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Members of the genus Cuscuta are generally considered to be non-photosynthetic, stem-holoparasitic flowering plants. Under certain circumstances, at least some members of the genus are capable of limited photosynthesis. The galls of the Smicronyx weevils formed on Cuscuta campestris are particularly rich in chlorophylls compared to the stem of the parasitic plant. In the present study, we aimed to characterize the photosynthetic activity in the inner and outer gall cortices in comparison to the non-photosynthetic stems and a reference plant (Arabidopsis thaliana). The recorded prompt chlorophyll fluorescence transients were analyzed using JIP test. Detailed analysis of the chlorophyll fluorescence confirmed the presence of actively functioning photosynthetic machinery, especially in the inner cortex of the galls. This photosynthesis, induced by the insect larvae, did not reach the levels of the photosynthetic activity in Arabidopsis thaliana plants. Thylakoid protein complexes were identified by separation with two-dimensional Blue Native/SDS PAGE. It appeared that some of the complexes presented in A. thaliana are missing in C. campestris. We hypothesize that the insect-triggered transition from non-photosynthetic to photosynthetic tissue in the gall is driven by the increased requirements for nutrients related to the larval nutrition.

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and melatonin are endogenous compounds that enhance plant responses to abiotic stresses. The response of Vicia faba to different stressors (salinity (NaCl), poly ethylene glycol (PEG), and sulfur dioxide (SO2)) was studied after priming with sole application of GABA and melatonin or their co-application (GABA + melatonin). Both melatonin and GABA and their co-application increased leaf area, number of flowers, shoot dry and fresh weight, and total biomass. Plants treated with GABA, melatonin, and GABA + melatonin developed larger stomata with wider aperture compared to the stomata of control plants. The functionality of the photosynthetic system was improved in primed plants. To investigate the photosynthetic functionality in details, the leaf samples of primed plants were exposed to different stressors, including SO2, PEG, and NaCl. The maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (PS II) was higher in the leaf samples of primed plants, while the non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) of primed plants was decreased when leaf samples were exposed to the stressors. Correlation analysis showed the association of initial PIabs with post-stress FV/FM and NPQ. Stressors attenuated the association of initial PIabs with both FV/FM and NPQ, while priming plants with GABA, melatonin, or GABA + melatonin minimized the effect of stressors by attenuating these correlations. In conclusion, priming plants with both GABA and melatonin improved growth and photosynthetic performance of Vicia faba and mitigated the effects of abiotic stressors on the photosynthetic performance.

Potassium (K+) is one of the vital macronutrients required by plants for proper growth and blossoming harvest. In addition, K+ also plays a decisive role in promoting tolerance to various stresses. Under stressful conditions, plants deploy their defense system through various signaling molecules, including hydrogen sulfide (H2S). The present investigation was carried out to unravel the role of K+ and H2S in plants under NaCl stress. The results of the study show that NaCl stress caused a reduction in K+ and an increase in Na+ content in the tomato seedling roots which coincided with a lower H+-ATPase activity and K+/Na+ ratio. However, application of 5 mM K+, in association with endogenous H2S, positively regulated the Na+/H+ antiport system that accelerated K+ influx and Na+ efflux, resulting in the maintenance of a higher K+/Na+ ratio. The role of K+ and H2S in the regulation of the Na+/H+ antiport system was validated by applying sodium orthovanadate (plasma membrane H+-ATPase inhibitor), tetraethylammonium chloride (K+ channel blocker), amiloride (Na+/H+ antiporter inhibitor), and hypotaurine (HT, H2S scavenger). Application of 5 mM K+ positively regulated the ascorbate–glutathione cycle and activity of antioxidant enzymes that resulted in a reduction in reactive oxygen species generation and associated damage. Under NaCl stress, K+ also activated carbohydrate metabolism and proline accumulation that caused improvement in osmotic tolerance and enhanced the hydration level of the stressed seedlings. However, inclusion of the H2S scavenger HT reversed the effect of K+, suggesting H2S-dependent functioning of K+ under NaCl stress. Therefore, the present findings report that K+, in association with H2S, alleviates NaCl-induced impairments by regulating the Na+/H+ antiport system, carbohydrate metabolism, and antioxidative defense system.

The necrotrophic fungus Alternaria alternata contains different pathotypes that produce different mycotoxins. The pathotype Ageratina adenophora secretes the non-host-selective toxin tenuazonic acid (TeA), which can cause necrosis in many plants. Although TeA is thought to be a central virulence factor of the A. adenophora pathotype, the precise role of TeA in different stages of host infection by pathogens remains unclear. Here, an A. alternata wild-type and the toxin-deficient mutant ΔHP001 with a 75% reduction in TeA production were used. It was observed that wild-type pathogens could induce the reactive oxygen species (ROS) bursts in host leaves and killed photosynthetic cells before invading hyphae. The ROS interceptor catalase remarkably inhibited hyphal penetration and invasive hyphal growth and expansion in infected leaves and suppressed necrotic leaf lesion. This suggests that the production of ROS is critical for pathogen invasion and proliferation and disease symptom formation during infection. It was found that the mutant pathogens did not cause the formation of ROS and cell death in host leaves, showing an almost complete loss of disease susceptibility. In addition, the lack of TeA resulted in a significant reduction in the ability of the pathogen to penetrate invasive hyphal growth and spread. The addition of exogenous TeA, AAL-toxin, and bentazone to the mutant ΔHP001 pathogens during inoculation resulted in a significant restoration of pathogenicity by increasing the level of cell death, frequency of hyphal penetration, and extent of invasive hyphal spread. Our results suggest that cell death triggered by TeA is the essential requirement for successful colonization and disease development in host leaves during infection with A. adenophora pathogens.

