Video Consent for Upper Endoscopy and Colonoscopy Improves Patient Comprehension in a Safety-net, Multi-lingual Population.

The challenges of consenting for procedures are well documented and are compounded when patients have limited English proficiency (LEP). Standardized video consent has been studied, but research in gastroenterology is limited. We created educational videos in English and Spanish covering the elements of traditional consent for colonoscopy and upper endoscopy.

Discovery of Di- and Trihaloacetamides as Covalent SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Inhibitors with High Target Specificity.

The main protease (M) is a validated antiviral drug target of SARS-CoV-2. A number of M inhibitors have now advanced to animal model study and human clinical trials. However, one issue yet to be addressed is the target selectivity over host proteases such as cathepsin L.

Implementation of an Inpatient IBD Service Is Associated with Improvement in Quality of Care and Long-Term Outcomes.

Background: There is wide variation in the quality of care of hospitalized patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Prior studies have demonstrated that a specialized inpatient IBD service improves short-term outcomes. In this study, we assessed the impact of a dedicated IBD service on the quality of care and long-term outcomes.

Alvimopan for the Prevention of Postoperative Ileus in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients.

Background: Postoperative ileus (POI) is a temporary delay of coordinated intestinal peristalsis. Alvimopan, an oral peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor antagonist approved for accelerating gastrointestinal recovery, has never been studied specifically in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Aim: To investigate the efficacy of alvimopan in preventing POI among IBD patients.

Evaluation of Dysplasia in Barrett Esophagus.

Barrett esophagus (BE) is the precursor lesion to adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. The current surveillance strategy of 4-quadrant Seattle protocol biopsies has been associated with sampling error and missing higher-risk lesions, and there is often less adherence to endoscopic surveillance with long segments. Advancements in endoscopic imaging and sampling techniques allow for better surveillance of BE, particularly when assessing for dysplasia.

Combinatorial synthesis of chemically diverse core-shell nanoparticles for intracellular delivery.

Analogous to an assembly line, we employed a modular design for the high-throughput study of 1,536 structurally distinct nanoparticles with cationic cores and variable shells. This enabled elucidation of complexation, internalization, and delivery trends that could only be learned through evaluation of a large library. Using robotic automation, epoxide-functionalized block polymers were combinatorially cross-linked with a diverse library of amines, followed by measurement of molecular weight, diameter, RNA complexation, cellular internalization, and in vitro siRNA and pDNA delivery.