Exploring the multi-faceted potential: Synthesized ZnO nanostructure - Characterization, photocatalysis, and crucial biomedical applications.

This research describes the methodology for synthesizing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs). It demonstrates a unique, cost-effective, and non-toxic chemical technique for producing ZnO-NPs using the precipitation method with NaOH as reducing and capping agents. The formed nanoparticles have been characterized and analyzed using numerous techniques such as; Fluorescence emission spectroscopy (FL), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), ultraviolet-visible optical absorption (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Also, the analytical technique X-ray diffraction studies has been used which showed that the ZnO-NPs had a Wurtzite hexagonal crystal structure with an average crystallite size of 34.27 nm. The form and the size of the synthesized ZnO-NPs have been seen in SEM and TEM photographs. Using J-image, particle size has been obtained at 13.33 nm, and the grain boundaries were all approximately spherical. Peaks in the FT-IR spectrum of the NPs indicate the presence of carboxylate (COO) and hydroxyl (O-H) functional groups. According to these findings, Zn interstitial defects are responsible for the 380 nm emission peak. Since EDX could not identify any impurities below the detection threshold, we may be sure that Zn and O are the principal components of the synthesized sample. ZnO-NPs cause an absorption band at 350.34 nm in the UV-Vis spectrum and a band gap of 3.24 eV. The catalytic activity of the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) was evaluated by investigating their effectiveness in degrading crystal violet (CV) and methylene blue (MB) dyes, along with assessing the degradation rates. The results demonstrated a high degradation efficiency, with ZnO NPs achieving approximately 96.72 % degradation for CV and 97.169 % for MB dyes, underscoring their remarkable efficacy in the degradation process. As for antimicrobial activity assessment, the results revealed that the ZnO-NPs had negligible impact on Gram-negative bacteria, whereas they exhibited a discernible effect on Gram-positive bacteria. Additionally, it showed anti-cancer potential against colon (SW480), breast (MDA-231), and cervix (HELA) lines cells as seen by (MTT) assay. Hence, due to its simplified processes and cheaper chemicals, our synthesis technique may use in industrial settings for various applications.

Corrosion suppression and strengthening of the Al-10Zn alloy by adding silica nanorods.

Aluminum alloys have been widely studied because of their current engineering applications. Due to their high strength and lightweight, cracking can easily initiate on their surface, deteriorating their overall functional and structural properties and causing environmental attacks. The current study highlights the significant influence of incorporating 1 wt% silica nanostructure in aluminum-10 zinc alloys. The characteristics of the composites were examined using Vickers hardness, tensile, and electrochemical testing (OCP, Tafel, and EIS) at various artificial aging temperatures (423, 443, and 463 K). Silica nanorods may achieve ultrafine grains, increase hardness by up to 13.8%, increase σUTS values by up to 79% at 443 K, and improve corrosion rate by up to 89.4%, surpassing Al-10 Zn bulk metallics. We demonstrate that silica nanorods contribute to the creation of a superior nanocomposite that not only limits failure events under loading but also resists corrosion. Our findings suggest that silica nanocomposite can produce unique features for use in a variety of automotive, construction, and aerospace applications. This improvement can be attributed mainly to the large surface area of nano-silica particles, which alters the Al matrix. Microstructural, mechanical, and electrochemical studies revealed that the effects of structure refinement were dependent on nano-silica.

Spinal muscular atrophy genetic epidemiology and the case for premarital genomic screening in Arab populations.

BACKGROUND: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a fatal autosomal recessive disorder for which several treatment options, including a gene therapy, have become available. SMA incidence has not been well-characterized in most Arab countries where rates of consanguinity are high. Understanding SMA disease epidemiology has important implications for screening, prevention, and treatment in those populations. METHODS: We perform SMA diagnostic testing in a clinical multi-national patient cohort (N = 171) referred for hypotonia and/or muscle weakness. In addition, we carry out genetic newborn screening for SMA on 1502 healthy Emirati newborns to estimate the carrier frequency and incidence of the disease in the United Arab Emirates. RESULTS: Patients referred for SMA genetic testing are mostly Arabs (82%) representing 18 countries. The overall diagnostic yield is 33.9%, which is higher (>50%) for certain nationalities. Most patients (71%) has two SMN2 copies and earlier disease onset. For the first time, we estimate SMA carrier frequency (1.3%) and incidence of the disease (1 in 7122 live births) in the United Arab Emirates. Using birth and marriage rates in two Arab populations (United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia), as well as disease incidence in both countries, we show that, besides preventing new cases, premarital genetic screening could potentially result in around $8 to $324 million annual cost savings, respectively, relative to postnatal treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The SMA carrier frequency and incidence we document suggests high potential benefit for universal implementation of premarital genomic screening for a wide range of recessive disorders in Arab populations.

