bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Awareness, Belief, Attitude and Utilization of Physiotherapy Services Among Doctors
Authors: Aimen Ifra , Nawaz Ahsan , Qayyum Zubia , Maqsood Mobeena , Sultana Razia
Published: October 2022

Physiotherapy has come to be recognized as a well-known form of medical care that reduces patients' dependency and level of disability. Physiotherapists play an important part in community rehabilitation and health education because of the role physiotherapy plays in reducing the incidence and severity of disability. Objectives: To determine about the awareness of belief and attitude towards the utilization of physiotherapy services and interventions among doctors in selected hospitals of Lahore. Methods: The study design was Descriptive cross sectional. Total 150 doctors participated in this research from Arif Memorial Hospital, Mayo Hospital, Farooq Hospital and Ghurki Hospital. Results: There were 134 MBBS doctors and 16 FCPS doctors aged between 25 to 40 years and having 2 to 10 years of clinical experience. 58% of the study population were female doctors while 42% were male doctors. According to the study, medical doctors' perceptions regarding the profession of physiotherapy were moderately negative. This analysis also revealed some significant elements that might have had a negative impact on the degree of usage of physiotherapy treatments. Conclusions: Overall, this study showed that clinical doctors' attitudes toward the physiotherapy profession were generally negative. Some important potential factors were also identified that might have had a negative impact or limited the extent to which physiotherapy services were utilized in Lahore, Pakistan.
Assessment of Supraeruption of Teeth Affecting Prosthodontics Rehabilitation in Different Segments of Opposing Arch
Authors: Khan Muhammad Sartaj , Raza Muhammad , Khan Hassan , Zubair Naila , Ur Rahman Ejaz , Afridi Saima
Published: October 2022

Loss of vertical space due to supraeruption of teeth in opposing arch can make it difficult to replace missing teeth with implants, removable or fixed partial dentures. Objective: In the current study, we sought to evaluate and quantify the quantity of supraeruption of teeth in different segments of arch during prosthodontics rehabilitation with different prostheses. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 140 subjects with unopposed teeth from prosthodontics department. Data were collected by pre-structured proforma. Amount of supraeruption were recorded in millimeters on dental casts after obtaining impressions. Teeth involved in supraeruption like molars and others on right/ left side in either maxillary / mandibular arch, were noted from study casts and were assessed. Data were analyzed using (SPSS version 20). Results: For the study, 140 individuals in total were selected (54 males and 86 females). This study observed dental caries as the main cause of tooth loss. Mean age of patients were 43 years. Mean super-eruption values for subjects were 2.22mm with standard deviation of 0.66mm. More number of supraerupted teeth were found in unopposed maxillary arch than the mandibular. Highest frequency of super-eruption was found in molars areas and on right side of the arch. Conclusions: It was concluded that unopposed teeth lead to over-eruption of antagonists. Differences were recorded between sites, type and status of supra-eruption. Current study observed that highest ratio of super-eruption recorded in maxillary arch, in molar region and on the right side of arch.
Frequency and diversity of the cases reported at Oncology care clinic of Holy Family Hospital Rawalpindi during August 2022
Authors: Shahid Rizwana , Khan Sadia , Aziz Qaiser , Umar Muhammad
Published: October 2022

Although cancers are primarily attributed to genetic mutations, but environmental factors one way or the other are also responsible for influencing the growth of cancerous cells. Objectives: To determine the frequency and diversity of the cases reported at Oncology care clinic of Holy Family Hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was done to ascertain the frequency and diversity of cases that were reported to Oncology care clinic of Holy Family Hospital (HFH) Rawalpindi during August 2022. The data were collected by reviewing the hospital records of the patients. Data was analysed by SPSS version 25.0 and Microsoft Excel 2010. Percentage and frequency of all variables were computed. Statistical difference in mean age of male and females was determined by independent sample t-test. P < 0.05 was considered significant.  Results: Mean age of the total 23 cases reporting to Oncology clinic of HFH during August 2022 was 49.91 ± 15.12 years. There were 14(61%) females and 9(39%) males.  The gender-based difference in mean age was statistically insignificant (P > 0.13) with 95% CI (-3.20 – 22.80). About 12 and 11 were confirmed and suspected cases respectively. The highest number of cases was first reported in Gynaecology & Obstetrics Unit-I, followed by medical units of HFH.  Around 7(30.4%) patients were residents of twin cities (Rawalpindi & Islamabad). Conclusions: Middle aged females are comparatively more in need of screening for early diagnosis and treatment of certain benign and malignant illnesses than those of males
Public health threat with consumption of unpasteurized milk: Systematic review
Authors: Ali Mansoor , Ketema Sisay , Prabakusuma Adhita Sri , Aslam Maryum , Akhtar Naheed , Fiza Nayab Syeda , Sajjad Muhammad , Umar Muhammad , Kanwal Freeha , Ullah Ikram
Published: October 2022

