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Ahmed Mahrous,1 Ebaa Alagha,1 Tariq Almutairi,2 Fahad Albishi,2 Ibrahim Alfayomi,3 Nawaf Rasheed3 1Restorative Department, Vision Colleges, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; 2Internship Program, Vision Colleges, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; 3Faculty of Engineering, King Abdul-Aziz University, Jeddah, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Ebaa Alagha Email drebaaialagha@gmail.comPurpose: This study analyzed the stress distribution of restored principal abutments in free-end saddle partial dentures.Materials and Methods: The mandibular second premolar was modeled with class II cavity restored with composite resins (Tetric N Ceram and Charisma Smile). Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to examine the stresses under 200-N static load vertically and horizontally and the results were graphically illustrated in the form of von Mises stresses.Results: The von Mises stress distribution patterns of two different composite resins (Tetric N Ceram and Charisma Smile) were very similar in all modes of loading.Conclusion: Composite resins with a similar modulus of elasticity in class II cavities with occlusal rest seat preparation had similar stress distributions.Clinical Significance: Nanohybrid composite resin restorations may be a possible method for preparing abutments for receiving elements of the removable partial denture (RPD).Keywords: composite resin, finite element analysis, rest seat, RPD

A newly synthesis composite thin films of poly(vinyl chloride) has been refinement with ionic liquid, where PVC dissolved in THF with various concentrations of IL by casting method to form the composite thin films, without any reaction and IL dangles within PVC matrix. The thin films were examined by the diffusive reflectance device under the wavelength range (238–1300 nm). The XRD, EDX, and AFM techniques were utilized to discover the structure of the PVC matrix after additive IL. The XRD analysis illustrated the amorphous structure of the films, while the EDS analysis illustrated the main composition of pure PVC and composite PVC/IL. The optical properties and optical parameters were studied. The reflectance, extinction factor, transmittance, and imaginary dielectric constant declined, the absorption value was between (80–89 %), and the refractive index, real dielectric constant, and optical conductivity were increased. The indirect energy gap declined from 4.2 eV to 2.2 eV and the direct energy gap declined from 3.7 eV to 2.6 eV. The Urbach energy was increased from 2.09 eV to 15.45 eV revealing an increase in the disorders of electrons. The Ed increased from 23.42 eV to 70.68 eV and Eo increased from 7.00 eV to 10.88 eV. AFM analysis illustrated the roughness of the films increased after additive IL to the PVC Matrix from 1.08 nm to 4.45 nm and the root mean square of the particles ranged from 1.57 nm to 5.56 nm. The PVC composite thin films are utilized in solar cell and sodium-ion battery applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consequential effects of heavy metal consumption by man suggest the need for plant assessment for bio-concentration and translocation potentials. This study aimed at comparing the potential of dent maize with sweet maize for phytoremediation of Chromium (Cr) and Nickel (Ni) contaminated soils. Soil samples were taken randomly to a depth of 20 cm. Out of the samples taken; about 500 g of the samples were homogenized, dried, sieved, and used for the determination of soil physicochemical properties. The remaining soil samples were used to fill the polythene bags for the plant growth. The experimental design used was 22 by 2 general factorial design consisting of 4 treatments (1 g/dm3 of Ni (NO3)2.6H2O; 3 g/dm3 of Ni (NO3)2.6H2O; 1 g/dm3 of Cr (NO3)2.9H2O and 3 g/dm3 of Cr (NO3)2.9H2O), 2 replicates of each and the control. The setup was made for each of the maize types. Three seeds of maize were planted on each of the soil samples at a depth of 4 cm and the setup was properly monitored. Soil samples were analyzed at day 1 and every 14 days interval in a period of 70 days after planting (DAP). The result of the initial analysis of the soil samples indicates that the control soil sample contained 0.17+0.002 mg/kg of Cr and 0.03+0.001 mg/kg of Ni for soil seeded with both the dent and sweet maize. The mean concentration of Cr and Ni from the soil samples taken from soil contaminated with 1g treatment were 1.24+0.001 mg/kg and 1.43+0.002 mg/kg respectively, while that contaminated with 3g treatment has 3.98+0.02 mg/kg of Cr and 2.96+0.02 mg/kg of Ni. The results also show a reduction in the heavy metal concentrations of the soil through the 70 days of planting. The Cr and Ni contents of the two maize types increase with the increase in the amount of metals (3 g > 1 g> control) in the soils in which they were seeded. Though, the two types of maize are good phytoplant, sweet maize is more active in Cr removal than dent maize. The two maize types are better in bioaccumulation than in translocation. The growth of the plants was not retarded by the presence of the metal which shows their tolerance and effectiveness in remediating Cr and Ni contaminated soil. The use of this technology will help in attaining sustainable development goals as it addresses the problem of environmental degradation while the subsistence agriculture will be promoted and hence poverty will also be alleviated or eradicated.

Poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) films modified with ethylenediamine (en) and doped by nanoparticles (TiO2, ZnO, NiO, and MgO). A mixture of 0.5 g PVC/en dissolved in THF and 0.01 wt % of nanoparticles were used in doping PVC to produce the nanocomposite films. All modified PVC films were characterized by different analysis techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer (NMR), diffusive reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The DRS was used to analyse the scattered IR energy of the samples at wavelengths between (250–1350 nm). The optical properties and oscillator strength were also studied, the transmittance and reflectance values declined for the PVC films, and the absorption coefficient was observed between (79–89 %). The direct energy gap decreased from 4.6 to 1.9, and the indirect energy gap reduced from 4.3 to 1.9. The XRD exhibited a semi‐crystalline structure and the SEM test exhibited a porous structure of all samples. The Urbach energy was increased from 0.8772 eV to 14.712 eV, single oscillator energy (Eo ${{E}_{o}}$) was also increased from 6.38 eV to 13.69 eV and the dispersion energy (Ed) ${{(E}_{d})}$ increased from 23.40 eV to 70.63 eV. Moreover, the surface roughness parameters Ra and Rq of the PVC films in modified and doping were increased from 3.86 nm to 8.14 nm, and 5.08 nm to 10.10 nm respectively. So, PVC results show increased optical properties after modification with en and doping by NPs are used in the light conversion and aerospace industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to measure a group of hormones related with infected individuals with the shortage of the growth hormone by studying 150 patients in comparison with 50 samples taken from normal individuals as a control group. The study included investigation GH gene via polymerase chain reaction technology (PCR) by two primers designed specifically for this study (GH3, GH4). The results showed that mutations occurred in 12 individuals from the samples, 8% for GH3 , whereas the GH4 showed no absence or disorder in the sequence of bases. The results of Sequencing using the Blast program showed appearance of many mutations of deletion mutations and insertion mutations , and substitution mutations of two types of transition and transversion. The concentration of hormones has been measured were human Testosterone hormone , Prolactin hormone ,Cortisol hormone ,The results showed a highly significant differences in the levels of the averages of hormonal analysis , as well as a significant decrease in the average length of individuals and high moral appeared in body mass index(BMI) under the moral under the moral level of P ≤ 0.05.

Promote the conductivity of the nanocomposite thin films Co3O4:Cr2O3/C to produce a spectroscopic selective surface with high performance to absorb solar light. The nanocomposite coating Co3O4:Cr2O3/C has been fabricated by a spin coating method and casting method. Different concentrations of nanoparticles (Co3O4:Cr2O3) were immersed in the carbon ash (C) to comprise the economic nanocoating. The XRD test of the patterns has been carried out for all the specimens to prove the crystalline structure of nanocomposite thin films. The nanocomposite thin film Co3O4:Cr2O3/C has been tested at a frequency range between 375 kHz and 1.5 MHz, and the electrical properties of the thin films have been investigated for real and imaginary of the dielectric constant, conductivity, volume with surface energies of losses, and loss factor. The content of carbon (C) in the nanocomposite Co3O4:Cr2O3/C is fixed ratio (7% wt.), but the concentration of Co3O4 has various ratios (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5% wt.), and Cr2O3 has several ratios (2.5, 2, 1.5, 1, and 0.5% wt.), that have the symbols F, G, H, I, and K. These nanoparticles exhibited a worthy improvement in the structure of carbon ash, thereby, the XRD inspection of topography confirm the nanocomposite Co3O4:Cr2O3/C thin films have a crystalline structure. Generally, the results have demonstrated that these nanocomposite Co3O4:Cr2O3/C thin films have good conductivity. Therefore, thin films of nanocomposite can use in photovoltaics, solar cell, and coating over a flat plate collector owing to their properties as the high absorption to light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, the poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)-nano-chitosan thin films were prepared, and the influence of filling Cr2O3 and TiO2 nanoparticles on the lattice was investigated. PVC and nano-chitosan (15 wt.%) were dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (THF) to ultimately form thin films by the casting method. The thin films' optical properties were characterized via a diffusive reflectance device within an approximate wavelength range of 250 to 1300 nm. Furthermore, the transmittance, reflectance, refractive index, absorption, optical conductivity, skin depth, dielectric constant, and Urbach energy were computed. The absorbance values of plain and NPs-filled thin films ranged between 92 and 99%. Also, the energy gap of films filled with NPs was reduced in the direct transmission from 3.9 to 2.9 eV and in the indirect transition from 3.0 to 2.55 eV. However, similar behavior for the Urbach energy was observed. The Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to study the interaction between the PVC and nano-chitosan as a new polymer composite. The X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) test showed a crystalline structure of the thin films, while the microscopic and atomic force microscopy (AFM) images demonstrated a good dispersion of nano-chitosan and NPs within the PVC lattice. The synthesized films could be good candidates for optoelectronics, glass processing, and ceramic production applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovatory nanocomposite