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Background: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the most resistant bacteria to antibiotics. S. aureus is an important, widespread pathogen that can cause a variety of infectious diseases in humans and animals. Phages have been recognized as natural, safe, highly specific and effective alternatives agents to antibiotics for preventing and treating bacterial infections caused by MRSA. Therefore, this study aims at the characterization of a novel isolated lytic phage, vB_SauP_ASUmrsa123. Methods: Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus MRSA were obtained on Mannitol Salt Agar and Baird Parker Agar plates and confirmed using VITEK 2. Sewage and clinical samples were used to isolate specific phages for S. aureus MRSA, and plaque assays were used for host range determination on Luria-Bertani (LB) media. The phage morphology of the isolated phage was determined by transmission electron microscopy. The phage's whole genome sequencing was identified. Results: A total of 25 isolates of Staphylococci were obtained from different clinical sources and showed typical colonies on Baird-Parker and Mannitol Salt Agar plates. The VITEK 2 automated system revealed that all 25 isolates were confirmed as S. aureus (MRSA). Two of the most antibiotics-resistant isolates were further confirmed using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. A lytic phage was detected against the MRSA isolates tested In Vitro, namely vB_SauP_ASUmrsa123. The phage belonged to Rountreeviridae family based on morphological properties observed by TEM and the host range of the isolated phage was tested on the 25 clinical MRSA isolates in Vitro. The one-step growth curve of the isolated phage showed that the latent period was about 55 min, and the burst size was estimated at 167 PFU. The whole genome sequencing and annotation of genes revealed that phage vB_SauP_ASUmrsa123 contained a linear dsDNA with a size of about 17,155 bp with predicted 24 ORFs. Analysis of its genome provides valuable information approximately the variety of phages belonging to the staphylococcal phages class I. Conclusion: A lytic Podo Phage vB_SauP_ASUmrsa123 was identified against S. aureus MRSA isolates and its genome was sequenced. The phage was found to be eligible for potential application in biocontrol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is regarded as one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases. It is a chronic, slowly progressing neurological illness that inhibits memory, cognition, and behavior. This research aimed to evaluate the protective effect of angiotensin II type I receptor (AT1R) blockers versus vitamin B12 (VB12) on the AD rat model. Methods: Thirty adult local strain male albino rats were randomly subdivided into 5 equal groups: Group I (control): vehicle only. Group II (AlCl3 induced AD group): AlCl3 175 mg/kg orally. Group III: telmisartan + AlCl3, Group IV: vitamin B12 + AlCl3, and Group V: vitamin B12 + telmisartan + AlCl3. Modified T maze test was used to evaluate the animal behavior. Rotarod test was employed to assess the animal muscle strength. In addition, serum and hippocampal level of brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) were assessed. Also, serum level of MDA and SOD were measured. Additionally, histopathological examination of hippocampus and brain tissue was performed. Results: AlCl3 administration resulted in changes similar to AD as proved by deterioration in behavioral tests, significant reduction in serum and hippocampal BDNF, serum SOD and significant increase in serum MDA level along with corresponding histopathological changes in hippocampus. Furthermore, vitamin B12 and telmisartan ameliorated the previously measured chemical biomarkers and behavioral parameters. Also, the antioxidant power was enhanced with combination prophylaxis therapy of both vitamin B12 and telmisartan. Conclusion: Angiotens in type 1 receptor blockade by telmisartan and vitamin B12 administration each one alone or both in combination could have a potential prophylactic and/or therapeutic effect in AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition featuring by gradual degradation of the cortical and hippocampal neurons, which results in impaired cognitive and memory functions. Objectives: To assess the effect of chronic moderate and high intensity pattern of exercise on brain functions regarding memory and implication changes of adiponectin (APN) and brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) gene expression. Subjects and methods: Sixty adult male albino rats were subdivided randomly into two main groups (n=30), control group and AD group. Each main group was suballocated into three subgroups (n=10) according to intensity of exercise. Finally we had 6 groups: Subgroup Ia: vehicle only. Subgroup Ib: vehicle + Moderate intensity exercise. Subgroup Ic: vehicle + High intensity exercise. Subgroup IIa: AlCl3. Subgroup IIb: AlCl3 + Moderate intensity exercise. Subgroup IIc:AlCl3+ High intensity exercise. APN and BDNF gene expression were assessed and histopathological examination of cerebral cortex and hippocampus was done. Evaluation of behavioral parameters was done using modified T-maze to evaluate short term and working memory. Results: Gene expressions of APN and BDNF were substantially decreased in the all AD subgroups compared to their corresponding control subgroups. However, they were remarkably elevated in moderately exercised subgroups compared to the sedentary subgroups. Moreover, in high intensity exercised subgroups, they were significantly higher than that of the sedentary and moderately exercised subgroups. Conclusion: APN & BDNF gene expression can be employed as a biomarker for early diagnosis of AD. Also regular exercise with increased intensity should be recommended for all patients with AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) arise from a complex interplay between genetic predisposition and various environmental factors, leading to diverse and intricate conditions. Over recent decades, there has been a noticeable increase in autism prevalence. Thus, the main objective of this exploratory investigation is to evaluate the effects of heavy metal poisoning on the metabolic and nutritional profiles of 20 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Morocco. Based on the descriptive statistical methods and the chi-square (χ²) test, we analyzed the results of the study, which involved around 100 biological parameters conducted in the United States (Mosaic Diagnostics). The results revealed that variations in neurotransmitter production, dysbiosis, yeast overgrowth, elevated oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, increased oxalate levels, and deficiencies in vitamins and minerals among the children were connected to heavy metal poisoning and intoxication. These findings underscored the link between metabolic profiles and heavy metal poisoning, highlighting the need for individualized and multidisciplinary care approaches for children with ASD. Further research and controlled clinical trials are necessary to validate these interventions comprehensively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this systematic review of the literature was to evaluate the effectiveness of different types of distraction on behavior, pain