Initiation of hemodialysis at one month following fistulogram in patients with advanced kidney disease.

Objective: Previous studies have demonstrated that low contrast volume used in access-related interventions had limited effects on the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) after fistulography, but studies are limited and heterogeneous. We sought to evaluate the rate of and factors associated with progression to dialysis (HD) within 1 month after fistulography for patients with advanced CKD.

Methods: A single-institution retrospective cohort analysis of patients with CKD stage IV and V, not yet on HD, undergoing fistulography from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2018 was performed.

Hospitalist Co-Management of a Vascular Surgery Service Improves Quality Outcomes and Reduces Cost.

Background: Hospitalists can be instrumental in management of inpatients with multiple comorbidities requiring complex medical care such as vascular surgery patients, as well as an expertise in health care delivery. We instituted a unique hospitalist co-management program and assessed length of stay, 30-day readmission rates and mortality, and performed an overall cost-analysis.

Methods: Hospitalist co-management of vascular surgery inpatients was implemented beginning April 2019, and data was studied until March 2020.

Association of Bipolar Disorder With Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events: A Population-Based Historical Cohort Study.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the association of bipolar disorder (BD) with risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) after adjusting for established cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.

Methods: We conducted a population-based historical cohort study using the Rochester Epidemiology Project. Patients older than 30 years with a clinical encounter from 1998 to 2000 with no prior MACE, atrial fibrillation, or heart failure were followed up through March 1, 2016.

Hot topics in interventional cardiology: Proceedings from the society for cardiovascular angiography and interventions (SCAI) 2021 think tank.

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) Think Tank is a collaborative venture that brings together interventional cardiologists, administrative partners, and select members of the cardiovascular industry community annually for high-level field-wide discussions. The 2021 Think Tank was organized into four parallel sessions reflective of the field of interventional cardiology: (a) coronary intervention, (b) endovascular medicine, (c) structural heart disease, and (d) congenital heart disease. Each session was moderated by a senior content expert and co-moderated by a member of SCAI's Emerging Leader Mentorship program.

Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Kidney Function in Adults with Prediabetes: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Trial.

Background And Objectives: Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) concentration has been associated with higher levels of proteinuria and lower levels of eGFR in observational studies. In the Vitamin D and Type 2 Diabetes (D2d) study, we investigated the effect of vitamin D supplementation on kidney outcomes in a population with prediabetes.

Design, Setting, Participants, & Measurements: Overweight/obese adults with high risk for type 2 diabetes (defined by meeting two of three glycemic criteria for prediabetes) were randomized to vitamin D 4000 IU per day versus placebo.

Femoral nerve neuromonitoring for lateral lumbar interbody fusion surgery.

Background Context: The transpsoas lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) technique is an effective alternative to traditional anterior and posterior approaches to the lumbar spine; however, nerve injuries are the most reported postoperative complication. Commonly used strategies to avoid nerve injury (eg, limiting retraction duration) have not been effective in detecting or preventing femoral nerve injuries.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of emerging intraoperative femoral nerve monitoring techniques and the importance of employing prompt surgical countermeasures when degraded femoral nerve function is detected.

Robotic-assisted tracheobronchoplasty: Quality of life and pulmonary function assessment on intermediate follow-up.

Objective: The initial description of robotic tracheobronchoplasty for the treatment of tracheobronchomalacia demonstrated feasibility, safety, and short-term symptomatic and functional improvement. The purpose of the current study was to demonstrate intermediate outcomes in postoperative pulmonary function and quality of life after robotic tracheobronchoplasty.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected clinical data from 42 patients who underwent robotic tracheobronchoplasty from May 2016 to December 2017.

Laser-assisted "Scissor" Technique to Facilitate Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair for Chronic Type B Aortic Dissection.

Background: There has been an increase in utilization of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) to treat aneurysms with chronic dissection. Despite significant progress, TEVAR is hindered by persistent perfusion of the false lumen and aneurysm growth. Various techniques to address false lumen perfusion exist.

The rationale behind systematic reviews in clinical medicine: a conceptual framework.

