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Abstract Background Large conductance calcium-activated potassium (BKCa) channels have been implicated in the neurobiological underpinnings of migraine. Considering the clinical similarities between migraine and persistent post-traumatic headache (PPTH), we aimed to examine whether MaxiPost (a BKCa channel opener) could induce migraine-like headache in persons with PPTH. Methods This is a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-way crossover study from September 2023 to December 2023. Eligible participants were adults with PPTH after mild traumatic brain injury who reported having no personal history of migraine. The randomized participants received a single dose of either MaxiPost (0.05 mg/min) or placebo (isotonic saline) that was infused intravenously over 20 minutes. The two experiment sessions were scheduled at least one week apart to avoid potential carryover effects. The primary endpoint was the induction of migraine-like headache after MaxiPost as compared to placebo within 12 hours of drug administration. The secondary endpoint was the area under the curve (AUC) values for headache intensity scores between MaxiPost and placebo over the same 12-hour observation period. Results Twenty-one adult participants (comprising 14 females and 7 males) with PPTH were enrolled and completed both experiment sessions. The proportion of participants who developed migraine-like headache was 11 (52%) of 21 participants after MaxiPost infusion, in contrast to four (19%) participants following placebo (P = .02). Furthermore, the median headache intensity scores, represented by AUC values, were higher following MaxiPost than after placebo (P < .001). Conclusions Our results indicate that BKCa channel opening can elicit migraine-like headache in persons with PPTH. Thus, pharmacologic blockade of BKCa channels might present a novel avenue for drug discovery. Additional investigations are nonetheless needed to confirm these insights and explore the therapeutic prospects of BKCa channel blockers in managing PPTH. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT05378074.

Abstract Background Phosphodiesterase 3 (PDE-3) inhibition have been implicated in the neurobiologic underpinnings of migraine. Considering the clinical similarities between migraine and persistent post-traumatic headache (PPTH), we aimed to ascertain whether PDE-3 inhibition can elicit migraine-like headache in persons with PPTH. Methods We tested cilostazol, which inhibits PDE-3, in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-way crossover study involving persons with PPTH attributed to mild traumatic brain injury. The randomized participants were allocated to receive oral administration of either 200-mg cilostazol or placebo (calcium tablet) on two separate experiment days. The primary end point was the incidence of migraine-like headache during a 12-hour observation window post-ingestion. The secondary endpoint was the area under the curve (AUC) for reported headache intensity scores during the same observation window. Results Twenty-one persons underwent randomization and completed both experiment days. The mean participants’ age was 41.4 years, and most (n = 17) were females. During the 12-hour observation window, 14 (67%) of 21 participants developed migraine-like headache post-cilostazol, in contrast to three (14%) participants after placebo (P =.003). The headache intensity scores were higher post-cilostazol than after placebo (P

In this work, the impact of thiourea (TU) concentration (0.1, 0.15, and 0.2) M on the structure, surface topography, and morphology of CdS-PVA nanocomposites NCs thin film was investigated. Crystal structure (XRD) results revealed that all films had a polycrystalline structure of CdS phase with the presence of PVA wide peak at 2θ 22°. The crystallite size was increased (10–14) nm with an increase in the TU concentrations. The AFM results revealed that the film's roughness and the Root Mean Square (RMS) roughness was increased as TU concentrations increased. The FESEM results showed that the surface morphology of CdS-PVA films tends to be porous structures, and the pore size increases with the increase of TU concentration. The fabricated CdS-PVA nanocomposite gas sensors were tested at operating temperatures of (100, 200, and 300) °C. The results showed a high sensitivity for NO2 gas at an operating temperature of 200 °C for the TU concentration of 0.2 M and the sensitivity increased as the NO2 gas concentration increased. The novel results are connected with the fabrication of CdS-PVA nanocomposites as good nitrogen dioxide sensors.

Abstract Background About one-third of persons with migraine experience transient neurologic symptoms, referred to as aura. Despite its widespread prevalence, comprehensive clinical descriptions of migraine with aura remain sparse. Therefore, we aimed to provide an in-depth phenotypic analysis of aura symptoms and characteristics in a cross-sectional study of a large sample of adults diagnosed with migraine with aura. Methods Data were extracted from the baseline characteristics of participants in the Registry for Migraine (REFORM) study – a single-center, prospective, longitudinal cohort study. Participants were adults diagnosed with migraine aura, reporting ≥ 4 monthly migraine days in the preceding 3 months. Trained personnel conducted in-person semi-structured interviews, capturing details on the nature, duration, localization, and progression of individual aura symptoms. Results Of the 227 enrolled participants with migraine with aura, the mean age was 41.1 years, with a predominant female representation (n = 205 [90.3%]). Visual aura was present in 215 (94.7%) participants, somatosensory aura in 81 (35.7%), and speech and/or language aura in 31 (13.7%). A single type of aura was observed in 148 (65.2%) participants, whilst 79 (34.8%) reported multiple aura types. Most participants (n = 220 [96.9%]) described their aura symptoms as positive or gradually spreading. Headache in relation to aura was noted by 218 (96.0%) participants, with 177 (80.8%) stating that the onset of aura symptoms preceded the onset of headache. Conclusions This study offers a detailed clinical depiction of persons with migraine with aura, who were predominantly enrolled from a tertiary care unit. The findings highlight potential gaps in the available literature on migraine with aura and should bolster clinicians’ acumen in diagnosing migraine with aura in clinical settings.

