Estimation of Ground-Borne Vibrations from Moving Trucks

The paper focuses on providing details on the application of a continuum-based finite-layer model to estimate ground-borne vibrations induced by moving trucks. The computational model incorporates important pavement response factors such as the noncircular contact area, complex 3-D contact stress distributions (normal and shear), vehicle speed, and viscoelastic material characterization. The proposed method is much more computationally efficient than the moving-load models based on the finite element method. Predictive capability of the approach relative to vehicle-induced vibrations has been demonstrated using realistic pavement loading. As an important design application, particle velocity responses from conventional dual and its recent substitute, viz. wide-base (super-single) tires have been computed and compared

Assessment of S100\u3b2 Biomarker in Acute Ischemic Cerebrovascular Stroke Patients with Hypertension

Background: Cerebrovascular stroke (CVS) is the third leading most common cause of death in the world. Role of antihypertensive drugs and nitric oxide donors such as glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) in acute ischemic cerebrovascular stroke varies in their effects on cerebral autoregulation (CA). Assessment of biochemical marker as S100\u3b2 protein is an important diagnostic tool. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the role of transdermal glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) patch in the management of acute ischemic CVS and to evaluate the role of S100\u3b2 protein as a prognostic marker in acute ischemic CVS. Methods: Forty acute ischemic CVS patients with hypertension were included. They were divided in to two groups, Group (A); 20 patients maintained on their anti-hypertensive treatment, and Group (B); 20 patients received GTN nitro dermal patch 5mg. All cases were subjected to, clinical evaluations by European stroke scale, assessment of S100\u3b2 on third day and after 14 days of stroke onset and brain CT. Results: There was no significant statistical difference between patient groups as regard clinical stroke evaluation on third day on stroke onset but there was significant statistical difference between group (A) and (B) after 14 days of stroke. There was highly significant statistical difference in the serum level of S100\u3b2 in group (A) and (B) on third day of stroke onset. Conclusion: Using GTN nitro dermal patch is a promising solution in management of hypertension in acute ischemic CVS and S100\u3b2 may help in the prediction of its prognosis

Impact of Trunk Control on Balance and Functional Abilities in Chronic Stroke Patients

Background: The proximal trunk stability is a major pre-requisite for balance and coordinated extremity use in daily functional activities. Objective: To evaluate the trunk control in chronic stroke patients , and to determine to what extent it affects balance abilities and functional performance of those patients. Another aim is to detect the best clinical measure that can be used to test trunk muscle control and may predict functional recovery. Patients and Methods: Forty adult post-stroke ambulant patients participated in this study. The testing protocol included assessment of trunk control by Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), evaluation of balance ability by Biodex Balance System, and assessment of the functional performance by Functional Independence Measure (motor subscale). Results: The mean age of the study sample was 56.1 \ub15.45 years. The trunk control was impaired in 39 (97.5%) out of 40 patients. Measures of trunk control were significantly correlated with measures of balance and functional ability. Univariate regression analysis and partial correlation showed that the dynamic sitting balance subscale of the TIS has the highest effect on measures of balance and functional ability. In addition, the patients\u2019 functional performance is strongly dependent on their balance ability. Conclusion: The trunk performance is still impaired in most of chronic stroke patients and it strongly affects their balance and functional abilities. The dynamic sitting balance component of the TIS is a reliable clinical indicator of balance and functional recovery

Structural and Functional Abnormalities in the Caudate Nucleus of Schizophrenic Patients with and without Obsessive Symptoms

Background: Obsessive\u2013compulsive symptoms (OCS) have been frequently described in schizophrenic populations. There is a controversy on whether this co-occurrence is more than just comorbidity or represents a distinct subgroup in schizophrenia. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate whether there are possible underlying structural and functional differences between schizophrenic patients with and those without OCS. Patients and methods: Participants in this study were divided into three groups: 20 patients having schizophrenia with OCS; 20 patients having schizophrenia without OCS (both were diagnosed according to DSM-IV-TR); and 20 matching controls. All participants underwent an MRI for volumetric measurement of the caudate nucleus and a magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure choline (Cho), creatine, and N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) in the caudate nucleus. Results: Caudate volume was found to be reduced in schizophrenic patients with or without OCS (P 640.05). Magnetic resonance spectroscopy findings showed that schizophrenic patients without OCS had significant increase in Cho concentration (P 640.05), but average NAA concentration. In contrast, schizophrenic patients with OCS had significant reduction in NAA concentration (P 640.05) with average Cho concentration. Conclusion: Schizophrenic patients with OCS may have an atypical set of neuroradiological characteristics that would specifically categorize it within the schizophrenia spectrum

