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We investigated the properties of p-type semiconducting columnar phases in self-assembled umbrella-shaped mesogens that have subphthalocyanine cores and oligo-thienyl arms. These compounds have nonswitchable phases that exhibit remanent electric polarization and nonlinear optical activity. Additionally, these compounds can generate photocurrents in the visible spectral range due to their wide absorption band. The photocurrent can be significantly increased by doping materials with fullerene. The charge mobility shows an anomalous field dependence, which decreases with the temperature.
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We report an unusually strong flow-induced birefringence in an optically isotropic cubic phase occurring below the isotropic chiral conglomerate phase formed by a low-molecular-weight polycatenar mesogen. The transition into the birefringent state occurs thresholdless and the induced birefringence is comparable with that observed in polymeric systems. We suggest that the flow-induced deformation of the cubic structure is responsible for the strong rheo-optical response.
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Introduction The prevalence of diabetes mellitus type II (T2DM) in Kuwait in 2013 was 23.09%, ranking ninth globally and second in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It's been frequently reported as a growing public health concern. Our retrospective study will focus on the effect of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on the glycemic control of T2DM. Methods From December 2012 to January 2014, 70 patients with T2DM underwent LSG during the study period. A retrospective patient file review was performed and a follow-up on participants was carried out in February 2014. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was taken pre- and post-operatively. Patients were followed up to monitor the change in diabetic medications in terms of quantity, type and dose. Results The mean reduction of FPG after surgery was 2.94+3.66 (P < 0.001) over a mean interval of eight days (range, 0-34 days). Immediate reduction in FPG was seen in 61 patients (87%), and the greatest reduction was seen in the age group <40 years. Diabetes remission was seen in 49 patients (70%), while 20 (29%) had reduction in medication. All patients underwent a safe surgical procedure. There were no conversions to open surgery and no significant complications or mortalities. Conclusions Our study shows that LSG procedure has an immediate positive effect on the glycemic control of T2DM, in addition to the long-term evidence of complete resolution of diabetes in most patients or improvement in glycemic control, which has further highlighted the positive outcome of LSG, diminishing morbidity, risk factors, co-morbidities and health-expenditure.
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Pain, one of the universals of existence, has a long and venerable history, its origin initially attributed to godly punishment for disbelievers; and, with improved understanding, to physical and psycho-social factors. "Pain is emotion or sensation?" has been a debatable issue. Razes developed pleasure-pain theory, founded on the theories of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle and Epicurus. Descartes' Dualism shifted the centre of pain from the heart to the brain but negated the psychological contribution to its pathogenesis. Gate Control Theory, fascinated with the idea of "neurological gates", highlighted the important role of the brain in dealing with the messages received. The International Association of the Study of Pain, in 1979, coined a definition of pain which is currently in use and was last updated on 6th October 2014. Its validity has been challenged and a new definition has been suggested. Whereas the experience is personalized, immeasurable and unsharable, different cultural groups react differently to pain from relative tolerance to over-reaction. Gender and ethnic differences in the perception of pain are well proven and the effects of various religious beliefs adequately scored. Despite extensive research over centuries, understanding of pain mechanisms is still far from optimal. Untiring efforts to identify a paincentre in the brain have been futile. Had it been possible, millions of pain sufferers would have been relieved of their physical agony and mental anguish by the prick of needle.
Subject(s)
Cultural Characteristics , Pain , Philosophy , HumansABSTRACT
Ibn Sina, the most eminent Muslim physician, illuminative philosopher, great thinker and a versatile genius is regarded as the "Father of Early Modern Medicine" and as the "Father of Clinical Pharmacology". The "Kitab al-Qanun fi-al-Tibb", commonly known as the "Canon Medicinae" is the most important of his medical works and, at the same time, the most carefully preserved treasury both in original Arabic and in the initial Latin version. It is the final codification of all Greco-Arabic medical thoughts up to his time, enriched and modified with his own scientific experimentations and independent observations. It is considered "The First Textbook of Medicine on the Earth". The "Canon" surpassed the books of Hippocrates and Galen and remained supreme for more than six centuries, in the West. Ibn Sina described "Seven Doctrines" for Preservation of Health, based on the Mudawa Salookia, in his magnum opus. The roots of these principles can be traced, to a significant extent, to Egyptian Medicine, Hebrew Medicine, Greek Medicine, Roman Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ancient Persian Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine (Hindu Medicine) and Islamic Medicine.
