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Résumé Introduction - L’objectif de cette étude est d’estimer les fréquences phénotypiques et géniques des systèmes ABO et Rhésus (D) chez les donneurs de sang à Oran. Matériels et méthode - Il s’agit d’une enquête descriptive de type transversal visant à quantifier la distribution des groupes sanguins ABO et Rhésus HD chez les donneurs de sang. Elle a été effectuée au niveau du Centre de Transfusion Sanguine (CTS) du CHU d’Oran de Décembre 2012 à Mars 2013. Un échantillon aléatoire a été constitué à partir des donneurs de sang recrutés au CTS. Les données ont été recueillies sur la fiche du candidat au don. Le groupage sanguin ABO-RH a été réalisé par une technique d’hémagglutination. La saisie et l’analyse des données ont été effectuées respectivement sur les programmes Epidata Version 3.1 et SPSS V.20. Résultats - Au total, 6671 donneurs de sang ont participé à l’étude. Les fréquences phénotypiques ABO observées sont : 2335 (35%), 1134 (17%), 333 (5%) etde 2869 (43%) respectivement pour les groupes A, B, AB et O. Cinq individus sont Du, inclus dans le phénotype D positif, et 88 % des donneurs de sang sont de Rhésus positif. Le gène O représente 66 % de l’effectif, suivi par le gène A avec une fréquence de 22% et le gène B avec une fréquence de 12%. Le gène D est prédominant (66%) comparé au gène d. Conclusion - Cette étude a permis de déterminer les fréquences phénotypiques et géniques des groupes sanguins ABO Rhésus (D) dans la population générale à Oran. Abstract Introduction - The objective of this study is to estimate the phenotypic and gene frequencies of the ABO and Rhesus (D) systems in blood donors in Oran. Material and methods - This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to quantifiy the distribution of ABO and Rhesus HD groups in blood donors. It was carried out at the Blood Transfusion Center (CTS) of Oran University Hospital from December 2012 to March 2013. A random sample was recruitedfrom the blood donors ofthe CTS.Data were collected from the donor’s clinical record. ABO-RH blood grouping was performed using a hemagglutination technique. The data were entered and analyzed on the Epidata Version 3.1 and SPSS V.20 programs respectively. Results - A total of 6671 blood donors participated in the study. The ABO phenotypic frequencies observed were 2335 (35%), 1134 (17%), 333 (5%) and 2869 (43%) respectively for groups A, B, AB and O.Five individuals were Du and were therefore included in the positive D-phenotype group which represents 88% of the blood donors. The O gene represented 66% of the sample, followed by the A gene with a frequency of 22% and the B gene with a frequency of 12%. The D gene was predominant (66%) compared to the d gene. Conclusion - This study determined the phenotypic and gene frequencies of ABO Rhesus (D) blood groups in the population of Oran.

Résumé Objectif - Cette étude vise à décrire les particularités sociodémographiques et les motivations des donneurs de sang du Centre de Transfusion Sanguine du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d’Oran, et à analyser leurs données immuno-hématolo­giques et microbiologiques. Matériels et méthodes - Il s’agit d’une enquête descriptive transversale, réalisée sur une période de trois mois (du 1er Janvier au 31 Mars 2017) au niveau du Centre de Transfusion Sanguine du CHU d’Oran. Cette étude a inclus les donneurs de sang qui se sont présentés au site fixe et ont répondu à unquestionnaire lors du don. Les données biologiques ont été recueillies à partir des registres de qualification immuno-hématologique et microbiologique du don. Résultats - Nous avons colligé 1004 donneurs majoritairement de sexe mascu­lin (sex-ratio 4/1), ayant un âge moyen de 35 ans avec une prédominance de la tranche d’âge [28-37] ans. La classe sociale moyenne est la plus fréquente (67,23%). Les niveaux d’instruction secondaire et supérieur sont prédominants (47,73%). Environ 63% de notre échantillon sont des donneurs de compensation, dont 45% sont des nouveaux donneurs. La moitié des donneurs bénévoles (50,5%) sont des donneurs irréguliers. La motivation principale au don est familiale, suivie par la motivation religieuse et la solidarité. La quasi-totalité de l’effectif est mo­tivée pour un don ultérieur. Près de la moitié des donneurs (47%) sont de groupe O, 34% sont de groupe A, 15% sont de groupe B et 4% sont de groupe AB. La préva­lence des agents infectieux transmissibles par transfusion chez cette population est de 1%. Conclusion - Cette étude a permis de décrire les caractéristiques socio- démo­graphiques et les motivations des donneurs de sang au Centre de Transfusion San­guine d’Oran. Les efforts devront être axés sur la sensibilisation de la population, la qualité du recrutement des donneurs et leur fidélisation, qui est une étape de l’amélioration de la sécurité transfusionnelle. Abstract Objectives - This study aims to describe the socio-demographic characteristics and motivations of blood donors at the Blood Transfusion Center of the University Hospital Center of Oran, to analyze their immuno-hematological and microbiological data. Materials and methods - It is a cross-sectional descriptive study, conducted over a pe­riod of three months (from January 1st to March 31st, 2017) at the Blood Transfusion Center of Oran University Hospital. This study included blood donors who showed up at the fixed site and responded to a questionnaire during the donation. Biological data were collected from immuno-hematological and microbiological qualification records of donation. Results - We collected 1004 predominantly male donors (sex ratio 4/1), with an ave­rage age of 35 years with a predominance of the age group [28-37] years. The average social class is the most common (67.23%). Secondary and universitary education levels are predominant (47.73%). Approximately 63% of our sample are clearing donors, 45% of whom are new donors. Half of the volunteer donors (50.5%) are irregular donors. The main motivation for giving is family, followed by religious motivation and solida­rity. Almost of the participants is motivated for a subsequent donation. 47% of donors have a blood group O, 34% of group A, 15% of group B and 4% of group AB. The preva­lence of infectious transmissible agents by transfusion in this population is 1%. Conclusion - This study described the socio-demographic characteristics and motiva­tions of the blood donors at the Blood Transfusion Center in Oran. Efforts should focus on raising awareness, quality of donor recruitment and retention, which is a step toward improving blood safety.

