Incidence, implications and predictors of abdominal compartment syndrome in acute pancreatitis: A nationwide analysis.

BACKGROUND: Acute pancreatitis (AP) often presents with varying severity, with a small fraction evolving into severe AP, and is associated with high mortality. Complications such as intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) are intricately associated with AP. OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical implications and predictors of ACS in AP patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database on adult AP patients, further stratified by the presence of concurrent ACS. The data extraction included demographics, underlying comorbidities, and clinical outcomes. Multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses were performed using STATA (v.14.2). RESULTS: Of the 1,099,175 adult AP patients, only 1,090 (0.001%) exhibited ACS. AP patients with ACS had elevated inpatient mortality and all major complications, including septic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), requirement for total parenteral nutrition (TPN), and intensive care unit (ICU) admission (P < 0.01). These patients also exhibited increased odds of requiring pancreatic drainage and necrosectomy (P < 0.01). Predictor analysis identified blood transfusion, obesity (BMI ≥30), and admission to large teaching hospitals as factors associated with the development of ACS in AP patients. Conversely, age, female gender, biliary etiology of AP, and smoking were found less frequently in patients with ACS. CONCLUSION: Our study highlights the significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare resource utilization associated with the concurrence of ACS in AP patients. We identified potential factors associated with ACS in AP patients. Significantly worse outcomes in ACS necessitate the need for early diagnosis, meticulous monitoring, and targeted therapeutic interventions for AP patients at risk of developing ACS.

Evaluating the Aphrodisiac Potential of Mirabilis jalapa L. Root Extract: Phytochemical Profiling and In Silico, In Vitro, and In Vivo Assessments in Normal Male Rats.

The traditional use of Mirabilis jalapa L. roots to enhance male sexual performance prompted us to assess the in silico, in vitro, and in vivo aphrodisiac activities of its hydroethanolic extract using normal male rats. Spectroscopic characterization indicated the presence of ß-D-glucopyranoside, methyl-1,9-benzyl-2,6-dichloro-9H-purine, and Bis-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate; these compounds have a significant inhibitory effect on the phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) enzyme in silico evaluation and minerals (including zinc, cadmium, and magnesium). Other phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. These phytochemicals and minerals may contribute to the aphrodisiac activities of the extract. Additionally, the in vivo study revealed that the administration of M. jalapa root extract (300 mg/kg) significantly enhanced (p < 0.01, p < 0.03) mount, intromission, and ejaculation frequencies while significantly (p < 0.05) decreasing the mount and intromission latencies, as well as the post-ejaculatory interval time, in comparison with the standard drugs sildenafil and ginseng, resulting in enhanced erection and sexual performance in the rats. Furthermore, the extract significantly (p < 0.05) increased penile reflexes and also elevated the levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormones. Extract (300 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited the PDE-5 enzyme in an in vitro study. Concludingly, the comprehensive findings of this study suggest that a standardized herbal extract derived from M. jalapa roots alleviates erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation in male rats. M. jalapa root extract proved to be an alternative treatment for erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.

Ustekinumab does not increase risk of new or recurrent cancer in inflammatory bowel disease patients with prior malignancy.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: There is limited data on the rate of new or recurrent cancer in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and a history of prior or current malignancy who are initiated on biologic therapies. Furthermore, there is no data on this topic in patients using ustekinumab. METHODS: The retrospective study included 341 patients with IBD and a history of cancer who were subsequently treated with vedolizumab (VDZ; n = 34), ustekinumab (USK; n = 27), tumor necrosis factor α antagonists (anti-TNF; n = 99), or had no immunosuppressive therapy (control; n = 181). Cox proportional hazard models were developed to determine the independent effect of post-cancer immunosuppressive treatment on the occurrence of incident cancer. RESULTS: Over a median of 5.2 person-years of follow up, cancer recurrence occurred in only one patient on anti-TNF, while new cancers developed in one patient on VDZ, three patients on USK, and six patients on anti-TNF, corresponding to cancer rates of 0.4, 1.8, and 0.7 per 100 person-years, respectively. The rate of incident cancer in control patients was 2.4 per 100 person-years and included 18 new and 9 recurrent cancers. Compared with controls, a stepwise Cox proportional hazards model adjusting for significant covariates found no increased risk of incident cancer in patients receiving post-malignancy treatment with USK (hazard ratio [HR] 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.25-3.03), VDZ (HR 0.18; 95% CI 0.03-1.35), or anti-TNF (HR 0.47; 95% CI 0.20-1.12). CONCLUSION: Use of biologic therapy in IBD patients with a previous history of malignancy was not associated with an increased risk of new or recurrent cancer.

