Comparative Efficacy of Chitosan with or Without Honey on Cutaneous Wound Healing in Donkeys

The domesticated donkey, derived from the African wild ass, has played a crucial role in human history for over 5,000 years, serving as a working and pack animal. However, donkeys often suffer from skin wounds and injuries due to various factors, including equipment use, road accidents, and lack of veterinary care. Wound healing is a complex process involving inflammation, proliferation, and maturation phases, with impaired cell proliferation potentially delaying healing. Equines, including donkeys, are particularly susceptible to traumatic skin wounds, with limb wounds healing more slowly due to factors such as tissue loss, contamination, and excessive skin tension. In such cases, wound healing by second intention is common but can lead to complications. Chitosan, a biopolymer derived from the shells of crustaceans, has shown promise in promoting wound healing. It helps with tissue granulation, collagen deposition, and tissue regeneration, while also preventing wound contamination and maintaining a sterile environment. Honey, with its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, is another natural remedy that accelerates wound healing and is often used in combination with chitosan for optimal results. This biologically-based approaches hold potential for improving the healing of donkey wounds and preventing infections, offering safer and more effective alternatives to traditional wound care

Word level Bangla Sign Language Dataset for Continuous BSL Recognition

An robust sign language recognition system can greatly alleviate communication barriers, particularly for people who struggle with verbal communication. This is crucial for human growth and progress as it enables the expression of thoughts, feelings, and ideas. However, sign recognition is a complex task that faces numerous challenges such as same gesture patterns for multiple signs, lighting, clothing, carrying conditions, and the presence of large poses, as well as illumination discrepancies across different views. Additionally, the absence of an extensive Bangla sign language video dataset makes it even more challenging to operate recognition systems, particularly when utilizing deep learning techniques. In order to address this issue, firstly, we created a large-scale dataset called the MVBSL-W50, which comprises 50 isolated words across 13 categories. Secondly, we developed an attention-based Bi-GRU model that captures the temporal dynamics of pose information for individuals communicating through sign language. The proposed model utilizes human pose information, which has shown to be successful in analyzing sign language patterns. By focusing solely on movement information and disregarding body appearance and environmental factors, the model is simplified and can achieve a speedier performance. The accuracy of the model is reported to be 85.64%

Acceptance rates and beliefs toward COVID-19 vaccination among the general population of Pakistan: A cross-sectional survey

Developing countries like Pakistan have previously suffered from barriers to acceptance of vaccination by the public because of financial and belief barriers. This study aims to explore these beliefs and highlight concerns regarding vaccine hesitancy in the general population of Pakistan since they are a hindrance to an effective coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) immunization in the country. A cross-sectional study was performed involving 1,778 participants from all four provinces of Pakistan. Results from the study showed more than half of the participants to be unsure of the safety (50%) and efficacy (51%) of the vaccine, whereas 42% were concerned about the side effects of the vaccine. About 72% of the respondents planned to get vaccinated, whereas 28% refused to do so. Internationally made imported vaccines were more trusted by the participants. Forty-four percent of the participants agreed to receive the vaccine upon recommendation from a physician. Lastly, participants who believed in the efficacy of the polio vaccination also considered the COVID-19 vaccine to be safe and effective

Brugada syndrome unmasked by fever: a comprehensive review of literature

Background: The Brugada pattern is identified on the EKG by a coved ST-segment elevation accompanied by a negative T wave in the early precordial leads in the absence of a cardiac structural abnormality. Brugada pattern and Brugada syndrome should be differentiated, as the latter is associated with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. Methods: The literature was searched using multiple databases to identify all the articles on Brugada pattern. Data were screened and analyzed by independent authors. Results: Sixty articles, comprising 71 patients, were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 42.6 years, with a higher prevalence of Brugada pattern in men (83%) than women (17%). The most frequent findings associated with Brugada pattern was fever (83%). Other less common presentations included cough (21%), sore throat (10%), syncope (18%), abdominal pain (8%), and chest pain (7%). Comorbidities included pneumonia (30%), upper respiratory tract infections (14%) and smoking (14%). Among treatment modalities, 39% of patients had ICD placement performed, 44% received antibiotics, while 14% had supportive care. Adenosine was given to 3% of patients, while other antiarrhythmics like milrinone, amiodarone, sotalol, procainamide, flecainide, and nitroglycerin were given to 1% of patients. Most patients with Brugada syndrome had a satisfactory outcome, with only 4% mortality rate(WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER 11%?). Out of the 71 patients, 3% had persistent Brugada patterns, while 86% of patients recovered completely. There was no significant effect of ICD on mortality or Brugada pattern resolution (p 0.37). Conclusion: Our study shows that fever is the main reason for unmasking the Brugada pattern in patients with this channelopath

Safety and Efficacy of Hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: During the initial phases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic, there was an unfounded fervor surrounding the use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ); however, recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended against routine use of HCQ outside of study protocols citing possible adverse outcomes. Methods: Multiple databases were searched to identify articles on COVID-19. An unadjusted odds ratio (OR) was used to calculate the safety and efficacy of HCQ on a random effect model. Results: Twelve studies comprising 3,912 patients (HCQ 2,512 and control 1400) were included. The odds of all-cause mortality (OR: 2.23, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.58 - 3.13, P value \u3c 0.00001) were significantly higher in patients on HCQ compared to patients on control agent. The response to therapy assessed by negative repeat polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 0.50 - 6.75, P = 0.36), radiological resolution (OR: 1.98, 95% CI: 0.47 - 8.36, P value = 0.36) and the need for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 0.34 - 4.33, P value = 0.76) were identical between the two groups. Overall, four times higher odds of net adverse events (NAEs) were observed in the HCQ group (OR: 4.59, 95% CI 1.73 - 12.20, P value = 0.02). The measures for individual safety endpoints were also numerically lower in the control arm; however, none of these values reached the level of statistical significance. Conclusions: HCQ might offer no benefits in terms of decreasing the viral load and radiological improvement in patients with COVID-19. HCQ appears to be associated with higher odds of all-cause mortality and NAEs

