Single Level Lumbar Disk Herniation: Conventional Discectomy versus Interbody Fusion with Bilateral Pedicular Fixation

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to compare between the conventional discectomy and the interbody fusion with bilateral pedicular screw fixation in the management of single level lumbar disk herniation. METHODS: This is a prospective study done on 50 patients (25 in each group) at Cairo University Hospitals in the period between October 2018 and June 2019 fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Diagnosis was made clinically with history (low back pain and sciatica),examination (motor power assessment, straight leg raising test), and radiological findings (MRI, CT and X-ray lumbar spine). The pain status (VAS) was pre and postoperatively evaluated and followed up every 3 months for 1 year. RESULTS: The study included 50 patients (25 in each group) (mean age 40.4 years old) with slight female predominance. The most common clinical findings presented at diagnosis were low back pain followed by lower limb pain in the form of claudication and sciatica. L5-S1 disk prolapse was the most common level affected in both groups followed by L4-5 level. Regarding the clinical outcome, there was statistical significance in the VAS of low back pain at 9 months and 1-year follow-up favoring the fusion group with mean VAS 0.40 and 1.32 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Clinical outcome was excellent in both groups. However, the reduction in low back pain after surgery was greater in the fusion group (p < 0.05). The rate of recurrent disk herniation at the surgical level in the nonfusion group was higher, but intraoperative blood loss, operation time, length of hospital stay, and total cost of procedure were all less in the patients undergoing discectomy alone. Although there is still controversy regarding the pros and cons of fusion in association with disk excision without instability, fusion results were highly favorable

Formulation and Evaluation of Taste-Masked Orally Disintegrating Tablets of Nicergoline based on β-cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexation

Complexation of nicergoline with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) into an inclusion complex has been used successfully to improve the drug’s solubility, dissolution rate and hence per oral absorption. In addition, masking of the bitter taste was also achieved. The preparation of inclusion complexes was performed using two different techniques, namely; physical mixing and kneading. The apparent stability constant (Kc) of the complex was calculated from the phase solubility analysis. Compatibility of nicergoline and β-CD complex with disintegrants and superdisintegrants were evaluated using powder x-ray diffractometry (PXRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The morphology of complex particles was studied using scanning electron microscopy. Pharmaceutical characterization confirmed that all additives were compatible with the drug and no signs of physical or chemical interaction were detected. Orodispersible tablets (ODTs) of nicergoline complexed with β-CD and containing 7-9 % camphor had rapid disintegration time (7-12 seconds) and fast drug release profiles (90-100 % in 10 minutes). Therefore, nicergoline ODTs are considered a valuable choice dosage form with improved per oral absorption and taste acceptability

Formulation and Evaluation of Taste-Masked Orally Disintegrating Tablets of Nicergoline based on β-cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexation

Complexation of nicergoline with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) into an inclusion complex has been used successfully to improve the drug’s solubility, dissolution rate and hence per oral absorption. In addition, masking of the bitter taste was also achieved. The preparation of inclusion complexes was performed using two different techniques, namely; physical mixing and kneading. The apparent stability constant (Kc) of the complex was calculated from the phase solubility analysis. Compatibility of nicergoline and β-CD complex with disintegrants and superdisintegrants were evaluated using powder x-ray diffractometry (PXRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The morphology of complex particles was studied using scanning electron microscopy. Pharmaceutical characterization confirmed that all additives were compatible with the drug and no signs of physical or chemical interaction were detected. Orodispersible tablets (ODTs) of nicergoline complexed with β-CD and containing 7-9 % camphor had rapid disintegration time (7-12 seconds) and fast drug release profiles (90-100 % in 10 minutes). Therefore, nicergoline ODTs are considered a valuable choice dosage form with improved per oral absorption and taste acceptability

Efectividad de la mezcla Fluopyram + Tebuconazole en el control de Alternaria solani en papas

