Policies for expanding family planning coverage: lessons from five successful countries.

Background: Enhancing the design of family planning interventions is crucial for promoting gender equality and improving maternal and child health outcomes. We identified, critically appraised, and synthesized policies and strategies from five selected countries that successfully increased family planning coverage. Methods: We conducted a policy analysis through a scoping review and document search, focusing on documents published from 1950 to 2023 that examined or assessed policies aimed at enhancing family planning coverage in Brazil, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Rwanda. A search was conducted through PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science. Government documents and conference proceedings were also critically analyzed. National health surveys were analyzed to estimate time trends in demand for family planning satisfied by modern methods (mDFPS) at the national level and by wealth. Changes in the method mix were also assessed. The findings of the studies were presented in a narrative synthesis. Findings: We selected 231 studies, in which 196 policies were identified. All countries started to endorse family planning in the 1960s, with the number of identified policies ranging between 21 in Ecuador and 52 in Ethiopia. Most of the policies exclusively targeted women and were related to supplying contraceptives and enhancing the quality of the services. Little focus was found on monitoring and evaluation of the policies implemented. Conclusion: Among the five selected countries, a multitude of actions were happening simultaneously, each with its own vigor and enthusiasm. Our findings highlight that these five countries were successful in increasing family planning coverage by implementing broader multi-sectoral policies and considering the diverse needs of the population, as well as the specific contextual factors at play. Successful policies require a nuanced consideration of how these policies align with each culture's framework, recognizing that both sociocultural norms and the impact of past public policies shape the current state of family planning.

A gastric sarcoma from 3000 years ago: paleopathological diagnosis at the field.

OBJECTIVE: Ancient remains tell a lot to those who can solve their mysteries. Mummified remains of individuals have the potential to tell their life stories. Pathological conditions in mummies are identified, commonly, thorough macroscopic inspection and radiological techniques. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 2017, a hypogeum tomb was excavated close to the courtyard of Djehuty's tomb (TT11) at the archaeological site of the Spanish Djehuty Project in Luxor (Egypt). In Sector 10, a set of at least 10 mummies were recovered. All showed clear signs of plundering and were found scattered at the site. Wrappings and associated goods indicated that the individuals were from the first half of the 20th dynasty (922 to 888 BCE). RESULTS: All the individuals were male and from a high social status. Upon removing the individuals for study, two dried stomachs were found. There were clear macroscopic differences. A field histological analysis was performed which revealed that the stomach that showed no alterations, at first glance, presented a pathological pattern that was compatible with gastric sarcoma. CONCLUSIONS: Malignant diseases are seldom described in Paleopathology; to our knowledge, this is the oldest and most unique case of this type of pathology in mummies worldwide.

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.

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.(AU)

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.(AU)

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.(AU)

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.(AU)

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.

Galilei's mutter, archeoprimatology, and the ´blue´ monkeys of Thera: a comment on Pruetz and Greenlaw (2021).

A recent debate on the taxonomic identification of the monkeys depicted in a fresco from Room 6 of Building Complex Beta in the Bronze Age town of Akrotiri, Thera (Greece) has triggered a multitude of different interpretations deriving from a fruitful exchange of diverse academic approaches. Thus, Pareja et al. (Primates 61:159-168, 2020a) identified those Aegean monkeys as Asian langurs (Semnopithecus spp.), whereas Urbani and Youlatos (Antiquity 94:e9, 2020a) and Binnberg et al. (J Gr Archaeol 6:in press, 2021) argued for the identification as African vervets (Chlorocebus spp.), and recently Pruetz and Greenlaw (Primates 62:703-707, 2021) introduced the African L'Hoest's monkeys (Allochrocebus lhoesti) and Diana monkeys (Cercopithecus diana) into the debate. This comment intends to present thoughts on the latter contention. In this context, our approach encompassed the morphological analysis of specific features of the face and torso, the cultural context of the use of the blue color for representing the Aegean monkeys, the detailed artistic rendering of Aegean painters, the geographical distribution ranges of the potential candidate monkey species, and the historical context of trading monkeys or exchanging monkey imageries in the eastern Mediterranean region and Africa. All this evidence supports our contention that vervets still represent the most parsimonious models for the monkeys depicted in Room 6. This debate, based on multidisciplinary research, stands as a constructive example for the perspectives that need to be followed for the development of archeoprimatology.

