Search

Background: To examine the impact of aging on the response of rats to pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induction of epilepsy and the possible role of oxidative stress and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/ heme oxygenase (HO)-1 pathway in this response. Methods: Forty male albino rats were equally allocated into 4 groups; 1) Young control (YC) group, aged 8-12 weeks, 2) Old control (OC) group, aged 24 months, 3) PTZ-Young group: young rats received PTZ (50 mg/Kg, i.p. every other day) for 2 weeks and 4) PTZ-Old group: as group 3 but rats were old. The seizure score stage and latency to the first jerk were recorded in rats. Redox state markers in brain tissues including malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were evaluated. Also, the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 genes were measured in the brain tissues. Results: Old rats showed an early and a significant rise in the seizure score with PTZ administration and a significant drop in the seizure latency compared to young rats (P <0.01). Also, old rats showed a significantly higher MDA concentration and a significantly lower TAC and catalase activity than young rats (P <0.01). Moreover, the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 was significantly lowered in old rats compared to young rats with PTZ administration (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Aging increases the vulnerability of rats to PTZ-induced epilepsy. An effect might come down to the up-regulation of oxidative stress and the down regulation of antioxidant pathways including Nrf2 and HO-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) of the donor‐acceptor (D‐A) type show excellent photocatalytic performance in water splitting due to their efficient isolation of light‐induced excitons. The key to this activity lies in the appropriate selection of electron donor and acceptor units. In this paper, we synthesized three D‐A carbazole‐based CMPs and investigated the influence of planarity, electronic structure, crystallinity, and surface area on their photocatalytic efficiency in hydrogen evolution from water. Our CMPs have excellent light collection ability, fast separation rates, and minimal recombination rates for the electron/hole pairs, so an excellent hydrogen evolution rate (HER) was achieved by water reduction. Moreover, the most efficient semiconductor Cz‐4Py CMP, which had the lowest dihedral angle, more suitable LUMO level, semi‐crystalline nature, and largest surface area, showed the best HER up to 8813 μmol g−1 h−1 under visible light with an apparent quantum yield (AQY) of 4.51 % at λ=420 nm. While the HERs for Cz‐4TPT and Cz‐4TzTz CMPs with higher dihedral angle, amorphous nature, and lower surface area were 1702 and 1541 μmol g−1 h−1, respectively. The efficiencies obtained exceed those of many polymeric materials reported for photocatalytic H2O reduction. This work confirms the importance of the molecular design of CMP photocatalysts to optimize their performance in hydrogen release by water dissociation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid oxide cell electrodes need to display a wide range of combined properties, for example, electronic and ionic conductivities, catalytic activity, chemical compatibility with other parts, thermal expansion match, phase stability, and tolerance to foreign species/contaminants. It is extremely challenging for a single material to meet all these features required. Surface decoration is a remarkably adaptive strategy to provide needed features to the electrodes by introducing functioning materials through various target‐guided methods. This review provides an overview of typical and novel techniques to create surface decoration on the electrodes to abruptly improve the drawbacks of the electrodes of solid oxide cells, including performance enhancement, stability of long‐term operation, and tolerance to poisoning foreign species. It starts with the introduction of surface decoration experimental procedure, proceeds to crucial characterization methods that are particularly effective in identifying the properties of the surface coating, continues with target‐oriented practice in terms of surface decoration materials choice and microstructure manipulation, and ends with the explorations of functioning mechanisms for the resultant behavior. With hope, the review will spark more novel utilizations of surface decoration practice to promote the technical status of the solid oxide cells for widespread commercialization in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Combined ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric (IIN/IHN) block and transverse abdominis plane (TAP) block are used under ultrasound (USG) visualization for postoperative pain control in patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair surgery. This study compares USG-guided TAP versus IIN/IHN block for post-operative analgesia efficacy in adults undergoing inguinal hernia surgery, among 100 patients randomized into group A received TAP block by using levobupivacaine 0.5% 25 ml and group B received IIN+IHN blocks by using levobupivacaine 0.5% 10 ml before induction of general anesthesia. Results: The mean duration (in minutes) to require rescue analgesia was found to be 1003.2 ± 99.6 (min) in group A and 1317 ± 69 (min) in group B. In a comparison of these two values the difference in the meantime to rescue analgesic requirement was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Conclusions: USG-guided IIN/IHN block delays the need for rescue analgesia and reduces the postoperative analgesic requirement compared to USG-guided TAP block. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CONTEXT: Since civil unrest broke out in Somalia in the 1990s, large numbers of Somalis have immigrated to Western countries, including the United States. It is unknown whether these immigrants maintain their cultural norms of low contraceptive use and high fertility when they live in settings with different norms. METHODS: In 2016, interviews were conducted in Minnesota with Somali immigrants and refugees to explore couple communication and decision making regarding child spacing. Nineteen married men and women aged 25–51 were interviewed. After a coding scheme was developed, key themes were identified and examined by participants' sex, number of children and age of arrival in the United States. RESULTS: Most participants discussed child spacing with their spouse and had positive or neutral experiences. Some participants, especially those with multiple children, stated that living in their new country had influenced their fertility desires. Only those who had arrived after the age of 20 mentioned that experiencing closely spaced births had motivated them to discuss child spacing. Participants emphasized the importance of information sharing, compromise and joint decision making with their spouse. Priority for child‐spacing decision making was granted to women, largely because of their primary role in childbirth. Men who had arrived in the United States before turning 20 were more definitive about giving women decision‐making priority. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide insight into how Somali immigrant and refugee couples communicate and make decisions about child spacing, and may be helpful in informing the development of culturally specific reproductive health programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new selective molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) was synthesized for the electrochemical sensing of aminophylline (AMI). The MIP was fabricated via the co-polymerization of different monomers (acrylamide and methacrylic acid) around the template (AMI) in the presence of a cross-linker (ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) and an initiator (potassium persulfate). The prepared polymers were characterized by CHN elemental analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. For electrochemical applications, a voltammetric sensor was constructed by dropping MIP on the glassy carbon electrode surface after modification with the graphene oxide. Electrochemical determinations were achieved using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), which indicated a wide range (3.7 × 10-11-1 × 10-3 M) of AMI and a low detection limit (2.1 × 10-12 M). Alternatively, MIP was immobilized on a plasticized PVC membrane and deposited as one layer on the GCE to fabricate the potentiometric sensor. In the same context, a potentiometric sensor was constructed and exhibited a linear calibration curve in the concentration range of 2.6 × 10-9 M to 3.1 × 10-3 M, with a detection limit of 1.5 × 10-10 M. Additionally, the developed methods displayed great selectivity for AMI compared to other competing molecules, high repeatability, and stability. In addition, the proposed methods were successfully applied for AMI detection in pharmaceutical drugs with recovery values (98.2-99.6%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current work, we investigate the performance of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) with Ni‒yttria-stabilized zirconia (Ni–YSZ) and Ni‒gadolinia-dope ceria (Ni–GDC) cermet anodes fueled with H 2 or NH 3 in terms of the catalytic activity of ammonia decomposition. The cermet of Ni–GDC shows higher catalytic activity for ammonia decomposition than Ni–YSZ. In response to this, the performance of direct NH 3 –fueled SOFC improved by using Ni–GDC anode. Moreover, we observe further enhancement in the cell performance and the catalytic activity for ammonia decomposition with applying Ni−GDC anode synthesised by the glycine–nitrate combustion process. These results reveal that the high performance of Ni–GDC anode for the direct NH 3 –fueled SOFC results from its mixed ionic–electronic conductivity as well as high catalytic activity for ammonia decomposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this paper was to study the etiology and classification of fractures in dromedary camels and to evaluate their response to different treatment approaches. Two hundred and twenty cases of fractures in single-humped camels were admitted during the period from August 2008 to December 2009. On admission, special interest was given to record the cause, site, classification, radiography and outcome of treatment. Factors affecting fracture healing were studied and analyzed. Trauma was the main cause of fractures in camels. Sixty percent of fractured camels were males and 40% were females. The camel ages ranged from 