39 research outputs found
A comparison of reproductive traits of four maternal lines of rabbits selected for ltter size at weaning and founded on different criteria
No full textThe objective of this study was to compare four Spanish maternal lines of rabbits (A, V. H and LP) on different criteria but selected for litter size at weaning, since their foundation until present for 39, 35, 16 and 4 generations, respectively. The comparisons among the lines were performed for litter size traits and kindling interval. The first comparison made was at the foundation time of the lines, using mixed animal models (additive and non-additive permanent effects) involving the complete data set (from June 1980 to February 2009) and the full pedigree to take into account the process of selection. A second comparison was made at fixed times and location (during the six year-seasons shared at the same farm and similar conditions for lines A, V and H involving data from March 1997 to August 1998, and A, V and LP lines from September 2007 to February 2009. The models used in the second comparison did not include the complete data set nor the additive genetic effects so that line comparisons were not dependent on the genetic model. The raw means for 47,132 parities produced from 12,639 does were 9.80, 9.07, 7.79 and 6.95 rabbits for total born, number bon alive, number weaned and number marketed per litter, respectively, demonstrating high levels of prolificacy among the lines, and with a kindling interval of 49.80 days.
At their respective times of foundation, line A showed the lowest litter size with mean differences (1.39 rabbits/litter for total born, 120 for number born alive, 0.84 for number weaned and 1.06 for number marketed) among the combined means of the other lines being important Lines V and H did not show significant differences for litter size traits, but for kindling interval the contrast was 330 +/- 0.72 days, which was significant and favourable to line H. LP exceeded V by approximately one rabbit for all litter size traits. The differences between the lines for kindling interval were negligible. Some interactions between lines and farm-year-seasons were important.
In comparison of lines A. V and H from March 1997 to August 1998. the pattern of the differences between the line A and the others was similar to the one observed at the origin, and the only significant difference was found between lines V and H for the kindling interval (4.62 days in favour of line V). The comparison between the lines A. V and LP from September 2007 to February 2009 showed an approximation in their reproductive performance compared to the differences at the origin. Overall, good agreement was observed between the comparisons of lines for litter size traits at fixed times, using a model without genetic effects and data recorded during the time of comparisons, and the predictions derived from the model with genetic effects. Another point is the importance of the criteria in the sample of founders of lines that were used to determine the initial or starting performance levels. Therefore, it is recommended that commercial rabbit producers utilize line populations selected for the traits of economic interest rather than on a popular breed. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.This work was supported by the Spanish Research Projects (CICYT) AGL2008-03274 and ACOMP09/013 (Valencia Generality, Spain). The first author (Mohamed Ragab) appreciated the grant obtained from the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Zaragoza (CIHEAM), Spain. Thanks are given to Prof. Steven Lukefahr for his critical revision of this manuscript.Mohamed Ragab, M.; Baselga Izquierdo, M. (2011). A comparison of reproductive traits of four maternal lines of rabbits selected for ltter size at weaning and founded on different criteria. Livestock Science. 136(2-3):201-206. doi:10.1016/j.livsci.2010.09.009S2012061362-
Impact of green roofs on energy demand for cooling in Egyptian buildings
No full textEnergy consumption for cooling purposes has increased significantly in recent years, mainly due to population growth, urbanization, and climate change consequences. The situation can be mitigated by passive climate solutions to reduce energy consumption in buildings. This study investigated the effectiveness of the green roof concept in reducing energy demand for cooling in different climatic regions. The impact of several types of green roofing of varying thermal conductivity and soil depth on energy consumption for cooling school buildings in Egypt was examined. In a co-simulation approach, the efficiency of the proposed green roof types was evaluated using the Design-Builder software, and a cost analysis was performed for the best options. The results showed that the proposed green roof types saved between 31.61 and 39.74% of energy, on average. A green roof featuring a roof soil depth of 0.1 m and 0.9 W/m-K thermal conductivity exhibited higher efficiency in reducing energy than the other options tested. The decrease in air temperature due to green roofs in hot arid areas, which exceeded an average of 4 °C, was greater than that in other regions that were not as hot. In conclusion, green roofs were shown to be efficient in reducing energy consumption as compared with traditional roofs, especially in hot arid climates.Water ResourcesSanitary Engineerin
