bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lung Injury Risk in Traumatic Brain Injury Managed With Optimal Cerebral Perfusion Pressure Guided-Therapy
Authors: Dias Celeste , de Castro Alexandre , Gaio Rita , Silva Ricardo , Pereira Eduarda , Monteiro Elisabete
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Management of traumatic brain injury (TBI) has to counterbalance prevention of secondary brain injury without systemic complications, namely lung injury. The potential risk of developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) leads to therapeutic decisions such as fluid balance restriction, high PEEP and other lung protective measures, that may conflict with neurologic outcome. In fact, low cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) may induce secondary ischemic injury and mortality, but disproportionate high CPP may also increase morbidity and worse lung compliance and hypoxia with the risk of developing ARDS and fatal outcome. The evaluation of cerebral autoregulation at bedside and individualized (optimal CPP) CPPopt-guided therapy, may not only be a relevant measure to protect the brain, but also a safe measure to avoid systemic complications.

Aim of the study

We aimed to study the safety of CPPopt-guided-therapy and the risk of secondary lung injury association with bad outcome.

Methods and results

Single-center retrospective analysis of 92 severe TBI patients admitted to the Neurocritical Care Unit managed with CPPopt-guided-therapy by PRx (pressure reactivity index). During the first 10 days, we collected data from blood gas, ventilation and brain variables. Evolution along time was analyzed using linear mixed-effects regression models. 86% were male with mean age 53±21 years. 49% presented multiple trauma and 21% thoracic trauma. At hospital admission, median GCS was 7 and after 3-months GOS was 3. Monitoring data was CPP 86±7mmHg, CPP-CPPopt -2.8±10.2mmHg and PRx 0.03±0.19. The average PFratio (PaO2/FiO2) was 305±88 and driving pressure 15.9±3.5cmH2O. PFratio exhibited a significant quadratic dependence across time and PRx and driving pressure presented significant negative association with PFRatio. CPP and CPPopt did not present significant effect on PFratio (p=0.533; p=0.556). A significant positive association between outcome and the difference CPP-CPPopt was found.

Conclusion

Management of TBI using CPPopt-guided-therapy was associated with better outcome and seems to be safe regarding the development of secondary lung injury.
Therapeutic Hypothermia Following Cardiopulmonary Arrest: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis
Authors: Maclaren Robert , Torian Sterling , Kiser Tyree , Mueller Scott , Reynolds Paul
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The risk-benefit profile of therapeutic hypothermia is controversial with several randomized controlled trials providing conflicting results.

Aim of Study

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine if therapeutic hypothermia provides beneficial neurologic outcomes relative to adverse effects.

Material and Methods

MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for randomized controlled trials of post-cardiac arrest patients comparing therapeutic hypothermia (~33 degrees Celsius) to normothermia or the standard of care (36 - 38 degrees Celsius). Data were collected using the Covidence systematic review software. Statistical analysis was performed by Review Manager software. Risk of bias, sensitivity, and heterogeneity were analyzed using the Cochran’s Collaboration tool, trial sequential analysis (TSA) software, and I2 statistic respectively.

Results

A total of 1825 studies were screened and 5 studies (n=3614) were included. No significant differences existed between the hypothermia group and normothermia for favorable neurologic outcome (risk ratio [RR] 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.97 to 1.41) or all-cause mortality (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.05). When compared to normothermia, the hypothermia group had greater risk of adverse effects (RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.28), which was driven by the onset of arrhythmias. Subgroup analyses revealed that therapeutic hypothermia provided greater neurologic benefit in trials with a higher percentage of subjects with shockable rhythms (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.6 to 0.88). Trial sequential analysis revealed statistical futility for therapeutic hypothermia and favorable neurologic outcome, mortality, and adverse effects.

Conclusions

Therapeutic hypothermia does not provide consistent benefit in neurologic outcome or mortality in the general cardiac arrest population. Patients with shockable rhythms may show favorable neurologic outcome with therapeutic hypothermia and further investigation in this population is warranted. Any potential benefit associated with therapeutic hypothermia must be weighed against the increased risk of adverse effects, particularly the onset of arrhythmias.
Facing Caste: Engaging with the Privileged
Authors: Noronha Sujata , Choksi Beena
Published: May 2023

The caste system in India and the structural inequalities perpetuated by casteism are significant challenges to creating a just society. The problem is exacerbated because the education system, including libraries and school curricula, does not fully acknowledge and confront this complex issue. Historically, libraries have emerged as safe spaces for collective conversations, diverse collections and dialogue around sensitive subjects. This project worked closely with a selective sample of seven library educators—most of them with caste privilege—to: examine their knowledge, attitudes, and practices on caste issues by reading caste literature, with reflective discussions, and introspective journaling; and develop their preparedness to conceptualise, design, and pilot a library unit on caste with children from privileged backgrounds.
“Volatile, feral and glamorous”: Australia’s Women’s Warehouse
Authors: R. Mayhew Louise
Published: May 2023

