Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the sixth most common cancer in the world.The majority of patients with HCC present with unresectable disease.These patients have historically had limited treatment options secondary to...Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the sixth most common cancer in the world.The majority of patients with HCC present with unresectable disease.These patients have historically had limited treatment options secondary to HCC demonstrating chemoresistance to the currently available systemic therapies.Additionally, normal liver parenchyma has shown intolerance to tumoricidal radiation doses,limiting the use of external beam radiation.Because of these limitations,novel percutaneous liver-directed therapies have emerged. The targeted infusion of radioactive microspheres (radioembolization)represents one such therapy. Radioembolization is a minimally invasive transcatheter therapy through which radioactive microspheres are infused into the hepatic arteries that supply tumor. Once infused,these microspheres traverse the hepatic vascular plexus and selectively implant within the tumor arterioles.Embedded within the arterioles, the 90Y impregnated microspheres emit high energy and low penetrating radiation doses selectively to the tumor.Radioembolization has recently shown promise for the treatment of patients with unresectable HCC. The objective of this review article is to highlight twocurrently available radioembolic devices(90Y,188Rh)and provide the reader with a recent review of the literature.展开更多
AIM: To investigate whether intra-procedural diffusion- weighted magnetic resonance imaging can predict response of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) during trans- catheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). METHODS: Six...AIM: To investigate whether intra-procedural diffusion- weighted magnetic resonance imaging can predict response of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) during trans- catheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). METHODS: Sixteen patients (15 male), aged 59 ±11 years (range: 42-81 years) underwent a total of 21 separate treatments for unresectable HCC in a hybrid magnetic resonance/interventional radiology suite. Ana- tomical imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging (b = 0, 500 s/mm2) were performed on a 1.5-T unit. Tumor enhancement and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC, mm2/s) values were assessed immediately before and at 1 and 3 mo after TACE. We calculated the percent change (PC) in ADC values at all time points. We compared follow-up ADC values to baseline values using a paired t test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The intra-procedural sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (%) for detecting a complete or partial 1-mo tumor response using ADC PC thresholds of ±5%, ±10%, and ±15% were 77, 67, 91, and 40; 54, 67, 88, and 25; and 46, 100, 100, and 30, respectively. There was no clear predictive value for the 3-mo follow-up. Compared to baseline, the immediate post-procedure and 1-mo mean ADC values both increased; the latter obtaining statistical significance (1.48 ± 0.29 mm2/s vs 1.65 ± 0.35 × 10-3 mm2/s, P < 0.014). CONCLUSION: Intra-procedural ADC changes of > 15% predicted 1-mo anatomical HCC response with the greatest accuracy, and can provide valuable feedback at the time of TACE.展开更多
Gastric neuroendocrine tumors are gastric neoplasms originating from enterochromaffin type cells and are inserted in a larger group,named gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.They are considered rare and varia...Gastric neuroendocrine tumors are gastric neoplasms originating from enterochromaffin type cells and are inserted in a larger group,named gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.They are considered rare and variable in terms of their clinical,morphological and functional characteristics and may be indolent or aggressive.They are classified into types I,II and III,according to their pathophysiology,behavior and treatment.Their diagnosis occurs,in most cases,incidentally during upper digestive endoscopies,presenting as simple gastric polyps.Most cases(type I and type II)are related to hypergastrinemia,can be multiple and are treated by endoscopic resection,whenever possible.The use of somatostatin analogs for tumor control may be one of the options for therapy,in addition to total or subtotal gastrectomy for selected cases.Adjuvant chemotherapy is only reserved for poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas.Although rare,gastric neuroendocrine tumors have an increasing incidence over the years,therefore deserving more comprehensive studies on its adequate treatment.The present study reviews and updates management recommendations for gastric neuroendocrine tumors.展开更多
Background: Wnt signalling inhibitors (Dickkopf-1 and Sclerostin) signalling play a role in vascular development and may contribute to calcification. Aim: To investigate the association between Dickkopf-1 and sclerost...Background: Wnt signalling inhibitors (Dickkopf-1 and Sclerostin) signalling play a role in vascular development and may contribute to calcification. Aim: To investigate the association between Dickkopf-1 and sclerostin serum concentrations in children undergoing maintenance hemodialysis with intimal medial thickness and peak systolic velocity of the main arteries. Patients and Methods: A study was conducted on 40 children undergoing maintenance hemodialysis and controls of the same age and sex. The study measured the initial medial thickness (IMT) and peak systolic velocity (PSV) of the main vessels (carotid, ulnar, and femoral). Dickkopf-1 and sclerostin serum levels in both groups were assessed, and a routine investigation was performed. Results: The findings indicate that the levels of serum Dickkopf-1 and Sclerostin were significantly higher in the hemodialysis group 2540.65 (2215.4 - 2909.2 pg/ml) and 1.17 (0.85 - 2.03 ng/ml)respectively (P = 0.001), compared to their control group it was 1110.45 (885.45 - 1527.65 pg/ml) and 0.28 (0.25 - 0.32 ng/ml)) respectively P = 0.001. Additionally, there was a significant increase in intima-media thickness (IMT) with a decrease in peak systolic velocity (PSV) in the main blood vessels, including the carotid, ulnar, and femoral arteries. A significant correlation was also observed between Dickkopf-1 and sclerostin levels and IMT of the carotid, ulnar, and femoral arteries. Conclusion: Wnt signalling inhibitors (Dickkopf-1 and Sclerostin) exert effects beyond the bone and significantly contribute to early vascular calcification in pediatric patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.展开更多
Background: Renal osteodystrophy (ROD) is a bone disorder resulting from chronic kidney disease (CKD) and related metabolic diseases. Dickkopf-related protein-1 (DKK-1) is critical in regulating bone biology. This stu...Background: Renal osteodystrophy (ROD) is a bone disorder resulting from chronic kidney disease (CKD) and related metabolic diseases. Dickkopf-related protein-1 (DKK-1) is critical in regulating bone biology. This study aimed to evaluate the serum DKK-1 level as a bone marker in children with CKD who undergo regular hemodialysis (HD). Subjects and Methods: This case-control study involved 40 children with CKD on HD and 40 healthy children as controls. The study measured serum DKK-1 levels and performed a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan (DEXA) in line with routine laboratory investigations. Results: There was a significant increase in the serum level of DKK-1 in the patient group compared to the control group. The DKK-1 levels were 2540.65 (2215.4 - 2909.2) pg/ml and 1110.45 (885.45 - 1527.65) pg/ml, respectively, with a p-value of less than 0.001. In the hemodialysis group, 25 patients (62.5%) had low bone mineral density (BMD) with a Z-score of under -2.0. Eighteen of these patients had low BMD in both the neck of the femur and lumbar spines. Additionally, there was a significant increase in serum DKK-1 level in patients with low BMD (2567.35 (2303.8 - 3108.1) pg/ml) compared to patients with normal BMD (2454 (1859 - 2820) pg/ml) (p = 0.041). There was also a significant positive correlation between DKK1 level and phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and Parathormone serum levels. In conclusion, the study indicates a clear correlation between DKK-1 and BMD in children undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. DKK1 is a promising biomarker for CKD-MBD.展开更多
