Quality of Life of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

This study aimed at exploring the assessment of Quality of Life (QOL) in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), and aiming at assessing the QOL of patients with stages 1–5 Chronic Kidney Disease CKD on conservative treatment in order to identify a possible association between Quality Of Life QOL and progression of kidney insufficiency. The results were compared with those obtained for patients on hemodialysis. Sociodemographic, clinical and laboratory data were also evaluated. And the study concluded that research efforts have expanded significantly to determine the state of pediatric CKD patient HRQOL and the factors that impact HRQOL across all stages of CKD and all modalities of renal replacement therapy. Data from all studies suggest that children with a renal transplant fare better with respect to HRQOL than those receiving dialysis

Structural and luminescence imaging and characterisation of semiconductors in the scanning electron microscope

The scanning electron microscopy techniques of electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), electron channelling contrast imaging (ECCI) and hyperspectral cathodoluminescence imaging (CL) provide complementary information on the structural and luminescence properties of materials rapidly and non-destructively, with a spatial resolution of tens of nanometres. EBSD provides crystal orientation, crystal phase and strain analysis, whilst ECCI is used to determine the planar distribution of extended defects over a large area of a given sample. CL reveals the influence of crystal structure, composition and strain on intrinsic luminescence and/or reveals defect-related luminescence. Dark features are also observed in CL images where carrier recombination at defects is non-radiative. The combination of these techniques is a powerful approach to clarifying the role of crystallography and extended defects on a materials' light emission properties. Here we describe the EBSD, ECCI and CL techniques and illustrate their use for investigating the structural and light emitting properties of UV-emitting nitride semiconductor structures. We discuss our investigations of the type, density and distribution of defects in GaN, AlN and AlGaN thin films and also discuss the determination of the polarity of GaN nanowires

Scanning electron microscope as a flexible tool for investigating the properties of UV-emitting nitride semiconductor thin films

In this paper we describe the scanning electron microscopy techniques of electron backscatter diffraction, electron channeling contrast imaging, wavelength dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and cathodoluminescence hyperspectral imaging. We present our recent results on the use of these non-destructive techniques to obtain information on the topography, crystal misorientation, defect distributions, composition, doping, and light emission from a range of UV-emitting nitride semiconductor structures. We aim to illustrate the developing capability of each of these techniques for understanding the properties of UV-emitting nitride semiconductors, and the benefits were appropriate, in combining the techniques

Advances in electron channelling contrast imaging and electron backscatter diffraction for imaging and analysis of structural defects in the scanning electron microscope

In this article we describe the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques of electron channelling contrast imaging and electron backscatter diffraction. These techniques provide information on crystal structure, crystal misorientation, grain boundaries, strain and structural defects on length scales from tens of nanometres to tens of micrometres. Here we report on the imaging and analysis of dislocations and sub-grains in nitride semiconductor thin films (GaN and AlN) and tungsten carbide-cobalt (WC-Co) hard metals. Our aim is to illustrate the capability of these techniques for investigating structural defects in the SEM and the benefits of combining these diffraction-based imaging techniques

CNS activity of ethyl acetate extract of stem bark of <em>Dodonaea viscosa </em>Linn.

184-189The major extensively recommended treatments for anxiety and insomnia disorders are the benzodiazepines; yet, they have protuberant side effects. Consequently, the progress of new pharmacological agents is well acknowledged and so it is now contemporary to search some safe and effective alternative medicine. The current study is aimed to investigate the CNS effect of the stem bark of Dodonaea viscosa in experimental animal models. Preliminary phyto-chemical screening and Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) of the ethyl acetate extract of stem bark of Dodonaea viscosa (EAEDV) were performed. Acute oral toxicity study was performed as per OECD 423 guidelines. The CNS effects were evaluated using Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and phenobarbitone induced sleeping time using Diazepam (2 mg/kg) as the standard. Phyto-chemical analysis reflects the presence of flavanoids, alkaloids, terpenoids and tannins. The TLC studies confirmed that the isolated compound was found to be quercetin. Mortality and sign of any toxicity were not observed up to the dose orally with 2000 mg/kg. For all the statistical tests performed, p<0.05 is considered to be significant. In EPM, 200 mg/kg and 400mg/kg of EAEDV produced significant p< 0.0005, p<0.0001 anti-anxiety effect respectively compared to control group and the activity was similar to that of diazepam. In addition, the extract significantly potentiated the phenobarbitone induced sleeping time

