Impact of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake in pregnancy on maternal health and birth outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis from randomized controlled trails.

BACKGROUND: Maternal omega-3 consumption during pregnancy has been positively linked with a positive impact on maternal health and fetal growth. However, the results of individual studies are inconsistent and conflicting. OBJECTIVE: Examine the effect of supplementation with DHA, and/or EPA, and/or ALA throughout pregnancy on offspring's growth and pregnancy outcomes. DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis. POPULATION: Pregnant women. METHODS: According to (PRISMA) statement and the Cochrane Handbook guidelines. Human trials (RCT or quasi-RCT) which involved oral omega-3 supplementation at least twice a week during pregnancy were included and comparing it with control groups with no supplementation or placebo administration. Data were extracted and directed using RevMan software. Fifty-nine randomized controlled trials were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Performed in MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library comparing omega 3 with control groups, from 1990 to 2020. THE MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measures were pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia, gestational duration, preterm birth, early preterm birth, birth weight, low birth weight, neonatal length, and head circumference. The secondary outcomes were neonatal intensive care unit, infant death, prenatal death, and cesarean section. RESULTS: In 24 comparisons (21,919 women) n-3 fatty acids played a protective role against the risk of preeclampsia (RR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.74-0.96 p = 0.008; I2 = 24%). In 46 comparisons (16,254 women) n-3 fatty acids were associated with a significantly greater duration of pregnancy (MD = 1.35, 95% CI 0.65-2.05, p = 0.0002; I2 = 59%). 27 comparisons (15,510 women) was accompanied by a significant decrease in pre-term birth less than 37 weeks (RR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.77-0.95, p = 0.005; I2 = 0%). 12 comparisons (11,774 women) was accompanied by a significant decrease in early pre-term birth less than 34 weeks (RR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.63-0.95, p = 0.01; I2 = 40%). 38 comparisons (16,505 infants) had a significant increase in birth weight (MD = 49.19, 95% CI 28.47-69.91, p < 0.00001; I2 = 100%). Finally, 14 comparisons (8,449 infants) had a borderline significance in increase in low birth weight (RR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.78-1.00, p = 0.05; I2 = 28%). CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation with omega-3 in prgnancy can prevent preeclampsia, increase gestational duration, increase birth weight and decrease the risk of low birth weight and preterm birth.

Effect of mutation and vaccination on spread, severity, and mortality of COVID-19 disease.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had different waves within the same country. The spread rate and severity showed different properties within the COVID-19 different waves. The present work aims to compare the spread and the severity of the different waves using the available data of confirmed COVID-19 cases and death cases. Real-data sets collected from the Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science were used to perform a comparative study between COVID-19 different waves in 12 countries with the highest total performed tests for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 detection in the world (Italy, Brazil, Japan, Germany, Spain, India, USA, UAE, Poland, Colombia, Turkey, and Switzerland). The total number of confirmed cases and death cases in different waves of COVID-19 were compared to that of the previous one for equivalent periods. The total number of death cases in each wave was presented as a percentage of the total number of confirmed cases for the same periods. In all the selected 12 countries, Wave 2 had a much higher number of confirmed cases than that in Wave 1. However, the death cases increase was not comparable with that of the confirmed cases to the extent that some countries had lower death cases than in Wave 1, UAE, and Spain. The death cases as a percentage of the total number of confirmed cases in Wave 1 were much higher than that in Wave 2. Some countries have had Waves 3 and 4. Waves 3 and 4 have had lower confirmed cases than Wave 2, however, the death cases were variable in different countries. The death cases in Waves 3 and 4 were similar to or higher than Wave 2 in most countries. Wave 2 of COVID-19 had a much higher spread rate but much lower severity resulting in a lower death rate in Wave 2 compared with that of the first wave. Waves 3 and 4 have had lower confirmed cases than Wave 2; that could be due to the presence of appropriate treatment and vaccination. However, that was not reflected in the death cases, which were similar to or higher than Wave 2 in most countries. Further studies are needed to explain these findings.

