bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Unrefined Sugar on Inflammation: A Systematic Review of Intervention Studies
Authors: Ebadi Samarghand , Azlan Azrina
Published: May 2024

Background:

It is well established that unrefined sugarcane products have antioxidant activity due to phytochemicals, polyphenols, and total antioxidant capacity, which may decrease inflammation and oxidative stress. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review to evaluate the association of unrefined sugar consumption with inflammatory biomarkers.

Methods:

Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and ProQuest databases were searched up to December 2021 for studies that report the effect of unrefined sugar on inflammation according to inflammatory cytokines, chemokine, and adhesion molecules as outcome measures. Results: Thirty-six studies were evaluated. Across all research, five studies (two in vitro and three animal studies) reported the effect of unrefined sugar on levels of cytokines, including IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-1β, and IFN-γ. Additionally, the quality of the studies was assessed for risk of bias. Conclusions: it is possible to affirm that unrefined sugarcane products, including jaggery, may have a protective effect on inflammation via regulating some of the inflammatory pathways and a favorable impact on cytokines secretion according to the results of in vitro and animal model studies. However, since the findings are still insufficient, more scientific research, especially well-designed human trials, is highly recommended to conclude the outcomes confidently. Human data may encourage industries and the public to replace purified sugar with unrefined sugarcane in sugar-based food and for further health-care policy decisions.
The Association between DASH Diet Adherence and Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Shoaibinobarian Nargeskhatoon , Danehchin Leila , Mozafarinia Maedeh , Hekmatdoost Azita , Eghtesad Sareh , Masoudi Sahar , Mohammadi Zahra , Mard Ali , Paridar Yousef , Abolnezhadian Farhad , Malihi Reza , Rahimi Zahra , Cheraghian Bahman , Mir-Nasseri Mohammad Mahdi , Shayesteh Ali Akbar , Poustchi Hossein
Published: May 2024

Background:

The dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) encourages high fruit, vegetable, and lean protein consumption and low salt, red meat, and fat intake to prevent or treat hypertension. However, besides hypertension, adherence to this diet has been shown to decrease other cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods:

This study assessed the relationship between the DASH diet and cardiovascular risk factors in a cross-sectional study of 2,831 adults chosen by multistage cluster sampling from 27 counties of Khuzestan province, Iran. DASH scores were calculated using data obtained from a qualitative food frequency questionnaire. Regression models were used to evaluate the association of DASH scores and common cardiovascular risk factors.

Results:

Significant trends were observed across quintiles of DASH scores for systolic blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and its components (p < 0·05). After adjusting for potential confounders such as sex, age, ethnicity, residence, wealth score, physical activity, energy intake, and family history of heart disease, the multiple regression analysis for each cardiovascular risk factor revealed that being in the highest quintile of total DASH score (OR = 0.72, 95% CI 0.52–0.99) was negatively associated with hyperglycemia.

Conclusions:

This study showed a positive relationship between DASH diet adherence and lower serum levels of glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Design and Validation of Novel Evaporative Local Cooling Coatings to Prevent Adverse Health Effects of Heat Exposure
Authors: Jahadi Mahsa , Dehghan Habibollah
Published: May 2024

Background:

This study aimed to design and evaluate the cooling power of local cooling coats for the head, neck, ankles, and wrists.

Methods:

Local cooling coatings were designed using Iranians workers' existing 50th anthropometric percentile data. After immersing the cooling coats in water for 5 minutes, they were placed in a chamber at 30°C, 35°C, and 40°C and 30% and 60% humidity and 0.2-0.4 m/s air velocity for 120 minutes. The amount of water evaporation was measured by weighing each coat before and after entering the chamber, and then the cooling power of each coat was calculated based on the amount of water evaporation.

Results:

The average cooling power of cooling coats with covering areas (two wrists 933.75 cm2, two ankles 1467.37 cm2 and head and neck 1270 cm2) that the total area of the cover is 3671.12 cm2, i.e., about 20% of the body at 30% relative humidity in 30°C, 35°C and 40°C was 67, 77 and 89 watts, respectively. At the mentioned temperature and in 60% relative humidity, the cooling power was 34, 40, and 55 watts. As the relative humidity increased, the cooling power of the coats decreased.

Conclusions:

Local evaporative cooling coat on the head, neck, wrists, and ankles can reasonably repel excess heat entering the body. The best performance of these coats is in hot and dry environments. Probably, if used in conjunction with cooling vests in environments with high temperatures and heavy activity, it can act as a supplement to cooling vests and have a significant effect on improving functions.
Environmental Risk Factors for Pediatric Acute Leukemia: Methodology and Early Findings
Authors: Nematollahi Pardis , Arabi Sina , Mansourian Marjan , Yousefian Saeed , Moafi Alireza , Mostafavi Sayed Nassereddin , Naeini Amirmansour Alavi , Ebrahimi Afshin , Ebrahimpour Karim , Amin Mohammad Mehdi , kavosh Aryan , Radfar Niayesh , Naimi Azar , Kelishadi Roya
Published: May 2024

Background:

Acute leukemia is the most common type of malignancy in children, and no major environmental risk factors have been identified relating to its pathogenesis. This study has been conducted with the aim for identifying risk factors associated with this disease.

