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Background: It is not uncommon for patients who undergo TAVI to experience conduction abnormalities that require the placement of a new permanent pacemaker [PPM]. However, using a comprehensive multi-slice computed tomography [MSCT] analysis can aid in predicting and planning the procedure for optimal results.Aim of the work: Our objective was to examine the MSCT predictors of conduction disturbances that necessitate PPM after TAVI.Patients and Methods: We enrolled patients who had undergone TAVI with the Evolut platform. A comprehensive MSCT analysis was conducted, which included measuring the length of the membranous septum [MS], semi-quantitative analysis of the aortic leaflets, and assessment of mitral annulus calcification.Results: Among 100 patients [age, 81.8±5.1 years; 32% female, median EuroSCORE II 2.8[1.8, 4.4]], 10[10%] required PPM at discharge. Compared with patients who did not require a new PPM, those who did have shorter membranous septum [MS] length and more frequent ≥moderate mitral annular calcification.Conclusion: The length of the membranous septum and the severity of mitral annular calcification have been determined to be important factors in predicting the need for a permanent pacemaker implantation following transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Background: Cases of rheumatoid arthritis [RA] are characterized by a decreased life expectancy, as well as a 50% are at greater risk of developing cardiovascular diseases [CVD] compared to other subjects. Precocious myocardial dysfunction can be detected more accurately and faster with speckle -tracking Echocardiography.The aim of the work: This study attempts to evaluate the function of myocardial Left ventricular [LV] systole via Speckle Tracking Echocardiography [STE] strain imaging in RA cases with the absence of [CVD] and to correlate the results with the disease features.Patients and Methods: A case control study, which recruited 60 RA cases [with a median age of 46.22 ± 8.14 years] without known CVD, as well as 60 healthy controls.Results: Assessment of speckle-tracking for [LV] systolic function revealed diminished Global Longitudinal Strain [GLS] in patient group [-16.80% vs. -22.35%, PP

Background: The continuous rise in the number of patients suffering from Helicobacter pylori is probably due to the changes in modern life. Nowadays, patients suffering from gastrointestinal problems are diagnosed through invasive and non-invasive techniques. The choice of a diagnostic test is influenced by factors such as the tests' sensitivity and specificity, the clinical conditions, and the cost-effectiveness of the testing strategy. This study aimed to compare molecular detection methods of H. pylori by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 16S rRNA, ureA and glmM genes with an invasive histopathological technique. Methods: 290 gastric biopsies were collected using gastrointestinal endoscopy from patients with gastritis symptoms in different hospitals in Khartoum state. Two gastric biopsies were collected from each patient for PCR and histopathology. Results: A total of 103 (35.5%) samples were positive by histopathological examination, 88 (30.3%) by 16S rRNA, 39 (13.4%) by glmM gene, and 56 (19.3%) by ureA gene. The highest sensitivity was observed in 16S rRNA (46.6%), followed by glmM (24.3%) and ureA (23.3%). While the best specificity was observed in glmM gene (92.5%), followed by ureA (82.3%) and 16S rRNA (78.6%). Conclusion: PCR test targeting the 16S rRNA gene exhibited the best results for molecular detection of H. pylori compared to other genes.

