The effects of COVID-19 pandemic and its related lockdown on female sexual function and reproductive health: An observational study in Egypt.

This retrospective observational online study was carried out to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and its related lockdown on female sexual functions and reproductive health. It included 409 sexually active females. The sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).

Ultrasound-Based Image Analysis for Predicting Carotid Artery Stenosis Risk: A Comprehensive Review of the Problem, Techniques, Datasets, and Future Directions.

The carotid artery is a major blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain. Plaque buildup in the arteries can lead to cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, stroke, ruptured arteries, and even death. Both invasive and non-invasive methods are used to detect plaque buildup in the arteries, with ultrasound imaging being the first line of diagnosis.

Retrospective cohort study assessing coverage, uptake and associations with hepatitis B vaccination among females who engage in sex work attending sexual health services in England between 2015 and 2019.

Objectives: Females who engage in sex work (FSW) are at high risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and are eligible for HBV vaccination. The objective of this analysis was to explore coverage, uptake and correlates of HBV vaccination among FSW who attend sexual health services (SHS) in England.

Methods: Data on all attendances at SHS in England were obtained from the GUMCAD STI Surveillance System.

Neonatal Jaundice: Its Determinants Among Neonates Admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Units of Tigray Region General Hospitals, Northern Ethiopia.

Despite the significant public health impact of neonatal jaundice on neonatal survival, local epidemiologic data are scarce. A multi-centered, unmatched case-control study was conducted among 180 consecutively admitted neonates (60 cases and 120 controls). The independent determinants of newborn jaundice were determined using a multivariable binary logistic regression model, and a -value of <0.

Development of canagliflozin nanocrystals sublingual tablets in the presence of sodium caprate permeability enhancer: formulation optimization, characterization, , , and study.

Canagliflozin (CFZ) is a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2) that lowers albuminuria in type-2 diabetic patients, cardiovascular, kidney, and liver disease. CFZ is classified as class IV in the Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) and is characterized by low permeability, solubility, and bioavailability, most likely attributed to hepatic first-pass metabolism. Nanocrystal-based sublingual formulations were developed in the presence of sodium caprate, as a wetting agent, and as a permeability enhancer.

Retrospective testing for mpox virus in routine STI screens from men who have sex with men in England, August-October 2022.

Objectives: A global outbreak of mpox (monkeypox) has been ongoing since 2022, with most cases in the UK detected in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). Asymptomatic and pauci-symptomatic mpox infection has been reported outside of the UK. We aimed to investigate whether mpox could be detected in specimens from GBMSM in England who were attending sexual health services (SHSs) for asymptomatic sexually transmitted infection screening.

Interventions for increasing the uptake of immunisations in healthcare workers: A systematic review.

Objective: This systemic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions for increasing the uptake of immunisation in healthcare workers (HCWs) compared to no or alternative interventions.

Methods: A systematic review was undertaken (until March 2022) using a search strategy established a priori to capture studies that examined the effect of interventions on vaccination levels in HCWs. We included randomised controlled trials (RCT), cluster RCTs, controlled before-after (CBA) studies and interrupted time-series (ITS) studies.

Ciprofloxacin Derivative-Loaded Nanoparticles Synergize with Paclitaxel Against Type II Human Endometrial Cancer.

Combinations of chemotherapeutic agents comprise a clinically feasible approach to combat cancers that possess resistance to treatment. Type II endometrial cancer is typically associated with poor outcomes and the emergence of chemoresistance. To overcome this challenge, a combination therapy is developed comprising a novel ciprofloxacin derivative-loaded PEGylated polymeric nanoparticles (CIP2b-NPs) and paclitaxel (PTX) against human type-II endometrial cancer (Hec50co with loss of function p53).

Comparative study between efficacy of dexamethasone-prostaglandin-receptal combination and mechanical correction in uterine torsion cases in Egyptian buffalo-cows (Bubalus bubalis).

Background: According to reports, the majority of domesticated species exhibited uterine torsion. It was occasionally noted as a cause of dystocia in buffaloes. The uterus might twist more frequently late in pregnancy because of certain animal traits.

Graphene oxide-induced, reactive oxygen species-mediated mitochondrial dysfunctions and apoptosis: high-dose toxicity in normal cells.

The cytotoxic effects of graphene oxide nanoparticles (GONPs) using MTT assays, observance of apoptotic markers, and oxidative stress were outlined. Rat embryonic fibroblasts (REFs) and human epithelial breast cells (HBLs) were used at 250, 500 and 750 μg/ml concentrations. Significant cytotoxic and apoptotic effects were observed.

Neonatal sepsis and its associated factors among neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit in Wachemo University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Southern Ethiopia, 2022.

