Studying the dose level for different X-ray energy conventional radiography by TLD-100.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the x-ray energy dependence of the measured response of detectors (TLD-100) and to estimate the accurate dose delivered to patients during routine X-ray examinations. The response of thermoluminescent dosimeters TLD as a function of low energy range was determined using the X-ray tube at the Ionizing Radiation Met. Lab in the National Institute of Standards, (Secondary Standard Dosimetry Lab (SSLD) Cairo, Egypt. The X-ray dose was measured at 25, 50 and 100 kVp nominal x-ray energies. TLD-100 linearity, reproducibility and relative sensitivity were studied. Several sets of TLD-100 were to different x-ray beam energy to determine the calibration coefficient of the TLD system and the correction factors applied for the dose calculation (readings (nC)/radiation dose (mGy)) was determined in the dose range (0.69 mGy to 350 mGy). The radiation dose to the patient was estimated in diagnostic radiology for the existing working protocols (skull, pelvis, abdomen, and lumbar Spine). TLD-100 was exposed at various nominal energy used for diagnostic (40-100 kVp) and various tube current (50-120 mA) which is normally used in clinical X-ray examinations. The TLD-100 was exposed three times for each kVp value, and the exposure doses were measured in mGy. The obtained results showed a linear behavior of the TLD-100 response as a function of X-ray dose with estimated uncertainty within 10%. This indicates a good accuracy when assessing the entrance dose in diagnostic radiology procedures). The sensitivity of the TLD cards showed a standard deviation of 4.7%. Moreover, the dose-nC factor has the same value (within the standard uncertainty). Mean Entrance Skin Dose for skull, pelvis, abdomen, and lumbar spine were 0.46 ± 0.01, 1.5 ± 0.05, 7.3 ± 0.21 and 9.2 ± 0.29 mGy respectively. The obtained results reflect the agreement with the recommended values and will be useful for the formulation of national reference levels as recommended by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) SAFETY STANDARDS SERIES No. GSR Part 3 2014.

Soil-to-plant uptake of 137Cs and 85Sr in some Egyptian plants grown in Inshas region, Egypt.

The transfer of 137Cs and 85Sr from soil to different plants has been studied in two successive pot field-grown experiments. Five plant species (Oryza Sativa, Tritichum Vulgares, Vicia Faba, Sesamum Orientale and Trifolium Alexandrinum) were grown in pots with sandy clay loam soil contaminated with varying amounts of 137Cs or 85Sr. The absorption of the radioisotopes was measured in different parts of the plants and their activity concentration was significantly increased with increasing radioactivity of both radioisotopes in the soil. The distribution pattern of the total absorbed 137Cs or 85Sr in different plants after soil contamination shows that the shoots of these plants contained the highest percentage of both radionuclides (65.8-73.8% for 137Cs and 77.3-80.7% for 85Sr) followed by roots (16.4-22.4% for 137Cs and 19.5-21.4% for 85Sr) and finally by grains/seeds (4.9-12.9% for 137Cs and 0.3-1.3% for 85Sr). The transfer factors of 85Sr were higher than those of 137Cs for shoots of the tested plants, and were in the ranges of 2.3×10-2 - 4.8×10-2 and 8.8×10-2 - 2.0×10-1 for 137Cs and 85Sr, respectively. The transfer factors of grains or seeds were significantly lower than those of roots or shoots. Also, the transfer factors of leguminous plants were higher than those of cereal plants. Regarding Trifolium plant, the highest activity concentration of both isotopes was found in the second harvest samples.

Distribution of 137Cs and 85Sr in selected Egyptian plants after foliar contamination.

