Infrared nano-spectroscopy of ferroelastic domain walls in hybrid improper ferroelectric Ca3Ti2O7.

Ferroic materials are well known to exhibit heterogeneity in the form of domain walls. Understanding the properties of these boundaries is crucial for controlling functionality with external stimuli and for realizing their potential for ultra-low power memory and logic devices as well as novel computing architectures. In this work, we employ synchrotron-based near-field infrared nano-spectroscopy to reveal the vibrational properties of ferroelastic (90[Formula: see text] ferroelectric) domain walls in the hybrid improper ferroelectric Ca[Formula: see text]Ti[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text]. By locally mapping the Ti-O stretching and Ti-O-Ti bending modes, we reveal how structural order parameters rotate across a wall. Thus, we link observed near-field amplitude changes to underlying structural modulations and test ferroelectric switching models against real space measurements of local structure. This initiative opens the door to broadband infrared nano-imaging of heterogeneity in ferroics.

The Effect of Platelet-rich Fibrin Matrix on Rotator Cuff Healing in a Rat Model.

The purpose of the current study was to determine if the application of platelet-rich fibrin matrix could improve regeneration of the tendon-bone insertion site in a rat rotator cuff repair model. 25 Lewis syngeneic rats underwent bilateral tenotomy and repair of the supraspinatus tendon. 10 separate rats were used for PRFM harvest. All left (control) shoulders underwent transosseous rotator cuff repair, while all right (treatment) shoulders were repaired similarly with PRFM augmentation. 9 rats were sacrificed at 2-weeks and ten at 4-weeks for biomechanical testing. 3 separate rats were sacrificed at 2-weeks and 4-weeks each for histologic analysis of the insertion site. At 2 weeks, the experimental group repairs were significantly stronger in ultimate load to failure (P=0.01), stress (P=0.03), and stiffness (P=0.03). Differences in biomechanical testing were not found between the groups at 4 weeks. Histological analysis revealed less collagen organization and cartilage formation at the insertion site in the experimental group. Semiquantitative histologic analysis confirmed our qualitative assessment of the specimens. PRFM does not recapitulate the native enthesis, but rather induces an exuberant and disordered healing response that is characterized by fibrovascular scar tissue.

Robotics-based synthesis of human motion.

The synthesis of human motion is a complex procedure that involves accurate reconstruction of movement sequences, modeling of musculoskeletal kinematics, dynamics and actuation, and characterization of reliable performance criteria. Many of these processes have much in common with the problems found in robotics research. Task-based methods used in robotics may be leveraged to provide novel musculoskeletal modeling methods and physiologically accurate performance predictions. In this paper, we present (i) a new method for the real-time reconstruction of human motion trajectories using direct marker tracking, (ii) a task-driven muscular effort minimization criterion and (iii) new human performance metrics for dynamic characterization of athletic skills. Dynamic motion reconstruction is achieved through the control of a simulated human model to follow the captured marker trajectories in real-time. The operational space control and real-time simulation provide human dynamics at any configuration of the performance. A new criteria of muscular effort minimization has been introduced to analyze human static postures. Extensive motion capture experiments were conducted to validate the new minimization criterion. Finally, new human performance metrics were introduced to study in details an athletic skill. These metrics include the effort expenditure and the feasible set of operational space accelerations during the performance of the skill. The dynamic characterization takes into account skeletal kinematics as well as muscle routing kinematics and force generating capacities. The developments draw upon an advanced musculoskeletal modeling platform and a task-oriented framework for the effective integration of biomechanics and robotics methods.

Cancer magnitude, challenges and control in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

Cancer is increasingly recognized as a major and growing health concern in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). This report outlines the current burden of cancer in the Region and the challenges faced by the countries; these are mainly lack of national cancer surveillance, lack of a model of integrated care for noncommunicable disease prevention in general and cancer in particular, inadequate national capacity-building and lack of programme sustainability. Strategies for cancer prevention, control and care in the Region are discussed, such as: the formulation of evidence-based policies, mobilization and appropriate allocation of resources, active participation of all stakeholders, government commitment to legislation, education and international collaboration.

