PubMed Central Databases Research Articles

Modified apical dissection during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) has improved patient recovery, but achieving optimal functional outcomes remains a challenge, especially early urinary continence. The Modified Apical Dissection (MAD) technique has been suggested to improve early continence compared to conventional RALP. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central databases was conducted to identify studies on MAD from inception to March 2024. The risk of bias was evaluated using the ROBINS-I tool. Primary outcomes assessed included urinary continence, positive surgical margin rate, biochemical recurrence rates, and complication rates. Out of 789 studies screened initially, we selected 8 studies that met our inclusion criteria. Our analysis showed that patients who underwent the MAD technique had a significantly higher likelihood of achieving early urinary continence compared to those undergoing conventional RALP at the initial follow-up (Odds Ratio [OR] = 4.0, 95% CI = 1.87-8.57). This advantage continued at 1month (OR = 5.44, 95% CI = 2.98-9.92), 3months (OR = 5.36, 95% CI = 2.26-12.71), and 6months (OR = 5.18, 95% CI = 1.51-17.75), though no significant difference was noted at 12months. There were no significant differences in positive surgical margin rate or biochemical recurrence rate between MAD and conventional RALP. The overall complication rate was 10.9% (95% CI = 8.10-14.06), with most complications being classified as minor (Clavien-Dindo I-II). In summary, our meta-analysis suggests that the MAD technique may lead to earlier recovery of urinary continence without compromising oncologic outcomes in patients undergoing RALP. While there are published studies on the outcomes of MAD, only a few have the appropriate design with a comparison group needed for meta-analysis and discussing various endpoints. More randomized controlled trials are necessary, but the current literature still lacks retrospective studies with comparison groups.

Vitamin D Supplementation and the Incidence of Fractures in the Elderly Healthy Population: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Although a well-established component of bone metabolism, the efficacy and safety of vitamin D supplementation for the prevention of fractures in elderly healthy individuals is still unclear. To perform a meta-analysis comparing vitamin D supplementation with placebo and its contributions on fracture incidence. This meta-analysis was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), under protocol CRD42023484979. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central databases from inception to November 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing vitamin D supplementation versus placebo in individuals with 60years of age or more and without bone related medical conditions such as cancer and osteoporosis. Seven RCTs with 71,899 patients were included, of whom 36,822 (51.2%) were women. There was no significant difference in total fracture incidence (RR 1.03; 95% CI 0.93-1.14; p = 0.56; I2 = 58%) between groups or subgroups. However, women had an increased risk for hip fractures (164 vs. 121 events; RR 1.34; 95% CI 1.06-1.70; p = 0.01; I2 = 0%). There was no significant difference in non-vertebral fractures, osteoporotic fractures development, or falls (RR 1.02; 95% CI 0.94-1.12; p = 0.6; I2 = 47%; RR 0.97; 95% CI 0.87-1.08; p = 0.63; I2 = 0%; RR 1.01; 95% CI 0.97-1.04; p = 0.66; I2 = 55%, respectively). Vitamin D supplementation does not reduce the total fracture development rate in the elderly healthy population, and it may increase the incidence of hip fractures among elderly healthy women. This finding suggests refraining from prescribing high intermittent doses of vitamin D, without calcium, to individuals aged 60 or older with unknown vitamin D serum concentration or osteoporosis status and inadequate calcium intake.

The Impact of Nutrition Education in Workplace

Workplace is one of the places that could affect wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks. this study aims to review nutrition education among workers that result can be used as the evidence based for policymakers to start implementing health and nutrition education periodically. We conducted a search on the PubMed Central database in May 2024 to look at various publications and journals in 2010-2024 related to the nutritional education in the workplace using the keywords: nutrition education, workplace. Three studies were meet inclusion and exclusion criteria and further be reviewed. Three studies focused on nutrition education in the workplace. Positive outcomes were recorded for all workplace intervention, including increase in nutrition knowledge, self-efficacy, reduce risky behavior, and improved body mass index and blood biomarkers. Workplace may provide an optimal setting to reach a large proportion of the adult population thus could improve both nutrition education and practice as well as health status. Workplace education related to nutrition, in this paper all gives different positive outcomes