Methods:

This study was conducted in 2016–2020 among children aged <15 years residing in Isfahan Province, Iran. Children with newly diagnosed Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, including Acute myeloid leukemia (ALL and AML) were considered a case group. The control group was selected among children hospitalized in orthopedic and surgery wards in the same region. Demographic data, parental occupational exposures and educational level, maternal obstetric history, type of feeding during infancy and parental smoking habits, exposure to pesticides, and hydrocarbons besides dietary habits (using a food frequency questionnaire) were evaluated.

Results:

Overall, 497 children (195 cases and 302 controls) completed the survey. In the initial analysis, there was no significant difference between case and control groups about type of milk feeding (P = 0.34) or parental age (P = 0.56); however, an association between mothers' education and increased risk for ALL was observed (P = 0.02).

Conclusions:

The results of this study can be helpful in better understanding the environmental risk factors involved in the incidence of acute leukemia. Future publications based on the analysis of the database created in the present study can lead to recognizing these factors. In addition, evaluating the effect of these factors on treatment outcomes is an important step in reducing the burden of the disease.
The Impact of Iron Supplementation during Pregnancy and Change of Consumption among Stunting Children Aged 6-24 Months during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia
Authors: Sari Kencana , Sartika Ratu Ayu Dewi
Published: May 2024

Background:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, stunting is estimated to increase 2.4 times higher (It seems that some information is missing here because the usage of the word 'higher' hints at a comparison with some other statistic. Or please consider making the following changes in the statement: “…stunting is estimated to be 2.4 times higher than the normal trend.” which can increase mortality, morbidity, and cause economic losses in the future. This study aims to identify the risk factors for stunting during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

An unmatched case-control study was conducted to compare the exposure of stunted (cases) and non-stunted (controls) children. There were 127 children aged 6-24 months, 43 cases, and 84 controls.

Results:

The probability of stunting was two times greater in children who experienced good changes in the consumption of tofu/tempeh (p: 0.047; AdjustedOR (aOR): 2.296; 95% CI 1.013-5.205) and fourtimes greater in children who have a mother that did not receive iron supplementation during pregnancy (p: 0.030; aOR: 4.344; 95% CI: 1.154-16.355).

Conclusions:

Based on the above results, increasing access to nutritious food, and the delivery of services and information related to maternal and child health services during the pandemic needs to be intensified by using innovative low-risk platforms.
Effectiveness of Nicotine Replacement Therapy on Smoking Cessation and Reduction Among Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients – A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Purushothama Jagannath , Badiger Sanjeev , Olickal Jeby J. , Kunkulol Rahul , Kumar Nanjesh , D'Souza Neevan
Published: May 2024

Background':

India is ranked second in the world in terms of tobacco use and tops the list of eight high-burden countries that account for two-thirds of the new tuberculosis (TB) cases globally. As tobacco smoking among TB patients is associated with unsuccessful TB treatment outcomes, effective smoking cessation interventions for TB patients is essential to combat this double pandemic.

Aim:

The study determined the effectiveness of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) on smoking reduction and cessation among pulmonary TB patients.

Settings and Design:

The study included 300 pulmonary TB patients undergoing antitubercular treatment in government health care centers of Dakshina Kannada district in southern India.

Materials and Methods:

The participants in this two-armed, single-blinded, placebo-controlled, block-randomized trial were divided equally (n = 150) for experimental arm (brief advice + NRT) and control arm (brief advice + placebo). The total duration of treatment and follow-up was 6 months. Unadjusted relative risk (URR) and adjusted relative risk (ARR) were calculated for treatment outcomes at 95% confidence interval (CI). Generalized linear regression analysis was performed upon variables with P value less than 0.2.

Results:

After 6 months of intervention including follow up, there was a significant reduction in self-reported smoking (ARR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.01–1.17, P = 0.03) in the experimental arm compared with the control arm. Biochemically verified smoking abstinence was not significantly different between the two arms (ARR = 1.01, 95% CI 0.72–1.38, P = 0.97).

Conclusion:

The study showed statistically significant effectiveness of NRT for self-reported smoking reduction.
Neuroprotective Effects of Selegiline Agent Methamphetamine-Prompted Mood-Related Behavior Disorder Mediated via 5-HT2 and D2 Receptors
Authors: Gholami Mina , Kaviani Neda , Motaghinejad Majid , Ulloa Luis
Published: May 2024

Background:

Many previous studies demonstrated that methamphetamine (METH) abuses can cause mood-related behavioral changes. Previous studies indicated neuroprotective effects of Selegiline.