Selenium is an indispensable trace element for all living organisms. It is an essential structural component of several selenium-dependent enzymes, which support the human body’s defense mechanism. Recently, the significance of selenium in preventing/treating COVID-19 has been documented in the literature. This review highlights the clinical studies, compositions, and patent literature on selenium to prevent/treat COVID-19. Selenium exerts its anti-COVID-19 action by reducing oxidative stress, declining the expression of the ACE-2 receptor, lowering the discharge of pro-inflammatory substances, and inhibiting the 3CLPro (main protease) and PLpro enzyme of SARS-CoV-2. The data of clinical studies, inventive compositions, and patent literature revealed that selenium monotherapy and its compositions with other nutritional supplements/drugs (vitamin, iron, zinc, copper, ferulic acid, resveratrol, spirulina, N-acetylcysteine, fish oil, many herbs, doxycycline, azithromycin, curcumin, quercetin, etc.,) might be practical to prevent/treat COVID-19. The studies have also suggested a correlation between COVID-19 and selenium deficiency. This indicates that adequate selenium supplementation may provide promising treatment outcomes in COVID-19 patients. The authors foresee the development and commercialization of Selenium-based compositions and dosage forms (spray, inhalers, control release dosage forms, etc.) to battle COVID-19. We also trust that numerous selenium-based compositions are yet to be explored. Accordingly, there is good scope for scientists to work on developing novel and inventive selenium-based compositions to fight against COVID-19. However, there is also a need to consider the narrow therapeutic window and chemical interaction of selenium before developing selenium-based compositions.

Wolf-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is a congenital heart condition in which the atrioventricular (AV) node is bypassed by an accessory pathway that connects the atria and ventricle directly along with symptoms of syncope or palpitations. WPW syndrome in patients with a history of peripartum cardiomyopathy (pregnancy-related cardiomyopathy) is associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality secondary to failure of the pump and the conduction system of the heart. Management of these cases deals with arrhythmia and systolic heart failure, which becomes more challenging in pregnant patients as it requires treatment methods that minimize risks to the fetus. We report a case of a young female patient with WPW syndrome and peripartum cardiomyopathy presenting with symptomatic arrhythmias (tachycardia).

The SARS-CoV-2 infection has been predominately associated with lung disease. However, emerging evidence has associated the COVID-19 infection with a hypercoagulable state. This hypercoagulable state can occur despite the use of anticoagulants and antiplatelets. In fact, it may even be the presenting symptom of COVID–19 in some patients. Thromboembolism associated with COVID–19 carries a worse prognosis and should be identified as early as possible. Therefore, we report 2 patients with arterial thrombosis in the form of limb ischemia in the setting of COVID-19.

Heart failure is a complex clinical syndrome associated with high mortality and morbidity, creating a major public healthcare problem. It has a variety of etiologies, including substance abuse. Cocaine-induced cardiotoxicity is caused by direct effects of inhibition of sodium channels and indirect effects by inhibiting catecholamine uptake leading to increased sympathetic activity. Management is through the cessation of cocaine use and implantation of guideline-directed medical therapy for heart failure with the exception of beta-blockers as their safe usage is still controversial due to the risk of the unopposed alpha-adrenergic activity. Dexmedetomidine (Precedex) and Benzodiazepines (i.e., midazolam) are options for patients that demonstrate signs and symptoms of acute cocaine intoxication. If the actions of benzodiazepines fail to achieve hemodynamic stability, nitroglycerin may be used (especially in patients with cocaine-associated chest pain and hypertension). Cardiac transplantation is recommended for those who have demonstrated severe cardiovascular disease from cocaine. We present a 43-year-old male with a long-standing history of cocaine use who developed cardiomyopathy and severe acute decompensated heart failure found to have an ejection fraction of

