Improved Hematology Analysis Based on Microfluidic Impedance Spectroscopy: Erythrocyte Orientation and Anisotropic Dielectric Properties of Flowing Blood.

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy has great potential for laboratory blood tests. The overall aim of this study is to develop a microfluidic sensor for determining the physical properties and hematological parameters of blood based on its dielectric spectra. Impedance was measured in flowing blood to prevent aggregation and sedimentation at frequencies between 40 Hz and 110 MHz.

Association of Increased CT-Attenuation of Visceral Adipose Tissue After Surgery with Poor Survival Outcomes in Patients with Stage II-III Gastric Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background/objectives: This study aimed to investigate whether post-operative changes in the computed tomography (CT)-attenuation of subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral (VAT) adipose tissues were significantly associated with recurrence-free survival (RFS), peritoneal RFS, and overall survival (OS) in patients with stage II-III gastric cancer.

Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 243 patients with stage II-III gastric cancer who underwent curative surgery. CT-attenuation values of SAT (SAT HU) and VAT (VAT HU) were measured from non-contrast-enhanced abdominopelvic CT images taken pre-operatively and 6 months post-operatively.

Exo- and Endo-1,5-α-L-Arabinanases and Prebiotic Arabino-Oligosaccharides Production.

There is growing interest in pentose-based prebiotic oligosaccharides as alternatives to traditional hexose-based prebiotics. Among these, arabino-oligosaccharides (AOS), derived from the enzymatic hydrolysis of arabinan polymers, have gained significant attention. AOS can selectively stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, including and species, and contribute to health-benefit functions such as blood sugar control, positioning AOS as a promising synbiotic candidate.

Improving cefazolin administration for surgical prophylaxis in reported penicillin allergy: A retrospective study of a health system intervention.

Background: Cefazolin is the most common first-line antibiotic to prevent surgical-site infections. Patients with penicillin allergy labels often receive alternative antibiotics, which is associated with increased rates of surgical-site infections, multi-drug-resistant infections, and cost.

Objective: We sought to determine whether a hospital-wide guideline recommending first-line surgical prophylaxis in patients with penicillin allergy labels can increase the use of cefazolin without compromising safety.

Sudden Vision Loss: A Diagnostic Approach.

Vision loss affects more than 7 million Americans and impacts quality of life, independence, social functioning, and overall health. Common and dangerous conditions causing sudden vision loss include acute angle-closure glaucoma, retinal detachment, retinal artery occlusion, giant cell arteritis, and optic neuritis. Acute angle-closure glaucoma features ocular pain, headache, and nausea; treatment includes pilocarpine eye drops, oral or intravenous acetazolamide, and intravenous mannitol.