The transfer of 137Cs and 85Sr from fallout to plants was studied in two successive pot experiments. Five plant species (Oryza Sativa, Tritichum Vulgares, Vicia Faba, Sesamum Orientale and Trifolium Alexandrinum) were grown in pots containing sandy clay loam soil. For simulating foliar contamination, radioactive 137Cs and 85Sr solutions were sprayed once with different activity concentrations gently on the shooting system. After 8 weeks of radioactivity application to the above first four plants and 4 weeks to the last one, the total absorption of 137Cs and 85Sr and their distribution in different parts of the tested plants were determined. Most of the absorbed 137Cs and 85Sr accumulated in shoots with proportions ranged from 70.8 to 81.9% and from 88.9 to 95.0%, respectively for different plants. The absorbed 137Cs and 85Sr by grains/seeds followed that of shoots with values ranged from 11.9 to 19.2% and from 5 to 10.9%, respectively. The percentage of 137Cs absorbed by roots ranged from 6.2 to 10.0% among different plants, while 85Sr in roots of plants was below the minimum detectable activity of the detector. For Trifolium, most of the absorbed 137Cs and 85Sr accumulated in the first harvest (81.9 and 98.6%). The aggregated transfer factors (Tag) of both radionuclides under foliar conditions were to a great extent similar. The average values of Tag factors (m2kg-1) of 137Cs and 85Sr, respectively, in rice grains were 3.4 × 10-4 and 1.6 × 10-4; in wheat grains were 4.2 × 10-4 and 2.1 × 10-4; in bean seeds were 4.9 × 10-4 and 2.6 × 10-4; and in sesame seeds were 2.8 × 10-4 and 1.2 × 10-4. Those Tag factors of grains/seeds were substantially lower than those obtained with straw of the corresponding plant species.

Causes of prolonged hospitalization after open incisional hernia repair: an observational single-center retrospective study of a prospective database.

PURPOSE: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is a well-known approach to optimize the recovery after surgery. Little is known about specific causes of prolonged hospitalization despite enhanced recovery after open incisional hernia repair (OIHR). The purpose of this study was to identify the causes of continued hospitalization on each of the first 5 postoperative days (PODs) after OIHR. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of consecutive patients undergoing open AWR at a regional academic hernia center from 2008 to 2018. Patient charts were evaluated using predefined potential causes of continued hospitalization on each of the first five PODs. RESULTS: A total of 388 patients (mean age 60.9 years, 54.6% male, mean BMI 27.9 kg/m2) were included in the study. Mesh placement was either preperitoneal/intraperitoneal (20%) or retromuscular (80%) and 61% of the patients had an epidural catheter. The median length of stay (LOS) in the cohort was four [IQR 2-6] days. On PODs 4 and 5, causes of continued hospital stay were absent bowel function (2% on POD 4, 1% on POD 5), pain (7% on POD 3, 2% on POD 4), lack of mobilization (1% on POD 4, 1% on POD 5), and other causes (urinary retention, high drain output, and complications to the surgery). CONCLUSION: Causes for prolonged hospitalization after OIHR were possibly reducible. Future efforts to improve the ERAS regime and reduce LOS after OIHR should focus on pain treatment- and prevention, alternatives to epidural treatment, and well-defined, evidence-based discharge criteria.

Senior interventional cardiologists are exposed to higher effective doses than other staff members.

Those working in interventional cardiology are exposed to varying radiation doses during diagnostic and interventional procedures. The work presented in this paper aimed to monitor the effective doses received by different categories of medical staff members practicing interventional cardiology procedures including senior cardiologists, junior cardiologists, anesthetists and nurses. Thermo-luminescence dosimeter (TLD) badges that consisted of lithium fluoride doped with magnesium and titanium were used to quantify radiation doses. Measurements were performed with the dosimeters mounted under and above leaded aprons worn by medical staff. The results revealed that the effective doses to senior cardiologists were the highest compared to those to other participating staff members, due to their position close to the X-ray tube. The average daily effective doses for senior cardiologists, junior cardiologists, anesthetists and nurses were higher for dosimeters located above the aprons than those for dosimeters located under the aprons. Above the apron, the average effective doses accumulated during the study period were 0.44 ± 0.06, 0.34 ± 0.05, 0.29 ± 0.03 and 0.29 ± 0.04 mSv, respectively; whereas, under the apron, they were 0.20 ± 0.02, 0.18 ± 0.02, 0.17 ± 0.02 and 0.18 ± 0.02, respectively. Also, the fluoroscopy time was correlated with the dose acquired, especially for senior cardiologists. It is concluded that doses to senior cardiologists are quite high, and that many variables can affect staff exposure such as distance, direction, procedure and skills.

