First constitutive heterochromatin characterization and Karyotype of white stork Ciconia ciconia (Aves: Ciconiidae) / Primeira caracterização constitutiva de heterocromatina e cariótipo de cegonhabranca Ciconia ciconia (Aves: Ciconiidae)

The karyotype and constitutive heterochromatin pattern of the white stork Ciconia ciconia samples obtained from Manzala lake, Dimiaat, Egypt was described. Somatic cells of Ciconia ciconia samples have diploid number 2n= 68 chromosomes. Out of 68 chromosomes, 11 pairs including sex chromosomes were macrochromosomes and the remaining pairs were microchromosomes. Of the 11 macrochromosome pairs, no.1, 2, 4 and 5 were submetacentric and pairs no. 6, 7 and 8 were described as metacentric. In addition, the autosome pair no.3 was subtelocentric, while autosome pair no.9 was acrocentric. Also, the sex chromosome Z represents the fourth one in size and it was classified as submetacentric while, W chromosome appeared as medium size and was acrocentric. Furthermore, C-banding pattern (constitutive heterochromatin) revealed variation in their sizes and occurrence between macrochromosomes. Pairs no. 7 and 8 of autosomes exhibited unusual distribution of heterochromatin, where they appeared as entirely heterochromatic. This may be related to the origin of sex chromosomes Z and W. However, there is no sufficient evidence illustrate the appearance of entirely heterochromatic autosomes. Therefore, there is no available cytogenetic literature that describes the C-banding and karyotype of Ciconia Ciconia, so the results herein are important and may assist in cytogenetic study and evolutionary pattern of Ciconiiformes.

O cariótipo e o padrão constitutivo de heterocromatina das amostras de cegonha-branca Ciconia ciconia obtidas no lago Manzala, Dimiaat, Egito, foram descritos. As células somáticas de amostras de Ciconia ciconia possuem número diploide 2n = 68 cromossomos. Dos 68 cromossomos, 11 pares incluindo cromossomos sexuais eram macrocromossomos e os pares restantes eram microcromossomos. Dos 11 pares de macrocromossomos, os nos 1, 2, 4 e 5 eram submetacêntricos, e os pares nos 6, 7 e 8 foram descritos como metacêntricos. Além disso, o par de autossomos no 3 era subtelocêntrico, enquanto o par de autossomos no 9 era acrocêntrico. Além disso, o cromossomo sexual Z representa o quarto em tamanho e foi classificado como submetacêntrico, enquanto o cromossomo W apareceu como de tamanho médio e acrocêntrico. Além disso, o padrão de bandamento C (heterocromatina constitutiva) revelou variação em seus tamanhos e ocorrência entre macrocromossomos. Pares nºs 7 e 8 dos autossomos exibiram distribuição incomum de heterocromatina, onde apareceram como totalmente heterocromáticos. Isso pode estar relacionado à origem dos cromossomos sexuais Z e W. No entanto, não há evidências suficientes para ilustrar o aparecimento de autossomos totalmente heterocromáticos. Portanto, não há literatura citogenética disponível que descreva o bandamento C e o cariótipo de Ciconia ciconia, portanto os resultados aqui apresentados são importantes e podem auxiliar no estudo citogenético e no padrão evolutivo de Ciconiiformes.

First constitutive heterochromatin characterization and Karyotype of white stork Ciconia ciconia (Aves: Ciconiidae)

Abstract The karyotype and constitutive heterochromatin pattern of the white stork Ciconia ciconia samples obtained from Manzala lake, Dimiaat, Egypt was described. Somatic cells of Ciconia ciconia samples have diploid number 2n= 68 chromosomes. Out of 68 chromosomes, 11 pairs including sex chromosomes were macrochromosomes and the remaining pairs were microchromosomes. Of the 11 macrochromosome pairs, no.1, 2, 4 and 5 were submetacentric and pairs no. 6, 7 and 8 were described as metacentric. In addition, the autosome pair no.3 was subtelocentric, while autosome pair no.9 was acrocentric. Also, the sex chromosome Z represents the fourth one in size and it was classified as submetacentric while, W chromosome appeared as medium size and was acrocentric. Furthermore, C-banding pattern (constitutive heterochromatin) revealed variation in their sizes and occurrence between macrochromosomes. Pairs no. 7 and 8 of autosomes exhibited unusual distribution of heterochromatin, where they appeared as entirely heterochromatic. This may be related to the origin of sex chromosomes Z and W. However, there is no sufficient evidence illustrate the appearance of entirely heterochromatic autosomes. Therefore, there is no available cytogenetic literature that describes the C-banding and karyotype of Ciconia Ciconia, so the results herein are important and may assist in cytogenetic study and evolutionary pattern of Ciconiiformes.

