bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impacts of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis on Rheumatoid Arthritis Activity and Its Complication Among Iraqi Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Diab Baneen Ali , Obaid Rana Fadhil 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder. Autoimmune thyroid disease often coexists with RA and is associated with elevated cardiovascular (CV) risk. This risk was pronounced in women and the elderly. RA patients should be closely monitored to prevent the development of hypothyroidism.

Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the impacts of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis on rheumatoid arthritis activity and its complication among Iraqi patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Materials and Methods:
This study is a cross-sectional observational study involving 140 participants diagnosed with RA (according to rheumatologist physicians in accordance with ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to assess serum levels of anti-CCP, Ab-TPO, TSH, T4, and lipid profile. As well as troponin, myoglobin, and creatine kinase were measured. RA activity was estimated according to DAS-28-ESR and CDAI. Patients included 16 males and 124 females, ranging between the ages of 20 and 60 years.

Results:
The current study revealed a significant difference between anti-TPO levels in the serum of RA patients with DAS-28ESR (P = 0.006). Also, the study showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.436) between anti-TPO and DAS-28-ESR.

Conclusion:
HT is frequent among patients with RA. Therefore, there is a need for screening of thyroid hormone dysfunction as well as the presence of anti-TPO in RA patients particularly in young patients, females, and those with high disease activity. No significant differences in the occurrence of CVD among RA patients with HT and euthyroid RA patients.
Evaluating the Side Effects of COVID-19 Vaccines Available in Al-Diwaniyah Province
Authors: Kazaal Meraim Attyah , Jaythoom Roaa Abid , Mahdi Noor Dakil , Mohammed Doaa Yousief 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Vaccines are critical to reducing the viral attack by permitting the body to generate a safe immune response that defends it by preventing or limiting infection. Objectives: The study aimed to detect the side effects that caused by immunization with Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines.

Materials and Methods:
286 samples were collected from individuals immunized with Corona vaccines (Pfizer, Sinopharm, and AstraZeneca) of different ages, whether they were previously infected with COVID-19 or not. The side effects and pathological complications of immunization have been clinically determined by specialized doctors.

Results:
Pfizer vaccine was the most used vaccine, yet its typical side effects of first dose include mild fever (28%) and injection site pain (20%). The second dose side effects of Pfizer vaccine were high fever in 200/246 people (81%). Moreover, 7% of the cases did not experience side effects after both doses. The first dose of Sinopharm vaccine side effects were pain in the area of the injection (30%) and mild fever (19%), and 8% of cases suffered from fever and pain in the head and joints, whereas high fever was one of the most prominent signs when taking the second dose by (51%) whereas 27% of them did not show any side effects when taking the two doses. Only three individuals were immunized with AstraZeneca vaccine and suffered from fever, headache, and joint pain after taking the first dose, whereas two of them were suffering from high temperature, and one was suffering from fatigue and joint pain after taking the second dose.

Conclusion:
The symptoms of COVID-19 vaccines are as the same as other vaccines, but still needs more studies analyzing their side effects to ensure their safety for immunization.
The Effects of Sulfasalazine and Ezetimibe on Proinflammatory Cytokines in Male Rat with Induced Colitis: A Comparative Study
Authors: Jaafar Farrah Rasool , Abu-Raghif Ahmed Rahmah 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic debilitating disease. The existing treatment, including sulfasalazine, corticosteroids, azathioprine/6-mercaptopurine, cyclosporine, and antitumor necrosis factor therapy, frequently fails to cure the disease, necessitating the investigation of new drugs with less adverse effects.

Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to compare the anti-inflammatory effects of ezetimibe to those of sulfasalazine (salazosulfapyridine) in rats with experimentally induced colitis.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 40 adult males Albino-Wister rats were divided into four groups (each with 10 rats). Group I received no treatment and served as a negative control. Acetic acid4% (vol/vol) was used rectally to induce experimental colitis in the other three groups, where group II left without treatment. Sulfasalazine 100 mg/kg (group III) or ezetimibe 10 mg/kg (group IV) were used as a therapeutic dose orally for 1 week. The following parameter was estimated in the tissue homogenate of the colon: tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), nuclear factor kappa B-cell (NF-κB), and a histopathological score of the colonic tissue.

