Small bowel obstruction as first presentation of metastatic lobular breast cancer for pilgrim patient.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: The most common cancer among females worldwide and in Saudi Arabia is breast cancer. Lobular breast carcinoma is the second most common subtype of breast cancer. There are different patterns of metastasis as ductal breast cancer spreads to the liver, lung, brain, and bone while the lobular subtype metastasizes to the gastrointestinal tract. CASE PRESENTATION: A 69-year-old Indian pilgrim presented to the ER complaining of abdominal pain, vomiting, and abdominal distention admitted as a case of intestinal obstruction. CT scan demonstrated intestinal obstruction with transition zone at the terminal ileum. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy where she was found to have a mass at the terminal ileum. Resection of around 8 cm of small bowel and primary anastomosis were done, histopathology revealed metastatic lobular breast carcinoma. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Patients with metastatic breast cancer to the gastrointestinal tract often present with nonspecific symptoms, while acute cases present with complications such as perforation. In a retrospective review of metastatic breast cancer, the majority metastasizes to the colon and rectum, while 19 % to the small bowel. Palliative surgery is considered the first-line treatment of complicated patients, while stable cases are referred to medical oncology. CONCLUSION: Breast cancer is the second most common cancer leading to death and lobular subtype has more propensity to metastasize to the gastrointestinal tract compared to ductal breast cancer. Regarding patients presenting to the emergency bay, treating the emergency complaints is the standard management. For immigrant patients, we highly recommend creating a data system for sending histopathology reports to facilitate follow-up in their countries. CASE PRESENTATION: A 69-year-old Indian pilgrim patient presented to the ER complaining of abdominal pain for 3 days associated with nausea and vomiting, not passing stool nor flatus was admitted as a case of intestinal obstruction. On examination patient was in pain with tachycardia, abdominal distended with generalized tenderness. Labs revealed metabolic alkalosis with hypokalemia. Abdomen X-ray showed signs of intestinal obstruction with multiple air-fluid levels and dilated small bowel loops. CT scan abdomen and pelvis with IV contrast reported (Figs. 1,2) distended ileum around 5 cm proximal to the transition zone at the terminal ileum with mild free fluid in the abdomen and pelvis. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy where she was found to have a mass at the terminal ileum with the proximal loop dilated and distal loops collapsed, and further exploration showed enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes. Small bowel resection of around 8 cm and side to side anastomosis was done to relive the intestinal obstruction. Gross pathology showed a solid lesion protruding into the lumen measuring 1.5*1.5*1.5 cm, while the microscopic description consists of small cells with round ovoid nuclei which lack cohesion and appear individually dispersed through a fibrous connective tissue and arranged in single file linear cords that invade the stroma (Fig. 4) concluded as metastatic lobular carcinoma of the breast. Immunohistochemistry reported CK7 + ve, ER + ve, EMA + ve and CKAE1/AE3 + ve. The patient had an uneventful recovery, then she was discharged against medical advice and traveled to her country after two days before the histopathology result and she lost follow-up with us.

The impact of CBz-PAI interlayer in various HTL-based flexible perovskite solar cells: A drift-diffusion numerical study.

In perovskite solar cells (PSCs), the charge carrier recombination obstacles mainly occur at the ETL/perovskite and HTL/perovskite interfaces, which play a decisive role in the solar cell performance. Therefore, this study aims to enhance the flexible PSC (FPSC) efficiency by adding the newly designed CBz-PAI-interlayer (simply CBz-PAI-IL) at the perovskite/HTL interface. In addition, substantial work has been carried out on five different HTLs (Se/Te-Cu2O, CuGaO2, V2O5, and CuSCN, including conventional Spiro-OMeTAD as a reference HTL with and without CBz-PAI-IL), using drift-diffusion simulation to find suitable FPSC design to attain the maximum PCE. Interestingly, PET/ITO/AZO/ZnO NWs/FACsPbBrI3/CBz-PAI/Se/Te-Cu2O/Au device architecture demonstrates the highest achievable power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 27.9 %. The findings of this study confirmed that the reference device (without IL) displays a large valence band edge (VBE)/highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level misalignment compared to the modified interface device (with CBz-PAI-IL that reduces VBE/HOMO level mismatch) that eases the hole transport, simultaneously, it reduces the charge carrier recombinations at the interface, resulting in diminished Voc losses in the device. Furthermore, the influence of perovskite absorber thickness and defect density, parasitic resistances, and working temperature are systematically examined to govern the superior FPSC efficiency and concurrently understand the device physics.

Effect of Inorganic and Organic Nitrogen Sources and Biofertilizer on Murcott Mandarin Fruit Quality.

Mandarin 'Murcott' (Citrus reticulata Blanco) trees aged five years that were grafted onto lemon 'Volkamer' (Citrus volkameriana) rootstock and grown in sandy soil under a drip irrigation system were used in this study during the growing seasons of 2018 and 2019. Ten different fertilization treatments combining inorganic, organic, and biofertilization in a completely randomized block were performed. The results revealed that fertilizing 'Murcott' mandarin trees with 75% of the recommended dose (RD) of nitrogen as inorganic nitrogen (33.5% N) in the form of NH4NO3 + 25% of RD as organic nitrogen in the form of chicken manure (3% N) per tree per year without or with a biofertilizer (Effective Microorganisms, EM1) at 150 mL/tree increased the weight, size, pulp, and peels of mandarin fruit, as well as the fruit juice volume, juice volume/fruit, and vitamin C, but reduced the total acidity in both seasons. However, fertilizing 'Murcott' mandarin trees with 100% of RD as inorganic nitrogen increased the pulp/fruit ratio, and fertilizing with 25% of RD as inorganic nitrogen + 75% of RD as organic nitrogen + biofertilizer EM1 increased the peel/fruit ratio, peel thickness, and fruit firmness. Fertilizing 'Murcott' mandarin trees with 100% organic nitrogen + biofertilizer EM1 increased total soluble solids (TSS) and total sugar contents while producing the lowest nitrate (NO3) percentage in 'Murcott' mandarin fruit compared with trees fertilized with inorganic nitrogen only. The fruit produced by 'Murcott' mandarin trees fertilized with 100% of RD as organic nitrogen with or without biofertilizer EM1 contained higher TSS, total carbohydrates, and sugars and lower nitrate percentages than those fertilized with inorganic nitrogen and biofertilizer EM1. This study contributes to reducing the use of inorganic fertilizers by adding a percentage of an organic fertilizer to obtain a healthy product that contains a lower percentage of NO3, which affects the health of the consumer, and is of high quality and suitable for export.

Comparative study for removal of phosphorus from aqueous solution by natural and activated bentonite.

The novelty of the current article is to investigate the adsorption potential of the Egyptian natural and activated bentonite (Na-bentonite) to inorganic and organic phosphorus (IP, OP) in aqueous media. The natural bentonite (NB) was activated to Na-bentonite (Na-B) by a new facile method within 2 h. NB and Na-B were also characterized using XRD, XRF, BET ESM, and FT-IR. The batch experiment has been employed to select the ideal conditions for the removal of inorganic and organic phosphorus (IP, OP) from aqueous solutions. The findings clearly showed that the Na-bentonite is enriched with sodium in the form of Na-montmorillonite with a higher specific area 138.51 m2/g than the value for the natural bentonite 74.21 m2/g. The batch experiment showed maximum absorption for both IP and OP adsorbents occurred at an equilibrium pH = 6, contact time of 40 to 50 min, 40 °C temperature, and a dose rate of 2 mg/L and 1 mg/L, respectively. The equilibrium data displayed better adjustment to Langmuir than the Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherms and adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order-type kinetic, and the parameters of thermodynamics reveal that adsorption occurs spontaneously and exothermic nature. Na-bentonite proved to be more efficient in removing target material than natural bentonite. The spent bentonites were easily regenerated by chemical methods.

Using probiotics to improve the utilization of chopped dried date palm leaves as a feed in diets of growing Farafra lambs.