The Women’s Warehouse (1979–1981) provided a short-lived and unofficial headquarters for the social and cultural activity of the Women’s Liberation Movement (WLM) in Sydney, Australia. This paper writes an introductory history to the Women’s Warehouse through the case study of the Women’s Warehouse Screenprinters, one of the most significant collectives to operate in the space. This approach allows for a focused understanding of how feminist ideologies were interpreted and implemented by members of the house via, for example, collective ownership, group authorship, commitment to local community concerns and the non-sexist representation of women. The Women’s Warehouse was an unproclaimed, yet undeniably, lesbian feminist space. This paper begins research into the feminist politics, presentation and perception of the house.
Soldados aviadores constructores de paz
Authors: López-Escobar Campo Elías , Chavarro-Ospina Sharon Gabriela , Lozano-Audiver Marco Antonio
Published: May 2023

Este libro presenta a la sociedad civil, la comunidad académica y científica la necesidad de considerar la memoria histórica de la aviación del ejército colombiano, como un aspecto vital para la construcción de paz en Colombia. En el contexto de conflicto interno en Colombia se han presentado diferentes herramientas con la idea de construir una cultura de paz desde el reconocimiento de diferentes experiencias que han trazado la vida de los soldados aviadores. El proyecto de investigación “Problemáticas y perspectivas de los derechos humanos y el DICA en la era digital”, se realizó por investigadores adscritos al Centro de Investigación en Memoria Histórica Militar y la Maestría en Derechos Humanos y Derecho Internacional de los Conflictos Armados de la Escuela Superior de Guerra “General Rafael Reyes Prieto” y miembros del grupo del grupo de investigación “Memoria Histórica, Construcción de Paz, Derechos Humanos, DICA y Justicia”, de la Escuela Superior de Guerra “General Rafael Reyes Prieto”. Estos investigadores, en el marco de la línea de investigación “Memoria Histórica”, materializaron este interesante producto de investigación, mediante el cual se creó el escenario propicio para construir la memoria histórica. La investigación se desarrolló con una rigurosa metodología de tipo cualitativo, fundamentada en la recolección y análisis de información documental de fuentes primarias asociadas a entrevistas y fuentes secundarias de carácter académico.
Characterization of Enzymatic Glucose Biosensors Based on A Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with MoS2 Nanorods
Authors: Van Tuan Dinh , Ngan Dang Thi Thuy , Thi Thuy Nguyen , Lan Hoang , Thi Nguyet Nguyen , Thuy Vu Thi Phuong , Dien Nguyen Dac , Thu Vu Van , Vuong Pham Hung , Tam Phuong Dinh
Published: May 2023

: In this work, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanorods (NRs) were prepared by a simple hydrothermal method. A sensitive electrochemical glucose biosensor was developed based on the immobilization of glucose oxidase (GOx) on MoS2 NRs modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The SnO2 NRs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). SnO2 NRs have large specific area and can load large amounts of GOx molecules. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) of GOx/MoS2 NR/GCE exhibited a linear relationship between the peak current density of CV with glucose concentration in the range of 3.0 mM to 7.0 mM with the limit of detection (LOD) of 3.0 mM and high sensitivity of mA.mM. The parameters affecting the oxidation current density such as pH, temperature, GOx concentration were also investigated. This study demonstrates the feasibility of realizing inexpensive, reliable, and highly effective performance glucose biosensors using MoS2 nanorods.
Determination of Defects in Planar CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells Using a SCAPS-1D Simulation Tool
Authors: Cuong Nguyen Duc , Thi Thao Vu , Tuan Canh Nguyen , Phuong Hoai Nam Nguyen , Nang Dinh Nguyen
Published: May 2023

In this work, electrical simulations of planar CH3NH3PbI3 solar cells using a SCAPS-1D (a Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator) simulation tool were performed to determine the density of defects based on the performance parameters and J-V characteristics of actual experimental planar CH3NH3PbI3 solar cells. Two types of defects (bulk and interface) were introduced into the simulation model. The densities of those defects were found by fitting the J-V characteristics and performance parameters including , , and FF to the experimental data. The methods and results reported in this paper showed a close relationship between the parameters of defects in planar perovskite solar cells.
Determination of the Optimum Values of the Natural Frequency of the Nanocomposite Multilayer Organic Solar Cell by using Basic Differential Evolution Optimization Algorithms
Authors: Minh Anh Vu
Published: May 2023

By the analytical approach, the equation of natural frequency of nanocomposite multilayer organic solar cell (NMOSC) is analyzed in this work. The NMOSC is composed of 6 layers: Al, LiF, P3HT: PCBM, PEDOT: PSS, ITO and Glass. By using the classical plate theory, the Hooke’s Law, the geometrical compatibility equation and the nonlinear equilibrium equations are proposed. These equations combined with the Galerkin method in order to investigate the effect of elastic foundations, geometrical parameters and initial imperfection on the natural frequency. Besides, in order to determine the maximum natural frequency of NMOSC, basic differential evolution optimization algorithm (DE) was used with five variables: elastic foundations include Winkeler foudation and Pasternak foudation, temperature, width and length. In the numerical results, the influence of length to width ratio, imperfection, elastic foundations and temperature increment were evaluated in detail. The optimal results from DE algorithm are shown and compared.
Quality of care in the EsSalud emergency service, northern Region, Peru
Authors: Vigil Delia Florencia Dávila ,   School of Medicine, Señor of Sipan University, Chiclayo, Peru,   * Corresponding Author: Delia Florencia Dávila Vigil, School of Medicine, Señor of Sipan University, Chiclayo, Peru. E-mail: dfdavila@crece.uss.edu.pe, Ríos Carlos Alberto Chirinos ,   School of Medicine, Señor of Sipan University, Chiclayo, Peru
Published: May 2023

