An effective procedure used metal-organic framework for determination of cadmium ions in real tap water and human blood plasma samples.

A newly developed 2H5MA-MOF sensor by covalently linking NH2-MIL-53(Al) with 2'-Hydroxy-5'-methylacetophenon, designed for highly sensitive and selective detection of Cd2+ ions using fluorometric methods. Detailed structural and morphological analyses confirmed the sensor's unique properties. It demonstrated an impressive linear detection range from 0 to 2 ppm, with an exceptionally low detection limit of 5.77 × 10-2 ppm and a quantification limit of 1.75 × 10-1 ppm, indicating its high sensitivity (R2 = 0.9996). The sensor also responded quickly, detecting Cd2+ within just 30 s at pH 4. We successfully tested it on real samples of tap water and human blood plasma, achieving recovery rates between 96 % and 104 %. The accuracy of these findings was further validated by comparison with ICP-OES. Overall, the 2H5MA-MOF sensor shows great potential for fast, ultra-sensitive, and reliable detection of Cd2+ ions, making it a promising tool for environmental and biomedical applications.

Promoting and accelerating muscle regeneration through cell therapy in a mouse model.

Objectives: Skeletal muscle injuries and disorders are universal clinical challenges with direct and indirect mechanisms and notable residual effects, such as prolonged, intense pain and physical disability. Stem cells, an innovative tool for cell therapy for musculoskeletal disorders, specifically promote skeletal muscle regeneration. This study was aimed at investigating the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their differentiated myocytes as a cell-based therapy to promote regeneration in damaged or diseased skeletal muscle. Methods: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) were isolated from the bone marrow of adult mice and grown in tissue culture flasks. The BM-MSCs were positive for CD90 and CD105, and negative for CD45 and CD34. These cells were induced with specific differentiation medium in vitro to differentiate into a skeletal muscle cell lineage over 7 days. Skeletal muscle differentiation was characterized according to morphology through hematoxylin and eosin staining, and scanning electron microscopy. Immunostaining for Myf-6, myosin heavy chain (MHC), and desmin-specific factors for skeletal muscle development-was performed to confirm skeletal muscle differentiation. An in vivo study in a muscle injury model was used to evaluate cell therapy based on naïve stem cells and differentiated myocytes. Results: Cultured mouse BM-MSCS were positive for CD90 and CD105, and negative for CD45 and CD34. These cells developed into skeletal muscle with strong skeletal muscle differentiation potential, as confirmed by immunohistochemistry for the markers Myf6, MHC, and desmin. The differentiated myocytes showed better repair enhancement than undifferentiated stem cells after transplantations into a mouse model of skeletal muscle atrophy. Conclusions: Myocytes derived from BM-MSCs may be incorporated into muscular atrophy treatment as a biological strategy for managing skeletal muscle diseases and injuries, thus advancing cell-based clinical treatments.

Risk of cognitive decline among patients with dengue virus infection: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Dengue fever, caused by the dengue virus and transmitted through Aedes mosquitoes, is a growing public health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Traditionally associated with febrile and hemorrhagic symptoms, recent research suggests a potential link between dengue and cognitive impairments. This systematic review assessed existing research to understand the association between dengue virus infection and cognitive impairments, including dementia, Alzheimer's disease, memory loss, and confusion. METHODS: This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science up to January 18, 2024. Studies examining the prevalence and association of cognitive impairments in dengue patients were included. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed using Nested Knowledge software and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: Of the 1,129 articles identified, five were included in the review, covering a total of 200,873 participants from Taiwan, Brazil, and France. Evidence from population-based cohort studies indicated short-term cognitive impairments, including confusion and memory loss, in some dengue patients. Additionally, long-term risks of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia, were observed, particularly among older adults. Although the findings suggest there might be an association between dengue infection and cognitive decline, the mechanisms underlying this link remain unclear. CONCLUSION: This systematic review suggests that dengue virus infection may affect cognitive function in both acute and long-term contexts. However, the current evidence is not strong enough to establish a conclusive link. Further research with larger sample sizes and longitudinal studies is essential to confirm the impact of dengue virus on cognitive health.

Dynamic modelling and predictive position/force control of a plant-inspired growing robot.

This paper presents the development and control of a dynamic model for a plant-inspired growing robot, termed the "vine-robot," using the Euler-Lagrangian method. The unique growth mechanism of the vine-robot enables it to navigate complex environments by extending its body. We derive the dynamic equations of motion and employ model predictive control (MPC) to regulate the task space position, orientation, and interaction forces. Simulation experiments are conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed model and control strategy. The results demonstrate that the model effectively achieves sub-millimeter precision in the position control in both static and time varying refrence trajectroies, and sub micronewton in force control.

