Semen uric acid crystals in azoospermia linked to Sertoli cell‑only syndrome: A rare case report.

The occurrence of crystals in semen is rare, with spermine phosphate crystals being the only type commonly described. Uric acid crystal formation is significantly influenced by pH levels. The present study reported a rare case of uric acid crystals in the semen of a patient with azoospermia associated with Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS).

Evaluation of Storage Conditions and the Effect on DNA from Forensic Evidence Objects Retrieved from Lake Water.

DNA analysis of traces from commonly found objects like knives, smartphones, tapes and garbage bags related to crime in aquatic environments is challenging for forensic DNA laboratories. The amount of recovered DNA may be affected by the water environment, time in the water, method for recovery, transport and storage routines of the objects before the objects arrive in the laboratory. The present study evaluated the effect of four storage conditions on the DNA retrieved from bloodstains, touch DNA, fingerprints and hairs, initially deposited on knives, smartphones, packing tapes, duct tapes and garbage bags, and submerged in lake water for three time periods.

Comparison of Laser Hemorrhoidoplasty and Milligan-Morgan Hemorrhoidectomy Techniques in the Treatment of Grade 2 and 3 Hemorrhoidal Disease.

Introduction: The estimated prevalence of hemorrhoidal disease (HD) worldwide ranges from 2.9% to 27.9%.

The significance of IFITM3 polymorphism in COVID-19 asymptomatic and ICU admission Kurdish patients.

Background: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic that exhibits a wide range of clinical symptoms, from asymptomatic to critically ill infections that require admission to an intensive care unit (ICU). Interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) prevents the viral envelope fusion with the cell membrane, hence playing a crucial role in the immune response. The association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IFITM3 gene and the severity of COVID-19 is controversial among various ethnic groups.

Safety and feasibility of oesophageal ultrasound for the work-up of thoracic malignancy in patients with respiratory impairment.

Biopsying lung tumours with endobronchial access in patients with respiratory impairment is challenging. However, fine needle aspiration with the endobronchial ultrasound-endoscope via the oesophagus (EUS-B-FNA) makes it possible to obtain tissue samples without entering the airways. Safety of EUS-B-FNA in these patients has not earlier been investigated prospectively.

Molecular and clinical significance of FLT3, NPM1, DNMT3A and TP53 mutations in acute myeloid leukemia patients.

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood cells. AML is characterized by the rapid growth and accumulation of abnormal white blood cells, known as myeloblasts, which interfere with the production of normal blood cells.

Aims: The main aim was to determine the relationship between these genetic alterations and the clinico-haematological parameters and prognostic factors with therapy for Iraqi patients with AML.

Genetic polymorphism between the Sorani and Hawrami kurdish populations and COVID-19 outcome.

Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic, and mortality and clinical consequences vary across countries. One of the factors influencing COVID-19 outcomes is genetic polymorphism. Two Kurdish populations, Sorani and Hawrami, live in the Sulaimani province of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Clinical outcomes and phylogenetic analysis in reflection with three predominant clades of SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Background: The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) undergoes continuous evolution, resulting in the emergence of several variants. Each variant has a different severity and mortality rate.

Identification of three novel DNMT3A mutations with compromising methylation capacity in human acute myeloid leukaemia.

Background: Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a complex and heterogeneous hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell malignancy characterised by the accumulation of immature blast cells in the bone marrow, blood, and other organs linked to environmental, genetic, and epigenetic factors. Somatic mutations in the gene DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A; NM_022552.4) are common in AML patients.

Molecular and computational analysis of spike protein of newly emerged omicron variant in comparison to the delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 in Iraq.

Background: The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has had a major impact on world health over the last 2 years. The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants, particularly concerning variants, may affect the virus's pathogenicity, transmissibility, and vaccines potency. Both delta and the omicron variants have been designated by WHO as variants of concern.

False-positive HIV in a patient with SARS-CoV-2 infection; a case report.

Introduction: A small portion of Corona Virus disease-2019 (COVID-19) cases associated with co-infections, however occasionally they turn out to be false positive due to possible cross-reactivities. The current report aims to present a rare case of false-positive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in a COVID-19 patient.

Case Report: A 32-year-old female complaining from thyroid problems referred for thyroid operation.

Diagnosis and staging of lung cancer with the use of one single echoendoscope in both the trachea and the esophagus: A practical guide.

Accurate staging of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is crucial for allocation to surgical, medical or multimodal treatment. EUS and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) have gained ground in the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer in addition to radiological imaging (e.g.

Characterization of Lung Tumors that the Pulmonologist can Biopsy from the Esophagus with Endosonography (EUS-B-FNA).

Background: According to guidelines, it is possible to biopsy lung tumors "immediately adjacent to the esophagus" with EUS-B-FNA. However, it is unknown what "immediately adjacent" exactly means.

Objective: to investigate the possibility of achieving EUS-B-FNA biopsies from a lung tumor depending on the distance from the esophagus and to establish the maximal allowable distance between the tumor and the esophagus.