Epidemiological aspects of headache after different types of COVID-19 vaccines: An online survey.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine-related side effects are a key concern with the emergence of various types of vaccines in the market. We aimed to assess the frequency and characteristics of headache following different types of COVID-19 vaccines. METHODS: Fully vaccinated people were recruited by a convenience sample through an online survey from September 1 to December 1, 2021. Detailed analysis of headache following vaccination was investigated. Participants with a history of pre-existing headaches were telephone interviewed by a neurologist to ascertain the type of headache. RESULTS: A total of 1372 participants participated (mean age 32.9 ± 11.1). The highest frequency of headache was reported with the adenoviral vector type (302/563, 53.6%), followed by mRNA vaccines (129/269, 48%) and then the inactivated type (188/540, 34.8%). Recipients of the adenoviral vector type had a significantly longer latency between vaccination and the headache onset (median 8 h [5:12]) than recipients of the inactivated type (median 4 h [2:8], p < 0.001). Headache intensity was significantly higher with the adenoviral vector type (median 6 [5:8]) than with the inactivated type (median 5 [4:7], p < 0.001). Adenoviral vector vaccines would increase the likelihood of headache by 2.38 times more than inactivated vaccines (odds ratio [OR] 2.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.83-3.04, p < 0.001). Female sex and thyroid disease were significantly associated with headache related to COVID-19 vaccines (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.16-1.99; OR 3.97, 95% CI 1.55-10.2, respectively). CONCLUSION: Recipients of the COVID-19 vaccine should be counseled that they may experience headaches, especially after the adenoviral vector type. However, the intensity of such headache is mild to moderate and can resolve within a few days. Based on the current study design and the potential recall bias, these results may not be generalizable and should be preliminary.

Effect of using acoustic flo-tone training device and its smartphone application on enhancing inhalation technique from metered-dose inhaler with spacer in asthmatic children.

Aim of study: This research study aims to compare between two different counseling approaches; traditional verbal counseling vs. advanced counseling (in which we used the acoustic Flo-tone training device and its smartphone application combined with traditional verbal counseling) to determine the most beneficial counseling approach for asthmatic children who use metered-dose inhaler (MDI) with spacers concerning inhalation duration and inhalation technique mistakes. Methods: A total of 100 asthmatic children (8-18) years old were randomized into two groups (a control group, and an advanced group). Each group included 50 subjects. Every subject received 3 counseling meetings, one each month. Asthmatic children in the control group were trained on inhalation technique from MDI + spacer verbally (traditional counseling), while asthmatic children in advanced group were trained on inhalation technique from MDI + spacer verbally and by advanced counseling (whistling Flo-tone + smartphone application). At each visit mistakes in inhalation technique steps were; detected, corrected, and recorded and the inhalation duration was measured for every child in each group. Results: In both study groups, the total mean number of inhalation technique mistakes decreased significantly (p < 0.05) from visit 2, also the total mean inhalation durations in seconds showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) from visit 2. A significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the total mean number of mistakes and a significant (p < 0.05) increase in total mean inhalation durations were observed from visit 2 in advanced group compared to control group. Conclusion: Combination between traditional verbal and advanced counseling methods resulted in significant (P < 0.05) improvements in the number of inhalation technique mistakes and inhalation durations from MDI with spacer in children compared to using traditional verbal counseling alone.

