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The prognostic significance of cytokine receptor-like factor 2 (CRLF2) overexpression in pediatric B-cell precursor (BCP) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is still controversial. We aimed to investigate the role of CRLF2 overexpression and JAK2 mutation in the diagnosis and prognosis of newly diagnosed pediatric B-ALL patients.CRLF2 expression was assessed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 115 pediatric patients newly diagnosed with precursor B-ALL patients compared with 24 age- and sex-matched controls. JAK2 R683G mutation status was performed by the qBiomarker Somatic Mutation PCR Assay.CRLF2 overexpression was identified in 21 patients (18.3%), while the JAK2 R683G mutant type was found in only in 7 patients (6.1%). There was a significant CRLF2 overexpression in patients with high initial TLC, high blast count in blood, and organomegaly (P .04, 0.0050.05 respectively). No patients with CRLF2 overexpression expressed any recurrent cytogenetic translocations. 4 patients with CRLF2 overexpression showed JAK2 R683G mutation. CRLF2 levels and JAK2 R683G mutation status did not have a significant impact on either overall survival or disease-free survival.CRLF2 expression was significantly higher in Egyptian precursor B-ALL pediatric patients. CRLF2 overexpression was associated with a number of unfavorable prognostic factors with high tumor load, but was not an adverse independent parameter in pediatric BCP-ALL patients. Some patients with CRLF2 overexpression display JAK2 mutation, which may benefit from targeted therapy by kinase inhibitors.

Objective Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed solid malignancies in women worldwide. Purpose Finding new non-invasive circulating diagnostic biomarkers will facilitate the early prediction of BC and provide valuable insight into disease progression and response to therapy using a safe and more accessible approach available every inspection time. Therefore, our present study aimed to investigate expression patterns of potentially circulating biomarkers that can differentiate well between benign, malignant, and healthy subjects. Methods To achieve our target, quantitative analyses were performed for some circulating biomarkers which have a role in the proliferation and tumor growth, as well as, glutamic acid, and human epidermal growth receptor 2 (HER2) in blood samples of BC patients in comparison to healthy controls using qRT-PCR, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), and ELISA. Results Our findings showed that the two miRNAs (miRNA-145, miRNA-382) were expressed at lower levels in BC sera than healthy control group, while miRNA-21 was expressed at higher levels in BC patients than control subjects. Area under ROC curves of BC samples revealed that AUC of miRNA-145, miRNA-382, miRNA-21, and glutamic acid was evaluated to equal 0.99, 1.00, 1.00 and 1.00, respectively. Besides, there was a significantly positive correlation between miRNA-145 and miRNA-382 (r = 0.737), and a highly significant positive correlation between miRNA-21 and glutamic acid (r = 0.385). Conclusion Based on our results, we conclude that the detection of serum miRNA-145, -382 and -21 as a panel along with glutamic acid, and circulating HER2 concentrations could be useful as a non-invasive diagnostic profiling for early prediction of breast cancer in Egyptian patients. It can provide an insight into disease progression, discriminate between malignancy and healthy control, and overcome the use limitations (low sensitivity and specificity, repeated risky exposure, and high cost) of other detecting tools, including mammography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound.

Background Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and breast cancer (BC) are closely related and need more clarification. In clinical practice, the early diagnosis of BC is the most crucial issue. The current study aimed to investigate the incidence of metabolic syndrome among Egyptian women with breast cancer as independent risk factor, and the relationships between anthropometric indices (BMI, waist, hip, middle upper arm circumferences) and breast cancer risk. Results MetS rate was significantly higher among women with breast cancer (n = 89, 65%) women; compared to CG: 43.5%, (37) women therefore metabolic syndrome was strongly associated with breast cancer. More than half of BC cases (n = 85, 62%) were obese (BMI > 29.9), and 37 women (27%) were overweight (BMI 25–29.9). Additionally, the BC group had greater levels of fasting blood sugar than the control group (109.72 ± 51.31, 78.49 ± 22.79 mg/dL, respectively). Waist circumference, hip circumference, and WHtR values in BC women showed highly significant difference (p value = 0.000) compared to control group. Conclusion In our study, the metabolic syndrome and its elements were significantly correlated among Egyptian women with breast cancer. Anthropometric indices were linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.

The levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) transcription of FOXP3, IFN-γ, TNF, IL-6 and COX-2 from both COVID-19 infected and control subjects were evaluated using SYBRTM green real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Severe/critical cases showed significantly lower lymphocyte counts and higher neutrophil counts than the mild or moderate cases. There were significantly lower levels of mRNA expressions of IFN-γ, TNFα and FOXP3 in COVID-19 patients than in the control group. On the other hand, IL-6 and COX-2 expressions were significantly higher in patients suffering from severe disease. FOXP3 expressions were correlated with the severities of hypoxia and were excellent in predicting the disease severity. This was followed by the IL-6, COX-2 and TNFα expressions. FOXP3 expression was the only biomarker to show a significant correlation with patient mortality. It was concluded that SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with the downregulation of FOXP3 and upregulations of IL-6 and COX-2.

