Acute Kidney Injury in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Exploring its Clinical Significance and Prognostic Implications.

OBJECTIVES: Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) from spontaneous rupture of an aneurysm is a debilitating condition with high morbidity and mortality. Patients with SAH remain understudied, particularly concerning the evaluation of incidence and consequences of subsequent acute kidney injury (AKI). In this study, we aim to explore the risk factors and outcomes of AKI in patients with SAH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: International Classification of Diseases, 9th Edition and 10th Edition (ICD-10-CM) codes were used to query the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) for patients with a diagnosis of SAH between 2010-2019. Subgroup analysis was stratified by AKI diagnosis during the same hospitalization. AKI and non-AKI groups were assessed for baseline clinical characteristics, interventions, complications, and outcomes. Descriptive statistics, multivariate regressions, and propensity score-matching were performed using IBM SPSS 28. NEED TO MENTION NIH-SSS RESULTS: Of 76,553 patients diagnosed with nontraumatic SAH between 2010-2019, 10,634 (13.89%) had a comorbid diagnosis of AKI. Patients with AKI were older (p<0.01) and more often obese (p < 0.01), compared to the non-AKI group. A multivariate regression found the diagnosis of AKI to be independently correlated with poor functional outcome (p<0.001), above average length of stay (p < 0.001), and in-hospital mortality (p < 0.001) when controlling for age, SAH severity, and other comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed significant association between AKI and adverse outcomes in SAH patients, and a correlation between AKI and heightened complication rates, poor functional outcome, extended hospital stays, and elevated mortality rates. Early detection of AKI in SAH patients is vital to enhance their chances of recovery.

Physical Restraint Practices at the Emergency Department of a Mental Health Hospital.

Background: Coercive treatments can lead to ethical, legal, and clinical concerns, especially in emergency settings. The indications and characteristics of patients for whom physical restraint is indicated should be well-evaluated in order to prevent unnecessary practices. The aim of this study was to comprehensively assess the physical restraint practices in psychiatric emergencies and clinical characteristics related to their use. Methods: All patients admitted to the emergency unit of a tertiary mental health hospital between June 1 and June 30, 2022, were included in the sample. Data were retrieved from the manual and electronic medical records. Age, gender, clinical settings, diagnosis, substance use, and other factors were categorized and analyzed, comparing physically restrained and not-restrained patients. Results: Totally, 2051 patients were included in the study (1022 female and 1029 male). The mean age of the participants was 39.5 ± 14.8 years (female: 40.3 ± 14.8 male: 38.4 ± 14.7, P = .004). Seventy-two (3.51%) of the admitted patients were exposed to physical restraint and those had significantly lower number of applications in the past year (P = .020). The median restraint duration was 90 (60-150) minutes. Fifty-four (75.00%) of the physically restrained patients were male (P < .001), and they were significantly younger (mean age 34.5 ± 12.1 vs. 39.5 ± 14.9, P = .005). Clinical diagnoses of restrained patients were significantly different, in favor of psychosis. While 42 (58.33%) of the restrained patients were substance-negative, 15 (20.83%) were screened as positive for at least 1 substance (P < .001). Conclusion: Physically restrained patients differ from others with regard to age, gender, and number of previous applications. Fewer hospital applications in the past year were related to higher incidence of physical restraints.

Aortic Arch Calcification in Predicting Unfavorable Angiographic Outcomes for Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