Methods:

Seventy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into eight groups (10 rats in each group). Group 1 and Group 2 received normal saline and methamphetamine (10 mg/kg) for 21 days, respectively. Groups 3, 4, and 5 were treated simultaneously with methamphetamine and Selegiline with doses of 10, 15, and 20 mg/kg for 21 days. Groups 6 and 7 are methamphetamine-dependent groups which received 15 mg/kg of Selegiline with haloperidol (as D2 receptor antagonist) and trazodone (as 5-HT2 receptor antagonist) for 21 days, respectively. In days 23 and 24, elevated plus maze (EPM) and open-field test (OFT) were conducted to assess motor activity and mood (anxiety and depression) levels.

Results:

METH as 10 mg/kg causes reduction of rearing number, ambulation distances, time spent in central square and also number of central square entries in OFT. Also METH administration causes decreases of time spent in open arm and number of open arm entries and increases of time spent in closed arm and number of closed arm entries in EPM. In contrast, Selegiline (of 10, 15, and 20 mg/kg) inhibited behavioral effects of methamphetamine in both OFT and EPM. Also administration of haloperidol and trazodone inhibited these behavioral protective effects of Selegiline and caused decrease of OFT behaviors (rearing number, ambulation distances, time spent in central square, and also number of central square entries) and also caused decreases of spend times in open arm, number of open arm entries, and also increased closed arm time spending and number of entries in closed arm in EPM.

Conclusions:

Current research showed that Selegiline via mediation of D2 and 5-HT2 receptors inhibits METH-induced neurobehavioral changes, mood-related behavior, and motor activity disturbances.
Content Analysis of Entrepreneurship and Employment Development Policies in Iran’s Health Sector: Is It a Health Wealth Promoter?
Authors: Jamali Nahid , Vatankhah Soudabeh , Maleki Mohammad Reza , Emami Sayed Mohammad Hassan
Published: May 2024

Context:

Growing needs mandates economic growth. Entrepreneurship policies play a significant role in achieving productive employment and sustainable development for the health and wealth of society.

Aims:

This study is conducted to find the accordance of this document with the basic theory of the global alphabet model of entrepreneurship on the one hand and a comparison to the real entrepreneurial and economic achievements as social determinants of health (SDOH) on the other hand.

Methods and Material:

This research is a quantitative and qualitative content analysis of entrepreneurship documents in the health sector of Iran, using the basic theory of the global alphabet model as our target. We reviewed the Work Bank and Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) reports as world indicators to compare whether our entrepreneurship policies have been successful.

Statistical Analysis:

MAXQDA is a software program designed for computer-assisted qualitative and mixed methods data, text and multimedia analysis in academic, scientific, and business institutions.

Results:

The findings showed that the retelling of the word employment is more dominant than entrepreneurship. Imbalanced attention is paid to the components of the standard global alphabet model, and a downhill regression is seen in almost all aspects of entrepreneurial results.

Conclusions:

The written health policies have not been effective in promoting the development of health by wealth.
Post-COVID-19 Syndrome Mechanisms, Prevention and Management
Authors: Najafi Majed B. , Javanmard Shaghayegh H.
Published: May 2024

As the population of patients recovering from COVID-19 grows, post COVID-19 challenges are recognizing by ongoing evidences at once. Long COVID is defined as a syndrome with a range of persistent symptoms that remain long after (beyond 12 weeks) the acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Studies have shown that long COVID can cause multi-organ damages with a wide spectrum of manifestations. Many systems, but not limited to, including respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal systems, are involved in long COVID. Fatigue and dyspnea are the most common symptoms of long COVID. Long COVID-19 may be driven by tissue damage caused by virus-specific pathophysiologic changes or secondary to pathological long-lasting inflammatory response because of viral persistence, immune dysregulation, and autoimmune reactions. Some risk factors like sex and age, more than five early symptoms, and specific biomarkers have been revealed as a probable long COVID predicator discussed in this review. It seems that vaccination is the only way for prevention of long COVID and it can also help patients who had already long COVID. Managing long COVID survivors recommended being in a multidisciplinary approach, and a framework for identifying those at high risk for post-acute COVID-19 must be proposed. Possible therapeutic options and useful investigation tools for follow-up are suggested in this review. In sum, as evidence and researches are regularly updated, we provide the current understanding of the epidemiology, clinical manifestation, suspected pathophysiology, associated risk factors, and treatment options of long COVID in this review.
Measuring Equity of Geographical Distribution of Specialist Physicians in Iran's Health System
Authors: Moradi Reza , Olyaeemanesh Alireza , Mosadeghrad Ali Mohammad , Harirchi Iraj , Larijni Bagher
Published: May 2024

Background:

Equitable distribution of health care sector resources is one of the most important goals of health systems in all countries. The purpose of this study is to measure equity of geographical distribution of active specialist physicians in Iran's health system.

Methods:

The present study was a descriptive-cross-sectional. The statistical population included: all active specialist physicians working in the public, private, social insurance organization, military, charity, and the other health service providers in Iran in 2019. Studied demographic data were collected from Iran's national statistic center. Also, information of specialist physicians was obtained from several databases. Finally, duplicated records were removed, and the number of specialist physicians extracted. Data analysis was performed using Stata V.16 and ArcGIS 10.4 software.

