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Three samples of calcite (calcite crystal (CA), calcite of limestone (L.CA), and metamorphosed calcite (marble) (M.CA)) were assessed as adsorbents of Zn (II) to consider the impact of the different geological conditions. The three samples exhibit remarkable changes in their Zn (II) retention capacities (Qsat = 384.6 mg/g (CA), 274.5 mg/g (L.CA), and 512.6 mg/g (M.CA)). The retention systems of the three calcite samples were described on the basis of the suggested statistical physics-based equilibrium studies as well as the traditional kinetic and isotherm models. However, the M.CA samples exhibited the best retention capacity, the steric properties reflecting a higher active site density of CA (Nm(Zn) = 113.46 mg/g) than both M.CA (Nm(Zn) = 82.8 mg/g) and L.CA (Nm(Zn) = 52.4 mg/g) at 323 K. This was assigned to the controlling effect of the sequestered numbers of Zn (II) per site on the surfaces of the calcite phase (n(Zn) = 3.39 (CA), 5.24 (L.CA), and 6.19 (M.CA)) in addition to the higher surface area and ion exchange of the metamorphosed and deformed M.CA. The previous n(Zn) values suggested the retention of Zn (II) by a multi-ionic mechanism in a vertical orientation. The Gaussian energies (8 to 16 KJ/mol) and retention energies (˂40 KJ/mol) of Zn (II) by CA and L.CA suggested complex physical and weak chemical mechanisms involving ion exchange, hydrogen bonding, dipole bonding forces, electrostatic attractions, and van der Waals forces. The thermodynamic properties were illustrated on the basis of the internal energy, free enthalpy, and entropy functions, which validate the endothermic and spontaneous nature of the Zn (II) retention system by the three calcite samples.

Despite Egypt's signing of many trade agreements and joining many international economic blocs that are supposed to contribute to increase trade flow between Egypt and these countries, however, statistics indicate weak economic performance in the field of foreign trade in general and agricultural ones in particular. The total value of exports was estimated at $ 26.2 billion in 2017, while the total value of imports was estimated at $ 66.5 billion in 2017, which means that there is a deficit in the total trade balance estimated at $ 40.2 billion, while the rate of export coverage of imports is estimated at 39.5%. The research aims at studying and analyzing the effects of trade agreements signed by Egypt with some international economic blocs on agricultural foreign trade through studying the current situation of the Egyptian trade balance, studying the current situation of the Egyptian agricultural balance, and the standard estimation of the flow of trade between Egypt and the European Union. The results of gravity model showed the results of the regression model (OLS) during the period (2013-2017) that the overall performance of the model looks good with a coefficient of determination of about 0.56, which means that the gravity model is efficient in explaining the bilateral trade flow of Egypt with the EU. The results of the model showed that the logarithm of the GDP of Egypt with each EU country is highly significant, with a coefficient of this variable estimated at 0.90.

Oocytes cryopreservation in mammalian species has gained a rapid pace during the past couple of decades emphasizing its importance in various assisted reproductive technologies .Aim of this work was to study effects of different cryoprprotectant agents: Ethylene Glycol (EG), Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and combination of them (EG+DMSO) on the viability, mitochondrial distribution and intensity of in vitro matured vitrified/ thawed buffalo oocytes by determine: 1) the effect of different cryoprotectants on the viability and developmental competence of vitrified/thawed in vitro matured buffalo oocytes. 2) The effect of different cryoprotectants on the mitochondria distribution and intensity of vitrified/thawed in vitro matured buffalo oocytes. Ovaries were collected from EL-Warak slaughter house, Cairo, Egypt. Excellent and good oocytes were in vitro matured in TCM-199 +IGF for 22 h in incubator at 38.5 ₒC in 5% CO2 and humidified atmosphere. Morphologically normal matured oocytes with first polar were placed in equilibration solution (VS1) for 1 min then oocytes were transferred to (VS2) for 30 sec. VS1 is half concentration of VS2 which contain EG 40% (EG group) or DMSO 40% (DMSO group) or EG 20%+DMSO 20% (Combination group). Oocytes were loaded in sterile 0.25 ml straws and stores in liquid nitrogen for 7-10 days. Morphological changes (normal and abnormal) of vitrified thawed in vitro mature buffalo oocyte were detected under invertd microscope. Mitotracker red stain and confocal microscope (Zeiss 710) used to study the mitochondrial distribution and Hochest dye to study the viability of in vitro vitrified/ thawed matured buffalo oocytes. The obtained results revealed that using a combination of EG+DMSO for vitrification resulted in the best quality of in vitro vitrified thawed buffalo oocytes which was demonstrated by significantly higher percent of morphologically normal recovered oocytes and transferable embryos when compared with EG and DMSO. More mitochondria were diffusely distributed in the fresh oocytes (93.33%) than in all vitrified groups oocytes: DMSO group (63.33%), EG group (79.99%) and DMSO+ EG group (79.99%). The Mean No. of mitochondrial intensity of recovered mature oocytes vitrified in EG+DMSO group (186.22) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those vitrified in EG group (153.33) and DMSO group (146.98). In conclusion: Combination of EG+DMSO cryoprotectants improve the viability and developmental competence of in vitro matured vitrified/thawed buffalo oocytes.

Background: Mostly Upper eyelid cicatricial entropion (UCE) is a common cause of trichiasis which results from pathological process that causes scarring of the tarsus which leads to inward rotation of the lid margin. Objectives: The aim of the present study is to describe the use of lid crease incision for upper eyelid margin rotation in cicatricial entropion combining internal traction on the anterior lamella , tarsotomy , and tarsal overlap without external sutures. Patients and methods: This is a prospective consecutive interventional analytical study that included 40 eyes of 20 patients with age ranging from 40 to 80 years with trachomatous upper eyelid entropion presenting to the outpatient clinic of “Qena ” university hospital , Group patients were randomly selected according to the inclusion criteria to undergo the transcautenous margin rotation operation at qena university hospital &the surgery was explained to the patients . The study was approved by by the scientific and ethical comittees at faculty of medicine ,south valley university Results: The mean patients' age for was (56.0 ± 18.27) and a range of (40.0- 76.0) years , Among the 20 patients recruited, 9 (45%) were males and 11 (55%) were females , In our study, 20% of eyes among the TMR group underwent entropion correction and blepharoplasty for dermatochalasis in the same sitting. Out of 40 eyes in the study, 70% developed "grade II" and 30% developed "grade I" post operative lid margin position., Trichiasis recurrence rate was 10% in the studied group Recurrence was seen in four eyelids of four patients despite adequate post operative lid margin position. Conclusion: Upper eyelid cicatricial trachomatous entropion can be effectively managed utilizing the TMR , with no significant incidence in entropion or trichiasis recurrence

Background Weaning of patients from the mechanical ventilation remains one of the critical decisions in intensive care unit. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of thoracic fluid content (TFC) as a predictor of weaning outcome. Methods An observational cohort study included 64 critically ill surgical patients who were eligible for extubation. Before initiating the spontaneous breathing trial, the TFC was measured using the electrical cardiometry technology. Patients were followed up after extubation and divided into successful weaning group and failed weaning group. Both groups were compared according to respiratory and cardiovascular parameters. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to evaluate the ability of TFC to predict weaning outcome. Results The number of successfully weaned patients was 41/64 (64%). Twenty (31%) patients had impaired cardiac contractility, and of them, 13/20 (64%) patients were successfully extubated. Both groups, successful weaning group and failed weaning group, were comparable in most of baseline characteristics; however, the TFC was significantly higher in the failed weaning group compared to the successful weaning group. The area under the ROC curves (AUCs) showed moderate predictive ability for the TFC in predicting weaning failure (AUC [95% confidence interval] 0.69 [0.57–0.8], cutoff value > 50 kΩ−1), while the predictive ability of TFC was excellent in the subgroup of patients with ejection fraction < 40% (AUC [95% confidence interval 0.93 [0.72–1], cutoff value > 50 kΩ−1). Conclusions Thoracic fluid content showed moderate ability for predicting weaning outcome in surgical critically ill patients. However, in the subgroup of patients with ejection fraction less than 40%, TFC above 50 kΩ−1 has an excellent ability to predict weaning failure.

Raw kaolinite was used as a precursor for several types of modified kaolinite. The modification processes included modification by sodium hydroxide, sodium phosphate, sodium sulfate, CTAB, and sodium acetate. The structural, morphological, and chemical properties of raw kaolinite and the modified products were evaluated using XRD, SEM, TEM, and FT-IR analyses. The modified products were used as adsorbent materials for acidic Congo red dye from aqueous solutions. The adsorption processes were evaluated as a function of reaction time, initial dye concentration, and adsorbent masses. Phosphate-modified kaolinite achieved the best removal results followed by sulfate-modified kaolinite and kaolinite sample modified by CTAB. Kinetic studies indicated that the adsorption equilibrium was obtained after 360 min for the samples, which were modified by NaOH and CTAB, whereas the modified samples that were treated by phosphate, sulfate and, acetate achieve the equilibrium after 240 min. The adsorption by all the products is of chemical nature occurs through energetically heterogeneous surfaces and fitted well with pseudo-second order kinetic model. The equilibrium studies revealed that the adsorption using kaolinite modified by sodium hydroxide, sodium phosphate, and sodium sulfate occurs in monolayer form and represented well by Langmuir model. The estimated qmax values are 136.98, 149.25, and 135.13 mg/g for the three products in order. The uptake using modified kaolinite by CTAB and sodium acetate shows more fitting with Tamkin and Freundlich isotherm models rather than with Langmuir model.

The Khalda Concession is located southeast of the Abu Gharadig Basin in the Western Egyptian Desert. The present study is based on Rock-Eval pyrolysis and vitrinite reflectance (%Ro) data of the SPYGLASS-1X and AG-24 wells and analyses of two-dimensional seismic sections. This study evaluates the hydrocarbon potential, quality of organic matter, and thermal maturation history of the Abu Roash F and G members and the Bahariya Formation in the two wells. In addition, two burial history models were constructed using the PetroMod software to determine the status of the studied sequences with respect to oil and gas windows and the timing of hydrocarbon generation , which depend on the modeled %Ro. The structural setting and entrapment styles of the generated hydrocarbons were detected via the interpretation of the two-dimensional seismic lines using the Petrel software platform. The results indicate that the hydrocarbon potentiality of the Bahariya Formation and the Abu Roash F and G members ranges from poor to very good with the total organic carbon reaching 2.5 wt%. The hydrogen index values indicate that the kerogen types are mainly Type II, mixed Type II/III, and Type III. In addition, the maturity parameters (%Ro, T max , and the production index) and the burial history models of the studied wells indicate that the Abu Roash F and G members and the Bahariya Formation have reached the mature stage at the studied depths. The seismic interpretation reveals that the entrapment styles of the generated hydrocarbons are primarily structural traps of normal faults, forming horst and graben structures, and anticline folds.

This paper introduced a sum method for controlling electrical power systems for multi-machines under dynamic loads by using artificial intelligence. This paper includes complete descriptions of the sum methods used to controlling dynamic power system stability through the method of recognizing pattern and proposition of suitable control systems for re-adjusting the machines in power system for unstable cases. PSAT program had been used in analyzing the stability in the power systems. In this paper, the studied power system included dynamic load model, the program gave excellent results in standard time, and the used network consists of 9 bus bars – 4 generators.

In this paper, both linear and nonlinear features have been reviewed with linear support vector machine (SVM) classifier for neural seizure detection. The work introduced in the paper includes performance measurement through different metrics: accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of multiple linear and nonlinear features with linear support vector machine (SVM). A comparison is performed between the performance of different combinations between 11 linear features and 9 nonlinear features to conclude the best set of features. It is found that some features enhance the detection performance greatly. Using a combination of 3 features of them, a linear SVM classifier detects seizures with sensitivity of 96.78%, specificity of 97.9%, and accuracy of 97.9%.

A non-invasive marker is required for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with bladder cancer. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the potential prognostic significance of serum osteoprotegerin (OPG), p53 protein and urine telomerase in patients with bladder cancer. For all patients, serum levels of OPG and p53 protein were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and urine telomerase was assessed using a polymerase chain reaction ELISA technique. Patients were assigned into group 1 (cystectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy) or group 2 (transurethral resection and chemoradiotherapy). The results revealed that serum OPG and p53, and urine telomerase levels were significantly higher in bladder cancer patients compared with in healthy individuals (P

This paper presents the first assessment study of the surface water quality in the Egyptian Fayoum Governorate (Province). A total of 42 water samples from irrigation and drainage canals as well as Lake Qarun were collected. Major ions, (semi-)metals, nutrients, salinity and microbiological parameters were examined. The results showed that the highest salinities and highest concentrations of Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, $${\text{SO}}_{4}^{2 - }$$ , Cl− and δ18O were recorded in Lake Qarun due to up-concentration by evaporation. The highest concentrations of Al, Ba, Cr, Co, Cu, Ni, Fe and Mn were recorded in drainage waters. Tracking the fate of contaminants through sources–sink pathways helped to determine the potential sources of pollution. The highly impacted sites were located close to point sources of pollution such as sewage water treatment plants. Water used as drinking water supply has higher levels of Al and it can be harmful. High levels of microbiological contamination were recorded in irrigation and drainage waters, which therefore might cause water-borne diseases. Improper disposal of sewage or on-site sanitation tank overflowing into these waters is the main cause of microbiological contamination. Drainage and irrigation waters generally have high salinities resulting in soil salinization and degradation. Lake Qarun, a closed saline and alkaline lake, acts as the reservoir for left-over drainage waters. The results show that the lake has a self-cleaning system where most of the (semi-)metals carried by drainage waters are totally adsorbed on the lake sediments. Therefore, Lake Qarun is playing an important role in the environmental balancing in the Fayoum Governorate.

The crystallization sequence during evaporation of a high concentrated brine collected from the solar evaporation ponds of Egyptian Salts and Minerals Company (EMISAL) was studied. The study included natural solar evaporation in the field at EMISAL site and also experimental isothermal evaporation at 35 °C in the lab. A crystallization path was simulated by the Janecke phase diagram at 35 °C involving the system Na+, K+, Mg2 +/Cl−, and SO42−//H2O. The X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) of the solid phases precipitated during the lab and filed works showed similar results where halite and hexahydrite were the real main solid phases precipitated from the brine. But, the crystallization sequence predicted by the Janecke diagram showed that halite, hexahydrite, kainite and kieserite solid phases should appear during evaporation of the brine. The absence of kainite and kieserite from the real precipitated solid assemblage was attributed to the metastability of kainite and the critical relative humidity conditions for kieserite. The precipitation of K –Mg salts from the studied brine was very sensitive to the climatic conditions. Economically, the present study proposed the optimum conditions at which NaCl salt and magnesium sulfate salts can be produced at high quantity and quality from EMISAL concentration ponds.

We present here the first detailed hydrogeochemical study about Lake Qarun. It is a closed, saline, and alkaline lake located in the North African Sahara Desert. It has no outflow except by evaporation. This lake is the deepest area in the Fayoum Depression with elevation 43 m below sea level. In this area, Nile River is the main source of water and Lake Qarun acts as the main reservoir of all drainage waters. Along the flow path of water, the salinity of water increases with increasing proximity to Lake Qarun and the water chemistry has developed from Ca–Mg–HCO3 at head waters to Na–Cl–SO4 in low lands and in Lake Qarun. The main processes that control the water chemistry in the studied area are dissolution of soluble salts along with continuous evapoconcentration. The progressive evaporation of drainage water inflow has increased the concentrations of Na, Mg, Cl, and SO4 in Lake Qarun water, while Ca and HCO3 have been depleted through CaCO3 precipitation. This is confirmed by the application of Hardie and Eugster’s model parallel with a PHREEQC simulated evaporation model. Both models demonstrated that the evolution of lake water during evaporation should reach the final composition of “Na–Mg–SO4–Cl.” Oxygen isotope (δ18O) values of the studied water samples showed a strong positive correlation with electrical conductivity values supporting the effect of evapoconcentration process on the evolution of the lake brine. This study presented an integrated geochemical approach that can help in understanding similar cases studies in arid environments.

Lake Qarun is an inland closed saline lake. It lies within the Fayoum Depression in the Western Desert of Egypt. Evaporation modeling has been carried out using PHREEQC to simulate the geochemical evolution of surface drainage waters inflow towards lake water. In the case of Lake Qarun, it is the first attempt to carry out such kind of modeling. Performance of this model helped to address the different sources of dissolved major ions to Lake Qarun and to identify the mechanisms control the lake's water chemistry. The model demonstrated that evaporation–crystallization process is the main mechanism controlling the evolution of lake water chemistry where major ions Na + , Mg 2+ , Cl − and SO 4 2− have been built up in the lake by evaporation while Ca 2+ and HCO 3 − are depleted by calcite precipitation. Moreover, the simulated model reproduced the real data observed in Lake Qarun except in the case of SO 4 2− which is in real more enriched in the lake than the model output. The additional source of SO 4 2− is reported to be from groundwater. The models result agreed well with the modified evolutionary Hardie and Eugster’s scheme (1970) in which the final major composition of Lake Qarun water is Na–Mg–SO 4 –Cl type. In future, the monitoring of Lake Qarun chemistry with detection of any other sources of elements and/or local reactions inside the lake can be detected by performing the simulated evaporation model reported by the present study.

A total of 150 does of different breeds were used to evaluate the accuracy of transrectal (TRU) and transabdominal ultrasonography (TAU) for pregnancy diagnosis and fetal number estimation and to study the effect of breed and age of goats on the accuracy of ultrasonography. All does were scanned by TRU at days 17-22, 24-29 and 31-36 and by TAU at days 39-44 and 46-51 after breeding. The sensitivity (Se) of TRU for detecting pregnant does increased significantly (81.6% vs. 97.7%; P0.0005) from days 17-22 to 24-29. There was a significant (P0.05) effect of breed of goats on the specificity (Sp) of TAU for diagnosing non-pregnancy between days 39 and 51. In addition, there was a significant (P0.01) effect of breed of goats on the Se and Sp of TRU for determination of does carrying multiples and singles, respectively, between days 24 and 36. The sensitivity of TAU for diagnosing pregnant does tended to be significantly (P=0.06) higher in young does (1.5-2 yr) than in older does (2-9 yr) at days 39-44. The accuracy of TRU for determination of does carrying singles was significantly (P0.05) higher in young does than that in older ones at days 24-29. In conclusions, TRU could be accurately used for early pregnancy diagnosis and fetal number estimation at days 24-29 and days 31-36, respectively, with accuracy similar to that of TAU at days 39-51. Furthermore, breed and age of does might influence the accuracy of ultrasonography for pregnancy diagnosis and fetal numbers estimation.

West Beni Suef Concession is located at the western part of Beni Suef Basin which is a relatively under-explored basin and lies about 150 km south of Cairo. The major goal of this study is to evaluate the source rock by using different techniques as Rock-Eval pyrolysis, Vitrinite reflectance (%Ro), and well log data of some Cretaceous sequences including Abu Roash (E, F and G members), Kharita and Betty formations. The BasinMod 1D program is used in this study to construct the burial history and calculate the levels of thermal maturity of the Fayoum-1X well based on calibration of measured %Ro and T max against calculated %Ro model. The calculated Total Organic Carbon (TOC) content from well log data compared with the measured TOC from the Rock-Eval pyrolysis in Fayoum-1X well is shown to match against the shale source rock but gives high values against the limestone source rock. For that, a new model is derived from well log data to calculate accurately the TOC content against the limestone source rock in the study area. The organic matter existing in Abu Roash (F member) is fair to excellent and capable of generating a significant amount of hydrocarbons (oil prone) produced from (mixed type I/II) kerogen. The generation potential of kerogen in Abu Roash (E and G members) and Betty formations is ranging from poor to fair, and generating hydrocarbons of oil and gas prone (mixed type II/III) kerogen. Eventually, kerogen (type III) of Kharita Formation has poor to very good generation potential and mainly produces gas. Thermal maturation of the measured %Ro, calculated %Ro model, T max and Production index (PI) indicates that Abu Roash (F member) exciting in the onset of oil generation, whereas Abu Roash (E and G members), Kharita and Betty formations entered the peak of oil generation.

This paper proposes a photovoltaic mathematical model featuring reduction in mathematical solution and comparable accuracy. The proposed model mimics the characteristics of the practical model by solving two nonlinear equations only, thus providing low computational time. In this paper, the most important parameters, i.e. the short circuit current, open-circuit voltage, maximum power point of the PV module, are determined with best accuracy under different solar irradiance intensities and module temperatures. The best estimation of the most important parameters enhance the model's accuracy at any values of irradiance and temperature. The proposed procedure is used the Newton-Raphson method based on simplified method to calculate the parameters of a PV system. The initial values of these parameters are estimated by using the simplified method to prevent a bad starting point which can compromise the convergence of the Newton-Raphson's method. Also the proposed equations which are used to calculate these parameters of a PV system, allow one to calculate it's without relying on the experimental I-V curve to determine the parameters of a PV system as usually reported in literature. The effectiveness of the model is shown by comparing the accuracy of the proposed model with those of the available models.

Background At least six HCV (hepatitis C virus) genotypes are unequally distributed worldwide. HCV genotyping guides the selection of treatment regimens and provides important epidemiological markers that enable the outbreak source to be traced and the spread of disease to be controlled. In Egypt, there is an increasing need for cost-effective, fast, and easily performable HCV genotyping assays.Recently, a multiplex PCR assay was developed to determine HCV genotypes. It employs genotype-specific primers, based on sequences of the entire core region and part of the 5’UTR of the genome. Objectives In this study, we compared a simple, new, modified multiplex PCR system for HCV genotyping with a commercially available line probe assay (INNO-LiPA) that is based on reverse hybridization. Patients and Methods Serum samples from chronic HCV Egyptian patients (n = 73) were genotyped using the modified multiplex PCR assay, and genotypes were verified using the INNO-LiPA HCV II assay. Results The modified multiplex PCR method was able to type HCV-4 in 65 of 70 typeable samples (92.86%) and had 100% concordance with the INNO-LiPA assay. Conclusions Genotype 4 was the most prevalent genotype in our study. Based on our results, the modified multiplex nested PCR assay is a sensitive and inexpensive alternative for HCV genotyping and can be used in routine diagnostic laboratories. INNO-LiPA may be useful as a second-line assay for genotyping samples that are indeterminate by multiplex PCR. This approach will effect better treatment optimization and a reduction of the spread of HCV.

Aims and background There is currently no consensus as to which chemotherapy to combine with thoracic radiotherapy (TRT) in the setting of definitive chemoradiation for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We aimed to retrospectively evaluate the efficacy and report outcome measures of cisplatin/etoposide with conventionally fractionated TRT over a 9-year period. Methods Cisplatin 50 mg/m² on days 1, 8, 29, and 36 and etoposide 50 mg/m² on days 1-5 and 29-33 with conventionally fractionated conformal radiation therapy starting on day 1 was given to 201 eligible patients. Patient records were reviewed for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Results The 2-year OS and PFS were 53% and 47%, respectively, while the 3-year OS and PFS were 18% and 17%, respectively. No grade 4 or treatment-related deaths were recorded, and grade 3 hematologic toxicity occurred in only 22 patients (11%) in the form of granulocytopenia and thrombocytopenia. Multivariable analysis showed clinical stage and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status to statistically significantly affect PFS and OS. Conclusions Cisplatin and etoposide in these doses with conventionally fractionated TRT is a well-tolerated, effective treatment schedule in the definitive treatment of unresectable or inoperable NSCLC.

Compared to cattle and sheep, few studies had been undertaken to evaluate the incidence of embryonic and fetal losses (EFL) in goats. The objectives of the present study were to characterize the timing of EFL and to identify the factors that are associated with EFL in goats such as breed, age, parity, method of estrous synchronization, and breeding. Moreover, this study aimed to ensure whether a relationship existed between serum progesterone (P4) and EFL. Goats (n = 151) of different breeds (70 Zaraiebi, 42 Damascus, and 39 Cross goats [Baladi × Damascus]) were evaluated by ultrasonography to monitor EFL during different stages of gestation (D20-23, D26-29, D33-36, D40-45, and D47-54 after breeding). Blood samples were collected at D7, D20, and at each ultrasonographic scanning to clarify changes of serum P4 levels concurrently with EFL. Results revealed that 45 of 109 goats (41.28%) were exposed to EFL. A higher EFL % was observed between D20 to 23 and D47 to 54 (19.61%) compared with D47 to 54 to birth (11.76%). Moreover, a higher EFL % was observed in Zaraiebi goats compared with others. Age and goat parity had no significant effect on the EFL % in all goats. A high EFL % were observed in goats synchronized by P4 sponge, as well as artificially inseminated goats compared with goats with spontaneous estrus, and bred by natural mating, respectively. Serum P4 at D7 or D20 after breeding showed nonsignificant difference between normal pregnant goats and goats that experienced EFL. Unlike goats that experienced partial EFL, goats that experienced total EFL between D20 to 23 and D26 to 29 showed an abrupt P4 reduction (85.06%; P

Purpose : To assess overall survival (OS) of esophageal cancer patients treated either by esophagectomy or chemoradiation (CRT). Methods: The medical records of patients with non metastatic esophageal cancer, treated with esophagectomy and those treated with concurrent CRT were analyzed. For all patients, files were reviewed for age, sex, tumor site and type, grade, disease stage and survival. The Log- rank test was used to examine differences in OS rates. Results: The medical records of 90 patients were analyzed. After a median follow up of 20 months, 2-year OS rate for the whole group was 46%. There was significant differences in 2-year OS in favor of patients treated by concurrent CRT (55.4%) compared to those treated by surgery (31%) (p=0.016, HR:1.96, 95% CI: 1.13–3.38). Univariate analysis showed that patients in each treatment group, had comparable 2-year OS rates regarding patient’s age, gender, pathologic subtype, and histologic grade (p>0.05). Disease stage in each group and tumor site in CRT group significantly affected OS rates (p

Novelty and Impact: This first study compares the survival of HCV-positive DLBCL treated with and without rituximab which showed in toxicity and the outcome. Background: The effect of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection on prognosis and hepatic toxicity in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in the rituximab era is unclear. The treatment and the outcome of patients with DLBCL and HCV infection are still a matter of debate. Methods: We analyzed 137 DLBCL patients positive to HCV, treated with chemotherapy regimens include cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) ± rituximab. Survival outcomes and hepatic toxicity were compared in DLBCL patients positive to HCV infection according to CHOP ± rituximab. Result: Our result showed that the group of patients treated with R-CHOP has significant high incidence of hepatic toxicity grade (3–4) (28 vs. 18%, P value 0.001) and worse progression-free survival (55 vs. 80%, P value 0.002) in comparison with the group treated with CHOP, and also there is significant difference between both groups in overall survival. This first study compares the survival of HCV-positive DLBCL treated with and without rituximab which showed significant differences. Conclusion: We conclude that HCV-positive patients with DLBCL treated with rituximab plus CHOP have high incidence in hepatic toxicity. Specific protocols evaluating antiviral therapy should be designed for these patients

Surface and near-surface sediments in southeastern part of the United Arab Emirates show extensive development of dolomite that is characterized by whitish, dense rocks, partially dissected by veinlets of gypsum and well-developed coarse calcite crystals. The dolomite reveals rather monotonous aphanocrystalline to very finely crystalline crystals (2–20 μm) composed of idiotopic or planar dolomite fabric. Densely packed dolomite aggregates of clotted texture are observed. Moreover, several horizons of peloidal textures are recognized. The fossil content includes freshwater molluscs, foraminifera and gastropods embedded in very fine dolomite crystals., whereas dolomite forming the skeletal grains is considerably coarser (about 40 μm). The most common carbonate porosity type is fossil moldic followed by vug and channel porosity. Interparticle and intraparticle porosity, that may suggest possible dissolution by later diagenetic fluids, are only locally significant. Vari-sized blocky sparry calcite crystals are frequently observed as pore-filling cement.

The regional unconformity that marks the Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary and the Oligocene-Miocene contact in the United Arab Emirates exhibits an irregular palaeokarstic surface. Polyphases karst development related to dissolution-precipitation processes commonly results in the collapse of the breccia of the limestone with planar-walled fissures filled with red mudstone and clasts of host limestone. Moreover, solution pipes, caves, sinkholes, and joints with precipitates and endogenetic or exogenetic sediments are observed. Also present are celestite, silcretes, gypcretes, coarse columnar calcite crystals and ferruginous material as related products to karastification processes. The heterogenetic nature of these void-filling deposits is related to changes in climatic conditions through time. Petrographic study points to alternation between semi-arid or humid climate to arid–semi-arid conditions during their precipitation. Preservation of fibrous gypsum could indicate extreme aridity and limited effect of leaching of water-soluble salts near the ground surface.

The Liwa area is located in the south–central part of the UAE along the northeastern upwind margin of the Ar Rub' Al Khali sand sea and covers about 3694 km 2 . It has one type of dunes: a mega-barchan that is compound and complex in form characterized by the superimposition of smaller dunes. Due to the giant size of barchans, interdune areas appear as closed depressions that vary in shape from irregular, elongate, triangular, to circular or semi-circular. These depressions are mostly covered with small barchans or sabkha deposits with patches of gypcrete in their upper parts. Scattered flat-top mounds are also observed in interdune areas. The size of dunes in Liwa is directly controlled by Quaternary climatic changes: multiple generations are superimposed on one another separated by calcretic horizons. The climate during dune formation alternated between relatively arid to humid. The dune sands are unimodal with a modal class of fine sand, moderately to very well sorted, and near symmetrical and mesokurtic. Quartz grains are mainly subrounded to subangular. Based on the heavy-mineral suites, the sand came mostly from the ultrabasic rocks that form the ophiolitic sequence of the Oman Mountains, the acidic rocks of Iran, and from the Arabian Shield.

The geomorphologic and petrographic characteristics of the calcareous hard rocks in the intertidal and supratidal zones of the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates, where it faces the Gulf of Oman, were investigated. The tidal zone can be broadly classified into two major physiographic provinces. A northern province that has a rather steep profile and a tidal flat that is very narrow and is characterized by lithoclasts of gravelly sand sediments. It is formed of beachrocks, well-developed coastal terraces and cliffs and is bounded landward by mountains composed mainly of peridotite and gabbros. The southern province tidal flat is much wider than the north province with a shallow, tide dominated and sheltered coast where sandy bioclasts accumulate. The mountains surrounding such areas are located several kilometers from the coast and are largely formed by gabbros. Beachrocks are developed as discontinoous beds in narrow belts of pavement, limited essentially to the intertidal zone and with a surface, which is generally sloping seaward. These rocks are partly covered by beach sand, skeletal debris, algae and other rock fragments encrusted by living organisms. They rest on dense to friable loose beach sand mainly composed of biogenic fragments strongly bonded bycarbonate cements. Tidal terraces are almost flat benches that vary in their geomorphologic pattern and three well-developed terraces are recognized. Based on the composition of framework grains, beachrocks can be grouped into two types: lithic and bioclastic. The lithoclasts are mainly composed of peridotite, gabbros, pyroxenes, calcareous rock fragments and washed sediments derived from wadi-fill and dust storms. The bioclastic sediments are chiefly fragments of corals, foraminifera, pelecypods, gastropods, crabs, echnoids and algae. The beachrock cement is mainly formed by aragonite, micrite and coarsely crystalline calcite with a subordinate amount of dolomite. Precipitation of aragonite appears to be mainly controlled by the micrite substrate and at least three successive stages of cement fill are observed.

The Umm Az Zimul–Al Wijan area is located in the southeastern part of the UAE and covers about 1600 km 2 . It is bounded to the east by the Oman Mountains and to the south and west by the extensive dune area of Ar Rub' Al Khali. Field investigation revealed the common occurrence of parallel to sub-parallel sand ridges with a general east–west orientation. Also present, but less frequent, are barchan, barchanoid and star dunes. Interdune areas are classified into four types that include: dolomite, mixed ancient sabkha and ophiolitic rock fragments, mixed sand sheet and ophiolitic rock fragments, and recent sabkha. The textural characteristics of the sand forming the dunes are unimodal with a modal class in fine sand size, moderately to very well sorted, positively skewed and mesokurtic. Quartz grains are mainly subrounded to subangular. The similarity in roundness properties in different dune types in the eastern province of the UAE seems not to be influenced by dune form. Based on the heavy mineral suites and the angularity of quartz grains, it is believed that the sand sediments are mostly derived from the ultrabasic rocks forming the ophiolitic sequence of the Oman Mountains, acidic rocks of Iran and from the coastal area.

