The Impact of Inoculation of Two Strains of Rhizobacteria on Radionuclide Transfer in Sesbania Grandiflora

Transfer factors of some naturally-occurring and artificial radionuclides from an agricultural soil to rhizobacteria-treated Sesbania grandiflora, a small leguminous tree, were studied. Two plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) strains (SCR17 and PCE2) were used to carry out an agricultural experiment in pots in semi-arid region (Syria). The results showed the bacterial strain (SCR17) increased the transfer and accumulation of 238U and 40K in Sesbania grandiflora, while both bacterial strains showed no effect on the accumulation of 234Th, 226Ra, 210Po and 210Pb in the treated plants. The transfer factor of 137Cs from soil to rhizobacteria-treated Sesbania grandiflora was negligible. The values of the transfer factors of 234Th, 226Ra, 210Po and 40K were found to be within the global values, while the values of the transfer factors of 238U and 210Pb were found to be relatively higher. This study highlights the importance of using Phytoremediation by PGPR strains for radionuclides-contaminated soils. Therefore, this method is a promising technique for the restoration and rehabilitation of contaminated sites with radionuclides, as it is low cost, easy to apply, and environmentally friendly.

Evaluation and application of the CROPGRO-soybean model for determining optimum sowing windows of soybean in the Nigeria savannas

Soybean production is limited by poor soil fertility and unstable rainfall due to climate variability in the Nigeria savannas. There is a decline in the amount and duration of rainfall as one moves from the south to north of the savanna zones. The use of adapted soybean varieties and optimum sowing windows are avenues to increase productivity in the face of climate variability. Crop simulation models can be used as tools for the evaluation of alternative management options for a particular location, including fertilizer application rates, plant density, sowing dates and land use. In this study, we evaluated the performance of the Cropping System Model (CSM)-CROPGRO-Soybean to determine optimum sowing windows for three contrasting soybean varieties (TGX1835-10E, TGX1904-6F and TGX1951-3F) cultivated in the Nigeria savannas. The model was calibrated using data from ten field experiments conducted under optimal conditions at two sites (BUK and Dambatta) in Kano in the Sudan savanna (SS) agro-ecology over four growing seasons. Data for model evaluation were obtained from independent experiment for phosphorus (P) response trials conducted under rainfed conditions in two locations (Zaria and Doguwa) in the northern Guinea savanna (NGS) zone. The model calibration and evaluation results indicated good agreement between the simulated and observed values for the measured parameters. This suggests that the CROPGRO-Soybean model was able to accurately predict the performance of soybean in the Nigeria savannas. Results from long-term seasonal analysis showed significant differences among the agro-ecologies, sowing windows and the soybean varieties for grain yield. Higher yields are simulated among the soybean varieties in Zaria in the NGS than in Kano the SS and Jagiri in the southern Guinea savanna (SGS) agro-ecological zones. Sowing from June 1 to July 5 produced optimal yield of TGX1951-3F and TGX1835-10E beyond which yield declined in Kano. In Zaria and Jagiri the simulated results show that, sowing from June 1 to July 12 are appropriate for all the varieties. The variety TGX1951-3F performed better than TGX1904-6F and TGX1835-10E in all the agro-ecologies. The TGX1951-3F is, therefore, recommended for optimum grain yield in the savannas of northern Nigeria. However, the late maturing variety TGX1904-6F is not recommended for the SS due to the short growing season in this zone.

[Characteristics of effusive pericarditis in N'Djamena (Chad)]

INTRODUCTION

Pericarditis is a commun cause of hospitalisation in cardiology and internal medicine wards.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to describe the epidemiological profile of effusive pericarditis at the Department of cardiology of the National Referral Teaching Hospital of N'Djamena, Chad.

METHODS

We undertook a descriptive cross-sectional study from January 2017 to December 2019. Patients presenting with effusive pericarditis and who consent to participate were consecutively enrolled during the study period.

RESULTS

Overall, 1805 patients were hospitalized at the department of cardiology during the study period with effusive pericarditis accounting for 4.3% of all cases (n = 78). Patients' mean age was 35.84 ± 14 years, [range 16 and 73 years]. The sex ratio was 0.89. Exertional dyspnea, chest pain, poor general condition and fever were main symptoms reported in 90%, 89%, 81% and 51% of the cases respectively. Pericardial rub was found in 51% of the study patients. Eighteen patients (26%) were HIV positive and 97% of the study patients had cardiomegaly. ECG demonstrated low QRS voltage (97%) and diffuse abnormalities of repolarisation (96%). Pericardial effusion was found abundant in 57% of the cases. Etiologies of effusive pericarditis were mainly tuberculosis (47%), idiopathic (21%) and HIV infection (13%). Thirty patients (43%) benefited from pericardiocentesis. The in-hospital mortality rate of the disease was 17%.