The study determined the ability of three probiotics to improve the nutritional value of date palm leaves in diets of growing lambs. Twenty male Farafra lambs (26 ± 0.33 kg) were randomly allocated to one of four treatments (n = 6) and fed: a control or basal diet (C; 70% concentrate + 30% date palm leaves without additives) and supplemented with Bacillofort containing 2 × 1011 CFU of Bacillus subtilis/g (BAC treatment), Lacotpro containing 1 × 1012 CFU of Lactobacillus acidophilus/g (LAC treatment) or ZAD containing 6 × 108 CFU of R. albus/g (ZAD treatment) at 4 g of all additives for 150 days. As a result of this study, LAC improved (P < 0.05) growth performance and feed efficiency compared to control. Additives increased (P = 0.001) concentrations of albumin, triiodothyronine, and thyroxine, hemoglobin concentration and red blood cells and decreased (P = 0.001) globulin and urea-N. Additives increased hot carcass (P = 0.040) while BAC increased Longissimus dorsi, meat and fat without affecting water holding capacity compared to other treatments. In the metabolism experiment, BAC increased the digestibility of crude protein, while BAC and ZAD increased the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and neutral detergent fiber. Additives did not affect nitrogen (N) intake and urinary N; however, decreased fecal N and increased N balance compared to the control. BAC and ZAD increased ruminal volatile fatty acids concentration compared to the control. Based on our results, Lacotpro could be used to improve growth performance and feed efficiency, while Bacillofort could be used to improve meat quality of in lambs.

Multi-exposure human health risks assessment of trihalomethanes in drinking water of Egypt.

The present study aims to assess the probable lifetime cancer and non-cancer risks of exposure to the trihalomethanes in Egypt's drinking water through ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation. A total of 1667 drinking water samples were collected from twenty-three Egyptian governorates over a three-years period. The concentrations of total trihalomethanes ranged between 29.07 and 86.01 µg/L and were always below the maximum contamination level recommended by the Egyptian standards (100 µg/L). Chloroform was the most prominent trihalomethanes species, while bromoform was rarely detected. The cancer risk study revealed that, among the investigated paths, inhalation poses the greatest risk. And bromodichloromethane had the highest impact to cancer (69%), followed by chlorodibromomethane (28%). Geographically, the highest cancer risk value was found in Matruh governorate (42.2 × 10-6) and the lowest was in Minya governorate (1.0 × 10-6). The cancer risk for the studied governorates, except Minya governorate, was higher than the level recommended by the USEPA (1.0 × 10-6). Hazard index (HI) study revealed that the ingestion pathway caused higher HI values than the dermal pathway and that chloroform had the highest contribution to HI value. However, the values of HI were below unity in all studied governorates demonstrating that there would be negligible non-cancer risk.

Salt tolerance of selected halophytes at the two initial growth stages for future management options.

Scarcity of water and the small area of the agricultural land are considered as the crucial environmental issues challenged the Arabian Gulf countries. In this study, experiments were conducted to identify the salt tolerance during the germination and the seedling stages of some native halophytes in the State of Qatar. Seeds of eight native species (Salsola setifera, Halopeplis perfoliata, Caroxylon imbricatum, Suaeda aegyptiaca, Acacia tortilis, Limonium axillare, Tetraena qatarensis and Aeluropus lagopoides) were investigated. Except for Tetraena qatarensis, Acacia tortilis and Suaeda aegyptiaca, all achieved ≥ 30% of seed germination at a concentration of 200 mM NaCl. Around 30% of Salsola setifera seeds were able to germinate in a salt concentration of 400 mM. Germination recovery of seeds that have been treated with 800 mM NaCl for 3 weeks was the greatest for Halopeplis perfoliata (94%) and the lowest for Aeluropus lagopoides (22%). Five halophytes were investigated for seedling growth under saline irrigation ranged from 0 to 600 mM NaCl. No significant differences obtained in growth biomass of seedlings of each of Caroxylon imbricatum, Suaeda aegyptiaca and Tetraena qatarensis between saline and non-saline treatments.

