Articles: cations.
-
Approximately 10% to 20% of individuals with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection may develop long-COVID syndrome, characterized by various physical and mental health issues, including pain. Previous studies suggested an association between small fibre neuropathy and pain in long-COVID cases. In this case-control study, our aim was to identify small fibre neuropathy in patients experiencing painful long-COVID syndrome. ⋯ This case-control study showed that approximately 50% of patients experiencing painful long-COVID syndrome had small fibre neuropathy. However, in our patient cohort, this specific post-COVID-19 complication was unrelated to demographic and COVID-19 clinical variables. Approximately half of our sample of patients with painful long-COVID symptoms met diagnostic criteria for small fibre neuropathy.
-
The aim of this prospective study was to (1) objectively quantify the impact of sex on platelet function in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) taking antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications and (2) to develop and test a personalized, iterative algorithm that personalizes thromboprophylaxis that incorporates platelet function testing. ⋯ Women with PAD exhibited higher platelet reactivity, clot strength, and reduced platelet inhibition in response to antiplatelet therapy. The use of the ACE algorithm to tailor antiplatelet medication in patients with PAD post-revascularization, resulted in a significant decrease in thrombotic event rates. This may serve as an opportune way to mitigate outcome sex-specific disparities caused by inadequate thromboprophylaxis in women.
-
Observational Study
"Home Field Advantage": The Presence of a "Home" Neurosurgical Residency Training Program is Associated With Improved Match Outcomes.
Competition for neurosurgical residency training positions remains fierce. The support provided by applicants' home neurosurgery residency training programs (NRTP) is suspected to play a key role in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) process. We sought to evaluate the impact of the presence of an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited NRTP at medical students' home institutions has on NRMP match outcomes. ⋯ The presence of a NRTP at a medical student's home institution is associated with improved NRMP match outcomes. This held true both before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Applicants from schools with a NRTP had more publication experiences and were more likely to complete a RGY. Completion of a RGY is associated with an increased likelihood of matching only for students with an affiliated NRTP.
-
Nationwide abortion restrictions resulting from the Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health Organization (2022) decision have generated confusion and uncertainty among healthcare professionals, with concerns for liability impacting clinical decision-making and outcomes. The impact on pediatric surgery can be seen in prenatal counseling for fetal anomaly cases, counseling for fetal intervention, and recommendations for pregnant children and adolescents who seek termination. It is essential that all physicians and healthcare team members understand the legal implications on their clinical practices, engage with resources and organizations that can help navigate these circumstances, and consider advocating for patients and themselves. Pediatric surgeons must consider the impact of these changing laws on their ability to provide comprehensive and ethical care and counseling to all patients.
-
Pathogenic variations in the NTRK1 can cause congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis (CIPA), a rare autosomal recessive inherited neuropathy. The precise diagnosis of CIPA relies on the identification of pathogenic genotypes. Therefore, it is essential to expand the NTRK1 variation spectrum and improve molecular diagnosis methods. ⋯ When combined with data from another 53 CIPA patients examined in our previous work, this study establishes the largest genotypic and phenotypic spectra of CIPA worldwide, including 127 CIPA families. Moreover, functional studies indicated that the pathogenicity of VUS mainly affected insufficient glycosylation in the extracellular domain and abnormal phosphorylation in the intracellular domain. This study not only provides important evidence for precise diagnosis of CIPA but also further enriches our understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease.