Bibliotheca Alexandrina

L’emploi du refrain “Io Péan” dans l’Hymne à Apollon de Callimaque semble révéler les traits d’un Dichterspiel typiquement alexandrin: le poète commence par inscrire dans l’hexamètre un ἱὴ ἱὴ παιῆον double (v. 21), et puis (vv. 25, 80, 97, 103) met en jeu un ἱὴ ἱὴ παιῆον dont l’interjection initiale s’expose à un traitement prosodique capricieux: chacune de ses deux voyelles est à son tour considérée comme longue et brève. En tenant compte du contexte étiologique de l’Hymne (v. surtout vv. 97–104), on peut supposer que cette démonstration de la souplesse métrique d’ἱὴ παιῆον fait allusion à une légende ‘savante’ développée par Héraclide de Pont dans son traité Περὶ μουσικῆς (fr. 158 Wehrli2 = Athen. XV, 701 e–f): un triple ἱὴ παιῆον ἱὴ παιῆον ἱὴ παιῆον prononcé par Apollon (sans doute après la mort du Python) a donné naissance à l’hexamètre aussi qu’au trimètre ïambique – selon la quantité des premières syllabes des deux mots. En recourant au même cri rituel, Apollonius (Arg. II, 702) et Ovide (Ars am. II, 1) relèvent visiblement le défi de Callimaque et l’imitent cum variatione. Obiter, on émet quelques hypothèses sur le texte et l’interprétation d’Heraclid. fr. 158. Ainsi, contrairement à l’opinion commune, le passage final dedié à l’invention du vers choliambique (διὰ δὲ τοῦτο δῆλον ὅτι κτλ.) ne fait pas partie de l’exposé d’Héraclide mais représente un commentaire polémique d’Athénée (ou de sa source). Après avoir introduit la citation d’Héraclide avec une remarque critique (τὸ δὲ ὑφ’ Ἡρακλείδου τοῦ Ποντικοῦ λεχθὲν φανερῶς πέπλασται), l’auteur manifeste les motifs de sa méfiance en réduisant le raisonnement héraclidéen ad absurdum; pour un δῆλον ὅτι ironique, cf. Athen. X, 428 e–f. Le fragment de Περὶ μουσικῆς devrait donc être limité à l’étiologie d’hexamètre et de trimètre ïambique pur, sans compter celle de σκάζων. .

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound global impact, resulting in millions of deaths and major disruptions to daily life. This has prompted the investigation of various therapeutic agents, including vitamin D3, due to its potential immunomodulatory effects. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the efficacy and safety of vitamin D3 in the management of COVID-19. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase up to March 2025. Primary outcomes included length of hospital stay, ICU admission, ICU length of stay, need for oxygen supplementation, and need for mechanical ventilation. Secondary outcomes included inflammatory markers ( C-Reactive Protein(CRP), D-dimer,Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and ferritin). Results Seventeen randomized controlled trials with a total of 2,762 patients were included. Vitamin D3 was not associated with a significant reduction in hospital stay (MD = -0.26, 95% CI [-1.63 to 1.11], P = 0.71), oxygen supplementation (RR = 0.97, 95% CI [0.83 to 1.15], P = 0.75), or mechanical ventilation (RR = 0.88, 95% CI [0.66 to 1.17], P = 0.38). However, a significant reduction in ICU admissions was observed in the vitamin D3 group (RR = 0.76, 95% CI [0.58 to 0.99], P = 0.04). There was no significant difference in ICU length of stay (MD = 0.45, 95% CI [-1.78 to 2.67], P = 0.69). No significant differences were found in inflammatory biomarkers between the groups. Conclusion Vitamin D3 supplementation may reduce ICU admissions in patients with COVID-19, though no significant effects were observed for other clinical or laboratory outcomes. Subgroup analyses suggest a potential reduction in hospital stay, warranting further high-quality research. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted exploration of various therapeutic agents, including colchicine, due to its anti-inflammatory properties. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate the efficacy and safety of colchicine in managing COVID-19. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase till March 2024.Primary outcomes were 28-day mortality, invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation, and ICU admission. Secondary outcomes were inflammatory markers (CRP, D-dimer, IL-6, LDH, Ferritin), ICU length of stay, and hospitalization duration. Results 17 randomized controlled trials with a total of 25478 patients were included. Colchicine did not significantly reduce 28-day mortality (RR = 1.00, 95% CI [0.93 : 1.07], P = 0.94), invasive mechanical ventilation (RR = 1.03, 95% CI [0.93 : 1.15], P = 0.58), non-invasive ventilation (RR = 0.81, 95% CI [0.44 : 1.48], P = 0.49), or ICU admission (RR = 0.89, 95% CI [0.56 : 1.41], P = 0.62). There was no significant reduction in ICU stay or hospitalization duration. While colchicine showed a reduction in CRP and D-dimer levels after sensitivity and subgroup analysis, no consistent anti-inflammatory benefits were observed across all biomarkers. Conclusion Colchicine does not provide significant clinical benefits in COVID-19 management. Further large-scale RCTs with standardized dosages and long-term follow-up are required to clarify its role. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

