Endoscopic Ultrasound Elastography as a Novel Diagnostic Method for the Assessment of Hardness and Depth of Invasion in Colorectal Neoplasms.

Introduction: We aimed to compare the efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound elastography (EUS-EG) with that of magnifying chromoendoscopy (MCE) and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) for the diagnosis of the depth of invasion in colorectal neoplasms. This is an important clinical issue as the depth of invasion is associated with the risk of metastasis.

Methods: Consecutive patients with suspected superficial colorectal neoplasms, evaluated by MCE, EUS, and EUS-EG, for whom endoscopic submucosal dissection was considered, were enrolled in 2018 (derivation study) and in 2019-2020 (validation study).

Clinical outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in failed bioprosthetic surgical valves vs. native aortic stenosis: insights from a meta-analysis.

There is no meta-analysis comparing clinical outcomes between valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve implantation for failed surgical bioprosthetic valves (ViV-TAVI) and native valve TAVI for aortic stenosis (NV-TAVI). We aimed to investigate clinical outcomes between ViV-TAVI and NV-TAVI using a meta-analysis. EMBASE and MEDLINE were searched through April 2020 to investigate the comparative outcomes between ViV-TAVI and NV-TAVI.

Fractionated small cell-free DNA increases possibility to detect cancer-related gene mutations in advanced colorectal cancer.

Background And Aim: Liquid biopsy is a method that can efficiently detect tumor genetic abnormalities from body fluids such as blood and urine. Detection sensitivity and the available number of mutations in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) are limited. In this study, we develop a highly sensitive and comprehensive method to detect mutations from cfDNA by concentrating tumor fractions of small cfDNA in advanced colorectal cancers.

Trends and outcomes of device-related 30-day readmissions after left ventricular assist device implantation.

Background: Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) improve morbidity and mortality in end-stage heart failure patients, but high rates of readmissions remain a problem after implantation. We aimed to assess the incidence, trends, outcomes, and predictors of device-related 30-day readmissions after LVAD implantation.

Methods: The National Readmission Database was used to identify patients who underwent LVAD implantation between 2012 and 2017 and those with 30-day readmissions.

Association of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors with mortality and testing positive of COVID-19: Meta-analysis.

Some have hypothesized that the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARB) may modify susceptibility to coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) in humans. Thus, we conducted two meta-analyses to investigate the effect of ACEI and ARB on mortality and susceptibility to COVID-19. Pubmed and EMBASE were searched through June 2020 to identify clinical trials that investigated the testing positive and in-hospital mortality rates for COVID-19 for those who were treated with ACEI and/or ARB and for those who were not treated with ACEI or ARB.

Impact of Different Annuloplasty Methods for Tricuspid Regurgitation: A Network Meta-Analysis.

Background: Although moderate to severe tricuspid valve regurgitation (TR) is an independent risk factor for progressive heart failure and increased mortality, the best method for tricuspid valve repair remains controversial. Therefore, this study conducted a network meta-analysis to compare early and late outcomes for suture, flexible band, and rigid ring as tricuspid annuloplasty (TAP) in patients with TR.

Methods: Medline and EMBASE were searched through February 15, 2020 to identify randomized controlled trials and observational trials that investigated early and late outcomes after TAP for TR.

Clinical Characteristics of Stroke with COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) potentially increases the risk of thromboembolism and stroke. Numerous case reports and retrospective cohort studies have been published with mixed characteristics of COVID-19 patients with stroke regarding age, comorbidities, treatment, and outcome. We aimed to depict the frequency and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients with stroke.

Safety and efficacy of mechanical circulatory support with Impella or intra-aortic balloon pump for high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention and/or cardiogenic shock: Insights from a network meta-analysis of randomized trials.

Background: Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) with Impella or intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is used for high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and/or for cardiogenic shock (CS) due to acute myocardial infarction. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of Impella or IABP when compared with no MCS using a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods: EMBASE and MEDLINE were searched through February 2020 for RCT evaluating efficacy of Impella vs.

Optimal Duration of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome: Insights From a Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials.

Background: With newer generation drug eluting stents (DES), the minimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) recommended by guidelines has been reduced to 6 months in patients with stable coronary artery disease. Whether shorter duration of DAPT is safe in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains controversial. Our aim of this study was to investigate the optimal DAPT duration (≤3 months vs.

A forward-viewing radial-array echoendoscope is useful for diagnosing the depth of colorectal neoplasia invasion.

Background: It is important to accurately diagnose the depth of colorectal neoplasia invasion. We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of a new forward-viewing radial-array echoendoscope (FRE), relative to the pit pattern method.

Methods: In this prospective study, the invasion depth of suspected early-stage carcinoma was diagnosed using the pit pattern and FRE methods.

Anticoagulation With or Without Antiplatelet Therapy Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement for Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Meta-Analysis.

Background: Although current guidelines recommend oral anticoagulants (OAC) with or without antiplatelet therapy (APT) following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TVAR) in patients with an indication for long-term anticoagulation therapy, the optimal antithrombotic strategy remains unknown in these population. Herein, we conducted a meta-analysis comparing the outcome of OAC alone versus OAC with APT following TAVR in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods: MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched through May 2020 to identify clinical trials that investigated OAC alone versus OAC with APT following TAVR in patients with AF.

Effect of remdesivir on patients with COVID-19: A network meta-analysis of randomized control trials.

Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were conducted to investigate the effect of remdesivir for patients with COVID-19, but their results were conflicting. Thus, we conducted a network meta-analysis comparing the rate of clinical improvement among patients with COVID-19 who received 5-day course of remdesivir versus 10-day course of remdesivir versus standard care. Our network meta-analysis of 4 randomized controlled trials demonstrated that the rate of clinical improvement was significantly higher in the 5-day remdesivir group and 10-day remdesivir group compared to standard care group (OR [95% confidence interval [CI]] =1.

Clinical and Prodromal Ocular Symptoms in Coronavirus Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: This systematic review aimed to determine currently reported clinical and prodromal ocular symptoms in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods: An online article search was performed in PubMed and EMBASE. Altogether 15 studies (retrospective, prospective, or case studies) involving 1533 patients with COVID-19, reporting on ocular symptoms, and with outcome data available were identified.

PCSK9 Inhibitors and Ezetimibe Monotherapy in Patients Not Receiving Statins: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials.

Background: Statins are the mainstay of treatment for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering, however, some patients cannot tolerate statins because of adverse effects. Ezetimibe and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) are alternative treatment options. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to compare LDL-C reduction with ezetimibe vs PCSK9i in patients not on statins.