Sociodemographic characteristics of living liver donors: Few changes over 20 years.

Introduction: Although there are well-documented challenges in access to living donor liver transplant (LDLT) among recipients, it is unclear whether living liver donors (LLDs) face similar challenges.

Methods: We analyzed the UNOS Standard Transplant Analysis and Research database, including LLDs ≥ 18 years in the United States from 1/1998 to 12/2018. We compared sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, race/ethnicity, education level, employment status, BMI, and relationship to recipient) of LLDs across three eras-pre-MELD (1998-2002), MELD (2003-2013), and post-direct acting antivirals (DAA) (2014-2018).

Myeloid LXR (Liver X Receptor) Deficiency Induces Inflammatory Gene Expression in Foamy Macrophages and Accelerates Atherosclerosis.

Background: Cholesterol loaded macrophage foam cells are a prominent feature of atherosclerotic plaques. Single-cell RNA sequencing has identified foam cells as TREM2 (triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2) positive populations with low expression of inflammatory genes, resembling the TREM2 positive microglia of neurodegenerative diseases. Cholesterol loading of macrophages in vitro results in activation of LXR (liver X receptor) transcription factors and suppression of inflammatory genes.

How Referring Providers Choose Specialists for Their Patients: a Systematic Review.

Background: Physician referrals are a critical step in directing patients to high-quality specialists. Despite efforts to encourage referrals to high-volume hospitals, many patients receive treatment at low-volume centers with worse outcomes. We aimed to determine the most important factors considered by referring providers when selecting specialists for their patients through a systematic review of medical and surgical literature.

Single-Position Fluoroscopy-Guided Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion With Intraoperative Computed Tomography-Navigated Posterior Pedicle Screw Fixation: Technical Report and Literature Review.

Lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) is a powerful tool in minimally invasive spine surgery with high rates of fusion, excellent indirect decompression, and deformity correction. LLIF offers advantages compared with anterior lumbar interbody fusion including a more favorable complication profile. Traditionally, the interbody fusion is performed in the lateral position and fluoroscopy-assisted pedicle screw fixation performed with the patient repositioned prone.

Development of a Practice-based Community Outreach Intervention to Prevent Inequities in COVID-19 Vaccinations.

Despite disproportionately higher rates of morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 among Black and Hispanic adults in the United States, ethnoracial disparities in vaccination rates emerged rapidly. The objective of this quality improvement study was to rapidly develop and implement an equity-focused community outreach intervention that facilitated COVID-19 vaccine appointments. Using the Plan-Do-Study-Act model, this multipronged, primary care-based outreach intervention developed call/recall systems that addressed vaccine hesitancy and facilitated real-time vaccine scheduling.

CT-Guided C2 Dorsal Root Ganglion Radiofrequency Ablation for the Treatment of Cervicogenic Headache: Case Series and Clinical Outcomes.

Cervicogenic headache is a secondary headache syndrome attributable to upper cervical spine pathology. Osteoarthritis of the lateral atlantoaxial joint with resultant C2 dorsal root ganglion irritation is an important and potentially treatable cause of cervicogenic headache. In this case series, we present 11 patients with cervicogenic headache who underwent C2 dorsal root ganglion thermal radiofrequency ablation.

A Community-Based Education Program for Overactive Bladder in a Predominantly Minority Older Female Population: A Pilot Study.

Introduction: Knowledge gaps regarding available treatment and social stigmatization are barriers to care in patients with overactive bladder (OAB). We assessed the feasibility of an OAB education program targeting older community-dwelling females.

Methods: Community-dwelling women over 55 years old were recruited.

Safety and Feasibility of DTRAX Cervical Cages in the Atlantoaxial Joint for C1/2 Stabilization.

Background: Pathological changes in the atlantoaxial joint often lead to instability, pain, and neurological deterioration. One treatment option is the surgical stabilization of the atlantoaxial joint. In other areas of the spine, fusion rates have been improved by the introduction of an interbody cage.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided ileosigmoidostomy using a lumen-apposing metal stent for palliation of malignant small-bowel obstruction.

Video 1Endoscopic ultrasound-guided ileosigmoidostomy for relief of small bowel obstruction.

3D-printed poly-4-hydroxybutyrate bioabsorbable scaffolds for nipple reconstruction.

Nearly all autologous tissue techniques and engineered tissue substitutes utilized for nipple reconstruction are hindered by scar contracture and loss of projection of the reconstructed nipple. The use of unprocessed costal cartilage (CC) as an internal support for the reconstructed nipple has not been widely adopted because of the excessively firm resultant construct. Herein we use a 3D-printed Poly-4-Hydroxybutyrate (P4HB) bioabsorbable scaffold filled with mechanically processed patient-derived CC to foster ingrowth of tissue in vivo to protect the regenerated tissue from contractile forces as it matures.

