3D RECONSTRUCTION OF ANCIENT EGYPTIAN ROCK-CUT TOMBS: THE CASE OF M.I.D.A.N.05.

Abstract. In this paper we present an on-going work to reconstruct a 3D model of M.I.D.A.N.05., an ancient Egyptian tomb located in Luxor. The reconstruction aims at producing a high quality 3D model of the tomb to help in archaeological investigation and other scientific uses. We present details about the different stages of the used reconstruction pipeline, the results so far, and the evaluation of the results in view of the project objectives

Effect of nanoparticles on biological contamination of in vitro cultures and organogenic regeneration of banana

Abstract This study aimed to identify biological contaminants of banana in vitro cultures. We also tested the effect of Zn or ZnO nanoparticles on elimination of some bacterial and fungal contaminants and their influence regeneration. Nine strains of bacterial contaminants (Cellulomonas uda, Cellulomonas flarigena, Corynebacterium panrometabolum, Bacillus megaterium, Staphylococcus spp., Klebsiella spp., Erwinia cypripedii, Pseudomonas spp. and Proteus spp.) and four fungal (Fusarium spp., Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp. and Candida spp.) contaminants were identified in nanoparticles-free media of banana in vitro cultures. They eventually led the explants death. The contamination-free cultures of banana in vitro cultures were obtained as a result of application of nano Zn and ZnO particles to the culture MS media, with no negative effect on regeneration. The callus growth decreased while total proline as well as SOD, CAT and POX activities were increased significantly, when the nanoparticles doses increased. The highest percent of somatic embryogenesis was observed in MS media supplemented with 100 mg/L nano Zn followed by nano ZnO. Excellent shooting, rooting and regenerated plantlets were observed also in MS+100 mg/L nano Zn and ZnO. Regenerated plantlets were successfully acclimatized with about 98% efficiency for the experimental period (one month). Nanoparticles treated somaclones accumulated more proline, chlorophyll, antioxidant enzymes activity and developed more dry weight accumulation than the control. In conclusion, the microbial contaminants in banana in vitro culture can effectively be eliminated by incorporation of nano Zn and nano ZnO particles on growth media at different concentrations. However, 100 mg/L dose was preferable because it showed the best effects on increasing the regeneration of plantlets with well-formed root systems. Further studies are needed to investigate the mechanisms and the side effects of nanoparticles on genetic stability of banana in vitro cultures

Burnout among surgeons before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: an international survey

Background: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had many significant impacts within the surgical realm, and surgeons have been obligated to reconsider almost every aspect of daily clinical practice. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study reported in compliance with the CHERRIES guidelines and conducted through an online platform from June 14th to July 15th, 2020. The primary outcome was the burden of burnout during the pandemic indicated by the validated Shirom-Melamed Burnout Measure. Results: Nine hundred fifty-four surgeons completed the survey. The median length of practice was 10 years; 78.2% included were male with a median age of 37 years old, 39.5% were consultants, 68.9% were general surgeons, and 55.7% were affiliated with an academic institution. Overall, there was a significant increase in the mean burnout score during the pandemic; longer years of practice and older age were significantly associated with less burnout. There were significant reductions in the median number of outpatient visits, operated cases, on-call hours, emergency visits, and research work, so, 48.2% of respondents felt that the training resources were insufficient. The majority (81.3%) of respondents reported that their hospitals were included in the management of COVID-19, 66.5% felt their roles had been minimized; 41% were asked to assist in non-surgical medical practices, and 37.6% of respondents were included in COVID-19 management. Conclusions: There was a significant burnout among trainees. Almost all aspects of clinical and research activities were affected with a significant reduction in the volume of research, outpatient clinic visits, surgical procedures, on-call hours, and emergency cases hindering the training. Trial registration: The study was registered on clicaltrials.gov "NCT04433286" on 16/06/2020

Effects of hospital facilities on patient outcomes after cancer surgery: an international, prospective, observational study

