Dangerous Diseases Research Articles

Target and Gene-Based Therapeutic Strategies against Pancreatic Cancer: Current and Future Prospects.

Despite tremendous advancements in knowledge, diagnosis, and availability of both traditional and innovative treatments, pancreatic cancer remains a dangerous disease with a high death rate and dismal prognosis. The traditional strategy in adjuvant and palliative settings is still cytotoxic chemotherapy predicated on the purine derivative gemcitabine; nevertheless, there is an increasing need for new medicines that target the primary molecular pathways and pathophysiological abnormalities implicated. There is now just a tiny amount of evidence of therapeutic benefit when the targeted drug erlotinib is added to the conventional gemcitabine treatment. In preclinical and clinical trials, novel medications targeting mTOR, NF-κB, and proteasome, including the enzyme histone deacetylase, are currently being studied alongside the well-established monoclonal antibody treatments and small-molecule protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors. These novel medications may change the negative natural progression of this illness in conjunction with gene therapy and immunotherapy, both of which are undergoing clinical study. In this regard, leveraging miRNA manipulation to combat cancer is appealing due to its promise to deliver personalized treatment tailored to an individual's distinct gene or miRNA expression profile. Preclinical studies involving animals have showcased the effectiveness of miRNA-based therapies, with several of these treatments now progressing into human clinical trials for various malignancies and other medical conditions. This review describes the important developments of targeted therapeutics that are associated with pancreatic cancer and the discoveries which can help in dealing with this fatal malignancy in a more significant manner.

Photogallery. HIV infection and neoplastic skin diseases

Malignant neoplasms constitute a group of the most important secondary diseases that develop in people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The first neoplastic disease described in HIV-infected patients is Kaposi's sarcoma. In contrast to other types of Kaposi's sarcoma, its epidemic (AIDS-associated) type is more common in young and middle-aged HIV-positive individuals, especially among men who have same-sex sex. Epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma does not have a favourite localisation. However, there is a tendency to lesions of the scalp (face, ear flaps), upper extremities, anogenital area, oral mucosa. On the trunk, the pathological process spreads along the Langer lines. Skin rashes are represented by spotty, papular, nodular elements of red-brown or purple colour. The aggressive course is characteristic: rapid dissemination and generalisation of rashes. Plasmoblastic lymphoma is associated with immunodeficiency states and is rare. The tumour lesion is usually located in the oral cavity. Few cases of plasmoblastic lymphoma with skin and soft tissue involvement have been described in the literature. Squamous cell skin cancer in the context of HIV infection is a dangerous disease. In people living with HIV, it manifests at a significantly earlier age and is associated with a high risk of local recurrence. The extent of invasion and the likelihood of metastasis are influenced by HIV-associated immunodeficiency. In the vast majority of cases, risk factors and clinical manifestations of basal cell skin cancer do not differ from those in immunocompetent individuals. Basal cell carcinomas rarely metastasise. Nevertheless, metastatic forms lead to unfavourable outcome. Here is a photo gallery of cases of neoplastic skin lesions developed in HIV-positive patients.

Lung nodule detection using Eyrie Flock-based Deep Convolutional Neural Network

PROBLEM: Lung cancer is a dangerous and deadly disease with high mortality and reduced survival rates. However, the lung nodule diagnosis performance is limited by its heterogeneity in terms of texture, shape, and intensity. Furthermore, the high degree of resemblance between the lung nodules and the tissues that surround the lung nodules makes the building of a reliable detection model more difficult. Moreover, there are several methods for diagnosing and grading lung nodules; still, the accuracy of detection with the variations in intensity is a challenging task. AIM & METHODS: For the detection of lung nodules and grading, this research proposes an Eyrie Flock Optimization-based Deep Convolutional Neural Network (Eyrie Flock-DeepCNN). The proposed Eyrie Flock Optimization integrates the fishing characteristics of Eyrie’s and the flocking characteristics of Tusker to accelerate the convergence speed which inturns enhance the training process and improve the generalization performance of the DeepCNN model. In the Eyrie Flock optimization, two optimal issues are considered: (i) segmenting the lung nodule and (ii) fine-tuning hyperparameters of Deep CNN. RESULTS: The capability of the newly developed method is evaluated by the terms of Specificity, Sensitivity, and Accuracy, attaining 98.96%, 95.21%, and 94.12%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Efficiently utilized the Deep CNN along with the help of the Eyrie Flock optimization algorithm which enhances the efficiency of the classifier and convergence of the model.