Unpasteurized milk consumption is common throughout the globe, despite the negative consequence for consumer health. This review paper identified public health risks resulting from unpasteurized milk. Several keywords were used to search online, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and academic publications. Significant data were rigorously extracted and reported as per the PRISMA statement guideline. Individuals' risk from consuming raw milk was examined in 15 studies. According to a laboratory investigation report, raw milk contained several parasites and harmful bacteria in unpasteurized milk. These include campylobacteriosis, brucellosis, Staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus, salmonellosis, E. coli 0157, and other hazardous poisons like Aflatoxin M1. People are exposed to pathogenic microorganisms, parasites, and other dangerous toxic agents while consuming raw milk. Therefore, ensuring the safety and quality of raw milk through implementing hazard-critical control points during production and distribution is mandatory in the dairy industry to safeguard general public health.
Comparison of Kegel Exercises and Stabilization Exercises for Urinary Incontinence in Postpartum Females
Authors: Khalid Amna , Fatima Summan , Khan Wajheeha , Zia Iram , Ahmad Jawad
Published: October 2022

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is the spontaneous urine loss upon any effort or physical activity, or coughing or sneezing. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of Kegel exercises and stabilization exercises on urinary incontinence along with the improvement in the strength of pelvic floor. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study in which purposive sampling was done from postpartum females from Physiotherapy OPDs of Government hospitals of Faisalabad after meeting inclusion exclusion criteria. Thirty females with urinary incontinence were assigned into two groups: Group A and Group B. Group A received Kegel exercises for 4 weeks and group B received stabilization exercises for 4 weeks. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 16. Paired T test was used for inter-group analysis and independent T test was used for intra-group analysis. Results: The study concluded that the incidence of stress urinary incontinence increases with age as 36.7% participants of the study were from 51-60 years of age group. This study also proved that both kegel exercise and stabilization exercise were beneficial in treating stress urinary incontinence and showed significant difference with a p value of 0.012. Conclusions: It showed that stabilization exercises are a better approach in treating stress urinary incontinence by showing greater mean value of 2.533 ± 1.187. In the end, kegel exercises are primary treatment of stress urinary incontinence but when doing them alone, they showed lesser improvement with a mean value of 1.533 ± 0.833.
Evaluation of Therapeutic Efficacy of Surgical Intervention in Dorsal Spinal Tuberculosis
Authors: Muzaffer uddin Muhammad , Munwar Ali Muhammad , Ali Jamali Muhammad , Zulfiqar Farrukh , Kumar Ramesh , Muhammad Zeeshan Qazi
Published: October 2022

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease. The mycobacterium tuberculosis is the causative agent of TB. The prevalence of TB is influenced by the economic, sanitary, and medical conditions of the area. Although TB has the worldwide prevalence but it is most common in underdeveloped and developing nations like Pakistan, China, and several African nation. The every 24 to 32 people out of 100,000 in developed countries are suffering from TB. Objective: To analyze the surgical intervention for active dorsal spinal tuberculosis at early stage in patients suffering from paraparesis and paraplegia. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the neurosurgery department of the tertiary care hospital for the duration of four years and six months from January 2017 to June 2021. The study was carried out on 138 patients. There were 85 male and 53 female candidates. Written consent was taken from the patients. In order to determine the therapeutic effects of surgery, the neurological status on ASIA grading and NASCIS scores were examined. Results: Majority of the patients healed after single posterior procedure. The average time of surgery was 193 minutes approximately, and the mean blood loss was found to be 874 ml. The average motor improvement in NASCIS score for paraplegia was 78±13.1 and for paraparesis; it was 100 ± 0.0. Conclusions: In this study, it was concluded that early surgical intervention can prove to be beneficial in case of active dorsal spinal TB patients with cord compression.
Correlation between Stress and Meaning in Life in Early Career Doctors in Pakistan
Authors: Iqbal Samiya
Published: October 2022

Doctors experience significant stress in their everyday occupational activities. Objective: To assess the correlation between stress and meaning in life in early career doctors in Pakistan. Methods: The study design was cross-sectional. It was conducted from March to May 2021 using non-probability convenience sampling with early career doctors in Pakistan as the subjects. The data was collected using a form distributed online that included demographic variables, Purpose in Life (PIL) test and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). SPSS 26.0 was used for data entry and analysis. Results: The average score on PIL test was 67.64 ± 15.20 and PSS was 20.20 ± 5.88. Women doctors reported higher perceived stress (18.82 ± 6.11) than men (20.75 ± 5.07). A statistically significant negative correlation between the PIL and PSS was found, r (215) = -.610, p <0.01. r = -0.610 represents a large effect size. Conclusions: Higher meaning in life is associated with lower perceived stress in doctors. Interventions that focus on meaning in life may help improve the well-being of doctors
Efficacy Of Using Cationorm and Systane Eye Drops on Post-Lasik Dry Eye
Authors: Memona . , Awais Sikandar Muhammad , Danish Ibraheem Hafiz , Shakoor Sumaira , Hussain Shah Syed Nisar , Nazia Koser Hafiza , Rizwan Bahisht
Published: October 2022

