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U skladu sa rastućim interesom za proučavanje apoptoze u krvnim žilama, ovo istraživanje je jedno od prvih koje procjenjuje apoptozu u nativnim venama namijenjenim za arteriovenske fistule (AVF) u hemodijalizi. Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je procijeniti apoptozu u prethodno probušenim nativnim venama (istraživana skupina) u usporedbi s neprobušenim nativnim venama (kontrolna skupina) u bolesnika koji su podvrgnuti kirurškom postupku za AVF kao pristupu za dijalizu. Uzorci cefalične vene dobiveni su od 60 bolesnika prije postavljanja AVF. Polovica uzoraka bila je iz prethodno probušenih, a polovica iz neprobušenih vena. Iz distalnog dijela cefalične vene izrezan je dio duljine 1-cm, podijeljen u dva dijela duž uzdužne osi i pripremljen za imunohistokemijsku analizu. Imunohistokemijska metoda i kvantifikacija signala se koristila za procjenu proteinske ekspresije Bax, p53, kaspaze 3 i Bcl-2. Uzorci vena iz istraživane skupine s prethodno probušenim venama pokazali su značajno povećani izražaj kaspaze 3 i Bax u usporedbi s kontrolnom skupinom (p, In line with the growing interest for studying apoptosis in blood vessels, this study is one of the first to assess the apoptosis in native veins used for arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) done for hemodialysis. The aim of this study was to evaluate apoptosis in previously punctured native veins (study groupy) compared with not punctured native veins (controls) in patients who undergo a surgical procedure for AVF as dialysis access. Cephalic vein specimens were obtained from 60 patients before the placement of AVF. Half of the specimens were from the previously punctured and half from non-punctured veins. A 1-cm long segment was excised from distal part of the cephalic vein, divided into two portions along longitudinal axis and prepared for immunohistochemical analysis. Immunohistochemical assessment and quantification of signals was used to evaluate the expression of Bax, p53, caspase 3 and Bcl-2. Vein specimens from the study group with previously punctured veins showed significantly increased caspase 3 and Bax expression, compared with the control group (p

This work relates to the study of organ dose during a Chest computed tomography (CT). Organ dose has been simulated with the Monte Carlo Simulation code (GEANT4/GATE) using two computational phantoms Adam male and Eva female. Simulated scans were performed for helical mode, collimation of 10 mm and tube voltages of 80, 110 and 130 kV. The method “dose by region” used in GATE to calculate the organ doses was validated with maximal agreement of 7%. Organ doses for Adam and Eva were evaluated and contributions to effective dose were compared to those obtained from IMPACT CT and CT-EXPO. It was found that Eva lungs were more irradiated than Adam by averaged difference of 3 mGy. For breasts absorbed dose, the tube voltage increase effect (80–130 kV) was estimated to be around 71%, 74 and 86% for this study, CT-EXPO and IMPACT CT respectively. The largest contributions to effective dose were from remainder tissues (29%), lungs (27%) and breast (21%). Generally, the results show that organ doses obtained from software exceeded those from GATE simulations. This work attests the ability to assess organ dose by using a GATE “dose by region” actor, as well as, evaluates organ dose estimation errors inducted by commercial software.

Introduction The novel coronavirus, since its first identification in China, in December 2019, has shown remarkable heterogeneity in its clinical behavior. It has affected humans on every continent. Clinically, it has affected every organ system. The outcome has also been variable, with most of the older patients showing grave outcomes as compared with the younger individuals. Here we present a rare and severe variant of Guillain–Barre syndrome that complicated the disease in recovery phase. Case presentation A 60-year-old Afghan man, who had been recovering from symptoms related to novel coronavirus associated disease, presented with sudden onset of progressive muscle weakness and oxygen desaturation. Electrophysiological workup confirmed the diagnosis of Guillain–Barre syndrome, and early institution of intravenous immunoglobulin resulted in complete resolution. Conclusion Guillain–Barre syndrome has recently been reported in many patients diagnosed with novel coronavirus associated disease. While clinical suspicion is mandatory to guide towards an effective diagnostic workup, early diagnosis of this complication and timely institution of therapeutic interventions are indispensable and lifesaving.

Aggressive angiomyxoma is a rare benign and locally invasive mesenchymal tumor that is found most frequently in women at reproductive age. We report typical CT and MRI appearances of a 36-year old young woman with an aggressive angiomyxoma of the pelvis and perineum that was proved by ultrasound guided biopsy.This study describe the imaging features of theses tumors,wich may help to approch the diagnosis by their distinctive imaging with high signal intensity on T2-weighted image related to the myxomatous stroma and their characteristic of swirling or layering internal pattern after intravenous gadolinium contrast administration.We also review the CT and MRI features of this disease in the current literature.

