Lab testing overload: a comprehensive analysis of overutilization in hospital-based settings.

Overuse of laboratory tests has been a growing problem in the inpatient hospital setting for years, which adds to the rising cost of care. Various factors come into play, such as clinical routines, lack of cost transparency, and the convenience of electronic health record-based ordering. The financial ramifications of the overuse are significant, as lab costs drive most medical decisions.

Current perspectives on fecal microbiota transplantation in inflammatory bowel disease.

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has emerged as a promising therapeutic modality within the domain of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While FMT has secured approval and demonstrated efficacy in addressing recurrent and refractory Clostridioides difficile infection, its application in IBD remains an area of active exploration and research. The current status of FMT in IBD reflects a nuanced landscape, with ongoing investigations delving into its effectiveness, safety and optimal implementation.

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and hemochromatosis: a narrative review.

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) and hemochromatosis have a complex relationship. This review explores its mechanisms, prevalence, correlations, and clinical manifestations. Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) involves iron overload due to HFE protein mutations, while atrial fibrillation (AF) is characterized by irregular heart rhythms.

Reduced expression of Ankyrin-G and E-cadherin in duodenal mucosal biopsy of subjects with celiac disease.

Confirmatory diagnosis of celiac disease (CD) include histopathology of duodenal biopsy and tissue trans-glutaminase-IgA. Identification of tissue-specific histological markers is warranted to improve the diagnosis. A genetic study in CD identified the association of ankyrin-G that connects E-cadherin with β2-spectrin in epithelial cells of the duodenal tissue.

Comparative Analysis of the Efficacy of Intrathecal Fentanyl and Magnesium Sulphate as an Adjuvant to Bupivacaine: A Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

Backgrounds: The duration and potency of the subarachnoid block (SAB) can be enhanced by incorporating spinal additives into local anesthetics. In this study, the effectiveness of intrathecal fentanyl and magnesium sulphate as adjuvant anesthetics to 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine is compared in regard to the onset and duration of sensory and motor block, along with circulatory variables.

Unlocking the secrets: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and their devastating effects on lung cancer.

Lung cancer (LCs) is still a serious health problem globally, with many incidences attributed to environmental triggers such as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). VOCs are a broad class of compounds that can be released via various sources, including industrial operations, automobile emissions, and indoor air pollution. VOC exposure has been linked to an elevated risk of lung cancer via multiple routes.

Association between lipoprotein (a) and risk of heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of Mendelian randomization studies.

Background: Rising incidence of heart failure (HF) in the Western world despite advanced clinical care necessitate exploration of further preventive tools and strategies. Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], recognized as one of the major cardiovascular risk factors has also been implicated as a risk factor for HF. However, existing evidence remains inconclusive and that has led us to perform this meta-analysis.

Global and Gender Equity in Oligodendroglioma Research: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis Following the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Oligodendrogliomas are rare brain tumors arising from oligodendrocytes; there is a limited understanding of their pathogenesis, which leads to challenges in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the oligodendroglioma literature to assess the current state of research, identify research trends, and elucidate implications for future research. The Lens database was used to retrieve journal articles related to "oligodendroglioma" without geographic or temporal restrictions.

Burden of Anxiety, Depression and Perceived Stress in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Cohort Study from North India.

Background: Patients with Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are susceptible to psychiatric co-morbidities. We aimed to ascertain the burden of anxiety, depression, and perceived stress in patients with IBD from north India.

Methods: Consenting adult patients with an established diagnosis of IBD were enrolled.

Coping strategies and emotional responses adopted by health care workers during COVID-19 pandemic-braving the storm.

Background And Aims: Health care workers (HCWs) are caught in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic storm and are exposed to a large degree of physical and emotional stress. This study was planned to describe the stressors, stress levels, emotional responses, and coping strategies adopted by HCWs amidst this pandemic.

Material And Methods: This cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted after ethics approval, using a structured performa incorporating standardized stress (PSS-10 C), emotional responses (PANAS-10), and coping strategy (Brief COPE) scales.

Age-stratified Assessment of Brain Volumetric Segmentation on the Indian Population Using Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Background And Purpose: Automated methods for quantifying brain tissue volumes have gained clinical interest for their objective assessment of neurological diseases. This study aimed to establish reference curves for brain volumes and fractions in the Indian population using Synthetic MRI (SyMRI), a quantitative imaging technique providing multiple contrast-weighted images through fast postprocessing.