Overview of animal infectious disease situation in the Republic of Dagestan in 2023

An epizootiological survey of livestock farms of Dagestan was conducted, the main infectious diseases common in the region were considered, and measures taken to protect against them were described. At present, the Veterinary Service is undertaking systematic efforts to prevent the occurrence and spread of infectious diseases such as brucellosis, leukosis, rabies, pasteurellosis, blackleg, bradsot and enterotoxemia in the Republic. Among the above-mentioned diseases reported in 2023, brucellosis and leukosis are responsible for the vast majority of outbreaks and diseased animals detected in them. In particular, the following diseases have the largest share in the nosological profile of quarantinable infectious diseases based on the number of detected infected localities during the period under study: brucellosis (52.63%), bovine leukosis (30.70%), rabies (8.77%), enterotoxemia (3.51%), pasteurellosis (1.75%), bradsot (1.75%) and blackleg (0.88%). In total, 1,812 animals were affected with quarantinable infections and 35 animals died in 114 infected localities. Most often over the past year, quarantinable infections were reported in cattle (69.59% of cases) and small ruminants (29.36%); in 1.05% of cases, the diseases affected horses, cats, wild animals and birds. In order to maintain animal disease freedom and sustainable growth of livestock production, the Veterinary Committee of the Republic of Dagestan annually implements measures to prevent the occurrence and spread of 75 diseases of animals and birds, including 10 highly dangerous ones. Anti-epizootic measures taken in the past year included a total of 93.8 million vaccinations and 6.2 million tests performed in the diagnostic institutions. Plans for the prevention of highly dangerous and other contagious diseases of animals and birds were fully implemented.

Antioxidant defence mechanism in hen egg: An immunity Booster

Dietary antioxidants are considered to be a vital agent that has the potential to reduce the risk of dangerous diseases by stabilizing redox homeostasis. Hen eggs are the most intrinsic part of our breakfast and a bang-up source of high-quality proteins, lipids, minerals and vitamins. Eggs show an antioxidant property due to the presence of proteins in both the yolk and white i.e. ovalbumin, Ovotransferrin and phosvitin. It’s also a fact that antioxidants in the eggs can be enhanced artificially by manipulating the poultry feed given to the hens. Lack of antioxidants and nutrients leads to a number of diseases including cancer, cardiovascular diseases and age-related macular degeneration.

A novel electrochemical immunosensor based on AuNPs/PNR/CS@MWCNTs-COOH for rapid detecting warning markers-BNP of heart failure caused by myocardial infarction

Heart failure (HF) is an insidious and dangerous disease that significantly impairs a patient’s quality of life and safety. It is not easy to detect in mild cases, and once it progresses to severe stages, deterioration can be rapid and challenging to reverse. Currently, early warning and prognostic risk assessment technologies are lacking, and there is an urgent need for precise early warning, risk assessment and diagnosis and treatment of HF at the cellular or molecular level. In this study, an electrochemical immunosensor based on AuNPs/PNR/CS@MWCNTs-COOH was prepared to detect brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), a biomarker for early warning of HF caused by myocardial infarction. Among them, the CS@MWCNTs-COOH nanocomposites and the polymerized neutral red (PNR) films on the electrode surface effectively enhanced the conductivity of the modified electrodes and significantly increased the specific surface area through the formation of three-dimensional nanostructures. AuNPs loaded on PNR/CS@MWCNTs-COOH provided a stable gold-ammonia bond for the specific antibody loading of BNP, facilitating the development of an electrochemical immunosensor with high selectivity for BNP detection. Furthermore, this work used cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to improve aspects that influence the immunosensor’s analytical performance. Under ideal conditions, the immunosensor was tested for immunological qualities using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), resulting in sensitive measurement of BNP concentration in undiluted serum samples.The peak current Ip of the response signal is linearly proportional to the LgCBNP in the range of 1.95 × 10−3 ng mL−1 to 8.0 ng mL−1, with a detection limit of 0.80 × 10−3 ng mL−1 (S/N=3). It can achieve highly sensitive identification and detection of trace BNP in complex biological samples and provide a convenient and efficient method for HF-related marker detection. Furthermore, it also can serve as a scientific basis and a new method for the development of early warning technology for HF and related pathological mechanism research.

