Filter options

Publication Date
From
to
Subjects
Journals
Article Types
Countries / Territories
Open Access December 15, 2025

Wernicke’s Encephalopathy: A Series of 7 Cases and Literature Review

Abstract Wernicke’s encephalopathy (WE) is a neurological emergency related to a severe thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, an essential cofactor in cerebral energy metabolism. Although historically associated with chronic alcoholism, this condition can occur in any context of malnutrition, prolonged vomiting, or hypercatabolism. We conducted a retrospective descriptive study on seven patients admitted to [...] Read more.
Wernicke’s encephalopathy (WE) is a neurological emergency related to a severe thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, an essential cofactor in cerebral energy metabolism. Although historically associated with chronic alcoholism, this condition can occur in any context of malnutrition, prolonged vomiting, or hypercatabolism. We conducted a retrospective descriptive study on seven patients admitted to our neurology department between 2015 and 2020, in order to de-scribe the clinical, radiological, and outcome characteristics of this pathology. The diagnosis was made in the presence of suggestive signs (at least two among confusion, ataxia, oculomotor disorders), a risk context of deficiency or malnutrition, typical MRI abnormalities and/or rapid improvement after thiamine ad-ministration. Our series included two male patients with chronic alcohol consumption, and five pregnant women with severe hyperemesis gravidarum, with an average age of 32.4 years. Mental confusion was the most frequent sign, followed by gait disturbances and oculomotor abnormalities. The most characteristic MRI lesions involved the thalamus, the periaqueductal region, and the mammillary bodies. All patients received high-dose intravenous thiamine supplementation (500 mg every eight hours for three days), followed by oral maintenance therapy. The outcome was favorable in five cases, while two patients had persistent memory disorders. These observations confirm that WE is not limited to alcoholic forms and must be considered in any situation with nutritional risk. Early diagnosis and rapid administration of intravenous thiamine remain essential to prevent irreversible neurological sequelae and improve functional prognosis.
Figures
PreviousNext
Case Report
Open Access July 30, 2025

Bioinformatic Analysis of GCN1 as a Novel Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Preliminary Exploration of Its Molecular Mechanisms

Abstract Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) faces significant challenges in early diagnosis and prognostic assessment, necessitating novel molecular biomarkers. The role of GCN1 in tumorigenesis remains unclear, warranting systematic investigation of its clinical value. Methods: Utilizing multi-omics data from 164 HCC patients in the TCGA database, we comprehensively [...] Read more.
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) faces significant challenges in early diagnosis and prognostic assessment, necessitating novel molecular biomarkers. The role of GCN1 in tumorigenesis remains unclear, warranting systematic investigation of its clinical value. Methods: Utilizing multi-omics data from 164 HCC patients in the TCGA database, we comprehensively evaluated the diagnostic and prognostic value of GCN1 through differential expression analysis, Cox proportional hazards regression, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Results: GCN1 expression was significantly upregulated in tumor tissues (P<0.001), with ROC analysis demonstrating an AUC of 0.921 (95% CI: 0.893-0.950) for discriminating tumor from normal tissue. Clinical correlation analysis revealed that high GCN1 expression significantly associated with advanced T stage (OR=1.941, P=0.002) and AFP levels >400 ng/ml (OR=3.697, P<0.001). Multivariate survival analysis confirmed its independent prognostic value (HR=1.454, P=0.038). Functional analysis indicated GCN1 promotes tumor progression by regulating cell cycle (NES=2.385) and axon guidance (NES=2.307) pathways. Conclusion: This study first elucidates the dual clinical value of GCN1 in HCC, providing a theoretical foundation for developing novel diagnostic biomarkers and prognostic evaluation systems. Future research should validate its molecular mechanisms and explore potential targeted therapies.
Figures
PreviousNext
Article
Open Access April 24, 2024

Optimization of Delirium Care in Adult Patients with Cancer: A Comprehensive and Integrative Review of Efficacy and Patient Outcomes

