Synthesis, Spectral Study and Theoretical Treatment of Some Mixing Ligand Complexes of Quinaldic Acid and 1, 10-Phenathroline

Metal complexes of Cu (II), Fe (III) and Mn (II) with Quinaldic acid (L1) and 1, 10-Phenathroline (L2) are synthesized and characterized by standaral physic- chemical procedures (element analysis, metal analysis, FTIR, Uv-Vis, magnetic moment and conductometeric measurements). On the base of these studies, mononuclear and six coordinated octahedral geometry and nonelectrolyte of these complexes have been proposed. The standard heat of formation (?Hºf) and binding energy (?Eb) for the free ligands and their complexes are calculated by using the PM3 method at 273K of Hyperchem.-8 program. The complexes are more stable than their ligands. Moreover, the electrostatic potential of free ligands are measured to investigate the reactive site of the molecules, PM3 is used to evaluate the vibrational spectra of the free ligands, the frequencies are obtained approximately agreed with those values experimentally found; in addition, the calculation helps to assign clearly the most diagnostic bands

Risk Factors of Hypocalcemic Patients at Surgical Intensive Care Unit of Zagazig University Hospitals

Background: Hypocalcemia may be present as an asymptomatic laboratory finding or as a severe life-threatening condition. Objective: The study aimed to estimate incidence rate of hypocalcemia and to identify risk factors associated with hypocalcemia in patients of Surgical Intensive Care Unit of Zagazig University Hospitals. Patients and methods: This study involved 310 patients who enrolled to Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Zagazig University Hospitals over a period of six months. Total serum calcium concentration and ionized calcium concentration were measured. Results: The distribution of the studied cases according to admission diagnosis, 40% of the studied cases were admitted to ICU due to sepsis and septic shock, 16% polytrauma, 10% respiratory failure, 10% post-operative monitoring, 6% with ICH, 6% with uncontrolled HTN, 4% with ischemic stroke, 2% pancreatitis, 2% dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, 2% DKA and one case due to organophosphorus poisoning and 1% rhabdomyolysis. There was statistically significant negative correlation between GCS score and Ca total and ionized at 3rd day. However, a statistically significant positive correlation was detected between Ph and Ca total at 3rd day. Only sepsis, septic shock, hypertensive crisis, aminoglycosides, respiratory failure and APACHE score were significant risk factors for hypocalcemia. Conclusion: Hypocalcemia is more common in cases with sepsis and septic shock, hypertensive crisis, respiratory failure and cases with electrolyte disturbance

Status of greenhouses in Khartoum and Gezira States, Sudan

   Greenhouse technology facilitates the cultivation of most horticultural crops in any region of the world, provided that the greenhouse is properly designed and equipped to control environmental conditions. The objective of this study was to investigate the characteristics of greenhouses in Khartoum and Gezira States, Sudan, and show their drawbacks and disadvantages.  A survey was carried out using a questionnaire and interviews with greenhouse owners in Khartoum and Gezira States. Khartoum and Gezira States have about 68 greenhouse projects, 33 of them were selected for the study. The data were collected during 2013 and were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) computer program. Results showed that 69.7% of greenhouses were privately owned and the vast majority of greenhouses were used to produce vegetable crops or seedlings. Results indicated that most of the greenhouses designs are not suited to the hot arid tropics of the Sudan. More than half of greenhouses had the arched system, most of them were covered by polyethylene, 69.7% of greenhouses were constructed in a single span, 72.7% had a single door, 76.3% of greenhouses had a height between 2.5 m to 3 m and 42.6% of them were 40 m long. Accordingly, an ideal greenhouse design is needed in which all the drawbacks and shortcomings are corrected to suit the arid conditions of central Sudan

Current status of tomato greenhouse production in Khartoum and Gezira States, Sudan.

