The National Burden of Influenza-Associated Respiratory Illness Across Levels of Severity in Egypt, 2016-2019.

Introduction: Influenza burden (IB) estimates are crucial for monitoring disease trends, allocating limited resources, and promoting influenza vaccination. However, IB in Egypt is poorly understood. This study estimates the mean-seasonal IB in Egypt, across levels of severity by age and regions using sentinel surveillance data between 2016 and 2019.

Combination of autologous FCS and MPG versus each technique alone in the treatment of stable vitiligo.

Follicular cell suspension (FCS) transplantation is a novel surgical method for treating resistant stable vitiligo, whereas mini punch grafting is an established effective method for treating stable vitiligo. The combination of FCS and mini punch grafting is a better strategy for the treatment of resistant stable vitiligo. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of follicular cell suspension, mini punch grafting, and a combination of both techniques in the treatment of stable vitiligo.

Incidence of influenza virus-associated Severe Acute Respiratory Infections in three districts in 2018 at Gharbia governorate, Egypt.

Aims: Influenza remains a contributor to substantial global morbidity and mortality. There is very limited data on disease burden in Egypt. The purpose of this study was to estimate the incidence of influenza-associated Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) in three districts in Gharbia governorate in 2018.

Evidence for the elimination of viral hepatitis B and C in Egypt: Results of a nationwide survey in 2022.

Introduction: Viral hepatitis C (HCV) and B (HBV) were at the top of Egypt's most significant public health challenges, with an estimated 14.7% of its population having antibodies to HCV in 2008. Egypt issued an ambitious action plan in 2014 to eliminate viral hepatitis through strengthening infection control and improving patient care.

Comparative analysis of COVID-19 and influenza prevalence among Egyptian pilgrims returning from Hajj and Umrah in 2022: epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and genomic sequencing.

Purpose: To describe the changes that occurred in the SARS-CoV-2 and influenza Prevalence, epidemiology, clinical picture, and prevalent genotypes among the Egyptian pilgrims returning from Hajj and Umrah 2022 seasons.

Methods: Pilgrims were contacted at the airport and invited to participate in the survey. Pilgrims who consented were interviewed using a standardized line list that included participant demographics, respiratory symptoms if any, previous COVID-19 infection, influenza vaccination whereas COVID-19 vaccination information were collected from vaccination cards.

Multicenter study to describe viral etiologies, clinical profiles, and outcomes of hospitalized children with severe acute respiratory infections, Egypt 2022.

In late 2022, severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) surveillance reported an abrupt increase in non-COVID-19 infections among children after three years of drastic reductions. Signals of increased absenteeism due to respiratory symptoms among primary and preparatory school children were detected by Event-Based Surveillance. We conducted a hospital-based survey of children who were admitted with SARI to identify the causative pathogen(s) and estimate the burden of infection.

Comparison of SARS-Cov-2 omicron variant with the previously identified SARS-Cov-2 variants in Egypt, 2020-2022: insight into SARS-Cov-2 genome evolution and its impact on epidemiology, clinical picture, disease severity, and mortality.

Background: The o severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has killed millions of people and caused widespread concern around the world. Multiple genetic variants of SARS-CoV-2 have been identified as the pandemic continues. Concerns have been raised about high transmissibility and lower vaccine efficacy against omicron.

Epidemiological characterization of viral etiological agents of the central nervous system infections among hospitalized patients in Egypt between 2016 and 2019.

Viral infections of the central nervous system (CNS) are common worldwide and result in considerable morbidity and mortality associated with neurologic illness. Until now, there have been no epidemiologic data regarding viruses causing aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, and CNS infections in Egypt. We investigated 1735 archived cerebrospinal fluid samples collected from Egyptian patients between 2016 and 2019 and performed molecular characterization for infection for12 different viruses: herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), human herpesviruses 6 and 7 (HHV-6 and HHV-7), human enteroviruses (HEVs), human parechovirus (HPeV), parvovirus B19 (B19V), adenovirus (AdV), and mumps virus (MuV).

Biceps-based 3-layer reconstruction of the irreparable rotator cuff: a technical note on biceps tendon as a common local graft for in-situ superior capsular reconstruction, partial cuff repair, and middle trapezius tendon transfer.

Background: For irreparable rotator cuff tears, 3-layer tendon reconstruction (in which in-situ superior capsular reconstruction-reinforced partial rotator cuff repair was augmented with hamstring-sheet-lengthened middle trapezius tendon transfer) was recently reported to achieve satisfactory postoperative outcomes. To avoid hamstring graft-related drawbacks, the current note describes a technical modification of that reconstruct; wherein long head of biceps tendon is used as a cornerstone structure for simultaneously reconstructing the superior capsule; lengthening the transferred middle trapezius tendon; and augmenting the partially-repaired rotator cuff.

