Tumor tough, therapy smarter: Rethinking CAR-T for pancreatic cancer.

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has changed how we treat blood cancers but hasn't worked as well for solid tumors like pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), mainly because these tumors are very aggressive and resistant to regular treatments. This review critically examines peer-reviewed studies to chart the evolution of immunotherapy in PDAC, emphasizing the unique barriers to effective CAR T-cell treatment and emerging strategies to overcome them. CAR T-cells that focus on tumor-related markers like mesothelin, HER2, and MUC1 have shown promise in early research models.

Comparative efficacy and safety of supine versus prone positioning in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background/aims: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is conventionally performed in the prone position (PP). Recent studies have shown that the supine position (SP) is an effective alternative, with comparable success rates. We conducted a meta-analysis to directly compare the safety and efficacy of the two ERCP positions.

A case of appendiceal neuroendocrine tumor with metastatic spread in a young patient.

Appendiceal neuroendocrine tumors are a rare subset of well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors, comprising <1% of all malignancies. Appendiceal cancer is particularly rare, affecting approximately one to two individuals per one million annually in the United States. Appendiceal neuroendocrine tumors have an estimated incidence of 7/100,000 person-years in the United States.

Trends and disparities in human immunodeficiency virus and chronic liver disease mortality in the United States: A nationwide analysis.

ObjectivesWith advances in antiretroviral therapy, the life expectancy of individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus infection has significantly improved. Consequently, non-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related conditions, particularly chronic liver disease, have become increasingly prominent causes of mortality.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted using mortality data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database spanning 1999 to 2020.

Trends and Disparities in Mortality Due to Gastric Malignancies the United States: A Nationwide Analysis from 1999 to 2020.

Purpose: Gastric malignancies remain a significant public health concern and a major contributor to cancer-related mortality worldwide. This study aimed to analyze trends and disparities in gastric malignancy mortality across socio-demographic and regional factors in the United States (US) from 1999 to 2020.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using CDC WONDER data from 1999 to 2020 for adults aged ≥ 25 years.

Isolation and Characterization of Aspergillus niger AZ2 from Pulp and Paper Mill Effluent that Degrade Lignin under Alkaline Conditions.

The pulp and paper industry produces and discharges substantial amounts of wastewater containing hazardous substances, including lignin, necessitating their treatment before release. This study explores the lignin-degrading capabilities of a newly isolated fungus, designated as strain AZ2, from a black liquor sample. The fungus was identified as Aspergillus niger AZ2 through colony morphology, microscopic examination and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region.

Concurrent triple viral co-infection in a patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma: A case report.

There are limited reports of concomitant infection with hepatitis B virus, Epstein-Barr virus, and cytomegalovirus. This case represents the first documented instance of such a triple infection in an individual with metastatic renal cell carcinoma undergoing combined immunotherapy with ipilimumab and nivolumab. This is the case of a 40-year-old male patient with past medical history notable for type 1 diabetes mellitus and renal cell carcinoma who exhibited liver function abnormalities suggestive of viral liver injury, particularly due to hepatitis B virus reactivation.

Optimizing Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection: A Meta-Analysis of the S-O Clip's Impact on Procedural Outcomes and Lesion-Specific Applications.

Background: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat early-stage gastrointestinal neoplasms. While effective, ESD can be technically challenging due to limited submucosal visibility, prolonged procedure time, and increased risk of adverse events such as perforation and bleeding. The S-O clip, a traction device designed to enhance submucosal exposure, may help overcome these limitations and improve procedural outcomes.

Cloning and expression of chromate reductase from Bacillus paramycoides S48 for chromium remediation.

This study explores the production and characterization of chromium reductase from Bacillus paramycoides S48, focusing on its ability to effectively reduce toxic hexavalent chromium to less harmful chromium. The strain exhibited 65% reduction in Cr(VI) within 96 h at 30 °C. Clear morphological and functional group shifts on strain S48 cell surface treated with metal were noted using analytical tools i.

MMF Is an Effective and Safer Treatment Options for Treatment-Naïve Patients With Autoimmune Hepatitis Compared to Azathioprine: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objectives: Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory liver disease with significant morbidity and mortality if untreated. Current first-line treatment involves corticosteroids and azathioprine (AZA), which are effective but are associated with significant adverse effects and treatment intolerance. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), an immunosuppressive agent with a potentially better safety profile, has emerged as an alternative.

