Comparison of HemoCue® hemoglobin-meter and automated hematology analyzer in measurement of hemoglobin levels in pregnant women at Khartoum hospital, Sudan

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Assessment of hemoglobin is one of the most reliable indicators for anemia, and is widely used to screen for anemia among pregnant women. The HemoCue^®has been widely used for as a point-of-care device for hemoglobin estimation in health facilities. Previous studies showed contradictory results regarding the accuracy of HemoCue^®.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This was a hospital-based cross sectional study carried- out among pregnant women at Khartoum hospital in Sudan to find out whether the measurement of hemoglobin concentration by HemoCue^®using venous or capillary samples was comparable to that of the automated hematology analyzer as standard. Bland and Altman method was used to compare the measurements with an acceptable difference of ± 1.0 g/dl.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Among the 108 subjects in this study the mean (SD) level of hemoglobin level using HemoCue^®venous sample, HemoCue^®capillary sample and automated hematology analyzer were 12.70 (1.77), 12.87 (2.04) and 11.53 (1.63) g/dl, respectively. Although the correlations between the measurements were all significant there was no agreement between HemoCue^®and automated hematology analyzer. The bias + SD (limits of agreement) for HemoCue^®venous versus hematology analyzer was 1.17 ± 1.57 (-1.97, 4.31) g/dl, HemoCue^®capillary versus hematology analyzer was 1.34 ± 1.85 (-2.36, 5.04) g/dl, and HemoCue^®venous versus HemoCue^®capillary samples was 017 ± 1.90 and (3.97-3.63) g/dl.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Hemoglobin concentration assessment by HemoCue^®using either venous or capillary blood samples has shown unacceptable agreement with automated hematology analyzer.</p> <p>Virtual slides</p> <p>The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: <url>http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/8797022296725036</url></p

Copolymerization of Acrylamide with Acrylic acid

Low conversion copolymerization of acrylamide AM (monomer-1) have been conducted with acrylic acid AA in dry benzene at 70°C , using Benzoyl peroxide BPO as initiator . The copolymer composition has been determined by elemental analysis. The monomer reactivity ratios have been calculated by the Kelen-Tudos and Finman-Ross graphical procedures. The derived reactivity ratios (r1, r2) are: (0.620, 0.996) for (AM / AA) systems , and found that the reactivity of the monomer AA is more than the monomer AM in the copolymerization of (AA/AM) system. The reactivity ratios values were used for microstructures calculation

Ankylosing spondylitis: a case report with review of literature

Background: Ankylosing spondylitis is a relatively common worldwide chronic inflammatory disease that usually affects spine, sacroiliac joints in addition to peripheral joints and affects multiple other tissues, which can progress to bony fusion of the spine.Objective: To fill the gap of the absence of a published description of this condition in Libyan patients and to compare of the clinical presentation and other aspect of the condition in a Libyan patient with what is known worldwide.Materials and Methods: A case report of a 60 year old Libyan male who has Ankylosing spondylitis and then review the available literature.Results: The patient has been having a chronic low back pain and stiffness for the last 26 years. His symptoms are most severe in morning and improve with movement. He developed stiffness and limitation of movement of the neck and restriction of movements of the shoulder and hips. Examination showed kyphosis and limited neck movement and decreased chest expansion. His score on Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index is 6. His x-rays showed bamboo spine appearance of spine and osteoarthritis in both shoulder joints and hip joints. His presentation fits both European Spondyloarthropathy Study Group diagnostic criteria for spondyloarthropathies and the modified New York Criteria.Conclusion: Our Libyan patient shows a classical clinical and radiological picture of the condition and the diagnostic criteria and severity index could be applied easily to his cases.Keywords: Ankylosing spondylitis, Spondyloarthritis, back pain, back stiffness, bamboo spin

Insulin, estradiol levels and body mass index in pre- and post-menopausal women with breast cancer

AbstractBreast cancer is the most common cancer among women where it is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between insulin, estradiol levels and body mass index (BMI) as risk factors for breast cancer. Methods: 80 women newly diagnosed with breast cancer stage I–III invasive breast cancer, were selected randomly and divided in two groups: 40 pre-menopausal aged 26–46 years and 40 post-menopausal aged 52–90 years. Radioimmunoassay used for serum insulin levels measurement, ELISA was used for estradiol levels and BMI calculated by weight (kg)/height (m2). Results: Insulin levels in premenopausal (16.6 ± 10.5) and postmenopausal (17.9 ± 8.8); breast cancer patients showed increasing pattern from the normal levels (4.0–16.0 μIU/ml). While, the levels of estradiol in premenopausal (233 ± 173) and postmenopausal, (549 ± 468); estradiol level in postmenopausal was higher than normal level (50–300 ng/ml), its level showed significantly increase in postmenopausal breast cancer (P.Value = 0.001). Conclusion: Insulin levels increased in pre- and post-menopausal breast cancer patients while estradiol levels do not showed association with premenopausal breast cancer. High BMI, high insulin and estradiol levels in post-menopausal women may be considered as risk factors for breast cancer

