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Microfacies analysis of the Upper Palaeogene-Lower Neogene succession which include Jaddala, Palani, Sheikh Allas, Shurau, Tarjil, Baba, Bajwan, Ibrahim, Azkand, Anah and Jeribe formations within Kirkuk area led to the recognition of many microfacies. They were grouped into nine facies associations ranging from supratidal to basin setting. These facies associations were deposited within a rimmed shelf with a barrier reef during the Palaeogene and a steepened ramp setting with fringing patch reef during the Neogene. The digenetic imprints on the recognized microfacies are prominent and dominated by cementation, neomorphism, dolomitization, precipitation of authigenic minerals, dissolution (leaching), compaction, mechanical degredation, micritization and geopitalstractures. The Upper Palaeogene-Lower Neogene succession is represented by a 2nd order cycle, It includes five 3rd order cycles within the shallowing upward upper part (The highstand systems tract) of this cycle. Cycles A and B were deposited during the Oligocene and present in the wells of Kirkuk oil field and bounded below by a transgressive surface and above by Type1 sequence boundary, Cycles C and D were deposited during the Aquitanian Early Miocene and found in Khabaz Field only and bounded below and above by a Type1 sequence boundary. These cycles were formed where the tectonic component was the major controlling factor on their development, This have caused successive episodes of relative sea level rises and stillstands, followed by sea level fall. Another 3rd order cycle within the Jeribe Formation was identified at Bai Hassan and Khabaz fields, this cycle is bounded below and above by a Type1 sequence boundary and also represent a brief episode of relative sea level rise followed by a major fall eroding most of the formation. The development of the Upper Palaeogene-Lower Neogene succession went through three main stages. The first stage was represented by the deposition of the basinal Jaddala and Palani formations (Eocene-Early Oligocene) all over the study area. The second stage was characterized by the basin trend being to the south toward the Khabaz Field and the reef buildup was located near Kirkuk Field and an interfingering took place between the Sheikh Allas and Palani formations deposited as a 3rd order cycle (A) therefore the fore reef and reef of Sheikh Allas and the back reef Shurau were deposited as a second 3rd order cycle (B) in Kirkuk Field only whereas the deposition of the basinal facies of the Palani Formation continued in both Bai Hassan and Khabaz areas. The third stage took place during the Aquitanian Early Miocene where a positive area developed as the Baba Dome and the Bai Hassan Field were uplifted with Avanah and Khurmala domes in Kirkuk Field; therefore the Bajwan and Baba formations (Late Oligocene) became subject to erosion, and the Khabaz Field represent the area of reef buildup, and the depositional system was changed from the shelf to ramp setting. During the Langhian new transgression took place where the Bai Hassan and Khabaz areas represent a tidal flat and the Jeribe Formation was deposited, whereas the Kirkuk Field was a positive area. more...

The Upper Palaeogene-Lower Neogene succession represent subsurface sections from Kirkuk, Bai Hassan, and Khabaz oilfields were divided to many reservoir units dependent on information derived mainly from petrographical description, well log analysis, and related microfacies. In Khabaz oil Field, the hydrocarbon reservoir includes three reservoir units covered the Jeribe Formation, Anah Formation with its interfingering zone with Azkand Formation and Azkand Formation, the total thickness of this reservoir reaches up to (128 m) with net pay thickness of about (85.7 m) and net average porosity of (0.096) while the net water saturation is (0.185), the volume of shale is (7.130). The hydrocarbon reservoir in Bai Hassan was represented by three reservoir units comprised from the Bajwan and Baba formations, the total thickness of this reservoir is (178 m) with net pay thickness of (154.2m) and net average porosity of (0.121) while the net saturation is (0.156), the volume of shale is (36.837). Four reservoir units comprised the hydrocarbon reservoir in Kirkuk Field where they covered the Bajwan, Baba, Shurau and Sheikh Allas formations. The total thickness of these reservoirs is (136 m) with net pay thickness (124.5m) and net average porosity (0.178) while the net water saturation is (0.159), the volume of shale is (5.82). Many types of porosity were associated with these reservoirs such as the interparticles, intraparticles, intercrystaline, fracture, channel, moldic, vug, and cavern porosities. These porosities are attributed to a combination of dolomitization, fracturing, and dissolution. more...

Ali D Alotaibi,1,2 Vishal Vennu,2 Ahmad Saleh BinNasser,3 May Idres,4 Asma Mohammed,5 Hasan Aldawai,6 Saad M Bindawas2 1Ministry of Health, Dawadmi General Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 3Department of Orthopedics, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 4Physical Therapy Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 5Physical Therapy Department, King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 6Physical Therapy Department, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Saad M Bindawas, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box: 10219, Riyadh, 11433, Saudi Arabia, Tel +966114696226, Email sbindawas@ksu.edu.saPurpose: In Western countries, several patient-reported outcomes (PROs) measures have been developed and validated for knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients. While few PROs have been adopted for these patients in Saudi Arabia, which do not reflect all aspects of the Saudi socio-cultural context. Given this shortcoming, this study aimed to develop a new PRO measure in Arabic that covers all concepts related to health, function, and participation encompassing environmental and personal factors.Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 73 males and females aged ≥ 55 diagnosed with radiographic knee OA recruited from the orthopedic and physiotherapy departments of five hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between September 2016 and March 2017. Physicians confirmed knee OA according to the American College of Rheumatology standards. We examined the psychometric properties of the new Arabic PRO measure.Results: The internal consistency and test-retest (a one-week interval) reliabilities were found acceptable and excellent with Cronbach’s alpha and the intra-class correlation coefficient, ranging from 0.69 to 0.85 and 0.88 to 0.91, respectively. The construct validity was found fair with the correlation between the subscales Body Function and Physical Function (rs =0.63), Activity & Participation and Physical Function (rs =0.72), and Body Function and Bodily Pain (rs =0.58). We found a weak to fair correlation between the new Arabic PRO measure’s subscales and the SF-36 physical composite scale (PCS: rs =0.34– 0.69) compared to the mental-composite scale (MCS: rs =0.16– 0.55).Conclusion: The 33-item new Arabic PRO measure is a well-accepted, reliable, and valid tool for use in knee OA patients in the Saudi cultural context.Keywords: osteoarthritis, knee, psychometric properties, Arabic, patient-reported outcome more...

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the immunological finding of the most important Helicobacter pylori virulence factors CagA, VacA, DupA, HopQ, and IceA genotypes in gastric biopsies of gastroduodenal diseases patients infected with H. pylori, and to determine the concentrations of CagA, VacA, DupA, HopQ, and IceA in the sera of the patients infected with H. pylori in Iraq-Basrah, by using ELISA technique, to give acknowledge about the role of these virulence factors in patients with the gastroduodenal disorder. A case-control study included 112 confirmed gastroduodenal patients and 112 healthy individuals as a control group. Data about age, gender, smoking, alcohol abuse, family history, occupation, residence, and clinical findings for all study populations were collected. Blood samples have been gathered from each patient as well as the control group. Each individual in this study was examined under the supervision of a gastroenterologist and was subjected to a urea breath test (UBT) for definitive confirmation of H. pylori infection. The finding of this study show a significant effect of these factors with an increased risk of gastroduodenal disorder. Conclusion: The study show a significant effect of the studied virulence factors (CagA, VacA, DupA, HopQ, and IceA) with an increased risk of gastroduodenal disorder of Iraqi population in Basrah province. Keywords: Immunological factors, gastroduodenal disorder, Helicobacter pylori, ELISA, CagA, VacA, DupA, HopQ, and IceA. more...

Empowering women to contribute their quota to community and national development has become a contemporary issue embraced worldwide. Despite the fact that women’s political participation right has been enshrined in international law, little is known about the struggles and experiences women in Africa face in their quest to participate in the development of their respective communities and the country at large. This study examined the socio-cultural factors affecting the participation of women in socio-economic development in Bongo Traditional Area of the Upper East Region of Ghana. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. Questionnaires were adopted in soliciting responses from 123 respondents. Qualitative data was also obtained by conducting unstructured interviews with the District Chief Executive of the Bongo District, a former Assembly Woman, a Community Based Organization Manager, a reformed Deviant, and the Tindana. Three focus group discussions (FGDs) were also held with men and women groups with the aid of FGD guide The study revealed that the patrilineal system, extended family system, early marriage, early parenting, land ownership, ownership of valuable properties, seeking of permission from husbands before accessing credit and kind of animals to rear negatively affects the participation of women in the development of the Bongo traditional area. The study thus recommended that, the National Commission for Civic Education, media, district assembly and traditional authority should collaborate in educating and sensitizing people as well as adopt custodian reforms of cultural values that have negative influence on women while emphasizing the important role women play in socio-economic development. more...

An economic evaluation of the effect of irrigating tomato plants with agricultural drainage water remediated with DHS technology was conducted in a field experiment at Rahawy, Giza governorate. According to the findings, Egypt's reuse of agricultural drainage water meets around 15% of its irrigation needs, while the overall expenses of remediating one cubic metre of agricultural drainage water using DHS technology reached LE 1.03. The volume of irrigation water used to grow tomato plants decreased by 5% in non-remediated soil ecosystems, 14% in soil ecosystems remediated by microbial inoculation and fortified by bentonite clay mineral, and 22% in soil ecosystems receiving a mix of clay minerals, rock phosphate, and sulphur and inoculated by Thiobacillus sps and phosphate dissolving bacteria PDB. the productivity of one feddan of tomato crop irrigated with non-remediated agricultural drainage water reached 11.31 tons per feddan, irrigation with agricultural drainage water increased tomato crop by about 31%, all studied indicators of the economic efficiency of tomato production grown in remediated soil ecosystem and irrigated with remediated agricultural drainage water were higher than their counterparts grown in non-remediated soil ecosystem and irrigated with non-remediated agricultural drainage water, total tomato yield increased under irrigation with remediated agricultural drainage to LE 31.668, reaching 47% over its counterpart grown in non-remediated soil ecosystem irrigated with non-remediated agricultural drainage water, the net yield per feddan increased by 716% under irrigation with remediated agricultural drainage water over its counterpart irrigated with non-remediated agricultural drainage water. When irrigated with remediated agricultural drainage water, the cost of one tonne of tomato fruits harvested from non-remediated, remediated with bacteria, or remediated with clay minerals soil ecosystems decreased by 11%, 40%, and 44%, respectively, when compared to its counterparts irrigated with non-remediated agricultural drainage water. The profitability of one pound spent on tomato fruits harvested from non-remediated, remediated with bacteria, or remediated with clay minerals soil ecosystems decreased by 598 percent, 1010 percent, and 163 percent more than its counterpart irrigated with non-remediated agricultural drainage water, respectively, under irrigation with remediated agricultural drainage water. The net return of the water unit increased by 761 percent, 1367 percent, and 282 percent in tomato fruits harvested from non-remediated, remediated with certain microorganisms, or remediated with clay minerals soil ecosystems under irrigation with remediated agricultural drainage water, respectively, over its counterpart irrigated with non-remediated agricultural drainage water. The estimated profitability of each pound spent on agricultural drainage water remediation was LE 2.36 for tomato plants growing in an unremediated soil ecosystem, LE 10.07 for those remediated with specific microbes, and LE 33.43 for those remediated with clay minerals. The economic valuation of irrigating tomato plants with agricultural drainage water remediated with DHS technology was good, which will support farmers' social acceptance and sustainability of DHS use. more...

