Environmental impact of single-use versus reusable gastroscopes.

INTRODUCTION: The environmental impact of endoscopy is a topic of growing interest. This study aimed to compare the carbon footprint of performing an esogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with a reusable (RU) or with a single-use (SU) disposable gastroscope. METHODS: SU (Ambu aScope Gastro) and RU gastroscopes (Olympus, H190) were evaluated using life cycle assessment methodology (ISO 14040) including the manufacture, distribution, usage, reprocessing and disposal of the endoscope. Data were obtained from Edouard Herriot Hospital (Lyon, France) from April 2023 to February 2024. Primary outcome was the carbon footprint (measured in Kg CO2 equivalent) for both gastroscopes per examination. Secondary outcomes included other environmental impacts. A sensitivity analysis was performed to examine the impact of varying scenarios. RESULTS: Carbon footprint of SU and RU gastroscopes were 10.9 kg CO2 eq and 4.7 kg CO2 eq, respectively. The difference in carbon footprint equals one conventional car drive of 28 km or 6 days of CO2 emission of an average European household. Based on environmentally-extended input-output life cycle assessment, the estimated per-use carbon footprint of the endoscope stack and washer was 0.18 kg CO2 eq in SU strategy versus 0.56 kg CO2 eq in RU strategy. According to secondary outcomes, fossil eq depletion was 130 MJ (SU) and 60.9 MJ (RU) and water depletion for 6.2 m3 (SU) and 9.5 m3 (RU), respectively. CONCLUSION: For one examination, SU gastroscope have a 2.5 times higher carbon footprint than RU ones. These data will help with the logistics and planning of an endoscopic service in relation to other economic and environmental factors.

International cross-sectional survey on attitudes and practices regarding use of contrast-enhanced ULTRAsound in VASCular surgery: The I-ULTRA-VASC study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this cross-sectional survey was to gather attitudes and practices of physicians from different countries regarding the implementation of contrast-enhanced ULTRAsound (CEUS) for vascular diseases in clinical practice as well as in academic research. METHODS: A web-based survey was developed in English, including 35 questions. Two-hundred sixty physicians were invited by email to fill in the survey anonymously on Google Forms using a dedicated link. The survey started on 25th February 2024 and was closed on 13th March 2024 (17 days). A reminder was sent after the first 10 days. In addition to descriptive statistics, sub-analyses of answers according to country of origin (Italy vs other States), years of experience (≤20 years vs > 20 years), and type of institution (Academic/University vs Non-Academic/Private) were also established a priori. RESULTS: A total of 121 practitioners from 20 countries completed our survey (response rate 121/260, 46%). Most responders were males (95/121, 78.5%). Most participants were vascular surgeons (118/121, 97.5%). CEUS was available in 87/121, 70.2% of the centers involved, even though a standardized protocol was present in 54/121, and 44% of surveyed institutions. Italian institutions presented greater CEUS availability (62/72, 86.1% vs 25/49, 51.0%; p = .001) and higher presence of standardized protocols (38/72, 52.8% vs 16/49, 32.6%; p = .022) than foreign institutions. The diagnostic tool was thought to be more useful for carotid artery stenosis in the postoperative phase, while for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) in the preoperative phase. For diagnosis and/or preoperative management of carotid stenosis 53/121, 44% of physicians believed that CEUS should be performed only in selected cases, while for AAA 42/121, 35% of them believed that it could be useful only for scientific purposes. Similarly, 99/121, 82% of participants answered that CEUS was usually prescribed in 0%-20% of the cases during the preoperative diagnostic pathway of patients with peripheral arterial disease. No differences between country of origin, years of experience, and type of institution were found for the reported items. There was also 106/121, 88% of respondents agreed upon the need for better integration of CEUS in current guidelines and 114/121, 94% of them upon the need for further studies. CONCLUSIONS: This ULTRA-VASC survey has demonstrated that CEUS is still rarely used in current practice for many vascular diseases despite the availability of this tool in most centers Future studies are needed, as well as enhanced guidance on the proper implementation of CEUS from guidelines.

The Effects of Enrichment on Zoo-Housed Scarlet Ibis Behavior.