Time to response with ravulizumab, a long-acting terminal complement inhibitor, in adults with anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive generalized myasthenia gravis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The efficacy and safety of ravulizumab, a terminal complement C5 inhibitor, in adults with anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive (AChR Ab+) generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) were demonstrated in the CHAMPION MG study (NCT03920293). This analysis aimed to characterize the latency to onset of a clinically meaningful therapeutic effect for ravulizumab. METHODS: Post hoc analysis of data collected for up to 60 weeks from CHAMPION MG was performed to assess the timing of response to ravulizumab. Response was analyzed based on reductions of ≥2 and ≥3 points (minimal clinically important differences [MCIDs]) in Myasthenia Gravis-Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) and Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) total scores, respectively, and on more rigorous reductions of ≥3 and ≥5 points, respectively. Time to first response was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier product-limit method. RESULTS: The median (95% confidence interval) time to first response was 2.1 (2.1-2.6) and 4.1 (2.3-10.0) weeks for reductions of ≥2 and ≥3 points in MG-ADL total score, respectively (n = 139), and 4.1 (2.1-10.0) and 18.3 (11.0-33.4) weeks for reductions of ≥3 and ≥5 points in QMG total score, respectively (n = 134). Cumulative response rates at Week 60 (data cut-off) were 88% and 82% for ≥2- and ≥3-point MG-ADL score reductions, respectively, and 86% and 59% for ≥3- and ≥5-point QMG score reductions, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The median times to MCID with ravulizumab treatment in patients with AChR Ab+ gMG were ~2 weeks and ~4 weeks based on MCID MG-ADL and QMG total score reductions, respectively.

Generalized spike-waves in idiopathic generalized epilepsies: Does their frequency matter?

OBJECTIVES: We hypothesized that the frequency (in Hertz) of generalized spike-waves (GSWs) in patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) has associations with the syndromic diagnosis as well as with the prognosis of patients (their response to medical treatment). METHODS: This was a retrospective study of a prospectively developed database. All patients with a diagnosis of IGE were studied at the epilepsy center at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran, from 2008 until 2022. Patients were classified into four IGE syndromes: childhood absence epilepsy; juvenile absence epilepsy; juvenile myoclonic epilepsy; and generalized tonic-clonic seizures alone. RESULTS: Five hundred and eighty-three patients were studied. GSWs were commonly observed in all four syndromes of IGE. Frequency of GSW (in Hertz) did not have a significant association with the syndromic diagnosis of the patients (p = .179). The presence of GSW did not have a significant association with the seizure outcome (becoming seizure free or not) of the patients (p = .416). Frequency of GSW did not have a significant association with the seizure outcome of the patients either (p = .574). CONCLUSION: GSWs are the hallmark electroencephalographic footprints of idiopathic generalized epilepsies; however, neither their presence nor their frequency has practical associations with the syndromic diagnosis of IGEs or their outcome (response to treatment).

Effects of Laurus nobilis Leaf Extract on Healing of Experimentally Induced Wounds in Rabbits.

Wound or injury can be defined as partial or complete separation of the skin, while the healing of the wounds is defined as the sequences of processes by which the skin heals and returns to its normal appearance. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Laurus nobilis leaf extracts on the healing of open wounds in rabbits. Twenty-four healthy rabbits were used, divided randomly into control and treated groups, each consisting of 12 rabbits. The rabbits were caused to experience circular wound defects (2.5 cm) in diameter. All animals in the control (C) group were left without treatment while those in the Laurus nobilis leaf extract group were treated with drops of the aqueous extract of Laurus nobilis in a dose of 200 mg/kg per day for 20 days. The results of macroscopic observation revealed that all animals in both groups showed equitable viability and good appetite, no mortality occurred, and no signs of infection. In the group with the Laurus nobilis extract, we noticed a significant improvement in wound-healing activity and a reduction in the wound area at p ≤ 0.05 compared with the C group. Histopathological results at the end of the study show that the thick epidermal layer covers a mass of granulation with congested blood vessels and the dermis transforms into a denser layer gradually due to the improvements of the cellularity in the C group and also revealed a well-formed skin appearance, widespread of collagen, and fibrosis within the dermis with an appearance near the normal dermis in the group treated with Laurus nobilis leaf extract. In conclusion, the results confirmed that using Laurus nobilis methanolic extract solution in a daily dose of 200 mg/kg promotes healing of open wounds in rabbits.

