@article { author = {Mekkawy, Aml and Fetih, Gihan and EL-Badry, Mahmoud and Allam, Ayat}, title = {DEVELOPMENT AND OPTIMIZATION OF ALBENDAZOLE NANOSUSPENSION AS LOCAL ADJUVANT THERAPY FOR TREATMENT OF ENTEROBIASIS}, journal = {Bulletin of Pharmaceutical Sciences Assiut University}, volume = {43}, number = {2}, pages = {123-134}, year = {2020}, publisher = {Assiut University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-0052}, eissn = {3009-7703}, doi = {10.21608/bfsa.2020.127397}, abstract = {The aim was to develop an optimized albendazole (ALB) nanosuspension to improve its solubility and therapeutic activity as an adjuvant localized therapy for treatment of the pinworm infection to enhance oral treatment outcomes using Box–Behnken design. ALB-nanosuspensions were successfully prepared by antisolvent sono-precipitation technique considering amount of Lecithin, PVP and ultrasonication time as independent variables. All the formulations were characterized regarding their particle size and PDI (dependent variables). Nanoparticle size was significantly increased by increasing lecithin and PVP concentrations while sonication time showed no influence. PDI of the nanosuspension was insignificantly decreased with increasing lecithin concentration and probe-sonication time. Optimum formulation was identified and subjected to solid phase characterization and morphological studies. ALB nanosuspension showed 10 folds increase in solubility over pure albendazole powder. Eventually, we studied the anthelmintic activity of ALB nanosuspension compared to free ALB where nanosuspension treated group showed lesser paralysis and death time than free ALB.}, keywords = {}, url = {https://bpsa.journals.ekb.eg/article_127397.html}, eprint = {https://bpsa.journals.ekb.eg/article_127397_669942dcb2facf5051b3e94ba87067a8.pdf} } @article { author = {Gayatri, S. and Monica, V.}, title = {PRELIMINARY PHYTOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATION AND IN-VITRO ANTIDIABETIC ACTIVITY OF AN AYURVEDIC FORMULATION}, journal = {Bulletin of Pharmaceutical Sciences Assiut University}, volume = {43}, number = {2}, pages = {135-139}, year = {2020}, publisher = {Assiut University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-0052}, eissn = {3009-7703}, doi = {10.21608/bfsa.2020.127400}, abstract = {Objective: To carry out the preliminary phytochemical analysis and to perform the in-vitro anti diabetic activity for the ayurvedic poly herbal formulation. Material and Methods: Preliminary phytochemical analysis was performed as per the standard procedures. In-vitro anti-diabetic activity was done by two methods namely alpha amylase inhibitory assay and alpha glucosidase inhibitory assay by taking acarbose as a standard drug for the ayurvedic formulation. Statistical analysis is carried out by means of graphpad prism software version 6. Results and conclusion: Preliminary phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, phytosterols, phenols, flavonoids and terpenoids in the formulation. The poly herbal tablet produced 32.2% inhibition of alpha amylase activity at a concentration of 125 µg/ml and 80.8% inhibition of alpha glucosidase activity at a concentration of 62.5 µg/ml. The present study shows that the selected ayurvedic poly herbal tablets has an anti-diabetic activity comparable with that of allopathic drug - acarbose tablet.}, keywords = {}, url = {https://bpsa.journals.ekb.eg/article_127400.html}, eprint = {https://bpsa.journals.ekb.eg/article_127400_b690b78f2938fb1346b68853783fc0af.pdf} } @article { author = {Joujeh, R.}, title = {PHYTOCHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL STUDY OF CENTAUREA CINERARIA L. CULTIVATED IN SYRIA}, journal = {Bulletin of Pharmaceutical Sciences Assiut University}, volume = {43}, number = {2}, pages = {141-147}, year = {2020}, publisher = {Assiut University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-0052}, eissn = {3009-7703}, doi = {10.21608/bfsa.2020.127401}, abstract = {In the current study, C. cineraria plant was subjected to chemical and biological study. The plant extract was screened for its phytochemical constituents, its quantitative content of phenolics, and its activity in scavenging free radical (DPPH). The plant was subjected to a biological study, which includes investigating the potential cytotoxic effect of the plant towards human erythrocytes membranes, and the ability of the plant to protect erythrocytes against oxidative hemolysis. The results indicated that the extract did not contain saponins. Our study also showed that the extract contains a good content of phenolics (41.12±0.6) mg GAE/g, and has good DPPH radical scavengingactivity (79.96%±1.14). The results showed that the extract does not have a toxic effect on erythrocytes membranes, and it is highly effective in protecting the membranes from oxidative damage (IC50 value was 408.86 μg/ml). We hope that future studies will focus on the pharmaceutical aspects of this plant, and will not be considered as ornamental plant only.