Current Issue (Volume 2, Issue 4), 2024

In the urgent realm of global health, it is imperative to acknowledge and promptly address the distinct characteristics of diseases that afflict developing countries. These nations face a unique set of challenges that contribute to the burden of illness and significantly impact the quality of life for their populations. By promptly exploring the key features of diseases in developing countries, we can better understand the complex interplay between socioeconomic factors and health outcomes [1].

One of the primary characteristics of diseases in developing countries is their disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations. Socio-economic disparities, limited access to healthcare, inadequate sanitation infrastructure, and poor nutrition contribute to the heightened susceptibility of marginalized communities to preventable infectious diseases such as hydatid cysts, malaria, tuberculosis, and diarrheal illnesses. The lack of resources and infrastructure further exacerbates the spread of these diseases, creating a cycle of sickness and poverty [2,3].

Furthermore, the prevalence of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) is a defining feature of the disease landscape in developing countries. These illnesses, which include dengue fever, Chagas disease, and schistosomiasis, predominantly affect populations in low-resource settings and often go unnoticed on the global health agenda. The burden of NTDs is compounded by limited funding for research and treatment, leaving affected communities without adequate support and interventions [4].

In addition to infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are on the rise in developing countries, posing a dual burden of illness alongside contagious diseases. Factors such as urbanization, lifestyle changes, and an aging population contribute to the increasing prevalence of conditions like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. The inadequate healthcare infrastructure in many developing countries further hinders NCDs' prevention, diagnosis, and management, leading to poorer health outcomes for those affected [5].

Addressing the characteristics of diseases in developing countries requires a multi-faceted approach that encompasses strengthening the healthcare system, investing in public health infrastructure, and, most importantly, providing equitable access to essential medicines. By ensuring fair access to these medicines, we can work towards achieving health equity and reducing the burden of disease in developing countries.

The Original Article was published on 10 February 2023

The article mentioned above, which was published online on 10th of October, 2023, in Barw Medical Journal (Complications of Abdominal Wall Hernia Repair Using Mesh: A Single Cohort Study), has been retracted as a result of an agreement between the journal's Editor in Chief, Professor Kawkab Shishani, and Barw Publisher. The publisher learned from a third party that several articles had similar formats and structures. Also, there was a conflict between the authors; not all authors approved the last version of the manuscript. These all lead to the decision to retract it. The authors did not respond to the notification of retraction.

Introduction

The saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) serves as a proximal link joining the superficial and deep veins in the lower limbs. Its anatomical position is typically 2.5 cm inferior and 4 cm lateral to the pubic tubercle. This study reports an exceptional case wherein the SFJ was found in the lower thigh.

Case presentation

A 24-year-old male presented with left leg pain and swelling for five years duration. Clinically, the left lower limb showed noticeable varicose veins. The duplex ultrasound showed several enlarged varicose veins, primarily around the knee. However, the SFJ was observed roughly 15 cm below the pubic tubercle, with a reflux lasting more than four seconds. The patient declined all therapy modalities, and regrettably, he was lost to further follow-up.

Literature review

No prior reports were found in the literature describing such an abnormal positioning of the SFJ approximately 15 cm below the pubic tubercle.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the lower limb veins have various anatomical variations, locating the SFJ in the mid-third of the thigh is rare and has not been documented in the literature.

Introduction

Pulmonary sporotrichosis (PST) is a rare and neglected but severe disease. Its optimal management remains challenging, as recommendations are primarily derived from case reports. This study summarizes PST patients' presentation, diagnosis, management, and outcome.

Methods

Studies were identified through a search on Google Scholar and PubMed. The collected data included study characteristics, demographic data, risk factors, comorbidities, clinical status, presentations, imaging findings, diagnostic methods, disease focality, fungal species, treatment methods, complications, ICU admission status, and outcomes.

Results

Most of the studies were conducted in the USA (71.7%). In total, 34.7% of the cases were smokers, 30.7% had occupational exposure to dust and soil, 5.3% had contact with pets or roses or wooden materials, and 2.7% had environmental exposure. Overall, 32% of the patients were alcoholic, 29.3% had bacterial infections, 24% had respiratory or pulmonary diseases, and 17.3% were found to have HIV. The most frequently reported symptom was coughing (61.3%). The most common imaging finding was cavitary lesions (53.3%). The most commonly utilized diagnostic approach was sputum culture (69.3%). A combined conservative regimen was the treatment of choice in 26 patients (34.7%). The survival rate was 69.3%, with a recurrence rate of 5.8%.

Conclusion

The coexistence of multiple risk factors may trigger the disease. Its low incidence in endemic areas suggests the potential for missed or misdiagnosed cases. Treatment approaches include a combined conservative regimen or in combination with surgery. The survival rate is high, but the mortality rate should not be overlooked.

Introduction

Gastric mucormycosis is a highly lethal condition with nonspecific signs that have become increasingly underrecognized in the last decade. The current study aims to systematically review gastric mucormycosis, highlighting its presenting symptoms, risk factors, various management approaches, and their outcomes.

Methods

Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were systematically searched for papers on gastric mucormycosis published up to June 1, 2024. The current study included papers documenting cases of gastric mucormycosis across all ages and genders, detailing diagnostic modalities and management approaches.

Results

A total of 106 studies were selected, including 115 patients, of whom 80 (69.4%) were male. The average age of the patients was 47.91 ± 17.01 years. The main presenting symptom was abdominal pain in 58 (50.4%) patients, followed by vomiting, fever, and melaena in 28 (24.3%), 25 (21.7%), and 18 (15.6%) patients, respectively. No identifiable risk factor was present in 33 (28.7%) patients. However, a history of organ transplantation, diabetes mellitus, or hematologic malignancy was reported in 26 (22.6%), 25 (21.7%), and 10 (8.7%) patients, respectively. The conservative management approach exhibited the highest survival rate among the various strategies, with 39 (66.1%) patients surviving, which was statistically significant (P-value <0.001).

