bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the neuroprotective effect of quercetin against damage caused by gamma radiation
Authors: Baran Munevver , Başaran Kemal E. , Gergin Ozlem Oz , Cengız Ozge , G.Yıldız Oğuz , Yay Arzu
Published: March 2024

Background and Objective:

Radiation therapy is a routine clinical practice that has been used for a long time in the treatment of cancer patients. The most important dose-limiting organ in patients receiving radiotherapy for various conditions is the brain. The mechanisms underlying brain and pituitary gland damage caused by radiation are largely unknown. It is of great importance to use radioprotective agents to protect against damage. This study aims to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of quercetin in experimental radiation-induced brain and pituitary gland damage.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 60 adult male Wistar-albino rats were randomly divided into six groups (control, sham, radiation, quercetin, radiation + quercetin, and quercetin + radiation groups, with ten rats in each group). Quercetin was given to rats by oral gavage at 50 mg/kg/day. A whole-body single dose of 10 Gy radiation was applied to the rats. Tissue samples belonging to the groups were compared after excision. Histopathological changes in the brain tissue and pituitary gland were examined with hematoxylin-tissue samples in the groups and compared histologically and immunohistochemically.

Results:

The histopathological examination of the brain and anterior pituitary gland sections showed marked damage in the radiation-treated rats, while the quercetin-administered groups showed normal tissue architecture. While neuropeptid Y immunoreactivity was increased, synaptophysin immunoreactivity was decreased in the brains of radiation-treated rats. However, when neuropeptide Y and synaptophysin expression were assessed in the anterior pituitary gland, there was no significant difference between the groups.

Conclusion:

Consequently, quercetin may be a potential pharmacological agent in modulating radiation-induced damage in rats. However, extra experimental and preclinical studies are needed to confirm our findings before they can be used clinically.
Extracts of Jamun seeds inhibited the growth of human (Hep-2) cancer cells
Authors: Mauti Godfrey O.
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

In the last century, the human laryngeal epithelioma has become a life-threatening disease leading to a high rate of mortality worldwide. The current investigation is focusing on the antiproliferative effect of Eugenia jambolana seed extracts against Hep-2 cancer cells.

Methods:

The active compounds from the seeds of E. jambolana were extracted by the decoction extraction method using acetone, ethanol, and methanol. The filtrates from the different solvents were subjected to liquid-liquid separation before drying by a rotary evaporator. In various doses, the crude extracts and carcinoma were subjected to a methylthiazolyl diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. Cell viability was determined under ultraviolet visualization at an absorbance of 540 nm. The data of the viable cells were subjected to analysis of variance at P ≤ .01.

Results:

Crude compounds of E. jambolana seeds extracted by acetone, methanol, and methanol extract had an anticarcinoma effect. Among the extracts, methanol extract possessed a recommendable anti-carcinoma effect compared to acetone and ethanol crude extracts. At a concentration of 125 µg/mL, the crude extracts of methanol, acetone, and ethanol destroyed 49.57, 35.01, and 27.67 carcinomas, respectively. The concentration of 31.25 µg/mL of acetone extract and 125 µg/mL of ethanolic extract affected 28.11 and 27.67 carcinomas, respectively.

Conclusions:

E.
jambolana seeds possess anticarcinoma potency and thus can be administered in the reduction of proliferative carcinoma. The study recommended further studies which will involve the elution of pure compounds from the methanol extract of E. jambolana that possess antitumour and antiproliferative activity against Hep-2 cell lines.
Epithelial ovarian cancer in younger age versus older age groups: Survival and clinicopathological features
Authors: Kongkamsuan Walaiporn , Boonyapipat Sathana
Published: March 2024

Objectives:

This study aimed to analyze the survivals and clinicopathological features of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) in younger age patients and to determine the impact of age on survival.

Methods:

EOC patients aged ≤40 years were matched to patients aged >40 years at a 1:4 ratio. Disease-specific survival (DSS), progression-free survival (PFS), and clinicopathological and treatment features were compared between patients aged ≤40 and >40 years.

Results:

A total of 763 EOC patients were reviewed. During a median follow-up period of 41 (range, 1–195) months, EOC patients aged ≤40 and >40 years did not show any statistically significant difference in median DSS (120 versusversus 84.7 months; hazard ratio, 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.58, 1.06); however, the median PFS was better in patients aged ≤40 years (median PFS not reached versusversus 41 months; HR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.5, 0.85). Age ≤40 years was an independent favorable prognostic factor for DSS at 3 years after diagnosis. In contrast, younger age was an independent poor prognostic factor prior to this time point. EOC patients aged ≤40 years exhibited a significantly higher rate of early-stage disease, a higher proportion of mucinous subtype, and lower cancer antigen-125 level.

Conclusion:

Overall, EOC patients in the younger age group were associated with more favorable prognostic factors and showed better PFS, but not DSS, than those in the older age group. Younger age was identified as an unfavorable prognostic factor within 3 years of diagnosis and became a favorable prognostic factor after 3 years.
Ewing’s sarcoma in adolescents and adults – 10-year experience from a tertiary cancer center in India
Authors: Narayanan Geetha , Kamala Lakshmi H. , Nair Sreejith G. , Purushothaman Prakash N. , Kumar Aswin , Kattoor Jayasree
Published: March 2024

Background:

Ewing’s sarcoma (EWS) is an aggressive small round cell tumor, affecting bone and soft tissues and is mostly seen in childhood and second decade of life. EWS accounts for 10–12% of bone tumors in more than 15 years age group and is even rarer after 40 years of age.