BACKGROUND: Despite all advances in treatment, no-reflow, large thrombus burden (LTB), and myocardial blush grade (MBG) are associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Aortic arch calcification (AAC) is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis and adverse cardiovascular events. We aimed to examine the relationship between AAC and unfavorable angiographic outcomes such as no-reflow, MBG, and LTB in STEMI patients undergoing PCI. METHODS: A total of 269 consecutive patients who presented with STEMI and underwent primary PCI were included in the study prospectively. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to AAC degree: Grade 0, Grade 1, and Grade 2/3. Unfavorable angiographic results; They were divided into 2 groups according to whether there was no-reflow, 2 groups as LTB and small TB according to thrombus burden, and 4 groups according to MBG between 0-3. RESULTS: LTB, no-reflow, and MBG 0/1 were significantly higher in the Grade 2/3 AAC group compared to the Grade 0 and Grade 1 groups (all p<0.05). Moreover, Grade2/3 AAC was found to be an independent predictor for LTB, MBG 0/1, and no-reflow (OR = 2.480; 95% CI: 1.398-4.400; p = 0.002, OR = 2.364; 95% CI: 1.296-4.321, p = 0.005, OR= 4.170; 95% CI: 1.671-9.100, p=0.004, respectively). Patients were then classified according to thrombus burden, MBG, and no-reflow status. Grade 2/3 AAC was significantly higher than Grade 0/1 AAC in the LTB, MBG 0/1, and no-reflow groups (all p<0.05). CONCLUSION: AAC can be used as a reliable indicator in predicting no-reflow, MBG 0/1, and LTB in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI.

Current Strategies for Treatment of Mandibular Fractures With Plate Osteosynthesis: A European Prospective Study.

PURPOSE: The training and preferences of surgeons influence the type of surgical treatment for mandibular fractures. This multicentre prospective study analyzed the current treatment strategies and outcomes for mandibular fractures with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective study included patients aged ≥16 years who underwent ORIF for mandibular fractures in 12 European maxillofacial centers. Age, sex, pretrauma dental status, fracture cause, site and type, associated facial fractures, surgical approach, plate number and thickness (≤1.4 or ≥1.5 mm), duration of postoperative maxillomandibular fixation, occlusal and infective complications at 6 weeks and 3 months, and revision surgeries were recorded. RESULTS: Between May 1, 2021 and April 30, 2022, 425 patients (194 single, 182 double, and 49 triple mandibular fractures) underwent ORIF for 1 or more fractures. Rigid osteosynthesis was performed for 74% of fractures and was significantly associated with displaced ( P =0.01) and comminuted ( P =0.03) fractures and with the number of nonsurgically treated fracture sites ( P =0.002). The angle was the only site associated with nonrigid osteosynthesis ( P <0.001). Malocclusions (5.6%) and infective complications (5.4%) were not associated with osteosynthesis type. CONCLUSION: Rigid osteosynthesis was the most frequently performed treatment at all fracture sites, except the mandibular angle, and was significantly associated with displaced and comminuted fractures and the number of nonsurgically treated fracture sites. No significant differences were observed regarding postoperative malocclusion or infections among osteosynthesis types.

Severe obstructive sleep apnea in children with syndromic craniosynostosis: analysis of pulse transit time.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: We examined the association between pulse transit time (PTT) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children with syndromic craniosynostosis (SCS), where OSA is a common problem and may cause cardiorespiratory disturbance. METHODS: Retrospective study of children (age <18 years) with SCS and moderate-to-severe OSA (i.e., obstructive apnea-hypopnea index [oAHI] ≥ 5), or no OSA (oAHI < 1) who underwent overnight polysomnography (PSG). Children without SCS and normal PSG were included as controls. Reference intervals (RIs) for PTT were computed by non-parametric bootstrap analysis. Based on RIs of controls, the sensitivity and specificity of PTT to detect OSA were determined. In a linear mixed-model the explanatory variables assessed were sex, age, sleep stage, and time after obstructive events. RESULTS: In all 68 included children (19 SCS with OSA, 30 SCS without OSA, 19 controls), obstructive events occurred throughout all sleep stages, most prominently during rapid eye movement sleep (REM) and non-REM sleep stages N1 and N2, with evident PTT changes. Greatest reductions were observed 4 - 8 s after an event (p < 0.05). In SCS with OSA, PTT RIs were lower during all sleep stages compared to SCS without OSA. The highest sensitivity was observed during N1 (55.5%), and the highest specificity during REM (76.5%). Lowest PTT values were identified during N1. CONCLUSIONS: Obstructive events occur throughout all sleep stages with transient reductions in PTT. However, PTT as a variable for OSA detection is limited by its sensitivity and specificity.

