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Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with mortality and morbidity worldwide. Accumulating pre-clinical and clinical data suggests TBI is the leading extrinsic cause of progressive neurodegeneration. Neurological deterioration after either a single moderate-severe TBI or repetitive mild TBI often resembles dementia in aged populations; however, no currently approved therapies adequately mitigate neurodegeneration. Inflammation correlates with neurodegenerative changes and cognitive dysfunction for years post-TBI, suggesting a potential association between immune activation and both age- and TBI-induced cognitive decline. Inflammaging, a chronic, low-grade sterile inflammation associated with natural aging, promotes cognitive decline. Cellular senescence and the subsequent development of a senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP) promotes inflammaging and cognitive aging, although the functional association between senescent cells and neurodegeneration is poorly defined after TBI. In this mini-review, we provide an overview of the pre-clinical and clinical evidence linking cellular senescence with poor TBI outcomes. We also discuss the current knowledge and future potential for senotherapeutics, including senolytics and senomorphics, which kill and/or modulate senescent cells, as potential therapeutics after TBI.

Background. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a prevalent pathogen associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In Lebanon, MRSA rates have recently started to rise. We aimed to determine risk factors for acquiring MRSA and Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) infections and identify independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality among patients with S. aureus infection. Methods. We used a case-case-control study design that included patients with infections and compared them to uninfected controls. Two multivariable regression models were constructed to determine variables associated with acquiring MRSA and MSSA infections. We explored independent predictors of mortality in the overall population compared with the MRSA subgroup. Results. 356 patients with S. aureus infections were identified and compared to 208 uninfected controls. A recent history of surgery and underlying diabetes were independent risk factors for acquiring both infections. Having a urinary catheter for more than 6 days and steroid therapy were unique risk factors for MRSA infection (aOR 28.1, 95% CI 3.5-223.6 and 3.7, 95% CI 1.6-8.7, respectively). Risk factors exclusively associated with MRSA infection included ICU admission, acute renal failure, and malignancy. Conclusions. Risk factors associated with MRSA infection are distinct from those associated with MSSA infection. This can be used to risk stratify patients and will aid in choosing empirical antibiotic therapy.

Abstract Background Although cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak repair of the anterior and middle skull base defect by endonasal endoscopic surgery (EES) presents one of the more difficult challenges, it has shown high success rates with less morbidity. Our objective is to evaluate the outcomes of transnasal endoscopic repair of CSF leak regarding success rate, impact on olfaction, and sinonasal function. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate the CSF leak repair outcomes related to the site, size of the defect, surgical techniques, and the materials that been used through Smell Identification Test (SIT), 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), Perioperative Sinus Endoscopy score (POSE), and Lund-MacKay Scoring (LM) of CT scan. Results Twenty-one patients were enrolled in the study; 12 out of 21 were females with a higher prevalence of traumatic causes of 61.9%. Different techniques and materials were used for the repair with a success rate recorded at 90.5% after the first closure attempt. The mean standard deviation (SD) scores postoperatively (after 6 months) was markedly decreased in SNOT 22 with mean (SD) 5.55 ± 3.6, slightly increase in POSE (mean ± SD = 0.43 ± 0.6), and slightly decrease in SIT (mean ± SD =10.31 ± 4.7) and LM (mean ± SD = 0.57 ± 0.7). Conclusion Transnasal endoscopic CSF leak repair is an effective technique for skull base defect closure with a high success rate and no valuable morbidity to sinonasal function other than mild hyposmia in patients where nasoseptal (NSF) and septal flap have been used. Trial registration The study was approved by the institutional review board and ethics committee of (The Arab Board of Health Specializations) with order no. (453) on 1April 2018.

