Novel and sustainable green sulfur-doped carbon nanospheres via hydrothermal process for Cd (II) ion removal.

Herein, the synthesis, characterization, and adsorption performance of a novel green sulfur-doped carbon nanosphere (S-CNs) is studied to eliminate Cd (II) ions from water effectively. S-CNs were characterized using different techniques including Raman spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), , Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) specific surface area analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FT-IR), were performed. The efficient adsorption of the Cd (II) ions onto S-CNs strongly depended on pH, initial concentration of Cd (II) ions, S-CNs dosage, and temperature. Four isotherm models (Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin & Redlich Peterson) were tested for modeling. Out of four, Langmuir showed more applicability than the other three models, with a Qmax value of 242.72 mg/g. Kinetic modeling studies suggest a superior fit of the obtained experimental data with the Elovich equation (linear) and pseudo-second-order (non-linear) rather than other linear and non-linear models. Data obtained from thermodynamic modeling indicates that using S-CNs for Cd (II) ions adsorption is a spontaneous and endothermic . The current work recommends using better and recyclable S-CNs to uptake excess Cd (II) ions.

Barriers to and facilitators of hepatitis C virus screening and testing: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: As part of the global effort to eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV), it is important to understand the barriers to and facilitators of HCV screening and testing. OBJECTIVE: To examine the barriers and facilitators experienced by health care providers offering HCV screening and testing and patients seeking HCV testing. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using Embase, Medline and Scopus databases to collect studies published between January 2012 and July 2017. We extracted the following data: author, year of publication, study design, population, setting, country, method of data collection, and knowledge and awareness outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 16 articles were identified. Barriers to HCV screening and testing among patients included low self-perceived risk of acquiring HCV, perceived stigma and fear of a positive result. Facilitators of HCV screening and testing, as reported by patients, included increased knowledge of transmission and manifestations of HCV infection and having HCV testing included as part of routine care with or without HIV testing. Barriers to offering HCV screening and testing included time constraints, lack of specific knowledge about HCV and discomfort in asking about risk behaviours. Facilitators of offering HCV screening and testing included testing reminders and working in locations with a higher HCV caseload. CONCLUSION: Lack of knowledge and fear of stigma and discrimination remain barriers to HCV testing at the patient level and lack of time, knowledge and discomfort in asking about risk behaviours remain barriers to offering HCV testing by health care providers. This identifies potential areas for future public health action.

Follicular output rate can predict clinical pregnancy in women with unexplained infertility undergoing IVF/ICSI: a prospective cohort study.

This study aimed to determine whether follicular output rate (FORT) can predict the clinical pregnancy rate in women with unexplained infertility undergoing IVF/ICSI. This was a prospective study conducted at Dar El Teb subfertility centre in Cairo between June 2014 and July 2016. A total of 303 women with unexplained infertility, who were undergoing IVF/ICSI, were divided into three groups according to FORT tertile values. FORT was calculated as pre-ovulatory follicle count/antral follicle count × 100. There was a progressive and significant increase from the low to the high FORT groups in the clinical pregnancy rate (29.9%, 43.3% and 57.8%; P < 0.001), number of retrieved oocytes (5.4 ± 1.5, versus 6.8 ± 2.8, and 7.4 ± 2.1; P < 0.001), and fertilization rate (48.4 ± 21.8 versus 55.3 ± 20.3 and 57.4 ± 19.2; P = 0.006). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the correlation between FORT and pregnancy was independent of potential confounding factors (P = 0.008). We concluded that FORT is an independent variable affecting the clinical pregnancy rate in IVF/ICSI cycles. Higher FORT values had better oocyte yield and clinical pregnancy rates in women with unexplained infertility undergoing IVF/ICSI with potentially normal ovarian response.

Evidence-based guidelines for the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in adults with Philadelphia chromosome-positive or BCR-ABL-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a Canadian consensus.

Adult Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) or BCR-ABL-positive (BCR-ABL+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (all) is an acute leukemia previously associated with a high relapse rate, short disease-free survival, and poor overall survival. In adults, allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant in first remission remains the only proven curative strategy for transplant-eligible patients. The introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (tkis) in the treatment of patients with Ph+ or BCR-ABL+ all has significantly improved the depth and duration of complete remission, allowing more patients to proceed to transplantation. Although tkis are now considered a standard of care in this setting, few randomized trials have examined the optimal use of tkis in patients with Ph+ all. Questions of major importance remain, including the best way to administer these medications, the choice of tki to administer, and the schedule and the duration to use. We present the results of a systematic review of the literature with consensus recommendations based on the available evidence.

