Incoherent single pion electroproduction on the deuteron with polarization effects

Incoherent pion electroproduction on the deuteron is studied from threshold up to the second resonance region with special emphasis on the influence of final state interaction, in particular on polarization observables. The elementary $\gamma N\to\pi N$ amplitude is taken from the MAID-2003 model. Final state interaction is included by considering complete rescattering in the final $NN$ and $\pi N$ subsystems. Their influence on the structure functions governing the semi-exclusive differential cross section, where besides the scattered electron only the produced pion is detected, is investigated in detail. For charged pion-production the effect of $NN$-rescattering is moderate whereas $\pi N$-rescattering is almost negligible, except very close to threshold. $NN$-rescattering appears much stronger in neutral pion production for which the primary mechanism is the elimination of a significant spurious coherent contribution in the impulse approximation. Sizeable effects are also found in some of the polarization structure functions for beam and/or target polarizations.Comment: 20 pages including 14 figure

Predicting successful weaning in patients treated with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Introduction: Increasing use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for acute respiratory failure may increase resource requirements and hospital costs. Prediction of successful weaning in these patients may improve resource use and patients outcome. The Respiratory ECMO Survival Prediction (RESP) score has been proposed as an outcome prediction tool for patients undergoing venovenous (VV-ECMO). However, it was developed and validated on patients established on ECMO. This may limit its usefulness as an adjunct tool for decision-making process at the pre-ECMO stage. Aim: The aim of the work was to assess the efficacy of RESP score as a tool to predict successful weaning in patients treated with VV-ECMO before initiation of treatment. Patients and methods: The study was carried out on 23 adult patients who were admitted to the units of Critical Care Medicine Departments in Egyptian Armed Forces Hospitals within 1 year and were treated with VV-ECMO; all of them received the same treatment as recommended by ELSO guidelines for adult respiratory failure. They were classified into two groups according to ECMO weaning successfulness at the end of the study: group I (successful weaning) and group II (failed weaning). Complete physical assessment, laboratory investigations, and RESP score calculation were done before ECMO initiation. Results: Pre-ECMO RESP score, in group I it ranged from −8 to 7 (mean 1.75 ± 3.65), while in group II it ranged from −11 to 1 (mean −6.38 ± 1.88), there was statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = 0. 003). The ROC curve of RESP score showed an AUC of 0.880 (95% CI 0.658–0.981) (p < 0.001). The best cutoff value was −1, at that level the sensitivity was 69.7%, specificity was 81.5%. Calculated positive predictive value of RESP score was 88.9% while negative predictive value was 63.6%. Conclusion: RESP score may be effective tool to predict ECMO weaning successfulness before initiation of ECMO

Contribution of Omega (782) Resonance on the Response Functions for d (e, e′π-) pp Reaction

In present work we study the effect of the Omega (ω (782)) resonance on the response functions for the incoherent negative pion electroproduction form the deuteron at different values for the four-momentum transfers squared (K2) and the virtual photon lab energy (k0lab). The study is carried out in the impulse approximation (IA) i.e. the final state interactions are neglected. The elementary amplitude for pion electroproduction is taken from the MAID-2007 model. © 2018 Author(s).The author is grateful to Al-Azhar University Faculty of Science Physics Department Assuit branch for financial support and the authors gratefully acknowledge the technical support and scientific equipment provided by the Ural Center for Shared Use “Modern Nanotechnology” (SNSM Ural Federal University, Yekaterinburg, Russia

Assessment of natural radionuclides and heavy metal concentrations in marine sediments in view of tourism activities in Hurghada city, northern Red Sea, Egypt

