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Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the level of knowledge and attitude about the etiology, diagnosis, and management of peri-implantitis among dental practitioners. Methods: An online cross-sectional study on 303 dentists in Saudi Arabia was conducted. A closed-ended survey consisting of 28 questions was designed. Three sections were created, i.e., (1) participants' characteristics; (2) knowledge of peri-implantitis etiology, risk factors, diagnosis, and complications; and (3) the use of antibiotics to manage peri-implantitis and methods used for diagnosis and treatment. The data were analyzed using mean and percentages. Results: A total of 303 dentists participated in this study with a 78.8% response rate, comprising 80% general dentists and 20% specialists. The majority of dentists demonstrated knowledge about peri-implantitis, with 85.5% identifying bacterial plaque as an etiologic factor and 83.8% recognizing it as an inflammatory reaction. Regarding risk factors, 88.1% identified smoking and 86.1% recognized periodontitis as contributors to peri-implant disease development. In terms of clinical decision making, 63% of participants considered implant mobility as a definitive indication for implant removal, and more than half reported using crater-like bone defects surrounding implants as a diagnostic criterion for peri-implantitis. For antimicrobial therapy, amoxicillin alone (30%) was the most commonly prescribed antibiotic, followed by the combination of amoxicillin with metronidazole (29%). Despite these treatment approaches, it is important to note that currently there are no established, predictable protocols for treating any phase of peri-implant disease. Conclusion: While participating dentists demonstrated a strong understanding of peri-implantitis etiology and risk factors, particularly regarding bacterial plaque and smoking as major contributors, there was considerable variation in antibiotic selection and usage patterns. These findings suggest the need for standardized guidelines and further research to establish evidence-based protocols for managing peri-implant diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In pursuit of a comprehensive understanding of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) adoption within Saudi Arabian maintenance companies, this research aimed to evaluate the prevalence of its utilization and gauge the level of comprehension among practitioners. Furthermore, this study sought to pinpoint the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) crucial for the effective implementation of LSS. Employing an electronically disseminated survey, this investigation delved into the realm of LSS, with a specific focus on identifying and assessing these pivotal CSFs. This study encompassed data from 77 participants employed across diverse maintenance organizations in Saudi Arabia, gathered through a digital questionnaire and analyzed utilizing SPSS 22.0. This study used a variety of statistical techniques, such as descriptive statistics, frequency analysis, t-tests, and one-way ANOVA, to investigate the adoption of LSS and identify key success factors. According to the report, 77.9% of Saudi maintenance businesses have yet to implement LSS, with quality improvement serving as the primary reason for those who have. Comprehensive LSS training, effective people selection, increased awareness, and a strong, data-driven approach are all critical aspects in successful LSS deployment. Furthermore, this study emphasized the importance of training, staff selection, and knowledge of the benefits of LSS in influencing the effectiveness of implementation. Finally, this study provided significant insights into the barriers and enablers of LSS adoption, making both theoretical contributions to the academic area and practical recommendations for firms looking to use LSS for continuous improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: This study aims to evaluate factors influencing revision cochlear implant surgeries, including patient demographics, surgical techniques, and radiological findings. The main aim was to identify factors influencing surgical success to inform clinical treatment and enhance patient outcomes. Methods: This cross-sectional study included adult patients over the age of 18 who underwent revision cochlear implant surgery due to implant-related complications. Data were collected from systematic chart reviews of electronic medical records, including demographics, surgical techniques, radiological output from standard high-resolution CT and MRI, and intraoperative data. The primary outcome was surgical success, defined by improved auditory function, stable device positioning, and absence of postoperative complications. Statistical analyses, including multivariate logistic regression, were conducted to identify independent predictors of surgical success. Results: A total of 188 patients were included, with a mean age of 45.67 years. Younger age, shorter duration of implant use, modified surgical techniques, and absence of co-morbidities are key factors contributing to surgical success. Modified surgical techniques were associated with better outcomes (39.29% vs. 68.75%, OR: 2.78, 95% CI: 1.25–6.14, p = 0.012). Radiological patterns significantly affected outcomes, with normal findings associated with higher success rates. In contrast, abnormalities such as electrode migration (OR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.12–4.09, p = 0.021) and ossification (r = −0.51, β = −0.44, adjusted R2 = 0.25, p < 0.01) were correlated with poorer results. Smoking status, when comparing smokers to non-smokers, was associated with unfavorable outcomes (20.00% vs. 45.83%, OR: 2.01, 95% CI: 1.01–4.01, p = 0.048), and a history of previous surgeries (21.43% vs. 37.50%, OR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.03–3.71, p = 0.033) was significantly associated with unfavorable outcomes. Conclusions: Statistically, significantly better outcomes are positively correlated with the duration of the first cochlear implant experience and negatively with prior otologic pathology and nonauditory environmental influences on surgical success. Younger age, modified surgical techniques, and normal radiological findings were related to better outcomes; complications such as electrode migration and ectopic ossification were strong predictive factors for surgical failure. These findings underscore the need for tailored surgical approaches and early intervention to enhance outcomes in revision cochlear implant surgeries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In alignment with Saudi Vision 2030's strategic objectives to diversify and enhance the tourism sector, this study explores the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Al-Baha district, a prime tourist destination in Saudi Arabia. Our research introduces a hybrid AI-based framework that leverages sentiment analysis to assess and enhance tourist satisfaction, capitalizing on data extracted from social media platforms such as YouTube. This framework seeks to improve the quality of tourism experiences and augment the business value within the region. By analyzing sentiments expressed in user-generated content, the proposed AI system provides real-time insights into tourist preferences and experiences, enabling targeted interventions and improvements. The conducted experiments demonstrated the framework's efficacy in identifying positive, neutral and negative sentiments, with the Multinomial Naive Bayes classifier showing superior performance in terms of precision and recall. These results indicate significant potential for AI to transform tourism practices in Al-Baha, offering enhanced experiences to visitors and driving the economic sustainability of the sector in line with the national vision. This study underscores the transformative potential of AI in refining operational strategies and aligning them with evolving tourist expectations, thereby supporting the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030 for the tourism industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the significant increase in studies on AI applications in many aspects of life, its applications in mental health services still require further studies. This study aimed to test a proposed structural model of the relationships between AI use, therapeutic alliance, and job engagement by PLS-SEM. The descriptive method was applied. The sample consisted of (382) mental health service providers in Saudi Arabia, including 178 men and 204 women between 25 and 50 (36.32 ± 6.43) years old. The Artificial Intelligence Questionnaire, the Therapeutic Alliance Scale, and the Job Engagement Scale were applied in this study. The results showed the structural model's predictability for using AI and the therapeutic alliance in predicting job engagement and explaining the causal relationships between them compared to the indicator average and linear models. The study also found a strong positive overall statistically significant effect (p < 0.05) of the use of AI on therapeutic alliance (0.941) and job engagement (0.930) and a positive overall average statistically significant effect (p < 0.05) of the therapeutic alliance on job engagement (0.694). These findings indicated the importance of integrating AI applications and therapeutic alliance skills into training and professional development plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Recurrent chronic otitis media (rCOM) is a major cause of hearing impairment, often linked to Eustachian tube (ET) dysfunction. Anatomical abnormalities, such as ET narrowing and obstructions, and functional impairments, including poor pressure regulation, play significant roles in rCOM recurrence. This study aimed to (1) identify anatomical variations of the ET in patients with rCOM using high-resolution imaging; (2) evaluate ET functional status using tympanometry, tubomanometry, and ET function tests; and (3) assess the correlation between anatomical variations and functional impairments in predicting rCOM recurrence. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 212 patients with rCOM and 212 controls. High-resolution CT and MRI were used to assess ET anatomy, while functional status was evaluated using tympanometry, tubomanometry, and Valsalva maneuver tests. Statistical analyses, including t-tests, Pearson correlation, and Cox proportional hazards models, were applied to examine the relationship between anatomical and functional impairments and rCOM recurrence. Results: Significant anatomical differences were observed in the rCOM group, including ET narrowing (24.53% vs. 11.32%, p = 0.014) and curvature (32.08% vs. 14.15%, p < 0.001). Functional impairments were also more prominent in rCOM patients, with higher ET opening pressure (120.56 ± 14.34 dPa vs. 85.78 ± 12.98 dPa, p < 0.001) and lower Valsalva maneuver success rates (62.32% vs. 89.56%, p < 0.001). Cox regression indicated that anatomical and functional impairments significantly predicted faster recurrence (HR for tympanometry peak pressure = 1.56, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The ETs anatomical and functional impairments are significant predictors of rCOM recurrence. A combined assessment of these factors can improve diagnostic accuracy and guide more targeted interventions to prevent recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Saudi Arabia has one of the leading cases of diabetes globally, with approximately 27.8% of adults suffering from the disease. Given the negative consequences of diabetes mellitus (DM), it is critical to develop guidelines for its management. (2) Methods: After a thorough review of the literature around diabetes management, a diverse panel of 14 clinical experts was identified to participate in the Delphi process. The Delphi process included three rounds to ensure all available evidence was accounted for. (3) Results: The Delphi method concluded with a total of 37 guidelines reviewed and approved by the panelists, followed by verification from a third party in Saudi Arabia. The Delphi and external evaluation confirmed that authentic, relevant, and applicable evidence for diabetes management in Saudi Arabia was accounted for. The process concluded with a list of 37 statements about the management of acute and chronic complications of diabetes in Saudi Arabia. (4) Conclusions: The preparation of contextual evidence for the management of diabetes in Saudi Arabia will be instrumental in addressing the burden of disease in the region. The guidelines offer useful insights into diabetes care, especially by prioritizing early detection and proactive management of complications. They highlight the importance of lifestyle changes and medical therapy. However, due to the ever-changing nature of diabetes, the document must be monitored and updated on a regular basis to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an increasing number of studies concerned with the study of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). At the same time, there is a lack of interest in studies on their families, especially on mothers who represent the first breadwinner for a child who suffers from a deficit in social communication with others, reflected in their well-being (PWB). This study aimed to reveal the possibility of predicting the PWB of autistic spectrum children's mothers through the variables of coping strategies and psychological capital (PsyCap). The study used a predictive, descriptive research method to reveal the ability of the variables—coping strategies (problem-solving, avoidance, support, re-evaluation, remorse) and PsyCap (self-efficacy, optimism, hope, and resilience)—in predicting the PWB of autistic spectrum children's mothers. The study sample consisted of (248) mothers, to whom coping strategies, PsyCap, and PWB measures were applied. The results showed that there were statistically significant differences between working and housewife mothers of autistic spectrum children in solving problems (t = 3.162, p < 0.002), avoidance (t = 1.973, p < 0.05), positive coping (t = 2.307, p < 0.022), self-efficacy (t = 3.667, p < 0.000), resilience (t = 3.338, p < 0.001), PsyCap (t = 2.866, p < 0.005), and PWB (t = 2.549, p < 0.011). Meanwhile, there were no statistically significant differences in social support, problem reassessment, remorse, negative coping, optimism, and hope. Also, there were no statistically significant differences due to the number of children in coping strategies, PsyCap, and PWB. The results also showed that there were statistically significant differences at the level of significance (0.05) between mothers whose age was less than 40 years and those 40 years and older in solving problems (t = 2.093, p < 0.037) in favor of mothers of the age group 40 years and older (M = 22.00, SD = 1.22), and avoidance (t = 1.987, p < 0.048) in favor of mothers under 40 years of age (M = 6.228, SD = 0.464). However, there were no statistically significant differences in social support, problem reassessment, remorse, positive coping, negative coping, self-efficacy, optimism, hope, resilience, the total degree of PsyCap, and well-being due to the variable of the mother's age. The regression analysis results showed that optimism and problem-solving contributed to (39.90%) of the total change in PWB for mothers of children with autism spectrum. The study's findings indicate the need to develop the ability of autistic spectrum children's mothers to solve problems and their PsyCap, which is represented in self-efficacy, optimism, hope, and resilience, to enhance their PWB, which may have a positive impact on their autistic spectrum child. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the characteristics of affine vector fields on pseudo-Riemannian manifolds and provide tensorial formulas that characterize these vector fields. Using our approach, we present a straightforward proof that any affine vector field on a compact Riemannian manifold is a Killing vector field. Moreover, we establish several necessary and sufficient conditions for an affine vector field on a Riemannian manifold to be classified as a Killing or parallel vector field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we introduce an algorithm that utilizes the Haar wavelet collocation method to solve the time-dependent Emden–Fowler equation. This proposed method effectively addresses both linear and nonlinear partial differential equations. It is a numerical technique where the differential equation is discretized using Haar basis functions. A difference scheme is also applied to approximate the time derivative. By leveraging Haar functions and the difference scheme, we form a system of equations, which is then solved for Haar coefficients using MATLAB software. The effectiveness of this technique is demonstrated through various examples. Numerical simulations are performed, and the results are presented in graphical and tabular formats. We also provide a convergence analysis and an error analysis for this method. Furthermore, approximate solutions are compared with those obtained from other methods to highlight the accuracy, efficiency, and computational convenience of this technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent form of malignancy among women on a global scale, ranking alongside lung cancer. Presently, conventional approaches to cancer treatment include surgical procedures followed by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Nonetheless, the efficacy of these treatments in battling BC is often compromised due to the adverse effects they inflict on healthy tissues and organs. In recent times, a range of nanoparticles (NPs) has emerged, exhibiting the potential to specifically target malignant cells while sparing normal cells and organs from harm. This has paved the way for the development of nanoparticle-mediated targeted drug delivery systems, holding great promise as a technique for addressing BC. To increase the efficacy of this new method, several nanocarriers including inorganic NPs (such as magnetic NPs, silica NPs, etc.) and organic NPs (e.g., dendrimers, liposomes, micelles, and polymeric NPs) have been used. Herein, we discuss the mechanism of NP-targeted drug delivery and the recent advancement of therapeutic strategies of organic and inorganic nanocarriers for anticancer drug delivery in BC. We also discuss the future prospects and challenges of nanoparticle-based therapies for BC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Software reliability is a crucial factor in determining software quality quantitatively. It is also used to estimate the software testing duration. In software reliability testing, traditional parametric software reliability growth models (SRGMs) are effectively used. Nevertheless, a single parametric model cannot provide accurate predictions in all cases. Moreover, non-parametric models have proven to be efficient for predicting software reliability as alternatives to parametric models. In this paper, we adopted a deep learning method for software reliability testing in computer vision systems. Also, we focused on critical computer vision applications that need high reliability. We propose a new deep learning-based model that is combined and based on the ensemble method to improve the performance of software reliability testing. The experimental results of the new model architecture