Association between preoperative white blood cell counts and thirty-day surgical mortality after craniotomy in adult intracranial tumor patients.

Objective: White blood cell (WBC) counts has been identified as a prognostic biomarker which frequently predict adverse outcomes and mortality risk in various conditions. However, evidence for the association between WBC counts and short-term outcomes after intracranial tumor resection remains limited. This study aimed to explore associations between preoperative WBC counts and thirty-day surgical mortality after craniotomy in adult intracranial tumor patients. Methods: This retrospective cohort study performed secondary analysis of 18,049 intracranial tumor craniotomy patients from the ACS NSQIP database (2012-2015). The major exposure and outcome were preoperative WBC counts and thirty-day surgical mortality, respectively. Cox regression modeling assessed the linear association between them. Non-linear associations between them were evaluated by conducting smooth curve fitting using an additive Cox proportional hazard model in conjunction with segmented linear regression modeling. Subgroup analysis and interaction testing assessed effect modification. Sensitivity analysis evaluated result robustness. Results: The total thirty-day surgical mortality after craniotomy was 2.49% (450/18,049). The mean of preoperative WBC counts was 9.501 ± 4.402 × 10^9/L. Fully adjusted model shows that elevated preoperative WBC counts was independently associated with increased thirty-day surgical mortality (HR = 1.057, 95%CI: 1.040, 1.076). Further analysis revealed a non-linear association between them: below a WBC threshold of 13.6 × 10^9/L, higher WBC counts elevated thirty-day mortality (HR = 1.117; 95%CI: 1.077, 1.158), while risk plateaued and no significant mortality rise occurred above this level (HR = 1.015, 95%CI: 0.982, 1.050). Steroid usage status has a significant effect modification on the WBC-mortality association (P for interaction = 0.002). The non-linear WBC-mortality association was only present for non-steroid users (HR = 1.158, 95%CI: 1.108, 1.210) but not steroid users (HR = 1.009, 95%CI: 0.966, 1.055). The sensitivity analysis confirmed the result robustness. Conclusion: Elevated preoperative WBC counts were independently and non-linearly associated with an increased risk of thirty-day surgical mortality in adult non-steroid use patients undergoing craniotomy for intracranial tumors. As a convenient predictor, preoperative WBC data allows improved risk profiling and personalized management in adult intracranial tumor patients.

Thirty-Day Readmissions After Hospitalization for Psoriatic Arthritis.

Background Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is correlated with higher rates of major adverse cardiovascular events and autoimmune disorders than the general population, leading to more frequent hospitalizations. This study assessed the rates and characteristics of index and 30-day readmissions among adults hospitalized for PsA and evaluated the indications and predictors of 30-day readmissions across the United States. Methodology We analyzed the 2020 Nationwide Readmissions Database for adult PsA hospitalizations using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. To compare baseline characteristics between index admissions and readmissions, we used chi-square tests. We used ranking commands to identify the most common indications for readmissions and multivariable Cox regression analysis to identify the predictors of readmissions. The primary endpoints were the rates and characteristics of index and 30-day readmissions. The secondary endpoint was the predictors of readmission within 30 days of index hospital discharge. Results Approximately 842 index hospitalizations for PsA were analyzed. Of these, 244 (29%) resulted in 30-day readmissions, with the primary causes being acute kidney failure, major depression, and heart failure. Readmitted patients had a mean age of 48.2 years (SD = 6.4 years) compared with 54.6 years (SD = 2.2 years) in index hospitalizations (p = 0.147). More readmitted patients were uninsured than index hospitalizations (18.6% vs. 4.4%; p = 0.015). The mean length of stay for readmissions was 7.2 days compared with 3.9 days for index admissions. The mean total hospital costs were US$31,424 for index admissions and US$60,147 for readmissions (p < 0.001). Significant differences in comorbidities such as hypertension (24.8% vs. 40.1%, p = 0.032), liver disease (29% vs. 7.9%, p = 0.020), uveitis (9.4% vs. 4.5%, p < 0.001), inflammatory bowel disease (8.6% vs. 3.8%, p < 0.001), and alcohol use disorder (29% vs. 7.8%, p = 0.002) were observed between readmissions and index admissions. Age <40 years (adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) = 2.35; p = 0.047), home healthcare (AHR = 5.87; p = 0.035), residence in the same state as the hospital (AHR = 1.24; p = 0.018), and secondary diagnoses of inflammatory bowel disease (AHR = 2.33; p < 0.001) or deep venous thrombosis (AHR = 3.80; p = 0.007) were correlated with an increased likelihood of readmission. Conclusions About one in three hospitalizations for PsA result in readmission within 30 days of initial discharge. Age <40 years, discharge to home healthcare, and a secondary diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease or deep venous thrombosis were correlated with an increased likelihood of readmission.