Methods: The study included a cohort of 314 healthy individuals aged 15-65 years from multiple hospitals/centers across India.

Fermented formulation of Silybum marianum seeds: Optimization, heavy metal analysis, and hepatoprotective assessment.

Background: Fermented formulations are extensively used in Ayurveda due to several benefits like improved palatability, bioavailability, pharmacological potential, and shelf life. These formulations can also quench the heavy metals from the plant material and thus reduce the toxicity. Seeds of Silybum marianum (L.

Efficacy and outcome of indocyanine green-based intraoperative cholangiography using near-infrared fluorescence imaging: A prospective study.

Introduction: The most dreaded complication during laparoscopic cholecystectomy still remains to be injury to the common bile duct. The primary cause for bile duct injury during LC is misinterpretation of the biliary anatomy. Intra-operative cholangiography was introduced as a means of reducing the chances of biliary injury, done using Fluoroscopic imaging or Near-infrared fluorescence imaging method.

Higher Levels of Creatine Kinase MB (CK-MB) Than Total Creatine Kinase (CK): A Biochemistry Reporting Error or an Indicator of Other Pathologies?

The creatine kinase (CK) enzyme and its isoenzymes hold significant diagnostic value, appearing in distinct patterns across various tissues. The most common method for creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) estimation is based on immunoinhibition. However, this method can report falsely elevated CK-MB levels in various scenarios.

The Trend of Arrhythmias in Patients With COVID-19: A Complication or Late Manifestation?

Patients diagnosed with coronavirus disease (CVD) who experience cardiovascular complications or have pre-existing cardiovascular disease are at an increased risk of death. The primary heart-related consequences associated with COVID-19 encompass venous thromboembolism, shock, heart failure, arrhythmias, myocarditis, acute myocardial infarction, and acute cardiac damage. The coronavirus has the potential to induce cardiovascular complications or exacerbate pre-existing CVD through various mechanisms.

Cardiovascular Challenges Beyond Earth: Investigating the Impact of Space Travel on Astronauts' Cardiovascular Health.

In the coming decades, as humanity aims to establish a presence on Mars, there is a growing significance in comprehending, monitoring, and controlling the diverse health challenges arising from space exploration. The extended exposure to microgravity during space missions leads to various physical alterations in astronauts, such as shifts in bodily fluids, reduced plasma volume, loss of bone density, muscle wasting, and cardiovascular deconditioning. These changes can ultimately lead to orthostatic intolerance, underscoring the increasing importance of addressing these health risks.

Diagnostic Efficacy of New Xpert Ultra for Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis Using Culture and Composite Reference Standard.

Introduction: Xpert Ultra (Cepheid, USA) is recently introduced with an extra category of trace-positive results and higher sensitivity for tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis.

Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of Xpert Ultra for extrapulmonary samples using culture and composite reference standard (CRS) as the gold standard.

Materials And Methods: In a 1-year (March 2021-22) prospective observational study, samples of suspected extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) patients were subjected to Ziehl-Neelsen staining, culture, and Xpert Ultra (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA) tests.

Comparison of Efficacy and Safety of a Combination of Tamsulosin and Mirabegron versus Tamsulosin Alone in the Management of Overactive Bladder in Males with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms - TAME-Overactive Bladder: An Open-labeled Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common condition in elderly men with coexisting benign prostatic enlargement (BPE), and it significantly impairs their quality of life (QoL).

Aim: This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of adding beta-3 adrenergic receptor agonist (mirabegron 50 mg) to tamsulosin 0.4 mg for symptomatic men with BPE and OAB symptoms (OABS).

Shorter antitubercular therapy for extrapulmonary tuberculosis - a case report.

Introduction: Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) adds to India's significant economic burden, with pericardial effusion being a potentially fatal complication. This case report highlights the need for early diagnosis and the feasibility of shorter-duration treatment for EPTB in developing countries.

Presentation: This case report describes a 19-year-old male from Southeast Asia who had a history of bronchiectasis involving the left lower lobe and the right middle lobe, which was cystic in nature, as well as multiple episodes of non-tuberculous pneumonia.