1 day to 20 years old. Simple fractures were less common than compound ones (34.1% vs. 65.9%, P=0.001). Single fractures were 168 (76.4%) while multiple and comminuted fractures were 52 (23.6%) cases. Appendicular fractures were treated by external fixation using Plaster of Paris bandage alone or in combination with polyvenylchloride (PVC) splints. Interdental wiring, using U-shaped aluminum bar and wire suturing treated mandibular fractures. Healing was recorded in 79.3% of treated fractures. Mandibular fracture was the most common followed by tibial fracture. External fixation by different techniques was a successful method for treating fractures in camels. Freshness of the fracture significantly affected the efficiency of healing (P= 0.0001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Previous studies suggest that mutant A20 binding inhibitor of NF-κB 1 (ABIN1) protein encoded by tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 3 interacting protein 1 (TNIP1) gene is associated with LN via NF-κB dysregulation. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the association of TNIP1 gene SNP rs7708392 with SLE and LN in Egyptian patients. 5′ nuclease Allelic discrimination was used to evaluate the frequency of TNIP1 SNP rs7708392 in 53 patients with LN, 57 SLE patients without nephritis and 85 healthy controls. The genotyping analysis revealed that the CC genotype was more frequent in controls than SLE patients, while GC and GG genotypes were more common in SLE patients. Moreover, the GG genotype and the G allele were significantly more prevalent among LN patient than non-LN patients (P < 0.001). In LN patients, the most common genotype was GG (56.6%), while among the non-LN patients; the CG genotype was the most common (59.6%). Regression analysis demonstrated that SLE patients carrying only one G allele had a 3.4 folds increased risk for LN. Our results suggested that TNIP1 SNP (rs7708392) might be associated with the LN in Egyptian SLE patients. TNIP1 SNP (rs7708392) might be used to identify patients at risk of developing LN, which could help in early detection and treatment before progression to end-stage renal disease, improving patients’ outcome and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrochemical behavior of rivaroxaban (RIV), a direct Factor Xa inhibitor, was investigated using a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) based on molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP). The MIP was developed by co-polymerization of different monomers (acrylamide and methacrylic acid) with the cross-linker (ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA)) in the presence of initiator (potassium persulphate) and RIV as a template. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used for the characterization of the fabricated polymers. To prepare the potentiometric sensor, the MIP was incorporated in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in the presence of a plasticizer and coated on the GCE as one layer. While the voltammetric sensor was prepared by drop coating technique, in which the graphene oxide and MIP were deposited on the bare GCE, respectively. Linear response over RIV concentrations in the range of 1.2 × 10−9 – 1 × 10−3 mol L−1 and 5.4 × 10−11 – 3.1 × 10−3 mol L−1 with detection limits of 2.4 × 10−10 mol L−1 and 2.3 × 10−12 mol L−1 were achieved for potentiometric and voltammetric sensors, respectively. Both sensors have high precision, selectivity, and good stability. Due to the abovementioned merits, both sensors were successfully applied for the detection of RIV in different blood samples and in pharmaceutical tablets, and acceptable mean recoveries (99.3–100.3%) were obtained. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractObjective/Hypothesis: The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of the thickness of the cartilage disk on the hearing results after perichondrium/cartilage island flap tympanoplasty. Our hypothesis was that thinning the rigid thick cartilage disk to half of its thickness could increase the compliance and give better acoustic gain and hearing results to patients with a reconstructed tympanic membrane. Study Design: A prospective before/after clinical trial was conducted between January 2003 and March 2004. Method: Patients with chronic suppurative otitis media (mucosal type), central perforations and intact ossicular chain were randomly divided into 2 groups: the 1st group was treated with the perichondrium/cartilage island flap technique using the full-thickness cartilage disk, while the 2nd group was treated with the same technique but after bisecting the cartilage to half of its thickness. Hearing was evaluated using a 4-frequency (500, 1,000, 2,000, 3,000 Hz) pure-tone average air-bone gap before and then 8–9 months after tympanoplasty, and the results were compared statistically.Copyright © 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Novel imprinted sensor was synthesized for electrochemical Sorafenib detection using chronopotentiometry and ASDPV. • The sensitivity of the sensor was enhanced by using metal organic frame work. • MIP sensors showed wide linear range (4.2 × 10−11–7.1 × 10−3 mol L−1) and low limit of detection (6.4 × 10−12 mol L−1). • The sensor has been employed to determine