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Abstract Background Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) is a condition whose etiology is not clear, but it is characterized by progressive hypertrophy of the circular muscles of the pylorus with consequent obstruction of the gastric outflow, mostly in neonates and infants under the age of one year. Objectives To assess the treatment outcome and associated factors of infantile pyloric sphincter stenosis among paediatric patients admitted to HFCSUH and JUSHYRH. Methodology A retrospective patient record review with 78 participants was studied consecutively using a structured questionnaire. The data was processed and analyzed using Epi Info 7 and SPSS version 24. Descriptive analysis was done, and then associated factors to the outcome were assessed using logistic regression analysis. The association’s significance was determined using an odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval and a P-value less than 0.05. The study period was from November 1st to 30th, 2022. Results The magnitude of unfavorable IHPS was 17.1% with a 95% confidence interval of 16.7–23.9%. Hypokalemia (AOR = 2.3, CI = 3.015–19.54), severe dehydration (AOR = 30.9, CI = 2.89–31.75), and delayed presentation (AOR = 7.37, CI = 2.761–12.08) were independent predictors. Conclusions The study found a highly unfavorable treatment outcome with delayed presentation; dehydration and electrolyte disturbance were the main predictors of poor outcome. It is recommended to increase community awareness about non-bilious vomiting in infants and ensure high suspicion among healthcare providers. Moreover, following guidelines to correct fluid and electrolyte disturbances and managing these patients in the pediatric ICU postoperatively.

Abstract Blood transfusion has a hazard of transmission of many pathogens, including Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) and other venereal infections. It is crucial to conduct epidemiological surveillance to detect the prevalence of these pathogens. The study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of T. gondii and common transfusable venereal infections among healthy blood donors in Menoufia Province, Egypt, and identify associated risk factors. Four hundred twenty individuals were recruited between January and April 2023 for cross-sectional descriptive research from the blood banks of Menoufia University medical hospitals. Collected blood samples were screened for anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG, HBsAg, anti-HCV antibodies, HIV p24 antigen and anti-HIV antibodies, and anti-Treponema pallidum antibodies. 46 (11.0%) and 22 donors (5.2%) individuals tested positive for anti-T. gondii IgG with a 95% CI (8.3–14.6) and IgM with a 95% CI (3.5–8.1), respectively, while one patient (0.2%) was positive for both antibodies. Regarding venereal infections, 12 (2.9%) were positive for HBV, 6 (1.4%) were positive for HCV, 7 (1.7%) were positive for HIV, and none of the tested population showed positivity for syphilis. Female gender, consumption of raw meat, agricultural environment, poor awareness about T. gondii, and blood group type (especially AB and O groups) were identified as independent risk factors for T. gondii infection. The study highlights the importance of testing blood donors for T. gondii and common transfusable venereal illnesses. Starting health education programs and preventative measures, such as suitable meat handling and cleanliness practices, is critical for minimizing the occurrence of these illnesses. Larger-scale additional study is advised to confirm these results and provide guidance for public health initiatives.

Abstract Background Despite evidence indicating the dominance of cell-of-origin signatures in molecular tumor patterns, translating these genome-wide patterns into actionable insights has been challenging. This study introduces breast cancer cell-of-origin signatures that offer significant prognostic value across all breast cancer subtypes and various clinical cohorts, compared to previously developed genomic signatures. Methods We previously reported that triple hormone receptor (THR) co-expression patterns of androgen (AR), estrogen (ER), and vitamin D (VDR) receptors are maintained at the protein level in human breast cancers. Here, we developed corresponding mRNA signatures (THR-50 and THR-70) based on these patterns to categorize breast tumors by their THR expression levels. The THR mRNA signatures were evaluated across 56 breast cancer datasets (5040 patients) using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, Cox proportional hazard regression, and unsupervised clustering. Results The THR signatures effectively predict both overall and progression-free survival across all evaluated datasets, independent of subtype, grade, or treatment status, suggesting improvement over existing prognostic signatures. Furthermore, they delineate three distinct ER-positive breast cancer subtypes with significant survival in differences—expanding on the conventional two subtypes. Additionally, coupling THR-70 with an immune signature identifies a predominantly ER-negative breast cancer subgroup with a highly favorable prognosis, comparable to ER-positive cases, as well as an ER-negative subgroup with notably poor outcome, characterized by a 15-fold shorter survival. Conclusions The THR cell-of-origin signature introduces a novel dimension to breast cancer biology, potentially serving as a robust foundation for integrating additional prognostic biomarkers. These signatures offer utility as a prognostic index for stratifying existing breast cancer subtypes and for de novo classification of breast cancer cases. Moreover, THR signatures may also hold promise in predicting hormone treatment responses targeting AR and/or VDR.