Locomotor activity is one of the most commonly assayed animal behaviors. It is the gold standard for assessing behavioral circadian rhythmicity. Here, we develop a flexible and affordable locomotor activity monitoring system that does not interfere with the behavior of animals. We validate the reliability of the system in multiple circadian biology research scenarios. This device is customizable and can be used for many animal species. more...

Ecotourism has been envisaged not only as an alternative to mass tourism, but also as a livelihood diversification strategy for rural people. Researchers have presented mixed arguments regarding the relationship between Community Based Ecotourism Projects and rural livelihoods. This study therefore examined the link between rural livelihoods by conducting an in-depth assessment of the Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary Reserve. The research employed a cross sectional design with a mixed research approach. Questionnaires were used to collect data from 214 respondents in Kpanfa, Pellinkpari, Dochere, Dornye, Talawona and Tuole. Series of in-depth interviews were also carried out using interview guides and field observation. The study found that, the emergence of ecotourism in the area caused the emergence of some new livelihood activities while some traditional livelihood activities saw a decline while others were completely abandoned due to the enactment of some conservation bye- laws. Respondents were dissatisfied with the contribution of ecotourism livelihood activities to sustainable livelihoods coupled with unequal sharing and distribution of ecotourism benefits among sanctuary communities. The study recommended for more sustainable livelihood options to be developed by the Sanctuary Management Board to help improve the situation of the poor rural farmer on who’s livelihood ecotourism activities have a direct bearing and to also develop and implement a strategic policy framework to facilitate benefit sharing among catchment communities. more...

Circadian symptoms have long been observed in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and often appear before cognitive symptoms, but the mechanisms underlying circadian alterations in AD are poorly understood. We studied circadian re-entrainment in AD model mice using a “jet lag” paradigm, observing their behavior on a running wheel after a six hour advance in the light:dark cycle. Female 3xTg mice, which carry mutations producing progressive amyloid beta and tau pathology, re-entrained following jet lag more rapidly than age-matched wild type controls at both 8 and 13 months of age. This re-entrainment phenotype has not been previously reported in a murine AD model. Because microglia are activated in AD and in AD models, and inflammation can affect circadian rhythms, we hypothesized that microglia contribute to this re-entrainment phenotype. To test this, we used the colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) inhibitor PLX3397, which rapidly depletes microglia from the brain. Microglia depletion did not alter re-entrainment in either wild type or 3xTg mice, demonstrating that microglia activation is not acutely responsible for the re-entrainment phenotype. To test whether mutant tau pathology is necessary for this behavioral phenotype, we repeated the jet lag behavioral test with the 5xFAD mouse model, which develops amyloid plaques, but not neurofibrillary tangles. As with 3xTg mice, 7-month-old female 5xFAD mice re-entrained more rapidly than controls, demonstrating that mutant tau is not necessary for the re-entrainment phenotype. Because AD pathology affects the retina, we tested whether differences in light sensing may contribute to altered entrainment behavior. 3xTg mice demonstrated heightened negative masking, an SCN-independent circadian behavior measuring responses to different levels of light, and re-entrained dramatically faster than WT mice in a jet lag experiment performed in dim light. 3xTg mice show a heightened sensitivity to light as a circadian cue that may contribute to accelerated photic re-entrainment. Together, these experiments demonstrate novel circadian behavioral phenotypes with heightened responses to photic cues in AD model mice which are not dependent on tauopathy or microglia. more...

Antiparallel β-sheets play a key role in determining the physical properties of fibroins, e.g., degradation and mechanical properties, and are typically formed by poly(A) motifs from spider dragline silks and GAGAGS motifs from Bombyx mori silkworm silks. To explore the interaction between these two motifs within the same system, a telechelic-type polyalanine (TPA) was prepared through chemoenzymatic synthesis and doped in silkworm silk fibroins to fabricate silk composite fibers. Interestingly, when TPA was added at suitable ratios of 1 and 3 wt%, the mechanical properties of the composite fibers were largely improved by approximately 42% and 51% compared with those of silk-only fibers in terms of tensile strength and toughness, respectively. As revealed by wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), silk composite fibers achieved the highest crystallinity at a TPA ratio of 1 wt%, largely contributing to their tensile strength. Evidenced by simultaneous stretching during WAXD measurement, TPA did not compete with the silk matrix by forming its own crystallization. Ultimately, a strengthening mechanism of nucleus-dependent crystallization was discussed to show the favorable heterogeneous nucleation created from TPA molecules for the promotion of crystallization in silk fibroins. Interestingly, regularly packed and aligned granules within composite fibers were detected by AFM to further support the enhanced mechanical performance. This work envisions sophisticated control of β-sheet crystals to better understand the structure–property relationship. more...

Background: Diabetic foot patients are more likely to have mental disorders such as anxiety and depression, which can have a significant impact on emotional and psychological performance compared to diabetics who have not experienced foot complications. Aims of the study: The study aims to assess the level of depression among diabetic foot patients at Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf Teaching Hospitals and to find out relationships between depression among diabetic foot patients and their demographic characteristics. Methodology: a study conducted by a descriptive design cross-sectional, this study carried out for a period of 10th October, 2020 to 1st June, 2021. Anon-probability (accidental) sample including 120 patients who have a diabetic foot which was selected of Al-Sadder teaching hospital and Al-Furat teaching hospital in Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf Governorate, the researcher is using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to assess the level of anxiety and depression. Results: The result showed (36.6%) of the study participant have moderate depression. Contingency correlation analysis showed that depression is a significant correlation with the number of hospital admission, duration of current admission, and previous amputation, in addition, significantly correlated with age, economic status, having other chronic diseases. Conclusion: The researcher concludes that the level of anxiety and depression among diabetic foot patients has moderate. Recommendations: The study has recommended when dealing with diabetic foot patients, the health care workers devote their time to examining mental health. Also, predict the negative effects of social and psychological effects on mental and physical health more...

