The burden of persistent symptoms after COVID-19 (long COVID): a meta-analysis of controlled studies in children and adults.

BACKGROUND: Previous meta-analyses estimating the prevalence of the post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) were confounded by the lack of negative control groups. This may result in an overestimation of the prevalence of those experiencing PCC, as these symptoms are non-specific and common in the general population. In this study, we aimed to compare the burden of persistent symptoms among COVID-19 survivors relative to COVID-19-negative controls. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted using the following databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) until July 2023 for comparative studies that examined the prevalence of persistent symptoms in COVID-19 survivors. Given that many of the symptoms among COVID-19 survivors overlap with post-hospitalization syndrome and post-intensive care syndrome, we included studies that compare the prevalence of persistent symptoms in hospitalized COVID-19 patients relative to non-COVID-19 hospitalized patients and in non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients relative to healthy controls that reported outcomes after at least 3 months since infection. The results of the meta-analysis were reported as odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval based on the random effects model. RESULTS: Twenty articles were included in this study. Our analysis of symptomatology in non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients compared to negative controls revealed that the majority of symptoms examined were not related to COVID-19 infection and appeared equally prevalent in both cohorts. However, non-COVID-19 hospitalized patients had higher odds of occurrence of certain symptoms like anosmia, ageusia, fatigue, dyspnea, and brain fog (P < 0.05). Particularly, anosmia and ageusia showed substantially elevated odds relative to the negative control group at 11.27 and 9.76, respectively, P < 0.05. In contrast, analysis of hospitalized COVID-19 patients compared to those hospitalized for other indications did not demonstrate significantly higher odds for the tested symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The persistent symptoms in COVID-19 survivors may result from hospitalization for causes unrelated to COVID-19 and are commonly reported among the general population. Although certain symptoms exhibited higher odds in non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients relative to controls, these symptoms are common post-viral illnesses. Therefore, the persistent symptoms after COVID-19 may not be unique to SARS-CoV-2. Future studies including well-matched control groups when investigating persistent symptoms in COVID-19 survivors are warranted to draw a firm conclusion.

Sonophotocatalytic degradation of malachite green in aqueous solution using six competitive metal oxides as a benchmark.

A comparison study examines six different metal oxides (CuO, ZnO, Fe3O4, Co3O4, NiO, and α-MnO2) for the degradation of malachite green dye using four distinct processes. These processes are as follows: sonocatalysis (US/metal oxide), sonocatalysis under ultra-violet irradiation (US/metal oxide/UV), sonocatalysis in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (US/metal oxide/H2O2), and a combination of all these processes (US/metal oxide/UV/H2O2). The effective operating parameters, such as the dosage of metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs), the type of the process, and the metal oxides' efficiency order, were studied. At the same reaction conditions, the sonophotocatalytic is the best process for all six MOsNPs, CuO was the better metal oxide than other MOsNPs, and at the sonocatalysis process, ZnO was the best metal oxide in other processes. It was found that the metal oxide order for sonocatalytic process is CuO > α-MnO2 ≥ ZnO > NiO ≥ Fe3O4 ≥ Co3O4 within 15-45 min. The order of (US/metal oxide/UV) process is ZnO ≥ NiO ≥ α-MnO2 > Fe3O4 ≥ CuO ≥ Co3O4 within 5-40 min. The order of (US/ MOsNPs/ H2O2) process is ZnO ≥ CuO ≥ α-MnO2 ≥ NiO > Co3O4 > Fe3O4 within 5-20 min. The maximum removal efficiency order of the sonophotocatalytic process is ZnO ≥ CuO > α-MnO2 > NiO > Fe3O4 ≥ Co3O4 within 2-8 min. The four processes degradation efficiency was in the order US/MOsNPs ˂ US/MOsNPs/UV ˂ US/MOsNPs/H2O2 ˂ (UV/Ultrasonic/MOsNPs/H2O2). Complete degradation of MG was obtained at 0.05 g/L MONPs and 1 mM of H2O2 using 296 W/L ultrasonic power and 15 W ultra-violet lamp (UV-C) within a reaction time of 8 min according to the MOsNPs type at the same sonophotocatalytic/H2O2 reaction conditions. The US/metal oxide/UV/H2O2 process is inexpensive, highly reusable, and efficient for degrading dyes in colored wastewater.

Cerebrovascular reactivity after functional activation of the Brain using Photic Stimulation in Migraine and Tension Type Headache: a transcranial doppler Ultrasonography Study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies in headache patients measured the cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) in response to photic stimulation but they have yielded contradictory results. The purpose of study was to measure CVR of both migraine and chronic tension headache (TTH) patients in response to photic stimulation. METHODS: The study included 37 migraineurs and 24 chronic TTH patients compared with 50 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers. Peak systolic, end diastolic, mean flow velocities and CVR (PSV, EDV, MFV, and CVR) were measured using TCD ultrasonography of the middle, anterior, posterior cerebral and vertebral arteries (MCA, ACA, PCA, and VA) before and after 100 s of 14 Hz photic stimulation. RESULTS: A three-way repeated measures ANOVA interaction with main factors of Vessels (MCA, ACA, PCA, VA), Time (pre-post photic) and Groups (migraine, TTH, and control group) revealed significant 3-way interactions for measures of PSV (P = 0.012) and MFV (P = 0.043). In the migraine patients there was significantly higher PSV, EDV, and MFV in the MCA, ACA, and PCA after photic stimulation compared with baseline. The CVR of the MCA was also significantly higher in migraineurs than controls. In the TTH group, there was significantly higher PSV, EDV, and MFV (P = 0.003, 0.012, 0.002 respectively) in the VA after photic stimulation than at baseline. The CVR was significantly higher in the VA of TTH patients than controls. CONCLUSION: Compared with controls after photic stimulation, the higher CVR of the MCA in migraineurs and of the VA in TTH patients could be used as diagnostic tool to differentiate between the two types of headaches.

Effect of Vaginal Washing before Intravaginal Prostaglandin Insertion on Induction of Labor: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

OBJECTIVE: Saline vaginal douching prior to intravaginal prostaglandin application might increase the vaginal pH, leading to improvement of prostaglandin bioavailability, by which the outcomes of labor induction can be greatly improved. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effect of vaginal washing with normal saline before insertion of vaginal prostaglandin for labor induction. STUDY DESIGN: A systematic search was done in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science from inception to March 2022. We selected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared vaginal washing using normal saline versus no vaginal washing in the control group before intravaginal prostaglandin insertion during labor induction. We used RevMan software for our meta-analysis. Our main outcomes were the duration of intravaginal prostaglandin application, duration from intravaginal prostaglandin insertion to active phase of labor, duration from intravaginal prostaglandin insertion till total cervical dilatation, labor induction failure rate, incidence of cesarean section (CS), and rates of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission and fetal infection postdelivery. RESULTS: Five RCTs were retrieved with a total number of 842 patients. Duration of prostaglandin application, duration from prostaglandin insertion to active phase of labor, and time interval from prostaglandin insertion to total cervical dilatation were significantly shorter among vaginal washing group (p < 0.05). Vaginal douching prior to prostaglandin insertion significantly decreased the incidence of failed labor induction (p < 0.001). After the removal of reported heterogeneity, vaginal washing was linked to a significant decline in CS incidence (p = 0.04). In addition, the rates of NICU admission and fetal infection were significantly lower in the vaginal washing group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Vaginal washing with normal saline before intravaginal prostaglandin insertion is a useful and easily applicable method for labor induction with good outcomes. KEY POINTS: · Induction of labor is frequently used in the obstetrics field.. · We assessed vaginal washing impact before prostaglandin insertion for labor induction.. · Vaginal washing is an easily applicable method for labor induction with good outcomes..

