Antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent infection in patients with Child-Pugh A cirrhosis with upper gastrointestinal bleed: an open label randomised controlled trial.

Background And Aims: Although beneficial in reducing the risk of bacterial infections in patients with advanced decompensated cirrhosis after upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleed, the utility of prophylactic antibiotics in those with Child-Pugh A cirrhosis is not known. We studied if prophylactic antibiotics can be withheld in this cohort.

Methods: This was a single-centre, open-label randomised-controlled-trial with non-inferiority design.

Retrospective chart review of venous thromboembolism incidence and management in rural patients undergoing varicose vein treatment.

Purpose: Determine the rate of incidence, risk factors, and management for developing venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) for varicose veins.

Methods: All charts of patients undergoing venous ablation from 2016 to 2023 were reviewed at a rural vein treatment clinic. The incidence of VTE was noted and a chart review was completed to identify risk factors for VTE, EHIT score, EFIT score, and management.

Kinetics and Optimality of Influenza A Virus Locomotion.

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) must navigate through a dense extracellular mucus to infect airway epithelial cells. The mucous layer, composed of glycosylated biopolymers (mucins), presents sialic acid that binds to ligands on the viral envelope and can be irreversibly cleaved by viral enzymes. It was recently discovered that filamentous IAVs exhibit directed persistent motion along their long axis on sialic acid-coated surfaces.

Herpes Simplex Virus Encephalitis in a Post-operative Case of Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis is a life-threatening consequence of HSV infection of the central nervous system. Early antiviral therapy is most effective, necessitating prompt diagnosis. We report a case of atypical HSV encephalitis.

Variables influencing telemedicine utilization via telephone appointments among rural patients.

Objective: To evaluate patient preferences when utilizing telemedicine.

Methods: A 5-point Likert scale questionnaire was completed by 153 patients at a rural clinic via a convenience sampling method. The survey contained 21 statements encompassing provider confidence, patient-physician rapport, and accessibility variables.