Prevalence of performance-enhancing drug use among gym members in Saudi Arabia, Riyadh: A cross-sectional survey
Published on: 27th December, 2022
Context: Illicit and performance-enhancing drug (PED) use is prevalent among athletes.Aims: We examine the prevalence of PED use among amateur athletes, identify the common characteristics and associated risk factors for illicit PED use and measure the perception and awareness among gym members regarding the safety and effects of illicit drug use.Settings and design: This cross-sectional study was conducted among adult male and female gym center attendees in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Methods and materials: Self-administered Arabic and English questionnaires were used for data collection. Statistical analysis used: SPSS version 26 was used to perform t- and chi-square tests.Results: This study included 379 participants, of whom 59.6% were male, 52.8% were between 26 and 35 years of age, and a majority of the participants had normal (47.5%) or overweight (40.9%) body mass index. Our study revealed a high prevalence (48.5%) of PED use among gym athletes in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Moreover, the true prevalence might have been higher due to the possibility of underreporting by some participants because of the sensitivity of the subject. Protein powder was the most commonly used type of PED. Of all the participants, 22.3% reported anabolic androgenic steroid use. Side effects of PEDs were observed in 19% of the study participants.Conclusion: The results of this study should encourage public health researchers and health advocates to design and implement behavioral interventions to educate the public on the benefits, risks, and contraindications of dietary supplements used by athletes to enhance their body performance.Key messages• Performance-enhancing drug (PED) use is prevalent among both professional and amateur athletes.• Gym athletes in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, report increasing PED use.• Side effects and negative health impacts are associated with illicit PED use.• Misinformation on the risks and benefits of PEDs is a major public health concern.• More efforts should be implemented in public awareness about the risk of using PED targeting younger populations.
Produce starch-based bioplastic from different renewable biomass sources
Published on: 28th December, 2022
Due to the adverse environmental impacts of synthetic plastics, biodegradable plastics development for both industrial and commercial applications is essential for the present scenario. In addition to the non-degradability of petroleum-based plastic and its impacts, so it is very important to find an alternative to petroleum-based plastic. Starch-based bioplastics are an excessive substitute for petroleum-based plastics due to their significant properties compared with natural sources. This research aims to formalize five new formulas of bioplastic by combining two sources of starch, extracted from various biomass sources, its properties and comparison between them. The moisture content shows 2.07% and 0.984% for samples F and B respectively and that indicates that the samples which contain a high amount of corn starch have less moisture content. The highest results of biodegradation percentages were 68.27% and 52.6% which are for samples A and D respectively, and the lowest biodegradation percentage were 34.33% and 31.29% which are for samples F and B respectively.
An overview of the influence of climate change on food security and human health
Published on: 18th January, 2023
Climate change is increasing the frequency of climate-related disasters, creating greater risks of hunger and the breakdown of food systems. The sustainability of our planet is currently a major concern for the global community and has been a central theme for a number of major global initiatives in recent years. Climate change has prevalent, multi-faceted, and temporal impacts on food security. Higher temperatures, water scarcity, extreme events like droughts and floods and greater CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere have already begun to impact staple crops around the world. The warming climate is already taking a toll on human health, causing widespread hunger and illness that will grow exponentially worse, and will pose a major threat to human well-being. In this article, an attempt has been made to discuss some critical issues relevant to the four dimensions of food security and to provide broader perspectives on climate change and its impacts on the food system, food security and human well-being.“Humanity is facing a rare challenge. But it is a common challenge. There are no sides in the fight for climate justice” (Kofi Annan’s message prior to the UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen 2009).
Impact of dyes used in the mat on groundwater in and around Pattamadai, Tirunelveli district, Tamilnadu
Published on: 14th February, 2023
The main focus of this study concentrates on evaluating the quality of groundwater in and around the zone of pattamadai where the production of the mat in this region is a landmark industry, which is using dyes in a larger volume. The primary work starts with the collection of water samples from 13 boreholes and 13 hand-dug wells in different time intervals in the month of March 2021, which is a dry season. As per standards the water quality parameters have been evaluated and observed to be within the range. All the physico-chemical parameters for the samples have been studied for boreholes and hand-dug wells as all the values are observed to be within the range and are highlighted in the results.