Semi-Kinematic Coupling Design and Analysis for Giant Steerable Science Mirror Prototype of Thirty Meter Telescope.

The Giant Steerable Science Mirror prototype is being developed to assess the tertiary mirror system of the Thirty Meter Telescope. In this study, a new semi-kinematic coupling design is proposed for the prototype based on three pairs of V-grooves and canoe-like components to allow for high repeatability accuracy under heavy loads. A mathematical model was constructed to estimate the repeatability accuracy using the corresponding measurement results and machining errors. The proposed design was verified by an experiment, and the results were consistent with the mathematical model. Furthermore, the results indicate that the repeatability of the semi-kinematic coupling is sufficient for the requirement.

Seven- and thirty-day mortality in digoxin poisoning: Results from the DIGITOX study.

BACKGROUND: Digoxin poisonings are relatively common and potentially fatal, requiring immediate therapeutic intervention, with special attention to the patient's hemodynamic status and the presence of electrocardiographic and electrolytic disturbances. OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with seven-day and thirty-day mortality in digoxin poisoning. DESIGN, SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS: A retrospective, observational, multicenter study was conducted across 15 Hospital Emergency Departments (HED) in Spain. All patients over 18 years of age who presented to participating HEDs from 2015 to 2021 were included. The inclusion criteria encompassed individuals meeting the criteria for digoxin poisoning, whether acute or chronic. OUTCOMES MEASURE AND ANALYSIS: To identify independent factors associated with 7-day and 30-day mortality, a multivariate analysis was conducted. This analysis included variables of clinical significance, as well as those exhibiting a trend (p < 0.1) or significance in the bivariate analysis. MAIN FINDINGS: A total of 658 cases of digoxin poisoning were identified. Mortality rates were 4.5% (30 patients) at seven days and 11.1% (73 patients) at thirty days. Regarding 7-day mortality, the mean age of deceased patients was comparable to survivors (84.7 (8.9) vs 83.9 (7.9) years; p = ns). The multivariate analysis revealed that factors independently associated with 7-day mortality encompassed the extent of dependence assessed by the Barthel Index (BI 60-89 OR 0.28; 95% CI 0.10-0.77; p = 0.014 and BI>90 OR 0.22; 95% CI 0.08-0.63; p = 0.005), the identification of ventricular arrhythmias (OR 1.34; 95% CI 1.34-25.21; p = 0.019), and the presence of circulatory (OR 2.84; 95% CI 1.19-6.27; p = 0.019) and neurological manifestations (OR 2.67; 95% CI 1.13-6.27; p = 0.025). Factors independently associated with 30-day mortality encompassed extent of dependence (BI 60-89 OR 0.37; 95% CI 0.20-0.71; p = 0.003 and BI>90 OR 0.18; 95% CI 0.09-0.39; p < 0.001) and the identification of circulatory (OR 2.13; 95% CI 1.10-4.15; p = 0.025) and neurological manifestations (OR 2.39; 95% CI 1.25-3.89; p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: The study identifies the degree of dependency assessed by the Barthel Index and the presence of cardiovascular and neurological symptoms as independent predictors of both 7-day and 30-day mortality. Additionally, the detection of ventricular arrhythmia is also an independent factor for 7-day mortality.

