Medical principles and practice : international journal of the Kuwait University, Health Science Centre
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Nasal Polyposis and Its Association with Cardiac Functions.
The aim of the study was to ascertain the effect of nasal polyposis on cardiac functions. ⋯ Nasal polyp affects cardiac functions, and this needs further evaluation and research through studies on large samples.
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This study evaluated the performance of GeneXpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) and ProbeTec ET (PTec-ET) assays in diagnosing extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) in Kuwait. ⋯ Although performance of both tests was suboptimal for AFB-negative/culture-positive samples, Xpert performed better than PTec-ET and also detected more cases of AFB-negative/culture-negative/histopathology-positive samples. PTec-ET was positive in 3, while Xpert was positive in all 6 culture-positive CSF specimens for rapid diagnosis of TB meningitis. Xpert was thus superior to PTec-ET or smear microscopy in rapid diagnosis of EPTB.
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Comparative Study
Rapid Serological Tests for Sars-Cov-2: Diagnostic Performance of Four Commercial Assays.
To assess the diagnostic performance of lateral flow immunochromatographic assays (LFAs) of 4 different manufacturers to identify SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (IgM, IgG, or total), comparing them with the nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) or the clinical defined test (definite or probable SARS-CoV-2 infection, respectively). ⋯ Our data demonstrate the excellent performance of LFA for the diagnoses of definite or probable SARS-CoV-2 infection. There was substantial heterogeneity in sensitivities of IgM and IgG antibodies among the different kits. LFA tests cannot replace molecular diagnostics but should be used as an additional screening tool.
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In May 2020, the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) published "Practice Guidelines for the Management of Hypertension." The ISH 2020 guidelines were developed based on evidence criteria (i) to be used globally, (ii) to be fit for application in low-middle-income and high-income settings, and (iii) to be concise, simple, and easy to use by clinicians, nurses, and community health workers, as appropriate. The defined purpose was to adhere to the current evidence and develop a balanced proposal for global use in line with the ISH mission. ⋯ The ISH 2020 guidelines are practical and physician friendly. It also proves immensely helpful for low-resource countries without national guidelines on the management of hypertension.
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This study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of 2 single-incision mini-sling (SIMS) systems with different designs of anchoring mechanism. ⋯ The present study showed that the treatment of female SUI with 2 different SIMS systems had similar efficacy, complication rates, and scores in QoL questionnaires.