perception, and dental anxiety in children and to compare them to conventional approaches. An electronic search was conducted on three databases (PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus) and concerned randomized clinical trials published between 2000 and 2022, dealing with the effectiveness of distraction as a psycho-behavioral approach in the odontological management of children. This systematic review followed the guidelines of the PRISMA Statement (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). A qualitative assessment of the risk of bias was performed using the online Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Ten randomized clinical trials were included in this review. These studies used active and passive distraction and demonstrated its role in the management of dental anxiety in children with superior efficacy to behavioral approaches. Both active and passive distraction are behavioral approaches that can positively improve the dental care process. However, further research with more homogeneous methodological characteristics, using different types of distraction, is desirable in order to have relevant conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to use the organic polymer, chitosan, as a flocculant for harvesting microalgae Chlorella. sp. Various polymer concentrations were tested. Within three min, 50 mg/L of chitosan showed the highest efficiency (98.9±0.5%), at pH 6.3, while the lowest efficiency (86.7±0.5%) was observed at pH 7.5. Harvesting efficiency in this study was chitosan concentration dependent. The present study showed that chitosan can be a promising and sustainable solution as an organic source and environmentally friendly flocculant. Additionally, it has excellent harvest productivity and requires minimum effort for quick outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Southern Suez Canal Province (SSCP) has recently encountered hydro-environmental hazards such as water logging and soil salinization, both of which impede the efficient land use planning. Purpose: This study aims to assess the hydro-environmental threats to SSCP and identify the key factors that contribute to their occurrence. Previous research has demonstrated that the Gulf of Suez Rifting-related tectonic movements have a significant impact on the entire SSCP region. The influence of tectonic setting on the development of hydro-environmental dangers was not examined in almost any studies. Methods: Remote sensing, GIS, hydrogeological, and geophysical techniques are used to identify and assess topographic, hydrogeological, and tectonic variables that affect hydro-environmental hazards in the SSCP. Results: This study found that the distributions of water logging, saturated soil salinization, urban areas, and vegetation cover changed more dramatically between 1984 and 2015. The expansion of water logging area (+10.68 km2 rating +0.35 km2/y), saturated saline soil (+24.40 km2 rating +0.79 km2/y), and urbanized area (+58.43 km2 rating +1.89 km2/y) is strongly associated to the expansion of vegetation cover (+188.13 km2 at a rate of 6.07 km2/y). This could imply that growing agricultural expansion and urbanization are influencing the dominance of hydro-environmental hazards in SSCP. The distribution of water logging features identified on the land cover map corresponds closely to a buried horst structure dominating the middle part of the surveyed area. Conclusion: The lowland water logging features of the SSCP provide support for the hypothesis that the buried horst structure that dominates the Miocene and pre-Miocene strata has an impact on the thickness and groundwater flow regime of the quaternary aquifer that lies above. The present study came to the conclusion that the shallow depth of groundwater, the vast expanse of newly cultivated lands, the impervious clay layer beneath the thin topsoil layer, and the low topography are the key factors influencing the development of water logging and soil salinization features in SSCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glioblastoma is a rapidly progressing form of brain tumor that is extremely fatal and has a poor prognosis. Gliadel wafer is a novel approach for the treatment of glioblastoma. It involves the controlled release of Carmustine from biodegradable polymer wafers. The transport of this mass involved in controlled drug delivery (Gliadel) to living brain tissue is complex and not yet fully understood. Researchers in different fields (medicine, modeling, mathematical simulation...) have found it difficult to obtain high-quality experimental data on Gliadel concentrations in brain tissue. To this end, the aim of this work is to develop a new strategy to simulate this type of problem, to produce more efficient results, and to study the evolution of the concentration of Gliadel within the brain. The mathematical model used here is a coupled system of equations: the transport equation (advection and diffusion) with a first-order equation (small concentrations). The numerical simulation used here is based on the Lie-Trotter (LTM), a firstorder division method that solves two sub problems sequentially on sub-intervals. It is a powerful method for the numerical study of complex models. A comparative study of this method (LT) and the Finite Difference Method (FDM) with the exact solution will be conducted. Results that are more efficient have been obtained by using the LT method compared to those obtained by using the Finite Difference Method (FDM), where the error of the LTM (Er-LTM) is less than the FDM error (Er-FDN). The numerical results show that the LT method remains more efficient than the FDM method for this type of problem. Moreover, the results obtained with LTM are stable and they converge more to the exact solution, from which the concentration of Gliadel can be studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review : Summarize the effects gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) and gender-affirming surgical therapy (GAST) have on fertility of the transgender and gender diverse (TGD) patient as well as current clinical approaches in fertility preservation for transgender individuals. Recent Findings: There are relatively limited data specific to fertility preservation for TGD individuals and current approaches to treatment are extrapolated from options for fertility preservation in cisgender individuals. Contemporary updates in this review include evolving research defining the reproductive potential of gametes that are exposed to pubertal suspension and GAHT in sequence, the persistent challenges of previously experimental ovarian tissue cryopreservation for TGD patients, and additional evidence that fertility can be largely conserved in TGD patients after testosterone use. Ultimately, several forms of fertility preservation options are available depending on the pubertal status of a transgender individual. Summary: Fertility treatment and preservation options should be discussed with transgender individuals regardless of stage of transition, but ideally before gender-affirming hormonal treatment or gonadectomy. Relatively few transgender individuals are seen for fertility care due to lack of provider awareness and patient perception of bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the results of an exploratory research aimed to understand how precariousness