Quantum phases of matter on a 256-atom programmable quantum simulator.

Motivated by far-reaching applications ranging from quantum simulations of complex processes in physics and chemistry to quantum information processing1, a broad effort is currently underway to build large-scale programmable quantum systems. Such systems provide insights into strongly correlated quantum matter2-6, while at the same time enabling new methods for computation7-10 and metrology11. Here we demonstrate a programmable quantum simulator based on deterministically prepared two-dimensional arrays of neutral atoms, featuring strong interactions controlled by coherent atomic excitation into Rydberg states12. Using this approach, we realize a quantum spin model with tunable interactions for system sizes ranging from 64 to 256 qubits. We benchmark the system by characterizing high-fidelity antiferromagnetically ordered states and demonstrating quantum critical dynamics consistent with an Ising quantum phase transition in (2 + 1) dimensions13. We then create and study several new quantum phases that arise from the interplay between interactions and coherent laser excitation14, experimentally map the phase diagram and investigate the role of quantum fluctuations. Offering a new lens into the study of complex quantum matter, these observations pave the way for investigations of exotic quantum phases, non-equilibrium entanglement dynamics and hardware-efficient realization of quantum algorithms.

Quantum Kibble-Zurek mechanism and critical dynamics on a programmable Rydberg simulator.

Quantum phase transitions (QPTs) involve transformations between different states of matter that are driven by quantum fluctuations1. These fluctuations play a dominant part in the quantum critical region surrounding the transition point, where the dynamics is governed by the universal properties associated with the QPT. Although time-dependent phenomena associated with classical, thermally driven phase transitions have been extensively studied in systems ranging from the early Universe to Bose-Einstein condensates2-5, understanding critical real-time dynamics in isolated, non-equilibrium quantum systems remains a challenge6. Here we use a Rydberg atom quantum simulator with programmable interactions to study the quantum critical dynamics associated with several distinct QPTs. By studying the growth of spatial correlations when crossing the QPT, we experimentally verify the quantum Kibble-Zurek mechanism (QKZM)7-9 for an Ising-type QPT, explore scaling universality and observe corrections beyond QKZM predictions. This approach is subsequently used to measure the critical exponents associated with chiral clock models10,11, providing new insights into exotic systems that were not previously understood and opening the door to precision studies of critical phenomena, simulations of lattice gauge theories12,13 and applications to quantum optimization14,15.

Investigation of genetic diversity using molecular and biochemical markers associated with powdery mildew resistance in different flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) genotypes.

Under greenhouse conditions, the resistance of 18 different genotypes of flax to powdery mildew was evaluated. To investigate genetic diversity and identify the molecular and biochemical markers linked to powdery mildew resistance in the tested genotypes, two molecular marker systems-start codon targeted (SCoT) and inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR)-as well as a biochemical marker (protein profiles, antioxidant enzyme activity, and secondary metabolites) were used. Based on the results, the genotypes were classified into four categories: highly susceptible, susceptible, moderately susceptible, and moderately resistant. The genotypes differed significantly in powdery mildew severity: Polk had a severity of 92.03% and Leona had a severity of 18.10%. Compared to the other genotypes, the moderately resistant genotypes had higher levels of flavonoids, antioxidant enzymes, phenolics, and straw yield; nevertheless, their hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde levels were lower. Protein profiles revealed 93.75% polymorphism, although the ISSR marker displayed more polymorphism (78.4%) than the SCoT marker (59.7%). Specific molecular and biochemical markers associated with powdery mildew resistance were identified. The 18 genotypes of flax were divided into two major clusters by the dendrogram based on the combined data of molecular markers. The first main cluster included Leona (genotype number 7), considered moderate resistance to powdery mildew and a separate phenetic line. The second main cluster included the other 17 genotypes, which are grouped together in a sub-cluster. This means that, besides SCoT, ISSR markers can be a useful supplementary technique for molecular flax characterization and for identifying genetic associations between flax genotypes under powdery mildew infection.

Agro-morphological, biochemical, and molecular markers of barley genotypes grown under salinity stress conditions.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of salt stress on morphological, yield, biochemical, and molecular attributes of different barley genotypes. Ten genotypes were cultivated at Fayoum Research Station, El-Fayoum Governorate, Egypt, during two seasons (2020-2021 and 2021-2022), and they were exposed to two different salt concentrations (tap water as a control and 8000 ppm). The results showed that genotypes and salt stress had a significant impact on all morphological and physiological parameters. The morphological parameters (plant height) and yield attributes (spike length, number of grains per spike, and grain yield per plant) of all barley genotypes were significantly decreased under salt stress as compared to control plants. Under salt stress, the total soluble sugars, proline, total phenol, total flavonoid, ascorbic acid, malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and sodium contents of the shoots of all barley genotypes significantly increased while the potassium content decreased. L1, which is considered a sensitive genotype was more affected by salinity stress than the tolerance genotypes L4, L6, L9, and Giza 138. SDS-PAGE of seed proteins demonstrated high levels of genetic variety with a polymorphism rate of 42.11%. All genotypes evaluated revealed significant variations in the seed protein biochemical markers, with new protein bands appearing and other protein bands disappearing in the protein patterns of genotypes cultivated under various conditions. Two molecular marker techniques (SCoT and ISSR primers) were used in this study. Ten Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) primers exhibited a total of 94 fragments with sizes ranging from 1800 base pairs to 100 base pairs; 29 of them were monomorphic, and 65 bands, with a polymorphism of 62.18%, were polymorphic. These bands contained 21 unique bands (9 positive specific markers and 12 negative specific markers). A total of 54 amplified bands with molecular sizes ranging from 2200 to 200 bp were produced using seven Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) primers; 31 of them were monomorphic bands and 23 polymorphic bands had a 40.9% polymorphism. The techniques identified molecular genetic markers associated with salt tolerance in barley crop and successfully marked each genotype with distinct bands. The ten genotypes were sorted into two main groups by the unweighted pair group method of arithmetic averages (UPGMA) cluster analysis based on molecular markers and data at a genetic similarity coefficient level of 0.71.

Hematological, immuno-antioxidant disruptions, and genes down-regulation induced by Aeromonas veronii challenge in Clarias gariepinus: The ameliorative role of silica nanoparticles.

Aeromonas veronii is a pathogenic bacterium associated with various diseases in aquaculture. However, few studies address the antibacterial activity using nanoparticles (NPs). Hence, the current study is innovative to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) against A. veronii infection in-vitro with a trial for treatment in-vivo. Primarily, we assessed the in-vitro antibacterial activity against A. veronii. Further, we investigated the hematological profile, immune-antioxidant response, and gene expression of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in response to SiNPs exposure and the A. veronii challenge. Fish (N = 120; weight: 90 ± 6.19 g) were distributed into four groups (30 fish/group) for a ten-days-treatment trial. The first (control) and second (SiNPs) groups were treated with 0 mg/L and 20 mg/L SiNPs in water, respectively. The third (A. veronii) and fourth (SiNPs + A. veronii) groups were treated with 0 mg/L and 20 mg/L SiNPs in water, respectively, and infected with A. veronii (1.5 × 107 CFU/mL). Results demonstrated that SiNPs displayed an in-vitro antibacterial activity against A. veronii with a 21 mm inhibitory zone. A. veronii infection caused a high mortality rate (56.67%) and substantial reductions in hematological indices and immune indicators [nitric oxide (NO) and immunoglobulin M (IgM)]. Additionally, marked decline in the level of antioxidants [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione content (GSH)] as well as down-regulation in the immune-related genes [interleukins (IL-1ß and IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)] and antioxidant-related genes [SOD1, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST)] were the consequences of A. veronii infection. Surprisingly, treatment of A. veronii-infected fish with SiNPs lessened the mortality rate, enhanced the blood picture, modulated the immune-antioxidant parameters, and resulted in gene up-regulation. Overall, this study encompasses the significant role of SiNPs, a new versatile tool for combating hematological, immuno-antioxidant alterations, and gene down-regulation induced by A. veronii infection and sustainable aquaculture production.

Probing many-body dynamics on a 51-atom quantum simulator.

