bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long non-coding RNA NEAT1/miR-320b/MSI2 axis regulates cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer
Authors: Zhao Chunling , Zi Pingfen , Zhou Degang
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Ovarian cancer (OC) frequently occurs in postmenopausal women and it has higher mortality rate. Accumulating researches proved that long non-coding RNA nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) involved in the progression of chemoresistance in human OC. Here, the study aimed to investigate the partial molecular mechanism of OC chemoresistance.

Material and methods

The levels of NEAT1 and microRNA-320b (miR-320b) were measured by qRT-PCR. Western blot was carried out to determine the protein levels that used in this research. Cell viability was identified via Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). Transwell assay was employed to determine migration and invasion. The relationship between miR-320b and NEAT1 or MSI2 was clarified by dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and RNA pull down assay. Also, a murine xenograft assay was used to explore the effect of NEAT1 on cisplatin resistance in OC in vivo.

Results

The level of NEAT1 was significantly increased in cisplatin resistant OC cell lines. Downregulation of NEAT1 enhanced cisplatin sensibility in OVCAR-3/DDP and HEY/DDP cells. Furthermore, miR-320b was a target of NEAT1, and the effects of knockdown of NEAT1 on the cell viability, IC50 of cisplatin, migration and invasion in OVCAR-3/DDP and HEY/DDP were restored by the inhibitor of miR-320. In addition, miR-320b directly targeted MSI2 to regulate cisplatin sensibility in cisplatin resistant OC cells. In addition, downregulation of NEAT1 decreased cisplatin resistance in OC in vivo.

Conclusions

NEAT1 regulated cisplatin resistance through NEAT1/miR-320b/MSI2 axis in OC, which might offer a novel therapy target for the chemotherapy of OC.
Age-related differences in the prehospital management
of 2,500 patients with sudden cardiac arrest
Authors: Sielski Janusz , Kaziród-Wolski Karol , Solnica Marta , Data Mirosław , Kukla Dominika , Woźnica Kamil , Sadowski Marcin
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Prehospital care affects outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The aim of the study is to analyze age-related differences
in prehospital care and survival after OHCA and to define variables affecting
the efficacy of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Material and methods

We performed analysis of differences in patient
characteristics influencing the efficacy of CPR and analysis of survival in
four age groups: < 65, 65–74, 75–84, and ≥ 85. This retrospective registry-based study aimed to compare prehospital care in OHCA patients across
age groups.

Results

CPR was performed in 2,500 patients. Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) occurred in 1061 subjects. Of them, 339 had incomplete
medical records, 201 survived at least 24 h, 115 up to 30 days and 78 were
alive at 365 days after discharge. The occurrence of shockable rhythms and
the ROSC rate decreased with age. Overall mortality increased with age.
Such factors as age, gender, urban area, home location, time to arrival, and
witnessed OHCA were predictors of the initial shockable rhythm. Gender, urban area, OHCA witnessed by family member, time to arrival, cardiac cause
and shockable rhythm were predictors of ROSC. The risk of death increased
with each age group by about 56% (HR = 1.56, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Shockable initial rhythm and urban location were the strongest predictors of ROSC. Survival at 30 and 365 days after OHCA decreased
in older patients. Survival among older patients with OHCA is worse than
in younger subjects, which results from lower efficacy of resuscitation and
more frequent death declared upon arrival.
An updated quantitative evaluation of the association
between leukaemia risk and XRCC3 Thr241Met
polymorphism
Authors: Drokow Emmanuel , Effah Clement , Amenador Kate Benedicta , Agboyibor Clement , Akpabla Gloria , Ahmed Hafiz Abdul Waqas , Song Juanjuan , Sun Kai
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Several analyses have been conducted to assess the association between leukaemia risk and XRCC3 Thr241Met polymorphism. However, their results are conflicting. Hence, this comprehensive study was carried
out to obtain a more accurate assessment of the association between leukaemia risk and XRCC3 Thr241Met (rs861539) polymorphism

Material and methods

We searched Ovid, Chinese Biomedical Literature
Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Google
Scholar, PubMed database and Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE) for potential eligible studies published as of July 2020. Pooled odds ratio (OR)
and 95% confidence interval (ci) were used in evaluating the strength of
the association between Thr241Met polymorphism of XRCC3 and leukaemia, and the p-value less than 0.05 (p < 0.05) was considered as the level
of significance.

Results

A total of 17 studies consisting of 7241 controls and 4198 cases
met our inclusion criteria. No significant association was observed between
leukaemia risk and Thr241Met polymorphism of XRCC3 across the five genetic variants. In our ethnicity subgroup evaluation, we noted a significant
association between leukaemia risk and Thr241Met polymorphism of XRCC3
among Caucasians under four genetic models. Furthermore, SNP (rs861539)
of XRCC3 has a protective effect among Asians under four genetic models.

Conclusions

Thr241Met polymorphism of XRCC3 has a protective effect in
the Asian population but has oncogenic potential in the Caucasian population.
Study on the mechanism of multi-AGC kinase AT13148 on Notch signaling pathway in glioblastoma
Authors: Li Yanan , Han Guosheng , Min Weijie , Li Mengmeng , Wang Maomao , Chen Chao , Chen Yi , Wang Laixing , Yue Zhijian
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Glioblastoma is the most malignant astrocytoma, and its therapeutic effect is not ideal. Notch signaling pathway plays an important role in tumor proliferation and invasion. Whether small molecule drug AT13148 can affect glioblastoma by regulating Notch signaling pathway is the focus of this study.

