The Global Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Connection with Sleep Duration: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The duration and quality of sleep are believed to significantly influence the onset of metabolic syndrome (MetS), but existing data lack consistency. The meta-analysis aims to evaluate the prevalence of the MetS in association with sleep duration. We conducted a systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses 2020 guidelines. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and Research Gate databases was performed to identify cohort and cross-sectional studies published in English between 2013 and 2023. We included studies that examined the association between sleep duration/quality and MetS, and two independent reviewers assessed study quality and bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The systematic review included 11 studies with a total of 343,669 participants, including 4 cohort studies and 7 cross-sectional studies. Sample sizes varied widely, ranging from 293 to 162,121 individuals. The studies had different follow-up periods, participant ages ranging from 10 to 80 years, and predominantly male populations. The prevalence of MetS was higher in average sleepers [52%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 40%-64%] compared with short sleepers (13%, 95% CI: 8%-18%) and long sleepers (15%, 95% CI: 9%-24%). Globally, North American countries exhibit the highest prevalence of MetS across short- (25.3%, 95% CI: 4.2%-72.4%) and long-sleeper (22.4%, 95% CI: 2.8%-74.1%) categories, whereas Asian countries experience the highest prevalence among the average sleeper category (58.7%, 95% CI: 44.1%-71.9%). Our meta-analysis indicates an elevated prevalence of MetS in average sleepers. Future research endeavors address delve into the underlying mechanisms and incorporate objective measures to understand the multifaceted connection between sleep patterns and MetS, guiding more effective preventive and management strategies.

A Rare Case of Primary Gastric Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma: a Review of Guidelines for the Management of Gastric Cancer.

Gastric carcinoma is the fifth most common and the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. The incidence of diffuse-type gastric cancer, of which signet ring cell carcinoma is a subtype, is rising in the world. Due to non-specific gastritis-like symptoms, difficulty in assessing true tumor characteristics owing to its horizontal spread, and non-distinguishable endoscopic appearance from other gastric pathologies, the diagnosis of this subtype is challenging. We present a case of a 67-year-old woman with progressively worsening abdominal pain who came for an endoscopic ultrasound evaluation of an incidentally noted pancreatic cyst on a previous MRI. During endoscopy, a 1-cm gastric ulcer was noted along the lesser curvature of the gastric body. Biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of gastric signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) with CDX-2 and keratin positivity. The patient underwent total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction. Gross specimen revealed a diffuse SRCC invading the muscularis propria, along with lymphovascular and perineural invasion. In the context of our case, we discuss the morphological features of SRCC and the effectiveness of treatment options based on existing literature. Early accurate diagnosis and staging play an important role in determining treatment options as well as the clinical course of gastric SRCC.

A Systematic Review Unraveling the Intricate Neurological Spectrum of COVID-19: Manifestations, Complications, and Transformative Insights for Patient Care.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has strained global healthcare and financial infrastructures. Neurological manifestations of COVID-19 have gained recognition, emphasizing the need for comprehensive research in this area. This systematic review aims to comprehensively examine the neurological manifestations and complications associated with COVID-19 and assess their prevalence, impact on patient outcomes, and potential relationships with comorbidities, while emphasizing the significance of ongoing research in this field. We conducted a systematic review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and ResearchGate databases was conducted to identify eligible studies focusing on COVID-19 patients, reporting neurological symptoms or complications, and published between 2020 and 2022 in English. The data extracted is performed in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Two independent reviewers assessed study quality and bias using the AMSTAR 2 scale before inclusion. This systematic includes 12 systematic reviews and meta-analysis with 191,412 participants and average age of 60 years. Neurological symptoms included headaches, dizziness, anosmia, and ageusia. Complications ranged from cerebrovascular events to Guillain-Barré syndrome. Comorbidities, such as hypertension and diabetes, exacerbated severity. Mortality rates associated with neurological manifestations varied from 29.1% to 84.8%. The study underscores the complex neurological impact of COVID-19, affecting patients across age groups. Ongoing research is vital to understand mechanisms and develop targeted interventions, improving patient care and addressing pandemic consequences. This review provides a holistic view of COVID-19's neurological effects, emphasizing the need for sustained research efforts and collaborative endeavors to combat the neurological issues.

Splenic infarction: an uncommon yet significant complication in COVID-19 patients - a case series report and literature review.

Splenic infarction is a rare complication observed in some patients affected by coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), with poorly understood clinical features and prognosis. We analyzed the histopathological reports and clinical data from six adult patients admitted to a tertiary care center between 10 October 2020, and 10 January 2021, diagnosed with COVID-19 and splenic infarct. Confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis was established through a nasopharyngeal swab while uncertain diagnoses, children, and non-hospitalized patients were excluded. Splenic infarct was confirmed by abdominal CT scan. The findings indicated a direct impact of the virus on the spleen, evident through a decline in lymphocyte counts. These results emphasize the significance of comprehending the potential complications and pathological changes associated with COVID-19, particularly concerning splenic involvement. The literature review employed a specific keyword search strategy focusing on COVID-19 and splenic infarction case reports. The review highlighted the association between COVID-19 and an increased risk of thromboembolism, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and managing clotting issues. It also underscored the need to consider splenic infarction as a potential complication in COVID-19 patients with abdominal pain. The study highlighted the diverse nature of splenic infarction in COVID-19 patients, necessitating a multidisciplinary management approach and calls for further research to elucidate underlying mechanisms and optimize treatment strategies.

