Background and Aim: Whether to send COVID-19 patients home with quarantine measures or to hospitalize and treat them on an inpatient basis is a very important decision in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. This study aimed to introduce a scoring system that will enable making decisions on inpatient or outpatient treatment of patients by scoring their symptoms, clinical, radiological, and laboratory results during the initial assessment. Materials and Methods: Data of patients over 18 years of age, examined for COVID-19 between March 11, 2020, and May 31, 2020, and who had a positive PCR result, and their radiological (computed tomography reports) and blood test (complete blood count, blood gas and laboratory results) results were recorded to develop our scoring system. Results: A comparison of COVID-19 patients, who received outpatient and inpatient treatments by age variable, revealed a significant result (P < 0.001). The comparison of laboratory results showed a significant difference between both groups (P < 0.001). The comparison of the groups by the presence of comorbidity also revealed a significant result (P < 0.001). According to the scoring system that we developed (Cebeci score), a score of 5 points and above had a specificity of 81% and a sensitivity of 88% for indicating the probability of receiving inpatient treatment. Conclusion: We believe that the scoring system we developed will be a simple, practical, and leading guide for physicians to avoid dilemmas regarding the issue of whether to quarantine patients at home or to hospitalize them in order to use medical resources effectively.

Background: Pediatric celiac disease (CeD) and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) have well established effects on eye health but comorbid effect is not known. Aim: To evaluate the eye health of children with T1DM and CeD to predict microvascular retinal pathologies by diagnosis of probable intraocular pressure increase which is an important glaucoma trigger. Patients and Methods: In this case-controlled study, 28 eyes of 14 children both T1DM and CeD, with a mean age of 12.6 ± 3.9 years, and 28 eyes of gender-matched 14 healthy children as a control group were included. In both groups, detailed ocular examinations and measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP), ocular pulse amplitude (OPA), thicknesses of ganglion cell layer (GCL), inner plexiform layer (IPL), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), and choroid thicknesses (CT) were done. All the patients with T1DM and CeD were newly diagnosed. The evaluations of IOP and OPA were made using a Pascal dynamic tonometer and thicknesses measured by optical coherence tomography. Results: The IOP and OPA values of the patient group were found to be statistically significantly higher than those of the control group (17.1 and 1.86 vs 14.78 and 1.57 mmHg, P <.0001, P <.001, respectively). IOP values of all patients were higher than IOP cut off levels for diagnosis of hypertension. CT was significantly thinner in the patient group than in the control group (385.4 μm vs 331.71 μm, respectively, P < 0.03). No significant difference was found between the groups in respect of GCL, IPL, and RNFL values. Conclusion: The higher IOP and OPA values of the children with T1DM and CeD were considered to be the result of the microvascular pathologies in T1DM and increased inflammation associated with CeD. High IOP and OPA values can lead to damage in the eye as intraocular blood flow and choroidal perfusion are affected. In order to prevent these eye problems, measurement of IOP and OPA should be done in children with diagnosis of T1DM and CeD and also follow up studies needed.

Background: One of the restricting factors for surgical treatment of congenital anatomical pathologies of the penis is the skin structure. Thanks to its structure, the penis is a flexible organ structure, and the treatment can be completed without the need for a free tissue graft. Length changes are obtained on the ventral side of the penis by frenuloplasty. Aims: Our study aims to attain an objective formula that could noninvasively predict these changes on the ventral side before the procedure. Patients and Methods: In our study, 52 patients who were admitted for routine religious circumcision were included, and penile ventral and dorsal skin and inner mucosa lengths were measured before and after frenuloplasty, which is a part of the normal routine circumcision procedure and performed via the “pull and burn” method. Stitches were done to prevent scar formation in the frenuloplasty area. The results were used to estimate the length changes to be obtained on the ventral side by performing a regression analysis of the patient's weight, height, ventral and dorsal inner mucosa, and outer skin lengths. Result: Following frenuloplasty, an increase was detected in the ventral surface ranging from 20% to 177%. This increase was found to be predictable with 62.5% precision (P < 0.01) using the formulation established by assessing the ventral inner mucosa length from pre-procedure values. No significant result was determined in the regression analysis of the patients' other measurements (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Penile length changes that would occur following frenuloplasty can be calculated using a noninvasive method. Frenuloplasty, which would be performed without any vascular change, could be helpful in the surgical planning of some penile surgeries. More studies should be conducted on older boys, in anatomic deviations, and moreover, to establish a reliable formulation.

