Background Acute bilirubin encephalopathy (ABE) still represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world,especially in developing countries.We aimed to determine the prevalence of ABE based...Background Acute bilirubin encephalopathy (ABE) still represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world,especially in developing countries.We aimed to determine the prevalence of ABE based on the Johnson bilirubininduced neurologic dysfunction (BIND) score and to describe the discharge outcomes.Methods We prospectively studied all newborns ≥ 35 weeks with ABE by evaluating signs of mental sensorium,muscle tone,and cry patterns over 1 year.Results 12% (81 out of 674) of the newborns admitted for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia had a BIND score > 1.Their admission age was 6 ± 4.1 days;total serum bilirubin (TSB) was 31.2± 10 mg/dL (range 17.5-75.2).Of these newborns,40.7% and 21% had evidence of haemolysis and sepsis,respectively.Overall mortality was 9.9%;58% of the newborns showed signs of mild-to-moderate BIND at discharge,while 32.1% survived with an apparently normal outcome.Admission BIND score was significantly correlated with admission TSB (r=0.476,P < 0.001).Similarly,BIND score at discharge was correlated with admission TSB (r=0.442,P < 0.001) and admission BIND score (r =0.888,P < 0.001).The regression model showed that admission TSB (P < 0.001) and maternal illiteracy (P =0.034) were predictors of the BIND score at admission,while admission BIND score was the best indicator of the discharge score (P < 0.001).Conclusions ABE is still a major problem in our community.Admission TSB and maternal illiteracy are good predictors of bilirubin encephalopathy at admission and discharge.展开更多
AIM: To assess vitamin D in hepatitis C patients and its relationship to interleukin (IL)-23, IL-17, and macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). METHODS: The study was conducted on 50 Egyptian hepatitis C virus ...AIM: To assess vitamin D in hepatitis C patients and its relationship to interleukin (IL)-23, IL-17, and macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). METHODS: The study was conducted on 50 Egyptian hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype number IV-infected patients and 25 age- and gender-matched healthy subjects. Venous blood samples were obtained. Samples were allowed to clot and sera were separated by centrifugation and stored at -20?°C. A 25 hydroxy vitamin D assay was carried out using solid phase RIA. A 1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D assay was carried out using a commercial kit purchased from Incstar Corporation. IL-17 and -23 and MCP-1 were assayed by an enzyme immunoassay. Quantitative and qualitative polymerase chain reaction for HCV virus were done by TaqMan technology. Only HCV genotype IV-infected subjects were included in the study. The mean ± SD were determined, a t-test for comparison of means of different parameters was used. Correlation analysis was done using Pearson’s correlation. Differences among different groups were determined using the Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: The mean vitamin D level in HCV patients (group?I) was 15 ± 5.2 ng/mL while in control (group II) was 39.7 ± 10.8. For active vitamin D in group?I?as 16.6 ± 4.8 ng/mL while in group II was 41.9 ± 7.9. IL-23 was 154 ± 97.8 in group?I?and 6.7 ± 2.17 in group II. IL-17 was 70.7 ± 72.5 in cases and 1.2 ± 0.4 in control. MCP-1 was 1582 ± 794.4 in group?I?and 216.1 ± 5.38 in group II. Vitamin D deficiency affected 72% of HCV-infected patients and 0% of the control group. Vitamin D insufficiency existed in 28% of HCV-infected patients and 12% of the control group. One hundred percent of the cirrhotic patients and 40% of non cirrhotic HCV-infected patients had vitamin D deficiency. IL-23, IL-17, and MCP-1 were markedly increased in HCV-infected patients in comparison to controls.A significant negative correlation between vitamin D and IL-17 and -23 and MCP-1 was detected. HCV-infected males and females showed no differences with respec展开更多
AIM:To determine if esophageal capsule endoscopy(ECE)is an adequate diagnostic alternative to esophagogastroduodenoscopy(EGD)in pre-bariatric surgery patients.METHODS:We conducted a prospective pilot study to assess t...AIM:To determine if esophageal capsule endoscopy(ECE)is an adequate diagnostic alternative to esophagogastroduodenoscopy(EGD)in pre-bariatric surgery patients.METHODS:We conducted a prospective pilot study to assess the diagnostic accuracy of ECE(PillCam ESO2,Given Imaging)vs conventional EGD in pre-bariatric surgery patients.Patients who were scheduled for bariatric surgery and referred for pre-operative EGD were prospectively enrolled.All patients underwent ECE followed by standard EGD.Two experienced gastroenterologists blinded to the patient’s history and the findings of the EGD reviewed the ECE and documented their findings.The gold standard was the findings on EGD.RESULTS:Ten patients with an average body mass index of 50 kg/m2were enrolled and completed the study.ECE identified 11 of 14(79%)positive esophageal/gastroesophageal junction(GEJ)findings and 14of 17(82%)combined esophageal and gastric findings identified on EGD.Fisher’s exact test was used to compare the findings and no significant difference was found between ECE and EGD(P=0.64 for esophageal/GEJ and P=0.66 for combined esophageal and gastric findings respectively).Of the positive esophageal/GEJ findings,ECE failed to identify the following:hiatal hernia in two patients,mild esophagitis in two patients,and mild Schatzki ring in two patients.ECE was able to identify the entire esophagus in 100%,gastric cardia in0%,gastric body in 100%,gastric antrum in 70%,pylorus in 60%,and duodenum in 0%.CONCLUSION:There were no significant differences in the likelihood of identifying a positive finding using ECE compared with EGD in preoperative evaluation of bariatric patients.展开更多
Background: Risk strati cation and prognostication of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) help to improve patient outcome. Herein we investigated the role of liver stiffness measurement (LSM) in the prediction of HCC behav...Background: Risk strati cation and prognostication of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) help to improve patient outcome. Herein we investigated the role of liver stiffness measurement (LSM) in the prediction of HCC behavior. Methods: Totally 121 na ve patients with HCC were included. HCC radiological evaluation and staging were done. LSM was measured using virtual touch quanti cation. Patients were divided into early to intermediate HCC (BCLC-0, A and B) and late HCC (BCLCC and D). HCC was treated according to the BCLC stage. HCC recurrence-free interval was estimated. Results: The mean LSM inside the tumor was signi cantly lower than the peri-tumoral area and the cirrhotic non-cancerous liver parts (P<0.001). In late HCCs stage, the mean LSM inside the tumor and in the peri-tumoral tissue was lower than the corresponding values in the early to intermediate HCCs stage (P<0.001). LSM inside the tumor and in the peri-tumoral tissue negatively correlated with serum AFP, tumor vascular invasion, and stage (P<0.05). The recurrence-free interval was directly correlated to LSM inside the tumor and inversely to LSM in cirrhotic non tumorous liver part. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the recurrence-free interval was signi cantly longer in patients with LSM inside the tumor of ≥1.25m/s compared to those with LSM inside the tumor of<1.25m/s. Conclusions: LSM can serve as a potential non-invasive predictor for HCC clinical behavior and the recurrence-free interval following loco-regional treatments.展开更多
