Citations

ABSTRACT Background Transvenous lead removal (TLR) is a Class I indication for patients with cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infections. However, disparities in the utilization of TLR have not been fully explored, particularly concerning demographic and socioeconomic factors. Objectives This study aims to examine whether disparities exist among patients hospitalized for CIED infections with respect to the utilization of TLR, focusing on sex, race, and income characteristics. Methods We utilized the 2019 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) to assess patients hospitalized with CIED infections and identify those who underwent TLR. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine risk factors for TLR utilization, including age, sex, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic characteristics. Results A total of 56 709 patients were hospitalized for CIED infection in the United States in 2019, of which 9867 (17.4%) underwent TLR. On an adjusted analysis, females and Black patients were found to have lower odds of undergoing TLR compared to males and White patients (OR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.59–0.78; p < 0.01; and OR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.39–0.57; p < 0.01, respectively). Hispanic patients also had reduced odds of TLR (OR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.58–0.93; p = 0.01). No significant associations were observed between income or insurance status and the likelihood of receiving TLR after adjustment. Conclusions This study identified significant disparities in the utilization of TLR among patients hospitalized for CIED infections. Female, Black, and Hispanic patients were significantly less likely to receive TLR.

AbstractBackgroundPrevious publications have described the presence and severity of insomnia amongst those with persistent post‐traumatic headache (PPTH), but there has been a paucity of studies investigating insomnia during the acute phase of post‐traumatic headache (APTH). The primary study objective was to investigate insomnia symptoms and their severity in individuals with APTH due to mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), and the secondary objective was to assess how psychological factors, sensory hypersensitivities, headache burden, and cognitive performance might associate with insomnia.MethodsIn this clinic‐based, cross‐sectional study, 82 individuals with APTH due to mTBI and 82 healthy controls (HC) were included. Participants completed the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Trail Making Test (TMT A and B), 12‐item Allodynia Symptom Checklist (ASC‐12), State–Trait Anxiety Inventory, Photosensitivity Assessment Questionnaire (PAQ), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Hyperacusis Questionnaire (HQ), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), and a detailed headache characteristics questionnaire within 59 days of their mTBI to assess insomnia severity, psychological features, sensory hypersensitivities, headache symptoms, and cognitive performance. The questionnaire and test results were compared between APTH and HC groups. Within the APTH group, ISI scores were correlated with the other assessments to determine underlying clinical relationships.ResultsParticipants with APTH, evaluated an average of 27.2 days after their mTBI, had significantly higher ISI scores (median [interquartile range, IQR] score 12 [6–17]) compared to HC (0 [1.3–6], p < 0.001). Twenty‐four (29%) individuals with APTH had ISI scores categorized as moderate clinical insomnia compared to two (2%) in the HC group. Additionally, seven (9%) in the APTH group and none of the HC had ISI scores indicative of severe clinical insomnia. Those with APTH significantly differed from the HC on the BDI (median [IQR] score APTH: 9 [5–16.8] vs. HC: 2 [0–4]; p < 0.001), state anxiety (median [IQR] score APTH: 36.5 [26–45] vs. HC: 23 [20–27.5]; p < 0.001), trait anxiety (median [IQR] score APTH: 38 [27.3–46.8] vs. HC: 26 [23–30]; p < 0.001), photosensitivity (median [IQR] PAQ score APTH: 2 [1–4] vs. HC: 0 [0–1]; p < 0.001), allodynia (median [IQR] ASC‐12 score APTH: 2 [0–5.8] vs. HC: 0 [0–0], p < 0.001), hyperacusis (median [IQR] HQ score APTH: 15.5 [7–23] vs. HC: 4 [2.3–7], p < 0.001), and RAVLT‐delayed recall (median [IQR] score APTH: −0.8 [−1.5 to 0] vs. HC: −0.1 [−0.9 to 0.7], p = 0.019). For participants with APTH, the ISI was most significantly associated with the BDI (standardized regression coefficient (RC) [95% confidence interval, CI] 0.68 [0.52–0.84], p < 0.001), followed by state anxiety (RC [95% CI] 0.60 [0.42–0.78], p < 0.001), trait anxiety (RC [95% CI] 0.56 [0.37–0.74], p < 0.001), headache severity (RC [95% CI] 0.40 [0.19–0.60], p < 0.001), HQ (RC [95% CI] 0.36 [0.16–0.57], p = 0.001), and PAQ (RC [95% CI] 0.35 [0.15–0.56], p = 0.001).ConclusionsIndividuals with APTH have more symptoms of insomnia compared to HC with 38% of individuals with APTH experiencing moderate or severe insomnia symptoms. Insomnia symptoms may be associated with more severe depression, anxiety, photophobia, hyperacusis, headache severity, and cognitive impairment. To address the overall well‐being of patients with APTH, clinicians should screen for and appropriately manage insomnia along with other symptoms following mTBI.

