bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
B Cell and T Cell Dissimilarities in BAFF-Deficient versus BR3-Deficient C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Stohl William , Yu Ning , Wu Ying
Published: January 2023

BAFF is a potent B cell survival and differentiation factor with three receptors, TACI, BCMA, and BR3. B cells are greatly reduced in BAFF-deficient mice, and among mice deficient in a single BAFF receptor, B cell reduction is characteristic only of BR3-deficient mice. Nevertheless, there may be important differences between BR3-deficient mice, in which interactions between BAFF and only BR3 are abrogated, and BAFF-deficient mice, in which interactions between BAFF and all its receptors are abrogated. We demonstrate that: 1) the numbers of CD19+ cells in C57BL/6 (B6).Baff−/− and B6.Br3−/− mice diverge as the mice age; 2) the distribution of B cell subsets significantly differ between B6.Baff−/− and B6.Br3−/− mice regardless of age or sex; 3) the relationships of CD3+ and CD4+ cells to B cells vastly differ between B6.Baff−/− and B6.Br3−/− mice as a function of age and sex; 4) the numbers and percentages of CD4+Foxp3+ and CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ are greater in B6.Baff−/− mice than in B6.Br3−/− mice; and 5) for any given number of CD19+ cells or CD4+ cells, percentages of Foxp3+ cells and CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ cells are lower in B6.Br3−/− mice than in B6.Baff−/− mice, with proliferation of these cells being greater, and survival being lesser, in B6.Br3−/− mice than in B6.Baff−/− mice. Collectively, these observations raise the possibility that interactions between TACI and/or BCMA and BAFF modulate expression of B cell subsets and Foxp3+ cells and may help explain prior enigmatic observations of autoimmunity and autoimmune disease in mice despite the absence of functional engagement of BR3 by BAFF.
The Interplay of Transcription and Genome Topology Programs T Cell Development and Differentiation
Authors: Zhao Xin , Zhu Shaoqi , Peng Weiqun , Xue Hai-Hui
Published: January 2023

T cells are essential for mounting defense against various pathogens and malignantly transformed cells. Thymic development and peripheral T cell differentiation are highly orchestrated biological processes that require precise gene regulation. Higher-order genome organization on multiple scales, in the form of chromatin loops, topologically associating domains and compartments, provides pivotal control of T cell gene expression. CTCF and the cohesin machinery are ubiquitously expressed architectural proteins responsible for establishing chromatin structures. Recent studies indicate that transcription factors, such as T lineage–defining Tcf1 and TCR-induced Batf, may have intrinsic ability and/or engage CTCF to shape chromatin architecture. In this article, we summarize current knowledge on the dynamic changes in genome topology that underlie normal or leukemic T cell development, CD4+ helper T cell differentiation, and CD8+ cytotoxic T cell functions. The knowledge lays a solid foundation for elucidating the causative link of spatial chromatin configuration to transcriptional and functional output in T cells.
Emerging Roles of Growth Differentiation Factor 15 in Immunoregulation and Pathogenesis
Authors: Reyes Jojo , Yap George S
Published: January 2023

Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) is a cytokine that is widely used as a biomarker for the severity of diverse disease states. It also has been shown to play a protective role after tissue injury and to promote a negative energy balance during obesity and diabetes. In addition to its metabolic effects, GDF-15 also regulates the host’s immune responses to infectious and noninfectious diseases. GDF-15 can suppress a type 1 and, in contrast, promote a type 2 inflammatory response. In this brief review, we discuss how GDF-15 affects the effector function and recruitment of immune cells, the pathways that induce its expression, and the diverse mechanisms by which it is regulated during inflammation and infection. We further highlight outstanding questions that should be the focus of future investigations in this emerging field.
Topoisomerases in Immune Cell Development and Function
Authors: Muralidhara Prerana , Kumar Amit , Chaurasia Mukesh Kumar , Bansal Kushagra
Published: January 2023

DNA topoisomerases (TOPs) are complex enzymatic machines with extraordinary capacity to maintain DNA topology during torsion-intensive steps of replication and transcription. Recently, TOPs have gained significant attention for their tissue-specific function, and the vital role of TOPs in immune homeostasis and dysfunction is beginning to emerge. TOPs have been implicated in various immunological disorders such as autoimmunity, B cell immunodeficiencies, and sepsis, underscoring their importance in immune regulation. However, much remains unknown about immunological underpinnings of TOPs, and a deeper understanding of the role of TOPs in the immune system will be critical for yielding significant insights into the etiology of immunological disorders. In this review, we first discuss the recent literature highlighting the contribution of TOPs in the development of immune cells, and we further provide an overview of their importance in immune cell responses.
Chronic myeloid leukemia coexisting with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Authors: Benjamin Augustine , Adeshola Adebayo , Fatima Abdulrahman M. , John Johnson , Akintunde Akinrinmade A. , Mohammed Ibrahim , Benedict Amalimeh , Jatau Abdullahi A. , Haruna Muktar M.
Published: January 2023