Diagnostic Accuracy of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Versus Fractional Flow Reserve: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Fractional flow reserve (FFR) is considered the gold standard for diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD). Stress Cardiac magnetic resonance (SCMR) has been recently gaining traction as a non-invasive alternative to FFR. Methods: Studies comparing the diagnostic accuracy of SCMR versus FFR were identified and analyzed using Review Manager (RevMan) 5.3 and Stata software. Results: A total of 28 studies, comprising 2,387 patients, were included. The pooled sensitivity and specificity for SCMR were 86% and 86% at the patient level, and 82% and 88% at the vessel level, respectively. When the patient-level data were stratified based on the FFR thresholds, higher sensitivity and specificity (both 90%) were noted with the higher cutoff (0.75) and lower cutoff (0.8), respectively. At the vessel level, sensitivity and specificity at the lower FFR threshold were significantly higher at 88% and 89%, compared to the corresponding values for higher cutoff at 0.75. Similarly, meta-regression analysis of SCMR at higher (3T) resolution showed a higher sensitivity of 87% at the patient level and higher specificity of 90% at the vessel level. The highest sensitivity and specificity of SCMR (92% and 94%, respectively) were noted in studies with CAD prevalence greater than 60%. Conclusions: SCMR has high diagnostic accuracy for CAD comparable to FFR at a spatial resolution of 3T and an FFR cut-off of 0.80. An increase in CAD prevalence further improved the specificity of SCMR

The first case report of an intraosseous epidermoid cyst in the distal phalanx of the index finger with infection resulting in single clubbing finger: A case report and review of the literature

An intraosseous epidermoid cyst at the distal phalanx of the index finger is extremely rare. These cysts are asymptomatic unless ruptured, severely infected, or transformed into malignant squamous cell carcinoma. We present a case of a single clubbing finger in an adult diagnosed with an intraosseous epidermoid cyst in the distal phalanx of the left index finger with no history of pulmonary or cardiovascular diseases. Preoperative MRI showed an expansile lytic lesion with a sclerotic margin. Histopathological examination indicates that there is keratinous cell debris in the cyst with a wall of stratified squamous epithelium, which was the key to the correct diagnosis of an intraosseous epidermoid cyst. Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report and any accompanying images

Structure-based in silico design and in vitro acaricidal activity assessment of Acacia nilotica and Psidium guajava extracts against Sarcoptes scabiei var. cuniculi

Infestation by Sarcoptes scabiei var. cuniculi mite causes scabies in humans and mange in animals. Alternative methods for developing environmentally friendly and effective plant-based acaricides are now a priority. The purpose of this research was the in silico design and in vitro evaluation of the efficacy of ethanol extracts of Acacia nilotica and Psidium guajava plant leaves against S. scabiei. Chem-Draw ultra-software (v. 12.0.2.1076.2010) was used to draw 36 distinct compounds from these plants that were employed as ligands in docking tests against S. scabiei Aspartic protease (SsAP). With docking scores of − 6.50993 and − 6.16359, respectively, clionasterol (PubChem CID 457801) and mangiferin (PubChem CID 5281647) from A. nilotica inhibited the targeted protein SsAP, while only beta-sitosterol (PubChem CID 222284) from P. guajava interacted with the SsAP active site with a docking score of − 6.20532. Mortality in contact bioassay at concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 g/ml was determined to calculate median lethal time (LT50) and median lethal concentration (LC50) values. Acacia nilotica extract had an LC50 value of 0.218 g/ml compared to P. guajava extract, which had an LC50 value of 0.829 g/ml at 6 h. These results suggest that A. nilotica extract is more effective in killing mites, and these plants may have novel acaricidal properties against S. scabiei. Further research should focus on A. nilotica as a potential substitute for clinically available acaricides against resistant mites.Peer reviewe

Techniques and graft materials for repairing peripheral nerve defects

Peripheral nerve defects refer to damage or destruction occurring in the peripheral nervous system, typically affecting the limbs and face. The current primary approaches to address peripheral nerve defects involve the utilization of autologous nerve transplants or the transplantation of artificial material. Nevertheless, these methods possess certain limitations, such as inadequate availability of donor nerve or unsatisfactory regenerative outcomes post-transplantation. Biomaterials have been extensively studied as an alternative approach to promote the repair of peripheral neve defects. These biomaterials include both natural and synthetic materials. Natural materials consist of collagen, chitosan, and silk, while synthetic materials consist of polyurethane, polylactic acid, and polycaprolactone. Recently, several new neural repair technologies have also been developed, such as nerve regeneration bridging technology, electrical stimulation technology, and stem cell therapy technology. Overall, biomaterials and new neural repair technologies provide new methods and opportunities for repairing peripheral nerve defects. However, these methods still require further research and development to enhance their effectiveness and feasibility