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We have shown that a high fat diet (HFD) induces the activation of retinal NOD-like receptor protein (NLRP3)-inflammasome that is associated with enhanced expression and interaction with thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP). Here, the specific contribution of TXNIP and the impact of HFD on retinal leukostasis, barrier dysfunction and microvascular degeneration were investigated. Wild-type (WT) and TXNIP knockout (TKO) mice were fed with normal diet or 60% HFD for 8–18 weeks. TXNIP was overexpressed or silenced in human retinal endothelial cells (REC). At 8 weeks, HFD significantly induced retinal leukostasis and breakdown of the blood–retina barrier in WT mice, but not in TKO mice. In parallel, HFD also induced retinal expression of adhesion molecules and cleaved IL-1β in WT mice, which were also abrogated in TKO mice. In culture, TXNIP overexpression induced NLRP3, IL-1β, and adhesion molecules expression, while TXNIP silencing inhibited them. Blocking the IL-1β receptor significantly suppressed TXNIP-induced expression of NLRP3-inflammasome and adhesion molecules in HREC. Ex-vivo assay showed that leukocytes isolated from WT-HFD, but not from TKO-HFD, induced leukostasis and cell death. At 18 weeks, HFD triggered development of degenerated (acellular) capillaries and decreased branching density in WT but not in TKO mice. Together, HFD-induced obesity triggered early retinal leukostasis and microvascular dysfunction at least in part via TXNIP-NLRP3-inflammasome activation.

Mohammad Tajul Islam,1 Nazrul Islam,2 Yukie Yoshimura,1 Monjura Khatun Nisha,3 Nawzia Yasmin4 1Safe Motherhood Promotion Project, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Dhaka, Bangladesh; 2School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; 3International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b); 4Department of Public Health, State University of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh Background: Neonatal mortality is high in Bangladesh. Most of the neonatal deaths are preventable through simple and cost-effective essential newborn care interventions. Studies to document the determinants of unhealthy newborn care practices are scarce. Objective: The objective of this study is to describe the pattern of neonatal care practices and their determinants in rural Bangladesh. Methodology: This study is based on baseline data of a community-based intervention to assess impact of limited postnatal care services on maternal and neonatal health-seeking behavior. Data from 510 women, who had a live birth at home 1 year prior to survey, of six randomly selected unions of an Upazila (subdistrict) were analyzed. Results: Majority of the respondents were at an age group of 20–34 years. Only 6% had delivery by skilled providers. Immediate drying and wrapping, and giving colostrums to newborns were almost universal. Unhealthy practices, like unclean cord care (42%), delayed initiation of breastfeeding (60%), use of prelacteals (36%), and early bathing (71%) were very common. Muslims were more likely to give early bath (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 2.01; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13–3.59; P=0.018) and delay in initiating breastfeeding (adjusted OR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.18–1.78; P

Tariq Saeed,1 Muhammad Nasrullah,2 Adnan Ghafoor,3 Riaz Shahid,4 Nadeem Islam,5 Mohammad Usman Khattak,6 Neeta Maheshwary,7 Ahson Siddiqi,7 Muhammad Athar Khan81Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd, Karachi, Pakistan; 2Cavalary Hospital, Gulberg, Lahore, Pakistan; 3Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan; 4Dr Riaz Shahid Clinic, Peshawar Cantt, Peshawar, Pakistan; 5Punjab Employs Social Security Institution, Islamabad, Pakistan; 6Medical B Unit, Hayat Abad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan; 7Novartis Pharma Pakistan, Karachi, Pakistan; 8Department of Medical Education, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi ArabiaObjective: Anticonvulsants are increasingly being used in the symptomatic management of several neuropathic pain disorders. The present observational study was designed to evaluate the efficacy, tolerability, and quality of life (QoL) of carbamazepine use for 12 weeks in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy, in Pakistan.Methods: This was a 12-week, multicenter, open-label, uncontrolled trial in adult type 2 diabetic patients (aged 18–65 years) suffering from clinically confirmed neuropathic pain (Douleur Neuropathique en 4 [DN4] score ≥4). Change in neuropathic pain at week 12 compared with baseline was assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory Scale–Short Form (pain severity score and pain interference score). QoL was determined by the American Chronic Pain Association QoL scale. Safety was assessed based on patient reported adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs.Results: Of the total 500 screened patients, 452 enrolled and completed the study. The mean (± standard deviation [SD]) pain interference score decreased from 4.5±2.0 at baseline to 3.1±1.9 at week 12 (P

Abstract. Background. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a 4-week dutasteride treatment on reducing the intraoperative and postoperative bleeding, as well as the amount and duration of irrigation required to clear the urine after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) ≥50 g in men receiving the antiplatelet drug (APD). Materials and methods. This double-blind randomized clinical trial included patients with a prostate size ≥50 g who were indicated for TURP and were already receiving APD. The study was conducted in the Urology Department of Cairo University over a 12-month period. Routine preoperative laboratory investigations were performed in all patients. Moreover, baseline prostate size, serum prostate-specific antigen level, and International Prostate Symptom Score were estimated. The patients were randomly divided into 2 equal groups (groups A and B). Group A, the dutasteride group, received dutasteride (0.5 mg) once daily for 4 weeks. Group B, the placebo group, received a placebo capsule once daily for 4 weeks. Both groups underwent bipolar TURP. Fifteen patients were excluded from the study; 9 patients from group A and 6 patients from group B, either due to drug intolerability or loss follow-up. Results. The mean blood loss was insignificant between the 2 groups immediately after and 24 hours after surgery (Δ hemoglobin: 1.41 ± 0.63 g/dL vs. 1.48 ± 0.54 g/dL, 2.12 ± 0.70 g/dL vs. 2.31 ± 0.78 g/dL, respectively, p = 0.631, p = 0.333; Δ hematocrit: 2.97% ± 1.51% vs. 3.16% ± 1.36%, 4.96% ± 1.87% vs. 5.73% ± 4.39%, respectively, p = 0.610, p = 0.380). However, there were significant differences in duration of indwelling urethral catheter (5.10 ± 0.55 days vs. 5.80 ± 1.79 days, p = 0.048), duration of bladder irrigation (13.60 ± 2.85 hours vs. 16.33 ± 6.62 hours, p = 0.044), and the amount of saline used for bladder irrigation (11.03 ± 2.30 L vs. 13.87 ± 6.13 L, p = 0.046) between group A and group B. respectively. Conclusions. Treatment with dutasteride for 4 weeks before TURP in men receiving APD did not significantly reduce intraoperative or postoperative bleeding after TURP but could significantly reduce the duration of indwelling catheter placement, as well as the duration and amount of saline irrigation.

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to compare the surgical, functional, and oncological outcomes between open partial nephrectomy (OPN) and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN). Methods This prospective, randomized study was performed on patients who underwent partial nephrectomy under general anesthesia. Patients were randomized using the closed envelope method to either LPN or OPN. Baseline demographics and surgical, functional, and oncological outcomes were compared. A per-protocol analysis was used. Results Randomized study was conducted on 166 patients. The LPN, in comparison to the OPN group, was associated with significantly shorter hospital stay (3 vs. 4 days), less blood transfusion (10% vs. 12%), longer operative time (134 min vs. 124 min), lower visual analog pain score (7 vs. 8), and lower estimated GFR (70.7 ± 17.5 vs. 72.3 ± 14.7). Conclusions Oncological and functional results were comparable between LPN and OPN. However, LPN was superior to open surgery because of less hospital stay, visual analog pain score, and blood loss.

The human development index is built by three fundamental dimensions: long life and healthy life, knowledge, and a decent standard of living. This research was inspired by sustainable development goal four, Quality Education. Quality of education has an excellent relation with knowledge management. The fuzzy logic-based decision support model of online course learning suggests nine parameters to be considered. This research collaborates those nine parameters, participation rate, and the Proportion of youth and adult involvement in formal and non-formal education. The result shows that from the participation rate, it concluded that those with stable expansion also consistently enrich their knowledge by attending formal or non-formal learning; female constantly takes learning more than male; people who lived in city has more urge to learn than people who live in villages. From the Proportion from 2017, 2018 and 2022, people with ICT skills increased significantly, showing good value. Nevertheless, while female participation in learning is higher than male, it does not make female has better skills than male. Last, needed an innovation to gain interest in study to village residents.

