Hydrophilic nanosilica as a new larvicidal and molluscicidal agent for controlling of major infectious diseases in Egypt

Aim: This research was conducted to evaluate the molluscicidal and mosquitocidal efficacy of silica nanoparticles in the eradication of the larvae and pupa of malaria and filariasis vector as well as vectors of rift-valley fever virus (Culex pipiens); Schistosoma mansoni vector (Biomphlaria alexandrina (snail and egg masses)). Materials and Methods: Hydrophilic nanosilica particles (NSPs) were characterized using transmission electron microscope during the preliminary part of the study; the stages were exposed to upgrade concentrations of NSP from 50 to 1200 ppm each for 24-36 h exposure time. The highly effective concentrations were re-evaluated at lower exposure time as 3, 6, and 12 h. Results: Lethal concentration (LC50) and LC90 versus mosquito larvae were (350 ppm/24 h and 1400 ppm/24 h, respectively). C. pipiens pupae proved slight high tolerance versus the effect of these nanoparticles as the two previous doses increased to 680 ppm/6 h and 1300 ppm/24 h. The LC50 and LC90 versus B. alexandrina were increased to 590 ppm/6 h and 980 ppm/48 h, respectively. Moreover, the embryonated snail egg masses appear more susceptible to the toxic effect of these nanoparticles than the non-embryonated eggs as the LC50 and LC90 were increased to 1450 ppm/12 h and 1250 ppm/48 h, respectively, for embryonated eggs, and it was 1400 ppm/24 h and 1890 ppm/48 h, respectively, for non-embryonated one. Conclusion: The results open a new field for controlling the infectious diseases through eradication of their vectors by the way that avoids the resistance recorded from the successive chemical application in this field

Extraintestinal Manifestations Of Ulcerative Colitis In Saudi Arabia: Systematic Review

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly ulcerative colitis (UC), exhibits varied clinical presentations and extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) that impact the overall well-being of affected individuals. This systematic review aims to consolidate recent studies conducted in Saudi Arabia to comprehensively analyze the sociodemographic characteristics and clinical features of UC patients, with a specific focus on bone-related complications. Objective: To systematically review Extraintestinal Manifestations of Ulcerative Colitis in Saudi Arabia Methodology: Using the PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive A systematic search was conducted to identify relevant studies published between 2014 and 2023 on PubMed in English that investigated UC in Saudi Arabia. resulting in the inclusion of seven studies with a collective participant count of 1580. Sociodemographic characteristics & Clinical characteristics, particularly the prevalence of bone-related complications, were examined across these studies. Results: The sociodemographic analysis of 1580 participants from seven studies highlighted variations in extraintestinal manifestations in IBD. Due to the inflammatory nature of the UC disease, and increased glucocorticoids concentrations, bone-related complications, including osteoporosis and osteopenia, were prevalent in UC patients, with distinct patterns observed in different studies. Arthropathy emerged as one of the most common extraintestinal manifestation. Moreover, renal stones are another issue for these patients. Finally, all of these manifestations contribute to the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms that was identified among UC patients, that indicated that fifth of these cohort suffer from, psychological disease. Conclusion: This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of recent studies on UC in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the prevalence of bone-related complications as predominant extra intestinal manifestations. The findings underscore the importance of addressing these complications in the management of UC patients, necessitating regular testing of the bone density in these patients and provide supplements and other necessary treatments for these patients. Moreover, it is important to consider the psychological impact of such disease on the quality of life of patients. Comprehensive multi-disciplinary medical teams need to work together to address various clinical aspects regarding Ulcerative colitis. This does not only include gastroenterologist, nephrologists and general internists, but also include psychologists/therapists to ensure all patients needs are addressed. Finally, further research is needed to have comprehensive view of UC in Saudi Populations and improve the overall quality of care

Traffic loads used in the design of highway RC bridges in Egypt

Recently, a considerable research effort has been devoted to bridge design and evaluation in Egypt. The traffic loading in the Egyptian code (ECP) gets heavier from 1963 to 2012. So, it was necessary to evaluate how much safe are the existing bridges when loaded with heavier traffic loading. For this reason, a comparative study is presented between the internal forces (bending moments) in longitudinal girders and deck slabs, in slab/girder bridges, resulting from traffic loads recommended by ECP 1963, ECP 1994 and ECP 2012. Tables and figures are displayed to show the variation in live load moments when using the three different codes for bridges with 10.5 m width (three traffic lanes) and with spans 15, 20 and 25 m. Since most highway bridges are continuous ones, the present analysis was expanded to cover the effects of the different recommended live loads on continuous bridges. The results reveal big differences between the different versions of traffic loads in the Egyptian codes. In addition, modified equations to calculate maximum moments in longitudinal girders according to ECP2012 are proposed. The proposed equations show excellent results when compared with the numerical study. Keywords: Traffic loads, Reinforced concrete bridges, Slab/girder bridges, Egyptian code ECP20