The forgotten oral microbial transplantation for improving the outcomes of COVID-19.

Ever since the uncovering of the severe discrepancy of COVID-19 manifestations, irrespective of viral load, scientists have raced to locate and manage factors contributing to the genesis of a critical state. Recent evidence delineates the role of oral dysbiosis in the development of low-grade inflammation, characterized by the increase of inflammatory cytokines common to those fundamental to the development of severe COVID. Furthermore, high periodontopathic bacteria were recorded in severe acute respiratory syndrome in COVID patients, as well as its common provoking comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension. This can be explained by the immigration and elimination of oral bacteria into the airways, which, in the context of an injured lung, allows for their preferential overgrowth familiar to that, causing the progression to advanced lung diseases. This is why we indicate the promising usage of oral microbiome transplantation as a treatment of oral microbial dysbiosis, not only associated with the worst outcomes of COVID-19 but also in other disorders of low-grade inflammation.

Effect of clomiphene citrate on endometrial thickness, ovulation, pregnancy and live birth in anovulatory women: systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the impact of clomiphene citrate (CC) vs other drug regimens on mid-cycle endometrial thickness (EMT), ovulation, pregnancy and live birth rates in women with World Health Organization (WHO) group II ovulatory disorders. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, The Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials (CENTRAL) and the non-MEDLINE subset of PubMed from inception to December 2016 and cross-checked references of relevant articles. We included only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing CC used alone vs other drug regimens for ovulation induction in women with WHO group II anovulation. Outcomes were mid-cycle EMT, ovulation, pregnancy and live birth rates. We pooled weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for continuous variables (EMT) and risk ratios (RR) with 95% CI for binary variables (ovulation, pregnancy and live birth rates). RESULTS: We retrieved 1718 articles of which 33 RCTs (4349 women, 7210 ovulation induction cycles) were included. In 15 RCTs that compared CC with letrozole, EMT was lower in the CC group (1957 women, 3892 cycles; WMD, -1.39; 95% CI, -2.27 to -0.51; I2 = 100%), ovulation rates after CC and letrozole were comparable (1710 women, 3217 cycles; RR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.90-1.04; I2 = 47%), while CC led to a lower pregnancy rate (1957 women, 3892 cycles; RR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.63-0.95; I2 = 43%) and a lower live birth rate (RR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.49-0.98; I2 = 35%). In two RCTs that compared CC with CC plus metformin, EMT, ovulation and pregnancy rates were comparable (101 women, 140 cycles; WMD, -0.23; 95% CI, -0.92 to 0.45; I2 = 78%; RR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.67-1.06; I2 = 0%; and RR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.33-1.87; I2 = 0%). In three studies that compared CC with CC plus N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), EMT was lower in the CC group (340 women, 300 cycles; WMD, -1.51; 95% CI, -1.98 to -1.04; I2 = 45%). In two studies that compared CC with CC + nitric oxide (NO) donor, EMT was lower in the CC group (120 women, 304 cycles; WMD, -1.75; 95% CI, -2.08 to -1.41; I2 = 0%). Compared with CC plus NO donor or NAC, CC showed statistically significant lower ovulation and pregnancy rates. Compared with tamoxifen in three studies, CC showed a tendency towards lower EMT (571 women, 844 cycles; WMD, -1.34; 95% CI, -2.70 to 0.01; I2 = 96%) with comparable ovulation and pregnancy rates. CONCLUSIONS: In women with WHO group II ovulatory disorders, ovulation induction with CC might result in lower EMT than other ovulation induction regimens. Whether the lower EMT caused the lower pregnancy and live birth rates remains to be elucidated. Letrozole seems to be beneficial for these women. However, our findings should be interpreted with caution as the quality of evidence was very low. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Protective efficacy of a prime-boost protocol using H5-DNA plasmid as prime and inactivated H5N2 vaccine as the booster against the Egyptian avian influenza challenge virus.