Atrioventricular valve parachute deformity is rare and is generally seen in the mitral position, called the parachute mitral valve. It is rare to see it in the tricuspid valve and up to now, there have been approximately 14 cases of parachute abnormalities in tricuspid valves in a literature review. We present here a 21-year-old male who presented to the emergency department with progressive shortness of breath over several months. Despite the absence of chest pain, palpitations, or weight changes, examination revealed a soft, holosystolic murmur at the left lower sternal border. Further investigation through electrocardiogram and echocardiogram identified a rare structural abnormality known as parachute tricuspid valve, resulting in significant tricuspid regurgitation with mild right chamber enlargement. The patient was recommended to go abroad for further management since a cardiothoracic surgeon is not available in our country.

Choriocarcinoma is a rare and aggressive form of gestational trophoblastic disease with a high potential for metastasis. We report the case of a 31-year-old female who presented with severe headaches, left-sided weakness, and speech difficulties. Her past medical history included a molar pregnancy, and she had elevated β-hCG levels of 200,000 mIU/mL. Imaging revealed a right frontoparietal hemorrhagic venous infarct and multiple lung metastases. Based on these findings and the patient's clinical history, a diagnosis of gestational choriocarcinoma with multiple metastases was confirmed. This case highlights the importance of considering choriocarcinoma in the differential diagnosis of young women presenting with neurological symptoms and a history of gestational trophoblastic disease. Early recognition and prompt treatment are crucial to improving outcomes in such cases.

Abstract The accurate classification of human activities in crime scenes during forensics (criminalistics) is of utmost importance in classifying suspicious and unlawful activities, easing their acceptability and interpretability by judges during legal procedures in courts or by other non-experts in the field of forensics. This paper implements machine learning (ML) algorithms: support vector machine (SVM) and decision tree (DT), to demonstrate with a high accuracy, how data emanating from smartphones’ sensors reveal and isolate relevant information about static and dynamic human activities in criminalistics. Smartphones’ data from five different sensors (accelerometer, gravity, orientation, Gyroscope and light), related to ten recurrent crime scenes activities, grouped into three classes of events (normal, felony and none-felony events) are classified by the proposed algorithms, with novelty being the classification decisions based on the entire period of the events and not instantaneous decision makings. Three independent data-subsets were made, with permutations done between them and at each time, two sets used for training and the third set used for testing. Time- and frequency-domain features were initially used separately and then combined for the model training and testing. The best average training accuracies of 100% and 97.8% were obtained for the DT and SVM, respectively, and the testing accuracies of 89.1% were obtained for both algorithms. We therefore believe that these results will serve as a solid persuasive and convincing argument to judges and non-experts of the field of forensics to accept and easily interpret computer-aided classification of suspicious activities emanating from criminalistic studies.

Abstract Background This study aimed to develop a new formula to easily estimate the vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) by using the distance between the mental foramen on a panoramic radiograph. Subjects and methods A total of 508 dentulous subjects were selected from outpatient dental clinics at the College of Dental Medicine, Al-Azhar University. The vertical dimension of the occlusion was measured using a single calibrated calliper. For each subject, a digital panoramic radiograph was taken with fixed exposure parameters. The intermental foramina distance (IMFD) was measured. The data were collected and then analysed using the IBM SPSS version 20.0 software package. (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.). Linear regression was used to determine the relationship between the intermental foramina distance (IMFD) and the vertical dimension at occlusion (VDO). Results Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed that there was a strong correlation between the intermental foramina distance (IMFD) and the VDO. Thus, a novel formula was developed for determining the VDO using panoramic radiography. Conclusion The novel formula developed herein facilitated the determination of the VDO among prosthetic rehabilitation for subjects who lost vertical dimension due to loss of posterior teeth or severe wear of natural posterior teeth. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical applicability of the derived formulae for edentulous subjects.

