age

Aim: To compare the demographic and clinical profile of conventional retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) with aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity.Material and methods: A prospective, unmasked, and observational study involving 150 ROP patients was conducted over a period of one year. The risk factors including maternal and neonatal risk factors were recorded. The data was entered into the Excel sheet and analyzed to compare the risk factors between the conventional ROP and APROP.Results: A total of 17 (11.3%) babies were found to have AP-ROP and 133 (88.7%) babies were found to have conventional ROP. There was no significant difference in average gestational age between infants diagnosed with AP-ROP (29.6 ± 2.9 weeks) and those with Conventional ROP (30.1 ± 2.2 weeks) (p = 0.428). However, infants with AP-ROP had a significantly lower average birth weight (1022.7 ± 123.5 g) compared to infants with Conventional ROP (1208.2 ± 261.0 g) (p  = 0.004). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that birth weight, surfactant use, number of days of oxygen supplementation, and metabolic acidosis were independently associated with the development of AP-ROP.Conclusion: The development of APROP is multifactorial and complex. Although we have identified factors such as birth weight, surfactant use, number of days of oxygen supplementation, and metabolic acidosis in the causation of APROP, further long-term multicentric studies are required for validation.

Age estimation is an essential aspect of profile building in forensic investigations. Age estimation using teeth is one of the exciting applications of Forensic Odontology because teeth can survive post-mortem damage, so it is considered more suitable for age estimation. This study aims to estimate the age of individuals using the Cameriere method on teeth in various countries. The approach used in this research is a literature review study design compiled based on the Preferred Reporting System for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines from several articles with a period from 2007-2024. Scientific articles that meet the criteria will be analyzed using the Cameriere method to estimate the age of individuals. The search yielded 222 studies and only 12 scientific articles that met the requirements from the specified articles obtained. The population represents countries from various countries. The sample was in the age range of 4 years - 16 years. The results showed that the Cameriere method can be used to estimate the age of individuals quite accurately in various countries. However, there were some differences in accuracy between countries when using this method.

Mental illness is an international health crisis that puts the lives of over three hundred million people (Four percent of the world’s population) at risk. The study was conducted at the Erigavo Mental Hospital in Somaliland and its main focus was the bond between substance abuse and mental illness. The research was to check the influence of the different drugs, screen mental health problems, and draw a link between drugs and mental illness. The sources of the quantitative data were a total of 27 employees and managers. This study is cross-sectional. We employed the measure of the magnitude and direction of a linear relationship between two variables with the Pearson correlation coefficient. The outcomes that were acquired show that there was use and particularly abuse of khat, substance smoking, and alcohol consumption, the score means of which were quite high. The investigation results, however, imply that through drug use and other forms of alcohol drug abuse, one of them counter various mental health problems. Furthermore, the addicted people demonstrated the tendency to use force in their attempt to solve the conflicts and to experience the highest degree of tension, with the mean score of the former giving 4.11 while the standard deviation of the latter giving 1.086, thus this shows the mental impact of drug use on the inhabitants of Erigavo. The main result of the study was the strong, positive relationship between drug addiction and mental illness, which became evident through an r - value of 0.509 and a p - value of 0.559. It means that those people who are involved in drug misuse are the ones who are likely to have mental health disorders. Based on the findings of the study, we suggest a combination of measures to recover drug addiction and mental illness. This consists in strengthening prevention. The study that lays the groundwork for suggestions, involves an approach that is holistic in nature. The main ideas of preventing drug usage, psychological health care, enhancing mental health services, and working towards certified professionals are key integrated activities of the whole concept. The hospital, thus, will be in a better position to eliminate the two major disease components namely; drug abuse and mental ailment. Thus, in this way, with the help of the new treatment approaches, a hospital provides and their patients who are quite likely to recover and lead healthy.