Resume Objectif Etudier les effets des seances de relaxation respiratoire sur l’anxiete, la douleur percue et la satisfaction des patients recevant des injections intravitreennes. Methode Il s’agit d’une etude clinique prospective et randomisee incluant des patients admis pour des injections intravitreennes (IVT) d’anti-VEGF. Les patients ont ete randomises en deux groupes : un groupe avec relaxation ayant ecoute une seance preenregistree de relaxation respiratoire avant et pendant l’injection, et un groupe controle ayant recu l’injection sans seance de relaxation. Une analyse statistique a ensuite ete realisee pour evaluer les facteurs influant la satisfaction, l’anxiete et la douleur percue. Resultats Nous avons inclus cent quatre patients au total : 52 dans le groupe de relaxation versus 52 dans le groupe temoin. Le groupe de relaxation avait une plus grande diminution de l’anxiete que le groupe temoin (p = 0,03), mais des niveaux similaires de douleur (p = 0,86). Au total, 80,76 % des patients du groupe relaxation ont emis le souhait d’avoir une seance de relaxation lors d’une prochaine injection. L’analyse multivariee a montre que le niveau de stress habituel ainsi que la seance de relaxation impactaient le niveau de stress ressenti avant l’injection. Conclusion Les techniques de relaxation avant et pendant les injections intravitreennes diminuent l’anxiete chez les patients sans diminution de la douleur durant l’IVT. Les seances preenregistrees de relaxation respiratoires sont un moyen non invasif, peu couteux, facile a mettre en place et qui reduit l’anxiete lors des injections intravitreennes en ambulatoire.

IntroductionThe use of personal watercrafts (PWCs) has increased in popularity, size and engine power over time. Hydrostatic injuries when the passenger falls into water and the pelvic floor is directly hurt by the water jet remain rarely reported in literature but potentially lethal. Perineal, gynaecological and rectosigmoid regions present significant points of anatomical weakness to the force vector of the water. Biomechanical aspects on water-associated injuries on PWC may include disruption of the perineal soft tissues, inefficient anal sphincter and hydrodynamic insufflation.MethodsThis is a study involving a literature review from 1972 to 2020 using suitable search terms to identify all hydrostatic PWC injuries following PRISMA guidelines. Data were extracted from suitable articles on mechanism of injury, injuries sustained, treatment and outcomes.ResultsThirty-two patients with major perineal, gynaecological and/or digestive injuries due to hydrostatic PWC traumas were identified. Major risk factors were female gender (84.4%), young age (25.5 years), being a rear passenger and wearing a standard swimsuit (100%). The injuries were digestive tract only (81.3%), gynaecological only (46.9%) or combined (28.1%). The interdisciplinary surgical management must include a vaginal and anal exploration under general anaesthesia and an exploratory surgery. Vaginal repair (41.9%) may be associated with a transanal anorectal suturing for lacerations of the intraperitoneal rectum (40.6%). A defunctioning stoma was performed in 62.5% and consisted of a loop sigmoidostomy (43.5%) or Hartmann’s procedure (34.8%) depending on laceration complexity.ConclusionsPWC-related hydrostatic injuries are still rare but associated with a mortality rate of 6.3% which rises to 25% if initial haemodynamic instability was present. Expert guidelines such as adding an automated engine shut-off switch for the rear passenger and wearing a protective and safety clothing should be more widely respected.

Digital Mammography is used as a screening tool to discover breast cancer at an early stage, the benefits and harms of this techniques is under scrutiny hence and Moroccan regulations governing radiation protection of patients have been strengthened, the need to investigate the dose received during screening mammography and the risk associated. This study is consisted of examining 126 mammography projections, for 63 women. All examinations were performed with a full digital mammography machine, technical and exposure parameters were recorded, statistical analysis was carried out using Microsoft Excel in order to calculate local DRLs and compare them with international standards. Cancer risk has been estimated using BEIR VII report methods. The mean glandular dose MGD was 1,09±0, 45 mGy and 1,26±0,74 mGy for craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral oblique (MLO) respectively, DRLs were 1,34 for CC view and 1,36 for MLO view. Of the 100,000 women exposed, Lifetime Attributable Risk of cancer incidence has been found to be 0,76 for CC examination, 0.88 for MLO, and 1,64 for the full mammography protocol. Established local DRLs in this study are lower compared to that of United Kingdom and France and higher compared to that of Nigeria and Australia. A potential risk of radiation-induced carcinogenesis exists, and there is a need for optimization of screening mammography practices.

Intradermal vaccination with Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) protects infants from disseminated tuberculosis, and i.v. BCG protects nonhuman primates (NHP) against pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis. In humans and NHP, protection is thought to be mediated by T cells, which typically recognize bacterial peptide Ags bound to MHC proteins. However, during vertebrate evolution, T cells acquired the capacity to recognize lipid Ags bound to CD1a, CD1b, and CD1c proteins expressed on APCs. It is unknown whether BCG induces T cell immunity to mycobacterial lipids and whether CD1-restricted T cells are resident in the lung. In this study, we developed and validated Macaca mulatta (Mamu) CD1b and CD1c tetramers to probe ex vivo phenotypes and functions of T cells specific for glucose monomycolate (GMM), an immunodominant mycobacterial lipid Ag. We discovered that CD1b and CD1c present GMM to T cells in both humans and NHP. We show that GMM-specific T cells are expanded in rhesus macaque blood 4 wk after i.v. BCG, which has been shown to protect NHP with near-sterilizing efficacy upon M. tuberculosis challenge. After vaccination, these T cells are detected at high frequency within bronchoalveolar fluid and express CD69 and CD103, markers associated with resident memory T cells. Thus, our data expand the repertoire of T cells known to be induced by whole cell mycobacterial vaccines, such as BCG, and show that lipid Ag-specific T cells are resident in the lungs, where they may contribute to protective immunity.