The incidence of hematological malignancies is on the rise particularly in developing countries as a result of newer diagnostic technologies and skills. However, the coexistence of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in a single patient simultaneously is extremely rare, with an overall incidence of less than 1%, while the majority of cases (66%) have sequential presentations. We report a 36-year old Nigerian man, who was diagnosed in our facility initially in chronic phase CML, but progressed through accelerated phase to blastic phase CML and was subsequently diagnosed with NHL within weeks of starting hydroxyurea. He also received cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin, oncovin, and prednisolone (CHOP) for the NHL. However, he subsequently succumbed to the disease. CML is a triphasic disease with the tendency to acquire new cytogenetic abnormalities particularly transformation to extramedullary disease during its blastic phase. These events may be associated with NHL in the setting of blast crisis. Our case report adds to the growing literature on the coexistence of two separate hematological malignancies in a single patient.
Frequency of JAK2V617F and CALR somatic mutations in Egyptian patients with thrombocytosis
Authors: Hamed Gehan Mostafa , Abdelmaksoud Mariam Fathy , Abdulrahman Doha Osama , El Sakhawy Yasmin Nabil
Published: January 2023

Background

Thrombocytosis has a multitude of potential etiologies: spurious, reactive, and clonal. Clonal thrombocytosis carries a greater risk of thrombosis than reactive causes. Therefore, careful distinction between the causes of thrombocytosis is important and challenging as it carries implications for evaluation, prognosis, and treatment strategies.

Aim of the work

To determine the frequency of JAK2V617F and calreticulin (CALR) somatic mutations in patients with thrombocytsis and their relation with clinical and hematological phenotype.

Patients and methods

A total of 50 BCR-ABL-negative patients with persistent thrombocytosis were tested for both JAK2V617F mutation by real-time polymerase-chain reaction (RT-PCR) and CALR exon-9 mutation by high-resolution melting PCR.

Results

JAK2V615F mutation was detected in 17 (34%), whereas CALR exon-9 mutation was detected in 10 (20%) out of the 50 studied patients with thrombocytosis. One patient with essential thrombocythemia was heterozygous for both mutations. The incidence of JAK2V615F mutation was significantly higher in males (P=0.007), with higher mean age (P=0.001), higher incidence of thrombosis (0.034), and leukocytosis (0.035) compared with CALR and dual-negative mutations. Meanwhile, anemia (P=0.001), platelets (P=0.009), and lactate dehydrogenase (P=0.009) were significantly higher in CALR-mutated patients.

Conclusion

Both JAK2 and CALR somatic mutations were detected in 52% of patients with thrombocytosis. CALR-mutated cases show clinical and hematological phenotype different from JAKV617F-positive ones and might be considered as a distinct disease entity with more indolent course.
Study of pattern & distribution of adverse drug reactions in acute coronary syndrome patients in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Mahadevappa Manjappa , Meher Chinmay , Pushpa N.B. , Kulkarni Prashanth , Poornima K.S. , Desai Nagaraj
Published: January 2023

Background & objectives:

With the availability of a wide range of drugs to treat patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), adverse drug reactions (ADRs) have become inevitable in clinical practice. Thorough knowledge of such reactions is essential for the treating physician for optimal treatment and better outcomes. There are many scales to define, measure and assess the ADRs, but there is a dearth of data available on such drug reactions among ACS patients. Hence, this study attempted to analyze the pattern, causality, severity, predictability and preventability of ADRs in ACS patients. All the ADRs reported during the study period were analyzed for causality by the World Health Organization–Uppsala Monitoring Centre (WHO-UMC), Naranjo’s and Karch and Lasagna scales; severity by modified Hartwig and Siegel scale; predictability by Rawlins and Thompson criterion and preventability by Schumock and Thornton scale.

Methods:

A single-centre, record-based analysis for the occurrence of ADRs was done among ACS patients admitted to the department of Cardiology between January and October 2017. Demographic data, comorbid conditions, reported ADRs and ADR assessment details were noted from the hospital case records and ADR monitoring centre (AMC) records. The data were analyzed and presented in a descriptive manner using percentages, mean and standard deviation. The Pearson’s chi-squared test was used to ascertain the significance of the association between different groups.

Results:

Out of 324 patients under evaluation, 67 had developed one or more ADRs. There were 30 different types of ADRs reported, headache being the most common. Among the drugs, heparin was the most common factor, causing 27 per cent of ADRs. Definite causality of a suspected drug causing ADRs was seen in 11.9 (n=8), nine (n=6) and 7.5 (n=5) per cent cases as per WHO-UMC, Naranjo (Naranjo algorithm) and Karch and Lasagna scales, respectively. In the severity of ADRs, the most severe reactions according to the modified Hartwig-Siegel scale (level 4a in our study) were seen in 17.5 (n=12) per cent of patients, and the rest were either level 2 or 3 reactions. Nearly 92.5 (n=62) per cent of reactions were predictable according to the Rawlins and Thompson criterion. Application of the modified Schumock-Thornton scale showed that 22.4 per cent of ACS patients had preventable reactions, and the rest were not preventable.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The study results suggest that ADRs are relatively common among ACS patients. Most of these can be identified and assessed for causality, severity, predictability and preventability using various available scales. Diligent pharmacovigilance for identifying and assessing ADRs may help manage and mitigate morbidity associated with these in high-risk ACS patients.
Morphine counteracts the effects of paclitaxel in triple-negative breast cancer cells
Authors: Sezer Gülay , Caner Armağan , Önal Müge Gülcihan , Cumaoğlu Ahmet
Published: January 2023

Background & objectives:

Several studies have provided evidence that opioids may play a role in cancer recurrence and metastasis. Multiple research data indicate that morphine can act as a proliferative or suppressive agent on tumour cells depending on the applied concentration. Therefore, this study was aimed to investigate whether the presence of clinically relevant concentrations of morphine has any effect on the efficacy of paclitaxel, a widely used chemotherapeutic drug, on the viability and apoptosis of human triple-negative breast cancer cell line.