Decreased Serum zinc, selenium, and vitamin E as possible risk factors of hepatic fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUNDS: The incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been significantly growing in recent years. Although the pathophysiology of fibrosis progression in NAFLD is not yet known, oxidative stress and inflammation have been known to have a major role in the development of NASH. Understanding the impact of micronutrients in NAFLD could potentially help us better understand NAFLD pathogenesis. AIMS: Assessing the serum levels of Zn, Se, and Vitamin E and their relation to the development of hepatic fibrosis in NAFLD patients. METHODS: This study included 80 NAFLD patients and 40 healthy controls. All of the patients were subjected to abdominal ultrasound and FibroScan examination (to estimate hepatic fibrosis and steatosis degree), and the serum levels of Zn, Se, and vitamin E were evaluated. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference in the serum levels of Zn and Se was observed between the NAFLD group and the control group (P-value = 0.04 and 0.05, respectively). The serum levels of Zn and Se were independently related to the presence of hepatic fibrosis in NAFLD. However, serum vitamin E was not related to the severity of NAFLD. Furthermore, no significant difference in the levels of Zn, Se, and vitamin E was observed between the different groups of NAFLD patients categorized according to the degree of steatosis and the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced serum levels of Zn and Se can be considered a possible risk factor for hepatic fibrosis in NAFLD. Deficiency in these micronutrients could play a role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD.

Persistence of symptoms after improvement of acute COVID19 infection, a longitudinal study.

With the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infected patients increasing all over the world, a large number of survivors have reported changes in their quality of life or experienced re-infection. So, we aimed to detect the percentage, type, and risk factors of persistent symptoms after improvement from acute COVID-19 infection and to detect the percentage of COVID-19 re-infection and degree of severity of the second infection. One hundred seventy-two (59 male, 113 female) patients who tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were followed up via mobile phone every 2 months for 8 to 10 months. After recovery, 105 patients (61%) (30 male, 75 female) reported one or more COVID-19 persistent symptoms. Fatigue, dyspnea, and depression were the most common persistent symptoms representing 37.3%, 22%, 22%, respectively. We found that age was independently related to the persistence of symptoms. During the follow-up, six females (3.5%) had laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 re-infection. Their mean age was 35.7 ± 11 years. The mean interval from the complete recovery of the first infection to the onset of the second one was 53 ± 22.2 days and ranged from 30 to 90 days. The second infection was milder in severity than the first infection in 83.33% of cases. There was a high percentage of patients who complained of persistent symptoms after recovery from COVID-19. Fatigue and headache were the most common persistent symptoms. Age was considered a risk factor for persistent symptoms. Re-infection with SARS-CoV-2 can occur after recovery.

Effect of functional principle, delivery technique, and connection used on aerosol delivery from different nebulizers: An in-vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: Nebulizers can be divided according to their functional principle into jet, ultrasonic and vibrating mesh nebulizers with intermittent or continuous aerosol delivery and may be used with many different adapters and connections and all can influence their efficiency. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the effect functional principle, delivery technique, and connection used on aerosol delivered from four different nebulizers. METHODS: Four nebulizers were used in the study; three of them were jet nebulizers (JNs; AeroEclipse, NebuTech, En ful Kit) and one of them was Aerogen Solo vibrating mesh nebulizers (VMN). AeroEclipse and NebuTech are intermittent output nebulizers, while the rest are continuous output nebulizers. Aerogen Solo was used with either a standard T-piece or Aerogen Ultra holding chamber, and En ful Kit was used with a standard T-piece or Circulaire II holding chamber. 2 ml of salbutamol was nebulized to determine the total emitted dose (TED) and aerodynamic droplet characteristics of the emitted aerosol from the 6 different sets (4 nebulizers with T-piece and 2 holding chambers). RESULTS: The mean ± SD TED from VMN was significantly higher than all the JNs (p < 0.05). Aerogen Ultra with VMN did not show a significant effect on TED compare to T-piece, but it significantly increased (p < 0.05) fine particle dose (FPD; 3091.5 ± 189.4 µg) and fine particle fraction (FPF; 72.7 ± 3.6%). However, the Circulaire II with En ful Kit had significantly higher TED, FPD, and FPF compared to T-piece (p < 0.05). Intermittent JNs (AeroEclipse and NebuTech) had significantly higher TED (p < 0.05) compared to the continuous JNs (En ful Kit) with no significant effect on the other parameters studied. AeroEclipse had the highest MMAD and Aerogen Solo Ultra has the lowest in MMAD. CONCLUSIONS: The functional principle, delivery technique, and connection used had a significant effect on aerosol delivered from nebulizers. VMNs are significantly better than JNs. Intermittent delivery has significantly better TED than continuous delivery. Holding chamber with both VMNs and JNs improved aerosol delivery compared to standard T-piece.