LASIK is famous procedure for correcting refractive errors. The post-LASIK dry eye is very common. Systane and cationorm eye drops are good for post-LASIK dry eye. Objectives: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of Cationorm and Systane eye drops and assess the effect on asthenopic symptoms post-LASIK dry eye. Methods: A Qusai experimental study design was used. This study included 80 patients with the age of 20 to 35 years. Data were collected at Al Qasim Eye Care. 40 patients were treated with cationorm; and other were treated with Systane on post-LASIK dry eye. After using cationorm and systane eye drops assessment of dry eye was measured by TBUT. Patients came for follow ups at 2nd day, 15th day and 1 month after the LASIK procedure was done. Statistical analysis was done by applying Mann Whitney U test, Friedman’s two-way test, Cochran’s test and chi square test. Results: The mean value and standard deviation of Systane and cationorm eye drop recorded at the baseline were 10.00, ± 0.00, 10.00 ± 0.00, after 2nd day it was 8.08 ± 1.163, 8.48 ± 0.987, after 15 days 8.93 ± 2.485, 12.30 ± 1.713, and 1 month 9.05 ± 2.417, 12.93 ± 1.745 respectively. There was a significant effect on post-LASIK dry eye after using Systane and Cationorm eye drop with p<0. 001.Comparison of systane and Cationorm eye drops with asthenopic symptoms on post-LASIK dry eye showed cationorm is better than the systane eye drops. Conclusions: Cationorm showed more significant results as compared to systane eye drops and cationorm gave faster relief from asthenopic symptoms on post-LASIK dry eye
Nurses' perception regarding barriers to use of health information system in the teaching hospital of Abbottabad
Authors: Khan Sheraz , Sultan Amir , Hanif Javaria , Jamil Kinza , Batool Zara
Published: October 2022

The Health Management Information System (HMIS) was designed to provide information on the status of ongoing health-related events. It has been designed to enhance data management in health care facilities. The effectiveness of this system depends on the appropriate collection, analysis, interpretation, and utilization of data. Objective: This study intended to generate knowledge to bridge this knowledge gap to overcome barriers to using and implementing integrated HIS. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional design was used in this study. The data were collected in a Teaching hospital in Abbottabad from July 27, to Aug 3, 2022. Five item Likert scale was used to collect data from 206 nurses. Those who have one-year of experience with HMIS were included in this study. Result: More than half 51.9 % (n=107) of the study participants were female. Almost half 49.5% (n=102) of the participants responded with little and very few barriers in the use of health information systems, followed by much and very much by one-fourth of the participants 25.7% (n=53) and moderate 24.8% (n=51). technical (2.98±1.17) had the highest total mean scores followed by legal (2.95±1.19), organizational (2.91±1.15), and personal (2.90±1.16). Conclusions: The study concluded technical barrier as the top most and comprises computer shortage, internet breakdown and improper health information network. The nurses also reported workload due to documentation and access of an unauthorized person to information
Frequency And Risk Factors of Low Back Pain Among Health Care Professionals of Jinnah Hospital, Lahore
Authors: Rania Asma , Rafiq Shazia , Qamar Saddiqa , Mushtaq Maida , Rania Alma , Rania Rameen , Abbas Aeliya , Mohiuddin Maha
Published: October 2022

Low back pain is known as the utmost common health problem among all the population around the globe. Objective: Low back pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder involving nerves, muscles and bones of back. It may be associated with a several risk factors like family history, BMI, ergonomics of occupation, exercise habits and stress. A study was conducted to determine the frequency of Low Back Pain and to determine its risk factors among health care professionals. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among health care professionals at Jinnah hospital Lahore, Pakistan, for a period of four months after the approval of synopsis. Convenient sampling technique was used and all patients during study interval were fulfilling the inclusion criteria. A total of 64 participants were included of age range from18 to 60 years. Data were analysed by using SPSS Version 16.0. Results: The prevalence of LBP among health care professionals is 67%. Among subjects 58 were below 40 years and 6 were over 40 years, 26 reported to have a family history of LBP, 24 participants do exercise, 43 have normal BMI, 12 were overweight, 8 were obese and 1 was underweight. 58 respondents were mildly stressed and 6 were moderately stressed. Conclusions: Frequency of low back pain was high in health care professionals with a high frequency in females. Most of the subjects have normal BMI and low perceived stress score
Prevalence of Low Back Pain in Bike Riders”. A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Sultan Shah Rukh , Naeem Atta Muhammad , Siddiqui Osama , Yaqoob Hamza , Abbas Summer , Sajid Anoosha , Hayder Ali , Maqbool Sania
Published: October 2022

