Agents for Integrating Distributed Data for Function Computations

Many practical problems occur when we wish to manipulate the data in a way that requires information not included explicitly in this data, and where we have to deal with functions of such a nature. In a networked environment, the data may reside in components on a number of geographically distributed sites. These databases cannot be moved to other network sites due to security, size, and privacy consideration. In this paper, we present two self-decomposing algorithms for constructing a function from given discrete data, and finding the extrema of any function whose arguments are stored across a number of distributed databases

Effects of high-power pain threshold ultrasound technique in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A single-blind randomized controlled trial

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent, degenerative disease of the joints manifested by joint pain, tenderness, decreased function, and limited range of motion (ROM). The current study aimed at evaluating the therapeutic effect of the high-power pain-threshold ultrasound technique (HPPTUS) in comparison with conventional ultrasound (US) techniques in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). A single-masked, pre–post randomized controlled trial was conducted. Fifty participants of both sexes (between 40 and 50 years of age), diagnosed with stage II knee osteoarthritis, participated in this study. They were randomized into two groups: Group A (experimental group, n=25), which received HPPTUS on the knee joint in addition to the traditional treatment (hot packs and isometric exercise for quadriceps), and Group B (control group, n=25), which received conventional ultrasound on knee joint in addition to the traditional treatment (hot packs and isometric exercise for quadriceps). Both groups underwent a four-week treatment plan in which sessions were conducted twice per week. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to estimate the intensity of pain, Digital Electronic Pressure Algometer was used to measure pressure pain threshold (PPT) on trigger point around knee, and Digital goniometer was utilized to assess ROM of the knee joint before and after treatment. The MANOVA test revealed statistically significant improvements in all variables (VAS, PPT, knee ROM) post-treatment compared to pre-treatment values in the HPPTUS group (experimental group) (p < 0.05), while the control group revealed statistically significant improvement only in VAS post-treatment compared with pre-treatment (p < 0.05). Comparison between groups revealed statistically significant improvements in VAS, PPT, knee ROM in participants receiving HPPTUS compared with the control group (p < 0.05). High-power ultrasound can be effectively implemented in the treatment of knee OA as it produces significant improvements in the intensity of pain, pressure-pain threshold, and knee joint ROM

Carbon Nanomaterials Based Supercapacitors: Recent Trends

The increasing demand for renewable energy sources worldwide and the predicted depletion of current fossil fuel sources need continuous energy storage and conversion technology development. The use of supercapacitors (SC) as electrical energy storage devices in consumer electronics items and alternative power sources is an interesting and potentially lucrative area of application. Therefore, continuous developments are conducted to improve SC performance using different composites and nanocomposites. Carbon materials in SC are among the most important uses of this material. This chapter provides a short communication on recent progress in supercapacitor-based carbon materials. Various fundamental carbon allotropes were presented and debated, including fullerene, carbon nanotubes, and graphene-based supercapacitors

Practical Needs in Assessing Response to Therapy in Operated Brain High Grade Glioma According to Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology Criteria

Background: Tumors known as gliomas begin in the brain or spine's glial cells and might spread throughout the body.&nbsp; An effort was made to improve tumor response evaluation and end point selection through the Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) working group. Objective: To standardize the assessment method and results reporting by applying MRI-RANO criteria in detecting glioma response to surgical treatment. Patients and Methods: This was a prospective cohort study included 12 patients (4 males and 8 females) whose mean age was 53.6 ± 15.1years. Included patients are those who were operated and pathologically proved as brain glioma grade IV (GBM). They underwent post-operative MRI within 48 hours and are available for follow up MRI after 3 months. Imaging modalities applied in both MRI exams were conventional magnetic resonance imaging, MRI diffusion weighted images, and contrast imaging. RANO criteria were applied. Results: According to RANO criteria, none of the lesions had pseudo response or pseudo progression. However, two thirds (66.7%) had progressive disease and one third (33.3%) had complete response. There was statistically significant association between MRI findings 3 months postoperative and RANO criteria as patients with compete response had statistically significant decrease on measurable solid components, diffusion restriction, post contrast enhancement and all lesions had grade I edema with no mass effect or midline shift compared to patients with progressive disease. 4 cases that showed complete response category had fulfilled all the RANO criteria, while 8 cases with category progressive disease had fulfilled more than one of the described RANO criteria. Conclusion: RANO criteria are an effective tool to be used in interpretation of MRI for follow-up of surgically operated glioma patients to detect their response

