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Mokhtar AB, Karanis P, Schou C, Ahmed SA. The impact of chlorine, ultraviolet-C, and microwave treatment on the survivability of Blastocystis sp. cysts. J Water Health 2023; 21:1325-1341. [PMID: 37756199 PMCID: wh_2023_179 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2023.179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is a common widely distributed gut protozoan, with water transmission identified as one of its transmission routes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of chlorine, ultraviolet (UV)-C, and microwave (MW) treatments on the in vitro viability of cysts of Blastocystis sp. Purified Blastocystis sp. cysts were molecularly subtyped. Viable cysts were subjected to different free chlorine concentrations (1, 2, and 4 ppm), different doses of UV-C (5.13, 10.26, 20.52, and 40.47 mJ/cm2), and MW irradiation times (10, 15, 30, and 45 s). Viability reduction percentage, log10 inactivation, and micrometre-based optical microscopy examined cyst number and appearance after each disinfection trial. The three disinfectants' efficacy and application conditions were assessed. The analysed isolates of Blastocystis cysts were subtype 3, possessed varying sizes and shapes, but two identical genomes. The cysts of Blastocystis sp. were resistant to chlorine at all doses and exposure durations tested. UV-C at a dose of 40 mJ/cm2 and MW treatment for 15 s were able to completely disinfect the cysts. The MW was the most effective disinfectant against Blastocystis cysts based on all evaluated factors. MW irradiation is the most efficient water treatment method for eradicating Blastocystis cysts in an easy and safe manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira B Mokhtar
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 415221, Egypt; These authors have contributed equally to this work. E-mail:
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- Medical Faculty and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, 24005, CY-1700 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Chad Schou
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, 24005, CY-1700 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Shahira A Ahmed
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 415221, Egypt; These authors have contributed equally to this work
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Fahmy SB, Zamzam M, Khalil T, Abdalla Y, Loeffler T, Ahmed SA, Abd-Elhady MS. Influence of the hot water mass flow rate on heating of radiant floors of green buildings. Journal of Building Physics 2023; 47:182-203. [DOI: 10.1177/17442591231182330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
The objective of the research is to improve space heating of green buildings by examining experimentally the influence of the heating medium mass flow rate on thermal performance. A green building was built in Cairo, Egypt, that consists of two similar rooms: one is the heated room and the other is a reference for comparison. A photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) collector is used to heat up water in a storage tank, and the hot water in the tank is circulated in the radiant floor of the examined green building. The hot water mass flow rate was varied between 0.04 and 0.08 kg/s. It was found that decreasing the water mass flow rate improves the heating of the radiant floor. The percentage improvement in floor temperature due to heating over the reference room, reaches about 17% and 6% at mass flow rates of 0.04 and 0.08 kg/s, respectively. Engineering Equation Solver (EES) was used to solve the equations for the heat transfer process between the heating water and the floor. It was found that decreasing the mass flow rate increases the residence time of the heating water in the radiant floor, consequently, increases the heat energy transfer and the floor temperature. Increasing the heating fluid mass flow rate in green buildings could have a negative effect on the heat transfer, such that the appropriate heating fluid mass flow rate should be calculated based on the green building massive material as well as the operating conditions, for example, ambient temperature and wind speed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah B Fahmy
- Mechanical Department, Faculty of Engineering, German International University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - M Zamzam
- Physics Department, Faculty of Engineering and Materials Science, German University in Cairo, Egypt
| | - T Khalil
- Physics Department, Faculty of Engineering and Materials Science, German University in Cairo, Egypt
| | - Yasmine Abdalla
- Electrical Department, Faculty of Engineering, German International University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Thomas Loeffler
- Architecture and Urban Design Program, Building Technology, German University in Cairo, Egypt
| | - SA Ahmed
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - MS Abd-Elhady
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
- Mechatronics Department, Faculty of Engineering and Materials Science, German University in Cairo, Egypt
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3
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Ahmed SA, Eltamany EE, Nafie MS, Elhady SS, Karanis P, Mokhtar AB. Anti- Cryptosporidium parvum activity of Artemisia judaica L. and its fractions: in vitro and in vivo assays. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1193810. [PMID: 37476671 PMCID: PMC10354666 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1193810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study investigates the toxic activity of Artemisia judaica ethanolic extract (ArEx) as well as its phenolic fraction (ArPh), and terpenoid fraction (ArT) against Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum) oocysts. Methods Over a 4 months period, estimation of the total phenolic (TPC), total flavonoids (TFC), and total terpenoids contents (TTC) in ArEx; investigation of the in vitro antioxidant activity of ArEx, ArPh, and ArT; evaluation of ArEx, ArPh, and ArT toxic activity against C. parvum oocysts using MTT assay; parasitological analysis on ArPh-treated C. parvum oocysts and comet assay were performed both in vitro and in vivo (infectivity). Results The ArEx TPC, TFC, and TTC was 52.6 ± 3.1 mgGAE/g, 64.5 ± 3.1 mg QE/g, and 9.5 ± 1.1 mg Linol/g, respectively. Regarding the phytochemical in vitro antioxidant activity, the ArPh exhibited the highest antioxidant activity compared to the ArEx and ArT. The ArPh showed promising free radical scavenging activity of DPPH and ABTS•+ with IC50 values of 47.27 ± 1.86 μg/mL and 66.89 ± 1.94 μg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the FRAP of ArPh was 2.97 ± 0.65 mMol Fe+2/g while its TAC was 46.23 ± 3.15 mg GAE/g. The ArPh demonstrated toxic activity against C. parvum oocysts with a potent IC50 value of 31.6 μg/mL compared to ArT (promising) and ArEx (non-effective). ArPh parasitological analysis demonstrated MIC90 at 1000 μg/ml and effective oocysts destruction on count and morphology. ArPh fragmented oocysts nuclear DNA in comet assay. Beginning at 200 μg/mL, ArPh-treated oocysts did not infect mice. Conclusion To combat C. parvum infection, the phenolic fraction of A. judaica L. shows promise as an adjuvant therapy or as a source of potentially useful lead structures for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahira A. Ahmed
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Enas E. Eltamany
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Mohamed S. Nafie
- Department of Chemistry (Biochemistry Program), Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Sameh S. Elhady
- Department of Natural Products, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Center for Artificial Intelligence in Precision Medicines, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- University of Cologne, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Basic and Clinical SciencesUniversity of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Amira B. Mokhtar
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
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N H, N S, Ahmed SA. Detection of spatiotemporal patterns of rainfall trends, using non-parametric statistical techniques, in Karnataka state, India. Environ Monit Assess 2023; 195:909. [PMID: 37391651 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11466-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
The unpredictability of the climate has drawn a lot of interest worldwide, especially that of the annual mean temperatures and rainfall. In this study, non-parametric tests such as the LOWESS curve method, Mann-Kendall (MK), SNHT test, Pettitt's test (PT), and Buishand range test (BRT) were used to evaluate long-term (2000-2020) rainfall data series to examine rainfall variability. The Dakshina Kannada district has the highest average rainfall is 3495.6 mm with a magnitude change% of about 26.2, while the Koppala district has the lowest average rainfall roughly about 530.4 mm, with a magnitude change % of about 11.49 mm in a year. The statistics from the fitted prediction line were utilized to determine the maximum coefficient determination (R2 = 0.8808) in the Uttara Kannada region. Because of the commencement of the present rising era, 2015 is the shift year in rainfall with the highest potential of being a change point in the state's Western Ghats region. It was also revealed that the majority of the districts exhibit positive trends before the change point and vice versa. The current research can be used to plan for and minimize the agricultural and water resource challenges in the state of Karnataka. To link observable patterns to climate variability, the next inquiry must identify the source of these changes. Overall, the study's findings will help organize and improve drought, flood, and water resource management techniques in the state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harishnaika N
- Department of Applied Geology, Kuvempu University, Shankaraghatta, 577451, India.
