Clin. Pract., Volume 14, Issue 2 (April 2024) – 24 articles

The global prevalence of obesity continues to rise, contributing to an increased frequency of abdominal wall reconstruction procedures, particularly ventral hernia repairs, in individuals with elevated body mass indexes. Undertaking these operations in obese patients poses inherent challenges. This review focuses on the current literature in this area, with special attention to the impact of concomitant panniculectomy. Obese individuals undergoing abdominal wall reconstruction face elevated rates of wound healing complications and hernia recurrence. The inclusion of concurrent panniculectomy heightens the risk of surgical site occurrences but does not significantly influence hernia recurrence rates. While this combined approach can be executed in obese patients, caution is warranted, due to the higher risk of complications. Physicians should carefully balance and communicate the potential risks, especially regarding the increased likelihood of wound healing complications. Acknowledging these factors is crucial in shared decision making and ensuring optimal patient outcomes in the context of abdominal wall reconstruction and related procedures in the obese population. Full article

Purpose: We conducted a phase II study evaluating chemoradiotherapy in patients with advanced esophageal cancer, using the docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (DCF) regimen followed by surgery. The primary purposes of this clinical trial were to assess the efficacy and safety of chemoradiotherapy employing the DCF regimen in the treatment of advanced esophageal cancer. Material and methods: We enrolled a total of 24 newly diagnosed esophageal cancer patients between April 2015 and November 2017 in this prospective study. The radiotherapy regimen consisted of a total dose of 45 Gy in 25 fractions. The chemotherapy protocol included docetaxel 35 mg/m² for 1 h on day 1 and day 29, cisplatin 35 mg/m² for 1 h on day 1 and day 29, and 5-FU 400 mg/m² for 24 h on day 1–4 and day 29–32. The patients who accepted the re-staging exam should undergo surgery in 4–8 weeks after the completion of radiotherapy. The primary endpoints of this study were disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and the evaluation of hematologic toxicity. Results: The study population had a median age of 55.5 years, ranging from 44 to 66, with over 90% of the patients being male. The 5-year DFS was 37.1%, and the 5-year OS was 48.7%. The pathologic complete response rate was 45.8% (11/24). The most common types of toxicity were leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. No grade 3 or greater hematologic toxicity was reported. Conclusions: The use of the DCF regimen in neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery demonstrated tolerable toxicity and achieved acceptable DFS and OS outcomes. Full article

Purpose: We conducted a retrospective case series of seven male COVID-19 patients with respiratory failure and suspected OSA based on clinical features to evaluate the effects of undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on COVID-19 outcomes and the response to a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment. Cardiorespiratory polygraphy (CRP) and a continuous positive airway pressure treatment were used for diagnosis and management. They confirmed severe obstructive sleep apnea in all patients (apnea/hypopnea index > 30) and improved overnight oxygenation and symptoms at the 1-month follow-up. Conclusions: Undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea may negatively impact COVID-19 outcomes by exacerbating respiratory failure. Recognition and treatment with continuous positive airway pressure can optimize the management of such patients. Full article

Penetrating aortic injuries represent critical medical emergencies that necessitate immediate intervention to prevent life-threatening consequences. When accompanied by the presence of an enormous right pleural false aneurysm, the clinical scenario becomes exceptionally rare and complex. This case report details the successful management of a patient who presented with a penetrating aortic ulcer and an extensive false aneurysm within the right pleura, employing an interdisciplinary approach involving cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, and radiologists. The pivotal intervention involved the deployment of a covered and bare stent graft into the descending thoracic aorta to seal the aortic rupture. The patient’s clinical condition stabilized postoperatively, with no signs of recurrent hemorrhage. This case underscores the importance of rapid diagnosis, timely intervention, and the collaborative efforts of a specialized medical team in successfully managing such complex vascular injuries. Early recognition and referral to specialized centers are essential for improving patient outcomes in cases of penetrating aortic injuries with associated giant pseudoaneurysms. Full article

The process of SARS-CoV-2 infection, responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, is carried out through different steps, with the interaction between ACE2 and Spike protein (S) being crucial. Besides of that, the acidic environment of endosomes seems to play a relevant role in the virus uptake into cells and its intracellular replication. Patients affected by two rare genetic tubulopathies, Gitelman’s and Bartter’s Syndromes, and a rare genetic metabolic disease, Fabry Disease, have shown intrinsic protection from SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 on account of specific intrinsic features that interfere with the virus uptake into cells and its intracellular replication, which will be reported and discussed in this paper, providing interesting insights for present and future research. Full article