present fairly accurate predictive capability compared to other existing single Neural Network (NN) based models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methanol is a widely used industrial and household alcohol that poses significant health risks upon exposure. Despite its extensive use, methanol poisoning remains a critical public health concern globally, often resulting from accidental or intentional ingestion and outbreaks linked to contaminated beverages. Methanol toxicity stems from its metabolic conversion to formaldehyde and formic acid, leading to severe metabolic acidosis and multiorgan damage, including profound CNS effects and visual impairments. Epidemiological data underscore the widespread impact of methanol poisoning, with alarming case fatality rates reported in various countries. Comprehensive prevention and effective management strategies are urgently needed to address the significant morbidity and mortality associated with methanol poisoning. The clinical manifestations of methanol toxicity vary between adult and pediatric populations and between acute and chronic exposure. Adults typically present with gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms, whereas pediatric patients often exhibit more severe outcomes due to differences in metabolism and body weight. The diagnosis of methanol poisoning involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory testing, and advanced diagnostic techniques. The identification of metabolic acidosis, elevated anion and osmolal gaps, and confirmation through methanol and formate levels are critical for accurate diagnosis. Timely intervention is crucial, and the management of methanol poisoning includes securing the airway, breathing, and circulation; addressing metabolic acidosis with sodium bicarbonate; administering antidotes such as fomepizole or ethanol; and administering hemodialysis, which plays a pivotal role in eliminating methanol and its toxic metabolites, especially in severe cases. The complexity of methanol poisoning necessitates a comprehensive approach encompassing early recognition, prompt intervention, and coordinated care among healthcare providers. Increased awareness, effective prevention strategies, and timely treatment protocols are essential to mitigate severe health consequences and improve patient survival and recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, cause a range of respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses, with COVID-19 becoming a global pandemic in 2020. Favipiravir, an antiviral drug, has shown promising results in reducing disease progression and improving recovery in COVID-19 patients. Methodology: This retrospective cohort study evaluated the efficacy, safety, and clinical outcomes of favipiravir in COVID-19 pneumonia patients admitted to the AFHSR. The analysis included patient characteristics, treatment responses, and laboratory parameters. Data were cleaned using Excel and analyzed with IBM SPSS version 29.0.0. Results: Our study included 297 COVID-19 pneumonia patients treated with favipiravir, with 129 (43.4%) females and 165 (55.6%) males with a mean age of 61.47 years. Comorbidities were present in 223 patients (75.1%), most commonly diabetes (N = 78, 33.6%) and hypertension (N = 72, 31.0%). Common symptoms were shortness of breath (N = 92, 31.0%), a cough (N = 86, 29.0%), and fever (N = 69, 23.3%). Complications occurred in 53 patients (17.8%), with acute kidney injury in 15 patients (5.1%). The overall mortality was 62 (20.9%), higher in those with comorbidities (75.7%, p = 0.017). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed worse survival for patients with comorbidities (p = 0.049) and smokers (p = 0.042). Elevated WBCs, LDH, AST, and CRP were linked to better survival (p < 0.05). Non-survivors had more severe respiratory impairment (FiO2, p = 0.035). Conclusions: Our study suggests favipiravir may help reduce ICU admissions and mortality in COVID-19 pneumonia patients, but outcomes are significantly influenced by age, comorbidities, and complications. This highlights the need for individualized treatment strategies. Further randomized controlled trials are essential to define favipiravir's role in COVID-19 management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a common gynecological complaint affecting women of reproductive age. This study aimed to explore the management of AUB using the FIGO PALM-COEIN classification system. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz University Hospital, reviewing 500 medical records of women aged 20–50 years with AUB. Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, PALM-COEIN classification, and treatment modalities were collected and analyzed. Results: The majority of participants were aged 20–29 years (43%) and overweight or obese (64.2%). Ovulatory dysfunction (31.6%) was the most common identifiable cause of AUB, followed by leiomyoma (16.8%). Hormonal treatments, particularly combined oral contraceptive pills, were associated with improved outcomes (OR = 2.15, p < 0.001) and reduced anemia prevalence (p = 0.042). Age (OR = 0.95, p = 0.015) and BMI (OR = 1.10, p = 0.005) were significant predictors of treatment response. The presence of leiomyoma decreased the odds of treatment success (OR = 0.55, p = 0.007), while ovulatory dysfunction increased the likelihood of response (OR = 1.75, p = 0.003). Conclusions: The study highlights the complex nature of AUB and the effectiveness of hormonal treatments in its management. Findings emphasize the need for individualized treatment approaches based on the underlying etiology and patient characteristics. Future research should focus on long-term outcomes and optimizing management strategies for complex cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major priority for practicing engineers in an electric power system is preserving the stability of frequency and voltage levels. Any change in these two factors will impact the efficiency and lifespan of the machines connected to the power supply. Therefore, this paper provides a control approach utilizing the Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Sets- Proportional Integral Derivative (IT2FSs-PID) controller and Advanced Thyristor Controlled Series Capacitor (ATCSC) with a combined Load Frequency Control-Automatic Voltage Regulator (LFC-AVR). Several inspections were implemented to demonstrate the controller's strength, including various disturbances in the power system. The LFC-AVR was studied using two different dynamic models, referred to as open and closed loops on the Generation Rate Constraint (GRC) forms. A comparison was made using different techniques from the literature using the same model. Before using the approach, the frequency deviation of area-1 had a very large settling time value, which was caused by system instability. However, after implementing the approach, this value decreased to 4.9236 s. Finally, an additional ATCSC was added to the proposed model to observe its effect on the power system. The simulation was implemented using MATLAB/SIMULINK tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a prevalent condition among women in Saudi Arabia, characterized by involuntary urine leakage during physical activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as coughing or sneezing. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the prevalence of SUI and identify its key risk factors. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted for studies published up to July 2024, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Results: Ten observational studies involving 18,245 participants met the inclusion criteria, and study quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. A random-effects model was employed for meta-analysis, with subgroup and sensitivity analyses performed to address heterogeneity. The pooled prevalence of SUI was 26% (95% CI: 14–41%, I2 = 99%, p < 0.001), with rates ranging from 3.3% to 50%. Subgroup analysis showed a prevalence of 17% (95% CI: 1–42%, I2 = 99%, p < 0.001) in the general population and 33% (95% CI: 19–48%, I2 = 99%, p < 0.001) in specific groups, such as postpartum women and those with low back pain. Significant risk factors included age, obesity, high parity, and chronic conditions like diabetes. Despite high heterogeneity, sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings. Conclusions: The findings underscore the need for public health strategies focused on weight management, pelvic floor rehabilitation, and increased awareness about SUI. Effective preventive measures could significantly reduce the burden of SUI and improve the quality of life for women in Saudi Arabia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) have emerged as robust materials in the development of SAs for erbium-doped fiber lasers (EDFLs). Their exceptional optical properties, such as broadband absorption and fast recovery times, make them ideal candidates for achieving ultrashort pulse operation in EDFLs. With its higher oxygen content, GO offers greater nonlinearity and a tunable absorption spectrum, while rGO, yielded through chemical reduction, exhibits enhanced electrical conductivity and higher saturable absorption. These properties facilitate the generation of ultrashort pulses in EDFLs, which are highly desired for various medical imaging, telecommunications, and material processing applications. This review paper comprehensively analyzes the advancements in GO and rGO SAs in the context of EDFLs for mode-locking and Q-switching applications. The performance of EDFLs utilizing GO and rGO SAs is critically evaluated, focusing on key parameters, such as modulation depth, pulse duration, repetition rate, average power, pulse