Materials and Methods:

This retrospective analysis was conducted among patients aged more than 15 years with histologically proven EWS.

Results:

Among 240 cases of EWS treated at our center during 2001–2010, 130 (54%) were more than 15 years of age. The median age was 20 years with a male: female ratio of 2.4:1. Ninety percent had skeletal EWS, 10% had extra skeletal EWS, and 37% patients were metastatic at presentation. Eighty-two received curative treatment with chemotherapy (vincristine, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, etoposide (VAC/IE)) along with local treatment, radiotherapy (RT) in 61, surgery alone in seven, and RT plus surgery in 14. Two- and 5-year overall survival (OS) was 43.3% and 25.5%, respectively, for the entire series. The OS for the non-metastatic group was 63.2% at 2 years and 36.5% at 5 years, and the progression free survival was 53.7% at 2 years and 37.8% at 5 years. High lactate dehydrogenase was found to be a significant poor prognostic factor (P = 0.001). Median OS for localized central EWS was 49.2 months and that for peripheral EWS was 24 months. Patients more than 20 years of age with non-metastatic disease had better OS compared to those with 15–20 years of age.

Conclusion:

Treatment of EWS requires a multidisciplinary approach with radical surgery and/or radiation to control local disease and multiagent chemotherapy to control systemic disease. Long-term follow-up is essential because of disease relapse and treatment-related complications.
Exploring the Influence of Initial Estimates on Iterative Maximum Likelihood Expectation–maximization in Tomographic Reconstruction
Authors: Qutbi Mohsen
Published: March 2024

Purpose:

To explore the influence of initial guess or estimate (uniform as “ones” and “zeros” vs. filtered back projection [FBP] image) as an input image for maximum likelihood expectation–maximization (MLEM) tomographic reconstruction algorithm and provide the curves of error or convergence for each of these three initial estimates.

Methods:

Two phantoms, created as digital images, were utilized: one was a simple noiseless object and the other was a more complicated, noise-degraded object of the section of lower thorax in a matrix of 256 × 256 pixels. Both underwent radon transform or forward projection process and the corresponding sinograms were generated. For filtering during tomographic image reconstruction, ramp and Butterworth filters, as high-pass and low-pass ones, were applied to images. The second phantom (lower thorax) was radon-transformed and the resulting sinogram was degraded by noise. As initial guess or estimate images, in addition to FBP tomographic image, two uniform images, one with all pixels having a value of 1 (“ones”) and the other with all having zero (“zeros”), were created. The three initial estimates (FBP, ones, and zeros) were reconstructed with iterative MLEM tomographic reconstruction (with 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 iterations). The difference between the object and the updated slice was calculated at the end of each iteration (as error matrix), and the mean squared error (MSE) was computed and plotted separately or in conjunction with the MSE curves of other initial estimates. All computations were implemented in MATLAB software.

Results:

The results of ones and zeros seemed strikingly similar. The curves of uniform ones and uniform zeros were so close to each other that overlap near-perfectly. However, in the FBP slice as an initial estimate, the resulting tomographic slice was similar with a much higher extent to the object even after 1 or 2 iterations. The pattern of convergence for all three curves was roughly similar. The normalized MSE decreased sharply up to 5 iterations and then, after 10 iterations, the curves reached a plateau until 32 iterations. For the phantom of the lower thorax section with its noise-degraded sinogram, similar to the pattern observed for simple disk-shaped phantom, the curves (normalized MSE) fell sharply up to 10 iterations and then rapidly converged thereafter until 64 iterations.

Conclusion:

Similar results are observed when choosing different initial guesses or estimates (uniform vs. FBP) as the starting point, based on the error calculation using MSE. The algorithm converges almost similarly for all initial estimates. Therefore, selecting a uniform initial guess image can be an appropriate choice and may be preferred over an FBP image. Reducing the processing time can be a valid reason for this choice.
Delta4-based Dosimetric Error Detection in Volumetric-modulated Arc Therapy: Clinical Significance and Implications
Authors: Udee Nuntawat , Commukchik Supada , Khamfongkhruea Chirasak , Kaewlek Titipong , Chusin Thunyarat , Yabsantia Sumalee
Published: March 2024

Background:

Volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is an efficient method of administering intensity-modulated radiotherapy beams. The Delta4 device was employed to examine patient data.

Aims and Objectives:

The utility of the Delta4 device in identifying errors for patient-specific quality assurance of VMAT plans was studied in this research.

Materials and Methods:

Intentional errors were purposely created in the collimator rotation, gantry rotation, multileaf collimator (MLC) position displacement, and increase in the number of monitor units (MU).

Results:

The results show that when the characteristics of the treatment plans were changed, the gamma passing rate (GPR) decreased. The largest percentage of erroneous detection was seen in the increasing number of MU, with a GPR ranging from 41 to 92. Gamma analysis was used to compare the dose distributions of the original and intentional error designs using the 2%/2 mm criteria. The percentage of dose errors (DEs) in the dose-volume histogram (DVH) was also analyzed, and the statistical association was assessed using logistic regression. A modest association (Pearson’s R-values: 0.12–0.67) was seen between the DE and GPR in all intentional plans. The findings indicated a moderate association between DVH and GPR. The data reveal that Delta4 is effective in detecting mistakes in treatment regimens for head-and-neck cancer as well as lung cancer.

Conclusion:

The study results also imply that Delta4 can detect errors in VMAT plans, depending on the details of the defects and the treatment plans employed.
Effect of Detector Orientation and Influence of Jaw Position in the Determination of Small-field Output Factor with Various Detectors for High-energy Photon Beams
Authors: Godson Henry Finlay , Manickam Ravikumar , Ponmalar Y. Retna , Ganesh K. M. , Saminathan Sathiyan , Chandraraj Varatharaj , Kumar A. Sathish , George Seby , Raman Arun , Singh Rabi Raja
Published: March 2024

Background:

Accurate dose measurements are difficult in small fields due to charge particle disequilibrium, partial source occlusion, steep dose gradient, and the finite size of the detector.

Aim:

The study aims to determine the output factor using various detectors oriented in parallel and perpendicular orientations for three different tertiary collimating systems using 15 MV photon beams. In addition, this study analyzes how the output factor could be affected by different configurations of X and Y jaws above the tertiary collimators.

Materials and Methods:

Small field output factor measurements were carried out with three detectors for different tertiary collimating systems such as BrainLab stereotactic cones, BrainLab mMLC and Millennium MLC namely. To analyze the effect of jaw position on output factor, measurements have been carried out by positioning the jaws at the edge, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 cm away from the tertiary collimated field.

Results:

The data acquired with 15 MV photon beams show significant differences in output factor obtained with different detectors for all collimating systems. For smaller fields when compared to microDiamond, the SRS diode underestimates the output by up to -1.7% ± 0.8% and -2.1% ± 0.3%, and the pinpoint ion chamber underestimates the output by up to -8.1% ± 1.4% and -11.9% ± 1.9% in their parallel and perpendicular orientation respectively. A large increase in output factor was observed in the small field when the jaw was moved 0.25 cm symmetrically away from the tertiary collimated field.

Conclusion:

The investigated data on the effect of jaw position inferred that the position of the X and Y jaw highly influences the output factors of the small field. It also confirms that the output factor highly depends on the configuration of X and Y jaw settings, the tertiary collimating system as well as the orientation of the detectors in small fields.
Improving Visualization of In-stent Lumen Using Prototype Photon-counting Detector Computed Tomography with High-resolution Plaque Kernel
Authors: Funama Yoshinori , Oda Seitaro , Teramoto Fuyuhiko , Aoki Yuko , Takahashi Isao , Kojima Shinichi , Goto Taiga , Tanaka Kana , Kidoh Masafumi , Nagayama Yasunori , Nakaura Takeshi , Hirai Toshinori
Published: March 2024

The study aimed to compare the performance of photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCD CT) with high-resolution (HR)-plaque kernel with that of the energy-integrating detector CT (EID CT) in terms of the visualization of the lumen size and the in-stent stenotic portion at different coronary vessel angles. The lumen sizes in PCD CT and EID CT images were 2.13 and 1.80 mm at 0°, 2.20 and 1.77 mm at 45°, and 2.27 mm and 1.67 mm at 90°, respectively. The lumen sizes in PCD CT with HR-plaque kernel were wider than those in EID CT. The mean degree of the in-stent stenotic portion at 50% was 69.7% for PCD CT and 90.4% for EID CT. PCD CT images with HR-plaque kernel enable improved visualization of lumen size and accurate measurements of the in-stent stenotic portion compared to conventional EID CT images regardless of the stent direction.
The Investigating Image Registration Accuracy and Contour Propagation for Adaptive Radiotherapy Purposes in Line with the Task Group No. 132 Recommendation
Authors: Archawametheekul Kamonchanok , Puttanawarut Chanon , Suphaphong Sithiphong , Jiarpinitnun Chuleeporn , Sakulsingharoj Siwaporn , Stansook Nauljun , Khachonkham Suphalak
Published: March 2024

Purpose:

Image registration is a crucial component of the adaptive radiotherapy workflow. This study investigates the accuracy of the deformable image registration (DIR) and contour propagation features of SmartAdapt, an application in the Eclipse treatment planning system (TPS) version 16.1.

Materials and Methods:

The registration accuracy was validated using the Task Group No. 132 (TG-132) virtual phantom, which features contour evaluation and landmark analysis based on the quantitative criteria recommended in the American Association of Physicists in Medicine TG-132 report. The target registration error, Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), and center of mass displacement were used as quantitative validation metrics. The performance of the contour propagation feature was evaluated using clinical datasets (head and neck, pelvis, and chest) and an additional four-dimensional computed tomography (CT) dataset from TG-132. The primary planning and the second CT images were appropriately registered and deformed. The DSC was used to find the volume overlapping between the deformed contours and the radiation oncologist (RO)-drawn contour. The clinical value of the DIR-generated structure was reviewed and scored by an experienced RO to make a qualitative assessment.

Results:

The registration accuracy fell within the specified tolerances. SmartAdapt exhibited a reasonably propagated contour for the chest and head-and-neck regions, with DSC values of 0.80 for organs at risk. Misregistration is frequently observed in the pelvic region, which is specified as a low-contrast region. However, 78% of structures required no modification or minor modification, demonstrating good agreement between contour comparison and the qualitative analysis.

Conclusions:

SmartAdapt has adequate efficiency for image registration and contour propagation for adaptive purposes in various anatomical sites. However, there should be concern about its performance in regions with low contrast and small volumes.
Program for Determining the Dosimetric Contribution of Tc-99m Biokinetics in Estimating the Dose to the Heart of a Male Adult
Authors: Morales-Nizama Rosa Adela , Gallozzo-Cárdenas Moisés Miguel , Chinchay-Espino Héctor Almanzor , Murga-Torres Emzon , Alvarez-Escobedo Amilu M. , Nazario-Naveda Renny
Published: March 2024

Purpose:

To calculate the contribution of absorbed dose by organs in the biokinetics of Tc-99m when used for radiodiagnosis of the adult male heart employing a Matlab program.

Methods:

The absorbed self-dose of the adult male heart and absorbed dose by organs in the biokinetics of the heart when administering Tc-99m are estimated using the MIRD formalism and the Cristy-Eckerman representation, which have been employed to develop the algorithm in Matlab.

Results:

The results indicate that electron capture emissions of 1.446 (mGy/MBq) and Auger electrons of 0.062 (mGy/MBq) are entirely directed towards the target organ (heart) and contribute 29.33% and 1.25% respectively to its total dose. Additionally, the dosimetric contributions of biokinetic organs correspond to characteristic radiation emissions and gamma photons at 2.578 (mGy/MBq) for Tc-99m, representing 52.29% of its total dose.

Conclusion:

These dosimetric contributions are significant in estimating the total absorbed dose by the heart in adult males and should not be disregarded.
The Optimal Model for Copy-Move Forgery Detection in Medical Images
Authors: Amiri Ehsan , Mosallanejad Ahmad , Sheikhahmadi Amir
Published: March 2024

Background:

Digital devices can easily forge medical images. Copy-move forgery detection (CMFD) in medical image has led to abuses in areas where access to advanced medical devices is unavailable. Forgery of the copy-move image directly affects the doctor’s decision. The method discussed here is an optimal method for detecting medical image forgery.

Methods:

The proposed method is based on an evolutionary algorithm that can detect fake blocks well. In the first stage, the image is taken to the signal level with the help of a discrete cosine transform (DCT). It is then ready for segmentation by applying discrete wavelet transform (DWT). The low-low band of DWT, which has the most image properties, is divided into blocks. Each block is searched using the equilibrium optimization algorithm. The blocks are most likely to be selected, and the final image is generated.

Results:

The proposed method was evaluated based on three criteria of precision, recall, and F1 and obtained 90.07%, 92.34%, and 91.56%, respectively. It is superior to the methods studied on medical images.

Conclusions:

It concluded that our method for CMFD in the medical images was more accurate.
Type 2 diabetes and gut health - Narrative review
Authors: Lunghar Janeline , Banu A. Thahira
Published: March 2024

The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is attributed to the rapid shift in our environment, particularly the modern lifestyle. Recent research has decoded the link between T2D and various chronic conditions with compromised gut health. Enhancing our understanding of gut health and actively maintaining a healthy gut can significantly impact overall well-being, including the management of T2D. Notably, recent key findings highlight the positive effects of incorporating probiotics, prebiotics (beneficial live organisms from diverse food sources), and increased fiber intake in promoting a beneficial balance of intestinal flora, thereby fortifying the gut. Research has demonstrated that probiotics, such as specific strains such asLactobacillusandBifidobacteriumspecies, play a crucial role in supporting gut health and preventing the onset of T2D. Conversely, a diet high in saturated fats and processed sugars has been identified as a contributor to poor gut health, leading to a condition known as gut dysbiosis. Moreover, studies indicate that an imbalanced gut is a contributing factor to insulin resistance in individuals with T2D. It is noteworthy that certain factors, such as the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and nonsteroidal medications, can significantly disrupt gut health and contribute to imbalances. This review emphasizes the importance of reinforcing gut health through the inclusion of specific probiotic strains and adopting a high-fiber, plant-based diet. The consumption of such a diet appears to be an effective and favorable strategy for improving intestinal microbiota and, consequently, overall health, with a specific focus on preventing T2D.
Case of hypertriglyceridemia-induced subacute pancreatitis and hypertriglyceridemia-triggered transverse sinus thrombosis in a recently diagnosed diabetic patient and the efficacy of management of hypertriglyceridemia with continuous insulin infusion
Authors: Amin Mona Ahmed , Mommtaz Mohamed , Al-Saraf Nashwa , Fathy Ahmed , Farouk Dina , Nageeb Ahmed , Sherif Rana , Ragheb Mina Adel
Published: March 2024