Conclusion

Conservative management demonstrates higher survival rates than combined surgical and conservative approaches. However, this finding could be attributed to a more extensive disease in those requiring surgery. Therefore, an individualized assessment of each patient should be made on a case-by-case basis.

Introduction

Despite the increasing number of pediatric cases of iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome (CS) due to topical corticosteroids, systematic reviews are lacking to provide comprehensive insights into the disease. This study aims to provide a systematic overview of the disease.

Methods

Relevant literature was identified using Google Scholar and PubMed. The search strategy was restricted to studies on human published in English. The inclusion criteria encompassed confirmed pediatric cases of iatrogenic CS induced by topical corticosteroids.

Results

The mean age of the cases was 38.8 months, with a female gender predominance (57.1%). Abnormalities in growth patterns were observed in approximately 75% of the cases. The most common clinical presentation was a "moon face" appearance (74.6%), followed by weight gain (55.5%). Clobetasol propionate was the most frequently used topical steroid (54%), followed by betamethasone types (35%). The mean duration of steroid use was 25.4 weeks. The primary indications for steroid use were dermatitis (47.6%), psoriasis (17.5%), and scabies (15.9%). Laboratory tests for adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol levels revealed low levels in 73% and 78% of cases, respectively. All cases had their initial steroid discontinued. Oral hydrocortisone was the primary replacement therapy (39.7%), followed by sulfur cream (12.7%). Fifty-one cases (81%) recovered from the disease. Partial recovery was observed in 2 cases (3.2%), while four cases (6.3%) did not survive.

Conclusion

A specialist should supervise topical corticosteroid administration, and parents need to be fully informed about the proper usage and potential side effects to avoid iatrogenic CS and other complications.

Introduction

Due to its rarity, there is limited information regarding breast hydatid disease, mostly derived from case reports. This study aims to review the clinical presentation and management of the disease systematically.

Methods

The PubMed/Medline and Google Scholar were searched with the following keywords: (Breast OR Breasts OR "mammary gland" AND hydatid OR hydatidosis OR echinococcus OR echinococcal OR echinococcosis OR "E. granulosus"). Only English-language studies published in legitimate journals were included. Additional inclusion criteria involved a confirmed diagnosis of breast hydatid cyst, details on presentation, cyst characteristics, and management.

Results

Most cases were reported in India (32.6%) and Turkey (25.6%). The mean age of the patients was 40.88 ± 15.7 years, and all 43 patients were female. Most (69.8%) were asymptomatic, while 25.6% reported pain and 2.3% reported dry skin. Surgery with albendazole was the treatment of choice in 51.2% of the cases, followed by surgery alone in 39.5%. Most cases (65.1%) recovered without complications, whereas one did not and was under follow-up. The recovery status was not mentioned in 14 cases (32.6%).

Conclusion

Breast hydatid cyst is an extremely rare finding that can be asymptomatic in most instances. Surgery combined with albendazole may be the most successful treatment approach.

Introduction

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) poses a considerable public health challenge in many countries. Due to the absence of comprehensive CE surveillance and management guidelines and varying demographic and geographical factors across countries, examining the disease's epidemiology and clinical manifestations within specific regions is essential. The current study aims to investigate CE trends, clinical features, and patient complaints in an endemic area of Iraq.

Methods

This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Smart Health Tower in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, from May 2020 to May 2024. It involved patients diagnosed and treated for CE. Data was collected using detailed case forms covering patient demographics, cyst location, presentation, medical and surgical history, and recurrence.

Results

The study involved 605 CE patients with nearly equal gender distribution and a mean age of 40.1 ± 18.6 years. Most patients, 217(35.9%), were aged 31-50 and lived in urban areas 505(83.5%). The majority, 382(63.1%), were asymptomatic, with liver cysts being the most common 361(59.7%). Single cysts were more prevalent in 513(84.8%) cases, with surgery performed in 222(36.7%) of cases, and recurrence was rare 8(1.3%).

Conclusion

This study highlights a significant burden of CE in urban areas, where asymptomatic cases often lead to delayed diagnosis. The high prevalence of liver and lung cysts underscores the necessity for targeted public health strategies and enhanced control measures for free-roaming dogs.

Introduction

Despite numerous efforts to define and categorize scientific events, a consensus remains elusive, complicating the understanding and classification of such events. The current study aims to establish clear, consensus-based definitions for various types of scientific events by examining their definitions and purposes from the perspectives of scholars across different countries.

Methods

The current study used a descriptive survey design to gather responses from scholars across 32 countries about their perceptions of scientific events. The sample size was determined using G*power, requiring 80 participants; 118 were recruited. Data was collected via a Google Forms survey with a 9-point Likert scale. Invitations were emailed. The Content Validity Index (CVI) was used to assess item relevance, with all items achieving a CVI above 0.78. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, and ethical considerations regarding voluntary participation and confidentiality were observed.

Results

This study validated the definitions of ten event types, each achieving a CVI above 0.78. The scientific events were categorized into conferences, symposiums, workshops, courses, summits, panels, meetings, fast-track reviews, annual reviews, and seminars. Course and panel garnered the highest level of consensus with a CVI of 0.983. Fast-track review also demonstrated a strong agreement among participants, with 82.2% expressing their concurrence with the provided definition.

Conclusion

The study establishes consensus-based definitions for scientific events, enhancing standardization in the academic community and underscoring the importance of precise categorization.