30th May Research Articles

Effect of polyphenols on inflammation related to cognitive function: a systematic review and meta-analysis of human randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND: The decline of cognitive function could in part be caused by an increase in inflammation. Polyphenols have been widely investigated due to their anti-inflammatory property which may promote therapeutic effects on the brain and cognitive performance. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of polyphenols interventions on inflammation related to cognitive function in humans. METHODS: Three electronic databases: PubMed/Medline, Web of Science and PsycINFO were systematically searched until 30th May 2024 to find the study that have investigated the effect of polyphenols on both inflammatory response and cognitive function in human randomized controlled trials. The outcomes were pooled and calculated using inverse variance as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the inflammatory markers and standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% CI for cognitive domains. RESULTS: Ten studies (451 participants, aged 20–81 years) assessed inflammatory markers and cognitive standardized tests responding to polyphenols interventions were included in this review and meta-analysis. Supplementation with polyphenols demonstrated a significant improvement of verbal memory (SMD: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.12 to 0.54, P = 0.002), executive function (SMD: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.72, P = 0.03) and attenuation in blood interleukin-6 (MD: – 1.23 pg/ml, 95% CI: –2.34, to –0.12, P = 0.03). No significant differences were observed in working memory (SMD: 0.13, 95% CI: –0.18 to 0.44, P = 0.42), attention (SMD: –0.19, 95% CI: –0.84 to 0.46, P = 0.57), and psychomotor skill (SMD: 0.09, 95% CI: –0.32 to 0.50, P = 0.66) as well as in c-reactive protein (MD: –0.10 mg/l, 95% CI: –0.28 to 0.09, P = 0.30), and tumor necrosis factor-α (MD: 0.11 pg/ml, 95% CI: –1.25 to 1.47, P = 0.87). CONCLUSION: Polyphenols supplementation decreases blood IL-6 as well as enhances verbal memory and executive function. Regular polyphenols consumption might prevent inflammation related to cognitive decline.

Technology-enhanced psychological assessment and treatment of distressing auditory hallucinations: a systematic review

PurposeAuditory hallucinations (“hearing voices”) are a relatively common experience, which is often highly distressing and debilitating. As mental health services are under increasing pressures, services have witnessed a transformative shift with the integration of technology into psychological care. This study aims to narratively synthesise evidence of technology-enhanced psychological assessment and treatment of distressing voices (PROSPERO 393831).Design/methodology/approachThis review was carried out according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Web of Science were searched until 30th May 2023. The Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) tool assessed methodological quality of studies.FindingsSearching identified 9,254 titles. Fourteen studies (two assessment studies, twelve treatment studies, published 2010–2022, n = 1,578) were included in the review. Most studies were conducted in the UK, the USA or Canada. Technologies included avatar therapy, mobile apps, virtual reality, a computerised Web-based programme and a mobile-assisted treatment. Overall, technology-enhanced psychological assessments and treatments appear feasible, acceptable and effective, with avatar therapy the most used intervention. EPHPP ratings were “strong” (n = 8), “moderate” (n = 5) and “weak” (n = 1).Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first systematic review to investigate these technologies, specifically for distressing voices. Despite the relatively small number of studies, findings offer promising evidence for the clinical benefits of these technologies for enhancing mental health care for individuals with distressing voices. More high-quality research on a wider range of technologies is warranted.

