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1.
Cogn Neuropsychol ; 40(3-4): 167-185, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38006205

ABSTRACT

Feature generation tasks and feature databases are important for understanding how knowledge is organized in semantic memory, as they reflect not only the kinds of information that individuals hold about objects but also how objects are conceptually represented. Traditionally, semantic norms focus on a variety of object categories and, as a result, have a small number of concepts per semantic category. Here, our main goal is to create a more fine-grained feature database exclusively for one category of objects-manipulable objects. This database contributes to the understanding of within-category, content-specific processing. To achieve this, we asked 130 participants to freely generate features for 80 manipulable objects and another group of 32 participants to generate action features for the same objects. We then compared our databases with other published semantic norms and found high similarity between them. In our databases, we calculated the similarity between objects in terms of visual, functional, encyclopaedic, and action feature types using Spearman correlation, Baker's gamma index, and cophenetic correlation. We discovered that objects were grouped in a distinctive and meaningful way according to feature type. Finally, we tested the validity of our databases by asking three groups of participants to perform a feature verification experiment while manipulating production frequency. Our results demonstrate that participants can recognize and associate the features of our databases with specific manipulable objects. Participants were faster to verify high-frequency features than low-frequency features. Overall, our data provide important insights into how we process manipulable objects and can be used to further inform cognitive and neural theories of object processing and identification.


Subject(s)
Memory , Semantics , Humans
2.
Molecules ; 28(7)2023 Apr 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37050015

ABSTRACT

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been investigated for solar-energy-driven photoelectrical water splitting due to its suitable band gap, abundance, cost savings, environmental friendliness, and chemical stability. However, its poor conductivity, weak light absorption, and large indirect bandgap (3.2 eV) has limited its application in water splitting. In this study, we precisely targeted these limitations using first-principle techniques. TiO2 only absorbs near-ultraviolet radiation; therefore, the substitution (2.1%) of Ag, Fe, and Co in TiO2 significantly altered its physical properties and shifted the bandgap from the ultraviolet to the visible region. Cobalt (Co) substitution in TiO2 resulted in high absorption and photoconductivity and a low bandgap energy suitable for the reduction in water without the need for external energy. The calculated elastic properties of Co-doped TiO2 indicate the ductile nature of the material with a strong average bond strength. Co-doped TiO2 exhibited fewer microcracks with a mechanically stable composition.

3.
Molecules ; 27(18)2022 Sep 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36144684

ABSTRACT

Hexanary high-entropy oxides (HEOs) were synthesized through the mechanochemical sol-gel method for electrocatalytic water oxidation reaction (WOR). As-synthesized catalysts were subjected to characterization, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). All the oxide systems exhibited sharp diffraction peaks in XRD patterns indicating the defined crystal structure. Strong absorption between 400-700 cm-1 in FTIR indicated the formation of metal-oxide bonds in all HEO systems. WOR was investigated via cyclic voltammetry using HEOs as electrode platforms, 1M KOH as the basic medium, and 1M methanol (CH3OH) as the facilitator. Voltammetric profiles for both equiatomic (EHEOs) and non-equiatomic (NEHEOs) were investigated, and NEHEOs exhibited the maximum current output for WOR. Moreover, methanol addition improved the current profiles, thus leading to the electrode utility in direct methanol fuel cells as a sequential increase in methanol concentration from 1M to 2M enhanced the OER current density from 61.4 to 94.3 mA cm-2 using NEHEO. The NEHEOs comprising a greater percentage of Al, ([Al0.35(Mg, Fe, Cu, Ni, Co)0.65]3O4) displayed high WOR catalytic performance with the maximum diffusion coefficient, D° (10.90 cm2 s-1) and heterogeneous rate constant, k° (7.98 cm s-1) values. These primary findings from the EC processes for WOR provide the foundation for their applications in high-energy devices. Conclusively, HEOs are proven as novel and efficient catalytic platforms for electrochemical water oxidation.