The success of the biofloc system is contingent on its management. Therefore, this study seeked to assess the effects of intermittent fasting at different feeding rates on the efficacy of the biofloc system in terms of water quality, floc composition, growth performance, muscular chemical composition, and histomorphometry changes in the Nile tilapia muscles in comparison to the traditional system. A total of six hundred Nile tilapia fingerlings (with an average initial body weight of 54.19±1.32g) were divided into five treatments: T0 (the control) consisted of fish reared in the traditional system and fed at a rate of 4% of their body weight (BW). While, in treatments T1 and T2, fish received a feeding rate of 3% of their body weight, with T1 being subjected to continuous feeding and T2 experiencing intermittent fasting (alternating between a feeding day and a fasting day). Likewise, T3 and T4 fish were fed at a rate of 4% of their BW and were exposed to continuous feeding and intermittent fasting, respectively. The average quantity of floc, total bacteria in the floc, total phytoplankton, and total zooplankton increased with increasing feeding rates but decreased when subjected to intermittent fasting. Fish in the biofloc-based treatments exhibited superior growth performance and feed efficiency parameters when compared to those reared in the traditional system. Among the treatments, fish in T3 demonstrated the highest levels of moisture, fat, and energy content while displaying the lowest levels of protein and ash contents among other treatments. Fish in treatment T2 exhibited the lowest values of large and mean diameters and the highest values of muscular bundle intensity in comparison to the other treatments. Finally, these findings support the efficacy of intermittent fasting as a viable approach to biofloc system management, as it results in a noteworthy decrease in aquafeed expenses and overall fish production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ظهرت أهمية دراسة مفهوم التعمير العفوي کأحد اهم استراتيجيات الاستدامة الاجتماعية أکاديميا وعملياً بهدف تعظيم الاستفادة من التنمية العمرانية والمجتمعية الحالية والمستقبلية، وهو مفهوم قديم في نشأته، ولکنه حديث في تطبيقاته والدراسات والبحوث التي يتناولها، إذ امتازت المجتمعات العفوية القديمة باستدامتها وباستباقها للنظريات الحديثة في تحقيق التکامل البيئي والنفسي والتميز العمراني، وکذلک الصورة الذهنية عن المجتمع وعمرانه وتلبيتها للمتطلبات العامة للإنسان اخذة بنظر الاعتبار المتلائم بين الجانبين المادي والروحي، في الوقت الذي تعاني فيه اغلب المدن المعاصرة من قصور في تحقيق هذا التوجه. يناقش البحث التعمير العفوي من منطلق اشکالية صعوبة تحديد أولويات تفضيل معايير ومؤشرات الاستدامة الاجتماعية لمجموعات أنماط التعمير المختلفة، وتظهر ملامح هذه المشکلة بکافة مراحل عملية التخطيط. تتناول الورقة دراسة وتحليل مفهوم التعمير العفوي وخصائصه، وکذلک ماهية الاستدامة الاجتماعية وکيفية قياس متغيراتها، وفي النهاية يتم التطبيق من خلال استبيانات للفئات المستهدفة لمنطقة الدراسة (مدينة الخارجة القديمة وامتداداتها العمرانية الجديدة) وتحليل نتائجها ومقارنتها لاستنباط الارتباطات بين الخصائص التخطيطية والتصميمية للتعمير ونموذج قياس متغيرات الاستدامة الاجتماعية بهدف طرح إطار ارشادي لتقييم الاستدامة الاجتماعية للتعمير العفوي، يقوم بالوظيفة الإرشادية لمتخذي القرار داخل المؤسسات بما يضمن استمرار التنمية العمرانية. أثبتت نتائج البحث إن التعمير العفوي حل مرن ومفتوح يمکن استخدامه کأداة لتمکين المدن والمجتمعات الانسانية من أن تصبح شاملة وآمنة ومرنة ومستدامة، مما يؤکد أهمية البحث في الحاجة الى استعادة المبادئ والقيم الاجتماعية العفوية (التلقائية) التقليدية برؤية جديدة. لکي تکون البيئة الحضرية الحديثة مستدامة اجتماعيًا تعکس حياة أفراد المجتمع. The importance of studying the concept of spontaneous urbanization as one of the most important strategies for social sustainability has emerged recently academically and practically. It maximizes the benefits of the recent and future urban and community development. And although it's an old concept in its genesis. But it's recent in its applications, studies, and research. Old spontaneous communities have enjoyed their sustainability and pre-emption of modern theories in environmental and psychological integration and the urban competence, as well as the image of the community, through meeting general human requirements with considering convenient between physical and spiritual sides. At a time when most modern cities were experiencing of deficiencies in achieving this approach. The research discusses the problematic of the difficulty in prioritizing criteria and indicators for social sustainability related to the various urbanization groups. The research aims to set out an indicative framework for assessing the social sustainability of spontaneous urbanization and guides decision-makers in institutions to ensure the continuation of urban development. The research discusses the concept of spontaneous urbanization, as well as the social sustainability and how to be measured. It presents an application that shows the priorities of the social sustainability variables of the study area (the city of kharja), using questionnaires, comparative, and analytical analysis. The results showed that spontaneous urbanization is a flexible and open solution that can be used as a tool to enable cities and human communities to become comprehensive, secure, flexible, and sustainable, which assures the importance of the research in the need to restore traditional spontaneous social principles and values with a new vision. To make the modern urban environment socially sustainable that reflects the lives of members of society.

