MTHFR C677T Polymorphism, Plasma Homocysteine, and PDGF-AA Levels and Transcranial Doppler Velocity in Children With Sickle Cell Disease

Objective: To evaluate the effect of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism on plasma homocysteine (tHcy) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-AA) levels in children with sickle cell disease (SCD), and ascertain their role in predicting high transcranial doppler velocity (TCD). Methods: We estimated MTHFRC677T gene polymorphism, plasma tHyc and PDGF-AA in 44 SCD patients and 44 healthy children. Results: The prevalence of mutant homozygous MTHFR (C677TT) in SCD was 13.6%. Significantly higher plasma tHcy was observed in mutant homozygous MTHFRC677TT patients. Significantly higher plasma tHcy and PDGF-AA levels were observed in SCD patients than in controls. Median (IQR) PDGF-AA levels were significantly higher in conditional and high-risk TCD patients as compared to low-riskTCD patients [325 (93.1-368) and 368 (111-480) vs 111 (56-201) pg/mL, respectively; P<0.001]. Mean (SD) tHcy levels were significantly higher in high-risk TCD children than low-risk TCD children (12.9 (2.7) vs 9.9 (2.5) µmol/L; P=0.006). The receiver operating characteristic revealed that the area under the curve (AUC) of PDGF-AA for high TCD velocity was 0.934 (95% CI 0.845-1.00; P<0.001) and tHcy had an AUC of 0.675 (95% CI 0.517-0.833; P=0.04). Conclusion: PDGF-AA and tHcy levels could be used as predictive markers for stroke in SCD children. MTHFR Polymorphism contributes to elevated tHcy levels.

Examining the relationship between fast-food and sitdown restaurant consumption frequency and dietary patterns among adults in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia

@#Introduction: This study assessed the association between dietary patterns and the frequency of eating at fast-food or sit-down restaurants. Methods: A crosssectional study, with a sample of adults living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (SA), was conducted between January and March 2021. An online, self-administered survey was conducted using social media and WhatsApp. A total of 399 adults living in Riyadh were included; 40.4% were males, with a mean age of 35 and standard deviation (SD) of 12 years, and had no significant health problems. Results: Using principal component analysis to analyse 15 food groups based on the food items consumed, four dietary patterns were extracted: Western, unhealthy, plant-based, and healthy. After adjusting for potential covariates, a higher frequency of eating at fast-food restaurants was significantly associated with unhealthy dietary patterns [odds ratio (OR) = 4.85, 95.0% confidence interval (CI) = 1.80, 12.59]. In contrast, participants in the highest tercile of the frequency of eating at fast-food restaurants showed lower odds of adhering to a healthy dietary pattern (OR = 0.29, 95.0% CI = 0.11, 0.71). No significant association was found between participants in the highest tercile of the frequency of eating at sit-down restaurants and their dietary patterns. Conclusion: Frequently eating at fast-food restaurants was associated with increased odds of adherence to less healthy dietary patterns and negatively associated with adherence to a healthy pattern. No association was found between sit-down restaurants and any of the identified dietary patterns. The present findings can assist stakeholders and policymakers in developing strategic plans and policies for targeted interventions for this population.

Effect of H. Pylori on Fibrinogen Level among Sudanese Patients at Khsartoum State