comprising nanomaterials Co3O4:Cr2O3 and carbon (fuel ash) was designed to absorb solar energy. Different concentration ratios of Co3O4 and Cr2O3 nanoparticles were utilized as a dopant for fuel thin films synthesis via spin and casting methods on glass and aluminum substrates. The optical properties of the modified films demonstrated in the range of 250 to 1300 nm. The data were interpreted in terms of a phonon‐assisted theory. Energy gap (Eg) of doped C was calculated with different concentration ratios of Co3O4:Cr2O3 (0.5:2.5, 1:2, 1.5:1.5, 2:1, 2.5:0.5) wt%, and fixed concentration of C in 7wt%. The results showed Eg of the doped samples in the range of 2.9 to 3.9 eV. In addition, the intensity of the solar radiation was measured. The absorptivity was in the range of 88 to 93.6%. The above results are comparable to those of semiconductors and have high absorptivity values when the nanocomposite was utilized on a flat plate collector as a coating to trap and absorb solar energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comparative study was planned to explore the modulating impact of metformin, Lipitor or orlistat against the metabolic syndrome components, including hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. Also, the effects of these drugs on leptin and adiponectin as biomarkers of metabolic syndrome in a rat model were investigated for the first time. The administration of these drugs each alone to metabolic syndrome induced rats markedly ameliorated the increase in blood glucose, normalized the serum insulin and the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and reduced triglyceride, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The alterations in serum leptin and adiponectin levels in metabolic syndrome induced rats were significantly modulated by these drugs. Metformin was the most effective drug in modulating most of the studied parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease characterized by insulin deficiency or peripheral resistance resulting in hyperglycemia. Hyperuricemia has been reported with increased risk of renal insufficiency. The objective of the study was to determine the association of uric acid with blood pressure in type 2 diabetic patients. Methods: In this study eighty patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were included. No patient had history of gout or history of using antihypertensive or uric acid lowering drugs. HbA1c was performed on Hemoglobin - Testing System (D-10-Biored Laboratories). Serum uric acid (UA), serum creatinine and plasma glucose were measured on fully automated chemistry analyzer (Metrolab - 2300). Results: The study population consisted of 80 subjects, among them 32 (40%) were male and 48 (60%) were female. Among 80 subjects, the age limit started from 50 years to 68 years with mean of 58.16 ±. Mean HbA1c level was 7.63 ± 1.6, mean uric acid level 5.86 ± 0.97 and mean creatinine level was 0.86 ± 0.20. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 124 ± 11.78 and 82.50 ± 8.49 respectively. Uric acid levels are correlated with blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) in diabetic patients. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated a strong correlation between serum uric acid and systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels in type 2 diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: Potential health hazard is associated with the wide use of nanoparticles. The prophylactic role of either α- lipoic acid (α -lip) or vitamin E (vit E) against the toxic effect of zinc oxide nano-particles (ZnONPs) induced metabolic disorder, inflammation and DNA damage in rat livers was studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ZnO-NPs were administered orally using two doses (600 mg and 1 g/kg body weight/day for 5 consecutive days). Some biomarkers of tissue damage, metabolic disorder, and DNA damage were investigated to explore the protective mechanisms of α -lip or vit E against ZnO-NPs induced hepatotoxicity. RESULTS: Co-administration of either α -lip (200 mg/kg body weight) or vit E (100 mg/kg body weight) daily for three weeks to ZnO-NPs intoxicated rats, significantly down-modulated the marked increase in serum ALT (marker of liver damage) and also serum glucose level (marker of metabolic disorder) as well as the pro-inflammatory biomarkers including nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF- α), interleukin- 6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and immunoglobin G (IGg). Reduced glutathione level was decreased while caspase3 level was elevated in liver tissues of ZnO-NPs treated group compared with intoxicated one. Moreover histopathological examination of liver tissue supported the previous biochemical markers. Furthermore, ZnO-NPs induced hepatic oxidative DNA damage. CONCLUSIONS: Either α -lip or vit E proved to be hepatoprotective agents against ZnONPs toxicity because they ameliorated metabolic and immune disorders related to liver damage and modulated the previous measured parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Total laboratory automation (TLA) is a relatively new way of improving the management of high volume clinical laboratories. TLA may reduce staff, reduce operating costs, decrease testing time and provide enhanced process control. OBJECTIVES: Establish a cost efficient TLA that is less labor intensive, improves productivity and reduces turnaround time (TAT). DESIGN: Implementation of TLA for random glucose and troponin-T as sentinel tests to compare change in TAT. SETTING: Tertiary hospital with high volume of laboratory tests. METHODS: Routine patient samples for random glucose and troponin-T were used to capture TAT. Information on staff grades and schedules before and after implementing the TLA, and cost of contracts to deliver the service were collected. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: TAT, cost efficiency, and reduction in labor. RESULTS: The consolidation of contracts resulted in a reduction of 28.8 million SAR in direct costs. Staffing cost was reduced by 1.14 million SAR with less senior staff required; there were reductions in staff at both senior and junior level. The overall TAT for all tests was reduced by 32% in 2016 (after TLA implementation) compared to 2012 (before TLA implementation). The median TAT for random glucose tests was reduced by 21% (to 55.7 minutes in 2016 from 70.1 minutes in 2012). Evidence of test optimization by exploring the impact of stat tests, auto-dilutions and reruns on the overall TAT of the TLA is shown by comparing troponin T TATs after reclassifying stat tests (in 2016) to routine (in 2017). At the 75th percentile, there was a 27% reduction in TAT when comparing August 2016 to March 2017 with a 19% reduction in median TAT. CONCLUSION: By moving from stat to routine assays, the TAT was reduced, which is counter-intuitive. The use of stat assays slowed down the performance of the TLA. A careful review of the mix of assays should be conducted to maximize performance and to ensure that the system delivers what is required. LIMITATIONS: Room for improvement by systematically analyzing and reviewing the impact of making minor changes that could have significant impact on TAT. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None.

Therapies targeting central stress mechanisms are fundamental for the development of successful treatment strategies. Ocimum sanctum (OS) is an Indian medicinal plant traditionally used for the treatment of various stress-related conditions. Previously, we have isolated and characterized three OS compounds; Ocimarin, Ocimumoside A and Ocimumoside B. However, their role in modulating chronic stress-induced central changes is unexplored. Thus, in the present study the efficacy of these OS compounds have been evaluated on the chronic unpredictable stress (CUS)-induced alterations in the monoaminergic and antioxidant systems in the frontal cortex, striatum and hippocampus, along with the changes in the plasma corticosterone levels. CUS (two different types of stressors daily for seven days) resulted in a significant elevation of plasma corticosterone level, which was reversed to control levels by pretreatment with Ocimumoside A and B (40mg/kg p.o.), while Ocimarin showed no effect. The levels of NA, DA and 5-HT were significantly decreased in all the three brain regions by CUS, with a selective increase of DA metabolites. A significant decrease in the glutathione (GSH) content, the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase with a significant increase in the glutathione peroxidase activity and lipid peroxidation was observed in all the three regions of the brain by CUS. The OS compounds alone did not cause any significant change in the baseline values of these parameters. However, Ocimumoside A and B (40mg/kg body p.o.) attenuated these CUS-induced alterations with an efficacy similar to that of standard anti-stress (Panax quinquefolium; 100mg/kg p.o.) and antioxidant (Melatonin; 20mg/kg i.p.) drugs. While, Ocimarin failed to modulate these CUS-induced alterations. Therefore, this is the first report which identified the anti-stress activity of novel Ocimumoside A and B at the level of central monoamines and antioxidant properties, implicating their therapeutic importance in the prevention of stress-related disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Boswellia serrata Linn. tree is commonly found in India. The therapeutic value of its gum (guggulu) has been known to possess good anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-proliferative and analgesic activities. Oleo-gum resins from Boswellia species are used in traditional medicine in India and African countries for the treatment of a variety of diseases. Methods: Chromatographic techniques were used for separation of components from different extracts of plant parts. This study was planned to develop a fingerprint profile of drug extracts from different parts of Boswellia serrata Linn. i.e., bark, gum and leaf in different solvents such as petroleum ether, chloroform and water. Results: A high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) method for the separation of the active constituents in Boswellia serrata extracts has been developed and TLC of these extracts on silica gel precoated aluminium plates of Merck by automatic TLC applicator and using solvent gradient system was performed. Conclusion: The HPTLC method for routine quality control of present species can be carried out using this method for different extracts of plant parts and serve in standardization of the drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dried fruit of Physalis alkekengi Linn. (Fam. Solanaceae) is called as Kaknaj in the Unani system of medicine and used as diuretic, antiseptic, corrective of liver and sedative. Standardization of this drug is the key factor in regulating the therapeutic efficacy. Organoleptic parameters are not enough in establishing the standards of herbal drugs. Instrumental analysis of herbal drugs, which gives a more concrete picture regarding the qualitative and quantitative aspects of bioactive molecules, is widely accepted in the quality assessment of herbal drugs. However, such work related to traditional herbal medicines is lacking or in infantile stage. In the present study, morphological and physicochemical parameters and HPTLC finger print studies of Physalis alkekengi have been carried out and the results provide referential information for standardization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With global realization that use of synthetic drugs is not safe on the long run, the medical fraternity at large is looking at alternatives from natural sources to combat diseases particularly those wherein conventional modern system