Background: Peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis cases increase in number with the increase of implant applications. Peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis are defined as inflammatory diseases with inflammation and loss in soft and hard tissue, similar to the other periodontal diseases. As observed in many diseases, genetic predisposition factors also affect the progress of periodontitis and peri-implantitis. Aim: This study examines if there is any solid genetic predisposition causing periodontitis and peri-implantitis formation in Turkish patients. Patients & Methods: In order to evaluate single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), Interleukin-8 (IL-8) and N-formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP), playing a role in the chemotaxis of neutrophils, and Fc Gamma Receptor IIA (FcγRIIA) and Fc Gamma Receptor IIIA (FcγRIIIA), playing a role in the antigen-antibody complexes and phagocytosis, were selected. Thirty-two Turkish non-smoking subjects, having periodontitis, thirty-three Turkish non-smoking subjects, having peri-implantitis and thirty-three Turkish non-smoking healthy subjects were selected. In total 98 adults participated in our study. Collected saliva samples from the participants were used for DNA isolation. SNPs were determined in these subgroups of the study by means of genotype-specific polymerase chain reactions. Results: When IL-8 A-251T, FcγRIIa -H131 and FcγRIIIa -V158 polymorphism were evaluated, no significant difference was found between periodontitis, peri-implantitis and healthy groups. However, this study observed that fMLP Receptor (FPR1) gene polymorphism creates a significant difference in individuals at higher risk of periodontitis or peri-implantitis. Conclusion: Results show that individuals with the G genotype have a higher risk of periodontitis, while individuals with G / C genotype have higher risk of peri-implantitis.

Background: Sentinel lymph node biopsy is the current standard of care for axillary staging and further treatment planning in patients with clinical axillary node-negative breast cancer. Sentinel node (SN) biopsy was designed to accurately stage the axilla and minimize the side effects of conventional axillary-lymph-node dissection without sacrificing oncologic outcomes. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is normally performed with nuclear scan and patent blue violet or isosulfan blue. These are expensive and not commonly available in resource-poor regions such as West Africa. Methylene blue dye is a commonly used agent in a wide range of clinical diagnostic procedures and has been used by other investigators to perform this procedure. This study was designed to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of SN biopsy in the management of axillary node-negative breast cancer in resource-limited populations using methylene blue dye. Aim: To determine the efficacy of methylene blue dye as a single tracer in lymphatic basin mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with clinical axillary node-negative breast cancer. Methods: This was a prospective, case-controlled study involving 28 consecutively presenting female patients with clinical axillary node-negative breast cancer at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu. Each of the patients had lymphatic basin mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy with a sub-areola-subdermal injection of methylene blue dye. The SN (s) were then removed using the dye as the marker. Each patient then had a mastectomy or wide local excision as appropriately planned and conventional levels I and II axillary dissection was performed in the same sitting. The SNs and other axillary nodes were reviewed independently by our institution's pathologist. Each patient's axillary dissection specimen acted as her control for the study. Results: The SNs were identified in 24 (85.7%) patients. There was a demonstrable learning curve with an improvement in identification rate in the later half of the cases (92.9%) compared to the earlier half of the cases (78.6%). A range of 1–3 nodes and a mean of 1.78 nodes were obtained. A sensitivity of 90.9%, specificity of 79.6%, false-positive rate of 28.6%, false-negative rate of 9.1%, and accuracy of 95.8% were obtained. There was no incidence of allergic/hypersensitivity reaction. Conclusion: Sentinel lymph node biopsy with methylene blue dye can be applied with high accuracy within resource-limited environments. However, there is a definite short learning curve that must be overcome and the procedure validated before clinical application in decision-making.

