Aim: Serratia marcescens clinical isolates are increasingly resistant to antibiotics. Therefore, the treatment of infections caused by S. marcescens becomes difficult. The aim of this study was to examine the antimicrobial resistance profiles of S. marcescens bacteria isolated from various clinical specimens according to body regions and clinics and to evaluate for enzyme production rates associated with antibiotic resistance of these isolates. Materials and Methods: Blood culture samples were incubated in a fully automated BACTEC-FX system. Identification and antibiogram processing was carried out by fully automated VITEK 2 identification and antibiogram system. The obtained results were retrospectively screened. Results: S. marcescens was identified in a total of 158 clinical specimens. The departments where S. marcescens was most commonly identified were the Anesthesia Intensive Care Unit (25.9%), followed by Chest Diseases (19.6%). Serratia isolates were most commonly determined in blood culture (35.4%) and sputum culture (24.6%). Resistance rates to ceftriaxone and ceftazidime were 22.7% and 19.6%, respectively. However, the rate of resistance detected to cefotaxime and gentamicin (0.6%) was very low. Conclusion: Clinical isolates of Serratia exhibited highest resistance to ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, and piperacillin/tazobactam. However, it was found that the tested Serratia strains did not exhibit high resistance to other antibiotics. Our results suggest that cefotaxime and gentamicin are the most suitable antibiotics for treatment. The extended-spectrum β-lactamase and inducible β-lactamase ratios were found to be decreased by 6%–7%. Although different results may be obtained from different hospitals and regions, it should not be forgotten that Serratia strains may be resistant to many antibiotics and that the results of antibiotic susceptibility testing may help plan antibiotic treatment.

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This review summarizes the development of head and neck pathology. Over the last decades, head and neck pathology cancer science began to examine the behavior of these cancers and to uncover the causative factors that lead to head and neck cancer. The avoidance of certain discovered carcinogens, lifestyle changes and certain vaccinations can reduce the risk of these cancers. Efforts in pathology are ongoing to aid the prevention and to delay the development of head and neck cancer.

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Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and affecting factors of postpartum depression (PPD) in Edirne city center. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 111 pregnant women in their third trimester in Family Health Centers in Edirne, Turkey. Materials and Methods: The participants filled out a questionnaire on sociodemographic factors developed by the researchers along with the Beck Depression Inventory for Primary Care (BDI-PC) before childbirth. Women with a probability of depression, determined with the BDI-PC, were excluded, and the remaining 100 participants were applied the Edinburgh postpartum depression scale (EPDS) in the first and second months after childbirth. Results: The frequency of PPD was 14% (n = 14) in the first month and 17% (n = 17) in the second month of delivery. Thus, 24 different mothers out of 100 were determined to have PPD in the first two months after childbirth. The probability of PPD, measured with EPDS, was significantly higher among younger mothers, mothers with unemployed husbands, mothers with lower income, mothers with a health problem of the child, and mothers who do not breastfeed. There was no significant relationship between PPD and mother's education status, marriage age, the age of first labor, PPD after previous childbirth, psychiatric disorders in first-degree relatives, higher number of children, method of delivery, and unwanted pregnancies. Conclusion: PPD is an important community problem. Thus, it is useful to monitor the risky mothers in primary care and screen them with the practical EPDS in order to prevent the negative effects on the baby and the mother.

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Objective: The aim of this clinical trial was to assess whether controlled irrigation with three different irrigation regimens with different temperature would result in reduction of post-endodontic pain after one-visit root canal treatment (RCT). Materials and Methods: A total of 240 (129 females and 111 male) aged 18 – 65 years were referred and integrated in this clinical trial, All patients presented with a vital maxillary or mandibular molar, premolar or front teeth designated for conventional root canal treatment for prosthetic reasons detected with only vital pulps. All canals were cleaned and shaped with Reciproc instruments, and were used with a micro motor (VDW, Munich Germany). Final irrigation was done with cold (4°C, 2.5°C, and room temperature) 17% EDTA and 10 mL of cold saline solution. Results: A total of 240 of 279 patients (129 females and 111 male) aged 18 – 65 years were referred and integrated in this clinical trial, whereas 29 were rejected as not completing the requirements needed. All patients presented with a vital maxillary or mandibular molar, premolar, or front teeth designated for intentional endodontic RCT for prosthetic reasons. No statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) among the groups was found regarding degree or duration of pain. There was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) among the 4^oC and 2.5^oC groups. Conclusion: The approach in both selecting the patients participating in the study and analyzing the data in this randomized clinical trial allows us to conclude that cryotherapy is an aid of clinical procedures to clean and shape the canals to reduce the occurrence of postendodontic pain and the need for medication in patients presenting with a diagnosis of vital pulp.

