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Clinical Outcomes for Patients with Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Octogenarians, Nonagenarians, and Centenarians: A Population-Based Study
Get PDFWe sought to examine the national inpatient sample data-base to describe in-hospital outcomes among patients over seventy who acquire ventilator-associated pneumonia after being on the ventilator for over 48 hours
The Ancient Remedy for Modern Ailments: Analysis of Manual, Laser, and Electro-Acupuncture Therapy Usage on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Get PDFIn the United States, while acupuncture is still primarily used as a complementary therapy, consumer interest and usage are steadily increasing. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), a condition where the median nerve is compressed in the wrist, can lead to numbness, tingling, weakness in fingers, and thus impaired hand function, possessing significant burdens to patients suffering from this chronic disease. Multiple acupuncture applications exist such as electroacupuncture, auricular acupuncture, laser acupuncture, moxibustion, and acupressure; very few comprehensive studies have been done in comparing their effectiveness in treating CTS.
In this study, we aim to conduct a literature review with the primary objectives as follows: To elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which acupuncture exerts its therapeutic effects on carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). To systematically evaluate the comparative efficacy of various acupuncture modalities in the management of CTS.
While acupuncture appears to be a promising treatment option for CTS, compared to electroacupuncture, laser acupuncture demonstrated superior outcomes in reducing symptom severity and improving functional status in patients with nonsevere CTS. Acupuncture was more effective than night splints in reducing pain but did not outperform medication in improving symptom severity or electrophysiological parameters. Acupuncture, when combined with physiotherapy, showed benefits in reducing pain, disability, and improving grip strength compared to physiotherapy alone
Case Report: Spontaneous Aortic Dissection in a 63-Year Old Male Presenting as Left Abdominal, Flank and Back Pain
Get PDFAortic dissection is a life-threatening condition in which the inner walls of the aorta tears, compromising its ability to supply blood to organs. The classic presentation involves sudden, severe, “tearing” chest pain, but subtle presentations are often overlooked as symptoms of another condition, leading to missed diagnoses. This report presents a case of spontaneous aortic dissection who presented with sudden onset of left upper abdominal pain, left flank and upper back pain while brushing his teeth
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Examining If Hyperplasia Occurs in Humans in Response to Resistance Exercise
Get PDFBackground: It is commonly believed that resistance exercise in humans induces muscle growth primarily via muscle hypertrophy, but there is some debate as to whether muscle hyperplasia occurs. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to quantitively assess whether the presence of muscle hyperplasia occurs in humans performing resistance training.
Methods: Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched on May 17, 2024. Studies that assessed muscle fiber number pre and post resistance training were included in a three-level random effects model to assess changes in muscle fiber number.
Results: A total of 11 studies met the search criteria, with all the included studies assessing changes in fiber number of the biceps brachii or vastus lateralis. The results of the quantitative meta-analysis demonstrated that resistance exercise did not alter the number of muscle fiber numbers present [ES: 4086; (95% CI: -6,430, 14,604; p=0.419; Figure 2]. Furthermore, the presence of muscle hyperplasia was not moderated by prior training status, training duration, or the muscle group assessed (all p\u3e0.05).
Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that muscle hyperplasia is unlikely to occur to a meaningful extent in response to humans performing resistance training. While muscle hyperplasia was not evident, it may be difficult to detect due to the relatively short duration of the included training interventions and/or difficulties in estimating muscle fiber number, which resulted in a wide range of estimates across studies
Mental Health Crisis of Medical Staffs During The Pandemic – How Has The COVID-19 Impacted Health Care Workers’ Mental Status
Get PDFThe COVID-19 pandemic has waged a relentless battle against humanity, but amidst the physical toll lies a hidden front: the war on the mental health of our healthcare workers (HCWs).
Previous reviews have demonstrated a potential prevalence of mental health problems among HCWs, but these reviews necessitate updating and inclusion of more studies, along with a comparative analysis of pre- and post-pandemic backgrounds. Therefore, the aim of my study is to deliver updated prevalence estimates for mental health concerns among HCWs in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The results show not only a drastic increase in the percentage of existing mental health symptoms of the HCWs, but also the emergence of new symptoms like acute stress and burnout thanks to the pandemic. Notably, healthcare workers who were tested positive for the COVID-19 virus were found to have a significantly higher prevalence of mental health concerns.
This stark reality underscores the urgent need for robust support systems and interventions to safeguard the mental well-being of our frontline heroe
Maternal Responsiveness to Infant Hunger Cues: Is It Possible to Mitigate Risk of Obesity Starting in Infancy?
Get PDFBackground: Childhood obesity is becoming a predominant health concern with over 37 million children under the age of 5 being overweight. Instances of rapid weight gain in infancy correlate to greater risk for obesity later on in life.
Methods: This study aimed to look at feeding modality and style for their impact on maternal responsiveness to infant hunger cues and RWG. A database search identified 21 studies eligible to be included in the review out of 150.
Discussion: Key findings showed breast-feeding mothers were most responsive to hunger cues, breastfed infants expressed greater cues than their formula-fed peers, and responsive feeding led to less infant weight gain and adipose tissue compared to controlling feeding methods. Additional findings on opaque feeding bottles, prolactin, maternal education, and infant satiety cues were also discussed for impact.
Conclusion: In conclusion, breast-feeding was found to be the most beneficial with increased maternal recognition of both hunger and satiety cues. Further studies are necessary to compare methods of feeding as well as feeding styles more directly
Perioperative Goal-Directed Fluid Therapy in Neurosurgical Patients: A Scoping Review of Current Evidence and Research Gaps
Get PDFBackground: Neurosurgical patients are sensitive to fluid imbalances in postoperative settings. Traditional fluid management has been shown to have variable outcomes. Goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) is a tailored approach, but its benefits are not well established in neurosurgery.
