Recent Articles

Objective: In this study, we aim to share the outcomes of our ablation procedures conducted for childhood arrhythmias through the coronary venous sinus. Our experience highlights the effectiveness and potential of this approach in managing pediatric arrhythmias. Methods: This is a single-center retrospective cohort study. Of the 2450 ablations performed in our center, 52 were carried out using the coronary venous system in pediatric patients between January 2014 and August 2024. Fifty-two consecutive pa tients with accessory pathways, atrial and ventricular tachycardia were included, and ablation through the coronary venous system was performed using EnSite® precison system

Anti-voltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC) complex antibodies are associated with a spectrum of neurological disorders involving both the peripheral and central nervous systems. Isaacs’ syndrome predominantly manifests with peripheral symp toms such as neuromyotonia due to peripheral nerve hyperexcitability. In contrast, Morvan syndrome encompasses a com bination of neuromyotonia, encephalopathy, and autonomic dysfunction. Anti-VGKC complex antibody disorders are of ten paraneoplastic, with thymoma detected in approximately one-third of cases. Thymectomy is the standard treatment in such cases. We present the case of a 49-year-old female who experienced muscle spasms and twitches in all four extremities for three years. Electromyography revealed neuromyotonia. Serum analysis confirmed the presence of anti-VGKC complex antibodies, establishing the diagnosis of Isaacs’ syndrome. Further investigation uncovered a type B3 thymoma, and the pa tient subsequently underwent thymectomy. Unexpectedly, one week after thymectomy, the patient developed Morvan syn drome, presenting with new-onset encephalopathy and autonomic dysfunction. These symptoms were successfully man aged with plasmapheresis. This case is noteworthy as it highlights a potential link between thymectomy and the emergence of Morvan syndrome, suggesting that thymectomy may exacerbate or trigger this condition in certain patients. While the un derlying mechanism remains unclear, this observation underscores the importance of careful patient selection, thorough preoperative counseling, and vigilant postoperative monitoring. To provide further context, we include a comprehensive lit erature review of studies reporting the development of Morvan syndrome following thymectomy. This analysis aims to en hance understanding of the potential risks and outcomes associated with thymectomy in the context of anti-VGKC complex antibody disorders.

Sodium metabisulfite is a synthetic compound which comes under group of sulfur-based food additives. As a food additive they are used as preservative, antioxidant, dough conditioner, and colour stabilizer. They are used in wide varieties of foods like dried fruits, vegetables, sea foods, juices, and alcoholic beverages. Sulfur dioxide is the active compound which plays a major role as an antimicrobial food additive. Sulfite intake has been related with many adverse health effects such as vitamin deficiency, allergies, gut microbiota dysbiosis. Countries have taken measure to regulate the use of sulfur containing food ad ditives and have legislations that prohibited the use of additive in meats. This review discusses the benefits of sodium metabi sulfite, its role in food preservation, with an emphasis on its health risks in animals and humans.

Radial Basis Function Neural Network (RBFNN) has been accomplished to evaluate the effect of the different operating parameters, namely the hourly space velocity, the reaction temperature, and [C02: CH4] mole ratio on the conversion and formation of the different components involved in the dry reforming of methane over Ni/MgO catalyst. A three-layered Feed Forward Neural Network in conjugation with the Radial Basis Function, and an optimized topology of 3:10:1 (input neurons: hidden neurons: output neurons) has been developed, trained, and tested. Moreover, the RBFNN has been employed to elucidate such effects in the three and two dimensions and to display the location of the predicted maxima. The results are compared to our previosuley pblished RSM results. The preeminence of ANN was indicated in the prediction capability demostrating the & F Ratio are 0.78 - 0.99 & 17.39- 231.09 for RSM method compared to 1.00 & 9.92E+29 - 1.30E+39 for ANN method beside lower values for error analysis terms. This is due to ANN capability to approximate the non-linearity between the input and output variables.

The incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE), a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, exhibits consider able geographical variability. Although studies have extensively documented VTE in low-altitude settings, the impact of high-altitude (HA) environments remains underexplored. This study aimed to fill this knowledge gap by examining the inci dence and risk factors for VTE in the HA of the Tibetan Autonomous Region, offering a unique perspective on how altitude influences VTE risk. In this retrospective analysis, we reviewed the medical records from the Tibet Autonomous Region Peo ple's Hospital between January 2018 and December 2023

Background: Maternal steroid use carries a theoretical risk for neonatal adrenal insufficiency (AI). Most of neonatal units do not recommend short synacthen test (SST) to check AI in babies who were exposed to steroids in utero. Two local units in Yorkshire recommend SST based on certain criteria. One unit uses antenatal dose thresholds of 7.5 mg/day equivalent prednisolone for≥ 28 days while another uses 5 mg/day equivalent prednisolone for same duration as indication for SST.