Effects of Pleiotrophin (PTN) on the resistance to paclitaxel in ovarian cancer cells
Published on: 23rd February, 2023
The pathogenesis of an ovarian disease is connected with PTN and its receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor Z1 (PTPRZ1). Paclitaxel is the first-line drug for the therapy of ovarian cancer. With the increment of paclitaxel chemotherapy, paclitaxel obstruction happens in the late phase of therapy frequently. By treating A2780 and SKOV-3 cells with PTN, we found the development of the two cell lines was enhanced. Different concentrations of PTN were added to A2780 and SKOV-3 cells treated with paclitaxel and the results of MTT showed that the inhibitory effect of paclitaxel on these two cell lines was weakened. The results of apoptosis assays showed that PTN could slow down the rate of apoptosis and its concentration dependence in both cell lines. To further investigate the impact of PTN on the paclitaxel responsiveness of ovarian malignant growth cells, A2780 and SKOV-3 cells were transfected with sh-PTN-1, sh-PTN-2 and sh-NC plasmids. The results of PCR and Western Blot showed that both RNA-interfering plasmids could inhibit PTN in A2780 and SKOV-3 cells. The results of MTT showed that the inhibitory effect of paclitaxel on cells transfected with sh-PTN-1 expanded compared with the benchmark group. Apoptosis assays showed that the complete apoptosis pace of A2780 and SKOV-3 cells with sh-PTN-1 plasmid induced by paclitaxel was accelerated obviously compared with the benchmark group. To summarize, the results suggested that PTN could enhance the resistance to paclitaxel in ovarian cancer cells, which provides a groundwork for studying on drug resistance of cancer cells to paclitaxel and a new perspective for ovarian cancer therapy.
Assessment of self-injurious behavior in major depressive disorder: a case report
Published on: 10th March, 2023
Introduction: Self-harm and depression are two related mental health issues that often co-occur and can have serious impacts on individuals and their well-being. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a complex and multifaceted mental health condition that is prevalent among young adults. It is a significant public health concern that affects individuals, families and society as a whole, contributing to considerable social, economic, and health-related costs. Despite the high prevalence of depression in young adults, there is a lack of understanding of its etiology, risk factors, and optimal treatment strategies. Self-harm behavior is a concerning manifestation of MDD that can have serious consequences, including injury, infection, or even death.Methods: In this article, we report a case of an MDD patient with self-harm behavior and discuss the assessment method and treatment options. Our aim is to raise awareness of these pathologies among psychiatrists and the general population and to highlight the importance of early diagnosis and effective treatment in reducing the risk of self-harm behavior and suicide.Conclusion: In light of the case presented, it is evident that early detection and targeted intervention are crucial in mitigating the risk of self-injurious behavior in MDD patients. The utilization of a comprehensive assessment methodology, inclusive of a thorough review of the patient’s clinical history and utilization of standardized rating scales, proved indispensable in the tailoring of an individualized treatment regimen. The amalgamation of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy proved to be a successful strategy in the amelioration of depressive symptoms and consequent self-harm behavior. As such, we trust that this case report will serve to sensitize clinicians to the importance of early identification and prompt management of these pathologies, in the quest for enhanced mental health outcomes.
