European Journal of Medical and Health Research
Not a member yet
578 research outputs found
Sort by
A Complex Case of Knee Osteoarthritis Associated with Synovial Chondromatosis, Gout, and Hypothyroidism: A Multimodal Management Approach
This case report presents a 40-year-old male patient, Mr. Mizan, who attended Upasham Health Point, Baridhara, Dhaka, Bangladesh, on December 1st, 2024, with complaints of left knee joint pain and swelling accompanied by a persistent cough. His diagnostic investigations revealed a multifactorial pathology involving osteoarthritis (OA) with secondary synovial chondromatosis, elevated serum uric acid levels suggestive of gout, and thyroid function abnormalities consistent with hypothyroidism. The patient's condition was managed through a comprehensive regimen comprising febuxostat, corticosteroids, NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, supplements, and supportive therapy. Serial laboratory evaluations demonstrated improvement in biochemical markers and symptom relief. This report underscores the importance of multimodal diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in managing complex joint pathologies, especially in resource-limited settings
Evaluating User Feedback on the Integration of Brain-Computer Interface and Sensory Stimulation in a Standalone VR Headset
This study investigates user perceptions surrounding Xenodiver, a standalone virtual reality (VR) headset integrating Brain–Computer Interface (BCI) technology and vestibular stimulation to enhance immersive interaction and neurorehabilitation potential. Using a cross-sectional survey design, 400 respondents—including clinicians, biomedical engineers, VR developers, and individuals with disabilities—provided feedback on key factors such as usability, therapeutic relevance, familiarity with BCI, and ethical concerns. Statistical analyses (chi-square, Pearson correlation, regression models, ANOVA, and non-parametric tests) revealed that gender, profession, and education level significantly influenced attitudes toward BCI-VR systems. Clinicians and male participants showed greater interest in therapeutic applications and a higher willingness to consent to brain data usage. Although prior exposure to BCI was not linked to increased enthusiasm, it correlated with reduced concerns over signal accuracy—suggesting that education may alleviate skepticism. These findings highlight the importance of user-informed interface design, comprehensive onboarding, and ethical transparency for successful implementation of neuroadaptive technologies like Xenodiver. The system represents a promising advancement in accessible, user-centered neurotechnology for rehabilitation and beyond
Pattern of Tubulo-Interstitial Injury and its Association with Post-Induction Therapy Response in Proliferative Lupus Nephritis
ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to assess the pattern of tubulo-interstitial injury and its association with post-induction therapy response in proliferative LN. MethodsThis multi-centered, prospective observational study was conducted from February 2020 – August 2021 (19 months). Class III and IV LN patients were included. With a total of 82 enrolled participants, we recorded the socio- demographic and histological characteristics and severity of injuries. Comparisons and associations between the therapy response and injuries were also evaluated.ResultsInterstitial Inflammation (84.1%) followed by Acute Tubular Injury (81.7%) were the most common types of tubulo-interstitial injuries. Furthermore, statistically significant association was found for all types of injuries, meaning, II (p=0.001); ATI (p=0.025) and interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (p=0.003). Wire-loop lesion (p=0.012); global sclerosis (p=0.001) and fibrous crescent (p=0.001) were the types of glomerular lesions where statistically significant association was seen. Majority (64.5%) patients of mild II expressed complete response; 64.0% moderate category patients revealed deterioration; 51.6% patients of mild ATI showed complete response; 56.0% moderate and 24.0% severe interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy revealed deterioration. Statistically significant association was found in case of II (p=0.001) and IFTA (0.001).ConclusionTubulo-interstitial injuries, particularly II and IFTA, showed significant associations with both histopathological severity and treatment outcomes in proliferative LN. These findings highlight their prognostic value in guiding therapeutic decisions.Main points• Interstitial inflammation (II) and acute tubular injury (ATI) were the most common tubulo-interstitial injuries, present in 84.1% and 81.7% of cases, respectively.• A statistically significant association was observed between tubulo-interstitial injuries (II, ATI, IFTA) and LN class, particularly Class III and IV (p < 0.05).• II and IFTA showed strong correlations with glomerular lesions such as global sclerosis, wire-loop lesions, and crescents (p < 0.05).• Higher grades of IFTA were significantly associated with increased baseline and follow-up serum creatinine levels (p < 0.01), indicating prognostic relevance.• Patients with mild II and IFTA were more likely to achieve complete response to induction therapy, while ATI did not show a statistically significant impact on treatment response (p = 0.106)
The Clinico-Pathological Role of Horizontal Gene Transfer in the Ability of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa to Cause Disease in Lung Tissue
Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) plays a pivotal role in the evolution and pathogenicity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a versatile and opportunistic pathogen responsible for various healthcare-associated infections. Through mechanisms such as transformation, transduction, and conjugation, P. aeruginosa acquires genetic material that enhances its adaptability, virulence, and resistance to antimicrobial agents. This review explores the impact of HGT on the pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa, focusing on key virulence factors and resistance determinants. The acquisition of genes encoding exotoxins, biofilm formation, and motility factors via HGT contributes significantly to the organism's ability to colonize diverse host environments and evade immune defenses. Additionally, mobile genetic elements such as plasmids, transposons, and integrons facilitate the horizontal spread of multidrug resistance genes, complicating clinical treatment strategies. Notably, the integration of quorum-sensing regulators and efflux pump systems through HGT mechanisms enhances the bacterial response to environmental stress and antimicrobial pressure. Recent studies highlight the role of bacteriophages in mediating HGT, introducing prophages that encode virulence factors or contribute to genomic plasticity. Furthermore, the dissemination of integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) has been implicated in the rapid spread of carbapenem and aminoglycoside resistance genes among P. aeruginosa isolates. Understanding the mechanisms and impacts of HGT in P. aeruginosa is critical for devising novel therapeutic and preventive strategies. Targeting HGT pathways or disrupting the horizontal exchange of genetic material may provide innovative approaches to mitigate the emergence of highly virulent and resistant strains. This review underscores the need for continued research to unravel the complexities of HGT and its role in shaping the pathogenic landscape of P. aeruginosa
Deciphering the Morphological Dilemma of Multiple Noses
Extra cranial origin of GnRH, a wonder neuron who sets up the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Gonad (HPG) axis but also shape up the brain both structurally and functionally during mini-puberty. The establishment of HPG axis needs a population of around 2000 GnRH neurons but a surge of GnRH population occurs at Mini puberty to the tune of 8000 who go scattered throughout the brain to mature it up. However, prerequisite of GnRH formation required the nasal placode on face. So, a deficiency of GnRH population during Mini puberty makes another nasal protrusion on the face postnatally
Study the Effect of Benzene on Human Body Fat in Basrah, Iraq
Background: Benzene is a frequent industrial and environmental pollutant that can induce hematologic and metabolic problems. Aim of study: Determine the impact of benzene exposure on body fat and hematological parameters among petrol station worker in Basrah, Iraq. Methodology: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 25 exposed petrol station workers and 25 non-exposed controls. Blood samples were analyzed for lipid profile and hematological parameters using standard biochemical and hematology analyzers. Statistical significance was determined at (p≤0.05). Results: Compared with controls, exposed workers showed significantly lower total cholesterol (153.2 vs. 171.6 mg/dL, p=0.03) and HDL (35.8 vs. 47.9 mg/dL, p=0.02), while LDL (108.3 vs. 96.4 mg/dL, p=0.04) and triglycerides (134.7 vs. 97.5 mg/dL, p=0.01) were higher. Workers also had slightly higher RBC, hemoglobin, and WBC counts (p<0.05). Conclusion: Benzene exposure at work was related with adverse lipid changes and modest hematological abnormalities in petrol station workers. To reduce health hazards, it is suggested use personal protective equipment, increase workplace ventilation, and conduct regular health monitoring
A Comparative Study of the Success Rates of the Spaso Method Versus the Hippocratic Method in the Reduction of Acute Anterior Shoulder Dislocation
Shoulder dislocation is the most common major joint dislocation in humans, with anterior dislocation being the predominant type. Various reduction maneuvers have been described since early civilization, and newer methods continue to emerge. The choice of reduction technique influences safety, ease of performance, and patient comfort. Aim: To compare the effectiveness and difficulties associated with the Spaso method and the Hippocratic method for reducing acute anterior shoulder dislocation. Methods: This prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted from August 2012 to January 2014. Forty patients with anterior shoulder dislocation were divided into two equal groups. Group 1 (Spaso method) included 14 males (70%) and 6 females (30%), mean age 30.1 years. Group 2 (Hippocratic method) included 15 males (75%) and 5 females (25%), mean age 31.8 years. All patients received IV diazepam 10 mg and tramadol 100 mg. No patient had associated fractures. Reduction was performed using the Spaso maneuver in Group 1 and the Hippocratic method in Group 2. Results: In the Spaso group, reduction was successful in 18 patients (90%) and failed in 2 patients (10%). In the Hippocratic group, success occurred in 16 patients (80%) and failure in 4 patients (20%). Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the two methods. The average time needed for successful reduction was approximately three minutes in both groups. Nausea occurred in 3 patients in the Spaso group and 1 patient in the Hippocratic group. Conclusion: Both methods are effective for reducing anterior shoulder dislocation. The Spaso maneuver is simpler and safe, though complications were minimal in both groups