This study aims to explore the potential of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) materials for the treatment of contaminated waters by organic pollutants, using a combined dual process, namely adsorption-photocatalysis. A series of LDHs of ZnCr-X where (X = Cl, SO4 and CO3) were synthesized and characterized by several techniques such as DRX, FTIR, BET, TEM, and UV-Visible spectrophotometry. The pollutant acid orange 7 (AO7) is efficiently adsorbed on the surface of the three LDHs. The adsorption depends on the nature of the intercalated anion. The adsorption percentage of AO7 achieved for the intercalated anions SO 4 2 - , CO 3 2 - and Cl−, was 25, 32 and 49.5% respectively. We find that ZnCr–SO4 LHD is the most effective photocatalyst for AO7 dye decomposition in the UV and visible range and its photocatalytic activity is preserved during three cycles of photocatalytic tests. Such remarkable properties allow considering ZnCrSO4-LDH as a promising photocatalyst with high activity, long-term durability and excellent applicability.

Antioxidants scavenge free radicals thereby prevent or delay oxidative stress and associated degenerative diseases. Antioxidant capacity of plant-based natural compounds depends on their molecular structure and type of radicals. We report here the content and composition (by HPLC) of Ixora coccinea Linn. root methanol extract (ICME) and its fractions separated by petroleum ether (ICPEF), chloroform (ICCFF), and ethyl acetate (ICEAF). Antioxidant capacity of all root samples have been evaluated by conventional radical scavenging (DPPH) and reducing power (FRAP) tests, as well as by electrochemical method using cyclic voltammetry (CV). In addition, antimicrobial activities of root samples were also determined against pathogenic bacterial strains. All samples showed considerable antioxidant activity, however, ICEAF and ICME were the most active samples in DPPH and FRAP, which were comparable to ascorbic acid and better than BHT. Both samples also showed potent superoxide anion (O2●−) radical scavenging activity in CV. All extracts displayed significant antibacterial activity against all test stains except Escherichia coli, where ICCFF showed highest inhibition against Shigella dysentriae. Both ICEAF and ICME contained higher quantities of total phenols, flavonoids, proanthocyandins and tannins than other samples. HPLC analysis showed that both samples contained 7 identified phenolic compounds, of which pyrocatechol, catechin, and chlorogenic acid were most abundant. This study highlights the importance of I. coccinea root as a natural source of bioactive molecules with potent antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.

The adenocarcinoma of the small intestine is a rare tumor of all gastrointestinal cancers often occurs on a predisposing ground we report the case of a 40-year-old patient chronic smoker has 1 pack year weaned 2 years ago, alcoholic weaned 5 years ago whose symptomatology dates back to 3 months by the appearance of epigastralgia and vomiting post prandial, Complicated by a high occlusive syndrome made of post prandial vomiting with abdominal pain all evolving in a context of alteration of general state made the patient was addressed to the service of digestive cancer surgery and liver transplantation of CHU Ibn Rochd Casablanca. The patient had an abdominal CT scan which showed duodenojejunal distension with incarceration of an undistended loop at the level of the aorto-mesenteric clamp. The patient was sent to the operating room in emergency, he underwent a segmental Greco-Resection of 15 cm taking away a jejunal mass under laparoscopy with extra corporal anastomosis latero-lateral jejuno-jejunal with at the exploration one notes the presence of a tumoral mass of 3cm mobile at the level of the 2nd loop jejunal stenosing responsible for a jejunal distension upstream measuring 4cm in diameter. The anatomopathological study of the specimen showed a moderately differentiated and invasive adenocarcinoma, classified as pT3N1Mx. The postoperative follow-up was marked by a deep venous thrombosis involving the ileo-femoral-popliteal axis of the ilio-femoral-popliteal trunk on day 2 postoperatively, for which the patient was put on low molecular weight Heparin at a curative dose with compression stockings and monitoring. The patient had resumed transit in the form of gas on postoperative day 3, with a correct assessment, and was declared discharged on postoperative day 6. The patient's file was discussed in a multidisciplinary consultation meeting and the decision was to undergo adjuvant chemotherapy and oesogastroduodal fibroscopy (FOGD) and colonoscopy to look for predisposing diseases.

Resume La phacoemulsification est la chirurgie la plus frequemment pratiquee dans le monde. Depuis quelques annees, cette chirurgie semble avoir atteint un plateau et qu’il n’y a plus d’innovations de rupture. Dans cet article, nous faisons le point sur les techniques alternatives, les dernieres innovations et les voies de recherche et developpement dans ce domaine.