Methods:

MDA.MB.231 cells were treated with paclitaxel in the presence or absence of morphine and examined for cell proliferation by the MTT assay. In addition, the effect of morphine on paclitaxel-induced apoptosis was investigated by flow cytometric assay and by the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 mRNA expression levels with quantitative real-time (qRT)-PCR.

Results:

Morphine significantly increased the proliferation of breast cancer cells at low concentrations (0.1-2.5 µM) but higher concentrations showed cytotoxic effect. Pre-treatment with 0.1 or 1 µM of morphine decreased the paclitaxel-induced cytotoxicity, the proportion of apoptotic cell, and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 mRNA expressions.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Our data suggest that morphine promotes breast cancer cell viability at clinically relevant plasma concentrations and reduces the apoptotic effect of paclitaxel. This interaction may be very important in clinical settings; however, more studies are needed to explore the plausible mechanisms of interaction and to correlate such findings through in vivo animal studies as well as clinically.
Role of Modified Sick Neonatal Score in Predicting the Neonatal Mortality at Limited-Resource Setting of Central India
Authors: Meshram Rajkumar Motiram , Nimsarkar Roshan A. , Nautiyal Ayushi P.
Published: January 2023

Background:

The targets of Sustainable Development Goals cannot be achieved without reducing mortality of inborn as well as outborn neonates.

Objective:

The objective was to predict the mortality of neonates by applying Modified Sick Neonatal Score (MSNS).

Material and Methods:

Parameters of MSNS scoring system were applied to 450 neonates at the time of admission and followed up prospectively till discharge or death. The score and individual parameters were correlated with outcome. A receiver operating curve was plotted to determine the cutoff value for score to predict the mortality.

Results:

The common clinical diagnoses were respiratory distress (38%), sepsis (26%), and jaundice (14.44%). Sixty-two percent neonates were born at term and 38% were preterm while 55.56% neonates were low birth weight and 44.4% were weighted more than 2500 gms. Neonates who died were older at the time of admission, and duration of hospital stay was shorter compared to alive neonates (P < 0.001) with a mortality rate of 23.11%. The total MSNS for neonates who died was statistically significantly low, (mean ± standard deviation) 7.93 ± 2.70, compared to alive neonates, 12.02 ± 1.84 (P < 0.0001). With optimum cutoff score of ≤10, the sensitivity was 79.80% and the specificity was 82.37% while the positive predictive value and negative predictive value was 57.64% and 93.14% respectively with the area under curve was 0.89 (odds ratio-18.46, 95% confidence interval 10.3-33.64, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

The MSNS of ≤10 has a better sensitivity and specificity in predicting neonatal mortality and is easy to use with minimal resources to both preterm and term neonates.
Retrospective Validation of the Alexandria Retinopathy of Prematurity Model in Preterm Infants in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Raffa Lina H. , Akeely Omar M. , Alariefy Saleh A. , Alharbi Faisal A. , Alkhateeb Moussa A. , Khan Mohammad A.
Published: January 2023

Background:

In developing countries, data on the applicability of existing models to predict retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) are scarce. The study aimed to validate the Alexandria ROP (Alex-ROP) and high-grade Alex-ROP (Hg Alex-ROP) models retrospectively to identify treatable ROP in a cohort of preterm infants in Saudi Arabia.

Materials and Methods:

We reviewed and included the records of 281 infants born prematurely in 2015–2021. We recorded the infants' demographics, gestational age at birth (GA), birth weight (BW), and serial weight measurements (day 7, 14, 21, and 28). We determined whether the included met the Alex-ROP and Hg Alex-ROP detection criteria for treatable or any-stage ROP and calculated the specificity, sensitivity, negative and positive predictive values, and accuracy.

Results:

The median BW and GA was 1095 g (range: 426–1920 g) and 29 weeks (range: 23–36 weeks), respectively. ROP developed in 112 infants, of which 30 cases were treatable. The Alex-ROP sensitivity for correctly predicting any-stage ROP and treatable ROP was 77.7% and 80.0%, respectively, and its specificity for predicting any-stage ROP and treatable ROP was 49.7% and 41%, respectively. The Hg Alex-ROP had 36.6% and 50.0% sensitivity for detecting any-stage ROP and treatable ROP, respectively, and its specificity for detecting any-stage ROP and treatable ROP was 83.4% and 78.5%, respectively.

Conclusion:

Previously published accuracy parameters were not reproducible in this cohort and a significant number of children requiring treatment would have been missed if the Alex-ROP or Hg Alex-ROP were applied.
Impact of a Short Period of Prone Versus Supine Nursing in Preterm Neonates Less Than 32 Weeks on Weight Gain
Authors: Venkatesh H. A. , Mohanty Pankaj Kumar
Published: January 2023

Background:

Postnatal growth depends on multiple factors such as gestational age, associated morbidities, and the nutrition and varies from one newborn to another. Preterm babies in neonatal intensive care unit are very much susceptible to growth faltering even after adequate nutrition and supplements. The positioning of preterm infants in neonatal intensive care has an impact on their survival and neurological outcome. Prone positioning is known to improve oxygenation, minute ventilation, and functional residual capacity. Quiet undisturbed sleep in preterms has helped them to conserve energy for growth.

Objective:

To determine the effect of prone versus supine position on weight gain in infants less than 32 weeks of gestational age.

Design:

Prospective observational study.

Participants:

Twenty-two neonates were recruited. Results: On day 1, in the prone position, 63.6% gained weight vs. 59.1% in the supine position (P = 0.425). On day 2, in prone, 72.7% has gained vs. 63.6% in supine (P = 0.359). On day 3, in prone, 68.2% gained weight vs. 63.6% in supine position (P = 0.426).

Conclusion:

Nursing a baby in a prone position has demonstrated weight gain over nursing in a supine position though not statistically significant.
Invasive Fungal Infection Presenting as Early-Onset Neonatal Sepsis
Authors: Sanni Usman Abiola , Lawal Taslim Olatunde , Na'uzo Aliyu Mamman , Audu Lamidi Isah
Published: January 2023

In neonatal intensive units, invasive fungal infection remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, although an unusual cause of early-onset neonatal sepsis. In this report, we present a case of Candida parapsilosis infection presenting as early-onset bacterial sepsis. The patient was a 6-day-old male preterm neonate (estimated gestational age of 32 weeks) admitted to our neonatal unit on account of fever, refusal to feed, and vomiting which started during the first 24 h of life. Initially, he was managed for early-onset neonatal sepsis. However, his clinical state deteriorated within the 1st week of admission and his blood culture yielded C. parapsilosis. His clinical condition subsequently improved significantly following the administration of intravenous amphotericin. He spent a total of 25 days on admission before discharge. Our report reiterates the need to raise the index of suspicion for invasive fungal infection in cases of early-onset neonatal sepsis with poor response to appropriate and potent antibiotics.
Seborrheic Keratosis-Like Changes in Epidermal Inclusion Cyst
Authors: Palo Seetu , Gargade Chitrawati B.
Published: January 2023

A 58-year-old male presented with an asymptomatic, slowly growing, cystic and mobile swelling on the left leg calf of 6 months duration. Fine-needle aspiration cytology was suggestive of epidermal inclusion cyst. Histopathological examination revealed seborrheic keratosis-like changes in the cyst wall comprising of marked acanthosis, papillomatosis, pseudohorn cysts, squamous eddies, and clumps of keratohyalin granules. This is a very rare variant of epidermal inclusion cyst, possibly induced by infection with human papillomavirus.
Delayed-Onset Urticaria Following Vaccination for COVID-19
Authors: Clark Brandon L. , Yentzer Brad A.
Published: January 2023

Background:

As COVID-19 vaccines continue to be administered worldwide, there are an increasing number of studies documenting cutaneous reactions following vaccination. Systemic reactions, such as urticarial diseases, occur.

Purpose:

The main objective of this study was to investigate the association between urticaria and recent vaccination for COVID-19.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review examining the association of urticaria and COVID vaccination was conducted.

Results:

We report 17 patients who developed an urticarial reaction following vaccination against COVID and one patient who developed an urticarial reaction following a COVID infection. The vast majority of the patients were women with a mean age of 42.8 years.

Conclusion:

Cutaneous manifestations often follow COVID vaccination and infection. It may be helpful to inquire about recent infections and vaccinations in patients presenting with urticarial diseases.
Autologous Platelet-Rich Fibrin Membrane as a Wound Dressing in the Treatment of Chronic Nonhealing Leg Ulcers
Authors: Asfiya Amina , Sarvajnamurthy Sacchidanand , Shariff Fardeen , Budamakuntala Leelavathy
Published: January 2023

Background:

Chronic nonhealing ulcers of the lower extremity are a cause of morbidity and mortality. The various treatment options available are limited and unsatisfactory. Promoting wound healing with an autologous platelet membrane could be a safe, easy, and inexpensive modality.

Purpose:

To assess an autologous platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membrane as a wound dressing in the treatment of chronic nonhealing leg ulcers.

Methods:

A prospective study enrolled 30 patients with chronic nonhealing leg ulcers. Autologous PRF was applied weekly for 6 weeks. At each visit, the ulcer healing was assessed with wound measurements and photographs. The treatment outcome was defined as a percentage in a change of area and volume of the ulcer at the end of the study period.

Results:

Thirty patients with chronic nonhealing leg ulcers were treated for 6 weeks. 100% improvement in area of the ulcer was seen in 43% ulcers. The mean percentage of improvement in area of the ulcer was 72%. The mean percentage of improvement in volume of the ulcer was 77%. The mean duration of healing was 5 weeks.

Conclusion:

This study was limited by the lack of a control group. Autologous PRF may be useful for the treatment of chronic nonhealing leg ulcers which can be done on an outpatient basis with minimum adverse effects.
CD1a-Positive Dendritic Cell-Enriched Pigmented Purpuric Dermatosis in Association with Dyslipidemia
Authors: Hinojosa Tiffany , Lewis Daniel J. , Duvic Madeleine , Torres-Cabala Carlos A.
Published: January 2023

Indeterminate cells (ICs) are dendritic cells (DCs) that share the histologic features of Langerhans cells and macrophages but lack Birbeck granules. It remains unclear whether IC histiocytosis is a separate disease entity or a reactive process. We report the case of a male with an 8-year history of dyslipidemia who developed extensive pigmented purpuric papules. Laboratory studies revealed peripheral monocytosis (8.2%), and two skin biopsies showed a dermal lichenoid lymphohistiocytic infiltrate composed of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells and CD68+CD163+CD1a+Langerin histiocytes. PD-1/PD-L1+T cells were present in the dermis. Our case may help in understanding the pathogenesis of IC histiocytosis, and we hypothesize that expression of CD1a+ dermal DCs and T-cell dysfunction is a reactive process to dyslipidemia.
Porokeratotic variant of lichen planus or lichen planus with porokeratosis
Authors: Eftekhari Hojat , Rafiei Rana , Gharaienejad Kaveh , Rafiee Behnam
Published: January 2023