Dielectric resonator antennas (DRAs) use dielectric material as a resonator to accomplish high radiation efficiency and avoid severe conductor loss. The dielectric material that behaves as a resonator is plagued by a number of limitations, including strong cross-polarised (XP) radiation and difficulties integrating with any development platform. Yet, it also offers a lot of benefits, including compact size, lightweight, affordable price, and diversity in form, including cylindrical, rectangular, conical, and ring. A discussion of DRAs, covering DRA propagation modes, geometries, feeding mechanisms, and different bandwidth augmentation approaches, is presented. A stacked arrangement with two or more DRs has achieved the widest impedance bandwidth (BW). The perforated topology is a straightforward alternative for increasing the DRA’s bandwidth while maintaining a small, discrete size.

Breast cancer is a pressing public health issue globally and in Morocco, with rising cases among women. This study aims to evaluate breast cancer awareness and self-examination practices among female university students, informing future educational interventions. A cross-sectional study surveyed 437 students at Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, using a questionnaire covering demographics, knowledge of breast cancer, risk factors, symptoms, and breast self-examination (BSE). Results showed high awareness of breast cancer (95.3%), with social networks and media being primary information sources. However, only 48.25% had intermediate knowledge levels, and BSE awareness was moderate (60.8%) with low practical skills (28.0%). Reasons for not performing BSE included lack of knowledge and discomfort. Significant associations were found between knowledge levels and age, year of study, study options, and information sources. Despite high awareness, there is a crucial need to enhance knowledge about breast cancer risk factors, symptoms, and BSE practices among young women in Morocco. Educational programs targeting university students are essential for promoting early detection and improving attitudes toward breast health.

Background: Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) constitutes about 98% of all laryngeal carcinomas with high mortality rates. The transcription factors Glioma-associated oncogene homolog1 (GLI1) and pituitary tumor transforming gene-1 (PTTG1) were associated with poor prognosis in several carcinomas. To date, no previous studies addressed the role of GLI1 in LSCC and limited studies have examined the role of PTTG1 in LSCC. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of GLI1 and PTTG1 in LSCC, to correlate their expression with clinicopathological features and patients' survival, and to assess the correlation between both proteins in LSCC. Materials and methods: GLI1 and PTTG1 expression was immunohistochemically examined in 60 LSCC specimens and 50 benign vocal fold polyps (control group). Results: GLI1and PTTG1 expression were significantly higher in LSCC than in the control group (p

Abstract Background Acute pulmonary embolism (APE) is a serious illness. Identifying prognostic factors for APE may help in the management of those patients. This study’s objective was to evaluate the prognostic value of laboratory markers in predicting right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) and 30-day mortality in pulmonary embolism patients. Methods Eighty patients with APE were enrolled and followed up for 30 days. Detailed echocardiography was done to evaluate RVD. All patients were subjected to arterial blood gas analysis, complete blood count (CBC), plasma concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP), serum D-dimer level, and serum troponin I level, and the following ratio were calculated: neutrophil-to-lymphocytic ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocytic ratio (PLR), red cell distribution width (RDW), mean platelet volume (MPV), and alveolar to arterial gradient. Results Our results analysis revealed significantly elevated levels of median NLR, PLR, CRP, D-dimer, and troponin in both the RVD and non-survivor groups (P value

Abstract This study investigates methane emissions from the livestock sector, representing by enteric fermentation and manure management, in Egypt from 1989 to 2021, focusing on spatial and temporal variations at the governorate level. Utilizing IPCC guidelines and emission factors, methane emissions were estimated for dairy and non-dairy cattle, buffalo, sheep and goat, poultry, and other livestock categories. Results reveal fluctuating emission patterns over the study period, with notable declines in certain governorates such as Kafr El-Sheikh and Red Sea, attributed to reductions in livestock populations. However, increasing trends were observed overall, driven by population growth in other regions. Hotspots of methane emissions were identified in delta governorates like Behera and Sharkia, as well as agriculturally rich regions including Menia and Suhag. While livestock populations varied between regions, factors such as water availability, climatic conditions, and farming practices influenced distribution. Notably, cluster analysis did not reveal regional clustering among governorates, suggesting emissions changes were not dependent on specific geographic or climatic boundaries. Manure management accounted for only 5–6% of total emissions, with emissions at their lowest in the last three years due to population declines. Despite the highest livestock populations being sheep and goats, emissions from enteric fermentation and manure management were highest from buffalo and cattle. This study underscores the importance of accurate data collection and adherence to IPCC recommendations for estimating GHG emissions, enabling the development of targeted mitigation strategies to address climate change challenges in the livestock sector.

IntroductionLupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most prevalent severe organ manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), impacting 70% of SLE patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), are small non-coding RNA molecules which influence the expression of approximately one-third of human genes after the process of transcription. Dysregulation of miRNAs was documented in numerous disorders, including SLE and LN. Cytokines are the orchestrators of the immune response in autoimmune diseases. Our study aims to explore the variation in the levels of circulating miRNAs and proinflammatory cytokines as potential diagnostic biomarkers among LN and SLE patients without LN in comparison to controls.MethodsThe study involved 20 LN patients, 20 SLE patients without LN, and 10 healthy controls. Serum levels of IL-12 and IL-21 in addition to miR-124, miR-146a, miR-199a, and miR-21 were assessed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for cytokines and quantitative real-time PCR for miRNAs.ResultsA significant downregulation in miR-124 (p

Abstract Background Sonographic evaluation of the diaphragm has gained popularity in the ICU due to the necessity of assessing diaphragmatic function in a variety of clinical situations. The sonographic examination of diaphragmatic dynamics in ICU patients by measuring diaphragmatic thickness and excursion in connection to various modalities of mechanical ventilation (MV) and patient outcomes was the objective of this study. Methods This prospective observational study was carried out on 50 patients in respiratory ICU in Kafr Elsheikh and Benha University Hospitals. Patients were classified into 2 equal groups: COVID-19 group and non-COVID group. All patients underwent ultrasound assessment included the diaphragm thickness fraction and excursion in ICU patients on admission and on weaning. Results Successful weaning (SW) was higher in group I compared to group II. In group I (COVID), diaphragm excursion, thickness at end inspiration and at end expiration in NIV at weaning were significantly higher in patients with SW but thickness at end expiration on admission was significantly lower. In group II (non-COVID) MV patients, excursion at weaning was significantly higher in patients with SW, also were thickness at end inspiration and end expiration on admission, thickness at end inspiration and end expiration at weaning in NIV patients but thickness at end inspiration in MV on admission was significantly lower. Conclusion Weaning success and mortality were significantly predicted by excursion in NIV at weaning, thickness at end inspiration in MV at weaning, thickness at end inspiration in NIV at weaning, and thickness at end expiration in MV at weaning.

For the Western Indian Ocean region, there is a significant knowledge gap regarding marine turtle nesting on the continental coast of East Africa. Here we present results from a long-term (2000–2020) community-based monitoring programme in and around Watamu Marine National Park, Kenya, covering 30 km of coastline (c. 6% of the national total). Conservation actions effectively protected nesting turtles and resulted in a near-total cessation of illegal egg harvesting in Watamu Marine National Park. Collected data indicate this is an important marine turtle nesting index site in Kenya and the wider region. Green turtle Chelonia mydas nests were most common (95%), followed by olive ridley turtles Lepidochelys olivacea (4%), with occasional nests of hawksbill Eretmochelys imbricata and leatherback turtles Dermochelys coriacea. Clutches per season increased significantly over the 20-year monitoring period for green turtles (50%) and showed a positive trend for olive ridley turtles. Watamu remains an area at risk from human pressures such as coastal development. Clutch distribution along the Watamu Marine National Park beach has shifted over time, probably because of coastal development and disturbance. Illegal take of adults and eggs continues in areas north and south of the Watamu Marine National Park, possibly slowing rates of recovery. Clutches deemed at risk were moved to a safe location within the National Park, and hatching success was high. Continued conservation efforts, including wider engagement with stakeholders to reduce human pressures, are needed to ensure the perpetuation of this nesting site.

