NDM-539: IRON ORE MINE WASTE FLOODWATER EXTENT MAPPING UTILIZING REMOTE SENSING DERIVED INDICES

The collapse of two iron ore mine dams in south-eastern Brazil on 5 November 2015 is one of the recent environmental disasters. The clean-up and environment recovery would take several years and cost billions of dollars. Mapping the extent of the affected areas and monitoring the water quality deterioration is a challenge. In this study the new optical satellite SENTINEL 2 imagery along LANDSAT 8 were utilized to test the applicability of the Land Surface Water Index (LSWI) and Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI) in the mapping process. The systematic coverage of the study area from the aforementioned satellites before and after the incident were studied and compared. The dynamics of LSWI, MNDWI were utilized in the delineation of the affected areas. Both quantitative and qualitative measures to assess the mine waste floodwater extent were developed. The high reflectance in both the 650-nm and 750-nm wavebands as an indication of Iron-Oxide precipitates occurrence was also tested. The study revealed that the mine tailings extended about 500 Km downstream. The affected areas and extent revealed from the study results were validated against the official figures from the Brazilian government. There was a good agreement between the study results and the published figures. The temporal variation in the Iron-Oxide precipitates occurrence was successfully mapped. In addition, visual interpretation go well with the study results. The findings of this study indicates that the proposed algorithm can be used in the timely mapping of the iron ore mine waste floodwater disaster

Frequency of abdominal aortic aneurysm in persons who have been examined with ultrasound at Kasr Al-Ainy Hospitals: a single center pilot study

Introduction: To know frequency of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) using ultrasound and clarify associated risk factors in 1000 Egyptians. Material and methods: Prospective study. 1000 patients aged 50 years or more (mean: 57.97 ± [7.68]) were examined by B-mode ultrasound at our radiology department to measure suprarenal maximum diameter of the abdominal aorta (wall to wall measurement) and to identify the occurrence of AAA (aneurysms were defined as 1.5 times the mean diameter). Demographic data and risk factors were also noted. Results: Mean aortic diameter in study population was 18.9 ± (3.2) mm. AAA diameter was 28.3 mm. Frequency of AAA was 1.5%. AAA prevalence: 2.35% in males versus 0.75% in females. Prevalence of AAA in different age groups: < 60 years (n = 653), 60–70 (n = 282), > 70 years (n = 65) was 6 (0.9%), 6 (2.1%), 3 (4.6%) respectively. Patients with AAA were older (P < 0.001), more often male (P < 0.001), smokers (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Study showed that mean aortic diameter was 18.9 mm and AAA is present in 1.5% of the study population which was less than that seen in previously conducted studies in other countries

Dynamic Behavior of Jacket Type Offshore Structure

Unlike structures in the air, the vibration analysis of a submerged or floating structure such as offshore structures is possible only when the fluid-structures is understood, as the whole or part of the structure is in contact with water. Using the commercial F.E.A. program ANSYS (v.12.0) (to model the Winkler and Brick-full bond models) and program ABAQUS(v.6.9) (to model the Brickinterface model), the stress matrix considering a dynamic load was superposed on the stiffness matrix of the structure. A time domain solution is recommended, using the generalized Morison’s equation by FORTRAN90 program to construct a program to calculate the wave forces, and Airy's linear and Second Order Stoke's wave theories are employed to describe the flow characteristics by using MAPLE13 program (to solve and apply the boundary conditions of the problems on Laplace's equation), and the results are compared and discussed. Both free and forced vibration analyses are carried out for two case studies

DNA Fingerprinting of the Local Pathogenic Bacteria Which Treated with Copper

Copper (Cu) is an essential trace element for all aerobic organisms. It functions as a cofactor in enzymes that catalyze a wide variety of redox reactions due to its ability to cycle between two oxidation states, Cu(I) and Cu(II). This same redox property of copper has the potential to cause toxicity if copper homeostasis is not maintained. Studies suggest that the toxic properties of copper are harnessed by the innate immune system of the host to kill bacteria. The aim of this research is show the DNA fingerprinting of two local pathogenic bacteria(Staphlococcus aureus isolated from body fluid and  E.coli isolated from urine) which treated with Copper  to clarify the role of copper's antibacterial activity against bacterial species could be utilized in health care facilities and in food processing plants. Keywords: Staphlococcus aureus, E.coli, Copper, copper's antibacterial

