Ileosigmoidal knotting: a case report and literature review of a rare cause of acute abdomen in children.

Ileosigmoidal knotting (ISK) is a rare, possibly fatal cause of intestinal obstruction. ISK is a compound volvulus that is more common in Africa and Asia. ISK is mostly seen in adults, pediatric cases reported in the literature are much rarer. In this report, we present the first reported case of ISK in a pediatric patient from Nepal. An 8-year-old male child presented with symptoms of abdominal pain, vomiting, and obstipation. The abdomen was distended with generalized tenderness. Erect abdominal X-ray showed multiple air-fluid levels. Intraoperatively, gangrenous ileum loops were entangled around the sigmoid, and resection of the gangrenous ileum and sigmoid was performed. An end-to-end colo-colic anastomosis from the descending colon to the remaining sigmoid with a double-loop ileostomy was performed. Pediatric ISK is a rare fatal form of intestinal obstruction that progresses quickly to gangrene. Clinical signs and symptoms are nonspecific, making preoperative diagnosis challenging.

Role and application of CRISPR-Cas9 in the management of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a serious health issue that has a significant social and economic impact worldwide. One of the key aetiological signs of the disease is a gradual reduction in cognitive function and irreversible neuronal death. According to a 2019 global report, more than 5.8 million people in the United States (USA) alone have received an AD diagnosis, with 45% of those people falling into the 75-84 years age range. According to the predictions, there will be 15 million affected people in the USA by 2050 due to the disease's steadily rising patient population. Cognitive function and memory formation steadily decline as a result of an irreversible neuron loss in AD, a chronic neurodegenerative illness. Amyloid-beta and phosphorylated Tau are produced and accumulate in large amounts, and glial cells are overactive. Additionally, weakened neurotrophin signalling and decreased synapse function are crucial aspects of AD. Memory loss, apathy, depression, and irritability are among the primary symptoms. The aetiology, pathophysiology, and causes of both cognitive decline and synaptic dysfunction are poorly understood despite extensive investigation. CRISPR/Cas9 is a promising gene-editing technique since it can fix certain gene sequences and has a lot of potential for treating AD and other human disorders. Regardless of hereditary considerations, an altered Aß metabolism is frequently seen in familial and sporadic AD. Therefore, since mutations in the PSEN-1, PSEN-2 and APP genes are a contributing factor to familial AD, CRISPR/Cas9 technology could address excessive Aß production or mutations in these genes. Overall, the potential of CRISPR-Cas9 technology outweighs it as currently the greatest gene-editing tool available for researching neurodegenerative diseases like AD.

Reversal of Cerebral Arteriopathy Post-Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant for Sickle Cell Disease.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a chronic hematologic disorder which causes progressive cerebral arteriopathy beginning in childhood. As a result, arterial ischemic stroke is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in SCD, and SCD is a leading cause of childhood stroke worldwide. Allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) may be curative for individuals with SCD. Long-term outcomes and effects are currently being studied. In this report, we describe a child with SCD who presented with arterial ischemic stroke at 6 years of age and was found to have a severe form of cerebral large vessel arteriopathy by catheter-directed angiography. The patient initially underwent revascularization surgery by indirect superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery bypass, and 1 year later, he underwent curative HSCT. Approximately 3 years after HSCT, repeat catheter-directed angiography revealed a striking reversal of cerebral large vessel arteriopathy. This article reveals a previously unrecognized and potentially beneficial effect of HSCT that may ameliorate cerebral large vessel arteriopathy and improve cerebrovascular health for children with SCD.

Role of Yoga as Adjunctive Therapy for Migraines: A Narrative Review of the Literature.

Migraines are chronic, painful, and one of the most prevalent disabling primary headache disorders, mainly treated with pharmacological methods. Patients suffering from migraine suffer from a significantly reduced quality of life. The use of non-pharmacological methods to reduce the stress and anxiety associated with long-term chronic conditions can help improve quality of life, reduce disease burden, and subsequently alleviate the economic burden on the patient. This review aims to discuss the use of yoga in patients with migraine headaches as a non-pharmacological method. We discuss the most recently published literature discussing the use of yoga as an add-on therapy for patients with migraines in order to reduce the severity of their symptoms, anxiety, and stress. Despite the presence of limitations and the need for further studies, the current data suggest that yoga can be beneficial in helping patients suffering from migraine headaches by reducing their frequency, duration, and pain. Yoga has also demonstrated improvement in the headache impact severity migraine disability assessment test.

Spontaneous gastric perforation complicating acute laryngotracheobronchitis in an infant: a novel case report from Nepal.

