Greater Disease Severity and Worse Clinical Outcomes in Patients Hospitalised with COVID-19 in Africa.

Background: COVID-19 cardiovascular research from Africa is limited. This study describes cardiovascular risk factors, manifestations, and outcomes of patients hospitalised with COVID-19 in the African region, with an overarching goal to investigate whether important differences exist between African and other populations, which may inform health policies. Methods: A multinational prospective cohort study was conducted on adults hospitalised with confirmed COVID-19, consecutively admitted to 40 hospitals across 23 countries, 6 of which were African countries. Of the 5,313 participants enrolled globally, 948 were from African sites (n = 9). Data on demographics, pre-existing conditions, clinical outcomes in hospital (major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), renal failure, neurological events, pulmonary outcomes, and death), 30-day vitality status and re-hospitalization were assessed, comparing African to non-African participants. Results: Access to specialist care at African sites was significantly lower than the global average (71% vs. 95%), as were ICU admissions (19.4% vs. 34.0%) and COVID-19 vaccination rates (0.6% vs. 7.4%). The African cohort was slightly younger than the non-African cohort (55.0 vs. 57.5 years), with higher rates of hypertension (48.8% vs. 46.9%), HIV (5.9% vs. 0.3%), and Tuberculosis (3.6% vs. 0.3%). In African sites, a higher proportion of patients suffered cardiac arrest (7.5% vs. 5.1%) and acute kidney injury (12.7% vs. 7.2%), with acute kidney injury (AKI) appearing to be one of the strongest predictors of MACE and death in African populations compared to other populations. The overall mortality rate was significantly higher among African participants (18.2% vs. 14.2%). Conclusions: Overall, hospitalised African patients with COVID-19 had a higher mortality despite a lower mean age, contradicting literature that had previously reported a lower mortality attributed to COVID-19 in Africa. African sites had lower COVID-19 vaccination rates and higher AKI rates, which were positively associated with increased mortality. In conclusion, African patients were hospitalized with more severe COVID-19 cases and had poorer outcomes.

Rehabilitation of mandibular resected patients using fixed immediately loaded corticobasal implant -supported prostheses. A case series.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Aliments such as congenital conditions, pathological, and iatrogenic circumstances may result in mandibular defects that can severely disturb the patients' oral health, functions (mastication, speech), aesthetics, and quality of life and present a rehabilitating challenge. CASE PRESENTATION: we present a multidisciplinary treatment approach for three cases presented with mandibular resection as a consequence of cystic, benign, and malignant tumour eradication that were rehabilitated with immediately loaded fixed corticobasal implant-supported prostheses and a follow-up period of 5,5 and 4 years. The reported cases present with excellent implant survival, along with healthy peri-implant tissues, stable prostheses, enhanced speech, chewing ability, aesthetics, superior patient satisfaction, and improved overall self-esteem. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: A multidisciplinary oral and maxillofacial team is mandatory for the successful rehabilitation of patients with mandibular resection and to restore soft and hard tissue loss. The reported treatment modality offers the patient immediate fixed implant-supported prostheses omitting the need for a bone grafting procedure, with optimum peri-implant tissue health, excellent biomechanical and prosthetic results, and significant improvement in function and satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Corticobasal fixed implant-supported prostheses can be a reliable treatment modality for mandibular resection, resulting in notable enhancements in the patients' oral health, appearance, mastication, speech, and self-esteem.

Infiltrating Wound Vacuum-Assisted Closure With Topical Amphotericin for Mucormycosis Infection of the Achilles Tendon.

Background: The rarity and heterogeneity of mucormycosis make treatment variable, and no prospective or randomized clinical trials exist in plastic surgery literature. The use of wound vacuum-assisted closure in combination with the instillation of amphotericin B to treat cutaneous mucormycosis is not well documented. Case Presentation: A 53-year-old man underwent left Achilles tendon reconstruction with allograft after a complete tear during exercise. About 1 week after the operation, he began having incisional breakdown later found to be secondary to mucormycosis infection, prompting presentation to an emergency department. The use of negative pressure wound therapy with wound vacuum-assisted closure and intervals of instilling amphotericin B facilitated infection control in this lower extremity mucormycosis infection. Conclusions: Patients with a localized mucormycosis infection may benefit from treatment with an instillation wound vacuum-assisted closure with topical amphotericin B as presented in this case study.