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Objective: The aim of this in-vivo study was to evaluate the long-term clinical survival of different deep dentin caries treatment options. Materials and Methods: In total, 391 patients with at least one permanent tooth with clinically diagnosed deep dentin caries were inspected. Two hundred and fourteen patients were examined at recall visits. Inclusion criteria were teeth with deep caries lesions with pulp vitality but absence of spontaneous pain and periapical alterations. The subjects received either stepwise removal (SWR), complete caries removal (CCR), or direct pulp capping (DPC). The radiological and clinical exams were performed after a mean observation time of 62 months. Success was defined as pulp sensitivity to vitality test and absence of periapical lesions as well as a clinical symptom. Data were statistically analyzed using Kaplan–Meier and log-rank (Mantel–Cox) tests (α = 0.05). Results: Of the total 214 patients evaluated, 126 received SWR, 88 received CCR, and 67 received DPC treatment. One hundred and twenty-seven restorations were amalgam and 141 were composite. The mean observation period was 62 months. Survival rates were 85.7%, 90.9%, and 59.7% for SWR, CCR, and DPC, respectively (P = 0.001). Success rates of amalgam restorations (86.6%) were similar to composite restorations (83%), and both were found to be successful (P = 0.401). Conclusion: SWR treatment should be considered to preserve pulp vitality of deep dentin lesions instead of CCR or DPC. Clinical Relevance: SWR method for deep dentin caries management had acceptable results over 5 years.

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Postintubation tracheal stenosis (PITS) is a known complication of endotracheal intubation or tracheostomy. It is the most common indication for tracheal resection/reconstructive surgery. Despite technological improvement and skilled patient care in the ICU, PITS still constitutes an important group of iatrogenic sequela after intubation. With increasing number of patients requiring ICU admission and mechanical ventilation in Nigeria, it is important that this complication is prevented from occurring. The care of such patients often is technically challenging. The successful management by resection and end-to-end anastomosis of a 37-year-old man presenting with 2 cm length of severe tracheal stenosis of 4 mm luminal diameter following prolonged endotracheal intubation and who had had repeated bronchial dilatation is presented.

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Background: Intrauterine lesions are important causes of infertility. This study aims to evaluate the abnormal findings at hysteroscopy among infertile women seen in 2 new Fertility/Gynaecological Endoscopy units in Nigeria. Methods: A prospective study of 159 infertile women who had diagnostic hysteroscopy in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching hospital Nnewi and Holy Rosary Specialist Hospital, Onitsha to evaluate the intrauterine lesions seen. Data analysis was done with STATA software, version 12.0 SE (Stata Corporation, TX, USA). Results: Secondary infertility was the major type of infertility seen in 56.6% (n = 91) of cases and the mean duration of infertility was 4.3+/- 2.8 years. The indication for hysteroscopy was routine evaluation for infertility in 83.6% cases (n = 133). One hundred and twelve (70.4%) of the women had abnormal findings at hysteroscopy. The lesions detected were intrauterine adhesions (47.8%; n = 76), endometrial polyps (17.6%; n = 28), submucous fibroids (11.9%; n = 19) and mullerian duct abnormalities (10.7%; n = 17). Other findings were lost intrauterine copper devices (IUCD; 6.3%, n = 10), embedded fetal bone (2.5%; n = 4) and incarcerated omentum (1.9%; n = 3). Intrauterine adhesions were mainly moderate (40.8%; n = 31) and mild (34.2, n = 26) in severity while the submucous fibroids were mostly of type 0 (63.2%; n = 12). The commonest Mullerian abnormality seen was arcuate uterus (41.2%; n = 7). Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of abnormal findings on hysteroscopy among the studied women mostly intrauterine adhesions, endometrial polyps and submucous fibroids. These findings indicate a need to incorporate hysteroscopy in the routine evaluation of female infertility in the region.