Background: While ‘immuno-competence’ is a well-known term, it lacks an operational definition. To address this omission, this study explored whether the temporal and structured data of the complete blood cell count (CBC) can rapidly estimate immuno-competence. To this end, one or more ratios that included data on all monocytes, lymphocytes and neutrophils were investigated. Materials and methods: Longitudinal CBC data collected from 101 COVID-19 patients (291 observations) were analyzed. Dynamics were estimated with several approaches, which included non-structured (the classic CBC format) and structured data. Structured data were assessed as complex ratios that capture multicellular interactions among leukocytes. In comparing survivors with non-survivors, the hypothesis that immuno-competence may exhibit feedback-like (oscillatory or cyclic) responses was tested. Results: While non-structured data did not distinguish survivors from non-survivors, structured data revealed immunological and statistical differences between outcomes: while survivors exhibited oscillatory data patterns, non-survivors did not. In survivors, many variables (including IL-6, hemoglobin and several complex indicators) showed values above or below the levels observed on day 1 of the hospitalization period, displaying L-shaped data distributions (positive kurtosis). In contrast, non-survivors did not exhibit kurtosis. Three immunologically defined data subsets included only survivors. Because information was based on visual patterns generated in real time, this method can, potentially, provide information rapidly. Discussion: The hypothesis that immuno-competence expresses feedback-like loops when immunological data are structured was not rejected. This function seemed to be impaired in immuno-suppressed individuals. While this method rapidly informs, it is only a guide that, to be confirmed, requires additional tests. Despite this limitation, the fact that three protective (survival-associated) immunological data subsets were observed since day 1 supports many clinical decisions, including the early and personalized prognosis and identification of targets that immunomodulatory therapies could pursue. Because it extracts more information from the same data, structured data may replace the century-old format of the CBC.

Length-weight relationships (LWRs) and Fulton’s condition factor were estimated for two flatfishes, Cynoglossus lingua Hamilton, and Cynoglossus cynoglossus (Hamilton), from the Cox’s Bazar coast of Bangladesh. Sampling was done from September to November 2022 from the landing center of Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation. In this study, the maximum total length of C. cynoglossus (34.0 cm) is a new record for this species. The length-weight relationships for these two species were highly significant (P < 0.001) with adjusted r2 values of 0.918 and 0.927 for C. lingua and C. cynoglossus, respectively. The calculated growth coefficient (b) for C. lingua and C. cynoglossus was 2.873 and 3.359, respectively. The estimated Fulton’s condition factor (Kn) was 0.42 ± 0.05 for C. lingua and 0.72 ± 0.11 for C. cynoglossus. No information about the population parameters of C. lingua from the Bay of Bengal has been reported previously in any scientific database. The maximum Kn value of C. lingua was observed in the 13.0–15.9 cm length class while that of C. cynoglossus was found in the 31.0–33.9 cm length class. Our estimated LWR and Fulton’s condition factor values for these two flatfishes can be useful for management and conservation.

Green production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using biological samples is the most cost-effective and environment friendly method. Plants and other biological resources might be exploited to create biologically active AgNPs. Rhynchosia capitata (an endangered species) leaf extract acted as reductant in fabrication of AgNPs in the current study; while, the fabricated particles have been characterized by UV-visible spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). UV-visible spectroscopy was utilized to confirm the fabrication of the nanoparticles (NPs) via bioreduction. SEM revealed the formation of round and spherical AgNPs with sizes ranging from 2 to 60 nm. According to TGA, the synthesized R. capitata AgNPs were not much stable and high mass loss was observed at temperature from 40 to 80°C. The antioxidant potential was higher as estimated through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl-hydrate assay with IC50 value of 60 µg/mL rather than 2,2-azinobis-[3-ethylbenzthiazoline]-6-sulfonic acid assay (IC50 120 µg/mL). The antibacterial potential against the selected bacterial strains for NPs was high as compared to aqueous extract, determined through agar well diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration, and minimum bactericidal concentration methods. These findings demonstrated that R. capitata-based NPs had greater antibacterial and antioxidant properties than plant extract and it should be potentially used as antibacterial and antioxidant agents.

In the current research work, an attempt was made to synthesize silver nanoparticles (MA-AgNPs) utilizing the ripened fruit extract of Melia azedarach. Various characterization techniques such as UV-visible spectroscopic analysis, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to confirm the AgNPs synthesis. The bioreduction and color changes were tracked by UV-visible spectroscopy while SEM confirmed AgNPs of size 2–60 nm. TGA revealed the stability of the synthesized AgNPs. The antibacterial potential of the M. azedarach-based AgNPs and the fruit extract was assessed in terms of zone of inhibition (ZI), minimum bactericidal concentration, and minimum inhibitory concentration against tested bacterial strains where higher activity was noted for NPs (P. aeruginosa ZI = 22). The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and (2,2-azinobis-[3-ethylbenzthiazoline]-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays revealed that NPs have significant antioxidant activities. The IC50 values recorded for extract was 340 and 350 μg·mL−1 against DPPH and ABTS whereas the corresponding values obtained for AgNPs were 40 and 58 μg·mL−1, respectively. The study suggests that the engineered NPs have promising biological activities compared to the parental extract, and thus could be used in drug designing as antibacterial and antioxidant agents; however, there should be further in vivo exploration in this regard before extending their uses to biological systems.

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to assess the value of RENAL nephrometry score (RNS) in predicting surgical decisions, complications, and decreases in kidney function in patients with localized renal tumors. Methods: Cases with solitary, solid, and enhancing renal masses were included, scheduled for nephron-sparing surgery (NSS), and assessed using routine laboratory and radiological data necessary for calculating the RENAL score. The primary endpoint was conversion to radical nephrectomy (RN), while the secondary endpoint was the prediction of a drop in renal function assessed by postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at the last follow-up visit compared with the preoperative values. The association between the scoring system and perioperative outcomes was evaluated. Results: In all, 84 cases were included, NSS was accomplished in 67 cases while conversion to RN was mandatory in 17 patients, median (interquartile range) RENAL score was 6.2 (4–10) for NSS and 9.7 (6–12) for RN (P < 0.001). Higher grades of complications were observed in the high-complexity subgroup. eGFR was 79.8 that dropped to 75.6 ml/min/1.73 m2 in the late value in patients who underwent NSS, while it was 82.9 that dropped to 58.3 ml/min/1.73 m2 in the late value in patients who converted into RN (P < 0.001). The percentage of drop in eGFR was significantly higher in the moderate and high-risk groups, which was positively correlated with the warm ischemia time. Regression analysis revealed that the continuous RENAL score was a more significant predictor of conversion to RN than tumor size alone. In the 67 NNS cases, the percentage decrease in eGFR was predicted using the continuous RENAL score. Conclusion: The RNS is a significant predictor of conversion to RN and can predict the percentage decrease in eGFR after NSS. Further investigations and follow-ups are necessary.