Introduction: Hepatic fibrosis is the underlying pathological condition in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Shear wave elastography (SWE) with elastography point quantification (ElastPQ) feature is a recently developed method for measuring tissue elasticity. Aim of this study: To evaluate the diagnostic value of SWE with ElastPQ feature for the quantitative assessment of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic HCV infection. Patients and methods: This prospective study included 60 patients with chronic HCV infection and 50 healthy controls. All participants underwent imaging with ElastPQ technique for evaluation of the liver stiffness (LS). All patients underwent ultrasound guided liver biopsy. The METAVIR scores of fibrosis were illustrated. Results: The study participants included 50 controls (mean LS 3.12 ± 0.40 kPa), 5 patients with F0 score (mean LS 3.77 ± 1.44 kPa); 10 patients with F1 score (mean LS 7.50 ± 0.68 kPa), 23 patients with F2 score (mean LS 8.45 ± 0.62 kPa), 17 patients with F3 score (mean LS 9.64 ± 1.20 kPa) and 5 patients with F4 score (mean LS 12.61 ± 1.41 kPa). There was a highly significant correlation between the METAVIR scores of liver fibrosis and LS measurements assessed by ElastPQ SWE (p > 0.0001). Conclusion: The ElastPQ SWE technique appears as a reliable non-invasive tool that can provide an optimal way to monitor liver tissue stiffness in patients with chronic HCV infection with high accuracy (97.6%) in recognition of the earlier fibrosis stage (F2).

Abstract Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of the use of endoscopes after a conventional curettage adenoidectomy for detecting any residual adenoid tissue and to determine whether removing any residual, if present, affects the recurrence or not. Patients and methods Fifty patients were divided randomly into two equal groups. Group A underwent a conventional curettage adenoidectomy, followed by an endoscopic examination of the nasopharynx to detect and remove any residual adenoid tissue. Group B underwent a conventional curettage adenoidectomy only. Both groups were followed up for recurrence of symptomatic adenoid at fixed follow-up intervals at 10 days, 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Results There was a significant difference in the rate of adenoid recurrence between both groups 6 months postoperatively. Two (8%) patients in group A and nine (36%) patients in group B developed recurrence. The P value was statistically significant at 0.04. Conclusion Endoscopic examination after a conventional adenoidectomy is a safe and essential step for complete removal of the adenoid, thus reducing the recurrence rate.

Objective: The purpose of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and factors associated with the uptake of the influenza (flu) vaccination in women within Saudi Arabia during their pregnancy period. Methods: A cross-sectional prospective survey was conducted on 1085 pregnant women at the antenatal clinic over a period of 6 weeks with the provision of influenza vaccination. The questionnaire collected demographic and other data; it included 12 questions on their general knowledge and assessed their attitude toward influenza vaccination, and their awareness of vaccine risk and the potential benefits during pregnancy. The knowledge score obtained was then calculated and compared. Results: A total of 998 patients took part in the questionnaire with a response rate of 92%. There was poor awareness that the flu vaccine is safe to administer during pregnancy (130, 13.1%) and that all pregnant women should receive the flu vaccine (190, 19.1%). Pregnant women with flu vaccine knowledge score of ⩽5 (range 0–12) were significantly less likely to take the vaccine (OR 3.78, 95% CI 2.68–5.26, p

The evolution of the Internet of things and the continuing increase in the number of sensors connected to the Internet impose big challenges regarding the management of the resulting deluge of data and network latency. Uploading sensor data over the web does not add value. Therefore, an efficient knowledge extraction technique is badly needed to reduce the amount of data transfer and to help simplify the process of knowledge management. Homoscedasticity and statistical features extraction are introduced in this paper as novelty detection enabling techniques, which help extract the important events in sensor data in real time when used with neural classifiers. Experiments have been conducted on a fog computing platform. System performance has been also evaluated on an occupancy data set and showed promising results.

En Abstract Objectives It was suggested previously that turbinoplasty by laser improves the symptomatology of allergic rhinitis (AR) not only by a mechanical effect but also by inhibiting the local allergic reaction at the level of the inferior turbinates. The aim of this study was to determine whether the short-term immunologic effects of diode laser, when used to perform inferior turbinoplasty in AR, can also be detected at the systemic level. Patients and methods Twenty patients, seeking a treatment by laser for AR manifestations refractory to local and systemic medical therapy, were included in a prospective study. Blood picture, total immunoglobulin E, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and interferon-γ levels were assessed immediately before and 1 month after diode laser inferior turbinoplasty (DLIT). Results One month after DLIT, the total leukocytic count increased with relative eosinopenia. Total immunoglobulin E and IL-5 decreased, together with insignificant changes in IL-4 and interferon-γ. Conclusion It is not impossible that DLIT modifies the clinical course of AR not only by a mechanical effect but also by its local or even by a systemic immunologic effect. The laser modulation of T-cell functions in the engorged turbinate submucosa is a plausible biomolecular interpretation of the observed effect.

Seismic design of steel structures is an essential part of the design process. Egyptian loading code development process continues in a high rate to catch up with emerging new concepts and standards. Steel design codes (ASD and LRFD) are not developing in the same speed, which prevents the full utilization and application of loading code. The above reason leads to the need for evaluating flush end plate connections from prequalification point of view according to international standards. Due to the lack of sufficient experimental data on flush end-plate connections, an experimental program was conducted to investigate this topic. Six flush end-plate samples were designed according to the Egyptian code for steel construction (ECP205 ASD) using different beam and column sections, bolt diameters and grades. A cyclic loading pattern defined by international standards was used in the testing process, and the performance was evaluated accordingly. Evaluation of M–Φ curves showed that in some cases flush end plate connections satisfy the strict requirements for prequalification. However, beam sections having limited depth fail to achieve prequalification criteria for the connections. Reduced web may be used to enhance the connection status and is investigated in one of the samples to evaluate its impact on connection performance and the failure mode. The proposed staggered hole configuration showed a promising performance.

