Effect of horizontal joints on structural behavior of sustainable self-compacting reinforced concrete beams

Ibrahim, Omar Mohamed Omar,Heniegal, Ashraf Mohamed,Ibrahim, Khamis Gamal,Agwa, Ibrahim Saad Techno-Press 2020 Advances in concrete construction Vol.10 No.5

This study investigated the effect of horizontal casting joints on the mechanical properties and structural behavior of sustainable self-compacting reinforced concrete beams (SCRCB). The experimental research consisted of two stages. The first stage used four types of concrete mixtures which were produced to indicate the effects of cement replaced with cement waste at 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% by weight of cement content on fresh concrete properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC) such as, passing ability, filling ability, and segregation resistance. In addition, mechanical properties such as compressive, tensile, and flexural strength were also studied. The second stage selected the best mixture from the first stage and studied the effect of horizontal casting joints on the structural behavior of sustainable SCRCBs. The effect of horizontal casting joints on the mechanical properties and structural behavior were at the 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of sample height. Load deflection, failure mode, and theoretical analysis were studied. Results indicated that the incorporation of replacement with cement waste by 5% to 10% led to economic and environmental advantages, and the results were acceptable for fresh and mechanical properties. The results indicated that delaying the time for casting the second layer and increasing the cement waste in concrete mixtures had a great effect on the mechanical properties of SCC. The ultimate load capacity of horizontal casting joints reinforced concrete beams slightly decreased compared with the control beam. The maximum deflection of casting joint beams with 75% of samples height is similar with the control beam. The experimental results of reinforced concrete beams were substantially acceptable with the theoretical results. The failure modes obtained the best forced casting joint on the structural behavior at 50% height of casting in the beam.

Combined effect of lightweight fine aggregate and micro rubber ash on the properties of cement mortar

Ibrahim, Omar Mohamed Omar,Tayeh, Bassam A. Techno-Press 2020 Advances in concrete construction Vol.10 No.6

Exterior walls in buildings are exposed to various forms of thermal loads, which depend on the positions of walls. Therefore, one of the efficient methods for improving the energy competence of buildings is improving the thermal properties of insulation plaster mortar. In this study, lightweight fine aggregate (LWFA) and micro rubber ash (MRA) from recycled tires were used as partial replacements for sand. The flow ability, unit weight, compressive strength, tensile strength, thermal conductivity (K-value), drying shrinkage and microstructure scan of lightweight rubberized mortar (LWRM) were investigated. Ten mixtures of LWRM were prepared as follows: traditional cement mortar (control mixture); three mixes with different percentages of LWFA (25%, 50% and 75%); three mixes with different percentages of MRA (2.5%, 5% and 7.5%); and three mixes consisting both types with determined ratios (25% LWFA+5% MRA, 50% LWFA+5% MRA and 75% LWFA+5% MRA). The flow ability of the mortars was 22±2 cm, and LWRM contained LWFA and MRA. The compressive and tensile strength decreased by approximately 64% and 57%, respectively, when 75% LWFA was used compared with those when the control mix was used. The compressive and tensile strength decreased when 5% MRA was used. By contrast, mixes with determined ratios of LWFA and MRA affected reduced unit weight, K-value and dry shrinkage.

Survival and Prognostic Factors for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: an Egyptian Multidisciplinary Clinic Experience

Abdelaziz, Ashraf Omar,Elbaz, Tamer Mahmoud,Shousha, Hend Ibrahim,Ibrahim, Mostafa Mohamed,El-Shazli, Mostafa Abdel Rahman,Abdelmaksoud, Ahmed Hosni,Aziz, Omar Abdel,Zaki, Hisham Atef,Elattar, Inas An Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.9