Microbial profile, antimicrobial resistance, and molecular characterization of diabetic foot infections in a university hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic foot infections (DFIs) are among the most severe complications of diabetes. The aim of this study was to determine the etiological pathogens of DFIs in different Wagner's and IDSA/IWGDF grades, and to assess their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern together with molecular characterization of antibiotic resistance genes. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on 120 DFI patients at Main Alexandria University Hospital, Egypt. The aerobic and anaerobic etiological pathogens were determined using semi-quantitative culture and PCR respectively. The antimicrobial susceptibility pattern was done according to Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Detection of carbapenemases and class-1 integron genes was carried out by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: A total of 178 (124 aerobic, 54 anaerobic) pathogens were identified from patients with DFI, with an average of 1.82 isolates/subject. Among aerobic pathogens, Gram-negative predominated (98/124; 79%), of which Pseudomonas spp. and Proteus spp. were the most common. MRSA constituted more than 50% of Gram-positive isolates. Polymicrobial infection was found in 42 (42.9%) subjects. The proportion of Gram-negative bacteria and anaerobes increased with increased DFI grades and severity. Multidrug and extensively drug resistant isolates were observed in 86 patients (87.7%). PCR identified carbapenemases genes in 14 (11.7%) and class 1 integron in 28 (23.3%) DFI cases. Vancomycin, teicoplanin, linezolid were the most effective antimicrobial agents against Gram-positive pathogens, while colistin, imipenem, meropenem, and piperacillin-tazobactam were effective against Gram-negative pathogens. CONCLUSIONS: Multidrug and extensively drug resistant Gram-negative bacteria were the dominant pathogens among all DFI severity grades. However, the proportion of Gram-positive bacteria decreased with the severity of infection. The clinical role of our relatively high rate of anaerobes should be investigated. The results found in this study could be beneficial for designing future empiric antimicrobial protocols in relation to the severity of DFIs.

Survey and Identification of Date Palm Pathogens and Indigenous Biocontrol Agents.

Fungal diseases are considered a major threat to plant growth and productivity. However, some beneficial fungi growing in the same environment protect plants from various pathogens, either by secreting antifungal metabolites or by stimulating the host immune defense mechanism. Date palms are susceptible to several fungal pathogens. Nevertheless, information on the pathogenic fungal distribution in date palm fields across different seasons is limited, especially that from Qatar. Therefore, the current study's aim was to evaluate the pathogenic and beneficial fungal diversity and distribution, including the endophytic fungi from the date palm tissues and root-associated soil fungi, during different seasons, for the identification of indigenous biocontrol agents. Our results showed that the highest number of fungal species was isolated in fall and spring, and pathogenic fungi were isolated mainly in spring. This is the first report that in Qatar, Neodeightonia phoenicum and Thielaviopsis punctulata cause date palm root rot disease, Fusarium brachygibbosum and Fusarium equiseti cause date palm wilting, and N. phoenicum causes diplodia disease in date palm offshoots. The combinations of the fungi that did not frequently occur together in date palm rhizosphere soil were investigated to identify indigenous biocontrol agents. Based on the results, we determined that Trichoderma harzianum and Trichoderma longibrachiatum are effective antagonistic fungi against T. punctulata, N. phoenicum, F. brachygibbosum, and Fusarium solani, qualifying them as potential biocontrol agents. Antagonistic activity of endophytic fungi against the pathogens was tested; except for Ulocladium chartarum, no endophytic fungi showed antagonistic activity against the tested pathogens.[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2020 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license.

Laparoscopic Pancreaticodudenectomy for Periampullary Tumor: Should it be a Routine? A Propensity Score-matched Study.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) is a complex and challenging procedure even with experienced surgeons. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and surgical and oncological outcomes of LPD compared with open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD). PATIENTS AND METHOD: This is a propensity score-matched analysis for patients with periampullary tumors who underwent PD. Patients underwent LPD and matched group underwent OPD included in the study. The primary outcome measure was the rate of total postoperative morbidities. Secondary outcomes included operative times, hospital stay, wound length and cosmosis, oncological outcomes, recurrence rate, and survival rate. RESULTS: A total of 111 patients were included in the study (37 LPD and 74 OPD). The conversion rate from LPD to OPD was 4 cases (10.8%). LPD provides significantly shorter hospital stay (7 vs. 10 d; P=0.004), less blood loss (250 vs. 450 mL, P=0.001), less postoperative pain, early oral intake, and better cosmosis. The length of the wound is significantly shorter in LPD. The operative time needed for dissection and reconstruction was significantly longer in LPD group (420 vs. 300 min; P=0.0001). Both groups were comparable as regards lymph node retrieved (15 vs. 14; P=0.21) and R0 rate (86.5% vs. 83.8%; P=0.6). No significant difference was seen as regards postoperative morbidities, re-exploration, readmission, recurrence, and survival rate. CONCLUSIONS: LPD is a feasible procedure; it provided a shorter hospital stay, less blood loss, earlier oral intake, and better cosmosis than OPD. It had the same postoperative complications and oncological outcomes as OPD.