Evaluation of sleep related breathing problems and sleep disturbances among health related employees at Fayoum University Hospitals

Abstract Sleep plays a role in normal metabolism and immunity. Short sleep duration and circadian misalignment are hypothesized to causally contribute to health problems including obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, mood disorders, cognitive impairment and excess health care use. Sleep and breathing are tightly linked. Sleep related breathing disorders (SBD) are quite common in the general population. Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are the main SBD for which children and adults are now-a days referred to sleep disorder centers. Accurate screening for sleep problems is essential. Economic estimates demonstrate that sleep disorders are associated with large financial and non-financial costs. The greatest financial costs appear to be non-medical costs related to loss of productivity and accident risk. The aim of this study: The aim of this study was to screen and determine the prevalence of sleep breathing problems and sleep disturbances among health related employees and workers at Fayoum University hospitals. Methods: Data were collected from 159 subjects who were employed as a health care worker at Fayoum University hospitals. All patients completed self-administered screening and Berlin questionnaires. Results: The prevalence of sleep disturbance was 18 (11.3%). Daytime sleep problems were 16.3 \ub1 5.02 and nocturnal sleep problems were 12.5\ub1 4.92. Insomnia was reported in 34%. Snoring was reported in 12.6%. Sleep dissatisfaction was reported in 32.1%

Vascular endothelial growth factor-A mRNA gene expression in clinical phases of multiple sclerosis

Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor A stimulates angiogenesis, but is also pro-inflammatory and plays an important role in the development of neurological disease. This study aimed to investigate whether vascular endothelial growth factor A mRNA expression could be used as a marker for the prediction of susceptibility to multiple sclerosis and relate vascular endothelial growth factor to the clinical phases of multiple sclerosis. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, consisting of a total of 60 subjects with multiple sclerosis and 20 healthy controls. Subjects were subjected to history taking, neurological examination and peripheral blood sampling for vascular endothelial growth factor A mRNA gene expression. Vascular endothelial growth factor A gene expression was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction using the SYBR Green technique. Results: Vascular endothelial growth factor A mRNA gene expression level was significantly lower in the multiple sclerosis group than in the healthy control group (P<0.001). Vascular endothelial growth factor A mRNA gene expression level was higher in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients than in those in remission (P<0.001) and in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis compared with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (P<0.001). There was no correlation between vascular endothelial growth factor A gene expression levels and duration of disease, multiple sclerosis progression index or expanded disability status scale. Conclusions: A lower vascular endothelial growth factor A mRNA gene expression level was independently associated with a higher risk of multiple sclerosis

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and interleukin-1\u3b2-511 gene polymorphisms among Egyptian children with febrile seizures

Febrile seizures (FSs) are the most common form of childhood seizures. The higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in children may induce seizures, and alternatively, higher levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines may act as a defense mechanism against seizures. We aimed to investigate whether interleukin (IL)-1\u3b2-511 C/T (pro-inflammatory cytokine) (rs16944) and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) (an anti-inflammatory cytokine) gene polymorphisms could be used as markers for prediction of susceptibility to FSs. The current study included 22 patients with FSs and 22 normal control subjects. All patients were subjected to thorough history taking, full neurological examination, electroencephalography, and peripheral blood sampling for genotype analyses. Detection of IL-1Ra gene polymorphisms was done using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), while a restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the PCR products was used for the detection of IL-1\u3b2-511 C/T gene polymorphisms. The mean age of onset of first febrile seizures was 15.7 months. Eighteen (81.8 %) cases had the criteria of complex FSs. Frequencies of alleles C and T for IL-1\u3b2-511 were 26/44 and 18/44, respectively, in FS patients and 22/44 for both in the control subjects. The CC genotype was significantly more common in the FS patients than in the control group. The IL-1Ra-I homozygote was more frequent in patients with FSs than in healthy controls. The IL-1Ra homozygous I/I and IL-1\u3b2-511 CC gene polymorphisms are associated with a higher susceptibility to febrile seizures, which may be useful markers for predicting the development of febrile seizures