Acquiring competence in psychotherapy is a mandatory part of psychiatric training in the UK. Within their first 3 years of 'Core Psychiatry' training, doctors are expected to deliver both short‐term and long‐term psychotherapy treatments, supervised by the local Medical Psychotherapy tutor. During the Covid‐19 pandemic, these treatments and their supervisions were carried out remotely. This pan‐London qualitative research study, commissioned by the Health Education England London School of Psychiatry, aimed to explore trainees' and trainers' experiences of the psychotherapy curriculum within Core Psychiatric training, as well as their experiences of remote work during the pandemic. Seventeen participants were interviewed (out of 19 who came forward), including both trainees and trainers working within the London region. Thematic analysis of the transcripts of the semi‐structured interviews identified five main themes with associated sub‐themes. The results suggest that trainees found their psychotherapy experience to be enriching. However, there is work to be done around barriers and anxieties faced by trainees, for instance concerning the impact of patient drop out on training progression. Remote work posed additional issues for trainers and trainees in addressing psychotherapy competencies, with feelings of disconnection and loss being prominent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a challenging medical issue that requires efficacious treatment options to improve long-term quality of life. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabis-derived phytocannabinoid with potential health benefits, including reports from our laboratory and others showing a therapeutic role in the pre-clinical treatment of AD; however, the mechanisms whereby CBD affects AD progression remain undefined. Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are recently discovered immune cells that initiate and orchestrate inflammatory responses. ILC2, a sub-class of ILCs, is proposed to have a role in cognitive function via unknown mechanisms. In this present study, we explored whether CBD ameliorates AD symptoms via the enhancement of acetylcholine (ACh), a cholinergic neurotransmitter involved in cognition that may regulate ILC2. 5xFAD mice were chronically treated by inhalation of a formulation of broad-spectrum CBD for seven months. ACh production, ILC2s profile, brain histopathology, and long-term behavior were assessed. Together, our studies showed that long-term inhalation of CBD improved cognitive function and reduced senile plaques in a murine AD model, effects that were associated with enhanced ACh production and altered ILC2s distribution within the CNS. These findings indicate that inhaled CBD could offer a cost-effective, non-invasive, and effective treatment for managing AD. The beneficial effects of CBD inhalation may be linked to increased ACh production and an altered distribution of ILC2s, highlighting the need for further research in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Tinnitus affects individuals' quality of life, and multiple surveys have been conducted to assess this effect. One questionnaire used is the Tinnitus Primary Function Questionnaire. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the Central Kurdish version of the Tinnitus Primary Function Questionnaire (TPFQ-CK). Subjects and Methods: We obtained permission from the originator of the TPFQ to proceed with this study. The English version was translated into Central Kurdish, following guidelines for the cross-cultural adaptation of health-related quality-of-life measures. A total of 205 participants who self-reported having subjective tinnitus for more than 3 months were included in this study. The TPFQ-CK and Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire (THQ) were administered to all participants. Additionally, pure-tone audiometry was conducted. Results: Internal consistency of the TPFQ-CK was reflected in the total score (Cronbach's alpha=0.933), and excellent consistency was present in test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient=1.000). The concordance correlation coefficient (concordance correlation coefficient=0.999) of the total TPFQ-CK score revealed high concordance and correlation between the two evaluations. The good construct validity of the TPFQ-CK was evidenced by the strong correlation (r=0.895) between the TPFQ-CK and THQ scores. Conclusions: The TPFQ-CK is a valid and reliable assessment tool for evaluating the influence of tinnitus on the quality of life of Central Kurdish speakers with tinnitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims In recent years, the presence of alexithymia in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has gained more attention, and several studies have evaluated this relationship. However, no clear conclusion has been reported yet. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to better understand the association between IBS and alexithymia. Methods We performed a systematic search on the medical databases PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus using predefined keywords to identify observational studies assessing the association between IBS and alexithymia. The included studies diagnosed IBS using the Rome criteria, and alexithymia was evaluated using the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) score. We used The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale to evaluate the quality of included studies. The primary summary outcome was the mean difference in TAS-20 scores. Results We included 7 studies involving 1,513 individuals in our qualitative analysis, with 6 of them included in our quantitative analysis. All studies were considered to be of satisfactory quality according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale criteria. We found