Showing papers by "Cairo University published in 2007"
TL;DR: Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrograph showed the formation of well-dispersed gold nanoparticles in the range of 15-30 nm and may lead to the development of an easy bioprocess for synthesis of Au NPs.
555 citations
TL;DR: How bacteriophage-encoded GAS DNase (Sda1), which facilitates the pathogen's escape from neutrophil extracellular traps, serves as a selective force for covRS mutation is described, providing a paradigm whereby natural selection exerted by the innate immune system generates hypervirulent bacterial variants with increased risk of systemic dissemination.
Abstract: Most invasive bacterial infections are caused by species that more commonly colonize the human host with minimal symptoms. Although phenotypic or genetic correlates underlying a bacterium's shift to enhanced virulence have been studied, the in vivo selection pressures governing such shifts are poorly understood. The globally disseminated M1T1 clone of group A Streptococcus (GAS) is linked with the rare but life-threatening syndromes of necrotizing fasciitis and toxic shock syndrome. Mutations in the GAS control of virulence regulatory sensor kinase (covRS) operon are associated with severe invasive disease, abolishing expression of a broad-spectrum cysteine protease (SpeB) and allowing the recruitment and activation of host plasminogen on the bacterial surface. Here we describe how bacteriophage-encoded GAS DNase (Sda1), which facilitates the pathogen's escape from neutrophil extracellular traps, serves as a selective force for covRS mutation. The results provide a paradigm whereby natural selection exerted by the innate immune system generates hypervirulent bacterial variants with increased risk of systemic dissemination.
387 citations
TL;DR: A change point approach based on the segmented regression technique for testing the constancy of the regression parameters in a linear profile data set using a data set from a calibration application at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Langley Research Center.
Abstract: We propose a change point approach based on the segmented regression technique for testing the constancy of the regression parameters in a linear profile data set. Each sample collected over time in the historical data set consists of several bivariate observations for which a simple linear regression model is appropriate. The change point approach is based on the likelihood ratio test for a change in one or more regression parameters. We compare the performance of this method to that of the most effective Phase I linear profile control chart approaches using a simulation study. The advantages of the change point method over the existing methods are greatly improved detection of sustained step changes in the process parameters and improved diagnostic tools to determine the sources of profile variation and the location(s) of the change point(s). Also, we give an approximation for appropriate thresholds for the test statistic. The use of the change point method is demonstrated using a data set from a calibration application at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Langley Research Center. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
297 citations
TL;DR: Results of the present study showed that MSC have a potential therapeutic effect against the fibrotic process through their effect in minimizing collagen deposition in addition to their capacity to differentiate into hepatocytes.
289 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the removal of poisonous Pb (II) from wastewater by different low-cost abundant adsorbents was investigated and the adsorption efficiencies were found to be pH dependent, increasing by increasing the solution pH.
Abstract: The removal of poisonous Pb (II) from wastewater by different low-cost abundant adsorbents was investigated. Rice husks, maize cobs and sawdust, were used at different adsorbent/metal ion ratios. The influence of pH, contact time, metal concentration, adsorbent concentration on the selectivity and sensitivity of the removal process was investigated. The adsorption efficiencies were found to be pH dependent, increasing by increasing the solution pH in the range from 2.5 to 6.5. The equilibrium time was attained after 120 min and the maximum removal percentage was achieved at an adsorbent loading weight of 1.5 gm. The equilibrium adsorption capacity of adsorbents used for lead were measured and extrapolated using linear Freundlich, Langmuir and Temkin isotherms and the experimental data were found to fit the Temkin isotherm model.
275 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the variational iteration method and the homotopy perturbation method are used for solving the system of fraction differential equations (FDE) generated by a multi-order fraction differential equation.
262 citations
TL;DR: The high pressure homogenization method used to prepare nanosuspensions of three practically insoluble glucocorticoid drugs shows that compared to solution and micro-crystalline suspensions it is a common feature of the three drugs that the nanos Suspensions always enhance the rate and extent of ophthalmic drug absorption as well as the intensity of drug action.
259 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of cysteine on the corrosion inhibition of copper was investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization measurements, and the experimental impedance data were analyzed using a proposed equivalent circuit model for the electrode/electrolyte interface.
251 citations
TL;DR: The newly synthesized compounds were found to possess potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities and to be compatible with existing thiazolidin-4-one derivatives.
233 citations
TL;DR: The Easyshade and Ikam systems were the most reliable tooth color-measuring devices in standardized and in clinical environments, and the other devices tested were more reliable in vitro than in vivo.