Cannonball lesions are numerous, well-circumscribed, round pulmonary lesions and may be identified on plain radiograph or advanced imaging. This morphology can be associated with infectious causes, rheumatologic disease and metastatic disease. Classically, when cannonball lesions are associated with metastatic disease, they are seen in renal cell carcinoma and choriocarcinoma. We report a case of a 62-year-old Middle Eastern male who presented with shortness of breath, chest pain and fatigue and was found to have bilateral multiple pulmonary cannonball lesions and mass in the pancreas. Biopsy of one the lung lesions was consistent with pancreatic cancer. Our case adds to the limited literature available regarding cannonball lung lesions in the setting of pancreatic cancer. Health care providers should be aware of the various etiologies of cannonball lesions.

Complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD) can range from localized to systemic manifestations that can worsen patients’ outcomes. CKD results in irreversible deterioration in renal function, which ultimately progresses to end-stage renal failure and necessitates the need for renal transplantation. Our study aimed to identify patients’ complications postrenal transplant during hospitalization and assess the main factors affecting these patients’ outcomes and survival rates. This study is a single-centered, retrospective cohort chart review conducted from January 2016 to March 2019. The collected data parameters included patients’ characteristics (e.g., gender, age, body mass index), as well as surgical-related details and postoperative complications. Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS Statistics version 22.0 were used for data entry and analysis. The descriptive statistics were presented as frequency and percentage for the categorical variables (e.g., gender and smoking status), while the mean ± standard deviation was used for numerical variables. A total of 80 posttransplant patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were recruited. Urogenital complications were the most commonly seen during the postoperative period, especially developing urinary tract infections by 16%. During our study, the rate of complications was considered minimal and not significant in assessing posttransplant patients.

Background: The limited data available so far has shown a high mortality rate among COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU. Possible risk factors for poor outcomes in this type of patients need to be analyzed so we can identify strategies to reduce mortality. Objective: Characterized the COVID-19 experience in Community hospital ICU. Methods: Single center retrospective cohort study involving all adult patients admitted to the ICU with severe COVID-19 infection. Results: 132 patients were admitted to ICU during the study period. There was a preponderance for males and the most common ethnicity was Hispanic. The overall mortality was 69%, and mortality after intubation was 76%. In the multivariable analysis older Age (OR = 15.7), Obesity (OR = 2.92) and Mechanical Ventilation (OR = 12.0) were found to be a significant independent risk factor for increased mortality. Conclusion: Our study confirms the high mortality rate in patients critically ill with COVID-19 requiring ICU care especially among older age group, mechanically ventilated and obese patients. Overall outcomes are comparable to larger tertiary care centers. Our findings highlight the need to plan for optimal resource allocation and tailoring therapies to target the disease so as to improve outcomes.

Background: Breast lymphomas are a rare group of neoplasms that can be further categorized as Primary Breast Lymphomas (PBL) or secondary breast lymphomas. PBL is described by the occurrence of a primary lesion in the breast and accounts for 2% of extra-nodal lymphomas, 0.5% of breast neoplasms. PBLs are typically of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) histology subtype and are almost exclusively seen in women with less than 2% of cases occurring in men. Case presentation: We report a 62-year-old Portuguese male with bilateral breast masses who was found to have Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), non-germinal cell type with testicular involvement. Our patient received 6 cycles of R-CHOP with a near complete response followed by radiotherapy to bilateral breasts and bilateral testicular irradiation. Conclusion: Our case adds to the limited literature regarding overall survival and management of male patients with Primary Breast Lymphomas with testicular involvement.

Invasive Klebsiella pneumoniae infection and pyogenic liver abscess in patients with underlying diabetes mellitus has been well described over the past 3 decades, predominantly in the Southeast Asian population, especially in Taiwan and Korea. K pneumoniae has now become the most common causative pathogen of pyogenic liver abscess in Asian countries. This shift from Escherichia coli to K pneumoniae may also be increasingly occurring in the United States of America and European countries. Compared with the >80% incidence described in Taiwan, the incidence in the United States is still reported to be lower, around 30% to 40%. However, as more evidence and reports come to light, it has become of prime importance to recognize Klebsiella as a significant emerging cause of metastatic infections in patients with uncontrolled diabetes in the United States and not just Southeast Asia, given the significant morbidity and mortality associated with the condition. In this article, we discuss the case of a 53-year-old African American female who presented with diabetic ketoacidosis and was subsequently found to have K pneumoniae pyogenic liver abscess primarily in the left hepatic lobe, bacteremia, and septic metastases to the spleen. She required extensive percutaneous drainage of abscesses and a prolonged course of multiple antibiotics. This case illustrates the growing incidence of invasive K pneumoniae infection in the diabetic population in the United States, and better patient outcomes from prompt recognition and treatment.

