bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of hemoglobin A1c in prediction of high-risk plaque and plaque extent assessed by coronary computed tomography angiography
Authors: Ali Nadia M.M. , Hady Bassem M.A. , Ahmed Ahmed M. 
Published: March 2024

Background
Diabetes mellitus is a worldwide disease that is related to the distribution and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was reported in many studies to predict the extent and severity of CAD. Coronary computed tomograghy angiograghy (CCTA) is a useful noninvasive tool for detecting CAD.

Aim
The study aimed to evaluate the role of HbA1c in prediction of high-risk plaque and plaque extent assessed by CCTA among patients with diabetes mellitus.

Patients and methods
A total of 30 diabetic patients who had chest pain or dyspnea or had multiple risk factors of CAD were included in the study. HbA1c was estimated in all patients. The severity and extent of CAD among study population were assessed by several CCTA scores including coronary artery calcium score, segment involvement score (SIS), and segment stenosis score (SSS).

Results
The patients were classified into two groups according to values of HbA1c: group 1 included patients with HbA1c less than 7.0 (14 patients), and group 2 included patients with HbA1c more than or equal to 7.0 (16 patients). The study revealed a significant increase in the SIS, SSS, coronary artery calcium score, number of all lesions, number of obstructive lesions, and number of vessels affected in patients in group 2 compared with those in group 1. There was a strong positive correlation between HbA1c and SIS, SSS, and the presence of obstructive lesions (r=0.663, 0.659, and 0.589, respectively).

Conclusion
HbA1c is associated with the extent and severity of CAD.
Role of duplex doppler ultrasound in evaluation of patients with diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Elshweehy Samar A. , Mohammed Hosnia A. , Osama Sally M. 
Published: March 2024

Background
Color Doppler evaluation of the renal parenchyma may suggest functional or structural changes within the kidneys and could provide useful diagnostic and prognostic information in diabetic nephropathy.

Aim
The aim was to assess the usefulness of duplex sonography with Doppler waveform analysis in the evaluation and assessment of renal vascular resistance in diabetic patients.

Patients and methods
This case–control prospective study included a total of 30 patients: 20 diabetic patients and 10 healthy controls. Renal parameters such as renal length, renal parenchymal thickness, parenchymal echogenicity, intrarenal resistive index (RI), and biochemical parameters such as fasting blood sugar, serum creatinine, and urine protein were recorded in all study participants. For the purpose of comparison, the diabetic patients were further subdivided into preclinical nephropathy, incipient nephropathy, overt nephropathy, and renal failure subgroups based on the stage of diabetic renal disease.

Results
A progressive increase in renal RI values was noted with progression of diabetic nephropathy. RI values showed a positive correlation with albuminuria and serum creatinine, and this correlation was found to be statistically significant.

Conclusion
Intrarenal RI measured by color Doppler ultrasonography has an important value in identifying diabetic patients who are developing nephropathy and can be used as an additional diagnostic tool in diagnosing diabetic nephropathy as well as to monitor progression of nephropathy.
Retinal changes after uncomplicated phacoemulsification in diabetic patients
Authors: Ibrahim Rashed Rasha M. , Abd Allah Ahmed S. , Kamel Rehab M. , Muhammed Tamer F. 
Published: March 2024

Aim
To detect the incidence and progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and macular edema following uncomplicated phacoemulsification in cataractous diabetic patient.

Patients and methods
A prospective randomized interventional study was performed at Al-Zahraa Hospital, during the period from April 2017 to December 2018. Informed written consent was taken from each participant in the study. A total of 60 eyes of 30 cataractous diabetic patients with type II diabetes were classified into two groups: group A included 30 cataractous eyes that underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsification surgeries with posterior chamber foldable intraocular lens implantation, and group B included contralateral nonoperated 30 eyes of the same patients.

Results
There was a statistically significant increase of mean postoperative central macular thickness (CMT) at 1, 3, and 6 months in comparison with mean preoperative CMT in group A (P<0.05). It was 223.43±15.95 preoperatively. At all duration of follow-up, the mean CMT in group A was more than that in group B, with a statistically significant difference (P>0.05).

