UTILIZATION OF INDUSTRIAL WASTES FOR IMPROVING GEOTECHNICAL PROPERTIES OF COLLAPSIBLE SOIL

At the present time the disposal of industrial wastes has become a challenge for most countries. This research aims to study the effect of mixing the industrial textile sludge on geotechnical properties of collapsible soil. The experimental program studies the effect of textile wastes on Atterberg limits, collapse potential, compaction, CBR, and shear strength parameters. The percentages of textile wastes mixed with soil are 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 %. The results indicated that the collapse potential of untreated soil is significantly decreased from about 11% to 2.6% at 24% of textile sludge. Shear test results show an increase in cohesion and decrease in the internal friction angle. For Atterberg limits there was an increase in liquid limit. For Compaction results, it is noticed a decrease in maximum dry density and an increase in optimum moisture content. CBR values for all samples indicates the suitability of using soil and soil-sludge mixtures only in subgrade layer of pavement. It was found that the reuse of textile sludge with collapsible soils considers an economic method to improve the physical and mechanical properties of the soil, in addition, it could be considered as sustainable management of textile sludge which leads to a reduction in the consumption of natural resources and preserves the surrounding environment through decreasing the retention of these wastes to a minimu

Morphology and anatomical structure of the larval salt gland of Artemia tunisiana under different salinities

Brine shrimps of the genus Artemia is characterized by its high adaptability to adverse environmental conditions. To elucidate the effect of salinity on the neck organ (salt gland) of Artemia tunisiana nauplii, the morphology and fine structure of the ion transporting epithelium were examined following culturing under different salinities (25, 40, 70, 140 and 180 g/L). The expression of APH-1 mRNA, using semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), was also determined. The morphology and anatomical structure of the salt gland varied according to the salinity degree. At low salinities, salt gland was small, thin and flat having many shallow canals, while at high salinities, it was more elongated with deeper canals and grooves. Ultrastructure examination showed low amplification of the plasma membrane at 25 g/L with no tubular tufts, while at 40 and 70 g/L salinities, the apical and central zones showed a large amplification of the surface area of the plasma membrane. At 140 g/L salinity, the epithelial cells were more elongated and the cuticle appeared to be composed of many layers. The general structure of the salt gland of nauplii cultured at 180 g/L disappeared. Semiquantitative APH-1 mRNA analysis indicated that the gene was expressed in all tested salinities. The expression did not change remarkably between 25 and 40 g/L salinities. As salinity increased, the gene was up regulated at 70 g/L and reached the highest level at 140 g/L, while the expression level reduced significantly at 180 g/L. This coincides with the histological results and highlights the possible role of APH-1 in salinity protection in Artemia.Keywords: Artemia, nauplii, salt gland, salinity, APH-1 gene expressionAfrican Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(41), pp. 6032-604

Acinetobacter baumannii extracted silver nanoparticles: A study on the characterization and antibacterial activity

Background: Antibiotic resistance is a worldwide problem, associated with increased mortality. Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles are promising solution. Aim: To improve the anti-microbial resistance using Acinetobacter baumannii  (A. baumannii) biosynthesized silver nitrate.Methods: Optimization of biosynthesis condition and characterization by Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy (U-V-Vis) at a wavelength from 300 to 400 nm, ±1.67 nm. The Acinetobacter baumannii biosynthesized silver nitrate was examined using transmission electron microscope (TEM).  Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy was done to study the capping material, X-ray spectroscopy confirm silver nanoparticles synthesis with particle size match TEM measuring and testing its antibacterial effect was done. Results: The obtained U.V Spectroscopy and TEM characters of silver nitrate biosynthesized A.baumannii. Acinetobacter baumannii biosynthesized silver nitrate was obtained indicated. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was from 1-3 mg/ml against extreme drug resistance bacteria. the size of silver nanoparticles was found to be between 18 nm and 50 nm. The AgNPs were found to be stable for over 6 months at 37°C.The MIC for AgNPs formed from A. baumannii CFF was detected as 2.85 mg/ml, MBC (minimal bactericidal concentration) was 3 mg/ml for K. pneumonia, MIC was 1 mg/ml, MBC was 0.5 mg/ml for P. aeruginosa and MIC was 1.5 mg/ml and MBC was 1 mg/ml for A. baumannii isolates. Lethal concentration (LC) 50% was 60.584 ug/ml) assessed by Sulforhodamine-B assay on hepatocellular carcinoma cell line. Conclusion: Acinetobacter baumannii extracted silver nitrate has A promising antibacterial action that may help in solving the multidrug resistance bacteria

A Computerized Tomographic Data Analysis System to Evaluate the Dental Implant Surface Roughness

