Exploration Robot Controlled by an Android Application

Exploration Robot Controlled by an Android Application (ERCAA), University of Palestine Faculty of Information TechnologyIn recent years, with the pace of technological development, people have become more and more demanding in terms of quality of life. At the same time, there is an increasing need for bringing and merging new ideas of technology to create new products. That need is stemming out of the big curiosity of people to try new technologies that helps and entertain them in their daily life. A robot is usually an electro-mechanical machine that is guided by computer and electronic programming. Many robots have been built for manufacturing purpose and can be found in factories around the world. We have designed ROBOT which can be controlled using an APP of android mobile. This Robot is provided with Camera on it to empowers user to explore. We have developed the remote buttons in the android app by which we can control the robot motion and the Camera View with them. And in which we use Wi-Fi communication to interface controller and android. Controller can be interfaced to the Wi-Fi module. According to commands received from android the robot motion can be controlled. Robot can be reprogrammable and tooling can be interchanged to provide for multiple applications according to the Arduino Chip we use. We have used the Android, C, HTML Programming Languages to develop each of the Application and the Hardware components and electronic Chips. Following, is the test analysis section, which discusses whether the proposed system met its objectives. Performance is also evaluated near the end of the paper along with possible extensions of the system

Pattern of tuberculosis in patients of a university hospital during the period (2004–2011)

AbstractAim of the workTo identify the pattern of infection among diagnosed patients with tuberculosis presented to chest diseases clinic and/or admitted to the department of chest diseases in Bab El Shaaria (Al-Azhar) University hospital.Subjects and methodsBy retrospective analysis of available data, all patients who were diagnosed and registered in the period from January 2004 till December 2011 in the follow up records in TB clinic and in the chest diseases department in Bab El Shaaria University hospital were included. Data were collected from the patient files. These data included: full history, chest X-ray, sputum examination results, and all other data related to the patient’s condition.ResultsA total of 384 patients were registered in TB clinic in Bab El Shaaria University hospital with a diagnosis of tuberculosis (pulmonary or extra-pulmonary). Their age ranged from 3 to 80years, with mean age of 37.5+16.0years. As regards gender there were 178 male patients (46.4%), and 206 female patients (53.6%). As regards site affected there were 209 patients (54.4%) with pulmonary TB and 175 patients (45.6%) with extrapulmonary TB. The percentage of TB cases to the total number of chest clinic visitors per year was ranging between 0.08% and 0.8% with an average of 0.48%, while the percentage of pulmonary TB cases to the total number of TB cases per year was ranging between 27% and 65% of total TB cases per year with an average of 51.7%

Immunomodulatory effects of vitamin d supplementation in a deficient population

In addition to its canonical functions, vitamin D has been proposed to be an important mediator of the immune system. Despite ample sunshine, vitamin D deficiency is prevalent (>80%) in the Middle East, resulting in a high rate of supplementation. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of the specific regimen prescribed and the potential factors affecting an individual’s response to vitamin D supplementation are not well characterized. Our objective is to describe the changes in the blood transcriptome and explore the potential mechanisms associated with vitamin D3 supplementation in one hundred vitamin D-deficient women who were given a weekly oral dose (50,000 IU) of vitamin D3 for three months. A high-throughput targeted PCR, composed of 264 genes representing the important blood transcriptomic fingerprints of health and disease states, was performed on pre and post-supplementation blood samples to profile the molecular response to vitamin D3. We identified 54 differentially expressed genes that were strongly modulated by vitamin D3 supplementation. Network analyses showed significant changes in the immune-related pathways such as TLR4/CD14 and IFN receptors, and catabolic processes related to NF-kB, which were subsequently confirmed by gene ontology enrichment analyses. We proposed a model for vitamin D3 response based on the expression changes of molecules involved in the receptor-mediated intra-cellular signaling pathways and the ensuing predicted effects on cytokine production. Overall, vitamin D3 has a strong effect on the immune system, G-coupled protein receptor signaling, and the ubiquitin system. We highlighted the major molecular changes and biological processes induced by vitamin D3, which will help to further investigate the effectiveness of vitamin D3 supplementation among individuals in the Middle East as well as other regions.Funding: This work was supported by National Capacity Building Program grant from Qatar University (ID# QUCP-CHS-17\18-1)

Clinical applications of intra-cardiac four-dimensional flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance: A systematic review

