Teaching Reform and Practice of Functional Experiment Based on the Cultivation of Excellent Medical Talents

In order to cultivate excellent clinical medical talents with a solid foundation, strong literacy, refined skills, excellent communication abilities, innovative thinking, and a strong focus on practicality, functional experiments have undergone a series of reforms in areas such as constructing new curriculum systems, improving teaching content, updating teaching equipment, introducing new teaching models, and enhancing teaching evaluation systems.

Virtual reality for preoperative patient education: Impact on satisfaction, usability, and burnout from the perspective of new nurses

BACKGROUND Traditional paper-based preoperative patient education is a struggle for new nurses and requires extensive training.In this situation,virtual reality technology can help the new nurses.Despite its potential benefits,there are studies on patient satisfaction but there is limited information on the usability of virtual reality(VR)technology for new nurses in giving preoperative education to patients.AIM To investigate the impact on satisfaction,usability,and burnout of a system using VR technology in preoperative patient education.METHODS The study involved 20 nurses from the plastic surgery ward and 80 patients admitted between April and May 2019.Each nurse taught four patients:Two using traditional verbal education and two using virtual reality.The System Usability Scale,After-Scenario Questionnaire,and Maslach Burnout Inventory(MBI)were employed to evaluate the impact of these education methods.RESULTS The VR education groups showed a statistically higher satisfaction than the traditional verbal education groups.Among the three subscales of the MBI,emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishment improved statistically significantly.VR was also better in terms of usability.CONCLUSION This study suggests VR enhances usability and reduces burnout in nurses,but further research is needed to assess its impact on depersonalization and objective measures like stress and heart rate.

Ethyl acetate fraction of Sargassum pallidum extract attenuates particulate matter-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in keratinocytes and zebrafish

Objective:To evaluate the effect of the ethyl acetate fraction derived from Sargassum pallidum extract against particulate matter(PM)-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in HaCaT cells and zebrafish.Methods:HaCaT cells and zebrafish were used to evaluate the protective effects of the ethyl acetate fraction of Sargassum pallidum extract against PM-induced oxidative stress and inflammation.The production of nitric oxide(NO),intracellular ROS,prostaglandin E_(2)(PGE_(2)),and pro-inflammatory cytokines,and the expression levels of COX-2,iNOS,and NF-κB were evaluated in PM-induced HaCaT cells.Furthermore,the levels of ROS,NO,and lipid peroxidation were assessed in the PM-exposed zebrafish model.Results:The ethyl acetate fraction of Sargassum pallidum extract significantly decreased the production of NO,intracellular ROS,and PGE_(2) in PM-induced HaCaT cells.In addition,the fraction markedly suppressed the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibited the expression levels of COX-2,iNOS,and NF-κB.Furthermore,it displayed remarkable protective effects against PM-induced inflammatory response and oxidative stress,represented by the reduction of NO,ROS,and lipid peroxidation in zebrafish.Conclusions:The ethyl acetate fraction of Sargassum pallidum extract exhibits a protective effect against PM-induced oxidative stress and inflammation both in vitro and in vivo and has the potential as a candidate for the development of pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical products.

Association of accelerometer-measured sleep duration and different intensities of physical activity with incident type 2 diabetes in a population-based cohort study

Purpose:The aim of the current study was to investigate the association of accelerometer-measured sleep duration and different intensities of physical activity(PA)with the risk of incident type 2 diabetes in a population-based prospective cohort study.Methods:Altogether,88,000 participants(mean age=62.2±7.9 years,mean±SD)were included from the UK Biobank.Sleep duration(short:<6 h/day;normal:6-8 h/day;long:>8 h/day)and PA of different intensities were measured using a wrist-won accelerometer over a 7-day period between 2013 and 2015.PA was classified according to the median or World Health Organization-recommendation:total volume of PA(high,low),moderate-to-vigorous PA(MVPA)(recommended,not recommended),and light-intensity PA(high,low).Incidence of type 2diabetes was ascertained using hospital records or death registries.Results:During a median follow-up of 7.0 years,1615 incident type 2 diabetes cases were documented.Compared with normal sleep duration,short(hazard ratio(HR)=1.21,95%confidence interval(95%CI):1.03-1.41)but not long sleep duration(HR=1.01,95%CI:0.89-1.15)was associated with excessive type 2 diabetes risk.This increased risk among short sleepers seems to be protected against by PA.Compared with normal sleepers with high or recommended PA,short sleepers with low volume of PA(HR=1.81,95%CI:1.46-2.25),not recommended(below the World Health Organization-recommended level of)MVPA(HR=1.92,95%CI:1.55-2.36),or low light-intensity PA(HR=1.49,95%CI:1.13-1.90)had a higher risk of type 2 diabetes,while short sleepers with a high volume of PA(HR=1.14,95%CI:0.88-1.49),recommended MVPA(HR=1.02,95%CI:0.71-1.48),or high light-intensity PA(HR=1.14,95%CI:0.92-1.41)did not.Conclusion:Accelerometer-measured short but not long sleep duration was associated with a higher risk of incident type 2 diabetes.A higher level of PA,regardless of intensity,potentially ameliorates this excessive risk.