A novel injection technique for ilioinguinal nerve block for post-operative pain relief in caesarean delivery - a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

AIM: To determine whether the novel method is successful in blocking both ilioinguinal nerves to lessen postoperative pain following caesarean surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2022 and January 2023, 300 patients were enrolled in this study at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Departments of the Faculty of Medicine at Al-Azhar University. About 150 of these patients received bupivacaine infiltration on both sides close to the anterior superior iliac spine, and 150 received a normal saline injection at the same locations. RESULTS: The study compared the two groups and discovered significant differences in the timing of analgesic requests, interval before the patient's first ambulation, length of hospital stay, postoperative pain score, and incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, with group A performing better. CONCLUSION: After a caesarean section, the local anaesthetic "bupivacaine" injection used to block the ilioinguinal nerves bilaterally is an efficient way to lessen postoperative discomfort and analgesic use.

Autologous Platelet Rich Plasma Promotes the Healing of Non-Ischemic Diabetic Foot Ulcers. A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: DFU (diabetic foot ulcer) represents a major global health and socioeconomic problem and a leading cause of lower limb amputation. Although many therapies have been tested, none has been proposed as a dominant wound healing treatment. We performed a prospective randomized controlled study in order to assess the role of autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) for the promotion of non-ischemic DFU healing. METHODS: After full vascular assessment, a total of 80 patients were randomized in 1:1 ratio to receive either PRP injection in the healing edge and the floor of the targeted DFU (Group A), or have usual standard care with moist dressing with or without collagenase ointment (Group B). We calculated the total surface area (TSA) for the ulcer in both groups (cm2) before, after treatment and every week up to 12 weeks of follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 4 patients (10%) experienced major amputation in group B, while no major amputation was performed in patients of Group A (P< 0.001). A ≥ 50% reduction in TSA occurred earlier in Group A (at 2.5 weeks), compared to Group B (4.5 weeks); P < 0.001. Complete wound healing rate was 95% (n = 38) and it was achieved earlier (6th week) for patients of group A, contrary to 77.8% (n = 28) of patients (9th week) for Group B (P < 0.001). Superficial wound infection was noted in 10% (n = 4) of the cases in the PRP arm, while in group B, 45% (n = 18) of cases had a variable degree of infection ranging from superficial to deep wound infection and cellulites (P < 0.001). PRP treatment was cost-effective, with 247.50$ vs. 437.50$ for the total cost of treatment for patients of Group B. CONCLUSION: PRP is a cost-beneficial novel modality of treatment that can accelerate wound healing and decrease the rate of local infection in DFU, compared to other conventional treatment modalities.

The Use of Computer-Guided Half Propeller Genioplasty for the Correction of Mandibular Asymmetry (A Mandibular Orthognathic Surgery Without a Condylar Intervention Technical Strategy).

INTRODUCTION: Mandibular asymmetry is a facial deformity that results from multiple causes; among these are growth deficiency like hemifacial microsomia and growth excess as in condylar hyperplasia. The facial asymmetry caused by condylar hyperplasia has been treated over the years with different surgical and nonsur-gical modalities dependent on the age of the patient and the severity of the condition. The authors in this article introduce a modified version of the propeller genioplasty technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A new surgical technique "modified propeller genioplasty" is introduced for the management of facial asymmetry. Virtual surgical planning of the osteotomies and segment repositioning was done virtually. A cutting guide, positioning guides and 3D model of the corrected chin were 3D printed, to facilitate replication ofthe virtually planned osteotomies, prebending of plates, and segment repositioning. RESULTS: The esthetically accepted result was achieved using this technique with minimal postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: The technique appeared to be accurate, simple, and more cost efficient when compared to patient-specific plates.

