Association between human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels and adverse pregnancy outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a glycoprotein produced in the placenta, is crucial for a healthy pregnancy. We investigated the relationship between hCG levels and adverse pregnancy outcomes. We conducted a systematic review including studies measuring hCG blood levels in the first or second trimester, reporting on any of the 12 predefined adverse pregnancy outcomes with logistic regression-adjusted association estimates.

Pharmacological interventions for the management of pain and discomfort during lumbar puncture in newborn infants.

Background: Lumbar puncture (LP) is a common invasive procedure, most frequently performed to diagnose infection. Physicians perform LP in newborn infants with the help of an assistant using a strict aseptic technique; it is important to monitor the infant during all the steps of the procedure. Without adequate analgesia, LP can cause considerable pain and discomfort.

Measurement of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness with a deep learning algorithm in ischemic optic neuropathy and optic neuritis.

This work aims at determining the ability of a deep learning (DL) algorithm to measure retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness from optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans in anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and demyelinating optic neuritis (ON). The training/validation dataset included 750 RNFL OCT B-scans. Performance of our algorithm was evaluated on 194 OCT B-scans from 70 healthy eyes, 82 scans from 28 NAION eyes, and 84 scans of 29 ON eyes.

Comparison of Intercostal Nerve Block with Ropivacaine and Ropivacaine-Dexmedetomidine for Postoperative Pain Control in Patients Undergoing Thoracotomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Thoracotomy is one of the most painful surgeries, and failure to alleviate patients' pain can have dangerous consequences.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the addition of dexmedetomidine to ropivacaine in the intercostal block for postoperative pain control in patients undergoing thoracotomy.

Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 74 patients aged 18 to 60 years with ASA class I or II, BMI less than 40, and no severe systemic problems referred to a teaching hospital in Ahvaz to undergo thoracotomy were included in the study and randomly divided into two groups.

Antiangiogenic Effect of Alkaloids.

Alkaloids are among the natural phytochemicals contained in functional foods and nutraceuticals and have been suggested for the prevention and/or management of oxidative stress and inflammation-mediated diseases. In this review, we aimed to describe the effects of alkaloids in angiogenesis, the process playing a crucial role in tumor growth and invasion, whereby new vessels form. Antiangiogenic compounds including herbal ingredients, nonherbal alkaloids, and microRNAs can be used for the control and treatment of cancers.