Indirect calorimetry directed feeding and cycling in the older ICU population: a pilot randomised controlled trial

BackgroundOlder critically ill patients experience rapid muscle loss during stay in an intensive care unit (ICU) due to physiological stress and increased catabolism. This may lead to increased ICU length of stay, delayed weaning from ventilation and persistent functional limitations. We hypothesized that with optimal nutrition and early physical therapy acting in synergism, we can reduce muscle mass loss and improve functional outcomes.MethodsThis was a prospective, single blinded randomized, controlled single-center pilot study to compare the lean muscle mass (measured at bilateral quadriceps femoris using ultrasound) of older ICU patients at 4 time points over 14 days between the control and intervention groups. The control group received standard weight-based empiric feeding and standard ICU physiotherapy. The intervention group received indirect calorimetry directed feeding adjusted daily and 60 min per day of cycle ergometry. 21 patients were recruited and randomized with 11 patients in the control arm and 10 patients in the intervention arm. Secondary outcome measures included ICU and hospital mortality, length of stay, functional assessments of mobility and assessment of strength.ResultsMedian age was 64 in the control group and 66 in the intervention group. Median calories achieved was 24.5 kcal/kg per day in the control group and 23.3 kcal/kg per day in the intervention group. Cycle ergometry was applied to patients in the intervention group for a median of 60 min a day and a patient had a median of 8.5 sessions in 14 days. Muscle mass decreased by a median of 4.7cm2 in the right quadriceps femoris in the control group and 1.8cm2 in the intervention group (p = 0.19), while the left quadriceps femoris decreased by 1.9cm2 in the control group and 0.1cm2 in the intervention group (p = 0.51).ConclusionIn this pilot study, we found a trend towards decrease muscle loss in bilateral quadriceps femoris with our combined interventions. However, it did not reach statistical significance likely due to small number of patients recruited in the study. However, we conclude that the intervention is feasible and potentially beneficial and may warrant a larger scale study to achieve statistical significance.Trial RegistrationThis study was registered on Clinicaltrials.gov on 30th May 2018 with identifier NCT03540732.

34th Meeting of the European Association for Diabetic Eye Complications (EAsDEC) University of Milan, Milan, Italy 30th May - 1st June 2024.

34th Meeting of the European Association for Diabetic Eye Complications (EAsDEC) University of Milan, Milan, Italy 30th May - 1st June 2024.

Adopting sea water reverse osmosis desalination technologies for sustainable development: lessons learnt from Algiers Science and Technology for membranes 2023 workshop

The city of Algiers hosted the workshop on Science and Technology for Membranes from 30th May to 1st June 2023—STM 2023, held in Algeria. The main topics focused on Reverse Osmosis (RO) desalination technologies, decentralized autonomous systems, wastewater recycling for circularity, and the effects of green membrane processes on socio-economic growth. This review examines the influence of global trends and instabilities (i.e., climate change, disrupted supply chain platforms, natural disasters) on the steady supply of freshwater. The implementation of RO desalination solutions and their sustainability are assessed based on resiliency factors, which is helpful to screen water treatment alternatives based on technological benefits, ecological safety and environmental protection. Key takeaways from this study call for rolling out local membrane production capabilities, promoting the benefits of autonomous decentralized treatment systems, prioritizing innovative solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and for developing RO-specific equipment recycling infrastructures. Implementing these new tactics can lead to mitigate water scarcity and enable a sustainable deployment of desalination membrane technologies in Algeria and its region.

Imagética motora na reabilitação do membro superior pós AVC: uma revisão narrativa

Introduction: Considering that the brain is a highly complex and organized organ, the severity and impairment of deficits caused by a Stroke largely depend on their extent and location. These deficits are the result of the loss of neural circuits linked to sensory, motor, and cognitive functions. Various clinical studies indicate that mental training through motor imagery (MI) appears to be effective when associated with neurorehabilitation, in the recovery of upper limb function. Objective: To explore the theoretical aspects of using MI in upper limb rehabilitation post-stroke, through a narrative review. Methods: Research was conducted in bibliographic sources through the databases PubMed, EBSCOhost, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, and PEDro, with the last search carried out on 30th May 2023. Results: RCT articles and systematic reviews that addressed the effects of motor imagery on upper limb function were selected for review. Conclusion: The articles analysed in this review point to a positive relationship between the effects of MI and the recovery of upper limb post-stroke, particularly when this technique is combined with Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, reinforcing the importance of considering the introduction of mental training with Motor Imagery in rehabilitation programs.