AIM:To evaluate the impact of mass vaccination against the hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Egypt,and to search for vaccinee asymptomatic breakthrough HBV infection and its genotype.METHODS:Seven hundred serum samples from ...AIM:To evaluate the impact of mass vaccination against the hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Egypt,and to search for vaccinee asymptomatic breakthrough HBV infection and its genotype.METHODS:Seven hundred serum samples from vaccinated children and adults (aged 2-47 years) were used for quantitative and qualitative detection of HBsAb by ELISA.Three hundred and sixty serum samples representing undetectable or low or high HBsAb were screened for markers of active HBV infection (HBsAg,HBcAb (IgG) and HBeAb by ELISA,plus HBsAg by AxSYM) and HBV-DNA genotyping by nested multiplex PCR and by DNA sequencing.RESULTS:It was found that 65% of children aged 2-4 years,and 20.5% aged 4-13 years,as well as 45% adults were good responders to HBV vaccination mounting protective level HBsAb.Poor responders were 28%,59.5% and 34%,and non-responders were 7%,20% and 21% respectively,in the three studied groups.Markers of asymptomatic HBV infections were HBsAg detected by ELISA in 2.5% vs 11.39% by AxSYM.Other markers were HBcAb (IgG) in 1.38%,HBeAb in 0.83%,and HBV-DNA in 7.8%.All had HBV genotype E infection.CONCLUSION:It is concluded that HBV vaccine is efficient in controlling HBV infection among children and adults.The vaccine breakthrough infection was by HBV genotype E.A booster dose of vaccine is recommended,probably four years after initial vaccination.展开更多
To assess the quality of the Egyptian Red Sea coastal waters for the sustainable use and development, due to its importance for the national income, four field campaigns were annually carried out during the period fro...To assess the quality of the Egyptian Red Sea coastal waters for the sustainable use and development, due to its importance for the national income, four field campaigns were annually carried out during the period from 2011-2013 to investigate the hydrography, nutrient salts, heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbons. Except for the area of Bir Shalatein, the results of beach litter cleared out that the shoreline of the studied area is not affected by man-made litter. No sewage could be observed. The results of the present study showed that water temperature followed seasonal changes in air temperature. Red Sea water is more saline than adjacent Arabian Sea. DO revealed high values and presence of well oxygenated waters. Minor changes in the distribution of pH, BOD, DOM and COD, revealed that limited effects of human impacts and depend mainly on the dynamics of its water as well as on the geographical location. Low Chl-a and TSM concentrations and high transparency revealed that also the effect of human impacts is almost negligible. Significantly higher sea water temperatures, TSM, pH, DO, BOD, DOM, and COD were observed in summer season compared to their corresponding values in winter season. Dissolved inorganic nitrogen concentrations were quite low because there is little nutrient input from soil, agriculture and pollution on land. Based on the annual mean values, the pattern concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen forms followed the order: NO<sub>3</sub> > NH<sub>4</sub> > NO<sub>2</sub>. The Red Sea coastal waters are classified as oligotrophic to mesotrophic state. A remarkable increase of PO<sub>4</sub> concentration was observed in the middle Red Sea stations due to huge amounts of effluents enriched with phosphate from the main shipping and industry of Phosphate Companies. SiO<sub>4</sub> displayed a large variability due to the supply of SiO<sub>4</sub>, which flows in the Red Sea through the strait of Bab El-Mandab, biological consumption, organic matter decomposition and the partial dissolution o展开更多
Image denoising is an important step in eliminating any noise impact in any image transmission process. Recently we presented two approaches for Bivariate based image denoising. They were Double Density Discrete Wavel...Image denoising is an important step in eliminating any noise impact in any image transmission process. Recently we presented two approaches for Bivariate based image denoising. They were Double Density Discrete Wavelet Transform (DD DWT) and Double Density Dual Tree Complex Wavelet Transform (DD CWT). In both techniques we decomposed noisy images with either DD DWT or DD CWT decompositions and then applied the Bivariate based denoising technique for noise removal. In this paper we propose an adaptive hybrid technique for Bivariate based image denoising that is based on the synthesis of DD-DWT bands or DD-CWT bands but with different weights, to deliver enhanced image features with less denoising impact especially around image edges, which is the most effected by noisy transmission channels. This proposed technique has been also enhanced by edge sharpening and Eigen analysis, as two separate stages. Simulation result comparisons have been performed between the proposed hybrid band adaptive DD-DWT and DD-CWT technique and the two primary techniques DD-DWT, DD- CWT, as well as other superior literature techniques such the original bivariate denoising technique with both original Complex Wavelet Transform and Double Density decompositions. This work in specific compares between Double Density DWT and Double Density CWT decompositions, proposes new filter design that suits each of them and proposes a hybrid technique between as will be shown.展开更多
Background Airborne fine particulate matter （PM） can induce pulmonary inflammation which may adversely affect human health, but very few reports about its effect on the neonate rats are available. This study aimed t...Background Airborne fine particulate matter （PM） can induce pulmonary inflammation which may adversely affect human health, but very few reports about its effect on the neonate rats are available. This study aimed to observe the potential impact and toxicity of fine PMs on the airway in neonate rats.Methods Pulmonary inflammation, cytotoxicity, histopathology, and antioxidants as well as oxidant products were assessed 24 hours after intratracheal instillation of fine PM consecutively for 3 days. Cytotoxicity of fine PM was measured in Hep-2 cells.Results Rats treated with high dose fine PM developed significant pulmonary inflammation characterized by neutrophiland macrophage infiltration. The inflammatory process was related to elevated level of TNF-α and prooxidant/antioxidant imbalance in the lung. Cytotoxicity studies performed in human epithelial cells indicated that high dose fine PM significantly reduced cell viability.Conclusion The study demonstrated acute exposure to fine PM induced airway inflammation as well as increased oxidative stress in addition to its direct toxic effect on airway epithelium cells.展开更多
