Predictive role of CHA₂DS₂-VASc score in acute coronary syndrome patients and value of adding global longitudinal strain to CHA₂DS₂-VASc score.

Background: Future clinical management would be improved by accurate and early identification of ACS patients at high CV risk. In non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients, the prognostic risk of thromboembolism has been evaluated using CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores. It has recently been shown to assess the severity of CAD and foresee patient outcomes.

Cardiomyopathies in children and adolescents: aetiology, management, and outcomes in the European Society of Cardiology EURObservational Research Programme Cardiomyopathy and Myocarditis Registry.

Background And Aims: Childhood-onset cardiomyopathies are rare and poorly characterized. This study examined the baseline characteristics and 1-year follow-up of children with cardiomyopathy in the first European Cardiomyopathy Registry.

Methods: Prospective data were collected on individuals aged 1-<18 years enrolled in the European Society of Cardiology EURObservational Research Programme Cardiomyopathy and Myocarditis long-term registry (June 2014-December 2016).

Longitudinal changes in peri-papillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in patients with unilateral branch retinal vein occlusion.

Background: Associations between retinal venous occlusion (RVO), elevated intraocular pressure, and glaucoma have been reported. Further investigations into structural alterations in the fellow eyes of individuals with unilateral RVO have revealed that the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer is thinner than in healthy eyes, suggesting that there may be systemic risk factors common to both RVO and glaucoma. We aimed to evaluate changes in peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (pRNFLT) among individuals with unilateral branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).

Chronic kidney disease's impact on revascularization and subsequent major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with chronic coronary syndrome.

Objective: To determine the impact of CKD on the completeness of revascularization and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS).

Patients And Methods: The study enrolled 400 CCS patients who underwent revascularization by PCI. They were separated into two categories according to their eGFR levels: the control group: 200 patients with eGFR ≥60mL/min/1.

The burden of entheseal involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus: a comparative ultrasonograghic study.

Background: Imaging is crucial for identifying and diagnosis of the musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms, which are one of the most typical manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). For the joints, tendons, and entheseal sites, ultrasonography has shown to be sensitive and accurate for the diagnosis of both inflammation and structural damage.

Aim: The goal of the current investigation is to determine the prevalence and the distribution of entheseal abnormalities in SLE patients, using musculoskeletal ultrasonography (MSUS) and to assess the relationship between entheseal sonographic changes and the SLE disease activity.

Ultrasound guided erector spinae plane block versus thoracic epidural analgesia in traumatic flail chest, a prospective randomized trial.

Background And Aims: Pain contributes to flail chest morbidities. The aim of this study was to compare the analgesic effects of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) with thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) in patients with traumatic flail chest.

Material And Methods: Sixty patients aged 18 - 60 years, ASA I-II, with unilateral flail chest were allocated into TEA group with a loading dose of 6 ml bupivacaine 0.

Dexmedetomidine induced hypotension and hemostatic markers.

Background And Aims: The hemostatic system undergoes extensive alterations following surgical trauma leading to a hypercoagulable state. We assessed and compared the changes in platelet aggregation, coagulation, and fibrinolysis status during normotensive and dexmedetomidine-induced hypotensive anesthesia in patients undergoing spine surgery.

Material And Methods: Sixty patients undergoing spine surgery were randomly allocated into two groups: normotensive and dexmedetomidine-induced hypotensive groups.

Analgesic efficacy of ultrasound guided quadratus lumborum block versus ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve block following pediatric open inguinal hernia repair: A prospective randomized controlled trial.

Background And Aims: Inguinal hernia repair is a common surgical procedure. We compared the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided anterior quadratus lumborum (QL) block versus ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric (II/IH) nerve block in pediatric patients undergoing open inguinal hernia repair.

Material And Methods: It was a prospective randomized study in which 90 patients of 1-8 years of age were randomly assigned into control (general anesthesia only), QL block, and II/IH nerve block groups.

Association of Left Atrial Deformation Analysis by Speckle Tracking Echocardiography With Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus in Patients With Primary Valvular Heart Disease.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the functional parameters of the left atrium (LA) derived from deformation imaging, two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking echocardiography (STE), and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) strain and strain rate (SR) and the function of the left atrial appendage (LAA) as measured by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in patients with primary valvular heart disease.

Methods: This cross-sectional research included 200 primary valvular heart disease cases, categorized into Group I (n = 74) with thrombus and Group II (n = 126) without thrombus. All patients were subjected to standard 12 lead electrocardiography, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), strain and SR imaging of the LA by TDI and 2D speckle tracking, and TEE.

The relation between pericoronary fat thickness and density quantified by coronary computed tomography angiography with coronary artery disease severity.

Objective: To study the correlation between epicardial fat thickness (EFT), pericoronary fat thickness (PCFT), and pericoronary fat density (PCFD) with the existence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 210 patients referred for multislice CT angiography. Group I normal CTCA, Group II patients had non-obstructive atherosclerosis, and Group III patients had obstructive atherosclerosis.

Preclinical studies on melanogenesis proteins using a resveratrol-nanoformula as a skin whitener.

A naturally occurring polyphenol called trans-resveratrol has received a lot of attention due to its possible health advantages for humans. The low solubility of trans-resveratrol and its isomerization upon UV exposure strongly limit its application as a skin-whitening agent. In the present study, to increase trans-resveratrol solubility, a new nanoformula was created by combining hydrophilic surfactants and oils.

Inter-semispinal plane (ISP) block for postoperative analgesia following cervical spine surgery: A prospective randomized controlled trial.

Study Objective: We evaluated the perioperative analgesic effects of the inter-semispinal plane (ISP) block in patients undergoing posterior cervical spine surgery.

Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial.

Setting: Operating room and surgical ward.

Development of novel cyanopyridines as PIM-1 kinase inhibitors with potent anti-prostate cancer activity: Synthesis, biological evaluation, nanoparticles formulation and molecular dynamics simulation.

Recently, inhibition of PIM-1 enzyme is found as an effective route in the fight against proliferation of cancer. Herein, new cyano pyridines that target PIM-1 kinase were designed, synthesized, and biologically evaluated. Two prostate cell lines were used to examine each of the new compounds in vitro for anticancer activity, namely, PC-3 and DU-145.

The Interspace Between Popliteal Artery and Posterior Capsule of the Knee (IPACK) Block in Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Randomized Trial.

Background: Optimal analgesia following knee surgery is essential for early mobilization and rehabilitation and minimizing morbidity.

Objectives: We compared the addition of the interspace between the popliteal artery and the posterior capsule of the knee (IPACK) block to the adductor canal block (ACB) versus ACB alone on postoperative analgesia and ambulation ability in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Study Design: A prospective randomized study.

Nanocarrier Drug Delivery Systems: Characterization, Limitations, Future Perspectives and Implementation of Artificial Intelligence.

There has been an increasing demand for the development of nanocarriers targeting multiple diseases with a broad range of properties. Due to their tiny size, giant surface area and feasible targetability, nanocarriers have optimized efficacy, decreased side effects and improved stability over conventional drug dosage forms. There are diverse types of nanocarriers that have been synthesized for drug delivery, including dendrimers, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, polymersomes, polymer-drug conjugates, polymeric nanoparticles, peptide nanoparticles, micelles, nanoemulsions, nanospheres, nanocapsules, nanoshells, carbon nanotubes and gold nanoparticles, etc.

Continuous Pectoral Nerve Block Compared With Continuous Thoracic Paravertebral Block and Intravenous Opioid Analgesia for the Postoperative Analgesic Efficacy in Patients Undergoing Modified Radical Mastectomy: A Prospective Randomized Trial.

Objectives: Postoperative pain following mastectomy is often severe and pain management is necessary. We evaluated the analgesic efficacy of continuous pectoral nerve block (PEC) in comparison with that of the continuous thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) and the intravenous opioid analgesia in patients scheduled for modified radical mastectomy (MRM).

Materials And Methods: A total of 90 female patients aged 20 to 70 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I to III, undergoing unilateral MRM were randomly allocated into 3 groups.

Is health literacy associated with antibiotic use, knowledge and awareness of antimicrobial resistance among non-medical university students in Egypt? A cross-sectional study.

Objectives: Antibiotic resistance is a global public health concern, especially in developing countries, where antibiotic misuse is widespread. However, studies investigating relevant factors, particularly in youth, are limited. This study examined the levels of health literacy (HL) and their association with antibiotic use, knowledge of antibiotics and awareness of antibiotic resistance among university students in Egypt.

Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Bariatric surgery is frequently complicated with considerable postoperative pain. We evaluated the impact of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block on perioperative analgesia and pulmonary functions following laparoscopic bariatric surgery.

Methods: A total of 60 patients aged 18 to 65 years with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 40 kg/m were randomly allocated into two groups.

Protective effects of Saraca indica L. leaves extract (family Fabaceae) against gamma irradiation induced injury in the kidney of female albino rats.

This work was designed to estimate the protective effect of Saraca indica L. leaves ethanolic exract against γ-irradiation induced renal damage in rats. Phytochemical examinations of S.

The Analgesic Efficacy of Pecto-Intercostal Fascial Block Combined with Pectoral Nerve Block in Modified Radical Mastectomy: A Prospective Randomized Trial.

Background: Pectoral nerve (Pecs) block is one of the most promising regional analgesic techniques for breast surgery. However, Pecs II block may not provide analgesia of the medial aspect of the breast or the entire nipple-areolar complex.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of combining the pecto-intercostal fascial block (PIFB) and Pecs II block for perioperative analgesia following modified radical mastectomy (MRM).

Association of left atrial deformation indices with left atrial appendage thrombus in patients with non valvular atrial fibrillation.

Aim: Assessment of the value of left atrial deformation indices for prediction of left atrial appendage functioning patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

Method: The study included 250 patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and normal left atrial dimension. Trans-thoracic and trans-esophageal echocardiography were performed.

Assessment of right ventricular systolic function in heart failure with preserved, reduced and mid-range ejection fraction.

Background: Few studies have evaluated the right ventricle systolic function in different categories of heart failure despite its effect on outcomes.

Methods And Results: Single-centre, cross-sectional study included 150 patients, 50 patients in each category of HF: group I, preserved; group II, mid-range; group III, reduced ejection fraction. Left ventricular systolic function was assessed by 3D echo, and right ventricular systolic function was assessed by fractional area change (FAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), tissue Doppler image (TDI), and global longitudinal strain (GLS).

Multi-slice CT coronary angiography assessment of remodeling index in patients with low- to intermediate-risk stable angina.

Background: Early identification of vulnerable plaques by remodeling index prior to rupture and development of acute event is of considerable importance especially by a reliable non-invasive method as CT coronary angiography (CTA), so we aim to evaluate coronary artery remodeling index in patients with low- to intermediate-risk stable angina by CTA.

Results: This single-center, cross-sectional, observational study included 150 patients with stable angina with normal resting ECG, negative markers, normal systolic function by 2D echocardiography (EF > 50%), and without regional wall motion abnormality at rest who were referred to MSCT evaluation of the coronary artery tree; the mean age was 56.8 ± 6.