Background: The COVID-19 vaccine acceptance is a psychological behavior influenced by many factors, including fear of an adverse effect on the reproductive system. Aims: The aim of this study is to assess the COVID-19 vaccines effect on reproductive parameters among the male population of northern Saudi Arabia. Patients and Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study among 100 volunteers who received two doses of COVID-19 vaccines. A pre- and post-vaccination blood sample was collected and analyzed for testosterone, prolactin, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Semen samples were also collected and analyzed. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the values between pre- and post-vaccination. Results: Of the 100 samples analyzed, there was a significant increase in progressive sperm motility after the second dose of vaccination, but the increase was within the physiological limits (pre-55.03 [42.00–61.75] vs. post-57.50 [42.25–63.00], P = 0.008). Similarly, a significant increase in serum testosterone level after the second vaccination dose was observed (pre-380.65 [301.60–485.73] vs. post-410 [318.18–505.35], P = 0.016). Conclusion: These preliminary results show that the COVID-19 vaccines do not have any adverse effect on the reproductive parameters of men. A prospective long-term follow-up study will be necessary on all WHO -approved COVID vaccines to determine their long-term effect on men's reproductive health. The future follow-up study could strengthen our findings and encourage the men who have vaccine hesitancy to take due to fear of its effect on reproductive parameters.

Background: The majority of amateur soccer players are vulnerable to soccer-related injuries and many such injuries are avoidable with an adequate education. Aim: The present study aimed to measure the impact of an intervention educational plan on improving amateur soccer players' knowledge and skills in preventing and handling soccer-related injuries. Subjects and Methods: The study design is a group-clustered randomized intervention-control trial, and it was carried out in Taif city, Saudi Arabia. The “Neighborhood League of Football” players were randomly allocated to a soccer injury prevention education group (intervention group) and a control group. A predesigned and validated questionnaire was used to study the changes in knowledge and skills about soccer injuries before the intervention (response a) and after (response b). Results: The study included 246 participants in the intervention group and 256 in the control group (n = 502). The median age was 22 years. The comparison of both groups' participants' performance showed significant differences in response b analyses and participants in the intervention group achieved significantly higher scores than the control group in total score levels (P < .0001), injury mechanisms (P < .0001), injury treatment and prevention (P < .0001), and health status (P < .034). The intervention group's scores on response b (after the educational sessions) were significantly higher than response a (before the educational sessions, P < 0.001). Conclusions: In multiple scales and overall score levels, intervention group participants achieved significantly higher scores than their control group counterparts. Educational assistance appears to have had a good impact on their knowledge and skills.

Background: The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the treatment of various ailments globally has called for more research. Aim: This study aimed to draw the attention of the stakeholders to the prevalence, pattern and awareness of CAM usage in otorhinolaryngological ailments and the need to safeguard the health of CAM users in Ekiti state, south – west Nigeria. Patients and Methods: This is a cross sectional descriptive study carried out over a 12-month period (January to December, 2019) among consented patients that attended ear, nose, and Throat (ENT) clinics in two tertiary health institutions in Ekiti state. All the participants are aged 18 years and above. A self-administered semi structured questionnaire was used to collect data from our respondents. Results: A total of 148 respondents were analyzed comprising of 56 (37.8%) males and 92 (62.2%) females given a male to female ratio of 1:1.6. Their age ranged from 20–79 years with a mean of 48.03 ± 15.11 SD. The highest response was in the age group 40–49 years representing 30.4% of the respondents. About half (51.4%) of our respondents were aware of the use of CAM for throat-related conditions. Few of the respondents (18.9%) are currently using CAM. About 33.1% of our respondents were satisfied with CAM. Only 4 (2.7%) of them experienced side effects to the use of CAM. For ear-related problems, Anointing/Olive (Olea europaea) oil was most commonly used in 34.5% of our respondents; Effinrin (Ocimum gratissimum), a local herb was commonly used in 29.7% for nose and local gin in 37.2% of our respondents for throat problems. Majority of them 44 (29.7%) got information about the various agents used through Vendors/traditional health practitioner. Conclusion: This study showed that the prevalent of CAM usage in ORL is quite low in our setting, which represent about one-fifth of the respondents. Although respondents claimed that the system was efficacious, awareness to its usage was very low and there was no evidence to prove that the diagnosis were known before using CAM. The use of Orthodox method in treating Otorhinolaryngological ailments is still the best. We therefore recommend empirical studies on CAM in future.