Results:

The results showed that the number of specialist physicians per 100,000 population who worked in Iran's health system was 46.81. The provinces of Tehran had the highest and Sistan and Baluchestan had the lowest number of specialist physicians. Also, 52.63% of active specialist physicians provide health services in four provinces, whereas these provinces are 37.13% of the country's population. Total Gini coefficient of the distribution of active physicians in Iran in 2019 was 0.23.

Conclusions:

Distribution of specialist physician was different but somewhat equitable in the provinces. However, in some provinces, the ratio of specialist physicians to the population was still low. Therefore, when the number of specialist physicians increased, their distribution should be considered concurrently.
Morphometric Variations of the Suprascapular Notch using Three-dimensional Computed Tomography Scans in a Group of Jordanian Population
Authors: Altarawneh Islam , Badran Darwish , Samara Osama , Shatarat Amjad , Kharabsheh Mohamed , Abuelsamen Tamer , Akkash Amro , Alzaghloul Hala
Published: May 2024

Aim:

The study was performed to understand the morphological anatomical variations of suprascapular notch (SSN) among Jordanian population and to explore the correlation between the morphological measurements according to gender, age, weight, and height.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 182 computed tomography scans of scapulae were analyzed for 91 patients. The type of SSN was determined using a classification based on the following three geometrical measurements: superior transverse diameter, middle transverse diameters, and maximal depth.

Results:

The most common type predominated in the sample was Type III with percentages on the right and left, respectively (89% and 84%), 4% for Type II, 7% for Type I, and 8% were having a foramen, whereas absent SSN cases were 4%. On the left side, 1% for Type II, 15% who have Type I, and about 7% of the patients have foramen, whereas absent SSN cases were 7%.

Conclusion:

Knowledge of the anatomical variations of the SSN described in this study should be helpful in endoscopic and open procedures of the suprascapular region and also may increase the safety of operative decompression of the suprascapular nerve.
Inferior Vena Cava Agenesis, Bilateral Double Renal Veins, and Left Circumaortic Renal Vein: A Rare Case and Brief Review of the Literature
Authors: Karavas Erdal , Aydin Sonay , Unver Edhem , Kadirhan Ozlem , Kantarci Mecit
Published: May 2024

The improper embryologic development of the inferior vena cava (IVC) is a rare congenital defect that affects about 4% of the population. IVC agenesis is one of the less common variations, with an estimated prevalence ranging from 0.005% to 1%. We present a rare instance of IVC agenesis, bilateral double renal veins, and left circumaortic renal vein that manifested as lower extremities deep vein thrombosis. While anomalies of the IVC and renal veins are exceedingly rare, they should be considered during retroperitoneal procedures to avoid major consequences, particularly venous bleeding caused by incorrect damage. Anatomical variance of the IVC and renal veins is critical for procedures such as ureteral surgery, sympathectomy, radical nephrectomy, and organ transplantation. The clinical significance of these aberrations stems from the possibility of mistakes during imaging. They play a significant role in the diagnosis and treatment of venous thromboembolic disease.
Psychosocial Stress and Fertility: The Preventive Potentials of Vitamin E
Authors: Uwejigho Raphael Eguono , Iteire Kingsley Afoke , Enemali Felix U.
Published: May 2024

Background:

Chronic exposure to psychosocial stressor could lead to various side effects, such as maladaptation by various physiological and immunological systems.

Objective:

This study investigated psychosocial stress-induced damage on the testes and epididymis using animal models and the effects of Vitamin E.

Materials and Methods:

A total 40 adult Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups (S and L) representing 52 and 104 days of experimentation. The 2 groups were subdivided into 4 groups each (S = A–D and L = E–H, n = 5 each). Groups A and E served as control, B and F were psychosocially stressed, C and G were administered 50 mg/kg of Vitamin E, while D and H were psychosocially stressed and administered 50 mg/kg of Vitamin E for 52 and 104 days, respectively. Psychosocial stress was induced on the rats using cats as predator. The weight, blood parameters, and tissue samples were obtained on days 53 and 105 and analyzed. Statistical analysis was carried out using GraphPad Prism Version 8 (San Diego, CA, USA).

Results:

Psychosocial stress resulted in a significant reduction in weight and negatively affected oxidative stress markers and sperm parameters of the animals (P < 0.05). Histological analysis showed that stress arrested spermatogenesis and disorganized the seminiferous tubular epithelium and reduced the semen quality. There was scanty sperm in the epididymis of stressed groups. However, Vitamin E reversed these changes and improved the quality of semen compared to the negative control group.

Conclusion:

Vitamin E was potent at ameliorating the deleterious effects of psychosocially induced stress.
Morphometric Study of the Third Ventricle and Thalamus by Computerized Tomography
Authors: Sajeev Manjula , Shubha R. , Jose K. Sherin
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

The third ventricle is a midline, slit-like cavity which is derived from the primitive forebrain vesicle, lying in the sagittal plane below the fornix and the corpus callosum. Much of the upper part of the lateral wall is occupied by the thalamus, that bulges convexly into the ventricle. The cerebral ventricular system acts as a marker of brain development and a predictor of neurodevelopmental outcomes. The thalamus is the gateway to the cerebral cortex. Virtually all sensory systems pass through the thalamus on their way to the cerebral cortex, and in turn, each part of the thalamus receives projections from the cortical area to which it projects.