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo achieve consensus among expert laser surgeons on standards for the prevention and management of adverse events from fully ablative laser resurfacing of the face.Materials and MethodsDelphi study with two rounds of ratings and revisions until consensus was achieved. The draft set of statements was developed by a steering committee based on expert clinical experience. This was followed by two rounds of rating and revisions completed by an expert panel, then a virtual consensus meeting. In both rounds, respondents rated the draft statements on a 9‐point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree; 9 = strongly agree) and optionally provided comments. The consensus meeting was supplemented by the results of a systematic review of the literature (from 2000 to 2023).ResultsTwo rounds of Delphi survey were completed by 34 participants across four countries. Represented specialties were dermatology, facial plastic surgery, plastic surgery, and oculoplastic surgery. The initial 105 statements from round 1 expanded to 112 in round 2, with 96 statements achieving consensus. These included possible adverse events (11 statements); absolute and relative contraindications to treatment (5 statements); preoperative care and antimicrobial prophylaxis precautions (16 statements); intraoperative precautions (17 statements); postoperative care (21 statements); monitoring for and management of infection (16 statements); management of pigmentation changes (6 statements); and management of scarring and incipient scarring (4 statements).ConclusionAn international consensus statement was developed for the prevention and management of complications associated with fully ablative laser resurfacing of the face. While expert practices vary, key factors for optimizing outcomes include careful patient selection, counseling, and meticulous pre‐ and postoperative care. Further research will improve our understanding of this treatment technique.

This phase II trial of transoral surgery (TOS) with deintensified postoperative management in human papillomavirus (HPV)–associated oropharynx cancer (OPC) enrolled patients with resectable cT1-2 stage III/IV American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) seventh edition p16+ OPC without matted neck nodes. Those with clear margins, 0-1 + nodes (LN), and no extranodal extension (ENE) were observed (arm A); those with clear margins, 2-4 + LN, or ENE ≤1 mm were randomly assigned to 50 Gy (arm B) or 60 Gy (arm C); and those with involved margins, >4 + LN, or >1 mm ENE received weekly cisplatin and 60-66 Gy (arm D). Among 359 evaluable patients, the 54-month progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 90.6% (90% CI, 87.2% to 93.1%) and 95.3% (93.0% to 96.9%), respectively. The 54-month PFS by arm was A 93.2% (79.6% to 97.8%; all four recurrences among N1 patients), B 94.9% (89.7% to 97.5%), C 90.2% (82.7% to 94.6%), and D 85.5% (77.5% to 90.8%). The 54-month OS by arm was A 97.1% (85.7% to 99.4%), B 97.9% (93.5% to 99.3%), C 95.1% (90.1% to 97.6%), and D 92.5% (86.9% to 95.7%). PFS or OS did not differ by primary site or smoking history. TOS and neck dissection with deintensified postoperative management results in outstanding 54-month PFS and OS. Among patients with favorable pathologic characteristics, those with N1 disease are at risk of late recurrence without radiation.

For over a century, scientists reported the disruption of normal nuclear shape and size in cancer. These changes have long been used as tools for diagnosis and staging of malignancies. However, to date, the mechanisms underlying these aberrant nuclear phenotypes and their biological significance remain poorly understood. Using a model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the major histological subtypes of pancreatic cancer, we found that oncogenic mutant KRAS reduces nuclear size. Transcriptomic and protein expression analysis of mutant KRAS–expressing PDAC cells revealed differential levels of several nuclear envelope–associated genes. Further analysis demonstrated the nuclear lamina protein, Emerin (EMD), acted downstream of KRAS to mediate nuclear size reduction in PDAC. Analysis of human PDAC samples showed that increased EMD expression associates with reduced nuclear size. Finally, in vivo genetic depletion of EMD in a mutant KRAS–driven PDAC model resulted in increased nuclear size and a reduced incidence of poorly differentiated PDAC. Thus, our data provide evidence of a potentially novel mechanism underlying nuclear size regulation and its effect in PDAC carcinogenesis.

Abstract Objective Despite exponential growth in artificial intelligence (AI) research for laboratory medicine and pathology, a significant gap exists between model development and clinical AI implementation. This article introduces a structured framework, the Clinical AI Readiness Evaluator (CARE), to bridge this gap and support the responsible adoption of AI in clinical laboratory settings. Methods Building upon the Machine Learning Technology Readiness Levels framework, we developed CARE specifically for the clinical laboratory environment by incorporating health care–specific requirements, regulatory considerations, and workflow integration needs. This framework was iteratively refined through practical application across diverse AI use cases within laboratory medicine and pathology. Results The CARE framework provides a systematic approach to AI development and implementation through 8 component workstreams: clinical use case, data, data pipeline, code, clinical user experience, clinical technology infrastructure, clinical orchestration, and regulatory compliance. Unlike generic AI frameworks, CARE distinguishes itself by emphasizing both health care and laboratory workflow integration, regulatory requirements, ethical considerations, and comprehensive validation for clinical contexts. The framework accommodates both internally developed models and commercial AI solutions, providing clear guidance through technology readiness levels and structured review processes. Conclusions The CARE framework addresses the unique challenges of implementing AI in laboratory medicine and pathology by providing a comprehensive roadmap from initial concepts through clinical deployment and maintenance. This article, the first in a series of 4, establishes the foundational AI lifecycle framework, while subsequent articles will explore data documentation, ethical AI considerations, and governance structures. By adopting this structured approach, laboratories can responsibly harness AI’s potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy and operational efficiencies and, ultimately, improve patient care.

Pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH) is a rare diffuse parenchymal lung disease representing 3% of all interstitial lung diseases. PLCH occurs either as part of multi-system Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) or an isolated disease of the lung. Isolated involvement of lungs is observed in approximately 50–70% of LCH cases and the age of onset peaks between 20 and 40 years without gender difference. Cigarette smoking is the only identified environmental risk factor. PLCH is characterized by Langerhans cell infiltrates that in general are in a bronchiolocentric distribution. Pulmonary lesions can occur after chronic systemic disease or are an initial sign of disease. The aims of this study are to (1) report five rare cases of PLCH in adults; (2) discuss the relationship of PLCH with interstitial lung fibrosis; (3) provide a concise review of PLCH epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis to improve the knowledge of PLCH by pneumologists and internal medicine physicians.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It remains unclear whether decompressive craniectomy (DC) is beneficial in patients who suffer symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) after acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We sought to study the effect of DC on functional outcomes in patients with sICH after AIS who underwent mechanical thrombectomy (MT). METHODS: Patients with AIS from anterior circulation large vessel occlusion who underwent MT and subsequently developed sICH were identified from the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry database. The primary outcome was acceptable 90-day functional neurological outcome, defined as modified Rankin scale (mRS) 0-3. Multivariable logistic regression and propensity-score matching were used to identify and quantify risk factors. RESULTS: Of 464 patients identified with sICH after AIS after MT, 97 patients (20.9%) underwent DC. Patients who underwent DC were more likely to be female ( P < .001), younger ( P < .001), have a measured medical comorbidity, have higher baseline mRS ( P = .02), and have higher-grade hemorrhages ( P = .01). At 90 days, 14% of patients had the primary outcome of mRS 0-3 and 56% had died. The primary outcome was observed in 11 patients who underwent DC (11%) and 55 (15%) of those without DC (odds ratio [OR] 0.7, 95% CI 0.4-1.4, P = .40). DC did not affect mRS shift at 90 days ( P = .10) but was associated with lower mortality (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.3-0.8, P = .01). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that DC decreased the odds of primary outcome (adjusted OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.02-0.9, P = .045), but did not affect mortality ( P = .94), mRS shift ( P = .50), or length of stay ( P = .90). Propensity-matched analysis similarly demonstrated that non-DC patients were more likely to achieve the primary outcome (24% vs 8%, P = .045). CONCLUSION: In patients with sICH after AIS after MT, those selected for DC had less favorable outcomes and similar rates of mortality at 90 days.

Background: Despite mounting clinical evidence for the utility of orthobiologics in nonoperative management of orthopaedic pathology, the market for orthobiologic therapies remains largely unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration, giving rise to a wide range of pricing for these therapeutics by different provider types. Purpose: To determine the availability and pricing for platelet-rich plasma (PRP), amniotic or adipose “stem cell,” and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMC) injections for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis among orthopaedic sports medicine and alternative providers (eg, chiropractic clinics and stand-alone “regenerative medicine” clinics) in a major metropolitan city. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Orthopaedic sports medicine providers in the Chicagoland area were identified through the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) and Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA) surgeon databases. Alternative clinics offering orthobiologic injections were systematically compiled using Yelp! and Google search listings and reviews. Clinics were contacted using a standardized telephone script. Data were collected for each site on the types of injections offered, whether price was disclosed over the telephone, the price of injections offered, and the source of stem cell injections if they were provided. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare the mean price between practices. F tests for equality of variances were used to compare the variability in prices between practice types. Results: A total of 25 unique orthopaedic sports medicine practices (comprising 80 AOSSM/AANA surgeons) and 40 alternative clinics offered PRP, stem cell, and/or BMC injections, as indicated over the telephone. There was no difference in likelihood of offering PRP ( P = .698) or BMC injections ( P = .340). However, alternative clinics were significantly more likely to offer stem cell injections ( P < .001). There was no difference in the willingness to disclose the price for PRP ( P = .269), stem cell injections ( P = .302), and BMC ( P = .528) or the source of what each clinic advertised as stem cell injections ( P = .630). The mean price for a single PRP injection was significantly higher ( P = .011) and significantly more variable ( F statistic = .139; P < .001) at alternative clinics. Similarly, the mean price for a single stem cell injection was significantly higher ( P < .001) and significantly more variable ( F statistic = 0.080; P = .025) at alternative clinics. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that orthobiologic knee injections are highly prevalent for in-clinic use within the Chicago metropolitan area, with PRP being the most commonly used therapeutic. When compared with orthopaedic sports medicine providers, alternative clinics were more likely to offer stem cell injections and charge a significantly greater and more variable amount per PRP and stem cell treatment.