Background Asthma is a heterogeneous disorder, which is affected by interaction between genes and the surrounding environment. Chemokine receptor 3 (CCR3) which is expressed over eosinophils and Th2 lymphocytes has a significant role in chemoattraction of those cells to inflammatory sites which symbolizes a key mechanism in asthma. Aim A trial to detect the association between CCR3 T51C gene polymorphism and different asthma phenotypes (allergic march phenotype, cough-predominant asthma phenotype, and wheeze-predominant asthma phenotype). Patients and methods A case–control study was conducted comprising 60 asthmatic patients and 100 healthy controls. Asthmatic children were divided into three groups of 20 patients each, group 1 allergic march phenotype (wheeze asthma phenotype with allergic rhinitis and/or atopic dermatitis), group 2 cough-predominant asthma phenotype, and group 3 wheeze-predominant asthma phenotype. The included cases and controls underwent total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique, peripheral eosinophilic percent, and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism for CCR3 T51C gene polymorphism. Results Asthmatic children showed significant increase in crowding index, family history of bronchial asthma, parental smoking, parental consanguinity, and total serum IgE than controls. Also, the CCR3 T51C gene polymorphism was found in Egyptian asthmatic children but no significant association concerning this polymorphism and different clinical asthma phenotypes was detected. Conclusion In conclusion, allergic march phenotype showed significant higher frequency with positive family history of asthma when compared with cough and wheezy asthma phenotypes. Also, parental consanguinity showed higher frequency in cough phenotype compared with allergic march phenotype. Furthermore, the CCR3 T51C gene polymorphism is found to be present in Egyptian asthmatic children, but there is no significant association between CCR3 T51C gene polymorphism and different asthma phenotypes. So, larger scale studies are needed. However, the TT genotype showed higher frequency in the studied phenotypes compared with CC and CT genotypes while asthmatic cases with the CC genotype showed higher total serum IgE compared with those with TT and CT genotypes.

Avian reovirus (ARV) is an emerging pathogen which causes significant economic challenges to the chicken and turkey industry in the USA and globally, yet the molecular characterization of most ARV strains is restricted to a single particular gene, the sigma C gene. The genome of arthrogenic reovirus field isolates (R18-37308 and R18-38167), isolated from broiler chickens in North Carolina (NC), USA in 2018, was sequenced using long-read next-generation sequencing (NGS). The isolates were genotyped based on the amino acid sequence of sigma C (σC) followed by phylogenetic and amino acid analyses of the other 11 genomically encoded proteins for whole genomic constellation and genetic variation detection. The genomic length of the NC field strains was 23,494 bp, with 10 dsRNA segments ranging from 3959 bp (L1) to 1192 bp (S4), and the 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs) of all the segments were found to be conserved. R18-37308 and R18-38167 were found to belong to genotype (G) VI based on the σC analysis and showed nucleotide and amino acid sequence identity ranging from 84.91–98.47% and 83.43–98.46%, respectively, with G VI strains. Phylogenetic analyses of individual genes of the NC strains did not define a single common ancestor among the available completely sequenced ARV strains. Nevertheless, most sequences supported the Chinese strain LY383 as a probable ancestor of these isolates. Moreover, amino acid analysis revealed multiple amino acid substitution events along the entirety of the genes, some of which were unique to each strain, which suggests significant divergence owing to the accumulation of point mutations. All genes from R18-37308 and R18-38167 were found to be clustered within genotypic clusters that included only ARVs of chicken origin, which negates the possibility of genetic pooling or host variation. Collectively, this study revealed sequence divergence between the NC field strains and reference ARV strains, including the currently used vaccine strains could help updating the vaccination regime through the inclusion of these highly divergent circulating indigenous field isolates.

Outbreaks of the immunosuppressive infectious bursal disease (IBD) are frequently reported worldwide, despite the vaccination regimes. A 2009 Californian IBD outbreak caused by rA and rB isolates was described as very virulent (vv) IBD virus (IBDV); however, molecular factors beyond this virulence were not fully uncovered. Therefore, segments of both isolates were amplified, successfully cloned, whole genome sequenced by Next Generation Sequencing, genotyped, and the leading virulence factors were entirely investigated in terms of phylogenetic and amino acid analysis and protein modeling for positive selection orientation and interaction analysis. rA and rB isolates displayed the highest amino acid identity (97.84–100%) with Genotype 3 strains. Interestingly, rA and rB contained all virulence hallmarks of hypervariable (HVR), including 222A, 242I, 249Q, 256I, 284A, 286T, 294I, 299S, and 318G, as well as the serine-rich heptapeptide sequence. Moreover, we pinpointed the A3B2 genotype of rA and rB, predominant in non-reassortants, and we highlighted the absence of recombination events. Furthermore, gene-wise phylogenetic analysis showed the entire genes of rA and rB clustered with the vvIBDVs and emphasized their share in IBDV virulence. VP5 showed a virulence marker, MLSL (amino acid sequence). VP2 encountered three significant novel mutations apart from the HVR, including G163E in rA and Y173C and V178A in rB, all residing within interacting motifs. VP4 contained 168Y, 173N, 203S, and 239D characteristic for the vv phenotype. A235V mutation was detected at the dsRNA binding domain of VP3. In VP1, the TDN triplet and the mutation (V4I) were detected, characteristic of hypervirulence occurring at the N-terminus responsible for protein priming. Although selection analysis revealed seven sites, codon 222 was the only statistically significant selection site. The VP2 modeling of rA and rB highlighted great structure fitness, with 96.14% Ramachandran favored positioning including the 222A, i.e., not influencing the structure stability. The 222A was found to be non-interface surface residue, associated with no interaction with the attachment-mediated ligand motif. Our findings provide pivotal insights into the evolution and underlying virulence factors and will assist in the development of control strategies via sequence-based continuous monitoring for the early detection of novel vv strains.

Introduction: Besides being a risk factor for urolithiasis, obesity is a challenge in the treatment of urolithiasis from the perspective of both the surgeon and the anesthetist. In this study, we tried to assess the feasibility and safety of supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) under regional anesthesia in obese patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥30. Methods: This was a prospective observational study and included 51 obese patients (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) with renal stones planned for PCNL. All patients underwent supine PCNL under regional anesthesia with the standard technique. A decision for totally tubeless or a tubeless PCNL was made at the end of the procedure and the intraoperative and postoperative data were recorded. All patients underwent computed tomography (CT) imaging at 1 month after surgery to assess the stone-free status and the need for additional treatment. Results: The mean age of the patients was 53.2 ± 8.09 years, and the mean BMI was 34.4 ± 2.369 kg/m2. The mean operative time was 73.3 ± 26.2 min, the mean hospital stay was 58.3 ± 22.1 h, and the mean postoperative Visual Analog Score (VAS) for pain was 3.8 ± 1.4. The stone-free rate was 68.6% on the follow-up CT performed after 1 month, and 31.4% of the patients had significant residual fragments which required re-treatment either by retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) in 19.6% (either as primary RIRS for the residual calculi in one patient [1.9%] or as RIRS for post shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) or alkalinization failure in 9 patients), SWL in 21.6%, or urine alkalinization in 7.8%. Conclusion: Supine PCNL under regional anesthesia, in this subgroup of obese patients, was found to be feasible and safe with satisfactory stone-free rates and minimal postoperative pain.

Adenoviruses are considered one of the most persistent enteric pathogens that can penetrate entire aquifer matrices. An ongoing monitoring of irrigation water is essential to mitigate potential public health risks. We investigated the prevalence of human adenoviruses (HAdV) in the groundwater discharge basins of Aluraiji (AW-DB) and Diriyah (DW-DB) and in the irrigation water of Al Harriq (H-IW) and Al Hayer (AH-IW) from January to December 2021. The meteorological impact (temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed) on HAdV prevalence and molecular diversity was investigated by targeting a selected region of the Hexon gene. The samples were concentrated using the polyethylene glycol precipitation (PEG) method. HAdVs were detected using PCR and sequenced by Sanger sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis was performed. The highest HAdV prevalence was recorded in H-IW, AH-IW, and DW-DB (100%). HAdV sequences were found to be closely related to species F (type 41) with a predominance of the 00-2B64 sequence (86.4%). Phylogenetic analysis depicted a close relationship of this study’s isolate 00-2B64 to a Brazilian and Saudi isolate, whereas 08-2B64 was found to be related to a sequence from an AnNazim landfill (LF1; d = 0.00) from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A high HAdV prevalence was recorded at a temperature range of 19–28 °C, wind speed was recorded at a range of (16–20 km/h), and relative humidity was recorded at a range of (15–25%). Meteorological variations exhibited no significant effect on the prevalence of HAdVs. The findings provided data on HAdV prevalence and predominant species in the irrigation water of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and presented information regarding the environmental effects of HAdV persistence. In public health contexts, this will help in the planning of disease control strategies.