Materials and Methods:

For the study, cranial computed tomography scans of 180 patients were studied. Anteroposterior diameter and transverse diameter of the third ventricle, thalamus, and intracranial cavity were measured and were compared with males and females of the studied population, and it was statistically analyzed.

Results:

The study showed an increase in the mean third ventricular anteroposterior and transverse diameter as age advances in the three age groups studied. There was no significant correlation in the anteroposterior or transverse diameter of the cranial cavity between the three age groups studied. Both anteroposterior and transverse diameters of the cranial cavity were larger in males when compared with females.

Conclusion:

The study in Indian adults is on morphometry of the third ventricle and thalamus by computerized tomography might help clinicians and radiologists to diagnose the pathologies ruling out the confronting effect of aging in third ventricular and thalamic dimensions. The study might also help in defining the age-specific third ventricular and thalamic diameters in the South Indian population.
Anatomical Study and Clinical Significance of Basivertebral Foramen of S1 Vertebra
Authors: Sadashiv Roshni , Managutti Suresh , Bargale Anil , Nimbal Pooja , Patil Preetam
Published: May 2024

Background:

Chronic low-back pain affects majority of the population worldwide. A paucity of data on the morphology of basivertebral foramen of S1 vertebra hampers the understanding of vertebrogenic cause of chronic low-back pain. The aim of the study was to investigate normal adult basivertebral foramen (S1) morphometry and discuss its clinical significance.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred sacra that consisted of dry bone and computed tomography scans were included in the study. All the morphometric analyses on dry sacra were performed using sliding caliper. Topographic location of the basivertebral foramen was studied based on its distance from the upper rim of the S1 body and the closest distance from the nearest point of origin of pedicles. Shape, number, height, and depth of the basivertebral foramen were noted. The data collected were subjected to statistical analysis was done using GraphPad Prism version 7 for Windows, (GraphPad Software, Boston, Massachusetts, USA).

Results:

The basivertebral foramina was found in the posterior aspect of the body of the S1 vertebra. The shape of the foramina varied from round, tear-shaped, slit-like, and comma-shaped. The mean depth of the foramen correlated with the anterior-posterior diameter of the body of the S1 vertebra.

Conclusions:

Detailed knowledge of these foramen could be important for medical education because they could cause changing operation techniques during surgeries and in the treatment of chronic low-back pain.
Effect of green tea and omega-3 on aluminum chloride neurotoxicity in rabbits
Authors: El-Kerdasy Hanan I. , Shaheen Nehal F.
Published: May 2024

Background/aim

Aluminum chloride is one of the most common causative factors in many neurodegenerative disorders. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of green tea and omega-3 on aluminum chloride-induced neurotoxicity in rabbits.

Materials and methods

Twenty-four male rabbits were divided into four groups: control group, aluminum chloride group, in which rabbits were administered aluminum chloride at a dose of 300 mg/kg/day orally for one month, green tea-treated group, in which rabbits were given aluminum chloride plus green tea extract at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day orally for one month, and the omega-3-treated group, in which rabbits were administered aluminum chloride plusomega-3 at a dose of 20 mg/kg/day orally for one month. Then, the brain tissues were examined for histopathological and immunohistochemical changes.

Results

Aluminum chloride-induced distortion in histological structures of the dentate gyrus with a significant increase in caspase-3 antibody reaction compared with the control group, indicating neuronal cell apoptosis. Green tea and omega-3 reduced the neurotoxin effect of aluminum chloride. However, administration of omega-3 led to more improvement in aluminum chloride neurotoxicity than green tea.

Conclusion

Omega-3 administration diminishes the neurotoxin effect of aluminum chloride on the dentate gyrus more than green tea.
Prosthetic rehabilitation modalities and their socioeconomic association in a sample of adult Egyptians
Authors: Elboraey Asmaa N. , Moussa Amani R. , Eissa Sherihan M. , ElGabry Hisham S.
Published: May 2024

Background

Teeth loss results in significant complications that can severally affect the individuals’ general health and social activities. Several studies have documented the association between socioeconomic issues and the prevalence of oral diseases and prosthetic rehabilitation. Thus, this study aimed to explore the impact of socioeconomic factors on prosthetic rehabilitation modalities in a sample of adult urban and rural Egyptian populations.

Patients and methods

A total of 400 adults of age over 18 years were included in this study. Half of them were from urban governorates (Cairo and Giza). And the other half were from the rural governorate (Al-Fayoum). Information concerning demographic (sex and age) and socioeconomic (education level, occupation, and income) factors were collected using the modified WHO questionnaire. In addition, prosthetic rehabilitation status was evaluated through intraoral examination.