| | - Shilpa N
- Department of Applied Geology, Kuvempu University, Shankaraghatta, 577451, India
| | - S A Ahmed
- Department of Applied Geology, Kuvempu University, Shankaraghatta, 577451, India
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Abstract
Data on human gastrointestinal parasites (GIP) infections in the african sub-regions and countries are mainly lacking in terms of prevalence and population stratification by afflicted age group, symptomatology, multi-parasitism, and diagnostic methods. This study aims to describe the GIP reported in african countries and discuss the extent of the burden in the african context. Only 68.42% (39/57) of african countries reported human cases of GIP with helminths (45%, CI: 40-50%, I2: 99.79%) as the predominant parasitic group infecting the african population. On a regional scale, Central Africa had the highest pooled prevalence for GIP (43%, CI: 32-54%, I2: 99.74%), while the Central African Republic led all countries with a pooled prevalence of 90% (CI: 89-92%, I2: 99.96%). The vulnerable population (patients who are minorities, children, old, poor, underfunded, or have particular medical conditions) was the most affected (50%, CI: 37-62%, I2: 99.33%), with the predominance of GIP in the 6 to <20 years age group (48%, CI: 43-54%, I2: 99.68%). Reports on multi-parasitism (44%, CI: 40-48%, I2: 99.73%) were almost double the reports of single infections (43%, CI: 27-59%, I2: 99.77%) with combined molecular and non-molecular techniques demonstrating the best performance for GIP identification. The current review spans more than 40 years of GIP reports from the african continent. Geographical characteristics, environmental factors, habits of its inhabitants, and their health status play a crucial role in GIP modulation and behaviour in its captive hosts. Strategies for regular and enhanced surveillance, policy formation, and high-level community awareness are necessary to identify the true incidence in Africa and the transmission of the pathogens via water and food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahira A Ahmed
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Manas Kotepui
- Medical Technology Program, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Frederick R Masangkay
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | - Giovanni D Milanez
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- University of Cologne, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Cologne, Germany; University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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Liman AA, Kabir B, Abubakar M, Abdullahi S, Ahmed SA, Shehu SM. Triple-negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) and Its Luminal Androgen Receptor (LAR) Subtype: A Clinicopathologic Review of Cases in a University Hospital in Northwestern Nigeria. Niger J Clin Pract 2022; 25:97-104. [PMID: 35046202 DOI: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_437_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Background Breast cancer (BC) is a common malignancy; the most frequent in Nigeria. BC characteristically exhibits great biologic diversity. Amongst its variants, the triple-negative subtype is also characterized by heterogeneity (thus making it a study in diversity within diversity) and also by some unique clinicopathologic features including clinical aggressiveness, lack of response to current targeted therapies, and tendency to cluster amongst young premenopausal women especially in populations of women of African ancestry. Aims The objective of this study was to conduct a retrospective clinicopathologic survey of all breast carcinomas to profile the triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) amongst them and illustrate their immunohistochemical pattern of luminal androgen receptors (LARs) expression. Patients and Methods All the cases entered into the departmental records as breast carcinomas over the study period were extracted including patients' request cards, hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides, and paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of those diagnosed as triple-negative cancers. These were immunohistochemically stained using a monoclonal antibody for androgen receptor (AR). The whole data were analyzed and presented in tabular formats. Results A total of 660 breast carcinomas of which 89 (13.48%) cases were identified as TNBCs with a mean age of occurrence of 42.89 ± 11.88 years. Most TNBCs (95.5%) were carcinoma no special type and 61.8% had low or intermediate histologic grading. LAR expression was noted in 11.24% of the TNBCs. Conclusion Triple-negative cancer in this study shares some of the known characteristics but also portrays some divergence from the commonly described features.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Liman
- Department of Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - B Kabir
- Department of Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - M Abubakar
- Department of Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - S Abdullahi
- Department of Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - S A Ahmed
- Department of Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - S M Shehu
- Department of Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria
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Liman AA, Ahmed SA, Iliyasu Y, Abur P, Abubakar M. Multiple symmetric lipomatosis of the male breast: An unusual mimic of gynecomastia. Niger J Clin Pract 2020; 23:744-746. [PMID: 32367886 DOI: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_562_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Multiple symmetric lipomatosis (MSL) is a very uncommon disease. Its etiopathogenesis is uncertain, although it has been linked to a variety of factors. Its main characteristic is the overgrowth of fat in form of an unencapsulated lesion. Most of the cases reported are in the head and neck region. We report a case that occurred in the breasts of a 62-year-old man. A clinical diagnosis of gynecomastia was initially made. Partial mastectomy was done and MSL was reported on histopathologic examination. Our literature search revealed no previous case of MSL in the breast reported from our environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Liman
- Department of Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
| | - S A Ahmed
- Department of Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
| | - Y Iliyasu
- Department of Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
| | - P Abur
- Department of Surgery, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
| | - M Abubakar
- Department of Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
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Ahmed SA, Karanis P. Cryptosporidium and Cryptosporidiosis: The Perspective from the Gulf Countries. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:ijerph17186824. [PMID: 32962045 PMCID: PMC7558405 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17186824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The present review discusses the burden of cryptosporidiosis in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which is underreported and underestimated. It emphasizes that the Cryptosporidium parasite is infecting inhabitants and expatriates in the Gulf countries. Children under 5 years are a vulnerable group that is particularly affected by this parasitic disease and can act as carriers, who contribute to the epidemiology of the disease most probably via recreational swimming pools. Various risk factors for cryptosporidiosis in the GCC countries are present, including expatriates, predisposing populations to the infection. Water contamination, imported food, animal contact, and air transmission are also discussed in detail, to address their significant role as a source of infection and, thus, their impact on disease epidemiology in the Gulf countries’ populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahira A. Ahmed
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt;
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- Medical Faculty and University Hospital, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, CY-1700 Nicosia 24005, Cyprus
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +357-94-048-954
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Jiang Y, Tsui CKM, Ahmed SA, Hagen F, Shang Z, Gerrits van den Ende AHG, Verweij PE, Lu H, de Hoog GS. Intraspecific Diversity and Taxonomy of Emmonsia crescens. Mycopathologia 2020; 185:613-627. [PMID: 32710392 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-020-00475-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Emmonsia crescens is known as an environmental pathogen causing adiaspiromycosis in small rodents. As the generic name Emmonsia is no longer available for this species, its taxonomic position is re-evaluated. The intraspecific variation of Emmonsia crescens was analyzed using molecular, morphological, and physiological data, and the relationship between frequency of adiaspiromycosis and body temperature of host animals was explored. A North American and a pan-global lineage could be discerned, each with subclusters at low genetic distance. European strains produced the classical type of very large adiaspores, while in the North American lineage adiaspores relatively small, resembling the broad-based budding cells of Blastomyces. Members of the closely related genus Emergomyces may exhibit large, broad-based in addition to small, narrow-based budding cells. We conclude that the morphology of the pathogenic phase in these fungi differs gradationally between species and even populations, and is therefore less suitable as a diagnostic criterion for generic delimitation. Two Emmonsia species are reclassified in Emergomyces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Jiang
- Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated Hospital, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China. .,Center of Expertise in Mycology of Radboud University Medical Center/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - C K M Tsui
- Department of Pathology, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - S A Ahmed
- Center of Expertise in Mycology of Radboud University Medical Center/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - F Hagen
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Laboratory of Medical Mycology, Jining No. 1 People's Hospital, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Z Shang
- Department of Immunology, Basic Medical School, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | | | - P E Verweij
- Center of Expertise in Mycology of Radboud University Medical Center/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - H Lu
- Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated Hospital, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.
| | - G S de Hoog
- Center of Expertise in Mycology of Radboud University Medical Center/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Suleiman DE, Iliyasu Y, Ahmed SA, Liman AA. Histopathologic spectrum of paediatric eye and ocular adnexal tumours: A 10-year review from a referral centre in Nigeria. Niger J Clin Pract 2020; 23:654-659. [PMID: 32367872 DOI: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_389_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Background Tumours of the eye and adnexa demonstrate great histologic variety and constitute a serious threat to vision especially in children. Aims The study aims to review the epidemiologic and pathologic characteristics of tumours of the eye and ocular adnexa in the paediatric age group (0-14 years). Methods All the cases entered into the departmental records as tumours of the eye and ocular adnexa over a 10-year period in the age group 0-14 years were extracted. The patients' request cards with all relevant Haematoxylin & Eosin (H & E)-stained histology slides were retrieved. All the slides were reviewed and the cases were classified in accordance with the 4th edition of the WHO Classification of Tumours of the Eye (2018). The collected data were subjected to descriptive statistical tabulation and analysis. Results A total of 104 tumours of the eye and ocular adnexae were diagnosed in the paediatric age group, accounting for 40.5% of all eye and ocular adnexal tumours diagnosed over the study period. The male to female ratio was 1.7:1 and malignant tumours greatly outnumbered benign tumours by a ratio of 5.5:1. Majority (76%) of the tumours occurred in the retina with retinoblastoma representing all the tumours diagnosed in this location. Rhabdomyosarcoma was the most common paediatric orbital tumour accounting for over half (53.8%) of all tumours in the orbit. Tumours of the conjunctiva and the eyelid were infrequent with benign soft tissue tumours (vascular, neural and lipomatous tumours) being the major tumours at these sites. Conclusion Retinoblastoma is the single most common tumour in this age group.
