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Renewable energy sources plays an important role in electricity generation. Various renewable energy sources like wind, solar, geothermal, ocean thermal, and biomass can be used for generation of electricity and for meeting our daily energy needs. Energy from the sun is the best option for electricity generation as it is available everywhere and is free to harness. The goal of research is to calculate the energy, engineering characteristics of solar concentrators by writing their own equations MATLAB program and compare the theoretical results with the results of the researchers was compatible.

This study was aimed at validating the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound (US) scans in pre-operative evaluation of flexor tendon injuries in the hand and to determine its value in the management of such injuries and in the prediction of patient outcome. This descriptive cross-sectional prospective study included 35 patients with penetrating trauma to the volar aspect of the hand or wrist with questionable clinical findings. They had 50 injured tendons and were candidates for exploratory surgery versus physiotherapy. They underwent pre-operative US to guide their management. Ultrasound results were compared with the operative findings as the gold standard test. Patients were followed up postoperatively, and functional outcome was assessed and correlated with pre-operative sonographic findings. Our results indicate that sonographic examination of hand tendon injury has high accuracy in diagnosing complete or partial flexor injuries, with 100% accuracy, sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing full-thickness tears as well as tenosynovitis of hand flexor tendons. Zonal II injury was the most frequent among our study population and correlated with poorest functional outcome after rehabilitation at 3 mo follow-up. US of the hand is a fast, inexpensive and potentially indispensable dynamic tool for accurate assessment of flexor tendon injuries. It provides data on the extent of injury that effectively helps both set up an appropriate operative plan and predict the patient's functional outcome post-operatively, which in turn will have a direct impact on the patient's rehabilitation plan and lifestyle. Thus, it should be a fundamental part of the management of patients with tendon injuries.

Patient selection for critical care admission must balance patient safety with optimal resource allocation. This study aimed to determine the relationship between critical care admission, and postoperative mortality after abdominal surgery.This prespecified secondary analysis of a multicentre, prospective, observational study included consecutive patients enrolled in the DISCOVER study from UK and Republic of Ireland undergoing major gastrointestinal and liver surgery between October and December 2014. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Multivariate logistic regression was used to explore associations between critical care admission (planned and unplanned) and mortality, and inter-centre variation in critical care admission after emergency laparotomy.Of 4529 patients included, 37.8% (n=1713) underwent planned critical care admissions from theatre. Some 3.1% (n=86/2816) admitted to ward-level care subsequently underwent unplanned critical care admission. Overall 30-day mortality was 2.9% (n=133/4519), and the risk-adjusted association between 30-day mortality and critical care admission was higher in unplanned [odds ratio (OR): 8.65, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.51-19.97) than planned admissions (OR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.43-3.85). Some 26.7% of patients (n=1210/4529) underwent emergency laparotomies. After adjustment, 49.3% (95% CI: 46.8-51.9%, P0.001) were predicted to have planned critical care admissions, with 7% (n=10/145) of centres outside the 95% CI.After risk adjustment, no 30-day survival benefit was identified for either planned or unplanned postoperative admissions to critical care within this cohort. This likely represents appropriate admission of the highest-risk patients. Planned admissions in selected, intermediate-risk patients may present a strategy to mitigate the risk of unplanned admission. Substantial inter-centre variation exists in planned critical care admissions after emergency laparotomies.