Tomato production under protected cultivation has increased consistently in recent decades in the Sudan. The objective of this study was to investigate the current situation of tomato cultural practices in existing greenhouses in Khartoum and Gezira States. A survey was carried out using a questionnaire and interviews with greenhouse owners in Khartoum and Gezira States. Khartoum and Gezira States have about 68 greenhouse projects, 33 of them were selected for the study. Data were collected during 2013 and analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). Results indicated that a large number of introduced tomato cultivars were used for production and most of greenhouse farmers (48.5%) sow tomato seeds in mid-February. The majority of farmers (63.6%) grow tomato in high plant density (30cm). More than half of greenhouses (75.8 %) had no specific fertilizer programs. Most of the greenhouse farmers (90.9 %) prune weekly. All greenhouse farmers used pesticides for pest control. Our observations indicated that most of the growers failed to produce summer tomato. Accordingly, further research in tomato greenhouse production is needed

Evaluation of Corneal High Order Aberrations in Post Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis versus Photorefractive Keratectomy in Myope

Background Aberrations of the eye are the difference between two surfaces: the ideal and the actual wave front. Higher order aberrations are a relatively small component, comprising about 10% of the eye’s total aberrations. High order aberrations increase with age and minor symmetry exists between the right and the left eyes. Aim and objectives To Compare corneal high order aberrations in post laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis with corneal high order aberrations in post Photorefractive keratectomy in myope. Subjects and methods this study was designed as a prospective randomized intervention study that conducted on 40 myopic eyes. The eyes divided into two randomized groups. Group A: 20 myopic eyes corrected with laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis and Group B: 20 myopic eyes corrected with Photorefractive keratectomy. Cases were collected for LASIK and PRK at operative theater in Beni-Suef University Hospital and clear vision laser center in Cairo, from May 2019 till January 2022. Result There was clinically significant difference between pre- and post-operative visual acuity, vertical trefoil and vertical coma of LASIK group and there was clinically significant between pre- and post-operative visual acuity, vertical trefoil and vertical coma of PRK group. But there was no significant difference between LASIK and PRK in visual acuity, spherical aberration, higher order 5 mm and 6 mm, vertical coma and Vertical trefoil. Conclusion There is non-significant increase in higher order aberration and spherical aberration post LASIK and post PRK with lesser amount in PRK

Generation of open metatarsal fracture in rats: a model for secondary fracture healing

A fracture model in rats for the study of secondary bone healing was described. Standard open midshaft transverse metatarsal fracture was produced with bone cutting forceps in 28 rats. The commonly open and close fracture models utilized for bone and mineral researches are associated with varying degree of complications ranging from a high degree of fracture comminution to severe associated soft tissue injury which interferes with the healing process. We hypothesized that fracture model in rat third metatarsal bone could be associated with low -post-surgical complications and could be a reproducible model. To test this, open mid-shaft transverse fractures were created on the metatarsals of 28 rats. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the fracture complications, to determine the nature of fracture produced, evaluate the fracture consolidation during healing periods, and to assess the histological and radiographic healing of the fracture. The fracture produced in the mid metatarsal shaft of all rats was 100% transverse, 73% located at the midshaft. Minimal fracture angulations were recorded (0.48 ± 0.09o; 0.78 ± 0.17o) for anterior-posterior and lateral views respectively. Minimal soft tissue injury was recorded immediately post-surgery, but no infection and the delayed union was observed. Varying degrees of weight-bearing lameness was also recorded but seized at day six onward post-operative. Callus index observed was peaked at week 2 and 3 (2.02 ± 0.1, 1.99 ± 0.13) respectively but declined to 1.10 ± 0.04 at week 7 during the consolidation period. The fracture line disappeared completely at week 7. The histological and radiographic healing scores were (3.5 ± 0.13 and 3.75 ± 0.25) respectively (out of the maximum healing score of 4) at week 7 post-operative. There was a positive correlation between the histological and radiographic healing scores. The metatarsal fracture model is considered to be a suitable model for in vivo study of secondary fracture healing