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a dismal tumor with a high incidence, prevalence and poor prognosis and survival. Management of HCC necessitates multidisciplinary clinics due to the wide heterogeneity in its presentation, different therapeutic options, variable biologic behavior and background presence of chronic liver disease. We studied the different prognostic factors that affected survival of our patients to improve future HCC management and patient survival. Materials and Methods: This study is performed in a specialized multidisciplinary clinic for HCC in Kasr El Eini Hospital, Cairo University, Egypt. We retrospectively analyzed the different patient and tumor characteristics and the primary mode of management applied to our patients. Further analysis was performed using univariate and multivariate statistics. Results: During the period February 2009 till February 2013, 290 HCC patients presented to our multidisciplinary clinic. They were predominantly males and the mean age was $56.5{\pm}7.7years$. All cases developed HCC on top of cirrhosis that was mainly due to HCV (71%). Most of our patients were Child-Pugh A (50%) or B (36.9%) and commonly presented with small single lesions. Transarterial chemoembolization was the most common line of treatment used (32.4%). The overall survival was 79.9% at 6 months, 54.5% at 1 year and 22.4% at 2 years. Serum bilirubin, site of the tumor and type of treatment were the significant independent prognostic factors for survival. Conclusions: Our main prognostic variables are the bilirubin level, the bilobar hepatic affection and the application of specific treatment (either curative or palliative). Multidisciplinary clinics enhance better HCC management.

Interferon-γ and Interleukin-10 Gene Polymorphisms are not Predictors of Chronic Hepatitis C (Genotype-4) Disease Progression

Bahgat, Nermine Ahmed,Kamal, Manal Mohamed,Abdelaziz, Ashraf Omar,Mohye, Mohamed Ahmed,Shousha, Hend Ibrahim,ahmed, Mae Mohamed,Elbaz, Tamer Mahmoud,Nabil, Mohamed Mahmoud Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.12

Immunoregulatory cytokines have an influence on hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection outcome. This study aimed to determine whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in IFN- ${\gamma}$ and IL-10 genes are associated with susceptibility and/or are markers of prognosis regarding chronic hepatitis C outcomes. IFN ${\gamma}$ (+874T/A) and IL-10 (-1082G/A) genotypes were determined in 75 HCV genotype 4 patients with different disease severities (chronic hepatitis, n=25, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on top of liver cirrhosis, n=50) and 25 healthy participants using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction. No statistical differences in allele or genotype distributions of IFN ${\gamma}$ and IL-10 genes were detected between patients and controls or between patientgroups. No significant difference in the frequency of IL-10 SNP at position -1082 or IFN-${\gamma}$ at position +874T/A was found between chronic HCV genotype 4 and with progression of disease severity in liver cirrhosis or HCC. In conclusion; interferon-${\gamma}$ and interleukin-10 gene polymorphisms are not predictors of disease progression in patients with chronic hepatitis C (Genotype-4).

In Vitro Pharmacodynamic Profile of Loranthus ferrugineus: Evidence for Noncompetitive Antagonism of Norepinephrine-induced Vascular Contraction

Omar Z. Ameer,Ibrahim M. Salman,Hafsa S. Najim,Ghassan Z. Abdullah,Muthanna F. Abdulkarim,Mun Fei Yam,Amirin Sadikun,Mohamed Z. Asmawi 사단법인약침학회 2010 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.3 No.4

The mode by which Loranthus ferrugineus methanol extract antagonizes and/or modulates norepinephrine-induced vasoconstriction was investigated in rat aortic rings. The vascular effects of three different concentrations of this extract were challenged against cumulative additions of norepinephrine. Phentolamine,a nonselective α-adrenoceptor antagonist, verapamil, an L-type calcium channel blocker, and papaverine, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, were used in three different concentrations as positive controls. Log concentration-response curves and double-reciprocal plots were constructed for the extract and each vasorelaxant. To characterize antagonism reversibility, the norepinephrine maximum contractile effect was examined before extract addition to the aortic ring chamber and after its removal. Phentolamine shifted the norepinephrine log concentration-response curve to the right with no significant depression in the maximum response. Similar to verapamil and papaverine, the extract produced a rightward shift in norepinephrine log concentration-response curve and a significant drop in maximum response. The double-reciprocal plots showed comparable y-intercept values for all phentolamine concentrations, a characteristic of competitive antagonism. In contrast, different y-intercept values on double-reciprocal plots were obtained for each concentration of extract, verapamil, and papaverine, typical of noncompetitive antagonism. The norepinephrine maximum contractile response was approximately similar before the addition of extract and after its removal. The data collectively showed that L. ferrugineus methanol extract exerted its vascular effect by reversible noncompetitive antagonism of norepinephrine-induced vasoconstriction. These findings add to the understanding of the cardiovascular mechanisms by which L. ferrugineus, a plant traditionally used for the management of hypertension, elicits its action.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound for COVID-19 Pneumonia Patients in the ICU

