Development and validation of a scoring model for predicting surgical benefit in patients with Masaoka stage III/IV thymic carcinomas.

Background: Thymomas and thymic carcinomas are rare and aggressive thymic tumors that are usually detected in advanced stages. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment; however, the role of surgery in advanced disease is controversial due to factors such as myasthenia gravis; thus, decisions about whether to perform surgical interventions are complex. Further studies need to be conducted to explore the potential benefits of surgery in the treatment of advanced thymic tumors.

Preoperative approach and technical considerations in parotid surgery.

Various approaches and techniques have been developed to address parotid neoplasms over the years. This article reflects on the integration, modification, and refinement of these techniques over a decade of clinical practice. This article provides a narrative description of the evolution of a head and neck oncologic surgeon's approach to parotid neoplasms.

Incident thrombocytopenia and bleeding risk in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation on direct oral anticoagulants: insights from the ATHEROsclerosis in Atrial Fibrillation study.

Background: The bleeding risk of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) changes over time. Most studies thus far evaluated only the baseline bleeding risk with discordant results. The impact of incident thrombocytopenia during direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) therapy and its relation to bleeding has not been previously investigated.

Blood phosphorylated Tau181 reliably differentiates amyloid-positive from amyloid-negative subjects in the Alzheimer's disease continuum: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Blood-based biomarkers seem promising for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on the potential of blood phosphorylated Tau181 (p-tau181) to differentiate amyloid-positive (A+) and amyloid-negative (A-) subjects. Two meta-analyses were conducted, showing the mean p-tau values in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the A+ and A- group, and the second comparing the mean p-tau concentrations in blood and CSF among A+ versus A- participants, by laboratory assessment method.

Determination of Priorities for Lung Transplant Education for Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellows.

Background: In the United States, a growing number of lung transplants are performed each year, necessitating an increased number of general and transplant pulmonologists skilled in the care of these complex patients. However, pulmonary and critical care medicine (PCCM) fellowships across the country do not universally have dedicated lung transplantation curricula, and there is scarce literature in this area. We describe the generation of a content outline for curriculum development created through modified electronic Delphi methodology.

Management Strategy of Non-curative ESD in Gastric Cancer: Curative Criteria, and the Critical Building Block for Determining Beyond It.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection is performed in cases of early gastric cancer, where the risk of lymph node metastasis (LNM) is expected to be negligible, and 12%-21% of these patients are deemed to have undergone non-curative resections based on pathological criteria. In such cases, decisions regarding additional treatments must be made to maximize curability, depending on the anticipated LNM risk. Well-established risk factors for LNM include lymphatic invasion, vascular invasion, deep submucosal invasion, positive vertical margins, and larger tumor size.

A Comprehensive and Comparative Review of Global Gastric Cancer Treatment Guidelines: 2024 Update.

Differences in demographics, medical expertise, and patient healthcare resources across countries have led to significant variations in guidelines. In light of these differences, in this review, we aimed to explore and compare the most recent updates to gastric cancer treatment from five guidelines that are available in English. These English-version guidelines, which have been recently published and updated for journal publication, include those published in South Korea in 2024, Japan in 2021, China in 2023, the United States in 2024, and Europe in 2024.

Conversion Therapy for Stage IV Gastric Cancer: Report From the Expert Consensus Meeting at KINGCA WEEK 2024.

Conversion therapy is a treatment strategy that shifts from palliative systemic therapy to curative surgical treatment for primary and/or metastatic stage IV gastric cancer (GC). To address its clinical statements, the Korean Gastric Cancer Association aims to present a consensus on conversion therapy among experts attending KINGCA WEEK 2024. The KINGCA Scientific Committee and Development Working Group for Korean Practice Guidelines prepared preformulated topics and 9 clinical statements for conversion therapy.

Korean Gastric Cancer Association-Led Nationwide Survey on Surgically Treated Gastric Cancers in 2023.

Purpose: Since 1995, the Korean Gastric Cancer Association (KGCA) has been periodically conducting nationwide surveys on patients with surgically treated gastric cancer. This study details the results of the survey conducted in 2023.

Materials And Methods: The survey was conducted from March to December 2024 using a standardized case report form.

Hemodynamic Evaluation of Intra-Aortic Dual-Balloon Pump Based on Fluid-Structure Interaction.

The intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is a widely-used mechanical circulatory support device that enhances hemodynamics in patients with heart conditions. Although the IABP is a common clinical tool, its effectiveness in enhancing outcomes for patients with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock remains disputed. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of intra-aortic dual-balloon pump (IADBP) and its impact on aortic hemodynamics compared with an IABP.

Fatty-acid amide hydrolase inhibition mitigates Alzheimer's disease progression in mouse models of amyloidosis.

The endocannabinoid N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) is a pro-homeostatic bioactive lipid known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective properties, which may contrast/mitigate Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. This study explores the therapeutic potential of targeting fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the major enzyme degrading AEA, in mouse models of amyloidosis (APP/PS1 and Tg2576). Enhancing AEA signaling by genetic deletion of FAAH delayed cognitive deficits in APP/PS1 mice and improved cognitive symptoms in 12-month-old AD-like mice.

Development of a Perioperative Risk Mortality Calculator for Humanitarian Surgical Care.

Background: Risk models to predict perioperative mortality rates (POMR) are critical to surgical quality improvement yet are not widely adapted for use in humanitarian and low-resource settings (LRS). We developed a POMR and corresponding nomogram and calculator for use in humanitarian surgical care.

Methods: Electronic health record data from a high-income academic medical center from 2015 to 2019 were retrospectively extracted, selecting variables and operations specific to LRS.

Changes in the effective optical zone following hyperopic keratorefractive lenticule extraction.