Resumo O cariótipo e o padrão constitutivo de heterocromatina das amostras de cegonha-branca Ciconia ciconia obtidas no lago Manzala, Dimiaat, Egito, foram descritos. As células somáticas de amostras de Ciconia ciconia possuem número diploide 2n = 68 cromossomos. Dos 68 cromossomos, 11 pares incluindo cromossomos sexuais eram macrocromossomos e os pares restantes eram microcromossomos. Dos 11 pares de macrocromossomos, os nos 1, 2, 4 e 5 eram submetacêntricos, e os pares nos 6, 7 e 8 foram descritos como metacêntricos. Além disso, o par de autossomos no 3 era subtelocêntrico, enquanto o par de autossomos no 9 era acrocêntrico. Além disso, o cromossomo sexual Z representa o quarto em tamanho e foi classificado como submetacêntrico, enquanto o cromossomo W apareceu como de tamanho médio e acrocêntrico. Além disso, o padrão de bandamento C (heterocromatina constitutiva) revelou variação em seus tamanhos e ocorrência entre macrocromossomos. Pares nos 7 e 8 dos autossomos exibiram distribuição incomum de heterocromatina, onde apareceram como totalmente heterocromáticos. Isso pode estar relacionado à origem dos cromossomos sexuais Z e W. No entanto, não há evidências suficientes para ilustrar o aparecimento de autossomos totalmente heterocromáticos. Portanto, não há literatura citogenética disponível que descreva o bandamento C e o cariótipo de Ciconia ciconia, portanto os resultados aqui apresentados são importantes e podem auxiliar no estudo citogenético e no padrão evolutivo de Ciconiiformes.

First constitutive heterochromatin characterization and Karyotype of white stork Ciconia ciconia (Aves: Ciconiidae) / Primeira caracterização constitutiva de heterocromatina e cariótipo de cegonha-branca Ciconia ciconia (Aves: Ciconiidae)

Abstract The karyotype and constitutive heterochromatin pattern of the white stork Ciconia ciconia samples obtained from Manzala lake, Dimiaat, Egypt was described. Somatic cells of Ciconia ciconia samples have diploid number 2n= 68 chromosomes. Out of 68 chromosomes, 11 pairs including sex chromosomes were macrochromosomes and the remaining pairs were microchromosomes. Of the 11 macrochromosome pairs, no.1, 2, 4 and 5 were submetacentric and pairs no. 6, 7 and 8 were described as metacentric. In addition, the autosome pair no.3 was subtelocentric, while autosome pair no.9 was acrocentric. Also, the sex chromosome Z represents the fourth one in size and it was classified as submetacentric while, W chromosome appeared as medium size and was acrocentric. Furthermore, C-banding pattern (constitutive heterochromatin) revealed variation in their sizes and occurrence between macrochromosomes. Pairs no. 7 and 8 of autosomes exhibited unusual distribution of heterochromatin, where they appeared as entirely heterochromatic. This may be related to the origin of sex chromosomes Z and W. However, there is no sufficient evidence illustrate the appearance of entirely heterochromatic autosomes. Therefore, there is no available cytogenetic literature that describes the C-banding and karyotype of Ciconia Ciconia, so the results herein are important and may assist in cytogenetic study and evolutionary pattern of Ciconiiformes.