The purpose of this study was to establish the diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for paediatric head computed tomography (CT) in Morocco and to assess the effective doses received during head CT examinations. The data of 1007 patients were collected retrospectively from Moroccan university children’s hospitals. The sample was classified per age group

High-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDT/ASCT) is an effective salvage treatment for eligible patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) and early progression of disease (POD). Since the introduction of rituximab, HDT/ASCT is no longer recommended in first remission. We here explored whether consolidative HDT/ASCT improved survival in defined subgroups of previously untreated patients. We report survival analyses of 431 patients who received frontline rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) for advanced FL, and were randomized to receive consolidative HDT/ASCT. We performed targeted genotyping of 157 diagnostic biopsies, and calculated genotype-based risk scores. HDT/ASCT improved failure-free survival (FFS; hazard ratio [HR], 0.8, P = .07; as-treated: HR, 0.7, P = .04), but not overall survival (OS; HR, 1.3, P = .27; as-treated: HR, 1.4, P = .13). High-risk cohorts identified by FL International Prognostic Index (FLIPI), and the clinicogenetic risk models m7-FLIPI and POD within 24 months–prognostic index (POD24-PI) comprised 27%, 18%, and 22% of patients. HDT/ASCT did not significantly prolong FFS in high-risk patients as defined by FLIPI (HR, 0.9; P = .56), m7-FLIPI (HR, 0.9; P = .91), and POD24-PI (HR, 0.8; P = .60). Similarly, OS was not significantly improved. Finally, we used a machine-learning approach to predict benefit from HDT/ASCT by genotypes. Patients predicted to benefit from HDT/ASCT had longer FFS with HDT/ASCT (HR, 0.4; P = .03), but OS did not reach statistical significance. Thus, consolidative HDT/ASCT after frontline R-CHOP did not improve OS in unselected FL patients and subgroups selected by genotype-based risk models.

A survey of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) was conducted in Morocco during 2015 and 2016 in three regions with varying topography, climate and vegetation (Meknes-El Hajeb, Ifrane and Tafilalet). ...

Objective To describe the spontaneous evolution of age-related changes affecting knee joint articular cartilage, walking speed and a serum biomarker of cartilage remodeling in C57BL/6-JRj wild-type male mice. Design Histological changes were assessed by the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) score (0=normal, 6=vertical clefts/erosion to the calcified cartilage extending >75% of the articular surface) in newborn, 1-week- and 1-, 3-, 6-, 9- and 12-month-old C57BL/6-JRj wild-type male mice, walking speed by the Locotronic system, and serum C-terminal telopeptide of type II collagen (CTX-II) content by ELISA in 1-, 3-, 6-, and 9-month-old C57BL/6-JRj wild-type male mice. Results Mean (SD) OARSI score significantly increased from 0.2 (0.3) to 1.3 (0.6) ( p=0.03) between 1 and 3 months of age and from 1.3 (0.6) to 3.3 (0.6) ( p=0.04) between 3 and 6 months of age. Mean walking speed was stable between 1 and 6 months of age but significantly decreased from 11.4 (1.8) to 3.2 (0.8) cm.s-1 ( p=0.03) between 6 and 9 months of age. Serum CTX-II content was maximal at 1 month of age, then decreased from 12.2 (8.5) to 2.4 (8.4) pg/ml ( p=0.02) between 1 and 3 months of age, remaining low and stable thereafter. Conclusions C57BL/6-JRj wild-type male mice showed continuously increasing osteoarthritic changes but delayed decreasing walking speed with age. These variations were maximal between 3 and 9 months of age. Maximal serum CTX-II content preceded these changes.

Background Because auricular reconstruction is a complex and relatively uncommon procedure, there are many patients that have had disappointing reconstructions. This study describes the authors' large experience with secondary procedures in patients with unsatisfactory or failed initial ear reconstruction. Methods A prospectively maintained database of all consecutive patients who underwent secondary total ear reconstruction from March of 1991 to December of 2017 was reviewed. Demographic data and outcomes were assessed. Patients with acquired absence of the ear were not included. Results There were 144 microtia patients that met the inclusion criteria. Patient age at the time of the secondary reconstruction ranged from 3 to 59 years. Follow-up duration ranged from 1 to 21 years. Primary reconstruction was performed with rib cartilage in 91 patients, porous polyethylene implant in 47 patients, prosthesis in four patients, and irradiated cadaver rib cartilage in two patients. All secondary reconstructions were performed with porous polyethylene implants. The alloplastic framework was covered with a temporoparietal fascia flap in 76 patients, an occipital fascia flap in 64 patients, and a free fascia flap in four patients (two radial forearm flaps in the same patient, one contralateral temporoparietal fascia flap, and one lateral arm flap). Fourteen patients (10 percent) had complications requiring revision surgery. Secondary surgery was successful in all but one patient. Conclusions These data represent the largest series of secondary total ear reconstructions. The use of a porous polyethylene implant is an ideal method for these patients because of its minimal morbidity and relatively low complication rate. Clinical question/level of evidence Therapeutic, IV.