Pediatric spontaneous gastric perforation is a rarely encountered condition with poorly understood causal mechanisms. We present a novel case of a two-month-old female infant from Nepal who previously experienced Croup and subsequently developed severe abdominal distention and vomiting. Abdominal X-ray findings confirmed pneumoperitoneum, prompting immediate laparotomy. Intraoperative examination revealed a substantial perforation along the posterior stomach wall, specifically along the lesser curvature. The surgical intervention involved gastrorrhaphy and omentopexy using 3-0 Vicryl sutures, leading to an uneventful postoperative recovery. This case report highlights the critical importance of early and efficient management of spontaneous gastric perforations in infants, emphasizing the need for timely intervention to achieve favorable outcomes. Pediatric spontaneous gastric perforation remains a rare condition, and reporting such cases contributes to our understanding and management of this unusual pathology.

Real-world Clinical Effectiveness on Glycaemic Parameters, Safety and Additional Benefits of Glargine U300 (Toujeo®) Initiation after Oral Antidiabetic Drug Failure in Insulin-naïve Patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Background: Several studies have proved the advantages of second-generation insulin analogs in lowering intra-individual variability in plasma insulin levels, flexibility in dosing, a sustained glucose-lowering effect, and decreasing the risk of hypoglycemia. Glargine 300 is one of the newer second-generation basal insulin analogs to have been approved for both type 1 and 2 diabetes. The present study aims to assess the real-world clinical effectiveness and safety of Glargine U300 (Toujeo®) initiation after oral antidiabetic drug failure in insulin-naïve patients with T2DM. Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted where participants were interviewed regarding their basic demographics, body weight, and treatment details. Glycemic parameters (HbA1C%, Fasting Plasma Glucose, and Post Prandial Blood Glucose) were observed in the initial 6 months, and changes were noted and compared. Any hypoglycemic events or other complications were also noted. Data collected were statistically analyzed. Results: The study included a total of 188 patients. Treatment with glargine 300 significantly reduced the mean HbA1C level from 9.78% at baseline to 7.90% at the end of 6 months of treatment (p < 0.001). 10.60% of patients achieved the glycemic target of ≤7.0% by the end of 6 months, while only 6.90% were within the target range at baseline. Similarly, significant reduction in FPG was observed at the end of 6 months treatment period with Glargine U300. A significant increase in dose requirement was observed throughout the study phase (p < 0.001). Incidence of hypoglycemia was noted in 2.12% of subjects. Conclusion: The lower incidence statistics of hypoglycemia coupled with sustained positive glycemic effects, stands out to be a prominent advantage of Glargine U300 over its other congeners.

The Impact of Virtual Reality (VR) Gaming and Casual/Social Gaming on the Quality of Life, Depression, and Dialysis Tolerance in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Narrative Review.

This comprehensive narrative review aims to investigate the impact of virtual reality (VR) and social gaming on the quality of life, depression, and dialysis tolerance in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), a growing global health concern affecting the quality of life and increasing mortality rates. Through a combination of exercise and video games, exergaming, and digital game therapy (DGT), sedentary risks can be mitigated and therapy adherence enhanced. Despite potential side effects such as exhaustion and nausea, research indicates that virtual therapeutic games improve motivation and dialysis tolerance, and even reduce brain activity in pain-associated regions during procedures. These methods are superior to traditional distraction techniques like music, movies, and toys. Exergaming, social gaming, and VR gaming can improve various health factors including depressive symptoms, functional capacity, muscle strength, fatigue, physical activity, mental health, motivation, engagement, cognition, and overall quality of life for CKD patients. Representing a novel approach to CKD management, these interventions promote physical activity, cognitive stimulation, and social interaction. Continued research and innovation will facilitate the integration of VR-based therapies into routine CKD care.

Syncope as the Sole Presentation of Multi-Vessel Coronary Artery Disease.

Defining the etiology of syncope can be occasionally challenging. We present a case with no history of coronary artery disease (CAD) who presented exclusively with exertional syncope, and was found to have mildly reduced left ventricular systolic dysfunction on echocardiogram and severe multi-vessel CAD with chronic total occlusion (CTO) of the right coronary artery (RCA). Syncope as the initial presentation of advanced CAD in the absence of classic ischemic symptoms is rather an uncommon presentation in clinical practice.