We report a rare case of a 32-year-old woman with adhesive small bowel obstruction due to pelvic inflammatory disease. She had no history of abdominal surgery, gynecological complaints or constitutional symptoms of chronic illness. The diagnosis was based on the laparoscopic findings of small bowel adhesions, free peritoneal fluid, “violin string” adhesions of Fitz-Hugh–Curtis syndrome and left hydrosalpinx. Laparoscopic adhesiolysis was performed successfully, and the patient had an uneventful postoperative course. The authors conclude that pelvic inflammatory disease should be included as a cause of adhesive small bowel obstruction in sexually active young women with no history of abdominal surgery or constitutional symptoms of chronic disease. When performed by experienced surgeons, laparoscopy in such patients is feasible and safe.

Chronic diseases are becoming more widespread. Treatment and monitoring of these diseases require going to hospitals frequently, which increases the burdens of hospitals and patients. Presently, advancements in wearable sensors and communication protocol contribute to enriching the healthcare system in a way that will reshape healthcare services shortly. Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is the foremost of these advancements. RPM systems are based on the collection of patient vital signs extracted using invasive and noninvasive techniques, then sending them in real-time to physicians. These data may help physicians in taking the right decision at the right time. The main objective of this paper is to outline research directions on remote patient monitoring, explain the role of AI in building RPM systems, make an overview of the state of the art of RPM, its advantages, its challenges, and its probable future directions. For studying the literature, five databases have been chosen (i.e., science direct, IEEE-Explore, Springer, PubMed, and science.gov). We followed the (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) PRISMA, which is a standard methodology for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. A total of 56 articles are reviewed based on the combination of a set of selected search terms including RPM, data mining, clinical decision support system, electronic health record, cloud computing, internet of things, and wireless body area network. The result of this study approved the effectiveness of RPM in improving healthcare delivery, increase diagnosis speed, and reduce costs. To this end, we also present the chronic disease monitoring system as a case study to provide enhanced solutions for RPMs.

Salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses prevailing throughout the world that severely limits crop establishment and production. Every crop has an intra-specific genetic variation that enables it to cope with variable environmental conditions. Hence, this genetic variability is a good tool to exploit germplasms in salt-affected areas. Further, the selected cultivars can be effectively used by plant breeders and molecular biologists for the improvement of salinity tolerance. In the present study, it was planned to identify differential expression of genes associated with selective uptake of different ions under salt stress in selected salt-tolerant canola (Brassica napus L.) cultivar. For the purpose, an experiment was carried out to evaluate the growth response of different salt-sensitive and salt-tolerant canola cultivars. Plants were subjected to 200 mM NaCl stress. Canola cultivars—Faisal Canola, DGL, Dunkled, and CON-II—had higher growth than in cvs Cyclone, Ac-EXcel, Legend, and Oscar. Salt-tolerant cultivars were better able to maintain plant water status probably through osmotic adjustment as compared to salt-sensitive cultivars. Although salt stress increased shoot Na+ and shoot Cl− contents in all canola cultivars, salt-tolerant cultivars had a lower accumulation of these toxic nutrients. Similarly, salt stress reduced shoot K+ and Ca2+ contents in all canola cultivars, while salt-tolerant cultivars had a higher accumulation of K+ and Ca2+ in leaves, thereby having greater shoot K+/Na+ and Ca2+/Na+ ratios. Nutrient utilization efficiency decreased significantly in all canola cultivars due to the imposition of salt stress; however, it was greater in salt-tolerant cultivars—Faisal Canola, DGL, and Dunkled. Among four salt-tolerant canola cultivars, cv Dunkled was maximal in physiological attributes, and thus differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were assessed in it by RNA-seq analysis using next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques. The differentially expressed genes (DEG) in cv Dunkled under salt stress were found to be involved in the regulation of ionic concentration, photosynthesis, antioxidants, and hormonal metabolism. However, the most prominent upregulated DEGs included Na/K transporter, HKT1, potassium transporter, potassium channel, chloride channel, cation exchanger, Ca channel. The RNA-seq data were validated through qRT-PCR. It was thus concluded that genes related to the regulation of ionic concentrate are significantly upregulated and expressed under salt stress, in the cultivar Dunkled.

Fipronil (FIP) is an insecticide commonly used in many fields, such as agriculture, veterinary medicine, and public health, and recently it has been proposed as a potential endocrine disrupter. The purpose of this study was to inspect the reproductive impacts of FIP and the possible protective effects of cerium nanoparticles (CeNPs) on male albino rats. Rats received FIP (5 mg/kg bwt; 1/20 LD50), CeNPs (35 mg/kg bwt) and FIP+CeNPs per os daily for 28 days. Serum testosterone levels, testicular oxidative damage, histopathological and immunohistochemical changes were evaluated. FIP provoked testicular oxidative damage as indicated by decreased serum testosterone (≈60%) and superoxide dismutase (≈50%), glutathione peroxidase activity (≈46.67%) and increased malondialdehyde (≈116.67%) and nitric oxide (≈87.5%) levels in testicular tissues. Furthermore, FIP induced edematous changes and degeneration within the seminiferous tubules, hyperplasia, vacuolations, and apoptosis in the epididymides. In addition, FIP exposure upregulated interleukin-1β (IL-1β), nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS), caspase-3 (Casp3) and downregulated the Burkitt-cell lymphomas (BCL-2), inhibin B proteins (IBP), and androgen receptor (Ar) mRNA expressions Casp3, nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1(IBA1), and IL-1β immunoreactions were increased. Also, reduction of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), mouse vasa homologue (MVH), and SOX9 protein reactions were reported. Interestingly, CeNPs diminished the harmful impacts of FIP on testicular tissue by decreasing lipid peroxidation, apoptosis and inflammation and increasing the antioxidant activities. The findings reported herein showed that the CeNPs might serve as a supposedly new and efficient protective agent toward reproductive toxicity caused by the FIP insecticide in white male rats.