Resumo O cariótipo e o padrão constitutivo de heterocromatina das amostras de cegonha-branca Ciconia ciconia obtidas no lago Manzala, Dimiaat, Egito, foram descritos. As células somáticas de amostras de Ciconia ciconia possuem número diploide 2n = 68 cromossomos. Dos 68 cromossomos, 11 pares incluindo cromossomos sexuais eram macrocromossomos e os pares restantes eram microcromossomos. Dos 11 pares de macrocromossomos, os nos 1, 2, 4 e 5 eram submetacêntricos, e os pares nos 6, 7 e 8 foram descritos como metacêntricos. Além disso, o par de autossomos no 3 era subtelocêntrico, enquanto o par de autossomos no 9 era acrocêntrico. Além disso, o cromossomo sexual Z representa o quarto em tamanho e foi classificado como submetacêntrico, enquanto o cromossomo W apareceu como de tamanho médio e acrocêntrico. Além disso, o padrão de bandamento C (heterocromatina constitutiva) revelou variação em seus tamanhos e ocorrência entre macrocromossomos. Pares nos 7 e 8 dos autossomos exibiram distribuição incomum de heterocromatina, onde apareceram como totalmente heterocromáticos. Isso pode estar relacionado à origem dos cromossomos sexuais Z e W. No entanto, não há evidências suficientes para ilustrar o aparecimento de autossomos totalmente heterocromáticos. Portanto, não há literatura citogenética disponível que descreva o bandamento C e o cariótipo de Ciconia ciconia, portanto os resultados aqui apresentados são importantes e podem auxiliar no estudo citogenético e no padrão evolutivo de Ciconiiformes.

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G antibody during COVID-19 pandemic in Fayoum District, Egypt: a community-based pilot survey

Introduction: controlling the worldwide pandemic, coronavirus disease (COVID-19), could be impossible due to the hesitancy about the available vaccines and the difficulty to implement strict restrictions. Little information is available about herd immunity in the highly vulnerable region of North East Africa, Egypt. Objectives: to assess the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic in one of the highly vulnerable populations in Egypt, Fayoum district of Fayoum Governorate. Additionally, to assess the predictive value of symptoms and other associated risk factors towards a positive COVID-19 test. Methods: in this cross-sectional community-based pilot study, immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies that are specific for the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S1-RBD) protein were tested during the period from February 2021 to July 2021. Results: out of 155 participants, 60.6% were SARS-CoV-2 seropositive. Out of symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, 76.5% and 56.2% were seropositive, respectively. Surprisingly, only one individual had received the COVID-19 vaccine. Previous history of COVID-19; such as symptoms and gender are statistically significant predictors of high seroconversion independent of age, comorbidities, and level of education. Conclusion: this study which disclosed unexpectedly high SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion among the Egyptians, might provide a clear insight into COVID-19 transmission patterns and state of immunity. Further study with a larger sample size on a large scale is required to represent the whole local population.

Potential impact of fluorescein angiography as a primary imaging modality in the management of diabetic retinopathy

Purpose: To evaluate current practice patterns for Egyptian ophthalmologists in the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and explore potential implications of these approaches on management. Methods: Cross?sectional survey conducted in Egypt amongst practicing ophthalmologists. Results: The study had 203 responses (~6% of all Egyptian ophthalmologists). A majority of respondents were general ophthalmologists (78.2%), practicing for five to ten years (41.9%). In patients with DR and no diabetic macular edema (DME), 33.0% of respondents would use FA in patients with mild DR, 44.3% in patients with moderate DR and 51.2% in patients with severe non?proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). Color imaging (CI) was used by less than 1% as the sole imaging modality for any level of DR. Approximately 70% of respondents used fluorescein angiography (FA) to grade and base treatment decisions for DR, either alone or in conjunction with dilated eye exams and/or CI. Given the known more severe appearance of DR on FA than on standard color imaging upon which treatment guidelines are based, use of FA as the primary modality over a one?year period could result in PRP that would otherwise not be suggested in approximately 78,820 eyes at an additional cost of $10.1 million US dollars. These numbers are projected to double by 2045. Conclusion: Given that FA detects significantly greater pathology than CI, and that treatment and follow?up recommendations are based on CI, its use as the primary imaging modality in DR grading may result in apparently significantly higher DR severity, with subsequently increased procedures and associated costs

Impact of COVID-19 on Cardiothoracic Surgery: Experience of Alexandria (Egypt) Main University Hospital

ABSTRACT Introduction: The current coronavirus pandemic has greatly strained the limited resources that had previously maintained the sustainability of the high-cost cardiothoracic surgeries in low-income countries like Egypt. Methods: Hospital databases and patients' records were reviewed to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the workflow and waiting lists. Postoperative patients were contacted by telephone for follow-up, as well as preoperative patients whose operations were cancelled. Regular virtual meetings were held, and residents were asked to discuss the stresses, challenges, and their suggestions for the gradual resumption of services. Residents' logbooks were evaluated to assess the disruption of the surgical exposure compared to 2019. Results: While thoracic surgeries have continued to thrive, cardiac surgeries have witnessed the worst consequences, including cancellation of all surgeries, expansion of waiting lists, patients' non-compliance with follow-up, and impaired surgical exposure of junior residents. Conclusion: The gradual recovery of cardiac surgery services in Alexandria (Egypt) is being carefully planned, taking into consideration the backlog of cases and the shortage of screening kits. Careful tiering and triaging of patients by a multidisciplinary team, as well as seeking alternative assessment tools for trainees, are the main lines of our action plan.

