Exploring Identifiers of Research Articles Related to Food and Disease using Artificial Intelligence

The research project aims to understand how variation in writing styles and flexibility of text mining methods control their ability to extract useful information from articles about food and health. Those areas of study are significant because they incorporate features of text mining methods and food-health articles. The project will build a database and mining tools that would change the way we search and collect information from scientific publications and the way we analyze this information for further applications. The strategy to achieve the project’s goal is to engage several teams of undergraduate students in Applied Computing to develop a food-health portal. Some teams will develop text mining tools and others use these tools and existing data-mining tools to extract the portal contents from articles about food-health. The information extracted will create and inform a database of food/health relationships. The project addresses several issues of central importance to the success of text mining techniques extracting useful food-health information for serving society now and in future. Those include: how writing style of an article is determined automatically, how main topic of an article/document is identified automatically, how useful information is extracted from an article/document to help national and international researchers in conducting further research, how available food articles can be quickly utilized to help the society, how undergraduate students gain skills required for extracting useful information from the huge amount of data available on the internet

Effects of oral ginkgo biloba extract on pregnancy complicated by asymmetrically intrauterine growth restriction: a double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial

Objectives: to evaluate the effect of oral ginkgo biloba extract (GB)) on asymmetrical intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Study Design: A randomized trial conducted at Assiut Women Health on 226 pregnant women with asymmetrical IUGR. The patients randomly received GB extract or placebo for 6 weeks. The main outcome measures were improvement in fetal weight and feto-maternal blood flow. The data were analyzed by Student’s t- test and chi-squared tests. Result: There was a significant increase in the estimated fetal weight in the GB group (3047+ 127 gm) when compared to the placebo group (2734+ 127 gm) (p= Conclusions: GB extract improves placental functions, Doppler indices and fetal weight in pregnancies complicated with IUGR fetuses

Effects of oral ginkgo biloba extract on pregnancy complicated by asymmetrically intrauterine growth restriction: a double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial

Objectives: to evaluate the effect of oral ginkgo biloba extract (GB)) on asymmetrical intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Study Design: A randomized trial conducted at Assiut Women Health on 226 pregnant women with asymmetrical IUGR. The patients randomly received GB extract or placebo for 6 weeks. The main outcome measures were improvement in fetal weight and feto-maternal blood flow. The data were analyzed by Student’s t- test and chi-squared tests. Result: There was a significant increase in the estimated fetal weight in the GB group (3047+ 127 gm) when compared to the placebo group (2734+ 127 gm) (p= Conclusions: GB extract improves placental functions, Doppler indices and fetal weight in pregnancies complicated with IUGR fetuses

Diabesity in the Arabian Gulf: Challenges and Opportunities

Diabesity (diabetes associated with obesity) is a major global and local public health concern, which has almost reached an epidemic order of magnitude in the countries of the Arabian Gulf and worldwide. We sought to review the lifestyle trends in this region and to highlight the challenges and opportunities that health care professionals face and attempt to address and correct them. In this regard, we aimed to review the regional data and widely held expert opinions in the Arabian Gulf and provide a thematic review of the size of the problem of diabesity and its risk factors, challenges, and opportunities. We also wished to delineate the barriers to health promotion, disease prevention, and identify social customs contributing to these challenges. Lastly, we wished to address specific problems with particular relevance to the region such as minimal exercise and unhealthy nutrition, concerns during pregnancy, the subject of childhood obesity, the impact of Ramadan fasting, and the expanding role of bariatric surgery. Finally, general recommendations for prevention, evidence-based, and culturally competent management strategies are presented to be considered at the levels of the individual, community, and policymakers

Burnout among surgeons before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: an international survey