}, keywords = {}, url = {https://bpsa.journals.ekb.eg/article_127401.html}, eprint = {https://bpsa.journals.ekb.eg/article_127401_d4fc68835d9a7fbed7cfd44d260ce85f.pdf} } @article { author = {Pohodina, Lala and Burda, Nadiia and Kyslychenko, Viktoriia and Andryukova, Larisa and Martynov, Artur}, title = {ARISTOLOCHIC ACID I DETERMINATION IN ARISTOLOCHIA CLEMATITIS L. RAW MATERIALS BY HPLC METHOD}, journal = {Bulletin of Pharmaceutical Sciences Assiut University}, volume = {43}, number = {2}, pages = {149-155}, year = {2020}, publisher = {Assiut University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-0052}, eissn = {3009-7703}, doi = {10.21608/bfsa.2020.127407}, abstract = {Aristolochia clematitis has long ago been applied in Asian traditional medicine and demonstrates multidirectional pharmacological activity. Contemporary research has confirmed its expressed antimicrobial activity. Using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) we ascertained and determined the content of aristolochic acid 1 in herb and roots of Aristolochia clematitis collected within the blooming period in Kharkiv and Khmelnytskyi Regions, Ukraine. As aristolochic acid I causes nephrotoxic activity of plants, particularly, Aristolochia clematitis, it is quite mandatory to control its content in raw materials. The content of aristolochic acid I in Aristolochia clematitis herb was 0.11±0.01%, in roots its content was 0.14±0.01%. Thus, issuing from the results of our experiment, we concluded that Aristolochia clematitis raw materials may be treated as feasible for the development of drugs, but only for external application. The results of our study may be used for the development of Aristolochia clematitis raw materials standardization parameters and safe application.}, keywords = {}, url = {https://bpsa.journals.ekb.eg/article_127407.html}, eprint = {https://bpsa.journals.ekb.eg/article_127407_3d9f7ae843bff6e86b1c08a0602b7477.pdf} } @article { author = {Zaher, Ahmed and Ahmed, Mai and Mohamed, Nesma}, title = {ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF THE FOOD PLANT CALLIGONUM POLYGONOIDES L. FLAVONOIDS TARGETING NF-κB}, journal = {Bulletin of Pharmaceutical Sciences Assiut University}, volume = {43}, number = {2}, pages = {157-164}, year = {2020}, publisher = {Assiut University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-0052}, eissn = {3009-7703}, doi = {10.21608/bfsa.2020.127408}, abstract = {Calligonum polygonoides L. subsp. comosum (Polygonaceae) is a wild shrub that grows on the sandy deserts of various regions in North Africa, Western Asia and Southern Europe. In some of Asian countries, the flower buds and young branches of the plant are used to prepare traditional food dishes. Also, different organs of C. polygonoides L. are used traditionally in treatment of stomach diseases. The isolation of anti-inflammatory lead compounds was performed by using different normal silica gel, reversed phase C-18, and sephadex LH-20 open columns. The identification of the isolated compounds was done using NMR spectral techniques. The isolated compounds are of different flavonoid classes; two flavonol glycosides; kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucuronide and mequilianin, one flavan-3-ol; catechin, and one dihydro-flavonol; taxifolin. The methanol extract and ethyl acetate fraction of Calligonum polygonoides L. subsp. comosum exhibited anti-inflammatory activity against NF-κB translocation pathway on HEK293 cells. All of them were active against NF-κB translocation, and previously isolated from the plant under study. Kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucuronide, a flavonoid glycoside demonstrated the most potent NF-κB inhibition in comparing with other flavonoids; taxifolin, catechin, and mequilianin. Therefore, the food plant aerial parts of C. polygonoides are rich in nutraceuticals (flavonoids and flavonoid glycosides) that can be utilized in the treatment of vascular inflammation.