Intussusception and Gut Dysmotility: A Systematic Review Assessing Unexpected Complications of Bariatric Surgery.

Bariatric surgery, although effective in treating obesity-related comorbidities, rarely results in intussusception, which is a severe complication. This study aimed to enhance clinical practice and establish early diagnosis by elucidating risk factors and management strategies associated with intussusception. We conducted this systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis 2020 criteria. We looked through PubMed, PubMed Central, ScienceDirect, ScienceOpen, MyScienceWork, Hyper Articles en Ligne (HAL), Google Scholar, and the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online for relevant studies and research. Articles were screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, and relevance. We employed pertinent quality appraisal instruments to look for bias. Initially, we discovered 2,833 items. We eliminated redundant and unnecessary publications. After reviewing all the articles, we selected 30 studies based on their titles and abstracts. Out of the 30 studies reviewed, 12 papers were included in this review, with the remaining 18 being eliminated due to low quality. Medical practitioners and surgeons have a responsibility to meticulously monitor and provide postoperative surveillance, with a particular emphasis placed on individuals exhibiting symptoms of abdominal pain and vomiting, as there is a clinical imperative to consider the possibility of intussusception. The management approach, whether conservative or surgical, remains contingent upon the clinical context.

Impact of artificial intelligence on the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of endometrial cancer.

Endometrial cancer is one of the most prevalent tumours in females and holds an 83% survival rate within 5 years of diagnosis. Hypoestrogenism is a major risk factor for the development of endometrial carcinoma (EC) therefore two major types are derived, type 1 being oestrogen-dependent and type 2 being oestrogen independent. Surgery, chemotherapeutic drugs, and radiation therapy are only a few of the treatment options for EC. Treatment of gynaecologic malignancies greatly depends on diagnosis or prognostic prediction. Diagnostic imaging data and clinical course prediction are the two core pillars of artificial intelligence (AI) applications. One of the most popular imaging techniques for spotting preoperative endometrial cancer is MRI, although this technique can only produce qualitative data. When used to classify patients, AI improves the effectiveness of visual feature extraction. In general, AI has the potential to enhance the precision and effectiveness of endometrial cancer diagnosis and therapy. This review aims to highlight the current status of applications of AI in endometrial cancer and provide a comprehensive understanding of how recent advancements in AI have assisted clinicians in making better diagnosis and improving prognosis of endometrial cancer. Still, additional study is required to comprehend its strengths and limits fully.

Association of Cannabis Use Disorder with Major Adverse Cardiac and Cerebrovascular Events in Older Non-Tobacco Users: A Population-Based Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Tobacco use disorder (TUD) adversely impacts older patients with established cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. However, CVD risk in chronic habitual cannabis users without the confounding impact of TUD hasn't been explored. We aimed to determine the risk of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in older non-tobacco smokers with established CVD risk with vs. without cannabis use disorder (CUD). METHODS: We queried the 2019 National Inpatient Sample for hospitalized non-tobacco smokers with established traditional CVD risk factors aged ≥65 years. Relevant ICD-10 codes were used to identify patients with vs. without CUD. Using multivariable logistic regression, we evaluated the odds of MACCE in CUD cohorts compared to non-CUD cohorts. RESULTS: Prevalence of CUD in the sample was 0.3% (28,535/10,708,815, median age 69), predominantly male, black, and non-electively admitted from urban teaching hospitals. Of the older patients with CVD risk with CUD, 13.9% reported MACCE. The CUD cohort reported higher odds of MACCE (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.11-1.29, p < 0.001) compared to the non-CUD cohort. Comorbidities such as hypertension (OR 1.9) and hyperlipidemia (OR 1.3) predicted a higher risk of MACCE in the CUD cohort. The CUD cohort also had higher unadjusted rates of acute myocardial infarction (7.6% vs. 6%) and stroke (5.2% vs. 4.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Among older non tobacco smokers with known CVD risk, chronic cannabis use had a 20% higher likelihood of MACCE compared to those who did not use cannabis.

Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Takayasu Arteritis: A Review of Current Advances.

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a rare, chronic, inflammatory vasculitis that primarily affects large arteries, causing significant morbidity and mortality. This review provides an overview of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of TA based on current advances in the field. TA is characterized by autoimmune-mediated inflammation, vascular remodeling, and endothelial dysfunction. The disease progresses through three stages (active, chronic, and healing phase) each presenting distinct clinical features. Diagnosis of TA can be challenging due to non-specific clinical manifestations and the lack of specific diagnostic tests. Various imaging modalities, such as angiography, ultrasound, and Doppler techniques, play a crucial role in the diagnosis of TA by visualizing arterial involvement and assessing disease extent. Management of TA involves a multidisciplinary approach, with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) as the cornerstone of medical therapy. Synthetic and biologic DMARDs are used to induce remission, control inflammation, and prevent complications. Non-pharmacologic interventions, such as resistance exercises and curcumin supplementation, show potential benefits. Invasive interventions, including endovascular therapy and open surgery, are used for managing vascular lesions. However, challenges remain in disease understanding and management, including the heterogeneity of disease presentation and the lack of standardized treatment guidelines. The future of TA management lies in precision medicine, utilizing biomarkers and molecular profiling to personalize treatment approaches and improve patient outcomes. Further research is needed to unravel the underlying mechanisms of TA and develop targeted therapies.

Primary Cardiac Angiosarcoma: A Review.

Primary cardiac angiosarcoma is a rare and aggressive malignancy originating from the endothelial lining of cardiac blood vessels. This review covers various aspects of the disease, including its pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. The primary characteristic of cardiac angiosarcoma is the rapid growth of abnormal blood vessels that invade the heart muscle, leading to the destruction of healthy tissue. Due to its infiltrative nature and early spread, diagnosing and treating cardiac angiosarcoma present significant challenges. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) plays a crucial role in diagnosing cardiac tumors such as angiosarcoma due to its high sensitivity. Additional imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) help assess tumor anatomy and identify metastases. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry are essential for confirming the diagnosis, as they reveal distinct histological features and specific endothelial markers associated with primary cardiac angiosarcoma. Targeted therapies directed at the angiogenic mechanisms and molecular abnormalities hold promise for improving treatment outcomes. Early detection of primary cardiac angiosarcoma remains challenging due to its rarity, and the prognosis is generally poor due to advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. The review emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and collaboration among different specialties to optimize the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care of patients with primary cardiac angiosarcoma. The ultimate goal is to enhance diagnostic methods and therapeutic approaches by advancing knowledge and promoting further research into this aggressive malignancy.

A Rare Case of Kartagener Syndrome Presenting with Sinusitis, Situs Inversus, and Bronchiectasis: Emphasizing Early Diagnosis and Management Strategies.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCDs), a subset of ciliary motility disorders, includes the rare hereditary illness Kartagener syndrome (KS). Sinusitis, situs inversus, and bronchiectasis, brought on by aberrant ciliary activity, are its defining features. We describe a case of an 18-year-old female with a history of recurrent respiratory complaints and chronic sinusitis. Additional testing confirmed the diagnosis of KS by identifying situs inversus, chronic bronchiectasis, and nasal polyps. This instance emphasizes the value of prompt KS diagnosis and treatment to avoid consequences. Supportive pulmonary care, antibiotics, and chest physical therapy are frequently employed, despite the lack of therapeutic standards. To further understand and manage this illness, more research is required. Patients with recurrent respiratory infections and structural lung disease can identify KS early.

Recurrent Retroperitoneal Spindle Cell Sarcoma: A Challenging Case Report and Management Considerations.

Soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) comprise a heterogeneous category of malignant tumors originating from mesenchymal tissue. Spindle cell sarcoma, characterized by its infrequent occurrence, poses diagnostic and therapeutic complexities owing to its rarity. We present a case of an 80-year-old male with a diagnosis of spindle cell sarcoma in the retroperitoneal space. The patient underwent midline exploratory laparotomy for tumor excision and was planned for postoperative chemotherapy. Unfortunately, the tumor recurred aggressively, leading to a fatal outcome. This case highlights the uncommon occurrence of retroperitoneal spindle cell sarcoma (RPSCS) and the importance of accurate diagnosis, appropriate surgical management, and adjuvant therapy.

Impact of Green Tea Consumption on the Prevalence of Cardiovascular Outcomes: A Systematic Review.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent a major global health concern, responsible for significant morbidity, mortality, and disability. To mitigate the impact of CVDs, individuals often seek preventive measures, and one such approach is the consumption of green tea. This study aims to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date assessment of the effects of green tea consumption on the prevalence of cardiovascular outcomes. Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review using PubMed and Google Scholar databases to identify relevant studies. Our analysis revealed that the risk factors associated with CVDs can vary across different diseases, with hypertension being a common risk factor for CVD mortality and CVD. Notably, the consumption of green tea exhibited a positive effect on reducing the prevalence of cardiometabolic risks and hypercholesterolemia. Furthermore, green tea consumption was observed to have a beneficial impact on lowering both diastolic and systolic blood pressure. In conclusion, the studies reviewed in this research suggest that the consumption of green tea has a significant and positive influence on cardiovascular health. These findings highlight the potential of green tea as a valuable component of a healthy lifestyle, offering a promising avenue for its use as a dietary supplement to reduce the risk of CVDs.

The Therapeutic Use of Impella Device in Cardiogenic Shock: A Systematic Review.

Impella (Abiomed, Danvers, MA) devices nowadays have been linked to cardiogenic shock (CS) due to the importance of their use as therapeutic instruments. This study aims to review pathophysiologic mechanisms of cardiogenic shock and the implementation of Impella to overcome this condition. To investigate several different types of studies and analyze the use of Impella device in cardiogenic shock and the outcomes of heart malfunctioning and determine its positive and negative impacts as a therapeutic tool in cardiac ischemia and use as a resource in critical patients, we conducted a systematic review through different databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar) following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist and used the Medical Subjects Heading (MeSH) search strategy to obtain significant articles. We found 883 papers in total, and after removing duplicates, applying inclusion/exclusion criteria, and finding the most significant information, we ended up with 30 articles that were reviewed containing information about the impact of Impella device in cardiogenic shock in different locations. The study strongly concludes that Impella device in the setting of cardiogenic shock has more advantages than disadvantages in terms of outcomes and complications as a non-pharmacologic tool. Improvements in left ventricular ejection fraction and signs and symptoms of cardiogenic shock criteria were determinants. Nevertheless, complications during the implementation and use of the device were established; in this manner, the evaluation and treatment of each patient separately are imperative. Consequently, more studies on this relevant topic are needed.

Benefits of Taking Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a significant cause of cardiovascular deaths worldwide. There are many oral antihyperglycemic drugs available to treat diabetic patients. Among them, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors provide effective treatment in all stages of T2DM regardless of blood glucose levels and benefit the cardiovascular system. SGLT2 inhibitors have an additional diuretic effect that reduces blood pressure and hospitalizations and improves heart failure outcomes. This study will assess the efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors in cardiovascular outcomes in patients with T2DM and cardiovascular disease. Our systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and involved a literature search utilizing PubMed and Google Scholar databases. In addition, we thoroughly searched for studies conducted in the last 10 years that corresponded with our outlined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Our search yielded 779 articles. The articles were then quality-checked before inclusion. We ultimately selected six randomized controlled trials and two meta-analyses of research articles after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Our research study included 91,796 T2DM and cardiovascular disease patients. We examined cardiovascular outcomes among these T2DM patients, such as major adverse cardiac events (MACE), blood pressure, heart failure, and hospitalizations. Our study showed that SGLT2 inhibitors significantly reduce weight and blood pressure due to their natriuretic effects. In addition, they also improve heart failure symptoms and reduce hospitalizations.