of medicine has little to offer. On one hand, this realization has increased demand for herbal drugs and on the other hand need for quality standardization of these drugs has increased. Central Research Institute of Unani Medicine, Hyderabad, being engaged in multidisciplinary research in Unani Medicine, has taken up standardization of herbomineral drugs used in this system of medicine. One such drug "Qurs-e-Luk" that is widely used by the practitioners of this system in mobilizing and reducing body fat has been utilized for standardization by modern techniques, so as to ascertain its quality. Methods: The parameters which were carried out are pharmacognostic studies, physicochemical parameters, high-performance thin layer chromatography, microbial load, aflatoxins, heavy metals, and pesticidal residues revealing specific identities for the particular drug and to evaluate pharmacopoeial standards. Results and Conclusion: Results suggest that the drug is safe for therapeutic use and its batch to batch identification for quality control is possible on the basis of present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Standard sternal precautions are prescribed for six to eight weeks following median sternotomy and include measures such as avoiding >10 lb weight lifting, overhead movements, and driving. However, postoperative complications have declined in large part due to advances in sternal closure techniques from traditional wire cerclage to sternal plating. A single published report from overseas suggested that current precautions may be unnecessarily restrictive and result in increased recovery time and reduced quality of life post sternotomy. To date, there is no published US study that investigated the psychosocial outcomes following median sternotomy. We hypothesize that reduction in sternal precautions will lead to a higher quality of life without compromising sternal integrity. In this single-center, prospective 1:1 randomized study, we plan to enroll 64 patients who will undergo sternotomy for open heart surgeries (excluding heart transplant and LVAD implantation) at University of Chicago Medical Center into either standard of care or self-managed precautions groups. The former group requires strict adherence to current institutional sternal precautions, while the latter group will be guided by comfort and/or pain based on self-perceived and self-assessed physical limitations. English-speaking patients between the ages of 18-70 receiving a first-time median sternotomy are eligible for enrollment. For eight weeks post discharge, a quality of life EQ5D questionnaire will be administered weekly via telephone by a medical professional who will separately verify adherence to the assigned protocols as well as document occurrence of major adverse clinical events. The primary objective of this study is to determine whether patients in the self-managed group can achieve increased quality of life as compared to the standard sternal precautions group following median sternotomy without increase in adverse clinical events. The findings could potentially provide strong evidence for updated and uniform sternal precautions protocols that eliminate outdated restrictions and enhance overall quality of life post sternotomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimal outcomes in patients undergoing lung transplantation requires significant utilization of resources. We, therefore, evaluated the association of primary payer type with outcomes after lung transplantation. Using the UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing) registry we studied 15129 first-time lung transplant recipients from January 2000 to December 2017 and compared all-cause mortality at 1 year. Single lung (N=4524) and double lung (N=10605) recipients were subgrouped by payer type: Medicaid (32% and 27% respectively), Medicare (26% and 18%), and commercial insurance (42% and 54%). Primary payer type was not significantly associated with inferior outcomes at 1 year following both single-lung (P=0.447) and double lung transplant (P=0.531). Insurance was also not a predictor of worse outcomes following single lung transplant after 3 years (P=0.107). However, insurance type was associated with different outcomes in double lung recipients at 3 years (P=0.028) and remained significant predictors of early mortality after adjustment for covariates in multivariate Cox proportional hazard ratio analyses (P<0.05). These data are among the first to provide insight into the impact of insurance status on patient outcomes for a modern cohort of lung transplant recipients. All-cause mortality after single-lung and double-lung transplantation did not differ significantly by payer type after 1 year. However, primary payer type was associated with 3-year outcomes following double lung transplant. More research is needed to confirm and define the reasons for insurance type playing a role in outcomes after double lung transplant as compared to single lung transplant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Friction Stir welding (FSW) parameters, which play a vital principle, that impact on the mechanical, microstructural properties of the weldment because of the warmth produced by the contact between the instrument and work-piece, An AA6061-T6 aluminum composite plate with measurements (186*150*4) mm3 welded through various rotational paces 800, 1000, 1200 and 1450 rpm, the created heat measured through thermocouples embedded in study zones of the Weldment, a Finite Element model have been executed by utilizing ANSYS 12.1 bundle charges to ponder the temperature appropriation amid stay stage, the outcomes demonstrates a decent assention between the after effects of exploratory and hypothetical tests. The most extreme temperature measured at this condition was 0.71 from the liquefying temperature of the sample at a maximum rotational speed of (1450) r/min.