Good zoo animal welfare is commonly promoted with environmental enrichment; however, some species are less likely to be offered enrichment than others. This study tested the effect of enrichment on a group of scarlet ibises from Zoomarine Algarve, Portugal. The study consisted of a first baseline condition, followed by four types of enrichment displays with individual presentations, a post-enrichment condition, and a post-enrichment with all enrichment types presented simultaneously. The enrichment types chosen were physical, with a tidal simulation in the lakes of the enclosure; nutritional, presenting mussels in a plastic mesh tube; sensory, by playing scarlet ibises calls; and tactile, with brushes through the habitat. The data collection was performed for 21 days between January and March 2021, 3 times a day, using scan sampling and instantaneous time sampling every 2 min. The comparison between conditions revealed that most behaviors showed similarity between the baseline and post-enrichment conditions, suggesting that after removing the enrichment, the behaviors returned to their initial baseline. It was also found that each enrichment influenced different types of behaviors and these behaviors also changed depending on the time of day. Exploratory behavior was only associated with the presence of enrichment, and vocalizations were only heard after the sensory enrichment was performed. This study demonstrates that the use of physical and tactile enrichments increased activity and decreased stationary behaviors in this group of ibises and may be used to improve their lives in zoological contexts if included in the housing and husbandry protocols.

Superficial temporal artery access for transfemoral or transbrachial carotid artery stenting in selected patients considered unfit for carotid surgery.

BACKGROUND: Transfemoral (TFCAS) or transbrachial carotid artery stenting (TBCAS) is an alternative to carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for treatment of high-grade internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis. A difficult aortic arch (i.e., type III or bovine arch) and/or a tortuous/stenosed common carotid artery (CCA) are potential reasons for technical failure. This study explores the benefits of superficial temporal artery access (STAA) in aiding TFCAS or TBCAS for patients with challenging anatomical conditions. METHODS: Clinical data of patients who underwent TFCAS or TBCAS using STAA between January and November 2023 were prospectively collected. Demographics, comorbidities, clinical presentation, and imaging studies were reviewed. Primary outcomes included 30-day stroke/death and technical success. Secondary outcomes and causes of failures were assessed. RESULTS: Ten patients (mean age: 74 [range: 66-84] years) with difficult aortic arch (N.=2), CCA tortuosity (N.=2), proximal CCA stenosis (N.=2), previous technical TFCAS failure (N.=2) and aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD) (N.=2) underwent TFCAS or TBCAS supported by STAA. Successful STAA was possible in eight patients (six facilitated TFCAS and two TBCAS. after TBCAS occurred TIA). In two cases STAA was not successful. There were no deaths or strokes within 30 days, transient ischemic attack (TIA) occurred in one patient. Follow-up Duplex ultrasound confirmed occlusion of the STA in all patients, without clinical consequences. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective study suggests that TFCAS/TBCAS supported by STAA is a viable and safe approach when traditional access methods are ineffective and transcarotid artery stenting in not available or not possible. Despite a 20% technical failure in the current series, this technique may be useful for challenging anatomy of the aortic arch, CCA stenosis and tortuosity, and AIOD. When feasible, STAA may be a promising adjunct to TFCAS/TBCAS.

Complications and technical success on upper limb vascular access for endovascular repair of complex abdominal and thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This study aims to assess the efficacy and complications associated with upper limb catheterization during complex aneurysm endovascular surgery repair. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, involving a search across PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Web of Science. Primary endpoint was represented by 30-day stroke. Secondary endpoints were target vessels technical success, 30-day mortality, local access-related complications. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Sixteen observational studies encompassing 4,137 patients were included. The 30-day stroke incidence for upper limb access was 1.4% (95% CI 1.0%-1.8%), slightly higher than lower limb, despite not statistically significant. Mortality varied between 0-6.8%, and local access-related complications occurred in 3.2% (95% CI 1.9%-4.4%). Technical success in target vessel catheterization was 99.2% (95% CI 98.4%-100.0%). CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate the safety and efficacy of upper limb access for f/b-EVAR, with low stroke risk, mortality rates, and minimal local complications. Despite the risk of bias, the findings suggest that upper limb access may be beneficial, especially in bailout situations when femoral access fails, offering valuable insights for clinical decision-making.

Brain natriuretic peptide is a long-term cardiovascular predictor in carotid endarterectomy.

