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Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 2 (PTPN2) gene have been documented to be linked with several autoimmune disorders including Behçet's disease (BD). PTPN2 SNPs rs2542151 and rs7234029 have been assessed using real-time PCR in 96 BD patients and 50 controls matched by age and gender. Patients were categorized into groups according to the disease phenotypes and severity. A total of 94.8% of patients were males. The patients' mean age at onset was 26.1 ± 8 years. The median (IQR) disease duration was 8.5(4–13) years. No difference was observed between the patients and controls concerning the frequency of the two SNPs' different genotypes, models, and alleles. Moreover, neither disease phenotypes nor severity were associated with rs2542151 or rs7234029 SNPs. PTPN2 rs2542151 and rs7234029 SNPs do not seem to have associations with BD occurrence, phenotypes, or severity in the Egyptian patients. Key Points • PTPN2 rs2542151 and rs7234029 SNPs do not seem to have associations with BD occurrence, phenotypes, or severity in the Egyptian patients. • Further studies involving a larger sample size with variable clinical diversity are recommended to verify the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of the Yamane technique (flanged intrascleral haptic fixation with double-needle technique /FIHFT) for three-piece intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in Egyptian patients diagnosed with Marfan syndrome (MFS) presented with subluxated lenses (ectopia lentis, EL). Methods: This was a retrospective evaluation of thirty-three patients who were diagnosed with MFS and had subluxated lenses in a total of forty eyes. Seven of these patients had bilateral subluxation. Lensectomy or phacoemulsification was performed with limited anterior vitrectomy, followed by IOL implantation using the FIHFT method. Data was collected from medical records, including preoperative and postoperative corrected distant visual acuity (CDVA) using logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (log MAR), preoperative and postoperative refractions, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and follow-up periods. Results: The mean age of patients in the study was 30.79 years, with a mean follow-up of 23.9 months. Post-surgery, the refractive sphere decreased significantly from -9.1 ± 1.4 diopter (D) to -1.4 ± 0.7 D, and cylinder measurements dropped from -4.5 ± 0.8 D to -1.4 ± 0.6 D. The spherical equivalent (SEQ) also declined from -11.4 ± 1.5 D to -2.1 ± 0.8 D. The CDVA improved from 0.80 ± 0.32 to 0.18 ± 0.10 log MAR (P < 0.001). No intraoperative complications were identified. Postoperative complications included IOL decentration (12.5%), vitreous hemorrhage (7.5%), IOL slippage (5%), IOL tilt (5%), and retinal detachment (RD) (5%). Further surgical procedures were necessary for only four cases (10%), all of which had positive outcomes. IOL tilting and slippage occurring at average ages of 18 and 19 years, respectively. No other complications, such as hypotony, elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), corneal edema, iritis, IOL dislocation, cystoid macular edema (CME) or endophthalmitis, were reported. Conclusions: The Yamane technique has proven effective and safe for treating subluxated lenses in Egyptian patients with Marfan Syndrome, resulting in improved visual acuity with minimal complications, mostly minor and manageable. Comprehensive fundus examinations before and after surgery are essential for promptly identifying retinal breaks and reducing the risk of retinal detachment. IOL tilting and slippage are more common in younger patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is a hallmark of atherosclerosis and a critical factor in the development and progression of coronary artery disease (CAD). This review aims to address the complex pathophysiological mechanisms underlying CAC and its relationship with CAD. We examine the cellular and molecular processes that drive the formation of calcified plaques, highlighting the roles of inflammation, lipid accumulation, and smooth muscle cell proliferation. Additionally, we explore the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the heterogeneity in CAC and CAD presentation among individuals. Understanding these intricate mechanisms is essential for developing targeted therapeutic strategies and improving diagnostic accuracy. By integrating current research findings, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the pathways linking CAC to CAD, offering insights into potential interventions to mitigate the burden of these interrelated conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adhesive formulations derived from sustainable feedstocks, like waste-activated sludge and biosolids from wastewater treatment plants, are developed due to protein-based adhesives receiving attention for their low-cost, resourcefulness, and minimal ecological footprint. The protein composition and associated dynamic changes of the adhesive formulations were studied via gel permeation chromatography, which detailed a molecular size distribution of 8.72 × 105 g/mol for the adhesive formulation and 6.89 × 103 g/mol for the dewatered biosolid base fraction, which confirms the formation of multiple protein functional groups combining to form the larger adhesive molecules. Further analysis determined the types of proteins present in the dewatered biosolids as glutelin, prolamin, globulin, and albumin proteins, with the glutelin proteins as the most prevalent, as thus likely responsible for adhesive formation. The rheological properties of the novel protein adhesive were also studied to interpret the structure of the adhesives, which detailed the findings of viscoelastic properties and flow behaviors of each adhesive in relation to the wastewater treatment plant sample location, which yielded higher flow points, storage moduli, and loss moduli for the dewatered biosolids in comparison to the waste-activated sludge and biosolid adhesives, which correlates with the higher solids content of the dewatered biosolids and potentially cell rupturing when exposed to filtration stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiovascular disease is primary cause of death globally, which is primarily caused by coronary artery disease. High resting heart rate is linked to increased cardiovascular and overall death rate, as well as in coronary artery disease and chronic heart failure patients. Decreasing heart rate became a key in the treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease. Our research aimed to evaluate the prophylactic effects of ivabradine on myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury in rats in comparison with bisoprolol. Methods: The study was done on 40 adult male albino rats (10 rats in each group) that were divided into Sham-operated group, control diseased Group, ivabradine-pretreated group and bisoprolol-pretreated group. Blood pressure, heart rate, T wave voltage, biochemical tests and infarct size were measured. Representative cardiac samples of each group were also used for histopathological examination using H&E stain as well as immunohistochemical stain with Bax. Results: Bisoprolol pretreatment reduced the serum level of creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB) compared to the control diseased group. Meanwhile, pretreatment with ivabradine produced more decrease in the serum level CK-MB compared to the control diseased group. Oral pretreatment with ivabradine decreased the percentage of the infarct size as compared to control diseased group. In the bisoprolol-pretreated group, the infarct size of the left ventricle was lower than that of control diseased but higher than the ivabradine-pretreated group. Conclusions: It can be concluded from the previous findings that ivabradine possesses protective effect against I/R injury in rats, as evidenced by significant decrease of each of the % of infarct size, T-wave voltage, CK-MB. Thus, ivabradine can be used if bisoprolol is contraindicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sodium nitrite is a frequently employed food ingredient; however, extended usage at elevated quantities might result in neurological diseases. Inorganic nitrate is regarded as a source of nitric oxide (NO) and nitrite. Sodium Nitrite is frequently used in several industrial processes including fertilizers and food additives. It can prevent food spoilage and act as antimicrobial agent. Nitrite has a significant impact on controlling intricate physiological and biochemical responses, such as reducing inflammation and preventing blood clotting, which are directly linked to the development and management of cerebrovascular illness. Humans can experience overexposure to nitrite salts through different ways. Excessive amounts of nitrite salts can have harmful effects on human and animal health on different systems including the central nervous system (CNS). Quercetin is a naturally occurring flavonoid with bioactive qualities that has recently garnered significant attention for its protective potential in many diseases. The neuroprotective properties of this substance have been proven by numerous in vitro investigations, as well as in vivo animal experiments and human trials. Multiple researches have documented the potential neuroprotective benefits of quercetin. Conclusions: A recent discovery has revealed the involvement of nitrite in the development of several CNS disorders including the cerebellum indicating its neurotoxicity. However, administration of Quercetin could attenuate these changes due to its neuroprotective effect against the induced oxidative stress and neuronal injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Health care workers lack knowledge about human Mpox, and most are not confident in their abilities to identify and manage cases. The study's objectives are to improve healthcare workers ' knowledge and attitudes regarding Mpox infections and to help them become confident in diagnosis and management. Methods: This study was carried out in two stages. The first phase involved a cross-sectional survey of 206 healthcare workers, utilizing the snowball sampling approach, to evaluate their knowledge and attitudes regarding Mpox using a self-administered questionnaire. The second phase was a pre-posttest study with stratified random sampling method to improve the participants' knowledge and attitude towards Mpox among health care workers. Results: In phase one, 7.3% of the 206 participants had good knowledge with a mean knowledge score of 14.2 ± 6.1, and 89.3% had a positive attitude. In phase two, there was significant improvement in the score of knowledge post intervention immediately [28.6 ± 1.7] and after one month [28.5 ± 1.4] compared with before (6.2 ± 8.3). The improvement in knowledge level was from 5.7% before to 100% after the intervention. The positive attitude frequency also increased from 42.9% to 100% [p < 0.001]. Conclusion: In conclusion the knowledge and attitude level towards human Mpox infection in our study were considered low. After giving the educational training program, the participants' knowledge and attitude towards Mpox among health care workers was improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: By the end of 2019, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was revealed in China and led to a widespread global outbreak and posed a serious threat to public health. The pathophysiology of COVID-19 is heavily reliant on cytokines either beneficial like type I interferon (IFN), or harmful like tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), considering the so-called cytokine storm. Aim of the study: to assess serum levels of TNF-α & IFN-α in COVID-19 patients and their correlations with disease severity. This might add a new aspect in COVID-19 treatment either cytokine and/or anti-cytokine therapy. Methodology: The current study was conducted on 60 patients diagnosed as COVID-19, divided into two groups ICU and non ICU (30 patients each) and 30 apparently healthy individuals. Serum levels of TNF-α and IFN-α were measured by ELISA. Results: There was a statistical significant difference between COVID-19 patients and control group as regards TNFα and INFα serum levels (P<0.001, P<0.001) respectively. Significant correlation between TNF-α, INF-α serum levels and patients outcome ( p =0.000, p =0.000) respectively. Conclusion: Serum level of TNF-α is significantly higher in COVID-19 patients compared to controls while serum level of INF α that is significantly higher in controls compared to COVID-19 patients. Their association with disease severity suggests that they can possibly serve as reliable biomarkers for monitoring disease activity and predicting severity and outcome in COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This post-hoc analysis of the SABINA III study evaluated the association of short-acting β2-agonist (SABA) prescriptions and self-reported over-the-counter (OTC) SABA purchase in the previous 12 months with asthma-related outcomes using multivariable regression models in 4556 patients (mean age, 48.9 years). Of the 2810 patients prescribed ≥3 SABA canisters, 776 (27.6%) also purchased ≥1 SABA OTC. This subset of 776 patients reported the highest disease burden; 73.2% had ≥1 severe exacerbation and 55.7% had uncontrolled asthma. Asthma-related outcomes worsened with any SABA OTC purchase, regardless of SABA prescriptions; disease burden was the highest in patients with ≥3 SABA prescriptions and ≥1 SABA OTC purchase vs 1–2 SABA prescriptions only (86% lower odds of having at least partly controlled asthma and 124% increased incidence of severe asthma (both P < 0.001). These findings emphasize the need to implement policy changes to restrict SABA purchase without prescriptions and ensure access to affordable asthma care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of the presented case report was to report a rare complication of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block (IANB) in a 5‐year‐and‐4‐month‐old child and to discuss the possible complications. Materials and Methods: Five years and four months old Egyptian male child presented in paediatric dentistry practice complaining of pain in the lower right primary molars that kept him awake all night. Examination revealed decayed lower right primary first and second molars and the treatment plan was designed to include a pulpectomy procedure for tooth 85 and a pulpotomy procedure for tooth 84. Administration of 1 mL of arctician 4% with 1:100,000 epinephrine anaesthetic solution using the inferior alveolar nerve block technique was done uneventfully. Then, the dental procedure was done as usual. The next morning, the child presented to the dental practice with a non‐painful change in colour in the lower part of the child's right cheek, with small scanty blisters. Results: The possible causes of such a complication and the proper management are discussed in this article with a confirmation of the superficial skin necrosis as the most possible cause. Conclusion: Although proper awareness of the anatomical structures of the orofacial region along with meticulous administration technique of local anaesthesia is mandatory for the everyday dental practice, the dentist may face possible, sometimes rare complications of local anaesthesia and he should be able to manage them probably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing fertility rates have become one of the factors that concern all people in the world. Therefore, the study aims to use two mutated strains of probiotics enriched with selenium (PSe40/60/1 and BSe50/20/1) to improve fertility. Thirty Swiss albino male mice were divided into three groups; control, LP + S was given Lactobacillus plantarum PSe40/60/1 plus selenium, and BL + S was given Bifidobacterium longum BSe50/20/1 plus selenium. Free testosterone, LH, and FSH were measured in serum by biochemical analysis. Testicular tissues were examined by histopathological analysis. The count and motility of sperm, and sperm abnormalities were determined by microscopic examination. The method of qRT-PCR was used to detect gene expression of Tspyl1, Hsd3b6, and Star genes. The biochemical results showed that serum content of free testosterone (FT) hormone had significantly increase in the BL + S and LP + S groups compared with control. Levels of LH and FSH hormones were the highest in the BL + S group. The treated groups showed all developmental stages of spermatogenesis, including spermatogenesis, spermatocytes, and seminiferous tubule spermatids, as well as intact Sertoli cells and Leydig cells without changes. When compared to the control group, sperm count and motility increased in the BL + S group, while sperm abnormalities decreased. The expression of Tspyl1 gene in testicular tissues decreased in the LP + S and BL + S groups, while the expression of Star and Hsd3b6 genes was higher in the BL + S group and lower in the LP + S group compared with the control group. Therefore, Bifidobacterium longum BSe50/20/1 enriched with selenium could be useful in enhancing male fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the moderating role of economic complexity in mitigating the negative impact of global economic and financial crises on a country's economic growth. Utilizing panel data from 133 countries spanning from 1998 to 2021, we employ a robust empirical methodology, considering economic growth as the dependent variable and the Economic Complexity Index (ECI) as the main moderating variable. Three dimensions of ECI, namely Trade, Technology, and Research, are meticulously analysed for their impact on economic resilience during crises. Our findings reveal a consistent negative effect of global crises on economic growth across all specifications. Significantly, economic complexity emerges as a positive moderator, implying that more complex and diversified economies experiencing less severe negative impacts. The nuanced interaction with the Human Development Index (HDI) emphasises the varying importance of economic complexity across different development levels. This study underscores the vital