A 28-year-old single female diagnosed with transverse sinus thrombosis; she was also discovered to be diabetic with severe hyperlipidemia. She presented by recurrent episodes of diffuse dull aching abdominal pain referred to the back; she was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis with markedly elevated triglyceride (TG) levels. She started medical treatment for hypertriglyceridemia with no improvement. She started four sessions of plasma exchanges with marked improvement of the general condition, abdominal pain and appetite, and TGs declined.While the patient was on plasma exchange she developed catheter related infection so it is stopped and soon triglycerides raised again with recurrence of the abdominal pain and we started insulin infusion with improvement of her condition
Relationship of hypertension with dietary intake of calcium, magnesium, Vitamin D and Vitamin E among adult males
Authors: Alhussain Maha H. , Alsehli Rawan Mohammed , Alshammari Ghedeir M. , Habib Syed Shahid
Published: March 2024

Aims:

Hypertension remains a main cause of premature death worldwide. Micronutrients are crucial in the regulation of blood pressure, therefore, we aimed to examine the associations between calcium, magnesium, Vitamin D, and Vitamin E intakes and hypertension among adult males.

Settings and Design:

Community-based, descriptive study.

Materials and Methods:

The study included 450 men with a mean age of 46.79 ± 15.88. Anthropometric measurements and body composition were assessed. An automated arm digital sphygmomanometer was used to monitor the resting heart rate, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) values. Dietary intake including Ca, Mg, Vitamin D, and Vitamin E were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The population sample was divided into two groups according to hypertension status as follows: hypertensive and normotensive groups.

Statistical Analysis Used:

The independent t-test was performed to assess the differences between the hypertensive and the normotensive groups.

Results:

The hypertensive participants were older and had a higher mean body mass index, fat %, SBP, DBP, pulse pressure and heart rate compared with nonhypertensive participants. Among micronutrient intake, hypertensive group had significantly higher Vitamin D intake than the normotensive group.

Conclusions:

This study found a significant association between Vitamin D intake, as assessed using FFQ, and hypertension, but not between Ca, Mg, or Vitamin E. To clarify the potential association between micronutrient intake and hypertension, more studies, and clinical trials should be conducted.
Telemental health screening and psychiatric diagnosis for COVID-19 recovered patients in post-COVID-19 outpatient care
Authors: Verma Anshu , Kaur Darpan , Singh Adarsh , Dere Shubhangi , Ghildiyal Rakesh
Published: March 2024

Background:

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a notable rise in telemental health (TMH) and telepsychiatry services. However, there is limited available literature addressing psychiatric disorders and mental health issues among individuals who have recovered from COVID-19.

Aims and Objectives:

To evaluate the characteristics of TMH screening, psychiatric diagnosis, and the care offered to individuals who have recovered from COVID-19.

Materials and Methods:

This retrospective record-based study focused on patients who had recuperated from COVID-19 and were discharged. Following their discharge, telephonic contact was established with these recovered individuals, subjecting them to a mental health screening using a 7-item post-COVID-19 TMH screening. Subsequently, they received telecounseling and were advised to attend follow-up sessions at the multidisciplinary post-COVID-19 outpatient department (OPD). Data from the post-COVID-19 TMH register and post-COVID-19 OPD register for June–August 2021 were scrutinized based on available records. Any incomplete data were excluded, and clearance from the Institutional Ethics Committee was obtained. The analysis of the data involved descriptive techniques.

Results:

Out of the 302 patients contacted via telephone, 38.80% exhibited a positive response on the TMH screening, with anxiety being the most prevalent symptom. Among them, 22 individuals (42.30%) sought care at the post-COVID-19 OPD, comprising 12 males (54.55%) and 10 females (45.45%), with 14 (63.64%) residing in rural areas and 8 (36.36%) in urban areas. The predominant diagnoses were anxiety disorders, and the frequently prescribed medications included escitalopram and clonazepam.

Conclusion:

The predominant TMH symptom observed was anxiety, with anxiety disorders being the most frequently encountered conditions in the post-COVID-19 OPD.
To explore the correlation between internet addiction among school-going adolescents aged 13–19 years and their internet utilization on diverse personal devices: A cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Jadhav Shraddha , Dase Rajesh , Marwale Arun V
Published: March 2024

Background:

Over the past decade, there has been a significant surge in the emergence of a mental health issue known as internet addiction. This condition is characterized by an individual’s compulsive inclination to dedicate most of their time to the internet, often at the expense of their social and personal well-being.

Aim:

To assess the extent of internet addiction among adolescents aged 13–19 years who attend school and to investigate the relationship between internet addiction and the methods of internet utilization on personal devices.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among school-going adolescents aged 13–19 years in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India. The study involved 602 students selected through stratified random sampling. The assessment tools utilized included an Internet Addiction Test (IAT), a self-reported questionnaire comprising 20 items designed specifically for adolescents. The tool’s content validity and reliability were established, and a pilot test was conducted before the main study.

