Cytokine expression, protection and shedding reduction induced by the combination of lipopolysaccharide with Montanoid ISA71 in oil-based Newcastle disease vaccine.

Oil-based inactivated ND vaccines are a commonly used control strategy for this endemic disease in Egypt. One of the major limitations of these inactivated vaccines is the time taken to develop a protective response in vaccinated birds. In the present study, we aimed to formulate an inactivated oil-based ND vaccine incorporated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) that stimulates the early onset innate response to inactivated vaccines via proinflammatory cytokine production. Five groups of 21-day old SPF chicks were reared in isolators and were treated as follows: G1: Montanoid ISA71 adjuvanted NDV vaccinated group, G2: LPS and Montanoid ISA71 adjuvanted NDV vaccinated group, G3: LPS and Montanoid ISA71 with phosphate buffer saline received group and two non-vaccinated control groups. NDV specific antibodies and cell mediated immune responses were evaluated by hemagglutination inhibition and lymphocyte proliferation tests, respectively. Transcriptional responses of the TLR4, IFN-γ and IL-2 genes were analyzed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) following vaccination by qRT-PCR. Protection % was determined after challenge with a lethal strain of NDV 106 EID50/0.5 ml. Viral shedding was assessed on oropharyngeal swabs by qRT-PCR and infectivity titration on SPF-ECE. The results revealed that the incorporation of LPS with ISA71 in the oil-based ND vaccine induced a synergistic response confirmed by significant humoral and lymphoproliferative responses with a significant increase in Th1 cytokine transcripts. The simultaneous use of both adjuvants in G2 demonstrated complete protection and a significant reduction in viral shedding compared to the ISA71-adjuvated ND vaccine in G1, which conferred 90 % protection.

Immune-stealth VP28-conjugated heparin nanoparticles for enhanced and reversible anticoagulation.

Heparins are a family of sulfated linear negatively charged polysaccharides that have been widely used for their anticoagulant, antithrombotic, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. Additionally, it has been used for acute cerebral infarction relief as well as other pharmacological actions. However, heparin's self-aggregated macrocomplex may reduce blood circulation time and induce life-threatening thrombocytopenia (HIT) complicating the use of heparins. Nonetheless, the conjugation of heparin to immuno-stealth biomolecules may overcome these obstacles. An immunostealth recombinant viral capsid protein (VP28) was expressed and conjugated with heparin to form a novel nanoparticle (VP28-heparin). VP28-heparin was characterized and tested to determine its immunogenicity, anticoagulation properties, effects on total platelet count, and risk of inducing HIT in animal models. The synthesized VP28-heparin trimeric nanoparticle was non-immunogenic, possessed an average hydrodynamic size (8.81 ± 0.58 nm) optimal for the evasion renal filtration and reticuloendothelial system uptake (hence prolonging circulating half-life). Additionally, VP28-heparin did not induce mouse death or reduce blood platelet count when administered at a high dosein vivo(hence reducing HIT risks). The VP28-heparin nanoparticle also exhibited superior anticoagulation properties (2.2× higher prothrombin time) and comparable activated partial thromboplastin time, but longer anticoagulation period when compared to unfractionated heparin. The anticoagulative effects of the VP28-heparin can also be reversed using protamine sulfate. Thus, VP28-heparin may be an effective and safe heparin derivative for therapeutic use.

Chemotaxonomy compared to morphological and anatomical taxonomy of five Hibiscus species.