energy, peak power, and signal-to-noise ratio. Additionally, this review delves into the various synthesis methods of GO and rGO thin film, highlighting their impact on the optical properties and performance of SAs. The discussion on techniques to integrate the SAs into laser cavities includes direct deposition of nanoparticles/thin-film-based SAs, tapered-fiber-based SAs, and D-shaped SAs. Furthermore, the paper explores the challenges encountered during the fabrication of ideal GO and rGO SAs, with issues related to uniformity, stability, and tunability, along with proposed solutions to address these challenges. The insights provided offer valuable guidance for future research aimed at enhancing the performance of EDFLs using GO/rGO SAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytarabine (CTR) is a hydrophilic anticancer drug used to treat leukemia. It suffers from poor permeability and intestinal metabolism, diminishing its oral bioavailability. Background/Objectives: The objective was to develop and evaluate niosomes and bilosomes for enhanced intestinal absorption; hence, oral bioavailability. Results: CTR-loaded niosomes and bilosomes with vesicle sizes of 152 and 204.3 nm were successfully prepared with acceptable properties. The presence of bile salts increased the zeta potential of bilosomes. The recorded entrapment efficiency of cytarabine was acceptable for such a hydrophilic drug. CTR-bilosomes showed a pH-dependent drug release pattern with preferred release in pH 6.8. Intestinal absorption behavior indicated a site-dependent CTR absorption pattern with unfavorable absorption in the distal intestine. Niosomal and bilosomal formulations enhanced intestinal absorption parameters with evidence for a predominant paracellular absorption mechanism that bypasses intestinal barriers. The investigation of the anti-leukemic effect of niosomal and bilosomal formulations indicated that both formulations ameliorated the blood parameters, reflecting significant improvement in leukemia treatment compared with the drug solution. Pathological examination of blood films revealed decreased blast cells in peripheral blood in groups treated with tested formulations. Methods: Tested formulations were prepared according to the pro-concentrate method and characterized for particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and in vitro release. CTR-loaded niosomes and bilosomes were evaluated for enhanced intestinal absorption utilizing the single-pass in situ intestinal perfusion method in rabbits, and the anti-leukemic effect was assessed using the benzene-induced leukemia model in rats. Conclusions: This study introduced surfactant vesicles for enhanced oral bioavailability of CTR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Acinetobacter baumannii is a highly multidrug-resistant pathogen resistant to almost all classes of antibiotics; new therapeutic strategies against this infectious agent are urgently needed. Shikimate kinase is an enzyme belonging to the shikimate pathway and has become a potential target for drug development. This work describes the search for Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs and natural compounds, including gallic acid, that could be repurposed as selective shikimate kinase inhibitors by integrated computational and experimental approaches. Methods: Approaches to drug design using structure-based and ligand-based methodology, in-silico screening, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics for the study of both binding affinity and stability. Experimental Validation Determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) on Acinetobacter baumannii and Enterococcus faecalis. Results/Conclusions: Among them, gallic acid, obtained from plants, proved to be the most promising compound that showed sufficient binding with shikimate kinase through computational studies. Gallic acid showed very good activity against Acinetobacter baumannii and Enterococcus faecalis in the MIC and MBC assay, respectively. Gallic acid exhibited better activity against Acinetobacter baumannii due to the overexpression of shikimate kinase. Gallic acid has emerged as a potential therapeutic candidate drug against A. baumannii infection and, therefore, as a strategy against the appearance of multidrug-resistant microorganisms. This study not only identifies a novel repurposing opportunity for gallic acid but also provides a comprehensive computational and experimental framework for accelerating antimicrobial drug discovery against multidrug-resistant pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical industry explosion in the 20th century has led to increased environmental pollution, affecting fauna, flora, and waterways. These substances alter water's taste, color, and smell, making it unfit for consumption or toxic. Agricultural water networks face threats from pollution before and after treatment. Some chemical contaminants, like pesticides, are embedded in natural biogeochemical cycles. In this study, we developed a simple and low-cost procedure for the fabrication of needles coated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as an efficient sorbent for the microextraction of organic pollutant traces from water. The prepared needles were used as an alternative for commercial solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME) devices in analytical chemistry. The PDMS polymeric phase was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetry (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The PDMS-coated needles were used for extraction of thirteen pesticides by direct-immersion solid-phase microextraction (DI-SPME) from contaminated waters, followed by determination with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The developed analytical method showed limits of detection (LODs) between 0.3 and 2.5 ng mL−1 and RSDs in the range of 0.8–12.2%. The homemade needles were applied for the extraction of pesticides in surface and ground aqueous samples collected from an agricultural area. Several target pesticides were identified and quantified in the investigated water samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Migraine and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are both common chronic conditions that may share underlying pathophysiological mechanisms despite presenting with distinct clinical features. Understanding the association between these two conditions could enhance treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes. This review aims to evaluate the relationship between COPD and migraine, highlighting shared risk factors and identifying gaps in the existing literature. Methods: A search was conducted across four electronic databases (PubMed, Ovid Medline, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science) following PRISMA guidelines up to January 2024. The search identified 85 studies, of which five met the inclusion criteria: observational studies, cohort studies, case–control studies, and randomized controlled trials examining the association between migraine and COPD. Studies not published in English and irrelevant study designs were excluded. The risk of bias was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Tool, which evaluated aspects such as study design, participant selection, measurement methods, and the handling of confounding factors. Results: The review included five studies comprising 184,817 patients. All studies identified a significant association between COPD and migraine, with varying methodologies for diagnosing the conditions. Notably, COPD patients had an increased risk of migraine compared to controls, and migraine patients also demonstrated a higher risk of developing COPD. However, the evidence was marked by high heterogeneity and potential confounding factors. Conclusions: The findings suggest a significant association between COPD and migraine, potentially driven by shared mechanisms such as systemic inflammation. However, the predominance of cross-sectional studies limits causal inference. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies to clarify the directionality and causality of the relationship between COPD and migraine while thoroughly addressing potential confounding factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extended temporomandibular joint reconstruction (eTMJR) can be described as a refined approach to conventional temporomandibular joint reconstruction (TMJR) designed to address both the articulating components of the TMJ and associated mandibular segmental defects or defects in the skull base. Extended temporomandibular joint reconstruction (eTMJR) combined with the advancement in VSP not only offers improved functional and esthetic outcomes but also signifies a significant leap forward in the realm of TMJR interventions. In comparison to autogenous grafts, alloplastic pro$stheses exhibit superior outcomes concerning MIO, pain management, and dietary functionality, underscoring their potential as the preferred treatment modality. This review article showcases an in-depth exploration of eTMJR, covering its classifications, indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages, complications, virtual surgical planning (VSP), criteria for successful alloplastic devices, and the surgical approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a rare but aggressive cancer that is difficult to predict and treat effectively. Current methods for assessing a patient's outlook often fall short. Our research introduces a new approach that could change this. We look at the fat surrounding the kidney using detailed CT scan analysis, combined with standard clinical information. This method provides a more accurate prediction of how patients