An increased expression of oncogenic microRNA miR551b-3p (also known as miR551b) occurs in a subset of breast cancer due to genomic amplification of 3q26.2 locus. Using in silico and clinical sample analysis of breast cancer patient datasets, we identified that those breast cancer samples that encompass miR551b amplification express high levels of STAT3 mRNA and Oncostatin (OSM) family genes in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Furthermore, high expression of Oncostatin family genes associates with poor outcome in estrogen receptor- negative breast cancer patients. In this study, we identified a previously unexplored mechanism that miR551b-3p promotes breast cancer progression and tumor growth by direct interaction of miR551b-3p with STAT3 promoter thereby activating STAT3 transcription. As a consequence, STAT3 upregulates a cytokine Oncostatin and its receptor Oncostatin M receptor (OSMR) and their interaction further induces STAT3 phosphorylation and an autocrine self-reinforcing loop in TNBC cells. In this study, we demonstrate that overexpression of miR551b-3p promoted proliferation, invasion and migration, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and spheroid formation of breast cancer cells and its inhibition decreased the expression of miR551b-3p by inhibiting OSM, OSMR, IL6ST, IL31RA, phosphorylated and total STAT3 in breast cancer cells and reduced tumor cell growth. Overall, our results provide the first evidence that miR551b regulates OSM family gene expression by activating STAT3 and thereby promoting tumor cell growth and metastasis in breast cancer cells. Therefore, targeting miR-551b-3p-STAT3-OSMR axis and inhibiting their levels will provide an unprecedented therapeutic opportunity in breast cancer. Citation Format: Anjali Geethadevi, Deepak Parashar, Miriam Ragle Aure, Jasmine George, Changliang Chen, Jyotsna Mishra, Andliena Tahiri, Bindu Nair, Amadou Camara, Vessela N Kristensen, Sunila Pradeep, Pradeep Chaluvally Raghavan. miR551b-3p promotes Oncostatin M signaling in breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-05-04.

Policy development on chemotherapy management has increased the demand for deeper knowledge in this field. In this way, there was a need to identify, recognize the consumption trends of chemotherapeutic and prioritize the interest of regulatory bodies, as well as to design programs for health education. In 1978 for the first time in Kosovo, a Hematology Department was established within the Internal Diseases Clinic by Dr. Shaban Geci. In 2013 it became a Clinic of Hematology. The Department of Clinical Hematology deals with the diagnosis of hematologic and hematopoietic diseases including erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets as well as malignant diseases. Within the department is also the location for puncture and biopsy of the bone marrow as well as for ultrasonography. Methods: The study was prospective and was conducted at University Clinical Center of Kosova (UCCK) and is based on an anonymous survey designed specifically for this purpose. The subject of the analysis was the available space for hospitalization and administration of chemotherapeutic at UCCK, the existence or not of written protocols, and available technical equipment. Results: Respondents were asked how many nurses handle the administration of cytostatic at the clinic where they work. 48% of respondents state that 1 - 5 nurses deal with cytostatic administration, 52% of respondents say 1 - 15 nurses deal with cytostatic administration, while alternatives 6 - 10 nurses and 16 and more nurses were not selected by no respondents.

Dysplasia is a preneoplastic lesion. Histological diagnosis is based on the presence of architectural and cytological modifications, and dedifferentiation, which the intensity is variable. Dysplasia is commonly graded as low and high grade. We achieved a retrospective study of 90 cases of gastrointestinal dysplasia collected in the Department of Pathology of Hassan II university hospital of Fez, during a period of 3 years. The cases were reviewed independently and blindly without clinical information by two pathologists. Their diagnoses were compared to the initial diagnosis. Interobserver concordance in the diagnosis of the degree of dysplasia was evaluated. The average age of our patients was 56 years oldwithout predominance of sex. The interobserver concordance in the diagnosis of digestive dysplasia between the three pathologists was moderate (with a Kappa estimated at 0.42). Concordant diagnosis for digestive low grade dysplasia was observed in 50 cases of the 55 cases (90%) and only 18 cases of high-grade dysplasia of 35 cases studied (50%). The agreement for the low-grade dysplasia is more significant. However, there is significant variation in the analysis of high-grade dysplasia. This work reveals a moderate reproducibility in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal dysplasia lesions and mostly well marked for high-grade dysplasia.

Transition to being a parent is a stress-producing process that involves adapting both parents and their families even in the most favorable circumstances. Information on the level of psychological adaptation of women and family before and during pregnancy is very important as anxiety and the effects of accumulated life stress can directly affect individual and family well-being in the postnatal period. Especially for women or families facing multiple stresses and limited resources, ensuring security, understanding, compassion and direction may have a significant positive effect during this phase. A sample of 91 women immediately after birth at the Obstetrics-Gynecology Clinic (KOGJ) at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo (UCCK) completed two self-administered questionnaires. Initially, literature on postpartum depression was investigated. Two instruments for this paper have been selected from the range of instruments available for postnatal depression research literature: Patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS). The introduction and analysis of data is done with the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS), Version 21 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences—SPSS). Failure or frustration and sleep problems are the highest mean postnatal depression indicators 1.8. Then there is fatigue or lack of energy, increased appetite or anorexia and suicidal thoughts and self-esteem with a mean attendance of 1.7 in the post-depression indicator group. Depression or loss of hope and dissatisfaction or interest in activities are in the group of indicators with an average of 1.6. Movement or speech problems and concentration problems are the least affected indicators in the post-depression indicator group, with only 1.5. Our statistics show a relatively high level of postpartum depression, which includes women of all categories without taking into account the economic situation, the level of education or the number of births, the results derived from the correlation analysis which is non-aligning during the comparison of these categories. Involvement of nurses/midwives at a time setting of this phenomenon is a necessity for which to invest?