Abstract Background Migraine is a multiphasic neurovascular disorder, where headache can be succeeded by postdromal symptoms. However, there are limited research on postdromal symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the proportion of individuals with migraine from a tertiary care unit reporting postdromal symptoms in adherence with the ICHD-3 definition. We also aimed to examine how the means of enquiry might influence the estimated proportions. Additionally, we explored whether any clinical features might affect the likelihood of reporting postdromal symptoms. Finally, we assessed to what extend the postdromal symptoms might impact the disease burden. Methods In a cross-sectional study, we enrolled adult participants diagnosed with migraine who were asked to report their postdromal symptoms (i.e., unprompted reporting). Subsequently, a 16-item list was used to further ascertain the occurrence of postdromal symptoms (i.e., prompted reporting). Clinical characteristics were obtained through a semi-structured interview. Moreover, electronic questionnaires were used to assess the disease burden, i.e., the Six-Item Headache Impact Test (HIT-6), Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS), and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0). Results Among 631 participants with migraine, a higher proportion experienced at least one postdromal symptom when prompted (n = 509 [80.7%]) compared with unprompted reporting (n = 421 [66.7%], P

In this research, CdS/PVA nanocomposites films were prepared on glass substrates using the chemical bath deposition (CBD) method. The effect of thiourea (TU) concentrations (0.1, 0.15, and 0.2) M on the crystal structure, topography, morphology and optical characteristics of the prepared nanocomposites film was investigated. The crystal structure from (XRD) results of all films was seen to be polycrystalline structure in nature of cubic phase for CdS, and presents a wide peak of 2θ about 22o for PVA polymer. The CdS-PVA nanocomposites film crystallinity was enhanced and the crystallite size was increased from (10–14) nm with the increase of TU molar concentrations from (0.1–0.2) M and the (111) plane is the favored orientation. The AFM results revealed that the film roughness and root mean square roughness were increased with the increase of TU concentrations. The surface morphology results from FESEM micrographs showed that the CdS-PVA nanocomposites film surface tended to be porous at all TU concentrations and the pore size increases with TU concentration. The optical absorbance and Transmittance spectra revealed that the fundamental absorption edge blue was shifted towards the short wavelengths and higher energies with the increase of TU molarity concentration. However, the absorption coefficient values were greater than 104 cm-1 and the energy gap was raised from 2.13 eV to 2.43 eV for 0.1 and 0.2 TU concentrations. It can be concluded from these results that the porous CdS-PVA nanocomposites film was suitable for photovoltaic and gas sensing applications.

Abstract Background Although the involvement of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in migraines is well-established, its specific role in investigating the aura phase, which often precedes the headache, remains largely unexplored. This study aims to instigate CGRP’s potential in triggering aura, thus establishing its role in the early stages of migraine. Methods In this open-label, non-randomized, single-arm trial, 34 participants with migraine with aura received continuous intravenous infusion of CGRP (1.5 µg/min) over 20 min on a single experimental day. Participants were required to be free of headache and report no use of acute medications 24 h before infusion start. The primary endpoint was the incidence of migraine aura during the 12-hour observational period after the start of infusion. Results Thirteen (38%) of 34 participants developed migraine aura after CGRP infusion. In addition, 24 (71%) of 34 participants developed migraine headache following CGRP infusion. Conclusions Our findings suggest that CGRP could play an important role in the early phases of a migraine attack, including during the aura phase. These insights offer a new perspective on the pathogenesis of migraines with aura. They underscore the need for additional research to further explore the role of CGRP in these initial stages of a migraine attack, and potentially inform future development of therapeutic interventions. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04592952. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Objective To ascertain whether intravenous infusion of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) can induce migraine-like headache in people with persistent post-traumatic headache attributed to mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) and no pre-existing migraine. Methods A non-randomized, single-arm, open-label study at a single site in Denmark. Eligible participants were aged 18 to 65 years and had a known history of persistent post-traumatic headache attributed to mild TBI for ≥ 12 months. All participants received continuous intravenous infusion of CGRP (1.5 µg/min) over 20 min. A headache diary was used to collect outcome data until 12 h after the start of CGRP infusion. The primary end point was the incidence of migraine-like headache during 12-hour observational period. Results A total of 60 participants completed the study protocol and provided data for the analysis of the primary end point. The median age was 32.5 (IQR, 25.5–43.0) years; 43 participants (72%) were female. Following CGRP infusion, 43 (72%) of 60 participants developed migraine-like headache during the 12-hour observational period. The median time to peak headache intensity was 40 min (IQR, 20–60), and the median peak headache intensity was 6 (IQR, 5–8) on the 11-point numeric rating scale. Conclusion Intravenous infusion of CGRP is a potent inducer of migraine-like headache in people with persistent post-traumatic headache attributed to mild TBI. This observation underscores the importance of CGRP in the genesis of migraine-like headache that is often experienced by individuals who are afflicted by persistent post-traumatic headache. Further research is warranted to ascertain whether other signaling molecules also contribute to the disease mechanisms underlying post-traumatic headache.

