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Infrared photoconductive detectors working in the far-infrared region and room temperature were fabricated. The detectors were fabricated using three types of carbon nanotubes (CNTs); MWCNTs, COOH-MWCNTs, and short-MWCNTs. The carbon nontubes suspension is deposited by dip coating and drop–casting techniques to prepare thin films of CNTs. These films were deposited on porous silicon (PSi) substrates of n-type Si. The I-V characteristics and the figures of merit of the fabricated detectors were measured at a forward bias voltage of 3 and 5 volts as well as at dark and under illumination by IR radiation from a CO2 laser of 10.6 μm wavelengths and power of 2.2 W. The responsivity and figures of merit of the photoconductive detector are improved by coating the MWCNTs films with a thin layer of a blend (polyaniline - polymethyl methacrylate) polymer with methylene blue dye. The coated MWCNTs films showed better performances, so this type of coating can be considered as a surface treatment of the detector film, which highly increased the responsivity and specific detectivity of the fabricated IR laser detector-based MWCNTs. The photocurrent response for the coated films was increased about 25 times than that for uncoated films. The results proved the role of the polymer in the enhancement of the performance of the IR photoconductive detectors. Keywords: Carbon nanotubes, Infrared detector, Polyaniline polymer, Polymethyl methacrylate polymer, Methyl Blue dye.

In the present work we applied laser photoacoustic spectroscopy (LPAS) to the analysis of food samples. In particular, we analyzed samples of different rice flours (standard and commercial ones). For this purpose, a laboratory system based on quantum cascade laser (QCL) has been developed and characterized. After that, the LPAS spectra of all the rice samples were collected with a standard error of less than 2% of the measured value and a background signal negligible compared to the sample signals. All the experimental LPAS spectra resulted to be rich in spectral features showing clear differences between each other. The experimental spectra were then analyzed by comparison with the FT-IR transition frequency recorded in our laboratory to consent a proper assignment. Finally, to put in evidence the small differences among the various rice types, the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to the recorded LPAS spectra highlighting five different groups corresponding to the five types of samples. In conclusion, the present work demonstrated the discriminating capability of LPAS technique in the case of different types of rice flour samples.

Background: Berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline alkaloid, acts as a multipotent active pharmaceutical ingredient to counteract several types of dementia based on its numerous pharmacological actions including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cholesterol-lowering effect, and inhibition of Aβ production and AChE. However, BBR suffers from poor absorption, bioavailability and brain drug uptake. The present study is directed for the formulation and characterization of Chitosan BBR-Nanoparticles (BBR-NPs) as well as the estimation of its neuroprotective effects against scopolamine induced cognitive impairments. Methods: BBR-NPs were formulated using the ionic gelation method, and tripolyphosphate was chosen as a crosslinker. Nanoparticles size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency and releasing profile were estimated. To investigate the neuroprotective effects, adult fifty-six Wistar male rats were randomly distributed into three control groups, received saline, polyethylene glycol or Chitosan- NPs, respectively; induced group, received scopolamine (2 mg/ kg, i.p.) and three treated groups were orally administrated BBR (50 mg/ kg), BBR- NP (7 mg/ kg) and donepezil (2.25 mg/ kg, as positive control) followed by scopolamine injection after 40 min, daily for 4 weeks. Morris water maze test, oxidative stress parameters, cholinergic and amyloid-β processing intermediates, as well as neuroplasticity markers and histopathological examination were assessed. Results: Our results showed that BBR- NPs were better than BBR and donepezil as BBR- NPs were powerful inhibitory ligands towards AChE and Aβ42 formation and significantly down-regulated Tau, iNOS and BACE gene expression in rats’ hippocampus. BBR-NPs administration, at 1/6 of BBR therapeutic recommended dose, significantly improved learning and memory function. This could be accredited to the diminution of oxidative stress and amyloid-β toxicity in addition to the improvement of the neuroplasticity markers. Conclusions: The enhancing effect of BBR- NPs could be related to the enhancing of its bioavailability, absorption and brain drug uptake, which need more investigation in future work.

Nephron loss by uninephrectomy (UNX) as in renal donors is followed by structural and functional changes in the remaining kidney, and systemic metabolic changes. SIRT1, a NAD-dependent deacetylase, deficiency is implicated in renal fibrosis and dysfunction. We investigated the effects of resveratrol, a plant-derived polyphenol antioxidant and SIRT1 inducer on renal SIRT1 expression and metabolic consequences post-nephrectomy. Adult male UNX rats were administered resveratrol 20 mg/kg/day starting 1-week post-nephrectomy till termination 3, 5 or 7 months later. UNX triggered renal hypertrophy and progressive glomerular fibrosis, with increased serum urea, creatinine and Na+, and proteinuria. The glucose tolerance and lipid profile deteriorated. Resveratrol upregulated renal SIRT1 expression, limited the renal hypertrophy and fibrotic changes, and markedly attenuated renal function and lipid peroxidation. With prolonged resveratrol administration, glucose tolerance and lipid profile were restored to control values. In conclusion, resveratrol may be potentially beneficial as adjuvant therapy in human kidney donors.

Objective: The aim of this study was to acquire supporting data for the rational use of antibiotics in plastic reconstructive surgery in the Ear-Nose-Throat/Head and Neck Surgery Department at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital–Faculty of Medicine Indonesia University. Methods: This pilot study, with a negative trial design, included 12 subjects who were randomly divided into two groups: preoperative prophylactic antibiotic-only group and a combination of prophylactic and postoperative antibiotic group (controls). Results: The results showed that only 1 of the 12 subjects (in the prophylactic antibiotic-only group) developed an SSI. None of the controls (combined-use group) had an SSI. The difference between the two groups was not significant. Conclusion: The use of postoperative antibiotic appears not to be necessary in plastic reconstructive surgery patients to prevent SSIs. Further study, however, is required to support the findings of this study.