role of economic complexity in enhancing economic resilience during crises, offering policymakers valuable insights for fostering economic diversification, innovation, and adaptability in a dynamic global landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates with vancomycin MICs of 2 µg/ml have been associated with vancomycin therapeutic failure and the heterogenous vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (hVISA) phenotype. While carriage of van genes has usually been associated with higher level of MIC and frank vancomycin resistance, the unrecognized risk of hetero-resistance is frequently underestimated. Methods used for assessing vancomycin susceptibility have also shown different concordance and variable performance and accessibility in routine clinical diagnostics posing a challenge to inform treatment selection in hospital settings. Methods: A total of 195 clinical samples were obtained among which 100 S. aureus isolates were identified. Ninety-six MRSA isolates have been identified using cefoxitin disc and mecA gene detection. The vanA and vanB genes have been screened for in the studied isolates using conventional PCR amplification. Examination of reduced vancomycin susceptibility has been performed using vancomycin screen agar, Broth Micro Dilution method (BMD), and VITEK2. Blood isolates were screened for hVISA using PAP-AUC method. Results: Vancomycin screening agar applied to 96 MRSA isolates revealed 16 isolates with reduced vancomycin susceptibility. Further MIC testing revealed that 7 isolates were VISA and only 1 isolate was identified as VRSA using both BMD MIC method and VITEK2. Among 24 tested blood isolates, 4 isolates (16.7%) revealed the hVISA phenotype as identified using PAP-AUC method. Using PCR, vanA gene was identified in 5 S. aureus isolates (5%). Three of them were VSSA while the other two isolates were VISA. Conclusion: In this study, we report the very low prevalence of VRSA among the tested S. aureus clinical isolates (1%) and the existence of hVISA phenotype among studied S. aureus blood isolates at the rate of 16.7% in our setting. Fifty percent (8/16) of isolates that demonstrated reduced vancomycin susceptibility using vancomycin agar screen tested susceptible using both broth dilution method and VITEK2. These finding together with the concerning silent carriage of vanA gene among VSSA and VISA (5%) may underly hidden and uninvestigated factors contributing to vancomycin treatment failure that warrant cautious vancomycin prescription. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates with vancomycin MICs of 2 µg/ml have been associated with vancomycin therapeutic failure and the heterogenous vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (hVISA) phenotype. While carriage of van genes has usually been associated with higher level of MIC and frank vancomycin resistance, the unrecognized risk of hetero-resistance is frequently underestimated. Methods used for assessing vancomycin susceptibility have also shown different concordance and variable performance and accessibility in routine clinical diagnostics posing a challenge to inform treatment selection in hospital settings. Methods: A total of 195 clinical samples were obtained among which 100 S. aureus isolates were identified. Ninety-six MRSA isolates have been identified using cefoxitin disc and mecA gene detection. The vanA and vanB genes have been screened for in the studied isolates using conventional PCR amplification. Examination of reduced vancomycin susceptibility has been performed using vancomycin screen agar, Broth Micro Dilution method (BMD), and VITEK2. Blood isolates were screened for hVISA using PAP-AUC method. Results: Vancomycin screening agar applied to 96 MRSA isolates revealed 16 isolates with reduced vancomycin susceptibility. Further MIC testing revealed that 7 isolates were VISA and only 1 isolate was identified as VRSA using both BMD MIC method and VITEK2. Among 24 tested blood isolates, 4 isolates (16.7%) revealed the hVISA phenotype as identified using PAP-AUC method. Using PCR, vanA gene was identified in 5 S. aureus isolates (5%). Three of them were VSSA while the other two isolates were VISA. Conclusion: In this study, we report the very low prevalence of VRSA among the tested S. aureus clinical isolates (1%) and the existence of hVISA phenotype among studied S. aureus blood isolates at the rate of 16.7% in our setting. Fifty percent (8/16) of isolates that demonstrated reduced vancomycin susceptibility using vancomycin agar screen tested susceptible using both broth dilution method and VITEK2. These finding together with the concerning silent carriage of vanA gene among VSSA and VISA (5%) may underly hidden and uninvestigated factors contributing to vancomycin treatment failure that warrant cautious vancomycin prescription. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, nano-manufactured materials have been used to treat many diseases, such as healing wounds and other modern biological applications. This study investigates the positive effect of Punica granatum seeds extract on kidney and testicular toxicities induced by iron oxide nanoparticles. Forty mice were randomly divided into four groups; the 1st group was the control group. The 2nd group was dosed daily with PSE at 100 g per kg. The 3rd group was dosed with 10 doses of iron oxide nanoparticles at 30 mg/kg b.wt of a mouse per day, 10 times only, then this toxic substance was withdrawn for the rest of the experimental period (30 days). The 4th group was dosed with the same doses as the second and third groups. In this research, we focused on the possibility of using the positive curative effects of PSE, which were estimated at the level of blood chemistry biomarkers, as well as histological and histochemical examinations for the kidney and testis after exposure of mice to iron oxide nanoparticles. These aim to clarify the effect of iron oxide nanoparticles on kidney and testicular morphology and their functions, as well as the potential ameliorative effects of PSE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Manually bent, standard-of-care, Ti–6Al–4V, mandibular graft fixation devices are associated with a significant post-operative failure rate. These failures require the patient to endure stressful and expensive re-operation. The approach recommended in this report demonstrates the optimization of graft fixation device mechanical properties via "stiffness-matching" by varying the fixation device's location, shape, and material composition through simulation of the device's post-operative performance. This provides information during pre-operative planning that may avoid future device failure. Optimized performance may combine translation of all loading into compression of the bone graft with the adjacent bone segments and elimination or minimization of post-healing interruption of normal stress–strain (loading) trajectories. Results: This study reports a sheep mandibular graft model where four animals received virtually optimized, experimental nickel–titanium (NiTi) fixation plates fabricated using laser beam powder bed fusion (LPBF) additive manufacturing (AM). The last animal, our control, received a standard-of-care, manually bent, Ti–6Al–4V (aka Ti64) fixation plate. A 17.5-mm mandibular graft healed completely in all four animals receiving the experimental device. Experimental NiTi-implanted sheep experienced mandibular bone healing and restoration. The Ti64 plate, in the control animal, fractured and dislocated shortly after being implanted. Conclusion: The use of stiffness-matched implants, by means of plate material (NiTi) and geometry (porosity) enhanced bone healing and promoted better load transfer to the healed bone when compared to the bulk Ti64 found in the fixation plate that the Control animal received. The design technique and screw orientation and depth planning improved throughout the study leading to more rapid healing. The large animal model reported here provides data useful for a follow-on clinical trial. Highlights: Novel stiffness-matching approach to skeletal fixation ensuring compression of bone fragments. Standard-of-Care Ti–6Al–4V device shown to fail quickly in this and another recent study. Less stiff NiTi material and designed porosity facilitate stiffness modulation. Stiffness-matched mandibular graft fixation hardware demonstrates full healing in this sheep model. Personalized fixation location, shape, and material show potential to improve patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study was designed to examine the nurse managers' boundary-spacing leadership's impact on the relationship between nurses' work embeddedness and innovative work behaviors. Background: In today's evolving healthcare environment, innovation is essential for enhancing patient care, optimizing resources, and supporting healthcare professionals. Nurses are pivotal in driving bedside innovation, but cultivating a culture of innovation within nursing teams involves more than just promoting creative ideas. Methods: This is a descriptive correlational study that was