Metabolomics-Based Study of the Protective Effect of 4-Hydroxybenzyl Alcohol on Ischemic Astrocytes.

Ischemic stroke is a common and dangerous disease in clinical practice. Astrocytes (ASs) are essential for maintaining the metabolic balance of the affected regions during the disease process. 4-Hydroxybenzyl alcohol (4HBA) from Gastrodia elata Bl. has potential neuroprotective properties due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. In an in vitro experiment, we replicated the oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation model, and used methyl thiazoly tertrazolium, flow cytometry, kits, and other technical means to clarify the protective effect of 4HBA on primary ASs. In in vivo experiments, the 2VO model was replicated, and immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry techniques were used to clarify the protective effect of 4HBA on ASs and the maintenance of the blood-brain barrier. Differential metabolites and related pathways were screened and verified using metabolomics analysis and western blot. 4HBA noticeably amplified AS cell survival, reduced mitochondrial dysfunction, and mitigated oxidative stress. It demonstrated a protective effect on ASs in both environments and was instrumental in stabilizing the blood-brain barrier. Metabolomic data indicated that 4HBA regulated nucleic acid and glutathione metabolism, influencing purines, pyrimidines, and amino acids, and it activated the N-methyl-D-aspartate/p-cAMP-response element binding protein/brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling pathway via N-methyl-D-aspartate R1/N-methyl-D-aspartate 2C receptors. Our findings suggest that 4HBA is a potent neuroprotective agent against ischemic stroke, enhancing AS cell survival and function while stabilizing the blood-brain barrier. The N-methyl-D-aspartate/p-cAMP-response element binding protein/brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling pathway is activated by 4HBA.

Online Survey on the Acceptance of Latent Tuberculosis Testing and Isoniazid Preventive Therapy among Healthcare Workers in Nigeria

Background: Healthcare workers in Nigeria are exposed to myriads of occupational risks including workplace acquired infections such as tuberculosis. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional survey and used google form to administer the questionnaire via social media networks. Descriptive statistical methods were used to summarize data on socio-demographic characteristics and responses to questions, Microsoft excel and SPSS version 20.0 for statistical analysis of data summarized as categorical variables, frequency (n) and percentages (%). Results: About six out of ten of the participants believed that they could be severely ill if they got tuberculosis. Majority of respondents 413 (89.2%) reported acceptance of latent TB testing while 87.7% agreed to take Isoniazid treatment if they test positive for LTBI. The occupational risk group was found to be less likely to accept LTBI testing. Also, respondents from the Northeast (OR = 4.225; 95% CI = 1.216-14.688; p value = 0.023) and southeast (OR = 4.494; 95% CI = 1.382-14.609; p value = 0.012) were four times more likely to accept isoniazid preventive treatment respectively. Participants who held that tuberculosis is a serious disease were more likely to accept isoniazid preventive treatment (OR = 2.220; 95% CI = 1.100-4.480 p value = 0.026). The majority of the HCW (56%) in the study never get tested for LTBI. Conclusion: the majority of the healthcare workers in this study showed that TB is a dangerous disease and agreed to get regular testing and isoniazid therapy to prevent tuberculosis.

