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In this paper, we re-estimate the astrometric and photometric parameters of the young open star cluster King 18 based on Gaia Data Release 3 (DR3), Two Micron All-sky Survey (2MASS) and VRI CCD observations using the f/4.9 Newtonian focus of 74-inch telescope at Kottamia Astronomical Observatory (KAO) in Egypt. King 18 is a poorly studied open star cluster, for which new results are found in the current study. In order to estimate the membership and determine all the astrophysical parameters of the cluster, we have used data from Gaia DR3 and KAO. The center, cluster radius, radial density distribution, color-magnitude diagrams, distance, age, and reddening of King 18 are calculated. Also, the luminosity and mass functions, the total mass and the relaxation time of the cluster are estimated. The slope value of the mass function (α ) of King 18 is found to be 2.27± 0.17, which is comparable with Salpeter value. Our estimates for the average cluster age and the relaxation time are 224 ± 6.3 and 28.92 Myrs, respectively. This indicates that King 18 is dynamically stable and a relaxed cluster. The cluster distance modulus from Gaia, 2Mass and VRI observations has been determined to be 12.380 ± 1.320, 12.320 ± 0.107 and 12.280 ± 0.290 mag respectively, which corresponds to distances of 2992.26, 2910.72 and 2857.59 pc, respectively. These results are in good agreement within the error. Moreover the color excesses E(V–I), E(J– K s ) and E( G BP – G RP ) are 0.850 ± 0.087, 0.380 ± 0.091 and 0.980 ± 0.130 respectively. Finally, the proper motions ( μ α cos δ , μ δ ), and parallaxes (ϖ ) are - 2.603 ± 0.018 , - 2.106 ± 0.013 and 0.324 ± 0.040, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the importance security of sensitive speech and audio signals such as the countries president's call phone, this research work presents an efficient audio cryptosystem. Audio speech communications play main and essential role in the human daily life, covering many important fields ranging from simple personal private information up to top secret, sensitive and critical information. It is difficult to prevent the eavesdropping by unauthorized person especially 1-D audio scrambling methods, it is built by simple algorithms and has low security level. So, there is a dire need for enhancing audio cryptosystem to be more secure against different types of attacks. In this work, the enhanced audio cryptosystem is proposed, the first approach enhances multiple key audio cryptosystem utilizing the chaotic baker map through enhancing the confusion level for both encryption/decryption algorithms employing time and transform domains. Simulation experiments revealed that the proposed boosted audio cryptosystem on time and transform domains is secure and robust against different types of attacks. The boosted multiple key based audio crypto-system is performed by increasing confusion and enlarging the secret-key space. Results of the simulation experiments revealed that the proposed multiple secret key-enhanced confusion audio cryptosystem is secure and robust with respect to different types of attacks. Moreover, results for transform domains show better results than results for time domain for the three proposed boosted audio cryptosystem. Also, the third proposed audio cryptosystem DWT-based shows the best results among all other proposed audio cryptosystem. Due to the results, robustness and reliability of proposed technique are higher the existing audio cryptographic system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy associated with hippocampal sclerosis (MTLE/HS) is the most common cause of drug-resistant focal seizures and surgical resection is the primary treatment option, with seizure-free rates ranging from 60 to 80%. However, data on postsurgical seizure outcomes in patients ≥ 50 years of age are limited. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of surgery in this age group compared to younger patients. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of data from resective surgeries conducted in patients with MTLE/HS between 1990 and 2022. We focused on patients aged ≥ 50 years and compared the surgical safety and efficacy variables between this group and a control group of patients aged < 50 years through a case–control study. Results: Among the 450 MTLE/HS patients who underwent surgery during the inclusion period, 61 (13.6%) were aged ≥ 50 years and matched with 183 younger patients, totaling 244 study participants. The two groups had similar characteristics. At the last follow-up (median 5.7 years), Engel I outcomes were achieved in 80.3% of the older patients and 81.4% of the younger patients, with no significant difference (p = 0.85). Postoperative cognitive and psychiatric outcomes did not differ between the groups. Major complication rates were also comparable, at 3.3% in the older group and 2.7% in the younger group (p = 0.83). The extratemporal ictal abnormalities observed on video-EEG were the only variable that demonstrated a significant association with an unfavorable seizure outcome in the older group (OR 9.3, 95% CI [1.8–47.6], p = 0.005). Conclusions: This study provides grade 3 evidence that resective surgery for MTLE/HS patients aged ≥ 50 years is as effective and safe as it is for younger patients, and thus should be considered as the primary treatment option for drug-resistant cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diffuse indoor links in Optical Wireless Communication (OWC) suffer from Inter-Symbol Interference (ISI). This interference limits the maximum achievable data rate, and results in additional power penalty. The main reason for ISI is not only multipath propagation but also the correlation existing in the input optical signal. The correlated input signal may cause tap coupling in the estimated channel impulse response and lead to ISI, which is difficult to mitigate with standard equalizers. In this paper, an adaptive Least Mean Square (LMS) algorithm with Activity Detection Guidance (ADG) and Tap Decoupling (TD) is used at the receiver side for channel estimation in order to mitigate the problem of ISI through channel equalization. The performance of the proposed adaptive channel estimator is compared with that of an adaptive estimator that depends on the standard LMS algorithm. The OOK-NRZ modulation technique is adopted, because it is one of the most commercially used modulation techniques due to its easy implementation and bandwidth efficiency. The simulation results reveal that the adaptive LMS channel estimator with ADG and TD can mitigate the ISI problem and estimate the channel impulse response, effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palladium and platinum complexes, especially those that include cisplatin, can be useful chemotherapeutic drugs. Alternatives that have less adverse effects and require lower dosages of treatment could be provided by complexes containing pyridine bases. The complexes [Pd(SCN)2(4-Acpy)2] (1), [Pd(N3)2(4-Acpy)2] (2) [Pd(paOH)2].2Cl (3) and [Pt(SCN)2(paO)2] (4) were prepared by self-assembly method at ambient temperature; (4-Acpy = 4-acetylpyridine and paOH = pyridine-2-carbaldehyde-oxime). The structure of complexes 1–4 was confirmed using spectroscopic and X-ray crystallography methods. Complexes 1–4 have similar features in isomerism that include the trans coordination geometry of pyridine ligands with Pd or Pt ion. The 3D network structure of complexes 1–4 was constructed by an infinite number of discrete mononuclear molecules extending via H-bonds. The Pd and Pt complexes 1–4 with pyridine ligands were assessed on MCF-7, T47D breast cancer cells and HCT116 colon cancer cells. The study evaluated cell death through apoptosis and cell cycle phases in MCF-7 cells treated with palladium or platinum conjugated with pyridine base. Upon treatment of MCF-7 with these complexes, the expression of apoptotic signals (Bcl2, p53, Bax and c-Myc) and cell cycle signals (p16, CDK1A, CDK1B) were evaluated. Compared to other complexes and cisplatin, IC50 of complex 1 was lowest in MCF-7 cells and complex 2 in T47D cells. Complex 4 has the highest effectiveness on HCT116. The selective index (SI) of complexes 1–4 has a value of more than two for all cancer cell lines, indicating that the complexes were less toxic to normal cells when given the same dose. MCF-7 cells treated with complex 2 and platinum complex 4 exhibited the highest level of early apoptosis. p16 may be signal arrest cells in Sub G, which was observed in cells treated with palladium complexes that suppress excessive cell proliferation. High c-Myc expression of treated cells with four complexes 1–4 and cisplatin could induce p53. All complexes 1–4 elevated the expression of Bax and triggered by the tumor suppressor gene p53. p53 was downregulating the expression of Bcl2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustaining channel equalization effectiveness, when using Optical Wireless Communication (OWC) systems is a challenging issue. In order to deal with the physical deficiencies in the Free Space (FS) channel, different adaptive channel estimation techniques are investigated in this study. Standard Least Mean Square (LMS), and LMS with Activity Detection Guidance (ADG) and Tap Decoupling (TD) are the adaptive channel estimation techniques taken into consideration. During the channel estimation process, random inputs are used, including both white and colored inputs. According to the simulation results, the channel estimation issue with white inputs can be resolved using the LMS algorithm with ADG. On the other hand, the TD is necessary for accurate channel tap estimation for colored inputs. Since the step size, number of estimated taps, and noise variance affect the asymptotic error performance of the channel estimators, the suggested technique is evaluated with unit noise variance, 0.07 noise variance, and 0.01 noise variance with a fixed correlation factor. When the correlation factor is equal to 0.1, 0.5, or 0.9 with the noise variance fixed, the effects of varying the correlation factor and the number of iterations on the estimator ability to remove channel distortion are explored. As a result, we become able to enhance the suggested channel estimation and obtain its best asymptotic performance and convergence rate. Transferring data without taking security into account is quite risky. Hence, we introduce an anomaly-based Intrusion Detection System (IDS) model that depends on Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) using Visual Geometry Group with 16 layers (VGG16). Our model achieved high levels of accuracy, and attack detection rates of 99.92%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiac dysfunction associated with anthracyclines is a significant side effect of chemotherapy, and early detection is crucial. We aimed to assess the diagnostic value of combining global longitudinal strain (GLS) with biomarkers for the early detection of anthracycline-related cardiac dysfunction. Methods: In a prospective cohort study, 80 consecutive adult patients (mean age 51 ± 11 years; 68.8% females) were screened and underwent 2D echocardiographic assessments and biomarker assessments [high-sensitivity troponin-I (hs-Troponin-I) and NT-pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)] before and after anthracycline-based chemotherapy's initial regimen. The patients were followed up for 12 weeks to monitor for the development of cardiotoxicity. Results: Ten patients (12.5%) developed cardiotoxicity at the end of the 12-week follow-up. Baseline values of hs-Troponin-I and NT-proBNP were significantly higher in patients who developed cardiotoxicity compared to those who did not, with a similar pattern observed at the 3-week follow-up. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated that a cutoff value of baseline hs-Troponin-I > 11 ng/L, NT-proBNP > 90.1 pg/mL, 3-week left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 52%, 3-week GLS ≥ − 14.5%, 3-week hs-Troponin-I > 13.1 ng/L, and 3-week NT-proBNP > 118.1 pg/mL predicted the occurrence of cardiotoxicity with high sensitivity (range 83–94%) and specificity (range 77–92%). Conclusion: Combination of GLS with biomarkers had a high diagnostic value in early identification of anthracycline-related cardiac dysfunction, with an estimated diagnostic accuracy of over 85%. This information could potentially help in the identification of patients at high risk of developing cardiac dysfunction, allowing for earlier management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, some transparent aluminum sodium borate-based glasses containing Dy2O3 have been prepared using the melt quenching method. The incorporation of Dy3+ ions in the glass network leads to increase and decrease the density and molar volume, respectively. The structural properties are investigated by XRD and FTIR spectroscopy. It is revealed that addition of Dy2O3 causes a conversion of boron coordination from BO4 to BO3, which indicates the increase in the number of non-bridging oxygen. Therefore, the optical band gap is found to decrease as the Dy3+ ions content increases. The temperature dependences of dielectric constant and AC conductivity are studied at different frequencies. The electric conductivity and dielectric parameters decrease with increasing Dy3+ content due to the decrease in Na+ ions mobility due to the blocking effect of Dy3+ cations in the glass network. The shielding factors have been evaluated for the prepared glasses with the help of Phy-X program. The maximum linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) is found at 0.284 MeV and varied between 0.125 and 0.140 cm−1. The results revealed that the incorporation of Dy2O3 into the glasses has a substantial effect on the Zeff.. The value of the Zeff for the D1 sample, which does not include any Dy2O3, stays relatively the same, ranging around 7.51. We found that the rate of reduction in Zeff was significantly high when the energy of the photons is smaller than 0.826 MeV. From the Zeff data, we found that the addition of Dy2O3 to the glasses improves both their capacity to absorb and their capability to scatter ionizing radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, millions of cubic meters of dye-contaminated wastewater are generated annually from the textile