Background: The use of postoperative MRI to assess the healing status of repaired menisci is a long-standing issue. This study evaluates and compares functional and MRI outcomes following an arthroscopic meniscus repair procedure with the aim of postoperative MRI diagnostic accuracy clarification in young patients. Methods: A total of 35 patients under 18 years old who underwent isolated meniscus repair were included. The Pedi-IKDC score, Lysholm score, and Tegner activity index (TAS) were compared between the groups formed according to the Stroller and Crues three-grade classification of postoperative MRI-based evaluations. Grade 3 MRI views were classified as unhealed, grade 2 as partially healed, and grade 1 as fully healed within the repaired meniscus, whereas grade 3 cases were considered unsuccessful due to MRI evaluation. Results: MRI assessment revealed 4 cases of grade 1 (11.4%), 14 cases of grade 2 (40.8%), and 17 cases of grade 3 (48.0%) lesions. Pedi-IKDC and TAS scores were significantly higher among MRI grade 2 patients than among MRI grade 3 patients (p < 0.05). Weak negative correlations between MRI grades and all functional scales were found (p < 0.05). ROC analysis showed that Pedi-IKDC and TAS scores could correctly classify 77% and 71% of MRI grade 3 patients, respectively. The optimal cut-off values to detect grade 3 patients were 88.74 for the Pedi-IKDC score and 4.5 for the TAS score. Conclusions: To conclude, established functional score cut-off values may help identify unhealed meniscus repair patients. Full article

Background: Pancreas transplantation is a crucial surgical intervention for managing diabetes, but it faces challenges such as its invasive nature, stringent patient selection criteria, organ scarcity, and centralized expertise. Despite the steadily increasing number of pancreas transplants in the United States, there is a need to understand global trends in interest to increase awareness of and participation in pancreas and islet cell transplantation. Methods: We analyzed Google Search trends for “Pancreas Transplantation” and “Islet Cell Transplantation” from 2004 to 14 November 2023, assessing variations in search interest over time and across geographical locations. The Augmented Dickey–Fuller (ADF) test was used to determine the stationarity of the trends (p < 0.05). Results: Search interest for “Pancreas Transplantation” varied from its 2004 baseline, with a general decline in peak interest over time. The lowest interest was in December 2010, with a slight increase by November 2023. Ecuador, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia showed the highest search interest. “Islet Cell Transplantation” had its lowest interest in December 2016 and a more pronounced decline over time, with Poland, China, and South Korea having the highest search volumes. In the U.S., “Pancreas Transplantation” ranked 4th in interest, while “Islet Cell Transplantation” ranked 11th. The ADF test confirmed the stationarity of the search trends for both procedures. Conclusions: “Pancreas Transplantation” and “Islet Cell Transplantation” showed initial peaks in search interest followed by a general downtrend. The stationary search trends suggest a lack of significant fluctuations or cyclical variations. These findings highlight the need for enhanced educational initiatives to increase the understanding and awareness of these critical transplant procedures among the public and professionals. Full article

Background: Adhesive capsulitis (AC) of the glenohumeral joint is a recognized cause of pain associated with both active and passive restricted ranges of movement. AC can be subdivided into primary and secondary forms. Trauma, surgery, immobilization, and diabetes mellitus are the leading well-recognized causes of secondary AC. Calcific tendinitis/tendinitis (CT) of the rotator cuff is considered a possible trigger for AC, as reported in a few previous articles. However, there are no original investigations that assess the frequency and characteristics of this association. The aim of our research was to evaluate the presence of AC in a cohort of patients with a known CT condition of the rotator cuff by an ultrasound (US) examination. Materials and methods: We prospectively enrolled all the patients admitted at our single institution (October 2022–June 2023) for the preoperative US evaluation of a known CT condition. In these patients, we searched for parameters related to secondary AC. An axillary pouch (AP) thickness equal to or greater than 4 mm (or greater than 60% of the contralateral AP) was considered diagnostic of AC. Moreover, rotator interval (RI) thickness and the presence of effusion within the long-head biceps tendon (LHBT) sheath was also assessed in all patients. Results: A total of 78 patients (54F, 24M—mean age = 50.0 and range = 31–71 y.o.) were enrolled in the study. In 26 of those patients (26/78—33.3%), US signs of AC were detected. Notably, the mean AP thickness in patients with AC and CT was 3.96 ± 1.37 mm (Group 1) and 2.08 ± 0.40 mm in patients with CT only (Group 2). RI thickness was significantly greater in patients with superimposed AC: 2.54 ± 0.38 mm in Group 1 and 1.81 ± 0.41 mm in Group 2 (p < 0.00001). Moreover, effusion within the LHBT was significantly more frequently detected in patients with AC: 84.61% in Group 1 versus 15.79% in Group 2—p < 0.00001. Conclusion: US signs of AC are found in one-third of patients with CT of the rotator cuff, demonstrating that AC represents a frequent complication that should be routinely evaluated during US investigation to provide more personalized treatment strategies. Full article