Study of fluorescence quenching in aluminum-doped ceria nanoparticles: potential molecular probe for dissolved oxygen.

This work investigates a novel usage of aluminum-doped ceria nanoparticles (ADC-NPs), as the molecular probe in optical fluorescence quenching for sensing the dissolved oxygen (DO). Cerium oxide (ceria) nanoparticles can be considered one of the most unique nanomaterials that are being studied today due to the diffusion and reactivity of oxygen vacancies in ceria, which contributes to its high oxygen storage capability. Aluminum can be considered a promising dopant to increase the oxygen ionic conductivity in ceria nanoparticles which can improve the sensitivity of ceria nanoparticles to DO. The fluorescence intensity of ADC-NPs, synthesized via chemical precipitation, is found to have a strong inverse relationship with the DO concentration in aqueous solutions. Stern-Volmer constant of ADC-NPs at room temperature is determined to be 454.6 M(-1), which indicates that ADC-NPs have a promising sensitivity to dissolved oxygen, compared to many presently used fluorophores. In addition, Stern-Volmer constant is found to have a relatively small dependence on temperature between 25 °C to 50 °C, which shows excellent thermal stability of ADC-NPs sensitivity. Our work suggests that ADC-NPs, at 6 nm, are the smallest diameter DO molecular probes between the currently used optical DO sensors composed of different nanostructures. This investigation can improve the performance of fluorescence-quenching DO sensors for industrial and environmental applications.

Sport concussion assessment tool: baseline values for varsity collision sport athletes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine baseline symptom and neurocognitive norms for non-concussed and previously concussed varsity athletes using the sport concussion assessment tool (SCAT). STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive cohort study. SETTING: University of Calgary. SUBJECTS: 260 male and female university football, ice hockey and wrestling athletes over three seasons (2005-7). METHODS: A baseline SCAT was completed during preseason medical evaluation. Subjects were grouped as follows: all participants, men, women, never concussed (NC) and previously concussed (PC). MAIN RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 20.5 years (range 17-32). In total, 41.2% of all athletes had a total post-concussion symptom scale (PCSS) score of 0. The mean baseline PCSS scores were as follows: all participants 4.29; men 3.52; women 6.39; NC 3.75 and PC 5.25. The five most frequently reported symptoms for all athletes were fatigue/low energy (37% of subjects), drowsiness (23%), neck pain (20%), difficulty concentrating (18%) and difficulty remembering (18%). The median immediate recall score was 5/5 for all groups. Women scored a median of 5/5 on delayed recall, whereas all remaining groups scored a median of 4/5. Months in reverse order were successfully completed by 91.6% of subjects. All participants, women and PC scored a median of 6 on reverse digits, whereas men and NC scored a median of 5. CONCLUSIONS: The mean SCAT baseline PCSS score was approximately 5, although just under half of the athletes scored 0. Female athletes scored better on tests of neurocognitive function. PC athletes scored better than NC athletes on all neurocognitive tests except delayed five-word recall.

Risk factors for red cell transfusion in adults undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Identifying factors that can predict adults at high risk of receiving red blood cell transfusion during coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery may aid in more efficient blood banking practices and may tailor blood conservation strategies for these adult patients. The objective was to identify clinical factors associated with increased red cell transfusion in adults undergoing CABG surgery. METHODS: A systematic review of the MEDLINE and HealthSTAR databases from 1966 to December 2005 was conducted. Citations containing the medical subject heading or textwords 'coronary artery bypass graft', 'CABG' and 'cardiovascular surgery' were combined with the medical subject headings or textwords 'transfusion' and 'blood transfusion'. RESULTS: A total of 2461 abstracts were retrieved. Twenty-one studies met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Transfusion rates ranged from 7 to 97%. Several variables were identified that were associated with increased red cell transfusion rates including older age, female sex, low haemoglobin concentration or haematocrit value, renal insufficiency and urgent/emergent surgery. The strongest risk factor was the urgency of surgery (urgent or emergent surgery), which was associated with a 4x to 8x increase in transfusion rates compared to elective surgery. Increasing age and female sex increased the likelihood of transfusion by 1x to 3x and 2x, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing patient age, female sex, lower preoperative haemoglobin levels, as well as the urgency of the CABG surgery were associated with higher transfusion rates. Identifying risk factors for transfusion may allow for targeted use of blood conservation strategies, improved efficiency in blood utilization and informing adults at risk of transfusion.

Reaction rates in allogeneic donors.

