Medicine
-
The use of ultrasound-based measurements to determine renal size has proven valuable in the diagnosis of renal function and associated disorders. The dimensions of the abdominal organs are affected by an individual's body age, height, sex, and weight. The objective of this study was to establish the standard sonographic parameters for renal dimensions and to determine the correlation between body measurements and renal dimensions in a population of healthy adults residing in Jazan City, Saudi Arabia. ⋯ The current study revealed that the kidney dimensions were observed to be larger in males as compared to females. The research findings indicate that there is no significant correlation between kidney dimensions and various demographic factors, such as age, height, weight, and sex. In addition, this study provides reference tables for further use.
-
Malaria remains an endemic public health concern in Africa, significantly contributing to morbidity and mortality rates. The inadequacies of traditional prevention measures, like integrated vector management and antimalarial drugs, have spurred efforts to strengthen the development and deployment of malaria vaccines. ⋯ Thus, determining potential hurdles to malaria vaccine delivery and uptake in malaria-endemic regions of sub-Saharan Africa will enhance decisions and policymakers' preparedness to facilitate efficient and equitable vaccine delivery. A multisectoral approach is recommended to increase funding and resources, active community engagement and participation, and the involvement of healthcare providers.
-
Observational Study
Prevalence and molecular detection of Staphylococcus aureus resistance to antibiotics.
In Algeria, the issue of antibiotic resistance is on the rise, being the Staphylococcus aureus infection as a significant concern of hospital-acquired infections. The emergence of antibiotic resistance in this bacterium poses a worldwide challenge. The aim of this study aims to establish the incidence of S aureus strains in Algeria as well as identify phenotypic and genotypic resistance based on the "mecA" and "nuc" genes. ⋯ It is now more crucial than ever to restrict the proliferation of multidrug-resistant strains and reduce undue antibiotic prescriptions. To achieve this, it is vital to keep updated on the epidemiology of this bacterium and its antibiotic susceptibility. This will enable the formulation of appropriate preventive control measures to manage its progression.
-
Meta Analysis
Impact of red blood cell distribution width (RDW) on postoperative outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients.
This study examines the relationship between red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and the prognosis of patients undergoing hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Additionally, it explores the potential effect of RDW for the early identification of high-risk patients after surgery, advocating for timely interventions to improve outcomes. A comprehensive literature search was conducted on May 16, 2022, across PubMed (23 studies), Embase (45 studies), the Cochrane Library (1 study), and CNKI (17 studies), resulting in 6 relevant articles after screening. ⋯ RDW is a prognostic factor for HCC patients after surgery. Elevated RDW levels are associated with a poorer prognosis, adversely affecting both OS and DFS. RDW may serve as a valuable marker for stratifying risk and guiding intervention strategies in the postoperative management of HCC patients.
-
Metabolic reprogramming (MR) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are crucial phenomena involved in the distant metastasis of breast cancer (BRCA). This study aims to assess the risk of distant metastasis in BRCA patients based on MR and EMT processes and investigate their underlying mechanisms. ⋯ This study established the Metastasis Score as a reliable tool for evaluating the risk of distant metastasis/recurrence in BRCA patients. Additionally, we identified key genes involved in MR and EMT crosstalk, offering valuable insights into their roles in tumor immunity and other relevant aspects.