Objective:To examine the effect of coadministration of different medicinal plant extracts(curcumin and extracts of Nigella sativa L.[N.sativa,Jia Hei Zhong Cao],Zingiber officinale Rosc.[Z.officinale,Sheng Jiang],and ...Objective:To examine the effect of coadministration of different medicinal plant extracts(curcumin and extracts of Nigella sativa L.[N.sativa,Jia Hei Zhong Cao],Zingiber officinale Rosc.[Z.officinale,Sheng Jiang],and Punica granatum L.[P.granatum,Shi Liu])with spiramycin(SP)against the cystogenic ME-49 Toxoplasma gondii(T.gondii)strain in immunocompromised mice.Methods:We utilized 68 mice categorized into 8 groups:2 non-infected controls(immunocompetent and immunocompromised),1 infected control,and 5 infected and treated groups.Following the experiment,the cerebral tissues of each mouse underwent parasitological,histopathological,and immunohistochemical evaluations.Results:Compared with the infected non-treated group,all infected treated groups showed significant reductions in brain cyst numbers(all P<0.05),with the highest reduction rate(77.4%)recorded for P.granatum and SP combination(G8).Only G8 showed a significant reduction in mouse deaths compared with the other groups.With regards to restoring histopathological changes and decreasing inflammation,the groups infected and treated with curcumin and P.granatum combined with SP showed the best results(P<0.05).Combinations of curcumin and extracts of Z.officinale and P.granatum with SP signif-icantly restored the cerebral expression of caspase-3 compared with the N.sativa extract combination(P<0.05).G8 showed non-significant expression compared with the local expression in the negative control groups.Conclusion:Our study revealed that the coadministration of P.granatum extract with SP was the most effective combination against chronic cerebral toxoplasmosis.展开更多
The coastal region of the Suez Gulf, is one of the most densely industrialized zones in Egypt. In order to assess the quality of Suez Gulf coastal waters for the sustainable use and development, and consequently for t...The coastal region of the Suez Gulf, is one of the most densely industrialized zones in Egypt. In order to assess the quality of Suez Gulf coastal waters for the sustainable use and development, and consequently for the national income, 12 field campaigns were carried out in 3 years (2011-2013). The results of beach litter cleared out that the shoreline of the Suez Gulf, especially Ras Gharib area was subjected to many factors which undoubtedly affected the rate of man-made litter accumulation. The most abundant visible items were general litter as they represented 30.64% of the total items encountered. Oil, seaweeds as well as old and new tar constituted 15.41%, 14.85% and 11.84%, respectively. The increase on the levels of water temperature, Chl-a, TSM, DO, BOD, DOM, COD, ammonium ion, nitrite, nitrate, total phosphorus, silicate and total nitrogen developed a eutrophic region. In general, dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) species were almost 9 times higher in the northern parts compared to the south-ern ones revealing that the northern parts of the Gulf were more affected by human impacts compared to the southern area. Moreover, concentrations of most studied metals such as Zn, Mn, Ni, Cu, Cr, Cd, Pb, and Hg were higher in Northern parts com-pared to southern parts of the Gulf. The concentrations of dissolved metals in the northern and southern Suez Gulf followed the following order: Fe ≥ Zn ≥ Cu > Pb > Mn > Ni > Cr > Cd ≥ Hg. Except for Hg, concentrations of metals were in the accepta-ble ranges recommended internationally. Hg concentrations especially in the northern Suez Gulf were slightly higher than the permissible levels. As the northern parts of the Gulf were more suffered from oil pollution, total petroleum hydrocarbons revealed higher concentrations in the northern parts compared to the southern parts of the Gulf. Seasonal variations, on the other hand, indicated higher levels of DO, BOD, DOM and COD, chloropyll-a, TSM, ammonia, nitrate, total nitrogen in winter compared to their corresponding 展开更多
This paper proposes control of maximum power tracking system of tidal current energy system. A permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) works as a variable speed generator in the proposed energy system. A control...This paper proposes control of maximum power tracking system of tidal current energy system. A permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) works as a variable speed generator in the proposed energy system. A controller was applied to achieve the maximum power control of tidal current turbine on a wide range of water current speed change. A dynamic model and simulation of the energy system coupled with current change are presented. The measured DC voltage and DC current are used to determine the position of maximum power point that controls the DC/DC boost converter duty cycle depending on the Hill Climb Search (HCS) algorithm. This algorithm doesn’t require any information or measurements about current’s speed change or generator’s characteristics. A supercapacitor added to fix the load voltage despite of tidal current speed or load variations. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the controller proposed system.展开更多
<strong>Background:</strong><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) often receive physiotherapy to achieve max...<strong>Background:</strong><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) often receive physiotherapy to achieve maximum motor potential and prevent secondary conditions. Conductive Education (CE) is an education programme that combines special education and rehabilitation. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Purpose:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Study the effect of physiotherapy and conductive education in development of fine, gross motor skills and mental function in the children with CP. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Subjects and Methods:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> This is a prospective case study that was carried out on 105 children with CP less than 4 years old selected from outpatient clinic in National Institute for Neuro Motor System. Cases were taken consecutively from February 2019 to September 2019. A written informed consent was taken from all participants after proper explanation of the study. They were classified into three groups (group I, group II and group III) according to their age. All children are subjected to complete history taking, clinical examination, use of developmental quotient (DQ) sheet </span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">before and after 6 months of regular physiotherapy and conductive education program. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Results:</span></b><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> There was statistically significant improvement in fine motor, cognation and gross motor in 3 groups after 6 months of regular physiotherapy and conductive education program. The maximum improvement was in group I, so children with cerebral palsy were achieved maximum improvement when physiotherapy and conductive education started as early as possible. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Conclusion:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Significant improvement has in fine motor, cognation and gross motor in 3 groups 展开更多
