bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hematological effects of antiviral drugs for Hepatitis C virus
Authors: Shawky Amal , Hamdy Hesham , Samir Rasha , Ahmed Harhor Esraa Elsayed 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Objective
The treatment of HCV infection has evolved from interferon-based treatment approaches to direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). Despite the overall success, antiviral treatment of certain groups of patients remains challenging. Even if severe side effects are rare, they are not completely absent especially in patients with advanced liver disease. So, we aimed to evaluate hematological effects of antiviral drugs in chronic HCV patients.

Patients and methods
We randomly assigned 50 patients to treatment with daclatasvir/sofosbuvir for 12 weeks. Laboratory data were collected 3 and 6 months after end of treatment and compared to those before treatment.

Results
Our study showed SVR of 100% (P-value &lt; 0.001). there was statistically significant increase of mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and hematocrit (HCT) (P-value = 0.035 and 0.048 respectively) 3 and 6 months after treatment. Hemoglobin was increased 3 months after treatment however changes in hemoglobin wasn’t statistically significant (P-value = 0.719). There was statistically improvement of hemoglobin 6 months after treatment (P-value = 0.019). There was statistically significant increase of platelet count 6 months after treatment (P-value = 0.038). Our study showed statistically significant improvement of total bilirubin (P-value = 0.001), ALT (P-value = 0.012), AST (P-value = 0.001), AFP (P-value = 0.002) 6 months after treatment.

Conclusions
Results support the safety of sofosbuvir-daclatasvir regimen among Egyptians and suggest a significant role of those drug regimens in the treatment of HCV with least adverse events.
Relation Between Matrix Gla Protein and Cardiac Vavular Calcifications in Haemodialysis Patients
Authors: El-Sharkawy Magdy Mohamed Saeed , El Thakaby Ahmed Hassan Mohamed , El Sharabasy Reem Mohsen , ElBahrawy Mahmoud Fathy Mohamed 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Heart valve calcification was first described a century ago. Its pathologic features were first described by Dewitsky in 1910. Valvular heart disease is common in end-stage renal disease patients. The incidence of valvular heart disease is 5 times greater in dialysis patients than in the general population MGP plays a key role in the inhibition of tissue calcification, which was demonstrated in MGP-deficient mice

Objective
To detect the prevalence of cardiac valvular calcifications among end stage renal disease patients on prevalent haemodialysis and its relation to Matirx Gla protein.

Patients and Methods
Enrolled patients were recruited from Ain shams hospitals, divided into two groups according to the presence/absence of valvular calcifications on echocardiographic examination as follows: Group A: included patients with valvular calcifications. Group B: included patients without valvular calcifications.

Results
In current study, 19 (23.8%) patients showed mitral calcification, 30 (37.5%) showed aortic calcification and 44 (55.0%) had calcification in general as 5 patients had both mitral and aortic calcifications. In current study, the patient who had calcification were significantly older, heavier in weight and BMI and were had HD for longer than those who didn’t have calcification. Patient who had calcification had lower levels of both platelets and urea than those who didn’t have calcification. In current study, the mean ucMGP was 549.5 ± 160.1 and the patient who had calcification had higher levels of ucMGP than those who did not have calcification. There was a significant positive correlation between age, weight, BMI, duration of HD and ucMGP. And there was a significant negative correlation between platelet count, serum albumin and ucMGP.

Conclusion
In current study, MGP was able to significantly differentiate between patients with and without calcification at a cutoff point (&gt;564 pg/mlv) with sensitivity 86.36%, specificity 97.22. Our study confirmed that older age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus low platelet, higher ucMGP and blood urea are the most predictive parameters of valvular calcifications in hemodialysis patients. Other markers were not associated with valvular calcifications. ucMGP serum levels can significantly differentiate between HD cases with valvular calcifications and those not and those who had findings in CXR.
Toll like receptor 9 (TLR 9) expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMCs) from treated and untreated Grave’s disease patients
Authors: Okba Ashraf M , Shaheen Rasha Y , Mostafa Gehan M. H , Ali Hanan M , Abo El Fadle Sylvia W , El-Badry Mai A 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
It is well known that Autoimmune thyroid disease is multifactorial with multiple genetic and environmental factors, immune malfunction also incriminated in the development of this disease, The exact pathogenesis of this disease remains unclear despite the fact that the production of autoantibodies destroys self-tolerance and agitate the adaptive immune system. Our study will answer the question is there a difference in Toll like receptor 9 (TLR 9) expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMCs) from Grave’s disease patients.

