Hemoglobin/Red Cell Distribution Width Ratio is Associated With Poor Prognosis in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome in Long-Term Follow-Up

Abstract Background Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is the most common subtype of coronary artery disease (CAD). It is one of the main reasons affecting the expected life expectancy and quality of life. Objetives In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and Hemoglobin (Hb)/Red cell distribution width (RDW) in long-term follow-up after ACS. Methods A total of 1,146 ACS patients were included in the study, being classified according to the type of myocordial infarction (MI). MACE were recorded in long-term follow-up. The relationship between Hb/RDW and MACE was investigated. The statistical analyses of Mann-Whitney U test for comparison of two independent groups and chi-square test for categorical variables were used. In order to determine the diagnostic feature of the HB/RDW ratio, the diagnostic ratios were calculated by applying Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (ROC) analysis. A p < 0.05 value was considered statistically significant in all analyses. Results: When the patients were analyzed according to MI types — ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)/Non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) —, it was observed that Hb/RDW (p = 0.038) was significantly higher in the STEMI group. The Hb/RDW ratio was statistically significant in predicting mortality. As a result of ROC analysis, Area Under the Curve (AUC) = 0.654 (p < 0.001) was found. The cut-off value for the Hb/RDW ratio was calculated as 0.947. The sensitivity and specificity of 76.9% and 48.4% for the diagnostic rates obtained were moderately acceptable. Conclusion The Hb/RDW-long-term mortality relationship was found to be significant in ROC analysis. It can be used in clinical practice as it is cheap, easy to apply, and reduces possible bias in post-ACS follow-up.

Características del hábitat que regulan la estructura de las comunidades de macroinvertebrados en ríos tropicales de montaña (Antioquía, Colombia) / Habitat characteristics that regulate the structure of macroinvertebrate communities in tropical mountain rivers (Antioquía, Colombia)

Introducción: Las comunidades de macroinvertebrados son afectadas simultáneamente por la calidad del agua y las características físicas del hábitat acuático, complicando su uso en la bioindicación. Objetivo: Determinar cuáles variables del hábitat condicionan la comunidad de macroinvertebrados acuáticos en algunas corrientes (quebradas) de montaña del Oriente antioqueño (Colombia). Métodos: El muestreo se realizó en febrero 2021 (periodo de transición seco-lluvia), para evaluar variables físicas y químicas en tres tipos de mesohábitats: rápidos, rizos y pozas en corrientes con coberturas vegetales contrastantes. Los macroinvertebrados fueron recolectados en diez sitios de muestreo con red tipo net, pantalla y manual, y preservados en etanol al 70 %. Resultados: Se recolectaron 4 484 macroinvertebrados (16 órdenes, 46 familias y 75 géneros). El mesohábitat rizo presentó mayores valores de diversidad y abundancia, mientras las pozas presentaron los menores. Hubo diferencias en la concentración de oxígeno, profundidad, velocidad y abundancia de macroinvertebrados entre mesohábitats. Las pozas defirieron de los otros mesohábitats en profundidad, velocidad, así como en la composición, abundancia y riqueza de macroinvertebrados, y fue el hábitat de menor preferencia. Conclusión: La velocidad, profundidad y concentración de oxígeno disuelto, desempeñan un papel muy importante en el establecimiento de las comunidades de macroinvertebrados en los diferentes mesohábitats. En el mismo tipo de mesohábitat, la calidad de la cobertura vegetal determinó la diversidad y abundancia de esta comunidad.

Introduction: Macroinvertebrate communities are affected by water quality and physical characteristics of the aquatic habitat, simultaneously, complicating their use as bioindicators. Objective: To determine which habitat variables regulate the macroinvertebrate community in mountain streams in Eastern of Antioquia (Colombia). Methods: Sampling was carried out in February 2021 (dry-rain transition period), to evaluate physical and chemical variables in three types of mesohabitat: ripples, pools, and rapids in streams with contrasting vegetation covers. The macroinvertebrates were collected from ten sampling sites with a net, screen and manual type net preserved with 70 % ethanol. Results: 4 484 macroinvertebrates were collected (16 orders, 46 families and 75 genera). The ripples mesohabitat presented higher values of diversity and abundance, while the pools presented the lowest. There were differences for oxygen concentration, depth, speed, and macroinvertebrate abundance between mesohabitats. Pools differed from the other mesohabitats in depth, speed, as well as in composition, abundance, and richness in macroinvertebrates, and was the least preferred mesohabitat. Conclusion: Speed, depth, dissolved oxygen concentration played a very important role in the establishment of macroinvertebrates community in different mesohabitats. For the same type of mesohabitat, the quality of the plant cover determined both diversity and abundance of this community.

Is post-traumatic stress disorder related to the severity of physical trauma?

