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Abdullah R Alzahrani,1 Doaa I Mohamed,2 Hebatallah H Abo Nahas,3 Dalia Alaa El-Din Aly El-Waseef,4 Abdulmalik S Altamimi,5 Ibrahim H Youssef,6 Ibrahim Abdel Aziz Ibrahim,1 Soha MY Mohamed,7 Yasmine Gamal Sabry,7 Alaa H Falemban,1 Nasser Attia Elhawary,8 Ghazi A Bamagous,1 Mariusz Jaremko,9 Essa M Saied10,11 1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt; 3Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Port Said University, Port Said, Egypt; 4Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt; 5Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia; 6Department of Chest Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt; 7Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt; 8Department of Medical Genetics, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, Saudi Arabia; 9Smart-Health Initiative and Red Sea Research Center, Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia; 10Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt; 11Institute for Chemistry, Humboldt Universität Zu Berlin, Berlin, GermanyCorrespondence: Essa M Saied, Institute for Chemistry, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, 12489, Germany, Email saiedess@hu-berlin.deIntroduction: Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and tissue remodeling can greatly impair pulmonary function and often lead to fatal outcomes.Methodology: In the present study, we explored a novel molecular interplay of long noncoding (Lnc) RNA CBR3-AS1/ miRNA-29/ FIZZ1 axis in moderating the inflammatory processes, immunological responses, and oxidative stress pathways in bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung fibrosis. Furthermore, we investigated the pharmacological potential of Trimetazidine (TMZ) in ameliorating lung fibrosis.Results: Our results revealed that the BLM-treated group exhibited a significant upregulation in the expression of epigenetic regulators, lncRNA CBR3-AS1 and FIZZ1, compared to the control group (P< 0.0001), along with the downregulation of miRNA-29 expression. Furthermore, Correlation analysis showed a significant positive association between lnc CBR3-AS1 and FIZZ1 (R=0.7723, p< 0.05) and a significant negative association between miRNA-29 and FIZZ1 (R=− 0.7535, p< 0.05), suggesting lnc CBR3-AS1 as an epigenetic regulator of FIZZ1 in lung fibrosis. BLM treatment significantly increased the expression of Notch, Jagged1, Smad3, TGFB1, and hydroxyproline. Interestingly, the administration of TMZ demonstrated the ability to attenuate the deterioration effects caused by BLM treatment, as indicated by biochemical and histological analyses. Our investigations revealed that the therapeutic potential of TMZ as an antifibrotic drug could be ascribed to its ability to directly target the epigenetic regulators lncRNA CBR3-AS1/ miRNA-29/ FIZZ1, which in turn resulted in the mitigation of lung fibrosis. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses further validated the potential antifibrotic effects of TMZ by mitigating the structural damage associated with fibrosis.Discussion: Taken together, our study showed for the first time the interplay between epigenetic lncRNAs CBR3-AS1 and miRNA-29 in lung fibrosis and demonstrated that FIZZ1 could be a downregulatory gene for lncRNA CBR3-AS1 and miRNA-29. Our key findings demonstrate that TMZ significantly reduces the expression of fibrotic, oxidative stress, immunomodulatory, and inflammatory markers, along with epigenetic regulators associated with lung fibrosis. This validates its potential as an effective antifibrotic agent by targeting the CBR3-AS1/miRNA-29/FIZZ1 axis. Keywords: lung fibrosis, long noncoding RNA CBR3-AS1, miRNA-29, FIZZ1, trimetazidine, histopathology

Flax is considered to be one of the most significant dual-purpose crops for oil and fiber production in Egypt and worldwide. Biofertilizers have a substantial impact on various metabolic processes, including increased photosynthesis, endogenous hormone levels, ion absorption, nucleic acid synthesis, and protein synthesis. These factors collectively contribute to the growth and development of plants. Therefore, this study aims to investigate how three biofertilizers (Algae extract, CMS as a by-product of yeast, and Metalosate multi minerals as amino acids) can enhance both the quantity and quality of flax seed yield under sandy soil conditions. Two field experiments were conducted at the Experimental Station of National Research Centre in Nubaria District, Behira Governorate, Egypt during two seasons (2021/2022) using a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The results revealed significant differences among all tested biofertilizers in terms of various characteristics studied in flax. Foliar application of algae extract at a rate of 1.50 ​mL/L resulted in an increase in seed yield (ton/ha) by 26.69% & 19.89%, straw yield (ton/ha) by 8.08% & 17.12%, and oil yield (kg/ha) by 47.72% & 33.69% compared to the control group during both seasons respectively. Foliar applications of algae extract at a rate of 1.50 ​mL/L along with CMS at a rate of 5 ​mL/L and amino acids at a rate of 1.50 ​mL/L demonstrated significantly higher macronutrient contents (N, P, K), micronutrient contents (Fe, Zn, Mn), seed oil content, and protein content in flax seeds during both seasons. The highest values for seed oil content and protein content % were obtained through foliar application of amino acids at a rate of 1.50 ​mL/L. It can be concluded that foliar sprays with these biofertilizers effectively improved flax performance by increasing seed straw and oil yields, nutrients oil, protein and fatty acids seeds contents.