Annular lichenoid diseases have many differential diagnoses. Lichen planus (LP) and porokeratosis could show annular-shaped lesions with a lichenoid tissue pattern infiltration, but typical cornoid lamella formation is mainly in favor of porokeratosis. We present a 57-year-old man with papulovesicular and annular lesions on the shins with an exophytic lesion of left great toe nail. Papular lesions showed classic histopathology of LP, but annular lesions revealed imperfect cornoid lamella formation that could be seen in the porokeratotic variant of LP. Nail bed biopsy showed in-situ squamous cell carcinoma and so distal phalangeal amputation was performed. Our patient had no good response to topical and systemic steroid, but he had moderate improvement with oral retinoid. We think that our case had different types of LP including classic, bullous and porokeratotic variants which is a rare association.
Dermatomyositis
Authors: Suparna Madivalara Y. , Patil Deena , Shivaswamy Kanakapura N. , Sumathy Tharayil K.
Published: January 2023

Dermatomyositis is an immune-mediated inflammatory myopathy. In adults, the common triggering factors for its onset include viral infections, malignancy, and drugs. The clinical manifestation of these group of disorders may be cutaneous, neurological, pulmonary, or a combination of all. The cutaneous manifestations are helpful in the early clinical diagnosis. The detection of myositis-specific autoantibodies serves as specific biomarkers for the diagnosis and helps in predicting the prognosis. We are presenting two cases of dermatomyositis, temporally related to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection and vaccination.
Serum versus tissue levels of FoxO3a, zinc, and iron in patients with vitiligo
Authors: Hofny Eman R.M. , Twisy Howida O. , Bamatraf Maysaa S. , Hasan Howayda I. , Mohamed Nahed A. , Mahran Ayman M.
Published: January 2023

Background

Vitiligo is a pigmentation disorder characterized by milky white patches. It is caused by destruction of melanocytes because of an uncertain etiology. Oxidative stress (OS) hypothesis is highly considered in vitiligo pathogenesis. Antioxidants, including the Forkhead box O (FoxO) proteins, iron, zinc, and others, were found to be impaired in patients with vitiligo.

Objective

To assess the role of OS in the pathogenesis of vitiligo and to decide whether is it a local dysfunction, systemic process, or both.

Patients and methods

A case–control study was conducted, in which serum and tissue levels of FoxO3a, zinc, and iron were estimated in 50 patients with vitiligo and 30 age-matched and sex-matched healthy volunteers. FoxO3 levels were measured using ELISA kits. Iron and zinc levels were measured using colorimetric methods.

Results

No significant difference was found between serum FoxO3a levels in patients and controls (P=0.427), whereas lesional FoxO3a was significantly lower than its level in the skin of controls (P<0.001). Zinc and iron levels were significantly lower in serum and tissue of patients with vitiligo than in controls (P<0.001 for each).

Conclusion

Both serum and tissue levels of antioxidants are probably involved in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. However, tissue OS may be affected more. Some antioxidants, such as, zinc, may be involved more than others.
Assessment of serum levels of vitamin D and tissue levels of vitamin D receptors in acanthosis nigricans
Authors: El Tahlawy Samar , Bahaa Sara , Shaker Olfat , El Ghanam Omar , Diaa Mai
Published: January 2023

Background

Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a skin disorder characterized by symmetrical, thickened, dark plaques comprising hyperkeratosis and acanthosis. Vitamin D (VD) plays an important role in the regulation of skin proliferation and differentiation, and mediates its action by binding to specific vitamin D receptors (VDR) in the nuclei of target cells.

Objective

To measure the serum levels of VD and tissue levels of VDR in a group of Egyptian patients with AN in comparison to healthy controls, in order to shed more light on the possible relation between VD, VDR, and AN.

Patients and methods

This study included 25 AN patients and 25 age-matched and sex-matched healthy controls. Blood samples and skin biopsies were taken from all participants for the evaluation of serum VD, glucose, insulin, and tissue VDR levels.

Results

Serum VD and tissue VDR were significantly lower (P<0.001 for both), while serum insulin and homeostatic model for insulin resistance were significantly higher (P<0.001 and P=0.002, respectively) in patients than controls. Patients had a more deficient pattern of VD status than controls (P<0.001). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between serum VD and tissue VDR in patients (r=0.632, P=0.001).

Conclusion

The present study suggests a possible role for low serum VD and tissue VDR levels in causing AN, in genetically predisposed individuals.
Treatment of warts with intralesional immunotherapy
Authors: Omar Shaimaa I. , Ragab Magdy A. , Elneily Dalia A. , Shahin Marwa A.
Published: January 2023

Background

Warts are skin disease caused by human papilloma virus infection and characterized by high rate of recurrence and resistance. The use of purified protein derivatives (PPD) for treatment of warts achieved good results, however, some patients do not respond to it. Deficiency of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) may be a risk for repeated viral infection.

Objective

To investigate the factors that may affect and predict the clinical response of warts to the treatment with PPD.

Patients and methods

This study was conducted on 50 patients with warts and 50 apparently healthy-control volunteers. Blood samples from all participants were investigated for the polymorphism in MBL2-gene exon-1 codon 54 by PCR before treatment. All patients were injected intralesionally in the biggest wart every 2 weeks for five sessions.