Controllable, coherent many-body systems can provide insights into the fundamental properties of quantum matter, enable the realization of new quantum phases and could ultimately lead to computational systems that outperform existing computers based on classical approaches. Here we demonstrate a method for creating controlled many-body quantum matter that combines deterministically prepared, reconfigurable arrays of individually trapped cold atoms with strong, coherent interactions enabled by excitation to Rydberg states. We realize a programmable Ising-type quantum spin model with tunable interactions and system sizes of up to 51 qubits. Within this model, we observe phase transitions into spatially ordered states that break various discrete symmetries, verify the high-fidelity preparation of these states and investigate the dynamics across the phase transition in large arrays of atoms. In particular, we observe robust many-body dynamics corresponding to persistent oscillations of the order after a rapid quantum quench that results from a sudden transition across the phase boundary. Our method provides a way of exploring many-body phenomena on a programmable quantum simulator and could enable realizations of new quantum algorithms.

Sclerostin: From Molecule to Clinical Biomarker.

Sclerostin, a glycoprotein encoded by the SOST gene, is mainly produced by mature osteocytes and is a critical regulator of bone formation through its inhibitory effect on Wnt signaling. Osteocytes are differentiated osteoblasts that form a vast and highly complex communication network and orchestrate osteogenesis in response to both mechanical and hormonal cues. The three most commonly described pathways of SOST gene regulation are mechanotransduction, Wnt/ß-catenin, and steroid signaling. Downregulation of SOST and thereby upregulation of local Wnt signaling is required for the osteogenic response to mechanical loading. This review covers recent findings concerning the identification of SOST, in vitro regulation of SOST gene expression, structural and functional properties of sclerostin, pathophysiology, biological variability, and recent assay developments for measuring circulating sclerostin. The three-dimensional structure of human sclerostin was generated with the AlphaFold Protein Structure Database applying a novel deep learning algorithm based on the amino acid sequence. The functional properties of the 3-loop conformation within the tertiary structure of sclerostin and molecular interaction with low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6) are also reviewed. Second-generation immunoassays for intact/biointact sclerostin have recently been developed, which might overcome some of the reported methodological obstacles. Sclerostin assay standardization would be a long-term objective to overcome some of the problems with assay discrepancies. Besides the use of age- and sex-specific reference intervals for sclerostin, it is also pivotal to use assay-specific reference intervals since available immunoassays vary widely in their methodological characteristics.

Efficacy and safety profile of sitagliptin, vildagliptin, and metformin in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic subjects.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic and progressive disease that requires long-term management. Thus, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4) need more investigations about their efficacy and safety profile as there is still no evidence of whether DPP-4 inhibitors can be used as a first line option for T2DM drug-naïve patients. In this randomized case-controlled study, 60 drug-naïve T2DM subjects were randomized into three groups, each group comprising 20 subjects. Group 1 was given sitagliptin 100 mg once daily, Group 2 was given vildagliptin 50 mg twice daily, and Group 3 served as the control group and was given metformin 1 g twice daily. Efficacy endpoints included changes in glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and 2-hr postprandial plasma glucose (PPG), and the secondary endpoints were related to safety profile were the assessment of liver and kidney function tests and complete blood count (CBC). All treatment regimens had comparable efficacy and safety profiles with the non-significant relative superiority of vildagliptin in lowering HbA1c more than sitagliptin but significant (p = 0.011) regarding FPG reduction, vildagliptin significantly decreased HbA1c by -1.02% (p < 0.001), sitagliptin significantly decreased HbA1c by -0.96% (p < 0.001), and control significantly decreased HbA1c by -0.90% (p < 0.001) compared with baseline. The studied drugs showed moderate efficacy in lowering HbA1c levels with the non-significant relative higher efficacy of DPP-4 inhibitors. DPP-4 inhibitors and metformin showed favourable effects on improving metabolic syndrome by decreasing blood pressure, serum triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol, and increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL), plus their positive impacts on weight. As a final conclusion, the three medications are highly comparable.

Multiparticle Interactions for Ultracold Atoms in Optical Tweezers: Cyclic Ring-Exchange Terms.