27 p.La papa (Solanum tuberosum L.), como todo cultivo, esta afecto a diversas plagas y enfermedades que lo pueden atacar y disminuir sus rendimientos sustancialmente, por lo que ha sido tema obligado de variadas investigaciones. Dentro de las enfermedades, las más importantes que afectan al cultivo de la papa son Tizón Tardío causado por el hongo Phytophthora infestans y Tizón Temprano ocasionado por el hongo Alternaria solani. Específicamente, el Tizón Temprano de la papa, ataca follaje y tubérculos de la planta, provocando pérdidas en rendimiento que van desde 10% a 50% dependiendo del grado de infección del hongo sobre la planta.Para el control de la enfermedad se han sugerido diversas prácticas culturales, como por ejemplo la utilización de semilla de buena calidad. Paralelamente, el control químico se ha presentado como una alternativa eficiente en el control de la enfermedad.Debido a lo anterior se realizó un ensayo con el objetivo de evaluar la efectividad de la mezcla Fluopyram y Tebuconazole en el control de la enfermedad tizón temprano causado por el hongo Alternaria solani en un cultivo de papas. Se evaluaron diferentes dosis de la mezcla incluyendo una que agregaba un surfactante. Estas mezclas fueron comparadas con un tratamiento testigo y con fungicidas de uso tradicional que tienen como ingrediente activo a Boscalid, Trifloxystrobin, Cyproconazole o Difenoconazole. Los tratamientos se distribuyeron en un diseño de bloques completamente al azar y fueron aplicados durante tres ocasiones: fin de floración, 10 días después de floración y 20 días después de floración. Para medir el efecto de cada uno de los tratamientos se hicieron dos evaluaciones de incidencia y severidad y una evaluación de rendimiento. Los resultados obtenidos a partir de este ensayo demostraron la efectividad de cada uno de los fungicidas sobre la disminución en la incidencia y severidad del ataque del hongo A. solani. Sin embargo no se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las mezclas de Fluopyram + Tebuconazole y los fungicidas de uso comercial. En el caso de la evaluación de rendimiento, no se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los tratamientos. Palabras clave: Papa; Solanum Tuberosum L; Tizón Temprano; Alternaria solani; Fluopyram; Tebuconazole./ABSTRACT: Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), like any crop it is affected for many pests and diseases which can decrease yields, turning these problems in to an important research topic. Within, the most important diseases that affect potato we can mention late blight caused by the fungus Phytophthora infestans and early blight produced by the fungus Alternaria solani. Specifically, early blight, affects foliage and tubers of the plant, causing yield losses ranging from 10% to 50% depending on the degree of infection. To control of the disease includes various cultural practices such as the use of good quality seed. In parallel, chemical control has resulted an efficient alternative in the control of the disease. The purpose of this assay it was to evaluate the effectiveness of the active ingredients Fluopyram and Tebuconazole in mixture in the control of early blight caused by the fungus Alternaria solani in a potato. Different doses of the mixture were incorporated in the experiment as treatments, including the addition of a surfactant. These were compared with a control treatment and with fungicides traditionally used such as Boscalid, Trifloxystrobin, Cyproconazole or Difenoconazole. The treatments were distributed in a completely randomized blocks experimental design, being applied three times: at the end of flowering, 10 days after flowering and 20 days after flowering. To measure the effect of each treatment two evaluations of incidence and severity were made. The yield at harvest was also measured. The results of this experiment demonstrated the effectiveness of each of the fungicides evaluated in the reduction of the incidence and severity of the disease. However, no statistically significant differences between the mixtures fluopyram + Tebuconazole and the commercial fungicides were observed. For yield evaluation, no statistically significant differences between treatments were observed. Keywords: Potato; Solanum tuberosum L; Early blight; Alternaria solani; Fluopyram; Tebuconazole

Computational investigation of an unsteady non-Newtonian and non-isothermal fluid between coaxial contracting channels: A PCM approach