Abstract Delirium is a major complication most commonly observed in patients with advanced cancer. However, despite its prevalence, the early diagnosis, management, and prevention of this condition have not seen significant progress. Aim of this research is to provide insights into the prevalence of delirium, the optimization of interventions for managing delirium symptoms, their effectiveness and the [...] Read more.
Delirium is a major complication most commonly observed in patients with advanced cancer. However, despite its prevalence, the early diagnosis, management, and prevention of this condition have not seen significant progress. Aim of this research is to provide insights into the prevalence of delirium, the optimization of interventions for managing delirium symptoms, their effectiveness and the impact of underlying factors on the reversibility of delirium in advanced cancer patients receiving palliative care. The review involved systematic searches of relevant databases including MEDLINE, CINAHL, ProQuest Nursing and Allied Health, and PsychInfo using refined search terms. Eight publications out of 614 studies originally searched were selected and critically reviewed. Their quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute's Critical Appraisal Tool for Case Series. Data abstraction and content analysis were performed to synthesize the findings. Delirium is prevalent among advanced cancer patients in palliative care, with rates ranging from 10.3% to 24.1%. Pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacological interventions showed effectiveness in reducing delirium symptoms. Delirium was found to be reversible through palliative care interventions, antipsychotic medications, and exercise therapy. Effective delirium management is crucial in improving the quality of life of cancer patients. This review emphasizes the importance of subtype-specific treatments, standardized guidelines, and long-term follow-up studies. Implementing evidence-based individualized approaches to delirium management can optimize treatment efficacy and clinical outcomes in patients as well as improve the quality of care. Tailored interventions, standardized protocols, and further research are hereby recommended.
Figures
PreviousNext
Review Article
Open Access October 30, 2022

Prevalence of Oral Health Problems and Distribution According to Socio-demographic Variables and Blood Groups among Patients in the Tripoli Region

