Jean-Paul Rocca

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This study looked at a rare condition where an ovary grows in the liver instead of its usual place in the abdomen, with just under 50 cases known so far. The researchers reported on a specific young patient who had this unusual condition that appeared as a fluid-filled mass in the abdomen. Understanding this can help doctors better recognize and diagnose similar cases, especially in young patients.

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Surgeons at one institution compared outcomes of open, laparoscopic, and robotic liver removal over seven years as their practice shifted almost entirely to robotic surgery. Robotic cases had 87% lower odds of needing conversion to open surgery compared to laparoscopic, shorter hospital stays, and fewer complications, even for complex cases. The results support a full transition to robotic liver surgery at experienced centers as the standard approach.

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Two patients with advanced bile duct cancer developed a dangerous drop in platelets shortly after receiving a liver-targeted radiation therapy called yttrium-90 while also on durvalumab immunotherapy. All other causes were ruled out, and both patients required steroids and immune-modulating treatments to recover; one had a recurrent episode requiring additional therapy. This case report alerts clinicians to watch platelet counts closely when combining durvalumab with yttrium-90 radiation.

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Livers stored on ice before transplant suffer ischemia damage that worsens outcomes. This randomized trial tested a portable device that keeps the liver oxygenated and perfused during transport, compared to standard cold storage. The results support that hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion reduces injury and could become a new standard for liver preservation in the U.S.

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Two patients with locally advanced colon and rectal cancer that typically does not respond to immunotherapy received a combination of two immune checkpoint drugs before surgery. Both had dramatic tumor responses with a distinctive inside-out pattern of immune cell attack not previously described, and molecular analysis revealed the drugs activated both innate and adaptive immune pathways. These cases suggest that this drug combination may overcome immunotherapy resistance in certain colorectal cancers and should be tested in clinical trials.

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This report discusses teledentistry, which allows patients to receive dental care and advice remotely using video calls and other technologies. It highlights that teledentistry improves access to dental services, particularly for those in remote areas, making it easier for specialists to diagnose and recommend treatment without needing in-person visits. This matters because it can lead to better dental care for people who may not otherwise have easy access to a dentist.

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This study looked at kidney transplant patients who received organs from donors infected with hepatitis C but had not yet shown signs of the virus. It found that patients whose insurance was managed by government programs started their hepatitis C treatment 15 days sooner than those with commercial insurance—11 days compared to 26 days. Delays in treatment can lead to higher virus levels and a longer recovery time, highlighting that the insurance approval process may put patients at risk and lead to worse health outcomes.

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Researchers studied simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplants to see if using kidneys from donors with acute kidney injury (AKI) affects patient outcomes. They found that while the kidneys from AKI donors had higher rates of delayed function (38%) compared to healthy donor kidneys (9%), the overall kidney and pancreas performance remained similar over a year. This matters because it shows that using kidneys from AKI donors can be safe and effective, potentially increasing the number of available organs for transplants.

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This study examined how effective an Er,Cr:YSGG laser is at cleaning bacteria from infected tooth canals. After testing 73 teeth, researchers found that using the laser along with a sodium hypochlorite solution successfully reduced bacteria buildup, especially in the root canals. This matters because effective cleaning of tooth canals can lead to better outcomes in root canal treatments, helping to prevent infections and improve dental health.

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This study looked at how using a specific type of laser on zirconia dental crowns affects their surface properties and how well they bond to adhesives. While the laser treatment improved the surface roughness of the zirconia, it did not lead to a significant increase in bonding strength compared to untreated samples. This is important because it shows that, despite the laser enhancing the surface, it may not make a noticeable difference in how well the crowns stick, which could affect their longevity in dental use.

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This study explored a new way to treat Bell's palsy, a condition that causes sudden facial paralysis, using a device that emits light. A 15-year-old girl treated herself at home with this device for 15 minutes, twice a day, and after two weeks, her symptoms completely disappeared with no side effects. This approach shows promise as an effective and safe treatment option for Bell's palsy.

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This review studied how blue and blue-violet lasers are used in various dental treatments by analyzing 47 relevant research papers from 1990 to 2020. The findings show these lasers can effectively assist in procedures like disinfection, tooth whitening, and curing dental materials, suggesting they could enhance dental care. Understanding the benefits of these lasers is important because they might improve treatment outcomes and patient comfort in many dental practices.

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This study looked at the Nd:YAP laser to treat sensitive teeth by testing its effects on 33 extracted teeth. It found that using the laser with specific settings (1.4 W power) effectively reduced the openings in the teeth responsible for sensitivity without causing significant heat increase that could harm the tooth's inner pulp. This matters because it shows a promising way to help people with sensitive teeth without unwanted side effects.

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This study looked at transplanting kidneys from donors with hepatitis C into patients who do not have the virus. Out of 30 patients who received these kidneys, all of them successfully treated the virus within 12 weeks, and both patient and kidney survival rates were 100% after 10 months. This approach is important because it increases the availability of organs for transplant, helping more patients receive lifesaving treatment.