CD56 does not contribute to the anti-tumor, tissue homing, and glycolytic capacity of human NK cells.

Natural Killer (NK) cells are critical innate immune cells involved in the clearance of virally infected and malignant cells. Human NK cells are distinguished by their surface expression of CD56 and a lack of CD3. While CD56 expression and cell surface density has long been used as the prototypic marker to characterize primary human NK cell functional subsets, the exact functional role of CD56 in primary human NK cells is still not fully understood. Here we eliminated the expression of CD56 in human ex vivo expanded NK cells (CD56bright) using CRISPR/Cas9 in order to assess the function of CD56 in this highly activated and cytotoxic NK cell population. We show that the expression of CD56 has no effect on NK cell proliferative capacity or expression of various activation and inhibitory markers. Further, CD56 does not contribute to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity, inflammatory cytokine production, or the ability of NK cells to control tumor engraftment in vivo. We also found that while deletion of CD56 did not impact NK cell glycolytic metabolism it did increase NK cell reliance on oxidative phosphorylation. Lastly, CD56 does not alter expanded NK cell in vivo tissue trafficking. Our results indicate that while CD56 expression could be used to indicate a hyper-functional state of NK cells, it does not directly influence the anti-tumor functions of expanded NK cells.

Quantum Computing in the Realm of Neurosurgery.

Quantum computing leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to provide unprecedented computational power by processing data in a fundamentally different way from classical binary computers. Quantum computers use "qubits" which superimpose 0 and 1. Because qubits can exist in multiple states at the same time, quantum computers can perform "quantum parallelism" wherein data are processed simultaneously rather than sequentially. The quantum parallelism is what enables the computer to have exponentially larger processing capabilities and consider all potential outcomes simultaneously to derive solutions. Our study aims to explore aspects of neurosurgery through which quantum computing could improve patient outcomes and enhance quality of care. Quantum computing has the potential for future applications in neuroprosthetics, neurostimulation, surgical precision, diagnosis, and patient privacy and security. It promises improved patient outcomes, enhanced surgical precision, and personalized healthcare delivery. With its inherent sensitivity and precision, quantum computing could advance the understanding of disease processes and development, providing neurosurgeons with deeper insight into patient pathologies. Challenges such as biocompatibility, cost, and ethical considerations remain significant barriers to integrating the technology into neurosurgical practice. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for realizing the transformative potential of quantum computing in advancing neurosurgical care and improving clinical outcomes.

Fecal glycoprotein 2 is a marker of gut microbiota dysbiosis and systemic inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial autoantigenic glycoprotein 2 (GP2) is an important component of the innate immune system which originates from the exocrine pancreas as well as from the small intestines. The relationship of GP2 with the intestinal microbiome as well as the systemic implications of increased fecal GP2 levels are, however, still unclear. Therefore, fecal samples from 2,812 individuals of the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) were collected to determine GP2 levels (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and gut microbiota profiles (16 S rRNA gene sequencing). These data were correlated and associated with highly standardised and comprehensive phenotypic data of the study participants. RESULTS: Fecal GP2 levels were increased in individuals with higher body mass index and smokers, whereas lower levels were found in case of preserved exocrine pancreatic function, female sex or a healthier diet. Moreover, higher GP2 levels were associated with increased serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, loss of gut microbial diversity and an increase of potentially detrimental bacteria (Streptococcus, Haemophilus, Clostridium XIVa, or Collinsella). At the same time, predicted microbial pathways for the biosynthesis of beneficial short-chain fatty acids or lactic acid were depleted in individuals with high fecal GP2. Of note, GP2 exhibited a stronger association to overall microbiome variation than calprotectin. CONCLUSION: Fecal GP2 is a biomarker of gut microbiota dysbiosis and associated with increased systemic inflammation. The intestines may be more important as origin for GP2 than pancreatic acinar cells. Future studies need to investigate the potential clinical value in disease specific patient cohorts.

The Use of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy to Manage a Knotted Ureteric Stent: A Case Report.

