Exact solutions for the generalized Klein–Gordon equation via a transformation and Exp-function method and comparison with Adomian’s method

AbstractIn this paper, a suitable transformation and a so-called Exp-function method are used to obtain different types of exact solutions for the generalized Klein–Gordon equation. These exact solutions are in full agreement with the previous results obtained in Refs. [Sirendaoreji, Auxiliary equation method and new solutions of Klein–Gordon equations, Chaos, Solitons & Fractals 31 (4) (2007) 943–950; Huiqun Zhang, Extended Jacobi elliptic function expansion method and its applications, Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation, 12 (5) (2007) 627–635]. One of these exact solutions is compared with the approximate solutions obtained by the modified decomposition method. Accurate numerical results for a wider range of time are obtained after using different types of ADM-Padè approximation. Our results show that the Exp-function method is very effective in finding exact solutions for the problem considered while the modified decomposition method is very powerful in finding numerical solutions with good accuracy for nonlinear PDE without any need for a transformation or perturbation

Technetium-99m Sestamibi Scintigraphy Pattern in Patients with Secondary Hyperparathyroidism

complications of end stage renal disease (ESRD). We aimed in this investigation to explore the role of Technetium-99m sestamibi (99mTc MIBI) scintigraphy in the pre-operative assessment of refractory hyperparathyroidism in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods: Dual-phase 99mTc MIBI parathyroid scintigraphy was performed for 23 patients with ESRD who have persistent intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels exceeding 300 pg/ml. Based on scintigraphy results, 13 patients underwent neck exploration during which only glands with positive scintigraphy findings were removed. Results: Among the six patients who had iPTH levels < 800 pg/ml, only one patient had positive scintigraphy findings (16.7%). Among the 17 patients who had iPTH levels ≥ 800 pg/ml, 16 patients had positive scintigraphy findings (94.1%). 99mTc MIBI scan detected 23 positive sites of focal trace uptake in those 17 patients. Partial parathyroidectomy was performed for 13 patients, removing in total 19 glands, while four patients declined surgery. On histological examination, 12 glands showed diffuse hyperplasia, four glands showed nodular hyperplasia and three glands revealed parathyroid adenoma. The three glands with parathyroid adenoma were correctly identified prior to surgery by 99mTc MIBI scintigraphy. The long-term outcomes of these patients are now being monitored. Conclusion: ESRD patients with iPTH level ≥ 800 pg/ml are more likely to have positive sites of focal tracer uptake on MIBI scan than patients with lower iPTH levels. Dual-phase 99mTc MIBI scintigraphy has the ability to correctly identify parathyroid adenoma prior to surgical exploration in these patients. Keywords: Hyperparathyroidism, parathyroid adenoma, parathyroid hyperplasia, scintigraphy, 99mTc sestamib

Re-Evaluating the Classical Falling Body Problem

This paper re-analyzes the falling body problem in three dimensions, taking into account the effect of the Earth’s rotation (ER). Accordingly, the analytic solution of the three-dimensional model is obtained. Since the ER is quite slow, the three coupled differential equations of motion are usually approximated by neglecting all high order terms. Furthermore, the theoretical aspects describing the nature of the falling point in the rotating frame and the original inertial frame are proved. The theoretical and numerical results are illustrated and discussed.The authors would like to thank the referees for their valuable comments and suggestions, which helped to improve the manuscript. Moreover, the first author thanks Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University and Deanship of Scientific Research at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University for their continuous support and encouragement.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Cytotoxic effects of Smp24 and Smp43 scorpion venom antimicrobial peptides on tumour and non-tumour cell lines

Smp24 and Smp43 are novel cationic AMPs identified from the venom of the Egyptian scorpion Scorpio maurus palmatus, having potent activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as fungi. Here we describe cytotoxicity of these peptides towards three non-tumour cell lines (CD34+ (hematopoietic stem progenitor from cord blood), HRECs (human renal epithelial cells) and HACAT (human skin keratinocytes) and two acute leukaemia cell lines (myeloid (KG1a) and lymphoid (CCRF-CEM) leukaemia cell lines) using a combination of biochemical and imaging techniques. Smp24 and Smp43 (4–256 µg/mL) decreased the cell viability (as measured by intracellular ATP) of all cells tested, although keratinocytes were markedly less sensitive. Cell membrane leakage as evidenced by the release of lactate dehydrogenase was evident throughout and was confirmed by scanning electron microscope studies