In this study, a recombinant DNA plasmid was constructed, encoding for HA1 of a selected Egyptian H5N1 virus (isolated during the 2012 outbreaks). In the immunization and challenge experiments, SPF chickens received 1 or 2 doses of H5-DNA plasmid prime, and boosted with the inactivated H5N2 vaccine. Haemagglutination inhibition (HI) titers, protection levels, and the magnitude of virus shedding were compared to that of the chickens that received either DNA plasmid or inactivated H5N2 vaccine alone. H5N1 virus A/chicken/Egypt/128s/2012 (H5N1) highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) clade 2.2.1/C was used for the challenge. Chickens immunized with 1 or 2 doses of H5-DNA vaccine failed to overcome the challenge with 0% and 10% protection, respectively. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR revealed virus shedding of 2.2 x 104 PCR copies/ml 3 days post challenge (dpc) in the only surviving bird from the group that received 2 doses of plasmid. However, chickens immunized with 1 or 2 doses of H5-DNA plasmid as prime and inactivated H5N2 vaccine as booster, showed 80% protection after challenge, with a viral shedding of 1.2 x 104 PCR copies/ml (1 dose) and 1.6 x 104 PCR copies/ml (2 doses) 3 dpc. The surviving birds in both groups did not shed the virus at 5 and 7 dpc. In H5N2-vaccinated chickens, protection levels were 70% with relatively high virus shedding (1.8 x 104 PCR copies/ml) 3 dpc. HI titers were protective to the surviving chickens. This study reports the efficacy of H5-DNA plasmid to augment reduction in viral shedding and to provide better protection when applied in a prime-boost program with the inactivated AI vaccine.

Design, optimization and fabrication of a 28.3†THz nano-rectenna for infrared detection and rectification.

The increasing energy demands of the world's population and the quickly diminishing fossil fuel reserves together suggest the urgent need to secure long-lasting alternative and renewable energy resources. Here, we present a THz antenna integrated with a rectifier (rectenna) for harvesting infrared energy. We demonstrate a resonant bowtie antenna that has been optimized to produce highly enhanced localized fields at the bow tip. To benefit from this enhancement, the rectifier is realized between the overlapped antenna's arms using a 0.7 nm copper oxide. The thin film diode offers low zero bias resistance of 500 Ω, thus improving the impedance matching with the antenna. In addition, the rectenna prototype demonstrates high zero bias responsivity (4 A/W), which is critical in producing DC current directly from THz signals without the application of an external electric source, particularly for energy harvesting applications.

When and why Ain Shams University students started smoking?

The present study was carried out to determine the prevalence, age of first starting smoking and the risk factors associated with taking up regular smoking. The study included 1291 University students (861 males and 430 females), their ages ranged from 17 to 28 years. The over all percentage of smokers was 37.9% (52% males and 9% females), and 21% of males and 12% of females started smoking before the age of 14 and 80% of males and 57% of females before reaching 18 years of age. Smoker peer colleagues, high income, owning of a car, and family troubles, using drugs, smoking hashish and drinking alcohol are significant associated risk factors to taking up smoking.

Rheumatic fever and rubella immunity.

Anti-rubella IgG titer was estimated in 106 children: sixty five had acute rheumatic fever and 41 had either a history of rheumatic fever or a definite rheumatic heart disease. Their ages ranged from 6 to 16 years old (11.4 +/- 2.7 years). Sixty two were females and 44 were males. They were compared with 35 control normal subjects of both sexes with no history of rheumatic affection, aged 5 to 14 years (10.2 +/- 3.6 years). The results obtained showed a significantly (p less than 0.001) higher rubella IgG titer level in the controls (1066.5 +/- 8.3) as compared to the rheumatic cases (521.2 +/- 3.0). No differences were found in the rubella antibody titer between cases of acute rheumatic fever and those with history of rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease, nor between males and females in either cases or controls. We suggested that the low rubella IgG levels encountered in the rheumatic cases, make them more susceptible to rheumatic fever affection. In other words, a high immunity level against rubella might also produce an immunity against an agent, possibly related to rubella virus, with a specific role in the development of rheumatic fever. Vaccination against rubella could be worth a trial, for prevention of rheumatic fever.