Two field experiments were conducted during the main seasons of 2021/2022 ​at the Research and Production Station of National Research Centre in Egypt to investigate the effects of farmyard manure (FYM) and boron on Canola growth, yield, oil yield, and quality. The results unequivocally demonstrated that the combined application of FYM at a rate of 14.4 ​ton ​ha−1 with a foliar spray of boron at 100 ppm positively influenced plant characteristics, leading to enhanced growth rates and higher yields compared to the control group. Moreover, this integrated approach significantly improved nutrient content by enhancing levels of oil content, carbohydrates, proteins, phenolics, flavonoids, and total soluble sugars. These findings provide compelling evidence that utilizing farm manure along with boron can effectively enhance Canola properties in newly reclaimed soils while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Abstract Background Water-scarce locations necessitate the deployment of creative and sustainable techniques for managing water for agricultural production. Field experiment was conducted at the Experimental Research Farm of National Research Centre, Nubaria region, Egypt to alleviate the harmful effect of water stress on the yield of Mediterranean barley varieties (Giza 125, Tombari, Ksar Megrine and Tamellat) by compost (0.0, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0-ton fed−1) and arginine application (0.00 and 1000 ppm) under deficit irrigation. The amounts of irrigation water applied were “900 and 450” m3 fed−1 to sufficient irrigation and deficit irrigation, respectively. Results The greatest and most significant values of the chlorophyll values and relative water content values obtained at the treatment supplied with 6.0-ton compost fed−1 and sprayed with Arginine. There was a significant dramatic decrease in proline content with increasing compost application rates and treated barley plants by Arginine for all the studied barley varieties under both studied irrigation treatments. Increasing compost application rate is associated with significant increase in number of spike m−2 without or with arginine. Barley Tombari variety received 6.0-ton compost fed−1 gained changes to give a greatest significant value of grain (ton fed−1) under sufficient irrigation and Tamellat under deficit irrigation situation. The significant maximum values of the grain yield (1.96- and 2.09-ton fed−1) were attained at Tombari and Tamellat varieties which received 6.0-ton fed−1 compost with or without arginine under sufficient irrigation. The increases in compost rate increment changes to incremented grain yield values with arginine application more than untreated one. The greatest and significant grain yield was found at the treatment received 6.0-ton compost fed−1 with arginine foliar application. Conclusion Compost application has an important role in maintaining greatest water use efficiency for plant and arginine application reported to contribute in reduction in destructive effects of a biotic stress thus their importance in increasing the barley production under water stress.

In this study, eggshell/poly pyrrole composites were investigated to remove chromium (VI) from the aqueous medium. Chromium removal experiments were performed as a batch reactor and parameters such as contact time, pH of chromium solution, and the amount of adsorbent consumed and adsorption isotherms were examined. Scanning electron microscopes (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques were also used to characterize the adsorbent. The results of this study indicated that eggshell/poly pyrrole composites could have a favorable effect on the removal of chromium from the aqueous medium. Eggshell/poly pyrrole composite that was prepared in the presence of 2 gr/l Poly Ethylene glycol in a mixture of water and ethanol solvents as an adsorbent showed the highest removal efficiency with more than 80 % adsorption in chromium removal. The optimal chromium removal time for this composite was 30 min and the highest removal percentage was observed at acidic pH = 5. For eggshell/poly pyrrole composite that is prepared in the presence of 2 gr/l Poly Ethylene glycol in water/ethanol solvent, the adsorption process followed by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms and the maximum amount of chromium adsorption per unit mass of the prepared composite was equal to175.5 mg/ gr.

