Epidemiological trends in gastrointestinal cancers and risk factors across U.S. states from 2000 to 2021: a systematic analysis for the global burden of disease study 2021.

Introduction: Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers account for over a quarter of all cancer-related deaths in the United States; however, the latest trends in their prevalence remain unclear.

Methods: Data on GI cancers were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR) and age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) were estimated across various states, sexes, ages, and risk factors, and annual percentage changes were calculated.

Impact of COVID-19 Diagnosis on Weight Trajectories of Children in the US National COVID Cohort Collaborative.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the obesity epidemic, with both adults and children demonstrating rapid weight gain during the pandemic. However, the impact of having a COVID-19 diagnosis on this trend is not known. Using longitudinal data from January 2019 to June 2023 collected by the US National Institute for Health's National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C), children (age 2-18 years) with positive COVID-19 test results { = 11,474, 53% male, mean [standard deviation (SD)] age 5.

Patterns in mortality associated with heart failure and lung cancer among older adults in the United States: An analysis of 20 years.

Background: Despite an established association between heart failure (HF) and lung cancer (LC), there is limited evidence available regarding mortality patterns among the older (≥65 years) population in the United States.

Methods: The mortality data, spanning 1999 to 2019, was surveyed using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) database with HF and LC identified as underlying or contributing causes of death. Crude and age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) were calculated per 100,000 individuals.

Employer Perspective on Pain Fellowship Education: A Survey to Understand the Current State of Pain Medicine Training.

Background: Pain medicine care has expanded to encompass a wider range of conditions, necessitating updated education and training for pain specialists to utilize emerging technologies effectively. A national survey was conducted through several verified Pain organizations regarding pain physician employers' perspectives on pain medicine fellowship training and education. The survey aimed to gather insights from a diverse range of geographic locations, practice types (academic and private practice), and practice settings.

Amivantamab Plus Lazertinib in Patients With EGFR-mutant Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) After Progression on Osimertinib and Platinum-based Chemotherapy: Results From CHRYSALIS-2 Cohort A.

Introduction: Treatment options for patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with disease progression on/after osimertinib and platinum-based chemotherapy are limited.

Methods: CHRYSALIS-2 Cohort A evaluated amivantamab+lazertinib in patients with EGFR exon 19 deletion- or L858R-mutated NSCLC with disease progression on/after osimertinib and platinum-based chemotherapy. Primary endpoint was investigator-assessed objective response rate (ORR).

KDM6A facilitates Xist upregulation at the onset of X inactivation.

Background: X chromosome inactivation (XCI) is a female-specific process in which one X chromosome is silenced to balance X-linked gene expression between the sexes. XCI is initiated in early development by upregulation of the lncRNA Xist on the future inactive X (Xi). A subset of X-linked genes escape silencing and thus have higher expression in females, suggesting female-specific functions.

Immunometabolism In Brain Aging and Neurodegeneration: Bridging Metabolic Pathways and Immune Responses.

The complex set of interactions between the immune system and metabolism, known as immunometabolism, has emerged as a critical regulator of disease outcomes in the central nervous system. Numerous studies have linked metabolic disturbances to impaired immune responses in brain aging, neurodegenerative disorders, and brain injury. In this review, we will discuss how disruptions in brain immunometabolism balance contribute to the pathophysiology of brain dysfunction.

Effectiveness and Safety of Treatments for Early-Stage Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized and Non-Randomized Studies.

Objective: The lack of consensus on the benefits and harms of standard therapies, including surgery (SRx), radiotherapy (RTx), chemotherapy (CTx), and their combinations among early-stage MCC, prompted this study.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and non-randomized studies published between January 01, 1972, and January 31, 2023, and having overall survival (OS), local recurrence (LR), regional recurrence (RR), disease-specific survival (DSS), and/or disease-free survival (DFS) as outcomes was conducted using the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed (NCBI), Scopus (ELSEVIER), and Web of Science (CLAVIRATE) databases. Hazard ratios (HRs) and their variances were pooled using the inverse variance heterogeneity model.

Disparities in Advanced Stage Colorectal Cancer Outcomes in Appalachia: A Comprehensive Review.

The Appalachian region consists of over 26 million Americans, of whom almost 2.5 million live in rural areas. Various social determinants of health including but not limited to rural living conditions and geographic isolation, food insecurity, and low income contribute to disparate health outcomes compared to the rest of the country.

Religion and flourishing among Afro-Trinidadians: the influence of proneness to guilt/shame and forgiveness by God on the relationship between religious commitment and health.

Background: Religiousness has been consistently linked to positive health outcomes and flourishing, yet the underlying mechanisms are complex and not well-understood. The forgiveness and relational spirituality model offers a framework to explore the moderated mediation among religious commitment, health, and forgiveness by God. Understanding these relationships among university students and community residents in Trinidad and Tobago can provide valuable insights into the role of religiousness in promoting wellbeing.

Managing Recurrent Endocarditis in Substance Use Disorder: The Role of Civil Commitment and Comprehensive Care.

BACKGROUND The incidence of drug-induced infectious endocarditis is rapidly rising in the United States. Healthcare providers face different challenges in the management of infectious endocarditis in persons who inject drugs, including addiction relapse, non-compliance with treatment, and the associated social stigma. These factors collectively complicate the management of drug-induced endocarditis, requiring comprehensive strategies that address both the medical condition and the underlying substance use disorder, as well as socio-behavioral aspects of patient care.