industry. Discharging the dye-contaminated wastewater into natural water streams is detrimental to the ecosystem and human health. Wastewater bioremediation is considered a practical solution for converting wastewater into value-added water for safe reuse especially in irrigation. The present study investigated the immobilization of highly stable spore laccase enzyme of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens A1 by entrapment and adsorption techniques. Based on the results, agarose gel was the most efficient support with 94% immobilization yield. Optimum temperature of immobilized enzyme was at 60 ℃ with complete thermal stability for 120 min. The maximum activity of immobilized enzyme was at pH 6–7 and retained 91% of its activity after 24 h incubation. It showed 100% storage stability after 8 weeks which was higher than that of un-immobilized enzyme (4 weeks). The enzyme activity was nearly stable after 8 consecutive cycles of reuse. Decolorization of 8 textile dyes was studied using the immobilized enzyme. Crystal violet, direct red 81 and acid black 24 were efficiently decolorized (94.5, 77.4, and 68.8%, respectively) within 24 h in the first cycle. Reusability of immobilized enzyme showed 74.6, 53.5, and 51.8% decolorization of the same dyes in the same order after the second cycle. Immobilized spore laccase-treated dye water was used to irrigate lentil seeds and showed germination index about 73% compared to 10.8% for untreated one indicating very low toxicity of the treated dye water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of two kinds of iron slag in the production of pozzolanic cement is introduced. A series was created with a fixed percentage of OPC (30%) and varying amounts of imported granulated blast-furnace slag (IGBFS) and air-cooled slag (ACS) at which imported IGBFS was substituted by ACS with the mass ratios of 10, 20, and 30%. Physico-mechanical properties and hydration parameters of the hardened pastes were examined at different time intervals. Furthermore, the aggressive attack of seawater on chosen specimens was studied for up to one year of immersion. The hardened composite cement pastes were tested in terms of weight loss, compressive strength, bulk density, total porosity, and free lime at different thermally treated temperatures starting at 105 °C and ending at 800 °C for 2 h of a socking period to investigate its thermal characteristics. XRD, IR, and DTA/TGA techniques were used to examine some chosen samples. The results revealed that the incorporation of ACS reduces the water consistency and prolongs setting times. Compressive strengths are higher in samples containing 10% ACS than those specimens containing 20–30 wt% and without ACS. A 7% reduction in the compressive strength was achieved by A1 (30%OPC and 70% IGBFS), which is the lowest one over 1 year of exposure to seawater. The incorporation of ACS at the expense of IGBFS tends to lower the strength but tends to enhance the bulk density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The necessity for access to a high data rate has been the motivation behind expanding new technologies. The increasing of wireless devices has caused the radio wave spectrum to become congested. Additionally, radio waves cannot be used in EMI-vulnerable places. Hence, the interest in visible light communication (VLC) offers real alternatives to radio-based communications. This paper focuses on the use of visible light as a data communication medium and introduces a designed audio SIMO (Single-Input-Multi-Output) data transmission system from point to multipoint to demonstrate the functionality of the VLC system in audio transmission through modulated LEDs light. The system is made up of the transmitting unit and multi-receiving units. The transmitting unit consists of three stages: audio in, preamplifier, and white LEDs array that transmits the data using the ON-OFF keying (OOK) modulation technique to all receivers. On the other hand, the receiving unit consists of three receivers that have different photodetectors aspects with fixed distances separation between them. The line of sight (LOS) communication between transmitter and receivers for the purpose to transfer audio data has been employed. Based on the LOS link, simulation and experimental analysis have been done in multiple semi-angles for studying the output performance of receivers and the characteristics of the white LEDs such as luminous intensity and received power at 20,45 and 70 semi-angle at half-power through MATLAB® software. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-power wireless sensing-based networks suffer from many constraints and challenges. In this research work, efficient power source has been designed to provide the need of energy for the Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) and Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs). The energy sources are the main challenge and constraint these wireless networks applications. This paper discusses recent researcher's works which considered the energy constraints of the WSN and WMSN with their proposed security techniques. The main idea of this presented work is the energy harvesting through extracting the electrical energy from the audio/acoustic signal/energy, this utilized audio/acoustic source in this scenario is the disk jockey. To maximize the produced power from the proposed acoustic energy harvesting Piezo-based several parameters is studied. The parameters are considered in this research work are the method of Piezo-transducers connections, the distance of sound source, the sound intensity variation and the sound concentrating tube length. These tubes are mounted on slim diaphragm two maximize the energy harvesting. The piezoelectric transducer array scenario is designed using four piezoelectric transducers utilizing different connect ion methods, series, parallel and in hybrid. Several practically experiments are performed on the presented different scenarios to evaluate the proposed energy harvesting efficiency. These experiments reveal that the superiority of the proposed acoustic energy harvesting technique with low power complexity wireless networks and suitable with the different presented scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Talc, as an industrial mineral, is usually used at fine and ultrafine sizes in different applications. However, reaching the ultrafine sizes depends simultaneously on grinding conditions and the characteristics of the mineral to be ground. In this paper, the effect of talc hydrophobicity and grinding conditions in terms of grinding balls size, mill filling, grinding time, stirrer speed, and solids% on producing –45 microns in an attritor mill were studied. The change in talc particle size in dry and wet grinding modes was recorded along with monitoring the structural change by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that the d50 of the ground product reaches 10 µm or less at 10 mm media size, 60 min grinding time, 385 rpm stirring speed, 40% solids, and 25% mill filling. Nevertheless, under the same conditions, dry grinding not only gives a smaller product but also has higher structural changes than