Standardization of meibomian gland dysfunction in an Egyptian population sample using a non-contact meibography technique

AIM:To develop normative data for meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD)parameters,using non-contact meibography technique of Sirius Costruzione Strumenti Oftalmici(CSO)machine,in an Egyptian population sample.METHODS:Observational,cross-sectional,analytic study,in which 104 Egyptian volunteers were included.Both upper lids were examined,using“Sirius CSO”machine.Each eyelid was given a degree of meibomian gland loss(MGL),which was calculated by the software of the machine.RESULTS:Mean percentage MGL in right upper lid was of 30.9%±12.6%,and that of left upper lid was 32.6%±11.8%.Thirty-four volunteers(32.7%)had first-degree MGL in their right upper lid,and 67.3%had second-degree loss.One volunteer(1%)had zero-degree MGL in left upper lid,28(26.9%)had first-degree loss,and 75(72.1%)had second-degree loss.Degree of MGL in right upper eyelid was not related to age,but degree of MGL in left upper eyelid increased with age.There was statistically significant difference between both genders for degree of MGL in right eye(P=0.036)and in left eye(P=0.027).CONCLUSION:Noncontact meibography is a useful non-invasive tool for diagnosing MGL.MGL is diagnosed in 100%of apparently normal individuals;26.9%-32.7%of which have first-degree MGL,and 67.3%-72.1%have second-degree MGL.

Psychiatric Aspects of Egyptian Women with Unexplained Infertility

Background: The diagnosis of unexplained infertility may be very frustrating for infertile couples and they show higher depression levels when compared to fertile couples. Aim: To assess the psychiatric aspects of Egyptian women with unexplained infertility. Methods: 220 infertile women were included in this study (110 with unexplained infertility and 110 with explained infertility). The psychiatric aspect of these women was evaluated using the translated and validated Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory-II. Findings: The number of women with mild depression was significantly higher in the unexplained infertility group (47/110 (42.7%)) versus (22/110 (20%)) in the explained infertility group (P = 0.007). The number of women with moderate anxiety was significantly higher in the unexplained infertility group (26/110 (23.6%)) versus (8/110 (7.3%)) in the explained infertility group (P = 0.003). Conclusion: The current study concluded that mild depression and moderate anxiety were significantly higher in the unexplained infertility group. It is crucial to identify infertility women who are in need of psychological support and counseling during infertility treatment, because the psychological disturbance of the infertile women may affect the outcome of infertility treatment.

Evaluation of genetic diversity and conservation priorities for Egyptian chickens

In this study, 21 microsatellite markers were used to genotype 196 Egyptian local chickens obtained from Fayoumi (n = 35), Dandarawy (n = 30), Baladi (n = 29), Sinai (n = 30), El-Salam (n = 36), and Golden Montazah (n = 36) strains. The results were compared to two pure commercial chicken populations reared in Japan-White Leghorn (n = 42) and Rhode Island Red (n = 43). A total of 162 alleles were observed, with an average of 7.7 alleles per locus. The average expected heterozygosity for the Egyptian chickens was 0.595. The closest pairwise Nei’s genetic distance was recorded between Sinai and Golden Montazah (0.038) and the smallest pairwise FST value (0.006) was observed between Baladi and Sinai. The most probable structure clustering of the eight studied populations was at K = 6. Baladi, Sinai and Golden Montazah strains were clustered together forming admixed mosaic cluster. Dandarawy ranked firstly and contributed the most to aggregate genetic diversity based on two prioritization methods. The information resulting from this study may be used as an initial guide to design further investigations for development of sustainable genetic improvement and conservation programs for the Egyptian chicken genetic resources.