Tyrosine kinase 2 inhibitor (deucravacitinib) for psoriasis: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objective: Deucravacitinib is a tyrosine kinase-2 inhibitor that shows promise as an emerging treatment option for psoriasis. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of different doses of deucravacitinib versus placebo or apremilast on psoriasis treatment. Methods: We performed a systematic review and pairwise and network meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials published in Web of Science, SCOPUS, EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane Central databases from the inception of databases until 31 st March 2023. We used the risk ratio for dichotomous outcomes, and the mean difference with corresponding 95% confidence interval for continuous outcomes. We registered our protocol in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023413976). Results: We analyzed four randomized controlled trials involving 2,156 patients randomly assigned to receive placebo, 60 mg of apremilast once daily, or various doses of deucravacitinib (3 mg every other day, 3 mg once daily, 3 mg twice daily, 6 mg twice daily, or 12 mg once daily). Deucravacitinib achieved significantly better outcomes compared with placebo across multiple efficacy measures, including the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score (P < 0.01), Static Physician’s Global Assessment score (P < 0.01), Psoriasis Symptoms and Signs Diary score (P < 0.01), Dermatology Life Quality Index score (P < 0.01), and scalp-specific Physician’s Global Assessment score (P < 0.01). When comparing 3 mg of deucravacitinib twice daily with 60 mg of apremilast once daily, deucravacitinib exhibited superior outcomes in terms of the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (P < 0.01), Dermatology Life Quality Index (P < 0.01), Static Physician’s Global Assessment (P < 0.01), and scalp-specific Physician’s Global Assessment scores (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Deucravacitinib and apremilast show promising efficacy as psoriasis treatments. While adverse events were more common with these treatments compared with placebo, the incidence of serious adverse events did not significantly differ between the intervention and placebo groups.

Assessing the Factors Affecting Health-Related Quality of Life in Medical Students

Background: Depression is a prevalent mental health concern among medical students, with signifi cant implications for Health-related Quality of Life (HrQol). Understanding the factors contributing to depression and their impact on HrQol is crucial for developing targeted interventions to support students’ well-being. Aim: This literature review aims to assess the impact of depression and other related factors on HrQol in medical students, exploring the prevalence, associated risk factors, and implications for overall well-being. Methodology: A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed Central and Scopus databases, focusing on studies addressing depression, burnout, anxiety, and other factors infl uencing HrQol in medical students. Inclusion criteria were applied to select relevant articles, resulting in a fi nal selection of 15 articles for detailed analysis. Data extraction included study design, sample characteristics, methodology, results, and conclusions. Results: The review revealed a high prevalence of depression among medical students, particularly among female students and those facing socio-economic challenges. Factors associated with depression include gender, socioeconomic status, obesity, chronic diseases, addiction, and academic stress. Depression was found to signifi cantly impact HrQol, leading to lower mental health-related QoL scores compared to physical health scores. Other factors such as stress levels, family support, sleep quality, and academic demands also infl uenced HrQol outcomes among medical students. Conclusion: Addressing depression and its impact on HrQol is essential to promote the overall well-being of medical students. Tailored interventions targeting depression, stress management, family support, and sleep quality are crucial for improving HrQol and mitigating the adverse eff ects of mental health challenges in this population. Keywords: Academic performance; medical student; HRQOL; Health-related quality of life.

Use of probiotics in preventing and treating excess weight and obesity. A systematic review.

The prevalence of excess weight and obesity is increasing in an extremely concerning manner worldwide, with highly diverse therapies for current treatment. This review evaluated the scientific evidence of the past 10years on the use of probiotics in treating excess weight and obesity in the absence of dieting. A systematic review was conducted by searching for clinical trials on humans published in English in the PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane Central databases, using the combination of keywords "Overweight", "Probiotics" and "Obesity", and published between 2012 and 2022. Six published studies met the inclusion criteria. The review showed that, although there is a lack of consensus in the literature, the use of probiotics in the absence of dieting produced a significant reduction in body weight and body mass index in 66.6% of the reviewed studies, a significant reduction in waist circumference in 80.0% of the reviewed studies, and an improvement in total body fat mass and waist circumference. This review showed evidence of a trend in preventing body weight gain and reducing weight through the use of probiotics in individuals with excess weight or obesity. A combination of various strains of the genera Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus was the most effective.