Discrete Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Signaling Pathways, Stem Cells, and Therapeutic Targets.

The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that functions via its discrete binding partners to form two multiprotein complexes, mTOR complex 1 and 2 (mTORC1 and mTORC2). Rapamycin-sensitive mTORC1, which regulates protein synthesis and cell growth, is tightly controlled by PI3K/Akt and is nutrient-/growth factor-sensitive. In the brain, mTORC1 is also sensitive to neurotransmitter signaling. mTORC2, which is modulated by growth factor signaling, is associated with ribosomes and is insensitive to rapamycin. mTOR regulates stem cell and cancer stem cell characteristics. Aberrant Akt/mTOR activation is involved in multistep tumorigenesis in a variety of cancers, thereby suggesting that the inhibition of mTOR may have therapeutic potential. Rapamycin and its analogues, known as rapalogues, suppress mTOR activity through an allosteric mechanism that only suppresses mTORC1, albeit incompletely. ATP-catalytic binding site inhibitors are designed to inhibit both complexes. This review describes the regulation of mTOR and the targeting of its complexes in the treatment of cancers, such as glioblastoma, and their stem cells.

Patterns for Child Protective Service Referrals in a Pediatric Burn Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric non-accidental trauma often necessitates the involvement of protective services. However, the subjectivity and lack of standardization of referral infrastructure may result in some discrepancies between referral patterns and instances of child abuse. METHODS: An institutional retrospective chart review was conducted between 2015 and 2021, in which all cases of patients under the age of 14 who suffered a burn injury and received a child protective service (CPS) consult were reviewed. Baseline demographics and characteristics were defined. Multivariate analysis was utilized to identify predictors of CPS involvement, while the regression analysis was employed to parse associations between burn injuries and CPS involvement. RESULTS: Between July 2015 and December 2021, 340 patients (median age two years, IQR: 1-6 years) under the age of 14 who experienced a burn injury were evaluated. Forty-four (12.9%) of the patients' cases received a CPS referral, of which three (0.9%) resulted in a CPS intervention. The most common mechanism of burn within the cohort was scald (241 patients, 70.9%). The median total body surface area (TBSA) was 3.0% (IQR: 1.0%-6.0%), and 76 (22.4%) suffered a high TBSA (>75th percentile). Caucasian race (p < 0.001) and scald mechanisms (p = 0.014) were associated with higher TBSA. When considering how such injuries translated to CPS referrals, increasing age was found to be associated with a decreased likelihood of CPS involvement. Meanwhile, the Black race (p = 0.027) and increasing area deprivation index (ADI) (p = 0.038) were associated with CPS involvement. Those with CPS involvement experienced a greater length of hospital stay (p = 0.001). Black race and intensive care unit level of care were found to be positive predictors of CPS involvement. In total, three (6.82%) of the 44 cases with CPS involvement were found to be substantiated. The three children who required CPS intervention were discharged to foster care settings. CONCLUSION: Hospitalized pediatric burn injuries must be investigated due to concern of child abuse, yet external factors such as race and socioeconomic status may play a role in the involvement of CPS. Such referrals may not always be substantiated and could lead to further injurious sequelae for children and their families.

The impact of an unsanctioned compassion club on non-fatal overdose.