Introduction: We aimed to study whether using 30 W versus 60 W thulium enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP) would affect postoperative outcomes in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Materials and Methods: We prospectively identified male patients with moderate or severe lower urinary tract symptoms due to BPH. We randomized patients into 30 W (Group 1) or 60 W (Group 2) thulium yag laser with a 550 μm laser fiber and a 26 Fr continuous flow resectoscope. We collected data related to prostate size, enucleation time, morcellation time, laser time, perioperative complications, and 1-year functional outcomes. Results: A total of 120 patients were included, with a mean age of 67 years and a mean prostate size of 105 g. The preoperative characteristics were similar across both groups. The mean operative time was shorter in the 60 W group, 74 ± 27 vs. 91 ± 33 min in the 30 W group (P = 0.001), and the mean laser time was 55 ± 20 in 60 W versus 71 ± 25 in 30 W (P = 0.0001). The mean hospital stay was 1 day in both groups and at 1-year follow-up; there was a similar improvement in mean Qmax and International Prostate Symptom Score symptom scores. Discussion/Conclusion: Both 30 and 60 W ThuLEP provided a safe and comparable outcome with a relatively shorter operative time for the 60 W groups. Perhaps using a 30-W setting would be beneficial in the early learning curve or cases with more bleeding capsular perforators; besides, the financial benefit of manufacturing low-cost low-power devices that may help in the widespread of AEEP.

Although geoheritage is gaining importance wordwide, much appreciation is still required for the overlooked geoheritage resources. The geoheritage of Saudi Arabia is promising and gaining much attention towards geoconversation and geotourism, but thematic publications are limited compared to the global context. This paper aims to identify the relevant geosites in Saudi Arabia according to the IUCN theme and propose a geoheritage strategic plan. For identification of the geosite, we have conducted a comprehensive review of published literature and online material, including web blogs, YouTube videos, social media, and governmental websites. For the strategic plan for known/unknown geosite, published literature from established geoparks with similar key landforms has been reviewed. Seven IUCN themes can be linked with the geoheritage of Saudi Arabia. Most of these sites are local tourist spots, therefore, immense potential for the geotourism development. The key geomorphological heritage in Saudi Arabia is volcanic harrat, escarpment, cave, mesas, butte, pinnacle, canyon, island, aeolian dune, and submarine corals. Geological heritage includes various fossils in Tuwaiq Mountain. Submarine geoheritage includes different colourful corals and rock structures with high scientific value. Biodiversity-protected area and cultural heritage site enhance the geoheritage value of the geosite, and its geotourism importance.

Somalia has one of the most severe unemployment rates globally, due to its economic instability. Our study focuses on the macroeconomic effects on employment using an ARDL model. The key macroeconomic variables examined are GDP, inflation, FDI, foreign aid, and population growth, with data sourced from the World Bank spanning 32 years, from 1991 to 2022. The study found that GDP positively affects employment in both the short and long run. Inflation shows a positive correlation with employment in the short run but a negative effect but insignificant in the long run. FDI has a positive effect in the long run and a negative, insignificant effect in the short run. Foreign aid positively impacts employment in both the short and long run, though the effect is not significant in the latter. the study recommends policies to sustain economic growth, manage population growth, stabilize prices, and improve aid management to enhance employment opportunities in Somalia.

Background The pre-treatment characteristics of the patient and ectopic pregnancy to determine the patients who are likely to successfully respond to methotrexate (MTX) therapy remain controversial. This study investigated the outcomes of ectopic pregnancy after one and two MTX doses and their independent predictors.Methods Retrospective cross-sectional study of women who consented to MTX treatment in 2017–2018 at our institution (N = 317). Of these, patients with Caesarean scar pregnancies were excluded because they require different treatment protocols (n = 25). All patients were treated according to our institution’s protocol based on international guidelines and standardised across the three hospitals included in the current study. We retrieved patients’ demographics, laboratory, ultrasonography, and clinical characteristics from our hospital database. Serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) was measured using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay; ectopic pregnancy was diagnosed using ultrasonography (transvaginal probe).Results Two ninety-two patients were included in the current analysis. Age, pre-treatment β-hCG levels, sonographic presence of yolk sac, presence of foetal cardiac activity, and pelvic pain were significantly different between patients with successful and unsuccessful outcomes. Younger age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16–4.66, p = .017), no pelvic pain (aOR 2.65, 95%CI 1.03–6.83, p = .043), lower initial β-hCG level (aOR 1.32, 95%CI 1.08–1.59, p = .005), and absence of foetal cardiac activity (aOR 12.63; 95% CI 1.04–153.6; p = .047) were independently associated with success. Treatment failure odds were >2 folds higher for each 10-year age increase (p = .017), 32% higher for each 1000 IU/L increase in initial β-hCG level (p = .005), and >2 folds higher in presence of pelvic pain (p = .043).Conclusions MTX is effective in most patients, averting invasive surgery, which might affect fertility. Pre-treatment β-hCG levels, age, pelvic pain, and foetal cardiac activity was independently associated with outcomes. Research should assess the relationship between the ectopic pregnancy size and treatment outcomes and refine β-hCG titres where treatment would be ineffective.