Hepatitis C Virus NAT-Positive Solid Organ Allografts Transplanted Into Hepatitis C Virus-Negative Recipients: A Real-World Experience.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-viremic organs are underutilized, and there is limited real-world experience on the transplantation of HCV-viremic solid organs into recipients who are HCV negative. APPROACH AND RESULTS: Patients listed or being evaluated for solid organ transplant after January 26, 2018, were educated and consented by protocol on the transplantation of HCV-viremic organs. All recipients were HCV nucleic acid test and anti-HCV antibody negative at the time of transplant and received an HCV-viremic organ. The primary outcome was sustained virological response (SVR) at 12 weeks after completion of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy (SVR12 ). Seventy-seven patients who were HCV negative underwent solid organ transplantation from a donor who was HCV viremic. No patients had evidence of advanced hepatic fibrosis. Treatment regimen and duration were at the discretion of the hepatologist. Sixty-four patients underwent kidney transplant (KT), and 58 KT recipients had either started or completed DAA therapy. Forty-one achieved SVR12 , 10 had undetectable viral loads but are not eligible for SVR12 , and 7 remain on treatment. One KT recipient was a nonresponder because of nonstructural protein 5A resistance. Four patients underwent liver transplant and 2 underwent liver-kidney transplant. Three patients achieved SVR12 , 1 has completed DAA therapy, and 2 remain on treatment. Six patients underwent heart transplant and 1 underwent heart-kidney transplant. Six patients achieved SVR12 and 1 patient remains on treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Limited data exist on the transplantation of HCV-viremic organs into recipients who are HCV negative. Our study is the largest to describe a real-world experience of the transplantation of HCV-viremic organs into recipients who are aviremic. In carefully selected patients, the use of HCV-viremic grafts in the DAA era appears to be efficacious and well tolerated.

Risk Factors Associated With Postendoscopic Mucosal Resection Bleeding in Patients With Cirrhosis: A Retrospective Multicenter Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: There is limited data regarding the safety of endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) in the cirrhotic population. Our study aimed to evaluate the safety of colonoscopic EMR in cirrhosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective review of cirrhotics who underwent colonic EMR at 8 Cleveland Clinic Centers between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2018. Patient data including polyp details and complications occurring within 30 days of the procedure were noted. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to find risk factors for post-EMR bleeding. RESULTS: A total of 238 patients who underwent EMR were included. There were 145 males (60.9%) and the mean age was 61.9±8.6 years. Immediate and delayed bleeding, and postpolypectomy syndrome rates were 9.2%, 5.8%, and 1.3%, respectively. Significant risk factors for postpolypectomy bleeding were: increased age (P=0.001), procedure duration >37 minutes (P=0.001), antiplatelet use within 5 days (P=0.023), and lesion diameter >15 mm (P=0.004). Multivariable analysis revealed independent predictors of procedure-related bleeding: age above 65 years [odds ratio (OR) 2.14, P=0.044], antiplatelet use within 5 days (OR 2.42, P=0.047), right colon polyp (OR 3.51, P=0.001), and lesion diameter >15 mm (OR 3.22, P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: EMR in cirrhotics has an acceptable bleeding risk. Age above 65 years, right colon polyp, polyp size >15 mm, and use of antiplatelets within 5 days are independent risk factors for bleeding.