BACKGROUND: In noncardiac surgery, several biomarkers are known to play a role in predicting long-term complications, such as major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), myocardial infarction, or death. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is considered a low to medium-risk surgery for carotid stenosis aimed at preventing stroke events. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a biomarker with potential prognostic value regarding MACE. Since its role in patients undergoing CEA is unknown, this study aims to assess the potential role of BNP as a short and long-term predictor of all-cause mortality and MACE in patients undergoing CEA. METHODS: From a prospective database, patients who underwent CEA under regional anesthesia (RA) at a tertiary hospital center were enrolled, and a post hoc analysis was conducted. Patients on which BNP levels were measured up to fifteen days before surgery, and two groups based on the BNP threshold (200 pg/mL) were defined and compared. Kaplan Meier survival curves and adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) were assessed by multivariable Cox regression. The primary outcome was the incidence of long-term MACE and all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of AMI and AHF. RESULTS: A total of 89 patients were evaluated. The mean age of the cohort was 71.2 ± 8.7 years, with 71 (79.8%) males, and presented a median follow-up of 30 [13.5-46.4] months. BNP > 200 pg/mL has demonstrated positive predictive value for MACE (aHR: 5.569, confidence interval (CI): 2.441-12.7, p < 0.001) and all-cause mortality (aHR: 3.469, CI: 1.315-9.150, p = 0.018). CONCLUSION: BNP has been demonstrated to independently predict long-term all-cause mortality, MACE and AMI following CEA. It serves as a low-cost, ready-to-use biomarker, although further studies are necessary.

Longitudinal analysis of echocardiographic and cardiac biomarker variables in dogs with atrial fibrillation: The optimal rate control in dogs with atrial fibrillation II study.

BACKGROUND: Rate control (RC; meanHRHolter ≤ 125 bpm) increases survival in dogs with atrial fibrillation (AF). The mechanisms remain unclear. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Investigate echocardiographic and biomarker differences between RC and non-RC (NRC) dogs. Determine if changes post-anti-arrhythmic drugs (AAD) predict successful RC in subsequent Holter monitoring. Evaluate if early vs late RC affects survival. ANIMALS: Fifty-two dogs with AF. METHODS: Holter-derived mean heart rate, echocardiographic and biomarker variables from dogs receiving AAD were analyzed prospectively at each re-evaluation and grouped into RC or NRC. The primary endpoint was successful RC. Between group comparisons of absolute values, magnitude of change from admission to re-evaluations and end of study were performed using Mann-Whitney tests or unpaired t-tests. Logistic regression explored variables associated with inability to achieve RC at subsequent visits. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to compare survival time of early vs late RC. RESULTS: At visit 2, 11/52 dogs were RC; at visit 3, 14/52 were RC; and at visit 4, 4/52 were RC. At the end of study, 25/52 remained NRC. At visit 2, both groups had increased cardiac dimensions, but NRC dogs had larger dimensions; biomarkers did not differ. At the end of study, RC showed decreased cardiac dimensions and end-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) compared with NRC. No variables were useful at predicting RC success in subsequent visits. Survival analysis found no differences between early vs late RC. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The RC dogs had decreased cardiac dimensions and NT-proBNP, suggesting HR-mediated reverse-remodeling might benefit survival, even with delayed RC achievement. Pursuit of RC is crucial despite initial failures.

Age-related white matter change disease predicts long-term cerebrovascular morbidity following carotid endarterectomy.

PURPOSE: Cerebrovascular diseases remain a critical focus of medical research due to their substantial impact on global health. Carotid stenosis, often associated with atherosclerosis and advancing age, profoundly affects cerebral blood supply and white matter integrity. This study aims to assess how age-related white matter changes (ARWMC) score, applied to cortex and Basal Ganglia, relates to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA). METHODS: Ninety patients undergoing CEA with regional anesthesia were prospectively enrolled from January 2012 to January 2022, and a post hoc analysis of patients with preoperative cerebral CT scans were reviewed, stratified by ARWMC score. Survival analysis and multivariate Cox regression were employed to assess time-dependent variables and independent predictors. RESULTS: A median follow-up of 51 months (Inter-quartile range [IQR [ [38.8-63.2] months) revealed higher ARWMC grades in the basal ganglia independently associated with significantly increased stroke risk (HR=5.070, 95% CI: 1.509-17.031, P=0.009), acute heart failure (HR=19.066, 95% CI: 2.038-178.375, P=0.01), major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (HR=2.760, 95% CI: 1.268-6.009, P=0.011), and all-cause mortality (HR=2.497, 95% CI:1.009-6.180, P=0.048). Polyvascular disease and chronic kidney disease emerged as additional predictors of MACE. CONCLUSION: Higher grades of ARWMC score in the basal ganglia were related to a significant increase in the risk of adverse cardiovascular events, such as stroke, MACE, AHF and all-cause mortality. This study suggests that ARWMC may have potential as a possible predictor of long-term cardio- and cerebrovascular events in patients undergoing CEA.