Role of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Reducing Clostridioides difficile Infection-Associated Morbidity and Mortality: A Systematic Review.

Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is a gram-positive, anaerobic, spore-forming bacterium that produces toxins A and B, disrupting the intestinal brush border and resulting in severe diarrhea. The most common causes of infection include prolonged antibiotic use, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and long-term hospitalization resulting in complications such as pseudomembranous colitis and toxic megacolon. This systematic review aims to consider fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as an early treatment modality in C. difficile infection to prevent complications and reduce related morbidity and mortality. We systematically screened three databases using regular keywords such as "fecal microbiota transplantation," "C. difficile," "pseudomembranous colitis," and "toxic megacolon" and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms. We applied the inclusion and exclusion criteria and performed a thorough quality appraisal using standardized checklists. We were finally left with 10 articles, including seven case reports, one case series, and two observational studies. Questions remain as to the route of administration of FMT, timing, safety, availability, and the number of sittings required. More randomized controlled trials are needed to address all these questions and to assess the safety of FMT. We believe the role of FMT is very important as it can prevent C. difficile related complications and would be an ideal treatment option in a population group that is often unfit for surgical management.

A Systematic Review on Current Trends in the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B to Predict Disease Remission and Relapse.

Despite decreasing the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B (CHB), it is still a major health care challenge. Current antiviral regimens aim to suppress hepatitis B virus (HBV) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) activity to prevent the risk of hepatic decompensation, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Currently, pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) and nucleos(t)ide analogs (NA) are the first-line choices of drugs. Peg-IFN is now discontinued due to its mode of application and side effects. NA is used once daily to suppress HBV DNA activity but has little effect on covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), so continuous long-term therapy is required to suppress HBV DNA. Due to this effect, disease remission, relapse, and even clinical flare are common phenomena after the end of treatment (EOT). This review aimed to analyze the current regimens for treating chronic hepatitis B. Their mode of action, duration of treatment, and events after stopping therapy. The review was performed using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. A search was undertaken in PubMed, PubMed Central, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. Screening of articles was carried out to find relevant and appropriate articles. Articles were then quality-checked before inclusion. Our analysis showed that long-term finite therapy with nucleoside analogs could improve clinical outcomes and suppress viral DNA activity. However, a functional cure, loss of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), is rarely achieved. The decision to end treatment depends on quantitative HBsAg level (qHBsAg), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), HBV DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), and fibrosis assessment. It is concluded that patients with HBeAg negative without cirrhosis can be easily withdrawn from treatment if they have long-term viral remission and a high HBsAg loss rate. However, patients with positive HBeAg should continue treatment because there is a high chance of disease relapse and even acute flare. To predict whether patients will benefit from EOT, some immunomodulatory markers are studied, including interleukin (IL-20, IL-8), fas ligand (FASGL), and IFN gamma. Although these factors are reliable, none pose an independent effect on disease remission. Combination therapy (IFN alpha + oral nucleoside analogs) is promising but has clinical shortcomings.

Association of cognitive impairment with sleeping difficulties, anxiety and depression among Pakistani physicians.

Previous literature has highlighted a high burden of a variety of psychopathologies such as anxiety, depression, and poor sleep quality among Pakistani physicians. These psychopathologies are associated with a poor quality of life and cognitive difficulties, affecting empathy levels, doctor patient relationship, and work performance. It is a cross sectional study in which 300 Pakistani physicians aged 45 and above, were interviewed using a questionnaire comprising hospital anxiety and depression scale, cognitive difficulties scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. All data were analyzed in SPSS v.21. A total of 268 doctors responded (268/300). A total of 72 (26.9%) participants were severely anxious, 31 (11.6%) were severely depressed and 129 (48.1%) respondents were poor sleepers. Hierarchal regression analysis revealed that female gender, increasing age, high PSQI and anxiety scores were significant predictors of cognitive difficulties among the respondents.