A Real Life Study on Treatment of Egyptian Patients with HCV Genotype IV with Simeprevir and Sofosbuvir

Background and Aims: Treatment with a combination of the nucleotide polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir and NS3A (non-structural protein 3A) protease inhibitor simeprevir resulted in high rates of sustained virological response in chronic hepatitis C Genotype 4. Methods: We conducted a real life study on Egyptian patients coming to tropical medicine department clinic at El Mery main university hospital from February 2015 to February 2016 for treatment naive and treatment experienced patients with chronic HCV genotype 4, including cirrhotics and non cirrhotics. Naive (cir-rhotics and non cirrhotics) and relapsers (non cirrhotics) received nucleotide polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir and NS3A inhibitor simeprevir once daily for 12 weeks and 24 weeks for relapser cirrhotic patients. The primary end point was a sustained virologic response at 12 weeks after end of treatment. An informed consent was obtained from each patient at the beginning of the study (Real life study: a study on Egyptian patients when the drug was available in the market). Results: 30 naive patients with HCV genotype 4 and 20 relapsers (10 non cirrhotic and 10 cirrhotic patients) were enrolled. Patient inclusion criteria: Naive patients are those who tested positive for HCV RNA by PCR and had no experience to HCV treatment;Relapsers are those who tested positive for HCV RNA by PCR and had a previous treatment for HCV. Cirrhosis was diagnosed on ultrasound basis. Mean age was 53.57 ± 10.682 years old in naive patients and 48.30 ± 5.100 years old in relapsers. Median baseline HCV RNA was 360,069 IU/mL for naive patients and 1,245,000 IU/mL for relapsers;using Fib4 20% of naive patients were F3-F4, while 40% of relapsers were F3-F4. Degree of fibrosis was confirmed by fibrotest in relapsers. Upon treatment of patients with sofosbuvir and semiprevir once daily for 12 weeks and 24 weeks only to cirrhotic relapsers, end of treatment PCR was negative in 100% in all groups including cirrhotics and non cirrhotics. Primary end point (SVR 12) was achieved in 100% of all patients. Second end point (SVR 24) was achieved in 96.6% of naive pa-ients;SVR 24 for non-cirrhotic relapsers was achieved in 100% of patients and in 90% of cirrhotic relapsers. One patient had transient total bilirubin elevations without increased ALT (alanine aminotransferase) or AST (aspartate aminotransferase). One patient developed cutaneous rash. Conclusion: Once daily sofosbuvir and simeprevir for 12 weeks provided high rate of sustained virological response among treatment naive and treatment experienced patients with HCV genotype IV.

The Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus): record of a new bird in China

In 2 April 2012 a birdwatcher,Mr.Hong Guo,found a strange white bird near a garbage dump in Wuqia County,(39°55′N,75°15′E),at an elevation of 2100m.This location is approximately 80km west of Kaxgar.After experts checked the photographs,it was identified as an

Integrated Action of Mixture Rates and Nitrogen Levels on Quantity and Quality of Forage Mixture from Egyptian Clover and Barley in Sandy Soil

Effect of seeding rate mixture from Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) E.C. and barley (Hordum vulgare L.) B, N-fertilization levels and their interaction on quantity and quality of forage yield. Two field experiments were conducted during winter season of 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 in sandy soil at research and production station of National Research Centre, Al Nubaria district, Al Behaira Governorate, Egypt. The experiment included two factors first was five mixtures from seeding rates (24 kg EC/fed. – 50 kg B/fed. – 18 kg EC + 12.5 kg B/fed. – 12kg EC + 25 kg B/fed. – 6 kg EC + 37.5 kg B/fed.) and second factor was three N levels (30-45-60 kg N/fed.). Two cuts were obtained at 60 and 100 DAS. Results indicated significant differences between mixture rates for all studied characters in both cuts 60 and 100 DAS. Significant differences between N levels for all studied characters at 60 DAS, also, forage yield /fed. and DM% at 100 DAS. It can be introducing forage mixture of 18 kg EC + 12.5 B had balanced character in forage yield/fed., DM%, carbohydrate % and protein % at both cuts 60 and 100 DAS.

Comorbidity of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children with Epilepsy, Egyptian Study

Background: Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions with about 65 million people affected worldwide. It is also a common condition in children, where its prevalence is approximately 3.2 - 5.5/1000 in the developed world. Children with epilepsy (CWE) experience not only seizures but also multiple cognitive, behavioral, and emotional problems. ADHD is one of the more common comorbidities of childhood epilepsy. Objectives: To discuss the relationship between childhood epilepsy and comorbidities especially ADHD. Study Design: This is a prospective observational analytical cross-sectional study carried out on one hundred and fifteen patients at Ain Shams University and Nasr-city Health Insurance out-patient clinics, Cairo, Egypt fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Patients were selected by simple random sample. Results: ADHD is very common epilepsy comorbidity in Egyptian epileptic children with under-diagnosis and treatment. Conclusion: Frequent assessment for ADHD in epileptic children is mandatory for better quality of life.