Low back pain is a leading problem in bike riders and is increasing day by day due to faulty posture during bike riding. Objective: To find out the prevalence of low back pain in occupational and non-occupational bike riders. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey conducted on 200 bike riders who were professional as well as non-professional riders. Data were collected using Oswestry Questionnaire. Results: Results showed that 52.5% bike riders had low back pain, this was further divided on severity of pain, 32% have mild pain on the movement, 11% experienced moderate pain, 5% bike riders experienced fairly severe pain during movement, 3% of the bike riders have very severe pain at movement, where as 1% of the bike riders are those whose pain worst imaginable at the movement. Conclusions: This study sums up that prevalence of low back pain is higher among occupational and non-occupational bike riders who were exposed to bike riding five or more hours a day. This also had a high effect on their sitting, standing, managing self-care and traveling. This study concluded that more than 52.5% bike riders had low back pain.
Prevalence of stress and its effects on the physical and dental health of medical, dental, and engineering students in Lahore, Pakistan”
Authors: Huda Noor ul , Nasim Hina , Bin Shahzad Hazik , Manzar Saadia
Published: October 2022

Stress can contribute to or influence the development of psychological disorders like depression and anxiety, as well as physiological issues like high blood pressure and slow wound healing. Objectives: To find out the prevalence of stress and its oral and physical manifestations in medical, dental, and engineering students of Pakistan. Methods: This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was carried out in Rashid Latif Medical Complex and Clapp trust Lahore, Pakistan. The study included 326 male and female students from medical, dentistry, and engineering universities. Results: The majority of them were females 68.7% as compared to males 31.3%. The mean age of the students was 21.9±4.17 years. The persistent headache had the highest frequency among physical problems due to stress with 84.5% of the participants responding. In a comparative analysis, the t-test showed gender to be significant for disturbed sleep, difficulty breathing persistent headaches, and muscular pains while the ANOVA test showed a significant association of age with weight gain, pain in TMJ, and ulcers in the oral cavity. Regression analysis showed a significant relationship between weight gain and age. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the stress of studying is making students more susceptible to problems with their physical and oral health, which is lowering their quality of life.
KAP Survey of Awareness of Physiotherapy Among Urban and Rural General Population of Gujranwala Division
Authors: Asghar Nadeem , Awais Muhammad , Gulzar Khushboo , Mansha Hamza , Islam Farooq , Tanveer Hamza
Published: October 2022

Physiotherapists play an important part in providing health care and physiotherapy is a recognized profession around the globe. Physiotherapy is a medical specialty that focuses on human function and mobility in order to aid people attains their full potential; It is significant to have a good understanding towards careers associated to one's field of study. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the awareness regarding physiotherapy among urban and rural general population in Gujranwala Division. Methods: This observational study was carried out on a sample size of 384 divided equally into 192 urban and 192 rural population of people including male and female both from age group 20 years or above through non probability random sampling. The study was carried out in general population of Gujranwala Division for 6 months. Self-made Likert scale was developed to collect data. The responses were analyzed through SPSS. Results: Out of 384 participant’s population of urban area had high knowledge attitude and practice level regarding awareness of physiotherapy whereas rural population showed moderate to low knowledge attitude and practice level. According to association between education and awareness from category Undergraduate-post graduate were highly aware of physiotherapy, while other participant’s awareness was moderate to low. Conclusions: A very good response was seen in urban population of Gujranwala Division, mostly people were highly aware of physiotherapy, whereas in rural population there was a moderate to poor response. A strong association was seen between education and physiotherapy. Higher level of education displayed powerful impact on awareness of people. Education plays an impactful role in better understanding of physiotherapy.
Melihat Lebih Dekat Praktik Akuntansi Penggunaan Kartu Kredit Pemerintah Pada KPP Pratama Pare
Authors: Cornellya Wahyu Ira , Wibowo Puji
Published: October 2022

