Mohamed Ashraf

Author Statistics

Papers

Citation

H-Index

i-10 index

Research Field

Non-coding RNAs as key player in stem cell proliferation anddifferentiation; Potential therapeutic strategies in spinal cord injuries

Shaimaa Mohamed Marwa Matboli Ayman Shafei Hossam Khalaf Mohamed Ashraf

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition which often results in the loss of sensory and motor function below the lesion site. The consequences of SCI constitute substantial burden to both the patient and society. Existing treatments for SCI injuries have proved inadequate, partly owing to an incomplete understanding of post-injury cellular and molecular changes. SCI triggers a multitude of pathophysiological events that are tightly regulated by the expression levels of specific genes. It has been shown that numerous non coding RNAs (ncRNAs), especially microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), are differentially expressed following SCI. MiRNA and lncRNA could, as regulators of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, affect the pathophysiology of SCI. In addition, these ncRNAs are emerging as key regulators of stem cell differentiation and proliferation, thus, manipulating their levels could improve future therapeutic neural stem cell transplantation strategies. This review will discuss the most common and well-established therapeutic strategies (specially focusing on stem cell and non-coding RNAs studies) in SCI management

Source

Cite

Citations (0)

Disparity of microaneurysm count between ultrawide field colour imaging and ultrawide field fluorescein angiography in eyes with diabetic retinopathy

British Journal of Ophthalmology (2020)

Mohamed Ashraf Konstantina Sampani Omar Abdelal Alan Fleming Jerry D. Cavallerano

To compare microaneurysm (MA) counts using ultrawide field colour images (UWF-CI) and ultrawide field fluorescein angiography (UWF-FA).Retrospective study including patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus receiving UWF-FA and UWF-CI within 2 weeks. MAs were manually counted in individual Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) and extended UWF zones. Fields with MAs ≥20 determined diabetic retinopathy (DR) severity (0 fields=mild, 1-3=moderate, ≥4=severe). UWF-FA and UWF-CI agreement was determined and UWF-CI DR severity sensitivity analysis adjusting for UWF-FA MA counts performed.In 193 patients (288 eyes), 2.4% had no DR, 29.9% mild non-proliferative DR (NPDR), 32.6% moderate (NPDR), 22.9% severe NPDR and 12.2% proliferative DR. UWF-FA MA counts were 3.5-fold higher (p<0.001) than UWF-CI counts overall, 3.2x-fold higher in ETDRS fields (p<0.001) and 5.3-fold higher in extended ETDRS fields (p<0.001) and higher in type 1 versus type 2 diabetes (p<0.001). In eyes with NPDR on UWF-CI (n=246), UWF-FA images had 1.6x-3.5x more fields with ≥20 MAs (p<0.001). Fair agreement existed between imaging modalities (k=0.221-0.416). In ETDRS fields, DR severity agreement increased from k=0.346 to 0.600 when dividing UWF-FA counts by a factor of 3, followed by rapid decline in agreement thereafter. Total UWF area agreement increased from k=0.317 to 0.565 with an adjustment factor of either 4 or 5.UWF-FA detects threefold to fivefold more MAs than UWF-CI and identifies 1.6-3.5-fold more fields affecting DR severity. Differences exist at all DR severity levels, thus limiting direct comparison between the modalities. However, correcting UWF-FA MA counts substantially improves DR severity agreement between the modalities.

10.1136/bjophthalmol-2019-315807

Cite

Citations (15)

Multimodal Arabic Retrieval and Recommendation System

Mohamed Moselhy Abdallah Bastawy Osama Yousef M. I. Khalil Mohamed Ashraf

Choosing desired videos from an extensive collection based on features extracted from the videos is known as content based video retrieval (CBVR). The extracted features are then indexed, categorized, and used to retrieve relevant and desired videos while excluding irrelevant ones. Videos can be represented by the audio, texts, faces, and objects in their frames. Some aspects could be improved regarding retrieval systems. One of these aspects is the need for an Arabic retrieval system. This study presents an advanced Arabic multimodal video retrieval system. The retrieval system uses the Apache Solr search engine to retrieve the videos using a text query. State-of-the-art techniques are used to retrieve videos using images and audio. The system presents a Mean Average Precision at 1 (MAP@1) score of 0.9333 and a MAP@3 0.8129 in the context of audio-based retrieval. Similarly, for image-based retrieval, the scores are 0.9800 and 0.8666 for the MAP@1 and MAP@3, respectively. Additionally, a novel hybrid recommendation system is presented, which combines content-based and collaborative filtering. The proposed model exhibits robust performance on several key metrics. With a MAP@10 of 0.3246 and a Normalized Discounted Cumulative Gain at 10 (NDCG@10) score of 0.4939. The model's Item Coverage score of 0.6905 for the top 100 recommendations, showcases its capacity to offer a broad range of recommendations. The hybrid system also solves the popularity bias and the 'new item' startup problem in collaborative filtering. Popularity-based recommendations are used as a fallback to handle the 'new user' startup problem in both collaborative filtering and content-based systems.