Methods: Via sub-pectoral approach, long head of biceps tendon is distally-tenotomized.

Resurgence of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus in Egypt following two years of decline during the COVID-19 pandemic: outpatient clinic survey of infants and children, October 2022.

Introduction: Two years after unprecedented low rates of circulation of most common respiratory viruses (SARS-CoV-2), the Egyptian ARI surveillance system detected an increase in acute respiratory infections (ARIs) with a reduced circulation of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), especially among school children. A national survey was conducted to estimate the burden and identify the viral causes of ARIs among children < 16 years of age.

Methods: A one-day survey was carried out in 98 governmental outpatient clinics distributed all over Egypt 26 governorates.

Whole-Genome Sequence of a Human Monkeypox Virus Strain Detected in Egypt.

Monkeypox virus has recently been detected in multiple countries. Two cases of monkeypox virus were reported in Egypt as part of an ongoing international outbreak. We report the whole-genome sequence of a monkeypox virus that was retrieved from the first confirmed case in Egypt.

Clinical features and severe outcome predictors of COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough infection among hospitalized patients: results from Egypt severe acute respiratory infections sentinel surveillance, 2021-2022.

Background: COVID-19 vaccines are effective against infections and outcomes; however, breakthrough infections (VBT) are increasingly reported, possibly due to waning of vaccine-induced immunity or emerging variants. Most studies have focused on determining VBT rate based on antibody levels. This study aims at describing clinical features, risks, time trends, and outcomes of COVID-19 VBT among hospitalized patients in Egypt.

COVID-19 vaccination coverage in Egypt: a large-scale national survey - to help achieving vaccination target, March-May, 2022.

Background: Only 57 countries have vaccinated 70% of their population against COVID-19, most of them in high-income countries, whereas almost one billion people in low-income countries remained unvaccinated. In March-May 2022, Egypt's Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) conducted a nationwide community-based survey to determine COVID-19 vaccine coverage and people's perceptions of vaccination in order to improve COVID-19 vaccination uptake and confidence among Egyptians, as well as to prioritize interventions.

Methods: A cross-sectional population-based household survey among Egyptians ≥ 18 years of age was implemented in two phases using a multistage random sampling technique in all of Egypt's 27 governorates.

Middle Trapezius Tendon Transfer for Augmentation of In Situ Superior Capsular Reconstruction-Reinforced Partial Rotator Cuff Repair: Short-term Outcomes of a Prospective Cohort Study.

Background: Middle trapezius tendon (MTT) transfer has been described for dynamic reproduction of supraspinatus function. For management of irreparable rotator cuff (RC) tears, this procedure can be coupled with in situ (long head of the biceps tendon-based) superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) and partial RC repair.

Purpose: To investigate the functional outcomes of augmentation of in situ SCR-reinforced partial RC repair with MTT transfer for the management of irreparable posterosuperior RC tears.

Adapting an integrated acute respiratory infections sentinel surveillance to the COVID-19 pandemic requirements, Egypt, 2020-2022.

Objectives: In Egypt, an integrated surveillance for acute respiratory infections (ARIs) was established in 2016 to identify the causes of ARIs. The surveillance system includes 19 governmental hospitals. In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the World Health Organisation (WHO) requested surveillance adaptation to address the emerging challenges.

Epidemiology, Disease Severity and Outcome of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 and Influenza Viruses Coinfection Seen at Egypt Integrated Acute Respiratory Infections Surveillance, 2020-2022.

Background: Cocirculation of influenza (Flu) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (SARS-CoV-2/Flu) represent a public health concern as it may worsen the severity and increase fatality from coronavirus disease 2019. An increase in the number of patients with coinfection was recently reported. We studied epidemiology, severity, and outcome of patients with SARS-CoV-2/Flu coinfection seen at Egypt's integrated acute respiratory infections surveillance to better describe disease impact and guide effective preventive measures.

Incidence, risk factors, and whole-genome sequence of SARs-CoV-2 and influenza virus among the Egyptian pilgrims returning from Umrah mass gathering in Saudi Arabia, April-May 2022.

Background: Ramadan Umrah is the second largest Islamic pilgrimage with 2.75 million pilgrims allowed in 2022. This report presents the results of a survey among Egyptian pilgrims returning from Ramadan Umrah to monitor SARS-CoV-2 and influenza activity and identify prevalent SARS-CoV-2 variants after this mass gathering.