Abstract: Purpose: Visual tooth color assessment is neither accurate nor precise due to various subjective and objective factors. As newly developed tooth color-measuring devices for dental application provide the possibility of a more objective means of color determination, their performances in vitro and in vivo must be evaluated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and precision of five commercially available tooth color-measuring devices in standardized and in clinical environments. Materials and Methods: In an in vitro study, standards (A1, A2, A3, A3.5, and A4 shade tabs of Vita Lumin) were measured five times with five electronic devices (ShadeScan, Easyshade, Ikam, IdentaColor II, and ShadeEye) by two operators. In an in vivo study, the right upper central incisors of 25 dental students were measured with the same electronic devices by a single operator. Vita shade tab codes were expressed as CIE (International Commission on Illumination) L ∗ a ∗ b ∗ values and in terms of the precision and accuracy of ∆E color differences. The Mann-Whitney statistical test was used to analyze the differences between the two operators in the in vitro study, and the Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance on ranks with the post-hoc Tukey test was used to analyze the accuracy and precision of electronic devices. Results: No statistically significant difference was found between the different operators in the in vitro study. The obtained precision was Easyshade > ShadeScan ∼ Ikam > IdentaColor II > ShadeEye. The obtained accuracy was Easyshade > ShadeScan ∼ Ikam > ShadeEye > IdentaColor II. In the in vivo study, the Easyshade and the Ikam were the most precise, and the ShadeEye and the IdentaColor II were more precise than the ShadeScan. With respect to accuracy, there was no statistical difference between the ShadeScan, Ikam, and the Easyshade. The IdentaColor II was considered inaccurate (∆Ea = 3.4). Conclusions: In the clinical setting, the Easyshade and Ikam systems were the most reliable. The other devices tested were more reliable in vitro than in vivo. J Prosthodont 2007;16:93-100. Copyright C � 2007 by The American College of Prosthodontists.
184 citations
TL;DR: GnRH antagonist protocols are short, simple, with good clinical outcomes and significant reduction in severe OHSS incidence and gonadotrophin amount; however, the lower pregnancy rate compared with the GnRH agonist long protocol necessitates counselling subfertile couples before recommending change from Gn RH agonist to antagonist.
Abstract: Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists suppress gonadotrophin secretion resulting in dramatic reduction in treatment cycle duration. Assuming comparable clinical outcomes, these benefits may justify changing the standard long GnRH agonist protocol to GnRH antagonist regimens. To evaluate the evidence, databases (e.g. Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE) were electronically searched, hand searches were performed, and manufacturers in the field were contacted. Twenty-seven randomized controlled trials (RCT) fulfilled inclusion criteria for comparison of GnRH antagonist with long GnRH agonist protocol. Clinical pregnancy rate and ongoing pregnancy/live-birth rate were significantly lower in the antagonist group (P = 0.009; OR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.72-0.95 and P = 0.02; OR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.68-0.97 respectively). Conversely, incidence of severe OHSS was significantly reduced with the antagonist protocol (P = 0.01; OR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.40-0.88), and interventions to prevent OHSS were administered more frequently in the agonist group (P = 0.03; OR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.20-0.92). Concluding, GnRH antagonist protocols are short, simple, with good clinical outcomes and significant reduction in severe OHSS incidence and gonadotrophin amount; however, the lower pregnancy rate compared with the GnRH agonist long protocol necessitates counselling subfertile couples before recommending change from GnRH agonist to antagonist.
TL;DR: In this article, the variational iteration method is applied to solve the Cauchy problem arising in one dimensional nonlinear thermoelasticity, and the numerical results of this method are compared with the exact solution of an artificial model to show the efficiency of the method.
Abstract: This paper applies the variational iteration method to solve the Cauchy problem arising in one dimensional nonlinear thermoelasticity. The advantage of this method is to overcome the difficulty of calculation of Adomian’s polynomials in the Adomian’s decomposition method. The numerical results of this method are compared with the exact solution of an artificial model to show the efficiency of the method. The approximate solutions show that the variational iteration method is a powerful mathematical tool for solving nonlinear problems.