Background This study aimed to compare the perceived masticatory ability (PrMA) in completely edentulous patients (EDPs) with thermoplastic conventional complete dentures (CDs) versus single implant-retained mandibular overdentures. Methods The current study was conducted in the outpatient Prosthodontic Clinic, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt. PrMA was evaluated in 45 completely edentulous patients (46% males, mean age 50.4 ± 4.7 years). Each patient received a thermoplastic PMMA complete denture (Polyan IC TM Bredent GmbH & Co.KG, Germany). The PrMA was evaluated at one-month and six-month intervals of denture use. An immediate loading single implant was placed into the mid-symphyseal for each patient, and the denture was adjusted. Subsequently, the PrMA was reevaluated after one month and six months. The data were collected and statistically analyzed using the SPSS@V25 to assess the changes in PrMA. Results The PrMA demonstrated improvement after six months of thermoplastic conventional denture use. However, this improvement was not statistically significant (p = 0.405). In addition, the PrMA showed a substantial increase following a single implant placement at one and six months (p

Abstract Different dosing strategies exist to initiate warfarin, most commonly fixed warfarin dosing (FWD), clinical warfarin dosing (CWD), and genetic‐guided warfarin dosing (GWD). Landmark trials have shown GWD to be superior when compared to FWD in the EU‐PACT trial or CWD in the GIFT trial. COAG trial did not show differences between GWD and CWD. We aim to compare the anticoagulation quality outcomes of CWD and FWD. This is a prospective cohort study with a retrospective comparator. Recruited subjects in the CWD (prospective) arm were initiated on warfarin according to the clinical dosing component of the algorithm published in www.warfarindosing.org. The primary efficacy outcome was the percentage time in the therapeutic range (PTTR) from day 3 to 6 till day 28 to 35. The study enrolled 122 and 123 patients in the CWD and FWD, respectively. The PTTR did not differ statistically between CWD and FWD (62.2 ± 26.2% vs. 58 ± 25.4%, p = 0.2). There was also no difference between both arms in the percentage of visits with extreme subtherapeutic international normalized ratio (INR) (4; 7.7 ± 14.7% vs. 7.5 ± 12.4%, p = 0.92). We conclude that CWD did not improve the anticoagulation quality parameters compared to the FWD method.

Background: In developing countries as well as Ethiopia, stunting continues to be a major public health burden. Thus, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to synthesize the updated pooled prevalence and its determinants of stunting in Ethiopia. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis follow the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The protocol has been registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews, University of York Center for Reviews, and disseminated at https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/ , with the registration number (CRD42024542984). A wide-ranging literature search was carried out using PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Hinari, AJOL, and Google Scholar. All lists of qualified study references from 2013 to 2023 were recovered. The pooled estimate with a 95% CI was calculated using a random-effects model in STATA version 13 software. I 2 and meta-bias statistics were used to assess the heterogeneity of the incorporated studies. Results: This study included 29 articles with a total of 23,511 participants from 29 qualified studies. The current study found that the pooled prevalence of stunting among children aged 6–59 months was 43% (95% CI: 42–44). Children who were not exclusively breastfed (OR = 2.39; 95% CI: 1.61–3.54), male children (OR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.13–2.31), children whose mothers had no antenatal care follow-up (OR = 3.03; 95% CI: 1.36–6.76), and women who had no formal education (OR = 4.55; 95% CI: 2.29–9.05) were significantly associated with stunting. Conclusions: In Ethiopia, nearly half of the children suffer from stunting, with those who are not breastfed, the sex of the child, children whose mothers had no antenatal care follow-up, and had no formal education having higher odds of stunting. To reduce the burden, strategies must be designed to intervene and improve maternal health literacy, focusing on children’s nutrition and health-care utilization.