Results:

Among the student participants, approximately 19.77% (119 students) exhibited complete control over their internet usage, whereas around 67.11% (404 students) experienced persistent issues related to internet use. Roughly, 13.12% (79 students) encountered significant problems due to their internet usage. Out of these 79 students dealing with internet addiction, 5.1% (4 students) utilized desktops, 81.0% (64 students) utilized laptops, 12.6% (10 students) used tablets, and 1.3% (1 student) used a cell phone for personal internet access. A statistically significant correlation was observed between the outcomes of the IAT and the method of internet usage (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

About 13.12% of students experienced considerable issues attributed to their internet usage. The factor associated with the IAT was the method of accessing the internet.
Impact of Helicobacter pylori virulence on development of autoimmune thyroid diseases
Authors: Saqi Hussein Alaa aldeen , Nooruldeen Mohammed Yawoz , Al-kadhi Najdat Ali
Published: March 2024

Background:

H. pylori infection has been linked in some controversial studies to the existence of extra-gastrointestinal disorders like autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD).

Objective:

The study aimed to investigate the impact of the H.pylori virulence factor on progression of autoimmune thyroid disease.

Materials and Methods:

The study carried out on 90 patients (male and female) with thyroid disorders, and 50 healthy individuals as a control group. Venous blood samples were drawn from all participants, serum obtained after centrifugation and kept in in a labeled Eppendorf tube then stored at -20°C till used in biochemical and immunological assays including: estimation of anti H.pylori IgG to investigate H.pylori infection and detection anti-cag-A IgG titer by ELISA method, while measurement of (T3), (T4), (TSH) and (ATPO) by (e601 cobas) automated immunoassay analyzer.

Results:

The results of the study recorded a significant increase in mean of TSH concentration (P < 0.01) in patients group particularly in hypothyroidism patients, and a significant increase recorded (P < 0.01) in patients according ATPO level in comparison to control group. On other hand the highest prevalence of H.pylori IgG positive (84%) occur in autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) group followed by (63%) for non-AITD while (56%) occur in control group. The results also recorded a highly significant increase in titer of H.pylori IgG (P < 0.01) in patient group as compared to control group, the proportion of female was significantly higher in AITD group (75%), however, there was a significant increase (P < 0.01) in the level of anti-cag IgG in patients as compared to control group, The ratio of infection with H.pylori was greater in the Hashimoto’s thyroiditis group (85.2%) than in the Graves’ disease group (82.4%).

Conclusion:

our findings state that H. pylori by expressing Cag A may have an impact on the development of autoimmunity thyroiditis.
Assessment of some immunological markers in patients and vaccinated individuals with COVID-19 in Kirkuk city
Authors: Tariq Maha Jasim , Noraldeen Mohammed Yawoz , Al-Kadi Najdat Ali
Published: March 2024

Background:

Infection with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) can trigger both innate and adaptive immune responses, resulting in large inflammatory reactions later in the disease. The initiation of immunological responses entails a complicated interaction between innate immune components, which quickly respond in a nonspecific manner, and specialized components of the immune system can recognize specific epitopes of antigens.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to assess some co-stimulating molecules in patients with COVID-19 (hospitalized and nonhospitalized) and vaccinated individuals compared with a control group in Kirkuk city.

Materials and Methods:

The immunological markers under study in which our methods tried to estimate them are CD28, CD80, and CD86. From 90 individuals of patients with COVID-19, vaccinated persons, and control group blood samples were collected and centrifuged to get the serum to carry out the immunological analysis. Through using nasopharyngeal swabs that were collected from non-hospitalized patients (patients out of the hospital), coronavirus infection was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Additionally, PCR tests were run on the control group to make sure they were not infected with COVID-19.

Results:

For the vaccinated group especially in comparison to COVID-19 patients, the revealed significant differences in the immunological markers among tested groups with respect to the CD28 test with (P value > 0.0001) and CD80 test with (P value > 0.0001), as well as the CD86 test appears to show a significant difference with (P value > 0.0001).

Conclusion:

This study revealed that, compared to patients with COVID-19 who were not given the vaccine, the vaccine had a role on those who received it and significantly increased some immunological markers..
Role of glutathione reduction in causation severe complications of coronavirus disease-2019
Authors: Mohammed Sunober Abdalsamad , Tawfeeq Asal Aziz , Noraldin Muhammad Yawoz
Published: March 2024

Background:

Coronavirus is a pandemic disease that emerged in China in 2019 with severe respiratory syndromes in conjunction with organ failure and advanced mortality rate where it has attracted worldwide interest. The pathogenicity of the virus increases by exacerbated oxidative stress that leads to the accumulation of free radicals in the body. Frequently, those free radicals are neutralized by antioxidants, especially glutathione.

Objective:

Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the role of glutathione in the pathogenicity of the virus alongside certain blood parameters.

Materials and Methods:

In this study, 90 participants were examined for glutathione levels using a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit in addition to the levels of hemoglobin (Hb). Ferritin and vitamin D3 were also measured as they are linked to the level of glutathione in coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19).

Result:

The lowest level of Reduced glutathione in COVID-19 hospitalized patients especially male patients alongside with vitamin D3 and Hb levels. Whereas a significant (P < 0.05) increase in ferritin level was recorded. However, a significant (P < 0.05) increase in ferritin level was recorded.