Utilization and short-term outcomes of percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion in patients with cancer.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) has been rapidly evolving since FDA's approval in 2015 and has become more of a same-day-discharge procedure. Cancer patient with atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF) population can benefit from the procedure but the in-hospital outcomes and readmission data were rarely studied. OBJECTIVES: We investigated the utilization, in-hospital and readmission outcomes in cancer patients with AF who underwent LAAO. METHODS: Data were derived from the National Inpatient Sample and National Readmissions Database from 2016 to 2019. Patients with primary diagnosis of AF admitted for LAAO (ICD-10 code 02L73DK) were grouped by cancer as a secondary diagnosis. We assessed in-hospital mortality, length of stay, total hospital charges, and complications. Thirty-day readmission rates were compared. RESULTS: LAAO was performed in 60,380 patients with AF and 3% were cancer patients. There were no differences in in-hospital mortality and total hospital charges; however, cancer patients tended to have longer hospital stay (1.59 ± 0.11 vs. 1.32 ± 0.02, p = 0.013). Among complications, cancer patients had higher rates in open or percutaneous pericardial drainage (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.38; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19-4.76) and major bleeding events (aOR 7.07; 95% CI 1.82-27.38). There was no statistical significance of 30-day readmission rates between patients with and without cancer (10.0% vs. 9.1%, p = 0.34). The most common readmission reason in cancer patients was gastrointestinal bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: LAAO is a promising procedure in cancer patients complicated by AF with contraindication to anticoagulation. Readmission rate is comparable between patients with and without cancer.

Etiologies and Predictors of 30-Day Readmission in Heart Failure: An Updated Analysis.

Background and Objectives: Readmissions in heart failure (HF), historically reported as 20%, contribute to significant patient morbidity and high financial cost to the healthcare system. The changing population landscape and risk factor dynamics mandate periodic epidemiologic reassessment of HF readmissions. Methods: National Readmission Database (NRD, 2019) was used to identify HF-related hospitalizations and evaluated for demographic, admission characteristics, and comorbidity differences between patients readmitted vs. those not readmitted at 30-days. Causes of readmission and predictors of all-cause, HF-specific, and non-HF-related readmissions were analyzed. Results: Of 48,971 HF patients, the readmitted cohort was younger (mean 67.4 vs. 68.9 years, p≤0.001), had higher proportion of males (56.3% vs. 53.7%), lowest income quartiles (33.3% vs. 28.9%), Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) ≥3 (61.7% vs. 52.8%), resource utilization including large bed-size hospitalizations, Medicaid enrollees, mean length of stay (6.2 vs. 5.4 days), and disposition to other facilities (23.9% vs. 20%) than non-readmitted. Readmission (30-day) rate was 21.2% (10,370) with cardiovascular causes in 50.3% (HF being the most common: 39%), and non-cardiac in 49.7%. Independent predictors for readmission were male sex, lower socioeconomic status, nonelective admissions, atrial fibrillation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, anemia, and CCI ≥3. HF-specific readmissions were significantly associated with prior coronary artery disease and Medicaid enrollment. Conclusions: Our analysis revealed cardiac and noncardiac causes of readmission were equally common for 30-day readmissions in HF patients with HF itself being the most common etiology highlighting the importance of addressing the comorbidities, both cardiac and non-cardiac, to mitigate the risk of readmission.

Risk Factors for Thirty-Day Readmission Following Lumbar Surgery: A Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Thirty-day readmission is one of the common complications after lumbar surgery. More 30-day readmission increases the total hospitalization, economic burden, and physical pain of patients, delays the progress of postoperative rehabilitation, and even lead to die. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the risk factors of 30-day readmission following lumbar surgery. METHODS: We searched for all the clinical trials published from the establishment of the database to May 1, 2022 through the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, and PubMed. Data including age, American Society of Anesthesiology physical status class, preoperative hematocrit (Hct), diabetes mellitus (DM), current smoker, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), length of hospital stay (LHS), operation time, and surgical site infection (SSI) were extracted. We used Review Manager 5.4 for data analysis. RESULTS: Six studies with 30,989 participants were eligible for this meta-analysis. The analysis revealed that there were statistically significant differences in the age (95% confidence interval [CI]: -3.35-2.90, P < 0.001), preoperative Hct (95% CI: 0.75-1.33, P < 0.001), DM (95% CI: 0.56-0.74, P < 0.001), COPD (95% CI: 0.38-0.58, P < 0.001), operation time (95% CI: -35.54-16.18, P < 0.001), LHS (95% CI: -0.54-0.50, P < 0.001), and SSI (95% CI: 0.02-0.03, P < 0.001) between no readmission and readmission groups. In terms of the American Society of Anesthesiology physical status class and current smoker, there was no significant effect on the 30-day readmission (P = 0.16 and P = 0.35 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Age, preoperative Hct, DM, COPD, operation time, LHS, and SSI are the danger factors of 30-day readmission following lumbar surgery.

