Synthesis, surface activity, and corrosion inhibition capabilities of new non-ionic gemini surfactants.

Several environmentally acceptable non-ionic gemini surfactants are synthesized in this work using natural sources, including polyethenoxy di-dodecanoate (GSC12), polyethenoxy di-hexadecanoate (GSC16), and polyethenoxy di-octadecenoate (GSC18). The produced surfactants are confirmed by spectrum studies using FT-IR, 1HNMR, and 13CNMR. It explored and examined how the length of the hydrocarbon chain affected essential properties like foaming and emulsifying abilities. Surface tension examinations are used to assess the surface activity of the examined gemini surfactants. The lower value of critical micelle concentrations (0.381 × 10-4M) is detected for GSC18. Their spontaneous character is shown by the negative values of the free energy of adsorption (ΔGads) and micellization (ΔGmic) which arranged in the order GSC18 > GSC16 > GSC12. Based on theoretical, weight loss, and electrochemical investigations, these novel surfactants were investigated for their possible use in inhibiting carbon steel from corroding in 1 M HCl. Measuring results show that GSC18 inhibits corrosion in carbon steel by 95.4%. The isotherm of adsorption evaluated for the investigated inhibitors and their behavior obeys Langmuir isotherm.

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profile of Salmonella typhi infection in Iraq, 2019-2021.

INTRODUCTION: Salmonella typhi could infect the intestinal tract and the bloodstream or invade body organs and secrete endotoxins. It is endemic in developing countries. It is increasingly evolving antimicrobial resistance to several commonly used antimicrobial agents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was done at Iraqi Communicable Disease Control Center, where all confirmed cases of Salmonella typhi are reported, for a period 2019-2021. All demographic, epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients, comorbidities, type of samples, distribution of S. typhi by age and gender, time distribution in each year and profile of bacterial resistance and sensitivity to antibiotics were gathered and analysed. RESULTS: Most samples were taken from blood. The mean age of cases during 2019, 2020 and 2021 was 18.7 ± 6.5, 17.7 ± 14.1 and 17.3 ± 12.8. Males constituted 56.7%, 58.5% and 39.8%, respectively. Some cases had comorbidities. Most cases had headache and fever. Some of them had nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting and epigastric pain. The age and sex were significantly associated with years of reporting. The most months of case reporting were June-July (2019 and 2021), Jan. -Feb. (2020). There was an obvious increase in S. typhi resistance to ceftriaxone (92.2%, 86.1%, 88.8%) and ampicillin (77.1%, 76.9%, 81.27%). There was a gradual increase in sensitivity to tetracycline (83.1%, 88.1%, 94%), cotrimoxazole (86.7%, 86.1%, 92.2%), ciprofloxacin (78.3%, 90.1%, 87.8%) and cefixime (77.7%, 72.3%, 72.7%). CONCLUSIONS: There was a sharp rise in resistance rates of the S. typhi in Iraq (during 2019-2021) to ceftriaxone and ampicillin, while there were highest sensitivity rates to imipenem, aztreonam and chloramphenicol. The following recommendations were made: (1) Improvement of general hygiene and food safety measures. (2) Emphasis on vaccination and surveillance of Salmonella infection. (3) Rational use of appropriate antibiotics through implementation of treatment guidelines. (5) Educate communities and travelers about the risks of S. typhi and its preventive measures.

