Prevalence of Obesity among Students in Private and Public high Schools in Sulaimani City

Background: There is an increasing concern about obesity among children and adolescents worldwide as they constitute 20% of the world population. Several predisposing factors are contributing to the obesity that can be monitored, particularly healthy diet and physical activities. Addressing those factors among children and adolescents lead to decreasing health related conditions. Objective: To investigate the prevalence rate of obesity, sociodemographic, dietary habits, lifestyle and knowledge factors among adolescents attending private and public schools in Sulaimani city, Iraq. Patients and Methods: Through a school-based cross-sectional study from October 2021 to April 2022, a total of 576 students in high schools located in Sulaimani city, Kurdistan Region, Iraq were studied. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on students’ sociodemographic characteristics, physical activities, dietary habits and knowledge. Body mass index was measured based on WHO Growth Reference for 5 to 19 years of age. Results: The obesity prevalence rate in private schools (36.11%) was higher than public schools (31.6%) (P=0.5890) however, the difference was not statistically significant. The majority of students in private schools exercised more frequently and for a longer duration; however, they ate more red meat, less dairy produce and had a higher fast food intake. Conclusion: The prevalence of obesity is slightly higher among students in private schools than the students in public schools

Nitric Oxide Gene Polymorphism is a Risk Factor for Diabetic Nephropathy and Atherosclerosis in Type 1 Diabetic Patients

AIM: To assess the risk factor for diabetic atherosclerosis nephropathy and diabetic nephropathy in type 1 diabetic patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty healthy volunteers age and sex-matched and Sixty-five type 1 diabetic patient were in rolled in the study. The mean age of patients was 17.99 ± 2.59 years, mean age of onset of diabetes was 7.00 ± 3.28 years, mean duration of diabetes was 10.91 ± 3.54 years. Glycosylated sex-matched (HbA1c) was assessed in blood samples, serum lipid profile was determined, and serum level of oxidised low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL), and nitric oxide was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Nitric oxide 894G > T genotype was analysed by (PCR-RFLP) method and confirmed by Sequencing. Assessment of the albumin / creatinine ratio was done in urine samples. Renal Doppler and Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) via ultrasound was also performed. RESULTS: OxLDL, lipid profile, albumin/creatinine ratio, cIMT and resistivity index were significantly higher in diabetic patients while nitric oxide was significantly lower. Nitric oxide genotype shows no significant difference between diabetic’s patients and controls. Diabetic patients with homozygous NO had a significantly lower serum level of Nitric oxide, a significantly higher OxLDL, albumin / creatinine ratio and lipid profile. CONCLUSION: diabetic patients are liable for the occurrence of early diabetic nephropathy and atherosclerosis as a result of the presence of low level of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide gene polymorphism 894G > T in diabetic patients is a risk factor for diabetic nephropathy and atherosclerosis

Follow Up of Value of the Intrarenal Resistivity Indices and Different Renal Biomarkers for Early Identification of Diabetic Nephropathy in Type 1 Diabetic Patients

AIM: To evaluate intrarenal resistivity index (RI) and different biomarkers of diabetic nephropathy (DN) with clinical signs of DN and its progression over time as early detection of DN.PATIENTS AND METHODS: This longitudinal study included 48 type 1 diabetic patients who were studied at baseline and after three years. A blood sample was taken for assessment of glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1), lipid profile and a urine sample was taken for assessment of albumin/creatinine ratio, Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), liver-type fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP) and kidney injury molecule-1 (Kim-1) at baseline and after three years. Forty diabetic patients did renal Doppler at baseline & after three years.RESULTS: HbA1, waist/hip ratio, albumin/creatinine ratio, lipid profile, NGAL, KIM-1, L-FABP and resistivity index (RI) were significantly increased in follow-up. Twenty patients (41.7%) showed progression to albuminuria. RI showed a significant increase in follow-up study. ROC curve showed that RI and NGAL had the highest sensitivity (100%), followed by L-FABP (90%) and lastly KIM-1 (63.6%) in the prediction of DN.CONCLUSION: High RI, NGAL, KIM-1 & L-FABP can be considered as early markers of diabetic nephropathy in type 1 diabetics and are associated with its progression over time, independent of albuminuria

Risk Factors Associated with Mild Cognitive Impairment аmong Apparently Healthy People and the Role of MicroRNAs

BACKGROUND: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a stage between the expected cognitive decline of normal ageing and the serious decline of dementia. AIM: To identify risk factors and role of miRNAs associated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among employees. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 186 employees aged between 40 and 65 years. Cognitive function was evaluated using ACEIII, MoCA, and Quick cognitive tests. Medical history and lifestyle were assessed. Family 132 & 134 miRNA expressions were assessed by real-time PCR. RESULTS: MCI was detected among 14 / 186 (7.5%). miRNA 132 expression was the only significant miRNAs to detect MCI with low sensitivity and specificity (70%). The logistic analysis revealed that higher miRNA132 expressions, low monthly intake of; vegetables, unroasted nuts, low education and higher ALT levels were predicting factors for MCI with AOR 1.1 (1.01-3.3), 1.2 (1.04-1.43), 0.8 (0.8-0.98), 2.7 (1.9-7.4) and 1.6 (1.1-2.3) respectively. CONCLUSION: MiRNAs expression showed low sensitivity and specificity in detecting MCI; only miRNA 132 might be used. Several modifiable factors seem to reduce the risk of MCI