A remarkable response to palliative treatment in metastatic breast cancer: A case report and comprehensive literature review.

The case report describes a patient with stage IV breast cancer which metastasized to the lungs. The patient's initial computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a malignant lesion in the upper outer quadrant of the left breast and multiple pulmonary nodules, suggesting pulmonary metastasis. After starting palliative chemotherapy with intravenous paclitaxel and subcutaneous injections of Herceptin, a follow-up CT scan 3 months after the initiation of treatment showed the disappearance of metastasis, and her cancer regressed to stage II breast cancer that could be surgically resected. This case report highlights the importance of timely and appropriate palliative treatment measures, which can lead to unexpected outcomes, such as the regression of metastatic lesions and the possibility of curative treatment in such advanced cancer.

Assessment of the USG Detection of Abdominal Pathologies in HIV and Aids and its Association with CD4 Counts - An Original Research.

Introduction: In individuals with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), abdominal pathologies rank second in frequency only to pulmonary illnesses. An essential imaging method for assessing abdominal diseases is ultrasonography (USG). In this study, abdominal pathologies in HIV/AIDS patients were evaluated using USG, and their relationship to CD4 count was further examined. Materials and Techniques: 400 HIV+ subjects with aberrant abdominal USG participated in the current investigation. The subjects were assessed and graded as per the CD4 counts. Later the comparisons were drawn between the USG, and its relationship to CD4 count using SPSS 16.0 software, and all data were examined using appropriate statistical tools. Results: Men were over 60% of the 400 subjects. The average age of these subjects was 35.6 years; the range for this age group was 6 to 63 years. Spleen involvement was found on ultrasonographic examination in 45.1% of subjects, while liver and lymph node involvement was seen in 43.6% of subjects. Substantial correlations between CD4 counts and findings such as periportal & mesenteric lymphadenopathy, localized pancreatic lesion, splenic microabscess, splenomegaly, and hepatomegaly were found. One percent of individuals had lymphoma, which affected the retroperitoneal lymph nodes, pancreas, and liver. Conclusion: Present research demonstrates the significance of abdominal ultrasonographic examination in HIV+ patients. CD4 counts have a big impact on how an HIV/AIDS patient's differential diagnosis is determined. The interpretation of USG results in relation to CD4 levels may aid in accurate diagnosis.

A Case of Coexisting Depression and Hoarding Disorder.

A hoarding disorder manifests as difficulty in discarding or letting go of items irrespective of their actual worth and persistent acquisition of items. Increasing numbers of possessions clutter active living spaces to the point where their intended use is no longer possible, leading to significant functional impairment. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), it is classified under the category obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. First considered to be a part of obsessive-compulsive disorder, compulsive hoarding was subsequently classified as an additional dimension of the obsessive-compulsive disorder spectrum. Hoarding disorder had been largely ignored clinically until recently, despite negative consequences on individuals, families, and communities. Comorbid conditions like anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and panic disorder are well known to accompany hoarding disorder. This study illustrates the case of a 35-year-old married man who was referred to a psychiatrist by his primary care physician for collecting many different objects of little or no importance. These objects were lying unorganized throughout his house and cluttering most of his living space. Some of these things were discarded by his wife, which, according to him, contributed to his emotional distress. The pattern of behavior began about 10 years earlier, and it became increasingly problematic with time. Although hoarding disorder is often underreported, it is vital to diagnose this condition as it significantly affects the individual and their family and friends. Severe hoarding can pose a number of health and safety risks, including fire hazards, tripping hazards, and health code violations.

The Development of Illness Anxiety Disorder in a Patient After Partial Thyroidectomy.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), characterises illness anxiety disorder (IAD) as the preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness in the absence of somatic symptoms (or, if present, symptoms that are only mild in severity). DSM-5 includes illness anxiety disorder in the category called somatic symptom and related disorders, characterised by prominent somatic concerns, distress, and impaired functioning. More often than in psychiatric settings, individuals with illness anxiety disorder are encountered in primary care and specialist medical settings. Despite negative laboratory results, the benign course of the alleged disease over time, and adequate reassurances from specialists, their conviction of being ill persists. Illness anxiety preoccupations are heterogeneous, and the degree of insight is variable. Their illness-related preoccupation interferes with their relationships with family, friends, and coworkers. They are frequently addicted to internet searches about their feared illness, inferring the worst from the information (or false information) they uncover. Patients with illness anxiety disorder often have comorbid psychopathology, especially anxiety and depressive disorders. Typically, illness anxiety disorder is chronic. Physical symptoms are absent or mild and frequently represent a misinterpretation of normal bodily sensations. This case report presents the case of a patient diagnosed with IAD by a psychiatrist. The patient had been seen by his primary care physician and therapist for three years without any improvement in his symptoms before he was referred to a psychiatrist. After undergoing a partial thyroidectomy in 2018, this patient has been experiencing increasing symptoms of recurrent anxiety/fear consistent with IAD, despite extensive medical examinations that have consistently revealed normal results.