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Affiliation(s)
- D E Suleiman
- Department of Histopathology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi (Formerly of Department of Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria), Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Y Iliyasu
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - S A Ahmed
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - A A Liman
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
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Al-Hatmi AMS, Sandoval-Denis M, Nabet C, Ahmed SA, Demar M, Normand AC, de Hoog GS. Fusarium volatile, a new potential pathogen from a human respiratory sample. Fungal Syst Evol 2020; 4:171-181. [PMID: 32467910 PMCID: PMC7241678 DOI: 10.3114/fuse.2019.04.09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
We describe the isolation and characterization of Fusarium volatile from a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) sample of a female patient living in French Guiana with underlying pulmonary infections. Phylogenetic analysis of fragments of the calmodulin (cmdA), translation elongation factor (tef1), RNA polymerase second largest subunit (rpb2), and β-tubulin (tub) loci revealed that strain CBS 143874 was closely related to isolate NRRL 25615, a known but undescribed phylogenetic species belonging to the African clade of the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex. The fungus differed phylogenetically and morphologically from related known species, and is therefore described as the new taxon Fusarium volatile. Antifungal susceptibility testing suggested that the new species is resistant to echinocandins, fluconazole, itraconazole with lower MICs against amphotericin B, voriconazole and posaconazole.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M S Al-Hatmi
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, P.O. Box 85167, 3508 AD Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Foundation Atlas of Clinical Fungi, Hilversum, The Netherlands.,Ministry of Health, Directorate General of Health Services, Ibri, Oman
| | - M Sandoval-Denis
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, P.O. Box 85167, 3508 AD Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Department of Plant Sciences, University of the Free State, South Africa
| | - C Nabet
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre-Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - S A Ahmed
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, P.O. Box 85167, 3508 AD Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Foundation Atlas of Clinical Fungi, Hilversum, The Netherlands.,Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - M Demar
- Laboratoire Hospitalo-Universitaire de Parasitologie-Mycologie Centre Hospitalier Andrée Rosemon, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | - A-C Normand
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre-Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - G S de Hoog
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, P.O. Box 85167, 3508 AD Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Foundation Atlas of Clinical Fungi, Hilversum, The Netherlands.,Centre of Expertise in Mycology Radboud University Medical Centre / Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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12
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Nyuykonge B, Klaassen CHW, Zandijk WHA, de Hoog GS, Ahmed SA, Desnos-Ollivier M, Verbon A, Bonifaz A, van de Sande WWJ. Diagnostic implications of mycetoma derived from Madurella pseudomycetomatis isolates from Mexico. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2020; 34:1828-1834. [PMID: 32233084 PMCID: PMC7497165 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.16402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Background At the dermatology service of the General Hospital of Mexico City, Mexico, two patients, father and son, with black‐grain mycetoma were seen. The grains were isolated, and the cultured fungi were identified as Madurella mycetomatis based on morphology. Using the M. mycetomatis specific PCR, amplicons of a different size than that of the M. mycetomatis type strain were obtained. Objective To determine the causative agent of the two black‐grain mycetoma cases and develop non‐culture‐based diagnostic tools to identify them to the species level. Methods The M. mycetomatis specific, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, β‐tubulin (BT) and ribosomal binding protein 2 (RBP2) PCRs were used to confirm the identity of the isolates. Genetic variation was established by amplification fragment length polymorphisms. To determine the antifungal susceptibility profile, the Sensititre™ YeastOne™ assay was used. To develop a species‐specific PCR primers were designed on the sequenced PCR amplicon from the M. mycetomatis specific PCR. Results By analyzing the ITS, BT and RBP2 regions the isolates were identified as Madurella pseudomycetomatis. The isolates from father and son were similar but not identical to M. pseudomycetomatis from Venezuela and one from an unknown origin. Madurella pseudomycetomatis isolates were inhibited by itraconazole, posaconazole and voriconazole but showed increased MIC values for amphotericin B and fluconazole. They were not inhibited by the echinocandins and five flucytosine. The two patients were treated with itraconazole resulting in cure for the father while the son was lost to follow‐up. The species‐specific PCR developed for M. pseudomyceotmatis was discriminative and specific. Conclusion Madurella pseudomycetomatis is genetically diverse with same susceptibility profile as M. mycetomatis and causes eumycetoma in Latin America. The M. pseudomycetomatis specific PCR can be used to identify this causative agent to the species level; however, this needs to be validated in an endemic setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Nyuykonge
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C H W Klaassen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - W H A Zandijk
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - G S de Hoog
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - S A Ahmed
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - M Desnos-Ollivier
- Molecular Mycology Unit, CNRS UMR 2000, National Reference Center for Invasive Mycoses & Antifungals, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - A Verbon
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A Bonifaz
- Hospital General de México Dr Eduardo Liceaga, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - W W J van de Sande
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Ahmed SA, El-Mahallawy HS, Karanis P. Inhibitory activity of chitosan nanoparticles against Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:2053-2063. [PMID: 31187224 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06364-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is a ubiquitous harsh protozoan parasite that resists many disinfectants. It remains viable and infective for a long time in water and food causing global outbreaks. Chitosan (the deacetylated chitin molecule) was used in its nanosuspension form to evaluate its effect against Cryptosporidium parvum. The experiments were performed in vitro in serial concentrations and confirmed in mice in vivo infectivity assay. Chitosan nanoparticles (Cs NPs) were toxic to Cryptosporidium oocysts. The effect appeared to decrease the number of Cryptosporidium oocysts and altered their content. The destruction rate of oocysts was dependent on the dose of chitosan and the time of exposure (P < 0.05). Higher doses of Cs NPs over a prolonged period exhibited a significantly higher destruction rate. Using staining and light microscopy, remarkable destructive changes were observed in the oocysts' morphology. The minimal lethal dose for > 90% of oocysts was 3000 μg/ml, no mice infections in vivo were observed. The results in this study elucidate Cs NPs as an effective anti-cryptosporidial agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahira A Ahmed
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt.
| | - Heba S El-Mahallawy
- Department of Animal Hygiene, Zoonoses and Animal Behaviour and Management, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- University of Cologne, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, 50937, Cologne, Germany
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Ahmed SA, El-Moselhy A, El-Moammaly A, El-Shewy K. Strongyloides stercoralis in Patients on Corticosteroids Therapy Using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay and Gelatin Particles Indirect Agglutination Tests: A Diagnostic Approach. Acta Parasitol 2019; 64:394-405. [PMID: 31069645 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-019-00060-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients on corticosteroids therapy (POCT) are more likely to flare up concealed Strongyloides infection and develop Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome and/or dissemination. Such critical complications can lead to high mortality rates. Rapid detection methods are, therefore, necessary to detect Strongyloides infection in POCT with the advantage of being applicable in a developing country. METHODS Two hundred POCT have been enrolled in this study to determine the rate of infection with Strongyloides. Three different groups of POCT (Strongyloides infected, non-infected, infected with other parasites) were used to evaluate the antibodies detection capability of two serological techniques (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and gelatin particles indirect agglutination (GPIAT) against the results of the gold standard agar plate culture (APC). RESULTS With APC, the infection rate of Strongyloides stercoralis in POCT was 9.5% (19/200). POCT with Strongyloides infection displayed related risk factors (job, rural settlements, and soil contact) for infection combined with the subtropical nature of Ismailia Governorate. With regard to serology, ELISA detection results were poor compared to APC with sensitivity and specificity of 42.1% and 82.6%, respectively, and positive and negative predictive values of 72% and 30%. GPIAT appeared to be closely related to APC with sensitivity and specificity of 89.4% and 81.8%, respectively, and positive and negative predictive values of 80.9% and 96.7%. Statistical moderate correlation was detected between GPIAT and ELISA. CONCLUSION The GPIAT technique is more convenient, easier, cheaper and faster to rule out the infection of Strongyloides in POCT. It might be the test of choice for routine immunodiagnosis of human strongyloidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahira A Ahmed
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt.
| | - Amany El-Moselhy
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Amal El-Moammaly
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Khalid El-Shewy
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
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Ahmed SA, Mewes JC, Vrijhoef H. Assessment of the scientific rigour of randomized controlled trials on the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy and graded exercise therapy for patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: A systematic review. J Health Psychol 2019; 25:240-255. [PMID: 31072121 DOI: 10.1177/1359105319847261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive behavioural therapy and graded exercise therapy have been promoted as effective treatments for patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. However, criticism on the scientific rigour of these studies has been raised. This review assessed the methodological quality of studies on the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy and graded exercise therapy. The methodological quality of the 18 included studies was found to be relatively low, as bias was prominently found, affecting the main outcome measures of the studies (fatigue, physical functioning and functional impairment/status). Future research should focus on including more objective outcome measures in a well-defined patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hjm Vrijhoef
- Panaxea, The Netherlands.,Maastricht University Medical Center, The Netherlands.,Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
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16
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Mokhtar AB, Ahmed SA, Eltamany EE, Karanis P. Anti- Blastocystis Activity In Vitro of Egyptian Herbal Extracts (Family: Asteraceae) with Emphasis on Artemisia judaica. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019; 16:ijerph16091555. [PMID: 31058875 PMCID: PMC6539629 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16091555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Achillea fragrantissima (Forssk.) Sch. Bip. (known as Qaysoom), Echinops spinosus L. (known as Shoak Elgamal) and Artemisia judaica L.(known Shih Baladi) are members of the Asteraceae family known for their traditional medical use in Egypt. The ethanol extracts of these plants were evaluated for their efficacy against a protozoan parasite (Blastocystis). Two different molecular subtypes of Blastocystis were used (ST1 and ST3). Significant growth inhibition of Blastocystis was observed when exposed to both A. judaica (99.3%) and A. fragrantissima (95.6%) with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC90) at 2000 µg/mL. Under the effect of the extracts, changes in Blastocystis morphology were noted, with the complete destruction of Blastocystis forms after 72 h with the dose of 4000 µg/mL. Different subtypes displayed different responses to the herbal extracts tested. ST1 exhibited significantly different responses to the herbal extracts compared to ST3. A. judaica was selected as the herb of choice considering all of its variables and because of its effective action against Blastocystis. It was then exposed to further fractionation and observation of its effect on ST1 and ST3. Solvent portioned fractions (dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and n-hexane) in A. judaica were found to be the potent active fractions against both of the Blastocystis subtypes used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira B Mokhtar
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 45122, Egypt.
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Al-Qurayyat 77413, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Shahira A Ahmed
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 45122, Egypt.
| | - Enas E Eltamany
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 45122, Egypt.
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- University of Cologne, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, 50937 Cologne, Germany.