Hypothesis: The aim of this study is to identify and map the existing literature on perioperative GDFT in neurosurgical patients, including study characteristics, reported outcomes, and knowledge gaps.
Methods: This scoping review follows the PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines and the Arksey and O’Malley six-stage methodological framework. A literature search was performed across three databases from January 2000 to April 23, 2025. Studies evaluating GDFT in adult neurosurgical patients were included, while studies involving pediatric populations, non-English language, case reports, or surgical procedures outside the scope of neurosurgery were excluded. Title and full-text screening were conducted independently by four reviewers. Key study characteristics were extracted and synthesized.
Results: Of 62 studies identified, 23 were included after full-text screening: twenty randomized controlled trials, two systematic reviews, and one non-randomized controlled study. GDFT was associated with reduced intraoperative fluid administration, fewer postoperative complications, and shorter hospital stays, demonstrating its value in neurosurgery.
Conclusions: Across studies, the protocols for GDFT varied in monitoring tools, fluid thresholds, and intervention algorithms. Limitations of the current evidence include heterogeneity in protocols and comparators, potential publication bias, and a lack of detailed reporting on functional recovery or long-term outcomes. Future research is needed to address these gaps, particularly by standardizing intervention protocols and evaluating long-term clinical outcomes across diverse neurosurgical populations
Addressing Gaps in Clinical Trial Access for African Americans
Get PDFBackground: Clinical trials are essential for generating evidence on the safety and efficacy of new treatments. However, Black Americans remain underrepresented in clinical research, particularly for conditions that disproportionately affect them. This underrepresentation compromises the generalizability of findings and perpetuates health disparities. This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to African American participation in clinical trials and to inform culturally sensitive strategies to improve enrollment of diverse populations.
Methods: We developed a 38-question web-based survey, divided into three domains: (1) cultural affinity, (2) trust, and (3) background information. The survey was administered using Jotform, a HIPAA-compliant platform. Participants—Black adults residing in the Southern U.S.—were recruited via community outreach, social media, and radio advertisements.
Results: A total of 260 Black adults completed the survey. Key barriers to participation included historical mistreatment of African Americans in medical research, concerns about side effects of experimental treatments, and the lack of Black clinicians in research roles. Facilitators included increased representation of African Americans in medical research, physician recommendation, diverse IRBs, clear explanations of study details, and community relevance of the research. Notably, only 27.6% of respondents were influenced by free transportation, and 37.5% by financial compensation.
Conclusion: While Black Americans are willing to engage in clinical research, trust and safety remain critical concerns. Addressing historical injustices, promoting diversity in research leadership, and enhancing community engagement are essential for fostering trust. Use of plain language, cultural competence, and inclusive recruitment practices are key strategies to increase African American participation in clinical trials
Assessing the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health in Patients Presenting to a Student-Run Free Clinic
Get PDFBackground
Mental health is an important part of patient care, therefore it is imperative to understand how it’s recognized and treated. Socioeconomic status and the COVID19 pandemic contribute to disproportionate incidences of mental illness1, 2, 10, 11, 12. This study uses data from a student-run clinic, the Rowan-Virtua Community Health Center (RVCHC), to examine disparities in mental health needs and screenings among the local population.
Hypothesis
It was hypothesized that underserved populations are at a disadvantage when it comes to both mental health screenings and treatment due to restricted access to healthcare and other unmet needs. Additionally, the pandemic was expected to have worsened this gap in care.
Methods
Over 4 years, 62 patients were enrolled: 38 during the pandemic and 24 post-pandemic. Participants were given the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 surveys to screen for depression and anxiety. Data was analyzed for differences in overall levels of depression and anxiety based on status of the pandemic, gender, age, and race.
Results
Preliminary data shows no significant difference in the prevalence of anxiety or depression pre- or post-pandemic based on gender, age, or race.
Conclusions
Current findings show no statistical significance among groups of gender, age, or race at the RVCHC. This could be a result of minimally elevated anxiety and depression among this population despite the pandemic. Regardless, the study provides helpful insight into how student-run clinics can provide better care to the community via access to mental health screening. Future directions may expand on these results with an increased enrollment
The Role of Heart Rate Variability in the Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Scoping Review
Get PDFComplications associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) have an unclear pathophysiology. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is a potent modality for monitoring autonomic nervous system function and may give insight into the timing of flares and complication development. Existing literature suggests a link between IBD complications and inflammation as well as inflammation and HRV. However, research directly exploring the relationship between HRV and IBD complications is limited. This review aims to examine the state of the science as it pertains to the relationship between HRV and IBD complications highlighting current knowledge gaps to guide future research. A search was conducted using Pubmed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science and Google Scholar using the following search string with MeSH terms and common terms (“Heart Rate Variability” OR “HRV” AND (“Inflammatory Bowel Disease” OR IBD”). Inclusion Criteria consisted of studies that have objective heart rate variability data and mentioned IBD or its complications. Exclusion Criteria included case reports and fetal studies.Heart Rate variability is a promising modality to monitor and potential predict IBD flares and complications. Vagal Nerve stimulation is a novel modality to rebalance autonomic tone that may be monitored with HRV. There is a current lack of direct research on HRV and IBD complications that should be further explored especially in regards to severe complications like enteropathic arthritis