Antibiotic prophylaxis reduced broad-spectrum antibiotics and length of stay in ICU patients with alcohol withdrawal induced refractory delirium tremens.

Background: Pneumonia is a well-known complication in patients with severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome (SAWS). Antibiotic prophylaxis in ICU treated SAWS patients may be beneficial but data is lacking. The aims of this study were to investigate the effect of introduction of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) prophylaxis, on use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and ICU length of stay (LOS) in SAWS patients with refractory delirium tremens (rDT).

An Update on Recent Clinical Trial Data in Bloodstream Infection.

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) remain a significant source of morbidity and mortality globally, exacerbated by an ageing population and rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This review offers an updated evaluation of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in BSI management from 2018 onwards, focusing on the evolving landscape of diagnostics and treatment. New rapid diagnostic technologies and shorter antimicrobial courses have transformed clinical practice, reducing the time to appropriate therapy and hospital stays.

Cannabinoids as Antibacterial Agents: A Systematic and Critical Review of In Vitro Efficacy Against and .

Background: Two major bacterial pathogens, and , are becoming increasingly antibiotic-resistant. Despite the urgency, only a few new antibiotics have been approved to address these infections. Although cannabinoids have been noted for their antibacterial properties, a comprehensive review of their effects on these bacteria has been lacking.

Assessing the Effect of Riluzole on Motor Unit Discharge Properties.

This study aims to determine if Riluzole usage can change the function and excitability of motor neurons. The clinical data and indices of motor neuron excitability were assessed using high-density surface EMG parameters from 80 ALS participants. The persistent inward current was assessed using the discharge rate from paired motor units obtained from the tibialis anterior muscle.

Factors influencing provider deviation from national HIV and nutritional guidelines for HIV-exposed children in western Kenya: a qualitative study.

Background: Malnutrition and HIV interact in a vicious cycle for HIV-exposed infants (HEIs), increasing vulnerability and the severity of each condition and contributing to poor health outcomes. We identified multi-level factors influencing provider adherence to Kenyan HIV and nutrition guidelines for HEIs.

Methods: We conducted six focus group discussions and seven in-depth interviews using a semi-structured question guide.

Isolation of Species Is Associated with Comorbidities, Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation, and Treatment Outcomes in Surgical ICU Patients, a Cross-Sectional Study.

The isolation of may be related to comorbidity, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and survival during intensive care unit (ICU) stay, especially with non-albicans (NAC). To examine the frequency of isolation, associated comorbidities and outcomes in the surgical ICU in Osijek University Hospital, Croatia, the data from the electronic database from May 2016 to 30 June 2023 were analyzed. In a cross-sectional study examining 15,790 microbiological samples, different strains of were observed in 581 samples from 236 patients.

Aggressive end-of-life care in patients with gastrointestinal cancers - a nationwide study from Denmark.

Background: Knowledge of determinants of aggressive end-of-life care is crucial to organizing effective palliative care for patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer.

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the determinants of aggressive end-of-life care in patients with GI cancer.

Methods: A national register-based cohort study using data from the Danish Register on Causes of Death, the Danish National Patient Register, and the Danish Palliative Database was the method of study employed.

Comparison of venous and calculated blood gas values to arterial values in critically ill patients.

Background: Arterial blood gas (ABG) values are important in the assessment of critically ill patients. However, arterial puncture may be challenging to perform in these patients. The venous-to-arterial conversion method (v-TAC) is used to convert venous blood gas values to calculated values meant to resemble arterial values.

Lung function outcomes in adults born extremely preterm across three decades of advancing perinatal medicine.

Aim: Advances in perinatal medicine from 1980 to 2000 improved survival in extremely preterm (EP) neonates. Long-term effects of these developments remain unclear, and we aimed to investigate potential cohort effects on adult lung function.

Methods: Three 18-year-old population-based cohorts born at ≤28 weeks gestation or with birthweight ≤1000 g during 1982-85, 1991-92 and 1999-2000 and term-controls underwent spirometry, body plethysmography, and tests of lung diffusing capacity, bronchodilator reversibility, and airway hyperresponsiveness.

