A Case Report on Tricho-Hepato-Enteric Syndrome: The SKIC3 Gene in Focus.

Tricho-hepato-enteric syndrome (THES), also known as syndromic diarrhea, is a rare genetic disorder that causes intractable diarrhea, hair anomalies, facial dysmorphism, and liver abnormalities. Herein, we report the case of an eight-month-old male who was referred to our hospital due to symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, and insufficient weight gain. The child was born via cesarean section following an uncomplicated pregnancy, with no history of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Since birth, the patient has been experiencing diarrhea and inadequate weight gain, necessitating multiple hospital admissions. Upon evaluation, genetic testing confirmed the diagnosis of THES. The management strategy included a variety of nutritional interventions and supportive care measures. Currently, the patient is in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and continuous supportive care. This case underscores the complexity of diagnosing and managing THES, highlighting the need for comprehensive care and close monitoring of the patient's condition.

Focal necrosis of the falciform ligament as a rare cause of abdominal pain: A case report.

The falciform ligament, a peritoneal fold that anatomically separates the right and left lobes of the liver, may infrequently be a cause of patients' complaints. In very rare instances, fatty appendages of the falciform ligament may undergo torsion, resulting in fat infarction. Despite its rarity, falciform ligament pathologies often mimic common abdominal issues, leading to misdiagnosis. Herein, we report a case of inflammation and necrosis of the falciform ligament in a 72-year-old female. The patient presented with abdominal pain, a positive Murphy's sign, and elevated inflammatory markers. Imaging, including a computed tomography (CT) scan, was pivotal in confirming the diagnosis of falciform ligament necrosis. Contrary to the proposed surgical approach (resection of the falciform ligament) in some reported cases, conservative management (including analgesia, hydration, and antibiotics) proved successful in this case. This report emphasizes the importance of considering falciform ligament torsion in upper abdominal pain differential diagnoses and highlights the key role of imaging for accurate diagnosis.

Atherosclerosis and Toll-Like Receptor4 (TLR4), Lectin-Like Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein-1 (LOX-1), and Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type9 (PCSK9).

Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of death in the world. A significant body of evidence suggests that inflammation and various players are implicated and have pivotal roles in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is linked with different stages of atherosclerosis. This receptor is highly expressed in the endothelial cells (ECs) and atherosclerotic plaques. TLR4 activation can lead to the production of inflammatory cytokines and related responses. Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein-1 (LOX-1), an integral membrane glycoprotein with widespread expression on the ECs, is involved in atherosclerosis and has some common pathways with TLR4 in atherosclerotic lesions. In addition, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type9 (PCSK9), which is a regulatory enzyme with different roles in cholesterol uptake, is implicated in atherosclerosis. At present, TLR4, PCSK9, and LOX-1 are increasingly acknowledged as key players in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. Herein, we presented the current evidence on the structure, functions, and roles of TLR4, PCSK9, and LOX-1 in atherosclerosis.

Role of ultrasound and inflammatory factors in the management of pediatric hip joint effusion.

BACKGROUND: Septic arthritis is an important differential diagnosis of hip joint pain. Joint aspiration analysis is a necessary diagnostic measure for septic arthritis. In order to reduce the need for joint aspiration, we compared the combination of ultrasound findings and laboratory findings to separate septic arthritis from reactive arthritis. METHODS: Children aged < 14 years who were referred to Akbar pediatric hospital in 2020-2022 with hip pain or limping were included in this longitudinal study. Participants underwent ultrasound examinations of the hip and blood samples were obtained from them. After confirming an effusion, dependent on patient status and clinical diagnosis, one of the following approaches was recommended; the close follow-up, or the ultrasound-guided aspiration of the hip joint effusion, and or arthrotomy. The various ultrasound and laboratory were documented. Data were analyzed and P < 0.001 being considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Overall, 115 patients with a mean age of 3.43 ± 5.76 years, 46 of whom were girls, were studied. The final diagnosis in 23 cases (20.0%) was septic arthritis and 92 (80.0%) had reactive arthritis. C-reactive protein (CRP) and The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) unlike aspirate volume, effusion volume measured on ultrasound, capsule thickness, total thickness, and recorded capsule-to-effusion ratio were significantly higher in patients with septic arthritis (P < 0.001). There was a significant agreement between the volume of measured fluid in the anterior recess and the volume of aspirated fluid (2.5 times, P < 0.001). Septic arthritis was not observed in any of the patients with effusion volume in anterior recess less than 0.5 cc and ESR less than 40 mm/hr or CRP less than 15 mg/L. CONCLUSION: Since septic arthritis was not observed in any of the patients with effusion volume < 0.5 cc and normal inflammatory factors (ESR or CRP), conservative management and close follow-up can be recommended in these patients instead of joint fluid aspiration.

Effective factors of improved helmet use in motorcyclists: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Road traffic injuries (RTI) are one of the most prominent causes of morbidity and mortality, especially among children and young adults. Motorcycle crashes constitute a significant part of RTIs. Policymakers believe that safety helmets are the single most important protection against motorcycle-related injuries. However, motorcyclists are not wearing helmets at desirable rates. This study systematically investigated factors that are positively associated with helmet usage among two-wheeled motorcycle riders. METHODS: We performed a systematic search on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane library with relevant keywords. No language, date of publication, or methodological restrictions were applied. All the articles that had evaluated the factors associated with helmet-wearing behavior and were published before December 31, 2021, were included in our study and underwent data extraction. We assessed the quality of the included articles using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist for observational studies. RESULTS: A total of 50 articles were included. Most evidence suggests that helmet usage is more common among drivers (compared to passengers), women, middle-aged adults, those with higher educations, married individuals, license holders, and helmet owners. Moreover, the helmet usage rate is higher on highways and central city roads and during mornings and weekdays. Travelers of longer distances, more frequent users, and riders of motorcycles with larger engines use safety helmets more commonly. Non-helmet-using drivers seem to have acceptable awareness of mandatory helmet laws and knowledge about their protective role against head injuries. Importantly, complaint about helmet discomfort is somehow common among helmet-using drivers. CONCLUSIONS: To enhance helmet usage, policymakers should emphasize the vulnerability of passengers and children to RTIs, and that fatal crashes occur on low-capacity roads and during cruising at low speeds. Monitoring by police should expand to late hours of the day, weekends, and lower capacity and less-trafficked roads. Aiming to enhance the acceptance of other law-abiding behaviors (e.g., wearing seat belts, riding within the speed limits, etc.), especially among youth and young adults, will enhance the prevalence of helmet-wearing behavior among motorcycle riders. Interventions should put their focus on improving the attitudes of riders regarding safety helmets, as there is acceptable knowledge of their benefits.

A new endoscopic submucosal resection -ligation technique for gastric tumors.

Although most subepithelial lesions are benign, the malignant forms could present as serious life-threating cancers. Their accurate diagnosis depends on complete surgical resection. Different endoscopic methods have been recommended for the resection. Recently, the EMR has been considered as a safe and effective technique, while various revised EMR techniques have been introduced. In this study, a new version of EMR has been evaluated in two patients. Two middle-aged cases with gastric subepithelial tumors were admitted to Taleghani gastrointestinal department. The polyps were resected via our new Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) technique. In this technique, the needle knife was used for un-roofing the mucosal surface. Then, the polyps were resected with hot snares. The hemoclips were applied for ligation too. We found no early or delayed complications. Furthermore, the microscopic margins of the lesions were free. Our study represented a safe and cost-beneficial technique for subepithelial lesions and no complications was found and the margins were free. However, further investigations are required for confirming the validity of this new EMR technique.