The real-life use of Phosphodiesterase type 5 Inhibitors (PDE5Is) for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) might differ across Institutions and physicians. We performed the Optimizing Management of Erectile Dysfunction (OPTI.M.E.D.) sur vey to outline the real-life practice of ED management in Italy. The OPTI.M.E.D. Survey tested the hypothesis that the new formulation of sildenafil oral suspension may show higher patient satisfaction and better clinical outcomes compared to other PDE5 inhibitors. The Survey involved 59 Italian urologists/andrologists, with data from a total of 1,150 patients. In the first Step, a Webinar was held for the presentation of the survey, and the Physician Interview Form used in the survey was presented. In Step 2, the forms were completed and collected, and the data obtained were subsequently analyzed. In Step 3, a final Webinar was held, during which the results were presented by the Scientific Board to all participants. In 88.9% of patients already treated with PDE5Is, the previously used molecule/formulation was changed at the first visit, be cause of treatment ineffectiveness and/or because of poor tolerability or compliance. According to the physicians’ reports, sildenafil oral suspension was the most commonly prescribed drug at the first visit (75.9% OF CASES), both in naïve pa tients and in those previously taking other PDE5Is. The prescription of sildenafil oral suspension was also confirmed at the second visit (after 60-90 days) in 97.9% of patients. The OPTI.M.E.D. survey provided a "real-life" snapshot of the manage ment of ED patients seen in daily clinical practice in andrology and urology settings in Italy. According to the results of this survey, sildenafil oral suspension is associated with a high degree of patient satisfaction, also thanks to its peculiar formula tion, which facilitates dosage modulation and is characterized by convenience and discretion of use as it does not require wa ter to take it

Objective：To observe the clinical effect of Acupuncture Cupping Bubbling Therapy in the treatment of breast cancer. Methods: 88 patients of breast cancer were divided into the Acupuncture Cupping Bubbling Therapy group of 46 cases and the traditional Acupuncture Cupping group of 42 cases at random, and the symptom-relieving, the tumor-disappearing, tu mor- lessening (surviving with tumors) and functional recovery were observed separately. Results: The total effective rate of Acupuncture Cupping Bubbling Therapy group was 100% and the excellently effective rate was 89.1%. But the total effective rate of Acupuncture Cupping Therapy group was 88.1% and the excellently effective rate was 42.9%. the difference of the ex cellently effective rates has extreme significance（P

To analyze the clinical effects of transverse tibial transfer technology, transverse tibial transfer combined with platelet-rich plasma therapy and conventional treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Thirty patients with diabetic foot ulcers from January 2021 to December 2023 were randomly divided into 3 groups

Introduction: The assessment of physicians’ awareness levels in Sanandaj educational centers regarding ionizing radiation doses related to the use of chest CT scans during the COVID-19 pandemic is crucial. This assessment can prevent unneces sary procedures. Additionally, it ensures that when necessary, these procedures are not overlooked. Through this approach, costs incurred by patients and insurance organizations due to unwarranted requests can be reduced.

The incidence of autoimmune disorders has increased with the rise in carbon dioxide since last century. Objective: To determine whether CO2 is associated with autoimmune disorders. Design: Case-control study at local tertiary hospitals in Egypt. Method: A total of 150 patients with various autoimmune disorders, and 75 controls were aged 20 to 70 years. The exclu sion criteria were neuromuscular disorder, critical, respiratory illness, and exposure to CO2, guided by the criteria of the National Institute for Occupational Safety. Patients recruited from November 2023 to March 2024, matched by age, sex, and other demographic variables. All participants were tested for blood gases. Certain cases were further tested to confirm the autoimmune status. Pa CO2 analysis performed using two methods of statistical significance to validate data. Results: Pa CO2 (Mean ± SD) was (48.18 ± 12.10) in autoimmune cases, compared to (42.63 ± 11.06) in control (p= 0.001), number (%) of cases with ↑PaCO2= 97(64.7%) for cases, and 30(40%) for control (RR=1.6167). OR (95% CI) = 2.7453 (1.552 to 4.857), p=0.0005

Background: Immune Defense Proteins (IDP) is a complex of milk proteins that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory activity and provide protection from infection. The effect of IDP on enhancing immune response after an influenza vaccine in humans has not been shown and is the objective of this study

