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This study aims to map the rock types in the Um Had region by integrating remote sensing applications of Landsat-8 (OLI) image processing, field studies, and petrographic investigations. The present work involves updating the existing geological map of the Um Had area in the central Eastern Desert, Egypt, due to the lack of a precise and accurate geological map. Several rock types dating to the Neoproterozoic Era, including oceanic crust (ophiolitic and island arc) and continental crust assemblages, originated in the region during two tectonic stages (late to post-orogenic and syn-orogenic). Remote sensing technology is already widely utilized for various geological domains like mineralogy, lithology mapping, geomorphology, and others. In our study, it is specifically used for lithological mapping. We utilized the optimum index factor and correlation coefficient methods to identify the most effective results from False-Color Composite (FCC), Principal Component Analysis (PC), and Band Ratio (BR). These techniques, combined with supervised classification, enabled us to distinguish among different rock units based on their spectral signatures. All results were combined with the previously mentioned techniques that include principal component images (PC1, PC4, and PC3; PC2, PC3, and PC4) and band ratio images (2/4, 5/7, and 5/3 × 2; 4/2, 5/6, and 6/7). Consequently, this supported the geological mapping and confirmed the field and petrographic investigations. This approach enabled the identification of seventeen distinct rock units, namely serpentinite, biotite schist, talc schist, metabasalt, metaandesite, metadacite, metarhyolite, metagabbro, quartz diorite, tonalite, rhyolite, granodiorite, monzogranite, syenogranite, siltstone, graywacke, and conglomerate. A comparative analysis of the newly modified and created lithological maps with previously published maps of the Um Had region significantly enhanced the accuracy and robustness of geological mapping and rock unit identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flooding risk assessment clearly shows the urgent need for an evaluation planning program to mitigate hazards for vital areas. The Nile Valley area is always attacked by flooding; therefore, managing geohazards in these areas is critically important to find a relationship between flash floods and groundwater recharge potentials. The Wadi El-Assiuti basin is considered one of these important areas in the Eastern Desert of Egypt. Therefore, this article evaluates flash floods and groundwater recharge potentials for the El-Assiuti basin. A risk map of flash flooding was produced for the sub-basins in the El-Assiuti basin using several integrated approaches. The high spatial resolution of ALOS PALSAR DEM data has been applied in this study. The Wadi El-Assiuti catchment is classified into 31 sub-basins. Twenty morphometric parameters were analyzed and interpreted to evaluate the hazard of flooding. The flooding and recharging groundwater potentials for sub-basins in the study area were determined using El-Shamy's model. According to the hazard ranking methods, three sub-basins (9.67% and 2.19% of the total number and area of sub-basins under study, respectively) are of moderate flooding hazard, 15 sub-basins of high hazard (48.38% and 11.54%), 11 of very high hazard (35.48% and 54.66%), and two sub-basins of extreme hazard (6.45% and 31.6%). Therefore, we recommend that decision-makers construct some dams downstream of high hazard degree sub-basins to reduce the risk of flooding or create artificial lakes to receive rainfall water and for sustainable development in the present and future, especially in the promising areas like the Wadi El-Assiuti basin. Our findings could serve as a potential guide to decision-makers in disaster geohazard reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Smartphones provide various functions that facilitate our communication, organization, and entertainment in different situations. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a method measuring tissue microstructure as well as white matter integrity of the brain and detecting early changes. Several research studies recently aim to utilize conventional MRI for assessing brain structural alterations among smartphone users, but our study was aimed at identifying the DTI value while assessing white matter alterations in Egyptian youth with smartphone dependence. Results: Our prospective case–control study involved fifty-three individuals with smart phone dependence (SPD group) as well as twenty-five volunteers who represented the control group. SPD individuals and controls were right-handed. The SPD group mean age exhibited 20.54 ± 1.56 years, while controls exhibited 26.8 ± 15.1 years. When utilizing smart phone addiction scale-short version, SPD group median total score exhibited 33. The diagnostic performance of fornix (fractional anisotropy) FA