Who Is at Risk of Death after Renal Trauma? An Analysis of Thirty-Day Mortality after 1,799 Cases of Renal Trauma.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to report the 30-day mortality (30DM) after renal trauma and identify the risk factors associated with death. METHODS: The TRAUMAFUF project was a retrospective multi-institutional study including all patients with renal trauma admitted to 17 French hospitals between 2005 and 2015. The included population focused on patients of all age groups who underwent renal trauma during the study period. The primary outcome was death within 30 days following trauma. The multivariate logistic regression model with a stepwise backward elimination was used to identify predictive factors of 30DM. RESULTS: Data on 1,799 renal trauma were recorded over the 10-year period. There were 59 deaths within 30 days of renal trauma, conferring a 30DM rate of 3.27%. Renal trauma was directly involved in 5 deaths (8.5% of all deaths, 0.3% of all renal trauma). Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that age >40 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.18; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.20-3.99; p = 0.01), hemodynamic instability (OR 4.67; 95% CI: 2.49-9; p < 0.001), anemia (OR 3.89; 95% CI: 1.94-8.37; p < 0.001), bilateral renal trauma (OR 6.77; 95% CI: 2.83-15.61; p < 0.001), arterial contrast extravasation (OR 2.09; 95% CI: 1.09-3.96; p = 0.02), and concomitant visceral and bone injuries (OR 6.57; 95% CI: 2.41-23.14; p < 0.001) were independent predictors of 30DM. CONCLUSION: Our large multi-institutional study supports that the 30DM of 3.27% after renal trauma is due to the high degree of associated injuries and was rarely a consequence of renal trauma alone. Age >40 years, hemodynamic instability, anemia, bilateral renal trauma, arterial contrast extravasation, and concomitant visceral and bone lesions were predictors of death. These results can help clinicians to identify high-risk patients.

Understanding the incidence and timing of rabies cases in domestic animals and wildlife in south-east Tanzania in the presence of widespread domestic dog vaccination campaigns.

The "Zero by 30" strategic plan aims to eliminate human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030 and domestic dog vaccination is a vital component of this strategic plan. In areas where domestic dog vaccination has been implemented, it is important to assess the impact of this intervention. Additionally, understanding temporal and seasonal trends in the incidence of animal rabies cases may assist in optimizing such interventions. Data on the incidence of probable rabies cases in domestic and wild animals were collected between January 2011 and December 2018 in thirteen districts of south-east Tanzania where jackals comprise over 40% of reported rabies cases. Vaccination coverage was estimated over this period, as five domestic dog vaccination campaigns took place in all thirteen districts between 2011 and 2016. Negative binomial generalized linear models were used to explore the impact of domestic dog vaccination on the annual incidence of animal rabies cases, whilst generalized additive models were used to investigate the presence of temporal and/or seasonal trends. Increases in domestic dog vaccination coverage were significantly associated with a decreased incidence of rabies cases in both domestic dogs and jackals. A 35% increase in vaccination coverage was associated with a reduction in the incidence of probable dog rabies cases of between 78.0 and 85.5% (95% confidence intervals ranged from 61.2 to 92.2%) and a reduction in the incidence of probable jackal rabies cases of between 75.3 and 91.2% (95% confidence intervals ranged from 53.0 to 96.1%). A statistically significant common seasonality was identified in the monthly incidence of probable rabies cases in both domestic dogs and jackals with the highest incidence from February to August and lowest incidence from September to January. These results align with evidence supporting the use of domestic dog vaccination as part of control strategies aimed at reducing animal rabies cases in both domestic dogs and jackals in this region. The presence of a common seasonal trend requires further investigation but may have implications for the timing of future vaccination campaigns.

In-Hospital Mortality Rate and Predictors of 30-Day Readmission in Patients With Heart Failure Exacerbation and Atrial Fibrillation: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and Objectives: Heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are considered new cardiovascular epidemics of the last decade. Recent national trends show an uptrend in HF hospitalizations. We aimed to identify the 30-day readmission rate, causes, and impact on healthcare utilization in HF exacerbation with a history of AF. Methods: We utilized 2018 Nationwide readmission data and included patients aged ≥18 years with International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification code indicating HF exacerbation and AF were included in the study. Primary outcome is 30-day readmission rates. Secondary outcomes were mortality rates, common causes of readmission, and healthcare utilization. Independent predictors for readmission were identified using cox regression analysis. Results: The total number of admissions in our study was 48,250. The mean age was 77.8 years (standard deviation, 12.1), and 47.74% were females. The 30-day readmission rate was 16.72%. The mortality rate at index admission and readmission was 7.28% and 8.12%, respectively. The most common cause of readmission was the hypertensive heart and kidney disease with HF. The independent predictors of readmission were low socio-economic class, Medicaid, Charlson comorbidities score. The financial burden on healthcare for all the readmission was $461 million for the year 2018. Conclusions: The 30-day readmission rate was 16.72%. The mortality rate increased from 7.28% to 8.12% with readmission. The financial burden for readmission during that year was $461 million. Future studies directed with interventions to prevents readmissions are warranted.

