This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Apnex, Inspire, and ImThera hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) devices in changing the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). ology: A systematic search was conducted across the databases to collect baseline and postoperative outcome measures. Articles were then filtered and data from post-filtration was extracted. The efficacy of each device was assessed individually, and the reported outcomes were analyzed at short-term (≤ 1 year) and long-term (> 1 year) intervals. A total of 30 papers were included; 26 were single-arm studies encompassing 549 middle-aged overweight patients. Four RCTs included 273 participants. Results show that HGNS is an effective and safe treatment option. The Inspire device significantly improved, reducing the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) by -20.14 events/h in the short term and -15.91 events/h in the long term. It also decreased the oxygen desaturation index (ODI) by -14.16 events/h (short term) and -12.95 events/h (long term). Patient-reported outcomes showed decreased Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores by -5.02 (short term) and -4.90 (long term) and improved Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire (FOSQ) scores by 3.58 (short term) and 3.28 (long term). The Apnex and the ImThera devices featured similar improvements but to a lesser extent. Hypoglossal nerve stimulation is a safe and effective treatment for patients with OSA, exhibiting high adherence and satisfaction rates. However, it is important to note the potential for refining selection criteria to include a wider spectrum of patients with OSA.

Systematic reviews are used in medical research to synthesize evidence by collecting evidence from available literature without overlooking important sources or pieces. Several guidelines are available for the methodological implementation of a systematic review; however, none of them include case reports or case series as a potential source of information that could be pooled and analyzed. Although case reports may be criticized as an evidence source, they are important for documenting certain types of evidence such as rare conditions, adverse events, or novel emergent diseases. In this article, we attempt to set the foundation for a guideline on the systematic review of cases, and we suggest a step-by-step guide for investigators to employ for systematically reviewing case reports. We also dissect the application of this methodology in the available literature and review a case study of a systematic review of case reports. Generally, case reports can be synthesized into a systematic review, providing evidence on matters that may be hard to investigate using other methodologies, but concerns regarding quality and level of evidence remain present.

This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of the combined microneedling (CMNT) with minoxidil versus minoxidil monotherapy for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA), with a focus on the impact of microneedling parameters on treatment outcomes. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO: CRD42024594487) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing CMNT versus minoxidil alone for AGA, following PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search across six databases was performed up to September 8, 2024. We identified 12 RCTs involving 631 AGA patients, with a total of 11 RCTs included in the meta-analyses. CMNT significantly improved hair count compared to minoxidil monotherapy (SMD 1.32, 95% CI 0.73–1.92, p < 0.01), with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 88%, p < 0.01). Subgroup analyses indicated no significant effect of microneedling (MN) depth (≤ 1 mm vs. >1 mm), duration (≤ 12 weeks vs. >12 weeks), or technique(device) (electrodynamic vs. rolling) on hair count outcomes. Additionally, A meta-analysis of six RCTs demonstrated a significant improvement in hair diameter with CMNT (SMD 0.34, 95% CI 0.11–0.58; p < 0.01), with no observed heterogeneity (I² = 0%). Investigators and patient’s self-assessment scores were also improved. Adverse events were more frequent with CMNT (74 vs. 59 events), however they were generally considered mild or self-limiting. CMNT significantly enhances hair count and diameter in AGA patients with mild adverse events. MN parameters including depth, duration, and technique variations did not significantly affect hair count outcome, suggesting microneedling as a promising adjunctive AGA treatment.

Background: YouTube is considered one of the most popular sources of information among college students. Objective: This study aimed to explore the use of YouTube as a pathology learning tool and its relationship with pathology scores among medical students at Jordanian public universities. Methods: This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study included second-year to sixth-year medical students from 6 schools of medicine in Jordan. The questionnaire was distributed among the students using social platforms over a period of 2 months extending from August 2022 to October 2022. The questionnaire included 6 attributes. The first section collected demographic data, and the second section investigated the general use of YouTube and recorded material. The remaining 4 sections targeted the participants who used YouTube to learn pathology including using YouTube for pathology-related content. Results: As of October 2022, 699 students were enrolled in the study. More than 60% (422/699, 60.4%) of the participants were women, and approximately 50% (354/699, 50.6%) were second-year students. The results showed that 96.5% (675/699) of medical students in Jordan were using YouTube in general and 89.1% (623/699) were using it as a source of general information. YouTube use was associated with good and very good scores among the users. In addition, 82.3% (575/699) of medical students in Jordan used YouTube as a learning tool for pathology in particular. These students achieved high scores, with 428 of 699 (61.2%) students scoring above 70%. Most participants (484/699, 69.2%) reported that lectures on YouTube were more interesting than classic teaching and the lectures could enhance the quality of learning (533/699, 76.3%). Studying via YouTube videos was associated with higher odds (odds ratio [OR] 3.86, 95% CI 1.33-11.18) and lower odds (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.09-0.8) of achieving higher scores in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system courses, respectively. Watching pathology lectures on YouTube was related to a better chance of attaining higher scores (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.08-3.57). Surprisingly, spending more time watching pathology videos on YouTube while studying for examinations corresponded with lower performance, with an OR of 0.46 (95% CI 0.26-0.82). Conclusions: YouTube may play a role in enhancing pathology learning, and aiding in understanding, memorization, recalling information, and obtaining higher scores. Many medical students in Jordan have positive attitudes toward using YouTube as a supplementary pathology learning tool. Based on this, it is recommended that pathology instructors should explore the use of YouTube and other emerging educational tools as potential supplementary learning resources.

Background and Aims: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) are susceptible to complications, including iron overload, which can significantly impact their prognosis and overall health. This scoping review aimed to study the prevalence and implications of iron overload in CKD patients undergoing PD.Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across five databases, leading to the selection of 18 papers for in‐depth analysis. These studies collectively involved 381 PD patients, 60.3% were males.Results: No consensus was reached regarding the exact diagnostic cutoff for iron overload. The investigations revealed four main aspects: (1) Seven papers identified various factors contributing to iron overload, emphasizing the role of different iron supplements and magnetic resonance imaging's capability to diagnose iron accumulation in organs; (2) Iron overload in young patients was found to hinder growth; (3) Six studies highlighted the adverse effects of iron overload, with cardiac issues being the most significant; (4) Three studies demonstrated the efficacy of iron‐chelating agents, Deferoxamine and Deferasirox, in treating iron overload patients undergoing PD. Overall, the estimated prevalence of liver iron overload in CKD patients on PD ranges from approximately 10% to 28.6%, which is far lower than the prevalence of 75% elegantly shown in HD patients.Conclusion: While iron overload was a significant concern for CKD patients undergoing PD in the past, it is less common in the current era due to advancements in treatments, such as erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents. Treatment with specific chelation agents has proven beneficial, but there is also a risk of adverse effects, necessitating meticulous monitoring and timely intervention.