Unraveling the controversy between fasting and nonfasting lipid testing in a normal population: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 244,665 participants.

BACKGROUND: The final decision to fast or not fast for routine lipid profile examination in a standard, healthy population is unclear. Whereas the United States and European protocols state that fasting for regular lipid analysis is unnecessary, the North American and Chinese guidelines still recommend fasting before routine lipid testing. AIM: This study aimed to unravel the contradiction between the different protocols of lipid profile testing worldwide and clarify the effect of diet on lipid profile testing only in a regular, healthy population. METHODS: A literature search was conducted through May 2024. The analyses included studies performed from the date 2000 until now because the contradiction of guidelines for lipid profile testing appeared for the first time in this period. A planned internal validity evaluation was performed using the National Institute of Health (NIH) quality measurement tools for observational cohort, case‒control, controlled interventional, and cross-sectional studies. The data were synthesized according to RevMan 5.3. RESULTS: Eight studies with a total of 244,665 participants were included. The standardized mean difference in cholesterol in six studies showed significant differences in overall effect among fasting and nonfasting states (P < 0.00001), as did high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.00001). At the same time, with respect to triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, there were notable variations in the overall effect between the fasted and nonfasted states (P < 0.00001 and P ≤ 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis concluded that fasting for lipid profile testing is preferred as a conservative model to reduce variability and increase consistency in patients' metabolic status when sampling for lipid testing.

Mpox virus Clade IIb detection in the air.

Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease endemic in Central and West Africa that is caused by the Mpox virus, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus and Poxviridae family. The clinical manifestations of mpox infection are milder than those of smallpox, and the incubation time of mpox varies from 5 to 21 days. Since May 2022, the mpox outbreak (formerly known as monkeypox) has suddenly and unexpectedly spread in non-endemic countries, suggesting that there may have been some undetected transmissions. Based on molecular analysis, there are two major genetic clades that represent the mpox virus: Clade I (formerly the Congo Basin clade OR the Central African clade) and Clade II (formerly the West African clade). It is believed that people who are asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic may spread the mpox virus. Infectious viruses cannot be distinguished by PCR testing; therefore, virus culture should be carried out. Recent evidence regarding the detection of the mpox virus (Clade IIb) in air samples collected from the patient's environment during the 2022 mpox outbreak was reviewed. Further studies are needed to evaluate the extent to which the presence of mpox virus DNA in the air could affect immunocompromised patients in healthcare facilities, and further epidemiological studies are crucial, especially in Africa.

In Vivo Wound-Healing Effect of Chemical and Green Synthesized Chitosan Nanoparticles Using Lawsonia inermis Ethanolic Extract.

Wounds can be a result of surgery, an accident, or other factors. There is still a challenge to find effective topical wound-healing agents. This study aims to investigate the wound-healing activity of chemical and green synthesized chitosan nanoparticles (Ch-NPs) using Lawsonia inermis leaves extract. The nanoparticles were morphologically and chemically characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Forty-five adult female albino rats were randomly divided into three groups. The cutaneous surgical wounds were topically treated with 0.9% normal saline (control group), green Ch-NPs (second group), and chemical Ch-NPs gels (third group), respectively. The clinical picture of wounds and histopathological changes were assessed on the 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 21st days post-treatment. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed great crystallinity and purity of nanoparticles. The studied nanoparticles increased the wound contraction percent (WC%), reduced healing time and wound surface area (WSA), and these results were backed up by histological findings that indicated improved epithelialization, dermal differentiation, collagen deposition, and angiogenesis in treated rats compared with control rats (p < 0.05). We concluded that the wound-healing effects of the studied nanoparticles are encouraging, and further studies for complete assessment are still needed.

Transchromosomic bovines-derived broadly neutralizing antibodies as potent biotherapeutics to counter important emerging viral pathogens with a special focus on SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, Ebola, Zika, HIV-1, and influenza A virus.