Hemoglobin Barts hydrops fetalis syndrome is the most severe and generally fatal clinical phenotype of α-thalassemia. We diagnosed a fetus at 23-weeks gestation with having hydrops fetalis, by ultrasound. At 32 weeks, intrauterine death was detected. Molecular studies revealed that the fetus had the hemoglobin Barts hydrops fetalis syndrome due to homozygosity for the Mediterranean α-thalassemia deletion. This clinical phenotype is generally rare in the Eastern Mediterranean, and this is the first report of this syndrome from Iraq. Techniques for molecular characterization became available only very recently in this country, in a diagnostic setting. Thus, the detection of further cases might be expected in future.

Currently accepted clinical guidelines recommend ischemic times of no longer than four to six hours. To maximize organ supply, ischemic times beyond this are sometimes necessitated. We sought to determine whether graft ischemic time is independently associated with all-cause survival in a large, contemporary cohort of single and double lung transplant recipients. Data from adults undergoing initial isolated lung transplantation in the UNOS (United Nation for Organ Sharing) registry from January 2010 to December 2017 were included and compared for all-cause mortality at 1 year. Within single lung transplants, patients were further stratified into 3 ischemic time groups: <3 hours (17%), 3-4.5 hours (45%), 4.5-6 hours (28%), and >6 hours (10%). Meanwhile, in the double lung transplant cohort, ischemic time subgroups were as follows: <4.5 hours (26%), 4.5-6 hours (39%), and >6 hours (35%). Ischemic time had no impact on survival following single lung transplantation whether defined categorically (P=0.546) or continuously (HR, 0.986; 95% CI, 0.960-1.011; P=0.272). However, ischemic time was associated with significantly reduced survival following DLT in both definitions (P<0.001). After adjustment for potential confounders, the difference remained significant (HR, 1.041; 95% CI, 1.023-1.059; P<0.001). The results of this large contemporary cohort suggest that the relationship between graft ischemic time and 1 year all-cause survival is not uniform across lung transplant types. Ischemic time was significantly associated with risk of reduced survival in double lung but not single lung transplant recipients. Both graft type and ischemic time should be incorporated in the decision-making process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Polystyrene (PS) was doped with nanoparticles of titanium dioxide (TiO 2) by casting. • Different ratios of TiO 2 (1 %, 2 %, and 3 %) to prepare the nanocomposite films of PS. • Optical features of PS/TiO 2 nanocomposite films were affected by DBD plasma system. • The energy gap declined, the real and imaginary dielectric constants were computed. • XRD examination shows a semi-crystalline and crystalline structure of PS/TiO 2 films. Organic plastics have been used due to their impressive chemical and mechanical properties, though, there is still room for improvement to achieve higher dielectric permittivity. In the present work, the blank polystyrene (PS) was doped with nanoparticles of titanium dioxide (TiO 2) at different ratios (1 %, 2 %, and 3 %) employing the casting method. The blank PS and nanocomposite films of PS/TiO 2 have been exposed to the cold DBD plasma system. Subsequently, calculations including the absorption coefficient, refractive index, extinction factor, energy gap, and dielectric constant (real and imaginary) were conducted. Results show that the absorption coefficient and refractive index were increased, and the extinction factor was decreased due to the high absorption. Real dielectric constant increased after the doping process, while the imaginary dielectric constant had minimal values in loss of absorption indicating small losses in absorption. The XRD examination shows semi-crystalline and crystalline structures. Applying this method might have a broad application in various devices used in cutting-edge electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) application to agricultural fields warrants curtailing nitrous oxide (N2O) emission and ammonia (NH3) volatilization for improved use efficiency with a less environmental footprint of N. As a means of mitigating N2O emissions, the efficacy of nitrification inhibitors (NIs) is well established but the efficacy of NIs in reducing NH3 volatilization is not well understood. The study investigated the efficacy of neem oil, pomegranate leaf extract, and dicyandiamide (DCD) coating on prilled urea for reducing N2O emissions and the trend of NH3 release using static air closed chamber technique in an incubation room. The results showed that all NIs reduced N2O flux in the order of 37%-42% by DCD urea, 19%-34% by neem oil coated urea (NOCUs), and 11%-16% by pomegranate leaf extract coated urea (PLECU). However, over uncoated urea, 43%-54% NH3 flux was increased by DCD, 10%-32% by NOCUs, and significantly the least increase (5%-14%) in NH3 cumulative flux was shown by PLECU. Dicyandiamide significantly reduced N2O flux more than all other treatments, and PLECU showed the least increase in NH3 emission when compared with other coated treatments. Hence, it is suggested that neem oil and pomegranate