A study of some factors affecting the dissolution rate enhancement of sulfamethoxazole by crystallization in aqueous surfactant solutions.

Effects of crystallization of poorly water soluble sulfamethoxazole in aqueous surfactants solutions on its in vitro dissolution rates were investigated. Marked enhancement was observed. Infrared spectra studies on the prepared crystals indicated polymorphic changes. Some factors affecting the dissolution rate enhancement of crystals prepared in the presence of surfactant namely, the type of the dissolution apparatus, the method of preparation, the type of surfactant, the concentration of surfactant, and washing and soaking of the crystals, were studied. The results of the different effects and possible mechanisms involved are discussed.

Serum levels of procaine in human after peri-oral injections.

Doses of procaine for dental purposes have been assessed previously as a result of studies of circulating blood levels of procaine after injection of the drug at body sites other than the mouth. This paper reports results of a study of circulating procaine levels in ten healthy volunteers who received 1.8 ml injections of 2% procaine hydrochloride at a defined peri-oral site. General dental practice conditions were simulated as closely as possible. In addition, procaine pharmacokinetics following peri-oral administration were studied. The serum concentration-time data were found to obey the one-compartment open model adequately with first-order absorption and elimination rates.

Factorial design of experiment for stability studies in the development of a tablet formulation.

The stability of chlorpromazine hydrochloride in some hypothetical tablet formulations was evaluated through a fractional factorial design of the type N = 2(6-3). The factors studied were the type of filler (X1), lubricant (X2), binder (X3), disintegrant (X4), the absence or presence of light ( X5 ) and/or humidity ( X6 ). Statistical analysis of the stability data allowed the derivation of a regression equation which determined the magnitude and direction of change of each factor level to optimize drug stability. The significance of the factors could be arranged in the following order: X5 greater than X2 greater than X3 greater than X6 greater than X1. The effects of X4 and the two-factor interaction X2X3 were found to be insignificant. The best multi-component excipient mixture was evaluated on the basis of the information deduced from the factorial design.

Effect of some selected salts and non-ionic surfactants on the antimicrobial activity of nalidixic acid.

The effect of different concentrations of some selected salts, namely, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, ammonium chloride, monosodium dihydrogen phosphate, calcium chloride, dibasic sodium phosphate, sodium sulphate, aluminium chloride and sodium citrate on the antimicrobial activity of nalidixic acid was investigated. It was found that all the salts tested, except aluminium chloride and sodium citrate, exert no antimicrobial activity. The effect of 10% non-ionic surface active agents, namely, Myrj 51, 52, 59, Brij 35, 58, 98, Tween 20, 40, 60, and 80 on the antimicrobial activity of nalidixic acid was studied. The results indicated that the activity of nalidixic acid was decreased in the presence of these surfactants. Furthermore, the effect of different concentrations of sodium chloride on the antimicrobial activity of nalidixic acid-surfactants systems was reported.

Evaluation of marketed and formulated furosemide tablets.

Five commercial brands of furosemide tablets were evaluated using the official and non-official tests of U.S.P. XIX. These tests include: uniformity of weight, hardness, friability and disintegration time. The results obtained showed that most of these brands failed to attain the U.S.P. requirements. The inclusion of different surface active agents in some of the new suggested formulae was proposed for improving the poor properties of such commercial furosemide tablets. In addition to the above quality control tests, dissolution rate studies of the new formulated tablets were carried out. The addition of 11.4% dioctyl sodium sulphosuccinate increased the dissolution rate up to 48.5% after 60 min. On the other hand, the same concentration of sodium lauryl sulphate caused complete tablet dissolution within 45 min. The effect of a higher concentration of sodium lauryl sulphate on the dissolution rate of furosemide has also been examined.

Comparative dissolution rate studies of commercial furosemide tablets.