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Background: Acute painful crisis due to vaso-occlusive event is the leading cause of hospitalization in patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA). Zinc deficiency in children with SCA is associated with increased frequency and severity of acute painful events. We determined serum zinc level in children with SCA during acute painful crisis and compared the same with children with SCA who are in steady state and healthy non-sickle cell disease children. Subjects and Methods: This was a descriptive longitudinal study, involving children with SCA age 6 months to 15 years at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Northern Nigeria. Subjects were recruited into three groups, which consisted of SCA in acute painful crisis, SCA in steady state, and normal subjects with hemoglobin AA (HbAA). A total of 210 subjects were recruited, 70 subjects each for SCA in acute painful crisis, SCA in steady state, and HbAA groups, respectively. Serum zinc was analyzed with atomic absorption spectrophotometery. Serum zinc levels were repeated in children with SCA and acute painful crisis 4 weeks after resolution of painful events. Results: The mean serum zinc level of SCA with acute painful crisis was higher than SCA in steady state, but the difference was not statistically significant (24.4 [11.0] and 23.4 [7.4]) μg/dL, respectively (t = 16.04, P = 0.54). While the HbAA control had significantly higher mean serum zinc level than SCA groups, both in acute painful and in steady state (F = 59.3, P = 0.001). Among children with SCA and acute painful crisis, repeat serum zinc level 4 weeks after resolution of acute painful events was significantly higher than during pain crisis (t = 64, P = 0.001). Conclusion: Zinc deficiency occurs in children with SCA and the deficiency is worsened by acute painful events Therefore, it is recommended that zinc level should be assessed and any deficiency treated. Supplementation of zinc should also be enhanced as this may reduce painful crisis in SCA.

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Background: The presence of BCR-ABL1 fusion gene resulting from a t(9; 22) reciprocal chromosome translocation is the molecular hallmark of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). In the diagnosis and treatment of CML, peripheral blood or bone marrow samples are usually taken for analysis. However, both methods are invasive sample collection methods, thus a noninvasive saliva sample method for the detection of the fusion gene transcripts (BCR-ABL) was investigated in some Nigerians with CML. Materials and Methods: Real-time (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis was used to detect BCR-ABL1 fusion gene in the saliva and blood of 42 Nigerian CML patients. RNA was extracted using RNeasy kit and reverse transcribed by random hexamer priming using murine Moloney reverse transcriptase. BCR-ABL1 transcript types were first detected by multiplex PCR and then quantified by a duplex RT-PCR-TaqMan chemistry with MGB probe and Black Hole Quencher. Results: Of the 42 subjects, transcript types were detected in 36 (85.7%) samples, e13a2 fusion transcript sub-type was detected in 9 (21.4%), whereas e14a2 subtype was found in 27 (67.3%); six (14.3%) of the samples did not reveal any of the fusion transcript subtypes. The median BCR-ABL1 messenger RNA values were 9.38 × 10² in saliva and 10.29 × 10⁴ in blood (P < 0.05). Similarly, the median ABL1 value in saliva (3.11 × 10³) was significantly lower (P < 0.01) than in blood (4.22 × 10³). However, the median BCR-ABL1 ratio in saliva (14.5%) was not significantly different (P = 0.8) from that of blood (12.0%). Conclusion: Saliva may offer an alternative easy-to-collect, readily available, and noninvasive sample for the diagnosis and treatment of CML.