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Trauma can cause physical morbidity and even result in death. Besides, it can lead to serious mental problems as well. The most well-known mental health problem is post-traumatic stress disorder. Through this study, it was primarily aimed to find out whether the severity of physical trauma is effective on post-traumatic stress disorder and other risk factors if any. METHODS: The reports of the patients who were transferred to the Turkish Council of Forensic Medicine Third Speciality Board between January 01, 2019, and December 31, 2020, for post-traumatic invalidity or disability evaluation and whose psychiatric examinations were performed were retrospectively analyzed in the electronic environment. RESULTS: It was found that 34 (26.4%) of the patients had a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (under treatment for at least 6 months), while 76 (58.9%) of them did not have a psychiatric disease and 19 (14.7%) of them had mental disorders not associated with trauma (i.e., affective disorder, anxiety disorder, etc.). No significant correlation was found between trauma scores and post-traumatic stress disorder (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Based on the results of our study, post-traumatic stress disorder and the severity of physical trauma are not significantly correlated. Being of female gender, sustaining a non-accidental injury, and witnessing a fatal event stand out as significant risk factors.

Impact of learning effect on reliability factors and global indices in visual field testing by standard automated perimetry in normal healthy subjects and primary open-angle glaucoma patients to obtain an accurate baseline perimetry chart

Purpose: To record and evaluate the reliability parameters (fixation loss (FL) %, false positive (FP) %) and global indices (mean sensitivity (MS), mean deviation (MD), pattern standard deviation in dB) in three visual field test sessions within two weeks to assess the learning effect in normal healthy subjects and POAG patients and comparison of learning effect gender wise and age wise in primary open?angle glaucoma (POAG) patients. Methods: This study was a prospective observational study. An oculus visual field testing was done and analyzed in 30 eyes of POAG patients and 30 eyes of normal healthy subjects in three visits. Results: There were 16 (53.3%) males and 14 (46.6%) females in the POAG group and 16 (53.33%) males and 14 (46.66%) females in the normal healthy subject group. A significant difference in data change between each visit in FL, FP, MD, MS was found though the difference was more pronounced in the second visit than in the third visit. The pattern standard deviation does not change significantly in subsequent visits in both groups. Gender wise and age wise no significant difference was found in the POAG group. Conclusion: Significant improvement in reliability parameters and global indices with each subsequent visit in both the POAG group and normal patients signifies the importance of learning effect on these parameters and the need to perform at least three tests to get the baseline perimetry chart, especially in POAG patients, while in normal subjects, second perimetric result can be accepted. It was also concluded that the learning effect is not influenced by age and gender.

Asociación entre parámetros hematológicos y fenotipos metabólicamente poco saludables en niños y adolescentes

Introducción: El síndrome metabólico se ha asociado con cambios en parámetros hematológicos (glóbulos rojos, plaquetas y leucocitos); se pueden utilizar para identificar sujetos en riesgo de fenotipos metabólicamente no saludables (MUP). Se investigó si estos parámetros hematológicos sirven como biomarcadores para distinguir el fenotipo metabólicamente sano (MHP) del MUP en niños y adolescentes. Métodos: Estudio transversal, 292 niños y adolescentes. El diagnóstico de MUP fue según consenso. Se utilizó ANOVA unidireccional en las comparaciones, regresión logística múltiple para determinar si el sexo, el grupo etario, el estado nutricional, la pubertad, los parámetros hematológicos y la resistencia a la insulina se asociaron con MUP. Resultados: Edad media 11 años (DE: 2,61). Los valores de RDW fueron significativamente más bajos en los niños en el grupo de peso normal metabólicamente insalubre (MUNW) en comparación con los niños con obesidad metabólicamente no saludable (MUO) (12,33 ± 0,90 vs. 13,67 ± 0,52; p = 0,01) y en la obesidad metabólicamente saludable (MHO) en comparación con el grupo MUO (13,15 ± 0,53 vs. 13,67 ± 0,52; p = 0,04). En adolescentes, la relación plaquetas/linfocitos fue mayor en el grupo MHNW (con un valor medio de 152,60 (DE 62,97) vs 111,16 (DE 44,12) para el grupo MHO. Al ajustar por edad, estado nutricional y pubertad, los índices hematológicos no se asociaron con MUP. Conclusión: Los parámetros hematológicos no están asociados independientemente con el MUP, y es poco probable que representen biomarcadores confiables para la detección del MUP en la población pediátrica.

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome has been associated with changes in several hematological parameters, such as red blood cells, platelets, and leucocytes. Therefore, hematologic parameters can be used to identify the subjects at risk of metabolically unhealthy phenotypes (MUP). The current study investigated if hematological parameters can serve as biomarkers to distinguish metabolically healthy phenotype (MHP) from MUP in children and adolescents. Methods: Two hundred ninety-two children and adolescents were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The MUP was diagnosed using consensus-based criteria. Group comparisons were performed using one-way ANOVA. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine if sex, age group, nutritional status, puberty, hematological parameters, and insulin resistance were associated with MUP. Results: The subject's age mean was 11 years (SD: 2.61). RDW values were significantly lower in children in the metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUNW) group compared to children with metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) group (12.33 ± 0.90 vs. 13.67 ± 0.52; p = 0.01) and in metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) compared to MUO group (13.15 ± 0.53 vs. 13.67 ± 0.52; p = 0.04). In adolescents, the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio was higher in the MHNW group, with a mean value of 152.60 (SD 62.97) compared to 111.16 (SD 44.12) for the MHO group. However, after adjusting for age, nutritional status, and puberty, hematological indices were not associated with MUP. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that hematologic parameters are not independently associated with the MUP, and it is unlikely that they represent reliable biomarkers for screening for the MUP in the pediatric population.