Conclusion
Phacoemulsification surgery most probably does not cause acceleration of DR in patients having no DR or mild DR and no maculopathy preoperatively.
Role of coronary artery calcium score in prediction of coronary artery stenosis in symptomatic patients with suspected coronary artery disease
Authors: Zaki Eman Rashed , Abdel-Aziz Islam Shawky , Ismail Mona Sallam , Fereig Hanaa Mohamed 
Published: March 2024

Introduction
The coronary artery calcium (CAC) score has been proposed as an alternative approach for stratifying cardiovascular risk.

Aim
To assess the role of CAC score in prediction of coronary stenosis in symptomatic patients with intermediate probability for coronary artery disease (CAD).

Patients and methods
A total of 80 symptomatic patients with intermediate probability for CAD underwent thorough history taking and clinical examination. Computed tomographic (CT) scan was done for all patients. A total of 48 (60%) patients with CAC score less than 400 HU (group A) underwent CT angiography: 30 (62.5%) patients had significant coronary stenosis (SCS) and were referred to invasive coronary angiography (ICA), whereas 18 (37.5%) patients had no SCS. Overall, 32 (40%) patients with CAC score more than 400 HU (group B) were referred directly for ICA.

Results
ICA for 62 patients was performed: 30 (62.5%) patients were referred from group A, and all had SCS (100%), whereas 30 (93.7%) patients of 32 referred from group B had SCS. Using logistic regression analysis, CAC score was the only predictor of SCS (P=0.024). Receiver operating characteristic curve data revealed CAC more than 311.2 HU as a cutoff point for prediction of SCS, with specificity of 85.0%, sensitivity of 63.3%, and area under the curve of 74.7%. CT angiography sensitivity for detection of stenosis less than or equal to 50%, stenosis more than 50%, and stenosis more than 70% was 73, 62.5, and 94%, respectively; specificity of 96.8, 99.4, and 99.4%, respectively; and overall accuracy of 85.0, 81, and 96.9%, respectively, with negative predictive value to rule out SCS 99%.

Conclusion
CAC score is predictive for the presence of SCS in patients, with intermediate probability for CAD.
Assessment of plasma concentrations of growth arrest-specific protein 6 in preterm infants with late-onset sepsis
Authors: Mohamed Samar F. , AbuShady Mariam , El Bagoury Iman M. , Ahmed Mohamed F. 
Published: March 2024

Introduction
Late-onset sepsis (LOS) in preterm infants is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity.

Aim
To assess the level of plasma growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6) in preterm infants with LOS and correlate its level with other clinical and laboratory factors in those patients.

Patients and methods
This is a case–control study that was carried out on 90 preterm newborns admitted at Ghamra Military Hospital, Cairo, Egypt. All patients were divided into three groups: group 1 included 30 preterm infants with confirmed LOS and positive blood culture; group 2 included 30 preterm infants with clinically evident LOS and negative blood culture, and group 3 (control group) included 30 nonseptic preterm infants. The preterm infants were subjected to full history taking, clinical examination, and all investigations, including Gas6, done by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results
Our results showed a highly statistically significant increase in Gas6 in groups 1 and 2 rather than group 3, with P value less than 0.001. Moreover, there was a highly statistically significant increase in Gas6 in group 1 rather than group 2.

Conclusion
Our results indicate that Gas6 is an accurate biomarker for the diagnosis of LOS.
Potential effect of one-alpha-hydroxy vitamin D3 (alfacalcidol) on experimentally induced allergic asthma
Authors: Abd-Elsattar Aliaa A. , Amin Mona M. , Elbarody Nadia H. , Abaza Ragaa H. 
Published: March 2024

Background:
Alfacalcidol is a vitamin D analog mainly used in the management of osteoporosis. Apart from the well-known role of vitamin D in bone and calcium metabolism, an immune-modulator role of vitamin D in allergic diseases was suggested. Aim: To evaluate the potential effect of alfacalcidol either alone or in combination with salbutamol or/and prednisolone and its role in the protection and management of experimentally induced allergic asthma.

