Citations

Purpose of review The aim is to summarize the role of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLN) in surgical staging for endometrial cancer (EC). Recent findings The value of SLN in EC staging continues to be demonstrated in all clinically uterine-confined disease, as SLN matches or improves the diagnostic accuracy of pelvic±para-aortic lymphadenectomy (PLD ± PALD) while reducing recovery time, surgical complications, and risk of lower extremity lymphedema. High diagnostic accuracy allows recommendation of appropriate adjuvant therapy, and recent studies have shown that even patients with high-risk histology may undergo SLN as opposed to PLD ± PALD provided this is combined with appropriate imaging. Debate about the necessity of any lymph node assessment in patients with certain low-risk features continues, with a preponderance of evidence pointing toward universal SLN in patients undergoing surgical staging for EC. In patients with negative SLN and intermediate risk uterine factors, molecular profiling is recommended to augment information gained through surgical assessment. Summary EC surgical staging with SLN is considered standard practice in clinically uterine-confined disease. This approach allows precise treatment recommendations without PLD ± PALD related side effects. The integration of molecular profiling with EC surgical staging will accelerate the benefits of therapeutic advances in EC.

Abstract Background Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) treatment guidelines suggest varied approaches for patients with first (frCDI) or multiply recurrent CDI (mrCDI). Low microbial diversity, elevated primary bile acids (BA), and low secondary BA concentrations favor germination of C. difficile spores into toxin-producing bacteria and are believed to increase rCDI risk. Greater understanding of the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome in rCDI may inform management of the disease. We describe a post hoc comparison of GI microbiome and bile acid profiles between patients with frCDI and mrCDI in a Phase 3 open-label trial, ECOSPOR IV, of fecal microbiota spores, live-brpk (VOWST®; VOS, formerly SER-109), an orally-administered live microbiome therapeutic. Methods Patients received VOS following symptom resolution after standard-of-care antibiotics. Pretreatment baseline (within 3 days following antibiotic completion) and Week 1 post-dosing stool samples were collected for whole metagenomic sequencing and metabolomics. Diversity was calculated from MetaPhlAn2 species profiles. Concentrations of primary and secondary BAs were measured via targeted LC-MS/MS. Results rCDI rates through Week 8 were similarly low in both frCDI and mrCDI patients (6.5% versus 9.7%, respectively). Baseline microbial diversity was similarly low between frCDI and mrCDI subgroups (P > .05). Diversity and secondary BA concentrations increased in both subgroups, whereas primary BA concentrations declined following VOS dosing, leading to few differences between subgroups at Week 1. Conclusions These data suggest commonalities in microbiome disruption in patients with frCDI and mrCDI that contribute to recurrence and suggest that antibiotics followed by a live microbiome therapy may be an optimal treatment strategy for rCDI, regardless of number of prior CDI recurrences.

Abstract Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) techniques for large (≥20 mm) nonpedunculated colorectal polyps (LNPCPs) have expanded with the introduction of ablation and cold EMR. This study assessed adverse events (AEs) for the newer EMR techniques, including cold EMR, compared with hot EMR. We conducted a secondary analysis of four prospective multicenter studies of consecutive patients with LNPCPs undergoing EMR from 2019 to 2024. The primary outcome was serious AEs (SAEs) with cold and hot EMR. Secondary outcomes included SAEs in the hot EMR subgroups (no ablation [hEMR], margin ablation [hEMR-m], margin and base ablation [hEMR-mb]). 1762 patients (mean age 65.8; 1890 LNPCPs) were included: 522 cold and 1368 hot EMRs (368 hEMR, 770 hEMR-m, 230 hEMR-mb). SAEs were higher with hot EMR (4.7%, 95%CI 3.6%–5.9%) vs. cold EMR (1.9%, 95%CI 0.9%–3.5%), also for the subgroups of hEMR (6.0%, 95%CI 3.8%–8.9%), hEMR-m (3.9%, 95%CI 2.6%–5.5%), and hEMR-mb (5.2%, 95%CI 2.7%–8.9%). Serious postendoscopic bleeding (PEB) was numerically higher with hot EMR (2.3%, 95%CI 1.6%–3.3%) vs. cold EMR (1.3%, 95%CI 0.5%–2.7%), also for the subgroups of hEMR (3.0%, 95%CI 1.5%–5.3%), hEMR-m (1.9%, 95%CI 1.1%–3.2%), and hEMR-mb (2.6%, 95%CI 1.0%–5.6%). Perforation, intraprocedural and post-procedural, was numerically higher with hot EMR (1.2%, 95%CI 0.7%–2.0%) vs. cold EMR (0.2%, 95%CI 0.0%–1.1%). hEMR-m and hEMR-mb with clipping had lower rates of serious and overall PEB than no clipping. Cold EMR demonstrated lower rates of SAEs, serious PEB, and perforation compared with hot EMR. Perforation and mortality occurred almost exclusively after hot EMR. Hot EMR with margin +/− base ablation did not increase SAEs compared with hot EMR without ablation.