Dominant multiparticle interactions can give rise to exotic physical phases with anyonic excitations and phase transitions without local order parameters. In spin systems with a global SU(N) symmetry, cyclic ring-exchange couplings constitute the first higher-order interaction in this class. In this Letter, we propose a protocol showing how SU(N)-invariant multibody interactions can be implemented in optical tweezer arrays. We utilize the flexibility to rearrange the tweezer configuration on short timescales compared to the typical lifetimes, in combination with strong nonlocal Rydberg interactions. As a specific example, we demonstrate how a chiral cyclic ring-exchange Hamiltonian can be implemented in a two-leg ladder geometry. We study its phase diagram using density-matrix renormalization group simulations and identify phases with dominant vector chirality, a ferromagnet, and an emergent spin-1 Haldane phase. We also discuss how the proposed protocol can be utilized to implement the strongly frustrated J-Q model, a candidate for hosting a deconfined quantum critical point.

Large-scale uniform optical focus array generation with a phase spatial light modulator.

In this Letter, to the best of our knowledge, we report a new method to generate uniform large-scale optical focus arrays (LOFAs). By identifying and removing undesired phase rotation in the iterative Fourier transform algorithm (IFTA), our approach rapidly produces computer-generated holograms of highly uniform LOFAs. The new algorithm also shows a faster compensation of system-induced LOFA intensity inhomogeneity than the conventional IFTA. After only three adaptive correction steps, we demonstrate LOFAs consisting of O(103) optical foci with an intensity uniformity greater than 98%.

Integrating Neural Networks with a Quantum Simulator for State Reconstruction.

We demonstrate quantum many-body state reconstruction from experimental data generated by a programmable quantum simulator by means of a neural-network model incorporating known experimental errors. Specifically, we extract restricted Boltzmann machine wave functions from data produced by a Rydberg quantum simulator with eight and nine atoms in a single measurement basis and apply a novel regularization technique to mitigate the effects of measurement errors in the training data. Reconstructions of modest complexity are able to capture one- and two-body observables not accessible to experimentalists, as well as more sophisticated observables such as the Rényi mutual information. Our results open the door to integration of machine learning architectures with intermediate-scale quantum hardware.

Parallel Implementation of High-Fidelity Multiqubit Gates with Neutral Atoms.

We report the implementation of universal two- and three-qubit entangling gates on neutral-atom qubits encoded in long-lived hyperfine ground states. The gates are mediated by excitation to strongly interacting Rydberg states and are implemented in parallel on several clusters of atoms in a one-dimensional array of optical tweezers. Specifically, we realize the controlled-phase gate, enacted by a novel, fast protocol involving only global coupling of two qubits to Rydberg states. We benchmark this operation by preparing Bell states with fidelity F≥95.0(2)%, and extract gate fidelity ≥97.4(3)%, averaged across five atom pairs. In addition, we report a proof-of-principle implementation of the three-qubit Toffoli gate, in which two control atoms simultaneously constrain the behavior of one target atom. These experiments demonstrate key ingredients for high-fidelity quantum information processing in a scalable neutral-atom platform.

Lead: a hidden "untested" risk in neonatal blood transfusion.

BACKGROUND: Neonates may be exposed to lead (Pb) through blood transfusions from donors. Pb exposure has neurological, cardiovascular, renal, and other adverse effects. The study aimed to (i) determine the blood lead levels (BLLs) in different blood product units (whole blood, packed red blood cells (pRBCs), platelets, and plasma transfused to neonates) and (ii) estimate the proportion of units with high BLLs. METHODS: Residual blood from blood bank bags that were used for neonatal transfusion were collected: 25 samples from each type of blood product except for whole blood (10 samples). The Pb analysis was performed using the atomic absorption method. The study was conducted at the Suez Canal University Hospital, Egypt. RESULTS: The mean of BLL in pRBCs, platelets, plasma, and whole blood were 136, 199, 108, and 130 µg/L, respectively; 60% contained Pb above 50 µg/L. The highest BLLs were in platelet units. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed for the first time that platelets and plasma in addition to whole blood and pRBCs used for neonatal transfusions are sources of Pb. Re-evaluation of the guidelines is mandatory for the safety of the neonates. Long-term neurodevelopment assessment of neonates exposed to high Pb is warranted.

RMI and ROMA are equally effective in discriminating between benign and malignant gynecological tumors: A prospective population-based study.

