A Retrospective Analysis of Urethroplasty and Medical Malpractice.

Objective: To review malpractice suits stemming from urethroplasty intervention, which is the standard of care for patients suffering from urethral strictures.

Methods: This retrospective study analyzed the LexisNexis and Westlaw databases between 1980 and 2024. Each database was queried with "urethroplasty" which yielded 48 cases and 20 jury verdicts/settlements in the LexisNexis database and 46 cases and 14 jury verdicts in the Westlaw database.

Systemic Outcomes in Adults Undergoing Emergent Repair of Orbital Blowout Fractures.

Purpose: To analyze the association between emergent surgery status and systemic adverse outcomes in patients undergoing open orbital floor blowout fracture repair.

Methods: This retrospective cohort analysis utilized the 2005-2018 National Surgery Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes were used to identify cases with open treatment of orbital floor blowout fractures (21385, 21386, 21387, 21390, 21395).

Bleeding Outcomes of Direct Oral Anticoagulants and Vitamin K Antagonists for Acute Venous Thromboembolism: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a widespread and significant cause of morbidity and mortality on a global scale. The primary objective of this cross-sectional study is to examine the impact of anticoagulant therapy on major organ hemorrhage events in patients diagnosed with acute venous thromboembolism (VTE). Specifically, this research compares the effects of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).

Fall Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors in the Hospitalised Adult Population: A Crucial Step Towards Improved Hospital Care.

Background Falls among the adult population are a major global health concern with severe repercussions for individuals and healthcare systems. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of falls in hospitalized patients in order to improve hospital care for elderly adults. Materials and methods The research was conducted at two institutions of tertiary care in Abbottabad, Pakistan.

In vitro analysis of PI3K pathway activation genes for exploring novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets in clear cell renal carcinoma.

Objectives: The regulation of various cellular functions such as growth, proliferation, metabolism, and angiogenesis, is dependent on the PI3K pathway. Recent evidence has indicated that kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) can be triggered by the deregulation of this pathway. The objective of this research was to investigate 25 genes associated with activation of the PI3K pathway in KIRC and control samples to identify four hub genes that might serve as novel molecular biomarkers and therapeutic targets for treating KIRC.

The Impact of Diabetes on Morbidity and Mortality Following Thyroidectomy.

Objectives: To explore the association between diabetes and outcomes in thyroidectomy patients.

Methods: This retrospective cohort analysis used the 2015-2017 American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Program database. Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes were used to identify thyroidectomy cases (60210, 60212, 60220, 60225, 60240, 60252, 60254, 60260, 60270, and 60271).

An Unrecognized Cause of Elevated Procalcitonin Level.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is a preventable yet serious complication of diabetes that is commonly associated with type 1 diabetes but can also occur in other forms of diabetes, including type 2. Infection is a primary cause of DKA and can lead to elevated levels of procalcitonin (PCT), which is a biomarker used to differentiate bacterial infections from non-infectious inflammation. However, some cases of DKA have shown increased PCT levels even in the absence of bacterial infection, and the underlying mechanism of this observation is not fully understood.

Ampreloxetine Versus Droxidopa in Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension: A Comparative Review.

Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH) is a disabling problem of autonomic dysfunction in patients with Parkinson's disease, which is associated with poor quality of life and higher mortality rates. The purpose of this literature review was to explore and compare the efficacy and safety of droxidopa (an existing treatment) and ampreloxetine (a newer medication) in the treatment of nOH. We used a mixed-method literature review that addresses the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of nOH in Parkinson's disease in a general way, with a more exploratory approach to droxidopa- and ampreloxetine-controlled trial studies.

Effect of Thymectomy on Outcomes of Myasthenia Gravis Patients: A Case-Control Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Background and objective Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an acquired autoimmune disease mediated by antibodies affecting the neuro-muscular junction on the postsynaptic membrane, resulting in neuromuscular transmission obstruction and, consequently, muscle weakening. It is believed that the thymus gland plays a critical role in the production of these antibodies. Screening patients for thymoma and surgical excision of the thymus gland is a crucial part of the treatment.