Background Breast cancer (BC) is the most often diagnosed cancer in women globally. Cancer cells appear to rely heavily on RNA helicases. DDX43 is one of DEAD- box RNA helicase family members. But, the relationship between clinicopathological, prognostic significance in different BC subtypes and DDX43 expression remains unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the clinicopathological significance of DDX43 protein and mRNA expression in different BC subtypes. Materials and methods A total of 80 females newly diagnosed with BC and 20 control females that were age-matched were recruited for this study. DDX43 protein levels were measured by ELISA technique. We used a real-time polymerase chain reaction quantification (real-time PCR) to measure the levels of DDX43 mRNA expression. Levels of DDX43 protein and mRNA expression within BC patients had been compared to those of control subjects and correlated with clinicopathological data. Results The mean normalized serum levels of DDX43 protein were slightly higher in control than in both benign and malignant groups, but this result was non-significant. The mean normalized level of DDX43 mRNA expression was higher in the control than in both benign and malignant cases, although the results were not statistically significant and marginally significant, respectively. Moreover, the mean normalized level of DDX43 mRNA expression was significantly higher in benign than in malignant cases. In malignant cases, low DDX43 protein expression was linked to higher nuclear grade and invasive duct carcinoma (IDC), whereas high mRNA expression was linked to the aggressive types of breast cancer such as TNBC, higher tumor and nuclear grades. Conclusion This study explored the potential of using blood DDX43 mRNA expression or protein levels, or both in clinical settings as a marker of disease progression in human breast cancer. DDX43 mRNA expression proposes a less invasive method for discriminating benign from malignant BC.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected millions of people worldwide. During the early stages of vaccination in Egypt, the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and BBIBP-CorV vaccines were the most distributed. The aim of this study was to compare the immune responses and short-term efficacies of these two vaccines. We recruited adults who received two doses of either vaccine. Samples were collected after the first dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV-1 and after the second dose of both vaccines. Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 antigens were measured using LABScreen™ COVID Plus kits, and cell-mediated immune responses were assessed using flow cytometry. Of the 109 recruited subjects, 60 (55%) received the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine, and the remainder received the BBIBP-CorV vaccine. The total antibody level did not significantly differ between the two groups. The level of the anti-spike subunit 2 (S2) antibody was significantly higher in the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 group. The percentages of both total T cells and B cells were unaffected by the type of vaccination. However, the ChAdOx1 nCoV-1 vaccine was significantly associated with a higher percentage of CD8+ cells. The vaccines did not significantly differ in the number or severity of infections postvaccination. None of the participants were admitted to the hospital or died of COVID-19 infection. In conclusion, the BBIBP-CorV vaccine is associated with an immune response and protection against infection that is comparable to that of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-1 vaccine. Follow-up is needed to study the long-term protective effects of both vaccines. Inactivated vaccines are easier to manufacture in developing countries and their limited side effects may lead to better economic benefits by limiting the number of absences from work.

Background: Viruses are among the inducers of type 1 diabetes (T1D) as they are implicated in the initiation of β-cell destruction. This study aimed to explore the link between adenoviruses’ infection, inflammatory biomarkers, and the development of T1D. Methods: The study population included 80 children with T1D and 40 healthy controls (2–16 years old). The T1D group was further clustered into two groups according to time of T1D diagnosis: a group of children who were diagnosed during the first year of life and a second group who were diagnosed after the first year of life. Adenovirus DNA, anti-adenovirus IgG, cytokines, and lipid profiles were screened in the different groups. The results were statistically assessed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and LSD t-test. Results: Positive adenovirus PCR was detected in 2.5% and 20% of normal and T1D children, respectively. Moreover, the positive PCR results for adenovirus were found significantly higher in the T1D group, who were diagnosed during the first year of life (33.4%), in comparison to those diagnosed after the first year of life (12%). Anti-adenoviruses IgG was found in 12.5% and 40% of healthy controls and diabetic children, respectively. Seropositive results were found to be higher in newly diagnosed children (46.7%) in comparison to those previously diagnosed with T1D (36%). Body mass index (BMI), IFN-γ, IL-15, adiponectin, lipid profile, and microalbuminuria were significantly increased in T1D adenoviruses-positive children compared to children who were negative for adenoviruses. Conclusions: Adenovirus infection could be among the contributing risk factors and may play a role in the induction of T1D in children.

The potency of the prepared glassy polyvinyl alcohol/silica gel hybrid composite to remove safranin from aqueous solutions has been explored. The obtained hybrid composite was firstly characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDX and TGA. Factors affecting the safranin removal process like pH, adsorption time, initial concentration of dye, adsorbent amount and temperature, were fully investigated. The obtained data were treated using four kinetically models and two adsorption isotherm models. Results of kinetic study revealed that the pseudo first order was good in agreement with experimental results rather than pseudo second order, Weber and Morris Intraparticle model and Elovich model. The equilibrium adsorption isotherms revealed that Langmuir model was suitable and well compatible with experimental results than Freundlich one. The maximum adsorption capacities at 293, 303 and 318 K were 9.5, 11 and 12.5 mg g−1, respectively. Thermodynamic studies surmised that the removal process was spontaneous, endothermic and physisorption controlled (ΔHo = 17.48 kJ mol−1).

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is known to be the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. For improving the prognosis as well as reducing the rate of mortality, early diagnosis of HCC is a must. Aims This study was conducted to assess the ability of the serum expression of exosomal miR-18a and miR-222 to differentiate and diagnose patients with HCC, patients with liver cirrhosis, and healthy controls. Methods This study included 51 patients with liver cirrhosis, 51 patients with HCC on top of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, and 50 healthy controls. Results miR-18a and miR-222 were assessed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. MiR-18a and miR-222 levels were significantly higher in the liver cirrhosis and HCC groups than the control group ( p ˂ 0.001). However, no statistically significant difference was found between patients with HCC and liver cirrhosis ( p = 0.4 for miR-18a and p = 0.1 for miR-222). ROC curve analyses to evaluate the diagnostic performances of the two miRNAs as important noninvasive diagnostic markers revealed a best cutoff value of 2 for miR-18a to differentiate between liver cirrhosis, HCC, and healthy controls. And for mir-222, a cutoff value of 1.7 and 1.9 showed the highest specificity for discrimination between liver cirrhosis, HCC, and healthy controls, respectively. Moreover, logistic regression model revealed that miR-18a expression was independent predictive factor in HCC patients ( p = 0.004), while miR-222 expression was independent predictive factor in liver cirrhosis patients ( p < 0.001). Conclusion miR-18a and miR-222 were significantly discriminative markers between patients with liver cirrhosis and HCC and healthy individuals. Therefore, they have a prognostic rather than a diagnostic value. Moreover, miR-18a and miR-222 could be useful in identifying liver injuries, including fibrosis and cirrhosis.