Competitiveness of Egyptian cotton exports in the international market

Cotton plays a vital role in the Egyptian economy by meeting domestic and export demands,contributing significantly to agriculture,industry,export earnings,and providing a cash income to roughly one million small farmers.This paper examines the competitiveness of Egyptian cotton exports(ECE) in the international market during the period 1990-2006.It mainly aims at investigating the trends in cotton exports over the studied period,analyzing the competitive position of Egyptian cotton by employing several economic and trade indices,and identifying the key factors that influence Egypt's cotton exports to the world.The results revealed that the total quantity of ECE has fallen from 196.8 thousand tons in 2003 to 87.2 thousand tons in 2006.It also shows a high degree of geographic concentration of ECE,into India,Italy,the Republic of Korea,and Japan.Together,these markets imported about 50%of ECE during 1990-2006.The competitive advantage of Egyptian cotton would appear dependent on quality not price.Japan,the Republic of Korea and Italy presented the most stable markets for ECE.Linear regression analysis suggests that a one percent increase in the Egypt-to-USA export price ratio leads to a decrease in ECE by about 27.8 thousand tons.Such analysis has also shown a positive and significant effect of the World Trade Organization on ECE.

Forecasting of Cultivated Area in Egyptian Lands Using a Time Series Model for Sustainable Development

The cultivated area is an important component of land resources that has a direct impact on food security. Egyptian cultivated area was estimated to be 3.86 million hectares in 2020. Recently, there has been a decline in cultivated areas, which could be attributed to a number of factors, including climatic changes and urban sprawl, endangering Egyptian sustainable development. So, the aim of the current study was to forecast the values of cultivated areas in Egypt for the next five years using the ARIMA model based on data from 1990 to 2020. The model predicted a decrease in cultivated area in coming years of about 3.06, 3.19, 3.084, 3.082 and 3.21 million hectares, respectively, according to the results. This forecasting will aid the country’s policy development for future land using planning and agricultural production.

Complete rectal prolapse in young Egyptian males: Is schistosomiasis really condemned?

AIM To investigate the assumption that schistosomiasis is the main cause of rectal prolapse in young Egyptian males. METHODS Twenty-one male patients between ages of 18 and 50 years with complete rectal prolapse were included in the study out of a total 29 patients with rectal prolapse admitted for surgery at Colorectal Surgery Unit, Ain Shams University hospitals between the period of January 2011 and April 2014. Patients were asked to fill out a specifically designed questionnaire about duration of the prolapse, different bowel symptoms and any past or present history of schistosomiasis. Patients also underwent flexible sigmoidoscopy and four quadrant midrectal biopsies documenting any gross or microscopic rectal pathology. Data from questionnaire and pathology results were analyzed and patients were categorized according to their socioeconomic class.RESULTS Twelve patients(57%) never contracted schistosomiasis and were never susceptible to the disease, nine patients(43%) had history of the disease but were properly treated. None of the patients had gross rectal polypsand none of the patients had active schistosomiasis on histopathological examination. Fifteen patients(71%) had early onset prolapse that started in childhood, majority before the age of 5 years. Thirteen patients(62%) were habitual strainers, and four of them(19%) had straining dating since early childhood. Four patients(19%) stated that prolapse followed a period of straining that ranged between 8 mo and 2 years. Nine patients(43%) in the present study came from the low social class, 10 patients(48%) came from the working class and 2 patients(9%) came from the low middle social class. CONCLUSION Schistosomiasis should not be considered the main cause of rectal prolapse among young Egyptian males. Childhood prolapse that continues through adult life is likely involved. Childhood prolapse probably results from malnutrition, recurrent parasitic infections and diarrhea that induce straining and prolapse, all are common in lower socioeconomic classes.

