The extended pterional approach for midline anterior skull base meningiomas: Technical considerations and clinical outcome

Background: Various surgical approaches for the management of midline anterior skull base meningiomas exist in the literature. The main surgeon target is proper selection the appropriate approach that achieves total removal of the lesion without causing morbidity or mortality and facilitates safe effective removal of the tumour. Objectives: To evaluate the role of the extended pterional approach for excision of midline anterior skull base meningiomas as regarding the effectiveness, extent of resection and surgical outcome. Patients and methods: This retrospective study involved 23 cases with midline anterior skull base meningiomas resected through the extended pterional approach. Patients' clinical data, operative notes, imaging studies and clinical follow-up data were analyzed and evaluated. Results: Tumors studied were 9 olfactory groove meningiomas, 8 tuberculum Sellae meningiomas, 4 planum sphenoidale meningiomas and 2 diaphragma sellae meningiomas. Gross total resection tumour excision in 15 cases (64.5%), subtotal excision in 5 cases (21.5%) and partial excision in 3 cases (14%). Complications were diabetes insipidus (2 cases 8.6%), CSF rhinorrhea (3 cases 12.9%) and visual deterioration (3 cases 12.9%). We had two cases of mortality. Conclusion: The extended pterional approach allows safe and effective removal of midline anterior skull base meningiomas. It expands the exposure offered by the classic pterional approach and minimizing the necessity for applying fixed brain retraction with good cosmetic outcome and less approach-related morbidities in comparison with the extensive skull base approaches

Surgical challenges and outcome of endoscopic endonasal approaches in the management of recurrent pituitary adenomas

Background: Various surgical approaches for the management of midline anterior skull base meningiomas exist in the literature. The main surgeon target is proper selection the appropriate approach that achieves total removal of the lesion without causing morbidity or mortality and facilitates safe effective removal of the tumor. Objectives: To evaluate the role of the extended pterional approach for excision of midline anterior skull base meningiomas as regard the effectiveness, extent of resection and surgical outcome. Patients and methods: This retrospective study involved 23 cases with midline anterior skull base meningiomas resected through the extended pterional approach. Patients' clinical data, operative notes, imaging studies and clinical follow-up data were analyzed and evaluated. Results: Tumors studied were 9 olfactory groove meningiomas, 8 tuberculum Sellae meningiomas, 4 planum sphenoidale meningiomas and 2 diaphragma sellae meningiomas. Gross total resection tumor excision in 15 cases (64.5%), subtotal excision in 5 cases (21.5%) and partial excision in 3 cases (14%). Complications were diabetes insipidus (2 cases 8.6%), CSF rhinorrhea (3 cases 12.9%) and visual deterioration (3 cases 12.9%). We had two cases of mortality. Conclusion: The extended pterional approach allows safe and effective removal of midline anterior skull base meningiomas. It expands the exposure offered by the classic pterional approach and minimizing the necessity for applying fixed brain retraction with good cosmetic outcome and less approach related morbidities in comparison with the extensive skull base approaches

Impact of Hydroxychloroquine on Fructose-induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rats: Promising Protective Effect

BACKGROUND: Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is used in the treatment of malaria and rheumatoid arthritis for a long time. Its effects on inflammation and immune modulation were noted. AIM: This study aims to investigate the effects of HCQ in fructose-induced metabolic syndrome and to explore its possible mechanisms. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into Group I (negative control), Group II fed on high-fructose diet, and Group III fed on high fructose and subdivided into Group III-a (HCQ 50 mg/kg), Group III-b (HCQ 100 mg/kg), Group III-c (HCQ 200 mg/kg), and Group III-d (metformin 100 mg/kg). Body weight, blood glucose, liver enzymes, and lipid profile were measured. Insulin level, homeostatic model assessment (HOMA), soluble-intercellular adhesion molecule, and vascular cell adhesion molecule were assayed. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, adipokines (leptin, resistin, and adiponectin), and histological examination of pancreas were assessed. RESULTS: HCQ induces good effects on lipid profile and improves significantly HOMA, endothelial stress markers, and adiponectin, and reduces leptin and TNF-α levels. In addition, significant improvement in structural changes was noted in pancreas with different doses of HCQ. CONCLUSION: Favorable effects of HCQ in fructose-induced metabolic syndrome are promising and can be used early in those at risk of diabetes