Soliton phenomena in the process of the functioning of the heart
Published on: 14th March, 2023
The biochemical model explains the intricate mechanisms of psychobiological life. He still cannot explain what the transition from inanimate to living matter is all about. Where is the threshold and what is its essence, what role do biochemical processes play in the coherence of the soma with consciousness and its impact on the soma and vice versa? A similar problem is with other mental processes, their nature does not fit into the biochemical model of life and is inexplicable on the basis of biochemical interactions, again it is much easier to describe it in the light of quantum processes - including wave physics. It is similar to the functioning of the heart or other organs, where only the biochemical processes of the cell are considered, ignoring the bioelectronic processes. Man is not only a purely biological construct but also contains the basis of biochemical, bioelectronic, information, and cybernetic processes that are responsible for shaping the psychobiological processes of man. Contemporary biosystems in science are considered at the level of corpuscular structures, ignoring energy and information structures. By shifting the cognitive emphasis towards energy and information structures, the organism can be perceived as a quantum generator of information: electromagnetic, soliton, acoustic, spin and bioplasma. This bioelectronic construction creates homo electronics with his electronic personality.
Renal denervation for resistant hypertension and heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction
Published on: 16th March, 2023
Hypertension is a risk factor for the development of heart failure and has a negative impact on the survival of these patients. Although patients with these two conditions usually take different antihypertensive medications, some patients do not achieve adequate blood pressure control and their hypertension becomes resistant or refractory. In this scenario, percutaneous renal denervation has emerged in recent years as an alternative to achieve blood pressure control goals. We present the case of a 53-year-old woman with a medical history of essential hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, unipolar depression, and diabetes, who was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (33%). Despite the initiation of multiple antihypertensive medications and placement of a cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemaker, the patient remained hypertensive with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 40%. At that time, percutaneous renal denervation was performed without complications, and one year after the procedure, the patient had improved better blood pressure control and the left ventricular ejection fraction increased to 51%. This case illustrates one of the clinical scenarios in which it has been suggested that renal denervation may be more beneficial, as in the situation of patients with refractory hypertension and heart failure.
Dalbavancin and moleculight in the COVID-19 pandemic
Published on: 11th April, 2023
The COVID-19 Pandemic, which began in March 2020, and its associated surges, had an immense impact on our medical staff and their ability to perform their daily duties.The COVID-19 Pandemic necessitated hospital modifications, including the expansion of the Emergency Department, ICU, and Isolation units. The overwhelmed staff and overburdened ER and ICU required adjustments to deal with the Inpatient impasse. For example, temporary patient care rooms needed to be set up for the overflow of patients. The tsunami of the Pandemic almost overwhelmed our hospital.With the challenges presented to our hospital during the Pandemic, we needed a fresh perspective to our multi-disciplinary approach. Thus, we fathomed that the use and cost-effectiveness of both Dalbavancin, a long-acting lipoglycopeptide antibiotic combined with the diagnostic Moleculight Imaging Device would be a sound decision.We hypothesized that with the use of this cost-effective antibiotic in conjunction with the use of the Moleculight Imaging Device, with its fluorescent imaging, we could detect the presence of bacteria and assist our wound treatment and decision-making.A shift in patients from the Emergency Room/Inpatient Department to the Outpatient Department/Wound Care Center was made possible with the use of these two novel products.
Role of measurable residual disease quantified by 4 to 6 color flow cytometry before allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for high-risk Philadelphia-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Published on: 14th April, 2023
Background: Measurable residual disease (MRD) status before allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) is commonly associated with a high risk of relapse. It is still uncertain whether AHSCT could overcome the negative impact of MRD positivity (MRD+), especially in patients with high-risk Philadelphia negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph-negative ALL).
Materials and methods: An observational retrospective study was conducted on patients with high-risk Ph-negative ALL who underwent AHSCT between January 2005 and June 2022. The patients selected were in complete remission (CR): with 80% in CR1 (n = 69) and 20% in CR2 (n = 17). Graft sources were bone marrow (BM) in 71% of patients and peripheral blood stem cells in 29% of patients. The conditioning regimen was TBI or chemotherapy-based (CT). Bone marrow MRD level was quantified using 4-6 color multiparametric flow cytometry (MFC). The threshold for MRD positivity was ≥ 0.1%.