AIM To evaluate the safety and efficacy of sedating pediatric patients for outpatient flexible bronchoscopy.METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted for all children, age 17 years or under who underwent flex...AIM To evaluate the safety and efficacy of sedating pediatric patients for outpatient flexible bronchoscopy.METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted for all children, age 17 years or under who underwent flexible bronchoscopy under deep sedation in an outpatient hospital-based setting. Two sedation regimens were used; propofol only or ketamine prior to propofol. Patients were divided into three age groups; infants(less than 12 mo), toddlers(1-3 years) and children(4-17 years). Demographics, indication for bronchoscopy, sedative dosing, sedation and recovery time and adverse events were reviewed.RESULTS Of the total 458 bronchoscopies performed, propofol only regimen was used in 337(74%) while propofol and ketamine was used in 121(26%). About 99% of the procedures were successfully completed. Children in the propofol + ketamine group tend to be youngerand have lower weight compared to the propofol only group. Adverse events including transient hypoxemia and hypotension occurred in 8% and 24% respectively. Median procedure time was 10 min while the median discharge time was 35 min. There were no differences in the indication of the procedure, propofol dose, procedure or recovery time in either sedative regimen. When compared to other age groups, infants had a higher incidence of hypoxemia.CONCLUSION Children can be effectively sedated for outpatient flexible bronchoscopy with high rate of success. This procedure should be performed under vigilance of highly trained providers.展开更多
BACKGROUND Many studies have addressed safety and effectiveness of non-anaesthesiologist propofol sedation(NAPS)for gastrointestinal(GI)endoscopy Target controlled infusion(TCI)is claimed to provide an optimal sedatio...BACKGROUND Many studies have addressed safety and effectiveness of non-anaesthesiologist propofol sedation(NAPS)for gastrointestinal(GI)endoscopy Target controlled infusion(TCI)is claimed to provide an optimal sedation regimen by avoiding under-or oversedation.AIM To assess safety and performance of propofol TCI sedation in comparison with nurse-administered bolus-sedation.METHODS Fouty-five patients undergoing endoscopy under TCI propofol sedation were prospectively included from November 2016 to May 2017 and compared to 87 patients retrospectively included that underwent endoscopy with NAPS.Patients were matched for age and endoscopic procedure.We recorded time of sedation and endoscopy,dosage of medication and adverse events.RESULTS There was a significant reduction in dose per time of propofol administered in the TCI group,compared to the NAPS group(8.2±2.7 mg/min vs 9.3±3.4 mg/min;P=0.046).The time needed to provide adequate sedation levels was slightly but significantly lower in the control group(5.3±2.7 min vs 7.7±3.3 min;P<0.001),nonetheless the total endoscopy time was similar in both groups.No differences between TCI and bolus-sedation was observed for mean total-dosage of propofol rate as well as adverse events.CONCLUSION This study indicates that sedation using TCI for GI endoscopy reduces the dose of propofol necessary per minute of endoscopy.This may translate into less adverse events.However,further and randomized trials need to confirm this trend.展开更多
BACKGROUND Poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase inhibitors(PARPis)are approved as first-line therapies for breast cancer gene(BRCA)-positive,human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breas...BACKGROUND Poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase inhibitors(PARPis)are approved as first-line therapies for breast cancer gene(BRCA)-positive,human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer.They are also effective for new and recurrent ovarian cancers that are BRCA-or homologous recombination deficiency(HRD)-positive.However,data on these mutations and PARPi use in the Middle East are limited.AIM To assess BRCA/HRD prevalence and PARPi use in patients in the Middle East with breast/ovarian cancer.METHODS This was a single-center retrospective study of 57 of 472 breast cancer patients tested for BRCA mutations,and 25 of 65 ovarian cancer patients tested for HRD.These adult patients participated in at least four visits to the oncology service at our center between August 2021 and May 2023.Data were summarized using descriptive statistics and compared using counts and percentages.Response to treatment was assessed using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria.RESULTS Among the 472 breast cancer patients,12.1%underwent BRCA testing,and 38.5%of 65 ovarian cancer patients received HRD testing.Pathogenic mutations were found in 25.6%of the tested patients:26.3%breast cancers had germline BRCA(gBRCA)mutations and 24.0%ovarian cancers showed HRD.Notably,40.0%of gBRCA-positive breast cancers and 66.0%of HRD-positive ovarian cancers were Middle Eastern and Asian patients,respectively.PARPi treatment was used in 5(33.3%)gBRCA-positive breast cancer patients as first-line therapy(n=1;7-months progression-free),for maintenance(n=2;>15-months progression-free),or at later stages due to compliance issues(n=2).Four patients(66.6%)with HRD-positive ovarian cancer received PARPi and all remained progression-free.CONCLUSION Lower testing rates but higher BRCA mutations in breast cancer were found.Ethnicity reflected United Arab Emirates demographics,with breast cancer in Middle Eastern and ovarian cancer in Asian patients.展开更多
Data from recent studies revealed that kidney diseases might affect the thyroid function in various ways. A variety of alterations in thyroid hormone levels and metabolism have also been reported in patients with chro...Data from recent studies revealed that kidney diseases might affect the thyroid function in various ways. A variety of alterations in thyroid hormone levels and metabolism have also been reported in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) in some studied population. In addition, it was reported that serum levels of both T3 and T4 might alter immediately after a hemodialysis (HD) treatment than before. Therefore, this study was aimed to investigate the level of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) in CRF Libyan patients before and after HD. This study was carried out on 46 CRF patients (30 males and 16 females) with a mean age of 47.46 ± 15.75 years. These patients were treated at the hemodialysis unit of Educational Central Zelitin Hospital, Zelitin, Libya. None of these patients apparently have any thyroid problems and no history of drug intake that may affect thyroid function. Blood samples were taken from each patient to measure serum levels of T3 and T4, before and after HD. In addition, the effects of several variables including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), presence of both hypertension and, diabetes mellitus and duration of kidney dialysis on serum levels of T3 and T4 before and after HD were also studied. After HD, there was a statistically significant increase in the serum levels of T3, T4. The age, gender, BMI, duration of kidney dialysis and the presence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus did not have any significant effect on the serum level of T3 and T4 before and after HD. However, the serum levels of T3 and T4 were still in the normal range in these examined patients either before or after HD. From these findings, it can be concluded that these CRF patients may be in a euthyroid state, because the serum levels of T3 and T4 were in the normal range. In addition, HD was seemed to improve the T3 and T4 thyroid hormone concentrations, suggesting that HD might activate the secretion of thyroid gland and catabolism. The other variables did not play any role in thyroid hormone levels in th展开更多