Methoxyisoflavan derivative from Trigonella stellata inhibited quorum sensing and virulence factors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The number of deaths caused by multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa has risen in the recent decade. The development of quorum sensing inhibition (QSI) is a promising approach for controlling Pseudomonas infection. Therefore, this study mainly aimed to investigate how a plant-source material inhibits QSI to produce an antipathogenic effect for fighting microbial infections. The QSI effect of Trigonella stellata was assessed by using Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 12472 reporter strain. Trigonella stellata exhibited high QSI activity, and an ethanolic extract of T. stellata was prepared for phytochemical isolation of the most active QSI compound. Nine pure compounds were isolated and identified as kaempferitrin (1), soyasaponin I (2), ß-sitosterol-3-O-glucoside (3), dihydromelilotoside (4), astrasikokioside I (5), methyl dihydromelilotoside (6), (3R, 4S)-4, 2', 4'-trihydroxy-7-methoxy-4'-O-ß-D-glucopyranosylisoflavan (7), (3S, 4R)-4, 2', 4'-trihydroxy-7-methoxyisoflavan (8, TMF), and (+)-D-pinitol (9). These compounds were screened against C. violaceum ATCC 12472, and TMF exhibited a potent QSI. The effect of TMF at sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) was assessed against P. aeruginosa virulence factors, including biofilm, pyocyanin formation protease and hemolysin activity. TMF induced significant elimination of QS-associated virulence behavior. In addition, TMF at sub-MICs significantly reduced the relative expression of lasI, lasR, rhlI, and rhlR compared with that in untreated cells. Furthermore, molecular docking was performed to predict structural basis of the QSI activity of TMF. The study demonstrated the importance of T. stellata as a signal modulator and inhibitor of P. aeruginosa pathogenesis.

Primary Epstein-Barr Virus Infection in Healthy Children in Saudi Arabia: A Single Hospital-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection presents typically with features of infectious mononucleosis (IM) but it may present with atypical symptoms. We aim to evaluate the epidemiological, clinical and laboratory characteristics of primary EBV infection in children in western Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the electronic data of all children who were admitted to the hospital and were tested for EBV-viral capsid antigen (VCA) IgM in the period from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2019. All data of the children with positive EBV-VCA IgM were collected. Patients were divided into two groups; IM and the non-typical presentations groups. RESULTS: Fort-two patients had positive EBV-VCA IgM; 71% had IM and 29% had non-typical presentations. IM was more common in early childhood (46.7%). The non-typical presentations were more in infants below 1 year (50%). Adolescents were less affected (6.7% and 16.7%, respectively). Time to diagnose EBV in the non-typical presentations group was longer than IM group; [3.4 (3.2-4.6) vs. 4.7 (4.1-5.5), p = 0.039]. The total leucocytes count was higher in the IM syndrome group compared to the non-typical presentation group [11 (10.3-17.7) vs. 5.5 (4.5-6.4), p < 0.0001]. CONCLUSIONS: Primary EBV infection in healthy children in Saudi Arabia occurs more frequently in the younger age groups. IM syndrome occurs more frequently in early childhood. The non-typical presentation occurs more frequently in infants. While adolescents are less commonly affected by primary EBV.

Effectiveness of mono antiplatelet therapy vs dual antiplatelet therapy in ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack-Special subgroup consideration for the African-American Population.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of mono antiplatelet therapy vs dual antiplatelet therapy in reducing recurrent stroke and mortality in patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). A subgroup analysis was conducted to compare outcomes in African-American patients compared with non-African-American patients. METHODS: This is a single-centre, retrospective, chart review, cohort study conducted at the University Medical Center New Orleans (UMCNO), New Orleans, Louisiana. This study includes all patients who are admitted to UMCNO with a diagnosis of ischemic stroke or TIA. The subjects were divided into two groups, patients who received mono antiplatelet therapy and patients who received dual antiplatelet therapy. RESULTS: A total of 762 stroke patients were included in the study. Of these, 499 (65.5%) received mono antiplatelet therapy and 263 (34.5%) patients received dual antiplatelet therapy. There was no statistical significant difference in the incidence of mortality and recurrent stroke in the mono antiplatelet therapy group compared with the dual antiplatelet therapy group. When comparing primary outcomes between African Americans and non-African Americans, there was no statistical significant difference in mortality rate and recurrent stroke rate between the two groups. CONCLUSION: This study found no statistical significant difference in the incidence of recurrent stroke and mortality between mono antiplatelet therapy and dual antiplatelet therapy among patients who had ischemic stroke or TIA; with similar findings in a subgroup analysis comparing outcomes in African-American patients compared with non-African-American patients.

