Chronic Hepatitis B, C, And Stroke; Association and Pathophysiology

Background and Objectives: Hepatitis infection may raise the incidence of stroke and other cerebrovascular abnormalities, according to several studies. However, its association is controversial. This review looked to compile the most recent research on the relationship between HBV and HCV, atherosclerosis, and stroke. Methods:This article reviews the literature on the connection between hepatitis B and C viruses with stroke and atherosclerosis. The search included articles from PubMed, PakMediNet, and Google Scholar, as well as a Medline search using specific keywords and MeSH terms. A total of 2655 articles were identified. Out of these 2655 articles we identified 134 articles in English for review. These 134 articles comprised of original studies, individual case studies, and retrospective cohorts. The review included original research, individual case reports, and retrospective cohorts published after 1990. Studies addressing co-infection with HIV were excluded. Results:After the screening, many articles were selected which included several topics of discussion under the said heading. The studies were closely examined to gather pertinent information relevant to the review\u27s objectives. Most of the literature emphasized the link between chronic hepatitis and the risk of stroke. Conclusion: Although current evidence does tilt the scale in favor of hepatitis-causing cerebrovascular disease, this review study has some limitations, such as the lack of prospective cohorts and limited evidence for the natural history of hepatitis patients in relation to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases

GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY - MASS SPECTROMETRY (GC-MS) IN ORGANIC GEOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATION OF CRUDE OILS FROM KIKINDA AND VELEBIT FIELDS IN SERBIA

In this work two crude oil samples were investigated to present the difference between biodegraded (Velebit) and non-degraded (Kikinda) oil. Two samples are from the Velebit oil–gas field and the Kikinda oil-gas field. These are two of the largest oil and gas deposits in the Serbian part of the Pannonian Basin. In the experimental part of this work, two samples of crude oil were separated by column chromatography. Saturated hydrocarbons were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry instruments. Based on the abundance and distribution of biomarkers, it could be conclude that the distribution is typical of oil in both samples, with difference in the distribution of n-alkane. GC-MS chromatogram of n-alkanes and isoprenoids of saturated fraction isolated from Velebit crude oil show the distribution typical of oils altered by biodegradation

Estimated Worldwide Mortality Attributed to Secondhand Tobacco Smoke Exposure, 1990-2016

Importance: The World Health Organization estimates that the 1 billion individuals who smoke worldwide contribute to the 880 000 secondhand smoke (SHS)-related deaths among individuals who do not smoke each year. A better understanding of the scale of harm of SHS to those who do not smoke could increase awareness of the consequences of smoking and help to design measures to protect individuals who do not smoke, especially children. Objective: To calculate the number of individuals who smoke associated with the death of 1 individual who died of SHS exposure both on a global scale and in various World Bank regions. Design, Setting, and Participants: In this cross-sectional epidemiologic assessment, data from Our World in Data were used to tabulate the number of individuals who smoke in each country and number of premature deaths related to SHS in that country from 1990 to 2016. The mean number of cigarettes consumed in all countries was also included in analyses. Data were collected for the following World Bank regions: North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe and Central Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and East Asia and the Pacific from 1990 and 2016. Statistical analysis was conducted in July 2019. Exposure: Secondhand smoke. Main Outcomes and Measures: The pack-year index, calculated as the number of pack-years associated with the death of 1 individual who does not smoke but was exposed to SHS, and the SHS index, calculated as the number of individuals who smoked for 24 years (ie, the mean duration of smoking) associated with the death of 1 individual who does not smoke. Results: Globally, the SHS index changed favorably, from 31.3 (95% CI, 30.6-32.0) individuals who smoked associated with the death of 1 individual who did not smoke in 1990 to 52.3 (95% CI, 51.2-53.5) individuals who smoked in 2016. There was a wide regional variation in the 2016 secondhand smoke index, from 42.6 (95% CI, 41.6-43.5) individuals who smoked in the Middle East and North Africa to 85.7 (95% CI, 83.8-87.7) individuals who smoked in North America. Worldwide, the pack-year index also changed favorably from 751.9 (95% CI, 736.3-770.7) pack-years associated with 1 death in 1990 to 1255.9 (95% CI, 1227.2-1284.4) pack-years in 2016. Conclu