Objective:This study aimed to develop expert fuzzy logic model to assist physicians in the prediction of postoperative complications of prostatic hyperplasia before surgery.Methods:A method for classification of surgi...Objective:This study aimed to develop expert fuzzy logic model to assist physicians in the prediction of postoperative complications of prostatic hyperplasia before surgery.Methods:A method for classification of surgical risks was developed.The effect of rotation of the current–voltage characteristics at biologically active points(acupuncture points)was used for the formation of classifier descriptors.The effect determined reversible and non-reversible changes in electrical resistance at acupuncture points with periodic exposure to a sawtooth probe current.Then,the developed method was tested on the prediction of the success of surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.Results:Input descriptors were obtained from collected data including current-voltage characteristics of 5 acupuncture points and composed of 27 arrays feeding in the model.The maximum diagnostic sensitivity of the classifier for the success of a surgical operation in the control sample was 88%and for testing data set prediction accuracy was 97%.Conclusion:The use of tuples of current-voltage characteristic descriptors of acupuncture points in the classifiers could be used to predict the success of surgical treatment with satisfactory accuracy.The model can be a valuable tool to support physicians’diagnosis.展开更多
A dynamic model is presented for a chiller working with a composite adsorbent(silica activated carbon/CaCl2)–water pair in a solar-biomass cooling installation.The main objective is determining a link between two pos...A dynamic model is presented for a chiller working with a composite adsorbent(silica activated carbon/CaCl2)–water pair in a solar-biomass cooling installation.The main objective is determining a link between two possible evaporator configurations and the refrigerator’s performances.The two considered evaporators work at different pressure levels.The related time evolution profiles of temperature,pressure and water content are studied.Moreover,the effects of hot water inlet temperature and cooling water inlet temperature on the specific cooling capacity(SCP)and coefficient of performance(COP)are predicted by means of numerical simulations.The results show that an increase in the temperature of hot water and a decrease in the temperature of the cooling water allow an increase in COP and SCP.In particular,for a hot water inlet temperature of 85°C and a cooling water inlet temperature of 40°C,the COP and Qev are 0.67 and 4.3 kW,respectively.展开更多
BACKGROUND Globally,patients with diabetes suffer from increased disease severity and mortality due to coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).Old age,high body mass index(BMI),comorbidities,and complications of diabetes a...BACKGROUND Globally,patients with diabetes suffer from increased disease severity and mortality due to coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).Old age,high body mass index(BMI),comorbidities,and complications of diabetes are recognized as major risk factors for infection severity and mortality.AIM To investigate the risk and predictors of higher severity and mortality among inhospital patients with COVID-19 and type 2 diabetes(T2D)during the first wave of the pandemic in Dubai(March–September 2020).METHODS In this cross-sectional nested case-control study,a total of 1083 patients with COVID-19 were recruited.This study included 890 men and 193 women.Of these,427 had T2D and 656 were non-diabetic.The clinical,radiographic,and laboratory data of the patients with and without T2D were compared.Independent predictors of mortality in COVID-19 non-survivors were identified in patients with and without T2D.RESULTS T2D patients with COVID-19 were older and had higher BMI than those without T2D.They had higher rates of comorbidities such as hypertension,ischemic heart disease,heart failure,and more life-threatening complications.All laboratory parameters of disease severity were significantly higher than in those without T2D.Therefore,these patients had a longer hospital stay and a significantly higher mortality rate.They died from COVID-19 at a rate three times higher than patients without.Most laboratory and radiographic severity indices in non-survivors were high in patients with and without T2D.In the univariate analysis of the predictors of mortality among all COVID-19 non-survivors,significant associations were identified with old age,increased white blood cell count,lymphopenia,and elevated serum troponin levels.In multivariate analysis,only lymphopenia was identified as an independent predictor of mortality among T2D non-survivors.CONCLUSION Patients with COVID-19 and T2D were older with higher BMI,more comorbidities,higher disease severity indices,more severe proinflammatory state with cardiac involvement,and died f展开更多
In the last decade,North Africa has witnessed significant population growth,particularly those bordering the Mediterranean Sea.This led to increased demand for groundwater,which is an essential source for various wate...In the last decade,North Africa has witnessed significant population growth,particularly those bordering the Mediterranean Sea.This led to increased demand for groundwater,which is an essential source for various water uses such as drinking water supplies and irrigation.Generally,human activities play a crucial role in the different quantitative and qualitative changes in groundwater.Now,climate changes such as a decrease in precipitation have also led to a shortage of water resources and a decline in the groundwater table.This paper presents the impact of climate changes on groundwater resources in the Ain Azel region,Setif,northeastern Algeria.The analysis of longterm spatiotemporal variability in rainfall over 63 years(1958–2021)revealed a significant decline in groundwater recharge,especially after 2013.In contrast,the Pettitt and Mann–Kendall tests show increased temperatures with breaks between 1984 and 1986.A piezometric analysis of the alluvial aquifer demonstrated a significant decline in groundwater levels in the last 20 years.Hydrochemical analysis showed that groundwater in the region is dominated by Ca–Mg–Cl water type,which indicates the presence of water salinity phenomenon.Water Quality Index(WQI)analysis showed the deterioration of groundwater in the area,which may be caused by several factors:brine intrusion from the Salt Lake(Sebkha)in the north;the dissolution of evaporites(Triassic)and/or anthropogenic sources of agricultural and industrial origin.Our findings provide an overview summarizing the state of groundwater,which will help improve groundwater resource management in the region in the coming years.展开更多
Cephalopods are known to be commercially important around the world. Worth mentioning it constitutes a major part of the Egyptian fishing industry. Samples of cephalopods were collected from fishing boats in the Suez ...Cephalopods are known to be commercially important around the world. Worth mentioning it constitutes a major part of the Egyptian fishing industry. Samples of cephalopods were collected from fishing boats in the Suez Gulf and Egyptian Red Sea. Cuttlefishes, squids, and octopuses had their club of the tentacle, arm IV hectocotylus, sucker of the club of the tentacle, sucker ring of the club of the tentacle, arm sucker, arm sucker ring, radula, gill, and shell. Various organs were photographed using a Canon G7X digital Camera. Eleven Egyptian Red Sea cephalopod species were encountered;three of them are cuttlefish species namely: Sepia dollfusi, Sepia pharaonis, and Sepia elongata. Three squid species namely: Loligo forbesii, Uroteuthis Photololigo duvaucelii, and Sepioteuthis lessoniana were also encountered. Five octopus species were also recorded namely: Octopus vulgaris, Callistoctopus macropus, Macrotritopus defilippi, Amphyoctopus aegina, and Amphyoctopus membranaceus. Aims of the current work are to differentiate between some Cephalopod species living in the Red Sea of Egypt and evaluate the status to achieve a reliable differentiation between these species.展开更多
