Surgical correction of a chin-on-abdomen deformity due to ankylosing spinal deformity and obesity: illustrative case.

Background: Kyphotic spinal deformity is a complication of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). In rare cases, particularly in obese patients, the deformity might extend to the cervicothoracic spine, resulting in a severe "chin-on-abdomen" deformity. This condition severely impairs quality of life by affecting gaze, swallowing, and causing chronic pain.

Beyond the first try: How many quit attempts are necessary to achieve substance use cessation?

Unlabelled: Substance use disorder (SUD) is a chronically relapsing disorder; thus, individuals with SUD may require several attempts before achieving abstinence. The goal of the present study was to investigate what variables are associated with the number of quit attempts before successful abstinence was achieved. Data were collected from 421 International Quit & Recovery Registry participants.

Comparative analysis of the impacts of 30-day perioperative complications on patient-reported outcome measures following multilevel anterior versus posterior cervical fusion.

Objective: Many studies have compared outcomes following anterior and posterior cervical fusion, yet the differences in the impacts of perioperative complications on outcomes have not been well studied. This study aimed to assess the differences in the effects of 30-day perioperative complications on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after multilevel anterior versus posterior cervical fusion.

Methods: Adult patients who underwent anterior or posterior cervical fusion at three or more levels between 2014 and 2020 were analyzed.

Proposal for fasting insulin and HOMA-IR reference intervals based on an extensive Brazilian laboratory database.

Objective: Fasting insulin and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index are relatively simple and reliable noninvasive markers of insulin resistance (IR). Given the relevance of correctly diagnosing IR, we emphasize the importance of establishing reliable reference intervals (RIs) for these markers. This study aimed to determine the RIs of fasting insulin and HOMA-IR index in adults living in Rio de Janeiro and, secondarily, to verify potential RI differences between sexes.