The processing of GPS observations in precise positioning is complex and requires professional surveyors since it must be carried out after each static measurement. In GPS network adjustment, the ...obtaining of the correct coordinates of the determined point is possible after determining the components of GPS vectors and aligning the networks of these vectors, while PPP requires the availability of precise products for the reference satellites orbits and clock. For that reason, surveyors can take advantage of free online GPS data processing. In this paper, the authors compare the results obtained from different sources of free online GPS data processing (AUSPOS, OPUS, CenterPoint RTX, APPS, MagicGNSS, CSRS-PPP, GAPS, and SCOUT) in terms of their accuracy, availability, and operation. This is then compared with free GPS processing software (gLAB and RTKLIB), and finally with commercial software (TBC Trimble Business Center). The results show that online processing services are more accurate than offline processing software, which indicates the strength of their algorithms and processes. The CSRS-PPP online service had the best results. The difference between the relative solution of AUSPOS and OPUS, and CSRS-PPP is insignificant.
Kidney transplantation (KT) is the optimal form of renal replacement therapy for patients with end-stage renal diseases. However, this health service is not available to all patients, especially in ...developing countries. The deceased donor KT programs are mostly absent, and the living donor KT centers are scarce. Single-center studies presenting experiences from developing countries usually report a variety of challenges. This review addresses these challenges and the opposing strategies by reviewing the single-center experiences of developing countries. The financial challenges hamper the infrastructural and material availability, coverage of transplant costs, and qualification of medical personnel. The sociocultural challenges influence organ donation, equity of beneficence, and regular follow-up work. Low interests and motives for transplantation may result from high medicolegal responsibilities in KT practice, intense potential psychosocial burdens, complex qualification protocols, and low productivity or compensation for KT practice. Low medical literacy about KT advantages is prevalent among clinicians, patients, and the public. The inefficient organizational and regulatory oversight is translated into inefficient healthcare systems, absent national KT programs and registries, uncoordinated job descriptions and qualification protocols, uncoordinated on-site investigations with regulatory constraints, and the prevalence of commercial KT practices. These challenges resulted in noticeable differences between KT services in developed and developing countries. The coping strategies can be summarized in two main mechanisms: The first mechanism is maximizing the available resources by increasing the rates of living kidney donation, promoting the expertise of medical personnel, reducing material consumption, and supporting the establishment and maintenance of KT programs. The latter warrants the expansion of the public sector and the elimination of non-ethical KT practices. The second mechanism is recruiting external resources, including financial, experience, and training agreements.
Coral-like ZnO nanostructures were successfully grown onto heat-resistant flexible substrates by the oxidation of Zn thin films. At a relatively low temperature (100°C), Zn thin film was oxidized ...using a horizontal furnace under the flow of water vapour. The obtained results revealed well-defined aggregates of ZnO nanostructures grown on the flexible films. XRD patterns exhibited a strong and sharp diffraction along the (002) plane suggesting a well-crystallized ZnO phase. Field emission scanning electron microscopy observations showed high-density ZnO nanostructures aggregated in coral-like shape. The present study introduced a cost-effective and simple approach to grow high-quality ZnO nanostructures with controlled shape and size, offering a promising candidate for nano-based devices such as fast-response photodiodes and gas sensors.
BACKGROUND: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in multiple myeloma (MM) gained increasing importance to ensure that the improved survival is associated with improved life quality. OBJECTIVES: The ...aim of this study was to assess the HRQoL in a cohort of myeloma patients from Kurdistan region in Iraq. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This observational, cross-sectional, multi-center study enrolled 138 patients with symptomatic MM patients. The patients' records were retrieved and they were also clinically assessed and appropriately investigated at the time of enrolment. HRQoL was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Multiple Myeloma module (EROTC QLQ-MY20. RESULTS: The 138 patients included had a mean age of 60.4 years and included 83 males and 55 females. Significant predictors of worse HRQoL disease symptoms and side effects of treatment domains included increasing age, female sex, and increase number of treatment courses. Other predictors associated with worse disease symptom domain include presence of bone lesions and nonsecretory myeloma versus light chain myeloma. Basic parameters including the concentration of monoclonal band, hemoglobin, serum creatinine, calcium, and albumin were not significant associated with scores in any of the domain while serum LDH was associated with worse side effects of treatment scores. Furthermore, it was noted that patients who had underwent autologous stem cell transplants had better HRQoL in all domains compared to other modalities of therapy, though this did not reach significance. CONCLUSIONS: HRQoL in MM treated in Iraqi Kurdistan is not much different from their Western counterparts and several predictors of worse QoL were identified in this cohort of patients.