The most common DNA virus found in wastewaters globally is the cross-assembly phage (crAssphage). King Saud University wastewater treatment plant (KSU-WWTP); Manfoha wastewater treatment plant (MN-WWTP); and the Embassy wastewater treatment plant (EMB-WWTP) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia were selected, and 36 untreated sewage water samples during the year 2022 were used in the current study. The meteorological impact on crAssphage prevalence was investigated. CrAssphage prevalence was recorded using PCR and Sanger sequencing. The molecular diversity of crAssphage sequences was studied for viral gene segments from the major capsid protein (MCP) and membrane protein containing the peptidoglycan-binding domain (MP-PBD). KSU-WWTP and EMB-WWTP showed a higher prevalence of crAssphage (83.3%) than MN-WWTP (75%). Phylogenetic analysis of MCP and MP-PBD segments depicted a close relationship to the Japanese isolates. The MCP gene from the current study’s isolate WW/2M/SA/2022 depicted zero evolutionary divergence from 3057_98020, 2683_104905, and 4238_99953 isolates (d = 0.000) from Japan. A significant influence of temporal variations on the prevalence of crAssphage was detected in the three WWTPs. CrAssphage displayed the highest prevalence at high temperatures (33–44 °C), low relative humidity (6–14%), and moderate wind speed (16–21 Km/h). The findings provided pioneering insights into crAssphage prevalence and its genetic diversity in WWTPs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

تم تحضیر زرنیخید الغالیوم المسامی من شرائح زرنیخید الغالیوم البلوری نوع (n-type) وذات اتجاه بلوری (111) ومقاومیة (0.00245 Ohm cm) عن طریق التنمیش الکیمیائی الضوئی باستخدام ضوء الشمس کمصدر ضوئی وذلک لتمیزها على العدید من مصادرها الصناعیة الاخرى کالمصابیح الکهربائیة المختلفة (مصباح الهالوجین، مصباح التنکستن) والمصادر الضوئیة المختلفة فی اللیزر، وتم دراسة تأثیر زمن التنمیش على المورفولوجیة السطحیة لزرنیخید الغالیوم باستخدام مجهر القوة الذریة (AFM)، وبینت النتائج إمکانیة الحصول على طبقات من زرنیخید الغالیوم المسامی ذات طبیعة سطح مختلفة عند تغییر أزمنة التنمیش (50 min، 40 min، 30 min) وثبات کل من ترکیز الحامض عند (HF 40%) وشدة الإضاءة عند (8901 mw/cm2)، حیث تکونت طبقات مسامیة بسمک (31.70 nm، 30.13 nm، 15.28 nm) وبمعدل أقطار للحبیبات والجسیمات النانویة (64.31 nm، 98.73 nm، 80.26 nm) على التوالی، وإن کل من الخشونة السطحیة وسمک الطبقة المسامیة للشرائح المحضرة تزداد عند زیادة زمن التنمیش وتقل عند نقصان زمن تنمیشها، وُوجد ان إنتاج تراکیب زرنیخید الغالیوم المسامی النانوی ذات ضرورة مهمة للحصول على سطح بمواصفات ممیزة من أجل استخدامها فی نبائط الالکترونات الضوئیة والخلایا الشمسیة.

In Saudi Arabia, acute gastroenteritis (GE) is a common illness affecting children and adults; however, the extent to which human rotavirus A (HRV) and human adenovirus (HAdV) strains contribute to the condition is unclear. The surveillance of the GE-causing viruses, HRV and HadV, was performed using polymerase chain reaction, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis at King Khalid University Hospital. The associations between virus prevalence and meteorological factors were analyzed. The prevalence of HAdV was recorded (7%), followed by HRV (2%). On a gender basis, HAdV infections were found to be dominant in females (5:2) (U = 407.5; p < 0.0001), whereas HRV was only detected in males (U = 50; p < 0.0001). A significantly higher HAdV prevalence was recorded at the age of 3.5 ± 0.63 years (21.1%; p = 0.00047), whereas HRV cases were found equally distributed between p = 0.011). Phylogenetic analysis depicted the dominance of HAdV type 41 and the G2 lineage of HRV among circulating strains. The current study uncovered the epidemiology and genotypes of HRV and HadV, and provided forecasting equations for monitoring climatic-mediated outbreaks.

Several indicators of fecal pollution in water resources are continuously monitored for their reliability and, of particular interest, their correlation to human enteric viruses—not justified by traditional bacterial indicators. Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) has recently been proposed as a successful viral surrogate of human waterborne viruses; however, in Saudi Arabia there are no available data in terms of its prevalence and concentration in water bodies. The concentration of PMMoV in three different wastewater treatment plants (King Saud University (KSU), Manfoha (MN), and Embassy (EMB) wastewater treatment plants (WWTP)) was measured using qRT-PCR during a one-year period and compared to the human adenovirus (HAdV), which is highly persistent and considered an indicator for viral-mediated fecal contamination. PMMoV was found in ~94% of the entire wastewater samples (91.6–100%), with concentrations ranging from 62 to 3.5 × 107 genome copies/l (GC/l). However, HAdV was detected in 75% of raw water samples (~67–83%). The HAdV concentration ranged between 1.29 × 103 GC/L and 1.26 × 107 GC/L. Higher positive correlation between PMMoV and HAdV concentrations was detected at MN-WWTP (r = 0.6148) than at EMB-WWTP (r = 0.207). Despite the lack of PMMoV and HAdV seasonality, a higher positive correlation (r = 0.918) of PMMoV to HAdV was recorded at KSU-WWTP in comparison to EMB-WWTP (r = 0.6401) around the different seasons. Furthermore, meteorological factors showed no significant influence on PMMoV concentrations (p > 0.05), thus supporting the use of PMMoV as a possible fecal indicator of wastewater contamination and associated public health issues, particularly at MN-WWTP. However, a continuous monitoring of the PMMoV distribution pattern and concentration in other aquatic environments, as well as its correlation to other significant human enteric viruses, is essential for ensuring its reliability and reproducibility as a fecal pollution indicator.

Regular water environment monitoring is crucial for minimizing contamination caused by waterborne viruses and reducing health risks. As the human adenovirus (HAdV) is linked to clinical episodes of gastroenteritis in children, the present investigation aimed to detect HAdVs in three wastewater treatment plants in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (King Saud University (KSU-WWTP), Manfoha (MN-WWTP), and Embassy Quarter (EMB-WWTP)). The impact of seasonal variability and meteorological factors on the prevalence of HAdVs was also investigated. The HAdV hexon sequences of the isolated human adenoviruses were phylogenetically analyzed and revealed that the F species of HAdV, especially serotype 41, dominated. The highest prevalence of HAdV was detected in KSU-WWTP (83.3%), followed by MN-WWTP (75%), and EMB-WWTP (66.6%). Seasonal distribution insignificantly influenced the HAdV prevalence among sampling areas (p > 0.05). The highest prevalence of HAdVs (100%) was detected in late Summer and Autumn at temperatures (high: 34–43 °C, low: 18–32 °C) and moderate prevalence of 66.67% in Winter (particularly, in January and February) at lower temperature ranges (high: 26 °C, low: 10 °C–12 °C). The large variation of HAdV prevalence detected at different humidity ranges emphasized the significant impact of relative humidity on HAdV incidence in raw water of WWTPs (p = 0.009, R2 = 0.419). In contrast, wind speed was detected to have insignificant influence on HAdV prevalence among different WWTPs (p > 0.05, R2 = 0.03). The study provides important data for the incidence of HAdVs in wastewater treatments plants in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which enabled the successful management of health hazards of viral diseases transmitted via fecal-oral route. In addition, the non-significant influence of seasonal variability on HAdV prevalence highlights the potentiality of utilizing HAdVs as a potential fecal indicator of wastewater contamination.