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram-negative, spiral shaped pathogenic bacterium that specifically colonizes the gastric epithelium causing chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and/or gastric malignancy.Aim: To assess the effect of H. pylorion fibrinogen level of Sudanese patients with diabetes millets (D.M) living in Khartoum state.Subjects and Methods: This was case control study conducted among Sudanese diabetic patients during the period from May 2018 to July 2021. A total of 181 diabetics patients are involved in this study. Citrated blood and stool samples were collected from each participant. All stool samples were tested for the presence of H. pylori antigen by using commercially available H. pylori antigen detection card. Based on the result examination for H. pylorithe study population are sub grouped in two groups one group 124 of cases with Positive H. pylori antigen and another group 57 of controls with negativeH. pylori infection. Both groups were assessed for the fibrinogen level. Data was gathered and analyzed by using SPSS version 20.Results: Our results revealed that cases have slightly higher values of fibrinogen levels 326.29± 89.99 mg/dl compared to 309.47± 90.82 mg/dl for control group. However, the statistical analysis indicate that the difference was remain insignificant with P-value of 0.246. Among cases group gender concerned the fibrinogen concentration mean in the plasma of male 336.2±98.5 mg/dl was higher than female 311.1±73.4 mg/dl.Conclusion:they were insignificant association between fibrinogen level and presence of H. pyloriinfection among Sudanese diabetic patients. gender concerned the fibrinogen concentration in the plasma in H. pylori among males showed higher levels than females.

Effect of H. pyloriamong Diabetic Patients Living in Khartoum State, Sudan

Background:Studies suggest an association between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)infection and extra gastrointestinal disease. Limited studies provided conflicting results on the association between H. pyloriinfection and diabetes. The present study was aimed at examining the association between H. pyloriinfection and diabetes among Sudanese patients.Methods:This was case control study conducted among Sudanese diabetic patients during the period fromMay 2018 to July 2021. A total of 181 diabetics patients are involved in this study. Blood, stool samples were collected from each participant. All stool samples were tested for the presence of H. pylori antigen by using commercially available H. pyloriantigen detection card. Based on the result examination for H. pylori the study population are sub grouped in two groups one group 124 of cases with Positive H. pyloriantigen and another group 57 of controls with negative H. pylori infection. Both groupswere assessed for the level of fasting blood glucose. Data was gathered and analyzed by using SPSS version 20.Results: among cases group the mean of fasting blood glucose was 201.94± 90.45 mg/dl compared to 199.40± 97.83 mg/dl among control group. The statistical analysis was showed insignificant difference between cases and controls in the level of fasting blood glucose with P-value of 0.864 . In addition, among cases group the mean of male’s blood glucose 213.0±91.52 mg/dl was higher than females blood glucose level 185.0 ±87.0 mg/dl.Conclusion: They were insignificant association between blood glucose level and H. pylori infection among diabetes patents, However, the subgroup analysis suggested that H. pylori infection was possibly associated with increased risk of diabetes among males. Future cohort studies are needed to verify this association in females and to address possible implication in the prevention of diabetes

Frequency of Toxoplasmosis among Zagazig University Students in 2017

Toxoplasmosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is a major health problem in which about 30% of people are born with anti Toxoplasma antibodies worldwide. Toxoplasmosis causes congenital infection, neurological and psychatric disorders. The present study aimed to determine prevalence and factors associated with T. gondii infection in Zagazig university students in 2017-2018.

Validity and Reliability of the Arabic Translation of Diabetes Knowledge Test (DKT1)

@#Introduction: Diabetes Knowledge Test (DKT1) is a tool to assess patients’ diabetes knowledge and lifestyle. It comprises two subscales: the DKT1-general and DKT1-insulin-use. This study aimed to translate the DKT1 into Arabic and tested its validity and reliability in the Saudi population. Methods: This single-centre, cross-sectional study examined diabetes-related knowledge and lifestyle of Saudi patients with diabetes who used anti-diabetic medication and/or insulin. The participants’ mean scores for the two subscales of DKT1 were compared according to their type and duration of diabetes, medication use, and levels of education. Internal consistency tests and factor analysis were applied to examine the reliability and validity of the subscales, respectively. Results: In total, 400 individuals with diabetes (mean age 43.8±16.1 years) were enrolled. Of these, 44.2% had type 1 diabetes, and 51% were men. The Arabic version of DKT1 received internal consistency scores with coefficient alpha (95% confidence interval) values of 0.541 (0.472–0.604) and 0.741 (0.699–0.785) for the DKT1-general and DKT1-insulin-use subscales, respectively. The validity test showed that the participants with type 1 diabetes attained marginally higher score in the DKT1-general subscale and significantly higher score in the DKT1-insulin-use subscale than those with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, the scores increased with higher levels of education and longer durations of the disorder. Conclusion: The Arabic translation of DKT1 is an acceptable tool which can be used to measure the effectiveness of diabetes education programmes and would help to identify patient’s education needs.