Pressure ulcers are significant and painful side effects that might indicate a lack of care. The formation of a pressure ulcer is a major complication of reduced mobility. And since over 65-year-olds are the fastest-growing sector of the population in many developed countries, it imposes the risk of increasing disease incidences. There are also higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, which also increase the risk. There are many causes that can contribute to the formation of pressure ulcers; tissue ischemia is the most prevalent route to ulceration. Pressure ulcer prevention generally begins with an examination to determine who is most vulnerable to pressure ulcers, such as the elderly, the immobile, or individuals with a spinal cord injury. Wound dressings, debridement, physical therapy, antibiotics, and antimicrobials are all possible therapeutic options for pressure ulcers. Interventions such as mobilization, positioning, and repositioning, as well as support surfaces, are utilized in conjunction with other wound care methods. In this review we’ll be looking at prevention and management of pressure ulcers. more...

The Great Burgan reservoir is the largest sandstone oilfield in the world, it has been developed and produced since the 1930s. Historically developed through deviated wells, a new project of horizontal wells was initiated recently to produce from the UB3 reservoir unit. A pilot hole is usually required to identify the presence of productive sublayers and the depth of the oil-water contact (OWC), which must be avoided in the horizontal section. Elimination of the pilot hole would help to minimize the time and cost of development (Al Khalifa et al. 2020). The azimuthal ultra-deep resistivity mapping service (UDR) has proven its capability to eliminate the need for pilot holes by mapping reservoir boundaries and OWC on the fly, earlier than with traditional methods. This facilitates real-time geosteering to land the well in a single drilling run in the productive zone. Additionally, it helps to reduce non-productive time by making it easier to stop drilling and set casing above a target layer and to help optimize future well planning in field development. A feasibility study performed on offset wells showed promising potential from application of this method in the UB3. Real-time UDR geomapping detected multiple thin sand lenses on top of UB3 but showed that they were not of commercial capacity. The decision was made to continue drilling deeper for a larger sand layer. The UDR detected a massive sand below the smaller lenses and the well was landed in it. Early mapping also helped to optimize the landing with the desired inclination and dog-leg severity. The OWC was detected ~35 ft TVD below the landing point. Without UDR it would have been impossible to detect the OWC and very challenging to perform an accurate landing. The target could have been missed by landing either too shallow or too deep or with the wrong inclination. Following the landing of the well the lateral section was drilled through upper and lower lobes of the massive sand with a total cut of 1649 ft MD. This comprised 450 ft MD of upper lobe, 350 ft MD of transition interval, and 637 ft MD of lower lobe inside BU3, with an average porosity of 30 p.u. and a water saturation of less than 10%. Formation pressure tests measured mobility of up to ~3.4 D/cp. This case study demonstrates that utilization of the ultra-deep resistivity mapping service enabled a new approach to drilling lateral wells in the Burgan field development, improving reservoir insight and reducing well drilling time and cost. more...

The Arabian Gulf Countries (AGC) are strongly reliant on the economic export of fossil fuels, while being vulnerable to climate change that is resulting in temperature increase, air pollution and sea-level rise, and threatening the health of the population and ecosystem. In agreement with the Paris Accords, most of the AGC have published short-term goals to reduce their carbon emissions in the coming decades. In relation to these goals, this study explores the potential CO2 reduction, avoidance and removal in the region, by comparing a business-as-usual (BAU) scenario to three decarbonization scenarios for the power sector. In 2018, the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the AGC were ~1333 MtCO2/yr and are expected to rise to 1568 MtCO2/yr in 2030 following a BAU scenario, which is likely to be reduced to 1522 MtCO2/yr in 2030 by following the countries’ planning. Countries issued plans for the coming decades that focus on increasing the share of renewable energy in their grid mix. The three decarbonization scenarios presented in this study focus on supply-side technological solutions. The retirement of the oldest natural-gas and oil power plants could lead to a total emissions reduction of ~75 MtCO2/yr, without accounting for the embodied carbon emissions associated with renewable energy. In addition, the implementation of point-source capture at power plants expected to retire in >10 years’ time could avoid emissions of ~240 MtCO2/yr, provided the CO2 is permanently sequestered in appropriate geological formations. The region also shows high-quality solar resources and large CO2-storage potential that could couple to direct air-capture plants to offset difficult-to-avoid emissions. This last scenario has the potential to ultimately result in net negative emissions. more...

Background Breast cancer (BC) is the principal cause of cancer related deaths among women worldwide. The available evidence suggests that cardio-metabolic risk factors such as dyslipidemia and hypertension may contribute differently to breast cancer severity and pathogenesis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the interactive role of BC on dyslipidemia and HTN risk according to the type of treatment exposure and menopausal status. Patients and methods Observational experimental design implemented; permit to include 134 newly-diagnosed patients who were naïve to any type of treatment interventions and 262 recently-diagnosed patients during their first three months of treatments’ exposure including chemotherapy treatments. Patients with breast cancer were evaluated for dyslipidemia and hypertension biomarkers. Results About 5.0% of breast cancer patients had dyslipidemia. The prevalence of increased triglycerides and total cholesterol were more frequent (p < 0.05) in recently-diagnosed group than in newly-diagnosed patients. While 23% of patients had overt hypertension, with higher (p < 0.05) prevalence in chemo group (28%), triglycerides was higher (p < 0.05) in postmenopausal than premenopausal BC patients (221.0 ± 5.9 vs. 195 ± 4.7 mg/dl). Similarly, the prevalence of abnormal systolic blood pressure (9% vs. 5%) and diastolic blood pressure (11% vs. 7%) was higher (p < 0.05) in postmenopausal patients. Conclusions Dyslipidemia and hypertension biomarkers were prevalent among breast cancer patients and the risk increased in postmenopausal women and after treatments’ exposure specially chemotherapy. This conclusion requires a closer attention by healthcare professionals in order to improve the outcomes after diagnosis and to enhance treatment exposure regarding postmenopausal women. more...

