Journal of Clinical and Translational Research最新文献

{"title":"Acute acalculous cholecystitis as a rare gastroenterological association of COVID-19: a case series and systematic review.","authors":"Junaid Rasul Awan,&nbsp;Zahra Akhtar,&nbsp;Faisal Inayat,&nbsp;Aimen Farooq,&nbsp;Muhmmad Hassan Naeem Goraya,&nbsp;Rizwan Ishtiaq,&nbsp;Sana Malik,&nbsp;Fariha Younus,&nbsp;Sana Kazmi,&nbsp;Muhammad Junaid Ashraf,&nbsp;Ahmad Azeem Khan,&nbsp;Zahid Ijaz Tarar","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and aim: </strong>Acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) is an acute inflammatory disease of the gallbladder in the absence of cholecystolithiasis. It is a serious clinicopathologic entity, with a high mortality rate of 30-50%. A number of etiologies have been identified that can potentially trigger AAC. However, clinical evidence on its occurrence following COVID-19 remains scarce. We aim to evaluate the association between COVID-19 and AAC.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We report our clinical experience based on 3 patients who were diagnosed with AAC secondary to COVID-19. A systematic review of the MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Embase databases was conducted for English-only studies. The latest search date was December 20, 2022. Specific search terms were used regarding AAC and COVID-19, with all associated permutations. Articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were screened, and 23 studies were selected for a quantitative analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 31 case reports (level of clinical evidence: IV) of AAC related to COVID-19 were included. The mean age of patients was 64.7 ± 14.8 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.1:1. Major clinical presentations included fever 18 (58.0%), abdominal pain 16 (51.6%), and cough 6 (19.3%). Hypertension 17 (54.8%), diabetes mellitus 5 (16.1%), and cardiac disease 5 (16.1%) were among the common comorbid conditions. COVID-19 pneumonia was encountered before, after, or concurrently with AAC in 17 (54.8%), 10 (32.2%), and 4 (12.9%) patients, respectively. Coagulopathy was noted in 9 (29.0%) patients. Imaging studies for AAC included computed tomography scan and ultrasonography in 21 (67.7%) and 8 (25.8%) cases, respectively. Based on the Tokyo Guidelines 2018 criteria for severity, 22 (70.9%) had grade II and 9 (29.0%) patients had grade I cholecystitis. Treatment included surgical intervention in 17 (54.8%), conservative management alone in 8 (25.8%), and percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage in 6 (19.3%) patients. Clinical recovery was achieved in 29 (93.5%) patients. Gallbladder perforation was encountered as a sequela in 4 (12.9%) patients. The mortality rate in patients with AAC following COVID-19 was 6.5%.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>We report AAC as an uncommon but important gastroenterological complication following COVID-19. Clinicians should remain vigilant for COVID-19 as a possible trigger of AAC. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can potentially save patients from morbidity and mortality.</p><p><strong>Relevance for patients: </strong>AAC can occur in association with COVID-19. If left undiagnosed, it may adversely impact the clinical course and outcomes of patients. Therefore, it should be considered among the differential diagnoses of the right upper abdominal pain in these patients. Gangrenous cholecystitis can often be encountered in this setting, necessitating an aggressive treatment approach. Our results poin","PeriodicalId":15482,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical and Translational Research","volume":"9 2","pages":"133-143"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/48/1c/jclintranslres-2023-9-2-133.PMC10171317.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9469352","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multivisceral resection of primary multifocal retroperitoneal sarcomas: a retrospective study from a high-volume sarcoma center.","authors":"Aobo Zhuang,&nbsp;Yangju Chen,&nbsp;Jiongyuan Wang,&nbsp;Jin Xu,&nbsp;Hanxing Tong,&nbsp;Yuhong Zhou,&nbsp;Yong Zhang,&nbsp;Weiqi Lu","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Although surgery plays a key role in the treatment of the primary retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS), there remain few reports on the primary multifocal RPS.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>This study aimed to identify the prognostic factors for the primary multifocal RPS in an effort to optimize the clinical management of this malignancy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of 319 primary RPS patients who underwent radical resection from 2009 to 2021, with post-operative recurrence as the primary endpoint of this study. COX regression was performed to identify the risk factors for post-operative recurrence, and a comparison was made to baseline and prognostic differences between multivisceral resection (MVR) and non-MVR groups with multifocal disease.