Prevalence of colistin resistance and antibacterial resistance in commensal Escherichia coli from chickens: An assessment of the impact of regulatory intervention in South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health problem largely due to the overuse of antimicrobials. In recognition of this, the World Health Assembly in 2015 agreed on a global action plan to tackle AMR. Following the global emergence of the mcr-1-associated colistin resistance gene in the livestock industry in 2016, several countries including South Africa restricted the veterinary use of colistin as the gene threatens the clinical utility of the drug. This study is a follow-up to the restriction in place in order to evaluate the impact of such policy adoption. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of antibacterial resistance (ABR), and the mcr-1 colistin resistance gene in broiler chicken over a 2-year period, as a follow-up to the veterinary ban on colistin use in South Africa. METHODS: A total of 520 swab samples were obtained during 2019 (March-April) and 2020 (February-March), from healthy broiler chicken carcasses (n = 20) and chicken droppings in transport crates (n = 20) at various poultry abattoirs (N = 7) in the Gauteng province of South Africa. Escherichia coli organisms were isolated and subjected to a panel of 24 antibacterials using the MicroScan machine. Screening for mcr-1 colistin resistance gene was undertaken using PCR. RESULT: Four hundred and thirty-eight (438) E. coli strains were recovered and none demonstrated phenotypic resistance towards colistin, amikacin, carbapenems, tigecycline and piperacillin/tazobactam. The mcr-1 gene was not detected in any of the isolates tested. Resistances to the aminoglycosides (0%-9.8%) and fluoroquinolones (0%-18.9%) were generally low. Resistances to ampicillin (32%-39.3%) and trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole (30.6%-3.6%) were fairly high. A significant (p < 0.05) increase in cephalosporins and cephamycin resistance was noted in the year 2020 (February-March) when compared with the year 2019 (March-April). CONCLUSION: The absence of mcr-1 gene and colistin resistance suggests that mitigation strategies adopted were effective and clearly demonstrated the significance of regulatory interventions in reducing resistance to critical drugs. Despite the drawback in regulatory framework such as free farmers access to antimicrobials OTC and a dual registration system in place, there is a general decline in the prevalence of ABR when the present data are compared with the last national veterinary surveillance on AMR (SANVAD 2007). To further drive resistance down, mitigation strategies should focus on strengthening regulatory framework, the withdrawal of OTC dispensing of antimicrobials, capping volumes of antimicrobials, banning growth promoters and investing on routine surveillance/monitoring of AMR and antimicrobial consumption.

The association between COVID-19 and atopy in Baghdad, Iraq, 2022.

INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has high morbidity and mortality especially in preexisting risk groups. In atopic diseases the IgE and eosinophils are commonly elevated. This study aims to determine the potential association between COVID-19 and atopic diseases in Iraqi patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study done in Baghdad on 112 patients who attended Al-Zahraa Allergic Center. Their demographic characteristics, total IgE, eosinophil counts and PCR result for COVID-19 were determined. RESULTS: The means for IgE and eosinophils were 245.7±260.1IU/ml and 444.5±117.1cells/microliter sequentially. Around 32.1% had high IgE level (i.e., atopic) and 11.6% had COVID-19. Among the atopic patients, 33.3%, 30.5% and 36.2% had atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and asthma respectively. More than half (58.3%) of them were male, 55.5% aged <45 years, 36.2% were retired or had no job, 69.5% were graduated from secondary school or more and 88.8% lived in urban areas. There is no significant association in IgE level between those with and without COVID-19, which means that exposure to SARS Cov2 virus could not be a trigger or exacerbation for atopic diseases. Also, there was no association between atopic patients with COVID-19 and those without it regarding type of atopy, age, sex, occupation, education, type of living area. CONCLUSIONS: Atopy is not a risk factor for COVID-19.