Material and methods

In vitro, glioblastoma U87 cell line transfected with sh-ITGB1 (U87sh-ITGB1), U87 cell line transfected with oe-ITGB1 (U87oe-ITGB1) and control group were treated with a small molecular drug AT13148. RT-qPCR, western-blot and clone formation ability assays were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of the ITGB1 and the key gene NOTCH1, as well as the proliferation of cancer cells. Therapeutic effects of AT13148 were examined in vivo using a nude mice model of U87 cells. After treatment with AT13148, volume of tumors were calculated, and RT-qPCR and western-blot were used to evaluate the mRNA and protein expression of the ITGB1 and NOTCH1.

Results

AT13148 inhibits the activity of U87 cells. Lentiviral transfection of sh-ITGB1 and oe-ITGB1 can interfere with the expression of ITGB1 in U87 cells. AT13148 could down-regulate both the expression of ITGB1 and NOTCH1. Moreover, AT13148 affects the cloning ability of U87 cells. AT13148 can also inhibit the proliferation of U87 cells. Furthermore, AT13148 inhibited the proliferation and invasion of transplanted tumors in vivo.

Conclusions

This study indicated that AT13148 could affect the expression of ITGB1 and NOTCH1, which also could be a potential potential anti-glioblastoma small molecule drug candidate in clinic medicine.
Virulence Factors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from ICU
Authors: M. Ismail Yasser , M. Fayed Sahar , H. Wehedy Aliaa
Published: April 2021

Background: P.aeruginosa has many virulence factors which are the main reason for
infection and the emergence of antibiotic resistance leading to an increase of morbidity
and mortality. Currently, multidrug resistance is the hardest problem, which made it
imperative to search for alternative treatment strategies. Objective: detection of some
phenotypic virulence factors of P.aeruginosa isolated from ICU patients and the
possibility of any antibiotic resistance related to certain virulence factors released by P.
aeruginosa. Methodology: Our study was carried out on patients admitted to ICU
Department in Benha University Hospital and infected with P.aeruginosa, the isolates
subjected to phenotypic detection of the virulence factors: phospholipase, alkaline
protease, lipase, gelatinase, esculin hydrolysis, biofilm formation, hemolysin and DNase
production using specific media for each and evaluation of the antibiotic susceptability
pattern using Kirby Bauer disk diffusion assay. Results: P.aeruginosa virulence factors
were recorded as follow: hemolysin (70%) followed by alkaline protease (68%),
phospholipase (62%), gelatinase & biofilm formation (60%) for each, lipase & bile
esculin hydrolysis (54%) for each and DNase (2%).High antibiotic resistance was
detected to mostly all of the used antibiotic discs. Also, presence of invasive device,
prolonged hospital stay, ICU stay and higher number of virulence factors were
associated with poor outcome. Conclusions: Production of different phenotypic
virulence factors in high amount reflects their important role in spread of infection and
pathogenicity with increased antibiotic resistance. Therefore finding anti-virulence
factors as adjuvant therapy has an important role in treatment of P. aeruginosa
especially MDR isolates.
Estimating awareness of health care workers and degree of implementation of antimicrobial resistance policies; a cross-sectional study from Egypt
Authors: F.A. Hussein Amira , E. Ali Hamid
Published: April 2021

Background: The problem of Antimicrobial resistance crises (AMR) is a threat to health
and economy. Misuse of antimicrobials in human, animals and plants, lead to evolution
of more aggressive bacterial strains that are resistant to most of known antimicrobials.
Projections suggest that the problem will cause economic inequality, and numerous
speculations about a near health crises mostly in developing countries where the burden of resistance is highest. The objective of this study is to assess awareness and degree of implementation of world health organization WHO strategies of antimicrobial
resistance; an initiative for improvement. Methodology: analytical, cross- sectional
study that employed interviews for implementation of the research. Results: 100% of
HCW are aware of antimicrobial resistance problem. 45% of physicians have their
policy in treatment with antibiotics while 35% have no policies at all. Regarding training
in infection control, only nurses received training about infection control while other
HCW do not. Infection control practitioners are the only ones aware of surveillance and
research in infection control; while others do not. Conclusion: Global action plan
objectives of WHO are partially implemented. Lack of standardized policies and
regulations in antibiotic stewardship, infection control; in addition, absence of
programmed training for physicians about infection prevention control are among the
main finding in impeding the application of WHO objectives.
Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) role in diagnosis of complications of liver cirrhosis
Authors: K. Nassar Dalia , F. Elkenawy Mohamed , M. El-Naggar Mohammed , A. Khali El-Sayed , I. Barakat Ghada
Published: April 2021

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a 25-kDa glycoprotein that is
normally expressed at very low levels in several human tissues. NGAL comprises a
critical component of innate immunity to bacterial infection acting as an acute phase
protein. Also, it is one of the most promising markers for diagnosis of kidney injury.
Abbreviations:
NGAL: Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, AKI: acute kidney injury, kDa: Kilo
Dalton, ACLF: acute on chronic liver failure, LPS: lipopolysaccharides, TNF α: tumor
necrosis factor alpha, SBP: spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.
Detection of Efflux Pumps Overexpression in Flouroquinolone Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: A.S. Okasha Hadir , Y. Omar Nancy , M. ElHefnawy Azza , M. Elghamrawi May
Published: April 2021

