Physicochemical characterization and potential cancer therapy applications of hydrogel beads loaded with doxorubicin and GaOOH nanoparticles.

A new type of hybrid polymer particles capable of carrying the cytostatic drug doxorubicin and labeled with a gallium compound was prepared. These microparticles consist of a core and a hydrogel shell, which serves as the structural matrix. The shell can be employed to immobilize gallium oxide hydroxide (GaOOH) nanoparticles and the drug, resulting in hybrid beads with sizes of approximately 3.

Alcohol consumption and liver phenotype of individuals with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

Background And Aims: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is an inherited disorder caused by alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) mutations. We analysed the association between alcohol intake and liver-related parameters in individuals with the heterozygous/homozygous Pi*Z AAT variant (Pi*MZ/Pi*ZZ genotype) found in the United Kingdom Biobank and the European Alpha1 liver consortium.

Methods: Reported alcohol consumption was evaluated in two cohorts: (i) the community-based United Kingdom Biobank (17 145 Pi*MZ, 141 Pi*ZZ subjects, and 425 002 non-carriers [Pi*MM]); and (ii) the European Alpha1 liver consortium (561 Pi*ZZ individuals).

Global assessment of military and civilian trauma systems integration: a scoping review.

Background: The global burden of trauma disproportionately affects low-income countries and middle-income countries (LMIC), with variability in trauma systems between countries. Military and civilian healthcare systems have a shared interest in building trauma capacity for use during peace and war. However, in LMICs it is largely unknown if and how these entities work together.

The 2023 top 10 list of endoscopy topics in medical publishing: an annual review by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Editorial Board.

Using a systematic literature search of original articles published during 2023 in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (GIE) and other high-impact medical and gastroenterology journals, the GIE Editorial Board of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy compiled a list of the top 10 most significant topic areas in general and advanced GI endoscopy during the year. Each GIE Editorial Board member was directed to consider 3 criteria in generating candidate topics-significance, novelty, and impact on global clinical practice-and subject matter consensus was facilitated by the Chair through electronic voting and a meeting of the entire GIE Editorial Board. The 10 identified areas collectively represent advances in the following endoscopic spheres: GI bleeding, endohepatology, endoscopic palliation, artificial intelligence and polyp detection, artificial intelligence beyond the colon, better polypectomy and EMR, how to make endoscopy units greener, high-quality upper endoscopy, endoscopic tissue apposition and closure devices, and endoscopic submucosal dissection.

Customized measuring station for Peltier modules.

Peltier modules control temperatures in niche products such as wine coolers and camping fridges or are used to precisely temper processes as for example the duplication of DNA sections. Accurate characterization and long term stability of the modules is crucial in order to meet the high reliability requirements especially in critical applications such as in space or medical technology markets. While most of the measurement stations are designed for thermoelectric generators, especially in regard to long term testing, the measurement of peltier modules is rarely described.

The 2022 top 10 list of endoscopy topics in medical publishing: an annual review by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Editorial Board.

Using a systematic literature search of original articles published during 2022 in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and other high-impact medical and gastroenterology journals, the 10-member Editorial Board of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy composed a list of the 10 most significant topic areas in GI endoscopy during the study year. Each Editorial Board member was directed to consider 3 criteria in generating candidate lists-significance, novelty, and global impact on clinical practice-and subject matter consensus was facilitated by the Chair through electronic voting. The 10 identified areas collectively represent advances in the following endoscopic spheres: artificial intelligence, endoscopic submucosal dissection, Barrett's esophagus, interventional EUS, endoscopic resection techniques, pancreaticobiliary endoscopy, management of acute pancreatitis, endoscopic environmental sustainability, the NordICC trial, and spiral enteroscopy.

Confounders of Serum Phosphatidylethanol: Role of Red Blood Cell Turnover and Cirrhosis.

Purpose: Ethyl glucuronide (EtG), ethyl sulfate (EtS) and phosphatidylethanol (PEth) are considered specific direct biomarkers for detecting alcohol consumption. However, PEth, which is produced in red blood cells (RBC), varies considerably between patients for unknown reasons. We here studied various confounders of PEth elimination including fibrosis after alcohol withdrawal.

Death after smoking of fentanyl, 5F-ADB, 5F-MDMB-P7AICA and other synthetic cannabinoids with a bucket bong.

Purpose: We report a case of a polydrug user who consumed various synthetic cannabinoids and fentanyl from a transdermal patch via a bucket bong. Toxicological results from postmortem matrices with special focus on synthetic cannabinoids are discussed in terms of their relevance to the death.

Methods: The samples were analyzed by toxicological screening procedures involving immunoassays and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) as well as quantitative analyses by means of GC-MS and high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

A trypanosome-derived immunotherapeutics platform elicits potent high-affinity antibodies, negating the effects of the synthetic opioid fentanyl.

Poorly immunogenic small molecules pose challenges for the production of clinically efficacious vaccines and antibodies. To address this, we generate an immunization platform derived from the immunogenic surface coat of the African trypanosome. Through sortase-based conjugation of the target molecules to the variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) of the trypanosome surface coat, we develop VSG-immunogen array by sortase tagging (VAST).

Intraoperative visualisation of pancreatic leakage (ViP): study protocol for an IDEAL Stage I Post Market Clinical Study.