The Use of Standard Cemented Femoral Stems in Total Hip Replacement After Failed Internal Fixation of Intertrochanteric Femoral Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Total hip replacement (THR) after failed internal fixation of intertrochanteric femoral fractures is challenging. The aim of this study is to show the reliability of using standard cemented femoral stems in this operation. METHODS: This work included 107 THRs performed in 107 patients after failed treatment of intertrochanteric femoral fractures. The etiology of failure included 67 cases of failure of fixation, 16 cases of nonunion, 15 cases of avascular necrosis, and 9 cases of post-traumatic osteoarthritis. There were 48 males and 59 females. The mean age was 66 years (range 58-81). Failed dynamic hip screws were removed at the time of THR, and the screw holes were blocked with cement. All cases had cemented standard stem femoral prostheses. RESULTS: At an average 7.4 years with a minimum of 5 years of follow-up, 102 cases had good clinical and radiological outcomes and 5 cases had fair outcomes. One patient was infected and required 2 stages of revision arthroplasty. Two cases had intraoperative proximal femoral crack, and were treated by cerclage wires. Two patients had early postoperative dislocations. No patients had late periprosthetic femoral fractures or implant loosening. CONCLUSION: Standard cemented femoral stems are reliable and cost-effective prostheses in such cases. It is not necessary to bypass the distal screw hole by doubling the femoral canal diameter as long as the bone holes are covered by cement.

Anthraquinone-Based Specialized Metabolites from Rhizomes of Bulbine natalensis.

The rhizomes of Bulbine natalensis furnished six previously unreported anthraquinone derivatives (1-6), together with eight known specialized metabolites. Their structures were determined by interpretation of 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS data. The absolute configurations of compounds 1-6 were determined by specific rotation and circular dichroism experiments. The isolated compounds were evaluated for antimicrobial activities, and compound 1 was found to be a moderate inhibitor (IC50 0.02 µM) against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

National Survey on the Management of Wilms Tumor.

This study aims to investigate the management of Wilms tumor by the Egyptian pediatric surgical association (EPSA) consultants. After approval of the EPSA executive board, a questionnaire was distributed individually to all consultants attending the general assembly of EPSA 2017 annual congress. Of 88 consultants, responses were received from 61. Palpable abdominal mass was indicated by 72.13% of respondents as the commonest presenting symptom. Concerning the imaging requested, computed tomography was reported by 80.33%. Approximately 62.30% of respondents perform 1 to 3 cases annually. Regarding timing of surgery, upfront resection was the most frequently reported by 62.30%. A total of 77.05% perform lymph node sampling during surgeries. Nephron-sparing surgery was adopted by only 26.23%, whereas none of the respondents reported the use of minimally invasive surgery for management. Overall, 93.44% of surgeons ask for a visit every 3 months in the first year postoperatively. Upfront nephrectomy is the commonest procedure for Wilms tumor in the current practice of EPSA consultants, whereas there is consensus against minimally invasive surgery. Surgical guidelines for nephron-sparing surgery are still incomplete and need to be tabulated. This study urges for a nationwide retrospective analysis to establish a uniform protocol with international reference to be adopted in Egypt.

PPARα and γ Activation Effects of New Nor-triterpenoidal Saponins from the Aerial Parts of Anabasis articulata.