Pada awalnya, uang persediaan hanya disalurkan melalui uang tunai. Namun, seiring dengan perkembangan teknologi dan maraknya penggunaan uang berbasis digital, bendahara umum negara bersama unit vertikal dibawahnya turut serta mencetuskan penggunaan uang persediaan melalui kartu kredit pemerintah. Dengan adanya kartu kredit pemerintah, pelaksanaan kegiatan masing – masing satker dapat berjalan lebih efektif, mengurangi potensi kecurangan dalam transaksi, dan mampu mendukung program meminimalisasi peredaran uang tunai. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui proses pelaksanaan belanja, kesesuaian dengan peraturan terkait, permasalahan dan solusi yang dihadapi, serta keuntungan yang diperoleh oleh KPP Pratama Pare pada saat menggunakan mekanisme uang persediaan dengan kartu kredit pemerintah. Metode penelitian yang digunakan bersifat deskriptif dengan pendekatan kulitatif. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa penerapan kartu kredit pemerintah pada KPP Pratama Pare secara umum telah dilaksanakan sesuai dengan peraturan terkait. Namun, dalam penerapannya masih ditemukan beberapa permasalahan antara lain rekanan tidak memiliki mesin EDC dan proses tagihan belanja baru terjadi pada bulan berikutnya. Solusi untuk permasalahan tersebut adalah mengganti metode pembayaran belanja menjadi metode langsung atau metode uang persediaan secara tunai.
15 MINUTES CITY CONCEPT AND ITS APPLICATION
Authors: Journal IJSREM
Published: October 2022

Today’s world is growing with technological evaluation. In present era, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, the life has become health and family oriented which was money and work oriented. People started redefining the term “Wealth”. Considering the current and future lifestyle of the people a new concept i.e., the 15- minute city has been thoroughly studied, in this paper. This concept introduces new city planning which contributes to the betterment of health and lifestyle of people and functioning efficiency of a city. It tries to set a balance between need of fast- growing world and need of a common man. Along with the study, a model is proposed which can be taken as a reference for planning a new city. The 15-minute city model The model prepared by Prof. Carlos Moreno at the Sorbonne in Paris, is a model for urban development and urban mobility. The 15-minute city is the contemporary synthesis of the renaissance “ideal city”, where the classical “human measure” has now been interpreted, far away from a geometrical perspective, in the framework of current health and environmental risks. [1]
CHARACTERISTICS OF DOMESTIC WASTEWATER OF KALABURAGI CITY
Authors: Dr. Shashikant R. Mise Bhaganna
Published: October 2022

A study was undertaken to assess the characteristics, like physical and chemical analysis, of the wastewater of Kalaburagi City. The characteristics are analysis of total solids, suspended solids, dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, phosphates, and nitrates. The present study shows that domestic wastewater is organic in nature, having average values of BOD of 380 mg/l, COD of 510 mg/l, total solids of 3200 mg/l, dissolved solids of 2000 mg/l, chloride of 220 mg/l, and suspended solids of 1200 mg/l.
Review on Improving the Electric Power Quality by Upfc Systems in Electrical Networks Using Matlab
Authors: Debe Jetal
Published: October 2022

In this Project we are going to utilize The (upfc) is the most adaptable among an assortment of adaptable AC transmission framework (FACTS) gadgets, which can be utilized for power stream control, improvement of transient dependability, damping framework motions and voltage guideline. In this paper, we propose another PI based methodology for the dynamic control of UPFC. With the new control methodology, not just the dynamic and responsive force stream control yet in addition the framework motions damping can be accomplished. The computerized reenactment results created in MATLAB conditions are introduced to confirm the proficiency of the proposed control calculation. Keywords: UPFC,FACTS,MATLAB etc.
Proximate composition and physicochemical properties of Red seaweed Hypnea valentiae (Turnur) and their potential of antioxidant activities
Authors:   Ethanopharmacological and Algal Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Botany, School of Life Sciences,  Periyar University, Periyarpalkalai Nagar, Salem-636011, Tamil Nadu, India, Palani Kokila , Palaniappan Nithya , Karuppannan Saranya ,   Ethanopharmacological and Algal Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Botany, School of Life Sciences,  Periyar University, Periyarpalkalai Nagar, Salem-636011, Tamil Nadu, India,   Ethanopharmacological and Algal Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Botany, School of Life Sciences,  Periyar University, Periyarpalkalai Nagar, Salem-636011, Tamil Nadu, India, Lakshmanan Archana ,   Ethanopharmacological and Algal Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Botany, School of Life Sciences,  Periyar University, Periyarpalkalai Nagar, Salem-636011, Tamil Nadu, India, Maluventhan Viji ,   Department of Botany, Thiagarajar College, Madurai – 625009, Tamil Nadu, India, Arumugam Maruthupandian ,   Ethanopharmacological and Algal Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Botany, School of Life Sciences,  Periyar University, Periyarpalkalai Nagar, Salem-636011, Tamil Nadu, India
Published: October 2022

