Volume 2, Issue 2, 2024
Editorial
What are the Strategies for Controlling Hydatid Cysts in Developing Countries?
Dahat A. Hussein
Hydatid cysts (HC), caused by the tapeworm of the genus Echinococcus, pose a significant public health challenge in many developing countries. These cysts primarily affect livestock, such as sheep, cattle, and goats, but can also infect humans, the two most important forms in humans are cystic echinococcosis (hydatidosis) and alveolar echinococcosis, leading to serious health complications. Control measures for HC are crucial to lessen the impact on both human and animal health. This editorial explores the possible strategies for controlling HC in developing countries, focusing on prevention, surveillance, treatment, and community education [1,2].
Preventing HC in developing countries may require a multifaceted approach. One crucial aspect is controlling the transmission of Echinococcus eggs from infected animals to humans. This involves implementing measures such as deworming programs for livestock, proper disposal of infected animal carcasses, and promoting good hygiene practices among livestock handlers and population Furthermore, community education plays a vital role in preventing HC. Educating individuals about the risks associated with handling infected animals, the importance of proper hand hygiene, and the benefits of cooking meat thoroughly can help reduce the transmission of the parasite [2].
Effective surveillance is essential for monitoring the prevalence of HC and identifying high-risk areas in developing countries. Surveillance systems should involve regular screening of both livestock and humans for Echinococcus infection. This can be achieved through the use of diagnostic tests such as serological assays and imaging techniques like ultrasound. Additionally, active surveillance programs can help detect outbreaks early and facilitate timely intervention measures. Collaborative efforts between government agencies, healthcare providers, and veterinary professionals are crucial for establishing robust surveillance systems in resource-limited settings [3, 4].
Treating HC in developing countries often presents challenges due to limited access to healthcare resources and diagnostic tools. However, prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications such as cyst rupture and dissemination. Surgical intervention remains the primary treatment option for HC, involving the removal of the cysts and surrounding tissue. In some cases, minimally invasive techniques such as puncture–aspiration–injection–re-aspiration (PAIR) may be used as an alternative to surgery, particularly in resource-limited settings. In addition to medical treatment, access to safe and effective anthelmintic drugs is crucial for controlling HC. Ensuring the availability of these medications and training healthcare providers in their appropriate use are essential components of treatment strategies in developing countries [5,6].
Educating communities about HC, their transmission, and prevention measures might play a significant role in sustainable control efforts. This can be achieved through various educational initiatives, including workshops, community outreach programs, and the distribution of educational materials. Furthermore, engaging with local community leaders and healthcare providers can facilitate the adoption of preventive measures within communities. Emphasizing the importance of early detection, timely treatment, and proper hygiene practices can empower individuals to take proactive steps in protecting themselves and their livestock from HC.
In conclusion, controlling HC in developing countries requires a comprehensive approach that addresses prevention, surveillance, treatment, and community education. By implementing targeted interventions and fostering collaboration between government agencies, healthcare providers, community stakeholders, and the scientific community However, extensive research and investigations in this regard are highly recommended.
Original Articles
Cancer Publications in One Year (2023): A Cross-Sectional Study
Ervin Mingomataj, Marsida Krasniqi, Kreshnike Dedushi, Kapustin Andrey Sergeevich, Davor Kust,...
Introduction
Cancer is a disease where transformed cells undergo uncontrolled division and survival. The incidence of cancer and hence its burden is on the rise. This study aims to evaluate the scientific studies published on cancer in the year 2023.
Methods
A cross-sectional study included the cancer papers that were published in the year 2023. After extracting the data from the Google Scholar engine, they were all gathered and recorded in a Microsoft Excel 2010 sheet. All of the data were rigorously evaluated, calculated, and then presented as frequencies and percentages.
Results
A total of 181,189 studies published in 2023 on cancers and their different types were seen as eligible to be included in this study. Amongst them, studies on breast cancers with 31,000 studies were the most common whereas subglottic cancers with only 7 studies were the least common in that year.
Conclusion
The gap between the incidence rate of each type of cancer and the number of studies published on each type makes it harder to thoroughly grasp the nature of the disease to its utmost extent.
Comparing ChatGPT and Google Bard: Assessing AI-Powered Information Retrieval in Nursing
Yousif M. Mahmood, Rebaz O. Mohammed, Imad J. Habibullah, Hawbash M. Rahim, Abdulwahid M. Salih
Introduction
In healthcare, rapid access to accurate information is essential, especially for nurses who make critical decisions. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers promise in this context, with ChatGPT and Google Bard being notable AI-driven information retrieval tools.
Methods
This study evaluated ChatGPT and Google Bard's performance by assessing their responses to 50 diverse medical knowledge questions, covering infection control, vital signs, CPR, and more, and comparing their response to the correct answers.
Results
ChatGPT achieved a 64% accuracy rate, while Google Bard achieved 56%. Both models agreed on key medical concepts, but disagreements emerged in some areas, highlighting disparities in their responses. Nurses' expertise in patient-centered care, clinical judgment, and communication complements AI. AI aids in providing evidence-based information but cannot replace nurses' human touch and critical thinking. Integrating AI into nursing education enhances learning and prepares professionals for evolving healthcare landscapes.
Conclusion
ChatGPT and Google Bard have strengths and weaknesses, making them valuable aids but not substitutes for nurses. Ethical considerations are vital as AI continues to shape healthcare. Nurses must ensure ethical AI use while upholding their commitment to compassionate care.
COVID-19 Ocular Manifestation: A Cross-Sectional Study
Hussein Ali Ramadhan, Abdullah A. Qadir, Roza E. Mirdan, Harem K. Ahmed, Imad J. Habibullah,...
Introduction
The world is infected with a new strain of the coronavirus family known as COVID-19. This virus strain attacked several organs in the human body, causing symptoms ranging from mild to severe and, in some cases, life-threatening. Multiple organs, including the eye, can get infected.
Methods
The study was a single-center prospective cross-sectional study that included patients with a recent COVID-19 infection. The study was conducted in the ophthalmology department of Erbil Teaching Hospital in Erbil City from June 2021 to April 2022. The participants were recruited from the outpatient clinic in a non-probability convenience sampling way.
Results
The study included 75 patients. The most common ocular disease encountered in COVID-19 patients was posterior subcapsular cataract (12, 16.0%). Their ages are between 26 and 56 years old. The cataract developed in twelve patients (12, 16.0%), and it was bilateral in nine cases (18 eyes) with a varying degree of density. The next most common manifestation was multiple punctate epitheliopathy found in nine patients, which was bilateral in all of them. Follicular conjunctivitis was encountered in eight patients; it resolved in a period of 5 to 8 days after the prescription of topical anti-inflammatory medications.
Conclusion
COVID-19 infection is a multi-systemic disease that can cause a variety of ocular clinical symptoms and complications. Blurred vision and conjunctivitis-like features are the most common ocular presentations of the infection.
Colonoscopic Findings in Patients with Rectal Bleeding Suspected to Have Internal Hemorrhoids: A Cohort Study
Hoshmand R. Asaad, Heero Ismael Faraj, Dana T. Gharib, Mohammed Shaikhani, Karokh F. Hama...
Introduction
Rectal bleeding is a prevalent clinical symptom associated with various anorectal pathology. Colonoscopy is a valuable diagnostic and therapeutic tool for a wide range of colorectal diseases. The objective of this study was to identify potential alternative diagnoses for hematochezia observed during colonoscopy, which initially appeared to be caused by hemorrhoids.
Methods
A retrospective study was conducted on a total of 80 consecutive patients who had been clinically diagnosed with rectal bleeding. The patients underwent a digital rectal examination, and then they were prepared for a total colonoscopy. Biopsies were taken from patients who had abnormal findings and sent for histopathological examination.
Results
A total ileo-colonoscopy was performed on 80 patients presenting with rectal bleeding. The male-to-female ratio was 1.05:1, with a mean age of 45.40±15.54 years old. About 56.3% of the patients had only hemorrhoids, while other findings were observed in 43.7% of the cases. The other findings were anal fissures, proctitis, colitis, solitary rectal ulcer, colorectal carcinoma, diverticula, or polyps.
