Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Tests and Electroencephalogram Results Among Cirrhotic Patients.

: Patients with cirrhosis who seem normal during physical examinations may still have abnormalities in their electroencephalogram (EEG) or show pathological results in neuropsychological tests. This study aimed to investigate the progression of minimal hepatic encephalopathy, its effects on quality of life, its prognostic value, and its significance for daily functioning. : This study involved 50 patients with confirmed cirrhosis (28 Child A, 12 Child B, 10 Child C) who were assessed for psychological symptoms and underwent several tests: the Minimal Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Letter Cancellation Test, the Digit Symbol Coding Test, and EEG.

Chemical castration in dogs using calcium chloride: effects on testicular hemodynamics and semen characteristic and serum levels of testosterone.

Dog overpopulation and stray dogs are global issues that are detrimental to public health and animal welfare. Thus, the goal of the current study was to provide alternatives for surgical castration. Therefore, calcium chloride was employed in this study, which might be an option for castration.

Surgical Evaluation of Autologous Platelet-rich Fibrin Membrane as a Coverage Layer in Repair of Urethrocutaneous Fistula after Hypospadias Surgeries: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Purpose: It has recently been reported that the use of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) as an extralayer over the urethroplasty has been related to a considerable reduction in fistula rates. Due to the lack of evidence supporting the usage of PRF in urethrocutaneous fistula (UCF) repair, we conducted this study to evaluate the efficacy of PRF in patients with UCF.

Materials And Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled study on patients with distal fistula after hypospadias repair.

Influences of Bacillus pumilus SA388 as an environmentally friendly antibiotic alternative on growth performance, blood biochemistry, immunology, cecal microbiota, and meat quality in broiler chickens.

The widespread use of antibiotics causes the development of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, which have a severe impact on poultry productivity and human health. As a result, research is continuing to develop safe natural antibiotic alternatives. In the current study, Bacillus pumilus SA388 was isolated from the chicken feces and confirmed to be a probiotic.

Effect of using gamification and augmented reality in mechanical ventilation unit of critical care nursing on nurse students' knowledge, motivation, and self-efficacy: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Gamification and augmented reality (AR) are innovative teaching modalities. Research on the effects of combining these two strategies in nursing education is scarce.

Objectives: To examine the effect of the combined use of gamification and AR in teaching mechanical ventilation (MV) on nurse students' knowledge, motivation, self-efficacy, and satisfaction.

Determining the role of statins in Parkinson's disease risk reduction and disease modification: A comprehensive meta-analysis of 4 million participants' data.

Background: Many observational studies have examined the association between statins and the incidence of Parkinson's disease (PD) in high-risk populations. On the other hand, clinical trials as well as other observational studies investigated the safety and efficacy of statins in slowing disease progression in PD patients. However, the evidence has been inconclusive in both questions.

Prescription Patterns of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes and Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fracture Admitted to a Tertiary Care Centre in Ontario, Canada.

Objectives: Our aim in this study was to assess early adoption patterns of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in eligible patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and heart failure with reduced ejection fracture (HFrEF), and to identify gaps in practice.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients with T2DM and HFrEF admitted with decompensated heart failure to The Ottawa Hospital under cardiology or general internal medicine from June 2019 to May 2021. Patterns were assessed at 8-month intervals (1 period before release of the Diabetes Canada 2020 guidelines and 2 periods afterward).

Surgical Repair of Common Arterial Trunk With Ventriculoarterial Septal Defect and Dual Orifice Truncal Valve.

We present a case of a rare example of a ventriculo-arterial septal defect found in a patient with a common arterial trunk, with balanced aortic and pulmonary components, but with separate valvar orifices within the common truncal valve. We managed the lesion using a two-patch approach. Performing a palliative procedure to relieve the elevated right ventricular pressure aided in the preservation of the pulmonary component of the common valve.

Late-Onset Leigh Syndrome With Protracted Gastrointestinal Manifestations: A Rare Case Report.

Although Leigh syndrome (LS) is a neurodegenerative disorder of infancy, adult-onset LS has also been rarely reported. We report a case of late-onset LS in a 42-year-old female who presented with protracted gastrointestinal manifestations, chronic headaches, ataxia, and loss of consciousness. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed hyperintensities in the bilateral basal ganglia and brain stem.

Enhanced gas separation performance for H purification using MIL-68(ln)-nh/PES mixed-matrix membranes.

The growing demand for sustainable and efficient gas separation technologies has prompted the exploration of advanced materials to enhance the gas permeability and selectivity. Polyethersulfone (PES) membranes are widely used in gas separation, gas upgrading, and clean energy production owing to their environmental friendliness and low cost. However, their gas permeability and selectivity can be further improved for commercial application.

A Cross-Sectional Study of Anesthesia Safety in Wad Medani, Sudan: A Pre-war Status Indicating a Post-war Crisis.

Background: As the surgical burden grows, increasing patient safety during anesthesia and surgery becomes a major global public health priority. Anesthesia can be safely administered in higher-income countries, yet it is more challenging in third-world countries. This study focuses on Sudan, a third-world country, and its unmet anesthetic needs before the current war and how these needs might compromise the post-war status.

Association Between Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Eating Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Previous meta-analyses have shown mixed results regarding the association between eating disorders (EDs) and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Our paper aimed to analyse different EDs and disordered eating behaviours that may be practiced by patients with T1DM.