Vector-Borne diseases in Egypt: Present status and accelerating toward elimination

Vector borne diseases (VBDs) remain one of the greatest dangers to global health. At least seven VBDs of public health concern are prevalent in Egypt, including schistosomiasis, fascioliasis, lymphatic filariasis, leishmaniasis, malaria, dengue, and Rift Valley fever. Although many of these diseases are preventable by using evidence-based protective measures, VBD expansion patterns over the past few decades pose a significant challenge for modern parasitology and tropical medicine. In their action plan, Egypt did not identify populations at risk of VBDs. Egypt intends to improve its regional and international communication to identify pathogens and infections and develop “One Health”- compliant preparedness and prevention strategies. However, cross-border collaborations are required for the control of VBDs. In this context, we provide a situational analysis and comprehensive review of the epidemiological data on Egypt’s most prevalent VBDs based on an exhaustive search of the major electronic databases and literature from 1950 to 2019. We identified the gaps in Egypt’s preparedness for vector-borne disease threats, including adaptation documents, surveillance and monitoring, environmental management, and preparations for the health system. There is a lack of implementation of an integrated vector management strategy that integrates chemical, environmental, and biological control as well as health education. This necessitates cross-sectoral coordination and community involvement to improve vector control activities and the use, storage, and disposal of pesticides.

Albumin- bilirubin score as a non-invasive serum biomarker for advanced liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in Egyptian patients with chronic hepatitis C infection: A case-control study

Background: In many health systems, primary care is the main source of health care services. Liver cirrhosis is a silent disease that causes no signs or symptoms until decompensation occurs. Therefore, a simple and readily accessible tool for predicting advanced liver fibrosis and cirrhosis is needed to aid general practitioners in primary care settings. Aim: To explore the predictive performance of Albumin Bilirubin (ALBI) score as a non-invasive serum biomarker for advanced liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Methods: This case-control study was conducted at Zagazig University Hospitals, Egypt, and comprised 400 participants divided into two equal groups. Group (I): 200 chronic HCV patients with advanced liver fibrosis and cirrhosis [F3-F4] and Group (II): 200 healthy controls. ALBI score was calculated for all study participants. Results: The AUROC for the ALBI score was 0.832 (95% CI: 0.787-0.872) (p-value) Conclusion: ALBI score is reliable for predicting advanced liver fibrosis and cirrhosis and could be valuable in primary care

DNA barcoding revels first records of three rare coleopteran genera in Northern lakes of Egypt / O código de barras de DNA revela os primeiros registros de três gêneros raros de coleópteros nos lagos do norte do Egito

Abstract One aquatic coleopteran species from family Dytiscidae and two aquatic coleopteran genera from family Hydrophilidae were recorded in the summer period and represent first records in the Egyptian lakes. Beetles were collected from two northern lakes, Lake Idku and Lake Burullus. They were identified by morphological characteristics as well as the mtDNA barcoding method. A molecular phylogenetic approach was used to determine the genetic identity of the collected samples based on the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI). Prodaticus servillianus (Dytiscidae) from Egypt showed no significant difference in the COI region and they are highly similar to P. servillianus from Madagascar. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the other two coleopteran genera belong to family Hydrophilidae. Based on COI only, there is no clear evidence for their genetic identity at the species level. So, we defined them to the closest taxon and denoted them as Cymbiodyta type A and B. The results indicated that resolving the molecular identity of the aquatic beetles from northern lakes of Egypt need more considerations in the field of biological conservation. We concluded that utilization of COI as a barcoding region for identifying some coleopteran species is not sufficient and additional molecular markers are required to uncover the molecular taxonomy at deep levels.