[The use of one single echoendoscope in both the trachea and the oesophagus in diagnosing and staging of lung cancer].

The use of one single ultrasound echoendoscope in both the trachea (EBUS) and the oesophagus (EUS-B) gives a fast, safe and precise diagnosis and stage of the patient with suspected lung cancer. There is solid evidence for simulator-based training in EBUS concerning safety and diagnostic outcome, but this is currently not an option in EUS-B and needs development. In this review, we recommend evidence-based simulator training and certification in EBUS and when available also in EUS-B before practicing on patients.

Asymptomatic silicone induced granulomatous disease diagnosed by endobronchial ultrasound with real-time guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA).

Silicone from ruptured breast implants can cause lung symptoms mimicking cancer. The diagnosis may be established by transbronchial lung biopsy or surgery. We report a case of asymptomatic silicone induced granulomatous reaction in the lungs and mediastinal lymph nodes diagnosed with EBUS-TBNA.

EUS-B for suspected left adrenal metastasis in lung cancer.

Background: Several studies have reported the efficacy of esophageal ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) for the detection of metastases in the left adrenal gland (LAG) in patients with lung cancer. Currently we have only limited evidence based on small studies on the usefulness of EUS-B [endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) scope into the esophagus] to provide tissue proof of suspected LAG metastases. The objectives of this study are to investigate feasibility, safety and diagnostic yield of EUS-B-FNA in LAG analysis in patients with proven or suspected lung cancer.

EUS-B-FNA for Diagnosing Liver and Celiac Metastases in Lung Cancer Patients.

Background: In patients with suspected or proven lung cancer, assessment of regional nodal and distant metastases is key before treatment planning. By introducing the endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-guided scope into the esophagus and stomach (EUS-B), liver lesions and celiac nodes can be visualized. To date, the utility of EUS-B in diagnosing liver lesions and retroperitoneal lymph nodes is unknown.

Hydrodynamic cavitation for the rapid separation and electrochemical detection of Cryptosporidium parvum and Escherichia coli O157:H7 in ground beef.

Foodborne illnesses are a major contributor to misery and health challenges in both rich and poor nations. Illnesses from pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts account for most of the cases of diarrhea in the world. Many standard methods exist for detecting these pathogens in water.

Endoscopic Ultrasound with Bronchoscope-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration for the Diagnosis of Paraesophageally Located Lung Lesions.

Background: Diagnosing centrally located lung tumors without endobronchial abnormalities and not located near the major airways is a diagnostic challenge. Tumors near or adjacent to the esophagus can be aspirated and detected with esophageal ultrasound (EUS) using gastrointestinal endoscopes.

Objective: To assess the feasibility and diagnostic yield of endoscopic ultrasound with bronchoscope-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-B-FNA) in paraesophageally located lung tumors and its added value to bronchoscopy and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS).

Seronegative, complicated hydatid cyst of the lung: A case report.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is an important helminthic zoonotic disease that commonly affects the liver and lungs. Imaging methods and serology establish the diagnosis in most cases. Chest x-ray can diagnose uncomplicated pulmonary hydatid cysts, whereas superinfection and/or rupture of the hydatid cyst (complicated cysts) may change the radiographic appearance and lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

Pirfenidone treatment in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: nationwide Danish results.

Background: Pirfenidone was approved by the European Medicines Agency and introduced in most European countries in 2011 for treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

Objective: To describe the national Danish experiences of pirfenidone treatment for IPF during 30 months with respect to target population, safety, adherence to the treatment and effect analysis in a well-characterised IPF population in a real-life setting.

Methods: Retrospective data collection from medical records of all patients in Denmark with IPF from 2011 to 2014.

Role of vegetation-associated protease activity in valve destruction in human infective endocarditis.

Aims: Infective endocarditis (IE) is characterized by septic thrombi (vegetations) attached on heart valves, consisting of microbial colonization of the valvular endocardium, that may eventually lead to congestive heart failure or stroke subsequent to systemic embolism. We hypothesized that host defense activation may be directly involved in tissue proteolytic aggression, in addition to pathogenic effects of bacterial colonization.

Methods And Results: IE valve samples collected during surgery (n = 39) were dissected macroscopically by separating vegetations (VG) and the surrounding damaged part of the valve from the adjacent, apparently normal (N) valvular tissue.

Characterization of filamentous fungi isolated from Moroccan olive and olive cake: toxinogenic potential of Aspergillus strains.

During the 2003 and 2004 olive oil production campaigns in Morocco, 136 samples from spoiled olive and olive cake were analyzed and 285 strains were isolated in pure culture. Strains included 167 mesophilic strains belonging to ten genera: Penicillium, Aspergillus, Geotrichum, Mucor, Rhizopus, Trichoderma, Alternaria, Acremonium, Humicola, Ulocladium as well as 118 thermophilic strains isolated in 2003 and 2004, mainly belonging to six species: Aspergillus fumigatus, Paecilomyces variotii, Mucor pusillus, Thermomyces lanuginosus, Humicola grisea, and Thermoascus aurantiacus. Penicillium and Aspergillus, respectively, 32.