Effect of Tiered Implementation of Clinical Decision Support System for Acute Kidney Injury and Nephrotoxin Exposure in Cardiac Surgery Patients.

Background:  Nephrotoxin exposure may worsen kidney injury and impair kidney recovery if continued in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI).

Objectives:  This study aimed to determine if tiered implementation of a clinical decision support system (CDSS) would reduce nephrotoxin use in cardiac surgery patients with AKI.

Methods:  We assessed patients admitted to the cardiac surgery intensive care unit at a tertiary care center from January 2020 to December 2021, and August 2022 to September 2023.

Thymidine Phosphorylase Promotes Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm via VSMC Modulation and Matrix Remodeling in Mice and Humans.

Thymidine phosphorylase (TYMP) promotes platelet activation and thrombosis while suppressing vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. Both processes are central to the development and progression of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). We hypothesize that TYMP plays a role in AAA development.

Research priorities for improving cognitive and neuropsychological outcomes in hydrocephalus.

Hydrocephalus is a neurological disorder that impacts approximately 85 per 100,000 individuals worldwide and is associated with motor and cognitive impairments. While many advances in surgical interventions have helped substantially improve the survival rates and quality of life of those affected, there continues to be significant gaps in our understanding of the etiology of this heterogeneous condition as well as its specific neuropsychological and functional challenges across different phases of life. To address these limitations, the Hydrocephalus Association and Rudi Schulte Research Institute organized a workshop titled, "Improving Cognitive and Psychological Outcomes in Hydrocephalus", composed of top academics in the fields of hydrocephalus, cognition, and neuropsychology, as well as individuals with hydrocephalus or their caregivers.

Comprehensive characterization of MCL-1 in patients with colorectal cancer: Expression, molecular profiles, and outcomes.

Myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL-1) is a member of the B-cell lymphoma 2 protein family and has anti-apoptotic functions. Deregulation of MCL-1 has been reported in several cancers, including lung and breast cancer. In the present study, the association of MCL-1 expression with molecular features in colorectal cancer (CRC) has been highlighted.

Clinical outcomes following shock team implementation for cardiogenic shock: a systematic review.

Background: Cardiogenic shock is a critical cardiac condition characterized by low cardiac output leading to end-organ hypoperfusion and associated with high in-hospital mortality rates. It can manifest following acute myocardial infarction or acute exacerbation of chronic heart failure. Despite advancements, mortality rates remain elevated, prompting interest in multidisciplinary approaches to improve outcomes.

Yes, We Can! Ensuring That our Graduating Resident's Procedural Skills Meet the Needs of Their Patients.

Objectives: There is a burgeoning discrepancy between the procedural competency of graduating diagnostic radiology residents and the needs of our patient population. The causes of this mismatch and opportunities for improvement are explored by the APDR Procedural Competency of Graduating DR Residents Task Force.

Materials And Methods: The APDR convened a task force consisting of diverse broad stakeholder viewpoints, drawing from organized radiology, academic and private practices.

Comparative survival of sleeve gastrectomy versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in adults with obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The difference in survival between sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) remains controversial.

Objective: To investigate the comparative survival difference between SG and RYGB in adults with morbid obesity.

Setting: A meta-analysis.

Lack of Hierarchical Survival Prognosis in AJCC Staging for Colon and Rectal Cancer-Implications for Future Summary Stage Classification.

Background: Current American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging for colorectal cancer utilizes TNM framework groups disease based on extent and provides prognostic information, ideally with a hierarchical logic. We sought to evaluate survival as a function of stage within the 8 edition AJCC staging system for colon and rectal cancer.

Methods: Patients with primary colon or rectal cancer diagnosed 2010-2016 were identified from the National Cancer Database (NCDB).

Shared Decision-Making in Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: Understanding Surgeon and Patient Perspectives Regarding When It Is Time for Surgery.

Background: Although total hip and total knee arthroplasty are highly successful operations, the decision of whether and when to undergo surgery is highly subjective and discretionary, and specific guidelines regarding readiness for surgery remain elusive. The nature of these decisions underscores the importance of shared decision-making, which is founded on the concept that patients substantially contribute to determining their own readiness for surgery. The OPTION survey was developed as a conversation aid to facilitate shared decision-making in the context of total joint arthroplasty.

Neuroblastoma Masquerading as Constipation: Reducing Diagnostic Error With the Pediatric Abdominal Point-of-Care Ultrasound Survey.

Abdominal pain is a common pediatric complaint in the emergency department and other clinical settings. While most causes are benign, dangerous and time-sensitive conditions may be present. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a diagnostic modality that can help more thoroughly explore the differential diagnosis at a relatively low cost, without exposure to ionizing radiation, and in a timely manner.

Accuracy of a Rapid-Response EEG's Automated Seizure-Burden Estimator: AccuRASE Study.

Background And Objectives: The use of rapid response EEG (rr-EEG) has recently expanded in limited-resource settings and as a supplement to conventional EEG to rapidly detect and treat nonconvulsive status epilepticus. The study objective was to test the accuracy of an rr-EEG's automated seizure burden estimator (ASBE).

Methods: This is a retrospective observational study using multiple blinded reviewers.