Background: Gravity impact has been mainly evaluated in mature teeth related to debris extrusion, even though it may affect the amount of apically extruded irrigant. In the literature the influence of gravity on the amount of apically extruded irrigant in immature teeth has been studied by a 45o inclined plate to mimic the position of the maxillary teeth and 90o for the mandibular teeth. However, patients are positioned horizontally in the dental chair while treatment. There is no study in the literature testing the horizontal position to mimic the clinical settings realistically. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of various irrigation systems on the amount of extruded irrigant in simulated immature maxillary and mandibular teeth irrigated in vertical and horizontal positions. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five maxillary central incisors with an apical opening of 1.3 mm in diameter were included. Irrigation procedures were performed with EndoVac, closed-ended, and open-ended needles using a VATEA peristaltic pump. The amount of apically extruded irrigant was determined using a microbalance. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Results: The EndoVac system caused almost no irrigant extrusion in all tested positions (P > 0.05); however, closed-ended and open-ended needles extruded more irrigant in a mandibular vertical position compared to maxillary vertical (P < 0.05) and maxillary horizontal positions (P < 0.05). Open-ended needles extruded the highest amount of irrigant. Conclusions: The EndoVac macrocannula is a more reliable and safer irrigation system as it prevents irrigant extrusion independent of the position of the tooth.

Background: School Health Instruction (SHI) comprises of series of formal, well-planned, and organized learning whereby information concerning knowledge, habits, attitudes, practices, and conducts are given pertaining to the health of an individual or members of the school community. A well-structured and implemented SHI forms the basis for a healthy health promotion. Aim: The study aimed at assessing the implementation of SHI among primary schools in a Local Government Area, Southwest, Nigeria. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among 67 private and public schools in a Local Government Area of Ekiti State using a standardized checklist and direct observation. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: The ratio of teachers to pupils was 1:16 in public schools and 1:10 in private schools. More public-school teachers (93.8%) compared to private school teachers (28.9) had education-related qualifications (P < 0.0001). All public schools adhered to the recommended three periods per week on health education while the frequency of adherence varied in private schools. About half of the private school teachers and 60.4% of the public school teachers have had in-service training on general health and health promotion. Direct teaching by a subject teacher was carried out by 11.9% of the schools while 49.3% had supplemental teaching aids. The scope of health education was uniform among all the schools. Only 46.3% of the schools attained the recommended minimum acceptable score on SHI. Conclusion: School health instruction was poorly implemented in the study location. There is a need to scale up SHI and monitor its implementation in the study location. These efforts should be supported by all stakeholders and backed with adequate oversight function by regulatory authorities, provision of in-service training, and teaching aids for teachers.

Background: The timing of surgery for femoral neck fractures in young adults remains controversial. Nonetheless, the debate continues about whether orthopedic trauma cases should be operated daytime or after hours. Aim: This study compared the clinical and radiological outcomes of surgery on femoral neck fractures during daytime versus after-hours. Patients and Methods: A total of 124 patients aged 18–60 years who were operated for femoral neck fractures between 2015 and 2020 were included in the study. The patients were separated into two groups. Seventy-two patients operated between 08:00 and 17:00 hours were defined as the daytime group and 52 patients operated between 17:01 and 07:59 hours were defined as the after-hours group. Demographic data, reduction quality, duration of operation, intraoperative estimated blood loss (EBL), postoperative complications, revision rates, and postoperative Harris hip score results of the two groups were recorded for analysis. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age, gender, body mass index, smoking, fracture type and follow-up time, reduction quality, postoperative complication rates, revision rates, and Harris hip score results. Waiting times until surgery, operation duration, and intraoperative EBL amounts were, in the daytime group, significantly higher than in the after-hours group. Conclusion: In this study comparing femoral neck fractures operated on daytime and after-hours in adults, the waiting time until surgery was found to be higher in the daytime group. Operation duration and EBL were higher in the after-hours group.