Seasonal influenza viruses constitute a major global concern. Currently, H3N2 and H1N1pdm09 are the commonly circulating influenza A viruses. The haemagglutin and neuraminidase genes of influenza A(H3N2) and A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses from Egyptian paediatric patients with respiratory distress were sequenced. Mutational analysis of all published sequences from Egypt was evolutionary tracked for both HA and NA genes. Phylogenetic analysis of H3N2 HA showed that the Egyptian strains belong to 3C2 subclade while Egyptian A(H1N1)pdm09 strains belong to 6B1 subclade. Some Egyptian A(H1N1)pdm09, 2013-2014, strains form a new subclade; 6B3. High score of mutations were recorded in HA of H1N1pdm09 but higher was recorded in H3N2 strains. These findings confirmed a high mutation rate of influenza A subtypes specially H3N2 strains.

Due to their structural merits that arise from their stability and high surface area, the layered double hydroxide (LDH) materials have caused strong attention. These characteristics provided intriguing possibilities with improved efficiency for catalytic applications. In this work, the preparation of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydroxide ([BMIM]+OH−) intercalated by a facile approach in a layered double hydroxide (LDH) matrix is reported and its implementation as a greener catalyst is shown. Different physico-chemical techniques such as XRD, FTIR, TGA, and N2-physisorption, HRTEM, and CO2 adsorption are implemented to characterize the structure of the fabricated catalysts. The [BMIM]+OH−/LDH exhibit outstanding catalytic performance in Knoevenagel condensation, resulting from the high LDH surface area and synergistic effects between both the intercalated ionic liquid and LDHs matrix. Knoevenagel’s fabricated catalysts can be exploited to catalyze different condensations and can be reused well. This work therefore generates good opportunities in the field of catalysis for the preparing and implementation of LDH-based catalysts. Keywords: MgAl-LDH, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydroxide, Ionic liquid, Knoevenagel condensation, catalysis

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm accounting for ∼15% of all leukemia. Progress of the disease from an indolent chronic phase to the more aggressive accelerated phase or blast phase (BP) occurs in a minority of cases and is associated with an accumulation of somatic mutations. We performed genetic profiling of 85 samples and transcriptome profiling of 12 samples from 59 CML patients. We identified recurrent somatic mutations in ABL1 (37%), ASXL1 (26%), RUNX1 (16%), and BCOR (16%) in the BP and observed that mutation signatures in the BP resembled those of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We found that mutation load differed between the indolent and aggressive phases and that nonoptimal responders had more nonsilent mutations than did optimal responders at the time of diagnosis, as well as in follow-up. Using RNA sequencing, we identified other than BCR-ABL1 cancer-associated hybrid genes in 6 of the 7 BP samples. Uncovered expression alterations were in turn associated with mechanisms and pathways that could be targeted in CML management and by which somatic alterations may emerge in CML. Last, we showed the value of genetic data in CML management in a personalized medicine setting.

Objectives: Leptin and adiponectin are adipose-derived immune modulators (adipokines) that may contribute to SLE pathology and symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate the associations of serum adiponectin and leptin with clinical manifestations and disease activity in SLE patients. Methods: This is a case control study, where 70 SLE patients and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled from the Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Department of Beni-Suef University Hospital from June 2020 till April 2022. The SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) and Systemic Lupus International Collaborative clinics/America Collage of Rheumatology damage index were used to assess disease severity. Laboratory parameters including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and serum concentrations of antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti-double stranded DNA, complement 3 and 4, lipids, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured and compared between SLE and control groups. Serum adiponectin and leptin were also measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Results: Compared to healthy controls, SLE patients exhibited significantly greater serum leptin (21.1 vs 3.9 ng/mL, p < 0.001) and adiponectin (18.1 vs 4.8 ng/mL, p < 0.001), and both values were positively correlated with SLEDAI scores ( p = 0.048 and 0.042). Higher serum leptin was significantly associated with lupus nephritis (LN) ( p = 0.048) as well as greater body mass index ( p = 0.010), ESR ( p = 0.002), serum CRP ( p = 0.003), total cholesterol ( p = 0.013), and uric acid ( p = 0.002), while higher adiponectin was significantly associated with LN ( p = 0.046). Conclusion: Serum leptin and adiponectin levels are associated with the clinical and pathological manifestations of SLE, suggesting direct involvement in disease progression and utility as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Objectives Since being declared a global pandemic, the SARS-CoV-2 virus had a significant impact on the entire globe. The pandemic has placed a heavy burden on healthcare systems worldwide, and cancer patients are particularly prone. Despite the fact that initial international reports suggest delays in breast cancer (BC) diagnosis and screening programs, the Egyptian context requires additional research on this topic. To examine whether COVID-19 has changed the pattern of disease presentation before and after the pandemic, focusing on the tumor, node, and metastasis (TNM) staging of the disease at the initial presentation Methods This single-center, retrospective study of female BC patients initially diagnosed at Baheya Foundation was conducted during the following time frames: from Jan 2019 to Jan 2020 (Pre COVID-19 cohort) and from Mar 2020 to Mar 2021 (post–COVID-19 cohort). We compared the two cohorts in terms of clinical characteristics, tumor characteristics, and the number of days from presentation to treatment. Our primary endpoint was the difference in the TNM stage of BC at the initial presentation. Results This analysis included 710 BC patients, 350 from the pre-COVID cohort and 360 from the post-COVID group. We detected a 27.9% increase in late-stage BC (stages III-IV) in the post-pandemic cohort compared to the pre-pandemic (60.1% vs. 47%, p < 0.001). The time from diagnosis to commencement of treatment was significantly longer (28.34 ± 18.845 vs 36.04 ± 23.641 days, p < 0.001) in the post-COVID cohort (mean difference = 7.702, 95% CI 4.54–10.85, p < 0.001). A higher percentage of patients in the post-pandemic cohort received systemic neoadjuvant therapy ( p-value for Exact’s test for all treatment options = 0.001). Conclusions The number of patients requiring systemic neoadjuvant chemotherapy increased dramatically in the post-pandemic group with advanced stages of BC at presentation. This study highlights the need for proper management of cancer patients during any future pandemic.