OBJECTIVES: In 2022, the Drug User Liberation Front opened an unsanctioned compassion club in Vancouver where members could purchase illicit drugs that had been rigorously tested to ensure quality and a lack of potentially fatal contaminants. We sought to evaluate the impact of access to this novel safer supply intervention on non-fatal overdose. METHODS: Data were obtained from 47 club members via surveys completed at 3-month intervals between August 2022 and October 2023. We conducted multivariable generalized estimating equations (GEE) analyses to examine the association between club enrolment and the outcomes of: (1) any non-fatal overdose; and (2) any non-fatal overdose involving naloxone administration. RESULTS: The final sample, including 47 study participants, contributed a total of 225 observations and 44.4 person-years of follow-up during the study, and a median follow-up duration of 12.2 months (quartile 1 - 3: 10.4 - 14.7) per participant. In multivariable GEE analyses, enrolment in the compassion club was associated with reduced likelihood of non-fatal overdose (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 0.51, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.26 - 0.99) and non-fatal overdose involving naloxone administration (AOR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.16 - 0.84) after adjusting for potential confounders. DISCUSSION: In this study, enrolment in an unsanctioned compassion club was found to be associated with reductions in any type of non-fatal overdose and non-fatal overdose involving naloxone administration. These findings highlight the need for ongoing research on safer supply interventions, as well as the potential of non-medicalized compassion clubs to complement existing safer supply programming and reduce overdose events.

Does anticoagulation in combination with immunosuppressive therapy prevent recurrent thrombosis in Behçet's disease?

Vascular involvement in Behçet's disease (BD) occurs in up to 50% of patients. The main mechanism of thrombosis is inflammation. Thus, immunosuppressants (IS) are the mainstay of therapy, and adding anticoagulation (AC) is controversial. In daily practice, we observed that patients who received AC in combination with IS experienced less recurrent thrombosis and decided to investigate our BD patients retrospectively. We hypothesized that adding AC to immunosuppressive therapy may lower the risk of recurrent thrombosis. Treatment at the time of first or recurrent thrombotic events was recorded. Events under the only IS and IS + AC treatments were compared. There were 40 patients (33 males). The most common types of first vascular events were deep vein thrombosis (77.5%) followed by pulmonary embolism (PE) (52.5%). One patient did not receive any treatment. Among the 39 patients, 32 received glucocorticoid and at least one of the azathioprine, or cyclophosphamide, anti-TNF, 5 received monotherapy with azathioprine, 1 received monotherapy with corticosteroid, and the remaining 1 received monotherapy with cyclophosphamide. In total, 22 patients (55%) experienced 27 recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) events. Two (7.4%) events while only on AC, 2 (7.4%) events while on AC + IS, and 15 (55.5%) events occurred while on only IS. Eight (19.6%) patients were not receiving any treatment during relapses. The recurrence rate was statistically significantly lower in the IS + AC treatment group compared to IS alone. In conclusion, IS are the mainstay of treatment for BD, and adding AC may help to lower the recurrence risk of thrombotic events.

Fragment-based screening targeting an open form of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease binding pocket.

To identify starting points for therapeutics targeting SARS-CoV-2, the Paul Scherrer Institute and Idorsia decided to collaboratively perform an X-ray crystallographic fragment screen against its main protease. Fragment-based screening was carried out using crystals with a pronounced open conformation of the substrate-binding pocket. Of 631 soaked fragments, a total of 29 hits bound either in the active site (24 hits), a remote binding pocket (three hits) or at crystal-packing interfaces (two hits). Notably, two fragments with a pose that was sterically incompatible with a more occluded crystal form were identified. Two isatin-based electrophilic fragments bound covalently to the catalytic cysteine residue. The structures also revealed a surprisingly strong influence of the crystal form on the binding pose of three published fragments used as positive controls, with implications for fragment screening by crystallography.

High-Volume Centers Provide Superior Value of Care in the Surgical Treatment of Malignant Brain Tumor.

