Objective: To compare serum reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Sestrin-3 concentrations in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) with and without coronary artery disease (CAD), and to evaluate their diagnostic performance. Methods: Case-control study of 90 participants (T2D with CAD (n = 50); T2D without CAD (n = 40)) recruited in Baghdad, Iraq. Serum ROS, Sestrin-3, and routine biochemistry were assessed. Between-group comparisons used an independent samples t-test or Mann–Whitney U as appropriate. ROC curves assessed discriminative performance. Multivariable logistic regression evaluated independent associations, adjusted for BMI and HbA1c. Results: Mean ROS was higher in CAD-T2D than T2D-only (1320.27 ± 123.02 pg/mL vs 988.92 ± 278.26 pg/mL; p = 0.01). Mean Sestrin-3 was higher in CAD-T2D than T2D-only (2.10 ± 0.75 ng/mL vs 1.52 ± 0.59 ng/mL; p = 0.02). HbA1c and BMI did not differ significantly between groups (HbA1c 8.13 ± 1.52 vs 8.26 ± 2.00; p = 0.09; BMI 29.58 ± 3.31 vs 30.66 ± 6.23; p = 0.10). ROC analysis (single ROC per biomarker) indicated discriminatory potential for ROS and Sestrin-3. ROS and Sestrin-3 were significantly higher in T2D+CAD. ROS showed strong discrimination for CAD (AUC≈0.89), while Sestrin-3 demonstrated moderate-to-strong discrimination (AUC≈0.80). In multivariable analysis, both biomarkers remained independently associated with CAD. Conclusions: In this cohort, ROS and Sestrin-3 concentrations were higher in T2D patients with coexistent CAD compared with T2D alone. These markers show potential for discrimination but require validation in larger, prospectively ascertained cohorts with standardised CAD definition and adjustment for medication and smoking.
Objectives: Despite the increased prevalence, high morbidity, and mortality associated with obesity, hypertension, and hyperglycaemia in developing countries, there is limited knowledge about these conditions in Abuja Municipal Area Central (AMAC), Abuja, Nigeria. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of obesity, hypertension, and hyperglycaemia, as well as their associated factors, in this population, as the prevalence is higher in Metropolitan areas. Methods: This study employs a descriptive and cross-sectional design. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 309 adults in the Abuja Municipal Area. Body mass index, blood pressure and glucose level were assessed following standard procedures. Stata version 12 was used for data entry and analysis. The chi-square test was used to determine associations between categorical variables. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine the predictors. P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of obesity, hypertension, and hyperglycaemia was 16.5%, 22.8%, and 5.6%, respectively. Age (>50 years) and gender (Male) were significant predictors of obesity. Age (>50 years) and obesity were predictors of hypertension (p<0.001), (OR= 28.84: (95% CI: 3.05 -272.82). Conclusion: The prevalence of obesity, hypertension and hyperglycaemia in Abuja was similar to other parts of Nigeria. Age and gender were predictors of obesity, while age and obesity were predictors of hypertension. Targeted aggressive educational campaigns and other wellness programs should be employed to reduce the prevalence of non-communicable diseases among adults in Abuja.
Objectives: Adolescence is a phase of upheaval and strain that affects overall well-being. Family factors are believed to significantly influence the well-being of adolescents. This study assessed the family structure and functioning of adolescents in school and their association with well-being. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was used to collect data from 435 adolescents in secondary schools in Ado-Ekiti, who were selected randomly. A structured, self-administered questionnaire adapted from the Family Assessment Device (FAD) and adolescent well-being scale was used for data collection. Descriptive data were analysed using frequency, percentage, and median scores, while inferential data were analysed using regression. The level of significance was set at p ≤ 0.05 Results: Results showed that the Majority (78.2%) of school adolescents were from two-parent families. More than half (57.5%) of school adolescents had low levels of family functioning patterns, while approximately 1/3rd (33.6%) had poor well-being. There was a significant association between adolescent well-being and family functioning patterns (OR = 1.31, CI =95%, p = 0.033) Conclusion: Two-parent family structure was most prevalent among school adolescents. A remarkable number of adolescents experience poor family functioning and well-being, with a significant association between the two variables. Poor family functioning and well-being among adolescents may culminate in poor physical and mental health. School health nurses should pay attention to interventions that can improve family functioning among families of school adolescents.
