Alaa Ali - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Alaa Ali

Egyptian Society of Clinical Toxicology Journal

Background: The incidence and prevalence of portal hypertension in Egypt is very high. Propranolo... more Background: The incidence and prevalence of portal hypertension in Egypt is very high. Propranolol is one of the most commonly used drugs for lowering portal pressure and preventing variceal bleeding. Ginger was reported to have anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effect. Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of ginger and its co-administration with propranolol in prehepatic portal hypertension in male albino rats. Design: One hundred fifty six adult male albino rats weighting 140-220 gm were divided into 7 groups. Group1 (Sham group), the remaining groups were subjected to partial portal vein ligation (PPVL). Group2 (control group): received orally distilled water. Group 3 (propranolol 75mg/Kg/ day). Group 4 (ginger 90mg/Kg/ day). Group 5 (ginger 180mg/Kg/ day). Group 6 ginger (90mg/kg/day) plus propranolol (75mg/kg/day). Group 7 ginger (180mg/kg/day) plus propranolol (75mg/kg/day). Propranolol was given orally one day before portal vein ligation (PVL) while ginger powder was given orally 30 days before PVL. These medications were given maximally for 90days after PVL. The following parameters were measured in all previous groups after PVL either at 14, 45 or 90 days: mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), heart rate, portal pressure, then rats were sacrificed and blood samples were collected to assess liver function tests and hepatic and gastro-intestinal tissues were obtained for histopathological examination. Results: Group (2) showed significant increase in portal pressure, heart rate, liver functions as well as pathological changes in liver, esophagus, stomach and intestine while MABP was reduced. The other groups from the 3 rd group to the 7 th group showed significant reduction in portal pressure and in the mean values of the pathological changes. Conclusion: Ginger especially in a dose of 90mg/kg/day has a protective effect against portal hypertension induced in adult male albino rats. In addition, co-administration with propranolol enhances its protective effect especially hepatic and gastro-intestinal lesions however ginger at a dose of 180mg/kg/day carries risk of drug-herb interaction. Recommendations: Further clinical studies on ginger extracts are needed to evaluate the effect of ginger on portal hypertension.

International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Dec 31, 2013

Jaundice with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is one of the most common condi... more Jaundice with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is one of the most common conditions needing medical attention in newborn babies. The aim of the present study was to predict G6PD level and oxidative stress condition among Egyptian jaundiced neonates associated with G6PD deficiency. The study included 60 non-jaundiced neonates and 40 jaundiced cases with G6PD deficiency. All infants were subjected to routine hematological evaluation, total and direct serum bilirubin levels, G6PD assay and oxidative stress markers; malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. Out of the 40 G6PD deficient cases, 62% were males and 37% were females. 15 cases had marked G6PD enzyme deficiency and 25 cases recorded moderate deficiency. Highly increase in bilirubin level was observed in marked G6PD deficient cases than in moderate cases. Hematological indices failed to show evidence of frank hemolysis. There was no significant difference between the marked and the moderate G6PD deficient cases; regarding to the time of appearance of jaundice, frequency of using phototherapy, duration of its application, the need for exchange transfusion and the hematological indices. Oxidative stress markers revealed significant changes in G6PD deficient cases as compared to control group. Neonatal jaundice associated with G6PD deficiency is a condition associated with oxidative stress. Since G6PD deficiency seemed to be the common cause of jaundice in this study, early detection of this enzymopathy for possible jaundice control are recommended in at least preterm infants. Also screening for G6PD deficiency is recommended to define the etiology of hyperbilirubinemia.

European journal of immunology, Jan 29, 2015

A novel subset of human NK cells, which displays potent and broad anti-viral responsiveness in co... more A novel subset of human NK cells, which displays potent and broad anti-viral responsiveness in concert with virus-specific antibodies, was recently uncovered in cytomegalovirus (CMV)+ individuals. This NK-cell subset (g-NK) was characterized by a deficiency in the expression of FcεRIγ adaptor protein and the long-lasting memory-like NK cell phenotype, suggesting a role in chronic infections. This study investigates whether the g-NK cell subset is associated with the magnitude of liver disease during chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Analysis of g-NK cell proportions and function in the PBMCs of healthy controls and chronic HCV subjects showed that chronic HCV subjects had slightly lower proportions of the g-NK cell subset having similarly enhanced ADCC responses compared to conventional NK cells. Notably, among CMV+ chronic HCV patients, lower levels of liver enzymes and fibrosis were found in those possessing g-NK cells. g-NK cells were predominant among the CD56(neg) NK c...