Timing of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the treatment of acute cholangitis of different severity.

BACKGROUND: The optimal timing of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in acute cholangitis (AC) is uncertain, especially in patients with AC of varying severity. AIM: To report whether the timing of ERCP is associated with outcomes in AC patients with different severities. METHODS: According to the 2018 Tokyo guidelines, 683 patients who met the definite diagnostic criteria for AC were retrospectively identified. The results were first compared between patients receiving ERCP ≤ 24 h and > 24 h and then between patients receiving ERCP ≤ 48 h and > 48 h. Subgroup analyses were performed in patients with grade I, II or III AC. The primary outcome was 30-d mortality. Secondary outcomes were intensive care unit (ICU) admission rate, length of hospital stay (LOHS) and 30-d readmission rate. RESULTS: Taking 24 h as the critical value, compared with ERCP > 24 h, malignant biliary obstruction as a cause of AC was significantly less common in the ERCP ≤ 24 h group (5.2% vs 11.5%). The proportion of cardiovascular dysfunction (11.2% vs 2.6%), respiratory dysfunction (14.2% vs 5.3%), and ICU admission (11.2% vs 4%) in the ERCP ≤ 24 h group was significantly higher, while the LOHS was significantly shorter (median, 6 d vs 7 d). Stratified by the severity of AC, higher ICU admission was only observed in grade III AC and shorter LOHS was only observed in grade I and II AC. There were no significant differences in 30-d mortality between groups, either in the overall population or in patients with grade I, II or III AC. With 48 h as the critical value, compared with ERCP > 48 h, the proportion of choledocholithiasis as the cause of AC was significantly higher in the ERCP ≤ 48 h group (81.5% vs 68.3%). The ERCP ≤ 48 h group had significantly lower 30-d mortality (0 vs 1.9%) and shorter LOHS (6 d vs 8 d). Stratified by AC severity, lower 30-d mortality (0 vs 6.1%) and higher ICU admission rates (22.2% vs 10.2%) were only observed in grade III AC, and shorter LOHS was only observed in grade I and II AC. In the multivariate analysis, cardiovascular dysfunction and time to ERCP were two independent factors associated with 30-d mortality. CONCLUSION: ERCP ≤ 48 h conferred a survival benefit in patients with grade III AC. Early ERCP shortened the LOHS in patients with grade I and II AC.

Sex-Based Differences in 30-Day Readmissions After Cardiac Arrest: Analysis of the Nationwide Readmissions Database.

Background There are limited data on the sex-based differences in the outcome of readmission after cardiac arrest. Methods and Results Using the Nationwide Readmissions Database, we analyzed patients hospitalized with cardiac arrest between 2010 and 2015. Based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes, we identified comorbidities, therapeutic interventions, and outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the independent association between sex and outcomes. Of 835 894 patients, 44.4% (n=371 455) were women, of whom 80.7% presented with pulseless electrical activity (PEA)/asystole. Women primarily presented with PEA/asystole (80.7% versus 72.4%) and had a greater comorbidity burden than men, as assessed using the Elixhauser Comorbidity Score. Thirty-day readmission rates were higher in women than men in both PEA/asystole (20.8% versus 19.6%) and ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation arrests (19.4% versus 17.1%). Among ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation arrest survivors, women were more likely than men to be readmitted because of noncardiac causes, predominantly infectious, respiratory, and gastrointestinal illnesses. Among PEA/asystole survivors, women were at higher risk for all-cause (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.07; [95% CI, 1.03-1.11]), cardiac-cause (aOR, 1.15; [95% CI, 1.06-1.25]), and noncardiac-cause (aOR, 1.13; [95% CI, 1.04-1.22]) readmission. During the index hospitalization, women were less likely than men to receive therapeutic procedures, including coronary angiography and targeted therapeutic management. While the crude case fatality rate was higher in women, in both ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (51.8% versus 47.4%) and PEA/asystole (69.3% versus 68.5%) arrests, sex was not independently associated with increased crude case fatality after adjusting for differences in baseline characteristics. Conclusions Women are at increased risk of readmission following cardiac arrest, independent of comorbidities and therapeutic interventions.

