The effect of norepinephrine versus dopamine in renal transplant recipients on postoperative graft function

Finding the ideal vasopressor for use during the crucial phase of graft anastomosis is still an ongoing search to improve graft function in recipients of renal transplants. This study aimed to compare the effect of norepinephrine versus dopamine on renal graft function and postoperative serum creatinine. A randomized single-blind clinical trial of 44 patients was divided into two equal groups. Group N: norepinephrine infusion was used at a starting dose of 0.05μg/kg/min with dose range: 0.05–0.15 μ/kg/min and group D; dopamine infusion was used at a starting dose of 5μg/kg/min with dose range: 5–15 μ/kg/min. Postoperative serum creatinine and renal doppler resistive index, were compared between the two groups. There were significant differences within and between both groups over time regarding postoperative serum creatinine levels (group D, P-value Norepinephrine and dopamine have comparable effects on graft function in the renal recipient patients.</p

Application of the electrical resistivity method and the estimation of limestone volume : a case study

The present work used the electrical resistivity approach to conduct a three-dimensional modeling and initial volume estimation of the limestone layer in the Mintom region located in southern Cameroon. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, a total of 21 electrical soundings spaced 250 m were first collected in the field using the Schlumberger array. These soundings were conducted along three profiles oriented in an east-west direction, spaced 500 m. Additionally, a geological survey was conducted to identify and emphasize the presence of limestone formations within the designated study region. The interpretation of the sounding data was conducted based on the analysis of the sounding curves. The interpretation outcomes, specifically resistivity and thickness, were compared with the geological field data, resulting in the development of lithostratigraphic logs for each sounding. The geological sections were constructed using the logs of the designated profile. The lithological logs were utilized to establish a lithological interface model and calculate the volume of the limestone layer at 260 ± 13 × 106 m3 , utilizing the inverse distance method built into RockWorks software. A resistivity value is assigned to each geological layer in a sounding curve, allowing for the development of a resistivity variation model specific to the limestone layer. The proposed model facilitates the categorization of limestone layers based on their resistivity variations, thus serving as a fundamental reference for prospective exploratory activities within the designated study region. Our integrated approach provides a replicable model for a better understanding of the limestone reserve and effective management of this valuable resource

Enhanced strength, durability, and thermal shock resistance of clay roof tiles substituted with ferrosilicon slag

The present investigation involved the production of roof tile samples through the replacement of kaolin clay with varying proportions of Ferrosilicon slag (FS) (0%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% by weight) at different firing temperatures (900 °C, 1000 °C, and 1100 °C). The present study investigated the impact of incorporating FS slag waste on durability, mechanical strength, thermal shock resistance, and thermal properties. Furthermore, an examination of the microstructure of the fired roof tiles was conducted through SEM analysis. The properties of the roof tiles exhibited enhancement as the percentage of FS slag increased, reaching a maximum of 15%, and the firing temperature increased up to 1000 °C. This can be attributed to the formation of significant amounts of corundum phase. Increased temperature and a higher percentage of FS slag are associated with the generation of a significant quantity of cristobalite phase, resulting in a reduction in the mechanical properties of roof tiles. The roof tile samples fabricated with up to 15% FS slag at 1000 °C exhibited low water absorption and porosity. Increases in temperature and FS slag, on the other hand, resulted in an increase in water absorption and porosity. There were no observable impacts on water absorption and apparent porosity at 900 °C. The firing temperature of 1000 °C and a slag percentage of 15% resulted in a minimum water absorption of 9.8%. This value meets the standard requirements for moderate weather resistance. Notwithstanding the increase in density of roof tiles containing elevated proportions of FS slag, they continue to fall within the limits of lightweight roof tiles as stipulated by determined standards. The experimental results indicate that the incorporation of 15% FS slag and firing at a temperature of 1000 °C resulted in a significant increase of 34.9% in the transverse breaking strength (TBS) of the clay roof tiles when compared to the conventional sample. This suggests that the structural properties of the clay roof tiles were improved through the addition of FS slag

Enhanced strength, durability, and thermal shock resistance of clay roof tiles substituted with ferrosilicon slag