Use of anticoagulation reversal therapy in the emergency department:a single-center real-life retrospective study

The incidence of atrial fibrillation(AF)and deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism(DVT/PE)has increased in the last decades as a consequence of global aging and th refinement of diagnostic techniques;thus,the consumption o anticoagulant drugs has increased significantly.[1,2]Prescription of direct oral anticoagulants(DOACs)have overtaken thos of vitamin K antagonists(VKA)since the mid-2010s.[3]Consequently,the incidence of these drugs’side effects has also increased;the most relevant side effect in terms of morbidity and mortality is bleeding.In addition to critically ill bleeding patients,another indication of anticoagulant reversal therapy is the need for emergency surgery or for a procedure with high risk of bleeding.

Prevalence of HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C in Rivers State University, Port Harcourt: Outcome of a Medical Outreach

Background: Infectious diseases associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) continue to pose significant public health challenges that necessitate continuous surveillance and interventions. This study investigates the prevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV infections within the academic community of Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Given the potential for transmission in university settings and the importance of early detection and intervention, this research explores the extent of these infections and evaluates the outcomes of a medical outreach program aimed at addressing them. Methodology: A cross-sectional study design was employed to recruit 513 participants using a convenience sampling approach between the 20th and 22nd of April 2022. Participants included students and staff members who voluntarily consented to the medical outreach and study. Serological assays were utilized to identify HIV, HBV and HCV infections. The medical outreach program’s design, implementation, and outcomes were evaluated, focusing on testing uptake, counselling utilization, and linkage to care. Statistical analysis employed GraphPad Prism version 9 software. Result: The study revealed low prevalence rates of HIV (0.6%), HBV (1.2%), and HCV (0.6%) infections within the university population. Age-based analysis indicated a slightly higher prevalence in the 15 - 24 age group. Gender-wise, HBV showed a marginal difference, with 1.3% among females and 0.9% among males. The medical outreach program achieved a testing uptake of 80.8%, with 75% utilizing counselling services, and 75% of those identified with infections successfully linked to care. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence of infections and the effectiveness of a medical outreach program within a university community. While low prevalence rates are encouraging, the findings emphasize the continued importance of awareness and prevention efforts. The success of the outreach program in encouraging testing, providing counselling, and facilitating care linkage underscores its potential as a model for future interventions. Further research should delve into determinants of infection prevalence and barriers to care linkage for a more comprehensive understanding and improved intervention strategies.

Bowel function and inflammation: Is motility the other side of the coin?

Digestion and intestinal absorption allow the body to sustain itself and are the emblematic functions of the bowel.On the flip side,functions also arise from its role as an interface with the environment.Indeed,the gut houses microorganisms,collectively known as the gut microbiota,which interact with the host,and is the site of complex immune activities.Its role in human pathology is complex and scientific evidence is progressively elucidating the functions of the gut,especially regarding the pathogenesis of chronic intestinal diseases and inflammatory conditions affecting various organs and systems.This editorial aims to highlight and relate the factors involved in the pathogenesis of intestinal and systemic inflammation.

