Role of Mg(NO3)2 as Defective Agent in Ameliorating the Electrical Conductivity, Structural and Electrochemical Properties of Agarose-Based Polymer Electrolytes.

Polymer electrolytes based on agarose dissolved in DMSO solvent complexed with different weight percentages of Mg(NO3)2 ranging from 0 to 35 wt% were prepared using a solution casting method. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was applied to study the electrical properties of this polymer electrolyte, such as ionic conductivity at room and different temperatures, dielectric and modulus properties. The highest conducting film has been obtained at 1.48 × 10-5 S·cm-1 by doping 30 wt% of Mg(NO3)2 into the polymer matrix at room temperature. This high ionic conductivity value is achieved due to the increase in the amorphous nature of the polymer electrolyte, as proven by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), where broadening of the amorphous peak can be observed. The intermolecular interactions between agarose and Mg(NO3)2 are studied by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy by observing the presence of -OH, -CH, N-H, CH3, C-O-C, C-OH, C-C and 3,6-anhydrogalactose bridges in the FTIR spectra. The electrochemical properties for the highest conducting agarose-Mg(NO3)2 polymer electrolyte are stable up to 3.57 V, which is determined by using linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and supported by cyclic voltammetry (CV) that proves the presence of Mg2+ conduction.

Cortisol and uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in an area of unstable malaria transmission in eastern Sudan.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the levels of serum cortisol in patients with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) malaria in an area of unstable malaria transmission in eastern Sudan. METHODS: The concentrations of cortisol were measured in sera of 25 patients with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria (at presentation, 24 h and 7 d later) and 25 healthy volunteers using radioimmunoassay gamma counter. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in mean (SD) of total cortisol levels in patients with malaria in comparison with the control group; 602.2 (369.6) vs. 449.2(311.7) ng/mL, P=0.12. In patients with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria, the mean (SD) presenting cortisol levels were significantly higher in comparison to the levels on day 7; 602.2 (369.6) vs. 373.6(139.1) ng/mL, P=0.009. In the patients with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria (on presentation) cortisol levels were not correlated with initial temperature or the presenting parasitaemia. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, cortisol levels were not significantly different between the patients and the controls.

Maternal and neonatal hormonal profiles in anaemic pregnant women of eastern Sudan.

SUMMARY: Anaemia affects almost two-thirds of pregnant women in developing countries; it is associated with poor maternal and perinatal outcomes. Anaemia during pregnancy, through many endocrine alterations might influence maternal and fetal environment. This study was conducted to investigate the anthropometric, biochemical and hormonal profiles in paired maternal and cord blood samples and to compare these between anaemic (n = 68) [haemoglobin <11 g/dl] and non-anaemic groups (n = 57). A case-control study was conducted in Gadarif Hospital, eastern Sudan. Sociodemographic characteristics were gathered using questionnaires. Biochemical and hormones profiles were measured using appropriate laboratory methods. There was no significant difference in maternal and fetal anthropometrics parameters between anaemic (<11 g/dl) and non-anaemic groups. Maternal prolactin, cord serum albumin and cord serum ferritin were significantly higher in the anaemic group. No significant difference was observed in the other maternal and fetal parameters (total protein, growth hormone, cortisol, insulin, thyroid stimulating hormone, total thyroxine and triodiothyroxine). Thus, in this study there were some maternal and fetal endocrine modulations due to anaemia during pregnancy and further studies are needed.

Bladder preservation in adult classic exstrophy: early results of four patients.

OBJECTIVES: To report our experience with the treatment of classic exstrophy of the bladder in a small series of adult patients using ileocystoplasty, bladder neck reconstruction, and abdominal wall closure with flaps. The presentation of exstrophy of the bladder in adulthood is rare. The problems encountered include difficulty in abdominal closure, malignant potential, and upper tract dysfunction. The treatment of choice has been cystectomy with urinary diversion in all reported cases. METHODS: We treated 4 adult male patients with classic exstrophy of the bladder and complete epispadias. They had not received any previous treatment. Multiple random bladder biopsies revealed nonspecific inflammatory changes with focal areas of keratinization. Three patients were treated in two stages. The first stage included ileocystoplasty, bladder neck reconstruction, and abdominal wall closure with the use of flaps. The epispadias was repaired in the second stage. In 1 patient, the reconstruction was completed in a single stage. RESULTS: All patients were continent at the last follow-up visit, with three using self-catheterization and one voiding spontaneously. The renal parameters and ultrasound scans were normal at a follow-up of 2 to 48 months. Cystoscopy performed at 6 months postoperatively revealed normal-looking mucosa in 2 patients and mild inflammation in 1 patient. Three patients were satisfied with the cosmetic results and one complained of the small size of his penis. All patients were evaluated by psychiatrists and revealed anxiety disorders preoperatively. After surgery, all demonstrated improved social interaction. CONCLUSIONS: Vesical preservation with primary reconstruction of bladder exstrophy in adults is safe and feasible in the absence of significant histologic changes in the bladder mucosa. Abdominal closure can be achieved without difficulty with the use of transposition flaps. However, these patients require strict follow-up to detect malignant transformation at an early stage.

The role of fine-needle aspiration cytology of the testis in the diagnostic evaluation of infertility.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the diagnostic value of cytological smears of fine-needle aspirate with that of histological sections obtained by testicular biopsy in the evaluation of infertility. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 60 patients with azoospermia or severe oligospermia (sperm counts of < 5 million/mL). A detailed history was taken and the external genitalia examined. Testicular samples were obtained by fine-needle aspiration using a 10 mL syringe and 21 G needle; the air-dried smears were stained using the May-Grunwald-Giemsa method. A testicular biopsy was taken after exploring the same tract and these sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin. The cytological smears and histological sections were examined separately and the results compared. RESULTS: The cytological smears were divided into three groups: normal, with all spermatogenic cells present; Sertoli-cell only syndrome; and spermatogenic arrest (all spermatogenic cells present except spermatids and spermatozoa). There was a good correlation between the diagnosis on the cytological smears and histological sections in 58 of 60 patients (97%). In two patients there was scanty aspirate and few cells, giving an inaccurate diagnosis. Interstitial cells were not detected on cytological smears. In three patients, Sertoli-cell only was diagnosed on cytology, and histology revealed additional features of Leydig cell hyperplasia. CONCLUSION: Fine-needle aspiration of the testis is a simple and minimally invasive technique for diagnostic evaluation, especially in patients with obstructive azoospermia. Patients with abnormal findings on fine-needle aspiration cytology may be evaluated histologically by further biopsy.