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Hussein EM, Ahmed SA, Mokhtar AB, Elzagawy SM, Yahi SH, Hussein AM, El-Tantawey F. Antiprotozoal activity of magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles against Cyclospora cayetanensis oocysts. Parasitol Int 2018; 67:666-674. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2018.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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18
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Abstract
Waterborne protozoa (WBP) are important cause of several outbreaks all over the world. The report system of WBP in Africa is weak. More than one third of African countries (21/54) reported WBP with absent reports in the remaining countries (33/54). The top reported WBP were Cryptosporidium, Giardia, FLA and Entamoeba contaminating different African water resources. Other protozoa were less documented even though it is abundant and robust. More than one protozoa were detected in contaminated African water including drinking sources, a prediction index to popular epidemics and real presence of undocumented WBP outbreaks. Risk factors in Africa were observed to be abundant and multi-factorial 'socioeconomic, governmental, pathogen in water and climate change. Climate change is an important factor impacting Africa. Increasing droughts in Africa with other extreme weather events will lead to water crises. Incidence and transmission of WBP will change, with new manifested strains/species. Recognizing future consequences of water crises in Africa are important. Governments and population unity will be needed to protect against expected raise and spread of WBP diseases and water shortages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahira A. Ahmed
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Milena Guerrero Flórez
- Center for Health Studies CESUN, University of Nariño. Ciudad Universitaria-Torobajo, Pasto, Colombia
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19
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Mewes JC, Ahmed SA, Vrijhoef HJM. How do integrated care programmes work for patients with cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression, diabetes and multi-morbidity? A rapid realist review. International Journal of Care Coordination 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/2053434518788593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background In previous years, many multi-faceted initiatives have been set up to improve outcomes for people with chronic diseases. Evaluation studies about the (cost-)effectiveness of these integrated care programs showed heterogeneity in outcomes. Hence, it has been suggested to use realist evaluation for the evaluation of integrated care programmes. Thus, our aim was to gain insight into whether and how existing integrated care programmes work for people with cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression, diabetes and multi-morbidity, and under what conditions within the Dutch healthcare setting. Methods A rapid realist review was conducted to identify the context and mechanisms that are associated with the outcomes of integrated care programmes. From a selection of systematic reviews and meta-analyses and Dutch literature, data on the context, mechanisms and outcomes of integrated care programmes were extracted. The data were analysed by placing the extracted variables in context-mechanism-outcome configurations which showed their interrelatedness. A panel of executives from Dutch care groups assessed the face validity of the context-mechanism-outcome configurations. Results Based on the existing literature, context-mechanism-outcome configurations were compiled for all five diseases. Some configurations could be filled with more detail than others, with the configuration of integrated care for people with diabetes being the most complete. Context-mechanism-outcome configurations were completed and confirmed by executives from Dutch care groups. Conclusion The configurations together with the identified factors in them reveal the underlying preliminary program theories of integrated care programmes. These theories need to be tested in further research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - HJM Vrijhoef
- Panaxea b.v., The Netherlands
- Maastricht University Medical Center, The Netherlands
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
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20
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Begum T, Rahman MM, Sultana SZ, Ahmed SA, Mannan S, Ara ZG, Ara A, Hossain MM. Measurement of Length of Umbilical Cord in Different Gestational Age Groups in Bangladesh. Mymensingh Med J 2018; 27:344-347. [PMID: 29769500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The umbilical cord and placental have been considered to significantly contribute to the perinatal outcome. Long or short cord can lead to intrauterine fetal demise. So this type of study in placenta and umbilical cord can yield information for immediate and later management of newborn. This information may also be essential for protecting the attending physician in the event of a fetal outcome. This Cross sectional descriptive study would provide information about the length of umbilical cord in different gestational age groups in Bangladesh. To fulfill this aim the study was performed on 60 human placentas and umbilical cords and Gestational age (in weeks) categorized as Group A (28-32), Group B (33-37), and Group C 38 weeks and above. These samples were collected from normal pregnancy in Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital from July 2009 to June 2010. After preservation in 10% normal saline, study was done in the department of Anatomy of Mymensingh Medical College. In this present study the mean±SD length of umbilical cord was found in different gestational age groups in Group A 63.00±5.40, Group B 63.69±8.80 and Group C 67.03±10.64cm and also observed that the mean length of umbilical cord increased with gestational age. The mean length of umbilical cord was maximum in Group C (67.03cm) and was minimum in Group A (63.00cm). The mean difference of length of umbilical cord among different groups was statistically not significant. Observed findings of this study were compared with those of western and Bangladeshi researches.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Begum
- Dr Taslima Begum, Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, President Abdul Hamid Medical College, Kishoregonj, Bangladesh
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21
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Revadekar JV, Varikoden H, Murumkar PK, Ahmed SA. Latitudinal variation in summer monsoon rainfall over Western Ghat of India and its association with global sea surface temperatures. Sci Total Environ 2018; 613-614:88-97. [PMID: 28910719 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.08.285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Revised: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The Western Ghats (WG) of India are basically north-south oriented mountains having narrow zonal width with a steep rising western face. The summer monsoon winds during June to September passing over the Arabian Sea are obstructed by the WG and thus orographically uplift to produce moderate-to-heavy precipitation over the region. However, it is seen that characteristic features of rainfall distribution during the season vary from north to south. Also its correlation with all-India summer monsoon rainfall increases from south to north. In the present study, an attempt is also made to examine long-term as well as short-term trends and variability in summer monsoon rainfall over different subdivisions of WG using monthly rainfall data for the period 1871-2014. Konkan & Goa and Coastal Karnataka show increase in rainfall from 1871 to 2014 in all individual summer monsoon months. Short-term trend analysis based on 31-year sliding window indicates that the trends are not monotonous, but has epochal behavior. In recent epoch, magnitudes of negative trends are consistently decreasing and have changed its sign to positive during 1985-2014. It has been observed that Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) plays a dominant positive role in rainfall over entire WG in all summer monsoon months, whereas role of Nino regions are asymmetric over WG rainfall. Indian summer monsoon is known for its negative relationship with Nino SST. Negative correlations are also seen for WG rainfall with Nino regions but only during onset and withdrawal phase. During peak monsoon months July and August subdivisions of WG mostly show positive correlation with Nino SST.
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Affiliation(s)
- J V Revadekar
- Center for Climate Change Research, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune 411008, India.
| | - Hamza Varikoden
- Center for Climate Change Research, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune 411008, India
| | - P K Murumkar
- Center for Climate Change Research, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune 411008, India; Department of Geology, Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburgi, India
| | - S A Ahmed
- Department of Geology, Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburgi, India; Department of Applied Geology, Kuvempu University, Shankaraghatta 577451, India
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Shekhar S, Yoo EH, Ahmed SA, Haining R, Kadannolly S. Analysing malaria incidence at the small area level for developing a spatial decision support system: A case study in Kalaburagi, Karnataka, India. Spat Spatiotemporal Epidemiol 2016; 20:9-25. [PMID: 28137677 DOI: 10.1016/j.sste.2016.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Spatial decision support systems have already proved their value in helping to reduce infectious diseases but to be effective they need to be designed to reflect local circumstances and local data availability. We report the first stage of a project to develop a spatial decision support system for infectious diseases for Karnataka State in India. The focus of this paper is on malaria incidence and we draw on small area data on new cases of malaria analysed in two-monthly time intervals over the period February 2012 to January 2016 for Kalaburagi taluk, a small area in Karnataka. We report the results of data mapping and cluster detection (identifying areas of excess risk) including evaluating the temporal persistence of excess risk and the local conditions with which high counts are statistically associated. We comment on how this work might feed into a practical spatial decision support system.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Shekhar
- Department of Geography, Central University of Karnataka, India
| | - E-H Yoo
- Department of Geography, State University of New York, Buffalo, USA
| | - S A Ahmed
- Department of Applied Geology, Kuvempu University, Shankaraghatta, India
| | - R Haining
- Department of Geography, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
| | - S Kadannolly
- Department of Geography, Central University of Karnataka, India
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Haque A, Ahmed SA, Rafique Z, Abbas Q, Jurair H, Ali SA. Device-associated infections in a paediatric intensive care unit in Pakistan. J Hosp Infect 2016; 95:98-100. [PMID: 27890335 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2016.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
This study assessed the effect of implementation of active infection control and surveillance on the occurrence of device-associated infections (DAIs) in a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) from 2012 to 2015. There were 1378 patients, equating to 4632 patient-days, on the PICU, and 29 DAI episodes, giving an incidence rate of 2.1% and an incidence density rate of 6.26 per 1000 patient-days. The rates of central-line-associated bloodstream infections, ventilator-associated pneumonia and catheter-related urinary tract infections were 7/1000 central-line-days, 1.17/1000 ventilator-days and 0.24/1000 urinary-catheter-days, respectively. Despite the overall low rate of DAIs in the PICU, there was a relatively high rate of central-line-associated bloodstream infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Haque
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - S A Ahmed
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Z Rafique
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan; Department of Infection Control, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Q Abbas
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - H Jurair
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - S A Ali
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
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Ahmed SA, Omar QH, Abo Elamaim AA. Forensic analysis of suicidal ideation among medical students of Egypt: A crosssectional study. J Forensic Leg Med 2016; 44:1-4. [PMID: 27589377 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2016.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2016] [Revised: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Suicide is one of the major causes of death in the world. In this study a total of 612 students from two public universities in Cairo were assessed using an online survey that included 19 items from the self administered version of Beck's Suicidal Ideation scale in addition to three questions to assist in forensic analysis of the suicide. 12.75% of respondents scored above 24 in the 19 items from the suicidal ideation scale. Females showed a slightly higher score of suicidal ideation (Mean 18.1, SD 12.22) and year 1 students tended to score higher than pre-clinical and clinical phase students (Mean 15.1, SD 10.1, P value 0.042). Most of the suicide plans were to be executed at home with the use of available medications for overdose. This study shed light on the importance of support systems for medical students with a high stress on family support.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Ahmed
- Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department Faculty of Medicine, Ainshams University, 11566, Egypt.
| | - Qosai Hossein Omar
- Student Research Association (AMSRA), Faculty of Medicine, Ainshams University, 11566, Egypt.
| | - Aya Ali Abo Elamaim
- Student Research Association (AMSRA), Faculty of Medicine, Ainshams University, 11566, Egypt.
