With rapidly growing of Renewable Energy Sources(RESs)in renewable power systems,several disturbances influence on the power systems such as;lack of system inertia that results from replacing the synchronous generator...With rapidly growing of Renewable Energy Sources(RESs)in renewable power systems,several disturbances influence on the power systems such as;lack of system inertia that results from replacing the synchronous generators with RESs and frequency/voltage fluctuations that resulting from the intermittent nature of the RESs.Hence,the modern power systems become more susceptible to the system instability than conventional power systems.Therefore,in this study,a new application of Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage(SMES)(i.e.,auxiliary Load Frequency Control(LFC))has been integrated with the secondary frequency control(i.e.,LFC)for frequency stability enhancement of the Egyptian Power System(EPS)due to high RESs penetration.Where,the coordinated control strategy is based on the PI controller that is optimally designed by the Particle Swarm Optimization(PSO)algorithm to minimize the frequency deviations of the EPS.The EPS includes both conventional generation units(i.e.,non-reheat,reheat and hydraulic power plants)with inherent nonlinearities,and RESs(i.e.,wind and solar energy).System modelling and simulation results are carried out using Matlab/Simulink^(■)software.The simulation results reveal the robustness of the proposed coordinated control strategy to preserve the system stability of the EPS with high penetration of RESs for different contingencies.展开更多
The premise of the research paper is to decode the myth and revisit the fact in regard to the Egyptian link of the Roma communities through piecing together classical and modern documents,scholarly works,literature an...The premise of the research paper is to decode the myth and revisit the fact in regard to the Egyptian link of the Roma communities through piecing together classical and modern documents,scholarly works,literature and books.The paper is a scholarly endeavour to navigate the historical alley of the Roma community and their emergence in Peloponnese.The research paper assumes the empirical and multidisciplinary approach to dealing with historical myth and alleged origin of the Roma people and responds to the narratives that deconstruct the notion of biblical versions and Egyptian legend.It critically analyzes mendacious premises and mythological rhetoric about Egyptian origin of Roma communities.The paper also addresses the argument premised upon Roma’s peripatetic lifestyle,fortune-telling vocation and their professions like bear keeping,animal training,sieve/basket making and jugglery.展开更多
The progress of economic globalization,the rapid growth of international trade,and the maritime transportation has played an increasingly significant role in the international supply chain.As a result,worldwide seapor...The progress of economic globalization,the rapid growth of international trade,and the maritime transportation has played an increasingly significant role in the international supply chain.As a result,worldwide seaports have suffered from a central problem,which appears in the form of massive amounts of fuel consumed and exhaust gas fumes emitted from the ships while berthed.Many ports have taken the necessary precautions to overcome this problem,while others still suffer due to the presence of technical and financial constraints.In this paper,the barriers,interconnection standards,rules,regulations,power sources,and economic and environmental analysis related to ships,shore-side power were studied in efforts to find a solution to overcome his problem.As a case study,this paper investigates the practicability,costs and benefits of switching from onboard ship auxiliary engines to shore-side power connection for high-speed crafts called Alkahera while berthed at the port of Safaga,Egypt.The results provide the national electricity grid concept as the best economical selection with 49.03 percent of annual cost saving.Moreover,environmentally,it could achieve an annual reduction in exhaust gas emissions of CO2,CO,NOx,P.M,and SO2by 276,2.32,18.87,0.825 and 3.84 tons,respectively.展开更多
<strong>Background:</strong><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> The diagnosis of unexplained infertility may be very frustrating for inferti...<strong>Background:</strong><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> The diagnosis of unexplained infertility may be very frustrating for infertile couples and they show higher depression levels when compared to fertile couples. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Aim: </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">To assess the psychiatric aspects of Egyptian women with unexplained infertility. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Methods: </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">220 infertile women were included in this study (110 with unexplained infertility and 110 with explained infertility).</span><b> </b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The psychiatric aspect of these women was evaluated using the translated and validated Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory-II. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Findings: </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The</span><b> </b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">number of women with mild depression was significantly higher in </span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">the </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">unexplained infertility group (47/110 (42.7%)) versus (22/110 (20%)) in </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">the </span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">explained infertility group (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">P</span></i></span><i><span style="font-family:""> </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">=</span><span style="font-family:""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">0.007). The number of women with moderate anxiety was significantly higher in </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">the </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">unexplained infertility group (26/110 (23.6%)) versus (8/110 (7.3%)) in </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">the </span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">explained infertility group (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">P</span></i></s展开更多
Background and Aims: Treatment with a combination of the nucleotide polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir and NS3A (non-structural protein 3A) protease inhibitor simeprevir resulted in high rates of sustained virological re...Background and Aims: Treatment with a combination of the nucleotide polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir and NS3A (non-structural protein 3A) protease inhibitor simeprevir resulted in high rates of sustained virological response in chronic hepatitis C Genotype 4. Methods: We conducted a real life study on Egyptian patients coming to tropical medicine department clinic at El Mery main university hospital from February 2015 to February 2016 for treatment naive and treatment experienced patients with chronic HCV genotype 4, including cirrhotics and non cirrhotics. Naive (cir-rhotics and non cirrhotics) and relapsers (non cirrhotics) received nucleotide polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir and NS3A inhibitor simeprevir once daily for 12 weeks and 24 weeks for relapser cirrhotic patients. The primary end point was a sustained virologic response at 12 weeks after end of treatment. An informed consent was obtained from each patient at the beginning of the study (Real life study: a study on Egyptian patients when the drug was available in the market). Results: 30 naive patients with HCV genotype 4 and 20 relapsers (10 non cirrhotic and 10 cirrhotic patients) were enrolled. Patient inclusion criteria: Naive patients are those who tested positive for HCV RNA by PCR and had no experience to HCV treatment;Relapsers are those who tested positive for HCV RNA by PCR and had a previous treatment for HCV. Cirrhosis was diagnosed on ultrasound basis. Mean age was 53.57 ± 10.682 years old in naive patients and 48.30 ± 5.100 years old in relapsers. Median baseline HCV RNA was 360,069 IU/mL for naive patients and 1,245,000 IU/mL for relapsers;using Fib4 20% of naive patients were F3-F4, while 40% of relapsers were F3-F4. Degree of fibrosis was confirmed by fibrotest in relapsers. Upon treatment of patients with sofosbuvir and semiprevir once daily for 12 weeks and 24 weeks only to cirrhotic relapsers, end of treatment PCR was negative in 100% in all groups including cirrhotics and non cirrhotics. Primary end point (SVR 12) was achieved in 10展开更多
