bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute myeloid leukemias in Batna Epidemiological and cytological profile of acute myeloid leukemias
Authors: Afaf Youcefi , Mahdia Saidi 
Published: August 2023

Background
Acute myeloid leukemias (AMLs) are heterogeneous clonal hematologic malignancies caused by the transformation of a hematopoietic stem cell or an already-committed progenitor to the myeloid lineage. The objective of this work is to describe the epidemiological and cytological characteristics of peripheral blood and marrow in 126 patients with AML at the Batna Anti-Cancer Center between 2016 and 2019.

Methods
The diagnostic criteria are based on the morphology of cells under the microscope, cytochemistry, clinical presentation, immunophenotyping of blasts by flow cytometry, cytogenetics, and the search for certain molecular markers.

Results
The age of the patients ranged from 15 to 88 years. Morphological examination of blood and marrow smears and myeloperoxidase reaction allowed AML to be classified according to the criteria of the French–American–British group: (1) 9.5% of AML0, (2) 17.5% of AML1, (3) 11.1% of LAM2, (4) 13.5% of LAM3, (5) 15.1% of LAM4, (6) 16.7% of LAM5, (7) 3.2% of LAM6, and (8) 0% of LAM7. There were 12.7% of cases difficult to classify, and 0.8%biphenotypic cases.

Conclusions
Discrepancies in terms of percentages are noted between the subtypes M0, M1, and M2. These results must be supplemented by studies of cytogenetics and molecular biology.
Serum level of progranulin in Egyptian acute myeloid leukemia patients at diagnosis and after chemotherapy treatment
Authors: Mohamed Inas A. , Azzazi Mohamed O. , El Afifi Amal M. , Hegab Hany M. , El Ghammaz Amro M. , Fathy Rasha K. 
Published: August 2023

Background
Progranulin (PGRN) is a highly conserved secreted protein that is expressed in multiple cell types, both in the Central Nervous System (CNS) and in peripheral tissues. Both directly and through its conversion to granulins, PGRN regulates cell growth, survival, repair, and inflammation. PGRN has a major role in the regulation of lysosomal function and microglial responses in the CNS. Also, PGRN has significant biological effects on different types of cancer. This protein is a regulator of tumorigenesis because it stimulates cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and malignant transformation. Its role has been studied in different types of cancer, for example, bladder cancer, ovarian, and breast cancer, and a few studies are done in hematological malignancies.

Aim and objectives
To measure the levels of PGRN in the serum of adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) before and after treatment and correlate that with prognosis.

Patients and methods
Sixty participants included 20 healthy controls and 40 patients diagnosed as de novo AML with measurement of serum PGRN twice (at the time of diagnosis before treatment and after treatment at day 28).

Results
PGRN levels in healthy participants were in the range from 80 to 370 pg/ml with the mean value of 155 pg/ml, whereas in the patients, the range was from 215 to 545 with the mean value of 346 pg/ml, indicating a highly significant difference between the control (healthy persons) group and patients’ group. The authors have also decreased in serum PGRN in responders with an average level that was 300 pg/ml, which was statistically significant.

Conclusion
The PGRN level is high in AML and has high sensitivity and specificity as a diagnostic marker for AML and might need targeted therapy.
The Prevalence and Determinants of Vitamin D Status among Older Adults: Data from a Longitudinal Aging Study
Authors: Rezaei Omolbanin Motamed , Sharifi Farshad , Moodi Mitra , Zarban Asghar , Tahergorabi Reza , Tahergorabi Zoya 
Published: August 2023

Background:
Aging is identified as a risk factor for vitamin D deficiency (VDD) therefore this investigation was designed to determine the prevalence of VDD and its determinants in a sample of older adults.

Methods:
The data of this study were obtained from the baseline wave of the Longitudinal Aging Study (LAS). Demographic, past medical history, medication history, and smoking behavior were collected using an interview approach. The physical activity and nutritional status of the participants were assessed using a standard questionnaire. Anthropometric indices were measured according to a standard protocol then body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Serum vitamin D and calcium levels were measured by autoanalyzers. Univariate and multiple logistic regression models were applied to detect the associated factors with VDD.

Results:
Mean age of the participants was 71.82 (SD = 7.63) years. A total of 1319 people participated in our study, and 51.16% (n = 688) were female. A total of 8.42% (n = 111) of the participants had VDD and 17.06% of them (n = 225) had insufficient vitamin D levels. In the multivariable logistic regression model, the age group of 70–79 years in comparison with the age group of 60–69 years had a 43% less chance of VDD. Furthermore, being overweight (OR = 0.36, P = 0.01) and obese (OR = 0.35, P = 0.02), and taking vitamin D supplements (OR = 0.31, P = 0.04) were significantly associated with VDD.