has affected recently the teaching profession in Morocco. To answer this question, I conducted comprehensive biographical interviews with 05 teachers at the primary level and 05secondary level working under contract in rural region in the rural area of Zagora. I met them separately and they expressed their point of views. The verbatim were content analysed following two analytical registers. The first register is grounded in a descriptive and restitutive reason; based on reporting the views of teachers according to three categories: the working conditions, Security and professional stability and the relation to union. This first register revealed the decline of: career advancement, social appreciation and employment conditions. While the second register is more conceptualizing, which led me to take a crosscutting look at the results of the first register by offering a new perspective on the teachers' point of view, shedding light on conventions and tacit agreements which form the intellectual basis of the points of view of the participants towards the different themes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Banana bunchy top disease (BBTD) caused by Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) was recorded in the early twentieth century in Egypt. It is considered the most economic impact on banana yield productivity. Bioinformatics analyses of the complete genome of an Egyptian isolate of BBTV compared to overseas BBTV isolates or strains and other Nanoviruses were aimed. Banana leaf samples naturally infected with BBTD were collected from the open field and the presence of BBTV was detected via PCR. Bioinformatics analyzes of the BBTV-DNA genome were also studied. The experimental results showed that BBTV isolates of this study had a genome that consists of six encapsidated single-stranded DNA components (BBTV-DNA-R (LC468138, - U3 (LC468139), -S (LC468140), -M (LC468141), - C (LC468142) and –N (LC468143)) of ~ 1.1 kb in length, each with one open reading frame (ORF) in the virion-sense Two conserved regions (Common region-stem loop (CR-SL) and common region-M (RC-M)). TATA box, i.e., non-nucleotide potential TATA and polyadenylation signals adjacent to GC-rich regions that contain the TTG sequence were found. Differences ranging from 0.55 to 4.60% were recorded when BBTV components were compared to the most similar oversea BBTV strains of seven countries. Phylogenetic trees confirmed the genetic relationships among the high percentage of similarity between the compared BBTV strains. Families of Gene domains, restriction enzyme maps and differences between BBTV components and those of nano viruses were also discussed. The six BBTV-DNA components contain ORFs encoding the genes of rolling-circle replication initiation protein (rp, DNA-R), a protein of unknown function (DNA-U3), a coat protein peptide (cp, DNA-S), movement protein (mv, DNA-M), cell cycle link protein (ccl, DNA-C) and a nuclear shuttle protein (ns, DNA-N), respectively. Further studies should be done using molecular docking tools in a trial to find a suitable control strategy for BBTV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several procedures are recommended for the treatment of polluted sites. It has been observed that biological remediation (biodegradation) is a promising, economical, fast, and functional procedure, which can be used as a new treatment technique for polluted sites. It entails providing nutritive substrates like oxygen and nitrogen to bacteria in each environment to stimulate their activity. This work will consider the transport of a pollutant coupled with the phenomenon of biodegradation, which is the decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, or algae, in a saturated porous medium. The mathematical model under consideration is composed of three independent equations linked together, each with its own stability and convergence conditions, making the system difficult to solve numerically. Our model will be solved as a nonlinear system of coupled partial differential equations. Therefore, our objective is to develop a strategy that will allow approaching this type of problems and producing results that are more efficient. The technique used here is based on the operator splitting method, which is an effective method to solve this kind of complex models. The primary idea behind this strategy is to break down a complex problem into smaller subsystems, known as division subproblems, and solve each one using the proper numerical method. In the literature, there are not enough details on the programs to translate the numerical methods used. There is only software ready to do that. In this context, we developed our own code capable of simulating this type of problem. The transport problem is approximated by a finite difference scheme-the first order accurate FDM for time, the second order accurate FDM for space and for diffusion equation and first order backward FDN for the term of advection - and the biological equations, which are presented using Monod kinetics, are solved by a Rung-Kutter method of order 4. The operator splitting method employed in this simulation is validated using an example of transport and biodegradation with first order kinetics (case of low contaminant concentration) that admits an analytical solution in saturated porous media. The numerical and analytical results are in perfect agreement, and this can prove the efficiency of the splitting method as well as the validation of our developed code. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatment options for men with moderate-to-severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) have variable efficacy, safety, and retreatment profiles, contributing to variations in patient quality of life and healthcare costs. This study examined the long-term cost-effectiveness of generic combination therapy (CT), prostatic urethral lift (PUL), water vapor thermal therapy (WVTT), photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP), and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for the treatment of BPH. A systematic literature review was performed to identify clinical trials of CT, PUL, WVTT, PVP, and TURP that reported change in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) for men with BPH and a prostate volume ≤80 cm3. A random-effects network meta‐analysis was used to account for the differences in patient baseline clinical characteristics between trials. An Excel-based Markov model was developed with a cohort of males with a mean age of 63 and an average IPSS of 22 to assess the cost-effectiveness of these treatment options at 1 and 5 years from a US Medicare perspective. Procedural and adverse event (AE)-related costs were based on 2021 Medicare reimbursement rates. Total Medicare costs at 5 years were highest for PUL ($9,580), followed by generic CT ($8,223), TURP ($6,328), PVP ($6,152), and WVTT ($2,655). The total cost of PUL was driven by procedural ($7,258) and retreatment ($1,168) costs. At 5 years, CT and PUL were associated with fewer quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) than WVTT, PVP, and TURP. Compared to WVTT, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) for both TURP and PVP were above a willingness-to-pay threshold of $50,000/QALY (TURP: $64,409/QALY; PVP: $87,483/QALY). This study provides long-term cost-effectiveness