Update on the Use of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and their Products in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD) is a major limitation to the success of allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) as Steroid-Refractory (SR) acute GVHD carries poor prognosis due to the absence of an efficacious second-line therapy. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) which have immunosuppressive, immunomodulatory, and regenerative properties may become a highly effective therapeutic modality for SR-GVHD in the near future. MSCs have already been approved to treat childhood SR-GVHD in Japan, and they have been conditionally licensed in New Zealand and Canada. It is expected that MSCs will be approved for the treatment of SR-GVHD in adults in Europe, North America, and other parts of the world within a few years. Utilization of the recently introduced techniques including the use of MSC products such as exosomes and Extracellular Vesicles (ECVs) instead of the parent MSCs, robotic manufacturing technology, and genetic engineering of MSCs will ultimately overcome the remaining obstacles facing the widespread utilization of MSCs and their products as therapeutics not only in HSCT but also in other medical fields. The aim of this review is to provide an update on the remarkable progress achieved in the use of MSCs and their products in the field of HSCT

Takir some study of environmental factors on the weight of some phases of the screwworm fly the ancient world

The weight of larvae virgins and Alcamlat for males more than the weight of females of the roles themselves that the highest rate of loss in weight of larvae developed to virgins when field conditions were (21.5,22,21.3) mg during June and July and August respectively, recorded the highest degrees of heat and less attributed to moistur

Orthopaedic manifestations of Proteus syndrome in a child with literature update

Background: Proteus syndrome is a rare developmental disorder of unknown aetiology. It is a disorder characterized by postnatal overgrowth affecting multiple tissues. Proteus syndrome is most frequently manifested in skeletal changes. As manifestations of Proteus syndrome are highly variable, and many are found in other overgrowth syndromes, and due to inconsistent application of diagnostic criteria, the literature has more reports of patients misdiagnosed than correctly diagnosed. The purpose of this study is to report the clinical and radiographic patterns of affection of the musculoskeletal system in Proteus syndrome in the light of the proposed diagnostic criteria and cases reported in the literature. Methods: The clinical and radiographic musculoskeletal characteristics of a child with Proteus syndrome are illustrated along with a literature update. The orthopaedic manifestations in our patient are correlated to cases and proposed diagnostic criteria reported in the literature. Results: The study of the presented case and review of available literature show that there tends to be a highly characteristic pattern of skeletal abnormalities in Proteus syndrome. Conclusion: The rarity of Proteus syndrome and the variability of signs make the diagnosis challenging. Clinical and radiographic examinations are important contributors to the diagnosis. The clinical utility of the reported cases is significantly dependent on consistent application of diagnostic criteria that augment diagnostic accuracy. The present case reinforces the need for supplementary musculoskeletal imaging modalities to be implemented in the diagnosis of Proteus syndrome

A case of infantile osteopetrosis: The radioclinical features with literature update

Background: Osteopetrosis is a rare hereditary metabolic bone disorder characterized by generalized skeletal sclerosis caused by a defect in bone resorption and remodelling. Infantile autosomal recessive osteopetrosis is one of three subtypes of osteopetrosis and the most severe form. The correct and early diagnosis of infantile osteopetrosis is important for management of complications and for future genetic counselling. Diagnosis is largely based on clinical and radiographic evaluation, confirmed by gene testing where applicable. Methods: Therefore, in this case study the classical clinical and radiological signs of a boy with infantile osteopetrosis will be presented with a comprehensive literature update. The differentiating signs from other causes of hereditary osteosclerosing dysplasias are discussed. Results: This case study and review of available literature show that there tends to be a highly unique clinical and skeletal radiographic pattern of affection in infantile osteopetrosis. Conclusion: Although tremendous advances have been made in the elucidation of the genetic defect of osteopetrosis over the past years, the role of accurate clinical and radiological assessment remains an important contributor to the diagnosis of infantile osteopetrosis

Phenotypic and Genetic Characterization of a Cohort of Pediatric Wilson Disease Patients

Abstract Background In Egypt, Wilson disease seems to be under diagnosed and clinical data on large cohorts are limited. The aim of this study is to highlight the clinical, laboratory and genetic characteristics of this disease in our pediatric population as well as to report our experience with both treatment options and outcome. Methods The study included 77 patients from 50 unrelated families (62 were followed up for a mean period of 58.9 ± 6.4 months and 27 were asymptomatic siblings). Data were collected retrospectively by record analysis and patient interviews. Diagnosis was confirmed by sequencing of the ATP7B gene in 64 patients Results Our patients had unique characteristics compared to other populations. They had a younger age of onset (median: 10 years), higher prevalence of Kayser-Fleischer rings (97.6% in the symptomatic patients), low ceruloplasmin (93.5%), high rate of parental consanguinity (78.9%) as well as a more severe course. 71.42% of those on long term D-penicillamine improved or were stable during the follow up with severe side effects occurring in only 11.5%. Preemptive treatment with zinc monotherapy was an effective non-toxic alternative to D-penicillamine. Homozygous mutations were found in 85.7%, yet limited by the large number of mutations detected, it was difficult to find genotype-phenotype correlations. Missense mutations were the most common while protein-truncating mutations resulted in a more severe course with higher incidence of acute liver failure and neurological symptoms. Conclusions Egyptian children with Wilson disease present with early Kayser-Fleischer rings and early onset of liver and neurological disease. The mutational spectrum identified differs from that observed in other countries. The high rate of homozygous mutations (reflecting the high rate of consanguinity) may potentially offer further insights on genotype-phenotype correlation</p