bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet Indices as Markers of Inflammation in Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Ismail Mona Ahmed , abdel Rady Metawaa Maha Ahmed , Farouk Mohamed Moustafa , Mohamed Salah Lobna Tarek 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Inflammation plays an important role in atherosclerosis that is the primary cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) which includes acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and unstable angina (UA).

Objective
To investigate neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), mean platelet volume (MPV), C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell (WBC) count and platelet count in patients with ACS.

Patients and Methods
This case control study included 50 patients with ACS (38 males, 12 females), aged 36 to 80 years, classified into three groups: ST segment elevation myocardial infarction group, non ST segment elevation myocardial infarction group and UA group. Patient group was compared to 50 apparently healthy subjects as a control group of matched age and sex. Patients were admitted to either the emergency department, cardiology outpatient clinic, or the coronary care unit (CCU) of Ain Shams University Hospitals. From patients’ medical records, the following data were obtained: WBC count, NLR, MPV, platelet count, C-reactive protein (CRP), troponin, total CK and creatine kinase MB (CKMB). The results were analyzed using software package SPSS.

Results
A highly statistically significant difference as regard WBC count, neutrophil count, NLR, MPV, and CRP level was found between ACS patients and healthy control group being higher in ACS patients. The study encountered a statistically significant difference among patients’ subgroups as regard NLR being higher in NSTEMI and lower in unstable angina. A statistically significant positive correlation between NLR and other parameters as WBCs count, neutrophil count, MPV and cardiac biomarkers was found. There was a statistically significant difference as regard MPV between ACS patients and control group. There was a statistically significant difference as regard CRP level between ACS patients and healthy control group.

Conclusion
NLR was high in ACS patients compared to controls. Median values of NLR were significantly higher in patients with AMI in relation to patients with UA, indicating the importance of this inflammatory marker in discrimination of clinical forms of ACS. A positive correlation was established between NLR and markers of myocardial necrosis, indicating the importance of NLR in the assessment of the extent of the myocardial lesion and in inflammation intensity assessment in ACS. The MPV is an independent risk factor for MI in coronary artery disease. The CRP has been found to be strongly associated with diagnosis and risk stratification of cardiovascular diseases.
Changes in D-Dimer Levels During Anticoagulation in Patients with Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)
Authors: Riad Himdan Marwa Hossam , EL-Sewefy Mohamed Dalia Ahmed , Ismail Ismail Mohamed , Abuelela Soha Ahmed 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a term including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). VTE is potentially a fatal disease because of its high morbidity and mortality in outpatients and inpatients, especially in hospitalized patients. Therefore, timely and accurate diagnosis of both is essential as delayed or missed diagnoses can result in death or longer-term complications. At the same time, the lack of subjective clinical symptoms and objective clinical signs complicates the diagnosis.

Objective
To assess the influence of oral anticoagulants on D-dimer levels in patients with VTE.

Methods
This Cohort study was conducted at Ain Shams University Hospitals, on 50 patients with radiologically confirmed DVT attending Ain Shams University Hospitals outpatient clinics from September 2021 until March 2022.

Results
To the comparison of the absolute values of D-dimer levels in the patients’ plasma, we correlated the frequencies of D-dimer levels above cut-off value in the studied patients. For this analysis, D-dimer levels ≥ 0.50 mg/l were defined as cut-off. D-dimer levels above this cut-off were statistically significantly higher in patients on DOACs (direct oral anticoagulant) which are Rivaroxaban and Apixaban than in vitamin K-antagonists (VKA) users after 30 days, with a p value of 0.042.

Conclusion
Our study reveals that the rate of positive D-dimer levels assessed serially during anticoagulation (at days 14 and 30 post anticoagulation) was significantly higher in patients treated with DOACs than warfarin. This may highlight the value of extended anticoagulation for patients who present with persistently elevated D-dimer levels to avoid the risk of VTE recurrence.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Values of Eosinophil Derived Neurotoxin in Pediatric Patients with Allergic Respiratory Diseases
Authors: Aly Mahmoud Fadlullah Ragy Abdulhameed , Abdel Ghaffar Aisha Yassin , Zeitoun Yasser Ahmed , Shousha Ghada Abdel Haleem , Abdelhady Walid 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Asthma is a heterogeneous disease, usually characterized by chronic airway inflammation. It is defined by the history of respiratory symptoms such as wheeze, shortness of breath, chest tightness and cough that vary over time and in intensity, together with variable expiratory airflow limitation. In bronchial asthma (BA), the levels of eosinophils are elevated both in the airways and in the blood and they are correlated to asthma severity and control. Activated eosinophils release eosinophil derived neurotoxin (EDN), eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), major basic protein (MBP), eosinophil peroxidase (EPO), and newly developed major basic protein 2 (MBP2). EDN has RNase with broad anti-viral and anti-bacterial activity that may also promote further leukocyte activation and is implicated in the pathophysiology of asthma.