This study explores the user's quality of medical attention. The aim was to analyze the quality-of-care indicators in the EsSalud emergency service of the hospitals of the Lambayeque Juan Aita Valle Healthcare Network, according to the perceptions and expectations of the patients. The research has a descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional design, which includes the description, registration, analysis, and interpretation of the current nature of the quality of emergency medical care in the selected hospital institutions. The population is represented by patients who attended the emergency department of the hospital institution's understudy for one month. The sample was obtained using a simple random system. The technique used was the application of Servqual Quality of Emergency Care questionnaire. The instrument consisted of three parts, General Data, Expectations of the External User, and Perceptions of the External User. All statistical tests were processed using SPSS v.25 through the T-test of means. Higher customer dissatisfaction was revealed with regard to intangibility, lack of security, lack of reliability, and lack of empathy towards the user. User expectations and perceptions regarding the health service quality are also marked by dissatisfaction and great dissatisfaction.
The relationship between perineal size and episiotomy during delivery
Authors: Radnia Nahid ,   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Fatemieh Hospital, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran, Khansari Shahedeh ,   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Fatemieh Hospital, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran,   * Corresponding Author: Shahedeh Khansari, Department of Gynecology, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran. E-mail: drsh_kh@yahoo.com, Jiriaei Nasrin ,   Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran, Hosseini Seyedeh Arezoo ,   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Fatemieh Hospital, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran, Salemi Laleh ,   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Fatemieh Hospital, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran, Hamoon Minoo ,   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Fatemieh Hospital, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
Published: May 2023

Women have anatomically different perineal sizes. Different perineal sizes in primiparous women may be related to episiotomy and its consequences. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between perineal size and episiotomy during delivery. 376 primiparous women referred to Fatemieh Hospital in Hamadan with single pregnancies, in the first stage of labor, and with a gestational age of 37 weeks and more, out of which 372 participated in this study. Before entering the first stage of labor, they underwent perineal measurements, such as perineal body (PB), genital hiatus (GH), and anogenital area (AGD), in a forced position. Then, they were followed up for episiotomy and vaginal wall rupture until the end of the second stage of labor. Our outcome in this study was an episiotomy during delivery. The mean gestational age was 39.10±1.21 weeks, and the neonatal weight was 3107.37±42.39 g. 86.3% of women had an episiotomy, and 5.4% experienced perineal tear (laceration). Mean perineal size was 3.99±0.77, genital hiatus was 3.040±0.74, GH+PB was 7.39±1.05, and AGD was 8.49±1.22 cm. There was a statistically significant relationship between perineal body size episiotomy (P=0.011), GH+PB (P=0.003), AGD (P=0.017), neonatal birth weight (P=0.021), as well as grade 1 and 2 rupture (P<0.001). The size of GH+PB at the cut-off point of 6.25 cm and AGD at the cut-off point of 9.25 cm significantly increased the chance of performing an episiotomy. In primiparous women with a gestational age of 37 to 42 weeks, vaginal delivery, shorter perineum, vaginal hiatus, and anogenital distance significantly increased the likelihood of an episiotomy. On the other hand, performing an episiotomy significantly reduced grade 1 and 2 perineal tear rates.
Assessment of surgery residents' knowledge of medical ethics and law. Implications for training and education
Authors: Bazmi Shabnam ,   Medical Ethics Department, School of Traditional Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Kiani Parsa ,   Simon Fraiser University, Vancouver, Canada, Enjoo Seyed Ali ,   Medical Ethics Department, School of Traditional Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,   * Corresponding Author: Seyed Ali Enjoo, Medical Ethics Department, School of Traditional Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. E-mail: seyed.ali.enjoo@gmail.com, Kiani Mehrzad ,   Medical Ethics Department, School of Traditional Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Bazmi Elham ,   Iranian Legal Medicine Organization, Legal Medicine Organization Research Center, Tehran, Iran
Published: May 2023

