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Photoplethysmography (PPG) is a non-invasive optical technique commonly used to measure heart rate and oxygen saturation, but its waveform contains additional physiological information that can be analyzed using artificial intelligence (AI). This narrative review summarizes the emerging applications of AI-based PPG in cardiovascular, respiratory, sleep, hemodynamic, pregnancy-related, and portal-hypertension assessment, with the aim of evaluating its potential beyond conventional monitoring and identifying barriers to clinical translation. The literature search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, and SpringerLink. Additional relevant studies were identified through screening the reference lists of included articles. Studies published between 2002 and 2026 were identified to capture the development of PPG from conventional monitoring to newer AI-based applications. Human studies were prioritized, while relevant computational, simulated, synthetic, ex vivo, and technical studies were also included. Studies unrelated to PPG, duplicates, and studies with limited relevance were excluded. A total of 96 references were included, covering AI approaches such as convolutional and deep neural networks, ensemble methods, transfer learning, U-Net, generative adversarial networks, and Transformer-based models. Overall, the reviewed evidence suggests that AI-based PPG may support blood pressure estimation, atrial fibrillation detection, sleep and respiratory monitoring, vascular aging assessment, pulmonary hypertension screening, preeclampsia assessment, volume-status and compensatory-reserve assessment, and exploratory assessment related to portal hypertension. However, clinical translation remains limited by motion artifacts, sensor and measurement-site variability, skin-pigmentation-related bias, physiological and environmental influences, heterogeneous methods, limited external validation, and inconsistent clinical and regulatory standards.

Abstract Topic Esophageal Cancer: Barrett‘s Esophagus: High-Grade Dysplasia and Early Invasive Cancer Background Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) delay gastric emptying and are linked to increased gastroesophageal reflux, a recognized risk factor for Barrett’s esophagus (BE) progression to esophageal cancer (EC). Extended use of GLP-1 RAs facilitates weight loss, mitigating reflux, possibly offering a protective effect against EC. This large retrospective study aimed to assess the association between GLP-1 use with the development of dysplastic Barrett’s esophagus (BE) and EC in patients with non-dysplastic BE (NDBE). Methods We used ICD and CPT codes within the TriNetX (a large multicenter claims based) database to identify NDBE patients. The cohort was then categorized as GLP-1 users vs. non-users based on ATC code A10BJ. A 1:1 propensity matched analysis was performed with balancing of confounders (Table 1). Primary outcomes included incidence of dysplastic BE and EC. Time to event analyses were performed. Results A total of 4,534 patients were identified in the GLP-1 cohort and 55,621 in the non-GLP-1 cohort. After 1:1 matching, 4,530 patients were included in each cohort. Mean follow-up was 3.57 years in GLP-1 cohort and 3.30 years in non-GLP-1 cohort. Incidence of dysplastic BE/EC in the GLP 1 cohort was 1.24% (N=56) compared to 0.54% (N=24) in non-GLP 1 cohort. GLP-1 users demonstrated significantly higher risk of developing dysplastic BE/EC compared to non-users (RR: 2.30; 95% CI: 1.47–3.70, P = 0.0004. The cumulative incidence of dysplastic BE/EC was higher among GLP-1 cohort at 3 and 5 years—0.90 %, and 1.11%, respectively—compared to 0.47%, and 0.49 % in the non-GLP-1 group. Conclusion Our findings indicate that GLP-1 therapy was associated with an increased risk of progression to dysplastic BE/EC in patients with non-dysplastic BE. Further prospective studies are warranted to validate these results.