The occurrence of spinal muscular atrophy, a fatal genetic nerve and muscle disease, has been poorly studied in most Arab countries. Individuals who carry a single mutated gene copy (carriers) may be more likely to marry other carriers in regions where marriage rates amongst relatives, who share similar genetics, are high. Here we report the results of a newborn testing program for this disease in 1502 Emiratis and calculate the presence of carriers (1/79) and occurrence of disease (1/7122) in this population. Using this new information along with the annual birth and marriage rates in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, we make the case that premarital genomic screening (carrier testing) is the best way to prevent this and other similarly inherited disorders in the Arab population.

Assessing Physician Confidence in Counseling Patients on COVID-19 Disease and Vaccination: A Survey of Physicians' Perspectives in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 vaccine has been available and well acceptable among the Saudi population since its introduction in 2020; however, concerns still remain regarding the confidence of doctors in giving such vaccines. RESEARCH QUESTION: How confident are physicians in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia about giving counseling and advice for patients regarding COVID-19 disease and COVID-19 vaccines? OBJECTIVE:  To determine how confident Saudi Arabian doctors are in their ability to advise patients on the COVID-19 illness and COVID-19 vaccines. AIM: To assist the health authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in developing and implementing programs to improve doctors' skills and knowledge in giving advice to patients about the COVID-19 vaccine. METHOD: The research employed an online cross-sectional study methodology to gather insights from doctors employed at hospitals, healthcare centers, and clinics across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The inclusion criteria encompassed doctors actively engaged in healthcare settings, while the exclusion criteria were applied to those who had never encountered COVID-19 patients and those who declined participation in the study. RESULTS: It was found that doctors were confident that there's a potential for adverse effects that are not yet seen in vaccine trials. Further results showed that primary health care doctors are more confident about the common side effects associated with the approved vaccines. CONCLUSION: Most doctors were confident about the vaccine, yet they also know that there are some hidden side effects that are not yet discovered. Since patients trusted doctors as the main source of information about the vaccine, the study provided evidence to emphasize the rule of doctors as a reliable source of information.

Utilizing Cymbopogon Proximus Grass Extract for Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanorod Needles in Dye Degradation Studies.

This study successfully synthesized zinc oxide nanorod needles (ZnO-NRNs) using an environmentally friendly method employing Cymbopogon Proximus extract. The resulting ZnO-NRNs exhibited exceptional physicochemical and structural properties, confirmed through various characterization techniques, including UV-Vis spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The analysis revealed a hexagonal wurtzite structure with high crystallinity, a 3.6 eV band gap, and a notably blue-shifted absorption band. ZnO-NRNs showed impressive photocatalytic activity, degrading Rhodamine B dye by 97% under UV and visible sunlight, highlighting their photostability and reusability. This green synthesis process offers cost effectiveness and environmental sustainability for practical applications.

Corrosion behavior and microstructure of Al-10Zn alloy with nano CuO addition.

The present study explores the preparation of Al-10wt.%Zn alloy by the casting process. Nano CuO was prepared by the Co-precipitation method. The effect of adding nanostructure of (1wt.% CuO) to Al-10Zn alloy was studied the corrosion effects as-cast and with different aging temperatures (423, 443, and 463 K) for 2 h in 3.5% NaCl aqueous solution after homogenized for 2 h at 500 K at room temperature. Electrochemical measurements (OCP, Tafel, and EIS) were performed to determine the corrosion rate (C.R.) and corrosion current density (Icorr.) to find out corrosion behavior. In addition, microstructures of Al-10Zn and Al-10Zn-1CuO were observed using a scanning electron microscope, EDX mapping, and the optical microscope to investigate the effect of the nanoparticle's addition before and after aging and the corrosion test. The average crystal size and the dislocation density were calculated from the XRD pattern. The results show that the appropriate addition of CuO nanoparticles can refine the Al-10Zn alloy and shift the Al-10Zn alloy to a more noble direction.

Miniature Integrated 2.4 GHz Rectennas Using Novel Tunnel Diodes.

