Impact of Weight Loss on Testosterone Levels: A Review of BMI and Testosterone.

The purpose of this review is to explore the relationship between weight loss (WL), specifically reductions in body mass index (BMI), and increases in testosterone levels. Obesity and excess body fat are linked to reduced testosterone levels, which can lead to metabolic dysfunctions, reduced libido, and diminished muscle mass. To attain this purpose, this review will summarize current evidence on how weight reduction interventions, including dietary changes, exercise, and bariatric surgery, affect testosterone production in overweight and obese individuals.

Outcomes of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Patients With Impaired Left Ventricular Function and the Role of Preoperative Myocardial Viability.

Background Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) improves outcomes in patients with ischemic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, but accurate patient selection remains critical. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging aids in assessing myocardial viability, a key predictor of surgical outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of myocardial viability on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing CABG.

Thoracic SMARCA4-Deficient Undifferentiated Tumor in a 40-Year-Old Male Welder With No Smoking History.

Thoracic SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumor (TSDUT) is a rare and quite new classification of primary pulmonary malignancy. It is classified as a non-small cell lung cancer, typically associated with smoking, and is highly aggressive. Its clinical features, immunohistochemistry, and pathology are quite unique.

The Feasibility of Omega-3 Supplementation Compared to Placebo in the Management of Long COVID Symptoms Among Healthcare Workers: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background:  COVID-19 is known to cause significant multisystem inflammatory responses, leading to symptoms beyond the acute phase of illness. These "long COVID" symptoms affect quality of life and interfere with daily activities. This pilot study looks at the feasibility, tolerability, and safety of omega-3 (docosahexaenoic acid+eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA) among healthcare workers with long COVID symptoms in New Jersey.

Adult-Onset Pediatric-Type Follicular Lymphoma of the Parotid Gland.

Pediatric-type follicular lymphoma (PTFL) is an extremely rare B-cell lymphoma that primarily affects children and young adults, typically in individuals under 25 years old, with a median age of 15 years. Here, we report a rare case of PTFL in a 27-year-old adult male who presented with a slow-growing mass near his left ear. Initial CT scans of the neck revealed two oval-shaped, smooth, well-defined, homogeneously enhancing soft tissue density lesions in the superficial lobe of the left parotid gland.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Different Antidepressants in Preventing Psychiatric Rehospitalization.

Objective: Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) often face poor health outcomes. Additionally, patients with multiple hospitalizations tend to have worse predicted disease prognosis. Antidepressant medications remain a first-line treatment option for MDD, but data evaluating the effects of different antidepressants on psychiatric readmission rates is lacking.

The Management of Iatrogenic Ureterovaginal Fistula in a Resource-Limited Setting: A 12-Year Experience at Four Fistula Surgery Centers in Uganda.

Background Ureterovaginal fistulae usually follow iatrogenic injury to the ureter during pelvic surgery. This manifests as urine incontinence and results in serious psychosocial effects on women. Ureterovaginal fistulae unlike vesicovaginal fistulae present challenges in diagnosis and management especially in resource-constrained settings.

Early Radiographic Warning Signs of Impending Lemierre's Syndrome.

Lemierre's syndrome is a rare and potentially life-threatening complication of head and neck infections, such as bacterial pharyngitis or tonsillitis. It is characterized by the extension of infection into the lateral pharyngeal spaces, leading to subsequent septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein(s). Although relatively uncommon since the advent of appropriate antibiotic therapy, the incidence of Lemierre's syndrome has increased in the past 15 years, especially among young, healthy adults.

An Unusual Case of Acute Abdomen With Jaundice.

Adrenocortical carcinomas are rare but aggressive tumors that are frequently discovered as incidentalomas. Secretory tumors often lead to endocrine abnormalities, namely cushingoid features, virilization, or feminization. Non-functioning tumors, on the other hand, can be completely dormant with an insidious course or cause malaise, weight loss, abdominal pain, etc.

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Mediated Weight Loss and Diabetes Mellitus Benefits: A Narrative Review.

Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are chronic diseases with increasing prevalence, underscoring the urgent need for effective treatment and management strategies. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have emerged as an essential class of drugs for managing both obesity and T2DM, offering additional benefits for cardiovascular and kidney health. GLP-1 RAs work by targeting GLP-1 receptors, mimicking the effects of the natural hormone GLP-1 to regulate blood glucose levels, promote weight loss, and provide potential benefits for cardiovascular health.

Racial Disparities in Cardiometabolic Disorders Among Alzheimer's Disease Patients: A Study on Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.

Background: Cardiometabolic disorders may accelerate the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD), potentially impacting ethnic-racial groups with a higher prevalence of diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease, though limited data exists on Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (NHPI) populations.

Objective: This study aims to examine the prevalence of diabetes and associated comorbidities among AD patients from different ethnic-racial groups - Asians, Whites, and NHPIs - in Hawaii, with a focus on identifying risk factors linked to AD.

Method: A retrospective review was conducted on AD patient records from a single center in Hawaii, spanning June 2018 to June 2024.

Thoracic Epidural and Intercostal Nerve Cryoablation in Multimodal Analgesia for Acute Pain Management of Rib Fractures: A Case Report.

Acute pain service was consulted for acute pain management in a 40-year-old male who had sustained multiple bilateral rib fractures following a fall injury. In addition to the rib fractures, the patient had also experienced injuries to his lungs and spinal column, both of which required surgeries. Considering the significant nature of pain due to his rib fractures, a multimodal pain management approach that included both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies was utilized.

