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This research aimed to manufacture a simple fiber extraction machine. The machine prototype consisted of available raw materials. The beater cylinder is the most significant component in this machine. The electric motor of 0.75 kW was used to rotate the beater cylinder. The machine theory is based on the repeated rapid beating of the beaters on a slice-stem of banana. This beating simulated what labor does by using hand hammers to eliminate the juice and extract the fibers. The machine was tested under three rotational speeds of the beater cylinder 650, 750, and 850 rpm and using three beater cylinders with a different number of beaters 8, 10, and 12. The fibers produced by the machine were straight, of good quality, and not shredded, this was achieved in abundance when using the cylinder that has 10 beaters with 750 rpm rotational speeds of the beater cylinder. Thus, under these operating conditions, the extraction efficiency, the time required, and machine productivity were 88%, 40 min, and 8.6 kg h-1, respectively. The minimum value of the power required was 0.45 kW at the rotational speed of 650 rpm and using the eight beaters. While the maximum value of the power required was 0.64 kW at the rotational speed of 850 rpm and using the number of beaters 12. At the machine productivity of 8.6 kg h-1, the production cost will be 2.7 L.E. kg-1. While the costs of manual extraction of the fibers were 10 L.E. kg-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to design and test the accuracy of a variable-rate control metering mechanism (VRCMM) and a remote smart monitoring system (RSMS) for a precision sugarcane transplanter based on IoT technology. The VRCMM is used to operate the seedling metering device at different speeds using a stepper motor based on the travel speed, and the RSMS was employed to evaluate of the three basic parameters of seedling amount, optimum rate, and missed rate. Two types of sensors were used for detecting the sugarcane seedling (SS) and travel speed, including one ultrasonic sensor and one infrared RPM sensor. The study was performed at five travel speeds and four transplant spacings. The findings of laboratory tests showed that the mean record of the relative error between the desired stepper motor speed of the VRCMM and the real value was 3.39%, and it increased with increasing the travel speed. as Additionally, the speed regulation performance was in agreement with the transplanting index. The change in RSMS accuracy is obvious when the travel speed is high and the transplant spacing is small. The RSMS accuracy drops sharply, revealing a leaping change. In conclusion, the smart and intelligent designed sugarcane transplanter would be very useful in sugarcane production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Central venous catheterization is an important device that is frequently performed for various purposes in operating theatres and intensive care units, there are many different sites that are commonly used for central venous catheterization, and each site has its own advantages, disadvantages, and possible complications. To avoid catheterization failure and mechanical complications, ultrasound guidance is currently recommended in several guidelines and is widely used for central venous catheterization. It has been shown to reduce the incidence of arterial puncture, hematoma formation, pneumothorax, hemothorax, and catheterization failure. The subclavian vein (SCV) catheterization is more comfortable for patients than other sites but has a higher risk of some complication as pneumothorax. The aim of this study was to compare the Supraclavicular and Infraclavicular approaches for ultrasonographic guided right subclavian venous catheterization as regard the accessibility and the safety of both approaches. Methods This randomized controlled study was conducted in Sohag University Hospital after local ethical committee approval, 210 patients had a right subclavian vein catheterization by either the supraclavicular or the infraclavicular approach (105 for each group), using a two dimensional high-frequency ultrasound guide were enrolled in the study regarding the accessibility (time to first puncture and number of punctures) and the complications like arterial puncture, hematoma formation, arrhythmia, and catheter misplacement. Results The infraclavicular approach is more accessible, regarding the number of punctures, for the Supraclavicular approach there were 56 (53.3%) cases needed only one puncture to achieve successful venous puncture and 27 (25.7%) cases needed 2 punctures and 5 (4.8%) needed 3 punctures and 17 (16.2%) failed in catheterization, for the Infraclavicular approach there were 79 (75.2%) of cases in these group needed only one puncture to achieve successful venous puncture and 17 (16.2%) cases needed 2 punctures and 9 (8.6%) failed in catheterization with a significant difference between both groups P value was 0.003. As regard the puncture