Cerebral revascularization surgery reduces cerebrovascular events in children with sickle cell disease and moyamoya syndrome: Results of the stroke in sickle cell revascularization surgery retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies suggest that cerebral revascularization surgery may be a safe and effective therapy to reduce stroke risk in patients with sickle cell disease and moyamoya syndrome (SCD-MMS). METHODS: We performed a multicenter, retrospective study of children with SCD-MMS treated with conservative management alone (conservative group)-chronic blood transfusion and/or hydroxyurea-versus conservative management plus surgical revascularization (surgery group). We monitored cerebrovascular event (CVE) rates-a composite of strokes and transient ischemic attacks. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare CVE occurrence and multivariable Poisson regression was used to compare incidence rates between groups. Covariates in multivariable models included age at treatment start, age at moyamoya diagnosis, antiplatelet use, CVE history, and the risk period length. RESULTS: We identified 141 patients with SCD-MMS, 78 (55.3%) in the surgery group and 63 (44.7%) in the conservative group. Compared with the conservative group, preoperatively the surgery group had a younger age at moyamoya diagnosis, worse baseline modified Rankin scale scores, and increased prevalence of CVEs. Despite more severe pretreatment disease, the surgery group had reduced odds of new CVEs after surgery (odds ratio = 0.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.08-0.94, p = .040). Furthermore, comparing surgery group patients during presurgical versus postsurgical periods, CVEs odds were significantly reduced after surgery (odds ratio = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.08-0.58, p = .002). CONCLUSIONS: When added to conservative management, cerebral revascularization surgery appears to reduce the risk of CVEs in patients with SCD-MMS. A prospective study will be needed to validate these findings.

Impacts of utilizing swine lagoon sludge as a composting ingredient.

Lagoon sludge, a byproduct of swine operations in the Southeast United States, poses a management challenge due to its high mineral and metal content. Composting is a low-cost, scalable technology for manure management. However, limited information is available on composting swine lagoon sludge in terms of recipes, greenhouse gas emissions and end-product quality. Moreover, due to its high Zn and Cu content, high inclusion of sludge in composting recipes can potentially inhibit the process. To address these knowledge gaps, in-vessel aerated composting (0.4 m3each) was carried out to evaluate impacts of sludge inclusion, at 10% (Low Sludge, LS-Recipe) and 20% (High sludge, HS-Recipe) wet mass-basis, on composting process and end-product quality. Comparable maximum temperatures (74 ± 2.7 °C, 74.9 ± 2.9 °C), and organic matter loss were observed in both recipes. Similarly, sludge inclusion ratio had no significant impact on cumulative GHG emissions. The global warming potential (20-year GWP) for swine lagoon sludge composting using LS and HS recipes was observed to be 241.9 (±13.3) and 229.9 (±8.7) kg CO2-e/tDM respectively. Both recipes lost 24-28% of initial carbon (C) and 4-15% of nitrogen (N) respectively. Composting and curing did not change water-extractable (WE) phosphorus (P) concentrations while WE Zn and Cu concentrations decreased by 67-74% and 55-59% respectively in both recipes. End compost was stable (respiration rates <2 mgCO2-C/g OM/day) with germination index >93 for both recipes.

Preserving Radial Patency: Multiple Prior Radial Procedures and Now Large-Bore Access.

6 French percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), has become widely adopted. We describe a case of successful 8 French transradial access (TRA) coronary intervention using state of the art hemostasis technique with preservation of radial patency after the procedure.

Clinical Predictors of Coronary Artery Ectasia.

Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is defined as abnormal dilation of a coronary artery ≥1.5 times the normal segment. We aimed to determine the prevalence and clinical predictors of CAE. This was a prospective analysis performed on 6465 patients undergoing coronary angiography. Patients were divided based on the presence or absence of CAE and compared for angiographic characteristics and clinical risk factors. The prevalence of CAE was 7%, CAE associated with coronary artery stenosis was 5.4%, and isolated CAE was 1.6%. The mean age of presentation in CAE patients was 60 years, with male predominance (83.8%) and stable angina was the most common presentation. The left anterior descending artery (LAD) (51.7%) was the most commonly involved vessel, with diffuse ectasia more commonly seen in right coronary artery and discrete ectasia in LAD. Type 4 CAE was the most common type (92.4%). Hypertension, diabetes, smoking, dyslipidemia, and obesity were found in 62.4%, 35.3%, 45.3%, 54.9%, and 23.3%, respectively in CAE patients, with significant association with smoking (Odds Ratio = 3.06). The prevalence of CAE was 7% and was frequently associated with atherosclerotic coronary disease. Smoking was a significant predisposing factor for CAE.

A proposed algorithm for evaluation and management of pediatric hemophilia patients who present to the emergency department with head trauma.