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major contributor to the world’s cancer burden. Understanding the HCC incidence rate in Taiwan is thus an interesting avenue of research. Methods: From an NHI database, those patients who had been newly diagnosed with HCC and who had been listed on a registry in a catastrophic illness dataset during the years 2013–2021 were enrolled in this study. Antineoplastic agent usage and comorbidities were also studied. Results: The incidence rate of HCC decreased from 57.77 to 44.95 in 100,000 from 2013 to 2021. The average age of patients with HCC increased from 65.54 years old with a CCI score of 4.98 in 2013 to 67.92 years old with a CCI score of 5.49 in 2021. Among these HCC patients, the patients under antineoplastic agent treatment decreased from 53.47% to 31.41% from 2013 to 2021. The presence of comorbidities in HCC patients was about 55.77–83.01% with mild liver disease and 29.93–37.30% with diabetes (without complications) in the period 2013–2021. Conclusions: The incidence rate of HCC slightly decreased in Taiwan. Due to antineoplastic agent usage decreasing over time, these results may indicate that more early-stage HCC patients detected in recent years were mainly treated with surgeries. Full article

Background: In recent years, the use of conometric systems to connect dental implant abutments and prosthetic caps has been advocated because they seem to eliminate the side effects reported when using screw- and cement-connected prosthetic restorations. Objectives: The present case study is focused on conometric connection characterization and its performance in terms of the microarchitecture of peri-implant soft tissues by using a cross-linked approach based on optical microscopy and three-dimensional imaging. Methods: Two dental implants were characterized using micro-CT and another identical one was implanted into a patient; the latter was retrieved 45 days later due to changes in prosthetic needs. Afterward, the peri-implant soft tissues were investigated using synchrotron-based phase contrast imaging, histology, and polarized light microscopy. Results: Micro-CT analysis showed perfect adhesion between the abutment and prosthetic cap; histology and polarized light microscopy showed that connective tissue was richly present around the abutment retrieved from the patient. Moreover, the quantitative evaluation of connective tissues using synchrotron imaging, supported by artificial intelligence, revealed that this tissue was rich in mature collagen, with longitudinal and transverse collagen bundles intertwined. The number and connectivity of transverse bundles were consistently greater than those of the longitudinal bundles. Conclusion: It was found that the peri-implant soft tissue was already mature and well organized after only 45 days of implantation, supporting the hypothesis that conometric connections contribute to the significant stabilization of peri-implant soft tissues. Full article

Background: The compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel is the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Surgical decompression is successful in improving sleep and quality of life, but the effect of tissue adhesives as a material for wound closure has not been investigated. The objective of the study was to evaluate sleep disorders and health-related life quality by comparing two methods for wound closure after carpal surgery in participants who were randomized to receive tissue adhesives or transcutaneous sutures. Methods: The subjects, aged 61.56 ± 12.03 years, were randomized to receive either tissue adhesives (n = 50) or suture-based wound closure (n = 50) using the Glubran Tiss 2^® skin adhesive after subcutaneous running sutures. The outcomes were assessed during the 12-month postoperative follow-up. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PQSI) and Insomnia Severity Scale (ISI) were used for the sleep disturbance assessment, and for the health-related quality of life assessment, the total SF-36 (36-Item Short Form Survey) was used. Results: The PQSI, ISI, and SF-36 were not statistically different between groups during the follow-up, except in the ISI score two weeks after surgery (9.40 ± 1.18 in the tissue adhesive group vs. 9.96 ± 1.09 in the suture-based group, p = 0.008). The PQSI, ISI, and SF-36 scores for all the subjects and groups were persistently improved at all the follow-up intervals after surgery. The total SF-36 score increased 12 months after surgery (49.84 ± 5.85 vs. 82.46 ± 5.68, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Cyanoacrylate-based adhesion material can be used for wound closure after open CTS decompression as a standard transcutaneous suture, and both techniques equally lead to improved sleep and life quality. The possible advantages of tissue adhesives include a faster reduction in the ISI. Full article