Medical ethics and law are essential topics that should be included in medical residency programs. However, surgery training programs in Iran lack a specific course in medical ethics and law, which can lead to patient dissatisfaction with surgical outcomes. This study aimed to assess surgery residents' knowledge of medical ethics and law and suggest improvements for future residency programs. This descriptive cross-sectional study involved 112 surgery residents from six teaching hospitals. A valid and reliable questionnaire comprising 15 items on medical ethics and 12 items on medical law was used to assess participants' knowledge. Most participants were female (31-40 years old), and their mean knowledge score for medical ethics was 3.26±0.53 out of 5, with the lowest score in "futile treatment and DNR orders." The mean knowledge score for medical law was 3.69±0.69, with the lowest score in "surrogate decision-maker." Age did not affect residents' knowledge, but gender did, with female residents demonstrating significantly better knowledge of medical ethics (3.344/5 vs. 3.112/5) and law (3.789/5 vs. 3.519/5). Surgery residents had a relatively favorable knowledge of medical ethics and law, but they require further training in some areas to improve their knowledge. Training should include journal clubs, role-play programs, standardized patient programs, and debates to achieve better results, as purely didactic lectures appear inadequate.
Sequential (two-step) day 3/day 5 frozen-thawed embryo transfer: does it improve the pregnancy rate of patients suffering recurrent implantation failure?
Authors: Arefi Soheila ,   Monoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran, Ataei Mina ,   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Medical Sciences, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran,   Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran, Maleki Narges ,   Avicenna Infertility Clinic, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran, Yari Nahid ,   Bahman Infertility Center, Tehran, Iran, Razi Saeid ,   Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran, Amirajam Sara ,   Avicenna Infertility Clinic, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran,   * Corresponding Author: Sara Amirajam, Avicenna Infertility Clinic, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran. E-mail: Sara.amiragam@yahoo.com
Published: May 2023

The best time of endometrial receptivity is the missing part of the implantation puzzle in patients with recurrent in vitro fertilization (IVF) failure. There are various treatment plans and strategies to meet the best endometrial timing for implantation. However, the lack of synchronization of the good-quality embryo with the patient's individual “window of implantation” is the hypothesis for most IVF failures so far. Sequential embryo transfer (ET) theoretically extends the availability time of embryos on the window of implantation. The study aimed to evaluate the improvement of pregnancy rate in sequential (two-step) frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) on day 3/day 5 in individuals who suffer from repeated IVF failures. This randomized controlled trial study was done in a university-affiliated infertility center for women with repeated consecutive IVF failures. Two hundred women aged 20–39 years who met our inclusion criteria were included in the study between January 2020 and September 2021. Participants were allocated with a 1:1 ratio to either sequential (two-step) ET on day 3/day 5 (study group, n=100) and conventional day 5 FET (n=100, control group). The frozen-thawed embryos were transferred to hormone replacement therapy-prepared endometrium in both groups. The primary outcomes were clinical pregnancy and implantation rates. The secondary outcomes were early pregnancy loss and multiple pregnancies. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the two groups were comparable. Clinical pregnancy rates were significantly higher in the sequential (two-step) FET group (40%) compared to the day 5 group (19%) (P<0.001). The sequential transfer of frozen-thawed embryos on day 3/day 5 was more effective than regular day 5 for patients suffering from repeated IVF failure.
Correlation between reproductive hormones levels and semen quality in patients with diabetes
Authors: Ali Baida Rihan ,   Department of Pathological Analysis, College of Science, University of Thi-Qar, Al-Nasiriya, Iraq,   * Corresponding Author: Baida Rihan Ali, Department of Pathological Analysis, College of Science, University of Thi-Qar, Al-Nasiriya, Iraq. E-mail: baida77-path@sci.utq.edu.iq, Alameri Ahmed Nasir ,   Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Thi-Qar, Al-Nasiriya, Iraq, Rumaidh Shaymaa AL ,   Department of Pathological Analysis, College of Science, University of Thi-Qar, Al-Nasiriya, Iraq, Ethaib Saleem ,   Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Thi-Qar, Al-Nasiriya, Iraq
Published: May 2023

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is rarely sought among infertile patients due to a lack of studies and inconsistency regarding its impact on semen quality. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the influence of T2DM on the pituitary gland hormones (FSH and LH) in males. A total of 60 participants participated in this study, of which 35 were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, and 25 were without diabetes. Fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, LH, FSH, TT, E2, and prolactin were tested. Diabetic men had lower serum LH, FSH, and TT levels than non-diabetics and higher prolactin and E2 levels. According to the semen examination, including sperm count, PH, motility, and morphology, diabetic patients had considerably lower sperm counts, motility, and morphology than non-diabetic patients. In conclusion, the decrease in the concentration of reproductive hormones in diabetic patients leads to sexual weakness, resulting in abnormal seminal fluid parameters, which are below the normal levels than in apparently healthy persons.
Unusual worm-like radiopacities in the radiographs of patients with cervical spondylosis
Authors:   New York Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Centre, EC Healthcare, Hong Kong SAR, China,   * Corresponding Author: Eric Chun-Pu Chu, New York Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Centre, EC Healthcare, Hong Kong SAR, China. E-mail: eric@nymg.com.hk, Chu Eric Chun-Pu , Chen Alan Te-Chang ,   New York Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Centre, EC Healthcare, Hong Kong SAR, China, Chiang Ricky ,   School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, Trager Robert ,   Connor Whole Health, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
Published: May 2023

