Implementation of Alcohol Use Disorder Training Curriculum Improves Perceived Confidence in Treating Alcohol-Related Liver Disorder Amongst Gastroenterology Fellows.

Background: Alcohol use disorder and alcohol-associated liver disease is increasing in the US, with subsequent and expected increases in morbidity and mortality due to these conditions.

Aims: To determine the impact of an educational intervention regarding alcohol use disorder on gastroenterology fellows.

Methods: A before-after survey study was carried out.

Clinical Relevancies of Sarcopenic Obesity in Patients with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MASLD).

Aim: Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is associated with adverse outcomes in diseased patients. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and risks associated with SO, with a focus on the impact of SO on cardiovascular risk in patients with MASLD.

Materials And Methods: In this cross-sectional study, patients with MASLD were prospectively enrolled.

Cardiovascular Risk Reduction in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis.

Purpose Of Review: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common chronic liver disease, characterized by hepatic steatosis with at least one cardiometabolic risk factor. Patients with MASLD are at increased risk for the occurrence of cardiovascular events. Within this review article, we aimed to provide an update on the pathophysiology of MASLD, its interplay with cardiovascular disease, and current treatment strategies.

Screening of primary aldosteronism and pheochromocytoma among patients with hypertension: an Italian nationwide survey.

Purpose: The delayed or missed diagnosis of secondary hypertension contributes to the poor blood pressure control worldwide. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic approach to primary aldosteronism (PA) and pheochromocytoma (PHEO) among Italian centers associated to European and Italian Societies of Hypertension.

Methods: Between July and December 2023, a 10-items questionnaire was administered to experts from 82 centers of 14 Italian regions and to cardiologists from the ARCA (Associazioni Regionali Cardiologi Ambulatoriali) Piemonte.

The effect of different timings of protein supplementation on variable outcomes in hemodialysis patients: a randomized clinical trial.

Background: Oral nutritional supplements (ONS) are commonly prescribed to provide protein and energy to hemodialysis (HD) patients. There is a debate about the appropriate timing to administer ONS. We aimed to study the effect of different timings of ONS on variable outcomes in HD patients.

Does Nocturnal Blood Pressure Matter in Retinal Small Vessels? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Literature.

Purpose Of The Review: Τhe association between nocturnal blood pressure (BP) and alterations in the retinal microvasculature remains understudied, with few available studies to provide conflicting results. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine whether an association exists between retinal microvascular alterations and nocturnal BP patterns, determined by 24h ambulatory BP measurement.

Recent Findings: Our search concluded to 1002 patients (6 studies).

Ipsilateral concomitant fractures of the clavicle and coracoid process of the scapula: incidence, characteristics, and outcomes.

Background: Clavicle fractures associated with ipsilateral coracoid process fractures are very rare, with limited literature reporting only a few cases. This study reports on 27 patients with ipsilateral concomitant fractures of the clavicle and coracoid process who were followed for more than 12 months.

Material And Methods: This retrospective study reviewed the charts of skeletally mature patients with traumatic ipsilateral clavicle and coracoid process fractures treated at the authors' institution.

Cerebrovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis patients: insights from carotid artery atherosclerosis in the Paracelsus 10,000 study.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease marked by systemic inflammation. While RA primarily affects the joints, its systemic effects may lead to an increased cerebro- and cardiovascular risk. Atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries is a significant risk factor for cerebrovascular events and serves as a surrogate marker for cardiovascular risk.

Development and Validation of KCPREDICT: A Deep Learning Model for Early Detection of Coronary Artery Lesions in Kawasaki Disease Patients.

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a febrile vasculitis disorder, with coronary artery lesions (CALs) being the most severe complication. Early detection of CALs is challenging due to limitations in echocardiographic equipment (UCG). This study aimed to develop and validate an artificial intelligence algorithm to distinguish CALs in KD patients and support diagnostic decision-making at admission.

Associations between bone material strength index and FRAX scores.

Introduction: Impact microindentation (IMI) measures bone material strength index (BMSi) in vivo. However, its ability to predict fractures is still uncertain. This study aimed to determine the association between BMSi and 10 year fracture probability, as calculated by the FRAX algorithm.