Gupta Perioperative Risk for Myocardial Infarction or Cardiac Arrest Score is a Long-Term Cardiovascular Risk Predictor After Aortoiliac Revascularization.

BACKGROUND: Gupta Perioperative Risk for Myocardial Infarction or Cardiac Arrest (MICA) is a validated self-explanatory score applied in cardiac or noncardiac surgeries. This study aims to assess the predictive value of the MICA score for cardiovascular events after aortoiliac revascularization. METHODS: This prospective cohort underwent elective aortoiliac revascularization between 2013 and 2021. Patients' demographic, clinical characteristics, and outcomes were registered. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the MICA score using optimal binning. Survival analysis to test for time-dependent variables and multivariate Cox regression analysis for independent predictors were performed. RESULTS: This study included 130 patients with a median follow-up of 55 months. Preoperative MICA score was ≥6.5 in 41 patients. MICA ≥6.5 presented a statistically significant association, with long-term occurrence of acute heart failure (HR = 1.695, 95% CI 1.208-2.379, P = 0.002), major adverse cardiovascular events (HR = 1.222, 95% CI 1.086-1.376, P < 0.001), and all-cause mortality (HR = 1.256, 95% CI 1.107-1.425, P < 0.001). Multivariable Cox regression confirmed MICA as a significant independent predictor of long-term major adverse cardiovascular events (aHR = 1.145 95% CI 1.010-1.298, P = 0.034) and all-cause mortality (aHR = 1.172 95% CI 1.026-1.339, P = 0.020). CONCLUSIONS: The MICA score is a quick, easy-to-obtain, predictive tool in identifying patients with a higher risk of postaortoiliac revascularization cardiovascular events, such as acute heart failure, major adverse cardiovascular events, and all-cause mortality. Additional research for the validation of the MICA score in the context of aortoiliac revascularization and specific interventions is necessary.

Blood group is a long-term cardiovascular risk factor after carotid endarterectomy.

BACKGROUND: ABO blood group system has been clinically related to an increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Preliminary data relating Rhesus (Rh) factor and these outcomes also have been published. Our aim was to analyse the impact of blood group on the short and long-term outcomes after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2012 to 2019, patients from a referral centre who underwent CEA for atherosclerotic carotid stenosis were prospectively followed. Our primary outcomes were long-term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were perioperative complications and myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery (MINS). Median follow-up was 50 months (interquartile range 21-69). Time-to-event analysis was used to determine the effect of ABO and Rh groups in long-term outcomes. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-four patients were included, with a mean age of 70.1 ± 9.1 years. Eighteen (25.7%) patients with O type and 48 (42.1%) patients with non-O type presented coronary artery disease (odds ratio [OR]: 2.313, 5-95% confidence interval (CI) 1.245-4.297, p = .008). Patients Rh+ presented significantly more congestive heart failure, 23 (14.7%), p = .03. The incidence of MACE in the long-term was higher in non-O patients (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.034; CI: 1.032-4.010, p = .040). Rh- patients, presented a higher incidence of perioperative MINS. However, there was no statistically significant association with long-term risk of MACE. CONCLUSION: The incidence of MACE in long-term analysis was higher in non-O blood type and 30-day MINS was significantly more common amongst Rh- patients. The benefit from a more complete preoperative cardiac study in these patients should be performed.

Correction: The effectiveness and efficiency of using normative messages to reduce waste: A real world experiment.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261734.].