Gradient slope, aspect slope, profiling and contourlines are important topographic parameters that can be derived from digital elevation data obtained from different sources with exploitation of different interpolatio...Gradient slope, aspect slope, profiling and contourlines are important topographic parameters that can be derived from digital elevation data obtained from different sources with exploitation of different interpolation techniques. Geostatistical interpolation methods such as ordinary kriging models constitute reliable alternatives to deterministic approaches in creation of continuous surface models from discrete elevation data. This research aimed at extraction, analysis, and evaluation of different terrain parameters elevation measurements with the use of different ordinary kriging models including the linear model, the circular model, the spherical model, the exponential models, and the Gaussian model. Different ordinary kriging models under ESRI ArcView 3.3 package along with its 3D analyst and Spatial analysis extensions have been exploited in extraction of gradient slope maps, aspect slope maps, and hillshade maps in addition to contourline maps from a sample of elevation data. Visual analysis of the gradient slope maps shows great similarities between the slope maps from the linear, circular, spherical, and exponential OK models, however, that from OK Gaussian models look very different as different sizes and arrangements of the colour patches, referring to different tones and different textures where smooth tones and smooth textures dominate the gradient slope map from the OK Gaussian model. Thus, gradient slope degradation and smoothing are considerably high in the gradient slope map from Gaussian model compared to the slope maps from the other four OK models. Also, the mean slope in the Gaussian model records the lowest value with the lowest value of the standard deviation of slopes in the same map reflecting less structured and highly smoothed gradient slope map compared to the slope maps from the other OK models. Thus, similar sizes of the colour patches and similar tones and similar texture dominate the different aspect slope maps. This is not the case in Figure 2(e) which depicts the aspect slope map展开更多
Background: Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is reported to have an antioxidant and cardioprotective properties. Recently, an association of glutamine (Gln) or (type A)/arginine (Arg) or (type B) polymorphism at position 192 of P...Background: Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is reported to have an antioxidant and cardioprotective properties. Recently, an association of glutamine (Gln) or (type A)/arginine (Arg) or (type B) polymorphism at position 192 of PON1 gene has been suggested with coronary artery disease (CAD) among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). However, conflicting results have also been reported. Objectives: To investigate the relationship between PON1 gene (Gln192-Arg) poly-morphism and the presence, extent and severity of CAD in type 2 DM. Methods: The study comprised 180 patients recruited from those undergoing coronary angiography for suspected CAD, who were divided according to the presence or absence of CAD and DM into 4 groups;Group I (n = 40 patients) nondiabetic subjects without CAD, Group II (n = 45 patients) diabetic patients without CAD, Group III (n = 47 patients) non diabetic patients with CAD and Group IV (n = 48 patients) diabetic patients with CAD. PON1 (Gln192-Arg) genotype was assessed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by AlwI digestion. Results: The frequency of Gln allele (Type A) was significantly higher in group I and group II compared to group III and group IV (62.5%, 60% vs 38.3%, 31.25% respectively, p 100 mg/dL [OR 4.31, CI (1.25 - 12.5), P < 0.001], high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol <40 mg/dL [OR 5.11, CI (1.79 - 16.33), P < 0.001] and PON1 192 Arg allele [OR 4.62, CI (1.67 - 13.57), P < 0.001] were significantly independent predictors of CAD. Conclusion: Arg allele of PON1 192 gene polymorphism is an independent risk factor for CAD and it is associated not only with the presence of CAD but also with its extent and severity and its impact is clearly more pronounced in diabetic patients.展开更多
Aim： To assess the changes in semen parameters in men with spinal cord injury （SCI） and the possible causes of these changes. Methods： The study included 45 subjects with SCI. Semen retrieval was done by masturbat...Aim： To assess the changes in semen parameters in men with spinal cord injury （SCI） and the possible causes of these changes. Methods： The study included 45 subjects with SCI. Semen retrieval was done by masturbation （2）, vigorous prostatic massage （n = 13）, penile vibratory stimulation （n = 13） or electroejaculation （n = 17）. Results： The semen of men with SCI showed normal volume （2.3 ± 1.9 mL） and sperm count （85.0 × 10^6 ± 83.8 × 10^6/mE） with decreased motility （11.6% ± 10.1%）, vitality （18.5 % ± 15.2%） and normal forms （17.5 ± 13.4%）, and pus cells has been increased （6.0 × 10^6 ± 8.2 × 10^6/mL）. Total （13.4 ± 9.9 vs. 7.1 ± 6.8） and progressive （4.4 ± 3.9 vs. 2.2 ± 2.1） motility were significantly higher in subjects with lower scrotal temperatures. There was no statistical significant difference between electroejaculation and penile vibratory stimulation groups as regards any of the semen parameters. Subjects＇ age, infrequent ejaculation, injury duration and hormonal profile showed no significant effect on semen parameters. Conclusion： The defining characteristics of the seminogram in men with SCI are normal volume and count with decreased sperm motility, vitality and normal forms, and the increased number of pus cells. The most acceptable cause of the deterioration of semen is elevated scrotal temperature.展开更多
<strong>Background:</strong> <span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a life threatening cond...<strong>Background:</strong> <span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a life threatening condition with still high mortality rate in neonates. Early recognition of the risk factors and the rapid effective treatment of the contributing conditions will reduce AKI in the neonatal period. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Aim of the Work: </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">To determine association between early caffeine citrate administration and risk of acute kidney injury in hospitalized preterm neonates.</span> <b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Patients and Methods</span></b><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">: </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">This study was a prospective study that was conducted at the NICU of El Galaa Teaching Hospital. This study included 100 preterm neonates who </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">were </span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">born alive from 32 weeks to 35 weeks of gestation. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Results: </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">There was highly statistically significant occurrence of apneaic episode in preterm babies who don</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">’</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">t receive caffeine citrate and consequently decreased incidence of AKI in those babies</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">. </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Conclusion: </span></b></span></span><span style="font-family展开更多
<strong>Background:</strong><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are among the lead...<strong>Background:</strong><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among children during early childhood. Lung ultrasound is a relatively simple bedside method helping early diagnosis of these conditions. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Purpose:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> To compare the findings of chest X-ray (CXR) and of lung ultrasound (LUS) among children with lower respiratory tract infections. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Subjects and Methods:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> A comparative cross-sectional study that included 100 children aged 6 months to 6 years with lower respiratory tract infections and 100 healthy age- and sex-matched children (controls). Included children were recruited from Mansoura University children hospital during the period from September 2020 to June 2021. Detailed findings of chest X-ray and lung ultrasound were compared. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Results:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Among 100 patients with LRTIs, the diagnosis of pneumonia, bronchiolitis and bronchitis were reported in 41%, 36% and 23% of cases respectively. Lung ultrasound was more sensitive than chest X-ray for diagnosing pneumonia (97.6% for LUS vs. 92.7% for CXR) and bronchiolitis (91.7% for LUS vs. 77.8% for CXR). </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Conclusion:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Lung ultrasound is a sensitive tool for the assessment of lower respiratory tract infections. Further steps for application and validation are recommended.</span></span>展开更多