conducted at one governmental hospital in Tanta, Egypt. Using Nurse Managers Boundary-Spacing Scale for assessing boundary-spacing leadership, The Global Job Embeddedness Scale for measuring work embeddedness, and Innovative Work Behavior Scale for assessing innovative work behavior, 250 nurses were surveyed. Data analysis was run using descriptive and inferential analysis. Correlation and regression analysis were used to examine the study hypotheses. Results: There is a statistically significant positive relationship between boundary-spacing leadership and work embeddedness (r = 0.615, p < 0.001). Boundary-spacing leadership accounted for 56% of the variance in work embeddedness and 36% of the variance in nurses' innovative work performance. These results highlight the pivotal role of boundary-spacing leadership in both enhancing nurses' work embeddedness and boosting their innovative behaviors. The substantial variance explained by boundary-spacing leadership underscores its critical influence on fostering a supportive and innovative work environment within the nursing field. Conclusion: Boundary spacing leadership style involves connecting internal and external resources, fostering information exchange, and advocating for the nursing team. While work embeddedness positively correlated with innovative work performance, its impact was less significant than boundary-spacing leadership. This suggests that feeling attached to the organization fosters innovation, but leadership style has a stronger influence. Furthermore, the study found a positive and significant correlation between innovative work performance and both work embeddedness and nurse managers' boundary spacing leadership. Practical Implications: The findings emphasize that boundary-spacing leadership is crucial for enhancing both nurses' work embeddedness and innovative behaviors. Healthcare organizations should focus on developing these leadership skills to create a supportive work environment, foster innovation, and improve staff retention [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery aims to target specific cells, addressing the challenge that many drugs lack the necessary properties to reach their intended targets effectively. Lipid-based nanocarriers considered as a promising drug delivery due to their biocompatibility and ability to encapsulate various drugs. Surface modifications, including the attachment of polyethylene glycol for stability and the conjugation of targeting ligands (e.g., antibodies, peptides) for specific delivery, play a crucial role in enhancing the interaction of these nanocarriers with biological environments. These modifications improve cellular uptake and targeted delivery, thereby increasing therapeutic efficacy and reducing side effects. This review will explore various surface modification techniques and their impact on the performance of lipid nanocarriers in drug delivery. Main body: Lipid-based nanodelivery platforms have garnered significant interest due to their notable characteristics, including their ability to accommodate high drug loads, reduced toxicity, improved bioavailability, and compatibility with biological systems, stability within the gastrointestinal environment, controlled release capabilities, streamlined scaling up processes, and simplified validation procedures. Targeted lipid-based nanocarriers represent a significant advancement over non-targeted counterparts in cancer therapy. Unlike non-targeted systems, which distribute drugs indiscriminately throughout the body, targeted lipid-based nanocarriers can be engineered with ligands or antibodies to specifically recognize and bind to tumor-associated markers, enabling precise drug delivery to cancer cells. This targeted approach enhances therapeutic efficacy while minimizing adverse effects on healthy tissues, thereby offering a promising strategy for improving the outcomes of cancer treatment. Conclusion: The authors in this review provide an overview of preclinical research on diverse lipid-based nanocarriers, such as liposomes, solid lipid nanocarriers, and lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles. The customization of these carriers using various surface modifiers is discussed, including folic Acid, peptides, polysaccharides, transferrin, and antibodies. Surface-modified nanocarriers offer regulated discharge, improved penetration capability, and precise drug conveyance. This work compiles recent instances of emerging surface-modified lipid-based nanocarrier systems and their applications, sourced from existing literature. Novel approaches to surface engineering of these nanocarriers, aimed at enhancing their specificity and efficacy in targeted drug delivery, were discussed. Key advancements in this field, such as improved targeting mechanisms and significant therapeutic outcomes demonstrated in preclinical studies, were highlighted. Additionally, critical gaps that require attention include long-term stability, biocompatibility, scalable production methods, regulatory challenges, and the necessary steps to transition from bench to bedside. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between apical sparing of longitudinal strain (LS), as measured by speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE), and the histological presence of myocardial fibrosis (MF), in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). Methods: Twenty-seven HOCM patients who underwent elective Morrow procedures +/− aortic valve replacement (AVR) were included. All patients had standard echocardiography, with STE pre- and post-operatively. Intraoperative probes of the interventricular septum were sent for histological analysis. Correlation of different regional LS patterns with the histological findings of MF and with clinical outcome were analyzed. In addition, a logistic regression and ROC analysis were performed. Results: All patients underwent the Morrow procedure for HOCM, with 33.3% also undergoing AVR. A total of 74.1% showed evidence of MF in the histological analysis. Patients with MF had significantly lower GLS than patients without MF (−12.7 ± 2.7% vs. −23.0 ± 5.7%, p < 0.001). The LS in patients with MF was significantly lower at the basal regions of the LV segments and increased significantly towards the apex as compared to the patients without MF (mean basal-strain %: −10.6 ± 2.6 vs. −17.3 ± 4.6, p < 0.001; mean apical strain %: −21.8 ± 4.8 vs. −16.7 ± 5.6, p = 0.032). In the logistic regression, only the GLS remained as an independent predictor of MF with an Odds ratio of 1.07 (95%-CI: 1.05–1.09, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our study highlights the significant correlation between GLS and MF in HOCM patients. These findings contribute to the growing understanding of MF in HOCM and may inform future approaches to patient management and risk stratification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Secondary metabolites of several plants, including esculin and digitoxin, which are cardiac glycosides, were previously employed for their therapeutic effects. The current study aims to investigate the functions of the main Na+ /K+ transport inhibitor digitoxin and the antioxidant esculin for enhancing flax plant growth and production under salinity. Methodology: Flax plants were irrigated with distilled water supplemented with 0.0 and 5000 mg/L salt solution starting from 15 DAS from sowing. Then exogenous treatment with digitoxin and esculin with 50 mg L− 1 and 100 mg L− 1 were used for this work. Results: According to the results of this work, foliar spraying of esculin or digitoxin increased the salinity tolerance of flax plants.The foliar application of either esculin or digitoxin induced an elevation in the contents of photosynthetic pigments, osmolytes including soluble sugar and proline as well as the total phenols in salt-stressed flax plants. Moreover, esculin and digitoxin in particular counteract oxidative stress by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, and tyrosine ammonia lyase, leading to a decrease in reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation levels and electrolyte leakage. The efficiency of esculin and digitoxin to sustain ion homeostasis by inhibiting Na+ absorption and increasing potassium, calcium, and phosphorus in flax plants may be the reason for their protective actions towards salinity.As a consequence, esculin and digitoxin increased yield quantity and quality as shown by increases in all investigated yield criteriaas shoot height, root length, their fresh and dry weights as well asseed yield/plant (g), and 1000 seeds weight, especially those that improved the desired oil properties. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study concluded that digitoxin was more effective in inhibiting Na+ build-up and increasing flax salinity tolerance, particularly at the high investigated dose as compared to esculin. In this study, we reported the recent findings of exogenousapplication of either digitoxin or esculin glycosides which are new investigated salt alleviators never used before for improving the salt tolerance in flax plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The severe climate changes due to global warming pushed the world to strive to reduce carbon emissions. And transitioning to renewable energy sources is essential for achieving sustainability and combating climate change. This study aims to minimize the carbon emissions for a proposed smart energy hub. This paper prioritizes the minimization of carbon emissions, considering the minimization of operational running costs, and the maximization of profit. In this paper, two optimization scenarios were studied to compare the results. In the first scenario, the minimization of carbon emissions was achieved. In the second scenario, the minimization of running costs and the maximization of profit from the hub assets were studied. The proposed model was designed in MATLAB. Then, the results were verified by CPLEX and validated by RTDS. The multi-objective model was presented to obtain the optimal operation. The mitigation of data uncertainty was achieved by applying the Kalman filter. In this work, a novel method was proposed for the estimation of the quarter-hour resolution data from the hourly ones via the Kalman filter rather than by applying the classic polynomial interpolation methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study aimed to compare the changes in the left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) geometry and performance after the implantation of HeartMate II (HMII) and HeartMate 3 (HM3). In addition, we investigated whether the echocardiographic parameters LV sphericity index (LVSI) and the novel pressure‐dimension index (PDI) can predict post‐operative right ventricular failure (RVF). Methods and results: Between 2012 and 2020, 46 patients [HMII (n = 22) and HM3 (n = 24)] met the study's criteria and had echocardiography tests pre‐operatively, 6 and 12 months post‐operatively. The LVSI and PDI were calculated together with the standard LV and RV echocardiographic parameters. The mean follow‐up was 24 ± 7 months. In both groups, the LV end‐diastolic diameter (LVEDD) significantly decreased 12 months post‐operatively compared with the pre‐operative values (HMII: 6.4 ± 1.4 cm vs. 5.7 ± 0.9 cm, P = 0.040; HM3: 6.7 ± 1.3 cm vs. 5.5 ± 0.9 cm, P < 0.01, respectively). RV function 12 months post‐operatively was better in the HM3 group than in the HMII group, as indicated by a significantly higher RV fractional area change (RVFAC) in the HM3 group than in the HMII group 12 months post‐operatively (35 ± 12% vs. 26 ± 16%, P = 0.039), significantly higher tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) in the HM3 group 12 months post‐operatively compared with the HMII group (13.9 ± 1.9 mm vs. 12.0 ± 2.1 mm, P = 0.002), and the tissue Doppler estimated tricuspid annular systolic velocity (TASV) was also significantly higher in the HM3 group 12 months post‐operatively compared with the HMII group (11.5 ± 2.7 mm/s vs. 9.9 ± 1.5 mm/s, P = 0.020). The LVSI value was significantly higher 12 months post‐operatively in the HMII group than in the HM3 group (1.2 ± 0.4 vs. 0.8 ± 0.2, P = 0.001, respectively), indicating worse geometric changes. The PDI decreased 12 months post‐operatively in the HM3‐group compared with the baseline (3.4 ± 1.4 mmHg/cm2 vs. 2.0 ± 0.8 mmHg/cm2, P < 0.001). In the univariate and multivariate analyses, only the pre‐operative PDI was a predictor of post‐operative RVF [odds ratio: 3.84 (95% CI: 1.53–18.16, P = 0.022)]. The area under the curve for pre‐operative PDI was 0.912. The 2 year survival was significantly better in the HM3 group (log‐rank, P = 0.042). Conclusions: The design of HM3 offered better geometrical preservation of the LV and enabled normal PDI values, leading to improved RV function, as indicated by better RVFAC, TAPSE, and TASV values. The use of pre‐operative PDI as an additional tool for established risk scores might offer a better pre‐operative predictor of RVF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current trial was designed to evaluate the positive impacts of different feed additives singly or in combination on the growth performance, nutritional parameters, intestinal histology, and gene expression of some growth and fat metabolism-related genes in the liver tissue of Nile tilapia. The experimented fish were allocated into eight groups in a glass aquarium (10 fish/aquarium in triplicate) with Pediococcus acidilactici, nanozeolites, and/or medium-chain fatty acid additives. The studied treatments were control (T0), nanozeolite (T1), Pediococcus (T2), medium-chain fatty acid (T3), nanozeolite + Pediococcus (T4), nanozeolite + medium-chain fatty acid (T5), Pediococcus + medium-chain fatty acid (T6), and nanozeolite + Pediococcus + medium-chain fatty acid (T7). The results of the growth and nutritional parameters (i.e., final body weight, total weight gain, feed intake, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, and protein efficiency ratio) of tilapia-fed diets supplemented with Pediococcus, nanozeolites, and medium-chain fatty acids improved, but the combination of these additives was significantly more effective. Moreover, expression of growth hormone receptor 1 gene was upregulated (P ≤ 0.05) in T7 fish when compared with T0, other groups showing intermediate values. Expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 was upregulated (P ≤ 0.05) in T5, T6, and T7 fish when compared with the other groups. The expression of the fatty acid-binding protein was higher in T6 and T7 fish (P ≤ 0.05) when compared with T0, T1, and T3 fish. In conclusion, combined additives had significant effects on improving growth and regulating growth-related genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study exploited cheese whey supernatant (CWS) as a renewable resource for polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) formation. Structure identification and investigating the influence of lipid membranes' chemistry on PHA structuration were detailed. Approximately 66 bacterial isolates from dairy products companies in Egypt were screened for PHA production, and the bacterial isolate AZU‐A5, identified as Bacillus licheniformis strain AZU‐A5, showed the highest production PHA 0.93 g L−1) using whey lactose. The highest PHA rate in the individual design was 1.59 g L−1 with a recovery yield of 33.08% (w w−1), while the production rate in the statistical design reached 1.75 g L−1 PHA and 51.60% PHA content. Structurally, the PHA was identified as polyhydroxy‐3R‐butyrate (R‐PH3B). The fibrous texture by SEM highlighted the self‐assembly of PHB. The CD analysis of the PHA films suggested favorable hydrophobic interactions between lipids and PHB. Higher lipid contents not only caused a decrement in the CD signal of PHB but also bathochromic effects occurred. The chain length of lipids exerted high impacts on interactions (CD) and structuration of PHB (Δλ). The unsaturation showed little influence on CD and negligible effect on Δλ, while the head group exerted no effect on CD with a considerable impact on Δλ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The stability of soft tissue volume around dental implants is an important factor for the final esthetic outcome. The main objective of this study was to compare volume stable collagen matrix (VCMX) versus connective tissue graft (CTG) in the augmentation of soft tissue profiles in single implant sites with a class I Siebert ridge defect. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients (14 females and 6 males) were enrolled in the present study. After implant placement and augmentation of the buccal defect by VCMX or CTG, post‐operative evaluation of the volumetric changes at the augmented implant site was carried out at 3, 6, and 9 months as primary outcome, clinical and radiographic soft tissue thickness were carried out at baseline and 9‐month intervals, visual analog scale (VAS) and oral health impact profile‐14 (OHIP14) were recorded 2 weeks after the surgery. Results: A statistically significant difference in soft tissue volume was found between baseline and 3, 6, and 9 months postoperatively in both groups with the highest value at 9 months (136.33 ± 86.80) (mm3) in VCMX and (186.38 ± 57.52) (mm3) in CTG. Soft tissue thickness was significantly increased in both groups at 9 months in comparison to baseline. However, there was a significantly higher increase in soft tissue thickness at 9 months in CTG (3.87 ± 0.91) than in VCMX (2.94 ± 0.31). Regarding the radiographic soft tissue thickness, there was a statistically significant increase in both groups at 9 months in comparison to baseline. However, there was a statistically higher increase in the radiographic soft tissue thickness at 9 months in CTG (3.08 ± 0.97) than in VCMX (2.37 ± 0.29). VAS showed a statistically lower value in VCMX (0.4 ± 0.7) than CTG (2.8 ± 1.48). The OHIP recorded lower values in the VCMX group than the CTG group with no statistical significance. In addition, there was no difference in the PES between the two groups. Conclusion: The present study showed that CTG and VCMX were both effective in soft tissue