Background: P. aeruginosa exhibits several efflux pump systems that allow it to be
resistant to several antimicrobial agents. Phenylalanine arginyl β-naphthylamide
(PAβN) is an Efflux pump inhibitor (EPI) that can inhibit several multidrug efflux
pumps. Objective: This study aimed to detect the efflux pump activity in FQ resistant P.
aeruginosa, and to investigate the role of PAβN on FQ resistance. Methodology: P.
aeruginosa isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing by disc diffusion
and those resistant to ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin were subjected to MIC detection
before and after addition of PAβN. Also reverse transcription RT PCR was done for
detection of mexA, mexC, mexE and mexX genes overexpression in the FQ resistant
strains. Results: After the addition of PAβN, 95.9% and 94.5% of the isolates showed
reduction in MICs of ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin respectively, 8.20% and 27.4% of
the isolates restored susceptibility to those drugs respectively and 8.20% reverted to
levofloxacin intermediate breakpoint. MexE was the most common efflux pump
overexpressed, followed by mexX and mexA. When using EPI 96.8% and 95.3% of the
isolates showed both overexpression and reduction of ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin
MIC respectively. Using a cut- off point of ≥4 fold reduction in levofloxacin MIC
discriminates efflux pump overexpressing from non-overexpressing isolates, (sensitivity
of 70%, specificity of 67%). Conclusion: Efflux pump mediated resistance is an
important mechanism contributing to multidrug resistance in P.aeruginosa as proven
phenotypically and genotypically, with mexE being the most commonly expressed. The
addition of PAβN to levofloxacin could be used as a phenotypic test for detection of
efflux pump overexpressing isolates and may be effective to restore the levofloxacin
susceptibility.
Evaluation of Colistin and Tigecycline Susceptibility Testing Methods for Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii Clinical Isolates
Authors: M. Arafa Roshdan , A.Aboelazm Abeer , M. Saleh Mona , S. Abd Elhameed Hasnaa
Published: April 2021

Background: The evolution of nosocomial infections by multidrug resisitance (MDR)
and extensive drug resistance (XDR) Acinetobacter baumannii and klebsiella
pneumoniae are considered a major health problem owing to the relatively limited
treatment options. Colistin and tigecycline are increasingly used as a last choice for
treatment of these infections. The most accurate antibiotic susceptibility methods for
colistin and tigecycline are still challenging. Objectives: The aim of the current study
was to detect colistin and tigecycline antibiotic susceptibility of K. pneumoniae and A.
baumanii and evaluate disk diffusion (DD), E- test and VITEK 2 automated system
compared to broth dilution (BD) test. Methodology: This study was performed on 35 K.
pneumoniae and 15 A. baumanii clinical isolates collected from patients admitted to
Benha University Hospitals. The isolated strains were identified by the standard
laboratory technique with subspecies identification by VITEK 2 automated system.
Colistin and tigecycline antibiotic susceptibility for K. pneumoniae and A. baumanii
were evaluated by E-test, disk diffusion and VITEK 2 compared to BD as the reference
method. Results: Through the study of the studied k. pneumoniae and A. baumanii
strains, The essential and categorical agreements of colistin suscebtibility were (82% &
80 %) for E-test, (92% & 98%) for VITEK 2 and categorical agreement for DD was
54%. The essential and categorical agreements of tigecycline suscebtibility were (96%
& 98%) for E-test, (88% &78%) for VITEK 2 and categorical agreement for DD was
74%. Conclusion: For colistin, VITEK 2 is considered a reliable method to detect
colistin susceptibility while E-test and disk diffusion showed a poor performance. For
tigecycline, E-test showed the best performance compared to the gold standard test while shortcomings of automated VITEK 2 and manual DD were observed.
Clinical relevance, Speciation, and Antibiogram of Non -Diphtherial Corynebacteria isolated from various clinical samples in a tertiary care hospital in Zagazig, Egypt
Authors: Yahia Shymaa , M. Sami May
Published: April 2021

Background: The non-diphtherial Corynebacteria, also called “Coryneforms” bacteria
are a diversified group of gram positive non sporing bacilli belonging to the genus
Corynebacteria. Such bacteria are considered members of human microbiota (skin,
respiratory and genital mucus membranes). Coryneform bacteria's pathogenic capacity
has been undervalued until recently. Despite of frequently deemed as contaminants,
these bacteria have been correlated to diverse clinical infections recently. Objectives: To
isolate, speciate, and determine antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of clinically relevant
non-diphtherial Corynebacteria from various clinical samples. Methodology: Different
clinical samples (blood, urine, sputum, wound swabs, pus) collected from hospitalized
patients attending at Zagazig University Hospital. The samples were processed and
cultured as per conventional bacteriological methods. A total of 75 clinically relevant
corynebacterial isolates exhibited speciation utilizing matrix-assisted laser desorption
ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) analysis and their
antibiogram was done by disc diffusion method by means of combined guidelines of
Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) as well as British Society for
Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (BSAC) because of lack of definite CLSI guidelines.
Results: The mean age of the studied patients was 64.6 ± 14.9 years, 60% were male and
40% female. A total 75 clinically relevant Corynebacteria species were obtained from
different clinical samples, including wound swabs and pus (53%), sputum (20%), and
blood (17%). Forty two percent were isolated from ICUs. The most prevalent isolated
species was C.amycolatum (27%), C. striatum (20%), and C.jeikieum (16%). Beta
lactam antibiotics showed least activity against Corynebacteria species with resistance
rate against penicillin 76% and ceftriaxone 72%, while all isolates exhibited uniform
sensitivity (100%) against vancomycin as well as linezolid. Conclusion: This study
showed isolation of different clinically relevant non-diaphterial Corynebacteria from
different clinical samples with pus and wound swabs as the most common samples from which Corynebacteria were isolated. In particular, C.amycolatum was the most common isolated species. Beta lactam antibiotics (penicillin, ceftriaxone) showed the least activity while vancomycin and linezolid were the most active agents against nondiapdhterial Corynebacteria isolates. Herein, we confirm diphtheroids’ clinical
importance among different infections that necessitate evaluating their susceptibility
patterns to some common antibacterial agents for guide the best antibiotic to treat
infections caused by these species.
Detection of Human Parvovirus B19 Infection in Children with Chronic Haemolytic Anaemia in Benha University Hospitals
Authors: M. Matta Amal , M. Abd-Elghany Elsayed , A. Aboelazm Abeer , Abo. Zaki, Osama , Abd. Shaker Doaa
Published: April 2021