CONCLUSION

Effusive pericarditis is frequent and associated with poor outcome. Treatment depends on etiology dominated by tuberculosis in Chad.

"Killing two birds with one stone": endoscopic management of PUJ and VUJ obstructions with a renal stone in a congenital solitary kidney

We report on the diagnosis and management of a 25-year-old female with a congenital solitary kidney associated with simultaneous pelviureteric (PUJ) and vesicoureteric (VUJ) junction obstructions complicated by a lower pole renal stone. The patient was successfully managed completely endoluminally over two procedures with the use of double-J stents and a laser fibre to incise the VUJ and perform endopyelotomy at the PUJ followed by extraction of the stone. This case demonstrates the efficacy and minimal invasive endoscopic urological surgery even in the face of numerous pathologies, which traditionally required more invasive procedures.

Urethral obstruction from Cobb's collar in association with VACTERL

Cobb's collar is a rare intraluminal congenital cause of bulbar urethral obstruction that is commonly mislabelled congenital obstructive posterior urethral membrane (COPUM) but may be distinguished from this endoscopically as it has no connecting folds to the verumontanum. In this report, Cobb's collar is described for the first time in association with the VACTERL syndrome. The abnormality was diagnosed and treated by diathermy and dilatation at the time of endoscopic evaluation, with improvement of vesicoureteric reflux on micturating cystourethrogram and renal ultrasound.

1302 Ratio of Adenoma Detection Rate to Polyp Detection Rate

Introduction

Colorectal cancer is the 3rd most common cancer in the UK. The higher Adenoma Detection Rate during colonoscopy is associated with reduction in the mortality incidence of colorectal cancer. Endoscopists with less than 20% ADR is directly proportional to higher risk of the development of an interval Colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to calculate the Adenoma Detection Rate and Polyp Detection Rate for each endoscopist to assess the performance of the unit as well as individuals.

Method

A retrospective analysis was conducted for patients who had colonoscopy in a period of 3 consecutive months at a primary care hospital in England. This study included collecting the data through patient’s histology reports and medical records. The primary outcome was total Adenoma Detection Rate and Polyp Detection Rate and its ratio for each endoscopist.

Results

913 colonoscopies were done by 16 different endoscopists out of which 279 patients with polyps were considered for the study. It was observed that half of the total endoscopists were found to have ADR more than 20%. 4 endoscopists had ADR between 15-20% whereas below minimal rate (less than 15%) ADR was recorded by the other 4 endoscopists.

Conclusions

Lower ADRs are associated with higher rates of interval cancers. An improvement of the ADR of 1% prevents 3% people from colon cancer which can be achieved by maintaining the aspirational adenoma detection rate more than 20%.

Urethral obstruction from Cobb's collar in association with VACTERL

SUMMARY Cobb's collar is a rare intraluminal congenital cause of bulbar urethral obstruction that is commonly mislabelled congenital obstructive posterior urethral membrane (COPUM) but may be distinguished from this endoscopically as it has no connecting folds to the verumontanum. In this report, Cobb's collar is described for the first time in association with the VACTERL syndrome. The abnormality was diagnosed and treated by diathermy and dilatation at the time of endoscopic evaluation, with improvement of vesicoureteric reflux on micturating cystourethrogram and renal ultrasound. Supplementary video available online: http://sajs.redbricklibrary.com/index.php/sajs/article/view/3527 Keywords: Cobb's collar, VACTERL association, posterior urethral valves, Moormann's ring, COPUM

"Killing two birds with one stone": endoscopic management of PUJ and VUJ obstructions with a renal stone in a congenital solitary kidney

SUMMARY We report on the diagnosis and management of a 25-year-old female with a congenital solitary kidney associated with simultaneous pelviureteric (PUJ) and vesicoureteric (VUJ) junction obstructions complicated by a lower pole renal stone. The patient was successfully managed completely endoluminally over two procedures with the use of double-J stents and a laser fibre to incise the VUJ and perform endopyelotomy at the PUJ followed by extraction of the stone. This case demonstrates the efficacy and minimal invasive endoscopic urological surgery even in the face of numerous pathologies, which traditionally required more invasive procedures. Keywords: solitary kidney, pelviureteric junction obstruction, vesicoureteric junction obstruction, renal calculus, endoscopy