wet grinding. The talc hydrophobicity leads to talc particles agglomeration in aqueous media and consequently, a part of grinding energy is consumed in agglomerates breakdown resulting in delaying not only the reach to the same size as in the dry grinding but also the crystal lattice destruction. Inevitably, the intensive grinding to ≤ –5 µm changes the talc structure drastically in both grinding modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Knowledge of the frequency of precipitating factors for acute heart failure (AHF) is important (either new-onset heart failure [NOHF] or worsening heart failure [WHF]), as this can guide strategies for prevention and treatment. Most data come only from Western Europe and North America; nevertheless, geographic differences do exist. We set out to study the prevalence of precipitating factors of AHF and their connection to patient characteristics and in-hospital and long-term mortality in patients from Egypt hospitalized for decompensated HF. Using the ESC-HF-LT Registry which is a prospective, multicenter, observational study of patients confessed to cardiology centers in the nations of Europe and the Mediterranean, patients presenting with AHF were recruited from 20 centers all over Egypt. Enrolling physicians were requested to report possible precipitants from among several predefined reasons. Results: We included 1515 patients (mean age 60 ± 12 years, 69% males). The mean LVEF was 38 ± 11%. Seventy-seven percent of the total population had HFrEF, 9.8% had HFmrEF, and 13.3% had HFpEF. The commonly reported precipitating factors for AHF hospitalization among study population were as follows (in decreasing order of frequency): infection in 30.3% of patients, acute coronary syndrome/myocardial ischemia (ACS/MI) in 26%, anemia in 24.3%, uncontrolled hypertension in 24.2%, atrial fibrillation (AF) in 18.3%, renal dysfunction in 14.6%, and non-compliance in 6.5% of patients. HFpEF patients had significantly higher rates of AF, uncontrolled hypertension, and anemia as precipitants for acute decompensation. ACS/MI were significantly more frequent in patients with HFmrEF. WHF patients had significantly higher rates of infection and non-compliance, whereas new-onset HF patients showed significantly higher rates of ACS/MI and uncontrolled hypertension. One-year follow-up revealed that patients with HFrEF had a significantly higher rate of mortality compared to patients with HFmrEF and HFpEF (28.3%, 19.5, and 19.4%, P = 0.004). Patients with WHF had a significantly higher rates of 1-year mortality when compared to those with NOHF (30.0% vs. 20.3%, P < 0.001). Renal dysfunction, anemia, and infection were independently connected to worse long-term survival. Conclusions: Precipitating factors of AHF are frequent and substantially influence outcomes after hospitalization. They should be considered goals for avoiding AHF hospitalization and depicting those at highest risk for short-term mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Both S100A4 and Glypican-3 have been known to be engaged in HCC development and progression. This study aimed to evaluate both S100A4 and GPC3 expression in HCC tissues as a prognostic markers. Methods: Tissues from 70 patients of HCC in cirrhotic HCV patients were evaluated by immunohistochemistry using antibodies against SA100A4 and GPC3 and compared with tumor-adjacent tissue (controls). All cases were followed for 40 months. Results: GPC3 was more expressed in HCC (79%) than S100A4 (21%). S100A4 was more significantly expressed in cases showing metastasis, microscopic vascular emboli, necrosis, and grade III tumors. There was no relationship between overall survival and both S100A4 and GPC3. The only significant independent predictor for recurrence was decompensation (OR 3.037), while metastasis was significantly predicted by S100A4 expression (OR 9.63) and necrosis (OR 8.33). Conclusion: S100A4 might be used as a prognostic marker for HCC, while GPC3 is a reliable marker of HCC diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, forensic tools have been presented for detecting the forged image and illegal image manipulations. This paper presents an efficient and simple image contents verifying approach acting as a forensic technique. The presented approach mechanism is built by adding a hidden mark in a secret images, this mark achieves image integrity verification and detecting the tampering or forgery in the secret/authentic images. The secret/authentic/authentic image is divided to two main partitions, each portion is segmented to small blocks. These blocks in one partition are used to mark the blocks of the second partition using data transform technique. Firstly, the sensitive image is marked according to a self-embedding method. Then, a transform domain is utilized in order to embed a block-based signature into another block of the same image. Common discrete transform domains like DWT, DCT, and DFT are examined individually. Different analyses and comparison measurements are employed. The DCT is proved to be the most suitable and efficient transform domain to be used with the proposed scheme. At the receiver side, the reverse process is performed to verify image integrity. As proved from the experiments, this mark-algorithm is not visible or observable and robust against various attacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research paper, performance of an efficient audio contents integrity verification algorithm using Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) has been analyzed and studied in presence the different noise and attacks. This approach of audio contents verification is designed based on a self-mark idea, the embedded mark is generated from the same audio file after transforming the sensitive 2-D audio file into two equal size partitions. Integrity and confidentiality verification of classified recorded audio scenario also, has been tested and evaluated in this research paper using the encryption technique to encrypt the marked audio files. Different computer experiments simulation have been executed to evaluate and analysis the performance of the stand-alone self-mark algorithm and with the encryption stage merging. These experiments tested the performance of these two security approaches with presence different attacks. Reverse processes are executed to verify the contents integrity of the audio files. According to the quality of the extracted audio file from the verification process compared to the original audio file, this audio contents integrity algorithm is applicable and robust. Quality of the extracted audio file is evaluated using the different metrics tools. The different attacks are employed to measure the robustness and reliability of this algorithm. The statistical analysis of the results has been presented, it is proved to have high detection sensitivity to observe and discover any audio manipulations even they were inaudible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intravascular imaging modalities such as intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and, more recently, optical coherence tomography (OCT) improved the visualization of coronary anatomy