Annals of Hematology, 2015

Dear Editor, The patient was a 61-year Caucasian male with AML (FABM1 with inversion 16) that had... more Dear Editor, The patient was a 61-year Caucasian male with AML (FABM1 with inversion 16) that had relapsed following induction with CLAM (cladribine, cytarabine, and mitoxantrone hydrochloride). The patient presented 6 months after his induction therapy with fatigue and weight loss. Labs showed CBC with 4 % blasts. Bone marrow biopsy showed relapsed acute myeloid leukemia with 42 % blasts. Given the patient’s poor performance status, he was deemed inappropriate for further aggressive chemotherapy. On the third day of decitabine infusion (20 mg/m daily for 5 days), the patient developed burning and tingling sensation in his palms. His symptoms did not initially warrant discontinuation of the chemotherapeutic agent, and he completed a 5-day course. However, in a few days, it progressed to symmetric well-defined swelling and erythema. The erythema was most prominent on the lateral aspects of the fingers and distal fat pads (Fig. 1). No planter/ nail involvement or other skin lesions were noted. This was evaluated as grade II HFS (WHO classification) due to decitabine. The patient was not receiving any other medication that is known to cause HFS or interact with decitabine. Infectious causes were considered unlikely given the lack of systemic manifestations. The patient was treated symptomatically with pain control and high-potency topical corticosteroids. No progression to blistering, ulceration, or desquamation was noted. Biopsy was deemed unnecessary given the typical clinical appearance. The rash and the pain improved and gradually resolved over the next week. Unfortunately, the patient’s functional status deteriorated due to recurrent pneumonia infection, which was unrelated to the rash, and the patient transitioned to supportive care. Zeuhlke first described hand-foot syndrome (HFS) in 1974 associated with mitotane therapy for hypernephroma [1]. Subsequently, the condition was reported in the literature under a variety of terms (acral erythema, palmar-planter erythrodysesthesia, toxic erythema of the palms and soles, and Burgdorf’s reaction). The skin changes of HFS are often painful and debilitating and can impair activities of daily function [2]. Hence, HFS is among the most common reasons for dose reduction and/or discontinuation of chemotherapeutic agents thus limiting the use of a potentially effective therapy. Rechallenge of patients with the causative chemotherapeutic agents using similar dosage schedules has lead to recurrence of the reaction in most but not all patients [3]. Diverse chemotherapeutics have been associated with HFS. Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) and capecitabine have the highest reported HFS incidence at 40 to 60 %. Other common causes of HFS include cytarabine (a pyrimidine analog with structural similarities to decitabine), 5-fluorouracil (FU), and docetaxel [4]. HFS is also one of the most commonly reported adverse effects in patients taking the newer multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as sorafenib, sunitinib, and others that target angiogenesis [5]. The risk of developing HFS appears to be dose-dependent. Drug formulation and administration schedules that result in sustained serum levels of cytotoxic agents are more likely to cause HFS. For example, PLD, the liposome-encapsulated form of doxorubicin which results in a smaller volume of distribution, greater AUC, and * John S. Welch jwelch@dom.wustl.edu

Case Reports in Oncological Medicine, 2014

Papillary serous carcinoma of the uterine cervix is a rare histological variant of cervical adeno... more Papillary serous carcinoma of the uterine cervix is a rare histological variant of cervical adenocarcinoma, with a very small number of cases reported. It is an aggressive tumor and is usually diagnosed at advanced stages by the time of diagnosis. Early-stage tumors can be treated with surgery and/or radiotherapy, while late-stage tumors have been treated with chemotherapy plus radical surgery with intermittent success. Here we report a case of metastatic papillary serous carcinoma observed at our hospital, which has been treated with debulking surgery and combination chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel.

ASME 2010 10th Biennial Conference on Engineering Systems Design and Analysis, Volume 4, 2010

This paper comprises a theoretical and experimental investigation dealing with the simulation of ... more This paper comprises a theoretical and experimental investigation dealing with the simulation of closed die forging of turbine blades. The theoretical part was achieved numerically via the well known finite element package (ANSYS). For simulation purposes, the material used for blade manufacture was high purity lead (99.99%), which was pressed between two dies with the required shape of the turbine blade. An optimum flash-less die shape was obtained with a parting line angle of 16°.

