The Association Between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and atrial fibrillation (AF) has been increasingly recognized, but its nature and strength remain unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies from January 2010 to November 2024 using PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), and Web of Science databases. Seven studies were included: three cohort studies, two Mendelian randomization studies, one case-control study, and one cross-sectional study.

Long-Term Evaluation of Central and Peripheral Lens Densities Post Implantation of Implantable Collamer Lens V4c.

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the impact of long-term ICL implantation on lens density, focusing on the relationship between the anterior subcapsule, anterior lens density, and implantable collamer lenses (ICL) position after ICL V4c implantation.

Methods: This retrospective study included 145 eyes with ICL V4c implantation and average follow-up of 4.2 years (range: 3-8 years).

Effect of Salivary Flow Rate, Particle Size, and Concentration on Sensations and Liking for Fiber-Fortified Beverages.

Xerostomia (perceived oral dryness) is a common problem in older adults, often due to hyposalivation, which can cause difficulty in eating and swallowing, resulting in insufficient dietary fiber intake. Recent work shows salivary flow rate, particle size, and concentration are major factors for particle perception in beverages. Given that disliking drives non-consumption, here we explore how particle size, concentration, and salivary flow rate may affect liking in a fiber-fortified model beverage.

In-Depth Analysis of Disease Manifestations in Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitides Identifies Distinct Clinical Phenotypes.

Objective: The antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides are heterogeneous disorders. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize subgroups of patients based on sex, ANCA, age at diagnosis, and organ involvement.

Methods: In total, 1,167 patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) or microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) were retrospectively recruited to the study.

Mineral composition and pore structure on spontaneous imbibition in tight sandstone reservoirs.

The pore structure of tight oil reservoirs is extremely complex, with a wide range of pore sizes, diverse pore types, and well-developed nanopores and throats. Although researchers have conducted in-depth studies on the mechanism of spontaneous imbibition, issues such as low recovery and short imbibition distance have not been well explained. This study characterized the relationship between mineral composition and pore types through XRD and SEM, and combined NMR-C, LF-NMR, and micro-CT to characterize the pore size distribution of tight sandstones.

Nasogastric Tube Syndrome: A Case Report of otalgia and hoarseness in a Palliative Care Setting.

Background: Nasogastric tube syndrome (NGTS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of nasogastric tube (NGT) placement. It is characterized by throat pain, hoarseness, and vocal cord paralysis. Awareness is essential for preventing severe airway compromise.

Evaluating Listening Behaviours of Nightclub Goers: An International Web-Based Study with Resident Advisor.

Background: Nightclubs expose nearly 40% of young adults in high- and middle-income countries to damaging levels of noise with attendant risk of noise-damage hearing symptoms and sequelae of mood disorders, social isolation and dementia. This study evaluated clubbers hearing symptoms, visiting behaviours and safe listening habits.

Material And Methods: A web-based, population-specific data collection tool was shown to visitors of the dance music website Resident Advisor over a 7-hour period.

Nasogastric Tube Syndrome Treated by Replacement With a Smaller-Diameter Tube: A Case Report.

Nasogastric tube syndrome (NGTS) is a severe and potentially life-threatening complication of the nasogastric tube. NGTS is characterized by throat pain and abductor dysfunction of vocal cords due to the presence of the NGT. NGTS sometimes progresses to acute upper airway obstruction caused by vocal cord paralysis or laryngeal infection.

History and Evolution of the Otoscope.

This paper provides an in-depth review of the evolution of the otoscope in the medical field, examining its development through a historical lens. The otoscope has significantly revolutionized the field of otology, becoming an essential tool used globally by healthcare practitioners to identify ear, nose, and throat (ENT) disorders. It is commonly used to inspect the auditory canal for conditions such as cerumen impaction and acute otitis media.

A Comparison of the Effects of Sevoflurane, Propofol, and Propofol Combined with Butorphanol in Suppressing Sufentanil-Induced cough-A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: To study the safety and efficacy of sevoflurane pretreatment in preventing sufentanil-induced cough in children and to compare its antitussive effect with that of butorphanol, an opioid analgesic that has been proven effective in clinical trials.

Data And Methods: This was a prospective randomized controlled trial. A total of 174 patients who underwent ENT surgery at Chaohu Hospital Affiliated with Anhui Medical University were enrolled and divided into groups S, C and B, with 58 patients in each group, according to the random number table method.

C3-Dominant Infection Related Crescentic Glomerulonephritis.

Infection related glomerulonephritis and more specifically streptococcal glomerulonephritis is a rare disease in adults, and so is C3 glomerulonephritis. It has been recognized that a clinical and morphological overlap between these two entities exists. We present a case of a 59-year-old man with previous treated HIV infection with virological response, treated hepatitis b infection, treated syphilis and non-Hodgkin lymphoma in remission; presenting and acute sore throat with high ASO titers two weeks before a rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis requiring dialysis since presentation; biopsy showed acute diffuse and proliferative glomerulonephritis with crescentic pattern with exclusive C3 staining.

Uptake of traditional uvulectomy and associated factors among under-two children in Godere district, Majang zone, Gambella region, South-west Ethiopia.