Methods: A literature search of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science was conducted on 17 January 2023, using the key terms "T1DM," "Eating Disorders" and "Bulimia.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of insulin among diabetic patients and pharmacists in Egypt: "cross-sectional observational study".

Background: Diabetes recently has been identified as a growing epidemic. Although insulin's vital role in both types of diabetes, it is considered one of the harmful medications if used incorrectly. In Egypt, effective usage of insulin remains a challenge due to insufficient knowledge of insulin and diabetes management, leading to errors in insulin therapy.

Outcomes and Long-Term Survival of Adolescent and Young Adult Patients Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit Following Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Single-Center Experience of 152 Patients.

Background And Objectives: Prognostic factors reliably predicting outcomes for critically ill adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) are lacking. We assessed transplant and intensive care unit (ICU)-related factors impacting patient outcomes.

Patients And Methods: AYA patients who underwent allo-HSCT and required ICU admission at a Tertiary care Centre, during the period of 2003-2013, were included in this retrospective review.

Evaluation of the effect of cervical and lumbar disc herniations on female sexual function: a comparative prospective study.

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the effect of cervical disc herniation (CDH) and lumbar disc herniation (LDH) on female sexual functioning before and after surgical intervention.

Methods: The current study was conducted from February 2022 to February 2023. A total of 100 sexually active female patients in their reproductive phase who were diagnosed with CDH and LDH based on physical examination and previous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results, as well as 50 healthy females, were enrolled.

Neurosarcoidosis and Transverse Myelitis: Life-Threatening Manifestations of Sarcoidosis.

Sarcoidosis, a systemic granulomatous disorder, typically involves the lungs, skin, and lymph nodes. Neurological manifestations are diverse and may include longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM), an uncommon inflammatory disorder of the spinal cord. We present a case of a 62-year-old female with LETM as the initial manifestation of sarcoidosis.

Interplay between Microbiota and γδ T Cells: Insights into Immune Homeostasis and Neuro-Immune Interactions.

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract of multicellular organisms, especially mammals, harbors a symbiotic commensal microbiota with diverse microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbial and eukaryotic species. This microbiota exerts an important role on intestinal function and contributes to host health. The microbiota, while benefiting from a nourishing environment, is involved in the development, metabolism and immunity of the host, contributing to the maintenance of homeostasis in the GI tract.

Graphene-modified MIL-125-NH mixed matrix membranes for efficient H and CH purification.

This study investigates the performance of the mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) incorporating hybrid fillers of metal-organic framework (MIL-125-NH) and graphene nanosheets (GNs) for enhanced methane (CH₄) and hydrogen (H₂) separation in the purification sector. The physico-chemical properties of the MMMs were evaluated by SEM, XRD, FTIR, AFM, TGA, DTG, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller. The permeability and selectivity of the MMMs were determined using different single gases (CO, N, H, and CH) at various temperatures (20-60 °C).

Serum trimethylamine N-oxide levels among coronary artery disease and acute coronary syndrome patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background And Aim: Recent studies have linked trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) to cardiovascular diseases; our study aimed to analyze the association between coronary artery disease (CAD), acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and TMAO.

Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science were searched using terms such as 'CAD' and 'TMAO'. Only observational controlled studies were included.

Partial anomalous venous connection with intrapulmonary dual drainage: Transcatheter treatment of a rare entity.

Partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (PAPVR) is a rare congenital condition, and dual-drainage connection PAPVR to the left atrium has been reported in a few cases in the literature; in which cases, percutaneous catheterization was successfully used in lieu of surgery. We, hereby, describe a 7-month-old boy with a functional single-ventricle physiology with dual drainage of the left upper pulmonary vein to the left atrium and the innominate vein. Appropriate recognition of this entity allowed safe occlusion of the anomalous draining vein.

Odontogenic Keratocysts: Presentation and Surgical Outcome in a Sample of Sudanese Patients.

Background: Odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is a benign intraosseous lesion relatively frequent in the oral cavity. It has a locally aggressive behavior and exhibits a high propensity to recur after treatment. The present study aimed to investigate the clinicoradiographic presentations and outcomes of surgical treatment of OKC at Khartoum Teaching Dental Hospital.

Pyrolysis Kinetic Behavior and Thermodynamic Analysis of PET Nonwoven Fabric.

This research aims to maximize polyethylene terephthalate (PET) nonwoven fabric waste and make it as a new source for benzoic acid extraction using a pyrolysis process. The treatment was performed using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) and released products were characterized using FTIR spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The pyrolysis kinetic and thermodynamic behavior of PET fabric was also studied and simulated using different linear and nonlinear models.

Evaluation of In Vitro Antioxidant, Anti-Obesity, and Anti-Diabetic Activities of Cladodes Gel and Its Application as a Preservative Coating for Shrimp during Refrigerated Storage.

cladodes (OFC) are considered one of the wastes that result from cultivation, and their disposal by traditional methods results in many environmental problems. Therefore, this study was conducted with two aims. The first was the production of OFC gel, and the evaluation of its in vitro antioxidant (by two methods, DPPH and ABTS), anti-obesity, and anti-diabetic activities.

Effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions on burnout and self-compassion among critical care nurses caring for patients with COVID-19: a quasi-experimental study.

Background: Workloads in intensive care units (ICUs) have increased and extremely challenging ethical dilemmas were generated by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. ICU nurses experience high-stress levels and burnout worldwide. Egyptian studies on the effectiveness of mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) among ICU nurses are limited, although MBI has been shown to reduce stress and burnout.