Prevalence and risk factors for the development of abdominal aortic calcification among the US population: NHANES study.

Introduction: Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) is an important marker of subclinical cardiovascular disease and its prognosis. Advanced age, hypertension, smoking, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and higher truncal fat are known markers of AAC in studies conducted around the world. However, literature for these risk factors and their co-occurrence is limited in the US.

Association of atrial fibrillation with outcomes in patients hospitalized with inflammatory bowel disease: an analysis of the National Inpatient Sample.

Introduction: We aimed to determine in-hospital outcomes, length of hospital stay (LOS) and resource utilization in a contemporary cohort of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and atrial fibrillation (AFIB).

Material And Methods: The National Inpatient Sample database October 2015 to December 2017 was utilized for data analysis using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes to identify the patients with the principal diagnosis of IBD.

Results: Of 714,863 IBD patients, 64,599 had a diagnosis of both IBD and AFIB.

Correlation of MRSA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) wound swab testing and wound cultures in skin and soft tissue infections.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a considerable pathogen in the setting of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). MRSA PCR swab testing is widely used in the setting of respiratory tract infections, however little data exists relating to the use of MRSA PCR swab testing in SSTIs. Three thousand, nine hundred and ninety-five patients were included in this retrospective study that aimed to validate the clinical correlation of MRSA PCR wound swab testing in SSTIs through sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), and positive predictive value (PPV) analysis.

Elbasvir/grazoprevir administered for 12 weeks via percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube achieves sustained virologic response: A case report and a review of the literature.

Enteral tubes are necessary for certain patients; however, medication absorption can be affected by this route of administration potentially resulting in decreased efficacy. All first-line treatments for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection are only available as tablets and may have decreased absorption if administered via an enteral tube. This report describes the first case of a pegylated interferon and ribavirin treatment-experienced patient who successfully achieved HCV cure after 12 weeks of elbasvir/grazoprevir administered via percutaneous gastrostomy tube.

Sick from what? Trauma during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Background: We present the case of two brothers with identical mechanisms of injury presenting simultaneously, one with SARS-Cov-2 respiratory failure and the other in hemorrhagic shock.

Summary: Healthcare globally and in the United States met novel challenges during the unprecedented severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) health crisis. The effect of SARS-CoV-2 on hospital and health care delivery systems has been widely reported.

In-vitro 3D Analysis of Sacroiliac Joint Kinematics: Primary and Coupled Motions.

Study Design: An in-vitro biomechanical study of human cadaver sacroiliac joints.

Objective: Our study aimed to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the native motion of the SIJ within the context of spinal kinematics and spinal implant evaluation.

Summary Of Background Data: Increasing attention has been given to the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) as a source of low back pain, despite its limited range of motion.

Influence of time to endovascular stroke treatment on outcomes in the early versus extended window paradigms.

Background: The effect of time from stroke onset to thrombectomy in the extended time window remains poorly characterized.

Aim: We aimed to analyze the relationship between time to treatment and clinical outcomes in the early versus extended time windows.

Methods: Proximal anterior circulation occlusion patients from a multicentric prospective registry were categorized into early (≤6 h) or extended (>6-24 h) treatment window.

Clinical effectiveness of endovascular stroke treatment in the early and extended time windows.

Background: The clinical efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy has been unequivocally demonstrated in multiple randomized clinical trials. However, these studies were performed in carefully selected centers and utilized strict inclusion criteria.

Aim: We aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy in a prospective registry.

Avascular Necrosis of the First Metatarsal: A Case of Second Metatarsal Bone Transport with External Fixation.

Avascular necrosis (AVN) after bunion surgery is an unfortunate complication which can be devastating and painful. We present a case report of gradual medializing transport of the second metatarsal with external fixation to repair a large bone defect caused by AVN affecting >50% of the first metatarsal. The procedure was performed on a 49-year-old female who suffered AVN after failed bunion surgery.

Safety and efficacy of intra-arterial fibrinolytics as adjunct to mechanical thrombectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational data.

Background: Achieving the best possible reperfusion is a key determinant of clinical outcome after mechanical thrombectomy (MT). However, data on the safety and efficacy of intra-arterial (IA) fibrinolytics as an adjunct to MT with the intention to improve reperfusion are sparse.

Methods: We performed a PROSPERO-registered (CRD42020149124) systematic review and meta-analysis accessing MEDLINE, PubMed, and Embase from January 1, 2000 to January 1, 2020.

Prevalence and control rates of hypertension in the USA: 2017-2018.

Background: Recent review of hypertension guidelines requires fresh updates of prevalence and control rates. Though retrospective analysis provided burden estimates, control rates were grossly misleading. We set out to update the prevalence and control rates of hypertension in the USA using contemporary NHANES data.

Stroke Imaging Selection Modality and Endovascular Therapy Outcomes in the Early and Extended Time Windows.

