Nutritional Genomics and Cancer Prevention.

The scientific innovations have emphasized the importance of diet for one's health and wellbeing. The genetic revolution has enhanced our understanding about the effect of nutrients on genomic and transcriptomic profiles and gene-nutrition interactions (nutritional genomics). Furthermore, the contribution of micronutrient insufficiencies and macronutrient excess is evident in the development and progression of many diseases, especially cancer. It is speculated that nutrients have capacity to implicitly affect the physiological and pathophysiological processes via gene expression various regulatory processes. Moreover, the nutrients are known to affect the cellular networks involved in cancer progression and cancer inhibitory mechanisms targeting apoptosis or impaired angiogenesis. The interplay of regulatory processes in physiological systems and nutrients provides basis for the nutrigenomics. The functional genomics data further argue that cellular and molecular processes involved in the cancer progression are possibly programed genes during early development which may persist into adulthood and become detrimental. The incorporation of the functional interactions between nutrients and the genome has revolutionized the field of personalized medicine and provided the foundation for targeted cancer therapy through nutrients. There is growing evidence on the beneficial impacts of eating habits on lowering the risk of cancer, even if it can be difficult to pinpoint the precise role of nutrients. The nutrigenomic information may provide bases to develop disease prevention and treatment via nutrition, at the molecular level.

Early Versus Delayed Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Acute Cholecystitis: A Single Center Experience.

Introduction: Acute cholecystitis (AC) represents a public health problem, increasing hospitalization costs, especially determined by the surgical treatment of these patients. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has become the therapeutic gold standard, the timing of the intervention: early (ELC) versus late (DLC), is still debated, impacting the results. The primary objective of the study was to compare postoperative outcomes between ELC and DLC. Secondary objectives assessed surgical outcomes from the pre-pandemic period with those from the Covid-19 pandemic. Material and methods: A retrospective observational study is presented of 266 patients diagnosed with AC who were admitted to Clinic I of General Surgery, County Emergency Clinical Hospital of T #226;rgu Mure #351;, from 2018 to 2022. They were classified into the ELC group ( 72 hours from the onset of symptoms) and DLC ( 72 hours from symptom onset) and were further stratified into prepandemic and pandemic cohorts. Data on clinical symptoms, paraclinical data, surgical details, and postoperative course were collected and analyzed. Discussion: The results confirm fewer conversions to open surgery and reduced hospitalization in the ELC group. The pandemic did not significantly alter the timing of surgeries or patient demographics. Conclusion: In conclusion, ELC for AC patients offers significant advantages, justifying its preference over DLC Despite the decrease in the incidence of AC hospitalizations during the pandemic, postoperative outcomes are comparable to those in the pre-pandemic period. Future multicenter studies are recommended for a broader analysis of the efficacy of laparoscopic surgery in emergency settings.

The relationship of diabetic retinopathy severity scales with frequency and surface area of diabetic retinopathy lesions.

PURPOSE: To assess the relationship between qualitative diabetic retinopathy (DR) scales with the precise numbers and surface area of DR lesions within the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) standard seven field (S7F) region on ultrawide-field (UWF) color fundus images. METHODS: In this study, we collected UWF images from adult patients with diabetes. Poor-quality images and eyes with any pathology precluding assessment of DR severity were excluded. The DR lesions were manually segmented. DR severity was graded according to the International Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy (ICDR) and AA protocol by two masked graders within the ETDRS S7F. These lesions' numbers and surface area were computed and correlated against the DR scores using the Kruskal-Wallis H test. Cohen's Kappa was performed to determine the agreement between two graders. RESULTS: One thousand five hundred and twenty eyes of 869 patients (294 females, 756 right eyes) with a mean age of 58.7 years were included. 47.4% were graded as no DR, 2.2% as mild non-proliferative DR (NPDR), 24.0% as moderate NPDR, 6.3% as severe NPDR, and 20.1% as proliferative DR (PDR). The area and number of DR lesions generally increased as the ICDR level increased up to severe NPDR, but decreased from severe NPDR to PDR. There was perfect intergrader agreement on the DR severity. CONCLUSION: A quantitative approach reveals that DR lesions' number and area generally correlate with ICDR-based categorical DR severity levels with an increasing trend in the number and area of DR lesions from mild to severe NPDR and a decrease from severe NPDR to PDR.

Genome-wide investigation and expression analysis of APETALA-2 transcription factor subfamily reveals its evolution, expansion and regulatory role in abiotic stress responses in Indica Rice (Oryza sativa L. ssp. indica).

Rice is an important cereal crop that serves as staple food for more than half of the world population. Abiotic stresses resulting from changing climatic conditions are continuously threating its yield and production. Genes in APETALA-2 (AP2) family encode transcriptional regulators implicated during regulation of developmental processes and abiotic stress responses but their identification and characterization in indica rice was still missing. In this context, twenty-six genes distributed among eleven chromosomes in Indica rice encoding AP2 transcription-factor subfamily were identified and their diverse haplotypes were studied. Phylogenetic analysis of OsAP2 TF family-members grouped them into three clades indicating conservation of clades among cereals. Segmental duplications were observed to be principal route of evolution, supporting the higher positive selection-pressure, which were estimated to be originated about 10.57 to 56.72 million years ago (MYA). Conserved domain analysis and intron-exon distribution pattern of identified OsAP2s revealed their exclusive distribution among the specific clades of the phylogenetic tree. Moreover, the members of osa-miR172 family were also identified potentially targeting four OsAP2 genes. The real-time quantitative expression profiling of OsAP2s under heat stress conditions in contrasting indica rice genotypes revealed the differential expression pattern of OsAP2s (6 genes up-regulated and 4 genes down-regulated) in stress- and genotype-dependent manner. These findings unveiled the evolutionary pathways of AP2-TF in rice, and can help the functional characterization under developmental and stress responses.

Scrub Typhus: A Clinico-Laboratory Differentiation of Children with and without Meningitis.

Neurological involvement in the form of meningitis or meningoencephalitis, although well documented in scrub typhus, has not been extensively studied in the pediatric population. We report the clinical and laboratory profile of 96 children with scrub typhus and compared those with and without meningitis. Twenty seven (28%) children had clinical and laboratory evidence of meningitis. The most frequent presenting features were fever (100%), meningeal signs (66.6%), nausea and vomiting (56.3%), seizures (55.5%) and altered sensorium (51.8%). The children with meningitis presented early and had significantly lower respiratory and renal impairments when compared with the non-meningitis group. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed elevated total leukocyte count (86.73 ± 94.50 cells/mm(3)), mononuclear pleocytosis (lymphocyte percentage of 76.85 ± 15.86), elevated proteins (108.33 ± 52.63 mg%) and normal CSF glucose (64.18 ± 15.92 mg%). We conclude that meningitis is a common and early complication of childhood scrub typhus. The CSF reveals a lymphocytic pleocytosis, raised proteins and a normal glucose level. These children respond promptly to appropriate antibiotics as do children without meningitis.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in community-acquired pneumonia: Diagnostic potential and its limitations in the COVID era.

Objective: To determine the diagnostic potential of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a POC marker to discriminate tuberculous from non-tuberculous CAP and identify limitations if any at a tertiary care centre in Uttarakhand, India. Methods: 225 patients presenting with respiratory complaints were recruited from the General Medicine clinics and investigated. NLR was noted at onset and correlated with final diagnosis. Results: NLR from both groups did not exhibit a statistically significant difference. The area under curve (AUC) exhibited an accuracy of 49.1% in differentiating tuberculous from non-tubercular CAP, and an anomalous effect of prior steroid exposure on NLR was noted as a limitation. Conclusion: The disparity of our results from previous studies warranted a review of literature which rendered a significant limitation of NLR. The NLR is affected by catecholamines, which makes the marker unreliable in patients with exogenous steroid exposure. This was not noted in the previous studies. We presume indiscriminate steroid usage in the pandemic confounded our findings. We propose that this limitation be accounted for in future studies so that NLR's true utility may be identified.

Right Hepatic Artery Pseudoaneurysm Post-laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Case Report of Endovascular Stent-Graft Management.