Objective
The aim of the work is to assess the diagnostic and prognostic value of serum EDN levels via ELISA in pediatric patients with BA and preschool wheezes in relation to their clinical and laboratory parameters particularly absolute eosinophilic counts.

Patients and Methods
This is a case control study that had been conducted on a stratified random sample of 90 subjects who were seen in Pediatric Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology unit, and Clinical Pathology Immunology Laboratory Ain Shams university Hospitals, in the period between June 2022 to November 2022, divided as 30 patients with BA, 30 patients with preschool wheezes and 30 age and sex matched healthy subjects.

Results
The comparison between the studied groups revealed the presence of statistically significant increase in percent and absolute count of eosinophils among the cases group compared with the controls (P value&lt;0.001). There was a statistically significant increase in serum EDN among the cases group, preschool wheezers and asthmatic patients compared with the controls (17.96 ± 4.95 ng/ml vs. 5.52 ± 1.4 ng/ml), (16.97 ± 4.24 ng/ml vs. 5.14 ± 1.39 ng/ml) and (18.95 ± 5.47 ng/ml vs. 5.89 ± 1.35 ng/ml) (P value&lt;0.001) respectively. Elevated EDN level has been linked to eosinophilia, Th2-mediated inflammation and type 2 airway inflammations as well as increased eosinophil extracellular traps that promoted the degranulation of eosinophils.

Conclusion
EDN is a good biomarker for eosinophilic inflammation including bronchial asthma and preschool wheezes and may be useful as a screening tool. For prediction of allergic respiratory diseases (asthmatic and school wheezers), the best cutoff value is &gt; 7.8 with sensitivity =100% and specificity =96.67%.
Evaluation of Tissue and Serum Levels of Interleukin-15 in Non-Segmental Vitiligo
Authors: Abdelaziem Manar Ashraf , Ragab Nader Fouad , Salem Lamyaa , El-Khateeb Ekramy Ahmed 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Vitiligo is a common autoimmune disease of skin depigmentation. The disease presents with many challenges, such as progression, resistance to treatment and recurrence. Recent studies reported a possible role of IL-15 in the pathogenesis, activity and recurrence of the disease.

Objective
Evaluation of tissue and serum levels of IL-15 in non-segmental vitiligo patients.

Methods
This Case-control study included 31 participants; 20 vitiligo patients and 11 controls. In patient group, we took serum samples and three punch biopsies (3mm) from active and recurrent vitiliginous patches as well as non-vitiliginous skin. In control group, we took serum sample and one tissue biopsy. IL-15 was assessed by ELISA technique in all samples.

Results
There was no statistically significant difference between IL-15 levels in tissue and serum of control group. All levels of IL-15 in patients were significantly higher than in control. In patients, level of IL-15 in serum was significantly higher than in active and stable patches but lower than in recurrent patches. IL-15 level, in recurrent patches, was significantly the highest of all parameters.

Conclusion
IL-15 may have an important role in the pathogenesis, activity and mainly recurrence of vitiligo. It seems to be a potential therapeutic target to control the disease and prevent recurrence.
Study of Skin Microbiome in Patients with Alopecia Areata: Case Control Study
Authors: Monieb Hoda Ahmed , Salem Samar Abdallah Mohamed , Mahmoud Ramy Mohamed , Ahmed Abdel Aziz Mariam Abdel Aziz 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Alopecia areata (AA) is a non-scarring, inflammatory, autoimmune form of hair loss caused by immunological attack on the hair follicle. Patchy alopecia areata affecting the scalp is the most common type. Alopecia areata affects nearly 2% of the general population at some point during their lifetime.

Objective
To study skin microbiome in patients with alopecia areata compared to healthy controls in Egyptian patients.

Subjects and Method
This study included 50 subjects (25 patients and 25 controls). The patients were recruited from those attending the dermatology outpatient clinic of Ain Shams university Hospital in the period between October 2021-2022. The procedures were explained to the patients and controls and informed consent was obtained.

Results
AA patients showed no significant difference in Staphylococcus epidermidis gene expression or in the ratio between them among the patient’s group and healthy subjects. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between the relative gene expression of Staphylococcus epidermidis and the SALT score. Staphylococcus epidermidis gene expression was not significantly correlated with age or duration of last attack.