(1) Objectives: The primary objective is to compare the rate of large-for-gestational-age (LGA) between women with diet-controlled gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and those with non-GDM, and to assess whether or not diet-controlled GDM is an independent factor of LGA fetuses. The secondary objectives are to compare the rates of other common adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preeclampsia, cesarean section rate, preterm birth, and low Apgar score, between pregnancies with diet-controlled GDM and non-GDM pregnancies. (2) Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on singleton pregnancies, diagnosed with GDM and non-GDM between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation, based on a two-step screening test. The prospective database of the obstetric department was accessed to retrieve the records meeting the inclusion criteria, and full medical records were comprehensively reviewed. The patients were categorized into two groups, GDM (study group) and non-GDM (control group). The main outcome was the rate of LGA newborns, and the secondary outcomes included pregnancy-induced hypertension, preterm birth, cesarean rate, low Apgar scores, etc. (3) Results: Of 1364 recruited women, 1342 met the inclusion criteria, including 1177 cases in the non-GDM group and 165 (12.3%) in the GDM group. Maternal age and pre-pregnancy BMI were significantly higher in the GDM group. The rates of LGA newborns, PIH, and cesarean section were significantly higher in the GDM group (15.1% vs. 7.1%, p-value < 0.001; 7.8% vs. 2.6%, p-value = 0.004; and 54.5% vs. 41.5%, p-value = 0.002; respectively). On logistic regression analysis, GDM was not significantly associated with LGA (odds ratio 1.64, 95% CI: 0.97–2.77), while BMI and gender were still significantly associated with LGA. Likewise, GDM was not significantly associated with the rate of PIH (odds ratio: 1.7, 95% CI: 0.825–3.504), while BMI and maternal age were significantly associated with PIH, after controlling confounding factors. (4) Conclusions: The rates of LGA newborns, PIH, and cesarean section are significantly higher in women with diet-controlled GDM than those with non-GDM. Nevertheless, the rates of LGA newborns and PIH are not directly caused by GDM but mainly caused high pre-pregnancy BMI and advanced maternal age, which are more commonly encountered among women with GDM. Full article

The importance of maintaining proper magnesium intake and total body magnesium content in preserving human health remains underappreciated among medical professionals and laymen. This review aimed to show the importance of hypomagnesemia as a modifiable risk factor for developing disease processes. We searched the PubMed database and Google Scholar using the keywords ‘magnesium’, ‘diabetes’, ‘cardiovascular disease’, ‘respiratory disease’, ‘immune system’, ‘inflammation’, ‘autoimmune disease’, ‘neurology’, ‘psychiatry’, ‘cognitive function’, ‘cancer’, and ‘vascular calcification’. In multiple contexts of the search terms, all reviews, animal experiments, and human observational data indicated that magnesium deficiency can lead to or contribute to developing many disease states. The conclusions of several in-depth reviews support our working hypothesis that magnesium and its supplementation are often undervalued and underutilized. Although much research has confirmed the importance of proper magnesium supply and tissue levels, simple and inexpensive magnesium supplementation has not yet been sufficiently recognized or promoted. Full article

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) management is moving towards patient-tailored strategies. Advances in molecular and genetic profiling of tumor tissues, integrated with clinical risk assessments, provide deeper insights into disease aggressiveness. This study aims to offer a comprehensive overview of the pivotal genomic tests supporting PCa treatment decisions, analyzing—through real-world data—trends in their use and the growth of supporting literature evidence. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using the extensive PearlDiver™ Mariner database, which contains de-identified patient records, in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes were employed to identify patients diagnosed with PCa during the study period—2011 to 2021. We determined the utilization of primary tissue-based genetic tests (Oncocyte DX^®, Prolaris^®, Decipher^®, and ProMark^®) across all patients diagnosed with PCa. Subsequently, within the overall PCa cohort, patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) and received genetic testing postoperatively were identified. The yearly distribution of these tests and the corresponding trends were illustrated with graphs. Results: During the study period, 1,561,203 patients with a PCa diagnosis were recorded. Of these, 20,748 underwent tissue-based genetic testing following diagnosis, representing 1.3% of the total cohort. An increasing trend was observed in the use of all genetic tests. Linear regression analysis showed a statistically significant increase over time in the use of individual tests (all p-values < 0.05). Among the patients who underwent RP, 3076 received genetic analysis following surgery, representing 1.27% of this group. Conclusions: Our analysis indicates a growing trend in the utilization of tissue-based genomic testing for PCa. Nevertheless, they are utilized in less than 2% of PCa patients, whether at initial diagnosis or after surgical treatment. Although it is anticipated that their use may increase as more scientific evidence becomes available, their role requires further elucidation. Full article