This paper deals with the results of a hydrogeochemistry study on the thermal waters of the Constantine area, Northeastern Algeria, using geochemical and statistical tools. The samples were collected in December2016 f...This paper deals with the results of a hydrogeochemistry study on the thermal waters of the Constantine area, Northeastern Algeria, using geochemical and statistical tools. The samples were collected in December2016 from twelve hot springs and were analyzed for physicochemical parameters(electric conductivity, p H,total dissolved solids, temperature, Ca, Mg, Na, K, HCO_3,Cl, SO_4, and SiO_2). The waters of the thermal springs have temperatures varying from 28 to 51 °C and electric conductivity values ranging from 853 to 5630 l S/cm. Q-mode Cluster analysis resulted in the determination of two major water types: a Ca–HCO_3–SO_4 type with a moderate salinity and a Na–K–Cl type with high salinity. The plot of the major ions versus the saturation indices suggested that the hydrogeochemistry of thermal groundwater is mainly controlled by dissolution/precipitation of carbonate minerals, dissolution of evaporite minerals(halite and gypsum), and ion exchange of Ca(and/or Mg) by Na. The Gibbs diagram shows that evaporation is another factor playing a minor role. Principal Component Analysis produced three significant factors which have 88.2% of totalvariance that illustrate the main processes controlling the chemistry of groundwaters, which are respectively: the dissolution of evaporite minerals(halite and gypsum), ion exchange, and dissolution/precipitation of carbonate minerals. The subsurface reservoir temperatures were calculated using different cation and silica geothermometers and gave temperatures ranging between 17 and 279 °C. The Na–K and Na–K-Ca geothermometers provided high temperatures(up to 279 °C), whereas, estimated geotemperatures from K/Mg geothermometers were the lowest(17–53 °C). Silica geothermometers gave the most reasonable temperature estimate of the subsurface waters overlap between 20 and 58 °C, which indicate possible mixing with cooler Mg groundwaters indicated by the Na–K–Mg plot in the immature water field and in silica and chloride mixing models. The results of stable i展开更多
AIM:To investigate the association of 10 known common gene variants with susceptibility to type 2diabetes mellitus(T2D)among Omanis.METHODS:Using case-control design,a total of992 diabetic patients and 294 normoglycem...AIM:To investigate the association of 10 known common gene variants with susceptibility to type 2diabetes mellitus(T2D)among Omanis.METHODS:Using case-control design,a total of992 diabetic patients and 294 normoglycemic Omani Arabs were genotyped,by an allelic discrimination assay-by-design TaqMan method on fast real time polymerase chain reaction system,for the following gene variants:KCNJ11(rs5219),TCF7L2(rs7903146),CDKAL1(rs10946398),CDKN2A/B(rs10811661),FTO(rs9939609 and rs8050136),IGF2BP2(rs4402960),SLC30A8(rs13266634)CAPN10(rs3792267)and HHEX(rs1111875).T2D patients were recruited from the Diabetes Clinic(n=243)and inpatients(n=749)at Sultan Qaboos Univesity Hospital(SQUH),Muscat,Oman.Adult control participants(n=294)were volunteers from the community and from those visiting Family Medicine Clinic at SQU,for regular medical checkup.The difficulty in recruiting Omani participants with no family history of diabetes was the main reason behind the small number of control participants in this study.Almost all volunteers questioned had a relativewith diabetes mellitus.Inspite of the small number of normoglycemic controls in this study,this sample was sufficient for detection of genes and loci for common alleles influencing T2D with an odds ratio of≥1.3reaching at least 80%power.Data was collected from June 2010 to February 2012.RESULTS:Using binary logistic regression analysis,four gene variants showed significant association with T2D risk:KCNJ11(rs5219,P=5.8×10^(-6),OR=1.74),TCF7L2(rs7903146,P=0.001,OR=1.46),CDKAL1(rs10946398,P=0.002,OR=1.44)and CDKN2A/B(rs10811661,P=0.020,OR=1.40).The fixation index analysis of these four gene variants indicated significant genetic differentiation between diabetics and controls{[KCNJ11(rs5219),P<0.001],[TCF7L2(rs7903146),P<0.001],[CDKAL1(rs10946398),P<0.05],[CDKN2A/B(rs10811661),P<0.05]}.The highest genotype variation%between diabetics and controls was found at KCNJ11(2.07%)and TCF7L2(1.62%).This study was not able to detect an association of T2D risk with gene variants of I展开更多
The 2-oxoglutarate and Fe （ll）-dependent dioxygenase （2OGD） superfamily includes oxidative enzymes with an active site con- taining two histidines and （in most cases） one aspartic or glutamic acid residue. This ...The 2-oxoglutarate and Fe （ll）-dependent dioxygenase （2OGD） superfamily includes oxidative enzymes with an active site con- taining two histidines and （in most cases） one aspartic or glutamic acid residue. This conserved motif is termed the 2-His-1-carboxylate facial triad, chelates iron, and is housed within a double-stranded β-helix fold, also known as the DSBH, jelly-roll, cupin, or Jumonji C fold （Martinez and Hausinger, 2015）. The reactions catalyzed by 2OGDs （also called 2ODDs, 2ODQs, and 2OGXs） include but are not limited to demethylation, demethylenation, hydroxytation, halogenation, desaturation, ring cleavage, ring closure, and epimerization （Farrow and Facchini, 2014）.展开更多
<strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Background: </span></strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span s...<strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Background: </span></strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a common pediatric malignant neoplasia, showed high relapse rate after induction therapy. Some miRNAs have been shown to regulate normal hematopoiesis and their disruption could contribute to leukemogenesis: Recently, specific miRNA, including miR-181a, was shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of ALL, serving as a biomarker for diagnosis and relapse of ALL.</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Aim of the Study</span></b></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">: </span></b></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">To evaluate miR-181a expression level as a predictive marker for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Patients and Methods</span></b></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">: </span></b></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">40 pediatric ALL patients were included in this study. miR-181a expression was assessed at diagnosis before start of treatment. Samples were either peripheral blood or bone marrow aspirate sample. Patients were evaluated clinically and laboratory after the induction therapy.</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span sty展开更多
