scholarly journals Current Knowledge on Snake Dry Bites

Toxins ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 668 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuela B. Pucca ◽  
Cecilie Knudsen ◽  
Isadora S. Oliveira ◽  
Charlotte Rimbault ◽  
Felipe A. Cerni ◽  
...  

Snake ‘dry bites’ are characterized by the absence of venom being injected into the victim during a snakebite incident. The dry bite mechanism and diagnosis are quite complex, and the lack of envenoming symptoms in these cases may be misinterpreted as a miraculous treatment or as proof that the bite from the perpetrating snake species is rather harmless. The circumstances of dry bites and their clinical diagnosis are not well-explored in the literature, which may lead to ambiguity amongst treating personnel about whether antivenom is indicated or not. Here, the epidemiology and recorded history of dry bites are reviewed, and the clinical knowledge on the dry bite phenomenon is presented and discussed. Finally, this review proposes a diagnostic and therapeutic protocol to assist medical care after snake dry bites, aiming to improve patient outcomes.

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 227-235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eamonn R Maher ◽  
Richard N Sandford

Abstract Purpose of Review In this review, we discuss the key molecular and clinical developments in VHL disease that have the potential to impact on the natural history of the disease and improve patient outcomes. Recent Findings Identifiable mutations in VHL underlie most cases of VHL and define clear genotype-phenotype correlations. Detailed clinical and molecular characterisation has allowed the implementation of lifelong screening programmes that have improved clinical outcomes. Functional characterisation of the VHL protein complex has revealed its role in oxygen sensing and the mechanisms of tumourigenesis that are now being exploited to develop novel therapies for VHL and renal cancer. Summary The molecular and cellular landscape of VHL-associated tumours is revealing new opportunities to modify the natural history of the disease and develop therapies. Drugs are now entering clinical trials and combined with improved clinical and molecular diagnosis, and lifelong surveillance programmes, further progress towards reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with VHL disease is anticipated.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. e233295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karthik Ramaseshan ◽  
Laura D Bauler ◽  
Joshua Mastenbrook

A Morel-Lavallée lesion (MLL) is a rare injury caused by blunt force trauma causing separation of subcutaneous tissue from the deep fascia. It is frequently seen in orthopaedic cases involving fractures of the hip or pelvis but is rare in the lower leg. The rarity of this condition often leads to misdiagnosis. A 66-year-old man presented to the emergency department after a 300-pound safe sheered across his left anterolateral leg causing skin avulsion, tenderness, swelling, ecchymosis, and erythema. The patient was treated for suspected cellulitis with oral antibiotics, but the lesion evolved into a necrotic eschar necessitating surgical intervention. In hindsight, MLL is a more appropriate diagnosis based on injury mechanism, disease progression and intraoperative findings. A history of shearing trauma with diffuse ecchymosis and erythema should prompt consideration of MLL. Due to rampant misdiagnosis, this case aims to increase awareness, as early diagnosis of MLL will improve patient outcomes.


2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-49
Author(s):  
Eugenia Millender ◽  
Kathleen Valentine ◽  
Terry Eggenberger ◽  
Cristina Lucier ◽  
Heather Sandala ◽  
...  

Nurses have a history of providing compassionate care while caring for patients living with co-occurring medical and mental conditions. Therefore, it is reasonable to develop and implement nurse-led interprofessional (IP) models of care to address chronic illness. A nurse-led IP model of care was evaluated utilizing three selected patient outcomes. Results revealed an increase in mental health stability and access to care and successful completion of a treatment plan. Integrating caring theory and practice with social determinants of health and nurse-led IP models of care is a valuable approach to improving patient outcomes and addressing health disparity.


Cancers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1697 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saxena ◽  
Klochkova ◽  
Murray ◽  
Kabir ◽  
Samad ◽  
...  

Esophageal cancer is among the most aggressive forms of human malignancy with five-year survival rates of <20%. Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved catabolic process that degrades and recycles damaged organelles and misfolded proteins to maintain cellular homeostasis. While alterations in autophagy have been associated with carcinogenesis across tissues, cell type- and context-dependent roles for autophagy have been reported. Herein, we review the current knowledge related to autophagy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), the two most common subtypes of esophageal malignancy. We explore roles for autophagy in the development and progression of ESCC and EAC. We then continue to discuss molecular markers of autophagy as they relate to esophageal patient outcomes. Finally, we summarize current literature examining roles for autophagy in ESCC and EAC response to therapy and discuss considerations for the potential use of autophagy inhibitors as experimental therapeutics that may improve patient outcomes in esophageal cancer.


Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Denise Gaffney ◽  
Lorina Punsalang ◽  
Alvina Mkrtumyan ◽  
Raeesa Dhanji ◽  
David L McCartney ◽  
...  

Background: Performance Improvement (PI) enhances processes, services, and outcomes. The Joint Commission (TJC) standards require a comprehensive approach to PI. This can be challenging due to variability of staffing within a stroke program. The stroke coordinator is often left to manage PI projects, which can be arduous due to the multiple demands of their role. A dedicated Stroke Quality Coordinator RN (SQCRN) manages quality improvement activities solely for the stroke program. It is a unique position that requires clinical knowledge of stroke, neuro-interventional and neurosurgical procedures, as well as, comprehension of regulatory requirements, PI and data analysis. Purpose: To determine if having an SQCRN dedicated to a stroke program results in an increased number of PI Projects implemented. Methods: The SQCRN initiative was implemented in 2020 with the objective of determining the impact of having a dedicated SQCRN on the number of projects completed. A survey was created consisting of 5 questions and sent to 328 individuals via email utilizing an anonymous Microsoft Forms Link. The survey was emailed to the Los Angeles Stroke Coordinator Network and National Stroke Coordinator group. Fifty-eight (17.6%) responded. Survey results were compared for stroke programs with a Dedicated SQCRN to those without. Data were analyzed using T-Test. Results: In stroke programs with a dedicated SQCRN, there were more respondents who reported 6 or greater PI projects than stroke programs who did not have a dedicated SQCRN. This was statistically significant when compared to both 2 or less (p=0.001) or 4 or less projects p=0.035. Conclusion: A dedicated SQCRN improves the number of PI projects that a stroke program can implement. PI initiatives help to improve the safety, treatments, services and quality of care in order to improve patient outcomes.


Author(s):  
Gonçalo Miranda ◽  
Ana Catarina Dionísio ◽  
Constança Azevedo ◽  
Eduardo Carvalho ◽  
Miguel Semião ◽  
...  

Emphysematous hepatitis is a rare entity characterized by the replacement of hepatic parenchyma by gas, leading to acute liver failure. Often it occurs in patients with diabetes mellitus, liver disease or a recent history of abdominal surgery. We present a case of emphysematous hepatitis in a 74-year-old man with no recognizable risk factors. Despite the early broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy and supportive care, the condition progressed to a fatal outcome, as seen in other case reports. Early recognition of this condition and rapid and aggressive management may improve patient outcomes.


Author(s):  
U. Vidhya Rekha ◽  
S. Bhuminathan ◽  
P. Ravi Shankar

Ziziphus jujuba Mill. (Z. jujube) is a conventional plant that has a long history of usage in nutrients and the therapeutic interventions of a wide range of ailments. It grows mainly in South and East Asia, and also in Australia and Europe. Mounting data supports the health advantages of Z. jujuba, including anticancer, anti-inflammation, anti-obesity, antioxidant, and hepato- and gastrointestinal protective characteristics. Chemotherapy, particularly with cis-diamminedichloroplatinium (CDDP, cisplatin) and its derivatives, is commonly used to treat cancer. Although it is an effective therapy for human tumors, drug resistance impedes successful treatment. A better knowledge of the processes and develop strategies to address chemoresistance can improve patient outcomes dramatically. Numerous researchers have recently focused their attention on the increasing occurrence of numerous types of malignancies worldwide. The anticancer efficacy of Z. jujuba was discussed in this review study.


Author(s):  
Sheri Palejwala ◽  
Jonnae Barry ◽  
Crystal Rodriguez ◽  
Chandni Parikh ◽  
Stephen Goldstein ◽  
...  

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 96-98
Author(s):  
Brian A Bruckner ◽  
Matthias Loebe

Patients undergoing re-operative cardiac surgical procedures present a great challenge with regard to obtaining hemostasis in the surgical field. Adhesions are ever-present and these patients are often on oral anti-coagulants and platelet inhibitors. As part of a well-planned surgical intervention, a systematic approach to hemostasis should be employed to decrease blood transfusion requirement and improve patient outcomes. Topical hemostatic agents can be a great help to the surgeon in achieving surgical field hemostasis and are increasingly being employed. Our approach, to these difficult patients, includes the systematic and planned use of AristaAH, which is a novel hemostatic agent whose use has proven safe and efficacious in our patient population.


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