Tumor Seeding With Needle Biopsy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review.

Introduction: Biopsy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may help with selecting appropriate chemotherapy with inconclusive imaging; concern about potential seeding may limit its use.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted to assess the risk of tumor seeding with biopsy of HCC excluding nonliver cancers or seeding after interventions.

Results: A total of 2,339 unique abstracts were identified; 37 studies were included in the final analysis.

Efficacy and safety of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation in patients with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome: a single-center, single-blind, randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a promising therapy for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This clinical trial aims to evaluate the influence of taVNS on autonomic functions, rectal sensation, and acetylcholine (Ach) levels and to explore potential mechanisms involving gut microbiota and metabolic profiles.

Methods: This study was a single-center, single-blind, randomized controlled trial executed at the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Anhui, China.

Evaluating Artificial Intelligence-Driven Responses to Acute Liver Failure Queries: A Comparative Analysis Across Accuracy, Clarity, and Relevance.

Introduction: Recent advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly through the deployment of Large Language Models (LLMs), have profoundly impacted healthcare. This study assesses five LLMs-ChatGPT 3.5, ChatGPT 4, BARD, CLAUDE, and COPILOT-on their response accuracy, clarity, and relevance to queries concerning acute liver failure (ALF).

Proximal polyps are associated with higher incidence of colorectal cancer: Analysis of the Minnesota Colon Cancer Control Study.

Background: Despite reports indicating that polyps proximal to the splenic flexure have higher rates of metachronous colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC), the role of adenoma location on surveillance recommendations remains unclear. This study aimed to analyze the association between index polyp location and post-colonoscopy CRC among participants of the Minnesota Colon Cancer Control Study (MCCCS).

Methods: The MCCCS randomized 46,551 patients 50-80 years to usual care, annual, or biennial screening with fecal occult-blood testing (FOBT).

Effectiveness of Ustekinumab for patients with moderate to severe Ulcerative Colitis: A Multi-Center Real-World Canadian Study.

Background: We aimed to evaluate the real-world effectiveness and safety of ustekinumab for the treatment of both bio-naïve and bio-exposed ulcerative colitis (UC) patients in a real-world setting.

Methods: Retrospective, Canadian multicenter cohort study. Primary outcomes were clinical remission and endoscopic remission.

The Role of Gastroesophageal Reflux in Airway Inflammation.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs when the barrier at the esophagogastric junction is weakened, allowing for transient relaxations of the lower esophageal sphincter or disruption of the esophagogastric junction. This leads to the refluxate traveling up the esophagus, and potentially into the pharynx, where it can be aspirated into the airway. The refluxate can cause a range of symptoms, including sore throat, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, which may occur with or without visible airway inflammation.