Background: Precision oncology has been increasingly used in clinical practice and rapidly evolving in the oncology field. Thus, this study was performed to assess the frequency of germline mutations in early and late onset familial breast cancer (BC) Egyptian patients using multi-gene panel sequencing to better understand the contribution of the inherited germline mutations in BC predisposition. Moreover, to determine the actionable deleterious mutations associated with familial BC that might be used as biomarker for early cancer detection. Methods: Whole blood samples were collected from 101 Egyptian patients selected for BC family history, in addition to 50 age-matched healthy controls. A QIAseq targeted DNA panel (human BC panel) was used to assess the frequency of germline mutations. Results: A total of 58 patients (57.4%) out of 101 were found to have 27 deleterious germline mutations in 11 cancer susceptibility genes. Of them, 32 (31.6%) patients carried more than one pathogenic mutation and each one carried at least one pathogenic mutation. The major genes harboring the pathogenic mutations were: ATM, BRCA2, BRCA1, VHL, MSH6, APC, CHEK2, MSH2, MEN1, PALB2, and MUTYH. Thirty-one patients (30.6%) had BRCA2 mutations and twenty (19.8%) had BRCA1 mutations. Our results showed that exon 10 and exon 11 harbored 3 and 5 mutations, respectively, in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Our analysis also revealed that the VHL gene significantly co-occurred with each of the BRCA2 gene (p = 0.003, event ratio 11/21), the MSH2 gene (p = 0.01, 4/10), the CHEK2 gene (p = 0.02, 4/11), and the MSH6 gene (p = 0.04, 4/12). In addition, the APC gene significantly co-occurred with the MSH2 gene (p = 0.01, 3/7). Furthermore, there was a significant mutually exclusive event between the APC gene and the ATM gene (p = 0.04, 1/36). Interestingly, we identified population specific germline mutations in genes showing potentials for targeted therapy to meet the need for incorporating precision oncology into clinical practice. For example, the mutations identified in the ATM, APC, and MSH2 genes. Conclusions: Multi-gene panel sequencing was used to detect the deleterious mutations associated with familial BC, which in turns mitigate the essential need for implementing next generation sequencing technologies in precision oncology to identify cancer predisposing genes. Moreover, identifying DNA repair gene mutations, with focus on non-BRCA genes, might serve as candidates for targeted therapy and will be increasingly used in precision oncology.

Hydrophilicity of tannin limits its adsorbate retention potential. Herein, Acacia nilotica extracted polymeric tannin was immobilized by cross-linking with glutaraldehyde (nomenclature as polytannin glutraldehyde resin, PTGR) to enhance its water stability and tested in the removal of hexavalent uranium, U(VI). Fourier transform infra-red (FT-IR) bands confirmed the presence of phenolic functionalities (characteristic of tannin), while X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) peaks at 284.6 and 530 eV showed the presence of C – C/C=C, C – OH, O – C – O, O – H, and. O – C – O functional groups on PTGR. Morphologically, PTGR particles (having an average particle size of 34 nm) were agglomerated with irregular geometry. The appearance of XPS peaks at 381.9 and 393.2 eV (due to U4f) confirmed the adsorption of U(VI), while shifting of FT-IR bands at 1610, 1389, 1100, and 1027 cm−1 to 1679, 1446, 1114 and 1056 cm−1 confirmed the involvement of C – O, C – H, C C groups present on cellulose and hemicellulose in U(VI) binding with PTGR. pH dependent U(VI) adsorption was found. Adsorption kinetics was rapid, accomplishing 60–90% adsorption within 15 min. The adsorption was exothermic. 90.7% of U(VI) adsorbed on PTGR was recovered with 0.1 M hydrochloric acid (HCl), while only 17% loss in PTGR adsorption potential was observed after four consecutive regeneration steps.

A new facile and scalable approach for utilizing basic ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydroxide ([BMIM]+OH−) for the fabrication of different shapes of ceria nanostructures was adopted. The features of the fabricated ceria and their corresponding gold nanocatalysts were characterized by employing ICP, HRTEM, XRD, XPS, BET and UV–vis spectroscopy. Catalytic performance of CeO2 and its dependence on shape was studied in the oxidation of CO and olefins epoxidation. The ratio between the ionic liquid and cerium precursor is one of the valuable factors used to monitor the growth of the particles. The catalytic performance of ceria was found to be dependent on the morphology of the catalysts. The catalytic performance of CeO2 in the form of nanorod-shapes is better than that of nanocubes and bulk. The deposition of gold nanoparticles on different shaped CeO2 much enhanced their catalytic performance. This enhancement in catalytic performance was, however, more significant in the case of rod-shaped ceria.

In this work, phosphorus oxychloride was grafted onto the surface of raw sawdust (RSD) particles to get effective adsorbent for capturing Cd(II), Cr(III), and Pb(II) metal ions from aqueous medium. Phosphorylated raw sawdust (RSD@P) was characterized by FTIR, TGA, SEM-EDX, TEM, BET, and XPS analyses. Various experimental conditions of adsorption viz. pH, contact time, temperature, and initial concentration were optimized. The adsorption behavior of RSD@P concerning adsorption kinetics, isotherms and thermodynamics was also studied. The values of qe for Cd(II), Cr(III), and Pb(II) metal ions onto RSD@P was found to be 244.3, 325, and 217 mg/g, respectively at 298 K according to monolayer Langmuir adsorption. The adsorption kinetics data revealed that Cd(II), Cr(III), and Pb(II) metal ions were well fitted to pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The thermodynamic results demonstrated that adsorption was spontaneous and exothermic. The mechanisms of interactions was also discussed for the adsorption of Cd(II), Cr(III), and Pb(II) metal ions over RSD@P. The obtained results showed that RSD@P was an auspicious adsorbent which showed outstanding reusability for the removal of metal ions from aqueous medium.

