Nivolumab combination therapies in patients with advanced gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer: the phase II FRACTION gastric cancer study.

Background: Nivolumab-based therapies are efficacious with acceptable safety in patients with gastric cancer (GC) and gastroesophageal junction cancer (GEJC). Novel nivolumab-based combination immunotherapies may offer enhanced efficacy in these indications. FRACTION-GC was a signal-seeking, randomized, open-label, phase II adaptive-design trial assessing efficacy and safety of nivolumab in combination with ipilimumab [cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) antibody], relatlimab (lymphocyte-activation gene 3 antibody), or IDO1i (BMS986205, an indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase-1 inhibitor) in patients with unresectable, advanced/metastatic GC/GEJC.

Absorbable Powder Haemostat Use in Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery.

: Significant intraoperative and postoperative blood loss are rare but possibly life-threatening complications after lung resection surgery either during open or minimally invasive procedures. Microporous Polysaccharide Haemospheres (ARISTA™AH) have demonstrated time-efficient haemostasis, lower postoperative blood volumes and a lower blood transfusion requirement, without any identified adverse events across other specialities. The primary aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of ARISTA™AH on short-term postoperative outcomes in thoracic surgery.

Correction: Patel et al. Palmitoyl Carnitine-Anchored Nanoliposomes for Neovasculature-Specific Delivery of Gemcitabine Elaidate to Treat Pancreatic Cancer. 2023, , 182.

In the original publication [...

Role of Mutation in the Development of Eleven Different Cancers.

: With the rise in prevalence of diagnostic genetic techniques like RNA sequencing and whole exome sequencing (WES), as well as biological treatment regiments for cancer therapy, several genes have been implicated in carcinogenesis. This review aims to update our understanding of the Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) gene and its role in the pathogenesis of various cancers. : A comprehensive search of five online databases yielded 43 studies that highlighted the effect of sporadic NF2 mutations on several cancers, including sporadic meningioma, ependymoma, schwannoma, mesothelioma, breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, prostate cancer, glioblastoma, thyroid cancer, and melanoma.

Cell Membrane Fatty Acids and PIPs Modulate the Etiology of Pancreatic Cancer by Regulating AKT.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the worst solid malignancies in regard to outcomes and metabolic dysfunction leading to cachexia. It is alarming that PDAC incidence rates continue to increase and warrant the need for innovative approaches to combat this disease. Due to its relatively slow progression (10-20 years), prevention strategies represent an effective means to improve outcomes.

Immobilization of Paenibacillus polymyxa with biopolymers to enhance the production of 2,3-butanediol.

Background: Paenibacillus polymyxa, is a Gram-positive, plant growth promoting bacterium, known for producing 98% optically pure 2,3-butanediol, an industrially valuable chemical for solvents, plasticizers and resins. Immobilization of Paenibacillus polymyxa has been proposed to improve the cell stability and efficiency of the fermentation process, reduce contamination and provide easy separation of butanediol in the culture broth as compared to conventional bioprocesses. This research aimed to explore the potential of Paenibacillus polymyxa with immobilization technique to produce 2,3-butanediol.

Financial Toxicity in Older Adults With Cancer and Their Caregivers.

With advances in cancer treatment, long-term survival rates have improved in recent decades, resulting in extended life expectancies for many patients. This progress brings substantial challenges, however, particularly in terms of the costs associated with cancer care. The financial burden, often considerable, poses difficulties for older adults with cancer and their caregivers.

Optimal functioning of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis after cessation of prednisolone therapy: a cross-sectional study in children with nephrotic syndrome.

Background: Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis recovery after cessation of steroid therapy in children with nephrotic syndrome (NS) has hardly been studied in the literature.

Methods: This 22-month cross-sectional study recruited children (2-14 years) with NS, having received a minimum 3 months of prednisolone, now in remission, and off steroids for 1, 3, or 6 months. Serum cortisol-basal and stimulated (with long-acting intramuscular adrenocorticotropic hormone), and factors affecting them, were assessed.

Primary Peristalsis Is the Dominant Mechanism of Refluxate Clearance Following Gastroesophageal Reflux.

