Quantifying pulse oximeter accuracy during hypoxemia and severe anemia using an in vitro circulation system.

Anemia and hypoxemia are common clinical conditions that are difficult to study and may impact pulse oximeter performance. Utilizing an in vitro circulation system, we studied performance of three pulse oximeters during hypoxemia and severe anemia. Three oximeters including one benchtop, one handheld, and one fingertip device were selected to reflect a range of cost and device types.

Surgical Management of Breast Cancer in Africa: A Continent-Wide Review of Intervention Practices, Barriers to Care, and Adjuvant Therapy.

Breast cancer has emerged as a leading cancer among women in Africa, necessitating improved understanding of its management across the continent. Although previous studies have described regional trends in therapy, this review aims to summarize continent-wide management and focus specifically on surgical interventions. Current literature shows that the rates of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy vary across different countries and institutions, indicating the need for greater use of standardized cancer treatment guidelines.

Immunomodulatory Properties of Filamentous Fungi Cultivated through Solid-State Fermentation on Rapeseed Meal.

Water extracts from solid-state fermentation (SSF) on rapeseed meal using filamentous fungi exhibit interesting immunomodulatory activities in vitro. Immunomodulation was determined by the capacity of the compounds to activate blood neutrophils and to influence cytokine production in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM). Among the strains tested, Aspergillus sojae mycelium and SSF extracts were the most promising in terms of enhancing the immune response.

The Skeletal Effects of Inhaled Glucocorticoids.

The skeletal effects of inhaled glucocorticoids are poorly understood. Children with asthma treated with inhaled glucocorticoids have lower growth velocity, bone density, and adult height. Studies of adults with asthma have reported variable effects on BMD, although prospective studies have demonstrated bone loss after initiation of inhaled glucocorticoids in premenopausal women.

Abnormalities in cortical bone, trabecular plates, and stiffness in postmenopausal women treated with glucocorticoids.

Context: The mechanisms by which glucocorticoids (GCs) increase skeletal fragility are not well understood.

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the microarchitecture, trabecular morphology, and biomechanical properties of bone in postmenopausal women treated with GCs.

Design: This was a case-control study.