The use of natural hydrogels in agriculture provides solutions to many problems without threatening the environment. This study aims to evaluate the potential impact of environmentally friendly hydrogels (pectin, star...The use of natural hydrogels in agriculture provides solutions to many problems without threatening the environment. This study aims to evaluate the potential impact of environmentally friendly hydrogels (pectin, starch and pectin + starch) in reducing the negative effects of drought stress on tomato yield and quality. Two different peels (orange peel and banana peel) are used to prepare environmentally friendly hydrogels. The water retention efficiency of hydrogels has been studied. Greenhouse experiment for tomato under drought stress was conducted during 2019. These hydrogels were used under several level of irrigation (100%, 75%, and 50% FC), soil without hydrogel was used as a control. The results showed that the eco-friendly hydrogels (starch, pectin, and pectin + starch) had capacity retention of water for a long time. The obtained data from the greenhouse experiment showed that the eco-friendly hydrogel showed a positive effect on retention of water and increase the soil moisture content compared to control. The highest increase was observed at pectin + starch treatment. This increase reached to 2.8-, 2.4- and 2.0-fold for 100%, 75% and 50% FC compared to the control. Eco-</span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">friendly hydrogel application under different drought conditions led to improve yield and quality of tomato fruits. Moreover, conversion of agricultural wastes to hydrogels and the use of these eco-friendly materials instead of synthetic hydrogels are necessary to utilize the limited natural resources and decrease the harmful impact of agricultural wastes on the environment and pave the way for the transition to a sustainable agriculture system.展开更多
文摘Background Acute bilirubin encephalopathy (ABE) still represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world,especially in developing countries.We aimed to determine the prevalence of ABE based on the Johnson bilirubininduced neurologic dysfunction (BIND) score and to describe the discharge outcomes.Methods We prospectively studied all newborns ≥ 35 weeks with ABE by evaluating signs of mental sensorium,muscle tone,and cry patterns over 1 year.Results 12% (81 out of 674) of the newborns admitted for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia had a BIND score > 1.Their admission age was 6 ± 4.1 days;total serum bilirubin (TSB) was 31.2± 10 mg/dL (range 17.5-75.2).Of these newborns,40.7% and 21% had evidence of haemolysis and sepsis,respectively.Overall mortality was 9.9%;58% of the newborns showed signs of mild-to-moderate BIND at discharge,while 32.1% survived with an apparently normal outcome.Admission BIND score was significantly correlated with admission TSB (r=0.476,P < 0.001).Similarly,BIND score at discharge was correlated with admission TSB (r=0.442,P < 0.001) and admission BIND score (r =0.888,P < 0.001).The regression model showed that admission TSB (P < 0.001) and maternal illiteracy (P =0.034) were predictors of the BIND score at admission,while admission BIND score was the best indicator of the discharge score (P < 0.001).Conclusions ABE is still a major problem in our community.Admission TSB and maternal illiteracy are good predictors of bilirubin encephalopathy at admission and discharge.
文摘AIM: To assess vitamin D in hepatitis C patients and its relationship to interleukin (IL)-23, IL-17, and macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). METHODS: The study was conducted on 50 Egyptian hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype number IV-infected patients and 25 age- and gender-matched healthy subjects. Venous blood samples were obtained. Samples were allowed to clot and sera were separated by centrifugation and stored at -20?°C. A 25 hydroxy vitamin D assay was carried out using solid phase RIA. A 1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D assay was carried out using a commercial kit purchased from Incstar Corporation. IL-17 and -23 and MCP-1 were assayed by an enzyme immunoassay. Quantitative and qualitative polymerase chain reaction for HCV virus were done by TaqMan technology. Only HCV genotype IV-infected subjects were included in the study. The mean ± SD were determined, a t-test for comparison of means of different parameters was used. Correlation analysis was done using Pearson’s correlation. Differences among different groups were determined using the Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: The mean vitamin D level in HCV patients (group?I) was 15 ± 5.2 ng/mL while in control (group II) was 39.7 ± 10.8. For active vitamin D in group?I?as 16.6 ± 4.8 ng/mL while in group II was 41.9 ± 7.9. IL-23 was 154 ± 97.8 in group?I?and 6.7 ± 2.17 in group II. IL-17 was 70.7 ± 72.5 in cases and 1.2 ± 0.4 in control. MCP-1 was 1582 ± 794.4 in group?I?and 216.1 ± 5.38 in group II. Vitamin D deficiency affected 72% of HCV-infected patients and 0% of the control group. Vitamin D insufficiency existed in 28% of HCV-infected patients and 12% of the control group. One hundred percent of the cirrhotic patients and 40% of non cirrhotic HCV-infected patients had vitamin D deficiency. IL-23, IL-17, and MCP-1 were markedly increased in HCV-infected patients in comparison to controls.A significant negative correlation between vitamin D and IL-17 and -23 and MCP-1 was detected. HCV-infected males and females showed no differences with respec
文摘AIM:To determine if esophageal capsule endoscopy(ECE)is an adequate diagnostic alternative to esophagogastroduodenoscopy(EGD)in pre-bariatric surgery patients.METHODS:We conducted a prospective pilot study to assess the diagnostic accuracy of ECE(PillCam ESO2,Given Imaging)vs conventional EGD in pre-bariatric surgery patients.Patients who were scheduled for bariatric surgery and referred for pre-operative EGD were prospectively enrolled.All patients underwent ECE followed by standard EGD.Two experienced gastroenterologists blinded to the patient’s history and the findings of the EGD reviewed the ECE and documented their findings.The gold standard was the findings on EGD.RESULTS:Ten patients with an average body mass index of 50 kg/m2were enrolled and completed the study.ECE identified 11 of 14(79%)positive esophageal/gastroesophageal junction(GEJ)findings and 14of 17(82%)combined esophageal and gastric findings identified on EGD.Fisher’s exact test was used to compare the findings and no significant difference was found between ECE and EGD(P=0.64 for esophageal/GEJ and P=0.66 for combined esophageal and gastric findings respectively).Of the positive esophageal/GEJ findings,ECE failed to identify the following:hiatal hernia in two patients,mild esophagitis in two patients,and mild Schatzki ring in two patients.ECE was able to identify the entire esophagus in 100%,gastric cardia in0%,gastric body in 100%,gastric antrum in 70%,pylorus in 60%,and duodenum in 0%.CONCLUSION:There were no significant differences in the likelihood of identifying a positive finding using ECE compared with EGD in preoperative evaluation of bariatric patients.