Postnatal ex vivo rat model for longitudinal bone growth investigations

Background: Chondrocytes in the growth plate (GP) undergo increases in volume during different cascades of cell differentiation during longitudinal bone growth. The volume increase is reported to be the most significant variable in understanding the mechanism of long bone growth. Methods: Forty‐five postnatal Sprague‐Dawley rat pups, 7‐15 days old were divided into nine age groups (P7‐P15). Five pups were allocated to each group. The rats were sacrificed and tibia and metatarsal bones were harvested. Bone lengths were measured after 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours of ex vivo incubation. Histology of bones was carried out, and GP lengths and chondrocyte densities were determined. Results: There were significant differences in bone length among the age groups after 0 and 72 hours of incubation. Histological sectioning was possible in metatarsal bone from all age groups, and in tibia from 7‐to 13‐day‐old rats. No significant differences in tibia and metatarsal GP lengths were seen among different age groups at 0 and 72 hours of incubation. Significant differences in chondrocyte densities along the epiphyseal GP of the bones between 0 and 72 hours of incubation were observed in most of the age groups. Conclusion: Ex vivo growth of tibia and metatarsal bones of rats aged 7‐15 days old is possible, with percentage growth rates of 23.87 ± 0.80% and 40.38 ± 0.95%measured in tibia and metatarsal bone, respectively. Histological sectioning of bones was carried out without the need for decalcification in P7‐P13 tibia and P7‐P15metatarsal bone. Increases in chondrocyte density along the GP influence overall bone elongation

Work stress, work-family conflict, and psychological distress among resort employees: a JD-R model and spillover theory perspectives

The hospitality industry is well-known for its challenging and high-pressure work settings. In this context, employees commonly face a multitude of stressors originating from their roles and job responsibilities, which can significantly impact their psychological wellbeing. Hence, based on the job demands-resources (JD-R) model and the spillover theory, this study aims to empirically explore the direct and indirect effect of work stress (assessed by role overload, ambiguity, and conflict) on psychological distress among frontline employees in 3- and 4-star Egyptian resorts while considering the mediating influence of work-family conflict (WFC). Four hypotheses were put to the test through the application of the PLS-SEM 4.0 version (4.0.9.9). Based on the findings from 563 frontline employees who participated in this research, the study supports the four hypotheses affirming that work-related stressors significantly contributed to employees' psychological distress. Further, the findings highlighted that these stressors significantly spill over into employees' family lives, generating conflicts between work and family roles. In addition, the results emphasized the significance of WFC as a contributing factor to employees' psychological distress. Finally, the study concluded that WFC partially mediates the link between work stress and employees' psychological distress. Based on these findings, some theoretical and practical implications for hospitality scholars, resort management, and policymakers were suggested to enhance the employees' wellbeing and mitigate psychological distress in this vital sector

Consensus evidence-based clinical practice recommendations for the diagnosis and treat-to-target management of osteoporosis in chronic kidney disease stages G4-G5D and post-transplantation: An initiative of Egyptian Academy of Bone Health

The aim of this study was to reach a consensus on an updated version of the recommendations for the diagnosis and Treat-to-Target management of osteoporosis that is effective and safe for individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) G4-G5D/kidney transplant. Delphi process was implemented (3 rounds) to establish a consensus on 10 clinical domains: (1) study targets, (2) risk factors, (3) diagnosis, (4) case stratification, (5) treatment targets, (6) investigations, (7) medical management, (8) monitoring, (9) management of special groups, (10) fracture liaison service. After each round, statements were retired, modified, or added in view of the experts' suggestions, and the percent agreement was calculated. Statements receiving rates of 7-9 by more than 75% of experts' votes were considered as achieving consensus. The surveys were sent to an expert panel ( = 26), of whom 23 participated in the three rounds (2 were international experts and 21 were national). Most of the participants were rheumatologists (87%), followed by nephrologists (8.7%), and geriatric physicians (4.3%). Eighteen recommendations, categorized into 10 domains, were obtained. Agreement with the recommendations (rank 7-9) ranged from 80 to 100%. Consensus was reached on the wording of all 10 clinical domains identified by the scientific committee. An algorithm for the management of osteoporosis in CKD has been suggested. A panel of international and national experts established a consensus regarding the management of osteoporosis in CKD patients. The developed recommendations provide a comprehensive approach to assessing and managing osteoporosis for all healthcare professionals involved in its management. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2022 by The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.