Objective
to measure TLR9 percentage expression on peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with Graves’ disease.

Methods
60 subjects were included in this study; 30 with Graves’ disease and 30 healthy individuals as control group. All the patients were subjected to the following: Full history, clinical examination, thyroid functions, Thyroid ultrasound, Radioisotope thyroid scan: to assess uptake of thyroid gland and Toll like receptor 9 (TLR 9) percentage expression on peripheral blood mononuclear cells will be analyzed using flow cytometry technique.

Results
The present study proved that patients with Graves’ disease had higher levels of percentage expression of TLR 9 on peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Conclusion
percentage expression of TLR9 on peripheral blood lymphocytes is higher in Graves’ patients.
Causes, Complications and Pattern of Hemodialysis in Egypt
Authors: Elsaid Tamer W , Abdulgawaad Mostafa A , Ali Fatma A. Nasser S 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
There is a gap between evidence base and current practice in hemodialysis pattern which is different from a country to another due to different economic levels and organization of health. these gaps include many things such as causes and co-morbidity modality of hemodialysis medication given.

Methods
This cross sectional study was carried out on 500 end Stage renaldisease (ESRD)in Egypt
All patients selected were subjected to full history, examination, medical record which included iron study HGB, bone study, erythropoietin. vitamins,HD prescription, causes and complications of HD.

Results
HD pattern in Egypt agrees with the international guidelines and other countries except age(less than USA), bicarbonate as buffer for HD (acetate still used) HGB level is 9.2 gm./dl(target 11-12), using sevelamer as phosphate binder less than usual percent of others, work status for HD pts., is higher than others, routine iron investigations and routine adequacy of HD

Conclusion
there are increased prevalence of dialysis patients in Egypt and few difference in the pattern of HD with international guidelines
A study of procalcitonin and c-reactive protein in chronic h.pylori gastritis and it’s relation to severity of the disease
Authors: Makhlouf Mohamed A. M , Salama Mohamed M , Elessawy Hagar A. A , Abd El-Hady Ramy M 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Gastritis is an important premalignant lesion and recent studies suggested a production of inflammatory cytokine-like C-reactive protein during gastritis. This study aimed to determine any relationship between high sensitive Creactive protein (hs-CRP) and inflammation activity among patients with gastritis.

Aim and objectives
the aim of the study is to compare the levels of procalcitonin and CRP in serum between positive and negative H. pylori chronic gastritis, to correlate their levels with the severity of inflammation of chronic gastritis[h.pylori related and non h.pylori related]and to suggest any effect of different regimens of treatment and their levels in serum.

Subjects and methods
This is a Cross sectional comparative study, was carried out at Internal Medicine medicine departments of Ain Shams university hospitals, from September 2019 till March 2020,on 75 patients divided into 3 groups: (Group A); positive H. Pylori chronic gastritis,(Group B); negative H. Pylori chronic gastritis,(Group C); normal control group.

Results
There was positive highly significant correlation between H. Pylori severity and each of CRP and Procalcitonin where (r = 0.929; P &lt; 0.001) and (r = 0.928; P &lt; 0.001) respectively.

Conclusion
PCT and CRP were effective markers for primary diagnosis, as well as eradication follow-up after therapy, when they were used in parallel with conventional diagnostic methods.
Evaluation of the Role of Hyaluronic Acid as a Potential Marker for Diagnosis of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Awad Emad A , ElGhandour Ahmed M , Mansour Ahmed M , AbdelHamid Riham H 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide, ranging from simple steatosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) to liver cirrhosis, with its complications including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Aim of the Work
to evaluate the efficacy and reliability of Hyaluronic Acid as a potential noninvasive biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of NAFLD and to compare it with the traditional noninvasive techniques and if it can replace liver biopsy.