Historically, passive immunotherapy is an approved approach for protecting and treating humans against various diseases when other alternative therapeutic options are unavailable. Human polyclonal antibodies (hpAbs) can be made from convalescent human donor serum, although it is considered limited due to pandemics and the urgent requirement. Additionally, polyclonal antibodies (pAbs) could be generated from animals, but they may cause severe immunoreactivity and, once "humanized," may have lower neutralization efficiency. Transchromosomic bovines (TcBs) have been developed to address these concerns by creating robust neutralizing hpAbs, which are useful in preventing and/or curing human infections in response to hyperimmunization with vaccines holding adjuvants and/or immune stimulators over an extensive period. Unlike other animal-derived pAbs, potent hpAbs could be promptly produced from TcB in large amounts to assist against an outbreak scenario. Some of these highly efficacious TcB-derived antibodies have already neutralized and blocked diseases in clinical studies. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has numerous variants classified into variants of concern (VOCs), variants of interest (VOIs), and variants under monitoring. Although these variants possess different mutations, such as N501Y, E484K, K417N, K417T, L452R, T478K, and P681R, SAB-185 has shown broad neutralizing activity against VOCs, such as Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron variants, and VOIs, such as Epsilon, Iota, Kappa, and Lambda variants. This article highlights recent developments in the field of bovine-derived biotherapeutics, which are seen as a practical platform for developing safe and effective antivirals with broad activity, particularly considering emerging viral infections such as SARS-CoV-2, Ebola, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, Zika, human immunodeficiency virus type 1, and influenza A virus. Antibodies in the bovine serum or colostrum, which have been proved to be more protective than their human counterparts, are also reviewed.

The impact of the 2023 Türkiye-Syria earthquakes on the mental health of children.

The seismic events that struck southern Turkey and Syria in February 2023, with magnitudes of 7.8 and 7.6 respectively, have significantly impacted the well-being of millions, particularly children and adolescents. This correspondence highlights the psychological repercussions faced by minors in the aftermath of the earthquakes, including anxiety, PTSD, and depression. Despite efforts to provide humanitarian aid, there remains a critical gap in addressing the psychosocial needs of affected children. With limited mental health resources in both countries, innovative approaches such as Psychological First Aid (PFA) interventions and telepsychiatry are advocated for efficient and scalable support. Additionally, safeguarding children from abuse and ensuring access to education and stable environments are paramount in post-disaster recovery efforts. This correspondence underscores the urgency for a holistic response to mitigate the long-term impact of seismic events on the vulnerable population in Turkey and Syria.

Sofosbuvir (+) daclatasvir (+) ribavirin in Egyptian patients with hepatitis C virus: Therapeutic outcomes and the prognostic role of natural killer cells.

BACKGROUND: One of the prominent causes of chronic liver disease worldwide is the hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV believed that innate immunity contributes to a sustained virological response (SVR) to the treatment of Sofosbuvir (SOF) (+) Daclatasvir (DCV) (+) Ribavirin (RBV). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of SOF (+) DCV (+) RBV therapy and persistent HCV infection on the subset of natural killer cells (NK) in HCV genotype four patients from Egypt. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and ten patients with persistent HCV infections requiring SOF (+) DCV (+) RBV therapy were grouped, and a flow cytometry (FCM) study of the NK cell subset in peripheral blood was performed. The assessment was performed before and after three and/or six months of the cessation of viral suppression therapy when a patient had a long-term viral response (SVR). One hundred and ten volunteers from the National Liver Institute's (NLI) blood bank were selected as controls. RESULTS: Patients with chronic HCV infection before therapy had considerably lower CD16+ and CD3- CD56+ cells than controls. Their levels increase during SOF (+) DCV (+) RBV therapy. In patients with SVR during treatment, CD16+ and CD3- CD56+ cells increased significantly compared to those who did not get SVR. Furthermore, CD56+ cells were significantly higher in patients with persistent infection before treatment than controls but diminished with the response to treatment. CONCLUSION: NK cell activation following SOF (+) DCV (+) RBV therapy and polarization to cytotoxicity occurred early in HCV antiviral therapy and was elevated in the respondents. Our data illustrated that establishing an inhibitory cytotoxic NK profile is related to therapeutic outcomes.

Immunomodulatory approaches in managing lung inflammation in COVID-19: A double-edge sword.

INTRODUCTION: The novel coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has emerged as a gigantic problem. The lung is the major target organ of SARS-CoV-2 and some of its variants like Delta and Omicron variant adapted in such a way that these variants can significantly damage this vital organ of the body. These variants raised a few eyebrows as the outbreaks have been seen in the vaccinated population. Patients develop severe respiratory illnesses which eventually prove fatal unless treated early. MAIN BODY: Studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 causes the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1ß and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α which are mediators of lung inflammation, lung damage, fever, and fibrosis. Additionally, various chemokines have been found to play an important role in the disease progression. A plethora of pro-inflammatory cytokines "cytokine storm" has been observed in severe cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and pneumonia that may prove fatal. To counteract cytokine storm-inducing lung inflammation, several promising immunomodulatory approaches are being investigated in numerous clinical trials. However, the benefits of using these strategies should outweigh the risks involved as the use of certain immunosuppressive approaches might lead the host susceptible to secondary bacterial infections. CONCLUSION: The present review discusses promising immunomodulatory approaches to manage lung inflammation in COVID-19 cases which may serve as potential therapeutic options in the future and may prove lifesaving.