}, keywords = {}, url = {https://bpsa.journals.ekb.eg/article_127408.html}, eprint = {https://bpsa.journals.ekb.eg/article_127408_246ec512bc3ea4711f255287667b1c96.pdf} } @article { author = {Mohammed, Huda and Abdelmegid, Mohamed and Alsayed, Ahmed and Ali, Mostafa}, title = {REAL-WORLD SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF TICAGRELOR IN PATIENTS WITH ST SEGMENT ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION AT ASSIUT UNIVERSITY HEART HOSPITAL}, journal = {Bulletin of Pharmaceutical Sciences Assiut University}, volume = {43}, number = {2}, pages = {165-176}, year = {2020}, publisher = {Assiut University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-0052}, eissn = {3009-7703}, doi = {10.21608/bfsa.2020.127409}, abstract = {Objectives: The new generation antiplatelets are generally recommended by the current US and European guidelines. This article aimed to address the efficacy and safety of using ticagrelor in patients with ST-elevated acute coronary syndromes. Methods: This was a prospective observational study on 120 patients admitted to the Cardiology Care Unit of Assiut University Hospital with ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome, who were admitted for urgent revascularization and received aspirin and the P2Y12 antagonist ticagrelor. The patients were followed for three months between May 2018 and September 2019. The primary efficacy end point was the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Results: At three months, the primary efficacy end point, a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke - occurred in 11/120 (9.2%) patients. The primary safety end point, the incidence of major bleeding, was observed in two patients (1.7%) with no fatal bleedings. Minor and minimal bleeding occurred in 2.5% and 20.8% of patients, respectively. Other efficacy endpoint was myocardial infarction 4.2% and stent thrombosis (1.7%). Severe dyspnea found in 5.0% patients and led to 1.7% ticagrelor discontinuation. Multivariate regression analysis revealed no association between bleeding and patients’ age, sex nor IV administration of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor. Conclusion: The MACE with ticagrelor was higher than previously reported in most studies. Dyspnea rate was higher and more pronounced than bleeding rate. The majority of bleeding cases was minimal with no fatal major bleeding and no bleeding led to comorbidity.}, keywords = {}, url = {https://bpsa.journals.ekb.eg/article_127409.html}, eprint = {https://bpsa.journals.ekb.eg/article_127409_03fd96d9896cfcddc9a5683fef925f67.pdf} } @article { author = {Ali, Osama and Mohamed, Abdurahman and Mohamed, Esmael and Abdullah, Sara and Hassan, Sahar and Abdel-Latif, Mohamed}, title = {KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS OF THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19) PANDEMIC AMONG EGYPTIAN POPULATION}, journal = {Bulletin of Pharmaceutical Sciences Assiut University}, volume = {43}, number = {2}, pages = {177-189}, year = {2020}, publisher = {Assiut University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-0052}, eissn = {3009-7703}, doi = {10.21608/bfsa.2020.127413}, abstract = {On 11 March 2020, WHO declared the novel Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) a pandemic disease worldwide. With the rapid spread of COVID-19, Egyptians are at a high risk of being infected, as it is the most populous country in the Middle East and North Africa region. The aim of the present study was to assess the knowledge and awareness of Egyptians towards COVID-19. A nationwide cross-sectional study was performed among the general sample of the Egyptian population. One thousand one hundred fifteen individuals participated in the survey with gender distribution of 625 males and 490 females. Descriptive analysis was used to describe the study findings. Most respondents 715 (64.1%) acknowledged that COVID-19 was a serious disease and the majority of them had a good to fair knowledge 1096 (98.3%) about COVID-19. Nasal droplets and touching surfaces were suggested to be the common modes of transmission 1099 (98.6%). Most respondents correctly identified the symptoms of COVID-19 of fever, dry cough and dyspnea. The main sources of information obtained from social media 979 (87.8%), radio-television 611 (54.8%) and Ministry of Health 568 (50.9%). However, only 144 (12.9%) of participants trusted information posted on social media, 605 (54.3%) to some extent while 366 (32.8%) didn't. Despite many participants understood the precautionary measures, but they were unsatisfactory 796 (71.4%) with the public's behavior of obeying the national procedures. The surveyed Egyptians had a good knowledge of COVID-19 and an acceptable understanding of the precautionary measures taken by the government. However, strict national procedures are further needed to enforce such measures to combat the disease.