Correlation of ultrasonographic estimated fetal weight with actual birth weight at a rural setting

Background: Ultrasound estimation of fetal weight in term pregnancies is used to determine fetal growth. The objective of this study was to assess the precision of sonographic estimation of fetal weight in normal vaginal deliveries at a rural setting.Methods: The study was cross-sectional. A group of 74 pregnant women delivered normally in Muglad hospital in West Kordofan, Sudan, were considered in the study. Fetal weight was estimated by Hadlock and shephards formulae within one week prior to delivery and then newborn weight was taken within 24 hours after delivery. Data were collected by a questionnaire and medical examination as well as sonographic examination. Data analysis was done by SPSS version 23 and Kruskal Wallis Test (post-hoc analysis) Pearson’s correlation coefficient within 95% confidence interval. p value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results: The correlation, by Paired sample, to assess fetal weight was as follows: between Hadlock and shephards was 0.901 (p < 0.001), between Hadlock and AFW was 0.908 (p < 0.001) and between Shephards and AFW was 0.781 (p < 0.001).Conclusions: Estimation of fetal weight by Hadlock has been more correlated with actual fetal weight (AFW) than that done with shephards. The study recommends using Hadlock formula which is more accurate in estimation of fetal weight by sonography

Aplicaciones farmacéuticas e impactos ambientales de la Spirulina (Arthrospira). Una visión general

Recently, microalgae cultivation for different applications, including the production of nutritional and pharmaceutical active compounds has received increasing attention. Among the different genera, Spirulina (Arthrospira sp.) is one of the most promising blue-green microalgae (Cyanophyta) because it is rich in antioxidants, essential amino acids (EAAs), minerals, proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamins. It has a high protein content (60-70% of the dry weight), which is a complete protein, i.e. containing all EAAs. Therefore, Spirulina is currently a commercial product with high nutritional value and also a significant source of complementary and alternative medicine. The objective of the present work was to review the pharmaceutical and therapeutic applications of Spirulina, especially its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity and anti-toxicity properties. The results were obtained from experiments in the literature performed in vitro and in vivo using experimental animals. The main reported active ingredients in Spirulina include phycocyanin, tocopherol, β-carotene, caffeic acids and chlorogenic acid, which showed individual or synergetic effects. In addition, the present review discusses the future perspectives of genetically modified Spirulina as a source for industrial products while producing valuable biomass photoautotrophically. Furthermore, the consequent environmental impacts of large-scale cultivation of Spirulina are discussed.Recientemente, el cultivo de microalgas para diferentes aplicaciones, incluida la producción de compuestos activos nutricionales y farmacéuticos, está recibiendo una atención cada vez mayor. Entre los diferentes géneros, Spirulina (Arthrospira sp.) es una de las microalgas azul-verde más prometedoras (Cyanophyta) porque es rica en antioxidantes, aminoácidos esenciales (EAAs), minerales, proteínas, ácidos grasos poliinsaturados y vitaminas. Tiene un alto contenido de proteína (60-70% del peso seco) es una proteína completa, es decir, contiene todos los EAAs. Por lo tanto, la Spirulina es actualmente un producto comercial con alto valor nutricional y también una fuente importante parala medicina complementaria y alternativa. El objetivo del presente trabajo es revisar las aplicaciones farmacéuticas y terapéuticas de Spirulina, especialmente propiedades antioxidantes, antiinflamatorias, anticancerígenas, antimicrobianas, antidiabéticas, antiobesidad y antitóxicas. Los resultados se obtienen a partir de trabajos experimentales realizados in vitro e in vivo utilizando animales de experimentación. Los principales ingredientes activos reportados en Spirulina incluyen ficocianina, tocoferol, β-caroteno, ácidos caféicos y clorogénico que mostraron efectos individuales o sinérgicos. Además, en la presente revisión se discute las perspectivas futuras de la Spirulina genéticamente modificada como fuente de productos industriales, al mismo tiempo que se produce una valiosa biomasa fotoautotrófica. Además, se discutieron los impactos ambientales consiguientes del cultivo a gran escala de la Spirulina