The Nephroprotective Effect of In Utero Administration of Green Synthesized Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles in Albino Rats.

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) are one of the most popular nanoscale materials and have a wide range of applications in the manufacturing industry; nonetheless, researchers' focus has been directed to the detrimental consequences of TiO2-NPs. The current study was designed to assess the potential hazardous effects of chemically synthesized TiO2-NPs on the placenta and feto-maternal kidneys of rats. On the other hand, the probable positive impact of TiO2-NPs made after green synthesis was also evaluated. HepG2 cell lines were used to assess the cytotoxicity of chemical and green TiO2-NPs. Five groups of fifty pregnant female rats were formed (n=10). The first (control) group received distilled water. The second and third groups were orally given 100 and 300 mg/kg body weight (bw) of chemical TiO2-NPs, respectively. The fourth and fifth groups were orally given 100 and 300 mg/kg bw of green synthesized TiO2-NPs, respectively. On gestational day 20 (GD 20), blood and tissues were collected for biochemical and histological studies. Our findings revealed that chemical TiO2-NPs induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells at high concentrations, while there was no observed toxicity for green TiO2-NPs. The chemically treated TiO2-NPs groups showed a significant decrease in the level of HDL and a significant increase in cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Renal tissues showed necrosis with exfoliation of lining epithelial cells, degenerated tubules, and glomerulonephritis. While the placenta was atrophied and hyalinized. Moreover, Bax expression significantly increased in the renal tubular cells and the villi of the placenta. Contrariwise, green TiO2-NPs-treated groups showed a significant rise in HDL levels with a significant reduction in triglycerides and LDL levels, while cholesterol levels were unaffected. Also, renal tissues showed mild degenerative changes in the glomeruli and renal tubules; thus, noticeable regeneration of epithelium lining tubules was detected in the maternal kidney. Bax showed a minimal reaction in the renal tubules and the villi of the placenta. It concluded that in contrast to chemical TiO2-NPs, biosynthesized TiO2-NPs with garlic showed a positive impact on the biochemical profile and histological investigations.

Immunomodulatory and antioxidant effect of green synthesized titanium dioxide nanoparticles on pregnant female albino rats and their fetuses.

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are one of the various nanoparticles that have been increasingly commonly used in vital sectors. This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of prenatal exposure to the chemical TiO2 NPs (CHTiO2 NPs) and green-synthesized TiO2 NPs (GTiO2 NPs) on immunological and oxidative status as well as lungs and spleen. Fifty pregnant female albino rats were divided into five groups of ten rats each: control, CHTiO2 NPs-treated groups orally received 100 and 300 mg/kg CHTiO2 NPs, and GTiO2 NPs-treated groups received 100 and 300 mg/kg GTiO2 NPs, respectively, daily for 14 days. The serum level of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, oxidative stress markers (MDA and NO), and antioxidant biomarkers (SOD and GSH-PX) were assayed. Spleen and lungs were collected from pregnant rats and fetuses for histopathological examinations. The results showed a significant increase in IL-6 levels in treated groups. In the CHTiO2 NPs-treated groups, there was a significant increase in MDA activity and a significant decrease in GSH-Px and SOD activities, revealing its oxidative effect, while GSH-Px and SOD activities significantly increased in the 300 GTiO2 NPs-treated group, confirming the antioxidant effect of green-synthesized TiO2 NPs. Histopathological findings of the spleen and lungs of the CHTiO2 NPs-treated group revealed severe congestion and thickening of the blood vessels, while those of the GTiO2 NPs-treated group revealed mild tissue alterations. It could be deduced that green synthesized titanium dioxide nanoparticles have immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects on pregnant female albino rats and their fetuses, with an ameliorated impact on the spleen and lung compared to chemical titanium dioxide nanoparticles.

Molecular characterization of gliotoxin-producing Aspergillus fumigatus in dairy cattle feed.

