Retraction: Comparative Effectiveness of Endoscopic Versus Pharmacological Interventions for Variceal Rebleeding in Cirrhosis: A Systematic Review.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.72085.

Retraction: Outcomes of Gallbladder Drainage Techniques in Acute Cholecystitis: Percutaneous Versus Endoscopic Methods.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.73504.

Maternal-fetal and community-based transmission of HIV: assessing reproductive women's knowledge in Jordan.

HIV/AIDS incidence has been increasing in the Middle East region during last years, with low research on Jordanian populations knowledge in the transmission methods of it. This study examined the knowledge of Jordanian women aged 15-49 in HIV transmission methods using data from the 2017-18 Jordan Demographic and Health Survey with a sample of 14,689 women. Multiple logistic regression model was used to determine the factors predicting higher knowledge.

Retraction: Outcomes of Direct-Acting Antivirals Versus Interferon-Based Therapy in Chronic Hepatitis C Infection.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.75902.

Outcomes of Direct-Acting Antivirals Versus Interferon-Based Therapy in Chronic Hepatitis C Infection.

This systematic review evaluates the outcomes of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) compared to interferon-based therapies in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection. DAAs consistently demonstrate higher sustained virologic response (SVR) rates and better safety profiles across various patient populations, including those with cirrhosis and treatment-experienced individuals. The studies included highlight the superior efficacy of DAAs, with fewer adverse events such as anemia and fatigue, making them more tolerable and suitable for long-term treatment.

Waist circumference and altered metabolic indices are associated with increased resting pulse rate in middle-aged adults.

Metabolic indices significantly impact cardiovascular health. Research on the influence of metabolic indices on resting pulse rate in younger adults is needed. Utilizing the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) Wave 5 Public-use biological data, we performed a multiple linear regression analysis to determine the predictive factors of resting pulse rate in adults aged 32-42 years.

Comparative Efficacy and Long-Term Outcomes of Beta-Blockers Alone or in Combination With Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors in Chronic Heart Failure: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review provides a comprehensive comparison of beta-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in the management of chronic heart failure (CHF), with a focus on their long-term efficacy and safety profiles. By synthesizing evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and clinical studies, the review highlights the significant benefits of both drug classes in reducing mortality and hospital readmissions, and improving patient outcomes. Beta-blockers, such as bisoprolol and carvedilol, demonstrated superior efficacy in reducing sudden cardiac death, particularly in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Comparative Efficacy of Endoscopic Versus Open Surgical Techniques in the Management of Gastric Outlet Obstruction: A Systematic Review.

Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is a clinical condition that can arise from both benign and malignant causes, requiring effective management strategies to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Traditionally, open surgical techniques like gastrojejunostomy (GJ) have been the standard treatment, but recent advances in minimally invasive procedures, such as endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE), offer alternative approaches with potentially reduced morbidity. This systematic review compared the efficacy, safety, and clinical outcomes of endoscopic versus open surgical techniques in managing GOO.

Outcomes of Gallbladder Drainage Techniques in Acute Cholecystitis: Percutaneous Versus Endoscopic Methods.

Acute cholecystitis, often caused by gallstones obstructing the cystic duct, is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires timely intervention. High-risk patients, particularly those with significant comorbidities, may not be suitable candidates for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, necessitating alternative drainage techniques such as percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) and endoscopic gallbladder drainage (EGD). This systematic review aims to compare the efficacy, safety, and outcomes of PC and EGD in managing acute cholecystitis in high-risk surgical patients.

Comparative Efficacy of MRI and CT in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of mortality and long-term disability worldwide, and accurate imaging is essential for effective diagnosis, management, and prognosis. This systematic review evaluates the diagnostic capabilities of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared to computed tomography (CT) in assessing TBI across various severities. Through a comprehensive search strategy, studies were selected that directly compared MRI and CT in TBI diagnosis, incorporating advanced MRI techniques such as susceptibility-weighted imaging and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Neuroprotective Strategies in Enhancing Post-stroke Recovery: A Systematic Review of Meta-Analyses and Clinical Trials.

This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of various neuroprotective strategies in enhancing recovery following acute ischemic stroke, focusing on interventions such as normobaric oxygen (NBO), lithium, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and Cerebrolysin. Drawing upon data from six primary studies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses, we assessed these therapies' impact on functional outcomes, motor recovery, and neurological improvement. Normobaric oxygen, across 12 RCTs, demonstrated limited efficacy in improving recovery outcomes or reducing mortality.