Materials and methods:
Male guinea pigs were divided into two groups: group A constituted normal guinea pigs (received saline) and group B constituted ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pigs, which were divided into eight subgroups: group B1 (control): groups from B2 to B4 was treated with salbutamol, prednisolone, alfacalcidol, respectively, for 1 week, while group B5 was treated with salbutamol+prednisolone; group B6 was treated with salbutamol+alfacalcidol; group B7 was treated with prednisolone+alfacalcidol; and group B8 was treated with salbutamol, prednisolone, and alfacalcidol for 1 week. Twenty-four hours after the last dose, the animals were subjected to both: (a)pharmacological studies, (b) histopathological studies (group A, group B1, B3, and B4).

Results:
(a) Pharmacological studies: sensitization of guinea pigs caused a significant increase in amplitude of histamine-induced contractions of isolated tracheal smooth muscles in comparison to that of the normal one. Treatment of sensitized guinea pigs with salbutamol, prednisolone, or alfacalcidol produced a significant reduction in the amplitude of histamine-induced contractions in comparison to sensitized nontreated guinea pigs. Addition of alfacalcidol to salbutamol or prednisolone in the treatment of sensitized guinea pigs caused more decrease in the amplitude of histamine-induced contractions. However, the highest reduction in the amplitude of contractions of isolated tracheal strips was produced by the treatment of guinea pigs with a combination of salbutamol, prednisolone, and alfacalcidol. (b) Histopathological examinations: treatment of sensitized guinea pigs with alfacalcidol resulted in an anti-remodeling effect, while prednisolone showed better anti-inflammatory effect, when it was compared with that of the control group.

Conclusion:
Alfacalcidol was shown to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-remodeling effects in allergic asthma. It was superior to prednisolone regarding the anti-remodeling effect. So, alfacalcidol could be beneficial in the management of allergic asthma.
Intravenous dexmedetomidine enhances the experience of visceral pain in parturients during cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia
Authors: Elsawy Ahmed G. 
Published: March 2024

Background and hypothesis
Visceral pain is a common incidence in cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) has analgesic, sedative, anxiolytic effect, as it is an α 2-receptor agonist. Intraoperative visceral pain resulting from manipulation of the uterus and traction of the peritoneum is still a challenge for anesthetists. The present study hypothesized that single intravenous bolus dose of DEX added as a supplement to intrathecal anesthesia for an elective cesarean section could reduce intraoperative visceral pain, lessen blood pressure swings, and produce an acceptable sedative effect, with minimal fetal and maternal consequences.

Patients and methods
A randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled study was conducted. A total of 70 patients were randomly allocated to receive either intravenous DEX or placebo (saline) before spinal anesthesia. The primary outcomes were decreased intraoperative visceral pain. Secondary outcomes included the stability of hemodynamic parameters (blood pressure and heart rate), sedation score, time to rescue analgesia reduction, neonatal APGAR score, and any adverse effects (nausea and vomiting).

Results
There was a significant difference between the groups in the incidence of moderate to severe visceral pain (P<0.001), intraoperative fentanyl requirements (P=0.004), and longer time to rescue analgesia (P<0.001). Both groups had comparable mean blood pressure (P>0.005); however, there was a highly significant difference in heart rate (P=0.01). Moreover, a significantly higher sedation score was seen in the DEX group (2.08±0.8) in comparison with the control group (1±0). APGAR score was comparable in the studied groups.

Conclusion
As a single intravenous bolus, DEX seems to be an excellent supplement to intrathecal anesthesia for an elective cesarean section. It can reduce intraoperative visceral pain and lessen blood pressure swings and produce an acceptable sedative effect with minimal fetal and maternal influence.
Postmenopausal leakage of urine, how and why?
Authors: Hamed Rasha A. , Magid Diaa M. , Saleh Doaa M. 
Published: March 2024

Background
Urinary incontinence (UI) among women of all ages is a common disorder. UI may have a major negative effect on quality of life and cause anxiety, depression, and decreased social involvement.

Patients and methods
A prospective cohort study was conducted that involved 100 postmenopausal women experiencing urinary leakage who attended the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Al-Galaa Teaching Hospital from January 2018 to July 2018. All patients had been classified into three groups: group 1 included 30 patients experiencing postmenopausal urine leakage who were performed pelvic floor exercises (PFEs), group 2 included 30 patients experiencing postmenopausal urine leakage who had been on medications (solifenacin), and group 3 included 40 patients experiencing postmenopausal urine leakage who had been under observation and placebo treatment.