TL;DR: Nile rose plants were used to study adsorption of several cations (Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+ and Pb2+) from wastewater within various experimental conditions as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Nile Rose Plant was used to study adsorption of several cations (Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+ and Pb2+) from wastewater within various experimental conditions. The dried leaves of Nile Rose Plant were used at different adsorbent/ metal ion ratios. The influence of pH, contact time, metal concentration, and adsorbent loading weight on the removal process was investigated. Batch adsorption studies were carried out at room temperature. The adsorption efficiencies were found to be pH dependent, increasing by increasing the pH in the range from 2.5 to 8.5 exept for Pb. The equilibrium time was attained within 60 to 90 min. and the maximum removal percentage was achieved at an adsorbent loading weight of 1.5 g/50 mL mixed ions solution. Isothermal studies showed that the data were best fitted to the Temkin isotherm model. The removal order was found to be Pb2+> Zn2+> Cu2+> Cd2+. The surface IR-characterization of Nile rose plant showed the presence of many functional groups capable of binding to the metal cations.
TL;DR: In this article, a wavelet-based fault-location scheme for aged cable systems was proposed, where synchronized digital fault recorded data are available at the two terminals of each cable, and the wavelet processing scheme is applied on the modal coordinates instead of the phase coordinates.
Abstract: This paper presents a novel wavelet-based fault-location scheme for aged cable systems when synchronized digital fault recorded data are available at the two terminals of each cable. The proposed scheme estimates the fault location in multiend-aged cable systems using the theory of wavelet singularity detection as a powerful signal processing tool. The arrival of the first and second voltage traveling waves at both ends of the power cables can be identified reliably. The developed wavelet processing scheme is applied on the modal coordinates instead of the phase coordinates. The proposed scheme has the ability to eliminate the impact of the change in the propagation velocity of the traveling waves on the fault-location calculations. This will help solve the problem of cable changing parameters, especially the change of the relative permittivity of the cable with age. The method is valid even with faults that are very close to busbars. Characteristics of the proposed fault-location scheme are analyzed by extensive simulation studies using Alternative Transients Program/Electromagnetic Transients Program. The results indicate an accepted degree of accuracy for the suggested fault locator
TL;DR: In vitro permeation studies of the prepared gels containing the selected vesicles showed that ethosomal systems were much more efficient at delivering SS into mice skin than were liposomes or aqueous or hydroalcoholic solutions.
Abstract: The main objective of the present work was to compare the transdermal delivery of salbutamol sulfate (SS), a hydrophilic drug used as a bronchodilator, from ethosomes and classic liposomes containing different cholesterol and dicetylphosphate concentrations. All the systems were characterized for shape, particle size, and entrapment efficiency percentage, by image analysis optical microscopy or transmission electron microscopy, laser diffraction, and ultracentrifugation, respectively. In vitro drug permeation via a synthetic semipermeable membrane or skin from newborn mice was studied in Franz diffusion cells. The selected systems were incorporated into Pluronic F 127 gels and evaluated for both drug permeation and mice skin deposition. In all systems, the presence of spherical-shaped vesicles was predominant. The vesicle size was significantly decreased (P<.05) by decreasing cholesterol concentration and increasing dicetylphosphate and ethanol concentrations. The entrapment efficiency percentage was significantly increased (P<.05) by increasing cholesterol, dicetylphosphate, and ethanol concentrations. In vitro permeation studies of the prepared gels containing the selected vesicles showed that ethosomal systems were much more efficient at delivering SS into mice skin (in terms of quantity and depth) than were liposomes or aqueous or hydroalcoholic solutions.
TL;DR: An extensive study on removal of lead (II) from aqueous solution using an emulsion liquid membrane (ELM) technique is presented in this article, where the authors highlighted the importance of emulsion stability for maximizing the lead removal.
TL;DR: The presence of antibiotic-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates could be attributed to beta-lactamase production and the use of multiple drug resistance efflux pumps.
Abstract: Objectives: To assess the prevalence, levels of antimicrobial susceptibility and resistance mechanisms of Pseudomonas. Methods: A total of 445 clinical isolates and 200 environmental isolates were collected from three hospitals in Minia, Egypt. The MICs of different antibiotics were determined using the agar dilution method. The isolates were tested for b-lactamase production and for the presence of efflux pumps. Results: Out of the 445 clinical specimens, 107 Pseudomonas strains (24%) and 81 Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains were isolated (18.2%). Out of the 200 environmental specimens, 57 Pseudomonas strains (28.5%) and 39 P. aeruginosa strains were isolated (19.5%). Amikacin was the most active drug against P. aeruginosa followed by meropenem, cefepime and fluoroquinolones. P. aeruginosa was highly resistant to all other antibiotics tested. The environmental isolates of P. aeruginosa exhibited higher antibiotic resistance than clinical isolates. Mechanisms of resistance used by P. aeruginosa included b-lactamase production and multiple drug resistance efflux pumps. Our results showed that 29 (36%) of the clinical P. aeruginosa isolates and 37 (95%) of the environmental P. aeruginosa isolates were b-lactamase producers. In addition, P. aeruginosa isolates effectively used an efflux-mediated mechanism of resistance against ciprofloxacin and meropenem, but not gentamicin or cefotaxime. Conclusions: This study examined the prevalence of P. aeruginosa, and its susceptibility patterns to different antibiotics. The presence of antibiotic-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates could be attributed to b-lactamase production and the use of multiple drug resistance efflux pumps.