BackgroundInflammation and oxidative stress strongly contribute to the pathophysiology of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which is a life-threatening pulmonary disease. Zinc oxide/berberine nanoparticles (ZnO/Ber-NPs) have been shown to have a protective effect against COVID-19 because of their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the therapeutic action of ZnO/Ber NPs against ARDS. ARDS was induced by a combination of lipopolysaccharides and nicotine (LPS + Nt).MethodsMale mice were induced with LPS + Nt alternately for 14 days and then orally administered berberine (Ber) (1.24 mg/kg), ZnO NPs (2.06 mg/kg), a ZnO NP + Ber mixture (3.3 mg/kg), or ZnO/Ber NPs (3.3 mg/kg). Assessment of (1) prooxidant and antioxidant (enzymatic and nonenzymatic) parameters, (2) inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1β, IFN-ɣ, NF-kB and IL-10), (3) lung lesion parameters, triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1), myeloperoxidase enzyme (MPO) and angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE II), (4) and apoptotic markers (Bax and p53) were performed via standardized methods. In addition, ZnO, Ber, and ZnO/Ber NPs were examined for their bioactivities against the following proteins GPx, code: 2R37, SOD protein, code: 1PL4, ACE2 protein, code: 6M1D, TREM1 protein, code: 1Q8M and MPO protein, code: 6WYZ.ResultsThe results demonstrated that LPS + Nt administration significantly elevated oxidative stress, proinflammatory, lung lesion, and proapoptotic parameters while reducing antioxidant and ACE II levels in the lung. Treatments, especially ZnO/Ber NPs, significantly attenuated the oxidative stress and inflammation associated with ARDS, as indicated by the restoration of antioxidant enzyme activities, decreased lipid peroxidation, and proinflammatory TNF-α and IFN-ɣ levels. ZnO/Ber NPs significantly decreased TREM-1 and MPO in association with elevated ACE II. In addition, ZnO/Ber NPs decreased the expression of apoptotic markers and decreased the number of alveolar inflammatory infiltrates to the minimal score. Molecular docking analysis revealed that ZnO/Ber NPs showed the strongest binding with all tested receptors.ConclusionZnO/Ber NPs exhibit antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects and act as therapeutic candidates against ARDS.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40360-025-01036-5.

Many studies have shown that, during mpox outbreaks, concomitant infections with monkeypox virus and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) are not uncommon. Infection with either monkeypox virus or VZV may increase the host's susceptibility to contracting a subsequent infection. Here, we summarize the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of cases of reported monkeypox virus and VZV coinfection. We conducted a thorough search of four databases: PubMed, Scopus, Medline, and Web of Science, covering the period up to 10 March 2025, and identified studies reporting coinfections with monkeypox virus and VZV. Data were extracted using a standardized sheet, and case reports and the quality of case series were assessed using the JBI critical appraisal tool. Cross-sectional and cohort quality was assessed using the NIH tool. Our systematic review included 18 studies with 448 cases of coinfection with monkeypox virus and VZV. The majority of cases were reported in African countries, particularly Nigeria and the DRC. Most of the patients were children or young adults, and 41.51% were male. Common predisposing factors included contact with animals, confirmed exposure to infected individuals, and immunocompromised status. Treatment approaches included antivirals (primarily acyclovir or tecovirimat) and supportive care. While most cases were managed successfully, four deaths (0.89%) were reported. This review highlights the complex interplay between monkeypox virus and VZV in coinfections, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness, standardized diagnostic protocols, and tailored management strategies. It is important to consider coinfections when making diagnoses, especially in places where mpox is common or in cases in which the patient is at high risk.

In today’s world, there is an observable increase in the number of individuals who feel the need to publicize every detail of their lives on social media. This behaviour reflects a broader trend where the quest for virtual validation through accumulating the largest number of friends or followers has become a defining characteristic of modern society. While it is crucial to acknowledge the valuable information accessible via social media—such as research, learning, and communication—it is equally important to remain cautious of its potential negative effects. As technology continues to advance, and social media becomes an integral part of daily life, churches and religious institutions are increasingly using these platforms to promote Christian values and guide individuals towards spiritual growth.

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a pathogen that causes infections in various parts of the body, with high mortality rates reported in antibiotic-resistant cases. Treating at-risk individuals requires crucial vaccination efforts due to the challenges that exist. This research involved designing a multi-epitope vaccine from K. pneumoniae’s fimbriae antigens. Optimal T-cell and B-cell epitopes were chosen through in silico studies including epitope-HLAs molecular docking. The multi-epitope was created, featuring antigenic T- and B-cell epitopes, β-defensin as an adjuvant, the PADRE sequence to boost immunogenicity and well-suited linkers. The tertiary structure of the multi-epitope was achieved through modeling and molecular dynamics-based refinements. The construct underwent scrutiny for structural traits, physicochemical properties, conformational B epitope prediction, immune responses simulation, in silico cloning, molecular docking for assay binding to toll-like receptors (TLRs), and deformability studies. The outcomes indicated the vaccine candidate’s positive attributes, encompassing immunogenicity, structure, physicochemical properties, solubility, TLR binding, toxicity, stability, allergenicity, and cross-reactivity. The multi-epitope vaccine candidate exhibits the potential for provoking diverse immune responses against K. pneumoniae. Nevertheless, additional in vitro and in vivo experimental tests are necessary to substantiate its efficacy.