Results:
Both sulfasalazine and ezetimibe significantly reduced the level of TNF-α, IL-1β, and NF-κB compared with the induced colitis. Colon homogenate of TNF-α and IL-1β did not differ significantly between group III (197.25 ± 64.97 and 190.87 ± 36.86 pg/mL, respectively) and IV (223.72 ± 70.05 and 240.93 ± 61.56 pg/mL, respectively); however, ezetimibe-treated rats had significantly higher NF-κB than sulfasalazine-treated rats (3.35 ± 0.74 versus 2.11 ± 0.88 pg/mL). Both treatment modalities significantly ameliorated the histopathological score compared with induced colitis (3.0 ± 0.0), with the superiority of sulfasalazine over ezetimibe (0.57 ± 0.093 versus 1.39 ± 0.17).

Conclusions:
The results indicate that ezetimibe is an effective treatment (compared with sulfasalazine) for induced colitis by reducing the inflammatory response and ameliorating histopathological changes.
Role of Core Needle Biopsy in Liver Metastases: A Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Approach
Authors: Yahiya Zahraa Osama , Aziz Zainab Waleed , Al-Nuaimy Wahda Mohammed Taib 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
The liver is the second most common organ involved by secondary neoplasms. Core needle biopsy of oncological patients requires an accurate histological diagnosis for the subsequent prescription of adequate management plans.

Objectives:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of core needle biopsy for suspected hepatic metastasis and to assess factors that influence the accuracy of the procedure.

Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional study randomly enrolled 74 percutaneous ultrasound-guided core needle biopsies from patients with suspected hepatic neoplasm. A 16-gauge tru-cut biopsy needle was performed for all patients. Patient characteristics, procedure information, histopathology reports, and slides were collected from the Department of Histopathology at Al-Jamhorii Teaching Hospital, Mosul City, Iraq. All cases were analyzed using SPSS software, version 18.0.

Results:
Among 74 patients diagnosed with liver metastasis, the median age was 57 years (range 33–90 years) at the time of biopsy; of them, 61 patients (82.4%) reported a previous history of malignancy, P = 0.003. Histologically, metastatic adenocarcinoma was the most common neoplasm identified in 56 patients (75.7%), with the predominance of colorectal carcinoma. Forty-seven (63.5%) patients underwent two–five passes, which was statistically correlated with an increase in diagnostic accuracy (k = 0.21, 95% confidence interval [CI]= 0.038–1.189, P = 0.04). The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of tru-cut biopsies were 100%, 97.1%, 95.7%, 100%, and 98.2%, respectively.

Conclusions:
The core needle biopsy is a reliable and valid diagnostic option for the histological assessment of suspected liver metastasis, particularly when supplemented by ancillary immunohistochemistry.
Protective Effect of Probiotic Against Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease: A Randomized Clinical Study
Authors: Rahman Waleed Khaild , Rabea Ihsan Salah , Meizel Mudhfar Mohammed 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a gradual, irreversible disease with severe global health implications. By raising the level of urea toxins in the body, gut microbiota dysbiosis may hasten the onset of chronic renal disease. Probiotics have been recognized to keep the intestinal microbiota’s physiological equilibrium. In an effort to develop alternatives to chronic hemodialysis, much research has been carried out, especially for elderly patients who face psychological challenges.

Objectives:
The goal of this study is to assess the therapeutic benefits of probiotics on CKD patients.

Materials and Methods:
This randomized clinical trial was carried out at the Dialysis Center of Al-Diwaniyah Medical Hospital in Diwaniyah Governorate. Forty-two patients with end-stage renal disease on regular hemodialysis were enrolled, with 21 patients receiving oral probiotic supplementation in addition to standard care, and 21 patients receiving only standard care. Blood samples were collected at the baseline and after eight weeks, and several biomarkers were measured, including estimated glomerular filtration rate, creatinine, urea, phosphorus, albumin, and indoxyl sulfate.

Results:
The results showed that there was a significant difference in the mean difference of blood urea (P = 0.008) and serum phosphorus (P = 0.004) among groups, and the significant level was attributed to the probiotic group. However, the other biomarkers were not affected by the treatment.