significantly higher TAS-20 scores in IBS patients compared to controls (8.063 [95% CI, 2.554-13.572]). However, no significant mean difference in TAS20 scores was observed in IBS vs inflammatory bowel disease patients (0.884 [95% CI –2.536-4.304]). Conclusions We demonstrated that IBS is associated with an increased risk of developing alexithymia. However, our study did not show a significant difference in TAS-20 scores between patients with IBS compared to inflammatory bowel disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Left ventricular hypertrabeculation (LVHT) is a myocardial disorder with different clinical manifestations, from total absence of symptoms to heart failure, arrhythmias, sudden cardiac death (SCD), and thromboembolic events. It is challenging to distinguish between the benign and pathological forms of LVHT. The aim of this study was to describe the arrhythmic manifestations of LVHT in a large group of pediatric patients and to correlate them with genetic results or other clinical markers. Methods. We retrospectively enrolled 140 pediatric patients with diagnosis of LVHT followed at our Institution from 2013 to 2023. Data regarding family history, instrumental exams, cardiac magnetic resonance, genetic testing and outcomes were collected. Most of them had isolated LVHT (80.7%); in other patients, mixed phenotypes (hypertrophic or dilated cardiomyopathy or congenital heart disease) were present. Results. Arrhythmias were found in 33 children (23.6%): 13 (9.3%) supraventricular tachyarrhythmias; 14 (10%) ventricular arrhythmias (five frequent PVCs (premature ventricular contractions), eight patients with ventricular tachycardia (VT), one ventricular fibrillation (VF)); two (1.4%) sinus node disfunctions; two (1.4%) complete atrio-ventricular blocks (AVB), three (2.1%) paroxysmal complete AVB, one (0.7%) severe I degree AVB. Three patients received an ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator). Comparison between LVHT patients with (33 pts) and without (107 pts) arrhythmias as regards genetic testing showed a statistical significance for the presence of class 4 or 5 genetic variants and arrhythmic manifestation (p = 0.037). Conclusions. In our pediatric cohort with LVHT, good outcomes were observed, but arrhythmias were not so rare (23.6%); no SCD occurred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation and the dysregulation of numerous biological functions, including metabolism. Because of the potential implications of targeted therapies, the metabolic alterations seen in cancer cells, such as the Warburg effect and disruptions in lipid and amino acid metabolism, have gained attention in cancer research. In this review, we delve into recent research examining the influence of natural products on altered cancer metabolism. Natural products were selected based on their ability to target cancer's altered metabolism. We identified the targets and explored the mechanisms of action of these natural products in influencing cellular energetics. Studies discussed in this review provide a solid ground for researchers to consider natural products in cancer treatment alone and in combination with conventional anticancer therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Informatica (03505596) is the property of Slovene Society Informatika and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Petroleum Research & Studies is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aymé–Gripp syndrome (AYGRPS) is a multisystemic disorder caused by a subset of pathogenic variants in the MAF gene. Major clinical features include bilateral early cataracts, sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), and a characteristic facial appearance along with variable neurodevelopmental delay. Pericarditis resulting in pericardial effusion of varying degree has been observed in a subset of affected individuals and could represent a severe feature in neonatal or infantile age. Here, we describe a syndromic infant with massive pericardial effusion and craniofacial features that oriented toward the suspicion of AYGRPS, which was subsequently confirmed by the molecular analysis of MAF. Pericardial effusion was first observed prenatally and documented to be recurrent, progressive, and severe in the first months of life, thus requiring pericardiocentesis and surgical procedures. In this report, we provide further delineation of the minor clinical characteristics, particularly focusing on cardiac features of AYGRPS. A dedicated cardiac surveillance of these findings may help reduce the morbidity and mortality of this rare condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article aims to provide an overview of the consequences of dynamic soil-structure interaction (SSI) on building structures and the available modelling techniques to resolve SSI problems. The role of SSI has been traditionally considered beneficial to the response of structures. However, contemporary studies and evidence from past earthquakes showed detrimental effects of SSI in certain conditions. An overview of the related investigations and findings is presented and discussed in this article. Additionally, the main approaches to evaluate seismic soil-structure interaction problems with the commonly used modelling techniques and computational methods are highlighted. The strength, limitations, and application cases of each model are also discussed and compared. Moreover, the role of SSI in various design codes and global guidelines is summarized. Finally, the advancements and recent findings on the SSI effects on the seismic response of buildings with different structural systems and foundation types are presented. In addition, with the aim of helping new researchers to improve previous findings, the research gaps and future research tendencies in the SSI field are pointed out.