BACKGROUND: Improved outcomes in surgical patients have been associated with increasing volume of cases. This has led to the development of centers that facilitate care for a specific patient population. This study aimed to evaluate associations of outcomes with hospital characteristics in patients undergoing resection of malignant brain tumors. METHODS: The 2016-2020 National Inpatient Sample was queried for patients undergoing resection of malignant brain tumors. Teaching hospitals with caseloads >2 standard deviations above the mean (140 cases) were categorized as high-volume centers (HVCs). Value of care was evaluated by adding one point for each of the following: short length of stay, low total charges, favorable discharge disposition, and lack of major comorbidity or complication. RESULTS: In 3009 hospitals, 118,390 patients underwent resection of malignant brain tumors. HVC criteria were met by 91 (3%) hospitals. HVCs were more likely to treat patients of younger age or higher socioeconomic status (P < 0.01 for all). The Mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic regions had the highest percentage of cases and number of HVCs. Value of care was higher at HVCs (P < 0.01). Care at HVCs was associated with decreased complications (P < 0.01 for all) and improved patient outcomes (P < 0.01 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing craniotomy for malignant brain neoplasms have superior outcomes in HVCs. Trends of centralization may reflect the benefits of multidisciplinary treatment, geographic preferences, publicity, and cultural impact. Improvement of access to care is an important consideration as this trend continues.

Distinctive Characteristics of Thoracolumbar Junction Region Stenosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series and systemic literature meta-analysis. BACKGROUND: Thoracolumbar junction region stenosis produces spinal cord compression just above the conus and may manifest with symptoms that are not typical of either thoracic myelopathy or neurogenic claudication from lumbar stenosis. OBJECTIVE: As few studies describe its specific pattern of presenting symptoms and neurological deficits, this investigation was designed to improve understanding of this pathology. METHODS: A retrospective review assessed surgically treated cases of T10-L1 degenerative stenosis. Clinical outcomes were evaluated with the thoracic Japanese Orthopedic Association score. In addition, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed in accordance with guidelines provided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). RESULTS: Of 1069 patients undergoing laminectomy at 1477 levels, 31 patients (16M/15F) were treated at T10-L1 a mean age 64.4 (SD=11.8). Patients complained of lower extremity numbness in 29/31 (94%), urinary dysfunction 11/31 (35%), and back pain 11/31 (35%). All complained about gait difficulty and objective motor deficits were detected in 24 of 31 (77%). Weakness was most often seen in foot dorsiflexion 22/31 (71%). Deep tendon reflexes were increased in 10 (32%), decreased in 11 (35%), and normal 10 (32%); the Babinski sign was present 8/31 (26%). Mean thoracic Japanese Orthopedic Association scores improved from 6.4 (SD=1.8) to 8.4 (SD=1.8) ( P <0.00001). Gait subjectively improved in 27/31 (87%) numbness improved in 26/30 (87%); but urinary function improved in only 4/11 (45%). CONCLUSIONS: Thoracolumbar junction stenosis produces distinctive neurological findings characterized by lower extremity numbness, weakness particularly in foot dorsiflexion, urinary dysfunction, and inconsistent reflex changes, a neurological pattern stemming from epiconus level compression and the myelomeres for the L5 roots. Surgery results in significant clinical improvement, with numbness and gait improving more than urinary dysfunction. Many patients with thoracolumbar junction stenosis are initially misdiagnosed as being symptomatic from lumbar stenosis, thus delaying definitive surgery.

The story of dexamethasone and how it became one of the most widely used drugs in neurosurgery.

Dexamethasone, a long-acting potent glucocorticoid, is one of the most widely used medications in neurosurgery. In this paper, the authors recount the history of dexamethasone's rise in neurosurgery and discuss its use in brain tumors in the context of emerging neuro-oncological immunotherapies. In 1958, Glen E. Arth synthesized a 16-alpha-methylated analog of cortisone (dexamethasone) for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Joseph Galicich, a neurosurgery resident at the time, applied the rheumatological drug to neurosurgery. He gave doses to patients who had undergone craniotomy for tumor removal and saw their paresis improve, midline shift resolve, and mortality rates decrease. He advocated for clinical trials and the drug became a mainstay in neurosurgery. As neuro-oncological treatments evolve to include immunotherapy, the immunosuppressive effects of dexamethasone are becoming an unwanted effect. The question then becomes: how does one treat the patient's symptoms if the only drug that has been used throughout history may become a detriment to their oncological treatment? Since its discovery, dexamethasone has maintained an impressive staying power in the field, acting as a standard drug for cerebral edema for more than 60 years. However, with the advent of immunotherapy, research is warranted to evaluate ways of treating symptomatic edema in the context of modern neuro-oncological therapies.