Effect of khat extract on color stability of digitally and manually fabricated provisional restorations: an in vitro comparative study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of khat extract on the color stability of five different provisional restorative materials (PRMs). METHODS: In this study, 50 specimens were fabricated from five different PRMs with different techniques. Twenty specimens were digitally fabricated of poly-methyl methacrylate (PMMA) CAD/CAM milling and 3D printing PRMs, while the other thirty specimens were manually fabricated of three different PRMs: PMMA self-cured (SC) acrylic resin, light-cured (LC) composite, and Bis-acrylic SC composite. Milling and 3D printing machines were used to fabricate the digital specimens, while the manual specimens were fabricated using a metallic mold. The material was placed in the mold, covered by a polyester stripe, and held between two glass slabs with a constant load for 30 s. After setting, the specimens were removed and checked. Ten disc-shaped specimens with 2 ± 0.3 mm thickness and 10 ± 0.3 mm diameter were prepared from each of the tested PRM. Then all the specimens were polished. Five specimens of each PRM were immersed in khat extract, while the other five were immersed in distilled water medium as a control group. The color measurements were recorded before and after 1 and 7 days of immersion using a spectrophotometer. The immersion media were renewed every 24 h and kept along with the specimens at 37 °C. The T test, paired T test, and ANOVA analysis of variance were used to analyze the results. The Bonferroni test was used for post-hoc multiple comparisons. RESULTS: The interaction between the tested PRMs, the media, and the duration of immersion time was statistically significant (p < 0.05). PMMA CAD/CAM milling PRM was the most stable in color, and this was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The LC composite PRM composite was the least stable in color and was statistically insignificant (p > 0.05) when compared to the 3D printing and Bis-acrylic SC composite PRMs, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that khat extract medium has a high staining ability on the tested PRMs. CAD/CAM milling PRM was the most stable in color and could therefore be used as a long-term provisional. The increase in immersion time was a significant factor in the color change of the tested PRMs. The color of the 3D-printed PRM was the most affected over time.

Glycomacropeptide Impacts Amylin-Mediated Satiety, Postprandial Markers of Glucose Homeostasis, and the Fecal Microbiome in Obese Postmenopausal Women.

BACKGROUND: Obesity with metabolic syndrome is highly prevalent and shortens lifespan. OBJECTIVES: In a dose-finding crossover study, we evaluated the effect of glycomacropeptide (GMP) on satiety, glucose homeostasis, amino acid concentrations, inflammation, and the fecal microbiome in 13 obese women. METHODS: Eligible women were ≤10 yr past menopause with a body mass index [BMI (in kg/m2)] of 28 to 35 and no underlying inflammatory condition affecting study outcomes. Participants consumed GMP supplements (15 g GMP + 10 g whey protein) twice daily for 1 wk and thrice daily for 1 wk, with a washout period between the 2 wk. Women completed a meal tolerance test (MTT) on day 1 (soy MTT) and day 7 (GMP MTT) of each week. During each test, subjects underwent measures of glucose homeostasis, satiety, cytokines, and the fecal microbiome compared with that of usual diet, and rated the acceptability of consuming GMP supplements. RESULTS: The mean ± SE age of the 13 women was 57 ± 1 yr, with a median of 8 yr (range: 3-9 yr) past menopause and a BMI of 30 (IQR: 29-32). GMP was highly acceptable to participants, permitting high adherence. Metabolic effects were similar for twice or thrice daily GMP supplementation. Glucose, insulin, and cytokine concentrations were no different. The postprandial area under the curve (AUC) for glucagon concentrations was significantly lower, and the insulin-glucagon ratio was significantly higher with GMP than that with the soy MTT. Postprandial AUC amylin concentration was significantly higher with GMP than that with the soy MTT and correlated with C-peptide (P < 0.001; R2 = 0.52) and greater satiety. Ingestion of GMP supplements twice daily reduced members of the genus Streptococcus (P = 0.009) and thrice daily consumption reduced overall α diversity. CONCLUSIONS: GMP is shown to increase amylin concentrations, improve glucose homeostasis, and alter the fecal microbiome. GMP can be a helpful nutritional supplement in obese postmenopausal women at risk for metabolic syndrome. Further investigation is warranted. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT05551091.

Immunopathological Changes Post-Infection with Enterobacter cloacae in Rabbits.

Nosocomial infections have serious effects on health conditions in humans and animals. The present study aimed to investigate the pathogenesis of Enterobacter cloacae post intraperitoneal inoculation in rabbits to investigate the immunological and possible pathological effects. A total of 42 rabbits were randomly divided into two equal groups (n=21). The first group was inoculated with 3×108 CFU/ml of the virulent isolate of E. cloacae intraperitoneally (IP), while the second group was injected IP with phosphate buffer saline and considered a control negative group. The animals were sacrificed at different time post-infection at 48/72 h, and at day 7 post-bacterial inoculation. The results revealed a significant increase in the concentration of TNF-α, especially in the infected groups. In addition, there were different pathological lesions in different organs of animals, mainly in the infected groups, which represents by vascular congestion and edema with polymorphoneutrophiles infiltration in the lungs, kidneys, and heart. This study is considered the first trial which aimed to observe the pathological changes of E. cloacae in vital organs in rabbits.