Background: Four-dimensional flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance (4D flow CMR) is an emerging non-invasive imaging technology used to visualise and quantify intra-cardiac blood flow. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the literature on the current clinical applications of intra-cardiac 4D flow CMR. Methods: A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the literature on the intra-cardiac clinical applications of 4D flow CMR. Structured searches were carried out on Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library in October 2016. A modified Critical Skills Appraisal Programme (CASP) tool was used to objectively assess and score the included studies. Studies were categorised as ‘highly clinically applicable’ for scores of 67–100%, ‘potentially clinically applicable’ for 34–66% and ‘less clinically applicable’ for 0–33%. Results: Of the 1608 articles screened, 44 studies met eligibility for systematic review. The included literature consisted of 22 (50%) mechanistic studies, 18 (40.9%) pilot studies and 4 (9.1%) diagnostic studies. Based on the modified CASP tool, 27 (62%) studies were ‘highly clinically applicable’, 9 (20%) were ‘potentially clinically applicable’ and 8 (18%) were ‘less clinically applicable’. Conclusions: There are many proposed methods for using 4D flow CMR to quantify intra-cardiac flow. The evidence base is mainly mechanistic, featuring single-centred designs. Larger, multi-centre studies are required to validate the proposed techniques and investigate the clinical advantages that 4D flow CMR offers over standard practices

Burnout among surgeons before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: an international survey

Background: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had many significant impacts within the surgical realm, and surgeons have been obligated to reconsider almost every aspect of daily clinical practice. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study reported in compliance with the CHERRIES guidelines and conducted through an online platform from June 14th to July 15th, 2020. The primary outcome was the burden of burnout during the pandemic indicated by the validated Shirom-Melamed Burnout Measure. Results: Nine hundred fifty-four surgeons completed the survey. The median length of practice was 10 years; 78.2% included were male with a median age of 37 years old, 39.5% were consultants, 68.9% were general surgeons, and 55.7% were affiliated with an academic institution. Overall, there was a significant increase in the mean burnout score during the pandemic; longer years of practice and older age were significantly associated with less burnout. There were significant reductions in the median number of outpatient visits, operated cases, on-call hours, emergency visits, and research work, so, 48.2% of respondents felt that the training resources were insufficient. The majority (81.3%) of respondents reported that their hospitals were included in the management of COVID-19, 66.5% felt their roles had been minimized; 41% were asked to assist in non-surgical medical practices, and 37.6% of respondents were included in COVID-19 management. Conclusions: There was a significant burnout among trainees. Almost all aspects of clinical and research activities were affected with a significant reduction in the volume of research, outpatient clinic visits, surgical procedures, on-call hours, and emergency cases hindering the training. Trial registration: The study was registered on clicaltrials.gov "NCT04433286" on 16/06/2020

Impact of Psoriasis Treatments on Serum Level of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Its Soluble Receptors (Receptors 1&2) in Patients with Chronic Plaque Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin disease that is characterized by a chronic relapsing nature, although the clinical diagnosis of psoriasis is easy to make , it is hard to manage satisfactorily. dysregulated angiogenesis has been detected in inflammatory diseases and might be a cause of chronic cutaneous inflammation in psoriasis. Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy is a first option treatment for severe psoriasis due to its efficacy and safety. It applied either as monotherapy or in combination with topical ointments, oral retinoids and/or biologic agents. The objective of the study to evaluate the efficacy and impact of psoriasis  treatment (narrowband UVB phototherapy and/or topical treatment) on serum concentrations of VEGF and its soluble receptors(VEGFR1 and VEGFR2)  and compare post treatment levels of these parameters with the controls. One hundred consenting psoriatic patients (males and females) aged 20-60 years who attended different medical centers including Al-Sadr Medical City and department of laser research in AL-Najaf city and Marjan Medical City in AL-Hilla -Iraq. Psoriasis area and severity index assessment was done for each patient. Blood samples was collected for vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors (1&2 ) measurement. Psoriasis is chronic disease as the majority of the patients had disease duration of more than two years. Serum VEGF, sVEGFR1 and sVEGFR2 are important in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, as their level are significantly elevated in severe form of psoriasis and both topical treatment and NB-UVB are effective in the management of psoriatic patients. Keywords: Serum vascular endothelial growth factor, serum vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1, Serum vascular endothelial growth receptor 2,Psoriasis area and severity index,  Psoriasis, NBUVB. List of abbreviation: sVEGFR= serum vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, PASI = Psoriasis area and severity index, SD=standard deviation , ECs=endothelial cells. ELISA= Enzyme Linked Immuno Linked Sorbant Assay. NB-UVB=narrow band ultra violet phototherapy

Effect of nanoprepared levofloxacin in inhibiting of Klebsilla pneumoniae Isolated from respiratory tract infections

