KnE Publishing Platform
Not a member yet
14566 research outputs found
Sort by
Carob extract restores testicular function and sperm quality in cadmium-exposed mice: An experimental study
No full textBackground: Cadmium (Cd) is a hazardous heavy metal, and its exposure can lead to a range of health issues, including significant adverse effects on reproductive health in animals and humans. Recently, there has been increasing recognition of the antioxidant benefits of Ceratonia siliqua extract (CSE).
Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic potential of CSE in mitigating testicular injury and spermatogenesis impairment induced by Cd.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 adult male BALB/c mice (8–12 wk, 30 ± 5 gr) were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 10/each): control, Cd (0.35 mg/kg), CSE (100 mg/kg), and CSE+Cd (100 mg/kg + 0.35 mg/kg). Adult male mice were intraperitoneally injected for one cycle of spermatogenesis (35 days). Sperm parameters, sperm DNA integrity, testicular histopathology status, testosterone hormone level, and testicular levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and total antioxidant capacity were assessed.
Results: CSE restored spermatogenesis by improving sperm count, motility, viability, morphology, and chromatin integrity (p < 0.01). Testosterone levels and the histopathology of the testes also showed significant improvement in the CSE-administrated groups (p < 0.001). More notably, Cd administration significantly induced oxidative stress in testicular tissue (p < 0.001). Also, CSE restored antioxidant status by enhancing total antioxidant capacity levels and ameliorating nitric oxide and malondialdehyde levels (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Administering CSE could potentially enhance testis function and sperm parameters against chronic Cd exposure-induced reproductive toxicity, likely due to improving testosterone secretion and its antioxidant properties
A rare case of crossed-ectopic testis, a primary infertile affected: A case report
No full textBackground: Crossed ectopic testis is one of the rare congenital anomalies of testicular migration that is observed in < 0.67% of men.
Case Presentation: In this study, we reported a rare case of a 36-yr-old infertile man with a normal karyotype who was referred to the Royan Institute, Tehran, Iran. He suffered infertility for 8 yr and underwent inguinal hernia surgery. By ultrasound study, the left testis, vas deferens, and spermatic cord were detected. In ultrasound, the right testis was not seen in the right scrotum. The right ectopic testis was observed in the superior part of the left scrotum and the inferior part of the left inguinal canal. The possibility of a right testis was investigated by ultrasound. It was small in size with a normal shape and non-hemogenic parenchymal echogenicity. To confirm the above finding, magnetic resonance imaging was suggested for him. The left testis had a normal size in the imaging assessment. Azoospermia was confirmed by semen analysis. Testicular sperm extraction was performed on the left scrotum. Sperm concentration was 0–1 ml in a high-power field. He had 0–1% normal morphology.
Conclusion: Crossed ectopic testis and coexisting complications should be managed properly. Imaging methods can be used to diagnose this anomaly, as they are useful in suspected cases
Acute-onset Concomitant Esotropia in Children: A Comparison of Clinical Features and Treatment Outcomes
No full textPurpose: To evaluate and compare the clinical features and efficacy of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) injection versus surgery in acute-onset concomitant esotropia (ACE) in children.Methods: This retrospective comparative clinical study was conducted on 40 children with ACE. The patients were assigned to either the surgery group (n = 23) or the BTX-A group (n = 17). Successful motor outcomes were defined as residual esodeviation of <5 prism diopters (PD), while successful sensory outcomes were defined as the presence of any evidence of sensory fusion or stereopsis.Results: The average treatment age in this study was 7.02 ± 3.72 years in the BTX-A group and 6.41 ± 2.83 years in the surgery group. There were 5 cases of type I (12.50%), 26 cases of type II (65.00%), and 9 cases of type III (22.50%) for ACE. The deviation before treatment was +(41.35 ± 16.90) PD at near and +(39.71 ± 14.94) PD at distance in the BTX-A group. In the surgery group, the results were +(49.22 ± 18.25) PD at near and +(47.00 ± 18.53) PD at distance. After treatment, based on the measured deviation, total motor success was 95.00% (38/40) at near and 90.00% (36/40) at distance. Following treatment, 94.59% (35/37) of patients with ACE exhibited fusion, 86.84% (33/38) had near stereopsis, and 72.97% (27/37) had distance stereopsis. The motor and sensory success rates were not significantly different between the BTX-A and surgery groups. There were no statistically significant differences in motor outcomes or sensory outcomes among the three subtypes of ACE (all P > 0.05).Conclusion: In our study, type II was the most common clinical classification for ACE. Favorable outcomes could be achieved with both BTX-A injection and surgery. There was no difference in motor or sensory outcomes regardless of clinical classification. BTX-A injection is minimally invasive, allows early intervention, and may be the preferred approach for managing ACE in children.