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Ross AR, Hall NJ, Ahmed SA, Kiely EM. The extramucosal interrupted end-to-end intestinal anastomosis in infants and children; a single surgeon 21year experience. J Pediatr Surg 2016; 51:1131-4. [PMID: 26743344 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2015.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Revised: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE To report outcomes of a standardised technique for intestinal anastomosis in infants and children. METHODS Data were prospectively collected on all paediatric intestinal anastomosis by a single surgeon over a 21year period. Anastomoses were constructed using an end-to-end extramucosal technique with interrupted polypropylene sutures. Demographic and clinical data were recorded. RESULTS Six-hundred and thirteen anastomoses were constructed in 550 patients. Median age at time of anastomosis was 6months (range 1day-226months). The most common reason for anastomosis was stoma closure (n=271, 49%). For those patients that required multiple anastomoses the most common pathology was acute NEC (n=22/41, 54%). One-hundred and one (18.4%) patients passed stool within 24hours of surgery, 175 (31.8%) between 24-48 hours and 95 (17.3%) between 48-72 hours. Anastomotic complications occurred in 7 patients (1.3%) including anastomotic leakage (n=5, 0.9%) and anastomotic stricture (n=2, 0.4%). The majority of anastomotic leakages (80%) followed resection of acute NEC. CONCLUSIONS The interrupted extramucosal anastomosis is safe and effective. The return of bowel function is rapid and the complication rate acceptable. We recommend this technique be used for all intestinal anastomoses in children and infants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - S A Ahmed
- Great Ormond Street Hospital, London UK
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Revadekar JV, Varikoden H, Murumkar PK, Ahmed SA. On the relationship between sea surface temperatures, circulation parameters and temperatures over west coast of India. Sci Total Environ 2016; 551-552:175-185. [PMID: 26874773 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Revised: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The oceans and the atmosphere are tightly linked and they together form the most dynamic component of the climate system. Topography and proximity to the surrounding seas of the region determine the temperature of the area. West Coast (WC) of India is a high elevated region surrounded by large oceanic area, therefore, an attempt is made in this study to examine the trends and variability in temperature over WC in relation to oceanic phenomena. Temperature over the WC shows considerable year-to-year variation with anomalous cool years in recent warm epoch. Therefore, sea surface temperature (SST) and associated winds have been analyzed to understand possible mechanism behind the variation in temperatures over the WC. During the winter, north-easterlies prevail over the WC which blows from land to ocean. Variations in SSTs alter the strength of these winds to cause anomalies in temperature over the WC. Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) appears to have a dominant role in climate of the WC, whereas SSTs over the equatorial Pacific do not show any impact on temperatures over the WC. Study indicates that the strengthening of north-easterlies due to negative phase of Indian Ocean Dipole causes cooling over the WC of India.
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Affiliation(s)
- J V Revadekar
- Center for Climate Change Research, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune 411008, India.
| | - Hamza Varikoden
- Center for Climate Change Research, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune 411008, India
| | - P K Murumkar
- Center for Climate Change Research, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune 411008, India; Department of Geology, Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi, India
| | - S A Ahmed
- Department of Geology, Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi, India
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Bartlett LA, LeFevre AE, Mir F, Soofi S, Arif S, Mitra DK, Quaiyum MA, Shakoor S, Islam MS, Connor NE, Winch PJ, Reller ME, Shah R, El Arifeen S, Baqui AH, Bhutta ZA, Zaidi A, Saha S, Ahmed SA. The development and evaluation of a community-based clinical diagnosis tool and treatment regimen for postpartum sepsis in Bangladesh and Pakistan. Reprod Health 2016; 13:16. [PMID: 26916141 PMCID: PMC4766721 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-016-0124-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postpartum sepsis accounts for most maternal deaths between three and seven days postpartum, when most mothers, even those who deliver in facilities, are at home. Case fatality rates for untreated women are very high. Newborns of ill women have substantially higher infection risk. METHODS/DESIGN The objectives of this study are to: (1) create, field-test and validate a tool for community health workers to improve diagnostic accuracy of suspected puerperal sepsis; (2) measure incidence and identify associated risk factors and; (3) describe etiologic agents responsible and antibacterial susceptibility patterns. This prospective cohort study builds on the Aetiology of Neonatal Infection in South Asia study in three sites: Sylhet, Bangladesh and Karachi and Matiari, Pakistan. Formative research determined local knowledge of symptoms and signs of postpartum sepsis, and a systematic literature review was conducted to design a diagnostic tool for community health workers to use during ten postpartum home visits. Suspected postpartum sepsis cases were referred to study physicians for independent assessment, which permitted validation of the tool. Clinical specimens, including urine, blood, and endometrial material, were collected for etiologic assessment and antibiotic sensitivity. All women with puerperal sepsis were given appropriate antibiotics. DISCUSSION This is the first large population-based study to expand community-based surveillance for diagnoses, referral and treatment of newborn sepsis to include maternal postpartum sepsis. Study activities will lead to development and validation of a diagnostic tool for use by community health workers in resource-poor countries. Understanding the epidemiology and microbiology of postpartum sepsis will inform prevention and treatment strategies and improve understanding of linkages between maternal and neonatal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Bartlett
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
| | - A E LeFevre
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
| | - F Mir
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Division of Women & Child Health, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - S Soofi
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Division of Women & Child Health, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - S Arif
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Division of Women & Child Health, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - D K Mitra
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
| | - M A Quaiyum
- Centre for Reproductive Health, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
| | - S Shakoor
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Division of Women & Child Health, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - M S Islam
- Department of Microbiology, The Child Health Research Foundation, Dhaka Shishu Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
| | - N E Connor
- Department of Microbiology, The Child Health Research Foundation, Dhaka Shishu Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
| | - P J Winch
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
| | - M E Reller
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
| | - R Shah
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
| | - S El Arifeen
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
| | - A H Baqui
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
| | - Z A Bhutta
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Division of Women & Child Health, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - A Zaidi
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Division of Women & Child Health, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - S Saha
- Department of Microbiology, The Child Health Research Foundation, Dhaka Shishu Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
| | - S A Ahmed
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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Haque R, Alvarado M, Ahmed SA, Chung J, Tiller GE. Abstract P2-09-04: Implementation of next generation cancer gene panel testing in a large HMO. Cancer Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.sabcs15-p2-09-04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Next generation cancer gene panel testing is fairly new in clinical practice. Little is known about the diagnostic yield of multigene cancer panel testing in community based hospitals.
Objective: To describe characteristics of a diverse cohort who underwent high/moderate risk multigene panel testing for either a personal or a family history of cancer in a large health plan, and report the proportion of pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants (PV/LPV) and variants of unknown clinical significance (VUS) by race/ethnicity.
Methods: Subjects included all 586 female patients who were referred for genetic counseling and underwent multigene panel testing between July 2014 and January 2015. Based on a literature review, the custom-designed high/moderate risk gene panel included 20 cancer susceptibility genes (described below). All tests were performed by the same commercial laboratory (GeneDx).
Results: Of the 586 women, 78 (13.3%) tested positive PV/LPV316 (53.9%) tested negative; and 192 (32.8%) carried one or more VUS. Age at testing ranged from 22-81 years (median 50 years). More women with PV/LPV results tended to be obese than those who tested negative (39.7% vs. 31.2%), and had greater comorbidity (Charlson Index of >3, 35.9% vs. 33.2%).
Of 586 women, 305 (52.0%) had a cancer diagnosis, mainly first primary breast cancer (n=290, 95.1%), while some also had a second primary breast cancer (n=67, 11.4%). Of the 305 women with cancer, 131 (42.9%) were diagnosed prior to the multigene testing implementation (1987-2013), while 174 (57.1%) were diagnosed after implementation.
The cohort was diverse in terms of race/ethnicity: Western/Northern European (31.2%), Latina/Caribbean (30.0%), Asian (14.8%), African-American (7.2%), Ashkenazi Jewish (6.3%), Native American (5.9%), and other (14.9%) (percent exceeds 100% due to mixed race/ethnicity). Of the 192 women who carried a VUS, 60.4% were Western/Northern European, and 46.4% were Latina/Caribbean. Pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutations were higher in Latina /Caribbean women (37.2%), followed by Western/Northern European (26.7%), and African (10.3%). We identified a total of 84 pathogenic mutations among the 78 women with PV/LPV in the following genes: BRCA1 (n=22), BRCA2 (n=17), MUTYH (n=16; all heterozygous), CHEK2 (n=9), ATM (n=4), PALB2 (n=4), PMS2 (n=3), MLH1 (n=2), VHL (n=2), and one mutation in each of the following genes: APC, CDH1, PTEN, TP53, and STK11. VUS were detected in 192 patients (32.7%) of the 586 tested. VUS in ATM (n=57), APC (n=32) and CHEK2 (n=25) comprised 59.4% of all VUS detected.
Discussion: The large percent of VUS was surprising, given that our panel included only high/moderate risk cancer genes. The over-representation of BRCA1/2 among all mutations (45.1%) likely reflected a greater proportion of patients referred for genetic counseling with a personal and/or family breast cancer history. Given that 35% of our positive results were dominant-acting pathogenic or suspected pathogenic mutations, our results suggest that multigene cancer panel testing is an appropriate method for detecting germline mutations in a high-risk cohort in a managed care setting.
