Can Chronic Nitric Oxide Inhibition Improve Liver and Renal Dysfunction in Bile Duct Ligated Rats?

The aims of the present work were to study the effects of chronic NO inhibition on liver cirrhosis and to analyze its relationship with liver and kidney damage markers. Two inhibitors of NO synthesis (inducible NO synthase (iNOS) inhibitor, aminoguanidine (AG), and nonselective NOS inhibitor, L-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME)) were administered for 6 weeks to bile duct ligated (BDL) rats 3 days after surgery. The present study showed that BDL was associated with liver injury and renal impairment. BDL increased liver NO content and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. This was corroborated by increased oxidative stress, TNF-α, TGF-1β, and MMP-13 genes overexpression. Although both drugs reduced NO synthesis and TNF-α gene overexpression, only AG improved renal dysfunction and liver damage and reduced liver oxidative stress. However, L-NAME exacerbated liver and renal dysfunction. Both drugs failed to modulate TGF-1β and MMP-13 genes overexpression. In conclusion, inhibition of NO production by constitutive nitric oxide synthase (cNOS) plays a crucial role in liver injury and renal dysfunction while inhibition of iNOS by AG has beneficial effect. TNF-α is not the main cytokine responsible for liver injury in BDL model. Nitric oxide inhibition did not stop the progression of cholestatic liver damage

Modeling of Coastal Processes in the Mediterranean Sea: A Pilot Study on the Entrance of Suez Canal in Egypt

The main objective of this research is applying numerical modeling to simulate the impact of the Suez Canal jetties on the beach morphology and hydrodynamic regime along the Suez Canal coastal zone. In addition, coastal processes including waves and wave-induced currents will be evaluated using 2D modeling. This research will contribute to quantify the shoreline stability during the last three decades. Hydrodynamic and sediment transport (ST) models are utilized to predict sediment transport pathways and how sediment might move within the entrance of Suez Canal port. Remote sensing analyses of the Landsat Thematic Mapper images during 2000–2018 show siltation processes at the entrance of the Suez Canal. Vector analyses of the images’ data indicated updrift accretion at a rate of +15 m/year and downdrift erosion at a rate of −13 m/year. Coastal processes including waves and currents contribute to shoaling problem along the navigation channel of the Suez Canal port. Applications of 2-3D models were used to simulate wave and current dissipation. In addition, beach slope profiles and hydrodynamic models are used to help in understanding the impact of coastal processes on beach morphology and hydrodynamic regime controlling siltation problem along the entrance of Port Said harbor

Educational beliefs development with pre- and in-service teachers using Perry's model: a cross-cultural study

Contrary to the prevailing thinking about beliefs change, Perry (1970), in his model of “Intellectual and Ethical Development”, described structural cognitive and ethical changes that take place during students’ experiences in university education. The research reported here used Johnstone’s (1998) adaptation of Perry’s (1970) scheme of “Intellectual and Ethical Development” to investigate pre- and in-service teachers’ belief change, to examine whether teachers’ beliefs are rooted in a Victorian system and whether they are facilitators or inhibitors of educational change? Using quantitative and qualitative approaches, the current study traced the development of the beliefs of cross sectional groups of pre- and in-service teachers, identified the factors and the influences that in-service teachers perceived to be of great effect on changing their belief profiles and uncovered teachers’ perceptions of what could be the leverage points of educational change. These examinations were conducted in two cultural settings: Egypt and Scotland. Findings confirmed that the beliefs of pre- and in-service teachers do change over time. These changes followed various patterns. In some groups, the change identified contradicted the change anticipated by Perry in his model. Furthermore, major contextual barriers to belief change and interpretation have been identified. Despite the collective effect of these barriers, teachers singled out current curriculum and assessment frameworks as the greatest barriers to changing beliefs and practices. Recommendations include a process of personal and systemic change as a means to achieve the paradigm shift necessary to develop the beliefs in accord with 21st century education reform; provision of specifically designed teacher education programmes and the development of professional development modules

Comparative Study of the Photocatalytic Activity of Semiconductor Nanostructures and Their Hybrid Metal Nanocomposites on the Photodegradation of Malathion

This work is devoted to synthesize different semiconductor nanoparticles and their metal-hybrid nanocomposites such as TiO2, Au/TiO2, ZnO, and Au/ZnO. The morphology and crystal structure of the prepared nanomaterials are characterized by the TEM and XRD, respectively. These materials are used as catalysts for the photodegradation of Malathion which is one of the most commonly used pesticides in the developing countries. The degradation of 10 ppm Malathion under ultraviolet (UV) and visible light in the presence of the different synthesized nanocomposites was analyzed with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and UV-Visible Spectra. A comprehensive study is carried out for the catalytic efficiency of the prepared nanoparticles. Different factors influencing the catalytic photodegradation are investigated, as different light source, surface coverage, and nature of the organic contaminants. The results indicate that hybrid nanocomposite of the semiconductor-metal hybrid serves as a better catalytic system compared with semiconductor nanoparticles themselves

Cystic lesions in multislice computed tomography of the chest: A diagnostic approach