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There were 31 (9.7%) patients with multifocal disease, the mean tumor burden placed on them was 24.1 ± 11.9 cm, and nearly half of the patients (48.4%) had MVR. Dedifferentiated liposarcoma, well-differentiated liposarcoma, and leiomyosarcoma accounted for 38.7%, 32.3%, and 16.1%, respectively. The 5-year recurrence-free survival rate reached 31.2% (95% CI, 11.2-51.2%) in the multifocal group and 51.8% (95% CI, 44.2-59.4%) in the unifocal group (<i>P</i> = 0.010). Age (heart rate [HR] = 0.916; <i>P</i> = 0.039) and complete resection (HR = 1.861; <i>P</i> = 0.043) were identified as the independent risk factors for the post-operative recurrence of multifocal primary RPS.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Regarding primary multifocal RPS, the overall treatment strategy can be adopted for the treatment of the primary RPS, and MVR remains effective in boosting the chance of disease control for a selected group of patients.</p><p><strong>Relevance for patients: </strong>This study is relevant to patients as it highlights the importance of receiving appropriate treatment for the primary RPS, especially for those with multifocal disease. The treatment options should be evaluated carefully to ensure that the patients receive the most effective treatment for their specific type and stage of RPS. The potential risk factors for post-operative recurrence should be well understood to minimize those risks. Ultimately, this study underscores the importance of ongoing research to optimize the clinical management of RPS and improve outcomes for patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":15482,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical and Translational Research","volume":"9 2","pages":"101-109"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4b/c6/jclintranslres-2023-9-2-101.PMC10171315.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9472438","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Percutaneous pedicle screw fixation combined with percutaneous vertebroplasty for the treatment of thoracic and lumbar metastatic tumors.","authors":"Xiaowei Ma,&nbsp;Yi Zhao,&nbsp;Jiazheng Zhao,&nbsp;Hongzeng Wu,&nbsp;Helin Feng","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and aim: </strong>With the greatly prolonged survival of cancer patients, more and more patients develop bone metastasis, especially spinal metastasis. Therefore, it is very important to choose the best surgical plan for patients with spinal metastasis in different conditions. This paper aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy of percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (PPSF) combined with percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for the treatment of thoracic and lumbar metastatic tumors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Forty patients with thoracic and lumbar metastatic tumors were treated with PPSF combined with PVP and followed up for 6-33 months. The visual analog scale (VAS) and the Barthel Index of activities of daily living (BIADL) were used to evaluate the pain intensity and quality of life before surgery and at 7 days, 3 months, and 6 months after the treatment.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In this study, a total of 40 patients were followed up for 6-33 months (the mean time was 14.87 months). The VAS scores of all patients were significantly decreased, while the BIADL scores were significantly increased. No patients suffered from complications such as infection, pedicle screw loosening, or polymethylmethacrylate leakage. Spine stability was observed in all surviving patients during the follow-up.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>PPSF combined with PVP is a new and viable treatment for thoracolumbar metastases in patients with a poor systemic condition, patients who refuse to undergo a conventional open procedure such as en bloc corpectomy, and in patients with vertebral instability or pathological fracture without significant spinal compression.</p><p><strong>Relevance for patients: </strong>Patients with spinal metastases have a great risk of spinal instability and even spinal cord compression while enduring pain. Therefore, timely and appropriate surgical treatment is an effective means to stabilize the spine and avoid spinal cord compression. PPSF combined with PVP is an effective new surgical method for the treatment of multilevel spinal metastases.</p>","PeriodicalId":15482,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical and Translational Research","volume":"9 2","pages":"93-100"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/af/31/jclintranslres-2023-9-2-93.PMC10075092.