COVIDiSTRESS Global Survey dataset on psychological and behavioural consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak

This N = 173,426 social science dataset was collected through the collaborative COVIDiSTRESS Global Survey – an open science effort to improve understanding of the human experiences of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic between 30th March and 30th May, 2020. The dataset allows a cross-cultural study of psychological and behavioural responses to the Coronavirus pandemic and associated government measures like cancellation of public functions and stay at home orders implemented in many countries. The dataset contains demographic background variables as well as measures of Asian Disease Problem, perceived stress (PSS-10), availability of social provisions (SPS-10), trust in various authorities, trust in governmental measures to contain the virus (OECD trust), personality traits (BFF-15), information behaviours, agreement with the level of government intervention, and compliance with preventive measures, along with a rich pool of exploratory variables and written experiences. A global consortium from 39 countries and regions worked together to build and translate a survey with variables of shared interests, and recruited participants in 47 languages and dialects. Raw plus cleaned data and dynamic visualizations are available

COVIDiSTRESS Global Survey dataset on psychological and behavioural consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak

This N = 173,426 social science dataset was collected through the collaborative COVIDiSTRESS Global Survey - an open science effort to improve understanding of the human experiences of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic between 30th March and 30th May, 2020. The dataset allows a cross-cultural study of psychological and behavioural responses to the Coronavirus pandemic and associated government measures like cancellation of public functions and stay at home orders implemented in many countries. The dataset contains demographic background variables as well as measures of Asian Disease Problem, perceived stress (PSS-10), availability of social provisions (SPS-10), trust in various authorities, trust in governmental measures to contain the virus (OECD trust), personality traits (BFF-15), information behaviours, agreement with the level of government intervention, and compliance with preventive measures, along with a rich pool of exploratory variables and written experiences. A global consortium from 39 countries and regions worked together to build and translate a survey with variables of shared interests, and recruited participants in 47 languages and dialects. Raw plus cleaned data and dynamic visualizations are available.Measurement(s) psychological measurement center dot anxiety-related behavior trait center dot Stress center dot response to center dot Isolation center dot loneliness measurement center dot Emotional Distress Technology Type(s) Survey Factor Type(s) geographic location center dot language center dot age of participant center dot responses to the Coronavirus pandemic Sample Characteristic - Organism Homo sapiens Sample Characteristic - Location global Machine-accessible metadata file describing the reported data:Peer reviewe

Stress and worry in the 2020 coronavirus pandemic : relationships to trust and compliance with preventive measures across 48 countries in the COVIDiSTRESS global survey

The COVIDiSTRESS global survey collects data on early human responses to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic from 173 429 respondents in 48 countries. The open science study was co-designed by an international consortium of researchers to investigate how psychological responses differ across countries and cultures, and how this has impacted behaviour, coping and trust in government efforts to slow the spread of the virus. Starting in March 2020, COVIDiSTRESS leveraged the convenience of unpaid online recruitment to generate public data. The objective of the present analysis is to understand relationships between psychological responses in the early months of global coronavirus restrictions and help understand how different government measures succeed or fail in changing public behaviour. There were variations between and within countries. Although Western Europeans registered as more concerned over COVID-19, more stressed, and having slightly more trust in the governments' efforts, there was no clear geographical pattern in compliance with behavioural measures. Detailed plots illustrating between-countries differences are provided. Using both traditional and Bayesian analyses, we found that individuals who worried about getting sick worked harder to protect themselves and others. However, concern about the coronavirus itself did not account for all of the variances in experienced stress during the early months of COVID-19 restrictions. More alarmingly, such stress was associated with less compliance. Further, those most concerned over the coronavirus trusted in government measures primarily where policies were strict. While concern over a disease is a source of mental distress, other factors including strictness of protective measures, social support and personal lockdown conditions must also be taken into consideration to fully appreciate the psychological impact of COVID-19 and to understand why some people fail to follow behavioural guidelines intended to protect themselves and others from infection. The Stage 1 manuscript associated with this submission received in-principle acceptance (IPA) on 18 May 2020. Following IPA, the accepted Stage 1 version of the manuscript was preregistered on the Open Science Framework at https://osf.io/g2t3b. This preregistration was performed prior to data analysis.Peer reviewe