The sequences of SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) from Saudi Arabia along with SARS-CoV and bat SARS-like CoVs were obtained. Positive selection analysis and secondary structure investigation of spike sequences were performed. Adaptive molecular evolution was observed in SARS-CoV-2 displayed by positive selection pressure at N-terminal domain (NTD; codons 41, 163, 174 and 218), Receptor binding domain (RBD; codons 378 and 404) and S1/S2 Cleavage site (codon 690). Furthermore, the spike protein secondary structure depicted by the homo-trimer structure showed a high similarity between Saudi SARS-CoV-2 isolate and the parental strain (bat SL-COVZC45). Despite the high similarity depicted in the spike sequence model alignment, it displayed a significant difference when each chain was treated solely owing to 7 motif differences in the three composing chains. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 S trimer model uncovered the presence of N-acetyl glucosamine ligands. Eventually, 3C-like proteinase cleavage site was observed in S2 domain could be used as a site for drug discovery. Genetics and molecular evolutionary facts are useful for assessment of evolution, host adaptation and epidemic patterns ultimately helpful for adaptation of control strategies.

Abstract The routine evaluation of water environments is necessary to manage enteric virus-mediated fecal contamination and the possible emergence of novel variants. Here, we detected human rotavirus A (HRVA) circulating in two wastewater treatment plants, two lakes, irrigation water and a wastewater landfill located in Riyadh. VP7-derived surface protein sequences were assessed by phylogenetic analyses and inspection of thermotolerance-mediated secondary structure and seasonal variation. HRVA was most prevalent at An-Nazim wastewater landfill (AN-WWLF; 63.89%). Phylogenetic analyzes revealed the predominance of HRVA G2 lineage for the first time in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, a single HRVA sequence (2B64I-ANLF3/2018) was recovered at 45 °C from AN-WWLF; secondary structure prediction indicated that this sequence was thermotolerant with a high hydrophobicity, an absence of Ramachandran outliers, and a higher content of proline patches on the protein surface. Varied relationships were significantly observed between sampling areas influenced by temperature ranges (p

Background. Large mandibular defects are considered difficult reconstructive challenges for oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Cell therapy, as an alternative technique, might increase the speed of bone regeneration. This study aimed to investigate bone regeneration in large defects of dog mandibles using allogenic adipose-derived stem cells on gelatin foam as a cell carrier. Methods. The tissue engineering phase consisted of the sampling of adult dogs’ adipose tissue that can easily be isolated from adipose stem cells (ASCs) of the dogs, ASCs were cultured in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium (DMEM, Gibco, USA) with low glucose, containing 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) (Sigma, USA) and 1% penicillin-streptomycin (Gibco, USA), with the characterization of dog ASCs and gelatin-transplanted ASCs. Six dogs were included in this experimental study in the next step and randomly assigned to the treatment and control groups. The samples in both groups underwent surgery under general anesthesia to create uniform 3-cm bony defects. The samples in both groups were reconstructed with titanium reconstruction plates and screws. A large bone gap filled with ASCs (5×106 ) was seeded on gelatin (ASCs) in the treatment group. In the control group, bony defects were filled with a cell delivery carrier without ASCs. Six months after transplantation, the animals’ mandibles were evaluated by CT scan imaging, and the results were quantified through the Hounsfield unit (HU). The data were analyzed with t-test. Results. Before transplantation, the nature of the stem cells was confirmed by the expression of CD44 and CD105 cell markers at 71.9% and 89.3%, respectively, and a lack of the CD45 cell marker expression at 2.2%. Evaluation of CT scan images showed significantly higher bone repair in the ASCs group (920.25±572.92 HU) than in the control group (-94.746± 08.42). Conclusion. The bone regeneration of the ASCs group was significantly higher than that in the control group.

Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) is implicated in the carcinogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and currently associated with at least 1% of global cancers. The differential prognosis analysis of NPC in EBV genotypes remains to be elucidated. Medical, radiological, pathological, and laboratory reports of 146 NPC patients were collected retrospectively over a 6-year period between 2015 and 2020. From the pathology archives, DNA was extracted from tumor blocks and used for EBV nuclear antigen 3C (EBNA-3C) genotyping by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We found a high prevalence of 96% of EBV infection in NPC patients with a predominance of genotype I detected in 73% of NPC samples. Histopathological examination showed that most of the NPC patients were in the advanced stages of cancer: stage III (38.4%) or stage IV-B (37.7%). Only keratinized squamous cell carcinoma was significantly higher in EBV negative NPC patients compared with those who were EBV positive (OR = 0.01, 95%CI = (0.004–0.32; p = 0.009)), whereas the majority of patients (91.8%) had undifferentiated, non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma, followed by differentiated, non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma (7.5%). Although NPC had metastasized to 16% of other body sites, it was not associated with EBV infection, except for lung metastasis. A statistically significant reverse association was observed between EBV infection and lung metastasis (OR = 0.07, 95%CI = (0.01–0.51; p = 0.008)). Although 13% of NPC patients died, the overall survival (OS) mean time was 5.59 years. Given the high prevalence of EBV-associated NPC in our population, Saudi could be considered as an area with a high incidence of EBV-associated NPC with a predominance of EBV genotype I. A future multi-center study with a larger sample size is needed to assess the true burden of EBV-associated NPC in Saudi Arabia.

BackgroundData is still lacking about the expediency of umbilical cord milking (UCM) in preterm neonates born to mothers with placental insufficiency (PI).ObjectiveTo study the effect of UCM in preterm neonates who had ante-natal evidence of placental insufficiency on peripheral blood cluster of differentiation 34 (CD34) percentage, hematological indices, and clinical outcomes.MethodsPreterm neonates,

The diversity among bacteriophages depends on different factors like ecology, temperature conditions and genetic pool. Current study focused on isolation, identification and diversity of phages from 34 sewage water samples collected from two different wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), King Saud University wastewater treatment plants (KSU-WWTP) and Manfoha wastewater treatment plants (MN-WWTP) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Samples were analyzed by PCR and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Siphoviridae, Podoviridae and Myoviridae families were detected by family-specific PCR and highest prevalence of Myoviridae 29.40% was found at MN-WWTP followed by 11.76% at KSU-WWTP. Siphoviridae was detected 11.76% at MN-WWTP and 5.88% at KSU-WWTP. Lowest prevalence for Podoviridae family (5.88%) was recorded at MN-WWTP. Significant influence of temporal variations on prevalence of Myoviridae and Siphoviridae was detected in both WWTP and MN-WWTP, respectively. Highest phage prevalence was obtained in August (75%), followed by September (50%). Highest phage prevalence was recorded at a temperature range of 29-33°C. Significant influence of temperature on the prevalence of Myoviridae phages was detected at MN-WWTP. Four bacteriophages with various abundance levels were identified by NGS. Cronobacter virus Esp2949-1 was found first time with highest abundance (4.41%) in wastewater of Riyadh. Bordetella virus BPP1 (4.14%), Dickeya virus Limestone (1.55%) and Ralstonia virus RSA1 (1.04%) were also detected from samples of MN-WWTP. Highest occurrence of Bordetella virus BPP1 (67%) and (33.33%) was recorded at KSU-WWTP and MN-WWTP, respectively. Highest Bordetella virus BPP1 occurrence was recorded in September (50%) followed by August (40%). The findings of study showed new insights of phage diversity from wastewater sources and further large-scale data studies are suggested for comprehensive understanding.

