A 45-year-old heterosexual male patient, married with one daughter, with no significant medical history in previous consultations.

He presented to the emergency department at Hospital Arruzafa on 11/08/2022 with whitish discharge, tearing, and discomfort in both eyes. Upon examination, tarsal and bulbar conjunctival hyperaemia, papillary reaction, and mild chemosis were detected.

The initial clinical diagnosis was acute conjunctivitis, likely of viral origin. Appropriate…

Background: Cataract surgery has risen dramatically in the US as a reflection of the growing geriatric population. Despite its safety and efficacy, elderly patients remain vulnerable to postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). Previous studies have shown ketamine and dexmedetomidine to have neuroprotective effects. This study aims to examine its association with POCD using the TriNetX database, mirroring a prior randomized trial and assessing outcomes at 1 week, 3 months,…

Background: Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a genetically heterogeneous peripheral neuropathy traditionally considered to spare the central nervous system (CNS). However, recent reports suggest possible CNS involvement, including cognitive impairment and sleep disturbances. The true prevalence of these manifestations remains unclear due to limited large-scale data.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from 141…

Prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy and the leading cause of cancer death in men across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Despite lower reported incidence rates compared to African American men, actual prostate cancer prevalence in SSA is under-reported and likely underestimated due to inadequate screening and limited access to healthcare. This study analyzed registry data from 13,170 prostate cancer cases across 11 SSA countries to evaluate trends in incidence rates over time.…

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in reproductive age women and has been associated with alterations in bone metabolism. However, the clinical impact of PCOS on fracture risk remains unclear, particularly in patients with coexisting uterinefibroids.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Global Collaborative Network database. Women aged 15–45 with both PCOS and uterine fibroids…

Background: Lumbosacral radiculopathy (sciatica) commonly arises from lumbar disc herniation and presents with radiating leg pain, paresthesia, and functional disability. Neurodynamic tests such as the Straight Leg Raise (SLR) and Slump tests are routinely used to evaluate neural mechanosensitivity; however, quantitative comparisons between symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals remain limited.

Objective: To quantify and compare lower limb…

The BLEU-ADAPT project, carried out within the framework of the Interreg Italy-Tunisia cross border cooperation programme, investigates the marine biological invasion of two blue crab species (Callinectes sapidus and Portunus segnis) in the Mediterranean Sea, focusing on their ecological impact and socio-economic consequences for coastal fisheries. Framed within the broader environment and trade nexus, this research addresses the urgent need for adaptive and sustainable resource management…

Background: Tranexamic acid (TXA) is widely used in orthopedic surgeries to reduce blood loss, but concerns persist regarding its association with thromboembolic complications. This study aimed to compare the incidence of thromboembolic events in patients undergoing spine, knee, or hip surgeries with and without perioperative TXA administration.

Methods: Using TriNetX, a federated electronic health record network, we identified 406,609 matched…

Background: Cesarean section (C-section) is the most common surgical procedure performed in the United States and a known contributor to initial opioid exposure among women of reproductive age. While neuraxial (epidural) anesthesia is the preferred technique for cesarean delivery, general anesthesia is still used in select clinical scenarios. Given the ongoing opioid crisis, it is critical to understand how anesthesia modality influences postoperative opioid prescribing…

Moya Moya Disease (MMD) is a rare, chronic, and progressive cerebrovascular disorder characterized by the bilateral, stenotic occlusion of the terminal portions of the internal carotid arteries and the proximal parts of the anterior and middle cerebral arteries [1]. This progressive narrowing leads to the formation of a fine, collateral vascular network at the base of the brain, visualized on angiography as a "puff of smoke"—the Japanese term from which the disease derives its name [2]. The…