Stress and worry in the 2020 coronavirus pandemic: Relationships to trust and compliance with preventive measures across 48 countries in the COVIDiSTRESS global survey

The COVIDiSTRESS global survey collects data on early human responses to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic from 173 429 respondents in 48 countries. The open science study was co-designed by an international consortium of researchers to investigate how psychological responses differ across countries and cultures, and how this has impacted behaviour, coping and trust in government efforts to slow the spread of the virus. Starting in March 2020, COVIDiSTRESS leveraged the convenience of unpaid online recruitment to generate public data. The objective of the present analysis is to understand relationships between psychological responses in the early months of global coronavirus restrictions and help understand how different government measures succeed or fail in changing public behaviour. There were variations between and within countries. Although Western Europeans registered as more concerned over COVID-19, more stressed, and having slightly more trust in the governments' efforts, there was no clear geographical pattern in compliance with behavioural measures. Detailed plots illustrating between-countries differences are provided. Using both traditional and Bayesian analyses, we found that individuals who worried about getting sick worked harder to protect themselves and others. However, concern about the coronavirus itself did not account for all of the variances in experienced stress during the early months of COVID-19 restrictions. More alarmingly, such stress was associated with less compliance. Further, those most concerned over the coronavirus trusted in government measures primarily where policies were strict. While concern over a disease is a source of mental distress, other factors including strictness of protective measures, social support and personal lockdown conditions must also be taken into consideration to fully appreciate the psychological impact of COVID-19 and to understand why some people fail to follow behavioural guidelines intended to protect themselves and others from infection. The Stage 1 manuscript associated with this submission received in-principle acceptance (IPA) on 18 May 2020. Following IPA, the accepted Stage 1 version of the manuscript was preregistered on the Open Science Framework at https://osf.io/g2t3b. This preregistration was performed prior to data analysis

Theoretische Untersuchung und mathematische Modellierung eines Windenergiesystems. Falluntersuchung für Mittelmeer und Rotes Meer