Purpose: American expert consensus publications recommend discontinuation of antiplatelet agents 6 to 12 months after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) in patients with Atrial Fibrillation (AF) who require chronic anticoagulation, and use of oral anticoagulant monotherapy thereafter. This study aimed to assess real-world long-term antithrombotic therapy management practices and factors associated with the continuation of antiplatelet agents past 12 months post-PCI in patients with AF requiring chronic anticoagulation. Methods: Patients with AF and a history of PCI greater than 12 months before their most recent encounter with physicians at an outpatient electrophysiology clinic were identified by chart review. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and current antithrombotic regimen were collected from encounters that occurred between July 2019 and June 2022. The independent predictive factors associated with the continuation of antiplatelet agents were identified using univariate and regression analyses. Results: Out of 66 patients, 67% continued antiplatelet therapy for greater than 12 months post-PCI. Patients on antiplatelets were significantly less likely to have bare metal stents (p = 0.006), be greater than five years post-PCI (p = 0.002), and have a HASBLED score of two or less (p = 0.028) when compared to patients on oral anticoagulant monotherapy. Bare metal stent history (p = 0.045) and HASBLED score of two or less (p = 0.016) were also significant in regression analysis.Conclusion: This study found that most patients with AF and a history of PCI continued antiplatelet therapy longer than 12 months post-PCI, often despite the high bleeding risk.

It was proposed to determine the response of chemical fertilization in the production of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) six years old in the area of Rio Negro Shambillo Padre Abad in order to have a sustainable and economic alternative of chemical fertilization in the field stage, which contributes to the survival of the palm and provides the necessary resistance against pests and diseases. A completely randomized block design (DBCA) was used with four repetitions and treatments, 96 plants / UE / treatment were used, the spacing was 9x9 in rows and plants. Results obtained indicate the treatments; T3 and T2 (16,54 – 15,48 kg / plant) obtained the highest averages by bunch weight, T1 and T3 (17,48 – 15,42 fruits / bunch) obtained the highest averages regarding number of fruit / bunch, T1 and T3 (13,93 – 11,59 to 45 cm ) obtained the highest averages for bunch length, T1 and T3 (7,33 – 5,52 cm) obtained the highest averages regarding fruit length, T1 and T3 (11.37 – 9.54 g) obtained the highest averages regarding fruit weight, T1 and T3 (10,46 – 10,37 kg) obtained the highest averages to yield per plant. The addition of chemical fertilizers or organic amendments increases the weight of the oil palm bunch, consequently the production in soils with medium, low fertility; chemical fertilization influences the number of clusters of oil palm produced on a given surface, any dose is used as an alternative to phosphorous fertilization in oil palm with a direct relationship between plant height and root length. 

A significant obstacle to agricultural productivity that jeopardizes the availability of food is crop diseases and farmer livelihoods by reducing crop yields. Traditional visual assessment methods for disease diagnosis are effective but complex, often requiring expert observers. Recent advancements in deep learning indicate the potential for increasing accuracy and automating disease identification. Developing accessible diagnostic tools, such as web applications leveraging CNNs, can provide farmers with efficient and accurate disease identification, especially in regions with limited access to advanced diagnostic technologies. The main goal is to develop a productive system that can recognize tomato plant diseases. The model was trained on a collection of images of healthy and damaged tomato leaves from PlantVillage using transfer learning techniques. The images from the dataset were cleansed by resizing them from 256 × 256 to 224 × 224 to match the dimensions used in pre-trained models using min-max normalization. An evaluation of VGG16, VGG19, and DenseNet121 models based on performance accuracy and loss value for 7 categories of tomatoes guided the selection of the most effective model for practical application. VGG16 achieved 84.54% accuracy, VGG19 achieved 84.62%, and DenseNet121 achieved 98.28%, making DenseNet121 the chosen model due to its highest performance accuracy. The web application development based on the DenseNet121 architecture was integrated using the Django web framework, which is built on Python. This enables real-time disease diagnosis for uploaded images of tomato leaves. The proposed system allows early detection and diagnosis of tomato plant diseases, helping to mitigate crop losses. This supports sustainable farming practices and increases agricultural productivity.

Latent fingerprints are a common source of information for forensic experts and law enforcement agencies. The thin layer chromatography (TLC) plates that are prepared in this work are made with silica gel G powder. Latent fingerprint remnants are made up of secretions from the nose, palm, and sebaceous, apocrine, and eccrine glands (sweat). However, the quest for more versatile and effective techniques persisted, leading to the emergence of innovative approaches like Silica Gel G powder. The silicon atoms are linked to –OH groups at the silica gel’s surface. A latent fingerprint is an imprint left by direct contact with a surface or object that is not apparent to the unaided eye. The advantages of using Silica Gel G powder for latent fingerprint visualization underscore its significance as an innovative technique in forensic science. The latent fingerprints were developed on each of the several substrates using Merck Specialties Private Limited’s white-coloured silica gel G powder. There are several techniques in the literature for creating latent fingerprints. The emergence of Silica Gel G powder in forensic science represents a significant breakthrough in the visualization of latent fingerprints. The process of using Silica Gel G powder for latent fingerprint visualization exemplifies the precision and attention to detail required in forensic investigations.