Gallstone-related diseases like cholelithiasis contribute significantly to global morbidity and mortality. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the gold standard for gallbladder removal but is associated with rare but severe complications, including hepatic artery pseudoaneurysms (PAs). A 72-year-old female presented with acute abdominal pain and upper gastrointestinal bleeding following a recent LC. Laboratory studies confirmed anemia with a hemoglobin level of 10 g/dL. Liver function tests were deranged, showing elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) at 209 U/L, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) at 472 U/L, total bilirubin levels at 3.29 mg/dL, and direct bilirubin levels at 2.7 mg/dL. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan revealed a PA adjacent to the right hepatic artery. Given the strong suspicion of a hepatic PA as the source of her symptoms, an endovascular stent was placed by an interventional radiologist. Post-procedure, the patient showed a favorable clinical course with cessation of symptoms and was discharged after eight days. This case emphasizes the importance of early identification of hepatic artery PAs following LC, a potentially life-threatening complication. It also suggests that endovascular stent placement can be an effective alternative to traditional transarterial embolization for managing these PAs. Additional research is needed to evaluate the long-term effectiveness and safety of these two methods in comparison.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards dengue fever among medical students in Sudan: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Dengue fever, a neglected tropical disease, exhibits a total seroprevalence of 27% in Sudan. During the recent outbreak, medical students actively participated in health education and community outreach programs. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of medical students regarding Dengue Fever (DF) during its current outbreak in Sudan. Design and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving medical students from more than 15 Sudanese universities, encompassing 11 states. Data collection took place between October 23 and November 10, 2023, utilizing a Google Form questionnaire. A convenient sampling technique was employed to reach students due to its accessibility and feasibility during the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Correlation and regression analyses were used to identify predictors of KAP and establish associations between KAP domains and socio-demographic factors. Results: Of 694 medical students, 11% reported a previous infection with DF. Among the participants, 58% demonstrated good knowledge, 74.1% exhibited a positive attitude, and less than half (46.7%) demonstrated good preventive practices. There was a positive correlation between knowledge and attitude levels with the practice level (p < 0.001). Gender, age, and previous DF infection emerged as significant predictors (p < 0.05) of the overall KAP level in multiple logistic regression. Conclusions: Our study revealed a commendable level of knowledge and attitude but a suboptimal level of practice regarding DF among medical students. This inadequacy in practice, particularly among medical students who are expected to set an example, is concerning and warrants further investigation.

Inferior Vena Cava Thrombus Associated With Renal Cell Carcinoma With an Atypical Radiological Presentation: A Case Report.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is characterized by the development of kidney masses, which can lead to various long-term complications. Among the extrarenal manifestations associated with RCC, the formation of a thrombus within the inferior vena cava (IVC) is particularly prevalent due to the substantial tumor burden imposed by the kidneys. In this report, we present an exceptional case involving an 80-year-old male patient who presented with an intravascular thrombus within the inferior vena cava (IVC), which originated from RCC. The diagnosis of RCC was conclusively established through core needle biopsy and subsequent tumor marker staining. Remarkably, despite the confirmation of RCC within the IVC thrombus through biopsy and tumor marker analysis, radiological assessments failed to reveal any discernible renal cell masses within the kidneys. The patient subsequently received treatment for RCC with a combination regimen of cabozantinib and nivolumab, which resulted in a noteworthy improvement in his clinical condition. The presentation of RCC in this report is notably atypical, given that the biopsy of the thrombus yielded definitive evidence of RCC while radiological investigations did not yield any indications of renal masses or a tumor burden within the kidneys that would typically be associated with RCC.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward depression among physicians in Sudan.

OBJECTIVES: The present study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of physicians in Sudan regarding depression. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among physicians who practiced at public and private health facilities in Sudan in December of 2022. An online Google form questionnaire was administered that included knowledge, practice, and sociodemographic sections of the depression attitude questionnaire. The link to the questionnaire was sent to a convenience sample of physicians through a variety of methods including social media. RESULTS: A total of 407 physicians completed the questionnaire. The majority (81.1%) had no formal training on mental health after graduation. A total of 43.0% reported difficulties in differentiating between unhappiness and clinical depression, although 48.6% indicated that they could differentiate between chemical and psychological causes for depression. Half (50.4%) did not feel comfortable dealing with depressed patients. Nearly 70% indicated that psychotherapy was a better option for treating these patients than antidepressants, but only 45.7% had any mental health services at their health facility. Physicians with prior mental health training (both pre- and postgraduate training) were more likely to provide treatment options for depressed patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates a moderate knowledge among physicians about depression, but also significant concern regarding poor attitudes and practices held toward the treatment of depression, and a lack of training. These findings highlight the urgent need for the training of physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of depression in Sudan.