Hibiscus is a charismatic genus of the Malvaceae family that is noted for its diversity, lacking identifiable characteristics for distinguishing its various species. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop authentication methods for genus delimitation and species delineation. The present study aims to discern the taxonomic relationships between the well-known, globally familiar, and economically important five Hibiscus species, namely: H. × rosa-sinensis, H. sabdariffa, H. schizopetalus, H. syriacus and H. tiliaceus based on traditional morphological and anatomical characteristics compared to the contemporary chemotaxonomy. In this context, the leaf-based methanolic extracts of the studied species were analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) to estimate their secondary metabolites similarity. In addition, selected qualitative morphological and anatomical traits including leaf venation patterns, epidermal micromorphology, stomata types and trichomes diversity, petiole serial sectioning (outline, adaxial groove features, vasculature traces arrangement), and midrib characteristics of the studied species were investigated. The results of both chemotaxonomy and traditional taxonomy exhibited a remarkable agreement in the delineation of the five studied species. Specifically, the chemotaxonomy-based dendrogram separates the studied species into two main clusters with the H. sabdariffa as an outlier species in a single cluster and the remaining four species as another cluster with variant distances in its similarity indices. Similarly, the traditional morphological and anatomical characteristics revealed distinct traits for H. sabdariffa compared to the remaining four species. The findings of this study highlight the significance of integrating the structural features with phytochemicals profiling as a potential approach that could be harnessed for the delineation of the taxonomically challenging Hibiscus genus.

Variations of blood metabolites in single- and multiple-bearing Ossimi ewes during the transition period.

Evaluation of the metabolic profile indices allows early detection and treatment of various metabolic disorders during the transition period in ewes. This study aimed to determine the variations in the blood metabolites around lambing in Ossimi ewes. The blood metabolites were investigated in ewes with single (n = 27) and multiple (n = 9) lambs at 3- and 1-week pre-lambing and 3-week post-lambing. The plasma concentrations of glucose were higher in single-bearing ewes than those in multiple-bearing ewes (p < .05), moreover, its lowest value was measured at 1-week prepartum in both groups. Throughout the study period, the serum concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were significantly increased in ewes with multiple lambs compared to ewes with single lambs (p < .05), and the highest value was found at 1-week before parturition in both groups. In addition, the serum level of beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) was higher at 3-week postpartum, and it was significantly increased in multiple-bearing ewes than that in single-bearing ones (p < .05) at 3-week pre-lambing. In both groups, the lowest values of total proteins were determined 1-week before lambing, and its concentrations, at 3- and 1-week prepartum, were higher in ewes with single lambs than those with multiple lambs (p < .05). In contrast, the serum concentrations of albumin were significantly lowered 1-week postpartum (p < .05), and without significant differences between both groups (p > .05). The serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) were significantly increased at 1-week after parturition in both groups (p < .05). Furthermore, the serum activities of AST were higher in multiple-bearing ewes than those in single-bearing ones at 3-week pre-lambing and 3-week post-lambing (p < .05). Variable positive and negative correlations were determined among the blood metabolites. In conclusion, physiological adaptations are associated with the fluctuation of the blood metabolites around lambing. The higher the number of foetuses the higher the metabolic variations in Ossimi ewes. Therefore, regular metabolic profiling for health monitoring may be necessary to avoid disease development during the transition period.

Nature-Inspired Surface Structures Design for Antimicrobial Applications.

Surface contamination by microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria may simultaneously aggravate the biofouling of surfaces and infection of wounds and promote cross-species transmission and the rapid evolution of microbes in emerging diseases. In addition, natural surface structures with unique anti-biofouling properties may be used as guide templates for the development of functional antimicrobial surfaces. Further, these structure-related antimicrobial surfaces can be categorized into microbicidal and anti-biofouling surfaces. This review introduces the recent advances in the development of microbicidal and anti-biofouling surfaces inspired by natural structures and discusses the related antimicrobial mechanisms, surface topography design, material application, manufacturing techniques, and antimicrobial efficiencies.

Molecular and metabolic traits of some Egyptian species of Cassia L. and Senna Mill (Fabaceae-Caesalpinioideae).