time, for the Supraclavicular approach 83 (79%) cases successes in less than 3 min, and 22 (21%) cases needed more than 3 min, in the infraclavicular approach 94 (89.5%) cases succeeded in less than 3 min and 11 (10.5%) cases needed more than 3 min at P value 0.037 and had a lower rate of complications than the supraclavicular approach, like arrhythmia, arterial puncture, hematoma formation, catheter misplacement, and postcatheterization infection, but a higher rate of pneumothorax formation however in a nonsignificant way. Conclusion The infraclavicular approach for ultrasound-guided right subclavian venous catheterization is better than the supraclavicular approach due to a higher chance of first pass success rate and a lower rate of complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Severe acute pain occurs in more than 10% of patients within the first 36 h after a cesarean section and can significantly impact women's satisfaction. The aim of this study was to compare the transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block for postoperative pain relief following cesarean section operations with the most famous analgesia (intrathecal morphine) used for a cesarean section regarding its efficacy and complications. Patients and methods This interventional double-blinded randomized controlled study was carried out on 60 cases, who underwent an elective cesarean delivery. They were randomized into two groups; patients were divided into two equal groups. Group M received intrathecal 150 μg morphine in a 0.5 ml volume, mixed with 10 mg of hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% in a 2 ml volume (total volume 2.5 ml). Group B received intrathecal 10 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% 2 ml volume+0.5 saline (total volume 3 ml) and at the end of surgery the patient received bilateral TAP block with a 20 ml volume of 0.25% bupivacaine on each side. Results Postoperative heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, mean arterial blood pressure, and intraoperative Bromage score were insignificantly different at all-time measurements between both groups. Visual analog score and postoperative Bromage score at 2, 3, and 4 h were higher in group B than group M (P<0.001). Time of rescue analgesia was significantly prolonged in group M than group B (P<0.001). Total paracetamol and morphine doses were significantly lower in group M than group B (P<0.001). Conclusions TAP block is a good alternative technique to intrathecal morphine in reducing postcesarean section pain, with less postoperative nausea and vomiting and pruritus compared with intrathecal morphine (ITM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Egypt, the climate has a direct impact on the dried date fruit production. The traditional drying method or open sun drying (OSD) leads to pollution of the final product caused by sand-laden winds, rain, or animals and harmful insects, etc. This study is aimed at designing, implementing, and experimentally validating a solar dryer based on IoT technology and integrated with a PV system in Aswan, Egypt. The purpose of the dryer is to monitor and control the quality of the three most popular date fruit varieties and determine the most effective drying method, with an algorithm that operates the system automatically for optimal performance and high-quality products. The automatic solar dryer (ASD) significantly affects the final moisture content and color characteristics and reaches the equilibrium moisture content (EMC) at a faster rate for dried date samples compared to the OSD. The drying rate of ASD was 29.03% (Sakkoti), 31.04% (Malkabi), and 25.49% (Gondaila) higher than OSD. Also, the dried date fruit samples reached EMC on the ASD after 8 days for both Malkabi and Gondaila and 9 days for Sakkoti, while it took 14 to 15 days on OSD. The maximum open circuit voltage V oc , short circuit current I sc , and output power P output were 41.70 V, 8.84 A, and 365.09 W, respectively. All values of total color change ( Δ E ∗ ) after open-air drying of dry date varieties were higher than solar drying for both drying systems. This study can be then more helpful for producers of dried foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to determine some physical and mechanical properties of Nesma, Masa and 2020 tomato cultivars that are considered as a database for tomato cutting machine designing and development. The physical properties were studied the axial dimensions, average diameter, arithmetic diameter, geometric diameter, mass, density, surface area, packing coefficient, sphericity, and aspect ratio of the tomato fruits. The mechanical properties were studied the static coefficient of friction and the firmness. The results showed that the average value of axial dimensions, the high (H), largest diameter (Dmax.), and lowest diameter (Dmin.) of samples was 73.98, 69.26 and 61.03, 63.28, 59.89 and 53.32, and 70.99, 53.86 and 49.60 mm for cultivars of tomato fruits Nesma, Masa and 2020, respectively. The