Impact of Fasting during Ramadan on Daily Habits, Diet and Body Weight of individuals with diabetes: A sample of Saudi Arabia

@#Introduction: Many changes occur in Muslims’ lives during Ramadan that affect body weight, diet and calorie intake. This study investigated the impacts of fasting during Ramadan on the daily habits, diet, and weight of people with diabetes in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cohort study analyzed 104 Saudi individuals with diabetes (42 and 62 patients with type I and type II diabetes, respectively) aged ≥ 20 years who fasted a minimum of 15 days during Ramadan. The patients were seen twice per study period (before and during Ramadan). The patients’ demographic data was obtained, their average daily food intake was assessed, and anthropometric parameters were measured. Results: During Ramadan, 52% of patients with type I DM and 66% of patients with type II DM did not perform any physical activity compared to 37% and 42%, respectively, pre-Ramadan. A high percentage of patients slept during the daytime. A paired-sample T test analysis showed that during Ramadan, the calorie intake and carbohydrate intake increased significantly in patients with type II diabetes (p = 0.03). Protein intake remained unchanged, whereas fat consumption increased in patients with both types of diabetes (p = 0.03 and 0.04, respectively). In addition, there was a decrease in anthropometric parameters (statistically significant in patients with type II diabetes, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Ramadan fasting changed the dietary and daily habits of patients with diabetes in Saudi Arabia and had beneficial effects on weight, mainly in patients with type II DM.

Fecal calprotectin as a predictor of COVID-19 severity

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is highly transmittable through contact with respiratory droplets. The virus is also shed in fecal matter. Some patients may present with effects in more than one system; however, there are no defined biomarkers that can accurately predict the course or progression of the disease. The present study aimed to estimate the severity of the disease, to correlate the severity of the disease with biochemical predictors, to identify valuable biomarkers indicative of gastrointestinal disease, and to determine the cutoff values. A cross-sectional study was conducted on COVID-19 patients admitted to the Kafrelsheikh University Hospital (isolation unit) between July 10, 2020, and October 30, 2020. The diagnosis of COVID- 19 was confirmed via reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), which was employed for the detection of the viral RNA. We conclude that lymphopenia, elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) level, and liver enzymes were among the most important laboratory findings in COVID-19 patients. Statistically significant differences in platelet count, neutrophil count, D-dimer level, and fecal calprotectin levels were observed among patients presenting with chest symptoms only and patients with both chest and gastrointestinal symptoms (p=0.004;<0.001; 0.010; 0.003; and<0.001, respectively). C-reactive protein, D-dimer, and fecal calprotectin levels positively correlated with disease severity. The cutoff value for fecal calprotectin that can predict gastrointestinal involvement in COVID-19 was 165.0, with a sensitivity of 88.1% and a specificity of 76.5%. (AU)

Immunomodulatory Effects of Zinc as a Supportive Strategies for COVID-19

Coronaviruses 2019 (Covid-19) is a massive family of viruses that causes respiratory illnesses ranging from the common cold to the most severe conditions such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that represents the humanitarian crisis on a global scale. Currently, there are no therapeutic strategies approved by the U.S.Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to cure or prevent COVID-19. Global researchefforts from around the world extrapolate the updates focusing specifically on the biphasic nature of Covid-19 that involve both innate and acquired immunity. Even though researchers around the globe are racing to invent a life-saving therapeutics and vaccines to tackle COVID-19, the only available venture is a supportive approach in rendering treatment to patients with severe and non-severe cases of COVID-19. Supplementation of several vitamins and trace elements showed the expected favorable impact on enhancing immunity in viral infection. Numerous studies prompted the value of zinc (Zn) supplementation that prevents the virus from entering cells by binding with protein in potentiating antiviral immunity, which is realized through different mechanisms, including the improvement in markers of immune function. Zinc is also an associated factor for several enzymes (needed for the activity for over 300 enzymes), transcription factors, and replication factors. Interestingly, low-level zinc results in dysfunction of all immune cells, subjects with altered zinc state have a high risk for infectious disorders, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. Several assumptions regarding immunomodulators of zinc remain unresolved. This review aimed to explore the hypothetical association of Zinc supplementation (the key immunomodulator) in association with a preventive and therapeutic role of treating patients with COVID-19

