History of head trauma and the risk of multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system with unclear etiology involving genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. The potential link between head trauma and MS is controversial, with conflicting evidence. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to assess the risk of developing MS following head trauma.

Correction: El-Shesheny et al. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus Clade 2.3.4.4b in Wild Birds and Live Bird Markets, Egypt. 2023, , 36.

Text Correction [...

Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b in wild rats in Egypt during 2023.

We detected highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus in wild rats collected from a rural area in Giza, Egypt, near poultry farms, markets, and backyard flocks. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses indicated that the virus from the rats belonged to clade 2.3.

Evaluation of miRNA-146a, miRNA-34a, and pro-inflammatory cytokines as a potential early indicators for type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Background: Type I diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is one of the most common chronic autoimmune diseases worldwide. miRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNA molecules that have been linked to immune system functions, β-cell metabolism, proliferation, and death, all of which contribute to pathogenesis of TIDM. Dysregulated miRNAs have been identified in Egyptian TIDM patients.

Efficacy and safety of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for cardiogenic shock complicating myocardial infarction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been presented as a potential therapeutic option for patients with cardiogenic shock complicating myocardial infarction (CS-MI). We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of ECMO in CS-MI.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizing evidence from randomized controlled trials obtained from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science until September 2023.

Evaluating the potential mediating role of ADAMTS13 activity in the relationship between obesity and the severity of COVID-19: A retrospective cohort study.

Obesity and low enzyme A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type-1 motif-13 (ADAMTS13) activity have been linked to poor coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Given that obesity may influence ADAMTS13 activity, it is feasible; however, it remains unclear whether ADAMTS13 activity acts as a mediator between obesity and COVID-19 outcomes. We investigated the link between body mass index (BMI) and COVID-19 outcomes, using ADAMTS13 activity as a mediator.

Genetic and virological characteristics of a reassortant avian influenza A H6N1 virus isolated from wild birds at a live-bird market in Egypt.

The first detection of a human infection with avian influenza A/H6N1 virus in Taiwan in 2013 has raised concerns about this virus. During our routine surveillance of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) in live-bird markets in Egypt, an H6N1 virus was isolated from a garganey duck and was characterized. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the Egyptian H6N1 strain A/Garganey/Egypt/20869C/2022(H6N1) has a unique genomic constellation, with gene segments inherited from different subtypes (H5N1, H3N8, H7N3, H6N1, and H10N1) that have been detected previously in AIVs from Egypt and some Eurasian countries.

Efficacy and safety of high-power short-duration ablation for atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: High-power short-duration (HPSD) ablation has emerged as an alternative to conventional standard-power long-duration (SPLD) ablation. We aim to assess the efficacy and safety of HPSD versus SPLD for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) retrieved from PubMed, WOS, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and CENTRAL were performed through August 2023.

The potential impact and diagnostic value of inflammatory markers on diabetic foot progression in type II diabetes mellitus: A case-control study.

Background: The wound-healing process in diabetic foot is affected by pro and anti-inflammatory markers, and any disruption in the inflammatory reaction interferes with tissue homeostasis, leading to chronic non-wound healing.

Aim: This study aimed to determine the diagnostic value and effect of CRP, IL-6, TNF, and HbA1c on initiation the and progression of diabetic foot ulcers.

Method: ELISA was used to quantify IL-6, TNF, CRP, and HbA1c in 205 patients with diabetes, and 105 were diabetic foot free.

Determinants of Implanon discontinuation among women who use Implanon at Debre Berhan town public health institutions in Northeast Ethiopia: a case-control study.

Background: Discontinuation of the most effective methods of contraception such as Implanon has now become a worldwide problem, which is significantly associated with mistimed and unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortion, leading to an increased risk of maternal and child mortality and morbidity. However, studies on factors associated with Implanon discontinuation in Ethiopia, particularly in the area under this study, are limited. Therefore, this study aims to identify the determinants of Implanon discontinuation among women who used Implanon at Debre Berhan town public health institutions.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus Clade 2.3.4.4b in Wild Birds and Live Bird Markets, Egypt.

Clade 2.3.4.

Insights into Genetic Characteristics and Virological Features of Endemic Avian Influenza A (H9N2) Viruses in Egypt from 2017-2021.

From 2010 to 2013, genotype I avian influenza A(H9N2) viruses of the G1-lineage were isolated from several poultry species in Egypt. In 2014, novel reassortant H9N2 viruses were detected in pigeons designated as genotype II. To monitor the subsequent genetic evolution of Egyptian A(H9N2) viruses, we characterized the full genomes of 173 viruses isolated through active surveillance from 2017 to 2022.

Cnicin as an Anti-SARS-CoV-2: An Integrated In Silico and In Vitro Approach for the Rapid Identification of Potential COVID-19 Therapeutics.

