Purpose: Gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR), a member of the bombesin G-protein-coupled receptor family, is introduced as the promising target for the diagnosis and therapy of various tumors. This study aimed to develop a novel diagnostic agent of [ 113mIn]In-AMBA for single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging of GRPR expressing tumors. Methods: 113mIn was provided from an in-house made 113Sn/ 113mIn generator in the chloride form. [ 113mIn]In-AMBA wasprepared in the optimal conditions and the stability was checked in PBS buffer and human serum, Then the binding affinityand internalization of the radiolabeled compound were investigated in PC3 cell lines at 120 min. the biodistribution of the radiolabeled peptide was studied in normal rats. Results: [ 113mIn]In-AMBA was prepared with radiochemical purity (RCP) > 98% under the optimal labeling conditions. Thecompound indicated significant stability in PBS buffer and human serum (> 95% at 180 min post preparation). High binding affinity (51% at 60 min) and internalization (64% at 120 min) of the radiolabeled compound towards PC3 cell lines were alsoobserved. The major accumulation of the compound was seen in kidneys, and other GRPR-expressing tissues. Conclusion The biodistribution of the labeled compound in normal rats indicated rapid elimination of the complex from the blood, and considerable accumulation in the GRPR-expressing organ of pancreas, in complete agreement with similar labeled compounds. [ 113mIn]In-AMBA can be a suitable candidate for SPECT imaging of GRPR-expressed tumors.

Objectives: The objectives of this review and meta-analysis were twofold: first, to determine theprevalence of substance use among school-going children in Arab and African countries; andsecond, to highlight the considerable influence of variables such as the nation’s region and thetimeframe of the study on the prevalence of substance use. Methods: Research was sourced from Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar,and PubMed. Thirty-seven articles were incorporated in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. This review included studies published from 2013 to 2023. The statistical meta-analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis ver. 3 software. Across 37 studies, the total number of study participants was 73,508. Results: The meta-analysis revealed that tobacco was the most commonly used substance, with a prevalence of 16% (95% confidence interval [CI], 12.7%–20.02%). This was closely followed by alcohol, which had a prevalence of 15% (95% CI, 10.5%–22.8%), stimulants at 11.4% (95% CI, 7.4%– 17%), khat at 10% (95% CI, 5.7%–15%), and cannabis at 8% (95% CI, 3.3%–18.4%). Notably, alcohol was the only substance that showed an increasing trend in prevalence from before to after 2019, rising from 13.3% (95% CI, 6.2%–26.1%) to 17% (95% CI, 10.2%–27%) (p < 0.001). Additionally, the prevalence of substance use varied significantly between Arab and African countries (p < 0.001). Conclusion Although the prevalence of substance use among school-going populations hassignificantly decreased over time, with the exception of alcohol, it is imperative that bothAfrican and Arab countries implement comprehensive measures and stringent laws to addressthe production and marketing of substances.

Purpose: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and predictors of portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) in children with portal hypertension. Methods: We recruited children of both sexes aged 3–15 years with portal hypertension that was clinically suspected and confirmed by the presence of varices on esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). The participants underwent clinical examination, 6-min walk distance (6-MWD), and echocardiography. Results: We enrolled 94 children with portal hypertension: 26.6% with pre-hepatic causes and 73.4% secondary to chronic liver disease. Among our participants, 13.8% had one or more cardiac manifestations, such as exercise intolerance, dyspnea on exertion, cyanosis, or orthopnea, whereas 86.2% were asymptomatic. EGD examination revealed grade I varices in 54.3% of cases, grade II–III in 43.6%, and grade IV in 2.1%. Pulmonary hypertension (>35 mmHg) was detected in 30.9% of cases using echocardiography; two of them were >45 mmHg. Patients with POPH had significantly more frequent dyspnea on exertion, lower O 2 saturation, and more severe variceal grades than those with normal pulmonary artery pressure. Five (6.9%) cases had <300 m 6-MWD, with no significant difference between patients with normal and those with elevated pulmonary artery pressure. The duration of portal hypertension and 6-MWD were correlated significantly with the echocardiographic measures. High-grade varices (p=0.04) and low O 2 saturation (p=0.03) were identified as risk factors for POPH. Conclusion POPH was detected in 30.9% of our study group. High-grade varices and low O 2 saturation are predictors of POPH. Echocardiography screening is crucial for the early detection of cases.