Abstract Background The current study aimed to measure and decompose socioeconomic-related inequalities in DMFT (decayed, missing, and filled teeth) index among adults in Iran. Methods The study data were extracted from the adult component of Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in IrAN (PERSIAN) from 17 centers in 14 different provinces of Iran. DMFT score was used as a measure of dental caries among adults in Iran. The concentration curve and relative concentration index (RC) was used to quantify and decompose socioeconomic-related inequalities in DMFT. Results A total of 128,813 adults aged 35 and older were included in the study. The mean (Standard Deviation [SD]) score of D, M, F and DMFT of the adults was 3.3 (4.6), 12.6 (10.5), 2.1 (3.4) and 18.0 (9.5), respectively. The findings suggested that DMFT was mainly concentrated among the socioeconomically disadvantaged adults (RC = − 0.064; 95% confidence interval [CI), − 0.066 to − 0.063). Socioeconomic status, being male, older age and being a widow or divorced were identified as the main factors contributing to the concentration of DMFT among the worse-off adults. Conclusions It is recommended to focus on the dental caries status of socioeconomically disadvantaged groups in order to reduce socioeconomic-related inequality in oral health among Iranian adults. Reducing socioeconomic-related inequalities in dental caries should be accompanied by appropriate health promotion policies that focus actions on the fundamental socioeconomic causes of dental disease.

Density current is caused by a slight density difference with the environmental fluid. These currents are of two-phase current type. These currents are non-linear in nature, which are complex and sensitive to initial conditions. Fractal geometry is used as a powerful tool to investigate geophysical phenomena including density current and many complex natural phenomena. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive study on the fractal and multi-fractal properties of density current and established a significant relation between the Richardson number evolution and the entrainment of ratio density current through fractal analysis. For this purpose, three experimental models in 28 different states were performed by changing the bed slope, density and inlet discharge. The developed codes in MATLAB were used to calculate the multi-fractal generalized dimension indices D(q), singularity spectrum f(α), singularity angle α, the scaling exponent T(q) and fractal dimension Df. The results and various investigations indicated that the fractal dimension decreased a little with the increase of flume bed slope. Further, the fractal dimension increases with increasing the concentration and current discharge. As the Richardson number increases, the scaling exponent has a linear pattern. Furthermore, the fractal dimension changes are monotonic than q in these experiments, and the singularity angles are larger with less range. A significant relationship with 92% coefficient was made between Richardson number and entrainment ratio by fractal analysis.

Abstract Climate change and global warming are the biggest challenges in the current century. Methane gas is one of the most important greenhouse gases which can contribute to creating warming weather (about 19%). In this research, satellite data from GOSAT and MODIS and also climatic data of precipitation, temperature and humidity are used to analyze monthly and seasonal methane changes in 2012 to 2018 in North America. The results show that the methane gas has increased during this period and it increases from 1789 to 1824 ppb. The gas has monthly fluctuation and in October and September has the maximum concentration and in March and April has the minimum value. The relationship between the methane gas and temperature and LST is positive, and the relationship between the methane gas and NDVI, precipitation and humidity is negative. This verifies that the increase in methane concentration has significant relationship with low vegetation cover and high temperature. Therefore, conservation of vegetation cover can help to reduce the methane concentration.

Field experiments carried out at the Experimental Research Station of Nubaria, during two seasons of 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 to characterize the Mediterranean barley (Egyptian, Tunisian, Algerian and Morocco) varieties grown under water stress (40% WHC) and normal irrigation (75% WHC). The barley grain yield had a positive and highly significant correlation with drought stress indices (STI, MP and GMP), indicating that STI, MP and GMP more suitable indices for selecting barley varieties to drought stress tolerance. Results also concluded that the Egyptian varieties (Giza 131, Giza 127, Giza 2000, Giza 130), Tunisian varieties (Kebili 3,Tozeur 2, Sidi-Bou), Algerian varieties (Naïlia and Techedrett and Temacine) and Morocco varieties (Laanaceur, Massine and Amira), gained the highest values of most drought tolerance indices and produced greater grain yield proving their drought stress tolerance as compare to Giza 125 and Giza 126 (Egyptian), Tombari, Raihane (Tunisian), Ksar-Megrine, Ras El-Mouch (Algerian) and Tamellalet, Adrar (Morocco) which was the lowest grain yield under water stress condition. The data obtained from this study could be useful for barley breeders, agronomists and grain producers in order to increase grain yield under water stress condition of arid and semi-arid regions in North African countries.

