Niger J Clin Pract
-
Orofacial clefts (OCs) are one of the most common craniofacial anomalies and are reported to be associated with congenital cardiovascular anomalies (CCAs). However, there is paucity of data in African populations on the risk of CCAs in OC patients compared to the general population. ⋯ Our finding reveals that the odds of CCAs are significantly higher in patients with OC than the general population. Future studies could assess the effect of CCAs on surgical outcome.
-
Congenial educational environment (EE) is paramount to effective impartation of knowledge as required in residency training. In this study EE for residency training is evaluated using Postgraduate Hospital Educational Environment Measure (PHEEM). ⋯ Postgraduate educational environment in UNTH has more positives than negatives but with room for improvement. There are significant differences in PHEEM scores among various groups of resident doctors.
-
The authors have used an in vitro model to appraise the antimicrobial efficacy of diode lasers with two different power outputs on Streptococcus mutans (SM), Lactobacillus casei (LC), and Actinomyces naeslundii (AN). ⋯ Diode lasers exerted antibacterial effect of varying levels against all the three cariogenic bacteria. Although they are recommended as a supplementary antibacterial surface pretreatment technique for efficient removal of cariogenic bacteria, further clinical studies are required to confirm the in vitro findings.
-
The relationships among serum Apelin, Asymmetric- dimethylarginine (ADMA), N-terminal probrain natriureticpeptide (NT-proBNP) levels, and blood pressures in dialysis patients are not well known. ⋯ Being on HD is a predictor of high ADMA levels. HD might be less effective on ADMA removal than PD. It seems that higher serum apelin levels related with lower sytolic blood pressure levels, whereas higher NT-proBNP levels related with higher sytolic blood pressure levels indicating potential roles as independent prognostic factors for systolic hypertension in dialysis patients.
-
Observational Study
ICD detected patient activity is associated with arrhythmic events in heart failure patients.
Although implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) reduces mortality in heart failure patients with reduced left ventricle function, arrhythmic episodes are related with increased mortality. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate whether low patient activity predicts arrhythmic events in the heart failure patients with primary prevention ICD. ⋯ Detected low patient activity in ICD control may be a predictor of arrhythmic episodes and appropriate therapies. Increasing physical activity may potentially protect these patients from unwanted events.