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California has a diverse climate that ranges from desert regions with some of the hottest places in North America to coastal regions with mild climates and cold summers. The selection of the binder's performance grade (PG) in California is based on a climate map that was developed in 2005 using 1960 to 1990 data from the National Climate Data Center (NCDC) analyzed using the Enhanced Integrated Climate Model (EICM) and the Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPPBind 2.0) software. Climate change is happening all around the world, and California is no exception. Based on observed pavement performance, there was a need to revise the PG map using updated climatic data from various sources. In this study, the PG binder map for California was updated to better predict pavement performance using the latest available weather data. Thirty years of climate data (1991-2019) were considered to update the current binder's PG map. The weather data were collected from two main sources: NCDC and Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA). It was found that pavement structure types and thermal coefficients have insignificant effects on the binder performance grade. Also, it is recommended that the binder high PG for the central valley of California be changed based on the results obtained from analysis using EICM and LTPPBind Online.

Currently, no performance-related test exists for fatigue cracking for use in routine asphalt mix design to approve job mix formula (JMF) and quality control and quality assurance (QC/QA) in California. The existing four-point bending (4PB) test was developed to evaluate the fatigue performance of asphalt pavement, but it is not necessarily appropriate for use in routine JMF and it is too slow for QC/QA. The objective of this study is to evaluate potential surrogate fatigue performance-related testing methods and identify a test that is simple and easy to perform but also able to provide guidance for asphalt mix design on routine projects and QC/QA on all projects. This report compares potential performance-related tests with 4PB tests for simplicity, repeatability (variability), and their relationship to stiffness and fatigue life. Tests evaluated in this study included the semicircular bend (SCB) test, indirect tensile asphalt cracking test (IDEAL-CT), and fatigue testing on fine aggregate matrix (FAM) mixes with linear amplitude sweep (LAS) analysis. These tests were conducted on a variety of asphalt mixtures. Fracture parameters obtained from SCB and IDEAL-CT tests and fatigue parameters from FAM mixes were included as potential fatigue cracking indicators. Linear regression analysis was used to correlate these indicators with the stiffness and fatigue life from 4PB tests. The comparison analysis demonstrates that SCB and IDEAL-CT tests are providing the same fracture information. Fracture parameters from SCB and IDEAL-CT tests are well correlated with the initial flexural stiffness from 4PB tests, and the initial flexural stiffness has a moderate inverse nonlinear correlation with the fatigue life from the controlled-strain 4PB tests. As the IDEAL-CT test is faster and requires less specimen preparation, the recommendation is that attention focus on this test. All the fracture tests indicate that the Strength parameter has low variability and good correlation with 4PB flexural stiffness and a moderate correlation with flexural fatigue, and it is proposed as a surrogate indicator for flexural stiffness and an indication of fatigue life. The FAM test showed promise regarding matching 4PB fatigue life as well as stiffness. The relationships identified in this study between flexural stiffness and flexural fatigue life and between flexural stiffness and the Strength parameter from the IDEAL-CT tests were used to develop a preliminary approach to using the Strength parameter to place upper and lower boundary limits on the stiffness of mixes for use in routine mix design and QC/QA. Examples of this approach are presented in the appendices based on flexural fatigue testing and on setting of those limits without 4PB tests. The sensitivity of performance for both approaches is demonstrated by mechanistic-empirical simulation using CalME. Recommendations are made to further develop the IDEAL-CT Strength parameter for routine mix design and QC/QA, with limits set following the approach developed in this study. Review of pavement management system field cracking data and indirect tensile strength from the AASHTO T 283 test in Caltrans databases is recommended to help this development. Further development of FAM mixes LAS testing is also recommended.