Background: Due to the tropism of human parvovirus B19 to erythroid progenitor cells,
infection in patients with an underlying hemolytic disorder such as thalassemia,
hereditary spherocytosis, sickle cell disease and Glucose-6-phosphate
dehydrogenase deficiency leads to suppression of erythrocyte formation, referred to as
transient aplasia crisis (TAC), which may be life-threatening. Objectives: Detection of
parvovirus B19 DNA and its IgG antibodies in the serum of children with chronic
hemolytic anemia and in apparently healthy children in Benha University Hospitals.
Methodology: The study was conducted on 80 children. Forty of them with chronic
hemolytic anemia, they were subdivided into 2 groups, Group (1a) included 20 patients
without history of aplastic crisis, Group (Ib) included 20 patients with a history of
aplastic crisis and 40 age and sex-matched apparently healthy children representing
control (Group II). All patients were subjected to full history taking, clinical examination
and laboratory investigations. Parvovirus B19 IgG was measured using anti-parvovirus
B19 ELISA kits (SUNRED), and parvovirus B19 DNA was detected by using nestedpolymerase chain reaction. Results: The seroprevalence of parvovirus B19 IgG was
significantly higher (P value =0.016) in Group Ia (50%) (10 out of 20) and Group Ib
(45%) (9 out of 20) than the control group (Group II) (17.5%) (7 out of 40). There was a
significant positive correlation between anti-parvovirus B19 IgG and age of all patients,
frequency of blood transfusion. The prevalence of parvovirus B19 DNA was 10% (2 out
of 20) in group Ia and 30% (6 out of 20) in group Ib and no viral DNA was detected in
the controls (P value=0.001). Although 42.3% (11 out of 26) of children with β
thalassemia major had a detectable level of antiparvovirus B19 virus IgG antibodies,
only (23.1%) (6 out of 26) of them had B19 DNA. Anti-parvovirus B19 IgG antibodies
were detected in 4 children out of 5 children of sickle cell anemia (80%) but the the
prevalence of Parvovirus B19 DNA was 20% among them. Conclusion: Measures to
keep away from iatrogenic and nosocomial infection transmission should be
implemented including screening of donated blood for parvovirus B19 especially blood
given to patients with blood disorders. Recommendation: Data from this study support
the need for introduction of an approved vaccine that mainly protects children with
chronic hemolytic anemia against that infection.
A PCR Referenced Comparative Study for Evaluation of Different Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA Extraction Methods Directly from Sputum and from LJ Culture Isolates in Egypt
Authors: Elshahawy Heba , B. Rakha Ehab , B. Elhadidi Mona , S. Hamam Sanaa
Published: April 2021

Background: Tuberculosis is a critical infectious disease primarily affecting the lungs
and is more common in developing countries. In the 21st century, it forms a significant
problem for world public health especially with the emergence and rising of drug
resistant TB. Microbiological methods are the clue for the laboratory diagnosis. The
ordinary methods for TB identification showed either weak sensitivity as in microscopy
or lateness for many weeks as in culture. The evolution in molecular biology gives a
chance for fast diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis helping start proper treatment
early and holding its spread. The initial critical step in PCR is DNA extraction.
Objective: The aim to evaluate different extraction methods of Mycobacterium
tuberculosis retrieved directly from sputum samples and from LJ isolates from same
patients and comparing DNA yield using conventional PCR. Methodology: DNA from
32 sputum samples from TB patients extracted by solid, digestion and phenol extraction
methods, DNA from 40 LJ isolates extracted by solid, boiling and Cetyl
trimethylammonium bromide methods. Extracted DNA was evaluated by conventional
PCR. Results: Among 32 sputum samples, the extracted DNA by phenol method was
21/32 (65.62%) with highest DNA yield, digestion method 14/32 (43.75%) and solid
phase method 1/32 (2.5%) with least DNA yield. From 40 MTB LJ culture isolates, the
extracted DNA by boiling method was 28/40 (70%), CTAB method 18/40 (45%) and
solid phase method 2/40 (5%). Conclusion: Phenol method was the best method (mean
rank 2.34) for DNA extraction from sputum samples, while the easy and economic
boiling method was the best method (mean rank 2.45) for DNA extraction from LJ
culture isolates. The worst method of DNA extraction from both sputum and culture was
phase solid method. A greater and easier yield of DNA was obtained from MTB LJ
Culture than sputum.
Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Bacillus subitilis and its antibacterial activity
Authors: S.M. Abd el wahab Ghada
Published: April 2021

