CD44: a stemness driver, regulator, and marker-all in one?

Although the concept of cancer stem cells is still controversial, previous studies have shown that blood cancers, as well as specific types of solid cancers such as colorectal cancer, rely on stem cells during the onset of tumor growth and further tumor development. Moreover, resistance to therapeutic treatment in leukemias such as acute myeloid leukemia and in colorectal cancer can be attributed to a small population of cells with stemness properties known as minimal residual disease. In this review, we look back on the discovery of cancer stem cells and the contribution of the findings in blood cancer to a parallel discovery in solid cancers.

Temporospatial dynamics of the morphogenesis of the rabbit retina from prenatal to postnatal life: Light and electron microscopic study.

The retina consists of various cell types arranged in eight cell layers and two membranes that originate from the neuroectodermal cells. In this study, the timing of differentiation and distribution of the cellular components and the layers of the rabbit retina are investigated using light and electron microscopy and immunohistochemical techniques. There were 32 rabbit embryos and 12 rabbits used.

A new adaptive MPPT technique using an improved INC algorithm supported by fuzzy self-tuning controller for a grid-linked photovoltaic system.

Solar energy, a prominent renewable resource, relies on photovoltaic systems (PVS) to capture energy efficiently. The challenge lies in maximizing power generation, which fluctuates due to changing environmental conditions like irradiance and temperature. Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) techniques have been developed to optimize PVS output.

Enhancing the Functionality of a Grid-Connected Photovoltaic System in a Distant Egyptian Region Using an Optimized Dynamic Voltage Restorer: Application of Artificial Rabbits Optimization.

Photovoltaic (PV) systems are crucial to the production of electricity for a newly established community in Egypt, especially in grid-tied systems. Power quality (PQ) issues appear as a result of PV connection with the power grid (PG). PQ problems cause the PG to experience faults and harmonics, which affect consumers.

Morphogenetic events influencing corneal maturation, development, and transparency: Light and electron microscopic study.

The development of the cornea is a fascinating process. Its dual origin involves the differentiation of surface ectoderm cells and the migration of mesenchymal cells of neural crest origin. This research aimed to demonstrate the morphogenesis of the rabbit cornea from fetal to postnatal life using light- and electron microscopy, and immunohistochemical analysis.

Unexpected effect of magnetic nanoparticles on the performance of aqueous removal of toxic Cr(VI) using modified biopolymer chitosan.

Modified biopolymer chitosan namely 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde chitosan (CTS-Nap) has been synthesized for the removal of toxic chromium from aqueous solutions. In an attempt to enhance the adsorption capacity of toxic chromium on the prepared modified biopolymer, magnetic FeO nanoparticles have been loaded on the modified adsorbent to form the magnetite adsorbent (FeO@CTS-Nap). The adsorption mechanism of both adsorbents is explored by batch experiments, FT-IR, SEM, TEM, XRD, VSM, and EDS.

Analgesic and Respiratory Effects of Two Doses of Morphine as an Adjunct to Bupivacaine in Ultrasound-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Upper Abdominal Surgery.

Background: Opioid receptors are present at the terminals of afferent peripheral nerves; therefore, administration of opioids peripherally might provide a significant analgesic effect.

Objectives: We investigated the analgesic efficacy of 2 different doses of morphine in bilateral subcostal single-injection ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in abdominal surgery.

Study Design: Randomized, controlled, double-blind trial.

Saudi lung cancer management guidelines 2017.

Background: Lung cancer management is getting more complex due to the rapid advances in all aspects of diagnostic and therapeutic options. Developing guidelines is critical to help practitioners provide standard of care.

Methods: The Saudi Lung Cancer Guidelines Committee (SLCGC) multidisciplinary members from different specialties and from various regions and healthcare sectors of the country reviewed and updated all lung cancer guidelines with appropriate labeling of level of evidence.

Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation of the Motor Cortex on Visceral Pain in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Objective: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is frequently associated with visceral pain. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been proven to reduce chronic pain; however, its effectiveness in malignant visceral pain is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of tDCS in patients with visceral pain due to HCC.

The haemodynamic effects of the perioperative terlipressin infusion in living donor liver transplantation: A randomised controlled study.

Background And Aims: Liver disease is usually accompanied with a decline in systemic vascular resistance (SVR). We decided to assess effects of the peri-operative terlipressin infusion on liver donor liver transplantation recipients with respect to haemodynamics and renal parameters.

Methods: After Ethical Committee approval for this prospective randomised controlled study, 50 recipients were enrolled and allotted to control (n = 25) or terlipressin group (n = 25) with simple randomisation method.

Insights about health-related quality of life in cancer patients indicate demands for better pharmaceutical care.

Objectives: To highlight the health-related quality of life scale scores for Saudi patients with different types of cancer, to get understanding and foundation for improvements. To suggest suitable plans for quality of life improvement based on study outcome. The role of oncology pharmacy will be stressed.

Pattern of systemic lupus erythematosus in Egyptian patients: the impact of disease activity on the quality of life.

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) afflicts young people disproportionately, often at a crucial time in their lives when they are trying to establish relationships, start families and launch careers. As a result, persons with SLE may experience a wide range of physical and psychosocial problems that are not always fully captured by descriptions of the disease's physiological consequences alone.

Methods: In order to characterize the spectrum of the effects of SLE with regards to disease activity and its impact on the quality of life (QoL), a case control study involving 59 SLE Egyptian patients (mean age 28.

Rapid infusion rituximab changing practice for patient care.

Rituximab is a chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody. Its intravenous administration is associated with substantial infusion related-toxicity. Recommended infusion durations are prolonged (average 5-6 h for first infusion and 3-4 h for subsequent infusions).