Screening for hepatocellular carcinoma by Egyptian physicians

AIM: To assess the practice of Egyptian physicians in screening patients for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). METHODS: The study included 154 physicians from all over Egypt caring for patients at risk for HCC. The study was based on a questionnaire with 20 items. Each questionnaire consisted of two parts:(1) personal information regarding the physician(name, age, specialty and type of health care setting); and(2) professional experience in the care of patients at risk for HCC development(screening, knowledge about the cause and natural course of liver diseases and HCC risk). RESULTS: Sixty-eight percent of doctors with an MD degree, 48% of doctors with a master degree or a diploma and 40% of doctors with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery certificate considered the hepatitis C virus(HCV) genotype as risk factor for HCC development(P < 0.05). Ninety percent of physicians specialized in tropical medicine, internal medicine or gastroenterology and 67% of physicians in other specialties advise patients to undergo screening for HCV and hepatitis B virus infection as well as liver cirrhosis(P < 0.05). Eighty-six percent of doctors in University Hospitals and 69% of Ministry of Health(MOH) doctors consider HCV infection as the leading cause of HCC in Egypt(P < 0.05). Seventy-two percent of doctors with an MD degree, 55% of doctors with a master degree or a diploma, 56% of doctors with an MBBCH certificate, 74% of doctors in University Hospitals and 46% of MOH hospital doctors consider abdominal ultrasonography as the most important investigation in HCC screening(P < 0.05). Sixty-five percent of physicians in tropical medicine, internal medicine or gastroenterology and 37% of physicians in other specialties recommend as HCC screening interval of 3 mo(P < 0.05). Seventy-one percent of doctors with an MD degree, 50% of doctors with a master degree or diploma and 60% of doctors with an MBBCH certificate follow the same recommendation.CONCLUSION: In Egypt, physicians specialized in tropical medicine, internal medicine or gastroenterology with an MD degree and working in a University Hospital are best informed about HCC.

Mineralization of ^(14)C-ring Labelled 2,4-D in Egyptian Soils Under Aerobic and Anaerobic Conditions

Obiectives To study the mineralization of 2,4-D in clay and clay loam Egyptian soils under subtropical conditions over a period of 90 d. Methods Using 14C-ring labelled pesticide, laboratory studies under aerobic and anaerobic conditions were conducted. 14C-activity in solutions was directly determined by liquid scintillation counting. Unextractable soil residues were determined by combustion. The nature of methanolic '4C-residues was determined by thin layer and high performance liquid chromatographic analysis. Results Under aerobic conditions 10%-14% of applied dose was mineralized during 90 d irrespective of soil type. The soil extractable pesticide residues decreased with time and the bound residues gradually increased. The highest binding capacity of about 26%-29% was observed in clay soil under aerobic conditions after 90 d. A good balance sheet was obtained and the percentage recovery was generally between 91% and 100%. Conclusion The mineralization of 2,4-D in clay soil was higher than that in clay loam soil under anaerobic conditions. Under aerobic conditions, the soil type had no influence on mineralizaion capacity of 2,4-D during 90 d. The soil binding increased with time whereby the extractable 14C-residues simultaneously decreased. Chromatographic analysis of the methanol extractable l4C-residues of soils revealed the presence of 2,4-D as a main product together with 2,4-dichlorophenol.

Relationship among uterine involution, ovarian activity, blood metabolites and subsequent reproductive performance in Egyptian buffaloes

The aim of the study to monitor post partal uterine involution, ovarian activity and biochemical parameters and it is relation to the subsequent fertility. A total sixty normal calving pluriparous buffaloes were examined between 14th and 75th day post partum (p.p.) rectaly, ultrasonically and blood sampling were collected on weekly sessions. There were differences (P < 0.01) between pregnant (PREG) and non-pregnant (NPREG) groups in Body condition score (BCS) and body weights. There was a difference between previous gravid uterine horn (PGUH) and non-gravid uterine horn (NPGUH) diameter in PREG and NPREG groups at 28th day p.p. The calving to first service interval in the PREG group was shorter (P = 0.03) than that of NPREG one. The number of buffaloes with dominant follicles (DF 3 8 mmdiameter) in ipsilateral and contralateral ovary to the PGUH in PREG group was higher (P < 0.01) than in NPREG. The calving to first service interval in the PREG group having DF in the ovary ipsilateral to the PGUH (n = 16) was shorter (P < 0.01) than those buffaloes having no DF (n = 18). The number of service per conception and days open in the PREG buffaloes which had no DF in the ovary ipsilateral to the PGUH were higher and longer (P < 0.01) than that which had DF group. The values of glucose and triglyceride were higher (P = 0.057) in PREG than NPREG group. In conclusion, postpartum ovarian activity has positive effect on the uterine involution and postpartum profile of some metabolities may be a good predictor of fertility status of buffaloes.

