Increased serum GM-CSF at diagnosis of biliary atresia is associated with improved biliary drainage.

Background: The immune heterogeneity of biliary atresia (BA) presents a challenge for development of prognostic biomarkers. This study aimed to identify early immune signatures associated with biliary drainage after Kasai Portoenterostomy (KPE).

Methods: Serum samples, liver slides, and clinical data were obtained from patients enrolled in the NIDDK-supported Childhood Liver Disease Research Network.

Engaging Patients in Discussions About Medication Deprescribing.

Background: Deprescribing, intentional medication discontinuation or dose reduction, can reduce potentially inappropriate medication use and medication-related harms. Engaging patients in deprescribing discussions may increase likelihood of deprescribing and promote shared decision-making.

Objective: To examine the impact of patient-directed educational brochures on patient engagement and deprescribing discussions with primary care providers (PCPs).

Sources of Microstructure in Mammalian Cochlear Responses.

Quasiperiodic fluctuations with frequency are observed in a variety of responses that either originate from or strongly depend on the cochlea's active mechanics. These spectral microstructures are unique and stable features of individual ears and have been most thoroughly studied in behavioral hearing thresholds and otoacoustic emissions (OAEs). While the exact morphology of the microstructure patterns may differ across measurement types, the patterns are interrelated and are thought to depend on common mechanisms.

Medical management pathways for Cushing's disease in pituitary tumors centers of excellence (PTCOEs).

Purpose: A recent update of consensus guidelines for the management of Cushing's disease (CD) included indications for medical therapy. However, there is limited evidence regarding their implementation in clinical practice. This study aimed to evaluate current medical therapy approaches by expert pituitary centers through an audit conducted to validate the criteria of Pituitary Tumors Centers of Excellence (PTCOEs) and provide an initial standard of medical care for CD.

Perioperative outcomes of robotic vs laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy: a meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis.

Background: Minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy has gained widespread acceptance among hepatopancreatobiliary surgeons due to its demonstrated advantages in perioperative outcomes compared to the conventional open approach. This meta-analysis, along with trial sequential analysis, aimed to compare the outcomes of robotic pancreatoduodenectomy and laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy based on the current available evidence.

Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted from inception to July 2024.

Copper-dependent halogenase catalyses unactivated C-H bond functionalization.

Carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds are the foundation of essentially every organic molecule, making them an ideal place to do chemical synthesis. The key challenge is achieving selectivity for one particular C(sp)-H bond. In recent years, metalloenzymes have been found to perform C(sp)-H bond functionalization.

Categorization of 34 computational methods to detect spatially variable genes from spatially resolved transcriptomics data.

In the analysis of spatially resolved transcriptomics data, detecting spatially variable genes (SVGs) is crucial. Numerous computational methods exist, but varying SVG definitions and methodologies lead to incomparable results. We review 34 state-of-the-art methods, classifying SVGs into three categories: overall, cell-type-specific, and spatial-domain-marker SVGs.

The Rbfox1/LASR complex controls alternative pre-mRNA splicing by recognition of multipart RNA regulatory modules.

The Rbfox proteins regulate alternative pre-mRNA splicing by binding to the RNA element GCAUG. In the nucleus, most of Rbfox is bound to the large assembly of splicing regulators (LASR), a complex of RNA-binding proteins that recognize additional RNA motifs. However, it remains unclear how the different subunits of the Rbfox/LASR complex act together to bind RNA and regulate splicing.

The Impact of Stillbirth on Maternal Wellbeing.

Several parents globally face stillbirth, which takes a toll on their mental health and well-being. We would like to discuss the differences between grief and mental health and ways care must be tailored toward the specific needs of the bereaved. Recent research shows that there is a sense of personal responsibility that accompanies stillbirth and pregnancy loss.

Updates in Post-Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Pancreatitis.

Although endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has been shown to be a safe and effective approach in treating these diseases while carrying lower morbidity than traditional surgical treatments, ERCP has associated risks, with post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) being the most common serious adverse event and carries significant morbidity and health care cost. PEP results from multifactorial factors involving trauma to the pancreatic duct and papilla, leading to subsequent obstruction and impairment of pancreatic drainage. Important risk factors for PEP include history of prior PEP, suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, difficult cannulation, pancreatic duct contrast injections, and pancreatic sphincterotomy.

Pancreatic Cancer: Screening and Early Detection.

Pancreatic cancer, often diagnosed at advanced stages, has poor survival rates. Effective screening aims to detect the disease early, improving outcomes. Current guidelines recommend screening high-risk groups, including those with a family history or genetic predispositions, using methods like endoscopic ultrasound and MRI.