Serum cystatin C and microalbuminuria in children with immune thrombocytopenia under short course of corticosteroids
No full textAbstractBackgroundCorticosteroids are the universally accepted first line therapy for moderate and severe immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).ObjectivesWe investigated the effect of a short course prednisolone on serum cystatin C and the appearance of microalbuminuria as markers for renal injury in a group of ITP children.MethodsThe study involved 33 (19 males, 14 females) newly diagnosed ITP children divided into two groups; group I included 15 children with no or mild bleeding treated according to “watch and wait” policy; group II included 18 children of moderate or severe bleeding treated by oral prednisolone. Fifteen healthy, age and sex matched children were enrolled as a control group. Blood urea, serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) by Schwartz formula, serum cystatin C (by ELISA) and urinary albumin concentration (by immunoturbidimetric assay) were determined.ResultsThe baseline investigations were comparable in the three groups and were within the reference ranges. Corticosteroids of 12mg/kg cumulative dose had induced significant increments in serum creatinine [from 0.62±0.16 to 0.84±0.12mg/dL, p<0.0001] cystatin C [from 750.83±108.1 to 2300.55±991.94ng/ml, p<0.0001] and decreased eGFR [from 116.69±40.87 to 79.76±24.48ml/min/1.73m2, p=0.001] without change in urinary albumin concentration or induction of microalbuminuria in paired analysis.ConclusionAlthough not accompanied by microalbuminuria, steroid induced cystatin C elevation could be attributed in part to impaired GFR. Large population follow up studies are recommended to investigate the reversibility of this effect
Effect of Sickle Cell Crises Prevention Guide for Children on Parents Knowledge and Reported Practices
No full textSickle cell anemia (SCA) is a global health concern associated with high childhood morbidity and mortality. The major associated complication is sickle cell crisis which cause frequent hospital admission. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of sickle cell crises prevention guide for children on parents’ knowledge and reported practices. The study was conducted at Hematology & oncology unit of Pediatric department at Menoufia University Hospital and Health insurance hospital for children. A quazi experimental design was used. A convenient sample of parents with sickle cell children in the above mentioned settings were selected (34 parents) from January to November 2018. One tool was used for data collection consists of 4-sections questionnaire to assess parents' knowledge and practice. The results of this study revealed that there were knowledge deficit between parents' about sickle cell disease, approximately two thirds of parents (64.7%) had improved on post intervention for reported practices of crisis prevention than pre intervention. Also, 79.4% of parents didn’t use social and cultural practices in prevention of sickle cell crises post intervention. Therefore, there was a highly statistical significance differences between pre and post intervention. Conclusion, implementing sickle cell prevention guide improve parents’ knowledge and reported practices for prevention of crises to promote children recovery. Recommendation, ensure that sickle cell booklets are made available to hospitals for parents in order to remind themselves on treatment and prevention of sickle cell crises. Keywords: Sickle cell crisis, knowledge, Practice DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/64-07 Publication date:July 31st 201
Clinicovirologic analysis of hepatitis C infection in transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia major children