evidence for several common treatment options for men with BPH. WVTT is an effective and economically viable treatment in resource-constrained environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress is the trigger of several diseases. It is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and antioxidants. This study aims to evaluate the antioxidant capacity and the protective property of Rosa canina fruits and apple cider vinegar combined or not against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced toxicity in Wistar rats. The experiment included five groups: group 1 received distilled water (10 mL/kg b.wt), group 2 received H2O2 10% (10 mL/kg b.wt), group 3 received H2O2 10% (10 mL/kg b.wt) and apple vinegar (2 mL/kg b.wt); group 4 received H2O2 10% (10 mL/kg b.wt) and apple vinegar supplemented with Rosa canina fruits extract (300 mg/kg b.wt); group 5 received H2O2 10% (10 mL/kg b.wt) and extract of Rosa canina fruits (300 mg/kg b.wt). The doses were given once daily via a gavage. The antioxidant capacity of apple vinegar and Rosa canina extract was analyzed, and AST, ALT, PAL, urea, and creatinine were determined on day 22 of the experiment. In addition, the kidney and the liver tissues were analyzed. The results showed that H2O2 caused a significant elevation of blood urea, blood creatinine, and transaminases. The histopathology examination revealed that H2O2 caused congestion, hemorrhage, and Bowman's space enlarged. On the other hand, the results clearly showed that apple vinegar and Rosa canina fruits counterbalance the biochemical and histological changes induced by H2O2. In conclusion, the two natural products studied in this work are effective against the harmful effect of oxidative stress, which explains their use in traditional medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Honey and propolis have biological and therapeutic effects in various pathological and clinical conditions such as hyperglycemia and diabetes. However, the combined use of honey and propolis has not been reported. The study evaluated the protective effect of Arbutus unedo honey, propolis and their combination in streptozotocin (STR)induced hyperglycemia, acute kidney injury (AKI), liver injury, dyslipidemia, and proteinuria in male Wistar rats. Methods: The study identified physicochemical characteristics, mineral and antioxidant content, and antioxidant activity in honey and propolis. Rats were assigned to five groups, with five rats in each group; control, STR-treated, STR-treated + honey (1g/kg/ day), STR-treated + propolis (100 mg/day), and STR-treated + honey and propolis. On day 15, blood glucose, insulin, HBA1c, kidney function tests, liver enzymes, lipid profile, hemoglobin, and urine protein, creatinine, glucose, and electrolytes were analyzed. Liver, pancreas, and kidney tissues were studied histologically. The mineral component in honey and propolis was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Honey analysis was performed by HPLC. Chemical characterization of propolis was performed by LC/DAD/ESI-MSn . Measurement of blood and urine parameters was carried out with an automated analyzer (Architect c8000) and XT-1800i Automated Hematology Analyzer. Insulin concentration was determined by Elisa and insulin resistance was estimated by using HOMA-IR. Results: Honey and propolis contain a high quantity of antioxidants and exhibit in vitro antioxidant activity. In STR-treated rats, blood glucose, HBA1c, creatinine, blood urea, liver enzymes, and urine protein significantly increased compared to the control group (P<0.05), while insulin, hemoglobin, and body weight significantly decreased. Histological changes were evident in the pancreas, kidney, and liver tissues. These results indicated AKI, liver injury, and pancreatic injury, which was evident with reducing the number of the island of Langerhans and marked hyperglycemia. The use of honey and propolis significantly (P<0.05) attenuated liver and kidney injury, and proteinuria, and improved level of hemoglobin, HBA1c, and insulin toward the normal range. The combination of honey and propolis was more effective than honey or propolis individually (P<0.05). Conclusion: the combination of propolis and honey can prevent STR-induced AKI, liver injury, proteinuria, dyslipidemia, anemia, hyperglycemia, and body weight loss, most likely by their hypoglycemic and antioxidant activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: a dermatological emergency is defined as an acute dermatosis evolving since less than 5 days and being life or functional threatening. The main objective of this study was to describe the epidemiological and clinical profile of patients seen for a dermatological emergency. Methods: this is a retrospective case series, carried out over a period of two years [May 2018 - May 2020], including all the patients seen in the Dermatology Department for a true dermatological emergency. The descriptive analysis was carried out using Excel software. Results: a total of 843 patients were collected. The mean age was 46.95 years, with a standard deviation of 15.69 and a slight male predominance (n=448). There were 709 adults and 134 children. The majority of patients came from central emergencies (n=451). The pathologies seen were in order of frequency: Infectious dermatoses (n=469) dominated by erysipelas in adults (n=302) and viral dermatoses in children (n=47); drug-induced skin reactions (n=160); inflammatory dermatoses (n=113) including erythroderma (n=36), urticaria (n=32), vasculitis (n=25), and erythema multiform (n=20); autoimmune bullous dermatoses (n=74); and physical skin diseases (n=27). Other specialists' advice was needed for 231 patients. Biological involvement and imaging were required in respectively 536 and 421 cases. Only 235 required hospital admission, while the others needed an ambulatory care. Conclusion: the pathologies seen in the dermatological emergency unit were dominated by infectious dermatoses, suggesting elaborating a medical program to improve the non-dermatologist physicians' knowledge about them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Petrophysical evaluation has been done for the Alam El Bueib-3D sandstone reservoir in Qasr oil field, Western Desert of Egypt, using well logs and core data. The analysis of all data showed that the thickness of the AEB-3D Member decreases towards northeast and northwest directions and increases due to the south and north of the study area. The effective porosity ranges between 9 and 13%, water saturation values range between 7 and 71%, and average net sand thickness ranging from 75 to 213 ft. The trend of sand distribution is aligned NE-SW, which may be the direction of the sand channel. The average pays thickness ranges between 6 and 67 ft and gradually increases to both east and west directions. Statistical analysis of conventional core data showed that helium and fluid porosities mean equals 8 to13%, and 7 to 13% respectively, which indicate a reservoir with fair porosity. It is also found that the horizontal and vertical permeabilities mean equal 105–180, and 97 to 114 millidarcy (mD) respectively, which indicate a homogeneous reservoir with good to very good permeability. Moreover, the horizontal permeability-helium porosity relationship showed increasing positive trend, with a moderate to strong correlation coefficient (+ 0.4– + 0.7). The neutron-density cross-plot showed that data are clustered along the sandstone lithology line, and is located in the porosity values between 10 and 20%. The results concluded that the best petrophysical parameters were encountered toward the eastern and western parts of the studied Qasr Field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to assess the antimicrobial potencies of apple vinegar against pathogenic microbes. The acidity and total phenolic content were carried out by titration with NaOH 0.1 N and the Folin–Ciocalteu method, respectively, while the spread plate method, agar well diffusion, and MIC assays were used to determine the antimicrobial activities of different vinegar samples. Acidity and phenolic content were dependent on the variety, where the highest values were observed in S2 with 4.02 ± 0.04% and 1.98 ± 0.05 mg GAE/mL for acidity and total phenolic content, respectively. The spread plate method revealed that samples S1 and S2 obtained from the Red delicious variety and Golden delicious variety, respectively, inhibit the growth of all tested strains, while S3 obtained from different varieties and S4 obtained from the Gala royal variety inhibit only two microbes (Escherichia coli and Vibrio cholerae). Sample S1 presented moderate antimicrobial effect against all examined strains with a diameter of inhibition ranging from 11 ± 0.7 to 19 ± 0.5 mm and with MIC values ranging between 1/2 and 1/100. The findings of the current study confirm the usefulness of apple vinegar as a natural sanitizer that inhibits the growth of pathogenic microbes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For many transgender individuals, pursuing gender-affirming surgery (GAS) to minimize gender incongruence—commonly referred to as gender dysphoria—is a medically necessary element of comprehensive gender-affirming health care. Patients who undergo GAS report high postoperative satisfaction rates, and research indicates that GAS improves quality of life and emotional well-being, and eases gender dysphoria. This article is 1 of several articles in the current issue, summarizing the available surgical interventions for alleviating gender incongruence among transgender patients. This part briefly reviews and examines surgical aspects of masculinizing GAS for transmasculine patients. (J GYNECOL SURG 37:275) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Evaluate clinical outcome, recurrence, morbidity, and cost associated with laparoscopic surgical ligation versus percutaneous embolization of adolescent varicocele. We hypothesize that both approaches are similar in outcomes, complications, and cost. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of 56 consecutive adolescent males, ≤18 years from 2006 to 2016 with clinical varicocele who underwent laparoscopic surgical ligation or percutaneous embolization. Patient demographics, operative time, postoperative complications, success, varicocele grade, recurrence, and hospital charges were abstracted. Results: Mean age was 14.2 ± 2.1 years; 48 (86%) patients having undergone laparoscopic surgical ligation and 8 (14%) percutaneous embolization. Intervention in 45 (80%) patients was for testicular hypotrophy (mean 27.4% ± 15.6%) and 11 (20%) for pain symptomology. Median follow-up was 17.5 months (range 1-65 months). After ligation, 2 (4%) patients developed hydroceles (1 with subsequent hydrocelectomy) and 6 (12%) varicocele recurrence. There were no cases of hydrocele or varicocele recurrence after percutaneous embolization. Twenty ligation patients had postoperative scrotal ultrasound demonstrating an increase in testicular volume by a reduction in difference in testicular volume from 27.3% ± 14.7% preoperatively to 11.2% ± 13.6% postoperatively (P < .001). There was significant difference in mean operative time between the groups (surgical ligation 41.3 minutes versus percutaneous embolization 117.9 minutes, P < .001) and hospital charges for the procedure (surgical ligation $3983 versus percutaneous embolization $18.165, P < .001). Conclusions: Contrary to our hypothesis, percutaneous embolization has seemingly lower rates of postoperative hydrocele and varicocele recurrence in comparison to surgical ligation but with three times the exposure to general anesthesia and at four times the price. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The appraisal of geothermal sites along Gulf of Suez, is important to develop the renewable energy resources in Egypt. An integrated approach based on remote sensing, Geographic Information System and geophysical methods were used to predict the ubication of promising geothermal sites. Multi‐source datasets were selected, analysed and integrated to develop a Geothermal Potential Model. Information‐Value and Weight‐of‐Evidence analyses were adopted to derive ranks and weights to spatial factors and their classes. The spatial factors were summarized in eight thematic maps indicating the possible sites of geothermal reservoirs. The developed geothermal potential model defines the promising sites, which are distributed in Ras‐Badran, Ras‐Matarma, Abu‐Durba, El‐Tur and some other locations in southwestern Gulf of Suez. Seismic interpretation is a fundamental tool for depicting subsurface major faults controlling the geothermal reservoir in the promising sites. The holistic integrated approach provides a powerful technique to design development plans in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we show that if {Ri}i∈I is a family of commutative rings and {Mi}i∈I is a family of modules such that each Mi is an Ri-module, then the direct product Mi is a -module over Ri if and only if each Mi is an -module over Ri, i ∈ I. This result extends the work of Hong, Kim, Lee and Ryu in Rings with Property () and their extensions, J. Algebra315 (2007), 612–628. Moreover, we characterize Property () for modules in terms of Property () of their total quotient modules, extending the work of Dobbs and Shapiro in On the strong ()-ring of Mahdou and Hassani, Mediterr. J. Math.10 (2013), 1995–1997. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this paper is to introduce and investigate a new class of rings lying properly between the class of 𝒜 -rings and the class of 𝒮 𝒜 -rings. The new class of rings, termed the class of 𝒫 𝒮 𝒜 -rings, turns out to share common characteristics with both 𝒜 -rings and 𝒮 𝒜 -rings. Numerous properties and characterizations of this class are given as well as the module-theoretic version of 𝒫 𝒮 𝒜 -rings is introduced and studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an answer to a problem raised by Anderson and Chun in [D. D. Anderson and S. Chun, Annihilator conditions on modules over commutative rings, J. Algebra Appl. 16(7) (2017) 1750143] on characterizing when the idealization R ⋉ M of a ring R on an R -module M is an 𝒜 -ring (respectively, an 𝒮 𝒜 -ring) in terms of module-theoretic properties of R and M. Also, we are concerned with an open question asked by these two authors which reads the following: What modules over a given ring R are homomorphic images of modules satisfying the strong Property 𝒜 ? (see, Question 4.4(1) in the above mentioned paper). This paper highly contributes to answer such a question. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional methods for analysing rectangular piles (Barrettes) are mainly modelling the barrette and surrounding soil using 3D-FE. 3D-FE for barrette foundations needs a huge computational effort. Consequently, a huge system of equations required to be solved. In this paper, a composed coefficient technique (CCT) is developed for analysing laterally loaded barrettes. The technique takes into account the three-dimensional full interactions between the barrette and the surrounding soil. In the technique, the three dimensional coefficients of the stiffness matrix of the barrette are decomposed to be one-dimensional. This enables easily adding these coefficients to those of stiffness matrix of the soil. Besides the practical application and efficiency of the technique, the nonlinear response of the barrette using any load-settlement relation can be considered. The technique may be al so applied for single barrette, barrette groups or barrette raft. A series of validations is carried out to verify the application of CCT for analysing single barrettes. It is found that treating the barrette by CCT, gives nearly the same results compared with the measured values from load tests and FE results. The proposed technique is implemented in the program ELPLA El Gendy M and El Gendy A (Analysis and design of raft and piled Raft-Program ELPLA, GEOTEC Software Inc., Calgary, 2019). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The release of hexavalent chromium [Cr (VI)] into environments has resulted in many undesirable interactions with biological systems for its toxic potential and mutagenicity. Chromate reduction via chromium reductase (ChrR) is a key strategy for detoxifying Cr (VI) to trivalent species of no toxicity. In this study, ten bacterial isolates were isolated from heavily polluted soils, with a strain assigned as FACU, being the most efficient one able to reduce Cr (VI). FACU was identified as Escherichia coli based on morphological and 16S rRNA sequence analyses. Growth parameters and enzymatic actions of FACU were tested under different experimental conditions, in the presence of toxic chromium species. The E. coli FACU was able to reduce chromate at 100 μg/mL conceivably by reducing Cr (VI) into the less harmful Cr (III). Two distinctive optical spectroscopic techniques have been employed throughout the study. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was utilized as qualitative analysis to demonstrate the presence of chromium with the distinctive spectral lines for bacteria such as Ca, Fe, and Na. While UV-visible spectroscopy was incorporated to confirm the reduction capabilities of E. coli after comparing Cr (III) spectrum to that of bacterial product spectrum and they were found to be identical. The chromate reductase specific activity was 361.33 μmol/L of Cr (VI) per min per mg protein. The FACU (EMCC 2289) 16S rRNA sequence and the ChrR-partially isolated gene were submitted to the DDBJ under acc. # numbers LC177419 and LC179020, respectively. The results support that FACU is a promising source of ChrR capable of bioremediation of toxic chromium species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We shall give the existence of a capacity solution to a nonlinear elliptic coupled system, whose unknowns are the temperature inside a semiconductor material, u, and the electric potential, φ , the model problem we refer to is Δ p u + g (x , u) = ρ (u) | ∇ φ | 2 in Ω , div (ρ (u) ∇ φ) = 0 in Ω , φ = φ 0 on ∂ Ω , u = 0 on ∂ Ω , where Ω ⊂ R N , N ≥ 2 and Δ p u = - div | ∇ u | p - 2 ∇ u is the so-called p-Laplacian operator, and g a nonlinearity which satisfies the sign condition but without any restriction on its growth. This problem may be regarded as a generalization of the so-called thermistor problem, where we consider the case of the elliptic equation is non-uniformly elliptic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatment of necrotic immature teeth has always been a real challenge for the clinician due to the open apex and weak root structure, which does not allow a conventional endodontic treatment. Several therapeutic options are possible to treat those teeth. Calcium hydroxide apexification is the oldest and most studied therapeutic option, but it has some disadvantages, including the long term of treatment, the possibility of reinfection, and the weakness of the wall. To solve these problems, several authors recommend the revascularization technique. This therapy allows the continuation of root edification with apical closure and thickening of the walls. The aim of our work is to compare the two therapeutic procedures, apexification with calcium hydroxide and revascularization, through a clinical case treated and followed up for 24 months at the pediatric dentistry department in Casablanca, Morocco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: the purpose of this study was to bring out some epidemiological and clinical characteristics of metabolic syndrome. Methods: a total of 300 subjects willingly participated in the present study which was conducted at Ibn Zohr regional hospital in Marrakesh. We were interested in socio-demographic variables, body mass index (BMI) which assesses the degree of obesity of each subject. The blood parameters were determined by an adequate biochemistry automaton. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. Results: among the 300 subjects who participated in the study, 57.3% were females and 42.7% were males with a sex-ratio of 0.74. The average age was 51.6 ± 13.42 years old. Seventy nine of the participants (26.3%) had a metabolic syndrome, with a predominance of women: 60 women (34.9%) and 19 men (14.8%). Illiterates (33.8%) and married subjects (25.6%) were the most affected by the metabolic syndrome. The high waist circumference found in 97.5% was the predominant criteria in our study. Finally, the statistical analysis showed a significant association between high waist circumference, BMI and the presence of metabolic syndrome (P = 0.001>) and (P < 0.001) respectively. Conclusion: the metabolic syndrome is slowly but surely setting. Implementing prevention strategies and encouraging healthy lifestyles will surely minimize serious public health problems in the city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Managing multiple ecosystem services (ES) across forest landscape, constitute a growing field of research. It represents a key challenge that attempts to optimize the trade-offs among provisioning, supporting, regulating and cultural ES. Here, we review approaches and shortcomings on some anterior FES studies. Three main components are presented, 1) an overview of the current state of research, 2) a summary of main methods adopted 3) an identification of principal approaches' restrictions. Several conclusions emerge: most of the studies focus on a limited number of FES which might undermine the long-term provision of other FES, or converge to using free software models which are practical and low-cost but require enormous data. This reveals how the lack of existing inventories and evaluations impacts the choice of methodologies and lead to use indirect methods of measurement. However, researches that aim to understand the relationships and conflicts among multiple FES and seeks to find out the best management regime will improve our ability to sustainably fulfil economic, ecologic and social goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several authors have