Background and Aim: Several strains of Aspergillus fumigatus produce mycotoxins that affect the health and productivity of dairy cattle, and their presence in dairy cattle feed is a serious concern. This study aimed to determine the densities of A. fumigatus and gliotoxin in commercial dairy feed. Materials and Methods: More than 60 dairy feed samples were examined for fungal contamination, specifically for A. fumigatus, using phenotypic approaches and DNA sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and ß-tubulin regions. Thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used to assess gliotoxin production in A. fumigatus. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to investigate the expression of gliZ, which was responsible for gliotoxin production. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to detect gliotoxin in feed samples. Results: Aspergillus was the most commonly identified genus (68.3%). Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated from 18.3% of dairy feed samples. Only four of the 11 A. fumigatus isolates yielded detectable gliotoxins by HPLC. In total, 7/11 (43.7%) feed samples tested had gliotoxin contamination above the threshold known to induce immunosuppressive and apoptotic effects in vitro. The HPLC-based classification of isolates as high, moderate, or non-producers of gliotoxin was confirmed by RT-PCR, and the evaluation of gliZ expression levels corroborated this classification. Conclusion: The identification of A. fumigatus from animal feed greatly depended on ITS and ß-tubulin sequencing. Significant concentrations of gliotoxin were found in dairy cattle feed, and its presence may affect dairy cow productivity and health. Furthermore, workers face contamination risks when handling and storing animal feed.

SARS-CoV-2 variants of concerns in animals: An unmonitored rising health threat.

Recent findings have highlighted the urgency for rapidly detecting and characterizing SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern in companion and wild animals. The significance of active surveillance and genomic investigation on these animals could pave the way for more understanding of the viral circulation and how the variants emerge. It enables us to predict the next viral challenges and prepare for or prevent these challenges. Horrible neglect of this issue could make the COVID-19 pandemic a continuous threat. Continuing to monitor the animal-origin SARS-CoV-2, and tailoring prevention and control measures to avoid large-scale community transmission in the future caused by the virus leaping from animals to humans, is essential. The reliance on only developing vaccines with ignoring this strategy could cost us many lives. Here, we discuss the most recent data about the transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) among animals and humans.

Bovine-derived antibodies and camelid-derived nanobodies as biotherapeutic weapons against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants: A review article.

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has infected 305 million individuals worldwide and killed about 5.5 million people as of January 10, 2022. SARS-CoV-2 is the third major outbreak caused by a new coronavirus in the previous two decades, following SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. Even though vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 is considered a critical strategy for preventing virus spread in the population and limiting COVID-19 clinical manifestations, new therapeutic drugs, and management strategies are urgently needed, particularly in light of the growing number of SARS-CoV-2 variants (such as Delta and Omicron variants). However, the use of conventional antibodies has faced many challenges, such as viral escape mutants, increased instability, weak binding, large sizes, the need for large amounts of plasma, and high-cost manufacturing. Furthermore, the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants in the human population and recurrent coronavirus spillovers highlight the need for broadly neutralizing antibodies that are not affected by an antigenic drift that could limit future zoonotic infection. Bovine-derived antibodies and camelid-derived nanobodies are more potent and protective than conventional human antibodies, thanks to their inbuilt characteristics, and can be produced in large quantities. In addition, it was reported that these biotherapeutics are effective against a broad spectrum of epitopes, reducing the opportunity of viral pathogens to develop mutational escape. In this review, we focus on the potential benefits behind our rationale for using bovine-derived antibodies and camelid-derived nanobodies in countering SARS-CoV-2 and its emerging variants and mutants.

Strengthening vaccines and medicines manufacturing capabilities in Africa: challenges and perspectives.

Africa carries a high burden of infectious diseases. Every year, millions of Africans contract tuberculosis, malaria, and many other diseases. Malaria kills hundreds of thousands of children under the age of five years annually. More than 11,000 people died during the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak in West Africa; still, occasional cases of Ebola, as well as monkeypox, periodically appear in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since most of the African countries gained their independence during the 1960s, the continent has relied heavily on the outside world for diagnostics, medicines, vaccines, personal protective equipment, and other medical supplies. Africa consumes nearly 25% of the globally produced vaccines but imports 99% and 95% of its vaccines and medicines, respectively. The 55 African countries were not able to ensure the health of 1.3 billion Africans during the COVID-19 pandemic but had to rely on other global initiatives and other countries for help and support. However, the pandemic and the shortage of vaccines may have been the much-needed trigger for this situation to change. "When misfortunes increase, they erase each other." Naguib Mahfouz (1911-2006).

Disease History, Pathogenesis, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics for Human Monkeypox Disease: A Comprehensive Review.