Iron profile of pregnant sickle cell anemia patients in Odisha, India

ABSTRACT Introduction: During pregnancy, the iron requirement increases to meet the optimal growth of the fetus and prevent iron deficiency anemia-related complications in the mother. However, in sickle cell disease (SCD) primarily due to repeated blood transfusions and hemolysis-induced recycling of iron, its supplementation during pregnancy remains questionable and may be harmful. Methods: Twenty-five pregnant women with homozygous SCD and 25 pregnant women with normal hemoglobin variants were included as cases and control, respectively. Pregnancy and sickle cell anemia (SCA) were diagnosed using standard protocols. The serum iron, serum ferritin, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), percentage transferrin saturation and C-reactive protein were estimated, as per the manufacturer's protocol. The complete blood count was performed. The unpaired 't-test' was performed using the SPSS v23.0 and the principal component analysis (PCA) was performed using the online software MetaboAnalyst for statistical analysis. Main Results: The studied cases had significantly lower mean hemoglobin and higher mean corpuscular volume (MCV), compared to controls. The mean serum-iron, serum-ferritin and percentage transferrin-saturation in the cases were significantly higher than that of the controls, while the TIBC was lower in the cases (p < 0.0001). The mean level of serum iron, ferritin, percentage transferrin saturation and TIBC were 309.44 ± 122.40mcg/dl, 860.36 ± 624.64ng/ml, 42.6 ± 17.30% and 241.32 ± 96.30 mcg/dl, respectively, in the cases and 95.36 ± 41.90mcg/dl, 122.28 ± 49.70ng/ml, 15.83 ± 3.10% and 492.6 ± 149.40mcg/dl in the controls, respectively. Higher MCV, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) with lower hemoglobin (Hb) were noted in the cases. The PCA revealed that the cases were more heterogeneous in terms of the variability of the iron status and hematological indices than the controls. Conclusion: The current study shows iron sufficiency in most cases of pregnancy with SCA and suggests that evaluation of iron status must be made before initiating iron prophylaxis in pregnant women with SCA, especially in regions having a high prevalence of sickle cell hemoglobinopathy.

Puntuación de trauma revisado como predictor de mortalidad intrahospitalaria en pacientes politraumatizados atendidos en el Hospital Belén de Trujillo, Perú

Objetivo: Determinar si el score de trauma revisado es predictor de mortalidad intrahospitalaria en pacientes politraumatizados atendidos en el Hospital Belén de Trujillo. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, analítico, retrospectivo, transversal de pruebas diagnósticas, se identificaron pacientes que fueron admitidos por politraumatismo y fueron hospitalizados en el Departamento de Cirugía General durante el periodo comprendido entre enero del 2017 a diciembre del 2021; en una muestra de 100 pacientes se evaluó la mortalidad. Resultados: La edad promedio fue 47,18 ± 20,40 vs 41,13 ± 18,37 en aquellos que fallecieron y sobrevivieron; el 55% y 63,33% de los fallecidos y sobrevivientes fueron varones en los grupos de estudio. La coagulopatía, acidosis metabólica y SRIS estuvieron asociadas a la mortalidad. Se observó una proporción de 72,50% y 3,33% de RTS < 6 en los pacientes politraumatizados que fallecieron y sobrevivieron (p = 0,001); se obtuvieron valores de sensibilidad: 73% IC 95% (59% - 86%), especificidad: 97% IC 95% (92% - 100%), valor predictivo positivo: 94% IC 95% (85% - 100%) y valor predictivo negativo: 84% IC 95% (75% - 93%). El área bajo la curva fue del 96,50% en la predicción de mortalidad por el RTS en pacientes con politraumatismo. Conclusión: El score de trauma revisado es un buen predictor de mortalidad en politraumatizados.

Objective: To determine whether the revised trauma score is a predictor of in-hospital mortality in polytrauma patients treated at Hospital Belén de Trujillo. Material and methods: An observational, analytical, retrospective, cross-sectional study of diagnostic tests was conducted, identifying patients who were admitted for polytrauma and were hospitalized in the Department of General Surgery during the period from January 2017 to December 2021; mortality was assessed in a sample of 100 patients. Results: Mean age was 47.18 ± 20.40 vs 41.13 ± 18.37 in those who died and survived; 55% and 63.33% of the deceased and survivors were male in the study groups. Coagulopathy, metabolic acidosis and SIRS were associated with mortality. A proportion of 72.50% and 3.33% STR < 6 was observed in polytrauma patients who died and survived (p = 0.001); sensitivity: 73% CI 95% (59% - 86%), specificity: 97% CI 95% (92% - 100%), positive predictive value: 94% CI 95% (85% - 100%) and negative predictive value: 84% CI 95% (75% - 93%). The area under the curve was 96.50% in predicting mortality by RTS in polytrauma patients. Conclusion: The revised trauma score is a good predictor of mortality in polytrauma patients.

