ICU-Acquired Superinfections Before And During The COVID-19 Pandemic: Similarities And Differences.

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, intensive care units (ICUs) experienced a surge in patients with viral pneumonia, often leading to acute respiratory failure. A global rise in ICU superinfections was observed; however, it remains unclear whether the extensive use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants contributed to this rise.

Objectives: We aim to identify clinical factors associated with these superinfections while analyzing epidemiologic patterns of superinfections in two different periods.

Elevated frequency and severity of asthma in patients with hiatal hernia: A retrospective study.

Hiatal Hernia (HH) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been found to be associated with respiratory conditions, such as pulmonary fibrosis. However, their association with asthma remains ambiguous. Thus, the present cross-sectional, retrospective, monocentric study aimed to investigate the prevalence of asthma among patients with HH, evaluate its severity in these patients, and screen for associated respiratory symptoms.

Predictors of Functional Impairment in Severe COVID-19 Patients Two Months After Discharge.

Background: The Post-COVID-19 Functional Status (PCFS) scale is a validated tool used to measure the functional status of patients discharged from the hospital.

Objectives: To describe the functional limitations of hospitalized COVID-19 patients at the time of discharge and two months afterward, and to identify risk factors associated with functional impairment.

Design: Retrospective study.

An Unusual Presentation of Cutaneous Bullous Lupus.

Drug-induced lupus erythematosus (DILE) is an autoimmune reaction that results in symptoms of polyarthralgia, fever, and cutaneous lesions and other manifestations. Several drugs have been documented to cause this disease, including procainamide, isoniazid, methyldopa, penicillamine, and hydralazine. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) manifestations often occur after the patient has been taking the drug without complications for months to years.

Intranasal trimethyl chitosan-coated emulsomes containing tizanidine as brain-targeted therapy in spasticity: formulation, optimization, and pharmacokinetic assessment.

Tizanidine HCl (TZN) is an FDA-approved medication for treating spasticity. However, its oral administration presents obstacles to its efficacy, as it has a short duration of action and a low rate of absorption into the circulation (less than 40%) due to its rapid breakdown in the liver. In addition, its hydrophilic properties limit its capacity to cross the blood-brain barrier, thereby prohibiting it from reaching the central nervous system, where it can exert its intended therapeutic effects.