Flexural behavior of one-way ferrocement slabs with fibrous cementitious matrices

Concrete compressive strength enhancement is considered as one of the popular topics in the field of civil engineering. It has received a massive attention by material and structural engineers over the past decades. The aim of this study is to investigate thin mortar matrix for the impacts of the combination of reinforcing steel meshes with discontinuous fibers, and to do this, one-way Ferrocement slabs were tested under bending with steel fibers and meshes, focusing more on the number of mesh layers (1, 2, & 3) as the studied parameter. The percentages of fiber content as volumetric ratio 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 and type of fibers golden steel fibers and waste aluminum fibers from waste metallic cans. Results showed that at general the adding of fibers regardless of its type increased the ductility of tested slabs. In addition, results showed that steel fibers are more effective than aluminum fibers

Analytical study of lipped cold-formed steel sections with edge-stiffened hole subjected to axial compression load

Cold-formed steel (CFS) have been widely used in different structural systems in residential and non-residential construction, especially roof structures due to many advantages. Firstly, no heat is used to form the sections unlike hot-rolled steel. Secondly, several steel thicknesses are offered to accommodate a wide range of structural and non-structural purposes. Researchers have recently searched in the usage of CFS sections, and their research showed an improvement in stiffness and strength of these sections. Therefore, the purpose of this search is to analyze and conduct the behaviour of lipped single and double channel back-to-back CFS sections with edge-stiffened hole. The built-up section attached with self-taping screws under axial compression load. The main focus of this search is to enhance comprehension of the axial behaviour of the simply supported lipped CFS channel sections by analyzing and conducting the behaviour of pinned end condition CFS columns under the effect of static displacement loading till failure and to conduct the verification of the previous finite element modelling. Additionally, this research, focus on determining how the properties of section affect the behaviour and axial strength of lipped CFS column sections and to develop the fundamental parameters and the numerical criteria needed for the non-linear analysis to model lipped CFS column sections

Nosocomial blood stream infection in intensive care units at Assiut University Hospitals (Upper Egypt) with special reference to extended spectrum β-lactamase producing organisms

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Aim</p> <p>This study investigated the nosocomial blood stream infection (BSI) in the adult ICUs in Assiut university hospitals to evaluate the rate of infection in different ICUs, causative microorganisms, antimicrobial resistance, outcome of infection, risk factors, prevalence of extended spectrum B-lactamase producing organisms and molecular typing of <it>Klebsiella pneumoniae </it>strains to highlight the role of environment as a potential source of nosocomial BSI.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This study was conducted over a period of 12 months from January 2006 to December 2006. All Patients admitted to the different adult ICUs were monitored daily by attending physicians for subsequent development of nosocomial BSI. Blood cultures were collected from suspected patients to detect the causative organisms. After antimicrobial susceptibility testing, detection of ESBLs was conducted among gram negative isolates. Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were tested by PCR to determine the most common group of B-lactamase genes responsible for resistance. Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from infected patients and those isolated from the environment were typed by RAPD technique to investigate the role of environment in transmission of infection.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The study included 2095 patients who were admitted to different ICUs at Assiut University Hospitals from January 2006 to December 2006. Blood samples were collected from infected patients for blood cultures. The colonies were identified and antibiotic sensitivities were performed. This study showed that the rate of nosocomial BSI was 75 per 1000 ICU admissions with the highest percentages in Trauma ICU (17%). Out of 159 patients with primary bloodstream infection, 61 patients died representing a crude mortality rate of 38%. Analysis of the organisms causing BSI showed that Gram positive organisms were reported in 69.1% (n = 121); MRSA was the most prevalent (18.9%), followed by methicillin resistant coagulase negative Staphylococci (16%). Gram negative bacilli were reported in 29.1% (n = 51). In this case, <it>Klebsiella pneumoniae </it>was the most common (10.3%) followed <it>E coli </it>(8.6%). <it>Candida spp</it>. was reported only in (1.7%) of isolates. Antibiotics sensitivities of Gram positive organisms showed that these organisms were mostly sensitive to vancomycin (90.1%), while Gram negative organisms were mostly sensitive to imipenem (90.2%). In this study we tested Gram negative isolates for the production of the ESBL enzyme and concluded that 64.7% (33/51) of patients' isolates and 20/135 (14.8%) environmental isolates were confirmed to be ESBL producers. The type of β-lactamase gene was determined by polymerase chain reaction which showed that SHV was the main type. Molecular typing was done for 18 Klebsiella pneumoniae strains that caused nosocomial BSI and for the 36 Klebsiella pneumoniae strains which were isolated from the environmental samples by the RAPD method. The two environmental strains were identical, with one isolated from a patient, which confirms the serious role of the hospital environment in the spread of infections.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Nosocomial BSI represents a current problem in Assiut University Hospitals, Egypt. Problems associated with BSI include infection with multidrug resistant pathogens (especially ESBLs) which are difficult to treat and are associated with increased mortality. Of all available anti-microbial agents, carbapenems are the most active and reliable treatment options for infections caused by ESBL isolates. However, overuse of carbapenems may lead to resistance of other Gram-negative organisms.</p