Fossile Brennstoffe verteuern sich von Jahr zu Jahr, und sind nicht immer zugänglich in entfernten Gebieten. Heutzutage kann die Windkraft dazu genutzt werden, um einen Teil oder oder gänzlich die Energieachfrage von industriellen Prozessen oder Haushalten zu decken. Ägypten hat zwei Küsten-Regionen, die ein vielversprechendes Potential für die Windenergienutzung haben, nämlich die nördliche Küste am Mittelmeer und Ostküste des Roten Meeres. Das Windenergiepotential an der Mittelmeerküste ist bislang nur wenig erforscht, Für die Ostküste des Roten Meeres gab es einen nationalen Plan, mit dem insgesamt 600MW an installierter Leistung bis 2005 erreicht wurden. Der Anteil der fossilen Brennstoffe (Erdöl und Gas) an der gesamten elektrischen Energieerzeugung Ägyptens beträgt etwa 79% und 21% werden aus der Wasserkraft gewonnen. Es wird erwartet, dass der Bedarf an der elektrischen Energie im Zuge der Industrialisierung rapide ansteigen wird. Studien zeigen, dass bis 2017 der Bedarf jährlich um 1000MW wachsen wird [14]. Das Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit ist es, eine analytische Methode für die Berechnung des Windenergiepotentials an der Mittelmeer-Nordküste und an der Ostküste des Roten Meeres zu entwickeln, und weiterhin die mögliche Menge der elektrischen Energie, die mit großen Windkraftanlagen erzeugt wird und den erwarteten Preis in € Cent/kWh für Leistungsbereich bis 2 MW abzuschätzen. Das Ergebnis der Untersuchuung ist, dass die Datenanalyse geeignete Standorte für die Installation neuer Windturbinen aufzeigt. Es wird gehofft, dass die vorliegende Arbeit die Installation neuer großer Windturbinen an der Mittelmeer-Nordküste und an der Ostküste des Roten Meeres Ägyptens anregt.Fossil fuel is getting more and more expensive every year, and is not readily available in some remote locations. Today, wind power can be harnessed to provide some or all of the power for many useful tasks such as generating electricity, pumping water and heating a house or barn. Egypt has two coastal areas that show significant promise for wind energy exploitation; the north coast on the Mediterranean Sea and the east coast on the Red Sea. The wind energy is utilized along the coast of Mediterranean Sea in Egypt on few occasions, while from national programs for wind energy utilization in Egypt, at the Red Sea coast, the master plan calls for 600 MW which are expected to be achieved by the year 2005. The contribution of fossil fuels (oil and natural gas) to electricity production in Egypt accounts for about 79% of total production, while 21% is hydro-power. The demand is expected to grow rapidly to meet the large requirements of future projects. Studies showed that there is an additional need of annual electricity generation capacity around 1000 MW/year up to 2017 [14]. The purpose of this thesis is to present a new analytical method for the calculation of the wind energy potential available along the north coast of the Mediterranean Sea and the east coast of Red Sea in Egypt and moreover, it estimates the possible electrical power generated by large wind turbines and the expected cost in € cent/kWh for the power level of 2000 kW. It is hoped that the data analysis will help to identify good sites in Egypt for new wind turbine installations. This evaluation is hoped to trigger the use of large wind turbines at the selected sites along the coasts of Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea in Egypt

Investigation of wind characteristics and wind energy potential at Ras Ghareb, Egypt

To study the structure of a coastal location «Ras Ghareb» on the Red Sea in Egypt, a measurement station with mast of 24.5 m has been established in a built-up area, near the seashore. First, a statistical analysis of the measured data over the period 2000-2005 was performed, including calculation of the wind speed power law index which was found to be 0.18 for Ras Ghareb area. Then, wind speed data was expressed at the height of (usually 10 m) which makes it directly related to the objective of those people working in the renewable energy sector. Therefore, the mean wind speeds, availability of data, seasonal variation and the distribution by the wind direction were studied to ascertain its potential for wind energy development. The annual wind speed over this site varies from 8.3 to 9.8 m/s at 10 and 24.5 m heights, respectively. Most of the time 73% the mean wind speed in the ranges 5-10 and 10-17 m/s at 10 m. Also, higher winds of the order 10 m/s and more observed during summer months. The main wind direction is north-northwest sector (330°) for about 51% of the times during the year that makes it unique for installation of wind parks. Second, numerical estimations to determine the seasonal power law coefficient and Weibull parameters at different heights from 10 to 100 m were carried out. Finally, Rayleigh distribution and our method stated in Ref. [3] were adopted for defining the monthly wind power available at 10 m height for this region. It is emphasized that Rayleigh model is not appropriate and our method is more efficient for Ras Ghareb area. Where the expected mean of wind power density was found to quite high 360 W/m2 per year at 10 m hub height, which makes this station likely candidates for wind power utilization. It is appear from our analysis that Ras Ghareb region can be explored for generating the electricity. Where the monthly and annual pattern of wind speed matches the electricity load pattern of the location.Wind data Roughness factor Wind rose Rayleigh model Wind power density