Histological Changes and Ghrelin, P-Selectin, and Leptin Parameter in Patients with Hepatic Hydatidosis in Iraq.

Humans and animals are affected by hydatid cyst disease as a worldwide zoonotic disease, which is caused by the metacestode stage of Echinococcus spp. This study was performed to evaluate the histological change of liver and blood concentrations of biomarkers, such as ghrelin, p-selectin, and leptin, in humans infected with hydatid cyst. A total of 30 surgical specimens of liver and blood of infected humans and 30 healthy individuals as a control group were evaluated. Liver tissue sections in cases infected with hydatid cyst and control group, histological abnormalities in the liver, including fibrosis, increased inflammatory cells, dystrophic areas, and necrosis were compared in this study. In addition, serum leptin levels were significantly lower in patients with hydatid cyst disease QUOTE <0.05) than in the control group (P-value<0.05), whereas p-selectin and ghrelin levels significantly decreased in patients (P-value<0.05). The results of this research can be effective in improving and promoting the treatment programs of hydatidosis.

Duration of viral shedding in patients with COVID-19 and the redetectable positive cases with SARS-CoV-2: A hospital experience.

Background: The study aimed to estimate the duration of viral shedding (DVS) in patients with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), investigated the factors affecting that duration, and identified the redetectable positive (RP) cases in the recovered COVID-19 patients in Prince Sultan Military Medical City (PSMMC). Methods: The study was a retrospective record base design in the PSMMC that included 171 confirmed COVID-19 patients from 15 March to 31 May 2020. Their clinical characteristics and laboratory findings were retrieved and reviewed based on the PSMMC COVID-19 database and the Ministry of Health (MOH) Health Electronic Surveillance Network. Data analysis used the SPSS software package to measure the DVS, explore its potential factors, and identify the RP cases. The data presented as frequency distribution tables, medians, and interquartile range (IQR). Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests compared the medians to explore the significant variables that affect DVS. Results: The median DVS was 11 days, IQR was 7 to 15 days, and statistically significant longer the patient presented with fever (P = 0.025), among health care workers (HCWs) (P = 0.020), and the age group above 65 (P = 0.039). Overall, 13 patients (7.6%) were RP, statistically significantly higher among the contacts to confirmed COVID-19 cases. Conclusions: The DVS in PSMMC COVID-19 patients is comparable to the isolation period approved by MOH. Fever was a risk factor for a prolonged DVS, advised an extended follow-up period for these patients. RP cases were significantly higher among the contacts to COVID-19 cases than non-contacts. The study suggests future comprehensive research on the RP characteristics.

Effect of Smoking on Low-Density Lipoproteins Level in Human.

Smoking destroys the vascular system, increases plaque deposits in atherosclerosis, and increases inflammation. The present study was performed to determine the effect of smoking on the levels of low-density lipoprotein and very low-density lipoprotein in smokers. A cross-control study was carried out in the outpatient clinic in Baghdad, Iraq. The study was carried out 60 by individuals from February 2021 to July 2021. Participants in this study included adult smokers and non-smokers of both genders, and the levels of LDL and VLDL were determined using an Automatic Chemistry Analyze. The results revealed that the total number of smokers was 60 individuals from both genders; there was a significant difference in mean low-density lipoprotein and very low-density lipoprotein levels. There is a significant difference in LDL Values between non-smokers and smokers (129.853±7.880; P<0.05). Non-smokers showed lower LDL values (104.460±7.950; P<0.05). Regarding VLDL values, results revealed that smokers were showing higher values than a non-smoker (49.641±4.02), (28.986±1.676) respectively, P<0.05). LDL and VLDL levels are more prevalent in current cigarette smokers than in non-smokers. Heavy smokers have higher LDL and VLDL values for a cigarette than non-smokers, which is consistent with observations in other populations.

Atraumatic Clostridium septicum myonecrosis presenting as upper limb ischaemia in a patient with undiagnosed bowel cancer.

Necrotising infections remain challenging to surgeons, both in diagnosis and management. Timely recognition and treatment remain vital. We report a presentation of limb ischaemia with no apparent precipitating factors, in a systemically stable patient, due to atraumatic Clostridium septicum myonecrosis. This article demonstrates the use of rapid cross-sectional imaging in finding an undiagnosed bowel cancer as a basis for this type of infection. Rapid cross-sectional imaging may be utilised where there is doubt about the underlying pathology of upper limb ischaemia. Patients whose cultures grow Clostridium septicum must be investigated for malignancy.

Does radiofrequency ablation (RFA) epiphysiodesis affect adjacent joint cartilage?

PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that epiphysiodesis made with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a safe procedure that disrupts the growth plate without damaging the adjacent joint articular cartilage. METHODS: RFA epiphysiodesis was done during 8 min in vivo in 40 growing pig tibia physis. In addition, three tibiae were ablated for 16 min and three more for 24 min. As a burned cartilage reference, six tibiae were ablated on the joint articular cartilage for 8 min. After the procedure, the animals were terminated and the tibiae were harvested. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was done ex vivo to evaluate the joint articular cartilage in all samples. We used T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and water content sequences under a 1.5 T magnetic field. RESULTS: On the burned articular cartilage, intensity changes were observed at MRI. We found no evidence of articular cartilage damage on the 40 8-min RFA procedures. The tibiae ablated for 16 min and 24 min showed intact joint cartilage. CONCLUSIONS: Epiphysiodesis using RFA is safe for the adjacent articular cartilage. This study shows that RFA can be done safely in the growing physis of pigs, even with triple duration procedures.

A modified 'paddle-flap' for reconstruction of a large pharyngo-cutaneous fistula and anterior neck defect. Another tool in the anterolateral thigh's box.

A great deal has been written on the versatility of the anterolateral thigh flap in reconstructive head and neck surgery. We present a modification to the 'paddle flap' (Agarwal et al, 2006), which extends its potential further in the reconstruction of combined pharyngoesophageal and anterior neck defects.

Ectopic nail formation in the hand.

This paper reports an unusual case of ectopic nail formation, reviews the literature and proposes a simple classification of this anomaly.