Abstract Topic Benign Disease: Other Background Lichen planus is a chronic immune-mediated skin disease that may involve the esophagus. Esophageal lichen planus (ELP) is considered rare, but likely underdiagnosed. Lack of published guidelines for ELP results in significant treatment variability. Given heterogeneous practice patterns and emerging treatments, further outcome data are needed. Methods A retrospective cohort of ELP patients was assembled from 3 academic centers. Patients ≥ 18 years old were identified by ICD10 code search (L43.8) in the electronic health record, from 2006 to 2025. Patients were included if they had initial endoscopy, histology, and follow-up endoscopy showing features of LP, and excluded if there was diagnostic uncertainty, unavailable procedural documentation, or other esophageal diseases. Endoscopic findings were assessed qualitatively by manual review of reports. Data abstracted included demographics, presenting symptoms, endoscopic/histologic findings, treatment, and clinical outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed in R. Results 193 patients met inclusion criteria. Mean age at index endoscopy was 65 years, 86% were female, 98% were non-Hispanic Caucasian, 39% were ever smokers, and mean BMI was 26. Dysphagia was the most common presenting symptom (90%). Strictures were common (73%), 58% underwent dilation during initial endoscopy. Endoscopic findings included presence of sloughing (20%), exudate (22%) and friability (23%). Histology showed lymphocytic infiltrate (47%), parakeratosis/dyskeratosis (42%) and Civatte bodies (17%). Topical steroids (71%) and PPIs (63%) were used most frequently for treatment. Immunosuppressives (tacrolimus, systemic steroids, mycophenolate, methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, cyclosporine, azathioprine, JAK inhibitor) were used in 54% of patients. Endoscopic improvement was seen in 66%, with highest response rates in tacrolimus (100%), hydroxychloroquine (100%), and a JAK inhibitor (100%). Symptom improvement was seen in 63%, with the greatest benefit seen in patients treated with a JAK inhibitor (100%) and hydroxychloroquine (86%). Conclusion In this large, multisite cohort, ELP demonstrated significant morbidity, with high rates of dysphagia, strictures, and inflammatory changes. Dilation appeared to be safe, with only a single iatrogenic perforation identified. Esophageal squamous cell cancer risk was low but present, at 4%. Despite heterogeneous treatment practices, several therapies – tacrolimus, hydroxychloroquine, and JAK inhibitors – were associated with marked endoscopic and symptomatic improvement. Prospective studies are needed to clarify the optimal approach to pharmacological management of ELP.

Background: Dancers are at risk of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) owing to supraphysiologic range of motion and associated demands placed on their hips. There remains a paucity of literature on midterm outcomes in dancers who undergo primary arthroscopy and labral repair for FAI. Purpose: To determine the rate of return to dance and patient-reported outcome measures in competitive dancers after hip arthroscopy with labral repair for FAI with minimum 2-year follow-up. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: This study included dancers with FAI undergoing primary hip arthroscopy with labral repair from 2010 to 2022. Patient-reported outcome measures were collected at 2-year minimum follow-up: modified Harris Hip Score (overall, activities of daily living, gait, pain), Hip Outcome Score (activities of daily living, sports-specific subscale), Tegner Activity Scale, visual analog scale for pain, and surgery satisfaction. Patients were evaluated for preoperative radiographic measurements, postoperative return to sport, and revision surgery. Return to dance was evaluated. Results: Thirty-seven dancers were followed for a mean 7.4 years (range, 3.2-12.2) postoperatively (36 female and 1 male; mean ± SD age, 21 ± 7 years; mean body mass index, 23.3 ± 4.5). All outcome scores significantly improved postoperatively as compared with preoperatively ( P ≤ .037). Twenty dancers (71%) returned to dance. Of those who returned to dance, 17 (85%) returned to sport at the same or higher level as compared with the preoperative level. At final follow-up, 45% of dancers who initially returned to dance continued to dance. Of the dancers who no longer participated in dance at final follow-up, 7 (65%) quit dancing for nonhip-related reasons. Mean surgery satisfaction (0-10) at final follow-up was 7.1. Four patients (10%) underwent revision hip arthroscopy with revision labral repair. Conclusion: Hip arthroscopy with labral repair in dancers results in sustained improvements in function and pain at minimum 2-year follow-up. Most dancers return to their prior levels of dance, and nearly half remain active several years later. Notably, discontinuation of dance was often unrelated to hip symptoms, underscoring the importance of counseling patients on clinical and lifestyle factors influencing return to sport.

Purpose To prospectively investigate subjective anterior groin pain, patient‐reported outcome measures, complications, reoperation rates, and hip flexion strength after arthroscopic iliopsoas fractional lengthening. Methods From 2023 to 2025, patients with persistent groin pain after total hip arthroplasty refractory to conservative management undergoing arthroscopic iliopsoas fractional lengthening were prospectively identified at 2 tertiary referral centers. Pre‐ and postoperative outcomes at a minimum 6‐month follow‐up including the Visual Analog Scale, Tegner activity scale, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, and subjective anterior groin pain and hip flexion strength were analyzed. Results Fifty‐nine hips in 56 patients were included (age: 64.9 ± 9.8 years, 59% women, body mass index: 30.0 ± 5.8 kg/m 2 ) and followed for 10.0 ± 6.9 months postoperatively (range: 4‐25 months). Patients experienced significant ( P < .001) postoperative improvements in the Visual Analog Scale at rest (1.4 ± 2.2 vs 2.8 ± 2.1), Visual Analog Scale with use (3.0 ± 2.9 vs 7.8 ± 1.8), Tegner activity scale (2.8 ± 1.2 vs 2.0 ± 1.0), and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score (73.8 ± 22.5 vs 47.7 ± 22.2). Postoperative surgical satisfaction was 8.0 ± 2.7 (scale: 0‐10). Nearly 90% of patients reported feeling much or slightly better regarding their anterior groin pain postoperatively at 2‐week (91%), 6‐week (88%), 3‐month (91%), and final follow‐up (92%). Regarding hip flexion strength, ≥66% reported feeling much or slightly better at 2‐week (73%), 6‐week (95%), 3‐month (89%), and final follow‐up (66%). Three hips (6%) underwent reoperation at the final follow‐up (1 acetabular screw removal with open revision release, 1 revision total hip arthroplasty for loosening, and 1 two‐stage exchange for nonacute periprosthetic joint infection). Conclusions Nearly 90% of patients who underwent arthroscopic iliopsoas fractional lengthening after primary total hip arthroplasty reported improved anterior groin pain, whereas two‐thirds reported increased subjective hip flexion strength throughout the follow‐up. Of note, clinically meaningful improvement in pain at rest was achieved by 50% of patients based on cohort‐specific minimal clinically important difference criteria. Level of Evidence Level IV, retrospective therapeutic case series.

