Chronic Severe Neutropenia Associated With Intravenous Immunoglobulin for Multifocal Motor Neuropathy.

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is an immunomodulatory therapy derived from pooled donor immunoglobulins and used for treatment of various autoimmune conditions. Here we report the diagnosis and management of IVIG-induced chronic severe neutropenia with absolute neutrophil count <0.5×10/µL in a patient with multifocal motor neuropathy.

Systematic review of musculoskeletal ultrasound learning methodologies.

Introduction/purpose: As the frequency and morbidity of musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders increase, the use of MSK ultrasound has become an important diagnostic and procedural tool. This has amplified the importance of quality MSK ultrasound training for medical professionals. This systematic review evaluated and compared peer-reviewed journal articles on learning methodologies for MSK ultrasound training.

Evaluating Computerised Assessment of Motor Imitation (CAMI) for identifying autism-specific difficulties not observed for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or neurotypical development.

Background: Reliable and specific biomarkers that can distinguish autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) from commonly co-occurring attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are lacking, causing misses and delays in diagnosis, and reducing access to interventions and quality of life.

Aims: To examine whether an innovative, brief (1-min), videogame method called Computerised Assessment of Motor Imitation (CAMI), can identify ASD-specific imitation differences compared with neurotypical children and children with ADHD.

Method: This cross-sectional study used CAMI alongside standardised parent-report (Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition) and observational measures of autism (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition; ADOS-2), ADHD (Conners) and motor ability (Physical and Neurological Examination for Soft Signs).

Chemotherapy in synergy with innate immune agonists enhances T cell priming for checkpoint inhibitor treatment in pancreatic cancer.

Background: The combination of conventional chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has been unsuccessful for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Administration of maximum tolerated dose of chemotherapy drugs may have immunosuppressive effects.

Methods: We thus tested, by using the preclinical model of PDACs including the genetically engineered mouse KPC spontaneous pancreatic tumor model and the pancreatic KPC tumor orthotopic implant model, the combinations of synthetic innate immune agonists including STING and NLRP3 agonist, respectively, and ICIs with or without chemotherapy.

Intensive care unit acquired weakness and physical rehabilitation in the ICU.

Approximately half of critically ill adults experience intensive care unit acquired weakness (ICUAW). Patients who develop ICUAW may have negative outcomes, including longer duration of mechanical ventilation, greater length of stay, and worse mobility, physical functioning, quality of life, and mortality. Early physical rehabilitation interventions have potential for improving ICUAW; however, randomized trials show inconsistent findings on the efficacy of these interventions.

Clinical outcomes in peripheral ulcerative keratitis.

Purpose: To evaluate clinical and treatment outcomes in patients with peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK).

Design: Retrospective, case series SUBJECTS: Patients diagnosed with PUK at the Wilmer Eye Institute between January 2003 and October 2022.

Methods: Data collected included demographics, presence of systemic disease, disease laterality, duration of disease, PUK activity, presence of corneal perforation, and treatments.

Brachytherapy Seed Placement by Robotic Bronchoscopy with Cone-Beam CT Guidance for Peripheral Lung Cancer: A Human Cadaveric Feasibility Pilot.

Purpose: This study evaluates the feasibility of utilizing robotic-assisted bronchoscopy with cone beam computed tomography (RB-CBCT) platform to perform low-dose-rate brachytherapy implants (LDR-BT) in a mechanically ventilated human cadaveric model. Post-implant dosimetry was compared to standard stereotactic body radiation therapy plans (SBRT).

Materials And Methods: The RB-CBCT platform was used to place inert LDR-BT seeds into mechanically ventilated human cadavers with percutaneously injected pseudotumors.

Effects of Noise and Public Setting on Blood Pressure Readings : A Randomized Crossover Trial.

Background: Guidelines emphasize quiet settings for blood pressure (BP) measurement.

Objective: To determine the effect of noise and public environment on BP readings.

Design: Randomized crossover trial of adults in Baltimore, Maryland.

Poor Olfaction and Risk of Stroke in Older Adults: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study.

Background: Poor olfaction may be associated with adverse cerebrovascular events, but empirical evidence is limited. We aimed to investigate the association of olfaction with the risk of stroke in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study.

Methods: We included 5799 older adults with no history of stroke at baseline from 2011 to 2013 (75.

Anxiety and Depression Affect Sleep Quality: A Preliminary Investigation in Crowdsourced Samples of Autistic and Non-Autistic Adults.

We aimed to compare sleep problems in autistic and non-autistic adults with co-occurring depression and anxiety. The primary research question was whether autism status influences sleep quality, after accounting for the effects of depression and anxiety. We hypothesized that autistic adults would report higher levels of depression, anxiety, and sleep problems compared to non-autistic adults, after controlling for these covariates.

Ciliary Body Medulloepithelioma: Clinical and Pathologic Challenges with a Focus on Molecular Genetics.

