Profile Pattern Research Articles

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): characteristics, risk factors, molecular profile patterns, and treatment — a retrospective cohort study from Palestine

Introduction and backgroundNon-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the third most common type of cancer in Palestine and has the highest mortality rate. Treatment approaches for NSCLC depend on many factors including stage, histology, molecular profile, and patient performance status.ObjectivesThis study explored the patient characteristics, molecular profiles, metastatic sites, prognosis, and treatment modalities.MethodsThis observational retrospective cohort study was conducted at multiple Palestinian hospitals. This study included patients diagnosed with metastatic NSCLC between 2016 and 2022. Patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), newly diagnosed lung cancer, or incomplete information were excluded from the study. Patient data were obtained from the date of lung cancer diagnosis until death or loss to follow-up. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS, and overall survival was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier estimate.ResultsThe study included 102 patients, 80.4% were male, 40.2% were current smokers, 42.2% were ex-smokers, and 17.6% were nonsmokers. (86.35%) of the patients were diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, and (77.5%) were diagnosed with stage IV NSCLC. Tumor recurrence was observed in 47.1% of patients after surgery. A total of 56.9% had PDL-1 expression ≥ 10%, and 45.1% had EGFR mutations. Fourteen (13.7%) received mono-chemotherapy with an estimated OS of (1219.200) days, 34 (33.3%) received mono-immunotherapy with an estimated OS of (720.152) days, and 54 (52.9%) received a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy with an OS of 2006.777 days. PFS (> 1 year) was higher in patients receiving combination therapy (58.3%). Myelosuppression, renal damage, and liver damage are some of the major side effects experienced by patients receiving either type of treatment.ConclusionThe findings of this study provide vital information on tumor molecular mutation patterns and PDL expression for the adoption of appropriate measures in prevention and treatment strategies for NSCLC in Palestine. The majority of patients diagnosed with NSCLC were males with a history of smoking and were diagnosed at an advanced stage, which requires increased education, wariness of lung cancer, and smoking cessation programs at the national level.

A strategy-based reading intervention in aphasia: a mixed methods approach to explore individual differences in treatment response

ABSTRACT Background Persons with aphasia (PWA) frequently experience difficulties in text-level reading comprehension. StraTexT is a strategy-based intervention to treat text comprehension in aphasia. Previous studies on StraTexT have analysed quantitative and qualitative data of an intervention study with 22 participants, providing estimates of the magnitude of treatment effects, insights into subjectively perceived improvements, and a comparison with a control condition. Individual-level quantitative analyses and interview data have not been integrated, and it is unclear for which individuals StraTexT may be particularly beneficial when considering both types of data. The rehabilitation treatment specification system (RTSS) provides a helpful framework to integrate the data. Aims (1) to describe different treatment response profiles to the targets improvement in text comprehension and transfer of reading strategies to everyday life based on self-perceived and performance-based measures, and (2) to explore similarities and differences within and across these response profiles in pre-treatment participant characteristics and patterns of change. Methods We integrated the self-perceived and performance-based outcomes on change in text comprehension, reading abilities and the transfer of reading strategies. Then, we identified different response profiles based on similarities in treatment response. We described participant characteristics for individuals at the extreme ends of the response continuum. Finally, based on the interview data, we described similarities and differences in perceived changes in reading functions, cognitive functions, and transfer within and across different response profiles to better understand applicable mechanisms of action. Outcomes and Results Regarding the selected targets, we identified seven response profiles. Subjective and objective improvement did not correlate. The descriptions of pre-treatment characteristics revealed that reading speed, discrepancies between subjective and objective measures, and several other factors differed in PWA with different response profiles. However, self-perceived change in reading functions, cognitive functions and strategy use was heterogeneous within and across response profiles. Conclusions StraTexT contributes to objective and subjective improvements in text comprehension, even in individuals who do not transfer the strategies to everyday reading. The interview data suggests that for each PWA, a different subset of StraTexT’s mechanisms of action may be at work. This likely reflects differences in underlying impairments. We propose potential indicators for candidacy decisions, including the reading speed and the discrepancy between subjective and objective measures, to be explored in future research, and emphasize the need for both performance-based and self-rated outcomes. Furthermore, our results support the use of multiple- rather than single strategy interventions.

