Niger J Clin Pract
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The relationship between blood pressure (BP) trajectories and outcomes in patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is not clear. Aim: The study aimed to assess the clinical features and outcomes (all-cause mortality and unrecovered left ventricular [LV] systolic function) of PPCM patients grouped according to their baseline systolic BP (SBP). ⋯ In our cohort of PPCM patients, one-fifth was hypotensive at presentation. SBP <90 mmHg at presentation was associated with a four-fold higher risk of all-cause mortality during a median follow-up of 18 months.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Does smoking affect the onset time of sensory blocks or the duration of motor blocks in parturient women? A randomized controlled trial.
In general, smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke is still common worldwide, and the rate of smoking in women of childbearing age is gradually increasing. Cesarean section rates have been increasing in recent years, and anesthesia guidelines recommend regional anesthesia for cesarean sections. Since nicotine and local anesthetics have different effects on ligand-gated ion channels, smoking may affect spinal anesthesia in pregnant women. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of smoking on spinal anesthesia, which is applied for cesarean sections in pregnant women. Patients and. ⋯ In conclusion, the pregnant women who smoked had longer motor block onset times, shorter motor block durations, higher VAS scores, and lower patient satisfaction levels.
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Four premolars extractions are routine procedures for correction of malocclusion, but will inevitably lead to a reduction of tongue space, whether this will weaken the pharyngeal airway remains a controversy. ⋯ Four premolar extraction orthodontic treatments did not affect the pharyngeal airway volume except for the vertical liner and cross-sectional area dimensions. The trend of the gold standard suggested a positive influence of four premolar extraction orthodontic treatments.
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Weak accountability hinders the effectiveness of routine immunization (RI) systems in low- and middle-income countries, yet studies on accountability of immunization programs are scarce. Aim: The study explored stakeholders' perspectives on the functioning of internal accountability within the National Program on Immunization in Enugu State, southeast Nigeria. ⋯ Immunization service delivery actors can be held accountable for program performance when there are sufficient formal instruments that provide roles and responsibilities, needed resources, motivated and supervised staff, an effective sanctions framework, genuine political participation, and strong community engagement.
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The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT), and to assess its effects and safety on corneal endothelial cell morphology. ⋯ SLT is an effective treatment modality for reducing IOP in patients with POAG and OHT and is also a safe procedure in terms of the entirety of corneal endothelial cell morphology.