Several studies have proven that COVID-19 is linked to a higher incidence of different thrombotic events. Thrombosis of the portal vein can result in portal hypertension and can extend to the mesenteric vein resulting in intestinal ischemia. A search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for relevant studies revealed an association between PVT and COVID-19. This review is structured according to PRISMA guidelines. Thirty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-nine case studies/series and four cohort/cross-sectional studies were included. Age at diagnosis was lower when compared to PVT due to cirrhosis. In cohort/cross-sectional studies, males comprised 54.83% of subjects, whereas in case reports/series, males comprised 62.1%. Obesity, asthma, hypertension, and diabetes were the most common comorbidities identified. The majority of the thrombotic events occurred within two weeks. The treatment aimed to prevent thrombus progression and improve recanalization. According to the evidence, early intervention prevents the poor prognosis of intestinal ischemia and its propagation.

Background Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a frequent serious disease of the digestive system in neonates. It is considered as an important cause of serious neonatal complication and death. Therefore, its early suspi-cion and proper management are important. Aim Early and sensitive detection of neonatal NEC through determination of levels of fecal calprotectin (FCP), serum levels of procalcitonin (PCT), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), epithelial neutrophil activating peptide-78 (ENA-78), and interleukin 18 (IL-18). Method This prospective case control study was conducted in Tanta University Hospital from June 2016 to March 2018. The study included 20 healthy neonates (control group) and 20 NEC newborn patients. They were all subjected to the measurement of levels of FCP and serum levels of hs-CRP, PCT, ENA- 78, IL-18, Malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Receiver operating charac- teristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted for FCP, ENA-78, PCT, hs-CRP, and IL-18. Results The study found a detectable increase in FCP level and serum levels of hs-CRP, PCT, ENA-78, IL-18, and MDA in NEC group in comparison to their levels in the control group. Also, it found a detectable decline in the levels of TAC in comparison to its level in the control group. Conclusion FCP, ENA-78, and PCT can be considered as early markers for diagnosis of NEC.

Enteric viruses (EVs) occurrence within aquatic environments varies and leads to significant risk on public health of humans, animals, and diversity of aquatic taxa. Early and efficacious recognition of cultivable and fastidious EVs in aquatic systems are important to ensure the sanitary level of aquatic water and implement required treatment strategies. Herein, we provided a comprehensive overview of the conventional and up-to-date eco-genomic tools for aquatic biomonitoring of EVs, aiming to develop better water pollution monitoring tools. In combination with bioinformatics techniques, genetic tools including cloning sequencing analysis, DNA microarray, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and metagenomic sequencing technologies are implemented to make informed decisions about the global burden of waterborne EVs-associated diseases. The data presented in this review are helpful to recommend that: (1) Each viral pollution detection method has its own merits and demerits; therefore, it would be advantageous for viral pollution evaluation to be integrated as a complementary platform. (2) The total viral genome pool extracted from aquatic environmental samples is a real reflection of pollution status of the aquatic eco-systems; therefore, it is recommended to conduct regular sampling through the year to establish an updated monitoring system for EVs, and quantify viral peak concentrations, viral typing, and genotyping. (3) Despite that conventional detection methods are cheaper, it is highly recommended to implement molecular-based technologies to complement aquatic ecosystems biomonitoring due to numerous advantages including high-throughput capability. (4) Continuous implementation of the eco-genetic detection tools for monitoring the EVs in aquatic ecosystems is recommended.

Single parathyroid adenoma is the commonest cause of primary hyperparathyroidism. Localization of the affected gland preoperatively is a critical step in management. Surgery is considered as the main line of treatment for single parathyroid adenoma. Focused technique for parathyroid excision was found by many researchers to have a good success rate even without intraoperative parathyroid hormone measurement. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility, safety, and adequacy of focused parathyroidectomy via an open lateral approach using preoperative positive Sestamibi (MIBI) scan and/or ultrasound without utilizing any intraoperative aiding tools. A case-series prospective analysis of focused open parathyroidectomy for 20 patients presented to the department of surgery or referred from the orthopedic department between October 2012 and January 2015 at the Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt, diagnosed as sporadic hyperparathyroidism with either positive MIBI scan or ultrasound were done. Normalization of the postoperative levels of serum calcium and PTH was considered as a marker of success. Data entry and analysis were done using the IBM-SPSS version 22. In this study, focused minimal access parathyroidectomy was successful in 95% with no major surgical complications, i.e., recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy or permanent hypoparathyroidism. The patient’s mean age was 46.5±12 years. The preoperative serum calcium level ranged from 8.8 to 15.2 mg/dL. The parathyroid hormone level was elevated ranging from 123–2000 pg/mL. In 90% of the cases, serum levels of alkaline phosphatase were elevated, while serum phosphorus was low with range 1.5–4.7 mg/dL. The left inferior parathyroid gland was the most commonly involved gland (40%). Using ultrasound and Sestamibi scan for preoperative localization was accurate in 75% and 90%, respectively. When both techniques were combined localization accuracy increased to 95%. Our study has shown that focused parathyroidectomy is considered as a good option for single gland disease even if there are no available intraoperative helping aids, provided that good patient selection is undertaken.

Enrolled in this prospective randomized study, were randomly allocated into two equal groups: Group I: total thyroidectomy using a harmonic scalpel (HS) and Group II: total thyroidectomy using conventional technique. Results: There is a significant association between the technique of surgery and the decrease in Postoperative PTH, Mean Difference, Pre and Postoperative and the change Pre PTH (p-value <0.001). Conclusion: The postoperative serum level of parathyroid hormone declined significantly after thyroidectomy if the conventional method was used. Using HS during thyroidectomy is safe and effective with low rates of hypoparathyroidism. HIGHLIGHTS In treatment of many thyroid disease, total thyroidectomy is a viable option.The biggest disadvantage is the potential for complications, but it also avoids recurrence.Hypoparathyroidism after thyroid surgery is a common problem.Using a harmonic scalpel may help to decrease the reduction in parathyroid hormone levels after surgery....