and external capsule fractional anisotropy (EC FA) regarding area under curve (AUC) exhibited significant increase as opposed to all other tested regions, with a sensitivity of 90.6% as well as a specificity of 96%. While regarding the mean diffusivity (MD), the greatest (AUC) was for EC (0.927, p < 0.001), in which the MD value = 0.825 was the cutoff value and able to diagnose the smart phone dependency with a sensitivity of 92.5% as well as a specificity of 76%. Conclusions: Quantitative DTI parameters (FA, MD) in different white matter regions can diagnose and detect white matter changes in excessive smartphone users even when conventional MRI data are normal. This study demonstrates the recent noninvasive MRI technique value while revealing covered brain white matter alterations in Egyptian youth due to smartphone overuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: We performed recent literature review with the aim to address the updates in diagnosis and management of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). Recent Findings: There are multiple recently published studies that collectively lead to an organized stepwise plan for diagnosis and management of IC/BPS. Summary: IC/BPS is a common health condition that can be managed efficiently if the appropriate steps are taken in diagnosis and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To report the safety and efficacy of holmium laser and compare its results with cold knife visual internal urethrotomy (VIU) in the management of short segment urethral stricture. Methods: This prospective randomized study included 66 male patients aged more than 18 years, with short segment bulbar urethral strictures < 2 cm from March 2020 to March 2022. The patients were randomized into two groups each containing 33 patients. In group A (Cold knife group), Sachse cold knife was used for stricture treatment. In group B (Holmium group), internal urethrotomy was done with Ho:YAG laser. Patients were evaluated before the operation and followed up after the operation at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months by physical examination, IPSS, PVR, Qmax and retrograde urethrography. Results: There was significant improvement in the mean values of IPSS, PVR and Qmax in both groups. There was no significant difference between both groups in the mean values of IPSS, PVR and Qmax during follow-up visits. However, at the end of follow-up at one year there was statistically significant difference between both groups in the mean values of IPSS, PVR and Qmax due to higher recurrence rate in cold knife group than laser group. The overall complication rate is significantly lower in laser group (p = 0.014). Conclusion: Holmium laser VIU is an effective and safe treatment option for short segment urethral stricture with shorter operative time, less complication rate and less recurrence than cold knife VIU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses in detail the ability of Landsat-8 remotely sensed data to recognize and map Neo-proterozoic basement rocks in the Igla area. The Igla area in the Central Eastern Desert of Egypt is covered by a variety of Neo-proterozoic rocks comprising three tectonostratigraphic assemblages: ophiolitic, island arc, and late-to-post-tectonic assemblages. Lithological and structural mapping was achieved using Landsat-8 image data analysis, field verification, and microscopic studies. Image enhancement techniques have been applied using correlation coefficient and optimum index factor for selecting the best false-color composite, principal component analysis (PCA), and band ratio images. Based on spectral signatures, the supervised classification provided useful information and substantially improved geological mapping. The spectral measurements of the rock samples from the study area were integrated with previously obtained data, and the improved and enhanced methods were used to yield good results. Principal component analysis (PCA) (PC4, PC1, and PC3) and band ratio (6/5, 4/3, and 2/1) and (4/2, 6/7, and 5/6) in RGB with supervised classification techniques have been proven to be the best for distinguishing between the different rock units. A comparison between the map in the current study and the published geologic maps of the Igla area and field verification indicates that the present mapping, identification, and discrimination of lithological units are more accurate and much better. Accordingly, we recommend the present processing enhancement using remote sensing techniques for geological studies in the Eastern Desert of Egypt and similar arid areas worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Individuals experiencing absolute homelessness have complex needs but limited access to services, contributing to high rates of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this article is to describe the perceived unmet service needs of individuals experiencing absolute homelessness, identify their barriers to care, and examine factors associated with specific unmet service needs. Methods: Using a cross-sectional survey, 150 individuals experiencing absolute homelessness were recruited from Edmonton's inner city and adjoining areas. The majority of participants were male (71.3%) and self-identified as Indigenous (74.0%). An adapted version of the Perceived Need for Care Questionnaire was used to measure past-year unmet needs for 4 types of services: hospital care, counselling, skills training, and harm reduction. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were used; odds ratio and confidence intervals were calculated for statistically significant outcomes. Results: Overall, 89.3% of participants perceived a need for care for one or more general health and social services during the past year regarding their substance use and/or mental health problems; participants reported the highest levels of unmet need for counselling (42.9%) and skills training (39.2%). Though 73.3% of participants reported receiving any service, only 8.0% of participants reported having their perceived needs fully met. Conclusion: In this study, individuals reported a high percentage of unmet needs. By interacting and engaging with these hard-to-reach individuals, healthcare systems will be more equipped to service them and address their barriers to care. Better patient-centred care, housing and supports for this neglected and underserved population is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, rapid land use land cover (LULC) changes have continuously taken place in many regions all over the world as a result of human activities. In the present study, the changes in LULC were analyzed by means of multi-temporal remote sensing of Qena-Luxor Governorates in Egypt between 1984 and 2018. In order to map and monitor the land use land cover changes, several remotely sensed data were applied to create multi-maps using (1) the normalized difference vegetation index and (2) supervised classification of Landsat images using field chick and accuracy assessment, including field verification and Google Earth Professional. Therefore, the lands in the study area can be classified as follows: (1) agricultural lands, (2) built-up areas, (3) water bodies, (4) reclaimed lands, and (5) desert lands. The results indicate that agricultural lands grew from an average of 1238.7 km2 (9.8%) in 1984 to 1707.04 km2 (13.40%) in 2018 and urban lands increased from 345.2 km2 (2.7%) in 1984 to 445.28 km2 (3.5%) in 2019. Furthermore, the reclaimed lands increased approximately from 4379.7 km2 in 1984 (i.e., 34.4% of the total study area) to 4521.05 km2 in 2000 (35.507%). However, this class was followed by a marked decline to 4373.51 km2 (34.35%) between 2000 and 2010 and then increased to approximately 4442 km2 (34.89%) between 2010 and 2018. Desert lands (limestone plateau and some lowland desert fringes) decreased from 6635.4 km2 (52.2%) to 6003.5 km2 (47.15%). The results showed that the overall accuracy of the supervised classification of Landsat satellite images ranges from 87 to 92.5% while kappa statistics were from 0.83 to 90. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flooding and seismic activity analysis clearly shows the urgent need for an evaluation planning program to mitigate hazard for the vital areas. The Red Sea coastal area is always exposed to the risk of flash floods and earthquakes; therefore, the management and determination of geo-hazard in these areas are critically important. A risk map was produced for the study area by integrated flash flooding and seismicity data. Several valuable data have been applied to accomplish this work which include ALOS-PALSAR, satellite images, and earthquake data. Seismic hazard assessment was performed using probabilistic earthquake hazard assessment; Results of the iso-acceleration maps and hazard curves for a return period of 475 years showed that the seismic hazard values increase from southern to northern parts. The morphometric parameter interpretations illustrate that 6 sub-basins (40% of total sub-basins) are of high-flooding hazardous, 5 sub-basins of moderate hazard (33.33%), and 4 of low hazard (26.66%). Finally, geo-hazard map results markedly increase from south to north in the study area. So, we recommend that some dams and channels should be constructed in vital sites along and at the end of the channel Wadi to protect it against flood hazards along the Red Sea Coast for long-term sustainable development without problems. These findings can be a potential guide for decision-makers in disaster geo-hazard reduction in this interest coastal area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study critically analyzes changes in land use and land cover by means of multi-temporal remote sensing of Najran City in Saudi Arabia between 1975 and 2019. A number of remotely sensed data were employed to create multi-maps using: (a) the normalized