Genetic differences among individuals could affect the clinical presentations and outcomes of COVID-19. Human Leukocyte Antigens are associated with COVID-19 susceptibility, severity, and prognosis. This study aimed to identify HLA-B and -C genotypes among 69 Egyptian patients with COVID-19 and correlate them with disease outcomes and other clinical and laboratory data. HLA-B and -C typing was performed using Luminex-based HLA typing kits. Forty patients (58%) had severe COVID-19; 55% of these patients died, without reported mortality in the moderate group. The alleles associated with severe COVID-19 were HLA-B*41, -B*42, -C*16, and -C*17, whereas HLA-B*15, -C*7, and -C*12 were significantly associated with protection against mortality. Regression analysis showed that HLA-B*15 was the only allele associated with predicted protection against mortality, where the likelihood of survival increased with HLA-B*15 (P

Background Platelet transfusion therapy is widely used to prevent hemorrhage in patients with thrombocytopenia and platelet disorders. The platelet concentrate (PC) quality is affected by increased storage time, as reflected in the decreased number of platelets, morphological changes, and impaired functions. This study aimed to analyze the impact of 5 days storage on platelets count and the expression of CD63, and Annexin V as activation markers during PC storage. Methods Fifty PCs collected from single donors were tested for platelet count on days 0, 3, and 5 using a Sysmex blood counter. CD61, CD63, and Annexin V expression was analyzed by a multicolor Navios flow cytometer. Results There was a significant decrease in platelet count during 5 days of storage. There was a direct relationship between storage time and degree of platelet activation. CD63 had almost double increased expression on day 5 than day 3. Annexin V showed significantly increased expression on day 3 with minor differences between days 3 and 5. Conclusion According to standard blood bank conditions, PC stored for 5 days showed a degree of in vitro activation as evidenced by CD63 and Annexin V expression, may lead to reduced therapeutic efficacy. Flow cytometry monitoring platelet activation in PC offers a better understanding of the changes during PC storage and may help improve platelet products.

Despite the link between HCV and malignant lymphoproliferative disorders has been established, the association between occult hepatitis C virus infection and malignant lymphoproliferative disorders remains obscure. The present study intended to identify the possible association between occult HCV infection and malignant lymphoproliferative disorders. Newly diagnosed patients with LPDs were screened for the presence of HCV-RNA in both plasma and PBMCs. PBMCs of the subjects were also, examined by transmission and immuno-electron microscopy. LPD patients showed a high percentage of HCV infection (71.9%): OCI-HCV (37.5%) and HCV (34.38%). Meanwhile, 28.13% of LPD patients did not show any evidence of HCV infection. Ultrastructural examination of PBMCs revealed the presence of intracytoplasmic vacuoles enclosing viral like particles, which were less prominent in occult HCV patients. The possibility of occult HCV should be considered in patients with LPDs which can be helpful in the management of the treatment protocol in order to set up a balance between the control of the tumor progression and minimizing post chemotherapy complications related to HCV infection.

Background Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is a significant cellular stress response protein that has intrinsic and extrinsic pathways to protect cells against apoptosis. It is one of the most induced proteins in cancer cells. The aim of the present study is to investigate the significant role of the HSP70 expression in Egyptian patients with breast cancer (BC) and its potential to be as a diagnostic and prognostic marker. Materials and Methods HSP70 was examined in 155 cases in this prospective study; patients were subdivided into 3 groups: 60 patients with malignant metastatic disease, 60 patients with malignant non-metastatic disease, and 35 patients with benign lesions as control. HSP70 expression was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results Most cases of breast cancer expressed HSP70 in both serum (98.3%) and tumor tissue (90%). A strong positive correlation was found between HSP70 IHC and ELISA (r = 0.811). The mean HSP70 levels, as detected in both patients’ serum by ELISA and tumor tissue by IHC, was significantly higher in patients with BC than in benign cases (P = .001). HSP70 was significantly higher in patients with metastatic BC than in those with non-metastatic BC (P = .001). HSP70 showed positive correlation with tumor size (pT stage) and number of lymph node metastases (P ≤ .001). Conclusion HSP70 is over-expressed in patients with metastatic and non-metastatic BC than in benign cases. A high level of HSP70 either in patient’s serum or in tumor tissue correlated significantly with advanced disease in patients with BC. This present study suggests that HSP70 can serve as a BC biomarker for early screening, diagnosis, and follow-up.

Cu2O/CuO nano-architectures were prepared by biogenic-mediated synthesis using pomegranate seeds extract as the reducing/stabilizing mediator during an aqueous solution combustion process of the Cu2+ precursor. The fabricated Cu2O/CuO nanocomposite were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and nitrogen sorption. Nitrobenzene (NB) was applied a probe to test the catalytic activities of the fabricated Cu2O/CuO nanocomposite. The results indicated that pomegranate seeds extract (PSE) manifest Cu2O/CuO NPs of tiny particle size, larger pore volume and greater surface area compared to the bulky CuO synthesized in the absence of PSE. The surface area and total pore volume of Cu2O/CuO NPs were 20.1 m2 g&minus, 1 and 0.0362 cm3 g&minus, 1, respectively. The FESEM image shows the formation of broccoli-like architecture. The fabricated Cu2O/CuO nanocomposite possesses surprising activity towards the reduction of nitro compounds in the presence of NaBH4 into amino compounds with high conversion (94%). The reduction process was performed in water as a green solvent. Over four consecutive cycles the resulting nanocomposite also exhibits outstanding stability. In addition, the resulting Cu2O/CuO nanocomposite suggested herein may encourage scientists to start preparing more cost-effective catalysts for marketing instead of complicated catalysts.