文摘Background: Risk strati cation and prognostication of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) help to improve patient outcome. Herein we investigated the role of liver stiffness measurement (LSM) in the prediction of HCC behavior. Methods: Totally 121 na ve patients with HCC were included. HCC radiological evaluation and staging were done. LSM was measured using virtual touch quanti cation. Patients were divided into early to intermediate HCC (BCLC-0, A and B) and late HCC (BCLCC and D). HCC was treated according to the BCLC stage. HCC recurrence-free interval was estimated. Results: The mean LSM inside the tumor was signi cantly lower than the peri-tumoral area and the cirrhotic non-cancerous liver parts (P<0.001). In late HCCs stage, the mean LSM inside the tumor and in the peri-tumoral tissue was lower than the corresponding values in the early to intermediate HCCs stage (P<0.001). LSM inside the tumor and in the peri-tumoral tissue negatively correlated with serum AFP, tumor vascular invasion, and stage (P<0.05). The recurrence-free interval was directly correlated to LSM inside the tumor and inversely to LSM in cirrhotic non tumorous liver part. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the recurrence-free interval was signi cantly longer in patients with LSM inside the tumor of ≥1.25m/s compared to those with LSM inside the tumor of<1.25m/s. Conclusions: LSM can serve as a potential non-invasive predictor for HCC clinical behavior and the recurrence-free interval following loco-regional treatments.
基金Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering National Strategy- Academy for Science,Research and Biotechnology for their financial support to this project
文摘AIM:To evaluate the impact of mass vaccination against the hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Egypt,and to search for vaccinee asymptomatic breakthrough HBV infection and its genotype.METHODS:Seven hundred serum samples from vaccinated children and adults (aged 2-47 years) were used for quantitative and qualitative detection of HBsAb by ELISA.Three hundred and sixty serum samples representing undetectable or low or high HBsAb were screened for markers of active HBV infection (HBsAg,HBcAb (IgG) and HBeAb by ELISA,plus HBsAg by AxSYM) and HBV-DNA genotyping by nested multiplex PCR and by DNA sequencing.RESULTS:It was found that 65% of children aged 2-4 years,and 20.5% aged 4-13 years,as well as 45% adults were good responders to HBV vaccination mounting protective level HBsAb.Poor responders were 28%,59.5% and 34%,and non-responders were 7%,20% and 21% respectively,in the three studied groups.Markers of asymptomatic HBV infections were HBsAg detected by ELISA in 2.5% vs 11.39% by AxSYM.Other markers were HBcAb (IgG) in 1.38%,HBeAb in 0.83%,and HBV-DNA in 7.8%.All had HBV genotype E infection.CONCLUSION:It is concluded that HBV vaccine is efficient in controlling HBV infection among children and adults.The vaccine breakthrough infection was by HBV genotype E.A booster dose of vaccine is recommended,probably four years after initial vaccination.
文摘To assess the quality of the Egyptian Red Sea coastal waters for the sustainable use and development, due to its importance for the national income, four field campaigns were annually carried out during the period from 2011-2013 to investigate the hydrography, nutrient salts, heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbons. Except for the area of Bir Shalatein, the results of beach litter cleared out that the shoreline of the studied area is not affected by man-made litter. No sewage could be observed. The results of the present study showed that water temperature followed seasonal changes in air temperature. Red Sea water is more saline than adjacent Arabian Sea. DO revealed high values and presence of well oxygenated waters. Minor changes in the distribution of pH, BOD, DOM and COD, revealed that limited effects of human impacts and depend mainly on the dynamics of its water as well as on the geographical location. Low Chl-a and TSM concentrations and high transparency revealed that also the effect of human impacts is almost negligible. Significantly higher sea water temperatures, TSM, pH, DO, BOD, DOM, and COD were observed in summer season compared to their corresponding values in winter season. Dissolved inorganic nitrogen concentrations were quite low because there is little nutrient input from soil, agriculture and pollution on land. Based on the annual mean values, the pattern concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen forms followed the order: NO<sub>3</sub> > NH<sub>4</sub> > NO<sub>2</sub>. The Red Sea coastal waters are classified as oligotrophic to mesotrophic state. A remarkable increase of PO<sub>4</sub> concentration was observed in the middle Red Sea stations due to huge amounts of effluents enriched with phosphate from the main shipping and industry of Phosphate Companies. SiO<sub>4</sub> displayed a large variability due to the supply of SiO<sub>4</sub>, which flows in the Red Sea through the strait of Bab El-Mandab, biological consumption, organic matter decomposition and the partial dissolution o
文摘Image denoising is an important step in eliminating any noise impact in any image transmission process. Recently we presented two approaches for Bivariate based image denoising. They were Double Density Discrete Wavelet Transform (DD DWT) and Double Density Dual Tree Complex Wavelet Transform (DD CWT). In both techniques we decomposed noisy images with either DD DWT or DD CWT decompositions and then applied the Bivariate based denoising technique for noise removal. In this paper we propose an adaptive hybrid technique for Bivariate based image denoising that is based on the synthesis of DD-DWT bands or DD-CWT bands but with different weights, to deliver enhanced image features with less denoising impact especially around image edges, which is the most effected by noisy transmission channels. This proposed technique has been also enhanced by edge sharpening and Eigen analysis, as two separate stages. Simulation result comparisons have been performed between the proposed hybrid band adaptive DD-DWT and DD-CWT technique and the two primary techniques DD-DWT, DD- CWT, as well as other superior literature techniques such the original bivariate denoising technique with both original Complex Wavelet Transform and Double Density decompositions. This work in specific compares between Double Density DWT and Double Density CWT decompositions, proposes new filter design that suits each of them and proposes a hybrid technique between as will be shown.
基金This study was supported by grants from Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province （No.Y2080323）, Zhejiang Provincial Science and Technology Administration （No. 2009R100310）, and Health Department of Zhejiang Province （No. 2009QN010）.
文摘Background Airborne fine particulate matter （PM） can induce pulmonary inflammation which may adversely affect human health, but very few reports about its effect on the neonate rats are available. This study aimed to observe the potential impact and toxicity of fine PMs on the airway in neonate rats.Methods Pulmonary inflammation, cytotoxicity, histopathology, and antioxidants as well as oxidant products were assessed 24 hours after intratracheal instillation of fine PM consecutively for 3 days. Cytotoxicity of fine PM was measured in Hep-2 cells.Results Rats treated with high dose fine PM developed significant pulmonary inflammation characterized by neutrophiland macrophage infiltration. The inflammatory process was related to elevated level of TNF-α and prooxidant/antioxidant imbalance in the lung. Cytotoxicity studies performed in human epithelial cells indicated that high dose fine PM significantly reduced cell viability.Conclusion The study demonstrated acute exposure to fine PM induced airway inflammation as well as increased oxidative stress in addition to its direct toxic effect on airway epithelium cells.
