bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Probiotic Supplementation on Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Authors: Elsayed Adel Mahmoud , Morshedy Nashwa Aly , Abdalkader Ahmed Abdallah , Hany Sabrina Mohamed 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a prevalent inflammatory arthritis with a global incidence of 0.5–1%, is characterized by autoimmune-driven articular pain, cartilage degradation, bone destruction, and functional disability. Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between alterations in gastrointestinal microflora and the development of autoimmune diseases, including RA. Probiotic bacteria have gained attention as a potential adjunctive therapy due to their immunomodulatory properties, offering promise for improving clinical and metabolic outcomes in RA patients.

Aim of the Work
To study the effects of probiotic supplementation on clinical status of patients with RA.

Patients and Methods
Sixty Egyptian RA patients aged 18-60 years, diagnosed and screened in the Rheumatology department at Ain Shams University Hospital, were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into two groups: group A received daily probiotic supplementation for 8 weeks, while group B served as the control. Detailed clinical assessments and laboratory investigations were conducted.

Results
There were no significant differences in age, sex distribution, disease duration, or disease- modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) usage between the two groups, consistent with previous research. The probiotic regimen included Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis.

Conclusion
Probiotic supplementation in RA patients yielded mixed results in this study, with improvements in TJC and ESR but no significant changes in SJC, CRP, or disease activity scores. Further research is needed to elucidate the complex relationship between gut microbiota and RA pathogenesis and to determine the optimal probiotic regimen for improving clinical outcomes in RA patients.
Outcome of Integrated Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Egyptian patients with Substance Use Disorder
Authors: EL-Din Mohamed Hossam , Mohsen Nesreen , Azzam Lobna AbuBakr , Elsayed Yasser Abdel Razek , Alghonaimy Ahmed Adel 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objectives
The authors aimed to evaluate the outcome of combined motivational in- terviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy (MICBT) for substance use disorder com- pared to Twelve-step program of Narcotic Anonymous (NA) in terms of the number of relapses and the period of abstinence after discharge.

Method
This randomized controlled trial included 60 individuals with a substance use disorder. Participants were randomly allocated to equal groups. The MICBT group re- ceived 20 sessions of approximately 90 minutes of MICBT group therapy. The NA (control) group was assigned to twelve-step NA program. The assessment was con- ducted 6 months after the intervention.

Result
The implementation of MICBT in a group setting leads to a significant decline in the number of days of drug use in 6 months follow- up (P &lt; 0.001), an increase in the number of days of abstinence in 6 months follow up (P &lt; 0.001), and a longer time to the first lapse (P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusion
Using MICBT in group settings presents a favorable outcome in clinical contexts.
Serum Alpha Synuclein Autoantibodies in patients with Essential Tremor
Authors: Shalash Ali , Salama Mohamed , Hamed Eman , Doma Ahmed 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Essential tremor (ET) is one of the most common neurological disorders. However, there’s no definite ET biomarker and the diagnosis depends on its clinical presentation. Therefore, ET can be easily misdiagnosed with other diseases especially parkinson’s disease (PD). PD, being one of a group of neurodegenerative diseases calked synucleinopathies, can be difficult to differentiate from ET both in the early stages of these diseases and as they progress, since various types of tremors (such as rest, postural, kinetic, and intention tremors) can be observed in both conditions. We aimed to investigate the relation between ET and alpha synuclein (aSyn) protein in patients with ET and healthy controls.
We enrolled 32 patients with ET and 32 age and sex matched controls, aiming to investigate serum level of aSyn protein and its autoantibodies. Additionally, we also investigated neuropsychiatric, non-motor symptoms (NMS), and quality of life (QoL) among two groups.
The study found that serum aSyn levels in healthy controls are significantly higher than those in ET cases, in the other hand, serum aSyn autoantibodies shows no significant difference between the two groups. Furthermore, we found that patients with ET had more cognitive impairment, higher depression and anxiety, higher frequency of NMS, and lower quality of life than healthy controls.
Conclusion: serum aSyn level can differentiate between patients with ET and healthy controls while serum aSyn autoantibodies cannot differentiate between the two groups.
Seeking Traditional Healers in the Management of Epilepsy
Authors: Sheikh Mohamed Ahmed Omar , Adin Nahid Salah , Ali Shalash Ali Soliman , Roushdy Tamer Mohamoud 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background/Aims
The best of the available literature, data about seeking traditional healers by patients with epilepsy are lacking in Egypt.

Methods
The current study was conducted on Epilepsy patients from Egypt to determine the prevalence of traditional healers among individuals with epilepsy during the period from June-2022 to may-2023. Sixty four patients, male or female ≥18 years old, with epilepsy, were included. All patients were subjected to the assessment Questionnaire for knowledge, attitude to and perception of epilepsy, and seeking traditional healers (THs) using an interviewer. The questionnaire was in Arabic.