Impact of different nebulisers' connections on aerosol therapy.

BACKGROUND: Aerosol therapy has the advantage of a higher safety because of the local deposition of inhaled medication to the lung; however, the main drawback is the low and variable amount of delivered drug to patients. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the effect of different accessory connections on aerosol delivery from different nebulisers. METHOD: This study consisted of 3 main models: in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo models. In vitro model, 6 nebulisers (3 Jet (Dolphin (2030 2001), Philips (SideStream) and Tylenol (TL009002)) and 3 vibrating mesh nebulisers (VMNs) (Aerogen Pro, Solo, an Nivo)) were charged with 5 mg/2 mL salbutamol and connected to 2 different connections (T-piece and Circulaire II Hybrid) with an inhalation filter attached to a breathing simulator. Inhaled amounts of drug (inhalation filter) and that remained inside nebuliser were measured. Concerning ex vivo and in vivo models, 24 subjects were involved in the study and they received 5 mg/2 mL salbutamol from 1 Jet nebuliser and 1 VMNs using both connections. Two urine samples were collected post 30 minutes and pooled 24 hours urine collection. For the ex vivo model, inhaled amounts of salbutamol were collected on filters placed between the subjects and the nebuliser. RESULTS: Inhaled amounts of salbutamol expressed by the amount of drug detected on inhalation filters (for both in vitro and ex vivo) were significantly higher from both Jet and VMNs connected to the Circulaire II Hybrid connection than that released from nebulisers connected to T-piece. VMNs delivered a higher amount compared with jet nebulisers. The amount released from jet nebulizers were variables, unlike VMNs. Regarding in vivo results, amounts of drug detected in 30 minutes urine samples were consistent with in vitro and ex vivo models reflecting higher and significant amounts of drug delivered to the patient's lung for Circulaire II Hybrid connection compared with T-piece regarding both nebulisers. CONCLUSION: Using a valved chamber with jet and VMNs significantly improved the inhaled amount of the emitted aerosol. VMNs were more effective than jet nebulisers with both connections.

Advanced counselling using training device and smartphone application on inhalation technique from metered-dose inhaler with spacer equipped with different interfaces in asthmatic children.

BACKGROUND: Spacers are equipped with either facemask or mouthpiece as an interface through which patient inhale their dose. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of advanced counselling using training devices and smartphone applications on inhalation techniques from the metered-dose inhaler (MDI) with a spacer equipped with different interfaces. METHODS: 100 paediatric asthmatic children (8-18 years) were divided into two groups. Group one was a spacer with a mouthpiece (n = 50) and group two was a spacer with a facemask group (n = 50). Both groups had three visits one month apart. At each visit, patients were asked to show the investigator their inhalation technique using MDI with spacer, and mistakes were recorded and then patients were trained on the proper inhalation technique of using MDI with a spacer. In the spacer with mouthpiece group, Flo-Tone was attached to the mouthpiece to allow the Trainhaler smartphone application to detect the duration of inhalation. In the spacer with facemask group, there was no need to use the Flo-Tone training device since the facemask was equipped with a built-in whistle detected by the Trainhaler smartphone application. RESULTS: The total number of mistakes in the inhalation technique decreased significantly (P < .05) in visits 2 and 3 for both groups. Duration of inhalation increased significantly (P < .05) in the mouthpiece group at visit 2 and in the facemask group at visit 3. Achieving 5 seconds of slow deep inhalation, breath-holding for 5 seconds after inhalation and the tight fit of facemask represented the major obstacles in most children especially the youngest subjects. Breath out as far as comfortable had the highest number of mistakes in the first visit in both groups. CONCLUSION: The Flo-Tone with its positive reinforcement whistle and the Trainhaler smartphone application significantly improved the inhalation technique by decreasing the total number of mistakes especially in important steps eg, shaking MDI, maintaining slow inhalation rate, breath-holding after inhalation and appropriate facemask fitting. Also, they increased the duration of inhalation of asthmatic children from MDI with a spacer. Both spacer interfaces are easy to handle once taught well.