Nanopore-Based Metagenomic Sequencing in Respiratory Tract Infection: A Developing Diagnostic Platform.

Respiratory tract infection (RTI) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality across the globe. The optimal management of RTI relies upon timely pathogen identification via evaluation of respiratory samples, a process which utilises traditional culture-based methods to identify offending microorganisms. This process can be slow and often prolongs the use of broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy, whilst also delaying the introduction of targeted therapy as a result. Nanopore sequencing (NPS) of respiratory samples has recently emerged as a potential diagnostic tool in RTI. NPS can identify pathogens and antimicrobial resistance profiles with greater speed and efficiency than traditional sputum culture-based methods. Increased speed to pathogen identification can improve antimicrobial stewardship by reducing the use of broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, as well as improving overall clinical outcomes. This new technology is becoming more affordable and accessible, with some NPS platforms requiring minimal sample preparation and laboratory infrastructure. However, questions regarding clinical utility and how best to implement NPS technology within RTI diagnostic pathways remain unanswered. In this review, we introduce NPS as a technology and as a diagnostic tool in RTI in various settings, before discussing the advantages and limitations of NPS, and finally what the future might hold for NPS platforms in RTI diagnostics.

Oral rehabilitation of maxillofacial trauma using fixed corticobasal implant-supported prostheses: A case series.

INTRODUCTION: Maxillofacial trauma is associated with severe loss of soft and hard tissues that lead to aesthetic and functional disfigurements, adverse psychological impacts on the patient's general and oral health, and decreased quality of life. Therefore, treatment of maxillofacial trauma is challenging. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present three patients with maxillofacial trauma owing to road traffic accidents that were rehabilitated by immediate use of loaded fixed corticobasal implant-supported prostheses with follow-up periods of 6, 5, and 7 years. All treated patients had a 100 % implant survival rate, healthy peri-implant tissues, stable prosthesis with significant improvement in mastication and phonation, and high patient satisfaction. DISCUSSION: Rehabilitation of patients with intensive maxillofacial trauma requires a multidisciplinary approach to ensure the standard of care during treatment. The described treatment eliminates the need for bone grafting, reduces susceptibility to grafting complications, shortens treatment time, and provides the patient with a fixed prosthesis with predictable success, excellent implant survival, healthy peri-implant tissue, improved prosthetic stability, and high satisfaction rates. CONCLUSION: Corticobasal implant-supported prostheses are a feasible treatment modality to rehabilitate patients with maxillofacial trauma with high success and survival rates and patient satisfaction.

The joint 15th Pan-African Society of Cardiology and Kenya Cardiac Society congress proceedings, 2021.

The 15th biennial Pan-African Society of Cardiology (PASCAR) congress held in Mombasa, Kenya, in November 2021, convened in its legacy of being the largest Pan-African conference on cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The congress brough together members of cardiovascular societies from across the continent in the shared mission of advancing cardiovascular health in Africa. In partnership with the Kenyan Cardiac Society (KCS), the specific aims of the PASCAR conference were to (1) advance knowledge on CVDs in the region; (2) share local data, clinical cases, challenges and solutions and reinforce collaborative capacity initiatives in research and workforce training; (3) engage with policy makers to address health-system issues affecting access to CVD care in Africa; and (4) bring together local and international thought leaders in cardiovascular medicine to strengthen the partnerships between PASCAR, KCS, other African cardiac societies and key global stakeholders. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this congress demonstrated great success in providing both an in-person and a virtual platform of attendance, therefore making this an inaugural hybrid PASCAR congress, with inclusive and widespread participation from across the globe. We highlight the key areas of focus, various educational programmes and innovative initiatives that shaped the 15th PASCAR congress, including expert consensus on the future directions for advancing CVD care in Africa.