How dopamine signaling regulates biological rhythms is an area of emerging interest. Here we review experiments focused on delineating dopamine signaling in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, nucleus accumbens, and dorsal striatum to mediate a range of biological rhythms including photoentrainment, activity cycles, rest phase eating of palatable food, diet-induced obesity, and food anticipatory activity. Enthusiasm for causal roles for dopamine in the regulation of circadian rhythms, particularly those associated with food and other rewarding events, is warranted. However, determining that there is rhythmic gene expression in dopamine neurons and target structures does not mean that they are bona fide circadian pacemakers. Given that dopamine has such a profound role in promoting voluntary movements, interpretation of circadian phenotypes associated with locomotor activity must be differentiated at the molecular and behavioral levels. Here we review our current understanding of dopamine signaling in relation to biological rhythms and suggest future experiments that are aimed at teasing apart the roles of dopamine subpopulations and dopamine receptor expressing neurons in causally mediating biological rhythms, particularly in relation to feeding, reward, and activity. more...

Locomotor activity is one of the most commonly assayed animal behaviors. It is the gold standard for assessing behavioral circadian rhythmicity. Here, we develop a flexible and affordable locomotor activity monitoring system that does not interfere with the behavior of animals. We validate the reliability of the system in multiple circadian biology research scenarios. This device is customizable and can be used for many animal species. more...

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral infection that was first reported in Wuhan, China on 31 December 2019. This study aimed to clarify the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of 500 first COVID-19 in the Najran region, Saudi Arabia. Material and Methods: A multi-center retrospective study design was employed to study the first 500 confirmed COVID-19 positive cases in Najran province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Data were collected from 1 March 2020 until 1 July 2020 and provided by the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) department from the hospitals. Included cases were confirmed using real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Demographic, vital signs, symptoms, incubation period, travel or exposure history medical history, and comorbidities were collected. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the association between potential risk factors associated with symptoms occurrence of COVID-19. Results: The median age of 500 COVID-19 patients was 31 years; 333 (66.6%) males. A total of 34 (6.8%) were Healthcare Workers (HCWs). Out of the 500 patients, 180 (36%) had at least one comorbid disease. The most common symptoms on admission were fever 281 (56.2%), cough 266 (53.2%), shortness of breath 166 (33.2%), and malaise 113 (22.6%). Most of the patients presented with mild disease severity 310 (62%). Nationality, age, and Diabetes Miletus (DM) were independently and significantly associated with being symptomatic (P β = 2.968, CI = 2.002 - 4.400, P = 0.0010). For every 1 year increase in age, the risk of being symptomatic increased by 5.8% (β = 1.045, CI = 1.033 - 1.058, P = 0.001). Compared with non-DM patients, DM patients had a 4.05 times higher risk (β = 4.05, CI = 2.188 - 7.507, P = 0.001) of getting symptoms. Conclusions: The study concluded that the majority of the COVID-19 patients were symptomatic or had mild disease severity. Age, nationality, and DM were the important risk factors in being symptomatic. more...

Spider dragline silk is well recognized due to its excellent mechanical properties. Dragline silk protein mainly consists of two proteins, namely, major ampullate spidroin 1 (MaSp1) and major ampullate spidroin 2 (MaSp2). The MaSp N-terminal domain (NTD) conformation displays a strong dependence on ion and pH gradients, which is crucial for the self-assembly behavior of spider silk. In the spider major ampullate gland, where the pH is neutral and concentration of NaCl is high, the NTD forms a monomer. In contrast, within the spinning duct, where pH becomes more acidic (to pH ~ 5) and the concentration of salt is low, NTD forms a dimer in antiparallel orientation. In this study, we report near-complete backbone and side chain chemical shift assignment of the monomeric form of NTD of MaSp2 from Nephila clavipes at pH 7 in the presence of 300 mM NaCl. Our NMR data demonstrate that secondary structure of monomeric form of NTD MaSp2 consists of five helix regions. more...

In this study, a different design of passive air Solar Chimney(SC)was tested by installing it in the south wall of insulated test room in Baghdad city. The SC was designed from vertical and inclined parts connected serially together, the vertical SC (first part) has a single pass and Thermal Energy Storage Box Collector (TESB (refined paraffin wax as Phase Change Material(PCM)-Copper Foam Matrix(CFM))), while the inclined SC was designed in single pass, double passes and double pass with TESB (semi refined paraffin wax with copper foam matrix) with selective working angle ((30o, 45o and 60o). A computational model was employed and solved by Finite Volume Method (FVM) to simulate the air induced through the test room by SC effect. The governing equation of Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) model was developed by the effective heat capacity method equation to describe the heat storage and release from PCM-CFM. Practical and computational Results referred to increase in thermal conductivity of the paraffin wax that supported by CFM than 10 times, while the ventilation effect is still active for hours after sun set amount. The maximum ventilation mass flow rate with TESB collector was 36.651 kg/hr., when the overall discharge coefficient equals 0.371. Also, the experimental results referred to the best working angle range 45~60o, while the highest approaching temperature (between air and collector) was appeared for the double passes flat plate collector. Results gave higher heat storage efficiency 47% when the maximum solar radiation 780 W/m2 at 12.00 pm, and the energy summation through duration of charging time was 18460 kJ. Double passes SC at 60o angle presented the highest efficiency with value approaching to 73%, while TESB collector efficiency depicted highest efficiency value 70% at 12:00 pm. more...