Anabasis articulata, traditionally used to treat diabetes, is rich in saponin content. This study was performed to investigate the agonistic effect of its saponins on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ in human hepatoma (HepG2) cells to explore the possibility of the involvement of these nuclear receptors in the mechanism of the antidiabetic effect of the plant. Chemical investigation of the n-butanol fraction resulted in the isolation of three new and one known 30-noroleanane triterpenoid saponins. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated as 3ß-hydroxy,23-aldehyde-30-norolean-12,20(29)-dien-28-oic acid-28-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl ester (1: ), 3ß-O-D-galactopyranosyl-23-aldehyde-30-norolean-12,20(29)-dien-28-oic acid-28-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl ester (2: ), and 3ß-O-D-xylopyranosyl-30-norolean-12,20(29)-dien-28-oic acid 28-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl ester (3: ), while the known 30-nortriterpenoidal saponin was identified as boussingoside E (4: ). Although, the isolated saponins (1:  - 4: ) did not show > 1.5-fold activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, but two of them (1: and 3: ) activated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α to the higher extents of 2.25- and 1.86-fold, respectively. These results suggest that the reported antidiabetic action of the isolated saponins may not solely involve the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ. However, the agonistic activity of the n-butanol fraction of A. articulata (1.71-fold induction) and two of its saponins (1: and 3: ) towards peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α may be beneficial in the cardiovascular condition that is closely associated with diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

Circulation of Influenza A(H5N8) Virus, Saudi Arabia.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N8) viruses have been detected in several continents. However, limited viral sequence data are available from countries in the Middle East. We report full-genome analyses of highly pathogenic H5N8 viruses recently detected in different provinces in Saudi Arabia.

Impact of Autologous Bone Marrow-Derived Stem Cells on Degenerative Changes of Articulating Surfaces Associated With the Arthritic Temporomandibular Joint: An Experimental Study in Rabbits.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effect of bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs) on degenerative changes of TMJ associated with bovine collagen type II (BCII) induced-arthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty rabbits were divided into 3 groups. Group I (n = 10) received no treatment. Group II (n = 20) was divided into 2 subgroups according to treatment type. One subgroup (n = 10) received an intra-articular (IA) injection of phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and the other (n = 10) received an IA injection of PBS plus BMSCs. Group III (n = 20) received an injection of oil emulsion of BCII before treatment with PBS or PBS plus BMSCs as in group II. Rabbits were euthanized after the third week and the joints were processed for histology. RESULTS: Compared to TMJs of subgroup III treated with PBS, TMJs of subgroup III treated with combined therapy showed improvements in all parameters tested. Mean values in mm3 for this subgroup regarding fibrous condylar covering, cartilaginous condylar plate, subchondral bone, articular eminence, upper joint cavity, lower joint cavity and disc thickness were 4.04±0.13, 5.09±0.08, 25.29±0.36, 10.54±0.36, 4.53±0.44, 3.21±0.27, and 24.52±0.41, respectively. Significant differences were found between subgroups mean values of group II and group IIII. CONCLUSIONS: BMSCs can be used safely and effectively to repair degenerative changes in rabbit TMJs associated with BCII-induced arthritis.

Reduced-Drift Virtual Gyro from an Array of Low-Cost Gyros.

A Kalman filter approach for combining the outputs of an array of high-drift gyros to obtain a virtual lower-drift gyro has been known in the literature for more than a decade. The success of this approach depends on the correlations of the random drift components of the individual gyros. However, no method of estimating these correlations has appeared in the literature. This paper presents an algorithm for obtaining the statistical model for an array of gyros, including the cross-correlations of the individual random drift components. In order to obtain this model, a new statistic, called the "Allan covariance" between two gyros, is introduced. The gyro array model can be used to obtain the Kalman filter-based (KFB) virtual gyro. Instead, we consider a virtual gyro obtained by taking a linear combination of individual gyro outputs. The gyro array model is used to calculate the optimal coefficients, as well as to derive a formula for the drift of the resulting virtual gyro. The drift formula for the optimal linear combination (OLC) virtual gyro is identical to that previously derived for the KFB virtual gyro. Thus, a Kalman filter is not necessary to obtain a minimum drift virtual gyro. The theoretical results of this paper are demonstrated using simulated as well as experimental data. In experimental results with a 28-gyro array, the OLC virtual gyro has a drift spectral density 40 times smaller than that obtained by taking the average of the gyro signals.