Background Vascular injuries caused by irradiation include acute vasculitis with neutrophil invasion, endothelial cell (EC) swelling, capillary loss, and activation of coagulator mechanisms, along with local ischemia and fibrosis. The circulating endothelial cells (CECs), increase dramatically in diseases with vascular damage. Aim The aim of this study is to provide data on the endothelial dysfunction due to occupational exposure to low dose ionizing radiation versus high dose exposure during radiotherapy (RT). Patients and Methods This study included 100 subjects divided into three main groups: Group I: High dose exposure group: 50 breast cancer patients treated with post-operative radiotherapy. Group II: Low dose exposure group: 25 hospital radiation workers. Group III: 25 healthy volunteers' age and sex matched as control group who had never worked in radiation-related jobs. TM levels measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Circulating endothelial cells (CEC) enumerated in peripheral blood by flow cytometric analysis of their signature receptor CD146. Results % CD146+ cells and plasma TM were significantly increased in radiation workers and after exposure to radiotherapy treatment in breast cancer patients. When comparing patients group with radiation workers group, we found significant elevation in plasma TM in radiation workers while insignificant difference was found in % CD146+ cells. Conclusion CECs and plasma TM both are increased in radiation workers and patients treated with radiotherapy. They may constitute valuable markers of endothelial injury. Workers exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation may develop significant endothelial dysfunction predisposes them to cardiovascular complications namely thrombosis, mostly due to oxidative stress among other causes.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic resulted in more than five hundred million infected cases worldwide. The current study aimed to screen the correlation of different laboratory findings with disease severity and clinical outcomes of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) among Egyptian patients to obtain prognostic indicators of disease severity and outcome. A total of 112 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients were examined. According to the severity of the disease, these patients were divided into three main groups: mild, moderate and severe cases. In addition, clinical characteristics and laboratory findings, including Hb, platelet count, white blood cell count, lymphocyte percentage, neutrophil percentage, neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR), D-dimer, highly sensitive C-reactive protein (HS-CRP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatinine, were measured. The presence of hypertension and/or diabetes was found to be a significant risk factor for disease severity and poor outcome. Increased respiratory rate, levels of SpO2, HS-CRP, D-dimer, NLR, ALT, LDH, lymphopenia and neutrophilia, as well as changes in chest computed tomography (CT), were associated with increased disease severity and fatal consequences. Highly sensitive C-reactive protein, D-dimer, NLR and LDH constituted excellent predictors for both disease severity and death. Laboratory biomarkers, such as HS-CRP, D-dimer, NLR and LDH, are excellent predictors for both disease severity and death. They can predict mortality in patients at the time of admission secondary to SARS-CoV-2 infection and can help physicians identify high-risk patients before clinical deterioration.

Background: Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a complex hematologic malignancy, driven by several genetic and epigenetic alterations. MiRNAs as biomarkers have become a rapidly growing research area in the last decade. Aim: The aim was to study the expression pattern of selected miRNAs and to explore the impact of cytogenetic aberrations in MM patients for therapeutic tools. Patients and Methods: Forty Egyptian adult patients were selected for the study with symptomatic newly diagnosed MM disease. Bone marrow samples were collected to investigate twelve miRNAs selected according to their relation to the most common cytogenetic aberrations with relevant prognostic value. The relative expression of the selected miRNAs was determined using a real-time PCR technique. Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) technique was performed for cytogenetic analysis. Results: Eight miRNAs were down-regulated [miR-15a (p Conclusion: Deregulated miRNAs were identified and the association with 14q32 rearrangement and MM pathogenesis has been determined.

Background and aim Hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury is the main cause of liver failure following liver surgery, so an effective method is needed to prevent or reduce this hepatic injury. The aim of the present study is to investigate the potential effect of ischemic preconditioning versus pharmacological preconditioning with lisinopril or verapamil for protection against hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury induced in rats. Methods Rats were divided into six groups. Group I served as control untreated. Rats of group II were subjected to laparotomy without induction of ischemia reperfusion. Ischemia reperfusion by ligation of the portal trait for 30 min, followed by reperfusion for 2 h, was performed in rats of groups III-VI. Ischemic preconditioning was performed for rats of group IV before induction of ischemia reperfusion. Lisinopril and verapamil was given daily for 3 days before induction of ischemia reperfusion in groups V and VI, respectively. Serum level of liver transaminases and liver malondialdehyde content were measured, and hepatic histopathological examination was assessed. Results Induction of ischemia reperfusion resulted in significant elevation of liver transaminases and liver malondialdehyde content associated with significant hepatic histopathological injury that were significantly improved by ischemic preconditioning, lisinopril, or verapamil treatment. Verapamil showed the most significant improvement compared with ischemic preconditioning or lisinopril treatment. Conclusion Ischemic preconditioning and pharmacological preconditioning by lisinopril or verapamil can protect against hepatic ischemia reperfusion probably through inhibition of oxidative stress and neutrophil infiltration. The most potent protection is demonstrated by verapamil treatment.

Background: Dp103 is a multifunctional protein which binds and unwinds RNA secondary structures, therefore plays a vital role in RNA metabolism from birth to death. Aims: The present study aimed to evaluate both serum levels and tissue expressions of Dp103 and explored their possible roles in lymph node metastasis within breast cancer Egyptian patients. Methodology: Sixty patients were enrolled in this study; they were subdivided into two groups. First group included forty females newly diagnosed as primary breast cancer their age ranged from 26 to 81 and further subdivided in two groups according to lymph node involvement into twenty two patients without metastatic lymph node and eighteen patients with metastatic lymph node. Second group involved twenty females newly diagnosed as benign breast tumor their age ranged from 32 to 65, in addition to eighteen apparently healthy females aged range from 28 to 65 as controls. Serum level of both Dp103 and MMP-9 were determined using ELISA technique. CA 15.3 and CEA were determined using available commercial kits. Expression level for both Dp103 and NF-κB were estimated using qPCR. Results: Serum levels of both Dp103 and MMP-9 were significantly higher in primary breast cancer patients when compared to benign tumor and healthy females (p Conclusion: Dp103 might be used as a prognostic biomarker for breast cancer progression and metastasis.