Endoscopic Mucosal Resection for Colonic Mucosal Neoplasia and Evaluation of Long-Term Recurrence: A Single-Center Experience of 500 Cases.

OBJECTIVES: Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is an alternative to surgery for the treatment of large laterally spreading lesions. Residual or recurrent adenoma is a major limitation. This study aimed to quantify early and late recurrences and to assess its associated risk factors. METHODS: The study was a single-center, multiendoscopist, longitudinal study conducted between January 1, 2013 and April 26, 2017. A total of 480 patients with 500 polyps who underwent an endoscopic resection were included. Surveillance colonoscopy (SC) was performed at 4 to 6 months (SC1) and 16 to 18 months (SC2). RESULTS: At SC1, early recurrence was noted in 77 of 354 (21.8%) lesions; 76 (98.7%) were treated endoscopically. The remaining 277 of 354 (78.2%) lesions had no recurrence at SC1; only 41 lesions (15%) were followed up at SC2. Recurrence at SC2 was found in 4 lesions (9.8%), all of which were treated endoscopically. Lesion size >40 mm was associated with recurrence. Recurrence at both SC1 and SC2 was successfully treated endoscopically in 78 of 81 lesions (96.3%). CONCLUSIONS: EMR is an effective, minimally invasive technique for the treatment of large laterally spreading lesions. Although recurrence is a concern, its risk is low (21.8% on SC1 and 9.8% on SC2) and was managed endoscopically in 96.3% cases on follow-up endoscopy.

Both Full Glasgow-Blatchford Score and Modified Glasgow-Blatchford Score Predict the Need for Intervention and Mortality in Patients with Acute Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding.

BACKGROUND: Glasgow-Blatchford score (GBS) has been developed for risk stratification in management of acute upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. However, the performance of GBS in patients with lower GI bleeding is unknown. AIM: To evaluate the performance of full or modified GBS and modified GBS in prediction of major clinical outcomes in patients with lower GI bleeding. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients admitted to a tertiary care center with either non-variceal upper GI bleeding or lower GI bleeding was conducted. The full and modified GBS were calculated for all patients. The primary outcome was a combined outcome of inpatient mortality, need for endoscopic, surgical, or radiologic procedure to control the bleed or treat the underlying source, and need for blood transfusion. RESULTS: A total of 1026 patients (562 cases for upper GI and 464 cases for lower GI) were included in the study. Hospital-based interventions and mortality were significantly higher in upper GI bleeding group. The performance of the full GBS in lower GI bleeding (area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) 0.78, 95% CI 0.74-0.82) was comparable to full GBS in upper GI bleeding (AUROC 0.77, 95% CI 0.73-0.81) in predicting the primary outcome. Similarly, the performance of modified GBS in lower GI bleeding was shown to be comparable to modified GBS in upper GI bleeding (AUROC 0.78, 95% CI 0.74-0.83 vs. AUROC 0.76 95% CI 0.72-0.80). CONCLUSION: In patients with lower GI bleeding, both full GBS and modified GBS can predict the need for hospital-based interventions and mortality.