Transamniotic Fetal Immunotherapy with Secretory IgA: A Potential Novel Ancillary Strategy for the Prevention of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Plain Language SummaryThis is an experimental study in an animal model showing that a special type of immunoglobulin called secretory immunoglobulin-A (SIgA), which can find its way to the fetal intestine after a simple injection into the amniotic fluid, is capable of attaching itself to intestinal bacteria after birth. The importance of that is the fact that SIgA has been previously shown to protect neonates, especially premature ones, from a dangerous disease called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Since certain premature neonates cannot take SIgA by mouth, this new form of delivery of that immunoglobulin could become a novel minimally invasive alternative to give babies that molecule and hopefully help protect them from NEC. Further studies need to be performed before this can be used in humans, yet the original data presented in this study justify said studies while also suggesting that transamniotic fetal immunotherapy with SIgA could become a novel strategy for prevention of not only NEC but also possibly other perinatal infections.

Mammographic breast density and cardiovascular disease in women. A literature review

The world is searching for new simple and economically available gender-specific markers to improve cardiovascular risk stratification in women. The aim of this review was to analyze the association of mammographic density (MD) with cardiovascular disease (CVD). In low MD, i.e., high relative mammary gland fat content, there is a higher incidence of the main risk factors for CVD: hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, excess body weight, as well as an increase in the volume of fat depots, visceral and ectopic fat. Low MD is associated with a higher 10-year risk of adverse cardiovascular events such as coronary artery disease, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, revascularization, and heart failure, and may serve as a predictor of their development. Including MD in the Framingham Risk Score model improves its accuracy. Identification of low MD, as a marker of high cardiovascular risk, allows the use of mammography for early detection and prevention of the two most dangerous diseases among the female population — breast cancer and CVD.

Epidemiology of Common Eye Diseases in North Kordofan, Sudan

Introduction: Eye illness epidemiology is critical because it identifies the most dangerous diseases in the community and helps decision-makers make better management decisions. This study aims to explore the epidemiology of prevalent eye diseases in north Kordofan State. Methodology: This retrospective descriptive study was conducted at El-Obeid Teaching Hospital's Ophthalmology Department, North Kordofan State, Sudan, and Dr. Khalil's Ophthalmology Center. Out of almost 50000 patient files, we selected 1000 files for this study using a random systemic selection of 1 in 50. The data collection sheet was created, and all data were collected. Results: The corneal diseases made up 19.6% of the 1000 cases in this study, followed by conjunctival 17.7%, lens 15.3%, eye surface 9.8%, uveal tract 9.1%, refractive errors 6.4%, eye lids 5.4%, orbital 5.4%, glaucoma 4.3%, retinopathy 4.6%, anterior chamber diseases 2.1%, lacrimal drainage system disorders 1.8%, and nerve palsies 0.5%. Conclusion: The western Sudan is heavily affected by eye diseases, with corneal diseases being the most common, closely followed by conjunctival diseases. This report delves into the eye disease situation in western Sudan. With absence of such literature from Sudan, the findings of this study presenting baseline of future research in this context.

Computer-aided diagnosis for lung cancer using waterwheel plant algorithm with deep learning

Lung cancer (LC) is a life-threatening and dangerous disease all over the world. However, earlier diagnoses and treatment can save lives. Earlier diagnoses of malevolent cells in the lungs responsible for oxygenating the human body and expelling carbon dioxide due to significant procedures are critical. Even though a computed tomography (CT) scan is the best imaging approach in the healthcare sector, it is challenging for physicians to identify and interpret the tumour from CT scans. LC diagnosis in CT scan using artificial intelligence (AI) can help radiologists in earlier diagnoses, enhance performance, and decrease false negatives. Deep learning (DL) for detecting lymph node contribution on histopathological slides has become popular due to its great significance in patient diagnoses and treatment. This study introduces a computer-aided diagnosis for LC by utilizing the Waterwheel Plant Algorithm with DL (CADLC-WWPADL) approach. The primary aim of the CADLC-WWPADL approach is to classify and identify the existence of LC on CT scans. The CADLC-WWPADL method uses a lightweight MobileNet model for feature extraction. Besides, the CADLC-WWPADL method employs WWPA for the hyperparameter tuning process. Furthermore, the symmetrical autoencoder (SAE) model is utilized for classification. An investigational evaluation is performed to demonstrate the significant detection outputs of the CADLC-WWPADL technique. An extensive comparative study reported that the CADLC-WWPADL technique effectively performs with other models with a maximum accuracy of 99.05% under the benchmark CT image dataset.

