Stability and antioxidant function of Porphyra haitanensis proteins during simulated gastrointestinal digestion: Effects on stress resistance and lifespan extension in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Porphyra haitanensis proteins (PHP) are natural proteins with various nutritional and biological values. This study was to analyze the composition, stability, and antioxidant activity of PHP before and after simulation gastrointestinal digestion (SGD). Caenorhabditis elegans was used as the model to investigate the functional activity and potential mechanisms of action of the PHP digestion products (PHPDP).

Musculoskeletal and CNS coccidiomycosis in an individual with multiple sclerosis on fingolimod - A case report.

We report the case of a 56-year-old female with a past medical history of multiple sclerosis on disease-modifying therapy of fingolimod who presented with disseminated infection, initially of the ankles bilaterally before progressing to the central nervous system. CNS coccidiomycosis has thus far not been associated with any pharmacological therapy for multiple sclerosis. Clinicians should have a high degree of suspicion for infection in immunosuppressed patients living in endemic areas.

Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone release secondary to central nervous system coccidioidomycosis with vasculitis.

A man in his 60s presented to the clinic due to night sweats and weight loss following pneumonia. He was found to have hyponatraemia due to a syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). CT of the thorax was concerning for pulmonary nodules.

CNS toxoplasmosis, a rare presentation in a patient with Myasthenia Gravis.

We report the case of a 78-year-old man with a past medical history of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma s/p chemotherapy and Myasthenia Gravis on chronic mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), who presented with altered mental status and was found to have ring enhancing brain lesions. A brain biopsy revealed organisms consistent with . Cerebral toxoplasmosis has been rarely reported in patients with hematologic malignancies or in those receiving immunosuppressive agents.

Utility of disc space aspirate cell counts and differentials in the diagnosis of native vertebral osteomyelitis.

: Aspiration of intervertebral disc space is often done to confirm the diagnosis of native vertebral osteomyelitis. A study has not been done examining the utility of cell counts and differentials of the aspirated fluid in diagnosing native vertebral osteomyelitis (NVO). : In this feasibility study, we prospectively enrolled patients with a suspected diagnosis of NVO referred to the Division of Neuroradiology for image-guided needle aspiration of the intervertebral disc.

Vertebral osteomyelitis and epidural abscess due to - case report and review of literature.

We describe a case of native vertebral osteomyelitis (NVO) secondary to in a patient with polymyalgia rheumatica receiving chronic steroids. Treatment required surgical debridement of the epidural phlegmon and combination therapy with intravenous ampicillin and gentamicin.

Left hand extensor tenosynovitis due to complicated by immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome.

We describe a case of left hand extensor tenosynovitis due to histoplasmosis in a patient with dermatomyositis on chronic immunosuppression. Treatment involved surgical debridement and antifungal therapy. The patient experienced paradoxical worsening of tenosynovial inflammation during de-augmentation of immunosuppression felt to be immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome.

Intracardiac metastasis from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Cardiac metastasis from head and neck cancer is an extremely rare and devastating condition with an abysmal prognosis. Most of our knowledge about this condition is from case reports and series. We present a case of squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsils that was complicated by embolic stroke and critical limb ischemia that were found to be secondary to intracardiac metastasis.

Risk Factors for Fungal Prosthetic Joint Infection.

: Fungal prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are rare and often associated with poor outcome; however, risk factors are not well described. : This was a retrospective case control study among all patients with PJIs from 2006-2016 at two major academic centers. Each fungal PJI case was matched 1:1 with a bacterial PJI control by joint (hip, knee, shoulder) and year of diagnosis.

Prosthetic Joint Infection due to species: A case series and review of literature.

prosthetic joint infections (APJIs) are rare and optimal medical and surgical treatment strategies are unknown. The purpose of our study was to characterize the demographics, risk factors, management and outcomes of patients with PJIs due to spp. Using a retrospective cohort study design, the medical records of all patients with spp.

Clinical outcomes associated with per-operative discontinuation of aspirin in patients with coronary artery disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Postoperative state is characterized by increased thrombotic risk by virtue of platelet activation. Whether aspirin ameliorates this risk in patients with established coronary artery disease undergoing cardiac or noncardiac surgery is unknown. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and the risk of bleeding in patients with early (3-5 or more days before surgery) vs.

Safety and Use of Anticoagulation After Aortic Valve Replacement With Bioprostheses: A Meta-Analysis.

Background: The American College of Cardiology guidelines recommend 3 months of anticoagulation after replacement of the aortic valve with a bioprosthesis. However, there remains great variability in the current clinical practice and conflicting results from clinical studies. To assist clinical decision making, we pooled the existing evidence to assess whether anticoagulation in the setting of a new bioprosthesis was associated with improved outcomes or greater risk of bleeding.

The new oral anti-coagulants and the phase 3 clinical trials - a systematic review of the literature.

Background: Anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists such as warfarin has historically been used for the long term management of patients with thromboembolic disease. However, these agents have a slow onset of action which requires bridging therapy with heparin and its analogues, which are available only in parenteral route. To overcome these limitations, new oral anticoagulants such as factor Xa inhibitors and direct thrombin inhibitors have been developed.

Cardiovascular implantable electronic device infections in left ventricular assist device recipients.

Background: Most patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have concomitant cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). However, clinical presentation and outcome of CIED infection in the setting of LVAD has not been previously described.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 247 patients who underwent LVAD implantation at Mayo Clinic campuses in Minnesota, Arizona, and Florida, from January 2005 to December 2011.

Clinical manifestations and management of left ventricular assist device-associated infections.

Background: Infection is a serious complication of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy. Published data regarding LVAD-associated infections (LVADIs) are limited by single-center experiences and use of nonstandardized definitions.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 247 patients who underwent continuous-flow LVAD implantation from January 2005 to December 2011 at Mayo Clinic campuses in Minnesota, Arizona, and Florida.

Patients' insight of interpreting prescriptions and drug labels--a cross sectional study.

Background: Errors in consuming drugs are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, besides an impact on the already overburdened health-care system. Misunderstanding drug labels and prescriptions plays an important role in contributing to adverse drug events.

Objective: To evaluate abilities to understand prescriptions and drug labels among patients attending tertiary care hospital in Karachi.

Role of vitamin K2 in preventing the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after curative treatment: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Hepatocellular cancer is notorious for recurrence even after curative therapy. High recurrence determines the long term prognosis of the patients. Vitamin K2 has been tested in trials for its effect on prevention of recurrence and improving survival.

SMS reminders- future in self-care management of diabetes mellitus?

Application of SMS in reminders of medical appointments and delivering medical tests is not new, however its focus on clinical interventions has just begun. Usage of tailored SMS reminders to increase adherence in treatment programs among sick individuals has allowed an interventional role in self-care management of Diabetes Mellitus (DM).

Methods of disposal of used syringes by hepatitis B and C patients at an urban and rural setting.

Objective: To evaluate the methods of disposal of used syringes employed by patients with hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital of Karachi and a clinic at Khairpur, Sindh. Diagnosed cases of Hepatitis B and C currently receiving treatment in the form of Interferon alpha injection were included by convenient sampling.