This work presents the design, fabrication, and measured results of a fully integrated miniature rectenna using a novel tunnel diode known as the Asymmetrical Spacer Layer Tunnel (ASPAT). The term rectenna is an abbreviation for a rectifying antenna, a device with a rectifier and antenna coexisting as a single design. The ASPAT is the centrepiece of the rectifier used for its strong temperature independence, zero bias, and high dynamic range. The antenna is designed to be impedance matched with the rectifier, eliminating the need for a matching network and saving valuable real estate on the gallium arsenide (GaAs) substrate. The antenna is fully integrated with the rectifier on a single chip, thus enabling antenna miniaturisation due to the high dielectric constant of GaAs and spiral design. This miniaturisation enables the design to be fabricated economically on a GaAs substrate whilst being comparable in size to a 15-gauge needle, thus unlocking applications in medical implants. The design presented here has a total die size of 4 × 1.2 mm2, with a maximum measured output voltage of 0.97 V and a 20 dBm single-tone 2.35 GHz signal transmitted 5 cm away from the rectenna.

Association Between Kidney Stone and Dental Calculus in a Saudi Population: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between dental calculus and kidney stones, and to identify the risk factors associated with the presence of these conditions. METHODS: This study was carried out at the medical city, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between 2020 and 2021. The study included 141 participants (70 with kidney stones and 71 with controls). The dental plaque and calculus indices were used to record plaque and calculus scores, respectively. All information was statistically investigated and the level of significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: The plaque and calculus indices were significantly higher in the control group when compared to the kidney stone group (p<0.05). A weak positive correlation between age and the calculus index in the kidney stone group was revealed (r=0.31, p=0.01). However, only within the age group 36-55, the results showed that the control group had a significantly higher calculus index than that of the kidney stone group (p=0.02). The married patients with kidney stones scored a significantly higher plaque index than the unmarried patients (p=0.03). CONCLUSION: The dental plaque and calculus indices were lower in the kidney stone group than those of the non-kidney stone group. Therefore, the clinical observation of dental plaque and calculus may not be indicators of kidney stones. However, within the kidney stone group, elderly and married patients could be at a higher risk for developing dental calculus and plaque, respectively.

Constructing a Carbon-Encapsulated Carbon Composite Material with Hierarchically Porous Architectures for Efficient Capacitive Storage in Organic Supercapacitors.

Hierarchical porous activated carbon (HPAC) materials with fascinating porous features are favored for their function as active materials for supercapacitors. However, achieving high mass-loading of the HPAC electrodes remains challenging. Inspired by the concepts of carbon/carbon (C/C) composites and hydrogels, a novel hydrogel-derived HPAC (H-HPAC) encapsulated H-HPAC (H@H) composite material was successfully synthesized in this study. In comparison with the original H-HPAC, it is noticed that the specific surface area and pore parameters of the resulting H@H are observably decreased, while the proportions of nitrogen species are dramatically enhanced. The free-standing and flexible H@H electrodes with a mass-loading of 7.5 mg/cm2 are further prepared for electrochemical measurements. The experiments revealed remarkable reversible capacitance (118.6 F/g at 1 mA/cm2), rate capability (73.9 F/g at 10 mA/cm2), and cycling stability (76.6% of retention after 30,000 cycles at 5 mA) are delivered by the coin-type symmetric cells. The cycling stability is even better than that of the H-HPAC electrode. Consequently, the findings of the present study suggest that the nature of the HPAC surface is a significant factor affecting the corresponding capacitive performances.

Facile synthesis of ZnMoO4/AlPO4-5 nanorod composites as visible-light-driven photocatalysts and high-performance energy storage materials.