Resumo Uma espécie de coleópteros aquático da família Dytiscidae e dois gêneros de coleópteros aquáticos da família Hydrophilidae foram registrados no período de verão e representam os primeiros registros nos lagos egípcios. Os besouros foram coletados em dois lagos do norte, o lago Idku e o lago Burullus, e identificados por características morfológicas e pelo método de código de barras mtDNA. Uma abordagem filogenética molecular foi usada para determinar a identidade genética das amostras coletadas com base no citocromo oxidase I mitocondrial (COI). Prodaticus servillianus (Dytiscidae) do Egito não mostrou diferença significativa na região COI e é altamente semelhante a P. servillianus de Madagascar. A análise filogenética revelou que os outros dois gêneros de coleópteros pertencem à família Hydrophilidae. Com base apenas no COI, não há evidências claras de sua identidade genética no nível da espécie. Assim, nós os agrupamos no táxon mais próximo e os denominamos Cymbiodyta tipo A e B. Os resultados indicaram que a identidade molecular dos besouros aquáticos dos lagos do norte do Egito precisa de mais considerações no campo da conservação biológica. Concluímos que a utilização de COI como região de código de barras para identificar algumas espécies de coleópteros não é suficiente, sendo necessários marcadores moleculares adicionais para descobrir a taxonomia molecular em níveis profundos.

Isolation and characterization of vancomycin and erythromycin resistant Staphylococcus aureus from Cairo, Egypt

Aims@#Staphylococcus aureus is an important opportunistic human pathogen. The emergence of macrolide and vancomycin resistant S. aureus is of great concern for treatment of S. aureus infections. The current study aimed to investigate the pattern of antibiotic resistance in S. aureus clinical isolates recovered from El Boos Students’ hospital in Cairo, Egypt.@*Methodology and results@#Sixty unduplicated S. aureus isolates were recovered from El Boos Students’ hospital in Cairo, Egypt for 11 months period. The antibiotic susceptibility test revealed that all isolates were resistant to eleven antibiotics, but only 49 S. aureus isolates were resistant to cefoxitin. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of both erythromycin and vancomycin were determined by broth microdilution method. Two methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates showing tolerance to both erythromycin and vancomycin at high concentration were selected for further characterization. One isolate was recovered from eye infection and had MIC at 256 µg/mL of both erythromycin and vancomycin. While another isolate was recovered from throat infection and had MIC of erythromycin and vancomycin up till 512 µg/mL. The presence of resistance genes (ermA, ermB, ermC, mef, msrA, vanA and vanB) were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Both MRSA isolates carried all tested resistance genes.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#This study highlights the concern of presence of multidrug-resistant S. aureus which showed resistance to high concentrations of erythromycin, vancomycin and carried ermA, ermB, ermC, mef, msrA, vanA and vanB genes, therefore imposes risk of failure to treat such infections.

Transformações políticas na produção de sensibilidade na dança do ventre / Political changes in production of sensitivity in belly dancing / Transformaciones políticas en la producción de sensibilidad en la danza del vientre

Este artigo trata da produção de sensibilidades no processo de gestar um corpo dançante na dança do ventre e das transformações políticas daí decorrentes. Este trabalho origina-se de dissertação de mestrado em Psicologia Institucional. O campo de investigação desta pesquisa-intervenção foi um projeto de extensão universitário oferecido a sete mulheres que desconheciam essa modalidade de dança. O recurso do registro das aulas em vídeo constituiu a metodologia, que incluiu ainda uma análise qualitativa deste material, norteada pela concepção deuleuzo-guattariana de arte e pela visão crítica acerca do Orientalismo. Um dos principais resultados obtidos foi a desconstrução da política dominante de sentir e mover-se, gerada pelas sensibilidades e gestualidades suscitadas no processo de aprender a dançar. Depoimentos das participantes presentes nos registros permitem concluir que o processo de gestar um corpo dançante porta uma potência de desestabilização das percepções e sentimentos culturalmente assentados

This article addresses sensitivity production in the process of developing a belly dancing body and the political changes resulting from that. This work comes from a Master's thesis in Institutional Psychology. The research field of this intervention-research was a university extension project offered to seven women who did not know that dance style. Its methodology included recording the classes on video and conducting qualitative analysis of the material under Deuleuze-Guattari's conception of art and the critical view about Orientalism. One of the main results obtained was deconstructing the dominant feeling and movement politics created by the sensitivities and gestures that arose in the dance learning process. Participants' statements in these recordings allow us to conclude that the process of developing a dancing body bears power to destabilize culturally settled perceptions and feelings