Conclusion
Rectal bleeding can stem from various causes, among them hemorrhoids. Thus, colonoscopy stands as an essential diagnostic tool for accurately identifying the causes of the condition.
Review Articles
Post COVID-19 Pulmonary Fibrosis Management: A Systematic Review
Hamdi Yahya Al Turkey, Aland S. Abdullah, Harem K. Ahmed, Bnar J. Hama Amin, Yousif M. Mahmood,...
Introduction
Post-COVID-19 Pulmonary Fibrosis (PC-19-PF) is among the complications following COVID-19. It is the complication that is associated with the most amount of long-term impact on the respiratory system. Different physicians approach management in different ways; therefore, we conduct a study to neatly summarize all the different management and their possible outcomes.
Methods
The databases that were searched included CINAHL, PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and EMBASE to identify English language studies published up to October 5th, 2023.
Results
Initially, the systematic search conducted brought 150 papers. Out of the 150, 13 of them were included in this study. A total of 662 patients were included in the study, all with different managements for COVID-19-induced pulmonary fibrosis. The mean age was 61.8 years. Many comorbidities were observed in patients with COVID-19-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Different treatment regimens were picked based on the different conditions of the patients but as far as antifibrotics go, Pirfenidone and Nintedanib were the most commonly used ones.
Conclusion
Both antifibrotics and steroids seemed to yield justifiable outcomes when used separately as well as when used in combination.
Presentation and Management of Porocarcinoma: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis of More Than One Thousand Patients
Aland S. Abdullah, Suhaib H. Kakamad, Fakher Abdullah, Yousif M. Mahmood, Gona M. Fatah, Imad J....
Introduction
Porocarcinoma is an aggressive cutaneous carcinoma arising from the intraepidermal component of the sweat glands. Given its uncommon nature, only a limited number of studies have addressed this issue. This study summarizes the different presentations and management of the disease.
Methods
The eligible databases were searched to identify English-language studies published up to January 16th, 2024. The inclusion criteria comprised studies that focused on the presentation and management of eccrine porocarcinoma, with a clear statement of the outcomes of the chosen management. The data collected from the studies included the first author's name, country of study, type of study design, patient demography, the clinical presentation of the tumor and its location, histopathological findings, metastasis status, treatment strategy, and the subsequent prognosis.
Results
The initial search yielded 817 papers, with only 22 meeting the inclusion criteria. The studies comprised 1004 patients with a mean age of 78.7 years. In total, 527 (52.5%) of them were male and 461(45.9%) were female. The most commonly affected regions were the head and neck followed by the lower extremities. The most frequent treatment option was surgical excision in 876 (87.3%) patients. Distant metastasis accounted for about 2%, while lymph node involvement, occurred in 36 cases (3.6%). A good prognosis was reported in 57.3% of the cases. Both the age and tumor size had a significant effect on prognosis (p <0.05).
Conclusion
The lesion can develop anywhere on the body, with a survival rate exceeding 50%. Wide-based surgical excision remains the predominant treatment option.
Breastfeeding Impact on Cancer in Women: A Systematic Review
Aland S. Abdullah, Halkawt O. Ali, Huda M. Muhammad, Lana RA. Pshtiwan, Rebaz M. Ali, Nahida Hama...
Introduction
Many studies have emphasized the impact of breastfeeding on the health of both the mother and the infant, especially its impact on the different types of cancers that can develop in the mother. Due to the ongoing conflict regarding whether or not breastfeeding reduces, increases, or has no impact on the risk of cancer, this systematic review was conducted to settle this conflict and shed light on the issue.
Methods
The CINAHL, PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases were thoroughly searched to identify any studies published in the English Language up to November 25th, 2023.
Results
Out of the initial 170 papers the systematic search brought, 16 of them met all the criteria and were left to be included in the study. A sum of 29,100 patients were included in the study with 19,905 of them having breastfed. A total of 14,817 patients were developing different types of cancer and within them, breast cancer was the most frequent. Furthermore, there seemed to be a majority association between breastfeeding and cancer in the mother as most of the studies concluded that breastfeeding is observed to decrease the risk.