Virtual and Augmented Reality in Post-stroke Rehabilitation: A Narrative Review.

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are noble adjunctive technologies currently being studied for the neuro-rehabilitation of post-stroke patients, potentially enhancing conventional therapy. We explored the literature to find if VR/AR improves neuroplasticity in stroke rehabilitation for a better quality of life. This modality can lay the foundation for telerehabilitation services in remote areas.

Effect of Hypoalbuminemia in Patients Undergoing Parathyroidectomy for Primary Hyperparathyroidism.

Objectives: Treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism is parathyroidectomy. This study identifies the association between hypoalbuminemia (HA) and outcomes in patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism.

Methods: This retrospective cohort analysis utilized the 2006-2015 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database.

Effectiveness of Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapy in the Prevention of Bleeding After Prophylactic Endoscopic Variceal Band Ligation.

Background Endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) is a surgical intervention that can work well to curb variceal bleeding in people with liver cirrhosis. However, it could make ulcer bleeding worse and be fatal in some cases. The widespread use of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) in cirrhotic individuals with variceal bleeding is empirical rather than based on scientific data.

Structural Changes in Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging Associated With Psychogenic Non-epileptic Seizures: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are often seen as indicators of poor motor and sensory function caused by psychological responses to stressful experiences. A seizure might trigger these reactions. The aim of our study was to assess the structural changes in brain MRI associated with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures.

Prevalence of Non-adherence to Antiepileptic Drugs in Patients With Epilepsy Presenting to Emergency With Fits.

Background Epilepsy is considered when a patient has at least two unprovoked seizures that occurred more than a day apart. Seizure control depends upon several factors, including adequate treatment and its dosage, patients' daily activities, and adherence to antiepileptic medications. The study aimed to assess the rate of adherence to antiepileptic drugs (AED) in patients with epilepsy.

Organizing Pneumonia Following Recombinant Zoster Vaccination: A Rare Adverse Reaction.

We describe a case of a severe but rare adverse reaction to recombinant varicella-zoster virus (VZV) vaccination: a 67-year-old female admitted with gradual onset of shortness of breath, hypoxia, and fever following VZV vaccination. The clinical picture and radiologic presentation mimicked COVID-19 pneumonia. However, repeated testing for COVID-19 by PCR was negative.

Iron Deficiency Anemia as a Rare Risk Factor for Recurrent Pulmonary Embolism and Deep Vein Thrombosis.

Iron deficiency is a well-known cause of anemia. However, it is an under-recognized cause of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Iron deficiency predisposes to VTE mainly by inducing thrombocytosis, which can lead to a hypercoagulable state.

Can charcoal improve outcomes in COVID-19 infections?

COVID-19 infection causes considerable morbidity and mortality, especially to those who are aged, have impaired renal function and are obese. We propose to examine the potential utility of oral activated charcoal with the hypothesis that such treatment would lower absorption of microbiome derived toxins and ameliorate systemic oxidant stress and inflammation.

Association of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness With Psychological Distress in Medical Students.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness among medical students and establish a relationship between self-perceived sleepiness and psychological distress.

Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 441 medical students from a public-sector university in Pakistan completed a questionnaire from August to December 2018. The questionnaire included the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), which measured daytime sleepiness, and the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), which measured mental health.

Vitamin B Deficiency: A Rare Cause of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness.

None: Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is one of the leading reasons that patients present to sleep clinics. Approximately 10% to 14% of the adults report that excessive sleepiness interferes with their daily lives. Common causes of EDS include obstructive sleep apnea, sleep deprivation, circadian rhythm disorders, medication effects, psychiatric conditions especially depression, and primary hypersomnia such as narcolepsy or central idiopathic hypersomnia.