Polish-Czechoslovak Cross-border Tourism between 1919 and 1939 in the Light of Polish Legislation

The article revolves around Polish-Czechoslovak tourism relations between 1919 and 1939. The author analysed the legislation establishing solutions aimed to facilitate tourism on both sides of the border. The Tourism Convention drawn up in Prague on 30th May 1925 was of key importance in this regard. Attention was also paid to selected provisions of the Polish-Czechoslovak commercial conventions relevant to the development of tourism. The following part of the article examines passport and visa regulations governing departure from Poland to Czechoslovakia and arrival to Poland from Czechoslovakia. The author also studies the foreign exchange regulations that individuals entering Czechoslovakia for tourist purposes had to follow.

Effects of blood-flow restricted exercise versus conventional resistance training in musculoskeletal disorders—a systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo compare the effect of low-load blood flow restricted resistance training (BFR-RT) versus high-load resistance training (HL-RT) on muscle strength, muscle mass, physical function, patient-reported outcomes, and adherence to training in clinical musculoskeletal populations.Data sourcesWeb of Science, Cochrane Central, Medline, Embase, SportDiscus was searched on the 30th May 2022.Review methodsThis study was conducted as a systematic review and meta-analysis. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) were included if they (i) included patients, (ii) comprised of a BFR-RT intervention protocol and a group who performed HL-RT (≥ 70%1RM) for at least eight exercise sessions, and (iii) involved at least 1 exercise that targeted the lower limbs. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to evaluate the risk of bias. The meta-analyses were performed using a random effects model with an adjustment to the confidence interval.ResultsSeven RCTs comprising 303 participants (BFR-RT: n = 151; HL-RT: n = 152) were identified. HL-RT and BFR-RT showed similar gains in dynamic (1-10RM) knee extensor strength and leg press strength, quadriceps cross sectional area, sit-to-stand performance, and patient reported pain and function. There was a moderate effect favoring BFR-RT for increasing maximal isometric knee extensor strength. The grading of certainty in evidence was low-to-very low for all outcome variables.ConclusionThis systematic review and meta-analysis extends our current knowledge about BFR-RT and HL-RT as equally effective exercise methods for inducing gains in maximal muscle strength in healthy populations, by now also comprising patients suffering from various clinical musculoskeletal conditions. The certainty in the estimates was low-to-very low, prompting the inclusion of future higher-quality trials.Trial registrationPROSPERO ID (CRD42022337173). Registered June 18th 2022.

The cephalometric evaluation of the position of maxillary 1st permanent molar in class II division I malocclusion.

Objective: To conclude the sagittal position of the maxillary 1st permanent molar in class II division I malocclusion patients from lateral cephalogram. Study Design: “Descriptive” (“Cross-sectional study”). Setting: Dental OPD “Department of Orthodontics, University College of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Lahore”. Study Period: 1st December 2021, till 30th May 2022. Material & Methods: A total of 160 patients ensuring the confidentiality of their diagnostic data, lateral cephalometric was exposed and cephalometric tracing was done by placing mate acetate paper for evaluation of sagittal and vertical dysplasia. For the selected sample, the distance between the distal cusps of the “Maxillary” 1st permanent molar to the PTV line (Pterygoid Vertical) was assessed (PTV-U6). Distance between the PTV lines (Pterygoid Vertical) to the Maxillary Centroid was also calculated. To compare the mean of the variables i.e. PTV-U6 and PTV-Maxillary molar Centroid a student t-test was applied with a P-value ≤ 0.05 as significant. Results: The mean age of patients was 23.69 ± 3.72 years with minimum and maximum ages of 18 and 30 years. There were 73(45.62%) male and 87(54.38%) female cases with a higher female-to-male ratio. The mean PTV-U6 was 20.83 mm ± 2.14 mm with minimum and maximum values as 17 mm and 24.50 mm. The mean PTV-molar centroid value was 28.70 mm ± 0.88 mm with smallest and extreme values of 27.10 mm and 30.10 mm. Conclusion: It was concluded that the sagittal station of maxillary 1st perpetual molar in class II division I malocclusion patients from lateral cephalogram was found, hence by keeping these values of the local population the strategies can be designed as it may be helpful for the patients that many unwanted extractions can be avoided and treatment will be planned as no extraction.