An electroencephalography-based sleep index and supervised machine learning as a suitable tool for automated sleep classification in children.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Although sleep is frequently disrupted in the pediatric intensive care unit, it is currently not possible to perform real-time sleep monitoring at the bedside. In this study, spectral band powers of electroencephalography data are used to derive a simple index for sleep classification. METHODS: Retrospective study at Erasmus MC Sophia Children's Hospital, using hospital-based polysomnography recordings obtained in non-critically ill children between 2017 and 2021. Six age categories were defined: 6-12 months, 1-3 years, 3-5 years, 5-9 years, 9-13 years, and 13-18 years. Candidate index measures were derived by calculating spectral band powers in different frequent frequency bands of smoothed electroencephalography. With the best performing index, sleep classification models were developed for two, three, and four states via decision tree and five-fold nested cross-validation. Model performance was assessed across age categories and electroencephalography channels. RESULTS: In total 90 patients with polysomnography were included, with a mean (standard deviation) recording length of 10.3 (1.1) hours. The best performance was obtained with the gamma to delta spectral power ratio of the F4-A1 and F3-A1 channels with smoothing. Balanced accuracy was 0.88, 0.74, and 0.57 for two-, three-, and four-state classification. Across age categories, balanced accuracy ranged between 0.83 and 0.92 and 0.72 and 0.77 for two- and three-state classification, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We propose an interpretable and generalizable sleep index derived from single-channel electroencephalography for automated sleep monitoring at the bedside in non-critically ill children ages 6 months to 18 years, with good performance for two- and three-state classification. CITATION: van Twist E, Hiemstra FW, Cramer ABG, et al. An electroencephalography-based sleep index and supervised machine learning as a suitable tool for automated sleep classification in children. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(3):389-397.

Appelmans protocol - A directed in vitro evolution enables induction and recombination of prophages with expanded host range.

Infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) present significant healthcare challenges due to limited treatment options. Bacteriophage (phage) therapy offers potential as an alternative treatment. However, the high host specificity of phages poses challenges for their therapeutic application. To broaden the phage spectrum, laboratory-based phage training using the Appelmans protocol was employed in this study. As a result, the protocol successfully expanded the host range of a phage cocktail targeting CRAB. Further analysis revealed that the expanded host range phages isolated from the output cocktail were identified as recombinant derivatives originating from prophages induced from encountered bacterial strains. These findings provide valuable genetic insights into the protocol's mechanism when applied to phages infecting A. baumannii strains that have never been investigated before. However, it is noteworthy that the expanded host range phages obtained from this protocol exhibited limited stability, raising concerns about their suitability for therapeutic purposes.