The genus Cassia and Senna have been classified under subfamily Caesalpinioideae of family Fabaceae (Leguminosae) of order Fabales. There is a scarce taxonomical studies of the genus Cassia and Senna inhabiting Egyptian environments, thus, the main objective of the current was to revise and authenticate the phylogenetic relationship between studied taxa of the species of the genera Cassia and Senna in Egypt using the recent tools of ITS barcoding, RAPD analysis and metabolic profiling, in comparing to the traditional taxonomical features. From the cluster analysis of the traditional 27 morphological characters, the studied taxa were categorized into two major clades with an average taxonomic distance of 4.3. The clade I include Cassia fistula, C. renigera, C. javanica L subsp. nodosa and C. roughiia that belongs to series Obolospermae, and C. grandis that belongs to series Grandes. The clade (II) includes Senna surattensis and S. alata at taxonomic level 3.6. The taxonomical description of the studied taxa was confirmed from the molecular analysis of ITS sequences and RAPD analysis. The ITS sequences of the tested plants species C. fistula L, C. grandis MD4, C. javanica subsp. nodosa MD7, C. roxburghii MD5, C. renigera MD5 were deposited at genbank with accession numbers MW367973, MZ960447, MW386305, MW326753 and MW32685, respectively. While, the ITS sequences of the S. surrattensis and S. alata were deposited into genbank accession # MD14 MW367670 and MD20 MW412635, respectively. Thus, from the molecular analysis, two clades were clearly separated into Clade I of Cassia and Clade II of Senna. The cluster I represented by C. fistula, C. renigera, C. roxburghii, and C. javanica sub nodosa, and the cluster II represented by S. alata and S. surattensis. From the PCA of RAPD, a clearly discrimination between the two Taxa was observed revealing the characteristic grouping of Cassia and Senna. The species Senna alata and Senna surattensis were grouped together, but the species of C. renigera, C. javanica, C. roxburghii and C. grandis was grouped on a distinct group. The separation of Cassia and Senna species into two clusters verify the segregation of the genus Cassia L. senso lato into two distinct genera namely Senna P. and Cassia L. The morphological, molecular traits of the studied plants were authenticated from the metabolic profiling by GC-MS analysis. Among the 23 identified metabolites, four compounds namely hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester, 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)-ethyl ester and Vitamin E were detected with fluctuated concentrations, among C. fistula, C. grandis, C. javanica subsp. nodosa and C. roxburghii. Conclusively, the traditional morphological features, molecular barcoding using ITS sequences, RAPD analysis and metabolic traits by GC-MS analysis, authenticates the taxonomical diversity of the genus Cassia and Senna.

A handheld electronic device with the potential to detect lung cancer biomarkers from exhaled breath.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. It has the lowest 5-year survival rate among the most common cancers and therefore, early diagnosis is critical to improve the survival rate. In this paper, a new handheld electronic device is proposed to detect nine lung cancer biomarkers in the exhaled breath. An electrochemical gas sensor was produced through deposition of a thin layer of graphene and Prussian blue on a chromium-modified silicon substrate. Selective binding of the analyte was formed by molecular imprinting polymer (MIP). Subsequent polymerization and removal of the analyte yielded a layer of a conductive polymer on top of the sensor containing molecularly imprinted cavities selective for the target molecule. The sensors were tested over 1-20 parts per trillion (ppt) level of concentration while the sensor resistance has been monitored as the sensors react to the analyte by resistance change. Pentane sensor was also tested for selectivity. A printed circuit board was designed to measure the resistance of each sensor and send the data to a developed application in smartphone through Bluetooth. This handheld device has the potential to be used as a diagnostic method in the near future.

B-mode and color Doppler ultrasonography of normal external jugular vein in donkeys (Equus asinus).