Tracheostomy in COVID-19 Pandemic; did we achieve our aims? A developing country's experience.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of tracheostomy on COVID positive patients and the risk included in the procedure for the patient and health care workers. Study Design: Retrospective Observational Study. Setting: Shifa International Hospital Islamabad, Pakistan. Period: 30th May 2020 to 15th February 2022. Material & Methods: The tracheostomies were performed in COVID ICU at bed side by ENT team. This is a study of 22 patients mostly with multiple comorbidities who presented to the hospital with symptoms of SARS-COVID-19. The changes in their ventilation were recorded before and after the tracheostomy. The health care workers included in the study were also kept under observation for any possible cross infection. Results: Eight out of twenty two patients were weaned off from ventilator. There was decrease in partial pressure of oxygen after the procedure but the mortality rate was high. None of the members of operating team, ICU team, anaesthesia team was infected with the virus. Conclusion: Our study shows that although tracheostomy helps in weaning off from ventilator, it has no role in weaning off COVID patients. There is no benefit of tracheostomy for a COVID positive patients. Furthermore, if adequate personal protective equipment’s are used, there is no risk of spread of infection from patient during the procedure of tracheostomy.

Hybrid Pigeonpea (ICPH 2740) Nodular Activity and Biological Nitrogen Fixation as Influenced by Agronomic Practices

Background: To explore the impact of agronomic practices on nodulation, nitrogenase activity and biological nitrogen fixation in hybrid pigeonpea, a field investigation was under taken at BW5 block ICRISAT development center (IDC), International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru, Hyderabad, during kharif, 2021 and 2022. Methods: The seedlings were raised in portrays in advance to onset of monsoon during last week of May (28th May in 2021 kharif and 30th May in 2022 kharif) in both the years by filling portrays with cocopeat and vermicompost in 1:1 ratio. Transplanting of 24 days and 25 days old seedlings were done on 20th June in 2021 kharif and 23th June in 2022 kharif, respectively, on the same day of dibbling in the main field at 100 cm × 100 cm ,120 cm × 120 cm square geometry and 150 cm × 60 cm. Nutrient management treatments were imposed one week after sowing. Result: Among the planting methods higher nodule number and nitrogenase activity with transplanting compared to dibbling. 120 cm × 120 cm found higher nodule number plant-1 and nitrogenase activity but biological nitrogen fixation was higher with 100 cm × 100 cm ha-1 basis. With respect on nutrient management practices, control performed well in terms of higher nitrogenase activity and biological nitrogen fixation and on par with integrated approach of 100% soil test based NPK + vermicompost + PSB + seed treatment with Rhizobium. So, with transplanting method of establishment, 100 ´ 100 cm square plant geometry and 100% soil test based NPK + vermicompost + PSB + seed treatment with Rhizobium was recommended agronomic practices for hybrid pigeonpea.

Improved outcomes in paediatric laparoscopic anorectoplasty for ano-rectal malformations using enhanced recovery after surgery protocols: A study from Central India