Savanna, semi-deserts, and hot deserts characterize the Saharo-Arabian region, which includes Morocco, Mauretania, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Palestine, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emira...Savanna, semi-deserts, and hot deserts characterize the Saharo-Arabian region, which includes Morocco, Mauretania, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Palestine, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen, southern Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northern India. Its neighboring regions, the Sudano-Zambezian region belonging to the Paleotropical Kingdom and the Mediterranean and Irano-Turanian regions included in the Holarctic Kingdom, share a large portion of their flora with the Saharo-Arabian region. Despite the widespread acknowledgment of the region's global importance for plant diversity, an up to date list of the Saharo-Arabian endemics is still unavailable. The available data are frequently insufficient or out of date at both the whole global and the national scales. Therefore, the present study aims at screening and verifying the Saharo-Arabian endemic plants and determining the phytogeographical distribution of these taxa in the Egyptian flora. Hence, a preliminary list of 429 Saharo-Arabian endemic plants in Egypt was compiled from the available literature. Indeed, by excluding the species that were recorded in any countries or regions outside the Saharo-Arabian region based on different literature, database reviews, and websites, the present study has reduced this number to 126 taxa belonging to 87 genera and 37 families. Regarding the national geographic distribution, South Sinai is the richest region with 83 endemic species compared with other eight phytogeographic regions in Egypt, followed by the Isthmic Desert(the middle of Sinai Peninsula, 53 taxa). Sahara regional subzone(SS1) distributes all the 126 endemic species, Arabian regional subzone(SS2) owns 79 taxa, and Nubo-Sindian subzone(SS3) distributes only 14 endemics. Seven groups were recognized at the fourth level of classification as a result of the application of the two-way indicator species analysis(TWINSPAN) to the Saharo-Arabian endemic species in Egypt, i.e., Ⅰ Asphodelus refractus g展开更多
Satellite-tracking technology has allowed scientists to make a quantum leap in the field of migration ecology. Nowadays, the basic description of migratory routes of many species of birds has been reported. However, t...Satellite-tracking technology has allowed scientists to make a quantum leap in the field of migration ecology. Nowadays, the basic description of migratory routes of many species of birds has been reported. However, the investigation of bird migration at individual level （i.e. repeatability in migratory routes and timing） still remains seldom explored. Here, we investigated repeated migratory trips of a trans-Saharan endangered migratory raptor, the Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus, tracked by GPS satellite telemetry. We compared between- and within-individual variation in migratory routes and timing in order to assess the degree of repeatability （or conversely, the flexibility） in migration. To this end, we analysed a dataset of 48 trips （23 springs and 25 autumns） recorded for six adult birds during 2007-2013. Our results showed consistent migration timing at the individual level, both in spring and autumn. Interestingly, there was a high degree of flexibility in the routes followed by the same individual in different years, probably due to variations in meteorological conditions. Contrary to expectations of a faster migration in spring than in autumn owing to a time-minimization strategy for breeding, birds spent less time in autumn migration （13 ± 2 days, range = 9-18 d） than in spring migration （19 ± 3 days, range = 13-26 d）, which can be explained by differences in environmental con- ditions en route. Egyptian vultures showed a consistent clockwise loop migration through western Africa, following more easterly routes in autumn than in spring. Finally, our results provide supporting evidence of low phenotypic plasticity in timing of migration （i.e. strong endogenous control of migration） and high flexibility in routes [Current Zoology 60 （5）： 642-652, 2014].展开更多
AIM:To develop normative data for meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD)parameters,using non-contact meibography technique of Sirius Costruzione Strumenti Oftalmici(CSO)machine,in an Egyptian population sample.METHODS:Obser...AIM:To develop normative data for meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD)parameters,using non-contact meibography technique of Sirius Costruzione Strumenti Oftalmici(CSO)machine,in an Egyptian population sample.METHODS:Observational,cross-sectional,analytic study,in which 104 Egyptian volunteers were included.Both upper lids were examined,using“Sirius CSO”machine.Each eyelid was given a degree of meibomian gland loss(MGL),which was calculated by the software of the machine.RESULTS:Mean percentage MGL in right upper lid was of 30.9%±12.6%,and that of left upper lid was 32.6%±11.8%.Thirty-four volunteers(32.7%)had first-degree MGL in their right upper lid,and 67.3%had second-degree loss.One volunteer(1%)had zero-degree MGL in left upper lid,28(26.9%)had first-degree loss,and 75(72.1%)had second-degree loss.Degree of MGL in right upper eyelid was not related to age,but degree of MGL in left upper eyelid increased with age.There was statistically significant difference between both genders for degree of MGL in right eye(P=0.036)and in left eye(P=0.027).CONCLUSION:Noncontact meibography is a useful non-invasive tool for diagnosing MGL.MGL is diagnosed in 100%of apparently normal individuals;26.9%-32.7%of which have first-degree MGL,and 67.3%-72.1%have second-degree MGL.展开更多
In this study, 21 microsatellite markers were used to genotype 196 Egyptian local chickens obtained from Fayoumi (n = 35), Dandarawy (n = 30), Baladi (n = 29), Sinai (n = 30), El-Salam (n = 36), and Golden Montazah (n...In this study, 21 microsatellite markers were used to genotype 196 Egyptian local chickens obtained from Fayoumi (n = 35), Dandarawy (n = 30), Baladi (n = 29), Sinai (n = 30), El-Salam (n = 36), and Golden Montazah (n = 36) strains. The results were compared to two pure commercial chicken populations reared in Japan-White Leghorn (n = 42) and Rhode Island Red (n = 43). A total of 162 alleles were observed, with an average of 7.7 alleles per locus. The average expected heterozygosity for the Egyptian chickens was 0.595. The closest pairwise Nei’s genetic distance was recorded between Sinai and Golden Montazah (0.038) and the smallest pairwise FST value (0.006) was observed between Baladi and Sinai. The most probable structure clustering of the eight studied populations was at K = 6. Baladi, Sinai and Golden Montazah strains were clustered together forming admixed mosaic cluster. Dandarawy ranked firstly and contributed the most to aggregate genetic diversity based on two prioritization methods. The information resulting from this study may be used as an initial guide to design further investigations for development of sustainable genetic improvement and conservation programs for the Egyptian chicken genetic resources.展开更多
AIM: To determine human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQB1 allele association with susceptibility to type 1 diabetes (T1D) and to clinical and laboratory findings. METHODS: This study was conducted on 85 unrelated Egyptian ...AIM: To determine human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQB1 allele association with susceptibility to type 1 diabetes (T1D) and to clinical and laboratory findings. METHODS: This study was conducted on 85 unrelated Egyptian children with T1D recruited consecutively from the Pediatric Diabetes Endocrinology outpatients Clinic; Mansoura University Children’s Hospital, Egypt. Patient mean follow up period was 2.5 years. Patients were subdivided according to level of HbA1c (optimal/suboptimal control < 8.5% and poor control ≥ 8.5%). The control group consisted of 113 unrelated age- and sex-matched healthy subjects without T1D or other autoimmune diseases. Genomic DNA extraction was done for all subjects using a DNA isolation kit. HLA-Class II-DQB1 allele typing was carried out with a polymerase chain reaction-sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe using a INNO-LiPA HLA-DQB1 update kit. RESULTS: Significant differences were detected between Egyptian patients with T1D and control groups in the frequencies of DQB1*02 [44.4% vs 18.6%, corrected P value (Pc) < 0.001] and DQB1*03 (41.2% vs 24.4%, Pc < 0.001). Significant differences were also observed between control groups and T1D patients in the frequencies of DQB1*05 (14.6% vs 7.2%, P = 0.029) and DQB1*06 (34.1% vs 7.2%, P < 0.001). However, after correction for multiple comparisons, the significance was retained for HLA-DQB1*06 (Pc < 0.001) but lost for HLA-DQB1*05. HLA-DQB1*0201, *0202, *030201 were positively associated with T1D (Pc = 0.014, Pc < 0.001, and Pc < 0.001 respectively), while HLA-DQB1*060101 was negatively associated (Pc < 0.001) with the condition. Although the HLA-DQB1 alleles 030101 and 050101 were significantly higher in controls (P = 0.016, P = 0.025 respectively), both of them lost statistical significance after correction of P value. The frequency of the HLA-DQB1 genotypes 02/02, 02/03, and 03/03 was higher in T1D patients, and the frequency of the genotypes 03/06, 05/06, and 06/06 was higher in controls, these differences being statistically signif展开更多
<div style="text-align:justify;"> <span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong><em>Background:</em></strong> Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological condit...<div style="text-align:justify;"> <span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong><em>Background:</em></strong> Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions with about 65 million people affected worldwide. It is also a common condition in children, where its prevalence is approximately 3.2 - 5.5/1000 in the developed world. Children with epilepsy (CWE) experience not only seizures but also multiple cognitive, behavioral, and emotional problems. ADHD is one of the more common comorbidities of childhood epilepsy. <strong><em>Objectives: </em></strong>To discuss the relationship between childhood epilepsy and comorbidities especially ADHD. <strong><em>Study Design:</em></strong> This is a prospective observational analytical cross-sectional study carried out on one hundred and fifteen patients at Ain Shams University and Nasr-city Health Insurance out-patient clinics, Cairo, Egypt fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Patients were selected by simple random sample. <strong><em>Results:</em></strong> ADHD is very common epilepsy comorbidity in Egyptian epileptic children with under-diagnosis and treatment. <strong><em>Conclusion:</em></strong> Frequent assessment for ADHD in epileptic children is mandatory for better quality of life.</span> </div>展开更多
The cultivated area is an important component of land resources that has a direct impact on food security. Egyptian cultivated area was estimated to be 3.86 million hectares in 2020. Recently, there has been a decline...The cultivated area is an important component of land resources that has a direct impact on food security. Egyptian cultivated area was estimated to be 3.86 million hectares in 2020. Recently, there has been a decline in cultivated areas, which could be attributed to a number of factors, including climatic changes and urban sprawl, endangering Egyptian sustainable development. So, the aim of the current study was to forecast the values of cultivated areas in Egypt for the next five years using the ARIMA model based on data from 1990 to 2020. The model predicted a decrease in cultivated area in coming years of about 3.06, 3.19, 3.084, 3.082 and 3.21 million hectares, respectively, according to the results. This forecasting will aid the country’s policy development for future land using planning and agricultural production.展开更多
Effect of seeding rate mixture from Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) E.C. and barley (Hordum vulgare L.) B, N-fertilization levels and their interaction on quantity and quality of forage yield. Two field ex...Effect of seeding rate mixture from Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) E.C. and barley (Hordum vulgare L.) B, N-fertilization levels and their interaction on quantity and quality of forage yield. Two field experiments were conducted during winter season of 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 in sandy soil at research and production station of National Research Centre, Al Nubaria district, Al Behaira Governorate, Egypt. The experiment included two factors first was five mixtures from seeding rates (24 kg EC/fed. – 50 kg B/fed. – 18 kg EC + 12.5 kg B/fed. – 12kg EC + 25 kg B/fed. – 6 kg EC + 37.5 kg B/fed.) and second factor was three N levels (30-45-60 kg N/fed.). Two cuts were obtained at 60 and 100 DAS. Results indicated significant differences between mixture rates for all studied characters in both cuts 60 and 100 DAS. Significant differences between N levels for all studied characters at 60 DAS, also, forage yield /fed. and DM% at 100 DAS. It can be introducing forage mixture of 18 kg EC + 12.5 B had balanced character in forage yield/fed., DM%, carbohydrate % and protein % at both cuts 60 and 100 DAS.展开更多
Egyptian broomrape(EB),Phelipanche aegyptiaca,is a devastating root parasite,causing enormous crop losses around the world.Maize has the potential to influence the growth of other plants through releasing certain alle...Egyptian broomrape(EB),Phelipanche aegyptiaca,is a devastating root parasite,causing enormous crop losses around the world.Maize has the potential to influence the growth of other plants through releasing certain allelochemicals and is able to induce germination of at least three broomrape species.To determine whether maize could be used as a trap crop for EB,10 maize cultivars were tested for their ability to induce EB germination.The results showed that maize cultivars can induce EB germination,and that germination rates in a cut-root experiment and a hydroponic experiment were consistent.Maize cvs Changcheng 799 and Zhengdan 958 induced the highest EB germination rates,while cvs Luyu 13 and Zhengyu 203 were the least effective.These four maize cultivars were further studied in a pot experiment.Rhizosphere soil,rhizosphere soil extracts,root extracts and shoot extracts from these cultivars were all able to induce EB germination,with cv.Changcheng 799 inducing the highest germination rates.Root extracts generally induced higher germination rates than shoot extracts.It is suggested that Changcheng799 could be planted as a trap crop for control of EB.展开更多