In Canada and several other countries, there is an upper age limit for blood donation. In order to evaluate the safety of whole blood donation in elderly Canadian allogeneic donors, we analysed reaction rates following whole blood donation. Reactions rates in allogeneic whole blood donors who donated at Canadian Blood Services were reviewed retrospectively. Rates were analysed by age, donation frequency and by donation frequency for each age group. A total of 5478 reactions were available for analysis in 469 837 donors. The highest rate of mild reactions occurred in donors less than 20 years of age. Moderate and severe reactions decreased with increasing age and with donation frequency. Age-adjusted rates for mild reactions were less frequent in donors aged 66-77 years than in donors younger than 20 years. Although age-adjusted moderate reactions varied with donation frequency, after seven donations, rates were not increased for donors aged 60 years or older (0.61% for donors aged less than 20 years compared to 0.03% for donors aged 60-65 years compared to 0% for donors aged 66-71 years). Age-adjusted rates for severe reactions generally did not increase with donation frequency. These results confirm the safety of whole blood donation in regular donors who are 66-71 years of age.

Conservative surgical management of malignant ovarian germ cell tumors: the experience of the Gynecologic Oncology Unit at Ain Shams University.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of extended surgical staging in patients with malignant ovarian germ cell tumors in the presence of cisplatinum-based combination chemotherapy. MATERIALS & METHODS: 16 patients aged between 13 and 40 years (mean 20.5) diagnosed and treated for malignant ovarian germ cell tumors at the Gynecologic Oncology Unit. Ain Shams University, during the period from May 1994 to October 1999. RESULTS: Six patients were diagnosed with dysgerminoma, six with immature teratoma and four with endodermal sinus tumor. Only seven cases were primarily managed at the unit and were subjected to proper surgical staging as required by FIGO (two in each of the stages IC, IIC and IIIA and one in stage IV). However, the remaining nine cases were referred to the unit, six after having unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and no surgical staging, one patient after total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (TAH+BSO), and one with recurrent dysgerminoma in the retroperitoneum and mediastinum following suboptimal treatment. None of these cases were surgically re-explored and all including the first six cases were given the standard BEP chemotherapy for 4-6 courses (mean 5.8). Follow-up ranged from 7-72 months (mean 30.5). All patients are alive without any evidence of disease recurrence except for one patient with a stage IIIA immature teratoma who had a local and distant recurrence and is undergoing second-line chemotherapy. All patients have their menstrual function preserved except for three patients; one having 46,XX pure gonadal dysgenesis with a preoperative FSH level of 120 U/l and the eldest two patients having a TAH+BSO as they had completed their families. Three patients are currently pregnant. CONCLUSION: In view of the high chemosensitivity and curability of ovarian germ cell tumors and their occurrence in young patients, every effort should be made to preserve one ovary and the uterus for future reproduction even in advanced cases. The role of revisional surgical staging, in particular retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy in light of these data and those of others should be redefined in the future.

Experience of the Gynecologic Oncology Unit at Ain Shams University in the treatment of gestational trophoblastic tumors.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the different treatment modalities in the management of gestational trophoblastic tumors (GTT) in a tertiary care setting. One hundred and twenty patients between 16 and 55 years of age (mean 30.6) diagnosed and treated for GTT at the Gynecologic Oncologic Unit, Ain Shams University, between June 1992 and November 1998 were studied. The mean parity of the group was 2.5 (0-12) with a mean follow-up of 47.4 months (16-96). One hundred cases (83.3%) followed a molar pregnancy, while 17 (14.2%) and three (2.5%) had an antecedent abortion and term pregnancy, respectively. By adopting the National Institutes of Health Classification due to its practicality, 65 (54.1%) were nonmetastatic and 55 (45.9%) were metastatic; 17 (14.2%) low-risk metastatic and 38 (31.7%) high-risk metastatic. Forty-two patients (35%) had a hysterectomy, which was curative in 16 (13.3%). In the high-risk metastatic group, 22 patients were treated with EMA achieving a complete stable remission in 19 (86.3%) with one of the remaining three being salvaged by EMA-EP. One hundred fourteen (95%) patients are alive and well without evidence of disease with all six deaths occurring in the high-risk metastatic group. One of the deaths was due to unrelated disease (repeat variceal hemorrhage from portal hypertension), while the remaining five followed nonmolar pregnancies with four having brain and/or liver metastases and another presenting with resistant fatal acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) despite optimal support. By using multivariate analysis, it was found that only the presence of brain and/or liver metastases, followed by an antecedent nonmolar pregnancy and resistance to multiple agent chemotherapy were significant as regards the prognosis of high-risk metastatic GTT. These tumors are highly curable with death almost limited to those with brain and/or liver metastases, particularly following nonmolar pregnancies. In these extremely high-risk categories, elaboration of more intensive and innovative combination chemotherapy protocols is needed in order to achieve better results than those currently reported. In addition the use of EMA instead of EMA-CO deserves to be tested in properly randomized controlled collaborative studies to reduce treatment toxicity.