Background: The continuous rise in the number of patients suffering from Helicobacter pylori is probably due to the changes in modern life. Nowadays, patients suffering from gastrointestinal problems are diagnosed through invasive and non-invasive techniques. The choice of a diagnostic test is influenced by factors such as the tests' sensitivity and specificity, the clinical conditions, and the cost-effectiveness of the testing strategy. This study aimed to compare molecular detection methods of H. pylori by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 16S rRNA, ureA and glmM genes with an invasive histopathological technique. Methods: 290 gastric biopsies were collected using gastrointestinal endoscopy from patients with gastritis symptoms in different hospitals in Khartoum state. Two gastric biopsies were collected from each patient for PCR and histopathology. Results: A total of 103 (35.5%) samples were positive by histopathological examination, 88 (30.3%) by 16S rRNA, 39 (13.4%) by glmM gene, and 56 (19.3%) by ureA gene. The highest sensitivity was observed in 16S rRNA (46.6%), followed by glmM (24.3%) and ureA (23.3%). While the best specificity was observed in glmM gene (92.5%), followed by ureA (82.3%) and 16S rRNA (78.6%). Conclusion: PCR test targeting the 16S rRNA gene exhibited the best results for molecular detection of H. pylori compared to other genes.

Background: The continuous rise in the number of patients suffering from Helicobacter pylori is probably due to the changes in modern life. Nowadays, patients suffering from gastrointestinal problems are diagnosed through invasive and non-invasive techniques. The choice of a diagnostic test is influenced by factors such as the tests' sensitivity and specificity, the clinical conditions, and the cost-effectiveness of the testing strategy. This study aimed to compare molecular detection methods of H. pylori by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 16S rRNA, ureA and glmM genes with an invasive histopathological technique. Methods: 290 gastric biopsies were collected using gastrointestinal endoscopy from patients with gastritis symptoms in different hospitals in Khartoum state. Two gastric biopsies were collected from each patient for PCR and histopathology. Results: A total of 103 (35.5%) samples were positive by histopathological examination, 88 (30.3%) by 16S rRNA, 39 (13.4%) by glmM gene, and 56 (19.3%) by ureA gene. The highest sensitivity was observed in 16S rRNA (46.6%), followed by glmM (24.3%) and ureA (23.3%). While the best specificity was observed in glmM gene (92.5%), followed by ureA (82.3%) and 16S rRNA (78.6%). Conclusion: PCR test targeting the 16S rRNA gene exhibited the best results for molecular detection of H. pylori compared to other genes.