10.1109/miucc58832.2023.10278299

Cite

Citations (1)

MICROPARTICULATE DRUG CARRIERS: A PROMISING APPROACH FOR THE DELIVERY OF ANTI HIV DRUGS

Mohamed Ashraf

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus which causes acquired immuno deficiency syndrome (AIDS), a condition where immune system begins to fail in humans, leading to life‐threatening infections. Recent advance in highly active antiretroviral (ARV) agents has led to tremendous reduction of viral load in plasma, progression of infection and mortality from AIDS. Various classes of antiretroviral agents are available nowaday but unfortunately most of these drugs have poor physiochemical properties which result in poor absorption, undesirable side effect and accumulation of the drug at inappropriate sites. To overcome these drawbacks, particulate systems like microparticles have been introduced to improve the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of various types of antiretroviral drugs and targeting them to particular sites. To formulate microcarrier based systems, different polymers are used in the antiretroviral micro particulate drug delivery research to increase therapeutic activity and minimize side effects. Among the recent approaches of novel drug delivery system ,microparticulate drug carriers is found to be the most important one. The aim of this review is to discuss the need for novel drug delivery, advantages, recent development in microparticulate drug delivery system for antiretroviral drugs and challenges standing ahead.

Antiretroviral drug

ANTIRETROVIRAL AGENTS

Source

Cite

Citations (3)

The role of IMA in ruling out ischemia in patients presenting with chest pain, and its relation with the extent of coronary artery disease

The Egyptian Journal of Critical Care Medicine (2013)

Hatem Hossam Mowafy Mohamed Hamdi Mahmoud Khaled Mohamed Ashraf

Ischemia modified albumin (IMA) is an albumin that has an altered binding capacity to bind metal ions and can be used to detect myocardial ischemia in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. To study the IMA level in patients presenting with non-ST segment elevation ACS and its diagnostic and prognostic value. This study was conducted on 50 patients with a mean age of 54.7 ± 9 yrs. Patients were grouped into group 1: unstable angina (13 patients), group 2: NSTEMI (17 patients), and group 3: control group. All patients were subjected to routine labs, cardiac biomarkers and predischarge coronary angiography and were followed up for 2 months to detect any major adverse cardiac event. IMA level was measured upon admission for all patients. All data were statistically analyzed. IMA was statistically significantly higher in groups 1 and 2 compared to group 3 patients (P value < 0.05). The optimal cutoff value to diagnose ischemic patients was 4 ng/ml. The mean IMA level was significantly cardiac biomarkers including troponin, TIMI risk score and number of the affected vessels but not correlated with the modified Gensini score (MGS), and short term prognosis. The optimal cutoff value for IMA levels to predict poor prognosis was 9.65 ng/ml. Serum IMA is a useful marker to rule out non ischemic patients presented with suspected ACS and is significantly related to the number of affected vessels.

Ischemia-modified albumin

TIMI

Unstable angina

10.1016/j.ejccm.2013.10.002

Cite

Citations (0)

Botulinum Toxin Type A: Efficacy in the management of Lower Limb Spasticity in Children with Genetic Disorders

Research Square (Research Square) (2024)

Dina Amin Mohamed Ashraf George Halim Mohamed Ali Marwa A Nassef

Abstract Background: Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT) is a well-established therapeutic modality for the treatment of lower limb spasticity in children with cerebral palsy. Objective: To assess the functional outcomes and tolerability of BoNT injection for the treatment of lower limb spasticity in children with neurometabolic/genetic disorders. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review for history, demographic data, comorbidities, neurological examination, and neuroimaging findings for all patients diagnosed with neurometabolic/genetic disorders from December 2020 to December 2022. The outcomes were assessed by recording the Gross Motor Function Classification system (GMFCS) for Cerebral Palsy "Initially and after 6 months' post-treatment", the Modified Ashworth scale (MAS) "initially and at 1,3,6 month post-treatment" and the achieved preset functional goals using the Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) at 4-6 months post-treatment. Results: A total of 90% of the patients showed improvement in their GAS scores, with 20% achieving the preset goal, 55% achieving a better outcome than anticipated and 15% achieving the best possible outcome. Furthermore, the GMFCS and MAS scores showed a significant statistical improvement after six months post-injection (p=0.02, p=0.03), respectively. None of the patients developed serious adverse effects except one who had mitochondrial cytopathy. Conclusion: BoNT injections were effective and showed a high safety profile in children with neurometabolic/genetic disorders. To our knowledge, this is the first study that specifically targets this patient population, filling a gap in the literature and providing valuable insights into the potential benefits of BoNT injections for this group. However, further large-scale studies are recommended to confirm these findings.