AbstractDental implants have been progressively used in the recent years to support and retain dental prosthesis. Implant surface roughness has been suggested as a crucial factor in implant osseointegration and long term survival of the implant and prosthesis, where a key factor for the success or failure of dental implants is the manner in which stresses are transferred to surrounding bone. In this study completely edentulous patients were rehabilitated by implant retained over denture in which two implant systems with different surface roughness were used. Peri implant bone density in Hounsfield Units (HU) was evaluated by analyze Computerized Tomographic (CT) images to judge the behavior of an implant system under functional loading, where DICOM raw data was imported into the analysis proposed system to correlate the bone density regarding to the HU values. Results are compared with clinical readings and previous findings, which it showed that there is a difference in peri implant bone density around regularly patterned and randomly patterned implant surfaces

Balloon atrial septostomy: The oldest cardiac interventional procedure in Mansoura

AbstractBackgroundBalloon atrial septostomy (BAS) was first described by Rashkind and Miller in 1966 and remains an important interventional procedure in the palliation of certain forms of congenital heart disease (CHD). Creating an atrial septa1 defect in patients with transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) will enhance bidirectional mixing of the pulmonary and systemic venous blood, hence improving oxygen saturation. The aim of the work is to review and report our experience using balloon atrial septostomy in different CHD.MethodWe retrospectively reviewed the hospital records, echocardiographic and cardiac catheterization reports of patients subjected for BAS during the period from January 2001 till January 2010. One hundred and ninety two patients with CHD (78.5% d-TGA, 10% mitral atresia, 7.5% tricuspid atresia, and 4% hypoplastic left heart syndrome) underwent BAS. Their gestational age was 38.63±1.48weeks, postnatal age (median 3.5days, range 1–54) and weight 3.08±0.37kg, 57.5% was male and 42.5% was female. All patients received PGE1 infusion before the procedure to maintain the ductal patency in a dose of 0.05–0.1μg/kg/min.ResultsOne hundred twenty two procedures (63.5%) were done in neonatal intensive care at bedside and 70 procedures (36.5%) in the catheterization laboratory. General anesthesia was used in 31.3% of patients whereas conscious sedation was used in 68.7% of patients. Femoral access in 78% while umbilical access in 22%. Seven F sheath was used in 100% of case. The Miller catheter was used in 75% and a Z-5 septostomy catheter in 25% of cases. The diameter of the atrial communication increased from 2.75±0.97mm to 7.07±0.79mm (p<0.0001). Oxygen saturations increased significantly from 65.38±9.59% to 88.62±3.13% (p<0.0001). Mean pressure gradient for patients done in catheterization laboratory decreased from 4.1±2.4 to 0.5±1.1mmHg (p<0.0001). The number of septostomies required to achieve good results was 5.23±1.20. No significant difference in oxygen saturation or the size of inter-atrial communication was observed between the two used balloons (p=0.6).ConclusionBAS is safe and an effective palliative procedure for different CHD with good immediate results in our institution

Hybrid approach for designing smart adaptive Web Sites

The very beginning of the research on Smart Adaptive Web Systems (SAWS). They are systems that adapt their response based on the context in which they are used. In AWS, three main sources of information have been identified are: user, environment, and technology. To design a site for adaptivity, the site s parts must be changeable according to users needs and interests. This paper represents a careful study of a large number of adaptive web systems which are used for adapting predesigned web pages and automatic synthesizing web pages. It suggests a new approach to extract the user s interest without the need of many visits to the web site or viewing the catalog in details. Different E-metrics are measured to evaluate the user s history, extract users interests, create adaptable interface, and synthesize a new page with special features referring to users needs and interests and also predict the next step the user may need.Facultad de Informátic

Balloon Valvuloplasty of Aortic Valve Stenosis in Childhood: Midterm Results in a Children’s Hospital, Mansoura University, Egypt

Background Balloon valvuloplasty was established as an alternative to surgery for treatment of aortic valve stenosis in childhood. Acute complications after balloon dilatation including aortic insufficiency or early death were described. Aim of Work To analyze early outcome and midterm results of balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) in Children's Hospital, Mansoura University, Egypt. Subjects and Methods Between April 2005–June 2008, all consecutive patients of age <18 years treated for aortic valve stenosis (AVS) with BAV were analyzed retrospectively. The study included 21 patients; 17 males, and 4 females. Their age ranged from the neonatal period to 10 years (mean age 5.6 ± 3.7 years). Patients with gradient ≥50 mmHg and aortic valve insufficiency (AI) up to grade I were included. All patients had isolated aortic valve stenosis except 3 patients (14.3%) had associated aortic coarctation. Six patients (28.6%) had bicuspid aortic valve. All patients had normal myocardial function except one (4.8%) had FS 15%. The duration of follow up was (mean ± SD: 18.5 ± 11.7 months). Results Femoral artery approach was used in 20 patients (95.2%) and carotid artery in one neonate (4.8%). Balloon/annulus ratio was 0.83 ± 0.04. Significant reduction in pressure gradient was achieved (mean 66.7 ± 9.8 mmHg to 20.65 ± 2.99 mmHg) ( P < 0.001). Nine patients (42.8%) developed grade I AI, 2 patients (9.5%) developed grade II AI and 1 patient (4.8%) developed grade III AI. Two early deaths (9.5%); one died due to heart failure caused by grade IV AI and a neonate died because of severely compromised LV function. One patient (4.8%) had femoral artery occlusion necessitating anticoagulation. Patients remained free from re-intervention during follow up. Conclusion Balloon valvuloplasty of aortic valve stenosis significantly reduces gradient with low morbidity and mortality in children