Objectives: This study aims to introduce and differentiate between traditional craze lines and a newly identified type of line in enamel, termed an “internal craze line.” This novel classification enhances diagnostic precision and carries significant clinical implications for treatment strategies. The goal is to provide a clear description of these two types of lines, discuss their unique clinical implications, and highlight their differing appearances and staining characteristics, contributing to improved understanding and management of enamel anomalies.Method and materials: Four extracted teeth exhibiting visible and internal craze lines were selected and examined using a stereo microscope to observe the structural characteristics of the lines. Cross-sections of the coronal parts of the teeth were prepared to document the differences between traditional craze lines (extending from the dentin-enamel junction [DEJ] to the enamel surface) and internal craze lines (originating at the DEJ but terminating midway through the enamel). Additionally, intraoral observations were conducted under high magnification to identify the visual differences between the two types of lines, noting that traditional craze lines can be stained while internal craze lines cannot.Results: Microscopic examination revealed two distinct types of lines: traditional craze lines extending from the DEJ to the enamel surface and internal craze lines terminating within the enamel. Intraoral observations confirmed that these lines could be distinguished under high magnification. Traditional craze lines appear as continuous lines reaching the enamel surface and can be stained, whereas internal craze lines are shorter, do not extend to the surface, and cannot be stained.Conclusion: The identification of internal craze lines presents significant clinical implications. Differentiating between traditional and internal craze lines can enhance diagnostic accuracy and inform treatment decisions. Recognizing internal craze lines might indicate different etiologies or risk profiles compared to traditional craze lines, influencing preventive and therapeutic strategies in dental practice. Further research is needed to explore the prevalence, causes, and long-term impacts of internal craze lines.

Background: Human 30kb coronaviruses entered through the ACE-2 receptors causing fibrosis of the lungs and causing six million deaths worldwide. Here, we have investigated the mutations, deletions and insertions of the recent JN.1 omicron coronaviruses to demonstrate that coronaviruses have reached the pre-elimination stage. Methods: We multi-aligned the genomes of recent JN.1 variants using NCBI Virus Portal and CLUSTAL-Omega. The spike proteins are multi-aligned using MultAlin software and CLUSTAL-Omega.Results: The 17MPLF spike insertion was confirmed to compensate 24LPP, 31S, 69HV, 145Y, 211N and 483V deletions. The 49nt deletions in the 3’-UTR were found in 4997 JN.1 sequences although 26nt deletion was initiated previously in JN.1 as well as BA.5, BF.7, BQ.1 and XBB.1.5 omicron viruses. We first compare 3-D structures of spike proteins with or without 17MPLF four amino acids insertion and nine amino acids deletions using SWISS MODELLING. The JN.1 viruses caused a more stable trimeric spike involving Thr342, Lys436, Lys440, His441, Ser442, Gly443, Tyr445, Lys479, Ser489, Tyr490, Arg493, Pro494, Thr495, and Gln501 amino acids to interact with ACE-2 receptors. The FLiRT spike mutations were found in most KP.2 variants and other changes occurred at the NH2 terminus.Conclusion: We claimed that pre-death changes were initiated in JN.1 COVID-19 lineages and computer simulation showed that the Howard spike with 17MPLF spike insertion appeared more stable than the Oppentrons-spike without 17MPLF insertion. Surely, conflicts of COVID-19 spike sequences must be resolved.