Drought is the major a biotic stress that reduces plant growth and crop productivity worldwide. AquaCrop model is one of the most widely used simulation models, which simulates the growth, yield and water productivity of the crops. Field experiment was carried out in the Experimental Research Station of Nubaria, during two seasons of 2016/2017 and 2017/2018. The study to assess water productivity of Mediterranean barley (Egyptian, Tunisian, Algerian and Morocco) varieties grown under water stress condition (40% of water holding capacity) compared to normal one (75% of water holding capacity) by AquaCrop model. Deviations (%) between observed under normal irrigation water and observed water deficit (stress), AquaCrop model normal and AquaCrop model stress, data obtained were (2.36, 1.84, 2.25 and 1.59%) for Egyptian barley varieties, respectively. For Tunisian barley varieties, deviations (%) were (2.06, 1.59, 2.78 and 3.62%), respectively. For Algerian barley varieties, were (2.12, 1.66, 2.88 and 3.71%), respectively. The percentage of absolute difference between the percentage of variation in the case of water stress and the case without water stress treatment was 5.36% under Egyptian varieties, followed by Morocco varieties (12.78%). Egyptian varieties are the least tolerant of water stress treatment where the percentage difference in the absolute difference between the cases is equal to 25%.

Abstract Background Phosphorus is one of the essential nutrients required for plant growth. Although it is moderately available in nature, it is a deficient nutrient in most soils especially calcareous soils. Phosphate rock (PR) is considered the cheapest P fertilizer. Phosphate rock sources may be of igneous or sedimentary origin. Results In Egypt, the natural phosphate rock is located in Sebaiya (Nile Valley), Safaga (Red Sea), and Abu Tartur (Western Desert). The higher the organic matter contents in soil, the better dissolution of the PR. Legumes are particularly suited for the use of PR. Biological solubilization of phosphate rock is more environmentally friendly than acidulation. Fungi are widely used as producers of organic acids, and particularly, some Aspergillus and Penicillium species have been directly introduced into the soil in order to solubilize the phosphate rock. Biological solubilization will make phosphorous available for plant use with minimum pollution to the environment. Phosphate rock inoculated with bacteria and Mycrrohizae proved to be a suitable approach to use PR for continuous crop production. Conclusion The amendments such as elemental sulphur, compost, organic manure, and plant waste could be applied to PR to improve crop cultivation under Egyptian soil conditions.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome is defined by insulin resistance and a clustering of other cardiovascular risk factors. Crocin is a carotenoid derived from the stigmas of the saffron flower and had previously been shown to affect lipid profile. However, the mechanism for this function is not well understood. The present trial aimed to investigate the possible effect of crocin on plasma levels of cholesteryl ester transfer protein and lipid profile in individuals with metabolic syndrome. METHODS: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial consisting of an 8-week treatment with crocin, or placebo tablets between April and June 2014, in the Nutrition Clinic of Ghaem Teaching Hospital, Mashhad, Iran. Participants were randomly assigned to take a 30 mg/day crocin (n = 22) in the intervention group or placebo (n = 22) in the control group. Anthropometric, hematological and biochemical parameters were measured and recorded during pre and post-treatment periods. RESULTS: Whilst plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein was increased in the group taking the crocin tablet by 27.81% during the trial period (P = 0.013), the difference between the crocin and placebo groups was not significant (P = 0.116). Moreover, the percent changes in cholesterol (P = 0.702), triglyceride (P = 0.080), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (P = 0.986), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (P = 0.687) and fasting blood glucose (P = 0.614) did not differ significantly between intervention and control groups. CONCLUSION: Although crocin supplements increased the serum cholesteryl ester transfer protein in patients with metabolic syndrome, this change was not significant between treatment and placebo groups.

Background and purpose: Tumors are one of the most important threats to human life and improving the drugs used in their treatment is always necessary. Isatin is found in many plants and also synthesized through different methods. Many studies have been done on Isatin ring, including the construction of Dibromoisatin derivatives that exhibit anti-cancer effects. The aim of this study was to determine the cytotoxic effects of Dibromoisatin derivatives on cervical and liver cancer cells. Materials and methods: In this study, 10 Dibromoisatin derivative made at concentrations of 1, 50, 100, 200, and 400 µg/mL were tested against cervical (HeLa) and liver cancer cell lines (HepG2). The cell viability was assessed by MTT assay and the IC50 value was calculated in PRISM software. Results: Comparing the cytotoxic effects of Dibromoisatin derivatives showed that the highest cytotoxic effects in both cell lines was detected in composition No. 9 with IC50 value of HepG2= 1.194 and IC50 value of HeLa= 0.025. Conclusion: These derivatives were more effective against liver cancer cells and some Dibromoisatin derivatives were found to have high toxicity against cancer cells, therefore, they could be of great benefit in improving the drugs used in chemotherapy.