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Background/Purpose: Gingival biotype (GB) is a crucial factor in predicting the success of soft tissue periodontal and peri-implant surgical interventions. Consequently, contemplating noninvasive, less time-consuming procedure to anticipate it has become a part and parcel of the current practice. This article presents a novel algorithm to detect GB in the Saudi population based on the dentopapillary measurements taken on laboratory models. In addition, it targets to allocate a range of values for thick and thin biotypes. Materials and Methods: Model analysis was done on 160 patients to measure eight gingival parameters, and an algorithm was developed according to the results of multiple and linear regression analyses. Applying the dentopapillary parameters to the algorithm revealed a prediction of the biotype. Finally, the resultant values and the exact thickness were reassessed directly in a sample of patients using a modified caliper. Results: The regression analysis revealed an algorithm predicting biotypes among patients based on their measured dentopapillary values. Discriminant analysis was used to allocate the values to thin and thick biotypes to further demystify that they coincide with <0.7 mm and >1.5 mm, respectively. However, gingival thickness between 0.7 and 1.5 mm was considered intermediate biotype. Conclusion: GB could be predicted based on the dentopapillary measurements taken on laboratory models, which may further reduce the chairside time and increase the success rate of the surgical procedures. Significant variations in the range of values of the thick and thin biotype were detected in the Saudi population compared to other races. Clinical Significance: The escalating invasion of interventional procedures in the dental practice necessitates measuring the GB as a predictor of procedure success. This study introduces an algorithm for detecting the GB and updates the range of values for thick and thin biotypes in the Saudi population that would consequently reduce chairside time.

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Background: A retrospective study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic value of transvaginal four-dimensional hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography (TVS 4D-HyCoSy) combined with recanalization versus laparoscopy for patients with tubal infertility. Materials and Methods: A total of 195 patients undergoing TVS 4D-HyCoSy were analyzed retrospectively. Of these, 72 patients underwent laparoscopy, which was the gold standard. The endpoints were coincidence rate (defined as a parameter consistent with results arising from TVS 4D-HyCoSy and laparoscopic examination using dye), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and Youden index for TVS 4D-HyCoSy. Results: A total of 385 fallopian tubes were assessed by TVS 4D-HyCoSy, of which 147 (38.2%) were tubal patency, 178 (46.2%) as partial tubal obstruction, and 60 (15.6%) as complete tubal obstruction. Of 195 patients, 72 patients with 144 fallopian tubes underwent laparoscopy and a total coincidence rate of 90.97% compared with TVS 4D-HyCoSy. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and Youden index for 4D-HyCoSy versus laparoscopy were 97.7%, 86.7%, 98.4%, 81.3%, and 0.84, respectively. Conclusions: TVS 4D-HyCoSy represents a highly useful method for diagnosing tubal patency. However, further large-scale studies are warranted to investigate our findings in patients with tubal infertility.

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Background: Valproic acid (VPA) is one of the commonly used antiepileptic drug. It has various side effects which may be fatal, such as fulminant hepatitis. Nocturnal enuresis (NE) has rarely been reported as side effect of VPA. The aim of this study is to evaluate the frequency of VPA-induced NE and discuss the possible reasons. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study was performed at the Department of Pediatric Neurology, Eskisehir Osmangazi University Hospital, in Eskisehir, Turkey, between April 2014 and April 2015. The patient population was generated from the epilepsy patients who were receiving VPA monotherapy. Control group population was generated from nonepileptic patients who visited our clinic for headache. Age range of the patients and the control group was determined to be 5–15 years. Results: The patients group consisted of 189 (53.7%) boys and 163 (46.3%) girls and mean age of the patients was 9.1 ± 3.02 (5–15) years. The control group consisted of 92 (51.1%) girls and 88 (48.9%) boys and mean age of the patients was 8.75 ± 3.23 (5–15) years. We found the incidence of VPA-induced NE to be 5.7%. In the control group, incidence of NE was found to be 10.7%. Conclusion: This study is one of the largest series about VPA-induced NE. NE is a side effect of VPA that is generally overlooked by clinicians and slightly less well-known too. The literature on VPA-induced NE is very inadequate, and its etiology is not clear. In our study, we did not detect renal dysfunction in the patients with VPA-induced NE; therefore, we may speculate that the NE was caused by the increased sleep depth with VPA treatment. We believe that larger prospective studies including polysomnography may be helpful to shed light on the cause of VPA-induced NE.