Abstract The luminescent spectra of the RE2O3-doped P2O5–CdO–ZnO glasses (RE = Er, and Tb) were investigated to separate the effects of two studied rare-earth elements and the annealing regime on the emission performance of the prepared glasses. The glasses undergo a series of collective measurements including UV–visible absorption, luminescence, thermal expansion, XRD, TEM, and FTIR. The optical UV–visible spectra of the two doped glasses reveal a UV band due to undoped glass beside and extra extended 11 peaks with the Er3+ ions with high distinct features while the Tb3+ ions samples exhibit peaks within the visible region. These peaks are correlated with transitions from the ground state in each case to specific energy transitions. The overall optical data indicate that the two rare earth ions are present in a stable trivalent state. Under UV excitation, both Er3+ and Tb3+ emit a characteristic green light corresponding to 4S3/2 → 4I15/2 and 5D4 → 7F5 transitions, respectively. The performance of the green light was identified to be enhanced by increasing the concentration of rare earth and the effect of annealing temperature. Moreover, the intensity of the infrared emission of Er3+ at 1532 nm corresponds to the (4I13/2 → 4I15/2) transition which is assumed to be developed with the effect of heating. The resultant IR spectra show distinct vibrational peaks due to phosphate groups that undergo only minor modifications when doped with rare earth elements or over-annealed.

Use of recycled materials, such as reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and reclaimed asphalt shingles (RAS), is gaining widespread interest. Currently the California Department of Transportation standard specifications do not allow the use of RAS and limit the use of RAP contents to a maximum of 25% by dry weight of aggregate, though there is a non-standard special provision that allows use of up to 3% RAS by mass of aggregate and 40% RAP content by binder replacement. Nevertheless, mixes with high RAP and RAS are being produced across California for local agencies and commercial use. This study investigated the performance of four plant-produced high RAP or RAS mixes collected from different regions in California. The mixes were not designed and produced following Caltrans specifications. However, they provide insight into the effects of silo storage time on blending of virgin and RAP binder, the performancerelated properties of these mixes, and the measurement of properties by accepted performance-related tests. The mixes were collected before silo storage and after hours in the silo. Testing of the mixes included the following tests: four-point flexural beam stiffness and fatigue, Hamburg Wheel-Track (HWT), confined and unconfined repeated load triaxial (RLT), semicircular bending (SCB), and indirect tensile asphalt cracking test (IDEAL-CT). Additional testing was also conducted on the fine aggregate matrix (FAM) mixes to characterize fatigue and stiffness. This report presents preliminary findings from this study, including results related to the effects of silo storage time on stiffness, cracking resistance, and rutting resistance using performance-related tests as well as an initial comparison of the results from alternative cracking test types for these mixes. The results showed that silo storage time can increase stiffness on the order of 50% to 60%, with corresponding negative effects on fracture resistance and controlled-strain flexural fatigue life. The fatigue performance of the mixes reduced with increased silo storage, particularly at high strain levels, as measured by the flexural beam test. Use of a high rejuvenator dose could also potentially lead to rutting problems and poor fatigue performance. The FAM mix testing showed promising results in terms of characterizing fatigue. However, in its current form, it is not yet practical for use as a quality control/quality assurance test. The recommendation is that the effect of aging and blending of high RAP or RAS mixes be further investigated to understand the full impact of silo storage on these types of mixes. Performance-related specifications should consider the variation in mix properties due to silo storage.

The aging of asphalt concrete is mainly governed by the aging of the asphalt binder, which is a naturally occurring organic hydrocarbon. Both chemical and rheological properties of asphalt binder are expected to change as aging continues. The pavement industry is increasing the use of different recycled materials in the construction and rehabilitation of flexible pavements to preserve natural resources, save costs, and reduce environmental emissions. The aged binder from recycled materials is expected to alter the binder properties and its aging characteristics in the new mix. In this study, 3 different virgin base binder types (PG 64-16, PG 58-22, and PG 70-10) and 7 different binder blends containing recycled binders (up to 100 % binder replacement) were subjected to different aging conditions. The rheological and chemical properties of these binders were characterized using a dynamic shear rheometer and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. It was found that the Glover-Rowe parameter distinctively captured the change in binder rheological properties with aging for the different binder blends. A good correlation (R2value of 0.83-1.00) was observed between binder chemical and rheological properties. The source and performance grade of the base binder were found to govern the correlation between the rheological and chemical properties of the blended binder. Hamburg wheel tracking (for rutting and moisture sensitivity) and indirect tensile asphalt cracking test (for fracture) tests were conducted on asphalt mixes maintaining the same blended binder ratios. The laboratory mix performance parameters were found to correlate well with the properties of the blended binders. Therefore, properties of the blended binders can be an important source of information for predicting the performance of asphalt mixes containing recycled materials.

Abstract Aims Both S100A4 and Glypican-3 have been known to be engaged in HCC development and progression. This study aimed to evaluate both S100A4 and GPC3 expression in HCC tissues as a prognostic markers. Methods Tissues from 70 patients of HCC in cirrhotic HCV patients were evaluated by immunohistochemistry using antibodies against SA100A4 and GPC3 and compared with tumor-adjacent tissue (controls). All cases were followed for 40 months. Results GPC3 was more expressed in HCC (79%) than S100A4 (21%). S100A4 was more significantly expressed in cases showing metastasis, microscopic vascular emboli, necrosis, and grade III tumors. There was no relationship between overall survival and both S100A4 and GPC3. The only significant independent predictor for recurrence was decompensation (OR 3.037), while metastasis was significantly predicted by S100A4 expression (OR 9.63) and necrosis (OR 8.33). Conclusion S100A4 might be used as a prognostic marker for HCC, while GPC3 is a reliable marker of HCC diagnosis.

Abstract Background Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) represent a critical medical and public health concerns due to their association with serious nosocomial infections and a high risk of mortality. We aimed to reveal the pooled prevalence of VRE and antimicrobial resistance profiles among enterococci clinical isolates in Egypt. Methods A PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science literature search was carried out in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. Only published studies documenting the prevalence of VRE between 2010 and 2022 were included. Using the random effects model and the 95% confidence intervals, the pooled estimate of VRE was calculated by MedCalc Version 20.113. Cochran’s Q and I 2 tests were used to evaluate the degree of heterogeneity, and publication bias was examined by visually examining the funnel plot and its associated tests (Begg’s and Egger’s tests). Results The pooled prevalence of VRE among enterococci clinical isolates in Egypt was estimated to be 26% (95% CI 16.9 to 36.3). E. faecalis had a greater pooled prevalence than E. faecium, with 61.22% (95% CI 53.65 to 68.53) and 32.47% (95% CI 27 to 38.2), respectively. The VanA gene is more frequent than the VanB gene among VRE, with a pooled prevalence of 63.3% (95% CI 52.1 to 73.7) and 17.95% (95% CI 7.8 to 31), respectively. The pooled resistance rate of linezolid was substantially lower than that of ampicillin and high-level gentamicin (HLG) 5.54% (95% CI 2.33 to 10%), 65.7% (95% CI 50.8 to 79.2%), and 61.1% (95% CI 47.4 to 73.9), respectively. Conclusion The prevalence of VRE is alarmingly high in Egypt. It is imperative that antimicrobial stewardship activities and infection control programs are strictly adhered to and implemented to prevent further escalation of the problem.

Background/Aims Malignant portal vein thrombus (PVT) is found in up to 44% of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The nature of the thrombus influences treatment selection. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) in determining the nature of PVT in liver cirrhosis and/or HCC. Methods A prospective study was conducted in 34 patients with liver cirrhosis and/or HCC with PVT. Under EUS guidance, PVT was punctured using a 22 G FNA needle (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN, USA) followed by monitoring of the puncture tract using color Doppler. Patients were followed for adverse events 2 hours after recovery. Results Throughout the 30-month study period, 34 patients, including 24 males with a mean age of 59±8 years, were enrolled. There were 8 patients with known HCC and 26 with no liver masses detected by computed tomography (CT). EUS-FNA from PVT was positive for malignancy in 3 patients (8.8%), of which only 1 patient was diagnosed with HCC by CT and 2 patients were newly diagnosed with HCC after EUS-FNA. No major complications were reported. Conclusions EUS-FNA is a safe and effective technique for determining the nature of PVT that does not fulfill the malignant criteria via imaging studies in patients with liver cirrhosis and/or HCC.