Progesterone level significance in agonist versus antagonist protocols

Objective: to evaluate the impact of serum progesterone level on the clinical outcome across agonist & antagonist protocols. Design: retrospective cohort study. Setting: IVF unit at Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, KSA. Material & Methods: A total of 943 cycles were included in the analysis, 605 long agonist protocol cycles, 227 antagonist protocol cycles & 101 short agonist protocol cycles reaching the stage of embryo transfer between November 2012 and March 2015. Main outcome: clinical pregnancy and miscarriage rates. Results: Number of retrieved, mature and fertilized oocytes, plus transferred embryos were lowest in the short protocol. Clinical pregnancy rate was the lowest in the short protocol and miscarriage rate was similar in all protocols. Setting progesterone cut off level of >1.5 nmol/L in the agonist cycles, high progesterone groups did not show difference in clinical pregnancy or miscarriage rates. In the short protocol, the group with high progesterone level had higher number of frozen embryos. In long protocol, high progesterone level group showed higher number of fertilized oocytes. A level of >2 nmol/L was set in the antagonist protocol. High progesterone group had lower clinical pregnancy rate and similar miscarriage rate, despite having higher number of fertilized oocytes and better quality of embryos. Conclusion: high progesterone level did not affect clinical pregnancy or miscarriage rates in all protocols except in the antagonist protocol where it affected the clinical pregnancy rate adversely. Keywords: Intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), In vitro fertilization (IVF), Protocols, Progesterone, Pregnancy rat

Radiologists’ Knowledge and Attitudes towards CT Radiation Dose and Exposure in Saudi Arabia—A Survey Study

Computed tomography (CT) is a key imaging technique in diagnostic radiology, providing highly sensitive and specific information. While its use has increased dramatically in recent years, the quantity and associated risks of radiation from CT scans present major challenges, particularly in paediatrics. The fundamental principles of radiation protection require that radiation quantities be as low as reasonably achievable and CT use must be justified, particularly for paediatric patients. CT radiation knowledge is a key factor in optimising and minimising radiation risk. The objective of this study was to analyse knowledge level, expertise, and competency regarding CT radiation dose and its hazards in paediatrics among radiologists in Saudi Arabian hospitals. A self-reported, multiple-choice questionnaire assessed the attitudes and opinions of radiologists involved in imaging studies using ionising radiation. Among the total respondents, 65% &plusmn; 13.5% had a good comprehension of the dangers of carcinogenicity to the patient resulting from CT scans, with 80% presuming that cancer risks were elevated. However, only 48.5%, 56.5%, and 65% of the respondents were aware of specific radiation risks in head, chest, and abdominal paediatric examinations, respectively. Regular, frequent, and specific training courses are suggested to improve the fundamental knowledge of CT radiation among radiologists and other physicians

Scanning electron microscope as a flexible tool for investigating the properties of UV-emitting nitride semiconductor thin films

In this paper we describe the scanning electron microscopy techniques of electron backscatter diffraction, electron channeling contrast imaging, wavelength dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and cathodoluminescence hyperspectral imaging. We present our recent results on the use of these non-destructive techniques to obtain information on the topography, crystal misorientation, defect distributions, composition, doping, and light emission from a range of UV-emitting nitride semiconductor structures. We aim to illustrate the developing capability of each of these techniques for understanding the properties of UV-emitting nitride semiconductors, and the benefits were appropriate, in combining the techniques