been interested in cotorsion theories. Among these theories we figure the pairs (Pn, Pn ⊥), where Pn designates the set of modules of projective dimension at most a given integer n > 1 over a ring R. In this paper, we shall focus on homological properties of the class P-1 ⊥ that we term the class of P1-injective modules. Numerous nice characterizations of rings as well as of their homological dimensions arise from this study. In particular, it is shown that a ring R is left hereditary if and only if any P1-injective module is injective and that R is left semi-hereditary if and only if any P1-injective module is FP-injective. Moreover, we prove that the global dimensions of R might be computed in terms of P1-injective modules, namely the formula for the global dimension and the weak global dimension turn out to be as follows wgl-dim(R) = sup{fdR(M) : M is a P1-injective left R-module} and l-gl-dim(R) = sup{pdR(M) : M is a P1-injective left R-module}. We close the paper by proving that, given a Matlis domain R and an R-module M ∈ P1, HomR(M, N) is P1-injective for each P1-injective module N if and only if M is strongly flat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Children in the USA face increasing nutrition-related health risks, including obesity rates of 16.9% – a figure that has more than tripled over the past four decades. Nutrition education is beneficial to improve children's health through obesity prevention and the promotion of healthy habits, and the elementary school years are a key time to implement health education interventions. Objective: To develop a medical student created and operated nutrition education intervention for urban underserved elementary school students. Design: The Food Doctors (TFD) programme is a hands-on, interactive, in-class nutrition education pilot initiative for elementary school students and adheres to the established tenets of effective in-class nutrition education whenever possible: (1) interactive hands-on curriculum, (2) use of culturally relevant topics and (3) the inclusion of effective evaluation techniques. Setting: Urban elementary school classrooms in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. Method: A literature review and feedback from partner schools' needs informed curriculum development. Institutional review board approval was sought and study materials prepared. The pilot programme was carried out at partner schools during class time. Results: A total of 83 students participated in the pilot study: 46 third-grade students and 37 fourth graders. Evaluation focused on assessing student baseline knowledge and exploring post-programme nutrition knowledge gains. Conclusion: TFD pilot programme demonstrated gaps in baseline nutrition knowledge among elementary school students and showed improved post-programme ability to correctly answer basic nutrition knowledge questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detection of thin sandstone reservoirs on seismic sections is a matter of seismic resolution and bed thickness. Usually, layers thinner than 50 ft. thick are difficult to visualize on vertical seismic sections. The problem is observed in the northwestern desert of Egypt, where several thin oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs are located, among them Qasr Field which produces oil from the Lower Cretaceous Alam El Bueib Formation, specially unit AEB-3D (D2). The aim is to follow unit (D2) sandstone channels using available horizontal and vertical seismic sections coupled with other well logs and well data. The analytical method includes interpreting lithostratigraphic units from wells logs, mapping sandstone channels, generating synthetic seismograms and correlation with stratigraphy from wells, and finally to detect channels on seismic sections using positive and negative amplitudes with proper time slice. Finally, results show that, although unit AEB-3D (D2) sandstone is ± 50 ft. thick, it can be detected using seismic modeling and well data with some efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asthma is the most common chronic medical condition affecting pregnancy. Optimizing asthma management in pregnancy is paramount for the well-being of both the mother and the baby. The primary objectives of this study were to assess patient's knowledge about asthma, the level of asthma care, and fetal and maternal outcomes among pregnant asthmatic women in this wealthy country with tremendous improvement in maternal and fetal health care. The secondary objective was to identify barriers to asthma control. This was a cross-sectional, face-to-face, prospective study of 80 pregnant women with physician-diagnosed asthma. About 56% of patients reported worsening of their asthma control during pregnancy, of which 52.3% felt this worsening in the third trimester. About 65% of patients had uncontrolled asthma during their pregnancy, and inhaler technique was incorrect in 64.4%. Only 38% of patients knew the difference between controller and reliever asthma medications, 12.7% of patients had received written asthma action plan, 17% had a spirometry done in the previous 5 years, and 3.8% had peak expiratory flow meter at home. The main reasons for uncontrolled asthma were lack of knowledge about right asthma medications in 30% and fear of side effects of inhaled corticosteroids in 19% of patients. No financial reason was reported. Significant associations between total number of pregnancies, poor perception of asthma medications, asthma exacerbation during delivery and poor asthma control were observed. Preeclampsia and congenital anomalies occurred at higher rates than previously reported among general population in this country. The tremendous improvements in maternal health care and socioeconomic status do not seem to be a barrier to the globally recognized poor asthma care in pregnancy. Important strategies are much needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to evaluate the hydrocarbon potential of the Matruh Basin, North Western Desert of Egypt, the tectonic history, basin analysis, and maturity modeling of the Albian-Cenomanian Formations of the Matruh Basin were investigated using well logs and 3D seismic data. Structural analysis of the tops of the Bahariya, Kharita, and Alamein Dolomite Formations reveals them to dip to the southeast. Burial history and subsidence curves show that the basin experienced a tectonic subsidence through the Middle-Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous times. Thermal maturity models indicated that Cenomanian clastics of the Bahariya Formation are in the early mature stage in the east portions of the area, increasing to the mid maturity level in the southwestern parts. On the other hand, the Albian Kharita Formation exhibits a mid maturation level in the most parts of the area. The petroleum system of the Matruh Basin includes a generative (charge) subsystem with Middle Jurassic and Cenomanian sources (for oil/gas) and Turonian sources (for oil), with peak generation from Turonian to Eocene, and a migration-entrapment subsystem including expulsion and migration during Early Tertiary to Miocene into structures formed from Late Cretaceous to Eocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Very low frequency electromagnetic (VLF-EM) measurements were carried out in Wadi Isbayia area, south Sinai Peninsula, to test the