Cost-Effectiveness of Laparoscopic vs Open Liver Resection: A Propensity Score-Matched Single-Center Analysis of 920 Cases.

Background: This study compared the clinical and economic outcomes of laparoscopic (LLR) and open liver resection (OLR) for all hepatectomies, including minor and major hepatectomies.

Study Design: This retrospective study included 920 consecutive elective patients undergoing liver resection from 2017 to 2023. Patient demographics, postoperative surgical outcomes, postoperative length of stay (LOS), and costs were compared between LLR and OLR before and after propensity score matching (PSM).

Natural history of low-risk branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms and indeterminate pancreatic cysts: Implications on surveillance intervals by cyst size.

Background: The optimal surveillance strategy for low-risk branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD-IPMN) remains unclear. We aim to evaluate the natural history of low-risk BD-IPMN/indeterminate pancreatic cysts to determine optimal surveillance intervals.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with radiologically-diagnosed low-risk BD-IPMN/indeterminate pancreatic cysts from 1998 to 2021 at a tertiary referral center.

A Facile Strategy for In Situ Fabrication of Covalent Triazine Framework Aerogel with Thermal Insulation Property.

Covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) have attracted tremendous attention with respect to their rich nitrogen content, functional triazine units, and high porosity. However, efficient and simple preparation of CTF monoliths is still a challenge. Here, we propose a novel and facile approach for the in situ preparation of CTF aerogels.

Revolutionizing the treatment for nasopharyngeal cancer: the impact, challenges and strategies of stem cell and genetically engineered cell therapies.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a distinct malignancy of the nasopharynx and is consistently associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. Its unique anatomical location and complex aetiology often result in advanced-stage disease at first diagnosis. While radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy have been the mainstays of treatment, they often fail to prevent tumour recurrence and metastasis, leading to high rates of treatment failure and mortality.

Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles convey solute transporters to induce bioenergetic dependence shift contributing to treatment resistance.

Growing evidence points to the tumor microenvironment's role in developing drug resistance. A key element of this microenvironment is inter-cellular communication, which includes the release of membrane-encapsulated vesicles containing various cargo, known as extracellular vesicles (EVs). Understanding how EVs contribute to acquired resistance holds significant clinical implications.

Stenotrophomonas Necrotizing Tonsilitis in a Pediatric Patient: A Rare Presentation With Upper Airway Obstruction.

is notorious for its intrinsic resistance to many commonly used antibiotics, making it a particularly challenging pathogen to treat. It often causes severe opportunistic infections in immunocompromised and hospitalized patients. The potential for this infection to become fulminant with high mortality rates in both adults and children necessitates a multidisciplinary approach.

Application of cocoa butter for formulation of fast melt tablets containing memantine hydrochloride.

Introduction: Fast melt tablets (FMTs) provide a convenient dosage form that rapidly dissolves on the tongue without the need for water. Cocoa butter serves as a suitable matrix system for FMTs formulation, facilitating rapid disintegration at body temperature.

Objectives: This study aimed to formulate FMTs using cocoa butter as a base and investigate the effect of various disintegrants and superdisintegrants on their characteristics.

Blood-Brain Barrier Conquest in Glioblastoma Nanomedicine: Strategies, Clinical Advances, and Emerging Challenges.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a prevalent type of malignancy within the central nervous system (CNS) that is associated with a poor prognosis. The standard treatment for GBM includes the surgical resection of the tumor, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy; yet, despite these interventions, overall treatment outcomes remain suboptimal. The blood-brain barrier (BBB), which plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability of brain tissue under normal physiological conditions of the CNS, also poses a significant obstacle to the effective delivery of therapeutic agents to GBMs.

Optimal treatment strategies for gallbladder disease in pregnancy: a systematic review with dual network meta-analyses.

Background: This study sought to determine the optimal treatment strategy and timing for cholecystectomy in managing gallbladder diseases during pregnancy. It evaluated the effectiveness of conservative management (CM), laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), and open cholecystectomy (OC) in pregnancy and compared cholecystectomy outcomes across three trimesters.