This case report describes the successful management of a knotted ureteric stent in a 57-year-old male with diabetes mellitus, who presented with left flank pain and lower urinary tract symptoms after seven months of stent placement. Initial imaging revealed migration and encrustation of the stent, along with knotting at the proximal end. As rigid cystoscopy to attempt stent retrieval met resistance, a semirigid ureteroscope was used to laser transect the stent, allowing for the insertion of a new stent. Following this, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy was performed to target the knotted portion, successfully facilitating its unknotted migration. Final imaging confirmed the appropriate positioning of both stents, enabling their subsequent removal without complications. This case underscores an effective, innovative approach to managing complex ureteric stent complications.

Energy management system for multi interconnected microgrids during grid connected and autonomous operation modes considering load management.

This study focuses on improving power system grid performance and efficiency through the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs). The study proposes an artificial intelligence (AI) based effective approach for economic dispatch and load management for three linked microgrids (MGs) that operate in both grid-connected and autonomous modes. A day-ahead scheduling method is suggested to calculate the optimal set points for various energy sources in MGs considering various system constraints for safe operation. In addition, a load management approach that shifts the controllable loads from one interval to another is applied to reduce the operating cost of MG. To handle the optimization challenges of energy scheduling and load shifting such complexity and non-linearity, an advanced meta-heuristic method known as the one-to-one based optimizer (OOBO) is used. Overall, the paper proposes a viable and efficient methodology for economical distribution in linked microgrids, which takes advantage of renewable energy resources and incorporates scheduling optimization via the OOBO algorithm. The proposed energy management strategy enhances the system performance, increases energy efficiency, and reduces the daily operational cost by 1.6% for grid connected mode and by 0.47% for islanded operation mode.

The Use of Short Dilator Tip in Endovascular Branched Arch Repair: A Case Series.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to investigate the safety and feasibility of branched endovascular arch repair (b-TEVAR) with a custom-made double or triple inner branched arch endograft using a short dilator tip (35 mm) in patients with aortic arch pathologies. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients undergoing b-TEVAR with a short dilator tip for the treatment of aortic arch pathologies in a high-volume tertiary center between January 2019 and July 2023. The combined primary endpoint was technical success and perioperative complications caused by the endograft, including tip-induced cardiac injury and trackability issues. Secondary endpoints were major adverse events (MAE), including morbidity, mortality, and reinterventions within 30 days. RESULTS: During a 4-year period, 22 patients (median age 72 years, 16 males) were treated with a custom-made double or triple inner-branched TEVAR for different aortic arch pathologies using a short dilator tip (35 mm). After initial exclusive treatment of patients with previous valve replacement, the use of a short dilator tip became standard. Eighteen patients received a triple- and 4 patients received a double-branched endograft. Seventeen patients (77.3%) underwent elective treatment, while 5 patients underwent urgent repair due to contained rupture or symptomatic aneurysms. The technical success was 100%. No tip-induced cardiac mortality and morbidity occurred perioperatively. The trackability of the device was in no case affected by the short tip. Within 30 days, the MAE rate was 45%, including one death. No re-intervention had to be performed. CONCLUSION: Endovascular aortic arch repair with inner-branched arch endografts using a short dilator tip (35 mm) appears to be safe and technically feasible and could potentially reduce the risk of fatal myocardial injuries. CLINICAL IMPACT: Due to safe and stable maneuverability and deployment of endograft in zone 0 the use of short dilator tip might have the potential to become standard in endovascular branched arch repair. This is one of the first reports on the use of short dilator tip and associated complications in endovascular branched arch repair.

Methallylsulfonate Polymeric Antiscalants for Application in Thermal Desalination Processes.

Nine copolymers of acrylic acid and sodium methallyl sulfonate were tested as scale inhibitors in thermal desalination. The nine antiscalants covered molar masses between 2000 and 9500 g.mol-1 and concentrations of sulfonated monomer ranging between 10 and 30 mole percent. A pressure measurement and control (P-MAC) unit and a high-temperature pressurized vessel were used to measure the effectiveness of the scale inhibitors in seawater, concentrated seawater, and model solutions at 125 °C. The effectiveness of the novel copolymers was comparable to commercial antiscalant at times up to 15 min and improved at longer times. Molar mass was a more important determinant of effectiveness than degree of sulfonation, with the greatest mitigation of calcium sulfate precipitation observed for antiscalants of molar mass 2000 to 2500 g.mol-1 regardless of sulfonate content. Antiscalants of molar mass 4500 to 5000 g.mol-1 showed a higher threshold effect than antiscalants of molar mass 7000 to 9500 g.mol-1, with a 30% sulfonated polymer of molar mass 4500 g.mol-1 performing appreciably better than other polymers of a similar molar mass.