Anatomopathological, ultrastructural, immunohistochemical and molecular characterization of infectious laryngotracheitis outbreaks in poultry farms in Egypt (2018–2020)

Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is a severe respiratory disease, which causes high morbidity and mortality in affected birds. In our study, ILT were reported in 42 farms from nine governates over two years (2018–2020) that showed clinical signs of ILT including dyspnea, blood expectoration of, excessive lacrimation, rattling, conjunctivitis. The disease affected different chicken breeds and age groups despite vaccination with licensed and commonly used vaccines. Samples of larynx, trachea, lungs and air sacs were examined and collected for histopathological, ultrastructural, immunohistochemical examination and molecular detection. Gross examination of laryngeal and tracheal lumen revealed different types of exudate varied from catarrhal to fibrinonecotric, also pneumonia and airsacculitis were detected. Histopathological examination showed different alternation in larynx, trachea, lung and air sac as characteristic syncytial cells containing intranuclear inclusion body hanged in fibrinoheterphilic exudate that precent in laryngeal, tracheal, bronchial and parabronchial lumen and air sacs. Tracheal lesion scoring system was used to categorize the severity of lesion in different governates. Tracheal lesion score showed that 6.02%, 26.5%, 43.3% of the birds exhibited mild, moderate, and severe changes, respectively, while 24.18% of the birds exhibited very severe changes. Furthermore, severe cases were related to the Qalyubia , Fayoum then Sharkia Governorate. Moreover, immunohistochemistry was used to detect viral particles in syncytial cells, inflammatory cells beside epithelium of trachea and lung. Transmission electron microscopy enabled the detection of virus particles and demonstrated that heterophils could be infected. PCR targeting a region in the thymidine kinase gene and glycoprotein gJ gene confirmed the presence of infectious laryngotracheitis ILT virus-specific DNA. In conclusion, anatomopathological, immunohistochemical, molecular and ultrastructural findings showed increased of ILTV severity in Egypt. Larynx, trachea, lungs and air sac should be collected and examined that aid in diagnosis. Importance of good biosecurity level to be considered.

Anatomopathological, ultrastructural, immunohistochemical and molecular characterization of infectious laryngotracheitis outbreaks in poultry farms in Egypt (2018–2020)

Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is a severe respiratory disease, which causes high morbidity and mortality in affected birds. In our study, ILT were reported in 42 farms from nine governates over two years (2018–2020) that showed clinical signs of ILT including dyspnea, blood expectoration of, excessive lacrimation, rattling, conjunctivitis. The disease affected different chicken breeds and age groups despite vaccination with licensed and commonly used vaccines. Samples of larynx, trachea, lungs and air sacs were examined and collected for histopathological, ultrastructural, immunohistochemical examination and molecular detection. Gross examination of laryngeal and tracheal lumen revealed different types of exudate varied from catarrhal to fibrinonecotric, also pneumonia and airsacculitis were detected. Histopathological examination showed different alternation in larynx, trachea, lung and air sac as characteristic syncytial cells containing intranuclear inclusion body hanged in fibrinoheterphilic exudate that precent in laryngeal, tracheal, bronchial and parabronchial lumen and air sacs. Tracheal lesion scoring system was used to categorize the severity of lesion in different governates. Tracheal lesion score showed that 6.02%, 26.5%, 43.3% of the birds exhibited mild, moderate, and severe changes, respectively, while 24.18% of the birds exhibited very severe changes. Furthermore, severe cases were related to the Qalyubia , Fayoum then Sharkia Governorate. Moreover, immunohistochemistry was used to detect viral particles in syncytial cells, inflammatory cells beside epithelium of trachea and lung. Transmission electron microscopy enabled the detection of virus particles and demonstrated that heterophils could be infected. PCR targeting a region in the thymidine kinase gene and glycoprotein gJ gene confirmed the presence of infectious laryngotracheitis ILT virus-specific DNA. In conclusion, anatomopathological, immunohistochemical, molecular and ultrastructural findings showed increased of ILTV severity in Egypt. Larynx, trachea, lungs and air sac should be collected and examined that aid in diagnosis. Importance of good biosecurity level to be considered.(AU)

Studies on infectious myonecrosis virus (IMNV) and infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV) in cultured penaeid shrimp in Egypt.

The present study aimed to diagnose infectious myonecrosis virus (IMNV) and infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV) among cultured penaeid shrimp (Penaeus semisulcatus, n = 120) collected from private farms in 2 Egyptian provinces (Damietta and North Sinai) along the Mediterranean coast. The collected shrimp were subjected to clinical examination, histopathology, molecular characterization, and phylogenetic analysis. Most of the shrimp infected with IMNV showed a distinctive appearance resembling cooked shrimp and white necrosis on distal abdominal segments and tail fans. Simultaneously, IHHNV-infected cases displayed opaque abdominal muscles, white milky to buff mottling on the shell, and a pathognomonic runt-deformity syndrome. Histopathological examination of infected specimens revealed muscular edema, hemocyte infiltration, deformities, Zenker's necrosis, and eosinophilic intra-nuclear inclusion bodies (Cowdry type A). PCR results gave predictable amplicon sizes of 139 and 81 bp and confirmed the presence of IMNV and IHHNV with a total prevalence of 37.5 and 25%, respectively. A homology search by BLAST analysis showed that the retrieved isolates putatively belonged to IMNV and IHHNV based on 96.3 to 97% nucleotide identity to the corresponding open reading frame gene of each virus. The phylogenetic analysis clearly showed genetic similarity and cross-lineage between our isolates and other isolates from Egypt, the USA, Brazil, Indonesia, China, Korea, Taiwan, and Ecuador. In conclusion, gross inspection and histopathology may aid in the diagnosis of viral diseases; however, molecular tools are indispensable for confirming a possible infection. The current study recommends strict regulations during live shrimp transportation and implementing health control certificates over all imports and exports, especially in developing countries, including Egypt.