Results
The study included 64 Epilepsy patients. Seeking TH is Egypt 22/64 (34.4%); however, Seeking THs is affected by gender, location, employment status, educational level; but not by age, duration of disease, presence of similar cases in the family or by being an offspring of consanguineous marriage. The percentage of cases who believe the reason behind the symptoms is envy/ Eye /super powers/ Evil spirits/magi in the overall sample is higher in the THs seekers (52.3%) than in the non-seekers (10.3%), p &lt; 0.001. in Egypt it is (54.5%) versus (14.3%), p = 0.001.

Conclusions
The current study showed that seeking traditional healers is still prevalent. Our work showed that seeking traditional healers is more in rural areas, unemployment, females, low educational levels, lack of facilities with specialization in neurology in rural areas.
Rate of Personality Disorders in a Sample of Egyptian Students from Ain Shams University
Authors: Mohammed Hassan Yasser Abdelrazek , Abdelmegeed Hatata Hesham Ahmed , El-Rassas Hanan Hany Hassan , Elsaid Abdelkader Mostafa Ahmed , Ahmed Ahmed Alaa Eladawy 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
An individual is considered to have a personality disorder (PD) when his or her thoughts, emotional manifestations, impulsiveness, and interpersonal behaviour deviate markedly from the expectations of that individual’s culture. Between 6 % and 10 % of the global population is estimated to suffer from a PD.

Aim of the Work
Estimation rate of personality disorders among students of Ain Shams University, compare between rate of personality disorders among medical, literary students.

Patients and Methods
This study is a comparative, cross sectional study, the sample was selected from students of Ain Shams University. This study was started after approval of the protocol by the department of Neuropsychiatry as well as Ethics Committee till accomplishment of the number of the subjects.

Results
There was significant difference between medical group and literature group according to socioeconomic level and academic “years”. This could be explained due to cultural preferences as higher socioeconomic level families are more able to withstand the cost of education in medical colleges. Regarding significance in academic years this could be simply due to longer faculty years in medical colleges (5 and 6 years) compared to literature colleges (only 4 years). Among the two groups, the rate of personality disorder was 26 students (10.4%). The most common personality disorder was obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (7 students) followed by depressive personality disorder (6 students) then dependent and narcissistic personality disorders (3 students each). There was no significant difference between medical group and literature group regarding personality disorders. Comorbid psychiatric disorders were evident in 26 students (10.4%). Of these students, dysthymic disorder was the most common (6 students, 23.1%) followed by depression and GAD (3 students each, 11.5%). There was no statistically significant difference between medical group and literature group according to comorbid psychiatric disorder.

Conclusion
This study was conducted to assess rate of PDs among Egyptian university students. The rate of PD was 10.4%, as the most common PD was obsessive-compulsive PD followed by depressive PD. Comorbid psychiatric disorders were evident in 10.4% of students. Of these students, dysthymic disorder was the most common (23.1%) followed by depression and GAD (11.5%). Moreover, there was significant association between presence of PDs and troubles in school and the most significant predictors of PD were comorbid psychiatric disorder.
Role of Transcranial Duplex in Detection of Patent Foramen Ovale in Migraine Patients and its Correlation to White Matter Changes in the Brain
Authors: Abdelfattah Arij Ibrahim , El-Khawas Hala Mahmoud , El-Sadek Ahmed Mohammed , Mahmoud Fatma Fath-Allah , Mahmoud Eman Mones , Taha Nourhan Abdelmohsen , Omran Azza 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Many studies show increased prevalence of PFO among migraine patients. Is it a causation relationship or co-existence? That’s not clear yet. Migraine is a well-known independent risk factor for subclinical focal deep white matter lesions (WMLs), even in young and otherwise healthy individuals with no cardiovascular risk factors. The relationship between Right to Left Shunt (RLS) and WMLs is not known.

Objective
Several studies have shown significant relationship between PFO and migraine. We investigate the percentage of PFO in migraine patients in El-Demerdash outpatient headache clinic.

Methods
It’s a cross-sectional time interval study conducted between 9 September2022 to March 2023. we conducted our study on 31 patients at our outpatient headache clinic were diagnosed as migraine according to ICH-3rd edition. Each patient was investigated with TCD and TEE to diagnose PFO.

Results
The percentage of all RLS is 38.7% and the percentage of PFO is 32.6%, about 60% of them are small size PFO.