文摘Objective:To examine the effect of coadministration of different medicinal plant extracts(curcumin and extracts of Nigella sativa L.[N.sativa,Jia Hei Zhong Cao],Zingiber officinale Rosc.[Z.officinale,Sheng Jiang],and Punica granatum L.[P.granatum,Shi Liu])with spiramycin(SP)against the cystogenic ME-49 Toxoplasma gondii(T.gondii)strain in immunocompromised mice.Methods:We utilized 68 mice categorized into 8 groups:2 non-infected controls(immunocompetent and immunocompromised),1 infected control,and 5 infected and treated groups.Following the experiment,the cerebral tissues of each mouse underwent parasitological,histopathological,and immunohistochemical evaluations.Results:Compared with the infected non-treated group,all infected treated groups showed significant reductions in brain cyst numbers(all P<0.05),with the highest reduction rate(77.4%)recorded for P.granatum and SP combination(G8).Only G8 showed a significant reduction in mouse deaths compared with the other groups.With regards to restoring histopathological changes and decreasing inflammation,the groups infected and treated with curcumin and P.granatum combined with SP showed the best results(P<0.05).Combinations of curcumin and extracts of Z.officinale and P.granatum with SP signif-icantly restored the cerebral expression of caspase-3 compared with the N.sativa extract combination(P<0.05).G8 showed non-significant expression compared with the local expression in the negative control groups.Conclusion:Our study revealed that the coadministration of P.granatum extract with SP was the most effective combination against chronic cerebral toxoplasmosis.
文摘The coastal region of the Suez Gulf, is one of the most densely industrialized zones in Egypt. In order to assess the quality of Suez Gulf coastal waters for the sustainable use and development, and consequently for the national income, 12 field campaigns were carried out in 3 years (2011-2013). The results of beach litter cleared out that the shoreline of the Suez Gulf, especially Ras Gharib area was subjected to many factors which undoubtedly affected the rate of man-made litter accumulation. The most abundant visible items were general litter as they represented 30.64% of the total items encountered. Oil, seaweeds as well as old and new tar constituted 15.41%, 14.85% and 11.84%, respectively. The increase on the levels of water temperature, Chl-a, TSM, DO, BOD, DOM, COD, ammonium ion, nitrite, nitrate, total phosphorus, silicate and total nitrogen developed a eutrophic region. In general, dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) species were almost 9 times higher in the northern parts compared to the south-ern ones revealing that the northern parts of the Gulf were more affected by human impacts compared to the southern area. Moreover, concentrations of most studied metals such as Zn, Mn, Ni, Cu, Cr, Cd, Pb, and Hg were higher in Northern parts com-pared to southern parts of the Gulf. The concentrations of dissolved metals in the northern and southern Suez Gulf followed the following order: Fe ≥ Zn ≥ Cu > Pb > Mn > Ni > Cr > Cd ≥ Hg. Except for Hg, concentrations of metals were in the accepta-ble ranges recommended internationally. Hg concentrations especially in the northern Suez Gulf were slightly higher than the permissible levels. As the northern parts of the Gulf were more suffered from oil pollution, total petroleum hydrocarbons revealed higher concentrations in the northern parts compared to the southern parts of the Gulf. Seasonal variations, on the other hand, indicated higher levels of DO, BOD, DOM and COD, chloropyll-a, TSM, ammonia, nitrate, total nitrogen in winter compared to their corresponding
文摘This paper proposes control of maximum power tracking system of tidal current energy system. A permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) works as a variable speed generator in the proposed energy system. A controller was applied to achieve the maximum power control of tidal current turbine on a wide range of water current speed change. A dynamic model and simulation of the energy system coupled with current change are presented. The measured DC voltage and DC current are used to determine the position of maximum power point that controls the DC/DC boost converter duty cycle depending on the Hill Climb Search (HCS) algorithm. This algorithm doesn’t require any information or measurements about current’s speed change or generator’s characteristics. A supercapacitor added to fix the load voltage despite of tidal current speed or load variations. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the controller proposed system.
文摘<strong>Background:</strong><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) often receive physiotherapy to achieve maximum motor potential and prevent secondary conditions. Conductive Education (CE) is an education programme that combines special education and rehabilitation. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Purpose:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Study the effect of physiotherapy and conductive education in development of fine, gross motor skills and mental function in the children with CP. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Subjects and Methods:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> This is a prospective case study that was carried out on 105 children with CP less than 4 years old selected from outpatient clinic in National Institute for Neuro Motor System. Cases were taken consecutively from February 2019 to September 2019. A written informed consent was taken from all participants after proper explanation of the study. They were classified into three groups (group I, group II and group III) according to their age. All children are subjected to complete history taking, clinical examination, use of developmental quotient (DQ) sheet </span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">before and after 6 months of regular physiotherapy and conductive education program. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Results:</span></b><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> There was statistically significant improvement in fine motor, cognation and gross motor in 3 groups after 6 months of regular physiotherapy and conductive education program. The maximum improvement was in group I, so children with cerebral palsy were achieved maximum improvement when physiotherapy and conductive education started as early as possible. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Conclusion:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Significant improvement has in fine motor, cognation and gross motor in 3 groups
文摘Gradient slope, aspect slope, profiling and contourlines are important topographic parameters that can be derived from digital elevation data obtained from different sources with exploitation of different interpolation techniques. Geostatistical interpolation methods such as ordinary kriging models constitute reliable alternatives to deterministic approaches in creation of continuous surface models from discrete elevation data. This research aimed at extraction, analysis, and evaluation of different terrain parameters elevation measurements with the use of different ordinary kriging models including the linear model, the circular model, the spherical model, the exponential models, and the Gaussian model. Different ordinary kriging models under ESRI ArcView 3.3 package along with its 3D analyst and Spatial analysis extensions have been exploited in extraction of gradient slope maps, aspect slope maps, and hillshade maps in addition to contourline maps from a sample of elevation data. Visual analysis of the gradient slope maps shows great similarities between the slope maps from the linear, circular, spherical, and exponential OK models, however, that from OK Gaussian models look very different as different sizes and arrangements of the colour patches, referring to different tones and different textures where smooth tones and smooth textures dominate the gradient slope map from the OK Gaussian model. Thus, gradient slope degradation and smoothing are considerably high in the gradient slope map from Gaussian model compared to the slope maps from the other four OK models. Also, the mean slope in the Gaussian model records the lowest value with the lowest value of the standard deviation of slopes in the same map reflecting less structured and highly smoothed gradient slope map compared to the slope maps from the other OK models. Thus, similar sizes of the colour patches and similar tones and similar texture dominate the different aspect slope maps. This is not the case in Figure 2(e) which depicts the aspect slope map
文摘Background: Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is reported to have an antioxidant and cardioprotective properties. Recently, an association of glutamine (Gln) or (type A)/arginine (Arg) or (type B) polymorphism at position 192 of PON1 gene has been suggested with coronary artery disease (CAD) among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). However, conflicting results have also been reported. Objectives: To investigate the relationship between PON1 gene (Gln192-Arg) poly-morphism and the presence, extent and severity of CAD in type 2 DM. Methods: The study comprised 180 patients recruited from those undergoing coronary angiography for suspected CAD, who were divided according to the presence or absence of CAD and DM into 4 groups;Group I (n = 40 patients) nondiabetic subjects without CAD, Group II (n = 45 patients) diabetic patients without CAD, Group III (n = 47 patients) non diabetic patients with CAD and Group IV (n = 48 patients) diabetic patients with CAD. PON1 (Gln192-Arg) genotype was assessed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by AlwI digestion. Results: The frequency of Gln allele (Type A) was significantly higher in group I and group II compared to group III and group IV (62.5%, 60% vs 38.3%, 31.25% respectively, p 100 mg/dL [OR 4.31, CI (1.25 - 12.5), P < 0.001], high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol <40 mg/dL [OR 5.11, CI (1.79 - 16.33), P < 0.001] and PON1 192 Arg allele [OR 4.62, CI (1.67 - 13.57), P < 0.001] were significantly independent predictors of CAD. Conclusion: Arg allele of PON1 192 gene polymorphism is an independent risk factor for CAD and it is associated not only with the presence of CAD but also with its extent and severity and its impact is clearly more pronounced in diabetic patients.
