Baseline multimodal imaging to predict longitudinal clinical decline in atypical Alzheimer's disease.

There are recognized neuroimaging regions of interest in typical Alzheimer's disease which have been used to track disease progression and aid prognostication. However, there is a need for validated baseline imaging markers to predict clinical decline in atypical Alzheimer's Disease. We aimed to address this need by producing models from baseline imaging features using penalized regression and evaluating their predictive performance on various clinical measures.

Posterior subcapsular cataract in a patient with Straatsma syndrome.

Straatsma syndrome is an uncommon ocular condition generally comprised of myelinated retinal nerve fiber layer, myopia, and amblyopia. Associated ocular disorders include strabismus, nystagmus, optic nerve hypoplasia, and iris heterochromia. We report the case of a 6-year-old girl with unilateral Straatsma syndrome and an acquired cataract that required surgical extraction.

Natural history and complications of normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism: a retrospective cohort study.

Normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism (NHPT) is variably defined, and information regarding complications and natural history are scarce. We aimed to describe the phenotype of NHPT in relation to hypercalcemic hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and controls, to determine risk of progression, and to develop a predictive model for progression to PHPT. This is a retrospective chart review of 232 patients at a tertiary medical center, comparing 75 controls, 73 patients with NHPT, and 84 with PHPT.

Effects of intermittent fasting and caloric restriction on inflammatory biomarkers in individuals with obesity/overweight: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Introduction: Obesity is characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation. This study presents an updated systematic review and meta-analysis on the effect of caloric restriction (CR) and intermittent fasting (IF) on plasma inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein [CRP], tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-alpha, and interleukin [IL]-6) in individuals with obesity/overweight compared with unrestricted or ad libitum feeding.

Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting inflammatory biomarkers after at least 8 weeks of intervention.

When Oxybutynin Becomes a Decoy for Oxycodone: A Case Report of Diversion Through Substitution.

This case report describes the novel use of oxybutynin and acetaminophen as a substitution for oxycodone for the express purpose of diverting oxycodone in a hospital-based post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). The report outlines how the physical properties and pharmacologic effects of non-controlled medications in the PACU, like oxybutynin, can be visually mistaken and even mimic the side effects of controlled substances like oxycodone. Substituting oxybutynin for controlled substances can circumvent diversion surveillance software.

Incidence and presenting clinical features of pediatric keratoconus in a US population.

Purpose: To report both the incidence of pediatric keratoconus (PKC) in a population-based cohort and the risk for undergoing corneal surgery over a 20-year period at a single institution.

Methods: The medical records of all patients <19 years of age diagnosed with keratoconus while residing in Olmsted County, Minnesota, from January 1, 1975, through December 31, 2019, were retrospectively reviewed. The records of patients <19 years with keratoconus examined at our institution from January 1, 2001, through December 31, 2020, were also reviewed.

Distinct plasma lipids predict axonal injury and multiple sclerosis activity.

Background: Lipids are of particular interest for the study of neuroinjury and neuroinflammation as structural lipids are major components of myelin, and a variety of lipid species modulate inflammation. In this study, we performed an in-depth lipidomics analysis to identify lipids associated with injury and disease activity.

Methods: Plasma samples were collected from paediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (MS) cases within 4 years of disease onset from 17 sites.

Quality-of-life outcomes from NRG Oncology NSABP B-39/RTOG 0413: whole-breast irradiation vs accelerated partial-breast irradiation after breast-conserving surgery.

Background: NRG Oncology NSABP B-39/RTOG 0413 compared whole-breast irradiation (WBI) to accelerated partial-breast irradiation (APBI). APBI was not equivalent to WBI in local tumor control. Secondary outcome was quality of life (QOL).

Presentation, Management, and Outcomes of Patients with Giant Pheochromocytoma: Retrospective Cohort Study.

Context: Data on giant pheochromocytomas (PHEO), defined based on size ≥ 10 cm, are scarce.

Objective: to compare presentation, management, and outcomes of patients with giant vs non-giant PHEOs.

Design: retrospective cohort study, 2000-2023.

Anatomical Ablation of the Atrioventricular Node.

Background: Atrioventricular (AV) conduction ablation has been achieved by targeting the area of penetration of the conduction axis as defined by recording a His bundle potential. Ablation of the His bundle may reduce the possibility of a robust junctional escape rhythm. It was hypothesised that specific AV nodal ablation is feasible and safe.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation-Supported Patient Outcome Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

The efficacy and safety of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remains unknown. We conducted a meta-analysis to compare benefit and risk of ECMO in TAVR patients. Bibliographic databases were searched from inception to January 1, 2024.

Leaky Gut Syndrome: Myths and Management.

Leaky gut syndrome is a condition widely popularized in the lay literature, although it is not currently accepted as a formal medical diagnosis. Multiple gastrointestinal symptoms are ascribed to leaky gut syndrome, including diarrhea, bloating, distension, abdominal pain, and dyspeptic symptoms of early satiety, nausea, and postprandial fullness. The etiology and pathophysiology of leaky gut syndrome are multifactorial; a preceding gastrointestinal infection, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain medications may be relevant factors in some patients.