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Introduction: The rise in cesarean section rates globally has led to a growing population of women with uterine scars, necessitating more targeted obstetric care in subsequent pregnancies. These women are faced with the decision of attempting vaginal delivery after cesarean section (VBAC) or opting for an elective repeat cesarean section. The likelihood of a VBAC depends on various factors both maternal and fetal, gathered in two known scores Grobman and Zhang, utilizing them could make VBAC successful and more widely attempted.  This study aims to validate the prognostic of these scores in a Moroccan population.Objectives:•    Validate the international predictive scores (Grobman and Zhang) for the probability of a successful VBAC in the Moroccan population.•    Explore additional criteria specific to the Moroccan population and develop a simplified VBAC score.  Results:•    Out of 2,973 women with a cesarean history, 313 attempted  TOLAC, 79% of these attempts were successful VBAC.•    The characteristics of successful VBAC included lower BMI, previous vaginal birth, lower estimated fetal weight, younger maternal age, and more favorable cervical conditions at admission.•    The Grobman and Zhang scores showed good predictive accuracy, with both models achieving 82.2% accuracy.•    When dividing women into groups based on predicted success (using both Grobman and Zhang scores), significant differences were found in success rates across different probability categories.Conclusion: Both Grobman and Zhang’s models were effective in predicting VBAC success in the Moroccan population, with a slight preference for the Zhang model. However, further research is needed to validate these models in clinical practice. It could involve developing a more population-specific model.

Meningiomas, classical extra-axial dural-based tumors of the meninges, have well-documented classical imaging features and signs on CT and MRI. Most meningiomas are classical lesions with prompt diagnosis on imaging and generally exhibit benign outcomes with slow growth patterns. The latest WHO classification of tumors in 2021 has classified 15 subtypes of meningiomas, and while classical meningiomas are WHO Grade 1 tumors, grading between varying subtypes varies between WHO Grades 1 and 3. The microcystic meningioma is a rare and atypical subtype of meningioma that has been sparsely documented in literature. In this case report, we revisit this rare subtype of meningioma with a brief review of literature.

Melanoma is a highly malignant neoplasm arising from melanocytes, which are melanin-producing neural crest cells primarily located in the basal layer of the epidermis, making cutaneous melanoma the most common subtype. However, melanocytes are also found in other anatomical locations, and primary non-cutaneous melanomas, though rare, have been documented. Due to the aggressive nature of this malignancy, it carries a poor prognosis, particularly because it tends to metastasize to various, often atypical, sites. Recognizing these variable presentations is essential for timely diagnosis. Here, we report a rare case of metastatic brain melanoma in a young female and review the relevant literature, highlighting the importance of imaging in identification.

Background: To enhance the duration of sensory anaesthesia and to prolong the duration of post-operative pain relief during spinal anaesthesia, various adjuvants have been tried along with local anaesthetic agent. The present study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the onset and duration of sensory block, motor block and duration of post-operative pain relief by using intrathecal 0.5% Hyperbaric bupivacaine with fentanyl 25µg versus only 0.5% Hyperbaric bupivacaine selected groups.Methods: We enrolled 70 ASA Ι & ΙΙ patients undergoing surgeries below umbilicus level for our Prospective Randomized trial. Those who met our inclusion criteria were randomized using simple random sampling technique, after obtaining informed consent. Patients in Group A received fentanyl 25µg with 0.5% Hyperbaric Bupivacaine and patients in Group B received only 0.5% Hyperbaric Bupivacaine intrathecally. Parameters like onset and duration of sensory and motor block and postoperative pain relief were observed. In postoperative period, VAS score was monitored & time for rescue analgesia was noted, when VAS exceeded 5 or above.Results: It was found that Patients in Group A had significantly prolonged duration of postoperative analgesia as compared to Group B (Z value 17.35). Results of Onset & Duration of sensory and motor block were suggesting insignificant result. Post-operative complication was insignificant in our study.Conclusion: Addition of Fentanyl 25µg with 0.5% Hyperbaric Bupivacaine in Spinal anaesthesia have insignificant effect on duration of sensory and motor blockade and prolongs postoperative pain relief.

Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EDCR) is a well accepted surgical treatment for patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). Previously, external dacryocystorhino-stomy was considered as the gold standard treatment for NLDO, however, EDCR has gained momentum due to its several advantages. The EDCR has been sounding more aesthetic and as functional compared to the traditional external dacryocystorhinostomy in the surgical treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction with comparable outcomes. Purpose: to determine the success rate and complications of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy without stenting.Materials and methods: it was a retrospective study performed in the department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (ORL-HNS), Universal College of Medical Sciences-Teaching Hospital (UCMS-TH) from June 2019 to September 2024. A total of 19 patients charts were reviewed. All the cases were performed under general anesthesia. All the cases had undergone without silicon stenting and were regularly followed up for a period of 3 months. Post operative stomal patency and complications were noted based on subjective and endoscopic evaluation.Results: Out of 19 patients, 12 were female and 7 were male with the age range of 12 to 70 years. Transnasal synechiae was seen in 2 female and 1 male patients. Stomal patency was 100% with no recurrence of epiphora in 17 patients (89.4%) during 3 months of follow up. 2 female patients with released synechiae didn’t come for 3 months follow up.Conclusion: It is a safe and minimally invasive procedure and has a comparable success rate to external DCR with an additional advantage of more aesthetic value.

Foreign bodies of the esophagus are part of the traumatic emergencies in ENT. They are most often encountered in children, whereas in adults they occur in a particular context and are rarely overlooked.This was a 48-year-old patient from a neighboring country referred by a colleague for a history of neglected laryngeal contusion with infectious cervical fistula evolving for 2 years. Further questioning revealed a notion of accidental ingestion of dentures. The first endoscopy was of capital interest in especially in the diagnosis and management of this long-retained foreign body. The extraction under general anesthesia was done by a combined endoscopic and external approach. The postoperative course was marked by superinfection and swallowing disorders.Cervical suppurations secondary to esophageal foreign bodies are rare, especially in adults. Clinicians should consider this possibility in the face of any chronic cervical suppuration that resists treatment.

Background: Postmenopausal bleeding (PMB) is bleeding from the genital tract after 12 months of amenorrhea in a woman over the age of 50, or 24 months if below the age of 50 years, in 10% of women presented with PMB, the cause is endometrial cancer.Purpose: To assess the clinical presentation types and outcomes of diagnostic measures provided for women presenting with PMB at Saad Abu-Alela Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan.Methodology: It was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted at Saad Abu-Alela Teaching Hospital in the period from January to December 2022.An interview questionnaire was used for data collection. Fifty-nine (59) postmenopausal women were included in this study, age, parity, risk factors, duration of bleeding, duration of menopause, ultrasound findings, and hysteroscopy findings were recorded.Results: The majority of study participants were aged between 50-54 years, menopause duration was most 1-4 years, most of the participants were educated and medically free, DM and HTN, and most of the participants were multiparous. Duration of PMB ranged between weeks in a third of cases and up to more than a year in some cases, amount of bleeding was mild in more than half. Ultrasound is used to assess the endometrial thickness and other findings, also hysteroscopy and biopsy or Dilation and curettage and hysterectomy.Conclusion: The ultrasound and endometrial biopsy via inpatient hysteroscopy and dilatation and curettage were the best tools for evaluation of (PMB), benign conditions were the most frequent outcome and endometrial cancer.

Dentistry has much to offer in the detection and solution of crime or civil proceedings. Forensic dentistry requires an interdisciplinary knowledge of dental science, and it is the role of the Forensic Odontologist to establish a person's identity. Teeth, with their physiologic variations, pathosis record information that remains throughout life and beyond. Forensic Odontology has an important role in the recognition of abuse among children. Teeth may also be used as a weapon against children, and physical evidence such as DNA, bite marks, fingerprints may objectively link suspects to a crime and develop important investigative leads. Gender identification and sex determination by analyzing the pulp tissue in primary teeth can be regarded as an effective tool in providing valuable forensic information. The rights of children and their aspirations are of paramount importance, and the Pediatric dentist can contribute immensely to the field of Forensic Odontology in providing justice to these unfortunate children.

Scoliosis is a condition of abnormal lateral curvature of the spinal column greater than 10 degrees as measured by Cobb’s angle. The two main groups of scoliosis are idiopathic scoliosis and non-idiopathic scoliosis. The diagnosis of an idiopathic scoliosis is made if a non-idiopathic one has been excluded. Idiopathic adolescent scoliosis is a more common form. Neuromuscular scoliosis, which is a type of non-idiopathic scoliosis, is characterized by diverse muscular and neurological impairments. Anesthesia and surgery for neuromuscular scoliosis have a higher risk of perioperative complications than for idiopathic cases.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technology into various fields, particularly healthcare, has demonstrated considerable potential in improving efficiency and accuracy. However, the potential risks associated with unprofessional or inappropriate use of AI cannot be overlooked. The current landscape of healthcare demonstrates a growing reliance on AI tools, which is expected to expand in the future. The existing literature highlights the effectiveness  of various AI applications, including chatbots, in specific medical domains. This study aims to review relevant literature in the pharmaceutical and galenic fields while evaluating a prominent AI chatbot provider. Based on the findings, this article presents critical considerations for researchers and practitioners. A thorough assessment of the benefits and risks associated with AI technologies is essential as these tools become increasingly prevalent in pharmaceutical practices.

