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Background Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) heavy metals are considered potentially hazardous toxins which cause serious health problems. Many studies reported that the water of Qaroun Lake in Fayoum, Egypt with its fish farms was contaminated with Pb and Cd above permissible levels. However, there is a lack of studies addressing levels of these toxic metals among inhabitants. Objectives We aimed to evaluate blood levels of Pb and Cd and their potential health risk among inhabitants around Qaroun Lake. Materials and methods This case-control study estimated Pb and Cd blood levels among 190 individuals from two destinations (near and far away) of Qaroun Lack using an atomic absorption spectrometer after full history taking and routine checkup investigations; Full blood count, serum ferritin, liver enzyme (ALT), and creatinine levels. Results There was a significant difference between blood levels of Pb and Cd heavy metals of inhabitants from near and far away Qaroun Lake destinations (p-value < 0.001). The majority of inhabitants around Qaroun Lake had Pb and Cd blood levels above permissible levels (100% and 60% respectively). Critical levels out of them were 12.1% and 30.3% respectively. In comparison to inhabitants faraway Qaroun Lake, three individuals (2.4%) had Cd above the permissible level, while all of them (100%) had Pb level within the permissible level. There were no statistically significant differences between the two sampled populations as regards hemoglobin level, ALT, creatinine, and ferritin serum levels (p-value > 0.05). The difference between studied populations regarding types of anemia was not statistically significant. Subclinical leucopenia was higher in the population near Qaroun Lake when compare to inhabitants far from the lake (13.6% vs. 4.8%, p-value 0.032). Conclusion Bio-monitoring of populations exposed to Pb and Cd hazardous substances could help in generating an early warning system to reduce the disease burden associated with their toxicity.

Several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter region of the TNF-α gene can cause variations in the gene regulatory sites and act as risk factors for some autoimmune disorders as alopecia areata (AA) and vitiligo. This study aimed to detect the serum TNF-α (sTNF) level (by ELISA) and the rs1800629 (by real-time PCR) among AA and vitiligo Egyptian patients and to determine their relation with disease duration and severity. In silico analysis of this SNP to study the molecular regulation of the mutant genotypes was also done. In AA patients, no risk was associated with the mutant genotypes vs. the normal genotype, or with A allele vs. G allele. The risk of vitiligo was significantly higher with the G/A and A/A genotypes compared with HCs (p = 0.011). Similarly, a significantly increased risk was noted in patients with A allele vs. G allele (p<0.0001). In AA and vitiligo patients, a significant increase in sTNF-α levels was noted in the mutant G/A genotypes vs. the normal G/G genotype (p<0.0001) and in the A allele vs the G allele (p<0.0001). According to the in silico analysis, this SNP could mainly affect the SP1 transcription factor binding site with subsequent effect on TNF-α expression. According to results of the laboratory and the in silico study, the mutant TNF-α (308) genotypes were risk factors that conferred susceptibility to vitiligo among Egyptian patients but had no effect on the susceptibility to AA.

We introduce brain2print , a web-based application that converts T1-weighted MRI scans into 3D printable models. By leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), brain2print performs all computations directly on the user’s device, preserving privacy while removing the need for any software installation. This open-source tool enables users to convert voxel-based imaging into 3D meshes, thus facilitating broader access to 3D printing for educational, clinical, and research purposes. Prior methods for converting MRI scans into printable meshes were time-consuming and required multiple software tools, some of which are difficult to install and use. In contrast, brain2print provides a seamless and fast alternative. Users can drag and drop MRI scans onto the web page, select the desired AI segmentation models, and create a mesh that can be customized for complexity and structure, resulting in models ready for 3D printing. The zero-footprint design of brain2print ensures broad compatibility across devices, as it operates entirely in the browser. This approach not only simplifies the process but also safeguards user privacy by keeping all data on local hardware.