Comparative Pharmacokinetic Study of Two Lyophilized Orally Disintegrating Tablets Formulations of Vinpocetine in Human Volunteers

Vinpocetine is a poorly water soluble drug, commonly used in treatment of various cerebral insufficiency conditions. The aim of this work was to formulate vinpocetine in the form of orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) and enhance its solubility and dissolution rate. This objective was addressed using lyophilization technique of either solid dispersion using polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG 4000) or inclusion complex with 2-hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin (2HP-β-CD). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy were used to characterize the solid state of the prepared solid complex. Tablets were prepared by direct compression using 23 factorial design to evaluate the effect of formulation variables (Ac-di-sol concentration 5 or 10%, the ratio of soluble polymer 1:1 or 1:3 and binder type 6% w/w Avicel PH102 or 6% w/w carboxymethyl cellulose) on release characteristics. Results showed that lyophilized ODTs disintegrated within few seconds and had significantly faster dissolution rate (70-100 % in 5 minutes) compared to the commercial oral tablet (Cavinton®). This was achieved at high content of PEG 4000 or 2 HP-β-CD in presence of 10 % w/w Ac-Di-Sol and 6 % w/w Avicel PH102. The extent of per oral absorption of vinpocetine was determined in healthy human volunteers using randomized crossover design. The relative bioavailability of selected solid dispersion and inclusion complex formulations were found to be 171.98 % and 196.06 % respectively. The study indicated that complexation of vinpocetine with 2-HP-βCD or dispersion in PEG 4000 followed by lyophilization are two successful strategies for enhancing the bioavailability of the drug from ODTs

The Computational Techniques Developed to Analyze DNA Gel Images

The analysis of gel electrophoresis images is very crucial for molecular biologists to comprehend and interpret their experimental results. Thus, enhancing current mathematical methods and developing new accurate ones is very important and challenging task for bioinformaticians. For example, enhancing the commonly used mathematical method in gel analysis known as "Fitting method estimation" and proposing a new efficient method entitled "Ruler estimation" for preprocessing a given image and detecting lanes and bands automatically. Both mathematical methods implemented in our newly developed software. Three mathematical models namely, linear, quadratic and cubic fitting are tested for the accuracy of detecting the bands and lanes in the gel image to determine the best fitting model. A friendly user interface is developed for this new program using MATLB GUI to extract useful bimolecular information accurately and automatically. The new software has the ability to manually add or delete any band(s) and estimate the size of any unknown band(s) on the gel. Moreover, the similarity and (dis)similarity between lanes "samples" are estimated based on comparing the numbers and sizes of bands to generate a phylogram tree

Global Postural Exercise Program Versus Muscle Energy Technique on Management of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Objective: To compare between the effects of global postural exercise program against muscle energy technique on maximum pressure pain threshold, maximal mouth opening range of motion as well as quality of life on patients with temporomandibular joint disorders. Methods: 63 patients having temporomandibular disorders were randomized into three groups; Group (A) were given global postural exercise program in addition to conventional therapy (in the form of LASER and hot packs), Group (B) were given muscle energy technique as well as traditional therapy and the Group (C) control were given traditional therapy only. All patients were examined by the pressure algometer, paquimeter and Arabic version of Oral health impact profile 14 questionnaire as well as the duration of treatment were 6 weeks. Results: there were no significant statistical differences revealed&nbsp; pretreatment for all variables, Mmaximal mouth opening range of motion, quality of life scale, as well as pain) as in mouth opening (P=0.130), OHIP-14 (P=0.642), right temporalis muscles (P=0.384), left temporalis muscles (P=0.930), right masseter muscles (P=0.790), left masseter muscles (P=0.064), right trapezius muscle (P=0.403), and left trapezius muscle (P=0.058) among groups where (P&gt;0.05). While after-treatment and follow up , there were significant statistical differences were P value was (P&lt;0.05), in mouth opening (P=0.0001 and P=0.0001, respectively), OHIP-14 (P=0.0001 and P=0.0001, respectively), right temporalis muscles (P=0.035 and P=0.020, respectively), left temporalis muscles (P=0.0001 and P=0.0001, respectively), right masseter muscles (P=0.001 and P=0.0001, respectively), left masseter muscles (P=0.004 and P=0.035, respectively), right trapezius muscle (P=0.0001 and P=0.0001, respectively), and left trapezius muscle (P=0.031 and P=0.001, respectively) between groups. Conclusion: Both Muscle energy technique and global postural exercise program improved mouth opening, pressure pain threshold, as well as quality of life in temporomandibular joint disorders patients, with the superiority of muscle energy technique over global postural exercise program