Background And Purpose: Advanced imaging has been increasingly used for patient selection in endovascular stroke therapy. The impact of imaging selection modality on endovascular stroke therapy clinical outcomes in extended time window remains to be defined. We aimed to study this relationship and compare it to that noted in early-treated patients.

Epidemiology, Management, and Outcomes of Accidental Hypothermia: A Multicenter Study of Regional Care.

Background: Hypothermia is an uncommon, potentially life-threatening condition. We hypothesized (1) advanced rewarming techniques were more frequent with increased hypothermia severity, (2) active rewarming is increasingly performed with smaller intravascular catheters and decreased cardiopulmonary bypass, and (3) mortality was associated with age, hypothermia severity, and type.

Methods: Trauma patients with temperatures <35°C at 4 ACS-verified trauma centers in Wisconsin and Minnesota from 2006 to 2016 were reviewed.

Revascularization of a Crushed Foot and Ankle Mortis.

Foot crush injury is a difficult problem both from the complexity of the injury pattern standpoint and also the significant clinical and socioeconomic burden that it represents to the patient. Scoring systems exist to predict limb salvage, but the accuracy and implementation of these are varied, and thus clinical judgment must always be employed when attempting limb salvage. This case report describes the first use of a reversed saphenous interposition graft repair of a transected dorsalis pedis in a patient after sustaining crush injuries to the distal lower extremity.

Family satisfaction in a neuro trauma ICU.

Objective: The purpose of this quality improvement initiative was to evaluate satisfaction of family members of patients in a neuro trauma ICU (NTICU).

Methods: Adult patients (age 18+) admitted to the NTICU for at least 24 hours between June 2017 and November 2018 were identified. Near or at the time of discharge from the NTICU, the health unit coordinator or registered nurse identified the family member who was either the next-of-kin, surrogate decision-maker, or person who had been most frequently present at the patient's bedside.

Persistent Encephalopathy in a Noncirrhotic Patient: Do not Shun This Shunt.

A portosystemic venous shunt is the formation of an abnormal connection between the portal vein and a systemic vein, allowing blood to bypass the liver. Portosystemic shunts are usually believed to be due to portal hypertension in the setting of underlying hepatic disease. We report a case of large, spontaneous intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in a noncirrhotic patient contributing to recurrent hepatic encephalopathy, also known as type B encephalopathy.

Blunt traumatic brachial plexus injuries in a northern rural US setting: increased likelihood in unshielded motor-powered crashes.

Background: Blunt traumatic brachial plexus injuries (BTBPI) are severe peripheral nerve injuries which present in a small portion of trauma patients but can result in long-term neurological disability and severe chronic pain.

Objective: The goal of this study was to describe the epidemiology of BTBPI in a northern rural setting caused by motor-powered collisions, and to determine the relative risk of these injuries in shielded (cars, trucks, vans, and so on) and unshielded vehicles (snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles).

Methods: This retrospective study describes the epidemiology of BTBPI caused by motor-powered collisions and treated at two level II trauma centers in northeast Minnesota and determines the relative risk of these injuries in shielded (cars, trucks, vans, and so on) and unshielded vehicles (snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles).

Where did the patients go? Changes in acute appendicitis presentation and severity of illness during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: A retrospective cohort study.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic restricted movement of individuals and altered provision of health care, abruptly transforming health care-use behaviors. It serves as a natural experiment to explore changes in presentations for surgical diseases including acute appendicitis. The objective was to determine if the pandemic was associated with changes in incidence of acute appendicitis compared to a historical control and to determine if there were associated changes in disease severity.

Outcomes of Arthroscopic Surgical Treatment of Osteochondral Lesions of the Elbow in Pediatric and Adolescent Athletes.

Background: Osteochondral injuries of the elbow are limiting and affect the ability of pediatric and adolescent athletes to participate in sports.

Purpose: To report short- and midterm outcomes on athletes undergoing microfracture or fragment fixation of osteochondral elbow lesions and evaluate the effects thereof on sporting activity.

Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Patient and caregiver perspectives on burnout in peritoneal dialysis.

Background: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) can offer patients more autonomy and flexibility compared with in-center hemodialysis (HD). However, burnout - defined as mental, emotional, or physical exhaustion that leads to thoughts of discontinuing PD - is associated with an increased risk of transfer to HD. We aimed to describe the perspectives of burnout among patients on PD and their caregivers.

Hemifacial Spam: Endoscopic Assistance in Facial Nerve Decompression With Lateral Spread Response Corroboration: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

This video depicts the case of a 48-yr-old female with 3 yr of progressive left hemifacial spasm (HFS) refractory to medication. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a large anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) and also a labyrinthine artery loop around the facial nerve (FN) root exit zone. A large bony eminence was also noted in the superior and lateral aspects of the porous acousticus (PA).

Implementation of a "Serenity Room": Promoting resiliency in the ED.

Work-related stress is common within the nursing profession, especially in the ED. Studies have shown that interventions to improve hospital working environments positively impact retention and help prevent burnout. This nursing practice innovation project describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of a restorative space (the "Serenity Room") in a busy regional ED.