Conclusion:

This study showed a significant relationship between glutathione level and disease severity in hospitalized patients with COVID-19, where the depletion of the glutathione level may have a central role in COVID-19 severity and pathophysiology.
The correlation between iron deficiency anemia and hypothyroidism during pregnancy
Authors: Taher Sarah Mouaffaq , Ghalib Ayla Khedher
Published: March 2024

Background:

Pregnant women are often iron deficient, and this has adverse effects on thyroid metabolism. Impaired maternal thyroid function in pregnancy may cause neurodevelopmental delay in the offspring.

Objectives:

To investigate if maternal iron status is a determinant of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and/or free T4 (FT4) concentrations during pregnancy.

Materials and Methods:

A case–control study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Azadi Teaching Hospital, Kirkuk, Iraq over a period of 7 months from February 1st to September 1st, 2020. It included 80 pregnant women with singleton pregnancy in the obstetric outpatient clinic and labor room. Verbal consent was obtained. They were divided into: (1) case group: it included 40 cases of iron deficiency (ID) anemic pregnant women with hemoglobin level of 105 g/L and less in the second and third trimesters. (2) Control group: It included 40 cases of healthy pregnant women. Estimation of gestational age was done depending on the date of last menstrual cycle, and/or early ultrasound scan.

Results:

In this study, 80 pregnant women in their second and third trimesters participated. Fifty percent were anemic, had elevated serum soluble transferrin receptor and negative body iron stores, 35% had a free T4 less than 7.5 pmol/L, and 47.5% had a TSH more than 4.0 mIU/L. 47.5% who were hypothyroid had negative body iron store. Serum ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor, and body iron stores were highly significant predictors of thyroid status.

Conclusions:

Poor maternal iron status predicts both higher TSH and lower free T4 concentrations during pregnancy. On the basis of results, we had there may be a correlation between ID anemia of pregnant women and their thyroid status.
An overview of the prevalence of BCG lymphadenitis among infants registered in consulter clinic for chest and respiratory diseases, Kirkuk, Iraq
Authors: Tahir Suhaila Shamsalden , Rasheed Laylani Amal Adnan , Hussein Jihad Abbas
Published: March 2024

Background:

Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) lymphadenitis is one of the uncommon complications of BCG vaccination among infants, as it may lead to many serious problems as fistula or disseminated infection.

Objectives:

The study aimed to show the distribution of BCG lymphadenitis among vaccinated infants along the past 5 years who were diagnosed and managed in tuberculosis (TB) center.

Materials and Methods:

An observational study was carried out including 22 infants of both sexes who had BCG lymphadenitis. The diagnosis was made either clinically or it used polymerase chain reaction to examine the suppression, and biopsy was applied for indicated cases. All cases were managed by anti-TB and no death was reported.

Results:

The results showed male predominance ratio of 2:1. Regarding the latent period between the time of vaccination and appearance of the symptoms; the highest number was between 1 and 2 months (45.5%) whereas the lowest was in the group of 7–9 months following vaccination (4.5%). The results also found high incidence rate of BCG lymphadenitis (1.5%), among the infants. The high occurrence of TB lymphadenitis in the study may indicate many reasons, the most frequent being the dose of the vaccine and the wrong technique.

Conclusion:

It was concluded from results of the study that it is necessary to follow-up infants, and check for the appearance of lymphadenitis and to inform parents to present the baby to the TB center as soon as possible if any complications were observed.
On-demand versus prophylactic therapy with factor VIII concentrate in patients with hemophilia A: Differences in efficacy and quality of life: A multicenter study
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed Shukr , Hussein Wrya Omar , Saber Paiman Ali Ihsan , Tawfeeq Nareen
Published: March 2024

Background:

Hemophilia A and B are inherited bleeding disorders in factors VIII and IX.

Objectives:

The study was to compare between on-demand and prophylactic treatment by factor VIII (FVIII) concentrate of hemophilic patients in Kirkuk, Sulaymaniyah, and Erbil hemophilia centers.

Materials and Methods:

The study included 45 patients with moderate and severe hemophilia treated with FVIII concentrate in three Iraqi centers (Kirkuk Oncology Center [n: 15], Hiwa Hospital in Sulaimaniya [n: 18], and Nanakali Hospital in Erbil city [n: 12]) and compared two different protocols in prophylactic therapy with FVIII concentrate in 2016 and on-demand treatment with FVIII concentrate in 2018 on the same patients. Comparisons included the number of vials used in two procedures and patient visits to our centers.

Results:

The survey found that hemophilia patients at Kirkuk Oncology Center are older than those in Sulaimaniya and Erbil. The average number of vials of FVIII concentrate used to treat hemophilia on prophylaxis was 73.58/year and 6.13/month, which was substantially less than in on demand (P < 0.001). The study found that the average number of FVIII concentrate vials used in on-demand hemophilia therapy at Hiwa Hospital was 79.4 vail/year and 6.62 vail/month, compared to 119.7 vail/year and 9.97 vail/month in prophylaxis (P < 0.001). The study also found that the average number of vials used in hemophilia therapy at Kirkuk Oncology Center and Nanakali Hospital in Erbil was lower than in other hospitals (P < 0.001). The study demonstrated that all patients in the on-demand hemophilia treatment program were dissatisfied, but their views improved after treatment with FVIII concentrate in prophylaxis protocol.