4.
BMC Infect Dis ; 20(1): 463, 2020 Jul 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32611409

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Globally, tuberculosis (TB) remains the leading cause of death from a single infectious disease. TB treatment outcome is an important indicator for the effectiveness of a national TB control program. This study aimed to assess treatment outcomes of TB patients and its determinants in Batkhela, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was designed using all TB patients who were enrolled at District Head Quarter (DHQ) Hospital Batkhela, Pakistan, from January 2011 to December 2014. A binary logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with successful TB treatment outcomes defined as the sum of cure and completed treatment. RESULTS: A total of 515 TB patients were registered, of which 237 (46%) were males and 278 (53.98%) females. Of all patients, 234 (45.44%) were cured and 210 (40.77%) completed treatment. The overall treatment success rate was 444 (86.21%). Age 0-20 years (adjusted odds ratio, AOR = 3.47; 95% confidence interval, CI) = 1.54-7.81; P = 0.003), smear-positive pulmonary TB (AOR) = 3.58; 95% CI = 1.89-6.78; P = < 0.001), treatment category (AOR = 4.71; 95% CI = 1.17-18.97; P = 0.029), and year of enrollment 2012 (AOR = 6.26; 95% CI = 2.52-15.59; P = < 0.001) were significantly associated with successful treatment outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The overall treatment success rate is satisfactory but still need to be improved to achieve the international targeted treatment outcome. Type of TB, age, treatment category, and year of enrollment were significantly associated with successful treatment outcomes.


Subject(s)
Antitubercular Agents/therapeutic use , Mycobacterium tuberculosis/isolation & purification , Tuberculosis, Pulmonary/drug therapy , Tuberculosis, Pulmonary/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Armed Conflicts , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Logistic Models , Male , Middle Aged , Odds Ratio , Pakistan/epidemiology , Retrospective Studies , Treatment Outcome , Young Adult
5.
Appl Microbiol Biotechnol ; 104(23): 10165-10179, 2020 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33044599

ABSTRACT

Due to the high mortality rate and an increase in breast cancer incidence, it has been challenging for researchers to come across an effective chemotherapeutic strategy with minimum side effects. Therefore, the need for the development of effective chemotherapeutic drugs is still on the verge. Consequently, we approached a new mechanism to address this issue. The naturally available peptide named latcripin-7A (LP-7A), extracted from a mushroom called Lentinula edodes, provided us promising results in terms of growth arrest, apoptosis, and autophagy in breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231). Expressions of protein markers for apoptosis, autophagy, and cell cycle were confirmed via Western blot analysis. Migration and invasion assays were performed to analyze the anti-migratory and anti-invasive properties of LP-7A, while cell cycle analysis was performed via flow cytometry to evaluate its affect over cell growth. Supportive assays were performed like acridine orange, Hoechst 33258 stain, DNA fragmentation, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) to further confirm the anticancer effect of LP-7A on breast cancer cell lines. It is concluded that LP-7A effectively reduces migration and promotes apoptosis as well as autophagy in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines by inducing cell growth arrest at G0/G1 phase and decreasing mitochondrial membrane potential without adverse effects on MCF-10A normal breast cells. KEY POINTS: • In this study, we have investigated the anti-cancer activity of novel latcripin-7A (LP-7A), a protein extracted as a result of de novo characterization of Lentinula edodes C91-3. • We conclude in our research work that LP-7A can initiate diverse cell death-related events, i.e., apoptosis and autophagy in both triple-positive and triple-negative breast cancer cell lines by interacting with different nodes of cellular signaling that can further be investigated in vivo to gain a better understanding.


Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms , Shiitake Mushrooms , Apoptosis , Autophagy , Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy , Cell Cycle , Cell Cycle Checkpoints , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Proliferation , Humans , Peptides
6.
Cureus ; 16(1): e52846, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38406055

ABSTRACT

Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) and subaortic membrane (SAS) are distinct cardiac conditions, but their coexistence presents complex diagnostic challenges. We report the case of a 52-year-old male with HOCM and a concurrent subaortic membrane, highlighting the intricacies of diagnosis and management. The patient's presentation included symptoms of dyspnea and chest tightness, and diagnostic evaluations revealed a unique combination of dynamic left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction from HOCM and fixed obstruction from the subaortic membrane. This case emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic workup to guide appropriate treatment decisions when managing multiple cardiac abnormalities.