Conclusion
The majority of studies support the hypothesis that breastfeeding and breastfeeding duration both lower the risk of cancer, especially breast cancer, developed in the mother.
Presentation and Management of Thyroid Hydatid Cyst: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of the Literature
Abdullah A. Qadir, Ismael Y. Abdullah, Muhammed Bag A. Ali, Rebaz O. Mohammed, Hardi M. Dhair,...
Introduction
Hydatid cysts of the thyroid gland, though rare, pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. This systematic review summarizes current knowledge on the presentation, diagnosis, and management.
Methods
A systematic review of the published studies of thyroid hydatid cysts was conducted. The included studies of thyroid hydatid cysts had the following properties: 1) The thyroid infection was confirmed by diagnostic modalities, surgical findings, or histopathology. 2) The case presentation was provided in the study. 3) The cyst(s) were originally located or adhered to the thyroid and did not rupture into it from the other adjacent structures or organs.
Results
Overall, 39 studies were compatible with the inclusion criteria. Turkey had the highest case occurrence (36%). Female predominance (59%) and a mean age of 38.33 years were observed. Mass (79.5%) was the most common symptom, followed by hoarseness of voice (4%). Serology (18.75% positive) and ultrasound (77.5%) were primarily used for diagnosis. Surgery was the mainstay of treatment (96%), with total thyroidectomy (32.6%) and left hemithyroidectomy (16%) being the most common approaches. No recurrence was reported in the follow-up period (0%).
Conclusion
This review highlights the rarity, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and successful surgical management of thyroid hydatid cysts. Further research is needed to optimize diagnostic methods and explore alternative treatment options.
Case Reports
Bilateral Giant Hydatid Pulmonary Cysts in a Pediatric Patient: A Rare Case Report
Wirya N. Sabr, Azad Star Hattam, Karzan M. Hasan, Honar Othman Kareem, Harem K. Ahmed, Suhaib H....
Introduction
Pulmonary hydatid cysts, resulting from the Echinococcus tapeworm larva, primarily affect the lungs. The global incidence is elevated in regions with prevalent livestock farming due to the ingestion of Echinococcus eggs. Bilateral involvement is an infrequent presentation, carrying inherent respiratory risks. Accurate and prompt diagnosis necessitates a comprehensive approach involving imaging studies and serological tests to uncover this parasitic affliction.
Case presentation
In a 15-year-old male from an underprivileged rural background, bilateral giant hydatid cysts manifested. The patient's exposure to this parasitic infection was linked to his rural setting and contact with pets. The case unfolded with respiratory symptoms, prompting an investigation that revealed substantial bilateral cystic lesions. Successful surgical intervention and diligent postoperative care resulted in a smooth and uncomplicated recovery for the patient.
Conclusion
While giant bilateral hydatid cyst cases are rare, their documentation provides invaluable insights into the understanding and management of this complex condition. The prognosis hinges on various factors, underlining the importance of a multidisciplinary post-surgical approach for optimal patient outcomes.
Tick Infestation on the Scalp Leading to Misguided Medical Consultation: A Case Report
Ronak Saeed Ahmed, Azad Star Hattam, Hiwa O. Abdullah, Bilal A. Mohammed, Karzan M. Hasan, Honar...
Introduction
Ticks frequently target wild, hairy mammals and can cause diverse complications when biting humans. This report highlights a case of scalp tick infestation in a child, leading to seeking unrelated medical consultation.
Case presentation
A 7-year-old female presented with a severe headache and neck stiffness for two days. The parents brought their child to a neurology clinic. Then, the patient was referred to a dermatology clinic due to a scalp tick infestation. The patient suffered from severe pain and irritability, making it difficult to tolerate any touch of the scalp. Physical examination revealed a few bleeding points, with a single grey tick (Ixodes species) firmly attached to the scalp. It was gently removed using blunt forceps and after 10 days of follow-up, there were no signs of scalp rash, fever, or lymphadenopathy.
Conclusion
Tick bites on the scalp can present with severe headaches and neck stiffness that may be disguised as other neurological conditions and cause seeking non-related medical consultation.