Retraction: The Development of Illness Anxiety Disorder in a Patient After Partial Thyroidectomy.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.25416.].

Myocarditis associated with Covid-19 disease: A systematic review of published case reports and case series.

BACKGROUND: Covid-19 is an extremely contagious illness caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) virus. The cardiac involvement in such a public health emergency disease has not been well studied and a conflicting evidence exists on this issue. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review article aimed to compile and illustrate clinical characteristics, diagnostic findings, management, and outcomes manifesting in myocarditis linked with Covid-19. METHODS: A literature search was accomplished for published eligible articles with MEDLINE/PubMed and Embase databases. All eligible case reports and case series were included from around the world without any language restrictions. For this review, inclusion criteria were laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection cases reporting a diagnosis of acute myocarditis. RESULTS: Data from 41 studies describing myocarditis in 42 Covid-19 patients was obtained. The median age of these patients was 43.4 years, with 71.4% of them being men. Fever was the most prevalent presenting symptoms seen in 57% of patients. Hypertension was the most pervasive comorbidity accompanying these patients. Cardiac biomarkers troponin and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were raised in almost 90% and 87% of patients, respectively. Electrocardiogram findings were nonspecific and included ST-segment and T-wave changes. Echocardiogram commonly showed left ventricular systolic dysfunction with increased heart size. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) exhibited myocardial edema and injury. The most prevalent histopathological feature appreciated was diffuse lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrates. Antivirals and corticosteroids were the most frequently used medications. About 38% of patients also needed vasopressor assistance. Out of 42 patients, 67% recovered, and eight died. CONCLUSION: Because of the risk of a sudden worsening of patients conditions and myocarditis association with considerable mortality and morbidity, a knowledge of this cardiac complication of Covid-19 disease is crucial for healthcare professionals.

Maculopapular skin eruptions associated with Covid-19: A systematic review.

In this systematic review, we anticipated in summarizing clinical features, histopathological hallmarks, and possible pathology behind the maculopapular skin eruptions occurring in Covid-19 patients. A literature search was executed using MEDLINE/PubMed and Embase databases for articles published till 20 November 2020. All eligible articles including observational studies, case reports, and case series reporting the maculopapular skin lesion in Covid-19 patients were included. Data were obtained for 354 Covid-19 patients presenting with maculopapular lesions from 40 studies. The mean age of these patients was 53 years, and with 42% of them being male. These maculopapular lesions differed considerably in terms of distribution and appearance, ranging from diffuse erythematous maculopapular lesions to scattered erythematous macules coalescing into papules to maculopapular lesions in plaques. The mean duration of the lesion was 8 days. These lesions were frequently localized on trunks and extremities. Superficial perivascular dermatitis with lymphocytic infiltrate was a histopathological hallmark of these lesions. As these skin lesions may have a possible association with diagnosis, management, prognosis, and severity of the disease, all health practitioners need to be well acquainted with these Covid-19 skin lesions. Also, in the middle of this worldwide pandemic, early identification of this eruption may help manage this infection's further spread.

Cannabis Associated Mental Health Effects: A Review.

According to the latest drift in Western countries, many lawmakers are trying to formulate policy to legalize the usage of Cannabis in the case of mentally vulnerable populations such as those suffering from depression, paranoia, and excessive anxiety. This particular trend has been due to short term success in the case of mood upliftment. Cannabis derivatives produce effects on both mood and cognitive function, which can be a double-edged sword if not followed with proper dosage. Beneficial effects, however, are limited and studies documenting those and even more meagre. Detrimental effects, especially those suffering from various hallucinating and delusional states, have been reported extensively in the literature. Here in the review article, we have tried to study and summarize various effects of Cannabis as well as Cannabis -derived products in the case of people who have various mental conditions. We have also tried to consider addiction to these substances and hence develop a framework for proper utilization of Cannabis in mentally ill people. Many clinicians are also in a dilemma when prescribing a Cannabis -based product to treat psychotic and mood-based disorders. Hence, a better understanding of the process of Cannabis -based treatment for the vulnerable population is necessary.

Survey of Stress in COVID Patient Post Treatment: A Qualitative Research.

AIM: The purpose of our study was to examine the mental health status of patients with coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) who were hospitalized. METHODOLOGY: In this cross-sectional study, 106 inpatients with COVID-19 who had stable clinical conditions were evaluated psychologically by questionnaire: Depression, anxiety, and stress scales-21 (DASS-21). RESULTS: About one-third of patients had comorbidities. In totality, 97.2% of patients with COVID-19 had some grade of depression. Extent of depression, assessed with the help of the DASS questionnaire, was 85.8%. All patients (100%) had serious (0.9%) and grave level of (99.1%) anxiety. Regarding to stress levels, 97.1% of patients had some degree of stress. In the worsening of stress category, 84.9% of patients had high-stress levels. CONCLUSION: The presence of such increased prevalence and seriousness of psychiatric disorders among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 underlines the necessity for serious consideration to the mental health standing of these patients.