Objective: Basic Emergency Care (BEC) services are critical for reducing preventable morbidity and mortality. However, there has been no prior empirical assessment that specifically evaluated BEC capacity in secondary facilities in Borno State. This study assesses the availability of BEC services in secondary healthcare facilities amid ongoing insurgencies. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional descriptive assessment was conducted in 20 secondary health facilities across Borno State using a multi-stage sampling technique. A validated researcher-constructed checklist assessed infrastructure, guidelines/protocols, medications/supplies, diagnostic services, consulting services, ancillary services, and human resources. Data were collected via Google Forms, verified through direct observations, and analysed using descriptive statistics in IBM SPSS version 27. Results: Critical gaps were identified in human resources, with 55% of facilities having low nurse staffing and 65% low doctor staffing per shift. Only 15% of facilities provided 24-hour coverage. Diagnostic services were limited, with basic imaging available in only 20% of facilities. Ancillary services were fully available in only 28% of the hospitals assessed. However, consulting services (90.5%), medications (74%), and infrastructure (75%) were fully or partially available. Conclusion: Persistent shortages in human resources, diagnostics, and ancillary services hinder effective BEC delivery in Borno State. Intentional and innovative investments in workforce recruitment and retention, diagnostic equipment, and ancillary support, alongside technology-driven solutions, are needed to strengthen emergency care in this conflict-affected region.
Objective: Breast cancer remains a global health burden. The tumour microenvironment plays a key role in invasion and metastasis, partly through the activity of molecules such as MMP9, RANKL, and the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis. Methods: Blood samples from the periphery were taken from 60 women with breast tumours (30 with primary breast cancers and 30 with benign lesions). The RNA was extracted and then the gene expression levels of MMP9, RANKL, CXCL12 and CXCR4 were measured by real-time PCR. The statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 26. Comparisons between the groups were determined by Student’s t-test, and p < 0.05 was the threshold for statistical significance. Results: The mRNA expression levels of MMP9, RANKL, CXCL12, and CXCR4 were significantly higher in the cases of primary breast cancer compared to those having benign lesions with a p-value less than 0.001 for all markers. The mean ± SD expression of CXCL12 was 2.45 ± 1.31 in the cancer group and 0.78 ± 0.75 in the benign group. Along with this, the expression of all four markers was increased in a stepwise fashion with tumour stage and they were significantly correlated with large tumour size (≥3 cm), high histological grade, and lymph node metastasis. Conclusion: The Iraqi women with breast cancer showed elevated levels of MMP9, RANKL, CXCL12, and CXCR4 expression in tumours, as well as their correlation with advanced clinicopathological features indicates that they may serve as prognostic biomarkers.
Objective: To compare intraoperative blood loss and early postoperative outcomes in elective lumbar spine surgery under spinal anaesthesia (SA) versus general anaesthesia (GA). Methods: This prospective comparative study enrolled 60 adults (ASA I–II) undergoing one- or two-level transpedicular lumbar stabilisation in 2022. Patients were allocated to GA (n=30) or SA (n=30) based on anaesthesiologist-surgeon consensus. Mean arterial pressure was maintained at 60–80 mmHg. The primary outcome was intraoperative blood loss (Moore method). Secondary outcomes included haemodynamic changes, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), analgesia, satisfaction, and complications. Results: Groups were comparable at baseline. Surgery duration was similar. Intraoperative blood loss was significantly higher with GA (p<0.05). Mean heart-rate change from baseline was greater with GA (7±2 vs 3±1 bpm; p=0.039), as was haemoglobin decline (8.4% vs 3.6%; p=0.018). Complication rates and PONV were similar. Surgeon satisfaction (100.0% vs 83.3%; p=0.031) and patient satisfaction (93.3% vs 73.3%; p=0.041) favoured SA. PACU analgesia was comparable, but at 24 hours, eight GA patients required additional analgesia versus none in the SA group (p=0.003). Conclusion: Spinal anaesthesia was associated with significantly lower intraoperative blood loss, better haemodynamic stability, higher satisfaction, and reduced 24-hour analgesic requirements compared to GA, with mean arterial pressure controlled. SA appears to be a feasible alternative for selected lumbar procedures; larger randomised trials are warranted.
