No abstract

Hypozincemia is prevalent in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-COV-2)-infected patients and has been considered as a risk factor in severe coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Whereas zinc might affect SARS-COV-2 replication and cell entry, the link between zinc deficiency and COVID-19 severity could also be attributed to the effects of COVID-19 on the body metabolism and immune response. Zinc deficiency is more prevalent in the elderly and patients with underlying chronic diseases, with established deleterious consequences such as the increased risk of respiratory infection. We reviewed the expected effects of zinc deficiency on COVID-19-related pathophysiological mechanisms focusing on both the renin–angiotensin and kinin-kallikrein systems. Mechanisms and effects were extrapolated from the available scientific literature. Zinc deficiency alters angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) function, leading to the accumulation of angiotensin II, des-Arg9-bradykinin and Lys-des-Arg9-bradykinin, which results in an exaggerated pro-inflammatory response, vasoconstriction and pro-thrombotic effects. Additionally, zinc deficiency blocks the activation of the plasma contact system, a protease cascade initiated by factor VII activation. Suggested mechanisms include the inhibition of Factor XII activation and limitation of high-molecular-weight kininogen, prekallikrein and Factor XII to bind to endothelial cells. The subsequent accumulation of Factor XII and deficiency in bradykinin are responsible for increased production of inflammatory mediators and marked hypercoagulability, as typically observed in COVID-19 patients. To conclude, zinc deficiency may affect both the renin–angiotensin and kinin-kallikrein systems, leading to the exaggerated inflammatory manifestations characteristic of severe COVID-19.

Virginity is the nullity of sexual experience in females. However, the use of virginity testing as proof of previous involvement in sexual relations is dependent on having an intact hymen, which refers to a hymen with no signs of previous penetrating injury. Although the quality of this evidence in questioned virginity is extremely poor and considered a violation of human rights, it still constitutes a major facet in medicolegal investigations of sexual assaults. This work evaluates virginity testing as currently practiced in many countries, including Egypt, in terms of medical and legal considerations.

Fingerprints are skin markings delineated by epidermal ridge patterns present on the skin of the hands' fingers and palms. There is a positive association between fingerprint distribution and different diseases like diabetes mellitus, making it a useful tool for its prediction. The study aimed to determine if fingerprint pattern distribution could be used as an early screening tool for predicting type II diabetes among at risk Egyptian populations. This study was carried out on 138 patients with type II diabetes mellitus diagnosed at the diabetic clinic, Al kasr Alainy hospital, Cairo city, between September and December 2019. Another 138 participants were included as a control group for this study. The fingerprint distribution pattern between the diabetics and the control showed insignificant (p>0.05) differences except for whorls which showed significantly lesser distribution among diabetics. The ulnar, radial, and double loops were insignificantly (p>0.05) more, while the arch & composite patterns were insignificantly (p>0.05) lesser in diabetics compared to control. The study concluded that the distribution pattern of a fingerprint is not a definitive predictive tool for type II diabetes mellitus.