Rebalancing the research equation in Africa: principles and process.

BACKGROUND: Many examples of research excellence in Africa have been driven by partnerships led by the global North and have involved localised infrastructure improvements to support the best of international research practice. OBJECTIVE: In this article, we explore a possible mechanism by which local research networks, appropriately governed, could begin to support national African research programmes by allying research delivery to clinical service. SUMMARY: This article explores the concept that sustainable research effort needs a well-trained and mentored workforce, working to common standards, but which is practically supported by a much developed information technology (IT) infrastructure throughout the continent. CONCLUSIONS: The balance of investment and ownership of such a research programme needs to be shared between local and international funding, with the emphasis on developing global South-South collaborations and research strategies which address the environmental impact of medical research activity and mitigate the impact of climate change on African populations. Healthcare must be embedded in the post-COVID-19 approach to research development.

Rehabilitation of Patients with Compromised Ridge Support Using Immediately Loaded Corticobasal Implant-supported Prostheses: A Prospective Observational Study.

AIM: The aim of this prospective study is to evaluate the treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction following the use of fixed immediately loaded corticobasal implant-supported prostheses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and seventy-four corticobasal implants (basal cortical screw, BCS implant design) were inserted in 20 consecutive patients with compromised ridge support. Implant survival and success were assessed using the James-Misch implant health quality scale and the Albrektsson criteria for implant success. The peri-implant health was evaluated at 1 week and 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months postoperatively. Moreover, the radiographic and prosthetic parameters and patient satisfaction were assessed. RESULTS: The implants showed optimum implant health and a 100% survival rate with none (0%) of the implants failing, mobile, lost, or fractured. Using Wilcoxon signed-rank test, significant decreases in both the modified gingival indexes and the probable pocket depth (PPD) and slight significant increases in the plaque index (PI) at 3, 9, 12, and 18 months and a nonsignificant increase at 6-month follow-up were reported with a range of 0-1. The calculus index (CI) was zero at all follow-up visits. Radiographic evaluations revealed increases in the bone-to-implant contact. Evaluation of the prostheses showed some treatable complications, and all the patients were satisfied. CONCLUSION: The use of corticobasal implant-supported prosthesis meets the patient's demand for an immediate, fixed treatment modality, with high survival and success rates, optimum peri-implant soft tissue health, and high reported satisfaction. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Corticobasal implants can improve the patient's esthetic, phonetic, mastication, and quality of life with the advantage of eliminating the need of bone grafting procedures.

Possible Reasons Why Sub-Saharan Africa Experienced a Less Severe COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020.

Both scientific authorities and governments of nations worldwide were found lacking in their COVID-19 response and management, resulting in significant distrust by the general public in 2020. Scientific and medical bodies often failed to give the right counsel on the appropriate course of action on COVID-19, because proven steps were not known, while many governments around the world took ineffective, late or inappropriate COVID-19 control and containment strategies. If the 2020 COVID-19 incidence rates are to be believed, much of sub-Saharan Africa had a lower disease prevalence than expected. We put forward six factors peculiar to much of sub-Saharan Africa that may have accounted for the pandemic landscape there in 2020. We also discuss why the situation has become more serious in 2021.

Iatrogenic intrathoracic encapsulated siliconoma from a ruptured breast implant.

Our patient was a 57-year-old woman with a history of bilateral retropectoral silicone breast augmentation and axillary hyperhidrosis who underwent a bilateral thoracic sympathectomy via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery by a surgeon at an outside hospital approximately 20 years ago. The left side required an open thoracotomy. Shortly after the surgery, she developed a left-sided Baker 4 capsular contracture and the left implant was noted to be ruptured. Both implants were exchanged. Several years later the patient began to experience progressive fatigue. Work-up revealed a left lung nodule and she underwent a biopsy that confirmed silicone granulomas. It was hypothesised that at the time of her initial thoracotomy the implant was violated resulting in silicone spillage into the thoracic cavity. The patient was referred to our institution for advanced management of her intrathoracic silicosis. The patient underwent bilateral removal of her silicone implants, total capsulectomy and needle-localised removal of her left thoracic silicone masses. She had an uneventful postoperative course with resolution of her fatigue.