Results: The study included 86 patients (45 B-ALL and 41 T-ALL) with a median age of 18 years (range, 4–55 years). The median level of MRD pre-AHSCT (pre-MRD) was 0.4×10-3 (range, 0.01-75.6×10-3). After a median follow-up of 25 months (range 1-205 months), the cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) was significantly higher in the MRD+ group (39% vs. 20%, p = 0.04). The median time of relapse post-AHSCT was 14 months (range, 1-203 months) in the MRD+ group and 32 months (range, 4-209 months) in the MRD- group (p = 0.28). Non-relapse mortality (NRM) was 15% in both groups (p = 0.97). The 2-year estimated overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) were 61% vs. 74% (p = 0.07) and 58% vs. 70% (p = 0.10) in the MRD+ and MRD- groups, respectively. A subgroup analysis in MRD+ patients showed that a TBI-based conditioning regimen was distinctly associated with lower CIR (22% vs. 60% respectively, p = 0.04), improved OS (82% vs. 36% respectively, p = 0.007) and better EFS (73% vs. 38%, p = 0.04) compared to CT-based. In a multivariate analysis, pre-AHSCT MRD+ status and non-TBI-based conditioning were significantly associated with inferior OS (OR, 2.30; 95% CI, [1.027-5.168], p = 0.04 and OR, 3.91; 95% CI, [1.624-9.418], p = 0.002, respectively). The only predicting factor of lower EFS was the non-TBI-based regimen (OR, 2.82; 95% CI, [1.308-6.097], p = 0.008). Non-TBI-based and CR2 were significantly associated with higher CIR (OR, 6.25; 95% CI, [1.947-20.055], p = 0.002 and OR, 4.74; 95% CI, [1.197-18.791], p = 0.03, respectively). Peripheral stem cell source was significantly associated with higher NRM (OR, 6.55; 95% CI, [1.488-28.820], p = 0.01).
Conclusion: High-risk Ph-negative ALL patients with MRD ≥ 10-3 prior AHSCT had lower OS compared to MRD- patients and may benefit from TBI as a conditioning regimen before AHSCT.
Does change in cervical dilation after anesthesia impact latency after cerclage placement?
Published on: 24th April, 2023
Background: Pregnant individuals with early cervical dilation have a high risk for preterm birth. The authors encountered cases where cervical dilation increased after anesthesia administration for a cerclage. Objective: The primary objective was to assess if a change in cervical dilation after anesthesia administration for a cerclage was associated with a shorter latency to delivery. Study design: This was a retrospective chart review of pregnancies from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2021, who had a cerclage and delivered at our institution. Maternal demographics, obstetrical history, operative details, and delivery information were collected. Multi-fetal gestations, un-indicated cerclages, and abdominal cerclages were excluded. The primary outcome was the difference in cervical dilation between the office and the operating room after spinal anesthesia administration. A multivariable regression was performed. Results: A total of 183 pregnancies were included. The mean gestational age at cerclage placement was 18 weeks (STDEV 3.6). Twenty-nine percent of patients (53/183) were more dilated in the operating room compared to the office The latency between cerclage and delivery was not different if there was a cervical change between these settings (p = 0.655). There was an increased risk for preterm delivery with dilation in the office (OR 1.01, CI 1.01 to 2.5), but not with dilation in the operating room (OR 1.4, CI 0.9 to 2.0). Conclusion: Cervical dilation between the office and the operating room is different. Pregnancies with more dilation delivered at earlier gestations. However, a change in dilation between the office and the operating room was not associated with a shorter latency.
Effectiveness of levocetirizine in treating allergic rhinitis while retaining work efficiency
Published on: 25th April, 2023
The manifestation and severity of Allergic rhinitis symptoms show diurnal variation which negatively impacts the patient’s quality of life, day-to-day activities, and productivity at the workplace. The symptoms worsen at night or early morning and therefore administration of levocetirizine towards evening may be more acceptable. Consequently, the present study evaluated the effectiveness of evening Levocetirizine administration on 24-hour symptom control, Physical and mental health, and daytime somnolence in patients with allergic rhinitis the study was a prospective, open-labeled, single-arm, two-center, observational study among patients with allergic rhinitis. Levocetirizine was prescribed as 5 mg or 10 mg once a day evening oral dose for at least 7 days before sleep. The 24-hour total nasal symptom scores (TNSS) for self-reported signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis were recorded. Additionally, study evaluations included the SF-12 scale (Quality of Life), Stanford Sleepiness Scale (degree of sleepiness), and work productivity and activity impairment (WPAI) questionnaires. These evaluations were performed at baseline (Day 0) and at scheduled intervals of Day 1 (24-hour), Day 3, and Day 7. Results demonstrated that evening administration of Levocetirizine facilitates 24-hour symptom control while having no significant effect on daytime somnolence, daily activities, and the work productivity of patients.