Role of glutathione transferase in phase separation of FUS and TAF15 in neurons

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS)is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the degeneration of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord,leading to muscle weakness,paralysis,and ultimately death(Cleveland and Rothstein,2001).Frontotemporal lobar degeneration(FTLD)is a neurodegenerative disease affecting the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain,leading to changes in behavior,personality,and language(Van Langenhove et al.,2012).Both ALS and FTLD are classified as proteinopathies in which abnormal protein aggregation and accumulation in neurons contribute to the disease pathogenesis.Fused in sarcoma(FUS)is a DNA/RNA-binding protein involved in various cellular processes,including transcriptional regulation,RNA splicing,and DNA repair.Mutations in the FUS gene have been linked to familial ALS,highlighting the importance of FUS in the disease pathogenesis(Vance et al.,2009).In ALS and FTLD,aberrant post-translational modifications(PTMs)of FUS,such as phosphorylation,acetylation,and methylation,have been implicated in the promotion of FUS aggregation and neurotoxicity(Choi et al.,2023).Therefore,understanding the regulatory mechanisms of FUS PTMs is crucial for developing targeted therapies against these diseases.

Antimicrobial,antibiofilm,angiogenesis,anti-inflammatory,and wound healing activities of zinc nanoparticles green synthesized using Ferula macrecolea extract

Objective:To assess the antimicrobial,antibiofilm,anti-inflammatory,angiogenic,and wound healing activities of zinc nanoparticles(ZNPs)green synthesized using Ferula macrecolea extract.Methods:The green synthesis was conducted using the precipitation method.Then,the minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC),minimum bactericidal concentration(MBC),and minimum biofilm inhibition concentration 50%(MBIC50)of ZNPs against Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus)and Pseudomonas aeruginosa(P.aeruginosa)were evaluated.The effects of ZNPs on the gene expressions of Staphylococcus spp.[intracellular adhesion A(icaA)and D(icaD)]and P.aeruginosa(rhlI and rhlR)were investigated using quantitative real-time PCR.In addition,the effects of ZNPs on wound healing,angiogenesis,and anti-inflammatory markers were assessed.Results:The green-synthesized ZNPs demonstrated significant antimicrobial efficacy against S.aureus and P.aeruginosa.The biofilm formation in S.aureus and P.aeruginosa was also inhibited by ZNPs with MBIC50 values of 3.30μg/mL and 2.08μg/mL,respectively.Additionally,ZNPs downregulated the expression of biofilm-related genes icaA,icaD,rhlI,and rhlR in the tested bacteria.They also demonstrated promising in vitro wound healing effects by promoting fibroblast cell proliferation and wound closure in a dose-dependent manner.A significant increase in the expression of HLA-G5 and VEGF-A genes as well as a marked decrease in the expression of NF-κB,IL-1β,and TNF-αgenes were observed in cells treated with ZNPs compared to the control group(P<0.05).Conclusions:ZNPs display promising antibacterial effects against S.aureus and P.aeruginosa and wound-healing effects by inhibiting biofilm formation,inducing angiogenesis,and reducing inflammation.However,further studies must be conducted to specify the accurate mechanisms of action and toxicity of ZNPs.

Epidemiology,therapy and outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma between 2010 and 2019 in Piedmont,Italy

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the most common primary liver malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide.It is often diagnosed at an advanced stage and therefore its prognosis remains poor with a low 5-year survival rate.HCC patients have increasingly complex and constantly changing characteristics,thus up-to-date and comprehensive data are fundamental.AIM To analyze the epidemiology and main clinical characteristics of HCC patients in a referral center hospital in the northwest of Italy between 2010 and 2019.METHODS In this retrospective study,we analyzed the clinical data of all consecutive patients with a new diagnosis of HCC recorded at"Santa Croce e Carle"Hospital in Cuneo(Italy)between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2019.To highlight possible changes in HCC patterns over the 10-year period,we split the population into two 5-year groups,according to the diagnosis period(2010-2014 and 2015-2019).RESULTS Of the 328 HCC patients who were included(M/F 255/73;mean age 68.9±11.3 years),154 in the first period,and 174 in the second.Hepatitis C virus infection was the most common HCC risk factor(41%,135 patients).The alcoholic etiology rate was 18%,the hepatitis B virus infection etiology was 5%,and the non-viral/non-alcoholic etiology rate was 22%.The Child-Pugh score distribution of the patients was:class A 75%,class B 21%and class C 4%.The average Mayo end-stage liver disease score was 10.6±3.7.A total of 55 patients(17%)were affected by portal vein thrombosis and 158(48%)by portal hypertension.The average nodule size of the HCC was 4.6±3.1 cm.A total of 204 patients(63%)had more than one nodule<3,and 92%(305 patients)had a non-metastatic stage of the disease.The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer(BCLC)staging distribution of all patients was:4%very early,32%early,23%intermediate,34%advanced,and 7%terminal.Average survival rate was 1.6±0.3 years.Only 20%of the patients underwent treatment.Age,presence of ascites,BCLC stage and therapy were predictors of a better prognosis(P<0.01).A comparison of the two 5-year groups revealed a statistically significant difference only in global etiology(P<0.05)and alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)levels(P<0.01).CONCLUSION In this study analyzing patients with a new diagnosis of HCC between 2010-2019,hepatitis C virus infection was the most common etiology.Most patients presented with an advanced stage disease and a poor prognosis.When comparing the two 5-year groups,we observed a statistically significant difference only in global etiology(P<0.05)and AFP levels(P<0.01).