INTRODUCTION: Our primary objective was to test the hypothesis that human epididymal protein 4 (HE4) and risk of ovarian malignancy index outperform the CA 125 and risk of malignancy index tests in categorizing a pelvic mass into high or low risk of malignancy in a Swedish population. Furthermore, cut-off values needed to be defined for HE4 and ROMA in premenopausal and postmenopausal women prior to their introduction to clinical practice. A third objective was to investigate the correlation between HE4 levels in serum and urine. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Women with a pelvic mass scheduled for surgery were recruited from nine hospitals in south-east Sweden. Preoperative blood samples were taken for analyzing CA125 and HE4 as well as urine samples for analyzing HE4. RESULTS: We enrolled a total of 901 women, of whom 784 were evaluable. In the premenopausal and postmenopausal groups, no significant differences were found for sensitivity, positive and negative predictive value, either for RMI vs ROMA or for CA125 vs HE4 using a fixed specificity of 75%. Cut-off values indicating malignancy were established for HE4 and ROMA in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. We found no correlation between HE4 concentration in serum and urine. CONCLUSIONS: We could not confirm that ROMA had diagnostic superiority over RMI in categorizing women with a pelvic mass into low-risk or high-risk groups for malignancy in a Swedish population. We have defined cut-off values for HE4 and ROMA. The lack of correlation between serum and urine HE4 obviates the introduction of urine HE4 analysis in clinical diagnostics.

Radiological outcome of calcaneo-cuboid-cuneiform osteotomies for planovalgus feet in cerebral palsy children: Relationship with pedobarography.

BACKGROUND: Calcaneo-cuboid-cuneiform (triple C) osteotomies correct all levels of deformity of flexible planovalgus feet (PVF) in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). The objective was assessing short term results and the hypothesis was that static pedobarography correlates with radiological parameters as outcome measures. METHODS: A prospective case series of consecutive skeletally immature ambulatory spastic CP patients above the age of 4 years who underwent triple C for PVF. Assessment was done using static pedobarography and standing dorsoplantar (DP) and lateral radiographs. The calcaneal pitch, lateral talocalcaneal, lateral and DP talo-first metatarsal, and DP talonavicular coverage angles were measured. RESULTS: Eighteen feet (12 patients) were analyzed. Postoperative changes in lateral and DP talo-first metatarsal, and DP talonavicular coverage angles were statistically significant (P-value=0 with paired T-test). Post operative foot pressure changes were significant and highest in mid-foot. Both outcomes were related together with a p-value of 1 using McNemar test. CONCLUSIONS: The triple C and associated soft tissue procedures reliably corrected PVF deformities. Static pedobarography can be used for postoperative assessment of adequate correction.

High-Fidelity Control and Entanglement of Rydberg-Atom Qubits.

Individual neutral atoms excited to Rydberg states are a promising platform for quantum simulation and quantum information processing. However, experimental progress to date has been limited by short coherence times and relatively low gate fidelities associated with such Rydberg excitations. We report progress towards high-fidelity quantum control of Rydberg-atom qubits. Enabled by a reduction in laser phase noise, our approach yields a significant improvement in coherence properties of individual qubits. We further show that this high-fidelity control extends to the multi-particle case by preparing a two-atom entangled state with a fidelity exceeding 0.97(3), and extending its lifetime with a two-atom dynamical decoupling protocol. These advances open up new prospects for scalable quantum simulation and quantum computation with neutral atoms.

Observation of spatially ordered structures in a two-dimensional Rydberg gas.

The ability to control and tune interactions in ultracold atomic gases has paved the way for the realization of new phases of matter. So far, experiments have achieved a high degree of control over short-range interactions, but the realization of long-range interactions has become a central focus of research because it would open up a new realm of many-body physics. Rydberg atoms are highly suited to this goal because the van der Waals forces between them are many orders of magnitude larger than those between ground-state atoms. Consequently, mere laser excitation of ultracold gases can cause strongly correlated many-body states to emerge directly when atoms are transferred to Rydberg states. A key example is a quantum crystal composed of coherent superpositions of different, spatially ordered configurations of collective excitations. Here we use high-resolution, in situ Rydberg atom imaging to measure directly strong correlations in a laser-excited, two-dimensional atomic Mott insulator. The observations reveal the emergence of spatially ordered excitation patterns with random orientation, but well-defined geometry, in the high-density components of the prepared many-body state. Together with a time-resolved analysis, this supports the description of the system in terms of a correlated quantum state of collective excitations delocalized throughout the gas. Our experiment demonstrates the potential of Rydberg gases to realize exotic phases of matter, thereby laying the basis for quantum simulations of quantum magnets with long-range interactions.