The Role of Electronic Banking in Shaping the Strategic Direction of Banks in the United Arab Emirates

The advent of digital innovation provides profound benefits and an excellent opportunity for various industries, including banking business.  A plethora of electronic banking services have been witnessed in developing countries worldwide.  The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the most economically competitive in the region and the wider world.  The adoption of electronic banking in UAE has been established a long time and increased tremendously.  Scholars and business experts revealed that although the banking sector in UAE is noted as a financial and service sector leader, the whole system of financial services and intermediation is yet to be properly utilized as a real added value tool.  The main focus of this paper is to investigate how electronic banking is shaping the strategic direction of banks in UAE, based on qualitative interviews with the bank managers and secondary data.  Moreover, what are the provisions made to improve customer-company relationship using this technology?  The results suggest that banks have thorough and defined procedures to acknowledge internet services, and although customers are still hesitant in using newer banking services, the need for sophisticated electronic banking system has acquired a new urgency.  It was suggested that the specific factors such as convenience, security transactions, and computer self-efficacy could have a significant impact to maximize their profitability and improve customer-company relationship.  Also, study revealed that trust is central to an effective functioning electronic banking system.  Although electronic banking transactions have improved over a decades in UAE, more effort is required to alleviate influences associated with lack of trust of online transactions among electronic banking users. Keywords: electronic banking, United Arab Emirate

Gama-Fe2O3 silica-coated 2-(2-benzothiazolyl azo)-4-methoxyaniline for supercapacitive performance

Magnetic g-Fe2O3@SiO2 core-shell nanocomposite was prepared using Stöber method and functionalized firstly by isopropenyloxytrimethylsilane as a coupling agent to enter active acetylacetone on the surface of nanoparticles, and after that by the synthesized azo dye ligand, 2-(2-benzothiazolyl azo)-4-methoxyaniline. In such a way, g-Fe2O3@SiO2-azo dye hybrid nanocomposite was formed. The structure of the synthesized azo dye was evidenced by physical and chemical analysis using melting point, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), CHNS elemental analysis, proton nuclear magnetic reso­nan­ce (HNMR) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The magnetic proper­ties, structure, element composition and morphology characterization of prepared mate­rials (g-Fe2O3, g-Fe2O3@SiO2, and g-Fe2O3@SiO2-azo dye) were investigated by vib­rating sample magnetometer (VSM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron spectroscopy (TEM) and field electron scanning electron micro­scopy-energy dispersive X-ray-mapping techniques. The electrochemical perfor­mance of synthe­sized g-Fe2O3, g-Fe2O3@SiO2, and g-Fe2O3@SiO2-2-(2-benzothiazolyl azo)-4-methoxy­aniline) electrodes were carried out using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galva­nostatic charge-discharge (GCD) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). It was shown that the finally prepared g-Fe2O3@SiO2-2-(2-benzothiazolyl azo)-4-methoxy­aniline) hybrid nano­composite electrode possesses good storage charge capability of 580 F g-1 at 1 A g-1

Compound Heat Transfer Enhancement in Dimpled and Sinusoidal Metal Solar Wall Ducts Fitted with Wired Inserts

An improved Metal Solar Wall (MSW) with integrated thermal energy storage is presented in this research. The proposed MSW makes use of two, combined, enhanced heat transfer methods. One of the methods is characterized by filling the tested ducts with a commercially available copper Wired Inserts (WI), while the other one uses dimpled or sinusoidal shaped duct walls instead of plane walls. Ducts having square or semi-circular cross sectional areas are tested in this work. A developed numerical model for simulating the transported thermal energy in MSW is solved by finite difference method. The model is described by system of three governing energy equations. An experimental test rig has been built and six new duct configurations have been fabricated and tested. Air is passed through the six ducts with Reynolds numbers from 1825 to 7300. Six, new, correlations for Nusselt number and friction factor are developed to assess the benefits that are gained from using the WI and the dimpled and sine-wave duct walls. It is found that higher heat transfer rates are achieved using the Dimpled, semi–circular duct with Wired Inserts (DCWI). Also, it is found that Nusselt number and the pressure drop in the DCWI are respectively (44.2% -100%) and (101.27% - 172.8%) greater than those of the flat duct with WI. The improvement in Nusselt number for flat duct with WI is found to be (1.4 – 2) times the values for flat duct with no WI. The results demonstrated that DCWI provides enhancements efficiency value that is higher than those obtained from other types of ducts. The developed MSW ducts have added to local knowledge a better understanding of the compound heat transfer enhancement