Elbow Bursitis, Spondylodiscitis and Meningitis Due to Streptococcus agalactiae: A Case Report

Malaria remains one of the most important diseases in the world, being lethal to 610 thousand individuals annually. The widespread resistance of P. falciparum to antimalarials emphasizes the urgent need for new therapies, as treatment remains the primary strategy to control the disease. Although combinations of synthetic drugs are used in treatment, medicinal plants are often utilized in folk medicine as a complement and/or alternative to treat human malaria, especially in poor endemic areas. This systematic review evaluates the antiplasmodial and/or antimalarial activities, as well as the ethnopharmacological use of plant species by traditional communities from South America, through a search in the PubMed Central and Science Direct databases. Among 346 articles selected using the keywords “Malaria”, “Plants”, “Traditional”, “Knowledge”, “Antimalarial” and “Amazon”, 27 were considered eligible. Plant species with no activities were used to a new search on Google, PubMed, and Science Direct. Of the 389 species or genera from 88 botanical families evaluated, most studies were conducted in Peru, with leaves being the primary plant part used for treatment and/or prevention. Out of the analyzed species, excluding 30 mentioned only by genus, 185 had their extracts, fractions, or pure substances assessed, and only nine species had both in vitro and in vivo activity. Among the 174 species cited by traditional communities evaluated, with no data for activity, 66 presented results when a new literature search was performed. The Chayahuita ethnicity was the community providing more traditional knowledge about malaria treatment. Most plant species mentioned in the articles indicated for treatment and/or prevention of malaria have not yet been evaluated for antiplasmodial and antimalarial activities. Collecting ethnopharmacology information of plants is important, since their use for malaria treatment significantly increases the chances of finding a plant to be used as antimalarial substitutes.

Systematic review for optimizing sample size in dairy cow methane emission studies in temperate regions: A comprehensive methodological approach

This research introduces a systematic framework for calculating sample size in studies focusing on enteric methane (CH4, g/kg of DMI) yield reduction in dairy cows. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive search across the Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed Central databases for studies published from 2012 to 2023. The inclusion criteria were as follows: studies reporting CH4 yield and its variability in dairy cows, employing specific experimental designs (Latin square design [LSqD], crossover design, randomized complete block design [RCBD], and repeated measures design) and measurement methods (open-circuit respirometry chambers [RC], the GreenFeed system, and the sulfur hexafluoride tracer technique), conducted in Canada, the United States, and Europe. A total of 150 studies, comprising 177 reports, met our criteria and were included in the database. Our methodology for using the database for sample size calculations began by defining 6 CH4 yield reduction levels (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 30%, and 50%). Using an adjusted Cohen's f formula and conducting power analysis, we calculated the sample sizes required for these reductions in balanced LSqD and RCBD reports from studies involving 3 or 4 treatments. The results indicate that within-subject studies (i.e., LSqD) require smaller sample sizes to detect CH4 yield reductions compared with between-subject studies (i.e., RCBD). Although experiments using RC typically require fewer individuals due to their higher accuracy, our results demonstrate that this expected advantage is not evident in reports from RCBD studies with 4 treatments. A key innovation of this research is the development of a web-based tool that simplifies the process of sample size calculation (https://samplesizecalculator.ucdavis.edu/). Developed using Python, this tool leverages the extensive database to provide tailored sample size recommendations for specific experimental scenarios. It ensures that experiments are adequately powered to detect meaningful differences in CH4 emissions, thereby contributing to the scientific rigor of studies in this critical area of environmental and agricultural research. With its user-friendly interface and robust back-end calculations, this tool represents an important advancement in the methodology for planning and executing CH4 emission studies in dairy cows, aligning with global efforts toward sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation.

Conjugated linoleic acid metabolite impact in colorectal cancer: a potential microbiome-based precision nutrition approach.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most deadly and the third most diagnosed cancer in both sexes worldwide. CRC pathogenesis is associated with risk factors such as genetics, alcohol, smoking, sedentariness, obesity, unbalanced diets, and gut microbiota dysbiosis. The gut microbiota is the microbial community living in symbiosis in the intestine, in a dynamic balance vital for health. Increasing evidence underscores the influence of specific gut microbiota bacterial species on CRC incidence and pathogenesis. In this regard, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) metabolites produced by certain gut microbiota have demonstrated an anticarcinogenic effect in CRC, influencing pathways for inflammation, proliferation, and apoptosis. CLA production occurs naturally in the rumen, and human bioavailability is through the consumption of food derived from ruminants. In recent years, biotechnological attempts to increase CLA bioavailability in humans have been unfruitful. Therefore, the conversion of essential dietary linoleic acid to CLA metabolite by specific intestinal bacteria has become a promising process. This article reviews the evidence regarding CLA and CLA-producing bacteria as therapeutic agents against CRC and investigates the best strategy for increasing the yield and bioavailability of CLA. Given the potential and limitations of the present strategies, a new microbiome-based precision nutrition approach based on endogenous CLA production by human gut bacteria is proposed. A literature search in the PubMed and PubMed Central databases identified 794 papers on human gut bacteria associated with CLA production. Of these, 51 studies exploring association consistency were selected. After excluding 19 papers, due to health concerns or discrepancies between studies, 32 papers were selected for analysis, encompassing data for 38 CLA-producing bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species. The information was analyzed by a bioinformatics food recommendation system patented by our research group, Phymofood (EP22382095). This paper presents a new microbiome-based precision nutrition approach targeting CLA-producing gut bacterial species to maximize the anticarcinogenic effect of CLA in CRC.

Palm oil as part of a high-fat diet: advances and challenges, or possible risks of pathology?

Nutritional status disorders have the most significant impact on the development of cardiovascular and oncologic diseases; therefore, the interest in the study of palm oil as among the leading components of nutrition has been increasing. The data examined in this review were sourced from the Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubMed and PubMed Central, MEDLINE, CAPlus/SciFinder, and Embase databases; experts in the field; bibliographies; and abstracts from review analyses from the past 15 years. This review summarizes recent research data focusing on the quantitative and qualitative composition of nutrition of modern humans; concepts of the relationship between high-fat diets and disorders of insulin functioning and transport and metabolism of fatty acids; analyses of data regarding the palmitic acid (16:0) to oleic acid (18:1) ratio; and the effect of diet based on palm oil consumption on cardiovascular risk factors and lipid and lipoprotein levels. Several studies suggest a potential vector contributing to the transmission of maternal, high-fat-diet-induced, addictive-like behaviors and obesogenic phenotypes across generations. The relationship between cholesterol accumulation in lysosomes that may lead to lysosome dysfunction and inhibition of the autophagy process is analyzed, as is the progression of inflammatory diseases, atherosclerosis, nonalcoholic liver inflammation, and obesity with associated complications. Data are discussed from analyses of differences between rodent models and human population studies in the investigated different effects of palm oil consumption as a high-fat diet component. A conclusion is reached that the results cannot be generalized in human population studies because no similar effects were observed. Although there are numerous published reports, more studies are necessary to elucidate the complex regulatory mechanisms in digestive and nutrition processes, because there are great differences in lipoprotein profiles between rodents and humans, which makes it difficult to reproduce the pathology of many diseases caused by different types of the high-fat diet.

Health and well-being needs of Indigenous adolescents: a protocol for a scoping review of qualitative studies

IntroductionImproving the health of Indigenous adolescents is central to addressing the health inequities faced by Indigenous peoples. To achieve this, it is critical to understand what is needed from the...

Folic Acid in the Treatment of Sickle Cell Disease: A Systematic Review.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited genetic disorders that is caused by a mutation in the gene that codes for hemoglobin subunit β. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effect of folic acid in the treatment of SCD patients. We retrieved 3730 articlesfrom PubMed, PubMed Central, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect databases. We employed a search technique that involved framing keywords, such asfolic acid, folate, and sickle cell illness, and the MedicalSubject Headings (MeSH) strategy in PubMed. We chose research articles that had been published during the last 10 years, as well as case reports, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, literature reviews, randomized controlled trials, and observational studies. Exclusion criteria included paid full-text articles, abstracts, non-English studies, and patients who do not have SCD.The 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria were used in the design of our systematic review. It was found that the majority of SCD patients were receiving regular folic acid supplements and that their plasma folate levels were either increased or within normal range, with no discernible impact on other clinical outcomes such as hemoglobin levels, infections, or pain crises. SCD patients produce more red blood cells than healthy individuals, and nearly all SCD patients receive daily folic acid supplements. On the other hand, not enough information is available on folic acid's potential benefits in the management of SCD; thus, there is a need for more large clinical trials.

A Scoping Review of the Positive and Negative Bacteria Associated With the Gut Microbiomes of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects multiple systems of the body. Recent research on the gut microbiota dysbiosis associated with SLE patients has gained traction and warranted further exploration. It has not been determined whether the change in the gut microbiota is a cause of SLE or a symptom of SLE. However, based on the physiological and pathophysiological role of the bacteria in the gut microbiome, as levels of the bacteria rise or fall, symptomatology in SLE patients could be affected. This review analyzes the recent studies that examined the changes in the gut microbiota of SLE patients and highlights the correlations between gut dysbiosis and the clinical manifestations of SLE. A systematic search strategy was developed by combining the terms "SLE," "systemic lupus erythematosus," and "gut microbiome." Biomedical Reference Collection, CINAHL, Medline ProQuest, and PubMed Central databases were searched by combining the appropriate keywords with "AND." Only full-text, English-language articles were searched. The articles were restricted from 2013 to 2023. Only peer-reviewed controlled studies with both human and animal trials were included in this scoping review. Review articles, non-English articles, editorials, case studies, and duplicate articles from the four databases were excluded. Various species of bacteria were found to be positively or negatively associated with SLE gut microbiomes. Among the bacterial species increased were Clostridium, Lactobacilli, Streptococcus, Enterobacter, and Klebsiella. The bacterial species that decreased were Bifidobacteria, Prevotella, and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Literature shows that Clostridium is one of several bacteria found in abundance, from pre-disease to the diseased state of SLE. Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae are both part of the family of butyrate-producing anaerobes that are known for their role in strengthening the skin barrier function and, therefore, may explain the cutaneous manifestations of SLE patients. Studies have also shown that the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio is significantly depressed, which may lead to appetite changes and weight loss seen in SLE patients. Based on the established role of these bacteria within the gut microbiome, the disruption in the gut ecosystem could explain the symptomatology common in SLE patients. By addressing these changes, our scoping review encourages further research to establish a true causal relationship between the bacterial changes in SLE patients as well as furthering the scope of microbiota changes in other systems and autoimmune diseases.

Safety and efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants in comparison to warfarin in obese patients with atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Obesity affects nearly 650 million adults worldwide, and the prevalence is steadily rising. This condition has significant adverse effects on cardiovascular health, increasing the risk of hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation (AF).While anticoagulation for obese patients with AF is a well-established therapy for the prevention of thromboembolism, the safety and efficacy of different anticoagulants in this specific population are not well explored. This meta-analysis aimed to compare direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC)to vitamin K antagonists in obese populations with AF. The PRISMA guidelines were followed for this meta-analysis, registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023392711).PubMed, PubMed Central, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases were searched for relevant articles from inception through January 2023. Two independent authors screened titles and abstracts, followed by a full-text review in Covidence. Data were extracted in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using RevMan v5.4 using odds ratio as an effect measure. Two thousand two hundred fifty-ninestudies were identified from the database search, and 18 were included in the analysis. There were statistically significant reductions in the odds of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in the DOAC group compared with the VKA group (OR0.70, CI 0.66-0.75) and (OR0.47, CI 0.35-0.62), respectively. In addition, the DOAC group exhibited lower odds of systemic embolism (OR0.67, CI 0.54-0.83), major bleeding (OR0.62, CI 0.54-0.72), and composite outcome (OR0.72, CI 0.63-0.81). Based on the findings from this meta-analysis, DOACs demonstrate superior safety and efficacy in obese patients with AF compared withVKAs. These results may have significant implications for guiding anticoagulation strategies in this patient population.