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9326537","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The dietary supplement Cyplexinol® alleviates joint pain in men and women","authors":"Jacquelyn C. Pence, M. Stockton, R. Bloomer","doi":"10.18053/jctres.09.202303.003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18053/jctres.09.202303.003","url":null,"abstract":"Background and Aim: Joint pain afflicts millions of adults worldwide. The effect of a bone morphogenetic protein complex on joint pain is assessed in this study. Methods: We compared the impact of a dietary supplement protein complex (Cyplexinol®) and placebo in 18 men and women (aged 43 ± 10 years) with self-reported joint pain. Subjects were randomly assigned to each condition, consumed twice daily for 14 days (900 mg/day). Subjects completed questionnaires (e.g., Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and subjective pain using a visual analog scale [VAS]) at the start and end of each treatment phase. Blood samples were analyzed for bone morphogenic protein (BMP), alkaline phosphatase, and cytokines (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, interleukin [IL]-6, IL-10, IL-1β, and TGF-β). Blood was also collected on days 1 and 15 to determine the acute impact of treatment on these measures. Results: Pain and discomfort scores improved (P ≤ 0.05) for subjects following use of Cyplexinol® but not placebo. Improvements were noted for WOMAC pain (P = 0.05), stiffness (P = 0.039), and total pain (P = 0.026), as well as VAS pain (P = 0.015), recreational activity interference (P = 0.023), mood interference (P = 0.012), and total pain (P = 0.024). A trend was noted for WOMAC physical function (P = 0.052). An approximate 50% increase in BMP5 was noted following Cyplexinol® (P = 0.01), with a similar increase noted for placebo (P = 0.022). A near doubling in TGF-β (P = 0.001) was noted for Cyplexinol®. No other changes of significance were noted across time, nor were any differences noted in cytokines following acute intake of the conditions (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Cyplexinol® can alleviate joint pain in middle-aged men and women, while elevating BMP5 and TGF-β. Cyplexinol® does not influence cytokines, at least within a short 2-week supplementation period or within the 2-h post-ingestion period. Relevance for Patients: Individuals suffering with joint pain in the knee and/or hip may benefit from daily use of Cyplexinol®, as we observed decreased pain and stiffness following treatment.","PeriodicalId":15482,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical and Translational Research","volume":"22 1","pages":"212 - 221"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"84856067","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of the periodontal disease on oral microorganisms during pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Anahita Shahi, Setareh Khosravi, F. Rezvan, A. Salehi, Mozhdeh Bourbourshirazi Mahmoudi, A. Amiri","doi":"10.18053/jctres.09.202303.001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18053/jctres.09.202303.001","url":null,"abstract":"Background and Aim: In the present study, the potential changes of oral microbes during pregnancy were investigated by examining the findings of the previous studies and comprehensively examining their results. The relationship between oral microorganisms and birth outcomes and adverse labor outcomes was investigated; to provide sufficient evidence. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate periodontal disease in oral microorganisms during pregnancy. Materials and Methods: All articles were published between January 2011 and January 2023 in international databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Embase. To answer the research questions, the Google Scholar search engine employed the PECO strategy. STATA.V17 software was used to analyze the data. Results: Two hundred and eighteen studies were found in the initial search; 63 full texts were reviewed; and finally, 14 articles were included in the analysis. The mean differences in salivary S. mutans carriage before and after prenatal dental treatment were 0.92 (MD; 95 CI [0.57, 1.27], P > 0.05). The odds ratio of association between perinatal mortality and periodontal treatment was −0.88 (OR; 95 CI [−2.53, 0.76], P > 0.05) and the odds ratio of association between pre-term birth and periodontal treatment was −0.31 (OR; 95 CI [−0.70, 0.09], P > 0.05). There was a statistically significant relationship between birth weight and periodontal treatment during pregnancy. Conclusion: According to the present meta-analysis, periodontal treatment can reduce the odds ratio of perinatal mortality and pre-term birth by 88% and 31%, respectively. High association of microorganisms between pregnancy and postpartum requires further study. Relevance for Patients: In the findings of the present study, it is observed that during pregnancy, there is a direct relationship between periodontal disease with low birth weight, perinatal mortality, and pre-term delivery; however, the high association of microorganisms between pregnancy and postpartum requires further study. Oral microforms are