Glycophenotyping of mutants of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei by lectin microarray.

We previously identified a gene cluster of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strain Shirota (YIT 9029) for cell surface long-chain polysaccharides (LCPS-1) biosynthesis, which modulates YIT 9029 activity to induce cytokine production in immune cells, and showed that a lectin microarray can be useful for distinguishing the profile of bacterial cell-surface polysaccharide (PS) structures. Therefore, we isolated disruptive mutant strains of 51 genes predicted to be involved in cell wall PS biosynthesis in YIT 9029. Their binding profiles to lectins in conjunction with their binding abilities to YIT 9029-specific monoclonal antibody (MAb) were compared. The mutants defective in binding to the MAb all had defects within the cps1 gene cluster. Some mutants were partially bound to MAb, indicating that these genes may influence the synthesis and maturation of LCPS-1. An advanced lectin microarray analyzed the cell surface glycosylation properties of YIT 9029 and its mutants. YIT 9029 bound to a rhamnose (Rha)-specific lectin CSA, and three additional lectins, including an O-glycan binder (rDiscoidin II) and two mannose (Man)-binders (rOrysata and rBanana). Lectin binding specificity was confirmed by a gene complementation assay for the cps1C gene and a carbohydrate inhibition assay. When the binding profiles of individual cps1A through cps1J knockout mutants were compared, typical and specific binding profile patterns were observed, in which some similarities in the functions of each gene could be predicted. In conclusion, the combined use of lectin microarray and a YIT 9029 mutant strain library is a powerful tool for identifying unknown bacterial gene functions related to the cell surface glycome.IMPORTANCEPreviously, only a limited number of methods have been available for studying mutations in bacterial cell surface polysaccharide structures in relation to gene function. In this study, we focused on the lectin-binding properties of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei YIT 9029 (wild type; WT) and investigated the lectin-binding capabilities of 51 cell wall biosynthesis gene disruption strains using lectin microarrays. The results indicated that lectin-binding properties in gene-disrupted strains varied significantly with the presence or absence of long-chain polysaccharides (LCPS-1), ranging from similar to WT to distinctly different. The use of lectin microarrays in conjunction with the YIT 9029 mutant library has been shown to be a highly effective method for identifying the functions of unknown bacterial genes related to cell-surface glycomes. This innovative approach to glycophenotyping allows for the determination of cell wall glycomes associated with bacterial gene functions using lectin microarrays.

Bacterial profile and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of urinary tract infection among diabetic patients at Bule Hora University Teaching Hospital, Southern Ethiopia

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infectious diseases in both hospital and community settings, leading to increased morbidity and mortality, particularly in patients with DM due to impaired immune function and hyperglycemia. The rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) further complicates the treatment of bacterial uropathogens, presenting a significant public health challenge. Thus, this study aimed to assess the magnitude, antimicrobial resistance patterns, and risk factors of bacterial UTIs in DM patients at Bule Hora University Teaching Hospital, Southern Ethiopia, 2023. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 249 DM patients, selected via systematic random sampling, from July 1 to August 30, 2023. Sociodemographic and clinical data were gathered using a pretested structured questionnaire. Midstream urine samples were collected for bacterial culture and identification following standard microbiological procedures, with antimicrobial susceptibility testing performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method on Mueller–Hinton agar. Data were entered into EpiData version 4.6 and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 17. Frequencies and percentages were used to summarize the data, while logistic regression models were utilized to establish the relationship between dependent and independent variables. A P-value ≤ 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant. The prevalence of bacterial UTIs among DM patients was found to be 15.7%. E. coli was the most common bacterial isolate, accounting for 15/39 (38.5%) of cases, followed by CONS (17.9%) and Klebsiella spp. (15.4%). Gram-negative isolates exhibited high resistance to ampicillin (93.1%) and ampicillin-clavulanic acid (79.3%), while all Gram-positive bacteria were resistant to ampicillin (100%). Furthermore, 17/39 (43.6%) of the isolates were identified as multidrug-resistant. Being female (AOR 2.132, 95% CI 1.044–4.379), a previous history of UTI (AOR 2.520, 95% CI 1.219–5.209), and a duration of DM ≥ 5 years (AOR 2.30, 95% CI 1.11–4.786) were significantly associated with an increased risk of UTI. This study found a 15.7% prevalence of bacterial UTIs among DM patients, with being female, having a history of UTI, and having longer DM duration as significant risk factors. High resistance to common antimicrobial agents was also observed. Given these results, it is crucial to support the selection of empirical treatments with regular antimicrobial susceptibility testing in the study area to ensure effective management and combat rising resistance.