Dual mTORC1/mTORC2 blocker as a possible therapy for tauopathy in cellular model.

Tauopathy comprises a group of disorders caused by abnormal aggregates of tau protein. In these disorders phosphorylated tau protein tends to accumulate inside neuronal cells (soma) instead of the normal axonal distribution of tau. A suggested therapeutic strategy for tauopathy is to induce autophagy to increase the ability to get rid of the unwanted tau aggregates. One of the key controllers of autophagy is mTOR. Blocking mTOR leads to stimulation of autophagy. Recently, unravelling molecular structure of mTOR showed that it is formed of two subunits: mTORC1/C2. So, blocking both subunits of mTOR seems more attractive as it will explore all abilities of mTOR molecule. In the present study, we report using pp242 which is a dual mTORC1/C2 blocker in cellular model of tauopathy using LUHMES cell line. Adding fenazaquin to LUHMES cells induced tauopathy in the form of increased phospho tau aggregates. Moreover, fenazaquin treated cells showed the characteristic somatic redistribution of tau. PP242 use in the present tauopathy model reversed the pathology significantly without observable cellular toxicity for the used dosage of 1000 nM. The present study suggests the possible use of pp242 as a dual mTOR blocker to treat tauopathy.

Maternal and neonatal vitamin D deficiency and transient tachypnea of the newborn in full term neonates.

AIM: To investigate the association between maternal and neonatal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels and development of transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) in full term infants. METHODS: This was a prospective case-control study carried out on 30 neonates with TTN and their mothers and 30 control neonates and their mothers. Levels of 25-OHD were measured in maternal and neonatal blood samples that were obtained in the first 12-24 h of postnatal age. RESULTS: Both maternal and neonatal 25-OHD levels in the TTN group were significantly lower compared to the control group (P=0.0001). A negative correlation was observed between neonatal 25-OHD level and average hospital stay (P=0.0001). CONCLUSION: We observed that lower maternal and neonatal vitamin 25-OHD levels were associated with TTN development in full term infants.

MicroRNA-122 as a Novel Non-Invasive Marker of Liver Fibrosis in Hepatitis C Virus Patients.

BACKGROUND: Noninvasive evaluation of hepatic fibrosis is a growing scientific effort in medicine and is of particular interest as early diagnosis is important for the timely prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Non-invasive markers of liver fibrosis have recently been developed as an alternative to liver biopsy. Aim of the work: The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of serum microRNA 122 in Egyptian chronic hepatitis C virus infected patients. This may be a useful tool as a non invasive diagnostic test to detect early stages of fibrosis in comparison to 4 non invasive indexes (APRI, Forns, FIB-4, and FI) vs. control and their ability to differentiate between mild and moderate fibrosis stages. METHODS: This study was conducted on 40 chronic hepatitis C patients diagnosed by liver biopsy and PCR and 20 apparently healthy volunteers who served as control group (III). Liver fibrosis was staged according to the METAVIR scoring system and consequently patients were classified in two groups of liver fibrosis: mild fibrosis (I) and moderate fibrosis (II). RESULTS: The mean expression level of microRNA-122 was significantly higher in both patient groups (I and II) as compared to the control group (III) (p < 0.001 for each). While there was no statistically significant difference in serum miR-122 expression level between group I compared to group II, microRNA 122 and 4 non invasive indexes (APRI, Forns, FIB-4, and FI) were statistically significant for prediction of fibrosis. MicroRNA 122 had the best performing ROC curve for prediction of fibrosis followed by APRI, FI, Forns, and FIB-4. The AUROCs ranged from 0.912 for FIB-4 to 1 for microRNA 122. While FIB-4 and Forns were statistically significant in differentiating mild and moderate fibrosis, FIB-4 had a better AUROC than Forns (0.75 and 0.71, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The study concluded that there was increased expression of mcroiRNA-122 in Egyptian chronic hepatitis C virus (CHCV) infected patients. MicroRNA 122 has a strong potential to serve as one of the novel noninvasive markers of early liver fibrosis.