Thyroid carcinoma (TC) is the most common endocrine neoplasia, with its incidence increasing in the last 40 years worldwide. The determination of genetic and/or protein markers for thyroid carcinoma could increase diagnostic precision. Accumulated evidence shows that Protein kinase C alpha (PKCα) contributes to tumorigenesis and therapy resistance in cancer.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Individuals with dementia are particularly vulnerable during emergency situations due to challenges with cognition, mobility, and daily functioning. However, little is known about how disruptive events may specifically impact the health of those with dementia.
Objective: To evaluate changes in health outcomes for individuals with and without dementia surrounding the Israel-Gaza war in October 2023.
Introduction: Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at increased risk of thrombotic events and bleeding. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), an effective antiplatelet agent, is one of the most frequently used medications for both primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, it can also contribute to bleeding events due to its inherent antiplatelet effect.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe gold standard to estimate muscle mass and quality is computed tomography (CT) scan. Lower mass and density (intramuscular fat infiltration) of skeletal muscles are markers of sarcopenia, associated with increased mortality risk, impaired physical function, and poorer prognosis across various populations and medical conditions. We aimed to describe standard reference values in healthy population, prospective kidney donors, and correlate clinical parameters to muscle mass and density.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Ensuring appropriate computed tomography (CT) utilization optimizes patient care while minimizing radiation exposure. Decision support tools show promise for standardizing appropriateness.
Objectives: In the current study, we aimed to assess CT appropriateness rates using the European Society of Radiology (ESR) iGuide criteria across seven European countries.
The growing challenges of healthcare systems pose a unique opportunity to leverage evidence-based digital health interventions. The WHO's SMART (Standards-based, Machine-readable, Adaptive, Requirements-based, and Testable) guidelines represent a significant advancement in this domain. This paper aims to summarize SMART guidelines authoring and implementation process, drawing on a comprehensive literature analysis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) pose a significant risk, particularly in the elderly population on anticoagulation therapy. The safety of discharging these patients from the emergency department (ED) with a negative initial computed tomography (CT) scan has been debated due to the risk of delayed intracranial hemorrhage (d-ICH).
Objective: To compare outcomes, including d-ICH, between elderly patients on anticoagulation therapy presenting with mTBI who were admitted versus discharged from the ED after an initial negative head CT scan.
Background: As generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools continue advancing, rigorous evaluations are needed to understand their capabilities relative to experienced clinicians and nurses. The aim of this study was to objectively compare the diagnostic accuracy and response formats of ICU nurses versus various GenAI models, with a qualitative interpretation of the quantitative results.
Methods: This formative study utilized four written clinical scenarios representative of real ICU patient cases to simulate diagnostic challenges.
Background: Mental health issues among healthcare workers remain a serious problem globally. Recent surveys continue to report high levels of depression, anxiety, burnout and other conditions amongst various occupational groups. Novel approaches are needed to support clinician well-being.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Providing emergency care during conflict poses unique challenges for frontline hospitals. Barzilai Medical Center (BUMCA) in Ashkelon, Israel is a Level I trauma center located close to the Gaza border. During the November 2023 escalation of conflict, BUMCA experienced surging numbers of civilian and military trauma patients while also coming under rocket fire.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: To investigate whether reducing the volume of intravenous iodinated contrast material injected during brain computed tomography (CT) provides reliable and accurate imaging without compromising diagnostic accuracy.
Methods: This prospective study enrolled patients undergoing enhanced brain CT at a single tertiary hospital. Subjects who agreed to participate received a reduced dose of 60 ml contrast.
Radiology referral quality impacts patient care, yet factors influencing quality are poorly understood. This study assessed the quality of computed tomography (CT) referrals, identified associated characteristics, and evaluated the ESR-iGuide clinical decision support tool's ability to optimize referrals. A retrospective review analyzed 300 consecutive CT referrals from an acute care hospital.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIndividuals with dementia face increased vulnerability during crises like armed conflicts. However, little is known about how conflicts affect dementia care delivery and patients' health. We conducted a longitudinal cohort study using medical record data.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: This study compared COVID-19 outcomes between vaccinated and unvaccinated older adults with and without cognitive impairment.
Method: Electronic health records from Israel from March 2020-February 2022 were analyzed for a large cohort (N = 85,288) aged 65 + . Machine learning constructed models to predict mortality risk from patient factors.
Background: As populations age globally, effectively managing geriatric health poses challenges for primary care. Comprehensive geriatric assessments (CGAs) aim to address these challenges through multidisciplinary screening and coordinated care planning. However, most CGA tools and workflows have not been optimised for routine primary care delivery.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAim: To assess the clinical reasoning capabilities of two large language models, ChatGPT-4 and Claude-2.0, compared to those of neonatal nurses during neonatal care scenarios.
Design: A cross-sectional study with a comparative evaluation using a survey instrument that included six neonatal intensive care unit clinical scenarios.
Background: Conflict profoundly impacts community health and well-being. While post-conflict research exists, little is known about initial effects during active hostilities.
Objective: To assess self-reported changes in health behaviors, distress, and care access within one month of regional warfare onset in a conflict-affected community.