Background: Refluxate volume and pH drop following gastroesophageal reflux are mostly cleared by peristalsis. We evaluated the roles of primary volume clearing peristaltic wave (VCPW), secondary VCPW, post-reflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave (PSPW), and late primary peristaltic wave (LPPW) in refluxate clearance.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed pH-impedance studies performed off therapy in 40 patients with typical esophageal symptoms.

Navigating herpes simplex encephalitis: Family medicine perspectives from Jharkhand, India.

Background: Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE), caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) is the most common cause of sporadic encephalitis that often presents as an emergency case of acute or sub-acute nature associated with poor prognosis. Early suspicion and prompt diagnostic testing with adequate antiviral therapy can only reduce morbidity and mortality associated with the disease. This study aims to evaluate the role of serological and molecular diagnosis of encephalitis caused by HSV 1 and 2 for timely detection of the disease.

A Case of Xylazine-Induced Necrotic Skin Ulcerations in an IV-Drug User in Florida.

Introduction: As illicit drug manufacturers find new ways to market their products and increase their profit margins, multiple contaminants have found their way into the illicit drug supply. The newest addition, xylazine, also known as "tranq," has spread through the city of Philadelphia and has recently been gaining ground across the United States, including in the state of Florida.

Case Presentation: This case describes a 37-year-old male with a significant past psychiatric history of severe polysubstance intravenous (IV) use, including fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Evaluation of COVID-19 Diagnosis Codes for Identification of SARS-CoV-2 Infections in a Nursing Home Cohort, 2022-2023.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the utility of electronic health record (EHR) diagnosis codes for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 infections among nursing home residents.

Design: A retrospective cohort study design was used to analyze data collected from nursing homes operating under the tradename Signature Healthcare between January 2022 and June 2023.

Setting And Participants: Data from 31,136 nursing home residents across 76 facilities in Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Ohio, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Virginia were included.

The complex role of cardiovascular imaging in viability testing.

Myocardial viability assessment is used to determine if chronically dysfunctional myocardium may benefit from coronary revascularization. Cardiac magnetic resonance with late gadolinium enhancement is the current gold standard for visualizing myocardial scar and provides valuable insight into myocardial viability. Viability assessments can also be made with Cardiac Positron Emission Tomography, Echocardiography, Single Photon Emission Tomography, and Cardiac Computed Tomography with each having advantages and disadvantages.

The Effects of Morphology and Hydration on Anion Transport in Self-Assembled Nanoporous Membranes.

Ordered nanoporous polymer membranes offer opportunities for systematically probing the mechanisms of ion transport under confinement and for realizing useful materials for electrochemical devices. Here, we examine the impact of morphology and ion hydration on the transport of hydroxide and bromide anions in nanostructured polymer membranes with 1 nm scale pores. We use aqueous lyotropic self-assembly of an amphiphilic monomer, with a polymerizable surfactant to create direct hexagonal (H) and gyroid mesophases.

Elective peri-operative management of adults taking glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors: a multidisciplinary consensus statement: A consensus statement from the Association of Anaesthetists, Association of British Clinical Diabetologists, British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society, Centre for Perioperative Care, Joint British Diabetes Societies for Inpatient Care, Royal College of Anaesthetists, Society for Obesity and Bariatric Anaesthesia and UK Clinical Pharmacy Association.

Introduction: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors are used increasingly in patients receiving peri-operative care. These drugs may be associated with risks of peri-operative pulmonary aspiration or euglycaemic ketoacidosis. We produced a consensus statement for the peri-operative management of adults taking these drugs.

Inpatient total thyroidectomy costs and outcomes vary regionally: A nationwide study.

Objectives: While it is known that surgical costs continue to rise in the United States, there is little information about the specific underlying factors for this variation in many common procedures. This study investigates the influence of geographic location and hospital demographics on hospital cost and postoperative outcomes in adult patients undergoing total thyroidectomy (TT).

Methods: The National Inpatient Sample was queried for patients who underwent primary TT between 2016 and 2017.

Regulation of Mutant Huntingtin Mitochondrial Toxicity by Phosphomimetic Mutations within Its N-Terminal Region.