Anaemia is one of the major public health concerns among women of child bearing age globally with associated adverse outcomes for mother and child. However, there is limited information on the factors associated with anaemia among wo men in Zambia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of anaemia and its associated factors among women aged 15-49 in Zambia using data from the 2018 Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS). We analyzed secondary data from 13,683 women who participated in the ZDHS survey. Descriptive statistics were used to generate fre quencies and percentages, while binary logistic regression identified significant factors associated with anaemia. The pre valence of anaemia among women aged 15 – 49 years was 30%, with 16% being mildly, 13% being moderately, and 1% be ing severely anaemic. Anaemia prevalence was higher in women of ages 30 to 49 (31.3%) compared to that of women be low 30 years old (29.7%). Similarly, anaemia prevalence was slightly higher among urban respondents (30.6%) compared to their rural counterparts (30.2%). Additionally, pregnancy status, marital status, employment status, wealth index, age, and total number of children ever born were significantly associated with anaemia prevalence among Zambian women based on ZDHS. Conclusion: Anemia in women is a pervasive global health issue, as evidenced by its high prevalence in Zambia (30%), reflecting broader patterns seen worldwide. Addressing this challenge requires targeted interventions, in cluding education on the importance of consuming iron-rich foods and the use of iron supplements, especially during pregnancy

Synovial cysts are well known in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and most common around joints. Multiple extra-articular syn ovial cysts in the patients who has no rheumatoid joint arthritis involvement are rare. Early diagnosis is crucial for manage ments of the patients

Objective: We aim to investigate the association between socioeconomic determinants, the costs of care, and the Health-Re lated Quality of Life (HRQoL) of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) patients and their caregivers

This study explored the effects of subtle scents of 1,8-cineole and (-)-bornyl acetate on mood, cognition, and behavior in healthy individuals and elderly residents of nursing homes. Three experiments were conducted involving short- and longterm exposure to these scents to assess mood, memory, and task completion

Compared to traditional heat exchangers, primary surface heat exchangers are characterized by their compact structure, light weight, small size, and high heat transfer efficiency, making them widely applicable in military, aerospace, transporta tion, and civilian sectors. This review first examines the structure of primary surface heat exchangers, summarizing the re sults of numerical simulations that compare the impact of different structural parameters on heat transfer performance, as well as the optimization design of primary surface heat exchangers. Subsequently, it reviews the research progress on pri mary surface heat exchangers, focusing primarily on the structure of corrugated plates. Different corrugated plate structures affect the heat transfer performance of primary surface heat exchangers in various ways. Finally, it reviews the specific appli cation scenarios of primary surface heat exchangers and provides a summary and outlook on the development of primary surface heat exchangers.

Chlorophyllum molybdites is one of the most common causes of mushroom poisoning worldwide. The majority of cases are from consumption of misidentified mushrooms while foraging. To date, there have been no reported cases of mushroom poisoning in Singapore

Background: In dermatological and pharmaceutical research ex vivo mouse skins are frequently used in topical drug deliv ery studies and analysis of skin diseases. One part of the experiments reported is carried out in hairless mouse skins, such as SKH1 nude mice, while others prefer the widely validated C57BL/6J hairy mice. However, in-depth characterization of the dermal barrier under healthy conditions has not been performed yet. In the current study tissue morphology, chemical com position, transepidermal water loss, and drug permeability were measured and compared at di erent anatomical regions in C57BL/6J and SKH1 mice

This study seeks to assess the sanitation and hygiene operational protocols, some of which will constitute risk factors to oc cupational hazards as a result of poor compliance levels in some veterinary clinics and hospitals around Ibadan. A cross sec tional survey was carried out using 57-item pre-tested and well-structured checklist in 26 veterinary clinics and hospitals that were purposively sampled. The checklist was scored thus; 0-49% = Non-existent to poor and 50-100% = good to very good. For any veterinary clinic or hospital to be scored as having complied with any item, such a clinic or hospital must have scored ≥ 50%. All scores were analyzed using descriptive statistical program in percentage. The identified risk factors that can predispose to occupational hazards were poorly complied with, among which are viz., equipment in veterinary clin ics and hospitals are improvised (31%), sterilization of aprons, clothing, bandages (38%), others are quarantine of animals brought to the clinics (15%), monitoring of the state of health of operators (0%), immunization of operators and support staff (15%) and report of zoonotic diseases due to clinical activities (8%). Others include hand washing utensils at the en trance (31%), compartmentalization of the building (38%), disinfection of equipment (42%) and location of water sources (46%). it was observed that all the items scored and not in compliance with laid down standards constitutes a risk factors which will eventually precipitate occupational hazards, and the predisposing risk factors to occupational hazards are more in the veterinary clinics than hospitals in Ibadan. We hereby recommend that the sanitation and hygiene operational proto cols of running the veterinary clinics and hospital should be enforced and periodically reviewed. It is compulsory to develop risk assessment plans.