Results

About 56% of the patients achieved complete response, 8% attained partial response, and 36% did not show any response. We did not detect recurrence or progression during the follow-up period. There was significantly higher clinical response in patients with less than five warts and in those with warts of less than 1-year duration. There was significantly lower clinical response in patients with warts over the dorsum of hand, while higher clinical response was observed in the warts over the sole. Although higher number (48%) of patients compared with controls showed polymorphism of MBL2 gene, it has no relation of the effect of PPD injection.

Conclusion

Intralesional immunotherapy with PPD is effective and safe for treatment of warts. Duration, number, and site of warts might have an impact on the clinical response to PPD immunotherapy, while MBL2-gene exon-1 codon-54 polymorphism has no effect.
Design of Intrusion Detection and Prevention Model Using COOT Optimization and Hybrid LSTM-KNN Classifier for MANET
Authors: G. Madhu
Published: January 2023

INTRODUCTION: MANET is an emerging technology that has gained traction in a variety of applications due to its ability to analyze large amounts of data in a short period of time. Thus, these systems are facing a variety of security vulnerabilities and malware assaults. Therefore, it is essential to design an effective, proactive and accurate Intrusion Detection System (IDS) to mitigate these attacks present in the network. Most previous IDS faced challenges such as low detection accuracy, decreased efficiency in sensing novel forms of attacks, and a high false alarm rate. OBJECTIVES: To mitigate these concerns, the proposed model designed an efficient intrusion detection and prevention model using COOT optimization and a hybrid LSTM-KNN classifier for MANET to improve network security. METHODS: The proposed intrusion detection and prevention approach consist of four phases such as classifying normal node from attack node, predicting different types of attacks, finding the frequency of attack, and intrusion prevention mechanism. The initial phases are done through COOT optimization to find the optimal trust value for identifying attack nodes from normal nodes. In the second stage, a hybrid LSTM-KNN model is introduced for the detection of different kinds of attacks in the network. The third stage performs to classify the occurrence of attacks. RESULTS: The final stage is intended to limit the number of attack nodes present in the system. The proposed method's effectiveness is validated by some metrics, which achieved 96 per cent accuracy, 98 per cent specificity, and 35 seconds of execution time. CONCLUSION: This experimental analysis reveals that the proposed security approach effectively mitigates the malicious attack in MANET.
Zmiana paradygmatu. Aspekty środowiskowe jako imperatyw zmiany w środowisku mieszkaniowym
Authors: Mikielewicz Renata
Published: January 2023

Sacrum w przestrzeni zamieszkiwania przedstawia szacunek dla niewidzialnego. Ludzie, tworząc prywatne sanktuaria w domach, stawiając przydrożne krzyże i kapliczki, podkreślają swoją potrzebę bezpieczeństwa i ochrony w codziennym życiu. Ale dzisiejsze sanktuaria są inne; architektoniczne i urbanistyczne środki wyrazu różnią się od tych z poprzednich stuleci. Jednocześnie często odnoszą się lub wykorzystują ten sam język by wyrazić ideę sacrum. Pogłębiona analiza prac teoretycznych i przykładów realizacji oparta na wieloletnich badaniach naukowych i obserwacji realizowanych obiektów pozwala autorce na sformułowanie tezy o zmianie paradygmatu zjawiska, które można zdefiniować jako sacrum w środowisku mieszkaniowym.

The Paradigm Change. Environmental Aspects as Transformative Imperative in the Housing Environment

The sacred in the habitation space depicts respect for the unseen. The people underlined their fear and hope for safety, comfort, and well-being in the sanctuaries inside their homes or roadside crosses and chapels. But contemporary shrines are different; architectural and urban means and solutions differ from those from previous ages. At the same time, they refer to or even use the same elements to express the holy. An expanded analysis of theoretical works and design examples based on longtime research and observations of the described phenomenon allows the author to formulate a thesis about a strongly changing paradigm in what one can describe as the sacred in a housing environment.
Satellite-Based Statistical Analysis of Hilla River Water Quality Parameters, Iraq
Authors: Al-Jassani Fatimah D. , Al-Zubaidi Hussein A. M. , Al-Mansori Nisren J.
Published: January 2023

Since industrial and human activities have been developed, water quality intensely degrades in Hilla River, Iraq. Using remote sensing technology provides data for assessing and monitoring water quality in surface water bodies. Thus, in this study, Landsat 8 satellite images (2016 to 2021) were statistically tested for developing linear models capable of estimating water quality parameters in the river based on field data, including turbidity (turb), electric conductivity (EC), hydrogen ions (pH), total suspended solids (TSS), chloride ions (Cl), sulfate ions (SO4), Alkalinity (ALK), total hardness (TH), calcium (Ca), potassium (K), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), and total dissolved solids (TDS). The results showed that seven parameters have a significant relationship with the spectral bands ratio (p-value less than 0.05). Some of them (TDS, SO4, and ALK) are positively correlated with bands ratio (Band10/Band3, Band10/Band3 and Band10/Band4, and Band3/Band7), respectively. Others (Mg, Ca, TH and pH) are inversely correlated with (Band4/Band7, Band1/Band4, Band1/Band4, and Band1/Band2), respectively. However, K, Na, TDS, Cl, EC and turb have an insignificant correlation with any band ratio.
Gynaecological Complications in General Surgery Unit: A Single-Center Study
Authors: Bhatti Nadia , Bhatti Afshan , Bhatti Najia , Ali Muharram , Shaikh Aisha , Abro Abdul Sattar
Published: January 2023