7.
Cureus ; 16(1): e52252, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38352082

ABSTRACT

The report delineates the rare occurrence of uterine blastomycosis, an atypical systemic presentation of Blastomyces dermatitidis infection prevalent in North America. Focused on a 51-year-old immunocompetent female displaying abdominal pain and irregular vaginal bleeding, it underscores the intricate diagnostic hurdles posed by symptoms mirroring common gynecological conditions. Despite fewer than 10 recorded cases, the rarity of uterine involvement highlights the imperative for heightened clinical suspicion. The multifaceted diagnostic strategy integrates risk factors, travel history, imaging, and histopathological examinations. Emphasizing a multidisciplinary treatment helmed by gynecologists, pathologists, and infectious disease specialists, the utilization of antifungal agents, notably itraconazole, is pivotal. Addressing the scarcity of literature and the condition's clinical resemblance to prevalent ailments, further research becomes paramount in devising tailored diagnostic and treatment protocols for uterine blastomycosis. This study enriches the existing literature by providing critical insights into a scarcely documented condition, contributing novel perspectives essential for clinical understanding and management strategies.

8.
Clin Case Rep ; 12(2): e8497, 2024 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38348149

ABSTRACT

Key Clinical Message: Triple gallbladder, an extremely rare congenital anomaly, can mimic more common biliary conditions. Accurate diagnosis through imaging and a multidisciplinary approach is essential for timely surgical management, preventing complications, and ensuring better patient outcomes. Abstract: The multiplication of the gallbladder is a congenital malformation with a rare incidence of 1 in 4000 patients, among which the trifoliate gallbladder, even rarer, is included. Gallbladder anomalies are typically discovered incidentally while investigating conditions like gallstones, sedimentation, gallbladder inflammation, or malignancy. The clinical presentation of trifoliate gallbladder disease varies, and it may require a variety of imaging modalities to obtain a preoperative diagnosis. Recommended therapeutics for this anomaly are open or laparoscopic cholecystectomy, depending on the patient's condition. Early diagnosis of gallbladder multiplications is vital to improve prognosis and mitigate the risk of complications like cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, metaplasia, and adenocarcinoma. In our case, we present a 30-year-old male with the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis with triple gallbladder. A confirmatory diagnosis was made with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). The patient responded well to the therapy given and was discharged for follow-up.

9.
Microorganisms ; 12(4)2024 Mar 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38674582

ABSTRACT

Hyperuricemia is a prevalent metabolic disorder that arises from abnormal purine metabolism and reduced excretion of uric acid (UA). The gut microbiota plays a significant role in the biosynthesis and excretion of UA. Probiotics capable of purine degradation possess the potential to prevent hyperuricemia. Our study aimed to screen probiotics in areas with abundant dairy products and longevity populations in China, which could attenuate the level of UA and explore the underlying mechanism. In this study, twenty-three lactic acid bacteria isolated from healthy Chinese infant feces and traditional fermented foods such as hurood and lump milk were evaluated for the ability to tolerance acid, bile, artificial gastric juice, and artificial intestinal juice to determine the potential of the candidate strains as probiotics. Eight strains were identified as possessing superior tolerance to simulated intestinal conditions and were further analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), revealing that Limosilactobacillus reuteri HCS02-001 (Lact-1) and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei HCS17-040 (Lact-2) possess the most potent ability to degrade purine nucleosides. The effect of Lact-1 and Lact-2 on hyperuricemia was evaluated by intervening with them in the potassium oxonate and adenine-induced hyperuricemia Balb/c mice model in vivo. Our results showed that the level of serum UA in hyperuricemic mice can be efficiently reduced via the oral administration of Lact-1 (p < 0.05). It significantly inhibited the levels of liver inflammatory cytokines and hepatic xanthine oxidase through a TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway across the gut-liver axis. Furthermore, UA transporters ABCG2 and SLC2A9 were substantially upregulated by the intervention of this probiotic. Fecal ATP levels were significantly induced, while fecal xanthine dehydrogenase and allantoinase levels were increased following probiotics. RNA sequencing of HT-29 cells line treated with Lact-1 and its metabolites demonstrated significant regulation of pathways related to hyperuricemia. In summary, these findings demonstrate that Limosilactobacillus reuteri HCS02-001 possesses a capacity to ameliorate hyperuricemia by inhibiting UA biosynthesis via enhancing gastrointestinal barrier functions and promoting UA removal through the upregulation of urate transporters, thereby providing a basis for the probiotic formulation by targeting the gut microbiota.