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TRANSETHOSOMES AS BREAKTHROUGH TOOL FOR CONTROLLED TRANSDERMAL DELIVERY OF DEXKETOPROFEN TROMETAMOL: DESIGN, FABRICATION, STATISTICAL OPTIMIZATION, IN VITRO, AND EX VIVO CHARACTERIZATION

Objective: Transethosomes (TEs) have introduced an emerging avenue of interest in vesicular research for transdermal delivery of drugs and can be a proper delivery system for painkillers like NSAIDS. This study aimed to formulate and characterize the potential of TE to enhance the transdermal transport of Dexketoprofen trometamol (DKT) to achieve controlled pain management compared to DKT solution. Methods: Factorial design (23) was adopted to appraise the influence of independent variables, namely, Lipoid S100 and surfactant concentrations and surfactant type (X3) on the % solubilization efficiency (% SE), vesicle size (VS), and % release efficiency (% RE). Thin film hydration was the preferred approach for preparing TEs where vesicle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, %SE and %RE were investigated. The optimized formula was nominated and subjected to several studies. For the permeation study, optimum TE was incorporated into carbapol gel base for comparison with DKT solution. Also, an accelerated stability study was assessed for optimized formula. Results: All the prepared DKT-loaded TEs revealed acceptable VS, PDI, and ZP. The highest %SE (86.08±1.05 %) and lowest %RE (44.62±1.36 %) were observed in case of F1. The optimized formula (F1) displayed VS of 133.2±1.62 nm, PDI of 0.342±0.03 and ZP of-21.6±2.45 mV. F1 revealed enhanced skin permeation of a 2.6-fold increase compared with DKT solution. Moreover, F1 was stable upon storage and a non-significant change (P>0.05) was observed. Conclusion: DKT was successfully incorporated into vesicle carrier and can signify an alternative option for providing this therapy, bypassing the poor bioavailability and considerable adverse consequences of using the oral route besides improved patient compliance

Effect of Acupuncture on Body Weight Reduction and Inflammatory Mediators in Egyptian Obese Patients

AIM: Aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of body acupuncture on body weight loss, routine laboratory tests and pro-inflammatory markers.METHODOLOGY: The study was performed on eighty obese patients. They were divided into three groups according to their body mass index. Subjects received acupuncture for three- six months in combination with a low-calorie diet. They were assessed pre and post acupuncture, by anthropometric measurement, routine laboratory tests and, tumor necrosis factor- alpha (TNF-α), interleukin- 6 (IL-6), and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels in serum.RESULTS: The pre-acupuncture results showed significant difference between the three grades of obesity and the controls regarding TNFα, IL-6 and hsCRP. We found significant reduction in anthropometric measurement of adiposity after acupuncture. In comparing the pre &post acupuncture results of TNF-α, IL-6 and hsCRP showed high significant reduction after acupuncture. There are highly significant decrease in kidney function (creatinine and uric acid) and lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides) and fasting blood glucose, but there was no significant difference in urea, SGPT, SGOT, HDL and LDL.CONCLUSION: Body acupuncture in combination with diet restriction was found to be effective for weight loss and also reduction of the inflammatory reactions. Acupuncture could be used as a synergistic treatment option for obesity control

Eco-Friendly Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and In Silico Molecular Docking Approach of Some New Quinoline Derivatives as Potential Antioxidant and Antibacterial Agents