Introduction: This study aims to investigate the frequency of gynecological complications reported during emergency and elective general surgeries. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study, data were collected retrospectively, approximately 500 patients went through surgical management in the general surgery department while only 125 reported associated issues requiring surgical management and required gynecological interventions. Data was entered & analyzed using SPSS version 22. Frequency and percentage were calculated for quantitative variables such as presenting complaints, reported gynecological issues, required intervention, and reported associated problems.  Results: A total of 125 patients were enrolled in the study with the most commonly reported presenting complaint being pain with the vaginal discharge with vomiting documented in 72(57.5%) of patients. Puss discharge from wounds, peritonitis, and abdominal swelling were other frequently reported issues in 14(11.2%), 11 (8.7%), and 11 (8.7%) patients respectively. 98(78%) were discharged after successful management of gynecological as well as general surgical problems, 25(20%) were referred to tertiary care health care setup for more appropriate care and 1(1%) had a burst abdomen. Only 1 (1%) out of 125 patients expired during the study period. Conclusion: Gynecological complications have been markedly reported in the general surgery unit, necessitating general surgeons to intercede and deliver significant benefits in terms of lowering morbidity, mortality, postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay from a diagnostic and therapeutic point of view.
Life Long Physiological Distress Due To Excessive Use of Social Media – A Damnation Disguised
Authors: Nasir Nimra , Syed Reeja , Kazim Rabia , Alam Tania , Rafaqat Uzma , Sattar Rabel , Maqsood Aliya
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Social media is a forum that helps to interact between people by which they are provided the opportunity to share their ideas, pictures and much more over the internet. Now-a-days social media is being used excessively, influencing, modernizing and becoming a useful source of communication especially among university level students. Although social media is a proven opportunity for students but on a closer look it seems negatively affecting the way of thinking, lifestyle, health and relations as well. The impetus behind this study was to assess the influence of social media on the mental and physical well-being of young generation. Objective: To find out the cause of excessive indulgence in social media and its impact on students. Materials & Method: This study was carried out using close-ended questionnaires, which were distributed randomly among students. The survey was conducted for about four months, starting from May 2019 to August 2019. The analysis was carried out by simple cumulative statistical function. Result: The study pointed out some important negative aspects of social media among which weakened relationships, irregular sleeping patterns, increased stress and unstable emotions are a few to mention. Conclusion: Social media negatively influences the students both mentally and physically.
VALIDEZ DE CONTENIDO DE JUICIO POR EXPERTOS EN INSTRUMENTO PARA MEDIR LA INFLUENCIA DE FACTORES PSICOSOCIALES EN EL ESTRÉS ORGANIZACIONAL EN EMPRESAS DEL GIRO HOTELERO
Authors: Flores Aguilar Juan , Terán Cazares María Mayela
Published: January 2023

El presente estudio tiene como objetivo realizar la validez de contenido de un instrumento de medición para medir factores psicosociales que influyen en el estrés organizacional en personal de empresas hoteleras en Nuevo León, México. Se describe el proceso de validación y la conformación de la evaluación en la que expertos evaluaron 53 ítems integrados por cuatro categorías: suficiencia, claridad, coherencia y relevancia del ítem. Se concluye con la adecuación de los ítems del instrumento previamente validado, para contextualizarlo a los requerimientos de investigaciones futuras.
The Effect of Planting Arrangement of Nitrogen and Phosphorus on Yield and Physiological Traits of Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) in Iran
Authors: GHORABAEİ TOGHREKAN Zahra , AIEN Ahmad , AFSHARMANESH Gholamreza , ALAVİ SENİ Seyed Mohammad , SHİRZADİ Mohammad Hassan
Published: January 2023

To study the effect of planting arrangement of nitrogen and phosphorus on yield and physiological traits of guar, a factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design with three replications in two cropping years 2019-20 and 2020-21 in the research center and agricultural and natural resources education of southern Kerman was implemented. Nitrogen at three levels (20, 60, and 100 kg pure nitrogen per hectare) from urea and phosphorus fertilizer source at two levels (zero and 75 kg P2O5 source per hectare) from monopotassium phosphate fertilizer source and planting row spacing at three levels (30, 45 and 60 cm) equivalent to 47, 31 and 24 plants per square meter, plant density were considered. The results showed that nitrogen, phosphorus, and planting density significantly affected all traits. Planting row spacing affected all characteristics except seed gum and phosphorus levels were effective on all traits except glycine betaine and leaf sodium. The highest yield components and seed gum were obtained from N3P2D3 treatment (application of 60kg/ha nitrogen, 75 kg/ha phosphorus, and 60 cm row spacing) which was no different from N2P1D3 treatment and the highest leaf proline content was related to N2P2D3 treatment and the highest glycine content was betaine and leaves. Sodium was related to N2P1D3 treatment. The highest grain yield and yield components in the first and second year of N2P2D2 treatment (application of 60 and 75 kg of nitrogen and phosphorus, respectively, with a row spacing of 45 cm) were obtained at 4300 and 4200 kg/ha, respectively, with N3P1D2 and N3P2D2 was not significantly different. The highest levels of carotenoids and chlorophyll a and b were related to N3P2D3 treatment. Based on the results of this study, it seems that this plant does not need high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in terms of legume, but is affected by nitrogen and phosphorus for high yield and product quality. Regarding row spacing, if the goal is to achieve a high yield, row spacing of 45 cm and high quality 60 cm spacing is recommended and can be considered as a low-expectation plant in the cultivation pattern program in the climatic conditions of southern Kerman
FINDING A ZERO OF THE SUMS OF THREE MAXIMAL MONOTONE OPERATORS
Authors: ABDALLAH BEDDANI
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we present a method for finding the zero of the sum of finite family of maximal monotone operators on real Hilbert spaces. In the case where the number of maximal monotone operators is three, we define a function such that its fixed points are solutions of our problem. Some illustrative examples are given at the end of this paper.
NEW RESULTS ON A MIXED CONVECTION BOUNDARY LAYER FLOW OVER A PERMEABLE VERTICAL SURFACE EMBEDDED IN A POROUS MEDIUM
Authors: DJEFFAL KHALED BOUDJEMA
Published: January 2023