Knowledge Of Timing And Compliance With Routine Immunization Schedule Among Mothers Of Under Five Attending Immunization Clinic In A Tertiary Hospital, Sokoto State, Nigeria

Background: Immunization is the most efficacious and low-cost strategy to save the lives of children and prevent dangerous communicable diseases. In order to develop the highest level of protection against diseases, children should be fully vaccinated as per the schedule and at the right age. Complete vaccination to children is a successful way of reducing the infant mortality rate, and to make zero dropouts and achieve 100% vaccination, vaccines should be administered as per scheduled time. Aim: The aim of this study is assess the knowledge of timing and compliance with routine immunization schedule among mothers of under five children attending immunization clinic in a tertiary hospital in Sokoto state, Nigeria Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive study conducted among 280 mothers of under five children attending immunization clinic in a tertiary hospital in Sokoto state in May and June, 2022. The respondents were selected by multistage sampling technique. A set of pretested, semi-structured interviewer- administered questionnaire was usedtocollect data on the research variables. Data were analyzed using IBM® SPSS version 25 statistical package. Results: The ages of the respondents ranged from 18 to 45 years with a mean age of 29.18 ± 8.16 years. Majority of the respondents 167 (59.5%) were aged 21-30 years. Most of the respondents were married 277 (99.0%) and larger proportion (58.1%) had tertiary education. The proportions of respondents with good knowledge of routineimmunization timing as the per schedule was (90.7%) and majority 235(83.9%) complied with timing according totheschedule. About two-third 175 (62.5%) of the respondents were fully vaccinated, some of the reasons mentioned by therespondents for not complying with timing were; waiting time, attitude of the health workers, husband disapproval andsickness of the child among others. Conclusion and Recommendations: Most of the respondents demonstrated good knowledge of routine immunization timing and majority compliedwith the timing according to the scheduled. About two-third of them were fully immunized, some of the reasons fornot complying with timing as per the schedule among the respondents were waiting time, attitude of the healthworkers, husband disapproval and sickness of the child among others. Improving the knowledge of parents about immunization was recommended by providing health education session consistently at every clinic day before the immunization session

Determining the accuracy of the leukocyte esterase reagent strip test in the rapid diagnosis of adult septic arthritis

BackgroundsSeptic arthritis is a dangerous disease that occurs when microorganisms enter synovial fluid. It needs fast and accurate management; otherwise, it can harm the patient’s life. Currently, the tests measure WBC and PMN in SF, so we hypothesized to use a proxy that is easier and faster to measure. Leukocyte esterase is an enzyme secreted by neutrophils that can be found in the synovial fluid of SA patients. In this study, we tried to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of leukocyte esterase in diagnosing septic arthritis.MethodsWe obtained synovial fluid samples from forty-six patients suspected of having septic arthritis and fifty-eight healthy individuals and measured the WBCs, ESR, CRP, PMN, glucose, and protein of SF in 2021. We also used the leukocyte esterase dipstick test to investigate the level of LE in synovial fluid for one minute.ResultsBased on clinical and paraclinical criteria, sixteen out of the forty-six patients were diagnosed with SA. When (++) was considered positive, the sensitivity and specificity of the LE dipstick test for the diagnosis of SA were 93.7% (95% CI: 81.8–100%) and 60% (95% CI: 42.4–77.5%, P = 0.000), respectively. When both (+) and (++) were considered positive, they were 100% and 43.3% (95% CI: 25.6–61.0% P = 0.000), respectively. All the patients in the control group had negative cultures and LE test readings (specificity = 100%).ConclusionThe LE dipstick test can be a valuable diagnostic tool in the initial diagnosis of SA since it is affordable, fast, and reliable.

