A spatiotemporal and machine-learning platform facilitates the manufacturing of hPSC-derived esophageal mucosa.

Human pluripotent stem cell-derived tissue engineering offers great promise for designer cell-based personalized therapeutics, but harnessing such potential requires a deeper understanding of tissue-level interactions. We previously developed a cell replacement manufacturing method for ectoderm-derived skin epithelium. However, it remains challenging to manufacture the endoderm-derived esophageal epithelium despite possessing a similar stratified epithelial structure.

Protocol for the synthesis and activation of hydrogels with photocaged oligonucleotides.

Hydrogels with spatial-temporal control over chemical and physical properties allow for the creation of cellular niches with controllable properties that better mimic tissue environments. Here, we present a protocol for synthesizing hydrogels incorporating photocaged oligonucleotides that can be activated with non-ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths. We detail the synthesis of bulk hydrogels and spatially defined hydrogels with different chemical functionalities that all share common photocaged DNA.

An insight to PDAC tumor heterogeneity across pancreatic subregions using computed tomography images.

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an exceptionally deadly form of pancreatic cancer with an extremely low survival rate. From diagnosis to treatment, PDAC is highly challenging to manage. Studies have demonstrated that PDAC tumors in distinct regions of the pancreas exhibit unique characteristics, influencing symptoms, treatment responses, and survival rates.

Racial and Ethnic Differences in Liver Transplantation and Post-Liver Transplant Survival Among Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Background: Racial and ethnic disparities in diagnosis and overall outcomes for HCC are well known. We present updated real-world data on racial or ethnic differences in LT and post-LT survival among patients with HCC in a large population-based database.

Methods: We used the TriNetX database to retrospectively identify patients who had HCC (ICD-10 C22.

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux in Patients Who Received or Declined Nissen Fundoplication.

Objective: To evaluate whether Robotic or Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication (LNF) improves voice outcomes and symptoms in patients with Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) compared to patients who were candidates for surgery but elected to receive treatment with antireflux medical management alone.

Study Design: Retrospective chart review.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients who visited the office of the senior author, received a diagnosis of LPR, and were candidates for LNF.

The Role of Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Shear Wave Elastography in Pancreatic Diseases.

Elastography is a non-invasive imaging modality that has been developed for the evaluation of the stiffness of various organs. It is categorized into two main types: strain elastography and shear wave elastography. While strain elastography offers valuable information on the mechanical properties of the organ being studied, it is limited by the qualitative nature of its measurements and its reliance on operator skills.

Basal-to-inflammatory transition and tumor resistance via crosstalk with a pro-inflammatory stromal niche.

Cancer-associated inflammation is a double-edged sword possessing both pro- and anti-tumor properties through ill-defined tumor-immune dynamics. While we previously identified a carcinoma tumor-intrinsic resistance pathway, basal-to-squamous cell carcinoma transition, here, employing a multipronged single-cell and spatial-omics approach, we identify an inflammation and therapy-enriched tumor state we term basal-to-inflammatory transition. Basal-to-inflammatory transition signature correlates with poor overall patient survival in many epithelial tumors.

Sphincterotomy for biliary sphincter of Oddi disorder and idiopathic acute recurrent pancreatitis: the RESPOnD longitudinal cohort.

Objective: Sphincter of Oddi disorders (SOD) are contentious conditions in patients whose abdominal pain, idiopathic acute pancreatitis (iAP) might arise from pressurisation at the sphincter of Oddi. The present study aimed to measure the benefit of sphincterotomy for suspected SOD.

Design: Prospective cohort conducted at 14 US centres with 12 months follow-up.

Incidence Trends in Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer in Young Adults: A Nationwide Time-Trend Analysis Using 2001-2019 US Cancer Statistics Databases.

Introduction: Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancers, comprising malignancies of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, pancreas, liver, biliary tract, and gallbladder, are the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States and are associated with significant comorbidities. Recent studies show a disproportionate rise in pancreatic and stomach cancer among young adults. This study aims to use a nationwide, population-based cohort to (i) evaluate the trend of all UGI cancer as an aggregate and (ii) examine the role of demographics, histology, and tumor stage in UGI cancer incidence among young adults.

Irregular Z-Line: To Biopsy or Not to Biopsy?

The z-line refers to the squamocolumnar junction which marks the transition between the normal stratified squamous epithelium of the distal esophagus and the columnar epithelium of the gastric cardia. An "irregular" z-line refers to an irregular appearing squamocolumnar junction characterized by the presence of columnar mucosa less than 1 cm in length that extends above the gastroesophageal junction. In contrast, Barrett's esophagus is diagnosed when columnar mucosa of at least 1 cm is seen in the distal esophagus extending above the gastroesophageal junction with biopsies demonstrating specialized intestinal metaplasia.

Elucidating the effect of pro and anti-inflammatory recombinant cytokines TNF-α and TGF-β in tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of death caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M tb) and about one-third of the world's population is infected with TB. The household contacts of TB patients are at higher risk towards TB than general population. During the initial stages of infection, pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines are induced by innate immune cells, and the course of infection is influenced by general cytokine environment.

Targeted therapies in advanced biliary malignancies: a clinical review.

Introduction: Despite several therapeutic advancements, the proportion of patients with advanced biliary tract cancers (BTC) surviving 5 years from diagnosis remains dismal. The increasing recognition of targetable genetic alterations in BTCs has ushered in a new era in the treatment of these patients. Newer therapeutic agents targeting mutations such as isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), fibroblastic growth factor receptor (FGFR), human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER), and so on have established a new standard of care for treatment upon progression on frontline therapy in patients with disease harboring these mutations.

Analysis of the Application of Professional Society Screening Guidelines for Colorectal Polyposis Syndromes at a Single Institution.

Several professional society guidelines suggest germline genetic testing for colorectal polyposis syndromes in patients with ≥10 lifetime adenomatous polyps. This study evaluated the factors associated with genetic testing decisions and outcomes when germline testing was recommended per guidelines. Surgical archives revealed 145 patients with a recommendation for germline genetic polyposis testing based on guidelines.

Data-driven sales optimization with regression and chaotic pattern search.

Lead generation is the process of gaining potential customers' interest to increase future sales, and it is an essential part of many businesses' (amusement parks, theme parks, clubs, .) sales processes as their membership is more expensive. The main objective of these businesses is to increase the count of customers.

Esophageal Self-Expandable Metal Stents Can Fracture in the Distal Third When Used for Post-Bariatric Surgery Complications: A Single Center Experience and Review of the Literature with Video.

Esophageal self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) are an important endoscopic tool. These stents have now been adapted successfully to manage post-bariatric surgery complications such as anastomotic leaks and strictures. In centers of expertise, this has become the primary standard-of-care treatment given its minimally invasive nature, and that it results in early oral feeding, decreased hospitalization, and overall favorable outcomes.

Multifunctional hydrogels with spatially controlled light activation with photocaged oligonucleotides.

Recreating tissue environments with precise control over mechanical, biochemical, and cellular organization is essential for next-generation tissue models for drug discovery, development studies, and the replication of disease environments. However, controlling these properties at cell-scale lengths remains challenging. Here, we report the development of printing approaches that leverage polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogels containing photocaged oligonucleotides to spatially program material characteristics with non-destructive, non-ultraviolet light.