Objectives. This study was carried out to quantitatively evaluate and compare the sealing ability of Endoflas by using different obturation techniques. Materials and Methods. After 42 extracted primary maxillary incisors and canines were decoronated, their canals were instrumented with K files of size ranging from #15 to #50. In accordance with the obturation technique, the samples were divided into three experimental groups, namely, group I: endodontic pressure syringe, group II: modified disposable syringe, and group III: reamer technique, and two control groups. Dye extraction method was used for leakage evaluation. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Dunnett’s T3 post hoc tests. The level of significance was set at p

Background: The present study aimed to assess the burden of neck pain in adults with migraine and tension-type headache (TTH), utilizing the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed and Embase to identify observational studies assessing NDI and NPRS in populations with migraine or TTH. The screening of articles was independently performed by two investigators (HMA and ZA). Pooled mean estimates were calculated through random-effects meta-analysis. The I 2 statistic assessed between-study heterogeneity, and meta-regression further explored heterogeneity factors. Results: Thirty-three clinic-based studies met the inclusion criteria. For participants with migraine, the pooled mean NDI score was 16.2 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 13.2–19.2, I 2 = 99%). Additionally, the mean NDI was 5.5 (95% CI = 4.11–6.8, p < 0.001) scores higher in participants with chronic compared to episodic migraine. The pooled mean NDI score for participants with TTH was 13.7 (95% CI = 4.9–22.4, I 2 = 99%). In addition, the meta-analysis revealed a mean NPRS score of 5.7 (95% CI = 5.1–6.2, I 2 = 95%) across all participants with migraine. Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis shows a greater degree of neck pain-related disability in migraine compared to TTH. Nevertheless, the generalizability of these findings is constrained by methodological variations identified in the current literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Large conductance calcium-activated potassium (BKCa) channels have been implicated in the neurobiological underpinnings of migraine. Considering the clinical similarities between migraine and persistent post-traumatic headache (PPTH), we aimed to examine whether MaxiPost (a BKCa channel opener) could induce migraine-like headache in persons with PPTH. Methods: This is a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-way crossover study from September 2023 to December 2023. Eligible participants were adults with PPTH after mild traumatic brain injury who reported having no personal history of migraine. The randomized participants received a single dose of either MaxiPost (0.05 mg/min) or placebo (isotonic saline) that was infused intravenously over 20 minutes. The two experiment sessions were scheduled at least one week apart to avoid potential carryover effects. The primary endpoint was the induction of migraine-like headache after MaxiPost as compared to placebo within 12 hours of drug administration. The secondary endpoint was the area under the curve (AUC) values for headache intensity scores between MaxiPost and placebo over the same 12-hour observation period. Results: Twenty-one adult participants (comprising 14 females and 7 males) with PPTH were enrolled and completed both experiment sessions. The proportion of participants who developed migraine-like headache was 11 (52%) of 21 participants after MaxiPost infusion, in contrast to four (19%) participants following placebo (P =.02). Furthermore, the median headache intensity scores, represented by AUC values, were higher following MaxiPost than after placebo (P <.001). Conclusions: Our results indicate that BKCa channel opening can elicit migraine-like headache in persons with PPTH. Thus, pharmacologic blockade of BKCa channels might present a novel avenue for drug discovery. Additional investigations are nonetheless needed to confirm these insights and explore the therapeutic prospects of BKCa channel blockers in managing PPTH. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05378074. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activation of adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels has been implicated in triggering migraine attacks. However, whether the opening of these channels provoke cluster headache attacks remains undetermined. The hallmark of cluster headache is a distinct cyclical pattern of recurrent, severe headache episodes, succeeded by intervals of remission where no symptoms are present. In our study, we enrolled 41 participants: 10 with episodic cluster headaches during a bout, 15 in the attack-free remission period, and 17 diagnosed with chronic cluster headaches. Over 2 distinct experimental days, participants underwent a continuous 20-minute infusion of levcromakalim, a KATP channel opener, or a placebo (isotonic saline), followed by a 90-minute observational period. The primary outcome was comparing the incidence of cluster headache attacks within the postinfusion observation period between the levcromakalim and placebo groups. Six of 10 participants (60%) with episodic cluster headaches in bout experienced attacks after levcromakalim infusion, vsjust 1 of 10 (10%) with placebo (P = 0.037). Among those in the remission phase, 1 of 15 participants (7%) reported attacks after levcromakalim, whereas none did postplacebo (P = 0.50). In addition, 5 of 17 participants (29%) with chronic cluster headache had attacks after levcromakalim, in contrast to none after placebo (P = 0.037). These findings demonstrate that KATP channel activation can induce cluster headache attacks in participants with episodic cluster headaches in bout and chronic cluster headache, but not in those in the remission period. Our results underscore the potential utility of KATP channel inhibitors as therapeutic agents for cluster headaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes mellitus has become increasingly common worldwide, with many serious complications. Diabetic nephropathy is one such complication that affects the kidney and leads to end-stage renal failure worldwide. Microalbuminuria represents an abnormal elevation in urine albumin levels, which is an early marker of diabetic nephropathy. It is likely to be found in one-third or more of diabetic patients. Early recognition of microalbuminuria in diabetic nephropathy permits successful therapeutic intervention and significant postponement of terminal renal failure. Objective: To investigate the prevalence of microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetes patients attending AL-Thawra Hospital and Saref Medical Centre in Sana'a City. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in AL-Thawra Hospital and Saref Medical Center in Sana'a City, during the period (from 1 February to 30 April 2021). 125 Type 2 diabetic patients (diagnosed according to American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria for diagnosis of diabetes) were selected). Medical records were used to collect data on duration of diabetes, gender, age and body mass index (BMI). Microalbuminuria was assessed using mispa-i3 kits in spot of the morning urine samples. Results: The prevalence of microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria among type 2 diabetic patients was 44.8% and 12 %, respectively. Microalbuminuria had a statistically significant association with longer duration (P = 0.031), and no statistically significant association was found between microalbuminuria and gender (P = 0.419), age (P = 0.299) and body mass index (P = 0.390). Conclusion: The prevalence of microalbuminuria in this study was considerably high (44.8%) in type 2 diabetes. 44.8% (nearly half) of type 2 diabetic patients in this study are at risk of developing kidney disease due to their high microalbuminuria level. This calls for regular and early screening for microalbuminuria is recommended for all diabetic patients, as early treatment is critical for reducing the progression to the late stage of diabetic nephropathy (overt proteinuria and end-stage renal disease). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dietary supplementation is a common strategy to achieve a specific health status or performance benefit. The aim of this study was to describe the use of dietary supplement in Iraqi genders. Patients and Methods: several questions on dietary supplement use were asked as a part of single performed on 112 female and 247 women aged 35–74 years in 2021 .n = 359) ,reported the frequency and prevalence of supplement use by sex and type of supplement . Results: the mean percentage of dietary supplement use varied among female and men. Use was higher in women than in men. Vitamins, minerals were the predominant types of supplements reported, but there were striking differences between genders. Vitamins, particularly D, C, were the most frequently used ingredients by both genders. Herbals use in female more than male. Conclusions: This study indicates that there are wide variations in supplement use in Iraq, which may affect individual and population nutrient intakes. The results underline the need to monitor consumption of dietary supplements, as well as to evaluate the risks and benefits. Keywords: Abstract Background: Dietary supplementation is a common strategy to achieve a specific health status or performance benefit. The aim of this study was to describe the use of dietary supplement in Iraqi genders. Patients and Methods: several questions on dietary supplement use were asked as a part of single performed on 112 female and 247 women aged 35–74 years in 2021 .n = 359) ,reported the frequency and prevalence of supplement use by sex and type of supplement . Results: the mean percentage of dietary supplement use varied among female and men. Use was higher in women than in men. Vitamins, minerals were the predominant types of supplements reported, but there were striking differences between genders. Vitamins, particularly D, C, were the most frequently used ingredients by both genders. Herbals use in female more than male. Conclusions: This study indicates that there are wide variations in supplement use in Iraq, which may affect individual and population nutrient intakes. The results underline the need to monitor consumption of dietary supplements, as well as to evaluate the risks and benefits. Keywords: Dietary supplements type; Iraq; vitamins; minerals, herbals.