Heighten Science Publications Inc., USA
Not a member yet
2548 research outputs found
Sort by
A Perplexing Case of Genito-urinary Tuberculosis in an 83-Year-Old Woman with Increased Levels of Tumor Markers: A Case Report
No full textBackground: Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant global health problem, and extrapulmonary TB can present with no specific clinical or radiographic findings. Genito-urinary TB is often associated with elevated tumor markers and can be misdiagnosed as ovarian/fallopian tube carcinomas, especially in elderly female patients, as genitourinary TB commonly affects women of reproductive age.Objective: We present a rare case of genito-urinary TB in an elderly female patient who was initially misdiagnosed with ovarian cancer with metastasis.Case presentation: An 83-year-old woman with a medical history of diabetes and hypertension presented with complaints of abdominal distension. Diagnostic imaging revealed lesions in the ovaries and omentum and tumor markers were elevated, leading to a suspicion of ovarian cancer with metastases to the omentum. The patient underwent a diagnostic laparotomy and surgical removal of ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the lesion of the greater omentum. However, no malignancy was found during the morphological evaluation. Further histopathological examination confirmed the final diagnosis of genito-urinary tuberculosis, and the patient received anti-TB drugs. The postoperative period was uneventful, and tumor marker levels decreased.Conclusion: As the clinical presentation of genito-urinary TB can mimic ovarian cancer, a histopathological examination should be performed for differential diagnosis, thereby reducing the possibility of inaccurate treatment. This case report highlights the importance of considering genito-urinary TB as a differential diagnosis in elderly female patients presenting with elevated tumor markers, abdominal distension, and suspected genital malignancy. It is crucial to carefully evaluate these cases and explore the possibility of genital TB as an alternative diagnosis, given the overlapping clinical presentation. This highlights the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach that includes considering TB in addition to malignancy, even in the context of elderly female patients
A Mini Review of Newly Identified Omicron Sublineages
No full textThe ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has seen the evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, resulting in the emergence of various concerning variants with unique biological characteristics. As the pandemic continues, it will be crucial to promptly evaluate the potential of any new variant to cause severe illness. The severity of the latest Omicron sublineages, including BA.5, XBB, BQ.1.18, BA.2, BA.2.75, and EG.5.1, is currently under assessment. This system provides valuable and essential information for rapidly assessing the threat posed by new versions of the virus
Dorsal intraspinal B-cell Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in two patients
No full textNon-Hodgkin Lymphoma is rarely diagnosed as spinal cord compression syndrome. Caused by an epidural mass, this complication is often encountered in the late stage of the disease. We report two cases presenting symptoms of low thoracic spinal cord compression due to an epidural tumor on the MRI. Possible complications that may occur and how to prevent adverse events during surgery are essential. This case is of special interest for being a low-incidence pathology in a rare location. The case is of high interest because of the importance of resecting the lesion to prevent sequels and the complexity of its management and highlights the importance of considering the diagnosis of this event
Spin supercurrent in ecology
No full textBackground: This work aims to show that the process of transfer of angular momentum ‑ spin supercurrent ‑ may provide the fulfillment of the fundamental law of ecology: “Everything is connected to everything else”.Results: The conducted investigations are based on the following properties of spin supercurrent: the equalization of the characteristics of interacting objects’ spins; dissipation-free; inertia-free (it is not accompanied by the emergence of kinetic mass); superluminal speed (there is no contradiction with Special Relativity, as Special Relativity postulates the speed limit only for an inertial process). The spin supercurrent emerges between virtual photons having a spin and being created by quantum objects of different types: living and non-living, electrically charged and neutral, magnetized and non-magnetized, having non-zero rest mass and having zero rest mass (such as photons). Conclusion: It is shown in this work that the properties of spin supercurrent may determine the following phenomena in ecology: the mimicry of animals and plants; the contactless (without living pathogenic microorganisms) spread of epidemics; the influence of the terrain relief on the population longevity; the use of water as information matrix; the stabilization of energy in the Earth’s core. Since the spin supercurrent possesses such properties as dissipative-free, superluminal speed, the non-electric and non-magnetic nature, it may perform interaction (quantum teleportation) of quantum objects between the Earth and Cosmic bodies. Thus, the extension of the biosphere’s border to Outer Space is possible