Conclusions:
Our results showed that 25% of older adults had vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. In addition, some modifiable lifestyle factors were associated with VDD. Given that, old age is considered a risk factor for VDD. Therefore, detection and improvement of VDD may be a preventive measure in at-risk subjects.
Investigating the Impact of Very Low-Calorie Diet in Patients' Postbariatric Surgery with Weight Regain
Authors: Samaddar Ritika , Pawha Saumya , Sharma Khushboo 
Published: August 2023

Objective:
The objective of the study is to evaluate the effect of very low-calorie diet (VLCD) on postbariatric surgery (BS) patients with weight regain (WR).

Methods:
This is a prospective, randomized, controlled, interventional clinical trial. The sample selection for the study was performed on the basis of prepared inclusion and exclusion criteria. Structured phone calls were made to all the subjects in which baseline information such as body weight and height were asked through which body mass index (BMI) was calculated to check the eligibility. A sample size of 40 subjects including both males and females with >10% gain of nadir weight after 2 years of BS with a current BMI of ≥30 kg/m[2] was selected. Two standardized VLCD plans for 4 weeks each were prescribed to them. A close supervision of selected subjects was done regularly through structured weekly calls, outpatient department follow-ups, and support group meets. The statistical analysis was done to find the average weight loss (WL) and change in body fat percentage over 8 weeks.

Results:
The mean average age of the sample was 45 ± 9.45 years among which 12 were male and 28 were female. The sample size was under the inclusion criteria with >10% WR after 2 years of BS. In this sample, the average total body WL after BS was found to be 47.3 kg. Postoperative average WR in the selected sample was 10.3%. After the follow-up period of 8 weeks of VLCD, an average WL of 3.66 kg (3.76%) along with a body fat percent loss of 2.58% was observed. It was also noted that the WL in the initial weeks was comparatively higher than that in the later weeks. An average WL in the first 4 weeks was 2.36 kg (2.42%) and average WL in the next 4 weeks was 1.32 kg (1.35%).

Conclusion:
VLCD is effective but long-term effects need to be seen. There have been no such Indian studies before this, and hence, more such studies need to be done.
Cutaneous horn with underlying squamous cell carcinoma complicating discoid lupus erythematosus of scalp: A hitherto unreported complication
Authors: Bisherwal Kavita , Singal Archana , Bhoi Anil Kumar , Sharma Sonal 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Cutaneous horn, characterized by conical protrusion arising from the skin surface, comprises of hyperkeratotic epidermis. It is commonly seen on photo-exposed body parts in elderly men and can arise from benign, premalignant, or malignant dermatoses. There are scarce reports of cutaneous horn developing in association with discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). We report an interesting case of cutaneous horn with underlying well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma arising over chronic scarred lesion of DLE on the scalp.
Nail unit incision lines: A tool to minimize nail unit scarring
Authors: Grover Chander , Bansal Shikha , Gupta Somesh 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Langer’s lines, lines of cleavage, and biodynamic excisional skin tension (BEST) lines have been defined for cutaneous surgery to ensure excisional wound closure with the least tension on any part of the body and minimize scarring. This article describes nail unit incision lines (NUIL) with a similar perspective. NUIL are followed by nail surgeons to help regrowth of a normal nail; however, they are not widely understood or respected during nail surgery. Within the anatomically small nail unit, the orientation of these lines varies depending on the area being operated upon. Nail bed incisions should be oriented longitudinally, while nail matrix incisions should be oriented horizontally. Being the germinative portion, nail matrix should be dealt with more cautiously, avoiding the lunular margin. Lateral nail fold incisions should be longitudinal, while proximal nail fold incisions should be radial. Distal nail fold (hyponychial) incisions should preferably be oriented parallel to the distal nail ridge. Knowledge and compliance with NUIL can help minimize scarring outcomes in nail surgery.
Multicentric observational study of the possible side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine in relation to absorbable thread insertion
Authors: Poleva Irina , Szomolai Eszter , Hegedus Beata , Zhukova Olga 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination programs in Europe began in December 2020, and as the number of vaccinated people increased, more information emerged about the possible side effects of vaccines. Recently, some reports appeared around the association of adverse reactions following soft-tissue filler injections and the COVID-19 vaccines. This fact raised the concerns of esthetic practitioners regarding the possibility of the association of the COVID-19 vaccine and adverse effects in other esthetic treatments. Many of us wonder if botox injection, biostimulation, or other procedure could trigger the same or other adverse reactions after the COVID-19 vaccination. Many colleagues postpone esthetic treatments, canceling the appointments.

Objective:
The objective of our investigation was to understand if any adverse reactions have been observed in the patients who underwent threads implantation before and after the vaccination.

