Allelopathic potential of Ficus retusa L. leaf litter on understory vegetation in urban gardens

Pruning Ficus trees in urban green spaces may lead to the accumulation and spread of their leaf litter on the understory vegetation. This study was conducted to evaluate the allelopathic effect of Ficus retusa L. leaf litter on the understory species in urban gardens. A field study showed that the plant cover and species richness of litter-affected plots were lower than those of litter-free areas. The litter-affected soils had substantially lower pH and higher electrical conductivity. In a greenhouse experiment, litter-affected soil significantly inhibited the emergence and growth of understory species selected for the purpose of this study: Melilotus indicus (L.) All., Trifolium resupinatum L. and Amaranthus viridis L. Osmotic potentials equivalent to those of the litter-affected soils did not affect emergence or growth of these species. A spectrophotometric analysis indicated that the litter-affected soils contained larger amounts of phenolics and flavonoids. An HPLC analysis revealed that the litter-affected soils contained higher concentrations of free phenolic and flavonoid allelochemicals. These results demonstrate that F. retusa leaf litter may reduce plant cover and species richness. The significant inhibition in both field and greenhouse experiments could be attributed to phenolic and flavonoid allelochemicals released from the tree litter, as the osmotic potential of the litter had no effect on the understory species. The allelopathic potential of F. retusa leaf litter plays at least a partial role in reducing urban vegetation

Liver morbidity among haemodialysis patients negative for manifest HBV and HCV : A hospital-based study in an endemic area

Background: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is an increasing health problem worldwide.  Older age, diabetes mellitus and hypertension, acute kidney damage are among some of the factors that play a role in ESRD. This study aims at exploring liver morbidity (LM) among Egyptian hemodialysis (HD) patients.  Methods: The study included 142 patients free from overt hepatitis B virus (HBV) or  hepatitis C virus (HCV); their data were retrieved from files and all were clinically assessed and tested for liver functions, serological markers and viremia of HCV and HBV. Results: Of 142 eligible HD patients, two seroconverted to overt HCV, and five showed occult HCV. According to the laboratory and ultrasonography (US) data, three patterns of LM were found in 62 (43.7%), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in 30 (48.4%), liver fibrosis in 19 (30.6%), and hepatitis in 13 (21%). The mean durations of renal impairment (7.6 ± 5.91), hemodialysis (9 ± 6.1269), and total dialysis sessions (976.26 ± 683.69) were significantly higher in patients with LM compared to others (6.78 ± 4.82, 5.38 ± 3.69, and 699.4 ± 467.1). Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were elevated in 14 (22.6%) and 13 (21%) of patients with LM. However, the ROC curve revealed ALT and AST cut-off points of 16.5 and 25.5 IU/L to discriminate LM. Conclusion: LM is common among EDRD patients undergoing hemodialysis despite the low levels of ALT and AST. The use of the US and the new lower levels of ALT and AST could improve the screening approach of LM

Internet law

This paper aims to illustrate the basis of cyberspace law and its potential environment. Indeed, the laws governing the cyberspace are still premature at both national and international levels. This is due to the undefined nature of cyber borders that globalize the Internet in contradiction with the geographic borders. Hence, individual countries are losing part of their sovereignty as result of globalization of the internet to a point it is becoming a borderless space with no laws and regulations. This urges to agree on new international legislations to handle any acts that are not confined by geographical borders or any obstructing matters. Given the fact that the cyberspace does not have such boundaries, it is not realistic to stop all the activities of electronic crimes or other harmful activities. In addition, it is challenging to define viable means to face such threats by individuals, organizations or countries. It is believed that subjecting the internet to the law may contradict with freedom and democracy. Nonetheless, subjecting the internet to the law under democratic approach can result in an effective means for exchanging information and culture among people around the world. Although it is impossible to fully prevent the occurrence of cyberspace risks and predict the potential threats on the countries communication and information systems, this research provides answers to a number of questions on how to achieve the protection of public order, whether domestic or international, from criminal cyberspace threats. The research paper is divided into two sections as follows: 1. Legislative and regulatory framework of cyberspace Law. Sources of cyberspace La

Facile synthesis of new fused and non-fused heterocyclic systems from a γ-ketoacid