Role of repeating quarantine instructions and healthy practices on COVID-19 patients and contacted persons to raise their awareness and adherence to quarantine instructions.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop a model evaluating the role of repeating quarantine instructions and healthy practices among COVID-19 patients and contact persons at-home quarantine and to evaluate the instructions' adequacy in decreasing the rate of disease spread with better clinical outcomes. METHODS: A structured questionnaire was distributed to COVID-19 patients (mild and moderate cases isolated at home) and contacting persons during May and June 2020. Data were collected using a structured online survey collected every five days for three times from each participant. The questionnaire was divided into three sections, consisting of 35 questions for a total possible score of 0 to 35. RESULTS: A total of 150 valid participant's responses out of 304 participants were obtained. Among the150 total participants, 88 were infected with COVID-19, and 62 were contacting with COVID-19 patients. The improvement in the score of awareness and adherence to instructions for the infected patients and their contacts was significantly high in the third questionnaire than in the second and the first questionnaire. The people who live in cities followed the instructions provided at the home quarantine better than those who live in the country. The city patients improved in symptoms better than the country patients. Also, patients followed the instructions better than their contacts. City females adhered to the instructions better than city males. Young people had high awareness score than older people. City people are committed to taking both immune boosters supplements as prophylaxis or prescribed medications on time for treatment more than country people. CONCLUSION: This study offers useful insights into factors associated with the role of repeating quarantine instructions and healthy practices to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. So, repeating the instructions is important to increase adherence to the instructions, decrease the rate of disease progression and decrease the spread of the infection.

Effect of verbal counselling on metred-dose inhaler proper use and lung function test amongst asthmatic patients: A meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The main cause of poor asthma control is mostly related to the inability of the asthmatic subjects to use their metred-dose inhaler (pMDI) correctly. The present study aimed to evaluate the role of contentious pMDI verbal-counselling on the pMDI inhalation technique and pulmonary functions of asthmatics. METHODS: Through a systematic literature search up to December 2020, 10 studies with 1937 asthmatic subjects, who had at least two pMDI inhalation technique verbal counselling sessions (visits), were identified reporting relationships between contentious pMDI verbal counselling, and the number of inhalation technique mistakes and lung functions score. Mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was calculated comparing counselling visits results using the continuous method with a random effect model. RESULTS: Visit 1 had a significantly higher mean number of mistakes compared with visit 2 (MD, 19.98; 95% CI, 11.54-28.41, P < .001); Also, visit 2 had a significantly higher mean number of mistakes compared with visit 3 (MD, 12.17; 95% CI, 9.31-15.02, P < .001). The extent of improvement in the inhalation technique was higher between visits 1 and 2 compared with that between visits 2 and 3. The impact of continuous verbal counselling was also observed on the forced expiratory volume in one second as percentage of vital capacity [(MD, -5.56; 95% CI, -6.50 to -4.61, P < .001) between visits 1 and 2 and (MD, -6.40; 95% CI, -7.71 to -5.10, P < .001) between visits 2 and 3] and the peak expiratory flow rate [(MD, -11.47; 95% CI, -18.73 to -4.22, P < .001) between visits 1 and 2 and (MD, -16.53; 95% CI, -25.80 to -7.26, P < .001) between visits 2 and 3]. The extent of improvement in lung functions was similar between visits 1 and 2 and visits 2 and 3. CONCLUSION: Based on this meta-analysis, Continuous pMDI verbal counselling, at every possible opportunity, is a must since lung functions and pMDI inhalation technique improvements were observed with continuous pMDI verbal counselling.