No full textRegular blood transfusion puts β-thalassemia major patients at a higher risk of developing hepatic iron overload and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The association between several transfusion-related factors and an increased risk of developing HCV viremia has been reported. The effect of HCV infection on liver damage in transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients has been poorly described. A sample of 100 Egyptian transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia major children were studied. Individual patients underwent full history taking, clinical examination and a panel of laboratory tests including HCV ribonucleic acid polymerase chain reaction (HCV-PCR) in blood samples. Liver biopsy was performed for 24 patients. HCV-PCR was positive in 64percent of patients. A statistically significant correlation was found between HCVPCR positivity (HCV viremia) and shorter inter-transfusion interval. There was a significant positive correlation between mean serum ferritin level and mean levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartase aminotransferase. Histopathologic features of both chronic hepatitis and siderosis were present in 91.7percent of biopsy specimens, and fibrosis was present in 41.67percent. A higher risk of HCV viremia is noted with a shorter inter-transfusion interval. The reduced role of HCV infection in chronic liver injury in this group of patients may be surpassed by the associated effects of iron overload because of the chronic transfusion. However, the latter finding should be verified in larger studies. © 2009 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.Al-Sheyyab M, 2001, J TROP PEDIATRICS, V47, P239, DOI 10.1093-tropej-47.4.239; Alter MJ, 1999, NEW ENGL J MED, V341, P556, DOI 10.1056-NEJM199908193410802; Angelucci E, 2002, BLOOD, V100, P17, DOI 10.1182-blood.V100.1.17; Ansar MM, 2002, J VIRAL HEPATITIS, V9, P390, DOI 10.1046-j.1365-2893.2002.00368.x; Arora B, 2003, MED PEDIATR ONCOL, V41, P166, DOI 10.1002-mpo.10230; Beld M, 2000, TRANSFUSION, V40, P575, DOI 10.1046-j.1537-2995.2000.40050575.x; Busch MP, 2000, TRANSFUSION, V40, P10, DOI 10.1046-j.1537-2995.2000.40010010.x; Chakravarti A, 2005, J Indian Med Assoc, V103, P64; Cunningham MJ, 2004, BLOOD, V104, P34, DOI 10.1182-blood-2003-09-3167; DiMarco V, 1997, BLOOD, V90, P2207; Diwakaran HH, 2002, J HEPATOL, V36, P687, DOI 10.1016-S0168-8278(02)00018-1; ELGOHARY A, 1995, ACTA TROP, V59, P155, DOI 10.1016-0001-706X(95)00075-P; ElNanawy AA, 1995, J TROP PEDIATRICS, V41, P341; Frank C, 2000, LANCET, V355, P887, DOI 10.1016-S0140-6736(99)06527-7; Gretch DR, 1997, HEPATOLOGY, V26, P43; Habib M, 2001, HEPATOLOGY, V33, P248, DOI 10.1053-jhep.2001.20797; INUI A, 1994, J HEPATOL, V21, P748, DOI 10.1016-S0168-8278(94)80234-3; Irshad Mohammad, 2002, Indian J Gastroenterol, V21, P183; Jara P, 2003, CLIN INFECT DIS, V36, P275, DOI 10.1086-345908; Jonas MM, 2002, HEPATOLOGY, V36, pS173, DOI 10.1053-jhep.2002.36799; Jonas MM, 1997, J PEDIATR, V131, P314, DOI 10.1016-S0022-3476(97)70174-4; KADDAH N, 2006, ALEXANDRIA J PEDIAT, V20, P115; Karimi M, 2001, J PAEDIATR CHILD H, V37, P564, DOI 10.1046-j.1440-1754.2001.00709.x; LAI ME, 1993, J PEDIATR GASTR NUTR, V16, P458, DOI 10.1097-00005176-199305000-00020; Medhat A, 2002, AM J TROP MED HYG, V66, P633; Mishra Devendra, 2004, Indian Pediatr, V41, P287; Mollah AH, 2003, J HEALTH POPUL NUTR, V21, P67; Okada S, 2000, ACTA MED OKAYAMA, V54, P137; Prati D, 2004, HAEMATOLOGICA, V89, P1179; Ramia S, 2002, ANN TROP MED PARASIT, V96, P197, DOI 10.1179-000349802125000439; RICHARD DA, 2000, PEDIATRICS, V105, P836; Siagris D, 2005, EUR J GASTROEN HEPAT, V17, P345, DOI 10.1097-00042737-200503000-00014; SPILIOPOULOU I, 1995, HAEMATOLOGIA, V27, P15; Takaki A, 2000, NAT MED, V6, P578; Wanachiwanawin W, 2003, INT J HEMATOL, V78, P374, DOI 10.1007-BF0298356586
Serum hepcidin level and disease course of acute leukemia in children
No full textAcute leukemia (AL) is a heterogeneous group of hematopoietic neoplasms and it is the most common childhood malignancy. Many patients with AL develop severe anemia that requires multiple blood transfusions. Hepcidin expression may play a role in anemia which is often seen in these patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of hepcidin in acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children in Egypt. 60 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 20 age and gender matched healthy children, taken as control group, were included in the study. Complete blood count (CBC), Serum ALT and serum AST were measured by colorimetric methods. Serum hepcidin and ferritin were measured by ELISA. The study showed a significant difference between newly diagnosed ALL cases and other groups regarding all CBC parameters. There was a significant difference in serum levels of hepcidin and ferritin between studied groups. A significant negative correlation was found between serum level of hepcidin and ferritin and each of hemoglobin level and reticulocytic count %, while significant positive correlation was found between hepcidin and ferritin serum levels. From this study, it could be concluded that serum hepcidin level is elevated in ALL children patients at time of diagnosis and correlates with the disease extent. Hepcidin may be one of the serum markers that accounting for anemia associated with ALL in children.Key words: Hepcidin, ferritin, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, ELISA. From master degree thesis submitted to Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, by Shaimaa E. Genena, 2014