A baseline assessment of the knowledge, attitude, and practices of exclusive breastfeeding among women enrolled in a cluster randomized trial in Anambra State Nigeria
No full textBackground: Exclusive breastfeeding has great benefits for both the mother and the child. Few studies have been carried out on interventions to improve Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) practice by childbearing mothers. No study has formulated and/or implemented a hospital-based maternal counseling guide intervention to improve EBF practice. This baseline study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice of EBF on mothers who were enrolled in antenatal clinics for a cluster randomized trial and the disparity in the knowledge of EBF based on lactation, age, sex, and source of income.Methods: We formulated a hospital-based counseling guide on exclusive breastfeeding, which is under implementation by prenatal and nursing mothers, to promote EBF practice in the study area. A cross-sectional study was conducted in two hospitals randomly selected from twelve hospitals in Anambra State. The study was among pregnant women who were in their second trimester. The data collection took place from March to April 2022. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-Square. The test of significance was set at p < 0.05.Results: The control and the intervention arms had an equal number of enrolees (144) each and more than half of the participants were between the ages of 23 – 32 years. The majority of the participants showed adequate knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding as over 90% knew that EBF is important and capable of improving their baby's immunity. The participants demonstrated a positive attitude to exclusive breastfeeding and they had a significantly high level of practice of daily consumption of galactagogues. The study suggested that the majority did not practice breast milk extraction mainly because the process of extraction is painful and some do not know how to carry out the extraction.Conclusion: The mothers have the requisite knowledge of the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding to their infants and themselves. However, they do not practice EBF. Interventions to improve EBF practice should focus on educating mothers on proper breast milk extraction and storage techniques
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Pregnancy-related Complications: Findings at Mansa General Hospital and 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University
No full textBackground: 800 women die and 2.6 million stillbirths occur worldwide related to pregnancy complications. Racial/ethnic disparities in pregnancy-related mortality have continued to be significantly higher among black than whites due to various factors. We sought to investigate complications among pregnant women of different race/ethnicity.Methods: Cross-sectional observational study of 2030 obstetric cases randomly selected for the period January 1 to December 31, 2021. Data was collected from the hard copy and electronic inpatients’ records. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics analyzed the pregnancy complication frequencies, standard deviations, range, minimum and maximum values. Maternal characteristics were analyzed using an independent samples t-test. Maternal characteristics were evaluated using the two samples t-test. The odds ratios and confidence intervals were calculated as measures of association between ethnicity/race and pregnancy complications using a binary logistic regression model. Confidence interval was set at 95% and p < 0.05 (2-tailed) was considered statistically significant.Results: 76.25% of Chinese and 67.86% of Zambians were affected by one or more complications. The mean ± standard deviation for MGH [age (26.69 ± 7.33), gravidity (3.35 ± 2.08), and parity (2.07 ± 1.68)] and for 2nd affiliated hospital was [age (30.04 ± 4.29), gravidity (2.19 ± 1.38) and parity (0.45 ± 0.55)]. Prevalence of top five pregnancy complications in the Chinese group was gestational diabetes mellitus at 18.41%, hypothyroidism at 15.91%, oligohydramnios at 14.39%, premature rupture of membranes at 12.17%, and anemia at 5.73%. The prevalence of the top five pregnancy complications in the Zambian group was preeclampsia at 13.80%, PIH at 12.74%, PROM at 12.45%, eclampsia at 7.53%, and placenta abruption at 7.43%. Statistical significance findings were noted as follows: Oligohydramnios [OR 0.02, CI (0.01 - 0.05), p = 0.000], placenta praevia [OR 0.08, CI (0.01 - 0.61), p = 0.015], preeclampsia [OR 13.10, CI (7.22 - 23.78), p = 0.000], placenta abruptio [OR 79.73, CI (11.07 - 574.38), p = 0.000], PIH [OR 11.95, CI (6.57 - 21.73), p = 0.005], eclampsia [OR 162.90, CI (10.08 - 2631, p = 0.000), PPROM [OR 0.03, CI (0.00 - 0.45), p = 0.012], GDM [OR 0.11, CI (0.07 - 0.17), p = 0.000], hypothyroidism [OR 0.01(0.00-0.03), p = 0.000], anemia [OR 0.18, CI (0.92-0.34), p = 0.000], ICP [OR 0.03, CI (0.00 - 0.48), p = 0.013], syphilis [OR 7.17, CI (2.14 - 24.02), p = 0.001], UTI [OR 22.55, CI (3.04 - 17.26), p = 0.002], HBV [OR 0.05, CI (0.00 - 0.86), p = 0.039] and GBS [OR 0.06, CI (0.00 - 1.11), p = 0.059].Conclusion: Highest odds for obstetrical and infection-related pregnancy complications were associated with Zambian cases. The highest odds for medical complications were associated with Chinese cases
