Journal of investigative medicine : the official publication of the American Federation for Clinical Research
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Deep neck space infections (DNSI) are severe infections within the layers of neck fascia that are known to be associated with underlying immunocompromised states. Although uremia associated with kidney disease is known to cause immune system dysfunction, DNSI in patients with kidney disease has been poorly studied. This study investigated the prevalence of DNSI and the associated risk of mortality within the United States end-stage renal disease (ESRD) population, using a retrospective cohort study design and the United States Renal Data System database of patients (ages 18-100) who initiated dialysis therapy between 2005 and 2019. ⋯ Variables associated with increased risk of DNSI were female sex, black compared to white race, catheter, or graft compared to arteriovenous fistula (AVF) access, autoimmune disease, chronic tonsillitis, diagnoses in the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), tobacco use, and alcohol dependence. DNSI diagnosis was an independent risk factor for mortality, which was also associated with other comorbidity factors such as older age, catheter or graft compared to AVF access, comorbidities in the CCI, tobacco use, and alcohol dependence. Because of the increased mortality risk of DSNI in the ESRD population, health professionals should encourage good oral hygiene practices and smoking cessation, and they should closely monitor these patients to reduce poor outcomes.
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Constitutive activation of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling has been implicated in many cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Among them, the terminal glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (Gli1) regulates the expression of critical genes in the Hh pathway. The current study aims to evaluate the anti-HCC effect of the Gli1 inhibitor, GANT61. ⋯ Besides that, GANT61 inhibits the expression of Gli1, FoxM1, CyclinD1, and Bcl-2, upregulates the level of Bax protein, and also reverses the epithelial-mesenchymal transition program by downregulating the expression of Vimentin and N-Cadherin and upregulating the expression of epithelial E-Cadherin expression. Furthermore, GANT61 inhibits the growth of subcutaneous xenografts of Huh7 cells in nude mice. Overall, this study suggests that Gli1 is a potential target for therapy and GANT61 shows promising therapeutic potential for future treatment in HCC.
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As more states legalize cannabinoid products for recreational use and medicinal purposes, the prevalence of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome has become increasingly common. Yet, it remains unrecognized to many healthcare providers along with the most efficacious treatments. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome most often presents with episodic vomiting secondary to chronic daily cannabis use over several months to years. ⋯ Long-term management and prevention of further attacks are aided by tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline with a dose range of 50-200 mg/d. Once a patient is in remission, amitriptyline can be tapered slowly. As cannabis becomes more widely available and accepted in the continental United States, so must education on the diagnosis of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome and treatment strategies.
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The long-term impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a critical public health concern. The presence of residual symptoms in COVID-19 survivors has been investigated with various results; however, there is limited data documenting outcomes longer than 6 months post-hospitalization. We aimed to investigate the 12-month lasting effects of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients. ⋯ Spirometry and echocardiography tests returned to normal in most patients during the evaluation, and no one had substantial residual disease. Our study provides insight into the long-term effects of COVID-19 on patients' physical and mental health. Despite the lack of significant residual disease or major complications after a year of thorough follow-up, COVID-19 survivors experienced lasting symptoms and a negative impact on their QoL.
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Telemedicine is seen as a useful tool in reducing gaps in health care but this technology-enabled care can also exacerbate health inequity if not implemented with a focus on inclusivity. Though many studies have reported improvements as well as exacerbation of disparities in access to care in their telehealth programs, there does not exist a common evaluation tool to assess these programs. To mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on health care workers and protect medically vulnerable children, in March 2020 we expanded our pre-established specialty and subspecialty direct-to-patient pediatric telemedicine program in a high volume urban pediatric health system. ⋯ Future identification of these specific barriers is needed. The tool to evaluate telehealth impact/access to care through a "Pillars of Access" approach presented here could serve as a model for implementation of telehealth programs. Our study highlights telemedicine programs as a mechanism to address healthcare inequity and overcome barriers to care.