Two-Way Shear Resistance of FRP Reinforced-Concrete Slabs: Data and a Comparative Study.

This study aims to investigate the two-way shear strength of concrete slabs with FRP reinforcements. Twenty-one strength models were briefly outlined and compared. In addition, information on a total of 248 concrete slabs with FRP reinforcements were collected from 50 different research studies. Moreover, behavior trends and correlations between their strength and various parameters were identified and discussed. Strength models were compared to each other with respect to the experimentally measured strength, which were conducted by comparing overall performance versus selected basic variables. Areas of future research were identified. Concluding remarks were outlined and discussed, which could help further the development of future design codes. The ACI is the least consistent model because it does not include the effects of size, dowel action, and depth-to-control perimeter ratio. While the EE-b is the most consistent model with respect to the size effect, concrete compressive strength, depth to control perimeter ratio, and the shear span-to-depth ratio. This is because of it using experimentally observed behavior as well as being based on mechanical bases.

Role of cytokines produced by T helper immune-modulators in dengue pathogenesis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Modulation of the immune reaction is essential in the development of various diseases, including dengue's "Cytokine Tsunami", an increase in vascular permeability with concomitant severe vascular leakage. We aim to identify the role of T-helper (Th) cells, Th2 and Th7, with their related cytokines in dengue pathogenesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nine electronic databases and manual search were applied to detect available publications. A meta-analysis using a fixed- or random-effect model was performed to measure standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). The National Institute of Health (NIH) tools for observational cohort, cross-sectional, and case-control studies were used to examine the risk of bias. The protocol was recorded in PROSPERO with CRD42017060230. RESULTS: A total of 38 articles were found including 19 case-control, 11 cross-sectional and 8 prospective cohort studies. We indicated that Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, IL-8) and Th17 cytokine (IL-17) in dengue patients were notably higher than in a healthy control group in acute phase (SMD = 1.59, 95% CI [0.68, 2.51], p = 0.001; SMD = 1.24, 95% CI [0.41, 2.06], p = 0.003; SMD = 1.13, 95% CI [0.61, 1.66], p<0.0001; SMD = 1.74, 95% CI [0.87, 2.61], p<0.0001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence of the significant roles of IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and IL-17 in the pathogenesis of developing a severe reaction in dengue fever. However, to fully determine the association of Th cytokines with dengue, it is necessary to perform further studies to assess kinetic levels during the duration of the illness.

Autologous Blood for Conjunctival Autograft Fixation in Primary Pterygium Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing the efficacy and complications of autologous blood versus using fibrin glue and surgical sutures for conjunctival autograft fixation in primary pterygium surgery. DESIGN: Systematic review with quantitative meta-analysis. METHODS: Four authentic databases have been searched using relevant keywords. Eligible studies were obtained, and their data were extracted into an online form. Analysis was done using Review Manager for windows. Dichotomous outcomes were reported as risk ratio, while continuous data were reported as mean difference. RESULTS: Seven studies were included in the analysis. Most of the included studies were of moderate quality according to Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment tool. There was no difference between the three techniques in recurrence rates (Risk Ratio (RR) 0.80, 95% CI [0.45 to 1.44], p= 0.46). Graft retraction and displacement were more profound in the autologous blood group vs fibrin glue and suture groups (RR 3.22, 95% CI [1.48 to7.02], p= 0.003) and (RR 5.27, 95% CI [2.24 to 12.38], p> 0.001) respectively. In terms of operative time, fibrin glue took shorter while suturing took longer time compared to blood coagulum (Mean Difference (MD) =1.57, 95% CI [0.90, 2.25], p> 0.00001) and (MD -20.47, 95% CI [-38.05 to -2.88], p =0.02). CONCLUSION: Autologous blood for conjunctival autograft fixation in primary pterygium surgery was associated with lower graft stability than fibrin glue or sutures. However, it did not account for higher recurrence rates than the fibrin glue or sutures. Patient satisfaction and postoperative symptoms are relatively better in the blood coagulum group than the other techniques. The overall quality of evidence is low. Further well designed randomized controlled trials are still needed.