difference vegetation index; (b) head-up digitizing; and (c) supervised classification of Landsat images using field observation and accuracy assessment, including field verification and Google Earth Professional. Criteria from a well-known technique of environmental assessment, the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), were used to critically analyze land use and evaluate levels of sustainability, with particular focus on ecology. Therefore, land around Najran can be characterized as follows: (1) Najran valley; (2) agricultural land; (3) built-up areas; (4) reclaimed land; (5) basement rock; and (6) desert. The results indicate that agricultural land grew from an average of 39.81 km2 (1.07%) in 1975 to 218.51 km2 (5.9%) in 2005, although this was followed by a marked decline between 2005 and 2019. Urban land increased from 1.12 km2 (0.031%) in 1975 to 154.35 km2 (4.13%) in 2019. Furthermore, there was approximately 1289.47 km2 of reclaimed land in 1975 (i.e., 34.64% of the total area study area) but approximately 1151.1 km2 (30.86%) in 2019. There was a small amount of desert (i.e., sand dunes) in the study area, and no change was recorded in the basement rock. This study analyzed these land changes, likening them to BREEAM criteria of ecology and land use. A number of unsustainable practices were potentially resulting in serious land contamination and pollution of both surface and ground water, as well as an increased risk of flooding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to evaluate the radioactivity levels and radiological impacts of representative neoproterozoic rocks: monzogranite, dokhan volcanics, syenogranite, granodiorite, gabbro and metabasalt samples collected from Wadi Um Huytat region in central eastern desert of Egypt using HPGe detector and Alpha GUARD. Remotely sensed data (Landsat 8 OLI) also used in order to appear the high reflectance appearance of neoproterozoic rocks which contain high concentration of radioactive elements. Rhyolite rocks have the highest average concentration of radionuclides of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 222Rn. Our results aimed to shed more light on the spatial distribution of natural radionuclides in neoproterozoic rocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPCNL) as compared to standard PCNL (sPCNL) for management of 2-3-cm renal stones in the flank-free modified supine position. Between September 2010 and December 2013, 150 patients (168 renal units) with 2-3-cm renal stones were prospectively randomized into two treatment groups; Group A (75 patients/87 renal units) treated by mPCNL and Group B (75 patients/81 renal units) treated by sPCNL. In both groups, the patients were placed in the flank-free modified supine position. In mPCNL group, the tract was dilated up to 16.5 F whereas in sPCNL group the tract was dilated up to 30 F. Both groups were compared regarding several perioperative parameters. No significant difference was recorded among both groups regarding fluoroscopy time (4.3 ± 1.3 vs 4.8 ± 2.1 min, p = 0.06), operative time (83.2 ± 17.3 vs 78.6 ± 24.4 min, p = 0.16), hospital stay (4.3 vs 4.5 days, p = 0.76), VAS score (3.2 ± 0.6 vs 3.3 ± 0.8, p = 0.36) and need for analgesia. The mean drop in hemoglobin level and the incidence of bleeding that necessitated blood transfusion were significantly lower in the mPCNL group (0.6 ± 0.1 vs 1.9 ± 1.1 g/dl, p < 0.0001 and 1.2 vs 9.8%, p = 0.03, respectively). Although the stone-free rate was higher in the sPCNL group, but this was statistically insignificant (97.1 vs 95.4%, p = 0.86). Mini-PCNL is effective for managing renal calculi with comparable operative time and stone-free rate to standard PCNL with the merit of higher safety due to lower incidence of bleeding that necessitates blood transfusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing population and the need for improving the living conditions of Egyptian community have resulted in the establishment of new urban areas, industrial zones, land reclamation, and different types of developmental projects. In the Nile Valley, the only available areas for carrying out such activities are the desert fringes surrounding the floodplain on both sides of the Nile Valley. This study examines the use of image processing mapping to landuse and land cover changes for the desert fringes along the Nile Valley between Assiut-Sohag area between 1984 and 2013 (satellite images). The layers of landuse map were digitized by heads-up digitization method in GIS environment. Similarly the layers of landuse map (2013) were generated by supervised classification of satellite imagery. The training site was created by referring landsat7 ETM+ and Landsat 8 satellite imagery with help of GPS (Global Positioning System) coordinates in GIS environment. Supervised classification technique was adopted to classify the satellite image in GIS (Geographic Information System) software environment. The