The effect of hydrogen on the 585.3-nm helium-neon nuclear-pumped laser
No full textThe use of hydrogen as an admixture gas in the (\sp3He)\sp4He-Ne laser at the 2P\sb1-1S\sb2, 585.3-nm Ne transition has been found to be more effective in depopulating the lower excited laser state, 1S\sb2, than the use of heavy inert (noble) gases. Experimental results using the U of Illinois TRIGA reactor to pump this laser mixture at 585.3 nm feature the lowest threshold power density ever reported for visible nuclear-pumped, e-pumped and heavy ion beam-pumped lasers. The threshold neutron flux for the above transition was 1.5 \times 10\sp{13} n/(cm\sp2-sec), corresponding to threshold pumping power density 43 2 mW/cm\sp3. This is the second-lowest threshold power density observed for NPLs over all wavelengths, second only to the Soviet results on Ar-Xe infrared lasers (2.05 and 2.65 m) that have a threshold power of mW/cm\sp3.Preceding the actual laser experiments, a series of gain experiments were carried out with various \sp3He:Ne:H\sb2 gas mixtures to guide us to the appropriate mixture ratio needed for lasing. The laser cell, 100 cm long and 1.5 cm in diameter, was fitted with a chopper fan placed in front of the rear mirror. Lasing was observed for \sp3He:Ne:H\sb2 mixture ratios 5.3:2.7:2, 5.6:2.9:1.5, and 6:3:1 with total pressures 2023, 2140, and 1928 torr respectively. Lasing was also observed for \sp4He:Ne:H\sb2 mixture ratio 2.7:5.6:1.7 with total pressure 990 torr, where lasing was pumped by a \sp{10}B-coated tube.A unique internal energy transfer (IET) model was developed to explain qualitatively and quantitatively the energy transfer mechanisms from the neon excited atom to the quencher atom. The IET model favors the use of open-shell atoms for faster energy transfer (quenching). The IET model suggests that the quenching of the lower excited laser level with hydrogen and argon atoms occurs at thermal energy (0.1 eV), whereas the quenching of the upper excited laser level with hydrogen and argon atoms occurs at 1.4 eV and 0.3 eV, respectively. A general kinetic model was developed, and it estimates the threshold power density to be 40 mw/cm\sp3 and the laser efficiency to be 1.7%. In contrast, the measured laser efficiency was found to be only 0.013% which is in good agreement with the laser efficiencies of the He-Ne-Ar, 585.3 nm reported in the USSR and at Sandia National Lab, which are 0.1% and 0.01%, respectively.Made available in DSpace on 2011-05-07T13:58:21Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2
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Glucose metabolism abnormalities among pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia survivors: Assessment and relation to body mass index and waist to hip ratio
No full textAbstractBackgroundAs survival rates of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) improve, attention is turning to side and late effects of therapy including glucose metabolism abnormalities.ObjectiveTo asses the presence of abnormal glucose metabolism in pediatric ALL survivors and its possible relation to body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio and treatment related factors.Subjects and methodsRetrospective study with a prospective follow-up of 12 ALL survivors who had been off chemotherapy for >9months was done. Fifteen healthy sex and age matched children were involved as controls. Body mass index (BMI) waist to hip ratio (WHR), and Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were performed with assessment of glycated hemoglobin (Hb A1C) and insulin sensitivity indices.ResultsAt study time the mean BMI, WHR, all components of the OGTT (except the 2h post load glucose), all indices of insulin sensitivity and the mean Hb A1C% were significantly higher compared to those of the controls. Two survivors (16.6%) developed transient hyperglycemia during therapy, one (8.3%) had pre-diabetes, seven (58.3%) had a risk level of Hb A1C but no one had diabetes mellitus (DM) or insulin resistance (IR). At study time the two survivors with transient hyperglycemia during therapy had a significantly high WHR compared to the remainders. WHR of the survivors at study time correlated significantly with fasting plasma glucose and area of insulin under the curve (AUC). The 2h post-prandial plasma glucose correlated with the duration after therapy completion.ConclusionsWHR may play a better role than BMI in the prediction of insulin resistance in those patients. Hb A1C may increase earlier than other indices of glucose tolerance