Thirty-Day Readmission Rate Among Patients With Hypertensive Crisis: A Nationwide Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hypertensive crisis is a life-threatening condition, further classified as hypertensive emergency and hypertensive urgency based on the presence or absence of acute or progressive end-organ damage, respectively. Readmissions in hypertensive emergency have been studied before. We aimed to analyze 30-day readmissions using recent data and more specific ICD-10-CM coding in patients with hypertensive crisis. METHODS: In a retrospective study using the National Readmission Database 2018, we collected data on 129,239 patients admitted with the principal diagnosis of hypertensive crisis. The primary outcome was the all-cause 30-day readmission rate. Secondary outcomes were common causes of readmission, in-hospital mortality, resource utilization, and independent predictors of readmission. We also compared outcomes between patients with hypertensive urgency and hypertensive emergency. RESULTS: Among 128,942 patients discharged alive, 13,768 (10.68%) were readmitted within 30 days; the most common cause of readmission was hypertensive crisis (19%). In-hospital mortality for readmissions (1.5%) was higher than for index admissions (0.2%, P < 0.01). Mean length of stay for readmissions was 4.5 days. The mean hospital cost associated with readmissions was $10,950, and total hospital costs were $151 million. Age <65 years and female sex were independent predictors of higher readmission rates. Subgroup analysis revealed a higher readmission rate for hypertensive emergency than hypertensive urgency (11.7% vs. 10%, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: All-cause 30-day readmission rates are high in patients admitted with hypertensive crisis, especially patients with hypertensive emergency. Higher in-hospital mortality and resource utilization are associated with readmission in these patients.

Predictors of reoperation after surgery for spinal epidural abscess.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Spinal epidural abscess is a rare but severe condition with high rates of postoperative adverse events. PURPOSE: The objective of the study was to identify independent prognostic factors for reoperation using two datasets: an institutional and national database. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective Review. PATIENT SAMPLE: Database 1: Review of five medical centers from 1993 to 2016. Database 2: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) was queried between 2012 and 2016. OUTCOME MEASURES: Thirty-day and ninety-day reoperation rate. METHODS: Two independent datasets were reviewed to identify patients with spinal epidural abscesses undergoing spinal surgery. Multivariate analyses were used to determine independent prognostic factors for reoperation while including factors identified in bivariate analyses. RESULTS: Overall, 642 patients underwent surgery for a spinal epidural abscess in the institutional cohort, with a 90-day unplanned reoperation rate of 19.9%. In the NSQIP database, 951 patients were identified with a 30-day unplanned reoperation rate of 12.3%. On multivariate analysis in the NSQIP database, cervical spine abscess was the only factor that reached significance for 30-day reoperation (OR=1.71, 95% CI=1.11-2.63, p=.02, Area under the curve (AUC)=0.61). On multivariate analysis in the institutional cohort, independent prognostic factors for 30-day reoperation were: preoperative urinary incontinence, ventral location of abscess relative to thecal sac, cervical abscess, preoperative wound infection, and leukocytosis (AUC=0.65). Ninety-day reoperation rate also found hypoalbuminemia as a significant predictor (AUC=0.66). CONCLUSION: Six novel independent prognostic factors were identified for 90-day reoperation after surgery for a spinal epidural abscess. The multivariable analysis fairly predicts reoperation, indicating that there may be additional factors that need to be uncovered in future studies. The risk factors delineated in this study through the use of two large cohorts of spinal epidural abscess patients can be used to improve preoperative risk stratification and patient management.