Conclusion:
The use of oral probiotics for 8 weeks in Iraqi patients on hemodialysis can improve urea and phosphorus levels and safeguard the intestinal epithelial barrier in CKD patients.
Detection the Genetic Polymorphisms of the Programmed Cell Death Gene PD1.3 G/A (rs11568821) in Coronavirus Disease Patients
Authors: Mahdi Dheyaa Saleh , AL-Shawk Refif Sabih , Hamid Zainab A. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Programmed cell death-1 protein (PD-1, Pcd1), a receptor from the CD28/CTLA-4 group, inhibits antigen receptor signaling by attracting protein tyrosine phosphatase in response to an interaction with any of the two ligands, PD-L1 or PD-L2. Human phenotypic variations can be attributed to both genetic and environmental influences.

Objectives:
Because SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) are not absolute indicators of disease progression, in this work, the PD-1 gene polymorphism in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients was examined to assess the presence of SNPs in viral infections, in particular COVID-19 is the main goal of this investigation.

Materials and Methods:
Sixty confirmed COVID-19 patients were recruited to this study; 30 of them had severe COVID-19, whereas the other patients showed moderate sickness, who were admitted to the COVID-19 specialized ward in Salahuddin province, and all of them were over the age of 18 years. Also 30 healthy subjects were recruited for the purpose of the comparison. Blood was drawn from all the subjects for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the restriction fragment length (RFLP)-PCR for the assessment of the G/A SNP genotype of PD1.3 and ELISA test for the estimation of PD-1 and PD-L-1 serum level.

Results:
The examined PD-1 SNPs did not correlate with the incidence of COVID-19, according to a data analysis. Both the dominant and recessive models used in the research failed to detect a connection with the risk of COVID-19 severity. The PD1.3 genotypes frequency between the two groups did not show significant differences (P > 0.05). Only AG was substantially and mainly linked to COVID-19 susceptibility. This study compared the concentrations of immune check point inhibitors PD-1, PD-L-1 to find possible association with genotype frequency, and approved that PD-1 did not have any significant differences in the three groups of genotypes, whereas the difference was highly significant (0.048) in PDL-1 and AA genotype.

Conclusion:
Among all calculated haplotypes were unrelated to the disease’s prognosis (P > 0.05) concluded that the frequency of AA genotype in patients group decreed the expiation of PD-L-1, leads to immune inhibitions. Future research may clarify the relationship between some immune checkpoint molecule polymorphisms.
The Relationship of Vitamin D3, D-Dimer, and Antinuclear Antibody Levels with Toxoplasmosis
Authors: Aziz Muna Jalal , Ali Abeer Abbas , Haddad Mohammed Fadhil , Abdullah Basima Ahmed 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligatory parasite that causes a zoonotic infection known as toxoplasmosis, which produces a wide range of clinical symptoms in humans and is considered the major cause of abortion in women. Immunocompromised patients are more likely to develop T. gondii infections due to parasite transmission over the placenta.

Objective:
The aim of this study was the determination of antinuclear antibody (ANA) and some biochemical parameters, such as vitamin D3 and D-dimer.

Materials and Methods:
This study was conducted in Kirkuk City extended from November 1, 2022 to March 21, 2023 included 200 blood samples from aborted women at Gynecological and Pediatric Hospital and Kirkuk General Hospital, Kirkuk, Iraq. The patient’s serum was assessed for ANAs, vitamin D3, and D-dimer.

Results:
Forty-seven percent of 200 women who had abortions tested positive for toxoplasmosis. Serum vitamin D3 levels were found to be substantially lower in Toxoplasma-positive cases than in Toxoplasma-negative cases, which was an unexpected finding. In addition, ANA results were statistically significant (P = 0.034). In our study, there was no discernible difference in the levels of D-dimer between the groups.