The prognostic value of p53 and WT1 expression in cancer: new molecular insights and epigenetics explanations lead to a new medical hypothesis
No full textThis is a literature review study focusing on the expression of p53 and WT1. Both the p53 and WT1 proteins are tumor suppressors, which means that they play a role in preventing the progression into cancerous ones. If these proteins are altered or deleted, they lose the ability to carry out their role, which might result in the development of cancer. The primary objectives of this study were to review the literature regarding the expression of both p53 and WT1 and to investigate their prognostic significance; and to discuss our new hypothesis regarding the ratios of expression of WT1/p53, as well as our model regarding acute myeloid leukemia. In brief, the objectives were to make the focus in the suggested hypothesis as well as collecting the supportive literature. According to the findings of the current research, the level of expression of WT1 and p53 can indicate either a favorable or unfavorable prognosis for cancer patients. Further, we demonstrated that the expression, not just as a quality variable but also as a quantity variable, may have a more substantial explanation in the progression of tumors than we had previously thought. According to the theory that was derived from this research, if the expression of WT1/p53 (the expression is given as a ratio) is somewhere around 4, then p53 acts as though it were wild type and offers protection against tumors. In order to verify this idea, we need to do additional study
Treatment of a Distal Humerus Fracture using an Elbow Hemiarthroplasty
No full textElbow hemiarthroplasty (EHA) is a highly effective procedure for treating various elbow joint disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and fractures involving the articular surface of the distal humerus. It involves replacing the entire distal humerus with a prosthesis and reattaching the supporting soft tissues. The EHA provides significant pain relief, improves joint function, and increases patient satisfaction, with minimal complications that can be easily managed. This case study demonstrates the value of EHA as a viable treatment option for distal humerus fractures in older adults with moderate activity levels, as a superior alternative to osteosynthesis
Osteopoikilosis: a rare case with interesting imaging
No full textBackground: Osteopoikilosis (OPK) is a rare osteosclerotic dysplasia. It is usually asymptomatic and diagnosis is made incidentally by radiographic findings. It has a unique radiographic presentation with multiple small, well-defined, circular, or ovoid radiodensities which are distributed symmetrically in the epiphysis and metaphysis of long bones.Aim of the work: In this case report, a 38-year-old man with mild joint discomfort was diagnosed with OPK according to his radiographic findings and literature review.Conclusion: It is important to diagnose OPK and to distinguish it from other medical conditions to calm the patient and to reduce unnecessary investigation
Study of kabul river canal sediments for heavy metals status and its accumulation in wheat plant (triticum aestivum)
No full textCanal cleaning is a routine activity on the canals diverted from the Kabul River. As a result, thousands of tons of sediment are removed as sludge and flushed back into the Kabul River. In Peshawar city, most people use this sediment as a soil conditioner in lawns. But the farmers are hesitant to apply it in agricultural fields. It is perceived that the sediment may be rich in heavy metal contents and, if used as a soil conditioner, may contaminate the food chain. To unveil the facts, this study was conducted with the aim of analyzing sediment samples for selected heavy metals and their uptake and accumulation in different parts of the wheat plant. For this purpose, the sediment collected from Warsak Gravity Canal (WGC) was analyzed for total essential heavy metals including iron (Fe), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), and Zinc (Zn). Wheat crop was grown in four different pots consisting of pure soil, pure sediment, and two amendments i.e. soil mixed with 25% and 50% sediments. In comparison to sediment, the soil samples were high in copper, cobalt, and Zinc concentration. The concentration of iron and manganese was comparatively high in pure sediment but within permissible limits. The heavy metals uptake by the wheat crop was also within the permissible limits. The highest accumulation of copper, iron, and Zinc was observed in the roots of wheat plants. The highest value of cobalt was observed in the seed (0.407 mg Kg-1), which was within the safe range. Therefore, it is concluded that the sediment of the Kabul River canal cannot be considered a source of pollution in terms of heavy metals and can be used as a soil conditioner