Outcomes of Trabeculo-Descemet’s Membrane Microperforation During Combined Phacoemulsification and Deep Sclerectomy
No full textPurpose: To evaluate the impact of inadvertent intraoperative microperforation of the trabeculo- Descemet’s membrane (TDM) on postoperative outcomes in cases with cataract and either primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) or pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PEXG) during combined phacoemulsification and deep sclerectomy (PDS).Methods: In this prospective case–control study, 73 eyes of 73 patients with cataract and POAG/PEXG who underwent PDS were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of inadvertent intraoperative TDM microperforation. The primary outcome measures included intraocular pressure (IOP), number of antiglaucoma drugs, and assessment of adverse effects during a six-month follow-up period.Results: Significant decreases in IOP were observed at all follow-up time points (day 7, month 1, and month 6) in both groups compared to baseline (P < 0.001). No significant differences in IOP were found between the groups at any time point, except on day 7, while the perforation group exhibited a significantly lower IOP compared to the non-perforation group (11.84 ± 4.78 vs 14.03 ± 2.50 mmHg, P = 0.017). At month 6, the mean number of antiglaucoma drugs was 0.19 ± 0.46 in the perforation group and 0.06 ± 0.23 in the non-perforation group, suggesting a significant reduction in both groups compared to baseline (P < 0.001) with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.124). Hypotony was observed in 3 (8.1%) eyes with perforation, but it resolved without persistent complications in subsequent follow-ups.Conclusion: Inadvertent TDM microperforation during PDS for POAG or PEXG did not impact IOP outcomes compared to non-perforated cases over a six-month period, nor did it increase the incidence of complications
Acknowledgement to Reviewers 2024
No full textThis is an annual reviewer acknowledgement by the journal's editorial board to thank and acknowledge the journal reviewers for their time and efforts
Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage Following Spinal Surgery: Insights from a Single-Center Study
No full textBackgroundCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is a known complication of spine surgery, and an effective protocol for prevention, recognition, and treatment of postoperative CSF leak is essential to avoid a cascade of associated adverse outcomes, such as durocutaneous fistula, wound infection, and intracranial hemorrhage. We aim to identify the incidence of CSF leak post spinal surgeries and to obtain the factors that could predict the risks of having a CSF leak following spine surgeries.
MethodsThis study was conducted as a retrospective cohort study on patients who had CSF leaks post spinal surgery in King Abdul-Aziz Medical City, Jeddah, from June 2016 to January 2024.
ResultsThe occurrence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak post-surgery was relatively low (2.6%), and more than 97% of the participants studied had no CSF leak. There is a statistically insignificant relation with age, gender, DM, BMI, hypertension, malignancy, and cardiovascular diseases. Still, there is a statistically significant relation with the attempt to watertight closure, and type of surgery (P value ≤ 0.05).
ConclusionPostoperative CSF leak following spinal surgery is associated with morbidity and can lead to re-operation and infection. The incidence of CSF leaks among our study participants was about 2.6%, which is relatively low. Identifying predictors for CSF leaks can assist in counseling patients concerning surgical risk and expected postoperative recovery
Dynamic X-Ray Imaging and Its Role in Predicting Outcomes in Coccygectomy Patients: A Narrative Review
No full textBackgroundChronic coccydynia is a debilitating condition often exacerbated by any activity that applies pressure to the coccygeal area. While diagnosis is primarily clinical, dynamic X-ray imaging has emerged as a valuable tool for identifying structural abnormalities like hypermobility or subluxation. For patients unresponsive to conservative treatments, coccygectomy (surgical removal of the coccyx) remains a definitive option. However, predicting surgical success remains challenging.
ObjectiveThis narrative review synthesizes recent evidence (2015–2025) on the role of dynamic imaging in diagnosing coccydynia and its utility in predicting positive coccygectomy outcomes.
Materials and MethodsA review of the literature was conducted to assess studies published between 2015–2025 focusing on dynamic X-ray imaging for identifying structural abnormalities (hypermobility, subluxation) and its role in predicting surgical outcomes for coccydynia.
ResultsFindings suggest that patients with coccygeal instability, retroversion, or subluxation on dynamic imaging tend to experience better postoperative pain relief and quality-oflife improvements compared to those with normal or immobile coccyx. For instance, hypermobility (>25∘ flexion) or traumatic etiology may correlate with favorable surgical results, while idiopathic cases or normal anatomy often yield poorer outcomes. Despite these insights, limitations like small sample sizes, inconsistent imaging protocols, and lack of long-term data highlight the need for standardized guidelines.