Global water scarcity has led to significant dependence on reclaimed or recycled water for potable uses. Effluents arising from human and animal gut microbiomes highly influence water quality. Wastewater pollution is, therefore, frequently monitored using bacterial indicators (BI). However, threats to public health arise from the frequent incidence of wastewater-mediated viral infections–undetected by BI. Moreover, the enteric viromes contaminating wastewater are characterized by high abundance, genetic diversity and persistence in various water environments. Furthermore, humans usually suffer a minimum of a single acute diarrheal episode over their lifetime arising from extraneously acquired enteric microbiomes. A wide range of management methods are employed—in particular, microbial source tracking (MST) approaches to confront infections arising from exposure to contaminated wastewater. This review elaborates the viral contamination of treated wastewater and associated public health issues. Latterly, we discuss the various management strategies of wastewater pollution using conventional fecal indicators, viral indicators and human viral surrogates, with particular interest in the pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV). Globally, PMMoV has been detected in rivers, aquifers, irrigation systems, and coastal and marine waters at high prevalence rates and concentrations greater than 105 genome copies per liter (gc/L). PMMoV was also found in almost all untreated wastewater environments. PMMoV concentrations in wastewater vary from 103 to 107 gc/L. These values are more than the maximum recorded viral indicator concentrations in wastewater for other proposed indicators. Limited variability in the daily concentrations of PMMoV in fecal wastewater has been studied, with an estimated average concentration of 105 gc/L with insignificant seasonal variability. The information summarized in this article offers fundamental knowledge for decision making in terms of defining the suitability criteria of candidate fecal indicators, risk assessment application and efficient wastewater management.

Researchers, over the world, often create very brief measures of Big Five personality dimensions, so that they can assess people’s personality in a reasonably short period of time. The most prominent and well-established measure among all brief personality measures is the ‘Ten Item Personality Inventory’ (TIPI). The present study aimed to translate, adapt, and validate the TIPI for use in the Bangladeshi culture. After completing the standardized translation procedure, the Bangla version of the Ten Item Personality Inventory (TIPI–B) was examined in a study including 662 Bangladeshi adults. Though an exploratory factor analysis with one half of the sample (n = 330) had explained 77.53% of the total variance, it did not show the scale’s five dimensions as independent with two items for each. Acceptable goodness of fit indices (χ2/df = 3.177, GFI =.960, CFI = .935, TLI = .937, SRMR = .061, and RMSEA = .76) were found for the scale through a confirmatory factor analysis performed on the second half of the sample (n = 332). Acceptable internal consistencies, significant test-retest reliabilities, and convergent and discriminant validities were established in the scale through different statistical analyses. Thus, the TIPI–B with its five dimensions can be used as a valid and reliable measure to assess the personality of Bangladeshi people.

The main objective of this study is to examine the factors that influence the customers’ intention to adopt E-banking services in Oman across the Islamic Banking sector. This research endeavours to assess the willingness of the Islamic banks’ customers to adopt these services rather than the traditional banking methods. Accordingly, a sample of 300 Islamic banks' customers were surveyed in different districts of Oman. Afterwards, linear regression and one sample t-test were utilized in order to analyse the gathered data. The findings showed that customers have high tendency of embracing and utilizing E-banking services as opposed to the conventional services. Additionally, the results revealed that relative advantage, self-efficacy, ease of use, and facilitating conditions are the fundamental factors that impact the selection of E-banking by Islamic banks' customers in Oman. However, uncertainty had no significant effect on the intention of Islamic banks’ customers to use E-banking services. These findings would significantly contribute to the theory, and the way that Islamic banking sector would be practiced and regulated.

The system of nonlinear equations (SNLEs) is one of the eminent problems in science and engineering, and it is still open to research. A new hybrid intelligent algorithm is presented in this research to solve SNLEs. It is a composite of the salp swarm algorithm (SSA) and chaotic search technique (CST). The proposed methodology is named chaotic salp swarm algorithm (CSSA). CSSA is designed as an optimization process, whereby feasible and infeasible solutions are updated to move closer to the optimum value. The use of this hybrid intelligent methodology aims to improve performance, increase solution versatility, avoid the local optima trap, speed up convergence and optimize the search process. Firstly, SNLEs are transformed into an optimization problem. Secondly, CSSA is used to solve this optimization problem: SSA is used to update the feasible solutions, whereas the infeasible solutions are updated by CST. One of the most significant advantages of the suggested technique is that it does not ignore infeasible solutions that are updated, because these solutions are often extremely near to the optimal solution, resulting in increased search effectiveness and effective exploration and exploitation. The algorithm’s mathematical model is presented in detail. Finally, the proposed approach is assessed with several benchmark problems and real-world applications. Simulation results show that the proposed CSSA is competitive and better in comparison to others, which illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. In addition, a statistical analysis by the Wilcoxon rankings test between CSSA and the other comparison methods shows that all p-values are less than 0.05, and CSSA achieves negative ranks’ sum values (R−) much better than the positive ranks’ sum values (R+) in all benchmark problems. In addition, the results have high precision and show good agreement in comparison with similar methods, and they further proved the ability of CSSA to solve real-world applications.

IntroductionTiming of cord clamping and other cord management strategies may improve outcomes at preterm birth. However, it is unclear whether benefits apply to all preterm subgroups. Previous and current trials compare various policies, including time-based or physiology-based deferred cord clamping, and cord milking. Individual participant data (IPD) enable exploration of different strategies within subgroups. Network meta-analysis (NMA) enables comparison and ranking of all available interventions using a combination of direct and indirect comparisons.Objectives(1) To evaluate the effectiveness of cord management strategies for preterm infants on neonatal mortality and morbidity overall and for different participant characteristics using IPD meta-analysis. (2) To evaluate and rank the effect of different cord management strategies for preterm births on mortality and other key outcomes using NMA.Methods and analysisSystematic searches of Medline, Embase, clinical trial registries, and other sources for all ongoing and completed randomised controlled trials comparing cord management strategies at preterm birth (before 37 weeks’ gestation) have been completed up to 13 February 2019, but will be updated regularly to include additional trials. IPD will be sought for all trials; aggregate summary data will be included where IPD are unavailable. First, deferred clamping and cord milking will be compared with immediate clamping in pairwise IPD meta-analyses. The primary outcome will be death prior to hospital discharge. Effect differences will be explored for prespecified participant subgroups. Second, all identified cord management strategies will be compared and ranked in an IPD NMA for the primary outcome and the key secondary outcomes. Treatment effect differences by participant characteristics will be identified. Inconsistency and heterogeneity will be explored.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval for this project has been granted by the University of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee (2018/886). Results will be relevant to clinicians, guideline developers and policy-makers, and will be disseminated via publications, presentations and media releases.Registration numberAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) (ACTRN12619001305112) and International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO, CRD42019136640).

Recycled wastewater is widely used owing to the potential shortage of water resources for drinking purposes, recreational activities, and irrigation. However, gut microbiomes of both human beings and animals negatively affect this water quality. Wastewater contamination is continuously monitored, using fecal contamination indicators or microbial source tracking approaches, to oppose arising enteric infections. Viral gastroenteritis is considered a principal manifestation of waterborne pathogenic virome-mediated infections, which are mainly transmitted via the fecal-oral route. Furthermore, acquired enteric viromes are the common cause of infantile acute diarrhea. Moreover, public exposure to wastewater via wastewater discharge or treated wastewater reuse has led to a significant surge of public health concerns. In this review, we discussed the etiology of waterborne enteric viromes, notably gastrointestinal virus infections, and public exposure to municipal wastewater. Conclusively, the early human virome is affected mainly by birth mode, dietary behavior, and maternal health, and could provide a signature of disease incidence, however, more virome diversification is acquired in adulthood. A multi-phase treatment approach offered an effective means for the elimination of wastewater reuse mediated public risks. The insights highlighted in this paper offer essential information for defining probable etiologies and assessing risks related to exposure to discharged or reused wastewater.