Citation Format: Haque R, Alvarado M, Ahmed SA, Chung J, Tiller GE. Implementation of next generation cancer gene panel testing in a large HMO. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-09-04.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Haque
- Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA
| | - M Alvarado
- Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA
| | - SA Ahmed
- Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA
| | - J Chung
- Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA
| | - GE Tiller
- Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA
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Akkouche W, Ahmed SA, Sattin A, Piaserico S, Calistri A, De Canale E, Parolin C. Autochthonous Hookworm-Related Cutaneous Larva Migrans Disease in Northeastern Italy: A Case Report. J Parasitol 2015; 101:488-9. [PMID: 25764145 DOI: 10.1645/15-725.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we report the case of a 42-yr-old patient who presented himself to us with a serpiginous erythematous lesion from the wrist of the right forearm up the arm to the right shoulder A similar lesion of a smaller size was also present in the left forearm. On the basis of clinical manifestations and progression of the lesion, combined with previous treatments and different diagnostic investigations, hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans (HrCLM) disease was hypothesized. Albendazole was employed as treatment and the resolution of the symptoms confirmed the diagnosis. The relevance of the reported case relies on 3 main aspects: the acquisition of the disease in Italy, the initial treatment with topical corticosteroids that sped up the progression of the cutaneous trail, and the uncommon location of the lesions. Furthermore, the anamnestic data and the laboratory/clinical investigations strongly suggested an occupational exposure to the etiological agent. As illustrated here, HrCLM might represent a challenge for Western physicians in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and ways of acquisition. Describing the clinical presentation and the treatment of cases of cutaneous larva migrans might contribute to early and correct diagnosis, to an increase of our knowledge on this disease, and to an update on its epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Akkouche
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2 - 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - S A Ahmed
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2 - 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - A Sattin
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2 - 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - S Piaserico
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2 - 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - A Calistri
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2 - 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - E De Canale
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2 - 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - C Parolin
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2 - 35128 Padova, Italy
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Mohammed U, Iliyasu Y, Ahmed SA, Shehu MS. Carcinoid tumours in a tertiary hospital in northern Nigeria: morphological pattern and review of the literature. West Afr J Med 2013; 32:254-256. [PMID: 24488278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carcinoid tumours are uncommon neuroendocrine neoplasms that may be found anywhere in the body but are most commonly seen in the gastro-intestinal and respiratory tracts and usually follow an indolent course. However, some tumours particularly the larger ones may metastasize to liver or regional lymph nodes. This study described the histological types of carcinoid tumors seen in a tertiary institution in Northern Nigeria. METHODS This is a retrospective study in which surgical biopsy specimens seen over a 10-year period were reviewed with respect to age, sex, site and histological type. RESULTS Five cases consisting of 1 endoscopic, 1 wedge, 3 hemicolectomy specimens were studied. There was a slight female preponderance with a female to male ratio of 1.5:1. The peak age of occurrence was the 6th decade of life (mean age was 36.4 years). Two cases were located in the large colon and a case each in the stomach, lymph node, and tongue. Three cases show trabecular pattern, while 2 cases were mixed pattern, in all the cases there are neither mitosis nor necrosis. These features are in keeping with typical carcinoids. Two out of the five cases were metastases to the lymph node and the tongue. CONCLUSION Carcinoid tumours are rare, slow-growing NETs that display a relatively indolent disease course. Carcinoid tumours are uncommon in our environment and the cases seen are of good prognostic type.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Mohammed
- Department of Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria 810001. Nigeria
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31
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Nanayakkara PR, Ahmed SA, Oudit D, O'Dwyer ST, Selvasekar CR. Robotic assisted minimally invasive pelvic exenteration in advanced rectal cancer: review and case report. J Robot Surg 2013; 8:173-5. [PMID: 27637528 DOI: 10.1007/s11701-013-0413-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Accepted: 05/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- P R Nanayakkara
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow road, Withington, Manchester, M20 4BX, UK
| | - S A Ahmed
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow road, Withington, Manchester, M20 4BX, UK
| | - D Oudit
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow road, Withington, Manchester, M20 4BX, UK
| | - S T O'Dwyer
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow road, Withington, Manchester, M20 4BX, UK
| | - C R Selvasekar
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow road, Withington, Manchester, M20 4BX, UK.
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Soliman EM, Mahmoud ME, Ahmed SA. Synthesis, characterization and structure effects on selectivity properties of silica gel covalently bonded diethylenetriamine mono- and bis-salicyaldehyde and naphthaldehyde Schiff(,)s bases towards some heavy metal ions. Talanta 2013; 54:243-53. [PMID: 18968246 DOI: 10.1016/s0039-9140(00)00648-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2000] [Revised: 10/19/2000] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Four silica gel-immobilized new metal chelate Schiff(,)s bases were synthesized (I-IV). Silica gel chemically bonded diethylenetriamine mono-naphthaldehyde and mono-salicyaldehyde Schiff's bases (phases I and III) were produced via the interaction of silica gel-modified diethylenetriamine with naphthaldehyde and salicylaldehyde, respectively. However, phases II and IV arose through the interaction of bis-naphthaldehyde and bis-salicylaldehyde Schiff(,)s bases of diethylenetriamine with 3-chloropropyltrimethoxysilane modified silica gel. The characterization of such new phases, their capabilities towards selective extraction or separation of Fe(III), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions were studied and evaluated by both batch and column techniques as a function of pH and time of contact. Phases III and I showed high performance towards Cu(II) extraction, where their Cu(II) sorption determined to be 0.957 and 0.940 mmol g(-1), respectively. However, for phases IV and II, the great affinity was devoted to Fe(III) extraction followed by Cu(II) ions. The reactivity of metal ion sorption was discussed in the light of effects of bulkiness as well as orientation of immobilized chelate on sorbent reactivity. Donor sites of phases III and I (diethylenetriamine and azomethene nitrogens along with phenolic hydroxyl group oxygen) are fully active, whereas phases IV and II are partially active with only participation of oxygen and azomethene nitrogen. The order of increasing thermal stability (IV<II<I<III) and fastness of metal uptake equilibration process coincides satisfactorily with decreasing bulkiness of the chelate. Results of separation under dynamic conditions of binary mixtures containing Cu(II) with Ni(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II) using phase III are in accordance with its selectivity towards Cu(II) retention relative to the other coexisting ions.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Soliman
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, El-Minia University, El-Minia 61519, Egypt
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Haque R, Alvarado M, Ahmed SA, Shi JM, Chung JWL, Avila CC, Zheng CX, Tiller GE. Abstract P3-08-06: Triple Negative Breast Cancer and BRCA Status: Implications for Genetic Counseling. Cancer Res 2012. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.sabcs12-p3-08-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Controversy exists whether women newly diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) should be referred to genetic counseling as they may be more likely to be BRCA carriers. However, prior studies included small numbers of carriers and their results have had limited influence on practice guidelines. The objective of this study was to determine the association of breast cancer molecular subtype and BRCA status in a large group of medically insured women.
METHODS: We examined a cohort of 2,105 women with breast cancer history tested for BRCA mutations in a large California health plan from 1997–2011. BRCA test results were recorded in the health plan's clinical genetics registry. Of the 2,105 breast cancer patients, 249 were BRCA mutation carriers (143 BRCA1 carriers, and 106 BRCA2 carriers). We conducted data linkages of all patients with the health plan's NCI-SEER affiliated tumor registry and identified ER, PR, and HER2. HER2 status was also captured from pathology reports using natural language processing. ER, PR, and HER2 status were assessed by immunohistochemical or FISH techniques. Patients were classified into four main biologic subtypes: triple negative (ER−/PR−/HER2−); luminal A (ER+ and/or PR+/HER2−); luminal B (ER+ and/or PR+/HER2+); and HER2-enriched (HER2+/ER−). We examined the association between molecular subtypes (collapsed into TNBC vs. non TNBC categories) and BRCA1/2 mutation status using contingency table analyses. P-values (two-sided) were estimated using chi-square analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimated adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals.
RESULTS: TNBC subtype was strongly associated with BRCA status (P < 0.0001). Women with TNBC tumors were five-fold more likely to be BRCA carriers than women who had non-TNBC breast tumors (OR = 5.6, 95% CI: 4.1–7.5). Specifically, the association of TNBC with BRCA1 was more robust (OR = 12.2, 95% CI: 8.3–17.9). Adjusting for age and stage of breast cancer diagnosis and race/ethnicity did not materially modify the association between TNBC and BRCA1 status. TNBC was not associated with BRCA2 status (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 0.9–2.7).
CONCLUSION: TNBC was strongly associated with BRCA1 status, but not with BRCA2 status. Statistically significant numbers of patients with BRCA mutations have a TNBC profile. These patients should therefore be referred to clinical genetics for further evaluation and possible testing.
Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-08-06.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Haque
- Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA
| | - M Alvarado
- Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA
| | - SA Ahmed
- Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA
| | - JM Shi
- Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA
| | - JWL Chung
- Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA
| | - CC Avila
- Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA
| | - CX Zheng
- Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA
| | - GE Tiller
- Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA
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Abstract
The photosynthetic growth action spectrum of a green alga at three bands of visible light (blue, orange, and red) at fixed quanta input and under light-limiting conditions was measured in a batch cultivation system. Quantum efficiencies (biomass dry weight increment per quanta absorbed) were better in the yellow-red region than in the blue region. Results served as a basis for the design and optimization of a dye system that would shift the energy of solar radiation to the required wavelength range by absorbing ultraviolet to blue radiation and emitting in the yellow-red, thus enhancing algae growth. Direct incorporation of dyes into the growth medium, although theoretically expected to enhance growth, in fact resulted in dye decomposition, toxicity to algae and consequently in growth inhibition. Indirect application of dyes in a double tubular reactor (algae inside and dye solution outside) demonstrated growth enhancement for certain dyes with high quantum yields and stability, which had suitable absorption/emission spectra for artificial light sources used. The maximum indirect growth enhancement was obtained using rhodamine 6G at a concentration of 3x10(-5)M with tungsten filament lamp sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Prokop
- Biotechnology and Electronics Departments, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, P.O. Box 24885, Safat, Kuwait
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Khan MAQ, Khan MA, Hurlock P, Ahmed SA. Physiological responses to temperature and haeme synthesis modifiers in earthworm Lumbricus terrestris (Annelida: Oligochaeta). Environ Toxicol 2012; 27:1-10. [PMID: 20725936 DOI: 10.1002/tox.20604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2009] [Revised: 03/02/2010] [Accepted: 03/03/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) acclimated at 2° and 6°C above their average habitat temperature (10°C) had respectively 15 and 40% higher rate of respiration than those at habitat temperature. At 14°C, the rate of respiration and blood hemoglobin (Hb) concentration both increased by ∼60 and 50%, respectively, of the values at habitat temperature. At higher temperatures the rate of respiration and Hb synthesis started decreasing. At 20-23°C, the respiration and Hb concentration decreased respectively by about 85% and 35% of that at 14°C. Decrease in blood Hb concentration at higher temperatures appeared to be due to the lowering of the activity of blood enzyme δ-aminolaevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD). Exposure of 20-23°C-acclimated pale worms to ALAD inhibitor (lead), lowered the already compromised rate of respiration and blood Hb concentration; while exposure to hexachlorobenzene (HCB, inducer of haeme synthesis) and ferric chloride (enhancer of haeme synthesis) did not overcome the inhibitory effect of high temperature on Hb synthesis. At 20-23°C the affinity of Hb for oxygen also decreased as indicated by the lowering of oxy-Hb (HbO) concentration in blood. The lowering of concentration of blood Hb and its affinity for oxygen may lower the amount of oxygen delivered to cells, which may limit the level of aerobic metabolism (glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation), as indicated by an increase in blood glucose concentration and a decrease in in vitro activities of mitochondrial electron transport system components (ETS) namely NADH-cytochrome c reductase, succinate dehydrogenase, cytochrome c oxidase, and ATPases. Although the oxygen concentration in air, at sea level, does not decrease significantly from 6° to 20-23°C (lack of hypoxia), lowering of both Hb and HbO concentrations by high temperature may cause significant hypoxemia. The latter may lead to inhibition of the activity of muscle mitochondrial respiratory enzymes (ETS). The resulting inhibition of ATP synthesis and hydrolysis may cause deficit of energy needed for peristalsis/fictive locomotion of body and heart muscles (as indicated by a decrease in heart rate) to facilitate diffusion and transport of gases. The upper critical temperature (20-23°C) also slows down the heart rate and causes hyperosmotic stress (hypovolemia). Thus, a rise in soil temperature above 18°C, which inhibits Hb synthesis, Hb oxygenation, and mitochondrial ETS activity, and slows down the heart rate and causes hyperosmotic stress, can make this and higher temperatures lethal to populations of these earthworms, especially in the presence of metabolic inhibitors and respiratory poisons.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Q Khan
- Northwest Suburban College, Rolling Meadows and Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 845 West Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60607-7060, USA.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Abdominal tuberculosis is a common complication of pulmonary tuberculosis. With the rising incidence of HIV, tuberculosis has become a major public health problem particularly in developing countries. METHODS This is a retrospective study involving patients whose surgical specimens were processed at the central histopathology laboratory of the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) Zaria--Nigeria, between January 1975 to December 2006. RESULTS There were 68 males and 49 females, aged 12-70 years (mean 28.6 yrs 11 yrs). While paroxysmal dry cough was present in about 20 patients, abdominal pain and distension were very common. Concomitant pulmonary tuberculosis was confirmed in 15 patients (14%). The findings at Surgery in 66 patients are presented in fig. 2. Multiple deposits on the peritoneum and omentum were the commonest findings (48.7% and 26.2%) respectively CONCLUSION Abdominal tuberculosis is not uncommon and there is need to establish an early less invasive diagnostic protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Dauda
- Department of Surgery, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria, Nigeria.
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Ahmed SA, Oguntayo AO, Odogwu K, Abdullahi K. Tuberculous cervicitis: A case report. Niger Med J 2011; 52:64-65. [PMID: 21968839 PMCID: PMC3180750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- SA Ahmed
- Department of Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria,Correspondence: Ahmed SA
| | - AO Oguntayo
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - K Odogwu
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - K Abdullahi
- Department of Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Zidovudine, a Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NRTI) is one of the earliest antiretroviral agents used as a combination in the Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) for the treatment of HIV infection. Its use is however not without adverse effect particularly bone marrow aplasia leading to varying degrees of cytopenias predominantly anaemia. This calls for adequate evaluation and monitoring of patients on this drug. Its major side effect of anaemia limits its use in some patients. We report a case of Zidovudine induced anaemia and bone marrow aplasia in a patient infected with HIV. METHOD The Hospital case note of a 27 year old widow with HIV infection and anaemia, who has been on HAART (Zidovudine, Lamivudine and Nevirapine) for one year, was reviewed. RESULT She presented with severe anaemia (PCV of 0.05), White cell and platelet counts were within normal limits and reticulocyte count of 0.001%. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy were diagnostic of pure red cell aplasia on a background hypocellular marrow. She was transfused with four (4) units of packed cells and Zidovudine was replaced with Stavudine. She made remarkable improvement and remains transfusion independent afterwards. CONCLUSION Zidovudine is well a known cause of anaemia and thus should be used with caution in the initiation of antiretroviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Hassan
- Department of Haematology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria.
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39
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Roshan TM, Rosline H, Ahmed SA, Rapiaah M, Khattak MN. Response rate of Malaysian blood donors with reactive screening test to transfusion medicine unit calls. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health 2009; 40:1315-1321. [PMID: 20578467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Blood donors with reactive screening test results are requested to come in for counseling by letter and telephone call. It has been noticed many donors responded to neither the letters nor the telephone calls. We evaluated 589 cases with reactive screening test results (208 positive for hepatitis C, 209 for hepatitis B, 85 for VDRL and 87 for HIV). In the hepatitis C positive group 61 donors (29.3%) did not respond and 4.7% missed their follow-up appointment. Similarly low response rates were noted with the HBV (58.9%) and VDRL (67.1%) positive groups. Among HIV positive donors 46.0% failed to respond to multiple calls. We conclude that blood donors in Malaysia have a poor response to calls from the blood transfusion unit. A review of the effectiveness of the current deferral system and an increased public knowledge of transmissible infectious diseases may encourage blood donors to have a better response rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Roshan
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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40
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Mohammed A, Yau LZ, Samaila MOA, Ahmed SA, Chom ND. Histiocytosis X. Ann Afr Med 2009; 8:64-5. [PMID: 19763012 DOI: 10.4103/1596-3519.55769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A Mohammed
- Department of Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria, Nigeria.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurogenic inflammation may participate in the development and progression of bronchial asthma. The molecular mechanisms underlying neurogenic inflammation are orchestrated by a large number of neuropeptides including tachykinins such as neurokinin A (NKA) and substance P. Tachykinins are secreted from sensory airway nerves and inflammatory cells after allergens exposure. In clinical practice, assessment of airway inflammation is difficult. Therefore, detection of biological markers of airway inflammation in sputum might offer help for proper monitoring of asthma severity. AIM OF THE STUDY We aimed to measure sputum NKA in relation to acute asthma exacerbations of varying severity. METHODS Sputum NKA was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 24 children and adolescents during and after acute asthma exacerbation and 24 healthy matched controls. RESULTS Sputum NKA was significantly higher in asthmatic patients during acute exacerbation than controls [217.5 (284) vs 10 (7) ng/ml, P < 0.001]. When patients with acute asthma exacerbation were followed-up till remission, sputum NKA levels decreased significantly, but they remained significantly higher than controls. Sputum NKA levels were significantly higher in severe than moderate and in moderate than mild exacerbations, and was negatively correlated to peak expiratory flow rate (r = -0.9, P < 0.001). Sputum NKA had significant positive correlations to eosinophil counts in blood and sputum (r = 0.6, P < 0.001 and r = 0.7, P < 0.001 respectively). CONCLUSIONS Sputum NKA is up-regulated during acute asthma exacerbation and it positively correlates to its severity. Thus, NKA may aid in objective classification of the exacerbation severity. In addition, NKA may be a target for new asthma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- G A Mostafa
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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Rabeya Y, Rapiaah M, Rosline H, Ahmed SA, Zaidah WA, Roshan TM. Blood pre-donation deferrals--a teaching hospital experience. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health 2008; 39:571-574. [PMID: 18564700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Blood donor selection contributes to the safety of both the donor and the recipient. The objective of this study was to identify the number and causes of blood pre-donation deferrals at the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM). A retrospective study was carried out to retrieve data regarding deferred blood donors at the HUSM in the year 2006. A total of 4,138 blood donors donated blood at the Transfusion Medicine Unit, of whom 231 were deferred or rejected as donors. The percentage of deferred donors was 5.6%. The main reason for deferral was a low hemoglobin (40.7%), with females constituting the majority of those deferred. This was followed by high blood pressure (29.4%) and male donors were predominant in this group. Medical illness caused 15.6% of donor deferrals. The majority of deferred donors were regular donors (64.1%). We recommend setting new hemoglobin criteria for donor deferral according to the reference range obtained for the particular population. Most of the other deferrals were preventable by proper health care education and awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Rabeya
- Transfusion Medicine Unit, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan
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43
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Yousuf R, Rapiaah M, Ahmed SA, Rosline H, Salam A, Selamah S, Roshan TM. Trends in hepatitis B virus infection among blood donors in Kelantan, Malaysia: a retrospective study. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health 2007; 38:1070-1074. [PMID: 18613548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and trends in hepatitis B infection among blood donors attending the Transfusion Medicine Unit at the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia. A retrospective study was carried out by reviewing the results of HBsAg among blood donors for the years 2000 to 2004. During this period, 44,658 blood donors were studied. We noted that there was a significant difference in the prevalence of hepatitis B infection between regular and first time donors. There was also a decreasing trend noticed in both study groups. The mean prevalence was significantly different between first time (1.83%) and regular donors (0.45%) (p < 0.005). There is a need to improve public awareness programs to lower the incidence of hepatitis B infection in the general population and consequently first time blood donors. Future studies are also required to determine the trends and outcomes of these programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Yousuf
- Transfusion Medicine Unit, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan
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44
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Khan MAQ, Ahmed SA, Salazar A, Gurumendi J, Khan A, Vargas M, von Catalin B. Effect of temperature on heavy metal toxicity to earthworm Lumbricus terrestris (Annelida: Oligochaeta). Environ Toxicol 2007; 22:487-94. [PMID: 17696136 DOI: 10.1002/tox.20288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) acclimated at 2 degrees C above their habitat temperature (10-12 degrees C) showed about 5% increase in basal rate of oxygen consumption, which increased to about 38% in 14-16 degrees C- and 40% in 16-18 degrees C-, but decreased by 84% in 20-22 degrees C-acclimated worms. Temperature also increased the blood hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, which decreased slightly in 20-22 degrees C-acclimated worms. The worms acclimated at 20-22 degrees C showed their blood to be hypovolemic than that of 10-12 degrees C worms indicating dehydration. Pre-exposure of 10-14 degrees C-acclimated worms to sublethal concentrations of zinc, copper, and lead did not significantly affect the rate of respiration. However, at higher temperatures all these metals inhibited oxygen consumption; zinc, lead, and cadmium by approximately 11% and copper by approximately 18% of that at 14-16 degrees C. At 20-22 degrees C, the respiration was further inhibited, 36% by copper, 18% by cadmium, and approximately 10% by lead and zinc. Copper, lead, and zinc decreased the temperature-enhanced increase in blood Hb concentration at all temperatures. In 20-22 degrees C-acclimated worms heavy metal exposure slightly lowered the oxygen affinity of Hb as well as caused shifts in carbon monoxide difference spectra. The acute toxicity of these metals was not affected by a 2 degrees C rise in acclimation temperature but increased by 17% (lead), 33% (copper), and 5% (zinc) in 14-16 degrees C- and by 40% (lead), 149% (copper), and 132% (zinc) in 20-22 degrees C-acclimated worms. The increase in toxicity of metals caused by high temperatures may be due to limiting the scope of aerobic metabolism (oxygen extraction, transport, and utilization) via quantitative and qualitative effects on Hb. This terrestrial species appears to be tolerant of slight increases in habitat temperature, such as that expected with current global climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Q Khan
- Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 845 West Taylor Street, Chicago, Illinois 60607-7060, USA.