In this study, the effect of audit quality on the forecasting accuracy of future operating cash flows among between firms listed in the Tehran Stock Exchange has been investigated. Audit quality has been measured with auditor size, auditor industry specialization and auditor tenure.Similar to some previous researches done in this outline, forecasting accuracy of future operating cash flows have been estimated with using model Barth et al (2001). The results of review firms 97 in the years 2007 to 2014 show that size of audit firm and auditor industry specialization have significant positive relationship at the forecasting accuracy of future operating cash flows, so caused increase its .while there is a significant negative relationship between forecasting accuracy of future operating cash flows and auditor tenure. These findings suggest that audit quality can influence the quality of accounting information and therefore it is effected over forecasting accuracy of future operating cash flows.

The consequence of political life of any society is the result of how its political tendencies interact and change (Internal and External). Therefore, understanding political life of any society in possible providing that one has a profound ability to know, understand and analyze them.While due to epistemological and evolutional change of political sociology, current theories and methodologies experience some crises and shortcomings to explain political and social changes, this paper presents a second-hand and methodological question on political tendency. It was attempted to theoretically discuss both the content and form of political tendency. It was concluded that Political tendency is a coherent, analytical and conceptually mobile discipline consisted of understanding to reiteration (from specific to general). Going beyond mere description, understanding or reiteration or even propositional recreation or existing relationships among various tendencies, this study offers a more effective methodological, interdisciplinary and instrumental framework for understanding of the society and political life.

Introduction: Establishing improvement in every organization requires assessment of organizational performance, planning and goal-setting to improve the performance. Despite remarkable progresses occurred in recent years on designing the frameworks and performance evaluation systems, many organizations still rely on traditional criteria. Therefore, according to the importance of performance evaluation, it has been tried to combine qualitative and quantitative approaches in evaluation of total quality management models under the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) excellence model and mathematical models of data envelopment analysis (DEA); i.e. providing a model regarding performance evaluation for 27 clinics of Yazd city so as to evaluate the advantages of the both methods and minimize their disadvantages too. Methods: The study population of this descriptive study consisted of all the officials, staff and physicians in clinics of Yazd in 2011. 283 subjects participated in the study and 215 of them completed the questionnaire. The data collection tool was a standard 50-item EFQM excellence model questionnaire. The validity of this questionnaire has been proved in many previous studies. Cronbach’s alpha was also used to determine its reliability (r = 0.89). Data analysis was conducted through SPSS software and DEAP was also used to determine the organizational efficiency. Results: Out of the 27 selected clinics, the clinics of Akbari (1.09), Qaemiyeh (1.054), Shahrak-Sanati (1.04), Azadshahr (1.014), Kasnaviyeh (1.06), Khatamolanbiya (1.41), Fateme-Zahra (1.039), Mottahari (1.056), Paknezhad (1.03), Shah-Vali (1.016), Sepahepasdaran (1.038), dental clinic (1.043), Nickpoor (1.11) and Kowsar (1.027) were efficient and the rest were inefficient. Khatmolanbyah (1.41) and Rahmatabad clinics (0.89) obtained the first and the last rating in efficiency, respectively. In other words, more than half of the clinics in the city (52%) were efficient. Conclusion: Through combination of data envelopment analysis and organizational excellence models, which can constitute a strong performance assessment together, managers of the clinics can make a step toward realistic assessment of the clinics and therefore improve them. Furthermore, inefficient clinics can also change the human and financial resources in order to reach an acceptable level of performance. Keywords: Performance Assessment; Organizational Excellence Models; Data Envelopment Analysis; Efficiency; Clinics

The adequacy of peritoneal dialysis is generally dependant on the choice of peritoneal fluid, the intraperitoneal fill volume and the contact time. Moreover, the peritoneal surface area acts as a major factor in the exchange dynamics of a peritoneal membrane. We designed a mechanism to increase the membrane surface contact area by using an abdominal belt in order to exert enough pressure on the fill volume, to effectively recruit more area in contact for exchange. We studied 12 patients on regular continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) at our center from January to October 2008. The age of patients ranged from 44 to 75 years, with a median of 55 years. All the patients were maintained on the same prescription four months before and during the study. Dialysis solutions were 1.36% Deaneal® , two liters, three exchanges and the last fill volume was two liters 7.5% Extraneal® . The belt was applied to all the patients most of the day and all night. We then observed its effect on dialysis adequacy, reflected by various parameters over a period of eight months. The average Kt/V before wearing the belt was 1.89 and improved after applying the belt to 2.3 (P

The present article is the result of a research concern in the philosophy of science in which ontological, epistemological and methodological questions about interdiscilinariness and political science are posed and examined. With this outlook, this article focuses on the question whether political science or the science of politics is a university major or an interdisciplinary project. As it can be inferred from theoretical preliminaries, an interdisciplinary project entails an epistemological arena (convergence and combination of majors) and practical dimension (cooperation). Issues such as the definition of political science, its subject, its problems, epistemological changes, modern era changes, necessities of life, modern chain processes, activity of social and multidimensional human, plurality of levels, relationship, mutual dependence and dynamisms have made the necessity of field exchange, multidisciplinariness and interdisciplineriness in political science an undeniable strategy. Therefore, political science is an interdisciplinary project; A concept whose theoretical and practical preference over the field of “science of politics” has been indicated throughout this article.