Correlation of body mass index with handgrip strength and blood pressure indices among young adults

Objectives: Hand grip strength (HGS) is an important quantitative measure to evaluate the overall muscle strength of an individual. It is affected by factors such as age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity and hypertension. This study aims to find out the correlation of BMI with HGS and blood pressure indices among young adults. Materials and Methods: Three hundred and eighty-two medical students between the age group of 18–20 years with no history of systemic illness, musculoskeletal disorder, hand pain or deformity were selected. Informed consent was obtained. Biodata and anthropometric measurements were documented in a proforma. HGS and endurance of the dominant hand were measured using a hand-held dynamometer. Blood pressure was recorded using a mercury sphygmomanometer. Data on BMI was sub grouped into underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese participants to compare the HGS among them. Results: There was a statistically significant negative correlation between BMI and HGS (r = ?0.513; P < 0.01), BMI and grip strength ratio (r = ?0.750; P < 0.01), and between BMI and handgrip endurance (r = ?0.359; P < 0.01). Statistically significant decrease in HGS was found among underweight (29.36 ± 7.01), overweight (26.18 ± 5.45) and obese participants (20.48 ± 3.12) with Kruskal–Wallis value ?2 = 14.231. Furthermore, a statistically significant positive correlation was found between BMI and systolic blood pressure (r = 0.603; P < 0.01), BMI and diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.514; P < 0.01), BMI and pulse pressure (r = 0.228; P < 0.01) and between BMI and mean arterial pressure (r = 0.572; P < 0.01). Conclusion: BMI was found to be negatively correlated with HGS and positively correlated with blood pressure indices. This can influence the compatibility of medical students with the physical and emotional stress of course. Determinants such as grip span, hand span, skeletal muscle bulk, and arm and calf muscle circumference are to be considered for further research to improve the endurance of young adults.

Synergetic Influence of Some Tropical Leaf Meals and Garlic on the Haemato-biochemical Parameters and Antioxidant Activities of Weaner Pigs

Aim: This experiment was designed to study the effects of using garlic-composite leaf meals produced from four (4) different leaves and garlic: bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina), scent leaf (Ocimum gatissimum), Neem leaf (Azadirachta indica), Moringa leaf (Moringa oleifera) and Garlic (Allium sativum) as a premix in the diets of growing pigs. The leaves and garlic were air dried, milled and sieved separately. Thereafter the leaves and garlic were mixed in the ratio of 4 (Vernonia amygdalina): 3 (Moringa oleifera): 1 (Ocimum gatissimum): 1 (Azadirachta indica) and 1 (Allium sativum) to produce the garlic-composite tropical leaf meals. Individual leaves and their composite mix were analyzed for proximate, mineral, antioxidant and the phytochemical components of the leaves were determined using GCMS and other standard methods. Methodology: Eighteen large white weaner-pigs of eight weeks were allocated in a completely randomized design for this experiment comprising three treatments and three replicates with two pigs per replicate. The average weight of the pigs were 13 kg. Basal diet were formulated and subdivided into three portions in which garlic-composite leaf meals were fed at 0g/kg, 10g/kg, and 20g/kg were used as an additives to the diets of weaner pigs and the diets were designated as I, II and III respectively. The pigs were then assigned to these 3 dietary treatments which were fed to the pigs at 5% of their body weight for 12 weeks experimental period. Water was supplied ad libitum throughout the experimental period. All data were subjected to analysis of variance. Results: Dietary inclusion of GCLM on haematology, serum biochemistry indices and antioxidants significantly (P<0.05) affected the Packed Cell Volume (%), Mean Corpuscular Volume (fl) Lymphocytes (%), Granulocytes (%), Alanine aminotransferase (IU/L), Aspartate aminotransferase (IU/L), Total Protein (g/l) and catalase (Ku) of the experimental pigs. Conclusions: It could be concluded within the limit of this study, that garlic-composite leaf meals had high nutrient potentials for pigs and could completely help growing pigs to improve in body weight as the composite leaf meals increases in pig diets.

Electroencefalografía básica para monitores de profundidad anestésica / Basic electroencephalography for anesthesia depth monitors

Resumen: Los monitores de profundidad anestésica permiten guiar el estado hipnótico del paciente durante la anestesia general. Debido a su sencillez, tradicionalmente se han empleado índices de profundidad anestésica, obtenidos a través del procesamiento del electroencefalograma mediante algoritmos matemáticos, para orientar la monitorización del nivel de consciencia. Sus beneficios han sido ampliamente recogidos en la literatura científica; sin embargo, no están exentos de importantes limitaciones. No todos los anestésicos actúan en las mismas dianas moleculares ni dichos índices tienen en cuenta las características propias del paciente (comorbilidades, edades extremas, etcétera). Estas limitaciones podrían reducirse si interpretamos directamente toda la información que nos ofrecen los monitores. Presentamos una revisión que describe los conceptos básicos necesarios para su valoración directa, así como su correlación con los estados de profundidad anestésica del paciente.