Sumithion (Fenitrothion) (SUM) is an organophosphorus insecticide used to combat a wide variety of plant pests. Exposure to SUM causes significant toxicity to the brain, liver, kidney, and reproductive organs through, for example, binding to DNA, and it induces DNA damage, which ends with oxidative stress. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the protective role of bee products: a mixture of honey, propolis, palm pollen, and royal jelly (HPPJ) against SUM-induced toxicity. Twenty-four male albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) were classified into four groups, each containing six rats: control (corn oil), SUM (85 mg/kg; 1/20 LD50), HPPJ, and SUM + HPPJ once daily for 28 consecutive days. Blood samples were gently collected in sterilized ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) tubes for blood picture analyses and tubes without anticoagulant for serum isolation. Serum was used for assays of enzymatic and biochemical characteristics. The results revealed that SUM increased the weights of the liver, kidney, and brain as well as the enzymatic activity of glutathione peroxidase (GP), serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). Additionally, SUM significantly increased the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT) and glucose, uric acid, and creatinine contents, while decreasing the acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity and total lipids and total protein content. Furthermore, because of the inclusion of phenolic, flavonoids, terpenoids, and sugars, the HPPJ mixture counteracted the hematological, renal, and hepatic toxicity of SUM exposure.

One hundred and nine accessions of spring barley seedlings were phenotyped under soil drought conditions. Chlorophyll fluorescence induction (OJIP) parameters, leaf water content, relative turgidity, net assimilation rate (PN), and water use efficiency (WUE) of plants were measured. All the tested lines were genotyped by means of DArT sequencing (DArTseq) technology. For association mapping a 11,780 polymorphic DArTseq and 4,725 DArTseq SNP markers were used. Our results revealed dissimilar patterns of the relationships between OJIP-parameters under control and drought conditions. A high level of correlation between parameters characterizing Photosystem's II (PSII) energy trapping efficiency (Fv/Fm) and photochemical events downstream of PSII reaction center (e.g., Performance Index—PICSo) was observed only in the case of drought-treated plants. Generally, OJIP parameters were correlated with leaf water content (less in control). This correlation was weaker with WUE, and absent with PN. Under drought stress, 6,252 genotype × phenotype associations, which passed false discovery rate (FDR) verification, were found between all the studied phenotypic characteristics (23, including 19 OJIP parameters) and 2,721 markers. On the other hand, only 282 associations passed FDR test in the control. They comprised 22 phenotypic parameters and 205 markers. Probing for gene annotations of sequences was performed for markers associated with Fv/Fm for both drought and control, markers were associated with studied traits in both control and drought, as well as for markers associated with both OJIP and other physiological parameters in drought. Our work allowed us to conclude that drought treatment differentiates the studied lines through the revealing of relationships between water content and the damages to PSII reaction centers or different components of PSII energy transfer chain. Moreover, the former was not connected with net photosynthesis rate.

Risks associated with drought are increasing and are a global problem. Therefore, there is a need for new solutions for the safe production of food, while maintaining respect for the environment. Fungicides are designed to protect maize plants against disease, but some of the active substances used in preparations can also promote plant growth, which is known as the 'physiological effect'. However, there is a paucity of information as to how some of the 'new generation' fungicides act in stimulating grain yield in plants under abiotic stress, especially drought. Therefore, the effects of these products on conventional and stay-green maize varieties need to be better understood in order to reduce losses caused by droughts and to maximize production. In this study, the effect of a pyraclostrobin + epoxiconazole fungicide preparation on maize plants was evaluated at different times after spraying; during induced drought conditions and again during the regeneration process of the plants. The preparation was applied to 'KWS 1325' (conventional) and 'Ambrosini' (stay-green) varieties at the recommended dose, three times in greenhouse conditions. Plant gas exchange, plant water use efficiency, chlorophyll fluorescence and fresh and dry plant biomass were evaluated. The pyraclostrobin + epoxiconazole preparation increased stomatal conductance and photosynthesis intensity in the 'Ambrosini' plants. When maintained under a high light intensity, the variety used increased efficiency and exchanged excessive energy in the form of thermal energy to protect the maize leaf from light-induced damage under drought stress. Plant photosynthetic efficiency (ETR and Yield parameters) during drought stress and after regeneration was significantly higher in treated plants than in the controls. Thus, the beneficial effects on the physiology of the maize varieties grown under drought stress from the fungicide application are significant for farmers and growers.

The effect of seven herbicides (U-46 Combi Fluid, Cruz, MR, Basagran Bromicide, Lumax, and Gramoxone) on Xanthium strumarium plants was studied. Chlorophyll content and fluorescence, leaf temperature, and stomatal conductance were evaluated at 12 h, 36 h, 60 h, and 84 h after herbicides application. U46 Combi Fluid, Cruz, and MR did not have a significant effect on chlorophyll fluorescence induction curves as compared to the control treatment. However, Basagran, Bromicide, Lumax, and Gramoxone showed significant changes in the shape of polyphasic fluorescence transients (OJIP transients). Variations in chlorophyll content index, leaf temperature, and stomatal conductance parameters were dependent on the type of applied herbicide. Our study revealed that the specific impact of the applied herbicides on the photosynthetic efficiency of plants is related to their chemical groups and their mechanism of action.

The incidence of adverse reactions in food is very low, however, some food products contain toxins formed naturally due to their handling, processing and storage conditions. 5-(Hydroxymethyl)-2-furfural (HMF) can be formed by hydrogenation of sugar substances in some of manufactured foodstuffs and honey under elevated temperatures and reduced pH conditions following Maillard reactions. In previous studies, it was found that HMF was responsible for harmful (mutagenic, genotoxic, cytotoxic and enzyme inhibitory) effects on human health. HMF occurs in a wide variety of food products like dried fruit, juice, caramel products, coffee, bakery, malt and vinegar. The formation of HMF is not only an indicator of food storage conditions and quality, but HMF could also be used as an indicator of the potential occurrence of contamination during heat-processing of some food products such as coffee, milk, honey and processed fruits. This review focuses on HMF formation and summarizes the adverse effects of HMF on human health.

Background: Blood pressure (BP) has been shown to exhibit important variations not only in the short term but also over more prolonged periods of time. Aim: To evaluate the impact of different ambulatory BP variability indices on left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in controlled hypertensive patients (Pts). Patients and methods: Ninety controlled hypertensive Pts (office and ambulatory BP control criteria) with mean age 55.9 ± 8.5 years were enrolled. Pts were classified into two groups: Non-LVH group including 75 Pts with normal LV mass index and LVH group including 15 patients with LV mass index >134 g/m2 in men and >110 g/m2 in women. Mean BP and BP load values were obtained for the full 24 h and day-time and night-time periods. Similarly Standard Deviation (SD) and Average Reading Variability (ARV) were calculated in all pts. Results: Regarding office BP, Dipping status and average ambulatory BP, there was no statistically significant difference between both groups. Meanwhile, SD of BP readings and ARV showed a significant difference. After step-wise regression, ARV of systolic BP 24 h was the most powerful variability index that was associated with LVH (R2 = 0.944). The ROC curve analysis showed that the discriminative power was best at more than 14.23 mmHg with sensitivity and specificity 100% and 96% respectively for prediction of LVH. Conclusion: The adverse cardiovascular consequences of hypertension not only depend on mean BP values but may also depend on BPV, which independently adds to CV risk over elevated mean BP levels.

Objectives: We investigated the incidence of radial anomalies (RA) in patients undergoing transradial (TR) coronary procedure and their impact on procedural outcome in the Egyptian population. Background: Radial anomalies (RA) are considered an important factor for procedural failure. Information about anatomical variation is limited in our Egyptian population. Methods: We performed a multicentre prospective study in Egypt. A total of 650 consecutive patients undergoing their first TR coronary procedure were recruited from January 2013 till January 2015. By retrograde radial arteriography we assessed the frequency of RA and their impact on procedural outcome. Results: 650 consecutive patients were studied, 74% male, mean (SD) age 55 (10) years. The overall incidence of radial artery anomaly was 12.6% (n = 82). 40 (6.2%) patients had a high-bifurcating radial origin, 8 (1.2%) had a full radial loop, 14 (2.1%) had extreme radial artery tortuosity and 20 (3%) had other anomalies such as persistent left subclavian artery and extreme subclavian tortuosity. Overall transradial procedural success was 95%. Procedural failure was more common in patients with anomalous anatomy (39%) than in patients with normal anatomy (0.2%). Procedural failure was highest in patients with radial loop (87.5%), followed by those with subclavian tortuosity (45%), then high radial bifurcation (30%), and severe radial tortuosity (28.5%). 14 (2.1%) vascular complications occurred, all of which were treated conservatively. Conclusion: There is a relatively significant presence of radial anomalies, with different degrees of impact on procedural failure rate, in our Egyptian population. Further collaborative studies are recommended to increase our success rates.

Purpose The aim of the study was to estimate the age-specific and sex-specific prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) among elderly patients attending Alexandria Main University Hospital. Study design A cross-sectional survey was conducted. Patients and methods Patients aged 55 years or older were randomly selected from those attending different outpatient clinics at Alexandria Main University Hospital. One thousand eyes of 532 patients were included in the study. They underwent full ophthalmic examination with fundus photography. The fundus photographs were graded into early and late AMD according to the International Age-Related Macular Epidemiological Study Group Classification system. Prevalence rates were calculated. Results The overall prevalence of AMD was 6.6%. The prevalence of early and late AMD was 5.3 and 2.4%, respectively. There was a significantly higher prevalence of early and late AMD among those aged at least 75 years as compared with other age groups. The prevalence of AMD among male participants was 9.2% compared with only 4.1% among female participants. When potential risk factors were analyzed, smokers and those suffering from hypertension were associated with a significantly higher prevalence of AMD than were nonsmokers or those without hypertension. Diabetes mellitus was not significantly associated with AMD. Conclusion In this study, the prevalence of early AMD in younger age groups was lower than that found in other population-based studies in western populations. The prevalence of AMD increased with age and was significantly higher among men and smokers.

This study investigated the prevalence of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) among patients before and after orthognathic surgery and assessed the effect of orthognathic surgery on each of the TMD symptoms (clicking, pain, crepitus, and MRI findings). A sample of 100 consecutive patients undergoing bimaxillary surgery for correction of craniofacial deformities (31 male and 69 female), with ages ranging between 17 and 58 years (mean age: 27.7 ± 9.3 years), were interviewed and examined regarding signs and symptoms of TMD. Clinical examination and X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging of the temporomandibular junction were performed at the time of surgery and 1 year thereafter. The prevalence of TMD preoperatively and postoperatively was 35% and 27%, respectively. A high frequency of relief was found in the patients with TMD symptoms (74.3%; 19 (70.3%) of patients had reduced clicking, 7 (87.5%) patients had reduced pain, 4 (100%) patients had reduced crepitus, and 4 (57.1%) patients showed changes in MRI findings), 12 patients who were asymptomatic before surgery developed clicking in TMJ after surgery, 3 developed pain, and 3 developed crepitus. TMD problems can occur in a variety of patients, including those who have facial deformities, and require orthognathic surgery. However, orthognathic surgery may not predictably treat or reduce the symptoms of TMD.

An increasing need of nanotechnology in various industries may cause a huge environment dispersion of nanoparticles in coming years. A concern about nanoparticles interaction with flora and fauna is raised due to a growing load of it in the environment. In recent years, several investigators have shown impact of nanoparticles on plant growth and their accumulation in food source. This review examines the research performed in the last decade to show how metal and metal oxide nanoparticles are influencing the plant metabolism. We addressed here, the impact of nanoparticle on plant in relation to its size, concentration, and exposure methodology. Based on the available reports, we proposed oxidative burst as a general mechanism through which the toxic effects of nanoparticles are spread in plants. This review summarizes the current understanding and the future possibilities of plant-nanoparticle research.

The electrochemical removal of tramadol hydrochloride from aqueous solutions has been investigated under several operating conditions using a Pb/PbO2 electrode. The optimum conditions of the treatment process are: current density of 1000 mA/cm−2, pH ≈6, temperature of 10 °C and initial tramadol hydrochloride concentration of 100 mg/L. The time of electrolysis is 25 min for degradation rate of tramadol hydrochloride and chemical oxygen demeaned (COD) removal is 22 h. The results were obtained by UV–Vis spectrophotometer and the presently designed electrode was coincident.

The aim of this work is to assess the ultimate bond stress of normal and high strength concrete. This study contains two phases. The first phase included the studied bond behavior using two different models. In the first model, single pull-out test (SPOT), the concrete section of specimen was subjected to compressive stresses. In the second model, double pull-out test (DPOT), the concrete section of specimen was subjected to tensile stresses. So this phase of study aimed to make a comparison between the single pull-out test and the double pull-out test. To compare the behavior of these models, different levels of compressive strength were considered through the use of different coarse aggregate types, different W/C ratios and different cement contents. The second phase focused on the study of bond strength of high strength concrete using double pull-out test to assess design ultimate bond stress. In this phase, the effect of concrete compressive strength, bar diameter, concrete cover, embedded length, and pre-flexural crack length was studied. Based on the test results, a proposed concept to assess design ultimate stress of normal and high strength concrete was adopted. Equations to calculate the design ultimate bond stress, and required development length were suggested.

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) belongs to the common cultivated grass species in Central and Western Europe. Despite being considered to be susceptible to drought, it is frequently used for forming the turf in urban green areas. In such areas, the water deficit in soil is recognized as one of the most important environmental factors, which can limit plant growth. The basic aim of this work was to explore the mechanisms standing behind the changes in the photosynthetic apparatus performance of two perennial ryegrass turf varieties grown under drought stress using comprehensive in vivo chlorophyll fluorescence signal analyses and plant gas exchange measurements. Drought was applied after eight weeks of sowing by controlling the humidity of the roots ground medium at the levels of 30, 50, and 70% of the field water capacity. Measurements were carried out at four times: 0, 120, and 240 h after drought application and after recovery (refilling water to 70%). We found that the difference between the two tested varieties’ response resulted from a particular re-reduction of P700+ (reaction certer of PSI) that was caused by slower electron donation from P680. The difference in the rate of electron flow from Photosystem II (PSII) to PSI was also detected. The application of the combined tools (plants’ photosynthetic efficiency analysis and plant gas exchange measurements) allowed exploring and explaining the specific variety response to drought stress.

Concrete filled tubes (CFTs) composite columns have many economical and esthetic advantages, but the behavior of their connections is complicated. Through this study, it is aimed to investigate the performance and behavior of different connection configurations between concrete filled steel tube columns and bracing diagonals through an experimental program. The study included 12 connection subassemblies consisting of a fixed length steel tube and gusset plate connected to the tube end with different details tested under half cyclic loading. A notable effect was observed on the behavior of the connections due to its detailing changes with respect to capacity, failure mode, ductility, and stress distribution.

Context: The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) provides a brief measure of symptoms and impact of urinary incontinence on quality of life. It is suitable for use in clinical practice and research. An Arabic version of the ICIQ-UI SF was translated and validated in Egypt and Syria. Aims: The objective was to assess the reliability of the Arabic version of the ICIQ-UI SF in women from Saudi Arabia. Settings and Design: A study at the Urogynecology Clinic was conducted from November 2010 until August 2011. Materials and Methods: Thirty-seven consecutive Saudi women attending urogynecologic clinic were recruited. Questionnaires were distributed for self-completion and then redistributed to the same set of respondents two to four weeks later as part of a test-retest analysis for assessing questionnaire′s stability. Statistical Analysis Used: Agreement between two measurements was determined by weighted Kappa. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach′s alpha coefficient. Results: Participants had a mean (SD) age of 39 (9.9), median parity of 4, and mean BMI (SD) of 30.9 kg/m 2 (4.6). There were no differences in the frequency and amount of urine leaks or the impact of UI on quality of life observed between the two visits. Assessment of internal consistency was excellent with the Cronbach′s alpha coefficient of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.88-0.98). Participants agreed that the questionnaire was clear, appropriate, and easy to understand. Conclusions: The Arabic ICIQ-UI SF is a stable and clear questionnaire that can be used for UI assessment in clinical practice and research among Saudi women.

Two modified electrodes (Pb/PbO2 and C/PbO2) were prepared by electrodeposition and used as anodes for electrochemical degradation of linuron (phenylurea pesticide) in aqueous solution. Different operating conditions and factors affecting the treatment process including current density, temperature, initial concentration of linuron, pH, conductive electrolyte and time of electrolysis were studied and optimized. The best degradation occurred in the presence of NaCl (1 gL−1) as conductive electrolyte. After 30 min, nearly complete degradation of linuron was achieved (92% and 84%) using C/PbO2 and Pb/PO2 electrodes at pH 7 and 1.5, respectively. Higher degradation efficiency was obtained at low temperature (5–10 °C). The optimum current density for the degradation of linuron on both electrodes was (150 mAcm−2).

The microbial activity of soil enriched with sewage sludge and cultivated with energy crops, is little known. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of sewage sludge fertilization on selected microorganisms in soil cultivated with the following crops: Miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus Greef et Deu), Virginia mallow (Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby) and Common Osier willow (Salix viminalis L.). Sewage sludge was used in two rates 10 and 20 t/ha dry weight (DW). The numbers of total coliforms bacteria, sulphate-reducing spore-forming bacteria, Proteus sp., saprophytic, thermophilic and aerobic spore-forming bacteria were examined. Sewage sludge increased the number of coliforms and sulphate-reducing spore-forming bacteria, and stimulated the growth of saprophytic and thermophilic bacteria. Cultivation of Miscanthus limited the number of coliforms bacteria, while Virginia mallow and Miscanthus reduced the number of sulphate- -reducing spore-forming bacteria. Common Osier willow stimulated the growth of saprophytic bacteria in the soil, while Virginia mallow the number of spore-forming bacteria. Our results revealed that microbial activity of soil expressed as the number of selected bacterial groups, depends not only on the applied rate of sewage sludge fertilizer, but also on the cultivated energy crop.