BACKGROUND: Although the jugular vein is a major important blood vessel in equine, the literature lacks this vessel's normal B-mode and Doppler ultrasonographic examinations in donkeys. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the reference ranges of B-mode and Doppler ultrasonographic indices of jugular veins in healthy adult donkeys (Equus asinus) and the possible effect of examination side (left and right), gender, and body condition on the ultrasonographic measurements of this vessel. B-mode and Doppler ultrasound imaging of the external jugular vein was conducted on 20 adult healthy donkeys of both sexes. RESULTS: In all donkeys, the jugular vein was 4.01 to 8.1 mm from the body surface. The longitudinal and transverse venous diameters ranged from 3.94 to 10.5 mm and from 0.88 to 1.9 cm, respectively. Moreover, the vein areas varied from 0.61 to 2.83 cm2. The reference values of superficial and deep wall thickness (SWT and DWT) were 0.56 ± 0.2 and 0.6 ± 0.13 mm, respectively. The blood velocity, blood follow rate, and congestion index of the external jugular vein can be expected in adult healthy donkeys as a range value from 8.4 to 13.5 cm/sec, from 0.33 to 1.78 ml/min, and from 0.06 to 0.27 cm.sec, respectively. Generally, the vein showed laminar monophasic waveforms. The examination side and gender have no significant effect on the ultrasound measurements of the vein (P > 0.05). Donkeys with a body condition score (BCS) ≥ 3 revealed increases in the depth of the vein (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study can be used as reference values and provide a basis for comparison when evaluating donkeys with diseases that affect blood flow in the external jugular vein.

A prospective, observational study to assess the feasibility and safety of supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy under regional anesthesia for obese patients with a body mass index ≥30.

Introduction: Besides being a risk factor for urolithiasis, obesity is a challenge in the treatment of urolithiasis from the perspective of both the surgeon and the anesthetist. In this study, we tried to assess the feasibility and safety of supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) under regional anesthesia in obese patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥30. Methods: This was a prospective observational study and included 51 obese patients (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) with renal stones planned for PCNL. All patients underwent supine PCNL under regional anesthesia with the standard technique. A decision for totally tubeless or a tubeless PCNL was made at the end of the procedure and the intraoperative and postoperative data were recorded. All patients underwent computed tomography (CT) imaging at 1 month after surgery to assess the stone-free status and the need for additional treatment. Results: The mean age of the patients was 53.2 ± 8.09 years, and the mean BMI was 34.4 ± 2.369 kg/m2. The mean operative time was 73.3 ± 26.2 min, the mean hospital stay was 58.3 ± 22.1 h, and the mean postoperative Visual Analog Score (VAS) for pain was 3.8 ± 1.4. The stone-free rate was 68.6% on the follow-up CT performed after 1 month, and 31.4% of the patients had significant residual fragments which required re-treatment either by retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) in 19.6% (either as primary RIRS for the residual calculi in one patient [1.9%] or as RIRS for post shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) or alkalinization failure in 9 patients), SWL in 21.6%, or urine alkalinization in 7.8%. Conclusion: Supine PCNL under regional anesthesia, in this subgroup of obese patients, was found to be feasible and safe with satisfactory stone-free rates and minimal postoperative pain.

Collection of cerebrospinal fluid in 50 adult healthy donkeys (Equus asinus): clinical complications, and cytological and biochemical constituents.

BACKGROUND: Diseases of the central nervous system are a well-recognized cause of morbidity and mortality in equine. Collection and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) give information about the type and stage of degenerative and inflammatory diseases in central nervous system (CNS). The present research aimed to assess the clinical complications of CSF collections and to establish range values of cytological and biochemical parameters of CSF in adult healthy donkeys (Equus asinus). The CSF samples were collected from fifty healthy donkeys at the lumbosacral (LS) and atlanto-occipital (AO) sites. RESULTS: Hypothermia, tachycardia, ataxia and recumbency may develop post-puncture. Erythrocytes were noticed in 35 of 50 CSF samples. Total nucleated cell counts ranged from 0 to 6 cells/µL, and lymphocytes predominated the cells (61%). The concentration of glucose (1.2 to 5.3 mmol/L) was lower than that of serum (P < 0.05). The CSF sodium concentration (123 to 160 mmol/L) was approximately like that of serum, but potassium (1.5-3 mmol/L) was lower than that of serum (P < 0.01). Urea concentrations (1.1-2.9 mmol/L) were markedly lower than serum (P < 0.001). Concentrations of CSF total proteins, and albumin ranged from 0.1 to 0.6 g/dL, and from 0.002 to 0.013 g/dL, respectively. The albumin quotient ranged from 0.06 to 0.56. CONCLUSIONS: Transient hypothermia, tachycardia, ataxia and recumbency may develop as clinical complications of CSF puncture procedures. The collection site has no impact on the constituents in CSF. Furthermore, this study presented the range values for normal cytological and biochemical constituents of CSF in donkeys (Equus asinus) that can provide a basis in comparison when evaluating CSF from donkeys with neurologic diseases.