Abstract To report clinical and functional outcomes, including patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), complications, reoperation rates, and arthritic progression in patients who sustained a knee dislocation (KD) type V fracture dislocation at minimum 2-year follow-up. A retrospective review from a prospectively collected database was performed to identify all patients with a KD type V fracture dislocation between 2001 and 2022 at a single institution. Patient demographics, pre- and postoperative clinical examination findings, intraoperative details, and postoperative complication rates were obtained from medical records. PROMs, including Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Tegner Activity Scale, Lysholm score, and International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective (IKDC) score were analyzed. A total of 11 patients (mean age: 33.9 ± 7.6, mean BMI: 33.5 ± 6.4 kg/m2) were included with a mean follow-up of 6.4 ± 5.4 years. Seven patients (64%) had a tibial plateau fracture involving the weight-bearing surface. Four patients (36%) had a concomitant nerve injury, one patient (9%) had a concomitant vascular injury, three patients (27%) had a concomitant cartilage injury (ICRS grade 3 + ), and seven patients (64%) had a concomitant meniscus injury. In all, 10 patients (82%) underwent fracture fixation. The mean postoperative Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade was 3.0 ± 1.0. Postoperative PROMs included VAS at rest of 2.0 ± 2.3, VAS with activity of 3.3 ± 3.2, IKDC of 68.3 ± 22.1, Lysholm of 79.0 ± 23.6, and Tegner of 4.3 ± 1.7. Nine patients (83%) experienced a complication, with four (36%) patients requiring a subsequent reoperation. Patients with a KD V fracture dislocation who underwent surgical management demonstrated high complication and reoperation rates with advanced radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis but ultimately satisfactory functional outcomes at mid-term follow-up. These findings underscore the complexity of KD V injuries and the importance of early recognition, multidisciplinary surgical planning, and patient counseling regarding the prolonged recovery and likelihood of residual symptoms. Level of evidence is IV—retrospective case series.

Importance Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of premature death worldwide. Assessing the LDL-C–related burden is critical for guiding prevention and treatment strategies. Objectives To estimate the global, regional, and national burden of ischemic heart disease and ischemic stroke attributable to elevated LDL-C (relative to 35-54 mg/dL) from 1990 to 2023 and to quantify the contributions of population growth, aging, risk-deleted burden, and exposure changes to burden trends. Design, Setting, and Population This comparative risk assessment, part of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023, estimated population-level LDL-C exposure and associated health loss in 204 countries and territories. Mean LDL-C levels were estimated using spatiotemporal gaussian process regression based on 806 studies across 161 countries. Relative risks were derived from meta-analyses of 38 randomized clinical trials. Population-attributable fractions for deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) were estimated by age and sex for adults aged 25 years or older from 1990 to 2023, with 95% uncertainty intervals. Exposure Population-level LDL-C concentrations. Main Outcomes and Measures Population-attributable fractions, counts, and rates (all ages and age standardized per 100 000) of LDL-C–attributable deaths and DALYs from ischemic heart disease and ischemic stroke, with uncertainty intervals. Results In 2023, elevated LDL-C accounted for 3.6 million deaths (95% uncertainty interval, 2.2-5.4 million; 6.0% of global mortality) and 90.7 million DALYs (95% uncertainty interval, 58.9-123.3 million; 3.2% of DALYs). Although global all-ages rates remained stable, age-standardized death and DALY rates decreased by 45.6% and 39.5%, respectively, since 1990. In 2023, age-standardized LDL-C–attributable DALY rates were highest in Eastern Europe and lowest in high-income Asia-Pacific. One-third of the global LDL-C burden occurred in India and China. Population growth and aging drove the increasing burden, with notable regional disparities in LDL-C exposure and risk-deleted DALY rates shifting toward middle-sociodemographic settings. Conclusions and Relevance Despite declining age-standardized rates, the absolute LDL-C burden has increased since 1990 due to demographic changes and has shifted toward middle-sociodemographic countries. Measurement and surveillance gaps persist. Strengthened prevention, diagnosis, and treatment access strategies are essential to mitigate the health burden of LDL-C.

