Outpatient use of antibiotics in uncomplicated diverticulitis decreases hospital admissions.

Introduction: Recently, antibiotics use in uncomplicated acute diverticulitis (AD) has been controversial in Europe. The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) in their 2015 guidelines recommend their selective use. Our study highlights their role in outpatient management.

Comparison of Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients with Breast Cancer and Liver Metastases Who Have or Have Not Undergone Radioembolization.

The purpose of this study was to compare characteristics and outcomes of patients with breast cancer with liver metastasis who had and had not undergone radioembolization. Medical records of patients with breast cancer with liver metastases (4,332 patients who had not undergone radioembolization and 166 patients who had) seen between January 1, 2009, and October 31, 2021, were assessed. Propensity score matching was performed.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Is Associated with Worsened Hospital Outcomes in Children Hospitalized with Asthma.

Background: Studies have shown a bidirectional relationship between asthma and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, there is a paucity of national-level data evaluating the impact of OSA on hospital outcomes in pediatric hospitalizations for asthma.

Methods: We analyzed the National Inpatient Sample and Kids Inpatient Database to include all pediatric hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis of asthma between 2003-2016.

Surgical Navigation and CAD-CAM-Designed PEEK Prosthesis for the Surgical Treatment of Facial Intraosseous Vascular Anomalies.

: Intraosseous vascular anomalies in the facial skeleton present significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to complex anatomy. These anomalies represent about 0.5-1% of bony neoplastic and tumor-like lesions, usually presenting as a firm, painless mass.

Role of osteoclast inhibitors in prostate cancer bone metastasis; a narrative review.

Objective: To study the role of Osteoclast inhibitors in advanced prostate cancer metastasis treatment and their efficacy in reducing skeletal related events.

Methods: Data Source: A comprehensive search was done using search terms as "osteoclast inhibitors" "Bisphosphonates" "Zoledronic acid" " pamidronate" " Alendronate" "Denosumab" " Prostate cancer metastasis" in pubmed and Google scholar. Relevant articles were screened and collected .

Customized Soft Tissue Free Flaps in Head and Neck Reconstruction.

The integration of imaging technologies such as computed tomography angiography and color Doppler ultrasonography are transforming soft tissue free flap reconstruction. The search for thinner and more refined flaps has expanded indications for flaps harvested from donor sites that were not commonly used in head and neck reconstruction. This article explores how these tools and techniques facilitate precise flap selection, thickness, and design customization based on detailed patient preoperative perforator anatomy and vascular configuration mapping.

Effect of Private Equity Ownership on Access to Outpatient Urologic Cancer Care in Medicare Recipients.

Objective: To compare appointment availability and wait times between private equity-owned and non-private equity-owned urology clinics for 2 common urologic complaints.

Methods: We identified all PE-owned urology clinic locations as of June 2022 (n = 390). For each PE-owned location, a geographically matched, non-PE-owned clinic was identified.

Utility of Artificial Intelligence Plaque Quantification: Results of the DECODE Study.

Background: Artificial Intelligence Plaque Analysis (AI-QCPA, HeartFlow) provides, from a CCTA, quantitative plaque burden information including total plaque and plaque subtype volumes. We sought to evaluate the clinical utility of AI-QCPA in clinical decision making.

Methods: One hundred cases were reviewed by 3 highly experienced practicing cardiologists who are SCCT level 3 CCTA readers.

Combined Pimavanserin and Maintenance Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Novel Approach to Parkinson's Disease Psychosis.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is among the most common neurodegenerative diseases. Parkinson's disease psychosis (PDP) is a potential psychiatric manifestation of PD that is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The treatment of PD with concomitant PDP is challenging as standard-of-care medication to improve motor symptoms can cause or exacerbate PDP.

Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage: A Rare Life-Threatening Cause of Massive Hemoptysis.

We present a case report of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH), which presented with massive hemoptysis and impending airway compromise. A previously healthy 33-year-old female presented to the emergency department with dyspnea, chest pain, and massive hemoptysis. Due to impending respiratory failure, the patient was placed on mechanical ventilation and a bronchoscopy revealed a diagnosis of DAH.

Stereotactic Body Radiation Adoption Impacts Prostate Cancer Treatment Patterns.

Objective: To investigate stereotactic body radiation (SBRT) adoption for prostate cancer. As evidence supporting SBRT mounts, its utilization and impact relative to other prostate cancer treatments is unknown.

Methods: We used SEER-Medicare to identify patients diagnosed with localized prostate cancer from 2008 to 2017.

Rise in Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the absence of established evidence-based treatment protocols led healthcare professionals and the public to explore experimental treatments, including high doses of vitamin D supplements. This study aimed to assess changes in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels during the pandemic, employing a retrospective cohort analysis of data from Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC). The study analyzed serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in a cohort of 35,556 patients treated at CAMC in 2019, a representative pre-pandemic period, to 2021, a representative pandemic period.

Impact of anticoagulation therapy on outcomes in patients with cirrhosis and portal vein thrombosis: A large-scale retrospective cohort study.

Introduction: Portal vein thrombosis in cirrhotic patients presents a significant clinical challenge. This study aims to (1) explore the impact of anticoagulation therapy on patient outcomes; (2) comparative outcomes in portal vein thrombosis treated between direct oral anticoagulant and Vitamin K Antagonist (VKA).

Materials And Methods: We leveraged the TriNetX database to analyze a cohort comprising 4224 patients with liver cirrhosis and PVT who were treated with anticoagulation, alongside a comparison group of 15,300 patients with the same conditions but not receiving anticoagulation therapy.

Thrombotic Long-Term Consequences of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Patients with Compensated Cirrhosis: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis of a U.S. Database.

Background: Cirrhosis causes an imbalance in the coagulation pathway and leads to a tendency for both bleeding and clotting. SARS-CoV-2 has been reported to be associated with a hypercoagulable state. This study examines SARS-CoV-2's impact on hemostasis in compensated patients with cirrhosis.

Using a mixed-reality headset to elicit and track clinically relevant movement in the clinic.

Background: 21st century neurology will require scalable and quantitative tools that can improve neurologic evaluations over telehealth and expand access to care. Commercially available mixed-reality headsets allow for simultaneous presentation of stimuli via holograms projected into the real world and objective and quantitative measurement of hand movement, eye movement, and phonation.

Methods: We created 6 tasks designed to mimic standard neurologic assessments and administered them to a single participant via the Microsoft HoloLens 2 mixed-reality headset.

Using the social cognitive theory to examine spontaneous attempts to quit illicit substance use.

Rural areas in the US exhibit high rates of illicit substance use. This study aimed to investigate the Social Cognitive Theory factors associated with spontaneous attempts to quit illicit substance use in a sample of users. A cross-sectional survey was administered through face-to-face interviews.

Lidocaine-Associated CNS Toxicity at Therapeutic Dosage: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Lidocaine is a commonly used anesthetic. High doses or intravenous administration of lidocaine, as well as other local anesthetics, may result in systemic effects involving the cardiovascular and neurologic systems. Typically, effects are dependent on the serum concentrations of the offending agent.