Summary: Genomic amplification of 3q26.2 locus leads to the increased expression of microRNA 551b-3p (miR551b-3p) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Our results demonstrate that miR551b-3p translocates to the nucleus with the aid of importin-8 (IPO8) and activates STAT3 transcription. As a consequence, miR551b upregulates the expression of oncostatin M receptor (OSMR) and interleukin-31 receptor-α (IL-31RA) as well as their ligands OSM and IL-31 through STAT3 transcription. We defined this set of genes induced by miR551b-3p as the “oncostatin signaling module,” which provides oncogenic addictions in cancer cells. Notably, OSM is highly expressed in TNBC, and the elevated expression of OSM associates with poor outcome in estrogen-receptor-negative breast cancer patients. Conversely, targeting miR551b with anti-miR551b-3p reduced the expression of the OSM signaling module and reduced tumor growth, as well as migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. : Parashar et al. demonstrate that the mature microRNA-551b-3p translocates to the nucleus for transcriptional activation of STAT3 gene. As a consequence, miR551b activates an autocrine signaling loop through the upregulation of oncostatin family genes, including oncostatin, and its receptors for the growth and metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer. Keywords: miR551b, oncostatin, STAT3, OSMR, miRNA-therapy, IPO8, RNAi

Background The occurrence of intestinal stenosis is a common and potentially serious complication of Crohn’s disease (CD). These strictures represent 20% of the surgical indications in CD. Endoscopic dilation is an alternative to surgery for endoscopically accessible stenosis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) in CD intestinal stenosis. Methods This retrospective, descriptive study realized between January 2015 and October 2020, included CD patients diagnosed at least 6 months before and complicated with symptomatic intestinal stenosis (abdominal pain, bloating, nausea and vomiting). Anorectal strictures were excluded. All patients had a cross-sectional imaging before intestinal dilation to determine the characteristics of the stenosis and exclude abscess and fistula tract near the stenosis which constitute a contraindication of EBD. All patients underwent an EBD during a colonoscopy under sedation by propofol. The short-term success of EBD has been established on both technical (passage of the endoscope across the site of stenosis after dilation) and clinical level (relief of intestinal obstructive symptoms). The long-term efficacy was defined by no need for surgery within 6 months after dilation. Results Twelve patients (6 males and 6 females), with an average age of 32 years +/-7.7, were included. The average interval between onset of CD and the onset of intestinal stricture was 8 years. Eight patients had a history of bowel resection. The stenosis was located at the terminal ileum or ileocaecal valve in 4 cases, ileocolic anastomosis in 8 cases. The stenosis was ulcerated in 9 cases, inflammatory in 5 cases and polypoid in 3 cases. All patients were on medical treatment corticosteroids, Azathioprine and / or Anti TNF. We performed 18 EBD, divided into several sessions depending on the degree of stenosis (1 EBD, 2 EBD and 3 EBD in respectively 11, 3 and 2 patients). Two patients required surgery for persisting symptoms. Technical success was obtained in 11 patients (92% of cases). Clinical success, defined by a disappearance of clinical symptoms with an HBI score of less than 4, was obtained in 9 patients (75% of cases). The mean follow-up after dilation was 23 months (range from 8 to 42 months). No major complications were observed in this study. Conclusion EBD is an effective therapeutic technique relatively safe for intestinal CD stenosis, allowing to delay or better, to avoid surgical treatment when the stenosis is well selected (stenosis

The most complications of the vascular access are: thrombosis, aneurysm, infection. Aneurysms can be either true, containing all layers of a venous wall, or false (pseudoaneurysm), lined by fibrous tissue and thrombosis. Aneurysm dilatation is one of the major complications of vascular access. The incidence increased with the duration of the usage, repeated puncture at the same or nearby site, and increased intraluminal pressure of the graft. We present an uncommon case in which aneurysm and pseudoaneurysm of the native fistula is caused by puncture, in both sides. Repeated punctures at the same site, may progressively weaken the venous wall resulting in dilation of the outflow vein. A 68- year-old Albanian women had been in a hemodialysis program for 4 years, using a left brachiocephalic fistula. The inflow artery, outflow vein, and the deep veins were examined in detail. During the study period the patient have had three surgeries, for aneurysm of hemodialysis access on one hand, and for pseudoanurysm of hemodialysis access on the other hand. But, even that the patient survived and everything went well. The idea of our paper was that in patients we have predisposition for the formation of aneurysm and pseudoaneursym, the medical staff have more frequent meetings, so that such cases are treated more specifically, with more frequent visits to vascular surgeon, with more frequent measurements of draining vein diameter and flow of vascular access. The K/DOQI guidelines recommend a regular program of monitoring and surveillance of the vascular access. Color Doppler ultrasound s considered a valuable tool in the preoperative evaluation and in the follow-up.