Case Reports in Hematology, 2013

The estimated annual incidence for drug-induced thrombocytopenia is 10 per million. Although fata... more The estimated annual incidence for drug-induced thrombocytopenia is 10 per million. Although fatal consequences are uncommon, life-threatening hemorrhage can occur due to spontaneous bleeding. We report a case of 84-year-old Caucasian female who presented to the emergency department with multiple episodes of bloody bowel movements. One week prior to this admission, she was started on trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for the treatment of skin abscess. On admission laboratory results showed platelet count of 4 × 103/mm3and hemoglobin of 10.2 g/dL. Because of unstable vital signs, the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit where she received multiple units of platelet and blood transfusion. Drug-induced thrombocytopenia due to TMP/SMX was suspected. Intravenous methylprednisolone was started as well as immune globulin with good clinical response.

ISRN Cardiology, 2013

Human immunodeficiency virus- (HIV-) related pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare comp... more Human immunodeficiency virus- (HIV-) related pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare complication of HIV infection. The pathophysiology of HIV-related PAH is complex, with viral proteins seeming to play the major role. However, other factors, such as coinfection with other microorganisms and HIV-related systemic inflammation, might also contribute. The clinical presentation of HIV-related PAH and diagnosis is similar to other forms of pulmonary hypertension. Both PAH-specific therapies and HAART are important in HIV-related PAH management. Future studies investigating the pathogenesis are needed to discover new therapeutic targets and treatments.

SPE Improved Oil Recovery Symposium, 2012

The Greater Burgan Field, in Kuwait, is the second largest field and contains the largest clastic... more The Greater Burgan Field, in Kuwait, is the second largest field and contains the largest clastic reservoir in the world. The reservoir pressure in the Wara sands have been falling below bubble point due to insufficient pressure support from aquifer in parts of the field. As a result the Early Wara Pressure Maintenance Project (EWPMP) was begun in 2009 to pilot test the effectiveness of water injection for pressure support. The Early Wara consists of a small sector in the Southwestern portion of the field with 33 wells made up of 7 injectors, 15 producers and 11 observations wells. A fully integrated monitoring and surveillance solution has been developed that starts with the capture, conditioning and automation of production and injection data. The surveillance solution utilizes a scalable workflow that automatically computes the required waterflood surveillance KPIs. Data from the reservoir, well and layer level are all integrated to provide feedback as to the efficiency and perfo...

Journal of …, 2012

... [Mona Sallam, Hisham Waheed, Tarek S. Ibrahim, Alaa Ali, Seham A. Awad, Nadia A. Mohamed. ...... more ... [Mona Sallam, Hisham Waheed, Tarek S. Ibrahim, Alaa Ali, Seham A. Awad, Nadia A. Mohamed. ... J. Biol. Chem. 2001; 276: 5707-5713 12-Bateman ED, Hurd SS, Barnes PJ, Bousquet J. Global strategy for asthma management and prevention: GINA executive summary. Eur. ...

Journal of the American Water Resources Association, 2000

ABSTRAC'I' Frequency evaluation and spatial characterization of rainfall in Central and South Flo... more ABSTRAC'I' Frequency evaluation and spatial characterization of rainfall in Central and South Florida are presented. Point frequency analysis performed at all available sites has shown that the 2-parameter Gamma probability density function is the best model for monthly rainfall frequency over Central and South Florida. The model's parameters estimated at 145 stations were used to provide monthly rainfall estimates for 10-and 100-year dry and wet return periods. Experimental and theoretical variograms computed for these estimates, as well as the Kriging estimation variance maps, show that the existing rain gage network is less capable of resolving monthly rainfall variation in the wet season than the dry season. May is the dry-to-wet transition month, while October is the wet-to-dry transition month with average rainfall of 4.5 inches. Monthly average rainfall is above 7 inches during the wet season and below 3 inches during the dry season. Two-thirds of the annual rainfall is accumulated in the wet season. Annual average rainfall is maximum (above 60 inches) in many areas along the east coast, and is minimum (below 45 inches) in many areas over Lake Okeechobee and Central Florida. Rainfall maps show a changing pattern between the wet and the dry seasons. Frontal rainfall occurs in the dry season, while convective rainfall, tropical depression, and hurricanes occur in the wet season. Average rainfall is higher along the east coast area in the dry season and it is higher along the west coast area in the wet season.

Annals of Hematology, 2006

ABSTRACT This paper reports the development and application of a mathematical model for the predi... more ABSTRACT This paper reports the development and application of a mathematical model for the prediction of the low-pressure-vaporization (LPV) process of free water. The study is focused on defining clearly the two stages of the LPV process (before and after the so-called flash point) and on evaluating their contribution for the overall transient evolution of the relevant parameters.The physical domain was divided into two control volumes: the first one contains the mass of free water, ideally assumed at a uniform temperature; the second one includes the volume of the vaporization chamber above the water free surface, the condenser and the vacuum pump. The governing differential equations of the model were solved by the Euler method using the EES-Engineering Equation Solver.The results obtained show that the mathematical model describes the complete process of low-pressure-vaporization of free water, giving evidence to the weight of the first stage on the process transient evolution.

Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and …, 2010

Relation, 2007

Subsurface characterization is important for investigations of groundwater contamination as well ... more Subsurface characterization is important for investigations of groundwater contamination as well as petroleum extraction potential. Bore holes or drill logs are a common source of localized stratigraphic information. Sampling and interpolation uncertainties complicate the characterization of the subsurface from these data. Geostatistical methods (Kriging based) have been used to map subsurface attributes from such data, and to generate conditional simulations that honor observed strata. These ...

2018 International Conference on Electronics, Information, and Communication (ICEIC)

To improve the overall performance of computer systems, instruction-level parallelism (ILP) has b... more To improve the overall performance of computer systems, instruction-level parallelism (ILP) has been widely exploited. However, branch hazards, conditional and unconditional, still limit the efficiency of most ILP techniques. Compiler techniques such as loop unrolling, software pipelining, and trace scheduling are being used to increase the amount of parallelism available in systems with fairly predictable branches, while predicated instructions have been useful in eliminating branch hazards in specific cases. The limitations imposed on ILP by branch hazards, however, are significant in large blocks of codes or, at best, hidden at the expense of processor resources. As a result, researchers are exploring the techniques of approximate computing, which when applied, would be suitable for only fault-tolerant systems. Some are also working on the methods of code approximation, which mainly involves hazard minimization by distribution over specific parts of code segments. In this work, we propose and demonstrate a novel branch hazard distribution technique — Symbolic Execution using Approximate Computing (SEAC). We applied the proposed technique to a test program and ran simulation experiments using the Detailed CPU model in gem5 simulator. Simulation results show that SEAC is 3.57, 1.95 and 1.32 times better than the best, among the tested conventional ILP techniques, based on speedup, energy saving, and branch hazard distribution coefficient respectively.

Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease

Classical homocystinuria (HCU) is the most common inborn error of metabolism in Qatar, with an in... more Classical homocystinuria (HCU) is the most common inborn error of metabolism in Qatar, with an incidence of 1:1800, and is caused by the Qatari founder p. R336C mutation in the CBS gene. This study describes the natural history and clinical manifestations of HCU in the Qatari population. A single center study was performed between 2016 and 2017 in 126 Qatari patients, from 82 families. Detailed clinical and biochemical data were collected, and Stanford-Binet intelligence, quality of life and adherence to treatment assessments were conducted prospectively. Patients were assigned to one of three groups, according to the mode of diagnosis: (a) late diagnosis group (LDG), (b) family screening group (FSG), and (c) newborn screening group (NSG). Of the 126 patients, 69 (55%) were in the LDG, 44 (35%) in the NSG, and 13 (10%) in the FSG. The leading factors for diagnosis in the LDG were ocular manifestations (49%), neurological manifestations (45%), thromboembolic events (4%), and hyperactivity and behavioral changes (1%). Both FSG and NSG groups were asymptomatic at time of diagnosis. NSG had significantly higher intelligence quotient, quality of life, and adherence values compared with the LDG. The LDG and FSG had significantly higher methionine levels than the NSG. The LDG also had significantly higher total homocysteine levels than the NSG and FSG. Regression analysis confirmed these results even when adjusting for age at diagnosis, current age, or adherence. These findings

BMC nephrology, Jan 11, 2018

Estimates of the incidence of glomerulonephritis (GN) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in an Ir... more Estimates of the incidence of glomerulonephritis (GN) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in an Iraqi population are compared with the United States (US) and Jordan. The study set consist of renal biopsies performed in 2012 and 2013 in the Kurdish provinces of Northern Iraq. The age specific and age standardized incidence of GN was calculated from the 2011 population. ESRD incidence was estimated from Sulaimaniyah dialysis center records of patient's inititating hemodialysis in 2017. At an annual biopsy rate of 7.8 per 100,000 persons in the Kurdish region, the number of diagnoses (2 years), the average age of diagnosis, and annual age standardized incidence (ASI)/100,000 for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) was n = 135, 27.3 ± 17.6 years, ASI = 1.6; and for all glomerulonephritis (GN) was n = 384, 30.4 ± 17.0 years, ASI = 5.1. FSGS represented 35% of GN biopsies, membranous glomerulonephritis 18%, systemic lupus erythematosus 13%, and immunoglobulin A nephropathy 7%. Fo...