92 research outputs found

    The Product of Architectural and Construction Problems and their Role in Stimulating Creativity of the Designer

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    There are many problems resulting from the lack of coordination between the architect and the construction, when the architect finishes setting his design and construction vision from developing the executive perceptions, some problems appear that may sometimes lead to the mismatch of the walls with the spatial space, or this results in the occurrence of large voidsWith neglected areas, and from here some architectural problems appear, and this requires the Intervention of the designer to develop functional and aesthetic solutions by which these problems are avoided.For examples, Sometimes the civil put a column as a solution, but this column may be at the middle of spatial space so it leads to useless spaces or lose side from the façade aesthetics which is combatable with the aesthetic vision for the architectural engineer in this case the role of interior designer comes trying to find functional solutions for this useless spaces and create aesthetic worlds to serve firstly the human feeling to be more comfortable inside the spatial space.From this point of view, the research aims to formulate a set of requirements to deal with the problems resulting from the executive perceptions of architectural solutions, and to reach through this applied study to proposals and design solutions to the defects resulting from those problems, part of which was monitored through actual practices in the labor market in order to achieve unity and balance And integration, taking into account the functional and aesthetic aspect.The research came in three axes as follows, the first axis: the relationship between architecture and construction, the second axis: the requirements for dealing with problems resulting from the executive perceptions of architectural designs, the third axis: the applied aspect (design solutions). The research recommends the necessity of cooperation and coordination between the pillars of the design process (the owner, the architect, the structural and the interior designer), to obtain the best results that achieve user satisfaction and meet their actual needs, as well as saving time, effort and cost.Key words:Architect – Constructor – Creativity- Interior Designer

    Overview of MDM2 and B-RAF Expression in Gastric Lesions

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    BACKGROUND: Globally, gastric cancer (GC) it is the fourth most common cancer and the third cause of cancer-related deaths. Overexpression of MDM2 and B-RAF appeared to be increased in malignancy and associated with poor prognosis in several human tumours, but their role in gastric cancer remains controversial. AIM: We had investigated the immunohistochemical expression of MDM2 and B-RAF in 136 gastric lesions with/without H. pylori association. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Studied specimens include chronic gastritis (32), intestinal type GC (70), diffuse GC (22) and gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) (12). RESULTS: MDM2 expression increased significantly in intestinal GC compared to other groups (p < 0.001), while B-RAF expression increased significantly in GIST compared to other groups (p < 0.001). H. pylori increased expression of MDM2 in intestinal GC cases but did not affect B-RAF expression. MDM2 expression correlated with high grade of tumor differentiation (p < 0.001), deep invasion (p < 0.05), nodal metastases (p < 0.05) and distant metastases (p < 0.1) in intestinal GC, while B-RAF expression did not correlate with TNM stage (p < 0.1). CONCLUSION: MDM2 up-regulation was more frequent in intestinal GC, while B-RAF up-regulation was more frequent in GIST compared to other groups; MDM2 expression in intestinal GC was correlated with H. pylori association, high grade of differentiation, deep invasion, nodal and distant metastases, meanwhile, B-RAF expression was correlated with high-grade intestinal GC but did not correlate with H. pylori or TNM stage. The possible role of both MDM2 and B-RAF in predicting progression of gastric tumours and prognosis deserves further investigations

    Four years after the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship program in Jordan: evaluation of program’s core elements