The regulation of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and glucose excursion has a sensory component that operates in a sex-dependent manner. Objective Here, we aim to dissect the basis of the sexually dimorphic interaction between sensory neurons and pancreatic β cells and its overall impact on insulin release and glucose homeostasis. Methods We used viral retrograde tracing techniques, surgical and chemodenervation models, and primary cell-based co-culture systems to uncover the biology underlying sex differences in sensory modulation of pancreatic β-cell activity. Results Retrograde transsynaptic labeling revealed a sex difference in the density of sensory innervation in the pancreas. The number of sensory neurons emanating from the dorsal root and nodose ganglia that project in the pancreas is higher in male than in female mice. Immunostaining and confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed the higher abundance of peri-islet sensory axonal tracts in the male pancreas. Capsaicin-induced sensory chemodenervation concomitantly enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and glucose clearance in male mice. These metabolic benefits were blunted when mice were orchidectomized prior to the ablation of sensory nerves. Interestingly, orchidectomy also lowered the density of peri-islet sensory neurons. In female mice, capsaicin treatment did not affect glucose-induced insulin secretion nor glucose excursion and ovariectomy did not modify these outcomes. Interestingly, same- and opposite-sex sensory-islet co-culture paradigms unmasked the existence of potential gonadal hormone-independent mechanisms mediating the male-female difference in sensory modulation of islet β-cell activity. Conclusion Taken together, these data suggest that the sex-biased nature of the sensory control of islet β-cell activity is a result of a combination of neurodevelopmental inputs, sex hormone-dependent mechanisms and the potential action of somatic molecules encoded by the sex chromosome complement., Highlights • Pancreas-projecting sensory neurons are more abundant in males than in females. • Male sex hormones regulate the density of peri-islet sensory innervation in adulthood. • Male sex hormones regulate sensory modulation of β-cell activity and glucose clearance. • Sex chromosome mechanisms regulate sensory modulation of islet β-cell activity.

Background Hyperparathyroidism (HPT) is a common endocrine disorder resulting from overproduction of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Usually HPT is caused by parathyroid adenoma (PA) or parathyroid hyperplasia (PH). Our aim is to assess clinicopathologic features associated with PA and PH in patients with HPT. Methods We retrospectively collected 29 cases of HPT recorded at the Department of Pathology of Hassan II University Hospital of Fes, Morocco, from 2013 to 2016. Results The mean age was 52.14 ± 15.7 years (range of 22–76 years), 13 patients (44.8%) had primary HPT, 16 (55.2%) had secondary HPT. The largest size of the resected parathyroid specimens ranged from 1 to 3.6 cm (mean of 2.26 ± 0.66 cm). Seventeen patients (58.6%) had PA, the remaining cases were diagnosed as PH. There were no significant statistical differences between PA and PH in age, sex, clinical presentation, preoperative serum PTH, or in parathyroid gland size (P > 0.05). However compared to PH, PA is more often a single-gland disease, found in primary HPT with higher preoperative calcium level (P ˂ 0.05). Conclusions In patients surgically treated for HPT, PA is associated with some distinctive clinicopathologic features. These findings could be helpful to pathologists and clinicians for appropriate clinicopathologic management., Highlights • Hyperparathyroidism (HPT) is a common endocrine disorder resulting from overproduction of parathyroid hormone (PTH). • Usually HPT is caused by parathyroid adenoma (PA) or parathyroid hyperplasia (PH). • Surgical resection is the main treatment of patients with HPT. • PA and PH have distinctive clinicopathologic features that are used to adapt patients' surgical management.

Introduction:Trichilemmal cysts are lesions originating in the isthmus of the hair follicle. They are more common in women and occur in 90% on the scalp. Presentation of case:A 10-year-old female patient presented with a hard, slightly painful, nonexophytic mass in the right cervical region (Ia). After surgical resection in healthy margins, the diagnosis of trichilemmal cyst was made on histopathological examination. Discussion:The age of the patient as well as the cervical location of this type of lesion is an extremely rare presentation of trichilemmal cyst. Follow-up is rigorous in search of a triad: ichthyosis, keratosis, deafness, particularly in this patient. Conclusion:Close follow-up in this clinical case is indicated because the risk of malignant degeneration and development of similar lesions is present. Keywords:Follicular cyst; KID syndrome; Trichilemmal cyst; Neck surgery; Trichilemmal carcinoma

Bacillus Calmette and Guérin (BCG), widely used as a vaccination to prevent tuberculosis, is also used as immunotherapy, by intrabladder instillation, to treat superficial bladder cancers and prevent recurrence. Complications following instillation of BCG are most often localized reactions, such as cystitis or hematuria. They can more rarely be generalized and potentially severe such as hepatitis, pneumopathies, aortitis, and localization to hematopoietic tissue. We have reported the observation of a 47-year-old patient followed up for a bladder tumor operated for transurethral resection of the bladder, then having benefited from an instillation of BCG therapy complicated by occurrence a week later of an acute hepatitis. The diagnostic time was 2 days, and the outcome was favorable with corticosteroid therapy.

Highlight • NET possesses pro-tumorigenesis effect on human breast epithelial MCF10A cells. • NET upregulates PGRMC1/EGFR and suppresses PTEN expression. • NET stimulates the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal pathway. • Overexpression of miR-181a abrogates the effects of NET., Background Research suggests that hormone replacement therapy may increase the risk of breast cancer, and progestins such as norethisterone (NET) play a key role in this phenomenon. We have demonstrated that microRNA-181a (miR-181a) suppresses NET-promoted breast cancer cell survival. Nonetheless, the effects of NET and miR-181a on the tumorigenesis of human breast epithelial cells have not yet been elaborated. Methods Assays of cell viability, proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and colony formation were performed to investigate the pro-tumorigenesis effect of NET and the effects of miR-181a on human breast epithelial MCF10A cells. The expressions of cell-proliferation-related genes and apoptotic factors were analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot in MCF10A cells treated with NET and miR-181a. Results NET significantly increased MCF10A cell viability, proliferation, migration, and colony formation, but reduced cellular apoptosis. In addition, NET increased the expression of progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1), EGFR, B-cell lymphoma 2, cyclin D1, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen, but decreased the expression of pro-apoptosis factors, such as Bax, caspase-7, and caspase-9. Overexpression of miR-181a strongly inhibited the effects of NET on MCF10A cells and abrogated NET-stimulated PGRMC1, EGFR, and mTOR expression. Conclusions Activation of the PGRMC1/EGFR–PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway is the primary mechanism underlying the pro-tumorigenesis effects of NET on human breast epithelial MCF10A cells. Additionally, miR-181a can suppress the effects of NET on these cells. These data suggest a therapeutic potential for miR-181a in reducing or preventing the risk of breast cancer in hormone replacement therapy using NET.

