Background Esophageal varices (EV) are serious complications of hepatitis C virus (HCV) cirrhosis. Endoscopic screening is expensive, invasive, and uncomfortable. Accordingly, noninvasive methods are mandatory to avoid unnecessary endoscopy. Acoustic radiation forced impulse (ARFI) imaging using point shear wave elastography as demonstrated with virtual touch quantification is a possible noninvasive EV predictor. We aimed to validate the reliability of liver stiffness (LS) and spleen stiffness (SS) by an ARFI-based study together with other noninvasive parameters for EV prediction in HCV patients. Also, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of a new simple prediction model (incorporating SS) using data mining analysis. Patients and methods This cross-sectional study included 200 HCV patients with advanced fibrosis. Labs, endoscopic, ultrasonographic, LS, and SS data were collected. Their accuracy in diagnosing EV was assessed and a data mining analysis was carried out. Results Ninety patients (22/46% of F3/F4 patients) had EV (39/30/18/3 patients had grade I/II/III/IV, respectively). LS and SS by ARFI showed high significance in differentiating not only patients with/without EV (P = 0.000 for both) but also correlated with the grading of varices (R = 0.31 and 0.45, respectively; P = 0.000 for both). Spleen longitudinal diameter (SD), splenic vein diameter (SVD), platelets to spleen diameter ratio, LOK index, and FIB-4 score were the best ultrasonographic and biochemical predictors for the prediction of EV [area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) 0.79, 0.76, 0.76, 0.74, and 0.71, respectively]. SS (using ARFI) had better diagnostic performance than LS for the prediction of EV (AUROC = 0.76 and 0.70, respectively). The diagnostic performance increased using data mining to construct a simple prediction model: high probability for EV if [(SD cm) × 0.17 + (SVD mm) × 0.06 + (SS) × 0.97] more than 6.35 with AUROC 0.85. Conclusion SS by ARFI represents a reliable noninvasive tool for the prediction of EV in HCV patients, especially when incorporated into a new data mining-based prediction model.

Background Mutations within the “a” determinant region (position 124–147) that is present in the major hydrophilic region (MHR, position 99–160) of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) are associated with vaccine-escape, lack of diagnosis, and failure to hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) therapy. Data regarding the amino acid changes of “a” determinant region of HBsAg are limited in Egypt. The prevalence and mutations in this region among chronic HBV (CHB)-infected patients in Upper Egypt are not known. Material and Methods Blood samples were collected from HBsAg-positive CHB-infected patients (n=123) admitted to Assiut University Hospitals. Serum samples were screened for HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBe antibodies using commercially available ELISA kits. Viral load was determined by qPCR. In addition, mutational analysis was carried out targeting the HBV surface gene to determine the HBV genotype and vaccine escape mutations. Results Sequencing analysis of HBV DNA revealed that genotype D is the major circulating type (81.3%), followed by genotype E (18.7%). Analysis of the HBV genome revealed that 103/123 (83.7%) patients showed wild-type sequences and 20/123 (16.3%) showed mutations in the HBsAg gene. Mutation in seventeen patients (17/20, 85%) showed only one mutation, and three patients showed two mutations (3/20, 15%) in the “a” determinant region. The observed mutations were T115S (3/20, 15%), P120T/S (3/20, 15%), T126S (1/20, 5%), Q129R (2/20, 10%), M133T (2/20, 10%), S143L (5/20, 25%), D144E/A (3/20, 15%), and G145R/A (4/20, 20%). Mutations in the “a” determinant region were detected in genotype D isolates only. Conclusion We described for the first time the prevalence and characterization of vaccine escape mutants in CHB patients in Upper Egypt. Mutational analysis of the “a” determinant region revealed the presence of a wide spectrum of mutants in the circulating HBV isolates that could be a potential threat to HBV diagnosis, therapy success, and HBV vaccination program in Upper Egypt.

Background and objective: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common minor complication after operations, mostly due to bladder catheterization that used routinely during operations. This investigation seeks to determine prevalence rate, bacterial features, antibiotic sensitivity and risk factors for urinary tract infection in postoperative patients in tertiary hospitals in Sana’a, Yemen. Methods: This prospective analysis included 390 patients undergoing surgery between 2017 and 2018 at Al-Thawra Hospital. The study includes 258 male and 132 female between the ages 5 to 80 years. Clinical and demographic data and factors affecting UTIs were collected in the standard questionnaire, and the sample was obtained after catheter removal; or, in patients with a clinical indication of continuous catheterization, a sample was obtained after the replacement of a new catheter. The samples were cultured, examined for significant possible bacterial pathogens, isolated and identified by standard laboratory techniques, and microbial sensitivity testing was carried out by disc diffusion method. The operative characteristics associated with postoperative UTI were also analysis. Results: Postoperative UTI (POUTI) occurred in 144/390 (37%), and the predominant post-operative uropathogen was Escherichia coli (34%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1(27%) and Staphylococcus coagulase negative (16.7%). In Gram-negative bacteria, high resistance to ampicillin (95%), nalidixic acid (63%), ceftriaxone (68%) and cotrimoxazole (55%) was recorded, while high sensitivity to amikacin (98%) and ciprofloxacin. (84%), cefotaxime (87%), gentamicin (87%) and imipenem (98%). In Gram-positive bacteria, high resistance to penicillin (90%), erythromycin (85%), and amoxicillin (78%) was recorded, while high sensitivity to aztreonam (94%), augmentin (83%),   ciprofloxacin (93%), cefotaxime (86%), gentamicin (85%), Rifampicin (100%) and vancomycin (97%).  The following characteristics are independently associated with postoperative UTI: female sex (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.3–3.2), Rubber PTFE catheter (OR 4.7, 95% CI 1.99–11.4), longer duration of catheterization >10 days (OR 4.4, 95% CI 2.3–8.3), overweight (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1–2.9), and emergency surgery  (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2–3.0). Conclusions: POUTI remains an important problem in our hospitals and what complicates the situation is that all the causative microorganisms are MDR with few treatment options; and several risk factors were independently associated with POUTI. Peer Review History: Received 14 May 2020; Revised 15 June; Accepted 1 July, Available online 15 July 2020 UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency. Received file Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 8.0/10 Reviewer(s) detail: Name: Dr. Amany Mohamed Alboghdadly Affiliation: Princess Nourah bint abdulrahman university, Riyadh E-mail: amalbgadley@pnu.edu.sa   Name: Dr. A.A. Mgbahurike Affiliation: University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria E-mail: amaka_mgbahurike@yahoo.com   Comments of reviewer(s): Similar Articles: A SHORT REVIEW OF URINARY SYMPTOMATOLOGY- GRECO ARAB MEDICINE BIOFILM FORMATION AND ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY OF UROPATHOGENS IN PATIENTS WITH CATHETER ASSOCIATED URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN IBB CITY -YEMEN