Background At the end of 2019, the new Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) strain causing severe acute respiratory syndrome swept the world. From November 2019 till February 2021, this virus infected nearly 104 million, with more than two million deaths and about 25 million active cases. This has prompted scientists to discover effective drugs to combat this pandemic. Area covered Drug repurposing is the magic bullet for treating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2). Therefore, several drugs have been investigated in silico, in vitro, as well as through human trials such as anti-SARS-CoV2 agents, or to prevent the complications resulting from the virus. In this review, the mechanisms of action of different therapeutic strategies are summarized. According to the WHO, different classes of drugs can be used, including anti-malarial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-coagulant drugs, as well as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, antibiotics, vitamins, zinc, neutralizing antibodies, and convalescent plasma therapy. Recently, there are some vaccines which are approved against SARS-CoV2. Expert opinion A complete understanding of the structure and function of all viral proteins that play a fundamental role in viral infection, which contribute to the therapeutic intervention and the development of vaccine in order to reduce the mortality rate. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40005-021-00520-4.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with a multifactorial etiology and significantly increasing incidence during the last decade. Hence, developing an effective therapy is crucial for public health. The current study aimed to examine the dual prophylactic/therapeutic potential of a nutraceutical formula based on aqueous extract of roasted date seeds, and nigella and virgin-olive oils against experimentally-induced Alzheimer's disease in rats. Alzheimer's disease-like pathology was induced in male Wistar rats using oral CuSO4 (200 mg/Kg/day for two months). The nutraceutical formula was given orally to experimental animals (10 mL/kg/d) for 14 days before (as prophylaxis) and after Alzheimer's disease induction and its therapeutic effect in both cases is tested in comparison to donepezil (0.5 mg/kg/d). The nutraceutical formula was found to ameliorate the CuSO4-induced neuronal damage and regenerate the affected hippocampus tissue and significantly improvemed in learning ability. The formula was also effective in decreasing brain amyloid-β, tau protein, TNF-α level, iNOS level in hippocampus, oxidative stress level, and inhibiting acetylcholinesterase activity and expression in brain and hippocampus, respectively. Further, an increase in GSH levels, activities of SOD, and GST and levels of hippocampus ADAM 17 and brain phospholipids was observed. In conclusion, the studied nutraceutical formula is proved to be effective in ameliorating Alzheimer’s neurodegenerative progression with added-prophylactic potential.

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have attracted tremendous attentions for their unique characteristics for solid-state lighting and thin-film display applications. A simple chemical method was used to synthesis quantum dots (QDs) of zinc sulfide (ZnS) with low cost. The XRD) shows cubic phase of the prepared ZnS with an average particles size of (3-29) nm. In UV-Vis. spectra observed a large blue shift over 38 nm. The band gaps energy (Eg) was 3.8 eV and 3.37eV from the absorption and photoluminescence (PL) respectively which larger than the Eg for bulk. QDs-LED hybrid devices were fabricated using ITO/ PEDOT: PSS/ Poly-TPD/ ZnS-QDs/ with different electron transport layers and cathode of LiF/Al layers. The EL spectrum reveals a broad emission band covering the range 350 - 700 nm. Current-voltage (I–V) characteristics indicate that the output current is good according to the few voltages (8, 10, 11 and 12 V) used which gives acceptable results to light generation. Using TPBi and Alq3 as electron transport layer gives good enhancement to light generation in compares with that of QDs only. The emissions causing the luminescence were identified depending on the chromaticity coordinates (CIE 1931).

The present study was designed to show the effect of Vitamin D3 on lipid profile and oxidative stress. The present study used 30 adult albino female rats that distributed to following groups (each group consist 6 rats); control group received ad libidium, second group administrated Vitamin D3 (orally, 8.9μg/kg) for eight weeks, third group administrated Vitamin D3 (orally, 17.8μg/kg) for eight weeks, fourth group (pregnant rats) administrated Vitamin D3 (orally, 8.9μg/k) for eight weeks, fifth group (pregnant rats) administrated Vitamin D3 (orally, 17.8μg/kg) for eight weeks, and then killed. The results showed high significant increased (P less than 0.05) in levels of lipid profile (total cholesterol, total glyceride, high density lipid (HDL), low density lipid (LDL) very low density lipid (VLDL)), especially in pregnant female rats (third and fifth groups) compared with control group. On the other hand, the results showed significant changes (P less than 0.05) in levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase especially in pregnant female rats (third and fifth groups) compared with control group. It was concluded that the prolong using and overdose of Vitamin D3 lead to elevated the lipid profile and oxidative stress in rats especially in pregnant female rats. How to cite this article: Abdulla, K.N., Ahmed, M.S. and Mohammed, S.R. (2019). The Effect of Oral Vitamin D3 Supplements On Lipid Profile and Oxidative Stress In Adult Albino Female Rats. International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology, 9(4): 686-688. Source of support: Nil. Conflict of interest: None.