BackgroundThe revolutionary concept of using the body's innate stress response to surgery to access the advantage of early recovery in the postoperative period has changed the overall outcome of health systems of LMICs in terms of cost-effectiveness and increased patient turnover. Hence, is now the standard of care in many adult surgical specialities, but with very little evidence in paediatric surgical fields. This lacuna in the knowledge was identified and addressed which yielded positively comparable results. MethodsThis is a retrospective and prospective validation study conducted in the Department of General Surgery, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College and Hospital, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India between 1st March 2020 - 30th May 2022. The peri‑operative parameters affecting convalescence after surgery were reviewed and the results of the conventional peri‑operative protocols were compared with the ERAS group. Results50 patients with Ano-rectal malformations underwent laparoscopic anorectoplasty, of which 25 patients were treated with conventional peri‑operative protocol and 25 were treated with ERAS protocol. The results obtained were comparable and effective with the existing results in adult surgical specialities and also were statistically significant in most of the parameters. ConclusionShorter hospital stay reduces the financial burden alleviating both the physical and psychological stress of the patients and their parents. Also, judicious use of the available resources can increase the patient turnover of the existing health systems with the same financial assistance.

Post-Diagnostic Statin Use and its Association with Cancer Recurrence and Mortality in Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Statins are widely acknowledged for their application in patients with hypercholesterolemia to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. More recently, their potential to exert pleiotropic effects, particularly in impeding the proliferation of neoplastic cells, has attracted considerable attention. Prior studies have demonstrated that statins may mitigate cancer progression and micrometastasis. However, the benefits of statins in breast cancer have been inconclusive. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the impact of statin use following a breast cancer diagnosis on breast cancer recurrence and mortality. We performed a systematic literature search using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus for relevant articles from inception until 30th May 2023. Hazard ratios (HR) were pooled using a random-effect model. The primary outcome of interest was the risk of breast cancer recurrence. The secondary outcomes included breast cancer-specific mortality and all-cause mortality. A total of 15 studies with 156,448 patients were included in the final analysis. The mean age of patients between statin users and non-users was 64.59 and 59.15 years, respectively. Statin use was associated with a reduction in the recurrence of breast cancer (HR 0.76, 95%CI: 0.67-0.87) compared with non-statin users. This trend was similar among lipophilic statin users (HR 0.73, 95%CI: 0.63-0.85) but not for hydrophilic statin users (HR 1.17, 95%CI: 0.82-1.68). Furthermore, all-cause mortality (HR 0.82, 95%CI: 0.66-1.02) and breast cancer mortality (HR 0.87, 95% CI: 0.69-1.10) were comparable between statin and non-statin users. However, lipophilic statins demonstrated a reduction in both all-cause mortality (HR 0.84, 95%CI: 0.75-0.93) and breast cancer mortality (HR 0.85, 95%CI: 0.74-0.99) compared to non-statin users. Among patients with breast cancer, statin use post-diagnosis decreases the risk of breast cancer recurrence. Furthermore, lipophilic statins exhibit an additional advantage of reducing both all-cause and breast cancer-specific mortality.

Physiological and Agronomic Responses and Nutrient Uptake of Soybean Genotypes Cultivated Under Various Sowing Dates

Late or early sowing subjecting crop plants to stress conditions, this is simulating the climatic change effects. The global warming and climate change are critical issues in agriculture since progressive rise in temperature leads to exposure the crops to heat stress, hence low productivity. Since weather conditions are uncontrollable, it is impossible to modulate their negative impacts against crop growth and development. However, scientists should not be handcuffed about this serious problem. So, in open field conditions, the performance of some soybean genotypes was evaluated under different sowing dates. Along the two seasons of 2019 and 2020, field experiments were designed in a split-plot design using three replicates to evaluate the performance of four soybean genotypes (Giza-21, Giza-35, Giza-111, and Crawford) under four sowing dates (15th April, 30th April, 15th May, and 30th May). Various physiological and growth traits, yield attributes, seed nutrient contents, and oil and protein contents were estimated. Sowing Crawford (in both seasons) and Giza-35 (in the first season) on 15th April as well as Giza-111 either on 30th April or 15th May produced the highest catalase activity. In plots sown on 30th April, Crawford and Giza-21 (in the first season) and Giza-111 (in both seasons) exhibited the highest leaves area plant−1. Plots sown by Giza-111 on 30th April was the potent interaction for enhancing seed yield in both seasons. Under any sowing date in the second season and the sowing date of 30th April in the first season, Giza-111 was the effective genotype for recording the maximum seed oil content. For adopting a specific stress condition scenario, it is advisable to insert Giza-111 as an effective gene pool to improve soybean genotypes under unfavorable conditions, expressed in sowing dates.

