Combinations of multivariate statistical analysis and analytical hierarchical process for indexing surface water quality under arid conditions.

Novel methods for water quality indexing increase insight into the fitness of water bodies for different uses. We hypothesized that integrating multivariate statistical analysis (MSA) with the analytical hierarchical process (AHP) may provide a reliable estimation of water quality status. Hence, twenty water samples from canals and drains in the northern Nile Delta, Egypt were collected during summer, autumn, winter, and spring and analyzed.

Impact of continuous positive airway pressure ventilation on cardiovascular outcomes among patients with obstructive sleep apnea: A meta-analysis of randomized trials.

Background: The impact of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on cardiovascular outcomes among patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is controversial.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of CPAP on reducing cardiovascular outcomes in patients with OSA.

Methods: We performed a computerized search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and COCHRANE databases through April 2021 for randomized trials evaluating the impact of CPAP versus control on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with OSA.

Speckle tracking echocardiography can predict subclinical myocardial involvement in patients with sarcoidosis: A meta-analysis.

Background: This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the utility of speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) as a tool to evaluate for cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) early in its course. Electrocardiography and echocardiography have limited sensitivity in this role, while advanced imaging modalities such as cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) are limited by cost and availability.

Methods: We compiled English language articles that reported left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) or global circumferential strain (GCS) in patients with confirmed extra-cardiac sarcoidosis versus healthy controls.

Meta-analysis of randomized trials on percutaneous patent foramen ovale closure for prevention of migraine.

Background: The role of percutaneous patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure for prevention of migraine is controversial.

Methods: We performed a computerised search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and COCHRANE databases through December 2017 for randomised trials evaluating PFO closure versus control in patients with migraine headaches (with or without aura). The main study outcome was the reduction in monthly migraine attacks after PFO closure compared with the control group.

Meta-Analysis of Trials on Prophylactic Use of Levosimendan in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery.

Background: The role of prophylactic levosimendan in patients undergoing cardiac surgery is controversial.

Methods: We performed a computerized search of Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases through September 2017 for randomized trials evaluating the prophylactic use of levosimendan in patients undergoing cardiac surgery (ie, patients without low cardiac output syndrome). The main study outcome was mortality at 30 days.

Meta-Analysis of Cardiovascular Outcomes With Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the main treatment of OSA. The present study explores the impact of CPAP on cardiovascular outcomes.

Toxoplasma Infection in an Immunocompetent Host: Possible Risk of Living with Multiple Cats.

A 32-year-old man presented with agitation, headache, and confusion. He was immunocompetent and had been living with multiple cats for many years. His vital signs were stable.

Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials on Remote Ischemic Conditioning During Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Ischemia/reperfusion injury adversely affects the final infarct size (IS) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Few studies have evaluated the role of remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) in reducing ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, the results of these studies were not consistent, and an overview of overall effectiveness of this technique in patients with STEMI is lacking.

Intracoronary Eptifibatide During Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Early Versus Late Presenters with ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Randomized Trial.

Introduction: The role of intracoronary (IC) eptifibatide in primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and whether time of patient presentation affects this role are unclear. We sought to evaluate the benefit of IC eptifibatide use during primary PCI in early STEMI presenters compared to late STEMI presenters.

Methods: We included 70 patients who presented with STEMI and were eligible for PPCI.

Right Heart Catheterization Through Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava, an Extremely Rare Procedure and Review of Current Literature.

Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is encountered occasionally during angiographic procedures. It usually coexists with right superior vena cava and drains to the right atrium through the coronary sinus, but multiple variations are described. Although PLSVC is extensively reported in the literature, there are very few articles addressing right heart catheterization in patients with isolated PLSVC.

The Controversies of Hyponatraemia in Hypothyroidism: Weighing the evidence.

Hyponatraemia is a common electrolyte disturbance, with moderate (serum sodium: 125-129 mmol/L) to severe (serum sodium: ≤125 mmol/L) forms of the disease occurring in 4-15% of hospitalised patients. While it is relatively common, determining the underlying cause of this condition can be challenging and may require extensive laboratory investigations. To this end, it is important to ascertain the efficacy of laboratory tests in determining the cause of hyponatraemia.

Probable hydrochlorothiazide-induced myopericarditis: first case reported.

Hydrochlorothiazide has never been reported as a reason for myopericarditis. An African American female, with past history of hypertension, coronary artery disease, and sulfa allergy, presented with indolent onset and retrosternal chest pain which was positional, pleuritic, and unresponsive to sublingual nitroglycerin. Her medications included hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) which was started three months ago for uncontrolled hypertension.

Effect of Compliance With a Nurse-Led Intensive Care Unit Checklist on Clinical Outcomes in Mechanically and Nonmechanically Ventilated Patients.

Background: Use of checklists brings about improvements in a variety of patient outcomes. Nevertheless, whether compliance with a nurse-led intensive care unit (ICU) checklist produces the same effect is currently unknown.

Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of data obtained during the implementation of a quality improvement project consisting of the utilization of a nurse-led ICU checklist.