This report describes three patients with cervical spondylosis whose diagnostic radiographs showed worm-like, irregularly curved radiopaque lines and strings in the head and neck region during routine chiropractic examinations. Such artifacts are frequently misinterpreted as parasitic infection, electrostatic discharges, detector image lag, fracture, or ligature wires. All three patients with worm-like radiopacities disclosed their 15–20 years of history of acupuncture treatment to relieve neck pain. The present cases of unexpected and coincidental findings may suggest a possible acupuncture-caused radiographic artifacts in the neck and jaw bones. In particular, the patient had previous gold thread treatments possibly associated with the observed radiographic artifacts. These cases may emphasize the importance of having a thorough understanding of patient history regarding unexpected radiographic artifacts.
Incidental finding of asymptomatic non-traumatic pericardial effusion in a trauma patient: a case report
Authors: Alkathim Ahmed ,   Anesthesia Department, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Alfaraj Dunya ,   Emergency Medicine Department, King Fahad University Hospital, Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia, Alghamdi Mohannad Ali ,   Emergency Medicine Department, King Fahad University Hospital, Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia,   * Corresponding Author: Mohannad Ali Alghamdi, Emergency Medicine Department, King Fahad University Hospital, Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia E-mail: mohaghamdi@iau.edu.sa, AL-Nahash Samar ,   Emergency Medicine Department, King Fahad University Hospital, Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
Published: May 2023

Pericardial effusion can either be an incidental finding or a manifestation of systemic or cardiac disease. It has a wide range of presentations, from asymptomatic small effusion to rapidly progressive fatal tamponade. In a trauma setting, pericardial effusion is usually attributed to hematoma collection, with the concern of clinical evidence of tamponade that can lead to cardiopulmonary collapse. The Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) is a widely used tool to diagnose pericardial effusion in trauma patients. We published this case report to emphasize that the presence of pericardial effusion alone in a trauma patient does not indicate the presence of tamponade. This case concerns a 39 years old male patient who presented to ER as a trauma case after a fall from two meters height and landing on his feet. ATLS protocol was followed, and FAST showed an incidental finding of massive pericardial fluid. The trauma team was consulted, and the patient was hemodynamically stable without clinical evidence of tamponade. Echocardiography showed mitral valve stenosis and large pericardial effusion. The close observation did not suggest the presence of cardiac tamponade. The pericardial catheter was inserted during admission with drainage of 900cc of serous fluid. The presence of pericardial fluid in a trauma setting does not confirm the diagnosis of tamponade. The mechanism of injury, clinical presentation, and the patient's stability are essential factors in determining further management of such patients.
The effects of hydroxychloroquine on pregnancy outcomes in infertile women: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mirzaei Maryam ,   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran, Amirajam Sara ,   Avicenna Infertility Clinic, Avicenna Research Institute, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran, Moghimi Elham Sadeghi ,   Department of Community Health Nursing, Vali Asr Nursery, Shiraz, Iran, Behzadi Soudabeh ,   Student Research Committee, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran, Rohani Abbas ,   Department of Educational Psychology, Islamic Azad University Mobarakeh Branch, Esfahan, Iran, Zerangian Nasibeh ,   School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Samani Neda Khalili ,   School of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran,   Social Security Organization, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran, Soudagar Simin ,   Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran, Ghazanfarpour Masumeh ,   Student Research Committee, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran,   * Corresponding Author: Masumeh Ghazanfarpour, Student Research Committee, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. E-mail: Masumeh.ghazanfarpour@yahoo.com
Published: May 2023

A promising strategy for controlling repeated implantation failure (RIF) may be the use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). To the best of our knowledge, no systematic review has been conducted on the effects of hydroxychloroquine on pregnancy outcomes. A systematic research of the following electronic databases was conducted: Cochrane, EMBASE-Ovid, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus from inception to December 2021, using the following keywords [hydroxychloroquine] AND [infertility]. Fertilization and rate of live birth were significantly higher in the HCQ+ prednisone (PDN) group than in the PDN alone group. However, the abortion rate was not different between the two groups. The meta-analysis of two studies revealed no statistical significance between the PDN group and HCQ+PDN group regarding clinical pregnancy rate (OR=.14 [95%CI: 0.4–4.370]; heterogeneity; P=0.13; I2=54%; random effect model) and implantation rate (OR=1.99 [95%CI: 0.94–4.2]; heterogeneity; P=0.37; I2=0%; fixed-effect model). While HCQ may help improve fertilization and live birth rates, adding it to prednisone did not improve overall pregnancy outcomes. This systematic review should be used with caution due to the small size, study design, and difference in the studies' population
Person identification using the composition of elements in human hair
Authors: Mussabekova Saule ,   Department of Pathology, Karaganda Medical University, Karaganda, Kazakhstan, Mkhitaryan Xeniya ,   Department of Informatics and Biostatistics, Karaganda Medical University, Karaganda, Kazakhstan,   * Corresponding Author: Xeniya Mkhitaryan, Department of Informatics and Biostatistics, Karaganda Medical University, Karaganda, Kazakhstan. E-mail: kseniyamkhitaryan@rambler.ru
Published: May 2023