Background: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have recently been extensively investigated
because of their superior physical, chemical, and biological characteristics, and their
superiority is primarily due to the size, shape, composition, crystallinity, and structure of
AgNPs compared to their bulk forms. Objective: The current study aimed to investigate
the antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized intracellular by
using standard strain Bacillus subitilis ATCC 6633 against reference strains
Escherichia coli ATCC 2592 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29737. Results: The
synthesized AgNPs showed potent antibacterial activities against the two tested bacterial
strains with inhibition zones ranged from 42 -52mm and MIC 27.2 µg / ml. The silver
nanoparticles were characterized with particle size ≃ 100 nm and zeta potential -19.
There was deformation in both tested strains upon treatment with AgNPs which was
observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Conclusion: The results indicated
that AgNPs could be used as an effective antibacterial agent.
Antiseptic efficacy of topical diluted povidone iodine 2.5% and 1.25% on bacterial conjunctival load with intravitreal injection
Authors: E. Nawar Amin , A. Mohamed Esraa
Published: April 2021

Background: Intravitreal injections (IVIs) are considered one of the most important and
minimally invasive procedures for treatment of many retinal diseases. Recently the
instillation of povidone iodine to the surface of the eye is the only proven prophylactic
measure that can lower the risk of endophthalmitis following intravitreal injection.
Objective: The study aims to assess the antimicrobial efficacy of lower povidone iodine
concentrations 2.5% and 1.25% in intravitreal injection. Methodology: This is a
prospective interventional study that was conducted on 60 eyes of 45 patients with
diabetic macular edema, retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and age related macular
degeneration (AMD). Patients were divided into three groups, group one involved 20
eyes that received application of povidone iodine 5%, groups 2 and 3 received povidone
iodine 2.5% and 1.25% respectively. Conjunctival swabs were taken before and after
povidone iodine in the three groups, colony forming units (CFU) were calculated to
detect the efficacy of povidone iodine in decreasing the bacterial load of the conjunctiva.
The patient discomfort was recorded in a chart scale to evaluate pain. Results: The CFU
was markedly decreased in the 3 groups with no detected statistical significance between all groups confirming the antiseptic efficacy of lower concentrations of povidone iodine.
The lower concentration 1.25% showed more patient comfort and tolerability with lower
score on pain chart scale. Conclusion: Lower concentrations of povidone iodine can
achieve similar antiseptic effect compared to the standard 5% concentration with better
tolerability.
Anti-Candida Activity of Pomegranate Peel Extract in Comparison with Curcumin Extract and their Synergism with Fluconazole and Nystatin
Authors: Y. Maxwell Sara , Elnawasany Sally , M. Hassan Azza , M. E. Abd-Elmonsef Marwa
Published: April 2021

Background: Oropharyngeal candidiasis is an important sign that may reflect a serious
systemic disease, especially in immunocompromised patients who face the intolerable
side effects of the available antifungal drugs. This necessitates the development of safe
and effective natural components. Objectives: to evaluate the in vitro activities of both
pomegranate peel and curcumin extracts and to compare them with nystatin and
fluconazole drugs against Candida species. As far as we know, this is the first study
comparing between the antifungal potency of both extracts. Methodology: Different
Candida species were isolated from patients with oropharyngeal candidiasis. The
antifungal activities of methanolic extracts of pomegranate peel and curcumin were
tested by disc diffusion method. Both extracts were added to each of nystatin and
fluconazole discs to measure their synergistic effects. Results: Highly significant
synergism was detected between both extracts and each of antifungal drugs. Curcumin
extract was more potent than pomegranate extract. Conclusion: When used in
combination with nystatin and fluconazole, curcumin and pomegranate peel extracts are promising and effective anti-Candida agents.
Diagnostic Utility of Beta 2 Microglobulin in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Eltabbakh Mohamed , Abd Almonsef Waheed , Y. Kamel Shimaa , Abuelela Soha , M. AL-Tabbakh AL-Shaimaa , S Abdelmoaty Ahmed
Published: April 2021

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronically relapsing disease. It
includes ulcerative colitis (UC) and crohn's disease (CD). Symptoms of IBD could be
conflicting sometimes with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) of diarrheal type. The ideal
marker for IBD/IBS diagnosis has not yet been identified. B2 microglobulin (B2-M) is a low
molecular weight protein released by activated T and B lymphocytes. It has been shown
to increase in several chronic inflammatory conditions. Objectives: Assessment of the
diagnostic role of (B2-M) in IBS cases presented with diarrhea (IBS-D type) and UC
cases. Methodology: This case control study was conducted at Gastroenterology Unit in
Tropical Medicine Department, Ain- Shams University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt. Forty
patients with UC, and twenty patients with IBS in addition to twenty healthy persons as
control were included. Results: There was a higher mean of B2-M values among U.C
group (1.93)(mean B2-M in Active UC was 2.26 and 1.61 in inactive disease) compared
to the other two groups(1.51 in IBS and 1.43 in control group) and the difference was
highly statistically significant(P=0.000).Using ROC curve analysis of different cut off
values of (B2-M) for detection of UC cases among IBS cases, we found that at a cut off
value of <1.5 , we got sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy of 75 %, 70 %,
83.3%, 58.3 %, and 0.753% respectively and this was the best cut off value.
Conclusion: B2-M level may have a diagnostic and differentiating utility between UC
cases and IBS-D type as well as a potential indicator of disease activation in UC
patients.
Expression profile of interferon-gamma (IFN- γ) mRNA as diagnostic molecular signatures of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Authors: M. Rashad Nearmeen , M. El Shabrawy Reham , M. El Shabrawy Shereen , M. Hassanin Hassan
Published: April 2021