Platelet indices as predictors of poor glucoregulation in type 2 diabetes mellitus adults at Bishoftu General Hospital,Ethiopia

BACKGROUND Diabetes is a chronic metabolic syndrome that has become a global public health problem with significant morbidity and mortality.It is a pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic condition characterized by increased platelet activation and alterations in platelet indices.However,the use of platelet indices as predictors of poor glucoregulation has not been fully evaluated in this context,and evidence for their role as predictors of poor glycemic status in diabetic patients is limited.AIM To evaluate platelet indices and determine their prognostic significance in relation to inadequate glucoregulation among individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at Bishoftu General Hospital in Ethiopia,from June 15 to August 12,2022.METHODS A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in 261 participants including 174 individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)and 87 non-diabetic controls.The systematic random sampling technique was used to select participants.Data were collected using structured questionnaires,physical measurements,checklists,and laboratory tests.Platelet parameters and fasting blood glucose levels were determined from blood samples using Sysmex-XN550 and CobasC311 analyzers,respectively.The hematology analyzer output was checked and participants were also screened for malaria parasites using a prepared blood smear.Collected data were entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis.Theχ^(2) test,Mann-Whitney U test,Kruskal-Wallis test,post hoc test,Spearman correlation,and receiver operating characteristic curve were used for analysis.A P value<0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS The results of our study indicate that diabetic patients have significantly higher levels of platelet distribution width(PDW),mean platelet volume(MPV),platelet large cell ratio(PLCR),and plateletcrit(PCT)compared to healthy individuals(P<0.001).Furthermore,these indices were found to be significantly elevated in individuals with poor glycemic control in T2DM compared to those with good glycemic control and healthy controls.We also observed significant correlations between these indices and various anthropometric and clinical variables.Our findings suggest that PDW,with a cut-off value of 15.75 fL and an area under the curve(AUC)of 0.803,MPV,with a cut-off value of 12.25 fL and an AUC of 0.774,PLCR,with a cut-off value of 36.3%and an AUC of 0.775,and PCT,with a cut-off value of 0.24%and an AUC of 0.761,can serve as predictors of poor glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus.CONCLUSION The observed correlation between diabetic patients and a significant increase in platelet indices has highlighted their potential as predictors of poor glycemic control in diabetes.Therefore,regular screening and profiling of platelet indices is recommended as part of the follow-up process for individuals with diabetes mellitus.

Efficacy of graphene nanocomposites for air disinfection in dental clinics: A randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND Aerosols containing disease-causing microorganisms are produced during oral diagnosis and treatment can cause secondary contamination.AIM To investigate the use of graphene material for air disinfection in dental clinics by leveraging its adsorption and antibacterial properties.METHODS Patients who received ultrasonic cleaning at our hospital from April 2023 to April 2024.They were randomly assigned to three groups(n=20 each):Graphene nanocomposite material suction group(Group A),ordinary filter suction group(Group B),and no air suction device group(Group C).The air quality and air colony count in the clinic rooms were assessed before,during,and after the procedure.Additionally,bacterial colony counts were obtained from the air outlets of the suction devices and the filter screens in Groups A and B.RESULTS Before ultrasonic cleaning,no significant differences in air quality PM2.5 and colony counts were observed among the three groups.However,significant differences in air quality PM2.5 and colony counts were noted among the three groups during ultrasonic cleaning and after ultrasonic treatment.Additionally,the number of colonies on the exhaust port of the suction device and the surface of the filter were significantly lower in Group A than in Group B(P=0.000 and P=0.000,respectively).CONCLUSION Graphene nanocomposites can effectively sterilize the air in dental clinics by exerting their antimicrobial effects and may be used to reduce secondary pollution.