If an individual cannot be identified, it is necessary to conduct a forensic medical examination. In this case, all possible group indexes are investigated. In this study, the content of elements in hair was investigated to identify individuals by territory, age, profession, or gender. The level of 14 micro- and macroelements (Cu, Zn, Co, Fe, Cr, Mn, Cd, As, Pb, Ni, P, Ca, K and Mg) was determined in hair samples of men and women from five age categories (21 to >60) using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The samples were analyzed taking into account the health condition, gender, place of residence, occupation, work experience, and age. A correlation between the content of elements in people's hair and their place of residence was observed. The difference in the content of elements in the hair of urban and rural residents was substantial and statistically significant (p<0.05). Moreover, there were significant differences related to age (p<0.0051) and gender (p<0.05). The current research detected significant differences in the content of the chemical elements in the hair of the groups tested, which can be used as personal identification indicators depending on occupation, work experience, and environmental factors.
The outcomes of a methodology for developing prospective pharmacists' English lexical competence
Authors:   Department of Foreign Languages, Bukovinian State Medical University, Chernivtsi, Ukraine,   * Corresponding Author: Tomashevska Agnessa Yuriivna, Department of Foreign Languages, Bukovinian State Medical University, Chernivtsi, Ukraine. E-mail: vinogradova09@gmail.com, Yuriivna Tomashevska Agnessa , Yevgenivich Rohovyi Yurii ,   Department of Pathological Physiology, Bukovinian State Medical University, Chernivtsi, Ukraine, Sheremet Michael Ivanovich ,   Surgical department No. 1, Bukovinian State Medical University, Chernivtsi, Ukraine
Published: May 2023

This study assessed the effectiveness of a methodology aimed at developing prospective pharmacists' professionally oriented English lexical competence in reading and speaking during individual study. The methodology considered students' interests and experience, forming lexical skills in reading, speaking, listening, and writing, integration with professional subjects, learning metacognitive, cognitive, and compensatory strategies, enhancing students' autonomy through purposeful forming their reflexive abilities, developing professionally oriented English lexical competence in reading and speaking within three stages, using the suggested system of exercises that consists of corresponding groups (correlating with the stages) and subgroups. The paper also substantiates the criteria for assessing the level of prospective pharmacists in mastering professionally oriented English lexical competence in reading and speaking: the accuracy of understanding, the correctness of guessing a lexical unit's meaning, the adequacy of lexical unit's usage, and lexical concentration. In addition, the paper describes the results of the experiment and validates the data obtained with the help of the multifunctional statistic criterion ∏* – of Fishers angular transformation.
Renal stone density on native CT-scan as a predictor of treatment outcomes in shock wave lithotripsy
Authors: Muter Samir ,   Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq, Abd Ziad ,   Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Anbar, Al-Ramadi, Iraq,   * Corresponding Author: Ziad Abd, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Anbar, Al-Ramadi, Iraq. E-mail: ziadhabd@uoanbar.edu.iq, Saeed Ruya ,   Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Anbar, Al-Ramadi, Iraq
Published: May 2023

