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Objective: Acute, severe pain following breast surgery affects about 40% of individuals. It has proven possible to lessen postoperative pain related to modified radical mastectomy (MRM) by developing several thoracic wall blocks. This study evaluated the analgesic benefit of pectoral nerve block type 2 (PECS II) in conjunction with ultrasonography-guided serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) as opposed to SAPB alone in patients undergoing MRM. Methods: In this randomized double-blind trial, female patients undergoing MRM under general anesthesia were randomly assigned to the SAPB Group (n = 30) or the Combined Group (n = 30). Along with block-related problems, the total amount of fentanyl consumed during the procedure and the amount of morphine consumed over in the first 24 hours after surgery were noted. During rest and movement, pain was measured using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Results: The total intraoperative fentanyl consumption was reduced to 130.7 ± 44.4 µg in the combined group compared to 160.0 ± 53.2 µg in the SAPB group (p = 0.024). Also, postoperative morphine consumption was 1.5 mg (0–6) and 6 mg (3–9) in the two groups, respectively (p = 0.005). The Combined group showed significantly lower scores of NRS at rest and during movement than the SABP group throughout the postoperative period. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided SAPB plus PECS II block provides safer and more efficient analgesia in MRM than SABP alone, as evidenced by decreased postoperative morphine consumption, pain scores, and intraoperative fentanyl consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A significant postoperative pain has been documented in numerous breast cancer cases following modified radical mastectomy (MRM). We evaluated the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine (DEX) versus ketamine as adjuvants to local anaesthetic in erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in MRM. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 75 women with breast cancer scheduled for MRM were included. All patients underwent ESPB with 30 ml 0.25% bupivacaine and randomized into three equal groups: group A, ESPB group; group B: received 1 µg/kg DEX with the ESPB; and group C: given 0.5 mg/kg Ketamine with the block. Results: Compared with group A, VAS score at rest as well as movement were lower considerably in groups B and C (p < 0.05) at 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h. Group B had lower VAS scores at rest at 12 h and 24 h and during movement at 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h (p < 0.05) than group C. In comparison to A Group; B and C Groups required considerably less time to rescue analgesia and consumed significantly fewer total opioids (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). In addition, total number of patients who required additional analgesia was markedly reduced in groups B and C compared to group A ;(p < 0.05). Conclusion: In MRM surgery, the postoperative opioids consumption and VAS values were lower in both groups DEX and ketamine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine which enhanced the analgesic profile and prolonged ESPB duration compared to ESPB alone, with DEX being superior to ketamine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic liver disease is a common and important clinical problem.Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a life threatening complication. Serum creatinine (Cr) remains the only conventional indicator of renal function. However, the interpretation of serum Cr level can be confounded by malnutrition and reduced muscle mass often observed in patients with severe liver disease. Here, we present a cross-sectional study to explore the sensitivity and specificity of other markers as urinary KIM-1 and NGAL for cases of HRS. Cross-sectional study was conducted on 88 patients who were admitted to Alexandria main university hospital. Enrolled patients were divided in two groups; group 1: patients with advanced liver cirrhosis (child B and C) who have normal kidney functions while group 2: patients who developed HRS. Stata© version 14.2 software package was used for analysis. Group 1 included 18 males and 26 females compared to 25 males and 19 females in group 2 (p = 0.135). Only the urinary KIM-1 showed a statistically significant difference between both groups in the multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for gender, serum bilirubin, serum albumin, INR, serum K, AST and ALT levels. In conclusion, our study aligns with prior research, as seen in the consistent findings regarding Urinary NGAL elevation in cirrhotic patients with AKI. Urinary KIM-1, independent of Urinary NGAL, may have a role in precisely distinguishing between advanced liver cirrhosis and HRS and merits further exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in the end of 2019 led to profound consequences on global health and economy. Till producing successful vaccination strategies, the healthcare sectors suffered from the lack of effective therapeutic agents that could control the spread of infection. Thus, academia and the pharmaceutical sector prioritise SARS-CoV-2 antiviral drug discovery. Here, we exploited previous reports highlighting the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities of isatin-based molecules to develop novel triazolo-isatins for inhibiting main protease (Mpro) of the virus, a crucial enzyme for its replication in the host cells. Particularly, sulphonamide 6b showed promising inhibitory activity with an IC50= 0.249 µM. Additionally, 6b inhibited viral cell proliferation with an IC50 of 4.33 µg/ml, and was non-toxic to VERO-E6 cells (CC50 = 564.74 µg/ml) displaying a selectivity index of 130.4. In silico analysis of 6b disclosed its ability to interact with key residues in the enzyme active site, supporting the obtained in vitro findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tubular solar still (TSS) is drawing more attention from researchers due to its compact design with many advantages. This study developed a 3-dimensional, 2-phase numerical model tubular for solar still with a parabolic concentrator solar tracking system (PCST-TSS) to study its performance with a negative static pressure caused by a static water column. The developed model can calculate the amount of freshwater production and the gas mixture phase's temperature. The model was validated by comparing the simulation results, e.g. for water temperature, vapor temperature, and distillate output, with real-field experimental results. Results showed a significant enhancement of the PCST-TSS performance under negative static pressures. Reducing the operating pressure from 100 to 40 kPa enhanced the productivity and thermal efficiency of the PCST-TSS by 53.2% and 57.4%, respectively. Moreover, the CPL was decreased to a very competitive cost of $0.00557 at 40 kPa. The device productivity reached 7.2 L/m2day, which is suitable for the essential water needs of one person in small communities and remote areas without infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on a case study of Alexandria city, Egypt, this paper investigates the configuration, interrelation, and integration of urban expansion within the framework of sustainability transitions to enhance the performance of sociotechnical transitions. It explores two main arguments; first, to evaluate the recent urban planning innovations, and second, to raise awareness of the participatory planning model to enhance the involvement of the three pillars to better integrate urban sustainable development. It presumes there is a linkage between urban sustainability transitions and the geographical transitions. It further evaluates whether this linkage would benefit accommodating the rapid population growth of Alexandria. This research applies an empirical methodology to test concepts and patterns known from theory generating three scenarios from empirical data. Moving beyond the 'niche–regime dichotomy', this study concludes that innovative practices and vested interests are typically constituted in a dualistic manner and tend to incite processes of change in both. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MassDOT is evaluating the potential of increasing the RAP content in their asphalt surface layers from 15% RAP to 20–25% RAP while keeping the virgin binder PG fixed at PG64-28. However, each RAP can have different properties such as binder PG and binder content and can include highly aged binders. Thus, using some RAPs without changing the virgin binder PG could lead to blended binders with unacceptable low-temperature PGs even at low RAP contents. In this study, RAP binders and virgin binders were sampled from around Massachusetts. The low-temperature continuous PGs of both binders were measured. An AASHTO blending equation was used to determine the low-temperature continuous PGs of blended binders based on using 15% and 25% RAP binder contents. An LTPPbind equation was then used to calculate the standard normal distribution Z, which provides the reliability that a blended binder will meet the low temperature PG required at a specific geographic location. The results showed the high impact of RAP source, RAP binder content, virgin binder source, and geographic location on low-temperature PG reliability, and that keeping the virgin binder PG fixed at PG64-28 may not always provide binders suitable for western and northern Massachusetts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The COVID-19 pandemic forced medical practices to augment healthcare delivery to remote and virtual services. We describe the results of a nationwide survey of cardiovascular professionals regarding telehealth perspectives. Materials & methods: A 31-question survey was sent early in the pandemic to assess the impact of COVID-19 on telehealth adoption & reimbursement. Results: A total of 342 clinicians across 42 states participated. 77% were using telehealth, with the majority initiating usage 2 months after the COVID-19 shutdown. A variety of video-based systems were used. Telehealth integration requirements differed, with electronic medical record integration being mandated in more urban than rural practices (70 vs 59%; p < 0.005). Many implementation barriers surfaced, with over 75% of respondents emphasizing reimbursement uncertainty and concerns for telehealth generalizability given the complexity of cardiovascular diseases. Conclusion: Substantial variation exists in telehealth practices. Further studies and legislation are needed to improve access, reimbursement and the quality of telehealth-based cardiovascular care. As the COVID-19 pandemic was just beginning, the American College of Cardiology administered a survey to cardiology professionals across the USA regarding their preparedness for telehealth and video-visits. The results demonstrated rapid adoption of video based telehealth services, however revealed uncertainty for how to best use these services in different practice settings. Many providers expressed concerns about how these visits will be compensated, but fortunately federal agencies have dramatically changed the way telehealth is reimbursed as the pandemic has progressed. Further studies are needed to explore the impact of telehealth on healthcare inequality, however we hope that rather it serves to increase healthcare access to all. The @ACCinTouch #telehealth preparedness survey during the #COVID19 shutdown across cardiovascular practices in the USA demonstrated rapid adoption of video-based telehealth however wide uncertainty for how best to use in different practice settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare the impact of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) response on total work productivity impairment (TWPI) in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis; to compare TWPI and associated indirect costs among patients treated with risankizumab, adalimumab, ustekinumab, and placebo. Data from REVEAL (adalimumab phase III trial) were used to assess differences in trial-observed TWPI across PASI response cohorts. A machine learning model used REVEAL data to predict TWPI for patients in the risankizumab trials. These values were used to estimate work loss hours and work impairment-related indirect costs for each treatment cohort. Among REVEAL patients (N = 741), TWPI in the PASI 100, 90–99, 75–89 cohorts was lower than the PASI <75 cohort (p <.05); mean TWPI was lowest with PASI 100 (1.7%) vs. 90–99 (2.5%) vs. 75–89 (4.8%) vs. <75 (14.3%). There was a significant (p <.0001) monotonic relationship between higher PASI response and lower TWPI. In the risankizumab trials (N = 2046), incremental TWPI relative to risankizumab was 3.4%/week for ustekinumab/adalimumab, and 17.1%/week for placebo; incremental indirect cost savings for risankizumab were $2179/year vs. adalimumab, $2321/year vs. ustekinumab, and $11,284/year vs. placebo. Higher PASI responses were associated with reduced TWPI. Risankizumab was associated with less work impairment/indirect costs vs. ustekinumab/adalimumab/placebo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risankizumab is approved for treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Availability of a patient-controlled single self-injection of risankizumab may improve adherence and long-term management of psoriasis. To investigate efficacy, safety, and usability of a new risankizumab 150 mg/mL formulation administered as a single subcutaneous injection via prefilled syringe (PFS) or autoinjector (AI). Efficacy, safety, usability, and acceptability of risankizumab 150 mg/mL PFS or AI were investigated in adults with moderate to severe psoriasis in two phase 3 studies. Study 1 was a multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study that investigated 150 mg/mL risankizumab PFS; study 2 was a multicenter, single-arm, open-label study that investigated 150 mg/mL risankizumab AI. At week 16, risankizumab 150 mg/mL demonstrated efficacy vs. placebo (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index ≥90% improvement (PASI 90), 62.9% vs. 3.8%; static Physician Global Assessment (sPGA) 0/1, 78.1% vs. 9.6%; both p<.001) in study 1; in study 2, PASI 90 and sPGA 0/1 were 66.7%, and 81.5%, respectively. All patients successfully self-administered study treatments via PFS or AI. Acceptability of self-injection was high in both studies. Efficacy and safety of risankizumab 150 mg/mL were comparable with results from previous risankizumab phase 3 studies using the 90 mg/mL formulation. The efficacy, safety, and usability of 150 mg/mL risankizumab delivered as a single PFS or AI injection support use of this new formulation in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. NCT03875482 and NCT0387508 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alpha-lipoic acid (α-LA) is characterized by its unpleasant odor, poor bioavailability and stability. Nanotechnology was applied to overcome this limitation. So we aimed in this study to formulate α-LA in two different forms of chitosan nanoparticles (CsNPs) and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNPs) and characterize them in terms of physical properties and biological activities against aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced neurotoxicity in rats. The vivo study was processed on 50 rats divided into 5 groups as follow: control, neurotoxic, treated α-LA, treated α-lipoic acid-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (α-LA-CsNPs) and treated α-lipoic acid-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (α-LA-SLNPs) groups. The result was depicted by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that α-LA-SLNPs had a regular spherical shape while α-LA-CsNPs showed an irregular spherical form. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis showed that the average particle size for α-LA-SLNPs was about 71 nm and for α-LA-CsNPs was about 126 nm. After the experimental period, we observed that AlCl3 administration significantly increased oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and apoptosis and decreased brain fatty acid contentsand brain-derived neurotrophic factor,while α-LA, α-LA-CsNPs and α-LA-SLNPs were able to ameliorate these negative changes in the neurotoxic rats. However, the effect of the α-LA-loaded NPs was more prominent than that of pristine α-LA but the α-LA-SLNPs group was almost close to the control group. Conclusion: α-LA can attenuate neurotoxicity induced by AlCl3, attributed to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activities in addition to the effectiveness of the encapsulation technique that can increase the efficiency and stability of α-LA. Moreover, α-LA-SLNPs are more efficient than α-LA-CsNPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epicardial fat thickness is an interesting parameter of early atherosclerosis. We prospectively assessed whether weight loss following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) leads to a significant reduction in the epicardial fat thickness (EFT) and the correlation between the decline in the epicardial fat thickness with other clinical parameters. A prospective analysis of 98 cases that were scheduled to undergo LSG and followed up for 12 months was conducted. EFT was assessed using two-dimensional (2 D) echocardiography. A total of 98 cases and 70 controls were enrolled. EFT demonstrated a significant reduction at follow-up in the whole group (median 8.9 (1.95) versus 7.65 (1.67) mm, respectively). The degree of reduction was higher in the LSG cohort compared to control cohort 1.3 (0.4) versus 1 (0.4), respectively; p <.001). The univariate regression analysis demonstrated a notable correlation of the EFT with the weight, body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and creatinine with a p-value of <.0001,.001,.022, and.018, respectively while the multivariate analysis showed a strong correlation between EFT and weight and creatinine with a p-value of <.0001 and.033 respectively. LSG can have a favourable impact on metabolic syndrome aspects, namely EFT, as it can decrease it considerably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We evaluated elagolix and leuprolide from the patient's perspective for the treatment of endometriosis-related pain.Area Covered: Preference weights from a published discrete choice experiment were used to evaluate preferences for treatment profiles simulating elagolix (150 mg/day and 200 mg/twice-daily dosages) and leuprolide for the treatment of moderate to severe endometriosis-related pain. Sensitivity analyses were conducted by varying the range of risk for pregnancy-related problems, moderate to severe hot flashes, and bone fracture across scenarios.Expert Opinion: The 200 mg twice daily dosage of elagolix is more likely to be preferred over leuprolide by patients with moderate to severe endometriosis-related pain in all scenarios explored in the evaluation and sensitivity analyses. The probability that an average respondent would select a treatment was sensitive to increases in risk of moderate to severe hot flashes for leuprolide and possible variations in the risk of pregnancy-related problems for both treatments but was not influenced by an increased risk of bone fracture.Conclusions: Patients' preferences for treatment of endometriosis-related pain should be evaluated using the benefits and risks of each pharmacological option. Respondents were more likely to prefer the treatment profile similar to 200 mg twice daily elagolix over that of leuprolide in all scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkali-activated material (AAS) is a potentially sustainable alternative binding material for Portland cement. This study focuses on the development of AAS properties and their interrelationships. The nature of the activating media, including sodium oxide content (Na2O%) and silica modulus (Ms), is the main aspect of this work. The effects of Na2O% and Ms on hydration evolution, setting time, compressive strength, autogenous, and drying shrinkage of AAS mortars have been evaluated. Results showed that the effects of Na2O% and Ms differ from one property to another. Setting time and compressive strength were highly influenced by varying Na2O% value, while Ms value had dominated the heat evolution and drying shrinkage of AAS. Moreover, the effects of activator nature on hydration product formation rate around slag particles substantially controlled properties development. Hence, the optimum values for Na2O% and Ms need to be adapted based on the targeted performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inadequate communication about endometriosis symptom burden between women and healthcare providers is a barrier for optimal treatment. This study describes the development of the EndoWheel, a patient-reported assessment tool that visualizes the multi-dimensional burden of endometriosis to facilitate patient–provider communication. Assessment questions for the tool were developed using an iterative Delphi consensus process. A consensus phase included additional practitioners and specialists to broaden perspectives and select revised statements. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 13 women with endometriosis to assess the scoring and content of the measures. Symptoms included in the tool were pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, bowel/bladder symptoms, energy levels, fertility, impact on activities, emotional and sexual well-being, and self-perceived global health. Additional life impact areas included relationships, social and occupational activity, and self-perception. The 13 interviewees completed the tool in approximately 5–6 min (range 4.0–7.5 min). Most participants (92%) perceived that the tool would enable better patient–provider communication, including addressing symptoms and areas of impact not normally discussed during office visits. Similar to visual circular tools used in burden assessment of other chronic diseases, the tool may facilitate improved patient dialogue with providers around endometriosis treatment goals and options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Egypt is considered one of the main producers of date fruits in the world. Tamr dry date is widely cultivated in Upper Egypt, however, investigating the chemical components and biological activities of such common variety has not been performed yet. In this study, the chemical components of the Tamr variety and its biological activities were investigated. Results showed that the percentages of sugar, dietary fibers, metal, protein were 61.0%, 13.7%, 2.1, and 2.6%, respectively. Total phenolic and flavonoids were 17.6 and 2.3 mg/100 g, respectively. 17 amino acids, 8 metals, 15 fatty acids, 30 terpenes, vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3), and 5 flavonoids were identified. The presence of phenolics and flavonoids in ethyl acetate extract resulted in high biological activity than chloroform and methanolic extracts. The biological activity of chloroform extract could be ascribed to the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids and terpenes. These results are in good agreement with the chemical-biological relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2018, UN-Habitat projected the total population of the planet was about 7.632 billion. Fifty-five percent were living in urban areas in which more than 20 percent were said to live in slum areas. Within the era of increasing urbanization, and in the context of Habitat III, this article highlights planning innovation of the sustainability transition in urban informality in the Middle East. Three themes are raised. The first is to trace the recent academic debate on urban informality transitions in the Middle East. The second is to ask whether it possible to borrow new planning innovations from the Global North and apply them in the Global South and Middle East. Finally, the present work considers whether it is possible to link between the theory and the practice of governance of sustainability transitions and urban informality. It concludes that the configuration of urban informality in light of sustainability transitions would enhance the continuous sociotechnical and political transitions in the Middle East. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Endometriosis impacts health-related quality of life. The objective was to assess the validity and responsiveness of the Health-Related Productivity Questionnaire, version 2 (HRPQ). Methods: Outcome measures (Endometriosis Health Profile-30; pain scales; and global assessment) from Elaris Endometriosis I and II clinical trials (EM-I, EM-II) were used. Validity testing using Cohen's conventions was assessed. Known-groups validity was evaluated using generalized linear models comparing clinical responders, assessment of change, and the endometriosis impact. The effect size (ES) and standard error of means were calculated to evaluate responsiveness. Results: 871 and 815 women participated in the EM-I and EM-II trials. The total hours of lost work among employed women were 16.5 (±11.4) hours per week for EM-I and 15.2 (±11.3) for EM-II. The total hours of lost work among the household group were 8.3 (±8.7) hours for EM-I and 8.4 (±9.0) hours for EM-II. HRPQ discriminated between all known group assessments tested. Correlations for the HRPQ compared to other measures were small to moderate. Moderate to large ES was observed and the ability of the HRPQ to detect change was strong using patient-reported impressions. Conclusion: The HRPQ is a valid and responsive tool for evaluating patient-reported productivity at work and at home among women with endometriosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the timeline to diagnosis for children with central precocious puberty (CPP) and evaluate their psychosocial and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).Methods: A cross-sectional survey was used to prospectively collect data from caregivers, recruited via the MAGIC Foundation, of children with CPP. The control (non-CPP) group was recruited from a national panel of parents/caregivers. After completing a screening survey, respondents completed a burden of illness survey. Respondents in both groups completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) peer relationship instruments.Results: Responses from 142 caregivers of children with and 300 without CPP were assessed. Mean time to treatment after a child's visit to the pediatric endocrinologist was 220 days and time from onset of symptoms to initiating treatment was approximately 2 years. Responses to HRQoL inventories were all lower in children with CPP versus non-CPP. Adjusted mean (± standard error) PedsQL total (65.3 ± 1.8 versus 75.7 ± 1.2), Psychosocial Health Summary (62.4 ± 1.8 versus 73.4 ± 1.2), and Physical Health Summary (70.7 ± 2.2 versus 79.9 ± 1.5) scores were significantly lower (p < .01) in CPP versus non-CPP group. PROMIS peer relationship T score (± standard error) was numerically lower for the CPP versus non-CPP group (45.4 ± 1.0 versus 47.4 ± 0.7, p = .11).Conclusions: In clinical practice, there is a longer than expected delay between CPP symptom onset and referral to an endocrinologist and ultimate treatment. Children with CPP experience a substantial disease burden with a significant impact on emotional, social, and physical functioning compared with children without CPP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objectives: Diagnostic delay is common in endometriosis. There is an unmet need for a symptom-based, patient-completed screening tool to facilitate discussions between patients and physicians about potential endometriosis symptoms. The objective of this study was to develop and assess the patient-completed Painful Periods Screening Tool (PPST) to assess the presence of potential endometriosis symptoms.Methods: To develop and refine the PPST, a cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted with women with endometriosis and healthy controls. Following identification of potentially relevant concepts in the literature and input from clinical experts, a draft version of the PPST was tested during in-depth individual interviews with 16 women: 11 with endometriosis and 5 healthy controls.Results: The six draft items of the PPST were refined iteratively in two rounds of interviews, and one item was deleted following the second set of interviews. All concepts included in the final five-item PPST were found to be relevant to women with endometriosis, and all 11 participants with endometriosis endorsed at least one of the items. No core symptoms of endometriosis were noted as missing from the PPST.Conclusion: The PPST assesses the most important endometriosis-related symptoms and may help facilitate discussions between patients and physicians, promoting earlier diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The family Leucospidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) from Saudi Arabia is reviewed. Specimens were mainly collected from the south-western region of the country - Raydah (Abha, Asir), Sajid (Farasan Islands, Jazan) and Wadi Tourabah (Mandaq, Al Baha); and from Egypt - Wadi Khoshb (Sinai Peninsula), as well as a specimen (Leucospis elegans Klug) deposited in the Efflatoun Bey collection, Cairo University, Egypt. The genus Micrapion Kriechbaumer is here recorded for the first time from the fauna of the Arabian Peninsula, with a single species, M. clavaforme. Leucospis arabica Gadallah and Soliman sp. nov. (dorsigera group) is described. Leucospis africana (elegans group) is also newly recorded from the Saudi Arabian fauna, in addition to L. elegans which has been previously recorded. An illustrated key and a list of all leucospid species recorded and expected to occur in Saudi Arabia are provided. www.zoobank.org/lsid:Zoobank.org:pub:40BEF37F-0D92-4AEF-9990-30C1CFC3A7A7 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To examine the symptomatic burden of endometriosis on health-related quality of life (HRQL) in women in the United States (US).Methods: A cross sectional web-based survey study was conducted among women using survey panels. The survey included study-specific questions and standardized HRQL questionnaires. Participants reviewed a list of endometriosis symptoms and selected all symptoms they had ever or were currently experiencing. For current symptoms, participants rated the severity and bothersomeness of each symptom. Participants completed the endometriosis health profile (EHP-30) core questionnaire. Descriptive analyzes were performed and multivariate regressions were run with each EHP subscale as a dependent variable to examine the impact of symptoms while controlling for age and comorbid conditions.Results: Mean age of the 1269 women was 34.3 ± 0.3; 78% were white. At least 75% reported having ever experienced: pelvic pain/cramping during their menstrual period, anxiety/stress, lower back pain or fatigue/weariness/anemia. EHP-30 scores ranged from 33.6 (95% CI: 31.4, 35.8) (social support) to 37.8 (95% CI: 35.5, 40.1) (control and powerlessness), indicating moderate HRQL impact. For all but one domain and one symptom, EHP-30 scores were significantly higher (worse) for women who had individual endometriosis-related symptoms than for those who did not. EHP-30 scores consistently deteriorated with each increase in the number of symptoms experienced and by increasing perceived disease severity. Pelvic pain/cramping during menstrual period, irregular periods and general abdominal pain were significantly associated with the EHP-30 domain scores in the regression models.Conclusion: Experiencing endometriosis symptoms is associated with lower HRQL. Importantly, as symptom severity and number of symptoms increase, HRQL further deteriorates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines land readjustment program as a tool to alleviate the arbitrary development of New Urban Land Expansion in Egypt. Also, it explores Participatory and Inclusive Land Readjustment (PILaR) as a mechanism to shorten the gap between the current Egyptian planning policy with its regulations and requirements and the existing reality of people’s needs and demands. Draw from a case study in Benha city, this article assumes that PILaR can be formulated and implemented on the ground with ‘technical enablement.’ The gap between the government policy and the capacity of the community should be narrowed to identify what is of critical importance and what is required for people concerned. The government should adopt PILaR and act as an agent for the avail of local citizens and for the compatibility and sustainability of rescuing agricultural lands and encourage the urban development in the back desert of Egypt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Uterine fibroids (UF) are associated with significant health-related quality of life (HRQL) impact. This study examined the impact of UF symptoms on HRQL.Methods: An online cross-sectional survey of 18 to 49 year old US women was conducted and collected demographics, UF prevalence, symptoms, and HRQL using the UFS-QOL. Descriptive statistics were used to examine the impact of symptom presence, severity, bothersomeness, and number of UF symptoms on HRQL. Analyses were weighted to match the US female population distribution. Multivariate regressions were performed with each subscale as a dependent variable to examine the impact of individual UF symptoms on HRQL.Results: A total of 59,411 (15.5%) panel members completed the prevalence screener; 4848 met inclusion criteria; 955 had UF and no hysterectomy. Mean age was 40.3; 58% were white; 63% were married/civil union. Common UF symptoms were: lower back pain (65%), fatigue/weariness (63%), bloating (61%), pelvic pain/cramping during menses (63%), and heavy bleeding during menses (54%). Mean UFS-QoL subscale scores were significantly (p < .05) worse among women with a UF symptom versus women without the symptom. Women who rated their UF symptoms as severe had significantly (p < .001) worse UFS-QoL scores than women with mild or moderate symptoms. UFS-QoL subscale scores worsened as the number of symptoms increased. In the regressions, the presence of bleeding and non-bleeding symptoms were related to worse UFS-QoL subscale scores.Conclusion: HRQL among women with UF was significantly impacted by UF-related symptoms. Greater impact was observed as the number and severity of symptoms increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The apoid wasps of the families Ampulicidae and Heterogynaidae of Saudi Arabia are revised. In Ampulicidae, four species in three genera are reported, of which three species are recorded for the first time from Saudi Arabia (Al-Baha, Asir and Riyadh regions):Ampulex assimilisKohl,Dolichurus arabicusOhl andTrirogma caeruleaWestwood. Additionally, the family Heterogynaidae is reported for the first time from Saudi Arabia (Asir and Riyadh regions), and a new species,Heterogyna sauditasp. nov., is described, diagnosed and illustrated. An illustrated key to the species ofHeterogynafrom the Arabian Peninsula is provided. www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:C23C70A7-AA1C-47C0-951A-D164E7B20001 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the genusGynecapteraSkorikov, 1935 is recorded from the Arabian Peninsula for the first time, with a nocturnal new species,G. arabicaSoliman & Gadallah, which has been collected from the Riyadh region in Saudi Arabia and which is described and illustrated. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:F7ACB779-3750-4DC6-B29B-B7F290E7C7B4 [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: To assess the psychometric performance of the 4 week recall version of the Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Health-related Quality of Life Questionnaire (UFS-QoL), a patient measure of the severity of uterine fibroid (UF) symptoms and their impact on health-related quality of life (HRQL).Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of phase 2a data from pre-menopausal women with heavy menstrual bleeding associated with UF. Participants completed the UFS-QoL at Baseline, Treatment Month 3, and Follow-up Month 3 and a daily diary with a Menstrual Bleeding Scale and the UF Daily Symptom Scale throughout the study duration. Descriptive statistics were performed on patient demographic characteristics; analyses were conducted to assess the internal consistency reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the UFS-QoL 4 week recall version.Results: A total of 271 women were enrolled with a mean age of 41.8 years; 74% were black. The UFS-QoL demonstrated excellent internal consistency reliability, with Cronbach's alpha coefficient values >0.70 for each subscale at each study visit. Results indicated good concurrent validity with the UF Daily Symptom Scale items. The women with amenorrhea at Treatment Month 3 had significantly better scores on all UFS-QoL subscales and HRQL Total than women with menstrual bleeding, indicating acceptable discriminant validity. Mean subscale change scores from Baseline to Treatment Month 3 were 19.2 to 39.8. Effect sizes were moderate to large (0.53 to 1.86), demonstrating responsiveness to change.Limitations: As this study is a post hoc validation of the 4 week recall UFS-QOL, it is limited to the clinical trial data available and does not include a direct comparison to the 3 month recall version of UFS-QOL.Conclusions: The 4 week recall version of the UFS-QoL demonstrated good internal consistency reliability, concurrent validity, and responsiveness and is psychometrically comparable to the original 3 month recall UFS-QoL.Clinical Trial Registration: Data from a phase 2a, cohort design proof of concept study (trial M12-663); ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01441635. Date of Registration: 6 September 2011. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study summarizes additions to the known fauna of Eucharitidae of Saudi Arabia.Cherianella arabicaGadallah & Soliman sp. nov. and the male of previously known femaleEucharis(Psilogastrellus)albipennisBouček, 1956 are described and illustrated. Three new records are also added to the fauna of Saudi Arabia:Eucharis(Eucharisca)intermediaRuschka, 1924,Eucharis(Psilogastrellus)acuminataRuschka, 1924 andEucharis(Psilogastrellus)punctataFörster, 1859. http:/zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:F1B1C493-AA83-4696-AF8B-3B3F62C09B41 [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

ObjectiveTo compare subsequent endometriosis-related surgery following initial laparoscopy among women treated with leuprolide acetate (LA) or other endometriosis therapies versus women who received no pharmacotherapy. Research design and methodsThis retrospective cohort analysis utilized MarketScan Commercial claims data. Women with endometriosis aged 18–49 who underwent laparoscopy between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2011 were identified using diagnosis and procedures codes and were categorized into four cohorts based on claims within 90 days of laparoscopy: surgery plus adherent LA, surgery plus non-adherent LA, surgery plus other therapy, and surgery alone. Patients with proportion of days covered ≥0.80 in the 6 months after laparoscopy were considered adherent to LA. Main outcome measuresSubsequent endometriosis-related surgery (laparoscopy, laparotomy or other excision/ablation/fulguration of endometriosis lesions, oophorectomy, or hysterectomy) was measured in the 6 and 12 months following initial laparoscopy. Risk of subsequent surgery was compared using multivariable Cox proportional hazards modeling. ResultsMost women were treated with surgery only (n = 9865); fewer were treated with LA (adherent:n = 202; non-adherent:n = 490) or other therapies (n = 230). The proportion of patients with subsequent surgery ranged from 2.0% to 10.0% during the 6 month follow-up (12 month: 9.7% to 13.5%). Adherent LA use was associated with significantly lower risk of surgery compared to surgery alone (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.31,p = 0.020) while use of other therapies was associated with significantly higher risk (HR = 1.51,p = 0.045) over the 6 month follow-up. There was no significant difference between the surgery plus non-adherent LA and surgery only cohort over 6 months (p = 0.247). The association between adherent LA and subsequent surgery was not significant over the 12 month follow-up. ConclusionTherapy with LA after laparoscopy for endometriosis was associated with lower risk of subsequent surgery at 6 months among women who were adherent to LA. Key limitations include lack of ability to capture disease severity which may have resulted in uncontrolled confounding. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In Egypt, between 1982 and 2004, agricultural land was being lost at an estimated annual, daily and hourly rate of 54,545, 149.4 and 6.22 feddan, respectively. In early 2006, the General Organization for Physical Planning introduced a programme, based upon a participatory approach, for setting up General Strategic Urban Plans (GSUP) for 231 Egyptian cities; as an attempt to prevent further urban sprawl on agricultural land. Detailed Plans for Urban Expansion Areas (DPUEA) as a main outcome of the GSUP of the city of Kotor is examined. This article examines two aspects; first it looks at the process, and the various challenges, of carrying out the DPUEA as the main outcome of the GSUP. Second, it investigates the process of collective planning; by which the stakeholders’ participation played a major role to facilitate/improve the outcome from a guided land development plan. Accordingly, this article sheds light on the assumption that abolishing obstacles of the DPUEA process, with ‘technical enablement’ at the local level, combined with a collective planning process would facilitate land delivery system for the urban poor and eradicate further urban sprawl on agricultural land. It concludes that a collective planning process with ‘technical enablement’ would facilitate land delivery system for the urban poor in a sustainable manner. Furthermore, the government should play the role of an agent forurban sustainabilityin order to magnify the political goal of saving and rescuing agricultural land and to encourage a guided sustainable urban development in the back desert in Egypt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we report an environmentally benign synthesis of 2-arylbenzothiazoles derivatives fromo-aminothiophenol and aldehydes in aqueous medium usingβ-cyclodextrin polymer as a catalyst and air as an oxidant. The polymer showed excellent catalytic activity, recovered, reused six times, and the catalyst efficiency remained unchanged. This suggests that the catalyst is an efficient and green catalyst for the synthesis of 2-arylbenzothiazoles derivatives and the obtained results could be promising for industrial synthesis of 2-arylbenzothiazoles derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: To evaluate the healthcare utilization, treatments, and costs incurred by women with uterine fibroids (UF), compared to those without UF, for 5 years before and 5 years after diagnosis.Research Design and Methods: This is a longitudinal, retrospective case-control study. A total of 84,954 women with a diagnosis of UF, along with matched controls of women without UF, were selected from the Truven Health MarketScan claims database (2000-2010). The date of diagnosis of the UF patient was assigned as the index date for both the UF patient and her matched control.Main Outcome Measures: Healthcare resource utilization, treatments, and costs (in 2010 USD) were evaluated annually for the 5 year periods before and after the index date.Results: UF patients had more outpatient and emergency room visits than controls before diagnosis, and more inpatient, outpatient, and emergency room visits than controls after diagnosis. Annual total healthcare costs were significantly higher for patients than controls during the last 3 years pre-index and all 5 years post-index. Overall, the difference was $12,623 over 10 years, with a difference of $1435 in the 5 years pre-diagnosis and a difference of $11,188 in the 5 years post-diagnosis. The cost difference between UF patients and controls was highest in the first year post-diagnosis, reaching $6131, and the difference was even larger when comparing clinically symptomatic UF patients to controls. The use of medications and surgical procedures related to UF peaked in the year post-diagnosis, with 39% of patients receiving a surgical treatment within the year.Key Limitations: UF patients included in the study did not include undiagnosed and potentially asymptomatic UF patients; the impact of disease severity on the costs of UF patients was not evaluated.Conclusions: Patients with UF incurred significantly higher healthcare utilization and costs than those without UF, both pre- and post-diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accelerated life testing is widely used in product life testing experiments since it provides significant reduction in time and cost of testing. In this paper, assuming that the lifetime of items under use condition follow the two-parameter Pareto distribution of the second kind, partially accelerated life tests based on progressively Type-II censored samples are considered. The likelihood equations of the model parameters and the acceleration factor are reduced to a single nonlinear equation to be solved numerically to obtain the maximum-likelihood estimates (MLEs). Based on normal approximation to the asymptotic distribution of MLEs, the approximate confidence intervals (ACIs) for the parameters are derived. Two bootstrap CIs are also proposed. The classical Bayes estimates cannot be obtained in explicit form, so we propose to apply Markov chain Monte Carlo method to tackle this problem, which allows us to construct the credible interval of the involved parameters. Analysis of a simulated data set has also been presented for illustrative purposes. Finally, a Monte Carlo simulation study is carried out to investigate the precision of the Bayes estimates with MLEs and to compare the performance of different corresponding CIs considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new life test plan called a progressively first-failure-censoring scheme introduced by Wu and Kuş [On estimation based on progressive first-failure-censored sampling, Comput. Statist. Data Anal. 53(10) (2009), pp. 3659–3670] is considered. Based on this type of censoring, the maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayes estimates for some survival time parameters namely reliability and hazard functions, as well as the parameters of the Burr-XII distribution are obtained. The Bayes estimators relative to both the symmetric and asymmetric loss functions are discussed. We use the conjugate prior for the one-shape parameter and discrete prior for the other parameter. Exact and approximate confidence intervals with the exact confidence region for the two-shape parameters are derived. A numerical example using the real data set is provided to illustrate the proposed estimation methods developed here. The ML and the different Bayes estimates are compared via a Monte Carlo simulation study. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents a study on the taxonomic revision of the genus Gynecaptera Skorikov from Egypt based on specimens collected from the Sinai Peninsula and those deposited in Egyptian insect collections. Three species that were recorded from Egypt were Gynecaptera alexandri, Gynecaptera alfierii, and Gynecaptera trimaculata. An illustration and a list of Gynecaptera species recorded from Egypt are included.

