Esophageal cancer in Hispanics: a demographic analysis of the National Cancer Database.

Background: Hispanics are the fastest-growing minority and the second largest ethnic group in the United States, accounting for 18% of the national population. The American Cancer Society estimated 18,440 new cases of esophageal cancer (EC) in the United States in 2020. Hispanics are reported to be at high risk of EC.

Are Biodegradable Calcium Sulfate Antibiotic Beads Effective and Safe Adjuvants for Diabetic Foot Osteomyelitis?

Introduction:  Diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO) is a highly morbid condition that commonly affects diabetic patients. Biodegradable calcium-sulfate antibiotic beads (CaSO4) are theoretical adjuvant agents to reduce morbidity in DFO. However, there is a paucity of research on the safety and effectiveness of CaSO4 beads in DFO.

A case of viral meningitis due to Varicella Zoster virus infection in a young adult male.

A 36-year-old male with headaches was empirically treated for herpes simplex virus meningitis; CSF PCR testing later confirmed varicella zoster virus meningitis. Valacyclovir was increased to 2 g QID for remaining duration of therapy with full recovery. This case highlights the importance of comprehensive testing and proper treatment adjustment for rarer etiologies of aseptic meningitis.

Effective use of a two-dose regimen of dalbavancin to treat prosthetic joint infections and spinal hardware infections.

Purpose: Dalbavancin is an attractive antibiotic for the treatment of Gram-positive musculoskeletal infections given its long half-life and prolonged duration in cortical bones. For certain patient populations compliance with antibiotic regimens can be problematic. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness, tolerance, and compliance of treating prosthetic joint and spinal hardware infections with a unique two-dose regimen of dalbavancin.

cellulitis and bacteremia associated with surgical clips.

and are the most common pathogens causing skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI). Guideline-recommended empiric antibiotics targeting these organisms would also treat coagulase negative Staphylococci, which are not typically considered skin and soft tissue pathogens. Coagulase negative Staphylococci are, however, well known for their propensity to cause indolent infections in the setting of prosthetic material.