The chemical reactivity of 4-(2-tetryl)-4-oxobut-2-enoic acid towards carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur nucleophiles and binucleophiles namely o-phenylenediamine, o-aminophenol, and o-aminothiophenol has been studied. The investigated nucleophilic reactions result in the formation of heterocyclic compounds with fused and non-fused systems namely, pyridazinone, tetrhydroquinoline, quinoxalone, oxazinone, thiazole and benzocoumarin

Non-Invasive Panel for Prediction of Large Esophageal Varices in Patients with HCV-Related Cirrhosis after DAAS Therapy

To study sonographic and laboratory parameters as diagnostic non-invasive Indices for prediction and screening of large varices in liver cirrhotic patients post hepatitis C virus after direct Actin antiviral drugs (DAAS). Introduction: All cirrhotic patients should be screened for esophageal varices (EV) via endoscopy, as recommended by the guidelines. However, repeated endoscopy is not well accepted by patients and is a costly procedure that places a heavy burden on the endoscopic unit. Therefore, noninvasive predictors of EVs and size discrimination for EVs are of particular importance.After dividing DAAS into three arms: arm 1 with Non-EV, arm 2grad1&2 EV (Small Vriceal arm), and arm 3 grade 3&4 EV (Large Variceal arm). medical history, physical examination, standard laboratory tests, abdominal ultrasound, and sonographic parameters such as portal vein velocity (PVV). Splenic Index (SI) Splenoportal Index (SPI), platelet count/spleen diameter ratio (PCSDR) and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were performed for all participants.Results: The Noninvasive sonographic and laboratory parameters for prediction of the presence of EVs have demonstrated that low platelet count/spleen diameter ratio (PC/SD) at cut-off (CO) ≤ 1121.43 cu/mm, then high SPI at CO >3.98 cm /sec then high FIB4 at CO > 2.68 then high APRI at CO > 0.6 then PVV at CO ≤ 22.2 cm/sec then high SI at CO > 89.7 and lastly Child’s – Pugh’s score at CO > 6 respectively.. The Non Invasive sonographic and laboratory parameters for discrimination of the size of EVs showed that high SPI was found to be the most accurate parameter at CO less than >7.75 cm/sec Then low PC/SD at CO ≤ 514.08 cu/mm then high APRI at CO > 1.4 then high FIB4 at CO > 7,6 then high SI with AUC 0.821 at CO > 122.4 then low PVV at CO < 15 and lastly Child’s –Pugh’s score at CO> 6 respectively.Conclusions: The sonographic and laboratory indices are non- invasive parameters for the prediction of EV & discrimination of its size. And to determine when Upper Endoscopy is done for liver cirrhotic patients post-C after DAA

Frequency of neurological manifestations in β-thalassaemic patients in Zagazig University Hospitals

Background: Beta thalassemia syndrome is a hereditary disorder characterized by reduced or absent synthesis of thebeta chains of hemoglobin that disturbs the normal shape of red blood cells. Chronic hypoxia of the nerves resulting from severe anemia may contribute to the pathogenesis of the peripheral neuropathy in patients with β-thalassemia. The aim of this study was to find out the frequency of neurological manifestations in β- thalassemia patients and to determine the contributing factors that lead to these manifestations.Patients and Methods: This study was prospective cross sectional study conducted during the period from June 2019 to December 2020. This study was carried out on 120 thalassemia patients (67 males and 53 females), with ages ranged from 11 to 22 years old with a mean age of 16.45+3.31 years.Results: About 31.7% of the studied cases had neurological manifestations. Tingling and numbness were the main neurological symptoms among cases (24.1% and 23.3% respectively) followed by headache (21.7%), joint and muscle pain (20.8%) and tremors in hands (3.3%). Hypotonia was found in 25 cases (20.8%). Grade 4 muscle power was reported in 13 cases (10.8%) and normal (grade 5) muscle power was reported in 107 cases (89.1%). Deep tendon reflexes were normal in (89.2%) cases, while (10.8%) cases had brisk deep tendon reflexes.Conclusion: Frequency of neurological manifestations in beta thalassemia patients was 31.7%. About 26.3% of them had abnormal nerve conduction study (NCS). Age &gt;16 years old, short stature, prolonged duration of the disease, transfusion frequency &gt;10 times/year, delayed puberty and jaundice were risk factors for neurological manifestations in our studied cases

Computational Analysis Techniques: A Case Study On Fmri For Autism Spectrum Disorder

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most promising techniques in neuro-imaging. It is mainly used to either record the response of a subject to a certain task (task based fMRI) or to assess the functional connectivity while at rest (resting state fMRI). In this survey, both fMRI techniques are explained and the most commonly used techniques in each of them are discussed and criticized. For each technique the hypothesis used and the mathematical background is discussed

A case of probable esomeprazole-induced transient liver injury in a pregnant woman with hyperemesis.