Prevalence and patterns of hearing impairment in Egypt: a national household survey.

We conducted a national household survey to estimate the prevalence and causes of hearing impairment in Egypt. From 6 randomly selected governorates (Alexandria, Dakahlia, Luxor, Marsa Matrouh, Minia and North Sinai), 4000 individuals were screened for hearing loss. The prevalence of hearing loss was 16.0% with no significant sex differences. There were significant differences between the age groups and governorates: Marsa Matrouh had the highest prevalence of hearing loss (25.7%) and North Sinai the lowest (13.5%); those > or = 65 years had the highest prevalence (49.3%), but it was also high in those aged 0-4 years (22.4%). Otitis media with effusion (30.8%) was the commonest cause of hearing loss, followed by presbycusis (22.7%).

Cancer magnitude, challenges and control in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

Cancer is increasingly recognized as a major and growing health concern in the Eastern Mediterranean Region [EMR]. This report outlines the current burden of cancer in the Region and the challenges faced by the countries; these are mainly lack of national cancer surveillance, lack of a model of integrated care for noncommunicable disease prevention in general and cancer in particular, inadequate national capacity-building and lack of programme sustainability. Strategies for cancer prevention, control and care in the Region are discussed, such as: the formulation of evidence-based policies, mobilization and appropriate allocation of resources, active participation of all stakeholders, government commitment to legislation, education and international collaboration

Prevalence and patterns of hearing impairment in Egypt: a national household survey

We conducted a national household survey to estimate the prevalence and causes of hearing impairment in Egypt. From 6 randomly selected governorates [Alexandria, Dakahlia, Luxor, Marsa Matrouh, Minia and North Sinai], 4000 individuals were screened for hearing loss. The prevalence of hearing loss was 16.0% with no significant sex differences. There were significant differences between the age groups and governorates: Marsa Matrouh had the highest prevalence of hearing loss [25.7%] and North Sinai the lowest [13.5%]; those >/= 65 years had the highest prevalence [49.3%], but it was also high in those aged 0-4 years [22.4%]. Otitis media with effusion [30.8%] was the commonest cause of hearing loss, followed by presbycusis [22.7%]

Noncommunicable diseases: risk factors and regional strategies for prevention and care.

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are a major disease burden in the Region. Many of the risk factors are related to lifestyle and can be controlled. Physical inactivity, low fruit and vegetable intake, high fast food consumption and high cholesterol are predominant causes of cardiovascular disease and some cancers. Overweight and obesity can lead to metabolic changes and raise the risk of NCDs, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Three main strategies are proposed to deal with the problem: estimate need and advocate for action; develop national policies, strategies and plans for prevention and care; promote and implement community participation in prevention and care. NCDs are preventable using available knowledge; solutions are effective and highly cost-effective.

Noncommunicable diseases: risk factors and regional strategies for prevention and care

Noncommunicable diseases [NCDs] are a major disease burden in the Region. Many of the risk factors are related to lifestyle and can be controlled. Physical inactivity, low fruit and vegetable intake, high fast food consumption and high cholesterol are predominant causes of cardiovascular disease and some cancers. Overweight and obesity can lead to metabolic changes and raise the risk of NCDs, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Three main strategies are proposed to deal with the problem: estimate need and advocate for action; develop national policies, strategies and plans for prevention and care; promote and implement community participation in prevention and care. NCDs are preventable using available knowledge; solutions are effective and highly cost-effective

Breast cancer in Egypt: a review of disease presentation and detection strategies.

Carcinoma of the breast is the most prevalent cancer among Egyptian women and constitutes 29% of National Cancer Institute cases. Median age at diagnosis is one decade younger than in countries of Europe and North America and most patients are premenopausal. Tumours are relatively advanced at presentation. The majority of tumours are invasive duct subtype and the profile of hormone receptors is positive for estrogen receptors and/or progesterone receptors in less than half of cases. This overview examines genetic changes, potential and established predictive and prognostic markers and end results of surgery, radiotherapy and systemic therapy for early, locally advanced and metastatic disease stages. Disease presentations common to the region and early detection strategies are presented.

