in 2004, VCSS (venous Clinical Severity Score) and risk factor assessment score were used to construct the survey form. Chi-squared test and Fischer exact test were used to compare the prevalence of chronic venous disease across different potential risk factors (sex, age category, previous history of deep vein thrombosis, hypertension, diabetes, smoking status, obesity). Simple and multiple logistic regression models were used to obtain crude and adjusted odds ratio for risk factors associated with chronic venous insufficiency. Statistical analyses were done with R version 4.2 for Linux and the threshold for statistical significance was 0.05. Results: A total of 6578 participants were included in the study, with a mean age of 41.09 ± 16.02 years with female predominance (54.3%). The prevalence of chronic venous disease was 21.8% (95% CI: 20.8–22.9) and the prevalence of chronic venous insufficiency (C3–C6) was 7.02% (n = 462). Night cramps (43.2%), oedema (21.7%), lower limbs pain (20.4%) mostly worsens by walking and heavy legs (16.2%) were more common symptoms. The mean total venous clinical severity score was 0.69 ± 1.76 and this score had a significant positive correlation with C classification (p <.001). In the multivariate analysis, the following factors were independently associated with CVD: Male gender (aOR: 1.27; 95%CI: 1.04–1.56; p =.021), retired people (aOR: 46.9; 95% CI: 12.6–174.5; p <.001), hypertension (aOR: 289.5; 95%CI: 169.69–493.1; p <.001), diabetes (aOR: 2.19; 95% CI: 1.21–3.96; p =.009), obesity (aOR: 10.22; 95%CI: 7.67–13.62; p <.001). Smoking appears as a protective factor (aOR: 0.18; 95%CI: 0.10–0.30; p <.001). Conclusion: Chronic venous disease is frequent in Cameroon and main traditional cardiovascular risk factors are associated to this condition. Systematic screening of the CVD in these specific groups could reduce the burden of the disease and its economic impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Professionalism has been discussed and defined in a variety of ways, including attire and other forms of self-expression. To determine athletic trainer (AT), physical therapist (PT), and athletic training or PT students' perceptions of appearance-based professionalism in the workplace and, secondly, to ascertain how perceptions differed across professions. Cross-sectional study. Web-based survey. Athletic trainers, PTs, and athletic training and PT students who were predominantly White, non-Hispanic, female, aged 30 ± 9 years, and recruited via listservs and social media. The independent variables were participant demographics. The dependent variables were self-reported perceptions of professionalism for each photo. The survey consisted of 3 sections: demographics, 8 photos of ATs or PTs with depictions of patient-provider interactions, and open-ended responses. For each photo, participants selected yes, no, or unsure regarding the photo. An open-ended response was prompted with a no or unsure selection. The participant further described the reason for that choice. Most participants determined the health care provider depicted in 7 photos appeared professional. Only 1 photo was deemed unprofessional by the professional majority. Significant differences existed between students and professionals for 5 photos. The proportion of participants who reported the photos were unprofessional differed among professions for 2 photos. From our qualitative analysis, we found 6 domains: (1) unprofessional attire and hair, (2) situation-dependent attire, (3) role confusion and health care employer or employee identification, (4) nonappearance related, (5) tattoo-related bias, and (6) rethinking after question is displayed. What is considered appropriate and professional is not concrete. Differing concepts of professionalism generated biased judgments and criticisms. Our findings should lead providers to reexamine the definition of professionalism. The past should not dictate the future, and today's social mores can help shape the definition as it should be considered in today's settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in people living with HIV is significantly higher than in people without HIV. MetS is not only a major driver of cardiovascular disease (CVD) but is also closely related to the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of and risk factors for MetS and to further understand the degree of damage to target organs. Methods: This was a cross‐sectional descriptive study conducted at Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, China. Information was collected via questionnaire survey, physical examination, and laboratory tests. We used the China Diabetes Society guidelines to define MetS. Pooled cohort equations were calculated to compare CVD risk in the next 10 years in people living with HIV aged ≥40 years with or without MetS. We used Student's t‐test, the chi‐squared test, Fisher's exact test, binary logistic regression, and multiple linear regression in the statistical analysis. Results: The study included 979 people living with HIV, including 13 who have experienced CVD, receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). The median age was 43.0 years, 20.9% were female, and the median ART time was 45.0 months. The prevalence of MetS was 33.9%. The components of MetS criteria were hyperglycaemia (50.4%), hypertriglyceridaemia (48.4%), hypertension (46.8%), low concentrations of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (28.2%), and abdominal obesity (25.0%). Higher body mass index (odds ratio [OR] 1.266; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.203–1.333), higher total cholesterol (OR 1.267; 95% CI 1.011–1.588), high alcohol consumption (OR 1.973; 95% CI 1.009–3.859), and family history of diabetes (OR 1.726; 95% CI 1.075–2.770) were independent risk factors for MetS. Compared with the non‐MetS group, the MetS group had a higher rate of urine albumin (23.8% vs 14.8%, p = 0.001), and the estimated glomerular filtration rate <90 mL/min/1.73 m2 (18.37% vs. 12.8%, p = 0.020) and β2‐microglobin (p = 0.004) increased more markedly in the MetS group. Regarding the risk of developing CVD events in the next 10 years, 38.5% of those in the MetS group were at high or very high risk, which was significantly higher than in the non‐MetS group (p < 0.001). In addition, age (p < 0.001) and sex (p = 0.002) are independent risk factors for developing CVD events in the next 10 years. Conclusions: The prevalence of MetS in people living with HIV on ART is high in Chongqing, China. Risk factors for the development of MetS are high alcohol consumption, family history of diabetes, higher body mass index, and higher total cholesterol levels. In addition, MetS is associated with a risk of CKD and the incidence of 10‐year CVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Recent research has focused on the welfare implications of differing dog training methodologies, but there is less insight into how dog guardians may train their dogs. The aim of this survey study was to gain insight into what training methods dog guardians use, particularly the use of aversive methods, and where they received their recommendations. While there has been recent attention in the scientific community on the ethical and welfare implications of different dog training methods, less research has investigated what methods and training tools United States dog guardians use, where they obtain information about dog training, and the reasons they give for their choices of method. We conducted two surveys with nearly 800 Arizona State University undergraduate students to gain a more realistic look into how dog guardians in the United States train their dogs and where they are receiving their training information. Only 5% of respondents reported utilizing a trainer when they had concerns regarding their dog's behavior; 60% would ask a friend or family member or seek advice online. Few reported taking their dog to any training classes; 70% reported either training the dog themselves or not implementing any formal training. When asked general questions, most respondents reported using rewards-based methods but, when asked about specific problem behaviors, 57% of respondents noted that they would use auditory or physical corrections. Respondents who trained with rewards-based methods reported that these methods of training were more effective significantly more frequently than those who trained with mixed methods reported that those methods were most effective (Fisher's Exact Test, p < 0.01). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Running biomechanics is considered an important determinant of running economy (RE). However, studies examining associations between running biomechanics and RE report inconsistent findings. Objective: The aim of this systematic review was to determine associations between running biomechanics and RE and explore potential causes of inconsistency. Methods: Three databases were searched and monitored up to April 2023. Observational studies were included if they (i) examined associations between running biomechanics and RE, or (ii) compared running biomechanics between groups differing in RE, or (iii) compared RE between groups differing in running biomechanics during level, constant-speed, and submaximal running in healthy humans (18–65 years). Risk of bias was assessed using a modified tool for observational studies and considered in the results interpretation using GRADE. Meta-analyses were performed when two or more studies reported on the same outcome. Meta-regressions were used to explore heterogeneity with speed, coefficient of variation of height, mass, and age as continuous outcomes, and standardization of running shoes, oxygen versus energetic cost, and correction for resting oxygen or energy cost as categorical outcomes. Results: Fifty-one studies (n = 1115 participants) were included. Most spatiotemporal outcomes showed trivial and non-significant associations with RE: contact time r = − 0.02 (95% confidence interval [CI] − 0.15 to 0.12); flight time r = 0.11 (− 0.09 to 0.32); stride time r = 0.01 (− 0.8 to 0.50); duty factor r = − 0.06 (− 0.18 to 0.06); stride length r = 0.12 (− 0.15 to 0.38), and swing time r = 0.12 (− 0.13 to 0.36). A higher cadence showed a small significant association with a lower oxygen/energy cost (r = − 0.20 [− 0.35 to − 0.05]). A smaller vertical displacement and higher vertical and leg stiffness showed significant moderate associations with lower oxygen/energy cost (r = 0.35, − 0.31, − 0.28, respectively). Ankle, knee, and hip angles at initial contact, midstance or toe-off as well as their range of motion, peak vertical ground reaction force, mechanical work variables, and electromyographic activation were not significantly associated with RE, although potentially relevant trends were observed for some outcomes. Conclusions: Running biomechanics can explain 4–12% of the between-individual variation in RE when considered in isolation, with this magnitude potentially increasing when combining different variables. Implications for athletes, coaches, wearable technology, and researchers are discussed in the review. Protocol registration: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/293ND (OpenScience Framework). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: As the largest profession within the healthcare industry, nursing and midwifery workforce (NMW) provides comprehensive healthcare to children and their families. This study quantified the independent role of NMW in reducing under‐5 mortality rate (U5MR) worldwide. Design: A retrospective, observational and correlational study to examine the independent role of NMW in protecting against U5MR. Methods: Within 266 "countries", the cross‐sectional correlations between NMW and U5MR were examined with scatter plots, Pearson's r, nonparametric, partial correlation and multiple regression. The affluence, education and urban advantages were considered as the potential competing factors for the NMW–U5MR relationship. The NMW–U5MR correlations in both developing and developed countries were explored and compared. Results: Bivariate correlations revealed that NMW negatively and significantly correlated to U5MR worldwide. When the contributing effects of economic affluence, urbanization and education were removed, the independent NMW role in reducing U5MR remained significant. NMW independently explained 9.36% U5MR variance. Multilinear regression selected NMW as a significant factor contributing an extra 3% of explanation to U5MR variance when NMW, affluence, education and urban advantage were incorporated as the predicting variables. NMW correlated with U5MR significantly more strongly in developing countries than in developed countries. Conclusion: NMW, indexing nursing and midwifery service, was a significant factor for reducing U5MR worldwide. This beneficial effect explained 9.36% of U5MR variance which was independent of economic affluence, urbanization and education. The NMW may be a more significant risk factor for protecting children from dying under 5 years old in developing countries. As a strategic response to the advocacy of the United Nations to reduce child mortality, it is worthy for health authorities to consider a further extension of nurses and midwives' practice scope to enable communities to have more access to NMW healthcare services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Restoring hip anatomy during total hip arthroplasty (THA) is the gold standard. The general goal is for hips to be symmetrical in terms of height. This study aimed to analyse the effect of simulating hip length (HL) equalisation on leg-length difference (LLD) before and after THA with a computerised plan. Methods: 141 consecutive patients were enrolled following THA. Outcomes of interest were preoperative hip-length difference (HLD) and LLD as determined on CT and final LLD as determined by simulating HL equalisation. We divided patients into 3 groups: no LLD, LLD >5 mm and LLD ⩾10 mm. Results: The rate of preoperative LLD >5 mm and LLD ⩾10 mm was 37.5% and 14.8%, respectively. HL equalisation did not change LLD distribution in the overall cohort. Among patients with smaller preoperative HLs and LLDs, HL equalisation changed the rate of LLD >5 mm from 100% (n = 24) to 41.7% (n = 10) (p < 0.0001) and of LLD ⩾10 mm from 100% (n = 12) to 16.7% (n = 2) (p < 0.0001). Among patients with no preoperative LLD, HL equalisation changed the rate of LLD ⩽5 mm from 100% (n = 64) to 59.3% (n = 38) (p < 0.0001) and of LLD<10 mm from 100% (n = 76) to 89.5% (n = 68) (p = 0.006). Conclusions: Restoring biomechanical hip anatomy by HL equalisation may not be the correct goal for all patients. In patients with no LLD and shorter HLs, equalisation could result in LLD >5 mm in 40% of patients and LLD >10 mm in 10%, demonstrating the necessity to further analyse individuals and propose a personalised stem position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurocognitive impairment and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are prevalent in persons with HIV (PWH). We examined disparities in HIV-associated neurocognitive function between Hispanic and non-Hispanic White older PWH, and the role of MetS in explaining these disparities. Participants included 116 community-dwelling PWH aged 50–75 years enrolled in a cohort study in southern California [58 Hispanic (53% Spanish speaking) and 58 age-comparable non-Hispanic White; overall group: age: M = 57.9, standard deviation (SD) = 5.7; education (years): M = 13, SD = 3.4; 83% male, 58% AIDS, 94% on antiretroviral therapy]. Global neurocognition was derived from T-scores adjusted for demographics (age, education, sex, ethnicity, language) on a battery of 10 cognitive tests. MetS was ascertained via standard criteria that considered central obesity, and fasting elevated triglycerides, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and elevated glucose, or medical treatment for these conditions. Covariates examined included sociodemographic, psychiatric, substance use and HIV disease characteristics. Compared with non-Hispanic Whites, Hispanics showed worse global neurocognitive function (Cohen's d = 0.56, p < 0.05) and had higher rates of MetS (38% vs. 56%, p < 0.05). A stepwise regression model including ethnicity and significant covariates showed Hispanic ethnicity was the sole significant predictor of worse global neurocognition (B = −3.82, SE = 1.27, p < 0.01). A model also including MetS showed that both Hispanic ethnicity (B = −3.39, SE = 1.31, p = 0.01) and MetS (B = −2.73, SE = 1.31, p = 0.04) were independently associated with worse neurocognition. In conclusion, findings indicate that increased MetS is associated with worse neurocognitive function in both Hispanic and non-Hispanic White older PWH, but does not explain neurocognitive disparities. MetS remains an important target for intervention efforts to ameliorate neurocognitive dysfunction among diverse older PWH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Genetic mitochondrial diseases impact over 1 in 4000 individuals, most often presenting in infancy or early childhood. Seizures are major clinical sequelae in some mitochondrial diseases including Leigh syndrome, the most common pediatric presentation of mitochondrial disease. Dietary ketosis has been used to manage seizures in mitochondrial disease patients. Mitochondrial disease patients often require surgical interventions, leading to anesthetic exposures. Anesthetics have been shown to be toxic in the setting of mitochondrial disease, but the impact of a ketogenic diet on anesthetic toxicities in this setting has not been studied. Aims: Our aim in this study was to determine whether dietary ketosis impacts volatile anesthetic toxicities in the setting of genetic mitochondrial disease. Methods: The impact of dietary ketosis on toxicities of volatile anesthetic exposure in mitochondrial disease was studied by exposing young Ndufs4(−/−) mice fed ketogenic or control diet to isoflurane anesthesia. Blood metabolites were measured before and at the end of exposures, and survival and weight were monitored. Results: Compared to a regular diet, the ketogenic diet exacerbated hyperlactatemia resulting from isoflurane exposure (control vs. ketogenic diet in anesthesia mean difference 1.96 mM, Tukey's multiple comparison adjusted p =.0271) and was associated with a significant increase in mortality during and immediately after exposures (27% vs. 87.5% mortality in the control and ketogenic diet groups, respectively, during the exposure period, Fisher's exact test p =.0121). Our data indicate that dietary ketosis and volatile anesthesia interact negatively in the setting of mitochondrial disease. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that extra caution should be taken in the anesthetic management of mitochondrial disease patients in dietary ketosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Race-based medicine, which falsely assumes that race is biological, is common in the published medical literature. We analyzed trends in the use of race in Pediatrics articles over a 75-year period. METHODS: We analyzed a random sample of 50 original research articles published each decade in Pediatrics from 1948 to 2022. RESULTS: Of 375 articles, 39% (n = 147) included race. Among articles, 85% (n = 116) used race only to describe study subjects, 7% (n = 9) described race as a social construct, and 11% (n = 15) described race as a biological construct. Only 7% (n = 10) of studies provided a reason for including race. Statements reflective of racial bias or discrimination were identified in 22% (n = 30) of the articles that mentioned race. Although statements concerning for explicit racial bias were uncommon, with none identified in the most recent decade, statements suggestive of implicit racial bias still occurred (22%, 5 of 23). Race was presented as a dichotomy, such as "white/nonwhite," in 9% of studies (n = 12). Regarding currently nonrecommended terminology, the term "minorities" was used in 13% of studies (n = 18); 25% of studies used the term "others" (n = 34), and among these, 91% (n = 31 of 34) did not provide any definition, an occurrence that increased over time at a rate of 0.9%/year. CONCLUSIONS: Although there has been improvement over the past 75 years in the reporting of race in published studies in Pediatrics, significant opportunities for further improvement remain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The notion that gas-bloat syndrome (GBS) after magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) is less detrimental has not been substantiated by data. This study aimed to identify the incidence, natural history, risk factors, and impact on outcomes of GBS after MSA. STUDY DESIGN: Records of patients who underwent MSA at our institution were reviewed. GBS was defined as a score of 4 or more on the gas bloat-specific item within the GERD health-related quality-of-life (GERD-HRQL) questionnaire. Preoperative clinical and objective testing data were compared between those with and without GBS at 1 year using univariate followed by multivariable analysis. GBS evolution over time and its impact on outcomes were assessed in those with 1- and 2-year follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 489 patients underwent MSA. At a mean (SD) follow-up of 12.8 (2.1) months, patient satisfaction was 88.8%, 91.2% discontinued antisecretory medications, and 74.2% achieved DeMeester score normalization. At 1 year, 13.3% of patients developed GBS, and had worse GERD-HRQL scores and antisecretory medication use and satisfaction (p < 0.0001). DeMeester score normalization was comparable (p = 0.856). Independent predictors of GBS were bloating (odds ratio [OR] 1.8, p = 0.043), GERD-HRQL score greater than 30 (OR 3, p = 0.0010), and MSA size 14 or less beads (OR 2.5, p = 0.004). In a subgroup of 239 patients with 2-year follow-up, 70.4% of patients with GBS at 1 year had resolution by 2 years. The GERD-HRQL total score improved when GBS resolved from 11 (7 to 19) to 7 (4 to 10), p = 0.016. Patients with persistent GBS at 2 years had worse 2-year GERD-HRQL total scores (20 [5 to 31] vs 5 [3 to 12], p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: GBS affects 13.3% of patients at 1 year after MSA and substantially diminishes outcomes. However, GBS resolves spontaneously with quality-of-life improvement. Patients with preoperative bloating, high GERD-HRQL scores, or small MSA devices are at greatest risk of this complication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Despite high satisfaction rates, reduction mammaplasty can have complications such as hematoma. Factors such as age, tobacco use, and comorbidities are known contributors, whereas the influence of race, BMI, certain medications, and blood pressure (BP) remain contentious. This study investigates hematoma risk factors in young women undergoing reduction mammaplasty. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review was conducted including all female patients who underwent bilateral reduction mammaplasty at a single institution between 2012 and 2022. Data on demographics, BMI, medical comorbidities, surgical techniques, medications, and perioperative BP were collected. Differences between patients who developed a hematoma and those who did not were assessed using chi-square, Fisher's exact, and t-tests. The relationship between perioperative BP and hematoma formation was assessed using logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 1,754 consecutive patients, 3% developed postoperative hematoma of any kind, with 1.8% returning to the operating room. Age (odds ratio [OR] 1.14, p = 0.01) and ketorolac use (OR 3.93, p = 0.01) were associated with hematoma development. Controlling for baseline BP, each 10 mmHg incremental increase in peak intraoperative BP (systolic BP [SBP]: OR 1.24, p = 0.03; mean arterial pressure: OR 1.24, p = 0.01) and postoperative BP (SBP: OR 1.41, p = 0.01; mean arterial pressure: OR 1.49, p = 0.01) escalated the odds of hematoma. Postoperative SBP