Dataset of allelopathic effects of Casuarina equisetifolia-L leaf aquatic extract on seed germination and growth of selected plant crops.

In agricultural fields that are surrounded by dunes, the Casuarina tree is usually used as windbreaks. In addition, it plays a significant role in inhibiting nearby vegetation growth. In this dataset, the effect of Casuarina equisetifolia-L leaf aquatic extract on seed germination and growth of four selected plant crops (Maize, Lentil, Mustard, and Wheat) was tested. Seed germination test and a greenhouse experiment were conducted to study the effects of Casuarina equisetifolia aquatic leaf extract on seed germination and seedling growth. Various concentrations of leaf extract were used (0, 1.25%, 2.5%, and 5%). Results revealed that aqueous leaf extract of Casuarina equisetifolia-L affected significantly seed germination of all selected plant crops under laboratory conditions. Both wheat and maize have a comparable reduction in root length at 2.47 cm and 2.45 cm, respectively, but show a remarkable difference in percentage at 92% and 54% respectively under the effect of 5% aqueous solution. Similarly, lentil shows the highest drop in shoot length (SL) of 69% while no significant reduction observed in Mustard (SL) at the same aqueous solution concentration (5%). In the greenhouse experiment, dried leaf powder was mixed with soil in different concentrations (0, 15, 30, and 45 g kg-1 soil). Greenhouse experiments demonstrated that C. equisetifolia exhibited significant inhibition on wheat germination and seedling characteristics under all treatments. However, soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC) were examined and showed a relative reduction in pH and marked an increase in (EC).

Assessment of comorbid mild cognitive impairment and depression in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

CONTEXT: Depression, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia are highly prevalent chronic conditions associated with social, medical, and economic burdens. Although there are several epidemiological studies that have reported the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment or depressive syndrome in elderly diabetic population little is known about the comorbidity of these conditions. We aimed to study the prevalence of comorbid mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and depression in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and its relation to glycemic control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: the present work was carried on 400 patients with T2DM. History taking, physical examination, laboratory investigations (with special emphasis on glycemic profile and lipid profile parameters) were done for every patient. Assessment of anxiety and depression using the HADS score and assessment of mild cognitive impairment using MoCA score were done. RESULTS: 76% of studied patients had depression of varying degrees while 56.8% of studied patients had MCI. Decreased level of HDL-cholesterol and increased HADS anxiety score were significant predictors of depression. On the other hand, increased level of total cholesterol, decreased level of HDL-cholesterol, increased HADS depression score and decreased MoCA score were significant predictors of anxiety. HDL-cholesterol HADS anxiety score, FBG, and duration of DM were the significant predictors of MCI. CONCLUSION: Increased level of total cholesterol, decreased level of HDL-cholesterol, increased HADS depression score and decreased MoCA score were significant predictors of anxiety. HDL-cholesterol, HADS anxiety score, FBG, and duration of DM were the significant predictors of MCI.

Ferromagnetic glass-coated microwires with good heating properties for magnetic hyperthermia.

