Impact of myotomy length on per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) outcomes for achalasia: a meta-analysis of randomized trials.

Introduction: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been established as a safe and effective intervention for Type I and II achalasia. Studies have shown that short POEM is non-inferior to long POEM, with some evidence of decreased incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This meta-analysis aims to systematically review and analyze randomized controlled trials (RCTs) data comparing clinical and safety outcomes for long and short POEM procedures while further investigating differences in GERD and other long-term clinical outcomes.

Proficiency in Esophageal Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy: A Meta-Analysis of Learning Curves.

Introduction: Our analysis examines the learning curve of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) training using procedure duration as a key indicator of proficiency.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science from inception until November 2024 for studies evaluating the learning curve of POEM. We divided the data into 0-20, 20-40, and 40-60 cumulative procedure phases of learning.

Performance, Efficacy, and Safety of Lubiprostone in Bowel Preparation Regimens: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Introduction: Bowel preparation is an essential part of the colonoscopy process, with inadequate or poor bowel preparation associated with decreased polyp detection. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effects of adjunct lubiprostone bowel prep on colonoscopies performance.

Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science from inception until February 2025 for RCTs comparing lubiprostone adjunct therapy, bowel prep and control.

Laparoscopic Vertical Clip Gastroplasty with BariClip Experience, Complications, Literature Review, and Proposal of Modification of the Original Technique.

Laparoscopic vertical clip gastroplasty (LVCG) with BariClip is a recent procedure that appears to be safe Gentileschi et al. (Obes Surg 33(1):303-12, 2023). The initial complications reported include erosion, slippage, and gastroesophageal reflux.

Experience with Zone 2 Arch Replacement Followed by Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair.

Background:  Transverse open aortic arch replacement remains a complex operation. A simplified arch replacement into zone 2, with debranching the head vessels proximally, creates a suitable landing zone for future endovascular repair and is increasing in popularity as of late. Still, limited data exist to assess contemporary rates of morbidity and mortality.

Development of Shingles on Tofacitinib Despite Completion of Recombinant Varicella-Zoster Virus Vaccine Series.

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The risk of developing shingles increases with age, as well as in patients with weakened immune systems. Tofacitinib is a reversible Janus kinase inhibitor that suppresses the immune system and is used to treat autoimmune diseases, such as ulcerative colitis.

Look What the Cat Dragged in! Recurrent Clostridioides difficile from a Household Cat.

BACKGROUND Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is a bacterium that is well known for causing serious diarrheal infections and can even lead to colon cancer if left untreated. Disruption of the normal healthy bacteria in the colon can lead to development of C.

Iatrogenic Budd-Chiari Syndrome Secondary to Transhepatic Hemodialysis Catheterization.

Hepatic vein thrombosis (HVT), or Budd-Chiari syndrome, is a rare disorder resulting from the obstruction of blood flow from the liver to the inferior vena cava and eventually back to the heart. HVT can lead to extensive hepatocellular injury and portal hypertension and may require liver transplantation in patients. We present a rare cause of HVT and subsequent liver failure secondary to transhepatic venous catheterization for hemodialysis (HD) in a patient with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

The Role of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in the Induction of Remission in Ulcerative Colitis.

Background: Considerable research supports an important role for the microbiome and/or microbiome-host immune system interactions in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Consequently, microbiota-modulating interventions, such as fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), have attracted interest in the management of IBD, including ulcerative colitis (UC).

Summary: While the clinical response to FMT in UC has varied between different studies, results to date may offer guidance toward optimal use of FMT.

Evolving Technique of Laparoscopic Vertical Gastric Clip Placement.

Introduction: Laparoscopic BariClip gastroplasty (LBCG) will address a similar tubular restriction than the one achieved with the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) at the level of the gastric fundus, while maintaining the advantage of simplicity and anatomic preservation. The purpose of the current study was to analyze the risk of slippage and to present the evolving technique by adding gastro-gastric plication of the gastric wall covering the BariClip at those areas where the gastric wall "slips" between the limbs of the clip.

Methods: All patients undergoing LBCG with the evolving technique of gastric plication around the device associated with antral gastroplasty from January 2021 to May 2022 were included in the study group (group A).

Atypical mycobacterium keratitis associated with penetrating keratoplasty: case report of successful therapy with topical gatifloxacin 0.3%.

Purpose: To report successful therapy with gatifloxacin 0.3% ophthalmic solution (Zymar) in a patient with atypical mycobacterium keratitis after penetrating keratoplasty.

Methods: A 58-year-old patient was referred for evaluation of microbial keratitis after penetrating keratoplasty.

Decline of neural tube defects cases after a folic acid campaign in Nuevo León, México.

Background: Nuevo León is a state in northeastern Mexico, near the border of Texas. Mean mortality rate from 1996-98 due to anencephaly cases was 0.6/1,000.

Synthesis of Aryl-Substituted Piperidines by Superacid Activation of Piperidones.

Diarylpiperidines (8-12) may be prepared in good to excellent yields (80-99%) by the reaction of piperidones (3d-h) with benzene and the Bronsted superacid, trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (CF(3)SO(3)H, TfOH). Tropinone (6) and quinuclidone (7) also react in good yields with benzene in TfOH to give the condensation products (13 and 14). Ketal and acetal derivatives also give condensation products (8 and 24) upon reaction with C(6)H(6) in TfOH.