Assessment of Lubiprostone as an Adjunct Therapy for Bowel Preparation in Colonoscopy: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Introduction: The quality of bowel preparation has a significant impact on the success of colonoscopy. Currently, osmotically balanced polyethylene glycol electrolyte (PEG-E) solutions are most commonly used for bowel preparation. Recently, lubiprostone (LBP) has been considered a potentially effective adjunct to PEG.

Global prevalence and risk factors of irritable bowel syndrome from 2006 to 2024 using the Rome III and IV criteria: a meta-analysis.

Functional gastrointestinal disorders impact 40% of the global population, with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) standing out due to its complexity, quality-of-life effects, and economic impact. Our meta-analysis explored the global prevalence of IBS, considering diagnostic criteria, subtypes, sampling methods, geographical variations, and risk factors. The literature search used databases like PubMed and Cochrane Library, focusing on IBS studies from 2006 to June 2024.

Evaluating the impact of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet versus a calorie-restricted diet on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Aim: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Diets high in refined carbohydrates and saturated fats elevate MASLD risk. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet has shown metabolic benefits.

Bioactive Metabolites from Radioresistant Bacterium Kocuria sp. TMM 11 and Their Role in Prevention of Ultraviolet-Induced Photodamages.

A radioresistant bacterium identified as Kocuria sp.TMM 11 was isolated from Thal desert. Kocuria sp.

Advances in Non-Invasive Screening Methods for Gastrointestinal Cancers: How Continued Innovation Has Revolutionized Early Cancer Detection.

The early diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancers is essential for better survival and to reduce the burden of malignancies worldwide [...

Bioprospecting Cold-Adapted Indole Acetic Acid-Producing Bacteria With Multifaceted Plant Growth Promoting Traits for Wheat Growth From Ghulkin Glacier, Pakistan.

Agriculture in high altitude regions is challenged by low temperatures, and the use of chemical fertilizers turned hazardous in the long run. In addition, cost-effective, eco-friendly biofertilizers developed globally are less effective in cold regions due to temperature-sensitive mesophilic homologs. The current study evaluated the potential of a cold-adapted indole acetic acid (IAA)-producing bacterial consortium isolated from Ghulkin glacier, Hunza Valley, Pakistan, to promote the growth of the crop, wheat, under cold stress.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Pegbelfermin in MASH-Associated Hepatic Fibrosis A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Introduction: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), an advanced form of fatty liver disease, is characterized by liver inflammation and fibrosis, with an emerging interest in fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-21 analogs, particularly pegbelfermin (PGBF). This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of PGBF in treating MASH-associated hepatic fibrosis.

Methods: This meta-analysis followed Cochrane guidelines and PRISMA standards.

Early Readmissions of Necrotizing Pancreatitis in the US: Where Do We Stand?

Background: Necrotizing pancreatitis (NP), a severe form of pancreatitis characterized by necrosis of pancreatic tissue, is associated with a significant health care burden worldwide. In this study, we assess early readmissions of NP in the US.

Methods: The National Readmission Database from 2016 to 2020 was utilized to identify all index and 30-day readmissions of NP in the US.

Enhancing Hepatitis C Management: Mortality Trends and Disparities in the US by Sex, Age Group, Race/Ethnicity and Region (1999-2020).

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects approximately 3.9 million people in the United States (U.S.

Rare Gastric Metastasis From Cervical Cancer: A Case Report.

MGTs most commonly arise from malignant melanoma. MGTs from primary cervical cancers are an extremely rare clinical finding with only a limited number of cases reported in the literature to date. We present the case of a 41-year-old female who presented with complaints of dysphagia and fatigue with a history of advanced cervical cancer.

Efficacy of Dietary Interventions for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that alters the quality of life of patients. A variety of dietary interventions have been introduced to address this debilitating condition. The low-FODMAP diet (LFD), gluten-free diet (GFD), and Mediterranean diet are examples showing efficacy.

Comparing Endoscopic Treatment Modalities for Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia: Efficacy, Safety, and Outcomes in a Network Meta-analysis.

Objective: Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is characterized by vascular ectasias accounting for 4% of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeds, which can range from occult bleeds to severe acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding. In turn, GAVE can lead to severe morbidity and recurrent hospitalization. Current endoscopic treatments for GAVE include argon plasma coagulation (APC), endoscopic band ligation (EBL), and radiofrequency ablation.

A Rare Occurrence of Primary Gastric Ewing Sarcoma.

Ewing sarcoma (ES) is a rare malignancy that typically occurs within the skeletal system but can also develop extraskeletally. Extraskeletal ES typically presents paraspinally, in the limbs, and retroperitoneum. Rarely, it presents as a primary gastric ES.