ConclusionClinical observations, along with our team’s decade-long experience, reinforce that dynamic imaging can refine patient selection by distinguishing those most likely to benefit from surgery. Future research should prioritize large, prospective studies with uniform imaging criteria and integrate psychosocial factors to optimize predictive accuracy. By addressing these gaps, dynamic imaging could evolve into a cornerstone of precision medicine for coccydynia, ensuring tailored treatments and improved surgical outcomes
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Knowledge Among Healthcare Professionals in Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: A Literature Review
No full textIntroduction: The survival rates of cardiac arrest patients significantly improve when medical professionals deliver high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation. A thorough understanding of resuscitation techniques is crucial for medical professionals to perform chest compressions effectively and confidently, thereby enhancing patient outcomes.
Aim: This study aimed to systematically evaluate the level of cardiopulmonary resuscitation knowledge among healthcare professionals across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, assessing resuscitation knowledge among healthcare professionals in GCC countries using studies published between 2008 and 2024. Relevant studies were identified through an extensive search of electronic databases including Google Scholar, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, Embase, and PubMed.
Results: The study included data from 6485 healthcare workers representing diverse healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and training institutions. Overall knowledge among professionals was found to be average, with a positive attitude towards cardiopulmonary resuscitation training widely reported. Studies assessing pre- and post-training knowledge revealed that educational interventions significantly enhanced knowledge levels and fostered positive attitudes towards resuscitation practices. However, compared to immediate post-course assessments, a notable decline of over 50% in knowledge retention was observed 6 months posttraining. Limitations of this study include variability in study consistency, potential bias from self-reported data, and the lack of standardized assessment tools across studies.
Conclusion: This review underscores the critical need for comprehensive and regular training programs, either annually or biannually, to ensure that healthcare professionals maintain the knowledge and confidence required to deliver high-quality care during cardiac arrest scenarios
The Isthmocele: A Comprehensive Review of Anatomical Defects and Fertility Implications
No full textIsthmocele, also known as a uterine niche or cesarean scar defect, is a 1 to 2 mm defect in the anterior myometrium that appears as a hypoechoic triangle at the location of the lower segment caesarean section scar. The term is derived from the Greek words “isthmo” (uterine isthmus) and “cele” (cavity or pouch). The number of cases of isthmoceles varies significantly in the medical literature, with approximately 30% of afflicted women exhibiting symptoms. The Delphi consensus classified the disorder as Caesarean Scar Disorder (CSD), characterized as a uterine niche with at least one major symptom (postmenstrual spotting, discomfort during uterine bleeding, technical problems after embryo transfer) or two secondary symptoms (unexplained infertility and intrauterine fluid). Isthmocele is a serious iatrogenic condition of caesarean birth that might have long-term consequences for reproductive health. The pathophysiological pathways connecting isthmocele and infertility are diverse, comprising mechanical impediment, chronic inflammation, intrauterine fluid buildup, and disturbance of normal uterine contractility and receptivity. Diagnostic advances, such as upgraded ultrasonography methods and standardized criteria, have facilitated the identification and characterization of many abnormalities. Therapeutic options are evolving, with less invasive surgical procedures exhibiting excellent success in treating problems and restoring fertility. However, considerable knowledge gaps persist, and further research is needed to better understand the best surgical method for different defect shapes and long-term obstetric outcomes following surgical repair. The growing global caesarean rate ensures that isthmoceles will remain a major clinical problem in reproductive medicine
Assessment of the Efficiency of Locally Used Coagulants in the Treatment of Domestic Wastewater in Swat
No full textUntreated wastewater is a significant global problem, with more than 80% being released untreated, which is the cause of health and environmental risks. In areas such as Swat, Pakistan, total dependence on costly imported chemical coagulants such as alum and ferric salts results in low sewage treatment, causing extreme pollution. This research explores the effectiveness of domestically available Moringa oleifera seed powder as a natural coagulant for municipal wastewater in Swat. Grab samples taken every week from five locations were tested for the important parameters (pH, turbidity, COD, BOD5, TSS, and TDS). Laboratory-scale jar tests tested Moringa doses (25–150 mg/L). Findings indicate that an optimal dose of 250 mg/L resulted in a maximum reduction of turbidity by 87%, COD by 67%, and BOD5 by 65% and produced biodegradable sludge that could be composted. Results indicate that Moringa oleifera is an environmentally friendly and cost-effective coagulant alternative to traditional coagulants, contributing to the achievement of SDG 6 and SDG 12 goals for sustainable wastewater management in developing countries