Kratom-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).

Unlabelled: The alkaloid derivatives of , commonly known as kratom, pose a threat to society due to its potential for abuse, adverse reactions and tendency to be used as self-medication for opioid withdrawal, pain and mood disorders. A number of deaths have been reported along with complications such as respiratory depression, cardiopulmonary arrest, torsade de pointes and seizures. Its various effects and potential are yet to be fully studied.

Direct and indirect economic burden associated with rotator cuff tears and repairs in the US.

Objective: This retrospective study examined treatment characteristics and the economic burden associated with rotator cuff tears (RCT) and rotator cuff repairs (RCR). Additionally, this study aimed to explore the economic implications associated with delayed surgical intervention.

Methods: Adult RCT patients meeting eligibility criteria were identified from 1/1/2013-6/30/2017 using the IBM Watson Health MarketScan Commercial database.

Optimal In Situ Fenestration Technique With Laser Perforation and Balloon Dilation for Aortic Stent-Grafts.

Purpose: To evaluate the response of various stent-grafts after laser fenestration and dilation with noncompliant balloons to determine the optimal therapeutic combination for this treatment technique.

Materials And Methods: Five aortic stent-grafts were evaluated ex vivo: the Bolton RelayPlus, Jotec E-vita Thoracic 3G, Medtronic Valiant, Cook Zenith Alpha, and Vascutek Anaconda. Small holes were created using an excimer laser with the grafts submerged in saline.

Unusual Early Recovery of a Critical COVID-19 Patient After Administration of Intravenous Vitamin C.

BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to spread, with confirmed cases now in more than 200 countries. Thus far there are no proven therapeutic options to treat COVID-19. We report a case of COVID-19 with acute respiratory distress syndrome who was treated with high-dose vitamin C infusion and was the first case to have early recovery from the disease at our institute.

Laser Fenestration of Aortic Stent-Grafts Followed by Noncompliant vs Cutting Balloon Dilation: A Scanning Electron Microscopy Study.

Purpose: To examine the effects of in situ laser fenestration and subsequent balloon dilation (noncompliant vs cutting) on the graft fabric of 4 aortic stent-graft models.

Method: In an in vitro setup, the Zenith TX2, Talent, Endurant, and Anaconda aortic stent-grafts (all made of polyester graft material) were subjected to laser fenestration with a 2.3-mm-diameter probe at low and high energy in a physiologic saline solution followed by balloon dilation of the hole.

Determining patient risk factors associated with accelerated growth of popliteal artery aneurysms.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the natural progression of popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) and clinical variables associated with their accelerated growth.

Methods: Retrospective chart review of 224 patients with encounters between January 2008 and May 2016 and with at least one PAA was conducted. From this group, 65 asymptomatic patients had either unilateral (n = 43) or bilateral (n = 22) PAAs that were observed for at least 1 year of medical management before intervention.

Predicting opportunities to increase utilization of laparoscopy for colon cancer.

Background: Despite proven safety and efficacy, rates of minimally invasive approaches for colon cancer remain low in the USA. Given the known benefits, investigating the root causes of underutilization and methods to increase laparoscopy is warranted. Our goal was to develop a predictive model of factors impacting use of laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer.

Economic burden associated with hospital postadmission dehydration.

Background: Development of dehydration after hospital admission can be a measure of quality care, but evidence describing the incidence, economic burden, and outcomes of dehydration in hospitalized patients is lacking.

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare costs and resource utilization of U.S.

Antihypertensive drug use and the risk of dementia in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Background: Diabetes and hypertension are independent risk factors for dementia, and hypertension may increase this risk in patients with diabetes. It is unclear whether antihypertensive drugs are associated with risk of dementia in these patients.

Methods: A retrospective study using a national cohort of beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs who have diabetes examined incidence of dementia over a 2-year follow-up period.

Risk factors for dementia in patients over 65 with diabetes.

Objective: This study identified factors in patients with diabetes associated with risk of developing dementia.

Research Design And Methods: This retrospective, longitudinal study used a national cohort of US Veterans with diabetes 65 years or older to examine incidence of dementia over 2 years. A multivariable Cox regression model was used to estimate risk of developing dementia associated with sociodemographic factors, use of diabetes medications, and duration of diabetes.

Does use of antihypertensive drugs affect the incidence or progression of dementia? A systematic review.

Background: Hypertension appears to contribute to the development of dementia. Antihypertensive drugs may play an important role in altering the incidence or progression of dementia, particularly dementia of the vascular type; however, the neuroprotective effects of these agents in other types of dementia are not well characterized.

Objectives: The main aims of this review were to examine the relationship between use of antihypertensive agents and the incidence and progression of Alzheimer's dementia (AD), vascular dementia (VaD), and unspecified dementia, and to consider whether these agents may be neuroprotective.