The present study is an attempt to evaluate the watershed characterization and potentiality of Wadi El-Arish, Sinai, Egypt using Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. Thirty morphometric parameters (e.g. stream numbers, orders, lengths, frequency as well as bifurcation ratio, drainage density and relief) were measured depending on SRTM data of digital elevation model (DEM) with 30m resolution that enhanced by topographic maps (1:50,000). Ten compound parameter values were calculated and prioritization rating for erosion risk assessment was carried out. Based on the values of the effective morphometric parameters, flash flood hazards were identified and evaluated. The land use map was constructed from the geomorphological units of Wadi El-Arish basin as well as the field observations. The drainage area of Wadi El-Arish watershed is 22260.3 km 2 . It is subdivided into twelve sub-basins of different areas. The morphometric analysis indicates that the watershed is of eight stream order with dendritic type of drainage pattern and homogeneous nature. The relief ratio, slope, ruggedness number and visual interpretation of the DEM indicate variable slope and topography with late mature stage of geomorphic development. On the other hand, the drainage density, texture, circulatory and elongation ratios prove that the majority of the sub-basins are almost elongated and have coarse and intermediate drainage texture which indicate medium to high infiltration capacity. Accordingly, these sub-basins most probably have good groundwater prospect where the most rainfall infiltrate to recharge the aquifer via permeable soils and/or fractured and weathered rocks. Concerning the soil erosion condition, the sub-basins with the lowest compound parameter value (e.g. W10: Wadi Abu Aliqanah and W12: Wadi Aqabah) have been subjected to maximum soil erosion and need immediate soil conservation measures. Based on the morphometric parameters which have a direct influence on flooding prone area, the flash flood hazard of Wadi El-Arish sub-basins are classified into three groups; namely high, medium and low hazard degree. For mitigation measure (e.g. erection of the runoff water) some dams and dikes at the crossing point between the seventh stream order and eighth stream order are recommended to be constructed. In addition, these measures will support the recharging of the shallow groundwater storage and aquifers. According to the potentiality of the study watershed, the land use map which constructed from the geomorphological units classified the Wadi El-Arish basin into four classes; namely high, moderate, low and non-suitability classes for agriculture uses. The volume of annual flood for Wadi El-Arish watershed was classified into five classes graded from very high to very low. The groundwater potentiality map indicates that the different geographic locations are suitable for groundwater storage with different magnitudes and potentialities, but the overall groundwater potential is of the moderate class. The Lower Cretaceous is considered to be the aquifer with the greatest development potential among the other aquifer systems due to their limited extent, poor productivity and/or water quality.

Objective To evaluate the value of conventional abdominal ultrasound and color Doppler in the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and its complications. Materials and methods 40 patients suffering from colonic symptoms were evaluated by high resolution ultrasonography and color Doppler scanning. Results The accuracy of conventional abdominal ultrasound in detecting inflammatory bowel cases was 80% and the accuracy of color Doppler in detecting the hypervascularity was 75%. Conclusion Conventional ultrasound is a widely available non-invasive method for imaging the alimentary gastrointestinal tract. This can provide an important contribution for diagnosis and monitoring of disease activity. Color Doppler sonography has proved to be a valuable method for the assessment of disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease.

Purpose To evaluate the safety and efficiency of percutaneous implantable peritoneal port in minimally invasive treatment of intractable ascites. Patients and methods 40 patients with malignant ascites were referred from the oncology clinic to the radiodiagnosis department for percutaneous placement of peritoneal port catheter as a palliative treatment under guidance of ultrasonography and fluoroscopy. Ports were evaluated for safety and efficiency. Results The technical insertion success rate of percutaneous implantable peritoneal port was 100% with gradual removal of ascites together with 100% immediate relief of symptoms. No major complication was noticed however one minor immediate complication (2.5%) was detected as leakage at the port placement site which stopped spontaneously with removal of ascites and conservative patient management .In long term results, one patient (2.5%) developed infection at port site after 3 months of successful ascites drainage. This technique avoided ascites related morbidity, increases patient compliance, and satisfaction by decreasing hospital visits as the drainage and patients monitor can be done at home. Conclusion The percutaneous implantable peritoneal port system is safe and effective in palliation of symptomatic malignant ascites with minimal invasive treatment. Port aspiration can be performed by patients or family members without nursing assistance or hospital visits.

Purpose: To distinguish the alarming from the non-alarming signs during immediate postoperative Doppler ultrasonography (US) follow up for liver transplantation cases. Patients and methods: From March 2012 to June 2013, 36 patients of post living related donor liver transplantation where followed up in the first month after liver transplantation and the US and Doppler US changes were recorded together with their laboratory data. When there were alarming Doppler US signs CT angiography was done to confirm vascular complications. Results: 5 cases (13.8%) presented with hyperechoic segments due to segmental venous congestion, 12 cases {33.3%) showed raw surface collection, 15 cases (41.6%) presented with free peritoneal fluid and 18 cases (50%) had right pleural effusion. One patient (2.7%) presented with occluded hepatic artery and thrombectomy was done. 30 cases {83.3%) showed increased portal vein velocity The mortality was 8.3% seen in 3 cases, two of them (5.5%) suffered from 7th day syndrome presented with abrupt sharp decrease in portal flow and one case (2.7%) had a small graft size and presented with marked slowliness of the portal flow on Doppler study and a venous infarct on CT Conclusion: The early monitoring of graft hemodynamic changes by Doppler sonography is of great importance as most of these changes revert to normal in the first postoperative week, however sharp decrease in arterial or portal flow indicates underlying grave vascular complications, some of them are correctable.

Background There is currently conflicting evidence surrounding the effects of obesity on postoperative outcomes. Previous studies have found obesity to be associated with adverse events, but others have found no association. The aim of this study was to determine whether increasing body mass index (BMI) is an independent risk factor for development of major postoperative complications. Methods This was a multicentre prospective cohort study across the UK and Republic of Ireland. Consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal surgery over a 4‐month interval (October–December 2014) were eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome was the 30‐day major complication rate (Clavien–Dindo grade III–V). BMI was grouped according to the World Health Organization classification. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to adjust for patient, operative and hospital‐level effects, creating odds ratios (ORs) and 95 per cent confidence intervals (c.i.). Results Of 7965 patients, 2545 (32·0 per cent) were of normal weight, 2673 (33·6 per cent) were overweight and 2747 (34·5 per cent) were obese. Overall, 4925 (61·8 per cent) underwent elective and 3038 (38·1 per cent) emergency operations. The 30‐day major complication rate was 11·4 per cent (908 of 7965). In adjusted models, a significant interaction was found between BMI and diagnosis, with an association seen between BMI and major complications for patients with malignancy (overweight: OR 1·59, 95 per cent c.i. 1·12 to 2·29, P = 0·008; obese: OR 1·91, 1·31 to 2·83, P = 0·002; compared with normal weight) but not benign disease (overweight: OR 0·89, 0·71 to 1·12, P = 0·329; obese: OR 0·84, 0·66 to 1·06, P = 0·147). Conclusion Overweight and obese patients undergoing surgery for gastrointestinal malignancy are at increased risk of major postoperative complications compared with those of normal weight., High BMI increases risk of complications

Hyperlipidemia is a highly prevalent worldwide disease. Moreover, it is a known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. In contrast, periodontitis is an inflammatory disease in which Gram-negative microorganisms and their products are the principal etiologic agents. They produce endotoxins in the f

This work presents an algebraic method for constructing QC-LDPC codes based on the minimum-weight (m-w) codewords of Reed-Solomon (RS) codes over GF(q) with two information symbols.

The co-occurrence of two rare recessive genetic conditions in apparently unrelated individuals or families is extremely rare. Two geographically distant and apparently unrelated families were identified in which individuals were simultaneously affected by two rare recessive mendelian syndromes, Papillon-Lefevre syndrome and type 1 oculocutaneous albinism. The families were tested for mutations in the causative genes, cathepsin C (CTSC) and tyrosinase (TYR), respectively, by direct sequencing. To assess the relationship of the two families, both families were tested for polymorphisms at eight microsatellite markers spanning both CTSC and TYR loci. Independent mutations (c.318-1G-->A and c.817G-->C/p.W272C) were identified in CTSC and TYR, respectively, that were shared by the affected individuals in both families. The two affected genes lie close together on chromosome bands 11q14.2-14.3, and studies with linked genetic markers suggested that the families shared a small chromosomal segment carrying both mutations that had been transmitted intact from a remote common ancestor. The co-occurrence of the two rare diseases in multiple families depends on their shared chromosomal location, but not on any shared pathogenic mechanism.

A study of liver apoptosis after aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) administration and the effect of melatonin (MEL) was investigated in male rats.Five groups of 15 rats each were used: controls, MEL Soln-treated rats (MEL dose,5 mg/Kg body wt), AFB1-treated rats (50 microg/Kg body wt), MEL Soln+AFB1-treated rats, and MEL micro-capsules (MEL-MC)+ AFB1-treated rats. After 8 weeks of treatment, biochemical measurements in liver homogenates and histopathological examination of liver sections of different groups using light and transmission electron microscope were done. The caspase-3 enzyme activity, apoptotic marker, was determined in liver tissues. Because hepatic antioxidants represent the major defence against toxic liver injury, and they act as anti-apoptosis. So, the levels of glutathione (GSH) and zinc (Zn) and the enzyme activities of glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GSPx) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were determined. In addition, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), a lipid peroxidation product, and nitric oxide (NO) levels were measured.The levels of caspase-3 activities in AFB1 group were significantly higher than control group. The apoptosis was associated with degenerative and necrotic changes in the hepatocytes. Concomitantly, the levels of MDA and NO in liver tissues were significantly increased while the levels of GSH, Zn and enzyme activities of GSPx and GR in liver tissues were significantly decreased in AFB1 group compared to their levels in controls. Caspase-3 activity was positively correlated with MDA while negatively correlated with GSH, GSPx and GR in rat livers treated with AFB1. The apoptotic rate was significantly reduced when MEL co-administrated with AFB1. In rats which received MEL with AFB1, the levels of MDA and NO in liver tissues were significantly reduced while GSH and Zn levels and GSPx, GR and GST activities were significantly increased compared to AFB1 group. When MEL-MC co-administrated with AFB1 appeared more effective in reduction of apoptotic rate as detected by decline of caspase-3 activities (inhibition 66.82%) and confirmed by histopathology.AFB1 can lead to direct or indirect caspase-3 activation and consequently to apoptosis in rat liver. MEL treatment of rats could enhance hepatic antioxidant/detoxification system which consequently reduce the apoptotic rate and the necrobiotic changes in the liver. MEL-MC exhibited an efficient protective effect against AFB1. Thus, clinical application of MEL as therapy should be considered in cases of aflatoxicosis.

We evaluated the usefulness and accuracy of spiral CT in detection and assessment of post-intubation tracheal stenosis. Fourteen patients with post intubation stenosis underwent evaluation of their airway by spiral CT scan with multiplanar reformatting (MPR) and virtual endoscopy (VE) and conventional rigid bronchoscopy, and telescopy (RB). The following parameters were assessed: involvement of the subglottic larynx, site, number, and degree of the stenosis. The results were compared with the intra-operative findings. The detection rate for tracheal stenotic lesions was 94% by CT and 88% by rigid bronchoscopy. The sensitivity and specificity of both CT scan and bronchoscopy in the detection of subglottic stenosis was 100%. The preoperative assessment of the length of stenosis was accurate in 14 (87%) of the 16 stenotic segments detected by CT and in 11 (73%) of the 15 segments detected by bronchoscopy. The length of stenosis as assessed intra-operatively significantly correlated with the data obtained with CT scan (r = 0.98, p < 0.001) and RB (r = 0.94, p < 0.001). The grade of stenosis was correctly assessed by bronchoscopy in 13/15 lesions (86%). CT measurements correctly estimated 15/16 (93.75%) lesions and allowed accurate measurements of the stenotic segment as well as the proximal and distal airway segments. Spiral CT scan with MPR and VE may be considered as a substitute to direct endoscopic examination and the additional information on laryngeal function can be easily obtained during flexible nasolaryngoscopic examination of the awake patient. This policy can minimize patient morbidity and spare them an extra anaesthetic for evaluation.

Papillon-Lefevre syndrome (PLS) is an autosomal recessive form of palmoplantar ectodermal dysplasia, characterized by palmoplantar hyperkeratosis and severe early-onset periodontitis. The presence of severe periodontitis distinguishes PLS from other palmoplantar keratodermas. As part of our efforts to study the genetic basis of periodontitis susceptibility, we performed a genome-wide search to identify major loci for PLS in 44 individuals (14 affected) from 10 consanguineous PLS families. We have identified evidence for linkage of a PLS gene on 11q14-q21. A maximum two-point logarithm of the odds (LOD) score of 8.24 was obtained for D11S1367 at a recombination fraction of theta=0.00. Multipoint analysis resulted in a LOD score of 10.45 and placed the gene for PLS within a 4-5 cM genetic interval. This genetic interval, flanked by D11S4197 and D11S931, contains more than 50 cDNAs and 200 expressed sequence tags (ESTs). This refinement of the candidate region for a PLS gene is in agreement with other recent reports of linkage for PLS to chromosome 11q14-q21 and should help in identification of the gene for PLS.

Purpose To evaluate the possibility of detecting small amount of acute subarachnoid hemorrhage (ASH) diluted by CSF not revealed by CT but identified on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) MRI. Patients and methods 50 patients with acute neurological symptoms were referred from the neurosurgery department to the radiodiagnosis department for computed tomography CT and magnetic resonance imaging MRI examination. Results Lumbar puncture proved 41 positive cases, MRI (FLAIR) interpreted 43 positive cases (40 true positive and 3 false positive) and 7 negative cases (6 true negative and one false negative) while CT interpreted 39 positive cases (37 true positive and 2 false positive) and 11 negative cases (7 true negative and 4 false negative). Conclusion FLAIR MRI was more sensitive and more accurate in the diagnosis of acute SAH than CT scan, having a much higher negative predictive value to exclude acute SAH, however its positive predictive value was slightly lower than CT, but there was no statistically significant difference statistically between the two in diagnosis of SAH.

Purpose To determine the diagnostic accuracy of gray scale and color Doppler sonography in the diagnosis of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Patients and methods A total of 53 wrists in 41 consecutive patients with clinical suspicion of carpal tunnel syndrome, referred from the Department of Physical medicine, Rheumatology & Rehabilitation were examined with ultrasonography using a 12 MHz linear array transducer. The presence of median nerve edema, swelling, and bowing of the flexor retinaculum was evaluated by gray scale sonography, while intraneural hypervascularity was evaluated by color Doppler sonography. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for each sonographic feature and compared with electrodiagnostic test (EDT) results. Results Electrodiagnostic tests confirmed carpal tunnel syndrome in 48 wrists. A median nerve cross sectional area (CSA) of 11 mm2 was calculated as a definition of median nerve swelling. In comparison with electrodiagnostic tests, median nerve swelling showed the highest accuracy (89%) among the gray scale sonographic criteria, and the presence of median nerve hypervascularization showed the highest accuracy (94%) among all sonographic criteria. Median nerve edema and bowing of the flexor retinaculum showed accuracies of 81% and 77% respectively. Conclusion Median nerve intraneural hypervascularity detected by color Doppler sonography is more accurate in detection of median nerve involvement than gray scale sonography criteria in patients with suspected carpal tunnel syndrome.

Fifty normal infants were evaluated for the influence of their feeding pattern on the mother-to-child transmission of lymphocyte responsiveness to Schistosoma mansoni antigens. Positive delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions (DTH) were observed in 56% of infants who were breast-fed by infected mothers. Two out of 20 formula-fed infants born to infected mothers had positive DTH. A positive DTH was detected in only one infant out of 15 breast-fed by schistosomiasis-free mothers. These results suggest that cellular hypersensitivity to S. mansoni antigen can - at least in part - be transmitted in the colostrum/milk of infected mothers to their infants.