COVID-19 is a rapidly spreading global threat that has been declared as a pandemic by the WHO. COVID-19 is transmitted via droplets or direct contact and infects the respiratory tract resulting in pneumonia in most of the cases and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in about 15 % of the cases. Mortality in COVID-19 patients has been linked to the presence of the so-called "cytokine storm" induced by the virus. Excessive production of proinflammatory cytokines leads to ARDS aggravation and widespread tissue damage resulting in multi-organ failure and death. Targeting cytokines during the management of COVID-19 patients could improve survival rates and reduce mortality.

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Background and objectives The role of interleukins in the severity and clinical profile of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not known, but evidence supports the contribution of systemic inflammation to disease pathophysiology. This study evaluated the relationship of serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) to the severity and clinical parameters of COPD. Aim of work The aim of the work is to estimate the level of IL-6 in COPD patients and its relation to COPD severity and acute exacerbation. Patients and method We analyzed 45 COPD patients and 45 normal population as control. We estimate the IL-6 level by ELISA and correlate it with the severity and frequency of COPD exacerbation. Results In the current study, we noticed that IL-6 level was high in COPD patients and in those who experience frequent exacerbation. Also, IL-6 show a relation with the parameter of pulmonary function test; there is a statistically significant negative correlation with p-value < 0.05 between the level of IL-6 and the forced expired volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity (EFV1/FVC) among cases with COPD, which indicated that decrease in EFV/FVC will associate with the increase in IL-6 level. Conclusions The study revealed that serum IL-6 level elevated with increasing severity of airflow limitation in COPD patients, particularly in acute exacerbation phase. This increase was associated with a reduced quality of life and increased severity of hypoxemia.

Background: In 2012, it has been estimated that almost 527,600 new patients were diagnosed with cervical cancer causing over 265,000 deaths worldwide. Locally, the disease is affecting a substantial number of women in Qatar, placing it fifth in terms of the most common cancers among females in the country. Unfortunately, most cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, making the treatment more challenging. This is mainly due to the poor knowledge of the disease and the lack of awareness campaigns about cervical cancer. Aim: To raise the awareness about cervical cancer among women in Qatar to promote prevention and early detection. Methods: Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) launched a population-based campaign aimed at raising the public awareness about cervical cancer. In January 2018, health educators from QCS conducted 15 workshops in numerous public and private sectors across Qatar including companies, hotels, hospitals, and healthcare centers to educate the public about the signs and symptoms of the disease, its risk factors, as well as methods of prevention and early detection. In addition, the campaign was advertised in 10 local newspapers, 4 TV programs, 3 radio programs, social media, and 2 Web sites to deliver the educational material to a larger audience as possible. A hotline number was also reserved to answer women's questions and concerns about the disease. To promote the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer, women were encouraged to do Pap tests for free in Al-Ahli and Al-Emadi hospitals. Moreover, QCS organized a closing ceremony at the end of the campaign for all women who did the Pap test and a raffle draw was done to appreciate their participation. Results: A total of 635 women attended the various awareness workshops that were delivered over a month period. Interestingly, 100 women aged 21-65 years visited Al-Ahli and Al-Emadi hospitals to have Pap tests for cervical cancer screening. All of these women reported that they have never done the test before and they became aware of it from QCS campaign. Of note, participants indicated that it was the first time for them to learn about human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine which prevents 70% of all cervical cancer cases. In addition, about 150 calls were received inquiring about different aspects of the disease. The closing ceremony came to reinforce the awareness messages delivered by QCS where an educational video about cervical cancer was presented, followed by a speech by a cervical cancer survivor who talked about her battle with the disease and her treatment journey. Conclusion: Despite the widespread of cervical cancer among women in Qatar, little was known about its signs and symptoms, prevention, and early detection methods. This population-based awareness campaign was very effective in raising the awareness about cervical cancer, which will help in detecting the disease at earlier stages, and will ultimately result in higher survival rates.

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