Publications by authors named "Refaat M"

Background And Aims: Thyroid cancer, a prevalent endocrine malignancy, often presents as thyroid nodules, whose benign or malignant nature is challenging to determine. This study aims to identify circulating miRNA panels that may distinguish between benign nodules, papillary thyroid cancer, and normal thyroid conditions, building on extensive research into miRNAs as potential thyroid cancer biomarkers.

Materials And Methods: As a cross-sectional case-control study the study revealed the quantification of the 17-miRNA panel was evaluated using qRT-PCR method on 60 blood samples, comprising 25 patients diagnosed with PTC, 24 patients with benign lesions, and 11 healthy controls.

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Introduction: Laccases are blue-multicopper containing enzymes that are known to play a role in the bioconversion of recalcitrant compounds. Their role in free radical polymerization of aromatic compounds for their valorization remains underexplored. In this study, we used a pBAD plasmid containing a previously characterized CotA laccase gene (abbreviated as -Lacc) from strain ATCC 9945a to express this enzyme and explore its biotransformation/polymerization potential on β-naphthol.

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Introduction: The aim of this study was to describe our experience and outcome of ablation therapy for arrhythmias in pediatrics at a tertiary care center.

Methods: Data was collected retrospectively from the hospital medical records. All pediatrics presenting to AUBMC between 2000 and 2020 who underwent cardiac ablation were included.

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The increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) presents both opportunities and challenges for power networks. While EVs have the potential to reduce carbon emissions, accommodating their growing power demand requires careful planning to prevent overloading and mitigate environmental impacts. This paper introduces an integrated hosting capacity model to facilitate higher EV penetration while maintaining environmental standards.

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Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) taking antithrombotic (AT) therapy are at an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). The comparative effect of a combination of anticoagulant (AC) and antiplatelet (AP) versus AC monotherapy on clinical outcomes in patients with AF presenting with GIB is not well characterized. This study compares outcomes in AF patients with GIB on AC alone with those on combination AP and AC therapy, as part of a larger prospective study from 2013 to 2023.

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Background: The incidence of hospitalisations related to acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is increasing. Liver transplantation (LT) remains the definitive treatment for the condition.

Aim: To evaluate the influence of race and ethnicity on LT outcomes in ACLF.

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Background: Enhancing a patient's functional capacity to withstand the surgical stress by means of multimodal (combined exercise, nutrition and psychological interventions) prehabilitation may potentially lead to improved outcomes in pancreatic cancer surgery.

Methodology: A systematic review was undertaken searching PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library databases, exploring the impact of prehabilitation in pancreatic surgery. Outcomes of interest were adherence to the prehabilitation, functional capacity, overall complications and post-operative length of stay.

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Gemcitabine (GEM) is a deoxycytidine analog chemotherapeutic drug widely used to treat many cancers. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are important nanomaterials used to treat many diseases. Using gamma radiation in nanoparticle preparation is a new eco-friendly method.

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Article Synopsis
  • The integration of electric vehicles and renewable energy sources into power grids can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance grid stability while promoting green energy use.
  • Current research shows a lack of models addressing transmission expansion planning, demand response, and hosting capacity simultaneously, which could optimize resource use and meet market demands.
  • This study presents a two-layer hosting capacity model that uses advanced optimization techniques to maximize the integration of EVs and RESs, revealing that demand response strategies can effectively lower peak loads without affecting total energy consumption of EVs.
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  • The study aimed to identify biomarkers that could predict recurrence and progression of meningioma, which often has a poor prognosis due to high rates of recurrence.
  • Analysis of 50 meningioma cases focused on the expression levels of FOXM1, MMP-9, and Ki67, revealing that strong expressions of FOXM1 and MMP-9, as well as high Ki67 levels, are significantly linked to tumor grade, peritumoral brain edema, and poor patient outcomes.
  • Results indicated that tumors with elevated levels of these markers were associated with increased recurrence risk, shorter overall survival, and less favorable responses to therapy, highlighting their potential as indicators of aggressive meningiomas.
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Transmission expansion planning (TEP) is a vital process of ensuring power systems' reliable and efficient operation. The optimization of TEP is a complex challenge, necessitating the application of mathematical programming techniques and meta-heuristics. However, selecting the right optimization algorithm is crucial, as each algorithm has its strengths and limitations.

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Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has shown promising results for adhesive shoulder capsulitis (AC) in pre-clinical models. The aim of this review is to investigate the clinical outcomes of using PRP in AC.

Materials And Methods: We conducted a systematic scoping review of the literature using bibliographic databases from inception until the 9 of January 2022 [PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and CENTRAL].

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Purpose: Conventional approaches for enhancing wound healing may not always yield satisfactory results. Instead, we test the effectiveness of a newly developed photodynamic therapy (PDT) that uses methylene blue (MB) loaded with polyethylene glycol (PEG) (MB-PEG) hydrogel to accelerate wound healing process in mice.

Methods: A dorsal skin incision with 6 mm punch which topically subjected to MB-PEG hydrogel and a low-level laser light of red light to assess the regeneration process of wounded skin.

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  • Vernakalant is an intravenous anti-arrhythmic drug used for converting paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) into sinus rhythm, but it is not FDA-approved due to safety concerns.
  • The study evaluated vernakalant's effectiveness and safety by focusing on patients with paroxysmal AF treated at the American University of Beirut Medical Center between 2015 and 2020.
  • Out of 23 patients, 61% achieved conversion to sinus rhythm within 90 minutes, with additional side effects like bradycardia reported in some cases.
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Obesity is predicted to affect approximately one-quarter of children/adolescents in Saudi Arabia by 2030, but there is limited evidence regarding the perceptions, attitudes, behaviours, and barriers to effective obesity care for adolescents living with obesity (ALwO), caregivers of ALwO, and healthcare professionals (HCPs). We report data from 500 ALwO (aged 12-<18 years), 500 caregivers, and 200 HCPs surveyed in Saudi Arabia as part of the global, cross-sectional ACTION Teens study (NCT05013359). Nearly all respondents recognized that obesity has a strong impact on overall health (ALwO 88%; caregivers 85%; HCPs 90%).

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Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality around the globe. To address this public health burden, innovative therapeutic agents are being developed to specifically target molecular and genetic markers. Various therapeutic modalities have been implemented, including vaccines, monoclonal or bispecific antibodies, and gene-based therapies.

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The coronary vascular system has a unique structure and function that is adaptive to myocardial demand. It is composed of a continuous network of vessels receding in size from epicardial arteries to the microvascular circulation. Failure to meet myocardial demand results in ischemia, angina, and adverse myocardial outcomes.

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Background: Left atrial appendage (LAA) closure is an alternative to chronic anticoagulation for stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Multiple devices were used for LAA closure, with the Amplatzer Amulet LAA Occluder (Abbott, Chicago, IL, USA) and Watchman device (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA) being the most commonly used in clinical practice. In August 2021, the FDA approved the use of the Amplatzer Amulet LAA Occluder.

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Purpose: Haemodialysis provides various options for vascular access, including native arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), arteriovenous grafts (AVGs), and central intravenous catheters. However, the use of catheters should be avoided due to their association with greater risks when opposed to AVFs or AVGs. AVFs have garnered strong endorsement as the favoured vascular access choice for extended haemodialysis.

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Understanding the consistency of pituitary macroadenomas is crucial for neurosurgeons planning surgery. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the utility of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) as non-invasive imaging modalities for predicting the consistency of pituitary macroadenomas. This could contribute to appropriate surgical planning and therefore reduce the likelihood of incomplete resections.

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