Characterization of some bacterial strains isolated from the Egyptian eastern and northern coastlines with antimicrobial activity of Bacillus zhangzhouensis OMER4

Marine microorganisms were considered to be important sources of marine bioactive compounds.The major objective of the study was to isolate and characterize bacteria with antimicrobial activities from the various marine environment of Egypt.In this respect,thirty-five bacterial isolates were recovered from sediment samples collected from different spots along the Egyptian Red Sea coastline and Alexandria coastline during the summer season of 2017 and 2018.According to the morphological,physiological,and biochemical characteristics,the bacterial isolates were clustered into 13 groups designated as A,B,…,M.And,14 Gram-negative and 21 Grampositive bacteria were determined.The isolated bacterial strains were screened for their potentiality for antimicrobial agent(s)production against ten indicator strains.Strain Mo13 was showed high antimicrobial activity against all empirical strains.Subsequently,the most promising marine bacterial isolate with code MO13 was identified as Bacillus zhangzhouensis OMER4 according to the phenotypic characterization through morphological,physiological,and biochemical tests as well as genotypic characterization through the 16 S rDNA technique.The bioactive components were extracted with ethyl acetate,then analyzed using GC-MS and the substantial component was recognized as phenol,2,4-bis(1,1-dimethyl ethyl).

Polymorphism of Human Organic Cationic Transporter1 (C480G) in Egyptian Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients on Imatinib

Background: Human organic cationic transporter1 (Hoct1) is a plasma membrane transporter responsible for the main influx of Imatinib into chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene coding for hOCT1 are important factors causing Imatinib resistance. We investigated the frequency of hOCT1 SNP C480G among Egyptian CML patients and its relation to early molecular response as an indicator of treatment outcome. Materials and Methods: Two groups of CML patients were included in this study. Group I consisted of 25 patients responding to Imatinib treatment (Imatinib responsive) and group II consisted of 25 patients resistant to Imatinib (Imatinib resistant). Response criteria were assessed according to the NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) guidelines 2017. Twenty healthy controls of matched age and sex were also included (group III). For all patients, we studied hOCT1 C480G at initial presentation using Taqman drug metabolism genotyping as well as BCR-ABL percent at diagnosis and after 3 months interval. Results: hOCT1 C480G was present in 32% of studied CML patients. CC (wild) was detected in 68% of group I and 64% of group II. CG (mutant heterozygous) was present in 28% of group I and 36% of group II while GG (mutant homozygous) was detected in only one case in group I. CG was also detected in 15% of control subjects There was no significant difference between hOCT1 C480G polymorphism and Early Molecular Response (χ2 = 0.089, p = 0.765). Conclusions: hOCT1 C480G polymorphism has no association with Imatinib resistance in Egyptian population. However, further studies on a larger number of patients are still needed to confirm this finding.

Transcriptome Analysis Provides Novel Insights into Salt Stress Response in Two Egyptian Rice Varieties with Different Tolerance Levels

The response of rice to salt stress(200 mmol/L NaCl)was investigated at the transcription level in Egyptian varieties Giza 177(salt sensitive variety)and Giza 178(salt tolerant variety).We applied a genome-wide RNA-Seq transcriptome study at 21-day-old seedlings of both varieties,exposed or not to salt stress for 24 h.