In recent years, genetic studies have yielded great progress in elucidating causes of male infertility. This investigation aims to identify frequent genetic abnormalities, that is, sex chromosome ...aneuploidies and Y‐chromosome microdeletions among infertile men in Western Saudi Arabia. From a population of infertile patients, 88 male patients with either azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia (sperm concentration <5 million/ml) were selected. In addition to a thorough clinical workup, karyotypes and Y‐chromosomal microdeletions were investigated. Among those 88 infertile patients, we detected six patients with Klinefelter syndrome, two with 47 XYY syndrome and two with Y‐chromosome microdeletions AZFb,c. While the prevalence of sex chromosome aneuploidies was in the range of globally investigated populations, the microdeletions appeared to be less frequent in Western Saudi Arabia compared to other regions of the world. All genetically abnormal cases showed sperm concentration <1 million/ml, and hence, this appears to be the threshold for warranting genetic investigations in Western Saudi Arabia. Since Klinefelter and 47 XYY syndromes were only discovered late in life, upon an infertility investigation, sex chromosome aneuploidies due to their many‐fold comorbidities require earlier medical attention. A neonatal screening programme is suggested for detection of these aneuploidies in Saudi Arabia for the general health benefit of these patients.
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder that affects red blood cells. (SCD) is characterized by recurrent vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC).
This was a descriptive cross sectional study ...conducted through the period from July 2015 to July 2017 in which a total of seventy two blood specimens were collected in 'EDTA' and citrated vacutainers from Sudanese patients with SCD attending "Fath Elrhman Albasheer" Centre. Both sexes' with different ages were included. Among these samples 49 (68.1%) were in steady state while the remained 23 (31.9%) were in VOC. All samples were tested for coagulation profile.
There was increase in fibrinogen and D-dimer levels in most patients 67% and 71%, respectively. Significant increase in D-dimers was observed in patients with (VOC) compared with steady state (P. value = 0.006). Protein S was significantly increased in males in comparison with females P. value = 0.017. The results of prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR) and thrombin time (TT) were within normal range.
Significant increase in levels of D-dimer during VOC indicating abnormal coagulation and fibrinolysis activation. Reduced levels of natural anticoagulants proteins C and S can be consider as predictive markers indicate hepatic dysfunction in patients with SCD.
The application of carbon dioxide is becoming increasingly important for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes. In view of combined EOR and carbon dioxide capture and storage technologies (CCS), ...knowledge must be gained on relevant properties of the participating fluid mixtures. The solubility of carbon dioxide is significant in many hydrocarbon materials, which affects the capillarity and migration of fluids in oil reservoirs via the interfacial tension (IFT) and wetting of the rock surfaces. For EOR the capillarity is decisive in view of the pressure that has to be overcome within the rock pores. The present study is dedicated to a thorough experimental description of a gas−crude oil−reservoir water system and its behavior under CO2 pressure including oil density and interfacial properties. The experimental results of decreasing IFT in a three-phase system, increasing density and diminishing wettability, show an important influence of the presence of carbon dioxide.
Implants are the most popular option for restoring the facial anatomy in the event of a mishap. The commercially available craniofacial implants are of standard shapes, which need to be tailored and ...shaped to accurately fit the patient’s anatomy. The manual shaping of the implant to match the bone contours is conducted during surgical operation, and is a cumbersome and inaccurate process. Recent breakthroughs in computer-aided design, analysis, and additive manufacturing (AM) have allowed the precise and rapid manufacture of bespoke scaffolds for difficult anatomical restoration. The goal of this research is to investigate the use of scaffolds for craniofacial reconstruction and their fabrication using electron-beam additive manufacturing (EBAM). Personalized cheekbone scaffolds are additively fabricated using Ti6Al4V and subjected to compression testing. Finally, the scaffold design with the highest compressive strength is subjected to biomechanical analysis. The biomechanical analysis results indicate that the maximum Von Mises stress (40 MPa) and equivalent strain (0.4 µm) are significantly low in magnitude, thus providing a desirable implant that is both flexible and stable. The custom-designed cheekbone scaffold manufactured with AM technology not only aids in bone-implant ingrowth but also helps in reducing implant weight and ensuring implant stability and long-term effectiveness.
Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of inherited disorders characterized by increased vulnerability to mechanical stress at the dermo-epidermal junction and basilar layer of the epidermis. ...Laryngeal EB involvement is a major and life-threatening manifestation of the disease. Due to the nature of EB, granulation tissue and stenosis can occur, usually at the glottic, subglottic, or supraglottic levels, as seen in our patients.
We described cases in which four patients with EB presented with supraglottic stenosis and were managed at tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia. The clinical and therapeutic characteristics of all patients are discussed.
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