The introduction of processed foods high in fat and sugars has caused a dramatic increase in obesity in humans. Diet-induced obesity (DIO) can be modeled in laboratory mice by increasing the fat content of their diet. Previously, it was determined that mice lacking dopamine receptor 1 (Drd1) are completely resistant to DIO and do not eat as much food during the day as control mice. Surprisingly, when Drd1 is restored to the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which is the central regulator of circadian rhythms, these mice increase day-eating and become obese. The source of dopamine in the SCN is the ventral tegmental area (VTA), but the genetic identity of the dopamine neurons is unknown. Here we create conditional deletion mutants for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) using neurotensin receptor 1 (Ntsr1) Cre and other Cre drivers and measure feeding and body weight homeostasis on standard and high fat diets. Control mice were susceptible to DIO and overate during the day whereas Ntsr1-Cre conditional knockouts for TH mice did not increase day-eating, nor did they gain much weight on HFD. We used an adeno-associated virus to selectively restore TH to the VTA Ntsr1 neurons and observed an increase in body weight and increased day-eating of HFD. These results implicate VTA Ntsr1 dopamine neurons as promoting out-of-phase feeding behavior on a high fat diet that could be an important contributor to diet-induced obesity. more...

Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs) are inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract that are characterized by tissue eosinophilia and end-organ dysfunction or damage. Primary EGIDs are associated with atopy and other allergic conditions, whereas secondary EGIDs are associated with underlying systemic diseases or hypereosinophilic syndrome. Within the spectrum of EGIDs, eosinophilic esophagitis is the most prevalent. Eosinophilic gastroenteritis and eosinophilic colitis are relatively uncommon. Eosinophilic infiltration of the liver, biliary tree, and/or pancreas also can occur and mimic other inflammatory and malignant conditions. Although endoscopic evaluation is the method of choice for eosinophilic esophagitis, radiologic evaluation of the esophagus plays an important role in the assessment of disease severity. CT and MR enterography are the modalities of choice for demonstrating specific forms of eosinophilic gastroenteritis. CT and MRI are important in the detection of abdominal visceral involvement in EGIDs. Diagnosis is often challenging and relies on symptoms, imaging findings, histologic confirmation of tissue eosinophilia, and correlation with peripheral eosinophilia. Imaging is crucial for identifying characteristic organ-specific findings, although imaging findings are not specific. When promptly treated, EGIDs usually have a benign clinical course. However, a delayed diagnosis and associated surgical interventions have been associated with morbidity. Therefore, a radiologist's knowledge of the imaging findings of EGIDs in the appropriate clinical settings may aid in early diagnosis and thereby improve patient care. An overview of the clinical features and imaging findings of EGIDs and the eosinophilic disorders of associated abdominal viscera is provided. more...

This study was designed to determine the effect of humble leadership on nurses' proactive behaviours at work through psychological empowerment.Nurse leaders' humility has a profound effect on enhancing nurses' proactive work behaviour; yet, the mechanism underlying this pattern of effect remains unknown.A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in all nine Universal Health Insurance hospitals in Port Said, Egypt. Using scales for assessing leader humility, psychological empowerment and proactive behaviour at work, 316 nurses were surveyed. Regression analyses and structural equation models were used to examine the study hypothetical model.The results revealed that humble leadership, psychological empowerment and proactive work behaviour were significantly positively correlated. Psychological empowerment fully mediated the relationship between humble leadership and proactive work behaviour.This study emphasized the value of humble leadership in psychologically empowering nurses, which results in greater proactive work behaviour.Nurse managers should lead their nursing staff with humility, which could increase the level of nurses' psychological empowerment and proactive behaviours at work, which will be reflected positively on the staffs and the organization. more...

Objective To evaluate the magnetic resonance elastography (MRE)-derived liver stiffness measurement (LSM), T1 and T2 relaxation times, and hepatobiliary phase images in patients, who developed sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) after oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. Methods Thirty-four patients (M/F:22/12) who underwent liver MRI-MRE and received oxaliplatin for colorectal, gastric, and pancreas cancer were included in the study. SOS was diagnosed by Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI in 18 patients. MRE-LSM and T1–T2 maps were evaluated. Patients with SOS were grouped according to the amount of reticular hypointensity on the hepatobiliary phase images. Results The mean MRE-LSM in the patients with SOS was 3.14 ± 0.45 kPa, and the control group was 2.6 ± 0.5 kPa (p = 0.01). The mean-corrected T1 (cT1) relaxation time was 1181 ± 151 ms in the SOS group and 1032 ± 129 ms in the control group (p = 0.005). The mean T2 relaxation time was 50.29 ± 3.6 ms in the SOS group and 44 ± 3.9 ms in the control group (p = 0.01). Parenchymal stiffness values were 2.8 ± 0.22 kPa, 3 ± 0.33 kPa, and 3.65 ± 0.28 kPa in patients with mild, moderate, and advanced SOS findings, respectively (p = 0.002). Although cT1 and T2 relaxation times increased with increasing SOS severity, no statistical significance was found. Conclusions We observed increased MRE-LSM in patients with SOS after chemotherapy compared to control group. T1 and T2 relaxation times were also useful in diagnosing SOS but were found inadequate in determining SOS severity. MRE is effective in diagnosing SOS and determining SOS severity in patients who cannot receive contrast agents, and it may be useful in the follow-up evaluation of these patients. more...