Entomologic investigations were conducted in the Al-Darb, Al-Reath, Al-Aridah, Abuareesh, Al-Ahad, Samttah, Sabyah, Damad and Beash areas by CO2-baited CDC miniature light traps in the Jazan region. Vectors were identified morphologically, as well as COI gene segment amplification and sequencing. The relative abundance (RA%) and pattern of occurrence (C%) were recorded. The presence of the Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) in pooled mosquito samples was investigated by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Culex pipiens (C. pipiens) and Culex tritaeniorhynchus (C. tritaeniorhynchus) were found with RA% values of 96% and 4%, respectively, in the region. Significant variations in vector population densities were observed in different districts. The C. pipiens was found highly abundant in all districts and RA% value (100%) was recorded in the Al-Darb, Al-Reath, Al-Aridah, Samttah and Damad areas, whereas RA% values (93.75%, 93.33%, 92.30% and 91.66%) were noted in Al-Ahad, Sabyah, Abuareesh and Beash districts, respectively. RA% values for C. tritaeniorhynchus were recorded as 8.33%, 7.70%, 6.66% and 6.25% in Beash, Abuareesh, Sabyah and Al-Ahad areas, respectively. The pattern of occurrence for C. pipiens and C. tritaeniorhynchus was recorded as 100% and 44.4% in the region. Phylogenetic analysis of C. pipiens and C. tritaeniorhynchus exhibited a close relationship with mosquitoes from Kenya and Turkey, respectively. All mosquito samples tested by RT-PCR were found negative for RVFV. In summary, the current study assessed the composition, abundance, distribution of different mosquito vectors and presence of RVFV in different areas of the Jazan region. Our data will help risk assessments of RVFV future re-emergence in the region.

Since the initial emergence of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in 2012, a high incidence rate has been observed in Saudi Arabia. This suggests that the country is at continuous risk. The epidemic level of MERS-CoV infection was examined in Saudi Arabia by the Susceptible-Infectious-Recovered (SIR) model using a Bayesian approach for estimation of time dependent reproduction number (R) across a two-year interval (May, 2013-May, 2015) in five defined clusters, followed by sensitivity analysis of the most significant clusters. Significant MERS-CoV peaks were detected in the period between March and May of each year. Moreover, MERS-CoV infection was highlighted in western (40.8%) and central (31.9%) regions, followed by eastern region (20%). The temporal-based Bayesian approach indicated a sub-critical epidemic in all regions in the baseline scenario (R: 0.85–0.97). However, R potential limit was exceeded in the sensitivity analysis scenario in only central and western regions (R: 1.08–1.12) that denoted epidemic level in those regions. The impact of sporadic cases was found relatively insignificant and pinpointed to the lack of zoonotic influence on MERS-CoV transmission dynamics. The results of current study would be helpful for evaluation of future progression of MERS-CoV infections, better understanding and control interventions.

The prevention of muscle atrophy carries with it clinical significance for the control of increased morbidity and mortality following physical inactivity. While major transcriptional events associated with muscle atrophy-recovery processes are the subject of active research on the gene level, the contribution of non-coding regulatory elements and alternative promoter usage is a major source for both the production of alternative protein products and new insights into the activity of transcription factors. We used the cap-analysis of gene expression (CAGE) to create a genome-wide atlas of promoter-level transcription in fast (m. EDL) and slow (m. soleus) muscles in rats that were subjected to hindlimb unloading and subsequent recovery. We found that the genetic regulation of the atrophy-recovery cycle in two types of muscle is mediated by different pathways, including a unique set of non-coding transcribed regulatory elements. We showed that the activation of “shadow” enhancers is tightly linked to specific stages of atrophy and recovery dynamics, with the largest number of specific regulatory elements being transcriptionally active in the muscles on the first day of recovery after a week of disuse. The developed comprehensive database of transcription of regulatory elements will further stimulate research on the gene regulation of muscle homeostasis in mammals.

The aim of this inquiry is to investigate the relationships among the antecedents of knowledge sharing effectiveness under the position of non-academic staff of higher learning institutions through an empirical test of a conceptual model consisting of trust, extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, leadership style, workplace spirituality and online social network. This study used the respondents from the non-academic staff of higher learning institutions in Malaysia (n = 200), utilizing a self-administered survey questionnaire. The structural equation modeling approach was used to test the proposed hypotheses. The outcomes indicate that all the antecedents play a substantial function in knowledge sharing effectiveness. In addition, perceived risk plays a mediating role between trust and knowledge sharing effectiveness. On the other hand, this research also proved the communication skill also plays a mediating role between leadership style and knowledge sharing effectiveness. This study contributes to pioneering empirical findings on knowledge sharing literature under the scope of the non-academic staff perspective.

Abstract Background Familial glucocorticoid deficiency (FGD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by isolated glucocorticoid deficiency in the presence of normal plasma renin and aldosterone level. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a form of glomerular disease associated with proteinuria and nephritic syndrome. This is the first case of familial glucocorticoid deficiency associated with familial focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Case presentation An eight month old boy presented with increased genital pigmentation. Initial investigation revealed that he was glucocorticoid deficient and was started on hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone with a diagnosis of primary adrenal insufficiency. Later fludrocortisone was withdrawn and he was diagnosed to have isolated glucocorticoid deficiency. He later developed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis for which he underwent renal transplantation at the age of five years. Now at the age of twelve years, this boy is doing well on hydrocortisone treatment. His two siblings and a first degree cousin also had isolated glucocorticoid deficiency. One of the above two siblings died due to renal failure secondary to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Conclusion Patients with familial glucocorticoid deficiency should be carefully followed for development of features of nephrotic syndrome.

Abstract Background There is no available information on physicochemical and antioxidant properties on Bangladeshi honey. We investigated five different monofloral and three different multifloral honey samples collected from different parts of Bangladesh. Methods The levels of phenolics, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, ascorbic acid equivalent antioxidant content (AEAC), proline, protein and antioxidants were determined in the honey samples using ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. Results The highest level of phenolic was 688.5 ± 5.9 mg Gallic acid/kg, and the highest level of flavonoid was 155 ± 6.9 mg Catechin/kg. The highest color intensity was 2034.00 ± 17.5 mAU, and the highest protein content was 8.6 ± 0.0mg/g. High levels of proline (2932.8 ± 3.7 mg/kg), ascorbic acid (154.3 ± 0.3 mg/kg), AEAC (34.1 ± 1.4mg/100 g) and FRAP (772.4 ± 2.5 μmol Fe (II)/100 g) were detected in some of the samples, especially the multifloral honey samples, indicating good antioxidant properties. A strong positive correlation was found between phenolics, flavonoids, DPPH, FRAP and color intensity, indicating that in addition to total phenolic and flavonoid concentrations, color intensity and amino acid are good indicators of the antioxidant potential of honey. Except for a single sample (BDH-6), the honey samples stored for 1.5 years at room temperature still had 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) values within the recommended range (mean = 10.93 mg/kg), indicating that the rate of HMF production in Bangladeshi honey samples is low. Conclusion It is postulated that the low rate of HMF formation could be attributed to the acidic and low moisture content in the samples. In general, multifloral honeys have higher antioxidant properties based on their high levels of phenolics, flavonoids, AEAC, DPPH and FRAP when compared to monofloral honeys. We also found that monofloral honey samples from Guizotia abyssinica and Nigella sativa had high antioxidant properties.

Abstract Background Parathyroid adenoma with cystic degeneration is a rare cause of primary hyperparathyroidism. The clinical and biochemical presentation may mimic parathyroid carcinoma. Case presentation We report the case of a 55 year old lady, who had longstanding history of depression and acid peptic disease. Serum calcium eight months prior to presentation was slightly high, but she was never worked up. She was found to be Vitamin D deficient while being investigated for generalized body aches. A month after she was replaced with Vitamin D, she presented to us with parathyroid crisis. Her corrected serum calcium was 23.0 mg/dL. She had severe gastrointestinal symptoms and acute kidney injury. She had unexplained consistent hypokalemia until surgery. Neck ultrasound and CT scan revealed giant parathyroid cyst extending into the mediastinum. After initial medical management for parathyroid crisis, parathyroid cystic adenoma was surgically excised. Her serum calcium, intact parathyroid hormone, creatinine and potassium levels normalized after surgery. Conclusion This case of parathyroid crisis, with very high serum calcium and parathyroid hormone levels, is a rare presentation of parathyroid adenoma with cystic degeneration. This case also highlights that Vitamin D replacement may unmask subclinical hyperparathyroidism. Consistent hypokalemia until surgery merits research into its association with hypercalcemia.