Conclusion:
This study investigated that there were significant differences in the level of vitamin D3 and the results of ANA between the groups in aborted women, whereas there were no obvious differences in D-dimer level between our study groups.
Shine Amidst Darkness—A Case of Oguchi Disease
Authors: Padmapriya R , Akbar Fathima Fahima 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
An 11-year-old boy presented with complaints of defective night vision. Visual acuity was 6/6 in both eyes. The fundus showed a golden-to-grey discoloration in light and on dark adaptation, the fundus reverted to its normal appearance demonstrating the classical Mizuo-Nakamura phenomenon. The electroretinogram showed abnormal rod responses and normal photopic responses. An electroretinogram done after overnight dark adaptation showed partial recovery with subsequent attenuation. Screening of family members showed abnormal electroretinogram findings in his father and brother. This case is portrayed on account of its rarity.
Foster-Kennedy Syndrome and Optochiasmatic Glioma - A Case Report
Authors: Das Sujit , Singh Gaurav K. , Mishra Ram Mohan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Foster–Kennedy Syndrome presents with optic atrophy in one eye and papilledema in the contralateral eye. It originates from a variety of intracranial pathologies, but most often a subfrontal mass. There is compression of the ipsilateral optic nerve by the intracranial mass, often an anterior cranial fossa meningioma. Females are mostly affected. Progressive visual loss, headache, vomiting, seizure episodes, psychiatric illness, diplopia, anosmia, and loss of consciousness are the common presenting features. We present a case of Foster–Kennedy syndrome in a 13-year-old girl child with optochiasmatic Glioma.
Sturge-Weber Syndrome: An Ophthalmology Manifestation and Management Review
Authors: Indira Andi Tenrisanna Devi , Waspodo Noro , Budu  
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a rare congenital disorder characterised by haemangioma found in several parts of the body, such us ocular, intracranial, and facial skin structures. Glaucoma is one of the most common ophthalmic symptoms in SWS patients, occurring at birth or throughout life and eventually leading to blindness. Ophthalmologists emphasise the importance of recognising and treating this disease because of the variety of ocular signs it causes and the complexity of the treatment decision. The purpose of this paper is to improve our understanding of clinical symptoms and provide up-to-date information on SWS treatment, particularly in cases of glaucoma and choroidal haemangioma.
Botulinum Toxin in Oculoplasty: An Overview
Authors: Murugesan Sindhuja , Bansal Renu 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Chemodenervation by botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) has significantly evolved over years since Alan Scott first described its use in 1970s for treatment of strabismus. It has been used for a wide variety of diseases. It has surpassed other treatment options to become the first line of therapy among oculoplasty surgeons for facial dystonias and as an aesthetic agent. The effect of BoNT is temporary but as a well-maintained therapeutic effect even after repeated injections. The side effects and complications are very rare, and it is often temporary. In this article, we review the pharmacology, indications in ophthalmic plastic surgery, techniques, and adverse effects of BoNT.
Advances in Glaucoma Drug Therapy
Authors: Thulasidas Mithun , Shah Paraali 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Glaucoma remains the leading cause of irreversible blindness, but timely treatment to lower intraocular pressure is effective at slowing the rate of vision loss from glaucoma. Medical management remains the first line of treatment in adult glaucoma, and the evolution of medical therapy for glaucoma has followed an exponential curve. This narrative review briefs the rapid development of new medications and drug delivery systems in recent years. Newer medications may be able to extend the duration of medically controlled glaucoma, delaying or possibly eliminating the need for glaucoma surgery for some patients. Alternative methods of delivery for glaucoma medications may be a key factor in improving outcomes with currently available medications.
LONELINESS AND RELATIONAL MOBILITY WITH PROBLEMATIC INTERNET USE IN COLLEGE STUDENTS
Authors: Pratiwi Ananda , Noviekayati I. G. A. A. , Pratitis Niken Titi 
Published: September 2024