with UTUC might fare. By examining the texture and patterns in this fat tissue, we can potentially detect early signs of cancer spread that are not visible to the naked eye. Our findings could help doctors make better treatment decisions, such as whether to use chemotherapy before surgery or how extensive the surgery should be. This personalized approach aims to improve outcomes for patients with this challenging cancer. Background: Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) presents significant challenges in prognostication due to its rarity and complex anatomy. This study introduces a novel approach integrating perirenal fat (PRF) radiomics with clinical factors to enhance prognostic accuracy in UTUC. Methods: The study retrospectively analyzed 103 UTUC patients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy. PRF radiomics features were extracted from preoperative CT scans using a semi-automated segmentation method. Three prognostic models were developed: clinical, radiomics, and combined. Model performance was assessed using concordance index (C-index), time-dependent Area Under the Curve (AUC), and integrated Brier score. Results: The combined model demonstrated superior performance (C-index: 0.784, 95% CI: 0.707–0.861) compared to the radiomics (0.759, 95% CI: 0.678–0.840) and clinical (0.653, 95% CI: 0.547–0.759) models. Time-dependent AUC analysis revealed the radiomics model's particular strength in short-term prognosis (12-month AUC: 0.9281), while the combined model excelled in long-term predictions (60-month AUC: 0.8403). Key PRF radiomics features showed stronger prognostic value than traditional clinical factors. Conclusions: Integration of PRF radiomics with clinical data significantly improves prognostic accuracy in UTUC. This approach offers a more nuanced analysis of the tumor microenvironment, potentially capturing early signs of tumor invasion not visible through conventional imaging. The semi-automated PRF segmentation method presents advantages in reproducibility and ease of use, facilitating potential clinical implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hyperuricemia has been linked to various adverse clinical outcomes. Data on the clinical outcomes and the relationship between hyperuricemia and sepsis remain limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of hyperuricemia on clinical outcomes in sepsis patients and to identify whether it can predict the mortality in this patient population. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of adult patients with sepsis admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2023. The patients were divided into hyperuricemia and non-hyperuricemia groups. Hyperuricemia was defined as a serum uric acid level > 416.4 µmol/L (7.0 mg/dL) in males or >357.0 µmol/L (6.0 mg/dL) in females based on the first serum uric acid reading within 24 h of ICU admission. The primary outcome of this study was ICU mortality. Secondary outcomes included in-hospital mortality, progression to septic shock, and ICU and hospital lengths of stay (LOSs). Results: A total of 599 patients were included in the study. Among these, 303 were in hyperuricemia group, while 296 were in the non-hyperuricemia group. The incidence of ICU and in-hospital mortality was higher in the hyperuricemia group compared to the non-hyperuricemia group (26.7% vs. 18.9% (p < 0.001) and 34.7% vs. 19.3% (p < 0.001), respectively). After adjusting for cofounders, hyperuricemia was not a predictor of ICU mortality (OR 1.52, 95% CI 0.95–2.43, p = 0.083). Most secondary outcomes were similar between the groups. However, the hyperuricemia group had a higher incidence of progression to septic shock (67.3% vs. 50.7%, p < 0.001), and hospital LOS was significantly longer in the hyperuricemia group (384 vs. 264 h, p = 0.004). Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated that hyperuricemia in sepsis patients was associated with worse clinical outcomes such as higher ICU and hospital mortality. Moreover, there was a higher incidence of septic shock progression and longer hospital LOS. The other outcomes were not statistically significantly different. Further prospective research is warranted to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advances have broadened the range of therapeutic options for mCRPC, with several new treatments, including novel hormonal therapies (enzalutamide, abiraterone), chemotherapeutic agents (docetaxel, cabazitaxel), immunotherapies (sipuleucel-T), and bone targeting radiopharmaceuticals (radium-223) showing improved clinical outcomes and receiving U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval. These new treatments provide new avenues for improving patient survival and quality of life. Radium-223, a targeted alpha-emitter, specifically targets bone metastases, offering palliative benefits and a potential increase in life expectancy. The integration of radium-223 with other treatments shows promise for managing mCRPC. However, the optimal sequencing and combination of radium-223 with other therapies are still being explored, with various clinical trials investigating new therapeutic approaches. The integration of these therapies, especially to provide more effective, personalized treatment strategies, requires further investigation. A thorough literature review was conducted on current treatments for mCRPC, including chemotherapeutic agents, oral hormonal therapies targeting the androgen receptor axis, immunotherapies, and radium-223. Ongoing clinical trials investigating radium-233 in the context of other therapies for the treatment of mCRPC patients were also reviewed. Further studies should focus on determining the optimal sequencing and dosing and identifying biomarkers that predict treatment response to enhance outcomes of mCRPC patients. This review underlines the rational strategies of combining radium-223 with other therapies, investigating their impact on bone in terms of delaying skeletal-related events, and managing bone disease progression in mCRPC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapidly increasing human population has led to new biological and environmental challenges. These challenges, in turn, have contributed to the rapid growth of the pharmaceutical sector. Quality control in pharmaceutical manufacturing and drug delivery necessitates portable, sensitive, precise, and cost-effective devices to monitor patient dosing and assess pharmaceutical hazards. This study highlights the attributes and applications of the current nanomaterial-based sensors for drug detection, emphasizing the potential of these devices to advance the detection of bioactive molecules, thereby promoting human health and environmental protection on a large scale. Electrochemical sensors, in particular, have become invaluable in bioimaging, electrochemical analysis, and drug delivery due to their high specificity, selectivity, and stability across cycles. This review focuses on recent advancements in electrochemical devices for healthcare applications, detailing their production, analytical performance, and clinical uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A tremendous amount of waste black tea bags (BTBs) and date palm surface fibers (DPSFs), at the end of their life cycle, end up in landfills, leading to increased pollution and an increase in the negative impact on the environment. Therefore, this study aims to utilize these normally wasted materials efficiently by developing new composite materials for thermal insulation and sound absorption. Five insulation composite boards were developed, two were bound (BTB or DPSF with polyvinyl Acetate resin (PVA)) and three were hybrids (BTB, DPSF, and resin). In addition, the loose raw waste materials (BTB and DPSF) were tested separately with no binder. Thermal conductivity and sound absorption coefficients were determined for all boards. Thermal stability analysis was reported for the components of the tea bag (string, label, and bag) and one of the composite hybrid boards. Mechanical properties of the boards such as flexural strain, flexural stress, and flexural elastic modulus were determined for the bound and hybrid composites. The results showed that the thermal conductivity coefficients for all the hybrid composite sample boards are less than 0.07 at the ambient temperature of 24 °C and they were enhanced as the BTB ratio was reduced in the hybrid composite boards. The noise reduction coefficient for bound and all hybrid composite samples is greater than 0.37. The composite samples are thermally stable up to 291 °C. Most composite samples have a high flexure modulus between 4.3 MPa and 10.5 MPa. The tea bag raw materials and the composite samples have a low moisture content below 2.25%. These output results seem promising and encouraging using such developed sample boards as eco-friendly thermal insulation and sound absorption and competing with the synthetic ones developed from petrochemicals in building insulation. Moreover, returning these waste materials to circulation and producing new eco-friendly composites can reduce the number of landfills, the level of environmental pollution, and the use of synthetic materials made from fossil resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The convergence order of an iterative method used to solve equations is usually determined by using Taylor series expansions, which in turn require high-order derivatives, which are not necessarily present in the method. Therefore, such convergence analysis cannot guarantee the theoretical convergence of the method to a solution if these derivatives do not exist. However, the method can converge. This indicates that the most sufficient convergence conditions required by the Taylor approach can be replaced by weaker ones. Other drawbacks exist, such as information on the isolation of simple solutions or the number of iterations that must be performed to achieve the desired error tolerance. This paper positively addresses all these issues by considering a technique that uses only the operators on the method and Ω-generalized continuity to control the derivative. Moreover, both local and semi-local convergence analyses are presented for Banach space-valued operators. The technique can be used to extend the applicability of other methods along the same lines. A large number of concrete examples are shown in which the convergence conditions are fulfilled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and affects approximately 50 million individuals worldwide. Interest in coconut oil (CO) as a potential dietary intervention has surged owing to its substantial medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) content. Therefore, sustaining cognitive function and potentially slowing the progression of AD are crucial. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of CO and its bioactive metabolites on AD and dementia. Methods: The review protocol is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023450435). Relevant research articles published between January 2015 and June 2023 were systematically searched. Seven studies met the predetermined eligibility criteria. Thematic analysis was utilized to synthesis the data about the qualitative features, while meta-analysis was employed for the quantitative findings. A meta-analysis was conducted to assess the standardized mean difference (SMD) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Forest plots were generated using Review Manager 5.3 (RevMan 5.3). Results: The analysis revealed that all studies showed consistent results regarding the effects of CO on cognitive scores, with little variability in the true effects of CO on cognitive scores across the studies included in the meta-analysis. Conclusions: CO improved cognitive scores in patients with AD compared with those in the control group (p < 0.05). The results of this study add to the increasing amount of evidence indicating that MCTs found in CO might be a way to improve abilities and potentially slow the advancement of AD. The findings of this study may encourage the development of targeted dietary strategies and interventions for individuals at risk of or diagnosed with AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the use of plant extracts has emerged as an innovative approach for the production of various nanoparticles. Enhancing green methods for synthesizing copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles (NPs) is a key focus in the field of nanotechnology. This study presents a novel and eco-friendly synthesis of CuO NPs using Rumex vesicarius L. leaf extracts, offering a cost-effective and efficient method. The synthesized CuO NPs were evaluated for their cytotoxic effects against human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cells, as well as their photocatalytic and antimicrobial activities. The morphology, size, and structural properties of the CuO NPs were characterized using various analytical techniques. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the pure crystalline structure of the CuO NPs with a size of 19 nm, while transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed particle sizes ranging from 5 to 200 nm. The photocatalytic performance of the CuO NPs was assessed through the photodegradation of crystal violet (CV) and methylene blue (MB) dyes under UV light. The NPs exhibited excellent decolorization efficiency, effectively degrading dyes in aqueous solutions under irradiation. Furthermore, the green-synthesized CuO NPs displayed strong antibacterial and antifungal activities against a variety of human pathogens. They also demonstrated significant dose-dependent cytotoxicity against the HeLa cancer cell line, with an IC50 value of 8 ± 0.54 μg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess the feasibility of video game-based trunk exercises using the Valedo® system in a chronic stroke population. Method: Ten chronic stroke survivors (eight males and two females, mean age 63 ± 15 years) were asked to complete 18 intervention sessions, each lasting 45 min., over 6–8 weeks. Feasibility was evaluated quantitatively using the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS) as well as through recruitment, retention, adherence, and safety measures. Qualitative data on feasibility were collected through post-intervention semi-structured interviews. Descriptive analysis was used to summarize participant characteristics, recruitment, retention, and adherence. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis of the interviews. Results: Twelve stroke survivors were recruited from Southampton (United Kingdom) and Riyadh (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), with two participants dropping out after the baseline assessment session. The remaining ten participants completed the study with a mean adherence of 96.11% to the planned sessions. No serious adverse effects were reported, however, four participants did experience trunk muscle tightness and fatigue. Post-intervention interviews revealed that participants encountered some physical and cognitive challenges while playing the Valedo video games. However, they felt that the implementation of trunk exercises using video games was safe, as the exercises were performed in a secure environment and in safe positions. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the Valedo system is feasible for delivering trunk exercises to chronic stroke survivors. Several factors should be considered when implementing this type of intervention in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) measures, maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max), and minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO2 slope and others) among the T2DM population based on glycated haemoglobin (HBA1c). Material and Methods: The present study comprised a cross-sectional design, with two groups, based on HbA1c values (≤7 and ≥7.1). Laboratory samples were taken to evaluate glycated haemoglobin and fasting blood glucose (FBS). Cardiopulmonary exercise testing was performed to calculate various fitness-related parameters. Data analysis: An independent t-test was used to analyse the outcomes in the two groups. p < 0.05 was considered significant. Linear regression was used to examine the influence of predictor variables on dependent variables. Results: A total of 70 patients agreed to participate in the study, with 19 females and 51 males. The mean (standard deviation) BMI (body mass index) of all participants was 29.7(5.2), the mean (SD) weight was 84.4 (18.9) kg, and the mean height was 167.4 (23) cm. The average age of the individuals was 52 ± 8 years. The independent t-test revealed a significant difference between the two groups in terms of CRF measures. Conclusions: The current research identified the presence of poor glycaemic control and cardiorespiratory fitness measures among the Brazilian population with T2DM. HBA1c, duration of diabetes, age, and BMI can be employed to predict the ventilatory threshold (VT) and VO2 max. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Asthma is associated with several comorbidities, one of which is obesity. The worldwide increase in obesity has been accompanied by a parallel rise in asthma prevalence, with obesity recognized as a significant risk factor for both the development and severity of asthma. Obesity is often linked to various comorbidities, which can complicate asthma management and lead to poorer clinical outcomes. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of obesity and its comorbidities in adults with asthma in a single center in Saudi Arabia, providing an overview of the associated health implications. Materials and Methods: This single-center, retrospective study aimed to assess the prevalence of obesity and other comorbidities in asthma patients. Data were collected from King Khalid University Hospital in Saudi Arabia between July 2023 and December 2023. Results: This study revealed that 72.1% of asthma patients were either obese or overweight. Female patients had significantly higher BMI values compared to males. Our study revealed that 38.21% of female asthma patients (mean age = 57 ± 13.85 years) had comorbidities compared to 24.14% of male asthma patients (mean age = 59 ± 14.02 years). Furthermore, the proportion of obese asthmatic patients with comorbidities was significantly greater than those without comorbidities. Conclusions: This study investigates obesity prevalence and associated comorbidities in adult asthmatics in a single center in Saudi Arabia. The findings reveal a 72.1% rate of obesity and overweight among asthmatic patients, with higher BMI and comorbidity prevalence in females. These results underscore the need for targeted interventions addressing obesity and comorbidities, especially in female asthmatics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined spectroscopic, thermal, and other qualities, such as the lasing parameters, of Sm3+-doped glass with the composition 40P2O5–30ZnO–20LiCl–10BaF2. The ellipsometric data were used in a Sellmeier dispersion relation to estimate the refractive index values of the glasses investigated. The measured absorption spectra of the doped glass reveal the presence of various absorption bands assigned to transitions from the 6H5/2 ground state attributed to Sm3+-ion-excited states. We studied the decay of the 4G5/2 level of the Sm3+ ions in the doped glass by analyzing its absorption and emission fluorescence