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The aim of this study was to examine viruses associated with gastrointestinal illnesses in ducks collected from four governorates in Egypt (Sharkia, Gharbia, Dakahlia, and Qaliobia) during 2021-2022. These ducks underwent comprehensive clinical examinations and post-mortem analyses. All the flocks exhibited various forms of diarrhea. Additionally, 59.5% of the duck flocks manifested respiratory symptoms, while 57% showed uneven growth, locomotory dysfunction (42.8%). Post-mortem findings consistently included enteritis in all examined flocks. To directly identify viruses associated with digestive illnesses, 42 aseptic intestine samples were obtained from recently deceased or sacrificed ducks. PCR analysis identified four positive samples out of the 42 (9.5%), with one containing Avian Rotavirus (AvRV) and three carrying Muscovy Duck Parvovirus (MDPV). Additionally, histopathological examination of the liver and intestine from PCR-positive flocks showed findings consistent with those typically observed in MDPV infections. This study concluded that the primary viruses associated with digestive illnesses in Egyptian ducks are MDPV and AvRV. Importantly, this research represents the first-ever detection of Rotavirus in ducks in Egypt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), the bacteria most frequently associated with mastitis in cattle and buffalo, has a large number of genes connected to antibiotic resistance. The objective of the current research was to determine the erythromycin and macrolide resistance of S. aureus isolated from mastitic milk of cattle and buffalo, particularly resistance-related genes (ermA, ermB, ermC, ermT, and msrA). Therefore, 150 dairy cattle and 135 dairy buffalo bred by small farmers in various governorates of Egypt (Cairo, Giza, Kalyobia, Fayoum, and Kafr El-Sheikh) provided a total of 285 milk samples. Inspection revealed that a total of 34 (22.7%) and 36 (26.7%) milk samples from cattle and buffalo, respectively, had clinical mastitis. With a total recovery of 31 (44.3%) S. aureus isolates. Bacterial isolation and identification of S. aureus verified the isolation and identification of 14 (41.2%) and 17 (47.2%) S. aureus isolates from cattle and buffalo, respectively. Utilizing a TaqMan probe-based real-time PCR method that targets the nuc gene, all S. aureus isolates were verified. In instances of bovine mastitis in India and Kenya, conventional PCR targeting the nuc gene, followed by DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, revealed a high homology (100%) with that of S. aureus strains isolated from milk. For the tested genes, the prevalence of resistant strains was 9.6% (ermA), 64.5% (ermB), 70.9% (ermC), 19.3% (ermT), and 9.6%. (msrA). Therefore, effective control measures should be adopted to stop the spread of drug-resistant S. aureus to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open channels are one of the most used water conveyance systems for delivering water for different purposes. Existing models for the design of open channels mainly assume uniform flow, focus on cross-section sizing, and generally decouple cross-section sizing from the selection of channel alignment and profile. In this study, we developed an optimization model for a comprehensive design of transmission channels. The model minimizes the sum of costs for earthwork, lining, water losses, and land acquisition; accounts for non-uniform, mixed-regime flow; and considers multiple geometric and hydraulic constraints. The model was validated using several idealized scenarios. The model potential in minimizing the cost of real open channel projects was demonstrated through application to an existing irrigation water transmission canal in Egypt (the Sheikh Zayed Canal). The results of validation scenarios matched the anticipated outcomes for channel profile and alignment and reproduced analytical solutions given in the literature for channel cross-section design. Application of the model to the Sheikh Zayed Canal gave a more optimal design; the OCCD model produced a design alternative with ~27% less cost than the constructed alternative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nocturnal enuresis (NE), is a distressing experience for children and young people, and successful treatment invariably improves their psychological functioning. Objectives: The overall objective was health promotion of school children, and the specific objectives were: to determine the frequency and risk factors of nocturnal enuresis (NE) among school children in Qaluobia governorate Egypt, and to examine its associations with behavioral and emotional problems. Subjects and methods: This study was a cross-sectional study that was conducted during the academic year 2011/2012 on 450 students aged 6-12 years in Qaluobia governorate. A brief questionnaire was distributed to screen the enuretic children (No. 70) who were invited and their parents, after their consent to fill a well-designed questionnaire. Results: Prevalence of NE was 15.7 %, where primary NE was 67.1%, and the secondary enuresis was 32.9% with a non significant difference (p> 0.05). There was a high significant difference among various treatment strategies with the highest applicable one was medications and the least applicable one was the usage of bed alarm as well as physical therapy means. There was a significant decrease in the frequency of NE by aging with the highest rate by the age of 6 years and the lowest by 12 years where it declined markedly. Positive family history was 30% among the involved students. Conclusion: The prevalence of NE in Qaluobia governorate is slightly higher than some other areas of the world. The frequency of enuresis declines by aging process. The primary as well as the secondary enuresis is common among the selected age group. The different strategies of treatment for nocturnal enuresis play an important role in relieving such complaint, and positive history of enuresis through the family may worsen the problem of enuresis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents Multivariate-Factors fuzzy time series model for improving forecasting accuracy. The proposed model is based on fuzzy clustering and it employs eight main procedures to build the multivariate-factors model. The model is evaluated by studying the Egypt Wheat imports as a forecasting problem. Forecasting Egypt wheat imports depend on three factors: population size, wheat area, and wheat production. This forecasting problem is considered to be a good benchmark for comparing different forecasting techniques since it exhibits highly nonlinearities over a long period of time and it provides important economical indicators needed for national future planning. Experimental results show that the proposed model provides higher forecasting accuracy than ARIMA model, Regression model and neural network model. Therefore, the proposed model can lead to satisfactory high performance for fuzzy time series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the study which examines the phenotypic and molecular characterization of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) separated from broiler chicken flocks in Egypt. The study used in vivo virulence testing, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) to analyze E. coli virulence genes. Results show that avian E. coli strains from chicken flocks have demonstrated same sequence types to E. coli linked with human infection.