}, keywords = {}, url = {https://bpsa.journals.ekb.eg/article_127413.html}, eprint = {https://bpsa.journals.ekb.eg/article_127413_5312024b52fe4063d45a2e79bb1deeb0.pdf} } @article { author = {Shahnaz, Saira and Arain, Mudassar and Anwar, Khurram and Anwar, Ramesha}, title = {ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE BELIEVES AND MYTHS REGARDING THE USE OF MASK IN COVID-19 OUTBREAK IN KARACHI PAKISTAN}, journal = {Bulletin of Pharmaceutical Sciences Assiut University}, volume = {43}, number = {2}, pages = {191-198}, year = {2020}, publisher = {Assiut University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-0052}, eissn = {3009-7703}, doi = {10.21608/bfsa.2020.127414}, abstract = {Objective: To assess the general perspective of population their believes and myths regarding the pandemic outbreak and use of mask as precautionary measures. Methods: A Cross-sectional observational study conducted from January-June 2020, among the general population of Karachi. Total 470 participant age range of 18-60 years were included in the study. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 21.0, for descriptive statistics. Correlation between variables was assess by Kruskal Wallis Test, spearman rank correlation was established to assess the significant correlation between Knowledge, myths and practices. Result: Out of 470 respondents, 74.31% were male and 25.69% of female. More than half of respondents aged between 51 to 70 years i.e. 53.92%. While 21.76% respondents were categorized in illiterate category. The mean rank score for knowledge, myths and practices were 217.95±2.1, myths score was 236.07±2.1, 241.12±2.1 respectively. The spearman rank correlation was established between knowledge myths and practices, a significant correlation between was established by Knowledge-myths (r= 0.0176, p= 0.015), knowledge-practices (r= 0.0174, p= 0.001) however myths-practices (r= 0.0170, p < 0.001). Believes and myths related to the mask was concerned i.e. 56.1 were using N-95 masks, 89% respondents reused the masks, 59.1% used the mask between 2 to 5 times. Wearing mask is not a precautionary measure was mainly found as a myth in respondents i.e. 78.7%. 67.2% respondents had myths about unnecessary use of mask. The study highlighted the non-optimal behavior and practice with regards to the use of preventive measure including the use of mask in the pandemic outbreak.}, keywords = {}, url = {https://bpsa.journals.ekb.eg/article_127414.html}, eprint = {https://bpsa.journals.ekb.eg/article_127414_9cc8d8417196c7e83e9dbc0fae619fd1.pdf} } @article { author = {Bukhari, Fakhara and Khan, Ahmad and Mehmood, Tahir}, title = {PREDICTORS OF HCV SEROCONVERSION AMONG END-STAGE RENAL DISEASE PATIENTS IN HEMODIALYSIS UNIT}, journal = {Bulletin of Pharmaceutical Sciences Assiut University}, volume = {43}, number = {2}, pages = {199-208}, year = {2020}, publisher = {Assiut University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-0052}, eissn = {3009-7703}, doi = {10.21608/bfsa.2020.127415}, abstract = {Background: In patients under dialysis, blood borne infections remains one of the mostpublic causes of morbidity, hospitalization and death. Among dialysis patient’s long-term hemodialysis (HD) therapy, frequency of blood transfusions and multiple blood transfusions enhance the risk of acquiring blood-borne infections. Objective: The aim of the study was to identify predictors for HCV seroconversion in HD patients. Method: Prospective observational study was conducted on 173 Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergoing HD. Anti HCV antibody testing was accomplished at the start of study and every 2-3 months subsequently. To identify seroconversion, patients who were sero-negative for HCV were monitored. Results: Prospective follow-up