Background: The quality of life for people with chronic illnesses like cancer has been shown to be significantly impacted by self-efficacy and perceptions of their illness. Objectives: This study investigates the relationship between cancer patients’ perceptions of their illness, their self-efficacy beliefs, and their quality of life. Method: Conducted from December 2022 to February 2023, this research involved 120 adults undergoing cancer treatment. We utilized the Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ), the Arabic version of the Cancer Behavioral Inventory Brief (CBI-B), and the Arabic EORTC QLQ-C30, alongside clinical data collection. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation and descriptive statistics. Results: Breast cancer emerged as the most common type among participants. A positive correlation was found between self-efficacy and quality of life, as measured by the EORTC QLQ-C30, particularly in relation to symptom management. Interestingly, all dimensions of illness perception correlated with quality of life, except for control and concerns. Conclusions: The findings underscore the vital role of nurses and healthcare providers in aiding cancer patients to develop and utilize self-management strategies effectively. The study reveals that a patient’s capacity to manage their illness is significantly influenced by their confidence, understanding of their condition, and overall quality of life. Addressing these aspects can greatly enhance healthcare professionals’ contribution to improving the resilience and well-being of individuals battling cancer. Full article

Background: Although mood disorders are prevalent among systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, they are usually underrecognized. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of anxiety and depression among Saudi SLE patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among SLE patients from July 2022 to June 2023 in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. A self-reported questionnaire was used to collect the data through validated tools including the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale-A and the Beck Depression Inventory score. Results: There were 133 females (91.7%) and 12 males (8.3%) included in this study. Based on the HAM-A score, 45.5% of participants had an anxiety disorder, and according to the BDI score, 46.2% had a depression disorder. Anxiety and depression were significantly associated with a longer duration of SLE, unemployment status, smoking, and the presence of comorbidities. Moreover, the present study found a significant association between depression and male gender. Conclusion: This study found that Saudi SLE patients have a high prevalence of both anxiety and depression. Therefore, SLE patients should be screened for neuropsychiatric disorders during routine follow-ups and managed as early as possible. Full article

Background: Breast cancer is the most frequent malignancy in women worldwide and one of the most curable cancers if diagnosed at an early stage. Female patients presenting solid breast lesions are greatly predisposed to breast cancer development, and as such, effective screening of high-risk patients is valuable in early-stage breast cancer detection. Objectives: The aim of our study was to identify the most relevant demographic, reproductive and lifestyle risk factors for breast cancer among women with solid breast lesions living in western Romania, namely the urban region consisting of Timisoara and the rural surrounding regions. Methods: From January 2017 to December 2021, 1161 patients with solid breast lesions, as detected by sonoelastography, were divided into two groups: patients with benign lesions (1019, 87.77%) and patients with malignant nodules (142, 12.23%). The malignancy group was confirmed by a histopathological result. Variables including age, BMI, menarche, menopause, years of exposure to estrogen, number of births, breastfeeding period, use of oral combined contraceptives, smoker status, family medical history and living area (rural-urban) were recorded. Results: It was evidenced by our study that the main risk factors for malignancy were elevated age (OR = 1.07, 95% CI 1.05–1.08), BMI (OR = 1.06, 95% CI 1.02–1.10), living area (rural) (OR = 1.86, 95% CI 1.13–2.85) and family medical history (negative) (OR 3.13, 95% CI 1.43–8.29). The other proposed risk factors were not found to be statistically significant. Conclusions: Age and BMI were observed to be the most significant factors for breast cancer risk increase, followed by living in a rural area. A family history of breast cancer was shown to be inversely correlated with cancer risk increase. Full article

