Effectiveness of Induced Hypothermia on the Prognosis of Post-cardiac Arrest Patients: A Scoping Literature Review

Cardiac arrest (CA) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is hypothesized to be a reliable practice for better prognosis in post-cardiac arrest (PCA) patients. Medical subject headings (MeSH) terminology was used to search PubMed Central, Medline, and PubMed databases for articles on the use of hypothermia in PCA patients. We selected various clinical trials, meta-analyses and review articles with complete texts in the English language. PCA syndrome occurs after a CA where the body experiences a state of global ischemia and multi-system dysfunction due to the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory mediators. Hypothermia slows down enzymatic reactions, reduces free radical production, conserves energy, and prevents the accumulation of metabolic waste products. Delaying the time to initiate targeted temperature management (TTM) increases the mortality of patients, the appropriate temperature for TTM has always been debatable. TTM also has various deleterious effects on various organ systems from shivering, and arrhythmias to life-threatening infections but the risks outweigh the benefits for the patients when hypothermia is introduced in PCA care. Our study compares the different modalities to initiate hypothermia from surface cooling devices to intravascular cooling devices, and the adverse effects of each method compared to another.

Should Marijuana Be Legalized: A Scoping Review of Associations of Marijuana and Depression

People with addiction to marijuana and those who have ever consumed marijuana at any time during their life suffer from depression at some point in their life. Depression has been associated with substance use as both a trigger and repercussion. A total of 3663 articles were analyzed, and 26 articles were collectively selected for this study. Consuming marijuana was linked to the development of depression in the majority of individuals. Marijuana consumption and its repercussions have both been connected to negative effects on the body, such as respiratory disorders and even psychological disorders, including stress and depressive disorders. Studies potentially point to a complicated causal relationship between marijuana consumption and depressive disorder, stating that early depressive symptoms enable marijuana usage, which then reduces depression. A research article clearly states that consuming marijuana can be helpful in elevating mood and anxiolytic initially, but it is subsequently followed by a rise in depressive symptoms, which manifest as mental distress and frustration. Discussions with patients about the extent of their marijuana consumption, techniques for reducing the use, and the impact of marijuana on depression may be beneficial in medical facilities where depressive disorder is treated. This research paper highlights the importance of understanding depression and the use of marijuana for temporary relief from depressive symptoms and its long-term consequences on mental health.

Comparing Current Therapeutic Modalities of Androgenic Alopecia: A Literature Review of Clinical Trials

Androgenic alopecia (AGA), commonly known as male pattern baldness (MPB), is a hereditary condition characterized by hair follicles that are sensitive to androgens. This article focuses on examining the recent advancements in the comprehension and management of AGA. The genetic factors and pathophysiology of AGA, including the role of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and the androgen receptor gene, are discussed. The consequences of hair loss on self-esteem and identity, as well as on mental health, are examined. Diagnostic methods, such as the hair-pull test and trichoscopy, are discussed. The article also presents the Hamilton-Norwood classification, which is the most commonly employed system for classifying MPB. The article then delves into the various treatment options available, including topical minoxidil, oral finasteride, platelet-rich plasma therapy, low-level light therapy, hair transplant, and other alternative treatments. The efficacy and combination therapies for these treatments are examined. Additionally, emerging treatments such as caffeine-based solutions and prostaglandin inhibitors are discussed. By examining the recent advancements in AGA treatment, this article provides a comprehensive overview for healthcare professionals to make informed decisions when selecting the best treatment options for their patients.

Effectiveness of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in Treating Hypertension in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Traditional Review

Almost one billion individuals worldwide suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The most widely used treatment for OSA has been continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), but its effect on blood pressure (BP) has been challenged. Our review aims to evaluate the effects of treating OSA with CPAP on BP and BP-related morbidities in adult hypertensive patients. Medical subject headings (MeSH) terminology was used to search the PubMed Central, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases for articles on the use of CPAP in OSA patients with hypertension. We selected various forms of academic writing, encompassing complete texts that were published in the English language. The study included a total of 21 papers. OSA is a serious health concern associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, pulmonary hypertension, and aortic stiffness, which is brought on by the periodic hypoxia caused by nocturnal respiratory episodes. For individuals with moderate-to-severe OSA, CPAP therapy has been shown to have a considerable long-term benefit with a median drop of 11 mm Hg, and high adherence results in a decrease in diastolic BP. CPAP therapy directly lowers BP in OSA patients with a body mass index (BMI) of more than 30 kg/m2 and has also demonstrated improvement in early signs of atherosclerosis with lower nocturnal systolic BP levels. OSA patients with resistant hypertension also experienced lower BP after using CPAP for a year. Therefore, our findings suggest that obesity, hypersomnolence, high nocturnal BP, prolonged CPAP usage, and resistant hypertension may all have a major impact on the BP response to CPAP therapy in individuals with severe OSA.

Therapeutic Potential of Vitamin D in Management of Asthma: A Literature Review

Asthma, a prevalent chronic respiratory illness, affects a substantial number of individuals worldwide, with an estimated occurrence of 358 million cases. Evidence for the benefits of vitamin D in treating asthma is ambiguous and contradictory. The goal of this review article is to emphasize the value of vitamin D supplementation for people with asthma. Medical subject headings (MeSH) terminology was used to search the PubMed Central, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases for articles on vitamin D supplementation in asthma patients. We selected a comprehensive range of academic writing examples published in English, encompassing various types of texts. The study included a total of 37 papers, of which 18 were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and five were meta-analyses. The use of a corticosteroid, with or without the inclusion of an adrenergic receptor agonist, improves the disease's symptoms, but it is unable to halt the long-term decline in lung function. Over the past 20 years, vitamin D has developed into a potent immunomodulator, influencing both immunological and structural cells, most notably airway smooth muscle cells. Among adults with low 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, the administration of vitamin D supplements was found to have positive effects in a reduction in the likelihood of asthma exacerbations requiring systemic corticosteroids. The provision of vitamin D supplements during pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of asthma in babies. Both children and adults with inadequate vitamin D levels who have been given vitamin D supplements have shown evident preventive effects against asthma. Therefore, we conclude there should be a lower threshold for prescribing vitamin D to patients with asthma who are vitamin D deficient.