augmentation around implants in the esthetic zone. However, CTG proved more efficient in increasing peri‐implant soft tissue volume and mucosal thickness around single implants at a 9‐month follow‐up period. VCMX was associated with less pain or discomfort and reduced patient morbidity, as reflected by the significantly reduced VAS value in the VCMX group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Luteolin is an essential natural polyphenol found in a variety of plants. Numerous studies have supported its protective role in neurodegenerative diseases, yet the research for its therapeutic utility in D-galactose (D-gal)-induced brain ageing is still lacking. In this study, the potential neuroprotective impact of luteolin against D-gal-induced brain ageing was explored. Forty rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, luteolin, D-gal, and luteolin-administered D-gal groups. All groups were subjected to behavioural, cholinergic function, and hippocampal mitochondrial respiration assessments. Hippocampal oxidative, neuro-inflammatory, senescence and apoptotic indicators were detected. Gene expressions of SIRT1, BDNF, and RAGE were assessed. Hippocampal histopathological studies, along with GFAP and Ki67 immunoreactivity, were performed. Our results demonstrated that luteolin effectively alleviated D-gal-induced cognitive impairment and reversed cholinergic abnormalities. Furthermore, luteolin administration substantially mitigated hippocampus oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuro-inflammation, and senescence triggered by D-gal. Additionally, luteolin treatment considerably attenuated neuronal apoptosis and upregulated hippocampal SIRT1 mRNA expression. In conclusion, our findings revealed that luteolin administration attenuated D-gal-evoked brain senescence, improving mitochondrial function and enhancing hippocampal neuroregeneration in an ageing rat model through its antioxidant, senolytic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic impacts, possibly due to upregulation of SIRT1. Luteolin could be a promising therapeutic modality for brain aging-associated abnormalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under which conditions can combative labor in the Global South negotiate state and society relations and constrain the encroachment of their respective militaries on politics? This article argues that the domestic and international legitimacy these militaries enjoy during the transition away from authoritarianism is a key factor shaping labor movements' organizational and mobilizational capacity, labor alliances with other social classes, and labor's capacity to negotiate democratic citizenship. The argument is investigated by examining Egypt and Brazil, where labor strikes delegitimized authoritarian capitalism and inspired the rise of independent and anti-corporatist unions and federations. In Brazil, the military lost its legitimacy domestically and internationally, providing opportunities for labor's democratizing role. Conversely, the Egyptian military held power locally and internationally, thwarting prospects for independent unions to maintain their autonomy from the military and to forge alliances. The research combines historical and archival research with qualitative methods, including interviewing and fieldwork in Egypt and Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), short non-coding RNAs, have been implicated in cancer-related processes such as tumor development, metastasis, angiogenesis, and drug resistance. Circulating miRNA-373 demonstrates higher relative exosomal serum levels in breast cancer patients compared to healthy women, making it a potential non-invasive biomarker. Separately, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is crucial for angiogenesis, and is elevated in breast cancer. In this case–control study, we aimed to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of miRNA-373 and VEGF as biomarkers for early-stage breast cancer detection. Serum samples were collected from 120 participants, comprising 30 breast cancer patients, 30 benign breast tumor patients, and 60 healthy controls, over the period of April 2022 to January 2023. MiRNA-373 expression was analyzed by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR with GAPDH normalisation, while VEGF levels in serum samples were measured by ELISA. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of both biomarkers. MiRNA-373 expression (∆Ct) differed significantly between the three groups (breast cancer: − 12.20 ± 1.11; benign tumors: − 12.79 ± 1.09; controls: − 13.64 ± 0.93). ROC analysis revealed moderate discriminative power for miRNA-373 (specificity = 76.7%; sensitivity = 70.0%; AUC = 0.839) and excellent discriminative power for VEGF (specificity = 85.0%; sensitivity = 90.0%; AUC = 0.944) in distinguishing early-stage breast cancer patients from healthy controls. In summary, this study demonstrates the promising potential of miRNA-373 as an early diagnostic biomarker for breast cancer detection, requiring further validation in larger cohorts. Our findings also reinforce the diagnostic value of circulating VEGF levels for breast cancer screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complex relationship between probiotics and human health goes beyond their traditional function in gut health, generating considerable interest for their broad potential in disease treatment. This review explores the various functions of probiotics, highlighting their impact on the immune system, their benefits for gut and oral health, their effects on metabolic and neurological disorders, and their emerging potential in cancer therapy. We give significant importance to studying the effects of probiotics on the gut-brain axis, revealing new and non-invasive therapeutic approaches for complex neurological disorders. In addition, we expand the discussion to encompass the impact of probiotics on the gut-liver and gut-lung axes, recognizing their systemic effects and potential in treating respiratory and hepatic conditions. The use of probiotic "cocktails" to improve cancer immunotherapy outcomes indicates a revolutionary approach to oncological treatments. The review explores the specific benefits associated with various strains and the genetic mechanisms that underlie them. This study sets the stage for precision medicine, where probiotic treatments can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient. Recent developments in delivery technologies, including microencapsulation and nanotechnology, hold great potential for enhancing the effectiveness and accuracy of probiotic applications in therapeutic settings. This study provides a strong basis for future scientific research and clinical use, promoting the incorporation of probiotics into treatment plans for a wide range of diseases. This expands our understanding of the potential benefits of probiotics in modern medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While chitosan is widely used in aquaculture feed, chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) offer potential advantages due to their enhanced absorption. This study investigated the safe use of CNP levels in Nile tilapia feed, evaluating its impact on growth, immunity, and disease resistance. Five experimental diets were formulated and supplemented with zero chitosan (served as a control group), 1g/kg of chitosan (CS), and 1, 3, and 5 g/kg of CNPs. Each diet was randomly assigned to three replicate groups of 45 fish per group (15 fish/tank) with an average weight of (42.10 ± 0.05g, mean ± S.E.) twice daily (09:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.) to apparent satiation for two months. At the end of the feeding trial, fish fed 5 g/ kg of CNPs had the highest growth performance. However, no significant variations (p > 0.05) in somatic index were seen between the experimental groups. All chitosan and CNP-enriched groups exhibited improved intestinal morphology compared to the control group, characterized by increased villus length and width, reduced necrosis of intestinal tips, and better overall tissue integrity, with the CNP 3g and 5g groups demonstrating the most favorable intestinal structure. The CNP-treated groups (3, 5 g/kg) had significantly higher blood indices and serum globulin. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were lower in the CNP-treated groups compared to the chitosan macromolecule group. There was a substantial rise in glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), phagocytic index, and respiratory burst activity in the 5 g/kg CNP-treated group. The dietary addition of 5 g/kg of CNPs raised mRNA expression for TLR-2, MUC-2, and IGF-1, but there was no significant difference in HSP70 expression across treatments. After the experimental challenge with Aeromonas veronii biovar sobria, the groups that received 3 and 5 g/kg of CNPs exhibited the lowest mortality rates. Overall, the results suggest that including 5g/kg of CNPs in fish food is safe and effective for enhancing their health and growth, making it a promising addition to aquaculture feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Respiration is a crucial determinant of autonomic balance and heart rate variability (HRV). The comparative effect of spontaneous versus paced breathing on HRV has been almost exclusively explored in healthy adults and never been investigated in an injured military cohort. Objective: To examine the effect of spontaneous versus paced breathing on HRV in veterans with combat‐related traumatic injury (CRTI). Design: Observational cohort study. Setting: ArmeD serVices trAuma rehabilitatioN outComE (ADVANCE) study, Stanford Hall, UK. Participants: The sample consisted of 100 randomly selected participants who sustained CRTI (eg, amputation) during their deployment (Afghanistan 2003–2014) and were recruited into the ongoing ADVANCE prospective cohort study. Intervention: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measure: HRV was recorded using a single‐lead ECG. HRV data were acquired during a sequential protocol of 5‐minute spontaneous breathing followed immediately by 5 minutes of paced breathing (six cycles/minute) among fully rested and supine participants. HRV was reported using time domain (root mean square of successive differences), frequency domain (low frequency and high frequency) and nonlinear (sample entropy) measures. The agreement between HRV during spontaneous versus paced breathing was examined using the Bland–Altman analysis. Results: The mean age of participants was 36.5 ± 4.6 years. Resting respiratory rate was significantly higher with spontaneous versus paced breathing (13.4 ± 3.4 vs. 7.6 ± 2.0 breaths/minute; p <.001), respectively. Resting mean heart rate and root mean square of successive differences were significantly higher with paced breathing than spontaneous breathing (p <.001). Paced breathing significantly increased median low frequency power than spontaneous breathing (p <.001). No significant difference was found in the absolute power of high frequency between the two breathing protocols. The Bland–Altman analysis revealed poor agreement between HRV values during spontaneous and paced breathing conditions with wide limits of agreement. Conclusion: Slow‐paced breathing leads to higher HRV than spontaneous breathing and could overestimate resting "natural‐state" HRV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cat scratch disease rarely presents as a breast or axillary mass mimicking carcinoma both clinically and radiologically. Diagnosing breast/axillary cat scratch disease is challenging due to its rarity and nonspecific findings. Here, we reported 2 patients with breast cat scratch disease and reviewed 14 patients with cat scratch disease involving breast/axilla from the past 30 years. It mainly affects women (median age: 48), consistently presenting as axillary lymphadenopathy, and demonstrates ipsilateral breast mass in half of patients (50%, 8/16). The breast mass was most commonly located in the upper outer quadrant (88%, 7/8), indicating the possibility of disease extension from axillary adenopathy. Around half of patients (56%, 9/16) reported cat exposure. Histologically, most patients (93%, 14/15) presented as necrotizing granulomas, with characteristic stellate-shaped necrosis in 5 patients. Although pathologic differential diagnoses between cat scratch disease and cancer are straightforward, distinguishing cat scratch disease from other granulomatous mastitis poses diagnostic challenges. Silver stains should be included in the diagnostic workup panel when highly suspecting cat scratch disease clinically. However, they were only able to highlight the causative microorganism in 54% (7/18) patients, and the gram stain was negative in all 12 tested patients. In contrast, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the causative microorganism was consistently positive in all 3 tested patients, while serologic test confirmed diagnosis in 85% (11/13) patients; 1 patient with negative serology showed a positive PCR result. Therefore, upfront PCR tests with or without serologic study should be considered to confirm the diagnosis of cat scratch disease in a timely manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study focuses on synthesizing wollastonite using bypass and silica fume waste materials as starting materials. The novelty of this work is the utilization of temperature-induced forming technique for the synthesis of wollastonite. Bypass and silica fume are mixed with various CaO/SiO2 ratios and then cast and fired at temperatures ranging from 900 to 1200 °C. Rheological properties and zeta potential are characterized for the slurries to optimize the dispersant percentage. The fired samples' phase composition, structure properties, apparent porosity, linear shrinkage, and compressive strength are characterized. Results show that the sample with a CaO: SiO2 ratio of 1:1.45 is the optimum composition for forming mainly pure β-wollastonite at 1100 °C, which changed into pseudo-wollastonite at about 1150 °C. The best physical and mechanical properties are obtained at 1170 °C, including apparent porosity of 8%, bulk density of 2.2 g/cm3, linear shrinkage of 13%, and compressive strength of 40 MPa, which widens its ceramic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymers with ammonium or phosphonium salts have been known to possess antimicrobial activity. Herein, synthesis of poly(vinylbenzyl chloride‐co‐acrylonitrile) (P(VBC‐co‐AN)) is reported via a free radical polymerization by employing AIBN as initiator. The copolymer was then quaternized using triethylamine, triphenylphosphine, and tributylphosphine. The triphenylphosphonium salt was selected for further modification, on which the polyacrylonitrile chains were reacted with two different amines: tris (2‐aminoethylamine) and diethylenetriamine. The copolymerization, quaternization, and amination reactions were confirmed by spectroscopic and morphologic analysis besides the thermal features. The water uptake of modified polymers was investigated, where tributylphosphonium salt (KH4) showed the highest water uptake capacity (41 g/g). The antimicrobial assay findings demonstrated that all the evaluated copolymers displayed a wide range of antimicrobial activity against different multidrug resistant human pathogens, for example polymer coded KH4 containing tributylphosphonium salt showed the highest growth inhibition rates against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis populations, recorded 87% and 72%; respectively. The anti‐inflammatory activity revealed that all the quaternized copolymers have a protection effect of human erythrocyte membrane against lysis. Antioxidant results revealed that all quaternized copolymers displayed 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl hydrazyl scavenging activities. Among the studied copolymers, aminated copolymer coded (KH6) exhibited the highest scavenging activity, with IC50 ~ 120 μg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep learning neural networks exhibit remarkable efficiency in numerous tasks within machine learning applications across various disciplines, including reservoir engineering. Traditional pressure transient analysis (PTA) methodologies, however, are challenged by limitations such as human error in accurately estimating critical reservoir parameters like permeability and wellbore damage (skin). In this study, we evaluate the efficiency and accuracy of various machine learning models in pressure transient analysis (PTA) tasks. Our investigation initially focused on integrating Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks to enhance the precision in estimating reservoir parameters and identifying reservoir models. However, through comprehensive testing and validation using simulated well-test data and out-of-distribution samples, we discovered that tree-based models, specifically XGBoost and Random Forest, exhibit superior performance, particularly in generalization tasks. These models outperform CNN-LSTM and 1D-CNN models, demonstrating enhanced robustness and accuracy in handling diverse and unseen data, thereby addressing traditional challenges in pressure transient analysis more effectively. Moreover, Savitzky–Golay Filters were used to handle the noise problems of data, and this method proved effective for data with noise levels up to a standard deviation of 2. Compared with other models, the XGBoost model has a better performance in reservoir model identification with an out-of-distribution accuracy of 92%. On the other hand, Random Forest showed a remarkable result in the task of reservoir parameter estimation, especially for the permeability and skin with out-of-distribution R 2 of 98% and 97%, respectively. The findings of this study can help for a better understanding of the different deep learning models and their applications in pressure transient analysis. Specifically, the superior performance of the tree-based models in overcoming traditional pressure transient analysis challenges demonstrates their potential to enhance reservoir characterization predictions. Employing these advanced machine learning techniques can significantly