Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases After Bariatric Surgery Based on the New Predicting Risk of Cardiovascular Disease EVENTs Equations.

Background: We applied the novel Predicting Risk of Cardiovascular Disease EVENTs equations to evaluate cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) health and estimated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk after bariatric surgery.

Methods: Among 7804 patients (aged 20-79 years) undergoing bariatric surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center during 1999 to 2022, CVD risk factors from before surgery to 2 years after surgery were extracted from electronic health records. The 10- and 30-year risks of total CVD, atherosclerotic CVD, coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure (HF) were estimated for patients without CVD history at each time point (n=124-2910), using the social deprivation index-enhanced Predicting Risk of Cardiovascular Disease EVENTs equations.

The transcription factor ZNF469 regulates collagen production in liver fibrosis.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)-characterized by excess accumulation of fat in the liver-now affects one third of the world's population. As MASLD progresses, extracellular matrix components including collagen accumulate in the liver causing tissue fibrosis, a major determinant of disease severity and mortality. To identify transcriptional regulators of fibrosis, we computationally inferred the activity of transcription factors (TFs) relevant to fibrosis by profiling the matched transcriptomes and epigenomes of 108 human liver biopsies from a deeply characterized cohort of patients spanning the full histopathologic spectrum of MASLD.

The Influence of Migration Timing and Local Conditions on Reproductive Timing in Arctic-Breeding Birds.

For birds breeding in the Arctic, nest success is affected by the timing of nest initiation, which is partially determined by local conditions such as snow cover. However, conditions during the non-breeding season can carry over to affect the timing of breeding. We used tracking and breeding data from 248 individuals of 8 species and subspecies of Arctic-breeding shorebirds to estimate how the timing of nest initiation is related to local conditions like snowmelt phenology versus prior conditions, measured by the timing and speed of migration.

Association Between Patient Portal Engagement and Weight Loss Outcomes in Patients After Bariatric Surgery: Longitudinal Observational Study Using Electronic Health Records.

Background: Bariatric surgery is an effective intervention for obesity, but comprehensive postoperative self-management is essential for optimal outcomes. While patient portals are generally seen as beneficial in engaging patients in health management, the link between their use and post-bariatric surgery weight loss remains unclear.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between patient portal engagement and postoperative BMI reduction among patients after bariatric surgery.

Effects of changing farming practices in African agriculture.

Information on the effects of changing agricultural management on crop and livestock performance is critical for developing evidence-based policies, investments, and programs. Evidence for Resilient Agriculture (ERA) v1.0.

Medical and Surgical Weight Loss as a Pathway to Renal Transplant Listing.

Purpose: Severe obesity is a barrier to listing for kidney transplantation due to concern for poor outcomes. This study aims to compare bariatric surgery with medical weight loss as a means of achieving weight loss and subsequent listing for renal transplant. We hypothesize that bariatric surgery will induce greater frequency of listing for transplant within 18 months of study initiation.

Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases after Bariatric Surgery Based on the New PREVENT Equations.

Background: We applied the novel Predicting Risk of Cardiovascular Disease EVENTs (PREVENT) equations to evaluate cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) health and estimated CVD risk, including heart failure (HF), after bariatric surgery.

Methods: Among 7804 patients (20-79 years) undergoing bariatric surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center during 1999-2022, CVD risk factors at pre-surgery, 1-year, and 2-year post-surgery were extracted from electronic health records. The 10- and 30-year risks of total CVD, atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD), coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, and HF were estimated for patients without a history of CVD or its subtypes at each time point, using the social deprivation index-enhanced PREVENT equations.

Why do avian responses to change in Arctic green-up vary?

Global climate change has altered the timing of seasonal events (i.e., phenology) for a diverse range of biota.

The transcription factor ZNF469 regulates collagen production in liver fibrosis.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) - characterized by excess accumulation of fat in the liver - now affects one third of the world's population. As NAFLD progresses, extracellular matrix components including collagen accumulate in the liver causing tissue fibrosis, a major determinant of disease severity and mortality. To identify transcriptional regulators of fibrosis, we computationally inferred the activity of transcription factors (TFs) relevant to fibrosis by profiling the matched transcriptomes and epigenomes of 108 human liver biopsies from a deeply-characterized cohort of patients spanning the full histopathologic spectrum of NAFLD.

The use of microphysiological systems to model metastatic cancer.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the 21st century, with metastasis of cancer attributing to 90% of cancer-related deaths. Therefore, to improve patient outcomes there is a need for better preclinical models to increase the success of translating oncological therapies into the clinic. Current traditional staticmodels lack a perfusable network which is critical to overcome the diffusional mass transfer limit to provide a mechanism for the exchange of essential nutrients and waste removal, and increase their physiological relevance.

Cardiometabolic Improvements After Metabolic Surgery and Related Presurgery Factors.

Context: Metabolic surgery remains the most effective and durable treatment for severe obesity and related metabolic diseases.

Objective: We examined cardiometabolic improvements after metabolic surgery and associated presurgery demographic and clinical factors in a large multiracial cohort.

Methods: Included were 7804 patients (20-79 years) undergoing first-time metabolic surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center from 1999 to 2022.

Sex- and operation-dependent effects on 5-year weight loss results of bariatric surgery.

Background: Weight loss response after bariatric surgery is highly variable, and several demographic factors are associated with differential responses to surgery. Preclinical studies demonstrate numerous sex-specific responses to bariatric surgery, but whether these responses are also operation dependent is unknown.

Objective: To examine sex-specific weight loss outcomes up to 5 years after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG).