Objective: Cancer prevalence rates have been on the rise throughout the years, with associated high mortality rates. The primary aim of this study was to update existing knowledge and portray the prevailing trends in the occurrence and treatment of cancer in Nigeria. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study of patients who attended the oncology clinic at the study setting from January 2014 to December 2018. Data was extracted from folders of patients with complete information on cancer diagnosis as well as other relevant information, using a pre-designed data extraction form. These were analysed using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 and Excel. Results: A total of 1986 incident cases were observed from 2014 to 2018. The most common cancer in males was soft tissue sarcoma (12.3%), followed by prostate cancer (11.5%) and colorectal cancer (11.5%), while skin tumours accounted for 9.3%. Results in females show that breast cancer (64%) was the most reported cancer, followed by cancer of the cervix (11.4%), colorectal cancer (3.7%), and soft tissue sarcoma (5.4%). The highest number of incident cases was observed in 2014. Conclusion: Breast cancer was observed to be the most prevalent cancer in our study, followed by cervical and colorectal cancers. The emerging rise in the frequency of colorectal cancer and cancers of soft tissue origin calls for the adoption of intensive primary prevention and screening strategies.
Objective: The study assessed the level of knowledge and factors influencing the transition to parenthood among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at State Specialist Hospital, Osun State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used with a total population of 192 pregnant women attending State Specialist Hospital, Osogbo. Sample size was determined using Taro Yamane's formula with 10% attrition rate; the total sample size was 143. A self-developed structured questionnaire with a reliability index of 0.73 was used for data collection, and the data were analysed using descriptive statistics, including frequency and percentage. Results: The findings revealed that most respondents were aware of physical and emotional changes associated with pregnancy, with 71.4% indicating awareness of postpartum psychological difficulties, while 57.1% reported that mood swings affect their daily activities. Anxiety and fear of childbirth were observed among 64.3%, and 50% expressed concerns about their ability to adapt effectively to motherhood. Family support was identified as a major coping strategy, with 78.6% indicating its role in reducing stress and improving maternal confidence. Conclusion: This study shows that pregnant women were aware of the transition into motherhood and associated physical and emotional factors. However, the majority experienced anxiety and mood swings as a result of the transition. Therefore, it is important for healthcare providers, especially nurses, to intensify educating pregnant women on coping strategies to adopt during this phase to reduce morbidity associated with parenthood transition.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic and prognostic usefulness of four blood biomarkers, NLRP3 inflammasome and related biomarkers (NT-proBNP, MYL2, LRG1) in patients with heart failure and their association with renal and hepatic function. Methods: The study included 60 ICU patients with heart failure and 60 healthy controls. Standard biochemical assays were used to quantify serum urea, creatinine, uric acid, and liver enzyme levels, while commercially available ELISA kits were used to measure NLRP3, NT-proBNP, MYL2, and LRG1. Biomarker performance was evaluated by group comparisons, correlation analyses, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) studies. Results: Serum levels of NLRP3, NT-proBNP, MYL2, and LRG1 were considerably higher in heart failure patients than in controls (all p < 0.05). Several biomarkers correlated with indices of renal and hepatic dysfunction. ROC analysis suggested discriminatory potential for these markers; however, external validation is required. Conclusion: NLRP3 and related biomarkers were discovered to be higher in ICU patients suffering from heart failure, and they were linked to organ dysfunction. These findings indicate that NLRP3, NT-proBNP, MYL2, and LRG1 may be promising predictors of disease severity, requiring additional confirmation in larger, prospective trials.
Objectives: Sickle cell anaemia is very common in tropical countries, and it is associated with severe bone pain crisis, which interferes with quality of life. The role of serum calcium and parathyroid hormone levels in the development of bone pains has not been fully explained. This study is designed to measure the serum level of calcium and parathyroid hormones in patients with sickle cell anaemia and compare them with healthy participants. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary hospital where patients with sickle cell anaemia attending the children's outpatient clinic were recruited. A questionnaire was used to obtain vital information from all participants, and blood levels of calcium and parathyroid hormone were measured. The results were compared between patients with sickle cell anaemia and the control group. Results: A total of 66 patients with sickle cell anaemia and 66 healthy control participants were recruited. The median (IQR) age at which sickle cell was diagnosed was 3 (1.9-7.3) years, and there were 14 (21%) patients who had other siblings living with sickle cell anaemia. Patients with sickle cell anaemia had lower levels of calcium (2.19 vs 2.32 mmol/L), p< 0.01, and higher levels of parathyroid hormone (14.3 vs 13.3 pg/ml); p= 0.01 than the healthy control participants. Conclusions: The study showed that patients with sickle cell anaemia have lower serum calcium and higher parathyroid hormone levels. This may be associated with the bone pain they regularly experience
Objectives: Buruli ulcer (BU), caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans (MU), is a necrotising skin disease which has been reported in over 33 countries. The application of bacterial population genomics to the studies of MU has brought about increased knowledge about its evolution and epidemiology. Method: Nested PCR techniques were deployed to confirm BU among 256 suspected cases from five states in Southwest Nigeria. 157 (61.3%) of the samples were PCR positive for IS2404 of M. ulcerans. Eight (8) randomly selected IS2404-positive samples were subjected to Sanger sequencing due to resource constraints. Results: All the organisms were identified as M. ulcerans through BLASTn, and the phylogenetic tree showed genetic similarity (˃96%) to SGL03, a reference strain from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Conclusion: This study provides the first IS2404-based genomic profiling of Mycobacterium ulcerans in Nigeria, addressing a critical epidemiological research gap.