Expression of BAG-1 in invasive breast carcinomas.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the expression of BAG-1 in invasive breast carcinomas. The intensity and subcellular distribution of BAG-1 expression was correlated with conventional prognostic factors and with disease-free and overall survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred forty patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in St. John's, Newfoundland, between 1986 and 1996 were included in the study. The median follow-up of the study was 8 years. Expression of BAG-1 was determined by immunohistochemical staining of paraffin-embedded breast tumor tissues. RESULTS: Of the 140 breast carcinomas examined, 77.1% were positive for BAG-1 expression. Except for differentiation, no correlation was observed between BAG-1 expression and conventional prognostic factors such as age, histology, stage, and estrogen and progesterone receptor status. In multivariate analysis, BAG-1 expression was significantly associated with shorter disease-free (P =.0052) and overall survival (P =.0033). Patients whose tumors expressed nuclear BAG-1 tended to have a shorter disease-free (63 v 84 months; P = 0.4493) and overall (69 v 99 months, P =.1009) survival. CONCLUSION: BAG-1 is overexpressed in the majority of invasive breast carcinomas. Although BAG-1 did not correlate with conventional prognostic factors, its overexpression, especially the nuclear expression, may be associated with a shorter disease-free and overall survival. Our preliminary data strongly indicate that further investigation is warranted to define the role of BAG-1 as an independent prognostic factor in patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer.

Prolonged severe 5-fluorouracil-associated neurotoxicity in a patient with dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency.

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is an analogue of pyrimidine nucleosides that is widely used in the treatment of head and neck, breast, ovarian, and colon cancer. Stomatitis, diarrhea, dermatitis, and myelosuppression are the main toxicities of 5-FU. A less frequent side effect that is becoming more recognized is neurologic toxicity. Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the catabolism of 5-FU. DPD deficiency follows an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance, and its prevalence is estimated to be 3%. Cancer patients who are receiving 5-FU treatment and are DPD deficient can develop severe side effects. The neurologic toxicity can vary from being mild to severe and prolonged. We describe the side effects of 5-FU in a colon cancer patient who suffered severe mucositis, desquamating dermatitis, prolonged myelosuppression, and neurologic toxicity that required admission to the intensive care unit. The patient remained hospitalized for 3 months. Recovery from the side effects was complete 4 months after the last 5-FU treatment. Subsequent testing revealed that this patient has an extremely low level of DPD activity (0.015 nmol/min/mg protein; mean, 0.189 nmol/min/mg protein). Because neurologic toxicity is becoming more recognized and DPD affects the catabolism of 5-FU, we discuss management issues and the use of new DPD inhibitors. We also discuss whether screening for DPD deficiency is warranted to identify patients at risk for severe toxicities from 5-FU treatment.

Biological study on the effect of supplementing wheat flour with fish protein concentrate.

The protein quality of 4 Egyptian pastries made from different combinations of flour and fish protein concentrate (0%, 4% and 6%) was measured by rat growth study. Weight gain, feed consumption and PER were determined. Weight gain of rats fed cottage cheese crescents was higher than that fed date bars followed by that fed brouche, then rats fed salty sticks. Feed consumed by rats fed with the corresponding commercial pastries was low except in date bars group. Commercial pastries led to low weight gain and low PER values. Supplementing wheat flour with 6% fish protein concentrate gave the highest weight gain and the highest PER values.

The effect of gamma rays on the gonads of the olive fruit fly, Dacus oleae (Gmelin).

Pupae of the olive fruit fly, Dacus oleae (Gmelin) 1 to 2 days before adult emergence were irradiated with the suitable sterilizing dose of 80 Gy gamma rays. At intervals of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 days after adult emergence, anatomical and biometrical studies were performed to determine the extent of recovery of D. oleae gonads during one month of adult life. There were some indications of gonad recovery after two weeks. This recovery was observed as a decrease in the percentage deviation from the corresponding controls of 20-day-old adult gonad (especially those of males). Generally, female gonads are more sensitive to gamma-rays than those of males.