The emissions of greenhouse gasses in Egypt are about 0.58% of the total emissions of the world in the year 2015, although Egypt is one of the countries most affected by the impacts of climate change. By assessment an...The emissions of greenhouse gasses in Egypt are about 0.58% of the total emissions of the world in the year 2015, although Egypt is one of the countries most affected by the impacts of climate change. By assessment and analysis of the expected economic impacts of climate change by the year 2030, the Egyptian cultivated area will be reduced to about 0.949 million acres, equal to about 8.22% of the Egyptian cultivated area compared with the case of no sinking part of the Delta land, thus reducing crop area in Egypt to about 1.406 million acres, approximately to about 6.25% of crop area compared with the case of no sinking part of the Delta land, in addition to surplus in the Egyptian balance water to about 2.48 billion m3. In this case value of the Egyptian agriculture production will decrease by about 6.19 billion dollars, equal to about 6.19% compared with presumably no sinking of the Delta land. In the case of sinking 15% of Delta lands, with the change of the productivity and water consumption of most crops, the result will be a reduction in the cultivated area to about 0.94 million acres. In addition to decreasing the Egyptian crop area to about 1.39 million acres, with a deficit in the Egyptian balance water to about 4.74 billion m3 compared to the case of no sinking part of the Delta land, the cultivated area will decrease to about 8.17%, and the crop area will decrease 6.18%. Also, the value of the Egyptian agriculture production will decrease by about 12.51%. While compared to sinking part of the Delta land to about 15% of the total Delta area without the other impacts of climate change, the cultivated area will increase by about 0.06%;the crop area will increase by about 0.08%;also, the value of the Egyptian agriculture production will decrease by about 5.57%.展开更多
The objective of the present work is to test the effectiveness of probiotic potency of regular yoghurt, synbiotic yoghurt and traditional fermented Egyptian sobya containing endogenous probiotic strains compared to un...The objective of the present work is to test the effectiveness of probiotic potency of regular yoghurt, synbiotic yoghurt and traditional fermented Egyptian sobya containing endogenous probiotic strains compared to unfermented rice milk porridge. Methods: The study consisted of 28 male subjects with mean age of 13.9 ± 0.1 years. The subjects were divided into four groups, three groups consumed one of three fermented supplements, while the fourth group served as a control group. Stool and urinary samples were carried out prefeeding and after 3-week nutritional intervention for assessing five indicators of revelance to colonic metabolic activities. The fermented supplements used for evaluation were regular yoghurt, synbiotic yoghurt and traditional fermented sobya;while the fourth group was given unfermented rice milk and served as control. Intestinal permeability was assessed by the urinary lactulose mannitol ratio. Results: The mean fecal total lactobacilli counts increased (P < 0.05) three weeks after daily consumption of the three fermented supplements (P < 0.05), when compared to the pre-intervention levels. Similar trends were observed for genus bifidobacterium. On the contrary, enterobacteraceae counts were reduced in all the three groups consuming fermented supplements. The three-week dietary interventions with regular yogurt or sobya significantly reduced the lactulose/manitol (L/M) ratios (P< 0.05). The mean urinary anti-oxidative activities increased only among subjects consumingsynbiotic yogurt for three weeks, compared to pre-intervention period (P<0.05). Similar trendwas found after consumption of fermented sobya, but the increase didn’t attain significant level (P>0.05). Mean fecal short chain fatty acids concentrations (acetic;propionic and butyric) tended to increase following the intervention with synbiotic yogurt or sobya compared to respective pre-intervention values;but the difference didn’t attain significance (0.1>P> 0.05). The 3-week nutritional intervention didn’t impact the activiti展开更多
Vitamin D deficiency might contribute to the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome and could cause immune disturbance.The aim of this study is to analyze the associations between Vitamin D receptor(VDR)gene polymorphism,...Vitamin D deficiency might contribute to the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome and could cause immune disturbance.The aim of this study is to analyze the associations between Vitamin D receptor(VDR)gene polymorphism,serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D,metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers in Egyptian obese women.The study included 201 obese women with vitamin D deficiency and 249 obese matched age healthy controls with sufficient vitamin D levels.Their age ranged between 25 and 35 years.Inflammatory biomarkers(interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein)and serum 25(OH)D were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Insulin resistance(IR)was determined by the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR).Vitamin D receptor(VDR)gene polymorphisms of FokI,ApaI,and TaqI were studied by PCR using the restriction fragment length polymorphism(RFLP)technique.Obese women with vitamin D deficiency had significant higher values of inflammatory and metabolic parameters compared to controls.Multivariable-logistic regression showed associations between 25(OH)D deficiency and metabolic components when comparing cases with controls.Moreover,cases carrying polymorphic alleles showed significant lower levels of serum 25(OH)D and higher HOMA-IR,blood pressure levels and lipid parameters compared to those with the wild type homozygote in obese cases with vitamin D deficiency.Vitamin D deficiency in Egyptian obese women with vitamin D deficiency is associated with abnormal metabolic components and abnormal inflammatory biomarkers.Moreover,VDR polymorphisms play important role in immune and inflammation status.展开更多
Thirty five Sediment samples were collected from three Northern Egyptian Lakes namely El Burullus, El Manzala and El Bardawil to evaluate for the first time the concentrations of poorly studied technology-critical ele...Thirty five Sediment samples were collected from three Northern Egyptian Lakes namely El Burullus, El Manzala and El Bardawil to evaluate for the first time the concentrations of poorly studied technology-critical elements, namely Ge, Zr, Mo, Sn, Sb, Hf, Ta, W and Ti, and how that may be linked to local water quality parameters and other geochemical factors. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine element’s concentration. The results were compared with Upper Continental Crust (UCC) and Nile sediment (ANS). Lake sediments generally have relatively low contents of most elements. The average concentration of Zr, Hf, Ta and W are lower than UCC and ANS in three Lakes. El Bardawil Lake attained the lowest average concentration for all elements except Mo. Correlation analysis revealed that water quality and geochemical properties did not play any important role affecting the metal distribution and the studied metals are generally not affected by the complex lacustrine system of these lakes and their spatial distribution still not affected by the different anthropogenic activates.展开更多
Background: Morton’s neuroma is the enlargement of an interdigital nerve most commonly located between the third and fourth metatarsals. Greek foot is a normal variant where the first metatarsal is shorter than the s...Background: Morton’s neuroma is the enlargement of an interdigital nerve most commonly located between the third and fourth metatarsals. Greek foot is a normal variant where the first metatarsal is shorter than the second metatarsal. To our knowledge, there is currently no reported association between Greek foot and Morton’s neuroma in the literature. Methods: Retrospective study of 184 patients. Two separate cohorts were recruited. Cohort A comprised of 100 randomly selected asymptomatic patients. Cohort B comprised of 84 patients with a history of foot pain and histologically confirmed Morton’s neuroma. Foot shape was determined by using a self-assessment tool and plain radiographs. Statistical analyses were performed using the Chi-square test on the association between Greek foot and Morton’s neuroma. A p-value of ﹣9). Conclusions: This study has shown a possible association between the presence of a Greek foot and the presence of Morton’s neuroma. Although our study design has limitations and does not allow full statistical analysis, we do believe that the shown association between Greek foot and Morton’s neuroma can help clinicians and other health care providers in establishing the diagnosis of Morton’s neuroma in patients with a painful foot.展开更多
基金This paper was funded by the Cultural Affairs and Missions Sector of the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education.