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    ObjectivesTo combat antimicrobial resistance, the World Health Organization (WHO) urged healthcare organizations in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) to implement the core elements of the antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs. In response, Jordan took action and developed a national antimicrobial resistance action plan (NAP) in 2017 and commenced the AMS program in all healthcare facilities. It is paramount to evaluate the efforts to implement the AMS programs and understand the challenges of implementing a sustainable and effective program, in Low-Middle Income Country (LMIC) contexts. Therefore, the aim of this study was to appraise the compliance of public hospitals in Jordan to the WHO core elements of effective AMS programs after 4 years of commencement.MethodsA cross-sectional study in public hospitals in Jordan, using the WHO AMS program core elements for LMICs was carried out. The questionnaire comprised 30 questions that covered the program’s six core elements: leadership commitment, accountability and responsibility, AMS actions, education and training, monitoring, and evaluation, and reporting and feedback. A five-point Likert scale was employed for each question.ResultsA total of 27 public hospitals participated, with a response rate of 84.4%. Adherence to core elements ranged from (53%) in the leadership commitment domain to (72%) for AMS procedure application (actions). Based on the mean score, there was no significant difference between hospitals according to location, size, and specialty. The most neglected core elements that emerged as top priority areas were the provision of financial support, collaboration, access, as well as monitoring and evaluation.ConclusionThe current results revealed significant shortcomings in the AMS program in public hospitals despite 4 years of implementation and policy support. Most of the core elements of the AMS program were below average, which requires hospital leadership commitment, and multifaceted collaborative actions from the concerned stakeholders in Jordan

    Exploring the effects of health behaviors and mental health on students' academic achievement: a cross-sectional study on lebanese university students

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    Background High academic achievement, an important determinant of future success, is known to be influenced by many factors including dietary behavior, lifestyle and mental health, among others. The objectives of the current study were to explore university students’ nutritive habits, daily lifestyle, and mental status, and to scrutinize the associations between these factors and students’ academic achievement. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among students of a private Lebanese university, using an electronic survey. Diet, eating habits, physical activity, sleep, and smoking were evaluated, and mental health was assessed using a validated Arabic version of the combined Depression, Anxiety, Stress Score (DASS-8). Academic achievement was measured using the Subjective Academic Achievement Scale (SAAS). Results A total of 1677 students participated in the questionnaire. The results of a linear regression taking the SAAS score as the dependent variable, showed that students who have a non-scientific versus scientific major (Beta = 0.53), and having breakfast ≥ 4 days per week compared to less than 2 days (Beta = 0.28) were significantly associated with higher SAAS scores. More psychological distress (Beta = − 0.06) and a higher number of days of eating out (Beta = − 0.07) were significantly associated with lower SAAS scores. Conclusions This is the first investigation on a Lebanese university students’ academic success in relation to lifestyle and mental profiles. Better academic achievement was demonstrated by students having healthier dietary and lifestyle habits, as well as less distressing mental status. Such results, in light of the compounded and unprecedented crises with which Lebanon has been assailed, suggest the need to focus on promoting healthy habits among students in higher education as a possible driver of better academic success.None.Scopu

    HCV Seroconversion in two Egyptian Hemodialysis Units: Role of Detection Method and Patients Isolation

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    Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on hemodialysis (HD).  Routine HCV viremia screening is recommended in those patients but it is not applied.Aim: To evaluate the seroconversion rate in HD patients based on viremia detection compared to antibody (Ab), and to assess the role of isolation on the rate of seroconversion in those patients.Materials and Methods: One hundred ESRD patients from two HD units using same infection control criteria were enrolled in the study; only one unit was applying isolation for HCV patients. Patients were followed up for 12 month; HCV positivity was tested at the begining of the study and after 12 month of HD. HCV Ab and viremia were detected by third generation ELISA and PCR respectively.Results: The seroconversion rate was 0% based on HCV Ab detection by ELISA, compared with the 16 % seroconversion rate based on viremia detection by PCR. Notably, viremia seroconversion was seen only in the HD unit lacking the isolation system.Conclusion: HCV screening in HD units should be based on viremia detection; isolation in HD units prevents HCV spreading

    Menstrual changes after COVID-19 vaccination and/or SARS-CoV-2 infection and their demographic, mood, and lifestyle determinants in Arab women of childbearing age, 2021