Este artículo trata de la producción de sensibilidades en el proceso de gestar un cuerpo danzante en la danza del vientre y las transformaciones políticas de allí derivadas. Este trabajo tiene su origen en una disertación de maestría en Psicología Institucional. El campo investigativo de esta investigación-intervención fue un proyecto de extensión universitaria ofrecido a siete mujeres que desconocían esta modalidad de danza. El registro en video de las clases constituyó la metodología, que incluyó, además, un análisis cualitativo de este material, orientado por la concepción deleuzo-guattariana de arte y por la visión crítica del Orientalismo. Uno de los principales resultados obtenidos fue la desconstrucción de la política dominante de sentir y moverse, generada por las sensibilidades y gestualidades suscitadas en el proceso de aprender a bailar. Testimonios de las participantes presentes en los registros permiten concluir que el proceso de gestar un cuerpo danzante es portador de una potencia de desestabilización de las percepciones y sentimientos culturalmente asentados

Assessment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2/neu gene amplification and expression as a biomarker for radiotherapy and hormonal-treated breast cancer patients in upper Egypt

Background: Breast cancer plays major public health in Egyptian women. In upper Egypt, There is an increase in the incidence of breast cancer compared to other Egyptian areas without know the reasons. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential of HER-2/neu status as one of the important markers to classify the women suffering from breast cancer in upper Egypt and monitoring the responsiveness to different therapies. Settings and Design: The present study was performed on 67 female breast cancer patients in the South Egypt Cancer Institute to evaluate HER-2/neu gene amplification and expression. Patients and Methods: Tissue samples were used for immunohistological analysis of endocrine receptors, HER-2/neu, and HER-2/neu gene amplification. In addition, the blood samples were also used to determine HER-2/neu gene expression. Statistical Analysis: All statistical analyses were performed using Chi-square test. The statistical difference is considered statistically significant at P < 0.05. Results: There was a statistically significant association between HER-2/neu gene expression and the age of patients. There is decrease in the level of HER-2/neu mRNA expression in group treated with chemotherapy and group treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy compared to each group baseline level of HER-2/neu mRNA expression before treatment. On the contrary, the group treated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormonal therapy revealed increase on the level of HER-2/neu mRNA expression when compared with their baseline for the same patients before treatment. Conclusion: We need further studies on the large group of upper Egypt breast cancer patients to confirm that the level of HER-2/neu mRNA expression can be used as a marker for classified them and their response to different treatment

Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with suspected primary immunodeficiency disorders attending Alexandria University Children's Hospital

Background: Current study was conducted to determine the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with suspected primary immunodeficiencies (PID) seen at Alexandria University Children's Hospital.Methods: Eighty one patients with suspected PID were seen at Alexandria University Children's Hospital in one year in the period from September 2016 to October 2017. Demographic data of the patients as well as data related to their disease status were taken and evaluation sheet was developed for all patients.Results: About 61.7% of patients satisfied the criteria of PID based on WHO Scientific Committee. According to modified IUIS classification predominant antibody deficiency was the commonest (34%) followed by other well defined immunodeficiency syndromes (30%), combined immunodeficiencies (16%), phagocytic defects (14%), diseases of immune dysregulation 4% and complement deficiencies (2%). The most frequent disorder was X-linked agammagloulinemia (XLA) (22%). The mean age at diagnosis was 27.4 months. The consanguinity rate was 55.5%. A positive Family history was a strong pointer to diagnosis for PID (46.9%). The commonest clinical presentation was pneumonia (82.7%). 28.4% of patients died from infections. As observed in other patient registries, diagnostic delay remains the major cause of morbidity and mortality.Conclusions: Primary immunodeficiency disorders are not rare in Egyptian children. Creating awareness of PID should be targeted at hospital pediatricians and families with history of PID and this may reveal more cases within the community. The observed high frequency of combined T- and B-cell immunodeficiencies in this cohort made it a health issue in Egypt as in other developing countries.