leaf extract could be used successfully not only for mitigating N2O emission, but also lessen environmental damages in association with managed N intense agriculture. Moreover, research focus on the increase in NH3 volatilization using DCD needs serious attention, especially in alkaline calcareous soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Literature has reported conflicting findings on racial disparities in clinical outcomes in patients with advanced heart failure. In this study, we sought to investigate whether racial differences influence clinical outcomes after LVAD implantation. We retrospectively analyzed 208 patients who underwent durable LVAD implantation at a US tertiary medical center between January 2010 and April 2020. Patients were divided into three racial groups: Caucasian (45.4%), African American (44.4%), or Other (7.9%) and compared for all-cause mortality and freedom from readmissions. No difference in survival was seen between the two racial groups at 1 year (P=0.36) and 3 years (P=0.59). Similarly, no difference in freedom from readmission was seen between the two groups at 1 year (P=0.468) and 3 years (P=0.521). After adjusting for relevant covariates, African American race was not a significant predictor of reduced survival at 1 year (HR, 1.88; 95% CI, 0.40-8.85; P=0.42) or 3 years (HR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.45-2.7; P=0.83). When distinguished, Asian and Hispanic patients did not have significantly different outcomes from Black or White patients (data not shown due to small sample size). In this single center retrospective study, African American patients had similar survival to Caucasian patients in both the short- and long-term after LVAD implantation, and that patients of all races have similar clinical outcomes following LVAD despite different preoperative clinical profiles. Optimal care in a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary cardiac center with program-wide patient assistance and risk mitigation measures may help eliminate racial disparity in clinical outcomes for LVAD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Stanford Integrated Psychosocial Assessment for Transplantation (SIPAT) is a validated psychosocial risk assessment tool widely used in evaluation of heart transplant candidates. We explored its usefulness and re-purposability in predicting post-operative clinical outcomes in the LVAD patient population. 145 patients implanted with a durable LVAD at a US tertiary medical center between January 2010 and April 2020 were retrospectively enrolled. Patients were risk-stratified into three groups by SIPAT score based on commonly accepted thresholds of <6 as excellent (31.7%), 6-20 as good (53.8%), and >20 as acceptable/poor (14.5%). The enrolled patients were predominantly male (68.3%) with a mean age of 54.8 years and mean overall SIPAT score of 12.4. When defined continuously, SIPAT score was not a significant predictor for survival at 1 year (HR, 0.995; 95% CI, 0.927-1.068; P=0.897) or 3 years (HR, 0.989; 95% CI, 0.942-1.039 P=0.666). There was no significant difference in survival between patient groups of different SIPAT strata at 1 year (P=0.888) or 3 years (P=0.743) or in freedom from readmission at 3 years (P=0.389). Additionally, no differences were observed when subgroup analysis was performed by device type. Several published studies have reported conflicting findings regarding SIPAT's applicability in the LVAD population. In this contemporary single center study, we showed that SIPAT score has no direct correlation to survival or free from readmission following LVAD implantation. Further study may help identify potential contributors (e.g., implementation of a comprehensive patient/family assistance protocol) to the observed enhanced clinical outcome and reduced disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different phytochemicals from various plant species exhibit promising medicinal properties against cancer. Juniperus phoenicea is a plant species that has been found to present medicinal properties. Herein, crude extract and fractions of J. phoenicea were examined to determine its anticancer properties against several cancer cells. The active fraction was chosen to assess its activity on cell cycle progression and apoptosis induction by annexin and propidium iodide (PI) biomarkers. Further, phytochemical screening for possible contents of active fraction using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was conducted. It was demonstrated that cell proliferation was suppressed, and the MCF-7 cell line was the most sensitive to J. phoenicea chloroform fraction (JPCF), with the IC50 values of 24.5 μg/mL. The anti-proliferation activity of JPCF in MCF-7 cells was linked to the aggregation of cells in the G1 phase, increases in early and late apoptosis as well as necrotic cell death. Contents analysis of JPCF using GC-MS analysis identified 3-methyl-5-(2′,6′,6′-trimethylcyclohex-1′-enyl)-1-penten-3-ol (16.5%), methyl 8-oxooctanoate (15.61%), cubenol (13.48%), and 7-oxabicyclo [2.2.1] heptane (12.14%) as major constituents. Our present study provides clear evidence that J. phoenicea can inhibit cell proliferation, trigger cell cycle arrest, and induce apoptosis in tested cancer cells.