Sorafenib in oncology patients. A promising selective and sensitive biosensor was fabricated for the first time to monitor trace amounts of sorafenib (SORF), a multi-target kinase inhibitor, based on the electropolymerization of pyrrole on a carbon paste electrode (CPE). To prepare a modified CPE, the prepared metal organic framework (NH 2 -MIL-101(Fe)) was mixed with graphite powder in the presence of an appropriate amount of paraffin oil before it was packed into a plastic tube containing a copper wire. Computational studies appreciate the use of pyrrole as the functional monomer for electropolymerization at the CPE surface using chronopotentiometry in the presence of SORF as a template. After the leaching of SORF, the imprinted sensor was characterized using FT-IR, SEM, and AFM, while NH 2 -MIL-101(Fe) was investigated by XRD, XPS, and SEM analysis. Under optimum conditions, SORF was detected using anodic stripping differential pulse voltammetric and chronopotentiometric techniques. High sensitivity (6.40 × 10−12 mol/L), excellent selectivity, and a wide linear range (4.20 × 10−11–7.10 × 10−3 mol/L) were recorded. Furthermore, the proposed sensor exhibited good repeatability (RSD = 2.40 % for n = 7) and high lifetime stability (∼7 weeks). Based on the above-mentioned merits, the designed electrochemical sensor was properly utilized for SORF determination in different oncology patients with satisfactory results (recovery = 94.40–99.90 %). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depression and anxiety are non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) that are often overlooked and underrated. This study aimed to highlight the frequency and risk factors of depression and anxiety among subjects with PD. Methods: Sixty-four patients with PD who were diagnosed according to United Kingdom Parkinson's Disease Society (UKPDS) Brain Bank Criteria and 50 sex- and age-matched healthy control subjects are evaluated for depression and anxiety. PD severity and staging were assessed using Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and Hoehn and Yahr scale. Depression and anxiety were diagnosed using DSM-IV TR criteria and scored using Hamilton Depression and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scales (HAM-D and HAM-A). The World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-BREF was used to assess impact of depression and anxiety on quality of life. Results: 31.25% of patients with PD had depression while 40.6% of patients had anxiety disorder. Depression was higher in females and patients with history of depression and low socioeconomic status (SES). Anxiety was common in young patients and those who had history of anxiety. Overlap between depression and anxiety was recorded in 23.4%. Total UPDRS and Hoehn and Yahr scale accounted for 33.4% of variance for depression. Total UPDRS and earlier age of onset accounted for 39% of variance for anxiety. Advanced disease stage and severity were independent predictors for depression while disease severity and younger age of onset were the main predictors for anxiety. Depression and anxiety have a negative impact on the overall quality of life of PD patients especially on physical and psychosocial domains. Conclusion: Depression and anxiety are relatively common in PD. Female gender, low SES, and history of depression were the main risk factors for developing depression. Young age and history of anxiety were risk factors for anxiety. Both had negative impact on quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Post-stroke depression (PSD) has worse functional outcomes and quality of life. Despite the extensive literature on this topic, there is no agreement on the frequency or risk factors for post-stroke depression. Objectives: To establish the frequency and risk factors of post-stroke depression and its impact on quality of life. Patients and methods: One hundred three stroke patients were recruited from the out-patient clinic of Qena University Hospital who satisfied the WHO definition for stroke, together with a control group of 50 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers. A complete history, neurological examination, and CT brain were obtained for each patient. DSM-IV TR criteria were used for diagnosis of depressive disorders which was scored with the Hamilton depression rating scale (HAM-D); Barthel Index (BI), and quality of life were also measured. Results: Thirty-eight (36.9%) stroke patients had PSD which was significantly higher than in the normal population (control group 12%). Statistically significant risk factors for PSD included low educational level, low socioeconomic status, smoking, and post-stroke functional impairment. Post-stroke depression has an impact on quality of life. Conclusion: Post-stroke depression is a relatively common complication of stroke and can affect the quality of life. Low educational level and socioeconomic status, as well as smoking and functional impairments, were considered as risk factors for the occurrence of post-stroke depression. Early detection of predictors of post-stroke depression may improve the outcome of stroke and prevent the psychiatric consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common ocular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) and considered one of