Background: Uvulectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal or excision of part of the uvula, the small, fleshy tissue that hangs down at the back of the throat. This procedure is traditionally practiced in various cultures, particularly among some African communities and in parts of the Middle East. While uvulectomy holds traditional significance in these contexts, its significance and cultural implications may vary across different regions and communities.

Effect of the new non-inflatable laryngeal mask GMA-Tulip on airway management for lateral total hip arthroplasty in geriatric patients: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: The supraglottic airway device (SAD) is nowadays widely used as a ventilation device. The GMA-Tulip is a new non-inflatable SAD used to establish short-term artificial airway for general anesthesia or cardiopulmonary resuscitation. In the present study, we compare the clinical performance of the GMA-Tulip and the LMA Supreme for lateral total hip arthroplasty in geriatric patients.

Factors associated with mortality among patients aged 12 years and above requiring hospitalization for severe respiratory illness (SRI): Findings from the COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness evaluation in Kenya and Mali, 2022-2023.

Background: Mortality attributed to respiratory illnesses is well characterized in children <5 years. However, there is paucity of data among older populations. Here, we leveraged data from the COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness Evaluation to establish the factors associated with mortality among patients with severe respiratory illness (SRI) in Kenya and Mali.

Secondary syphilis with oropharyngeal and skin lesions confirmed by PCR mimicking chicken pox or mpox in a patient with HIV.

Syphilis, caused by Treponema pallidum, can mimic infections like chickenpox and mpox, especially in patients with HIV, making diagnosis challenging. This case involved a 30-year-old HIV-positive man who presented with fever, sore throat, and widespread rash. He was initially suspected to have a viral illness and was therefore treated with acyclovir.

Scutellaria baicalensis stem and leaf combat chicken-derived respiratory bacterial infection.

The Chinese poultry industry has witnessed rapid development, with laying hens playing a pivotal role. However, the escalating demand has led to an exponential increase in the population of laying hens raised, resulting in emerging challenges. Particularly during bacterial infections, substantial losses can be incurred.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Areca Nut (kwai) Use among Employees of a Tertiary Health Care Institution in North-East India.

Objective: This study strives to look for the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of areca nut use among health care workers in a tertiary hospital in North-East India.

Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among all health care and allied workers at a public sector teaching hospital in Meghalaya, Northeast India. A questionnaire, which was validated for content, was administered to the target population.

Respiratory Symptoms and Health Outcomes of Rhinovirus and Influenza Virus Infections: Implications of Asthma, Diabetes Mellitus and Allergic Rhinitis in Rhinovirus C Infection.

Rhinovirus (RV), classified into RV-A, RV-B, and RV-C, is a prevalent cause of respiratory tract infections (RTIs). Here, we analysed RV infection and its clinical implications among outpatients with acute upper RTIs. Demographic data, baseline comorbidities, clinical symptoms, and health outcomes of RV-infected patients (n = 849) were compared with influenza (n = 417).

Ex-vivo mechano-structural characterization of fresh diseased human esophagus.

The esophagus, the tube-like organ responsible for transporting food from the pharynx to the stomach, operates as a highly mechanical structure, exhibiting complex contraction and distension patterns triggered by neurological impulses. Despite the critical role of mechanics in its function and the need for high-fidelity models of esophageal transport, mechanical characterization studies of human esophagus remain relatively scarce. In addition to the paucity of studies in human specimens, the available results are often scattered in terms of methodology and scope, making it difficult to compare findings across studies and thereby limiting their use in computational models.

Temporal trends in the incidence of second primary cancers in Northern Portugal: a population-based study.

The growing number of cancer survivors has led to an increase in the frequency of multiple primary cancers. This study aimed to describe the temporal trends in the incidence rates and standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) of second primary cancers (SPCs) among patients diagnosed with a first primary cancer (FPC) in 2000-03, 2004-07 and 2008-11 in Northern Portugal. Population-based samples of patients diagnosed with an FPC (excluding skin non-melanoma) in 3 periods of 4 years, between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2011, and registered in the Portuguese North Region Cancer Registry were followed for the diagnosis of an SPC or death until 31 December 2013.

Does Preoperative Gum Chewing Reduce Postoperative Sore Throat?

Purpose: There are numerous pharmacological and nonpharmacological methods that are used to manage postoperative sore throat (POST). The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of different types of herbal gums on POST management.

Design: A randomized controlled, blinded, prospective, experimental study.

ColdZyme® reduces viral load and upper respiratory tract infection duration and protects airway epithelia from infection with human rhinoviruses.

Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) has a significant economic and social impact and is a major factor compromising athletes' training and competition. The effects of ColdZyme® Mouth Spray on URTI were investigated using an in vivo study in athletes, combined with a novel in vitro air-liquid interface human airway model. Endurance athletes were randomised to ColdZyme (n = 78) or placebo (n = 76) and monitored over 3 months.

Benefit of Gastro™ Laryngeal Mask Airway® during Total Intravenous Anesthesia for Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Context: Deep level of sedation required during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can cause hypoxia in part due to an unsecured airway. This study aims to study the benefits of using the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) Gastro to secure the airway in ERCP.

Aims: To determine the benefit of Gastro LMA for securing airway for ERCP procedure, by recording the incidence of intraprocedural adverse cardiorespiratory events - hypoxia, hypotension, bradycardia, and arrhythmias.