Comprehensive Analysis of Garcin Syndrome: A Systematic Review of the Etiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment.

Garcin syndrome is a rare neurological condition characterized by progressive unilateral involvement of multiple cranial nerves, without typical intracranial hypertension. It is often linked with aggressive malignancies and invasive infections; hence, it presents significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Despite the advances in medical technology, the prognosis still remains poor, and there is limited literature on comprehensive reviews regarding its etiology, diagnosis, and management. A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-based systematic review was performed in order to compile updated evidence related to Garcin syndrome. The PubMed and Scopus databases were comprehensively searched using the search terms "Garcin syndrome" AND ("etiology" OR "diagnosis" OR "treatment" OR "management"). Information was obtained from case reports and focused on common etiologies, clinical presentations, diagnostic methodologies, treatment protocols, and outcomes. The review discussed very diverse etiologies of Garcin syndrome. The most common among these were skull base tumors, metastatic lesions, and invasive infections like mucormycosis. Most of these were multiple cranial nerve (CN) involvements in which CN V (trigeminal nerve), CN VII (facial nerve), or CN XII (hypoglossal nerve) involvement was common. Advanced imaging, especially MRI, played a very crucial role in diagnosis, showing the presence of extensive bony destruction with the involvement of cranial nerves. Treatment was varied according to the etiology, ranging from chemotherapy and radiotherapy in neoplastic cases to active surgical intervention supported by antifungal therapy in infected cases. Garcin syndrome is a clinical challenge due to its diverse etiologies and complex management profile. While early diagnosis and intervention are emphasized, the prognosis remains grave, especially in cases presenting with metastatic disease or immunocompromised states. Future research should focus on better, more sensitive diagnostic modalities and the investigation of newer therapeutic approaches for Garcin syndrome patients.

"Amr Sign": A Case-Control Study Evaluating the Diagnostic Value of a New Clinical Sign in the Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis.

Introduction Acute appendicitis, a prevalent cause of acute abdominal pain and a common indication for emergency surgery, presents a diagnostic challenge due to its diverse clinical presentation and variability in appendix location and symptoms. Traditional diagnostic approaches, including physical examination, clinical scoring systems, and imaging techniques, have limitations. This study introduces the "Amr sign," a new diagnostic indicator characterized by sudden reflex hyperextension of the neck upon palpation of the right iliac fossa, which is hypothesized to reflect local peritoneal irritation from an inflamed appendix. Methods We conducted a prospective observational study at Alwakra Hospital from November 2016 to January 2019 that included 195 patients aged 15 years and older with right iliac fossa pain and an Alvarado score of four or more. The "Amr sign" was evaluated alongside standard clinical examination and imaging results. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed via histopathological confirmation, which is the gold standard. Results The "Amr sign" had a sensitivity of 68.6% and a specificity of 67.3%. The positive predictive value (PPV) was 89%, whereas the negative predictive value (NPV) was 45%. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.679 for the "Amr sign" compared with 0.622 for the other imaging modalities, suggesting comparable diagnostic performance. The "Amr sign" demonstrated a higher likelihood ratio of a positive test (2.3) and a lower likelihood ratio of a negative test (0.46). Conclusion The "Amr sign" is a promising diagnostic tool for acute appendicitis, offering a simple, reliable, and quick test that can be performed by less experienced physicians. While its sensitivity and specificity are moderate, its high PPV suggests that it is particularly useful in confirming appendicitis. Further research and validation are needed to fully establish its role in clinical practice.

Age-Related Changes in Insulin Resistance and Muscle Mass: Clinical Implications in Obese Older Adults.

The older segment of the global population is increasing at a rapid pace. Advancements in public health and modern medicine lengthened life expectancy and reduced the burden of disease in communities worldwide. Concurrent with this demographic change is the rise in overweight people and obesity, which is evident in all age groups. There is also an aging-related reduction in muscle mass and function, or sarcopenia, that is exacerbated by sedentary lifestyle and poor nutrition. The coexistence of muscle loss and elevated body mass index, termed "sarcopenic obesity", has particularly deleterious consequences in older individuals. Worsening insulin resistance and a proinflammatory state operate at the pathophysiologic level and lead to adverse health outcomes such as a proclivity to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and even cognitive dysfunction. Although the concept of sarcopenic obesity as a disease construct is being increasingly recognized, a clearer understanding is warranted in order to define its components and health impact. Research is needed at the molecular-cellular level to tie together derangements in insulin action, cytokines, myokines, and endothelial dysfunction with clinical outcomes. Lifestyle modifications as well as targeted nonpharmacologic approaches, such as supplements and antioxidants, appear to have a promising role in reducing the chronic burden of this emerging disorder. Breakthroughs in drug therapies that retard or even reverse the underlying dynamics of sarcopenia and obesity in older persons are being actively explored.