Results

The percentage of female participants was higher than males in both urban and rural regions. The age range for more than two-thirds of the participants was from 30 to 60 years. In urban areas, about 39% of participants were completely dentulous, 34.5% were partially edentulous without prosthetic rehabilitation, and only 26.5% made dental prostheses. Regarding rural participants, about 35% of them were completely dentulous, 64.5% partially edentulous without prosthetic treatment, and only 0.05% received prosthesis. Comparison between the urban and rural dentition status and rehabilitation modalities showed a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). Socioeconomic factors (education, occupation, and income) affect the type of prosthetic treatment modalities, particularly fixed prostheses especially in the urban area.

Conclusion

Socioeconomic determinants greatly affected prosthetic rehabilitation modalities in the studied urban and rural Egyptians. In rural areas, socioeconomic factors negatively impacted the capability of prosthetic treatment.
Immunohistochemical expression of CD163 in colorectal carcinoma and its prognostic value
Authors: Yassen Noha N. , Shabana Marwa E. , Desouky Maha K. , Badawi Manal A. , Abouelfadl Dalia M.
Published: May 2024

Background/aim

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequent cancers worldwide with one of the highest mortality rate. CD163 is a 130-KDa transmembrane protein, known to be involved in hemoglobin clearance by functioning as a receptor for hemoglobin–haptoglobin complex. Several studies have demonstrated that CD163 is expressed on some cancer cells, and its expression is associated with poor clinical prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate CD163 to assess the distribution of macrophages in invasive margins and intratumoral infiltration area, using computerized image analysis, to evaluate its prognostic value and its association with other clinicopathological characteristics in colorectal carcinoma.

Patients and methods

The present study enrolled 80 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded CRC surgical specimens, obtained from the Department of Pathology of National Research Centre, Egypt, and examined for the expression of CD163 in CRCs by immunohistochemical techniques. The morphometric analysis was done on the invasive margins and intratumoral infiltration area in each slide.

Results

The study cases of colorectal carcinoma patients, 46 (57.5%) cases were diagnosed as adenocarcinoma and rest 34 (42.5%) cases were mucinous carcinoma. Twenty-two cases (22/80) showed a low intratumoral infiltration area and moderate invasive margin. CD163+ intratumoral infiltration significantly correlated with age, tumor site, tumor type, lymph node status, and metastasis. On the other hand, CD163+ invasive margins significantly correlated with tumor grade, tumor classification, metastatic status, tumor stage, and Duke’s classification.

Conclusion

Invasive front of the tumor is the most suitable area for the evaluation of tumor-associated macrophages that is important in detecting prognostic prediction of colon cancer and its clinical outcome. So, it can be considered as an ideal prognostic marker in the treatment of colon cancer.
Estimated glomerular filtration rate and blood pressure in a sample of obese Egyptian adolescents
Authors: El-Shaheed Azza Abd , Moustafa Rehab S.I. , Sallam Sara F. , Mahfouz Nermine N. , El-Zayat Salwa R. , Sibaii Hiba , El-Kassaby Mahitab I. , Mourad Hagar H.
Published: May 2024

Background/aim

Obesity is a major risk factor for some comorbid conditions. Our goal was to study the relationship between obesity and kidney function in adolescents using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) as well as to study blood pressure (BP) in obese adolescents.

Patients and methods

This study included 45 male and female adolescents who visited the Child Health Clinic at the NRC, Egypt, with BMI more than or equal to 85th centile and aged 10–18 years old, and 45 age-matched and sex-matched healthy controls with BMI less than 85th centile. Serum creatinine as determined by the spectrophotometric method, the estimated glomerular filtration calculated using the revised Schwartz formula, and BP were compared between the studied groups.

Results

The results indicated that serum creatinine and BP were significantly higher in obese patients than healthy control group (P<0.05). In contrast, the eGFR was lower in the obese patients than in the control group (P<0.05). In obese adolescents, there were negative correlations between eGFR and systolic BP, diastolic BP, creatinine, and BMI (P≤0.05). In addition, there were positive correlations between BMI and each of systolic and diastolic BP (P<0.01).

Conclusions

Obese adolescents exhibited lower eGFR estimations, slightly increased serum creatinine, and elevated BP results, being compatible with some degree of renal impairment. Therefore, BP and renal function should be routinely checked in obese adolescents.
A study of CD11b rs1143679 gene polymorphism in Egyptian systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Fouda Mona E. , Fawzy Rasha M. , Ameen Seham G. , Shoaib Mona M. , Abd El-Hassib Dalia M.
Published: May 2024

Background/aim

The exact cause of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disorder, is still vague. However, it is believed that its pathogenesis could be a result of the interplay between genetics and the environment. One such genetic factor is a single-nucleotide polymorphism in the CD11b gene (rs1143679) that has been shown to potentially increase a person’s susceptibility to SLE. This study aims to investigate the possible link of CD11b rs1143679 gene polymorphism to the risk of developing SLE, as well as the different manifestations and the disease severity in the studied group of Egyptian SLE patients.