Background: Nowadays there is an increasing in the numbers of cases of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) all over the world. Which affect upper aerodigestive tract including the nasopharynx, paranasal sinuses, oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx and larynx. Objective: To compare the using of radiotherapy (RT) with cisplatin versus cetuximab with RT in the treatment of locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HNSCC). The comparison between these two treatment regimens will be done in terms of overall survival rate and toxicity. Patients and Methods: We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis in accordance to the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement and Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) statement. PRISMA and MOOSE are reporting checklists for Authors, Editors, and Reviewers of Meta-analyses of interventional and observational studies. According to International committee of medical journal association (ICJME), reviewers must report their findings according to each of the items listed in those checklists. Results: cetuximab with RT is associated with lower overall survival compared to cisplatin with RT in management of locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, also patient treated with cetuximab were associated with higher rates of mortality compared to those treated with cisplatin Data Sources: Medline databases (PubMed, Medscape, ScienceDirect. EMF-Portal) and all materials available in the Internet till 2020. Conclusion: According to our study in the comparison between cisplatin with RT versus cetuximab with RT, cetuximab with RT is associated with lower overall survival compared to cisplatin with RT in management of locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, also patient treated with cetuximab were associated with higher rates of mortality compared to those treated with cisplatin [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sepsis and the inflammatory response that ensues can lead to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and death. procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) being the most frequently used biomarkers. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of procalcitonin and C-reactive protein levels as prognostic markers in patients with sepsis and septic shock. Patients and methods: The study included 60 patients who were admitted to surgical Intensive Care Unit, Anesthesia and Intensive Care Department, Zagazig University Hospitals. All patients underwent a full clinical examination and data collection about age, sex, BMI, hospital diagnosis, source of sepsis and APACHE II as well as SOFA Scores on ICU admission. Procalcitonin and C-reactive protein levels were estimated in the 1st, 3rd, and 5th ICU day. Results: As regard to the admitting diagnosis; pneumonia was the commonest cause for sepsis and septic shock with (38 patients - 63.33%) followed by urinary tract infection (16 patients - 26.6) then lower limb cellulitis with (12 patients - 20%) also single source for sepsis and septic shock was found in (31 patients -51.66%) and (29 patients - 48.33%) was diagnosed with two or more sources. There was a correlation between our patients' PCT, CRP and SOFA Score readings with the length of stay in ICU, there was high positive correlation between PCT and length of stay especially in the 3rd day (correlation coefficient = 0.508), in addition there was high significant correlation between SOFA Score and length of stay in ICU especially in the 5th day (correlation coefficient = 0.476). Conclusion: Kinetic studies of PCT and CRP can improve sensitivity and accuracy when evaluating the prognosis of patients with sepsis and septic shock in addition PCT was found to be better than CRP for prediction of mortality especially in the 5th day PCT value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted during the summer season (June- October) 2018 in fish farm at Al-Manzala city for 150 days. A total number of 750 mono-sex Nile tilapia with an average initial body weight of 52.6 ± 0.40 g were used in five experimental treatments (150 fish/hapa/treatment, 10 fish/m³) to evaluate two dietary crude protein levels (25 and 30%) and two crude fat levels (2 and 6%) from three fat sources (corn oil, imported fish oil, and a new local commercial source of fatty acids named Aquafat-omiga). Fish were stocked into net hapas, each hapa has the dimensions 3 x 5 x 1 m. Conclusively, from the obtained results and due to the view point of the producers, 2 % fish oil supplemented diet (25 % protein) is the most economic diet (lowest feed intake, best feed conversion and feed efficiency) followed by that (25 % protein) supplemented with 2 % Aquafat-omiga. But from the view point of the consumers, 30 % crude protein diet plus 6 % addition corn oil gave best body gain and fish carcass protein, boneless meat and lean meat besides lowest fat and ash in fish body and lowest serum cholesterol, uric acid, and cortisol. So, it could recommend using the first diet containing 30 % crude protein and supplemented with extra 6 % corn oil. Particularly, fish oil is rear, unavailable, imported, and expensive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted over 96 days in order to compare between the effects of floating and sinking diets with different levels of a probiotic on growth performance, food utilization and chemical composition with all-male mono-sex juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The treatments were two floating and sinking diets supplemented with three levels of the probiotic PRO-LYNE®, being 0%, 1% and 2% of the diets. Each hapa (measuring 2 × 3 × 1 m³) was suspended in an earthen pond (4000 m²). There were 6 treatments, each consisting of 2 replicates, stocked with fish of average initial body weigh 60 g. A total of 366 fish were randomly distributed into 6 experimental groups. The stocking density was 5 fish / m³ for all the hapas. Fingerlings were fed a commercial diet containing 25.2% crude protein and at feeding rates of 4% of their fresh biomass in each hapa for the first 1.5 month and 3% until the end of the experiment. The results of the present study revealed that performance and production and economic efficiency of Nile tilapia reared in net hapas in earthen ponds significantly increased, when they were fed the floating pellets supplemented with probiotic at level 1%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]