Are we underestimating pathological fracture risk in malignant bone lesions of the proximal humerus?

Objective: This study is aimed at evaluating the distribution of metastatic bone disease (MBD), with a particular focus on the humerus, and its association with pathological fractures. Factors for contributing to the underestimation of fracture risk were assessed, including their impact on surgical management.

Materials And Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patient records of patients undergoing surgical treatment for MBD at our institution between 2005 and 2023.

Efficacy and safety of KN026 and docetaxel for HER2-positive breast cancer: a phase II clinical trial.

Background: The standard first-line treatment for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive recurrent/metastatic breast cancer currently includes pertuzumab plus trastuzumab and docetaxel. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of KN026, an anti-HER2 bispecific antibody, plus docetaxel in first-line treatment of HER2-positive recurrent/metastatic breast cancer.

Methods: This open-label, single-arm, phase II study enrolled patients with HER2-positive recurrent/metastatic breast cancer in 19 centers across China from December 30, 2019 to May 27, 2021.

Network Meta-Analysis: Comparison of Endoscopic Dysplasia Detection Technologies in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Background: Novel colorectal cancer endoscopic surveillance techniques for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have recently been developed.

Aims: Compare the efficacy of currently available techniques for dysplasia detection in colonic IBD.

Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search from inception to March 2024 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or prospective cohort studies enrolling adults with IBD and having surveillance colonoscopy for dysplasia screening.

Ascitic fluid amylase-to-serum amylase ratio to predict pancreatic duct leaks causing ascites.

Objectives: Pancreatic duct leaks can cause ascites, and fluid amylase can be used as a marker to suggest pancreatic duct leak; however, there is no reference parameter or cutoff value for diagnosis. We assessed whether a novel ratio of ascitic fluid to serum amylase can reliably predict pancreatic leaks and need for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

Materials And Methods: Patients who had fluid amylase from ascitic fluid and serum amylase within one week of confirmed pancreatic leaks via ERCP were included along with appropriate medical and surgical controls.

Inter-Rater Disagreements in Applying the Montreal Classification for Crohn's Disease: The Five-Nations Survey Study.

Background: The Montreal classification has been widely used in Crohn's disease since 2005 to categorize patients by the age of onset (A), disease location (L), behavior (B), and upper gastrointestinal tract and perianal involvement. With evolving management paradigms in Crohn's disease, we aimed to assess the performance of gastroenterologists in applying the Montreal classification.

Methods: An online survey was conducted among participants at an international educational conference on inflammatory bowel diseases.

Systematic Review on definitions of Intestinal Ultrasound Treatment Response and Remission in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Background: Intestinal ultrasound (IUS) is emerging as a valuable tool to assess treatment response in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) clinical trials. This study details how IUS defines response and remission to evaluate treatment efficacy in IBD patients.

Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of studies from 1984 to 31 March 2024, focusing on IUS use in assessing treatment efficacy in IBD.

Sub-Microliter H Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy for In Vivo High-Spatial Resolution Metabolite Quantification in the Mouse Brain.

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) offers a non-invasive, repeatable, and reproducible method for in vivo metabolite profiling of the brain and other tissues. However, metabolite fingerprinting by MRS requires high signal-to-noise ratios for accurate metabolite quantification, which has traditionally been limited to large volumes of interest, compromising spatial fidelity. In this study, we introduce a new optimized pipeline that combines LASER MRS acquisition at 11.

Factors associated with patient no-show rates in an academic pain management practice.

Objectives: Chronic pain is a debilitating, multifactorial condition. The purpose of this study was to examine patient characteristics of those who did not show up for their scheduled first pain medicine appointment in order to identify factors that may improve access to care.

Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 810 patients from a single-center academic pain management clinic between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023.

Role of Cytokines in Predicting Early Major Bleeding in Patients With Acute Pulmonary Embolism.

Introduction: Anticoagulant therapy is critical for venous thromboembolism (VTE) management, though bleeding remains a major concern, ranging from mild to fatal events. This study aimed to assess the predictive value of cytokines for major bleeding in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE).

Methods: In this prospective, observational study, patients aged ≥ 18 years with acute PE were enrolled from April 2021 to September 2022 and followed for 30 days.