Background: malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) represents a common malignant disease. It is an aggressive tumor arising from the mesothelial cells lining the pleura. There is an extremely poor prognosis and a vast majority of MPM patients are diagnosed in an advanced stage. Rapid progression of the disease, no effective therapeutic approach and resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy resulted in a median survival time of less than 12 months. Aim of the Work: this study aimed to analyze the clinic pathological profile, the various prognostic factors and treatment response of malignant mesothelioma patients in our center in terms of overall survival and progression free survival. Patients and Methods: this retrospective was conducted on Malignant Mesothelioma patients who presented to the Department of Clinical Oncology, Ain Shams University from 1 January, 2011 to 31 December, 2014. Results: the mean age of the included patients were 61.04 years with male predominance 50.6% and female 49.1%. Occupational risk was documented in only 11.1% of included patients; most patients live in the industrial environment (67.9%) and the rest in non industrial environment (32.1%). All patients had negative family history of cancer. All patients had negative surgical history, 66.7% of patients had positive history of asbestos exposure. The commonest co morbidity among the studied patients were HTN as it was accounted for 24.7% of the included patients followed by diabetes mellitus in 16% of patients on the other hand, only 3.7% of patients had no co morbidity. Dyspnea was the commonest symptoms (77.8%) among the included patients, followed by cough (33.3%) and chest pain in 12.3%, the other symptoms with lower presentation included hemoptysis and anemia. P.S 1(28.4%) was recorded among the included patients and 53.1% patients had P.S 2 while, rest of patients 18.5% had P.S 3. Patients were diagnosed by CT chest and pleural biopsy either US guided or CT guided, chest X ray, thoracoscopic biopsy, FNAC and open pleural biopsy. The results also showed that the median PFS among the included patients was 2 months. Median OAS was 6.1 months. Conclusion: best survival data in patients with MPM were currently reported from groups using multimodality treatment including MCR achieved either by EPP or extrapleural decortication for patients qualifying as far as tumor stage and functional reserve were concerned. In general, several treatment combinations have been applied ranging from systemic (neo- or adjuvant) to localized chemotherapy, neo- or adjuvant radiotherapy and others. Recommendations: The choice of the surgical procedure should be tailored according to tumor stage, performance status, and institutional experience. Morbidity and mortality of these treatment approaches have been reduced at experienced centers indicating that this complex treatment should be performed at dedicated high volume mesothelioma centers.

The combination of carbon nanotubes (CNT) and conducting polymers offers an attractive route for the production of novel compounds that can be used in a variety of applications such as sensors, actuators, and molecular scale electronic devices. In this work, functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) were added in different load ratios (3 wt%, 5 wt% and 10 wt%) to thiophen (PTh) polymer to procedure PTh/CNTs nanocomposite and deposited on porous silicon substrate by electropolarization. Photoconductive detectors were fabricated using PTh/f-MWCNTs matrix to work in the near region and middle IR regions. These detectors were illuminated by semiconductor laser diode wavelength of 808(nm) and Nd-YAG laser of wavelength 1064 (nm) to study the I-V characteristics and figures of merit. FTIR spectra assignments verify that the thiophene groups were successfully introduced into the carbon nanotubes. SEM images reflect that the electro polymerization process gives well coating for the CNTs by PTh. The conductivity of PTh as a function of temperature increased about 30 times due to addition of f-MWCNTs. Figures of merit reflect a good IR radiation sensitivity and photo response. The specific detectivity was in order of 108 (cm.Hz1/2/W) for both IR regions. The rise and fall times of the output signal are about of 192 (μs) and 121 (μs) respectively for load ratio 5wt% of CNT, which consider good values for these types of detectors.

Quantum dots of CdSe, CdS and ZnS QDs were prepared by chemical reaction and used to fabricate organic quantum dot hybrid junction device. QD-LEDs were fabricated using ITO/TPD: PMMA/CdSe/Al, ITO/TPD: PMMA/CdS/Al and ITO/TPD: PMMA/ZnS/Al QDs devices which synthesized by phase segregation method. The hybrid white light emitting devices consists, of two-layers deposited successively on the ITO glass substrate; the first layer was of N, N’-bis (3-methylphenyl)-N, N’-bis (phenyl) benzidine (TPD) polymer mixed with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) polymers in ratio 1:1, while the second layer was 0.5wt% from each type of the (CdSe, CdS and ZnS) QDs for each device.The optical properties of QDs were characterized by UV-Vis. and photoluminescence (PL) spectrometer. The results show that the prepared QDs were nanocrystalline with defects formation. The Eg calculated from PL were 2.38, 2.69 and 3.64 eV for CdSe, CdS and ZnS respectively. The generated white light properties with acceptable efficiency using confinement effect that makes the energy gap larger, thus the direction of the light sites are toward the centre of white light color.The hybrid junction devices (EL devices) were characterized by room temperature PL and electroluminescence (EL). Current-voltage (I–V) characteristics indicate that the output current is good compared to the few voltages ( 8-11.5 V) used which gives acceptable results to get a generation of white light. The EL spectrum reveals a broad emission band covering the range from 350 - 700 nm. The emissions causing this white luminescence were identified depending on the chromaticity coordinates (CIE 1931). The correlated color temperature (CCT) was found to be about 5500, 4885 and 3400K respectively. Fabrication of EL-devices from semiconductors material (CdSe, CdS and ZnS QDs) with hole injection organic polymer (TPD) was effective in white light generation. The recombination processes and I-V characteristics gives rises to the output current is good compared to the few voltages used which gives acceptable results to get a generation of white light.

Quantum dots of CdSe, CdS and ZnS QDs were prepared by chemical reaction and used to fabricate organic quantum dot hybrid junction device. QD-LEDs were fabricated using layers of ITO/TPD: PMMA/CdSe/Alq3, ITO/TPD: PMMA/CdS/Alq3 and ITO/TPD: PMMA/ZnS/Alq3 devices which prepared by phase segregation method. The hybrid white light emitting devices consists, of three-layers deposited successively on the ITO glass substrate; the first layer was of N, N’-bis (3-methylphenyl)-N, N’-bis (phenyl) benzidine (TPD) polymer mixed with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) polymers. The second layer was QDs while the third layer was tris (8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminium (Alq3). The results of the optical properties show that the prepared QDs were nanocrystalline with defects formation. The calculated of energy gaps from photoluminescence (PL) spectrometer were 2.38, 2.69 and 3.64 eV for CdSe, CdS and ZnS respectively. The generated white light has acceptable efficiency using confinement effect which makes the energy gap larger, so that the direction of the light sites are toward the center of white light color. The hybrid junction devices (EL devices) were characterized by room temperature PL and electroluminescence (EL). Current-voltage (I–V) characteristics indicate that the output current is good compared to the few voltages ( 8-10.3 V) used which gives acceptable results to get a generation of white light. The EL spectrum reveals a broad emission band covering the range from 350 - 700 nm. The emissions causing this white luminescence were identified depending on the chromaticity coordinates (CIE 1931). The correlated color temperature (CCT) was found to be about 6250, 5310 and 5227K respectively. Fabrication of EL-devices from semiconductors material (CdSe, CdS and ZnS QDs) with hole injection organic polymer (TPD) and electron injection from organic molecules (Alq3) was effective in white light generation