Abstract: Anesthesia depth monitors allow to guide the patient's hypnotic state during general anesthesia. Traditionally, anesthetic depth indices have been used due to their simplicity to guide the monitoring of the level of consciousness. They have been obtained by processing the electroencephalogram using mathematical algorithms and their benefits have been widely reported in the scientific literature. However, they are not exempt from important limitations. Neither all anesthetics act on the same molecular targets, nor these mentioned indices take into account the patient's own characteristics (comorbidities, extreme ages, etc.). These limitations could be far reduced if we are able to understand all the information provided by the monitors. We present a review describing the basic concepts necessary for its direct assessment, as well as their correlation with the patient's anesthetic depth states.

El ancho de distribución eritrocitaria en el pronóstico de corrección quirúrgica de cardiopatías congénitas / Red cell distribution width in the prognosis of surgical correction of congenital heart diseases

Resumen Objetivo: Evaluar la capacidad del ancho de distribución eritrocitaria (ADE) para predecir la mortalidad en niños sometidos a cirugía cardiovascular en la Fundación Hospital Infantil Napoleón Franco Pareja, en Colombia. Método: Estudio analítico de corte transversal retrospectivo que incluyó 45 individuos de 0 a 17 años operados de cardiopatía congénita. Se aplicaron la escala RACHS-1 (Risk Adjustment in Congenital Heart Surgery) y variables de laboratorio, incluyendo el ADE. La asociación entre el ADE y la mortalidad se determinó mediante análisis por curva ROC y correlación rho de Spearman. Resultados: Un ADE superior al 15.52% representó 1.6 veces más riesgo, comparado con los individuos por debajo de ese valor (intervalo de confianza del 95%: 1.01-2.6; p = 0.034). Los valores del ADE no se correlacionaron con los días de estancia hospitalaria ni con las complicaciones. El ADE prequirúrgico y el puntaje RACHS-1 fueron significativamente mayores en el grupo de mortalidad. La relación entre el ADE prequirúrgico y el puntaje RACHS-1 fue significativa. Conclusiones: En nuestro estudio, el ADE prequirúrgico presentó un poder moderado para discriminar la mortalidad perioperatoria en la corrección quirúrgica de cardiopatías congénitas. Se precisan más estudios con mayor tamaño de muestra.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the capacity of red cell distribution width (RDW) to predict mortality in children undergoing cardiovascular surgery at the Fundación Hospital Infantil Napoleón Franco Pareja, in Colombia. Method: Retrospective cross-sectional analytical study that included 45 individuals aged 0 to 17 years operated for congenital heart disease. The RACHS-1 (Risk Adjustment in Congenital Heart Surgery) scale and laboratory variables including the RDW were applied. The association between RDW and mortality was determined by ROC curve analysis and Spearman's rho correlation. Results: An RDW greater than 15.52% represented 1.6 times more risk, compared to individuals below that value (95% confidence interval: 1.01-2.6; p = 0.034). The RDW values did not correlate with days of hospital stay or complications. The preoperative RDW and RACHS-1 score were significantly higher in the mortality group. The relationship between presurgical RDW and the RACHS-1 score was significant. Conclusions: In our study, the preoperative RDW had moderate power to discriminate perioperative mortality in the surgical correction of congenital heart disease. More studies with a larger sample size are required.

Trauma severity predictors / Preditores de gravidade no trauma

This review aimed to determine which are the indexes for early detection and evaluation of clinical and physiological deterioration of traumatized patients. A Scoping Review according to the methods proposed by Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) was performed from February 2018 to December 2018 on LILACS (Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde), National Library of Medicine (PubMed), and SCOPUS databases. Sixty-two studies were included, of which 43 evaluated patients with general trauma. A variety of physiological variables, such as Glasgow Coma Score, Glucose, Days in the Intensive Care Unit, Lactate, and predictor indexes - Injury Severity Score (ISS), Trauma Injury Severity Score (TRISS), Revisited Trauma Score (RTS), and APACHE II were identified. The values observed in the studies among patients were compared to the ones determined by the basic literature, being called Critical Values (CV). The group of gravity indexes, besides clinical and regulatory protocols, found in this review are the solidification of the healthcare process involving the traumatized patient's responses to the actions of the healthcare team. The analysis of these indexes must be emphasized to determine, with greater reliability, the prognosis of the patient. With these data, it may be possible to effectively predict mortality rates (AU).