24-h variations of blood serum metabolites in high yielding dairy cows and calves.

BACKGROUND: Blood profile testing is commonly used to monitor herd health status, diagnose disorders, and predict the risk of diseases in cows and calves, with subsequent optimization the production of dairy herds. By understanding the physiological ranges of serum metabolites relative to age, lactation stage, and the sampling time in healthy cows and calves, the dairy practitioners can accurately diagnose abnormalities with a blood test. The effect of sampling time on the variation of serum metabolites within 24 h were evaluated in 83 cattle. All animals were originated from a dairy herd, where the animals, based on their ages and lactation stages, were classified into eight groups. The blood samples were collected from each animal every 4 h within a day. RESULTS: The time of sampling within the day showed significant influences on the serum concentrations of glucose, ß-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) and urea. BHBA was the most metabolite that showed day variation among cows' groups. Furthermore, the concentrations of total cholesterol were the most stable metabolite in all groups. The mean values of albumin, total proteins, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), BHBA, total cholesterol, total bilirubin, urea, and creatinine revealed significant variations among the different studied groups. CONCLUSIONS: A certain suitable time of blood sample collection cannot be recommended. However, care shall be taken for the time of sampling for measurements of glucose, NEFA, BHBA and urea, otherwise the comparative values of these metabolites at different sampling time points may differ significantly from each other's, without a disease cause. It may be recommended, for metabolic assessment of dairy herds, classification the subjects into different groups based on lactation stages and ages of animals.

Ampicillin permeation across OmpF, the major outer-membrane channel in Escherichia coli.

The outer cell wall of the Gram-negative bacteria is a crucial barrier for antibiotics to reach their target. Here, we show that the chemical stability of the widely used antibiotic ampicillin is a major factor in the permeation across OmpF to reach the target in the periplasm. Using planar lipid bilayers we investigated the interactions and permeation of OmpF with ampicillin, its basic pH-induced primary degradation product (penicilloic acid), and the chemically more stable benzylpenicillin. We found that the solute-induced ion current fluctuation is 10 times higher with penicilloic acid than with ampicillin. Furthermore, we also found that ampicillin can easily permeate through OmpF, at an ampicillin gradient of 10 µm and a conductance of Gamp ≅ 3.8 fS, with a flux rate of roughly 237 molecules/s of ampicillin at Vm = 10 mV. The structurally related benzylpenicillin yields a lower conductance of Gamp ≅ 2 fS, corresponding to a flux rate of ≈120 molecules/s. In contrast, the similar sized penicilloic acid was nearly unable to permeate through OmpF. MD calculations show that, besides their charge difference, the main differences between ampicillin and penicilloic acid are the shape of the molecules, and the strength and direction of the dipole vector. Our results show that OmpF can impose selective permeation on similar sized molecules based on their structure and their dipolar properties.

Biological characterization of wild-bird-origin avian avulavirus 1 and efficacy of currently applied vaccines against potential infection in commercial poultry.