Brain Metastases Are Regulated by Immuno-inflammatory Signaling Pathways Governed by STAT3, MAPK and Tumor Suppressor p53 Status: Possible Therapeutic Targets.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Brain metastasis (BM) is a complex multi-step process involving various immune checkpoint proteins. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) are implicated in tumorigenesis and are critical upstream regulators of Programmed Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1), an immunotherapy target. Tumor suppressor p53, dysregulated in cancers, regulates STAT3 and ERK1/2 signaling. This study examined the roles of STAT3, MAPK and p53 status in BM initiation and maintenance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six BM, with various primary malignancies, were used (IRB-approved) to determine mutant p53 (p53mt), pSTAT3Tyr705, pERK1/2Thr202/Tyr204, and PD-L1 expression using immunohistochemistry. cDNA microarray was used for gene expression analysis. Brain-metastatic breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) were treated with STAT3 (NSC74859) or MAPK/ERK1/2 (U0126) inhibitors in regular or astrocytic media. ERK1/2 pathway was assessed using western blotting, and cell proliferation and migration were determined using MTT and scratch-wound assays, respectively. RESULTS: pSTAT3Tyr705 and pERK1/2Thr202/Tyr204 were expressed at tumor margins, whereas p53mt and PD-L1 were uniformly expressed, with significant overlap between expression of these proteins. Gene expression analysis identified alterations in 18 p53- and 32 STAT3- or MAPK-associated genes contributing to dysregulated immune responses and cell cycle regulation. U0126 and NSC74859 reduced pERK1/2Thr202/Tyr204 expression. Cell proliferation decreased following each treatment (p≤0.01). Migration stagnated following U0126 treatment in astrocytic media (p≤0.01). CONCLUSION: Activation of STAT3 and ERK1/2 promotes BM and provides compelling evidence for use of STAT3, ERK1/2 and p53 status as potential immunotherapeutic targets in BM.

Rol de la laparoscopia en el manejo del síndrome OHVIRA: reporte de un caso y su relación con la endometriosis / Role of laparoscopy in the management of OHVIRA syndrome: a case report and its relation to endometriosis

El síndrome de hemivagina obstruida y anomalía renal ipsilateral (OHVIRA) es producido por una alteración en el desarrollo de los conductos de Müller y Wolff en la vida fetal. El síndrome es poco frecuente, se reporta una prevalencia de 1/2.000 a 1/28.000 casos. La endometriosis se presenta en un 19% de los casos complicando esta patología. El tratamiento del síndrome OHVIRA consiste en resecar el tabique vaginal drenando el hematocolpos. Hasta el momento no existe un consenso en recomendar la realización de una laparoscopia diagnóstica. El objetivo de este estudio es reportar la eventual importancia de la laparoscopia diagnóstica/terapéutica como parte del manejo del síndrome OHVIRA.

Obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly (OHVIRA) syndrome is caused by a defect in the development of Müllerian and Wolffian ducts at fetal life. The syndrome is uncommon, with a reported prevalence of 1/2,000 to 1/28,000 cases. Endometriosis is present in 19% of cases complicating this pathology. Treatment of OHVIRA syndrome consists in resecting the vaginal septum and draining the hematocolpos. Until now there isnt an agreement on recommending diagnostic laparoscopy as part of the treatment. The aim of this study is to report the importance of diagnostic/therapeutic laparoscopy in the management of OHVIRA syndrome.

Investigation of the effect of visceral adiposity index on venous clinical severity score in patients with chronic venous insufficiency.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a common disease affecting millions worldwide. Age, obesity, female gender, sedentary life, and long-standing at work causing orthostasis have been identified as predisposing factors. OBJECTIVE: The visceral adiposity index (VAI) is an important indicator of abdominal obesity. Various studies in the cardiovascular field have shown that it may be more predictive than body mass index (BMI). METHODS: A total of 171 consecutive patients diagnosed with low-grade (C0-C3) superficial primary CVI in our clinic, between November 2021 and December 2022, were included in this prospective study. Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) values were calculated. The patients were divided into two groups according to their VCSS values (Group 1: VCSS ≤6 and Group 2: VCSS >6). RESULTS: There were 110 patients in Group 1 with a median age of 42 (18-50) years. There was no difference between the groups in terms of gender, smoking, hypertension frequency, height, weight, body mass index, hemoglobin values, lymphocyte, neutrophil, mean platelet volume, urea, creatinine, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, and total cholesterol values (p > .05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to reveal the predictive factors of high VCSS values in patients. As a result of the analysis, VAI (Odds Ratio (OR): 1.775; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.389-2.269; p < .001) and CRP (OR: 2.641; 95% CI: 1.431-4.875; p = .002) values were identified as independent predictors in predicting high VCSS values. CONCLUSION: This current study showed that high VAI values affect clinical complaints in patients with low-grade CVI. In line with our results, clinical recommendations can be made to reduce VAI values in low-stage CVI patients.