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the analgesic efficacy and adverse effects of celecoxib after total knee arthroplasty. Keywords in the PubMed and Scopus databases were used to find article abstracts. Each included clinical trial was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool, and we extracted data on postoperative pain assessment using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at rest, ambulation, and active range of motion, rescue analgesic intake, and adverse effects. Inverse variance tests with mean differences were used to analyze the numerical variables. The Mantel–Haenszel statistical method and the odds ratio were used to evaluate the dichotomous data. According to this qualitative assessment (n = 482), two studies presented conclusions in favor of celecoxib (n = 187), one showed similar results between celecoxib and the placebo (n = 44), and three clinical trials did not draw conclusions as to the effectiveness of celecoxib versus the placebo (n = 251). Moreover, the evaluation of the rescue analgesic intake showed that the patients receiving celecoxib had a lower intake compared to patients receiving a placebo (n = 278, I² = 82%, p = 0.006, mean difference = −6.89, 95% IC = −11.76 to −2.02). In conclusion, the pooled analysis shows that administration of celecoxib alone results in a decrease in rescue analgesic consumption compared to a placebo after total knee surgery. Full article

Background: This study aimed to evaluate age-specific variations in the blood levels of micronutrients, homocysteine, and CoQ10, along with physical activity (PA) patterns, among 123 Austrian adult bankers in operational and frontline roles (mean age: 43 years; 50% female). Methods: Blood analysis was conducted to assess micronutrients and the serum concentrations of homocysteine and CoQ10. The micronutrient values in whole blood were compared to sex-specific reference ranges and categorized as below, within, or above them. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire was utilized to assess PA patterns. Participants were classified as young adults (18–34 years), middle-aged adults (35–49 years), and older adults (50–64 years). Results: Significant age-based differences were found in participants’ mean homocysteine levels (p = 0.039) and homocysteine categories (p = 0.034), indicating an increasing prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia with age. No significant difference between age categories was observed for sex, BMI, diet types, PA levels, sedentary behavior, and CoQ10 (p > 0.05). There was no significant age-based difference in the blood concentrations of most minerals and vitamins (p > 0.05), except for magnesium among females (p = 0.008) and copper among males (p = 0.042). Conclusion: The findings offer initial evidence of the age-related differences in the health status of adult bankers, providing insights for customized approaches to occupational health that support the importance of metabolic health and overall well-being across adulthood. Full article

Endometriosis is a complex condition causing surgical challenges, sometimes leading to urogynecological complications, the diagnosis and treatment of which are not always obvious. We present a case of a 46-year-old woman with a history of severe endometriosis and adenomyosis who developed an oligosymptomatic vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) as a complication of surgery. The patient’s medical history included multiple surgeries for endometriosis, a cesarean section, and a laparoscopic hysterectomy. After the excision of the full-thickness infiltration of the urinary bladder, she experienced postoperative bowel obstruction treated by laparotomy. Subsequent urinary complications of bladder healing were eventually recognized as oligosymptomatic VVF. Symptoms of VVFs may vary, making a diagnosis challenging, especially when the lesion is narrow. Imaging techniques such as cystoscopy and cystography are helpful for diagnosis. The treatment options for VVFs range from surgical repair to conservative methods, like bladder catheterization, hormonal therapy, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, depending on the lesions’ size and location. In this case, the patient’s VVF was treated with PRP injections, a low-invasive method in urogynecology. PRP, known for its pleiotropic role, is increasingly used in medicine, including gynecology. The patient’s fistula closed after 6 weeks from the PRP session, highlighting the potential of this conservative treatment modality. Full article

Background: Vitamin D deficiency has reached epidemic proportions globally. Observational data link low vitamin D status to diabetes, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome, but interventional trials on the effects of supplementation are limited. Objective: We investigated associations between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and metabolic markers in Saudi adults. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed the clinical records of 476 patients from Saudi Arabia, aged 15–78 years. According to 25(OH)D levels, participants were stratified as vitamin D-sufficient (≥30 ng/mL), -insufficient (21–29 ng/mL), or -deficient (≤20 ng/mL). The outcomes were diabetic status (fasting glucose, HbA1c) and lipid panel results. Results: Higher diabetes prevalence was significantly associated with lower 25(OH)D levels (10.1% in the sufficient group, 11.6% in the insufficient group, and 18.3% in the deficient group). Similarly, worse lipid profiles were associated with more severe hypovitaminosis D, including a total cholesterol level of ≥240 mg/dL (5.3% in participants with normal vitamin D levels vs. 18.9% in those with deficient levels) and LDL ≥ 160 mg/dL (6.9% in participants with normal vitamin D levels vs. 13.2% in those with deficient levels). Vitamin D deficiency disproportionately affected women and adults > 45 years old. Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is endemic in Saudi Arabia and strongly linked to worsened metabolic markers. Optimizing vitamin D status through screening and correcting the deficiency may provide a cost-effective approach to confronting the regional diabetes epidemic and reducing cardiovascular disease risk. Full article