Verrucous hyperplasia is a wart-like lesion that can develop on amputation stumps, often due to poor-fitting prostheses, venous stasis, friction, and bacterial infections. While surgical excision is sometimes necessary for intractable cases, many instances can be managed non-surgically. We present the case of a 35-year-old male with a slowly growing verrucous plaque on his amputated stump that had caused repeated infections. His prosthesis was loose, allowing the stump to hang loosely inside the socket. After histological confirmation of verrucous hyperplasia, he was advised to change his prosthesis and use compression bandaging. Over 5 months, the lesion resolved without surgery. Early recognition and non-surgical management, including proper prosthetic fit, compression, and hygiene, can often successfully treat verrucous hyperplasia of amputation stumps. This avoids the need for excision in many cases. Patients and clinicians should be aware of this condition and the importance of prosthetic fit and limb care to prevent and treat it.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with numerous comorbidities, including muscle involvement which consists of changes in the structure and function of peripheral and respiratory muscles. Ultrasound can provide a non-invasive assessment of muscle damage. Ultrasound assessment of the quadriceps contractility index (Qci) is feasible, rapid, simple, and reliable. Numerous studies have demonstrated that Qci is linked to the severity of COPD, clinical symptoms, and respiratory muscle activity. Furthermore, ultrasound makes it possible to observe the dynamics of the diaphragm by measuring its amplitude, its contraction speed, and the duration of each contraction phase. Ultrasound examination of muscle damage in COPD could constitute a promising new tool to assess the severity of the disease.

Probiotic gummy candy is an innovative food that can be used as a carrier to deliver probiotics. This study aimed to manufacture healthy gummy candy (HGC) as a carrier for probiotic capsules. The ingredients' effect on the viability of probiotic capsules and free cells was evaluated for 48 days under refrigerated conditions. Also, the textural properties, overall acceptability of products, and physicochemical properties were tested. The encapsulation probiotics in sodium alginate and chitosan provided a high efficiency of 88.16%. At the same time, the encapsulated cells-based HGC (HGC-C) had higher counts of probiotics than free cells-based HGC, and it remained above the 3 log CFU/g at the end of the 48-day storage period in HGC-C, while the free cells reached zero at 30 days. The HGC product showed a low hardness value and high antioxidant capacity as well as, and the colour coordinates for the product showed more yellow, with an intense red colour. Using mango pulp and probiotics in gummy candies is an innovative and viable alternative to the confectionery industry; therefore, combining fruits as a source of prebiotics and probiotic bacteria could be a promising formula for probiotics gummy supplement preparation.

According to a 2022 systematic review on the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in general hospitals, it was estimated that approximately one-third of medical inpatients present with a coinciding psychiatric condition. However, other studies have reported that a low rate of patients actually obtain an inpatient psychiatric consult; and even fewer patients receive a consultation when it would not be traditionally indicated. Therefore, we have seen an emergence of the use of Proactive Consultation-Liaison (C-L) Psychiatry across many hospital settings. This model of care utilizes systematic screening for active mental health concerns, proactive interventions tailored to individual patients, team-based delivery, and care integration with primary services to provide psychiatric consultation earlier. This study conducted a focused PubMed search to review the research to date on proactive C-L psychiatry and its impact on hospital length of stay (LOS) in patients over 18 years old. Results show a consequential reduction in average hospital LOS when proactive C-L psychiatry services are used compared to reactive, on-request consultation services. A shortened LOS is seen with this practice when there is a quicker time for consultation or referral. Thus, there is evidence of proactive C-L psychiatry’s success in decreasing average hospital LOS and improving patient care. Additional studies are necessary to determine its significance, as little research to date has been completed on the topic. It is recommended to expand the scope of investigation to different patient populations, including but not limited to pediatrics and patients without an underlying mental health illness.

Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy can often be frightening for women. However, such bleeding does not always indicate a serious problem. This type of bleeding occurs routinely, especially in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. A significant proportion of women who experience bleeding during pregnancy go on to give birth to healthy babies. Despite this, women who frequently experience bleeding problems at different stages of pregnancy may need to take this situation seriously. A critical approach is important both from the gynecologist and from the pregnant woman.

A recurrent miscarriage may be defined in the African context as the foetal demise of two or more successive pregnancies before the attainment of the age of viability. A literature review was done to assess the trend of recurrent miscarriage in sub-Saharan Africa. Identifying the main causes, considering the population at risk, and the availability of accurate diagnostic utilities to effectively ensure good management of recurrent miscarriage is an important gynaecologic issue. Over the years, studies have identified several etiologies and yet there’s been no tangible implementation of therapeutic strategies. Routine modifications should also be employed to develop new approaches to reproductive prognosis. There is notably scanty information on the cases of spontaneous abortion due to chromosomal abnormalities. Genetic and immunological factors should be considered in the work-up plan for women with RM. About 70% of the cases of RM are considered unexplained, and this may be due to limited resources. We concluded that there is relatively poor management of miscarriage and cases of missed and inaccurate diagnosis of the causes of spontaneous abortion in sub-Saharan Africa. More studies are needed in order to assess the extent of genetic induced miscarriage, where resources are limited, folic acid supplements should be provided for pregnant women.