Background: A stroke is a sudden loss of blood supply to the brain, leading to permanent tissue damage caused by embolism, thrombosis, or hemorrhagic events. Almost 85% of strokes are ischemic strokes. Objective: To assess the incidence of mortality and risk factors among adult stroke patients in public hospitals of Jigjiga town, Somali Region, Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based retrospective cohort study was conducted from 25 May to 15 June 2022 at Sheikh Hassen Yabare Referral Hospital and Karamara Hospital. Data were entered using Epi-Data version 4.3 and exported to be analyzed using SPSS 20 statistical software. Kaplan-Meier was used to estimate mean survival time, and a predictor with a p -value

Abstract Background When medical therapy fails to control maxillary sinus (MS) disease, surgery is required. There are many advanced MS endoscopic approaches, each one with its anatomical limitations and possible complications. This study aimed to review the outcomes of three endoscopic approaches to the MS (middle meatal antrostomy approach (MMAA), prelacrimal recess approach (PLRA), and canine fossa approach (CFA)) to manage benign MS lesions. Methods Sixty-three patients with diseased MS require surgery. Endoscopic MS approaches used include MMAA, PLRA, and CFA. Each approach was used in 21 patients. The outcome of each approach was measured regarding lesion accessibility and clearance, complications (intraoperative or postoperative), and recurrence. Results The maxillary sinus posterior wall was accessible in all approaches. Other walls and different recesses were also accessible in the case of PLRA and CFA with statistically significant difference between the three approaches. There was no significant difference between patients operated by PLRA and CFA regarding accessibility to different walls and recesses of the MS. Endoscopic and radiological recurrence were found in three (15%) patients who were operated by MMAA. There was no evidence of recurrence in patients operated by the other approaches. Complications like crustations, fascial pain, fascial welling, and fascial hypoesthesia occurred in a few patients. Conclusion By using a suitable endoscopic approach, the different walls and recesses of the MS were completely accessible, so benign MS lesions that required open surgical approaches can be managed endoscopically while preserving the sinus structure and function.

Abstract Background Despite the marked increase in the anatomical success rates of macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) surgery, patients may still complain about unsatisfactory visual outcome. This study aims to correlate the postoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) with the mf-ERG (multifocal electroretinogram) and OCT (optical coherence tomography) findings following vitrectomy surgery for RRD. Patients and methods This retrospective observational study included 40 eyes of 40 patients who underwent successful vitrectomy surgery for macula-off RRD. CDVA, mf-ERG amplitudes, mf-ERG latencies, the central macular thickness (CMT) and the integrity of the inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) junction assessed by OCT, were evaluated 6 months postoperatively. The correlations between CDVA with mf-ERG amplitudes, mf-ERG latencies, central macular thickness, and IS/OS junction integrity were analyzed. Results There was a statistically significant moderate positive correlation between CDVA of the studied eyes with mf-ERG amplitudes of N1, P1 and N2 in ring 1 (P = 0.008; P 0.05). Linear regression analysis revealed that CDVA was significantly associated with mf-ERG amplitudes and the IS/OS junction integrity. In addition, there was a strong positive correlation between mf-ERG amplitudes in ring 1 and the IS/OS junction integrity. Conclusions The integrated interpretation of postoperative CDVA, multifocal ERG parameters, and OCT findings provides useful information about functional visual recovery and retinal microstructural changes following vitrectomy for macula-off RRD surgery. The positive correlation between the IS/OS junction integrity and the mf-ERG amplitudes was stronger than the correlation between the IS/OS junction integrity and CDVA suggesting that mf-ERG may be superior to CDVA in reflecting the extent of microstructural damage in the photoreceptor layer. Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT05993208. Registered 15 August 2023 - Retrospectively registered, https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05993208 .

Abstract In the complex tumor microenvironment (TME), mesenchymal cells are key players, yet their specific roles in prostate cancer (PCa) progression remain to be fully deciphered. This study employs single-cell RNA sequencing to delineate molecular changes in tumor stroma that influence PCa progression and metastasis. Analyzing mesenchymal cells from four genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) and correlating these findings with human tumors, we identify eight stromal cell populations with distinct transcriptional identities consistent across both species. Notably, stromal signatures in advanced mouse disease reflect those in human bone metastases, highlighting periostin’s role in invasion and differentiation. From these insights, we derive a gene signature that predicts metastatic progression in localized disease beyond traditional Gleason scores. Our results illuminate the critical influence of stromal dynamics on PCa progression, suggesting new prognostic tools and therapeutic targets.