Outcomes of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding at United States Teaching and Non-teaching Hospitals: A National Inpatient Sample Analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Studies have varied results regarding the impact of the teaching and non-teaching status of hospitals on the outcomes for hospitalized patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). To evaluate these outcomes, we conducted a retrospective cohort study using the 2014 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. METHODS: We included all adult patients who were admitted with the principal diagnosis of UGIB. Patients admitted to rural and urban non-teaching hospitals were classified as non-teaching, whereas those admitted to urban teaching hospitals were classified as teaching. The main outcomes of interest were in-hospital mortality, percentage of patients requiring inpatient endoscopy, and endoscopic therapy, packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion, length of stay (LOS), and total hospitalization charges. RESULTS: The study included 132,085 (97%) with nonvariceal UGIB (NVUGIB) and 4,200 (3%) with variceal UGIB (VUGIB). Of them, 62% were managed at teaching hospitals. Compared with admitted patients at non-teaching hospitals, patients with nonvariceal UGIB admitted at teaching hospitals had similar adjusted in-hospital mortality rates (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 0.97, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.79-1.19), inpatient endoscopy rates (OR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.91-1.1), and early endoscopy rates (within 24 hours) (OR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.91-1.1) and lower PRBC transfusion rates (OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.79-0.97) but higher endoscopic therapy rates (OR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.2-1.4), length of stay (mean increase of 0.43 days) (P<0.01), and total hospital charges (mean increase of $4,369) (P<0.01). Patients with variceal UGIB had similar adjusted in-hospital mortality rates (OR: 1.2, 95% CI: 0.61-2.3), inpatient endoscopy rates (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.67-1.4), early endoscopy rates (within 24 hours) (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.67-1.4), endoscopic therapy rates (OR: 2.5, 95% CI: 0.54- 11.2), and total hospital charges (P=0.45), and lower PRBC transfusion rates (OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.45-0.88) but higher length of stay (mean increase of 0.69 days) (P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with nonvariceal UGIB treated at US teaching hospitals and non-teaching hospitals have similar mortality, rates of in-hospital endoscopy, and early endoscopy, but teaching hospitals have higher rates of in-hospital therapeutic endoscopy, length of stay, and total hospital charges. There was no difference in any of the outcomes for variceal gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding treated at teaching hospitals compared with those treated at non-teaching hospitals, except for length of stay, which was higher among patients admitted to teaching hospitals compared to those admitted to non-teaching hospitals.

A standardized chamuangone enriched extract from Garcinia cowa roxb. leaves shows acute and sub-acute safety.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The safety assessment of herbal products is critical for their appropriate pharmacological applications. Garcinia cowa Roxb., commonly known as Cha-muang in Thai, has ethnopharmacological relevance for inflammation, infectious diseases, and diabetes. The leaf extracts of G. cowa have been extensively reported for their anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. Notably, chamuangone is their major active constituent that contributes to various pharmacological properties. AIM OF THE STUDY: The current study aims to establish a standardized chamuangone enriched extract (CEE) and assess its acute and sub-acute toxicities in animal models. METHODOLOGY: CEE was established from G. cowa leaves using a microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), followed by fractionation and enrichment through silica gel vacuum and column chromatography. The concentration of chamuangone in the extract was quantified using a validated quantitative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The safety profiles of CEE were thoroughly evaluated in rodents according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) 425 and 407 guidelines. The effects on oxidative stress markers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were also evaluated in various organs. RESULTS: Based on the quantitative HPLC analysis, the CEE contained 73.0 ± 2.0% w/w of chamuangone. In the acute toxicity study, following up and down procedure the female rats were dosed with CEE at 1750 and 550 mg/kg body weight (b.w.), with CEE 1750 mg/kg b.w. was toxic, causing mortality, while CEE 550 mg/kg b.w. was deemed safe. An LD50 value was calculated according to the standard protocols, resulting in 970 mg/kg b.w. In histopathological examination, 550 mg/kg b.w. of CEE was safe in all the selected organs, while the 1750 mg/kg b.w. CEE treated rats exhibited toxic effects in histological tissues sections in the form of necrosis in the brain, cardiac muscle hypertrophy, liver inflammation, mild untoward effect in the spleen, fibrosis in the lungs, pancreatitis, pyelonephritis, and ovarian cyst. Administration of CEE at doses of 550 mg/kg b.w. (single dose) in the acute and 100 mg/kg b.w. (regularly 28-days) in the sub-acute toxicity studies significantly (p < 0.05) decreased levels of uric acid, triglycerides, and cholesterol. Importantly, the CEE (550 and 100 mg/kg b.w.) also significantly increased the levels of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GSH, and CAT) and decreased MDA levels. Normal histopathology was observed in the sub-acute toxicity study in all treated groups. CONCLUSION: This study successfully concludes that CEE at a dose of 100 mg/kg b.w. is safe for therapeutic application or use as a chemopreventive functional food utilizing green extraction methods. However, chronic toxicity studies are further recommended to validate safety concerns over an extended period.