Background: Substance use among adolescents is an escalating public-health problem in Nigeria with implications for mental health, injury and social dysfunction. We synthesised evidence from studies conducted in South-West Nigerian states to describe substance-use patterns, identify risk and protective factors, and appraise methodological quality to inform prevention and research priorities. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of original, open-access quantitative studies published 2007 to 2024. Searches of Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar and EBSCOhost were performed; reference lists were hand searched. Eligible studies reported prevalence, patterns or determinants of substance use among adolescents or youth in South-West Nigeria; alcohol-only studies, reviews, and case reports. Study quality was appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist for cross-sectional studies. Due to heterogeneity of populations, outcome definitions and measurement, we present a structured narrative synthesis. (PRISMA guidance followed.) Results: Database searches identified 66 records; after deduplication, 55 records were screened. After full-text assessment (n = 28), eight studies were included. The eight studies (seven cross-sectional; one pilot) examined secondary-school and tertiary-level populations, a clinical sample, and community youth; sample sizes ranged from 249 to 11,799. Reported substance use prevalence varied (range across study reports), with overall high proportions in several samples (where reported: 40%–78% in some student samples). Commonly reported substances included alcohol/over-the-counter medicines, tobacco, tramadol (and other opioids), cannabis, amphetamines, inhalants and low-prevalence heroin/cocaine. Recurrent risk factors were male sex, older adolescent age, peer substance use/peer pressure, parental substance use/low parental monitoring, school disengagement/academic stress, mental-health symptoms (depression, anxiety), curiosity/experimentation and community availability. Protective factors included religiosity, parental guidance and monitoring, school-based positive behavioural programmes, and supply-reduction policies. Using the JBI checklist, most studies were rated low-to-moderate quality because of non-probability sampling, inconsistent outcome measurement (ever vs past-year vs current use), and limited control for confounding. Conclusions: Substance use among adolescents in South-West Nigeria is prevalent across multiple substances and shaped by interlocking individual, family, peer and community factors. To inform prevention, surveillance must adopt standardised measures and representative sampling; longitudinal and intervention studies are needed. Family- and school-centred prevention and community supply-reduction efforts are priority actions.
Objectives: The study aims to measure the amount of radiopharmaceutical absorbed by a normal liver compared with a patient with liver cancer and to examine the effect of BMI on radiopharmaceutical absorption. Method: The Study assessed75 males (40 patients and 35 normal) and 75 females (40 patients and 35 normal), aged between 31 and 75, with body weights ranging from 50 to 100 kg and heights ranging from 150 cm to 180 cm. Patients with a fasting blood sugar content exceeding 200 mg/dL were excluded. Results: Differences (P ˂ 0.001) were reported in the mean SUVs between the participants with normal livers and those with liver cancer of the same BMI, where, the average SUV was greater with liver cancer in the underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese BMI categories, with kg/m² of 141%, 160%, 197%, and 253%, respectively. Furthermore, highly significant differences (P ˂ 0.01) were found for the mean SUVs between the normal body weight and other BMI categories. Conclusion: Our study suggests that the administration of FDG based on body weight can result in underestimation, which may lead to small, dormant tumours being overlooked. An overestimation could lead to unnecessary wastage of radioactive materials and increase the risk of harmful exposure for the participant. Caution is advised regarding greater amounts of fat tissue in overweight subjects when compared with those of normal weight; the former require a greater dose of FDG than the latter, leading to greater absorption of FDG with glucose by cancerous cells.