Newcastle disease virus (NDV), the type member of the species Avian avulavirus 1 (formerly known as avian paramyxovirus serotype 1), causes a highly contagious and economically important disease in a myriad of avian species around the globe. While extensive vaccination programs have been implemented in ND-endemic countries, the disease is continuously spreading in commercial, backyard, and wild captive poultry. In order to investigate the evolution of the virus and assess the efficiency of the vaccine regimens that are currently being applied in commercial poultry, four wild-bird-origin NDV strains were characterized biologically, based on mean death time and intracerebral pathogenicity index, and genetically, based on the cleavage motif (112RRQKRF117) in the fusion (F) protein. Based on these features, all of the isolates were characterized as velogenic strains of NDV. Phylogenetic analysis based on the complete genome sequence revealed clustering of these isolates within class II, genotype VII. This class of NDV remains the predominant genotype in the Egyptian poultry industry, as well as in those of many Asian and African countries. To investigate the potential of these wild-bird-origin NDV isolates to cause infection in domesticated poultry and to assess the efficacy of currently available vaccines for protection of commercial poultry, an extensive animal challenge experiment was performed. Cumulative clinicopathological and immunological investigations of virus-challenged chickens indicate that these isolates can potentially be transmitted between chicken and cause systemic infections, and the currently applied vaccines are unable to prevent clinical disease and virus shedding. Taken together, the data represent a comprehensive evaluation of the ability of Egyptian wild-bird-origin NDV strains to cause infection in commercial poultry and highlights the need for a continuous and large-scale surveillance as well as revised vaccine approaches. These integrated and multifaceted strategies would be crucial in any efforts to control and eradicate the disease globally.

Saponin-adjuvanted vaccine protects chickens against velogenic Newcastle disease virus.

Despite extensive vaccination campaigns, Newcastle disease virus (NDV) remains endemic in many countries worldwide, and factors that contribute to this failure include mismatched vaccines, partial immunization, and poor husbandry practices. In order to overcome the problem of genetic divergence between circulating field strains and vaccine strains, we saponin-adjuvanted an Egyptian field strain and assessed its safety and immunogenicity in chickens. Immunization of chickens with the vaccine followed by challenge with a velogenic reference strain revealed the potential of the saponin-adjuvanted vaccine to induce a strong immune response that resulted in complete protection of chickens. Importantly, in vaccinated chickens, virus shedding was abolished, providing an added advantage over the currently available commercial live-attenuated and inactivated vaccines, which are unable to prevent shedding. A histopathological investigation demonstrated that the vaccinated chickens had less-severe lesions than challenged unvaccinated and mock-vaccinated chickens. We propose using this formulation as an alternative and improved NDV vaccine platform that can be exploited to control disease not only in Egypt but also in other disease-endemic countries.

Development of gold nanoparticles biosensor for ultrasensitive diagnosis of foot and mouth disease virus.

BACKGROUND: Nano-PCR is a recent tool that is used in viral diseases diagnosis. The technique depends on the fundamental effects of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and is considered a very effective and sensitive tool in the diagnosis of different diseases including viral diseases. Although several techniques are currently available to diagnose foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV), a highly sensitive, highly specific technique is needed for specific diagnosis of the disease. In the present work, a novel AuNPs biosensor has been designed using thiol-linked oligonucleotides that recognize the conserved 3D gene of FMDV. RESULTS: The AuNPs-FMDV biosensor specifically recognizes RNA standards of FMDV, but not that of swine vesicular disease virus (SVDV) isolates. The analytical sensitivity of the AuNPs-FMDV biosensor was 10 copy number RNA standards in RT-PCR and 1 copy number RNA standard in real-time rRT-PCR with a 94.5% efficiency, 0.989 R2, a - 3.544 slope and 100% specificity (no cross-reactivity with SVDV). These findings were confirmed by the specific and sensitive recognition of 31 Egyptian FMDV clinical isolates that represents the three FMDV serotypes (O, A, and SAT2). CONCLUSIONS: The AuNPs-FMDV biosensor presents in this study demonstrates a superior analytical and clinical performance for FMDV diagnosis. In addition, this biosensor has a simple workflow and accelerates epidemiological surveillance, hence, it is qualified as an efficient FMDV diagnosis tool for quarantine stations and farms particularly in FMDV endemic areas.