Thirty-day hospital readmission rate, reasons, and risk factors after acute inpatient cancer rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the 30-day hospital readmission rate, reasons, and risk factors for patients with cancer who were discharged to home setting after acute inpatient rehabilitation. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This was a secondary retrospective analysis of participants in a completed prospective survey study that assessed the continuity of care and functional safety concerns upon discharge and 30 days after discharge in adults. Patients were enrolled from September 5, 2018, to February 7, 2020, at a large academic quaternary cancer center with National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center designation. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Thirty-day hospital readmission rate, descriptive summary of reasons for readmissions, and statistical analyses of risk factors related to readmission. RESULTS: Fifty-five (21%) of the 257 patients were readmitted to hospital within 30 days of discharge from acute inpatient rehabilitation. The reasons for readmissions were infection (20, 7.8%), neoplasm (9, 3.5%), neurological (7, 2.7%), gastrointestinal disorder (6, 2.3%), renal failure (3, 1.1%), acute coronary syndrome (3, 1.1%), heart failure (1, 0.4%), fracture (1, 0.4%), hematuria (1, 0.4%), wound (1, 0.4%), nephrolithiasis (1, 0.4%), hypervolemia (1, 0.4%), and pain (1, 0.4%). Multivariate logistic regression modeling indicated that having a lower locomotion score (OR = 1.29; 95% CI, 1.07-1.56; p = 0.007) at discharge, having an increased number of medications (OR = 1.12; 95% CI, 1.01-1.25; p = 0.028) at discharge, and having a lower hemoglobin at discharge (OR = 1.31; 95% CI, 1.03-1.66; p = 0.031) were independently associated with 30-day readmission. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: Among adult patients with cancer discharged to home setting after acute inpatient rehabilitation, the 30-day readmission rate of 21% was higher than that reported for other rehabilitation populations but within the range reported for patients with cancer who did not undergo acute inpatient rehabilitation.

Leaders and Laggards in Life Expectancy Among European Scholars From the Sixteenth to the Early Twentieth Century.

When did mortality first start to decline, and among whom? We build a large, new data set with more than 30,000 scholars covering the sixteenth to the early twentieth century to analyze the timing of the mortality decline and the heterogeneity in life expectancy gains among scholars in the Holy Roman Empire. The large sample size, well-defined entry into the risk group, and heterogeneity in social status are among the key advantages of the new database. After recovering from a severe mortality crisis in the seventeenth century, life expectancy among scholars started to increase as early as in the eighteenth century, well before the Industrial Revolution. Our finding that members of scientific academies-an elite group among scholars-were the first to experience mortality improvements suggests that 300 years ago, individuals with higher social status already enjoyed lower mortality. We also show, however, that the onset of mortality improvements among scholars in medicine was delayed, possibly because these scholars were exposed to pathogens and did not have germ theory knowledge that might have protected them. The disadvantage among medical professionals decreased toward the end of the nineteenth century. Our results provide a new perspective on the historical timing of mortality improvements, and the database accompanying our study facilitates replication and extensions.

Hospital outcomes and early readmission for the most common gastrointestinal and liver diseases in the United States: Implications for healthcare delivery.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal (GI) and liver diseases contribute to substantial inpatient morbidity, mortality, and healthcare resource utilization. Finding ways to reduce the economic burden of healthcare costs and the impact of these diseases is of crucial importance. Thirty-day readmission rates and related hospital outcomes can serve as objective measures to assess the impact of and provide further insights into the most common GI ailments. AIM: To identify the thirty-day readmission rates with related predictors and outcomes of hospitalization of the most common GI and liver diseases in the United States. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of the 2012 National Inpatient Sample was performed to identify the 13 most common GI diseases. The 2013 Nationwide Readmission Database was then queried with specific International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Primary outcomes were mortality (index admission, calendar-year), hospitalization costs, and thirty-day readmission and secondary outcomes were predictors of thirty-day readmission. RESULTS: For the year 2013, the thirteen most common GI diseases contributed to 2.4 million index hospitalizations accounting for about $25 billion. The thirty-day readmission rates were highest for chronic liver disease (25.4%), Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infection (23.6%), functional/motility disorders (18.5%), inflammatory bowel disease (16.3%), and GI bleeding (15.5%). The highest index and subsequent calendar-year hospitalization mortality rates were chronic liver disease (6.1% and 12.6%), C. difficile infection (2.3% and 6.1%), and GI bleeding (2.2% and 5.0%), respectively. Thirty-day readmission correlated with any subsequent admission mortality (r = 0.798, P = 0.001). Medicare/Medicaid insurances, ≥ 3 Elixhauser comorbidities, and length of stay > 3 d were significantly associated with thirty-day readmission for all the thirteen GI diseases. CONCLUSION: Preventable and non-chronic GI disease contributed to a significant economic and health burden comparable to chronic GI conditions, providing a window of opportunity for improving healthcare delivery in reducing its burden.

Reservoir dynamics of rabies in south-east Tanzania and the roles of cross-species transmission and domestic dog vaccination.