BACKGROUND Wilms Tumor 1 (WT1) and Survivin genes are important leukemia-associated antigens (LAAs) in AML with potential prognostic impact. METHODS We investigated WT1 and Survivin expression levels by RT-PCR in 61 AML patients in correlation with clinical characteristics and outcomes. RESULTS WT1 was overexpressed in 45 patients (73.8%), associated with higher BM blasts (p = 0.017), lower incidence of favorable-prognosis cytogenetics (p = 0.035), and higher incidence of Flt3-ITD mutations (p = 0.026). Survivin was overexpressed in 17 patients (27.9%) with higher mean WBC count (p = 0.049). Patients with overexpression of either gene showed inferior complete remission (CR) rates and survival rates, patients with overexpression of both genes showed higher mean WBCs (p = 0.035) and higher BM blasts (p = 0.029) while the double negative group showed higher incidence of favorable cytogenetic events (p = 0.021), better CR rates and survival rates. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the introduced prognostic impact of WT1 and Survivin genes in AML patients and its potential use in MRD monitoring and immunotherapy.

This study monitored the changes in the expression of inflammatory IL-6 and IL-1β during the treatment period of Fluoropyrimidine (FP) based therapy. RNA was extracted from the peripheral blood of 102 CRC patients before treatment with FP therapy, and from 48 and 32 patients after 3 and 6 months of treatment, respectively. The genetic transcription of IL-6 and IL-1β was determined by real time PCR. Patients were stratified according to their levels of IL-6 and IL-1β genes expression for subgroup and survival analyses. Baseline CRC patients showed overexpression of IL-6 and IL-1β compared to healthy control. FP therapy significantly induced IL-6 and IL-1β expression. Subgroup analysis showed that patients with right colon tumors had significant elevation in both IL-6 and IL-1β with FP therapy. FP therapy significantly induced IL-1β expression in patients ⩽45 years, smokers, with high baseline level of CA19.9, right colon tumors, low grade pathology, T3 tumors and positive lymph nodes. Survival analysis showed that baseline levels of interleukins expression had insignificant effect on overall survival and event free survival. FP therapy has an impact on the level of interleukins expression declared in certain clinicopathological subgroups of CRC patients, but without a prognostic significance on patients’ survival.

Background Repeated blood transfusions can result in the production of alloantibodies against one or more red blood cell (RBC) antigens, which can complicate future transfusions. Aim This study aims to determine the frequency and specificities of RBC alloantibodies in multitransfused adult cancer patients admitted at the National Cancer Institute, Cairo University. Methods This cohort study enrolled 2000 multitransfused cancer patients diagnosed with different types of malignancies; they were screened for RBC alloantibodies using Serascan Diana 3 and Identisera Diana 11-cell identification panels (Diagnostic Grifols, Spain). Results Of the 2000 patients tested, 25 had autoantibodies and were excluded from the study. Of the remaining 1975 patients, 181 patients had a total of 267 different alloantibodies (9.16%), with some having more than 1 antibody detected. Our study showed that more female patients (63%) than male patients (37%) had acquired RBC alloantibodies, and a higher prevalence of alloantibodies in patients with nonhematological malignancies (14%) compared with those with hematological malignancies (6.5%). The highest percentage of alloantibodies belongs to the Rh blood group system, followed by the Kell system, then Duffy, MNS, Kidd, and Lewis. Patients who received combined chemotherapy and immunotherapy exhibited a lesser antibody response compared to other patients. Conclusion The prevalence of alloimmunization in our study is comparable to previous reports on oncology patients. Repeated blood transfusions, which can lead to alloimmunization, often complicate future transfusions. Therefore, we recommend extending phenotype matching for patients who are presumed to depend on blood transfusions in the long term.

Background and aim Crohn's disease is a relapsing inflammatory condition afflicting the digestive tract. Drugs used for treatment of Crohn's disease may be associated with serious side effects. Endogenous opioid peptides modulate inflammatory cytokine production. Opioid antagonists have been shown to play a role in healing and repair of tissues. This work was designed to detect the possible beneficial effects of opioid antagonist naltrexone in indomethacin-induced Crohn's disease in rats. Experimental approach Enteritis was induced in male albino rats by two subcutaneous injection of indomethacin in a dose of 7.5 mg/kg 24 h apart started on day one. Salfasalazine, naltrexone and their combination were administered orally from day one of induction of enteritis to day 10. Disease activity index, serum levels of C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor-α, macroscopic and microscopic pathological scores and in vitro motility studies were evaluated. Results Induction of enteritis resulted in significant increase of disease activity index, significant elevation of serum levels of C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor-α, significant deterioration of pathological scores and significant increase in the mean contractility response of the isolated ileal segments compared with normal untreated rats. Treatment with sulfasalazine, low dose of natrexone or their combination resulted in significant improvement of all measured parameters compared with enteritis group. Conclusion The current finding could provide new interesting opportunity for developing new therapeutic approaches for treatment of Crohn's disease. Use of naltrexone, especially in small dose, has little side effects making it of interest for treatment of Crohn's disease. Also, it provides the possibility of reduced doses of other drugs if it is used as combined therapy.

Human bocavirus genotype (HBoV-1) is a parvovirus associated with respiratory tract infections in children with different degrees of severity. The current study intended to improve the direct gene sequencing of the HBoV-1 using a newly developed primer set. Screening the presence of human bocavirus infection among in-patients children suffering from lower respiratory tract infections was another aim of the current study. Nasopharyngeal swab samples from in-patients children suffering from lower respiratory tract infections were examined. The real-time polymerase chain reaction was used for the initial screening as a highly sensitive method to detect the HBoV. Genotyping of real-time positive samples was attempted by direct sequencing of PCR amplicons using NP, VP1/2 and the newly developed VP/NC primers. HBoV-1 was present in 56.8% of the examined children. The newly developed primer set successfully amplified all real-time PCR positive samples, however, the other primer pairs did not reliably detect real-time PCR positive samples. The gene sequences of the detected HBoV-1 showed conserved sequences to each other with a low rate of discrepancies. The high rate of infection and the similarity between the detected strains strongly suggest nosocomial infections.