Background: The aim was to diagnose Candida in the oral cavity of subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using a genotyping technique and compare the results with those from conventional diagnosis by Papanicolaou (Pap) staining. Methods: Palatal mucosa smears were performed on 18 dental care patients diagnosed with T2DM and grade I, II, and III prosthetic stomatitis who met the inclusion criteria; 18 healthy control subjects were also included in the study. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels were determined from total blood. Using exfoliative cytology, the Pap staining technique was used to diagnose candidiasis. Exfoliative cytology was also used for molecular diagnosis; DNA was obtained for Candida genotyping, and RNA was used for gene expression studies. Results: Clinical patterns indicated that all subjects were positive for Candida; however, Pap analysis revealed only three positive subjects, whereas end-point polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis revealed 15 subjects with some type of Candida. The most common Candida species found were Candida guilliermondii (38.8%), Candida krusei (33.3%), Candida tropicalis, and Candida lusitaniae (22.2%). Interestingly, the coexpression of different species of Candida was found in various patients. In all patients, HbA1c levels were increased. Gene expression analysis showed a significant decrease (p ≤ 0.05) in TLR2 expression in positive subjects, whereas TLR4 expression did not differ significantly among patients. Conclusions: The end-point PCR technique showed better sensitivity for the diagnosis of Candida when compared with the diagnosis by Pap staining. T2DM subjects showed an increased presence of C. guilliermondii that was correlated with decreased TLR2 expression. Full article

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease of global public health importance caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, this disease has worsened with the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains of tuberculosis. We aim to present and review the history, progress, and future directions in the diagnosis of tuberculosis by evaluating the current methods of laboratory diagnosis of tuberculosis, with a special emphasis on microscopic examination and cultivation on solid and liquid media, as well as an approach to molecular assays. The microscopic method, although widely used, has its limitations, and the use and evaluation of other techniques are essential for a complete and accurate diagnosis. Bacterial cultures, both in solid and liquid media, are essential methods in the diagnosis of TB. Culture on a solid medium provides specificity and accuracy, while culture on a liquid medium brings rapidity and increased sensitivity. Molecular tests such as LPA and Xpert MTB/RIF have been found to offer significant benefits in the rapid and accurate diagnosis of TB, including drug-resistant forms. These tests allow the identification of resistance mutations and provide essential information for choosing the right treatment. We conclude that combined diagnostic methods, using several techniques and approaches, provide the best result in the laboratory diagnosis of TB. Improving the quality and accessibility of tests, as well as the implementation of advanced technologies, is essential to help improve the sensitivity, efficiency, and accuracy of TB diagnosis. Full article

Background: Avelumab, durvalumab, and atezolizumab are anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibodies approved for clinical application in Japan. Despite targeting the same molecule, avelumab elicits a different frequency of infusion-related reactions (IRRs) compared with durvalumab and atezolizumab, leading to differences in premedication recommendations. This study aimed to collect information to verify the relationship during IRRs and the characteristics of antibody molecules, by investigating the frequency of IRRs caused by three types of antibodies and the actual status of prophylactic measures. Methods: This single-center, retrospective observational study collected the medical records of 73 patients who received avelumab, durvalumab, or atezolizumab at Osaka University Hospital. Results: The frequency of IRRs was 50.0% (12/24) for avelumab, 31.0% (8/27) for durvalumab, and 18.2% (4/22) for atezolizumab. The IRRs were grade 2 in seven patients and grade 1 in five patients treated with avelumab, grade 2 in six patients and grade 1 in two patients treated with durvalumab, and grade 1 in all patients treated with atezolizumab. Among patients in whom symptoms were observed during the first administration, measures were taken to prevent IRRs for the second administration, but cases were confirmed in which symptoms reappeared, especially in patients who received durvalumab. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the frequency of IRRs due to anti-PD-L1 antibodies is higher than that previously reported in clinical trials and different modifications in antibody molecules may affect the difference in IRR frequency. Full article