Pseudopropionibacterium propionicum as a Cause of Empyema; A Diagnosis with Next-Generation Sequencing.

Pseudopropionibacterium propionicum (P.p.) is an anaerobic, Gram-positive, branching beaded rod that is a component of the human microbiome. An infection of the thoracic cavity with P.p. can mimic tuberculosis (TB), nocardiosis, and malignancy. We present a case of a 77-year-old male who presented with dyspnea and a productive cough who was initially misdiagnosed with TB based on positive acid-fast staining of a pleural biopsy specimen and an elevated adenosine deaminase level of the pleural fluid. He was then diagnosed with nocardiosis based on the Gram stain of his pleural fluid that showed a Gram-positive beaded and branching rod. The pleural fluid specimen was culture-negative, but the diagnosis of thoracic P.p. infection was determined with next-generation sequencing (NGS). The patient was initially treated with imipenem and minocycline, then ceftriaxone and minocycline, and later changed to minocycline only. This report shows the utility of NGS in making a microbiological diagnosis when other techniques either failed to provide a result (culture) or gave misleading information (histopathologic exam, pleural fluid adenosine deaminase determination, and organism morphology on Gram stain).

NSAIDs do not reduce severity among post-ERCP pancreatitis patients.

OBJECTIVE: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most studied chemoprophylaxis for post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP). While previous systematic reviews have shown NSAIDs reduce PEP, their impact on moderate to severe PEP (MSPEP) is unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to understand the impact of NSAIDs on MSPEP among patients who developed PEP. We later surveyed physicians' understanding of that impact. DESIGN: A systematic search for randomized trials using NSAIDs for PEP prevention was conducted. Pooled-prevalence and Odds-ratio of PEP, MSPEP were compared between treated vs. control groups. Analysis was performed using R software. Random-effects model was used for all variables. Physicians were surveyed via email before and after reviewing our results. RESULTS: 7688 patients in 25 trials were included. PEP was significantly reduced to 0.598 (95%CI, 0.47-0.76) in the NSAIDs group. Overall burden of MSPEP was reduced among all patients undergoing ERCP: OR 0.59 (95%CI, 0.42-0.83). However, NSAIDs didn't affect the proportion of MSPEP among those who developed PEP (p = 0.658). Rectal Indomethacin and diclofenac reduced PEP but not MSPEP. Efficacy didn't vary by risk, timing of administration, or bias-risk. Survey revealed a change in the impression of the effect of NSAIDs on MSPEP after reviewing our results. CONCLUSIONS: Rectal diclofenac or indomethacin before or after ERCP reduce the overall burden of MSPEP by reducing the pool of PEP from which it can arise. However, the proportion of MSPEP among patients who developed PEP is unaffected. Therefore, NSAIDs prevent initiation of PEP, but do not affect severity among those that develop PEP. Alternative modalities are needed to reduce MSPEP among patients who develop PEP.

Outcomes of total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Despite the increased use of total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT), systematic evidence of its outcomes remains limited. AIM: To evaluate the outcomes of TPIAT. METHODS: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases from inception through March 2019 for studies on TPIAT outcomes. Data were extracted and analyzed using comprehensive meta-analysis software. The random-effects model was used for all variables. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 measure and Cochrane Q-statistic. Publication bias was assessed using Egger's test. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies published between 1980 and 2017 examining 1011 patients were included. Eighteen studies were of adults, while three studied pediatric populations. Narcotic independence was achieved in 53.5% [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 45-62, P < 0.05, I2 = 81%] of adults compared to 51.9% (95%CI: 17-85, P < 0.05, I2 = 84%) of children. Insulin-independence post-procedure was achieved in 31.8% (95%CI: 26-38, P < 0.05, I2 = 64%) of adults with considerable heterogeneity compared to 47.7% (95%CI: 20-77, P < 0.05, I2 = 82%) in children. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) 12 mo post-surgery was reported in four studies with a pooled value of 6.76% (P = 0.27). Neither stratification by age of the studied population nor meta-regression analysis considering both the study publication date and the islet-cell-equivalent/kg weight explained the marked heterogeneity between studies. CONCLUSION: These results indicate acceptable success for TPIAT. Future studies should evaluate the discussed measures before and after surgery for comparison.

Exploration of Protein Aggregations in Parkinson's Disease Through Computational Approaches and Big Data Analytics.

Protein aggregation has been implicated in numerous neurodegenerative disorders whose etiologies are poorly understood, and for which there are no effective treatments. Here we show that the computational approaches may help us to better understand the basics of Parkinson's disease (PD). The high-resolution structural, dynamical, and mechanistic insights delivered by computational studies of protein aggregation have a unique potential to enable the rational manipulation of oligomer formation. Additionally, big data and machine learning methods may provide valuable insights to better understand the nature of proteins involved in PD and their aggregative behavior for the betterment of PD treatment.

Oral vancomycin prophylaxis for the prevention of Clostridium difficile infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Recently, oral vancomycin prophylaxis (OVP) has been suggested for the prevention of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy and safety of this approach. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: We conducted a computerized search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases from inception to March 2019 for publications investigating OVP for CDI prevention. Results were screened for eligibility. Relevant data were extracted and analyzed. Publication bias was assessed using the Egger test. RESULTS: Ultimately, 8 retrospective studies and 1 prospective study examining 2174 patients, published between 2016 and 2019 were included in the review. OVP was associated with decreased CDI (odds ratio, 0.263; 95% confidence interval, 0.13-0.52) with considerable heterogeneity (I2 = 61%). Meta-regression showed that total daily dose of OVP correlated with CDI, explaining 100% of heterogeneity between studies. Furthermore, 3 studies evaluated the risk of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infection after OVP and found no significant increase. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that OVP might decrease CDI rates in at-risk populations, although this conclusion should be interpreted with caution. Higher daily doses of OVP might increase CDI. Although the use of OVP in high-risk patients may reduce CDI, this suggestion has yet to be validated by prospective blinded randomized controlled trials.