Patients and Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted on 63 subjects from the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Ain Shams University Hospital. They were divided into three different groups as following: a healthy control group, fatty liver and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). All patients and controls were subjected to routine laboratory tests and serum Hyaluronic acid test.

Results
There were high statistical significant differences between groups as regard INR. Regarding to liver functions, there was a high statistical significant difference between groups as regard AST and ALT ,Bilirubin and Albumin.. Comparison between groups regarding to RBS, there was high statistical significant difference between groups as regard RBS. Comparison between groups regarding to lipid profile, there was high statistical significant difference between groups as regard LDL and cholesterol. Regarding to APRI and Fib4, there was high statistical significant difference between groups as regard APRI and Fib4. Regarding to H.A, there was high statistical significant difference between groups as regard H.A. The study shows that there is non-significant correlation between either APRI or Fib4 and H.A in fatty liver, and there is also nonsignificant correlation either APRI or Fib4 and H.A in NASH.

Conclusion
Hyaluronic Acid can be reliably used as an accurate and specific noninvasive biomarker for the diagnosis of Nonalcoholic fatty Liver Disease and staging of the severity of disease compared with the traditional known noninvasive scores
Serum microRNA-122 Levels in Egyptian Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C virus Genotype 4 Infection before and after treatment with Direct Acting Antiviral Drugs
Authors: Helal Essam Mohammad Bayoumy , Sayed Moataz Mohammad , Aziz George Tari Magdy , Anwar Christina Alfons , Agwa Sara Hassan , Mostafa Elwakeel Sameh 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Viral hepatitis was estimated to be the 7th leading cause of mortality globally. About half of this mortality is attributed to HCV, a primary cause for liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and cancer. The recent development of highly efficacious oral DAAs provides opportunities for reducing HCV disease burden and its onward transmission, with the potential for eliminating this blood-borne virus as a public health concern. WHO has recently formulated the ‘Global Health Sector Strategy on Viral Hepatitis, 2016– 2021 with service coverage targets to eliminate HCV as a public health threat by 2030.

Objective
To asses the possible relation of miRNA 122 to HCC development after HCV therapy with direct antiviral drug.

Patients and Methods
Previous studies suspect that HCV therapy by DAAS may increase risk of HCC so the aim of our study is to evaluate miR-122level at end of HCV treatment by DAAS and compare the results with miR-122level in HCC patients. The study was performed as a case control study in Ain Shams University hospital and Suez Canal authority hospital (Outpatient Clinic), at Ismailia Egypt in the period between Augusts to October 2018.

Results
These results revealed an effect of treatment by DAAs in HCV infected patients leading to miRNA 122 reduction and this may be related to hepatocarcinogenesis. However, further studies on a large patients number are needed to clarify this point and determine the diagnostic and possible therapeutic value of miRNA 122 in HCV infected patients.

Conclusion
Baseline MiR-122 level at cutoff value ≤0.26 was significantly lower in HCC patients than chronic HCV patients and normal controls, with a sensitivity of 80%, a specificity of 70%. MiR-122 was significantly reduced at end of HCV therapy with DAAs and became similar to values in HCC patients. Whether this observed reduction is mechanistically related to hepatocarcinogenesis is still a possibility, to be clarified in furtur large scale studies. The reduction of MiR-122 at the end of HCV therapy with DAAs was significantly observed in (F3,F4) patients than those with early fibrosis stages(F1,F2).This again gives a possible explanation of HCC development in HCV patients with advanced fibrosis(cirrhosis)and raises the question about the diagnostic and therapeutic value of miRNA 122 (and possibly other miRNAs)in the management strategy of HCV infected patients.
Evaluation of Serum Omentin-1 Levels in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients with and without Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Mohammed Magda Shukry , Abd Elbaky Rania Sayed , Ali Hanan Mahmoud , Naguib Tahani Abdelsalam 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Omentin-1 a new anti-inflammatory adipokine has been identified as a major visceral (omental) secretory adipokine which plays important roles in glucose homeostasis, lipid metabolism, insulin resistance and diabetes.