A prospective cross-sectional study of diabetic patients registered at the Eye department of Tobruk Medical Center in Tobruk-Libya between (01.06.2023 to 29.02.2024). At the same time data was collected in the eye department in Alwahda Derna Teaching Hospital, Data was collected using the same administered questionnaire. Grading of DR was done by slit-lamp examination and Fundoscopy by an ophthalmologist. Descriptive analysis included percentage mean, median, and p - value by using SPSS 25. There were 185 diabetic patients, ages ranging between 30 and 90 years, with a mean of 58, the majority (97.6%) were of Libyan nationality. There were 86 males and 99 females. Patients with a duration of diabetes ranging between 11 and 15 years were at almost a five-fold risk of developing DR compared to those with a duration of < 10 years. Most of advanced complicated diabetic retinopathy cases had diabetes for more than fifteen years, and no advanced disease in the cases with a duration of less than 10 years.

The aim of this work is to verify the pharmaceutical form in the galenic field of oral Budesonide compounded used in Crohn’s disease: capsules delay release or oral suspension. In particular ways the kinds of excipients or bases-vehicle used in the galenic pharmacy practice. The therapeutic need for Crohn’s disease requires a release of the API in delayed-release DR. The Budesonide molecule shows low systemic impacts due to its hepatic metabolism vs. a topical effect useful in this pathology. In this work, the oral pharmaceutical forms are analyzed: modified-release capsules and oral suspension with specific advantages for each one. Some formulations provided by various pharmacies are reported in this work as well as new technology like the 3D-PRINTING systems for colonic targeting tablets.

Background: The frequency of latex allergy is increasing, posing a major health problem. This increase is related to the widespread use of latex materials and cross-reactions between latex proteins and certain foods. This cross-reactivity makes latex avoidance difficult, and latex sensitization is likely to worsen atopic conditions. Objective: The authors evaluated the role of latex sensitization in the poor control of asthma and rhinitis. Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 1860 patients of all ages and genders, followed up for allergic asthma and rhinitis since March 2012 in the Immuno-Allergology Unit of the Cocody University Hospital in Abidjan. Prick tests with native extracts and the European standard battery were performed to identify allergenic sensitization. The impact of latex sensitization on asthma and rhinitis control was assessed by calculating odds ratios. Results: A high frequency of latex sensitization was associated with asthma and rhinitis. The risks of poor control were related to monosensitization to latex and were even higher in the context of polysensitization. Conclusion: The impact of latex sensitization on the progression of asthma and rhinitis has been well demonstrated. It is recommended to integrate the latex sensitization status into the therapeutic management strategy of these two pathologies.

Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) is a major public health concern, affecting approximately 900,000 people annually in the United States. In rare cases, a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) may allow a venous thrombus to cross into the arterial circulation, causing a paradoxical embolism. This case report presents a 46-year-old male who developed left renal artery stenosis after a paradoxical embolism, likely triggered by a prolonged flight and binge alcohol consumption. The patient was found to have a moderate-sized PFO and renal infarction, confirmed by imaging studies. Despite initial anticoagulation therapy and a planned stenting procedure, intraoperative findings revealed only mild stenosis, leading to cancellation of the stent placement. The patient ultimately underwent PFO closure with an Amplatzer Talisman device. This case underscores the diagnostic challenges in managing paradoxical embolism and the need for individualized treatment, particularly concerning anticoagulation duration, the decision for PFO closure, and post-procedural antithrombotic therapy. Further research is required to establish optimal management strategies for cryptogenic embolic events.

Flooding is a significant natural hazard impacting societies worldwide, with increasing severity in urbanized regions. This paper presents a case study of Lagos, Nigeria, examining flood risk management efforts in the city. The purpose is to evaluate the effectiveness of current strategies and suggest improvements for reducing the impacts of flooding. Findings highlight the roles of government and private stakeholders, as well as policy challenges. Recommendations for sustainable flood management practices are provided, with implications for other high-risk areas.