Prevalence of cesarean section on demand in Assiut Governorate, Egypt

Background: The current study aims to evaluate the prevalence of CS on demand in Women's health hospital, Assiut University and Abnob Central Hospital in Assiut Governorate, Egypt.Methods: A cross sectional study conducted in Assiut Women Health Hospital and Abnob central hospital from January 2017 to December 2017. The total number of cesarean section done was 180 cases and the number of CS on demand was 64 (35.6%). The demographic data were collected by one of the study investigators. Women were asked about the causes of requesting CS before surgery.Results: The study group was 64 women with age ranging from 18-40 years old, 40 primipara and 24 multipara. Of those 24 women, 21 of them previously delivered vaginally and only 3 women delivered by emergency CS. Twenty- six women had a history of previous abortion. Fear of pain was the main cause for CS on demand in the whole study participants (57.8%). In primipara, the main cause for requesting CS is fear of pain in 62.5% of participants followed by fear on the baby in 45 % of women. On the other hand, in multipara, the main cause for CS on demand was bad history of previous experience (60%) followed by fear of pain in 50% of cases. There was statistical significant difference between both groups in only two causes; fear of pelvic floor injuries (50% in multipara vs. 20% in primipara, p=0.02) and bad history of previous experience (60% in multipara vs. 0% in primipara, p=0.001). Other causes were not statistically different.Conclusions: The incidence of cesarean sections performed on request without medical indications is rising. The reasons for this are not only for perceived medical benefit, but also due to social, cultural, and psychological factors.

Screening of social phobia symptoms in a sample of Egyptian university students

Abstract Background Public speaking is a main requisite for academic achievement amongst university students. Epidemiological data on social phobia among University students in the Arab World are scarce. Objectives To screen for social phobia symptoms in a representative sample of Egyptian university students, and to highlight some putative risk factors associated with them. Methods Two thousand nine hundred and nineteen Egyptian university students participated in the study. They were screened for social phobia using Brief Social Phobia Scale (BSPS). Students total and subdomain scores on the BSPS were correlated with their demographic and scholastic variables. Results Social phobia symptoms were estimated to be prevalent among (44%) of the study sample. A significant (p < 0.05) negative correlation was found between students' age and avoidance scores on BSPS and between students' educational year and their scores on fear, avoidance and physiologic subdomains on the BSPS. Regression analysis pointed out to a number of predictive factors for the higher total BSPS scores such as female gender and being a medical student. Discussion Our study demonstrated a high rate of social phobia symptoms in university students. It also demonstrated a number of significant predictive factors associated with the domains of social phobia such as gender, BMI, scholastic year and faculty type.

Factors affecting readmission for asthma exacerbation in children attending Alexandria university children-hospital

Background: The admission rate for bronchial asthma has increased dramatically all over the world. This increase in admission influences the children’s quality of life in addition to health care cost. Objective of the study was to identify the risk factors for readmission because of acute asthmatic attacks.Methods: Case control study applied on asthmatic children admitted because of acute asthma attacks attending emergency room, paediatric intensive care unit and inpatient wards of Alexandria university children's hospital, Alexandria, Egypt in the period from September 2016 to July 2017. The study group was subdivided into 2 groups; group (A) readmitted within one year from first admission and group (B) firstly admitted.Results: The mean age in group (A) and (B) was 9.09±3.98 and 8.65±4.01 respectively. Males were more than females in both groups, and no sex differentiation effects on readmission. The duration of the disease in readmitted group ranged from 1-8 years, it was a risk factor for acute asthma readmission. Viral infection, exercise and dust were risk factors for acute asthma exacerbation readmission. Disease severity was found to have a higher percentage of hospitalization; cases with severe and moderate bronchial asthma compared to mild cases. Readmitted patients had more sleep disturbance and lack of school attendance. Readmitted patients were less adherent to treatment.Conclusions: Duration of the disease, viral infections, common cold, dust and exercise are risk factors for acute asthma readmission. Severity of the disease and adherence to medications affect acute asthma readmission.