文摘With rapidly growing of Renewable Energy Sources(RESs)in renewable power systems,several disturbances influence on the power systems such as;lack of system inertia that results from replacing the synchronous generators with RESs and frequency/voltage fluctuations that resulting from the intermittent nature of the RESs.Hence,the modern power systems become more susceptible to the system instability than conventional power systems.Therefore,in this study,a new application of Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage(SMES)(i.e.,auxiliary Load Frequency Control(LFC))has been integrated with the secondary frequency control(i.e.,LFC)for frequency stability enhancement of the Egyptian Power System(EPS)due to high RESs penetration.Where,the coordinated control strategy is based on the PI controller that is optimally designed by the Particle Swarm Optimization(PSO)algorithm to minimize the frequency deviations of the EPS.The EPS includes both conventional generation units(i.e.,non-reheat,reheat and hydraulic power plants)with inherent nonlinearities,and RESs(i.e.,wind and solar energy).System modelling and simulation results are carried out using Matlab/Simulink^(■)software.The simulation results reveal the robustness of the proposed coordinated control strategy to preserve the system stability of the EPS with high penetration of RESs for different contingencies.
文摘The premise of the research paper is to decode the myth and revisit the fact in regard to the Egyptian link of the Roma communities through piecing together classical and modern documents,scholarly works,literature and books.The paper is a scholarly endeavour to navigate the historical alley of the Roma community and their emergence in Peloponnese.The research paper assumes the empirical and multidisciplinary approach to dealing with historical myth and alleged origin of the Roma people and responds to the narratives that deconstruct the notion of biblical versions and Egyptian legend.It critically analyzes mendacious premises and mythological rhetoric about Egyptian origin of Roma communities.The paper also addresses the argument premised upon Roma’s peripatetic lifestyle,fortune-telling vocation and their professions like bear keeping,animal training,sieve/basket making and jugglery.
文摘The progress of economic globalization,the rapid growth of international trade,and the maritime transportation has played an increasingly significant role in the international supply chain.As a result,worldwide seaports have suffered from a central problem,which appears in the form of massive amounts of fuel consumed and exhaust gas fumes emitted from the ships while berthed.Many ports have taken the necessary precautions to overcome this problem,while others still suffer due to the presence of technical and financial constraints.In this paper,the barriers,interconnection standards,rules,regulations,power sources,and economic and environmental analysis related to ships,shore-side power were studied in efforts to find a solution to overcome his problem.As a case study,this paper investigates the practicability,costs and benefits of switching from onboard ship auxiliary engines to shore-side power connection for high-speed crafts called Alkahera while berthed at the port of Safaga,Egypt.The results provide the national electricity grid concept as the best economical selection with 49.03 percent of annual cost saving.Moreover,environmentally,it could achieve an annual reduction in exhaust gas emissions of CO2,CO,NOx,P.M,and SO2by 276,2.32,18.87,0.825 and 3.84 tons,respectively.