Primary Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma of the Sigmoid Colon.

Primary gastrointestinal lymphoma is the most common type of extra-nodal lymphoma, representing about 30%-50% of all extra-nodal involvement. The stomach is the most common site, with the colon and rectum accounting for a minority of occurrences. Primary colorectal lymphoma is uncommon, representing only 0.3% of all large intestinal malignancies and approximately 3% of gastrointestinal (GI) lymphomas, with the majority of these being B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) being the most common subtype. We present a case of an 85-year-old male who presented with symptoms suggestive of bowel obstruction, who, after further evaluation, was diagnosed with primary non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the colon, DLBCL subtype.

Factors That Affect Prevalence of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth in Chronic Pancreatitis: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression.

OBJECTIVES: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) can complicate chronic pancreatitis (CP) and interfere with management. Its predisposing factors in CP and treatment response are unknown. In this review, we evaluated factors affecting disease burden. METHODS: A computerized search of PubMed and EMBASE databases from inception through May 2019 was done for studies correlating SIBO with CP. Studies were screened, and relevant data were extracted and analyzed. Pooled prevalence, odds ratio (OR), and meta-regression were performed using the random effects model as classically described by Borenstein et al. (2009). SIBO's relation to diabetes mellitus (DM), pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI), narcotic use, and proton-pump inhibitor use was investigated. Treatment response was pooled across studies. P value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: In 13 studies containing 518 patients with CP, SIBO prevalence was 38.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.5-53.5). OR for SIBO in CP vs controls was 5.58 (95% CI 2.26-13.75). Meta-regression showed that PEI and the diagnostic test used were able to explain 54% and 43% of the variance in SIBO prevalence across studies, respectively. DM and PEI were associated with increased SIBO in CP with OR (2.1, 95% CI 1.2-3.5) and OR (2.5, 95% CI 1.3-4.8), respectively. Symptomatic improvement was reported in 76% of patients after SIBO treatment. DISCUSSION: SIBO complicates 38% of CP with OR of 5.58 indicating a predisposition for this condition. PEI correlates with SIBO in CP and might play a role in pathophysiology. DM and PEI are associated with increased SIBO in CP. Treatment of SIBO may lead to symptomatic improvement.

Cardiovascular Dysfunction Presenting as Autonomic Dysreflexia in a Patient with Spinal Cord Injury.

Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) is a medical emergency that is characterized by hypertension as an autonomic response to noxious stimuli in patients with a history of spinal cord injury at the level of T6 or above. We present the case of a 31-year-old Caucasian male with a history of spinal cord injury at the level of C3-C4, with symptoms described as recurring episodes of hypertension with flushing and sweating above the level of the lesion for the past five to six years. His symptoms are triggered by bowel distention, excitement, a bumpy car ride, or a simple turning of the neck to the left. Physical examination and laboratory studies ruled out other possible differentials (e.g., migraines, pheochromocytoma). As a result, AD was diagnosed.

Transitional Vertebra and Spina Bifida Occulta Related with Chronic Low Back Pain in a Young Patient.

Bertolotti's syndrome (BS) must be considered as a differential diagnosis in a young patient presenting with low back pain (LBP). We present a case of a 26-year-old male complaining of mild chronic LBP for six years, radiating to his left thigh for the past six months. He has been taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with skeletal muscle relaxants for pain relief. The X-ray and computed tomography (CT) imagings showed congenital enlargement of the left transverse process of the fifth lumbar (L5) vertebra forming pseudo-articulation with the sacrum and unilateral pars interarticularis defect at the L4 level on the left side, respectively. He has managed with gabapentin 100 mg three times a day for his neuropathic left leg pain. On follow-up, the patient reported that his pain has improved with gabapentin and it decreased from 8/10 to 4/10 on the visual analogue scale.

Mixed Connective Tissue Disorder Complicated by Polymyositis, Sjogren's Syndrome, Pleural Effusion and Pericarditis.

We report a case of a 24-year-old female with a history of asthma and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). She presented to the emergency room with severe chest pain, chest tightness, and shortness of breath following an upper respiratory tract infection. The patient reported that she had a cough and runny nose one week prior to this presentation, followed by a sudden sharp pain in the center of the chest 8/10 in intensity on the visual analog scale and pleuritic in nature, which aggravated by deep breathing and lying down flat. It was relieved by sitting up straight and did not radiate to her left arm or jaw. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest, posteroanterior and lateral views, showed a mild left pleural effusion with adjacent left basilar atelectasis/infiltrate. CT angiography of the chest with axial contrast showed mild left pleural effusion as well as a small pericardial effusion with bilateral lower lobe interstitial infiltrates. There was no evidence of pulmonary embolism. Electrocardiogram (EKG) showed no apparent ST segment elevation or depression that would be consistent with pericarditis, or acute ischemia or infarct. There was non-specific T wave abnormality. The patient was prescribed prednisone on a tapering dose. On follow-up visit, her condition significantly improved.