Acute appendicitis is the most frequent indication for emergency abdominal surgery in childhood. Despite being a common condition, the diagnosis of acute appendicitis can be challenging. Ultrasound examination remains the imaging tool of choice for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. We report the case of a nine-year-old girl who presented with acute abdominal pain in the right lower quadrant accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Physical examination revealed right iliac fossa rebound tenderness. Ultrasound examination showed a dilated blind-ended structure in the right iliac fossa conferring the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. The patient underwent a CT scan which made the diagnosis of imperforate hymen with hematocolpos. The patient underwent hymenotomy and her symptoms showed complete resolution. Imperforate hymen with hematocolpos is a rare congenital genital tract anomaly. The case highlights the importance of appropriate genital examination in pediatric patients. In the present case, the patient might have undergone an unnecessary abdominal surgery if the correct diagnosis was not established. more...

The tiny spider makes dragline silk fibers with unbeatable toughness, all under the most innocuous conditions. Scientists have persistently tried to emulate its natural silk spinning process using recombinant proteins with a view toward creating a new wave of smart materials, yet most efforts have fallen short of attaining the native fiber’s excellent mechanical properties. One reason for these shortcomings may be that artificial spider silk systems tend to be overly simplified and may not sufficiently take into account the true complexity of the underlying protein sequences and of the multidimensional aspects of the natural self-assembly process that give rise to the hierarchically structured fibers. Here, we discuss recent findings regarding the material constituents of spider dragline silk, including novel spidroin subtypes, nonspidroin proteins, and possible involvement of post-translational modifications, which together suggest a complexity that transcends the two-component MaSp1/MaSp2 system. We subsequently consider insights into the spidroin domain functions, structures, and overall mechanisms for the rapid transition from disordered soluble protein into a highly organized fiber, including the possibility of viewing spider silk self-assembly through a framework relevant to biomolecular condensates. Finally, we consider the concept of “biomimetics” as it applies to artificial spider silk production with a focus on key practical aspects of design and evaluation that may hopefully inform efforts to more closely reproduce the remarkable structure and function of the native silk fiber using artificial methods. more...

Obesity comorbidities such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease are pressing public health concerns. Overconsumption of calories leads to weight gain; however, neural mechanisms underlying excessive food consumption are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that dopamine receptor D1 (Drd1) expressed in the agouti-related peptide/neuropeptide Y (AgRP/NPY) neurons of the arcuate hypothalamus is required for appropriate responses to a high-fat diet (HFD). Stimulation of Drd1 and AgRP/NPY co-expressing arcuate neurons is sufficient to induce voracious feeding. Delivery of a HFD after food deprivation acutely induces dopamine (DA) release in the ARC, whereas animals that lack Drd1 expression in ARC more...

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to establish and evaluate whether the use of prophylactic antibiotics in the creation of any autogenous arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis patients is indicated, evidence-based and/or recommended.MethodsA systematic review and meta-aggregation of the literature from 1966 to August 2016 in the English language in Medline, Scopus, Embase and Cochrane Library was conducted.ResultsThe search produced a total of n=94 articles. Following the application of the recruitment criteria in accordance to PRISMA one (n=1) article was found eligible with a population of n=611 patients undergoing autogenous fistula formation. A total of n=136 patients received prophylactic antibiotics with no incidence of surgical site infection (SSI). The reported incidence of SSI in the group of patients (n=475) that did not receive prophylactic antibiotics was 0.2% (n=1). The quality of the article was assessed by the Oxford Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) and their recommendation for practice was evaluated through National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).ConclusionThe first systematic review of the literature demonstrates that the current use of prophylactic antibiotics in the creation of any autogenous AVF is not evidence-based and further research in this area is highly advocated. more...

Context The most common skeletal disease, osteoporosis, causes bone fragility due to decreased bone mass and bone microarchitecture destruction. The health belief model is often applied to asymptomatic, prevention-related diseases such as osteoporosis. Steps to mitigate the insidious nature of osteoporosis, including education, motivation, and monitoring of bone mineral density, must begin at an earlier age. Objectives This study evaluates the knowledge and health beliefs surrounding osteoporosis in a population of males and females 35–50 years old to determine sex-based differences in osteoporosis knowledge and beliefs and to assess the correlation between perceptions and health motivation. Methods Participants (81 males, 92 females) completed two questionnaires: the Osteoporosis Knowledge Test and the Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale. Descriptive statistics were performed along with Pearson product-moment correlation analysis to determine the relationships between the variables. Sex-based differences were calculated utilizing independent t-tests. Results We discovered a statistically significant negative correlation between the barriers to exercise and health motivation (−0.434, p Conclusions Males and females 35–50 years old perceive themselves to have a low susceptibility to osteoporosis. They do not consider osteoporosis a serious disease and have little motivation to mitigate its inception or progression. Their perceptions show that barriers to exercise impact health motivation more than the perceived benefits of exercise. more...

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were oxidized using a mixture of H

To compare the efficacy and safety of corpus callosotomy versus vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) as long-term adjunctive therapies in children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.This retrospective study was conducted in King Fahad Medical City between 2010 and 2019. The authors identified and followed 9 patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) who underwent corpus callosotomy or VNS implantation for at least 12 months; seizure frequency and major complications were monitored. Five patients with a mean age of 10.8±1.3 years had corpus callosotomy, and 4 patients with a mean age of 13.8±3.9 years were implanted with VNS stimulators.Reduction in seizure frequency was achieved in all 5 patients who underwent corpus callosotomy, with greater than 75% seizure reduction in more than 50% in one, and greater than 25% in 2 respectively. However, in those implanted with VNS, 2 (50%) patients achieved a reduction in seizure frequency of greater than 75% and 2 (50%) greater than 25%, respectively. No significant difference was observed between the 2 treatment groups. One patient who underwent corpus callosotomy suffered cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and swallowing difficulties in one patient who underwent VNS.Both corpus callosotomy and VNS are safe and effective as adjunctive treatments for LGS patients. more...