Potential‐Vorticity Regimes Over the Eastern Mediterranean and Their Relation to Local Boundary Layer Profiles

ABSTRACTThe relation between the variability of the mid and upper tropospheric levels and the boundary layer profile is investigated by the aid of self‐organising maps (SOM) clustering. For this purpose, two separate analyses of synoptic parameters and boundary layer profile are devised. This is the first comprehensive study to reveal this relation over the eastern Mediterranean region. The variability of the synoptic regimes is first analysed by the aid of potential vorticity (PV) at 320 K isentropic level and geopotential height at 1000 hPa (GPH1000). Projection against previous boundary layer profile SOM clustering shows the ability to infer the boundary layer profile from synoptic data according to the vertical coupling along the troposphere. Multi‐variable SOM clustering of PV and GPH1000 presents 20 clusters which follow the variability of surface winter lows, highs, and Red Sea troughs. The active Red Sea trough relates to the north easterly and relatively narrow PV stream. Clusters presenting strong winter highs or lows with strong PV gradients have the highest persistence and directly indicate specific boundary layer profile patterns due to strong coupling along the troposphere. Under shallow GPH1000 gradients, when the dominating processes in the BL are local and the synoptic contribution is minimal and/or rapidly changing, indication of the boundary layer profile pattern is less predictable. This clustering framework offers further studies of the synoptic regimes dynamics, particularly the vertical interactions between the boundary layer and the free troposphere under pronounced surface pressure and PV gradients. Moreover, understanding these interactions has implications for the dispersion of anthropogenic pollutants across the eastern Mediterranean region.

Pan-cancer immune and stromal deconvolution predicts clinical outcomes and mutation profiles

Traditional gene expression deconvolution methods assess a limited number of cell types, therefore do not capture the full complexity of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we integrate nine deconvolution tools to assess 79 TME cell types in 10,592 tumors across 33 different cancer types, creating the most comprehensive analysis of the TME. In total, we found 41 patterns of immune infiltration and stroma profiles, identifying heterogeneous yet unique TME portraits for each cancer and several new findings. Our findings indicate that leukocytes play a major role in distinguishing various tumor types, and that a shared immune-rich TME cluster predicts better survival in bladder cancer for luminal and basal squamous subtypes, as well as in melanoma for RAS-hotspot subtypes. Our detailed deconvolution and mutational correlation analyses uncover 35 therapeutic target and candidate response biomarkers hypotheses (including CASP8 and RAS pathway genes).