Hemophilia is the deficiency of plasma clotting factor VIII (hemophilia A) or IX (hemophilia B) where management focuses on the prevention and treatment of acute bleeding symptoms and their sequelae. The most concerning risk is for life-threatening bleeding, including intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), which is caused by head trauma. Guidelines exist for the evaluation and management of pediatric head trauma, including the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) protocol, but limited evidence exists for when hemophilia patients present to the emergency department (ED), specifically with head trauma. Literature is limited regarding ICH and hemophilia, which further supports the culture of uncertainty among providers. The objective of this study is to conduct a retrospective chart review to determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of ICH, and to describe computed tomography (CT) scan use in hemophilia patients who present to Phoenix Children's Hospital (PCH) ED with head trauma from January 1, 2007 to June 1, 2019. A total of 89 ED visits and 43 patients met inclusion criteria, and prevalence of ICH was determined to be 4% with the patients presenting with varied clinical characteristics and few commonalities. Using these data, we propose a new algorithm to aid clinicians in determining the need for CT scan in pediatric hemophilia patients who present to the ED with head trauma.

Assessment and comparison of distal radial artery diameter in anatomical snuff box with conventional radial artery before coronary catheterization.

BACKGROUND: The distal radial artery (dRA) approach at anatomical snuff box has gained attention of the interventional cardiologist in last few years. The procedural success rate by this novel approach depends on size of the radial artery and therefore the study was planned to study the size of distal radial artery. METHODS: Total of 1004 patients of >18 years of age undergoing coronary catheterization were included in the study. The vessel diameter was measured from media to media in the anatomical snuff box a day prior to coronary catheterization. RESULTS: The mean diameter of right radial artery at conventional access site was 2.56 ± 0.35 mm and at distal access site 2.23 ± 0.39 mm (p < 0.001). Females had significantly smaller radial artery diameter as compared to males at right conventional access site (2.42 ± 0.36 mm vs 2.60 ± 0.34 mm; p < 0.001) and distal access site (2.09 ± 0.38 mm vs 2.27 ± 0.39 mm; p < 0.001). The diameter of the right dRA was not significantly correlated with age (r2 linear = 0.002, p = 0.0475) but was positively correlated with height and weight (r2 linear = 0.076, p = <0.001 and r2 linear = 0.005, p = <0.001) and negatively correlated with BMI (r2 linear = 0.076, p = 0.519). CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown the size of right dRA 2.27 + 0.39 mm in males and 2.09 + 0.38 mm in females. Diabetes, hypertension, height and weight are important predictors of dRA diameter.

Unique way of chest wall reconstruction using Integra Dermal Regeneration Template (IDRT) in a patient with post traumatic mucormycosis: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTI) are caused by toxin-producing bacteria and fungi that results in rapid progression of disease with significant local tissue destruction. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case report of a 57-year-old male patient in line with the SCARE 2020 criteria. He was admitted to the emergency department with a small abrasion on the right antero-lateral chest wall, and a diffuse necrotic patch of skin and soft tissues with purulent discharge. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Clinical examination, routine blood investigations, CT scan chest, and chest x-ray were performed. Patient underwent debridement six times, followed by negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). After negative culture report, Integra Meshed Dermal Regeneration Template (IMDRT), measuring 4 × 5 in. was applied and NPWT continued. The outer layer of IDRT was removed on Day 19. Split thickness skin grafting (STSG) was performed once neodermis formation was confirmed. NPWT was continued post skin grafting for a week. IDRT was successfully taken up over the raw area with exposed lung. Patient was discharged 10 days after STSG. The patient's condition improved remarkably and he was able to breathe normally. There was no puckering or tethering effect on the grafted area and not much fibrosis. He showed speedy recovery with healed donor site and 100% uptake of grafted tissue. CONCLUSION: IDRT along with NPWT is an effective and useful technique for spontaneous regeneration of the dermis and basement membrane to promote wound healing in traumatic patients with NSTIs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V. STUDY TYPE: Therapeutic.

Safety and Efficacy of Robotic-Assisted PCI.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Robotics has been used in multiple areas of procedural medical intervention. Robotic percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been available since 2004. Its adoption has been slow with initial application in simple cases. RECENT FINDINGS: With increasing adoption, robotic PCI has been applied to a broader variety of coronary substrates with demonstration of safety and efficacy. Improvements in the robotic console with future generation devices should add to the utility of this platform. Robotic PCI advances the innovations in endovascular space into a different dimension, removing the dependence of the procedure on patient-operator ergonomics and likely operator skill.

Percutaneous Retrieval of Dislodged Chemo Port Catheter With Inaccessible Tips by a Simplified Technique.

Central venous port catheters (CVPCs) are commonly employed for long-term chemotherapy. One of the rare complications associated with CVPCs is catheter fracture and further embolization of the fragmented segment into the heart. The most common site of embolization is the superior vena cava-right atrium (RA) junction. However, infrequently, the catheter may embolize further distally into the right ventricle (RV) and beyond making the fragmented tips difficult to access directly with a snare. Here, we report a case wherein both the catheter tips were lodged in the RV cavity forming a loop in the RA. This necessitated the use of a modified technique to retrieve the fragment percutaneously.