The aim of the study was to assess the role of Nrf2 promoter and P73 G4C14 to A4T14 polymorphisms in breast cancer and the potential relation to the onset of the disease. Eighty six female patients with breast tumor were included in this study. Nrf2 (rs6721961) and p73 (G4A) genetic polymorphisms in promoter and exon2 region respectively were investigated using PCR-CTPP assay. The genotype frequencies of the three genotypes of Nrf2 promoter SNP (CC, CA, AA) showed no significant difference between benign and malignant groups. Genotype frequencies for P73 G4A SNP (GG, GA) showed no significant difference between benign and malignant groups, no patient have the AA genotype. Regarding the onset of disease, the three Nrf2 genotypes in pre - and post-menopausal patients, showed that the distribution differ significantly in the 2 patients groups and that the AA genotype is significantly higher in the pre-menopausal patients compared to post-menopausal patients. Nrf2 (rs6721961) AA genotype might be related to early breast cancer onset. P73 G4A polymorphism shows no relation to both disease risk and disease onset. Therefore Nrf2 (rs6721961) promoter genotyping might be related to the risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer. Key words : Breast cancer, Polymorphisms, Nrf2, P73

Herein, novel green/facile approach to synthesize spongy defective zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) is presented using for the first time pomegranate seeds molasses as a green capping fuel/reducing mediator during an aqueous solution combustion process. The developed ZnONPs is characterized by UV–Vis. Spectrophotometry and fluorimetry, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, TEM and BET. Interestingly, pomegranate seeds molasses within a viable content of bio-capping molecules reveal a defective nanoporous ZnO NPs of smaller particle size, greater pore size/volume, and higher surface area compared to the bulky non-biogenic ZnONPs. Moreover, the biosynthesized defective ZnONPs showed narrowed band gap and higher absorption of visible photons that breed higher density of hydroxyl radicals (•OH) under Solar-illumination. Even further, the bulk ZnO and the biosynthesized ZnO photocatalysts were examined in photodegrading flumequine (FL) antibiotic. The bulk ZnO gives 41.46% photodegradation efficiency compared to 97.6% for the biosynthesized ZnO. In highly acidic or highly alkaline media, FL photodegradability is greatly retarded. Scavenging experiment infers considerable contribution of holes over electrons in photodegradation reaction. The biosynthesized ZnO shows high durability in FL photodegradation after four reusing cycles. These promising findings highlight new insights for biogenic synthesis of tuned size/controlled morphology semiconductor NPs relevant to environmental remediation applications.

Human respiratory syncytial virus causes severe lower respiratory tract infection in neonates and children. Genotype ON1, with duplication of 72-nt in the G gene, was first detected in Canada and then recorded in other countries. In the current study, we describe the first detection of the ON1 genotype among children in Egypt in 2014/2015. Sequence analysis of the full-attachment G gene revealed that the majority of the strains examined were related to the ON1 genotype and only one sample related to N1 genotype. The Egyptian ON1 strains showed unique non-silent mutations in addition to variable mutations near the antigenic sites in comparison to the original ON1 ancestor strain. Continuous surveillance of hRSV regionally and globally is needed to understand the evolutionary mechanisms and strategies adopted by hRSV and their inducers for better adaption to the host.

Background: Risk stratification in Multiple Myeloma is typically done based on a set of chromosomal abnormalities including translocations and deletions and karyotype abnormalities such as hypodiploidy and hyperdiploidy. Hyperdiploidy has been considered a favorable prognostic factor for survival of Multiple Myeloma patients. Methods: We analyzed data from 48 Multiple Myeloma cases at the King Fahad specialist hospital in Saudi Arabia and detected an array of endpoints including riskassociated cytogenetic endpoints. We analyzed data from 48 Multiple Myeloma cases at the King Fahad specialist hospital in Saudi Arabia and detected an array of endpoints including risk-associated cytogenetic endpoints. We sought to test if and how hyperdiploidy affects the survival outcomes of 14 multiple myeloma patients classified as high or intermediate risk based on cytogenetic abnormalities. Results: Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with a Cox proportional hazards regression model showed that progression-free survival (PFS) of Multiple Myeloma patients was higher (hazard ratio 1.9) in those with hyperdiploidy compared to non- hyperdiploidy group. Overall survival in our study appeared to be unaffected (hazard ratio 1.0) by hyperdiploidy. Survival percentage for hyperdiploidy cases was >50% at the median time point. Conclusion: Our data indicates that hyperdiploidy is a favorable prognostic factor for progression-free survival in Multiple Myeloma. Further studies are warranted to investigate hyperdiploidy subtypes and cytogenetic parameters which may be of value in risk stratification and prognosis of Multiple Myeloma cases.

Background: The objectives of this study aimed to detect a CYP2B6 polymorphism in de novo cases of acute myeloid leukemia patients and identify any role in disease progression and outcome. Materials and Methods: DNA was isolated from peripheral blood of 82 newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia cases and the CYP2B6 G15631T gene polymorphism was assayed by PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Results: The frequency of the GG genotype (wild type) was 48 (58.5%) and that of the mutant type T allele was 34 (41.9%). GT genotype heterozygous variants were found in 28 (34%), and TT genotype homozygous variants in 6 (7.3%) cases. We found no significant association between the CYP2B6 G15631T polymorphism and complete response (CR) (p-value=0.768), FAB classification (p-value=0.51), cytogenetic analysis (p-value=0.673), and overall survival (p-value=0.325). Also, there were no significant links with early toxic death (p-value=0.92) or progressionfree survival (PFS) (p-value=0.245). Conclusions: Our results suggest that the CYP2B6 polymorphism has no role in disease progression, therapeutic outcome, patient free survival, early toxic death and overall survival in acute myeloid leukemia patients.