Occam's razor, archeoprimatology, and the 'blue' monkeys of Thera: a reply to Pareja et al. (2020).

Recently, Pareja et al. (Primates, 61:159-168,  https://doi.org/10.1007/s10329-019-00778-1 2020) published a report suggesting that the monkeys represented by Minoans in Room 6 of Building Complex Beta at Akrotiri, Thera (present-day Greece) allegedly represented Hanuman or gray langurs (Semnopithecus spp.). This conjecture was based only on the posture of the tail, as it might be reminiscent of those observed in these Asian monkeys. In order to examine this hypothesis, we performed a thorough analysis of tail postures in both langurs and vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus spp.), a detailed description of body and facial characteristics of the Minoan painted monkeys, and an exhaustive review of the current evidence regarding Minoan archeoprimatological frescos and portable objects as well as proposed cultural and trading contacts between the Bronze Age Aegean, Egypt, the Levant, Near East, and the Indus River Valley. Our findings show that their assumption is unfounded and that the monkeys depicted on the walls of the referred fresco, as well as others related frescoes from Thera and Crete, are of African origin and more specifically belong to Chlorocebus spp. and Papio spp. In all cases, hopefully Pareja et al. (2020) and this reply will serve to stimulate further archeoprimatological studies.

Ex post adjustment for measurement error in stunting calculations: an illustration from Egypt.

OBJECTIVE: The present study provides ranges for the magnitude of bias caused by measurement error in stunting rates, a widely used a proxy for long-term nutritional status. DESIGN: Stunting, which is determined by the number of cases that fall below -2 sd from the mean height-for-age in the population, mechanically increases with higher variance. This variance stems from both natural heterogeneity in the population and measurement error. To isolate the effect of measurement error, we model the true distributions which could give rise to the observed distributions after subtracting a simulated measurement error. SETTING: We analyse information from three rounds of the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) in Egypt (2005, 2008 and 2014). Egypt ranks high among developing countries with low-quality anthropometric data collected in the DHS, currently the main source of anthropometry in the country. PARTICIPANTS: The study relies on re-analysis of existing DHS data, which record height, weight and age data for children under 5 years old. RESULTS: Under the most conservative assumptions about measurement error, the stunting rate falls by 4 percentage points for the most recent DHS round, while assuming higher levels of measurement error reduces the stunting rate more dramatically. CONCLUSIONS: Researchers should be aware of and adjust for data quality concerns in calculating stunting rates for cross-survey comparisons or in communicating to policy makers.

Pattern and interpretation of hepatitis B virus markers among pregnant women in North East Egypt.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B vaccination of newborns (HBV) and surveillance of pregnant women during antenatal care are complementary to prevent mother to child transmission (MTCT) of HBV infection. AIM: The aim was to identify the prevalence and pattern of HBV infection in pregnant women born before and after implementing HBV vaccination of newborn in Egypt. METHODS: The study included 600 women attended antenatal clinic of the Suez Canal University Hospital, Ismailia, Egypt. All were inquired about risk factors of HBV infection, vaccination, and screened for hepatitis markers. HBsAg carriers were tested for HBeAg, HBeAb, ALT, and HBV DNA. Participants were divided into group 1 of 285 (47.5%) vaccinated women ≤ 25 years, and 315 (52.5%) non-vaccinated > 25 years. RESULTS: The prevalence of HBcAg, HBsAg, and HBsAb were 18.3%, 5.0%, and 30.7%. Of the 110 women exposed to infection, 40 (36.4%) cleared infection, 30 (27.2%) were HBsAg carriers, and 40 (36.4%) showed isolated HBcAb. HBsAg carriers were HBeAg negative, HBeAb positive, and HBV-DNA positive and had high ALT. Group 1 had significantly higher frequency of vaccination-related immunity, lower frequency of isolated HBcAb, and susceptibles than group 2 (44.9%, 3.5%, and 38.6% vs. 4.1%, 9.5%, and 75.9% ). The prevalence of HBV exposure and chronic HBsAb carriers in both groups were close (4.9% and 16.5% for group 1 vs. 5.1% and 20% for group 2, p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although the outcomes of HBV infection were favorable in vaccinated group, chronic HBV represents a potential risk for MTCT that necessitates screening during pregnancy in all public health care settings.

DNA barcoding revels first records of three rare coleopteran genera in Northern lakes of Egypt.

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.

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

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.