Background: Nephropathy is one of the most common microvascular impediments of diabetes mellitus. In this study, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of nephropathy in diabetic patients across the North American region. Methods: Eligible studies were screened out from 3 electronic databases, for example, PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect using specific search keywords based on the eligibility criteria. Extracting the data from the included studies publication bias, quality assessment, outlier investigation, and meta-analysis was done followed by the subgroup analysis. A total of 11 studies met the study inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis was performed with the extracted data. Results: Pooled prevalence of 28.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 19.7–36.7) with a high rate of heterogeneity (I ² = 100%) was identified. The pooled prevalence of nephropathy among diabetic patients in the United States of America, Canada, and Mexico was 24.2% (95% CI: 13.8–34.5), 31.2% (95% CI: 25.8–36.5), and 31.1% (95% CI: 20.8–41.5), respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of nephropathy among diabetic patients was found lower in the United States of America as compared to Canada and Mexico. Besides, the pooled prevalence of the North American region was found to be lower as compared to the African, European, and Asian regions. Minimizing the pathogenic factors, sufficient diagnostic, healthcare facilities, and awareness are recommended to improve the situation.

Background: As a major maternal health concern, the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among pregnant women was previously investigated in European, African, and Latin American regions other than the North American region. This study analyzed the prevalence of HIV among pregnant women in the North American region including 3 major countries: the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Methods: Relevant studies were screened from 3 online databases: Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect using specific search keywords. Ultimately, 10 studies of the North American region were included with a total of 339,831 pregnant women residing in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Results: The overall pooled prevalence was 0.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.4–0.8) with a high degree of heterogeneity (I ² = 97%). Pooled prevalence rates of HIV among pregnant women in Canada, Mexico, and the USA were 0.3% (95% CI: 0.1–0.5), 0.5% (95% CI: 0.2–0.8), and 2.3% (95% CI: 0.0–5.7), respectively with high degrees of heterogeneity. Conclusion: The overall prevalence rate of HIV among pregnant women in the USA, Canada, and Mexico was minimal as compared with the countries of Eastern Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, or Latin America. Awareness, adequate testing and healthcare facilities, better socioeconomic, and geopolitical conditions might be crucial to lowering the prevalence of HIV among pregnant women.

Background: Acute heart failure (AHF) is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases. Early diagnosis and prognosis are essential, as they can eventually lead to a fatal condition. Recently, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) has been recognized as one of the most popular biomarkers for AHF. Changes in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) are often observed in AHF. Methods: We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect between March and June 2023. Original case control studies written in English that assessed levels oh BNP in AHF were included. Systematic reviews, letters to editor, correspondence, comprehensive reviews, and duplicated studies were excluded. Funnel plots were constructed to assess publication bias. Results: A total of 9 studies were selected and we obtained the mean difference (MD) of BNP level to be 2.57 (95% CI: 1.35, 3.78), and GFR to be −15.52, (95% CI: −23.35, −7.70) in AHF patients. Sensitivity analyses supported the robustness of the outcome. Conclusion: Results indicated that BNP was a promising prognostic biomarker of AHF, whereas GFR was found to be negatively correlated with AHF.

Background: The association between allergies and cancer is contradictory, whereas some forms of cancer have inverse associations with allergies. Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most prevalent form of allergy, and lung cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer with the highest mortality rate. Recent studies have reported a positive association between asthma and lung cancer; however, this association is inconclusive. Furthermore, AR is positively associated with asthma; therefore, our research question was to explore whether there is any correlation between AR and lung cancer epidemiologically. Methods: After a rigorous search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, 7 eligible articles were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis, including 4724 cases and 9059 controls, 5 from the USA, and one each from Canada and Germany. Results: Pooled analysis (OR, 0.55; 95% CI: 0.45–0.68; P value < .00001) showed a strong inverse relationship between AR and lung cancer. Conclusion: The current meta-analysis suggests an inverse relationship between AR and lung cancer; however, new epidemiological studies are required to observe the current scenario more comprehensively.

Although intracranial foreign bodies are typically associated with penetrating injuries or surgical interventions, they can also occur as a result of rare instances of child abuse. Enduring such abuse and neglect as an infant can lead to life-long neurological problems, developmental delays, and impairments. The present case involved a 14-year-old male adolescent who was brought to the emergency room due to recurrent generalized tonic seizures. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a ring-like metallic object within the right temporal lobe. The neurosurgeon declined the surgical removal of the object due to its position and orientation, as well as the patient’s guardian’s refusal to consent to surgery. Instead, drug treatment and care are advised. In infants, foreign objects are typically inserted through cranial sutures, fontanelles and less frequently into the orbits, often with the intention of harming unwanted children. However, no history of such an attempt is present in this case. The incidental discovery of intracranial foreign bodies typically occurs during investigations when patients present with neurological symptoms such as epileptic seizures (foreign body-induced epilepsy). The selection of an ideal treatment regimen is often challenging in such cases. If a patient can be effectively treated with drugs, surgical removal is usually avoided.

Introduction: Telemedicine (TM) and teleconsultation services flourished during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission to avoid COVID-19 infection and physical contact. Many physicians switched to the virtual treatment mode and nearly all types of health disciplines were covered. Through this systematic review, the authors tried to explore the strengths and weaknesses of TM, identify the barriers to adopting TM by population, and explain the limitations of this healthcare delivery model. Methods and results: In this systematic review, 28 studies were included (>53% high-quality studies) as eligible, where nearly 75% (n=21) of the studies were from India, and the remaining 25% (n=7) were from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Advice related to cancer, autoimmune diseases, and neurological diseases were the most common among the health disciplines in which TM was used. A peak in teleconsultation was observed during the high transmission phase of COVID-19, although major queries were associated with existing health complications and comorbidities. Conclusion: Other than a few concerns regarding connectivity, privacy, and diagnosis, TM was in fact affordable, timesaving, feasible, and accurate, which ensured a highly satisfying experience among the participants (>80%).