High chromium cast steel alloys are being used extensively in many industrial services where dry or wet abrasion resistance is required. Such steel castings are demanded for cement, stoneware pipes, and earth moving industries. In this research, five steel heats were prepared in 100 kg and one-ton medium frequency induction furnaces and then sand cast in both Y-block and final impact arm spare parts, respectively. Vanadium (0.5–2.5%) and boron (120–150 ppm) were added to the 18Cr-1.9C-0.5Mo steel heats to examine their effects on the steel microstructure, mechanical properties especially impact, fracture toughness and abrasion resistance. Changes in the phase transformation after heat treatment were examined using inverted, SEM-EDX microscopy; however, the abrasion resistance was measured in dry basis using the real tonnage of crushed and milled stoneware clay to less than 0.1 mm size distribution.

BackgroundInappropriate medication prescription is a common cause of preventable adverse drug events among elderly persons in the primary care setting.ObjectiveThe aim of this systematic review is to quantify the extent of inappropriate prescription to elderly persons in the primary care setting.MethodsWe systematically searched Ovid-Medline and Ovid-EMBASE from 1950 and 1980 respectively to March 2012. Two independent reviewers screened and selected primary studies published in English that measured (in)appropriate medication prescription among elderly persons (>65 years) in the primary care setting. We extracted data sources, instruments for assessing medication prescription appropriateness, and the rate of inappropriate medication prescriptions. We grouped the reported individual medications according to the Anatomical Therapeutic and Chemical (ATC) classification and compared the median rate of inappropriate medication prescription and its range within each therapeutic class.ResultsWe included 19 studies, 14 of which used the Beers criteria as the instrument for assessing appropriateness of prescriptions. The median rate of inappropriate medication prescriptions (IMP) was 20.5% [IQR 18.1 to 25.6%.]. Medications with largest median rate of inappropriate medication prescriptions were propoxyphene 4.52 (0.10-23.30)%, doxazosin 3.96 (0.32 15.70)%, diphenhydramine 3.30 (0.02-4.40)% and amitriptiline 3.20 (0.05-20.5)% in a decreasing order of IMP rate. Available studies described unequal sets of medications and different measurement tools to estimate the overall prevalence of inappropriate prescription.ConclusionsApproximately one in five prescriptions to elderly persons in primary care is inappropropriate despite the attention that has been directed to quality of prescription. Diphenhydramine and amitriptiline are the most common inappropriately prescribed medications with high risk adverse events while propoxyphene and doxazoxin are the most commonly prescribed medications with low risk adverse events. These medications are good candidates for being targeted for improvement e.g. by computerized clinical decision support.

BACKGROUND: Care of the elderly is recognized as an increasingly important segment of health care. The Assessing Care Of Vulnerable Elderly (ACOVE) quality indicators (QIs) were developed to assess and improve the care of elderly patients. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this review is to summarize studies that assess the quality of care using QIs from or based on ACOVE, in order to evaluate the state of quality of care for the reported conditions. METHODS: We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL for English-language studies indexed by February 2010. Articles were included if they used any ACOVE QIs, or adaptations thereof, for assessing the quality of care. Included studies were analyzed and relevant information was extracted. We summarized the results of these studies, and when possible generated an overall conclusion about the quality of care as measured by ACOVE for each condition, in various settings, and for each QI. RESULTS: Seventeen studies were included with 278 QIs (original, adapted or newly developed). The quality scores showed large variation between and within conditions. Only a few conditions showed a stable pass rate range over multiple studies. Overall, pass rates for dementia (interquartile range (IQR): 11%-35%), depression (IQR: 27%-41%), osteoporosis (IQR: 34%-43%) and osteoarthritis (IQR: 29-41%) were notably low. Medication management and use (range: 81%-90%), hearing loss (77%-79%) and continuity of care (76%-80%) scored higher than other conditions. Out of the 278 QIs, 141 (50%) had mean pass rates below 50% and 121 QIs (44%) had pass rates above 50%. Twenty-three percent of the QIs scored above 75%, and 16% scored below 25%. CONCLUSIONS: Quality of care per condition varies markedly across studies. Although there has been much effort in improving the care for elderly patients in the last years, the reported quality of care according to the ACOVE indicators is still relatively low.

