Laboratory biomarker predictors for disease progression and outcome among Egyptian COVID-19 patients.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic resulted in more than five hundred million infected cases worldwide. The current study aimed to screen the correlation of different laboratory findings with disease severity and clinical outcomes of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) among Egyptian patients to obtain prognostic indicators of disease severity and outcome.A total of 112 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients were examined.

HLA-B*15 predicts survival in Egyptian patients with COVID-19.

Genetic differences among individuals could affect the clinical presentations and outcomes of COVID-19. Human Leukocyte Antigens are associated with COVID-19 susceptibility, severity, and prognosis. This study aimed to identify HLA-B and -C genotypes among 69 Egyptian patients with COVID-19 and correlate them with disease outcomes and other clinical and laboratory data.

Upregulation of FOXP3 is associated with severity of hypoxia and poor outcomes in COVID-19 patients.

The levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) transcription of FOXP3, IFN-γ, TNF, IL-6 and COX-2 from both COVID-19 infected and control subjects were evaluated using SYBR green real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Severe/critical cases showed significantly lower lymphocyte counts and higher neutrophil counts than the mild or moderate cases. There were significantly lower levels of mRNA expressions of IFN-γ, TNFα and FOXP3 in COVID-19 patients than in the control group.

Chitosan gold nanoparticles for detection of amplified nucleic acids isolated from sputum.

A platform for nucleic acid detection employing chitosan and chitosan coated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was developed. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) was used as a model target. MTB DNA was extracted from sputum using simple total nucleic acid extraction.

Immunomodulatory and antimicrobial efficacy of Lactobacilli against enteropathogenic infection of Salmonella typhi: In-vitro and in-vivo study.

Salmonellosis-induced diarrhea, is one of the commonest cause of childhood mortality in developing countries. Using of probiotics is viewed as a promising means for reducing the pathogenic loads of bacterial infection. The current study aimed to evaluate the potential antimicrobial and immunomodulatory efficacy of isolated lactobacillus strains against the enteropathogenic effect of S.

Transdermal delivery of vancomycin hydrochloride using combination of nano-ethosomes and iontophoresis: in vitro and in vivo study.

This study aimed to evaluate transdermal delivery of vancomycin hydrochloride using the combination of ethosomes as an encapsulating vesicle and iontophoresis. Ethosomes were prepared and evaluated in terms of electrochemical stability. Cathodal iontophoresis of negatively charged ethosomes and anodal iontophoresis of free drug solution and positively charged vesicles were conducted.

Laser Posterior Cordotomy: Is it a Good Choice in Treating Bilateral Vocal Fold Abductor Paralysis?

Background: Bilateral abductor vocal fold paralysis can lead to respiratory distress and dyspnea.

Objectives: To assess the efficacy of CO2 laser unilateral posterior cordotomy in cases with bilateral abductor paralysis as regards improvement of dyspnea with preservation of satisfactory voice and swallowing after the operation.

Methods: A prospective study was done on 18 patients with bilateral abductor vocal fold paralysis (10 females and 8 males) from November 2010 to December 2012 with their ages ranging from 32 to 64 years.

Microbial content of Yarmuk River and King Abdulla Canal waterways in Jordan.

Aim: The aim of this study was to monitor the microbiological contamination of the water of Yarmuk River (YR) and King Abdulla Canal (KAC) in Jordan for 6 months (June-November 2000) for their aerobic plate count, total coliforms, fecal coliforms, fecal Streptococci, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, fungi, algae, and protozoa.

Material And Methods: Water samples were collected monthly for 6 months (June-November 2000) from three generally representable locations of each of YR and KAC. The procedures of Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Waste Water were, in general, used.