Seroprevalence of Cryptosporidium and risks of cryptosporidiosis in residents of Sothern Egypt: A cross-sectional study

Objective: To identify the serological epidemiology of Cryptosporidium infections and to follow up on the changes in the infection profile in Southern Egypt in order to establish a suitable scheme for control and prevention of cryptosporidiosis. Methods: A total of 1 912 (960 from human and 952 from animals) stool specimens and sera were screened for Cryptosporidium species using modified Ziehl Neelsen technique and a newly-developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Environmental risk factors and socioeconomic data were surveyed by questionnaire between September 2016 and December 2017. Results: Totally, 20.83% of the human subjects were positive for Cryptosporidium infection tested by ELISA. The seropositivity was positively correlated with age. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium infections in females was significantly higher than in males (P<0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of ELISA for Cryptosporidium were 99.06% and 88.88%, respectively. Furthermore, a high prevalence of Cryptosporidium in domestic animals (42.20%). Conclusions: The study observed that Cryptosporidium infections are common in the study area, with water sanitation, socioeconomic level; eating habits and hygienic status are considered the main risk factors for cryptosporidiosis. Therefore, environmental sanitation and health education will be useful in reducing the prevalence of infection.

Seroprevalence of Cryptosporidium and risks of cryptosporidiosis in residents of Sothern Egypt: A cross-sectional study

Objective: To identify the serological epidemiology of Cryptosporidium infections and to follow up on the changes in the infection profile in Southern Egypt in order to establish a suitable scheme for control and prevention of cryptosporidiosis. Methods: A total of 1 912 (960 from human and 952 from animals) stool specimens and sera were screened for Cryptosporidium species using modified Ziehl Neelsen technique and a newly-developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Environmental risk factors and socioeconomic data were surveyed by questionnaire between September 2016 and December 2017. Results: Totally, 20.83% of the human subjects were positive for Cryptosporidium infection tested by ELISA. The seropositivity was positively correlated with age. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium infections in females was significantly higher than in males (P<0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of ELISA for Cryptosporidium were 99.06% and 88.88%, respectively. Furthermore, a high prevalence of Cryptosporidium in domestic animals (42.20%). Conclusions: The study observed that Cryptosporidium infections are common in the study area, with water sanitation, socioeconomic level; eating habits and hygienic status are considered the main risk factors for cryptosporidiosis. Therefore, environmental sanitation and health education will be useful in reducing the prevalence of infection.

Effect of Pre-training and Post-training Nordic Exercise on Hamstring Injury Prevention, Recurrence, and Severity in Soccer Players

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of adding Nordic exercise as post-training in decreasing hamstring initial, recurrent injuries rates, and their severity. METHODS: In this randomly controlled trial study, 34 professional football players aged 21 to 35 years were randomly assigned into two groups (17 players each) from Sporting clubs at Alexandria, Egypt. For group one, Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) was performed pre-training and post-training. For group two, NHE was only performed pre-training. The control group was the same team during the previous season. Length of the trial was 12 weeks. The Australian football association injury form was used to collect incidence of injuries for each subject in both groups. RESULTS: Pooled results based on total injuries showed that group one had significantly less hamstring initial injuries (92% less) than the previous season, while group two had 80% less initial injuries and 85% less recurrent injuries than previous season. Regarding the severity of injuries in term of mean number of absent days, it was 1 day for group one and 2.7 days for group two while it was 7.95 days for the previous season during total risk time of 116.3±13.2 and 117.6±5.7 exposure hours for group one and group two, respectively. CONCLUSION: The use of NHE as a prevention protocol was effective in reducing all hamstring injuries with the use of NHE during pre-training and post-training having the greatest effect.

Vegetation Composition Related to Environmental Factors along the International Highway-West Alexandria, Egypt

The present study aimed to characterize the ecological features of the vegetation along the international coastal road from El-Ajami to Ras El-Hekma, West Alexandria, Egypt. The cluster analysis of 60 stands was performed using the Community Analysis Package program and Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA). Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was used to identify the ecological relationships between the vegetation and the environment along the roadside. The total number of the recorded plant species surveyed in the present study was 84 species belonging to 74 genera and related to 25 families. Asteraceae, Poaceae, Fabaceae, and Chenopodiaceae were the largest families (53.57% of the total species, collectively). Therophytes is the most abundant life forms. Mediterranean chorotype (58.32%) was the most represented. On the basis of the presence values, cluster analysis yielded four vegetation groups. Group A was dominated by Carthamus tenuis, group B by Lactuca serriola, group C by Bromus diandrus and group D by Suaeda pruinosa. The application of CCA showed that the percentages of porosity, organic carbon, CaCO3, Cl-, SO4--, HCO3 and cations are the most effective soil variables. Generally, the coastal sector in Egypt suffers from unplanned development and salinization of the soil, so the development of the highway needs a balance between conservation and development.