The monkeypox disease is a zoonotic-infectious disease that transmits between animals and humans. It is caused by a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus that is closely related to the variola virus -the causative agent of smallpox. Although monkeypox infections were endemic to Western and Central Africa, the newly emerging monkeypox outbreak spread to more than 90 non-African countries. With the exception of the PCR-confirmed case of a return from Nigeria to the United Kingdom, the ongoing outbreak is largely unrelated to travel. In the most recent wave, cases are characteristically males in their thirties. Risk factors include close and particularly sexual contact with an infected person, and contact with fomites, infected animals or aerosolized-infectious material. Clinical diagnosis of monkeypox is confirmed with nucleic-acid amplification testing of samples originating from vesicles or genital lesions and using real-time or conventional PCR. Other methods, such as electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and virus culture are costly and time-consuming. In addition to timely diagnosis and contact tracing, restrictive measures to limit spread, such as isolation of infected patients, preventing contact with wild animals, and isolation of animals suspected to be viral reservoirs have shown promise. Although there are no specific treatments for monkeypox disease, the experience with smallpox suggests that the vaccinia vaccine, cidofovir, tecovirimat, and vaccinia immune globulin (IVG) may be beneficial for monkeypox treatment. In this review, we provide an update on the human-monkeypox disease with a special emphasis on its pathogenesis, prevention, diagnostics, and therapeutic measures.

Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) and its sublineages: What do we know so far amid the emergence of recombinant variants of SARS-CoV-2?

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous variants of SARS-CoV-2 have been reported worldwide. The advent of variants of concern (VOCs) raises severe concerns amid the serious containment efforts against COVID-19 that include physical measures, pharmacological repurposing, immunization, and genomic/community surveillance. Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) has been identified as a highly modified, contagious, and crucial variant among the five VOCs of SARS-CoV-2. The increased affinity of the spike protein (S-protein), and host receptor, angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2), due to a higher number of mutations in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the S-protein has been proposed as the primary reason for the decreased efficacy of majorly available vaccines against the Omicron variant and the increased transmissible nature of the Omicron variant. Because of its significant competitive advantage, the Omicron variant and its sublineages swiftly surpassed other variants to become the dominant circulating lineages in a number of nations. The Omicron variant has been identified as a prevalent strain in the United Kingdom and South Africa. Furthermore, the emergence of recombinant variants through the conjunction of the Omicron variant with other variants or by the mixing of the Omicron variant's sublineages/subvariants poses a major threat to humanity. This raises various issues and hazards regarding the Omicron variant and its sublineages, such as an Omicron variant breakout in susceptible populations among fully vaccinated persons. As a result, understanding the features and genetic implications of this variant is crucial. Hence, we explained in depth the evolution and features of the Omicron variant and analyzed the repercussions of spike mutations on infectiousness, dissemination ability, viral entry mechanism, and immune evasion. We also presented a viewpoint on feasible strategies for precluding and counteracting any future catastrophic emergence and spread of the omicron variant and its sublineages that could result in a detrimental wave of COVID-19 cases.

Wound healing properties of green (using Lawsonia inermis leaf extract) and chemically synthesized ZnO nanoparticles in albino rats.

Wound healing is one of the utmost medical issues in human and veterinary medicine, which explains the urgent need for developing new agents that possess wound healing activities. The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of green and chemical zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) for wound healing. ZnO-NPs (green using Lawsonia inermis leaf extract and chemical) were synthesized and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The gels containing the nanomaterials were prepared and inspected. Forty-five albino rats were divided into three groups, the control group was treated with normal saline 0.9%, and the other two groups were treated with gels containing green or chemical ZnO-NPs, respectively. On the 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 21st days post-treatment (PT), the wounds were clinicopathologically examined. Both nanomaterials have good crystallinity and high purity, but green ZnO-NPs have a longer nanowire length and diameter than chemical ZnO-NPs. The formed gels were highly viscous with a pH of 6.5 to 7. The treated groups with ZnO-NP gels showed clinical improvement, as decreased wound surface area (WSA) percent (WSA%), increased wound contraction percent (WC%), and reduced healing time (p < 0.05) when compared with the control group. The histological scoring showed that the epithelialization score was significantly higher at the 21st day post-treatment in the treated groups than in the control group (p < 0.05), but the vasculature, necrosis, connective tissue formation, and collagen synthesis scores were mostly similar. The green and chemical ZnO-NP gels showed promising wound healing properties; however, the L. inermis-mediated ZnO-NPs were more effective.