Self-talk is a pivotal psychological technique within sports psychology that significantly influences an athlete’s performance and mental resilience. It involves the process of athletes engaging in internal dialogue to achieve specific psychological objectives such as enhancing motivation, improving focus, and managing stress. This technique encompasses various forms of self-directed communication including positive affirmations, instructional reminders, and motivational statements. Understanding the different types of self-talk and their effects is essential for athletes, coaches, and sports psychologists who aim to develop effective mental strategies for athletic success.

Background: Methemoglobinemia is an uncommon hematological condition in which hemoglobin contains iron in an oxidized (Fe³+) state with limited oxygen-carrying ability. It can be congenital or acquired. Anesthetic management of methemoglobinemia poses a great challenge, as there is a risk of refractory hypoxemic crisis in the perioperative period. Case: Here, we present a case of a 24-year-old female with congenital methemoglobinemia who presented with gallstone disease for laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia. She had a deficiency of cytochrome B5 reductase, which contributed to 26% of methemoglobin levels on co-oximetry. Despite taking considerable precautions to avoid hypoxemic episodes and metabolic acidosis, an episode of desaturation happened at the end of the procedure, which was managed with intravenous methylene blue. The patient recovered without any hypoxemic insult. Conclusion: Anesthetic management of patients with moderate (20% - 30%) methemoglobinemia can be successful with extreme precautions to avoid events that can increase the methemoglobin levels and adequate preparation and availability of intravenous methylene blue.

Malignant neoplasms of the external auditory canal, middle and inner ear are rare. This anatomically complex region generates complicated three-dimensional specimens that can be a challenge for macroscopic and microscopic assessment [1]. The most common cause of malignancy involving the EAC and temporal bone is extension of cutaneous malignancy of pinna. Rare occurrences have been described in association with CSOM and sporadic cases arising in previously irradiated fields for the treatment of other head and neck cancers. The tissue diagnosis is relatively straightforward; however staging is a complex task that is best approached with consideration of clinical, radiological, and pathological findings [2].

Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) operating in Dead-Ended Anode (DEA) mode present a promising alternative to traditional flow-through systems by simplifying design and reducing costs. However, their efficiency and durability are challenged by transient phenomena such as water accumulation, nitrogen buildup, and carbon corrosion throughout operation. This review investigates the dynamic behavior of DEA PEMFCs under dynamic operating states, aiming to improve their efficiency. By analyzing purge cycle optimization and transient response characteristics, we identify strategies to mitigate hydrogen loss, maintain voltage stability, and extend stack lifetime. The key findings indicate that precise purge scheduling and effective water management are critical for optimizing performance, with dynamic models providing insights into time-dependent processes. This study underscores the potential of DEA PEMFCs for high-efficiency applications provided transient effects are effectively managed.

Touch DNA, the minute quantities of DNA deposited through skin contact, has become a valuable tool in forensic investigations. However, the recovery of touch DNA from non-porous surfaces remains a challenging task, requiring optimized collection and extraction techniques to maximize DNA yield, because non-porous surfaces have smooth, non-absorbing material properties. This review explores various non-porous surfaces such as glass, plastic, and metal, analyzing their impact on DNA recovery efficiency. Different collection methods, including swabbing, tape lifting, scrubbing, and vacuum collection methods, are evaluated to determine their effectiveness in retrieving minute amounts of DNA from these surfaces. Through a comparative analysis of existing studies, this paper identifies which collection methods work best for different non-porous surfaces and why choosing the right technique matters. Factors such as surface type, environmental conditions, and collection technique performed, time duration, and so on can affect DNA recovery, making it crucial to use the most effective approach. This review also emphasizes the need for standardized protocols to ensure consistent and reliable results in forensic investigations. Having clear guidelines can reduce errors, improve DNA analysis, and make touch DNA analysis more reliable in forensic investigations. By focusing on these aspects, this study aims to contribute to the ongoing efforts in refining touch DNA recovery strategies.

Post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis has emerged as a significant long-term complication among survivors of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. This review highlights the underlying pathophysiology, diagnostic modalities, and recent advances in the diagnosis and management of post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis. As global cases of COVID-19 continue to evolve, understanding and addressing this emerging chronic respiratory condition is critical for long-term patient care.

