Perioperative and Oncologic Outcomes of Hepatic Arterial Infusion (HAI) Pump Chemotherapy for Patients with Unresectable Colorectal Liver Metastases at an Expanding HAI Program.

Background: Hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) is an established treatment for patients with unresectable colorectal liver metastases (uCRLM). Until recently, HAI was only performed at a limited number of centers. We previously reported early outcomes suggesting that implementation of a new HAI program is safe and feasible.

The presence of xanthine dehydrogenase is crucial for the maturation of the rat kidneys.

The development of the kidney involves essential cellular processes, such as cell proliferation and differentiation, which are led by interactions between multiple signaling pathways. Xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) catalyzes the reaction producing uric acid in the purine catabolism, which plays a multifaceted role in cellular metabolism. Our previous study revealed that the genetic ablation of the Xdh gene in rats leads to smaller kidneys, kidney damage, decline of renal functions, and failure to thrive.

Identification of an optimal mutant allele frequency to detect activating , , and mutations in a commercial cell-free DNA next-generation sequencing assay in colorectal and pancreatic adenocarcinomas.

Background: Evaluation for activating mutations in , , and in colorectal cancer (CRC) and in in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is essential for clinical care. Plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) next-generation sequencing (NGS) allows convenient assessment of a tumor's molecular profile, however low tumor DNA shedding limits sensitivity. We investigated mutant allele frequency (MAF) of other oncogenic dominant genes to identify a threshold for accurate detection of and mutations in cfDNA.

Early Evidence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Obscured by Race-Specific Prediction Equations.

The identification of early chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is essential to appropriately counsel patients regarding smoking cessation, provide symptomatic treatment, and eventually develop disease-modifying treatments. Disease severity in COPD is defined using race-specific spirometry equations. These may disadvantage non-White individuals in diagnosis and care.

Use of the Spirometric "Fixed-Ratio" Underdiagnoses COPD in African-Americans in a Longitudinal Cohort Study.

Background: COPD diagnosis is tightly linked to the fixed-ratio spirometry criteria of FEV/FVC < 0.7. African-Americans are less often diagnosed with COPD.

Closed Incision Negative Pressure Therapy to Reduce Surgical Site Infection in High-Risk Gastrointestinal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Despite institutional perioperative bundles and national infection prevention guidelines, surgical site infection (SSI) after a major abdominal operation remains a significant source of morbidity. Negative pressure therapy (NPT) has revolutionized care for open wounds but the role of closed incision NPT (ciNPT) remains unclear.

Study Design: We conducted a multi-institutional randomized controlled trial evaluating SSI after major elective colorectal or hepatopancreatobiliary surgery (Clinical Trial Registration: NCT01905397).

The skin is no barrier to mixtures: Air pollutant mixtures and reported psoriasis or eczema in the Personalized Environment and Genes Study (PEGS).

Background: Autoimmune (AI) diseases appear to be a product of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers. Disruption of the skin barrier causes exacerbation of psoriasis/eczema. Oxidative stress is a mechanistic pathway for pathogenesis of the disease and is also a primary mechanism for the detrimental effects of air pollution.

Ambient air pollution exposure assessments in fertility studies: A systematic review and guide for reproductive epidemiologists.

Purpose Of Review: We reviewed the exposure assessments of ambient air pollution used in studies of fertility, fecundability, and pregnancy loss.

Recent Findings: Comprehensive literature searches were performed in the PUBMED, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Of 168 total studies, 45 met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review.

Lower Recovery of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria from Outdoor Hawai'i Environmental Water Biofilms Compared to Indoor Samples.

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are environmental organisms that can cause opportunistic pulmonary disease with species diversity showing significant regional variation. In the United States, Hawai'i shows the highest rate of NTM pulmonary disease. The need for improved understanding of NTM reservoirs led us to identify NTM from patient respiratory specimens and compare NTM diversity between outdoor and indoor locations in Hawai'i.

Quantification of hearing loss associated with superior semi-circular canal dehiscence.

Introduction: Superior semi-circular canal dehiscence (SSCD) is a known cause of hearing loss. This study quantifies hearing loss in SSCD ears in a frequency-specific fashion.

Methods: A meta-analysis of English language literature pertaining to SSCD was performed, with extraction and evaluation of available human audiometric data.

Morphometry of otoconia in the utricle and saccule of developing Japanese quail.

The development of otoconia in the utricular and saccular maculae from initial embryonic formation to adult stages was examined in Japanese quails. Both the morphology and size of the otoconia were quantified at different developmental stages. It was observed that the otoconia were initially formed on embryologic stage E5 in the saccule and E6 in the utricle.