E-Workshop on Writing Multiple-Choice Questions: Online Experience during the Period of COVID-19 Crisis.

Based on the recommendations of the Written Examination Review Committee, Faculty of Medicine Suez University (FOMSU), the Dean of the Faculty issued instructions that are necessary to establish a workshop for the faculty members at FOMSU on how to write technically correct multiple-choice questions (MCQs) as soon as possible. In addition, we should cope with the current situation (COVID-19 pandemic) that necessitates the shift from face-to-face to online/distance learning. All staff members should be trained about how to write MCQs.

The study of a possible correlation between serum levels of interleukin 17 and clinical severity in patients with allergic rhinitis.

Introduction: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is one of the most common allergic diseases, which affects ∼20% of the world's population. T-helper (Th) type 2 cells produce interleukin (IL) 4 and IL-13, and mediate allergic responses, and these cytokines have been extensively studied as key players in the atopic airway diseases. However, the involvement of Th17 cells and IL-17 in AR has not been clearly examined.

Association of IL-37 gene polymorphisms with susceptibility to tuberculosis in Saudi subjects.

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most common infectious diseases worldwide. IL-37, a novel member of the IL-1 family, has anti-inflammatory activity. Various cytokine genes polymorphisms are reportedly associated with susceptibility to TB infection.

Molecular identification of mutations associated with anti-tuberculosis drug resistance among strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Background: Understanding the etiologic organism, antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, and transmission of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) can be of great value in optimizing strategies to control and prevent its development and transmission.

Methods: One hundred and fifty-five Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolates from patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in Cairo, Egypt were studied. In vitro drug susceptibility testing against rifampin (RIF), isoniazid (INH), streptomycin (SM), ethambutol (EMB), and pyrazinamide (PZA) was performed.

Strain differentiation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolated from sputum of pulmonary tuberculosis patients.

Objective: This study represents an early attempt to determine the diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Egypt, particularly of drug-resistant strains.

Methods: We characterized 45 Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolates from sputum samples of Egyptian patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, in order to establish a database of strain types and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns.

Results: One Mycobacterium bovis and 44 Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) isolates were identified by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of the oxyR gene.

Single-step PCR using (GACA)4 primer: utility for rapid identification of dermatophyte species and strains.

Dermatophytes are fungi that belong to three genera: Epidermophyton, Microsporum, and Trichophyton. Identification of dermatophyte species is essential for appropriate diagnosis and treatment of dermatophytosis. Routine identification depends on macroscopic and microscopic morphology, which is time-consuming and does not identify dermatophyte strains.

Antimicrobial susceptibility determined by the E test, Löwenstein-Jensen proportion, and DNA sequencing methods among Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates discrepancies, preliminary results.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains resistant to streptomycin (SM), isoniazid (INH), and/or rifampin (RIF) as determined by the conventional Löwenstein-Jensen proportion method (LJPM) were compared with the E test, a minimum inhibitory concentration susceptibility method. Discrepant isolates were further evaluated by BACTEC and by DNA sequence analyses for mutations in genes most often associated with resistance to these drugs (rpsL, katG, inhA, and rpoB). Preliminary discordant E test results were seen in 75% of isolates resistant to SM and in 11% to INH.

Characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolates from the cerebrospinal fluid of meningitis patients at six fever hospitals in Egypt.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolates from cerebrospinal fluid of 67 meningitis patients were obtained from six fever hospitals in Egypt. One M. bovis and 66 M.