Perceptions of Cardiovascular Healthcare Professionals Regarding Clinical Trials: A Survey-Based Study from the Middle East.

Background: Low-middle income countries harbor the highest burden of cardiovascular diseases globally, but there is an under-representation of these countries in cardiovascular clinical trials. This limits the generalizability of the trial results to these countries. There is a lack of data on insights of cardiologists in these countries regarding conducting and participating in clinical trials.

Temporal Trends in Racial and Gender Disparities of Early Onset Colorectal Cancer in the United States: An Analysis of the CDC WONDER Database.

Background: The mortality rates of early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) have surged globally over the past two decades. While the underlying reasons remain largely unknown, understanding its epidemiology is crucial to address this escalating trend. This study aimed to identify disparities potentially influencing these rates, enhancing risk assessment tools, and highlighting areas necessitating further research.

Association of soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 with rheumatoid arthritis in Iraqi patients: A case-control study.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common chronic immune-mediated inflammatory arthritis, impacting 0.5-1% of the global population, and leading to progressive deterioration of the musculoskeletal and joint systems. This study aims to analyze the serum levels of soluble triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) in Iraqi patients with RA and healthy individuals.

Artificial intelligence in cancer diagnosis: Opportunities and challenges.

Since cancer is one of the world's top causes of death, early diagnosis is critical to improving patient outcomes. Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a viable technique for cancer diagnosis by using machine learning algorithms to examine large volumes of data for accurate and efficient diagnosis. AI has the potential to alter the way cancer is detected fundamentally.

A rare variant of mirror hand deformity.

Congenital hand and forearm anomalies pose a unique challenge in plastic and pediatric surgery. We present a case report of an 8-months-old girl with a congenital left sided hand and forearm anomaly, provisionally diagnosed as atypical left mirror hand anomaly. Classically there is absence of radius and duplication of ulna; however, our case had normal radius and ulna and a hand with seven digits arranged in two groups.

A proposed classification system for presigmoid approaches: a scoping review.

Objective: The "presigmoid corridor" covers a spectrum of approaches using the petrous temporal bone either as a target in treating intracanalicular lesions or as a route to access the internal auditory canal (IAC), jugular foramen, or brainstem. Complex presigmoid approaches have been continuously developed and refined over the years, leading to great heterogeneity in their definitions and descriptions. Owing to the common use of the presigmoid corridor in lateral skull base surgery, a simple anatomy-based and self-explanatory classification is needed to delineate the operative perspective of the different variants of the presigmoid route.

Association of tumor necrosis factor-alpha promoter region gene polymorphism at positions -308G/A, -857C/T, and -863C/A with etanercept response in Iraqi rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the association between polymorphisms in the promoter region of the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) gene at locations -308G/A, -857C/T, and -863C/A with the tendency of being non-responder to etanercept.

Patients And Methods: Between October 2020 and August 2021, a total of 80 patients (10 males, 70 females; mean age: 50 years; range, 30 to 72 years) with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving etanercept for at least six months were included. The patients were divided into two groups responders and non-responders, based on their response after six months of continuous treatment.

Recommendations for the prevention and management of obesity in the Iraqi population.

Obesity is a chronic metabolic disease that has become one of the leading causes of disability and death in the world, affecting not only adults but also children and adolescents. In Iraq, one third of the adult population is overweight and another third obese. Clinical diagnosis is accomplished by measuring body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (a marker for intra-visceral fat and higher metabolic and cardiovascular disease risk).

Addressing global disparities in blood pressure control: perspectives of the International Society of Hypertension.

Raised blood pressure (BP) is the leading cause of preventable death in the world. Yet, its global prevalence is increasing, and it remains poorly detected, treated, and controlled in both high- and low-resource settings. From the perspective of members of the International Society of Hypertension based in all regions, we reflect on the past, present, and future of hypertension care, highlighting key challenges and opportunities, which are often region-specific.

The Role of Capsule Endoscopy in Crohn's Disease: A Review.

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder with a predilection for the small bowel. Although awareness of this disorder has increased over the years, it remains a diagnostic challenge for many physicians. This is exacerbated by the rising incidence and high recurrence rate following therapy in certain individuals.

Efficacy and safety of a restrictive blood transfusion protocol in gynecologic surgical patients.

Objectives: This study sought to compare differences in blood transfusion and surgical complication rates before and after the implementation of a restrictive blood transfusion protocol.

Methods: On July 1, 2018, our institution implemented a restrictive blood transfusion protocol utilizing a hemoglobin trigger of less than 7 g/dL. Retrospective chart review was completed to review patients undergoing major abdominal surgery by the gynecology and gynecologic oncology services 18 months before, and after initiation of the transfusion protocol.

Multiple Primary Malignancies With Hypercalcemia Presentation: A Case Report.

Multiple primary malignancies (MPMs) are defined as having more than one primary malignancy and when each tumor is histologically distinct and unrelated to the others. Multiple risk factors have been found to be associated with MPMs. These include familial syndromes, sequela from treatments of previous malignancies, and environmental factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, and male sex.

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Associated Lung Diseases: A Comprehensive Review.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a prevalent autoimmune disorder affecting 0.5-1% of the population in North America and Europe. Pulmonary manifestations in rheumatoid arthritis patients result in significant morbidity and mortality.

Comorbidity of Epilepsy and Depression: Associated Pathophysiology and Management.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures. Depression may arise as a result of other mental or physical problems or as a side effect of the drugs used to treat such illnesses, or it could be caused by epilepsy-related structural abnormalities. However, physicians are hesitant to prescribe antidepressants to patients with epilepsy due to concerns about decreasing seizure thresholds and the harmful drug interactions between antidepressants and antiepileptic medicines.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Atrial Fibrillation: A Review.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an inherited cardiological condition that exhibits various clinical symptoms. The leading cause of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with HCM is advanced diastolic dysfunction and left atrial dilatation and remodeling. In addition to the gradual symptomatic and functional decline caused by AF, there is an increased risk of thromboembolic disease and mortality, especially if there is a rapid ventricular rate or obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract.

Relationship Between Vitamin D and Thyroid: An Enigma.

Hypothyroidism is a frequently encountered endocrine disorder in clinical practice. Besides its traditional role in bone health, vitamin D has been shown to have favorable effects in a variety of different systems due to its pleiotropic qualities and ubiquitous receptor expression. Over the years, researchers have been fascinated by the intricate molecular interplay between vitamin D and thyroid.

Traction Alopecia: Clinical and Cultural Patterns.

Background: Traction alopecia is common and preventable but frequently overlooked disorder.

Objective: To evaluate patients with traction alopecia.

Patients And Methods: This study was conducted at the Dermatology Center, Medical City, Baghdad, Iraq, during the period from November 2005 to October 2019.

Assessment of COVID-19 Treatment containing both Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin: A natural clinical trial.

Unlabelled: The goal of this study was to assess the clinical effectiveness and safety profile of the COVID-19 treatment protocol (containing both hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and azithromycin) in an Iraqi specialised hospital.

Methods: This prospective study used a pre- and post-intervention design without a comparison group. The intervention was routine Ministry of Health (MOH) approved the management of COVID-19 for all patients.

Association Between Frequent Urination and Prolonged Staying at Home.

Background: Due to the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many activities have stopped and individuals have been forced to stay at home for prolonged periods, which can have a negative impact on overall health and trigger stress and psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety. The objective of this study was to highlight 25 cases of unusual frequent urination associated with abnormal sleep and their relation to staying at home for a prolonged period due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 25 patients who complained of frequent urination (> 3 times/hour) and abnormal sleep during the last 4 months (January-April 2020).