Association of a Public Health Campaign About Coronavirus Disease 2019 Promoted by News Media and a Social Influencer With Self-reported Personal Hygiene and Physical Distancing in the Netherlands

Importance: In the absence of a vaccine and therapeutic agent, personal hygiene and physical distancing are essential measures to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Objective: To determine whether a social media campaign, targeted at the gaps in behavior on personal hygiene and physical distancing and distributed nationwide via digital news media, may be an effective method to improve behavior and help to inhibit person-to-person transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Design, Setting, and Participants: This survey study was designed to uncover self-reported gaps in behavior regarding personal hygiene and physical distancing in the Netherlands. A diagnostic survey was distributed by a large national newspaper (De Telegraaf) and a popular social influencer (Govert Sweep) on March 17, 2020, and was completed by 16 072 participants. Analysis of these outcomes showed that coughing and sneezing in the elbow was done well, but that handwashing, face touching, and physical distancing showed serious gaps compared with advised behavior. This diagnostic information was used to design infographics and a video targeted at repairing these gaps in behavior. The video and infographics were distributed on a national level on March 21, 2020, followed by a postcampaign survey to measure the results on March 24, 2020. Data analysis was performed from March to April 2020. Exposure: Exposed participants were those who viewed the infographics and/or video. Main Outcomes and Measures: Improvement on the extent of handwashing in all areas, handwashing duration of 20 seconds or longer, awareness on face touching, and physical distancing were measured according to responses on the postcampaign survey. Results: A total of 17 189 participants (mean [SD] age, 47.61 [13.57] years; 9100 women [52.9%]) responded to the postcampaign survey. The news article in De Telegraaf was read more than 2 million times, and the influencer video was watched more than 80 000 times. Cross-sectional analysis of the postcampaign survey using logistic regression correcting for age, gender, and educational level showed that exposure to the video plus infographics (827 participants) (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.14; 95% CI, 1.83-2.50; P < .001) and to the infographics alone (11 348 participants) (adjusted OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.22-1.40; P < .001) were positively associated with washing hands in all areas compared with the unexposed group (4751 participants). In addition, exposure to the video plus infographics (adjusted OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.59-2.16; P < .001) and to the infographics alone (adjusted OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.19-1.36; P < .001) were positively associated with washing hands long enough compared with the unexposed group. Exposure to the video alone was not associated with improved handwashing. Compared with the unexposed group, exposure to the infographics alone and video plus infographics were associated with improvements in physical distancing when the participant had COVID-19 syptoms (infographics alone, adjusted OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.03-1.17; P = .006; video plus infographics, adjusted OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.69-0.91; P = .001) and face touching

Effect of using Licorice Powder (Glycyrrhiza Glabra) Supplemented with Drinking Water at Two Different Doses in Serum Lipid Profile and Blood Proteins of Local Female Rabbit

This study was conducted to elucidate the effects of administration of Glyeyrhiza Glabra (licorice powder) supplemented with drinking water in serum lipid profile, proteins of local female rabbits.This experiment was carried at the animal farm, college of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad from 1st May to 30th June 2013. Twenty one local female rabbits included in this study at age of approximately 3-4 months, divided randomly and equally (7each) (body weight was considered) into three groups, first group (untreated) kept as control (C), second group administrated licorice powder (GG) with drinking water and in a rang of 1.75 gm/day, third group also administrated (GG) with drinking water in a rang of 3.5 gm/day administration regime was continued up to end of experiment, all groups were offered alfalfa with concentrate diet and water freely.Blood samples were collected by heart puncture method biweekly and serum samples were obtained to carry out the biochemical test, serum total cholesterol concentration (TC), serum triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein – cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein – cholesterol (LDL-C), total serum protein, albumin, and globulin. The result of administration Glycyrrhiza Glabra (licorice powder) with drinking water revealed statistically significant differences (P&lt;0.05) and remarkable effect between treated and untreated groups for all biochemical parameter on serum lipid profile, serum proteins. Therefore, it could be concluded from this study that using of Glycyrrhiza Glabra (licorice powder) to treated groups it could contribute in decline the blood serum lipids, increase serum total protein and it's fractions, improving animal health when compared with untreated groups. Keywords : Licorice , proteins , powder , health , lipid .