exposed an occurrence of seroconversion of 12.1% during study duration. On multivariate analysis, both increase in the duration on hemodialysis besides attending more than one centre for HD were significantly associated with anti-HCV positivity (p < 0.05, OR 0.185), (p < 0.05, OR 4.52) respectively. Risk factors blood transfusion and AST >40 IU/L also shows significant association for seroconversion (p < 0.05). Conclusion: It is concluded that increase post dialysis incidence of HCV occurs as specific guidelines for HCV infected patients were not followed. Regular surveillance for HCV infection helps dramatically in decreasing the spread of HCV in hemodialysis unit.}, keywords = {}, url = {https://bpsa.journals.ekb.eg/article_127415.html}, eprint = {https://bpsa.journals.ekb.eg/article_127415_d64b8579f93abca653915e19eae02f8f.pdf} } @article { author = {Shahnaz, Saira}, title = {THE PRESCRIBING PATTERN OF ANTI-ASTHMATIC DRUGS FOR THE TREATMENT OF ASTHMA, AT DIFFERENT SETTINGS OF KARACHI, PAKISTAN}, journal = {Bulletin of Pharmaceutical Sciences Assiut University}, volume = {43}, number = {2}, pages = {209-215}, year = {2020}, publisher = {Assiut University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-0052}, eissn = {3009-7703}, doi = {10.21608/bfsa.2020.127416}, abstract = {Introduction: Asthma is a common chronic inflammatory disorder of respiratory airways with high growing prevalence around the globe. Objectives: To evaluate the current prescribing practice and analyze the prescription for rational use of drugs of asthma by comparing with international guidelines of GINA (Global Initiative for Asthma. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the patients with confirmed diagnosis of asthma for the period of eight months at different setups of Karachi. The prescription and patients record files were evaluated for prescribing pattern and disease profile of asthma. Results: study concluded 73.5% (n= 735) patients were male, while 26.5% (n= 265) patients were females, 42% (n= 105) patients were from inpatients setting of public sector hospitals, 26.8% (n= 67) from private sector hospital and 50% (n= 250) patients were from private clinics, while 58% (n= 145) were from out-patients departments of public sector hospitals. The inhaled corticosteroids were prescribed to almost more than half of the enrolled patients either monotherapy or combined drugs therapies 44.1% (n= 64), medication of class long acting beta agonists to 22.7% (n= 33) patinets, 17.2% (n= 25) patients were prescribed with leukotriene inhibiters. Conclusion: The asthma treatment guidelines suggests the prescribing of corticosteroids and long acting beta agonists in combinations (LABA’s+ICS), that was observed in current study as successful therapy in two drug combinations therapies. Fluticasone+Salmeterol combination was observed as successful therapy.}, keywords = {}, url = {https://bpsa.journals.ekb.eg/article_127416.html}, eprint = {https://bpsa.journals.ekb.eg/article_127416_668c60334523ffcd4f6094d30409bef0.pdf} } @article { author = {Zyuz&#039;kov, Gleb and Miroshnichenko, Larisa and Simanina, Elena and Polyakova, Tatyana}, title = {PROSPECTS FOR USING MITOGEN-ACTIVATED PROTEIN KINASES ERK1/2 AND p38 OF NERVE TISSUE PROGENITORS AS PHARMACOLOGICAL TARGETS FOR THE TREATMENT OF NEURODEGENERATION CAUSED BY ALCOHOL}, journal = {Bulletin of Pharmaceutical Sciences Assiut University}, volume = {43}, number = {2}, pages = {217-224}, year = {2020}, publisher = {Assiut University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-0052}, eissn = {3009-7703}, doi = {10.21608/bfsa.2020.127417}, abstract = {We studied the possibility of using ERK1/2 inhibitor and p38 inhibitor to modulate the functions of nerve tissue precursor cells in ethanol-induced neurodegeneration. It has been found that in chronic alcoholization of mice both these pharmacological substances are able to increase proliferative activity of neural stem cells (NSC). In addition, the blockade of ERK1/2 initiates the progression of the cell cycle of the neuronal-committed progenitors (NCP, clonogenic PSA-NCAM + cells). This reduces the differentiation intensity of NSC and clonogenic PSA-NCAM + cells under the influence of the ERK1/2 inhibitor and such in NSC under the influence of p38 inhibitor. The fundamental difference between the functions of ERK1/2 and p38 in the regulation of the NSC and NCP cell cycle in optimal living conditions and in ethanol-induced neurodegeneration does not allow to draw unambiguous conclusions about the prospect of using these protein kinases as pharmacological targets of drugs for the therapy of alcoholic encephalopathy.