Corporate Personhood: Possibilities for Progressive, Trans-Doctrinal Legal Reform

Kent Greenfield’s Corporations Are People Too (And They Should Act Like It) reclaims the legal theory of corporate personhood from the conservative right and champions it for the progressive left. Greenfield argues that corporate personhood, properly construed, can further progressive goals by limiting certain corporate powers, increasing corporate accountability, and enabling corporate management to govern in the interests of all stakeholders. Greenfield advances a progressive account of corporate personhood and elaborates its implementation in constitutional law and in corporate law. This symposium response extends Greenfield’s conception of corporate person-hood to related questions in securities law and tort law. This is a first step in-tended to advance a legal reform project that further translates corporate personhood into a coherent doctrine that reaches across U.S. law

Les pseudo-verbes dans le dialecte de Benghazi : valeurs possessives et non possessives

Cet article vise à étudier les valeurs possessives et non possessives des pseudo-verbes (désormais des relateurs) présentes dans le dialecte de Benghazi. L’ensemble des dialectes maghrébins, dont le dialecte de Benghazi fait partie, emploient le relateur ‘ind dans la construction possessive. Néanmoins, les Benghaziens expriment aussi la possession par plusieurs autres relateurs qui ont à l’origine des valeurs différentes : comitative, dative, directionnelle et locative. Ces relateurs ont subi une évolution sémantique qui leur permet d’être employés comme expérientiels (‘ind, fī, bī), existentiels (fī, ‘ind), modaux (‘ind, šōr, fī) et attributifs (‘ind, šōr, bī, fī, m‘a). Le recours à tel ou tel relateur dépend de facteurs sémantiques et syntaxiques. Nous nous interrogeons dans cet article sur la différence entre les relateurs dans leurs emplois possessifs et dans les valeurs qu’ils visent à remplir sous une perspective cognitive

A Rare Occurrence of Ectopic Parathyroid Carcinoma Presenting as a Case of Recurrent Fractures

Ectopic parathyroid tumors are uncommon, accounting for only 6% of parathyroid adenomas, and even fewer cases are attributed to parathyroid carcinomas. While ectopic parathyroid carcinoma in the anterior mediastinum is a rare condition, the occurrence of recurrent skeletal fractures in the presence of mild hypercalcemia is even rarer. In this report, we present the case of a 52-year-old man with a medical history of hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and a previous right-sided intertrochanteric fracture of the femur one year earlier. He presented to the emergency room with left-sided hip pain and shortness of breath due to volume overload. Laboratory tests revealed mild hypercalcemia and hyperparathyroidism, with normal vitamin D levels. An X-ray showed a left neck of femur fracture. Further evaluation with a three-phase skeletal scintigraphy indicated the presence of metabolic bone disease. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the chest revealed a solitary soft tissue nodule in the anterior mediastinum, representing an ectopic parathyroid adenoma. The lesion was successfully removed using video-assisted thoracic surgery, and the histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of parathyroid carcinoma. The combination of mild hypercalcemia and recurrent fractures is an unusual presentation of ectopic parathyroid carcinoma, underscoring the importance of considering this condition as a potential cause in similar cases to ensure timely and appropriate treatment

Laparoscopic approach for huge benign ovarian cyst in woman with history of previous 5 laparotomies (including 4 cesarean section)

An adnexal mass (mass of the ovary, fallopian tube, or surrounding connective tissues) is a common gynecologic problem. In the United States, it is estimated that there is a 5 to 10% lifetime risk for women undergoing surgery for a suspected ovarian neoplasm. Adnexal masses may be found in females of all ages, from fetuses to older adults, and there are a wide variety of types of masses.  Today, the surgical treatment has become more conservative and less invasive; hence, a laparoscopic approach in the presence of benign cysts has become a golden standard. In the past, patients with previous abdominal surgery were discouraged from undergoing laparoscopic surgery because of its increased risk of bowel injury caused by needle and trocar insertion. Complications occur two times more frequently in patients with previous laparotomy in a study of long series. The potential risk for injury of organs adherent to the abdominal wall during veress needle or trocar insertion as well as the necessity for adhesiolysis and its attendant complications are the two major specific problems constraining surgeons from performing laparoscopic cystectomy/ oophorectomy for patients with previous abdominal surgery. Herein, we report a case of a 32-year-old woman P4 + 2 with history of previous four cesarean section and a following laparotomy for interval sterilization presented to our clinic with abdominal mass, discovered by ultrasound scan, managed by a laparoscopic approach.Keywords: Benign ovarian cyst, laparoscopy, ovary, previous cesarean section, previous laparotom