The objective of this paper is to prove the existence, non-existence and the sign of convex and convex-concave solutions of the third-order non-linear differential equation f^'''+ff^''+βf^' (f^'-1)=0, satisfying the boundary conditions f(0)=a∈R, f^' (0)=b<0 and〖 f〗^'→λ as t→+∞ where λ∈{0,1} and β<0. The problematic arises in the study of the Mixed Convection Boundary Layer flow over a permeable vertical surface embedded in a Porous Medium according to the mixed convection parameter b<0, the permeable parameter a∈R and the temperature parameter β<0.
SURFACES WITH VANISHING ABNORMALITY OF NORMAL DIRECTION IN MINKOWSKI SPACE
Authors: LI YANLIN , YAVUZ AYŞE , ERDOĞDU MELEK
Published: January 2023

This paper is investigated geometry of vector fields along spacelike curve with timelike normal vector by using anholonomic coordinates. Derivative formulas of Frenet Serret frame of the curve are stated which includes eight parameters. Surfaces with vanishing abnormality of normal direction in Minkowski space are examined. Intrinsic geometric properties of these spacelike surfaces are investigated. Finally, the relations between spacelike surfaces with vanishing abnormality of normal direction and NLS, Heisenberg spin equation are investigated as applications.
COMPACTION IN A CLASS OF NONLINEAR PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Authors: ABBAS TASAWAR , UL HASSAN QAZI MAHMOOD , HUSSAIN ANWAR , FATIMA MAHEEN , AHMAD BILAL
Published: January 2023

We inspect the compaction structure in a class of nonlinear dispersive conditions in this article. The compaction sort of lone waves free of exponential tails and width self-sufficient of abundance is formally created. We further set up particular examples of answers for the defocusing parts of these models.
ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS ACCUMULATION IN WHEAT GROWN ON SEWAGE SLUDGE-TREATED FERTILE SOIL
Authors: BANCUTA IULIAN , CHILIAN ANDREI , BANCUTA OANA ROXANA , STAN FLORIN , MIHAI SIMONA , MIRON-ALEXE VIOREL
Published: January 2023

The application of sewage sludge to agricultural land is an increasingly popular disposal route and it can be a valuable source of nutrients for crops. Soil properties such as texture, pH value, and ion exchange capacity, strongly influence the availability of trace metals to plants. This paper aims to determine the concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn) from wheat, grown in controlled conditions, using two analytical methods as Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The analyzes were carried out at various stages of wheat grain growth and at different concentrations of sewage sludge/soil (0/100, 25/75, 50/50, 75/25, 100/0). The purpose of this paper is to present a method for valorizing sludge from sewage treatment plants, as well as the benefits that this method can have for the growth of cereals, while also looking at the influence and possible accumulation of heavy metals in this plant.
MATEMATİK VE FEN BİLİMLERİ ÖĞRETMEN ADAYLARININ PANDEMİDEKİ UZAKTAN EĞİTİM DENEYİMLERİNE İLİŞKİN GÖRÜŞLERİ
Authors: ÖNAL Nezih
Published: January 2023

Bu araştırmada amaç, Matematik ve Fen Bilimleri öğretmen adaylarının Covid-19 pandemisindeki uzaktan eğitim deneyimlerine ilişkin görüşlerini ortaya çıkarmaktır. Bu amaçla gerçekleştirilen araştırma nicel araştırma yöntemi tarama desenine dayalı olarak yürütülmüştür. Araştırmaya İç Anadolu Bölgesi’nde yer alan bir devlet üniversitesinde öğrenim gören toplam 242 öğretmen adayı katılmıştır. Araştırmanın verileri Uzaktan Eğitime Yönelik Görüş Ölçeği ile toplanmış ve elde edilen veriler betimsel istatistiklere dayalı olarak analiz edilmiştir. Araştırmanın verileri katılımcıların genel olarak uzaktan eğitime yönelik olumsuz görüş içerisinde olduklarını göstermiştir. Ölçek maddelerine verilen yanıtların analizleri ise bu olumsuz görüşlerin katılımcıların kişisel özelliklerinden kaynaklanıyor olabileceğini işaret etmektedir. Katılımcılar verilen görevleri zamanında gerçekleştirme, yarım bırakmama gibi özelliklere sahip görünmemektedir. Bu durum ise uzaktan eğitimde başarının temel belirleyicisi olan öğrenenlerin sorumluluk üstlenme noktasında problemlerinin olduğunu düşündürmektedir. Araştırma verileri ışığında uzaktan eğitime yönelik bu olumsuz görüşleri gidermeye ilişkin sistem iyileştirme çalışmalarının yapılması önerileri getirilmiştir.