reported to be affected in pregnant women, and they should take extra care of their mouth and teeth. Sufficient and strong evidence can help to improve the health outcomes of mothers and children.","PeriodicalId":15482,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical and Translational Research","volume":"44 1","pages":"144 - 152"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83102597","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of the periodontal disease on oral microorganisms during pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Anahita Shahi, Setareh Khosravi, Farnaz Rezvan, Ali Salehi, Mozhdeh Bourbourshirazi Mahmoudi, Ali Amiri","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and aim: </strong>In the present study, the potential changes of oral microbes during pregnancy were investigated by examining the findings of the previous studies and comprehensively examining their results. The relationship between oral microorganisms and birth outcomes and adverse labor outcomes was investigated; to provide sufficient evidence. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate periodontal disease in oral microorganisms during pregnancy.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>All articles were published between January 2011 and January 2023 in international databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Embase. To answer the research questions, the Google Scholar search engine employed the PECO strategy. STATA.V17 software was used to analyze the data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Two hundred and eighteen studies were found in the initial search; 63 full texts were reviewed; and finally, 14 articles were included in the analysis. The mean differences in salivary S. mutans carriage before and after prenatal dental treatment were 0.92 (MD; 95 CI [0.57, 1.27], <i>P</i> > 0.05). The odds ratio of association between perinatal mortality and periodontal treatment was -0.88 (OR; 95 CI [-2.53, 0.76], <i>P</i> > 0.05) and the odds ratio of association between pre-term birth and periodontal treatment was -0.31 (OR; 95 CI [-0.70, 0.09], <i>P</i> > 0.05). There was a statistically significant relationship between birth weight and periodontal treatment during pregnancy.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>According to the present meta-analysis, periodontal treatment can reduce the odds ratio of perinatal mortality and pre-term birth by 88% and 31%, respectively. High association of microorganisms between pregnancy and postpartum requires further study.</p><p><strong>Relevance for patients: </strong>In the findings of the present study, it is observed that during pregnancy, there is a direct relationship between periodontal disease with low birth weight, perinatal mortality, and pre-term delivery; however, the high association of microorganisms between pregnancy and postpartum requires further study. Oral microforms are reported to be affected in pregnant women, and they should take extra care of their mouth and teeth. Sufficient and strong evidence can help to improve the health outcomes of mothers and children.</p>","PeriodicalId":15482,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical and Translational Research","volume":"9 3","pages":"144-152"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/20/7e/jclintranslres-2023-9-3-144.PMC10171318.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9523723","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multivisceral resection of primary multifocal retroperitoneal sarcomas: a retrospective study from a high-volume sarcoma center","authors":"Aobo Zhuang, Y. Chen, Jiongyuan Wang, Jin Xu, H. Tong, Yuhong Zhou, Yong Zhang, Wei-Qi Lu","doi":"10.18053/jctres.09.202302.007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18053/jctres.09.202302.007","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Although surgery plays a key role in the treatment of the primary retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS), there remain few reports on the primary multifocal RPS. Aims: This study aimed to identify the prognostic factors for the primary multifocal RPS in an effort to optimize the clinical management of this malignancy. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of 319 primary RPS patients who underwent radical resection from 2009 to 2021, with post-operative recurrence as the primary endpoint of this study. COX regression was performed to identify the risk factors for post-operative recurrence, and a comparison was made to baseline and prognostic differences between multivisceral resection (MVR) and non-MVR groups with multifocal disease. Results: There were 31 (9.7%) patients with multifocal disease, the mean tumor burden placed on them was 24.1 ± 11.9 cm, and nearly half of the patients (48.4%) had MVR. Dedifferentiated liposarcoma, well-differentiated liposarcoma, and leiomyosarcoma accounted for 38.7%, 32.3%, and 16.1%, respectively. The 5-year recurrence-free survival rate