High fertilization rates and pesticides are required for the intensive production of strawberries, which offer several therapeutic health benefits. Recently, chitosan (CHI), and phosphorus fertilizer based on Micro Carbon TechnologyTM (MCT-P) were applied to encourage strawberry sustainable production and enhance phosphorus-use efficiency. Field trials were conducted throughout 2020/2021 and 2021/2022, to evaluate the effectiveness of MCT–P and CHI in improving strawberry cv. Fortuna growth and yield as well as their quality. Foliar spraying of CHI and MCT-P considerably improved strawberry plant growth (i.e., plant height, secondary crown number per plant, leaf number and area per plant, and foliage fresh weight), photosynthetic pigment concentration (chlorophylla, chlorophyllb, and carotenoids), as well as its yield and quality (early fruit yield, total yield, average fruit weight, fruit firmness, fruit dry matter %, soluble solid content, total sugars (%), ascorbic acid, acidity, and anthocyanin). Compared to untreated plants, 1200 mgL−1 MCT-P and 1000 mg/L CHI supplementation was the most effective concentration for improving all studied characteristics. The interaction between CHI and MCT-P had a greater impact on all examined characteristics. It is recommended to spray strawberry cv. Fortuna with 1200 mg/L MCT-P plus 1000 mg/L CHI every two weeks, from 60 days after transplanting until two weeks before the end of harvesting season for the best fruit yield and quality.

In order to alleviate the shortage of irrigation water in dry regions, refining water use efficiency (WUE) is a key issue in sustainable productivity. Furthermore, glycinebetaine (GlyBet) is a vital osmoprotectant produced in crops for improving drought tolerance; however, little is known about its role in improving plant WUE under field conditions in non-accumulating plants such as cucumber. In order to elucidate the effectiveness of GlyBet concentrations (0, 2000, 4000, and 6000 mg/L) in mitigating the deleterious effects of drought (e.g., well-watered (1250 m3/fed), moderate drought (950 m3/fed), and severe drought (650 m3/fed)), field experiments were conducted at Elmia village, Dakahlia, Egypt in the 2020 and 2021 seasons on vegetative growth, some physiological attributes, as well as yield and quality. Drought considerably decreased vegetative growth, yield and its components, leaf relative water content, and photosynthetic pigment concentrations compared with well-watered plants while increasing electrolyte leakage. The most harmful causes were severe drought. However, exogenous spraying with GlyBet substantially boosted the mentioned attributes, but reduced electrolyte leakage within well-watering. Commonly 6000 mg/L contributed to the maximum growth and productivity, preserving cucumber plant water status above other concentrations or untreated plants. Under extreme drought, the application of 6000 mg/L GlyBet had a beneficial effect on moderating the damage of water deficit on cucumber plant growth and productivity. Overall, using GlyBet as a cost-effective and eco-friendly biostimulant six times (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 days from sowing) has the potential to mitigate drought damage while also increasing yield; however, more research is needed to determine the optimal rate and timing of application.

Background Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a serious medical emergency. Many scoring systems have been developed to predict bleeding outcomes for patients with UGIB. Recently, the guidelines recommend use of risk scores in UGIB to facilitate accurate triage and assist in clinical decisions. The aim of this study was to compare the AIMS65 with the Glasgow–Blatchford score (GBS) and the pre-endoscopy Rockall score (PRS) for risk stratification among Egyptian patients with UGIB. Patients and methods This prospective study involved 74 adult patients with UGIB. Clinical data, biochemical data, transfusion requirements, endoscopic interventions, and duration of hospitalization were collected. AIMS65, GBS, and PRS scores were calculated for each patient. The ability of these scores to predict clinical outcomes was determined. Results In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, AIMS65 and GBS were better than PRS when predicting in-hospital mortality (0.95 vs 0.88 vs 0.83). However, the three scoring systems were similar in the prediction of the need for blood transfusion (0.74 vs 0.77 vs 0.69). They had less predictive values regarding endoscopic intervention (0.59 vs 0.57 vs 0.65) and duration of hospitalization (0.57 vs 0.57 vs 0.65). AIMS65 less than or equal to 2 can predict low-risk patients with sensitivity of 100% but with low specificity of 31%. AIMS65 score less than or equal to 2 with hemoglobin greater than 8 g/dl and no history of Chronic Liver Disease was able to detect the low-risk patients with specificity of 82% and 100% sensitivity. Conclusion Among Egyptian patients with UGIB, AIMS65 is comparable to GBS and better than pre-endoscopic Rockall score in detecting in-hospital mortality. The three scoring systems are similar in detecting the need for blood transfusion but they had less predictive values regarding endoscopic intervention and duration of hospitalization. In addition, AIMS65 score less than or equal to 2 with hemoglobin greater than 8 g/dl and no history of CLD can detect the low-risk patients who can be managed as outpatient and do endoscopy in scheduled time with specificity of 82% and 100% sensitivity. This finding needs more studies on a large number of patients to validate our assumption.