Segmental Testicular Infarction: A Case Report.

Segmental testicular infarction is an uncommon condition; it is idiopathic in most cases and the pathophysiology behind it is unclear. Patients usually present with a sudden onset of testicular pain, which mimics conditions such as testicular torsion and epididymo-orchitis in clinical presentation and can sometimes be mistaken for a testicular tumor on ultrasound, which can mislead some urologists to opt for an unnecessary surgical treatment. However, with proper assessment and reassuring tests, surgical treatment can be avoided, and successful conservative management can be achieved.

Pathological and Molecular detection of Mycoplasma ovipneumoneae in Sheep, Basrah Province, Iraq.

Mycoplasma ovipneumonea (M. ovipneumonea) are microorganism's causes atypical pneumonia in (sheep and goat). Mycoplasma is isolated frequently from pneumonic cases (lung, trachea, and nose) of sheep but can also be found in the respiratory tract of healthy sheep. This study aimed to isolate, identify, and pathological examination of M. ovipneumonea in sheep. Samples in the current study were collected from sheep of both sex and 6-10 months of age in Basrah slaughterhouse, suffering from respiratory signs associated with ocular, nasal discharge, and coughing. Nasal swabs were collected from the nose before slaughtering; other swabs were collected from the trachea and bifurcation of bronchus for bacterial isolation on PPLOs. Tissue specimens are frozen for DNA gene-based PCR analysis and for preparing paraffin blocks for histopathological examination. The bacterial cultures revealed isolates of Mycoplasma were positive on (PPLO) broth with agar from the morphological colonies of Mycoplasmaovipeumonea "fried egg" type colony morphology. PCR results revealed the 16S rRNA gene of Mycoplasma sp. The appearance revealed different stages of pulmonary changes like respiratory congestion, edema, and hemorrhagic spots on the surface of the lungs, and their air passages contained inflammatory exudate. The microscopic lesions represent acute fibrinous-suppurative broncho-interstitial pneumonia. M. ovipneumoniae was a prevalent respiratory infectious disease in Iraqi's sheep-Basrah province with frequent bacterial isolation, pneumonic pathological changes in animals suffer from different respiratory manifestations.

Antimicrobial resistance and mcr-1 gene in Escherichia coli isolated from poultry samples submitted to a bacteriology laboratory in South Africa.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and recently mobilized colistin resistance (mcr-1) associated colistin resistance among Escherichia coli isolates have been attributed to the overuse of antimicrobials in livestock production. E. coli remains an important pathogen, often associated with mortality and low carcass weight in poultry medicine; therefore, the need to use antimicrobials is common. The study aimed to determine the AMR profile and presence of mcr-1 and mcr-2 genes in avian pathogenic E. coli from poultry samples tested at a bacteriology laboratory for routine diagnosis. This is a first step in understanding the effectiveness of mitigation strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty E. coli strains were assessed for resistance against ten antimicrobial drugs using broth microdilution. All isolates with a colistin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2 µg/mL were analyzed for the presence of mcr-1 and mcr-2 genes by employing the polymerase chain reaction. For each isolate, the following farm information was obtained: farm location, type of farm, and on-farm use of colistin. RESULTS: Sixty-eight percent of the strains were resistant to at least one antimicrobial; 44% were multiple drug-resistant (MDR). Most E. coli isolates were resistant to doxycycline (44%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (38%), ampicillin (32%), and enrofloxacin (32%). None of the E. coli strains was resistant to colistin sulfate (MIC90 of 2 µg/mL). Only one E. coli isolate held the mcr-1 gene; none carried the mcr-2 gene. CONCLUSION: Resistance among E. coli isolates in this study was fairly high. Resistance to commonly used antimicrobials was observed, such as doxycycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and enrofloxacin. Only a single E. coli strain carried the mcr-1 gene, suggesting that mcr-1 and mcr-2 genes are common among isolates in this study. The prevalence of AMR, however, suggests that farmers must implement standard biosecurity measures to reduce E. coli burden, and antimicrobial use to prolong the efficacy life span of some of these drugs.

