Intensive Blood Pressure Control After Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background And Purpose: Optimal clinical outcome with successful recanalization from endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) requires optimal blood pressure (BP) management. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the intensive BP target (< 140 mm Hg) versus the standard BP target (< 180 mm Hg) after EVT for acute ischemic stroke.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizing evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) obtained from PubMed, Embase Cochrane, Scopus, and WOS until September 7th, 2023.

Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Sleeping Paralysis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Sleep paralysis (SP) is a mixed state of consciousness and sleep, combining features of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep with those of wakefulness. The exact cause of SP is unknown, and its prevalence varies among the studies. We aim to identify SP's global prevalence, the affected population's characteristics, and the SP's clinical picture.

Intermittent fasting regimens for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a prevalent metabolic disorder characterized by excessive hepatic fat accumulation. Intermittent fasting (IF) has emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy with the ability to induce weight loss, improve insulin sensitivity and reduce hepatic steatosis. We aim to compare the efficacy of different IF regimens for MASLD management.

Perioperative balanced crystalloids versus normal saline during kidney transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: In kidney transplant (KT) surgery, the perioperative administration of intravenous (IV) fluids plays a crucial role, with potential effects on graft function. Our meta-analysis aims to assess the post-KT outcomes of perioperative balanced crystalloids (BC) versus normal saline (NS).

Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search across five databases to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Preservation versus dissection of the intercostobrachial nerve for breast cancer surgeries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: This meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy of preservation of the intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN) versus its dissection for patients who underwent breast surgery.

Methods: The authors searched Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Scopus from inception until March 2023. Records were screened for eligible studies, and all relevant outcomes were pooled as an odds ratio (OR) with the corresponding 95% CI in the meta-analysis models using RevMan version 5.

Protocolized Natriuresis-Guided Decongestion Improves Diuretic Response: The Multicenter ENACT-HF Study.

Background: The use of urinary sodium to guide diuretics in acute heart failure is recommended by experts and the most recent European Society of Cardiology guidelines. However, there are limited data to support this recommendation. The ENACT-HF study (Efficacy of a Standardized Diuretic Protocol in Acute Heart Failure) investigated the feasibility and efficacy of a standardized natriuresis-guided diuretic protocol in patients with acute heart failure and signs of volume overload.

Altered brain function and structure in carpal tunnel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of structural and functional brain imaging.

This systematic review with a meta-analysis aimed to identify the altered brain structure and function in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) by summarizing the literature about magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and magnetoencephalography (MEG) outcomes compared to healthy controls (HC). CTS is the most common nerve entrapment in the arm associated with altered peripheral and central nociceptive system. PRISMA guidelines were used to report the outcomes.

Characteristics of the clinical and global neurosurgical research publications from Africa: A scoping review.

Introduction: Scientific research has a direct, profound impact on healthcare systems worldwide. While an upward trend can be observed in the number of produced papers in the neurosurgical specialty, disparities still exist between African neurosurgeons on one side and between African neurosurgeons and neurosurgeons from high income countries, on the other.

Research Question: This study aims to analyze neurosurgical research produced in Africa to identify gaps in the literature and provide recommendations for aspiring African neurosurgeons for essential research areas.

Validation of a simple spectrophotometric method for the rapid determination of salicylates in plasma.

Introduction: The determination of salicylate concentrations constitutes a critical aspect of medical diagnostics, particularly in emergency settings. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and spectrophotometry are efficient methods commonly utilized for this purpose. In emergency laboratories with limited resources, the validation of a cost-effective and reliable spectrophotometric method for salicylates in plasma becomes imperative.

Worldwide disparities in access to treatment and investigations for nephropathic cystinosis: a 2023 perspective.

Background: Nephropathic cystinosis (NC) is a rare lysosomal disease, leading to early kidney failure and extra-renal comorbidities. Its prognosis strongly relies on early diagnosis and treatment by cysteamine. Developing economies (DEing) face many challenges when treating patients for rare and chronic diseases.

Loss of phospholipase PLAAT3 causes a mixed lipodystrophic and neurological syndrome due to impaired PPARγ signaling.

Phospholipase A/acyltransferase 3 (PLAAT3) is a phospholipid-modifying enzyme predominantly expressed in neural and white adipose tissue (WAT). It is a potential drug target for metabolic syndrome, as Plaat3 deficiency in mice protects against diet-induced obesity. We identified seven patients from four unrelated consanguineous families, with homozygous loss-of-function variants in PLAAT3, who presented with a lipodystrophy syndrome with loss of fat varying from partial to generalized and associated with metabolic complications, as well as variable neurological features including demyelinating neuropathy and intellectual disability.

Assessment of Toxic Element Contamination in Honey, Milk, and Eggs from Algiers (Algeria) Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS): Exploring Health Implications of Pollution.

Consumption of foods such as milk, honey, and eggs contaminated with toxic elements above established norms poses a health risk to the population. This study explores the potential of products from beehives, poultry, and dairy as indicators of environmental pollution caused by toxic substances (Pb, Cd, Hg), seeks contamination sources, evaluates the exposure level, and assesses health risks. Through the analysis of samples from three distinct regions in Algiers, including 30 milk, 30 honey, and 30 poultry egg samples, the study assesses levels of toxic elements (lead, cadmium, and mercury) using ICP-MS and analyzes consumer exposure risk.

No More Venous Ulcers-What More Can We Do?

Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are the most severe complication caused by the progression of chronic venous insufficiency. They account for approximately 70-90% of all chronic leg ulcers (CLUs). A total of 1% of the Western population will suffer at some time in their lives from a VLU.

Effects of early rehabilitation on enhanced recovery after caesarean section.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of improved rehabilitation on the average length of stay after a scheduled caesarean section under neuraxial anaesthesia, it is a descriptive, monocentric study with prospective recruitment. Our protocol was based on neuraxial anaesthesia with intrathecal morphine, multimodal analgesia, with oral analgesics postoperatively, prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), rapid demedicalization, refeeding and mobilisation. We included 99 patients.

ViSHWaS: Violence Study of Healthcare Workers and Systems-a global survey.

Objective: To provide insights into the nature, risk factors, impact and existing measures for reporting and preventing violence in the healthcare system. The under-reporting of violence against healthcare workers (HCWs) globally highlights the need for increased public awareness and education.

Methods: The Violence Study of Healthcare Workers and Systems study used a survey questionnaire created using Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) forms and distributed from 6 June to 9 August 2022.

Evaluation of the Humoral and Cellular Immune Response Post COVID-19 Infection in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

Kidney transplantation is a major risk factor for severe forms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The dynamics and the persistence of the immune response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in this immunocompromised population remain largely unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the persistence of humoral and cellular immune response in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) and to establish whether immunosuppressive therapy influenced long-term immunity in this population.

Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant and its subvariants and lineages may lead to another COVID-19 wave in the world? -An overview of current evidence and counteracting strategies.

The highly contagious Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 is a recent cause of concern during the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified SARS-CoV-2 variants into variants of concern (VOCs), variants of interest (VOIs), and variants under monitoring (VUMs). VOCs were categorized as Alpha (B.

Improved Performance of the QuantiFERON-SARS-CoV-2 Assay with the Extended Set.

Multiple assays have been developed for the characterization of the functional activation of SARS-CoV-2 specific T-cells. This study was conducted to assess the post-vaccination and post-infection T cell response, as detected by the QuantiFERON-SARS-CoV-2 assay using the combination of three SARS-CoV-2 specific antigens (Ag1, Ag2 and Ag3). An amount of 75 participants with different infection and vaccination backgrounds were recruited for the evaluation of humoral and cellular immune responses.