Antioxidant Potential of Spirulina platensis

The present study aimed to examine the protective role of Spirulina platensis (S. platensis) against arsenic-induced testicular oxidative damage in rats. Arsenic (in the form of NaAsO2 at a dose of 6.3 mg/kg body weight for 8 weeks) caused a significant accumulation of arsenic in testicular tissues as well as a decrease in the levels of testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione, and zinc. Moreover, it significantly decreased plasma testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) levels and reduced sperm motility and sperm count. Arsenic (AS) led to a significant increase in testicular malondialdehyde (MDA), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), nitric oxide (NO), and sperm abnormalities. S. platensis at a dose of 300 mg/kg was found to attenuate As-induced oxidative stress, testicular damage, and sperm abnormalities by its potent antioxidant activity. S. platensis may represent a potential therapeutic option to protect the testicular tissue from arsenic intoxication

N-Acetylcysteine an Allium Plant Compound Improves High-Sucrose Diet-Induced Obesity and Related Effects

This study was designed to determine whether N-acetylcysteine (NAC, C5H9–NO3S), a compound from Allium species may be used as a complementary therapeutic agent, to inhibit high-sucrose induced-obesity and its effects on glucose tolerance, in vivo low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-oxidation and serum oxidative stress in rats. Initially, 24 male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: controls receiving standard chow (C, n = 6) and those receiving high-sucrose diet (HS, n = 18). After 22 days, (HS) group was divided into three groups (n = 6/group); (HS-HS) continued to eat high-sucrose diet and water; (HS-N) continued to eat high-sucrose diet and received 2 mg l−1-NAC in its drinking water; (HS-CN) changing high-sucrose to standard chow and receiving 2 mg l­1-NAC in its drinking water. After 22 days of the HS-group division (44 days of experimental period) body weight, body mass index and surface area were enhanced in HS-HS rats (P < .001). HS-HS rats had glucose intolerance, increased serum triacylglycerol (TG), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), oxidized-LDL (ox-LDL) and lipid-hydroperoxide (LH) than the others (P < .01). NAC in HS-N and HS-CN rats reduced the obesity markers, feed efficiency, LH and ox-LDL, as well normalized glucose response, TG and VLDL (P < .01) in these groups compared with HS-HS. Total antioxidant substances, GSH/GSSG ratio and glutathione-reductase, were higher in HS-N than in HS-HS (P < .01). In conclusion, NAC improved high-sucrose diet-induced obesity and its effects on glucose tolerance, lipid profile, in vivo LDL-oxidation and serum oxidative stress, enhancing antioxidant defences. The application of this agent may be feasible and beneficial for high-sucrose diet-induced obesity, which certainly would bring new insights on obesity-related adverse effects control

Lead Nitrate Induced Histopathological Alterations in the Liver and Intestine of African Catfish Clarias gariepinus Exposed to Sublethal Concentrations

552-557Studies were carried out on the liver and intestine tissue of Clarias gariepinus after exposure to sublethal concentrations of LC50 lead nitrate for 20 days. Fish were distributed into four groups, control (0 mg/L, LC50 of Pb(NO3)2) and three groups exposed to 20, 40 and 60% of the LC50 of Pb(NO3)2 (16.12, 32.24 and 48.37 mg/L respectively). Section of hepatic and intestine tissues showed the normal structure for control group. However, treated hepatic tissues of fish exhibited altered its characteristic architecture, with remarkably high vacuolation in hepatocytes and hepatoctolysis. Also, central vein was dilated and increased hemorrhage in the sections of almost samples from treated fish. Increased number of fibroblasts and Kuppffer cells were observed in the examined sections from treated fish when compared to the control. Therefore, fish treated with 60% LD50 of Pb(NO3)2 observed the proliferation of fibrous in connective tissue particularly near sinusoids and substituting liver parenchyma. Therefore, intestinal sections from the different treated fish groups revealed an evident harmful to intestinal tissue, especially in enterocytes and structures of villi. Also, disturbed longitudinal and circular muscularis were observed, to abnormally dilated, lamina propria, was infiltrated with a huge numbers of inflammatory leukocytes. Mucous secreting goblet cells proliferated and multiplied in all exposed fish