An Estimate of the Incidence of Prostate Cancer in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Prostate cancer (PCa) is rated the second most common cancer and sixth leading cause of cancer deaths among men globally. Reports show that African men suffer disproportionately from PCa compared to men from other parts of the world. It is still quite difficult to accurately describe the burden of PCa in Africa due to poor cancer registration systems.We systematically reviewed the literature on prostate cancer in Africa and provided a continentwide incidence rate of PCa based on available data in the regio

International lower limb collaborative (INTELLECT) study: a multicentre, international retrospective audit of lower extremity open fractures

Trauma remains a major cause of mortality and disability across the world1, with a higher burden in developing nations2. Open lower extremity injuries are devastating events from a physical3, mental health4, and socioeconomic5 standpoint. The potential sequelae, including risk of chronic infection and amputation, can lead to delayed recovery and major disability6. This international study aimed to describe global disparities, timely intervention, guideline-directed care, and economic aspects of open lower limb injuries

Microsensors, MEMS, and Smart Devices

Microsensors and MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) are revolutionising the semiconductor industry. A microsystem or the so-called "system-on-a-chip" combines microelectronic circuitry with microsensors and microactuators. This emergent field has seen the development of applications ranging from the electronic nose and intelligent ear to micro-tweezers and the modern ink-jet nozzle. Providing a complete overview of microsensor technologies, this unique reference addresses vital integration issues for the successful application of microsensors, MEMS and smart devices. Features include: Review of traditional and emerging fabrication processes including bulk and silicon micromachining, microstereolithography and polymer processing methods. Focus on the use of IDT (interdigital transducer) microsensors in the development of low energy budget, wireless MEMS or micromachines. Coverage of the katest applications in smart devices including the electronic nose, tongue and finger, along with smart sensors and strcutures such as smart skin. An overview of the development of intelligent sensing devices through the use of sensor arrays, parametric compensation of sensor sugnals and ASIC technology. Comprehensive appendices outlining vital MEMS material properties, relevant web sites and a guide to key institutions active in the field. Microsensors, MEMS and Smart Devices presents readers with the means to understand and evaluate microsystems. Advanced students and researchers in microelectronics, engineers and developers of microsensor systems will find this comprehensive treatment essential reading. Detailed coverage of material properties makes this an important reference work for mechnical engineers, physicists and material scientists working in the field

Pattern and Incidence of Cancer in Red Sea State, Sudan

Objective: To study the incidence rate and the pattern of cancer in Red Sea State, Sudan. Methods: All the diagnosed cancer cases were recorded from the histopathology laboratory, Almawani Hospital, Red Sea State, Sudan during the period November 2003 to November 2006. The cancers were classified according to the organs affected and then ranked in their order of relative frequency. The mean age, age range, male to female ratio, the incidence rate and the age standardized rate were also calculated. Results: The incidence rate of cancer was 12.7 per 100,000. Females were twice affected as males. The mean age of presentation was 48 years. The age standardized rate was 41.5 per 100,000. The most common cancers are breast, cervical, head and neck, gastrointestinal and skin cancer. In females, the most frequent types were breast, cervical, head and neck cancers and female genital system cancers. The most common cancers in males were head and neck, skin, soft tissue and gastrointestinal cancers. Conclusion: Females\' cancers, especially breast cancers and cervical cancers, were the most common types of malignancies in the general population. This necessitates the establishment of screening program to all women in their reproductive life for these cancers. Keywords: Prevalence, malignancies, Africa, Middle EastSudan Journal of Medical Sciences Vol. 2 (2) 2007: pp. 115-11

Pancreaticobiliary versus head and neck presentation of immunoglobulin G4-related disease: different sides of the same coin?

Background and study aim Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a rare immune mediated fibroinflammatory condition. Pancreaticobiliary (PB) and head and neck (HN) are two of the most commonly involved anatomical sites. It has been postulated that PB IgG4-RD and HN IgG4-RD have distinct clinical phenotypes. Whether the optimum treatment regimen or response to therapy differs between them is unknown. We aimed to assess differences between PB and HN IgG4-RD in a cohort of IgG4 disease managed by an IgG4-RD multispecialty team.Methods We performed a retrospective study of a prospectively maintained multidisciplinary IgG4-RD database to identify patients diagnosed with PB and HN IgG4-RD (based on initial presentation) between 2005 and 2019. The electronic patient records were reviewed. Use of immunosuppressive agents and clinical course was analysed.Results 60 patients with PB IgG4-RD and 14 with HN IgG4-RD were included in the study. PB IgG4-RD was associated with older age at diagnosis 64 versus 51 years (p<0.001), higher serum IgG4 level as a multiple of upper limit of normal median (IQR) 2 (1–3.75) vs 1 (1–2), (p=0.04) and greater proportion with more than one organ involved 68% vs 33% (p=0.03). HN IgG4-RD was more likely to receive second-line therapy 71% versus 36% (p=0.03). Persistent elevation of serum IgG4 after therapy was more common in PB IgG4-RD 84% versus 43% (p=0.03).Conclusion These findings support the contention that PB IgG4-RD and HN IgG4-RD have different clinical profiles and represent distinct subtypes of IgG4-RD