Results
Regarding day and night-time micturition, there was no statistical disparity between solifenacin and PFE groups. Regarding urge and urgency incontinence, no substantial distinction between solifenacin and PFE groups was found. However, the difference between solifenacin versus placebo and PFE versus placebo was significant.

Conclusion
The research proposed versatile 5-mg solifenacin dosing as a more reliable way to decrease symptoms of overactive bladder. Moreover, the intensity of UI, pelvic floor muscle force, and stamina were increased by PFEs.
Detection of high-risk human papilloma viruses in cervical samples by single-tube seminested PCR
Authors: Rushd Areej M. , Said Zeinab N.A. , El-Salakawy Azza , Gad Moneira 
Published: March 2024

Background
Human papilloma viruses (HPVs) are a group of viruses with high global distribution. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) genotypes had been linked to the progression of different cancers including cervical cancer. Data are insufficient about HPV status in Egypt.

Aim
This study was held to determine the HR-HPV genotypes among Egyptian women by using single-tube seminested PCR.

Patients and methods
A total of 203 cervical samples were collected and subjected to pathological examination and HR-HPV DNA detection by seminested PCR using MY09/MY11 and GP6+ primers.

Results
Of 203 examined samples, 90 (45%) tested positive for HR-HPV detection. HPV DNA was detected in 68.8 and 50% of women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia I and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia II, respectively. However, it was detected in 41.1% of women with normal cervical pathology.
Effect of septoplasty on inferior turbinate hypertrophy
Authors: AlKamhawy Ola T.K. , Mostafa Soad Y. , El-Kholy Tawfeek A.E.-A , Zaidan Mohammed F. , Ezzat Alshaimaa A. 
Published: March 2024

Background
Septal deviation is usually associated with compensatory hypertrophy of the contralateral inferior turbinate. The current treatment of anterior septal deviation is septoplasty, but there is controversy about surgery for the hypertrophied inferior turbinate.

Aim
This study aims to determine the effect of septoplasty surgery alone on the size of inferior turbinate.

Patients and methods
This prospective study was done on 40 patients who attended ENT Department of Al-Zahraa University Hospital. This study was done in the period from September 2019 to September 2020. Their age ranged from 18 to 40 years. They had septal deviation on one side and inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH) on the opposite side. All of them underwent septoplasty without turbinate surgery. These patients were evaluated preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively by radiological (computed tomography), endoscopic examination, and nasal obstruction symptom evaluation questionnaire.

Results
Septoplasty alone significantly decreased the thickness of the medial mucosa of hypertrophied inferior turbinate by 1.03±0.74 mm (P=0.000) at the anterior part and decrease by 0.82±1.14 mm at the middle part (P=0.000), with no statistically significant decrease at the posterior part. Moreover, it also decreased the thickness of the lateral mucosa of turbinate by 0.31±0.25 mm (P=0.000) at the anterior part, decrease by 0.42±0.39 mm at the middle part (P=0.000), and no significant decrease at the posterior part. Insignificant change of conchal bone thickness on both sides was reported.

Conclusion
We conclude that septoplasty alone saves time and cost and avoids complications and sequelae associated with turbinectomy. This in turn improves quality of life, so it can be prescribed for patients with DNS with ITH mainly at anterior and middle segment soft tissue parts, but it is not enough for surgery of patients with ITH of posterior part or conchal bone.
Correlation between epicardial fat volume as detected by echocrdiography and multidetector computed tomography with the extent and severity of coronary atherosclerosis
Authors: Ali Hassan Asmaa A. , Abdel-Aziz Islam S. , Moselhy Dina , Fereig Hanaa M. 
Published: March 2024

Background
Epicardial fat is a visceral deposition of fat. It causes local inflammation and affects coronary artery disease (CAD), so it has been considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Aim
To study the relationship between epicedial fat, as measured by multidetector computed tomography and transthoracic echocardiography, and the severity of CAD using invasive coronary angiography (ICA).

Patients and methods
This is an observational study that included 100 patients with suspected CAD presented to the Department of Cardiology in Kopry Elkoppa Hospital from September 2015 to December 2017. Epicardial fat thickness (EFT) was measured by transthoracic echocardiography, and epicardial fat volume (EFV) was measured by multidetector computed tomography, and ICA was done.