Background: Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease that
primarily affects females. IFN- γ is a critical cytokine that has been related to the
pathogenesis of HT. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate serum and expression levels of
interferon-gamma (IFN- γ) in Egyptian women with HT and to assess the association
between serum and expression levels of IFN- γ with clinical and laboratory
characteristics of HT. Methodology: This case-control study included 120 women with
HT and 70 controls. IFN- γ mRNA expression was analyzed using real-time polymerase
chain reaction. Serum IFN- γ was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results: Serum IFN- γ level and the level of IFN- γ mRNA are both sensitive and specific
to be used as diagnostic markers for HT with cut off values of 28.57 pg/ml and 3.55
respectively. Both showed a significant positive correlation with TPO-Ab and Tg-Ab,
obesity indices, dyslipidemia, and TSH, while they have a negative correlation with FT3,
FT4. Conclusions: Serum IFN- γ level and the level of IFN- γ mRNA are both sensitive
and specific to be used as diagnostic markers for HT, significantly correlated with
thyroid autoantibodies and thyroid function tests.
Toxoplasma gondii as a possible risk factor for COVID-19 severity: a case-control study
Authors: A. Sharaf-El-Deen Shaimaa , H. Shalan Fatma , A. Agha Mohammed , M. Brakat Reham
Published: April 2021

Background: COVID-19 is a worldwide pandemic that stroke almost all countries of the
world causing thousands of deaths and disabilities and burdened the economy of
countries. One of the main criteria of the immune response against COVID-19 is the
“immune exhaustion”, due to increased expression of T cell suppressor molecules e.g.
programmed death-1 (PD-1), that leads to flaring of viral multiplication and disastrous
clinical outcomes. This immune exhaustion is not restricted to COVID-19 but is also a
common complication of chronic infections with the widely spreading protozoan,
Toxoplasma (T.) gondii. Thus, theoretically, the toxoplasmosis-associated immune
exhaustion can worsen that of COVID-19 and consequently increases its severity.
However, the studies on this theory are still insufficient. Objective: this work was
designed to answer two questions. Does T. gondii co-infection affect the severity of
COVID-19 manifestations? Is this action related to T. gondii-induced PD-1 changes?
Methodology: Covid-19+ patients with moderate and severe conditions were screened for T. gondii IgG and compared to healthy controls. Serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα, IFNγ, IL-1α cytokines were assessed to evaluate COVID-19 severity and prognosis.
Lymphocytic expression of PD-1 was assessed by flowcytometry. Results: We recorded a higher incidence of toxoplasmosis among COVID-19 patients especially patients with
severe/critical manifestations. T. gondii positive cases exhibited a statistically significant
increase in lymphocytic expression of PD-1 that correlated positively with the
proinflammatory and bad prognosis cytokines. With fixation of other risk factors for
severity, toxoplasmosis still scored a significant value. Conclusion: toxoplasmosis
increased the severity of COVID-19. These effects can be related to the Toxoplasmaassociated increased lymphocytic PD-1 expression. So, toxoplasmosis can be considered as an unrecognized independent risk factor for COVID-19 severity.
Polymorphism in Toll-like Receptor 10 and Tuberculosis Susceptibility in Egyptian Population
Authors: M. AL-Tabbakh AL-Shaimaa , S. El Sawy Rehab , S. EL-Melouk Marwa
Published: April 2021

Background: One-third of the world’s population is infected with Mycobacterium
tuberculosis. Difference in clinical outcome of infection implies that host genetics may be
implicated in such variability. Investigations of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) revealed new
information regarding the immunopathogenesis of tuberculosis. Toll-like receptor 2
(TLR2) mediates crucial immune response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. There is
argument that Toll-like receptor (TLR10) participate in tuberculosis susceptibility by
acting as a signaling modulator for TLR2. Objectives: The aim of this study was
investigating the relationship between TLR 10 SNP 720A/C (rs11096957) and increase
susceptibility to tuberculosis. Methodology: Eighty patients with radiological,
microbiological and clinical proven active pulmonary tuberculosis (T.B) were included
in this study. (TLR10) polymorphisms and allele distributions were compared between
these 80 patients and 70 healthy control subjects. Peripheral blood samples were taken
from all patients and controls. Genotyping was accomplished by polymerase chain
reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Results: When we
compare T.B cases with controls, a statistically significant association was observed
between T.B susceptibility and SNP 720A/C (rs11096957) in (TLR10). Allele (A) was
more frequent in tuberculous cases while allele (C) was more common in controls. It was
reported that the AA genotype of (TLR10) SNP rs11096957 was considerably related to
the increased risk of developing pulmonary T.B. Homozygosity (AA) has been associated
with predisposition to disease by comparing cases to controls (P = 0.045; OR = 2.0;
95% C.I. = 1.0- 4.0). A/C heterozygosity was considerably different in tuberculous cases
than in healthy controls with lower risk of developing tuberculosis (P = 0.044; OR =
0.5; 95% C.I. = 0.26 –0.98). Conclusion: TLR10 SNP rs11096957 polymorphism is a
risk factor for tuberculosis infection.
Multiplex PCR, Clinical Amsel’s Criteria and Microbiological Nugent Score for Diagnosis of Bacterial Vaginosis and Detection of its Virulence
Authors: H. Salem Eman , M. Abo shady Heba , S. Hamam Sanaa
Published: April 2021