Background Since the onset of the new coronavirus pandemic, the world is facing a public health emergency. Repositioning hydroxychloroquine (HQ) seems to be a promising option. Many emerging evidences have converged on the effectiveness of HQ in the treatment of Covid-19 infection. In a recent paper, Gautret et al. suggested that further works are needed to determine if HQ antiviral prophylaxis is useful, especially for healthcare workers. Methods The purpose of this paper is to assess the Covid-19 exposure and risks level among caregivers. For this, we performed research on internet and PubMed by crossing the following keywords: healthcare givers, healthcare workers, doctors, nurses, coronavirus, Covid-19, mortality, infection rate, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine. Results Data on healthcare worker's infection and mortality by Covid-19 are partial and are not systematically published. However, it seems that the infection rate varies between 3.8% and 9% depending on the country. Moreover, the mean age of this population is relatively old, especially in the OECD area. Conclusions Anti-Covid-19 HQ prophylaxis should be urgently accessed, especially for healthcare workers. It is to be hoped that HQ prophylaxis reduces the morbidity and mortality from Covid-19 infection among this population which is particularly exposed and relatively old.

This study explored the antioxidant activities of eight dry fruits (almond, apricot, cashew, figs, peanut, pistachio, raisins, and walnut) against electrochemically generated superoxide anion radical (O2·−) in a cyclic voltammetric cell. The HPLC profiling of phenolic aglycones was carried out to determine the antioxidant compounds present in these extracts. Most of the dry fruits showed strong O2·− scavenging activity quantitated in terms of IC50 (concentration for 50% inhibition) and antioxidant activity coefficient (Kao). The antiradical activity followed the descending order: apricot > raisins > walnuts > figs > pistachio > peanut > almond > cashew. Based on experimental observations, the interaction mechanism of O2·− with the –OH-bearing compounds, present in the dry fruit extracts, has been proposed. This mechanism showed the relative proton transfer (H+) ability of all the dry fruit extracts. Electrochemically, it is reversible charge transfer followed by irreversible chemical step (ErCi). HPLC profiling showed seven phenolic aglycones (pyrocatechol, gallic acid, catechin, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, coumaric acid, and sinapic acid) in all the dry fruits. Among these, walnut was the only fruit that contained all identified compounds, while the rest contained gallic acid, catechin, caffeic acid, and coumaric acid as major compounds.

Echinococcus granulosus is the etiological agent of cystic echinococcosis (CE), also commonly called hydatidosis. This is a zoonotic infection endemic worldwide, including the Mediterranean basin and Morocco. The genetic variability of Echinococcus granulosus is known to influence development of parasitic cysts in different intermediate hosts, and therefore the epidemiology of infection. Molecular studies have identified nine genotypes of Echinococcus granulosus, eight of them affect humans, grouped today in four distinct species. In Morocco, molecular studies on CE cysts from animals showed the presence, for the large majority of cases, of the G1 genotype (« sheep strain » or Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto), which is also the cause of the majority of human infections worldwide, and to a lesser extent of the other genotypes (G2 and G3) within Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto complex. However, so far no genotyping of echinococcal cysts in Morocco has been carried out. We collected CE cysts material from 15 patients diagnosed with abdominal CE in the Meknès-Tafilalt region, Middle Atlas of Morocco, and an endemic area and genotyped by multiplex PCR. The only five cysts from which it was possible to successfully amplify the DNA were all belonging to the G1–G3 genotype, in line with the epidemiology of CE in animals in the same area. Our results add new information, on the human side, to the epidemiological picture of CE in the region, which are important in the context of any control plan for the infection.

We report secnidazole-sulfonates (nine examples), two synthesis methods which provided moderate to good yields (50–87%) and pure products. The purity of all compounds was confirmed by the spectroscopic methods. All the molecules were investigated by the cyclic voltammetry (CV) and showed variable electroreduction. For the first time, all the compounds were tested and compared with secnidazole for the antibacterial and antifungal properties. Some of the tested compounds have better or unique antibacterial (M1, M5) and antifungal (M4, M5, M6 and M7) properties when compared with the parent secnidazole. The compound M5 exhibited moderate to high antifungal and antibacterial activities when compared to the secnidazole, therefore a good candidate for future research. The study provided new model compounds for pathogen related disease prevention applications.

The use of a porous polyethylene implant covered with a well-vascularized fascial flap allows ear reconstruction at an early age (before school) with minimal morbidity and psychological trauma. Excellent outcomes with minimal morbidity can be obtained using this technique. This type of microtia reconstruction provides a more holistic approach because it is done at a younger age, in a single stage, as an outpatient and could address the functional hearing issues earlier.