Microbial Profile and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns in Bile Aspirates from Patients with Acute Cholangitis: A Multicenter International Study

Objectives: Significant differences in antibiotic resistance (AR) rates and multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria incidence exist in patients with acute cholangitis (AC) from different countries or regions. We aim to characterize and compare the microbial spectrum and AR patterns in patients with AC from two tertiary centers in Europe. Methods: We conducted a prospective, observational, multicentric study including patients diagnosed with AC and a positive bile culture, admitted to the Colentina Clinical Hospital (CCH), Bucharest, Romania, and the Haut-Lévêque Hospital (HLH), Bordeaux, France, between April 2022 and October 2023. Results: We included a total of 144 patients from the CCH with 190 positive bile cultures (31 patients had up to five episodes of AC during the study period) and 241 identified microbial strains, and 62 patients from the HLH with 67 positive bile cultures (5 patients had two episodes of AC) and 194 identified microbial strains. The most frequently isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli (30.70%) and Pseudomonas spp. (27.80%) in the CCH group, and Enterococcus faecalis (15.46%) and Escherichia coli (22/11.34%) in the HLH group. Furthermore, 51 (21.16%) of the strains identified in the CCH group and 15 (7.21%) in the HLH group were MDR, such as extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae or carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales. The resistance rates for common antibiotics were 13.69% in the CCH group vs. 8.76% in the HLH group for ceftriaxone, 9.54% vs. 2.06% for meropenem, 16.59% vs. 6.70% for piperacillin/tazobactam, and 25.31% vs. 7.73% for levofloxacin. Conclusions: This comparative study shows significant differences between these countries in terms of the AR rates and MDR bacteria prevalence, highlighting the role of bile cultures as a safe and cost-effective method for guiding antibiotic treatment, thereby reducing the AR rates and complications.

Soil Drenching with Wood Distillate Modifies the Nutritional Properties of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Seeds by Increasing the Protein Content and Inducing Targeted Changes in the Proteomic Profile.

The production of food with a naturally enriched protein content is a strategic response to the growing global demand for sustainable protein sources. Wood distillate (WD), a by-product of the pyrolysis of woody biomass, has previously been shown to increase the protein concentration and bioavailability in chickpea seeds. Here, we evaluated the effect of 0.5% (v/v) WD soil drenching on chickpea productivity, nutritional profile, and proteomic pattern. WD treatment significantly improved the yield by increasing plant biomass (+144%), number of pods and seeds (+148% and +147%), and seed size (diameter: +6%; weight: +25%). Nutritional analyses revealed elevated levels of soluble proteins (+15%), starch (+11%), fructose (+135%), and polyphenols (+14%) and a greater antioxidant capacity (25%), alongside a reduction in glucose content, albeit not statistically significant, suggesting an unchanged or even lowered glycemic index. Although their concentration decreased, Ca (-31%), K (-12%), P (-5%), and Zn (-14%) in WD-treated plants remained within normal ranges. To preliminary assess the quality and safety of the protein enrichment, a differential proteomic analysis was performed on coarse flours from individual seeds. Despite the higher protein content, the overall protein profiles of the WD-treated seeds showed limited variation, with only a few storage proteins, identified as legumin and vicilin-like isoforms, being differentially abundant. These findings indicate a general protein concentration increase without a major alteration in the proteoform composition or differential protein synthesis. Overall, WD emerged as a promising and sustainable biostimulant for chickpea cultivation, capable of enhancing both yield and nutritional value, while maintaining the proteomic integrity and, bona fide, food safety.

Self-stigma profiles among transition-age individuals with disabilities.

Self-stigma can negatively affect transition-age individuals with disabilities, resulting in low self-worth, decreased psychosocial functioning, and reduced interest in career achievement. This study aimed to identify self-stigma profiles among transition-age individuals with disabilities, describe these profile patterns, and examine differences in basic psychological need satisfaction and career achievability across subgroups defined by these profiles. We conducted a cross-sectional study using an online survey. A total of 199 transition-age individuals with disabilities were included in the data analysis. Latent profile analysis, Fisher's exact test, and one-way analysis of variance were used. The analysis identified a four-profile solution characterized by high, mid-high, mid-low, and low levels of self-stigma in cognition, affect, and behavior. Individuals in the high (n = 17) or mid-high self-stigma groups (n = 104) reported lower satisfaction in autonomy, competence, and relatedness compared to those in the low (n = 19) or mid-low (n = 59) self-stigma groups. These subgroups differed significantly in career achievability, such that individuals in the low or mid-low self-stigma groups reported higher career achievability than those in the high or mid-high self-stigma groups. Transition-age individuals with disabilities require support to reduce self-stigma that is associated with the satisfaction of basic psychological needs and career achievability. This can be achieved by addressing stigmatizing beliefs and fostering empowerment. Replication with a larger, more diverse sample is necessary to validate these findings and develop effective interventions to counter self-stigma. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Microbiological Profile and Resistance Patterns in Periprosthetic Joint Infections: A Regional Multicenter Study in Spain