Background AB-CHMINACA is a cannabimimetic indazole derivative. In 2013, it was reported in different countries as a substance of abuse. Purpose This study evaluated the subacute toxic effects of AB-CHMINACA on the liver and kidneys and measured its blood level in adult male mice. Methods The histological and biochemical subacute toxic effects on the liver and kidneys were assessed after four weeks of daily intraperitoneal injections of one of the following doses: 0.3 mg/kg, 3 mg/kg, or 10 mg/kg as the highest dose in adult male albino mice. In addition, the blood concentration level of AB-CHMINACA was determined by GC–MS-MS. Results The histological effects showed congestion, hemorrhage, degeneration, and cellular infiltration of the liver and kidney tissues. Considering the control groups as a reference, biochemical results indicated a significant increase in the serum AST only in the highest dose group, while the ALT and creatinine levels did not significantly change. The mean values of AB-CHMINACA blood levels were 3.05 ± 1.16, 15.08 ± 4.30, and 54.43 ± 8.70 ng/mL for the three treated groups, respectively, one hour after the last dose of intraperitoneal injection. The calibration curves were linear in the 2.5–500 ng/mL concentration range. The intra-assay precision and accuracy of the method were less than 7.0% (RSD) and ± 9.2% (Bias). Conclusion This research supports the available case reports on AB-CHMINACA toxicity that it has low lethality; still, the chronic administration causes evident liver and kidney histotoxic effects even at low doses with unnoticeable clinical effects in mice.

To assess the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the medication adherence and follow-up of glaucoma patients in the Nile Delta region. A tertiary care center in the Nile Delta region, Egypt. An observational, cross-sectional study. Patients' records (2019-2020; group A) and (2020-2021; group B) were assessed for missed follow-up visits, medication adherence, number of trabeculectomies performed, and uncontrolled patients. In addition, a telephone-based questionnaire involving randomly chosen 200 patients from B.G.U. was carried out to clarify the potential causes of poor patients' compliance. There was a marked decline in the number of newly diagnosed patients and patients on regular follow-up with incidence rates 0.208 and 0.088 in group (A) and group (B), respectively (P-value < 0.0001). The number of compliant patients in group B decreased with an incidence rate difference of 0.312. The number of trabeculectomies declined in group (B) with an incidence rate in group (A) 0.131 compared to 0.081 in group (B). On the other hand, the number of uncontrolled glaucoma patients increased in group B with an incidence rate difference -0.231 between the two groups. 21.5% of patients who participated in the questionnaire identified financial issues as the leading cause of non-compliance. Comorbidities (19.5%), lockdown and transportation difficulties were also highlighted. COVID-19 had greatly hampered glaucoma care in the Nile Delta region. As a result, we need to implement new technologies like telemedicine and improve patients' awareness of glaucoma care. Training orthoptists and using mobile glaucoma care services would also be helpful ways of managing glaucoma during that pandemic.

The primary challenge in diagnosing diverticulitis is ruling out colon cancer, as both conditions are common in the elderly population and have similar clinical and imaging appearances. The aim of this work was to analyze the usefulness of specific diagnostic CT mesenteric signs for identifying and differentiating sigmoid diverticulitis from sigmoid cancer by contrast-enhanced computed tomography and correlation with histopathological data. There were significant differences between both groups regarding fat stranding proportionate or disproportionate, comma sign, and engorged mesenteric vessels (P < 0.05). Differentiating between sigmoid diverticulitis and cancer is crucial, especially in the elderly, due to their similar clinical presentations and imaging characteristics. A careful evaluation of CT mesenteric findings alongside clinical symptoms and potential endoscopic results is essential to accurately distinguish between these conditions.

To evaluate the correlation between simplified MR index of activity (sMaRIA) score and simple endoscopic score (SES-CD) in Crohn's disease activity assessment. A prospective study was done on established Crohn's disease patients referred to our institution. Magnetic resonance enterography and colonoscopy were performed as an activity assessment protocol searching for activity signs through calculation of sMaRIA score and SES-CD score and correlation between them. One hundred patients were enrolled in the study in period from July 2021 to July 2022. Patients with isolated upper gastrointestinal Crohn's disease (n = 4) or performed surgery before completion of activity assessment protocol (n = 9) or dropout (n = 18) were excluded. Patients with any age group, with ileal or colonic or ileo-colonic Crohn's disease and completed the protocol were eligible for the study (n = 69). Sixty-nine patients with 345 bowel segments (five segments for each patient: ileum, right colon, transverse colon, left colon/sigmoid and rectum) were completely evaluated: 33 males and 36 females with mean age 29.16 ± 11.37 years. sMaRIA and SES-CD scores were calculated for each patient (global), and each bowel segment showed 97.50% sensitivity and 79.31% specificity at the level of global scores as well as significant positive correlation between the two scores at patient level/overall segments (rs = 0.816, p < 0.001), at ileal segments (rs = 0.704, p < 0.001) and colonic segments (right colon rs = 0.661, p 0.001, transverse colon rs = 0.586, p 0.001, left colon rs = 0.731, p < 0.001 and rectum rs = 0.786, p 3 mm, mural edema and fat stranding) and moderate for mucosal ulcer detection with k value 0.666, 0.712, 0.712 and 0.565, respectively. sMaRIA score is considered to be a reliable tool for Crohn's disease activity evaluation as compared to SES-CD.