UPLC-Q-TOF-MS profiling of Viola stocksii Boiss. and evaluation of aphrodisiac potential and risk factors associated with erectile dysfunction.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Viola stocksii Boiss. locally known as makhni or makhanr booti, is an important medicinal food plant with multiple therapeutic applications, including erectile dysfunction (ED). It is mixed with butter and used for boosting energy and sexual health in the subcontinent. AIMS OF THE STUDY: This study was designed to evaluate the chemical composition, aphrodisiac potential and effect of V. stocksii on the risk factors associated with ED. METHODOLOGY: The hydroethanolic extract of V. stocksii (HEEVS) was prepared through the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) technique. The chemical composition was evaluated using preliminary phytochemical screening and UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis. Metals and minerals analysis was performed by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The aphrodisiac activity of HEEVS was evaluated using an in vivo aphrodisiac model established in male albino rats and the effect on various sexual parameters such as mount, intromission, ejaculation frequencies and mount, intromission, ejaculation latencies, postejaculatory interval, penile reflexes and serum hormone concentration were analyzed. The effect of HEEVS on various risk factors associated with ED, including prostate cancer (PC), bacterial infections, diabetes and obesity, was evaluated using various in vitro assays. Moreover, four compounds were selected from the UPLC-Q-TOF-MS profile and evaluated for in silico computational analysis against phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) for possible interaction. FINDINGS: The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of various secondary metabolites in HEEVS, while 58 compounds were tentatively identified in the UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis. Various important minerals and metals such as zinc, calcium, cadmium and magnesium were detected in the atomic absorption spectrometry analysis. The in vivo aphrodisiac evaluation showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the mount, intromission and ejaculation frequencies and a decrease in the mount, intromission latencies and post-ejaculatory intervals at a dose of 300 mg/kg. A marked (p < 0.05) increase was observed in the concentration of serum testosterone and luteinizing hormones in HEEVS treated animals with a significant increase in total penile reflexes. The extract displayed significant anti-prostate cancer activity and a potential antibacterial spectrum against E. coli and S. aureus, with MIC50 values of 215.72 µg/mL and 139.05 µg/mL, respectively. Similarly, HEEVS was found active towards pancreatic lipase (67.34 ± 1.03%), α-glucosidase (3.87 ± 0.54 mmol ACAE/g d.w.) and α-amylase (6.98 ± 1.63 mmol ACAE/g d.w.). The in silico docking study presented a potential interaction between the selected compounds and residues of the active site of PDE-5. CONCLUSION: This report highlights the aphrodisiac potential of V. stocksii and provides experimental support for its traditional use in ED with an attenuative effect on the risk factors associated with ED. Moreover, the chemical composition displayed the presence of functional phytoconstituents and minerals in HEEVS and paves the way for the isolation of compounds with potent aphrodisiac activity.

Impact of interhospital transfer status on outcomes of variceal and nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: insights from the National Inpatient Sample analysis, 2017 to 2020.

Background: Variceal and nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (VUGIB and NVUGIB, respectively) require prompt intervention. Existing studies offer limited insight into the impact of interhospital transfers on patients with VUGIB and NVUGIB. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study using the US National Inpatient Sample database from 2017 to 2020. The outcomes included in-hospital mortality, incidence of complications, procedural performance, and resource utilization. Results: A total of 28,275 VUGIB and 781,370 NVUGIB adult patients were included. Transferred VUGIB and NVUGIB patients, when compared to nontransferred ones, demonstrated higher inpatient mortality (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.49 and 1.86, P < 0.05). Patients with VUGIB and NVUGIB had a higher likelihood of acute kidney injury requiring dialysis (AOR 3.79 and 1.76, respectively, P = 0.01), vasopressor requirement (AOR 2.13 and 2.37, respectively, P < 0.01), need for mechanical ventilation (AOR 1.73 and 2.02, respectively, P < 0.01), and intensive care unit admission (AOR 1.76 and 2.01, respectively, P < 0.01). Compared to their nontransferred counterparts, transferred VUGIB patients had a higher rate of undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (AOR 3.26, 95% CI 1.92-5.54, P < 0.01), while transferred NVUGIB patients had a higher rate of interventional radiology-guided embolization (AOR 2.01, 95% CI 1.73-2.34, P < 0.01) and endoscopic hemostasis (AOR 1.10, 95% CI 1.05-1.15, P < 0.01). Conclusion: Interhospital transfer is associated with worse clinical outcomes and higher resource utilization for VUGIB and NVUGIB patients.