We report a case of 22-year-old primigravida presented to Women's Hospital - Hamad Medical Corporation emergency with severe epigastric pain, nausea, and vomiting. On admission, she was dehydrated with remarkably worsening symptoms. Laboratory findings revealed significantly elevated liver enzymes with unknown etiology. Her past medical history showed an admission for nausea and vomiting 3 weeks previously and she was discharged on antiemetics, and esomeprazole for the first time. Due to the predominantly elevated liver enzymes, the clinical pharmacist discussed the possibility of esomeprazole-induced adverse effects and suggested to suspend esomeprazole based on the evidence from literature review. The liver enzymes showed a substantial improvement within days after the discontinuation of the drug; however, a rechallenge was not done since it could have adversely affected the mother or the fetus. Using the Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability scales, the adverse reaction due to esomeprazole was classified as 'probably'

Etiology, Pathogenesis, And Management Options Of Infra-Vesical Obstruction Due To Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Urinary Bladder Stone, Or Both: Review Article

Abstract Background: Urinary bladder stones may be a primary stone formed in the urinary bladder or migrating calculus from the upper urinary tract. Bladder stones become more symptomatic when associated with infra-vesical obstruction.The most common cause of infra-vesical obstruction in elderly men is benign prostatic hyperplasia. Benign prostatic hyperplasia can be identified clinically by a complex of symptoms. These symptoms, known as lower urinary tract symptoms, range from incomplete emptying, weak stream, nocturia, and increased urinary frequency, and can potentially progress to urinary urge incontinence and urinary retention. About 35% of elderly men above fifty years will seek medical advice and have medical treatment for infra-vesical obstruction. About 24% of patients with mild to moderate LUTS will undergo surgical management for BPH. The strong association between infra-vesical obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia and urinary bladder stones has led to the dogma that any BPH associated with bladder stones should be managed surgically. This study aims to review the etiology, pathogenesis, and management options of infra-vesical obstruction caused by BPH, urinary bladder stones, or both. We have searched literature in the American National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), PubMed, Google scholar, Egyptian bank of knowledge,and science direct

Association of the serum chemerin level with the development of diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Background: In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR) correlates positively with elevated serum chemerin levels. This study was aimed at investigating the probable association between the serum chemerin level and the development of DR in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we included Egyptians and classified them into four groups: group 1, including healthy individuals; group 2, including patients with T1DM without DR; group 3, including patients with T1DM with non-proliferative DR (NPDR); and group 4, including patients with T1DM with proliferative DR (PDR). The assessment included best-corrected distance visual acuity assessment, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, funduscopy, fundus fluorescein angiography, and macular ocular coherence tomography. Fasting blood samples were obtained from all participants to measure serum chemerin, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol, triglyceride, and creatinine levels. Serum chemerin levels were compared among the groups, and their correlations with age, duration of diabetes, HbA1c, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and creatinine levels were analyzed. Results: We recruited 209 participants, including 46 healthy individuals in group 1, 52 patients (T1DM and no DR) in group 2, 61 patients (T1DM and NPDR) in group 3, and 50 patients (T1DM and PDR) in group 4, with comparable mean ages and sex ratios among groups. The diabetes duration, body mass index, HbA1c, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and serum chemerin levels differed significantly among the groups (all P &lt; 0.001), whereas the creatinine level did not (P &gt; 0.05). The serum chemerin level was significantly higher in group 4 than in groups 3 and 2, in group 3 than in group 2, and in groups 3 and 4 than in group 1 (all P &lt; 0.001). However, it was comparable between groups 1 and 2 (P &gt; 0.05). It correlated with the duration of T1DM and HbA1c, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and creatinine levels but not with age. Conclusions: Patients with T1DM with DR showed higher serum chemerin levels than those with T1DM without DR or healthy individuals. Serum chemerin levels were higher in those with PDR than in those with NPDR. Thus, serum chemerin levels are a potential biomarker of the development and severity of DR in patients with T1DM. Nevertheless, future diagnostic accuracy studies are required to confirm these potential applications