Search Results

Abstract : Anastomotic aneurysms (AAs) are a serious late complication of vascular reconstructive surgery, associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Identifying their predisposing risk factors is crucial for prevention and early detection. This study aimed to analyze the local and systemic risk factors contributing to the development of AAs following open vascular procedures. A prospective-retrospective cohort analytical study was conducted at the University Hospital of Latakia between January 2019 and January 2025. The study included 27 patients diagnosed with AAs following previous open vascular surgery. Data on demographics, comorbidities, surgical history, and aneurysm characteristics were collected and statistically analyzed. The mean patient age was 62.37 ± 7.28 years, with a significant male predominance (81.5%). The most common comorbidities were hypertension (77.8%) and cardiovascular disease (51.9%). The most frequent site for AA development was the aortofemoral anastomosis (70.4%). AAs occurred more frequently at prosthetic graft anastomoses (74%) than at native suture lines (26%). The leading suspected etiologies were degeneration of the host arterial wall (51.9%) and suture line failure (37%). The majority of AAs (88.9%) were detected incidentally during routine radiological surveillance. Degenerative host artery pathology and technical factors like suture failure are the primary culprits in AA formation, exacerbated by systemic factors like hypertension and smoking. Meticulous surgical technique, appropriate material selection, and lifelong clinical and radiological surveillance are paramount for prevention and timely elective repair.

Abstract : Vitamin D can be obtained through foods of plant and animal origin, supplements, or synthesized endogenously through skin exposure to sunlight. Despite adequate sun exposure, vitamin D deficiency may still occur. In the bloodstream, vitamin D is transported by albumin; thus, hypoalbuminemia can reduce circulating vitamin D levels. To determine the impact of low vitamin D dietary intake and limited sun exposure on vitamin D levels after 30 days. This study involved 32 female rats divided into control (K) and treatment (P) groups. Rats were fed a pellet diet low in vitamin D, derived from fish meal and corn. They were exposed to sunlight for only 90 minutes daily (10:00–11:30 PM) over a 30-day period in a light-proof room. ELISA tests were performed in the third and fourth weeks. One-way ANOVA showed significant differences in vitamin D levels between K3–P4 (p=0.049), P3–P4 (p=0.003), and K4–P4 (p=0.047). Albumin levels also differed significantly between K3–K4, K3–P4, and P3–P4 (p=0.000). The study demonstrated that reduced dietary intake and limited sunlight exposure significantly affected both vitamin D and albumin levels. There is a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and decreased albumin levels. Reduced albumin synthesis may impair the metabolism and absorption of vitamin D, serving as a potential marker of malnutrition and inflammation severity.

Abstract : The effect of an ergonomic pineapple harvesting basket on muscle activity was compared with a traditional rattan basket in this study. In harvesting tasks, muscle activity was measured over 5-, 10-, and 15-minutes using surface electromyography (sEMG) on the Latissimus Dorsi muscle. The results indicated that muscle activity was significantly lower in the ergonomic basket across all durations (p < 0.001) and thus able to reduce strain and prevent musculoskeletal risks. Overall, these results highlight the practical benefits of ergonomic interventions in agriculture to increase worker safety, decrease fatigue, and increase productivity in the pineapple harvesting industry.

Abstract : Balance impairment remains a persistent challenge in cerebral palsy, limiting independence and increasing fall risk. Although visual feedback-based and perturbation-based balance training (PBT) approaches have demonstrated promising outcomes, limited research has explored the integration of unstable-surface coordination training with mechanical perturbations in pediatric CP populations. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an innovative hybrid protocol that combines a coordination training device with a cable-driven perturbation system for children with CP. Two participants with CP (spastic diplegic and ataxic types; GMFCS I–II) completed a 4-week intervention (three sessions/week). Each session included: (i) warm-up balance training, (ii) perturbation phase with randomized diagonal waist-pulls (5–15% BW), and (iii) cool-down coordination training. Functional assessments were conducted pre- and post-intervention using the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66). Both participants demonstrated improvements across all functional metrics. Subject AN14 showed a 4.5% increase in 6MWT distance and 56% faster TUGT time, while UL14 improved 14% in 6MWT and 18% in 10MWT. BBS increased by 4–5 points, and GMFM scores improved by 8–12%. No adverse events occurred.

Abstract : Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often face not only motor impairments but also challenges in cognitive, communicative, and social development. This study examines the feasibility and effectiveness of utilizing social robots as a therapeutic tool for their neuro-rehabilitation. The intervention integrates interactive storytelling, game-like activities, and culturally tailored content, including fairy tales, presented in either Russian or Kazakh based on the child’s preference. Using a two-group design, the study consists of an experimental group receiving social robot-assisted therapy and a control group for comparison. Both groups include children aged 5-12 years with spastic cerebral palsy (GMFCS I–III) who can follow simple instructions and communicate responses either verbally or non-verbally. Assessments are conducted across three stages - pre-intervention, mid-intervention, and post-intervention to evaluate cognitive abilities, communicative skills, social interactions, engagement levels, emotional expressions, and task performance. Preliminary results indicate that robot-assisted interventions enhance attention, motivation, and active participation in a dynamic and playful environment. By combining therapeutic objectives with elements of gamification and culturally relevant storytelling, social robots have the potential to improve memory, attention, communication, and social skills. Additionally, the approach is well-received by children, their parents, and therapists, highlighting its practicality and appeal.