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Objectives: A prospective case–control study was carried out to assess the value of elastosonography in identifying endometrial pathology in women using Tamoxifen (TAM) for breast cancer. Materials and Methods: In total, 66 women using TAM for breast cancer were enrolled for the study with 61 premenopausal and 61 postmenopausal healthy controls. Ultrasonographic findings (strain ratio, endometrial thickness) were evaluated in regard to the duration of TAM usage, histopathological findings, and menopausal status. Results: Patients with endometrial cancer (EC) and cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) were found to have longer duration of TAM usage, increased endometrial thickness, and higher strain ratios compared with controls. A significant positive correlation was found between duration of TAM usage, endometrial thickness, and the strain ratios. Endometrial thickness and the strain ratios were significant predictors for groups under risk. Cutoff values for endometrial thickness, strain ratios, and duration of TAM usage were 12.55 mm, 2.46, and 18 months in premenopausal group and 7.75 mm, 7.70, and 32 months in postmenopausal group to predict risky population, respectively. Conclusion: Endometrial tissue strain ratio was found to be significantly increased in cases with endometrial pathologies. Addition of elastosonography modality to B-mode may improve the diagnostic accuracy during the follow-up of women using TAM for breast cancer.

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Background and Aim: There are conflicting results of studies on accuracy of positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) for axillary staging. The aim of this study is to determine the factors affecting the efficacy of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (¹⁸F-FDG) PET/CT in detecting axillary metastases in invasive breast cancer. Materials and Methods: Data of 232 patients with invasive breast cancer who underwent ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT examination before surgery between January 2013 and September 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. Histopathological examination of axillary lymph nodes (ALNs) was used as a reference to assess the efficacy of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT in detecting axillary metastases. Results: While 134 (57.8%) patients had axillary metastases as detected in ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT scans, histopathologically axillary metastases were detected in 164 (70.7%) patients. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and overall accuracy of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT in detection of axillary metastasis were 72.56%, 77.94%, 88.8%, 54%, and 74.1%, respectively. The false-negative and false-positive rates were 27.4% and 22%, respectively. In univariate analysis, patients' age, estrogen receptor positivity, higher ALN SUVmax, greater tumor size, and lymph node size determined by ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT were all significantly associated with accuracy of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT for axillary metastasis. In multivariate analysis, tumor size determined by ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT and ALN SUVmax were independent variables associated with axillary metastasis. The accuracy of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT for axillary metastasis was higher in patients with a larger tumor (≥19.5 mm) and a higher ALN SUVmax (≥3.2). Conclusion: ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT should not be routinely used for axillary staging, especially in patients with small tumors. It cannot eliminiate the necessity of sentinel lymph node biopsy. When it is used, both visual information and optimal cut-off value of axillary node SUVmax should be taken into consideration.

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Aim: This study evaluated the effect of different irrigation protocols on elastic modulus and biomechanics of single-rooted premolar tooth using with nano-indentation and finite element analysis (FEA). Materials and Methods: Root canals of single-rooted human teeth were prepared, divided into eight groups, and irrigated with (1) 2.5% NaOCl + 17% EDTA; (2) 2.5% NaOCl + 17% EDTA + 2.5% NaOCl; (3) 2.5% NaOCl + SmearClear; (4) 2.5% NaOCl + 2% chlorhexidine; (5) 1.3% NaOCl + MTAD; (6) 5.25% NaOCl; (7) 17% EDTA; and (8) saline. The roots were vertically sectioned, and elastic modulus of the root dentine was measured using nano-indenter device at coronal, middle, and apical third. Data were recorded as megapascal and statistically analyzed (one-way analysis of variance, Tukey tests). Three-dimensional FEA model of a premolar tooth was created, and the inner root dentine was modified to simulate the effect of irrigation protocols on root dentine. The elastic properties of inner root dentine layer in the FEA models were modified for each group according to the data obtained with nano-indentation. A 300-N load was applied at the buccal cusp and central fossa of the models with a 45° angle. The stresses were calculated using von Mises stress criteria. Results: All irrigation protocols affected the elastic modulus of root dentine. Groups 2 and 3 showed similar elastic modulus values (P > 0.05), whereas the lowest values were obtained in group 7 (P < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found between groups 4, 5, and 8 (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Despite the effect of different clinically used irrigation protocols on elastic modulus of the inner dentine, this does not affect the biomechanics of the roots.

