Global Challenges of Enteric Fever: Gaps, Hurdles, and Hope
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By Steam
Methods Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, an extensive literature search was performed utilizing PubMed and Scopus databases from 2015 to 2024. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving preterm infants (26–34 weeks gestation) who received olfactory stimulation (e.g., milk, vanilla, rose odors) compared to standard care. The primary outcome was the number of days required to achieve full oral feeding. Data were synthesized using a random-effects meta-analysis model, and methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool and GRADE framework. Results Out of 1,029 identified records, five RCTs met inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis showed that olfactory stimulation significantly reduced the time to full oral feeding (mean difference = -1.37 days; 95% CI: -2.36 to -0.39; p = 0.006), with high heterogeneity (I² = 98%). Subgroup analyses indicated the greatest benefit in studies using milk odor and in smaller cohorts. Conclusion A safe and non-invasive strategy, olfactory stimulation appears to facilitate a quicker transition to full oral feeding in preterm infants. However, future research, particularly large-scale studies, is required to ascertain its long-term efficacy and refine intervention protocols. Keywords: Enteral Nutrition; Feeding Behavior; Infant, Premature; Olfactory Stimulation; Randomized Controlled Trial
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None of Us Is as Smart as All of Us
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Imagine Mrs. XYZ, a 69-year-old woman living in a remote area with her son’s family. One evening, she was brought to the hospital after a minor fall. Upon examination, her blood pressure was low, and she had a small fracture in her hip. The medical doctor admitted her for observation and pain management. During her care, the nurse noticed she seemed more confused than expected. During a medication review, the pharmacist realized she was taking two different medications prescribed by different doctors for the same condition, which were lowering her blood pressure, which might have led to the fall. A physiotherapist noticed that her muscle strength was poor for her age and suspected early frailty. The public health specialist spoke with her family and found out that Mrs. XYZ had a sedentary lifestyle with poor eating habits. The psychologist uncovered that she was grieving her husband’s recent death and suffering from undiagnosed depression. She was feeling like a burden to her family. If all these professionals had not spoken up or only worked in silos, Mrs. XYZ would’ve been discharged as ‘stable’, only to return weeks later with a major depressive episode, a serious injury or even something irreversible.
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Reconceptualizing Chronic Pain: Neurological Mechanisms and Innovative Coping Strategies
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Millions of individuals are suffering from Chronic pain, which is defined as pain that continues beyond three to six months. Old models focus on physical causes and often depend on pharmacological treatments. However, persistent pain after injury has subsided indicating a need for a more comprehensive understanding. Recent advancements in neuroscience classify chronic pain as a neurological disorder, opening the door for new and innovative treatment avenues.
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Navigating a Paradigm Shift: Lerodalcibep in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases as an Alternative to Monoclonal Antibodies (PCSK9 Inhibitors)
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Nearly 17.5 million deaths globally are attributed to non-communicable disease (NCD) causes, with cardiovascular disease (CVD) being the main culprit. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) medications are now available, but cardiovascular disease (CVD) still causes a considerable amount of morbidity and mortality, especially in patients who may not respond well to existing treatments. In this regard, significant progress has been made in reducing LDL-C levels and, consequently, the risk of CVD with monoclonal antibodies that inhibit proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). Even with these medications, more easily available, reasonably priced, and patient-friendly substitutes are still required.
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Surgical Interventions in Pain Management: Addressing Gaps in Medical Education and Patient Care
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Pain is defined by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) as “an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage” (International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP), n.d.). The global prevalence of chronic pain is estimated at 20.0%, with women more affected than men, and prevalence increases with age. Proper classification and early detection are critical, as delayed treatment can worsen outcomes.
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Vitamin D: A Simple Yet Effective Strategy for Preventing Diabetes
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Over a billion individuals worldwide lack sufficient amounts of vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin that regulates more than 300 genes. Concurrently, diabetes is a major worldwide health concern that raises mortality and morbidity in a variety of populations. As diabetes is currently a common endocrine condition, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is predicted to rise sharply over the next several decades. Therefore, addressing prediabetes is essential for preventing its progression into diabetes.
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Novel Biomarkers for the Early Detection of Myocardial Infarction
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Early detection of myocardial infarction (MI) is essential, yet traditional biomarkers like Troponin and CK-MB have limited sensitivity in the initial hours after symptom onset. Emerging biomarkers such as miRNA-208, miRNA-499, and Copeptin show promise for earlier diagnosis, particularly within the first 3 hours. Additionally, markers like GDF-15, sST2, suPAR, H-FABP, sLOX-1, and various RNAs (including N1LR, SNHG1, TTTY15, and HULC) offer potential for improved MI detection and prognostic assessment. Integrating these novel biomarkers could enhance early diagnosis and management of MI, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.
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