efficiency of the VLF-EM method in the exploration of sulphide mineralization in arid environments. The VLF-EM field measurements, including tilt angle, real and imaginary components of the received VLF field, were carried out along fifteen profiles covering a quartz monzonite bedrock. Interpretation of the VLF measurements, in the light of geological information, has showed that sulphide minerals in the Wadi Isbayia area extend from the ground surface to a depth of about 200 m. However, the structural lineaments, especially faults, have controlled the distribution of the sulphide mineralization. A few of polished sections for rock samples, collected from the sites of the VLF-EM anomalies in the study area, have been prepared and examined by ore microscopy which confirmed the presence of pyrite and chalcopyrite as well as iron oxides, disseminated in the quartz monzonite bedrock. These results showed that the VLF-EM method is an effective tool in the exploration of sulphide minerals in the arid environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remote sensing technology plays an important role today in the geological survey, mapping, analysis and interpretation, which provides a unique opportunity to investigate the geological characteristics of the remote areas of the earth's surface without the need to gain access to an area on the ground. The aim of this study is achievement a geological map of the study area. The data utilizes is Sentinel-2 imagery, the processes used in this study, the OIF Optimum Index Factor is a statistic value that can be used to select the optimum combination of three bands in a satellite image. It's based on the total variance within bands and correlation coefficient between bands, ICA Independent component analysis (3,4,6) is a statistical and computational technique for revealing hidden factors that underlie sets of random variables, measurements, or signals, MNF Minimum Noise Fraction (1,2,3) is used to determine the inherent dimensionality of image data to segregate noise in the data and to reduce the computational requirements for subsequent processing, Optimum Index Factor is a good method for choosing the best band for lithological mapping. ICA, MNF, also a practical way to extract the structural geology maps. The results in this paper indicate that, the studied area can be divided into four main geological units: Basement rocks (Meta volcanic, Meta sediments), Sedimentary rocks, Intrusive rocks, volcanic rocks. The method used in this study offers great potential for lithological mapping, by using Sentinel-2 imagery, the results were compared with existing geologic maps and were superior and could be used to update the existing maps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the rate of perioperative complications after plasmakinetic bipolar and monopolar transurethral resection of bladder tumor (BTURB and MTURB). In addition, the study identifies patient and procedure characteristics associated with early complications. Patients and Methods: Retrospective review was conducted on patients undergoing transurethral resection of bladder tumor procedures at a single institution from 2003 to 2013 to assess the 30-day complication rates associated with BTURB and MTURB. Results: Four hundred twenty-seven patients met inclusion criteria and underwent 586 procedures (379 BTURB and 207 MTURB). Baseline patient demographics, tumor stage, and tumor grade were similar in BTURB and MTURB cohorts. The overall complication rate was 34.3% for MTURB and 26.7% for BTURB. The most frequent complications were acute urinary retention (AUR) 11%, hematuria 8%, and urinary tract infection (UTI) 7%. There was no statistical difference in rates of AUR, hematuria, UTI, or readmission for continuous bladder irrigation or hemostasis procedures between BTURB and MTURB cohorts. There was a trend toward lower perforation rate during BTURB (2.6% vs 5.8%). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, MTURB, male gender, and large resections were predictive of overall complications. Male gender was associated with hematuria and AUR. Large bladder tumor resection size was also associated with increased risk of overall complications and AUR. Conclusion: BTURB was associated with a lower risk of overall complications, but there was no difference in the rate of hematuria in the two cohorts. Male gender and large tumor size are associated with higher risk of early complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To determine if minimizing the number of onabotulinumtoxinA (BTX) injection sites to one to three locations provides similar clinical efficacy and duration of effect compared to the established technique in treating patients with neurogenic (NDO) or idiopathic detrusor overactivity (IDO). Methods Prospective data were collected on BTX naïve patients with NDO or IDO who were intolerant or refractory to oral medications. Patients were treated with 100-300 U of BTX via one to three injection sites. Patients completed the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF) prior to and after treatment. The primary endpoint was defined as ICIQ-SF score improvement of >5 points. Secondary endpoints included subjective success, complete continence, quality of life score, post void residual (PVR), duration of effect and adverse events. Results Fourty-five patients (22 IDO, 23 NDO) were included. ICIQ-SF score improvement of >5 points was achieved in 73% (IDO 55%, NDO 91%) and the subjective success rate was 69% (50% IDO, 87% NDO). 52% of NDO patients attained complete continence. PVR increased by a mean of 32 and 156 ml in the IDO and NDO groups. Hematuria occurred in 6.7% and symptomatic urinary tract infection occurred in 11.1%. No systemic BTX adverse events occurred. Mean duration of effect was 31 weeks. Conclusions Our technique for administering BTX via one to three intradetrusor injection sites has similar clinical efficacy and rates of adverse events compared to the established technique for treating patients with IDO and NDO. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:1104-1107, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In desert environments, the sandy dune movements are considered as the main threat to the livelihoods and productivity of people living in Laâyoune city, South of Morocco. Studying dunes at a large scale requires intensive fieldwork and a huge dataset. But this task is not always easy because of the high cost and the limited availability of data. In this paper we present a new approach to study and evaluate the dune dynamic using Google earth archive image acquired from 2005, 2011, 2012, and 2013. To achieve this goal, an area with 3577 meter square including 40 barchan dunes, were selected, and the barchan dunes were automatically extracted from these images using Geographic Information System (GIS) and spatial analysis techniques provided by image processing software. The result shows not only the dune shape but also direction of dunes movements, and distance separating dunes. The obtained direction is ranging from North east to South west. The average rate of movement of the extracted dunes between 2005 and 2013 was calculated and is estimated at 32m per year. Validation of these dunes movement of the Laâyoune city was confirmed by the field data and previous studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]