Objective: To evaluate the longitudinal changes in the effective optical zone (EOZ) following hyperopic keratorefractive lenticule extraction (KLEx) and investigate factors influencing the EOZ.

Patients And Methods: This retrospective study included 27 patients who underwent hyperopic KLEx. According to the transition zone (TZ) sizes, they were divided into two groups: group A (21 eyes) with a 2.

Snail Flap for Scalp Reconstruction: Technique and Outcomes.

Objectives: Local flaps are widely described for scalp reconstruction, but there is minimal literature surrounding the snail flap. The objective of this study was to describe the surgical technique and outcomes of scalp reconstruction with the snail flap.

Methods: This case series retrospectively evaluated all consecutive patients undergoing scalp snail flap reconstruction from January 1, 2019 to February 1, 2024.

Factors related to cough strength before tracheal extubation in post-cardiac surgery patients: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Tracheal extubation failure after cardiac surgery is associated with diminished cough strength, albeit the information on cough strength in post-cardiac surgery patients is limited.

Aim: To investigate the cough strength in patients after cardiac surgery before tracheal extubation and the related influencing factors.

Study Design: A cross-sectional study was designed, with adherence to the STROBE guidelines.

Mutation Analysis of TMB-High Colorectal Cancer: Insights Into Molecular Pathways and Clinical Implications.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is well characterized in terms of genetic mutations and the mechanisms by which they contribute to carcinogenesis. Mutations in APC, TP53, and KRAS are common in CRC, indicating key roles for these genes in tumor development and progression. However, for certain tumors with low frequencies of these mutations that are defined by tumor location and molecular phenotypes, a carcinogenic mechanism dependent on BRAF mutations has been proposed.

Examining the Impact of Race and Sex on the Incidence of Positive Surgical Margins in Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of positive surgical margins (PSMs) between different races and sexes in a national cohort.

Materials And Methods: In this study, we analyzed the association between race and sex disparities and the incidence of PSMs based on data from the 2004-2016 National Cancer Database (NCDB). The NCDB includes deidentified data collected from over 1500 hospitals as part of the Commission on Cancer approvals program and represents over 70% of new cancer cases in the United States.

Multicenter Retrospective Analysis of Pediatric Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma: Treatment Practices and Outcomes Prior to Pediatric American Thyroid Association Guidelines Implementation.

Background: Differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) is the most common pediatric thyroid malignancy, with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) representing 90% of the cases. In 2015, the American Thyroid Association (ATA) developed management guidelines for pediatric DTC.

Procedure: Patients less than 21 years of age diagnosed with DTC between 2000 and 2015 at Texas Children's Hospital, Seattle Children's Hospital, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Children's Hospital Colorado, and Nationwide Children's Hospital were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate treatment practices before the implementation of the ATA guidelines.

Outcomes in Patients With Henoch-Schönlein Purpura After Kidney Transplantation: A Propensity Score Matched Study.

Aim: Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) nephritis leads to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in upto 3% of cases, necessitating kidney transplantation (KT). This study compared graft and patient survival outcomes between HSP and non-HSP KT recipients and identified factors associated with HSP recurrence.

Methods: Data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) were analysed for adult and paediatric KT patients listed between January 2005 and April 2021.

Reversal of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A Multi-Centric Analysis of Indications, Techniques, and Surgical Outcomes.

Background: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass may present long-term complications that require revisional surgery or even reversal to normal anatomy. Data on the indications, surgical technique, and outcomes of RYGB reversal remain scarce.

Methods: We identified 48 cases of RYGB reversals with complete 90-day follow-up within a multi-centric international retrospective database of elective secondary bariatric surgery.

Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes of Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome After Bariatric Surgery.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) commonly co-occurs with obesity, medical comorbidities, and psychiatric symptoms. Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for co-occurring obesity and PCOS. While the incidence of PCOS declines substantially after bariatric surgery, the condition is still present for a subset of women.

Delayed Progression of Ataxia with a Static Cerebellar Lesion- Consider SCA27B.

Repeat expansions in the fibroblast growth factor 14 gene (FGF14), associated with spinocerebellar ataxia type 27B (SCA27B), have emerged as a prevalent cause of previously unexplained late-onset cerebellar ataxia. Here, we present a patient with residual symptom of gait ataxia after complicated meningioma surgery, who presented with progressive symptoms of oculomotor disturbances, speech difficulties, vertigo and worsening of gait imbalance, twelve years post-resection. Neuroimaging revealed a surgical resection cavity in the dorsolateral side of the left cerebellar hemisphere, accompanied by gliosis in left cerebellar hemisphere extending into the vermis, extensive non-specific supratentorial periventricular white matter abnormalities, and mild atrophy of the cerebellar vermis.

Accelerated epigenetic ageing after burn injury.

Individuals who suffer a major burn injury are at higher risk of developing a range of age-associated diseases prematurely leading to an increase in mortality in adult and juvenile burn injury survivors. One possible explanation is that injury is accelerating the biological ageing process. To test this hypothesis, we analysed DNA methylation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from adult burn-injured patients (> 5%TBSA) upon admission to hospital and 6 months later, to calculate an epigenetic clock value which can be used to determine biological age.

Obstructive sleep apnea in bariatric surgery patients: a population-based study.

Purpose: A high proportion of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) remains undiagnosed. The main objectives of this study were to measure the prevalence of diagnosed OSA and determine OSA predictors in patients who underwent bariatric surgery, who are predominantly female and pre-menopausal and represent an understudied population in OSA literature.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional population-based study using the Ontario Bariatric Registry (OBR) from 2010 to 2016, linked to ICES databases which include health administrative data on all encounters within a single public-payer system.