The impact of disclosure of conflicts of interest in studies comparing robot-assisted and laparoscopic cholecystectomies-a persistent problem.

Introduction: Accurate disclosure of conflicts of interest (COI) is critical to interpretation of study results, especially when industry interests are involved. We reviewed published manuscripts comparing robot-assisted cholecystectomy (RAC) and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) to evaluate the relationship between COI disclosures and conclusions drawn on the procedure benefits and safety profile.

Methods: Searching Pubmed and Embase using key words "cholecystectomy", laparoscopic" and "robotic"/"robot-assisted" retrieved 345 publications.

Outcomes following robot-assisted versus laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: the New York State experience.

Introduction: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) represents more than half of all bariatric procedures in the USA, and robot-assisted sleeve gastrectomy (RSG) is becoming increasingly common. There is a paucity of evidence regarding postoperative surgical outcomes (> 30 days) in RSG patients, especially as these patients move between multiple hospital systems.

Methods: Using 2012-2018 New York State's inpatient and ambulatory data from the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System, bivariate and multivariate analyses were employed to examine patient long-term outcomes, postoperative complications, and charges following RSG versus LSG in unmatched and propensity score-matched (PSM) samples.

Multisite study of Titan SGS stapler in longitudinal gastric resection.

Background: Standardization of the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy procedure is needed to improve patient outcomes. A single-fire 23 cm stapler was developed to streamline the operation. Comparative testing conducted on excised human tissue has demonstrated the superiority of the novel Titan SGS stapler to two commonly utilized commercial devices in both staple line integrity and burst pressure.

The Early (2009-2017) Experience With Robot-assisted Cholecystectomy in New York State.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine real-life patterns of care and patient outcomes associated with robot-assisted cholecystectomy (RAC) in New York State (NYS).

Background: Although robotic assistance may offer some technological advantages, RACs are associated with higher procedural costs and longer operating times compared to traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomies (LCs). Evidence on long-term patient outcomes after RAC from large population-based datasets remains limited and inconsistent.

Frailty predicts risk of life-threatening complications and mortality after pancreatic resections.

Background: To assess the effect of frailty on morbidity and mortality after partial pancreatectomy.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of National Surgical Quality Improvement Project from 2005-2010 was conducted. A modified frailty index was created based on previously validated methodology.

FolC2-mediated folate metabolism contributes to suppression of inflammation by probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri.

Bacterial-derived compounds from the intestinal microbiome modulate host mucosal immunity. Identification and mechanistic studies of these compounds provide insights into host-microbial mutualism. Specific Lactobacillus reuteri strains suppress production of the proinflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and are protective in a mouse model of colitis.

Comprehensive genomic analysis identifies novel subtypes and targets of triple-negative breast cancer.

Purpose: Genomic profiling studies suggest that triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous disease. In this study, we sought to define TNBC subtypes and identify subtype-specific markers and targets.

Experimental Design: RNA and DNA profiling analyses were conducted on 198 TNBC tumors [estrogen receptor (ER) negativity defined as Allred scale value ≤ 2] with >50% cellularity (discovery set: n = 84; validation set: n = 114) collected at Baylor College of Medicine (Houston, TX).

Novel somatic and germline mutations in intracranial germ cell tumours.

Intracranial germ cell tumours (IGCTs) are a group of rare heterogeneous brain tumours that are clinically and histologically similar to the more common gonadal GCTs. IGCTs show great variation in their geographical and gender distribution, histological composition and treatment outcomes. The incidence of IGCTs is historically five- to eightfold greater in Japan and other East Asian countries than in Western countries, with peak incidence near the time of puberty.

Pediatric data sharing in genomic research: attitudes and preferences of parents.

Objective: In the United States, data from federally funded genomics studies are stored in national databases, which may be accessible to anyone online (public release) or only to qualified researchers (restricted release). The availability of such data exposes participants to privacy risk and limits the ability to withdraw from research. This exposure is especially challenging for pediatric participants, who are enrolled in studies with parental permission.