Chemical analysis of different parts of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) using ultimate, proximate and thermo-gravimetric techniques for energy production

The objective of the study was to analyze chemical structure of date palm ( Phoenix dactylifera L.) by employing ultimate, proximate and thermo-gravimetric techniques. Samples from different anatomical parts of date palm, namely trunk, frond base, frond midrib, leaflets, coir, fruit stem, date stone, and fruit empty bunches were considered for the experiments. Based on the findings in this work palm leaflet samples gave the highest amount of extractives content (32.9%), followed by date palm stone specimens with 31.5%. Cellulose content values of 32.8% and 47.5% were obtained for date palm stone and palm coir samples, respectively. Overall the hemicellulose contents of all samples were relatively similar to those of typical wood or non-wood lignocellulosic materials with the two exceptions of palm coir and palm leaflets. Both palm coir and palm leaflet specimens had 12.6% and 16.1% hemicellulose content. Volatile matter values of 74.3% and 87.5% were determined for leaflets and fruit empty bunch samples. The ash content of the samples ranged from 1.4% for date stone to 15.2% for palm leaflet samples. The thermal decomposition was completed below a temperature of 500 °C with an exception of those samples taken from palm leaflets. Taken together the data indicate that date palm stone and palm coir revealed could be more viable for renewable energy production than the other specimens considered in this work.Peer reviewedNatural Resource Ecology and Managemen

Nitric oxide donors (nitrates), L-arginine, or nitric oxide synthase inhibitors for acute stroke

Background:Nitric oxide (NO) has multiple effects that may be beneficial in acute stroke, including lowering blood pressure, and promoting reperfusion and cytoprotection. Some forms of nitric oxide synthase inhibition (NOS-I) may also be beneficial. However, high concentrations of NO are likely to be toxic to brain tissue. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 1998, and last updated in 2002. Objectives:To assess the safety and efficacy of NO donors, L-arginine, and NOS-I in people with acute stroke. Search methods: We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (last searched 6 February 2017), MEDLINE (1966 to June 2016), Embase (1980 to June 2016), ISI Science Citation Indexes (1981 to June 2016), Stroke Trials Registry (searched June 2016), International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) (searched June 2016), Clinical Trials registry (searched June 2016), and International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (searched June 2016). Previously, we had contacted drug companies and researchers in the field. Selection criteria: Randomised controlled trials comparing nitric oxide donors, L-arginine, or NOS-I versus placebo or open control in people within one week of onset of confirmed stroke. Data collection and analysis: Two review authors independently applied the inclusion criteria, assessed trial quality and risk of bias, and extracted data. The review authors cross-checked data and resolved issues through discussion. We obtained published and unpublished data, as available. Data were reported as mean difference (MD) or odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Main results: We included five completed trials, involving 4197 participants; all tested transdermal glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), an NO donor. The assessed risk of bias was low across the included studies; one study was double-blind, one open-label and three were single-blind. All included studies had blinded outcome assessment. Overall, GTN did not improve the primary outcome of death or dependency at the end of trial (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) > 2, OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.10, 4195 participants, high-quality evidence). GTN did not improve secondary outcomes, including death (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.40 to 1.50) and quality of life (MD -0.01, 95% CI -0.17 to 0.15) at the end of trial overall (high-quality evidence). Systolic/diastolic blood pressure (BP) was lower in people treated with GTN (MD -7.2 mmHg (95% CI -8.6 to -5.9) and MD -3.3 (95% CI -4.2 to -2.5) respectively) and heart rate was higher (MD 2.0 beats per minute (95% CI 1.1 to 2.9)). Headache was more common in those randomised to GTN (OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.55 to 3.62). We did not find any trials assessing other nitrates, L-arginine, or NOS-I. Authors' conclusions: There is currently insufficient evidence to recommend the use of NO donors, L-arginine or NOS-I in acute stroke, and only one drug (GTN) has been assessed. In people with acute stroke, GTN reduces blood pressure, increases heart rate and headache, but does not alter clinical outcome (all based on high-quality evidence)