Prevalence of Common Types of Compression Neuropathies in Qena Governorate/Egypt: A Population-Based Survey.

BACKGROUND: No epidemiological studies on the prevalence of compressive neuropathy have been undertaken in Arab countries. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of the most common types of compressive neuropathies in Qena governorate/Egypt. METHODS: The study was part of a community-based survey carried out to assess the prevalence of neuromuscular disorders among the Qena population. A random sampling of 10 districts, 5,039 inhabitants aged ≥20. There were 3,050 urban residents (60.5%) and 1,989 (39.5%) from the rural community. Patients were diagnosed using a screening questionnaire for diagnosis of entrapment neuropathies. Positive cases were referred to the Qena University Hospital. They were given full clinical, electrophysiological and laboratory investigations. RESULTS: Compressive neuropathy was recorded in 165 cases giving a CPR = 3.3% of population at risk (≥20 years). Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) was diagnosed in 155 cases giving a CPR = 3.1% with a significantly higher prevalence among females than males (5.3 vs. 0.9%) and in rural compared with urban populations (4.6 vs. 2.1%). Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow was the second common type of entrapment with a CPR = 0.1% followed by radial nerve palsy, tarsal tunnel syndrome and common peroneal nerve palsy. CONCLUSION: The overall crude prevalence rate of CTS is comparable with that in other countries.

Prevalence of Diabetes and Diabetic Neuropathy in Qena Governorate: Population-Based Survey.

BACKGROUND: No previous study was done to estimate the prevalence of diabetic neuropathy (DN) in Arabic countries. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of DN and its characteristics in Qena governorate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a random sampling of 10 study areas, involving 9,303 inhabitants; 51.1% men and 48.9% women were recruited. There were 57.3% urban residents and 42.7% rural residents. Patients were diagnosed using a screening questionnaire for diabetes mellitus (DM) as well as for DN in addition to measuring blood sugar in suspected cases. All positive cases were referred to Qena University Hospital and were subjected to full clinical, electrophysiological and laboratory investigations. RESULTS: Out of 9,303 people screened, 837 were diabetic giving prevalence 8.99% of the population. Eight hundred eleven had type II DM and 26 cases had type I giving prevalence of 8.7 and 0.3%, respectively. One hundred fifty-five out of 837 (18.5%) diabetic patients had evidence of DN with prevalence rate being 1.7% of the total population. Diabetic polyneuropathy was the commonest type with prevalence 1.5%. The prevalence of DN was higher in women than in men. Rural residents had significantly higher prevalence of DN compared to urban residents (1.9 vs. 1.4) and illiterate population more than educated (5.8 vs. 1.2). CONCLUSION: The overall crude prevalence rate of DM and DN is nearly the same as in European countries and lower than that in other Arabic countries.

Biological Activities of Oleanolic Acid Derivatives from Calendula officinalis Seeds.

Phytochemical examination of butanol fraction of Calendula officinalis seeds led to the isolation of two compounds identified as 28-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-oleanolic acid 3-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl (1→3)-ß-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid (CS1) and oleanolic acid 3-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl (1→3)-ß-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid (CS2). Biological evaluation was carried out for these two compounds such as melanin biosynthesis inhibitory, hyaluronic acid production activities, anti obesity using lipase inhibition and adipocyte differentiation as well as evaluation of the protective effect against hydrogen peroxide induced neurotoxicity in neuro-2A cells. The results showed that, compound CS2 has a melanin biosynthesis stimulatory activity; however, compound CS1 has a potent stimulatory effect for the production of hyaluronic acid on normal human dermal fibroblast from adult (NHDF-Ad). Both compounds did not show any inhibitory effect on both lipase and adipocyte differentiation. Compound CS2 could protect neuro-2A cells and increased cell viability against H2 O2 . These activities (melanin biosynthesis stimulatory and protective effect against H2 O2 of CS2 and hyaluronic acid productive activities of these triterpene derivatives) have been reported for the first time. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.