Child protection services during COVID-19 in Oman, child protection workers views
Published on: 29th May, 2023
Introduction: Child Protection Services (CPSs) are dedicated to providing protection and responding to any threats a child could face as children worldwide could be abused. Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic affected all aspects of life. Procedures implemented to restrict the spread of the disease (such as reduced access to services, school closure, and social distancing measures) had an impact on child life and maltreatment. Therefore, it is important to know the impact of this pandemic on child abuse and protection. Aim and rationales: This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on CPSs in Oman by studying the change in the number of reported cases of child abuse and the change in the reporting procedure at the Ministry of Social Development (MOSD). In addition, know the impact of the restriction measures on child rights and risk factors of child maltreatment based on CPSs workers’ opinions and experience. To understand the adaptation of the CPSs to the change in work and life environment imposed by COVID-19. Method: A cross-section study was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire, that was distributed to the workers involved in the CPSs at the MOSD in Oman. Data also were collected from the statistical bulletins on the Ministry’s website. Results: COVID-19 pandemic was not found associated with a significant change in the number and type of child abuse cases reported to the MOSD. The reporting procedures also did not change. In addition, the pattern of child abuse types did not change before and during the pandemic, as neglect cases were the most. The participants judged the restriction measures affecting family life through separation, cyber abuse, and reduced educational support. With regard to intervention and follow-up procedures, the main difference was in the communication processes by using online communication methods and reducing the fieldwork for mild cases.Conclusion: CPSs in Oman were not much affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which may reflect the success of this system in dealing with the restriction measures. However, more solutions should be developed to adapt to these circumstances in the future altogether.
Socioeconomic impacts of drug and substance abuse on secondary school students in Nigeria from 1980 to 2023: A narrative review of the extent of published studies
Published on: 5th June, 2023
Background: The socioeconomic impact of drug and substance abuse on secondary school students in Nigeria is yet to be fully evaluated even in the face of the current surge in abuse of substances among the younger folks who constitute more than half of the entire population.Objective: This study narratively reviewed the studies on the socioeconomic impacts of drug and substance abuse on secondary school students and studies by researchers in Nigeria. Methods: The study was a narrative review of the literature covering the socioeconomic impacts of drug and substance abuse on secondary school students in Nigeria from 1980 to 2023. Data were extracted and summarized with descriptive statistics. Results: All the studies took place between 2012 and 2023; 6 (100%). The studies carried out were all observational studies 6 (100%). All the studies fell below average in the benchmark for the hierarchy of evidence-based studies. The studies mostly took place in the South-West 3 (50.00%), while 1 (16.67%) took place in the South-East, North-West, and North-Central respective regions of Nigeria.Conclusion: The available studies done on the impacts of drug and substance abuse focused more on the social impacts, with little or no attention to the economic effect. The available studies however remain at the observational level in the evidence-based ladder. Future Research on the reviewed theme should focus on the economic implications of the social effects of drug and substance abuse on secondary school students in Nigeria.