Quantum dots (QDs) of zinc sulfide (ZnS) was prepared by chemical reaction with different potential of hydrogen (pH) and used to fabricate organic quantum dot hybrid junction device. The optical properties of QDs were characterized by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis.) and photoluminescence (PL) spectrometer. The results show that the prepared QDs were nanocrystalline with defects formation. The energy gap (Eg)calculated from PL were 3.64, 3.53 and 3.35 eV for pH=8, 10 and 12 respectively. This decreasing of energy gaps is results of the effect the pH solution increases, which in turn leads to the shifted of the PL spectrum toward red shifted, which makes the energy bands at surface states are shallow bands. Fabrication of EL-device from ZnS QDs with different pH value was effective in efficient white light generation and can be the color of emerged light with different intensities.

Biomechanical studies with reliable clinical applicability are challenging to carry out. The results can be heavily dependent on the materials being tested (condition and ages of specimens), environmental conditions (temperature, moisture), magnitude and direction of loading, loading characteristics (static, dynamic), loading cycles and frequency, and how one measures and defines failure. The interested reader gains more confidence in the results and recommendations of a biomechanics study if the methodology reasonably models real-world scenarios and multiple studies from different labs all come to the same general conclusion.

[Introduction]: Therapeutic targeting of inhibitors of the immune response has reached the clinical setting. Inhibitors of the novel receptor LAG3, which negatively regulates T-cell activation, are under investigation. Here we explore the presence and prognostic role of LAG3 in cancer., [Methods]: A systematic search of electronic databases identified publications exploring the effect of LAG3 on overall survival (OS) and (for early-stage cancers) disease-free survival (DFS). Hazard ratios (HR) were pooled in a meta-analysis using generic inverse-variance and random effect modeling. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on disease site and tumor type., [Results]: Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. LAG3 was associated with better overall survival [HR 0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.66–0.99; P = 0.04], with subgroup analysis showing no significant differences between disease-site subgroups. The beneficial effect of LAG3 on OS was of greater magnitude in early-stage malignancies (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.60–0.88) than in the metastatic setting (HR 1.20, 95% CI 0.70–2.05), but this difference was not statistically significant (subgroup difference p = 0.18). LAG3 did not have a significant association with DFS [HR 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.77–1.37; P = 0.87], with subgroup analysis showing worse DFS in patients with lymphoma and improved DFS in those with breast cancer., [Conclusions]: High expression of LAG3 is associated with favorable overall survival in several solid tumors. A trend toward an association in early-stage disease suggests the importance of immune surveillance in this setting.

Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women. With the introduction of improved imaging techniques and the general population's awareness of breast cancer, increasing numbers of patients are more frequently diagnosed at a very early stage. The Oncotype DX Recurrence Score (ODX) is commonly used to estimate recurrence risk and chemotherapy benefit in ER positive, node negative breast cancer. Earlier studies showed that women with Oncotype DX Recurrence score results of 11 or less had excellent outcomes which proved that thousand of patients worldwide can forgo chemotherapy and its harmful side effects based on a low Recurrence score. Now another test called the Mammaprint has been approved by the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration to assess the risk of cancer relapse. The primary study objective was to evaluate the concordance of patient results with Oncotype Dx (ODX) when compared to the 70-gene signature Mammaprint (MP), the 80-gene signature of BluePrint (BP) and TargetPrint (TP) Methods: This retrospective clinical study was carried out in the Oncology Department at the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH), part of the MUHC. Eighty-six consecutive patient-slides node negative hormone positive breast cancer tissue tested with the Oncotype DX between October 2008 and September 2014 were included. Further inclusion criteria were age > 18. These same slides were then analyzed and classified with MammaPrint as low or high risk by Agendia Laboratories. BluePrint (BP) and TargetPrint (TP) analysis were also performed by Agendia Laboratories. Results: Of the 16 ODX RS between 0 and 11, 13 were low risk by MP (81 % agreement) and 16 were low risk by BP (100% agreement). Of the 50 ODX low RS cases, 33 were low risk by MP (66 % agreement) and of the 9 ODX high RS, 7 were high risk by MP (78 % agreement). Of ODX intermediate risk cases (27), 14 of were MP low risk (52 %), (48 %) 13 were MP high risk. Of BP low risk luminal tumors, 33/49 (67%) were ODX low, 14/49 (29%) ODX intermediate, and 2/49 (4%) ODX high risk. BP class was correlated with ER, PR and HER2 results. Overall agreement between clinical ER, PR, HER2 (IHC+FISH) results with TP results were 98% (81/83), 83% (69/83), 99% (82/83), and percent positive agreement for HER2 was 0/1 (of unequivocally HER2 positive cases identified correctly by TP). Conclusion: Our results show that there is a high concordance between ODX RS of 11 or less and low risk Mammaprint and Blueprint scores. When the ODX RS is above 11, our study shows that there are real differences in risk stratification between MP and ODX. At this point, there is no consensus seen when Oncotype DX is above 11. Citation Format: Desforges P, Saleh R, Nathaniel B. A head-to-head comparison of paraffin-embedded MammaPrnt versus oncotype DX: A Mcgill University Healh Center experience [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-05-24.