and plaque pathology. We aimed to compare the procedural and short-term outcomes between IVUS-guided and OCT-guided percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods: In the present retrospective study, we reviewed the data of 50 patients who had IVUS-guided PCI and 50 patients who had OCT-guided PCI for ACS between January 2020 and June 2021. Intravascular imaging was done before and after stenting. Both groups were compared in terms of minimal luminal area (MLA), stent dimensions, final minimal stent area (MSA) and stent expansion as well as negative angiographic outcomes. Patients were followed for six months to record major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Results: The patients' mean age was 57 ± 13 years with male predominance (78%). The radiation time and dose were significantly higher among IVUS group. Pre-stenting MLA was significantly higher in IVUS group (2.63 mm vs. 2.22 mm in OCT, P = 0.013). Stent expansion was significantly higher among OCT group (97% vs. 93% in IVUS group, P = 0.001) with no significant difference between both groups regarding MSA [mm2] (8.88 ± 2.87 in IVUS vs. 8.1 ± 2.76 in OCT, P = 0.169). No significant difference between both groups was noted regarding contrast volume, edge dissection, tissue prolapse, and no reflow. The rates of six-month MACE were significantly higher in the IVUS group. Conclusions: OCT-guided PCI in ACS is safe and is associated with similar MSA to that of IVUS-guided PCI. Future randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Germanium borosilicate glasses have attracted attention due to its excellent properties for technological industrial applications, and the tungsten oxide is also widely exploited in diverse technological applications for its distinctive properties. For these reasons, this work studied the effect of tungsten oxide on dielectric constants, conductivity, and density of sodium germanium borosilicate. The results show that dielectric constant (ε′) of sodium germanium borosilicate [Na2B4O7–SiO2–(Ge2O3)15-x–(WO3)x] glasses increased with increasing tungsten oxide (WO3) content and frequency but decreased with increasing temperature. Dielectric loss factor (ε″) of [Na2B4O7–SiO2–Ge2O3–WO3] glasses decreased with increasing frequency but it increased with increasing temperature. Imaginary modulus (M′) of [Na2B4O7–SiO2–(Ge2O3)15-x–(WO3)x] decreased with increasing both temperature and frequency. Imaginary modulus (M″) of [Na2B4O7–SiO2–(Ge2O3)15-x–(WO3)x] increased with increasing temperature up to 400 °k then decreased. Also it increased with decreasing frequency at temperature range from 300 to 400 °k, while decreased with decreasing frequency at temperature range from 410 to 480 °k. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrobenthic invertebrate communities serve as markers of anthropogenic stress in freshwater ecosystems. In this study, 17 sampling sites were selected from two Nile river subbranches (El-Rayah El-Behery and El-Rayah El-Nassery) and subjected to different anthropogenic influences to explore the ecological environment and characteristics of macrobenthos communities. Macrobenthos were studied using taxonomic diversity and biological trait analysis to investigate how human activity and variation in water quality affect their structure and function. A total of 37 taxa represented by 43,389 individuals were recognized. The communities are composed chiefly of Oligochaeta and aquatic insects. Multivariate statistical analyses found that the most influential environmental variables in the structural and functional community were sodium, dissolved oxygen, silicate, pH, calcium, and cadmium. At high levels of pollution, notably sewage and industrial pollution in the northern part of El-Rayah El-Behery, characteristics such as larger body size, detritus feeders, burrowers, and high tolerance to pollution predominated, whereas at low levels of pollution, features such as small body sizes, scraper and predator feeders, intolerant and fairly tolerant of pollution, and climber and swimmer mobility are predominant. The results confirm our prediction that the distribution of macroinvertebrate traits varies spatially in response to environmental changes. The diversity-based method distinguished impacted sewage and industrial sites from thermal effluent sites, while the trait-based approach illustrated an apparent variance between the ecological status of contaminated regions. Therefore, the biological features should be employed in addition to structural aspects for assessing the biodiversity of macroinvertebrate communities under environmental stressors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the impact of substituting an intermediate oxide, Fe2O3, for a former glass network oxide, B2O3, on the structure and electrical properties of lithium vanadate borate glass has been assessed. Using the traditional fast quenching technique, six samples were prepared by introducing Fe2O3 at the expense of B2O3 at rates x = 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25. The amorphous nature of the prepared solids was confirmed based on the X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. A rise in the concentration of BO3 groups was seen at the expense of BO4 groups, according to Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectral analysis. Additionally, the FTIR designated little amounts of Fe and V cations that participated in the glass matrix as glass network formers. As the Fe2O3 content increased, the bulk density also increased, while the glass molar volume and the interatomic spacing decreased. The electrical characterization declared an increase in the magnitudes of both the frequency-dependent and frequency-independent conductivities. One semi-circle was visible in the electric modulus spectrum, indicating a single relaxation process that adhered to the Debye model for the dielectric relaxation. According to the simulation results, the correlated barrier hopping model best describes the conduction mechanism in the examined glasses. It was discovered that the prepared glasses electronic conductivity hindered their ionic conductivity, suggesting that these glasses would make ideal cathode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Identifying specific biological activities of natural products are of the main concerns worldwide for the use in safe functional food manufacture; essential oils and their components are good candidates in this respect. The present work aims to evaluate the biological activities of basil and thyme oils as well as their phenolic constituents. Using computational methods to predict biological activities are currently effective tools in minimizing and explaining experimental works. Results: Chemical composition of thyme and basil oils were determined using GC–MS. The identified phenolic components were thymol (28.21%) and carvacrol (0.47%) in thyme oil and eugenol (11.37%) in basil oil. The antioxidant activity of both oils and their phenolic constituents as expressed by EC50 value were 535.01, 134.37, 176.57, 407.89 and 2.29 µg/mL against DPPH and 131.95, 56.65, 57.15, 82.71and 32.80 µg/mL against hydrogen peroxide, respectively. The