O objetivo desta revisão é determinar os índices para detecção precoce e avaliação clínica e fisiológica para deterioração de pacientes do trauma. Conduziu-se uma revisão de escopo de acordo com os métodos propostos pelo Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) entre fevereiro de 2018 a dezembro de 2018 nas bases de dados LILACS (Literatura Latina-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde), National Library of Medicine (PubMed) e SCOPUS. Foram incluídos 62 estudos, dos quais 43 sobre trauma geral. Encontrou-se grande diversidade de variáveis fisiológicas, como Escala de Coma de Glasgow, Glicose, dias em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, lactato e índices preditores­Injury Severity Score (ISS), Trauma Injury Severity Score (TRISS), Reviseted Trauma Score (RTS) e APACHE II. Os valores observados nos pacientes dos estudos encontrados foram comparados com os da literatura básica, sendo denominados Valores Críticos (CV). O grupo de índices de gravidade encontrados neste estudo, além de protocolos reguladores e clínicos, são a solidificação do processo de cuidado envolvendo a resposta das ações da equipe em saúde ao paciente de trauma. A análise desses índices deve ser enfatizada para determinar com maior confiabilidade o prognóstico do paciente. Com esses dados, pode ser possível predizer a taxa de mortalidade com maior acurácia (AU).

Heamatological Parameters in Type 2 Diabetic Patients Attending Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital Okada, Edo State, Nigeria

Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases in which there are high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period, and if untreated could lead to complications. This study, carried out at the Igbinedion university teaching hospital Okada to ascertain some hematological parameters, using 69 known diabetes patients who enrolled as an Out-patient in the General Out-Patient Department and 69 non-diabetes apparently healthy individuals as control. Thirty-nine of thesediabetic individuals were female, while thirty were male individuals. For the non-diabetic individuals, thirty-seven were female, and thirty-two were male representing 53.6% and 46.4% respectively. Ethical approval from the institution was sought prior to commencement of study and quality control of reagents was strictly maintained. Five millilitres of whole blood was collected into an Ethylene Diamine Tetra-Acetic acid (EDTA) anticoagulated bottle, and haematological parameters including PCV, HB, WBC, RBC,MCV, MCH, MCHC and platelet count were conducted for all individuals. Result obtained for Diabetic individuals showed a mean value of 34.63, 11.24, 4.41, 7.20 and 204.27 for PCV, Hb, RBC, WBC and platelets counts respectively, while for non-diabetic individuals, a mean value of 35.04, 10.09, 3.99, 7.07 and 262.56 respectively.Hb concentration and RBC count were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The Red cell indices, MCV and MCHC, were statistically significant. This study showed a statistically significant variation in some hematological parameters of diabetic patients compared to control group .Low platelet count and alteration to red cell morphology as indicated in values of MCV and MCHC among diabetic patients are indicators of thrombotic potential. Hence, routine screening of hematological parameters should be considered for proper management of diabetic patients.

Doppler Indices of the Fetal Middle Cerebral and the Umbilical Arteries in Pregnancies at High Risk Followed Up for Suspected Fetal Growth Restriction

Background: Fetal growth restriction is related to compromised perinatal outcomes. The screening and prevention tools for fetal growth restriction like Doppler indices in high-risk groups compared with general antenatal populations. An evaluation of the correlation between Doppler indices and placental weight and birth weight of the neonate at term pregnancy in high-risk pregnancies is essential. For the early detection of fetal growth limitations in high-risk pregnancies, sensitive screening techniques are few. Objectives: To determine the most accurate indicator for predicting a poor perinatal outcome or intrauterine growth restriction by comparing and correlating the modifications in Doppler ultrasound studies of fetal circulation in general pregnant women with those of high-risk patients both with and without intrauterine growth retardation. Study design: A cross-sectional research including 81 healthy pregnancies and 19 high-risk patients at 31–40 weeks of gestation was conducted. The pulsatility index (PI) of the middle cerebral artery (MCA), the umbilical artery (UA), and the MCA PI to UA PI ratio were all analyzed. We compared the Doppler indices’ mean values. Then these values were correlated with placental weight and birth weight of the offspring. Results: A significantly low birth weight and less fetoplacental ratio and placental coefficient ratio were found in high-risk cases than in normal pregnant women (P <0.05). A strong positive relationship was observed between the middle cerebral artery pulsatility index and placental weight, while negative relationship between the pulsatility index of the middle cerebral artery and the Feto-placental ratio (P < 0.05). In addition, a positive association was found between the pulsatility index of the middle cerebral artery and placental coefficient, whereas a negative correlation was observed between the Cerebro-placental ratio and Feto-placental ratio in high-risk cases (P <0.05). Conclusion: Low birth weight can be predicted using Doppler indices since there is a definite correlation between it and unfavorable perinatal outcomes.