}, keywords = {}, url = {https://bpsa.journals.ekb.eg/article_127417.html}, eprint = {https://bpsa.journals.ekb.eg/article_127417_b068008068d4fdb15622facc7d967606.pdf} } @article { author = {Damanhouri, Zoheir and Ali, Ahmed and AlAama, Jumana and Almaweri, Fuad and Khedr, Alaa and Khan, Lateef}, title = {PHENOTYPING CYP3A4/5 USING AN ENDOGENOUS BIOMARKER IN CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME}, journal = {Bulletin of Pharmaceutical Sciences Assiut University}, volume = {43}, number = {2}, pages = {225-235}, year = {2020}, publisher = {Assiut University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-0052}, eissn = {3009-7703}, doi = {10.21608/bfsa.2020.127418}, abstract = {Background: Down syndrome (DS); a common chromosomal abnormality in humans can affect multiple organ systems. DS individuals usually use a wide range of medications. There is a gap in knowledge about the extent of contribution of CYP3A4/5 in altered clinical response to medications in DS children. Objectives: Phenotyping of CYP3A4/5 in DS children using. the ratio of 4β-hydroxycholesterol / Cholesterol (4β-OHC/C) as an endogenous biomarker for CYP3A4/5 activity. Method: The study was an observational case control study, conducted in the DS clinic, King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital. Blood samples were taken for thyroid and liver function test by automated immunoassay procedure and analysis of cholesterol and 4β-hydroxycholesterol by gas chromatography. Results: 16 DS and 29 non-DS children were enrolled (1-12 Y). Children with DS showed a lower median 4β-OHC/C molar ratio of 0.19×10-4 compared to 0.45×10-4 in the control group and with interquartile range (IQR) 0.17, 0.36 respectively (p < 0.001 Mann Whitney U test). DS children also showed an abnormality in liver enzymes and hypercholesteremia.Conclusion: Children with DS had about two-fold lower CYP3A4/5 activity compared to children without DS. More studies to confirm these observations are required, however, drugs should be used cautiously in DS children.}, keywords = {}, url = {https://bpsa.journals.ekb.eg/article_127418.html}, eprint = {https://bpsa.journals.ekb.eg/article_127418_77c235e507b16f759c1263df8f6ad0d6.pdf} } @article { author = {Roshdy, Wael and Naguib, Amel and Elsayed, Ibrahim and Shamikh, Yara}, title = {CIRCULATING PATTERN OF RESPIRATORY VIRUSES, IN EGYPT, SEASON 2013-2014}, journal = {Bulletin of Pharmaceutical Sciences Assiut University}, volume = {43}, number = {2}, pages = {237-253}, year = {2020}, publisher = {Assiut University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-0052}, eissn = {3009-7703}, doi = {10.21608/bfsa.2020.127419}, abstract = {Respiratory viruses causes lower and upper respiratory tract infections; LRTIs and URTIs. These infections are from the predominant causes of infections, especially in children and infants. Objective: This study, provides the evidence of using modern techniques as the multiplex PCR method, as a helpful tool in identifying the circulating pattern of respiratory viruses, in Egypt, thus this could help in identifying and inventing new treatment and vaccines. Subjects and methods: A number of 237 nasopharyngeal aspirates, were collected between December 2013 to November 2014, from 2 Egyptian fever hospitals, classified into 3 groups; group 1; 37 normal persons, group 2; 100 patients with LRTIs or pneumatic group and group 3; 100 patients with URTIs or common cold group. The results were then assayed using multiplex RT-PCR, in the Central Public Health Laboratories, CPHL, Ministry of Health, Cairo, Egypt. Results: Respiratory viruses, were detected in 152 cases, where the human rhinovirus was the most prominent; 15.6%, followed by the respiratory syncytial virus, 10.5%, metapneumovirus; 13%, influenza-A (Flu-A); 6.3%, adenovirus (AdV); 5.9%, influenza-B (Flu-B); 5.4%, parainfluenza-3 (PIV-3); 4% and a percentage of 0.42% infection for parainfluenza-1 (PIV-1), parainfluenza-2 (PIV-2) and human bocavirus (HBoV). No infections with parainfluenza-4, enterovirus nor the coronaviruses were detected. Both season and age of the patients, affect the detection rate of the analysis.