order of activity is basil oil > thyme oil while phenolic compound order is eugenol > thymol > carvacrol; reducing power showed the same order. Basil oil showed also higher and good antitumor activity where it reduces the surviving fraction to 38.4% of brain tumor cells (U251) and 61.3% of liver tumor cells (HEPG2) at concentration 10 µg/mL. The antioxidant activity were evaluated theoretically according to the main three mechanisms, Hydrogen-Atom-Transfer (HAT), Single Electron Transfer–Proton Transfer (SET-PT) and the Sequential Proton Loss Electron-Transfer (SPLET); the results proved the experimental order of antioxidant and biological activities, and explained the remarkably higher activities of basil oil and its main phenolic component, eugenol. Conclusion: Theoretical calculation can be used successfully to explain and predict the experimental biological activity results. Basil oil and its main phenolic component, eugenol, were found effective as antioxidants. Basil oil was also efficient in reducing the surviving fraction of liver and brain cancer cells where it reduces brain cells even lower than cells treated by doxorubicin, a known anti-cancer agent; thus, basil oil and its main phenolic components, eugenol, can be used safely in food preservation and functional food production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have different unique properties and a wide range of applications in different fields. Thereby, there is a growing urgency for the production of AuNPs using a safe and an economic method. In this study, optimization of fermentation conditions by Bacillus subtilis NRC1 for extracellular AuNPs synthesis using response surface methodology was achieved. The data obtained from Plackett–Burman design followed by Box–Behnken design indicated the accuracy and reliability of the model and it could be used to navigate the design space with a reasonable accuracy. Numerical optimization of Bacillus subtilis NRC1 active extracellular filtrate production, showed the optimum conditions of 0.74% (w/v) casein hydrolysate, 3.99% (w/v) dextrin, 47 × 106 CFU/ml inoculum size at pH 7.76 and 25 ∘ C to give the maximum AuNPs biosynthesis. The model was highly valid and the obtained data had a confidence factor of 98.48%. Statistical optimization resulted in a 2.6-fold increase in AuNPs production compared with that of the non-optimized medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Elevation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) is still a hugely unmet need in the reduction of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. In the published CardioRisk project in Egypt, up to 71% of female participants had dyslipidemia. Control of LDL-c levels and thus improvement of hyperlipidemia is quite often very difficult. With the introduction of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, the decrease of significant cardiac adverse events, the patient control rate, and the death rate have all been improved. Inhibition of the formation of PCSK9 through inclisiran, which is a novel method of reducing LDL-c and is only given twice per year, seems alluring. After revision of published data, we analyzed the potential advantages of the use of inclisiran. Conclusion: The Egyptian Association for Vascular Biology and Atherosclerosis (EAVA) analyzed the data necessary for obtaining clear indications for the usage of inclisiran. We propose the addition of inclisiran to statins with or without ezetimibe for patients with documented atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or similar risk, familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) with another major risk factor, and very high and high risk diabetes mellitus, who did not reach LDL-c goals and/or with true statin intolerance. Inclisiran is also recommended as upfront therapy, with triple combination, in extreme risk subjects such as those with post acute coronary syndromes (ACS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, residuals from iron adsorption onto activated carbon prepared from corn cobs (R/Fe-CAC) were reused as a heterogeneous catalyst for degradation of reactive blue 222 dye (RB222) with persulfate and UV process. Operational parameters as catalyst dose, pH, persulfate (PS) dose, and initial RB222 concentration were investigated. The R/Fe-CAC catalyst was characterized by SEM, TEM, EDX, FTIR, XRD, N2 adsorption-desorption, and Raman spectroscopy techniques. The results revealed that R/Fe-CAC with UV was able to activate PS to completely degrade RB222 within 10 min only at pH 3. A catalyst dose of 0.025 g/L is sufficient to obtain 100% removal efficiency of RB222 with PS/UV process. The degradation rate constants of RB222 were 0.0625 and 0.1162 min−1 for dye concentrations of 100 and 50 mg/L, respectively. Quenching experiments showed that sulfate radicals, hydroxyl radicals, superoxide radicals, and holes were responsible species for oxidation of RB222 dye. The extended operation of the R/Fe-CAC for five consecutive cycles confirmed the stability of photocatalytic activity and the potential of efficient reuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent years, attention has shifted to the role of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in prediction of clinical outcome among patients with septic shock. However, very few studies have correlated RV dysfunction with survival early in the course of sepsis. In the period from September 2021 to July 2022, we included a total number of 248 patients within 24 h of their presentation with sepsis. All patients were subjected to a comprehensive echocardiographic study to evaluate different parameters of RV function and LV systolic and diastolic functions. We aimed primarily to study the predictive value of RV dysfunction on 30-day all-cause mortality rates and ventilator-free days. Results: Almost half of study population (48.4%) showed evidence of RV dysfunction (in isolation or with LV dysfunction), with 25.4% showing evidence of isolated RV dysfunction. Patients with RV dysfunction had a significantly higher APACHE 2 (P < 0.001) score and 30-day all-cause mortality rates (P = 0.003) compared to those without RV dysfunction. A significant association was reported between 30-d mortality and dysfunction status (P = 0.025). Those with no dysfunction had lower mortality (14.1%) than in those with RV dysfunction only (33.3%), LV dysfunction only (20%), and RV + LV dysfunction (31.6%). No significant difference was observed in ventilator free days according to dysfunction status (P = 0.081). A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that RV dysfunction was among the significant independent predictors for 30-day mortality (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.07–3.81, P = 0.031), controlling for the effect of age and gender. Conclusions: In a cohort of ICU patients with early sepsis, RV dysfunction is found to be common and predictive of 30-day mortality irrespective to the LV function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary to the creation of a surgical corridor and retraction, white matter tracts degenerate, causing long-term scarring with potential neurological