Background Early death after cancer surgery is higher in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared with in high-income countries, yet the impact of facility characteristics on early postoperative outcomes is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the association between hospital infrastructure, resource availability, and processes on early outcomes after cancer surgery worldwide.Methods A multimethods analysis was performed as part of the GlobalSurg 3 study-a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study of patients who had surgery for breast, colorectal, or gastric cancer. The primary outcomes were 30-day mortality and 30-day major complication rates. Potentially beneficial hospital facilities were identified by variable selection to select those associated with 30-day mortality. Adjusted outcomes were determined using generalised estimating equations to account for patient characteristics and country-income group, with population stratification by hospital.Findings Between April 1, 2018, and April 23, 2019, facility-level data were collected for 9685 patients across 238 hospitals in 66 countries (91 hospitals in 20 high-income countries; 57 hospitals in 19 upper-middle-income countries; and 90 hospitals in 27 low-income to lower-middle-income countries). The availability of five hospital facilities was inversely associated with mortality: ultrasound, CT scanner, critical care unit, opioid analgesia, and oncologist. After adjustment for case-mix and country income group, hospitals with three or fewer of these facilities (62 hospitals, 1294 patients) had higher mortality compared with those with four or five (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3.85 [95% CI 2.58-5.75]; p<0.0001), with excess mortality predominantly explained by a limited capacity to rescue following the development of major complications (63.0% vs 82.7%; OR 0.35 [0.23-0.53]; p<0.0001). Across LMICs, improvements in hospital facilities would prevent one to three deaths for every 100 patients undergoing surgery for cancer.Interpretation Hospitals with higher levels of infrastructure and resources have better outcomes after cancer surgery, independent of country income. Without urgent strengthening of hospital infrastructure and resources, the reductions in cancer-associated mortality associated with improved access will not be realised

3D RECONSTRUCTION OF ANCIENT EGYPTIAN ROCK-CUT TOMBS: THE CASE OF M.I.D.A.N.05.

In this paper we present an on-going work to reconstruct a 3D model of M.I.D.A.N.05., an ancient Egyptian tomb located in Luxor. The reconstruction aims at producing a high quality 3D model of the tomb to help in archaeological investigation and other scientific uses. We present details about the different stages of the used reconstruction pipeline, the results so far, and the evaluation of the results in view of the project objectives

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors Assessment of Bovine Leukemia Virus in Cattle in Beheira, Egypt

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is the etiological agent of enzootic bovine leucosis (EBL), which is the most prevalent neoplastic disease of cattle worldwide. Few studies have been conducted on BLV detection in Egypt, and it is unknown whether BLV is prevalent in some areas. BLV seroprevalence has never been identified in Beheira province. Therefore, the main objective of this research was to determine the seroprevalence of BLV among cattle in Beheira. A total of 368 cattle plasma samples (219 dairy and 149 beef) from 6 dairy farms, 1 beef farm, and 9 slaughterhouses in eight districts covering most geographical areas of Beheira were investigated using a commercial ELISA for the detection of anti-gp51 antibodies. Data were analyzed, and the risk factors associated with BLV infection were evaluated. Out of the whole samples, 44 (11.9%) tested positive for BLV, and the seroprevalence rates in dairy and beef cattle were 31/219 (14.2%) and 13/149 (8.7%), respectively. Cattle breed had a significant risk factor on BLV seroprevalence, as in Holstein cattle, it was 21.65% (OR= 3.1, p <0.004) higher than mixed local breed (8.20%) in dairy cattle. However, Colombian cattle showed the highest seroprevalence (19.15%) among tested beef cattle breeds.  Additionally, neither age nor farming system had a potential risk on BLV seroprevalence in the tested dairy or beef cattle (p > 0.1). It is concluded that BLV infection is widespread among cattle in Beheira province's various localities, with a potential risk for cattle of foreign breeds to contract the BLV infection

Molecular, Immunomodulatory, and Histopathological Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Beetroot Extract on Cisplatin Induced Testicular Damage in Albino Rats

Cisplatin (Cis) a drug commonly used as a chemotherapeutic agent to treat various types of cancer, inducing testicular damage. The present study aimed to investigate the inhibitory potential of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and beetroot extract (BRE) in albino rats after testicular toxicity induced by cisplatin. Thirty adult male albino rats were grouped into: the control group, Cis group receiving a single dose of 7 mg/kg i.p. (intraperitoneal) to induce testicular toxicity, Cis plus BM-MSCs injected Cis followed by 2 × 106 of BM-MSCs; Cis plus BRE group receiving Cis followed by 300 mg/kg body weight/day of BRE, and Cis plus BM-MSCs and BRE group. In the current study, Cis reduced sperm count, serum testosterone level, and testicular activity of alkaline phosphatase (AKP), besides a marked inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity. In addition, it significantly increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and along with a marked decrease in testis reduced glutathione content and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). At the same time, Cis administration resulted in a marked elevation in interleukine-6 and the iNOS and caspase-3 genes; however, it decreased the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR). Combined treatment with BM-MSCs and BRE resulted in great improvement of all previous parameters. These results were also confirmed by histopathological and immunohistochemical examination. In conclusion, both MSCs and BRE were found to have potent potentials to inhibit testicular damage induced by cisplatin