Fat tissue reduction by depurative diet and compressive microvibration with spheres of variable density

Society is characterised by a substantial increase in overweight and obesity, with progressive diseases such as diabetes, lipolymphedema and lipoedema. Many experiences have demonstrated the sensitivity of the subcutaneous adipose tissue utilising non-invasive mechanical treatments. This study aims to study the sensitivity of the subcutaneous adipose layer of the abdomen using compressive microvibration treatments with spheres of variable density. Thirty patients were followed between the period from 10th January to the 30th May 2022. Fifteen patients were treated with twelve compressive microvibration sessions with variable density spheres, and the other fifteen with the same treatment associated with a nutritional purification program. All patients were studied with clinical/instrumental examinations and evaluations in compliance with ethical and deontological standards. All patients showed improvements in the single treatment and the treatment associated with the nutritional program. The reduction of subcutaneous adipose tissue observed with the treatment of compressive microvibration with spheres of variable density indicates a direct stimulation of the biochemical and biophysical structures that regulate the cellular biology of adipose tissue, with metabolic action induced by the vibrations.

Prevalence of COVID-19 Pandemic Threat; Implications of Social Quarantine as Preventive Public Health Intervention

The emergence of coronavirus back in 2019 posed an epidemic threat to global public health security even after the execution of precautionary and control measures. The infectious disease was first identified in Wuhan, China and spread rapidly to multiple countries. Gradually, it caused casualties of people with a large number of coronavirus cases. Different countries implemented several interventions to mitigate the human-to-human transmission of this disease including travel restrictions, setting up isolation centers, lockdowns, and social quarantine. A systematic search was implemented through five electronic databases (PubMed, WHO, NIH, Scopus and Google Scholar). Research studies that were published until 30th May 2021 were included in this study, and eligibility criteria were selected for this review. The study shed light on the critical aspects of the implications of social quarantine preventive intervention to avoid the spread of COVID-19. The lessons learned from the pandemic can help the future preparedness and response plan to combat the progression of this disease. Yet limited studies have been conducted about the socio-economic impact of these social-distancing measures for most vulnerable populations. In this study, various research studies that have reported the positive and negative impact of physical distancing on the population were evaluated. In this situation, the Pakistani government must combat the coronavirus disease and take steps to improve the economic condition of the country. Special attention must be paid to the most disadvantaged and vulnerable populations such as the disabled, older population, homeless and poor populations to lessen the risks of coronavirus disease. Policymakers must ensure transparency in communication and provide evidence-based interventions to tackle the worse situation. The countries must coordinate their efforts to develop antivirals and vaccines for the treatment of infectious fatal diseases. Government must support the community through access to the use of technology, and home care to older residents, deliver health counseling services, and deliver home-based learning. All countries must use print, electronic and social media wisely and they must be coordinated, and provide education and social awareness among the citizenry regarding how to avoid being infected.

Comparison of first-line treatment with bendamustine plus rituximab versus R-CHOP for patients with follicular lymphoma grade 3A: Results of a retrospective study from the Fondazione Italiana Linfomi.