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the role of Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT) in the detection, diagnosis and differentiation of possible causes of chest cystic lesions using different capabilities of MSCT.Patients and methodsThe study involved 43 patients. Clinical examination, history taking, relevant laboratory data, pulmonary function test if needed, together with different techniques of MSCT according to the assessed case were done to reach the possible diagnosis, and then pathology assessment was needed in 11 cases.ResultsMSCT showed that 30 (70%) of cases were lung cysts, 5 (12%) of cases were mediastinal, 4 (9%) of cases were pleural and 4 (9%) of cases were chest wall. 25 (42%) of cases were with single cyst and 18 (58%) of cases were with multiple cysts. 23 (47%) of cases were with air containing cysts and 20 (53%) of cases were with fluid containing cysts. We discussed the differentiating MSCT features of various cystic lesions and the approach used to reach final diagnosis.ConclusionCystic lesions of the thorax have a wide range of differential diagnosis, and to reach the cause a multidisciplinary approach should be done. The role of MSCT imaging is essential in diagnosis and evaluation of different chest cystic lesions

Overview on Hepatitis B vaccination

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is increasing globally, posing a serious public health problem. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and mortality are among the leading causes of death worldwide. Concerns for public health are amplified by the fact that about a third of the world's population is afflicted with HBV. HBV infection may result in cirrhosis, hepatocellular cancer, or both (HCC).Immunization is the most cost-effective strategy available worldwide for controlling and preventing hepatitis B in terms of benefit-cost ratio. Objective: This review article discusses the most critical components of the HBV vaccine and the most efficient strategies for increasing HBV vaccinatio

Effect of a Self-Etch Adhesive Containing Nanobioglass on Postoperative Sensitivity of Posterior Composite Restorations - A Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND: Postoperative sensitivity is one of the major problems regarding posterior resin composite restorations that causes patient discomfort, maybe a reason for replacement of the restoration with an additional office time. AIM: To evaluate the effect of the addition of a Nanobioglass to a self-etch adhesive on the reduction of post-operative sensitivity following composite restorations versus a self-etch adhesive that is free of Nanobioglass agent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen patients having class II carious lesions were included in the study. After cavity preparation, each tooth was randomised to one of the following restorative treatments. Teeth in the control group were restored using self-etch adhesive (OptiBond All-In-One, Kerr) that is free of nanobioglass agent, and nano-hybrid resin composite (Herculite Ultra, Kerr). Restoration of teeth in the experimental group was similar to the control except that a nanobioglass agent was added to the self-etch adhesive. Patients were contacted for evaluation of postoperative sensitivity at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months. Data were analyzed using friedmann test followed by fisher exact test. RESULTS: The experimental group (self-etch adhesive containing nanobioglass) showed a significantly less postoperative sensitivity compared with the control group (Self-etch adhesive free of nanobioglass) at 1 day, and 1-week evaluation periods. While both groups did not possess any significant difference at 1 month, and 3 months periods. CONCLUSION: The problem of postoperative sensitivity following resin composite restorations could be solved by the addition of bioglass nanoparticles into dental adhesives

Studio analitico sui materiali utilizzati nei dipinti murali della “Camera dell’amore” del Palazzo El Sakakeny

In the present study, a comprehensive investigation has been undertaken into mural paintings dating to the 19 th century and painted by Italian students. They were initially located in El Sakakeny Palace in El Sakakeny Square in Egypt. The analytical instruments used for investigation were Optical Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy with EDX, X-Ray diffraction and Fourier Transform Infrared coupled with Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR). The analysis revealed that the pigments used in the mural paintings were hematite, litharge, zincate, gold oxide, Goethite (brown ochre) and malachite mixed with linseed oil or animal glue. The original ground layer comprises zincate with gypsum. The medium used in the ground layer is animal glue and the support is limestone.Nel presente studio è stata realizzata un’indagine completa su dipinti murali realizzati da studenti italiani e risalenti al XIX secolo, inizialmente situati nel Palazzo El Sakakeny, nell’omonima piazza in Egitto. Gli strumenti analitici utilizzati per l’indagine sui materiali sono stati la Microscopia Ottica, Microscopia Elettronica a Scansione con EDX, Diffrazione a Raggi X e trasformata di Fourier accoppiata con Riflettanza Totale Attenuata (FTIR-ATR). Le analisi hanno rivelato la presenza di pigmenti come ematite, litargirio, ossido di zinco, ossido dioro, goethite (ocra bruna) e malachite utilizzati per la realizzazione delle pitture murali, mescolati con olio di lino o con colla animale. Lo strato di fondo originario comprende ossido di zinco e gesso; il legante utilizzato nel fondo è colla animale, mentre il supporto è costituito da una pietra calcarea

Influence of Handprint Culture Training on Compliance of Healthcare Workers with Hand Hygiene

Objective. We aimed to study the effect of visual observation of bacterial growth from handprints on healthcare workers’ (HCWs) compliance with hand hygiene (HH). Settings. Medical and postoperative cardiac surgery units. Design. Prospective cohort study. Subject. The study included 40 HCWs. Intervention. Each HCW was interviewed on 3 separate occasions. The 1st interview was held to obtain a handprint culture before and after a session demonstrating the 7 steps of HH using alcohol-based hand rub, allowing comparison of results before and after HH. A 2nd interview was held 6 weeks later to obtain handprint culture after HH. A 3rd interview was held to obtain a handprint culture before HH. One month before implementation of handprint cultures and during the 12-week study period, monitoring of HCWs for compliance with HH was observed by 2 independent observers. Main Results. There was a significant improvement in HH compliance following handprint culture interview (p<0.001). The frequency of positive cultures, obtained from patients with suspected healthcare-associated infections, significantly declined (blood cultures: p=0.001; wound cultures: p = 0,003; sputum cultures: p=0.005). Conclusion. The visual message of handprint bacterial growth before and after HH seems an effective method to improve HH compliance