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Researchers studied the effects of a new drug called LCP-Tacrolimus (LCPT) compared to the standard drug in patients who received simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplants. They found that patients taking LCPT had zero cases of organ rejection after one year, while those on the standard drug experienced six rejection episodes. Additionally, patients on LCPT showed better blood sugar control over a year, suggesting that LCPT may lead to better overall health and fewer complications for transplant patients, making it easier for them to stick to their medication routine.

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This study looked at weight gain in diabetic patients who received pancreas transplants. Out of 37 participants, those with higher insulin levels before the transplant gained an average of 13.1% of their body weight in the first year, while those with very low insulin levels gained only 0.9%. Understanding these differences is important because it means patients with higher insulin levels may need more support with their diet and nutrition after surgery to manage their weight.

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This study looked at how a self-administered laser treatment called photobiomodulation could help heal diabetic leg ulcers. An 84-year-old woman with diabetes treated a 1 cm ulcer on her leg using a device for 30 days, and the ulcer completely healed by the end of the treatment. This finding shows that self-administered laser therapy could be an effective way to manage leg ulcers in people with diabetes, potentially reducing the need for more invasive treatments like surgery or amputation.

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The study examined the connection between oral infections, particularly periodontitis, and various serious health issues like heart disease and diabetes. Researchers found strong evidence that bacteria from gum infections can spread throughout the body, potentially leading to these diseases. The findings highlight the importance of preventing oral infections, and new treatments like probiotics and laser therapy may help improve overall health and prevent complications.

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Researchers studied whether using a mobile app and smart watches could help kidney transplant patients stick to their medication schedules. They found no significant differences in medication levels between patients using the app, those using the app and smart watches, and those using neither after one and three months. This matters because improving how well patients take their medications is crucial for their health, and while mobile health technology shows potential, more research is needed to find the best ways to use it.

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This study looked at the outcomes of kidney transplants from young donors who had serious kidney damage. Researchers analyzed 315 kidney transplants and found that kidneys from donors with severe injury performed well in recipients, with the average kidney function at one year being 63.9 ml/min, compared to 51.2 ml/min for kidneys from healthy donors. This is important because it shows that young donors with kidney injury can still provide viable organs, potentially increasing the number of kidneys available for transplant and helping more people in need.

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Researchers studied kidney and skin cells from patients with lupus nephritis (LN) to understand how the disease affects renal damage. They found that patients with LN had distinct gene activity patterns, especially related to type I interferon, which were linked to poor treatment responses. This research is important because it helps identify specific biological markers that could lead to more personalized and effective treatments for people with lupus nephritis.

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This study looked at the current state of abdominal transplant surgery and the future prospects for new surgeons entering the field. Of the 71 transplant centers surveyed, there's an expected positive trend in hiring, with twice as many surgeons anticipated to join as those leaving. Additionally, the number of female transplant surgeons has increased from 3.7% in 1980 to 13.1% today, showing progress in gender representation in this specialty. This is important because it indicates a strong future for transplant surgery and a more diverse workforce.

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This study looked at photobiomodulation therapy (PBM), a low-energy laser treatment, for various oral health issues like canker sores and mouth infections. It found that PBM is beneficial because it has no side effects, can treat patients who are usually vulnerable, and involves quick, painless sessions. This is important because it offers a safe and effective way for people to manage their oral health, even at home, under supervision.

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Researchers studied individual cells from kidney and skin samples of lupus nephritis patients to understand the disease better. They found important pathways related to inflammation and scarring in the kidneys that may play a role in lupus damage. These findings are significant because they can lead to better treatments for people suffering from this serious condition.

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This study looked at the use of a light-based therapy called photobiomodulation (PBM) in children's dental care. Researchers found that PBM therapy can safely relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and help heal tissues after dental procedures or treatments related to cancer, with no harmful effects reported across 19 studies. This matters because it offers a promising, effective option for managing dental issues in kids, paving the way for future research to better understand its benefits.

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This study looked at using a special Er:YAG laser to treat enamel defects in the front teeth of a young patient. The treatment was painless and showed no issues during follow-up visits at 2, 6, and 12 months, resulting in good-looking teeth without sensitivity problems. This approach is important because it offers a safe and effective way to improve the appearance of damaged teeth without causing discomfort.

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This study looked at the use of imported pancreas grafts to help shorten waiting times for transplants. Researchers found that patients who received imported grafts had longer preservation times but similar survival rates compared to locally sourced grafts. Importantly, patients at the center using imported grafts waited about 518 days for a kidney-pancreas transplant, compared to 1,001 days in the surrounding region, demonstrating that importing organs can be a more efficient and cost-effective way to increase organ availability.