10.
Cureus ; 16(1): e51581, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38313926

ABSTRACT

This systematic review examines the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in managing lung disorders through a comprehensive analysis of articles spanning 2014 to 2023. Evaluating AI's multifaceted roles in radiological imaging, disease burden prediction, detection, diagnosis, and molecular mechanisms, this review presents a critical synthesis of key insights from select articles. The findings underscore AI's significant strides in bolstering diagnostic accuracy, interpreting radiological imaging, predicting disease burdens, and deepening the understanding of tuberculosis (TB), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), silicosis, pneumoconiosis, and lung fibrosis. The synthesis positions AI as a revolutionary tool within the healthcare system, offering vital implications for healthcare workers, policymakers, and researchers in comprehending and leveraging AI's pivotal role in lung disease management.

11.
Cureus ; 16(3): e55426, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38571842

ABSTRACT

Acute pancreatitis, marked by sudden inflammation of the pancreas, presents a complex spectrum of causative factors including gallstone obstruction, alcohol abuse, and viral infections. Recent studies have illuminated the emergence of vaccine-induced acute pancreatitis, notably associated with COVID-19 vaccinations, presenting diverse mechanisms ranging from direct viral-mediated injury to autoimmune reactions. Understanding this link is pivotal for public health, yet challenges persist in identifying and managing cases post-vaccination. Comprehensive literature reviews employing the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement outline the potential pathways and mechanisms leading to vaccine-induced pancreatitis, emphasizing the need for deeper investigations into underlying health conditions and modifications to vaccine components. Notably, the rare occurrences of vaccine-induced pancreatitis extend beyond COVID-19 vaccines, with reports also documenting associations with measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), human papillomavirus (HPV), and other viral vaccinations. Mechanistically, hypotheses such as molecular mimicry and immunologic injury have been proposed, necessitating ongoing vigilance and exploration. Regulatory agencies play a crucial role in monitoring and communicating vaccine safety concerns, emphasizing transparency to address potential risks and maintain public trust. Understanding and communicating these rare adverse events with transparency remain integral for informed vaccination policies and to allay concerns surrounding vaccine safety.

12.
Clin Case Rep ; 12(3): e8588, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38523824

ABSTRACT

Diverticular bleeding is the most common cause of lower gastrointestinal bleeding and accounts for 20.8%-41.6% of cases in the Western world. Management involves initial resuscitation followed by diagnostic assessment. Colonoscopy is the investigation of choice as it localizes the bleed and has the potential to effectively deliver therapeutic interventions. Other diagnostic modalities include flexible sigmoidoscopy, a tagged red blood cell scan, or angiography. In cases where the bleeding source cannot be identified, intraoperative enteroscopy has emerged as a valuable tool for investigating obscure gastroenterology bleeds in specific patients. In this case report, we describe the management of a 77-year-old male with recently diagnosed pan-colonic diverticulosis who presented with multiple episodes of rectal bleeding and syncope. Due to his declining hemodynamic status and failed endoscopy and embolization, he was taken to surgery for a colectomy. Intraoperative colonoscopy was utilized to facilitate accurate identification of the pathology, assessment of anastomotic patency, and detection of surgical complications. This case report attempts to portray how the incorporation of endo-videoscopy into surgical planning has the potential to enhance patient outcomes and represent a significant advancement in the field of minimally invasive surgery.