Due to the significant number of microbiologically negative periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs), understanding the trend in etiology and resistance patterns is essential for the correct management of these infections. Currently, few studies have been published in Spain. In this study, we analyzed the incidence, clinical characteristics, etiology, and antibiotic resistance in patients with PJIs over the last 5 years in Navarra. In this multicentric and retrospective study, all patients diagnosed with PJIs in Navarra from 2019 to 2023 were included. Of the total 156 PJIs, 23% had negative cultures and 56% of these patients had been treated with antibiotics prior to sampling. Staphylococcus epidermidis with methicillin resistance was the predominant etiological agent, followed by Staphylococcus aureus and Cutibacterium acnes. Forty percent of the Gram-positive cocci (GPC) and 35% of the Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) were multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). Quinolone resistance was 46% for staphylococci and 18% for Gram-negatives. In addition, 9% of staphylococci were resistant to rifampicin. Antibiotic therapy administration prior to sampling is one of the main problems for microbiological diagnosis and is present more frequently in culture-negative PJIs (56%). New sequencing techniques could improve this difficulty. The high percentage of resistance in the microorganisms causing PJI leads us to reconsider the empirical treatment for suspected PJI, with the use of different therapeutic approaches depending on the time of infection and the possible use of new non-antibiotic therapies.

CO139 Real-World Study of High-Risk Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer From Three Public Institutions in Mexico: Clinical Profile and Staging Patterns

CO139 Real-World Study of High-Risk Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer From Three Public Institutions in Mexico: Clinical Profile and Staging Patterns

Effect of the administration of dexamethasone in pregnant goats: Vitality, thermography, physiological response, and behavioral patterns of newborn kids.

Effect of the administration of dexamethasone in pregnant goats: Vitality, thermography, physiological response, and behavioral patterns of newborn kids.

Status of the Microbiological Isolates and Antibiotics Susceptibilities in Patients with Auricular Perichondritis.

Auricular perichondritis is a dangerous infection involving the external ear cartilage and its perichondrium. This condition can lead to significant morbidity including cartilage necrosis, deformity and the characteristic "cauliflower ear" if not properly diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. The infection typically develops following trauma, burns, insect bites, ear surgery, or ear piercings through the cartilaginous portion of the ear. Objective of the study was to analyze the microbiological profile and antibiotic susceptibility patterns in auricular perichondritis and to evaluate treatment outcomes in relation to causative organisms and therapeutic approaches. This prospective observational study of 50 consecutive cases of auricular perichondritis was conducted at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital from July 2022 to June 2023. Specimens were collected for culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Patient demographics, predisposing factors, clinical presentations, treatment modalities, and outcomes were analyzed. Patients were followed up for 30 days post-treatment. The mean age was 28.3±9.7 years, with male predominance (60.0%). Ear piercing was the most common predisposing factor (56.0%). Culture positivity rate was 86.0%, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (41.9%) and Staphylococcus aureus (27.9%) being the predominant isolates. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) accounted for 11.6% of isolates. Pseudomonas (P.) aeruginosa showed high susceptibility to fluoroquinolones (88.9%) and aminoglycosides (83.3-94.4%). Complete clinical resolution was achieved in 94% of cases, with mean treatment duration of 14.2 ± 3.8 days. Delayed presentation (>3 days) significantly correlated with complications (p=0.023). The study reveals evolving patterns of causative organisms in auricular perichondritis, with a notable presence of resistant organisms. High culture positivity rates support the importance of culture-guided therapy. Treatment outcomes are favorable with appropriate antibiotic selection and timely intervention. These findings provide evidence-based parameters for empiric therapy while emphasizing the importance of microbiological confirmation.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Uropathogens: A Retrospective Study at a Primary Care Hospital in Ghana