Human platelet lysate efficiency, stability, and optimal heparin concentration required in culture of mammalian cells

BACKGROUND: Fetal bovine serum (FBS) has been used to support the growth and proliferation of mammalian cells for decades. Owing to several risk factors associated with FBS, several trials have been conducted to evaluate substitutes to FBS with the same efficiency and the lower risk issues.METHODS: In this study, human platelet lysate (HPL) derived from activated human platelets was evaluated as an alternative to FBS due to the associated risk factors. To evaluate the efficiency of the preparation process, platelet count was performed before and after activation. The concentrations of several growth factors and proteins were measured to investigate HPL efficiency. HPL stability was studied at regular intervals, and optimal heparin concentration required to prevent gel formation in various media was determined. The biological activity of HPL and FBS was compared by evaluating the growth performance of Vero and Hep-2 cell lines.RESULTS: Result of platelet count assay revealed the efficiency of HPL preparation process. Growth factor concentrations in HPL were significantly higher than those in FBS, while the protein content of HPL was lower than that of FBS. Stability study data showed that the prepared HPL was stable for up to 15 months at −20℃. Ideal heparin concentration to be used in different media was dependent on calcium concentration. Results of cell viability assay showed that HPL was superior to FBS in supporting the growth and proliferation of Vero and Hep-2 cells.CONCLUSION: The HPL prepared by the mechanical activation of platelets may serve as an efficient alternative to FBS in cell culture process.

Smile changes after intrusion of maxillary incisors with temporary anchorage devices (TADs) or accentuated compensating curve arch wire

Objective: The aim is to evaluate changes of smile and gingival line after intrusion of maxillary incisors using mini-implant anchorage system or conventional accentuated compensating curve archwire. Materials and Methods: Twenty participants having deep overbite with age ranged from 18 to 24 years were enrolled in this study and were divided into two groups of 10 each. Intrusion of maxillary incisors was performed using mini-implant anchorage system in group 1 and by conventional accentuated compensating curve archwire in group 2. For each participant, lip position, dental and skeletal measurements related to the gingival line were recorded from standardized photographs and cephalometric analyses. Statistical analyses including t-test and Chi-square were used to evaluate differences between groups. Results: There was an improvement of smile arc (consonance) from 30% smile consonance pretreatment to 90% consonance postintrusion in group 1, but the change was insignificant in Group 2. There was an increase in the outer intercommisural width in Group 2 compared to group 1 with a significant difference between both groups (P < 0.046). A significant decrease in the upper lip to upper incisal edge relationship in Group 1 and an insignificant decrease in Group 2 (P = 0.03 and P = 0.262, respectively) was detected. A significant decrease in overbite in Group 1and in Group 2 (P = 0.001) with an insignificant difference between both groups (P > 0.05) was also observed. Conclusion: Smile improvement in the mini-implant group was mainly the result of improved smile arc, increase in outer intercommisural width, decrease in upper lip to upper incisal edge relationship, and decrease in overbite. With the use of accentuated compensating archwires, the only significant change was increase in the interlabial gap.