Short-term outcomes after selective shunt during carotid endarterectomy: A propensity score matching analysis / Resultados a corto plazo después de shunting selectivo durante la endarterectomía carotídea con anestesia regional: un análisis de propensity score-matching

Introduction and objectives: Carotid cross-clamping during carotid endarterectomy might lead to intraoperative neurologic deficits, increasing stroke/death risk. If deficits are detected, carotid shunting has been recommended to reduce the risk of stroke. However, shunting may sustain a specific chance of embolic events and subsequently incurring harm. Current evidence is still questionable regarding its clear benefit. The aim is to determine whether a policy of selective shunt impacts the complication rate following an endarterectomy. Material and methods: From January 2013 to May 2021, all patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy under regional anesthesia with intraoperative neurologic alteration were retrieved. Patients submitted to selective shunt were compared to a non-shunt group. A 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was performed. Differences between the groups and clinical outcomes were calculated, resorting to univariate analysis. Results: Ninety-eight patients were selected, from which 23 were operated on using a shunt. After PSM, 22 non-shunt patients were compared to 22 matched shunted patients. Concerning demographics and comorbidities, both groups were comparable to pre and post-PSM, except for chronic heart failure, which was more prevalent in shunted patients (26.1%, P=0.036) in pre-PSM analysis. Regarding 30-day stroke and score Clavien–Dindo≥2, no significant association was found (P=0.730, P=0.635 and P=0.942, P=0.472, correspondingly, for pre and post-PSM). Conclusions: In this cohort, resorting to shunting did not demonstrate an advantage regarding 30-day stroke or a Clavien–Dindo≥2 rates. Nevertheless, additional more extensive studies are mandatory to achieve precise results concerning the accurate utility of carotid shunting in this subset of patients under regional anesthesia.(AU)

Introducción y objetivos: El pinzamiento carotídeo durante la endarterectomía carotídea podría provocar déficits neurológicos intraoperatorios, lo que aumenta el riesgo de accidente cerebrovascular/muerte. Si se detectan déficits, se ha recomendado la derivación carotídea para reducir el riesgo de accidente cerebrovascular. Sin embargo, la derivación puede sostener una posibilidad específica de eventos embólicos y, posteriormente, provocar daños. La evidencia actual aún es cuestionable con respecto a su claro beneficio. El objetivo es determinar si una política de derivación selectiva afecta la tasa de complicaciones después de una endarterectomía. Material y métodos: Desde enero de 2013 hasta mayo de 2021 se recuperaron todos los pacientes sometidos a endarterectomía carotídea bajo anestesia regional con alteración neurológica intraoperatoria. Los pacientes sometidos a derivación selectiva se compararon con un grupo sin derivación. Se realizó una coincidencia de puntuación de propensión (PSM) 1:1. Se calcularon las diferencias entre los grupos y los resultados clínicos recurriendo al análisis univariado. Resultados: Se seleccionaron 98 pacientes, de los cuales 23 fueron intervenidos mediante derivación. Después de la PSM se compararon 22 pacientes sin derivación con 22 pacientes emparejados con derivación. Con respecto a la demografía y las comorbilidades, ambos grupos fueron comparables a los de antes y después de la PSM, excepto por la insuficiencia cardíaca crónica, que fue más prevalente en los pacientes con derivación (26,1%, p=0,036) en el análisis previo a la PSM. En cuanto al accidente cerebrovascular a los 30 días y la puntuación de Clavien-Dindo≥2, no se encontró asociación significativa (p=0,730, p=0,635 y p=0,942, p=0,472, correspondientemente, para pre y post-PSM). Conclusiones: En esta cohorte recurrir a la derivación no demostró una ventaja con respecto a las tasas de ictus a los 30 días o Clavien-Dindo≥2...(AU)