The specific activity of 40K, 232Th and 226Ra in marine sediment samples collected from National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF) and Safier Hotel area in Hurghada city (the most important regions in Egypt), were measured by gamma ray spectrometry using NaI(Tl) detector. The values of specific activity varied from 7 ± 1 Bq kg-1 to 53 ± 4 Bq kg-1, 6 ± 1 Bq kg-1 to 32 ± 6 Bq kg-1, and from 167 ± 11 Bq kg-1 to 1120 ± 63 Bq kg-1 for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K, respectively. The heavy metals have been measured and analysed by atomic absorption spectrometer. The major range values of heavy metals concentrations in marine sediment samples were: Cu (10.5-78.0 μg g-1), Zn (21-150 μg g-1), Pb (30-53 μg g-1), Cd (2.50-4.00 μg g-1), Fe (5100-13150 μg g-1), Mn (118-298 μg g-1), Ni (17-36 μg g-1) and Co (16-18 μg g-1). The total organic matter (TOC) and carbonates (CaCo3) distribution have been measured at some locations. Also, the frequency distribution and the value of (232Th/226Ra), (232Th/40K) and (226Ra/40K) ratio for all measured samples were determined. Additionally, evaluations have been made of the radiological hazards and the results are diagrammed by Surfer program in maps. © Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2019

Three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound: clinical implementation in assessing uterine cavity

Background: Three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasonography (3D TVS) represents a new technique of imaging and provides a unique diagnostic tool for non-invasive examination of the uterine morphology and diagnosis of congenital uterine anomalies. In this study the clinical value of 3D TVS in diagnosis of uterine cavity abnormalities were evaluated.Methods: A prospective of diagnostic accuracy study included 226 patients with various clinical presentations; infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, menstrual disorders and post-menopausal bleeding with suspected uterine cavity lesions or abnormality on two-dimensional (2D) TVS or hysterosalpingography (HSG). After taking consent, all patients were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, 3D TVS evaluation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and finally endoscopic examination.Results: The 3D has 98% accuracy in infertile women in comparison to 87% for MRI. While with recurrent pregnancy loss, Concordance was 96% correct for 3D and 78% for MRI. The women with abnormal uterine bleeding, the accuracy of 3D was 100%, while with MRI was 74%. The sensitivity of 3D TVS was 97.8% and 100% specificity, positive and negative predictive value. While the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for MRI were 89.3%, 64%, 70.4% and 86.3% respectively.Conclusions: 3D TVS appears to be extremely accurate, less expensive and a rapid examination for the diagnosis and classification of uterine anomalies, more than MRI. Thus it may become the only mandatory step in the assessment of the uterine cavity

Effect of Omega(782) resonance on the response functions for d(e,e’π+)nn reaction

In the present work we study the effect of the Omega ( ω(782) ) resonance on the response functions for the incoherent positive pion electroproduction on the deuteron at different values of the squaredfour-momentum transfers (Q 2) and the virtual photon lab energy ( klab0). The study is carried out in the impulse approximation (IA), i.e. the final state interactions are neglected. The elementary amplitude for pion electroproduction is taken from the MAID-2007 model. The effect seems to be very small and slightly increases with increasing virtual photon lab energy. © 2018. All Rights Reserved

Combined Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nail and External Fixation Versus Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nail Alone in the Management of Length-Unstable Pediatric Femoral Fractures: A Prospective Randomised Controlled Clinical Study

Background: Femoral shaft fractures account for approximately 1.6% of fractures in the pediatric population. However, the optimal treatment modality for length-unstable fractures is still controversial. Objectives: Our study aims to compare combined elastic stable intramedullary nail (ESIN) and external fixation (EF) versus ESIN alone in the management of length-unstable femur fractures in pediatric patients in terms of surgical, functional, and radiological outcomes. Patients and Methods: Forty patients (20 in each group) with length-unstable femur fractures. First group was managed by ESIN and EF, and the other group was managed by ESIN alone. Both groups were compared in terms of surgical, functional, and radiological outcomes. Results: The mean follow-up period was 8.4 ± 1.2 months in the ESIN group and 9.1 ± 1.6 months in the ESIN/EF group. Radiological outcomes, as measured by Beaty’s criteria, have shown a statistically significant difference between groups. However, both groups has similar functional outcomes and rate of postoperative complications. Conclusion: This study has demonstrated superiority of ESIN/EF over ESIN alone in terms of radiological outcomes with no significant differences as regards functional outcomes and postoperative complications