A systematic review (SR) is a type of review that uses a systematic method to provide a valid summary of existing literature addressing a clear and specific question. In clinical medicine (CM), the concept of SR is well recognized, especially after the introduction of evidence-based medicine; The SR of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) is considered the highest level of evidence on therapeutic effectiveness. Despite the popularity of the SRs and the increasing publication rate of SRs in CM and other healthcare literature, the concept has raised criticisms.

Doing Great With DOTATATE: Update on GA-68 DOTATATE Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Evaluation of Sinonasal Tumors.

Sinonasal tumors are relatively rare and radiographically challenging to evaluate due to their wide variety of pathologies and imaging features. However, sinonasal tumors possessing somatostatin receptor overexpression have the benefit of utilizing a multimodality anatomic and functional imaging for a more comprehensive evaluation. This is particularly evident with esthesioneuroblastoma, with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging defining the anatomic extent of the tumor, whereas somatostatin receptor imaging, particularly with gallium-68 DOTATATE positron emission tomography/computed tomography, is used to assess the presence of metastatic disease for staging purposes as well as in the surveillance for tumor recurrence.

Acquisition of Basic Micro-Neurosurgical Skills Using Cavitron Ultrasonic Aspirator in Low-Cost Readily Available Models: The Egg Model.

Background: Attainment of micro-neurosurgical skills is a challenge in teaching hospitals throughout training. Models that mimic the workflow as well as haptics are time-consuming, expensive, and unsuitable to serve as a routine platform. Our objective was to present a model and a set of tasks, based on a hard-boiled egg, microscope, and a Cavitron ultrasonic aspirator (CUSA; Integra Lifesciences Corp.

Hypocalcemia in Covid-19: A Prognostic Marker for Severe Disease.

Background & Objective: Previous studies have addressed the electrolyte abnormalities such as hypocalcemia in COVID-19 patients. We aimed to compare the laboratory findings especially the electrolyte levels among COVID-19 patients and healthy controls and evaluate their prognostic values.

Methods: This case-control study included 91 COVID-19 patients and 169 healthy individuals.

The significance of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) expression in spindle cell lesions of the breast.

Spindle cell lesions of the breast are rare entities and pose a diagnostic challenge for pathologists due to overlapping morphologic and immunohistochemical features. We evaluated EZH2 expression in various benign (fibromatosis (n = 8), myofibroblastoma (n = 7), neurofibroma (n = 1), nodular fasciitis (n = 5), benign phyllodes tumor (n = 18)) and malignant (malignant phyllodes tumor (n = 8), metaplastic breast carcinoma (n = 16) and angiosarcoma (n = 8)) spindle cell lesions as a potential diagnostic and therapeutic marker. The EZH2 expression was evaluated semi-quantitatively to categorize the cases as 'low' and 'high' expression.

Lymphoma of the breast: A clinicopathologic analysis of 51 cases with a specific emphasis on patients with a history of breast carcinoma.

We herein report our experience with 51 breast lymphoma (BL) cases from 46 patients with a specific focus on patients with a history of breast carcinoma. The overall most common subtype was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, followed by MALT lymphoma and follicular lymphoma. Eleven of 46 (24%) patients had either previous history of or concurrent breast carcinoma.

Benign and borderline phyllodes tumors of the breast: Clinicopathologic analysis of 205 cases with emphasis on the surgical margin status and local recurrence rate.

Background: The management of benign and borderline phyllodes tumors of the breast with a positive surgical margin is still controversial. Our aim in this study was to evaluate the impact of surgical margin status on the local recurrence rate of benign and borderline phyllodes tumors.

Methods: We reviewed 205 phyllodes tumors (191 benign, 14 borderline) that were surgically excised at our hospital between 2005 and 2019.

Acquisition of Basic Microsurgical Skills Using Low-Cost, Readily Available Models: The Orange Model.

Background: Attainment of basic microsurgical skills in neurosurgery presents a departmental challenge worldwide. Models for teaching are either not readily available or expensive and are incompatible with a resident's busy schedule, requiring lengthy and proper setup. We present a model and a set of measurable tasks, based on a fruit (orange) that is cheap, easy to set up instantly when desired, and useful for training of basic microsurgical skills.