The present article describes the facile one-step hydrothermal synthesis of single-crystalline ZnMoO4/AlPO4-5 nanorod composites. The physicochemical properties of the synthesized materials, such as structure, morphology, and bandgap, were determined using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, X-ray photoelectron (XPS), ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis), and photoluminescence (PL). The XRD pattern of synthesized ZnMoO4/AlPO4-5 verifies the synthesis of nanocomposites. Diffuse UV-vis spectra reveal that ZnMoO4/AlPO4-5 nanorod composites exhibit an indirect semiconductor with an optical bandgap between 3.15 and 3.7 eV depending on Mo : Zn ratio. In comparison to pure AlPO4-5, ZnMoO4/AlPO4-5 nanocrystal composites showed significantly higher photocatalytic activity for the degradation of para-nitrophenol (PNP, 0.04 g l-1), with 14, 99, 70, and 54% for AlPO4-5, Mo : Zn (2)/AlPO4-5, Mo : Zn (4)/AlPO4-5, and Mo : Zn (6)/AlPO4-5, respectively. This result might be attributed to the composite's efficient charge transfer and optimized electron-hole pair recombination. The supercapacitive ability of ZnMoO4/AlPO4-5 nanorod composites was also investigated in this work. For the prepared electrodes using AlPO4-5, Mo : Zn (2)/AlPO4-5, Mo : Zn (4)/AlPO4-5, and Mo : Zn (6)/AlPO4-5, the capacitance values were 400, 725, 450, and 481.25 F g-1, respectively, at a current density of 0.5 A g-1. This study shows that ZnMoO4/AlPO4-5 nanorod composites are a potential visible-light-responsive photocatalyst. The electrochemical results further demonstrate the high capacitance of ZnMoO4/AlPO4-5 nanorod composites toward energy-storage applications.

Resultados do TAVI em pacientes com disfunção ventricular esquerda importante durante a pandemia de COVID-19 / TAVI outcomes in patients with significant left ventricular dysfunction during the COVID-19 pandemic

INTRODUÇÃO: Pacientes com estenose áortica e disfunção ventricular esquerda tem indicação de intervenção precoce e são considerados de maior risco para cirurgia de troca valvar, quando comparados a pacientes com função ventricular preservada. Recentemente, a pandemia de Covid-19 resultou em dificuldade de acompanhamento destes pacientes, postergando-se a indicação cirúrgica. Neste cenário, a TAVI mostra-se uma opção segura de tratamento, porém dados referentes ao tratamento de pacientes com disfunção ventricular esquerda grave (35%) são escassos. MÉTODOS: De 15/09/2020 a 24/03/2022 ­ durante a pandemia - foram analisados 78 procedimentos de TAVI. Selecionamos nove pacientes (pts) com disfunção ventricular grave (definida como fração de ejeção (FEVE) 35%), cuja indicação de TAVI foi referendada em Heart Team. RESULTADOS: A média de idade foi de 69 anos, sendo 67% masculinos; o escore STS médio foi de 4,1%; 78% dos pcts apresentaram-se em classe funcional três (NYHA). O gradiente médio e a área valvar aórtica pré procedimento foram de 56 mmHg e 0,56 cm2, respectivamente. Todos os procedimentos foram realizados com abordagem simplificada e minimalista. O sucesso do procedimento foi obtido em todos os casos. Apenas um paciente necessitou de implante de marcapasso definitivo (MP). Em quatro de oito pacientes ocorreu melhora da FEVE, considerada como a elevação de pelo menos 5%, em um dos casos a FEVE retornou a níveis normais após um mês de seguimento; com exceção do paciente que necessitou de MP e teve internação hospitalar prolongada, a média de internação foi de dois dias. No seguimento de um mês não foram observados eventos adversos de acordo com os critérios do VARC ­ três. Oito dos nove pacientes apresentaram melhora clínica (com classe funcional NYHA 1) no follow-up e nos critérios ecocardiográficos. Os dados acima estão apresentados na tabela anexa. CONCLUSÃO: Na população de pacientes com estenose aórtica grave e sintomática associada a disfunção ventricular grave, a TAVI se mostrou um tratamento seguro e eficaz, com melhora clínica e ecocardiográfica notada precocemente.

Synthesis and Characterization of rGO@ZnO Nanocomposites for Esterification of Acetic Acid.

In the present work, the aim is to synthesize reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and zinc:reduced graphene oxide composite catalysts (ZnO:rGO) for esterification of acetic acid with n-heptanol. The physical and chemical characteristics of the rGO and rGO-metal oxide composite catalysts such as textural surface characteristics, surface morphology, thermal stability, functional groups, and elemental analysis were studied. The surface areas of rGO, ZnO(0.5 M), and ZnO(1 M) were recorded, respectively, at 31.72, 27.65, and 36.19 m2 g-1. Furthermore, esterification reaction parameters such as the reaction time, catalyst dosage, and reaction temperature for acetic acid were optimized to check the feasibility of rGO-metal oxide composites for a better conversion percentage of acetic acid. The optimized catalyst was selected for further optimization, and the optimum reaction parameters found were 0.1 wt % of catalyst, 160 min reaction duration, and 100 °C reaction temperature with a maximal yield of 100%. At 110 °C, the reaction conducted in the presence of 0.1 g of catalyst displayed more yield than the uncatalyzed reaction.