Isolated coronal urethral duplication in an adolescent presenting with enuresis

This report describes an isolated urethral duplication in the coronal plane in a child referred with primary 'enuresis'. This presentation is unique because duplications usually occur in the sagittal plane. In patients with suspected urethral duplication, magnetic resonance imaging in conjunction with catheterisation of the distal duplicate opening accurately delineates the abnormality, so that individualised treatment strategies can be considered.

Large bowel obstruction from advanced prostate cancer in a 41-year-old: the role of genetic testing

We report a rare presentation of an advanced prostate cancer (Gleason 10) in a 41-year-old man with complete large bowel obstruction relieved by loop colostomy. His young age prompted a search for a cause and genetic testing confirmed chromosome 10 PTEN deletion. His immediate family members were screened and counselled appropriately. This case outlines the role of genetic testing in young males with prostate cancer.

Management of forearm bone loss with induced membrane technique

There are very few published studies describing the treatment of segmental bone defects of the forearm using the induced membrane technique. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the time to bone union, the function of the joints above and below the treated bone segment and the patients' quality of life over the long-term. We performed a retrospective study in all patients treated by the induced membrane for a forearm bone defect over at 13-year period. Demographics, bone union, complications, functional outcomes and occupational status were collected. Six patients were included: 2 posttraumatic injuries, 1 osteomyelitis, 1 septic arthritis, 1 aseptic nonunion, 1 tumor. The average defect length was 64mm (48-110). All defects were treated with internal fixation. Bone graft was harvested from the iliac crest in two patients, the femur (using the Reamer Irrigator Aspirator technique) in three patients and the radius in one patient. Five patients achieved bone union after a mean of 4months (3-6). Three complications were observed: 1 radioulnar instability, 1 infection of the fixation device, 1 abscess. At an average 8½ years' follow-up, the pain level on the VAS was 0.6 (0-3), the Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 98 (90-100), the Herzberg score was 108 (85.6-140) and the QuickDASH was 14.9 (2.7-35). All patients returned to work. Using the induced membrane technique avoids the complications associated with vascularized autograft and yields good functional outcome and quality of life.

Tuberculous prostatitis: a condition not confined to the immunocompromised

Tuberculous (TB) prostatitis is rare; usually occurring in immunocompromised men. It can mimic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), chronic prostatitis or prostate cancer. This report in an immunocompetent 72-year-old man adds to the clinical spectrum of the five prior reported cases. A low threshold for prostatic biopsy led to a histological evaluation and subsequent microbiological confirmation of TB. This attests to the value of such an approach in arriving at the correct diagnosis and the institution of appropriate anti-tuberculous therapy even amongst immune-competent men.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck - screening in patients who misuse alcohol and tobacco in Switzerland: a prospective pilot study

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. It is preceded by early asymptomatic lesions which, if identified early enough and removed, would prevent malignant transformation or avoid delaying diagnosis to advanced stages. Our aim was to evaluate the feasibility of a screening programme for SCC of the head and neck in a group of high-risk patients, and to investigate their addiction profile. Patients admitted to an inpatient alcohol addiction centre (n=101) were prospectively enrolled and asked to fill in a questionnaire about their use of tobacco and alcohol, and the presence of warning symptoms for SCC of the head and neck from 23 June 2014 to 21 January2016. Participants in the study had a physical examination by an alcohol addiction physician followed by a full examination of the head and neck by an otorhinolaryngologist to rule out premalignant or malignant lesions of the upper aerodigestive tract. Of the 101 patients, 62 (60%) had at least one warning symptom. Alcohol addiction physicians identified leukoplakia in six (6%) and erythroplakia in two. No pre-malignant or malignant lesions were confirmed on examination by the otolaryngologist. We were unable to draw conclusions about the cost-effectiveness or the yield of the screening programme. Despite our negative findings, we may need further investigation to clarify the relevance of such a programme on health-related outcome given the high compliance rate and minimal delay that was achieved by taking advantage of an in-patient alcohol rehabilitation centre.