average value of arithmetic diameter, Geometric diameter of three cultivars of tomato were 69.26, 58.76, 58.11 and 67.69, 58.52, 57.33 mm, respectively. And the mean value of mass and density were 181.74, 120.14, 109.96, and 0.991, 0.991, 0.972 g cm-3 respectively. While the mean value of the surface area, packing coefficient, sphericity, and aspect ratio were 144.61, 107.93, 103.65 cm2, 0.533, 0.572, 0.562., 92.13%, 92.67%, 81.11%, and 94.48%, 94.99%, 76.39 % respectively for three. The lowest values of static coefficient of friction were 0.427, 0.266, 0.242 with plywood while the highest value was 0.566, 0.310, 0.388 with rubber of three cultivars respectively. And means values of the firmness were 4.70, 5.95, and 4.9 N cm-2 for three cultivars, respectively. The results obtained may be beneficial to developers and manufacturers of harvesting, transporting, handling, packing, sorting, grading, and cutting tomatoes for drying purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nociceptive and neuropathic post-operative discomfort of moderate severity is related to inguinal hernia operations. The Wong-Baker FACES pain rating scale, the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain are all used to measure pain. Objective: To control the postoperative pain in patients undergoing open inguinal hernia. Methods: Pain Control, Undergoing Open Inguinal Hernia and Visual Analogue Scale were searched for in PubMed, Google Scholar, and The Egyptian Knowledge Bank. Systemic analgesic methods (such as opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), localised analgesic methods (such as quadratus lumborum block (QLB)), and a multimodal approach to perioperative recovery were used to control postoperative pain. High postoperative pain scores were seen in patients with high pain levels in the first week following surgery, patients who had recurrent hernia repairs, patients who had high levels of pain prior to surgery, and patients who had outpatient surgery were all risk factors for inguinal hernia postoperative pain. Only the most current or comprehensive studies were included after the authors thoroughly filtered references from the pertinent literature, which comprised all the recognised studies and reviews. Conclusion: After open inguinal hernia surgery, a multimodal analgesic strategy (a mix of localised and systemic analgesia) is particularly successful at reducing postoperative discomfort and promoting early mobilisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a localized analgesic method for the abdomen wall on the anterolateral side. Ultrasound (US) guided TAP blocks are currently regarded as the gold standard. It is simple to obtain US images; it could be utilized in several surgical procedures including the abdominal wall on the anterolateral side. Though, US-guided TAP blocks' effectiveness varies, that may be owing to the variety of techniques used. The approach chosen has an effect on the area included and the duration of the block. To examine the true analgesic consequences of TAP blocks, we standardized the nomenclature system and defined all methods. While a single-shot TAP block has a restricted period, it remains an applicant for the analgesia threshold for abdominal wall operation due to the possibility of overcoming this restriction using the catheter method and liposomal bupivacaine. TAP blocks could be used more effectively to attain improvement of pain control with an integrated nomenclature and the advance of catheter method and/or local liposomal analgesics. Objective: This review discusses the nomenclature system and current improvements in TAP block approaches. Methods: The databases were searched for articles published in English in 4 data bases [PubMed - Google scholar-Egyptian bank of knowledge -Science direct] and Boolean operators (and, or, not) had been used such as [Transversus abdominis plane block AND Internal Oblique Muscle OR Ultrasound guided] and in peer-reviewed articles between January 2000 and August 2021. Conclusion: With the improvement in US method, the successful rate and protection of TAP blocks have clearly enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Misr Journal of Agricultural Engineering is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Keloids are common fibroproliferative tumors, and their treatment still represents a dilemma. Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) injection is effective, but frequently associated with side effects. Pentoxifyllin (PTX) is a vasodilator, anti‐inflammatory, and antifibrotic agent. Its intralesional injection in keloids has not been evaluated yet. Aims: Evaluating the efficacy and safety of intralesional PTX versus intralesional TAC and their combination for treatment of keloids. Patients/Methods: Thirty patients with keloids were divided into three equal groups and treated by intralesional injection of TAC, PTX, or their combination (admixed in 1:1 ratio). Injections were repeated every 3 weeks until lesional flattening or for maximum of 5 sessions. The evaluation was done using the Vancouver Scar Scale and the Verbal Rating Scale for pain and itching. Results: A significant improvement in VSS was detected in all groups. Significantly better improvements in keloid height, pliability, pain, and itching were detected in the TAC and combination groups than in the PTX group. There was a significantly higher incidence of side effects (atrophy, hypopigmentation, telangiectasia, and precipitation of TAC) in the TAC group than in the combination group, while no side effects were reported in the PTX group. A statistically significant reduction in the number of treatment sessions (required to achieve best results) was detected in patients in the combination group. Conclusions: Intralesional injection of PTX is a potentially helpful, safe, and well‐tolerated therapeutic tool for keloids, but with lower efficacy than intralesional TAC when used solely. Combining PTX and TAC produces significantly better results for keloid treatment and lowers the risk of TAC‐induced side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Misr Journal of Agricultural Engineering is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Misr Journal of Agricultural Engineering is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background and aim Tennis elbow is an abuse condition that out comes in pain over lateral side of elbow, provoked by activities involving gripping and manipulating objects by hand. It is frequently a consequence of participation in activities requiring repetitive manual tasks with awkward wrist positions. Tennis elbow has a variety of treatment options, starting from nonoperative treatment, including conservative treatment, bracing, and physiotherapy, to the last line of treatment being surgical intervention. Materials and methods A systemic review was performed using Google, PubMed, and Medline for a period from 2015 to 2019 comparing three methods of tennis elbow treatment: steroid injection, open surgery, and arthroscopic surgery. Results A total of 21 studies included 2055 patients treated by arthroscopic surgery. Overall, 3638 patients were treated by open surgery and 633 patients were treated by steroid injection. Conclusion This systematic review looked at high-level evidence to compare arthroscopic technique, open surgical technique, and steroid injection. There were no clinically significant differences among the three techniques (open, arthroscopic, and steroid injection) according to postoperative pain intensity (visual analog scale). Steroid injection had the least complication rate, with early return to work, but had higher recurrence rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background& Aim: Several treatment forms have been utilized to remove the pain following laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids and local anaesthetics, however none has elucidated harmonious effectiveness. So, this study aimed to estimate the effectiveness of intraperitoneal (IP) lidocaine with tenoxicam on relieving the pain and bowel recovery post LC. Methods: A prospective clinical trial was performed in the General Surgery department, Zagazig University Hospitals, Egypt, between March 2019-March 2020. Such study was done on 126 patients suffered from chronic calcular cholecystitis categorized into two groups: Group (A): patients underwent LC without IP lidocaine or tenoxicam and Group (B): patients underwent LC with IP lidocaine and tenoxicam. Results: There was no significant variations among both groups concerning demographic and clinical characteristics. Furthermore, there was no significant variations concerning operation time or anesthesia time. Pain control satisfaction score (PCSS) was significantly higher in Group B. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was significantly lower at Group B from two-six hours with no significant variation at eight & 12 hours at rest or movement. The time of 1st demanded analgesia was earlier in Group A and total analgesia dosage was significantly higher between Group A. Group B was significantly shorter concerning bowel sound/h, oral intake/h, ambulation/h, and hospital stay/day. The shoulder pain and nausea were significantly correlating with Group A and also vomit was higher in Group A but not statistically significant. Conclusions: IP lidocaine with tenoxicam administration is a viable alternative when seeking to alleviate postoperative pain among patients undergoing LC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of including the fractured vertebra in the short‐segment fixation of thoracolumbar (TL) fractures. Methods: A total of 32 patients with thoraco‐lumbar fractures, selected between August 2013 and February 2016, were managed by short‐segment fixation with screws at the level of the fracture, and decompression was performed only for patients with neurological deficits. The patients' functional outcome was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain and the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) score for neurological condition. All patients were followed up with radiographs. Results: Patients with complete neurologic deficits (n = 3) did not show any neurologic recovery. All ASIA B patients improved to ASIA C. Five ASIA C patients improved to ASIA E. The remaining five ASIA C patients improved to ASIA D. All ASIA D patients improved to ASIA B. At the final follow‐up examination, the mean anterior vertebral height was 21 ± 5 mm, indicating no significant height loss during the follow‐up period. Conclusion: Short‐segment fixation of TL fractures with inclusion of the fracture level into the construct offers good correction of segmental kyphosis, vertebral wedging, and vertebral height loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Management of open diaphyseal tibial shaft fractures can be comminuted due to lack of soft tissue coverage and blood supply of the tibial shaft. Open reduction and internal fixation [ORIF] with plates and screws achieves stability, allows joint mobilization but does not allow early weight bearing which as a stimulus is a must for early union. Closed reduction and intramedullary fixation compromise the intramedullary blood supply and increases the risk of infection in open fractures. Ilizarov is considered safe in treating these open injuries, at the same time it has the advantages of easy application, minimal invasive, and convenient subsequent soft tissue repair. Objective: The aim of current study was to evaluate treatment of open comminuted diaphyseal tibial fracture by ilizarov external fixator; its effective, availability, outcomes and complications. Patients and Methods: This prospective study included a total of 10 patients with comminuted tibial diaphyseal fractures managed with early Ilizarov external fixator, attending at Alharam Hospital. This study was conducted between Feb 2018 and July 2019. General assessment indicators included pain, complete union, deformity in comparison to healthy limb, infection, leg limb discrepancy, stiffness and activity of the patients were analysed. Results: Follow-up of all participants for analysis was done. The follow-up time was 17 months. Three cases developed ankle stiffness. The average total range of knee motion in our cases was 130.5 (range 125-140). A significant limp occurred only in 3 cases. NO persistent limp persisted in our cases. Fifteen patients had minimal pain at the site of fracture. Signicant pain occurred in three cases. Pin site infection occurred in 7 patients. All the patients achieved full union and activity. Excellent results were obtained in 4 cases (40%). Good results were obtained in 3 cases (30%) with overall good to excellent results were about (70%). Fair results were obtained in 3 cases (30%). Conclusion: It could be concluded that the Ilizarov external fixator is a golden horse for orthopedic surgeons. It holds wonderful promise in the management of open diaphyseal tibial shaft fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interest in nanoparticles has increased rapidly over the last few years, becoming one of the most compelling scopes of research fields. The microbial methods utilized for biomediated nanoparticle synthesis are the most favourable and well-established substitute for the classic chemical and physical methods. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were biosynthesized by reducing Ag+ions using a cell-free supernatant derived fromBacillus aeriusculture and silver nitrate (AgNO3) solution as a precursor. The reaction mixture exhibited a colour change from yellow to brown, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy showed a surface plasmon resonance peak at 420 nm. The nanoparticles were monodispersed and spherical with an average particle size of 20.12–29.48 nm as determined by transmission electron microscopy. The Fourier transform infrared spectrum revealed the capping of AgNPs with biomolecular compounds that were responsible for the reduction of AgNO3to AgNPs. The biosynthesized AgNPs had powerful and potent antibacterial activity against many multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens. Moreover, thein vitrodose-dependent antioxidant activity of the aqueous extract of AgNP components showed good antioxidant activity as compared to the standard antioxidant ascorbic acid. These outcomes support the advantages of green techniques for synthesizing AgNPs that can be utilized effectively in the production of potential antioxidant and antibacterial AgNPs for commercial application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the potential application of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as antimicrobial or nematicidal agents produced by the extremophile Bacillus pumilus, which was isolated from the alkaline Wadi El-Natrun Lake in Egypt. The AgNPs were characterized by ultraviolet--visible absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The size of AgNPs formed ranged from 20.12 to 29.48 nm. Panagrellus