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45
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Rosline H, Roshan TM, Ahmed SA, Ilunihayati I. Identification of hemoglobin AC heterozygote status in a Malay family: a decision between hemoglobin electrophoresis and high performance liquid chromotography. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health 2007; 38:543-5. [PMID: 17877232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Thalassemia is a common public health problem among Malays. Hemoglobin C (Hb C) is a hemoglobin beta variant resulting from a single base mutation at the 6th position of the beta-globin gene leading to the substitution of glycine for glutamic acid. Hb C is commonly detected in West Africans and in African American but has not been reported in Malaysia. It can be falsely diagnosed as HbE trait in the Malaysian Thalassemia Screening Program which utilizes cellulose acetate hemoglobin electrophoresis. This is the first reported case of Hb AC heterozygote status in a Malay family, with unusual splenomegaly in one of the family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Rosline
- Department of Hematology, School of Medical Sciences, University Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan
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Khan MAQ, Ahmed SA, Catalin B, Khodadoust A, Ajayi O, Vaughn M. Effect of temperature on heavy metal toxicity to juvenile crayfish, Orconectes immunis (Hagen). Environ Toxicol 2006; 21:513-20. [PMID: 16944513 DOI: 10.1002/tox.20213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The acute toxicity of four selected heavy metals to juvenile crayfish Orconectes immunis (Hagen) (1-2 g wet body wt. each) at room temperature increased in the following order: cadmium (x3) < copper (x10) < zinc (x2) < lead. The toxicity of these metals to crayfish acclimated at 17, 20, 23/24, and 27 degrees C increased with temperature (by 7-20% between 20 and 24 degrees C and 14-26% between 20 and 27 degrees C) as judged by the lowering of LT(50) (time to kill 50% of test animals at a fixed concentration) values. A 4 degrees C rise in temperature (from 20 to 24 degrees C), which increased the toxicity of copper by about 7%, increased the rate of oxygen consumption by about 34%. Heavy metals inhibited the rate of oxygen consumption at all temperatures. In 20 degrees C-acclimated crayfish, copper caused about 17% inhibition of oxygen consumption compared to about 7-12% by other metals including the most toxic cadmium. A 3-4 degrees C rise in temperature tripled the inhibitory effect of copper (20%), cadmium and zinc (26 and 18%, respectively), but not of lead, on oxygen consumption. A 7 degrees C-rise in temperature (from 20 to 27 degrees C) increased the inhibitory effect of heavy metals, including lead, on oxygen consumption by up to 54% in the case of copper. The data indicate that rising global temperatures (currently 0.60 degrees C) associated with climate change can have the potential to increase the sensitivity of aquatic animals to heavy metals in their environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Q Khan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
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Rosline H, Ahmed SA, Al-Joudi FS, Rapiaah M, Naing NN, Adam NAM. Thalassemia among blood donors at the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health 2006; 37:549-52. [PMID: 17120978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to screen and identify the types of thalassemia among blood donors at the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM). Thalassemia screening was performed by hemoglobin electrophoresis. A total number of 80 blood samples were obtained from donors at the Transfusion Medicine Unit, HUSM. The ethnic origins of the donors were Malays (n=73, 91.3%) and non-Malays (n=7, 8.75%). Males comprised 88.1% of the donors. Thalassemia was detected in 16.25% (n=13) of the blood donors. Of those with thalassemia, 46.2% (6/13) were anemic. Microcytosis and hypochromia were detected in 84.6% (n=l1) and 84.6% (n=l1) of these donors, respectively. The types of thalassemias detected were Hb E, 11.25% (n=9/80) and beta thalassemia trait, 5% (n=4/80). Among the thalassemias detected, the Hb E hemoglobinopathy was comprised of Hb E/ alpha-thalassemia (38.5%: n=5), Hb E /beta-thalassemia (23.1%: n=3), Hb E trait (7.6%: n=1) and beta-thalassemia (30.8%: n=4). In conclusion, screening for thalassemia trait should be included as part of a standard blood testing before blood donation. Further studies are required to look at the effects of donated thalassemic blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Rosline
- Department of Hematology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Malaysia.
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Handique SK, Das RR, Barman K, Medhi N, Saharia B, Saikia P, Ahmed SA. Temporal lobe involvement in Japanese encephalitis: problems in differential diagnosis. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2006; 27:1027-31. [PMID: 16687537 PMCID: PMC7975744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2005] [Accepted: 09/30/2005] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE On MR imaging and CT, Japanese encephalitis (JE) shows lesions in the thalami, substantia nigra, basal ganglia, cerebral cortex, cerebellum, brain stem, and white matter, whereas temporal lobe involvement is characteristically seen in Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE). Temporal lobe involvement in JE may cause problems in differentiating it from HSE. We undertook this study to show the temporal lobe involvement pattern in JE and highlight differentiating features from temporal lobe involvement in HSE. METHODS Sixty-two patients with JE underwent CT or MR imaging or both. MR imaging was done in 53 and CT in 53. The diagnosis of JE was confirmed by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Eleven (17.7%) patients showed temporal lobe involvement with abnormal MR imaging in all. All the patients showed hippocampal involvement. Two patients showed extension of lesions into the amygdala and uncus with insular involvement in 1. The rest of the temporal lobe was spared. All patients had thalamic and substantia nigra involvement with basal ganglia involvement in 7. Six of 9 CT scans were abnormal and the temporal lesions were seen in 2. CONCLUSIONS The temporal lobe involvement pattern is fairly characteristic and mostly involves the hippocampus, usually sparing the rest of the temporal lobe. This and the concurrent involvement of the thalami, substantia nigra (SN), and basal ganglia allow differentiation from HSE. However, if the temporal lobe involvement is more severe, laboratory tests may be the only way to differentiate it from HSE, and it may be prudent to start antiviral therapy in the interim period.
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Affiliation(s)
- S K Handique
- Department of Radiology and Imaging, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Dispur, Assam, India
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Ahmed SA, Al-Joudi FS, Zaidah AW, Roshan TM, Rapiaah M, Abdullah YMS, Rosline H. The prevalence of human cytomegalovirus seropositivity among blood donors at the Unit of Blood Transfusion Medicine, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health 2006; 37:294-6. [PMID: 17124989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a species-specific DNA virus of the Herpetoviridae family. After a primary infection, HCMV persists in a latent form most probably in bone marrow progenitor cells or in peripheral blood monocytes. The virus can reactivate to result in shedding of the virus leading to virus dissemination and new infections. Immunocompromized patients are the ones most vulnerable to serious diseases occasionally acquired in blood transfusions. In a human population, HCMV seropositivity increases steadily with age to become approximately 100% in adults. This study was performed to detect seropositivity among regular blood donors in The Hospital of the Universiti Sains Malaysia, in the state of Kelantan. Using an enzyme immunoassay, it was found that 97.6% of blood donors were HCMV-positive. HCMV is highly prevalent and may be endemic in Kelantan. Hence, long-term strategies are required for the reduction of disease dissemination, and to prevent the exposure of immunocompromized patients to the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Ahmed
- Department of Hematology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Science of Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Malaysia.
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50
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Afifi ZEM, El-Lawindi MI, Ahmed SA, Basily WW. Adolescent abuse in a community sample in Beni Suef, Egypt: prevalence and risk factors. East Mediterr Health J 2003; 9:1003-18. [PMID: 16450531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Adolescent abuse was studied in 555 school students (mean age 15.6 +/- 1.5 years) selected by multistage random sampling in Beni Suef in 1998. Each student received a general physical examination and a pre-coded questionnaire to identify determinants of abuse. Prevalence of abuse was 36.6%. Emotional, physical, sexual and combined abuse prevalence was 12.3%, 7.6%, 7.0% and 9.7% respectively. Significant predictors of sexual abuse were hyperactive child, disabled child, disinterested mother, low birth order child or wasted child. For physical abuse, significant predictors were maternal disinterest, maternal education and injuries. Significant predictors of emotional abuse were overcrowding, disease and mistreatment by a teacher. Violent behaviour was reported for more than 20% of the emotionally and the sexually abused.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z E M Afifi
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Kasr El-Aini University, Cairo, Egypt
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