Higher critical current density achieved in Bi-2223 High-Tc superconductors

AbstractBi2Sr2Ca2Cu3Ox (Bi-2223) were prepared using a solid state reaction method at different sintering times and temperatures. Structural phase identifications have been done using X-Ray analysis and refinement by Reitveld method which proves the coexistence of Bi-2223 and Bi-2212 phases. The critical transition temperature Tc and critical current density Jc values were measured using superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer (SQUID) and by the magneto-optics technique. A remarkable rapid decrease to the diamagnetic signal in the magnetization versus temperature M(T) at 110 K and Jc around 1.2 × 107 A/m2 at 5 K are confirmed for the Bi-2223 compound

Postoperative complications after procedure for prolapsed hemorrhoids (PPH) and stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) procedures

Procedure for prolapsing hemorrhoids (PPH) and stapled transanal rectal resection for obstructed defecation (STARR) carry low postoperative pain, but may be followed by unusual and severe postoperative complications. This review deals with the pathogenesis, prevention and treatment of adverse events that may occasionally be life threatening. PPH and STARR carry the expected morbidity following anorectal surgery, such as bleeding, strictures and fecal incontinence. Complications that are particular to these stapled procedures are rectovaginal fistula, chronic proctalgia, total rectal obliteration, rectal wall hematoma and perforation with pelvic sepsis often requiring a diverting stoma. A higher complication rate and worse results are expected after PPH for fourth-degree piles. Enterocele and anismus are contraindications to PPH and STARR and both operations should be used with caution in patients with weak sphincters. In conclusion, complications after PPH and STARR are not infrequent and may be difficult to manage. However, if performed in selected cases by skilled specialists aware of the risks and associated diseases, some complications may be prevented

Genome-wide association and Mendelian randomisation analysis provide insights into the pathogenesis of heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. A small proportion of HF cases are attributable to monogenic cardiomyopathies and existing genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have yielded only limited insights, leaving the observed heritability of HF largely unexplained. We report results from a GWAS meta-analysis of HF comprising 47,309 cases and 930,014 controls. Twelve independent variants at 11 genomic loci are associated with HF, all of which demonstrate one or more associations with coronary artery disease (CAD), atrial fibrillation, or reduced left ventricular function, suggesting shared genetic aetiology. Functional analysis of non-CAD-associated loci implicate genes involved in cardiac development (MYOZ1, SYNPO2L), protein homoeostasis (BAG3), and cellular senescence (CDKN1A). Mendelian randomisation analysis supports causal roles for several HF risk factors, and demonstrates CAD-independent effects for atrial fibrillation, body mass index, and hypertension. These findings extend our knowledge of the pathways underlying HF and may inform new therapeutic strategies

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Perbandingan Agama: Agama islam

vii,291 hlm.;21 c

Failure investigation of natural gas pipeline

A study was carried out to investigate the probable cause or events that might have led to the failure of two parallel natural gas pipes, API 5L X42 carbon steel (NPS 8) and the SDR 17, 125 mm medium density polyethylene pipes. These two pipes were laid side by side in the same trench with a water pipe. The investigation was performed by analyzing the existing design and construction data, visual inspection of failed pipes, and pipe material analysis. Investigation from the relevant pipes data suggests that the leaked water pipe was the first to fail. The leaked water pipe created high pressure water jetting that mixed with the back?lling soil to form water–sand–soil slurry with high erosive properties. The impact of this erosive slurry upon the NPS 8 pipe had caused serious losses of pipe coating materials. This phenomenon explains the rapid thinning of the steel pipe body which later led to its failure. Evidence from the metallurgical study using photomicrograph showed that the morphology of the steel material was consistent and did not show any evidence of micro fractures

ENDOSCOPIC TRANSURETHRAL RESECTION OF BILHARZIAL ULCERS OF THE URINARY BLADDER. SINGLE-CENTER EXPERIENCE WITH 1000 PATIENTS

