Medicine
-
The prevalence of obesity and hypertension is increasing, particularly in the urban areas. However, there is limited research on the relationship between obesity and hypertension in the rural areas of southeastern Nigeria. The present study aimed to investigate the association between anthropometric parameters and adiposity indicators and the risk of hypertension with obesity-related conditions, based on a descriptive study of people living in the southeastern rural areas of Nigeria. ⋯ This study highlights the importance of considering a range of anthropometric measurements and health parameters when assessing health risks and identifying potential interventions. In addition, the body shape index may be a particularly useful tool for predicting health risks in both men and women. In contrast, correlations between various health parameters can provide insights into the underlying mechanisms and risk factors.
-
Tumor deposits (TDs) are defined as discontinuous neoplastic masses within the lymphatic drainage pathway of the primary tumor. The poor prognostic implication of these masses have been demonstrated in various cancers. The aim of this study is to investigate the incidence of TDs in our thyroid carcinoma cases, which has not been studied so far to the best of our knowledge, and to determine the prognostic value of their existence. ⋯ In TPC cases individually, extrathyroidal extension (P = .001) and TDs (P = .002) were significantly correlated with distant metastasis. In multivariate analysis, only tumor size was detected as an independent prognostic marker in TPC cases (P = .005). Our results demonstrate the existence of TDs in thyroid carcinoma cases, and indicate a more aggressive behavior pattern of TDs in these tumors.
-
Heterotopic ossification (HO) is characterized by the formation of pathological bone within the soft tissues. HO predominantly affects elbow joints and may be accompanied by tardy ulnar nerve palsy. This study aimed to explore the clinical and functional outcomes of patients with tardy ulnar nerve palsy caused by HO following surgical treatment, with a review of the relevant literature. ⋯ The Quick DASH score decreased from an average of 55.6 to 6.15. The VAS score for pain decreased from an average of 7 to 0.25. Rapid surgical treatment, including removal of the heterotopic bone and ulnar nerve anterior transposition, might improve outcomes in patients with tardy ulnar nerve palsy caused by HO.
-
The question of whether to perform an appendectomy or conservative treatment for acute appendicitis can differ depending on the facility or surgeon, but antibiotic treatment is administered regardless of whether an appendectomy or conservative treatment is selected. We investigated the contemporary bacteriology for acute appendicitis and evaluated the antibiotic sensitivity of the bacteria that are currently associated with appendicitis. We retrospectively analyzed the bacterial culture results and antibiotic susceptibility of 141 patients who underwent appendicitis surgery, including the identification and antimicrobial susceptibility of the cultured bacteria within the excised appendices. ⋯ Enterococcus species were frequently isolated from the patients with complicated appendicitis. For the antibiotic treatment of appendicitis, it is essential to understand the patient's microbiological profile and antibiotic susceptibilities. Research from Asian countries such as Japan can enhance our knowledge of regional antibiotic resistance patterns and inform effective treatment strategies.
-
Observational Study
Systemic immune-inflammation index and serum glucose-potassium ratio predict poor prognosis in patients with spontaneous cerebral hemorrhage: An observational study.
Recent studies have shown systemic inflammatory response, serum glucose, and serum potassium are associated with poor prognosis in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH). This retrospective study aimed to investigate the association of systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII) and serum glucose-potassium ratio (GPR) with the severity of disease and the poor prognosis of patients with SICH at 3 months after hospital discharge. We reviewed the clinical data of 105 patients with SICH, assessed the extent of their disease using Glasgow Coma Scale score, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, and hematoma volume, and categorized them into a good prognosis group (0-3 scores) and a poor prognosis group (4-6 scores) based on their mRS scores at 3 months after hospital discharge. ⋯ Analysis of the subjects' work characteristic curves showed that the areas under the SII, GPR, NLR, PLR, LMR, and coSII-GPR curves were 0.838, 0.837, 0.825, 0.718, 0.616, and 0.883. SII and GRP were significantly associated with disease severity and short-term prognosis in SICH patients 3 months after discharge, and SII and GPR had better predictive value compared with NLR, PLR, and LMR. In addition, coSII-GPR, a joint indicator based on SII and GPR, can improve the predictive accuracy of poor prognosis 3 months after discharge in patients with SICH.