Abstract Background Malaria remains a significant health problem in Bangladesh affecting 13 of 64 districts. The risk of malaria is variable across the endemic areas and throughout the year. A better understanding of the spatial and temporal patterns in malaria risk and the determinants driving the variation are crucial for the appropriate targeting of interventions under the National Malaria Control and Prevention Programme. Methods Numbers of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax malaria cases reported by month in 2007, across the 70 endemic thanas (sub-districts) in Bangladesh, were assembled from health centre surveillance reports. Bayesian Poisson regression models of incidence were constructed, with fixed effects for monthly rainfall, maximum temperature and elevation, and random effects for thanas, with a conditional autoregressive prior spatial structure. Results The annual incidence of reported cases was 34.0 and 9.6 cases/10,000 population for P. falciparum and P. vivax respectively and the population of the 70 malaria-endemic thanas was approximately 13.5 million in 2007. Incidence of reported cases for both types of malaria was highest in the mountainous south-east of the country (the Chittagong Hill Tracts). Models revealed statistically significant positive associations between the incidence of reported P. vivax and P. falciparum cases and rainfall and maximum temperature. Conclusions The risk of P. falciparum and P. vivax was spatially variable across the endemic thanas of Bangladesh and also highly seasonal, suggesting that interventions should be targeted and timed according to the risk profile of the endemic areas. Rainfall, temperature and elevation are major factors driving the spatiotemporal patterns of malaria in Bangladesh.

Abstract Background More than 95% of total malaria cases in Bangladesh are reported from the 13 high endemic districts. Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax are the two most abundant malaria parasites in the country. To improve the detection and management of malaria patients, the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) has been using rapid diagnostic test (RDT) in the endemic areas. A study was conducted to establish a SYBR Green-based modified real-time PCR assay as a gold standard to evaluate the performance of four commercially-available malaria RDTs, along with the classical gold standard- microscopy. Methods Blood samples were collected from 338 febrile patients referred for the diagnosis of malaria by the attending physician at Matiranga Upazila Health Complex (UHC) from May 2009 to August 2010. Paracheck RDT and microscopy were performed at the UHC. The blood samples were preserved in EDTA tubes. A SYBR Green-based real-time PCR assay was performed and evaluated. The performances of the remaining three RDTs (Falcivax, Onsite Pf and Onsite Pf/Pv) were also evaluated against microscopy and real-time PCR using the stored blood samples. Result In total, 338 febrile patients were enrolled in the study. Malaria parasites were detected in 189 (55.9%) and 188 (55.6%) patients by microscopy and real-time PCR respectively. Among the RDTs, the highest sensitivity for the detection of P. falciparum (including mixed infection) was obtained by Paracheck [98.8%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 95.8-99.9] and Falcivax (97.6%, 95% CI 94.1-99.4) compared to microscopy and real-time PCR respectively. Paracheck and Onsite Pf/Pv gave the highest specificity (98.8%, 95% CI 95.7-99.9) compared to microscopy and Onsite Pf/Pv (98.8, 95% CI 95.8-99.9) compared to real-time PCR respectively for the detection of P. falciparum. On the other hand Falcivax and Onsite Pf/Pv had equal sensitivity (90.5%, 95% CI 69.6-98.8) and almost 100% specificity compared to microscopy for the detection of P. vivax. However, compared to real-time PCR assay RDTs and microscopy gave low sensitivity (76.9%, 95% CI 56.4-91) in detecting of P. vivax although a very high specificity was obtained (99- 100%). Conclusion The results of this study suggest that the SYBR Green-based real-time PCR assay could be used as an alternative gold standard method in a reference setting. Commercially-available RDTs used in the study are quite sensitive and specific in detecting P. falciparum, although their sensitivity in detecting P. vivax was not satisfactory compared to the real-time PCR assay.

With todays geobrowsers, the tessellations are far from being smooth due to a variety of reasons: the principal being the light difference and resolution heterogeneity. Whilst the former has been extensively dealt with in the literature through classic mosaicking techniques, the latter has got little attention. We focus on this latter aspect and present two DWT domain methods to seamlessly stitch tiles of heterogeneous resolutions. The first method is local in that each of the tiles that constitute the view, is subjected to one of the three context-based smoothing functions proposed for horizontal, vertical, and radial smoothing, depending on its localization in the tessellation. These functions are applied at the DWT subband level and followed by an inverse DWT to give a smoothened tile. In the second method, though we assume the same tessellation scenario, the view field is thought to be of a sliding window which may contain parts of the tiles from the heterogeneous tessellation. The window is refined in the DWT domain through mosaicking and smoothing followed by a global inverse DWT. Rather than the traditional sense, the mosaicking employed over here targets the heterogeneous resolution. Perceptually, this second method has shown better results than the first one. The methods have been successfully applied to practical examples of both the texture and its corresponding DEM for seamless 3D terrain visualization.

Abstract Background The concentration of poverty and adverse environmental circumstances within slums, particularly those in the cities of developing countries, are an increasingly important concern for both public health policy initiatives and related programs in other sectors. However, there is a dearth of information on the population-level implications of slum life for human health. This manuscript describes the 2005 Census and Mapping of Slums (CMS), which used geographic information systems (GIS) tools and digital satellite imagery combined with more traditional fieldwork methodologies, to obtain detailed, up-to-date and new information about slum life in all slums of six major cities in Bangladesh (including Dhaka). Results The CMS found that Bangladeshi slums are very diverse: there are wide intra- and inter-city variations in population size, density, the percent of urban populations living in slums, and sanitation conditions. Findings also show that common beliefs about slums may be outdated; of note, tenure insecurity was found to be an issue in only a small minority of slums. Conclusion The methodology used in the 2005 Bangladesh CMS provides a useful approach to mapping slums that could be applied to urban areas in other low income societies. This methodology may become an increasingly important analytic tool to inform policy, as cities in developing countries are forecasted to continue increasing their share of total global population in the coming years, with slum populations more than doubling in size during the same period.

Abstract Background Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by accumulation of mature appearing lymphocytes and is rarely complicated by thrombosis. One possible explanation for the paucity of thrombotic events in these patients may be the presence of the ecto-nucleotidase CD39/NTDPase-1 on the surface of the malignant cells in CLL. CD39 is the major promoter of platelet inhibition in vivo via its metabolism of ADP to AMP. We hypothesize that if CD39 is observed on CLL cells, then patients with CLL may be relatively protected against platelet aggregation and recruitment and that CD39 may have other effects on CLL, including modulation of the disease, via its metabolism of ATP. Methods Normal and malignant lymphocytes were isolated from whole blood from patients with CLL and healthy volunteers. Enzyme activity was measured via radio-TLC assay and expression via FACS. Semi-quantititative RT-PCR for CD39 splice variants and platelet function tests were performed on several samples. Results Functional assays demonstrated that ADPase and ATPase activities were much higher in CLL cells than in total lymphocytes from the normal population on a per cell basis (p-value < 0.00001). CD39 activity was elevated in stage 0–2 CLL compared to stage 3–4 (p < 0.01). FACS of lymphocytes demonstrated CD39 expression on > 90% of normal and malignant B-lymphocytes and ~8% of normal T-lymphocytes. RT-PCR showed increased full length CD39 and splice variant 1.5, but decreased variant 1.3 in CLL cells. Platelet function tests showed inhibition of platelet activation and recruitment to ADP by CLL cells. Conclusion CD39 is expressed and active on CLL cells. Enzyme activity is higher in earlier stages of CLL and decreased enzyme activity may be associated with worsening disease. These results suggest that CD39 may play a role in the pathogenesis of malignancy and protect CLL patients from thrombotic events.

Jinding ducks are newly introduced to Bangladesh in commercial and household rearing. In order to assess production and hemato-biochemical status of Jinding ducks studies were conducted on household ducks of Chatkhil (August 2005-2006) and Sonagazi duck breeding farm (August 2008-June 2009). One hundred Jinding ducks (60 Chatkhil and 40 Sonagazi duck breeding farm) were randomly selected each time of sampling from 2,300 birds (300 Chatkhil and 2,000 Sonagazi duck breeding farm). Sexual maturity and average egg production per duck was calculated. Ducks attained better (P