13.
Pak J Med Sci ; 29(3): 725-9, 2013 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24353616

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To compare the complications rate of percutaneous nephrostomy and double J ureteral stenting in the management of obstructive uropathy. METHODOLOGY: Total number of 300 patients of age 20-80 years who underwent JJ stenting or percutaneous nephrostomy for obstructive uropathy were included in this study. Patients were divided in two groups i.e. A & B. In group A, 100 patients who underwent double J ureteral stenting while in group B, 200 patients who underwent percutaneous nephrostomy tube insertion were included. The stent was inserted retrograde by using cystoscope, under mild sedation or local anesthesia. While the percutaneous nephrostomy was done under ultrasound guidance by using local anesthetic agent. Complications were noted in immediate post-operative period and on follow up. RESULTS: Majority of the patients were between 36 to 50 years of age with male to female ratio was 2.6:1. The most common cause of obstructive uropathy was stone disease i.e. renal, ureteric or both. Post DJ stent, complications like painful trigon irritation, septicemia, haematuria and stent encrustation were seen in 12.0%, 7.0%, 10.0% and 5.0% patients respectively. On the other hand, post-PCN septicemia, bleeding and tube dislodgment or blockage was seen in 3.5%, 4.5% and 4.5% respectively. In this study, overall success rate for double J stenting was up to 83.0% and for percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) was 92.0% (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous nephrostomy is a safe and better method of temporary urinary diversion than double J stenting for management of obstructive uropathy with lower incidence of complications.

14.
Ann Biomed Eng ; 51(10): 2100-2102, 2023 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37184746

ABSTRACT

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the major and leading threats to human being. To cope with this health challenge, several studies have been undertaken in the literature. However, COPD is not paid close attention to eliminate it entirely. The current study aims to examine the role of ChatGPT application to bring improvement in controlling and managing COPD in patients. ChatGPT is used to give prompt answers of text-based questions in a variety of fields. It has potential role in knowing the symptoms of COPD, and letting individuals to modify their life styles. ChatGPT suggests medications for COPD individuals based on the established medical guidelines. Compared to the literature, ChatGPT provides a comprehensive list of COPD test and evaluation methods. ChatGPT has the potential to help physicians to take decisions in diagnosing, treating, and managing COPD among individuals in its upcoming versions. More researches can be conducted to identify the limits of ChatGPT application in future works.


Subject(s)
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive , Quality of Life , Humans , Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/diagnosis , Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/drug therapy
15.
J Mol Model ; 29(12): 393, 2023 Dec 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38041727

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: Cubic boron arsenide (c-BAs), a semiconducting material with ultra-high thermal conductivity and carrier mobilities, has been studied using first-principles calculation. This study examined the elastic and optoelectronic properties of c-BAs. The challenge of subphase boron (B) formation in bulk form owing to the volatile nature of arsenic (As) makes it mandatory to calculate its optoelectronic properties, by producing vacancies and antisite defects with BAs (As atom on a B site) and AsB (B atom on an As site). The mechanical properties including bulk (B), shear (G) moduli, and Poison's ratio of all the systems were studied. It was found that mechanical instability of the structure is observed for the overall vacancy creation, arsenic substitution, and mutual antisite defects. Further, pristine c-BAs showed an indirect bandgap of 1.48 eV. Defect formation reduces the bandgap and shifts the absorption peaks, which improves the overall optoelectronic properties of the host material. In addition, B vacancy formation shows the maximum optical absorption and reflectivity and low energy loss, suggesting its potential applications for optoelectronic devices. The obtained anticipated data from this study is for the optoelectronic and elastic properties of c-BAs, for the device applications in photonics and electronics. METHOD: In this paper, the elastic and optoelectronic properties of the pristine and defected c-BAs were systematically investigated using the Spanish Initiative for Electronic Simulations with Thousands of Atoms (SIESTA). The SIESTA program uses pseudopotentials in the norm-conserving nonlocal forms and pseudo-atomic orbital (PAO) basis set with a double-zeta potential (DZP) which are fundamental for calculating the Hamiltonian and overlap matrices in O(N) operations.

