Identification of differentially expressed genes and splicing events in early-onset colorectal cancer.

Background: The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been steadily increasing in younger individuals over the past several decades for reasons that are incompletely defined. Identifying differences in gene expression profiles, or transcriptomes, in early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC, < 50 years old) patients versus later-onset colorectal cancer (LOCRC, > 50 years old) patients is one approach to understanding molecular and genetic features that distinguish EOCRC.

Methods: We performed RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) to characterize the transcriptomes of patient-matched tumors and adjacent, uninvolved (normal) colonic segments from EOCRC (n=21) and LOCRC (n=22) patients.

Data-Driven Surveillance Protocol for Patients at Risk for Peritoneal Recurrence of Primary Colon Cancer: Surveillance for Peritoneal Carcinomatosis.

Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) is rarely discovered early due to low sensitivity of screening imaging and tumor markers, however, earlier identification may improve outcomes. This study assesses risk factors and time to recurrence of PC and implementation of a surveillance system. Patients with stage II-III colon adenocarcinoma undergoing curative colectomy between 2005-2022 were retrospectively reviewed at a single tertiary care institution.

Is the writing on the wall? The relationship between the number of disease-modifying anti-inflammatory bowel disease drugs used and the risk of surgical resection.

Background: Disease-modifying anti-inflammatory bowel disease drugs (DMAIDs) revolutionized the management of ulcerative colitis (UC). This study assessed the relationship between the number and timing of drugs used to treat UC and the risk of colectomy and postoperative complications.

Methods: This was a retrospective review of adult patients with UC treated with disease-modifying drugs between 2005 and 2020 in the MarketScan database.

Increasing Adoption of Laparoscopy in Urgent and Emergent Colectomies for Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis.

Introduction: While minimally invasive surgery (MIS) approaches are commonly utilized in the elective surgical setting for pediatric ulcerative colitis (UC), their role in urgent and emergent disease is less clear. We aim to assess trends in the surgical approaches for pediatric UC patients requiring urgent and emergent colectomies and their associated outcomes.

Methods: Retrospective review of 81 pediatric UC patients identified in National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric who underwent urgent or emergent colectomy (2012-2019).

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Protocol for the Evaluation of Pediatric Postappendectomy Abscess: A Quality Improvement Project.

Introduction: Computed tomography (CT) scans are often used when cross-sectional imaging is required for evaluation of postappendectomy abscess, exposing children to a source of ionizing radiation. Our aim was to decrease the use of CT scans in pediatric postappendectomy patients by 50% in 12 mo and to sustain those results for 1 y.

Methods: A comprehensive magnetic resonance imaging protocol was introduced in 2018 at a tertiary children's hospital within a general health system to replace CT scans in suspected pediatric postappendectomy abscess.

Disease Severity Impairs Generation of Intestinal Organoid Cultures From Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients.

Introduction: Chronic inflammation of the intestinal epithelium is an underlying cause of the two main types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcerative colitis (UC), and Crohn's disease (CD). Ex vivo organoids derived from the intestinal epithelium are a useful model to study IBD. Whether such cultures can be established from surgically resected diseased IBD intestinal tissues has not been fully explored.

Survival outcomes of anal adenocarcinoma versus rectal adenocarcinoma: A retrospective cohort study.

Background: Anal adenocarcinoma (AA) is a rare malignancy with decreased survival compared to rectal adenocarcinoma (RA). However, AA continues to be treated with similar algorithms compared to rectal cancer with minimal data regarding the efficacy of these treatment algorithms.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients with non-metastatic AA at a single tertiary-care institution from 1995 to 2020.

Creating a Surgical Biobank: The Hershey Medical Center Experience.

Background: Tissue harvesting at the time of surgery offers surgeons and scientists a unique opportunity to discover and better understand disease pathophysiology. Tissue biobanking presents challenges in patient consents, specimen collection, preparation, and storage, but the potential for scientific discovery justifies the effort. Although the number of tissue biobanks is increasing worldwide, information regarding necessary infrastructure, process flow, and management of expected obstacles is lacking.