文摘Aim： To assess the changes in semen parameters in men with spinal cord injury （SCI） and the possible causes of these changes. Methods： The study included 45 subjects with SCI. Semen retrieval was done by masturbation （2）, vigorous prostatic massage （n = 13）, penile vibratory stimulation （n = 13） or electroejaculation （n = 17）. Results： The semen of men with SCI showed normal volume （2.3 ± 1.9 mL） and sperm count （85.0 × 10^6 ± 83.8 × 10^6/mE） with decreased motility （11.6% ± 10.1%）, vitality （18.5 % ± 15.2%） and normal forms （17.5 ± 13.4%）, and pus cells has been increased （6.0 × 10^6 ± 8.2 × 10^6/mL）. Total （13.4 ± 9.9 vs. 7.1 ± 6.8） and progressive （4.4 ± 3.9 vs. 2.2 ± 2.1） motility were significantly higher in subjects with lower scrotal temperatures. There was no statistical significant difference between electroejaculation and penile vibratory stimulation groups as regards any of the semen parameters. Subjects＇ age, infrequent ejaculation, injury duration and hormonal profile showed no significant effect on semen parameters. Conclusion： The defining characteristics of the seminogram in men with SCI are normal volume and count with decreased sperm motility, vitality and normal forms, and the increased number of pus cells. The most acceptable cause of the deterioration of semen is elevated scrotal temperature.
文摘<strong>Background:</strong> <span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a life threatening condition with still high mortality rate in neonates. Early recognition of the risk factors and the rapid effective treatment of the contributing conditions will reduce AKI in the neonatal period. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Aim of the Work: </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">To determine association between early caffeine citrate administration and risk of acute kidney injury in hospitalized preterm neonates.</span> <b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Patients and Methods</span></b><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">: </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">This study was a prospective study that was conducted at the NICU of El Galaa Teaching Hospital. This study included 100 preterm neonates who </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">were </span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">born alive from 32 weeks to 35 weeks of gestation. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Results: </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">There was highly statistically significant occurrence of apneaic episode in preterm babies who don</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">’</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">t receive caffeine citrate and consequently decreased incidence of AKI in those babies</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">. </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Conclusion: </span></b></span></span><span style="font-family
文摘<strong>Background:</strong><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among children during early childhood. Lung ultrasound is a relatively simple bedside method helping early diagnosis of these conditions. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Purpose:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> To compare the findings of chest X-ray (CXR) and of lung ultrasound (LUS) among children with lower respiratory tract infections. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Subjects and Methods:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> A comparative cross-sectional study that included 100 children aged 6 months to 6 years with lower respiratory tract infections and 100 healthy age- and sex-matched children (controls). Included children were recruited from Mansoura University children hospital during the period from September 2020 to June 2021. Detailed findings of chest X-ray and lung ultrasound were compared. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Results:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Among 100 patients with LRTIs, the diagnosis of pneumonia, bronchiolitis and bronchitis were reported in 41%, 36% and 23% of cases respectively. Lung ultrasound was more sensitive than chest X-ray for diagnosing pneumonia (97.6% for LUS vs. 92.7% for CXR) and bronchiolitis (91.7% for LUS vs. 77.8% for CXR). </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Conclusion:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Lung ultrasound is a sensitive tool for the assessment of lower respiratory tract infections. Further steps for application and validation are recommended.</span></span>
文摘The use of natural hydrogels in agriculture provides solutions to many problems without threatening the environment. This study aims to evaluate the potential impact of environmentally friendly hydrogels (pectin, starch and pectin + starch) in reducing the negative effects of drought stress on tomato yield and quality. Two different peels (orange peel and banana peel) are used to prepare environmentally friendly hydrogels. The water retention efficiency of hydrogels has been studied. Greenhouse experiment for tomato under drought stress was conducted during 2019. These hydrogels were used under several level of irrigation (100%, 75%, and 50% FC), soil without hydrogel was used as a control. The results showed that the eco-friendly hydrogels (starch, pectin, and pectin + starch) had capacity retention of water for a long time. The obtained data from the greenhouse experiment showed that the eco-friendly hydrogel showed a positive effect on retention of water and increase the soil moisture content compared to control. The highest increase was observed at pectin + starch treatment. This increase reached to 2.8-, 2.4- and 2.0-fold for 100%, 75% and 50% FC compared to the control. Eco-</span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">friendly hydrogel application under different drought conditions led to improve yield and quality of tomato fruits. Moreover, conversion of agricultural wastes to hydrogels and the use of these eco-friendly materials instead of synthetic hydrogels are necessary to utilize the limited natural resources and decrease the harmful impact of agricultural wastes on the environment and pave the way for the transition to a sustainable agriculture system.