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Objective: The aim of this study is to assess whether there is a correlation between buccal bone thickness and mean alveolar bone thickness around the central teeth using CBCT images. Materials and Methods: Three points were selected at 3, 6 and 9 mm from the cemento-enamel junction, respectively, perpendicular to the long axis of the measuring points made to determine the width of the alveolar bone ridge. The arithmetic mean of the length measurements was taken as the average alveolar bone thickness. To determine the average buccal alveolar bone thickness, the buccal bone length was measured perpendicular to the long axis of the tooth from these 3 points, and the average of the measurements was taken from these 3 points. Results: The mean coronal, mid-root, and apical third root widths of the maxillary, left central incisors were 7.72±0.60, 8.64 ± 0.93, and 9.23±1.45 mm, respectively and the mean widths of the buccal alveolar bone at the coronal, mid-root, and apical third root positions of the left central incisor were 1.18±0.39, 1.15±0.44, and 1.06±0.50 mm, respectively. The Spearman correlation coefficients were 0.194 and 0.191 for the left and right central incisors, respectively. Conclusions: There was no statistically significant difference between the alveolar bone thickness averages of the left and right central incisors, but the alveolar bone thickness was found to be thicker in males than females. Although the mean of alveolar and buccal bone thicknesses was positively correlated the statistical analysis demonstrated the correlation between the mean of alveolar and buccal bone thicknesses is not significant.

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The aim of this study is to describe the effectiveness of trabeculectomy with mitomycin C and releasable suture in Posner-Schlossman syndrome (PSS) with secondary glaucoma. Early treatment is the key to successful management of PSS with secondary glaucoma. However, unremitting exposure of high intraocular pressure (IOP) because of the high recurrence rate of PSS may cause further optic nerve damage and visual field defect. It is assumed that trabeculectomy may become the surgical treatment of choice in order to prevent further damage to the optic nerve despite recurring attack of PSS. Trabeculectomy with mitomycin C and releasable suture was performed in 5 patients (3 females and 2 males) with recurring attacks of PSS and secondary glaucoma after acute attack had subsided. Before surgery, these patients had already suffered more than 3 acute attacks which were alleviated with antiglaucoma and anti-inflammatory medications; however, optic nerve damage and visual field defect had already developed. After trabeculectomy, 4 patients experienced no recurrent attacks during the follow-up period. One patient only suffered another episode of acute attack; however, an abrupt increase in IOP of more than 22 mmHg did not occur. In all cases, blebs were well formed, and no further optic nerve damage or visual field defects were observed up until final follow-up. In PSS with secondary glaucoma, medication may alleviate the IOP increase and inflammation; however, there is still a chance of damage occurring to the optic nerve each time an attack recurs. Trabeculectomy may be considered a safe and effective surgical treatment modality in PSS with secondary glaucoma in order to prevent further optic nerve damage due to the extreme IOP spike in each recurrent attack.

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Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important clinical outcome assessment in hypertension management, given the lifelong (chronicity) nature and the need for daily self-management for hypertensive patents. Of some of the studies that implemented home-based interventions on hypertension globally, the HRQoL is rarely used as a primary outcome measure. This study developed, implemented, and assessed the impact of home-based follow-up care (HBFC) on HRQoL of hypertensive patients attending outpatients' clinics in Ilorin, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A total of 149 and 150 patients were randomized to intervention and usual care (control) groups, respectively. A 12-month task-shifting (nurse-driven) HBFC intervention was administered to intervention group. The mid-term impact of intervention on HRQoL was assessed after 6 months intervention. Data were analyzed with intention-to-treat principle. Treatment effects were measured with the t-tests, analysis of covariance, and multivariate analysis of covariance analysis. Significant levels were set at P < 0.05 and 95% confidence interval. Results: The between-group treatment effect was not statistically significant (P > 0.05), whereas the within-group treatment effects were statistically significant for both the intervention and control arms (P < 0.05) at 6 months. After controlling for age and baseline HRQoL, the intervention group had an improved physical component of HRQoL than the control group. The intervention group also had statistically significant improvement in blood pressure control, medication adherence, and symptom counts (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The HBFC intervention for hypertensive patients impacted positively on physical component of HRQoL after controlling for baseline HRQoL and age of the patients at 6 months post-intervention.