Zouheir Ibrahim Bitar,Mohammed Shamsah,Omar Mohammed Bamasood,Ossama Sajeh Maadarani,Huda Alfoudri 한국심초음파학회 2021 Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging (J Cardiovasc Im Vol.29 No.1

BACKGROUND: There is scarce literature on point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) assessment characteristics in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia with hypoxic respiratory failure. METHODS: This study was an observational, prospective, single-center study, including adults suspected to have COVID-19 who were transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU). An intensivist in critical care ultrasound performed lung ultrasound (LUS) and echocardiology within 12 hours of patients' admission to the ICU. We calculated the trans mitral E/A ratio, E/e′, left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter, right ventricle (RV) size and systolic function. RESULTS: In the group of patients with confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia, echocardiographic findings revealed normal E/e′, deceleration time (DT), and transmittal E/A ratio compared to those in the non-COVID-19 patients (p = 0.001, 0.0001, and 0.0001, respectively). IVC diameter was < 2 cm with > 50% collapsibility in 62 (81%) patients with COVID-19 pneumonia; a diameter of > 2 cm and < 50% collapsibility was detected among those with non-COVID-19 pneumonia (p-value of 0.001). In patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, there were 3 cases of myocarditis (3.9%) with poor EF, severe RV systolic dysfunction was seen in 9 cases (11.6%), and 3 cases exhibited RV thrombus. Lung US revealed 4 signs suggestive of COVID-19 pneumonia in 77 patients (98.6%) (sensitivity 96.9%; confidence interval, 85%–99.5%) when compared with reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction results. CONCLUSIONS: POCUS plays an important role in the bedside diagnosis, hemodynamic assessment and management of patients with acute hypoxic respiratory and circulatory failure with COVID-19 pneumonia.

Geochemical, multi-isotopic studies and geothermal potential evaluation of the complex Djibouti volcanic aquifer (republic of Djibouti)