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection for colorectal dysplasia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In this meta-analysis, we studied the safety and efficacy of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for colorectal dysplasia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS: Multiple databases were searched, and studies were retrieved based on pre-specified criteria until October 2022. The outcomes assessed were resection rates, procedural complications, local recurrence, metachronous tumors, and the need for surgery after ESD in IBD. Standard meta-analysis methods were followed using the random-effects model, and I2% was used to assess heterogeneity. RESULTS: Twelve studies comprising 291 dysplastic lesions in 274 patients were included with a median follow-up of 25 months. The pooled en-bloc resection, R0 resection, and curative resection rates were 92.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 87.9%-95.4%; I2=0%), 81.5% (95% CI, 72.5%-88%; I2=43%), and 48.9% (95% CI, 32.1%-65.9%; I2=87%), respectively. The local recurrence rate was 3.9% (95% CI, 2%-7.5%; I2=0%). The pooled rates of bleeding and perforation were 7.7% (95% CI, 4.5%-13%; I2=10%) and 5.3% (95% CI, 3.1%-8.9%; I2=0%), respectively. The rates of metachronous recurrence and additional surgery following ESD were 10% (95% CI, 5.2%-18.2%; I2=55%) and 13% (95% CI, 8.5%-19.3%; I2=54%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: ESD is safe and effective for the resection of dysplastic lesions in IBD with an excellent pooled rate of en-bloc and R0 resection.

Post-hospitalization Short Versus Long Steroid Taper Strategies in Patients With Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis: A Comparison of Clinical Outcomes.

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory colon disease characterized by relapsing flares and remission episodes. However, the optimal steroid tapering strategy in patients hospitalized for acute severe UC (ASUC) remains relatively unknown. We aim to examine the clinical outcomes in patients hospitalized for ASUC regarding variable prednisone taper regimens upon discharge. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all adult patients admitted to our facility with ASUC between 2000 and 2022. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the duration of steroid taper on discharge (< 6 and > 6 weeks). Patients who had colectomy at index admission were excluded from the analysis. The primary outcome was rehospitalization for ASUC within 6 months of index admission. Secondary outcomes included the need for colectomy, worsening endoscopic disease extent and/or severity during the follow-up period (6 months), and a composite outcome as a surrogate of worsening disease (defined as a combination of all products above). Two-sample t-tests and Pearson's chi-square tests were used to compare the means of continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors for rehospitalization with ASUC. Results: A total of 215 patients (short steroid taper = 91 and long steroid taper = 124) were analyzed. A higher number of patients in the long steroid taper group had a longer disease duration since diagnosis and moderate-severe endoscopic disease activity (63.8 vs. 25.6 months, p < 0.0001, 46.8% vs. 23.1%, P = ≤ .05, respectively). Both groups had similar disease extent, prior biologic therapy, and the need for inpatient rescue therapy. At the 6-month follow-up, rates of rehospitalization with a flare of UC were comparable between the 2 groups (68.3% vs. 68.5%, P = .723). On univariate and multivariate logistic regression, escalation of steroid dose within four weeks of discharge (aOR 6.09, 95% CI: 1.82-20.3, P  = .003) was noted to be the only independent predictor for rehospitalization with ASUC. Conclusions: This is the first study comparing clinical outcomes between post-discharge steroid tapering regimens in hospitalized patients for ASUC. Both examined steroid taper regimens upon discharge showed comparable clinical results. Hence, we suggest a short steroid taper as a standard post-hospitalization strategy in patients following ASUC encounters. It is likely to enhance patient tolerability and reduce steroid-related adverse effects without adversely affecting outcomes.