TL;DR: The study revealed that satisfactory growth and feed utilization responses could be achieved through the replacement of FM by PBM, SBM and MBM in the diet of African catfish.
Abstract: A 12-week feeding trial was carried out in concrete tanks to examine complete and partial replacement (75%) of fish meal (FM) with poultry by-product meal (PBM), meat and bone meal (MBM) and soybean meal (SBM) in practical feeds for African catfish Clarias gariepinus. Triplicate groups of fish (initial body weight ranged from 90.33 to 93.93 g fish−1) were fed seven isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets of 20% digestible protein and 300 kcal 100 g−1 of digestible energy. The control contained 25% herring meal, whereas in the other six diets, PBM, MBM and SBM replaced 75% or 100% of the FM. Final body weight (FBW) and specific growth rate (SGR) of the fish fed diets containing PBM (75% and 100%), SBM (75% and 100%) and MBM (75%) were all higher, but not significantly different than those for fish fed the control diet. Replacing 100% of the FM by MBM significantly lowered FBW and SGR. Concerning whole body composition, there were no significant differences in ash and gross energy content of whole-body among fish; fish fed diets containing PBM-100% recorded significantly lower protein content compared with the control diet, while fish fed diet SBM-100% recorded significantly lower moisture content compared with the control diet. Also fish fed diets SBM-100% and PBM-75% recorded higher lipid and gross energy contents compared with the control diet. The study revealed that satisfactory growth and feed utilization responses could be achieved through the replacement of FM by PBM, SBM and MBM in the diet of African catfish.
TL;DR: Sera from 131 Egyptians were genotyped by restriction fragment-length polymorphism and phylogenetic analyses of sequences from the mid-core and non-structural 5B regions, and subtype 4o showed an association with HCC, which merits further investigation.
Abstract: Egypt has one of the world’s highest prevalences of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, with a majority of genotype 4 infections. To explore the genetic diversity of HCV in Egypt, sera from 131 Egyptians [56 from community studies, 37 chronic hepatitis patients, 28 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients and 10 patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma] were genotyped by restriction fragment-length polymorphism and phylogenetic analyses of sequences from the mid-core and non-structural 5B regions. The different genotyping methods showed good agreement. The majority of the viruses (83 of 131; 63 %) were of subtype 4a, but five other subtypes within genotype 4 were also observed, as well as three genotype 1b, five genotype 1g and one genotype 3a samples. Interestingly, subtype 4o, which was easily identifiable in all three genomic regions, showed an association with HCC (P=0.017), which merits further investigation.
TL;DR: Practical considerations for recursive discrete Fourier transform (DFT) implementation in numerical relays and novel solutions directed for the elimination of error magnification are proposed and intensively tested.
Abstract: In this paper, practical considerations for recursive Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) implementation in numerical relays are presented. The DFT filter instabilities which would produce accumulated errors are emphasized. The aspects ruling error accumulation of the estimated magnitude and phase are highlighted. Novel solutions directed for the elimination of error accumulation are proposed and intensively tested. Digital signal processing (DSP) board based test set-up is utilized for the experimental verification. The paper results are valuable for the protection engineers particularly those concerned with the development and implementation of numerical relays
TL;DR: The results of this preliminary investigation were unexpected but important in view of the increased use of probiotic preparations in medically fragile pediatric patients and a statistically nonsignificant trend toward an increase in infection was seen.
Abstract: Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of probiotics in reducing the rates of nosocomial infection in pediatric intensive care.Design:Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.Setting:A 16-bed pediatric intensive care unit in a university-affiliated children’s hospital.Patients:Sixty-one pediat
15 Jan 2007-Materials Science and Engineering A-structural Materials Properties Microstructure and Processing
TL;DR: Ouellet et al. as mentioned in this paper investigated the effect of metallurgical parameters on the hardness and microstructural characterization of as-cast and heat-treated 356 and 319 alloys, with the aim of adjusting these parameters to produce castings of suitable hardness and Fe-intermetallic volume fractions for subsequent use in studies relating to the machinability of these alloys.