Hearing loss in children with congenital heart disease

Background : Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a dangerous disease, about 50% of deaths will occur in the first month of life. In developed countries almost all types of congenital heart disease have been detected in infancy even at less than 1 month of age, whereas in developing countries many are only detected after the child is older, so in some severe CHD types may have died before being detected. Rubella infection in pregnancy or congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) can cause miscarriage, fetal death, or congenital abnormalities after birth. CRS is characterized by sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), congenital cataracts or glaucoma, congenital heart disease, and developmental delays. Purpose : This case report was submitted in order to find out how to properly treat patients with hearing loss with sensory deafness and congenital heart disease. Case : Reported a 3-year-old 6-month-old boy diagnosed with very severe degree sensorineural deafness and congenital heart disease based on anamnesis, physical examination and examination of OAE, BERA and ASSR for examination of auditory function) and echocardiography examination for examination of cardiac function. Conclusion : From the history, physical examination and examination of OAE, BERA, ASSR showed patients with very severe sensorineural hearing loss of the left and right ear and congenital heart disease, planned use of hearing aids or cochlear implantation and cardiac consul for CHD treatment.

Determinants of survival time for HIV/AIDS patients in the pastoralist region of Borena: a study at Yabelo General Hospital, South East Ethiopia

IntroductionHIV/AIDS is one of the most dangerous diseases globally, impacting public health, economics, society, political issues, and communities. As of 2023, the World Health Organization estimates that 40.4 million people are living with HIV/AIDS. This study aimed to identify the determinants of survival time for HIV/AIDS patients in the pastoralist region of Borena at Yabelo General Hospital.MethodThe study design was a retrospective cohort study, with a sample size of 293 individuals living with HIV/AIDS, based on recorded data. This research utilized survival model analysis, employing Kaplan-Meier plots, the log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazard model analysis.ResultOut of the total sample size, 179 (61.1%) were female and 114 (38.1%) were male. Among these males, 36 (31.6%) were deceased. The analysis using the Cox proportional hazard model revealed that the following variables were significantly associated with the survival time of HIV/AIDS patients: gender, educational status, area of residence, tuberculosis (TB), and opportunistic infections.ConclusionsWe concluded that individuals living with HIV/AIDS in urban areas have a lower risk of death compared to those in rural areas, indicating that rural residents have a reduced survival probability. Therefore, the Borena zone administration should focus on adult patients to enhance life expectancy.

The Epidemic Diseases Act (1897): A study of international and domestic pressures on British epidemic policy formation in India.

The Epidemic Diseases Act (EDA) was enacted in February 1897 by the Government of India to prevent and control the spread of the plague. Since then, the Act has become a key legal tool for the control of epidemics/pandemics in India. We attempted to understand the international and domestic pressures that led to the adoption of the EDA in three ways. First, we analyse the legislative structure (Bombay Municipal Act of 1888, Indian Railways Act of 1890, and Act I of 1870) that dealt with infectious or contagious diseases in colonial India before the EDA came into force. Second, we focus on the linkages between international and domestic pressures that necessitated the adoption of the EDA. Third, we analyse the discussions of the Council of the Governor General of India on the bill titled 'A Bill to Provide for the better prevention of the spread of Dangerous Epidemic Diseases', which later became the Epidemic Diseases Act No. III of 1897. We situate the EDA in an international context of International Sanitary Conferences, quarantine, trade concerns, and pilgrimage to Mecca in order to understand the pressures that impacted British epidemic policy formation in colonial India.

Diagnosis and surgical treatment of obturator hernia in the recent decade with long-term follow-up: A single center experience.

Obturator hernia (OH) is a rare and dangerous disease that can lead to life-threatening consequences, and pelvic computed tomography (CT) is widely used for its diagnosis. There is no consensus regarding the surgical approach and repair methods. Retrospective analysis of the clinical and follow-up data of 15 cases of incarcerated hernias patients admitted to the Department of General Surgery, affiliated to Taicang Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, from January 2011 to December 2022. OH could be precisely diagnosed with pelvic CT scan, except for occult OH and non-strangulated OH. Thirteen patients underwent emergency surgery, with a total complication rate of 76.9% and no mortality. Ten patients underwent open surgery, and 3 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery, which had advantages in terms of total cost and postoperative hospital stay (P < .05). Emergency patients all underwent simple peritoneal closure, and hernial sac excision was simultaneously performed in 6 of them. A recurrence (7.7%) was detected at 38 months after the first operation. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 tissue repair methods in terms of recurrent rate. Pelvic CT can be used as a gold standard for the diagnosis of incarcerated OH, but it has limited value in occult OH and non-strangulated OH. Laparoscopic surgery is recommended for patients with a short onset time and no abdominal physical signs. Tissue repair is sufficient for incarcerated OH and hernial sac excision may be unnecessary.

