Evaluating User Feedback on the Integration of Brain-Computer Interface and Sensory Stimulation in a Standalone VR Headset

This study investigates user perceptions surrounding Xenodiver, a standalone virtual reality (VR) headset integrating Brain–Computer Interface (BCI) technology and vestibular stimulation to enhance immersive interaction and neurorehabilitation potential. Using a cross-sectional survey design, 400 respondents—including clinicians, biomedical engineers, VR developers, and individuals with disabilities—provided feedback on key factors such as usability, therapeutic relevance, familiarity with BCI, and ethical concerns. Statistical analyses (chi-square, Pearson correlation, regression models, ANOVA, and non-parametric tests) revealed that gender, profession, and education level significantly influenced attitudes toward BCI-VR systems. Clinicians and male participants showed greater interest in therapeutic applications and a higher willingness to consent to brain data usage. Although prior exposure to BCI was not linked to increased enthusiasm, it correlated with reduced concerns over signal accuracy—suggesting that education may alleviate skepticism. These findings highlight the importance of user-informed interface design, comprehensive onboarding, and ethical transparency for successful implementation of neuroadaptive technologies like Xenodiver. The system represents a promising advancement in accessible, user-centered neurotechnology for rehabilitation and beyond

Surgical Outcomes in Hepatic Hydatid Disease: A Case Series of 153 Patients

Hepatic hydatid disease, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, remains a significant public health concern in endemic regions. This retrospective study analyzed 153 cases treated surgically at the General Surgery Department of Ibn Rochd University Hospital in Casablanca from 2019 to 2022. The majority of patients were women from rural areas, with a mean age of 45. Right upper quadrant pain was the predominant symptom. Diagnosis was primarily based on ultrasound using the Gharbi classification, with CT and MRI providing further anatomical detail. The most affected hepatic segments were VI, VII, and VIII. All patients underwent open surgery, mainly via right subcostal laparotomy, with dome resection being the most common technique. Biliary fistulas were identified in 13.72% of cases. Postoperative recovery was uneventful in over 93% of patients, with a low recurrence rate. The discussion highlights the importance of imaging in diagnosis, the role of serology, and surgical principles, including intraoperative exploration and bile duct assessment. Although drug therapy and minimally invasive methods are evolving, open surgery remains the cornerstone of treatment in complex or advanced cases

Blockchain for Public Health: Securing Data and Empowering Communities

Blockchain technology, with its inherent security, transparency, and immutability, presents a novel approach to addressing critical challenges in public health. This paper explores the potential of blockchain to revolutionize data management, enhance disease surveillance, and empower communities in public health initiatives. We examine how blockchain can secure sensitive health data, facilitate interoperability among disparate systems, and enable decentralized data sharing for research and interventions. Furthermore, we discuss the applications of blockchain in supply chain management for pharmaceuticals, vaccine distribution, and the creation of secure digital identities for individuals. By leveraging blockchain's distributed ledger technology, we can foster trust, improve data integrity, and promote community engagement in public health, ultimately leading to more effective and equitable health outcomes

Breast Cancer Liver Metastasis: A Case Report

Surgical resection is increasingly recognised as an effective strategy for managing breast cancer liver metastases (BCLM), although standardised criteria for patient selection remain undefined. When integrated into a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach, resection is intended to improve survival outcomes. Additionally, the use of the Pringle manoeuvre and the degree of tumour differentiation appear to be key prognostic factors influencing post-surgical outcomes. This article reports the case of a 50-year-old female oncology patient who previously underwent a lumpectomy for a breast tumour and subsequently presented with liver metastasis

Preliminary Results of Endoscopic Treatment of Vesicoureteral Reflux with Dextranomer/Hyaluronic Acid Copolymer in Children

Background: Endoscopic treatment with various bulking agents has been widely used as a therapy for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), because it is simpler, less time-consuming, and less painful than traditional surgeries. The ideal bulking agent for the injection therapies must be easily injectable, volume- stable, biocompatible, non-antigenic, non-migratory and with durable results.Objective: To evaluate the preliminary results of endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux with dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer in children.Patients and Methods: Forty three patients with 66 refluxing renal unit (RRU), 23 (53.5%)male and 20(46.5%) female, with a mean age of 4.7 years (range: 4 months to 12 years), were treated endoscopically with Dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer(Dx/HA) injection, in the Urological Department of Al-Sader Medical City/ Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf, and followed for a minimum of 12 months, VUR was unilateral in 20 (46.5%) and bilateral in 23 (53.5%) patients. Thereflux was from grade II to V in: 2 (3%), 20 (30.3%), 26 (39.4), 18 (27.3%) RRU respectively. The volume of Dx/HA injected was: 0.4 mL- 3mL per RRU with a mean of 1 mL.Results: All patients completed at least 12 months of follow up, reflux was disappeared in 45 RRU (68.1%) after just one injection, 21 RRU (31.9%) received a second injection, with reflux successfully disappeared in 12 RRU (57.1%) of the 21 RRU, and success rate of total group of RRU was 86.4%. Complications were: Two patients (4.6%) with 2 RRU (3%) develop ureteral obstruction, UTIs in 4 patients (9.3%) in the first 6 months postoperatively.Conclusions: The success rate shows that endoscopic treatment of VUR is very effective, and it can be considered the first line treatment option for VUR, with a low rate of complications

Anatomical Locking Compression Plate versus Dynamic Compression Plate in the Treatment of Displaced Midshaft Clavicle Fractures in Adults

Background: Midshaft fractures account for between 69 and 82 per cent of all cases of clavicle fracture, which are among the most frequent orthopedic injuries. Displaced midshaft clavicular fractures are traditionally managed non-operatively. However, conservative treatment has been shown to result in higher rates of nonunion, malunion and poor functional outcomes. Consequently, there has been a shift toward surgical fixation to enhance union rates and improve shoulder function. Among surgical options, plate fixation is widely favored for its reliability, though the choice between anatomical locking compression plates (LCP) and dynamic compression plates (DCP) remains debated. Aim: The aim is to compare the short-term clinical outcomes of using anatomical LCP and DCP to treat displaced midshaft clavicle fractures in adults. Methods: A prospective randomized clinical trial was conducted at Al-Imamein Al-Kadhimaein Medical City in Baghdad, Iraq, from January 2021 to January 2022. Twenty adult patients with unilateral displaced midshaft clavicle fractures were randomly assigned to two groups: Group A (LCP) and Group B (DCP). Results: The mean age was 26.8 ± 3.9 years, with males comprising 65% of the sample. No significant difference was observed in wound infection rates between groups (P = 0.839). However, symptomatic hardware prominence was significantly higher in the DCP group (P = 0.039). The LCP group demonstrated a significantly shorter time to union, though both groups achieved a 100% union rate. Quick DASH scores favored the LCP group at both 3 and 6 months, reflecting better functional recovery and reduced pain. Conclusion: LCP offers superior outcomes in terms of union time, complication rates, and functional recovery compared to DCP in displaced midshaft clavicle fractures

Psychosocial Interventions in Adolescents with Emotional Dysregulation

Adolescents with emotional dysregulation (ED) and related clinical pictures represent a group of patients characterized by extreme fragility in terms of development and in terms of scholastic and social adaptation. Children and adolescents with ADHD, mood disorders and borderline personality disorder share ED, which involves cognitive, adaptive and social difficulties. After diagnosis, non-pharmacological interventions in adolescence include psychotherapy, group Social Skill Training, parent training for parents, both single-family and group. The authors present an experience of taking charge of adolescents in a small group with group Social Skill Training combined with multi-family parent training

Women’s Health: Dimensions of Depression, Coping Strategies and Social Support Among Infertile Women - A Perspective Review

Procreation is one of the inherited roles of humanity. Failure to achieve this may make society and individuals feel less capable, which can lead to psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression. Infertility is an unpleasant state a couple will never hope for. However, when infertility occurs, a deliberate effort should be made to find solution to it before its effects begin to manifest on the couple. Patriarchal societies prevail in many parts of the world. Therefore, infertility is usually seen as the fault of the women. Hence, the whole blame of infertility is on the women making infertile women to go into depression easily. This study aimed to review perspectively the dimensions of depression, coping strategies, and social support among infertile women. Past relevant literatures from different databases including Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Semantic Scholar, Zenodo, CINAHL, DOAJ, EMBASE, JSTOR, and MEDLINE on the topic were searched online and reviewed. Advancement in technology has been of great benefits to the healthcare system. However, the rigorousness and cost of infertility have to be looked into. Psychological therapy needs to be included in the care of infertile women at gynecology clinics. Of paramount importance is the need for a paradigm shift in the society so as to reduce the incidence and severity of depression among infertile women

Leptin and C-Reactive Protein in Hypertension: Correlation and Risk Factor with Serum Albumin, Globulin and Total Protein

Hypertension is a multifaceted, intricate condition. More than 1.13 billion individuals worldwide are impacted by its prevalence, above 31%. Compared to people without hypertension, those with hypertension are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD) and renal disease. The current research was conducted between August 2024 and March 2025. Two hundred adults aged between 35 and 65 years were recruited for the study and split into two groups. The study includes 100 hypertension (HTN) patients, 40 of whom are male and 60 of whom are female. Additionally, 100 subjects aged 35 to 47 were chosen to serve as the control group (healthy individuals). Using a spectrophotometer, albumin, total proteins, Triglyceride (TG), Cholesterol, High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) were measured. Thermoscientific's Multiskan FC enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to assess leptin and C-reactive protein. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group (p<0.01). CRP levels, an inflammatory marker, were significantly elevated in the patient group and correlated positively with systolic blood pressure, suggesting higher inflammatory activity. Leptin levels were reduced in patients, pointing to potential metabolic disturbances (p<0.01). Leptin shows no correlation with other parameters. Albumin, total protein, and globulin levels were significantly higher in the patient group (p<0.01), which could reflect a compensatory response to inflammation. The A/G ratio was significantly elevated in the patient group (p<0.01) and was negatively correlated with globulin, indicating altered protein metabolism and potentially higher inflammatory or immune system activation

Evaluation of Clipping Versus Bipolar Electrocautery of Cystic Artery in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Background: The widespread use of surgical clips in laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been associated with various complications, including clip slippage, dislodgement, migration, ulceration, and necrosis of the cystic duct, which may lead to bile leakage. In response to these risks, clipless laparoscopic techniques, particularly the use of electrocautery, have been explored. While both monopolar and bipolar diathermy are used for tissue cauterization, monopolar systems pose a higher risk of lateral thermal injury to surrounding structures such as the common bile duct, hepatic artery, and bowel. Bipolar electrocautery, although safer, is not without drawbacks, including smoke generation that may hinder visualization during surgery.Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bipolar electrocautery for controlling the cystic artery during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and to determine whether it is a suitable alternative to conventional clip application.Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 100 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, who were divided into two groups of 50. Group A underwent surgery with clip application to control the cystic artery, while group B used bipolar electrocautery. Postoperative outcomes were assessed over a two-week follow-up period.Results: Mean operative times were 35.19 minutes in group A and 34.18 minutes in group B. Median ages were comparable between groups. One case of intraoperative bleeding occurred in group B and was successfully managed. No major complications or postoperative bleeding were noted in either group.Conclusion: Bipolar electrocautery is a safe and effective alternative to surgical clips for cystic artery control in laparoscopic cholecystectomy