Tuning the redox potential of vitamin K3 derivatives by oxidative functionalization using a Ag(i)/GO catalyst.

We propose herein initial results to develop optimum redox mediators by the combination of computational simulation and catalytic functionalization of the core structure of vitamin K3. We aim to correlate the calculated energy value of the LUMO of different vitamin K3 derivatives with their actual redox potential. For this, we optimized the catalytic alkylation of 1,4-naphthoquinones with a designed Ag(i)/GO catalyst and synthesized a series of molecules.

Role of transcranial direct current stimulation on reduction of postsurgical opioid consumption and pain in total knee arthroplasty: Double randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain control is an important factor in determining recovery in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of 4 sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over primary motor cortex (M1) in patients undergoing unilateral TKA. MATERIALS: Fifty patients undergoing TKA were included in the study. They were divided randomly into two groups (25 patients for each, using closed envelopes): real tDCS (2 mA, 20 min, with anodal stimulation applied over M1 postoperative for 4 consecutive days) and sham tDCS. Opioid consumption was titrated by an anaesthesiologist during the study period and was used as primary outcome. As a secondary outcome, patients were evaluated using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs Pain Scale (LANSS) at baseline, then the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th days after operation. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between real and sham tDCS in any rating scales at baseline. The opioid consumption and LANSS scores decreased more in patients who received real tDCS over the course of the treatment than sham tDCS. Real tDCS was associated with 59% reduction in the titrated analgesia. There was no significant difference between groups (time × groups interaction) in the VAS. CONCLUSION: Since the VAS was constant, repeated sessions of anodal tDCS over M1 with an extra-cephalic cathodal electrode can achieve the same degree of analgesia with less opioid consumption over the postoperative days after TKA. Thus, tDCS is a promising tool in the field of postoperative analgesia. SIGNIFICANCE: The data of the present study suggest that four sessions of transcranial direct current brain stimulation over motor cortex could reduce morphine consumption and pain perception during the postoperative period in total knee arthroplasty.

Removal of heavy metals via adsorption on activated carbon synthesized from solid wastes.

The huge quantity of date pits as solid waste byproduct in Saudi Arabia pose a problem as they are difficult to biodegrade. The potential of using date pits as a cheap precursor to prepare activated carbons was investigated. Steam as well as zinc chloride activated carbons were prepared from dates pit. The textural properties, including surface area, mean pore radius and total pore volume, were determined from the adsorption of nitrogen at 77 K. FT-IR spectroscopy and base neutralization capacity were used to determine the surface groups. The adsorption of Cu2+, Pb2+ and Cd2+ was studied in equilibrium method. FT-IR investigation of un-activated carbons identified phenolic, lactonic, -O-H, quinonic and carboxylate groups. For steam and zinc chloride activated carbons, some of the adsorption bands either disappeared or become less predominant, depending on the acidic or basic nature of the surface. The measurements of BNC indicated that steam activated carbons were predominately basic, while zinc chloride activated carbons exhibited acidic nature. Physical and chemical activation increase the porosity and thereby develop a higher surface area. The adsorption of Cu2+, Pb2+ and Cd2+ followed the order Pb2+ > Cu2+ > Cd2+. Zinc chloride activated carbons had a higher adsorption power compared with steam activated carbons. The adsorption behavior was affected by the textural and chemistry of the surface.

Comparative study for the removal of methylene blue via adsorption and photocatalytic degradation.

Physically and chemically activated carbons were prepared from date pits and olive stones. Titania and WO(x)-TiO(2)/MCM-41 were prepared as photoactive catalysts. Surface characterizations were investigated from ash content, pH, base neutralization capacities and FT-IR techniques. The textural characteristics, namely specific surface area (S(BET)) and pore texture, were determined from low temperature adsorption of N(2) at 77 K. The decolorization of aqueous solution of methylene blue was performed by means of two alternative methods. Steam-activated carbons own higher surface area compared with ZnCl(2)-activated carbons, and the micropore surface area represents the major contribution of the total area. Steam-activated carbons were the most efficient decolorizing adsorbents owing to its higher surface area, total pore volume and the basic nature of the surface. The calculated values of DeltaG(0), DeltaH(0) and DeltaS(0) indicate the spontaneous behavior of adsorption. The photocatalytic degradation is more convenient method in decolorizing of methylene blue compared with the adsorption process onto activated carbons.

On the main reservoir host of Fasciola in Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt.

In the present work, a total of 4180 sheep were obtained from different localities at Dakahlia Governorate. One hundred and eighty male sheep were investigated for Fasciola worms (the adult and juvenile forms) at Mansoura governmental abattoir. Four hundred grazing sheep were screened by the coprological examination from ten centers. The mean number of eggs per gm in a group of ten sheep ranged from 2.9-10.8 egg/gm. The number of worms ranged from 5-84. In the Mansoura abattoir, it was found that 37 sheep were infected (20.56%). Fasciola worms were recovered from the livers in 100%, common bile ducts in 60%, gall bladder in 80%, two sites in 50% and three sites in 40% of infected biliary tracts. According to the coprological examination, the infection rate was the highest in El-Manzalla Center (15.75) and the lowest was in Mansoura Center (3.25%). According to the prevalence and egg output results, it is concluded that sheep are the main reservoir host for fascioliasis among the edible animals in Dakahlia Governorate. However, examination of the non-edible animals and the domestic and wild rodents are ongoing and will be published soon elsewhere.

Serum levels of some cytokines and soluble adhesion molecules in normal and patients with malignant malaria in Zambia.

The present study revealed no changes in the serum levels of IL-8 in malaria patients compared with controls. Such result however, does not exclude a role for IL-8 in falciparum malaria, as it is produced by activated endothelial cells that may be captured by receptors on the endothelial surface. This would allow local concentrations of IL-8 to be generated at the vessel wall without being shed into the circulation. The marked elevation of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in serum of falciparum malaria patients may support the concept that dysfunction of the endothelium is important in the pathophysiology of the disease. Increased level of IL-6 in serum of patients may contribute to endothelial damage and dysfunction by expression of endothelial adhesion molecules that in turn result in infected erythrocytes attraction to the endothelium and pathologic endothelial dysfunction.

Ultra sonographic measurements of the normal liver and spleen among Egyptians 10-50 years old.

OBJECTIVE: To determine reference values of ultra sonographic (US) measurements of the normal liver, spleen, portal vein, right and left periportal thickness, gall bladder wall thickness and common bile duct diameter of Egyptians. DESIGN: Community-based cross sectional study. SETTING: Kalama village in Nile Delta, 40 kilometers north of Cairo. SUBJECTS: 10% systematic sample of people above 10 years of age. Selection criteria included normal clinical examination, normal liver functions by ALT, absence of hepatitis B and C virus markers and liver or spleen pathology by US. MEASUREMENTS: Organometery of the liver, spleen, portal vein, right and left periportal thickness, gall bladder wall thickness and common bile duct diameter by US. RESULTS: 217 subjects were admitted to the study out of 700 examined. All measured parameters increased with age till 20 years. There was no significant difference in measurements between males and females. The means, standard deviation and 95th percentiles of all measurements were higher than those recorded in other studies. CONCLUSION: Egyptian norms for US organometery of the liver, spleen, portal vein and gall bladder are different from those of other countries. We suggest that Egyptian sonologists use these norms in routine practice.