Nutritional Epidemiological Study to Estimate Usual Intake and to Define Optimum Nutrient Profiling Choice in the Diet of Egyptian Youths

Objectives: To define optimum food and nutrient profiling in gender-specific and age group-specific variant regression models. Setting: 481 subjects of both sexes (18.4 years old) from Giza urban were set. Design: Dietary assessment used the 24-h dietary recall data to calculate the estimated energy and (24) nutrients eaten by each individual. Four indices—food variety diversity score, healthy eating index (HEI), mean probability of nutrients adequacy (MPA) and nutrient rich food (NRF9.3) index score were used for assessing the profiling of the diet. Results: A total of 163 individual food items were consumed by the participants within the 24-h dietary recall with an average daily intake of (6.6) different food varieties. Grains were the top contributors of energy and 10 macro and micro nutrients followed by the meat group. Based on the MPA data, the mean acceptable intake (AI) of dietary calcium (32.9%) and vitamin C (30%) were limiting in the diet. The diet profiling consumed by the teenagers aged 14.8 years was inferior compared to that consumed by subjects aging 23.9 years. Linear regression analyses were conducted between the 4 indices as the dependent variable and all possible combinations of 16 nutrients of interest as independent variables. NRF9.3 was the optimum nutrient index and correlated negatively with markers of abdominal obesity. Conclusion: Implementation of nutrition intervention program was directed to youths to include age appropriate good healthy foods to decrease the risk of nutrient deficiencies.

Elemental analysis of some Egyptian ores and industrial iron samples by neutron activation analysis

Elemental analysis of iron ore samples and first industrial iron production prepared by the Egyptian Iron and Steel Company of Helwan near Cairo were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis technique. Five samples from each kind were irradiated for a 48 hours at a thermal neutron flux of 4×10 12 n/(cm 2.s) in the first Egyptian research reactor ET RR 1. Also the Pneumatic irradiation Rabbit system (PIRS) attached to the reactor in Inshass, was used to measure the elements of short life time. The gamma ray spectra were recorded by means of the hyper pure germanium detection system. The concentration percentage values of major, minor and trace elements are presented. The long and short lived isotopes were considered. A comparative study and a discussion on the elemental concentration values are given.

Yield and Quality Response of Ryegrass, Egyptian Clover and Their Mixtures to Different Sources of Fertilizers

Two field experiments were conducted during two successive winter seasons of 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 to investigate the potentialities of mixing Egyptian clover with ryegrass under bio, organic and mineral fertilization treatments and their combination to increase forage yield and quality grown under sandy soil conditions. The experiment included the combination of five mixing ratios (Egyptian clover alone, ryegrass alone, 75% Egyptian clover: 25% ryegrass, 50% Egyptian clover: 50% ryegrass and 25% Egyptian clover: 75% ryegrass) and eight fertilizer sources, which include control, organic fertilization, bio fertilization, chemical fertilizer, organic + bio fertilizer, organic + chemical fertilizer, bio + chemical fertilizer and combination of organic and chemical and bio fertilizers. The obtained results indicate the superiority of 75% E. clover: 25% ryegrass mixture fertilizedby Bio + O + N in fresh and dry forage production. On the other hand, it reported the lowest dry weight of weeds g/m2. Chemical analysis of forage plants showed that the mixture of ?75% E. clover: 25% ryegrass surpassed that of other treatments yield for crude protein, ether extract and ash. The results also revealed that the highest record of DCP, crude fiber and TDNY was obtained by forage mixture of 75% E. clover: 25% ryegrass fertilized with Bio + O + N. Such higher yield of these characters hassecured a balanced ratio which is really needed for ruminants ration.

Contribution of Satellite Altimetry Data in the Environmental Geophysical Investigation of the Northern Egyptian Continental Margin

The northern Egyptian continental margin is characterized by interesting tectonic settings as well as trade and industry district in Egypt. In the current study, the contribution role of satellite altimetry gravity data in the Environmental geophysical investigation is presented to give a complete view of the marine gravity field of the study area. The satellite data showed only minor deviations in some partial regions of the area investigated such as Nile Deep Sea Fan, Levant Basin, Eratosthenes Seamount and Herodotus basin. The interpretations of the entire data illustrated that the differences between the satellite and the shipboard data were small in some regions particularly near to land. Furthermore, a number of strong deviations in some regions were spatially correlated with bathymetric depth together with the appearance of geological structures.