Role of sonography in detection and evaluation of post liver transplant complications.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the role of sonography in revealing and characterizing liver transplant complications based on gray scale and color Doppler, describe the normal Doppler findings, and discuss the significance of distinguishing normal transient changes in the spectral waveform from findings that may suggests ominous complications. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective cross-sectional study at Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The medical records and imaging studies of a total of 122 candidates who underwent transplantation between January 2016 to February 2022 were reviewed. RESULTS: Our results showed that most patients were males with the most frequent age group being those between 54-71 years. Hepatitis B virus and hepatic cellular carcinoma were the most common indications for transplants. A total of 95 patients received a graft from a living related donor. Regarding complications, biliary issues (including leaks and ducts dilation) were the second most frequent complication after collections. Vascular complications represented 7.4% of all complications and was the leading cause of death in 4.8% of cases. Among all vascular issues encountered during liver transplant, portal vein thrombosis was the most predominant. In respect to Doppler findings, portal vein velocities and resistive index of hepatic artery had re-averaged within 7-10 post-operative days in most patients. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound plays crucial role in the post-operative management of compilations, facilitating early detection, which is substantial for the graft survival.

Role of mast cells in the pathogenesis of oral submucous fibrosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) is an oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD) that commonly occurs in the South Asian population as there is high usage of areca nut. There has been extensive research on the pathogenesis and treatment of this condition. It is well-established in the scientific literature that mast cells (MC) have a definitive role in several inflammatory disorders. OSMF being a chronic inflammatory disorder, is also expected to have increased MCs. Hence, this review aims to evaluate the role of MCs in the pathogenesis of OSMF. METHODS: A systematic search of articles was performed by two of the authors independently in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using the appropriate keywords and Boolean terms. The risk of bias was assessed using the Modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The meta-analysis was performed with R studio software (Version: 4.4.0, Year: 2024, Company: The R foundation for statistical computing). RESULTS: The search retrieved 36 studies, of which 16 were suitable for the review. There is evidence for a marked increase in the number of MCs in OSMF than the normal mucosa upon analyzing the retrieved articles. However, when comparing the grades of OSMF, there are variations in the reports. As all the retrieved articles were case-control studies, the risk of bias was analyzed using the Modified New Castle Ottawa Scale. All the studies scored in the good category (Score 6-9). The pooled effect size shows the Standard Mean Deviation (SMD) to be 0.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) [-0.18;0.37] to lie on either side of no effect. Hence the role of MCs in OSMF has not been established because of homogeneity and consistent sampling error. CONCLUSION: Our systematic review does suggest a definitive role of mast cells in the progression of OSMF. However, there is a lack of methodological rigor in the included studies. This may contribute to diluting the results.

Maternal perceptions and awareness regarding developmental dysplasia of the hip in children among mothers and pregnant women in Makkah City, Saudi Arabia.

Background: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a spectrum of disorders that develop in utero, involving the femoral head and acetabular cup development, ranging from dysplasia to dislocation. The prevalence of DDH in Saudi Arabia is 10.46 per 1000 live births. However, the late presentation of DDH in Saudi Arabia is around 30%, believed to be significantly due to a lack of awareness of the disease among mothers and pregnant women. Aims: This study aimed to measure maternal perceptions and awareness regarding DDH in children among mothers and pregnant women in Makkah City, Saudi Arabia. Method: In total, 406 women participated in an electronic survey. The survey questions were adapted from previously published research, and the questionnaire was available in Arabic. Results: The age distribution of the participants ranged from below 20 to over 50 years, with the largest group being 31-40 years old. Most of the participants had a university-level education (61.1%). The overall assessment showed a predominance of poor knowledge (41.1%), followed by good knowledge (34.7%), and then medium knowledge (24.1%). Conclusion: The present study revealed significant knowledge gaps and barriers to the early detection and intervention of DDH among Makkah City mothers and pregnant women. The findings underscore the need for targeted educational campaigns, increased access to screening programs, and heightened healthcare provider knowledge to improve DDH's perception and awareness. Future interventions should focus on addressing these gaps and promoting early detection and intervention strategies to minimize the long-term consequences of DDH.