Articles: cations.
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Infectious intracranial aneurysms (IIAs) are rare complications of infective endocarditis (IE). Data on management and long-term outcomes remain limited. ⋯ IIAs are rare complications of IE with a poor prognosis. Patients treated with antibiotics have higher risk of treatment failure requiring salvage surgical or endovascular intervention. Medical treatment failure occurred mostly within 2 weeks of onset and had a negative prognostic value emphasizing the need for close follow-up and early surgical or endovascular management.
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The ageing process includes the development of debilitating musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, including chronic back pain (CBP), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and osteoporosis (OP). The mechanisms involved in the genetic-epidemiological relationships between these MSK phenotypes are controversial and limited and thus require clarification, in particular, between CBP and the other MSK phenotypes. A cross-sectional statistical analysis was conducted using Europeans from the UK Biobank data collection, including 73,794 CBP, 4883 RA, and 7153 OP cases as well as 242,216 calcaneus bone mineral density scores. ⋯ Through colocalization analysis, several genomic regions emerged describing common genetic influences between CBP and its proposed risk factors, including HLA-DQA1/HLA-DQB1, APOE , SOX5, and MYH7B as well as Histone 1 genes. We speculate that among other factors, CBP and its MSK comorbidities may arise from common inflammatory mechanisms. Colocalized identified genes may aid in advancing or improving the mode of treatment in patients with CBP.
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Observational Study
Symptom Burden in Patients with Malignant Bowel Obstruction Treated With or Without Surgery.
Gastrointestinal obstruction is the most common indication for palliative surgical consultation. We sought to assess patient-reported outcomes and survival after surgical and nonsurgical treatment of malignant bowel obstruction. ⋯ In this first study evaluating patient-reported outcomes after treatment for malignant bowel obstruction, we found that selection for surgical treatment was associated with improved survival, but also more symptom interference in general activities and work. These results may be useful in palliative surgical decision-making and informing patients during consultation for malignant bowel obstruction.
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Observational Study
Transdural Approach for Resection of Craniovertebral Junction Cysts: Case Series.
Craniovertebral junction (CVJ) cysts, including retro-odontoid pseudotumors, are challenging pathologies to treat and manage effectively. Surgical intervention is indicated when these lesions result in progressive myelopathy, intractable pain, or instability. ⋯ Posterior cervical transdural approach for ventral lesions at the CVJ is a safe and effective means of treating older patients with progressive myelopathy. This technique provides immediate spinal cord decompression while limiting neurological complications commonly associated with open or endoscopic anterior transpharyngeal approaches.