Results
The studied population was divided into two groups: group A (86 patients) with significant CAD and group B (14 patients) without significant CAD. We divided group A according to the number of vessel affected by ICA into group I (single-vessel or two-vessel disease) and group II (multivessel disease). EFT and EFV were significantly increased in group II compared with group I. EFT and EFV were positively correlated with age, weight, family history of ischemic heart disease, and high Ca score more than or equal to 400. Cutoff value of EFV in predicting multivessel disease was more than or equal to 55 ml, and EFT was more than or equal to 6.5 mm. By multivariate analysis, the EFV is considered an independent risk factor for CAD.

Conclusion
EFT and EFV are sig. higher in patients with multivessel disease. Epicardial fat is an indicator and also a predictor of CAD severity and multivessel disease occurrence.
Psychiatric disorders among adolescents in the outpatient clinics of Al-Mounira General Hospital
Authors: Fayez May M. , Mohamed Rania H. , Abdel-Rahman Safaa M. 
Published: March 2024

Background
Psychiatric disorders are increasing among adolescents in the past 20–30 years owing to many social changes and increased stressors. Various emotional, cognitive, and behavioral disorders are prevalent among young generations all over the world. Providing data about prevalence of psychiatric disorders helps to justify the allocation of scarce resources and planning of health services.

Aim
To study the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among adolescents attending the outpatient clinics in Al-Mounira General Hospital.

Patients and methods
Sociodemographic data, history of physical and sexual abuse and bullying, history of psychiatric illness, and parental history were taken. Assessments were done using Mini International Neuropsychiatry Interview for Children and Adolescent scale.

Results
The sample (n=501) included 59.5% females and 40.5% males, with an age range from 10 to 19 years, of which 481 (96%) lived in urban and 20 (4%) lived in rural areas. Most of our cases were living in mid-income households and were subjected to sexual abuse (42.3%), physical abuse (24%), and bullying (21.8%). The most common psychiatric disorders were anxiety disorders in 5%, major depression (MD) in 2.2%, dysthymia in 4.2%, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in 3%, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) in 4.2%, and conduct disorder in 1.6%. Substance use disorders were estimated to reach 17.4% of our participants.

Conclusions
This study revealed that nearly 1/10 of adolescents experience at least one type of psychiatric disorder, with a higher prevalence in girls than in boys. Mood and anxiety disorders were higher among females, whereas behavior disorders were higher among males.
Comparative study between potassium hydroxide 5% and liquid nitrogen in treatment of plane warts
Authors: Galal Ebtisam A. , Ali Moshira M. , Ali Mona S. 
Published: March 2024

Background
Plane wart is a common disease that is caused by human papillomavirus. Many modalities of treatments are introduced in practice, but none of them proved to be effective. Potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution is a keratolytic agent with many dermatological uses.

Objective
To compare between topical KOH solution and cryotherapy in the treatment of plane warts.

Patients and methods
Lesions in each patient were divided into two groups: group A was treated with topical 5% KOH solution once at night, whereas group B was treated with cotton bud method of cryotherapy once every 2 weeks. In group A, the lesions were evaluated at second and fourth week to assess the cure rates and adverse effects. In group B, the lesions were evaluated every 2 weeks for 6–12 weeks or until warts completely disappeared. Patients were followed up for 3 months after complete cure to detect any recurrence.

Results
Regarding the response between lesions of plane warts treated with KOH 5% (group A) and cryotherapy (group B), lesions in group A showed a complete response in 17 (56.7%) patients, partial response in seven (23.3%) patients, and no response in six (20.0%) patients, whereas lesions in group B showed a complete response in 16 (53.3%) patients, partial response in nine (30%) patients, and no response in five (16.7%) patients. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the response rate. Adverse effects included itching, erythema, crust, scar formation, hypopigmentation, and hyperpigmentation. No statistically significant differences were reported regarding adverse effect, except for crust and scar formation. Regarding crust, a statistically significant difference was found (P<0.05), with a higher percentage in group B. Regarding scar formation, a statistically significant difference was found (P<0.05), with a higher percentage in group B.