Background and Aim: Subclinical mastitis (SCM) caused by erythromycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a significant disease in lactating animals. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the genetic factors contributing to erythromycin resistance in S. aureus. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of S. aureus in milk from subclinical mastitic cattle and buffaloes and tank milk samples as identified by probe-based real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the genotypic assessment of macrolide and erythromycin resistance profiles, as well as to analyze the phylogenetic relatedness of our local isolates of S. aureus. Materials and Methods: In total, 285 milk samples were analyzed using the California mastitis test to detect SCM. Milk samples were cultured on different specific Staphylococcus media. The presence of S. aureus was confirmed by Gram staining, the catalase and coagulase tests, the detection of hemolytic activity, DNase agar testing, and biofilm activity in Congo red medium. The genotypic identification of S. aureus (nuc) was performed. The determinants of erythromycin (ermA, ermB, ermC, and ermT) and macrolide resistance (msrA) were screened in all isolates. DNA sequencing of our local isolates of S. aureus was used to analyze their phylogenetic relatedness. Moreover, histopathological examination of tissue specimens of mammary gland was performed. Results: The S. aureus positivity rates were 36.4%, 48.8%, and 63.6% in cattle, buffalo, and bulk tank milk, respectively. Probe-based real-time PCR molecularly confirmed all 62 S. aureus isolates. Thirty-one isolates were subjected to PCR to create profiles of their genotypic erythromycin resistance. ermA, ermB, ermC, and ermT were present in 5 (8%), 26 (41.9%), 18 (29%), and 15 (24.1%) S. aureus isolates, respectively. Moreover, msrA was found in three (4.8%) strains. Eight PCR products were produced using standard PCR for DNA sequencing. Multiple sequence alignment, phylogenetic tree construction, and analysis of nuc in S. aureus revealed a high degree of homology (100%) with S. aureus strains isolated from milk in cases of bovine mastitis in India and Kenya. Histological analysis of udder tissues revealed extensive aggregation of mononuclear inflammatory cells in the interstitial connective tissue, primarily lymphocytes, and macrophages. Conclusion: This study showed a high prevalence of erythromycin resistance in S. aureus isolates. This information is vital for controlling mastitis and the spread of resistance genes between bacterial strains and hosts. Moreover, the probe-based real-time PCR approach is helpful for the rapid screening of S. aureus isolates and the consequent efficient treatment and control of S. aureus mastitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major health problem with poor patient prognosis. We evaluated the clinical characteristics, risk factors, associated comorbidities, and outcomes of AKI patients., Methodology: A single-center prospective observational study. The patients were admitted in Mansoura Nephrology and Dialysis Unit over a period of 1 year from January to December, 2016. Patients were diagnosed as AKI or AKI in addition to chronic kidney disease according to the creatinine criteria of KDIGO 2013. All patients were subjected to complete history taking, physical examination, and full laboratory and pelvi-abdominal ultrasound investigations. The study outcomes were all-cause hospital mortality, and recovery of renal function. Predictors of mortality were assessed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The study was reviewed and approved by local Ethical Committee of IBR., Results: We evaluated 199 (96 males plus 103 females) aged between 18 and 88 years old. Dehydration was the commonest precipitating factor for AKI in our patients (68.8%) and Oliguria was the commonest symptom present in 47.7% of patients. Intravenous fluids were received by 79.9% of patients, 22.6% of patients received diuretics, and 33.7% received renal replacement therapy in the form of intermittent hemodialysis. Death occurred in 25 patients (13.16%) and 69 (36.32%) showed no renal recovery. Shock and sepsis were the most significant predictors of mortality. Conclusion: Community acquired AKI is a major health problem with high morbidity and mortality., (© 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Introduction: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer amongst Egyptian women and worldwide. MicroRNA-21 (miR-21), on chromosome 17q21.3, is one of the most up-regulated microRNAs in cancer that silences multiple target genes involved in cancer-signaling pathways. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between numerical aberrations of chromosome 17 and the miR-21 expression profile in BC tissues in female Egyptian patients., Methods: The study included 37 female patients with sporadic primary breast carcinoma, their age ranged from 31 to 65 years. Fresh breast tissue specimens were evaluated for miR-21 expression levels using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction technology and cytogenetic fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis for chromosome 17 aneusomy., Results: miR-21 was up-regulated 12.9-fold in BC tissues compared with normal adjacent tissue. Over-expression was significantly associated with several clinico-pathologic characteristics; as higher tumor grade, more tumor size, advanced stage, and poor prognostic index. In addition, chromosome 17 monosomy and trisomy were observed in 21.6 and 5.4 % of BC patients, respectively. However, the large majority (73 %) of patients had heterogeneous cell populations. Chromosome 17 copy number heterogeneity in cell populations were significantly associated with advanced clinical stage and higher miR-21 expression profile in BC tissues., Conclusion: Chromosome 17 aneusomy and miR-21 expression are positively correlated and can potentially serve as prognostic markers in BC.