spectra. The Judd–Ofelt hypothesis allowed us to determine that the quantum efficiency of the 4G5/2–6H7/2 transition is high: 96% and 97% for glass doped with 4.05 × 1019 ions/cm−3 and 11 × 1019 ions/cm−3, respectively. Furthermore, this glass exhibits efficient red/orange enhanced spontaneous emission that matches the excitation band of the photosensitizer material used in medical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons. The heterogeneous nature of ALS at the clinical, genetic, and pathological levels makes it challenging to develop diagnostic and prognostic tools that fit all disease phenotypes. Limitations associated with the functional scales and the qualitative nature of mainstay electrophysiological testing prompt the investigation of more objective quantitative assessment. Biofluid biomarkers have the potential to fill that gap by providing evidence of a disease process potentially early in the disease, its progression, and its response to therapy. In contrast to other neurodegenerative diseases, no biomarker has yet been validated in clinical use for ALS. Several fluid biomarkers have been investigated in clinical studies in ALS. Biofluid biomarkers reflect the different pathophysiological processes, from protein aggregation to muscle denervation. This review takes a pathophysiologic approach to summarizing the findings of clinical studies utilizing quantitative biofluid biomarkers in ALS, discusses the utility and shortcomings of each biomarker, and highlights the superiority of neurofilaments as biomarkers of neurodegeneration over other candidate biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A robust biometric system is essential to mitigate various security threats. Electroencephalography (EEG) brain signals present a promising alternative to other biometric traits due to their sensitivity, non-duplicability, resistance to theft, and individual-specific dynamics. However, existing EEG-based biometric systems employ deep neural networks, such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and recurrent neural networks (RNNs), which face challenges such as high parameter complexity, limiting their practical application. Additionally, their ability to generalize across a large number of subjects remains unclear. Moreover, they have been validated on datasets collected in controlled environments, which do not accurately reflect real-world scenarios involving diverse brain conditions. To overcome these challenges, we propose a lightweight neural network model, GCT–EEGNet, which is based on the design ideas of a CNN model and incorporates an attention mechanism to pay attention to the appropriate frequency bands for extracting discriminative features relevant to the identity of a subject despite diverse brain conditions. First, a raw EEG signal is decomposed into frequency bands and then passed to GCT–EEGNet for feature extraction, which utilizes a gated channel transformation (GCT) layer to selectively emphasize informative features from the relevant frequency bands. The extracted features were used for subject recognition through a cosine similarity metric that measured the similarity between feature vectors of different EEG trials to identify individuals. The proposed method was evaluated on a large dataset comprising 263 subjects. The experimental results demonstrated that the method achieved a correct recognition rate (CRR) of 99.23% and an equal error rate (EER) of 0.0014, corroborating its robustness against different brain conditions. The proposed model maintains low parameter complexity while keeping the expressiveness of representations, even with unseen subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of higher-dimensional evolution equations in dissimilar scientific arenas has been on the rise recently with a vast concentration in optical fiber communications, shallow water waves, plasma physics, and fluid dynamics. Therefore, the present study deploys certain improved analytical methods to perform a solitonic analysis of the newly introduced three-dimensional nonlinear dynamical equations (all within the current year, 2024), which comprise the new (3 + 1) Kairat-II nonlinear equation, the latest (3 + 1) Kairat-X nonlinear equation, the new (3 + 1) Boussinesq type nonlinear equation, and the new (3 + 1) generalized nonlinear Korteweg–de Vries equation. Certainly, a solitonic analysis, or rather, the admittance of diverse solitonic solutions by these new models of interest, will greatly augment the findings at hand, which mainly deliberate on the satisfaction of the Painleve integrability property and the existence of solitonic structures using the classical Hirota method. Lastly, this study is relevant to contemporary research in many nonlinear scientific fields, like hyper-elasticity, material science, optical fibers, optics, and propagation of waves in nonlinear media, thereby unearthing several concealed features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. The mammary gland is composed of various types of cells including luminal cells, fibroblasts, immune cells, adipocytes, and specific microbiota. The reciprocal interaction between these multiple types of cells can dictate the initiation and progression of cancer, as well as metastasis and response to therapy. In the present report, we have shown that Escherichia coli-conditioned media (E-CM) can directly activate human mammary luminal epithelial cells (HMLEs), by inducing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process associated with increased proliferation and invasion capacities, as well as stemness features. Additionally, it has been shown that E-CM has an indirect pro-carcinogenic effect, mediated by the activation of normal breast fibroblasts (NBFs). Indeed, E-CM upregulated various markers of active fibroblasts (FAP-α, GPR77, and CD10), and enhanced the proliferation, migration, and invasion capacities of NBFs. Furthermore, E-CM induced an inflammatory response in NBFs by activating the pro-inflammatory NF-kB transcription factor and several of its downstream target cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8. This E-CM-dependent activation of NBFs was confirmed by showing their paracrine pro-carcinogenic effects through inducing EMT and stemness features in normal breast epithelial cells. Interestingly, similar effects were obtained by recombinant human IL-1β. These results provide the first indication that E. coli can initiate breast carcinogenesis through the activation of breast stromal fibroblasts and their paracrine pro-carcinogenic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Screening for malnutrition among hospitalized children is essential, and the Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Pediatrics (STAMP) is a validated tool for this purpose. The study aimed to modify STAMP for a Saudi context and assess the sensitivity and specificity of both the original and modified tools. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 307 hospitalized children, where both the original and Saudi-modified STAMP were applied. Anthropometric measurements were also recorded, and statistical analysis using SPSS and validity parameters was used to assess the tools' validity. Results: The Saudi-modified STAMP identified a higher percentage of children at high risk of malnutrition compared to the original STAMP (91.6% vs. 62.9%). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, accuracy, and agreement of the Saudi-modified STAMP compared to the original were 94.3%, 13.2%, 64.8%, 57.7%, 0.654, and 0.089, respectively. Conclusions: The Saudi-modified STAMP showed excellent sensitivity and varied negative predictive value, indicating its potential effectiveness in screening for the risk of malnutrition among hospitalized children compared to the original STAMP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report passively Q-switched pulse operation through an erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL) utilizing graphene oxide/titania (GO/TiO2) nanorods as a saturable absorber. The GO/TiO2 nanorods were fabricated using a Sol–gel-assisted hydrothermal method. The optical and physical characterization of the GO/TiO2 was then characterized using a field-emission-scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and diffuses reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). To investigate the performance of the Q-switched EDFL based on the GO/TiO2 SA, the prepared nanorods were mechanically deposited on the fiber ferrule employing adhesion effects of in-dex-matching gel. This integration of the nanorod SA resulted in a self-starting Q-switching opera-tion initiated at a pump power of 17.5 mW and sustained up to 306.9 mW. When the pump range was tuned from 17.5 to 306.9 mW, the emission wavelength varied from 1564.2 to 1562.9 nm, pulse repetition rates increased from 13.87 kHz to 83.33 kHz, and pulse width decreased from 30.27 µs to 3.75 µs. Moreover, at the maximum pump power of 306.9 mW, the laser exhibited an average output power of 0.74 mW, a peak power of 1.54 mW, and a pulse energy of 8.88 nJ. Furthermore, this study investigates the GO/TiO2 damage threshold and prolonged stability of the proposed EDFL system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) is a common health problem in older adults and is associated with negative health outcomes such as the occurrence of adverse drug events. Several studies have been conducted in different countries and settings to assess the prevalence of PIP, including in Home Care Services. However, data on the prevalence of PIP in home-care services in Saudi Arabia are limited. This study aimed to evaluate PIP use among older patients receiving home healthcare services in Saudi Arabia and to identify the predictors and commonly implicated medications.; Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over an 8-month period between January and August 2023. Data were collected from the medical records of patients older than 65 years who were currently receiving home health care services at King Faisal Hospital in Taif City, Saudi Arabia. PIPs were identified using the 2019 updated Beers Criteria.; Results: A total of 375 patients were included. Out of these, 285 PIPs were identified, of which 219 patients (58.4%) received at least one PIP. The most common therapeutic class associated with the PIPs was gastrointestinal medications (66.3%). Patient age and number of medications were significant predictors of PIP.; Conclusions: Our study found a high prevalence of PIP among elderly patients receiving home health care in Taif, Saudi Arabia. This study highlights the need for improved patient data automation and implementation of the Beers criteria to prevent PIPs in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Locating the mandibular foramen (MF) through imaging is clinically important for inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) anesthesia and mandibular ramus osteotomies. Although cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is superior in imaging the mandible, an orthopantomogram (OPG) is preferred for its ease of use and availability. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of digital OPG in localizing the MF, in a subset of the Middle Eastern population. Methods: Radiographic images (OPG and CBCT) of selected patients (adults, dentulous and no mandibular abnormalities) were used to locate the MF through digital measurements (mm) of the anteroposterior distance from the anterior border of the ramus (MF-AP) and the superoinferior position from the mandibular occlusal plane (MF-SI). Measurements were statistically compared between OPG and CBCT for accuracy. Differences in measurements between OPG and CBCT were compared against the anatomic location (right/left), age and biological sex, assuming a p-value < 0.05 as significant. Results: A total of 204 radiographic records (males: 100/females: 104/mean age: 34.65 ± 11.55 years) were evaluated. The measurements for the MF were MF-AP-OPG (right: 13.53 ± 2.44/left: 13.19 ± 2.25), MF-AP-CBCT (right: 13.61 ± 2.39/left: 13.36 ± 2.19), MF-SI-OPG (right: 5.25 ± 1.71/left: 5.41 ± 1.65) and MF-SI-CBCT (right: 5.59 ± 1.66/left: 5.52 ± 1.61). Measurements between OPG and CBCT were not significantly different, except for MF-SI (right) (p = 0.042). While the overall difference between OPG and CBCT (MF-AP/MF-SI) measurements showed a significant association (p < 0.01) with the anatomic location (right/left), a significant association (p < 0.05) with biological sex was observed only for MF-AP. Conclusions: Based on this study's outcomes, digital OPG is an accurate modality to locate the MF based on anteroposterior (MF-AP) and superoinferior (MF-SI) measurements. This would be clinically beneficial for dental and oral surgeons to achieve the optimum IAN block anesthesia based on preoperative panoramic radiographs. Similarly, it would assist maxillofacial surgeons in planning mandibular orthognathic surgeries and ramus osteotomies without complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information dissemination and preservation are crucial for societal progress, especially in the technological age. While technology fosters knowledge sharing, it also risks spreading misinformation. Audio deepfakes—convincingly fabricated audio created using artificial intelligence (AI)—exacerbate this issue. We present Sonic Sleuth, a novel AI model designed specifically for detecting audio deepfakes. Our approach utilizes advanced deep learning (DL) techniques, including a custom CNN model, to enhance detection accuracy in audio misinformation, with practical applications in journalism and social media. Through meticulous data preprocessing and rigorous experimentation, we achieved a remarkable 98.27% accuracy and a 0.016 equal error rate (EER) on a substantial dataset of real and synthetic audio. Additionally, Sonic Sleuth demonstrated 84.92% accuracy and a 0.085 EER on an external dataset. The novelty of this research lies in its integration of datasets that closely simulate real-world conditions, including noise and linguistic diversity, enabling the model to generalize across a wide array of audio inputs. These results underscore Sonic Sleuth's potential as a powerful tool for combating misinformation and enhancing integrity in digital communications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) is a prevalent multifactorial developmental dental defect with unclear etiology. This study aimed to identify potential risk factors for MIH among primary school children in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study including children aged 7 to 10 years old, recruited from twelve randomly selected schools located in three regions of Jeddah city, was carried out. The children were examined for MIH and dental caries using the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Criteria (2003) and the DMFT/dmft WHO index. Parents were asked to provide medical and socio-demographic information on their children from their first two years of life. Results: A total of 2010 children were examined, with 888 parents responding to the survey (a 44.2% response rate). Lower maternal education was found to be significantly associated with a decreased adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of MIH (Model 1: p = 0.014, AOR = 0.646, and 95% CI = 0.456 to 0.915; Model 2: p = 0.019, AOR = 0.658, and 95% CI = 0.465 to 0.933). Being an only child, a child's birth order, type of delivery, breastfeeding, and medical conditions were not associated with MIH. Conclusions: The significant association between MIH and maternal education suggests that further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and identify other potential confounding variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Effective medication management, disposal, and donation are vital for public health and environmental sustainability. Improper handling of medications can lead to drug misuse, accidental poisoning, and environmental damage. This study examines current practices and challenges in Saudi Arabia, identifying opportunities for improvement. Method: A cross-sectional survey conducted in October and November 2023 targeted the general population in Saudi Arabia. This study employed convenience sampling to explore medication usage, storage, disposal practices, and awareness of donation procedures. Data were analyzed through both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results: This study involved 430 respondents. Of these, 73.0% held a university degree, yet 66.3% were unaware of drug donation programs, and 84.2% lacked knowledge about proper medication disposal. Despite this, 71.4% believed that drug donation programs positively impact healthcare, and 87.9% saw them as reducing drug waste and environmental pollution. However, 48.1% expressed concerns about the potential misuse of donated medicines. Awareness and knowledge were significantly higher among participants aged 30 and above. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for enhanced public awareness, clear medication disposal guidelines, and ethically governed donation practices in Saudi Arabia. These measures can improve healthcare outcomes, protect the environment, and support global health and sustainability goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two forms of flower-like ZnO nanostructures were synthesized using hydrothermal methods at various growth times/temperatures and zinc precursors. The morphology, structure, chemical composition, and optical properties of these ZnO nanoflowers were studied using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), X-ray photoelectrons spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The SEM images revealed two forms of flower-like nanostructures, namely lotus- and tulip-like flower ZnO nanostructures. The XPS analysis revealed the oxidation state of the Zn and O elements, as well as the presence of OH groups on the surface of the lotus-like flower ZnO nanostructure. The XRD results revealed less crystallinity of the lotus-like ZnO nanoflowers (NFs) compared with the tulip-like ZnO NFs. The XRD results revealed the presence of Zn (OH)2 in the ZnO NFs. The Raman results confirmed less crystallinity of the lotus-like ZnO NFs. The estimated optical bandgap was 2.92 and 3.0 eV for the tulip- and lotus-like ZnO NFs, respectively. The tulip-like ZnO NFs showed superior photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye, verified via UV–Vis radiation, compared with the lotus-like ZnO NFs, which show the impact of the structure defects and OH- impurities on the photocatalytic performance of ZnO nanoflowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the properties of projective vector fields on semi-Riemannian manifolds. The main result establishes that if a projective vector field P on such a manifold is also a conformal vector field with potential function ψ and the vector field ζ dual to d ψ does not change its causal character, then P is homothetic, or ζ is a light-like vector field. Additionally, it is shown that a complete Riemannian manifold admits a projective vector field that is also conformal and non-Killing if and only if it is locally Euclidean. The paper also presents other results related to the characterization of Killing and parallel vector fields using the Ricci curvature and the Hessian of the function given by the inner product of the vector field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]