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is considered a standard treatment for nephrolith or kidney stones measuring less than 20 mm. Anatomical, machine-related, and stone factors play pivotal roles in treatment outcomes, the latter being the leading role. This paper examined the relationship between stone density on native CT scans and ESWL treatment to remove renal stones concerning several treatments. One hundred and twenty patients (64 males and 56 females) were enrolled and completed the study from April 2019 to September 2020. Inclusion criteria were a single renal pelvis stone of 5–20 mm to be treated for the first time in adult patients with no urinary or musculoskeletal anatomical abnormalities. We assessed patients' renal function and obtained stone characteristics using a native CT scan. Patients were then scheduled for ESWL by the same machine and operator under fluoroscopy, with two-week intervals between treatment sessions when more than one treatment session was required. Before each new session, a new KUB-US was performed to reevaluate the stone. One hundred and twenty patient records were analyzed, 64 (53.3%) males and 56 (46.7%) females, with a mean age of 38.6 years and a mean stone size of 13.15 mm. Treatment with ESWL cleared stones in 76 (63.3%) patients, while 44 (36.7%) failed the treatment. The mean stone density in patients whose stones were cleared was significantly lower (661 vs. 1001) (P<0.001). Estimating renal calculus (or kidney stone) density on a native CT scan might help prognosticate ESWL treatment outcomes regarding stone clearance rates and the number of sessions required to clear a stone.
Prevalence and risk factors of diabetic retinopathy in Basrah, Iraq
Authors: Al Ashoor Mohammed ,   Department of Ophthalmology, Al Zahraa Medical College, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq,   Department of Ophthalmology, Basrah Teaching Hospital, Basrah, Iraq,   * Corresponding Author: Mohammed Al Ashoor, Department of Ophthalmology, Basrah Teaching Hospital, Basrah, Iraq. Department of Ophthalmology, Al Zahraa Medical College, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq. E-mail: dr_mohammedalashoor@yahoo.com, Al Hamza Ali ,   Department of Medicine, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq, Zaboon Ibrahim ,   Department of Medicine, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq, Almomin Ammar ,   Department of Medicine, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq, Mansour Abbas ,   Department of Medicine, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to measure the prevalence and risk factors of diabetic retinopathy (DR) among patients with diabetes mellitus aged 20 to 82 years attending the Faiha Diabetes, Endocrine, and Metabolism Center (FDEMC) in Basrah. A cross-sectional study was conducted at FDEMC, including 1542 participants aged 20 to 82 from January 2019 to December 2019. Both eyes were examined for evidence of DR by a mobile nonmydriatic camera, and statistical analysis was performed to measure the prevalence rates (95% CI) for patients with different characteristics. The mean age of participants was 35.9, with 689 males (44.7%; 95% CI: 42.2–47.2%) and 853 females (55.3%; 95% CI: 52.8–57.8%). The prevalence rate of DR was 30.5% (95% CI: 28.1–32.8%), and 11.27% of cases were proliferative retinopathy. DR significantly increased with age (p-value=0.000), it was higher in females (p-value=0.005), and significantly increased with a longer duration of diabetes (p-value<0.001), hyperglycemia (p-value<0.001), hypertension (p-value=0.004), dyslipidemia (p-value<0.001), nephropathy (p-value<0.001) and smoking (p-value<0.001). There was no statistical association between DR and the type of diabetes or obesity. One-third of the participants in this study had DR. Screening and early detection of DR using a simple tool such as a digital camera should be a priority to improve a person’s health status.
Features of VEGF and IL-6 expression in patients with inflammatory breast cancer considering molecular-biological characteristics
Authors: Smolanka Ivan Ivanovich ,   National Cancer Institute, Ministry of Health, Kyiv, Ukraine, Bagmut Irina Yuriivna ,   Kharkiv Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, Kharkiv, Ukraine, Movchan Oleksii Volodimirovich ,   National Cancer Institute, Ministry of Health, Kyiv, Ukraine, Sheremet Michael Ivanovich ,   Department of Surgery No.1, Bukovinian State Medical University, Chernivtsi, Ukraine,   * Corresponding Author: Michael Ivanovich Sheremet, Department of Surgery No.1, Bukovinian State Medical University, Chernivtsi, Ukraine. E-mail: mihayl71@gmail.com, Bilyi Oleksandr Mykolayovych ,   VN Karazin Kharkiv National University, Ministry of Education, Kharkiv, Ukraine, Lyashenko Andriy Oleksandrovich ,   National Cancer Institute, Ministry of Health, Kyiv, Ukraine, Dosenko Irina Viktorivna ,   National Cancer Institute, Ministry of Health, Kyiv, Ukraine, Loboda Anton Dmitrovich ,   National Cancer Institute, Ministry of Health, Kyiv, Ukraine, Ivankova Oksana Mykolaivna ,   National Cancer Institute, Ministry of Health, Kyiv, Ukraine, Kolisnyk Igor Leonidovich ,   Kharkiv Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, Kharkiv, Ukraine
Published: May 2023

Expression of pro-malignant factors (VEGF) and cytokines like inflammatory components support breast cancer development. We examined 46 patients with stage IIIB inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) and 24 with stage IIA-IIIB breast cancer (BC) without secondary edema. Hormone receptors, Her-2/neu, Ki-67 index, VEGF, and IL-6, were determined for all patients before and after neoadjuvant treatment. They associated the expression of VEGF for IBC patients with an unfavorable prognosis. VEGF level for IBC lymph node metastases was higher than in patients without such lesions (1.4 times), and there was a significant increase in VEGF levels in the G3 category of malignancy (1.54-fold increase). In IBC patients with positive HER2/neu status, VEGF levels were 1.51 times higher compared to those with negative HER2/neu status (r=0.36, p<0.05). IL-6 level during therapy in IBC patients remained high, which occurs in active tumor development. Comparative analysis of the VEGF/IL-6 ratio during treatment of patients with IBC was higher vs. IIIB stage breast cancer without edema (1.4 vs. 0.7), indicating the aggressiveness of the tumor process and confirmed by an objective response to treatment (regression<30%).
Prevalence, frequency, and disability of migraine headaches and tension headaches among the general population in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlBarqi Mohammed ,   Department of Family Medicine and Community, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, AlAhsa, Saudi Arabia, AlDablan Mohammed ,   College of Medicine, King Faisal University, AlAhsa, Saudi Arabia, AlBahr Abdulelah ,   College of Medicine, King Faisal University, AlAhsa, Saudi Arabia,   * Corresponding Author: Abdulelah AlBahr, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, AlAhsa, Saudi Arabia. E-mail: mr.bahr22@gmail.com, AlAmer Mohammed ,   College of Medicine, King Faisal University, AlAhsa, Saudi Arabia, AlNaim Abdulrahman ,   College of Medicine, King Faisal University, AlAhsa, Saudi Arabia, AlNaim Abdullah ,   Department of Family Medicine and Community, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, AlAhsa, Saudi Arabia, Almaqhawi Abdullah ,   Department of Family Medicine and Community, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, AlAhsa, Saudi Arabia
Published: May 2023