Summary Background & aims We tested if decreased total and high molecular weight (HMW)-adiponectin, and altered HMW/total adiponectin ratio (HMWR) constitute reliable markers of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) among Bahraini Arab women. Methods Case–control study involving 122 Bahraini Arab women with PCOS and 89 ethnically-matched control women. PCOS was evaluated according to 2003 Rotterdam criteria. Total and HMW-adiponectin were measured by ELISA. Results Compared to controls, women with PCOS had significantly reduced plasma HMW-adiponectin, and HMWR, more so than total adiponectin. Logistic regression analysis revealed that HMW-adiponectin and HMWR, more than total adiponectin, were negatively associated with PCOS. ROC area-under-the-curve for predicting PCOS were larger for HMW-adiponectin (0.679 ± 0.037), and HMWR (0.653 ± 0.039), than total adiponectin (0.537 ± 0.041). Regression analysis confirmed the association of low HMW-adiponectin and HMWR with PCOS. HMW-adiponectin and HMWR inversely correlated with age, BMI, hirsutism, insulin, HOMA-IR, and positively correlated with serum LDL-cholesterol. Total adiponectin was negatively correlated with waist–hip ratio and serum LH levels. Conclusions Reduction in adiponectin plasma levels is an independent risk factor for PCOS. Changes in HMW-adiponectin serum levels and HMW/total adiponectin ratio are better markers for the presence of PCOS, when compared with total adiponectin.

Liver damage involves oxidative stress and a progression from chronic hepatitis to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The increased incidence of liver disease in Egypt and other countries in the last decade, coupled with poor prognosis, justify the critical need to introduce alternative chemopreventive agents that may protect against liver damage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of exopolysaccharide-peptide (PSP) complex extracted from Pleurotus ostreatus as a hepatoprotective agent against diethylnitrosamine (DEN)/carbon tetrachloride (CCL4)-induced hepatocellular damage in rats. The levels of liver injury markers (ALT, AST and ALP) were substantially increased following DEN/CCl4 treatment. DEN/CCl4 - induced oxidative stress was confirmed by elevated levels of lipid peroxidation and decreased levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, and reduced glutathione. PSP reversed these alterations in the liver and serum, and provided protection evidenced by reversal of histopathological changes in the liver. The present study demonstrated that PSP extract from P. ostreatus exhibited hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects against DEN/CCl4-induced hepatocellular damage in rats. Given the high prevalence of HCV-related liver damage in Egypt, our results suggest further clinical evaluation of P. ostreatus extracts and their potential hepatoprotective effects in patients with liver disease.

Background:Rheumatoid arthritis is implicated in causing adverse pregnancy outcomes including high rates of prematurity and low birth weight. But little is known about the impact of the disease when it’s controlled as most of the information is extracted from retrospective data.Objectives:To examine the adverse obstetric outcomes after controlling disease during pregnancy. We also took into account many confounders that might affect the outcome.Methods:This is an ongoing Case-Control Prospective Cohort. It is implemented in a tertiary center where cases are recruited from a single specialized pregnancy and rheumatic disease clinic to ensure standardized management. These cases were fulfilling the ACR 2010 classification criteria for rheumatoid arthritis. Disease activity was measured using CDAI once before pregnancy and once in each trimester. We excluded subjects with chronic morbidities or twin pregnancy. Data were collected in pre-specified data sheets. Routine blood tests in addition to C-reactive protein were obtained. Cases were recruited at different disease activity stages, but treatment was escalated to reach remission as possible by the third trimester. Data were analyzed using SPSS software for descriptive and comparative analyses.Results:Since 2017 we have recruited 215 subjects. A total of 190 completed pregnancies were analyzed in this report (114 controls and 76 cases). Five subjects were excluded as their disease was not controlled by 27 weeks of gestation. Baseline characteristics of age, baseline BMI and anemia were similar. Exposure to passive smoking was significantly higher in the control group. There was no statistical difference in the incidence of gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and infections. Rates of abortions and cesarean sections were significantly higher in the cases group. The incidence of PROM & low birth weight was not statistically different. Three cases of IUFD were reported among controls versus none in the cases (Table 1). Prematurity rate was numerically higher in the control group but did not reach a statistical difference. Congenital anomalies and NICU admission rates were comparable between the groups. But the incidence of neonatal morbidities was significantly higher in the control group (p. value 0.006), but the majority of morbidities were due to jaundice that resolved with phototherapy. we have evaluated the incidence of group B streptococcal Agalactae as a possible contributor to morbidities but it was similar between the groups. All cases were on DMARDs during pregnancy. Hydroxychloroquine was the most commonly used (55%) followed by sulfasalazine (40%). Steroid was used for variable duration in pregnancy in 23 cases. In most of them, it was tapered and stopped by the end of pregnancy. Biologics were used in 15 cases with few adverse outcomes including: abortion (1 case), PROM (1), maternal UTI (1), repeated URT infection (1) and neonatal bronchiolitis (1).Table 1.Birth OutcomesBirth OutcomeCases (n)Controls (n)P.valueAbortion910.001IUFD030.18PROM180.09Cesarean20170.02LBW680.68Premature8250.74Conclusion:From this ongoing cohort we conclude that controlled RA during pregnancy carries low risk of adverse obstetric outcomes in spite the regular use of DMARDs. Although these results are reassuring, further regression models are required after recruiting more subjects.References:[1]Johanna M. W. Hazes. (2011). Rheumatoid arthritis and pregnancy: evolution of disease activity and pathophysiological considerations for drug use.Rheumatology, 50:1955-1968Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Aim of the work Neuroinflammation can arise from metabolic disturbances accompanying type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with an implication of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1). The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials of melatonin (Mel) can amend diabetic complications. Here, we examined the effect of exogenous melatonin on neuroinflammation in high fat diet (HFD)-induced T2DM rats. Main methods Twenty-one adult male Sprague-dawley rats were divided in to three groups: control group: fed commercial standard rat chow, T2DM group: fed with HFD for 16 weeks, and T2DM-Mel group: received HFD for 8 weeks, followed by weekly melatonin treatment (i.p injection 10 mg/kg in saline) for 8 weeks with continuous supply of HFD. After which, animals were submitted to euthanasia for brain and blood samples collection. Key findings In T2DM-Mel group the diabetic profile was ameliorated, and the state of low-grade systemic inflammation was alleviated through lowering serum pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and leptin while increasing adiponectin. Melatonin improved brain oxidative stress by increasing total antioxidant capacity and reduced glutathione (GSH), whereas malondialdehyde was declined. Melatonin reduced acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in blood and brain and its hippocampal expression, also hippocampal inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression was reduced, moreover IDO1 hippocampal expression was declined, furthermore recovered neuronal morphology following melatonin treatment was also clearly viewed in the hippocampus under the light microscope in T2DM-Mel rats. Significance Melatonin can be considered as a promising solution in preventing neuroinflammation development in T2DM owing to its ability to render the oxidative stress and accompanied low-grade systemic inflammation.