Expression of hnRNPK & Claudin-4 in HCV-Induced Early HCC and Adjacent Liver Tissue

BACKGROUND: HCC in Egypt usually occurs in HCV cirrhotic livers with poor prognosis due to late diagnosis. High hnRNPK &amp; low Claudin-4 profiles indicate Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), malignant transformation and high-grade tumours.AIM: We studied the immunohistochemical expression of hnRNPK and Claudin-4 in HCV induced early HCC (eHCC) and adjacent liver tissue in Egyptian patients to improve eHCC detection in cirrhotic livers with better curative therapy options.METHOD: We studied the immunohistochemical expression of hnRNPK and Claudin-4 in 100 Egyptian patients resection specimens of HCV induced early HCC (eHCC) and adjacent liver tissue, in order to improve eHCC detection in cirrhotic livers, thus improving their therapeutic options.RESULTS: Early HCC grade significantly directly correlated with nuclear hnRNPK/5HPFs count and inversely correlated with Claudin-4 expression %, with a converse correlation between hnRNPK and Claudin-4. Moreover in eHCC, combined hnRNPK ³ 30/5HPFs &amp; Claudin-4 ³ 40% significantly distinguished low grade eHCC (G1) from high grade eHCC (G2&amp;G3), with sensitivity 97% &amp; specificity 69.7% for hnRNPK ³ 30/5HPFs, and with sensitivity 70% &amp; specificity 94.3% for Claudin-4 ³ 40%. Moreover in the adjacent liver, both markers expressions significantly directly correlated with each other and with METAVIR fibrosis score but not with activity. Furthermore, 58% of eHCCs showed hnRNPK ³ 30 Claudin-4 &lt; 40% profile, indicating EMT type3, compared to 26% with hnRNPK ³ 30 Claudin-4 £ 10% profile in adjacent cirrhotic/ precirrhotic liver, with significant use of combined hnRNPK ³30/5HPFs &amp; Claudin 4 £ 10% as eHCC prediction cut offs in cirrhosis (p &lt; 0.05).CONCLUSION: Combination of hnRNPK and Claudin-4 can indicate early HCC development in HCV cirrhotic livers using hnRNPK ³ 30/5HPFs &amp; Claudin-4 £ 10% cut offs. Also, combination of hnRNPK ³ 30/5HPFs &amp; Claudin-4 ³ 40% can distinguish low grade eHCC (G1) from high grade eHCC (G2&amp;G3)

Expression of MDM2 mRNA, MDM2, P53 and P16 Proteins in Urothelial Lesions in the View of the WHO 4th Edition Guidelines as A Molecular Insight towards Personalized Medicine

AIM: Here we imposed a multimarker molecular panel composed of P53, MDM2 protein &amp; mRNA &amp; P16 with the identification of sensitive and specific cut offs among the Egyptian urothelial carcinomas bilharzial or not emphasize the pathological and molecular classifications, pathways and prognosis as a privilege for adjuvant therapy.METHODS: Three hundred and ten urothelial lesions were pathologically evaluated and grouped as follows: 50 chronic cystitis as benign, 240 urothelial carcinomas and 20 normal bladder tissue as a control. Immunohistochemistry for MDM Protein, P16 &amp; p53 and In Situ Hybridization for MDM2mRNA were done.RESULTS: MDM2mRNA overexpression correlated with low grade low stage non invasive tumors, while P53 &gt; 40% &amp; p16 &lt; 10% cut offs correlated with high grade high stage invasive carcinomas &amp; bilharzial tumors (P=0.000).CONCLUSION: MDM2mRNA overexpression vs. P53 &gt; 40% &amp; P16 &lt; 10% constitutes a multimarker molecular panel with significant cut offs, proved to distinguish low grade, low stage non invasive urothelial carcinomas (MDM2mRNA overexpression, P53 &lt; 40%, P16 &gt; 10%) from high grade, high stage invasive urothelial carcinomas (with p53 &gt; 40, p16 &lt; 10% &amp; absent MDM2mRNA overexpression). Combined P53 &gt; 40 &amp; p16 &lt; 10%, together with the histopathological features can distinguish in situ urothelial lesions from dysplastic and atypical lesions