Understanding the role of different species in the transmission of multi-host pathogens, such as rabies virus, is vital for effective control strategies. Across most of sub-Saharan Africa domestic dogs Canis familiaris are considered the reservoir for rabies, but the role of wildlife has been long debated. Here we explore the multi-host transmission dynamics of rabies across south-east Tanzania.Between January 2011 and July 2019, data on probable rabies cases were collected in the regions of Lindi and Mtwara. Hospital records of animal-bite patients presenting to healthcare facilities were used as sentinels for animal contact tracing. The timing, location and species of probable rabid animals were used to reconstruct transmission trees to infer who infected whom and the relative frequencies of within- and between-species transmission.During the study, 688 probable human rabies exposures were identified, resulting in 47 deaths. Of these exposures, 389 were from domestic dogs (56.5%) and 262 from jackals (38.1%). Over the same period, 549 probable animal rabies cases were traced: 303 in domestic dogs (55.2%) and 221 in jackals (40.3%), with the remainder in domestic cats and other wildlife species.Although dog-to-dog transmission was most commonly inferred (40.5% of transmission events), a third of inferred events involved wildlife-to-wildlife transmission (32.6%), and evidence suggested some sustained transmission chains within jackal populations.A steady decline in probable rabies cases in both humans and animals coincided with the implementation of widespread domestic dog vaccination during the first 6 years of the study. Following the lapse of this program, dog rabies cases began to increase in one of the northernmost districts. Synthesis and applications. In south-east Tanzania, despite a relatively high incidence of rabies in wildlife and evidence of wildlife-to-wildlife transmission, domestic dogs remain essential to the reservoir of infection. Continued dog vaccination alongside improved surveillance would allow a fuller understanding of the role of wildlife in maintaining transmission in this area. Nonetheless, dog vaccination clearly suppressed rabies in both domestic dog and wildlife populations, reducing both public health and conservation risks and, if sustained, has potential to eliminate rabies from this region.

Preoperative atrial fibrillation in association with reduced haemoglobin predicts increased 30-d mortality after cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia occurring after cardiac surgery. Less attention has been focused on preoperative atrial fibrillation and anaemia as risk factors for mortality after cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to determine preoperative risk factors for 30-d mortality after open-heart surgery. Design. The study population consisted of 2015 patients (73.4% men; mean age 68 years) undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (52.0%), aortic valve replacement (AVR) (18.6%), AVR and CABG (10.0%), mitral valve plasty or replacement (14.0%), and AVR and aortic root reconstruction (ARR) (5.5%) in Kuopio University Hospital from January 2013 to December 2016. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used for statistical analyses. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated. Results. Total 30-d mortality was 1.8%. By Cox regression analysis, predictors of 30-d mortality (hazard ratio [HR] [95% confidence interval [CI]]) included female gender (1.95 [1.00-3.77]), preoperative atrial fibrillation, (2.38 [1.12-5.03]) reduced haemoglobin level (3.40 [1.47-7.90]), and pulmonary congestion (3.16 [1.52-6.55]). The combination of preoperative reduced haemoglobin and preoperative atrial fibrillation was a strong predictor (12.37 [4.40-34.77], p < .001). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) predicted 30-d mortality in univariate models but was not an independent predictor in multivariate models. Conclusions. According to the main findings of our study, the combination of preoperative atrial fibrillation and reduced haemoglobin level substantially increase the risk of 30-d mortality after cardiac surgery. Identification of high-risk patients pre-operatively could help to make optimal clinical decisions for timing of operation and perioperative treatment.

A quick, accurate and general ultra performance liquid chromatography method for evaluating the quality of enological tannins.

Commercial enological tannins from various origins have been widely used in modern wine making. In order to investigate the diverse quality of tannin products, a quick, accurate and simple UPLC method was developed, which could simultaneously determine 11 principle characteristic components of hydrolysable tannins and condensed tannins. The optimum resolution of the tannins was achieved on a Waters Acquity UPLC-BEH C18 column (2.1 mm × 50 mm, 1.7 µm) at 280 nm with gradient elution. The method was validated to achieve desired specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy and stability. The developed method was successfully applied to 30 commercial enological tannins from different origins for their quality evaluation. The 30 tannin samples were qualitatively distinguished into hydrolysable, condensed or mixture tannins, and quantificationally classified into four levels of excellent, good, fair and poor products. The method could be used for quick evaluating the quality of enological tannins in practical use.