From waste to value-added products: Evaluation of activated carbon generated from leather waste for supercapacitor applications.

Leather tanning operations create a large amount of solid and liquid waste from tanning, wherein Cr(III) compounds are used to produce wet blue leather. In this study, activated carbon (AC) generated from leather waste (LW) was evaluated for supercapacitor (SC) applications. AC was produced through carbonization at a temperature range of 700°C-900 °C, followed by chemical activation. The morphological characteristics of the AC samples revealed a certain degree of porosity and a maximum surface area of 381 m2 g-1. X-ray diffraction and EDX examination showed the existence of graphitic planes in the LW-derived AC. Raman, FT-IR, and XPS confirmed the defect nature and surface functional groups of the AC samples. A three-electrode approach was employed to assess the electrochemical characteristics of the AC samples. The supreme capacitance of a sample (LW700) at 1 A/g was 550 F g-1 (237 C g-1) in a 6 M KOH electrolyte. All the electrochemical results (CV, GCD, and Nyquist curves) demonstrated that the LW carbon possessed a high specific capacitance and electrochemical cycle constancy, and hence is appropriate for SC fabrication. These desirable capacitive performances enable solid leather waste-derived carbons as a source of new materials for low-cost energy storage supercapacitors. This work put forwards a new concept of 'waste to value-added products' that can be a helping hand for leather industries and its solid waste management disposal problems.

Three Successful Pregnancies in a Patient with Recurrent Cushing's Disease.

The association of pregnancy and Cushing's disease (CD) is rare. A 28-year-old woman was admitted for clinical suspicion of Cushing's syndrome. The investigations confirmed the diagnosis of CD with secondary hypogonadotropic hypogonadism due to an invasive pituitary macroadenoma. The patient underwent transsphenoidal adenomectomy, and histopathology showed an adrenocorticotropic hormone pituitary adenoma. Initial remission of CD ensued, and fertility was restored as the patient had 2 uncomplicated pregnancies. Five years and 10 months after surgery, a third spontaneous pregnancy was confirmed with underlying recurrent CD. Having mild hypercortisolism, CD was managed expectantly. The outcome was a healthy full-term neonate with no maternal complications during pregnancy or labor. Our case highlights the challenge faced by physicians of choosing the optimal approach to active CD in pregnancy. In cases where maternal and fetal complications are mild, conservative approach may be used and specific treatment can be postponed until after delivery.

Association between interleukin-6 gene polymorphism and iron regulation in hemodialysis patients infected with HCV / Associação entre polimorfismo do gene da interleucina-6 e regulação do ferro em pacientes em hemodiálise infectados pelo HCV

ABSTRACT Backgrounds: Hepcidin is related to the pathogenesis of chronic renal failure anemia, which is considered a chronic inflammatory state as well as HCV infection. IL-6 stimulates the release of hepcidin from the liver, suppresses intestinal iron uptake, and releases iron from internal stores. Method: To detect the association between IL-6 gene polymorphism and anemia markers, 80 hemodialysis (HD) patients [40 negative HCV HD patients and 40 positive HCV HD patients] were studied by routine chemistry and complete blood count, in addition to the assessment of serum hepcidin, iron parameters [serum iron and serum ferritin], and hepatitis C markers. IL-6 polymorphism -174G/C was determined by MS-PCR, while IL-6 polymorphisms -597G/A and -572 G/C were detected by PCR-SSP. Results: Hepcidin was non-significantly elevated in HCV-positive compared with HCV-negative hemodialysis patients. A statistically significant difference was detected between the negative and positive HCV HD patients in frequencies of IL-6 -174 G/C and -597 G/A (P≤ 0.01 and P≤ 0.001, respectively). On the other hand, a non-significant difference was reported between negative and positive HCV HD patients in the frequencies of IL-6 -572 G/C. Conclusions: Our study indicated that IL-6 -174 G/C and -597 G/A polymorphisms may play a role in HCV susceptibility in HD patients. Additional prospective studies on a larger population are needed to confirm our findings.