Differences in socio-demographic and risk factor profile, clinical presentation, and outcomes between patients with and without RHD heart failure in Sub-Saharan Africa: results from the THESUS-HF registry.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) was found in the THESUS-HF registry to be the third most common cause of acute heart failure (AHF) in Sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: One thousand six patients with AHF from 9 Sub-Saharan African countries were recruited in THESUS-HF, of which 143 (14.3%) had RHD-AHF. Clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients with RHD-AHF and non-RHD-AHF were compared. Kaplan-Meier plots for time to all-cause death and/or HF readmission according to the presence of RHD-AHF and non-RHD-AHF were performed and survival distributions compared using the log-rank test. Cox regression was used to determine the hazard ratio of death to day 180 and death or readmission to day 60 after adjusting for confounders. RESULTS: Patients with RHD-AHF were younger, more often females, had higher rates of atrial fibrillation, had less hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes, had lower BP, and higher pulse rate and better kidney function and echocardiographic higher ejection fraction larger left atria and more diastolic dysfunction. Patients with RHD-AHF had a numerically longer mean stay in the hospital (10.5 vs. 8.8 days) and significantly higher initial hospitalization mortality (9.1% vs. 3.4%). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, patients with HF related to RHD were younger, have higher rate of atrial fibrillation and have a worse short-term outcome compared to HF related to other etiologies in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Serratus anterior plane versus paravertebral nerve blocks for postoperative analgesia after non-mastectomy breast surgery: a randomized controlled non-inferiority trial.

BACKGROUND: Paravertebral and serratus plane blocks are both used to treat pain following breast surgery. However, it remains unknown if the newer serratus block provides comparable analgesia to the decades-old paravertebral technique. METHODS: Subjects undergoing unilateral or bilateral non-mastectomy breast surgery were randomized to a single-injection serratus or paravertebral block in a subject-masked fashion (ropivacaine 0.5%; 20 mL unilateral; 16 mL/side bilateral). We hypothesized that (1) analgesia would be non-inferior in the recovery room with serratus blocks (measurement: Numeric Rating Scale), and (2) opioid consumption would be non-inferior with serratus blocks in the operating and recovery rooms. In order to claim that serratus blocks are non-inferior to paravertebral blocks, both hypotheses must be at least non-inferior. RESULTS: Within the recovery room, pain scores for participants with serratus blocks (n=49) had a median (IQR) of 4.0 (0-5.5) vs 0 (0-3.0) for those with paravertebral blocks (n=51): 0.95% CI -3.00 to -0.00; p=0.001. However, the difference in morphine equivalents did not reach statistical significance for superiority with the serratus group consuming 14 mg (10-19) vs 10 mg (10-16) for the paravertebral group: 95% CI -4.50 to 0.00, p=0.123. Since the 95% CI lower limit of -4.5 was less than our prespecified margin of -2.0, we failed to conclude non-inferiority of the serratus block with regard to opioid consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Serratus blocks provided inferior analgesia compared with paravertebral blocks. Without a dramatic improvement in safety profile for serratus blocks, it appears that paravertebral blocks are superior to serratus blocks for postoperative analgesia after non-mastectomy breast surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03860974.

