Laparoscopic versus open distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: Laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) with adequate lymph node dissection for gastric cancer is increasingly being applied worldwide. Several randomized trials have been conducted regarding this surgical approach. The aim of this meta-analysis is to present an updated overview comparing laparoscopic distal gastrectomy and open distal gastrectomy (ODG) with regard to short-term results, long-term follow-up, and oncological outcomes.

[F]FDG-PET/CT to prevent futile surgery in indeterminate thyroid nodules: a blinded, randomised controlled multicentre trial.

Purpose: To assess the impact of an [F]FDG-PET/CT-driven diagnostic workup to rule out malignancy, avoid futile diagnostic surgeries, and improve patient outcomes in thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology.

Methods: In this double-blinded, randomised controlled multicentre trial, 132 adult euthyroid patients with scheduled diagnostic surgery for a Bethesda III or IV thyroid nodule underwent [F]FDG-PET/CT and were randomised to an [F]FDG-PET/CT-driven or diagnostic surgery group. In the [F]FDG-PET/CT-driven group, management was based on the [F]FDG-PET/CT result: when the index nodule was visually [F]FDG-positive, diagnostic surgery was advised; when [F]FDG-negative, active surveillance was recommended.

Cognition in older adults with bipolar disorder: An ISBD task force systematic review and meta-analysis based on a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment.

Objectives: We aim to characterize the cognitive performance in euthymic older adults with bipolar disorder (OABD) through a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment to obtain a detailed neuropsychological profile.

Methods: We conducted a systematic search in MEDLINE/Pubmed, Cochrane, and PsycInfo databases. Original studies assessing cognitive function in OABD (age ≥50 years ) containing, at a minimum, the domains of attention/processing speed, memory, and executive functions were included.

Real-life data on the impact of successful downstaging in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: A Dutch Multicenter Study.

Patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer intermediate stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) theoretically are an excellent group to consider downstaging using locoregional therapy (LRT) since they do not have extrahepatic spread or vascular invasion. Once successful, this can change the treatment strategy from palliative to curative intention. Although downstaging therapy is suggested in guidelines, it is still not widely accepted.

Cerebral [F]-FDOPA Uptake in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Its Association with Autistic Traits.

Dopaminergic signaling is believed to be related to autistic traits. We conducted an exploratory 3,4-dihydroxy-6-[F]-fluoro-L-phenylalanine positron emission tomography/computed tomography ([F]-FDOPA PET/CT) study, to examine cerebral [F]-FDOPA influx constant ( min), reflecting predominantly striatal dopamine synthesis capacity and a mixed monoaminergic innervation in extrastriatal neurons, in 44 adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 22 controls, aged 18 to 30 years. Autistic traits were assessed with the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ).

Prognostication using SpO/FiO in invasively ventilated ICU patients with ARDS due to COVID-19 - Insights from the PRoVENT-COVID study.

Background: The SpO/FiO is a useful oxygenation parameter with prognostic capacity in patients with ARDS. We investigated the prognostic capacity of SpO/FiO for mortality in patients with ARDS due to COVID-19.

Methods: This was a post-hoc analysis of a national multicenter cohort study in invasively ventilated patients with ARDS due to COVID-19.

18F-FDG PET-CT in rheumatoid arthritis patients tapering TNFi: reliability, validity and predictive value.

Objectives: To investigate the reliability and validity of fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET-CT scanning (FDG-PET) in RA patients with low disease activity tapering TNF inhibitors (TNFis) and its predictive value for successful tapering or discontinuation.

Methods: Patients in the tapering arm of the Dose REduction Strategies of Subcutaneous TNFi study, a randomized controlled trial of TNFi tapering in RA, underwent FDG-PET before tapering (baseline) and after maximal tapering. A total of 48 joints per scan were scored both visually [FDG-avid joint (FAJ), yes/no] and quantitatively [maximal and mean standardized uptake values (SUVmax and SUVmean)].

Definition and sonographic reporting system for Cesarean scar pregnancy in early gestation: modified Delphi method.

Objective: To develop a standardized sonographic evaluation and reporting system for Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) in the first trimester, for use by both general gynecology and expert clinics.

Methods: A modified Delphi procedure was carried out, in which 28 international experts in obstetric and gynecological ultrasonography were invited to participate. Extensive experience in the use of ultrasound to evaluate Cesarean section (CS) scars in early pregnancy and/or publications concerning CSP or niche evaluation was required to participate.

The role of vascular smooth muscle cells in the development of aortic aneurysms and dissections.

Background: Aortic aneurysms (AA) are pathological dilations of the aorta, associated with an overall mortality rate up to 90% in case of rupture. In addition to dilation, the aortic layers can separate by a tear within the layers, defined as aortic dissections (AD). Vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMC) are the predominant cell type within the aortic wall and dysregulation of vSMC functions contributes to AA and AD development and progression.

Neonatal Hemoglobin Levels in Preterm Infants Are Associated with Early Neurological Functioning.

Background: Neonatal anemia may compromise oxygen transport to the brain. The effects of anemia and cerebral oxygenation on neurological functioning in the early neonatal period are largely unknown.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the association between initial hemoglobin levels (Hb) and early neurological functioning in preterm infants by assessing their general movements (GMs).

Intentionally ending one's own life in the presence or absence of a medical condition: A nationwide mortality follow-back study.

In the Netherlands, people who wish to intentionally end their own life can request for physician assistance in dying (PAD). Having a classifiable medical condition is a prerequisite to receive PAD. Some people, either in the presence or absence of a medical condition, choose to end life without assistance from a physician.