Background This study evaluated patients with and without a prosthetic dislocation after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) to identify risk factors for instability. Methods Dislocation and nondislocation cohorts were established for analysis in 119 patients who had undergone RTSA at our institution between 2011 and 2014. Preoperative history and parameters pertaining to RTSA design were evaluated for correlation with instability. A logistic regression model was used to analyze independent predictors. Results Eleven patients (9.2%) demonstrated instability in the early postoperative period. Dislocations occurred at an average of 8 weeks postoperatively (range, 3 days-5 months). The mean follow-up of all patients was 28 months (range, 6-106 months). Postoperative instability was associated with male gender, history of prior open shoulder surgery, and preoperative diagnoses of fracture sequelae, particularly proximal humeral or tuberosity nonunion. Absence of subscapularis repair was an independent predictor of instability. In addition, 5 of the 11 patients (45%) in the instability cohort sustained a second dislocation requiring another operation. Conclusions Redislocation after revision surgery for the initial dislocation was an unexpected and alarming finding. Treatment for the initial dislocation event by placement of a thicker polyethylene insert was inadequate in 45% of patients of our cohort and required another revision with a larger glenosphere and thicker humeral inserts. Initial instability after RTSA must be carefully managed, especially in the revision and post-traumatic setting. Exchange to a thicker polyethylene insert only carries a higher risk of recurrent instability.

In this work, ZnO thin films were derived by sol-gel using two different techniques; dip coating and spin coating technique. The films were deposited onto glass substrate at room temperature using sol-gel composed from zinc acetate dehydrate, monoethanolamine, isopropanole, and de-ionized water, the films were preheated at 225?C for 15 min. The crystallographic structures of ZnO films were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD); the result shows that the good film was prepared at dip coating technique, it was polycrystalline and highly c-orientation along (002) plane, the lattice constant ratio (c/a) was calculated at (002), it was about 1.56. The structure of thin films, prepared by spin coating technique, was amorphous with low intensity and wide peaks. The optical properties of the prepared film were studied using UV-VIS spectrophotometer with the range 190 - 850 nm, and by using the fluorescence spectrometer. The optical characterization of ZnO thin films that were prepared by the dip coating method have good transmittance of about 92% in the visible region, it can be noted from the fluorescence spectrometer two broad visible emission bands centered at 380nm and 430 nm. The optical energy gaps for the direct and indirect allowed transitions were calculated, the values were equal 3.2 eV and 3.1 eV respectively. Dip coating technique create ZnO films with potential for application as transparent electrodes in optoelectronic devices such as solar cell.

Objective To evaluate the association of changes in adipokine ratios with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and related features as altered levels of the adipokines adiponectin, leptin, and resistin were linked with the pathogenesis of PCOS. Design Case-control retrospective study. Setting Outpatient obstetrics/gynecology and adult endocrinology clinics. Patient(s) Unrelated women with PCOS (n = 211) and age-matched control women (n = 215). Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Utility of adiponectin/leptin and adiponectin/resistin ratios as potential biomarkers of PCOS and associated features. Result(s) Significant differences in adiponectin but not leptin or resistin serum levels were seen between women with PCOS and control women. Ratios of adiponectin/leptin and adiponectin/resistin, but not leptin/resistin ratios, were statistically significantly different between PCOS cases and control women. Receiver operated characteristics area under the curve demonstrated sensitivity and specificity for adiponectin/leptin and adiponectin/resistin but not leptin/resistin ratios or individual adipokines as predictors of PCOS. Adiponectin/leptin and adiponectin/resistin ratios negatively correlated with body mass index, homeostatic model assessment, insulin resistance, and free insulin, testosterone, and sex hormone-binding globulin. In addition, adiponectin/resistin ratio negatively correlated with menarche. Conclusion(s) Ratios of adiponectin/leptin and adiponectin/resistin constitute novel predictor factors to explain PCOS and associated features and thus may present target for novel therapeutics in PCOS.

Vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) is a significant complication of sickle cell disease (SCD), and altered production of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory molecules contributed to its pathogenesis. In view of the association of chronic inflammation with VOC onset, and given the capacity of interleukin (IL)-10 as anti-inflammatory, and IL-6, and TNFα as pro-inflammatory cytokines, we tested the association of altered IL-10, IL-6, and TNFα secretion with VOC pathogenesis and its severity. Study subjects comprised 147 SCD patients with active VOC (VOC Group), and 63 pain-free SCD patients for at least 9 months before blood collection (Steady-state Group). Serum cytokine concentrations were determined by ELISA. IL-10 levels were significantly reduced, while IL-6 levels were increased in VOC compared to Steady-state groups; serum TNFα levels were comparable between both groups. There was enrichment of low IL-10, but high IL-6 and TNFα quartiles in VOC Group, which translated into increased VOC risk. In contrast, high IL-10, but low IL-6 and TNFα quartiles were seen in Steady-state Group. Correlation analysis demonstrated significant association between reduced IL-10 levels and the frequency, type, severity, and duration of VOC and requirement for hydroxyurea treatment, while IL-6 correlated with duration of VOC episodes. Our data support strong association of reduced IL-10 and increased IL-6 levels with VOC, and their modulation of VOC-related parameters.