Background: Ovarian cancer is the eighth leading cancer in women, as it accounts for 4% of all malignant tumors in females. The incidence of ovarian cancer is up to 10 times higher in western countries than in rural Asian and Africa ones. Different reproductive characteristics, life styles and specific medical conditions are responsible for different pattern and incidence of ovarian cancer worldwide., Material and Methods: A case control study was conducted during the time period from 2000 to 2003 including 172 cases of epithelial ovarian cancer, recently diagnosed and confirmed by histopathology. The patients were accessed at the hospitals currently covered by Alexandria Cancer Registry. In addition, 441 control subjects, comparable by age and address, were randomly selected from patients admitted to the same hospitals for nongynecological, non-endocrinal acute diseases. Both cases and controls were subjected to a specific predesigned questionnaire to cover menstrual, reproductive and lifestyle indicators. Univariate and multivariate analysis were conducted and 5% level of significance was adopted., Results: Significantly increased risks were reported with increased number of abortions and increased number of ovarian cycles (OR=1.8, 95% CI (1.7-2.8), and 2.8, 95% CI 2.8 (1.5-5.2), respectively. Similarly, high risks were also reported for increased number of pregnancies, OR=1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.4) for 1 to three pregnancies and 4.2, 95% CI 1.2-15.9) for more than four pregnancies On the other hand, decreased risks were reported for those with increased parity compared to nulliparous., Conclusion: Although ovarian cancer is less frequent in our community, yet the significant positive and negative associations between risk factors and ovarian cancer were similar to the results of other studies, apart from the primary prevention program that should be outlined according to prevalence of significant risk factors in the studied local community.

Aim: This study was conducted to reveal the determinants of obstetric interventions in El Shatby maternity hospital, the only obstetric care facility providing tertiary care in Alexandria, Methods: Parturient admitted to the delivery room during the morning and afternoon shifts between April and February 2002 were enrolled in the study. Data were obtained by interview questionnaire complemented by thorough obstetric examination and close monitoring of the labor progress. Data were analyzed using the univariate and multivariate regression analyses., Results: out of the 3201 parturient who attended the hospital, 1302 were included in the study. Nearly three-fifths (61.7%) of parturient had a vaginal delivery. For the remaining proportion, delivery was accomplished by an elective (20.3%) or emergency (17.1%) cesarean section while few (0.9%) had an instrumental vaginal delivery. Operative obstetric intervention was determined by both maternal and fetal factors. For both primiparae and multiparae, the risk of elective cesarean delivery was independently predicted by abnormal fetal presentation, signs of fetal distress, toxemia of pregnancy and frequent antenatal visits of more than four. In addition, it is independently predicted by post date for primiparae and prolonged rupture of the membranes, history of still birth as well as previous obstetric intervention for multiparae. As for emergency cesarean delivery, it is independently predicted by prolonged rupture of the membrane, signs of fetal distress, ante-partum hemorrhage in both primiparae and multiparae. In addition, for primiparae, it is independently predicted by abnormal fetal presentation and a birth weight of more than 3500 grams while for multiparae, it is predicted by previous obstetric intervention as well as the non use of contraception following the delivery of the previous child., Conclusion: Both elective and emergency cesarean deliveries are independently predicted by fetal as well as maternal factors, though a proportion may not be medically justified considering models' predictive value. The extent of obstetric interventions reflects only that of specialized tertiary facility. There is a need for an extensive study including different level of health facilities in order to illustrate the whole scope of obstetric intervention and to develop a better understanding of its determinants.