The present study focused on proximate composition, moisture, ash, lipid, protein, carbohydrate, dietary fiber and physicochemical properties to determine the water holding capacity, oil holding capacity, and water swelling capacity of H. valentiae red seaweed. The antioxidant properties of methanol extract were performed by superoxide and nitric oxide radical scavenging activity. The superoxide scavenging radical (50-250 μg/mL) was an inhibition of 89.06 ± 0.44μg/mL which is significantly higher than the standard ascorbic acid 75.67 ± 0.20μg/mL. Nitric oxide assay observed that (15-100 μg/mL) exhibited the maximum nitric oxide scavenging was 87.22 ± 0.80μg/mL which is significantly higher than the standard ascorbic acid 74.35 ± 0.67μg/mL. The results were establishing the potential of the seaweed was exploited the nutritional value and pharmaceutical applications.
Pollen sensitization among Egyptian patients with respiratory allergic diseases
Authors:   Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt., Mohamed Manar , Refaat Maged ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt., Melek Nermine ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt., Ahmed Eman ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt., Noor Aldin Nada ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt., Abdel Latif Osama ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
Published: October 2022

Pollen is responsible for seasonal allergies, such as allergic rhino-conjunctivitis (AR), and has become a growing public health concern. Climate change affects the range of allergenic species as well as the timing and length of the pollen season. In Egypt, data on pollinosis are scarce. This study aimed to identify the most prevalent pollen causing allergies among Egyptian patients with respiratory allergies. A total of 200 patients with respiratory allergic diseases, allergic rhinitis and/or bronchial asthma (BA), were included. Medical history taking and physical examinations were conducted on each patient. Complete blood count (CBC), total immunoglobulin E (IgE) determination, spirometry, specific IgE, and skin prick tests (SPTs) for common aeroallergens and food were performed. Of the 200 patients, 106 (53%) were females. The age of study subjects ranged 16-66 years (mean ± SD, 34.42 ± 13.0), and 65% were living in urban areas. Grass pollen, mainly from Timothy grass and maize, were the most prevalent allergens (28.5%). Timothy grass was the most common type of pollen in patients with AR (28.3 %). Elder pollen was more prevalent among asthmatic patients (P = 0.004). Bermuda grass was statistically more prevalent in rural than in urban areas (P = 0.008). Maize was linked to uncontrolled BA, whereas Timothy grass was the most prevalent among patients with moderate/severe AR. Forty-three patients had oral allergy syndrome; oranges and tomatoes were the most cross-reactive food allergies (12% and 11.5%, respectively). Exacerbation of allergic symptoms was noted during January, December, March, and June. In conclusion, pollen plays a substantial role in affecting patients with respiratory allergies in Egypt. Grass pollen is the most prevalent type of pollen, especially in urban areas.
Can platelets indices and blood neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio be used as predictors for diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in decompensated post hepatitis liver cirrhosis?
Authors:   Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology Unit, Assiut University Hospitals and South Egypt Cancer Institute Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt, Hammed Muhamad , EL-Amien Hussein ,   Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology Unit, Assiut University Hospitals, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt, Asham Marina ,   Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology Unit, Assiut University Hospitals, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt, Elgendy Sherein ,   Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
Published: October 2022

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is most common infection in patients with liver cirrhosis with ascites. SBP is diagnosed by the presence of ≥250 polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL)/mm3 in the ascetic fluid with absence of surgical and treatable causes of intra-abdominal infection. This study intended to evaluate platelet indices and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as predictors marker of SBP. This study included 106 patients: 53 cirrhotic with SBP, 53 cirrhotic without SBP and 53 sex and age matched normal non cirrhotic controls. The mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet crit (PCT), NLR and C reactive protein (CRP) were compared between study groups. Patients with SBP had significantly higher MPV, PDW, PCT NLR and platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR) than patients without SBP (P< 0.001 for all). Patients with SBP had significantly higher MPV, PDW, PCT NLR and PLR than the control group (P< 0.001). MPV, PDW, PCT, PLR, and NLR had positive significant correlations with CRP and ascetic fluid PMNL (P< 0.001). In conclusion, our study findings indicated that platelet indices in cirrhotic patients may be novel, simple, low-cost, non-invasive, and valuable diagnostic marker for diagnosis of SBP. They could be considered reliable and surrogate marker for PMNL.
Association of Forkhead Box O3a (FOXO3a) single – nucleotide polymorphism with bronchial asthma in Egyptian population
Authors:   Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Egypt., EL-Melouk Marwa , Sadek Mohammed ,   Department of Chest Diseases & Tuberculosis, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Egypt., AL-Tabbakh AL-Shaimaa ,   Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Egypt.
Published: October 2022