The effect is studied of addition of hydrophilic aluminum oxide and hydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene on the morphology and chemical composition of zinc coatings from acidic electrolytes. Inclusion of hydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene particles into zinc coatings from acidic zinc electrolytes in the absence of any surfactants is more facilitated than that of hydrophilic aluminum oxide particles of various dispersion and phase composition. The formation of composite electrochemical Zn-Al2O3 and Zn-polytetrafluoroethylene coatings is determined by the state of the surface of the growing zinc deposit (its comparative hydrophobicity) that facilitates the adhesion of hydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene particles. Addition of aluminum oxide particles into the electrolyte causes no fundamental changes in the overall surface morphology of the zinc deposits. However, a relatively large number of inclusions of aggregates of nanosized aluminum oxide particles are observed over the entire coating surface. The concentration of aluminum oxide inclusions in Zn-Al2O3 composite coatings reaches 5...7 wt.%. The surface of Zn-polytetrafluoroethylene deposit is represented by globules. The total polytetrafluoroethylene content in the obtained composite coatings reaches 30 wt.%. An increased oxygen content is found in such coatings. It is probably explained by formation of a relatively larger amount of surface zinc oxide due to the significant development of the surface morphology of the deposits. more...

During its service life, a wind turbine has to withstand very challenging loads and severe environmental factors which can cause some deteriorations and cracks on structural components. Yearly periodic controls may not be sufficient to diagnose a fault at early stages. Therefore, wind turbines are very important systems which have to be monitored continuously. This work aims at developing an automated scanning system for IR (Infrared) laser vibrometers to conduct the tests and measurements, which are required for condition monitoring, in a more accurate and efficient manner. Unlike visible green or red lasers, IR laser is reflected by most surfaces (especially by blade material) with a very high intensity without needing a preparation or surface enhancement on the target. However, IR laser cannot be guided by refracting/reflecting the beam by lenses and mirrors used by conventional laser scanners. This work proposes a new methodology which is based on mounting the laser source on a motorized platform and then rotating the platform rather than guiding the laser beam by optical systems. The tests performed by using wind turbine models show that the proposed system is capable of guiding the laser to the desired measurement points with very high precision and efficiency. The results of the analyses also show that some important dynamic characteristics of the system such as Eigenfrequencies and mode shapes can be extracted very accurately. more...

Silk fibers show high toughness, ductility, biocompatibility, and biodegradability due to their high-order structure. Silk materials are not limited to native fibers and also include regenerated silk materials, such as chemically modified silk materials, composite materials, and silk-inspired artificial materials synthesized through chemoenzymatic polymerization. Here, we present the concepts and methodologies associated with the different types of silk-based materials for a wide range of fields including bioengineering and medicine and explore their versatile functionality and physical properties related to their primary and secondary structures. In this review, we will reveal the characteristics of silk materials as well as research prospects for the future. more...

The current design of NASA’s Multi-Purpose Crew vehicle uses the latest iteration of AVCOAT, an ablating thermal protection material. However, restrictions placed on the export of experimental data... more...

Background Plant-parasitic nematodes are extremely dangerous pests in a variety of economically important crops. The purpose of this study was a survey of all nematode species existing in banana from three sites in Assiut Governorate, Egypt and to characterize the most common species by morphological, morphometric and molecular techniques (PCR with species-specific primers). Then, study of resistance or sensitivity of some banana cultivars to root-knot nematodes.Methods and Results Four nematodes, Meloidogyne, Rotylenchulus reniformis, Helicotylenchus and Pratylenchus were isolated and identified from soil and root samples collected from banana plants. Most frequently occurring of plant parasitic nematode species in banana was Meloidogyne. Former research found differences in species and in resistance to root-knot nematodes among the examined plant cultivars. Identification of Root-knot nematodes by Characterize of morphometric, molecularly, morphological isolate of Meloidogyne related to banana plants. The results revealed that the identified nematode species, Meloidogyne javanica, is the most common plant-parasitic nematodes in all locations. Data on the susceptibility of the tested banana cultivars to M. javanica revealed that Grand Naine was highly susceptible (HS) however, Magraby was susceptible (S) but Williams and Hindi cultivars were moderately resistant (MR).Conclusions we concluded that a survey revealed the significant prevalence of Meloidogyne javanica, the most important nematodes on banana in Assiut. The morphometric, morphological, and molecular identification were harmonic with one another. In addition to the host response of certain banana cultivars, to M. javanica that resistance is of significance and can be helpful to incorporate through planning control measures for root- knot nematodes. more...

Dragline silk of golden orb-weaver spiders (Nephilinae) is noted for its unsurpassed toughness, combining extraordinary extensibility and tensile strength, suggesting industrial application as a sustainable biopolymer material. To pinpoint the molecular composition of dragline silk and the roles of its constituents in achieving its mechanical properties, we report a multiomics approach combining high-quality genome sequencing and assembly, silk gland transcriptomics, and dragline silk proteomics of four Nephilinae spiders. We observed the consistent presence of the MaSp3B spidroin unique to this subfamily, as well as several non-spidroin SpiCE proteins. Artificial synthesis and combination of these components in vitro showed that the multicomponent nature of dragline silk, including MaSp3B and SpiCE, along with MaSp1 and MaSp2, is essential to realize the mechanical properties of spider dragline silk. more...