Conclusion
PFO was found over third of our patients 32.6% of the migraine patients.
Serum Zonulin Level in Patients with Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Thabet Dina Mohamed , Abd EL Aziz Mohamed Fekry , Hashem Nivert Zaki , Mahmoud Dalia Abdel Moneim 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Bipolar disorder is a chronic and recurrent condition, associated with significantly impaired functioning and reduced quality of life. Given the importance of immune system in the etiology of bipolar disorder, studies on the gut, the largest immune system in the body, represent an important area for research. A change in intestinal permeability may be considered biomarker of local or even distant immune-mediated disorders. Increased gut permeability allows the passage, through the intestinal epithelial layer, of macromolecules, toxins, and bacterial species (both pathogenic and commensal) that may trigger immune-mediated diseases in different systems. Zonulin is regarded as a non-invasive biomarker for intestinal permeability. This study aimed at assessment of the serum zonulin level in patients with bipolar disorder I and its relation with the severity of the symptoms of the disorder, the age of onset of the disorder, the frequency of relapses and response to therapeutic trials.

Methods
two hundred patients with bipolar I disorder, divided into one hundred patients in acute manic or depressive episode and one hundred patients in full remission were compared to one hundred age and sex matched healthy controls. The patients were administered Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) to determine the severity of manic and depressive symptoms, respectively. Venous blood samples were collected, and serum zonulin was measured.

Results
The mean serum zonulin in patients was significantly higher than healthy controls. Serum zonulin levels was significantly higher in patients with acute episodes than patients in remission.

Conclusion
The current research indicates that zonulin is increased in patients with bipolar disorder and this finding may contribute to the role of intestinal permeability or BBB in the pathogenesis of bipolar disorder.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in a Sample of Egyptian University Students in Ain Shams University
Authors: Elserafi Doha Mostafa , Hashem Reem Elsayed , Ghobrial Fiby Fayez , sayed Fatma el-zahraa 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a global health concern, with a prevalence ranging from 1.5% to 54.8%. Typically starting during adolescence, it was proposed that there is a correlation between NSSI and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as parental antagonism, neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse. Many turn to NSSI as a strategy to cope with emotional regulation difficulties, using it as a means to navigate and manage their emotions effectively.

Aim of the Work
Examining the prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in young adult students at Ain Shams University, exploring the methods and functions of NSSI, assessing the correlation with emotional regulation difficulties and adverse childhood experiences.

Patients and Methods
This study is an observational cross-sectional study, A convenient sample of 400 Undergraduate students at Ain Shams university was obtained equally distributed between the Faculties of Medicine and Education.

Results
Among Ain Shams University students, non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) prevalence was 18% engaging in NSSI last year, and 4.3% reporting repetitive instances. Common forms included pounding oneself (16.2%), cutting (15.4%), and biting (15.4%). NSSI functions revealed relief from negative feelings (14.2%) and self-punishment (11.7%) as major goals. Academic challenges were a top motivating factor, alongside guilt, problem confrontation difficulties, and unstable relationships. Those with multiple adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) were more likely to engage in NSSI, showing a positive correlation with NSSI frequency. Emotional regulation difficulties, were also linked to NSSI, indicating a predictive relationship between emotional regulation challenges and self-injurious behavior in young adults.

Conclusion
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is prevalent among young adults. The study emphasizes the considerable influence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and challenges in emotional regulation on NSSI in this demographic. In conclusion, these results underscore the crucial role of addressing early life experiences and emotional regulation to comprehend and prevent NSSI among young adults.
Rate of Occurrence of Eating Disorders in Patients Suffering from Depression and Schizophrenia
Authors: El Essawy Heba Ibrahim , El Batrawy Amira Nassieb , ElRassas Hanan Hany , El Said Abd EL Kader Hashim Mostafa Ahmed , Lashen Heba Ali Abuelmaaty 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Eating disorders (EDs) have substantial Axis I comorbidity (schizophrenia and depression). Since Psychiatric comorbidity may increase ED severity, chronicity, and treatment resistance, it is necessary to consider the correlation between eating disorders, schizophrenia and major depressive disorder.

Objective
To estimate the rate of eating disorders in patients with major depressive disorders. To estimate the rate of eating disorders in patients with schizophrenia. To estimate the correlation between the eating disorders, major depressive disorder and schizophrenia.

Subject and Methods
This is an observational, cross-sectional study conducted on patients diagnosed with eating disorder, major depressive disorder and schizophrenia at outpatient clinics, Institute of Psychiatry, Ain Shams University Hospitals to estimate the correlation between the eating disorders, major depressive disorder and schizophrenia. Study participants were divided into 3 groups. Group Depression: 85 patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder, Group Schizophrenic patients: 40 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, and Group Control: 20 healthy controls.