Background: In dentistry, needles are the most feared and anxiety-causing tool, making anesthetic injection a worrying practice for patients. Aim: To evaluate the effect of intraosseous anesthesia (IOA) and needle-free dental anesthesia (NFA) on pain levels in systemically healthy 8–10-year-old patients. Patients and Methods: Twenty patients aged 8–10 years were included in this cross-over study. Specifically, the pain was measured by Wong Baker, pulse rate (PR), and salivary opiorphin levels (SOL). In addition, the Frankl Behavioral scale was used to measure behaviors and face, legs, activity, cry, consolability (FLACC) was utilized to measure pain and discomfort. To determine the patients' anxiety levels Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Scale (SSAS-SAAS) was used. The Friedman and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: According to FLACC scores, IOA and NFA exhibited significantly pain alteration patterns in during local and topical anesthesia, respectively (p = 0.004, 0.001; P < 0.01). Also, only NFA showed significantly decreased SOL values in 5- and 10-min after local anesthesia periods compared to the before levels (p = 0.004, P = 0.001; P < 0.01). Conclusion: Patients feel similar pain perceptions during local anesthesia application in both injection systems. According to the SOL values, NFA may provide more higher anesthetic efficiency than IOA.

Background: Studies evaluating immunization data quality and its determinants in low- and middle-income countries are scarce. Aim: Therefore, this study assessed the accuracy of routine immunization data and its associated factors in Enugu State, South-East Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional, mixed-method study. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 60 out of 180 primary health facilities in six local government areas (LGAs). Routine data on Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG), pentavalent vaccine dose3 (Penta3), and Measles2 vaccinations in tallied registers, facility reports, and District Health Information System II (DHIS2) in 2020 were abstracted using a questionnaire. The dependent variables were the accuracy ratios of the facility and DHIS2 reports. We collected data on the independent variables including LGAs, type of location, facility type, tool availability, tool use, frequency of supervision, defaulter tracing, and vaccine tracking. Additionally, semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 35 purposively selected actors on factors affecting the data quality. The proportions of facilities with normal, under-, or over-reporting were summarized in percentages. The median accuracy ratios and interquartile range (IQR) were also reported. Differences in median accuracy ratios were tested using the independent sample median test. We tested the predictive model using a generalized linear model. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. The qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. Results: The accuracy of facility reports ranged from 38% to 68% (normal), 17–30% (under-reporting), and 15–35% (over-reporting) of health facilities. In DHIS2, the accuracy ranged from 5% to 10% (normal), 37–42% (under-reporting), and 53–63% (over-reporting) of health facilities. The median (IQR) accuracy ratios of facility reports were 100.0% (98.3–103.2%), 100.0% (98.5–103.6%), and 100.0% (81.6–110.2%) for BCG, Penta3, and Measles2, respectively. The median (IQR) accuracy ratios of DHIS2 reports were 83.6% (43.3–192.7%), 88.4% (37.8–200.8%), and 46.2% (10.7–202.7%) for BCG, Penta3, and Measles2, correspondingly. No facility characteristic predicted the accuracy of routine immunization reports. Reasons for inaccurate data include untimely recording, wrong counting, delayed reporting, infrequent supervision, lack of data audits, resource constraints, and high workload. Conclusions: Routine immunization data are not always accurate in Enugu state. Continuous efforts to improve the data monitoring system, supervision, data audits, funding, and staffing are warranted.

Background: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a frequently used procedure in the surgical treatment of obesity in recent years. However, surgeons have different opinions regarding the distance from the antrum to the pylorus. In addition, postprandial symptoms significantly affect the overall quality of life. Aim: Therefore, this study aimed to understand the relationship between postprandial symptoms with gastric emptying time and surgical procedures. Patients and Methods: Sixty patients who underwent LSG surgery were analyzed retrospectively and divided into two groups: antrum preserved (AP) and antrum resected (AR). The antral resection margin was 2 cm from the pylorus in 35 patients (AR group) and 6 cm in 25 patients (AP group). Semisolid gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES) was performed prospectively in both groups. Postprandial symptoms were standardized with a questionnaire. The relationship of symptoms with a half time of gastric emptying (GE T½), retention percentage at 30 and 60 minutes, lag phase, body mass index (BMI), and a decline in excess weight (% EWL), and antrum resection were investigated. The obtained results were compared between the two groups and with the control group. Results: The study group comprised 60 patients (49 F/11 M, mean age: 40.3 ± 20.1 years, BMI 31.6 ± 8.1 kg/m2). The half-time of gastric emptying in the AR and AP groups (28.00 min ± 9.58, 28.24 min ± 11.90, respectively), percentage gastric retention at 30 and 60 minutes in the AR and AP groups (30 minutes: %44.37 ± 17.88, %40.52 ± 14.56 and 60 minutes: 17 ± 8.9, 19 ± 3.1) was significantly different compared with the control group, but no significant difference was observed between the study groups. In addition, there was no statistically significant difference between the AR and AP groups in postprandial symptom scores >9 (68.6%, 60%, P = 0.681), GER (77.1%, 64%, P = 0.253), and postoperative BMI (p = .397), % EWL (p = .975), and T lag phase (p = .332). Conclusions: In our study, the postprandial symptoms were not affected between two different surgical procedures in LSG.