Knowledge and awareness of harmful effect of substance abuse among users and non-users: a cross-sectional study from Bari Imam.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of substance abuse among adult population of Nurpur Shahan and assess the participants' knowledge and awareness regarding substance abuse. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the households of Nurpur Shahaan, adjacent to Bari Imam on the outskirts of Islamabad, Pakistan, during January 2010. A structured questionnaire was used and 200 adults of ages 18 and above were assessed about their awareness of substance abuse, its social effects and health hazards. All collected data was entered into SPSS ver. 10. The independent variables in the study were age, gender, marital status, social class, education level and knowledge of substance abuse. The dependent variables were substance abuse, type of substance abuse, attitude towards using and attitude towards quitting. RESULTS: Out of the 200 adults consenting to participate in the survey, 65 (33%) were reported to suffer from substance abuse, while 135 (67%) claimed not to be in the habit. Awareness about the dangers of substance abuse was higher among non-users (59.4%) as compared to the users, but 40.6% users continued to use drugs despite knowing that adverse effects would follow. Non-user respondents were more aware of the risks involved (75.8%) than the users (23.4%). It remained unclear whether anxiety and depression were an outcome of addiction or a defence mechanism to perpetuate maladaptive behaviour of substance abuse. CONCLUSIONS: Substance abuse is prevalent among the lower and lower middle classes of Pakistan, with a propensity among male victims, to blame external circumstances, which they feel are beyond their control.

Recurrent Left-Sided Pleural Effusions in a Patient With Chronic Lymphedema.

Chronic lymphedema can lead to several long-term complications. The causes of lymphedema can be primary, due to a genetic source, or secondary to procedures, trauma, or other conditions. Primary hereditary lymphedema, as in the case of Milroy's disease, is rare. Because of the condition's rarity, case reports mostly involve presentations to monitor for. Here we document a case of Milroy's disease in a 70-year-old woman with recurrent left lung effusions.

Virtual Reality Training Using Nintendo Wii Games for Patients With Stroke: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is a leading cause of disability. It is difficult to devise an optimal rehabilitation plan once stroke survivors are back home. Conventional rehabilitative therapies are extensively used in patients with stroke to recover motor functioning and disability, but these are arduous and expensive. Virtual reality (VR) video games inspire patients to get involved in their therapeutic exercise routine in a fun way. VR in the form of games provides a fruitful, secure, and challenging learning environment for motor control and neural plasticity development in rehabilitation. The effects of upper limb sensorimotor functioning and balance are the main focus of this trial. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare the effects of VR training and routine physical therapy on balance and upper extremity sensorimotor function in patients with stroke. METHODS: It was a single assessor-blinded randomized clinical trial. A total of 74 participants with their first chronic stroke were included and rehabilitated in a clinical setting. The lottery method was used to randomly assign patients to either the VR group (n=37) or the routine physical therapy group (n=37). The VR group received a 1-hour session of VR training for 3 weekdays over 6 weeks, and the routine physical therapy group received different stretching and strengthening exercises. The outcome measuring tools were the Berg Balance Scale for balance and the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (upper extremity) scale for sensorimotor, joint pain, and range assessment. The assessment was done at the start of treatment and after the 6 weeks of intervention. Data analysis was done using SPSS 22. RESULTS: The trial was completed by 68 patients. A significant difference between the two groups was found in the Berg Balance Scale score (P<.001), Fugl-Meyer Assessment for motor function (P=.03), and Fugl-Meyer Assessment for joint pain and joint range (P<.001); however, no significant difference (P=.19) in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for upper extremity sensation was noted. CONCLUSIONS: VR training is helpful for improving balance and function of the upper extremities in the routine life of patients with stroke; although, it was not found to be better than conventional training in improving upper limb sensation. VR training can be a better option in a rehabilitation plan designed to increase functional capability. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials RCT20190715044216N1; https://www.irct.ir/user/trial/40898/view.

SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with increased odds of insomnia, RLS and dream enactment behavior.