The effect of the collateral cerebrovascular circulation on tolerance to carotid artery cross-clamping and on early outcome after carotid endarterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The Circle of Willis (CoW) serves as the primary source of contralateral blood supply in patients who undergo carotid artery cross-clamping (CC) for carotid endarterectomy (CEA). It has been suggested that the CoW's anatomy influences CEA outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate associations between the cerebral collateral circulation, a positive awake test for intraoperative neurologic deficit after carotid CC, and postoperative adverse neurologic events. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted searching MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases for studies that assessed the cerebral circulation, including CoW variations, using neuroimaging techniques in patients who underwent carotid CC. For the metanalytical incidence, the statistical technique used was weight averaging. Otherwise, descriptive analysis was used due to the excessive heterogeneity of the studies. RESULTS: Eight publications, seven cohort and one case-controlled study, involving 1313 patients who underwent carotid artery CC under loco-regional anesthesia, were included in the systematic review. The incidence of positive awake test in the cohort studies ranged from 4.4% to 19.7%. Carotid artery CC resulted in positive awake test in 5% to 91% of patients with alterations in the anterior portion and in 27% to 74% with alterations in the posterior portion of the CoW. A positive awake test in patients with contralateral carotid stenosis or occlusion ranged from 5.8% to 45.7%. Contralateral carotid stenosis >70% or occlusion were associated with a positive awake test (P < .001). Patients with incomplete CoW did not have statistically significant correlation with intraoperative neurological deficits after CC. Data were insufficient to evaluate the effect of the collateral circulation on early outcome after CEA. CONCLUSIONS: In this systematic review, contralateral carotid artery stenosis or occlusion, but not CoW abnormalities, were associated with a positive awake test after carotid artery CC. Further research is needed to evaluate which specific CoW anomaly predicts neurologic deficit after CC and to confirm association between a positive awake test and clinical outcome after CEA.

The environmental impact of small-bowel capsule endoscopy.

INTRODUCTION: The environmental impact of endoscopy, including small-bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE), is a topic of growing attention and concern. This study aimed to evaluate the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (kgCO2) generated by an SBCE procedure. METHODS: Life cycle assessment methodology (ISO 14040) was used to evaluate three brands of SBCE device and included emissions generated by patient travel, bowel preparation, capsule examination, and video recording. A survey of 87 physicians and 120 patients was conducted to obtain data on travel, activities undertaken during the procedure, and awareness of environmental impacts. RESULTS: The capsule itself (4 g) accounted for < 6 % of the total product weight. Packaging (43-119 g) accounted for 9 %-97 % of total weight, and included deactivation magnets (5 g [4 %-6 %]) and paper instructions (11-50 g [up to 40 %]). A full SBCE procedure generated approximately 20 kgCO2, with 0.04 kgCO2 (0.2 %) attributable to the capsule itself and 18 kgCO2 (94.7 %) generated by patient travel. Capsule retrieval using a dedicated device would add 0.98 kgCO2 to the carbon footprint. Capsule deconstruction revealed materials (e. g. neodymium) that are prohibited from environmental disposal; 76 % of patients were not aware of the illegal nature of capsule disposal via wastewater, and 63 % would have been willing to retrieve it. The carbon impact of data storage and capsule reading was negligible. CONCLUSION: The carbon footprint of SBCE is mainly determined by patient travel. The capsule device itself has a relatively low carbon footprint. Given that disposal of capsule components via wastewater is illegal, retrieval of the capsule is necessary but would likely be associated with an increase in device-related emissions.

Curative criteria for endoscopic treatment of gastric cancer.

Endoscopic treatment, particularly endoscopic submucosal dissection, has become the primary treatment for early gastric cancer. A comprehensive optical assessment, including white light endoscopy, image-enhanced endoscopy, and magnification, are the cornerstones for clinical staging and determining the resectability of lesions. This paper discusses factors that influence the indication for endoscopic resection and the likelihood of achieving a curative resection. Our review stresses the critical need for interpreting the histopathological report in accordance with clinical guidelines and the imperative of tailoring decisions based on the patients' and lesions' characteristics and preferences. Moreover, we offer guidance on managing complex scenarios, such as those involving non-curative resection. Finally, we identify future research avenues, including the role of artificial intelligence in estimating the depth of invasion and the urgent need to refine predictive scores for lymph node metastasis and metachronous lesions.

Effects of Bariatric Surgery on Sarcopenic Obesity Outcomes: A One-Year Prospective Study in Middle-Aged Women.