Huntington's disease (HD), a neurodegenerative disease, affects approximately 30,000 people in the United States, with 200,000 more at risk. Mitochondrial dysfunction caused by mutant huntingtin (mHTT) drives early HD pathophysiology. mHTT binds the translocase of the mitochondrial inner membrane (TIM23) complex, inhibiting mitochondrial protein import and altering the mitochondrial proteome.

Neuromodulation Strategies in Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome: Practical Clinical Guidance from the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Consortium.

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy characterized by multiple drug-resistant seizure types, cognitive impairment, and distinctive electroencephalographic patterns. Neuromodulation techniques, including vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), deep brain stimulation (DBS), and responsive neurostimulation (RNS), have emerged as important treatment options for patients with LGS who do not respond adequately to antiseizure medications. This review, developed with input from the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Consortium (PERC) LGS Special Interest Group, provides practical guidance for clinicians on the use of these neuromodulation approaches in patients with LGS.

Race and Gender Bias in Narrative Letters of Recommendation for Plastic Surgery Residency Applicants.

Introduction: It has been previously shown that gender bias exists in standardized letters of recommendation for plastic surgery residency. However, similar analysis has not been conducted for narrative letters of recommendation (NLORs). Therefore, this study aims to determine if there exists linguistic bias in NLORs for plastic surgery residency based on applicants' and writers' gender and race.

Anterior Knee Pain and Knee Functional Scores Following Common Approaches to Tibial Shaft Fractures: A Systematic Review.

Background: Tibial shaft fractures are common, causing substantial morbidity. Intramedullary nailing offers advantages but often leads to anterior knee pain and functional issues.

Methods: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we conducted a systematic review on outcomes for different surgical approaches-suprapatellar (SP), infrapatellar (IP), medial parapatellar (MPP), and lateral parapatellar (LPP).

Epidemiology of watersport related traumatic spinal cord injuries in New Zealand (2007-2021).

Background: To investigate the incidence, demographic characteristics, etiologies, surgical interventions, hospital stays, and neurologic outcomes associated with watersport-related traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCI) in New Zealand.

Methods: Retrospective study collected data from New Zealand's two spinal rehabilitation units, the Auckland Spinal Rehabilitation Unit (ASRU) and the Burwood Spinal Unit (BSU). It included adults aged over 16 years, between January 2007 and December 2021 with new TSCI secondary to traumatic watersport activities.

Multimodal management and complete resection of invasive Type B3 thymoma with vascular reconstruction: a case report.

Introduction: Thymomas and thymic carcinomas are rare anterior mediastinal tumours, accounting for 0.2-1.5% of all cancers.

Evaluation of Swallowing Dysfunction With Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing in the Neonatal Unit.

Background: Preterm and low-birth-weight infants often experience discoordination of the suck-swallow-breathe pattern, leading to dysrhythmic feeding, inefficient feeding skills, and swallowing dysfunction, increasing the risk of aspiration and respiratory morbidity. While videofluoroscopic swallowing study is commonly utilized to assess swallow function in neonates, flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) has been an emerging modality and has been utilized routinely at our institution since 2018.

Method: A single-center, retrospective study including 90 infants admitted to the neonatal unit between 2018-2023 who underwent FEES procedure.

A Psychosocial Critique of the Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic on UK Care Home Staff Attitudes to the Flu Vaccination: A Qualitative Longitudinal Study.

Vaccinating care home staff is essential to protect vulnerable residents by reducing infection risks and creating a safer care environment. However, vaccine hesitancy amongst staff remains a challenge, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic raised concerns about side effects and vaccination mandates. This study examines how the pandemic influenced flu vaccine hesitancy amongst UK care home staff.

Advancements in Detection Methods for in Food: A Comprehensive Review.

Non-typhoidal species are one of the leading causes of gastrointestinal disease in North America, leading to a significant burden on the healthcare system resulting in a huge economic impact. Consequently, early detection of species in the food supply, in accordance with food safety regulations, is crucial for protecting public health, preventing outbreaks, and avoiding serious economic losses. A variety of techniques have been employed to detect the presence of this pathogen in the food supply, including culture-based, immunological, and molecular methods.