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A 73-year-old female patient presented to the emergency department with a 3-day history of acute abdominal pain and diarrhea. She had also a history of hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia. Physical examination revealed examination a generalized abdominal tenderness with an important abdominal distension, with a body temperature of 37.5°, a pulse rate of 115 bpm and a blood pressure of 105/65 mmHg. Laboratory data showed white blood cells at 15.500/mm³, C-reactive protein at 155 mg/l, hemoglobin at 12.3 g/dl and creatinine at 105 µmol/l. Chest radiography was normal. Contrast enhanced CT of the abdomen revealed hepatic portal venous gas with diffuse gas accumulation in the branches of the superior mesenteric vein, gaseous distention of the small bowel with reduced enhancement of the bowel wall (Figure 1). Additionally, an atheromatous obstruction was observed in the superior mesenteric artery at 4cm from its origin (Figure 2). Emergency surgery was decided.

Introduction: Uterine rupture is one of the peripartum complications, which cause nearly about one out of thirteen maternal deaths. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of mortality among women with uterine rupture in referral hospitals of Lubumbashi, in the south east part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Methods: Institution based cross sectional study was conducted from December 1st, 2012 to 31st, 2016 on uterine rupture. During the study selected 158 women were included by using exhaustive sampling method. Data were checked, coded and analyzed into STATA version 12. Chi-square test was used to identify the predictors of maternal and perinatal mortalities in women with uterine rupture and 95% Confidence Interval of odds ratio at p - value less than 0.05 was taken as a significance level. Results: The overall prevalence of uterine rupture was 0.49%. The average age of the patients was 29.5 ± 6.2 years and 71.52% of them were between 20 and 34 years old; more than 60% had a parity ≥4 (average parity: 4.7 ± 2.5). 81.17% of the cases had a fully ruptured uterus and 51.17% of the uterine ruptures were located in the lower segment. Repair of the pregnant ruptured uterus was performed in 93.04% of the cases and hysterectomy in 5.06%. Maternal and perinatal mortalities were 8.86% and 72.04% respectively. Regarding maternal mortality, no parameter showed a significant association with maternal death. As for perinatal mortality, parity ≥4, complete rupture and segmento-corporeal lesion were significantly associated with perinatal death (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Uterine rupture remains one of the causes of maternal and perinatal mortality in Lubumbashi. The place occupied by uterine ruptures in obstetric activity requires joint and urgent action by all stakeholders in the health system in order to combat this scourge, witness to poor quality obstetric care.

Development of genetic profiles from the biological mixtures has remained challenging, although modern-day technologies may help forensic scientists to attain a reliable genetic profile in the identification of the accused. In the case of rape, vaginal swab exhibits usually contain epithelial cells of victims and sperm cells of accused, such samples are more challenging when there is more than one contributor. In such cases, separation of distinct cells from a mixture that includes blood cells, epithelial cells and sperm cells for their single genetic profile is important. In the last ten decades several new techniques were developed and invented for the separation of single cell from the biological mixture that includes differential lysis, laser micro-dissection, cell sorting (FACS), sieve-based filtration, (vi) micro-fluidic devices or immunomagnetic beads cell separation of fresh samples, and the magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS). Out of them, some techniques have been commonly applied for cell separation in forensic biology. Each technique has its own limitation. Some recent studies showed, magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS), laser capture microdissection (LCM), DEPArray technology and fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) has proved to be effective in separation of single cell from cell mixtures. Therefore, in this review we have evaluated these four alternative methods and their potential application in the modern-day over the others for the separation of a single cell from the mixture. In this review we also discuss the advantage of these methods and their modern–day applicability and acceptance in the forensic world.

Caregivers of Children Living with HIV/AIDS experience severe burdens in Africa amidst unmet needs while seeking care from hospitals. This study aimed to explore the diagnosis history, health-seeking behaviour, and care provided by hospitals and whether the services meet caregivers’ expectations. We used a qualitative approach and conducted individual in-depth interviews among purposively sampled caregivers of children living with HIV/AIDS from three hospitals. We achieved data sufficiency after interviewing nine participants. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed manually through Collaizi’s steps. Four themes developed including; history of pregnancy and poor HIV testing, effective care for caregivers and CLWH, attitude of healthcare providers, and unmet expectations of care. Healthcare providers showed positive attitudes towards caregivers and provided services (counselling, dispensing Anti-retrovirals, health monitoring, and coordination of clinical care). Expectations bordered on financial support (for food, education, health care), and treatment for opportunistic infections. Findings indicate gaps in HIV voluntary testing for pregnant women, enrollment in Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT), and unmet needs. It is imperative to improve coverage of testing for pregnant women and efforts made to meet their needs. Financial support, provision of food security, and assistance for caregivers are essential for care.