The behaviors of simply and continuously supported beams reinforced with fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) materials are presented in this paper. The experimental testing program included seven simple rectangular beams and seven continuous T-section beams. Reinforcing bars and stirrups were made of steel, carbon, or glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP). It was concluded that the use of GFRP stirrups increased the shear deformation, and as a result deflection increased. Also, GFRP stirrups changed the failure mode from flexural to shear or flexural-shear, depending on the type of reinforcement bars (FRP or steel). Furthermore, the use of FRP reinforcement in continuous beams increased deformation. This increase remained small and acceptable at the service load level, but significantly increased near failure. While different FRP reinforcement arrangements were found to have the same load capacity as steel reinforcements in conventional beams, failure modes and ductility differed. Failure mode was governed by ...

The accelerated pace of the semiconductor industry in recent years is putting a strain on existing dimensional metrology equipments (such as CDSEM, AFM, Scatterometry) to keep up with ever-increasing metrology challenges. However, a revolution appears to be forming with the recent advent of Hybrid Metrology (HM) - a practice of combining measurements from multiple equipment types in order to enable or improve measurement performance. In this paper we extend our previous work on HM to measure advanced 1X node layers - EUV and Negative Tone Develop (NTD) resist as well as 3D etch structures such as FinFETs. We study the issue of data quality and matching between toolsets involved in hybridization, and propose a unique optimization methodology to overcome these effects. We demonstrate measurement improvement for these advanced structures using HM by verifying the data with reference tools (AFM, XSEM, TEM). We also study enhanced OCD models for litho structures by modeling Line-edge roughness (LER) and validate its impact on profile accuracy. Finally, we investigate hybrid calibration of CDSEM to measure in-die resist line height by Pattern Top Roughness (PTR) methodology.

The computer sciences have witnessed a real tendency for using Internet applications and as a result a big number of techniques have existed and performed a lot of development in a standard time, but the big development to the internet applications has achieved by coming an XML technique. We propose in this paper a new protocol "ControlXML" to standardize the remote circuits control domain through Internet with benefiting of an XML technique. By achieving it we compass some of the users' wishes. These users own the feasible ideas, but they suffer from the programming experiment dipping. In order to realize our protocol we present a "model-driven framework". We determine two types of information. Information describes the abilities of the circuit and information describes the method of using the circuit to solve some problems. To achieve that we produce two tools. The first tool allows the circuit designer to specify the circuit abilities. The second one allows the control circuit programmer to load a control circuit specification (commands and states) in order to build a control program specific to this circuit. After binding the outputs of these tools we will have an XML file(s) which will be sent to a remote virtual machine that can understand the logical structure of this XML file(s) and generates control signals to the circuit(s) around it.

Field tests were conducted to determine the effectiveness of wheat-brain baits based onBacillus thuringiensis var.kurstaki HD-1 (dipel 2x) compared to the organophosphorous insecticide Hostathion against the greasy cutwormAgrotis ypsilon infestations on horse bean (Vicia fabae) cultivations. Significant larval reductions were observed in all treated plots after one application with a significant increase in the yield (1.45–1.60 folds) compared to the control plots. The yield was not obviously affected by varying the dose of dipel in the bait between 150–250 g/feddan. The addition of the adjuvant potassium carbonate to the dipel bait caused a significant larval reduction, 10 days after application and showed to be as efficient as baits based on Hostathion.

There has been intensive research on user-controlled privacy from the perspective of agent automation of privacy related user tasks. The W3C's platform for privacy preferences (P3P) specifies standards that can be used by P3P agents to automatically retrieve a Web-site's privacy policy on how the users' data is collected, stored, and managed, and then to determine whether they are compatible with the user's privacy preferences. Current approaches to managing user's privacy do not capture context, are not user-friendly, and do cater well to the dynamic nature of privacy preferences very well. Clearly, the user's privacy preferences depend on the context of the user's online activity and the user's preferences evolve with user's experience and changing levels of trust in various organizations and domains. We propose a model for user's privacy preferences that incorporates the context for user activity and we apply it using a case-based reasoning (CBR) approach that relates the current activity to previous activities stored in the case-base and thus forms an intuitive and understandable process. We describe the context model for privacy preferences, how CBR is used to create a new contextual case from the Web-site's privacy policy and the user's current activity, and how the CBR retrieves matching cases to be applied to the retrieved privacy policy.

Sensitive and good response photoconductive detectors working in the middle and far infrared regions were fabricated. These detectors were fabricated based on multi and double walled carbon nanotube films and works at room temperature. The films were deposited on a porous silicon (PSi) nanosurface. The surfaces were functionalized by a thin layer of polyamide nylon polymer to improve the photoresponsivity of the fabricated detectors. The response time of the fabricated MWCNTs-PSi detectors were 30 and 0.22 ms for the middle and far IR region respectively. The functionalisation of the MWCNTs-PSi film surface by the polyamide nylon polymer improved the photoconductive gain, photoresponsivity, and specific conductivity in both MWCNTs-PSi and DWCNTs-PSi detectors. The designed carbon nanotube (CNT) based photodetector has low cost, high sensitivity and reasonable speed for the middle and far IR spectral range without cooling.

The complexity of today's chips is such that relying solely upon external ATE resources is insufficient for scan test. In this work, we develop the concept of dedicated autonomous scan-based testing (DAST) by proposing a scheme that introduces hierarchy and separates the functionality of ATE resources into two distinctive classes: a) test data communication, and b) test data control and observation. To simplify the ATE for embedded digital core testing, we propose transferring ATE test data control/observation functions to one or more Embedded Autonomous Sequencers (EAS) dedicated to single or multiple embedded cores of an SoC We present implementation results of our DAST methodology when applied to a number of SoC benchmarks.