variability also incrementally increased hematoma odds (OR 1.48, p < 0.01). Other factors, including race and surgical technique, were not significantly influential. CONCLUSIONS: Age, ketorolac use, and intra- and postoperative BP peaks and variability are risk factors for hematoma in reduction mammaplasty. This emphasizes the importance of perioperative BP management and optimizing pain management protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Individuals with esophageal atresia (EA) have lifelong increased risk for mucosal and structural pathology of the esophagus. The use of surveillance endoscopy to detect clinically meaningful pathology has been underexplored in pediatric EA. We hypothesized that surveillance endoscopy in pediatric EA has high clinical yield, even in the absence of symptoms. STUDY DESIGN: The medical records of all patients with EA who underwent at least 1 surveillance endoscopy between March 2004 and March 2023 at an international EA referral center were retrospectively reviewed. The primary outcomes were endoscopic identification of pathology leading to an escalation in medical, endoscopic, or surgical management. Logistic regression analysis examined predictors of actionable findings. Nelson-Aalen analysis estimated optimal endoscopic surveillance intervals. RESULTS: Five hundred forty-six children with EA underwent 1,473 surveillance endoscopies spanning 3,687 person-years of follow-up time. A total of 770 endoscopies (52.2%) in 394 unique patients (72.2%) had actionable pathology. Esophagitis leading to escalation of therapy was the most frequently encountered finding (484 endoscopies, 32.9%), with most esophagitis attributed to acid reflux. Barrett's esophagus (intestinal metaplasia) was identified in 7 unique patients (1.3%) at a median age of 11.3 years. No dysplastic lesions were identified. Actionable findings leading to surgical intervention were found in 55 children (30 refractory reflux and 25 tracheoesophageal fistulas). Significant predictors of actionable pathology included increasing age, long gap atresia, and hiatal hernia. Symptoms were not predictive of actionable findings, except dysphagia, which was associated with stricture. Nelson-Aalen analysis predicted occurrence of an actionable finding every 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Surveillance endoscopy uncovers high rates of actionable pathology even in asymptomatic children with EA. Based on the findings of the current study, a pediatric EA surveillance endoscopy algorithm is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective We determine whether racial concordance between postpartum patients and obstetric providers (dyads) impacts the perception of quality of care among people undergoing intrapartum obstetrical procedures. Study Design This is a prospective cohort study of postpartum people who underwent operative vaginal or cesarean deliveries in the second stage of labor. Participants were asked to identify the race of their primary provider and complete the Interpersonal Processes of Care (IPC) survey, which assesses communication, patient-centered decision-making, and interpersonal style. The association of participant-identified patient–provider racial concordance with IPC scores was determined. The primary outcome was the IPC subdomain related to discrimination, and secondary outcomes included other IPC subdomains and IPC results by participant racial identity (Black, LatinX vs. White). Sociodemographic and biomedical data were extracted from the medical record. Bivariable analyses were performed. Results Of 168 patients who were approached, 107 (63.6%) agreed to participate and 87 (81.3%) completed the survey. The majority (n =49) identified a racially discordant provider. Participants in racially concordant dyads were more likely to be older, White, use English as a primary language, complete a higher degree of education, and have a higher household income when compared with racially discordant dyads. Intrapartum outcomes were not significantly different between groups. Median IPC subtest scores were not significantly different between groups or between racial/ethnic identities. Conclusion There were no significant differences in perceptions of IPC between racially concordant versus discordant dyads. However, there is an ongoing need to further clarify measures of quality of care in high-acuity obstetrical situations to remediate ongoing racial and ethnic disparities in adverse health outcomes. Key Points Racial concordance between patient and clinician has been associated with improved quality of care. There are limited data on racial concordance and perceptions of operative obstetrical care (e.g., operative vaginal delivery). Racial concordance was not associated with differences in patient-perceived quality of care associated with operative obstetrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective We aimed to examine the relationship of sociodemographic variables with racial/ethnic disparities in unplanned cesarean births in a large academic hospital system. Secondarily, we investigated the relationship of these variables with differences in cesarean delivery indication, cesarean delivery timing, length of second stage and operative delivery. Study Design We conducted a retrospective cohort study of births >34 weeks between 2017 and 2019. Our primary outcome was unplanned cesarean delivery after a trial of labor. Multiple gestations, vaginal birth after cesarean, elective repeat or primary cesarean delivery, and contraindications for vaginal delivery were excluded. Associations between mode of delivery and patient characteristics were assessed using Chi-square, Fisher exact tests, or t -tests. Odds ratios were estimated by multivariate logistic regression. Goodness of fit was assessed with Hosmer Lemeshow test. Results Among 18,946 deliveries, the rate of cesarean delivery was 14.8% overall and 21.3% in nulliparous patients. After adjustment for age, body mass index (BMI), and parity, women of Black and Asian