16.
Cureus ; 15(8): e43180, 2023 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37692722

ABSTRACT

Hyperandrogenism is an endocrine disorder characterized by an elevated level of androgen in women, which can be due to several etiologies, including ovarian and adrenal causes. Hyperandrogenism can result in hirsutism and virilization in severe cases. Ovarian etiologies can include ovarian hyperthecosis, hilus cell tumors, arrhenoblastomas, and Leydig cell tumors. Diagnosing the specific cause requires comprehensive work, and management is then tailored to address the specific etiology. Treatment may include bilateral oophorectomy and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs in combination with antiandrogen therapy. Surgery, medical treatment, and radiation therapy are also options for patients with hypercortisolemia. We present the case of a 58-year-old female who presented with clinical features of hyperandrogenism, which were confirmed with biochemical testing. She was found to have a non-functioning adrenal adenoma with no significant abnormality on ovarian imaging and biochemical hyperandrogenemia due to fibrothecoma and Leydig cell tumor, which resolved after bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.

17.
Cureus ; 15(8): e44047, 2023 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37746410

ABSTRACT

This case report presents a late middle-aged man with a right infra-hilar lung mass and pericardial effusion (PE). The patient was diagnosed with metastatic small-cell lung carcinoma, with metastases to the liver, pancreas, and cerebellum. The pericardial fluid cytology confirmed the presence of malignant cells most compatible with non-small-cell carcinoma. The patient received carbo/etoposide chemotherapy, and his treatment plan included adding atezolizumab and radiation therapy. Despite the excellent efficacy of immunotherapy, immune-related adverse events (IRAEs), including cardiac toxicity, were noted in some patients. PE related to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) use is rare but potentially severe. This case highlights the importance of vigilant monitoring for cardiovascular symptoms during immunotherapy and the significance of pericardial fluid analysis in diagnosing malignant pericardial disease. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment can lead to improved patient outcomes in cases of lung cancer-associated cardiac complications.

18.
Cureus ; 15(11): e48558, 2023 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38074000

ABSTRACT

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a potentially lethal tick-borne disease caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, known for its tropism for vascular endothelial cells. Its classic symptoms include fever, headaches, and a rash, but atypical presentations can challenge diagnosis. We present the case of a 71-year-old male with fever, weakness, and hiccups, evolving into confusion. Laboratory findings showed severe hyponatremia, leukocytosis, and abnormal blood parameters. Initial management addressed sepsis and hyponatremia, leading to symptom improvement. Later, a fever of 106.5°F prompted ICU transfer, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and testing for tick-borne diseases. The patient reported tick exposure and received prophylactic doxycycline. Follow-up confirmed the RMSF diagnosis based on serological testing and clinical symptoms. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges posed by atypical RMSF presentations and underscores the importance of early detection and treatment to prevent complications.

19.
Cureus ; 15(9): e46103, 2023 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37900440

ABSTRACT

Central diabetes insipidus (CDI) is a rare condition characterized by excessive urination and thirst due to vasopressin deficiency. The underlying cause of CDI remains unknown in many cases. Tumors are a leading cause of CDI in young individuals, with germinoma being the most prevalent. We present a case of a 22-year-old male diagnosed with infundibuloneurohypophysitis (INH) of unknown etiology. His pituitary stalk thickening partially responded to high-dose prednisone treatment; however, one year after initial diagnosis, a new pineal region mass was noted on imaging. Further evaluation revealed the mass to be most likely a germinoma. This case emphasizes the importance of ongoing clinical and radiologic follow-up in idiopathic cases of CDI. The patient's symptoms improved with desmopressin, but the presence of the pineal mass necessitates further comprehensive neurosurgical evaluation.

20.
Cureus ; 15(11): e49489, 2023 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38152818

ABSTRACT

BRASH syndrome, characterized by bradycardia, renal dysfunction, atrioventricular (AV) nodal blockage, shock, and hyperkalemia, is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition resulting from the interplay between AV nodal blockers and hyperkalemia. This complex syndrome poses significant challenges in diagnosis and management, with patients often presenting with bradycardia and high potassium levels. This case report highlights the need for increased awareness of BRASH syndrome, especially in an aging population and evolving cardiovascular treatments. Early recognition and a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach are crucial for improving outcomes in affected patients.

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