Medical principles and practice : international journal of the Kuwait University, Health Science Centre
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The aim of this study was to assess the HLA haplotype frequencies and genetic profiles of the Kuwaiti population. ⋯ Identifying the haplotype diversity in the Kuwaiti population will contribute to the selection of an HLA-match for HSCT, disease associations, pharmacogenomics, and knowledge of pop-ulation HLA diversity.
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Comparative Study
Occlusal Caries Detection and Diagnosis Using Visual ICDAS Criteria, Laser Fluorescence Measurements, and Near-Infrared Light Transillumination Images.
Current diagnostic tools for non-cavitated occlusal caries are not very reliable. For this reason, newer systems need to be developed. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of visual inspection (ICDAS-II), laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent pen), and the near-infrared transillumination technique (DIAGNOcam) in the detection of non-cavitated occlusal caries lesions under clinical and laboratory conditions in 90 third molar teeth planned for extraction. ⋯ DIAGNOcam was found to be the most effective method for the diagnosis of occlusal caries without cavitation in permanent molar teeth.
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Case Reports
Cyanotic Congenital Cardiac Disease and Scoliosis: Pre-Operative Assessment, Surgical Treatment, and Outcomes.
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is associated with the development of scoliosis. Improvements in cardiac care have extended survival of children with cyanotic CHD which possess a need for correction of scoliosis. There is limited information on spinal care for these patients. We present 3 patients with CHD who underwent surgical correction of scoliosis. ⋯ Scoliosis surgery in patients with complex cardiac disease may be indicated to treat progressive deformities which produce severe symptoms. A multidisciplinary approach including a spinal surgeon as well as a cardiologist, haematologist, respiratory paediatrician, and spinal anaesthetist can evaluate the general medical condition and weigh the benefits and risks of surgery. Deformity correction can be performed using a meticulous technique and has produced a series of satisfactory outcomes.
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Acute kidney injury (AKI), which is prevalent in ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients who have undergone primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is associated with poor cardiovascular outcomes. As high pulse pressure (PP) is associated with adverse cardiovascular events, the present study's aim was to evaluate the relationship between fractional PP (PPf) and AKI in patients with STEMI who underwent primary PCI. ⋯ Invasively measured PPf, which can be easily measured and has no additional cost in STEMI patients undergoing coronary intervention, is an independent predictor of AKI. In addition, PPf is superior to other blood pressure values and derivatives in AKI prediction.
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Blended learning has been presented as a promising learner-centred model that emphasises the learning outcome rather than the process of education, but it can negatively affect learners' engagement with learning. ⋯ Wider integration of blended learning into pre-clinical undergraduate medical education could enhance the shift towards competency-based education and life-long learning among medical students. However, effective implementation would depend largely on student characteristics, as well as environmental and cognitive components of the delivery method.