}, keywords = {}, url = {https://bpsa.journals.ekb.eg/article_127419.html}, eprint = {https://bpsa.journals.ekb.eg/article_127419_4e2511ac6ef16a5ba9fd65c3bc7a602a.pdf} } @article { author = {Daoud, N. and Abou Sulaiman, A. and Al Kwatli, K.}, title = {VIRULENCE DETERMINANTS OF ESCHERICHIA COLI STRAINS ISOLATED FROM SURGICAL SITE INFECTIONS AT SELECTED HOSPITALS IN SYRIA}, journal = {Bulletin of Pharmaceutical Sciences Assiut University}, volume = {43}, number = {2}, pages = {255-264}, year = {2020}, publisher = {Assiut University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-0052}, eissn = {3009-7703}, doi = {10.21608/bfsa.2020.127420}, abstract = {Escherichia coli is one of the most commonly isolated pathogens from surgical site infections (SSIs) that accounts for significant morbidity and mortality, especially with high virulent strains. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the virulence determinants of E. coli strains isolated from surgical sections. 51 E. coli isolates were assessed for biofilm formation, mannose-sensitive or -resistant hemagglutination, capsule, hemolysin and siderophores production. Antibiotic susceptibility against 14 common antibiotics was performed. As a result, 25 strains displayed 5 virulence factors and multiple drug resistance towards more than 11 antibiotics. DNA and plasmids were extracted from the 25 virulent isolates. PCR was used to investigate virulence genes on DNA encoding adhesins (fimH-1, mrkD), hemolysin (hlyA), siderophores (entB: enterobactin, iutA: aerobactin, irp-1: yersiniabactin- which was encoded on (HPI) high-pathogenicity island). MrkD, iutA and hlyA genes were also screened on extracted plasmids. The most common virulence genes were iutA (25/100%), mrkD (24/96%), entB (23/92%) and fimH-1 (21/84%). Irp1 was found at moderate rates (15 /60%) and at lower prevalence, was gene hlyA (2 / 8%). Plasmids were found in 16/25 strains. MrkD and iutA were present in 10 /16 plasmids, whereas none of them harbored hlyA. In conclusion, most E. coli isolates harbored high frequencies of (fimH1, mrkD, entB and iutA) which seem to be at the basis of pathogenicity. However, some strains, which carry HPI and have virulence plasmids can account for even more real threat if they spread among other Enterobacteriaceae members in surgical sections.}, keywords = {}, url = {https://bpsa.journals.ekb.eg/article_127420.html}, eprint = {https://bpsa.journals.ekb.eg/article_127420_6bf0a88b17fa5ce705634f7ee73fe552.pdf} } @article { author = {Abd-ElNasser, Randa and Abdel-Rahim, Mona and Mahmoud, Manal and Elkhawaga, Amal and Hassnein, Khaled}, title = {ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE OF ACINETOBACTER BAUMANNII: AN URGENT NEED FOR NEW THERAPY AND INFECTION CONTROL}, journal = {Bulletin of Pharmaceutical Sciences Assiut University}, volume = {43}, number = {2}, pages = {265-279}, year = {2020}, publisher = {Assiut University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-0052}, eissn = {3009-7703}, doi = {10.21608/bfsa.2020.127991}, abstract = {Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) infections became an emerging health concern in hospitals across the globe and are often related to nosocomial infections with poorer clinical outcomes in patients with prolonged hospital stay. Management of infections involves prompt identification of the infecting strain, isolating the source of infection, and proper choice of antibiotic regimen. However, resistance to first-line antimicrobial drugs, combined with a scarcity of equally effective alternatives, complicates the treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR) A. baumannii. Presently, MDR A. baumannii may be a serious health concern in hospitals and long-term care facilities accounting for up to 20% of infections in intensive care units, and 7% of infections in patients who are physically connected to medical equipments. Immediate and sustained prevention efforts are needed to control the speed of incidence. Antibiotic use is largely under-regulated in Egypt leading to the emergence of resistant isolates. This review describes genetic markers and other factors that influence the incidence of MDR A. baumannii. Current and emerging treatments as well as infection control strategies are discussed.}, keywords = {}, url = {https://bpsa.journals.ekb.eg/article_127991.html}, eprint = {https://bpsa.journals.ekb.eg/article_127991_e176221cf7954e541f8db6b5fc2f8c43.pdf} }