First report of Giardia lamblia in different animals in the United Arab Emirates.

The aim of this study was to detect and characterize Giardia lamblia in animals in the UAE. Eighty-seven fecal samples were tested for G. lamblia using the conserved fragment of small subunit (SSU)-rRNA by nested PCR. Giardia-positive isolates were genotyped for assemblages A and B using assemblage specific primers of the triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) gene. Thirty samples (34.5%) were positive for G. lamblia. Conversely, neither genotype A nor B were detected using tpi genotyping on the studied samples. Further investigations are required using higher number of samples including both human and animals in the country taking into consideration the analysis of other genotypes to provide more detailed understanding about the zoonotic transmission of this parasite.

Prevalence of noncommunicable disease risk factors among market traders in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Noncommunicable diseases have become a new public health priority in low-and middle-income countries where urbanization and lifestyle changes have approached what obtains in developed countries. AIM: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of noncommunicable disease risk factors among market traders in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State. METHOD: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out among adult market traders who were selected through a two-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from the WHO STEP-wise tool. Anthropometric measurements were taken along with blood pressure readings. Data were analyzed using Epi Info version 3.5.4 and a value of P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 271 respondents were studied with a mean age of 36.2 ± 13.3 years. Prevalence of hypertension was 26.6% and diabetes mellitus 9.6%. Overweight and obesity were observed in 26.2% and 31.0% of the population, respectively while inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables was reported by 88.9% and 69.4% of respondents respectively. Current alcohol and cigarette use was 25.5% and 0.7% respectively while 245 (90.4%) respondents were sedentary. Current alcohol use, inadequate fruit and vegetable intake and obesity were associated with hypertension just as current alcohol use, sedentary lifestyle and consumption of carbonated drinks were associated with diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus and their associated risk factors was high among these market traders. Therefore, there is need for focused preventive interventions in this neglected group.

A Comprehensive Review Study on Glomerulonephritis Associated With Post-streptococcal Infection.

Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) is an immune-complex mediated inflammation that used to be considered one of the commonest causes of acute nephritis amongst children. PSGN is characterized by the proliferation of cellular elements called nephritogenic M type as a result of an immunologic mechanism following an infection of the skin (impetigo) or throat (pharyngitis) caused by nephritogenic strains of group A beta-hemolytic streptococci, a gram-positive bacteria that enters the body across pores in the skin or mucus epithelia and is responsible for more than 500,000 deaths annually due to multiple subsequence diseases such as rheumatic heart disease, rheumatic fever, PSGN, and other invasive infections. After the infection, the formation of an immune complex of antigen-antibody and complement system will take place and will deposit in the glomeruli where the injury occurs and leads to inflammation. The manifestations of PSGN can be explained by nephritic syndrome manifestation. PSGN is diagnosed by laboratory tests like microscopy and urinalysis. The imaging studies in PSGN could be used to assess the possible complications of PSGN such as pulmonary congestion and chronic kidney disease. The management of PSGN is symptomatic. If PSGN is not treated, the patient may develop chronic kidney disease. The main way to prevent PSGN is to treat group A streptococcal (GAS) infections by giving good coverage of antibiotic therapy to a patient who has primary GAS infections to prevent the development of the complication.

First report of Giardia lamblia in different animals in the United Arab Emirates

@#The aim of this study was to detect and characterize Giardia lamblia in animals in the UAE. Eighty-seven fecal samples were tested for G. lamblia using the conserved fragment of small subunit (SSU)-rRNA by nested PCR. Giardia-positive isolates were genotyped for assemblages A and B using assemblage specific primers of the triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) gene. Thirty samples (34.5%) were positive for G. lamblia. Conversely, neither genotype A nor B were detected using tpi genotyping on the studied samples. Further investigations are required using higher number of samples including both human and animals in the country taking into consideration the analysis of other genotypes to provide more detailed understanding about the zoonotic transmission of this parasite.