Five commercial brands of furosemide tablets from different manufacturers, namely, S, F, Ls, L and Fr were elected for this study. The dissolution rate studies of these brands demonstrated vast differences in drug release characteristics. Only two batches of Fr and one batch of F brands fulfilled the U.S.P. dissolution test, while the other failed to meet the requirements of this test. The dissolution rate studies of different batches the same commercial brand showed a larger interlot variation within certain brands. These interlot variations were by far smaller than the dissolution rate differences between the different brands. Studies on the drug content for each furosemide brand showed a great variation between the brands and also within the different batches of the same brand.

Rapid and micro high-pressure liquid chromatographic determination of chloramphenicol in plasma.

A high-pressure liquid chromatographic method was developed for chloramphenicol in plasma. Plasma samples were deproteinized with 2.5 volumes of acetonitrile, and the supernates were chromatographed on a reversed-phase column, using acidified ethanol-water as the mobile phase and UV spectrophotometry for detection. The sensitivity for accurate quantitation of chloramphenicol was about 2.5 microgram/ml in plasma, and concentrations as low as 0.5 microgram/ml could be detected. Only about 8 min is needed for each sample. This method is specific, rapid, and sufficiently sensitive and may be useful for clinical monitoring.

Rapid and micro high-pressure liquid chromatographic method for simultaneous determination of procainamide and N-acetylprocainamide in plasma.

A rapid and simple high-pressure liquid chromatographic method was developed for the simultaneous determination of plasma levels of procainamide and its major metabolite, N-acetonitrile, and the supernate was chromatographed on a cation-exchange column. The assay can be carried out on as little as 20 microliter of plasma and requires only about 7 min for each sample. No interference was found in plasma samples from cardiac patients receiving procainamide. This method is simple, fast, and useful for routine therapeutic monitoring and for pharmacokinetic studies procainamide and its metabolite.

Simple and rapid high-pressure liquid chromatographic simultaneous determination of aspirin, salicylic acid, and salicyluric acid in plasma.

A rapid and sensitive high-pressure liquid chromatographic assay was developed for aspirin, salicylic acid, and salicyluric acid in plasma. The procedure involves the solvent extraction of these compounds from plasma and separation using a reversed-phase column eluted by acidified aqueous acetonitrile. Small quantitites of aspirin can be assayed directly in the presence of a large quantity of salicylic acid. The assay is also free from blank interference.

Simple, rapid and micro high-pressure liquid chromatographic determination of endogenous "true" creatinine in plasma, serum, and urine.

Previously published methods for endogenous creatinine levels in plasma, serum, or urine lack specificity or are subject to interferences from endogenous or exogenous substances. The developed simple, rapid, and specific high-pressure liquid chromatographic method includes the novel deproteinization and extraction of 1 volume of plasma or serum with 2.5 volumes of acetonitrile and also of 1 volume of urine with 40 volumes of a 20% water-80% acetonitrile solution. An aliquot of the supernate is then injected directly into the chromatograph. A cation-exchange column and acidified (0.02% of 85% phosphoric acid) 0.1 M ammonium phosphate solution as the mobile phase, with a flow rate of 2 ml/min, were used. Creatinine, with a retention time of 3.8 min, was monitored via its UV absorption at 215 nm. Both peak heigh and integrated area methods of quantitation yielded the same results. Several methods were employed to show that the "suspected" creatinine peak from plasma samples was due entirely to the "true" creatinine. No interference was found in samples obtained from normal and renal patients. The day-to-day variation in the detector response was small. Each assay requires only about 5 min for completion. Ten microliters of plasma or serum or 1 microliter of urine is sufficient for analysis.

High-performance liquid-chromatographic determination theophylline in plasma.

A high-performance liquid-chromatographic method is reported for monitoring theophylline in plasma. Samples are deproteinized with 2.5 volumes of acetonitrile and the supernates chromatographed on a reversed-phase column. Absorption at 275 nm is monitored. One can accurately measure 1.5 mg of theophylline per liter, in as little as 10 microliter of plasma, and only about 7 min is required per sample. No interference was found in plasma samples from asthmatic patients. This method is particularly useful for routine therapeutic monitoring of both pediatric and adult patients.