classified image was converted into vector format and estimated the total area of each class by using geometry tools of GIS software. The landuse changes between 1984, 2000 and 2013 were compared and displayed in geographical or map format in 1:100000 scale. Also, this paper describes a study that was carried out to perform supervised and unsupervised techniques on remote sensing data for land cover classification and to evaluate the accuracy result of both classification techniques. The land cover classes for the study area were classified into 5 themes. Ground verification was carried out to check and assess the accuracy of classification based on Google Earth pro. A total of 72 sample points were collected using Systematic Random Sampling. The results showed that the overall accuracy for the supervised classification was 95.8 % where Kappa statistics was 0.78. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Upper gastrointestinal discomfort is common in renal failure patients, whether on dialysis or not, leading to malnutrition. Nitric oxide is a known neurotransmitter of the gut and may have a role in the pathogenesis of upper gastrointestinal discomfort. So, we aimed to study the role of nitric oxide in gastroesophageal motility in chronic renal failure patients. Patients and methods: The study included 60 patients with chronic renal disease and 20 healthy individuals as a control group. Patients were divided into 3 groups. Group 1: 20 patients with chronic renal failure with creatinine clearance between 20 and 40 ml/min. Group 2: 20 patients with end stage renal disease (creatinine clearance <10 ml/min) just before the start of hemodialysis. Group 3: 20 patients on regular hemodialysis, Group 4: 20 healthy individuals as a control group. For all groups, full history and clinical examination, routine laboratory investigations, creatinine clearance, serum Nitrate levels an index of in vivo nitric oxide generation, esophageal manometry and electrogastrogram were done. Results: Serum nitric oxide was significantly higher in patients with chronic renal failure than in healthy controls ( P < 0.001). Number of cases showing esophageal manometry abnormalities was significantly higher in patients with chronic renal failure than in control group ( P < 0.001). There was significant association between the manometric based diagnosis and nitric oxide in chronic renal failure patients, so, the highest level of nitric oxide was found in cases of aperistalsis. Number of cases showing abnormal elrctrogastrogram was significantly higher in patients with chronic renal failure than in control group ( P < 0.007). Significant, weak negative linear correlation was found between nitric oxide and dominant frequency in patient groups, so, nitric oxide level was higher in bradygastric than in tachygastric cases. Conclusion: Serum nitric oxide is disturbed in end stage renal disease whether patients are on dialysis or not. The disturbed serum level of nitric oxide is associated with upper gastrointestinal dysmotility, which in turn may affect nutritional status of chronic renal failure patients and hence affects morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high prevalence of sleep disorders has been reported in patients with renal failure and is linked to cardiovascular complications in those patients. The exact etiology and pathogenesis of sleep disorders are not exactly known. Knowledge of the underlying factors helps to define better management for these complications. The study involved 30 patients with ESRD on regular hemodialysis (HD; group 1) and 20 normal control subjects (group 2). For both groups complete history taking and clinical examination, assessment of sleep disorders using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), biochemical tests, efficiency of dialysis using KT/V in the patient group and plasma interleukin-6 level using ELISA technique were done. Poor sleep (PSQI > 5) was found in 70% of the patient group vs. 15% of the control group with significant differences between group 1 and 2 regarding mean PSQI (p < 0.001; 9.53 ± 5.46, 3.7 ± 2.53, respectively). The greatest sleep disorder in the patient group was sleep efficiency. The PSQI score is independently determined by KT/V (p = 0.03), LDL (p = 0.005), age (p = 0.04), coffee consumption (p = 0.03), Hb (p = 0.024), and IL-6 levels (p = 0.004). Independent predictors for poor sleep are age (p = 0.001), serum albumin (p < 0.001), KT/V (p = 0.001), and IL-6 levels (p < 0.001). Sleep disorders are very common in HD patients. Independent predictors for poor sleep are age, serum albumin, KT/V, and IL-6 levels. Sleep disorders are significantly associated with the efficiency of dialysis and IL-6 levels, which are related to inflammation. Sleep disorders may be a possible cause of the oxidative stress and inflammation in hemodialysis patients contributing to the development of complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]