Objective To report on the results of endoscopic transurethral resection of chonic bilharzial ulcers of the urinary bladder at the Assiut University Hospital, Assiut, Egypt. Patients and Methods Between June 1995 and April 2001, 1000 patients (87.3% males and 12.7% females) with chronic bilharzial ulcers (78% de novo and 22% recurrent ulcers after previous open partial cystectomy) were treated by endoscopic transurethral electroresection (TUR) at our department. Single ulcers were diagnosed in 612 (61.2%), double ulcers in 261 (26.1%) and multiple ulcers in 127 (12.7%) patients. Ulcers of a moderate diameter (1-2 cm) were present in 505 (50.5%) patients. Electroresection was done until healthy fibers of the detrusor muscle or even the prevesical fat was reached. Results The mean duration of the resection was 19.8 minutes. Extraperitoneal bladder perforation was recorded in 11 patients (1.1%). In all these patients conservation was successful. Intraperitoneal bladder perforation was recorded in 16 patients (1.6%). In six out of these patients conservation was successful, while peritoneal drainage was necessary in the remaining cases. Conservative management was successful in 5 cases (0.5%) of secondary haemorrhage. Hospitalization was one day in 920 patients (92%). After six months 862 patients (86.2%) were available for follow up. 745 (86.4%) were symptom-free and 794 (92.1%) reported complete healing of the resected ulcer at follow-up cystoscopy. Conclusion Endoscopic transurethral electroresection is a satisfactory modality for the treatment of bilharzial ulcers of the urinary bladder. Résumé Résection Endoscopique Trans-Urétrale d'Ulcers Bilharziens de la Vessie. Experience d'un Centre sur 1000 Patients Objectifs : Rapporter les résultats de la résection endoscopique trans-urétrale d'ulcères bilharziens chroniques de la vessie à l'hôpital universitaire d'Assiut en Egypte. Patients et Méthodes: De juin 1995 à avril 2001, 1000 patients (87.3% d'hommes et 12,7% de femmes) présentant un ulcère bilharzien chronique (78% d'ulcères de novo et 22% d'ulcères récurrents après cystectomie partielle par chirurgie à ciel ouvert préalable) ont bénéficié d'une électro-résection transurétrale endoscopique dans notre département. Un ulcère unique a été diagnostiqué chez 612 patients (61.2%), un double ulcère chez 261 patients (26.1%) et un ulcère multiple chez 127 patients (12.7%). Les ulcères de dia-mètre modéré (1-2 cm) ont été retrouvés chez 505 patients (50.5%). L'électro-résection a été réalisée jusqu'à atteindre les fibres musculaires saines du détrusor ou même jusqu'à la graisse prévésicale. Résultats : La durée moyenne de la résection était de 19.8 minutes. Une perforation extra-péritonéale de la vessie a été enregistrée chez 11 patients (1.1%). Chez tous ces patients la guérison s'est réalisée par abstention chirurgicale. Une perforation intrapéritonéale a été enregistré chez 16 patients (1.6%). Chez 6 de ces derniers la réparation a été effective avec abstention chirurgicale tandis que pour les autres un drainage péritonéal a été nécessaire. Un traitement conservateur a été bénéfique chez 5 patients (0.5%) ayant présenté une hémorragie. L'hospitalisation a duré une journée pour 920 patients (92.1%), deux journées pour 56 patients (5.6%) et trois journées pour 24 patients (2.4%). Après six mois, 862 patients (86.2%) étaient accessibles pour le suivi. Sept cent quarante cinq patients (86.4%) étaient asymptomatiques et 794 patients (92.1%) ne présentaient plus de lésion à la cystoscopie de contrôle. Conclusion: L'électro-résection transurétrale endoscopique est une mé-thode satisfaisante dans le traitement des ulcères bilharziens de la vessie. (Af. Journal of Urology: 2003 9(1): 36-40

Evaluation of crude larval protein and recombinant somatic protein 26/23 (rHcp26/23) immunization against Haemonchus contortus in sheep

© Kandil, et al. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential possibility of crude larval and recombinant (rHcp26/23) antigens of Haemonchus contortus for immunization to control sheep hemonchosis. Materials and Methods: A total of 21 lambs were divided into five groups. Lambs were immunized with larval and recombinant (rHcp26/23) proteins at day 0 and day 14 and after that challenged with 5000 infective larvae of H. contortus on day 42. An unvaccinated positive control group was challenged with L3 in the meantime. An unvaccinated negative control group was not challenged. Results: Fecal egg count reduction taking after challenge for rHcp26/23 and larval antigens was 92.2% and 38.2%, respectively, compared with the positive control group. Vaccine incited protection in rHcp26/23 and larval immunization was reflected in significant (p\u3c0.05) decreases in worm burden; 59.9% and 40.1%, respectively. Conclusion: Recombinant rHcp26/23 vaccine induced a partial immune response and had immune-protective effect against sheep hemonchosis