Conclusions:

We find that prophylactic administration of FVIII concentrate to hemophilia patients is superior than on-demand administration. We urge that future studies improve our results with larger patient groups and clinics in all governorates of Iraq.
Molecular detection of Entamoeba gingivalis among periodontitis and gingivitis patients by singleplex polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Yassin Mays Mahmood , Ali Abeer Abbas , Tawfeeq Asal Aziz
Published: March 2024

Background:

Periodontal disease is classically characterized by progressive destruction of the soft and hard tissues of the periodontal complex, mediated by an interplay between dysbiotic microbial communities and aberrant immune responses within gingival and periodontal tissues. It is being recorded as public health problems.

Objective:

The aim of study is to detect Entamoeba gingivalis parasite in the oral cavity of patients with periodontitis and gingivitis by using molecular technique with singleplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Materials and Methods:

A total of 100 patients with periodontal diseases (periodontitis and gingivitis) were enrolled in the current study. Samples of dental plaque were collected from each patient and stained with Giemsa stain and studied under a microscope. Six samples were selected to be examined by using singleplex PCR technique for the detection of 18S-the small subunit of ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rDNA) gene with 203 bp and comparing the results.

Results:

This result showed a high significant prevalence of E. gingivalis in dental plaque samples in patients with periodontitis and gingivitis. About 46 (46%) samples were positive by microscope examination. In comparison, six positive samples (3 men and 3 women) were selected for parasitic investigation by singleplex PCR and the results of PCR with specific primers designed for the detection of 18S SSU rDNA gene of (203 bp) showed positive results for the six samples.

Conclusion:

It was concluded that E. gingivalis had a prevalence among male patients than female patients. In addition, singleplex PCR is the technique of choice for the detection of the target sequence of DNA.
A prospective study on indications for tonsillectomy in childhood in Kirkuk
Authors: Bayraktar Tunjai Namiq Faiq , Ghareeb Ozdan Akram
Published: March 2024

Background:

Childhood tonsillectomy is a common surgery with a risk of life-threatening perioperative complications. Although the appropriate decision of its indications necessitates considerable practical experience, physicians in different medical specialties tend to base their decisions about surgery on various clinical expertise and perspectives.

Objectives:

This study was conducted to draw attention to the prevalence and actual indications for tonsil surgeries in children.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective study included 600 children with tonsillitis of both genders, ages ranging from 5 to 15 years old, during the period from October 2020 to August 2022 in Kirkuk, Iraq. Initially, they were divided into two categories: the first included 525 patients (88%) without the need for surgery, while the other category included 75 patients (12%) who underwent tonsil surgery. Patients with tonsillitis undergoing tonsil surgery, 43 (57%) of them had undergone adenotonsillectomy, compared to 32 (43%) children who underwent tonsillectomy. Patients with recurrent tonsillitis amounted to 20 (62%), while patients with tonsillar hypertrophy reached 12 (38%) among those undergoing tonsillectomy.

Results:

Final obtained data showed that recurrent tonsillitis was significantly more in the age group from 11 to 15 than in the group from 5 to 10 years old. On the contrary, the tonsillar hypertrophy was significantly more in the 5–10 age group than in the other group.

Conclusion:

This study concluded that a high proportion of children with tonsillitis were cured without surgery, compared to a few frequencies that underwent tonsillectomy due to actual indications. Thus, surgery is not performed for all children with tonsillitis except when really needed to avoid consequences during and after surgery in pediatric patients.
Early identification of cow’s milk protein allergy in infants in Kirkuk, Iraq, using milk-related symptom scores
Authors: Rasheed Amal Adnan
Published: March 2024

Background:

Milk is related to many gastrointestinal disorders from the cradle to the grave due to the many milk ingredients that can trigger gastrointestinal discomfort and disorders. Cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) is the most common food allergy, especially in infancy and childhood, which may persist into adulthood.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) in infants in its early identification using CMPA scoring system.

Materials and Methods:

We carried out an observational study at Azadi teaching Children’s Hospital’s pediatric gastrointestinal clinic from March to December 2021. Children seen in our pediatric GI clinic between the ages of 1 and 12 months were included. Infants with suspected CMPA were evaluated by cow’s milk-related symptom score (CoMiSS) tool. An allergic reaction, a gastrointestinal, respiratory, or dermatologic presentation, excluding an acute infectious disease, and at least one of the following conditions were required for a diagnosis of suspected CMPA. All participating doctors received the required training on CoMiSS, the oral challenge test procedure, and CMPA diagnosis and treatment guidelines before subject recruitment.

Results:

In this study, most of studied infants were men, and no significant difference between CMPA and non-CMPA infants regarding sex, age, and weight was found. In this study, 17.85% of infants with CMPA score suffered from occult blood in their fecal samples compared with 11.15% of non-CMPA infants (P < 0.05). In this study, most of infants with CMPA have score 12, and the mean was 13.65 and the maximum value was 18.

Conclusions:

The CMPA score system provides primary healthcare clinicians with a simple, fast, and easy-to-use awareness tool for cow’s milk-related symptoms.