Genetic variants in microRNAs (miRNAs) can alter the miRNAs expression and/or function, accordingly, affecting the related biological pathways and disease risk. Dysregulation of miR-155 and miR-146a expression levels has been well-described in viral hepatitis B (HBV). In the current study, we aimed to assess rs767649 T/A and rs57095329 A/G polymorphisms in miR-155, and miR-146a genes, respectively, as risk factors for Chronic HBV (CHBV) in the Egyptian population. Also, we aimed to do in silico analysis to investigate the molecules that primarily target these miRNAs. One hundred patients diagnosed as CHBV and one hundred age and sex-matched controls with evidence of past HBV infection were genotyped for miR-155 (rs767649) and miR-146a (rs57095329) using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The rs767649 AT and AA genotypes in CHBV patients confer four folds and ten folds risk respectively, as compared to control subjects [(AOR = 4.245 (95%CI 2.009–8.970), p <0.0001) and AOR = 10.583 (95%CI 4.012–27.919), p <0.0001, respectively)]. The rs767649 A allele was associated with an increased risk of developing CHBV (AOR = 2.777 (95%CI 1.847–4.175), p <0.0001). There was a significant difference in the frequency of rs57095329 AG and GG genotypes in CHBV patients compared to controls. AG and GG genotypes showed an increase in the risk of developing CHBV by about three and six folds respectively [AOR = 2.610 (95%CI 1.362–5.000), p = 0.004] and [AOR = 5.604 (95%CI 2.157–14.563), p <0.0001].We concluded that rs57095329 and rs767649 SNPs can act as potential risk factors for the development of CHBV in the Egyptian population.

Background Health-promoting behaviors are crucial for maintaining well-being, especially among university students who face various lifestyle challenges. Aim This study aimed to evaluate Taibah University students’ Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profiles in Saudi Arabia, focusing on the influence of age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) on health-related behaviors. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia. A total of 397 valid questionnaires were analyzed. A systematic random sampling method was employed, selecting every 20th student from predetermined lists to ensure a balanced representation, with 100 students from each college. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the validated Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II). Results Most participants had a normal BMI (18.5–24.9 kg/m²), with 71.4% of males and 63.3% of females classified as normal weight. Underweight status was more prevalent among females (23.4%) than males (13.4%) (χ² = 7.973, p = .047), and obesity was rare (2.8% in males, 0.9% in females). Females had significantly higher health responsibility scores (M = 24.99, SD = 6.74) compared to males (M = 23.41, SD = 7.19) (t = 2.252, p = .025). They were more engaged in health-promoting behaviors, with 66.1% of females classified at a high HPLP-II level versus 41.3% of males. Younger females (>20 years) exhibited significantly higher physical activity scores (M = 22.67, SD = 5.22) than older females (>20 years) (M = 19.93, SD = 6.87) (p = .004). Conclusion Females demonstrated higher health responsibility and engagement in health-promoting activities than males, with younger females being more physically active. Body mass index significantly influences spiritual growth and overall health behaviors, highlighting the importance of considering demographic and anthropometric factors in health promotion strategies among university students.

Infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has a high incidence of spread. On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization proclaimed a public health emergency of worldwide concern. More than 6.9 million deaths and more than 768 million confirmed cases had been reported worldwide as of June 18, 2023. This study included 51 patients and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. The present study aimed to identify the expression levels of lncRNA CASC2 and miRNA-21-5p (also known as miRNA-21) in COVID-19 patients and their relation to the clinicopathological characteristics of the disease. The expression levels of noncoding RNAs were measured by RT-PCR technique. Results detected that CASC2 was significantly downregulated while miRNA-21-5p was significantly upregulated in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy subjects. A significant negative correlation was found between CASC2 and miRNA-21-5p. ROC curve analysis used to distinguish COVID-19 patients from controls. MiRNA-21-p serum expression level had a significant positive association with temperature and PO2 ( p  = 0.04 for each). These findings indicate that CASC2 and miRNA-21-p might be used as potential diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers in COVID-19.