Coffee and type 2 diabetes risk: Is the association mediated by adiponectin, leptin, c-reactive protein or Interleukin-6? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: Coffee and diabetes risk association has been demonstrated in numerous studies; however, the exact mechanism has not been clarified yet. The present meta-analysis was conducted to cover the current knowledge regarding the effect of coffee on Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), in addition to the evaluation of adiponectin, leptin, C-reactive protein (CRP) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels among coffee consumers as relatively possible mediators of this effect. METHOD: A comprehensive search of the literature was carried out using search engines up to March 2020. The effect sizes were investigated using the standardised mean difference (SMD) and odds ratios (OR) or relative risk (RR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of 69 cross-sectional and cohort studies were included and divided as follows: 31 articles for T2D risk, 15 studies for adiponectin, 6 studies for leptin, 12 studies for CRP and 5 studies for IL-6. RESULTS: Overall, coffee consumption was inversely associated with T2D risk with an estimated pooled RR of 0.73 (95% confidence interval [0.68, 0.80] for the highest vs lowest coffee consumption categories. The combined SMD between the different coffee intake categories, showed that coffee consumption was associated with higher adiponectin levels (P = .002), and lower level of leptin (P = .04) and CRP (P = .2), with apparently no change in IL-6 levels (P = .91). CONCLUSION: The present meta-analysis showed strong epidemiological evidence that coffee consumption is inversely associated with the risk of T2D. Also, adiponectin, leptin concentrations appeared to be potential mediators of the coffee effect on diabetes, while IL-6 levels did not.

COVID-19; current situation and recommended interventions.

BACKGROUND: The new coronavirus (SARS-COV-2) that emerged at the end of 2019 was stated in China and infected millions of people around the world, with the highest spread rate amongst humans compared with other coronaviruses. This paper aimed to review and analyse the published studies about COVID-19 diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. METHOD: The reviewed studies were clinical trials, in-vivo, in-vitro, guidelines, reports from the world health organization (WHO), and the centre for disease control and prevention (CDC) in addition to systemic reviews. All data extracted and analysed to stand on the latest updates and recommendations for fighting this severe attack of COVID-19. RESULTS: Most important antiviral therapy of COVID-19 clinical trials is still running without clear results, but a few trials have indicated the role of numerous drugs in the treatment of COVID-19. Specific recommendations for aerosol therapy should be followed for the management of COVID-19. CONCLUSION: Nature of COVID-19 is still not very clear, however, management of the condition is similar to the previous attacks of coronaviruses.

A study of the possible factors affecting COVID-19 spread, severity and mortality and the effect of social distancing on these factors: Machine learning forecasting model.

BACKGROUNDS: SARS-CoV-2 is affecting different countries all over the world, with significant variation in infection-rate and death-ratio. We have previously shown a presence of a possible relationship between different variables including the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, average age, gender, and malaria treatment, and the rate of spread, severity and mortality of COVID-19 disease. This paper focuses on developing machine learning models for this relationship. METHODS: We have used real-datasets collected from the Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control to develop a model from China data as the baseline country. From this model, we predicted and forecasted different countries' daily confirmed-cases and daily death-cases and examined if there was any possible effect of the variables mentioned above. RESULTS: The model was trained based on China data as a baseline model for daily confirmed-cases and daily death-cases. This machine learning application succeeded in modelling and forecasting daily confirmed-cases and daily death-cases. The modelling and forecasting of viral spread resulted in four different regions; these regions were dependent on the malarial treatments, BCG vaccination, weather conditions, and average age. However, the lack of social distancing resulted in variation in the effect of these factors, for example, double-humped spread and mortality cases curves and sudden increases in the spread and mortality cases in different countries. The process of machine learning for time-series prediction and forecasting, especially in the pandemic COVID-19 domain, proved usefulness in modelling and forecasting the end status of the virus spreading based on specific regional and health support variables. CONCLUSION: From the experimental results, we confirm that COVID-19 has a very low spread in the African countries with all the four variables (average young age, hot weather, BCG vaccine and malaria treatment); a very high spread in European countries and the USA with no variable (old people, cold weather, no BCG vaccine and no malaria). The effect of the variables could be on the spread or the severity to the extent that the infected subject might not have symptoms or the case is mild and can be missed as a confirmed-case. Social distancing decreases the effect of these factors.