Background: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had many significant impacts within the surgical realm, and surgeons have been obligated to reconsider almost every aspect of daily clinical practice. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study reported in compliance with the CHERRIES guidelines and conducted through an online platform from June 14th to July 15th, 2020. The primary outcome was the burden of burnout during the pandemic indicated by the validated Shirom-Melamed Burnout Measure. Results: Nine hundred fifty-four surgeons completed the survey. The median length of practice was 10 years; 78.2% included were male with a median age of 37 years old, 39.5% were consultants, 68.9% were general surgeons, and 55.7% were affiliated with an academic institution. Overall, there was a significant increase in the mean burnout score during the pandemic; longer years of practice and older age were significantly associated with less burnout. There were significant reductions in the median number of outpatient visits, operated cases, on-call hours, emergency visits, and research work, so, 48.2% of respondents felt that the training resources were insufficient. The majority (81.3%) of respondents reported that their hospitals were included in the management of COVID-19, 66.5% felt their roles had been minimized; 41% were asked to assist in non-surgical medical practices, and 37.6% of respondents were included in COVID-19 management. Conclusions: There was a significant burnout among trainees. Almost all aspects of clinical and research activities were affected with a significant reduction in the volume of research, outpatient clinic visits, surgical procedures, on-call hours, and emergency cases hindering the training. Trial registration: The study was registered on clicaltrials.gov "NCT04433286" on 16/06/2020

PANC Study (Pancreatitis: A National Cohort Study): national cohort study examining the first 30 days from presentation of acute pancreatitis in the UK

Abstract Background Acute pancreatitis is a common, yet complex, emergency surgical presentation. Multiple guidelines exist and management can vary significantly. The aim of this first UK, multicentre, prospective cohort study was to assess the variation in management of acute pancreatitis to guide resource planning and optimize treatment. Methods All patients aged greater than or equal to 18 years presenting with acute pancreatitis, as per the Atlanta criteria, from March to April 2021 were eligible for inclusion and followed up for 30 days. Anonymized data were uploaded to a secure electronic database in line with local governance approvals. Results A total of 113 hospitals contributed data on 2580 patients, with an equal sex distribution and a mean age of 57 years. The aetiology was gallstones in 50.6 per cent, with idiopathic the next most common (22.4 per cent). In addition to the 7.6 per cent with a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis, 20.1 per cent of patients had a previous episode of acute pancreatitis. One in 20 patients were classed as having severe pancreatitis, as per the Atlanta criteria. The overall mortality rate was 2.3 per cent at 30 days, but rose to one in three in the severe group. Predictors of death included male sex, increased age, and frailty; previous acute pancreatitis and gallstones as aetiologies were protective. Smoking status and body mass index did not affect death. Conclusion Most patients presenting with acute pancreatitis have a mild, self-limiting disease. Rates of patients with idiopathic pancreatitis are high. Recurrent attacks of pancreatitis are common, but are likely to have reduced risk of death on subsequent admissions. </jats:sec

Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on dysphagia in patients with post thermal inhalation injury: A randomized controlled trial

Background: The most dangerous complications of post-thermal inhalation injury dysphagia are aspiration risks and the inability to efficiently manage solid food textures, which almost persist for weeks and even for months. Objectives: To investigate the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to conventional therapy for treating post thermal inhalation injury dysphagia. Participants and Methodology: Sixty patients aged from 13 to 35, suffering from post-thermal inhalation injury dysphagia were randomly allocated into two equal groups. The experimental group(A) received 2-mA tDCS through 2 surface electrodes, three times/week for 3 weeks plus conventional physical therapy. While the control group (B) received sham tDCS as a placebo plus the same conventional physical therapy. The Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability (MASA) as well as Video fluoroscopy Swallow Study (VFSS) were used to assess the swallowing ability in both groups before and after 3 weeks of intervention. Outcome measures included oral transportation time, hyoid elevation, laryngeal elevation, the oesophageal sphincter opens, and aspiration measured by VFSS as well as swallowing ability measured by the MASA. Results: Post-treatment results showed a significant decrease in the oral transportation time, hyoid elevation, laryngeal elevation, the oesophageal sphincter opens, and aspiration, as well as outcomes of the MASA in both groups in favour of the tDCS group(p < .05). Conclusion: Application of tDCS has a significant effect as an adjuvant strategy during swallowing training in patients with post thermal inhalation injury dysphagia