reduce human error, increase the accuracy of parameter estimation, and improve the analysis process, thereby aiding strategic decision-making in reservoir managementArticle Highlights: Introduces tree-based models for efficient well-test analysis. Shows XGBoost’s enhanced accuracy in model identification. Emphasizes machine learning’s role in speeding up analysis and minimizing errors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Scene Graph is a modern structured representation of an image scene that explicitly describes the scene as a set of objects, attributes, and links between the objects (relationships). With the great advancements in the computer vision field, researchers dedicated their efforts towards more complex reasoning and a high level of understanding of visual scenes. Tasks like Visual Question Answering, image generation, and cross-modal retrieval are examples of Complex vision tasks that require a high level of visual scene understanding. Scene Graph is an effective data structure that highlights complex visual relationships presented in a scene. In this work, we provide a comparative analysis of Scene Graph Generation (SGG) backbone models. The contributed work aims to compare the Convolution Neural Networks (CNN) backbones and the vision transformer-based backbones using the RelTR model. The conducted analysis proved that both SwiftFormer L3 and MiT-B2 transformer backbones increased the model performance over the ResNet50 CNN backbone by 2.1 % and 2.5% Recall@50 respectively when experimented on the same Visual Genome 50 test split. The Visual Genome 50 is a tailored version of The Visual Genome dataset. It contains only the 50 most common relationships and the most frequent 150 object classes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Heart rate variability (HRV) is a marker of autonomic function. However, the reliability of short‐term HRV measurement in individuals with combat‐related traumatic injury (CRTI) remains undetermined. Methods: An intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability study was conducted using a subsample (n = 35) of British servicemen with CRTI enrolled in the ongoing ADVANCE study. A five‐minute epoch of single‐lead electrocardiogram data collected during spontaneous breathing was used to measure HRV. HRV analyses were independently performed by two examiners using Kubios. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), minimum detectable change (MDC), and coefficient of variance were calculated for linear [root mean square of successive difference (RMSSD), standard deviation of NN interval, low‐frequency, high‐frequency, total power] and nonlinear (SD1‐2, acceleration and deceleration capacities, sample entropy) measures. Bland–Altman %plots were used to assess bias in intra‐ and inter‐rater HRV data. Results: The mean age of participants was 39.3 ± 6.3 years. An excellent ICC score of 0.9998 (95% CI 0.9997, 0.9999) was observed for intra‐rater analyses of RMSSD, and similar excellent ICC scores were seen for all other HRV measures. The inter‐rater reliability analyses produced an excellent ICC score (range 0.97–1.00). Comparatively, frequency‐domain measures produced higher MDC% and SEM% scores than time‐domain and nonlinear measures in both inter‐ and intra‐rater analyses. The Bland–Altman plots revealed relatively higher bias for frequency‐domain and nonlinear measures than time‐domain measures. Conclusion: ECG‐related short‐term HRV measures were reliable in injured servicemen under spontaneous breathing. However, the reliability appeared better with the time‐domain measure than frequency‐domain and nonlinear measures in this sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message: Clinical suspicion, clinical presentation, and electrocardiogram can help clinicians diagnose flecainide toxicity. Currently, there are no guidelines for the management of patients with flecainide toxicity. Sodium bicarbonate, lipid emulsion therapy, and extracorporeal life support have been used in this setting. Amiodarone and lidocaine can be used for the management of wide QRS complex tachycardias in hemodynamically stable patients with flecainide toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The limited use of xanthan (Xa) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) in the food packaging industry is due to their poor barrier and antimicrobial properties. The objective of this work was to enhance the characteristics of the CMC/Xa composite coating by incorporating ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) that were prepared through a green method through Coriandrum sativum extract. FTIR and XRD confirmed the successful preparation of the coating and verified the interactions between its components. Compared to the neat CMC/Xa system, systems incorporated with ZnO-NPs exhibited excellent water barrier, mechanical, thermal, and antimicrobial characteristics. The CMC/Xa/ZnO-NP systems effectively prolonged the shelf life of tomatoes for a storage period of 20 days without any significant indications of spoilage or mass loss of the coated tomatoes. The obtained results indicated that the developed coating has the potential to replace traditional plastic packaging and effectively preserve food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are many therapeutic modalities for plantar warts, however treating it remains challenging. Intralesional injection of 5-fluorouarcil and combined digoxin and furosemide were observed to be effective and safe, however no comparison study between them was done. Our study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of both therapies in the treatment of plantar warts. 90 adult patients with multiple recalcitrant plantar warts were included in our study. They were randomly allocated to one of three groups; combined digoxin and furosemide, 5-fluorouarcil, or normal saline group. Fortnightly injections were done into all studied warts till complete clearance or up to 5 sessions. Warts were evaluated clinically and dermoscopically. Clinical response was reported in 24 patients (80%) of the combined digoxin and furosemide group with 40% complete response and in 24 patients (80%) of the 5-fluorouarcil group with 33.3% complete response. No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups concerning efficacy and safety. Intralesional injection of 5-fluorouarcil and combined digoxin and furosemide are nearly equivalent in efficacy and safety for plantar wart treatment. Dermoscopy helps to take the truthful judgment about complete clearance of warts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the lockdown and the increased spread of food delivery applications (FD Apps) during COVID-19 pandemic have augmented the consumption of fast foods. Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 673 adults from different regions of Saudi Arabia using an online questionnaire. Findings: Data showed that 61% (N = 410) of participants used FD Apps during the pandemic. Among those users, 54.9% (225) were females and 70.5% were in the 18–44 years old group. Most FD Apps' users were university graduates (74.4%). The increased use of FD Apps during the pandemic significantly affected the eating behavior and the nutritional pattern. It has further significantly augmented the consumption of fast foods (p-value < 0.05). Originality/value: This study reports on the use of FD Apps during COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia and its impact on consumer eating pattern. This study shows the need for prudent use of these applications to limit ordering fast foods and consider healthier choices. It further calls for education programs, awareness campaigns, legislative measures and formal policies to rationalize the use of such applications for better nutrition, health and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemerin, an adipokine known for its role in adipogenesis and inflammation, has emerged as a significant biomarker in cardiovascular diseases, including acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Recent studies have highlighted chemerin's involvement in the pathophysiological processes of coronary artery disease (CAD), where it modulates inflammatory responses, endothelial function, and vascular remodelling. Elevated levels of chemerin have been associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including increased myocardial injury, left ventricular dysfunction, and heightened inflammatory states post-AMI. This manuscript aims to provide a comprehensive review of the current understanding of chemerin's role in AMI, detailing its molecular mechanisms, clinical implications, and potential as a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis. Additionally, we explore the therapeutic prospects of targeting chemerin pathways to mitigate myocardial damage and improve clinical outcomes in AMI patients. By synthesizing the latest research findings, this review seeks to elucidate the multifaceted role of chemerin in AMI and its promise as a target for innovative therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]