Efficacy of the Foodbot Factory digital curriculum-based nutrition education intervention in improving children's nutrition knowledge, attitudes and behaviours in elementary school classrooms: protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial.

Introduction: Schools are an important setting for supporting children's development of food literacy, but minimal research has assessed which strategies are most suitable for school nutrition education. The Foodbot Factory intervention, consisting of serious game (ie, a digital game designed for education) and curriculum-based lesson plans, was developed to support teachers and children ages 8-12 with nutrition education. Pilot data have demonstrated that Foodbot Factory can significantly improve children's nutrition knowledge, but it has not yet been evaluated in classrooms.

Atomistic Origin of Microsecond Carrier Lifetimes at Perovskite Grain Boundaries: Machine Learning-Assisted Nonadiabatic Molecular Dynamics.

The polycrystalline nature of perovskites, stemming from their facile solution-based fabrication, leads to a high density of grain boundaries (GBs) and point defects. However, the impact of GBs on perovskite performance remains uncertain, with contradictory statements found in the literature. We developed a machine learning force field, sampled GB structures on a nanosecond time scale, and performed nonadiabatic (NA) molecular dynamics simulations of charge carrier trapping and recombination in stoichiometric and doped GBs.

National Survey of Lung Cancer Screening Eligibility in United States Veterans.

Introduction: Lung cancer screening is underutilized, especially in rural areas where lung cancer mortality is high. Approximately 11.2% of the United States (US) population over age 50 meet the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) 2021 lung cancer screening eligibility criteria; the proportion of eligible Veterans is unknown.

Circulating microRNAs and alcohol consumption in the Multiethnic Cohort Study.

Excessive alcohol consumption is a significant public health concern and contributes to liver diseases and cancer. Modifiable lifestyle factors including alcohol consumption can influence circulating microRNAs (miRNAs), which are increasingly used as biomarkers for early disease detection. Yet limited studies have identified miRNAs associated with alcohol intake, particularly in multiethnic populations.

What is the Learning Curve for Endoscopic Spine Surgery? A Comprehensive Systematic Review.

Background Context: Endoscopic spine surgery (ESS) is rapidly emerging as a viable minimally invasive technique to successfully treat symptomatic degenerative spinal conditions. Widespread adoption has been limited in part due to the learning curve.

Purpose: To systematically review the learning curve for uniportal and biportal ESS and compare the two techniques.

Factors associated with ICU stays after endovascular treatments for unruptured intracranial aneurysms: A review study.

Background: For unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs), conservative management is often possible. However, when direct treatment is warranted, endovascular treatments (EVTs) provide an effective minimally invasive approach. These procedures still necessitate careful patient monitoring, frequently in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety of an investigational maternal respiratory syncytial virus prefusion F protein-based vaccine.

Background: In this phase 3 trial of an investigational maternal respiratory syncytial virus prefusion F protein-based vaccine (RSVPreF3-Mat), a higher rate of preterm birth was observed in the vaccine (6.8%) versus the placebo group (4.9%).

Foundation Models for Translational Cancer Biology.

Cancer remains a leading cause of death globally. The complexity and diversity of cancer-related datasets across different specialties pose challenges in refining precision medicine for oncology. Foundation models offer a promising solution.

Measuring Intentional Communication in Infants at Elevated Likelihood of Autism: Validity, Reliability, and Responsiveness of a Novel Coding Scale.

Purpose: Intentional communication acts, or purposefully directed vocalizations and gestures, are particularly difficult for infants at elevated likelihood for eventual diagnosis of autism. The ability to measure and track intentional communication in infancy thus has the potential to aid early identification and intervention efforts. This study assesses the validity of a novel measure of intentional communication intended for use within semistructured caregiver-infant interactions.

Program Director Perspectives on DEI Initiatives in the Dermatology Residency Selection Process.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has maintained a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives; however, a recent strike down of affirmative action by the US Supreme Court has caused similar efforts to be called into question. This prompted our investigation into dermatology program director (PD) perceptions of DEI programming and its integration into resident selection. A cross-sectional survey of PDs at US dermatology residency programs was conducted from April 2024 to July 2024 (N=30).

Variable vertical land motion and its impacts on sea level rise projections.

Coastal vertical land motion (VLM), including uplift and subsidence, can greatly alter relative sea level projections and flood mitigations plans. Yet, current projection frameworks, such as the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report, often underestimate VLM by relying on regional linear estimates. Using high-resolution (90-meter) satellite data from 2015 to 2023, we provide local VLM estimates for California and assess their contribution to sea level rise both now and in future.