Context Gastric variceal (GV) bleeding is a serious complication in patients with cirrhosis, as it is usually severe with high rate of mortality and rebleeding. Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic therapy with isoamyl-2-cyanoacrylate (Amcrylate) in patients with cirrhosis with GV (gastroesophageal varices type 2 and isolated gastric varices type 1) bleeding. Patients and methods We prospectively studied 34 patients with cirrhosis with bleeding GV who were treated with intravariceal injection of isoamyl-2-cyanoacrylate (Amcrylate). Statistical method Data were expressed as the mean ± SD or as number (%) for numerical variables. Results After a mean dose of 1.86 ± 0.49 ml (range: 1–3 ml) of isoamyl-2-cyanoacrylate was injected in each patient, hemostasis was achieved initially in 100% of patients and complete obliteration of GV in 100% of patients. Treatment-related complications occurred in 26.5% of patients (9/34), but all complications were transient and mild. Complications included ulceration at site of injection (8.8%), fever (2.9%), abdominal pain (5.8%), chest pain (5.8%), and transient dysphagia (2.9%). Only one (2.9%) patient died closed to the cyanoacrylate treatment during hospitalization owing to hepatic encephalopathy and hepatorenal syndrome type I. During mean follow-up of 11.9 + 5.2 months (range: 2 weeks–21 months), rebleeding occurred in 8.8% of our patients. Conclusion This study has demonstrated the efficacy and safety of endoscopic treatment of bleeding GV using isoamyl-2-cyanoacrylate injection with initial hemostasis and complete obliteration of GV with no serious complications and low risk of rebleeding and bleeding-related death.

Background Joint affection is the most common extraintestinal manifestation of ulcerative colitis (UC). Despite the high specificity of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies for rheumatoid arthritis, their role in UC remains unclear. Aim The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of anti-CCP antibodies in patients with UC and to investigate any association with joint affection. Patients and methods A total of 60 patients with UC were studied. Demographic data were collected, careful history was taken, and clinical examination including rheumatologic examination was done. A blood sample was collected for assessment of anti-CCP and other laboratory tests. Colonoscopy was done for assessment of severity and extension of UC. Results Joint affection was found in 28.33% of patients. Anti-CCP antibody was positive in 8.33% of patients. There were no statistically significant differences between patients with positive and negative anti-CCP antibody regarding joint affection or UC activity or extension. Conclusion The prevalence of anti-CCP antibodies in patients with UC was 8.33%, but there was no association between the presence of these antibodies and the joint affection or disease activity or extension.

Background Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is characterized by mucosal and submucosal vascular ectasia. It may present with iron-deficiency anemia or gastrointestinal bleeding. Argon plasma coagulation (APC) may be used for treating GAVE. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of APC in the treatment of GAVE. Patients and methods A total of 30 patients with GAVE and in need of treatment for bleeding or anemia were treated with APC every 2 to 4 weeks until eradication of GAVE or cessation of the patient's initial symptoms. They were then followed up on a monthly basis for recurrence of initial symptoms or blood transfusion and measurement of hemoglobin levels. Follow-up endoscopy was done after 6 months. Results Among the thirty patients who were included in the study, GAVE was associated with underlying cirrhosis in 18 (60%) patients. Indications for treatment were hematemesis and/or melena in 16 (53.3%) patients and iron-deficiency anemia in 14 (46.6%) patients. A total of 78 APC sessions were conducted for the treatment of GAVE (2.6 sessions per patient, range: 1–6 sessions). Successful endoscopic eradication of GAVE was achieved in 11 of 30 patients (36.6%). Seventeen (56.6%) patients showed improvement in the severity of GAVE from endoscopic evaluation with cessation of the patient's initial symptoms, highly significant reduction of blood transfusion, and an improvement in hemoglobin levels (highly significant). Only two (6.6%) patients showed no improvement in the severity of GAVE from endoscopic evaluation with the continuation of the patient's initial symptoms (bleeding). No endoscopy-related adverse events were found during the study period. Conclusion Endoscopic APC is safe and effective in treating GAVE with a significant reduction in the need for blood transfusion and an improvement in hemoglobin levels, but endoscopic eradication rate of GAVE is low (36.6%).