RESUMO Introdução: A hepcidina está associada à patogênese da anemia por insuficiência renal crônica, considerada um estado inflamatório crônico e também infecção por HCV. A IL-6 estimula a liberação de hepcidina a partir do fígado, suprime a captação intestinal de ferro e libera ferro das reservas internas. Método: Para detectar a associação entre o polimorfismo do gene IL-6 e os marcadores de anemia, 80 pacientes em hemodiálise (HD) [40 pacientes em HD, negativos para HCV; e 40 em HD, positivos para HCV] foram avaliados por exames químicos de rotina e hemograma completo, além da avaliação da hepcidina sérica, parâmetros do ferro [ferro sérico e ferritina sérica] e marcadores de hepatite C. O polimorfismo da IL-6 -174G/C foi determinado por MS-PCR, enquanto os polimorfismos de IL-6 -597G/A e -572 G/C foram detectados por PCR-SSP. Resultados: A hepcidina não esteve significativamente elevada em pacientes com HCV em comparação com pacientes em hemodiálise negativos para HCV. Uma diferença estatisticamente significativa foi detectada entre os pacientes em HD HCV negativos comparados aos positivos nas frequências de IL-6 -174 G/C e -597 G/A (P≤ 0,01 e P≤ 0,001, respectivamente). Por outro lado, foi relatada uma diferença não significativa entre pacientes em HD HCV negativos e positivos nas frequências de IL-6 -572 G/C. Conclusões: Nosso estudo indicou que os polimorfismos de IL-6 -174 G/C e -597 G/A podem desempenhar um papel na suscetibilidade ao HCV em pacientes em HD. Ainda necessitamos de estudos prospectivos adicionais em uma população maior para confirmar nossos achados.

Association between interleukin-6 gene polymorphism and iron regulation in hemodialysis patients infected with HCV.

BACKGROUNDS: Hepcidin is related to the pathogenesis of chronic renal failure anemia, which is considered a chronic inflammatory state as well as HCV infection. IL-6 stimulates the release of hepcidin from the liver, suppresses intestinal iron uptake, and releases iron from internal stores. METHOD: To detect the association between IL-6 gene polymorphism and anemia markers, 80 hemodialysis (HD) patients [40 negative HCV HD patients and 40 positive HCV HD patients] were studied by routine chemistry and complete blood count, in addition to the assessment of serum hepcidin, iron parameters [serum iron and serum ferritin], and hepatitis C markers. IL-6 polymorphism -174G/C was determined by MS-PCR, while IL-6 polymorphisms -597G/A and -572 G/C were detected by PCR-SSP. RESULTS: Hepcidin was non-significantly elevated in HCV-positive compared with HCV-negative hemodialysis patients. A statistically significant difference was detected between the negative and positive HCV HD patients in frequencies of IL-6 -174 G/C and -597 G/A (P≤ 0.01 and P≤ 0.001, respectively). On the other hand, a non-significant difference was reported between negative and positive HCV HD patients in the frequencies of IL-6 -572 G/C. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicated that IL-6 -174 G/C and -597 G/A polymorphisms may play a role in HCV susceptibility in HD patients. Additional prospective studies on a larger population are needed to confirm our findings.

3D Interconnected Binder-Free Electrospun MnO@C Nanofibers for Supercapacitor Devices.

Rational design of binder-free materials with high cyclic stability and high conductivity is a great need for high performance supercapacitors. We demonstrate a facile one-step synthesis method of binder-free MnO@C nanofibers as electrodes for supercapacitor applications. The topology of the fabricated nanofibers was investigated using FESEM and HRTEM. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses confirm the formation of the MnO structure. The electrospun MnO@C electrodes achieve high specific capacitance of 578 F/g at 1 A/g with an outstanding cycling performance. The electrodes also show 127% capacity increasing after 3000 cycles. An asymmetric supercapacitor composed of activated carbon as the negative electrode and MnO@C as the positive electrode shows an ultrahigh energy density of 35.5 Wh/kg with a power density of 1000 W/kg. The device shows a superior columbic efficiency, cycle life, and capacity retention.

Surveillance of lymphatic filariasis 5 years after stopping mass drug administration in Menoufiya Governorate, Egypt.