In the northern part of Algeria,the intensive exploitation of groundwater resources and pollution has considerably affected the aquifer water quality,especially in rural areas where groundwater is the main source of w...In the northern part of Algeria,the intensive exploitation of groundwater resources and pollution has considerably affected the aquifer water quality,especially in rural areas where groundwater is the main source of water supply for most uses.This study was performed to evaluate the groundwater quality and its suitability for drinking and irrigation purposes through the hydrogeochemical study on the groundwater in Bougaa region(Northeastern Algeria).Fourteen groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for p H,T,EC,TDS,and major ions.Most samples are suitable for drinking based on the permissible limits of the Bureau of Indian standards(Indian standard specification for drinking water(IS 10500:2012),but only 35%of the samples are good enough for drinking purposes based on the water quality index of the groundwater.Assessment of groundwater samples from various parameters and methods such as"Electrical conductivity,Sodium adsorption ratio,Soluble sodium percentage,Magnesium adsorption ratio,Residual sodium carbonate,Permeability index,Kelly’s ratio,Wilcox’s diagram,and US salinity laboratory classification"showed that groundwater in the area is chemically suitable for irrigation uses.The Piper trilinear diagram suggests that the groundwater mainly belongs to the hydrochemical facies Ca–Mg–Cl and Na–Cl.The combination of ionic ratios,Gibbs plots,and saturation indices show that water–rock interaction,particularly the dissolution of carbonate,evaporation minerals,and ion exchange processes affects hydrogeochemistry of the area.Additional processes such as evaporation and anthropogenic pollution from various sources can also have major impacts on groundwater salinity.展开更多
Multidisciplinary pediatric aerodigestive centers have been proposed to address the needs of children with complex multi-system problems affecting the respiratory and upper gastrointestinal tracts.The setup of a multi...Multidisciplinary pediatric aerodigestive centers have been proposed to address the needs of children with complex multi-system problems affecting the respiratory and upper gastrointestinal tracts.The setup of a multidisciplinary service allows for the complex coordination needed between different subspecialties.This allows for rapid communication and family-centered decision making and agreement on further diagnostic and/or therapeutic next steps such as offering triple endoscopy when indicated.Triple endoscopy entails performing rigid upper airway assessment,flexible bronchoscopy and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and has been linked to reduced time to diagnosis/treatment,reduced costs and anesthesia exposure.This review summarizes the available literature on the structure and benefits of multidisciplinary pediatric aerodigestive services.展开更多
文摘Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the sixth most common cancer in the world.The majority of patients with HCC present with unresectable disease.These patients have historically had limited treatment options secondary to HCC demonstrating chemoresistance to the currently available systemic therapies.Additionally, normal liver parenchyma has shown intolerance to tumoricidal radiation doses,limiting the use of external beam radiation.Because of these limitations,novel percutaneous liver-directed therapies have emerged. The targeted infusion of radioactive microspheres (radioembolization)represents one such therapy. Radioembolization is a minimally invasive transcatheter therapy through which radioactive microspheres are infused into the hepatic arteries that supply tumor. Once infused,these microspheres traverse the hepatic vascular plexus and selectively implant within the tumor arterioles.Embedded within the arterioles, the 90Y impregnated microspheres emit high energy and low penetrating radiation doses selectively to the tumor.Radioembolization has recently shown promise for the treatment of patients with unresectable HCC. The objective of this review article is to highlight twocurrently available radioembolic devices(90Y,188Rh)and provide the reader with a recent review of the literature.
基金Supported by National Institutes of Health R01 CA126809
文摘AIM: To investigate whether intra-procedural diffusion- weighted magnetic resonance imaging can predict response of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) during trans- catheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). METHODS: Sixteen patients (15 male), aged 59 ±11 years (range: 42-81 years) underwent a total of 21 separate treatments for unresectable HCC in a hybrid magnetic resonance/interventional radiology suite. Ana- tomical imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging (b = 0, 500 s/mm2) were performed on a 1.5-T unit. Tumor enhancement and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC, mm2/s) values were assessed immediately before and at 1 and 3 mo after TACE. We calculated the percent change (PC) in ADC values at all time points. We compared follow-up ADC values to baseline values using a paired t test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The intra-procedural sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (%) for detecting a complete or partial 1-mo tumor response using ADC PC thresholds of ±5%, ±10%, and ±15% were 77, 67, 91, and 40; 54, 67, 88, and 25; and 46, 100, 100, and 30, respectively. There was no clear predictive value for the 3-mo follow-up. Compared to baseline, the immediate post-procedure and 1-mo mean ADC values both increased; the latter obtaining statistical significance (1.48 ± 0.29 mm2/s vs 1.65 ± 0.35 × 10-3 mm2/s, P < 0.014). CONCLUSION: Intra-procedural ADC changes of > 15% predicted 1-mo anatomical HCC response with the greatest accuracy, and can provide valuable feedback at the time of TACE.
文摘Gastric neuroendocrine tumors are gastric neoplasms originating from enterochromaffin type cells and are inserted in a larger group,named gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.They are considered rare and variable in terms of their clinical,morphological and functional characteristics and may be indolent or aggressive.They are classified into types I,II and III,according to their pathophysiology,behavior and treatment.Their diagnosis occurs,in most cases,incidentally during upper digestive endoscopies,presenting as simple gastric polyps.Most cases(type I and type II)are related to hypergastrinemia,can be multiple and are treated by endoscopic resection,whenever possible.The use of somatostatin analogs for tumor control may be one of the options for therapy,in addition to total or subtotal gastrectomy for selected cases.Adjuvant chemotherapy is only reserved for poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas.Although rare,gastric neuroendocrine tumors have an increasing incidence over the years,therefore deserving more comprehensive studies on its adequate treatment.The present study reviews and updates management recommendations for gastric neuroendocrine tumors.
文摘Background: Wnt signalling inhibitors (Dickkopf-1 and Sclerostin) signalling play a role in vascular development and may contribute to calcification. Aim: To investigate the association between Dickkopf-1 and sclerostin serum concentrations in children undergoing maintenance hemodialysis with intimal medial thickness and peak systolic velocity of the main arteries. Patients and Methods: A study was conducted on 40 children undergoing maintenance hemodialysis and controls of the same age and sex. The study measured the initial medial thickness (IMT) and peak systolic velocity (PSV) of the main vessels (carotid, ulnar, and femoral). Dickkopf-1 and sclerostin serum levels in both groups were assessed, and a routine investigation was performed. Results: The findings indicate that the levels of serum Dickkopf-1 and Sclerostin were significantly higher in the hemodialysis group 2540.65 (2215.4 - 2909.2 pg/ml) and 1.17 (0.85 - 2.03 ng/ml)respectively (P = 0.001), compared to their control group it was 1110.45 (885.45 - 1527.65 pg/ml) and 0.28 (0.25 - 0.32 ng/ml)) respectively P = 0.001. Additionally, there was a significant increase in intima-media thickness (IMT) with a decrease in peak systolic velocity (PSV) in the main blood vessels, including the carotid, ulnar, and femoral arteries. A significant correlation was also observed between Dickkopf-1 and sclerostin levels and IMT of the carotid, ulnar, and femoral arteries. Conclusion: Wnt signalling inhibitors (Dickkopf-1 and Sclerostin) exert effects beyond the bone and significantly contribute to early vascular calcification in pediatric patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.