Conclusion
Quantifying the relative gene expression of Staphylococcus especially Staphylococcus epidermidis targeting the 16S region may help to assess the severity of alopecia areata as disequilibrium of the microorganisms may be involved in this disease severity.
Immuno-Histochemical Assessment of the Expression of IL-33 in Inflammatory Acne Vulgaris and the Effect of Treatment with Intense Pulsed Light on Its Expression
Authors: Mohamed Salem Samar Abdallah , Lotfi Ranya Adel , Ahmed Naglaa Samir , Soltan Marwa Yassin Ahmed , Zarif Mirna Michel Ibrahim 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Acne vulgaris is the most common inflammatory skin condition. Inflammation is the main event in pathogenesis of acne but little is known about role of IL-33 in the pathogenesis.

Objective
To assess the expression of IL-33 in the tissue of inflammatory acne vulgaris patients versus controls and its relation to severity of the disease and to assess the efficacy of intense pulsed light (IPL) in treatment of inflammatory acne and on IL-33 expression.

Patients and Methods
We performed clinical and dermatological for thirty (30) patients complaining of inflammatory acne vulgaris divided as 15 patients with mild to moderate acne (group A) and 15 patients with severe acne (group B). Skin biopsy was taken from the lesions of the patients and normal acne prone skin from controls and immune-histochemical staining by anti-IL-33 monoclonal antibody was done. Then patients were treated by IPL sessions and another biopsy was taken from them and IHC was done to compare IL-33 expression before and after treatment.

Results
IL-33 was positive in 100% of patients and 80% of controls. GAGS score significantly decreased in both groups after IPL treatment; for group A GAGS score was 17.40 ± 3.46 before and 8.00 ± 2.51 after treatment and for group B it was 31.80 ± 0.94 before and 14.67 ± 3.35 after treatment. In group A, IL-33 was found to be mild in 20%, moderate in 66.7% and dense in only 13.3% of patients after treatment (compared to 20% moderate and 80% dense before treatment). In group B it turned negative in 13.3%, mild in 20%, moderate in 60.0% and dense in only 6.7% of patients after treatment (compared to 6.7% mild, 20% moderate and 73.3% dense before treatment). This means that IPL improved inflammation in acne lesions and decreased the density of inflammatory cytokines including IL-33.

Conclusion
IL-33 is elevated in Acne vulgaris compared to controls and IPL treatment lead to decrease expression.
Exploring the Relationship between Vitiligo and Male Fertility: A Comparative Study
Authors: Tolba Eissa Mohamed Salem , Al-Naeem Sallam Mohamed Abd , Khalil Othman Soleit Mohamed Ahmed 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Vitiligo is a chronic, acquired dyschromia that promotes autoimmune aggression against melanocytes. It causes hypochromic or achromic macules and patches on the skin and mucous membranes, with potential involvement of hair follicles in various extensions of the skin and may be accompanied by systemic manifestations and multisystem affection.

Aim of the Work
to explore the possible relation between vitiligo and male reproductive health and fertility status. This evaluation was conducted on a hormonal and seminal background.

Patients and Methods
This comparative cross-sectional study included 60 patients (30 with vitiligo & 30 healthy age and body mass index (BMI) matched controls). They were recruited from the dermatology & andrology out-patient clinics of Ain Shams University Hospitals, during the period from March 2023 till July 2023. The study was approved by Research Ethical Committee of Ain Shams University (FMASU M S 667/2023) and fulfilled all the ethical aspects required for human research.

Results
There was no statistically significant difference between cases and controls regarding LH and total testosterone while there was statistically significant increase found in estrogen in vitiligo cases with p-value = 0.001 and decrease in FSH in vitiligo cases with p- value = &lt;0.001. There was no statistically significant difference between cases and controls regarding semen concentration, total motility, and normal morphology with p-value = 0.581, 0.270 and 0.065 respectively, while there was statistically significant increase found in progressive motility in control group with p-value = 0.006.

Conclusion
The evaluation of seminal fluid analysis and hormone profiles among vitiligo patients showed minor variability. However, it was evident that the levels of sex hormones and seminal parameters were different in patients with vitiligo compared to healthy controls. Serum estradiol levels were significantly increased among vitiligo patients relative to control patients, on the contrary to FSH levels which showed significant decrease among vitiligo cases. while serum total testosterone and LH showed no significant changes. There was statistically significant difference in sperm progressive motility between cases & controls with higher percentage of progressive(A+B) motility among controls. The sperm morphology & count were not different between patients & controls.
Impact of Depression on Semen Parameters
Authors: Ahmed El-Khateeb Ekramy , El-Husseiny Rania Mahmoud , Ghobrial Phoebe Fayez , Salah Nada Mohamed 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Male factor plays a role in about 50% of infertility cases world-wide. This may be attributed to pretesticular, testicular, post testicular causes or it may be idiopathic. Psychological disorders including depression are being investigated as one of the risk factors responsible for idiopathic infertility with contradicting reports.