Using Model Classification to detect Bias in Hospital Triaging
Published on: 12th June, 2023
Background: In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the health crisis left in its wake, our goal is to develop extensive machine-learning techniques to provide a clear picture of the treatment, and possible mistreatment, of specific patient demographics during hospital triaging.Objective: We aim to reveal whether a patient’s treatment and hospital disposition is related to the following attributes - Emergency Severity Index (ESI), gender, employment status, insurance status, race, or ethnicity which our 100 MB dataset included.Materials and methods: Our work is separated into two parts - the classification task and data analysis. As part of the classification task, we used the k-Nearest-Neighbor classifier, the F1-score, and a random forest. We then analyze the data using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values to determine the importance of each attribute.Results: Our findings show that significance varies for each attribute. Notably, we found that patients with private insurance programs receive better treatment compared to patients with federal-run healthcare programs (e.g. Medicaid, Medicare). Furthermore, a patient’s ethnicity has a greater impact on treatment for patients under 40 years of age for any given ESI level. Surprisingly, our findings show language is not a barrier during treatment.Discussion and conclusion: We, therefore, conclude that although hospitals may not be doing so intentionally, there is a systemic bias in hospital triaging for specific patient demographics. For future works, we hope to aggregate additional patient data from hospitals to find whether specific demographics of patients receive better healthcare in different parts of the United States.
Creatine Supplementation and Akt/mTOR Pathway: Unraveling the Connection for Optimal Muscle Performance
Published on: 14th June, 2023
This review paper investigates the relationship between creatine supplementation and the Akt/mTOR pathway, focusing on their impact on muscle performance. The Akt/mTOR pathway is a crucial signaling pathway that regulates muscle protein synthesis and hypertrophy in response to growth factors, nutrients, and mechanical stimuli. Recent evidence suggests that creatine supplementation can influence anabolic signaling pathways, including the phosphorylation of p70S6K, a downstream target of mTOR, leading to enhanced activation of the Akt/mTOR pathway. Additionally, creatine supplementation has been shown to increase intramuscular creatine and phosphocreatine levels, improving ATP availability during exercise and enhancing high-intensity muscle contractions. Understanding the complex regulatory mechanisms of the Akt/mTOR pathway is vital for optimizing muscle performance, as dysregulated signaling can hinder muscle protein synthesis and hypertrophic responses. This review highlights the potential of creatine supplementation to modulate the Akt/mTOR pathway, offering insights into its mechanisms and implications for muscle performance enhancement. By unraveling this connection, researchers and practitioners can develop targeted strategies to maximize muscle performance and promote adaptive responses in various exercise and athletic contexts.
Haemodynamic, Biochemical and Respiratory Implications of total Bronchoalveolar Lavage in Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis
Published on: 17th June, 2023
Introduction: Total bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) continues to be the treatment of choice for alveolar proteinosis (AP), facilitating the removal of lipoprotein material. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the impact of haemodynamic, biochemical, and respiratory parameters, as well as the complications and evolution of patients undergoing this procedure. Methods: Retrospective, observational, and descriptive study of BAL. The technique was performed in the Intensive Care Unit. Blood gases, blood pressure, central venous pressure, body temperature, and fluid balance were analyzed. Results: Including eight patients, thirty-eight BAL were performed from 2008 to 2021. The mean instillation of saline at each session was 13.464 ± 4.002 ml per lung. No significant changes were observed before and after BAL in heart rate and blood pressure. Mean central venous pressure increased by 2.59 cm H20. The pO2 initial was 126 mmHg with a final mean of 69.7 mmHg, with statistical significance. The pCO2, HCO3 and pH parameters remained stable. Complications were observed during fifteen of the thirty-eight BAL (nine with arterial hypotension, three with glottic oedema, one acute pulmonary oedema, one pneumothorax, and one cardiorespiratory arrest). In terms of evolution, one case had a clinical-radiological resolution, one case of exits, one required lung transplantation, and the remaining five remained stable. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the procedure, is well tolerated haemodynamically and that the biochemical alterations to which the patient is subjected are not compromised. With few complications and good results in delaying the progression of AP.
