Cardiovascular Disease and Other Competing Causes of Death in Older Kidney Cancer Patients.

Background: To study the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and other competing causes of death in older kidney cancer patients.

Methods: Data on older patients (aged 65 and above) diagnosed with kidney cancer between 1975 and 2018 were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. We delved into the distribution of CVD and other competing causes of death across the entire cohort and in various patient subgroups.

Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing: Deciphering Cardiovascular Complications in Systemic Sclerosis.

Cardiac manifestations in systemic sclerosis (SSc) are variable and are associated with a poor prognosis, frequently resulting in impaired right ventricular function and heart failure. A high proportion of patients with SSc experience pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), interstitial lung disease, or myocardial involvement, all of which can lead to exercise intolerance. In this context, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is a useful tool for diagnosing exercise intolerance, elucidating its pathophysiology, and assessing its prognosis.

Urine Retention Versus Post-obstructive Diuresis as a Potential Cause of Acute Hyponatremia: A Case Report.

Acute urine retention is a common urologic emergency that is frequently seen in the Emergency room (ER). Standard treatment includes placing a urinary catheter or a suprapubic catheter with outpatient urologic follow-up. Urine retention can cause complications, such as hyponatremia and post-obstructive diuresis.

A primary rat neuron-astrocyte-microglia tri-culture model for studying mechanisms of neurotoxicity.

Primary cell cultures from rodent brain are widely used to investigate molecular and cellular mechanisms of neurotoxicity. To date, however, it has been challenging to reliably culture endogenous microglia in dissociated mixed cultures. This is a significant limitation of most neural cell models given the growing awareness of the importance of interactions between neurons, astrocytes and microglia in defining responses to neurotoxic exposures.

Comparative Evaluation of pH, Calcium Ion Release, and Setting Time of Premixed and Freshly Mixed Tricalcium Silicate-based Endodontic Materials: An Study.

Background And Objective: During the last 200 years, there have been many changes in the way of performing endodontic treatment. The increased demand from patients for saving their teeth has led to the development of various innovative equipment and advances in the field of material sciences. Thus, the standard protocol of endodontic treatment has undergone several modifications.

Evaluation of the Quality of Educational Content of YouTube Videos on Silver Diamine Fluoride.

Aim: The aim of this research is to assess the accuracy and educational content concerning silver diamine fluoride (SDF) videos available on YouTube.

Materials And Methods: Videos were sought on YouTube using relevant keywords related to SDF in pediatric dentistry the Google Trends application. There were a total of 70 videos accessible.

Prevalence and Correlation of Lip Shapes and Arch Forms in Primary Dentition of Children between 3-6 Years of Age: A Cross-sectional Study.

Aims And Background: The study of the morphology of soft tissues as well as hard tissues of the orofacial region holds prime importance. A very less information is known about the lips (soft tissues) and maxillo-mandibular arches (hard tissue structures) in primary dentition. Henceforth, there is a need to classify, find the prevalence and correlation of various lip shapes, and arch forms in primary dentition.

The Association Between Tuberculosis and Osteoporosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Recent research suggests that tuberculosis (TB) may pose a potential risk factor for osteoporosis, although the available evidence remains limited. This study aimed to comprehensively assess osteoporosis risk in TB patients through systematic review and meta-analysis methodology. Two investigators independently conducted a literature search using the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) and Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE) databases up to April 2024.

Laparoscopic Excision of a Large Intra-abdominal Cystic Lymphangioma in a Six-Month-Old Infant.

Lymphatic malformation is a rare vascular anomaly caused by abnormal lymphatic system development during embryogenesis. Intra-abdominal lymphatic malformations are uncommon in children, and surgical excision is considered the gold standard for treatment. However, few reports of minimally invasive laparoscopic approaches have been documented.

Infliximab Precision Dosing in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Patients: A Review of Current Literature.

The therapeutic failure of infliximab therapy remains a challenge in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and dose optimization is often required. Accelerated or intensified regimes showed value in treating patients in the acute setting with high CRP or low albumin levels, which are suggested by recent guidelines; however, evidence is weak. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), with anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) trough levels and antibodies, showed value during maintenance therapy, but not in induction and can guide clinical decisions in patients that might be undertreated with the standard dosing regimen.

Critical Care Challenges and Mortality Predictors in Older Adults: A Comprehensive Cohort Analysis.

Purpose:  As the population ages, critically ill older adults increasingly face complications and require more healthcare resources during hospitalization. Since post-ICU (intensive care unit) mortality is an important consideration, particularly in elderly populations, this study aims to assess whether advanced age impacts ICU and post-ICU mortality by comparing outcomes between patients aged 81 years and above with those below 81 years.

Methods:  This retrospective study analyzed data from 3,821 ICU patients treated at the Unidade Local de Saúde de Lisboa Ocidental between 2015 and 2023.

Mo Passer (Mufasa): A Cost-Effective Alternative Suture-Passer Technique for Patella Fracture Fixation.

Suture passers are indispensable instruments in orthopaedic surgery, particularly in open procedures. Commercial suture passers, while effective, can be costly and may not be readily available in all surgical settings. We present the Mo Passer (Mufasa), an innovative, cost-effective technique utilizing standard theatre materials.

The Impact of Thyroid Hormone Imbalance on Cardiovascular Health: A Population-Based Study.

Introduction: Thyroid hormone imbalances are known to significantly affect cardiovascular health, contributing to conditions such as arrhythmias, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Given the increasing prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and its potential impact on cardiovascular outcomes, early diagnosis and intervention are crucial, particularly within specific regional populations.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of thyroid hormone imbalance on cardiovascular health outcomes in patients at Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, over a 24-month period.