Is endoscopic ultrasound a promising technique in the diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases?

Percutaneous ultrasound has been a longstanding method in the diagnostics and interventional procedures of liver diseases.In some countries,its use is restricted to radiologists,limiting access for other clinicians,such as gastroenterologists.Endoscopic ultrasound,as a novel technique,plays a crucial role in diagnosis and treatment of digestive diseases.However,its use is sometimes recommended for conditions where no clear advantage over percutaneous ultrasound exists,leaving the impression that clinicians sometimes resort to an endoscopic approach due to the unavailability of percutaneous options.

Assessment of Renal Erythropoietic Status of the Newly Diagnosed Diabetic Patients without Renal Impairment in Benin City, Nigeria

Diabetes mellitus is a carbohydrate metabolism disorder which is caused due to impairment in insulin secretion and/or the activity of insulin, leading to chronic hyperglycemia with defective carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. This study aimed at assessing the erythropoietin (EPO), hemoglobin and renal parameters levels among the newly diagnosed diabetic patients and providing valuable insights into the management and progression of the disease. A case-control study was conducted on samples of 60 consenting participants including newly diagnosed diabetic patients (n − 30), and healthy controls (n − 30) of age ranging between 20 - 50 years. EPO level was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the renal parameters (electrolytes) were measured using Ion-Selective Electrodes. Hemoglobin, urea and creatinine were measured using cyanmethemoglobin and colorimetric methods respectively under standard protocols. Demographic and clinical data, including age, gender, diabetes duration, iron rich diet consumption, medication history and family history were collected via questionnaires. Independent sample t-test indicated significantly higher mean hemoglobin (p < 0.05), packed cell volume (p = 0.05) and fasting blood glucose (p < 0.001) in newly diagnosed diabetic patients compared with their healthy control. No significant differences were observed in EPO, creatinine, urea, potassium, bicarbonate, sodium, and chloride between the two groups. In this study, the values of haemoglobin, packed cell volume, EPO and all renal biomarkers were normal, this may be due to the early diagnosis of the disease. It also suggests the extensive capacity of the kidney which is able to withstand metabolic disturbances in the newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus condition. Routine medical check and lifestyle modification are recommended to a newly diagnosed diabetic patients. Also further research is warranted to explore the clinical implications of these assessments in predicting diabetes complications, disease progression and guiding therapeutic interventions.

Bacterial Exofactors Modulate Biofilm Growth and Resistivity to Antimicrobial Drugs

Some bacteria have the ability to co-exist, proliferate and survive in a multicellular community, biofilm. Each participating bacteria can form its colonies and encases itself by a self-produced insoluble extracellular matrix substance (EPS). Microcolonies within biofilm are held together by interactions and bonding of the substances present in the EPS with their separation from the water channels. Similar to insoluble EPS, bacterial microcolonies release soluble exofactors that have direct impacts on the survivability, growth and antibacterial resistivity of other microcolonies made of single- or multi-species bacteria in the same biofilm. How the exofactors of microcolonies of one-type bacteria impact on microcolonies of other-type bacteria is still unclear. We studied about the role of exofactors released from Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which are common biofilm-forming pathogenic bacteria. Exofactors facilitate to transform the microenvironment where bacteria can acquire alternative lifestyle with a long survival period and resistivity to certain antimicrobial drugs.