races had significantly increased odds of unplanned cesarean delivery; 1.69 (95% CI: 1.45,1.96) and 1.23 (1.08, 1.40), respectively. Single Hispanic women had adjusted odds of 1.65 (1.08, 2.54). Single women had increased adjusted odds of cesarean delivery of 1.18, (1.05, 1.31). Fetal intolerance was the indication for 39% (613) of cesarean deliveries among White women as compared to 63% (231) of Black women and 49% (71) of Hispanic women (p <0.001). Conclusion Rates of unplanned cesarean delivery were significantly higher in Black and Asian compared to White women, even after adjustment for age, BMI, parity, and zip code income strata, and rates of unplanned cesarean delivery were higher for Hispanic women self-identifying as single. Racial and ethnic differences were seen in cesarean delivery indications and operative vaginal deliveries. Future work is urgently needed to better understand differences in provider care or patient attributes, and potential provider bias, that may contribute to these findings. Key Points Racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic differences exist in the odds of unplanned cesarean. Indications for unplanned cesarean delivery differed significantly among racial and ethnic groups. There may be unmeasured provider level factors which contribute to disparities in cesarean rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research observed 92% accuracy for age-at-death estimations by U.S. forensic anthropologists. The present study compares this case report level accuracy to method level accuracy for the most commonly used methods in U.S. casework, drawing from the Forensic Anthropology Database for Assessing Methods Accuracy (FADAMA). Method application rate (i.e., how often a method is used in casework) was analyzed for n= 641 cases and identified 15 methods with an application rate >45 cases, and the present study focused further analyses on these 15 methods. Of the 15, only four yielded accuracies greater than or equal to the 92% documented for case-report level accuracy. The other 11 methods produced accuracy rates ranging from 54% to 91%, with six of these below 70% This disconnect between highly accurate age estimations at the case report level compared to the poor performance at method level suggests that practitioner interpretation and synthesis of the methods' outcomes is a critical step for increasing the accuracy rates of the age estimations as reported on the final case report. This inference was further supported by the study's results which indicated that practitioner interpretations of frequently used method combinations improve accuracy and age range width of age estimation. The study also performed a Fisher's Exact test to assess whether case report-level accuracy differed with the number of aging methods used in a case, and found no significant differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Cerebral Small Vessel Disease (CSVD) is a chronic, progressive vascular disorder that confers increased vulnerability to psychiatric syndromes, including late‐life mood disorders. In this study, we investigated the impact of CSVD on electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) outcomes in patients with late‐onset bipolar disorder (BD). Methods: A sample of 54 non‐demented elderly patients (≥60 years) with late‐onset BD and treatment‐resistant major depression, mixed state, or catatonia who underwent bilateral ECT were included in this naturalistic observational study. A diagnosis of CSVD was established based on brain neuroimaging performed before ECT. All patients were evaluated before and after ECT using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM‐D), and the Clinical Global Impression scale (CGI). Results: Of the total sample, 19 patients were diagnosed with CSVD (35.2%). No significant differences were observed at baseline between patients with and without CSVD. Overall, a response was obtained in 66%–68.5% of patients, with remission in 56.2%. No significant differences in ECT outcomes were found between those with and without CSVD, and both groups exhibited substantial improvements in symptom severity following ECT. Conclusions: The outcome of ECT in late‐onset BD was not influenced by the presence of CSVD. This finding aligns with previous research on unipolar depression. Accordingly, ECT should be considered for elderly patients with late‐onset BD, regardless of the presence of CSVD. Key points: CSVD was found in 19 out of 54 (35.2%) elderly with late‐onset BD referred to ECT.Response to ECT was achieved in about two‐thirds of patients with late‐onset BD.ECT was equally effective in patients with and without CSVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: We aimed to identify risk factors and evaluate the accuracy of existing risk stratifications developed for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) regarding their ability to predict high-grade recurrence and progression. We included 171 NMIBC patients treated with TURBT and adjuvant BCG, of whom 73 experienced recurrence (42.7%), and 29 developed progression (17%). Available risk models (EORTC/ CUETO/ EAU) demonstrated limited accuracy in predicting high-grade recurrence-free (RFS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Multivariable analysis identified independent predictors for high-grade RFS, including T1HG tumor at repeat TURBT, tumor multiplicity, previous history of high-grade NMIBC, and EORTC2006 progression risk score. In conclusion, the available risk models lack accuracy in predicting high-grade RFS and PFS in BCG-treated NMIBC, suggesting potential improvement with the inclusion of additional risk factors. The currently available EORTC, CUETO and EAU2021 risk stratifications were originally developed to predict recurrence and progression in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). However, they have not been validated to differentiate between high-grade (HG) and low-grade (LG) recurrence-free survival (RFS), which are distinct events with specific implications. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of available risk models and identify additional risk factors for HG RFS and PFS among NMIBC patients treated with Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG). We retrospectively included 171 patients who underwent transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBT), of whom 73 patients (42.7%) experienced recurrence and 29 (17%) developed progression. Initially, there were 21 low-grade and 52 high-grade recurrences. EORTC2006, EORTC2016 and CUETO recurrence scoring systems lacked accuracy in the prediction of HG RFS (C-index 0.63/0.55/0.59, respectively). EAU2021 risk stratification, EORTC2006, EORTC2016, and CUETO progression scoring systems demonstrated low to moderate accuracy (C-index 0.59/0.68/0.65/0.65) in the prediction of PFS. In the multivariable analysis, T1HG at repeat TURBT (HR = 3.17 p < 0.01), tumor multiplicity (HR = 2.07 p < 0.05), previous history of HG NMIBC (HR = 2.37 p = 0.06) and EORTC2006 progression risk score (HR = 1.1 p < 0.01) were independent predictors for HG RFS. To conclude, available risk models lack accuracy in predicting HG RFS and PFS in -NMIBC patients treated with BCG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Checkpoint-inhibitor-associated diabetes mellitus is a severely morbid immune-related adverse event that occurs from immunotherapy treatment during cancer therapy. Many patients and clinicians opt to discontinue therapy after this adverse event occurs while others choose to resume treatment. There are currently no data to inform this decision in terms of risks and benefits to the patient. This study aims to determine future risk for immune-related adverse events and cancer outcomes in patients who make this decision after experiencing diabetes mellitus. Immune checkpoint inhibitor (CPI)-induced diabetes mellitus (CPI-DM) is a rare immune-related adverse event (irAE). Patients and providers fear that continuing CPIs puts patients at risk for additional irAEs and thus may discontinue therapy. Currently, there are little data to inform this decision. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate whether discontinuing CPIs after diagnosis of CPI-DM impacts the development of future irAEs and cancer outcomes such as progression and death. Patients who developed CPI-DM during cancer treatment at UCSF from 1 July 2015 to 5 July 2023 were analyzed for cancer outcomes and irAE development. Fisher's exact tests, Student t-tests, Kaplan–Meier methods, and Cox regression were used as appropriate. Of the 43 patients with CPI-DM, 20 (47%) resumed CPIs within 90 days of the irAE, 4 (9%) patients restarted after 90 days, and 19 (44%) patients never restarted. Subsequent irAEs were diagnosed in 9 of 24 (38%) who resumed CPIs and 3 of 19 (16%) who discontinued CPIs (p = 0.17). There was no significant difference in death (p = 0.74) or cancer progression (p = 0.55) between these two groups. While our single-institution study did not show worse cancer outcomes after discontinuing CPIs, many variables can impact outcomes, which our study was not adequately powered to evaluate. A nuanced approach is needed to decide whether to continue CPI treatment after a severe irAE like CPI-DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) epidemic remains a major public health issue worldwide. In Vietnam, the HIV epidemic is essentially driven by people who inject drugs (PWID). This study aims to compare mortality and loss to follow-up (LTFU) between PWID and other patients. From June 2017 to April 2018, HIV-infected adults were enrolled in a prospective cohort from time of ART initiation in six provinces of North Vietnam. The end date was July 2020. Mortality and LTFU were described using competing-risk survival models. Factors associated with mortality and with LTFU were identified using Cox models with a competing-risk approach. Of the 578 participants, 261 (45.2%) were PWID and almost exclusively male. 49 patients died, corresponding to a mortality rate (95% confidence interval (CI)) of 3.7 (2.8–4.9) per 100 person-months, and 79 were lost to follow-up, corresponding to a rate (95% CI) of 6.0 (4.8–7.4) per 100 person-months. PWID were at higher risk of death but not of LTFU. Overall, LTFU was high in both groups. Latecomers to clinical visits were more at risk of both death and LTFU. Therefore, this should be a warning to clinical teams and preventive actions taken in these patients. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03249493.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There have been few studies on the effect of Kegel exercises on the treatment of functional constipation in children. Hence, the present study investigated the add-on role of Kegel exercises in children with functional constipation. Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on children with functional constipation, according to Rome IV, who were referred to the pediatric department of Imam Reza Clinic (Shiraz, Iran) in 2022. The sample consisted of 64 children who were randomly assigned to either the intervention or the control groups. In the control group, a pediatrician administered conventional therapy, including diet training, defecation training, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) syrup (0.7 g/Kg daily). In the treatment group, in addition to conventional therapy, a pediatrician taught Kegel exercises to the child both verbally and in writing in the presence of their parents. To investigate the effectiveness of the intervention, frequency of defecation, defecation time, assistance used for defecation, incomplete emptying, unsuccessful defecation, abdominal pain, and painful defecation were selected as the outcomes. Independent sample t test was used for continuous variables. Categorical variables were reported as frequency and percentages. To examine the difference in categorical outcome variables, Wilcoxon (pre and post), Chi square, and Fisher exact tests were used. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21. P<0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Twenty-seven (88.4%) patients in the Kegel exercise group reported a defecation time of less than 5 min, while only 12 (37.5%) patients in the control group reached this time, and this difference was statistically significant (P=0.001). Moreover, patients in the treatment group showed significant improvements in terms of incomplete emptying of stool, unsuccessful defecation, abdominal pain, and painless defecation (P=0.001, P=0.001, P=0.001, P=0.037, respectively). After intervention, the use of laxatives, digits, or enemas to assist defecation was not significantly different between the groups (P=0.659). Conclusion: Kegel exercise was an effective adjunctive treatment for pediatric functional constipation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Head and neck carcinoma of unknown primary is a diagnostic dilemma. The clinical and imaging workup remains ineffective in two-thirds of patients. Transoral robotic surgery has shown an advantage in the primary detection over the previous standard panendoscopy. Methods: This is an observational cohort study that took place at a large healthcare centre with robotic surgery experience in head and neck over six-years. All included carcinoma of unknown primary patients followed the standard recommendation for primary identification. Final diagnostic step of robotic tongue base mucosectomy with or without tonsillectomy was introduced. The cancer detection rate in tongue base only, the functional outcome and the effect on the cancer pathway were evaluated. Results: Carcinoma of unknown primary was reported in 44 per cent of patients. All identified specimens were human papillomavirus positive. There was no significant effect on functional outcome of swallowing and the national 62-day cancer pathway. Robotic surgery allowed optimum treatment of carcinoma of unknown primary in early nodal disease. Conclusion: Robotic surgery is a useful paradigm in the management of carcinoma of unknown primary. It is safe with minimal morbidity and good functional outcome after the surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiotherapy is focused on the tumor but also reaches healthy tissues, causing toxicities that are possibly related to genomic factors. In this context, radiogenomics can help reduce the toxicity, increase the effectiveness of radiotherapy, and personalize treatment. It is important to consider the genomic profiles of populations not yet studied in radiogenomics, such as the indigenous Amazonian population. Thus, our objective was to analyze important genes for radiogenomics, such as ATM, TGFB1, RAD51, AREG, XRCC4, CDK1, MEG3, PRKCE, TANC1, and KDR, in indigenous people and draw a radiogenomic profile of this population. The NextSeq 500® platform was used for sequencing reactions; for differences in the allelic frequency between populations, Fisher's Exact Test was used. We identified 39 variants, 2 of which were high impact: 1 in KDR (rs41452948) and another in XRCC4 (rs1805377). We found four modifying variants not yet described in the literature in PRKCE. We did not find any variants in TANC1—an important gene for personalized medicine in radiotherapy—that were associated with toxicities in previous cohorts, configuring a protective factor for indigenous people. We identified four SNVs (rs664143, rs1801516, rs1870377, rs1800470) that were associated with toxicity in previous studies. Knowing the radiogenomic profile of indigenous people can help personalize their radiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hospital-acquired bloodstream infections are common in the intensive care unit (ICU) and have a high mortality rate. Patients with cirrhosis are especially susceptible to infections, yet there is a knowledge gap in the epidemiological distinctions in hospital-acquired bloodstream infections between cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients in the ICU. It has been suggested that cirrhotic patients, present a trend towards more gram-positive infections, and especially enterococcal infections. This study aims to describe epidemiological differences in hospital-acquired bloodstream infections between cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients hospitalized in the ICU regarding infection sources, microorganisms and mortality. Methods: Using prospective Eurobact-2 international cohort study data, we compared hospital-acquired bloodstream infections sources and microorganisms in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients. The association between Enterococcus faecium and cirrhosis was studied using a multivariable mixed logistic regression. The association between cirrhosis and mortality was assessed by a multivariable frailty Cox model. Results: Among the 1059 hospital-acquired bloodstream infections patients included from 101 centers, 160 had cirrhosis. Hospital-acquired bloodstream infection source in cirrhotic patients was primarily abdominal (35.6%), while it was pulmonary (18.9%) for non-cirrhotic (p < 0.01). Gram-positive hospital-acquired bloodstream infections accounted for 42.3% in cirrhotic patients compared to 33.2% in non-cirrhotic patients (p = 0.02). Hospital-acquired bloodstream infections in cirrhotic patients were most frequently caused by Klebsiella spp (16.5%), coagulase-negative Staphylococci (13.7%) and E. faecium (11.5%). E. faecium bacteremia was more frequent in cirrhotic patients (11.5% versus 4.5%, p < 0.01). After adjusting for possible confounding factors, cirrhosis was associated with higher E. faecium hospital-acquired bloodstream infections risk (Odds ratio 2.5, 95% CI 1.3–4.5, p < 0.01). Cirrhotic patients had increased mortality compared to non-cirrhotic patients (Hazard Ratio 1.3, 95% CI 1.01–1.7, p = 0.045). Conclusions: Critically ill cirrhotic patients with hospital-acquired bloodstream infections exhibit distinct epidemiology, with more Gram-positive infections and particularly Enterococcus faecium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]