Aim
The aim of this study is to assess the potential impact of depression on semen parameters and to evaluate the potential role of improving the score of depression in improving these parameters.

Patients and Methods
This is a prospective observational pilot study. Twenty one male patients with moderate, severe or very severe depression were recruited from the psychiatry outpatient clinic then were examined and evaluated at the andrology clinic of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology Department, Ain Shams University Hospitals. Each patient had baseline semen analysis and 2nd assessment semen analysis after depression improvement. The improvement of depression was assessed by Hamilton depression rating scale (HAM-D).

Results
When comparing semen parameters before and after depression improvement in the whole studied patients, the only significant change was the increase in semen volume.

Conclusion
Depression has an evident relation with male infertility through affecting semen volume and this can be reversed by treating depression leading to improvement of male fertility.
Autologous Cultured Fibroblast Cell Therapy for Treatment of Stria Alba
Authors: Saleh Hanan Mohammed Ahmed , Mohammed Ghada Fathy , Khazragy Nashwa El , Ali El Meligi Norhan Khaled Mohammed 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
There is growing evidence showing that human autologous cultured fibroblast transplantation is a safe alternative treatment to prevent and reduce the structural changes in aging skin. Previous data indicate that injections of autologous fibroblasts increase collagen formation, accompanied by a concomitant increase in thickness and density of dermal collagen. our study will highlight the technique of autologous cultured fibroblast and it is indication for treatment of stria alba and this wasn't done before.

Objective
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of autologous cultured fibroblast for improvement of stria alba.

Patients and Methods
The present study included 15 patients a with stria alba. The study was approved by the Research Ethical Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University and fulfilled all the ethical aspects required in human research. All patients received full information about description of the procedure of treatment, possible side effects, photo documentation and they all provided written consent. the patients were injected intradermally by autologous fibroblast suspension at 2 weeks intervals with total of 3 sessions.

Results
Before autologous fibroblast injection (baseline), the width of stria ranged from 4-17.4 mm (mean 8.18 ± 3.85). After treatment at 3rd month, stria ranged from 2.9 – 14.8 (mean 7.17 ± 3.26) and at the 6th month ranged from 2.9 – 14.8 (mean 7.16 ± 3.27). Comparison of width of stria before versus after injection showed non significant difference (p value 0.062)On contrast, the histopathological examination by H&E, Masson Trichome and Orcein stain a showed significant improvement in the form of increased epidermal thickness, better collagen arrangement and thickness and increased elastic fibers contents.

Conclusion
Autologous fibroblast injection in treatment of stria alba may have promising results in the future especially if combined with other tretment modalities.
Screening of Voice and Vocal Tract Changes in Professional Wind Instrument Players
Authors: Rezk Kerollos Magdy , Hafez Nirvana Gamal El-Din , EL-Demerdash General Ahmed Mohammed , Shadi Mariam Salah , Tanious Hanaa Naguib 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Purpose Playing wind instruments is a strenuous task on the larynx, predisposing players to voice disorders.

Aim of the Work
This study aims to evaluate potential vocal symptoms and vocal tract alterations in professional wind instrumentalists.

Patients and Methods
Methods In this cross-sectional study, 26 male military subjects were interviewed, completed the voice handicap index (VHI)-10 questionnaire, and subjected to auditory-perceptual assessment, neck examination, rigid laryngostroboscopy and flexible nasofiberoscopy both before and during instrument playing.

Results
All participants had vocal fatigue symptoms, around one-quarter complained of voice change, one-quarter complained of shortness of breath while or after performing, and one-third complained of neck symptoms. The average score of VHI-10 was 16.2±6.5, and approximately three-quarters of participants scored above the cut-off point. There were no significant correlations between age, years of instrument playing, average hours of daily practice, and VHI-10. Participants with neck symptoms had significantly higher VHI-10 scores. Those (around one-fifth) with an external neck swelling during Valsalva maneuver had a significantly higher VHI-10 score. Dysphonia, mainly mild and of strained, leaky quality, was detected in almost one-third of participants. While the instrument was being played, the vocal folds were somewhat adducted, and the vocal tract became more compressed as the task became more demanding. The most frequent observations in the vocal tract examination were hyperemia of the vocal folds or all over the laryngeal and pharyngeal mucosa, excessive secretions over the vocal folds, signs of hyperadduction, arytenoid edema, and phonatory waste.

Conclusion and Recommendations
Wind instrumentalists frequently experience voice disorders, which necessitate further care and investigation.