Management of ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children-a roundtable discussion

The investigation, management and follow-up of paediatric ureteropelvic junction obstruction is not standardized. The Young Pediatric Urology Committee of the European Society of Pediatric Urology interviewed five experts in the field on various aspects of management and compared this with published literature.

Abstract P5-07-05: Obesity, adipose inflammation, and race in patients with early stage breast cancer

Background: Elevated body mass index (BMI) is associated with increased risk of estrogen receptor-positive postmenopausal breast cancer. Mechanistically, most individuals with elevated BMI have breast white adipose tissue inflammation (WATi) which confers increased breast cancer risk, particularly in those with existing benign breast disease. Individuals with WATi have elevated in-breast expression of aromatase and several systemic changes that increase breast cancer risk, including hyperinsulinemia and higher levels of C-reactive protein. However, women with normal BMI but high levels of body fat are also likely to harbor WATi and are at increased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. The accuracy of BMI for assessing adiposity and predicting obesity-related disorders, including cancer, varies across race and ethnicity. Whether the association between BMI and WATi varies by race is unknown. Here we aimed to characterize relationships among breast WATi and clinicopathologic features in a racially diverse cohort undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer treatment.

Methods: Non-tumorous breast tissue and fasting blood were collected from women undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer treatment or prevention at a single center serving a racially diverse patient population. Breast WATi was detected by the presence of crown-like structures in the breast (CLS-B), which are composed of a dead/dying adipocyte surrounded by CD68+ macrophages. Clinicopathologic data were abstracted from electronic medical records. Associations among categorical variables were examined using Fisher's exact test. Relationships between continuous variables were examined using the Spearman correlation.

Results: As of May 18, 2018 62 patients have been accrued; median age 55 (range 32 to 84). Self-reported race distribution was: 36 (58%) Asian, 5 African American (8%), 20 (32%) Caucasian, and 1 (2%) unknown. Breast tissue has been analyzed for WATi in 60 cases thus far. Clinicopathologic features stratified by the presence or absence of breast WATi are presented in. Breast WAT inflammation was associated with obesity (P=0.02) and a trend to association was observed with dyslipidemia (P<0.09).

VariableBreast WATi Absent (n=25)Breast WATi Present (n=35)Age, years  Median (range)51 (32 to 71)59 (36 to 80)BMI, kg/m2  Median (range)22.5 (18.1 to 35.3)28.0 (19.2 to 38.9)BMI Category  Underweight1 (4%)0 (0%)Normal16 (64%)10 (29%)Overweight5 (20%)18 (51%)Obese3 (12%)7 (20%)Race, n (%)  Asian15 (60%)19 (54%)African American2 (8%)3 (9%)Caucasian8 (32%)12 (34%)Unknown0 (0%)1 (3%)Menopausal Status, n (%)  Pre10 (40%)12 (34%)Post15 (60%)23 (66%)Hypertension, n (%)7 (28%)16 (46%)Diabetes mellitus, n (%)0 (0%)5 (14%)Dyslipidemia, n (%)1 (4%)11 (31%)

Conclusions: Breast adipose inflammation is associated with elevated BMI and possibly metabolic syndrome disorders in a racially diverse population. These findings are consistent with observations from predominantly Caucasian cohorts. Race-specific characteristics will also be examined. Study accrual is ongoing and updated results will be presented.

Citation Format: Iyengar NM, Siegel B, Malik M, Giri DD, Tsai J, Hughes M, Adam A, Williams S, Zhou XK, Rodgers W, Ginter P, Patel A, Yong F, Cherian A, August P, Dannenberg AJ. Obesity, adipose inflammation, and race in patients with early stage breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-07-05.

Associations between maternal socioeconomic position and psoriasis: a cohort study among the offspring of the Danish National Birth Cohort

BACKGROUND

The socioeconomic determinants of paediatric-onset psoriasis have not been previously investigated.

OBJECTIVE

To identify whether a social gradient exists for paediatric-onset psoriasis, using measures of maternal socioeconomic position.

METHODS

Data on paediatric-onset psoriasis from 36 003 Danish National Birth Cohort offspring were cross-linked with nationwide registry data on maternal age and three measures of maternal socioeconomic position: maternal educational attainment, maternal labour market attachment and equivalized household income. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) of psoriasis in the offspring, in cohort analyses for data from the year of enrolment and cross-sectional analyses from the year of the 11-year follow-up.

