Predictive value of Hajibandeh index in determining peritoneal contamination in acute abdomen: A cohort study and meta-analysis.

Background: Hajibandeh index (HI), derived from combined levels of C-reactive protein, lactate, neutrophils, lymphocytes and albumin, is a modern predictor of peritoneal contamination and mortality in patients with acute abdominal pathology.

Aim: To validate the performance of HI in predicting the presence and nature of peritoneal contamination in patients with acute abdominal pathology in a larger cohort study and to synthesis evidence in a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods: The STROBE guidelines and the PRISMA statement standards were followed to conduct a cohort study (ChiCTR2200056183) and a meta-analysis (CRD42022306018), respectively.

Sac invagination versus sac ligation in open Lichtenstein repair of indirect inguinal hernia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: To compare the outcomes of sac invagination and sac ligation in patients undergoing open Lichtenstein repair of indirect inguinal hernia.

Methods: A systematic review in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement standards was conducted to identify all randomized controlled trials comparing the outcomes of sac invagination and sac ligation in patients undergoing open Lichtenstein repair of indirect inguinal hernia. Random effects modeling was applied to calculate pooled outcome data.

Procedural outcomes of laparoscopic caudate lobe resection: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

A systematic review was conducted in compliance with PRISMA statement standards to identify all studies reporting outcomes of laparoscopic resection of benign or malignant lesions located in caudate lobe of liver. Pooled outcome data were calculated using random-effects models. A total of 196 patients from 12 studies were included.

Comparison between first and second wave of COVID-19 outbreak in older people: the COPE multicentre European observational cohort study.

Background: Effective shielding measures and virus mutations have progressively modified the disease between the waves, likewise healthcare systems have adapted to the outbreak. Our aim was to compare clinical outcomes for older people with COVID-19 in Wave 1 (W1) and Wave 2 (W2).

Methods: All data, including the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), were collected for COVID-19 consecutive patients, aged ≥65, from 13 hospitals, in W1 (February-June 2020) and W2 (October 2020-March 2021).

Hajibandeh Index versus NELA score in predicting mortality following emergency laparotomy: A retrospective Cohort Study.

Objectives: To compare performance of the Hajibandeh Index (HI) and National Emergency Laparotomy Audit (NELA) score in predicting postoperative mortality in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy.

Methods: In compliance with STROCSS guidelines for observational studies a cohort study was conducted. All patients aged over 18 who underwent emergency laparotomy between January 2014 and January 2021 in our centre were considered eligible for inclusion.

Iatrogenic gallbladder perforation during laparoscopic cholecystectomy and outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aims: We aimed to compare the outcomes of iatrogenic gallbladder perforation (IGP) versus no gallbladder perforation in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in compliance with PRISMA statement standards. We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL Scopus, and CENTRAL to identify eligible studies.

Multiple house occupancy is associated with mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

Background: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries mandated staying at home to reduce transmission. This study examined the association between living arrangements (house occupancy numbers) and outcomes in COVID-19.

Methods: Study population was drawn from the COPE study, a multicentre cohort study.

The role of C-reactive protein as a prognostic marker in COVID-19.

Background: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a non-specific acute phase reactant elevated in infection or inflammation. Higher levels indicate more severe infection and have been used as an indicator of COVID-19 disease severity. However, the evidence for CRP as a prognostic marker is yet to be determined.

Screening for Frailty in Older Emergency Patients and Association with Outcome.

Older people have a high incidence of adverse outcomes after urgent care presentation. Identifying high-risk older patients early is key to targeting interventions at those patients most likely to benefit. This study used the Frailsafe three-point screening questions amongst older Emergency Department (ED) attendees.

Frailty as a predictor of mortality in the elderly emergency general surgery patient.

Background: The number of surgical procedures performed in elderly and frail patients has greatly increased in the last decades. However, there is little research in the elderly emergency general surgery patient. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of frailty in the emergency general surgery population in Belgium.

Toxicity of acid mine pit lake water remediated with limestone and phosphorus.

Pit lakes are increasingly common worldwide and have potential to provide many benefits. However, lake water toxicity may require remediation before beneficial end uses can be realised. Three treatments to remediate AMD (pH approximately 4.

Effect of holding duration on the immune system of western rock lobster, Panulirus cygnus.

Live holding of lobsters is a major part of the post-harvest process in lobster fisheries. Following capture, animals are placed in factory tanks and held for varying lengths of time for recovery from stress due to handling, air exposure, disturbance and environmental variations. The aim of the present study was to determine the pattern of response of a range of immune and physiological parameters over varying holding periods and assess their possible application as a measure of recovery from stress of post-harvest procedures and in the determination of an appropriate duration of acclimation prior to live transport.

Improved approaches to ecotoxicity testing of petroleum products.

Crude oils produced in the North West shelf of Western Australia are highly volatile, a characteristic not shared by most of the Northern Hemisphere crude oils on which internationally accepted toxicity test protocols were developed. Because of this volatility and some other factors, the LC50 and EC50 values obtained from acute toxicity tests will be significantly affected by the changes of toxicant concentration in test solutions during the period of exposure. To address these issues all steps of a standard protocol for crude oil toxicity testing have been revised.