Tracheal tears are an uncommon phenomenon that can occur due to infection, blunt or penetrating trauma or iatrogenic causes secondary to endotracheal intubation or procedures such as bronchoscopy. Post-intubation tracheal laceration is a very rare yet serious complication with high morbidity and mortality rates. Here, we report the case of a 53-year-old woman with a medical history of hypertension who presented with complaints of facial swelling after undergoing arthroscopic debridement of the coracoacromial ligament as well as partial resection of the acromion for impingement of the right shoulder under general anaesthesia. The patient was found to have extensive pneumomediastinum, subcutaneous emphysema, and a large tracheal tear. We aim to highlight this rare complication of endotracheal intubation, discuss the presenting signs and symptoms, and explore the various management options.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Clinical manifestations are diverse and can vary from mild respiratory symptoms to severe hypoxic respiratory failure. In severe cases, infection can cause gastrointestinal, renal, cardiac, neurological and haematological complications and result in multi-organ failure. There are very few reports of parapneumonic effusion in patients with COVID-19. We describe two patients with COVID-19 who had loculated empyema and discuss the clinical course and therapeutic options.

Reactive thrombocytosis after splenectomy is a feared cause of thrombosis throughout the arterial and venous system. There are many causes of splenomegaly, ranging from cirrhosis to lymphoma to hereditary spherocytosis. In this report, we will discuss a case of reactive thrombocytosis after splenectomy in a patient with hereditary spherocytosis. Splenomegaly is a relatively common finding in HD patients, causing extravascular haemolysis and thus leading to haemolytic anaemia. Splenectomy is usually considered when patients start to manifest severe symptoms such as abdominal pain, jaundice or worsening liver function tests. Our patient was a good surgical candidate and successfully underwent splenectomy but afterwards developed arterial and venous thrombosis due to reactive thrombocytosis. An extensive hypercoagulable work-up was unremarkable. The patient was started on hydroxyurea and anticoagulation with eventual improvement of platelet levels.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel coronavirus responsible for the current global pandemic, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 usually presents with respiratory symptoms but can affect multiple organ systems. A wide spectrum of complications can occur depending upon the comorbidities of patients. There is limited literature available regarding the presentation and outcome of COVID-19 in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) patients. We report 2 cases of COVID-19-induced hyperleucocytosis (WBC count >100,000/?l) in CLL patients.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has caused a global health crisis. COVID-19 can have a multifaceted presentation. A wide range of complications and outcomes can emerge based on the severity and comorbidities of the infected patient. We report a 42-year-old male with past medical history of CML on Dasatinib (in Major Molecular Response) who was diagnosed with COVID-19 and developed pancytopenia. Our case and review of available reports add to the limited literature available regarding COVID-19 in CML.

Introduction - The objective of this study is to estimate the phenotypic and gene frequencies of the ABO and Rhesus (D) systems in blood donors in Oran. Material and methods - This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to quantifiy the distribution of ABO and Rhesus HD groups in blood donors. It was carried out at the Blood Transfusion Center (CTS) of Oran University Hospital from December 2012 to March 2013. A random sample was recruitedfrom the blood donors ofthe CTS.Data were collected from the donor’s clinical record. ABO-RH blood grouping was perfor-med using a hemagglutination technique. The data were entered and analyzed on the Epidata Version 3.1 and SPSS V.20 programs respectively.Results - A total of 6671 blood donors participated in the study. The ABO phenotypic frequencies observed were 2335 (35%), 1134 (17%), 333 (5%) and 2869 (43%) respectively for groups A, B, AB and O.Five individuals were Du and were therefore included in the positive D-phenotype group which represents 88% of the blood donors. The O gene represented 66% of the sample, followed by the A gene with a frequency of 22%and the B gene with a frequency of 12%. The D gene was predominant (66%) compared to the d gene.Conclusion - This study determined the phenotypic and gene frequencies of ABO Rhesus (D) blood groups in the population of Oran.

We characterize the evolution of a dynamical system by combining two well-known complex systems’ tools, namely, symbolic ordinal analysis and networks. From the ordinal representation of a time series we construct a network in which every node weight represents the probability of an ordinal pattern (OP) to appear in the symbolic sequence and each edge's weight represents the probability of transitions between two consecutive OPs. Several network-based diagnostics are then proposed to characterize the dynamics of different systems: logistic, tent, and circle maps. We show that these diagnostics are able to capture changes produced in the dynamics as a control parameter is varied. We also apply our new measures to empirical data from semiconductor lasers and show that they are able to anticipate the polarization switchings, thus providing early warning signals of abrupt transitions.