In vitro, in vivo and in silico evaluation of analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-pyretic activity of salicylate rich fraction from Gaultheria trichophylla Royle (Ericaceae).

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Medicinal properties of Gaultheria have been used in traditional medicine to treat pain and inflammation. AIM OF THE STUDY: Hence, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties of Gaultheria trichophylla Royle extract and salicylate-rich fraction in vivo, in vitro, and in silico. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vivo analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory of extract and a salicylate-rich fraction (at doses of 100, 200, 300, and 150 mg/kg) were assessed using healthy albino mice employing acetic acid-induced writhing, tail immersion test, carrageenan-induced inflammation, and croton oil-induced edema. For in vitro testing of extracts COX and LOX enzyme inhibition assays were used. Molecular docking studies were conducted for in silico testing of the inhibitory activity of the dominant compound Gaultherin against COX and LOX. RESULTS: G-EXT 200 and 300 and G-SAL 150 mg/kg reduced pyrexia significantly (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). G-EXT-200, 300, and G-SAL 150 reduce the writing to a significant level (p > 0.05, p < 0.01). G-EXT 200 and 300 and G-SAL 150 mg/kg doses the analgesic effect was significant (p > 0.05, p > 0.01) and was comparable to tramadol. G-EXT 100 200, 300 mg/kg showed 43.8%, 47.94% and 56% respectively. G-SAL 150 mg, rich in salicylates, showed maximum inhibition of 65.75% next to standard drug diclofenac with 76.7% inhibition. G-EXT 100 and 200 mg/kg dose showed significant (p < 0.05) reduction in ear edema. With 300 mg/kg dose the effect was more (61.89%, p < 0.01). The salicylate-rich fraction G-SAL and Celecoxib showed an almost similar effect (p < 0.01). Significance inhibition was shown in the COX-2 test (G-EXT 39.70 and G-SAL 77.20 IC50 µg/ml) and in the 5-LOX test (G-EXT 28.3 and G-SAL 39.70 IC50 µg/ml). The preliminary in silico results suggest that the investigated compound showed excellent inhibitory activity against COX and LOX enzymes as evident from the free binding energy. Molecular docking revealed that Gaultherin binds well in the COX and LOX enzyme catalytic region. CONCLUSION: The extract and salicylate-rich fraction obtained from G. trichophylla showed significant analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects in vivo, in vitro, and in silico assays that support its use in traditional medicine.

Prevalence and difference of COVID-19 symptoms, post-COVID conditions and duration of illness among the vaccinated and unvaccinated population: a cross-sectional study in Peshawar.

Studies on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms, post-coronavirus disease (COVID) conditions, and vaccination outcomes in Pakistan are limited and inconsistent. The study investigated differences in symptoms and post-COVID conditions between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals and the impact of vaccination on illness duration based on existing literature. Methods: The study was a 3-month cross-sectional study conducted in Peshawar, Pakistan. It targeted individuals aged 16 and above who had contracted COVID-19 at least once during the recent pandemic, regardless of gender, and confirmed through reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction testing. The sample size was 250, determined using the WHO sample size calculator. Data were collected through questionnaires after obtaining verbal consent and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26, taking into account their vaccination status along with other important variables. Results: Among the 250 respondents, 143 (57.2%) were unvaccinated, while 107 (42.8%) were vaccinated at the time of contracting COVID-19. Unvaccinated subjects developed a greater variety of symptoms that lasted for longer durations (P<0.001) with symptoms like dyspnea [55 (38.5%, P=0.011)], anosmia [76 (53.1%, P=0.001)], and chest pain [24 (16.8%, P=0.029)] occurring at greater percentages. Sixty-one (42.7%) unvaccinated subjects reported post-COVID conditions as opposed to 29 (27.1%) among the vaccinated group [P=0.011; odds ratio (OR)=0.5; 95% CI=0.29-0.86]. Conclusion: The study found that COVID-19 vaccination can reduce the duration and frequency of symptoms, as well as post-COVID conditions. This is the first research of its kind conducted in Peshawar, Pakistan, and may serve as a foundation for future research in this demographic.