Outcomes of early versus late irrigation and debridement of pediatric open long bone fractures

BACKGROUND Open long bone fractures are a major concern for pediatric patients due to the risk of surgical site infection(SSI).Early studies have recommended irrigation and debridement of open fractures within 6 hours-8 hours for the prevention of SSI.According to the American College of Surgeons(ACS)Best Practice Guidelines,in 2015,irrigation and debridement should be done within 24 hours.AIM To identify whether early irrigation and debridement,within 8 hours,vs late,between 8 hours and 24 hours,for pediatric open long bone fractures impacts rate of SSI.METHODS Using retrospective data review from the National Trauma Data Bank,Trauma Quality Improvement Project(TQIP)of 2019.TQIP database is own by the ACS and it is the largest database for trauma quality program in the world.Propensity matching analysis was performed for the study.RESULTS There were 390 pediatric patients with open long bone fractures who were incl-uded in the study.After completing propensity score matching,we had 176 patients in each category,irrigation and debridement within 8 hours and irrigation and debridement between 8 hours and 24 hours.We found no significant differences between each group for the rate of deep SSI which was 0.6%for patients who received surgical irrigation and debridement within 8 hours and 1.1%for those who received it after 8 hours[adjusted odd ratio(AOR):0.5,95%CI:0.268-30.909,P>0.99].For the secondary outcomes studied,in terms of length of hospital stay,patients who received irrigation and debridement within 8 hours stayed for an average of 3.5 days,and those who received it after 8 hours stayed for an average of 3 days,with no significant difference found,and there were also no sig-nificant differences found between the discharge dispositions of the patients.CONCLUSION Our findings support the recommendation for managing open long bone fractures from the ACS:Complete surgical irrigation and debridement within 24 hours.

A novel saliva-based miRNA profile to diagnose and predict oral cancer

Oral cancer (OC) is the most common form of head and neck cancer. Despite the high incidence and unfavourable patient outcomes, currently, there are no biomarkers for the early detection of OC. This study aims to discover, develop, and validate a novel saliva-based microRNA signature for early diagnosis and prediction of OC risk in oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD).The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) miRNA sequencing data and small RNA sequencing data of saliva samples were used to discover differentially expressed miRNAs. Identified miRNAs were validated in saliva samples of OC (n=50), OPMD (n=52), and controls(n=60) using quantitative real-time PCR. Eight differentially expressed miRNAs (miR-7-5p, miR-10b-5p, miR-182-5p, miR-215-5p,miR-431-5p, miR-486-3p, miR-3614-5p, and miR-4707-3p) were identified in the discovery phase and were validated. The efficiency of our eight-miRNA signature to discriminate OC and controls was:area under curve (AUC):0.954, sensitivity:86%, specificity:90%,positive predictive value (PPV):87.8%and negative predictive value (NPV):88.5%whereas between OC and OPMD was:AUC:0.911,sensitivity:90%, specificity:82.7%, PPV:74.2%and NPV:89.6%. We have developed a risk probability score to predict the presence or risk of OC in OPMD patients. We established a salivary miRNA signature that can aid in diagnosing and predicting OC,revolutionising the management of patients with OPMD. Together, our results shed new light on the management of OC by salivary miRNAs to the clinical utility of using miRNAs derived from saliva samples.

Diagnostic significance of complete blood cell count and hemogramderived markers for neonatal sepsis at Southwest Public Hospitals,Ethiopia

BACKGROUND Neonatal sepsis is defined as an infection-related condition characterized by signs and symptoms of bacteremia within the first month of life.It is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity among newborns.While several studies have been conducted in other parts of world to assess the usefulness of complete blood count parameters and hemogram-derived markers as early screening tools for neonatal sepsis,the associations between sepsis and its complications with these blood parameters are still being investigated in our setting and are not yet part of routine practice.AIM To evaluate the diagnostic significance of complete blood cell count hemogramderived novel markers for neonatal sepsis among neonates attending public hospitals in the southwest region of Oromia,Ethiopia,through a case control study.METHODS A case control study was conducted from October 2021 to October 2023 Sociodemographic,clinical history,and laboratory test results data were collected using structured questionnaires.The collected data were entered into Epi-data 3.1 version and exported to SPSS-25 for analysis.Chi-square,independent sample ttest,and receiver operator characteristics curve of curve were used for analysis.A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS In this study,significant increases were observed in the following values in the case group compared to the control group:In white blood cell(WBC)count,neutrophils,monocyte,mean platelet volume(MPV),neutrophils to lymphocyte ratio,monocyte to lymphocyte ratio(MLR),red blood cell width to platelet count ratio(RPR),red blood width coefficient variation,MPV to RPR,and platelet to lymphocyte ratio.Regarding MLR,a cut-off value of≥0.26 was found,with a sensitivity of 68%,a specificity of 95%,a positive predictive value(PPV)of 93.2%,and a negative predictive value(NPV)of 74.8%.The area under the curve(AUC)was 0.828(P<0.001).For WBC,a cutoff value of≥11.42 was identified,with a sensitivity of 55%,a specificity of 89%,a PPV of 83.3%,and a NPV of 66.4%.The AUC was 0.81(P<0.001).Neutrophils had a sensitivity of 67%,a specificity of 81%,a PPV of 77.9%,and a NPV of 71.1%.The AUC was 0.801,with a cut-off value of≥6.76(P=0.001).These results indicate that they were excellent predictors of neonatal sepsis diagnosis.CONCLUSION The findings of our study suggest that certain hematological parameters and hemogram-derived markers may have a potential role in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.

Acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine and its related determinants in Nigeria:An online survey

BACKGROUND Vaccine hesitancy is a major challenge in the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic.Identifying the sociodemographic factors associated with vaccine acceptance among Nigerians is crucial for improving vaccine uptake.AIM To assess the acceptance rate of COVID-19 vaccine and its related determinants among Nigerians.METHODS An online cross-sectional survey(observational study)was conducted between February 2021 and May 2021,using a questionnaire hosted on SurveyMonkey.The invitation to take part in the poll was sent out to participants through social networking platforms.A logistic regression was used to determine which sociodemographic factors were associated with vaccine acceptance constructs.RESULTS A total of 1800 persons responded to the survey,a larger proportion of whom were males(53.9%)and within the age group of 21-30 years(29.4%)and earned an average income of less than$500 per month(43.3%).Only 0.56%of participants had a high perceived risk of COVID-19 infection,while only 1.11%had a perceived risk of dying from COVID-19.The perception rate of the COVID-19 vaccine among participants was 51.1%,while the acceptance rate was 63.9%.There was no significant association between the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate and related determinants assessed,particularly age(χ²=3.049,P=0.550),sex(χ²=0.102,P=0.749),average income(χ²=3.802,P=0.875),and religion(χ²=2.819,P=0.420).Participants with chronic conditions demonstrated a higher acceptance rate compared to the general population.CONCLUSION Despite the positive perception observed and substantial vaccine acceptance rate among the study participants,more public health interventions are still needed to enhance vaccine acceptability in Nigeria.

Chinese herbal medicine decreases incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in diabetes mellitus patients with regular insulin management

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus(DM)is an independent risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),while insulin is a potent mitogen.Identifying a new therapeutic modality for preventing insulin users from developing HCC is a critical goal for researchers.AIM To investigate whether regular herbal medicine use can decrease HCC risk in DM patients with regular insulin control.METHODS We used data acquired from the Taiwan,Chinaese National Health Insurance research database between 2000 and 2017.We identified patients with DM who were prescribed insulin for>3 months.The herb user group was further defined as patients prescribed herbal medication for DM for>3 months per annum during RESULTS We initially enrolled 657144 DM patients with regular insulin use from 2000 to 2017.Among these,46849 patients had used a herbal treatment for DM,and 140547 patients were included as the matched control group.The baseline variables were similar between the herb users and nonusers.DM patients with regular herb use had a 12%decreased risk of HCC compared with the control group[adjusted hazard ratio(aHR)=0.88,95%CI=0.80–0.97].The cumulative incidence of HCC in the herb users was significantly lower than that of the nonusers.Patients with a herb use of>5 years cumulatively exhibited a protective effect against development of HCC(aHR=0.82,P<0.05).Of patients who developed HCC,herb users exhibited a longer survival time than nonusers(aHR=0.78,P=0.0001).Additionally,we report the top 10 herbs and formulas in prescriptions and summarize the potential pharmacological effects of the constituents.Our analysis indicated that Astragalus propinquus(Huang Qi)plus Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge(Dan Shen),and Astragalus propinquus(Huang Qi)plus Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim.(Tian Hua Fen)were the most frequent combination of single herbs.Meanwhile,Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan plus Dan Shen was the most frequent combination of herbs and formulas.CONCLUSION This large-scale retrospective cohort study reveals that herbal medicine may decrease HCC risk by 12%in DM patients with regular insulin use.