Crosstalk between miR-146a and pro-inflammatory cytokines in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

microRNA-146a (miR-146a) plays an essential role in immune anomalies and organ injury of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by regulating the disease's inflammation and complications. Here, we analyzed the expression of miR-146a in SLE and a panel of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, and TNF-α). Association between all measured parameters and the disease's clinical manifestation and response to treatment was monitored.

Evaluation of the interaction between anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein family mRNA expression and autophagy gene Bcl-1 expression in Egyptian SLE patients.

Objectives: Autophagy is a complex cellular process that maintains homeostasis in systemic lupus erythematosus. Abnormally high expression of Bcl-2 was observed in B and T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood in SLE patients. These may be responsible for the survival of self-reactive lymphocytes and the development of lupus, and the study aims at evaluating interaction between apoptosis and autophagy in Egyptian lupus patients.

Diagnostic value of salivary gland ultrasonography for secondary Sjögren syndrome in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Background: Salivary gland ultrasound (SGUS) is a reliable technique for assessing the salivary glands in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS); however, the role of SGUS for diagnosis of secondary SS (sSS) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was not examined.

Objective: To assess the diagnostic value of SGUS for sSS in patients with SLE, and to investigate the relationship between SGUS findings with clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients with SLE.

Patients And Methods: This cross-sectional study included 49 patients with SLE.

Trocar-assisted flanged transconjunctival intrascleral sutureless intraocular lens fixation.

Purpose: To study the safety and efficacy of 25-gauge trocar-assisted flanged intrascleral sutureless IOL fixation in patients with insufficient posterior capsular support.

Methods: Five aphakic eyes with capsular insufficiency were included in this prospective interventional case series study, at Dar El Oyoun Hospital, Cairo, Egypt. Twenty five-gauge trocar-assisted flanged intrascleral sutureless technique was used for IOL fixation, in which retinal microforceps were used to capture and externalize both haptics through a scleral tunnel.

Effect of occupational cadmium exposure on the thyroid gland and associated inflammatory markers among workers of the electroplating industry.

Cadmium (Cd) is widespread throughout the environment and is used in the electroplating industry. It has been found to have an effect on the endocrine system. However, its effects and their underlying mechanisms are still not clear.

Mortality and disease related comorbidities in systemic lupus erythematosus: Data from an Egyptian cohort.

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disorder with significant disease-related comorbidity and considerably high mortality.

Aim Of The Work: Explore the survival rates and the spectrum of disease related comorbidities in an Egyptian cohort afflicted by SLE.

Methods: This is a single center observational cohort study performed in one of the leading medical Schools governmental hospitals for teaching and training in the North African region and Middle East sectors Kasr Alainy School of Medicine-Cairo University.

A pharmacoeconomic study comparing the use of mycophenolate mofetil or cyclophosphamide as induction therapy in lupus nephritis patients in Egypt.

Introduction/objectives: Lupus nephritis (LN) is a major and serious complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and is associated with morbidity and mortality. The difference in drug cost between mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and cyclophosphamide (CYC) inducing regimens becomes a relevant and realistic issue, especially in developing countries. Thus, this study aims to estimate and compare the costs and outcomes of CYC and MMF for better allocation of resources to reduce the burden on the Egyptian healthcare system.

Masking of macular neovascular membranes by subretinal hyperreflective material on optical coherence tomography angiography.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether subretinal hyperreflective material (SHRM) may mask the detection of macular neovascular membranes (MNV) on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

Methods: In this observational study, eyes with active neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), co-existing SHRM & intraretinal or subretinal fluid or hemorrhage on structural OCT, underwent OCTA & fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) imaging. 6 × 6 mm choriocapillaris and outer retinal slabs on OCTA were examined to determine the presence of MNV underneath the SHRM.

Autoimmune hepatitis in Egyptian children: A single center experience.

Background And Aim: Autoimmune hepatitis AIH) has variable clinical manifestations and should be considered in the diagnostic work-up of any patient with cryptogenic liver disease. The aim of the study was to determine the clinical, biochemical, histopathological characteristics and treatment outcome of AIH in Egyptian children.

Patients And Methods: This observational study was conducted at the Pediatric Hepatology Unit at Cairo University Pediatric Hospital, Egypt.

Assessment of serum CK-MM level as a bioindicator for work-related musculoskeletal injuries among Emergency hospital workers.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are considered a growing problem among healthcare personnel, especially service workers. The emergency room (ER) service workers are highly exposed to work-related risk factors which predispose them to MSDs. A cross-sectional study was performed on 78 ER workers.

Long non-coding RNA ENST00000414355 as a biomarker of cadmium exposure regulates DNA damage and apoptosis.

Human exposure to cadmium (Cd) may induce severe effects in different organs. Recent studies suggest that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are closely involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms of Cd-related diseases. This study evaluated the use of lncRNA (ENST00000414355) as an expression signature of Cd exposure and assessed its ability to modulate DNA damage and apoptosis by measuring the expression of ATM serine/threonine kinase (ATM) and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) in Cd-exposed workers.

Early onset left ventricular remodeling in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus; Insight from 3-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography.

Background: Early diagnosis and treatment of myocardial affection in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are crucial.

Objectives: To evaluate the ventricular systolic function in juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (j-SLE) patients by 3-D speckle tracking echocardiography (3D-STE) and to determine the predictors of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction if present.

Methods: Twenty-six SLE patients without heart failure and 21 healthy controls were studied by standard echocardiogram and 3D-STE.

Nasal trabeculo-ciliary angle and relative lens vault as predictors for intraocular pressure reduction following phacoemulsification.

Purpose: To evaluate quantitative relationships between biometric measurements and expected intraocular pressure reduction following phacoemulsification.

Design: A prospective, comparative clinical study.

Methods: Forty nine candidates for phacoemulsification were included.

Systemic lupus erythematosus children in Egypt: Homeland spectrum amid the global situation.

Objectives: This study aims to present the manifestations of juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) across Egypt, to focus on age at onset and gender-driven influence on disease characteristics, and to compare findings to other countries.

Methods: The study included 404 Egyptian children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) presenting to one of the specialized rheumatology centers corresponding to 13 major governorates. Juvenile cases age was ≤ 16°years at the time of recruitment.

Predictive value of novel biomarkers for chronic kidney disease among workers occupationally exposed to silica.

There is a pressing need to find reliable biomarkers for the early diagnosis of silica-induced nephropathy. Abundant genes are upregulated in damaged kidneys with subsequent protein products appearing in the urine. Liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) are among the most promising.

Some health effects of work-related stress among nurses working in critical care units.

Occupational stress is a major health problem among nurses. Critical care nurses appear to experience more stress at work compared to others. Stress is associated with multiple system disorders, hormonal, and immunological disturbances, and genetic effects.