This study aims to determine the level of origin, branching pattern and exits of the iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves in relation to the psoas major muscle. Additionally, this study confirms the presence and retroperitoneal courses of the double nerves. We dissected a total of 24 iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves (6 male and 6 female cadavers). The origin, branching, and exits in relation to the psoas major muscle, the absence of these nerves or the presence of double nerves, and their retroperitoneal course were carefully examined. All the images were recorded by photographing. In this study, we mainly observed variations in exits, branching patterns, and their retroperitoneal course. The iliohypogastric nerve was absent in 2 cases (8.3%). In the type I pattern, in 1 case (4.2%), the common trunk descends anteriorly to the iliac vessels from the iliolumbar vessels. In 4 cases (16.7%), the double ilioinguinal nerve with different branch patterns and retroperitoneal courses was observed. In 1 single nerve case (4.2%), the ilioinguinal nerve descends anterior to the iliac vessels from the iliolumbar vessels. To our knowledge, the branching pattern of the double ilioinguinal nerves and their retroperitoneal course have not been reported in any available data. Sound knowledge of the variations in the origin, branches, and retroperitoneal course of the iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves is very helpful for the improvement of peripheral nerve blocks and other various surgical procedures to avoid complications and nerve injuries.

Purpose: Gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR), a member of the bombesin G-protein-coupled receptor family, is introduced as the promising target for the diagnosis and therapy of various tumors. This study aimed to develop a novel diagnostic agent of [ 113mIn]In-AMBA for single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging of GRPR expressing tumors. Methods: 113mIn was provided from an in-house made 113Sn/ 113mIn generator in the chloride form. [ 113mIn]In-AMBA wasprepared in the optimal conditions and the stability was checked in PBS buffer and human serum, Then the binding affinityand internalization of the radiolabeled compound were investigated in PC3 cell lines at 120 min. the biodistribution of the radiolabeled peptide was studied in normal rats. Results: [ 113mIn]In-AMBA was prepared with radiochemical purity (RCP) > 98% under the optimal labeling conditions. Thecompound indicated significant stability in PBS buffer and human serum (> 95% at 180 min post preparation). High binding affinity (51% at 60 min) and internalization (64% at 120 min) of the radiolabeled compound towards PC3 cell lines were alsoobserved. The major accumulation of the compound was seen in kidneys, and other GRPR-expressing tissues. Conclusion The biodistribution of the labeled compound in normal rats indicated rapid elimination of the complex from the blood, and considerable accumulation in the GRPR-expressing organ of pancreas, in complete agreement with similar labeled compounds. [ 113mIn]In-AMBA can be a suitable candidate for SPECT imaging of GRPR-expressed tumors.

Objectives: The objectives of this review and meta-analysis were twofold: first, to determine theprevalence of substance use among school-going children in Arab and African countries; andsecond, to highlight the considerable influence of variables such as the nation’s region and thetimeframe of the study on the prevalence of substance use. Methods: Research was sourced from Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar,and PubMed. Thirty-seven articles were incorporated in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. This review included studies published from 2013 to 2023. The statistical meta-analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis ver. 3 software. Across 37 studies, the total number of study participants was 73,508. Results: The meta-analysis revealed that tobacco was the most commonly used substance, with a prevalence of 16% (95% confidence interval [CI], 12.7%–20.02%). This was closely followed by alcohol, which had a prevalence of 15% (95% CI, 10.5%–22.8%), stimulants at 11.4% (95% CI, 7.4%– 17%), khat at 10% (95% CI, 5.7%–15%), and cannabis at 8% (95% CI, 3.3%–18.4%). Notably, alcohol was the only substance that showed an increasing trend in prevalence from before to after 2019, rising from 13.3% (95% CI, 6.2%–26.1%) to 17% (95% CI, 10.2%–27%) (p < 0.001). Additionally, the prevalence of substance use varied significantly between Arab and African countries (p < 0.001). Conclusion Although the prevalence of substance use among school-going populations hassignificantly decreased over time, with the exception of alcohol, it is imperative that bothAfrican and Arab countries implement comprehensive measures and stringent laws to addressthe production and marketing of substances.