American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery 2022 estimate of metabolic and bariatric procedures performed in the United States.

Background: Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS), despite being the most effective durable treatment for obesity, remains underused as approximately 1% of all qualified patients undergo surgery. The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery established a Numbers Taskforce to specify the annual rate of obesity treatment interventions utilization and to determine if patients in need are receiving appropriate treatment.

Objective: To provide the best estimated number of metabolic and bariatric procedures being performed in the United States in 2022.

Enhanced Patient Portal Engagement Associated with Improved Weight Loss Outcomes in Post-Bariatric Surgery Patients.

Background: Bariatric surgery is an effective intervention for obesity, but it requires comprehensive postoperative self-management to achieve optimal outcomes. While patient portals are generally seen as beneficial in engaging patients in health management, the link between their use and post-bariatric surgery weight loss remains unclear.

Objective: This study investigated the association between patient portal engagement and postoperative body mass index (BMI) reduction among bariatric surgery patients.

Gelatin-containing porous polycaprolactone PolyHIPEs as substrates for 3D breast cancer cell culture and vascular infiltration.

Tumour survival and growth are reliant on angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, to facilitate nutrient and waste exchange and, importantly, provide a route for metastasis from a primary to a secondary site. Whilst current models can ensure the transport and exchange of nutrients and waste via diffusion over distances greater than 200 μm, many lack sufficient vasculature capable of recapitulating the tumour microenvironment and, thus, metastasis. In this study, we utilise gelatin-containing polymerised high internal phase emulsion (polyHIPE) templated polycaprolactone-methacrylate (PCL-M) scaffolds to fabricate a composite material to support the 3D culture of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and vascular ingrowth.

Non-Operative Approach to Contained Perforated Marginal Ulcers: A Systematic Review and Case Series.

Background: Perforated marginal ulcers (PMUs) are a rare but known complication of bariatric surgery. Management typically involves prompt surgical intervention, but limited data exists on non-operative approaches. This study reviews published data on non-operative management of PMUs and presents a case series of patients who were managed non-operatively.

Factors influencing mercury exposure in Arctic-breeding shorebirds.

Mercury (Hg) pollution remains a concern to Arctic ecosystems, due to long-range transport from southern industrial regions and melting permafrost and glaciers. The objective of this study was to identify intrinsic, extrinsic, and temporal factors influencing Hg concentrations in Arctic-breeding shorebirds and highlight regions and species at greatest risk of Hg exposure. We analyzed 1094 blood and 1384 feather samples from 12 shorebird species breeding at nine sites across the North American Arctic during 2012 and 2013.

Lessons learned from the metabolic and bariatric surgery accreditation and quality improvement program site surveys: common deficiencies and corrective actions.

Background: The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) is a joint program between the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the American College of Surgeons (ACS). On-site surveys of the applicant programs to determine adherence to the MBSAQIP standards are a hallmark of the accreditation process.

Objectives: A retrospective review of 619 site surveys completed over 2 years was performed to include analysis of reviewer decisions, tabulation and cross-reference of identified deficiencies to the MBSAQIP standards and determine final disposition of corrective actions and overall accreditation rates.

Comparative analysis of sleeve conversions of the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program 2020 Database.

Background: Although the sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the dominant bariatric procedure, studies have shown conversion rates of up to 30%. These conversions are generally for weight regain (WR), insufficient weight loss (IWL) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Before 2020, details on why conversions were being performed were not collected in the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) Participant Use Data File (PUF).

Two-year outcomes of conservatively managed appendicitis during the COVID-19 pandemic-a multicentre cohort study.

Purpose: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the new RCSEng guidelines resulted in appendicitis being more commonly managed conservatively to avoid aerosol-generating procedures. This resulted in shorter hospital stays without increased short-term complications. The 2-year outcomes of this change, specifically recurrence and re-admission rates remain unknown.

Combination anti-obesity medications to effectively treat bariatric surgery weight regain at an academic obesity center.

Background: Combination anti-obesity medications (AOMs) to treat postoperative bariatric surgery weight regain have limited data on their use in the clinical setting. Understanding the optimal treatment protocol in this cohort will maximize weight loss outcomes.

Methods: A retrospective review of bariatric surgery patients ( = 44) presenting with weight regain at a single academic multidisciplinary obesity center who were prescribed AOM(s) plus intensive lifestyle modification for 12 months.

Development of PCL PolyHIPE Substrates for 3D Breast Cancer Cell Culture.

Cancer is a becoming a huge social and economic burden on society, becoming one of the most significant barriers to life expectancy in the 21st century. In particular, breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death for women. One of the most significant difficulties to finding efficient therapies for specific cancers, such as breast cancer, is the efficiency and ease of drug development and testing.

Health professionals' experiences of rapport during telehealth encounters in community palliative care: An interpretive description study.

Background: Despite the reported importance of rapport, there are knowledge gaps in the ways rapport is developed and experienced by health professionals during telehealth calls in palliative care.

Aim: To gain an understanding about developing rapport during telehealth calls by exploring the experiences of health professionals in community palliative care.

Design: A qualitative Interpretive Description study was conducted with semi-structured interviews and focus groups between November 2020 and May 2021.

Cervical cerclage technique: what do experts actually achieve?

Background: Cervical cerclage is a recognized intervention in the management of women at risk of preterm birth and midtrimester loss. The mechanism of action of cerclage is unclear, and the technique has been poorly researched.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate cerclage technique among experienced obstetricians, using a previously developed and evaluated cerclage simulator.