Background: Carotid and vertebral Doppler ultrasonography (USG) is the primary diagnostic tool for the detection of extra cranial atherosclerotic disease and measurement of posterior fossa blood flow volume. The examination is performed while the patient lies on supine position. However, in daily practice we occasionally encounter patients who are not able to lie down on supine position for different reasons, such as kyphosis, severe dyspnea, or severe back pain. Aim: We aimed to compare the doppler spectral measurements of carotid and vertebral arteries obtained in supine and sitting positions. Patients and Methods: Fifty-three patients were recorded in the first group, to whom carotid and vertebral (CV) Doppler Ultrasound examination was initially performed while sitting, and another 52 patients were examined as the second group where initial measurements were done in a supine position. Peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (ED) from each vessel, internal carotid artery (ICA)/common carotid artery (CCA) ratio, and volume flow of vertebral artery (VA) were measured in supine and sitting positions. Also, another 83 patients with a complaint of vertigo were included in the third group but only VA measurements were compared. Results: In the first group, there was a difference between sitting and supine positions in right ICA diastolic, right and left VA diastolic, and left CCA diastolic velocities (P < 0.05). In the second group, there was a difference in sitting and supine positions in right CCA systolic, right CCA diastolic, and left CCA diastolic velocities (P < 0.05). In the third group, there was a difference in sitting and supine positions in right and left VA diastolic velocities, left VA volume flow, and total VA volume flow (P < 0.05). A strong correlation was detected between supine and sitting positions regarding right and left ICA stenoses. Alterations in waveforms were noted in three patients' unilateral VAs, in supine and sitting positions. Conclusion: Our results suggest that CV doppler examinations may be performed in the sitting positions. Examination in the sitting position may be helpful in recognizing pre-steal and retrograde flows.

Background: Although COVID-19 has a milder course in pediatric patients than in adults, it can have a severe and fatal course in children with an underlying disease (UD). Aims: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological characteristics, treatment methods, and prognosis of pediatric patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Patients and Methods: The files of patients aged 0–18 years diagnosed with COVID-19 were retrospectively evaluated. Clinically and radiologically suspicious cases were accepted as confirmed cases if SARS-CoV-2 PCR positivity was found in nasopharyngeal swab samples. The severity of the disease was defined as asymptomatic, mild, moderate, and severe according to clinical, laboratory, and radiological features. Results: A total of 322 pediatric patients, 51.2% male and 48.8% female, were included in the study. The median age of the patients was 12.08 years (1 month–18 years). Of the 322 patients, 81 (25.1%) were asymptomatic. Disease severity was as follows: 218 were (67.7%) mild, 14 were (4.3%) moderate, and 9 (2.7%) were severe. 35.7% of the patients were hospitalized. Six percent were admitted to the intensive care unit, and three (0.93%) patients died. The mortality rate in patients with the UD was 3.3%. Conclusion: In our study, we determined that the disease had a more severe course in patients with initial procalcitonin, D-dimer, troponin increase, and thrombocytopenia. Although COVID-19 has a mild course in children, this is unfortunately not true for children with an UD.