Evaluation of the quality of fixed prosthesis impressions in private laboratories in a sample from Yemen.

BACKGROUND: Fixed prosthodontics require an accurate impression for the teeth and the area to be restored for the laboratory to fabricate the desired restoration without mistakes. This study evaluated the quality of impressions received by private laboratories for the fabrication of fixed prosthesis by describing the frequency of clinically detectable errors and by analyzing association between the various factors involved. METHODS: 165 impressions were collected from four dental laboratories. Jaw involved, type of tray, size of tray, number of prepared units, type of impression materials, techniques and viscosity in case of elastomeric impressions and type of prosthesis requested were recorded. Data referring to errors and visible defects including errors in finish line, in preparation area, in silicone impression technique and blood in impression were also documented. Factors affecting errors present were also assessed. Association between dentist gender and experience years and impression errors was assessed. Chi square and Fisher exact tests used to examine the association between categorical variables and outcomes. RESULTS: The total of error considering not immediately pouring as an error. Alginate was the most impression used. of impressions evaluated (50.9%), 97% were have at least one visible error; 92.1% had errors in finish line, 53.9% had errors in preparation area and (72.8%) of elastomeric impressions were have at least one error in technique. Blood in impression was detected in 52.1% of impressions. Significant association was found between material type and errors in finishing line and preparation area. Significant relationships were found between gender and errors in silicone impression technique (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, high frequency of detectable errors was found in fixed prosthesis impressions received by private dental laboratories. This high frequency is of serious concern, as this will result in poor fitted fixed prosthesis provided to patients.

An improved simplified rules Fuzzy Logic Speed Controller method applied for induction motor drive.

Fuzzy Logic Speed Controller (FLSC) has been widely used for motor drive due to its robustness and its non-reliance to real plant parameters. However, it is computationally expensive to be implemented in real-time and prone to the fuzzy rules' selection error which results in the failure of the drive's system. This paper proposes an improved simplified rules method for Fuzzy Logic Speed Controller (FLSC) based on the significant crisp output calculations to address these issues. A systematic procedure for the fuzzy rules reduction process is first described. Then, a comprehensive evaluation of the activated crisp output data is presented to determine the fuzzy dominant rules. Based on the proposed method, the number of rules was significantly reduced by 72%. The simplified FLSC rule is tested on the Induction Motor (IM) drives system in which the real-time implementation was carried out in the dSPACE DS1103 controller environment. The simulation and experimental results based on the proposed FLSC have proved the workability of the simplified rules without degrading the motor performance.

B cells migrate into remote brain areas and support neurogenesis and functional recovery after focal stroke in mice.

Lymphocytes infiltrate the stroke core and penumbra and often exacerbate cellular injury. B cells, however, are lymphocytes that do not contribute to acute pathology but can support recovery. B cell adoptive transfer to mice reduced infarct volumes 3 and 7 d after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAo), independent of changing immune populations in recipient mice. Testing a direct neurotrophic effect, B cells cocultured with mixed cortical cells protected neurons and maintained dendritic arborization after oxygen-glucose deprivation. Whole-brain volumetric serial two-photon tomography (STPT) and a custom-developed image analysis pipeline visualized and quantified poststroke B cell diapedesis throughout the brain, including remote areas supporting functional recovery. Stroke induced significant bilateral B cell diapedesis into remote brain regions regulating motor and cognitive functions and neurogenesis (e.g., dentate gyrus, hypothalamus, olfactory areas, cerebellum) in the whole-brain datasets. To confirm a mechanistic role for B cells in functional recovery, rituximab was given to human CD20+ (hCD20+) transgenic mice to continuously deplete hCD20+-expressing B cells following tMCAo. These mice experienced delayed motor recovery, impaired spatial memory, and increased anxiety through 8 wk poststroke compared to wild type (WT) littermates also receiving rituximab. B cell depletion reduced stroke-induced hippocampal neurogenesis and cell survival. Thus, B cell diapedesis occurred in areas remote to the infarct that mediated motor and cognitive recovery. Understanding the role of B cells in neuronal health and disease-based plasticity is critical for developing effective immune-based therapies for protection against diseases that involve recruitment of peripheral immune cells into the injured brain.