Objectives
This study aimed to investigate the level of Omentin-1 in chronic kidney disease patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods
The study included 70 patients who further subdivided into three subgroups (20 T2DM, 25T2DM+CKD, 25CKD) and 20 healthy subjects formed the control group. They subjected to full clinical examination, weight, height, waist and hip circumference and BMI was calculated.Lipid profile, omentin-1, kidney function test, UACR, and HbA1c were measured.

Results
Serum omentin-1 level was lower in all patient groups compared to healthy control. It’s level was lower in groups with T2DM than CKD only group. It had a negative correlation with HbA1c, cholesterol total, TGs, LDL-c and e-GFR, and a positive correlation with s.creatinine, UACR, BUN, HDL-c. The best cut off point of serum omentin-1 was  &lt; =330 ng/ml to differentiate group 3(T2DM+CKD) from control group using ROC curve analysis.

Conclusion
The results of the present study suggest that diabetes mellitus may be associated with lower omentin levels in CKD population .
Ascitic procalcitonin as a diagnostic and prognostic marker of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
Authors: Salem Amira Ahmed , ElNakeep Sarah Abd ElKader , ElGhandourl Ahmed Mohamed , Mohamed Mohamed Ahmed Ahmed 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
SBP is a condition that requires a high index of suspicion, rapid and accurate diagnosis in addition to prompt and effective therapy. It is also characterized by a high recurrence rate within one year of the 1st episode.

Objective
Evaluation of ascitic fluid procalcitonin as a possible diagnostic and prognostic marker for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and to study its role in diagnosis of SBP with no increase in the neutrophil count (where neutrophils in the ascitic fluid are less than 250 per ccm while the culture is positive).

Patients and Methods
Study was conducted at Hepatology and Gastroenterology Department in Ahmed Maher Teaching Hospital and Internal Medicine Department in Ain Shams University from January 2019 till July 2019. Total number of 50 patients with cirrhotic ascites entered this study were divided into three groups: Group A (patient group): 20 patients with SBP as diagnosed by 250 neutrophils or greater per cmm of the ascitic fluid as present in the guidelines. Group B (patient group): 20 patients with criteria suggestive of SBP (abdominal pain, fever, liver function deterioration, leukocytosis in the CBC with no other localization for the infection), but shows neutrophil count in the ascitic fluid less than 250 i.e not diagnostic by itself. Only Patients with positive culture will be included in this group. Group C (control group): 10 patients with ascites,but no evidence of SBP (symptomatic or laboratory) as the control.

Results
Ascitic fluid procalcitonin level was statistically significant higher in both groups A&B (SBP group) than group C (non-SBP group). As regards Group A VS Group B+ Group C: The cutoff point is 520 (pg). Its sensitivity is 95%. Its specificity is 53.3%. The AUC is 0.633. The positive predictive value is 57.6%. The negative predictive value is 94.1%. Regarding Group B VS Group C: The cut-off point is 300 (pg). Its sensitivity is 85%. Its specificity is 70%. The AUC is 0.823. The positive predictive value is 85%. The negative predictive value is 70%.

Conclusion
Ascitic fluid procalcitonin had high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosis of SBP. Procalcitonin is valuable in diagnosis and prognosis of SBP. Procalcitonin is more useful as inflammatory marker than in infections
Fetuin A and abdominal aorta calcification in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Kamal Osama Mahmoud , Elsaeed Tamer Waheed , mobdy Ashraf Hassan Abdel , Askar Mohammed Abdel Halim 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially those on regular hemodialysis, have unique Mineral and endocrine disturbances. Vascular calcification is a dynamic process influenced by bone kidney disease, as well as an imbalance between promoters and inhibitors of extra-osseous bone formation. Calcification is defined as the accumulation of calcium salts in tissues. This is a specific type of mineralization, which in contrast to calcification involves the deposition of any mineral.