文摘<strong>Background:</strong><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> The diagnosis of unexplained infertility may be very frustrating for infertile couples and they show higher depression levels when compared to fertile couples. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Aim: </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">To assess the psychiatric aspects of Egyptian women with unexplained infertility. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Methods: </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">220 infertile women were included in this study (110 with unexplained infertility and 110 with explained infertility).</span><b> </b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The psychiatric aspect of these women was evaluated using the translated and validated Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory-II. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Findings: </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The</span><b> </b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">number of women with mild depression was significantly higher in </span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">the </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">unexplained infertility group (47/110 (42.7%)) versus (22/110 (20%)) in </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">the </span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">explained infertility group (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">P</span></i></span><i><span style="font-family:""> </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">=</span><span style="font-family:""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">0.007). The number of women with moderate anxiety was significantly higher in </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">the </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">unexplained infertility group (26/110 (23.6%)) versus (8/110 (7.3%)) in </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">the </span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">explained infertility group (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">P</span></i></s
文摘Background and Aims: Treatment with a combination of the nucleotide polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir and NS3A (non-structural protein 3A) protease inhibitor simeprevir resulted in high rates of sustained virological response in chronic hepatitis C Genotype 4. Methods: We conducted a real life study on Egyptian patients coming to tropical medicine department clinic at El Mery main university hospital from February 2015 to February 2016 for treatment naive and treatment experienced patients with chronic HCV genotype 4, including cirrhotics and non cirrhotics. Naive (cir-rhotics and non cirrhotics) and relapsers (non cirrhotics) received nucleotide polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir and NS3A inhibitor simeprevir once daily for 12 weeks and 24 weeks for relapser cirrhotic patients. The primary end point was a sustained virologic response at 12 weeks after end of treatment. An informed consent was obtained from each patient at the beginning of the study (Real life study: a study on Egyptian patients when the drug was available in the market). Results: 30 naive patients with HCV genotype 4 and 20 relapsers (10 non cirrhotic and 10 cirrhotic patients) were enrolled. Patient inclusion criteria: Naive patients are those who tested positive for HCV RNA by PCR and had no experience to HCV treatment;Relapsers are those who tested positive for HCV RNA by PCR and had a previous treatment for HCV. Cirrhosis was diagnosed on ultrasound basis. Mean age was 53.57 ± 10.682 years old in naive patients and 48.30 ± 5.100 years old in relapsers. Median baseline HCV RNA was 360,069 IU/mL for naive patients and 1,245,000 IU/mL for relapsers;using Fib4 20% of naive patients were F3-F4, while 40% of relapsers were F3-F4. Degree of fibrosis was confirmed by fibrotest in relapsers. Upon treatment of patients with sofosbuvir and semiprevir once daily for 12 weeks and 24 weeks only to cirrhotic relapsers, end of treatment PCR was negative in 100% in all groups including cirrhotics and non cirrhotics. Primary end point (SVR 12) was achieved in 10
文摘Savanna, semi-deserts, and hot deserts characterize the Saharo-Arabian region, which includes Morocco, Mauretania, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Palestine, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen, southern Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northern India. Its neighboring regions, the Sudano-Zambezian region belonging to the Paleotropical Kingdom and the Mediterranean and Irano-Turanian regions included in the Holarctic Kingdom, share a large portion of their flora with the Saharo-Arabian region. Despite the widespread acknowledgment of the region's global importance for plant diversity, an up to date list of the Saharo-Arabian endemics is still unavailable. The available data are frequently insufficient or out of date at both the whole global and the national scales. Therefore, the present study aims at screening and verifying the Saharo-Arabian endemic plants and determining the phytogeographical distribution of these taxa in the Egyptian flora. Hence, a preliminary list of 429 Saharo-Arabian endemic plants in Egypt was compiled from the available literature. Indeed, by excluding the species that were recorded in any countries or regions outside the Saharo-Arabian region based on different literature, database reviews, and websites, the present study has reduced this number to 126 taxa belonging to 87 genera and 37 families. Regarding the national geographic distribution, South Sinai is the richest region with 83 endemic species compared with other eight phytogeographic regions in Egypt, followed by the Isthmic Desert(the middle of Sinai Peninsula, 53 taxa). Sahara regional subzone(SS1) distributes all the 126 endemic species, Arabian regional subzone(SS2) owns 79 taxa, and Nubo-Sindian subzone(SS3) distributes only 14 endemics. Seven groups were recognized at the fourth level of classification as a result of the application of the two-way indicator species analysis(TWINSPAN) to the Saharo-Arabian endemic species in Egypt, i.e., Ⅰ Asphodelus refractus g
文摘Satellite-tracking technology has allowed scientists to make a quantum leap in the field of migration ecology. Nowadays, the basic description of migratory routes of many species of birds has been reported. However, the investigation of bird migration at individual level （i.e. repeatability in migratory routes and timing） still remains seldom explored. Here, we investigated repeated migratory trips of a trans-Saharan endangered migratory raptor, the Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus, tracked by GPS satellite telemetry. We compared between- and within-individual variation in migratory routes and timing in order to assess the degree of repeatability （or conversely, the flexibility） in migration. To this end, we analysed a dataset of 48 trips （23 springs and 25 autumns） recorded for six adult birds during 2007-2013. Our results showed consistent migration timing at the individual level, both in spring and autumn. Interestingly, there was a high degree of flexibility in the routes followed by the same individual in different years, probably due to variations in meteorological conditions. Contrary to expectations of a faster migration in spring than in autumn owing to a time-minimization strategy for breeding, birds spent less time in autumn migration （13 ± 2 days, range = 9-18 d） than in spring migration （19 ± 3 days, range = 13-26 d）, which can be explained by differences in environmental con- ditions en route. Egyptian vultures showed a consistent clockwise loop migration through western Africa, following more easterly routes in autumn than in spring. Finally, our results provide supporting evidence of low phenotypic plasticity in timing of migration （i.e. strong endogenous control of migration） and high flexibility in routes [Current Zoology 60 （5）： 642-652, 2014].
文摘AIM:To develop normative data for meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD)parameters,using non-contact meibography technique of Sirius Costruzione Strumenti Oftalmici(CSO)machine,in an Egyptian population sample.METHODS:Observational,cross-sectional,analytic study,in which 104 Egyptian volunteers were included.Both upper lids were examined,using“Sirius CSO”machine.Each eyelid was given a degree of meibomian gland loss(MGL),which was calculated by the software of the machine.RESULTS:Mean percentage MGL in right upper lid was of 30.9%±12.6%,and that of left upper lid was 32.6%±11.8%.Thirty-four volunteers(32.7%)had first-degree MGL in their right upper lid,and 67.3%had second-degree loss.One volunteer(1%)had zero-degree MGL in left upper lid,28(26.9%)had first-degree loss,and 75(72.1%)had second-degree loss.Degree of MGL in right upper eyelid was not related to age,but degree of MGL in left upper eyelid increased with age.There was statistically significant difference between both genders for degree of MGL in right eye(P=0.036)and in left eye(P=0.027).CONCLUSION:Noncontact meibography is a useful non-invasive tool for diagnosing MGL.MGL is diagnosed in 100%of apparently normal individuals;26.9%-32.7%of which have first-degree MGL,and 67.3%-72.1%have second-degree MGL.
文摘In this study, 21 microsatellite markers were used to genotype 196 Egyptian local chickens obtained from Fayoumi (n = 35), Dandarawy (n = 30), Baladi (n = 29), Sinai (n = 30), El-Salam (n = 36), and Golden Montazah (n = 36) strains. The results were compared to two pure commercial chicken populations reared in Japan-White Leghorn (n = 42) and Rhode Island Red (n = 43). A total of 162 alleles were observed, with an average of 7.7 alleles per locus. The average expected heterozygosity for the Egyptian chickens was 0.595. The closest pairwise Nei’s genetic distance was recorded between Sinai and Golden Montazah (0.038) and the smallest pairwise FST value (0.006) was observed between Baladi and Sinai. The most probable structure clustering of the eight studied populations was at K = 6. Baladi, Sinai and Golden Montazah strains were clustered together forming admixed mosaic cluster. Dandarawy ranked firstly and contributed the most to aggregate genetic diversity based on two prioritization methods. The information resulting from this study may be used as an initial guide to design further investigations for development of sustainable genetic improvement and conservation programs for the Egyptian chicken genetic resources.