Colorectal cancer disparities across the continuum of cancer care: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Disparate colorectal cancer outcomes persist in vulnerable populations. We aimed to examine the distribution of research across the colorectal cancer care continuum, and to determine disparities in the utilization of Surgery among Black patients.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of colorectal cancer disparities studies was performed.

Characterizing an angle of cannula insertion for Lumbar Medial Branch Radiofrequency Neurotomy: A retrospective observational study.

Objective: Evidence characterizing a starting angle of radiofrequency (RF) cannula insertion during radiofrequency neurotomy is lacking. Using computerized tomography (CT), this retrospective observational study attempts to establish a starting angle for RF cannula placement parallel to the transverse process (TP) at the junction of the superior articular process (SAP) near the targeted medial branch.

Methods: This retrospective observational study utilized lumbar spine CT scans performed on adult cancer patients from January 2016 to May 2021 ​at a single center.

Adverse drug reaction management in hospital settings: review on practice variations, quality indicators and education focus.

Purpose: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) contribute significantly to healthcare burden. However, they are largely preventable through appropriate management processes. This narrative review aims to identify the quality indicators that should be considered for routine monitoring of processes within hospital ADR management systems.

Using Radiology images to characterize an angle of insertion for S1/S2 and SI joint injections: A retrospective observational study.

Objective: Sacroiliac (SI) joint, S1 and S2 nerve root pathology are well documented in literature as common etiologies for low back pain. Evidence demonstrating starting angle of needle insertion during S1/S2 transforaminal and SI joint injections are lacking. Using computerized tomography (CT) radiography of the lumbosacral spine, this retrospective observational study seeks to characterize a starting angle of needle insertion at the sacral spine.

Title: Novel Analgesic Potential of ß2-Agonists for Neuropathic Pain via ß2-Agonist Action.

Purpose Of Review: Multimodal therapies are often employed to treat chronic pain, and ß2-agonists are a potential drug class that shows promise. The primary aim of this paper is to discuss the role of ß2-agonists as an adjunctive therapy for chronic pain based on the current literature.

Recent Findings: Recent studies in mouse models have shown that the ß2-adrenergic system plays an essential role in the analgesic properties of antidepressant drugs used to treat neuropathic pain and that the adrenergic relies on an intact endogenous opioid system to be effective.

Transseptal interforniceal endoscopic removal of superiorly recessed colloid cysts.

Objective: Transforaminal endoscopic colloid cyst resection is well described. However, some anatomical colloid cyst variants may warrant a modified approach. Rarely, colloid cysts separate the forniceal columns and grow superiorly within the leaflets of the septum pellucidum.

Prevalence of hypercoagulable states in stented thrombotic iliac vein compression syndrome with comparison of re-intervention and anticoagulation regimens.

Background: Endovascular therapy is playing an increasing role in the treatment of iliofemoral venous disease. Iliac stent patency is multifactorial, and current management is based on best clinical practices, varying by institution.

Aim: To evaluate how thrombophilia influences management and outcomes of patients who undergo venous stenting for thrombotic iliac vein compression syndromes.

Minimally invasive versus open duodenal switch: a nationwide retrospective analysis.

Introduction: This study aims to characterize the variability in clinical outcomes between open, laparoscopic, and robotic Duodenal Switch (DS).

Methods: From the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and Accreditation Quality Improvement Program, patients who underwent DS (2015-2018) were identified. Open DS was compared to laparoscopic and robotic approaches with for patients factors, perioperative characteristics, and 30-day postoperative outcomes.

Predictive Factors for Developing GERD After Sleeve Gastrectomy: Is Preoperative Endoscopy Necessary?

Introduction: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the most common bariatric procedure performed in the USA. There is a concern for new gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Barrett's esophagus after SG. Endoscopic screening before bariatric surgery is controversial.

Executive Summary of Recommendations and Expert Consensus for Plasma and Platelet Transfusion Practice in Critically Ill Children: From the Transfusion and Anemia EXpertise Initiative-Control/Avoidance of Bleeding (TAXI-CAB).

Objectives: Critically ill children frequently receive plasma and platelet transfusions. We sought to determine evidence-based recommendations, and when evidence was insufficient, we developed expert-based consensus statements about decision-making for plasma and platelet transfusions in critically ill pediatric patients.

Design: Systematic review and consensus conference series involving multidisciplinary international experts in hemostasis, and plasma/platelet transfusion in critically ill infants and children (Transfusion and Anemia EXpertise Initiative-Control/Avoidance of Bleeding [TAXI-CAB]).