The present investigation involved the production of roof tile samples through the replacement of kaolin clay with varying proportions of Ferrosilicon slag (FS) (0%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% by weight) at different firing temperatures (900 °C, 1000 °C, and 1100 °C). The present study investigated the impact of incorporating FS slag waste on durability, mechanical strength, thermal shock resistance, and thermal properties. Furthermore, an examination of the microstructure of the fired roof tiles was conducted through SEM analysis. The properties of the roof tiles exhibited enhancement as the percentage of FS slag increased, reaching a maximum of 15%, and the firing temperature increased up to 1000 °C. This can be attributed to the formation of significant amounts of corundum phase. Increased temperature and a higher percentage of FS slag are associated with the generation of a significant quantity of cristobalite phase, resulting in a reduction in the mechanical properties of roof tiles. The roof tile samples fabricated with up to 15% FS slag at 1000 °C exhibited low water absorption and porosity. Increases in temperature and FS slag, on the other hand, resulted in an increase in water absorption and porosity. There were no observable impacts on water absorption and apparent porosity at 900 °C. The firing temperature of 1000 °C and a slag percentage of 15% resulted in a minimum water absorption of 9.8%. This value meets the standard requirements for moderate weather resistance. Notwithstanding the increase in density of roof tiles containing elevated proportions of FS slag, they continue to fall within the limits of lightweight roof tiles as stipulated by determined standards. The experimental results indicate that the incorporation of 15% FS slag and firing at a temperature of 1000 °C resulted in a significant increase of 34.9% in the transverse breaking strength (TBS) of the clay roof tiles when compared to the conventional sample. This suggests that the structural properties of the clay roof tiles were improved through the addition of FS slag.Water Resource

Mitigation plan and water harvesting of flashflood in arid rural communities using modelling approach : A case study in Afouna village, Egypt

This paper aims to propose methods to mitigate the risks of flash flood events in arid rural communities with poor infrastructure. A flash flood management case study was conducted at Afouna Village in Egypt, which is characterized by an arid climate and faced a devasting flash flood in 2015. First, the flash flood was modelled and it was found that it corresponds to a 100 year return period flood that led to an almost 13 million m3 total runoff volume. A structural protection approach, using an artificial infiltration pond, was applied to mitigate the flooding risks through water harvesting and recharging the groundwater of the Moghra aquifer. In this study, a novel approach was proposed, which is substituting the low permeability silty sand (2.0 x 10-4 m/s) in the pond area with a high permeability one (9.6 x 10-3 m/s), which will enhance water harvesting and reduce direct evaporation. Modern techniques of hydrological modelling were utilized in order to achieve the optimal use, and harvesting, of flash flood water.Peer reviewe

Differential Effect of Three Macrolide Antibiotics on Cardiac Pathology and Electrophysiology in a Myocardial Infarction Rat Model: Influence on Sodium Nav1.5 Channel Expression

Macrolides were reported to have cardiotoxic effects presented mainly by electrocardiogram (ECG) changes with increased risk in cardiac patients. We aimed to determine the impact of three macrolides, azithromycin, clarithromycin and erythromycin, on cardiac electrophysiology, cardiac enzyme activities, histopathological changes, and sodium voltage-gated alpha subunit 5 (Nav1.5) channel expression. We used eight experimental groups of male albino rats: vehicle, azithromycin (100 mg/kg), clarithromycin (100 mg/kg), erythromycin (100 mg/kg), MI + vehicle, MI + azithromycin (100 mg/kg), MI + clarithromycin (100 mg/kg) and MI + erythromycin (100 mg/kg); each group received chronic oral doses of the vehicle/drugs for seven weeks. ECG abnormalities and elevated serum cardiac enzymes were observed particularly in rats with AMI compared to healthy rats. Microscopic examination revealed elevated pathology scores for rats treated with clarithromycin in both experiments following treatment with erythromycin in healthy rats. Although rats with MI did not show further elevations in fibrosis score on treatment with macrolides, they produced significant fibrosis in healthy rats. Downregulation of cardiac Nav1.5 transcript was observed following macrolides treatment in both groups (healthy rats and rats with MI). In conclusion, the current findings suggested the potential cardiotoxic effects of chronic doses of macrolide antibiotics in rats with MI as manifested by abnormal ECG changes and pathological findings in addition to downregulation of Nav1.5 channels. Furthermore, in the current dose ranges, azithromycin produced the least toxicity compared to clarithromycin and erythromycin