Purpose: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and predictors of portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) in children with portal hypertension. Methods: We recruited children of both sexes aged 3–15 years with portal hypertension that was clinically suspected and confirmed by the presence of varices on esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). The participants underwent clinical examination, 6-min walk distance (6-MWD), and echocardiography. Results: We enrolled 94 children with portal hypertension: 26.6% with pre-hepatic causes and 73.4% secondary to chronic liver disease. Among our participants, 13.8% had one or more cardiac manifestations, such as exercise intolerance, dyspnea on exertion, cyanosis, or orthopnea, whereas 86.2% were asymptomatic. EGD examination revealed grade I varices in 54.3% of cases, grade II–III in 43.6%, and grade IV in 2.1%. Pulmonary hypertension (>35 mmHg) was detected in 30.9% of cases using echocardiography; two of them were >45 mmHg. Patients with POPH had significantly more frequent dyspnea on exertion, lower O 2 saturation, and more severe variceal grades than those with normal pulmonary artery pressure. Five (6.9%) cases had <300 m 6-MWD, with no significant difference between patients with normal and those with elevated pulmonary artery pressure. The duration of portal hypertension and 6-MWD were correlated significantly with the echocardiographic measures. High-grade varices (p=0.04) and low O 2 saturation (p=0.03) were identified as risk factors for POPH. Conclusion POPH was detected in 30.9% of our study group. High-grade varices and low O 2 saturation are predictors of POPH. Echocardiography screening is crucial for the early detection of cases.

Purpose: Gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR), a member of the bombesin G-protein-coupled receptor family, is introduced as the promising target for the diagnosis and therapy of various tumors. This study aimed to develop a novel diagnostic agent of [ 113mIn]In-AMBA for single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging of GRPR expressing tumors. Methods: 113mIn was provided from an in-house made 113Sn/ 113mIn generator in the chloride form. [ 113mIn]In-AMBA wasprepared in the optimal conditions and the stability was checked in PBS buffer and human serum, Then the binding affinityand internalization of the radiolabeled compound were investigated in PC3 cell lines at 120 min. the biodistribution of the radiolabeled peptide was studied in normal rats. Results: [ 113mIn]In-AMBA was prepared with radiochemical purity (RCP) > 98% under the optimal labeling conditions. Thecompound indicated significant stability in PBS buffer and human serum (> 95% at 180 min post preparation). High binding affinity (51% at 60 min) and internalization (64% at 120 min) of the radiolabeled compound towards PC3 cell lines were alsoobserved. The major accumulation of the compound was seen in kidneys, and other GRPR-expressing tissues. Conclusion The biodistribution of the labeled compound in normal rats indicated rapid elimination of the complex from the blood, and considerable accumulation in the GRPR-expressing organ of pancreas, in complete agreement with similar labeled compounds. [ 113mIn]In-AMBA can be a suitable candidate for SPECT imaging of GRPR-expressed tumors.

Objectives: The objectives of this review and meta-analysis were twofold: first, to determine theprevalence of substance use among school-going children in Arab and African countries; andsecond, to highlight the considerable influence of variables such as the nation’s region and thetimeframe of the study on the prevalence of substance use. Methods: Research was sourced from Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar,and PubMed. Thirty-seven articles were incorporated in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. This review included studies published from 2013 to 2023. The statistical meta-analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis ver. 3 software. Across 37 studies, the total number of study participants was 73,508. Results: The meta-analysis revealed that tobacco was the most commonly used substance, with a prevalence of 16% (95% confidence interval [CI], 12.7%–20.02%). This was closely followed by alcohol, which had a prevalence of 15% (95% CI, 10.5%–22.8%), stimulants at 11.4% (95% CI, 7.4%– 17%), khat at 10% (95% CI, 5.7%–15%), and cannabis at 8% (95% CI, 3.3%–18.4%). Notably, alcohol was the only substance that showed an increasing trend in prevalence from before to after 2019, rising from 13.3% (95% CI, 6.2%–26.1%) to 17% (95% CI, 10.2%–27%) (p < 0.001). Additionally, the prevalence of substance use varied significantly between Arab and African countries (p < 0.001). Conclusion Although the prevalence of substance use among school-going populations hassignificantly decreased over time, with the exception of alcohol, it is imperative that bothAfrican and Arab countries implement comprehensive measures and stringent laws to addressthe production and marketing of substances.