Prognostic role of mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin in predicting infection in pediatric cancer with febrile neutropenia
No full textBackground Febrile neutropenia (FN) remains an important complication of cytotoxic chemotherapy for which an urgent and appropriate evaluation is imperative. Purpose To assess the diagnostic and prognostic roles of mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-ProADM) levels in predicting infection in patients with FN. Methods This comparative cross-sectional study included 137 patients with chemotherapy-induced FN. Complete blood count, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), and MR-ProADM were evaluated on the 1st day of FN. Chest computed tomography was performed on the 5th day. Results MR-ProADM levels were significantly higher in patients with FN than in controls. CRP and MR-ProADM levels were significantly higher and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) was significantly lower in patients with versus without bacterial infections. CRP, PCT, and MR-ProADM levels were significantly negatively correlated with ANC. CRP, PCT, and MR-ProADM levels were significantly and positively correlated with FN degree, FN duration, and hospital stay length. A multivariate regression analysis showed that a longer FN duration and hospital stay length, along with elevated CRP, PCT, and MR-ProADM levels, were significant risk factors for mortality. Conclusion MR-ProADM is a reliable prognostic and diagnostic tool for predicting infection in patients with FN
Climate change and temperature rise in the Greater Beirut Area: Implications on heat-related premature mortality
No full textThis study attempts to quantify climate change-induced increase in premature mortality associated with temperature rise with corresponding socioeconomic implications in the context of an urban coastal city, taking the Greater Beirut Area as a study area. Future climatic conditions under four different emissions scenarios were considered to cover a broad spectrum of driving forces and potential social, economic and technologic evolutions. During the first half of the twenty-first century, the expected life losses due to high temperatures in hot days are offset by expected life gains due to improved temperatures in cold days, except under the scenario which characterizes fossil fuel intensive development. By the year 2095, the annual average all-cause premature mortality is expected to increase by 3-15 percent, depending on the scenario. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.Astrom DO, 2011, MATURITAS, V69, P99, DOI 10.1016-j.maturitas.2011.03.008; Bank Audi-Group Research Department, 2010, LEB REAL EST REP; Christensen JH, 2007, CLIMATE CHANGE 2007: THE PHYSICAL SCIENCE BASIS, P847; Cruz RV, 2007, CLIMATE CHANGE 2007, P469; Deque M, 2012, REGIONAL AS IN PRESS; Dessai S, 2003, INT J BIOMETEOROL, V48, P37, DOI 10.1007-s00484-003-0180-4; El-Zein A, 2005, SCI TOTAL ENVIRON, V343, P273, DOI 10.1016-j.scitotenv.2004.12.024; El-Zein A, 2004, SCI TOTAL ENVIRON, V330, P71, DOI 10.1016-j.scitotenv.2004.02.027; Evans JP, 2004, INT J CLIMATOL, V24, P1671, DOI 10.1002-joc.1084; Evans JP, 2009, CLIMATIC CHANGE, V92, P417, DOI 10.1007-s10584-008-9438-5; Evans JP, 2010, THEOR APPL CLIMATOL, V99, P389, DOI 10.1007-s00704-009-0151-8; Haydoura S, 2011, PARASITOL INT, V60, P114, DOI 10.1016-j.parint.2010.10.005; Hreiche A, 2005, IAHS-AISH P, V295, P103; Huang CR, 2011, AM J PREV MED, V40, P183, DOI 10.1016-j.amepre.2010.10.025; KEATINGE WR, 1986, AM J MED, V81, P795, DOI 10.1016-0002-9343(86)90348-7; Kinney PL, 2008, ENVIRON SCI POLICY, V11, P87, DOI 10.1016-j.envsci.2007.08.001; Kleerekoper L, 2011, RESOUR CONS IN PRESS; Kueppers LM, 2005, SCIENCE, V310, P1278, DOI 10.1126-science.310.5752.1278; McMichael AJ, 2004, COMP QUANTIFICATION, P1543; Mendelsohn R, 1999, WORLD BANK RES OBSER, V14, P277; Nakicenovic N., 2001, IPCC SPECIAL REPORT; Onol B, 2009, J CLIMATE, V22, P1944, DOI 10.1175-2008JCLI1807.1; Poumadere M, 2005, RISK ANAL, V25, P1483, DOI 10.1111-j.1539-6925.2005.00694.x; Ragab R, 2002, BIOSYST ENG, V81, P3, DOI 10.1006-bioe.2001.0013; Yardley J, 2011, GLOBAL ENVIRON CHANG, V21, P670, DOI 10.1016-j.gloenvcha.2010.11.0100