Current ultra-wide field (UWF) retinal imaging systems utilize scanning laser ophthalmoscope technology combined with an ellipsoidal mirror to capture up to 200 degrees of the retina in a single image. When compared with mydriatic ETDRS-protocol, 7 standard field photographs and clinical examination, nonmydriatic UWF images appear to have excellent agreement in allowing the detection and classification of diabetic retinopathy (DR), although larger, definitive validation studies are still forthcoming. UWF imaging and angiography allow visualization of peripheral retinal nonperfusion, vascular leakage and neovascularization in patients with DR that may not be captured on 7 standard fields. Prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate whether modified laser treatment algorithms based on improved visualization of the retinal periphery might improve patient outcomes. Nonmydriatic UWF imaging has potential applications for ocular diabetic telehealth programs, but validation of newer, more portable, and more affordable UWF imaging models is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recently reported two current feedback operational amplifier (CFOA)-based oscillator is converted to a family of 16 current mode oscillators using CCII or ICCII or combination of both. A transformation method based on nodal admittance matrix (NAM) expansion is used to transform the floating capacitor CFOA-based oscillator circuit to a family of 16 grounded capacitor oscillators using CCII or ICCII or combination of both. Two of the new grounded capacitor oscillator circuits have a floating property. Simulation results are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the nodal admittance matrix (NAM) representation of the voltage mirror (VM)-norator pair and considering the case of an inverting second generation current conveyor (ICCII-), it is found that the second generation current conveyor (CCII-) is a special case from the generalised ICCII-. Considering the NAM of the VM-current mirror pair, it is also found that the CCII+ is a special case from the generalised ICCII+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactions of iron(II) and iron(III) with hydrazinopyridine have been investigated. The metal-to-ligand ratio of the two complexes was determined to be 1 : 3 and the stability constants of [Fe(hypz)3]2+ and [Fe(hypz)3]3+ were evaluated as 2.51 × 102 L3 mol-3 and 1.94 × 103 L3 mol-3, respectively. The complex formation reactions were studied kinetically as a function of [hzpy] at various temperatures (15-37°C) at fixed pH (7.5) using stopped-flow techniques. Kinetic results suggest that the binding of hzpy with Fe(II) or Fe(III) takes place in two consecutive steps: a slow and [hzpy] dependent rate-determining step followed by [hzpy] independent ring closure. The activation parameters for both steps in the two systems have been calculated. The low [image omitted] (57 ± 1, 46 ± 2 kJ mol-1) as well as [image omitted] (21 ± 0.1, 21 ± 0.1 kJ mol-1) for the first and second steps, respectively, and the large negative values of [image omitted] (-81 ± 4, -110 ± 5 J K-1 mol-1) as well as [image omitted] (-197 ± 3, -197 ± 3 J K-1 mol-1) for the first and second steps for both Fe(II) and Fe(III) systems, respectively, indicate associative modes of activation for both ligand substitution processes. [Fe(hypz)3](PF6)2 and [Fe(hypz)3](PF6)3 were isolated as solids and characterized using CHN, IR, magnetic and UV-Visible measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new MOS-C oscillators using the current feedback op-amp are presented. The proposed oscillators have the advantage of independent control of the oscillation frequency and the condition of oscillation. Two of the proposed MOS-C oscillators provide two outputs in phase quadrature. The third proposed oscillator provides two outputs in the balanced form. PSpice simulation results for the proposed oscillators are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of voltage mirror is introduced and used, together with the current mirror, to ideally represent the current and voltage inverting properties of some analogue building blocks. The properties of the nullor and mirror elements are used to relate the different devices in the ideal case as well as to define the adjoint network for each building block. Two new types of second generation current conveyor (CCII) are introduced. One is the adjoint of the CCII and is named the inverting second generation current conveyor 'negative' (ICCII ); the other is the ICCII . CMOS realizations of the ICCII are presented and new ICCII based current mode circuits are obtained by applying a voltage-to-current-mode transformation to the CCII based circuits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel grounded and floating CMOS active nonlinear resistors with odd symmetrical characteristics are designed. The nonlinear resistors are then incorporated into two chaotic oscillator circuits based on a CMOS current feedback op amp (CFOA). The slopes of both the negative and positive segments of the nonlinear characteristics are voltage controlled, allowing for a wide range of dynamic behaviour to be observed and easily tuned in a period doubling route to chaos. Nonlinear current-voltage characteristics are derived in a piecewise-linear form and shown possibly to be modelled using a cubic polynomial approximation. PSPICE simulations using a standard 2.0 mum technology file and numerical simulations of the derived chaotic mathematical models are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proposes a complementary metal oxide semiconductor realization of the differential difference amplifier circuit. Wide input range differential difference transconductor; Complementary folded cascode gain stage; Control of amplitude of oscillation.

The objective of this paper is to introduce new useful theorems relating to port interchange in current mode current conveyor circuits. Several applications of the theorems are given, among which a new current mode notch and all-pass filter with complex poles is generated from a known circuit with real axis poles, based on the interchange of the input and ground theorem. PSpice simulations are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new CMOS programmable balanced output transconductor (BOTA) is introduced. The BOTA is a useful block for continuous-time analogue signal processing. A new CMOS realization of the BOTA is given. The proposed realization is based on the cascaded connection of a new voltage controlled differential transconductor, a voltage controlled MOS grounded resistor and a balanced output transconductor stage. Applications of the BOTA in realizing a floating resistor, a balanced output differential integrator, a continuous-time balanced output bandpass-lowpass filter, a floating inductor and the active realization of the RLC filters using a minimum number of the BOTA are given. PSpice simulation results for the BOTA circuit and for its applications are also given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes the voltage mode bandpass-lowpass biquad circuit with a very high input impedance. Capability of the circuit in realizing bandpass and lowpass transfer functions; Polarities of the current conveyors used; Use of grounded capacitors and resistors.