Printing and impact properties of cationised hollow cellulosic fiber based polyester/cotton composite.

Hollow fibers materials have been potentially used and gaining increasing attention in recent years. In this study, Egyptian hollow fibers have been blended with cotton and polyester wastes at different weft counts using open-end spinning. The blended fabrics were subjected for cationisation followed by printing with reactive and acid dyes. The performance of impact properties of cationised hollow fiber reinforced polyester/cotton hybrid composites was studied. The results demonstrated that the physical and color properties of blended fabrics are greatly influenced by alkali pretreatment and cationisation of hybrid composites as well as the weft counts. The pretreatment decreases the resistance of the waxy layer on the surface of hollow fiber and increased markedly the efficiency of printing. Besides, the pretreatment supplied for hybrid composites accomplished the required color balance that can bring about reasonable fastness properties. These studies provided referential knowledge for printing of hollow cellulosic-based composite materials.

Natural radioactivity levels and associated health hazards from the terrestrial ecosystem in Rosetta branch of the River Nile, Egypt.

Twenty soil and 25 sediment samples were collected from the banks and bottom of the River Nile in the surroundings of biggest cities located close to it. Natural radioactivity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K have been evaluated for all samples by means of γ spectrometric analysis. The radioactivity levels of soil and sediment samples fall within the internationally recommended values. Nevertheless, high natural background radiation zones are detected in the Kafr El-Zayat region due to the presence of a fertilizer factory, and in the Rosetta region due to the presence of black sand deposits. The absorbed dose rate, the γ index and excess life time cancer risk are calculated. High values for some of the radiation health parameters are detected in the Kafr El-Zayat and Rosetta regions representing a serious problem to public health because the soil and sediment are used as constructing material for buildings. Furthermore, the isotope analysis of uranium for representative collected sediment samples via α spectrometry showed average specific activities of 18.7 ± 3.6, 0.087 ± 0.0038 and 18.6 ± 3.8 Bq kg-1 for 234U, 235U and 238U, respectively. In general, these values confirm the balance in the isotopic abundance of U isotopes.

Cellulosic fabrics printing with multifunctional encapsulated phthalocyanine pigment blue using phase separation method.

Aqueous dispersions of citric-acrylate (CAC) oligomer encapsulating C.I. Pigment Blue 15:3 (PB15:3) in the presence of glutaraldhyde were formulated using the phase separation method. FT-IR spectroscopy and centrifuge sedimentation are performed to confirm the encapsulation of pigment into CAC oligomer. The prepared capsules were characterized using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results revealed that the encapsulated pigment had a profound multifunctional impact and minimized the driving force of pigment printing on the cellulosic fabrics. Besides, the encapsulated pigment accelerated the pigment fixation on cellulosic fabrics without drying in one step and reduced the required amount of the binder, compared with the control sample. Furthermore, the printed fabrics exhibited good antibacterial performance against both Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The presence of the crosslinker could be stabilized the encapsulated pigment on the cellulosic fabrics. Moreover, the light and washing fastness for the printed fabrics using encapsulated pigment are higher than that in case of using control samples.