Since the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in 2019, it has remained a significant global threat, especially with the newly evolved variants. Despite the presence of different COVID-19 vaccines, the discovery of proper antiviral therapeutics is an urgent necessity. Nature is considered as a historical trove for drug discovery, especially in global crises.

Arylated gold nanoparticles have no effect on the adipogenic differentiation of MG-63 cells nor regulate any key signaling pathway during the differentiation.

Objective: MG-63 cells that have osteoblastic and adipogenic differentiation potential were evaluated for internalization, and adipogenic differentiation in the presence and absence of the covalently functionalized aryl gold nanoparticles (AuNPs-CH-4-COOH).

Results: Inductively coupled plasma, flow cytometry and confocal microscopy analyses confirmed that gold nanoparticles were easily internalized by MG-63 cells. The MG-63 cells were differentiated into adipocytes without gold-aryl nanoparticles and with the gold-aryl nanoparticles at 5 µM concentration in both induction and maintenance media.

Prognosis of spinal infections managed by minimal debridement: A case series in two tertiary centers.

Background: Spinal infections can be challenging in their management and include spondylitis, epidural abscess, and spondylodiscitis. Usual treatment is conservative through antimicrobials or surgery to decompress neural tissue, debride all infected tissues, and fix if needed. We propose the concept of surgery without formal debridement aiming at neural protection.

Diversity of Astroviruses Circulating in Humans, Bats, and Wild Birds in Egypt.

Astroviruses belong to family which includes two main genera: Mamastroviruses that infect mammals, and Avastroviruses that infect avian hosts. Bats and wild birds are considered among the natural reservoirs for astroviruses. Infections in humans are associated with severe gastroenteritis, especially among children.

Comparative Virological and Pathogenic Characteristics of Avian Influenza H5N8 Viruses Detected in Wild Birds and Domestic Poultry in Egypt during the Winter of 2016/2017.

The surveillance and virological characterization of H5N8 avian influenza viruses are important in order to assess their zoonotic potential. The genetic analyses of the Egyptian H5N8 viruses isolated through active surveillance in wild birds and domestic poultry in the winter of 2016/2017 showed multiple introductions of reassortant viruses. In this study, we investigated and compared the growth kinetics, infectivity, and pathogenicity of the three reassortant forms of H5N8 viruses detected in wild birds and domestic poultry in Egypt during the first introduction wave in the winter of 2016/2017.

Evolution of H5-Type Avian Influenza A Virus Towards Mammalian Tropism in Egypt, 2014 to 2015.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIV) of the H5-subtype have circulated continuously in Egypt since 2006, resulting in numerous poultry outbreaks and considerable sporadic human infections. The extensive circulation and wide spread of these viruses in domestic poultry have resulted in various evolutionary changes with a dramatic impact on viral transmission ability to contact mammals including humans. The transmitted viruses are either (1) adapted well enough in their avian hosts to readily infect mammals, or (2) adapted in the new mammalian hosts to improve their fitness.

Immune responses to killed reassorted influenza virus supplemented with natural adjuvants.

In this study, we investigated the immunomodulatory effects of a supplemented killed influenza virus (V) by Echinacea purpurea (E) and Nigella sativa (N) extracts and effect of changing the route of immunization from intramuscular (IM) to intraperitoneal (IP). At the 2-, 3- and 4-week post-IM immunizations (WPIMI), the supplemented V with N (VN) induced the most significant IgM response unlike N alone. At the 2 WPIMI, V or VN induced the highest significant IgG levels.

Single gene reassortment of highly pathogenic avian influenza A H5N1 in the low pathogenic H9N2 backbone and its impact on pathogenicity and infectivity of novel reassortant viruses.

Avian influenza A H5N1 and H9N2 viruses have been extensively circulating in various avian species and frequently infect mammals, including humans. The synchronous circulation of both viruses in Egypt provides an opportunity for possible genetic assortment, posing a probable threat to global public health. To assess the potential risk of the IAV reassortants derived from co-circulation of these two AI subtypes, reverse genetics technology was used to generate a set of IAV reassortants carrying single genetic segments of clade 2.

Genetic and antigenic evolution of H9N2 avian influenza viruses circulating in Egypt between 2011 and 2013.

Avian influenza virus subtype H9N2 has been circulating in the Middle East since the 1990s. For uncertain reasons, H9N2 was not detected in Egyptian farms until the end of 2010. Circulation of H9N2 viruses in Egyptian poultry in the presence of the enzootic highly pathogenic H5N1 subtype adds a huge risk factor to the Egyptian poultry industry.

Molecular characterization of avian influenza H5N1 virus in Egypt and the emergence of a novel endemic subclade.

Clade 2.2 highly pathogenic H5N1 viruses have been in continuous circulation in Egyptian poultry since 2006. Their persistence caused significant genetic drift that led to the reclassification of these viruses into subclades 2.