Spontaneous Intravesical Knotting of a Feeding Tube in a Late Preterm Neonate: A Case Report.

Feeding tubes (FTs) are commonly used as urinary catheters in neonates and children. Though generally safe, serious complications can result if the catheter spontaneously knots inside the bladder. We report a case of a spontaneous knotting of an intravesical Fr 6 FT in a late preterm female baby following urethral catheterization to collect a urine sample. The knotted catheter was removed via suprapubic cystotomy. The infant had good postoperative recovery.

Assessment of without prescription antibiotic dispensing at community pharmacies in Hazara Division, Pakistan: A simulated client's study.

Antibiotics dispensing without a prescription is an irrational practice and can increase the risk of antibiotic resistance, which is a significant public health concern around the globe. This study was aimed to determine the extent to which antibiotics are supplied without prescription in the community pharmacies (CPs) at Hazara Division from November 2020 to February 2021. The simulated client method (SCM) was used, and the data were gathered, recorded, and analyzed through different statistical methods with descriptive and inferential techniques. The antibiotic dispensing was observed in CPs (90.5%), the most dispensed antibiotics were azithromycin (29.4%) and ciprofloxacin (46.5%) respectively. Furthermore, visited medical stores/ drug outlets, 9.5% of the visited stores denied dispensing of antibiotics because they preferred a referral to visit physicians (23. 9%) and (12.8%) did not had the antibiotics at the time of visits. Antibiotics were more obtainable in retail medical stores (AOR = 8.6, 95 percent Cl: 3.0-24.7; p = 0.001) than in pharmacies. In rural areas antibiotics dispensing was more (p = 0.004) as compared to urban areas. Staff members also had asked about patient's (17.7%) symptoms and drug allergies (12.3% and 3.9%), and (1.5%) they consoled them about their medications. The findings of this study indicate that nonprescription antibiotic sales are very common, despite national rules prohibiting this activity. When the simulated Client requested for any medication to relieve his or her discomfort, many antibiotics were given out without a prescription. Pharmacies/medical stores in Hazara Division selling antibiotics without a prescription are worrying and need immediate action by regulators.

Maternal predictors of neonatal anthropometric measurements in the Sultanate of Oman.

This study aims to detect an association between potential maternal predictors and neonatal anthropometry in Oman. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman, between November 2014 and November 2015. The study included all term healthy Omani neonate-mother pairs. Summary descriptive statistics of neonatal (N) weight (Wt), length (L), head circumference (HC), and potential maternal (M) characteristics were collected. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess associations between maternal predictors and neonatal anthropometry. The study cohort identified 2,783 eligible pairs. The data showed that parity, maternal weight (MWt), and height (MHt) explained a significant amount of the variance in birth weight (F-ratio = 115.4, p-value < 0.001, and R 2 adjusted = 0.12). MWt and MHt were significant predictors of length (F-ratio = 65.3, p-value < 0.001, and R 2 adjusted = 0.048). The predictors of HC were MWt, MHt, and parity (F-ratio = 53.1, p-value < 0.001, and R 2 adjusted = 0.57). Primiparous mothers were 2.2 times at greater risk of delivering low birth weight (LBW) newborns. There were no significant differences in anthropometric outcomes between consanguineous and nonconsanguineous groups. Maternal weight and height had significant positive associations with the three newborn anthropometric outcomes. Additionally, primiparity was associated with the increased risk of LBW. Consanguinity was not associated with LBW in term Omani neonates.