Ecofriendly Long Life Nanocomposite Sensors for Determination of Carbachol in Presence of Choline: Application in Ophthalmic Solutions and Biological Fluids.

Several emerging nano scale forms of carbon are showing great promise in electrochemical sensing such as graphene and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Herein we present an ecofriendly method to fabricate long life and sensitive ion selective sensors based on graphene and MWCNTs nanocomposites with no need for volatile organic solvents. Both sensors were fabricated, for the analysis of carbachol in ophthalmic solutions, plasma and urine where ion- association complex was formed between cationic carbachol and anionic Sodium tetra phenyl borate (NaTBP) in a ratio 1:1. Both sensors were evaluated according to the IUPAC recommendation data, revealing linear response in the concentration range 10-7 M to 10-2 M with near Nernstian slopes 50.80 ± 5 and 58.14 ± 3 mV/decade and correlation coefficients 0.9992 and 0.9998 for graphene and MWCNTs based sensors, respectively. Both sensors were successfully applied as stability indicating method for the analysis of carbachol in presence of its metabolite choline, in ophthalmic preparations, in plasma and urine showing good recovery percentage values. MWCNTs based sensor showed some advantages over graphene sensor regarding lower limit of detection (LOD), longer life time and higher selectivity towards carbachol. Statistical comparison of the proposed sensors with the official method showed no significant difference for accuracy and precision.

Assessing the stability of azopolymer nanotopography during live-cell fluorescence imaging.

Introduction: Photomodifiable azopolymer nanotopographies represent a powerful means of assessing how cells respond to rapid changes in the local microenvironment. However, previous studies have suggested that azopolymers are readily photomodified under typical fluorescence imaging conditions over much of the visible spectrum. Here we assess the stability of azopolymer nanoridges under 1-photon and 2-photon imaging over a broad range of wavelengths. Methods: Azopolymer nanoridges were created via microtransfer molding of master structures that were created using interference lithography. The effects of exposure to a broad range of wavelengths of light polarized parallel to the ridges were assessed on both a spinning-disk confocal microscope and a 2-photon fluorescence microscope. Experiments with live Dictyostelium discoideum cells were also performed using alternating cycles of 514-nm light for photomodification and 561-nm light for fluorescence imaging. Results and Discussion: We find that for both 1-photon and 2-photon imaging, only a limited range of wavelengths of light leads to photomodification of the azopolymer nanotopography. These results indicate that nondestructive 1-photon and 2-photon fluorescence imaging can be performed over a considerably broader range of wavelengths than would be suggested by previous research.

The impact of mindfulness-based stress reduction on psychological health among patients with chronic diseases during COVID-19 outbreak lockdown.

Background: The emergence of COVID-19 has spurred a wide range of psychological morbidities. However, its influence on a vulnerable population with chronic conditions is less addressed. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the psychological health among patients with chronic diseases during the elevated psychiatric distress associated with the outbreak and examine the efficacy and feasibility of mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention (MBSR). The study involved 149 participants recruited from university hospital outpatient clinics. Patients were allocated into two groups: MBSR training program and control group. Standardized questionnaires were administered to assess depression, anxiety and stress prior to the MBSR program and at completion of the training after 8 weeks. Results: The results showed that MBSR intervention improved psychological distress and decreased the mean scores of depression, anxiety and stress. Conclusions: Mindfulness training program based on audio and smartphone was feasible and effective when it was applied to patients with chronic diseases and showed positive impact on negative psychological stress domains. These findings pave the way for the integration of psychological support for patients with chronic illnesses in clinical settings.

Evaluation of Immunohistochemical Expression of Heparanase in Helicobacter pylori-Associated Chronic Gastritis.

