Mucin1 expression and gustatory function in postmenopausal females : a case-control observational study

Investigating possible relationship between Mucin1 expression levels in saliva, gustatory function, and taste perception in postmenopausal females. Using whole mouth taste test, twenty-five post-menopausal females (51.35 ± 5.22 years) and twenty-five p

Ultrasound-Guided Pectoral Nerves Block Type II or Intercostobrachial Nerve Block as A Supplement to Supraclavicular Block in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients’ Arteriovenous Access: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN) innervates the upper half of the medial aspect of the arm and axilla. We hypothesized to assessing either pectoral nerves block type II (PECS II) or ICBN block would improve the quality of block for proximal arm arteriovenous access surgery. Materials and Methods: In the study, forty adult patients with the end-stage renal disease aged between 18 and 70 years received a combined supraclavicular block with 30 ml 0.25% bupivacaine, and either ICBN (Group A, n = 20) or PECS II block with 10 ml 0.25% bupivacaine (Group B, n = 20) for proximal arm arteriovenous access surgery. The primary outcome was whether patients required intraoperative local anesthetic supplementation. Secondary outcomes were the volume of local anesthetic supplementation, fentanyl administration, Pain scores 24 hours postoperatively, and time to first postoperative rescue analgesia. Results: Local anesthetic (LA) supplementation was required in 4 patients in group A and 6 patients in group B, and the mean volume of LA was lower in group A than group B as the complete sensory block in the medial side of the upper arm was achieved in 80% of patients in group A and 70 % in group B. There was a statistically significant decrease in time taken for blocks in group B (PECS) compared to group A and, the insignificant difference between the two studied groups regarding fentanyl received and time to 1st postoperative rescue analgesia. Conclusion: ICBN and PECS blocks are ideal supplements to supraclavicular brachial (SCB) with statistically insignificant fewer patients in ICBN required LA volume and supplementation than PECS II block

A Mechanistic Approach to Crystallite Length as Related to Cell-Wall Structure

A tentative mechanistic model is proposed that relates variation in crystallite length in wood to some physical conditions under which the crystallite may have been formed, namely the curvature and ultrastructure of the microfibril. Over most of the experimental data range, representing both hardwood and softwood samples, the model allows reasonably good prediction of the effect of crystallite orientation angle and radial distance from the cell center. As the angle increases and radial distance decreases, the average crystallite length becomes smaller

A Method for Treating Wastewater Containing Formaldehyde

Abstract Many industrial activities utilise formaldehyde as a key chemical in organic synthesis including: synthesis of special chemicals such as pentaerythritol and ethylene glycol, synthetic resins, paper products, medicinal products and drugs and others, too numerous to mention. Therefore, effluents arising from these applications may contain significant amounts of formaldehyde. In a biodegradation experiments of a wastewater sample containing formaldehyde ranging from 31.5 to 125 mg/l, residual formalin (a solution of formaldehyde gas in water) ranging from 40% to 85%, respectively, was found at the end of the ru

Consensus evidence-based recommendations for treat-to-target management of immunoglobulin A vasculitis

IgA vasculitis (IgAV), formerly known as Henoch-Schönlein purpura, is the most common cause of systemic vasculitis in childhood. Given its potential life-threatening systemic complications, early and accurate diagnosis as well as management of IgAV represent a major challenge for health care professionals. This study was carried out to attain an evidence-based expert consensus on a treat-to-target management approach for IgAV using Delphi technique. The preliminary scientific committee identified a total of 16 key clinical questions according to the patient, intervention, comparison, and outcomes (PICO) approach. An evidence-based, systematic, literature review was conducted to compile evidence for the IgAV management. The core leadership team identified researchers and clinicians with expertise in IgAV management in Egypt upon which experts were gathered from different governorates and health centers across Egypt. Delphi process was implemented (two rounds) to reach a consensus. An online questionnaire was sent to expert panel (n = 26) who participated in the two rounds. After completing round 2, a total of 20 recommendation items, categorized into two sections were obtained. Agreement with the recommendations (rank 7–9) ranged from 91.7–100%. Consensus was reached (i.e. ⩾75% of respondents strongly agreed or agreed) on the wording of all the 20 clinical standards identified by the scientific committee. Algorithms for the diagnosis and management have been suggested. This was an expert, consensus recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of IgAV and IgA vasculitic nephritis, based on best available evidence and expert opinion. The guideline presented a strategy of care with a pathway to achieve a state of remission as early as possible

Serum Islet Cell Autoantibodies During Interferon α Treatment in Patients With HCV-Genotype 4 Chronic Hepatitis

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of end-stage liver disease worldwide and HCV genotype 4 (HCV4) is predominant in African and Middle Eastern countries. It is well established that interferon-α (IFNa) treatment for HCV may trigger serum autoantibodies against pancreatic islet cells (ICA) in a subgroup of patients. Available data on the incidence of ICA during IFNa therapy for chronic HCV4 infection are not conclusive. We investigated the appearance of ICA in 40 naïve Egyptian patients (38 males, 32 ± 6 years) with histologically defined chronic HCV4 infection undergoing IFNa treatment at a dose of 9-million U/week for 24 weeks. Serum samples were collected at baseline and following IFNa therapy and ICA were detected using indirect immunofluorescence. Baseline evaluation indicated that 2/40 (5%) patients had detectable serum ICA. After the completion of the treatment scheme, 12/38 (32%) previously ICA negative patients became ICA positive; however, no patient developed impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or diabetes during follow-up. In conclusion, we submit that IFNa treatment for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) may induce serum ICA in one-third of Egyptian patients with HCV4. These autoantibodies, however, do not lead to alterations in glucose metabolism