Healthcare dashboard technologies and data visualization for lipid management: A scoping review.

Background: Lipid disorders significantly increase cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Effective lipid management is critical for improving health outcomes. Traditional screening methods face challenges due to data complexity and the need for timely decision-making.

Comparing short-term mortality between people with and without HIV admitted to the intensive care unit: A single-centre matched cohort study (2000-2019).

Objectives: The survival rate of people with HIV admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) is approaching that of people without HIV. We conducted a matched-cohort study of people with and without HIV admitted to ICU at a large hospital to compare short-term mortality, during 2000-2019.

Methods: People with HIV were matched to people without HIV (1:2) on age, sex, admission year and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE)-II score.

Readiness of primary healthcare and community markets for joint delivery of cardiovascular disease prevention services in Kenya: an observational feasibility study of Health Kiosks in Markets (HEKIMA).

Objectives: The increasing burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in Kenya threatens its healthcare system. There is a need for innovative models that improve equitable access to CVD prevention services. Community markets are social establishments with untapped potential to promote public health.

Swedish female and male general surgeons differ in personality traits.

Background And Aims: Evidence suggests that female surgeons achieve comparable or even more favorable outcomes than male surgeons. It is currently unclear what factors contribute to these potential differences. Possible explanations might be differences in personality traits, communication style, attitude, and risk-taking behavior.

Indwelling urinary catheter use and adherence to clinical practice guidelines: A point prevalence study in adult hospital inpatients.

Background: Approximately 25% of hospitalised adults require an indwelling urinary catheter (IDC) during their hospital stay. IDCs expose patients to risks of infectious and non-infectious complications.

Aims: To identify IDC prevalence, assess adherence to clinical practice guidelines and patient-reported involvement in IDC care for adult hospital inpatients.

Patient safety of adjunct pre-operative intravenous S-ketamine for pain relief in third molar surgery - a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial.

Purpose: To study patient safety in third molar surgery, where two different doses of S-ketamine were administered for pain relief and compared to a placebo (saline). The primary focus was capillary oxygen saturation of the blood (SpO) and secondarily, alterations in respiratory rate, blood pressure, pulse or adverse events.

Methods: One hundred and sixty-eight subjects were included in a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial.

Rezafungin acetate for the treatment of candidemia and invasive candidiasis: a pharmacokinetic evaluation.

Introduction: Rezafungin, formerly SP3025 and CD101, is a next-generation echinocandin, chemically related to anidulafungin, with differentiated pharmacokinetic characteristics, including a prolonged half-life allowing extended-interval dosing.

Areas Covered: Herein, we discuss the role of rezafungin in the treatment of candidemia and invasive candidiasis, with a specific focus on pharmacokinetics considerations.

Expert Opinion: Rezafungin exhibits potent in vitro activity against most wild-type and azole-resistant species, including .

Uptake and acceptability of oral HIV self-testing in the context of assisted partner services in Western Kenya: A mixed-methods analysis.

Integrating HIV self-testing (HIVST) into assisted partner services (APS) has potential to increase identification of people with HIV in the community, but little is known about acceptability of HIVST among partners traced via APS. We assessed characteristics of APS partners testing with HIVST, and factors influencing HIVST uptake and acceptability in a cluster-randomized control trial on APS+HIVST. Using convergent parallel mixed-methods design, we evaluated socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics of APS partners who were offered HIVST or provider-delivered testing, and purposively selected a sub-set of partners for in-depth interviews (IDIs).

Ultrasonic dissection versus electrocautery dissection in laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis: a randomized controlled trial (SONOCHOL-trial).

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy with ultrasonic dissection presents a compelling alternative to conventional electrocautery. The evidence for elective cholecystectomy supports the adoption of ultrasonic dissection, citing advantages such as reduced operating time, diminished bleeding, shorter hospital stays and decreased postoperative pain and nausea. However, the efficacy of this procedure in emergency surgery and patients diagnosed with acute cholecystitis remains uncertain.