Breast cancer in Egypt: a review of disease presentation and detection strategies

Carcinoma of the breast is the most prevalent cancer among Egyptian women and constitutes 29% of National Cancer Institute cases. Median age at diagnosis is one decade younger than in countries of Europe and North America and most patients are premenopausal. Tumours are relatively advanced at presentation. The majority of tumours are invasive duct subtype and the profile of hormone receptors is positive for estrogen receptors and /or progesterone receptors in less than half of cases. This overview examines genetic changes, potential and established predictive and prognostic markers and end results of surgery, radiotherapy and systemic therapy for early, locally advanced and metastatic disease stages. Disease presentations common to the region and early detection strategies are presented

Evaluation of amodiaquine treatment of chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria on Zanzibar, 1982.

Amodiaquine, a 4-aminoquinoline which has been shown to be effective in treating infections with chloroquine-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum, was evaluated against chloroquine-resistant infections in children in Zanzibar, Tanzania, during July 1982. A 25-mg base/kg dosage of amodiaquine produced parasite clearance in 34 of 38 (89%) children in a mean of 2.8 days. When followed for 28 days, 15 of 38 (39%) children were completely cured of their infection as judged by the absence of renewed parasitemia. The parasite clearance rates produced by amodiaquine were significantly higher than those observed in a comparison group of children treated with 25 mg base/kg chloroquine. There was, however, no difference in the cure rates in the chloroquine and amodiaquine groups. Despite the enhanced parasite clearance rate, amodiaquine is not sufficiently more effective against Zanzibari strains of P. falciparum to replace chloroquine. Other alternative drugs must be evaluated to define the optimal malaria therapy regimen on Zanzibar.

In-vivo and in-vitro assessment of chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Zanzibar.

A population-based field study was conducted in Zanzibar Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania, to assess the in-vivo and in-vitro susceptibility to chloroquine of Plasmodium falciparum. Single-dose therapy with chloroquine (10 mg base/kg) failed to clear parasitaemia in 11 of 22 (50%) treated subjects, and a standard therapeutic regimen of chloroquine (25 mg base/kg) failed to clear parasitaemia in 11 of 32 (34%) treated subjects. Concurrent in-vitro testing by the Rieckmann micromethod showed that 8 of 12 (66%) isolates were chloroquine-resistant.

Effects of analgesics during labor.

Four analgesic agents were studied during labour: pethidinesparine, ketamine hydrochloride, nitrous oxide-oxygen, and trichloroethylene in air (Trilene). Excellent analgesia was achieved with ketamine, however hallucinations were troublesome. Trichloroethylene analgesia was good without side-effects. Pethidine-sparine produced moderate analgesia but with nausea and/or vomiting. Nitrous oxide 50% presented poor analgesia. Uterine activity was insignificantly diminished in the late first stage after administration of all analgesic agents except with ketamine. There were no untoward effects on fetuses.

Serum lysozyme, serum proteins, and immunoglobulin determinations in nonspecific inflammatory bowel disease.

The serum levels of lysozyme, serum electrophoresis, and serum immunoglobulins were determined prospectively in 101 patients with ulcerative colitis, ulcerative proctitis, Crohn's disease, or nonclassifiable nonspecific inflammatory bowel disease. Although the mean serum lysozyme concentration of patients with Crohn's disease (10.5 +/- 6.8 microgram/ml) and ulcerative colitis (9.6 +/- 4.1 microgram/ml) performed by a standardized lysoplate method was significantly greater than normal controls (6.0 +/- 1.5 microgram/ml), the results did not correlate with the diagnosis nor with the degree of disease activity. Individually separated protein fractions and serum immunoglobulins also did not correlate with the serum lysozyme levels. This study indicates that measurement of the level of serum lysozyme in individual patients is not helpful in determining the cause or degree of activity of nonspecific inflammatory bowel disease.