In the setting of follicular lymphoma (FL), frontline therapy with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone (R-CHOP) has represented for many years the standard of care for patients with symptomatic advanced disease. More recently, the combination of bendamustine plus rituximab (R-B) has emerged as an alternative therapeutic option. We present a retrospective, multicenter, observational study aimed at comparing outcomes and toxicities observed in 145 patients diagnosed with grade 3A FL treated with a first line therapy in 15 Italian Fondazione Italiana Linfomi centers between the 1st of January 2014 and the 30th of May 2018. Seventy patients were treated with R-B and 75 with R-CHOP. In the R-B group, the median age at the time of diagnosis was 67 years compared with 59 years in the R-CHOP group. Patients in R-B group achieved a similar overall response rate (96% vs. 99%) and a better complete remission rate (87% vs. 80%, p=0.035) compared with patients in R-CHOP group. Progression free survival (PFS) was similar between individual treated with R-CHOP and R-B (48- month PFS 77.7% vs. 76.6% respectively, p=0.745). The overall survival was significantly longer with R-CHOP treatment (HR=0.16; 95% IC, 0.04-0.74; p=0.007); however, no statistical significant difference was observed after adjustment for age. With the limitations of the study design, our results suggest that both R-B and R-CHOP seem to be valid first-line treatment options in FL3A.

Evaluation of fetal lung maturity by ultrasound

Background: Monitoring lung development is important for both birth preparation and counselling parents. Clinical procedures such as menstrual history, LMP, pelvic abdomen inspection, and date of quickening can be used to estimate when a foetus' lungs are fully developed. Extra diagnostic procedures include amniocentesis, x-rays, and ultrasounds.Objective: to assess the non-invasive parameters to determine the fetal lung maturity by ultrasound.Patients and Methods: it was is a cross-sectional study was conducted on Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University Hospitals on 75 pregnant cases. Study duration was from August 2020 till 30th May 2022.Results: Correlation foetal biometry and Shake scores significantly differed among groups. Test, Relation between Placental grading and postnatal lung maturity, Relation between Shake test and postnatal lung maturity and the Diagnostic profile. Conclusion: Based on the previous findings, ultrasound might be a useful method of evaluation of fetal lung maturity. Either of placental grading, free floating particles and shake test are good predictive tools for detecting lung maturity, with the superior hand for the floating particles.

The 1969 Strike in Curacao (“Trinta di Mei”): a Riot in Paradise

The article examines the events of 1969 in Curacao, known as “Trinta di Mei” (“30th May”). “Thirtieth of May”. In the 20th century strikes repeatedly occurred on this “paradise island,” which escalated into mass unrest, accompanied by acts of violence. Among them, a special place is occupied by the “Trinta di Mei” in Willemstad, the capital of Curacao and all the Netherlands Antilles, in late May — early June 1969. A brief overview of these events and their assessment in the media and scholarly literature is presented. Close attention is paid to terminology, as well as the interpretation of “Trinta di Mei” in the Soviet media and a small number of scholarly publications. The possible reasons for the lack of an official reaction of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union to the social conflict in Curacao are also discussed.

USSR Military Assistance to the Federal Government During the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970)

Drawing on newly available documents from the Foreign Policy Archive of the Russian Federation (AVP RF) the author closely examines Soviet-Nigerian military and technical cooperation during the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970). He focuses on the following issues: the extent of Soviet assistance to the war efforts by the Federal Military Government (FMG) of Nigeria, how Soviet weapons were used in combat operations, what effect military aid had on Soviet-Nigerian relations. On 30th May 1967, the southeastern provinces of Nigeria attempted to secede as the self-proclaimed Republic of Biafra. This caused the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970). The head of the FMG general Yakubu Gowon had to apply the USSR for military assistance. The USSR did not recognize the break-away region. The author argues that there were three Soviet-Nigerian arms deals in 1967–1969. The quantity of military hardware and small arms supplied to the FMG remains a guarded secret, and the author had to rely on the declassified CIA intelligence and other published sources. Soviet military personnel in Nigeria, mostly pilots and aviation specialists, strictly adhered to the rule: do not commit acts that might have involved the Soviet Union in the Nigerian conflict. During the war, Soviet-Nigerian relations rose from virtually zero to a fairly high level. However, military assistance did not turn Nigeria into a Soviet ally. Nigerian foreign policy did not change fundamentally, it was still dominated by the Western vector.