Environmental Microplastics Exposure and Its Biochemical Impacts on Human Oxidative Stress Markers: A Clinical Chemistry Perspective
Since the polymerization of the first synthetic resin (Bakelite) in 1907,
industrial plastics have found considerable utility due to their diverse features. Over the years, the notable development of polymers and related products has turned plastic into one of the most abundant materials in modern society. Every year, various particle composites are released into the environment, generating debris with sizes down to microns or even lower. Microplastics (MPs) are solid polymer particles smaller than 5 mm. More than 150 million tons of MPs exist in the oceans. MPs can potentially cause biological effects in organisms. MPs possess diverse properties that may lead to volumetric and surface changes. MP exposure raises the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), contributing to oxidative stress in microbes. ROS generation leads to mitochondrial damage and pro-inflammatory cytokine release, causing biological effects such as cell damage. Therefore, oxidative stress has been investigated as a potential mechanism linking MPs to harmful effects. The definition of oxidative stress, its biomarkers, and the impact of MPs on these biomarkers remain important and attractive issues to survey among many topics related to MPs
Assessment of Conversion from Laparoscopic to Open Surgery in Al-Diwaniyiah Teaching Hospital, Iraq: Causes and Predictors
Background: Conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery represents a clinical reality in surgical practice, though associated with increased morbidity and patient anxiety. This study evaluates the incidence, causes, and predictive factors of conversion in a tertiary surgical center. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 524 laparoscopic procedures performed at Al- Diwaniyiah Teaching Hospital between January 2022 and December 2024 was conducted. Patient demographics, operative indications, clinical factors, and conversion-related variables were analyzed. Results: The overall conversion rate was 8.6% (45 patients). Common indications for conversion included difficult anatomy (42.2%), bleeding complications (28.9%), and visceral injuries (20.0%). Univariate analysis identified age >65 years (p=0.003), male gender (p=0.018), BMI >30 (p=0.002), and previous abdominal surgery (p=0.001) as significant predictors. Patients undergoing emergency procedures showed a 4.2-fold increased conversion risk compared to elective cases. Morbidity rates were 44.4% in converted cases versus 12.3% in successfully completed laparoscopic procedures (p<0.001). Mortality was 4.4% in the conversion group. Conclusion: Conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery remains an important endpoint with identifiable risk factors. Advanced surgical training, proper patient selection, and institutional protocols for managing intraoperative complications are essential to optimize outcomes and reduce unnecessary conversions
Outcome of Spirometric Study in Children with Sickle Cell Disease
Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an autosomal recessive inherited hemoglobinopathy that includes sickle cell anemia and compound heterozygous states where one β-globin allele carries the sickle mutation and the other carries variants such as HbC, β-thalassemia, HbD, or HbOArab. Pulmonary complications are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in SCD, presenting mainly as acute chest syndrome and chronic sickle cell lung disease. Abnormal pulmonary function tests are frequently reported in patients with SCD, even during steady-state conditions. Aim: To evaluate the prevalence and patterns of lung function abnormalities using spirometric parameters in patients with SCD attending the Karbala Hereditary Blood Disease Center, compared with healthy non-SCD controls. Methods: This case–control cross-sectional study included 40 patients with SCD in steady state and 40 age-matched healthy controls. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, anthropometric measures, history of vaso-occlusive crises, hospital admissions, and blood transfusions. All participants underwent spirometry, while complete blood count and hemoglobin fractions were assessed in the SCD group only. Results: Weight, body mass index, forced vital capacity (FVC% predicted), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1% predicted), and peak expiratory flow (PEF% predicted) were significantly lower in patients with SCD compared with controls (P < 0.005). Among SCD patients, age, height, weight, and white blood cell count showed significant negative correlations with FEF25–75%, PEF%, and FEV1/FVC. No significant correlations were observed with the type or number of crises. HbS levels correlated negatively with FEV1/FVC and FEF25–75%, while HbF levels correlated positively with FVC% predicted. Restrictive lung disease was the most common abnormality (22%), followed by obstructive defects (12%). Conclusion: Lung function parameters are significantly reduced in patients with Hb-SS compared with non-SCD controls. Restrictive ventilatory defects are prevalent and are significantly associated with markers of disease severity, particularly white blood cell count and HbS level