Introduction: Evidence-based information about cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of biomarkers in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is limited. Methods: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), optineurin (OPTN), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), angiogenin (ANG), and TAR DNA-binding protein (TDP-43) were quantified by enzyme-linked immunoassay in the CSF of 54 patients with sporadic ALS and 32 controls in a case-control study design.

Hemorrhoids are one of the commonest of rectal diseases seen all across the globe. Constipation and bleeding are the main symptoms associated with this condition. The condition maybe associated with an underlying carcinoma as well. Understanding the pathophysiology will enable the surgeon to determine the best therapeutic option for this condition. A brief review of clinical evaluation and treatment options is presented in this paper.

Background and Objectives Guidelines recommend deferral of elective surgery after COVID‐19. Delays in cancer surgeries may affect outcomes. We examined perioperative outcomes of elective cancer surgery in COVID‐19 survivors. The primary objective was 30‐day all‐cause postoperative mortality. The secondary objectives were 30‐day morbidity, and its association with COVID‐19 severity, and duration between COVID‐19 and surgery. Methods We collected data on age, gender, comorbidities, COVID‐19 severity, preoperative investigations, surgery performed, and intra and postoperative outcomes in COVID‐19 survivors who underwent elective cancer surgery at a tertiary‐referral cancer center. Results Three hundred and forty‐eight COVID‐19 survivors presented for elective cancer surgery. Of these, 332/348 (95%) patients had mild COVID‐19 and 311 (89%) patients underwent surgery. Among patients with repeat investigations, computerized tomography scan of the thorax showed the maximum new abnormalities (30/157, 19%). The 30‐day all‐cause mortality was 0.03% (1/311) and 30‐day morbidity was 17% (54/311). On multivariable analysis, moderate versus mild COVID‐19 (odds ratio [OR]: 1.95; 95% confidence interval  [CI]: 0.52–7.30; p = 0.32) and surgery within 7 weeks of COVID‐19 (OR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.33–1.11; p = 0.10) were not associated with postoperative morbidity. Conclusions In patients who recover from mild to moderate COVID‐19, elective cancer surgery can proceed safely even within 7 weeks. Additional preoperative tests may not be indicated in these patients.

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