Stress-induced behavioral changes in Iraqi dentistry academics during the COVID-19 outbreak

Introduction: Studies of dental practitioners performed around the world demonstrate that COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacts their daily activities lives, social functions, and health-care providing duties. The aim of the study is to evaluate the pandemic-induced psychological stress and associated factors on dental academics in Iraq.Methods: We conduct an observational study using a self-administered survey to obtain data from dental academics in many colleges of dentistry within Baghdad city. A closed-ended questionnaire was utilized, to assess post-traumatic responses to particular events. The Impact of Event Scale was used to assess the level of stress in the first of two outcomes. The second depicts the effects of COVID-19 on behavioral changes.Results: A total of 108 participants from seven colleges in Bagdad responded. About 38% reported a state of severe stress, 46.3% showed moderate stress, and 13.9% complained of mild states of stress. Stress levels were found to be substantially linked to fear of infection, worries about professional responsibilities, and limited mobility.Conclusion: The pandemic stress induces psychological and behavioral changes on the Iraqi dental educators, which can never be eliminated

Prognosis of Severe Covid-19 patients after treatment with Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE)

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the effective role of plasmapheresis in the treatment of Cytokine Release Syndrome associated with severe Covid 19 pneumonia. INTRODUCTION: Covid-19 disease is a deadly contagious disease with milder symptoms to a more severe form with acute respiratory failure, septic shock leading to even death. Literature study showed  that  in severe  Covid-19  patients, a hyper-inflammatory response  to  initial  infection could accelerate  to  severe  hyper-cytokinaemia that  could  lead to  an  underlying endothelial  dysfunction and multiple organ dysfunction. Thus, removal of these inflammatory cytokines by Therapeutic Plasma Exchange is considered to be an essential part of the treatment of critically ill patients in order to improve their survival rates. METHODOLOGY:  Retrospective observational study which included 150 RT-PCR positive patients admitted in Covid ITC, from the time period of 1st February 2021 to 31st July 2021 –removed for blind review---Data was analyzed using SPSS software version 16. Frequencies were calculated along with mean and standard deviation. Chi square and ANOVA test was applied to the data. P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Linear regression study was applied to predict the prognosis. RESULTS: Out of 150 patients, 51 patients (34%) were of severe ARDS category of whom 13 (25.5%) developed Cytokine Release Syndrome. They received plasmapheresis therapy subsequently and 7 out of those 13 (53.8%) patients got improved. P- value was found to be significant ( <0.05). Overall, the mortality rate was low with 120/150 (80%) getting discharged successfully. CONCLUSION:  Our findings suggest that Therapeutic plasma exchange is beneficial in Cytokine storm caused by SARS-CoV2 removing the inflammatory cytokines and improving symptoms, thereby, avoiding intubation. KEY WORDS: , Therapeutic plasma exchange, Hypercytokinaemia, Cytokine Release Syndrom

Incidence of Yersinia enterocolitica in raw farm and market milk sample

Objectives: This study was applied to investigate the incidence of Yersinia enterocolitica in raw farm and market milk and studying the quality drawbacks which might happen in milk as a result of its existence.Design: Observation study.Samples: One hundred raw milk samples.Procedures: Fifty bulk tank milk (BTM), 25 individual milk & 25 market milk samples were collected from various dairy farms and supermarkets in Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt. The quality assessment of the samples began with evaluating the milk physical characteristics including color, odor, pH and the titratable acidity that reflected the hygienic quality of milk production on farm levels. Then the samples were directed for biochemical and microbiological examination with subsequent PCR approach.Results: The range of titratable acidity started from 0.11 – 0.20 % lactic acid with a mean value of 0.15 ± 0.004. While for microbiological examination of the samples by using the conventional methods of cultivation on (CIN) agar medium, 33 presumptive Yersinia isolates were recovered and intended for biochemical tests among which 5 out of these latter isolates were confirmed as Y. enterocolitica by applying PCR, through detecting the presence of 16srRNA gene. Also, this study evaluates not only the public health of consumers concerning the titratable acidity of the examined samples, but also the economic importance of these retailed samples in supermarkets; as Y. enterocolitica could be transmitted through the consumption of raw milk. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance: The Y. enterocolitica incidence was 29% in the examined raw farm and market milk samples

DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS CHARACTERISTICS AND DIFFERENCES IN TYPE 1 VERSUS TYPE 2 DIABETES PATIENTS

Background: Diabetes is undoubtedly one of the most challenging health problems of the 21st century. It is well known that diabetes once develop can lead to several complications. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is one of the life-threatening complications of diabetes. This study was designed to determine the frequency of DKA in diabetes patients and find out the clinical and biochemical determinants of DKA. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) Karachi, Pakistan from January 2010 to February 2016. All known or newly diagnosed diabetic patients of \u3e16 years of age irrespective of gender and type of diabetes were included. Information regarding patient’s demographics, presenting symptoms, precipitating causes of DKA, biochemical profiles and outcome at the time of discharge was collected. Results: Majority (54.7%) had moderate and 12.4% had severe DKA at presentation. Previous history of DKA was found higher in type 1 diabetes patients (T1DM) (14%) as compare to (4%) type 2 diabetes patients (T2DM) (p\u3c0.05). DKA severity was observed more (12%) in newly diagnosed (T1DM) (p\u3c0.05). Comorbidities were found more (81%) in (T2DM) (p\u3c0.05) Mortality was also observed higher in Type 2 diabetes patients (p\u3c0.05). Conclusion: Majority of the diabetics had moderate to severe DKA at presentation. Mortality and morbidity related with DKA was found considerably higher among patients with T2DM while infection, myocardial infarction and stroke found as triggering factors in these patients

Role of Dexmedetomidine by Improving Sleep Quality and Pain Control in Covid-19 Patients

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the effective role of Dexmedetomidine as a sedative and analgesic agent in Covid-19 patients when used in conjunction with the established treatment of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.  INTRODUCTION: Covid-19 disease is a deadly contagious disease with milder symptoms to a more severe form with acute respiratory failure, septic shock leading to even death. Literature study shows High Flow Nasal Oxygen therapy and prolonged prone position sessions to be beneficial in the treatment of ARDS, however, to facilitate those sessions, a sedative and anxiolytic agent must be added in the treatment. Therefore, this study was conducted to document the beneficial role of dexmedetomidine as a sedative agent.  METHODOLOGY: Retrospective observational study which included 150 PCR positive patients admitted in Covid ITC, from 1st February 2021 to 31st July 2021 residing in the premises of PAF Air Base, Mushaf, Sargodha. Data was analyzed using SPSS software.   RESULTS: Out of 150 patients, 120 (80%) were treated with High Flow Nasal Oxygen (HFNO), Dexmedetomidine infusion (DEXME) and long periods of prone position (PP) sessions. Among these 120 patients, 88 (73.3%) were discharged while 32 (26.67%) patients died of which 7 (21.875%) died while being on HFNO therapy and 25 (78.125%) patients were intubated. DEXME infusion was found to have a positive outcome (P-value <0.005) in the treatment of moderate to severe ARDS.  CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that DEXME infusion is beneficial in moderate to severe ARDS caused by SARS-CoV2  when given along with HFNO therapy and prolonged PP sessions, thereby, avoiding intubation. 

Current Diagnostic Techniques for Pneumonia:A Scoping Review

Community-acquired pneumonia is one of the most lethal infectious diseases, especially for infants and the elderly. Given the variety of causative agents, the accurate early detection of pneumonia is an active research area. To the best of our knowledge, scoping reviews on diagnostic techniques for pneumonia are lacking. In this scoping review, three major electronic databases were searched and the resulting research was screened. We categorized these diagnostic techniques into four classes (i.e., lab-based methods, imaging-based techniques, acoustic-based techniques, and physiological-measurement-based techniques) and summarized their recent applications. Major research has been skewed towards imaging-based techniques, especially after COVID-19. Currently, chest X-rays and blood tests are the most common tools in the clinical setting to establish a diagnosis; however, there is a need to look for safe, non-invasive, and more rapid techniques for diagnosis. Recently, some non-invasive techniques based on wearable sensors achieved reasonable diagnostic accuracy that could open a new chapter for future applications. Consequently, further research and technology development are still needed for pneumonia diagnosis using non-invasive physiological parameters to attain a better point of care for pneumonia patients