The effect of menopausal symptoms on the quality of life among postmenopausal Egyptian women.

Objective: The current study aims to assess the prevalence of menopausal symptoms among postmenopausal Egyptian women and their effect on the quality of these women's lives.Study design: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a tertiary university hospital between January and December 2017. We enrolled 350 postmenopausal women aged 45-70 years. All women were interviewed using the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire after translation into the Arabic language by a certified translation expert. The Mann-Whitney test and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare MENQOL item scores.Results: Low backache was the most common complaint among the study participants (86%). The sexual domain imposed the greatest impact on quality of life (mean = 3.12 ± 1.66), followed by physical (mean = 3.18 ± 0.92), psychological (mean = 3.08 ± 0.98), and vasomotor (mean = 3.01 ± 1.78) domains. Moreover, we found a significant positive moderate correlation between body mass index (BMI) and the total score (r = 0.689, p < 0.001). Multivariable linear regression analysis found that the best-fitting predictors for the MENQOL score were age (p < 0.001), BMI (p < 0.001), and exercise (p < 0.001).Conclusions: Physical symptoms were the most prevalent symptoms in this study. In general, older women, housewives, hand workers, less physically active women, and those of low socioeconomic status had poor quality of life.

Does transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation have an antipruritic effect in lichen planus? A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Lichen planus (LP) is a moderately prevalent inflammatory disorder that affects the skin and the oral mucosa, leading to a characteristic appearance and causing severe itching. AIM: To assess the potency of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as an antipruritic line of treatment in patients with LP. METHODS: We enrolled 30 patients with LP who had a history of recurrent relapses of confined pruritus forcing them to scratch or rub the affected area intensively. Patients were treated with TENS three times per week for 4 weeks. Severity of itching was estimated by visual analogue scale (VAS) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). RESULTS: There was a statistically significant decline in mean VAS score at weeks 2 and 4 of treatment compared with baseline (P < 0.05, with 74% of participants having an improvement of > 50%. Significant improvement in itching intensity also resulted in better quality of life, as there was also a significant reduction in median DLQI at weeks 2 and 4 of therapy compared with baseline (P < 0.05), with 65% of patients having an improvement of > 50% in median DLQI score. CONCLUSION: TENS may be an alternative safe treatment for LP-induced itching.

Hand injuries in low- and middle-income countries: systematic review of existing literature and call for greater attention.

OBJECTIVES: Hand injuries result in major healthcare costs from lack of productivity and disability. With rapid industrialization, the incidence of hand injuries is expected to rise in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, estimates of burden and validated outcome tools are needed for effective resource allocation in the management of these injuries. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the burden of hand injuries in LMICs according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, PAIS International, African Index Medicus, Global Health, IMMEMR, IMSEAR, Wholis and Bdenf, Lilacs, Scielo, WPRIM, and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform to detect eligible articles with no restrictions on length of follow-up, type of hand injury, or date. RESULTS: We included 17 articles after screening 933 eligible articles based on title, abstract, and full-text screening. There was significant heterogeneity and low quality of evidence. All included articles suggest that hand injuries were associated with work limitations for the majority of patients, and residual pain can further limit their activities. Direct and indirect costs related to treatment account for a major healthcare burden with limited evidence on estimates of long-term cost from disability. CONCLUSIONS: The present systematic review highlights the paucity of high-quality data on the epidemiology, management, and burden of hand injuries in LMICs. The data are heterogeneous, and comprehensive metrics are lacking. Because hand injuries can account for a significant proportion of injury-related disability, reducing the overall burden of hand injuries is of utmost importance.