Introduction: Pancreatic resections are an important field of surgery worldwide to treat a variety of benign and malignant diseases. Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) remains a frequent and critical complication after partial pancreatectomy and affects up to 50% of patients. POPF increases mortality, prolongs the postoperative hospital stay and is associated with a significant economic burden.

Phospholipid metabolites of GHB as potential biomarkers in whole blood: Synthesis, analytics, and in vitro formation of homolog 16:0/18:1.

Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is a common drug of abuse, and the detection of a consumption or administration is a longstanding research objective in clinical and forensic toxicology. However, until now, the short detection window of GHB could not be enlarged by the use of GHB metabolites. Therefore, new biomarkers for the detection of a GHB intake are needed.

Risk Factors for Urgent or Emergent Cholecystectomy Mid-workup for Symptomatic Cholelithiasis.

Background: Patients who undergo cholecystectomy often do so for diagnoses related to the sequelae of gallstones. Many patients present acutely, requiring urgent removal due to complications of cholelithiasis. This study aims to characterize the patient population likely to present acutely during ongoing workup for cholelithiasis to better identify those who may benefit from expedited care.

SmartPAN: In vitro and in vivo proof-of-safety assessments for an intra-operative predictive indicator of postoperative pancreatic fistula.

Pancreatic surgery is complicated by untreated fluid leakage, but no tenable techniques exist to detect and close leakage sites during surgery. A novel hydrogel called SmartPAN has been developed to meet this need and is here assessed for safety before trials on human patients. First, resazurin assays were used to test the cytotoxic effects of SmartPAN's active bromothymol blue (BTB) indicator and its solution of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) on normal (HPDE: human pancreatic duct epithelial) or carcinomic (FAMPAC) human pancreatic cells.

Climate Change and Obesity.

Global warming and the rising prevalence of obesity are well described challenges of current mankind. Most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic arose as a new challenge. We here attempt to delineate their relationship with each other from our perspective.

Risk of bleeding following double balloon enteroscopy in patients on continued antiplatelet and/or anticoagulation therapy.

Anticoagulation (AC) and antiplatelet (AP) therapy may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding after double balloon enteroscopy (DBE); however, limited data are currently available regarding the incidence. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and clinical characteristics of post-DBE bleeding in patients on AC and AP therapy. The medical records of patients who underwent DBE between 2009 and 2013 at Mayo Clinic, Florida, were retrospectively reviewed.

Development and validation of an analytical method for the simultaneous determination of the alcohol biomarkers ethyl glucuronide, ethyl sulfate, N-acetyltaurine, and 16:0/18:1-phosphatidylethanol in human blood.

As alcohol is the most common addictive substance worldwide, it is inevitable to advance the established research. New and more substantial analytical methods can be applied to reply to complex questions in legal or forensic contexts. Therefore, an analytical method for the simultaneous determination of four different alcohol biomarkers-ethyl glucuronide, ethyl sulfate, N-acetyltaurine, and 16:0/18:1-phosphatidylethanol-in human blood was developed, validated, and verified.

Discordant Pathological and Endoscopic Diagnosis: Consider Floaters.

A tissue floater or extraneous cross-contamination tissue on a microscopic slide is rare; however, it is a potential cause of diagnostic error. Occasionally, on collecting and processing of specimens, cross-contamination of tissue occurs leading to pathologic findings that are inconsistent with endoscopic findings. If the extraneous tissue is neoplastic, it can lead to a false-positive diagnosis.

Biofilm Formation on Dental Implant Biomaterials by Strains Isolated from Patients with Cystic Fibrosis.

Implants made of ceramic and metallic elements, which are used in dentistry, may either promote or hinder the colonization and adhesion of bacteria to the surface of the biomaterial to varying degrees. The increased interest in the use of dental implants, especially in patients with chronic systemic diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF), is caused by an increase in disease complications. In this study, we evaluated the differences in the in vitro biofilm formation on the surface of biomaterials commonly used in dentistry (Ti-6Al-4V, cobalt-chromium alloy (CoCr), and zirconia) by isolated from patients with CF.

Sigmoid Diverticulitis in an Obese Pediatric Patient Without Genetic Predisposition.

Sigmoid diverticulitis has historically been a rare cause of abdominal pain in pediatrics, with minimal cases documented in the literature. The patient studied is one of the first reported cases of acquired pediatric uncomplicated sigmoid diverticulitis in whom lifestyle was the main contributing factor, as all associated known genetic risk factors were absent. Given the rarity of the diagnosis, many pediatricians may not consider the diagnosis; however, with the increasing incidence in younger patients, consideration of diverticulitis on the differential diagnosis with lower abdominal pain, especially in patients predisposed to diverticular disease, is increasingly important to avoid misdiagnosis and potential delays in appropriate treatment.

EUS guided pancreatic duct decompression in surgically altered anatomy or failed ERCP - A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression.

Introduction: EUS-PD (EUS guided pancreatic duct drainage) is classified into two types: EUS-guided rendezvous techniques and EUS-guided PD stenting. Prior studies showed significant variation in terms of technical success, clinical success and adverse events.

Methods: Three independent reviewers performed a comprehensive review of all original articles published from inception to June 2020, describing pancreatic duct drainage utilizing EUS.