Background: The clinical manifestations of Corona Virus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) varied from patient to patient with evidence of multi-organ involvement. Many patients continue to have a wide range of symptoms for variable periods of time. The long-term effects of COVID-19 infection (post-COVID-19 illness or syndrome) are not yet been fully explored.This study aims to highlight the clinical manifestations of the acute COVID-19 infection and the longer-term manifestations of the disease among the attendants to a private GP clinic in the Urban Amman Area, Jordan.Methods: A clinical case-series study was conducted on a sample of 300 COVID-19-positive cases among patients attending my private GP clinic in the Urban Amman Area, Jordan. We used the structured questionnaire based mainly on World Health Organization (WHO) Case Report Form (CRF) verified tool for post-COVID-19. All patients with COVID-19 were included in the study. Data collection was conducted through phone calls and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Results: The incidence of COVID-19 among patients attending the clinic during the period of this study was 25%. Females were 135 (45%) of the study population and males were 165 (55%). The mean (SD) of age was 34.2 (5.0) years. Most of the infected staff (90%) were symptomatic and developed acute COVID-19 symptoms. Fever, Cough, Fatigue, joint pain and loss of smell and taste were the most common symptoms. 72% of the study population had fully recovered from the infection, while 28% of them continued to suffer from many long symptoms. Fatigue (28%), shortness of breath on activity (18%), Social withdrawal (18%), anxiety (17%), forgetfulness (16%), trouble concentrating (15) and depressed mood (14%) were the most frequently reported long symptoms.Conclusion: The prevalence of Post COVID-19 illness was 28% with a high public health burden calling for the public health system to address the medical and psychological needs of affected persons. Mental health and psychosocial support are recommended elements for the management of patients.

Neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) pose a significant global health challenge, impacting millions with a gradual decline in neurons and cognitive abilities. Presently, available NDD therapies focus on symptom management rather than altering the disease trajectory. This underscores the critical necessity for groundbreaking treatments capable of addressing the root causes of neurodegeneration, offering both neuroprotection and neuro-restoration. This in-depth review delves into the forefront of emerging NDD therapies, encompassing gene therapy, stem cell therapy, immunotherapy, and neurotrophic factors. It sheds light on their potential advantages, hurdles, and recent advancements gleaned from both preclinical and clinical studies. Additionally, the document outlines existing NDD treatments, spanning pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, along with their inherent limitations. The overarching conclusion emphasizes the immense potential of emerging therapies in NDD treatment, yet underscores the imperative for continued research and optimization to ensure their safety, efficacy, and specificity.

The question of the interaction of light with small particles, with molecules, atoms in gases, in liquids has been considered by many authors in the scientific literature. As a rule, this is elastic, Raman, or Rayleigh scattering. The frequency of the scattered light in the first case is the same as that of the incident, and in cases 2 and 3, the spectrum of scattered radiation is enriched with the corresponding components. The subject of this work is the interaction between each other in the medium of two coherent light beams. 

Aims: To audit the use of cervical dilators, local anaesthetic, and failure rates in outpatient hysteroscopy over a two-year period in University Hospital Kerry. To review the experiences of women attending the outpatient hysteroscopy clinic (OHC) over a two-year period in University Hospital Kerry. Methods: Retrospective data review was carried out. Green-top Guideline No. 59: Best Practice in Outpatient Hysteroscopy, published by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), was the standard used for comparison. Results: Two hundred and twenty women were seen over a two-year period. The average age was forty-eight. The most common complaint being of menorrhagia/irregular bleeding per vaginum (PV). Local anaesthetic was used in just under one third of cases of which half required cervical dilatation. Most women reported experiencing mild to moderate levels of discomfort however most would opt for an outpatient hysteroscopic procedure again if required. Discussion/Conclusion: Outpatient hysteroscopy is a well-tolerated and safe procedure. Suitability for outpatient hysteroscopy is not predictable based on parity of menopausal status. Women would elect to undergo outpatient hysteroscopy again if required and this is likely due to several reasons including convenience and lack of requirement for general anaesthetic.

There is a constant rise in cases of rhino-orbital mucormycosis in people with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Generally, Mucormycosis develops in immunosuppression or debilitating diseases. In cases having head and neck involvement, the mold enters the respiratory tract with further involvement of nose and sinuses and there is consecutive progression into orbital and intracranial structures. Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is an independent risk factor for both severe COVID-19 and mucormycosis. The clinical examination and direct smears are helpful for early diagnosis of the disease and timely intervention. For the better prevention and management of such opportunistic infections in COVID-19 patients, it is prudent to establish prophylactic treatment protocols along with rational use of corticosteroids. We here report a case of Rhino-orbital Mucormycosis infection caused by Rhizopus oryzae in a COVID-19 patient with Diabetes Mellitus.

Hypertension is a risk factor for the development of heart failure and has a negative impact on the survival of these patients. Although patients with these two conditions usually take different antihypertensive medications, some patients do not achieve adequate blood pressure control and their hypertension becomes resistant or refractory. In this scenario, percutaneous renal denervation has emerged in recent years as an alternative to achieve blood pressure control goals. We present the case of a 53-year-old woman with a medical history of essential hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, unipolar depression, and diabetes, who was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (33%). Despite the initiation of multiple antihypertensive medications and placement of a cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemaker, the patient remained hypertensive with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 40%. At that time, percutaneous renal denervation was performed without complications, and one year after the procedure, the patient had improved better blood pressure control and the left ventricular ejection fraction increased to 51%. This case illustrates one of the clinical scenarios in which it has been suggested that renal denervation may be more beneficial, as in the situation of patients with refractory hypertension and heart failure.