A new series of quinoline derivatives 5–12 were efficiently synthesized via one-pot multicomponent reaction (MCR) of resorcinol, aromatic aldehydes, β-ketoesters, and aliphatic/aromatic amines under solvent-free conditions. All products were obtained in excellent yields, pure at low-cost processing, and short time. The structures of all compounds were characterized by means of spectral and elemental analyses. In addition, all the synthesized compounds 5–12 were in vitro screened for their antioxidant and antibacterial activity. Moreover, in silico molecular docking studies of the new quinoline derivatives with the target enzymes, human NAD (P)H dehydrogenase (quinone 1) and DNA gyrase, were achieved to endorse their binding affinities and to understand ligand–enzyme possible intermolecular interactions. Compound 9 displayed promising antioxidant and antibacterial activity, as well as it was found to have the highest negative binding energy of -9.1 and -9.3 kcal/mol for human NAD (P)H dehydrogenase (quinone 1) and DNA gyrase, respectively. Further, it complied with the Lipinski’s rule of five, Veber, and Ghose. Therefore, the quinoline analogue 9 could be promising chemical scaffold for the development of future drug candidates as antioxidant and antibacterial agents

Core Microbial Functional Activities in Ocean Environments Revealed by Global Metagenomic Profiling Analyses

Metagenomics-based functional profiling analysis is an effective means of gaining deeper insight into the composition of marine microbial populations and developing a better understanding of the interplay between the functional genome content of microbial communities and abiotic factors. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of 24 datasets covering surface and depth-related environments at 11 sites around the world's oceans. The complete datasets comprises approximately 12 million sequences, totaling 5,358 Mb. Based on profiling patterns of Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COGs) of proteins, a core set of reference photic and aphotic depth-related COGs, and a collection of COGs that are associated with extreme oxygen limitation were defined. Their inferred functions were utilized as indicators to characterize the distribution of light- and oxygen-related biological activities in marine environments. The results reveal that, while light level in the water column is a major determinant of phenotypic adaptation in marine microorganisms, oxygen concentration in the aphotic zone has a significant impact only in extremely hypoxic waters. Phylogenetic profiling of the reference photic/aphotic gene sets revealed a greater variety of source organisms in the aphotic zone, although the majority of individual photic and aphotic depth-related COGs are assigned to the same taxa across the different sites. This increase in phylogenetic and functional diversity of the core aphotic related COGs most probably reflects selection for the utilization of a broad range of alternate energy sources in the absence of light.This work was supported by King Abdullah University for Science and Technology Global Collaborative Partners (GCR) program. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript

The medical and biochemical knowledge of health care professionals regarding the management of MERS-CoV: lessons from 2019 pilgrimage season in Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

Background: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) epidemic was a serious healthcare concern not responding to conventional anti-viral therapies between 2012 and 2017 with high fatality rates. Saudi Arabia is still among the best world examples in combating both MERS-CoV and COVID-19 pandemics. Objectives: Investigating the medical and biochemical knowledge of healthcare professionals in Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia on preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic measures against MERS-CoV epidemic. Subjects and methods: In 2019, this cross-sectional study included 416 healthcare personnel of which 402 participants answered the questions with a response rate of 96.7%. Specialties of participants were medical students (1.4%), physicians (64.4%), nurses (23.6%) and others (10.7%). Results: The vast majority of the investigated healthcare personnel gave the right answers. 96.7% of the participants answered that washing hands using water helps prevent MERS-CoV. 90.8% of the participants answered that wearing a clean non-sterile long-sleeved gown and gloves does helps prevent MERS-CoV infection. 94.7% of participants answered that using alcohol-based hand rub helps prevent MERS-CoV infection. 92.03% of the participants thought that wearing protective equipment does help preventing MERS-CoV infection. 86.1% answered that there is no vaccine available against MERS-CoV infection and 86.1% answered that taking vaccines is suitable for preventing MERS-CoV infection. 90.04% of the participants answered that MERS-CoV patients should be diagnosed using PCR and 84.3% thought that the highest levels of anti-CoV antibodies are in abattoir workers while 87.8% thought that isolation of suspected cases helps preventing MERS-CoV infection. Conclusion: The investigated healthcare workers had a satisfactory knowledge on the preventive and therapeutic measures and biochemical knowledge against MERS-CoV epidemic at mass gatherings as pilgrimage season