Materials and Methods:
Four medical centers have collected the data of the patients treated with absorbable threads before the vaccination and after vaccination for COVID-19. The dossiers of 190 patients with a mean age of 50.4 years were evaluated. Three questionnaires were administered 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after thread implantation.

Results:
There were no adverse reactions in the groups of patients under monitoring. Only one patient presented signs of inflammation and infection, but they are more probably attributable to the contamination during thread insertion.

Conclusions:
No patients treated with absorbable threads developed adverse events in relation to the COVID-19 vaccine. The only case of inflammation is attributable probably to the contamination of the thread during the procedure.
Dietary habits, lifestyle changes, and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): A cross-sectional study in Egypt
Authors: Hussein Yasmin H. H. , Soliman Al-Zahraa M. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract:

BACKGROUND:
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown had a significant effect on people’s lifestyles and dietary habits resulting in a possible negative health impact, particularly for patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The objective of the study was to assess the changes in dietary habits and lifestyle and how these relate to glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), who attended Zagazig Diabetes Clinic, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
A total of 402 patients with T2D were included in this cross-sectional study. A semistructured questionnaire was used to collect information on socioeconomic status, dietary habits, lifestyle changes, and previous medical history. Weight and height were also measured, and hemoglobin A1C levels before and after lockdown were compared. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS. To determine statistical significance, Chi-square test was used for categorical variables whereas, paired t-test or McN-Nemar test, as appropriate, was used to compare change in HbA1c before and after lockdown. Ordinal logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with weight change, whereas binary logistic regression was used to determine factors related with glycemic control.

RESULTS:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, 43.8% of the studied groups consumed more than their usual diet with an increase in fruits, vegetables, and immunity-boosting food; 57% depended on home-cooked food, 48.3% did not practice exercise. About 57% reported to have gained weight, 70.9% suffered from mental stress, and 66.7% reported inadequate sleep. Collectively, there was a statistically significant decrease in the percentage of good glycemic control in the studied groups (28.1% vs. 15.9%) before and after the COVID-19 lockdown, respectively (P < 0.001). Weight gain, physical inactivity, mental stress, and inadequate sleep were significantly associated with poor glycemic control.

CONCLUSION:
COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the lifestyle and dietary habits of the studied groups. Therefore, it is very important to ensure better diabetes management in this critical period.
Relationship between the government implemented protective measures for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during the pandemic and the understanding of religious evidence in Muslim community: A cross-sectional study from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Wali Alzubair A. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract:

BACKGROUND:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has swept across the Middle East has ignited religious tensions. Although the implementation of effective preventive measures is the best way to control the spread of COVID-19, in such countries as Saudi Arabia, these restrictions have sometimes been viewed as violations of religious practice. The present study explores the reasons for ignoring the authorities’ recommendations, and the inability of the authorities to create a sense of inclusion in the protective measures they introduce against the COVID-19 outbreak.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted in Saudi Arabia and data were collected from 922 participants. The questionnaire contained 17 questions on personal characteristics, compliance with governmental protective measures, and participants’ understanding of religious evidence. The SPSS was used for data analysis. Categorical data was presented as frequencies and percentages. Chi-square test was used to determine the association between people’s compliance to the protective measures and their understanding of religious evidence.

RESULTS:
The age of the study participants ranged between 17 to 68 years with a mean age of 43.9 (±12.69) years. About half of the participants reported always complying to Mosque precautions (49.9%) and keeping distance (53.7%). However, only 34.3% participants always maintained social distancing while visiting relatives; about 25.2% often kept a social distance. We found that an adequate understanding of religious principles was significantly associated with accepted overall commitment, and inadequate understanding was significantly associated with lack of commitment. An adequate understanding of religious principles was significantly associated with a positive attitude toward future commitment and inadequate understanding was significantly associated with a negative attitude.

CONCLUSION:
We recommend that the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia solicits the support of religious scholars to give a proper explanation of the religious evidence and eliminate misconceptions to promote compliance with the protective measures.
Association between diabetes-related distress and glycemic control in primary care patients with Type 2 diabetes during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Egypt
Authors: Elotla Sally F. , Fouad Ahmed M. , Mohamed Samar F. , Joudeh Anwar I. , Mostafa Mona , Hayek Samer El , Shah Jaffer , Ahmed Hazem A. S. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract:

BACKGROUND:
Diabetes-related distress and glycemic control are of a particular concern to primary care physicians because of the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on diabetic patients’ lifestyle, psychological well-being and healthcare access. Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between diabetes-related distress and glycemic control in diabetic patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in primary care settings during the pandemic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
This cross-sectional study was conducted at primary healthcare clinics in a rural area in Egypt among 430 patients with T2DM during the period from September 2020 to June 2021. All patients were interviewed for their sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical characteristics. Diabetes-related distress was measured by the problem areas in the diabetes scale (PAID), where a total score of ≥40 indicated a severe diabetes-related distress. The most recent glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) measurements were used to indicate the glycemic control. Quantile regression model (0.50 quantile) was used to perform the multivariate analysis to identify significant factors associated with HbA1c level.

