An Extremely Rare Cause of Protein-Losing Enteropathy: Waldenström Macroglobulinemia.

Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) results in the abnormal loss of proteins through the gastrointestinal tract, leading to malabsorption and hypoalbuminemia. A rare etiology of PLE is Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM), a hematological malignancy characterized by immunoglobulin M (IgM) monoclonal gammopathy. We present a case of a 66-year-old man with a history of small bowel bacterial overgrowth and lactose intolerance, admitted for worsening gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal discomfort, bloating, and watery diarrhea.

The efficacy of antireflux mucosectomy (ARMS) and antireflux mucosal ablation (ARMA) for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by 24-h pH monitoring: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a prevalent and chronic disorder impacting a significant proportion of the global population, approximately 15%. Most GERD patients show improvement with medical treatment, including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs); however, around 40% continue to experience symptoms despite ongoing PPI use. Antireflux mucosal ablation (ARMA) and antireflux mucosectomy (ARMS) are minimally invasive endoscopic procedures for treating GERD.

Intraosseous Versus Intravenous Vascular Access in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Establishing prompt vascular access facilitates resuscitation for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). While intraosseous access may decrease the time to vascular access, the impact on clinical outcomes in OHCA is unclear. Therefore, we aim to compare the effect of intraosseous (IO) versus intravenous (IV) vascular access on clinical outcomes after OHCA resuscitation.

Yoga for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects between 10% and 20% of the global population. The therapeutic effect of yoga on IBS symptoms has been investigated by several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with inconsistent findings. We conducted this review to synthesize the current evidence on yoga's effect on IBS symptoms.

Metal versus plastic stents for EUS-guided walled-off necrosis drainage: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background & Objective: The endoscopic step-up approach is the mainstay of walled-off necrosis management (WON). However, using metal stents versus plastic stents during WON drainage is debatable, with limited high-quality evidence. Therefore, we aim to investigate the comparative safety and efficacy of metal versus plastic stents for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided WON drainage.

Interlukin-23 inhibitors as an induction and maintenance therapy for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis: a systematic review and meta‑analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background And Objective: Targeting the interleukin (IL)-23 axis is an emerging treatment target for ulcerative colitis (UC), with several positive randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We aim to investigate the safety and efficacy of IL-23 inhibitors for the induction and maintenance treatment of moderate to severe UC.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizing evidence from RCTs obtained from PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception to August 2024.

Assessing the Effects of HbA1c Reduction on Alleviating Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain in Prediabetic Non-obese Patients: A Non-Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Pre-diabetes, characterized by elevated glycemic indices, poses a high risk of diabetes development, and is increasingly linked to non-specific low back pain. While mechanisms remain incompletely understood, metabolic, inflammatory, and neurological factors are implicated. Dietary interventions, including low-glycemic and anti-inflammatory diets, alongside weight management, may improve outcomes in this population.

The Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Complication Rate in Baghdad Medical City from 2019 to 2022.

Objective: Due to the substantial lack of data from Iraq on ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) complications, this study aims to examine the various types of complications after VPS surgery in Baghdad Medical City.

Methods: The retrospective cohort study analyzed VPS procedures at Baghdad Medical City from 2019 to 2022. The overall complication rate, including infection and shunt malfunction, was determined from patient records.

Effect of Pemafibrate on the Lipid Profile, Liver Function, and Liver Fibrosis Among Patients With Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease.

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) are prevalent conditions linked to obesity and metabolic disturbances, with potential complications such as cirrhosis and cardiovascular risks. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of pemafibrate, a drug targeting fat and sugar metabolism genes, in treating patients with MASLD/MASH.

Methods: Databases such as MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus were searched until September 2023 to identify relevant studies.

Evaluation of Alternative Treatment Strategies for Bile Acid Malabsorption in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients: A Network Meta-Analysis.

Background: Bile acid malabsorption (BAM) is characterized by chronic watery diarrhea resulting from excessive bile acids in the feces. BAM is often an overlooked cause of chronic diarrhea, with its prevalence not being sufficiently researched. This review aimed to assess existing literature that explores diverse treatment strategies, to review the published studies that examine the various therapies for BAM patients, emphasizing their influence on clinical results.

Biosynthesis of NAAG by an enzyme-mediated process in rat central nervous system neurons and glia.

The peptide transmitter N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) is present in millimolar concentrations in mammalian spinal cord. Data from the rat peripheral nervous system suggest that this peptide is synthesized enzymatically, a process that would be unique for mammalian neuropeptides. To test this hypothesis in the mammalian CNS, rat spinal cords were acutely isolated and used to study the incorporation of radiolabeled amino acids into NAAG.