Advances in Shock Management and Fluid Resuscitation in Children

Shock in children is associated with signifcant mortality and morbidity, particularly in resource-limited settings. The principles of management include early recognition, fuid resuscitation, appropriate inotropes, antibiotic therapy in sepsis, supportive therapy for organ dysfunction, and regular hemodynamic monitoring. During the past decade, each step has undergone several changes and evolved as evidence that has been translated into recommendations and practice. There is a paradigm shift from protocolized-based care to personalized management, from liberal strategies to restrictive strategies in terms of fuids, blood transfusion, ventilation, and antibiotics, and from clinical monitoring to multimodal monitoring using bedside technologies. However, uncertainties are still prevailing in terms of the volume of fuids, use of steroids, and use of extracorporeal and newer therapies while managing shock. These changes have been summarized along with evidence in this article with the aim of adopting an evidence-based approach while managing children with shock.

N-terminal del péptido natriurético tipo B y la amplitud de distribución eritrocitaria como factor pronóstico de severidad en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda descompensada

Introducción: El estudio de predictores de desenlaces negativos en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca ha incluido la combinación de péptidos natriuréticos y el ancho de distribución eritrocitaria (RDW). Objetivo: Evaluar el uso combinado de la porción N-terminal del propéptido natriurético tipo B (NT-proBNP) y el RDW como pronóstico de fallecimiento por cualquier causa, hospitalización prolongada y reingreso al año del alta en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda (ICA) descompensada. Métodos: Realizamos un estudio observacional retrospectivo. Construimos un índice combinado = NT-proBNP x RDW/100. Elaboramos curvas ROC, se estimó la sensibilidad y especificidad en base a los puntos de corte y se estimó el riesgo relativo para desarrollar los desenlaces. Comparamos las áreas bajo las curvas del índice combinado versus el NT-proBNP y RDW, por separado. Resultados: Analizamos los datos de 471 pacientes. El índice combinado tuvo su mejor corte en 927,79 para pronosticar fallecimiento durante el primer año de ingreso. Aquellos con valores ≥ 927,79 tuvieron un riesgo relativo de 32,7 (IC95%: 4,8 - 222,3). Para hospitalización ≥7 días el punto de corte fue 752,67, aquellos con este valor o superiores tuvieron un riesgo relativo de 22,4 (IC95%: 9,7 - 51,8). Para pronosticar reingreso al año del alta el corte fue 858,47 y el riesgo relativo fue 4,7 (IC95%: 3,3 - 6,8). Conclusiones: El índice combinado generó riesgos relativos que muestran una fuerte fuerza de asociación para fallecimiento por cualquier causa, hospitalización ≥ 7 días y reingresos al año del alta. Sin embargo, la superioridad para discriminar no fue concluyente respecto a los componentes individuales.

Introduction: The study of predictors of negative outcomes in patients with heart failure has included the combination of natriuretic peptides and red cell distribution width (RDW). Objective: To evaluate the combined use of the amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and RDW as a prognostic factor for death from any cause, prolonged hospitalization, and readmission one year after discharge in patients with decompensated acute heart failure (AHF). Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study. We constructed a combined index = NT-ProBNP x RDW/100. ROC curves were constructed, sensitivity and specificity were estimated based on the cut-off points, and the relative risk was estimated to develop the outcomes studied. We compared the area under curve of combined index versus NT-proBNP and RDW, separately. Results: We analyzed data from 471 patients. The combined index had its best cut of 927.79 to predict death during the first year of admission. Those with values ≥ 927,79 had a relative risk of 32.7 (95% CI: 4.8 - 222.3). To predict hospitalization ≥ 7 days, the cut-off point was 752.67; those with this value or higher had a relative risk of 22.4 (95% CI: 9.7 - 51.8). To predict readmission one year after discharge, the cutoff was 858.47 and the relative risk was 4.7 (95% CI: 3.3 - 6.8). Conclusions: The combined index used generate relative risks that show a strong strength of association for death from any cause, hospitalization ≥7 days, and readmissions one year after discharge. However, the superiority to discriminate was inconclusive with respect to the individual components.

Sistemas de ayuda al pronóstico de reoperación abdominal

Los sistemas de ayuda al pronóstico constituyen uno de los grandes aportes de la medicina contemporánea al ejercicio de esta profesión, por su utilidad en la prevención, predicción, individualización y participación del enfermo en la toma de decisiones, incluso con propósito de auditoría. En el caso de las complicaciones posoperatorias, la aplicación de estos sistemas en apoyo del método clínico hace posible aumentar la certeza diagnóstica y, por tanto, la calidad de la asistencia médica. El objetivo de este artículo es precisar, mediante preguntas y respuestas las características, ventajas y desventajas de los sistemas de ayuda al pronóstico usados en el posoperatorio, para la predicción de dichas complicaciones. Se muestran las bondades de la aplicación de un sistema recientemente validado en un estudio multicéntrico, que se nutre de las mejores evidencias disponibles en beneficio de la seguridad de los pacientes.

Prognosis support systems are one of the contemporary medicine's great contributions to the practice of this profession, due to their usefulness in prevention, prediction, individualization and participation of the patient in decision-making, even for auditing purposes. In the case of postoperative complications, the application of these supporting systems to the clinical method makes it possible to increase diagnostic certainty and therefore the quality of medical care. The objective of this article is to specify, by means of questions and answers, the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of the prognosis aid systems used in the postoperative period for the prediction of those complications, as well as the benefits of the application of a system recently validated in a multicentric study, which draws on the best available evidence for the benefit of patient safety.