RESULTS

Maternal age at birth, maternal educational attainment and equivalized household income were inversely associated with psoriasis in the offspring. Low maternal educational attainment was associated with offspring psoriasis [adjusted OR 1·62, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·20-2·18] after adjusting for maternal psoriasis and age in the cohort analysis. The crude OR of psoriasis in offspring of mothers in the highest quartile compared with mothers in the lowest quartile of equivalized household income was 0·57 (95% CI 0·43-0·76), and the adjusted OR was 0·59 (95% CI 0·44-0·80) after adjusting for maternal psoriasis and age. Similar results were observed for data on maternal socioeconomic position at enrolment and at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

A steep social gradient in paediatric-onset psoriasis was observed. Maternal socioeconomic position may play a role in early-life exposure to modifiable risk factors for psoriasis. Future studies may help to elucidate which biological factors mediate the social gradient observed in our study.

Is there a role for perfusion imaging in assessing treatment response following ablative therapy of small renal masses-A systematic review

Aims

Ablation therapies are an innovative nephron-sparing alternative to radical nephrectomy for early stage renal cancers, although determination of treatment success is challenging. We aimed to undertake a systematic review of the literature to determine whether assessment of tumour perfusion may improve response assessment or alter clinical management when compared to standard imaging.

Material and Methods

Two radiologists performed independent primary literature searches for perfusion imaging in response assessment following ablative therapies (radiofrequency ablation and cryotherapy) focused on renal tumours.

Results

5 of 795 articles were eligible, totaling 110 patients. The study designs were heterogeneous with different imaging techniques, perfusion calculations, reference standard and follow-up periods. All studies found lower perfusion following treatment, with a return of ‘high grade’ perfusion in the 7/110 patients with residual or recurrent tumour. One study found perfusion curves were different between successfully ablated regions and residual tumour.

Conclusions

Studies were limited by small sample size and heterogeneous methodology. No studies have investigated the impact of perfusion imaging on management. This review highlights the current lack of evidence for perfusion imaging in response assessment following renal ablation, however it suggests that there may be a future role. Further prospective research is required to address this.

Prevalence of neural tube defect and hydrocephalus in Northern Ghana

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are congenital anomalies of the central nervous system (CNS) which affects approximately one in every thousand pregnancies. The estimates, however, varies from country to country with countries implementing national programmes on folic acid fortification recording lower estimates. Neural tube defects are a common cause of morbidity and mortality especially in low-middle income countries such as Ghana. The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of neural tube defect and hydrocephalus in the only tertiary hospital in northern Ghana. This was a 4-year retrospective study from January 2010 to December 2014. Data regarding the age, sex, clinical diagnosis, and treatment outcomes were all retrieved from the registry of medical records using a simple data form designed for this study. During the study period, there were 35,426 deliveries at the facility with 57 cases of neural tube defects, thus giving a prevalence of 1.6 per 1000 births. They were more males than females with a male: female ratio of 2.4:1. All cases were diagnosed at birth. All the cases reported in this study were open neural tube defect (NTD). The most common defect was hydrocephalus occurring in 33 patients representing 57.9%, with spinal bifida occurring in 21 patients representing 38.6%. Encephalocele or cranium bifida occurred in only 5.3% (3 patients). Among the spinal bifida cases, myelomeningocele occurred in 13 patients (59.1%), with meningocele occurring in 8 patients (40.9%). Case fatality was about 15% of diagnosed cases. The prevalence of NTDs in this study is relatively high compared to earlier studies but, is consistent with other findings in the subregion. Prenatal screening and diagnosis are highly recommended since most women undergo routine ultrasonography as part of antenatal service.Journal of Medical and Biomedical Sciences (2017) 6(1), 18-23Keywords: neural tube defect, prevalence, spinal bifida, Northern Ghana

Effects of Selenium Yeast on Blood Glucose and Antioxidant Biomarkers in Cholesterol Fed Diet Induced Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Wistar Rats

Selenium is an antioxidant that prevents oxygen radical from damaging cells from chronic diseases that can develop from cell injury and inflammation such as diabetes mellitus. The aim of the study is to investigate the possible protective effect of selenium yeast on cholesterol diet induced type-2 diabetes mellitus and oxidative stress in rats. Twenty male wistar rats were divided in to four groups of five animals each: Group 1: (Negative control) received standard animal feed only, Group 2:  received cholesterol diet (CD) only, Group 3: received CD and 0.1 mg/kg selenium yeast orally, Group 4: Received CD and 0.2 mg/kg selenium yeast orally for six weeks. At the end of the study period, the animals were sacrificed and the serum samples were collected and evaluated for estimation of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). The results showed a significant decrease in blood glucose level in the groups  co-administered CD and selenium yeast when compared to CD group only. Antioxidant enzymes status recorded significant decrease in SOD, CAT and GPx activities in CD and selenium yeast administered when compared to CD group only. In Conclusion, Selenium yeast administrations prevent free radical formations which are potent inducer of diabetes mellitus.

