Discriminative features of immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) and associated autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) in a nationwide observational cohort: study from the Egyptian College of Rheumatology.

Objective: The objective of this study is to present the clinical characteristics of immunoglobulin G4-related diseases (IgG4-RD) patients and describe associated overlap with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs).

Patients And Methods: This cross-sectional study included 81 patients with IgG4-RD who were recruited from 13 specialized rheumatology departments and centers across the country in collaboration with the Egyptian College of Rheumatology (ECR). Patients underwent a thorough history-taking and clinical examination.

Effect of a high-impact exercise program on hip strength indices in a group of obese women after bariatric surgery.

The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of a 12-month high-impact physical training program (descending stairs) on bone health in a group of young obese women who had undergone bariatric surgery (type sleeve). Fifty-two premenopausal women with a body mass index (BMI) > 35 kg/m (range: 35.06-60.

Herbal Medicine in Three Different Mediterranean Living Areas During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Polyphenolic-Rich Thyme-like Plants.

Despite herbal medicine being popular across the Mediterranean basin, there is no evidence in favor of COVID-19 infection. This study investigates the utilization and effects of medicinal plants in Italy, Lebanon, and Tunisia during COVID-19 and its effects on post-COVID-19 pandemics. We used a tailored, web-based "Google Form" questionnaire with the random sampling method.

Medical students' knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding hepatitis B and C virus infections in Jordan: A cross-sectional study.

Background And Aims: We aimed to assess the levels of hepatitis B and C knowledge, attitudes, and practices among medical students in Jordan. A survey included participation from medical students across all faculties in Jordan, from 2022 to 2023.

Methods: The data were analyzed with The R Statistical Software (v4.

Generalizability of pharmaceutical randomized controlled trial eligibility criteria for progressive pulmonary fibrosis.

Background: Progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PFF) is of substantial interest for novel pharmacotherapy discovery, but little is known about clinical trial eligibility criteria. We evaluated eligibility criteria of PPF randomized controlled trials (RCTs), their representativeness in registry patients, and forced vital capacity (FVC) changes and mortality according to trial eligibility.

Methods: A systematic search was used to identify completed and in-progress phase II and III PPF RCTs.

Bovine pulp extracellular matrix hydrogel for regenerative endodontic applications: in vitro characterization and in vivo analysis in a necrotic tooth model.

Background: Regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) offer the promise of restoring vitality and function to a previously necrotic and infected tooth. However, the nature of regenerated tissues following REPs remains unpredictable and uncontrollable. Decellularized extracellular matrix scaffolds have gained recent attention as scaffolds for regenerative endodontics.

Impact of a short-term pharmacy study abroad Program: student outcomes and program evaluation.

Objective: This study examined the impact of a short-term study abroad program, focusing on program evaluation, attendee satisfaction, and acquired knowledge and skills. A questionnaire survey was conducted covering various aspects including demographics, program evaluation, and feedback.

Results: Results indicated higher female participation due to gender imbalances in pharmacy students in Egypt, with senior students recognizing the value of international experience.

Exploring Cationic Guar Gum: Innovative Hydrogels and Films for Enhanced Wound Healing.

This study developed and characterized hydrogels (HG-CGG) and films (F-CGG) based on cationic guar gum (CGG) for application in wound healing. HG-CGG (2% /) was prepared by gum thickening and evaluated for pH, stability, spreadability, and viscosity. F-CGG was obtained using an aqueous dispersion of CGG (6% /) and the solvent casting method.

Multifaceted Impact of Lipid Extraction on the Characteristics of Polymer-Based Sewage Sludge towards Sustainable Sludge Management.

Dewatered sludge (DS) is a sewage sludge with a unique property due to extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) and polymer flocculants. These components form a stable 3D polymer network to increase dewatering efficiency, leaving behind valuable materials such as lipids. This article explored the influences of DS particle size on lipid yield and the effects of extraction on the chemical, morphological, and thermal properties of the residual dewatered sludge (RDS).

Synergistic Reinforcement with SEBS-g-MAH for Enhanced Thermal Stability and Processability in GO/rGO-Filled PC/ABS Composites.

The integration of compatibilisers with thermoplastics has revolutionised the field of polymer composites, enhancing their mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties. This study investigates the synergistic effects of incorporating SEBS-g-MAH on the mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties of polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene/graphene oxide (PC/ABS/GO) (PAGO) and the properties of polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene/graphene oxide (PC/ABS/rGO) (PArGO) composites through the melt blending method. The synergistic effects on thermal stability and processability were analysed by using thermogravimetry (TGA), melt flow index (MFI), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).

Distinct phenotypes induced by acute hypoxia and TGF-β1 in human adult cardiac fibroblasts.

Myocardial infarction (MI) causes hypoxic injury to downstream myocardial tissue, which initiates a wound healing response that replaces injured myocardial tissue with a scar. Wound healing is a complex process that consists of multiple phases, in which many different stimuli induce cardiac fibroblasts to differentiate into myofibroblasts and deposit new matrix. While this process is necessary to replace necrotic tissue, excessive and unresolved fibrosis is common post-MI and correlated with heart failure.

Establishment of Amblyomma maculatum Ticks and Rickettsia parkeri the Northeastern United States.

We document a case of Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis in a patient in Connecticut, USA, who became ill after a bite from a Gulf Coast tick (Amblyomma maculatum). We used PCR to amplify R. parkeri DNA from the detached tick.

Study of adiponectin gene (rs1501299) polymorphism and serum adiponectin level in patients with primary knee osteoarthritis.

Background: We aimed to study, for the first time in the Egyptian population, the relationship between the serum adiponectin level in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients and its correlation with clinical, radiological, and ultrasonographic characteristics. Additionally, investigate the relationship between the adiponectin (ADIPOQ) gene rs1501299 (+ 276G/T) polymorphism and KOA susceptibility and severity.

Methods: This case-control study enrolled 40 patients with primary KOA and 40 matched controls.