Aim of the work
To determine abdominal blood vessels calcification in hemodialysis patients and its relation to fetuin A plasma level.

Patients and Methods
This study included 60 patients (30 case and 30 control) admitted to Mansoura university hospitals. The patients were included in this study, all are End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on regular hemodialysis (HD) (4 Hours- 3 times weekly) for at least 3 month after obtaining informed conset from all patients).

Results
Our study showed non significant negative correlation between fetuin A and aortic calcium score .

Conclusion
High serum fetuin-A level was shown to be protective factor against vascular calcification and is associated with lower severity of abdominal aortic calcifications in regular hemodialysis patients.
Study of Effect of Whitening Creams on Serum Basal Cortisol level In Egyptian Females
Authors: Eid Yara Muhammed , Ahmed Iman Zaky , Nasr Merhan Samy , Mansour Hany Khairy , Baqraf Mohammed Omar Awadh , Ismail Samya Al Tohamy 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Objective
The aim of the present study is to evaluate the relationship between practice of whitening creams (Topical Corticosteroids) and serum cortisol level in a sample of healthy females at Ain- shams University Teaching hospital.

Background
Topical corticosteroids (TCs) are widely used as depigmenting agents alone or in combination with other fairness creams. Secondary adrenocortical insufficiency occurs due to deficiency of corticotropin (adrenocorticotropic hormone) [ACTH] in the pituitary gland. With low levels of corticotropin, cortex layer in the adrenal gland is not sufficiently stimulated to release adequate amount of cortisol. Excessive glucocorticoid therapy is the primary cause of adrenocortical insufficiency.

Methods
we recruited 45 subjects practice whitening creams (TCs) for three months or more; matched with a healthy control group consists of 45 participants. Early morning basal serum cortisol level (8:00 am) done by one-step competitive immunoassay using Beckman Coulter device. Cortisol ELISA Kit provided by CALBIOTECH, Inc (Co_103S).

Results
Early morning serum cortisol level was statistically insignificant among subjects practice whitening creams in combination with TCs vs. healthy controls (p value 0.307). However, there were 7 out of 45 participants in the study group (15.6%) had low serum cortisol level (&lt;5ug/dl) with highly statistically significant difference regarding whitening creams usage methods. In comparison and data analysis between subjects of the study group regarding practice duration, used quantity, application frequency, and method of exposure, there was high statistically significant difference between subjects with normal cortisol level vs. subjects with low cortisol level (p value &lt;0.001). There were, no significant difference found regarding BMI, and arterial blood pressure between study group and controls.

Conclusion
Whitening creams abuse especially high potency TCs is a common phenomenon that may induce several local and systemic complications including adrenal gland insufficiency.
Prevalence of problematic social media use among residents and teaching assistants in Ain Shams University Hospitals and faculty of medicine and its relationship to emotional distress
Authors: Allam H , ELNahas G , El-Habiby M , Elkholy H 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Social media use becomes pervasive and universal among young adults including medical personnel. Furthermore, it become established that more frequent use of the social media is associated with negative psychological well-being, anxiety which represents the second leading cause of disability among all psychiatric disorders and depression which represents the single largest contributor to global disability according to the World Health Organization.

The Aim of this study
To analyze the relationship between the use of social media, stress level, anxiety and depression among residents in Ain Shams University Hospitals (ASUH) and academic demonstrators in faculty of medicine.

Patients and Methods
This is an observational cross-sectional study, Conducted in Ain Shams University hospitals (ASUH), we included 200 of staff and medical school academics in faculty of medicine, starting from February 2018 till August 2019.

Results
33 participants showed average social media use representing 16.5% while 167 participants showed problematic social media use representing 83.5%. 11 participants showed low stress levels representing 5.5%, 127 participants showed moderate stress levels representing 63.5% while 62 participants showed high stress levels representing 31%.

Conclusion
Social media use by clinicians is widespread, especially by younger clinicians for personal and reference purposes. Use of multiple SM platforms is independently associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety, even when controlling for overall time spent in their use.