Results
There was a significant positive correlation between HDRS score and EAT-40 test score in group (r = 0.516, p &lt; 0.001) and between HDRS score and EDE-Q test score (r = 0.415, p &lt; 0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between EAT-40 test score and EDE-Q test score and PANSS total score (r = 0.489, p = 0.001), PANSS +ve symptoms score (r = 0.459, p = 0.003), and PANSS -ve symptoms score (r = 0.494, p = 0.001). There was a strong statistically significant positive correlation between depression and schizophrenia and eating disorders which indicate a proper evaluation and assessment for patients with eating disorders for these two comorbidities for better treatment and prognosis.

Conclusion
In the current study the rate of eating disorders in depression patients and schizophrenic patients was statistically significantly higher compared to the rate of eating disorders in the control group. Furthermore, there was a strong association between depression, schizophrenia and eating disorder related impairment. Thus, it is a mandatory evaluation and assessment for these comorbidities for proper treatment and prognosis of eating disordered patients.
Sensitivity of Ultrasound in Detection of Neuropathic Changes in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Abd El-Aziz Azza Abd El-Naser , El-Sadek Ahmed Mohamed , Behairy Maha Abd El-Moneim , Ahmed Mai Fathy , Faltas John Nabeeh Nemr 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Neurological complications secondary to the uremic state, contribute largely to morbidity and mortality in patients with renal failure. The prevalence of peripheral neuropathy remains high in advanced renal dysfunction. Recently Sonographic alterations of peripheral nerves in chronic kidney disease disease have become a concern for early diagnosis of neuropathy in such patients hence decrease morbidity for these patients. The current study aims to investigate sensitivity of nerve ultra-sound in detection of uremic neuropathy in comparison to nerve conduction study.

Objective
To investigate the sensitivity of nerve US in detecting peripheral neuropathy by measuring CSA in CKD patients in comparison to nerve conduction velocity.

Patients and Methods
The present study is acase control study which was conducted at the Neurosonography unit in Ain Shams University Hospital, on patients of chronic kidney disease visiting outpatient nephrology clinic. We enrolled 30 patients (60 arms and legs) and 25 controls (50 arms and legs) in the study. The aim of our study to assess sensitivity of ultrasound in detection of neuropathic changes in CKD patients and to correlate the extent of nerve damage to renal dysfunction as measured by laboratory investigations.

Results
To the best of our knowledge, most recent studies that evaluated use of US in uremic neuropathy, focused on dialysis patients and including diabetic patients, most of these studies focused on carpal tunnel syndrome as a common comorbidity in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Few studies evaluated the use of nerve ultrasound in CKD patients pre-dialysis, excluding other risk factors for neuropathy (like diabetes mellitus, autoimmune diseases, etc…) in comparison to nerve conduction studies.

Conclusion
Mean age of patients was 44 years with males constituting 53.3%% of the sample. The present study demonstrated increased cross-sectional area of nerves in uremic neuropathy by ultrasound. The results in our study showed that nerve ultrasound is a useful diagnostic tool for diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy in pre-dialytic chonic kidney disease patients. It was observed that normal CSA by US in the majority of nerves corresponded to normal NCS. Increased CSA was correlated to demylinating neuropathy more than axonal neuropathy. In axonal neuropathy, majority of nerves showed decreased CSA but normal and high CSA was found in nerves with axonal neuropathy.
Clinical Predictors for the Prognosis of Myasthenia Gravis in Egyptian patients
Authors: Fahmy Nagia Aly , Tork Mohamed Amir , Atiah Amr Saeed , Youssef Elkady Mahmoud Hosny Hassan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
The clinical course of myasthenia gravis (MG) is variable, and spontaneous remission is still not common as well as predictors and prognostic factors for relapse or secondary generalization of ocular myasthenia gravis remain deficiently clear. In this study we attempt to explore clinical predictors for the Myasthenia Gravis prognosis for better recognition of the disease course and effective management.

Objective
Determine clinical predictors for the prognosis of myasthenia gravis.

Patients and Methods
This case control study was conducted on sixty Myasthenia Gravis patients (30 relapsed and 30 non-relapsed). They were recruited from Neuromuscular Clinic at Ain Shams University Hospitals.

Results
Late onset of the disease (Age&gt;40) was more evident in the relapsed group on the other hand the non-relapsed group showed Early age of onset. Patients showing higher MGFA classification in the disease activity showed higher risk of relapse. Majority of patients with Thymus pathology (thymoma and Thymus hyperplasia) were among the relapsed group.

Conclusion
Thymus hyperplasia and thymoma were risk factors that could contribute to MG relapse. Age of disease onset and MGFA classification are a significant predictor of MG relapse.