文摘Background: Renal osteodystrophy (ROD) is a bone disorder resulting from chronic kidney disease (CKD) and related metabolic diseases. Dickkopf-related protein-1 (DKK-1) is critical in regulating bone biology. This study aimed to evaluate the serum DKK-1 level as a bone marker in children with CKD who undergo regular hemodialysis (HD). Subjects and Methods: This case-control study involved 40 children with CKD on HD and 40 healthy children as controls. The study measured serum DKK-1 levels and performed a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan (DEXA) in line with routine laboratory investigations. Results: There was a significant increase in the serum level of DKK-1 in the patient group compared to the control group. The DKK-1 levels were 2540.65 (2215.4 - 2909.2) pg/ml and 1110.45 (885.45 - 1527.65) pg/ml, respectively, with a p-value of less than 0.001. In the hemodialysis group, 25 patients (62.5%) had low bone mineral density (BMD) with a Z-score of under -2.0. Eighteen of these patients had low BMD in both the neck of the femur and lumbar spines. Additionally, there was a significant increase in serum DKK-1 level in patients with low BMD (2567.35 (2303.8 - 3108.1) pg/ml) compared to patients with normal BMD (2454 (1859 - 2820) pg/ml) (p = 0.041). There was also a significant positive correlation between DKK1 level and phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and Parathormone serum levels. In conclusion, the study indicates a clear correlation between DKK-1 and BMD in children undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. DKK1 is a promising biomarker for CKD-MBD.
文摘AIM To evaluate the safety and efficacy of sedating pediatric patients for outpatient flexible bronchoscopy.METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted for all children, age 17 years or under who underwent flexible bronchoscopy under deep sedation in an outpatient hospital-based setting. Two sedation regimens were used; propofol only or ketamine prior to propofol. Patients were divided into three age groups; infants(less than 12 mo), toddlers(1-3 years) and children(4-17 years). Demographics, indication for bronchoscopy, sedative dosing, sedation and recovery time and adverse events were reviewed.RESULTS Of the total 458 bronchoscopies performed, propofol only regimen was used in 337(74%) while propofol and ketamine was used in 121(26%). About 99% of the procedures were successfully completed. Children in the propofol + ketamine group tend to be youngerand have lower weight compared to the propofol only group. Adverse events including transient hypoxemia and hypotension occurred in 8% and 24% respectively. Median procedure time was 10 min while the median discharge time was 35 min. There were no differences in the indication of the procedure, propofol dose, procedure or recovery time in either sedative regimen. When compared to other age groups, infants had a higher incidence of hypoxemia.CONCLUSION Children can be effectively sedated for outpatient flexible bronchoscopy with high rate of success. This procedure should be performed under vigilance of highly trained providers.
文摘BACKGROUND Many studies have addressed safety and effectiveness of non-anaesthesiologist propofol sedation(NAPS)for gastrointestinal(GI)endoscopy Target controlled infusion(TCI)is claimed to provide an optimal sedation regimen by avoiding under-or oversedation.AIM To assess safety and performance of propofol TCI sedation in comparison with nurse-administered bolus-sedation.METHODS Fouty-five patients undergoing endoscopy under TCI propofol sedation were prospectively included from November 2016 to May 2017 and compared to 87 patients retrospectively included that underwent endoscopy with NAPS.Patients were matched for age and endoscopic procedure.We recorded time of sedation and endoscopy,dosage of medication and adverse events.RESULTS There was a significant reduction in dose per time of propofol administered in the TCI group,compared to the NAPS group(8.2±2.7 mg/min vs 9.3±3.4 mg/min;P=0.046).The time needed to provide adequate sedation levels was slightly but significantly lower in the control group(5.3±2.7 min vs 7.7±3.3 min;P<0.001),nonetheless the total endoscopy time was similar in both groups.No differences between TCI and bolus-sedation was observed for mean total-dosage of propofol rate as well as adverse events.CONCLUSION This study indicates that sedation using TCI for GI endoscopy reduces the dose of propofol necessary per minute of endoscopy.This may translate into less adverse events.However,further and randomized trials need to confirm this trend.
文摘BACKGROUND Poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase inhibitors(PARPis)are approved as first-line therapies for breast cancer gene(BRCA)-positive,human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer.They are also effective for new and recurrent ovarian cancers that are BRCA-or homologous recombination deficiency(HRD)-positive.However,data on these mutations and PARPi use in the Middle East are limited.AIM To assess BRCA/HRD prevalence and PARPi use in patients in the Middle East with breast/ovarian cancer.METHODS This was a single-center retrospective study of 57 of 472 breast cancer patients tested for BRCA mutations,and 25 of 65 ovarian cancer patients tested for HRD.These adult patients participated in at least four visits to the oncology service at our center between August 2021 and May 2023.Data were summarized using descriptive statistics and compared using counts and percentages.Response to treatment was assessed using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria.RESULTS Among the 472 breast cancer patients,12.1%underwent BRCA testing,and 38.5%of 65 ovarian cancer patients received HRD testing.Pathogenic mutations were found in 25.6%of the tested patients:26.3%breast cancers had germline BRCA(gBRCA)mutations and 24.0%ovarian cancers showed HRD.Notably,40.0%of gBRCA-positive breast cancers and 66.0%of HRD-positive ovarian cancers were Middle Eastern and Asian patients,respectively.PARPi treatment was used in 5(33.3%)gBRCA-positive breast cancer patients as first-line therapy(n=1;7-months progression-free),for maintenance(n=2;>15-months progression-free),or at later stages due to compliance issues(n=2).Four patients(66.6%)with HRD-positive ovarian cancer received PARPi and all remained progression-free.CONCLUSION Lower testing rates but higher BRCA mutations in breast cancer were found.Ethnicity reflected United Arab Emirates demographics,with breast cancer in Middle Eastern and ovarian cancer in Asian patients.
文摘Data from recent studies revealed that kidney diseases might affect the thyroid function in various ways. A variety of alterations in thyroid hormone levels and metabolism have also been reported in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) in some studied population. In addition, it was reported that serum levels of both T3 and T4 might alter immediately after a hemodialysis (HD) treatment than before. Therefore, this study was aimed to investigate the level of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) in CRF Libyan patients before and after HD. This study was carried out on 46 CRF patients (30 males and 16 females) with a mean age of 47.46 ± 15.75 years. These patients were treated at the hemodialysis unit of Educational Central Zelitin Hospital, Zelitin, Libya. None of these patients apparently have any thyroid problems and no history of drug intake that may affect thyroid function. Blood samples were taken from each patient to measure serum levels of T3 and T4, before and after HD. In addition, the effects of several variables including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), presence of both hypertension and, diabetes mellitus and duration of kidney dialysis on serum levels of T3 and T4 before and after HD were also studied. After HD, there was a statistically significant increase in the serum levels of T3, T4. The age, gender, BMI, duration of kidney dialysis and the presence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus did not have any significant effect on the serum level of T3 and T4 before and after HD. However, the serum levels of T3 and T4 were still in the normal range in these examined patients either before or after HD. From these findings, it can be concluded that these CRF patients may be in a euthyroid state, because the serum levels of T3 and T4 were in the normal range. In addition, HD was seemed to improve the T3 and T4 thyroid hormone concentrations, suggesting that HD might activate the secretion of thyroid gland and catabolism. The other variables did not play any role in thyroid hormone levels in th
基金supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research(RFBR),project number 19–38-90116。
文摘Objective:This study aimed to develop expert fuzzy logic model to assist physicians in the prediction of postoperative complications of prostatic hyperplasia before surgery.Methods:A method for classification of surgical risks was developed.The effect of rotation of the current–voltage characteristics at biologically active points(acupuncture points)was used for the formation of classifier descriptors.The effect determined reversible and non-reversible changes in electrical resistance at acupuncture points with periodic exposure to a sawtooth probe current.Then,the developed method was tested on the prediction of the success of surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.Results:Input descriptors were obtained from collected data including current-voltage characteristics of 5 acupuncture points and composed of 27 arrays feeding in the model.The maximum diagnostic sensitivity of the classifier for the success of a surgical operation in the control sample was 88%and for testing data set prediction accuracy was 97%.Conclusion:The use of tuples of current-voltage characteristic descriptors of acupuncture points in the classifiers could be used to predict the success of surgical treatment with satisfactory accuracy.The model can be a valuable tool to support physicians’diagnosis.