Caseins determine the physicochemical, physiological, and biological characteristics of milk. Four caseins—alpha-S-1, alpha-S-2, beta, and kappa—were analyzed phylogenetically and in silico and characterized regarding chemical, antimicrobial, and antioxidant features in five dairy animals: Arabian camels, sheep, goats, cattle, and water buffalos. The sequence of full-length amino acids of the four caseins for the five species was retracted from the NCBI GenBank database. Multiple sequence alignment is used to examine further the candidate sequences for phylogenetic analysis using Clustal X and NJ-Plot tools. The results revealed that sheep and goats possess strong similarities (98.06%) because of their common ancestor. The same was observed with cattle and water buffalos (96.25%). The Arabian camel was located in a single subclade due to low similarity in casein residues and compositions with other dairy animals. Protein modeling showed that alpha-S1- and alpha-S2-caseins possess the highest number of phosphoserine residues. The in silico computed chemical properties showed that β-casein recorded highest hydrophobicity index and lowest basic amino acid content, while α-S2-casein showed the opposite. The computed biological parameters revealed that α-S2-casein presented the highest bactericidal stretches. Only Arabian camel β-casein and k-casein showed one bactericidal stretches. The analysis also revealed that β-casein, particularly in Arabian camels, possesses the highest antioxidant activity index. These results support the importance of the bioinformatics resources to determine milk casein micelles' chemical and biological activities.

Bilharziasis (Schistosomiasis) is the third devastating tropical disease globally and is endemic in many countries including Egypt. The pathology of chronic colonic schistosomiasis results from egg‐induced immune response, granuloma formation, and associated fibrotic changes that may manifest as bloody diarrhea, cramping, and, eventually, inflammatory colonic polyposis. Huge polyps complicating schistosomiasis are not frequently reported in the literature. Also, huge polyps as a sole manifestation of intestinal bilharziasis are rather rarely reported. Here, we report an Egyptian male patient who presented with bleeding per rectum with a huge polyp on colonoscopy, with morphological traits that mimicked colon cancer and proved to be of bilharzial etiology after surgical excision.

Abstract Background Though uncommon, complications of endovascular angioplasty and stenting may have devastating outcomes that can threaten limb and life. Adequate awareness of these complications will allow to achieve excellent clinical outcomes. Results Endovascular intervention was successful in treatment of most of distal SFA complications with limited use in flush ostial complications; residual stenosis ≥ 30%, flow-limiting dissection, perforation or rupture; 100% in group (2) vs 50% in group (1) but thrombosis; 75% of distal SFA lesions were treated endovascularly vs 40% of flush ostial lesions; X 2 = 12.7, P = 0.02. Emergency surgery as a bailout was used for most ostial lesion complications: residual stenosis ≥ 30%, flow-limiting dissection, and perforation or rupture; 50% in group (1) vs 0% in group (2); X 2 = 20.1, P = 0.01. Conclusion Bailout procedures are procedures used to save the limb or the patient. Evolving endovascular strategies embrace new technologies in an attempt to improve the safety and efficacy of revascularization procedures for lower extremity arterial occlusive disease.

The luminescent spectra of the RE2O3-doped P2O5–CdO–ZnO glasses (RE = Er, and Tb) were investigated to separate the effects of two studied rare-earth elements and the annealing regime on the emission performance of the prepared glasses. The glasses undergo a series of collective measurements including UV–visible absorption, luminescence, thermal expansion, XRD, TEM, and FTIR. The optical UV–visible spectra of the two doped glasses reveal a UV band due to undoped glass beside and extra extended 11 peaks with the Er3+ ions with high distinct features while the Tb3+ ions samples exhibit peaks within the visible region. These peaks are correlated with transitions from the ground state in each case to specific energy transitions. The overall optical data indicate that the two rare earth ions are present in a stable trivalent state. Under UV excitation, both Er3+ and Tb3+ emit a characteristic green light corresponding to 4S3/2 → 4I15/2 and 5D4 → 7F5 transitions, respectively. The performance of the green light was identified to be enhanced by increasing the concentration of rare earth and the effect of annealing temperature. Moreover, the intensity of the infrared emission of Er3+ at 1532 nm corresponds to the (4I13/2 → 4I15/2) transition which is assumed to be developed with the effect of heating. The resultant IR spectra show distinct vibrational peaks due to phosphate groups that undergo only minor modifications when doped with rare earth elements or over-annealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]