Underrepresentation of women in academic medicine has been a longstanding issue. While there has been an increase in the fraction of women in medical school and residency programs, this has not translated to female representation in national and international conferences across many medical specialties, with continued presence of all-male speaking panels or "manels". The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) and the Canadian Association of Radiation Oncology (CARO) host two large annual radiation oncology conferences. We aimed to assess the prevalence and longitudinal trends of manels and gender representation at these meetings during 2018-2021. We hypothesized that both conferences would have a decrease in manels and increased representation of female panelists over time Using ASTRO and CARO online programs, 2018-2021 faculty information was obtained. Data collected included perceived or self-reported gender, panel role (chair vs. non-chair), type of session, and topic. Primary outcomes included percentage of manels and proportion of female panelists over time. Female representation among chairs, and topics were also evaluated. During 2018-2021, across both conferences there were a total of 905 sessions with 3,061 faculty members, of which 1,338 (44%) were females, and 222 (25%) panel sessions were manels. At ASTRO meetings, with a total of 2,825 faculty members and 815 sessions, 1223 (43%) were females and 199 (24%) panel sessions were manels, with similar results seen at CARO meeting, with a total of 236 faculty members and 90 sessions, 115 (49%) were females and 23 (26%) panel sessions were manels. Over time, there was a significant decrease in the proportion of manels, at ASTRO from 38% in 2018 to 12% in 2021 (p<0.001) with a corresponding increase in proportion of female panelists from 38% to 48% (p=0.01). At CARO, the proportion of manels decreased from 29% in 2018 to 18% in 2021 (p=0.2), and the proportion of female panelists increased from 40% to 61% (p=0.005). The role of chair was majority male in every year from 2018 to 2021 at ASTRO (56% overall) and CARO (74% overall). Among session type, the highest proportion of manels was observed for leadership sessions (37%, p=0.3) at ASTRO and for educational and scientific sessions (27%, p=0.003) at CARO. The lowest proportion of female panelists were on the topics of genitourinary cancers (34%, p=0.034) at ASTRO and genitourinary cancers and physics (33%, p=0.038) at CARO. Overall, at both ASTRO and CARO conferences the proportion of manels has decreased over time and both have seen an increase in the number of female panelists. However, there are specific topics/specialties where females remain particularly underrepresented. ASTRO and CARO should strive to further increase female involvement reflective of the expertise and representation in the field, and consider eliminating manels altogether. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative damage is an established outcome of chronic stress. Thus, the present study was designed to investigate the modulatory role of ethanolic extract of Evolvulus alsinoides (EA) in terms of oxidative alterations at peripheral and central level in rats subjected to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). CUS exposure for 7 days reduced Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase and catalase activity with increase in glutathione peroxidase activity and lipid peroxidation, while decrease in reduced glutathione level in blood plasma, frontal cortex and hippocampus regions of brain. Oral administration of EA extract at 200mg/kg p.o. normalized these stress induced oxidative alterations with an efficacy similar to that of melatonin. Further, EA extract was taken up for detailed chemical investigation. Two new flavonol-4'-glycoside, kaempferol 4'-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3) and kaempferol 4'-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (5) were isolated, along with eight known compounds (1, 2, 4 and 6-10). The structures of new compounds were established by detailed spectroscopic studies, while known compounds were characterized by direct comparison of their reported NMR data. All these compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant activity. Compounds 3, 5, 9 and 10 at 100 and 200 microg/ml showed significant in vitro antioxidant activity. Therefore, EA may hold great potential in preventing clinical deterioration in stress induced oxidative load and related disorders. (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]