Objective: Global statistics revealed that respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) are one of the main causes of mortality. Klebsiella pneumonia is considered one of the main causes of ARTIs. Levofloxacin has a wide spectrum effect against gram negative and gram positive bacteria, and its inhibitory activity can by improved through nanobiotechnology. Method: A nanohybrid antibiotic was synthesized by intercalating levofloxacin between magnesium oxide layers. The prepared antibiotic was characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM). Results: FT-IR spectrum showed the appearance of new groups in the Lev-MgO spectrum, which indicate the creation of a new compound. XRD spectrum revealed the presence of new diffraction planes which support the results obtained from FT-IR technique. SEM images demonstrated that MgO particles were converted to structure similar to coins arranged in irregular mode. AFM images showed the formation of spherical nanoparticle that indicates the formation of a new compound. Conclusion: The nanohybrid antibiotic was efficient in inhibiting twelve Klebsiella pneumonia isolated from respiratory tract infections

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis in a peritoneal dialysis patient presenting with complicated Mycobacterium fortuitum peritonitis

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a rare but serious complication seen in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) or automated peritoneal dialysisAPD after prolonged duration on dialysis. Patients usally present with vague complaints of abdominal pain, vomitting, diarrhea, weight loss and change in peritoneal transport characte-ristics. High degree of suspicion is needed in PD patients who have been on dialysis for prolonged duration and have been using high-concentrated dialysis fluid. Mycobacterium fortuitum (MF) is a rapidly growing, non-tuberculous mycobacterium that has rarely been reported as a pathogen causing peritonits in patients on PD. We report a case of CAPD presenting with culture-negative peritonits, which, on specific culture, grew MF and, on radiological evaluation, showed diagnostic features of EPS

Predictors of quality of life in hemodialysis patients

Quality of Life (QoL) is a consistent and powerful predictor that affects the out-come in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on dialysis. This study was undertaken to identify the factors that might predict QoL scores among ESRD patients on hemodialysis (HD). The study was conducted at three HD units in Saudi Arabia from January 2007 to January 2008. We studied 100 HD patients (53 males and 47 females) and used the SF-36 and KDQoL-SF forms covering six domains of QoL, namely physical, emotional, social, illness impact, medical and financial satisfaction, and overall general health. The mean age of the study patients was 47.5 ± 13.8 years and the mean duration of dialysis was 77.2 ± 75.5 months. The QoL scores were 45.8 ± 17.1 for general health, 53.1 ± 32.0 for physical QoL, 50.5 ± 14.8 for emotional QoL, 54.9 ± 18.1 for social QoL, 46.5 ± 13.7 for illness impact, and 45.9 ± 12.2 for the medical and financial domain. The total QoL score was 49.5 ± 13.7. The male patients had statistically significantly reduced QoL and younger patients had better QoL scores. The QoL scores revealed a decreasing trend with decreasing level of education; they were elevated among employed patients. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that age, dialysis duration, and male sex were negative predictors of QoL score. We conclude from our study that QoL is reduced in all the health domains of HD patients. Older age, male gender, unemployment, and duration of dialysis adversely affected the QoL scores. Adequate management of some of these factors could influence patient outcomes

Appraising the outcome and complications of peritoneal dialysis patients in self-care peritoneal dialysis and assisted peritoneal dialysis: A 5-year review of a single Saudi center

Our objective is to study the outcomes and complications of peritoneal dialysis (PD) including comparison of self-care PD with home-care assisted PD during a five-year period. A retrospective study of PD data at King Saud University-affiliated hospital in Riyadh from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2013. One hundred and eleven patients were included (female 55%). The average age was 47.4 (1–83) years. Twenty-one (18.91%) patients were on continuous ambulatory PD and 90 (81.08%) on automated PD. The mean time on PD was 23.5 (3–60) months. At the end of five years, 47 (42.34%) patients were continuing on PD, 12 (10.81%) had renal transplant, 33 (29.73%) patients were transferred to hemodialysis, and two (1.8%) patients were transferred to other centers. Seventeen patients died during this period giving a mortality rate of 7.13 deaths/100 patient-year during the five-year period. Six patients died due to cardiovascular causes, while five had sepsis. There was one death each due to prostate cancer, hyperoxaluria, and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Three patients died suddenly at home. Peritonitis rate was one episode/35.28 patient/month or one episode/2.94 patient/year. We compared the results for patients doing the dialysis themselves [56 (50.45%)] “self-care PD” to 55 (49.5%) patients assisted by a family member or other caregivers “assisted PD.” We found no significant difference in the incidence of complications, technical outcome, mortality, and peritonitis episodes. However, we found a high prevalence of diabetes mellitus and significant increase in exit site infection in assisted PD. Our study suggests that PD patients in Saudi Arabia have a good overall outcome. Furthermore, assisted PD showed good patient and technique outcome