The Impacts of Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) or Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEIs) on Patients with Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for Early-Stage NSCLC
Published on: 24th June, 2023
Purpose: Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has emerged as an alternative to surgery for patients with inoperable early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The majority of inoperable NSCLC patients are elderly and frequently have comorbidities including cardiovascular diseases for which they frequently receive angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs). The interactions of these medications with SBRT are not clear. The objective of the current study is to investigate the interaction of ARBs and ACEIs with SBRT for the outcomes of early-stage NSCLC. Methods and Materials: A retrospective chart review of patients treated with SBRT for Stage I and II NSCLC (AJCC 7th edition) at a single institution between 2006 and 2017 was conducted. Information on the use of ARBs, ACEIs, demographics, and tumor-related factors was collected. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard analyses were performed to assess the impact of ARBs and ACEIs combined with SBRT respectively on the treatment outcomes of these patients. Results: In total, 116 patients were included in the study, among whom 38/116 (32.76%) received ACEIs, and 20/116 (17.24%) received ARBs. In the multivariable analysis, the use of ARBs, but not ACEIs, with SBRT, was significantly associated with the increased risk of dissemination (Hazard Ratio (HR): 2.97; CI: 1.40-6.27; p < 0.004) compared to SBRT without ARBs. The tumor size of > = 3 cm was associated with significantly decreased time to local failure and OS compared to tumor size <3cm. Conclusion: In the current retrospective study, the use of ARBs, in combination with SBRT, was associated with a significantly increased risk of disease dissemination in early-stage NSCLC compared to SBRT alone. The findings warrant further investigations on the concurrent use of ARBs, ACEIs, and other medicines used for chronic diseases with SBRT for early-stage NSCLC.
An Urticaria Closet Simulating Leprosy in A 36-Year-Old Woman
Published on: 24th June, 2023
Urticaria corresponds to a papular edematous pruriginous fleeting rash on the skin whose cause is most often allergic (food, medicines, insect bites, etc.).Its management is often difficult because of its significant impact on quality of life. Its prevalence is estimated at 0.6% - 1.3% of the general population. Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae) or Hansen’s bacillus (BH). Considered as the great simulator leprosy can pose a diagnostic problem with many other dermatological pathologies. This is a 36-year-old patient with a history of chronic urticaria treated with Loratadine 10 mg who consulted the Bamako Dermatology Hospital for a large erythematous cupboard, oedematous fixed on the buttocks evolving for more than 3 days. The interrogation found the notion of pruritus, hives, and physical examination, showed large erythematous plaques, edematous very limited, dark red color, and slightly copper resembling the closet infiltrated by leprosy. The pruriginous nature of the lesions and the absence of other cardinal signs of leprosy allowed us to make the diagnosis of chronic urticaria.
Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Early and Evolution of Alzheimer’s Disease Detections and Enhancing Senior Mental Health through Innovative Art-Singing Therapies: A Multidisciplinary Approach
Published on: 28th June, 2023
The well-documented therapeutic potential of group singing for patients living with Alzheimer’s disease (PLAD) has been hindered by COVID-19 restrictions, exacerbating loneliness and cognitive decline among seniors in residential and long-term care centers (CHSLDs). Addressing this challenge, the multidisciplinary study aims to develop a patient-oriented virtual reality (XR) interaction system facilitating group singing for mental health support during confinement and enhancing the understanding of the links between Alzheimer’s disease, social interaction, and singing. The researchers also propose to establish an early AD detection system using voice, facial, and non-invasive biometric measurements and validate the efficacy of selected intervention practices. The methodology involves co-designing an intelligent environment with caregivers to support PLAD mental health through online group singing, addressing existing constraints in CHSLDs. The researchers will engage volunteers in remote singing interactions and validate the impact of voice stimulation for PLADs using a control group. The primary expected outcome is the development of an “Intelligent Learning Health Environment,” fostering interactions while adapting to individual PLAD situations and incrementally accumulating knowledge on AD signs. This environment will facilitate the transfer of knowledge and technologies to promote non-verbal interactions via singing, enabling intervention at the first symptoms. Additionally, the research will contribute to transforming CHSLDs’ living environments, informed by neuroscience insights, and potentially extend the “collaborative self-care” approach to support seniors in aging safely and healthily at home.
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