Management of claudicants with low toe-brachial index in a Veteran population.

Introduction: Intermittent claudication includes a wide spectrum of peripheral artery disease ranging from asymptomatic with reduced perfusion to lifestyle-limiting atherosclerotic disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the management of claudicants with a low toe-brachial index (TBI).

Methods: This study was a retrospective review of consecutive patients that presented in 2015 with claudication and a low TBI (<0.

In vitro effects of gamma-secretase inhibition in HPV-positive and HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: New chemotherapy agents are warranted for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), particularly for incidence-rising HPV-positive tumors. Based on the evidence of Notch pathway involvement in cancer promotion and progression, we aimed to gain insights into the in vitro antineoplastic effects of gamma-secretase inhibition in HPV-positive and -negative HNSCC models.

Methods: All in vitro experiments were conducted in two HPV-negative (Cal27 and FaDu) and one HPV-associated HNSCC cell line (SCC154).

Telemedicine at the VA: Examining smartphone connectivity rates to VA video connect and doximity dialer video.

Background: Telemedicine usage has accelerated as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, raising concerns those without the necessary technology and digital literacy to participate may face increasing health disparities. In this study, we examined the rates at which veterans are able to connect to two common telemedicine applications: VA Video Connect (VVC) and Doximity Dialer Video (DV).

Methods: Participants were selected from a pool of vascular surgery patients seen from August 2020 to October 2021 at a single Veterans Affairs medical center.

Evaluation of the Prognostic Capacity of a Novel Survival Marker in Patients with Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC) is a malignant tumor associated with poor survival, and easily obtainable prognostic markers are of high interest. Therefore, we aimed to assess the prognostic value of a novel survival index (SI) combining prognostic values of clinical (T and classifications and invasion across Ohngren's line), inflammatory (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio), and nutritional (albumin and body-mass index) markers. All patients with primarily treated SNSCC between 2002 and 2020 ( = 51) were included.

Increased Frailty Associated with Higher Long-Term Mortality after Major Lower Extremity Amputation.

Background: Frailty assessments have been incorporated into preoperative planning for surgery in the elderly population. Frailty in patients undergoing lower extremity amputation has been associated with increased short-term mortality. We compared 2 frailty scores, modified Frailty Index (mFI) and Risk Analysis Index (RAI), to evaluate the short- and long-term mortality stratified by frailty status after lower extremity amputation.