General Versus Interventional Gastroenterologists: A Comparative Analysis of Follow-Up Outcomes After Endoscopic Mucosal Resection of Colorectal Polyps.

Introduction Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents a major global health burden, significantly impacting mortality rates and healthcare systems worldwide. CRC screening through colonoscopy enables early detection and removal of precancerous polyps. While standard polypectomy suffices for small polyps, larger ones require endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR).

Autotransplantation of the Spleen Following Atraumatic Splenic Rupture Secondary to Infectious Mononucleosis: A Case Report.

Atraumatic splenic rupture (ASR) is a rare and life-threatening condition that presents diagnostic difficulties due to its rarity and non-specific clinical symptoms. It often requires computed tomography (CT) imaging for accurate diagnosis and surgical planning. Splenectomy is the standard treatment for unstable patients, but autotransplantation of splenic tissue may reduce the lifelong risks of overwhelming post-splenectomy infections (OPSI) by preserving some immunological function.

Acute Pancreatitis in Pregnancy and Puerperium: Assessing Maternal and Fetal Impact, Etiologies, and Clinical Outcomes at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Pakistan.

Introduction The association of acute pancreatitis with adverse obstetric outcomes remains subject to great controversy. Outcomes are affected by the standard of care available, and hence, will be better in developed countries than in underdeveloped countries like Pakistan. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the clinical characteristics and treatment of acute pancreatitis in pregnancy (APIP) and its associated maternal and neonatal outcomes in a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan.

Rethinking Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ) Pain: The Role of Lemmel Syndrome in Biliary Obstruction.

Lemmel syndrome involves a periampullary duodenal diverticulum (PAD), a pouch-like outpouching near the ampulla of Vater, compressing the common bile duct. We describe a case of severe abdominal pain in a patient who had a large periampullary diverticulum, managed with surgical intervention after an initial failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). An elderly female patient in her early 90s arrived at the emergency department with severe cramping pain localized to the right upper quadrant of her abdomen, progressively intensifying over several weeks.

Managing Non-islet Cell Tumor Hypoglycemia in Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Radiation Therapy.

Non-islet cell tumor hypoglycemia (NICTH) is a paraneoplastic syndrome associated with non-mesenchymal-derived and epithelial tumors. A 37-year-old male with stage IVB hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and pulmonary metastases presented with recurrent hypoglycemia despite glucose supplementation. Laboratory findings revealed low insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1) (15 ng/mL), elevated insulin growth factor 2 (IGF-2) (395 ng/ml), and an IGF-2:IGF-1 ratio of 26:1, consistent with NICTH.

Enhancing Cervical Foraminotomy Outcomes With Patient-Specific 3D Anatomical Models: A Comparative Study.

Introduction: Cervical foraminotomy is a procedure used to treat patients with radiculopathy. While the procedure can be performed using a minimally invasive technique, achieving complete visualization of relevant anatomy can be challenging. This study explores the use of patient-specific three-dimensional (3D) printed anatomical models, created from advanced medical imaging data, for preoperative planning and intraoperative guidance in cervical foraminotomy by comparing fluoroscopy time, operative time, estimated blood loss volume, and functional improvement.

High Prevalence of Body Dysmorphic Disorder Among Rhinoplasty Candidates: Insights From a Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia.

Background Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by excessive preoccupation with a perceived defect in one's appearance. Patients with BDD often seek cosmetic surgery to correct their perceived defect. Rhinoplasty is one of the most requested cosmetic surgeries.

Success Rates of Dental Implants in Patients With Diabetes: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review evaluates the success rates of dental implants in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, focusing on outcomes such as implant survival, marginal bone loss, and peri-implant biomarkers. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science, to identify relevant systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Four studies were included, encompassing diverse populations and interventions.

Efficacy of Bacillus clausii UBBC-07 and Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2 in Mitigating Pulmonary Parameters in Patients With Moderate COVID-19 Symptoms.

Probiotics have shown efficacy in preventing and reducing infections caused by common viruses, including rotavirus, norovirus, hepatitis, human papillomavirus (HPV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, three-arm parallel-group study was conducted on 56 patients with moderate COVID-19 symptoms. Patients were randomly assigned to one of the three groups: standard treatment combined with UBBC-07, standard treatment combined with Unique IS-2, or standard treatment with a placebo.

Neurodivergence and Threat: A Case Study on the Risk of Violent Fixations in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Mass shootings have increasingly captured public attention in recent decades, prompting closer examination of the mental health of those responsible. This scrutiny often focuses on individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While epidemiological evidence is mixed on whether these individuals are more likely to commit acts of violence than the general public, certain behavioral characteristics may make them more vulnerable to extremist ideations.

The Impact of Patient-Centered, Structured Interdisciplinary Bedside Rounds on Medical Staff Satisfaction, Education, and Experience.

Background Daily interdisciplinary rounds in hospitals are becoming standardized to maximize the multidisciplinary approach to hospitalized patient care. We hypothesize that structured Interdisciplinary Bedside Rounds (IDRs) increase the satisfaction, education, and experience of medical staff and thus detail actionable recommendations for IDR implementation or delineate measurable long-term impacts. Methods This observational study was performed in a 300-bed community hospital.

Mechanical Thrombectomy in Africa: A Challenging Future.

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has revolutionized the management of proximal large vessel occlusions (LVOs) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), improving long-term outcomes compared to standard treatments. However, despite its success in high-income countries, the widespread implementation of MT in Africa remains limited. With Africa experiencing one of the highest stroke burdens globally, this study examines the barriers impeding the adoption of MT in the region.