Rationale: Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is a progressive vascular remodeling disease with elevated pulmonary vascular resistance that is lethal. While therapeutic progress was recently made with endothelin, nitric oxide, and prostacyclin pathway-based therapy for the treatment of PAH, the disease is currently incurable with a high cost of morbidity and mortality. Sotatercept, a new activin receptor IIA-Fc fusion protein, may prove to be a game-changer as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of PAH by regulating the growth factor signaling aberration of PAH.Methods: It is a narrative review of evidence for the drug Sotatercept for Group 1 PAH from a systematic literature search for clinical trials, mechanism studies, and regulatory data up to 2024. Pivotal clinical trials such as PULSAR, SPECTRA, STELLAR, and ZENITH were evaluated for efficacy, safety, and comparative results.Results: Sotatercept is a TGF-β family member ligand trap that rebalances activin/BMP signaling to target vascular remodeling. Clinically, striking effects were shown with exercise (40.8 m improvement in STELLAR 6MWD), pulmonary hemodynamics (PVR reduction of 146-240 dyn·s·cm-5 in PULSAR), as well as clinical measures (76% reduction of composite morbidity/mortality through ZENITH). On the background with an acceptable drug safety profile of predominantly hematologic effects, as well as injection site reaction, benefits were achieved. Comparison with analyses implies at least similar, if superior in some dimensions, efficacy of current PAH therapies.Conclusion: Sotatercept is a new therapeutic option for PAH as the first drug to act on the activin/BMP pathway. With its strong effect on several clinically relevant end points, it is a “fourth pillar” of PAH therapy. Clinical trials will determine its place in the algorithm, ascertain other combinations, and potentially identify its utility for other types of pulmonary hypertension.

Objectives: Hospitalization following a head injury is associated with high rates of disability that have a strong correlation with depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Well-being is related to life satisfaction, quality of life, happiness, personal growth and flourishing, competence, self-acceptance, positive relationships, and autonomy. The well-being of patients and their primary caregivers is important when a patient is left with impaired mobility after neurosurgery. The aim of this study is to examine whether the well-being of patients and their primary caregivers will differ before and after neurosurgery, and whether well-being differs between patients with motor disability (WMD group) and those without, compared to those who are not - NMD group (non-motor disability).Methodology: 123 patients and their main caregivers were recruited. Of these, 62 were in the before neurosurgical group, 31 Patients and 31 caregivers. 61 in the after neurosurgical group, 30 Patients and 31 caregivers, of which there are 16 from WMD group and 15 from NMD. Main outcome measures: Two analyses of Variance (ANOVA) were conducted: for WMD and NMD separately. The results reveal a significant decrease in wellbeing for both, patient and main caregivers, but a stronger decline in well-being was observed among WMD, as indicated by a larger effect size (η² = 0.74) compared to the NMD (η² = 0.38). In addition, no significant effect between group and time of measurement was found, indicating that the decrease in wellbeing was not different among patients compared to their main caregivers. Conclusion: The findings highlight the multifaceted impact of neurosurgery on well-being, particularly for patients who remain with motor disabilities and their primary caregivers.The decline in well-being after neurosurgery highlights the need for improved social support and the importance of developing treatment programs that can help ease the process of coping with these phenomena and provide appropriate support for both patients and their primary caregivers.

Objective: Comparison of visual field progression in patients with Primary Open-angle Glaucoma (POAG) and Pseudo Exfoliative Glaucoma (PEXG).Methods and materials: This is a 2-year longitudinal prospective study including 60 glaucomatous eyes with VA CF ≥ 3 m, IOP ≥ 20 mmHg, CDR ≥ 0.6 and those with Shaffer’s grade 3 or above were categorized as POAG along with signs of Pseudo exfoliative material as PEXG.Patients on anti-glaucoma medications and those who have undergone cataract and glaucoma surgeries are also included in this study. 24-2 visual field test was performed using Humphrey Field Analyzer & the progression was assessed based on 3 parameters- Mean Deviation (MD), Visual Field Index (VFI) & Guided Progression Analysis (GPA).Results: The difference in MD & VFI was higher in PEXG (-5.77 dB) (10.88%) than in POAG (-1.56 dB) (7.17%) respectively & was significant statistically (t - test, p = < 0.001). The GPA showed fast progression in 53.30% of cases in PEXG, 13.30% in POAG (Chi-square, p = < 0.001) about 63.30% of POAG & 46.70% of PEXG showed slow- moderate progression, but 23.30% of POAG subjects had no progression.Conclusion: Compared to POAG, the study showed that PEXG had frequent & faster visual field worsening. Therefore, PEXG patients require more stringent management & treatment than those with POAG.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used to serve people since antiquity in China, and still has an important role in today’s healthcare. As the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) globally, TCM has played an important role in the fight against COVID-19 in China and other countries. However, scientists outside China doubted TCM. The philosophy of TCM in the description of diseases and the use of herbal medicines is difficult to understand for Western scientists. This article explains the philosophy of TCM using chromatic analogies to make it easily understandable and visually intuitive.