Asthma is a common chronic inflammatory condition with a highly complex genetic predisposition and environmental factors which play an important role in its development. Polymorphism in FOXO3a transcription factor has been linked to a number of inflammatory and respiratory diseases such as bronchiolitis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis suggesting that it may be implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma. This study aimed to investigate FOXO3a SNP (rs13217795) association with bronchial asthma and its degree of severity in adult Egyptian population. This case control study included 60 asthmatic patients and 40 apparently healthy controls. Peripheral blood samples were collected from all participants. Genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The study revealed high frequency of the mutant TT genotype of FOXO3a gene in asthma patients (51.7%) than controls (12.5%) with OR= 7.48 & 95% CI (2.58-21.71) (P˂0.05) and in severe cases (41.9%) compared to mild and moderate cases (25.8% and12.5%, respectively). T allele frequency showed significant statistical association with asthma, OR= 12.40, 95% CI (5.65-27.19) (P˂0.05). However, there was no association between T allele and disease severity. The high frequency of the mutant TT genotype among patients and sever cases may indicates that FOXO3a rs13217795 C>T single nucleotide polymorphism can be considered as a risk factor in development and severity of asthma.
Flow cytometry assessment of monocyte subsets alteration in hepatocellular carcinoma post hepatitis C virus infection
Authors:   Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine (for Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt., Ali Fatma , Kotb Fatma ,   Department of Internal medicine, Faculty of Medicine (for Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt., Aglan Reda ,   Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, National Liver Institute Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt., Alrayes Mona ,   Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine (for Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.
Published: October 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is assumed to be an immunogenic malignancy since 90% of cases develop in environments with ongoing inflammation. Monocyte subsets contribute to tumoral immunity. Most HCC patients are discovered at late stages, which lowers their survival chances. We aimed to determine whether altered frequency of monocyte subsets contribute to post hepatitis C virus infection-liver cirrhosis (HCV-LC) development to HCC. This cross-sectional study enrolled 105 patients classified as post HCV-HCC (n=72) and post HCV-LC (n=33) patients. The monocyte subsets frequency was assessed by flow-cytometry. There was a significant increase in intermediate monocytes and decrease in non-classical monocytes in HCC group when compared to the LC group (P = 0.001 and 0.006, respectively). Intermediate monocyte frequency was positively correlated with cholesterol and triglycerides (r = 0.296, P < 0.002 and r = 0.247, P < 0.011, respectively). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve revealed that intermediate monocytes percentage at a cutoff ≥ 0.625% and non-classical monocytes percentage at a cutoff ≤ 0.61% differentiated between patients with HCV-LC and those with HCV-HCC with a sensitivity of 76.4% and 69.4%, respectively, while both revealed low specificity of 51.5%. According to logistic regression analysis, only the triglyceride level was found to be an independent risk factor for HCC development [OR =1.014 (11.001–1.026), P = 0.031]. Finally, we concluded that post-HCV-HCC is characterized by an upregulation of intermediate monocytes and a downregulation of non-classical monocytes when compared to Post-HCV-LC. Intermediate and non-classical monocytes frequency can aid to screening biomarkers for HCC development. Intermediate monocyte frequency may be linked to hyperlipemia. The level of triglycerides is proposed as an independent risk factor for HCC emergence.
The consequences of COVID-19 and its vaccine on pregnant and lactating mothers
Authors:   College of Nursing, University of Babylon, Babylon, Iraq., Obaid Ali , Shlash Ahmed ,   College of Nursing, University of Al-Ameed, Karbala, Iraq., Abdulrasol Zainab ,   College of Nursing, University of Babylon, Babylon, Iraq., Lafta Mohammed ,   Hilla Teaching Hospital, Babylon, Iraq.
Published: October 2022

The single-stranded RNA virus (coronavirus 2019) pandemic has represented a massive influence on health care professionals and communities around the world. This virus is accompanied by a range of respiratory disorders. Morbidity and mortality are in elevation among pregnant mothers. COVID-19 vaccine is considered safe for the majority of the population. Safety concerns were raised toward pregnant mothers and the COVID-19 vaccine. In the present study, data were taken out from relevant manuscripts; from 20th April 2021 to 25th December 2021. In this study, literature reviews from the most comprehensive health database on 100 papers published during 2020 and 2021 were used. This review article aimed to assess the present evidence available in the literature about the possible effect of COVID-19 on pregnant mothers and their fetuses and, to address considerations for maternal COVID-19 vaccine based on the review of existing data to aid in spreading the awareness about the benefits of vaccine that could save lives. In general, COVID-19 vaccines resulted in reducing the ability of virus transmission and patients’ hospitalization. COVID-19 vaccines will never cause infection of corona virus. Evidence showed that COVID-19 vaccines from any brand will reduce the mortality and morbidity. However, available data indicated that possible deterioration of the clinical conditions of pregnant mothers infected with COVID-19 cannot be excluded. Primary outcomes did not show clear safety signs among pregnant mothers who received COVID-19 vaccines. This is because pregnant and lactating mothers were excluded from COVID-19 vaccine studies. Thus, data to lead vaccine decision-making are inadequate. More longitudinal follow up studies are necessary to reinforce the safety of the vaccine.
Pancreatic cyst fluid interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) level in predicting the risk of malignancy in pancreatic cysts
Authors:   Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt., Abdellah Tarek , Shalaby Sayed ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt., Salem Amira ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt., Yousef Tarek , Shereen Shereen ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt., Hussein Hussein ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt., Mariam Mariam ,   Department of Hepatology, Gastroenterology & Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt., Mohamed Mohamed ,   Mohamed
Published: October 2022

Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) may be accidentally discovered in up to 13.5% of cases. These PCLs are of multiple types, including mucinous cysts (intra-ductal papillary mucinous neoplasms [IPMN] and mucinous cystic neoplasms [MCN]) that have a risk of malignant transformation. The difficulty in differentiation between the various PCLs and their unpredictable risk of malignant transformation makes their management difficult. The new diagnostic tools of PCLs often include endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) for pancreatic cyst fluid analysis. This study aimed to determine if cystic fluid IL-1β can predict the risk of malignancy and the degrees of dysplasia of pancreatic cysts. The study included 50 PCL patients. They were subjected to radiological, biochemical, serological, and histopathological examinations. Pancreatic cyst fluid IL-1β was analyzed using an ELISA. Our data indicated that cyst fluid IL-1 β can differentiate between benign and malignant cysts at cut-off value >150 pg/ml; with sensitivity and specificity of 84.00% and 56.00% respectively. Also, cyst fluid IL-1 β can differentiate between mucinous and non- mucinous pancreatic cysts at cut-off value >150 pg/ml; with a sensitivity and specificity of 83.33% and 53.78%, respectively. However, cyst fluid IL-1 β cannot differentiate between degrees of dysplasia of IPMN. In conclusion, our study suggested that pancreatic cyst fluid IL-1β can differentiate between mucinous and non-mucinous pancreatic cysts and between benign and malignant pancreatic cysts.
Conjugated silver nanoparticles as a diagnostic tool for circulating hydatid antigens
Authors:   Department of Medical Parasitology, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Egypt., Shakra Mohammed , Abou-Sheishaa Gamal ,   Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt., Adel Adel ,   Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt., Ibrahim Ibrahim ,   Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt.
Published: October 2022

Cystic hydatid disease is one of the most significant worldwide zoonotic diseases. The causative agent is the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. The diagnosis of cystic echinococcosis by clinical symptoms and scanning alone is often difficult and confusing. The definite diagnosis needs sensitive and reliable serological tests. This study aimed to evaluate a nano silver-based enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the detection of circulating hydatid antigen in human serum samples. The study included 66 human serum samples (36 hydatidosis confirmed cases, 15 cases infected with other parasites, and 15 normal subjects as negative control). The circulating protoscolices antigen was assayed by the nano-silver dot ELISA, nano-silver sandwich ELISA and the traditional methods (dot ELISA and sandwich ELISA). Our study revealed that the sensitivity and specificity of the nano-silver dot ELISA were 97.2% and 93.3%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of nano-silver sandwich ELISA were 94.4% and 96.7% respectively. The nano-silver-based ELISA showed higher sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy than the traditional ELISA. In conclusion, the nano-silver-based ELISA can be proposed as a confirmatory test in the diagnosis of cystic echinococcosis.
Frequency of ragweed sensitization and allergy among patients with respiratory allergy
Authors:   Department of Internal Medicine, Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt., Esmail Dina , Ashour Zeinab , Sheha Dina ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt., Mohamed Nesrine ,   Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt., AbdAllah Amany ,   Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt., Zeyada Omneya ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt., Elmahdi Amira ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
Published: October 2022

Pollen is well known to cause seasonal allergy. Ragweed sensitization and allergy represent a worldwide challenge for allergists. Ambrosia is one of the major genera in the Asteraceae family which includes at least 51 species known as “ragweed”. The current study aimed at determining frequency of ragweed sensitization and allergy among patients with respiratory allergy. The study included 220 subjects selected from patients attended the Allergy Clinic, Ain Shams University. All patients were subjected to detailed medical history, clinical examination, asthma severity grading according to the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines, allergic rhinitis severity grading according to the allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma (ARIA) guidelines, pulmonary function tests for asthmatic patients, complete blood count with differential for detection of eosinophilia, serum total IgE and skin prick testing (SPT) to ragweed pollen together with common inhalants and common food allergens. Specific IgE for Ambrosia artemisiifolia was done for patients who showed positive SPT to ragweed pollen. About 34% of patients had positive SPT to ragweed, 30.5% were sensitized to ragweed and 3.2% allergic. Specific IgE for A. artemisiifolia was positive in 33.8%. There was a statistically significant association between ragweed sensitization and level of asthma control and disease duration. We concluded that ragweed sensitization is less common as the frequency of Ambrosia pollen sensitization was about one third of the studied allergic patients.