Effect of gallium aluminium arsenide diode laser therapy on Porphyromonas gingivalis in chronic periodontitis: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this randomized, controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of 685-nm gallium aluminium arsenide (GaAlAs) diode laser therapy (1.6 J cm-2 ) as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. METHODS: Thirty-two patients aged 35-60 years old who had chronic periodontitis met the eligibility criteria. They were randomly assigned to two equal groups: scaling and root planing were performed in the SRP group, while scaling, root planing and laser irradiation of periodontal pockets were performed in the SRP + DL group. Subgingival plaque samples were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect P. gingivalis-colonized sites, and common clinical indices were evaluated before and 2 months after treatment. Clinical examination included gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and gingival bleeding index (GBI), all of which were recorded. RESULTS: Data from 30 patients [19 women and 11 men; mean age, 48.4 (5.4) years old] were analysed. There were statistically significant improvements in GI, PD, CAL and GBI for the SRP + DL group compared to SRP group but no significant difference in PI between the groups. Additionally, the percentage of P. gingivalis-positive sites in the SRP + DL group decreased from 80% (12/15) to 20% (3/15) after laser irradiation (P < 0.05). No significant changes were noted in the SRP group. CONCLUSION: GaAlAs diode laser irradiation of diseased periodontal pockets at 685 nm and 1.6 J cm-2 seemed to be an effective adjuvant to mechanical instrumentation to treat chronic periodontitis.

Randomised clinical trial: simvastatin as adjuvant therapy improves significantly the Helicobacter pylori eradication rate--a placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: The eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori with standard treatments are decreasing worldwide. AIM: To determine whether adding simvastatin as adjuvant to triple regimen in patients with H. pylori infection will improve the eradication rate. METHODS: We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial comparing a 7-day, triple eradication regimen consisting of two antibiotics (clarithromycin 500 mg and amoxicillin 1 g, all twice per day) plus a proton pump inhibitor (omeprazole 20 mg twice daily) supplemented with simvastatin 20 mg (CAO + S) or a comparable placebo (CAO + P). Both the simvastatin and the placebo were taken orally twice daily for 1 week in 113 patients with H. pylori infection. The presence of H. pylori was determined by positive rapid urease test and histology. Eradication was confirmed by ¹³C-urea breath test at least 1 month after treatment. Adverse effects were assessed by questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 113 patients underwent randomisation. Intention-to-treat analysis (ITT; n = 113) eradication rates were: CAO + S (86%; 95% CI: 78-92%), CAO + P (69%; 95% CI: 64-74%). Per protocol analysis (PP; n = 108) eradication rates were: CAO + S (91%; 95% CI: 84-94%), CAO + P (72%; 95% CI: 65-78%). Eradication rates were higher with CAO + S than CAO + P in PP and ITT (P = 0.03, P = 0.04 respectively). No differences were demonstrated between the two groups concerning compliance or adverse effects. CONCLUSION: In this randomised clinical trial simvastatin as adjuvant to standard therapy improves significantly the H. pylori eradication rate.

Assessment of Atmospheric heavy metal deposition in North Egypt aerosols using neutron activation analysis and optical emission inductively coupled plasma.

The aim of the present study is to assess the current level of atmospheric heavy metal pollution of aerosols in different cities of North Egypt using the neutron activation analysis and optical emission inductively coupled plasma techniques. The results revealed that the highest concentrations of particulate matter PM10 and total suspended particulate matter were close to industrial areas. From the results of the enrichment factor calculations, the most significant elements of anthropogenic origin are Ba, Sb, Ce and Zn.

[Two cases of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in two tourists in Senegal in 2004]. / Deux cas de fièvre hémorragique de Crimée-Congo (FHCC) contractée au Sénégal, en 2004, par des résidentes temporaires.

Two cases of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) occurred in two French tourists during their visit in Senegal in November 2004. Febrile and hemorrhagic syndrome with ulorrhagia, petechiae, haematemesis, haematomas associated with biological signs of disseminated intramuscular coagulation were observed. For the first case who had a medical evacuation to France before diagnosis, Crimean-Congo virus infection was revealed by laboratory tests performed by the National Reference Center for Hemorrhagic Fevers (NRCHF, Institut Pasteur, Lyon) and secondly by the Centre de Référence OMS sur la Recherche des Arbovirus et des virus des Fièvres Hémorragiques (CRORA) in the Dakar Pasteur Institute (DPI). The second case diagnosed by the CRORA died after clinical deterioration with liver failure and severe haemorrhages. Healthcare workers and family members who had contact with tissue or blood from patients were followed up after the putative exposure either in France or in Senegal.