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Aim: We report the results of the surgical treatment of symptomatic urachal cysts. Materials and Methods: The medical records of patients who underwent urachal cyst excision between 2012 and 2017 were reviewed retrospectively at our hospital. The age, sex, presenting complaint, method of diagnosis, average cyst diameter, surgical procedure, and postoperative complications of each patient were recorded. Results: Twenty-seven patients who had urachal cyst were included in this study; 5 out of 27 patients were treated conservatively and the rest of patients were treated surgically, made up of 16 males (72%) and 6 females (28%). The average age of the patients was 7 years (range: 1–17). The most common reason for referral was abdominal pain in 12 patients (54%), discharge in 6 patients (28%), fever in 2 patients (9%), and an abdominal mass in 2 patients (9%). An ultrasound scan was performed in all patients as an initial imaging study. The average cyst diameter was 1.5 cm (range: 1–6 cm). Laparotomy was performed in 16 patients, with 6 patients undergoing laparoscopic excision. Postoperative wound infection developed in two patients. Conclusions: Patients with urachal cysts may be managed conservatively initially. However, patients who do not show any clinical and radiological signs of regression, or those who have large cysts, should undergo surgical excision through laparotomy or a laparoscopic approach.

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Purpose: To identify the acquaintance of dental implant (DI) as a treatment modality in edentulous states among health workers in the Aseer region and also to assess the level of understanding about DI among them. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire set of 18 questions was used for 500 health workers from the concerned area about DI. Questionnaire set basically consists of questions to assess the attitude, perception, and knowledge among them about DI. The data collected and association with the factors were tested for significance using the Chi-square test and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The response rate was 89%. More than 75% were aware of DI, but only 50% of the total respondents were knowing about the difference between the DI, fixed prosthesis, and removable prosthesis. Of the latter, 47.4% have suggested implants for patients and about 55% respondents were agreeing to get DI done for themselves. Dental health care workers have more knowledge than the medical health workers, and the difference was found to be statistically significant. Of respondents, >90% were willing to know more about DI. Conclusion: The practice of implant dentistry is growing in the Aseer region. However, general health workers are not fully aware of proper DI information. In addition, all the efforts should be made to include basic implant education in all the branches of health sciences and the CDE program should be conducted regularly to enhance the knowledge, so that correct information can be channelized to the patients.

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Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are highly effective therapies for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). However, continuous administration of TKIs could lead to toxicity that could induce serious vascular disorders. Nilotinib, a second-generation TKI, has been approved for patients with CML in the chronic phase or accelerated phase, after resistance to imatinib has been identified, or as a first-line treatment. In comparison to other TKIs, nilotinib has been associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular events, such as peripheral artery occlusive disease. We present a CML patient who developed acute ischemic bowel necrosis and perforation during nilotinib therapy.

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Background: The incidence of otorhinolaryngological emergencies has been steadily increasing. With the increasing number of patients admitted to the emergency room, numerous challenges in healthcare have become more prevalent. This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological profile of otorhinolaryngological disorders in adults admitted to the emergency department of a tertiary university hospital. Materials and Methods: A total of 7028 adult patients with otorhinolaryngological disorders admitted to the emergency department of a tertiary hospital from January 1 to December 31, 2016, were enrolled in the study. Each patient underwent a comprehensive clinical evaluation by the physicians of the emergency department and was consulted by an otorhinolaryngologist. Age, sex, time of visits, and cost of each patient due to healthcare insurance were recorded. Results: In total, 3098 patients were male (36.6 ± 16.4 years; 44.1%) and 3930 were female (35.4 ± 16.2 years; 55.9%). The most common otorhinolaryngological disorders were pharyngitis (n = 2713; 38.6%), followed by tonsillitis (n = 1302; 18.5%) and rhinitis (n = 1161; 16.5%). These three infectious diagnoses constituted 73.6% of all otorhinolaryngological disorders. The highest number of medical visits due to otorhinolaryngological disorders was in January, whereas the lowest number of visits was in July. When we excluded the three infection-based diagnoses, otorhinolaryngological disorders were stable at approximately 150 patients per month. The main reason for the increase in the number of visits per month due to otorhinolaryngological disorders appeared to be a result of these three infection-based diagnoses. Conclusion: More than 80% of otorhinolaryngological disorders in adults admitted to the emergency department were not truly emergencies requiring attendance at a tertiary hospital emergency room. New policies should be instituted to reduce the workload of the emergency services and to allow more effort to be spent on real emergencies.

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[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]  [PubMed]