Prediction of Pediatric Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Outcomes Using Contemporary Scoring Systems.

PURPOSE: We evaluate the applicability of contemporary percutaneous nephrolithotomy scoring systems in pediatric patients and compare their predictive power regarding postoperative outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the records of 125 children who were diagnosed with renal calculi and underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy between March 2011 and April 2016. Predictive scores, which consisted of Guy's Stone Score, S.T.O.N.E. (stone size, tract length, obstruction, number of involved calyces and essence/stone density) nephrolithometry and CROES (Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society) nomogram, were calculated for all patients included in the study. Patient demographics, stone-free rate and complications were all analyzed and are reported. RESULTS: Median Guy's Stone Score was 2 (IQR 2 to 3) in patients with residual stones (group 1) and 2 (1 to 2) in those who were stone-free (group 2). Median respective CROES nomogram scores were 215 (IQR 210 to 235) and 257 (240 to 264), and S.T.O.N.E. nephrolithometry scores were 8 (7 to 9) and 5 (5 to 6, all p <0.0001). S.T.O.N.E. score demonstrated the greatest accuracy in predicting stone-free rate. Guy's Stone Score was significantly correlated with complications but the CROES and S.T.O.N.E. scores were not significantly correlated with complications. CONCLUSIONS: The scoring systems analyzed could be used to predict success of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the pediatric setting. However, further studies are needed to formulate modifications for use in children. The main variables in the scoring systems, ie stone burden, tract length and case volume, were measured using records from adult patients. Besides these variables, the relatively small pelvicalyceal system and higher incidence of anatomical malformations in children could potentially affect percutaneous nephrolithotomy outcomes.

Beyond Chemoselectivity: Catalytic Site-Selective Aldolization of Diketones and Exploitation for Enantioselective Alzheimer's Drug Candidate Synthesis.

Site selectivity, differentiating instances of the same functional group type on one substrate, represents a forward-looking theme within chemistry: reduced dependence on protection/deprotection protocols for increased overall yield and step-efficiency. Despite these potential benefits and the expanded tactical advantages afforded to synthetic design, site selectivity remains elusive and especially so for ketone-based substrates. Herein, site-selective intermolecular mono-aldolization has been demonstrated for an array of prochiral 4-keto-substituted cyclohexanones with concomitant regio-, diastereo-, and enantiocontrol. Importantly, the aldol products allow rapid access to molecularly complex ketolactones or keto-1,3-diols, respectively containing three and four stereogenic centers. The reaction conditions are of immediate practical value and general enough to be applicable to other reaction types. These findings are applied in the first enantioselective, formal, synthesis of a leading Alzheimer's research drug, a γ-secretase modulator (GSM), in the highest known yield.

The matrix gene of influenza A H5N1 in Egypt, 2006-2016: molecular insights and distribution of amantadine-resistant variants.

Large-scale sequence analysis of Matrix (M) gene and its coding proteins M1 and M2 was performed for 274 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses H5N1 circulated in Egypt from 2006 to 2016. The aim is to study the amantadine-resistant markers distribution and to estimate the evolutionary rate. 246 viruses were obtained from the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data base, and 28 additional viruses were sequenced. Maximum clade credibility (MCC) phylogenetic tree revealed that the M gene has evolved into two different lineages. Estimated Evolutionary analysis showed that the M2 protein possessed higher evolutionary rates (3.45 × 10-3) than the M1 protein (2.73 × 10-3). M gene encoding proteins revealed significant markers described to be associated with host tropism and increase in virulence: V15I, N30D, and T121A in M1 and L55F in M2 protein. Site analysis focusing attention on the temporal and host distribution of the amantadine-resistant markers was carried out and showed that vast majority of the M2 amantadine-resistant variants of clade 2.2.1.1 (n = 90) is N31 marker, in addition to G27 (n = 7), A27 (n = 5), I27 (n = 1), and S30 (n = 1). In 2010-2011, amantadine resistant frequency increased considerably resembling more than half of the resistant variants. Notably, all viruses of clade 2.2.1.1 possessed amantadine-resistant marker. However, almost all current circulating viruses in Egypt of clade 2.2.1.2 from 2014 to 2016 did not carry any amantadine-resistant markers.

