Articles

This study comparatively evaluated the analytical performance of the Erba H7100 hematology analyzer against the Siemens Advia 2120i and Beckman Coulter DXH 900, using 243 patient samples. The study assessed the agreement and linear relationship across 14 key hematological parameters in whole blood, employing statistical methods that included mean bias, standard deviation of the difference, Pearson’s correlation, and coefficient of determination. Additionally, reticulocyte counts were analyzed in 27 samples for Erba H7100 vs. Advia 2120i and 53 samples for Erba H7100 vs. DXH 900, revealing exceptional agreement with high Pearson’s r and r-squared values. The performance of the Erba H7100 and DXH 900 in analyzing ascitic, cerebrospinal, and bronchial wash fluids was also evaluated. Notably, the Advia 2120i analyzer exhibited discrepancies in mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and monocyte counts (Mon#). Conversely, the Erba H7100 showed better agreement with the DXH 900 for MCV and Mon# in whole blood. In fluid samples, Erba H7100 and DXH 900 demonstrated a strong correlation with Microscopy in determining Neutrophil % and Lymphocyte % values. Strong linear correlations were observed for most parameters in whole blood, with reticulocyte counts showing near-perfect correlation. This study underscores the importance of rigorous validation and potential platform-specific reference intervals to ensure accurate and reliable hematological testing, emphasizing the need for standardized methodologies in clinical laboratories.

This study comparatively evaluated the analytical performance of the Erba H7100 hematology analyzer against the Siemens Advia 2120i and Beckman Coulter DXH 900, using 243 patient samples. The study assessed the agreement and linear relationship across 14 key hematological parameters in whole blood, employing statistical methods that included mean bias, standard deviation of the difference, Pearson’s correlation, and coefficient of determination. Additionally, reticulocyte counts were analyzed in 27 samples for Erba H7100 vs. Advia 2120i and 53 samples for Erba H7100 vs. DXH 900, revealing exceptional agreement with high Pearson’s r and r-squared values. The performance of the Erba H7100 and DXH 900 in analyzing ascitic, cerebrospinal, and bronchial wash fluids was also evaluated. Notably, the Advia 2120i analyzer exhibited discrepancies in mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and monocyte counts (Mon#). Conversely, the Erba H7100 showed better agreement with the DXH 900 for MCV and Mon# in whole blood. In fluid samples, Erba H7100 and DXH 900 demonstrated a strong correlation with Microscopy in determining Neutrophil % and Lymphocyte % values. Strong linear correlations were observed for most parameters in whole blood, with reticulocyte counts showing near-perfect correlation. This study underscores the importance of rigorous validation and potential platform-specific reference intervals to ensure accurate and reliable hematological testing, emphasizing the need for standardized methodologies in clinical laboratories.

Several methods were developed in lab work, including forensic analysis of polymers & organic GSR from 3D printed firearms using Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry (DART-MS) for a wide variety of applications. Since its introduction, DART-MS has been studied for forensic use in areas including drug detection, gunshot residue, printer inks, and even insect identification. We used DART-MS to characterize the polymer evidence left behind by a 3D-printed firearm on cartridge cases, bullets, and the receiving surface. According to James Cizdziel, “There is concern with these 3D printed guns because they have no serial numbers. The fire gun barrels made with Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polylactic Acid, PETG, Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE) & Nylon were examined by DART-MS. The resulting cartridge cases, bullets & GSR are examined by Direct Analysis of Real Time-Mass Spectrometry”. It successfully detects and identifies the traces of polymer and organic GSR compounds on the bullets, cartridge cases, and in GSR collected from clothing. While detecting polymer in the trace evidence was challenging, DART-MS obtained clear spectra that matched the plastic from the gun from clothing used as a backdrop for test fire. According to the study, DART-MS readily detected three chemicals commonly found in firearm propellants (ethyl centralite, methyl centralite, and diphenylamine) on the bullet and cartridge case, as well as in the solvent wash of the GSR stub. The resulting cartridge cases, bullets, and gunshot residue (GSR) were examined by direct analysis in real time – mass spectrometry (DART-MS). High-resolution mass spectra detected polymer from the gun barrel on bullets and cartridge casings for a 0.38 special Caliber gun and, to a lesser extent, for a 0.22 Caliber 3D-printed gun. This study states that analysis of firearm trace evidence using DART-MS needs more attention & that the technique may be particularly useful for investigating crimes involving 3D-printed guns. I'm writing my review paper on this topic because it's important for addressing challenges related to 3D-printed firearms. These weapons often don't have traditional serial numbers, making them difficult to trace. However, by analyzing polymer residues left on bullets, cartridge cases, or nearby surfaces, investigators can potentially identify the firearm used. The unique chemical makeup of polymers used in 3D printing can help ink the residue back to a specific gun or even a particular 3D printer model. This study states that analysis of firearm trace evidence using DART-MS needs more attention & that the technique may be particularly useful for investigating crimes involving 3D-printed guns.

The global energy transition necessitates a shift to renewables to mitigate climate change and ensure energy security. For developing nations like Ethiopia, this presents a critical opportunity to leverage abundant domestic resources for suitable development. Ethiopia, with over 45% of its population lacking electricity, faces a paradox of energy poverty and immense renewable potential. Its grid is 90% hydropower-dependent, making it vulnerable to climate-induced droughts. Previous studies have individually assessed Ethiopia’s hydropower, geothermal, wind, and solar potential. However, a holistic analysis integrating all sectors with current policy and investment frameworks is needed. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of Ethiopia’s renewable energy landscape. We synthesize the potential of hydropower, geothermal, wind, and solar resources, and propose integrated policy and investment pathways to achieve universal electrification by 2030 and position Ethiopia as a regional renewable energy exporter.

Influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses of the Orthomyxoviridae family. Influenza virus cell culture consists of inoculating viral isolates on an MDCK cell layer. The objective of this work is to describe the role of cell culture in influenza virus subtyping during the 2023/2024 influenza epidemic at the Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital - Rabat.This is a prospective descriptive study carried out at the Virology laboratory of the HMIMV in Rabat, during the 2023/2024 influenza epidemic season (between October and May). It included all samples from patients positive for influenza viruses by the respiratory PCR test. Of the 86 samples positive by PCR, 36 were selected for viral culture.Cell culture allowed the isolation of the virus from the original sample, thus producing a sufficient quantity for further antigenic and genetic characterization, allowing the subtyping of circulating strains.The results showed a predominance of influenza A(H3N2) with 35 cases out of 36 compared to influenza A(H1N1) pdm09 with only 1 case.Cell culture also makes it possible to assess the sensitivity of isolated viral strains to antiviral molecules and to detect the emergence of resistance. Thus, it plays an important role in virological surveillance and in alerting to the event of the appearance of new viruses.

HELLP syndrome is a severe variant of preeclampsia, characterized by hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count, often resulting in significant maternal and fetal morbidity. One of its most catastrophic but rare complications is hepatic rupture, typically secondary to the development of a subcapsular liver hematoma. This case report describes a patient with hepatic rupture associated with HELLP syndrome, managed at the Leonor Mendes de Barros Maternity Hospital in São Paulo.

The aim of this paper is to analyze the role of women in Asturias in October 1934, which has hardly any specific studies. Especially women from the mining working class and politicized young women actively participated in support of men; of course, almost always in functions “appropriate to their sex” (nurses, provisioners of the support of the combatants and caregivers of the children). They were victims of repression by Moors and legionnaires and some fell in combat.

This case report describes a 7-year-old male with gait impairment, frequent falls, and gross motor regression since age 4, despite normal early developmental milestones. Clinical findings included scissoring gait, bilateral lower limb hypotonia, proximal weakness, dystonic right-hand movements, and upgoing plantar reflexes, with normal neuroimaging. Differential diagnoses included cerebral palsy, hereditary spastic paraplegia, dopa-responsive dystonia, and proximal myopathy. Physiotherapy interventions focused on balance, strengthening, gait re-education, and functional independence. After a structured program (45 minutes per session, 5 days/week for 12 weeks), the child demonstrated measurable improvements in GMFM (71.78%), functional independence (FIM: 88), and gait stability, with reduced falls and improved ADL participation. This case highlights diagnostic challenges in pediatric motor disorders and underscores the essential role of physiotherapy in optimizing function despite diagnostic uncertainty.

The misuse of topical corticosteroids for skin whitening has grown to be a serious public health issue, notably in South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Easy over-the-counter availability, social pressures, and strong cosmetic marketing have all contributed to its widespread use, commonly without medical supervision. This practice has been linked to a number of dermatological problems, including skin atrophy, pigmentary diseases, tinea incognito, and an alarming increase in antifungal resistance to first-line medications like terbinafine. This article examines the incidence of overuse, the underlying pathophysiology, and the dermatological and psychosocial repercussions. Prescription control, improved medical and pharmacy curriculum, digital literacy programs, and appropriate telemedicine utilization are all necessary for effective interventions. Steroid abuse is more than just a cosmetic issue; it is a developing dermatological and antimicrobial resistance hazard that requires immediate, concerted action.

Background: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols are comprehensive, interdisciplinary frameworks aimed at minimizing surgical stress, standardizing perioperative care, and expediting recovery. Perianesthesia nurses, who operate in preoperative assessment units and post-anesthesia care units (PACU), play a vital role in ensuring the integrity of ERAS implementation. Objectives: To compile and analyze current evidence regarding the impact of perianesthesia nursing care on surgical outcomes pre- and post-anesthesia, and to compare outcomes of ERAS with traditional care practices. Methods: A narrative review of ERAS guidelines along with recent meta-analyses and clinical trials (2016–2025) focusing on nursing-sensitive processes (such as patient education, anxiety management, adherence to PONV prophylaxis, multimodal pain management, early mobilization, and readiness for discharge) as well as outcomes (including length of hospital stay, complications, readmission rates, and time to PACU discharge). Results: Meta-analyses across different specialties indicate that the adoption of ERAS correlates with reduced hospital stays and a decrease in complications without an increase in readmission rates or mortality. Processes led by perianesthesia nurses—including the education of patients and setting their expectations, adherence to carbohydrate loading and fasting guidelines, maintenance of normothermia, PONV prophylaxis based on risk assessment, opioid-sparing pain management, protocols for the removal of urinary catheters/lines, and encouragement of early oral intake and ambulation—contribute to these positive outcomes. Research also reveals that ERAS programs facilitate quicker fulfillment of discharge criteria in the PACU. Conclusion: Perianesthesia nurses implement ERAS protocols at the bedside, effectively converting these guidelines into dependable practices that enhance recovery milestones and diminish complications. Ongoing benefits are contingent upon systematic documentation, effective interprofessional communication, and continuous performance audit and feedback.