Role of Photodynamic Therapy in Osteonecrosis and Osteoradionecrosis of the Jaws: A Systematic Review.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive treatment modality that has been used clinically for early stage and inoperable cancers. Successful use of this atraumatic therapy in osteoradionecrosis (ORN) and osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ) has been documented in the literature. The aim of this review was to systematically evaluate the role of photodynamic therapy in ORN and ONJ. Two independent reviewers conducted an elaborate search in PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane's CENTRAL database for studies published on PDT as stand-alone or adjuvant therapy in ORN/ONJ until June 2022. The present study was based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Demographic data, type and stage of necrosis of the jaws, site, PDT protocol, time to heal and follow-up were evaluated. Eighteen articles were included totally based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria for final analysis. A total of 94 patients were included in the present review out of which 36 were males and 58 were females. Five studies reported the use of PDT as an adjuvant therapy in ORN. Thirteen studies reported successful outcomes with PDT in ONJ. Complete epithelialization was achieved with PDT ± other adjuvants in 86/94 (91.48%) patients. The time taken for regression of the lesion ranged between 4days and 12months with PDT in the present study. The reviewed studies demonstrate the effectiveness of PDT, as an adjuvant therapy, in managing various stages of ORN and ONJ.

Breastfeeding Practices for COVID-19-Infected Mothers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

(1) Background: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increasing number of women giving birth while also grappling with SARS-CoV-2. The objective of this review is to examine the possibility of transmission of the virus from mother to infant through breastfeeding, skin-to-skin contact, and rooming-in and to explore methods for managing COVID-19-positive mother-infant dyads. (2) Methods: A comprehensive search strategy was employed that covered pertinent studies from the Cochrane Library, PubMed Central, and Scopus databases. The Matrix Method and PRISMA guidelines were utilized by the researchers, with the search being updated until 20 December 2021, one year after the initial vaccine delivery. The inclusion criteria for the study involved articles published in English, those employing broad search terms, and those comprising full-text reviews. Additionally, the researchers required that the articles be published from December 2019 onwards. To further analyze the data, a meta-analysis was performed to estimate the rate of infant infection from mothers who engaged in breastfeeding, skin-to-skin contact, and rooming-in practices. (3) Results: Eighteen studies were analyzed in this review, with an infected infant rate of 2.8%. The maternal practices used in these studies ranged from direct separation of the infant to direct skin-to-skin contact, rooming-in, and exclusive breastfeeding. One study investigated the factors associated with positive test results in newborns and found that only the maternal social vulnerability index >90 was a significant predictor. The type of delivery, rooming-in, and the mother's symptom status were not associated with positive neonatal outcomes. (4) Conclusions: According to current data, the incidence of perinatal infection with SARS-CoV-2 is relatively low. It is advised that mothers adhere to several supportive care measures, including engaging in breastfeeding, skin-to-skin contact, and rooming-in. These measures ought to be complemented by diligent hand hygiene, the wearing of masks, and the cleansing of breasts solely when necessary.

The use of social media and its influence on rhinoplasty decision

Abstract OBJECTIVES. We reviewed the use of social media and its influence on rhinoplasty decisions. MATERIAL AND METHODS. The literature survey was performed in PubMed, EBSCO, UpToDate, and ProQuest Central databases of Kırıkkale University and Google and Google Scholar databases. RESULTS. Networking features available through social media sites allow users to discover and share countless photos, videos and links from their desktops and mobile devices. In the United Kingdom, over 55% of facial plastic surgeons reported that their cosmetic patients were inspired to look better in selfies. 53.4% of respondents felt that TV shows promoting plastic surgery impacted the popularity of such procedures, and 65.0% of respondents believed that social media had a similar effect. Males reported being much less satisfied with surgery than females and were less specific about why they were unhappy. One-third of patients regularly looked for information about rhinoplasty on social media. Less than a third were affected by celebrities who had rhinoplasty for cosmetic reasons. However, over three percent believed the social media ads portraying rhinoplasty as a safe surgical procedure. CONCLUSION. We concluded that social media platforms play a significant role for the decision to undergo rhinoplasty and postoperative patient satisfaction.