Background: The relationship between oxygen saturation (SpO₂) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) in patients with acute asthma is variable. Aim: This study aims to assess the predictive value and correlation of this relationship in identifying children with mild symptoms of asthma exacerbation and defining their role in guiding early intervention decision-making. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective review of the register of children with asthma seen at the respiratory clinic of a tertiary center in Nigeria from April 2014 to February 2020. Information on their biodata, medical history, clinical status, baseline SPO_2, and %predicted PEFR was retrieved and analyzed. Results: The mean values for participants with no symptoms and those with mild symptoms of asthma exacerbation were respectively: SpO₂ was 97 ± 1.6% and 96 ± 2.6% (MD: 1.2; 95% CI; 0.7–1.7, P < 0.001); %predicted PEFR: 77.8 ± 17.8 and 64.1 ± 23 (MD; 13.68; 95% CI; 7.3 to 20.0, P < 0.001). Among those with uncontrolled asthma who were having mild symptom exacerbation of their asthma, the correlation between SpO2 and %predicted PEFR was significantly moderate (r = 0.44, P = 0.04). Children with SpO₂ between the range of 92%–95% were significantly more likely to have mild symptoms of asthma exacerbation (OR: 2.52,95% CI: 1.22, 5.2, P = 0.01) compared to those with SpO2 >95%. Conclusion: Children with SpO2 of <95% are more likely to have an acute asthma exacerbation. While SpO₂ and PEFR have more role in identifying children without acute asthma exacerbation and a limited role in identifying children with mild symptoms of asthma due to their exacerbation due to their moderate to poor correlation.

Backround: The world population is aging with the prolongation of the expected life expectancy. With the increase in the elderly population in the World, successful aging and leisure activities gained importance. Leisure activities contribute to successful aging by supporting an active lifestyle. Aim: This study was designed to examine the relationship between older adults' participation in leisure activities and successful aging indicators such as life satisfaction, happiness, mental well-being, depression, anxiety, and stress. Subjects and Methods: The sample of this one-group and pre-post experimental study consisted of 28 older adults. The data were collected using the Descriptive Information Form for the Older Adults, The Happiness, Depression-Anxiety-Stress, Satisfaction with Life, and Mental Well-being Scales. The older adults participated in activities such as bead stringing, rope tying, socks matching, rope knitting, chess, and checkers, according to their preferences, for 30–45 min daily for 7 weeks. Results: The Happiness Scale scores statistically significantly increased to 24.39 ± 5.15 (P = 0.027 <0.05) at post-test after the activity. Similarly, Life Satisfaction Scale scores increased significantly to 16.54 ± 3.49 after the activity (P = 0.001 <0.05). There was a statistically significant decrease in Depression and Stress Scale scores (depression P = 0.035 <0.05; stress P = 0.011 < 0.05); however, a statistically insignificant increase was seen in anxiety scores (P = 0.758 >0.05). A statistically insignificant increase was also found in the Mental Well-Being Scale post-test score (P = 0.103 >0.05). Conclusion: Although leisure activities, effective in successful aging, have a significant effect on the happiness, life satisfaction, depression, and stress levels of older adults, they have no significant effect on the levels of anxiety and mental well-being. To maintain the positive effects of leisure activities, which are effective on success and aging in older adults, these activities can be included in the programs of institutions where people of this age group live.

Background and Aim: The many advantages of low-flow anesthesia are now recognized. Apart from its positive effects on the patient, it is clear that it is a method that all anesthetists should prefer with its positive effects on the ecological balance. Patients and Methods: This prospective, observational, cross-sectional study included 80 patients aged 18-65 years with an American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 1-2 (ASA I-II) who were scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Results: Although the operation time and anesthesia duration were higher in the low anesthesia group group, sevoflurane consumption was lower. Considering the operation times, up to 60% savings were achieved. Conclusion: In our study, we safely applied low-flow anesthesia to our patients with advanced monitoring. We believe that low-flow anesthesia is advantageous in terms of both patients' health, ecological balance, and cost.

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to enhance health care efficiency and diagnostic accuracy. Aim: The present study aimed to determine the current performance of AI using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images for detection and segmentation. Materials and Methods: A systematic search for scholarly articles written in English was conducted on June 24, 2021, in PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed articles that evaluated AI systems using CBCT images for detection and segmentation purposes and achieved reported outcomes in terms of precision and recall, accuracy, based on DICE index and Dice similarity coefficient (DSC). The Cochrane tool for assessing the risk of bias was used to evaluate the studies that were included in this meta-analysis. A random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled effect size. Results: Thirteen studies were included for review and analysis. The pooled performance that measures the included AI models is 0.85 (95%CI: 0.73,0.92) for DICE index/DSC, 0.88 (0.77,0.94) for precision, 0.93 (0.84, 0.97) for recall, and 0.83 (0.68, 0.91) for accuracy percentage. Conclusion: Some limitations are identified in our meta-analysis such as heterogenicity of studies, risk of bias and lack of ground truth. The application of AI for detection and segmentation using CBCT images is comparable to services offered by trained dentists and can potentially expedite and enhance the interpretive process. Implementing AI into clinical dentistry can analyze a large number of CBCT studies and flag the ones with significant findings, thus increasing efficiency. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO, the international registry for systematic reviews (ID number CRD42021285095).