Awaleh, Mohamed Osman,Boschetti, Tiziano,Soubaneh, Youssouf Djibril,Kim, Yongje,Baudron, Paul,Kawalieh, Ali Dirir,Ahmed, Moussa Mahdi,Daoud, Mohamed Ahmed,Dabar, Omar Assowe,Kadieh, Ibrahim Houssein,A Elsevier 2018 Applied geochemistry Vol.97 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The complex Djibouti volcanic aquifer system was studied to improve understanding of the recharge conditions of the Awrlofoul low-enthalpy geothermal system located in the middle of the aquifer. Forty-four thermal and non-thermal groundwater samples were analyzed to determine their major chemical compositions, trace element compositions, and multi-isotopic compositions (δ<SUP>2</SUP>H(H<SUB>2</SUB>O), δ<SUP>18</SUP>O(H<SUB>2</SUB>O), δ<SUP>18</SUP>O(SO<SUB>4</SUB>), δ<SUP>34</SUP>S(SO<SUB>4</SUB>), δ<SUP>13</SUP>C(DIC), <SUP>14</SUP>C, <SUP>87</SUP>Sr/<SUP>86</SUP>Sr, δ<SUP>11</SUP>B, δ<SUP>15</SUP>N(NO<SUB>3</SUB> <SUP>−</SUP>), and δ<SUP>18</SUP>O(NO<SUB>3</SUB> <SUP>−</SUP>)). Statistical analysis (Hierarchical Cluster Analysis and Principal Component Analysis) of chemical composition identified three main water groups, two affected by salinization (C1 and C2) and one fresh water group useful for drinking (C3). The latter group includes thermal water from the Awrlofoul geothermal field. This separation into three different water groups is also clear on a Langelier-Ludwig plot and is confirmed by analysis of historical chemical data over the last 30 years. The main causes of salinization are contamination of the fresh groundwater either by recent seawater intrusions (C2) or mixing with Ca-Cl fossil saline water (C1). The C1 waters are also highly affected by Mg/Ca-Na clay exchange. As expected, the <SUP>11</SUP>B/<SUP>10</SUP>B isotope ratio of the intruded salt water, both recent and fossil, was much higher than that of seawater (δ<SUP>11</SUP>B up to +55‰). Unexpectedly, groundwater of meteoric origin (i.e., unaffected by a seawater intrusion), also showed a δ<SUP>11</SUP>B higher than that of seawater (46.3‰ < δ<SUP>11</SUP>B < 51.3‰). That the unexpectedly high δ<SUP>11</SUP>B values are likely due to <SUP>10</SUP>B sequestration resulting from interaction with clay and/or carbonate precipitation is demonstrated by activity diagrams and saturation indices. The C1 water group is also affected by nitrate contamination (56.8 ± 19.2 mg/l). That the nitrate contamination is likely due to manure contamination is indicated by comparing the dual isotopic composition of nitrate to the boron isotope ratios. The isotopic composition of sulfate highlighted the importance of SO<SUB>2</SUB>-disproportionation to the local sulfate minerals that interacted with the meteoric recharge, while the strontium isotope ratios showed the importance of the seawater-basalt interaction with the fossil saline water component. The results of the mixing analysis using chemical composition, δ<SUP>13</SUP>C(DIC), and <SUP>14</SUP>C data by geochemical software (NetpathXL) confirmed the presence of ternary mixing with at least three sources (seawater, meteoric, and fossil) in the waters with the highest chloride concentrations. The estimation of groundwater age by <SUP>14</SUP>C was complicated by overexploitation (as testified by the lumped parameters approach). However, the fossil saline water component was dated back to the Holocene Humid Period.</P> <P>To estimate the temperature of the Awrlofoul low-enthalpy geothermal system, a multi-method geothermometric approach was applied. Chemical (mainly SiO<SUB>2</SUB>) and isotope (sulfate-water oxygen fractionation) geothermometers were employed together with multiple mineral equilibria. These different geothermometric approaches estimated a temperature range of 102 °C–140 °C for the geothermal reservoir, with a mean temperature of about 110 °C.</P> <P>Finally, a conceptual model was proposed for the Awrlofoul low-enthalpy geothermal system on the basis of the geochemical and isotopic data of the thermal and non-thermal groundwaters combined with the geology and hydrogeology of the study area.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI>

Aggressive Treatment of Performance Status 1 and 2 HCC Patients Significantly Improves Survival - an Egyptian Retrospective Cohort Study of 524 Cases

Aziz, Ashraf Omar Abdel,Omran, Dalia,Nabeel, Mohamed Mahmoud,Elbaz, Tamer Mahmoud,Abdelmaksoud, Ahmed Hosni,Attar, Inas El,Shousha, Hend Ibrahim Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.5

