Effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the liver.

There have been numerous concerns about the disease and how it affects the human body since the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic began in December 2019. The impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the liver is being carefully investigated due to an increase in individuals with hepatitis and other liver illnesses, such as alcoholic liver disease. Additionally, the liver is involved in the metabolism of numerous drugs used to treat comorbidities and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Determining how SARS-CoV-2 affects the liver and what factors place individuals with COVID-19 at a higher risk of developing liver problems are the two main objectives of this study. This evaluation of the literature included research from three major scientific databases. To provide an update on the current impact of COVID-19 on the liver, data was collected and relevant information was incorporated into the review. With more knowledge about the effect of the disease on the liver, better management and therapeutics can be developed, and education can ultimately save lives and reduce the long-term impact of the pandemic on our population.

Routine pediatric vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic: A review of the global impact.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has put standard, routine childhood vaccinations at risk worldwide. The disruption in vaccine coverage has resulted in a negative impact on the health of children, with some races, ethnicities, age groups, areas of settlement, and parts of the world affected more than others. This literature review studied and examined the impact of COVID-19 on infant, child, and adolescent vaccinations. Retrospectively, the analysis showed a decline, delays, or interruptions in the coverage of vaccines during the pan-demic and a decline in some countries' pre-pandemic and post-pandemic eras. Necessary attempts and efforts should be made for these delayed and missed vaccinations, as failure to do so could put children's health at risk. Thus, priority should be directed at instituting catch-up programs to support vaccine uptake and decrease the probability of acquiring vaccine-preventable diseases.

Efficient tunnel junction contacts for high-power semipolar III-nitride edge-emitting laser diodes.

We demonstrate high-power edge-emitting laser diodes (LDs) with tunnel junction contacts grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Under pulsed conditions, lower threshold current densities were observed from LDs with MBE-grown tunnel junctions than from similarly fabricated control LDs with ITO contacts. LDs with tunnel junction contacts grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) were additionally demonstrated. These LDs were fabricated using a p-GaN activation scheme utilizing lateral diffusion of hydrogen through the LD ridge sidewalls. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy measurements of the [Si] and [Mg] profiles in the MBE-grown and MOCVD-grown tunnel junctions were conducted to further investigate the results.

Minilaparotomy without general anesthesia for the treatment of sigmoid volvulus in high-risk patients: A case series of 4 patients.

BACKGROUND: Sigmoid volvulus (SV) is a common cause of large bowel obstruction worldwide. Presenting symptoms can be nonspecific and varied amongst the elderly population, making medical and surgical management challenging. This population is at markedly increase risk of complications and mortality with surgery under general anesthesia. In this case series, we describe 4 cases of sigmoid volvulus in octogenarians. GOALS: To demonstrate that sigmoid colectomy under local anesthesia, with or without intravenous conscious sedation, is feasible and can be done safely and with a low rate of converting to a general anesthetic. RESULTS: Four patients, mean age 90 years, were admitted a total of 4 times for acute sigmoid volvulus. All patients had serious comorbidities and were classified as ASA III. There was no relevant past surgical history. All patients were severely physically deconditioned but alert and able to interact meaningfully with their families and caregivers. Three patients suffered recurrent volvulus following endoscopic decompression and one patient underwent immediate surgery due to abdominal tenderness. CONCLUSION: Our experience demonstrates that minilaparotomy for sigmoid volvulus is effective and safe. The techniques and can extend the applicability of definitive surgical intervention to this high-risk population of patients. In our series postoperative outcomes were excellent, however, additional studies are needed to determine if this technique results in improved 30-day and long-term mortality and morbidity in high-risk patients and to determine the utility of extending the technique to all patients with sigmoid volvulus.

Laparoscopic surgery for the prevention, palliation, and cure of gastrointestinal malignancies.

The development of surgical laparoscopic techniques has revolutionized the way surgeons approach many diseases, including cancer. This article briefly discusses the historical development of surgical laparoscopy; describes laparoscopic surgical techniques, with a focus on techniques for common intra-abdominal malignancies; and reviews laparoscopic management of common gastrointestinal malignancies.