文摘AIM: To determine human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQB1 allele association with susceptibility to type 1 diabetes (T1D) and to clinical and laboratory findings. METHODS: This study was conducted on 85 unrelated Egyptian children with T1D recruited consecutively from the Pediatric Diabetes Endocrinology outpatients Clinic; Mansoura University Children’s Hospital, Egypt. Patient mean follow up period was 2.5 years. Patients were subdivided according to level of HbA1c (optimal/suboptimal control < 8.5% and poor control ≥ 8.5%). The control group consisted of 113 unrelated age- and sex-matched healthy subjects without T1D or other autoimmune diseases. Genomic DNA extraction was done for all subjects using a DNA isolation kit. HLA-Class II-DQB1 allele typing was carried out with a polymerase chain reaction-sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe using a INNO-LiPA HLA-DQB1 update kit. RESULTS: Significant differences were detected between Egyptian patients with T1D and control groups in the frequencies of DQB1*02 [44.4% vs 18.6%, corrected P value (Pc) < 0.001] and DQB1*03 (41.2% vs 24.4%, Pc < 0.001). Significant differences were also observed between control groups and T1D patients in the frequencies of DQB1*05 (14.6% vs 7.2%, P = 0.029) and DQB1*06 (34.1% vs 7.2%, P < 0.001). However, after correction for multiple comparisons, the significance was retained for HLA-DQB1*06 (Pc < 0.001) but lost for HLA-DQB1*05. HLA-DQB1*0201, *0202, *030201 were positively associated with T1D (Pc = 0.014, Pc < 0.001, and Pc < 0.001 respectively), while HLA-DQB1*060101 was negatively associated (Pc < 0.001) with the condition. Although the HLA-DQB1 alleles 030101 and 050101 were significantly higher in controls (P = 0.016, P = 0.025 respectively), both of them lost statistical significance after correction of P value. The frequency of the HLA-DQB1 genotypes 02/02, 02/03, and 03/03 was higher in T1D patients, and the frequency of the genotypes 03/06, 05/06, and 06/06 was higher in controls, these differences being statistically signif
文摘<div style="text-align:justify;"> <span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong><em>Background:</em></strong> Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions with about 65 million people affected worldwide. It is also a common condition in children, where its prevalence is approximately 3.2 - 5.5/1000 in the developed world. Children with epilepsy (CWE) experience not only seizures but also multiple cognitive, behavioral, and emotional problems. ADHD is one of the more common comorbidities of childhood epilepsy. <strong><em>Objectives: </em></strong>To discuss the relationship between childhood epilepsy and comorbidities especially ADHD. <strong><em>Study Design:</em></strong> This is a prospective observational analytical cross-sectional study carried out on one hundred and fifteen patients at Ain Shams University and Nasr-city Health Insurance out-patient clinics, Cairo, Egypt fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Patients were selected by simple random sample. <strong><em>Results:</em></strong> ADHD is very common epilepsy comorbidity in Egyptian epileptic children with under-diagnosis and treatment. <strong><em>Conclusion:</em></strong> Frequent assessment for ADHD in epileptic children is mandatory for better quality of life.</span> </div>
文摘The cultivated area is an important component of land resources that has a direct impact on food security. Egyptian cultivated area was estimated to be 3.86 million hectares in 2020. Recently, there has been a decline in cultivated areas, which could be attributed to a number of factors, including climatic changes and urban sprawl, endangering Egyptian sustainable development. So, the aim of the current study was to forecast the values of cultivated areas in Egypt for the next five years using the ARIMA model based on data from 1990 to 2020. The model predicted a decrease in cultivated area in coming years of about 3.06, 3.19, 3.084, 3.082 and 3.21 million hectares, respectively, according to the results. This forecasting will aid the country’s policy development for future land using planning and agricultural production.
文摘Effect of seeding rate mixture from Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) E.C. and barley (Hordum vulgare L.) B, N-fertilization levels and their interaction on quantity and quality of forage yield. Two field experiments were conducted during winter season of 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 in sandy soil at research and production station of National Research Centre, Al Nubaria district, Al Behaira Governorate, Egypt. The experiment included two factors first was five mixtures from seeding rates (24 kg EC/fed. – 50 kg B/fed. – 18 kg EC + 12.5 kg B/fed. – 12kg EC + 25 kg B/fed. – 6 kg EC + 37.5 kg B/fed.) and second factor was three N levels (30-45-60 kg N/fed.). Two cuts were obtained at 60 and 100 DAS. Results indicated significant differences between mixture rates for all studied characters in both cuts 60 and 100 DAS. Significant differences between N levels for all studied characters at 60 DAS, also, forage yield /fed. and DM% at 100 DAS. It can be introducing forage mixture of 18 kg EC + 12.5 B had balanced character in forage yield/fed., DM%, carbohydrate % and protein % at both cuts 60 and 100 DAS.
基金the National Science and Technology Ministry(2011BAD31B05) for financial support
文摘Egyptian broomrape(EB),Phelipanche aegyptiaca,is a devastating root parasite,causing enormous crop losses around the world.Maize has the potential to influence the growth of other plants through releasing certain allelochemicals and is able to induce germination of at least three broomrape species.To determine whether maize could be used as a trap crop for EB,10 maize cultivars were tested for their ability to induce EB germination.The results showed that maize cultivars can induce EB germination,and that germination rates in a cut-root experiment and a hydroponic experiment were consistent.Maize cvs Changcheng 799 and Zhengdan 958 induced the highest EB germination rates,while cvs Luyu 13 and Zhengyu 203 were the least effective.These four maize cultivars were further studied in a pot experiment.Rhizosphere soil,rhizosphere soil extracts,root extracts and shoot extracts from these cultivars were all able to induce EB germination,with cv.Changcheng 799 inducing the highest germination rates.Root extracts generally induced higher germination rates than shoot extracts.It is suggested that Changcheng799 could be planted as a trap crop for control of EB.