Nutritional Applications of Quinoa Seeds (Chenopodium quinoa W.) and their Effect on Diabetic Rats

The aim of this work was to evaluate the chemical composition; mineral and vitamin contents; total phenolic and flavonoidscontents; antioxidant activity of the quinoa seeds powder (QSP) and their effect on diabetic rats. The higher concentrationsof minerals were K (3441.95 mg/Kg) and Mg (1147.32 mg/Kg) and quinoa seeds contained a considerable amount ofriboflavin (B2), pyridoxine (B6), folic acid (B9), cobalamin (B12), alpha tocopherol (E) and beta carotene equal to 0.60,5.83, 6.80, 0.27, 2.010 and 0.127 mg/100g, respectively. The total phenolic and total flavonoids content of quinoa seedspowder were 2.63 mg GAE/g, and 0.53 mg CE/g, respectively. Antioxidant activity was measured as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (DPPH) and 2,2´-azinobis (3-ethyl benzo thiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radicalcation (ABTS) were 0.29 and 4.38 mg TE/g, respectively. Sensory properties of both quinoa pudding and quinoa soupshowed insignificant differences. However, in biological experiment, the blood and the glucose levels after consumption ofquinoa at different concentrations were reduced from 236.7 mg/dl to 98.7mg/dl at 40% quinoa and to 120.3 mg/dl at 30%quinoa with an average fasting of normal level of 64.3 mg/dl. Furthermore, the thyroid hormones T3 and T4 were reducedsignificantly after feeding rats on quinoa seeds powder at different concentrations. Histopathological determination ofpancreas of diabetic rats revealed that interlobular inflammatory cells infiltration where pancreas of diabetic rats fed on 20,30 and 40% quinoa powder revealed no histopathological changes.

Screening of social phobia symptoms in a sample of Egyptian university students

Abstract Background Public speaking is a main requisite for academic achievement amongst university students. Epidemiological data on social phobia among University students in the Arab World are scarce. Objectives To screen for social phobia symptoms in a representative sample of Egyptian university students, and to highlight some putative risk factors associated with them. Methods Two thousand nine hundred and nineteen Egyptian university students participated in the study. They were screened for social phobia using Brief Social Phobia Scale (BSPS). Students total and subdomain scores on the BSPS were correlated with their demographic and scholastic variables. Results Social phobia symptoms were estimated to be prevalent among (44%) of the study sample. A significant (p < 0.05) negative correlation was found between students' age and avoidance scores on BSPS and between students' educational year and their scores on fear, avoidance and physiologic subdomains on the BSPS. Regression analysis pointed out to a number of predictive factors for the higher total BSPS scores such as female gender and being a medical student. Discussion Our study demonstrated a high rate of social phobia symptoms in university students. It also demonstrated a number of significant predictive factors associated with the domains of social phobia such as gender, BMI, scholastic year and faculty type.

Utilization of Garden Cress Seeds (Lepidium sativum L.) as Natural Source of Protein and Dietary Fiber in Noodles

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.) seeds on chemicalcomposition, cooking properties of noodle and antioxidant properties. Garden cress (GC) was added to semolina flour atdifferent levels 5, 10, 15 % (w/w), respectively. The chemical composition, cooking properties and sensory values of thesesamples were studied. The results showed an increasing level of protein, fat, ash, and fiber of garden cress noodles (GCN)by increasing the level of addition of garden cress (GC); while, a decrease of moisture content was noticed. The cookingquality properties of GCN were improved also by an increased level of garden cress (GC). Garden cress is a good source ofphenolic acids, flavonoids compound, and unsaturated fatty acids and for these reasons, garden cress is considered as afunctional food for due to health and nutritional values and its high content of protein and dietary fiber.