Background: Literature suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in poor sleep quality, especially among the infected population. However, literature regarding the effect of COVID-19 pandemic and SARS-CoV-2 infection on occurrence of insomnia, restless legs syndrome and dream enactment behavior is either scarce or unavailable. Methods: This study was planned to assess the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the occurrence of insomnia, restless legs syndrome (RLS) and dream enactment behavior (DEB). For this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire comprising of items related to demographic details, past medical history, and information related to SARS-CoV-2 infection was distributed through social media. Insomnia was diagnosed using clinical criteria. RLS, DEB, sleep quality, depression and anxiety were assessed using a validated questionnaire. Information regarding the use of hypnotic medications was also gathered. Results: Of the 1596 respondents, 37.2% reported disturbed sleep while insomnia was reported by 22.6% respondents. 27.3% of respondents reported RLS and 17.4% suffered DEB. The odds of insomnia were greater among males (OR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.03-1.58; P < 0.02) and among those who had SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR = 1.76; 95% CI = 1.42-2.19; P < 0.001). Similarly, SARS-CoV-2 infection was also associated with increased odds of RLS (OR = 2.48; 95% CI = 1.98-3.11; P < 0.001) and DEB (OR = 1.58; 95%CI = 1.21-2.06; P < 0.001). Insomnia, RLS and DEB were more frequent among respondents who required oxygen therapy, those who experienced loss of taste and/or smell, depression and anxiety. Prevalence of insomnia, DEB and RLS was higher than said prevalence among respondents with no history of SARS-CoV-2 infection, but lower than that of those with positive history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. 5.3% of respondents reported taking hypnotic medications before infection, 7% during infection and 5.3% after infection. Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2-infection-related factors in association with environmental factors have increased the prevalence of insomnia, DEB and RLS among subjects having infection. SARS-CoV-2-associated immunological changes, hypoxia and neurotropism may play a role in occurrence of insomnia, DEB and RLS.

Frequency of p53 gene mutation and protein expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of p53 gene mutation and protein expression in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) and to establish correlation between the two. STUDY DESIGN: Analytical study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Histopathology Department and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP), Rawalpindi, from May 2010 to May 2011. METHODOLOGY: Thirty diagnosed cases of OSCC were selected by consecutive sampling. Seventeen were retrieved from the record files of the AFIP, and 13 fresh/frozen sections were selected from patients reporting to the Oral Surgery Department, Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry (AFID). Gene p53 mutation was analyzed in all the cases using PCRSSCP analysis. DNA was extracted from the formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue sections and fresh/frozen sections. DNA thus extracted was amplified by polymerase chain reaction. The amplified products were denatured and finally analyzed by gel electrophoresis. Gene mutation was detected as electrophoretic mobility shift. The immunohistochemical marker p53 was applied to the same 30 cases and overexpression of protein p53 was recorded. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical expression of marker p53 was positive in 67% [95% Confidence Interval (CI) 48.7-80.9] of the cases. Mutations of the p53 gene were detected in 23% (95% CI 11.5-41.2) of the OSCC. No statistically significant correlation was found between p53 gene mutation and protein p53 expression (rs=-0.057, p=0.765). CONCLUSION: A substantial number of patients have p53 gene mutation (23%) and protein p53 expression (67%) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

What patients do to counteract the symptoms of Willis-Ekbom disease (RLS/WED): Effect of gender and severity of illness.

OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to assess different counteracting strategies used by patients with idiopathic Willis-Ekbom disease (RLS/WED). Whether these strategies were influenced by gender or disease severity was also assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 173 patients of idiopathic RLS/WED were included in this study. Their demographic data was recorded. Details regarding the RLS/WED and strategies that they used to counteract the symptoms were asked. The severity of RLS/WED was measured with the help of the Hindi version of international restless legs syndrome severity rating scale. They were asked to provide the details regarding the relief obtained from all the strategies they used on three-point scale: no relief, some relief, and complete relief. RESULTS: Of the patients, 72% were females. Mean age of the subjects in this study was 39.6 ± 12.6 years, and male subjects were older than females. Four common strategies were reported by the patients to counter the sensations of RLS/WED: moving legs while in bed (85.5%), asking somebody to massage their legs or massaging legs themselves (76.9%), walking (53.2%), and tying a cloth/rope tightly on the legs (39.3%). Of all the patients who moved their legs, 6.7% did not experience any relief, 64.2% reported some relief, and 28.4% reported complete relief. Similarly, of all the patients who used "walking" to counteract symptoms, 50% reported complete relief, 44.5% reported some relief, and the rest did not experience any relief. Many of these patients reported that massage and tying a cloth/rope on legs brought greater relief than any of these strategies. Tying cloth on the leg was more common among females as compared to males (45.9% females vs. 23.5% males; χ(2) = 7.54; P = 0.006), while patients with moderately severe to severe RLS/WED reported "moving legs in bed" (79.3% in mild to moderate RLS/WED; 91.8% in severe to very severe RLS; χ(2) = 5.36; P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Patients with RLS/WED use a variety of strategies to counteract symptoms. These strategies may be influenced by gender, disease severity, and cultural practices.