Background: Several compounds obtained from plants have potential insecticidal, growth deterrent or repellent characteristics. The control of hard ticks by non-chemical substances was targeted in this study. Methods: The effect of 36 materials on in-vitro ticks was studied, including 2 absolute controls (water only or ab­solute ethyl alcohol only), 6 conventionally used spinosad preparations (aqueous solutions), 12 Nigella sativa (N. sativa) preparations (aqueous and alcoholic solutions), and 12 Thyme preparations (aqueous and alcoholic solutions). The engorged ticks were tested in-vitro for mortality and oviposition ability using the studied materials. Results: The final mortality after 48 hours of application in N. sativa aqueous preparations began from 10.0% con­centration, 1.0% to 100% by concentration preparations ≥10%. In addition, N. sativa alcoholic preparations began from 50.0% concentration, 2 % to 100% by concentration ≥5%. Meanwhile, Thyme aqueous and alcoholic prepa­rations began from 70.0% concentration, 5% to 90% by concentration 10–20%. Additionally, spinosad aqueous preparations and both of control preparations (Water and Alcohol) resulted in no mortality. All differences were sta­tistically significant. The oviposition was stopped in N. sativa (aqueous ≥10% and alcoholic ≥5%) and in spinosad (aqueous≥25%). The aqoues dilution of the used matters killed B. annulatus larvae beginning from the concentration 5%. Conclusion: Nigella sativa alcohol 20% was the best of studied preparations being the lowest concentration (20%) that could achieve the highest lethal (100%) effect in shortest time (12 hours). Moreover, Thyme oil and spinosad could not kill 100% of adult but did on larvae.

Objectives: Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is an established alternative method to hemodialysis for treating end-stage renal disease patients. Malfunction of the peritoneal catheter is a frequent complication in peritoneal dialysis (PD). Laparoscopy is a minimal invasive technique that allows rescue therapy of malfunctioning catheters and consecutive immediate resumption of PD. The purpose of this study is to present our experiences with laparoscopic repair of peritoneal catheter dysfunctionMethods: Between April 2006 and March 2010, 21 cases of laparoscopic interventions were performed for the salvage of malfunctioning CAPD catheter. Two trocars (5 mm) were used. Recorded data included patient demographics, catheter implantation method, date of malfunction, cause of dysfunction, procedure performed and complications.Results: The primary etiology of dysfunction was omentum and/or small bowel wrapping with adhesions in fifteen cases, malpositioning in four cases, and tunnel infection in the remaining two cases. Adhesiolysis was performed in cases with adhesions. In the cases with malpositioning but no adhesions, the catheters were repositioned in the pelvic cavity. Two catheters had to be withdrawn and exchanged because of infection. There were no mechanical or infection problems. The overall success rate of catheter function (>30 days after laparoscopy) was 100%, except for two cases in which the catheters had to be removed.Conclusion: Laparoscopy is a safe, highly effective and successful method for the evaluation and management of peritoneal dialysis catheter dysfunction.

A minimal length addition chain for a positive integer m is a finite sequence of positive integers such that (1) the first and last elements in the sequence are 1 and m, respectively, (2) any element greater than 1 in the sequence is the addition of two earlier elements (not necessarily distinct), and (3) the length of the sequence is minimal. Generating the minimal length addition chain for m is challenging due to the running time, which increases with the size of m and particularly with the number of 1s in the binary representation of m. In this paper, we introduce a new parallel algorithm to find the minimal length addition chain for m. The experimental studies on multicore systems show that the running time of the proposed algorithm is faster than the sequential algorithm. Moreover, the maximum speedup obtained by the proposed algorithm is 2.5 times the best known sequential algorithm.

Background and Aim: Obtaining patent airway is a crucial task for many physicians. When opportunities to practice intubations on patients are really limited, skill gaining methods are needed. We conducted a study among novice 6 th year medical students to assess their ability to intubate the trachea in normal airway in manikin using four airway tools. Setting and Design: Prospective, cohort study conducted at simulation center of university-based, tertiary care hospital. Methods: Fifty medical students performed either oral or nasal tracheal intubation using the following four intubating tools: C-Mac videolaryngoscope, Glidescope, and Airtraq in comparison with regular Macintosh laryngoscope. Intubation time, visualization of glottic opening, ease of intubation, satisfaction of participants, incidence of dental trauma, and the need for optimization manoeuvres′ use among different airway tools were recorded. Results: In oral intubation, Airtraq was better than others in regard to intubation time, glottic opening, ease of intubation, and the need for external laryngeal pressure application, followed by Glidescope, C-Mac, and finally Macintosh laryngoscope ( P