ABSTRACTBackground and AimsUrinary tract infections are among the most common infections globally, with increasing rates of antibiotic resistance complicating their management. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, bacteriological profile, and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of uropathogens isolated from urine samples at Methodist Hospital, Wenchi, Ghana.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted using data on urine culture and antibiotic susceptibility testing obtained from the Microbiology Unit of the Laboratory Department between March 2024 and January 2025.ResultsA total of 504 urine samples were analyzed, revealing a prevalence of urinary tract infections at 45.2%. The predominant pathogens were Gram‐negative bacteria, with Klebsiella spp (12.3%) and Escherichia coli (10.1%) being the most frequently isolated organisms. Candida spp were also identified in 5.8% of the samples. Females accounted for 74.6% of the infections, with the highest prevalence observed among individuals aged 20–40 years. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing demonstrated significant resistance among bacterial isolates, with Klebsiella spp showing the highest resistance to Beta‐lactams and Fluoroquinolones. Amikacin exhibited the lowest resistance rate (4.4%), making it a strong candidate for empirical therapy. Multi‐drug resistance (MDR) was demonstrated by 72.7% of bacterial isolates, with Klebsiella spp and Escherichia coli showing the highest MDR rates.ConclusionThe identified patterns of antimicrobial resistance highlight the critical importance of careful antibiotic selection to effectively manage urinary tract infections.

Molecular dynamics simulation of the early stage of the development process of negative-type nonchemically amplified resist in electron-beam lithography

With the advance of lithography technology, the fabricated pattern sizes have become comparable to the molecular scale of resist materials, making molecular behavior a critical factor in pattern formation. During the development process, phenomena such as resist molecule removal, molecular flow, and developer molecule infiltration strongly affect pattern profiles. Molecular-level simulations are useful for predicting and analyzing pattern formation. In this study, we performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to analyze the molecular behavior during the development process in electron-beam lithography, incorporating interactions between resist and developer molecules. The resist material was poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA), a negative-type nonchemically amplified resist. The DREIDING potential was employed for simulations. In the electron exposure simulation, structural change of PGMA was introduced as cross-linking between resist molecules in the exposed region. In the development simulation, developer molecules were placed on the electron-exposed PGMA resist structure and the structural relaxation process was simulated. The molecular behavior in the early stage of development in the electron-exposed and unexposed regions was visualized. Our MD simulations reproduced differences in resist solubility depending on the type of developer that was observed in experiments. In the unexposed region, resist dissolution occurred as individual molecules, not as groups of molecules. As development progressed, swelling-induced expansion of intermolecular distances and the consequent decrease of intermolecular forces promoted dissolution in the unexposed region. In contrast, in the exposed region, developer penetration was restricted to near the surface and noticeable swelling was not observed.

Powder X-ray line diffraction pattern profiling of anatase-quartz binary oxide: A crystallographic investigation

Powder X-ray line diffraction pattern profiling of anatase-quartz binary oxide: A crystallographic investigation

Crystallographic Benchmarking of Powder X-ray Line Diffraction Pattern Profiling of Monoclinic Sucrose Nanocrystal

Crystallographic Benchmarking of Powder X-ray Line Diffraction Pattern Profiling of Monoclinic Sucrose Nanocrystal

Clinical Characteristics, Risk Factors and Angiographic Profile of Patients with suspected coronary artery disease Undergoing Coronary Angiography in Ekiti, South-West, Nigeria