Abstract: The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of metallurgical parameters on the hardness and microstructural characterization of as-cast and heat-treated 356 and 319 alloys, with the aim of adjusting these parameters to produce castings of suitable hardness and Fe-intermetallic volume fractions for subsequent use in studies relating to the machinability of these alloys. By measuring the amount of Fe- and Cu-intermetallics formed and the changes in the eutectic Si particle characteristics resulting from alloying additions (Fe, Mn, Mg), Sr-modification, and heat treatment of the 356 and 319 alloys, and the corresponding hardness values, it was possible to determine which conditions or metallurgical parameters yielded the required Fe-intermetallic volume fractions of 2 and 5% and hardness levels of 85 and 115 BHN. These levels conform to the most common levels observed in the commercial application of these alloys. The 356 and 319 alloys were examined in the as-cast and heat-treated conditions, using different combinations of grain refining, Sr-modification, and alloying additions. Aging treatments were carried out at 155, 180, 200, and 220 °C for 4 h, followed by air cooling, as well as at 180 and 220 °C for 2, 4, 6, and 8 h to determine conditions under which the specified hardness levels of 85 and 115 HBN could be obtained. Hardness measurements were carried out using a Brinell hardness tester. Peak hardness was observed in the 356 and 319 alloys at different aging conditions, depending upon the Fe-intermetallic type present in the alloy and whether the alloy was modified or not. Aging at 220 °C revealed a hardness peak at 2 h aging time in both 356 and 319 alloys. Addition of Mg to 319 alloys produced a remarkable increase in hardness at all aging temperatures. This may be explained on the basis of the combined effect of Cu- and Mg-intermetallics in the 319 alloys, where hardening during aging occurs by the cooperative precipitation of Al 2 Cu and Mg 2 Si phase particles [P. Ouellet, F.H. Samuel, J. Mater. Sci. 34 (1999) 4671–4697; P.N. Crepeau, S.D. Antolovich, J.A. Worden, AFS Trans. 98 (1990) 813–822]. Iron-intermetallic volume fraction measurements were carried out on polished specimens of the 356 and 319 alloys using electron probe microanalysis, for both as-cast and heat-treated conditions. Copper-intermetallic volume fractions were also measured for the 319 alloys to determine the amount of undissolved CuAl 2 phase. It was observed that the unmodified alloys displayed higher Fe-intermetallic surface fractions than the modified alloys. The copper-intermetallic surface fractions, on the other hand, were higher in the Sr-modified alloys than the unmodified alloys. These observations may be attributed to the effect of Sr on (a) the dissolution and fragmentation of the β-Fe-intermetallics in the matrix, the solution heat treatment also contributing to this effect; (b) severe segregation of Al 2 Cu and Al 2 MgCu phases in areas away from the eutectic Si regions, slowing down the dissolution of the Al 2 Cu phase during solution treatment; (c) altering the precipitation sequence of α-Al 15 (Fe, Mn) 3 Si 2 from post-dendritic to pre-dendritic, the latter being expected to improve the alloy strength due to its precipitation within the α-Al dendrites.
TL;DR: The histopathological examination showed that groups receiving MZ in the form of floating alginate beads at doses 10, 15 and 20 mg/kg were better than the corresponding suspension form, regarding eradication of H. pylori infection.
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of surface roughness of rotor blades due to accumulated dust on the blade surface of stall-regulated, horizontal axis 300 kW wind turbine was investigated and the mechanism of dust built up and accumulation was investigated.
TL;DR: The thermal dehydration and decomposition of these complexes were studied kinetically using the integral method applying the Coats-Redfern equation and it was found that the thermal decomposing of the complexes follow second order kinetics.
TL;DR: Review of the available literature on controlled studies in dairy buffaloes revealed that first ovulation as detected by rectal palpation and progesterone analysis occurred between 28-71 and 24-55 days, respectively, after calving, while postpartum estrus in the same studies occurred between 44 and 87 days.
TL;DR: Live imaging shows that the interaction of phagocytes with Aspergillus or Candida in 2-D liquid cultures or 3-D collagen environments is a dynamic process that includes phagocytosis, dragging, or the mere touching of fungal elements.