10.21203/rs.3.rs-4548232/v1

Cite

Citations (0)

Smoothening the Lid-Cheek Junction in Lower Blepharoplasty

The Egyptian Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2020)

Mohamed Ashraf Ayman Noaman Ahmed El Naggar

Aim: Transcutaneous lower blepharoplasty is more convenient for its easier learning curve, its better visibility and access to the lower periorbital structures.Conventional techniques entail fat removal to improve the lower eyelid contour.In this study we adopted the extended transcutaneous lower eyelid blepharoplasty that included dissection below the extent of the inferior orbital margin to correct the tear trough deformity that is usually missed in traditional techniques.Methods: From December 2017 to December 2018, 25 patients were subjected to this procedure via a transcutaneous stair-step incision.A retrospective analysis was implemented.On the medial side, palpebral, orbital orbicularis oculi muscle and the orbitomalar ligament were freed with dissection approaching to the premaxillary space.On the lateral side, release of the orbitomalar ligament was done, followed by dissection reaching to the prezygomatic space.Fat pads were dealt with either by excision or redistribution. Results:The mean follow-up was 12 months.High degree of patient's satisfaction was noted after using this technique.No major complications in term of lid malposition or scleral show or infection. Conclusion:Extended transcutaneous lower blepharoplasty is a safe and effective approach and a very powerful modality for blending the lid-cheek junction and periorbital rejuvenation.Level of Evidence: Therapeutic, V.

Blepharoplasty

Cheek

10.21608/ejprs.2020.140018

Cite

Citations (0)

INTEGRATING MACULAR OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY WITH ULTRAWIDE-FIELD IMAGING IN A DIABETIC RETINOPATHY TELEMEDICINE PROGRAM USING A SINGLE DEVICE

Retina (2023)

Lloyd Paul Aiello Cris Martin P. Jacoba Mohamed Ashraf Jerry D. Cavallerano Ann M. Tolson

To determine the effect of combined macular optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and ultrawide field retinal imaging (UWFI) within a telemedicine program.Comparative cohort study of consecutive patients with both UWFI and SD-OCT. UWFI and SD-OOCT were independently evaluated for diabetic macular edema (DME) and non-diabetic macular pathology. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated with SD-OCT as gold standard.422 eyes from 211 diabetic patients were evaluated. DME severity by UWFI: no DME 93.4%, non-center involved DME (nonciDME) 5.1%, ciDME 0.7%, ungradable DME 0.7%. SD-OCT was ungradable in 0.5%. Macular pathology was identified in 34 (8.1%) eyes by UWFI and in 44 (10.4%) eyes by SD-OCT. DME represented only 38.6% of referable macular pathology identified by SD-OCT imaging. Sensitivity/specificity of UWFI compared to SD-OCT was 59%/96% for DME and 33%/99% for ciDME. Sensitivity/specificity of UWFI compared to SDOCT was 3%/98% for ERM.Addition of SD-OCT increased the identification of macular pathology by 29.4%. Over 58.3% of the eyes thought to have any DME on UWF imaging alone were false positives by SD-OCT. The integration of SD-OCT with UWFI markedly increased detection and reduced false positive assessments of DME and macular pathology in a teleophthalmology program.

Diabetic macular edema

Gold standard (test)

10.1097/iae.0000000000003883

Cite

Citations (2)

IVF outcome in women with entire cohort of oocytes with coarse granulation in perivitelline space

Fertility and Sterility (2019)

Raiza Ashraf Aswathy Shanavas Alex C. Varghese Sankalp Singh Mohamed Ashraf

Perivitelline space

10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.07.580

Cite

Citations (0)

Which CNNs and Training Settings to Choose for Action Unit Detection? A Study Based on a Large-Scale Dataset

arXiv (Cornell University) (2021)

Mina Bishay Ahmed Ghoneim Mohamed Ashraf Mohammad Mavadati

In this paper we explore the influence of some frequently used Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), training settings, and training set structures, on Action Unit (AU) detection. Specifically, we first compare 10 different shallow and deep CNNs in AU detection. Second, we investigate how the different training settings (i.e. centering/normalizing the inputs, using different augmentation severities, and balancing the data) impact the performance in AU detection. Third, we explore the effect of increasing the number of labelled subjects and frames in the training set on the AU detection performance. These comparisons provide the research community with useful tips about the choice of different CNNs and training settings in AU detection. In our analysis, we use a large-scale naturalistic dataset, consisting of ~55K videos captured in the wild. To the best of our knowledge, there is no work that had investigated the impact of such settings on a large-scale AU dataset.

Training set

Source

Cite

Citations (0)