Abstract Purpose: Homozygous deletion of the 9p21 locus, containing CDKN2A/B and MTAP [CDKN2A/MTAP deletion (CMdel)], underlies emerging therapeutic strategies, including PRMT5/MAT2A inhibition. The clinicogenomic context and treatment outcome associations of CMdel in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain incompletely defined. Experimental Design: We analyzed Tempus Lens records with paired DNA (xT) and RNA (xR) sequencing. After quality filtering (purity ≥40%), 16,947 patients were included in the primary dataset, and 10,996 were included in the validation dataset and stratified by deletion status [CMdel vs. CM wild-type (CMwt)]. IFN status was defined by IFN-kappa (IFNK) expression [log2(TPM + 1)] using the 25th percentile of CMwt as the threshold. Immune composition was inferred by quanTIseq. First-line regimens were grouped as immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) monotherapy, ICI chemotherapy, chemotherapy, or tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). Best response and time to next treatment (TTNT) with risk-set adjustment and 18-month truncation were assessed. Results: CMdel occurred in 11.7% (n = 1,991) and 15% (n = 1,676), respectively, and was enriched in mucinous histology, stage IV disease, and never smokers. CMdel was associated with EGFR, TERT, and SMARCA4 alterations, whereas CMwt was associated with RB1, SETD2, and ARID2. More than 50% of CMdel tumors harbored targetable coalterations, enriched in EGFR/ALK/RET and relatively depleted in KRAS. CMdel tumors exhibited lower PD-L1, mutation burden, and immune infiltration. TTNT did not differ by CM status for ICI monotherapy or TKI but was shorter in CMdel for ICI chemotherapy and chemotherapy. Discordant and broad deletions were less common and had weaker TTNT association. IFNK-low expression marked immune-excluded subgroups with worse treatment outcomes. Conclusions: CDKN2A/MTAP loss defines a prevalent, genomically distinct NSCLC subset enriched in actionable drivers. CMdel associates with worse outcomes to ICI/chemotherapy-containing regimens. These findings highlight convergent biology at 9p21 and support biomarker-guided development of PRMT5/MAT2A inhibitors in MTAP-deleted NSCLC.

Purpose To evaluate return‐to‐sport (RTS) rates and patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) following hip arthroscopic labral repair for femoroacetabular impingement in active basketball players with a minimum of 2‐year follow‐up. Methods All patients who were active basketball players and underwent hip arthroscopy with labral repair for femoroacetabular impingement from 2009 to 2022 were identified. Patients were evaluated for postoperative RTS and revision surgery at a minimum 2‐year follow‐up. RTS was defined as resuming basketball participation, at any level. Modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Hip Outcome Score‐Activities of Daily Living (HOS‐ADL) and Sport (HOS‐Sport), and surgery satisfaction were also collected. Results Sixty‐seven hips in 54 athletes (29 male, 25 female) with a mean age of 22.2 years (range 13‐39 years) were included. Eighty‐six (86%) were recreational or high school basketball players. There was significant improvement in all PROMs from baseline to a minimum 2‐year follow‐up (all P < .001). After excluding for athletes who did not RTS for nonmedical reasons, 78% of athletes returned to basketball following hip arthroscopy. Including patients who cited nonmedical reasons for not returning, the overall RTS rate was 65%. Athletes who RTS had significantly higher mHHS ( P = .012), HOS‐ADL ( P = .006), and HOS‐Sport ( P = .002), as well as lower visual analog scale pain (2.2 vs 3.4, P = .037) than those who did not RTS. Calculated minimal clinically important difference values were 8.3 for mHHS, 7.2 for HOS‐ADL, and 13.4 for HOS‐Sport. Anchor‐based patient acceptable symptom state calculations yielded thresholds of 83.5 for mHHS, 92.6 for HOS‐ADL, and 79.2 for HOS‐Sport—with 70%, 63%, and 67% of patients achieving these thresholds, respectively. Conclusions Basketball players who undergo hip arthroscopic labral repair for femoroacetabular impingement show significant improvements in PROMs with 78% RTS rate at a minimum 2‐year follow‐up. Although many athletes discontinued basketball for reasons unrelated to the hip, 18% cited hip issues. Basketball players who successfully return to basketball report higher PROMs than nonreturners, and cohort‐specific minimal clinically important difference analysis indicates that most athletes achieve clinically meaningful improvements. Level of Evidence Level IV, therapeutic retrospective case series.