Background: The most chronic disease prevalence in the Iraqi population are type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension (HT). One of the important causes of these chronic diseases is obesity. Resistin (RETN) is a major link between obesity and insulin resistance (IR) or T2DM (which induces IR). The action of RETN on IR is mediated by Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4). TLR4 is a putative RETN receptor that has been suggested to participate in RETN-inducing inflammation and IR. Objectives: To study the association between serum RETN/TLR4 and IR in hypertensive patients with or without T2DM subjects. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 120 men that classified into four different groups. These groups consist of the following: 30 apparently control group, 30 patients with hypertension, 30 patients with T2DM but without HT and 30 hypertensive patients with T2DM. For all the subjects, serum RETN, TLR4 and serum insulin was estimated by using the ELISA technique. Results: Our results showed that mean levels of the serum RETN and TLR4 were significantly elevated in all patient groups when compared with the control group. Also, a positive correlation between serum RETN and TLR4 was found in hypertensive patients with T2DM patients. Conclusions: Serum RETN and TLR4 were higher in all patient groups when compared with the control group. In addition, a positive correlation between RETN and IR in all study groups was noted. Then, we suggested a close association between RETN and TLR4 and their positive correlations with IR.

The development of the technical efficiency for the growers will increase the quantity of the crop and lead to higher income and food supply and the improvement of living standards. On the other hand, there is no doubt that excessive irrigation in greenhouse cultivation has a significant negative influence on the crop and causes economic and environmental problems. The research used the method of analysis (SFA) and the application of the transposition function to estimate the levels of technical efficiency of the cucumber crop in Iraq for the production season 2021 under different irrigation systems. A questionnaire was designed for this purpose, and 100 samples were taken for farmers who depend on traditional irrigation and 60 for modern irrigation in Diyala Governorate. The results showed that most of the average efficiency using SFA during the production season 2021 were high. Generally ,the results explain that most of the growers in the Diyala governorate were adopting traditional irrigation as a result of poor financial capabilities. On the other hand, the results showed that farmers who adopted modern irrigation have achieved excellent production levels and are in continuous development.

Abstract Aims Children presenting with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in infancy are reported to have a poor prognosis, but this heterogeneous group has not been systematically characterized. This study aimed to describe the aetiology, phenotype, and outcomes of infantile HCM in a well‐characterized multicentre European cohort. Methods and results Of 301 children diagnosed with infantile HCM between 1987 and 2019 presenting to 17 European centres [male n = 187 (62.1%)], underlying aetiology was non‐syndromic (n = 138, 45.6%), RASopathy (n = 101, 33.6%), or inborn error of metabolism (IEM) (n = 49, 16.3%). The most common reasons for presentation were symptoms (n = 77, 29.3%), which were more prevalent in those with syndromic disease (n = 62, 61.4%, P

Résumé : L’étude des perceptions et des enjeux socio-sanitaires liée aux pratiques de grossissement de certaines parties du corps chez les étudiantes de l’université Alassane Ouattara de Bouaké, tend à faire comprendre les logiques qui sous-tendent les motivations des femmes à s’adonner à des méthodes afin de donner du volume à certaines parties de leurs corps. Le corps est saisi dans son aspect relationnel avec les autres et les médias. Les réseaux sociaux et les médias dans la promotion et la valorisation d’un prototype de corps appelé beau corps, invitent les jeunes filles à se plier aux standards esthétiques en vigueur. Cette étude s’inscrit dans une approche qualitative basée sur la compréhension de l’ampleur du phénomène de grossissement de certaines parties du corps chez les femmes. A travers des entretiens semi-directifs et des observations nous avons pu saisir les motivations des jeunes filles. Nous avons jugé bon d’utiliser deux types de techniques dans la conquête de nos données à savoir : la technique de boule de neige et la technique du choix rationnel.