Insight into Genetic Characteristics of Identified SARS-CoV-2 Variants in Egypt from March 2020 to May 2021.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first detected in Egypt in February 2020. Data about the prevalence rates of the SARS-CoV-2 lineages are relatively scarce. To understand the genetic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 in Egypt during several waves of the pandemic, we analyzed sequences of 1256 Egyptian SARS-CoV-2 full genomes from March 2020 to May 2021.

Elderly unstable distal radius fractures a prospective cohort study of bone substitutes-augmented percutaneous pinning.

Background: Based on debatable recommendations of using bone substitutes for filling of metaphyseal void in elderly unstable distal radius fractures; this study investigated the following question "Do bone substitutes effectively contribute to postoperative stability of k-wire fixation construct and accelerate healing in elderly unstable distal radius fractures?".

Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted from October 2014 to April 2021. According to use of bone substitutes, 40 patients of elderly unstable distal radius fractures were alternately allocated into; group-(A) of bone substitutes-augmented percutaneous pinning (19 patients); and group-(B) of non-augmented percutaneous pinning (21 patients).

Rotator cuff irreparability or failure of repair (re-tear): technical note on middle trapezius tendon transfer for reproduction of supraspinatus function.

Purpose: Based on its close anatomic features and nearly-collinear force vector to those of supraspinatus muscle, the current article describes a technique of middle trapezius tendon transfer for reproduction of supraspinatus function in the context of rotator cuff irreparability/re-tear management.

Methods: While seating the patient in beach-chair position, arthroscopic gleno-humeral examination and sub-acromial decompression are initially performed. Hamstring tendons are harvested and fashioned as flattened quadruple sheet.

Chronic locked posterior gleno-humeral dislocation: technical note on fibular grafting for restoration of humeral head sphericity.

Background: Reconstruction of reverse Hill-Sachs defect using osteo-chondral allograft has the advantages of spherical re-contouring and provision of smooth biological articular surface of the reconstructed humeral head. However, worldwide availability and risk of disease transmission of osteo-chondral allograft remain points of increasing concerns. As an alternative to lacking osteo-chondral allograft, the current technical note describes a reconstructive technique of reverse Hill-Sachs defect using autologous fibular grafting.

Chloride-binders and their effect on the physico-mechanical properties of sulfate-resisting cement (SRC) hardened pastes upon exposure to sea water attack.

In Egypt, the national strategic plan for population redistribution supports the establishment of new towns and urban settlements across the coastal zones to relieve the pressure on the packed Nile Valley and Delta and encourages internal migration to new urban coastal communities. Since reinforced concrete has a poor service record in these areas, this situation urged us to design a research program in which a new route has been followed for confronting the concomitant effect of sulfate and chloride attack. Therefore, sulfate-resisting cement (type V) has been used for preparing concrete.

Soft Arthroscopic Latarjet Procedure: Technical Note on Biceps Tendon as a Modified Sling for Restoration of Glenohumeral Stability.

As an alternate to sling glenohumeral restabilization mechanism of Latarjet procedure, recent different arthroscopic soft-tissue reconstructive techniques have been described for the management of glenohumeral instability. One of these techniques is trans-subscapularis bony tenodesis of long head of biceps (instead of coracoid graft transfer) to the anteroinferior glenoid. For simplification of the latter technique, the current article reports an alternative arthroscopic technique for management of glenohumeral instability in patients with type V SLAP lesion or poor soft-tissue quality of the anterior capsulolabral complex.

Role of post-therapy 99mTc-MIBI single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography scan in predicting survival in patients with high-grade glioma.

Objective: High-grade gliomas (HGGs) carry dismal prognosis with survival typically reported as less than a year. We explored the predictive value of qualitative and quantitative evaluations of post-treatment 99m-technetium-labelled methoxyisobutylisonitrile (99mmTc-MIBI) brain single-photon emission computed tomography-computed tomography (SPECT/CT) tumor uptake in relation to overall survival (OS) in patients with HGG.

Methods: Thirty patients with pathologically or radiologically documented high-grade glioma (HGG) were prospectively recruited for this study (24 male, 6 female; mean age 43 ± 14 years).

Impact of 18F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose PET/computerized tomography on the initial staging and changing the management intent in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Objective: To assess the role of 18F-FDG PET/CT in initial staging of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and its impact on changing the management compared to other conventional methods.

Patients And Methods: A prospective study of 31 patients (21 male and 10 female), mean age 49.3 ± 12.