Segment Length in Cine Strain Analysis Predicts Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Outcome Beyond Current Guidelines.

Background: Patients with a class I recommendation for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) are likely to benefit, but the effect of CRT in class II patients is more heterogeneous and additional selection parameters are needed in this group. The recently validated segment length in cine strain analysis of the septum (SLICE-ESS) measurement on cardiac magnetic resonance cine imaging predicts left ventricular functional recovery after CRT but its prognostic value is unknown. This study sought to evaluate the prognostic value of SLICE-ESS for clinical outcome after CRT.

Serum Contactin-1 in CIDP: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective: To investigate whether serum levels of contactin-1, a paranodal protein, correlate with paranodal injury as seen in patients with CIDP with antibodies targeting the paranodal region.

Methods: Serum contactin-1 levels were measured in 187 patients with CIDP and 222 healthy controls. Paranodal antibodies were investigated in all patients.

Electrocardiographic changes are strongly correlated with the extent of cardiac inflammation in mice with Coxsackievirus B3-induced viral myocarditis.

Objective: Viral myocarditis (VM) can induce changes in myocardial electrical conduction and arrhythmia. However, their relationship with myocarditis-associated arrhythmic substrates in the heart such as inflammation and fibrosis is relatively unknown. This we have analyzed in the present study.

CD38-specific Chimeric Antigen Receptor Expressing Natural Killer KHYG-1 Cells: A Proof of Concept for an "Off the Shelf" Therapy for Multiple Myeloma.

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are highly successful in the treatment of hematologic malignancies. We recently generated affinity-optimized CD38CAR T cells, which effectively eliminate multiple myeloma (MM) cells with little or no toxicities against nonmalignant hematopoietic cells. The lack of universal donors and long manufacturing times however limit the broad application of CAR T cell therapies.

The effect of non-point-of-care haemostasis management protocol implementation in cardiac surgery: A systematic review.

Objectives: This systematic review aims to outline the evidence on the implementation of a non-point-of-care (non-point-of-care [POC]) haemostasis management protocol compared to experience-based practice in adult cardiac surgery.

Background: Management of coagulopathy in cardiac surgery is complex and remains highly variable among centres and physicians. Although various guidelines recommend the implementation of a transfusion protocol, the literature on this topic has never been systematically reviewed.

A dual-time-window protocol to reduce acquisition time of dynamic tau PET imaging using [F]MK-6240.

Background: [F]MK-6240 is a PET tracer with sub-nanomolar affinity for neurofibrillary tangles. Therefore, tau quantification is possible with [F]MK-6240 PET/CT scans, and it can be used for assessment of Alzheimer's disease. However, long acquisition scans are required to provide fully quantitative estimates of pharmacokinetic parameters.

Outcomes for systemic therapy in older patients with metastatic melanoma: Results from the Dutch Melanoma Treatment Registry.

Background: The incidence of metastatic melanoma is increasing in all ages. Multiple trials with targeted drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors showed improved survival in metastatic melanoma. However, patients aged ≥75 years are often under-represented in clinical trials, therefore raising questions on safety and efficacy of treatment.

More Effective Anticoagulation During Non-Cardiac Arterial Procedures Using Activated Clotting Time Guided Heparin Administration.

Objectives: Arterial thrombo-embolic complications (ATEC) are still common during and after non-cardiac arterial procedures (NCAP) despite the administration of (a fixed bolus of) heparin. These ATEC could be due to existing individual differences in heparin sensitivity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of an ACT guided heparin dose protocol and to evaluate if a more effective target ACT can be achieved during NCAP.

Kidney hemodynamic function in men and postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes and preserved kidney function.

The progression of kidney disease may differ between sexes in type 2 diabetes (T2D), with previous studies reporting a slower decline in women. Glomerular hyperfiltration is a key factor driving the kidney function decline. The current study aimed to investigate the differences in kidney hemodynamic function between men and women with T2D.

Guidance for setting easy-to-adopt competence criteria for optical diagnosis of diminutive colorectal polyps: a simulation approach.

Background And Aims: One reason the optical diagnosis strategy for diminutive colorectal polyps has not yet been implemented is that the current competence criteria (Preservation and Incorporation of Valuable Endoscopic Innovation [PIVI] initiative) are difficult to use in daily practice. To provide guidance for setting alternative easy-to-adopt competence criteria, we determined the lowest proportion of diminutive polyps that should have a correct optical diagnosis to meet the PIVI.

Methods: For this simulation study, we used datasets from 2 prospectively collected cohorts of patients who underwent colonoscopy in either a primary colonoscopy or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) screening setting.

Surface Labeling with Adhesion Protein FimH Improves Binding of Immunotherapeutic Agent Ty21a to the Bladder Epithelium.

Background: Bladder cancer is the ninth most common cancer in men. 70% of these tumors are classified as non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and those patients receive 6 intravesical instillations with BCG after transurethral resection. However, 30% of patients show recurrences after treatment and experience severe side effects that often lead to therapy discontinuation.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis Toxin CpnT Is an ESX-5 Substrate and Requires Three Type VII Secretion Systems for Intracellular Secretion.

CpnT, a NAD glycohydrolase, is the only known toxin that is secreted by CpnT is composed of two domains; the C-terminal domain is the toxin, whereas the N-terminal domain is required for secretion. CpnT shows characteristics of type VII secretion (T7S) substrates, including a predicted helix-turn-helix domain followed by a secretion motif (YxxxE). Disruption of this motif indeed abolished CpnT secretion.