Search

Introduction: Neurosurgery is considered a technically demanding specialty; nonetheless, it also requires non-technical skills (NTSs) to reach mastery. Research question: This study seeks to understand how important NTSs are perceived by neurosurgeons across diverse roles and socio-economic backgrounds. The objective is to identify key NTSs and explore their role in surgical precision, teamwork, and collaboration. Material and method: An international survey involving 372 neurosurgeons from various socio-economic and cultural contexts was conducted. The extensive sample and inclusive methodology provide a comprehensive perspective on the perceived importance of NTSs in neurosurgery. Results: The survey results highlight the universal significance of NTSs among neurosurgeons. Attention to detail, humility, and self-awareness are considered essential for surgical precision, effective teamwork, and collaboration. The findings underscore the necessity for integrated training programs that combine NTSs with technical skills. Discussion and conclusion: The study emphasizes the importance of effective training methods such as simulations, mentorship, and role-playing in equipping neurosurgeons to navigate the complexities of their profession. Future research should focus on optimizing teaching methods for NTSs, comparing traditional courses, online modules, and hybrid training programs. Addressing the global disparity in neurosurgical care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, is crucial for improving patient outcomes worldwide.

Background: Several reports have shown that saliva specimen is an excellent alternative biofluid sample for SARS-CoV-2 detection. We conducted this study, in order to assess the sensitivity and specificity of using saliva self-collected by adult and pediatric patients, as a biological sample for RT-PCR diagnosis., Aims: The present study was carried out to assess the sensitivity and specificity of using saliva self-collected from adult and pediatric patients, as a biological sample for RT-qPCR diagnosis., Methods: In this study, 50 symptomatic patients and 40 asymptomatic subjects (adult and pediatric) were enrolled between September 2020 and November 2020 at the Department of Infectious Diseases, Bejaia University Hospital (CHU), and tested simultaneously for the sensitivity and specificity of the SARS-CoV-2 viral genome by RT-PCR on both nasopharyngeal swabs NP swab and saliva samples., Results: Our RT-qPCR results revealed that saliva samples showed the highest sensitivity (95% CI [27.67, 29.82]) followed by a nasopharyngeal swab for symptomatic (95% CI [29.64, 31.49]) as well as for asymptomatic adult patients. Moreover, the saliva of symptomatic and asymptomatic patients was monitored, and the presence of viral RNA was detected in >95% of the asymptomatic patients as well as the symptomatic patients. Surprisingly, the Ct values of ORF1ab and N genes are highly lower in nasopharyngeal swabs compared to saliva. Indeed, the mean difference note that for the ORF1ab gene and N gene, the mean of difference in ΔCt value were respectively 3.683 and 3.578. Together, including symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects, the overall agreement between the saliva sample and the nasopharyngeal is about 84%., Conclusion: The sensitivity of saliva samples remains acceptable; it may still be a viable option in locations where laboratory facilities are lacking for diagnostic purposes in the early phase of the disease., Competing Interests: No conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise, are declared by the author(s). List of Abréviations:ACE2:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2CoV:CoronavirusCt:Cycle thresholdNPS:nasopharyngeal swabOP: Oropharyngeal ORF:Open Reading Frames.RT-qPCR:real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reactionSARS-CoV-2:Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2TMPRSS2:Transmembrane Serine Protease 2., (Copyright: © 2024 Afr. J. Infect. Diseases.)

Motor complications after herpes zoster are not uncommon. There have been reports of muscular paralysis following herpes zoster. The association between diaphragmatic paralysis and zoster was first reported in 1949 by Halpern. The case presented below showed diaphragmatic involvement following herpes zoster in a HIV-tuberculosis coinfected patient., (© The Author(s) 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.)