Methods: Studies comparing CM, LC, and OC or evaluating cholecystectomy outcomes across trimesters were included in a literature search until February 2024.

Exploring nanoparticular platform in delivery of repurposed drug for Alzheimer's disease: current approaches and future perspectives.

Introduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD) stands as significant challenge in realm of neurodegenerative disorder. It is characterized by gradual decline in cognitive function and memory loss. It has already expanded its prevalence to 55 million people worldwide and is expected to rise significantly.

A Comprehensive Review of Challenges in Oral Drug Delivery Systems and Recent Advancements in Innovative Design Strategies.

The oral route of drug administration is often preferred by patients and healthcare providers due to its convenience, ease of use, non-invasiveness, and patient acceptance. However, traditional oral dosage forms have several limitations, including low bioavailability, limited drug loading capacity, and stability and storage issues, particularly with solutions and suspensions. Over the years, researchers have dedicated considerable effort to developing novel oral drug delivery systems to overcome these limitations.

The role of artificial intelligence in optimizing management of atrial fibrillation in acute ischemic stroke.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a severe condition associated with high morbidity and mortality, including an increased risk of stroke and poor outcomes poststroke. Our understanding of the prognosis in AF remains poor. Machine learning (ML) has been applied to the diagnosis, management, and prognosis of AF in the context of stroke but remains suboptimal for clinical use.

Nrf2 Connects Cellular Autophagy and Vascular Senescence in Atherosclerosis: A Mini-Review.

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a transcriptional factor that maintains intracellular redox equilibrium, modulates the expression of antioxidant genes, scavenger receptors, and cholesterol efflux transporters, all of which contribute significantly to foam cell development and plaque formation. Nrf2 has recently emerged as a key regulator that connects autophagy and vascular senescence in atherosclerosis. Autophagy, a cellular mechanism involved in the breakdown and recycling of damaged proteins and organelles, and cellular senescence, a state of irreversible growth arrest, are both processes implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

The senescent marker p16INK4a enhances macrophage foam cells formation.

Background: The senescence marker p16INK4a, which constitutes part of the genome 9p21.3 cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk allele, is believed to play a role in foam cells formation. This study aims to unravel the role of p16INK4a in mediating macrophage foam cells formation, cellular senescence, and autophagy lysosomal functions.

Comparison of oven drying and freeze drying methods for the production of fast melt films containing quetiapine fumarate.

Background: Quetiapine fumarate (QTP) is commonly prescribed for schizophrenic patient, typically available in tablet or oral suspension form, presenting challenges such as administration difficulties, fear of choking and distaste for its bitter taste. Fast melt films (FMF) offer an alternative dosage form with a simple development process, ease of administration and rapid drug absorption and action onset.

Objective: This study aims to prepare FMF with different formulations using solvent casting methods and to compare the effects of different drying methods, including oven drying and freeze drying, on the properties of the films.

p53-dependent crosstalk between DNA replication integrity and redox metabolism mediated through a NRF2-PARP1 axis.

Mechanisms underlying p53-mediated protection of the replicating genome remain elusive, despite the quintessential role of p53 in maintaining genomic stability. Here, we uncover an unexpected function of p53 in curbing replication stress by limiting PARP1 activity and preventing the unscheduled degradation of deprotected stalled forks. We searched for p53-dependent factors and elucidated RRM2B as a prime factor.

ArtiSential laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus single-fulcrum laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Which minimally invasive surgery is better?

Backgrounds/aims: In recent years, many minimally invasive techniques have been introduced to reduce the number of ports in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), offering benefits such as reduced postoperative pain and improved cosmetic outcomes. ArtiSential is a new multi-degree-of-freedom articulating laparoscopic instrument that incorporates the ergonomic features of robotic surgery, potentially overcoming the spatial limitations of laparoscopic surgery. ArtiSential LC can be performed using only two ports.