Metabolites Profiling and In Vitro Biological Characterization of Different Fractions of <i>Cliona</i> sp. Marine Sponge from the Red Sea Egypt

Red Sea marine sponges are an important source of biologically active natural products. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate, for the first time, the components of n-hexane, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate fractions of Cliona sp. marine sponge collected from the Red Sea, Egypt using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS (Ultra-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry) analysis. The analysis revealed the tentative identification of 23, 16, and 24 compounds from the n-hexane, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate fractions of Cliona sp., respectively. In addition, the examination of these fractions resulted in the isolation and identification of three sterols and one amino acid. The identification of the isolated compounds was confirmed by 1D and 2D NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance), and MS (Mass spectrometry), and IR (Infrared) spectroscopy. The in vitro cytotoxic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of the total ethanolic extract and its sub-fractions were also evaluated. Interestingly, the ethyl acetate fraction showed potent cytotoxic activity against colon (HCT-116) and human larynx carcinoma (HEP-2) cell lines with IC50 (Half-maximal Inhibitory Concentration) 6.11 ± 0.2 and 12.6 ± 0.9 µg/mL, respectively. However, the dichloromethane fraction showed strong antioxidant activity, with IC50 75.53 ± 3.41 µg/mL. Notably, the total ethanolic extract showed the strongest antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, with MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) 62.5 ± 0.82 and 125 ± 0.62 µg/mL, respectively, compared to other fractions. In conclusion, this is the first report on the secondary metabolites content and biological activities of Cliona sp. from the Red Sea, Egypt. It also highlights the need for further research on the most active fractions against various cancer cell lines and resistant bacterial and fungal strains. Cliona sp. extract and its fractions could be a potential source of novel and safe natural drugs with a wide range of medicinal and pharmaceutical applications

Metabolic Profiling and In Vitro Assessment of the Biological Activities of the Ethyl Acetate Extract of Penicillium chrysogenum &ldquo;Endozoic of Cliona sp. Marine Sponge&rdquo; from the Red Sea (Egypt)

Marine sponge-derived endozoic fungi have been gaining increasing importance as promising sources of numerous and unique bioactive compounds. This study investigates the phytochemical profile and biological activities of the ethyl acetate extract of Penicillium chrysogenum derived from Cliona sp. sponge. Thirty-six compounds were tentatively identified from P. chrysogenum ethyl acetate extract along with the kojic acid (KA) isolation. The UPLC-ESI-MS/MS positive ionization mode was used to analyze and identify the extract constituents while 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy were used for kojic acid (KA) structure confirmation. The antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities were assessed in vitro. Both the extract and kojic acid showed potent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with MIC 250 &plusmn; 0.82 &micro;g/mL. Interestingly, the extract showed strong antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans with MIC 93.75 &plusmn; 0.55 and 19.53 &plusmn; 0.48 &micro;g/mL, respectively. Furthermore, KA showed the same potency against Fusarium oxysporum and Cryptococcus neoformans with MIC 39.06 &plusmn; 0.85 and 39.06 &plusmn; 0.98 &micro;g/mL, respectively. Ultimately, KA showed strong antioxidant activity with IC50 33.7 &plusmn; 0.8 &micro;g/mL. Moreover, the extract and KA showed strong cytotoxic activity against colon carcinoma (with IC50 22.6 &plusmn; 0.8 and 23.4 &plusmn; 1.4 &micro;g/mL, respectively) and human larynx carcinoma (with equal IC50 30.8 &plusmn; 1.3 and &plusmn; 2.1 &micro;g/mL, respectively), respectively. The current study represents the first insights into the phytochemical profile and biological properties of P. chrysoenum ethyl acetate extract, which could be a promising source of valuable secondary metabolites with potent biological potentials