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This study looked at how a specific type of laser can improve the surface of dental ceramics, which are used in fillings and other dental work. When the researchers used the laser at the right settings, they found that the surface became rougher, which helps adhesives bond better, although there were no significant differences in chemical composition compared to untreated samples. This is important because better adhesion can lead to longer-lasting dental restorations.

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Researchers studied how different surface treatments affect the strength of bond between resin cement and two types of ceramic materials used in dental work. They found that using COlaser treatment significantly increased the bond strength for zirconia ceramics, with a notable difference in strength noted (p value = 0.039). This matters because stronger bonds can lead to more durable dental restorations, improving the overall quality and longevity of dental work.

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Researchers tested a new laser technique for repairing fractured teeth using a special type of laser and tiny particles of hydroxyapatite, which is a natural component of tooth enamel. Out of 24 tested teeth, only those treated with the nanoparticles successfully fused the broken parts together, while other methods did not work. This approach could offer a less invasive way to heal damaged teeth without using stitches, marking a potential breakthrough in dental treatments.

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This study looked at how different types of laser treatments can relieve pain from painful mouth sores known as recurrent aphthous stomatitis. It found that a laser with a wavelength of 635 nm was the most effective, reducing pain during the treatment and keeping it low for days afterward, while others like the 808 nm and 450 nm lasers provided similar pain relief but not as quickly. The results matter because effective pain management can significantly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from these painful sores.

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Researchers studied the use of a specific type of laser (Er:YAG) to safely remove porcelain veneers from teeth. They tested this method on 12 teeth and found that the laser successfully detached the veneers without harming the underlying tooth structure. This is important because it means that dentists can effectively remove veneers while keeping the teeth intact, which is better for patients' overall dental health.

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Researchers studied the effects of a mobile phone app designed to help transplant patients remember to take their medications. They found that many patients had negative feelings about their medications, leading to higher chances of not taking them as prescribed. Although app users showed slightly better recall of their medication, the overall effect was not significant. This research highlights the need for tools like mobile apps to support transplant patients in staying on track with their important medication regimens, which can prevent serious health issues.

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This study looked at how different treatments affect the strength of the bond between dental materials (ceramics) and a type of glue used in dentistry. Researchers found that using COlaser irradiation significantly improved the bond strength for zirconia ceramics compared to untreated ones. This is important because stronger bonds can lead to better and longer-lasting dental restorations.

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This study looked at how well a new at-home laser treatment works for nerve problems in the mouth that can happen after surgery. In three cases, patients reported that their symptoms went away completely after using the laser, and there were no side effects. This is important because it shows that people can effectively treat their oral nerve issues at home, making recovery easier and more accessible.

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This study looked at how effective a new light-based treatment is at disinfecting root canals infected with a tough bacteria called Enterococcus faecalis. The researchers found that using a specific combination of hydrogen peroxide and iron, along with a special 400-nm LED light, worked as well as the traditional sodium hypochlorite method in killing the bacteria. This matters because improving endodontic disinfection could lead to better outcomes for dental patients and lower the chances of infections returning.

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This study looked at how different lasers affect the hardness of two types of dental ceramics used in computer-aided design and manufacturing. It found that using a carbon dioxide laser on lithium disilicate ceramics made them harder by 6.32 gigapascals, while using a neodymium laser on zirconia ceramics actually made them softer by 17.46 gigapascals. These findings are important because they can help dentists choose the best materials and treatments to make dental restorations more durable.

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This study focused on pancreas transplants from donors with Shprintzen-Goldberg syndrome (SGS), a genetic disorder. Researchers successfully performed a pancreas transplant from an SGS donor, showing that the outcomes were similar to other pancreas transplants done at the same medical center. This is important because it suggests that organs from donors with SGS can be used safely, potentially increasing the number of available organs for transplant.

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This study looked at how importing pancreases from other regions can reduce the long wait times for pancreas transplants at Montefiore Medical Center, cutting the wait from 1,001 days to about 518 days. They found that patients who received imported pancreases had similar recovery outcomes and complication rates as those who received local ones, but importing pancreases cost more overall. This approach may help meet patient needs faster, even though it comes with higher expenses, suggesting that it could be a valuable strategy for addressing transplant wait times.

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This study explored the use of 1070 nm fiber lasers in oral surgery to see how well they cut tissue and how much heat they produce. Researchers found that using a peak power of 3 kW and a speed of 5 mm/s resulted in effective cutting with minimal damage to surrounding tissues. This matters because it shows that these lasers can be safer and more precise for oral surgeries, helping to protect healthy tissue during procedures.

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This study looked at three different methods for removing decayed tissue from teeth, including a laser and two types of dental drills, using 26 extracted human teeth with severe decay. It found that all three methods worked effectively, with no significant difference in the time it took to treat the teeth. This is important because it shows that the laser is a viable alternative to traditional drilling techniques for cleaning out tooth decay, which could lead to less discomfort for patients.