The World Health Organization recommends that before lymphatic filariasis elimination in an area can be confirmed, an additional survey should be performed at least 5 years after stopping mass drug administration. The current study aimed to determine the status of lymphatic filariasis 5 years after cessation ofthe mass drug administration in 3 sentinel Egyptian villages in Menoufiya Governorate. The rapid immunochromatographic card test (ICT) and a new commercial antibody detection kit (CELISA®) were used. All 1321 primary-school children aged 6-7 years old were ICT negative but 27 children were antibody positive. All households surveyed in one village with the highest antibody prevalence were ICT negative, indicating an absence of lymphatic filariasis. The CELISA antibody kit needs more standardization and development to be useful under field conditions. We conclude that lymphatic filariasis is no longer a public health problem in these villages and other villages with similar epidemiological conditions.

Surveillance of lymphatic filariasis 5 years after stopping mass drug administration in Menoufiya governorate, Egypt

توصي منظمة الصحة العالمية بإجراء مسوحات إضافية بعد مرور 5 سنوات على الأقل على إيقاف الإعطاء الجموعي للأدوية قبل تأكيد التخلص من داء الخيطيات اللمفاوي. وتهدف الدراسة الحالية إلى التعرف على الوضع الذي آل إليه داء الخيطيات اللمفاوي بعد مرور 5 سنوات على إيقاف إعطاء الأدوية الجموعي في 3 قرى خافرة في محافظة المنوفية في مصر. واستخدم الباحثون اختبار البطاقة السريعة للاستشراب المناعي ICT، وحقيبة تجارية لكشف الأضداد هي سيليسا [CELISA[R]. واتضح للباحثين أن جميع الأطفال في المرحلة الابتدائية والذين تتراوح أعمارهم بين 6 - 7 سنوات وعددهم 1321 طفا كانوا سلبيين، وأن هناك 27 طفلا لديهم إيجابية في الأضداد. كما أن جميع الأسر التي أجري المسح عليها في إحدى القرى التي كانت الأعلى من حيث معدل انتشار الأضداد كانوا سلبيين باختبار البطاقة السريعة الاستشراب المناعي، مما يشير إلى غياب داء الخيطيات اللمفاوي. أما حقيبة سيليسا التجارية فتحتاج إلى المزيد من المعايرة والتطور حتى تصبح مفيدة في العمل الميداني. واستنتج الباحثون أن داء الخيطيات اللمفاوي لم يعد من مشكلات الصحة العامة في هذه القرى وفي القرى الأخرى التي تشابهها في الظروف الوبائية

ABSTRACT The World Health Organization recommends that before lymphatic filariasis elimination in an area can be confirmed, an additional survey should be performed at least 5 years after stopping mass drug administration. The current study aimed to determine the status of lymphatic filariasis 5 years after cessation of the mass drug administration in 3 sentinel Egyptian villages in Menoufiya Governorate. The rapid immunochromatographic card test (ICT) and a new commercial antibody detection kit (CELISA®) were used. All 1321 primary-school children aged 6–7 years old were ICT negative but 27 children were antibody positive. All households surveyed in one village with the highest antibody prevalence were ICT negative, indicating an absence of lymphatic filariasis. The CELISA antibody kit needs more standardization and development to be useful under field conditions. We conclude that lymphatic filariasis is no longer a public health problem in these villages and other villages with similar epidemiological conditions.

RÉSUMÉ L'Organisation mondiale de la Santé recommande de mener une enquête supplémentaire au moins cinq ans après l'arrêt de l'administration massive de médicaments avant de confirmer l'élimination de la filariose lymphatique dans une zone donnée. La présente étude visait à déterminer le statut de la filariose lymphatique cinq ans après l'arrêt de l'administration massive de médicaments dans trois villages sentinelles égyptiens du Gouvernorat de Menoufiya. Le test immunochromatographique sur carte (ICT) rapide et un nouveau kit de détection d'anticorps commercial (CELISA®) ont été utilisés. L'ensemble des 1321 écoliers du primaire âgés de 6 à 7 ans avaient des résultats négatifs à l'ICT mais 27 enfants avaient des résultats positifs aux anticorps. Tous les ménages qui ont fait l'objet d'une enquête dans un village où la prévalence des anticorps était la plus élevée ont eu des résultats négatifs à l'ICT, ce qui indique une absence de filariose lymphatique. Le kit de détection d'anticorps CELISA doit faire l'objet d'un développement et d'une normalisation plus poussés pour être utile dans des conditions de terrain. Nous en concluons que la filariose lymphatique ne représente plus un problème de santé publique dans ces villages ainsi que dans d'autres villages ayant des conditions épidémiologiques similaires.