Rare Suprasellar Chordoid Meningioma with INI1 Gene Mutation

Background: Chordoid Meningioma is a rare brain tumour characterized genetically by loss of genetic material from chromosome 22q at cytogenetic level resulting in mutation of NF2 gene. Objectives and case report: In the present report, we described a rare case of suprasellar chordoid meningioma, which presented in a 32-year-old-woman. Her only complain was throbbing headache. Neurological examination showed left temporal hemianopia, decreased visual acuity (3/6), and no physical abnormalities related to Castleman syndrome were noted. Cranial magnetic resonance (MR) images demonstrated a 28x15 mm mass in the sellar region, which showed iso-to low intensity that enhanced vividly after gadolinium with upwards displacement of the Optic chiasm. Total surgical excision of the tumour was performed and subsequent histological examination of the tumour showed typical histology pattern of chordoid meningioma grade II according to the WHO classification system of meningiomas. Genomic DNA was extracted and mutation analysis for INI1 gene using primer of exon 4, 5, 7, and 9 showed mutation involving exon 9. DNA sequencing showedheterozygosity C­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­-T mutation in exon 9 of INI1 gene leading to change of amino acid serine to phenylalanine at (codon 63). The details of this case are presented with a review of the literature

THE POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF THE ANTI-EPILEPTIC DRUG (OXCARBAZEPINE) ON ALBINO RAT'S NEONATES DURING LACTATION

ABSTRACT Objective: This study was undertaken to evaluate the potential risks of the anti-epileptic drug (oxcarbazepine [OXC]) administration on neonates. Methods: The nursing rats orally administered from 7 th day of gestation until the 28 day of lactation with 108 mg/kg OXC (human equivalent dose) daily. The neonates at day 7, 14, 21, and 28 of lactation were sacrificed and the postnatal developmental signs and skeletal malformation and the histopathology of liver, kidney, and brain of the pups were examined. th Results: Our results showed that OXC induced a significant reduction in the neonatal weight and length, delayed, weak and incomplete ossification, wavy ribs and the neonatal liver revealed histopathological changes, pyknotic hepatocytes, cytoplasmic vacuolization, dilated sinusoid, and necrotic area. Kidney revealed alternation changes, enlargement of the glomerulus, renal tubules degeneration, and lymphatic infiltration. Brain (cerebral cortex and cerebellum) showed neurodegenerative changes, vacuolization of neuropil, congested and dilated blood vessel and dark stain neurons. Biochemical studies showed that OXC induced a reduction in the level glutathione reduced an important intracellular antioxidant, and catalase (enzymatic antioxidant) compared to control group. Conclusions: We support and proof the potential risks of the OXC administration on neonates. Keywords: Rats, Lactation, Oxcarbazepine, Antiepileptic drug

Improving emergency departments: simulation-based optimization of patients waiting time and the number of staff present in a hospital

The emergency department (ED), operating around the clock every day of the year, serves a diverse range of patients with varying medical conditions, making it the vital core of a hospital. Consequently, optimizing and simulating the ED's processes becomes essential to enhance the quality of care provided. This study offers a case analysis employing simulation to assess patient flows in a hospital's emergency department. Our objective is to evaluate the impacts of system enhancements within the ED. This model aims to measure patients' time from their ED entry, determine daily patient numbers, and calculate the overall patient movement time within the department. If the patient's condition is serious, he will be presented immediately to the doctor without waiting. A doctor will be added to the unit if the number of patients exceeds the standard limit.</p