Independent predictors of systemic inflammatory response syndrome for intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures: Analysis of national inpatient sample database.

Background: The systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is a clinical reaction that can occur due to a variety of stimuli. Reamed intramedullary femoral nailing is a common orthopedic surgery that has been shown to induce SIRS. To date, no nationwide analyses have been performed to evaluate the incidence, risk factors, and economic burdens of SIRS following intramedullary femoral nailing for femoral shaft fractures. The objective of this study is to investigate the independent predictors, incidence, post-operative, and economic burden of SIRS among patients treated with intramedullary nailing for femoral shaft fractures. Methods: We utilized the 2016-2019 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) to identify patients who underwent intramedullary femoral nailing and were diagnosed with non-infectious SIRS (NI-SIRS) based on ICD-10-CM coding. Identified patients who underwent intramedullary femoral nailing were dichotomized into SIRS and Non-SIRS groups to assess independent predictors of SIRS development, and to compare post-operative complications and costs. Results: A total of 65,240 patients with femur shaft fractures underwent IMFN, of which 665 (1.0 %) developed NI-SIRS. Patients with NI-SIRS had a higher incidence of laparotomy (OR = 13.97, p < 0.001), initial treatment with external fixation (OR = 1.845, p < 0.001), and late application of external fixation (OR = 4.884, p = 0.005). Routine discharge (OR = 0.491, p < 0.001) was less likely in patients with NI-SIRS. Length of stay (12.38 days vs 7.16 days, p < 0.001) and total charges ($278, 590 vs $145,118, p < 0.001) were both increased in patients with NI-SIRS. Conclusion: NI-SIRS is associated with increasing injury severity and post-operative complications. Those that developed NI-SIRS experienced higher healthcare resource utilization. Risk factors associated with development of NI-SIRS warrant further investigation.

A double-hit: End-stage renal disease patients suffer worse outcomes in intracerebral hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) carries significant morbidity and mortality. Previous single-center retrospective analysis suggests that end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a risk factor for severe ICH and worse outcomes. This investigation aims to examine the impact of ESRD on ICH severity, complications, and outcomes using a multicenter national database. METHODS: The International Classification of Disease, Ninth and Tenth Revision Clinical Modification codes were used to query the National Inpatient Sample for patients with ICH and ESRD between 2010 and 2019. Primary endpoints were the functional outcome, length of stay (LOS), and in-hospital mortality. Multivariate variable regression models and a propensity-score matched analysis were established to analyze patient outcomes associated with baseline patient characteristics. RESULTS: We identified 211,266 patients with ICH, and among them, 7,864 (3.77%) patients had a concurrent diagnosis of ESRD. Patients with ESRD were younger (60.85 vs. 67.64, P < 0.01) and demonstrated increased ICH severity (0.78 vs. 0.77, P < 0.01). ESRD patients experienced higher rates of sepsis (15.9% vs. 6.15%, P < 0.01), acute myocardial infarction (8.05% vs. 3.65%, P < 0.01), and cardiac arrest (5.94% vs. 2.4%, P < 0.01). In addition, ESRD predicted poor discharge disposition (odds ratio [OR]: 2.385, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.227-2.555, P < 0.01), longer hospital LOS (OR: 1.629, 95% CI: 1.553-1.709, P < 0.01), and in-hospital mortality (OR: 2.786, 95% CI: 2.647-2.932, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study utilizes a multicenter database to analyze the effect of ESRD on ICH outcomes. ESRD is a significant predictor of poor functional outcomes, in-hospital mortality, and prolonged stay in the ICH population.