Patients and methods

The present study enrolled 50 patients with SLE from Benha University Hospitals, Egypt. In addition to 30 apparently healthy individuals served as control, the CD11b gene (rs1143679) genetic variant was investigated by real-time PCR. The individuals with SLE were based on the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics criteria.

Results

A significant association of GA genotype (odds ratio=1.908, 95% confidence interval=1.021–3.568, P<0.05) with the risk to develop SLE and A allele was also linked to an elevated risk for SLE in comparison to the G allele (odds ratio=1.881, 95% confidence interval=1.038–3.408, P<0.05).

Conclusion

The CD11b rs1143679 gene polymorphism might be a potential risk factor for SLE in Egyptians.
Evaluation of core-needle biopsy in Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System 3 breast mass
Authors: Diab Khaled , Zaidan Mohamed F. , Samir Sameh , Derballa Obaida A. , Aboelnor Mahmoud I. , Habashy Hany F.
Published: May 2024

Background/aim

A crucial approach for finding breast cancer sooner is the triple examination of breast diseases. Our goal was to determine if ultrasound-guided core biopsies were required to investigate clinically ambiguous breast tumors that lacked imaging features suspicious for malignancy in Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System 3.

Patients and methods

A prospective study was performed on 50 patients fulfilling our eligibility criteria who presented with symptomatic indeterminate breast masses chosen according to our selection criteria and underwent an ultrasonography-guided core biopsy in the period from January 2021 to March 2022.

Results

A total of 50 clinically ambiguous breast masses were investigated, of which 47 (94%) were benign lesions, including 34 (68%) lesions were fibroadenomas, six (12%) lesions were fibrocystic disorder without ductal hyperplasia, one (2%) lesion was fibrocystic disease with ductal hyperplasia with no atypia, and six (12%) lesions showed periductal mastitis. Two (4%) lesions were proliferative breast lesions with focal atypia. One (2%) lesion was infiltrating duct carcinoma grade 2.

Conclusion

Ultrasound-guided core biopsy is necessary for investigating clinically indeterminate breast mass in symptomatic patients with Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System 3 finding on imaging, for early detection of malignancy and atypical hyperplastic changes.
Contingency plan for continuity of HIV services during emergencies
Authors: Gamaleldin Nahla A.
Published: May 2024

Background/aim

Public health emergencies such as the current COVID-19 crisis, impose a major burden on health systems, complicating access to quality health services. With an already exhausted health system and scarce resources, the burden is greater, placing the most vulnerable groups at higher risk of being left behind. This paper was done to develop a risk assessment and contingency plan guide built on the good practices developed in the context of COVID-19 epidemic in Egypt to ensure continuity of HIV services.

Participants and methods

Qualitative survey was done to collect data included individual interviews and focus group discussions with people living with HIV (PLHIV) and most at risk populations to collect their experiences and perspectives about how HIV/AIDS is managed during emergencies and the impact of emergencies on PLHIV

Results

The majority of PLHIV (80%) together with key population emphasizes the availability of antiretroviral drugs all the times except for few of them (20%) who experienced one- or two-times unavailability of one of lines of treatment. it was repeated that existing health services were interrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic and access to HIV prevention, care was disturbed and hindered due to many factors (insecurity, fear and lack of information and lack of social and financial support).

Conclusion

In any emergency crisis there is an increase vulnerability to HIV transmission but also disrupt adherence to HIV care and treatment services.
A low serum microRNA-497-5p expression level is associated with primary breast cancer among Egyptian female patients
Authors: Zaki Moyassar A. , Ahmed Mohamed A. , Ehab El Mansy Hazem M. , Omer Sahar M. , Mohamed Marwa A.
Published: May 2024

Background/aim

Circulating forms of micro(mi)RNAs are nowadays increasingly recognized as noninvasive promising biomarkers for early diagnosis and management of breast cancer (BC). Among the numerous miRNAs studied in BC, tissue expressed miR-497-5p and miR-182-5p proved to serve as promising diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic target tools in BC; yet little is known about their circulating forms in the peripheral blood of such patients. The study aimed to evaluate serum expression levels of miR-497-5p and miR-182-5p in Egyptian female patients with newly diagnosed BC and their possible association with different clinicopathological features.

Patients and methods

The study was conducted on 50 primary BC patients at the Medical Research Institute, Alexandria, Egypt, in addition to 50 healthy female volunteers as a control group. Preoperative serum samples were taken from all patients and from healthy volunteers. Relative quantifications of serum miR-182-5p and miR-497-5p expression levels were done using a reverse transcription-quantitative real time PCR.

Results

The study showed that the median value for fold change in serum miR-497-5p expression was significantly down regulated in BC patients group compared to the healthy control group. A receiver operating characteristics curve generated a cutoff value of 0.54. In serum miR-497-5p expression level was used to discriminate BC patients from controls with a diagnostic specificity of 88%, a sensitivity of 56%, and an overall test accuracy of 68.8%. However, no statistically significant difference was noted in serum miR-182-5p expression level between BC patients and control group. Nevertheless, its serum expression level was significantly higher in BC patients with lymph node involvement compared with BC patients without nodal involvement.