Objective: To evaluate the influence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection on serum interleukin-1 (IL-1) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 CKD patients (aged 40–69 years) attending Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Iraq, between November 2024 and February 2025. Participants were categorised into two groups: Group I (CKD without HCV infection, n=50) and Group II (CKD with HCV infection, n=50). Serum IL-1 and hs-CRP levels were measured using ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0. Group comparisons were made using Student’s t-test or Mann–Whitney test as appropriate, and ROC analysis was used to discriminate CKD+HCV from CKD–HCV patients. Results: IL-1 and hs-CRP levels were significantly higher in CKD+HCV patients than in CKD–HCV patients (p < 0.001). hs-CRP suggests excellent discriminatory ability (AUC = 0.976, sensitivity = 100%, specificity = 96%), while IL-1 showed moderate performance (AUC = 0.675). Conclusion: hs-CRP is a more reliable biomarker than IL-1 for identifying inflammation associated with HCV infection in CKD patients, supporting its potential role in cardiovascular risk stratification and monitoring.
Objective: This study compared clinical and dosimetric outcomes of ART replanning every 5 fractions versus every 10 fractions in patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Al Amal National Hospital of Oncology, Baghdad, Iraq, between July 2024 and April 2025. Thirty patients with unilateral NSCLC treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy were included. Patients were assigned to two groups: Group 1 underwent ART replanning every 5 fractions, while Group 2 underwent replanning every 10 fractions. Demographic variables, gross tumour volume (GTV) changes, dosimetric parameters (planning target volume D95, lung V20, heart V30, and spinal cord Dmax), Gamma Index, and a composite treatment-quality score were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 29, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: The groups were comparable in age and weight (p > 0.05). Group 1 demonstrated a significantly greater mean GTV reduction than Group 2 (35.26% ± 3.55 vs. 29.20% ± 3.48; p < 0.0001). Dosimetric parameters were statistically comparable between groups, although more favourable trends were observed in Group 1. The Gamma Index was higher in Group 1 (97.69% ± 1.33) than in Group 2 (97.02% ± 1.41). The composite quality score was significantly superior in Group 1 (8.69 ± 0.23 vs. 7.87 ± 0.18; p < 0.0001). Tumour shrinkage was the primary indication for replanning. Conclusion: ART replanning every 5 fractions achieves superior tumour volume reduction and overall treatment quality compared with 10-fraction intervals, supporting shorter adaptation schedules for improved therapeutic precision in NSCLC.
Objective: Healthcare waste handlers play a vital role in medical waste management but face a high risk of exposure to hazardous materials and occupational injuries. This study assessed the extent of exposure to occupational hazards among healthcare waste handlers at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 53 healthcare waste handlers selected using a stratified random sampling method. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires and analysed using STATA 16.0 at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents was 31.6 ± 11.3 years. The prevalence of sharps injuries was 43.4%, with 24.5% occurring in the last six months. Only 18.9% reported these injuries, and 78.3% self-sponsored treatment. The diseases most commonly perceived to be associated with waste handling were HIV/AIDS (81.1%), diarrhoea (67.9%), malaria (66.0%), typhoid (62.3%), and cholera (60.4%). Recognition of Hepatitis B (49.1%) and C (45.3%) was lower. Most (77.3%) had never been screened, and only 13.2% received vaccination for the Hepatitis B virus. The most frequent exposures were to blood and body fluids (69.8%) and sharps (37.7%). While 94.2% practised good hand hygiene, PPE use varied. Face masks were the most used (96.2%) and goggles the least (13.2%). Training on infection prevention significantly predicted PPE use (AOR = 3.87; p = 0.040). Conclusion: Despite awareness of workplace hazards, exposure and injury rates remain high. Regular training, free health screenings, and improved access to protective equipment are crucial for safeguarding healthcare waste handlers.
Objectives: In Nigeria, the management of testicular torsion is often followed by an avoidably high rate of testicular loss, and patients usually present first to general medical practitioners; hence, this study aims to assess general medical practitioners’ knowledge and practice relating to the management of testicular torsion. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study of general medical practitioners in Benin City from November 2024 to April 2025. A pretested self-administered structured questionnaire on knowledge and practice of testicular torsion was used for this study. A score of 70% was considered good for knowledge and practice. Data was analysed using SPSS version 27.0, categorical data presented in proportion, while continuous data in mean with standard deviation. Results: Eighty-three respondents participated, with an age range between 21-50 years; the majority, 57.8% were in the 31-40 range. The majority, 40.7% had 0-5years of practice experience. Overall, the good knowledge score was 39.8% while the good practice score was 46%. No association was found between sociodemographic factors, years of practice and knowledge, as there were also no independent predictors of good knowledge. However, younger age and years of practice of less than 10 years were associated with quality practice. No predictors of quality practice, although the odds were greater with younger age and fewer years of practice. Conclusion: The knowledge and quality of practice of general practitioners in the management of testicular torsion were below average, with younger age and years of practice less than 10 years determining good knowledge and quality practice.
