Background Violence against women is a worldwide problem that affects different social and economic classes, and this violence has almost increased with pandemics as the COVID-19 pandemic. The present survey aimed to assess the prevalence of violence against women in Egypt during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify the relationship between sociodemographic factors and violence exposure. A total of 509 women were recruited using a self-completion e-form questionnaire. Results The prevalence of violence experienced by women was (43.8%); the most common type was the emotional representing (96.0%) of exposed women, while sexual violence was the least common (13.5%). Violence exposure was affected significantly by residence governorates, husbands’ working status, reduced husbands’ working hours, and history of violence exposure. Conclusions Violence against women in Egypt was increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, which raises the need for a strong and urgent anti-violence program to control this problem.

Background: Owing to absence of definitive treatment to coronavirus disease 2019 and vaccine hesitancy, the general population sought information from various sources to prevent or treat the disease. Consequently, self-treatment (ST) was boosted in many parts of the world. Aim: The current study aimed to assess ST knowledge, beliefs and practice during the COVID-19 pandemic among Egyptians. Subjects and Method: A cross-sectional, anonymous online survey was conducted using different social media platforms to recruit participants. The survey assessed the sociodemographic characteristics, past COVID-19 infection and vaccination, exposure to ST, and reasons for ST. Results: A total of 400 participants completed the questionnaire; their mean age was 34.9±11.5, females represented 67.8%, married (63.3%), living in urban areas (76.8%) and had chronic diseases (28%). About 67.5% had received vitamins or minerals, antibiotics or herbals or food supplements either due to ST (59.6%) or non-ST (40.4%). Among the ST group, vitamins were used by (81.9%), antibiotics (45.9%), and herbals and supplements (40.9%). Conclusion: ST may delay medical advice seeking leading to worsening of the patient's health. Efforts to raise public awareness about risks of ST should be done by healthcare members especially in the media.

Bisphenol S (BPS) is used as an alternative to bisphenol A (BPA) in polycarbonate plastics, epoxy resins and thermal receipt sheet manufacturing. We examined the toxic effects of BPS on gastric and renal functions, as well as the efficacy of allopurinol as a treatment. Albino rats were given only BPS (30 and 120 mg/kg BW/day), and some were treated with allopurinol prior to sacrifice. Gastric and renal specimens were evaluated histologically and immunohistochemically, and blood from the tail vein was analysed for levels of gastrin, uric acid (UA), erythropoietin and 8‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG). Gastrin levels decreased while erythropoietin, UA and 8‐OHdG levels increased significantly. The severity of gastric and renal damage observed in BPS‐treated animals increased with increasing doses. The mean percentage of COX‐2 immunoreactivity and the mean number of CD45 immunoreactive cells were significantly increased in the stomach and kidney of BPS rats. Allopurinol ameliorated the biochemical, histological and immunohistochemical alterations induced by BPS, with superior protection at lower doses. Allopurinol can reverse the effects of BPS on the stomach and kidneys.

Human exposure to cadmium (Cd) may induce severe effects in different organs. Recent studies suggest that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are closely involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms of Cd-related diseases. This study evaluated the use of lncRNA (ENST00000414355) as an expression signature of Cd exposure and assessed its ability to modulate DNA damage and apoptosis by measuring the expression of ATM serine/threonine kinase (ATM) and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) in Cd-exposed workers. A total of 139 (74 non-smokers and 65 smokers) participants from a Cd battery manufacturer were included in the study. Venous blood samples were collected to determine the blood Cd level and detect blood ENST00000414355 and its target gene (ATM) using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Mitochondrial membrane potential was used to assess the Cd effect on mitochondrial permeability. Our results indicated a significant positive correlation between blood Cd level and lncRNA-ENST00000414355 and ATM expression and a significant negative correlation between blood Cd level and ΔΨm ( p < 0.0001). Moreover, significant correlations were observed between the expression of lncRNA-ENST00000414355 and ATM expression and ΔΨm ( p < 0.0001). Statistical significance was found in the blood Cd level, lncRNA-ENST00000414355 expression, ATM expression, and ΔΨm ( p < 0.0001) between smokers and non-smokers. This study confirmed the upregulation of the lncRNA-ENST00000414355 expression, DNA damage-checkpoint-related gene (ATM), and decreased ΔΨm in Cd-exposed workers. Thus, lncRNA-ENST00000414355 may serve as a valuable biomarker for the exposure and toxicity of Cd.

Background: A rare, but well-known consequence of penetrating trauma is the migration of bullets and other foreign bodies inside the blood vessels. Only, few cases of pulmonary or arterial emboli reported in literature. These injuries have a significantly high mortality rate. Therefore, they can pose a diagnostic problem. A shotgun pellet embolism to the heart requires rapid detection and careful radiological testing.Case study: This case report presents the death of a 19-year-old male following head shotgun injury. Investigating the current case highlights the importance of radiology in firearm injuries. Conclusion:It is crucial to use every practical and available approach during the autopsy and examination to reach proper diagnosis and hence adequate management. The use of virtual autopsies in Egypt faces several challenges that need to be overcome.