Interventional radiology is a minimally invasive therapeutic approach that may be of benefit for some gynecological conditions. We present the case of a 40-year-old nulliparous woman with postoperative pyometra following open myomectomy who was considered for a hysterectomy, but the gynecologist requested that an attempt be made at percutaneous drainage of the abscess to salvage her uterus. We achieved a successful computed-tomography-guided percutaneous drainage of the abscess.

Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is underreported in the immunocompetent, the disease being more commonly associated with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease. We report the diagnosis, management, and eventual fatal outcome of CM in a non-HIV-infected man. Late presentation, delayed diagnosis, difficulties in accessing medications, and raised intracranial pressure (ICP) were contributory to his demise. Detailed history, a high index of suspicion, and laboratory workup coupled with prompt antifungal therapy and aggressive ICP management are essential for better outcomes.

Septic arthritis of the neonatal hip is a very rare pathology. The clinical features may be different from those associated with older children, resulting in diagnostic challenges. Delay in instituting treatment, especially in neonates could be associated with severe dysfunction and deformity in a significant number of affected children. Therefore, treatment should be prompt and comprise broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotic therapy, surgical drainage, and general supportive care. The index patient is a 3-week-old neonate who had left hip arthrotomy on account of septic arthritis. The aim of this report is to highlight the challenges encountered in the diagnosis of septic arthritis of the hip in this patient.

Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein, skin changes (POEMS) syndrome is a rare plasma cell dyscrasia disease involving multiple organs combined with idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. It has been reported only four times in the English literature. Here, we present the first case of a 62-year-old male POEMS syndrome patient with portal hypertension treated with the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), after he presented with a 10-day history of melena. The diagnosis of POEMS syndrome was given because the patient presented with polyneuropathy, monoclonal plasma cell proliferative disorder, sclerotic bone lesions, splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, ascites, hypothyroidism, and hyperpigmentation. The presence of portal hypertension was confirmed by esophageal varices, congested and edematous stomach body, splenomegaly, and transudate ascites in which the serum-ascites albumin gradient of ascites fluid was over 11 g/L (a concentration considered to be associated with POEMS syndrome), as no other causes were found. The patient fasted and received conservative drug treatments on admission, but symptoms of melena soon recurred within 1 week after resuming his diet. After TIPS and venous embolization were performed, symptoms of bleeding were effectively controlled, while the patient subsequently developed hepatic encephalopathy, which ultimately led to death. The presence of gastrointestinal bleeding in POEMS syndrome with idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension indicates a poor prognosis. Given that this was the first patient to receive TIPS, and although the incidence of hepatic encephalopathy has increased, TIPS is still acceptable for refractory variceal bleeding.

Background: Pancreatic duct adenocarcinoma is increasing in incidence without appreciable decrease in overall survival despite decades of heightened research. Its mortality rate approaches its incidence rate. We report a case of carcinoma of the pancreas that had complete response from adjuvant chemotherapy. Case Presentation: A 39-year old male radiographer presented with a 3-month history of progressively worsening epigastric pain radiating to the back, associated with history of weight loss, anorexia, and jaundice. Abdominal CT scan showed a mass in the head of pancreas. A Whipple's operation was planned for the patient. However, intraoperatively, the head and body of the pancreas were found to have been taken over by the tumor, which encased the portal vein as well. Multiple core needle biopsies of the pancreas were taken. Cholecystojejunostomy, gastrojejunostomy, and jejunojejunostomy were then done. Histopathologic analysis of the specimen revealed a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. He was commenced on 28-day cycle of gemcitabine 1000 mg/m² on Days 1, 8, and 15 plus capecitabine 830 mg/m² on Days 1–14. Repeat CT scan done after the 4^th cycle showed no residual tumor in the pancreas. He has been in good health after 36 months follow-up, having received eight cycles of chemotherapy. He was counseled on resection of the pancreas, but he declined. Conclusion: Complete radiologic response may rarely occur after adjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. This does not, however, imply a cure of the disease.