South Korea's healthcare expenditure: a comprehensive study of public and private spending across health conditions, demographics, and payer types (2011-2020).

Background: South Korea has witnessed a rapid increase in health expenditure, reaching USD 135 billion in 2021 and accounting for 9.3% of its GDP, surpassing the OECD average. Despite achieving universal health coverage, significant gaps remain in service coverage, leading to high out-of-pocket (OOP) expenses that expose households to financial burdens.

Performance of the 1 h oral glucose tolerance test in predicting type 2 diabetes and association with impaired β-cell function in Asians: a national prospective cohort study.

Background: Postprandial glucose concentration 1-h (1 h-PG) after an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) has similar or superior performance to 2 h-PG in predicting type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in several populations, and is simpler to obtain in clinical practice. However, studies in Asians are scarce. We investigated the utility of elevated baseline 1 h-PG in predicting T2DM incidence within three years, and its relationship with β-cell function in 1250 non-diabetic Asian participants.

Effects of Tocotrienol on Cardiovascular Risk Markers in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Tocotrienols, isomers of vitamin E, may provide an effective nutritional strategy to mitigate common cardiovascular risks such as dyslipidemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate the effects of a tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) supplementation (300 mg/day) on oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, including transcription factors in nondialysis (ND) and hemodialysis (HD) CKD patients for three months. Interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor- (IL-6 and TNF-), C-reactive protein (CRP), lipid peroxidation, biochemical parameters, and transcription factors such as NRF2 and NF-B mRNA expression were evaluated.

Predicting the location of coordinated metal ion-ligand binding sites using geometry-aware graph neural networks.

More than 50 % of proteins bind to metal ions. Interactions between metal ions and proteins, especially coordinated interactions, are essential for biological functions, such as maintaining protein structure and signal transport. Physiological metal-ion binding prediction is pivotal for both elucidating the biological functions of proteins and for the design of new drugs.

Phylogenomics and a new classification of the tropical genus L. (Monocots, Zingiberales, Heliconiaceae).

Members of the genus L. (Heliconiaceae) have evolved complex interactions with both insect herbivores and hummingbird pollinators in tropical forests and secondary growth where they are abundant and diverse. Many of these same species have also been cultivated as ornamentals around the world for hundreds of years because of their extraordinary colors and forms.

Typhoid Fever as a Cause of Liver Failure in the United States: A Case Report.

Typhoid fever is a multisystemic illness caused by and , transmitted fecal orally through contaminated water and food. It is a rare diagnosis in the US, with most cases reported in returning travelers. Hepatitis and cholestasis are rare sequelae of infection.

A Rare Case of Colorectal Cancer With Delayed Metastasis to the Duodenum.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) continues to be a significant global health issue contributing to a high mortality rate. Despite advancements in treatment, the risk of recurrence remains due to inherent mutations and the rapid turnover of intestinal mucosa. We present an exceptionally rare case of CRC metastasis to the duodenum in a 42-year-old female who has been compliant with postsurgical surveillance.

Efficacy of the Optilume paclitaxel drug-coated balloon after urethroplasty: short-term results from a multicenter study.

Background: The Optilume paclitaxel drug-coated balloon (DCB) is a relatively new-to-market alternative in the management of male anterior urethral stricture disease. The pivotal trial excluded patients with a history of urethroplasty, although these strictures may be amenable to endoscopic management. Therefore, we sought to assess the efficacy of the DCB in the management of recurrent strictures following urethroplasty.

Pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment of refractory vulvar melanoma concurrently treated with immune checkpoint blockade demonstrating an abscopal response: A case report.

•Vulvar melanoma is deadlier and harder to treat than typical melanoma.•82-year-old female had metastatic vulvar melanoma that reoccurred on immunotherapy.•Treatment with pulsed electric field therapy led to rapid resolution of metastatic disease.

Endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the colon arising from rare malignant transformation of extra-gonadal endometrioma.

Background: Endometriosis is a common condition with a rare malignant potential. We report a case of a patient with a colon mass who underwent surgery for malignant endometriosis associated cancer.Case: A 70-year-old woman with a pelvic mass who was lost to follow-up for 6 years represented with an enlarging pelvic mass involving the sigmoid colon.

A Qualitative Study of Attitudes Toward HPV Vaccine Recommendation in Otolaryngology Clinics.

Objective: The incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal cancers has increased such that they are now the most prevalent HPV-related cancer. In 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded the indication for Gardasil-9 to include the prevention of oropharyngeal and other head and neck cancers caused by selected HPV types, but uptake remains low. Otolaryngology office interactions may provide opportunities to increase uptake, given the relevance of HPV to clinical practice.

Smartphone Thermal Imaging as an Adjunct to Identify Free Flap Perforators and Assisting Flap Design: A Pilot Study.

Background: The main technique for identification of free flap perforator vessels is Doppler sonography, which is not always accurate, user dependent and affected by the patient's body habitus.

Methods: Adult patients undergoing head and neck resection and free flap reconstruction at two academic institutions were enrolled. Doppler sonography was used to identify perforators, and were marked using a skin marker.

Multi-Institutional Comparison of Quality of Life Between Open Versus Endoscopic Skull Base Approaches.

Objectives: The primary objective of this prospective review was to compare quality of life between patients undergoing endoscopic and open skull base approaches.

Study Type And Design: Prospective Review.

Methods: Five centers recruited consecutive patients treated surgically for skull base neoplasms between 2012 to 2018.