Objectives:  Lower respiratory infections (LRTIs) are the leading reason of death infectious diseases in the world and the fifth leading cause of death in general. The study aimed to identify the general characteristics of LRTI, the causative bacteria and the results of sensitivity to antibiotics. Subjects and methods:  A multicentre prospective study was performed at 3 University hospitals. The study included 555 clinical diagnostic cases as LRTI cases, 328 male and 227 female, aged 3 to 69 years. Clinical and demographic data were collected in the standard questionnaire, and samples included sputum or bronchial lavage (BAL) staining and culture. Samples were cultured in 3 different bacterial media, blood agar and LJ slope, chocolate agar with Co2; cultures were then examined for possible bacterial pathogens of LRTI. Possible bacterial pathogens were isolated and identified by standard laboratory techniques, and microbial sensitivity testing was carried out by disc diffusion method. Results:  LRTI was recorded among all age groups and with less frequency in children less than 16 years of age. A large number of LRTI (36.2%) was not diagnosed, most in CAP (52.4%), followed by HAP (33.9%) while unidentified cases were lower in AECOPD (22.8%). CAP isolates are K. pneumoniae (26.2%), S. pyogens (12.3%), and S. pneumoniae (9%); in HAP are MSSA (24%), E. Coli (12.9%), MRAS (11.1%), K. pneumoniae (10.5%) and P. aeruginosa (7%); and in AECOPD are M. catarrhalis (47.2%), K. pneumoniae (17.2%), H. influnzae (10.7%) and P. aeruginosa (2%). In Gram-positive bacteria, high resistance to ampicillin/sulbactam (100%) and amoxicillin/clavulanate (100%) was recorded, while moderate resistance to amikacin, vancomycin, cefepime and moxifloxacin was recorded. In Gram-negative bacteria, a high resistance to 3rd g Cephalosporin’s  (68.5%) was recorded, while a moderate sensitivity to the other antibiotics tested was recorded. Conclusion:  There is a high rate of undiagnosed LRTI in Yemen and this highlights the need for health authorities to develop strategies to diagnose most of the causes of LRTI, including Mycoplasma, Chlamydia, and viral causes. No antibiotics are completely effective in treating LRTI in our area and antibiotic sensitivity should be performed in all cases. Peer Review History: Received 22 April 2019; Revised 4 May; Accepted 9 May, Available online 15 May 2020 UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency. Received file Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 8.0/10 Reviewer(s) detail: Name: Dr. Michael Otakhor Erhunmwunse Affiliation: St. Philomena Catholic Hospital, Nigeria E-mail: dedoctor4life@gmail.com   Name: Dr. Amany Mohamed Alboghdadly Affiliation: Princess Nourah bint abdulrahman university, Riyadh E-mail: amalbgadley@pnu.edu.sa Comments of reviewer(s): Similar Articles: BIOFILM FORMATION AND ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY OF UROPATHOGENS IN PATIENTS WITH CATHETER ASSOCIATED URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN IBB CITY -YEMEN PREVALENCE, ANTIMICROBIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERN AND RISK FACTORS OF MRSA ISOLATED FROM CLINICAL SPECIMENS AMONG MILITARY PATIENTS AT 48 MEDICAL COMPOUND IN SANA'A CITY-YEMEN

Based on the estimation of World Health Organization (WHO), there were 558000 new cases with resistance to Rifampicin, of which 82% had Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB). We aimed to identify the outbreakof MDR-TB in River Nile state, Sudan, and the risk factors contributing to its occurrence. This descriptive crosssectional hospital-based study involved 200 specimens from patients suspected of having MDR-TB tested using an automated GeneXpert assay. Theresults of the GeneXpert assay showed that the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 81 (40.5%), and out of 81 positive test results there were 13 (16%) had MDR-TB. Additionally, 7 cases of MDR-TB were previously treated, which represented about (53%) of MDR patients. The remaining 6 MDR-TB patients were new cases and represented (47%) of MDR-TB patients. Moreover, 4 MDR-TB patients had a backgroundof contact with MDR-TB patients. Prevalence of MDR-TB in River Nile State, Sudan was 16%, which is greater than WHO estimation for Sudan (10.1%). The results revealed that the leadingrisk factor in developing MDR-TB was a backgroundof contact with MDR-TB, so adherence to treatment and social awareness about the spread of MDR-TB isa crucial preventive measure.