Mechanical properties and durability assessment of nylon fiber reinforced self-compacting concrete

[EN] The higher paste volume in Self Compacting Concrete (SCC) makes it susceptible to have a higher creep coefficient and cracking and has brittle nature. This brittle nature of concrete is unacceptable for any construction industry. The addition of fibers is one of the most prevalent methods to enhance the ductile and tensile behavior of concrete. Fibers reduce the cracking phenomena and improve the energy absorption capacity of the structure. Conversely, the addition of fibers has a negative impact on the workability of fresh concrete. In this research work, a detailed investigation of the influence of Nylon fibers (NFs) on fresh properties, durability, and mechanical properties of SCC was carried out. NFs were added into concrete mixes in a proportion of 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% by weight of cement to achieve the research objectives. Durability assessment of modified SCC having Nylon fibers was performed using water absorption, permeability, carbonation resistance, and acid attack resistant. Mechanical tests (compressive and tensile) were conducted for modified as well as control mix. Test results indicate that the passing and filling ability decreased while segregation and bleeding resistance increased with NFs. Furthermore, test results showed a significant increase in strength up to 1.5% addition of nylon fibers and then strength decreases gradually. Durability parameters were significantly improved with the incorporation of NFs relative to the control mix. Overall, this study demonstrated the potential of using nylon fibers in self-compacting concrete with improved durability and mechanical properties.SIThe author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: The authors extend their appreciation to the Deanship of Scientific Research at King Khalid University for funding this work through group research program under grant number RGP. 1/100/42 and Taif University Researchers Supporting Project (number TURSP- 2020/276), Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabi

Role of L- glutamine and crizanlizumab in sickle cell anaemia painful crisis reduction

BackgroundPatients with sickle cell disease, frequently ‎ suffer from intense painful episodes. Till recently hydroxyurea was the only available medical therapy that approved for reduction of painful episodes.AimsTo summarize the available data from randomized controlled trials that aim to evaluate the efficacy of newly approved L-‎glutamine‎ (alters redox state of red blood cells ‎‎[RBCs]) ‎and ‎crizanlizumab (‎(anti-P-selectin)‎)‎ ‎on vaso-occlusive episodes in Sickle cell disease ‎ patients.Methods PubMed, ‎Google Scholar, and EBSCO ‎ databases were ‎‎systematically search for relevant articles. The terms ‎ ‎ ‎ L-glutamine, sickle cell disease, sickle cell ‎anaemia,‎ ‎‎crizanlizumab ‎and vaso-occlusive episodes‎ were used.Results Out of Four-hundred seventy-two records, only three fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Two trials were aimed to evaluate the efficacy of L-glutamine therapy on the frequency of painful crises in sickle cell anaemia patients. Both studies showed that L-glutamine therapy significantly reduce the frequency of VOEs. Only one trial examined the ability of crizanlizumab on VOEs reduction, and showed crizanlizumab successful reduce the occurrence of VOEs.‎ConclusionNewer agent ‎with different mechanism of action, such as ‎L-glutamine, ‎and crizanlizumab may consider if ‎hydroxyurea not effective or not ‎tolerable

Evaluation of patient safety culture as perceived by nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objectives: A good patient safety culture (PSC) is linked to a reduced risk of patient problems and minimal undesirable occurrences. This study investigated the PSC levels from nurses’ perspectives during the COVID-19 pandemic

Growth Rates, Carcass Traits, Meat Yield, and Fatty Acid Composition in Growing Lambs under Different Feeding Regimes

A total of 75 male Awassi (mean BW 23.5 ± 2.0 kg; 3 months old) were used in an 84-day trial to investigate the effects of different feeding regimes on productive performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality, and the fatty acid profile of growing lambs. Animals were randomly allocated into 3 groups of 25 lambs each. The dietary treatments were as follows: (1) whole barley grain (60%) plus alfalfa hay (40%; GB-AH; the basal diet); (2) a concentrate pelleted diet plus alfalfa hay (CP-AH); and (3) a complete pelleted diet (CPD). Feed intake was measured weekly, and all lambs were weighed every two weeks for an evaluation of the productive parameters. Blood samples were collected from all lambs for the measurement of biochemical and enzymatic variables. At the end of the experiment, 13 lambs from each treatment were slaughtered to evaluate the carcass characteristics, meat quality, and fatty acid composition. The final body weight, body weight gain, average daily gain, and feed efficiency of lambs were lowest (p p p = 0.04) in lambs fed on the GA-AH diet than in those of lambs fed on the pelleted diets. Lambs on the CP-AH diet had (p p < 0.05) in the CP-AH group compared with the GB-AH group. In conclusion, the results indicate that feeding growing lambs on concentrate pellets instead of whole barley grain improves the growth rate, traits, meat quality, and fatty acid profile, which have important implications for productivity, efficiency, and profitability in the livestock industry