Objective: Ciliary body medulloepithelioma (CBME), a pediatric intraocular tumor with potential for locally aggressive behavior and metastasis, may present with a diverse spectrum of clinical and histopathologic features leading to diagnostic and management challenges. Examination of unusual CBME cases highlights challenges and modern diagnostic techniques which facilitate accurate diagnosis and guide management.

Methods: A retrospective clinicopathologic analysis of 6 patients with unusual clinical or pathologic features of CBME was performed.

Understanding Types of Stigma Experienced in Black Women Living With HIV in Baltimore, Maryland: A Mixed Methods Study.

Aim: To understand how Black or African American women living with HIV (WLH) experience different types of stigma in their daily lives.

Design: Secondary analysis of quantitative and qualitative data from a recent clinical trial in Baltimore, Maryland.

Methods: Quantitative data were collected in the baseline survey, and qualitative data were gathered during 6-month follow-up focus group and individual interviews.

Molecular epidemiology of β-lactamases in ceftriaxone-resistant Enterobacterales bloodstream infections in the mid-Atlantic United States.

Ceftriaxone-resistant Enterobacterales remain a public health threat; contemporary data investigating their molecular epidemiology are limited. Five hundred consecutive ceftriaxone-resistant (MIC ≥ 4 µg/mL) Enterobacterales bloodstream isolates were collected between 2018 and 2022 from three Maryland hospitals. Broth microdilution confirmed antibiotic susceptibilities.

Live Music for Mental Health: A Pilot Study of How Concerts Influence Mental Health Stigma, Empathy, and Resource Utilization.

Mental illness, affecting one in eight people worldwide, is often exacerbated by stigma-which can result in self-stigmatization, isolation, and loneliness and negatively impact access to health care, education, and social connection. Previous research has found that stigma is best reduced through a combination of education about the stigmatized population and intentional contact with individuals from that population. Studies also note the benefits of community-based, culturally-relevant interventions and cultural experiences such as live music.

Total shoulder arthroplasty in a patient with osteopetrosis: A case report.

Osteopetrosis is a rare genetic disorder that leads to increased bone density and fragility due to dysfunctional osteoclasts, which can result in narrowed bone marrow spaces, hardened cartilage, and brittle bones. This condition frequently coexists with osteoarthritis among affected individuals. When osteoarthritis results in significant pain and impairs function, surgical interventions such as total joint arthroplasty may be recommended, although these procedures come with a unique set of surgical and recovery-related hurdles.

Nationwide Outcomes of Heart Transplantation for Postpartum Cardiomyopathy.

Background: Postpartum cardiomyopathy is defined as an incident of acute heart failure in the postpartum period in the absence of any other cause. Up to 10% of postpartum cardiomyopathy may need to undergo heart transplantation later in life. This study aimed to provide a present-day perspective on all-cause mortality and transplant-related complications after heart transplantation for postpartum cardiomyopathy.

Severe Hypercalcemia Following Hip Joint Implantation of Calcium Sulfate Antibiotic Beads: Case Series and Review of Literature.

Purpose: The diagnosis and management of hypercalcemia in hospitalized patients can be challenging. Hypercalcemia is often associated with significant morbidity and end-organ damage which may delay a patient's recovery.

Methods: We report a case series of three patients who underwent orthopedic procedures with intraoperative placement of vancomycin-loaded calcium sulfate beads.

Fibromatosis of the breast: a case report and literature review.

Background: Fibromatosis of the breast, also known as desmoid-type fibromatosis (DTF), is a rare tumor marked by the development of non-metastatic, locally aggressive tumors in breast tissue. It represents only 0.2% of all breast tumors.

Clinical progress note: Diagnostic approach to dizziness and vertigo.

Dizziness is a common clinical presentation that incurs huge financial costs. It is frequently misdiagnosed due to a wide differential involving both benign (inner ear disease) and serious (stroke) disorders. Traditional frameworks that emphasize symptom quality (dizziness/lightheadedness/vertigo) lack diagnostic utility.

Evaluation of an image-rich quiz-based iOS app as a study resource for the ABR Core exam.

The American Board of Radiology Core exam requires that trainees demonstrate knowledge of critical concepts across 12 domains spanning a range of imaging modalities and anatomic regions. Mobile apps have become popular components of medical and radiology education since the inception of smartphones. Numerous medical educational apps are accessible via smartphone devices and tablets, regardless of operating system, for medical training and learning purposes.

CD19 CAR-T With Axicabtagene Ciloleucel in R/R Large B-Cell Lymphoma With/Without Prior Autologous Stem Cell Transplant.

Background: Anti-CD19 CAR-T therapy has been a breakthrough in treatment of primary refractory or relapsed large B-cell lymphoma (r/r LBCL) and is poised to supplant previous second line of high dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDT/ASCT). However, in clinical practice, high risk patients with chemoimmunotherapy sensitive disease continue to receive salvage chemoimmunotherapy or cannot access CAR-T in a timely manner and thus may still proceed to HDT/ASCT. Little is known about clinical outcomes of CAR-T in patients who receive HDT/ASCT compared to those who are transplant-naïve.