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    BackgroundBy September 2, 2021, over 30,000 COVID-19-vaccinated females had reported menstrual changes to the MHRA's Yellow Card surveillance system. As a result, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is urging researchers to investigate the COVID-19 vaccine's effects on menstruation. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the menstrual changes after COVID-19 vaccination and/or SARS-CoV-2 infection and their interrelations with demographic, mood, and lifestyle factors in Arab women of childbearing age (CBA).MethodologyA cross-sectional study was conducted during October 2021 using an Arabic validated and self-administrated questionnaire. In total, 1,254 Women of CBA in the Arabic Population (15–50 y) with regular menstrual cycles were randomly selected from five countries (Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, Libya, and Sudan).ResultsThe mean (SD) age of the 1,254 studied females was 29.6 (8.5) years old. In total, 634 (50%) were married, 1,104 (88.0%) had a University education or above, 1,064 (84.4%) lived in urban areas, and 573 (45.7%) had normal body weight. Moreover, 524 (41.8%) were COVID-19 cases and 98 women (18.7%) reported menstrual changes (MCs). The 1,044 (83.5%) vaccinated females reported 418 (38.5%) MCs after being vaccinated, and these MCs resolved in 194 women (55.1%) after more than 9 months. Statistically significant relationships were observed between the reported MCs and the following variables: age, marital status, level of education, nationality, residence, and BMI. MCs were reported at 293(80.6) after the 2nd dose, and were mainly reported after 482 (46.1) Pfizer, 254 (24.3) Astrazenica, and 92 (8.8) Senopharm.ConclusionMCs among women of CBA after COVID-19 infection and vaccination are prevalent and complex problems, and had many determinates

    Garlic bioactive substances and their therapeutic applications for improving human health: a comprehensive review

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    Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is a widely abundant spice, known for its aroma and pungent flavor. It contains several bioactive compounds and offers a wide range of health benefits to humans, including those pertaining to nutrition, physiology, and medicine. Therefore, garlic is considered as one of the most effective disease-preventive diets. Many in vitro and in vivo studies have reported the sulfur-containing compounds, allicin and ajoene, for their effective anticancer, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, immune-boosting, and cardioprotective properties. As a rich natural source of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, saponins, tannins, linalool, geraniol, phellandrene, β-phellandrene, ajoene, alliin, S-allyl-mercapto cysteine, and β-phellandrene, garlic has many therapeutic applications and may play a role in drug development against various human diseases. In the current review, garlic and its major bioactive components along with their biological function and mechanisms of action for their role in disease prevention and therapy are discussed

    Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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    BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

    Mucormycosis co-infection in COVID-19 patients: An update

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    Mucormycosis (MCM) is a rare fungal disorder that has recently been increased in parallel with novel COVID-19 infection. MCM with COVID-19 is extremely lethal, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. The collection of available scientific information helps in the management of this co-infection, but still, the main question on COVID-19, whether it is occasional, participatory, concurrent, or coincidental needs to be addressed. Several case reports of these co-infections have been explained as causal associations, but the direct contribution in immunocompromised individuals remains to be explored completely. This review aims to provide an update that serves as a guide for the diagnosis and treatment of MCM patients’ co-infection with COVID-19. The initial report has suggested that COVID-19 patients might be susceptible to developing invasive fungal infections by different species, including MCM as a co-infection. In spite of this, co-infection has been explored only in severe cases with common triangles: diabetes, diabetes ketoacidosis, and corticosteroids. Pathogenic mechanisms in the aggressiveness of MCM infection involves the reduction of phagocytic activity, attainable quantities of ferritin attributed with transferrin in diabetic ketoacidosis, and fungal heme oxygenase, which enhances iron absorption for its metabolism. Therefore, severe COVID-19 cases are associated with increased risk factors of invasive fungal co-infections. In addition, COVID-19 infection leads to reduction in cluster of differentiation, especially CD4+ and CD8+ T cell counts, which may be highly implicated in fungal co-infections. Thus, the progress in MCM management is dependent on a different strategy, including reduction or stopping of implicit predisposing factors, early intake of active antifungal drugs at appropriate doses, and complete elimination via surgical debridement of infected tissues
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