Objective: To compare ICSI outcomes in couples with idiopathic male factor sub-fertility versus unexplained sub-fertility. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at Al-Kafeel IVF Centre, Karbala, Iraq, and included 98 couples who underwent ICSI between February 2023 and January 2024. Of these, 62 had idiopathic male factor sub-fertility and 36 had unexplained sub-fertility. All underwent conventional ICSI. Outcomes assessed were fertilisation rate, cleavage rate, total embryos, good-quality embryos, and biochemical pregnancy confirmed by positive β-hCG. Results: Fertilisation rates were 73.2% ± 25.6 (idiopathic) vs 79.5% ± 22.9 (unexplained), p = 0.39; cleavage rates 95.2% ± 18.1 vs 97.8% ± 5.0, p = 0.56. Total embryos (mean ± SD) were lower in the idiopathic group (3.9 ± 2.6) than in the unexplained group (7.2 ± 4.7), p = 0.003; good-quality embryos 3.5 ± 2.4 vs 6.6 ± 4.1, p = 0.002. Biochemical pregnancy occurred in 32/62 (51.6%) idiopathic versus 14/36 (38.9%) unexplained. Unadjusted odds ratio for pregnancy (idiopathic vs unexplained) = 1.68 (95% CI 0.73–3.86), Fisher’s exact p = 0.29. After adjustment for maternal age, BMI, total oocytes and number of embryos transferred (multivariable logistic regression), the group effect was [report aOR here once analysis is run]. Conclusions: Idiopathic male factor sub-fertility is associated with lower embryo yield and fewer good-quality embryos after ICSI, but biochemical pregnancy rates did not differ significantly. Future studies should adjust for embryo transfer policy and include live birth outcomes.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of chlorhexidine (CHX) and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) mouthwashes on salivary biomarkers associated with early detection of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Method: The research investigated how daily use of chlorhexidine (CHX) and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) affects salivary biomarkers, which help detect early OSCC. The study included 150 participants who received equal distribution between the CHX and CPC groups and a control group for 14 days of observation. The researchers evaluated inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8, TNF-α and MMP-9 and oxidative stress markers ROS, MDA and TAC in saliva samples taken at three time points. Result: The use of CHX led to a significant decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines and MMP-9 levels and improved oxidative stability through reduced ROS and MDA and elevated TAC levels. The biochemical changes from CPC treatment were similar to those from CHX but at a lower intensity. The control group showed no important changes in biomarkers. The study results showed CHX produces more extensive and stronger changes in all measured biomarkers. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that using antiseptic mouthwashes containing CHX for routine oral care will create detectable biochemical changes, which could hide early signs of OSCC in saliva tests. The implementation of pre-sampling protocols and washout periods becomes necessary to maintain accurate diagnostic results in clinical practice and research settings.
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of caudal epidural steroid injections (ESI) for sciatica from lumbar disc prolapse and determine if symptom duration affects outcomes. Methods: 98 patients with MRI-confirmed lumbar disc prolapse and sciatica were recruited. They were divided by symptom duration: Group A (acute/subacute, <4 months, n=50) and Group B (chronic, >4 months, n=48). Each received one caudal injection of 80 mg triamcinolone acetonide with normal saline. Pain was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at baseline, one, three, and six months post-injection. Data were analysed using repeated measures ANOVA and independent t-tests, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: Both groups showed significant VAS reduction at one month (Group A: 7.56±1.31 to 3.86±1.82, p=0.001; Group B: 7.52±1.41 to 4.52±2.19, p=0.001). At three months, only Group A maintained significant improvement (4.87±1.64, p<0.001 vs. baseline), while Group B’s pain returned toward baseline (5.54±1.47, p=0.08). At six months, neither group showed significant improvement from baseline. However, 24% of Group A reported ≥30% pain reduction at six months versus 6% in Group B (p=0.01). Conclusions: Caudal ESI effectively provides short- and medium-term pain relief for sciatica from lumbar disc prolapse. Treatment within the first four months yields better and more durable outcomes. Symptom duration is a key predictor of treatment response.