The heating properties of Fe71.7Si11B13.4Nb3Ni0.9 amorphous glass-coated microwires are explored for prospective applications in magnetic hyperthermia. We show that a single 5 mm long wire is able to produce a sufficient amount of heat, with the specific loss power (SLP) reaching a value as high as 521 W/g for an AC field of 700 Oe and a frequency of 310 kHz. The large SLP is attributed to the rectangular hysteresis loop resulting from a peculiar domain structure of the microwire. For an array of parallel microwires, we have observed an SLP improvement by one order of magnitude; 950 W/g for an AC field of 700 Oe. The magnetostatic interaction strength essential in the array of wires can be manipulated by varying the distance between the wires, showing a decreasing trend in SLP with increasing wire separation. The largest SLP is obtained when the wires are aligned along the direction of the AC field. The origin of the large SLP and relevant heating mechanisms are discussed.

Isolation and characterization of native Bacillus thuringiensis strains from Saudi Arabia with enhanced larvicidal toxicity against the mosquito vector Anopheles gambiae (s.l.).

BACKGROUND: Worldwide, mosquito vectors are transmitting several etiological agents of important human diseases, including malaria, causing millions of deaths every year. In Saudi Arabia, as elsewhere, vector-control is based mostly on chemical insecticides which may be toxic and cause environmental deprivation. Here, to support the development of bio-pesticide alternatives, a study was conducted to identify native Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) isolates with improved toxicity against the malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae (s.l.). METHODS: Sixty-eight Bt isolates were obtained from 300 soil and other samples collected from 16 sites across Saudi Arabia. Bt identification was based on morphological characteristics of colonies, shape of parasporal crystals and biochemical profiles. After characterization of their mosquitocidal activity, larvicidal strains were described through 16S ribosomal DNA gene sequencing, cry, cyt and chi genes PCR-amplification profiles, and SDS-PAGE protein analyses. RESULTS: Spherical Bt crystals were predominant amongst the 68 isolates (34%), while irregular, bi-pyramidal and spore-attached crystals were found in 32, 13 and 21% of strains, respectively. LC50 and LC90 bioassays showed that 23/68 isolates were larvicidal, with distinct biochemical activity profiles compared to non-larvicidal Bt strains. Eight larvicidal strains showed larvicidal activity up to 3.4-fold higher (LC50 range: 3.90-7.40 µg/ml) than the reference Bti-H14 strain (LC50 = 13.33 µg/ml). Of these, 6 strains had cry and cyt gene profiles similar to Bti-H14 (cry4Aa, cry4Ba, cry10, cry11, cyt1Aa, cyt1Ab, cyt2Aa). The seventh strain (Bt63) displaying the highest larvicidal activity (LC50 = 3.90 µg/ml) missed the cry4Aa and cyt1Ab genes and had SDS-PAGE protein profiles and spore/crystal sizes distinct from Bti-H14. The eight strain (Bt55) with LC50 of 4.11µg/ml had cry and cyt gene profiles similar to Bti-H14 but gave a chi gene PCR product size of 2027bp. No strains harbouring cry2, cry17 + 27, cry24 + 40, cry25, cry29, cry30, or cyt2Ba were detected. CONCLUSION: This study represents the first report of several Saudi indigenous Bt strains with significantly higher larvicidal efficacy against An. gambiae than the reference Bti-H14 strain. The very high toxicity of the Bt63 strain, combined with distinct cry and cyt genes and SDS-PAGE-protein profiles makes it a promising candidate for future applications in mosquito bio-control.

Disinfection by-products of chlorine dioxide (chlorite, chlorate, and trihalomethanes): Occurrence in drinking water in Qatar.

The occurrence of chlorine dioxide (ClO2) disinfection by-products (DBPs) in drinking water, namely, chlorite, chlorate, and trihalomethanes (THMs), was investigated. Two-hundred-ninety-four drinking water samples were collected from seven desalination plants (DPs), four reservoirs (R), and eight mosques (M) distributed within various locations in southern and northern Qatar. The ClO2 concentration levels ranged from 0.38 to <0.02 mg L-1, with mean values of 0.17, 0.12, and 0.04 mg L-1 for the DPs, Rs, and Ms, respectively. The chlorite levels varied from 13 µg L-1 to 440 µg L-1, with median values varying from 13 to 230 µg L-1, 77-320 µg L-1, and 85-440 µg L-1 for the DPs, Rs, and Ms, respectively. The chlorate levels varied from 11 µg L-1 to 280 µg L-1, with mean values varying from 36 to 280 µg L-1, 11-200 µg L-1, and 11-150 µg L-1 in the DPs, Rs, and Ms, respectively. The average concentration of THMs was 5 µg L-1, and the maximum value reached 77 µg L-1 However, all of the DBP concentrations fell within the range of the regulatory limits set by GSO 149/2009, the World Health Organization (WHO), and Kahramaa (KM).