Abiotic and Biological Suppression of Phytophthora parasitica in a Horticultural Medium Containing Composted Swine Waste.

ABSTRACT Horticultural potting media have been amended with compost to enhance biological suppression and with Al(2)(SO(4))(3) to enhance abiotic suppression of plant pathogens, but these factors have not been simultaneously incorporated into the same medium. In this study, the efficacy of aluminum (Al)-amended potting medium containing 20% composted swine waste (CSW) was assessed for control of Phytophthora parasitica (syn. P. nicotianae), a soilborne pathogen causing damping-off of many horticultural bedding plants. Steamed and unsteamed media were amended with no Al or Al at 0.0079 g of Al g(-1) of medium with an Al(2)(SO(4))(3) solution at either pH 4 or pH 6. Infested leaf disks were buried for 2-day durations beginning 0, 6, 13, and 21 days after Al amendment. The number of sporangia produced on infested leaf disks was assessed. A similar experiment was conducted to determine the effect of steaming and Al amendments on pathogen populations. Medium treated with the pH 4 solution consistently reduced sporangia production between 38 and 65% on day 0, but no Al effect was noted at subsequent time points. The pH 6 amendment did not consistently affect sporangia production. Exchangeable Al levels decreased over time, and abiotic suppression was only observed at >2 muM Al g(-1) of medium. Pathogen populations were occasionally affected by steaming and Al. Sporangia production in unsteamed medium was reduced by 50% on leaf disks buried on days 6, 13, and 21, but not on day 0. Al amendment of a 20% CSW potting medium enhanced suppression of P. parasitica and abiotic suppression occurred before biological suppression developed.

Suppression of Rhizoctonia solani on Impatiens by Enhanced Microbial Activity in Composted Swine Waste-Amended Potting Mixes.

ABSTRACT Peat moss-based potting mix was amended with either of two composted swine wastes, CSW1 and CSW2, at rates from 4 to 20% (vol/vol) to evaluate suppression of pre-emergence damping-off of impatiens (Impatiens balsamina) caused by Rhizoctonia solani (anastomosis group-4). A cucumber bioassay was used prior to each impatiens experiment to monitor maturity of compost as the compost aged in a curing pile by evaluating disease suppression toward both Pythium ultimum and R. solani. At 16, 24, 32, and 37 weeks after composting, plug trays filled with compost-amended potting mix were seeded with impatiens and infested with R. solani to determine suppression of damping-off. Pre-emergence damping-off was lower for impatiens grown in potting mix amended with 20% CSW1 than in CSW2-amended and nonamended mixes. To identify relationships between disease suppression and microbial parameters, samples of mixes were collected to determine microbial activity, biomass carbon and nitrogen, functional diversity, and population density. Higher rates of microbial activity were observed with increasing rates of CSW1 amendment than with CSW2 amendments. Microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen also were higher in CSW1-amended mixes than in CSW2-amended potting mixes 1 day prior to seeding and 5 weeks after seeding. Principal component analysis of Biolog-GN2 profiles showed different functional diversities between CSW1- and CSW2-amended mixes. Furthermore, mixes amended with CSW1 had higher colony forming units of fungi, endospore-forming bacteria, and oligotrophic bacteria. Our results suggest that enhanced microbial activity, functional and population diversity of stable compost-amended mix were associated with suppressiveness to Rhizoctonia damping-off in impatiens.

Defuzzification techniques for fuzzy controllers.

Based on the features and disadvantages of the commonly used defuzzification techniques and on the elements involved in the structure of a fuzzy controller, a new and advantageous defuzzification technique is introduced and justified. This is done by integrating the defuzzification problem into the global structure of fuzzy controllers. Another related defuzzification strategy, which has been introduced elsewhere by the principle author of this study, is also given and commented upon. Further, case studies are considered and comparative conclusions are drawn.