Objective: Coronary angiography is the mainstay for the diagnosis and management of individuals with significant or fluctuating chest pain symptoms or a high risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). The prevalence of coronary artery disease is rising in sub-Saharan Africa, prompting the progressive establishment of more facilities to enhance the disease's care and prevention. Afe Babalola University Multi-System Hospital (AMSH) is one of the few centres equipped with a catheterization laboratory in Nigeria. This study was done to analyze the clinical profile and angiographic pattern of CAD among patients who had undergone this procedure at AMSH. Methods: Seventy-five consecutive patients presenting with suspected coronary artery disease were studied for clinical characteristics, risk factors and angiographic profile. Results: Out of 75 patients, 73.33% were male. The mean age was 59.57±13.33 years. The commonest indications were abnormal ECG changes, angina and dyspnea. Hypertension and dyslipidemia were the most prevalent risk factors (69.3% and 58.67%, respectively). The prevalence of obstructive CAD was 36%. Single-vessel disease was the most prevalent obstructive CAD (51.85%), and the left anterior descending artery was the most commonly involved vessel (40.82%). Those who had obstructive coronaries were more likely to be hypertensive and with left ventricular systolic dysfunction compared to those with non-obstructive coronaries (P<0.05). Conclusion: Hypertension and dyslipidemia were the most prevalent risk factors among the study population, and the majority of them had a non-severe disease. Single-vessel disease is the most prevalent obstructive CAD, and the left anterior descending artery is the most commonly involved vessel.

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Clinical Study Correlating Peripheral Neuropathy with Dyslipidemia and Nerve Conduction Velocity Study in Diabetics.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common and debilitating complications of diabetes mellitus, affecting approximately 50% of patients with long-standing disease. While hyperglycemia is the primary driver of nerve damage, emerging evidence suggests that dyslipidemia may also contribute significantly to the development and progression of neuropathy. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical profile, lipid abnormalities, and nerve conduction patterns in patients with DPN and to explore the potential correlations between these parameters. This cross-sectional study included 100 diabetic patients with clinical evidence of peripheral neuropathy. Comprehensive assessment included demographic data, diabetes history, clinical examination, metabolic parameters (fasting and postprandial blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c], and complete lipid profile), and nerve conduction studies of upper and lower limb nerves. Neuropathy was classified as motor, sensory, or sensorimotor based on clinical and electrophysiological findings, and severity was assessed using the Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Scale. The study population had a slight female predominance (54%) and uniform distribution across age groups. Type 2 diabetes constituted 88% of cases, with diabetes duration ranging from <5 to 20 years. Metabolic assessment revealed poor glycemic control in most patients (99% with fasting blood sugar >126 mg/dL, 100% with postprandial blood sugar >180 mg/dL, and 84% with HbA1c >7%) and high prevalence of lipid abnormalities (88% with hypertriglyceridemia and 90% with elevated low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol). Sensory symptoms (numbness 71% and tingling 62%) predominated over motor symptoms. Sensory neuropathy was the most common type (45%), followed by sensorimotor (32%) and motor neuropathy (23%). Nerve conduction studies showed greater involvement of sensory nerves, with upper limb nerves (median and ulnar) being more frequently affected than lower limb nerves. No statistically significant associations were found between lipid parameters and neuropathy types or severity, although trends were observed. This study demonstrates a high prevalence of dyslipidemia and poor glycemic control in patients with DPN, with sensory neuropathy being the predominant type. While statistical associations between specific lipid abnormalities and neuropathy characteristics were not established, the remarkably high prevalence of lipid derangements suggests that they may contribute to the pathogenesis. A multifactorial approach to neuropathy management, addressing both glycemic control and lipid abnormalities, may be beneficial in reducing the burden of this complication.

COVID-19 mRNA or viral vector vaccine type and subject sex influence the SARS-CoV-2T-cell response.

COVID-19 mRNA or viral vector vaccine type and subject sex influence the SARS-CoV-2T-cell response.