AbstractObjectives: Vocal cord paresis or paralysis due to iatrogenic injury of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLNI) is one of the main problems in thyroid surgery. Although many procedures have been introduced to prevent the nerve injury, still the incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy varies between 1.5-14�20The aim of the present study is to assess the risk factors of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury during thyroid surgery.Methods: Patients who had thyroid surgery between 1990 and 2005 and were admitted to the surgical department of King Fahd hospital of the University, Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia were enrolled for this retrospective review, Factors predisposing to recurrent laryngeal nerve injury were evaluated such as pathology of the lesions and the type of operations and identification of recurrent laryngeal nerve intra-operatively. Preoperative and postoperative indirect laryngoscopic examinations were performed for all patients.Results: 340 patients were included in this study. Transient unilateral vocal cord problems occurred in 11 (3.2�20cases, and in 1 (0.3�20case, it became permanent (post Rt. Hemithyroidectomy). Bilateral vocal cord problems occurred in 2 cases (0.58� but none became permanent. There were significant increases in the incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury in secondary operation (21.7�0in secondary vs. 2.8�0in primary, p=0.001), total/near total thyroidectomy (7.2�0in total vs. 1.9�0in subtotal, p=0.024), non-identification of RLN during surgery (7.6�0in non-identification vs. 2.6�0in identification, p=0.039) and in malignant disease (12.8�0in malignant vs. 2.9�0in benign, p=0.004). However, there was no significant difference in the incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury with regards to gender (4.1�0in male vs 3.8�0in female, p=0.849).Conclusion: The present study showed that thyroid carcinoma, re-operation for recurrent goiter, non-identification of RLN and total thyroidectomy were associated with a significantly increased risk of operative recurrent laryngeal nerve injury.

Ahmed M Emarah, Mostafa A El-Helw, Hazem M YassinCairo University, Cairo, EgyptAim: To compare the outcomes of clear lens extraction and collamer lens implantation in high myopia.Patients and methods: Myopic patients younger than 40 years old with more than 12 diopters of myopia or who were not fit for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis were included. Group 1 comprised patients undergoing clear lens extraction and Group 2 patients received the Visian implantable collamer lens. Outcome and complications were evaluated.Results: Postoperative best corrected visual acuity was -0.61 ± 0.18 in Group 1 and 0.79 ± 0.16 in Group 2. In Group 1, 71.4% achieved a postoperative uncorrected visual acuity better than the preoperative best corrected visual acuity, while only 51.8% patients achieved this in Group 2. Intraocular pressure decreased by 12.55% in Group 1, and increased by 15.11% in Group 2. Corneal endothelial cell density decreased by 4.47% in Group 1 and decreased by 5.67% in Group 2. Posterior capsule opacification occurred in Group 1. In Group 2, lens opacification occurred in 11.11%, significant pigment dispersion in 3.7%, and pupillary block glaucoma in 3.7%.Conclusion: Clear lens extraction presents less of a financial load up front, and less likelihood of the need for a secondary intervention in the future. Clear lens extraction is a more viable solution in developing countries with limited financial resources.Keywords: clear lens extraction, implantable collamer lens, myopia

The aim of this study was to understand the acclimatization mechanisms of photosynthetic apparatus in Brachypodium pinnatum (L.) P. Beauv grass during its expansion. Twelve populations differentiated by age: young (30-50 years old), intermediate age (ca. 100 y) and old (>300 y) were studied. It was confirmed that the decrease of the number of genotypes as a result of environmental stress and competition were reflected in changes in chlorophyll fluorescence (ChlF) parameters. The old stands were dominated by a few genotypes which seem to be the best acclimatized to the self-shading/competition by lowering their photosynthetic performance during light-phase of photosynthesis. On the other hand, the 'high-speed' photosynthetic rate observed in the young populations can be seen as acclimatization to very adverse conditions. Our results clearly confirm that ChlF is a powerful method of inferring physiological mechanisms of the expansion of tor grass. The Principal Component and Redundancy Analyses, followed with k-means classification, allowed to find the differentiation of groups of distinct ChlF parameters and enabled us to relate them to changes in genotypic diversity of populations. We conclude that the plastic morphological and physiological response to changeable habitat light conditions with its optimum in half-shade refers to its forest-steppe origin.

Introduction: Major degree placenta is a serious health issue and is associated with high fetal-maternal morbidity and mortality. Literature from developing countries is scant. Aim: To determine the prevalence and maternal and neonatal outcomes among women with major placenta previa (PP). Materials and Methods: A prospective descriptive study of 52 singleton pregnancies with PP was evaluated in this study. The study was conducted at Sohag University Hospital, Egypt from January through June 2014. Outcome measures, including the prevalence of PP, maternal and neonatal outcomes, and casefatality rate. Results: The total number of deliveries performed during the study period was 3841, of them, 52 cases were placenta previa. Thus, the prevalence of PP was 1.3%. The mean of previous cesarean scars was 2.2±1.4. Of women with PP, 26.4% (n=14) had placenta accreta. In total, 15.1% (n=8) of women underwent an obstetric hysterectomy. From the total no. of babies, 13.2% (n=7) were delivered fresh stillborn babies. Of the surviving babies (n=45), 20% (n=9) required admission to NICU. The frequencies of bowel and bladder injuries were 3.8% (n=2) and 13.2% (n=7) respectively. There was no maternal death in this study. Conclusion: The rate of PP is comparable to previous studies, however, the rate of placenta accreta is high. Also, there are high rates of neonatal mortality and intraoperative complications which can be explained by accreta. The study highlights the need to revise maternity and child health services.

OJIP analysis, which explores changes in photosystem II (PSII) photochemical performance, has been used as a measure of plant susceptibility to stress. However, in the case of freezing tolerance and winter hardiness, which are highly environmentally variable, the use of this method can give ambiguous results depending on the species as well as the sampling year and time. To clarify this issue, we performed chlorophyll fluorescence measurements over three subsequent winters (2010/11, 2011/12 and 2012/13) on 220 accessions of common winter wheat and 139 accessions of winter triticale. After freezing, leaves were collected from cold-acclimated plants in the laboratory and field-grown plants. Observations of field survival in seven locations across Poland and measurements of freezing tolerance of the studied plants were also recorded. Our results confirm that the OJIP test is a reliable indicator of winter hardiness and freezing tolerance of common wheat and triticale under unstable winter environments. Regardless of species, the testing conditions giving the most reliable results were identical, and the reliability of the test could be easily checked by analysis of some relationships between OJIP-test parameters. We also found that triticale is more winter hardy and freezing tolerant than wheat. In addition, the two species were characterized by different patterns of photosynthetic apparatus acclimation to cold.