文摘A dynamic model is presented for a chiller working with a composite adsorbent(silica activated carbon/CaCl2)–water pair in a solar-biomass cooling installation.The main objective is determining a link between two possible evaporator configurations and the refrigerator’s performances.The two considered evaporators work at different pressure levels.The related time evolution profiles of temperature,pressure and water content are studied.Moreover,the effects of hot water inlet temperature and cooling water inlet temperature on the specific cooling capacity(SCP)and coefficient of performance(COP)are predicted by means of numerical simulations.The results show that an increase in the temperature of hot water and a decrease in the temperature of the cooling water allow an increase in COP and SCP.In particular,for a hot water inlet temperature of 85°C and a cooling water inlet temperature of 40°C,the COP and Qev are 0.67 and 4.3 kW,respectively.
文摘BACKGROUND Globally,patients with diabetes suffer from increased disease severity and mortality due to coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).Old age,high body mass index(BMI),comorbidities,and complications of diabetes are recognized as major risk factors for infection severity and mortality.AIM To investigate the risk and predictors of higher severity and mortality among inhospital patients with COVID-19 and type 2 diabetes(T2D)during the first wave of the pandemic in Dubai(March–September 2020).METHODS In this cross-sectional nested case-control study,a total of 1083 patients with COVID-19 were recruited.This study included 890 men and 193 women.Of these,427 had T2D and 656 were non-diabetic.The clinical,radiographic,and laboratory data of the patients with and without T2D were compared.Independent predictors of mortality in COVID-19 non-survivors were identified in patients with and without T2D.RESULTS T2D patients with COVID-19 were older and had higher BMI than those without T2D.They had higher rates of comorbidities such as hypertension,ischemic heart disease,heart failure,and more life-threatening complications.All laboratory parameters of disease severity were significantly higher than in those without T2D.Therefore,these patients had a longer hospital stay and a significantly higher mortality rate.They died from COVID-19 at a rate three times higher than patients without.Most laboratory and radiographic severity indices in non-survivors were high in patients with and without T2D.In the univariate analysis of the predictors of mortality among all COVID-19 non-survivors,significant associations were identified with old age,increased white blood cell count,lymphopenia,and elevated serum troponin levels.In multivariate analysis,only lymphopenia was identified as an independent predictor of mortality among T2D non-survivors.CONCLUSION Patients with COVID-19 and T2D were older with higher BMI,more comorbidities,higher disease severity indices,more severe proinflammatory state with cardiac involvement,and died f
文摘In the last decade,North Africa has witnessed significant population growth,particularly those bordering the Mediterranean Sea.This led to increased demand for groundwater,which is an essential source for various water uses such as drinking water supplies and irrigation.Generally,human activities play a crucial role in the different quantitative and qualitative changes in groundwater.Now,climate changes such as a decrease in precipitation have also led to a shortage of water resources and a decline in the groundwater table.This paper presents the impact of climate changes on groundwater resources in the Ain Azel region,Setif,northeastern Algeria.The analysis of longterm spatiotemporal variability in rainfall over 63 years(1958–2021)revealed a significant decline in groundwater recharge,especially after 2013.In contrast,the Pettitt and Mann–Kendall tests show increased temperatures with breaks between 1984 and 1986.A piezometric analysis of the alluvial aquifer demonstrated a significant decline in groundwater levels in the last 20 years.Hydrochemical analysis showed that groundwater in the region is dominated by Ca–Mg–Cl water type,which indicates the presence of water salinity phenomenon.Water Quality Index(WQI)analysis showed the deterioration of groundwater in the area,which may be caused by several factors:brine intrusion from the Salt Lake(Sebkha)in the north;the dissolution of evaporites(Triassic)and/or anthropogenic sources of agricultural and industrial origin.Our findings provide an overview summarizing the state of groundwater,which will help improve groundwater resource management in the region in the coming years.
文摘Cephalopods are known to be commercially important around the world. Worth mentioning it constitutes a major part of the Egyptian fishing industry. Samples of cephalopods were collected from fishing boats in the Suez Gulf and Egyptian Red Sea. Cuttlefishes, squids, and octopuses had their club of the tentacle, arm IV hectocotylus, sucker of the club of the tentacle, sucker ring of the club of the tentacle, arm sucker, arm sucker ring, radula, gill, and shell. Various organs were photographed using a Canon G7X digital Camera. Eleven Egyptian Red Sea cephalopod species were encountered;three of them are cuttlefish species namely: Sepia dollfusi, Sepia pharaonis, and Sepia elongata. Three squid species namely: Loligo forbesii, Uroteuthis Photololigo duvaucelii, and Sepioteuthis lessoniana were also encountered. Five octopus species were also recorded namely: Octopus vulgaris, Callistoctopus macropus, Macrotritopus defilippi, Amphyoctopus aegina, and Amphyoctopus membranaceus. Aims of the current work are to differentiate between some Cephalopod species living in the Red Sea of Egypt and evaluate the status to achieve a reliable differentiation between these species.