INTRODUCTION: Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is characterised by the confluence of muscle deterioration and high adiposity. When non-surgical interventions prove insufficient, bariatric surgery (BS) becomes the primary approach. This study aimed to address BS effects on SO outcomes 1 year post-surgery among middle-aged women, also considering physical exercise's impact. METHODS: Prospective single-centre study of 140 patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy between November 2019 and December 2022. Participants were categorised into tertiles according to SO's diagnosis and severity (group 1-patients with the most severe SO; group 2-intermediate; group 3-the least severe or without SO), calculated considering the consensus issued by ESPEN and EASO in 2022. Evaluations of clinical and biochemical parameters were conducted before and 12 months after BS, and the variation was used for comparative purposes. Body composition was assessed using bone density scans. Linear regression analysis accounted for both surgery type and baseline body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: Before BS, SO prevalence in the overall sample was 89.3%, decreasing to 2.9% after BS. Group 1 had more body fat mass (56.9 vs 54.8 vs 50.7 kg, p < 0.001), total, trunk and leg fat at baseline and a significantly lower total skeletal muscle mass (47.2 vs 49.4 vs 51.8 kg, p < 0.001). One year post-BS, group 1 presented more weight loss (- 39.8 ± 11.4 kg, p = 0.031), BMI reduction (- 15.9 ± 4.6 kg/m2, p = 0.005) and lost more fat mass (- 32.6 vs - 30.5 vs - 27.9 kg, p = 0.005), but not total skeletal muscle mass (- 5.8 vs - 5.9 vs - 6.8 kg, p = 0.130). Remission rates for comorbidities were substantial among all groups, but more marked among patients within group 1 (type 2 diabetes mellitus 75%, hypertension 47.1% and dyslipidemia 52.8%). Engagement in physical exercise of any kind has increased post-BS (33.1% vs 79.1%). CONCLUSION: Despite concerns about malabsorptive mechanisms potentially worsening muscle loss, patients with the most severe SO undergoing BS lost more fat mass while experiencing the smallest reduction in total skeletal muscle mass. Remission rates for comorbidities following BS were notable among all groups.

Serum Prolactin Levels and Mortality in Adults Without Prolactinoma: A Meta-Analysis.

CONTEXT: Prolactin (PRL) is a highly versatile, multifunctional hormone synthesized and secreted by lactotroph cells of the anterior pituitary. Its metabolic role has been extensively studied even in normoprolactinemic populations. Recently, a wealth of observational data have outlined the potential prognostic value of PRL in various clinical settings. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to systematically evaluate and quantitatively synthesize the association between serum PRL levels and risk of mortality in adults without prolactinoma. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted up to June 10, 2023, to identify studies reporting the association of serum PRL levels with clinical outcomes of adults without prolactinoma. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to quantify the adjusted hazard ratios [(a)HRs] for all-cause and cardiovascular death (CVD) during follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty-eight studies were deemed eligible reporting the outcomes of adults without prolactinoma, in whom serum PRL levels were measured for risk-stratification. Fourteen studies reported appropriate data for meta-analysis encompassing a total of 23 596 individuals. Each unit of PRL increase was independently associated with increased risk of all-cause (pooled aHR = 1.17 [1.08-1.27]; I2 = 48%) and CV mortality (pooled aHR = 1.54 [1.14-2.09]; I2 = 89%). Individuals belonging to the highest PRL category had significantly higher risk for all-cause (pooled aHR = 1.81 [1.43-2.30]; I2 = 65%) and CV (pooled aHR = 1.59 [1.04-2.42]; I2 = 82%) mortality compared to their lowest-PRL category counterparts. The association between PRL levels and in-hospital death did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: PRL levels seem to be an independent predictor for mortality. Further validation is warranted before its role as a risk-stratification tool can be delineated in clinical practice.

Cold Agglutinin Syndrome and Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: An Unusual Combination Caused by Epstein-Barr Virus Infection.

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) are rare complications of infectious mononucleosis. The authors describe a 12-year-old male with acute infectious mononucleosis, hepatitis, cholestasis, and an autoimmune hemolytic disorder caused by cold agglutinins IgM (anti-i specificity). Clinical deterioration with persistent fever, anemia, and hepatosplenomegaly was consistent with cold AIHA plus concomitant HLH. The patient was treated with corticosteroids and acyclovir, with an uneventful recovery. Although rare, cold agglutinin syndrome and HLH can complicate infectious mononucleosis and should be considered in a patient with clinical deterioration. Corticosteroids are the mainstay treatment of HLH and may be beneficial in infection-associated cold agglutinin syndrome.