The rapid development of information and communication technology in addition to having a positive impact such as providing convenience in finding information for students, expanding knowledge, increasing insight, stimulating creativity and learning innovation and allowing wider access to education also has a negative impact such as various misuses of internet technology, such as excessive use to play games, reduced focus while studying which can result in decreased academic performance. One of the negative impacts that quite a lot occurs is Problematic internet use that can occur to anyone when the duration or activity used by individuals in accessing the internet is so high that it makes individuals ignore other aspects of their lives. This study aims to determine the relationship between Loneliness and Relational mobility with Problematic internet use in students. The subjects of this study were 250 college students. The sampling technique used in this study was purposive sampling. Data collection in this study used a Google Form. The measuring instruments in this study are problematic internet use, Loneliness, Relational mobility. The results showed that Loneliness and Relational mobility correlated with problematic internet use. There is a positive relationship between Loneliness and problematic internet use. The higher the Loneliness, the higher the problematic internet use. There is a negative relationship between Relational mobility and problematic internet use. The higher the Relational mobility, the lower the problematic internet use.
Assessment of Iraqi dental practitioners' and undergraduate students' knowledge regarding dentin hypersensitivity management: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Zaidoon Hasan Mohammed  , Thanaa Ghani Nema  , Sohaib Fadhil Mohammed  , Hamsa Zaki Al-Assadi  , Ala Mahdi Muhamed Ali  , Aya Alaa Hussein  
Published: September 2024

Objective: The characteristic of dentin hypersensitivity is brief, intense pain that results from exposed dentin in reaction to a variety of stimuli, including mechanical, thermal, osmotic, or chemical factors. This study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge among undergraduate students and practicing dentists in Karbala City, Iraq, concerning the mechanisms, etiology, and treatment of dentin hypersensitivity (DH).
Methods: 102 surveys were distributed via Google Forms to general practitioners and fourth- and fifth-year dental students at the Kerbala College of Dentistry in Iraq. The data were inputted into Microsoft Excel and analyzed using SPSS 22.0 for Windows as frequency distribution tables and figures.
Results: Despite the differences in comprehension and expertise between students and dentists, a comparative analysis of their responses to various questions revealed several similarities. According to the survey, 28.8% of students reported that 10% of patients suffered from DH, while 32% of dentists reported the same. Additionally, 72% of dentists and 71.2% of students stated that DH is a severe problem for patients. Both dentists, 30%, and 26.9% of students, indicated that DH lasted for less than 2 weeks. According to dentists and students, females are more affected by DH (74%; n=37) and (71%; n=37), respectively.

Conclusion: Students and dentists showed a similar level of knowledge on DH.
Eficacia del tratamiento con biofeedback en la Parálisis Facial Periférica: Revisión sistemática
Authors: Herranz Barroso Sara , Puig Herreros Clara 
Published: September 2024

La parálisis facial periférica (PFP) es una lesión aguda en cualquier punto del trayecto del VII par craneal, provocando alteraciones en la musculatura facial. En la actualidad, las técnicas de biofeedback, se emplean para la prevención, evaluación y/o recuperación de la PFP. El objetivo de la presente revisión, fue analizar los efectos que tienen las diferentes formas de biofeedback sobre la sintomatología propia de la PFP y, observar, si la incorporación de la biorretroalimentación resulta igual o más beneficiosa para el tratamiento de esta. Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda bibliográfica en las bases de datos PubMed, ScienceDirect y Web Of Science, a partir del procedimiento PICO y la metodología PRISMA 2020. Se encontraron un total de 204 artículos, que, tras el proceso de cribado, 12 de los estudios se analizaron cualitativamente. Las técnicas de biofeedback mejoran significativamente la sintomatología de la PFP, permitiendo un mayor control voluntario de la musculatura facial por parte del paciente y, resultan igual o más beneficiosas tanto solas como combinadas con otras formas de intervención, siendo un recurso recomendable en el tratamiento logopédico, ya que, permite una recuperación más rápida y efectiva de la PFP.
Beneath the Veneer: The Stealthy Pervasiveness of Anti-Black Racism in a Purportedly Colorblind Society
Authors: Reck Paul , McAuley Chris 
Published: September 2024

This talk will encompass:
1) What anti-Black racism involves and the contexts in which it is ripe;
2) The assumptions about Blacks in contrast to Whites that undergird these racist practices;
3) Why it is often difficult for people to identify and challenge these practices.Paul Reck is the author of [*How Interpersonal Interactions with Young Black People Forever Altered a White Man’s Understanding of Race*](https://livedplacespublishing.com/book/isbn/9781915734211?utm_source=MB utm_medium=cassyni utm_campaign=black-studies utm_content=Reck), published by Lived Places Publishing.