Future regenerative medicine developments and their therapeutic applications

: Although the currently available pharmacological assays can cure most pathological disorders, they have limited therapeutic value in relieving certain disorders like myocardial infarct, peripheral vascular disease, amputated limbs, or organ failure (e.g. renal failure). Pilot studies to overcome such problems using regenerative medicine (RM) delivered promising data. Comprehensive investigations of RM in zebrafish or reptilians are necessary for better understanding. However, the precise mechanisms remain poorly understood despite the tremendous amount of data obtained using the zebrafish model investigating the exact mechanisms behind their regenerative capability. Indeed, understanding such mechanisms and their application to humans can save millions of lives from dying due to potentially life-threatening events. Recent studies have launched a revolution in replacing damaged human organs via different approaches in the last few decades. The newly established branch of medicine (known as Regenerative Medicine aims to enhance natural repair mechanisms. This can be done through the application of several advanced broad-spectrum technologies such as organ transplantation, tissue engineering, and application of Scaffolds technology (support vascularization using an extracellular matrix), stem cell therapy, miRNA treatment, development of 3D mini-organs (organoids), and the construction of artificial tissues using nanomedicine and 3D bio-printers. Moreover, in the next few decades, revolutionary approaches in regenerative medicine will be applied based on artificial intelligence and wireless data exchange, soft intelligence biomaterials, nanorobotics, and even living robotics capable of self-repair. The present work presents a comprehensive overview that summarizes the new and future advances in the field of RM

Substance Use Disorder and COVID-19; Forensic Medicine and Pharmacology Perspectives: A Concise Narrative Review

Many investigations have confirmed the link between a substance use disorder (SUD) and the COVID-19 pandemic's increased risk of infection and consequences. This narrative review aims to understand these issues from a pharmacological standpoint, as well as the pandemic's impact on forensic medicine. Research and review articles included in this review were selected through an extensive search of databases such as PubMed and the use of appropriate keywords e.g. “substance use disorder” and “COVID-19”. Due to a weakened immune system and degeneration of the respiratory system's defense systems, SUDs have been shown to increase the risk of COVID-19 infection. Furthermore, some substances raise pro-inflammatory mediators, exposing the body to a cytokine storm. SUD frequently causes secondary comorbidities, such as the liver, lung and cardiovascular disease, complicating the treatment of COVID-19 infections. Some misused substances can compromise the treatment's effectiveness or safety. This study also looked at the effects of the pandemic on forensic medicine. It underlines the importance of developing safe forensic examination procedures and methodologies during pandemics. The use of narcotic substances was documented as one of the reasons for the increase in the frequency of COVID-19 and the severity of its repercussions

Safety and efficacy of venous mechano-chemical ablation of the great saphenous vein

Introduction: Endovenous mechano-chemical ablation of the incompetent great saphenous vein (MOCA) is a new technique that combines mechanical endothelial injury and infusion of a sclerosant agent. Material and methods: This is a prospective study was conducted on 40 patients who presented with the chronic venous disease at Kasr Al Ainy outpatient vascular surgery clinic with CEAP classification namely C2-C6. Results: A total of 40 patients were presented with great saphenous vein incompetency, the mean age was (30), 23 patients were male and 17 were female. The vein occlusion rate at one month was 93 percent and at six months was 87 percent respectively. Conclusions: Endovenous mechanochemical ablation is a safe and effective method for the management of incompetent great saphenous veins compared to open surgery

In vitro isolation and expansion of neural stem cells NSCs

     الخلايا الجذعية العصبية (NSCs) هي خلايا مولدة لديها القدرة على التجديد الذاتي والقدرة على التمايز إلى خلايا عصبية نجمية astrocytes ، وخلايا عصبية قليلة التفرع  oligodendrocyte، و خلايا عصبية neuron . في هذه الدراسة تم عزل الخلايا الجذعية في المختبر ، وتنميتها في المختبر ، وتحديد هويتها ، ومن ثم انتاج الخلايا الجذعية العصبية وحفظها بالنيتروجين السائل كمصدر خلايا ناجح لاستخدامها لاحقا في التجارب العلاجية. تم استخدام نخاع عظم الفأر كمصدر للخلايا الجذعية العصبية في هذه الدراسة. أظهرت نتائج دراسة الشكل المظهري والكيمياء المناعية للخلايا المعزولة أنه يمكننا إنتاج الخلايا الجذعية العصبية NSCs بنجاح والحفاظ على تجديدها الذاتي وتشكيلها بنجاح في الغلاف العصبي ولتمريرات متعددة. تم الحفاظ على الشكل المظهري للخلايا الناتجة وتخزينها في النيتروجين السائل لتكون مصدرا جاهزا للاستخدام في التجارب كنموذج لعلاج الاضطرابات العصبية.   Neural stem cells (NSCs) are progenitor cells which have the ability to self‑renewal and potential for differentiating into neurons, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes. The in vitro isolation, culturing, identification, cryopreservation were investigated to produce neural stem cells in culture as successful sources for further studies before using it for clinical trials. In this study, mouse bone marrow was the source of neural stem cells. The results of morphological study and immunocytochemistry of isolated cells showed that NSCs can be produced successfully and maintaining their self‑renewal and successfully forming neurosphere for multiple passages. The spheres preserved their morphology in culture and cryopreserved to be a ready source for use in experiments as a model for neurological disorders

Methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase, transforming growth factor-β1 and lymphotoxin-α genes polymorphisms and susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis

AbstractBackgroundRheumatoid arthritis is a widely prevalent autoimmune disorder with suggested genetic predisposition.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to detect the pattern of genetic polymorphism of methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR C677 T and A1298 C), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1 T869 C) and lymphotoxin-α (LT-α A252G) in patients having rheumatoid arthritis and correlate these patterns to disease activity and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), B-Cell Activating Factor (BAFF), and osteopontin.MethodsA total of 194 subjects, 90 controls and 104 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were genotyped for MTHFR C677 T and A1298 C, TGF-β1 T869 C and LT-α A252G polymorphisms using a methodology based on PCR-RFLP. Also serum levels of TNF-α, osteopontin and BAFF were measured by ELISA kits.ResultsThe CT genotype and T allele of MTHFR C677 T and GG genotype and G allele of LT-α A252G are associated with the risk of RA and with higher levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNF-α in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.ConclusionOur findings suggest that there is association between MTHFR C677 T and LT-α A252G genes polymorphisms and increased risk of RA in this sample of Egyptian population

Polimorfismos dos genes metilenotetrahidrofolato redutase, fator de crescimento transformador β1 e linfotoxina‐α e susceptibilidade à artrite reumatoide

ResumoAntecedentesA artrite reumatoide é uma doença autoimune amplamente prevalente com sugerida predisposição genética.ObjetivosDetectar o padrão de polimorfismo dos genes metilenotetrahidrofolato redutase (MTHFR C677T e A1298C), fator de crescimento transformador β1 (TGF‐β1 T869C) e linfotoxina‐α (LT‐α A252G) em pacientes com artrite reumatoide e correlacionar esses padrões com a atividade da doença e os níveis séricos de fator de necrose tumoral alfa (TNF‐α), fator ativador de linfócitos B (BAFF) e osteopontina.MétodosForam genotipados 194 indivíduos – 90 controles e 104 com artrite reumatoide – à procura de polimorfismos dos genes MTHFR C677T e A1298C, TGF‐β1 T869C e LT‐α A252G com uma metodologia baseada na PCR‐RFLP. Mensuraram‐se também os níveis séricos de TNF‐α, osteopontina e BAFF com kits de Elisa.ResultadosO genótipo CT e o alelo T do MTHFR C677T e o genótipo GG e alelo G do LT‐α A252G estão associados ao risco de AR e a níveis mais elevados da citocina pró‐inflamatória TNF‐α em pacientes com artrite reumatoide.ConclusãoOs achados do presente estudo sugerem que há associação entre os polimorfismos dos genes MTHFR C677T e LT‐α A252G e um risco aumentado de AR nessa amostra da população egípcia.AbstractBackgroundRheumatoid arthritis is a widely prevalent autoimmune disorder with suggested genetic predisposition.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to detect the pattern of genetic polymorphism of methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR C677T and A1298C), transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1 T869C) and lymphotoxin‐α (LT‐α A252G) in patients having rheumatoid arthritis and correlate these patterns to disease activity and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), B‐Cell Activating Factor (BAFF), and osteopontin.MethodsA total of 194 subjects, 90 controls and 104 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were genotyped for MTHFR C677T and A1298C, TGF‐β1 T869C and LT‐α A252G polymorphisms using a methodology based on PCR‐RFLP. Also serum levels of TNF‐α, osteopontin and BAFF were measured by ELISA kits.ResultsThe CT genotype and T allele of MTHFR C677T and GG genotype and G allele of LT‐α A252G are associated with the risk of RA and with higher levels of the pro‐inflammatory cytokine, TNF‐α in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.ConclusionOur findings suggest that there is association between MTHFR C677T and LT‐α A252G genes polymorphisms and increased risk of RA in this sample of Egyptian population