Can magnetic resonance imaging replace computed tomography scans in the evaluation of pediatric post-appendectomy abscess?

Background: Computed tomography scans have been used when cross-axial imaging is required to evaluate pediatric post-appendectomy abscesses. To reduce a source of radiation exposure, our institution converted to using contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging to replace computed tomography scans in this clinical context. Our aim is to evaluate the performance of magnetic resonance imaging compared to computed tomography scans and associated clinical outcomes in this patient population.

Changing disposition patterns in the era of COVID-19 after colon resections: A National Surgical Quality Improvement Program colectomy study.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted post-hospitalization care facilities in the United States and hindered their ability to accept new patients for various reasons. This study aimed to assess the impact of the pandemic on discharge disposition after colon surgery and associated postoperative outcomes.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Participant Use File and targeted colectomy.

Molecular genetics of early-onset colorectal cancer.

Early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) has been rising in global prevalence and incidence over the past several decades. Environmental influences, including generational lifestyle changes and rising obesity, contribute to these increased rates. While the rise in EOCRC is best documented in western countries, it is seen throughout the world, although EOCRC may have distinct genetic mutations in patients of different ethnic backgrounds.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy does not increase risk for anastomotic leak for simultaneous resection of primary colon cancer with synchronous liver metastasis: A NSQIP-colectomy analysis.

Background And Objectives: In patients with colon cancer with synchronous liver metastasis, treatment algorithms are complex and often require multidisciplinary evaluation. Neoadjuvant therapy is frequently utilized, but there is an unclear relationship with postoperative outcomes in patients with simultaneous resection.

Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program and Targeted Colectomy databases.

Intraoperative Techniques for Gaining Ileoanal Pouch Reach.

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis allows for reestablishing gastrointestinal continuity in patients after proctocolectomy. The technical elements of pouch creation and gaining reach into the pelvis are demanding and require a variety of surgical maneuvers to achieve a tension-free anastomosis. We present a brief review of the literature discussing various approaches aimed at improving ileal pouch reach into the low pelvis.

Transcriptome Analyses Identify Deregulated in Early Onset Colorectal Cancer.

Despite a global decrease in colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence, the prevalence of early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC), or those occurring in individuals before the age of 50, has steadily increased over the past several decades. When compared to later onset colorectal cancer (LOCRC) in individuals over 50, our understanding of the genetic and molecular underpinnings of EOCRCs is limited. Here, we conducted transcriptomic analyses of patient-matched normal colonic segments and tumors to identify gene expression programs involved in carcinogenesis.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Right- Versus Left-Sided Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer.

Background: Early-onset colorectal cancers are increasing in incidence. Studies reported more left-sided cancers in patients aged <50 years. Some advocate for screening via flexible sigmoidoscopy at age 40 years.

The relationship between surgical site drains and reoperation for wound-related complications following posterior cervical spine surgery: a multicenter retrospective study.

OBJECTIVEUse of surgical site drains following posterior cervical spine surgery is variable, and its impact on outcomes remains controversial. Studies of drain use in the lumbar spine have suggested that drains are not associated with reduction of reoperations for wound infection or hematoma. There is a paucity of studies examining this relationship in the cervical spine, where hematomas and infections can have severe consequences.

Probing charge transfer dynamics in a single iron tetraphenylporphyrin dyad adsorbed on an insulating surface.

Although the dynamics of charge transfer (CT) processes can be probed with ultimate lifetime resolution, the inability to control CT at the nanoscale is one of the most important roadblocks to revealing some of its deep fundamental aspects. In this work, we present an investigation of CT dynamics in a single iron tetraphenylporphyrin (Fe-TPP) donor/acceptor dyad adsorbed on a CaF2/Si(100) insulating surface. The tip of a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) is used to create local ionic states in one fragment of the dyad.