Background: bacterial vaginosis is universally the commonest vaginal infection in
reproductively active females. It causes major consequences as preterm labor,
predisposing to sexually-transmitted infections and HIV infections. Although it is a
public health concern, no one knows exactly its pathogenesis when some say that it is
just disturbance in vaginal floral balance predisposing to clinical symptoms and signs,
where the predominant Lactobacilli in vagina become replaced by other facultative and
anaerobic bacteria. Objective: To evaluate different diagnostic tests, Amsel’s criteria
and PCR and their ability to diagnose bacterial vaginosis in comparison to the gold
standard test, Nugent score in terms of sensitivity, specificity, NPV and PPV. Also test
for prevalence of BV among included females. Methodology: screening was done for all
females in presence or absence of Amsel’s criteria. Wet mount along with Gram stained
films were examined in Microbiology lab and Nugent score was calculated for every
patient. Cervico-vaginal aspirate samples were collected for detection of G. vaginalis,
Lactobacilli and Sialidase enzyme by multiplex PCR. Results: Using Nugent score
patients were categorized into bacterial vaginosis (BV) group (32%), non-BV group
(51%) and 17 % were in intermediate group. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of
whole Amsel’s criteria (100, 80.4, 76.2 and 100 % respectively) were better than using
any criterion alone. Using multiplex PCR, detection of G. vaginalis (100%) and sialidase
gene (93.7%) were higher in BV group and Lactobacilli gene (100%) higher in non-BV
group with statistically high significant difference. Multiplex PCR detection of G.
vaginalis has sensitivity (100%), specificity (92.2%), PPV (88.9%) and NPV (100%) for
diagnosis of BV in relation to the gold standard test, Nugent score. Conclusion: using
Amsel’s criteria as a whole is better than using individual criteria for diagnosing BV
with highest sensitivity, specificity, NPV and PPV. Combined PCR detection of G.
vaginalis and sialidase gene can predict occurrence of virulent BV infection. BV is
associated with significant loss of protective Lactobacilli.
Engineering Education Development using Advanced Systems and Equipment for Assessment and Evaluation in Egyptian Universities
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Mechanical Eng. Dept., Benha Faculty of Engineering, Benha University, Benha, Egypt, Mouneer T. A. , Aly M. H. ,   Assistant Professor, Mechanical Power Eng. Dept., Faculty of Engineering, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
Published: April 2021

Assessment and Evaluation are important processes to ensure education quality and development. Assessment has many different techniques such as computational, electronic, mechanical, and traditional written tests. The research objectives are to demonstrate both short-term strategies and long-term strategies, which have been early started in Egyptian universities (EUs), and to investigate the opportunities of development in assessment and evaluation for engineering education. This article focuses on the importance of building up more centers and units for assessment and evaluation in the EUs. The research methodology consists of demonstrating how to insert new systems and equipment either in assessment or in evaluation using both short-term and long-term strategies. Most of these presented methods and tools are depending on newly engineering technologies such as optical marking recognition, user-friendly software, communication networks either wired or wireless, and mechanical engineering systems to ensure better and more safe working conditions. The results present these engineering technologies. The results also compare the initial cost and the execution time for each of the proposed systems. The analysis of results indicates the effectiveness of currently used methodologies to ensure rapid development in engineering education generally and in mechanical engineering education specifically.
The Importance of Digital Marketing on the Success of Service Companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors:   Doctorate of Sales and Marketing, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Rashed Nasr Ali
Published: April 2021

The study aims to shed light on digital marketing, its value, economic advantages, and criteria for its growth in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The globalization of the digital marketing industry, its pace of growth, and its simplicity have contributed to the appetite of customers, which called for the ease of its development, attention, and analysis of this phenomenon. In addition to improving the means of protection in them, using them to achieve economic benefits, improving dealing with them, and establishing laws to increase consumer confidence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. There is no doubt that there are many problems in the practice of digital marketing, such as economic, marketing, customs, and legal challenges that need support from the relevant government departments, especially concerning information security, electronic payment methods, and others.
FATORES QUE AFETAM A FERMENTAÇÃO ALCOÓLICA
Authors: Pereira Danilo Aparecido , Vieira Rita de Cássia Macri , Gimenez Alex Zerbinatti
Published: April 2021

Entre diversas fontes de energias renováveis produzida no país, o etanol fabricado a partir da cana-de-açúcar ocupa uma posição de destaque. Sendo assim, o etanol é um fator econômico importantíssimo, conduzindo a interesses internos e externos. Esse processo só teve seu melhoramento por conta dos avanços tecnológicos, tanto na área agrícola, como na industrial. Com o processo fermentativo não poderia ser diferente, a partir do melhoramento do sistema em batelada alimentada e contínuos com utilização de centrífugas, com recirculação e tratamento de fermento, aliado a seleção de leveduras de alta capacidade fermentativa e melhorias nos processos de destilação.
A EQUAÇÃO DE AVALIAÇÃO DOS CURSOS SUPERIORES DE TECNOLOGIA DO CENTRO PAULA SOUZA
Authors: Bosquetti Diógenes
Published: April 2021

O presente trabalho tem por finalidade realizar uma reflexão sobre os indicadores presentes na Instrução Normativa CESU no 3/2018, a qual estabelece as dinâmicas, parâmetros e metodologia de avaliação de todos os Cursos Superiores de Tecnologia das Faculdades de Tecnologia (Fatecs) do Centro Estadual de Educação Tecnológica Paula Souza (Ceeteps). Serão propostas algumas modificações mantendo inalteradas, entretanto, as tabelas, faixas de pontuação e as contribuições de cada indicador no cômputo da pontuação final de um determinado curso. Propõe-se, com isso, adequações e releituras de tais indicadores, contribuindo para que a metodologia proposta possa ser melhor entendida e contribua mais efetivamente com a qualidade do ensino nas Fatecs do Ceeteps.
TRÊS IMPORTANTES INSTRUMENTOS QUE AUXILIAM A GESTÃO FINANCEIRA
Authors: Freitas Michele Gabriela Teixeira Cardoso de , Paschoal Lucas Rezende Penido
Published: April 2021

A gestão financeira tornou-se essencial para que qualquer tipo de organização empresarial obtenha bons ou ótimos resultados. Para que se atinjam tais resultados, seja financeiro ou econômico, a empresa deve adotar como prioridade, o planejamento e a análise de todos os dados que envolvam a situação da organização. Por meio do emprego de inúmeros instrumentos, a gestão financeira torna-se mais organizada e obtém ótimos resultados. No presente trabalho foram apresentados três tipos de instrumentos que são fundamentais no auxílio da gestão: o fluxo de caixa, o demonstrativo de resultado do exercício e a administração de duplicatas a receber. A pesquisa desenvolvida teve caráter qualitativo e bibliográfico. Por meio desta metodologia, buscou-se explicar como funcionam os instrumentos da gestão financeira e como estes auxiliam nos bons resultados. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de análise de artigos científicos, livros, revistas e sites especializados. Pode-se concluir, que a gestão financeira depende de instrumentos fundamentais e que os três instrumentos aqui abordados são fundamentais para a vida financeira e econômica de determinada empresa ou organização.
COMO EXPORTAM AS DUAS PRINCIPAIS ECONOMIAS DA AMÉRICA LATINA
Authors: Augusto Romeiro Rôse Guilherme , Cristina Rodrigues Cestari Isabel
Published: April 2021

Brasil e México são as duas principais economias da América Latina, semelhantes em muitos aspectos, pois foram colônias de exploração de países ibéricos, são democracias relativamente jovens, possuem uma grande área e são populosos. Uma comparação entre as exportações brasileiras e mexicanas torna-se mais pertinente, que uma comparação entre dois países antagônicos. Objetivou-se determinar quais são os pontos positivos e negativos da forma em que cada um desses países lida com suas exportações e qual seria o modelo mais próximo do ideal. O MERCOSUL é o grande expoente do Brasil no cenário mundial, tanto nas relações econômicas como nas políticas. Apesar dessa liderança regional, o Brasil não está nem entre os vinte países que mais exportam no mundo. Já o México possui números mais expressivos no volume de exportações, pois priorizou seus acordos principalmente com os Estados Unidos, gerando uma dependência quase total com seu vizinho. Conclui-se que não há um país que está totalmente certo ou errado, e que o mais próximo do ideal seria um equilíbrio entre a não dependência com seus parceiros comerciais e sua liderança no bloco regional que o Brasil possui, e o grande volume de exportações mexicanas.
TORTA DE FILTRO E MICRONUTRIENTES NO PLANTIO DE CANA-DE-AÇÚCAR
Authors: Mialichi Júnior Ademir José , Batista Alves Amado , Bazela Claudemir , Faria Flaviana Andrade
Published: April 2021

Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a resposta da cultura de cana-de-açúcar à adubação mineral, torta de filtro e Nutry Cana Micronutrientes, no sulco de plantio e via foliar. O experimento foi conduzido a campo em blocos casualizados, onde foram estabelecidos 5 tratamentos de adubação de plantio (T0, T2, T3, T4 e T5) com cinco repetições. Avaliou-se o desenvolvimento da cultura aos 30, 60, 90 e 120 dias após o plantio, e a produtividade 12 meses após o plantio, período em que se compreende a maturação fisiológica da cultura. Foi possível atingir produtividades elevadas de cana-de-açúcar reduzindo a dose recomendada de fertilizantes minerais, complementando com a adubação orgânica proveniente da torta de filtro, e a aplicação de micronutrientes via tolete e via foliar. A cana-de-açúcar mostrou resposta positiva quanto à aplicação em conjunto desses fertilizantes, onde foi verificado um ganho de 27,6 Kg nos colmos por metro linear no tratamento T5, maximizando o efeito sobre a produtividade e reduzindo os custos com fertilizantes minerais.
Mexican Art in Lund’s Museum of Sketches, Sweden
Authors: Fagerström Linda , Haglund Elisabet
Published: April 2021

The Mexican collection at Lund’s Museum of Sketches in is an unusual and valuable collection both from a Mexican and from an international perspective: the collection was built by Gunnar Bråhammar in the late 1960s, and counts works by David Alfaro Siqueiros, Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco and Juan O’Gorman but also Francisco Eppens, Rufino Tamayo, González Camarena, Raul Angiano, Leopoldo Méndez and Desiderio Xochitiotzin. The article discusses especially “the New Deal” by Rivera, “the Image of Mexico” at the Museo Nacional de Antropología e Historia in Mexico City by Morado Chavez, and “El Pájaro Amarillo” by Goertiz, and the great stone mosaic at the Central Library of the National Autonomous University of Mexico by O’Gorman.
Art, Architecture and Public Space in New York, 1950–1970
Authors: Prudon Theodore
Published: April 2021

In the decades after World War II there was much discussion about the need for collaboration between the architect and artist either as embodied in one or as distinctly different creative talents working closely but creatively independently together. Many saw little actual collaboration and questioned the relationship artistically or saw art as a cover for otherwise bland architecture. However, architects like Wallace K. Harrison, Gordon Bunshaft, and others worked regularly with artists like Josef Albers, Isamu Noguchi, Gyorgy Kepes or Richard Lippold. While many of those art installations remain today, they are under constant pressure because of real estate changes, renovations or simply neglect.