The effects of cataract surgery on children's vision: A systematic review

Background: Five-fifths of all incidents of blindness in Saudi Arabia may be attributed to cataracts. Cataracts are the second major cause of blindness, responsible for 35.5% of cases. Therefore, the purpose of the research was to measure the visual acuity improvement after cataract surgery in children. Materials and Methods: This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines for reporting systematic reviews. All procedures followed the recommendations of the Cochrane handbook. Studies of varying study designs, both published and unpublished, are included. Retrospective studies with outcomes of pediatric cataract surgery were identified from various databases. Result: After an initial screening, 108 out of 167 items were deemed unsuitable for publication. There were 59 full-text papers assessed for inclusion, and only seven matched the criteria. All the articles included were of a very high standard. Both the duration of therapy and the target population varied widely between the studies. Conclusion: The results indicated that the majority of childhood cataracts are hereditary. Primary posterior capsulectomy and anterior vitrectomy combined with cataract extraction and intra-ocular lens implantation is the treatment of choice for pediatric cataracts. It is recommended that surgery be performed in a properly equipped facility staffed by trained, cooperative personnel and that different procedures be used to enhance post-operative follow-up

Molecular detection of exosomal miRNAs of blood serum for prognosis of colorectal cancer

Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer affecting people. The discovery of new, non-invasive, specific, and sensitive molecular biomarkers for CRC may assist in the diagnosis and support therapeutic decision making. Exosomal miRNAs have been demonstrated in carcinogenesis and CRC development, which makes these miRNAs strong biomarkers for CRC. Deep sequencing allows a robust high-throughput informatics investigation of the types and abundance of exosomal miRNAs. Thus, exosomal miRNAs can be efficiently examined as diagnostic biomarkers for disease screening. In the present study, a number of 660 mature miRNAs were detected in patients diagnosed with CRC at different stages. Of which, 29 miRNAs were differentially expressed in CRC patients compared with healthy controls. Twenty-nine miRNAs with high abundance levels were further selected for subsequent analysis. These miRNAs were either highly up-regulated (e.g., let-7a-5p, let-7c-5p, let-7f-5p, let-7d-3p, miR-423-5p, miR-3184-5p, and miR-584) or down-regulated (e.g., miR-30a-5p, miR-99-5p, miR-150-5p, miR-26-5p and miR-204-5p). These miRNAs influence critical genes in CRC, leading to either tumor growth or suppression. Most of the reported diagnostic exosomal miRNAs were shown to be circulating in blood serum. The latter is a novel miRNA that was found in exosomal profile of blood serum. Some of the predicted target genes of highly expressed miRNAs participate in several cancer pathways, including CRC pathway. These target genes include tumor suppressor genes, oncogenes and DNA repair genes. Main focus was given to multiple critical signaling cross-talking pathways including transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling pathways that are directly linked to CRC. In conclusion, we recommend further analysis in order to experimentally confirm exact relationships between selected differentially expressed miRNAs and their predicted target genes and downstream functional consequences

Acute Subdural Hematoma Management in the Emergency Department

Acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt and effective management in the emergency department (ED). This review article aims to provide an overview of the current evidence-based management strategies for ASDH in the ED setting. The article begins by discussing the pathophysiology of ASDH, emphasizing the rapid accumulation of blood between the dura mater and the arachnoid membrane following a traumatic brain injury. This can lead to increased intracranial pressure and potentially fatal brain herniation if not promptly addressed. The review then outlines the initial assessment and resuscitation of patients with suspected ASDH in the ED. The article then delves into the specific management strategies for ASDH in the ED, including the role of neurosurgical consultation, and the potential need for emergent surgical intervention to evacuate the hematoma and relieve pressure on the brain. In conclusion, this review article provides a comprehensive overview of the current evidence-based management of ASDH in the ED, emphasizing the importance of prompt recognition, accurate diagnosis, and timely intervention to optimize patient outcomes

Novel 'heavy' dyes for retinal membrane staining during macular surgery: multicenter clinical assessment

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of two novel heavy' dye solutions for staining the internal limiting membrane (ILM) and epiretinal membranes (ERMs), without the need for a prior fluid-air exchange, during macular surgery. Methods: In this prospective nonrandomized multicenter cohort study, the high molecular weight dyes ILM-Blue (TM) [0.025% brilliant blue G, 4% polyethylene glycol (PEG)] and MembraneBlue-Dual (TM) (0.15% trypan blue, 0.025% brilliant blue G, 4% PEG) were randomly used in vitrectomy surgeries for macular disease in 127 eyes of 127 patients. Dye enhanced membrane visualization of the ILM and ERMs, ease of membrane peeling', visually detectable perioperative retinal damage, postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), dye remnants and other unexpected clinical events were documented by 21 surgeons. Results: All surgeries were uneventful, and a clear bluish staining, facilitating the identification, delineation and removal of the ILM and ERMs, was reported in all but five cases. None of the surgeries required a fluid-air exchange to assist the dye application. BCVA at 1month after surgery improved in 83% of the eyes in the MembraneBlue-Dual (TM) group and in 88% in the ILM-Blue (TM) group. No dye remnants were detected by ophthalmoscopy, and no retinal adverse effects related to the surgery or use of the dyes were observed. Conclusion: The heavy' dye solutions ILM-Blue (TM) and MembraneBlue-Dual (TM) can be injected into a fluid-filled vitreous cavity and may facilitate staining and removal of the ILM and/or ERMs in macular surgery without an additional fluid-air exchang