文摘The emissions of greenhouse gasses in Egypt are about 0.58% of the total emissions of the world in the year 2015, although Egypt is one of the countries most affected by the impacts of climate change. By assessment and analysis of the expected economic impacts of climate change by the year 2030, the Egyptian cultivated area will be reduced to about 0.949 million acres, equal to about 8.22% of the Egyptian cultivated area compared with the case of no sinking part of the Delta land, thus reducing crop area in Egypt to about 1.406 million acres, approximately to about 6.25% of crop area compared with the case of no sinking part of the Delta land, in addition to surplus in the Egyptian balance water to about 2.48 billion m3. In this case value of the Egyptian agriculture production will decrease by about 6.19 billion dollars, equal to about 6.19% compared with presumably no sinking of the Delta land. In the case of sinking 15% of Delta lands, with the change of the productivity and water consumption of most crops, the result will be a reduction in the cultivated area to about 0.94 million acres. In addition to decreasing the Egyptian crop area to about 1.39 million acres, with a deficit in the Egyptian balance water to about 4.74 billion m3 compared to the case of no sinking part of the Delta land, the cultivated area will decrease to about 8.17%, and the crop area will decrease 6.18%. Also, the value of the Egyptian agriculture production will decrease by about 12.51%. While compared to sinking part of the Delta land to about 15% of the total Delta area without the other impacts of climate change, the cultivated area will increase by about 0.06%;the crop area will increase by about 0.08%;also, the value of the Egyptian agriculture production will decrease by about 5.57%.
文摘The objective of the present work is to test the effectiveness of probiotic potency of regular yoghurt, synbiotic yoghurt and traditional fermented Egyptian sobya containing endogenous probiotic strains compared to unfermented rice milk porridge. Methods: The study consisted of 28 male subjects with mean age of 13.9 ± 0.1 years. The subjects were divided into four groups, three groups consumed one of three fermented supplements, while the fourth group served as a control group. Stool and urinary samples were carried out prefeeding and after 3-week nutritional intervention for assessing five indicators of revelance to colonic metabolic activities. The fermented supplements used for evaluation were regular yoghurt, synbiotic yoghurt and traditional fermented sobya;while the fourth group was given unfermented rice milk and served as control. Intestinal permeability was assessed by the urinary lactulose mannitol ratio. Results: The mean fecal total lactobacilli counts increased (P < 0.05) three weeks after daily consumption of the three fermented supplements (P < 0.05), when compared to the pre-intervention levels. Similar trends were observed for genus bifidobacterium. On the contrary, enterobacteraceae counts were reduced in all the three groups consuming fermented supplements. The three-week dietary interventions with regular yogurt or sobya significantly reduced the lactulose/manitol (L/M) ratios (P< 0.05). The mean urinary anti-oxidative activities increased only among subjects consumingsynbiotic yogurt for three weeks, compared to pre-intervention period (P<0.05). Similar trendwas found after consumption of fermented sobya, but the increase didn’t attain significant level (P>0.05). Mean fecal short chain fatty acids concentrations (acetic;propionic and butyric) tended to increase following the intervention with synbiotic yogurt or sobya compared to respective pre-intervention values;but the difference didn’t attain significance (0.1>P> 0.05). The 3-week nutritional intervention didn’t impact the activiti
基金This work was supported by grant from National Research Centre,Egypt(16361).
文摘Vitamin D deficiency might contribute to the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome and could cause immune disturbance.The aim of this study is to analyze the associations between Vitamin D receptor(VDR)gene polymorphism,serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D,metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers in Egyptian obese women.The study included 201 obese women with vitamin D deficiency and 249 obese matched age healthy controls with sufficient vitamin D levels.Their age ranged between 25 and 35 years.Inflammatory biomarkers(interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein)and serum 25(OH)D were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Insulin resistance(IR)was determined by the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR).Vitamin D receptor(VDR)gene polymorphisms of FokI,ApaI,and TaqI were studied by PCR using the restriction fragment length polymorphism(RFLP)technique.Obese women with vitamin D deficiency had significant higher values of inflammatory and metabolic parameters compared to controls.Multivariable-logistic regression showed associations between 25(OH)D deficiency and metabolic components when comparing cases with controls.Moreover,cases carrying polymorphic alleles showed significant lower levels of serum 25(OH)D and higher HOMA-IR,blood pressure levels and lipid parameters compared to those with the wild type homozygote in obese cases with vitamin D deficiency.Vitamin D deficiency in Egyptian obese women with vitamin D deficiency is associated with abnormal metabolic components and abnormal inflammatory biomarkers.Moreover,VDR polymorphisms play important role in immune and inflammation status.
文摘Thirty five Sediment samples were collected from three Northern Egyptian Lakes namely El Burullus, El Manzala and El Bardawil to evaluate for the first time the concentrations of poorly studied technology-critical elements, namely Ge, Zr, Mo, Sn, Sb, Hf, Ta, W and Ti, and how that may be linked to local water quality parameters and other geochemical factors. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine element’s concentration. The results were compared with Upper Continental Crust (UCC) and Nile sediment (ANS). Lake sediments generally have relatively low contents of most elements. The average concentration of Zr, Hf, Ta and W are lower than UCC and ANS in three Lakes. El Bardawil Lake attained the lowest average concentration for all elements except Mo. Correlation analysis revealed that water quality and geochemical properties did not play any important role affecting the metal distribution and the studied metals are generally not affected by the complex lacustrine system of these lakes and their spatial distribution still not affected by the different anthropogenic activates.
文摘Background: Morton’s neuroma is the enlargement of an interdigital nerve most commonly located between the third and fourth metatarsals. Greek foot is a normal variant where the first metatarsal is shorter than the second metatarsal. To our knowledge, there is currently no reported association between Greek foot and Morton’s neuroma in the literature. Methods: Retrospective study of 184 patients. Two separate cohorts were recruited. Cohort A comprised of 100 randomly selected asymptomatic patients. Cohort B comprised of 84 patients with a history of foot pain and histologically confirmed Morton’s neuroma. Foot shape was determined by using a self-assessment tool and plain radiographs. Statistical analyses were performed using the Chi-square test on the association between Greek foot and Morton’s neuroma. A p-value of ﹣9). Conclusions: This study has shown a possible association between the presence of a Greek foot and the presence of Morton’s neuroma. Although our study design has limitations and does not allow full statistical analysis, we do believe that the shown association between Greek foot and Morton’s neuroma can help clinicians and other health care providers in establishing the diagnosis of Morton’s neuroma in patients with a painful foot.