Abstract INTRODUCTION When cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and positron emission tomography (PET) measurements for amyloid‐beta‐peptide (Aβ) related pathology are discordant, therapeutic decision‐making becomes uncertain. METHODS Using data from patients with mild cognitive impairment ( n = 541) from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, we examined baseline characteristics and longitudinal clinical outcomes in persons grouped according to normal/abnormal Aβ via concurrent CSF and PET determinations using standard cutpoints. RESULTS Discordant groups for brain Aβ status (CSF+/PET− and CSF−/PET+) each represented about 5% of the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) population. Longitudinally, neither discordant group declined more than the CSF−/PET− group on either a memory measure or the Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes scores over a median 4 years of observation, while the CSF+/PET+ group exhibited worsening on both measures. DISCUSSION In contrast to the clinical decline observed in the CSF+/PET+ group, persons with MCI and CSF+/PET− or CSF−/PET+ brain amyloid patterns did not exhibit incipient decline. Highlights Discrepant abnormal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and positron emission tomography (PET) brain amyloid indicators are uncommon in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). CSF‐PET discrepant persons with MCI tend to have less abnormal values initially. CSF‐PET discrepant persons with MCI have a benign prognosis at 4 years.

Purpose To develop an expert consensus statement on the diagnosis, management, and rehabilitation of medial meniscal root tears (MMRTs) using a modified Delphi technique. Methods A working group developed statements on MMRT diagnosis, nonoperative management, surgical indications, surgical management, alignment, and rehabilitation using modified Delphi techniques. Fifty‐six experts were surveyed over 3 rounds to reach consensus, with agreement measured on a 5‐point Likert scale. Statements were included, revised, or excluded on the basis of predefined thresholds (≥75% agreement, <20% disagreement). Experts suggested revisions or new statements in the first 2 rounds, and final consensus statements were included. Results All 56 experts completed 3 survey rounds. Experts agreed that root tears may occur with no known history of trauma, typically in older patients, and that it should be diagnosed with an magnetic resonance imaging. In symptomatic patients with MMRTs without advanced osteoarthritis should be repaired using an anatomic transtibial pull‐out technique (performing a pie‐crusting technique can be helpful for visualization). Nonoperative management is advised for patients with advanced osteoarthritis. High tibial osteotomy may be considered for significant varus malalignment during MMRT repair. The only statement without consensus was the management of asymptomatic MMRTs with mild medial compartment cartilage wear, indicating ongoing debate. Conclusions Overall, 98% of statements reached consensus. There is agreement that magnetic resonance imaging is the gold standard for diagnosis. Symptomatic MMRTs without advanced osteoarthritis should be repaired early using an anatomic transtibial pull‐out technique. End‐stage knee osteoarthritis warrants nonoperative management of MMRTs, and a structured postoperative protocol with limited weightbearing and range of motion is essential after repair. No agreement was reached on managing asymptomatic MMRTs in patients without significant medial compartment degeneration. Meniscal centralization sutures may help in cases of substantial extrusion, but their routine use is debated. Level of Evidence Level V, consensus of expert opinion.

The development of automated insulin delivery systems has seen tremendous improvements from individual components to interoperable system combinations of devices and new drugs besides insulin. The components have become progressively smaller, more accurate, and more user friendly. This article summarizes the history of the artificial pancreas from the earliest concepts to fully functional systems to research into further improvements in the future. The authors include many of the developers of this technology who received research support from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases at various stages to develop these systems.

The development of automated insulin delivery systems has seen tremendous improvements from individual components to interoperable system combinations of devices and new drugs besides insulin. The components have become progressively smaller, more accurate, and more user friendly. This article summarizes the history of the artificial pancreas from the earliest concepts to fully functional systems to research into further improvements in the future. The authors include many of the developers of this technology who received research support from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases at various stages to develop these systems.

Abstract Background Resident Doctors (RDs) in the UK must balance clinical training with non-clinical administrative tasks. Concerns increase over how these tasks impact their professional development, job satisfaction and patient care. The shift toward consultant-delivered care has led to a redistribution of responsibilities, increasing administrative burden on RDs. Aims This study aims to quantify how RDs allocate time between patient-facing and non-patient-facing tasks and assess impact on job satisfaction. Design National multicentre observational cohort study. Methodology The Time Allocation in Clinical Training study is a multicentre, observational cohort study conducted over seven months (January–July 2024) at secondary NHS centres. 137 RDs, from Foundation Year 1 to Specialty Training Year 8, were observed for 4-hour periods, with time tracked using stopwatches for five task categories. An optional survey assessed job satisfaction, rated on a five-point Likert scale. Results RDs spent 73.0% of their time on non-patient-facing tasks, and 17.9% on patient-facing activities. Women spent more time on non-patient-facing tasks compared to men (75.0% vs. 69.9%, P = 0.03). Junior RDs (Foundation years and Core trainees) spent significantly less time on patient-facing tasks compared to senior RDs (ST6-8) (38.4% vs. 17.8%; P = 0.004). Most RDs (62%) reported dissatisfaction with the administrative burden. Electronic health record users spent significantly more time on administrative tasks than paper-based record users (44.1% vs. 37.3%; P = 0.02). Conclusions The study reveals a significant imbalance between clinical and administrative tasks, with excessive administrative workload contributing to RD dissatisfaction. Streamlining administrative duties and integrating digital solutions is crucial for improving job satisfaction, clinical development and healthcare delivery in the NHS.

The NCCN Guidelines for Survivorship include screening, evaluation, and treatment recommendations for common physical and psychosocial problems resulting from adult-onset cancer and its treatment and provide a framework for coordination of survivorship care. They also include recommendations to help cancer survivors enhance their wellness and maintain a healthy lifestyle. These NCCN Guidelines Insights summarize the panel’s current recommendations and recent updates regarding physical activity, nutrition, and weight management for cancer survivors.