A novel fabrication methodology for sulfur-doped ZnO nanorods as an active photoanode for improved water oxidation in visible-light regime

Incorporation of foreign moiety in the lattice of semiconductors significantly alters their optoelectronic behavior and opens a plethora of new applications. In this paper, we report the synthesis of sulfur-doped zinc oxide (S-doped ZnO) nanorods by reacting ZnO nanorods with diammonium sulfide in vapor phase. Microscopic investigation revealed that the morphological features, such as, the length (2-4 μm) and width (100-250 nm) of the original hexagonal ZnO nanorods remained intact post-sulfidation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of the sulfide sample confirmed the incorporation of sulfur into ZnO lattice. The optical measurements suggested the extension of absorption threshold into visible region upon sulfidation. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) activities of pure and S-doped ZnO nanorods were compared for water oxidation in visible light (λ > 420 nm), which showed several-fold increment in the performance of S-doped ZnO sample; the observed amelioration in the PEC activity was rationalized in terms of preferred visible light absorption and low resistance of sulfide sample, as evidenced by optical and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

Incidence of Traumatic Brain Injury in a Ghanaian Tertiary Hospital

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is considered as one of the most silent epidemics and its incidence is rising worldwide due to injuries associated with the increased use of motor vehicles and bad road network, particularly in middle-income and low-income countries including Ghana. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of TBI, cause of injury as well as outcomes of patient’s care in the Tamale Teaching Hospital in Ghana. This retrospective study was carried out at the Tamale Teaching Hospital, the only Tertiary referral hospital in the whole of the savanna ecological zone of Ghana over 43 months from January 2009 to July 2012. All patients admitted into the hospital and diagnosed as having TBI were included in the study. The medical records of a total of 671 patients who were diagnosed with TBI were reviewed. Information regarding the age, sex, occupation and initial external cause of injury was retrieved. Data regarding length of hospital stay and treatment outcome were also retrieved. External cause of injury was classified according to International Classification of Diseases (ICD) guidelines as Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) (irrespective of type), fall from height, assault, gunshot, game or sport related accident and other causes. Road traffic accident accounts for relatively high incidence of hospitalized TBI. Majority of the patients were male within the 21-30 year age group. The high number of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) fatalities may indicate that more resources and facilities (intensive care nurses and equipment to monitor intracranial pressure) are needed to help in the management of cases particularly head injuries. Journal of Medical and Biomedical Sciences (2016) 5(2), 5-12

Smartphone, Smart Surgeon, what about a 'Smart Logbook'?

BACKGROUND

Mobile phone applications (Apps) have become a vital assistant to medical personnel in today's technologically advanced era. The utility of Apps with case logbook capabilities has not yet been explored.

OBJECTIVE

To assess and evaluate all currently available surgical and procedural case logbook Apps.

METHOD

A comprehensive search was conducted in April 2015 on the Android Play Store, iTunes (Apple App Store, iOS), and BlackBerry World for surgical and/or procedural logbooks. The search terms'surgical logbook', 'logbook', 'procedure logbook' and 'surgical log' were used. Apps which could not be utilized as a surgical/procedural logbook were excluded. Each App was individually assessed and rated using preset criteria, by the unit consultant, registrars, and medical officer.

RESULTS

In total, 2 740 Apps were assessed. After applying our exclusion criteria, only 16 Apps were relevant, and 11 suitable for critical review. Data sizes ranged from 510Kb to 12.2Mb. Costing of the Apps ranged from ZAR 0.00 to ZAR 105.32. The overall study scores revealed the following top five rated Apps: Surgical Logbook by Surgilog; Surgeon Logbook Pro; Surgery Notebook, Surgical Logbook, and Universal Logbook.

CONCLUSION

The current mobile Apps available are efficient in replacing traditional case logbooks. The use of the 'Smart Logbook' may become common practice in the life of the modern-day surgeon.