redivivus was exposed to different concentrations (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 µg/mL) of AgNPs in a 5mL nematode suspension (1 x 10³ mL-1). The best result occurred at AgNP concentrations of 150 and 200 µg/mL, with death rates of 80 and 91%, respectively, following 48 h of exposure. AgNPs also exhibited potent antimicrobial properties when using Gram-negative and Gram-positive human pathogens, with MIC and MBC values of 5 and 10 µg/mL, respectively. These laboratory assays prove that biologically synthesized AgNPs are an ecofriendly material that can be used in lieu of solvents or toxic chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Pressure ulcers have complex etiopathogenesis. They are localized mainly in the pelvic region over the bony prominences of sacral, ischial, and trochanteric areas. The fundamental surgical treatments are debridement with excision of the underlying bursa and the involved bone tissue, followed by tissue coverage. Aim This study reports our experience in repairing pelvic pressure sores with the V-Y advancement flaps and analyzes our results in terms of morbidity and recurrence. Methods A prospective study was conducted between Jan 2013 and Dec 2015 of 15 patients (11males, 4 females), withmean age of 43.5 years, with grade IV pelvic pressur sores (9 sacral, 6 ischial). 2 ulcerswere recurrent and 13 were primary. Themean ulcer size was 11.8 × 7.1 cm. The sacral bed sores were covered by the gluteus maximus (GM) fasciocutaneous V-Y advancement flaps (2 unilateral and 7 bilateral flaps) while the ischial bed sores were covered by the biceps femoris (BF) fasciocutaneous V-Y advancement flaps in 4 cases, BF myocutaneous V-Y advancement flap in 1 case and vertical GM fasciocutaneous V-Y advancement flap in 1 case. Results All flaps survived completely with no complications in 11 patients. Complications occurred in 4 cases (26.7%); (1 hematoma, 1 wound infection, 1 small wound dehiscence (1.5 cm) and 1 distal superficial flap necrosis), all treated conservatively without necessitating 2nd operation. During the follow up period from 8 to 20 months (mean- 13.2 months) only one case of ulcer recurrence (6.7%) that was treated by re-advancement of the same flap. Conclusion We can conclude that the success of pressure ulcer surgery depends not only on the appropriate flap choice but also on patient education and compliance. However, the V-Y advancement flaps offer a reliable and robust coverage of sacral and ischial pressure sores even recurrent ones with minimal donor site morbidity, accepted rate of complications, low recurrence rate and preservation of future reconstructive options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sex chromosome mosaicism results in a large clinical spectrum of disorders of sexual development (DSD). The percentage of 45,X cells in the developing gonad plays a major role in sex determination. However, few reports on the gonadal mosaic status have been published, and the phenotype is usually correlated with peripheral lymphocyte karyotypes, which makes the phenotype prediction imprecise. This study was conducted on 7 Egyptian DSD patients to demonstrate the effect of sex chromosome constitution of both blood lymphocytes and gonadal tissues on the phenotypic manifestations. Conventional cytogenetic and FISH analyses of blood lymphocytes were conducted, and laparoscopy with gonadal biopsy was performed for histopathologic examination and FISH analysis. Gonosomal mosaicism was detected in 3 patients who had a non-mosaic chromosome pattern in blood lymphocytes. Two patients showed the same type of sex chromosome mosaicism in both the blood and gonadal tissues but with different distributions. Two other patients revealed a non-mosaic pattern in both tissues. The present study elucidates the importance of examining sex chromosome mosaicism in gonadal tissues of DSD patients and highlights the critical role of 45,X mosaicism which can lead to serious effects during early gonadal organogenesis. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dysphagia is an important complication of acute stroke. Aspiration pneumonia is the most important acute complication of stroke related dysphagia. Objective: To estimate the frequency and risk factors of pneumonia in acute stroke patients fed by nasogastric tube. Methods: This prospective study was done on 50 consecutive patients with acute stroke who were given tube feeding because of dysphagia. The study was done in Zagazig university hospitals, over one year period (Sept 2012 to Sept 2013). All patients were assessed daily for the presence pneumonia. Results: Pneumonia was diagnosed in 44% of the tube fed patients. As measured by the NIHSS score, patients who acquired pneumonia, were more severely affected than patients without pneumonia. Patients with decreased consciousness and severe facial palsy are at high risk of pneumonia. Conclusions: Decreased consciousness and severe facial palsy are risk factors for development of