A tension-type headache (TTH) is a recurrent headache that is mild to moderate in intensity, unlike migraine (MH), which is accompanied by crippling effects of nausea, vomiting, photophobia, or phonophobia. TTH is more frequent than migraine, but it is less likely to cause severe pain and physical dysfunction. TTHs account for more lost workdays due to their prevalence. The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, frequency, and disability of MHs and TTHs among the general population in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was employed using a validated questionnaire. The questionnaire implemented the HARDSHIP algorithm to diagnose MH and TTH and questions to correlate their prevalence to socio-demographic data, measurement of the level of disability, headache management, and treatment effectiveness using the chi-square test. The study reviewed 877 subjects (46.6% males vs. 53.4% females). 52.9% of the participants experienced headaches during the previous three months, and 35.6% experienced headaches recently. The most common type of headache was a probable MH (32.1%), followed by a TTH (26.9%), probable TTH (19.5%), and MH (15%). It was reported that some disability was attributed to 47% of MHs and 26% of TTHs. The most commonly used headache medication was paracetamol (53.5%). This study revealed that TTH and MH are common illnesses in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Region. TTH and MH are correlated with significant individual and social burdens, particularly for MH. Headache sufferers mostly manage their headaches using conventional over-the-counter methods.
Outcomes of laser-induced thermotherapy for thyroid nodules at the West Vascular Center, Ukraine
Authors: Sheremet Michael Ivanovich ,   Department of Surgery No.1, Bukovinian State Medical University, West Vascular Center, Chernivtsi, Ukraine,   West Vascular Center, Chernivtsi, Ukraine,   * Corresponding Author: Michael Ivanovich Sheremet, Department of Surgery No.1, Bukovinian State Medical University, West Vascular Center, Chernivtsi, Ukraine. E-mail: mihayl71@gmail.com, Lazaruk Oleksandr Volodimirovich ,   West Vascular Center, Chernivtsi, Ukraine,   Department of Pathologic Anatomy, Bukovinian State Medical University, Chernivtsi, Ukraine, Shidlovskyi Oleksandr Viktorovich ,   Department of Surgery, Ivan Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, Ternopil, Ukraine, Shidlovskyi Viktor Oleksandrovich ,   Department of Surgery, Ivan Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, Ternopil, Ukraine, Savin Volodimir Vasilyevich ,   West Vascular Center, Chernivtsi, Ukraine, Olinik Yuriy Vasilyevich ,   West Vascular Center, Chernivtsi, Ukraine, Olinik Oksana Yuriivna ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Bukovinian State Medical University, Chernivtsi, Ukraine, Lazaruk Tetyana Yuriivna ,   West Vascular Center, Chernivtsi, Ukraine,   Department of Internal Medicine, Bukovinian State Medical University, Chernivtsi, Ukraine
Published: May 2023

Thyroid nodules are common, occurring in 50–60% of healthy patients. Currently, there are no effective conservative treatment options for nodular goiter, and surgery can have limitations and potential complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, tolerability, and long-term results of using sclerotherapy and laser-induced interstitial thermotherapy (LITT) to treat benign thyroid nodules. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 456 patients with benign nodular goiter who received LITT. The volume of the nodular goiter was measured at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment, and a repeated fine needle aspiration (FNA) with the cytological examination was performed to verify the structure of the nodular goiter in the long term. The results showed that LITT was an effective method for treating nodular mass (nodules), as evidenced by a decrease in the volume of NG by 51–85% after 6–12 months. FNA results 2–3 years after LITT showed no thyrocytes, only connective tissue, indicating the efficacy of LITT for benign thyroid nodules. LITT is highly effective in most cases, often resulting in the disappearance or significant decrease in nodular formations.
The potential effect of infliximab, dimethyl fumarate (DMF), and their combination in ciprofloxacin-induced renal toxicity in male rats
Authors: Hassan Saif Mohammed ,   Department of Pharmacy, Al-Zahrawi University College, Karbala, Iraq,   * Corresponding Author: Saif Mohammed Hassan, Department of Pharmacy, Al-Zahrawi University College, Karbala, Iraq. E-mail: saif@g.alzahu.edu.iq, Jawad Mahmood Jasim ,   Department of Pharmacy, Al-Zahrawi University College, Karbala, Iraq, Rasool Mohammed Ibrahim ,   Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Kerbala, Kerbala, Iraq
Published: May 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of infliximab and dimethyl fumarate (DMF) in reducing renal damage induced by ciprofloxacin. Forty rats were divided into five groups of eight each, with normal saline and CIP 600 mg IP administered to all animals in Groups 1 and 2 for ten days. Groups 3 and 4 were administered infliximab 7 mg/kg and DMF 30 mg/kg 24 hours before the CIP injections. Group 5 received a combination of infliximab/DMF after 24 hours of CIP. The levels of TNF-α, NF-Bp65, and IL-6 were measured, and the results showed that both infliximab and DMF had similar effects. However, the combination of infliximab and DMF had a robust anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic impact, reducing TNF-α, NF-Bp65, IL-6, and Bcl-2 compared to the renal control group. Bcl-2 immuno-expression was lower in the ciprofloxacin group compared to the control group. DMF and infliximab had no effect on Bcl-2-positive cells, whereas infliximab increased the percentage of Bcl-2-positive cells substantially. CIP induced nephrotoxicity by increasing cytokine release and cell death signaling. Both infliximab and DMF are powerful TNF-α blockers that suppress cytokine release, preventing cell death and apoptosis caused by cytokines. Controlling inflammation and apoptosis can prevent nephrotoxicity.