Abstract Background: Oral health plays an important role in maintaining life functions and quality of life. Periodontal disease can vary with respect to bacterial etiology, host response, and clinical disease progression. A key role of genetic effects has suggested distribution of lesions and severity of destruction in each individual. Many diseases, particularly digestive disorders, cancer, and infection, show preferences among the ABO blood types. Knowledge of blood groups and their association with oral diseases is very important, as it may help in early diagnosis and treatment strategies‏. Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the distribution of patients with oral and dental health problems according to age, regions, Socio-demographic Variables, and blood groups in the Tripoli region. Material and Methods: The present study was conducted on 200 patients with oral and dental health problems attending six medical centers in Tripoli region from the 01st March 2022 to the 01st June 2022. Also, 100 healthy individuals without any oral and dental health problems or any other diseases were recruited as a control group. This study was approved by the Research and Ethical Committee of the medical centers and Libyan Academy of graduate studies. One ml of venous blood was withdrawn from each participant in the study for determination of blood groups. The data were compared using Chi-Square using SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25. Results: The results showed that the mean age of the patients was 43.03±13.82 years. The higher distribution of patients was 58 patients (29%) in the age group (26-35) years while the lower distribution was 10 patients (5%) in the age group (66-75) years. The distribution of patients according to the region were 81.5%, 13%, 4%, and 1.5% in Tripoli, South Tripoli, West Tripoli, and East Tripoli, respectively. The Distribution of patients according to occupation were 4.5% Students, 30% Housewives, 10.5% Employers, 12.5% Teachers, 14% Nurses, 7.5% Doctors, 12.5% Laboratory Technicians and 8.5% Freelance workers. The distribution of patients according to levels of education were 23.5% Pre-Secondary, 19% Secondary, 46% Bachelor's or equivalent, and 11.5% Master's or equivalent. The distribution of patients according to marital status were 26% single and 74% married. The distribution of patients according to oral and dental problems were 5% with bridge, 8% with missing teeth, 86% with dental caries, 63.5% with bleeding of gum, and 25.5% with swelling of gum. The degrees of gingival erythema among patients were 36.5% mild, 38% moderate, and 25.5% severe. The degrees of gingival inflammation among patients were 36% mild, 38.5% moderate, and 25.5% severe. The distribution of A, B, AB, and O blood groups showed a significant (P=0.000) difference between healthy individuals and oral and dental health problems among patients that, were 54%, 12%, 4%& 30%, and 21.5%, 9%, 3.5% & 66%, respectively. Also, the distribution of A+, A-, B+, B-, AB+, O+, and O- blood groups showed a significant (P=0.000) difference between healthy individuals and patients with oral and dental health problems that, were 49%, 5%, 10%, 2%, 4%, 25%, & 5%, and 18%, 3.5%, 8%, 1%, 3.5%, 60%& 6%, respectively. But, the distribution of Rh+ and Rh- blood groups showed a non-significant (P=0.695 [...] Read more.
Background: Oral health plays an important role in maintaining life functions and quality of life. Periodontal disease can vary with respect to bacterial etiology, host response, and clinical disease progression. A key role of genetic effects has suggested distribution of lesions and severity of destruction in each individual. Many diseases, particularly digestive disorders, cancer, and infection, show preferences among the ABO blood types. Knowledge of blood groups and their association with oral diseases is very important, as it may help in early diagnosis and treatment strategies‏. Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the distribution of patients with oral and dental health problems according to age, regions, Socio-demographic Variables, and blood groups in the Tripoli region. Material and Methods: The present study was conducted on 200 patients with oral and dental health problems attending six medical centers in Tripoli region from the 01st March 2022 to the 01st June 2022. Also, 100 healthy individuals without any oral and dental health problems or any other diseases were recruited as a control group. This study was approved by the Research and Ethical Committee of the medical centers and Libyan Academy of graduate studies. One ml of venous blood was withdrawn from each participant in the study for determination of blood groups. The data were compared using Chi-Square using SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25. Results: The results showed that the mean age of the patients was 43.03±13.82 years. The higher distribution of patients was 58 patients (29%) in the age group (26-35) years while the lower distribution was 10 patients (5%) in the age group (66-75) years. The distribution of patients according to the region were 81.5%, 13%, 4%, and 1.5% in Tripoli, South Tripoli, West Tripoli, and East Tripoli, respectively. The Distribution of patients according to occupation were 4.5% Students, 30% Housewives, 10.5% Employers, 12.5% Teachers, 14% Nurses, 7.5% Doctors, 12.5% Laboratory Technicians and 8.5% Freelance workers. The distribution of patients according to levels of education were 23.5% Pre-Secondary, 19% Secondary, 46% Bachelor's or equivalent, and 11.5% Master's or equivalent. The distribution of patients according to marital status were 26% single and 74% married. The distribution of patients according to oral and dental problems were 5% with bridge, 8% with missing teeth, 86% with dental caries, 63.5% with bleeding of gum, and 25.5% with swelling of gum. The degrees of gingival erythema among patients were 36.5% mild, 38% moderate, and 25.5% severe. The degrees of gingival inflammation among patients were 36% mild, 38.5% moderate, and 25.5% severe. The distribution of A, B, AB, and O blood groups showed a significant (P=0.000) difference between healthy individuals and oral and dental health problems among patients that, were 54%, 12%, 4%& 30%, and 21.5%, 9%, 3.5% & 66%, respectively. Also, the distribution of A+, A-, B+, B-, AB+, O+, and O- blood groups showed a significant (P=0.000) difference between healthy individuals and patients with oral and dental health problems that, were 49%, 5%, 10%, 2%, 4%, 25%, & 5%, and 18%, 3.5%, 8%, 1%, 3.5%, 60%& 6%, respectively. But, the distribution of Rh+ and Rh- blood groups showed a non-significant (P=0.695) difference between healthy individuals and patients that, were 88% & 12%, and 89.5%& 10.5%, respectively. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the mean age of the patients with oral and dental health problems was 43.03 years and the higher distribution of patients was in the age group (26-35) years. The higher distribution of ABO blood groups was O blood group among patients especially O+ blood groups. The distribution of Rh+ and Rh- blood groups were showed a non-significant difference between healthy individuals and patients with oral and dental health problems. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.
Figures
PreviousNext
Article

Query parameters

Keyword:  Early Diagnosis

View options

Citations of

Views of

Downloads of