Background: In the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) system, only sorafenib is suggested for HCC patients having performance status (PS) 1 or 2 even if they have treatable lesions. In the current study, we aimed to explore the outcome of using aggressive treatment for HCC patients with PS 1 and 2. Materials and Methods: Five hundred and twenty four patients with HCC were enrolled in this study and divided into 2 groups: 404 PS 1 and 120 PS 2. Of the included 524 patients, 136 recceived non-aggressive supportive treatment and sorafenib, while 388 patients were offered aggressive treatment in the form of surgical resection, transplantation, percutaneous ablation, trans-arterial chemoembolization and/or chemoperfusion. All the patients were followed up for a period of 2 years to determine their survival. Results: Most HCC patients were CHILD A and B grades (89.4% versus 85.0%, for PS1 and PS2, respectively). Patients with PS1 were significantly younger. Out of the enrolled 524 patients, 388 were offered aggressive treatment, 253 (65.2%) having their lesions fully ablated, 94 (24.2%) undergoing partial ablation and 41 patients with no ablation (10.6%). The median survival of the patients with PS 1 who were offered aggressive treatment was 20 months versus 9 months only for those who were offered supportive treatment and sorafenib (p<0.001). Regarding HCC patients with PS 2, the median survivals were similarly 19.7 months versus 8.7 months only (p<0.001). Conclusions: Aggressive treatment of HCC patients with PS 1 and 2 significantly improves their survival. Revising the BCLC guidelines regarding such patients is recommended.

Versatile Roles of Microbes and Small RNAs in Rice and Planthopper Interactions

Abdelaziz Mansour,Mannaa Mohamed Ibrahim Mohamed Ahmed,Omar Hewedy,Mostafa G. Ali,정혜정,서영수 한국식물병리학회 2022 Plant Pathology Journal Vol.38 No.5

Planthopper infestation in rice causes direct and indirect damage through feeding and viral transmission. Host microbes and small RNAs (sRNAs) play essential roles in regulating biological processes, such as metabolism, development, immunity, and stress responses in eukaryotic organisms, including plants and insects. Recently, advanced metagenomic approaches have facilitated investigations on microbial diversity and its function in insects and plants, highlighting the significance of microbiota in sustaining host life and regulating their interactions with the environment. Recent research has also suggested significant roles for sRNA-regulated genes during rice–planthopper interactions. The response and behavior of the rice plant to planthopper feeding are determined by changes in the host transcriptome, which might be regulated by sRNAs. In addition, the roles of microbial symbionts and sRNAs in the host response to viral infection are complex and involve defense-related changes in the host transcriptomic profile. This review reviews the structure and potential functions of microbes and sRNAs in rice and the associated planthopper species. In addition, the involvement of the microbiota and sRNAs in the rice–planthopper–virus interactions during planthopper infestation and viral infection are discussed.

Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Effects of Murdannia bracteata Methanol Extract

Mun Fei Yam,Lee Fung Ang,Chung Pin Lim,Omar Ziad Ameer,Ibrahim Muhammad Salman,Mahfoudh Al-musli Mohammed,Mohd. Zaini Asmawi,Muthanna Fawzy Abdulkarim,Ghassan Zuhair Abdullah,Mariam Ahmad 사단법인약침학회 2010 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.3 No.3

Murdannia bracteata (C. B. Clarke) is a local plant that is widely used in Malaysia as a traditional remedy for various diseases of the kidney and liver, including inflammation and cancer. In the present study, we investigated the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of M. bracteata methanol extract (MB). 2,2’-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity, lipid peroxidation inhibition and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity of MB were determined. The hepatoprotective activity of MB was studied using a CCl4-induced liver toxicity model in rats. The hepatoprotective effect was assessed by monitoring the plasma malondialdehyde level and serum alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase activities. Histopathological changes of hepatic tissue were also investigated. The results indicated that MB possessed potential antioxidant, lipid peroxidation inhibition and free radical scavenging activities. Pretreatment of rats with MB (500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg per os) before induction of CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity showed a dosedependent reduction in the necrotic changes in hepatic tissue. The increases in plasma malondialdehyde level, serum alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase activities were also significantly inhibited by MB. The total phenolic content of MB determined using Folin-Ciocalteu assay was found to be 10%. The results of the present study indicated that the hepatoprotective effect of MB is most likely due to its antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties.