Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have become increasingly incorporated into pediatric diets, accounting for approximately 67 % of the total energy consumption in United States (US) children. Manufactured through industrial processing and enriched with excess sugars, unhealthy fats, and sodium, while lacking essential nutrients, UPFs present a substantial public health concern. We aimed to conduct a comprehensive review of the impact of UPFs on pediatric health. We reviewed the effects of UPF on pediatric health using data from observational studies, systematic reviews, and policy reports. Our review explored the social, environmental, and economic drivers of UPF consumption, associated health consequences, and proposed mitigation strategies. We also examined National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data, the 2025 US Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s (USDA) report, and the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) commission findings. UPF intake has dramatically increased during early childhood, with toddlers and school-aged children obtaining 47 % and 59.4 % of their daily calories, respectively, from UPFs. Higher consumption is linked to pediatric obesity, cardiometabolic risks such as insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), mental health concerns, and gut microbiome disruption. Early-life exposure to UPFs can establish unhealthy dietary patterns that persist into adulthood, raising the risk of chronic disease. Greater UPF consumption is often observed among lower-income families, highlighting a key health disparity. UPF consumption is a modifiable risk factor for non-communicable diseases in children. Addressing it requires urgent, coordinated action at multiple levels. Strategies include UPF and sugar-sweetened beverage screening during well-child visits, policy restrictions on food marketing, clearer nutrition labeling, healthier school meals, and personalized family-centered dietary counseling. Clinicians need standardized tools and training to counsel families effectively. Policy initiatives should prioritize prevention-focused measures to protect children's health.

Background/Objectives: Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) have demonstrated a reduction in heart failure (HF) hospitalizations in HF patients and decreased recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF), including in those who have undergone catheter ablation (CA). The effects of SGLT2i are likely due to suppression of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, reduction in oxidative stress with subsequent improvement in myocardial efficiency, and attenuation of cardiac remodeling. We aim to present the effects of SGLT2i on AF recurrence in patients who have undergone CA for AF. Methods: This is a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and retrospective studies evaluating the effect of SGLT2i on AF recurrence following CA compared with non-SGLT2i. The primary outcome was the recurrence of AF by the final follow-up reported in each study. Secondary outcomes include AF recurrence by the first follow-up within 12 to 24 months and follow-up intervals (6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 to 42 months) post-ablation, multivariate risk of AF recurrence, and the effect on left atrial diameter (LAD) (less than 45 mm vs. greater than or equal to 45 mm). For risk of bias (ROB) analysis, the NIH ROB and Cochrane ROB2 tool were used. All statistical, heterogeneity, and sensitivity analyses were conducted using Cochrane Review Manager. A random-effect model was employed for all pooled statistical analyses. Results: A total of nine studies, two RCTs and seven retrospective studies, were included (N = 6874) for the primary outcome. Compared to non-SGLT2i (N = 3693), SGLT2i (N = 3181) significantly decreased AF recurrence by the final follow-up (OR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.45–0.85; p = 0.008). For secondary outcomes, SGLT2i significantly reduced AF recurrence by the first follow-up within 12 to 24 months post-ablation (OR = 0.58; p = 0.0001) and by the different follow-up periods, 6-month (OR = 0.53; p = 0.02), 12-month (OR = 0.56; p = 0.0001), 18-month (OR = 0.55; p = 0.01), and 24-month (OR = 0.60; p = 0.12) follow-up periods. On the other hand, by 36 to 42 months, SGLT2i was associated with increased risk of AF recurrence (OR = 1.41; p = 0.004). Conclusions: We conclude that SGLT2i demonstrated a reduction in AF recurrence following CA, particularly by 12 to 18 months post-ablation.

Rapid technological progress in the 21st century has transformed neuroradiology from primarily a diagnostic tool into a vital component of modern neuroscience. This abstract summarizes innovations that have marked a paradigm shift in neurological and neurosurgical patient care. From symptom onset through hospitalization and recovery, these advancements have introduced novel techniques and redefined existing models to improve short-term and long-term outcomes.Artificial intelligence (AI) integration has significant implications in stroke triage, brain tumor segmentation, and treatment planning. Wearable AI-enabled devices detect abnormal changes in movement and speech, prompting patients to seek care immediately to ensure they remain within the therapeutic window for reperfusion therapy. AI models can also identify tumors that may be undetectable to the naked eye and provide precise lesion margins, reducing overestimation and underestimation during surgical planning. Image-guided minimally invasive procedures have reduced reliance on open surgery while increasing precision, minimizing perioperative risk, shortening postoperative hospital stays, improving functional outcomes, and lowering recurrence rates. Refinements in stent and catheter technology have further enhanced the safety and efficiency of these procedures in treating neurological disorders. Advanced imaging enables neurosurgeons to target surgically inaccessible lesions while preserving surrounding tissue and to analyze tumor behavior to objectively predict treatment response. Innovations in neuroradiology address disparities in access to care, as minimally invasive approaches offer therapeutic options for patients ineligible for open surgery, and remote interventions aim to expand timely access to specialized treatment in underserved regions. Continued advancements in neuroradiology will further optimize interventions, enhancing patient care.

Introduction: Murine typhus is a zoonotic disease caused by Rickettsia typhi, an obligate intracellular, gram-negative bacteria; in the past rats and their fleas have been the main reservoirs and vectors, but currently more cases are linked to cats, opossums, and cat fleas. The bacteria cause infection of the vascular endothelial cells, resulting in vasculitis, increased vascular permeability and fluid leakage, which may lead to pulmonary and cerebral edema. When immune cells in the visceral organs are infected, acute kidney injury, hepatitis, and encephalitis can occur. Neurological symptoms, particularly encephalitis, are uncommon. Blood tests generally reveal metabolic abnormalities including hypoalbuminemia, hypokalemia, raised inflammatory markers, elevated liver enzymes, and thrombocytopenia. A confirmatory diagnosis can be made by detecting high antibody titers together with a fourfold rise on repeat testing. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) usually has pleocytosis with the lymphocytes being the dominant cell type. Neuroimaging may vary from being normal to showing cerebral edema or infarction due to vasculitis. Case Report: A 78-year-old woman was brought from another hospital because she had symptoms of generalized weakness and a change in mental state. Her initial laboratory tests indicated low potassium levels, low albumin levels, raised liver enzymes, and increased inflammatory markers. A chest computed tomography (CT) scan showed multifocal pneumonia. She was first given a broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment for the pneumonia; but since her encephalopathy did not improve, a consultation was arranged to consider the possibility of encephalitis. The results of the lumbar puncture were found to be consistent with a traumatic tap, and the cerebrospinal fluid analysis, together with the encephalitis panel, was otherwise normal. The neuroimaging did not show any acute abnormalities. Further information was obtained which showed that she had significant contact with cats, leading to a suspicion of murine typhus. The antibiotic treatment was changed to doxycycline. Serological tests confirmed the diagnosis, the antibody titer being 1:512. Her mental condition improved considerably as a result of doxycycline alone. Conclusion: Murine typhus encephalitis should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis in cases of patients who have altered mental status and metabolic imbalances, especially in instances where both the cerebrospinal fluid and neuroimaging are normal, particularly in areas where the disease is endemic such as Texas. By taking a thorough history of the patient’s exposure and geographical background, including any contact with cats, it is possible to facilitate a timely diagnosis and suitable treatment. Clinical outcomes are better when the condition is detected and treated early.