The relationship between overweight/obesity and dental erosion among a group of Saudi children and adolescents

Background: As childhood obesity is emerging in Saudi children and adolescents with high prevalence, it is considered as one of the major public health concerns. Therefore, it has been studied in relation to other diseases as a cause factor. Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate whether childhood obesity is a risk indicator for dental erosion and to obtain information on dietary habits that are related to dental erosion in overweight/obesity in a group of Saudi children and adolescents. Study Design: The study involved 370 children of both genders aged 4-18 years. The convenient sample included 190 overweight/obese children attending obesity clinic and 180 controls. Materials and Methods: Body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2) was calculated and BMI percentile obtained based on the age- and sex-specific according to the Centers for Disease Control chart (normal 5th to <85th percentile, overweight 85th to <95th percentile, and obese ≥95th percentile). Dental examination and questionnaire were carried out by one calibrated and trained examiner on these children using the UK Children's Dental Health Survey Classification for dental erosion. Results: The prevalence of dental erosion was more significant in the study group (8.42%) than the normal group (2.78%). Its severity was higher in the form of loss of enamel surface characterization in the study group (86.36%) compared to controls (13.64%). Carbonated drinks that were taken at night and drinks that were taken at night and drunk without a straw showed higher prevalence of dental erosion (33.3% and 10.3%) in overweight/obese participants. Conclusions: Dental erosion can be regarded as a risk indicator of childhood obesity in the form of loss of enamel surface characterization. Efforts should be taken to reduce carbonated drinks intake and to change the method of drinking erosive potential drinks among overweight/obese children.

Efficacy of sofosbuvir plus daclatasvir in treatment of chronic HCV infection in Egyptian patients: a prospective cohort study

Background and study aim: Chronic hepatitis C virus infection is a massive health challenge in Egypt. New DAAs in the past few years have proven to be extremely effective in treatment of HCV infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a sofosbuvir-based treatment protocol composed of sofosbuvir and daclatasvir with or without the addition of ribavirin in Egyptian patients infected with HCV genotype 4 in Sharkia governorate. Patients and Methods: One hundred patients were included in the study. Patients were divided into three groups, group I: 48 treatment-naïve non-cirrhotic patients who were assigned to receive dual therapy (Daclatasvir+Sofosbuvir) for a duration of 12 weeks, group II: 32 treatment-naïve cirrhotic patients who were assigned to receive triple therapy (Daclatasvir + Sofosbuvir + Ribavirin) for a duration of 12 weeks, and group III: A control group composed of 20 chronic HCV patients, not receiving antiviral therapy. Patients were followed up thoroughly by clinical and laboratory evaluation monthly throughout treatment and for 3 months after the end of treatment (EOT). In addition, the virological response for each patient was recorded. Results: No statistically significant difference was found between both groups that received treatment regarding virological response, since 100% of patients achieved SVR12 rates in both groups. Conclusion: The combination of Daclatasvir plus Sofosbuvir with or without the addition of ribavirin for a duration of 12 weeks has proven to possess high efficacy in the treatment of cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic naïve Egyptian patients with chronic infection with HCV genotype4 in Sharkia governorate

A comparative study between transmuscular quadratus lumborum block and oblique subcostal transversus abdominis plane block for analgesia following upper abdominal surgeries

Background: Ultrasound (US)-guided transmuscular quadratus lumborum (TQL) block and oblique subcostal transversus abdominis plane (OSTAP) block are components of multimodal analgesia for abdominal surgeries.The aim of the study is to compare the analgesic efficacy of US-guided TQL block versus US-guided OSTAP block after upper abdominal surgeries.Methods: This prospective randomized study was conducted on 40 patients scheduled for elective open upper abdominal surgery under general anesthesia. Patients were randomly allocated into2groups; OSTAPGroup (20 patients) received US-guided OSTAP block, and TQL Group (20 patients) received US-guided TQL block. At the end of surgical procedure, while patients were still under general anesthesia, each group received 30 mL bupivacaine 0.25%. Postoperative measurements included pain scores, time to first opioid analgesic request, postoperative total opioid consumption, patient satisfaction, and complications.Results: Patients of TQL group had statistically significant lower 24 h postoperative total morphine consumption than patients of OSTAP group (13.25±2.88 mg and 20.10±3.21 mg, respectively,P < 0.001), and longer time to first opioid analgesic request (373.25±18.76 min. and 245.75±11.50 min., respectively,P < 0.001). Patients received TQL block had also statistically significant lower postoperative pain scores, less frequent morphine doses, and more patient satisfaction.Conclusion: US-guided TQL block is more effective postoperative analgesic modality than US-guided OSTAP block in patients undergoing elective open upper abdominal surgery under general anesthesia