RESULTS:
Most of the participants had a suboptimal glycemic control (92.3%), while 13.3% had severe diabetes-related distress. HbA1c level was significantly and positively correlated with the total PAID score and all its sub-domains. Multivariate quantile regression revealed that obesity, multi-morbidity, and severe diabetes-related distress were the only significant determinants of the HbA1c median level. Obese patients had significantly higher median HbA1c compared to patients who were not obese (coefficient = 0.25, P < 0.001). Patients with two or more comorbidities (i.e., multimorbidity) had a significantly higher median HbA1c than patients with single or no chronic comorbidities (coefficient = 0.41, P < 0.001). Severe diabetes-related distress was significantly associated with higher median HbA1c compared to nonsevere diabetes-related distress (coefficient = 0.20, P = 0.018).

CONCLUSION:
Diabetes-related distress had a significant association with HbA1c level. Family physicians should implement multifaceted programs to optimize diabetes control and reduce any associated distress.
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in pheochromocytoma – paraganglioma: A single center experience
Authors: Memon SS , Srivastava P , Karlekar M , Thakkar H , Bandgar T ,   KEM Pheochromocytoma Investigators
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT

Context/Aims:
Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL) are rare tumors, and data on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in these patients and the effect of blocking on ABPM parameters is limited. We aimed to describe ABPM parameters in a cohort of PPGL at our center in western India.

Methods:
Retrospective study of patients with PPGL whose ABPM data was available. Demographic details, secretory status, and ABPM data were retrieved. Coefficient of variability (CV) was calculated as standard deviation/mean in percentage.

Results:
In the 39 included patients, mean age at presentation was 39.3 ± 14.2 yr; 20 (51.3%) were males, 25 (64.1%) hypertensive, and mean tumor diameter was 5.3 cm. In 18 patients whose baseline ABPM was done without medications, those with nocturnal blood pressure dipping (6/18, 33%) had higher serum metanephrines (median 313.2 vs. 34.7 pg/ml, P = 0.028). Despite normal office blood pressure (BP), 8.9% of systolic BP readings were >140 mmHg, and 1.2% were >160 mmHg. Among 29 patients with both pre and post-block ABPM, mean BP (systolic 121.6 vs. 132.5 mmHg, P = 0.014; diastolic 68.9 vs. 76.4 mmHg, P = 0.005) and percentage of BP readings above 140 mmHg (median 9.4% vs. 24.4%, P = 0.016) were significantly lowered after the preoperative blockade in hypertensive (n = 19) patients, whereas CV was similar. The post-blockade ABPM characteristics were similar in patients blocked with amlodipine or prazosin.

Conclusion:
ABPM provides additional information about BP characteristics in PPGL. The preoperative blocking decreases the magnitude of BP excursions but does not affect BP variability.
Craniospinal Irradiation by Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy Technique on Halcyon
Authors: Barsing Shubhangi , Parab Anand , Singh Anuradha , Pemmaraju Gopal 
Published: August 2023

Aims:
Craniospinal irradiation (CSI) is a challenging task on halcyon due to its field size constraint (28 cm × 28 cm). CSI was planned by volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) technique on Halcyon (6MV) linac with no junction shift with multiple arcs and numerous isocenter depending on the length of the patients.

Methods and Materials:
Planning CSI was achieved on Eclipse treatment planning system version 15.6 with anisotropic analytical algorithm and was optimized using autofeathering technique. Positioning accuracy was ensured by obtaining daily kvCBCT before radiation which ensured accurate field placement and avoidance of junctional errors. Pretreatment portal dosimetry was done to ensure the dose distribution calculated by the treatment planning system matches the dose delivered to the patient.

Results:
All VMAT CSI plans produced outstanding planning target volume (PTV) coverage with V95% >98% and gave acceptable doses to organ at risk in all CSI cases. Furthermore, the dose distributions were highly uniform, with homogeneity index values ≤0.1 and target conformity was equally excellent with values more than 0.95. In portal dosimetry, all of the composite images of CSI plans were evaluated, yielding good passing criteria of >98%.

Conclusions:
The remedy was straightforward to plan and deliver, thanks to autofeathering optimization. CSI plan was created with no junction shift which resulted in homogeneous and conformal doses to the PTV. The gamma analysis in the portal dosimetry composite image, which was utilized as a pretreatment verification, met all of the requirements and revealed a homogeneous and uniform junction dose.