Conclusion

The downregulated serum miR-497-5p expression in BC patients compared with the healthy control group points to loss of its protective role in such BC patients. Further studies of this miRNA on a larger sample of patients with different molecular subtypes are recommended.
Histopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics of gastrointestinal stromal tumor
Authors: Abbas Naglaa F. , El-Sharkawy Sonia L. , Abdelaal Wafaa E.
Published: May 2024

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract with stomach being the commonest site. These mesenchymal neoplasms account for only about 1% of all primary malignant neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. These mesenchymal neoplasms belong to a group of tumors known as the connective tissue cancer group. GISTs are recognized to start from the interstitial cells of Cajal or their stem cell precursors. The natural evolution of these neoplasms is variable. Studies on GISTs have revealed molecular genetics and histopathological features that lead to molecular abnormality-based classification, diagnosis, and treatment. On the contrary, an increasing awareness of risk stratification is important to highlight the parameters that identify the biologic behavior based on recurrence or metastasis. This review aimed to study by histopathological and immunohistochemical tests for accurate diagnosis and differentiating GISTs from other tumors with the same location. In addition, molecular genetic understanding was necessary to determine the treatment approaches and identify patients who benefit from adjuvant therapy.
Prediction of wound complications after major amputation for patients with critical limb ischemia
Authors: El-Sayed El-Imam Sameh
Published: May 2024

Background/aim

Management of patients with critical limb ischemia from peripheral vascular disease is still a big issue for vascular and endovascular surgeons. For patients who are not candidates for revascularization, 20–40% will undergo major amputation within 6–12 months. Mortality following major amputation of the lower extremity in these patients has been high. This study aims at identifying important factors that lead to wound complications following major amputation in patients with end-stage critical ischemia.

Patients and methods

This study enrolled 120 in patients who underwent major lower extremity amputations affected by critical limb ischemia, since January 2017 and till March 2020, in the Vascular Surgery Departments at Al-Azhar University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt. A total of 67 patients underwent transfemoral above-knee amputations (AKA) and 53 underwent transtibial below-knee amputations (BKA). The follow-up was done at first week and first, third, and sixth months postoperatively, and 1-year mortality was assessed as well. The various risk factors were analyzed in this study, including age, coronary artery disease, chronic heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hemodialysis, white blood cell (WBC) count, C-reactive protein-quantitative (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase, and serum albumin level.

Results

The present study exhibited that most cases were men (75%) and former smokers (64.2%). A total of 91 patients (75.8%) had a history of hypertension. Univariate analysis exhibited that there were defiantly more wound occurrences (P<0.05) for those patients who underwent BKA in the greater than or equal to 55-year-old age group, smokers, patients with high WBCs, patients with low serum albumin level and with positive CRP, and dialysis-dependent patients. However, the patients who underwent an AKA, the multivariate analysis determined positive CRP and dialysis dependent as significant predictors (P<0.05) of a wound occurrence.

Conclusion

Predictors that significantly increased the risks of delayed recovery for those who underwent BKAs are greater than or equal to 55-year-old group, smokers, patients with elevated WBCs, and patients on dialysis proved to be predictive, and for AKA the predictive factors were low serum albumin level, patients with high WBCs, and patients with dialysis dependence.
Role of follicular fluid leptin hormone in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome in assisted reproductive technology
Authors: Elabd Mohamed M. , Orief Yasser I. , Gwely Ghada M.E.
Published: May 2024

Background/aim

Granulosa cells have the capacity for producing and storing leptin, proposing that this hormone is locally involved in regulating follicular growth. The aim of this work was to evaluate the levels of follicular fluid (FF) leptin hormone and its correlation with pregnancy outcome in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) cases undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles using both long gonadotrophin-producing hormone (GnRH) agonist and fixed GnRH antagonist protocols.

Patients and methods

This was a randomized controlled trial that included 100 patients with PCOS from the reproductive unit of Alexandria University Hospitals, Egypt, who were randomly allocated in two groups (50 patients ech): group 1 included patients with PCOS undergoing long GnRH agonist protocol, and group 2 included patients with PCOS undergoing fixed GnRH antagonist protocol. Anthropometric measurements were done, in addition to assays of FF leptin, serum Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone, estradiol, and progesterone levels, assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques.

Results

FF leptin had a highly significant increase in nonpregnant patients when compared with pregnant patients in both groups. In addition, there were significant increases in BMI and weight, whereas insingnificant difference regarding height between nonagonist and antagonist groups.

Conclusion

Leptin can negatively influence in-vitro fertilizations outcomes via weakening several stages of endometrial and ovarian physiology. The exact function of leptin in the poorer outcomes commonly found in obese cases throughout controlled ovarian stimulation needs to be explained, and there is a need to assess the correlation between free bioactive leptin and in-vitro fertilizations cycle parameters.