Pulse wave velocity on the risk stratification of aortic aneurysm

Introduction. The maintenance of tissue perfusion during the cardiac cycle is essential in organs with high metabolic demand, which is guaranteed by the maintenance of the physical properties of the arterial wall. When altered, there are hemodynamic repercussions that can be quantified using new methods, such as pulse wave velocity (PWV). These changes can occur in aortic aneurysms (AA), which have a high mortality rate associated with their rupture, making risk stratification and early intervention essential. Objectives. Demonstrate the relationship between PWV in risk stratification in patients with AA. Methods. Original articles from the Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo), the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences System (Lilacs) and PubMed Central (PMC) databases were included, which addressed the risk stratification of AA with the use of PWV in the human population. Studies published more than five years ago and those that did not address AA risk stratification based on PWV were excluded. Results and Discussion. Three articles were selected. An increase in PWV was observed in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) when compared to the control group (12.3 m/s x 10.9 m/s, p<0.01). Furthermore, the use of PWV is recommended in the risk stratification of all patients with AAA. Finally, the prediction of the use of PWV in the growth of thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) stands out, as well as its increased sensitivity for females. Conclusions. PWV is an excellent marker for cardiovascular risk stratification in AA, easy to apply clinically and at low cost. However, some issues must be resolved for its application, such as the PWV value based on age and blood pressure variables.

New Directions in Diagnostics for Aortic Aneurysms: Biomarkers and Machine Learning.

This review article presents an appraisal of pioneering technologies poised to revolutionize the diagnosis and management of aortic aneurysm disease, with a primary focus on the thoracic aorta while encompassing insights into abdominal manifestations. Our comprehensive analysis is rooted in an exhaustive survey of contemporary and historical research, delving into the realms of machine learning (ML) and computer-assisted diagnostics. This overview draws heavily upon relevant studies, including Siemens' published field report and many peer-reviewed publications. At the core of our survey lies an in-depth examination of ML-driven diagnostic advancements, dissecting an array of algorithmic suites to unveil the foundational concepts anchoring computer-assisted diagnostics and medical image processing. Our review extends to a discussion of circulating biomarkers, synthesizing insights gleaned from our prior research endeavors alongside contemporary studies gathered from the PubMed Central database. We elucidate the prevalent challenges and envisage the potential fusion of AI-guided aortic measurements and sophisticated ML frameworks with the computational analyses of pertinent biomarkers. By framing current scientific insights, we contemplate the transformative prospect of translating fundamental research into practical diagnostic tools. This narrative not only illuminates present strides, but also forecasts promising trajectories in the clinical evaluation and therapeutic management of aortic aneurysm disease.

Effectiveness of Kinematic Alignment-Total Knee Arthroplasty in Treating Preoperative Varus and Valgus Deformities in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is surgically treated with total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Traditionally, TKA has been performed using a mechanical alignment (MA) philosophy. However, due to significant patient dissatisfaction with surgical outcomes, an alternate alignment approach, kinematic alignment (KA), has gained popularity. KA-TKAs have improved functional patient outcomes by restoring the patient's native joint line orientation and minimizing soft tissue releases compared to neutral alignment in MA-TKAs. This review explores the postoperative effectiveness of utilizing KA-TKA to treat knee OA in patients with preoperative varus and valgus deformities. A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed and Biomed Central databases, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The literature search focused on studies analyzing the postoperative TKA outcomes in knee OA patients with preoperative varus or valgus deformities whose surgeries followed a KA philosophy and those comparing KA-TKA with MA-TKA. The available clinical evidence indicates that KA-TKA can be a viable treatment option for individuals with knee OA. The alignment of phenotypes has little clinical significance concerning functional outcomes and implant survival rates following KA-TKA. Furthermore, surgery outcomes in patients with preoperative deformities who underwent KA-TKA were similar to those who underwent MA-TKA. KA-TKA produced significantly better functional outcomes than MA-TKA in certain aspects. However, studies with larger sample sizes and more extended follow-up periods that directly compare KA-TKA with MA-TKA in treating knee OA patients are needed to fully demonstrate the efficacy of each technique. Furthermore, further research into the effects of KA-TKA on implant survival rates will provide a better understanding of the benefits of this technique and ultimately lead to improved patient outcomes.