Abstract: The fungal pathogens Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans are major health threats for immune-compromised patients. Normally, macrophages and neutrophil granulocytes phagocytose inhaled Aspergillus conidia in the two-dimensional (2-D) environment of the alveolar lumen or Candida growing in tissue microabscesses, which are composed of a three-dimensional (3-D) extracellular matrix. However, neither the cellular dynamics, the per-cell efficiency, the outcome of this interaction, nor the environmental impact on this process are known. Live imaging shows that the interaction of phagocytes with Aspergillus or Candida in 2-D liquid cultures or 3-D collagen environments is a dynamic process that includes phagocytosis, dragging, or the mere touching of fungal elements. Neutrophils and alveolar macrophages efficiently phagocytosed or dragged Aspergillus conidia in 2-D, while in 3-D their function was severely impaired. The reverse was found for phagocytosis of Candida. The phagocytosis rate was very low in 2-D, while in 3-D most neutrophils internalized multiple yeasts. In competitive assays, neutrophils primarily incorporated Aspergillus conidia in 2-D and Candida yeasts in 3-D despite frequent touching of the other pathogen. Thus, phagocytes show activity best in the environment where a pathogen is naturally encountered. This could explain why “delocalized” Aspergillus infections such as hematogeneous spread are almost uncontrollable diseases, even in immunocompetent individuals.
TL;DR: The National Microbial Pathogen Data Resource (NMPDR) contains the complete genomes of ∼50 strains of pathogenic bacteria that are the focus of the curators, as well as >400 other genomes that provide a broad context for comparative analysis across the three phylogenetic Domains.
Abstract: The National Microbial Pathogen Data Resource (NMPDR) (http://www.nmpdr.org) is a National Institute of Allergy and Infections Disease (NIAID)-funded Bioinformatics Resource Center that supports research in selected Category B pathogens. NMPDR contains the complete genomes of approximately 50 strains of pathogenic bacteria that are the focus of our curators, as well as >400 other genomes that provide a broad context for comparative analysis across the three phylogenetic Domains. NMPDR integrates complete, public genomes with expertly curated biological subsystems to provide the most consistent genome annotations. Subsystems are sets of functional roles related by a biologically meaningful organizing principle, which are built over large collections of genomes; they provide researchers with consistent functional assignments in a biologically structured context. Investigators can browse subsystems and reactions to develop accurate reconstructions of the metabolic networks of any sequenced organism. NMPDR provides a comprehensive bioinformatics platform, with tools and viewers for genome analysis. Results of precomputed gene clustering analyses can be retrieved in tabular or graphic format with one-click tools. NMPDR tools include Signature Genes, which finds the set of genes in common or that differentiates two groups of organisms. Essentiality data collated from genome-wide studies have been curated. Drug target identification and high-throughput, in silico, compound screening are in development.
TL;DR: Key MR imaging features, in addition to the patient's age and clinical findings at presentation, may be helpful in developing the differential diagnosis for lesions involving the hypothalamic region.
Abstract: The hypothalamus is susceptible to involvement by a variety of processes, including developmental abnormalities, primary tumors of the central nervous system (CNS), vascular tumors, systemic tumors affecting the CNS, and inflammatory and granulomatous diseases. The hypothalamus may also be involved by lesions arising from surrounding structures such as the pituitary gland. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is the modality of choice for evaluating the anatomy and pathologic conditions of the hypothalamus. The MR imaging differential diagnosis depends on accurate anatomic localization and tissue characterization of hypothalamic lesions through the recognition of their signal intensity and contrast material enhancement patterns. Diffusion-weighted imaging and proton MR spectroscopy can be helpful in differentiating among various types of hypothalamic lesions. Key MR imaging features, in addition to the patient's age and clinical findings at presentation, may be helpful in developing the differential diagnosis for lesions involving the hypothalamic region.
TL;DR: This study confirmed the high prevalence of Peyronie's disease among diabetic patients with erectile dysfunction and the mechanisms through which diabetes affects the pathogenesis of ED and PD.
Abstract: We attempted in this study to investigate the prevalence of Peyronie's disease (PD) among diabetic patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). Two-hundred and six diabetic patients were further evaluated in this study. Forty-two (20.3%) patients had PD. There were significant associations between PD and risk factors of age, obesity and smoking. All patients with PD had also ED. Penile curvature was present in 82.1% of all patients with PD. Of the patients with PD, 25.4% had pain with or without erection. Significant associations between PD and ED and ED duration were detected. This study confirmed the high prevalence of PD among diabetic patients with ED. Further work is needed probing the mechanisms through which diabetes affects the pathogenesis of ED and PD.