Background: Neonatal sepsis is a major public health problem worldwide. It is one of the leading causes of neonatal mortality and morbidity worldwide. The neonatal mortality rate is higher in developing countries, where the extent and causes of neonatal sepsis are not yet known.

Neuroprotective effect of quercetin nanoparticles: A possible prophylactic effect in cerebellar neurodegenerative disorders.

Memory deficit, anxiety, coordination deficit and depression are common neurological disorders attributed to aluminum (Al) buildup in the nervous system. Quercetin nanoparticles (QNPs) are a newly developed effective neuroprotectant. We aimed to investigate the potential protective and therapeutic effects of QNPs in Al induced toxicity in rat cerebellum.

Acute and Chronic Ethanol Effects during Adolescence on Neuroimmune Responses: Consequences and Potential Pharmacologic Interventions.

Heavy ethanol consumption during adolescence has been linked to neuroimmune response dysregulation and cognitive deficits in the developing adolescent brain. During adolescence, the brain is particularly susceptible to the pharmacological effects of ethanol that are induced by acute and chronic bouts of exposure. Numerous preclinical rodent model studies have used different ethanol administration techniques, such as intragastric gavage, self-administration, vapor, intraperitoneal, and free access, and while most models indicated proinflammatory neuroimmune responses in the adolescent brain, there are various factors that appear to influence this observation.

Chest X-ray predicts cases of pulmonary tuberculosis among women of reproductive age with acute respiratory symptoms: A multi-center cross-sectional study.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) prevalence is increasing among women of reproductive age (WRA) in sub-Saharan Africa, yet undiagnosed and untreated cases remain rather high with serious health and socio-economic consequences. We aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of TB in WRA seeking health care for acute respiratory symptoms.

Methods: We consecutively enrolled outpatient WRA with acute respiratory symptoms seeking care at four healthcare facilities in Ethiopia between July 2019 and December 2020.

Allele-Specific Gene Regulation, Phenotypes, and Therapeutic Vulnerabilities in Estrogen Receptor Alpha-Mutant Endometrial Cancer.

Unlabelled: Activating estrogen receptor alpha (ER; also known as ESR1) mutations are present in primary endometrial and metastatic breast cancers, promoting estrogen-independent activation of the receptor. Functional characterizations in breast cancer have established unique molecular and phenotypic consequences of the receptor, yet the impact of ER mutations in endometrial cancer has not been fully explored. In this study, we used CRISPR-Cas9 to model the clinically prevalent ER-Y537S mutation and compared results with ER-D538G to discover allele-specific differences between ER mutations in endometrial cancer.

Task shifting and community engagement as the keys to increasing access to modern contraception: Findings from mixed methods operational research in coastal Kenya.

Rationale: Kilifi County, Kenya, has a modern contraceptive prevalence of 44%, compared to the national prevalence of 61%. In 2018, the Government of Kenya and Population Services Kenya implemented a pilot project in Kilifi to improve contraceptive awareness and access.

Aims And Objectives: The Riziki Demonstration Project task shifted contraceptive injectable and implant provision to community health extension workers (CHEWs) and supported community engagement led by community health volunteers (CHVs).

Comparison of the therapeutic effects between stem cells and exosomes in primary ovarian insufficiency: as promising as cells but different persistency and dosage.

Background: Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) refers to the loss of ovarian function under the age of 40 and results in amenorrhea and infertility. Our previous studies have shown that transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and MSC-derived exosomes in chemotherapy-induced POI mouse ovaries can reverse the POI and eventually achieve pregnancy. Based on our recent studies, MSC-derived exosomes have almost equal therapeutic potentials as transplanted MSCs.

Stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV by health care providers in Egypt.

Objective: HIV/AIDS has been recently increasingly observed in developing countries including Egypt. This study aimed to explore stigma and discrimination attitudes of health care providers (HCPs) in Egypt, as elimination of stigma in healthcare settings is a priority to improve case detection and management.

Methods: A Google form questionnaire using the validated Arabic version of Health Care Provider HIV/AIDS Stigma Scale (HPASS) was sent to physicians and nurses of Ministry of health (MOH) hospitals and University hospitals in 10 randomly selected Governorates in Egypt.

Therapeutic efficacy of pyronaridine-artesunate (Pyramax) against uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum infection at Hamusit Health Centre, Northwest Ethiopia.

Background: Early case detection and prompt treatment are important malaria control and elimination strategies. However, the emergence and rapid spread of drug-resistant strains present a major challenge. This study reports the first therapeutic efficacy profile of pyronaridine-artesunate against uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum in Northwest Ethiopia.