reached 31.2% (95% CI, 11.2–51.2%) in the multifocal group and 51.8% (95% CI, 44.2–59.4%) in the unifocal group (P = 0.010). Age (heart rate [HR] = 0.916; P = 0.039) and complete resection (HR = 1.861; P = 0.043) were identified as the independent risk factors for the post-operative recurrence of multifocal primary RPS. Conclusions: Regarding primary multifocal RPS, the overall treatment strategy can be adopted for the treatment of the primary RPS, and MVR remains effective in boosting the chance of disease control for a selected group of patients. Relevance for Patients: This study is relevant to patients as it highlights the importance of receiving appropriate treatment for the primary RPS, especially for those with multifocal disease. The treatment options should be evaluated carefully to ensure that the patients receive the most effective treatment for their specific type and stage of RPS. The potential risk factors for post-operative recurrence should be well understood to minimize those risks. Ultimately, this study underscores the importance of ongoing research to optimize the clinical management of RPS and improve outcomes for patients.","PeriodicalId":15482,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical and Translational Research","volume":"30 1","pages":"101 - 109"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73557079","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Acute acalculous cholecystitis as a rare gastroenterological association of COVID-19: a case series and systematic review","authors":"Junaid Rasul Awan, Zahra Akhtar, Faisal Inayat, Aimen Farooq, Muhmmad Hassan Naeem Goraya, Rizwan Ishtiaq, S. Malik, Fariha Younus, Sana Kazmi, Muhammad Junaid Ashraf, Ahmad Azeem Khan, Z. Tarar","doi":"10.18053/jctres.09.202302.010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18053/jctres.09.202302.010","url":null,"abstract":"Background and Aim: Acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) is an acute inflammatory disease of the gallbladder in the absence of cholecystolithiasis. It is a serious clinicopathologic entity, with a high mortality rate of 30–50%. A number of etiologies have been identified that can potentially trigger AAC. However, clinical evidence on its occurrence following COVID-19 remains scarce. We aim to evaluate the association between COVID-19 and AAC. Methods: We report our clinical experience based on 3 patients who were diagnosed with AAC secondary to COVID-19. A systematic review of the MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Embase databases was conducted for English-only studies. The latest search date was December 20, 2022. Specific search terms were used regarding AAC and COVID-19, with all associated permutations. Articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were screened, and 23 studies were selected for a quantitative analysis. Results: A total of 31 case reports (level of clinical evidence: IV) of AAC related to COVID-19 were included. The mean age of patients was 64.7 ± 14.8 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.1:1. Major clinical presentations included fever 18 (58.0%), abdominal pain 16 (51.6%), and cough 6 (19.3%). Hypertension 17 (54.8%), diabetes mellitus 5 (16.1%), and cardiac disease 5 (16.1%) were among the common comorbid conditions. COVID-19 pneumonia was encountered before, after, or concurrently with AAC in 17 (54.8%), 10 (32.2%), and 4 (12.9%) patients, respectively. Coagulopathy was noted in 9 (29.0%) patients. Imaging studies for AAC included computed tomography scan and ultrasonography in 21 (67.7%) and 8 (25.8%) cases, respectively. Based on the Tokyo Guidelines 2018 criteria for severity, 22 (70.9%) had grade II and 9 (29.0%) patients had grade I cholecystitis. Treatment included surgical intervention in 17 (54.8%), conservative management alone in 8 (25.8%), and percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage in 6 (19.3%) patients. Clinical recovery was achieved in 29 (93.5%) patients. Gallbladder perforation was encountered as a sequela in 4 (12.9%) patients. The mortality rate in patients with AAC following COVID-19 was 6.5%. Conclusions: We report AAC as an uncommon but important gastroenterological complication following COVID-19. Clinicians should remain vigilant for COVID-19 as a possible trigger of AAC. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can potentially save patients from morbidity and mortality. Relevance for Patients: AAC can occur in association with COVID-19. If left undiagnosed, it may adversely impact the clinical course and outcomes of patients. Therefore, it should be considered among the differential diagnoses of the right upper abdominal pain in these patients. Gangrenous cholecystitis can often be encountered in this setting, necessitating an aggressive treatment approach. Our results point out the clinical importance of raising awareness about this biliary complication of COVID-19, which will aid i","PeriodicalId":15482,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical and Translational Research","volume":"131 1","pages":"133 - 143"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"77522638","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Rural Research Network to engage rural and minority community members in translational research.","authors":"Pearl A McElfish, Robin Liston, Veronica Smith, Amber K Norris, Jordan Weaver, Scott M Dickson, Michael D Macechko, Ronald K Brimberry, Mimo R Lemdja, Toni L Middleton, Matthew W Nix, Katherine A Irish-Clardy, Sandra M Meredith-Neve, Joshua L Kennedy, Laura P James","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>To address the high prevalence of health disparities and lack of research opportunities among rural and minority communities, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) developed the Rural Research Network in January 2020.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim of this report is to describe our process and progress in developing a rural research network. The Rural Research Network provides a platform to expand research participation opportunities to rural Arkansans, many of whom are older adults, low-income individuals, and underrepresented minority populations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The Rural Research Network leverages existing UAMS Regional Programs family medicine residency clinics within an academic medical center.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Since the inception of the Rural Research Network, research infrastructure and processes have been built within the regional sites. Twelve diverse studies have been implemented with recruitment and data collection from 9248 participants, and 32 manuscripts have been published with residents and faculty from the regional sites. Most studies were able to recruit Black/African American participants at or above a representative sample.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>As the Rural Research Network matures, the types of research will expand in parallel with the health priorities of Arkansas.</p><p><strong>Relevance to patients: </strong>The Rural Research Network demonstrates how Cancer Institutes and sites funded by a Clinical and Translational Science Award can collaborate to expand research capacity and increase opportunities for research among rural and minority communities.</p>","PeriodicalId":15482,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical and Translational Research","volume":"9 2","pages":"115-122"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/66/98/jclintranslres-2023-9-2-115.PMC10171320.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9549918","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Rural Research Network to engage rural and minority community members in translational research","authors":"P. McElfish, R. Liston, Veronica Smith, Amber K. Norris, Jordan Weaver, Scott M. Dickson, M. Macechko, R. Brimberry, Mimo R. Lemdja, Toni L. Middleton, Matthew W. Nix, K. Irish-Clardy, Sandra M. Meredith-Neve, J. Kennedy, Laura P. James","doi":"10.18053/jctres.09.202302.008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18053/jctres.09.202302.008","url":null,"abstract":"Background: To address the high prevalence of health disparities and lack of research opportunities among rural and minority communities, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) developed the Rural Research Network in January 2020. Aim: The aim of this report is to describe our process and progress in developing a rural research network. The Rural Research Network provides a platform to expand research participation opportunities to rural Arkansans, many of whom are older adults, low-income individuals, and underrepresented minority populations. Methods: The Rural Research Network leverages existing UAMS Regional Programs family medicine residency clinics within an academic medical center. Results: Since the inception of the Rural Research Network, research infrastructure and processes have been built within the regional sites. Twelve diverse studies have been implemented with recruitment and data collection from 9248 participants, and 32 manuscripts have been published with residents and faculty from the regional sites. Most studies were able to recruit Black/African American participants at or above a representative sample. Conclusions: As the Rural Research Network matures, the types of research will expand in parallel with the health priorities of Arkansas. Relevance to Patients: The Rural Research Network demonstrates how Cancer Institutes and sites funded by a Clinical and Translational Science Award can collaborate to expand research capacity and increase opportunities for research among rural and minority communities.","PeriodicalId":15482,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical and Translational Research","volume":"36 1","pages":"115 - 122"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"74054767","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}