基金supported by (Faculty of Earth Science, University of Constantine 1)
文摘This paper deals with the results of a hydrogeochemistry study on the thermal waters of the Constantine area, Northeastern Algeria, using geochemical and statistical tools. The samples were collected in December2016 from twelve hot springs and were analyzed for physicochemical parameters(electric conductivity, p H,total dissolved solids, temperature, Ca, Mg, Na, K, HCO_3,Cl, SO_4, and SiO_2). The waters of the thermal springs have temperatures varying from 28 to 51 °C and electric conductivity values ranging from 853 to 5630 l S/cm. Q-mode Cluster analysis resulted in the determination of two major water types: a Ca–HCO_3–SO_4 type with a moderate salinity and a Na–K–Cl type with high salinity. The plot of the major ions versus the saturation indices suggested that the hydrogeochemistry of thermal groundwater is mainly controlled by dissolution/precipitation of carbonate minerals, dissolution of evaporite minerals(halite and gypsum), and ion exchange of Ca(and/or Mg) by Na. The Gibbs diagram shows that evaporation is another factor playing a minor role. Principal Component Analysis produced three significant factors which have 88.2% of totalvariance that illustrate the main processes controlling the chemistry of groundwaters, which are respectively: the dissolution of evaporite minerals(halite and gypsum), ion exchange, and dissolution/precipitation of carbonate minerals. The subsurface reservoir temperatures were calculated using different cation and silica geothermometers and gave temperatures ranging between 17 and 279 °C. The Na–K and Na–K-Ca geothermometers provided high temperatures(up to 279 °C), whereas, estimated geotemperatures from K/Mg geothermometers were the lowest(17–53 °C). Silica geothermometers gave the most reasonable temperature estimate of the subsurface waters overlap between 20 and 58 °C, which indicate possible mixing with cooler Mg groundwaters indicated by the Na–K–Mg plot in the immature water field and in silica and chloride mixing models. The results of stable i
基金Supported by The Research Council(TRC),Muscat,Oman,No.RC/MED/BIOC/10/01
文摘AIM:To investigate the association of 10 known common gene variants with susceptibility to type 2diabetes mellitus(T2D)among Omanis.METHODS:Using case-control design,a total of992 diabetic patients and 294 normoglycemic Omani Arabs were genotyped,by an allelic discrimination assay-by-design TaqMan method on fast real time polymerase chain reaction system,for the following gene variants:KCNJ11(rs5219),TCF7L2(rs7903146),CDKAL1(rs10946398),CDKN2A/B(rs10811661),FTO(rs9939609 and rs8050136),IGF2BP2(rs4402960),SLC30A8(rs13266634)CAPN10(rs3792267)and HHEX(rs1111875).T2D patients were recruited from the Diabetes Clinic(n=243)and inpatients(n=749)at Sultan Qaboos Univesity Hospital(SQUH),Muscat,Oman.Adult control participants(n=294)were volunteers from the community and from those visiting Family Medicine Clinic at SQU,for regular medical checkup.The difficulty in recruiting Omani participants with no family history of diabetes was the main reason behind the small number of control participants in this study.Almost all volunteers questioned had a relativewith diabetes mellitus.Inspite of the small number of normoglycemic controls in this study,this sample was sufficient for detection of genes and loci for common alleles influencing T2D with an odds ratio of≥1.3reaching at least 80%power.Data was collected from June 2010 to February 2012.RESULTS:Using binary logistic regression analysis,four gene variants showed significant association with T2D risk:KCNJ11(rs5219,P=5.8×10^(-6),OR=1.74),TCF7L2(rs7903146,P=0.001,OR=1.46),CDKAL1(rs10946398,P=0.002,OR=1.44)and CDKN2A/B(rs10811661,P=0.020,OR=1.40).The fixation index analysis of these four gene variants indicated significant genetic differentiation between diabetics and controls{[KCNJ11(rs5219),P<0.001],[TCF7L2(rs7903146),P<0.001],[CDKAL1(rs10946398),P<0.05],[CDKN2A/B(rs10811661),P<0.05]}.The highest genotype variation%between diabetics and controls was found at KCNJ11(2.07%)and TCF7L2(1.62%).This study was not able to detect an association of T2D risk with gene variants of I
文摘The 2-oxoglutarate and Fe （ll）-dependent dioxygenase （2OGD） superfamily includes oxidative enzymes with an active site con- taining two histidines and （in most cases） one aspartic or glutamic acid residue. This conserved motif is termed the 2-His-1-carboxylate facial triad, chelates iron, and is housed within a double-stranded β-helix fold, also known as the DSBH, jelly-roll, cupin, or Jumonji C fold （Martinez and Hausinger, 2015）. The reactions catalyzed by 2OGDs （also called 2ODDs, 2ODQs, and 2OGXs） include but are not limited to demethylation, demethylenation, hydroxytation, halogenation, desaturation, ring cleavage, ring closure, and epimerization （Farrow and Facchini, 2014）.
文摘<strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Background: </span></strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a common pediatric malignant neoplasia, showed high relapse rate after induction therapy. Some miRNAs have been shown to regulate normal hematopoiesis and their disruption could contribute to leukemogenesis: Recently, specific miRNA, including miR-181a, was shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of ALL, serving as a biomarker for diagnosis and relapse of ALL.</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Aim of the Study</span></b></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">: </span></b></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">To evaluate miR-181a expression level as a predictive marker for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Patients and Methods</span></b></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">: </span></b></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">40 pediatric ALL patients were included in this study. miR-181a expression was assessed at diagnosis before start of treatment. Samples were either peripheral blood or bone marrow aspirate sample. Patients were evaluated clinically and laboratory after the induction therapy.</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span sty
文摘In the northern part of Algeria,the intensive exploitation of groundwater resources and pollution has considerably affected the aquifer water quality,especially in rural areas where groundwater is the main source of water supply for most uses.This study was performed to evaluate the groundwater quality and its suitability for drinking and irrigation purposes through the hydrogeochemical study on the groundwater in Bougaa region(Northeastern Algeria).Fourteen groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for p H,T,EC,TDS,and major ions.Most samples are suitable for drinking based on the permissible limits of the Bureau of Indian standards(Indian standard specification for drinking water(IS 10500:2012),but only 35%of the samples are good enough for drinking purposes based on the water quality index of the groundwater.Assessment of groundwater samples from various parameters and methods such as"Electrical conductivity,Sodium adsorption ratio,Soluble sodium percentage,Magnesium adsorption ratio,Residual sodium carbonate,Permeability index,Kelly’s ratio,Wilcox’s diagram,and US salinity laboratory classification"showed that groundwater in the area is chemically suitable for irrigation uses.The Piper trilinear diagram suggests that the groundwater mainly belongs to the hydrochemical facies Ca–Mg–Cl and Na–Cl.The combination of ionic ratios,Gibbs plots,and saturation indices show that water–rock interaction,particularly the dissolution of carbonate,evaporation minerals,and ion exchange processes affects hydrogeochemistry of the area.Additional processes such as evaporation and anthropogenic pollution from various sources can also have major impacts on groundwater salinity.
文摘Multidisciplinary pediatric aerodigestive centers have been proposed to address the needs of children with complex multi-system problems affecting the respiratory and upper gastrointestinal tracts.The setup of a multidisciplinary service allows for the complex coordination needed between different subspecialties.This allows for rapid communication and family-centered decision making and agreement on further diagnostic and/or therapeutic next steps such as offering triple endoscopy when indicated.Triple endoscopy entails performing rigid upper airway assessment,flexible bronchoscopy and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and has been linked to reduced time to diagnosis/treatment,reduced costs and anesthesia exposure.This review summarizes the available literature on the structure and benefits of multidisciplinary pediatric aerodigestive services.