Antihydatic and immunomodulatory effects of Algerian propolis ethanolic extract: In vitro and in vivo study

Objective: To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo effect of the Algerian propolis ethanolic extract (EEP) against Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus) infection. Methods: In vitro scolicidal activity of EEP was investigated on the protoscolices of hydatid cyst. This in vitro study was conducted by using an in vivo assay. BALB/c mice were inoculated with E. granulosus and treated with propolis for three months. Hydatid cysts development was assessed. Nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) production and inducible NO synthase, NF-κB, and TNF-α spleen expression were estimated by Griess method and immunofluorescence respectively. Results: Our study revealed that EEP has a high scolicidal activity against E. granulosus. Oral administration of EEP decreased TNF-α, NF-κB and inducible NO synthase expression in the spleen tissues in the CE+EEP group, in comparison with the CE group. Concomitantly, EEP treatment caused an important systemic decrease in NO and TNF-α levels. These findings are associated with the reduction of CE development. Conclusions: This is the first report demonstrating with interest the antihydatic and immunomodulatory effects of the Algerian EEP, suggesting its therapeutic potential for the hydatid disease treatment.

Antihydatic and immunomodulatory effects of Algerian propolis ethanolic extract: In vitro and in vivo study

Objective: To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo effect of the Algerian propolis ethanolic extract (EEP) against Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus) infection. Methods: In vitro scolicidal activity of EEP was investigated on the protoscolices of hydatid cyst. This in vitro study was conducted by using an in vivo assay. BALB/c mice were inoculated with E. granulosus and treated with propolis for three months. Hydatid cysts development was assessed. Nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) production and inducible NO synthase, NF-κB, and TNF-α spleen expression were estimated by Griess method and immunofluorescence respectively. Results: Our study revealed that EEP has a high scolicidal activity against E. granulosus. Oral administration of EEP decreased TNF-α, NF-κB and inducible NO synthase expression in the spleen tissues in the CE+EEP group, in comparison with the CE group. Concomitantly, EEP treatment caused an important systemic decrease in NO and TNF-α levels. These findings are associated with the reduction of CE development. Conclusions: This is the first report demonstrating with interest the antihydatic and immunomodulatory effects of the Algerian EEP, suggesting its therapeutic potential for the hydatid disease treatment.

Prediction and Staging of Hepatic Fibrosis in Children with Hepatitis C Virus: A Machine Learning Approach / 대한의료정보학회지

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to develop an intelligent diagnostic system utilizing machine learning for data cleansing, then build an intelligent model and obtain new cutoff values for APRI (aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio) and FIB-4 (fibrosis score) for the prediction and staging of fibrosis in children with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). METHODS: Random forest (RF) was utilized in this study for data cleansing; then, prediction and staging of fibrosis, APRI and FIB-4 scores and their areas under the ROC curve (AUC) have been obtained on the cleaned dataset. A cohort of 166 Egyptian children with CHC was studied. RESULTS: RF, APRI, and FIB-4 achieved high AUCs; where APRI had AUCs of 0.78, 0.816, and 0.77; FIB-4 had AUCs of 0.74, 0.828, and 0.78; and RF had AUCs of 0.903, 0.894, and 0.822, for the prediction of any type of fibrosis, advanced fibrosis, and differentiating between mild and advanced fibrosis, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Machine learning is a valuable addition to non-invasive methods of liver fibrosis prediction and staging in pediatrics. Furthermore, the obtained cutoff values for APRI and FIB-4 showed good performance and are consistent with some previously obtained cutoff values. There was some agreement between the predictions of RF, APRI and FIB-4 for the prediction and staging of fibrosis.