Evaluation of pesticide residues of organochlorine in vegetables and fruits in Qatar: statistical analysis.

The study aimed to examine the residues of organochlorines pesticides (OCPs) in vegetables and fruits in Qatar. A total of 127 samples was studied. Ninety percent of the imported samples recorded residues above the maximum residue levels (MRLs). The most frequently detected OCP in the samples was heptachlor (found in 75 samples). In the comparisons between the washed and unwashed samples, no significant differences were observed (P > 0.05). However, the effect of washing process with tap water depended on the type of vegetables and fruits.

Augmented short undersized hamstring tendon graft with LARS® artificial ligament versus four-strand hamstring tendon in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: preliminary results.

BACKGROUND: This retrospective study compares the results of reconstruction of isolated chronic anterior cruciate ligament rupture using augmented short undersized sized hamstring tendon graft with ligament advanced artificial reinforcement system (LARS) versus a four-strand hamstring tendon graft (4-SHG). Our hypothesis was that postoperative knee stability after using augmented short length or small diameter hamstring tendon graft with LARS artificial ligament could be significant and satisfactory more than 4-strand hamstring tendon graft group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 2007-July 2008, 72 patients were divided into a (LARS) augmented group (n=27) and a (4-SHG) group (n=45). RESULTS: Mean FU is 5years. KT-1000 examinations showed that the LARS group had significantly less anterior displacement than the (4-SHG) group P=0.013. IKDC score demonstrated statistically significant differences (P=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that early results of augmenting: short length or small diameter harvested hamstring tendons with LARS in ACL reconstruction provides satisfactory, comparable results and displayed higher knee stability compared to (4-SHG) group. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III (case control study).

Predictive role of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in lupus nephritis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the role of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL), or lipocalin-2, in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients as a biomarker of renal activity and flares. METHODS: Fifty subjects were divided into three groups: the first group comprised 14 SLE patients with no renal disease, the second group 16 SLE patients with active renal disease, the third group 20 apparently normal volunteers. At the beginning of the study clinical and laboratory data including uNGAL were collected. All patients were followed up serially in visits. At each visit, urine samples were collected for measurement of uNGAL as well as for standard urinalysis and a urine protein/creatinine ratio. RESULTS: A highly significant difference was seen in uNGAL in all studied groups. Correlation was noticed between uNGAL and laboratory parameters of renal disease activity. There was significant positive correlation between renal SLEDAI and uNGAL levels. uNGAL is a significant predictor for renal disease activity and renal flare. CONCLUSION: The more active the renal disease, the higher the measured levels of uNGAL, suggesting that it is a potential biomarker of active renal disease. uNGAL can be a predictive biomarker that could be followed serially to forecast renal disease activity and lupus nephritis flare.

Prevalence of consanguineous marriages in South Sinai, Egypt.

A total of 3961 married couples from six major geographical areas representing the South Sinai governorates in Egypt were studied to assess the rate of consanguineous marriage. The population of six selected areas (St Catherines, Nuweiba, Abu Rudeis, Ras Sudr, El Tor and Abu Zenima) were subdivided into Bedouin, urban and mixed populations. A questionnaire-based interview was conducted showing that the consanguinity rate in this region is 37.5%, with the highest rate recorded in Abu Rudeis (52.3%) and lowest rate in Nuweiba (24.1%). Consanguinity was significantly higher among the Bedouin population compared with the urban population in Abu Rudeis, Ras Sudr, El Tor and Abu Zenima, while in St Catherines and Nuweiba there was no statistically significant difference. Among consanguineous couples, 5%, 60% and 35% were double first cousins, first cousins and second cousins respectively. The mean inbreeding coefficient α of the studied population was 0.01845.