It has been shown that the pattern of regional echocardiographic contrast enhancement bears a close relationship to regional perfusion. The authors describe a microcomputer-based method of analyzing circumferential and transmural myocardial echocardiographic contrast appearance and gray-level enhancement following microbubble injections. After digitizing the echocardiographic images, the pattern of contrast-intensity change in consecutive end-diastolic short-axis images of the left ventricle is determined for up to 32 circumferential regions and two myocardial layers. Parameters of the time-intensity curve for each circumferential myocardial region (such as appearance time, mean intensity, maximum intensity, and washout time) are being investigated as possible predictors of regional myocardial perfusion. >

This paper describes various issues related to modes of failure in mixed-signal simulation and identifies how various benchmark circuits can be used to evaluate the implementation of various simulators. This paper serves as a companion paper to the CICC-94 paper which presented a set of mixed-mode benchmark circuits. Important aspects of the analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog interfaces are discussed along with mixed-signal circuit partitioning, analog-digital time synchronization, and digital modeling. This is followed by a survey of implementation techniques in various commercial and university mixed-signal simulators.

Field experiments have been carried out to evaluate the potency of the biological control agentBacillus thuringiensis (Dipel), the pyrethroid Fenvalerate and their combinations for the control of the lesser cotton leafwormSpodoptera exigua on soybeans in Qualubia governorate. Molasses was combined with all treatments to enhance their effectiveness. One spray application with either Dipel or Fenvalerate showed an obvious reduction in larval counts ofS. exigua, associated with a significant increase in the crop yield but in varying degrees, in correlation with the tested dose.

The liver plays a key role in the biotransformation and clearance of steroid hormones particularly sex hormones. The question whether their metabolism could be deranged in liver diseases is studied in 52 individuals (30 patients with type B viral hepatitis infection and 22 control). The same patients were followed up for a period of 2 months after the appearance of jaundice. Serum testosterone and its metabolite androstenedione were studied as the main steroid male sex hormones. Liver function tests (bilirubin, SGOT, SGPT, ALP and HBsAG) were studied in those patients as parameters to diagnose and follow up the liver condition. Serum testosterone levels were found significantly higher during the acute attack of the disease when compared with the control group. No significant difference was detected regarding the serum level of androstenedione in patients (during the acute attack or two months thereafter) when compared with the control group. The elevated levels of testosterone during the acute attack of v...

The use of fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) to strengthen sagging and hogging moment regions of continuous beams is discussed in this paper. Five two-span reinforced concrete beams with "T" cross sections were tested. Four different strengthening systems were examined. Two beams were strengthened with two different types of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP)sheets. The first beam was strengthened for flexure only while the second beam was strengthened for both flexure and shear. The third beam was strengthened for flexure only while the second beam was strengthened for both flexure and shear. The third beam was strengthened with glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) sheets, while CFRP plates were used in strengthening the fourth beam. The fifth beam was a control. Each beam was loaded and unloaded for at least one cycle of loading before failure. The effects of FRP strengthening on failure modes, load capacity, cracking pattern and propagation, and deflections are presented. It was concluded that the use of FRP laminates to strengthen continuous beams is effective in reducing deflections and increasing their load carrying capacity. Furthermore, beams strengthened with FRP laminates exhibit smaller and better-distributed cracks.

The behavior of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with various types of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) laminates is presented. The experimental program included strengthening and testing 24 simply supported rectangular cross section beams. Each beam was initially loaded above its cracking load. The cracked beams were strengthened with FRP laminates and then tested until complete failure. Five available strengthening systems of various types of carbon/glass fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP/GFRP) strengthening materials were used. These materials included two types of CFRP sheets, bi- and unidirectional GFRP sheets, and CFRP plates. The effects of strengthening on deflection, failure load and failure mode, strain, and beam ductility are discussed. In addition, the influence of different numbers of FRP layers, type of epoxy, and strengthening pattern on the behavior of beams was examined. The ratio of absorbed energy at failure to total energy, or energy ratio, was used as a measure of beam ductility. It is concluded that, in addition to the longitudinal layers, the fibers oriented in the vertical direction forming a U-shape around the beam cross section significantly reduce beam deflections and increase beam load carrying capacity. Furthermore, the presence of vertical and horizontal sheets, together with a proper epoxy, can lead to a doubling of the ultimate load carrying capacity of the beam. However, all the strengthened beams experienced brittle failure, mandating a higher factor of safety in design.

Neurotropin is commonly used in Japan for the treatment of chronic pain. Using a rat model, we evaluated the effect of neurotropin on a unilateral peripheral mononeuropathy produced by placing loose ligatures around the sciatic nerve. The effect of neurotropin upon the resultant hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia was assessed using the Ugo Basile Plantar test and von Frey hairs test, respectively. Neurotropin reduced thermal hyperalgesia and produced an early recovery from hyperalgesia in a dose-dependent manner. No significant reduction in mechanical allodynia, however, was noted under the tested condition. A possibility of differential drug sensitivity for thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia was indicated in this model, although the reason still remain elusive.

455 APOLIPOPROTEIN H IS STRONGLY ASSOCIATED WITH IL28B SNP GENOTYPE AND PREDICTS VIRAL CLEARANCE IN BOTH ACUTE AND CHRONIC HEPATITIS C VIRUS INFECTION M.E. Laird, A. Mohsen, R. Saleh, D. Duffy, L. Le Fouler, M. El-Daly, M. Rafik, M. Abdel-Hamid, M.K. Mohamed, P. Bonnard, V. Mallet, S. Pol, M. Albert, A. Fontanet, The ANRS HC 20 ETOC Study Group. Immunology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France; Community Medicine Department, National Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt; Emerging Disease Epidemiology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France; Liver Disease Research, National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute, Cairo, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt; Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Hopital Tenon (APHP), INSERM U 707, UPMC, Universite Paris Descartes, Institut Cochin, INSERM (IMR-S 1016), CNRS (UMR 8104), Unite d’Hepatologie, Assistance Publique, Hopitaux de Paris (APHP), Groupe Hospitalier Cochin Saint-Vincent de Paul, INSERM U 818, Conservatoire National des Arts et Metiers, Paris, France E-mail: fontanet@pasteur.fr