Adiposity Indices as Predictors for Metabolic Syndrome Among Bangladeshi Women: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: The metabolic syndrome (MS) is described by the clustering of several risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, insulin resistance, and high fasting plasma glucose. The prevalence of MS is increasing worldwide and previous studies have shown that MS and CVD are more common in women above 55 years of age in the post menopausal phase. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and adiposity indices as predictors and the related risk factors among Bangladeshi women. Material & Methods: This was a cross-sectional study and was conducted in the Outpatient departments of Bangladesh Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from May, 2022 to October, 2022. There was total 300 women (150 Premenopausal & 150 Postmenopausal) in our study. Fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, blood pressure and relevant adiposity indices (BMI, WC, WHR, WHtR &VAI) were determined using standard protocols. To analyze the correlation of WC,WHR, WHtR, BMI and VAI with MS Spearmann test was used. Results: Metabolic syndrome was presented in 61.58% respondents and it was more prevalent among postmenopausal (69.09 %) as compared to premenopausal (51.25 %) women. Prevalence of high blood pressure, elevated fasting blood glucose, and high triglyceride were significantly higher in postmenopausal women than premenopausal women. However, prevalence of low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly lower in postmenopausal women than premenopausal women. Conclusion: In our study we found a high prevalence of MS in post-menopausal women which was significantly higher than pre-menopausal women. Low HDL cholesterol, elevated fasting blood glucose, and high blood pressures were the most frequent features in comparison to the others.

Effects of Aqueous Seed Extracts of Sphenostylis stenocarpa on the Reproductive Indices of Male Rats

Effects of aqueous seed extracts of Sphenostylis stenocarpa on the reproductive indices of male rats were investigated. A total of 104 adult rats were used for the experiment, and were divided into 4 groups (group A – D) and replicated in triplicate. Group A served as the normal control, while groups B, C and D received three graded doses (800mg/kg, 1200mg/kg and 1600mg/kg) of the extracts, respectively, by oral intubation. The gonad characteristics, sperm parameters and hormonal analyses of the male rats were determined using standard procedures. These were ascertained prior to the commencement of treatment, and on weekly basis. Data were analyzed statistically using SPSS and R software at 95% confidence interval. An overall dose and time dependent showed significant differences in the mean weekly gonad characteristics of the male rats in the treatment groups when compared with the control. There was a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the body weights of the male rats, but a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the testes weights, gonad somatic index, sperm count and sperm motility in the rats. The gonadal hormone testosterone, responded to the plant extracts, while follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones were largely undetected. There were significant increases in the testosterone levels of all the treated rats. Conclusively, aqueous seed extracts of Sphenostylis stenocarpa seems to possess ability to enhance reproductive health in male rats.

Simultaneous detection of thirteen exons of dystrophin gene by optimized multiplex PCR assay to screen Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy

Advancements in Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology and other techniques like Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)signal and target amplification have become key procedures in molecular diagnostics. PCR enables the synthesis of nucleic acids in vitro through which a DNA segment can be specifically replicated in a semiconservative way that sets forth deletion and mutation analysis. Multiplex PCR (M-PCR) is beneficial over standard and long PCR as this can amplify more than one locus using the respective primer sets. In harmony with this, the present study aimed to optimize M-PCR followed by its chemistry and condition to screen Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) [OMIM #310200] and Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD) [OMIM #300376]. Muscular Dystrophies (MDs) are a broad group of hereditary, progressive, and degenerative disorders of muscles. X-linked recessive D/BMD are caused by mutation/s in the dystrophin gene [OMIM #300377] that encodes for dystrophin protein [UniProt#P11532]. As dystrophin is the human metagene with 79 exons, mutational analysis is very challenging. Chamberlain set (10 plex), Beggs set (9 Plex), and Kunkel set (7 Plex) is used for many years to diagnose this condition. However, in this study, Beggs set is customized with 13 exons to screen DMD gene mutation in a single reaction. Optimization of M-PCR was designed with many physicochemical parameters. According to the literature and after many appraisals the present study demonstrated the most sufficient concentration of various chemical components and optimal cycling conditions to optimize the modified Beggs set (13 Plex). 50 µL PCR reaction includes primer(s) (0.3–0.5 µM each), dNTP mixture (160 µM each), Dream Taq buffer (1X), Taq DNA polymerase (6U/50 µL), DNA template (250 ng/50 µL), BSA (0.4 µg/µL), and MgCl2 (1.4 mM). To get the most effective results cyclic conditions obtained were 10 min initial denaturation at 94°C, 62°C annealing temperature, and 35 PCR cycles at 72°C extending temperature. Consequently, the study successfully formulated a less expensive and simple approach for >3000 bp that was used to screen D/BMD. Finally, a developed M-PCR mix with a unique combination of specificity and sensitivity coupled with great flexibility has led to a true revolution in molecular diagnostics.