the leading causes of blindness in developed countries. Diabetic retinopathy is predominantly a microangiopathy in which high glucose levels can make small blood vessels particularly, vulnerable to damage. Objective: The aim of this work was to assess the thickness of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) measured by Swept Source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Patients and Methods: The study was an observational cross-sectional study. The study was conducted on 40 eyes of diabetic patients from the outpatient clinic in ophthalmology department of Al-Azhar University Hospitals. All patients were subjected to a complete ophthalmic examination including OCT. Results: The current study showed a negative correlation between parameters related to DM (duration of DM, and state of glycemic control measured by HbA1C) and all the parameters related to RNFL, and RGCL thickness but this correlation was statistically insignificant, and there was statistically significant decrease in superior RNFL thickness in patients with mild DR than patients with no DR, however, this difference was statistically insignificant in all parameters related to RGCL thickness in the two groups. Conclusion: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides non-invasive, quantitative and objective measurement of RNFL thickness, optic nerve head, and RGCL thickness with high resolution and accuracy. This could be the method of choice for monitoring the neurodegenerative changes in DR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In real-time energy management of a converter-based microgrid, it is difficult to determine optimal operating points of a storage system in order to save costs and minimise energy waste. The complexity arises due to time-varying electricity prices, stochastic energy sources and power demand. Many countries have imposed real-time electricity pricing to efficiently control demand side management. This paper presents a particle swarm optimisation (PSO) for the application of real-time energy management to find optimal battery controls of a community microgrid. The modification of the PSO consists in altering the cost function to better model the battery charging/discharging operations. As optimal control is performed by formulating a cost function, it is suitably analysed and then a dynamic penalty function is proposed in order to obtain the best cost function. Several case studies with different scenarios are conducted to determine the effectiveness of the proposed cost function. The proposed cost function can reduce operational cost by 12% as compared to the original cost function over a time horizon of 96 h. Simulation results reveal the suitability of applying the regularised PSO algorithm with the proposed cost function, which can be adjusted according to the need of the community, for real-time energy management. Highlights • A regularised PSO algorithm is presented for the application of real-time energy management. • Cost functions for determining charging/discharging energy amount of a battery are analysed. • A dynamic penalty function to efficiently manage battery energy is proposed to the cost function. • Optimisation model is developed to optimise battery energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With the rising trend of diabetes mellitus and hypertension, there is also a rise in chronic complications like chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end stage renal disease (ESRD). Cardiovascular complications remain the most common cause of death among ESRD patients and those on hemodialysis (HD). Hemodialysis patients behave in a distinct way that they are relatively more prone for bleeding than thrombotic manifestations. In recent days, abnormalities in platelet parameters are found to be an effective tool in risk stratification of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to develop coronary artery disease. Platelet parameters are considered as inflammatory markers. The present study was taken to find the association of various platelet parameters among hemodialysis patients and CKD patients. Objectives: The aim was to study the platelet distribution width (PDW), mean platelet volume (MPV), plateletcrit (PCT) and platelet large cell ratio (PLCR) among ESRD patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis and compare with CKD patients and healthy age and sex matched controls. Methods: The present study was done on three groups. Group 1 included 20 healthy individuals from hospital staffs and healthy volunteers matched for age and sex, Group2 included 60 CKD patients and Group 3 included 40 ESRD patients on maintenance HD. Results: The mean values of platelet distribution width (PDW), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet count, plateletcrit ratio (PCT) and platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR) were found to be higher in CKD and ESRD patients when compared to healthy controls. PDW, PCT and L-PCR attained statistical significance, while MPV did not. Conclusions: Abnormality in platelet parameters can be used as a predictor of underlying inflammation and severity of atherosclerosis as all these parameters are lesser than that observed in control population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]