Are trauma surgery simulation courses beneficial in low‐ and middle‐income countries—a systematic review and meta‐analysis

Despite trauma-related injuries being a leading cause of death worldwide, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) lack the infrastructure and resources required to offer immediate surgical care, further perpetuating the risk of morbidity and mortality. In high-income countries, trauma surgery simulation courses are routinely delivered to surgeons, teaching the fundamental skills of operative trauma. This study aimed to assess whether similar courses are beneficial in LMICs and how they can be improved. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis using MEDLINE, Embase and Google Scholar, analysing studies evaluating trauma surgery simulation in LMICs. The outcomes measured included clinical knowledge improvement, participant confidence and general course-feedback. The review was carried out in-line with PRISMA guidelines. Five studies were included, summating a population of 172 participants. In three studies, meta-analysis showed an overall significant weighted mean improvement of knowledge post-course by 22.91% (95%CI 19.53, 26.29; p &lt; 0.00001; I2 = 0%). One study reported a significant increase in participant confidence for 20/22 of operative skills taught (p &lt; 0.04). We conclude that these courses are beneficial in LMICs; however, further research is necessary to establish the optimum course design, and whether patient outcomes are improved following their implementation. Collaboration between international trauma institutions is essential for closing the educational resource inequality gap between higher- and lower-income countries

The Efficacy of Honey Compared to Silver Sulfadiazine for Burn Wound Dressing in Superficial and Partial Thickness Burns—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Burn dressings play a vital role in protecting the patient from infection and aiding in the wound healing process. At present, the best burn wound dressing remains unknown. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of honey versus silver sulfadiazine dressing (SSD) for the treatment of superficial and partial thickness burns. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis using the PubMed, MEDLINE and Embase databases to find relevant randomised control trials (RCTs) for inclusion. The outcomes measures included complete burn wound healing time, the proportion of wounds rendered sterile and subjective pain relief associated with the respective dressing type. This review was completed in line with PRISMA guidelines and has been registered with PROSPERO (Study ID: CRD42022337433). All studies in the English language that assessed honey versus SSD for patients with superficial or partial thickness burns were included. Quality and risk of bias assessments were performed using the Cochrane RoB2 tool. Seven studies were identified: totalling a population of 582 patients. From three studies, meta-analysis showed no significant difference in complete wound healing time (p = 0.06). Meta-analysis from five studies highlighted an overall significant difference favouring honey dressing in the proportion of wounds rendered sterile at day 7 post-injury (OR 10.80; 95% CI [5.76, 20.26]; p 2 = 88%). We conclude that honey dressings may be as or more effective than SSD in the treatment of superficial and partial thickness burn injuries. However, due to the low quality of available studies in this field, further research is necessary to establish the optimum burn dressing. Ideally, this should be conducted in the form of prospective three-arm RCTs in accordance with the CONSORT statement

Cutaneous signs of selected cardiovascular disorders: A narrative review

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally. Clinicians must know cutaneous signs of cardiovascular disease, including petechiae, macules, purpura, lentigines, and rashes. Although cutaneous manifestations of diseases like infectious endocarditis and acute rheumatic fever are well established, there is an indispensable need to evaluate other important cardiovascular diseases accompanied by cutaneous signs. Moreover, discussing the latest management strategies in this regard is equally imperative. This review discusses distinctive skin findings that help narrow the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases and recommendations on appropriate treatment

Artificial Intelligence in oral medicine

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized various fields, including healthcare, by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning, and patient care. In the field of oral medicine, AI has emerged as a powerful tool with the potential to transform dental practice and improve patient outcomes. This study aims to investigate the perceptions and attitudes of dentists towards the integration of AI in oral medicine. A sample size of 200 dentists was recruited for this study. A structured questionnaire was developed to gather data on their knowledge, experience, and opinions regarding AI in oral medicine. The questionnaire included items related to dentists' familiarity with AI technologies, perceived benefits and challenges of AI integration, and their willingness to adopt AI in their practice. Analysis of the data revealed that the majority of dentists had a basic understanding of AI and its applications in oral medicine. They recognized the potential of AI to improve diagnostic accuracy, streamline treatment planning, and enhance patient communication. However, concerns were raised regarding the reliability of AI algorithms, data security and privacy, and the potential impact on the dentist-patient relationship. The study findings indicate a generally positive attitude towards the integration of AI in oral medicine among the surveyed dentists