post-stroke pneumonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to figure out the potentiality of a cytochrome b gene as a barcoding tool in discriminating native chicken strains and other Gallus gallus species. We performed PCR amplification using universal primer to amplify around 415 bp fragment of cytochrome b gene of mtDNA. The results revealed that all Saudi chicken strains were identical to each other but when compared with other species of Gallus the differences were exciting. The phylogenetic tree revealed that there were seven clusters represented for native strains and were clustered together especially in black strain and dark brown ones. The results have confirmed that using cytochrome b gene to discriminate between Saudi chicken strains and other species of G. gallus fowl was a very sufficient tool. Moreover, we can consider short fragment of cytochrome b gene of mtDNA as a universal DNA barcode region. It was a much more accurate and efficient tool to discriminate interspecies than intraspecies. We think it needs more studies to confirm this concept, and we have to apply that tool for many species of vertebrate and invertebrate as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. This work was constructed in order to assess the nutritional and functional status in hospitalized elderly and to study the associations between them and sociodemographic variables. Methods. 200 elderly patients (>65 years old) admitted to Internal Medicine and Neurology Departments in nonemergency conditions were included. Comprehensive geriatric assessments, including nutritional and functional assessments, were done according to nutritional checklist and Barthel index, respectively. Information was gathered from the patients, from the ward nurse responsible for the patient, and from family members who were reviewed. Results. According to the nutritional checklist, 56% of participants were at high risk, 18% were at moderate risk of malnutrition, and 26% had good nutrition. There was a high nutritional risk in patients with low income and good nutrition in patients with moderate income. Also, there was a high nutritional risk in rural residents (61.9%) in comparison with urban residents (25%). Barthel index score was significantly lower in those at high risk of malnutrition compared to those at moderate risk and those with good nutrition. Conclusions. Hospitalized elderly are exposed to malnutrition, and malnourished hospitalized patients are candidates for functional impairment. Significant associations are noticed between both nutritional and functional status and specific sociodemographic variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SSDSDD [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are proved to be unique fluorescent labels providing excellent possibilities for high-throughput detection and diagnostics. To explore in full QDs’ advantages in brightness, photostability, large Stokes shift, and tunability by size fluorescence emission, they should be rendered stable in biological fluids and tagged with the target-specific capture molecules. Ideal QD-based nanoprobes should not exceed 15nm in diameter and should contain on their surface multiple copies of homogeneously oriented highly active affinity molecules, for example, antibodies (Abs). Direct conjugation of QDs with the Abs through cross-linking of QDs’ amines with the sulfhydryl groups issued from the reduced Abs’ disulfide bonds is the common technique. However, this procedure often generates conjugates in which the number of functionally active Abs on the surface of QDs does not always conform to expectations and is often low. Here we have developed an advanced procedure with the optimized critical steps of Ab reduction, affinity purification, and QD–Ab conjugation. We succeeded in reducing the Abs in such a way that the reduction reaction yields highly functional, partially cleaved, 75-kDa heavy–light Ab fragments. Affinity purification of these Ab fragments followed by their tagging with the QDs generates QD–Ab conjugates with largely improved functionality compared with those produced according to the standard procedures. The developed approach can be extended to conjugation of any type of Ab with different semiconductor, noble metal, or magnetic nanocrystals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Rib fractures are very common and are detected in at least 10% of all injured patients, the majority of which are because of blunt thoracic trauma with road traffic collisions being the main cause. Pain management of the acutely injured patient with rib fractures can be difficult for even the most experienced emergency physician. Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of serratus anterior muscle plane block as a regional analgesic technique performed in patient with fracture ribs. Patients and Methods: Randomized, controlled study was carried out in Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, Sohag University Hospital. Forty patients with lateral multiple rib fractures were included in this study. All patients were suffering from excruciating pain and were not responding to conventional analgesics. The patients were randomly assigned into two groups, 20 patients each. Group A, for whom serratus anterior plane block (SAP) was done and Group B, for IV morphine infusion. Results: In Group A, the mean pain score decreased from 9.1 ± 0.7 to 0.6 ± 0.7 after intervention. In group B, the mean pain score improved from 9.3 ± 0.8 to 1.15 ± 0.8 after IV morphine infusion. Pain scores gradually decreased. There were no significant difference between the two groups when the other trauma surveys were compared. Conclusion: Ultrasound guided Serratus Anterior Plane block is an effective technique for providing analgesia in patients with anterior and lateral rib fractures with fewer risks of complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dexamethasone has a powerful anti-inflammatory action and has been demonstrated to reduce morbidity after surgery. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a single i.v. dose of dexamethasone in combination with caudal block on postoperative analgesia in children. Patients and methods: Sixty pediatric patients (aged 2-10 years) undergoing hypospadias repair surgery were included in this prospective, randomized, double-blinded study at Sohag University Hospital. After induction of general anaesthesia, children received either dexamethasone 0.5 mg ∕ kg (maximum 10 mg) (n=30) or the same volume of saline (n=30) i.v. A caudal anaesthetic block was then performed using 1 ml ∕kg of bupivacaine 0.25% in all patients. Results: After surgery, rescue analgesic consumption, pain scores, and adverse effects were evaluated for 24 h. The time to first administration of acetaminophen (rescue analgesia) was significantly longer in the dexamethasone group (11.35 ± 2.36 hr vs 8.75 ± 1.33 hr) with a significant value of 0.01. Total amount of the analgesia required (paracetamol) was significantly lower in dexamethasone plus caudal block group than the caudal block alone (430 mg vs 680 mg) respectively. Conclusion: Postoperative pain scores were lower in the dexamethasone group and the incidence of adverse effects was similar in both groups. Intravenous dexamethasone 0.5 mg ∕ kg in combination with a caudal block augmented the intensity and duration of postoperative analgesia without adverse effects in children undergoing hypospadias repair surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: First described paravertebral block (PVB) to provide abdominal analgesia in 1905. This technique has been modified for rib fracturing, flail chest, hepatic-biliary operations, open cholecystectomy, inguinal hernia repair, breast tumors operations and thoracotomies. PVB was shown to be as successful as thoracic epidural analgesia with less minimal complications in recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Objective: To evaluate the effect of paravertebral block and Thoracotomy to the other technique in issues analgesia, complications. Conclusion: Paravertebral block is a very useful regional anaesthetic technique for surgeries, Paravertebral block was shown to be as successful as thoracic epidural analgesia with less minimal complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Reconstruction of soft tissue defects overlying the Achilles tendon has always been a challenge. Various modalities of reconstruction have been described to resurface such defects. We aimed to assess the functional and cosmetic outcomes of all patients who had undergone reconstruction of small and medium sized soft tissue defects of the Achilles region using local fasciocutaneous island flaps., Methods: This retrospective study was conducted from January 2020 to June 2022. 15 patients with small (≤ 30 cm 2 ) and medium (30-90 cm 2 ) sized soft tissue defects of the tendo-Achilles region, underwent reconstruction with local fasciocutaneous island flaps and had complete medical records, were included., Results: Thirteen patients were male (86.7%). The mean age was 53.2 years. 5 cases (33.3%) had post-traumatic open AT injuries with skin avulsion, while ten patients (66.7%) had suture line complications after open repair of spontaneous Achilles tendon rupture. Defect sizes ranged from 12 to 63 cm2. Reverse sural flap was used in 5 patients (33.3%) and medial plantar flap in 10 patients (66.7%). All flaps survived completely. Complications were detected in 3 patients (20%); 1 distal superficial necrosis in a sural flap and 2 marginal minimal graft loss. Functional outcome was good in 12 patients (80%), excellent in 1 patient (6.7%) and fair in 2 patients (13.3%). 13 patients (86.7%) were satisfied with the cosmetic results., Conclusion: Local fasciocutenous island flaps are reliable and simple solutions for covering small to moderate soft tissue defects overlying the Achilles Tendon, with acceptable functional and cosmetic outcomes., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests.