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Various fish species are found in fish-markets that trigger the need to evaluate the quality of various fish meat products to answer the consumer needs. This study evaluated some mineral elements in the meats of Baiad (B), Tilapia (T) and Nile Perch (NP) fish species. These fish species were brought from the fish market of Wad Medani City (Blue Nile Fishes; BN), and from Kosti fish market (White Nile Fishes; WN). The preparation of fish meat-ashes and the determination of minerals (through Atomic Absorption), were run in the Food Analysis Laboratory, and the Central Laboratory - University of Gezira. The results showed high concentration of Cu element in WN samples was high in B-meat (0.434 mg/L) and in BN sample in T-meat (0.115 mg/L). Mn element in WN samples was high in B-meat (0.282 mg/L) and in BN sample in T-meat (0.292 mg/L). Fe (0.788 mg/L) and Zn (0.950 mg/L) elements were high in NP-meat of WN, while Fe (3.261 mg/L) and Zn (5.123 mg/L) were high in B-meat of BN. WN samples were highly contaminated with Pb which was about 24-folds more than the maximum tolerable limit (0.025 mg/L), while BN samples were still about third that standard. It was cleared that, BN fish samples were relatively rich in Fe and Zn, while WN samples were relatively rich in Cu and Mn elements.The contamination of fish meat of WN with Pb should be seriously studied, and the meat quality of all fish species should be determined.

Fish provides a good source of high quality protein and contains many of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K), mineral elements and antioxidant. This study determined the fat composition in the meats of two popular fish species that were brought from the fish market of Wad Medani City (Blue Nile samples; BN), and from Kosti fish market (White Nile samples, WN). The preparation of fish meat-fat and fat composition (through GC-MS), were run in the Food Analysis Laboratory, and the Central Laboratory - University of Gezira. The results showed that, Hexadecanoic acid was detected in WN Nile Perch (3.01%) and Tilapia (13.37%), whereas BN samples did not contain this fatty acid. Eicosanoic acid appeared in only BN samples: Tilapia (9.60%) and perch (2.12), Oleic acid (omega 9) appeared only in WN samples (it was 4.01% in NP, and 16.54% in T. Octadecanoic acid (Streaic acid) was appeared in all BN and WN samples (it was 8.45% in BN Perch, 1.6% in BN Tilapia, 1.60% in WN Tilapia and 0.29% in WN Perch). The more abundant fatty acids was Oleic acid (total sum 20.55%), then Hexadecanoic acid (16.38%). From the proposed results, the feasibility of local production of fish oils for human consumption should be done.

Co-exfoliated GNP/MoS2 was synthesized in one step and used for supercapacitor study.

The one-pot synthesis of Fe doped carbon dots (Fe-N@CDs) and its composite with Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4-CDs) for detection and degradation of doxycycline.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the outcomes of single stage surgery for Tandem Spinal Stenosis (TSS) in elderly (Age ≥65 years) and younger patients (Age

Being cognizant of modern electronic devices, the scientists are continuing to investigate renewable green-energy resources for a decade. Amid different energy harvesting systems, the triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have been found to be the most promising mechanical harvesting technology and have drawn attention to generate electrical energy. Thanks to its instant output power, choice to opt for wide-ranging materials, low maintenance cost, easy fabrication process and environmentally friendly nature. Due to numerous working modes of TENGs, it is dedicated to desired application at ambient conditions. In this review, an advance correlation of TENGs have been explained based on the variety of nanostructures, including 0D, 1D, 2D, 3D, metal organic frameworks (MOFs), coordination polymers (CPs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and perovskite materials. Moreover, an overview of previous and current perspectives of various nanomaterials, synthesis, fabrication and their applications in potential fields have been discussed in detail.

Introduction: Tubular micro-endoscopic decompression is a technically demanding surgical technique involving familiarity of microscope handling with surgical and radiographic anatomical planning. Understanding the learning curve is necessary to delineate the problems faced during initial cases to reduce the complication rates and set guidelines for safe spine surgery through educational and training programs on bone-saw models and organizing workshops to enhance the standard of health care with improvement in surgical skills. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the learning curve of tubular micro-endoscopic decompression in patients with degenerative lumbar canal stenosis based on surgical and clinical parameters and delineate the challenges faced in early cases in long series of patients. Materials and Methods: Study design. Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Study cohort. Data of first 220 consecutive patients with single-level degenerative lumbar canal stenosis managed with tubular micro-endoscopic decompression surgery from 2010 to 2016 with a minimum two-year follow-up were retrieved. Methodology. First 200 patients available at the final follow-up were divided into quartiles (50 each) as per the date of surgery with each consecutive group serving control for prior. Preoperatively and postoperatively clinical parameters (pain scores: visual analog scale [VAS]; functional disability: oswestry disability index [ODI] score), perioperative (operative time, blood loss, and hospital stay), technical issues (guide wire migration, tube docking-related problems, and dural tear), and postoperative complications (postoperative leg pain, neural injury, infection, and recurrence) were evaluated. Statistical analysis. The logarithmic curve-fit regression analysis and analysis of variance test were used to find the asymptote. Results: The mean age of patients was 61.81 years (ranging from 39 to 85) with male-to-female ratio of 121:79 with no significant difference among the quartiles. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.005) were noted in mean operative time (q1 = 109 min, q2 = 69.4 min) and mean blood loss (q1 = 110.6 mL, q2 = 69.6 mL) between the first and second quartiles with no further significant reduction in the third and fourth quartiles.Statistically significant differences (P < 0.005) in clinical parameters (VAS preoperative/postoperative 6.7/1.43; ODI preoperative/postoperative 39.08/12.63) were noted but were not associated with surgical experience. Hospital stay time did not show any significant difference among the quartiles.Guide wire-migrated issues, neural injury, dural tear, and tube docking-related problems significantly reduced after q1. However, recurrence occurred at any phase. Infection occurred in one patient in the first quartile.Although blood loss and operative time showed a declining trend, it was not significant after the second quartile. Therefore, asymptote lay in the first quartile; however, we recommend that novice surgeon should perform 50–100 cases to achieve mastery in this technique as different surgeons have different learning abilities. Conclusion: For mastering the art of tubular micro-endoscopic decompression for lumbar canal stenosis and to reduce its learning curve, novice surgeons can avoid the challenges and problems faced during initial cases with improvement in surgical skills by doing practice on cadavers and bone-saw models following certain recommendations that we came through our learning curve of surgical experience so that the results of their initial surgery are similar to the results that we had after achieving asymptote. Familiarity with instrumentation, communication between surgical team, and defined expectations from radiology technician are the keys to reduce the learning curve.

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate clinico-radiological outcomes of posterior surgery (decompression + instrumentation + transpedicular bone graft) in osteoporotic burst fracture associated with neurological deficit [OFND]. Materials and Methods: Forty patients with neurological deficit due to delayed osteoporotic vertebral collapse managed by posterior surgery (decompression + instrumentation + transpedicular bone graft) with minimum 2 years follow-up were included in the study. Approval from the Institutional Review Board was taken. Demographic data (age, sex, mode of injury, and the severity of osteoporosis); clinical parameters (Visual Analog Score [VAS], Oswestry Disability Index [ODI], Frankel grade), radiological parameters (local kyphosis), and surgical variables (blood loss, surgery duration, and intraoperative events) were recorded. Neurological worsening/improvement, complications, and implant failures were noted. Results: Significant improvement was noted in VAS (preoperative 8.20 ± 0.65/postoperative 4.1 ± 0.64) and ODI (preoperative 76.54 ± 6.96/postoperative 30.5 ± 6.56). Complete neurological recovery was noted in 37 patients (Frankel Grade E), three patients remained nonambulatory (Frankel Grade C). Significant improvement was noted in local kyphosis angle (preoperative = 21.80 ± 2.70; postoperative 11.40 ± 1.80), with 10% loss of correction (2.5 ± 0.90) at final follow-up. Symptomatic implant failure was noted in two patients and proximal junctional failure in one patient requiring an extension of fixation. Conclusions: OFND can be managed with a single posterior-only surgery with significant improvement in neurology and functional scores of patients. Aggressive kyphosis correction is often not required and optimal correction of kyphosis is noticed due to prone-positioning alone. Transpedicular grafting is safe and simple alternative to cement augmentation or anterior surgery for collapsed vertebrae.

Study Design: Retrospective study of prospectively collected data. Objective: To evaluate learning curve of tubular microendoscopic discectomy (MED) in lumbar prolapsed intervertebral disc (PIVD) patients based on surgical and clinical parameters and delineate the challenges faced in early cases while practicing MED in large series of patients. Methods: This study was an institutional review board–approved retrospective study of the first 125 consecutive patients with single-level lumbar PIVD managed with tubular MED from 2008 to 2016 with a minimum 2-year follow-up. A total of 120 patients available at final follow-up were divided into quartiles (30 each) as per the date of surgery, with each consecutive group serving as a control for the previous group. Preoperatively and postoperatively clinical parameters (pain scores [Visual Analogue Scale; VAS], functional disability [Oswestry Disability Index; ODI] score, modified MacNab criteria), perioperative parameters (operative time, blood loss, hospital stay), technical issues (guide wire migration, tube docking–related problems, dural tear), and postoperative complications (postoperative leg pain, neural injury, infection, recurrence) were evaluated. Statistical analysis—logarithm curve-fit regression analysis and ANOVA test. Results: The sample consisted of 75 males and 45 females (mean age: 42.54 years) with no significant difference among the quartiles. There was significant difference ( P < .005) noted in mean operative time (quartile 1, 87.33 minutes; quartile 2, 58.5 minutes) and mean blood loss (quartile 1, 76.33 mL; quartile 2, 32.66 mL) between quartile 1 and quartile 2, with no further significant reduction in quartile 3 and quartile 4. Significant difference ( P < .005) in clinical parameters (VAS preoperative/postoperative 5.28/0.99; ODI preoperative/postoperative 32.18/12.08) were noted but was not associated with surgical experience. Overall, 90% (108 out of 120) of the patients had good to excellent results according to the modified MacNab criteria. The mean hospital stay did not show any significant difference among the quartiles. Guide wire migrated issues, neural injury, dural tear, and tube docking–related problems were significantly reduced after quartile 1. However, recurrence occurred at any phase. Infection occurred in one patient in quartile 1. Although blood loss and operative time showed a declining trend, it was not significant after quartile 2. So asymptote lay in quartile 1 and we recommend that novice surgeon should perform 25 to 30 cases to achieve mastery in this technique. Conclusion: For mastering the art of tubular MED for lumbar PIVD and to reduce its learning curve, novice surgeons can avoid the challenges and problems faced during initial cases with improvement in surgical skills by practicing on cadavers, wet labs, and bone-saw models following certain recommendations that we have after achieving asymptote. Familiarity with instrumentation, communication between surgical team, and defined expectations from radiology technicians are key to reduce the learning curve.

Objective: We evaluated surgical, clinical, and radiological outcomes of posterior occipitocervical fusion (OCF) using plate–rod–screw construct supplemented with allograft in cases of occipitocervical instability. Study Design: This was a retrospective analysis of prospective collected data. Methods: Data of 52 patients who underwent posterior OCF using plate–screw–rod construct supplemented with allograft at a single institute from 2009 to 2014 were analyzed. Demographics, clinical parameters (Visual Analog Score [VAS], ODI, and mJOA score), functional status (McCormick scale), radiological parameters – mean atlantodens interval, posterior occipitocervical angle, occipitocervical 2 angle, and surgical parameters (operative time, blood loss, hospital stay, and fusion) with complications were evaluated. Results: The mean age of the patients was 54.56 ± 16.21 years with male: female was 28:24. The mean operative time was 142.2 min (90–185 min) and mean blood loss was 250.8 ml. The mean duration of hospital stay was 6.7 days and mean follow-up period was 65.17 ± 5.39 months. There was significant improvement in clinical parameters (modified JOA score, VAS, and Oswestry Disability Index values) postoperatively. Forty patients showed recovery in neurological status at least in Grade 1 in McCormick scale with no neurological deterioration in any patient. Furthermore, radiological parameters at cervicomedullary junction got into acceptable range. Implant-related complications noted in 1 patient and 1 patient had vertebral artery injury. We had dural tear in 3 patients and infection in 2 patients. Fusion was achieved in 46 cases with mean time for fusion was 11.039 months. Conclusion: Patients with occipitocervical instability can successfully undergo posterior OCF using plate–screw–rod construct supplemented with allograft with high fusion rate, good clinical and functional outcomes, and low complication rate.

Study Design: This was a retrospective analysis. Background: Surgical decompression is the gold standard for preventing the progression of neurological deficit in degenerative multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). The efficacy of posterior laminectomy in the surgical management of CSM has been described in the past, but long-term follow-up data are scanty. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the long-term clinical-radiological outcomes following posterior cervical decompressive laminectomy in multilevel degenerative CSM. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 110 patients with degenerative multilevel CSM who underwent posterior cervical laminectomy alone in a single hospital by a single surgeon from 2009 to 2013 with minimum 5-year follow-up. Pre- and post-operative clinical parameters (visual analog scale [VAS], Nurick and modified Japanese orthopedic association [mJOA]), radiological parameter (Sagittal cervical Cobb's Angle), perioperative complications (time, blood loss, and hospital stay), postoperative complications (infection, C5 palsy, and neurological worsening) were evaluated. Results: Totally 110 patients (males – 68 and females – 42) with age varying from 46 to 80 (mean-57) years, and the mean duration of illness was 3 months were evaluated. Mean clinical parameters are VAS (preoperative = 5 ± 1.31, postoperative = 1.49 ± 0.687), Nurick grading (preoperative = 3.23 ± 71, postoperative = 1.924 ± 0.75), and mJOA (preoperative = 6.32 ± 0.87, postoperative = 9.89 ± 1.37). The mean blood loss was 93.95 ± 19.18 ml, and the mean time taken for surgery was 83.65 ± 10.18 min. About 13% (n = 15) patients developed cervical kyphosis and 29% (n = 32) developed changes in cervical spine alignment and 10% (n = 11) developed worsening of neurology at final follow-up. Two patients developed a superficial infection which was managed with antibiotics. Three patients developed C5 palsy which recovered with due time. Conclusions: With the proper selection of patients, posterior cervical laminectomy is effective in offering a clinical improvement to patients with degenerative multilevel CSM with a low incidence of clinically significant radiological deterioration.

A cross-sectional observational study.This study aims to determine the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay (Mycobacterium Tuberculosis/Rifampicin resistance) for the detection of spinal Tuberculosis (TB) and rifampicin (RIF) resistance.The Spinal TB is often a paucibacillary extra pulmonary tuberculosis which gives a major challenge in early diagnosis and initializing the correct anti-tubercular treatment (ATT). Due to its rapidity and sensitivity, the dependence and reliability on the Xpert MTB/RIF assay has increased in the last few years. The studies describing accuracy of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay in spinal TB are scanty.This institutional review board-approved study included 360 diagnosed spinal TB patients. To determine the accuracy of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay, it was compared with other diagnostic tests like histopathology, acid fast bacilli (AFB) smear, culture, and drug sensitivity testing (DST).The Xpert MTB/RIF assay showed 86.3% sensitivity and 85.3% specificity when compared with culture for the diagnosis of Spinal TB and showed 75.86% sensitivity, 96.12% specificity for RIF resistance when compared to DST. Four cases were false positive and 11 cases were false negative for RIF resistance on the Xpert MTB/RIF assay.The Xpert MTB/RIF assay is an efficient technique for the rapid diagnosis of spinal TB; however, a clinician should not solely rely on it for starting ATT. As there are false results also with this test which should be read cautiously and be well correlated with culture and DST pattern to guide the start of sensitive drug regimen only. The purpose is to prevent exposure of the second line drugs to false cases found on the Xpert MTB/RIF assay and avoid emergence of new acquired drug resistance.4.

The widespread diffusion of mobile devices is triggering an exponential growth of mobile data causing an offloading problem. In this paper, a model has been proposed to investigate computing task offloading problem of small base stations (SBSs). We formulate an optimization problem to minimize utility function for energy and execution time consumptions, where mobile devices (MDs) can select local computation or offloading to SBSs. We use discrete generalist pursuit algorithm (DGPA) based on learning automata (LA) to optimize the computation allocation. First, we examine a faster-converging of discrete generalist pursuit algorithm (DGPA) for LA is based on the concept of conditional inaction discrete generalist pursuit algorithm (CI-DGPA). Then, we design a reward function for the selection of optimal allocation of SBSs with minimum offloading latency. After convergence to optimal allocation, the offloading computing task of MDs has been performed to SBSs with minimum weighted sum of time and energy consumption. Finally, numerical results demonstrate the best improvement of DGPA algorithm.

This paper examines the status of water and sanitation conditions in the residential suburbs of Aligarh city. The study is mainly based on primary sources of data collected through field/household surveys with the help of questionnaire interviews. Data was collected from 996 households living in 66 developed residential colonies. The services were categorized into three levels (standards), level 1 (basic), level 2 (intermediate) and level 3 (higher), to assess their standard. The standard score additive model has been used to arrive at a Composite Mean Standard Index (CMSI). The average value of CMSI of water and sanitation were calculated and further categorized into four levels, high, moderate, low and very low, for the purpose of planning. Maps were prepared accordingly. Results have shown that colonies located along the main roads have a high level of water and sanitation facilities compared with the colonies located along the wedges of two roads.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) in the treatment of subretinal neovascularization (SRNV) secondary to type 2A idiopathic juxtafoveal telangiectasia (IJT).Intravitreal bevacizumab (1.25 mg/0.05 ml) was injected as primary treatment into six eyes of six patients with SRNV due to IJT in this nonrandomized, interventional case series. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured and the optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) findings were examined before and after treatment. The patients were followed up for 3-6 months.Pre-injection BCVA measured 20/400 to 20/120 (mean 20/200). After a mean follow-up of 4.2 months, post-injection BCVA measured 20/200 to 20/50 (mean 20/100). At last visit BCVA improved two or more lines in five eyes (83%) and remained the same in one eye (17%). The mean central foveal thickness improved from 263 microm (range, 165 to 393 microm) to 201 microm (range, 126 to 351 microm), representing an average reduction of 62 mum. Only one eye received more than one (2) bevacizumab injections. No significant complications were observed.In this small series, intravitreal bevacizumab appears to be a safe and effective treatment for SRNV secondary to type 2A IJT.

To compare the safety and efficacy of different methods of posterior subtenon (PST) injection of corticosteroids in the treatment of cystoid macular edema secondary to intermediate uveitis.Prospective comparative randomized interventional study.A total number of 30 eyes with cystoid macular edema secondary to intermediate uveitis were examined.Patients were randomized into 3 treatment groups of 10 eyes each. Each group received PST injection of triamcinolone acetonide 0.5 mL (20 mg) by one of three methods: cannula method (group 1), Smith and Nozik method (group 2), or orbital floor injection method (group 3). Patients underwent Snellen's and ETDRS visual acuity (VA) testing, clinical evaluation, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) at baseline and follow-up visits.Changes in Snellen and ETDRS VA, OCT retinal thickness and assessments of safety were recorded in follow-up visits.Postintervention patients were followed up at the 1st, 2nd, 6th, and 12th weeks. Statistically significant (p = .00) improvement in VA was present in group1 from 0.25 +/- 0.08 (mean +/- standard deviation) to 0.75 +/- 0.24, in group 2 from 0.29 +/- 0.12 to 0.78 +/- 0.23, and in group 3 from 0.24 +/- 0.10 to 0.72 +/- 0.27. Statistically significant decrease in OCT central macular thickness (43.97% in group 1, 32.46% in group 2, and 29.75% in group 3) was noted at 12 weeks. However, the difference between individual groups at each visit did not reach statistical significance. Steroid-induced rise in intraocular pressure was observed in all the three groups with no statistical difference between individual groups.The different methods of PST injection are equally efficacious in terms of improving visual acuity. However, the cannula method achieves the greatest quantitative reduction in macular thickness. As the cannula method is as efficacious as Smith and Nozik method it may be a preferable method to deliver posterior subtenon injection of corticosteroids.

This paper describes some common components of contemporary designs for the Long Distance & International (LDI) License in Pakistan and identifies critical aspects needed to implement a commercial LDI network in any developing country like Pakistan. An extensive study is carried out to evaluate various methods through which a carrier can receive and transmit voice traffic and identify their respective merits and demerits. Deficiencies which can harm the growth of telecom market in Pakistan and which require redress by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) are highlighted. A pragmatic model is proposed which takes into consideration, the constraints of Pakistan Telecommunication market. The paper concludes that the proposed model be incorporated with specific suggestions and economic justifications.