Awareness and knowledge of cardiovascular disease and their associations with the lifestyles of 8-16-year-old girls: a perspective from Saudi Arabia

BackgroundThere has been an increased focus on children as a target for primordial prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In particular, girls should receive attention to combat the burden of CVD in women, because women have higher CVD mortality and morbidity rates than men do. As health literacy is paramount, the evaluation of awareness, and knowledge of CVD and its risk factors and their associations with the lifestyles of girls forms the basis for planning cardiovascular health promotion programs aiming to improve girls’ immediate health and reduce the future burden of CVD among women.MethodsA prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on a random sample of girls attending elementary and intermediate schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The girls completed a newly validated 24-item questionnaire that assessed their demographic data, lifestyles, and awareness and knowledge of CVD and its risk factors. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were obtained. Knowledge scores were calculated on the basis of correct responses and compared between subgroups via analysis of variance to determine associated factors.ResultsIn total, 469 girls (mean age of 12.5 years) were included. Approximately 41.4% of them did not exercise or only exercised once a week. The dietary intake of important food groups was below or just at the minimal recommended servings for most. Overall, 44.1% were overweight/obese, and almost half were identified as hypertensive on the basis of a single resting measurement. Awareness of CVD as a dangerous disease in adults was 50.3%, whereas, cancer was identified by 61% of participants. Individual risk factors were identified by ≈ 25%, and 16.6% were not aware of any risk factors. The overall knowledge score of the participants was 2.6 (± 1.6) out of a total possible score of 8 representing 32.5% (± 20%). Knowledge levels were positively influenced by increasing school grade (P = 0.001) and family history of CVD (P < 0.001). There was no significant favorable association between improved knowledge level and lifestyle factors.ConclusionThe awareness and knowledge of CVD among girls aged 8–16 years are poor and are largely dissociated from their lifestyle. Improved knowledge scores with increasing school grade and family history of CVD confirm a role for schools and families in improving girls’ knowledge. Our findings mirror those obtained in older women, showing that misinformation among women starts in childhood and should be targeted early in life.

A novel deep learning identifier for promoters and their strength using heterogeneous features

Promoters, which are short (50–1500 base-pair) in DNA regions, have emerged to play a critical role in the regulation of gene transcription. Numerous dangerous diseases, likewise cancer, cardiovascular, and inflammatory bowel diseases, are caused by genetic variations in promoters. Consequently, the correct identification and characterization of promoters are significant for the discovery of drugs. However, experimental approaches to recognizing promoters and their strengths are challenging in terms of cost, time, and resources. Therefore, computational techniques are highly desirable for the correct characterization of promoters from unannotated genomic data. Here, we designed a powerful bi-layer deep-learning based predictor named “PROCABLES“, which discriminates DNA samples as promoters in the first-phase and strong or weak promoters in the second-phase respectively. The proposed method utilizes five distinct features, such as word2vec, k-spaced nucleotide pairs, trinucleotide propensity-based features, trinucleotide composition, and electron–ion interaction pseudopotentials, to extract the hidden patterns from the DNA sequence. Afterwards, a stacked framework is formed by integrating a convolutional neural network (CNN) with bidirectional long-short-term memory (LSTM) using multi-view attributes to train the proposed model. The PROCABLES model achieved an accuracy of 0.971 and 0.920 and the MCC 0.940 and 0.840 for the first and second-layer using the ten-fold cross-validation test, respectively. The predicted results anticipate that the proposed PROCABLES protocol outperformed the advanced computational predictors targeting promoters and their types. In summary, this research will provide useful hints for the recognition of large-scale promoters in particular and other DNA problems in general.