Quaternary sediments represent the main constituent which covers an ENE–WSW elongated depression some 25 km long and 10 km wide (Al-Ain area). This depression is encountered between two north and south low fault scarps and is located perpendicular to the Al Jaww plain and Jabel Hafit axes. Four main types of Quaternary surface deposits were identified belonging to: flood plain and braided channels; desert plain; aeolian sand; and sabkha. The first type shows many pedogenic and non-pedogenic features of which are dolocrete, calcrete and gypcrete. An ENE–WSW closely-spaced dip-slip, stepping pattern fault set could be traced in dolocretized-calcretized braided channel deposits, on the south margin of this depression, where the relationship between fault geometry, displacement and geomorphology suggest a model of either graben or half-graben. The role of this system in developing the landscape of Al-Ain is well documented near the surface but a comprehensive study to assess its role in the sub-surface is needed.

Objectives: Patients with painful bone metastasis treated with palliative radiation therapy (RTH) may require re-irradiation. This work aims at assessing the efficacy and safety of re-irradiation for painful bone metastases using single 8 Gy fractions versus (4 Gy × 5 fractions). Methods: From June 2011 to December 2012, previously irradiated bone metastases were re-irradiated with single 8 Gy fractions (group I) or, 4 Gy × 5 fractions (group II). Pain management index (PMI) was determined. Pearson’s r correlation coefficient was calculated between negative PMI at presentation and age, ECOG Performance Status, sex, and primary cancer site. Results: Two months after RTH, about one fifth of patients achieved no pain, mild pain in 75.5% of the remaining patients and no patient suffered from severe pain. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between groups (I and II) regarding pain relief. Negative PMI score, was reduced to from 37% at presentation to 25%, at 2 months follow up. A strong negative association between PMI and performance status (p=0.0057, 95% confidence interval between 0.109 and 0.557) was found. Conclusion: Palliative re-irradiation with either single 8 Gy fraction or with, 4 Gy × 5 fractions was effective and safe in pain relief.

Background: Tri-modality bladder sparing therapy in selected bladder cancer patients may be an alternatives treatment option to immediate radical cystectomy as it may result in satisfactory Quality Of Life (QOL). The present study evaluated the effects of this conservative approach versus surgical approach, i.e. Radical Cystectomy (RC) and orthotopic neobladder, on QOL of patients. Patients and methods: This is a prospective study of patients with bladder cancer in group I (using tri-modality bladder sparing therapy) and group II (using RC and orthotopic neobladder). Patients in both groups were subjected to interview NCCN-FACT FBlSI18 questionnaire, inquiring about physical and emotional disease related symptoms, treatment side effects and function and well being. SPSS version18 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: Internal consistency of the 18 items in both groups was assessed by Cronbach’s α which was adequate at 0.89 at Group I and 0.84 at Group II. Univariate analysis showed that there were statistically significant difference (p

Introduction. Biological markers as Her2/neu, p53, and hormonal receptors (HmRs) may be reliable parameters for prognostic assessment of patients of locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). This work aims at assessing the potential value of these biological markers for the prediction of disease outcome after neoadjuvant taxane-based chemotherapy and its implication on the surgical role.Patients and Methods. From March 2006 to September 2011, 95 patients with LABC were treated by neoadjuvant taxane-based chemotherapy given at intervals of 3 weeks. Expression of Her2/neu and p53 was examined in the initial tissue biopsy by using ELISA technique. Status of HmRs was determined using a commercial enzyme immunoassay. Three weeks after the third cycle, patients underwent surgical resection followed by 3 more cycles of taxane-based chemotherapy and radiotherapy as an adjuvant therapy. Relations of Her2/neu overexpression to p53, HmRs, and conventional prognostic factors were analyzed.Results. Median followup was 61 months. The 5-year DFS and OAS rates were significantly higher in patients with positive HmRs than in those with negative HmRs, patients with Her2− than those with Her2+ breast cancer, and patients with intact p53 breast cancer than those with inactive p53. HER-2 overexpression was statistically significant associated with loss of HmR positive immunostaining (), grade III breast cancer (), advanced nodal status (), and younger (Conclusion. Her2/neu overexpression was associated with poor DFS and OAS rates, as it was significantly associated with negative HmR and high grade.

Purpose: To evaluate treatment outcome and to determine whether or not the timing of radiotherapy (RT) was associated with any difference in disease relapse, survival, or incidence of complications in patients with soft tissue sarcomas (STS). Methods: The medical files of 63 patients with a primary, nonmetastatic, STS, treated with surgery and irradiation were evaluated. Data regarding tumor stage, grade, site, dosage and timing of radiotherapy, treatment complications, disease relapse, and disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OAS) rates were analyzed. Results: The median follow up was 47 months (range; 5-66 months). Four-year OAS and DFS rates were 82.6% and 78.8% respectively. There were significant higher 4-year OAS (p = 0.024) and DFS (p = 0.011) rates in patients with stage I and II diseases than those in patients with stage III disease. On the other hand, there were no significant differences in 4-year OAS (p = 0.83, HR: 0.743, 95% CI: 0.165 to 3.345) and DFS (p = 0.64, HR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.21 to 2.61) rates between preoperative and postoperative RT patients. Disease relapse for preoperative versus postoperative RT patients was not statistically different (p = 0.41). Wound complications were more frequent in preoperative RT patients (25%) compared to postoperative RT patients (8%) (p = 0.0566 chi-square). Conclusions: Preoperative irradiation has not a positive impact on survival or disease relapse rates, but is associated with high wound complication rate.

Objectives: Conventional fractionated irradiation (CF) has major implications on both patient quality of life and radiotherapy (RT) departments. Hypofractionated (HF) RT schedule would be more convenient for patients and for health care providers. We retrospectively evaluated OAS, DFS, locoregional control, and treatment related toxicities, in patients treated with CF and HF schedules. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed the medical records of female breast cancer patients with infiltrating duct carcinoma, and underwent surgery and received adjuvant systemic and radiation therapies.The schedule of adjuvant radiotherapy was divided into two groups; CF (n = 162), and HF (n = 181).The log-rank test examined differences in OAS and DFS rates. Data of radiation toxicities, and disease relapse in both CF and HF groups were compared using Chi-square test. Results: The median follow up was 42 months (range: 6 - 127 months). Four-year OAS & DFS rates for the whole group were 86.5% & 83.8% respectively. There were no significant differences in 4-year OAS regarding age at diagnosis (p = 0.18, HR 0.66, 95% CI: 0.36 – 1.22), disease stage (p = 0.06), HR status (p = 0.1, HR 0.52, 95% CI: 0.241 – 1.135), type of surgery (p = 0.28, HR 1.44, 95% CI: 0.74 –2.79), and fractionation schedule (p = 0.12, HR 0.63, 95% CI: 0.35 – 1.34). Disease stage (p = 0.032, in favour of early stages) and fractionation schedule (p = 0.039, HR 0.553, 95% CI: 0.315 – 0.970 in favour of HF) were associated with significant differences in 4-year DFS rates. Conclusion: Hypofractionated radiation therapy was safe and resulted in comparable OAS and disease

Field investigation indicates the common existence of calcrete, dolocrete, gypcrete and silcrete in the southern part of Kuwait. Three different forms of topographic highs are identified: calcretic ridges, calcareous sandstone ridges and silcretic hills; these show a direct relationship to the pre-existing land topography. They also influence the development of present-day land morphology. Surface and near-surface duricrust in Kuwait developed during the Pleistocene and early Holocene. Genetically, the calcareous duricrust is related to pedogenic and groundwater action. Gypcrete and silcrete are formed after the development of calcrete. In a later stage, an arid environment prevailed and aeolian processes produced relief inversion. The role of duricrust in developing the landscape of Kuwait is well documented, but a comprehensive study to assess its role in the subsurface zones is required.

Field investigation in the southern part of Kuwait indicated the widespread occurrence of duricrust. Gypcrete is one of the frequently observed types that exists at or near the land surface. Three types of gypcrete are recognized: weakly cemented fibrous gypcrete; hard fibrous gypcrete; and powder gypcrete. Petrographically, several crystal shapes are identified: interlocking anhedral to subhedral crystals, lozenge-shaped; feather like; and poikilotopic crystals. Three integral factors contributed to gypcrete genesis; these are: availability of gypsum, the mechanisms of gypsum translocation from its source to its place of deposition, and favourable conditions under which the mineral can precipitate. In Kuwait, three models are suggested to explain the genesis of gypcrete. The role of duricrust in developing the landscape of Kuwait is well documented but a comprehensive study to assess its role in the sub-surface zones is required.

Background We conducted a retrospective analysis to investigate treatment results and prognostic factors of pediatric neuroblastoma patients. Methods This retrospective study was carried out analyzing the medical records of patients with the pathological diagnosis of neuroblastoma seen at South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut University during the period from January 2001 and January 2010. After induction chemotherapy, response according to international neuoblastoma response criteria was assessed. Radiotherapy to patients with residual primary tumor was applied. Overall and event free survival (OAS and EFS) rates were estimated using Graphed prism program. The Log-rank test was used to examine differences in OAS and EFS rates. Cox-regression multivariate analysis was done to determine the independent prognostic factors affecting survival rates. Results Fifty three cases were analyzed. The median follow-up duration was 32 months and ranged from 2 to 84 months. The 3-year OAS and EFS rates were 39.4% and 29.3% respectively. Poor prognostic factors included age >1 year of age, N-MYC amplification, and high risk group. The majority of patients (68%) presented in high risk group, where treatment outcome was poor, as only 21% of patients survived for 3 year. Conclusion Multivariate analysis confirmed only the association between survival and risk group. However, in univariate analysis, local radiation therapy resulted in significant survival improvement. Therefore, radiotherapy should be given to patients with residual tumor evident after induction chemotherapy and surgery. Future attempts to improve OAS in high risk group patients with aggressive chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation should be considered.

We conducted a retrospective analysis to investigate the clinical outcome of combined-modality therapy using multiagent chemotherapy and involved-field radiotherapy in treatment of children with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Fifty eight cases with newly diagnosed Hodgkin's lymphoma were analyzed. The median follow-up duration was 46 months (range 3-72 months). The 4-year overall and event-free survival rates were 91.5% and 69.7% respectively. High-risk disease (stage IIIB and IV), presence of B symptoms, lymphocyte depletion subtype, bulky disease and late response to chemotherapy were poor prognostic factors. Stage-adapted combined-modality therapy resulted in satisfactory outcome in treatment of pediatric Hodgkin's lymphoma.