Arm weight effects on dynamic walking stability in individuals with hemiparetic stroke.

This study examined the effects of arm weights on dynamic stability during overground walking in individuals with hemiparetic stroke. Arm weights have been shown to improve mobility in stroke survivors, potentially at the cost of decreased dynamic stability and increased fall risk. Data from nine stroke survivors (8 males, 1 female; age: 58.

Peanut Shell Extract Improves Markers of Glucose Homeostasis in Diabetic Mice by Modulating Gut Dysbiosis and Suppressing Inflammatory Immune Response.

Background/objective: There is strong evidence that the tripartite interaction between glucose homeostasis, gut microbiota, and the host immune system plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We reported previously that peanut shell extract (PSE) improves mitochondrial function in db/db mice by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver, brain, and white adipose tissue. This study evaluated the impacts of PSE supplementation on glucose homeostasis, liver histology, intestinal microbiome composition, and the innate immune response in diabetic mice.

Salt Sensitivity of Blood Pressure and the Role of the Immune System in Hypertension.

Salt-sensitive blood pressure is a clinical phenotype defined as exaggerated blood pressure responses to salt loading and salt depletion. This characteristic occurs in 25% of the general population and 50% of patients with hypertension and contributes to the pathogenesis of hypertension in some patients. Hypertension is associated with chronic inflammatory responses and has immune cell accumulation in several hypertensive target organs, including the brain, kidneys, heart, blood vessels, and the perivascular adipose tissue, and these cellular responses likely exacerbate hypertension.

Advisory on delayed fading caused by the use of a xylene substitute for frozen tissue specimen staining in micrographic surgery.

Background: The use of xylene substitutes is becoming more common in the setting of micrographic surgery frozen tissue section staining, and dermatologic surgeons need to be aware of possible undesirable delayed effects of using these agents and the possibility of modifying H&E staining protocols to prevent delayed fading. This report demonstrates an undesirable outcome of using an isoparaffinic aliphatic hydrocarbon as a xylene substitute, implementation of a quality improvement intervention to eliminate frozen section slide fading in the setting of micrographic surgery tissue processing, and recommendations for the modification of protocol when using a xylene substitute.

Clinical And Laboratory Information: Frozen section slides processed with xylene and xylene substitute were analyzed by histotechnicians, a dermatopathologist, and a micrographic surgery surgeon at 1-week and 1-month intervals.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Takotsubo Syndrome: Updated Insights From a Retrospective Analysis Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample.

Background We explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence and outcomes of takotsubo syndrome (takotsubo) using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) to compare trends before and during the pandemic. Methods This retrospective study examined data from over 137 million admissions during 2017-2018 (pre-pandemic) and 2020-2021 (pandemic). Results Our analysis revealed a marked increase in takotsubo prevalence, from 109.

Leveraging Collective Expertise, Wisdom, and Guidance Through Mastermind Teams.

Leadership positions with enormous responsibilities are challenging; at times leaders may feel isolated or lonely. A mastermind team is a small group of peer mentors or a personal board of directors, who meet on a recurring basis to share ideas for feedback, groupsource solutions, and to celebrate/commiserate on events. Joining a mastermind team helps leaders receive psychological support, encouragement, inspiration, suggestions for solving problems, and resources to manage challenges.

Evolving Endoscopic Approaches to Pancreatic Pseudocysts and Walled-Off Necrosis: Case Series and Review of Evidence.

Imaging followed by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided therapy has become the preferred modality for treating pancreatic pseudocysts over surgical or radiological interventions. However, there continues to be a lack of consensus regarding the utility of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) before and after cyst drainage. We describe 4 cases of large pancreatic pseudocyst causing extrinsic biliary obstruction treated successfully with endoscopic cystogastrostomy decompression using a lumen-apposing self-expandable metal stent (LAMS) without ERCP.

The Perineal Post for Hip Arthroscopy Is Dead - Or At Least It Should Be.

Traditionally, distraction of the hip joint during hip arthroscopy has been achieved with the use of a perineal post which acts as a counterforce. However, our knowledge of the potential complications related to the use of a perineal post continues to grow. While pudendal neurapraxia is the most common of these potential complications, the perineal post may also cause skin tears of the perineum, erectile dysfunction and, in rare cases, permanent pudendal nerve injury.

Patterns of proximity and maternal-infant engagement in a neonatal intensive care unit.

Mother-infant relationship development is influenced by maternal presence, proximity, and the frequency and duration of engagement. Proximity and dyadic engagement can be challenging when an infant is hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This study examined patterns of maternal proximity and engagement in a NICU in the Southwestern United States and identified thematic categories of alternate activities to engagement.

Bile duct ligation-induced cirrhosis does not alter the blood-brain barrier permeability to sucrose in rats.

Contradictory results have been reported about the effects of liver diseases on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability to markers. For instance, both an increase and no change in the BBB permeability to BBB markers sodium fluorescein and Evans blue have been reported in experimental cholestasis induced by bile duct ligation (BDL) in rats. These contradictory effects might be due to inherent limitations of these markers and/or methodological issues.