Background: Chronic gastritis (CG) is a very common disease. More than half of the worldwide population suffers from symptoms of CG. This disease has received great attention since the discovery of H. pylori as the most important cause of CG. Symptoms experienced by patients with CG are attributed to H. pylori-induced inflammatory reactions. Heparanase (HPSE) is a mammalian ß-endoglucoronidase. In inflammation; HPSE degrades and remodels the extracellular matrix's heparan sulfate polysaccharide chains liberating heparan sulfate-bound cytokines and chemokines, HPSE also facilitates movement of inflammatory cells. Aims: This study aimed to detect the function of HPSE in CG by correlating levels of HPSE expression with histopathological features of CG, including H. pylori infection, acute and chronic inflammatory cells, mucosal atrophic and/or metaplastic features. Methods: Ninety-five upper endoscopic-guided gastric punch biopsies were enrolled in this study. From each specimen, formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue blocks were prepared. Tissue sections were stained by Hematoxylin and eosin, Giemsa, and anti-heparanase antibody. Results: HPSE expression was statistically associated with H. pylori infection (P-value < .000), and intensity of chronic lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate in the gastric mucosal tissues (P = .004). High levels of HPSE expression were also related to the presence of neutrophils in the gastric surface epithelium and lamina propria (P-value < .009). Conclusions: HPSE expression was upregulated in H. pylori-associated chronic gastritis. Thus, future therapeutic agents that could specifically inhibit HPSE enzyme activity, may aid in the reduction of sequelae of H. pylori infection.

Exploitation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes/Cu(ii)-metal organic framework based glassy carbon electrode for the determination of orphenadrine citrate.

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs), with structural tunability, high metal content and large surface area have recently attracted the attention of researchers in the field of electrochemistry. In this work, an unprecedented use of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/copper-based metal-organic framework (Cu-BTC MOF) composite as an ion-to-electron transducer in a potentiometric sensor is proposed for the determination of orphenadrine citrate. A comparative study was conducted between three proposed glassy carbon electrodes, Cu-MOF, (MWCNTs) and MWCNTs/Cu-MOF composite based sensors, where Cu-MOF, MWCNTs and their composite were utilized as the ion-to-electron transducers. The sensors were developed for accurate and precise determination of orphenadrine citrate in pharmaceutical dosage form, spiked real human plasma and artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF). The sensors employed ß-cyclodextrin as a recognition element with the aid of potassium tetrakis(4-chlorophenyl)borate (KTpCIPB) as a lipophilic ion exchanger. The sensors that were assessed based on the guidelines recommended by IUPAC and demonstrated a linear response within the concentration range of 10-7 M to 10-3 M, 10-6 M to 10-2 M and 10-8 M to 10-2 M for Cu-MOF, MWCNTs and MWCNTs/Cu-MOF composite based sensors, respectively. MWCNTs/Cu-MOF composite based sensor showed superior performance over other sensors regarding lower limit of detection (LOD), wider linearity range and faster response. The sensors demonstrated their potential as effective options for the analysis of orphenadrine citrate in quality control laboratories and in different healthcare activities.

Perceptions, Knowledge, and Experiences of Using Face Masks among Egyptian Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Using face masks appropriately is important for preventing the community spread of respiratory infections. A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge level and experience of using face masks between healthcare teams to protect them and limit the spread of COVID-19 infection. A structured questionnaire was distributed to 228 healthcare members in July-December 2021. It was divided into two sections and consisted of 29 questions for a total possible score of 0 to 29. The first section was related to perceptions and knowledge about face masks (13 items); the second was related to the experience of using face masks (16 items). The average score of this questionnaire was 23.21/29 with respect to the knowledge about face masks and their proper use techniques. The healthcare team studied had satisfactory knowledge about face mask use techniques, and the study shed light on their unsatisfactory practices. Following instructions is very vital to protecting the person wearing the mask and preventing the spread of infection during health care by blocking droplets produced by speaking or coughing. Providing the healthcare teams with knowledge and experience about how to use face masks during the pandemic is critical to increase their awareness and practice in using face masks and prevent the infection from spreading.