Human papillomavirus, gene mutation and estrogen and progesterone receptors in breast cancer: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: recent studies show a good relationship between breast cancer (BC) and human papillomaviruses (HPV) wich is responsible for about 18% of BC cases. This study aimed to assess the relationship between different genotypes of HPV and the expression of P53 and retinoblastoma (RB) genes and estrogen and progesterone receptors in BC among Sudanese women. METHODS: one hundred and fifty tissue blocks were obtained from females diagnosed with BC. Positive samples were used to determine genotypes with an applied biosystem (ABI 3730XL) genetic analyzer for sequencing and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: 13/150 samples showed HPV DNA. High-risk HPV-16 was detected in 5 cases, high-risk-HPV-58 was found in four cases, and HPV-18 was detected in three cases. Low-risk-HPV-11 was detected in a single invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) case. P53 and RB gene mutations were detected in 35 and 30 BC cases, respectively. P53 gene mutation was frequently identified in grade (III) BC while RB gene mutation was positive in grade (II). Grade (II) BC had a higher incidence of HPV-16 and 58. On the other hand, HPV-18 had a higher incidence in grade (III). Estrogen and progesterone receptors were expressed in 94 and 79 HPV cases among the study group, respectively. CONCLUSION: this study elucidates the associations between HPV genotypes and BC. A statistically significant association was observed among p53 and RB gene mutations and different BC histological types. On the other hand, there was a statistically insignificant association between HPV genotyping and different BC gradings, BC histological types, P53 and RB genes mutations, and estrogen and progesterone receptor expression. Also, there was a statistically insignificant association among estrogen and progesterone receptors expression and BC grading. RB gene mutation was significantly associated with different BC grades. On the other hand, there was a statistically insignificant association between progesterone receptor expression and BC.

Triple Thoracic Injury Caused by Foreign Body Ingestion: A New Approach for Managing an Unusual Case.

BACKGROUND In most cases, esophageal perforation is caused by ingested foreign bodies which can migrate through the esophageal wall, damaging nearby vital organs like the aorta or pericardium, thereby having potentially fatal outcomes. Early diagnosis and intervention are key to decreasing morbidity and mortality. Appropriate treatment involves extracting the foreign body, repairing the esophagus and other injured organs (aorta, trachea, or pericardium), and draining and cleaning the mediastinum. CASE REPORT A 31-year-old man presented with a 2-h history of severe chest pain radiating to the back and associated with profuse sweating after eating. The patient had ingested a sharp metal object that injured the thoracic esophageal wall close to the aorta and the left atrium, causing hemopericardium. The presence of pericardial effusion on echocardiogram examination raised a high suspicion of cardiac and/or aortic injury. Left thoracotomy was done because the injury was in the distal third of the esophagus. Therefore, exploration of the pericardium and drainage of the mediastinum was essential, along with the use of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) to control the proximal aorta while exploring the thoracic aorta. CONCLUSIONS In cases of esophageal injury when aortic involvement is suspected, we suggest using REBOA in selected cases, when an expert team is available, as a mean of gaining better proximal control over the aorta to safely explore and repair any possible injuries. This is an unusual case management scenario that needs further literature and clinical support.

Referral pattern of oral and maxillofacial surgery cases in Sudan: A retrospective age-and sex-specific analysis of 3,478 patients over four years.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) is a specialty widening in its scope. An objective analysis of the referral pattern can provide essential information to improve healthcare. This four-year retrospective study was implemented in Khartoum Teaching Dental Hospital. Data (age, sex, diagnosis, and type of treatment) were collected from patient records. Disease frequency, as well as the effect of sex and age, were analyzed for each group. The frequency of treatment types was also assessed. Data were collected from a total of 3,478 patients over the four-year study period. There was a male predominance with the third decade of life being the most common age group. Pathological diseases were the most common (37%) reason for referral, followed by trauma (31%). Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and dentoalveolar extraction were the least frequently observed. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) was the most commonly performed procedure (28%). These data represent the epidemiology of oral and maxillofacial diseases in Sudan. Given that the third decade of life is the most represented age group, it is beneficial to learn the long-term consequences of these diseases in these young patients and to use modern surgical techniques to improve their lives.

Hand Surgery Referral Pattern Preferences Among Primary Care Physicians in Academic Centers in the Southeastern United States.

BACKGROUND: Board-certified hand surgeons undergo an additional 1 year of fellowship training after completing 1 of 3 residencies, either orthopedic surgery (OS), plastic surgery (PS), or general surgery (GS). The purpose of our study was to examine primary care physician's referral patterns for hand surgery in the Southeastern United States. METHODS: Primary care physicians across 38 academic medical institutions in the Southeastern United States were queried. A survey questionnaire was sent to their corresponding email address. The Questionnaire allowed the surveyor to enter demographic information and their choice in referral, either to OS, PS, or GS, for each particular hand pathology. RESULTS: Two-hundred twenty-eight of 1526 surveys were completed (15% response rate). One-hundred twenty-four were male respondents, and 105 were female. For treatment of arthritis, 94.7% selected OS; 5.3%, PS; and 0%, GS. For treatment of nerve decompression, 84.0% selected OS; 14.4%, PS; and 1.6%, GS. For treatment of nerve injuries, 64.2% selected OS; 34.6%, PS; and 1.2%, GS. For treatment of tendon injuries, 84.4% selected OS; 15.6%, PS; and 0%, GS. For treatment of congenital deformities, 55.1% selected OS; 44.9%, PS; and 0%, GS. For treatment of fractures, 98.8% selected OS; 1.2%, PS; and 0%, GS. For treatment of sports-related injuries, 99.2% selected OS; 0.4%, PS; and 0.4%, GS. For treatment of soft tissue masses, 65.5% selected OS; 23.0%, PS; and 11.5%, GS. For treatment of soft tissue coverage, 8.6% selected OS; 87.7%, PS; and 3.7%, GS. For treatment of skin cancer-related problems, 8.2% selected OS; 72.4%, PS; and 19.4%, GS. CONCLUSIONS: Referrals for arthritis, nerve decompressions, tendon injuries, fractures, and sports injuries are more likely to be referred to OS. Referrals for soft tissue coverage and skin cancers are more likely to be referred to PS. Nerve injuries and congenital deformities referrals were similar between orthopedic and PS. Further research should be conducted to determine why referral patterns vary among specialties with similarly trained hand surgeons.

The impact of impression coping geometrical design on accuracy of implant impressions: an experimental study.

AIM: This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the effect of implant impression coping geometrical designs on the accuracy of open and closed impression techniques and in the parallel and nonparallel implant positions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three custom-made acrylic resin models of three tested implant systems (Straumann®, SIC Invent®, and Osstem®) with diverse coping geometrical designs were evaluated in simulated cases of two parallel and two nonparallel implants. The horizontal and vertical discrepancies were measured and analyzed. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences between the two impression techniques in either parallel or nonparallel implants were observed. The high retentive design of the Osstem system showed a statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: The geometrical design of the impression copings did not affect the accuracy for either the open and closed tray techniques. However, the high retentive coping design of the Osstem implant affected the accuracy in the open tray technique.

Management of Giant Sacral Pseudomeningocele in Revision Spine Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Giant pseudomeningoceles are an uncommon complication of spine surgery. Surgical management and extirpation can be difficult, and guidelines remain unclear. METHODS: Here, we present a 56-year-old female patient with a history of grade III L5-S1 spondylolisthesis who was treated with 2 prior spine surgeries. The patient was treated with bone grafting for pseudarthrosis and instrumentation from L4 to ilium. After unsuccessful intraoperative and postoperative cerebrospinal fluid drainage and dural repair, the patient presented to the emergency room with debilitating positional headaches. RESULTS: The patient underwent dural repair with bovine pericardial patch inlay sutured with 7-0 prolene, blood patch, and a dural sealant. Plastic surgery performed a layered closure, using acellular dermal matrix over the dural closure. The bilateral paraspinal flaps were advanced medially to cover the entirety of the acellular dermal matrix, and the fasciocutaneous flaps were then advanced to the midline for a watertight closure. At 3-month follow-up, the patient was headache free and had returned to her activities of daily living. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that early consultation with plastic surgery can be greatly beneficial to effectively extirpate dead space and resolve giant sacral pseudomeningoceles, especially if there is concern of persistent cerebrospinal fluid leakage due to relatively immobile avascular soft tissue as a result of prior revision surgery.