Surgeon-tailored polypropylene mesh as a tension-free vaginal tape-obturator versus original TVT-O for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence: a long-term comparative study.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective of the study was to compare the safety and efficacy of surgeon-tailored polypropylene mesh (STM) through tension-free vaginal tape-obturator (TVT-O) versus original TVT-O in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) aiming to decrease the cost of treatment. This is important in developing countries due to limited health care resources. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was done at the Urology and Gynecology Departments (dual-center), Cairo University from May 2007 to June 2010. Women evaluated by cough stress test, Stress and Urge Incontinence and Quality of Life Questionnaire (SUIQQ), maximum flow rate (Qmax), and abdominal leak point pressure (ALPP) with follow-up for at least 48 months were included. Patients with post-void residual urine > 100 ml, bladder capacity < 300 ml, or impaired compliance were excluded. The effect of different factors on outcome was compared between both groups pre- and postoperatively using the paired t, Wilcoxon signed rank, McNemar, chi-square, Fisher's exact, independent t, or Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS: STM and TVT-O were inserted in 79 and 66 women, respectively. Intrinsic sphincter deficiency, ALPP, previous surgeries, associated urgency, urgency urinary incontinence (UUI), and prolapse were comparable in both groups. Operative duration was longer in STM by 10 min. No significant difference was found between both groups in complications (p = 0.462), cure (p = 0.654), and different indices of SUIQQ. In STM, 74 (93 %) were cured and 3 (4 %) improved, while SUI persisted in 2 (2 %) patients. In TVT-O, 59 (89 %) were cured and 4 (6 %) improved, while failure was detected in 3 (4 %) patients. CONCLUSIONS: The 5-year outcome is comparable between STM and TVT-O. Furthermore, STM is more economical due to our resterilizable modified helical passers and the cheap polypropylene mesh.

Automatic frequency controller for power amplifiers used in bio-implanted applications: issues and challenges.

With the development of communication technologies, the use of wireless systems in biomedical implanted devices has become very useful. Bio-implantable devices are electronic devices which are used for treatment and monitoring brain implants, pacemakers, cochlear implants, retinal implants and so on. The inductive coupling link is used to transmit power and data between the primary and secondary sides of the biomedical implanted system, in which efficient power amplifier is very much needed to ensure the best data transmission rates and low power losses. However, the efficiency of the implanted devices depends on the circuit design, controller, load variation, changes of radio frequency coil's mutual displacement and coupling coefficients. This paper provides a comprehensive survey on various power amplifier classes and their characteristics, efficiency and controller techniques that have been used in bio-implants. The automatic frequency controller used in biomedical implants such as gate drive switching control, closed loop power control, voltage controlled oscillator, capacitor control and microcontroller frequency control have been explained. Most of these techniques keep the resonance frequency stable in transcutaneous power transfer between the external coil and the coil implanted inside the body. Detailed information including carrier frequency, power efficiency, coils displacement, power consumption, supplied voltage and CMOS chip for the controllers techniques are investigated and summarized in the provided tables. From the rigorous review, it is observed that the existing automatic frequency controller technologies are more or less can capable of performing well in the implant devices; however, the systems are still not up to the mark. Accordingly, current challenges and problems of the typical automatic frequency controller techniques for power amplifiers are illustrated, with a brief suggestions and discussion section concerning the progress of implanted device research in the future. This review will hopefully lead to increasing efforts towards the development of low powered, highly efficient, high data rate and reliable automatic frequency controllers for implanted devices.