consequences. Third and lateral ventricle tumors require surgery that may lead to cognitive impairment. Our objective is to compare the long-term consequences of a transcortical transfrontal approach and an interhemispheric transcallosal approach on corpus callosum and frontal white matter tracts degeneration. Surgical patients with ventricular tumor accessible through both approaches were included and clinico-radiological data were retrospectively analyzed. The primary endpoint was the callosotomy length at 3-month post-operative T1 MRI, corrected by the extension of the tumor and the use of neuronavigation. Secondary outcomes included perioperative criteria such as bleeding, use of retractors and duration, FLAIR hypersignal on 3-month MRI, and re-do surgeries. To assess white matter tract interruption, 3-month FLAIR hypersignal was superposed to a tractography atlas. Seventy patients were included, 57 (81%) in the transfrontal group and 13 (19%) in the interhemispheric group. There was no difference in the mean callosotomy length on 3-month MRI (12.3 mm ± 5.60 transfrontal vs 11.7 mm ± 3.92 interhemispheric, p = 0.79) on univariate and multivariate analyses. The callosotomy length was inferior by − 3.13 mm for tumors located exclusively in the third ventricle (p = 0.016), independent of the approach. Retractors were used more often in transfrontal approaches (60% vs 33%, p < 0.001). The extent of frontal FLAIR hypersignal was higher after transfrontal approach (14.1 mm vs 0.525 mm, p < 0.001), correlated to the use of retractors (p < 0.05). After the interhemispheric approach, no tract other than corpus callosum was interrupted, whereas, after the transfrontal approach, frontal arcuate fibers and projections from the thalamus were interrupted in all patients, the cingulum in 19 (33%), the superior fronto-occipital fasciculus in 15 (26%), and the superior longitudinal fasciculus in 2 (3%). Transfrontal and interhemispheric approaches to the third and lateral ventricles both lead to the same long-term damage to the corpus callosum, but the transfrontal approach interrupts several white matter tracts essential to cognitive tasks such as attention and planning, even in the non-dominant hemisphere. These results encourage all neurosurgeons to be familiar with both approaches and favor the interhemispheric approach when both can give access to the tumor with a comparable risk. Neuropsychological studies are necessary to correlate these anatomical findings to cognitive outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functionalization of the textile surface plays a remarkable role in the synthetic fiber industry. This research is interested in the one-step simultaneous functional finishing and transfer printing of alkaline-activated polyester fabric using C.I. Disperse Red 60 and C.I. Disperse Blue 56. The optimum color depth was achieved using zinc oxide nanoparticle 0.5 % and nano polyurethane (50 g/l) in the finishing bath formulation, additionally, excellent ultraviolet protection (50+) category. Zinc oxide nanoparticles and zinc oxide/polyurethane nanocomposite finishing showed high antimicrobial efficiency. They showed a microbial reduction of C. albicans (97 %), E. coli (93 and 96 %), and S. aureus (88 and 93 %), respectively. The finished polyester fabrics showed significant durability of protective properties for washing cycles after 25 washes. The ultraviolet protection maintained excellent category and enhanced ultraviolet protection factor values. The antimicrobial activities after 25 washes achieved sustained microbial reduction percentage against the three tested microorganisms (C. albicans 92 and 87 %; E. coli 90 and 92 %; and S. aureus 87 and 81 %). The results showed the positive impact of zinc oxide nanoparticles and zinc oxide/polyurethane nanocomposite finishing on fastness to sublimation and light. At the same time, there is no change in the fastness of washing and perspiration. The effect of finishing formulations on the finished polyester fabric samples' crucial mechanical properties was studied. These properties were fabric weight, thickness, tensile strength and elongation, and abrasion resistance. The obtained results showed that finishing polyester fabric samples with nano polyurethane, zinc oxide nanoparticles, or zinc oxide/polyurethane nanocomposite did not alter the essential mechanical properties required for polyester fabric applications in textiles and apparel for different end uses. Additionally, the polyester fabric surface was characterized using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, improving the functional finishing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, an efficient full-swing (FS)-gate diffusion input (GDI) logic style is used for implementing full adder (FA) and arithmetic logic unit (ALU) circuits. The performance of the ALU in delay time, power consumption, and area terms is strongly dependent on the performance efficiency of the FA circuits utilized in its construction. In this research paper, multi-efficient power and high-speed ALU circuits are proposed with outputs in full-swing form and improved area. The proposed circuit is evaluated and tested using the Cadence Virtuoso simulation package in the 65 nm CMOS process. The proposed ALUs reduce power consumption by 20.01% and 4% compared with the ALU implemented by the traditional CMOS technique and GDI-based unit, respectively. Also, four ALU designs utilizing four efficient FA circuits are presented. The proposed ALUs provide more than 74.4–23.3% improvement in the power-delay product (PDP) term compared with existing circuits. The simulation experiments reveal that with the proposed ALUs, the circuits achieve superior performance compared with previous and existing ALU designs, and the power efficiency of these units improves in a range of 18.7–20.1% over the CMOS-based units. Also, the various technology nodes and their impact are considered in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The confidentiality of highly-sensitive multimedia signals is considered in this paper, it can be enhanced by efficient secured model utilizing several-layer security algorithms. The hybrid data hiding and cryptographic techniques are merged for constructing secured model. The Least Significant Bit (LSB) data hiding steganography is utilized with a 2-D Logistic-based map (Model-I) and second Model-II involves data hiding merging within chaotic-Baker-based image encryption security techniques. ِPerformance analyzing and comparison have been presented utilizing various images for examining the applicability of the different proposed image security scenarios for securing wireless image transmission over noise-free, and noisy channels. Moreover, the proposed algorithms are applied for transmission over Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM) channels, and their performance is evaluated under different conditions of fading environments with utilizing the powerful error control schemes in the case of SUI-3 model channel and randomizing the packet based on the encryption tools. An equalizer is used to mitigate the impact of composite fading. A multi-layer security model using Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) steganography with chaotic Baker encryption is proposed to protect highly-sensitive text based data records. The results reveal that it can be used efficiently for protecting highly-sensitive text message and records (text-based data). The timing analysis and comparative study are considered with respect to the previous related works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Egyptian granite was used in preparing some glass samples including different contents of sodium carbonate as a fluksing agent and to study the effect of different Na+ ions on some of their properties. The prepared glass samples have the chemical composition [100 -x granite.xNa2CO3, Where x = 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 mol%]. The mixture of each sample was mixed well and prepared in a platinum crucible at 1430 °C for one hour, then quenched in air between two copper plates. The as prepared glass samples were investigated by XRD, FTIR, Mössbauer spectrometer, d.c. and a.c. conductivities. XRD results showed that the prepared samples have the glassy nature. FTIR results showed approximately similar de-convoluted bands. The identification of these bands revealed that the present vibration modes in these samples were Si-O-Si bending vibration, Si-O-Al stretching and Si-O-Si symmetric, Si-O− and Si-O-Si asymmetric stretching. Mössbauer results revealed that the granite spectrum showed two magnetic sites [Fe3O4 (Fe III) A site and Fe3O4 (Fe II, III) B site]. And also another two doublets represented Fe (II) and Fe (III). The glass samples spectra showed two doublets represented Fe2+ and Fe3+ (Oh). The a.c. conductivity at low temperature for the glass samples showed week temperature dependence and strong frequency dependence. At high temperature the behavior reversed. The a.c. behavior showed also that the relation of ln(σ) and 1/T of each glass sample exhibited one line with two slopes. This reflects that the electric conduction is due to ionic and electronic conduction. The behavior of the relation between Na+ content and ln(σ) showed the behavior of the extrinsic semiconductor at low temperature range where the pentavalent or trivalent ions of silicon matrix changed their electrical features producing p-type and n-type semiconductors respectively. The dielectric constant (ε') showed fixed values up to a certain temperature, then ε' started to increase gradually with inversely proportional to frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel multi-functional CdS/TiO2 nanocomposite was synthesized by using a wet impregnation method and microwave-assisted sol–gel anatase TiO2. A hydrothermal approach was used to prepare TiO2 nanowire then decorated with CdS-NPs. XRD, FTIR, HRTEM, FE-SEM, EDX, XPS, and optical properties were exploited to investigate their characteristics. A 0.05 M CdS/TiO2 showed high degradation efficiency toward methylene blue dye using UV–Vis light. The degradations were 95.46, 88.94, and 54.86% for CdS/TiO2, TiO2-NWs, and CdS-NPs, respectively. Different parameters that affect the degradation process were studied. Antibacterial activity of nanocomposites was carried out against pathogenic bacteria using diffusion methods. The hybrid nanocomposite CdS/TiO2 also showed larvicidal activity against Culex pipiens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of host genetic factors influencing the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection may help to refine patients' selection to benefit from specific preventative measures and/or adapted screening policies. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association of MTHFR c.677C > T and c.1298A > C in addition to TYMS 3′-UTR 6-bp ins/del polymorphisms with the susceptibility to HCV-related HCC in an Egyptian population. Polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism was performed to genotype the polymorphisms in 194 HCV-infected patients subdivided into liver cirrhotic (LC, n = 104) and HCC (n = 90) patients as well as 100 healthy subjects. In healthy controls, the MTHFR c.677C > T polymorphism under the homozygous and recessive models (p = 0.005) and the c.1298A > C polymorphism under all the tested genetic models (p-values range from < 0.001 to 0.007) were associated with an increased risk of HCC. In LC patients, the MTHFR c.677C > T polymorphism under the homozygous, dominant, and recessive models (p-values range from 0.001 to 0.007), as well as MTHFR c.1298A > C under the homozygous model only (p = 0.014), increased the susceptibility to HCC. The C/C and T/C haplotypes of MTHFR c.677C > T and MTHFR c.1298A > C polymorphisms were contributed to an increased risk of healthy subjects to develop HCC (p-values range from < 0.001 to 0.015), while only the T/C haplotype was associated with the progression of HCC in LC patients (p = 0.001). In conclusion, MTHFR c.677C > T and c.1298A > C in addition to their haplotypes may contribute to the development of HCV-related HCC in an Egyptian population. These findings may aid in the early diagnosis and management of HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite notable advances in vaccine and antimicrobial therapies, treatment failure has been increasingly reported worldwide. Of note, multi-drug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains have a considerable share in the evolution of this crisis. So, current practice guidelines are directed towards complementary and alternative therapies. Therefore, we evaluated the antibacterial and antivirulence activities of curcumin, thymol, and eugenol essential oils (EOs) as well as EOs-EOs and EOs-antibiotics interactions on MDR and multi-virulent E. coli isolates. Unfortunately, MDR E. coli could be isolated with a prevalence rate of 95.6% (86/90). Additionally, the majority of our isolates harbored both fimH (95.6%) and ompA (91.1%) genes, and half of them (45/90) were multi-virulent. Interestingly, all the tested EOs, especially curcumin, exhibited inhibitory activities against all MDR and multi-virulent E. coli isolates. The addition of thymol enhanced the antibacterial activities of curcumin and eugenol. Moreover, the activities of piperacillin/tazobactam and imipenem were increased by adding any one of the tested EOs. Regarding the antivirulence activities of the tested EOs, the cell surfaces of treated E. coli isolates under transmission electron microscope (TEM) were uneven. The cells appeared damaged and lost their appendages. Furthermore, EOs strongly reduced the transcription of ompA and fimH genes. The antibacterial and antivirulence activities of the used EOs were confirmed by in silico and mice protection assays. Hereby, we introduced the promising uses of curcumin, thymol, and eugenol oils as complementary and alternative therapies for combating MDR and multi-virulent E. coli isolates. Key points: • Our promising results confirmed that we were right for renewed interest of EOs. • The EOs, especially curcumin, can be used to prevent treatment failure. • We supposed a new pharmaceutical formulation of antibiotic powders dissolved in EOs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the nonlinear interactions of an inhomogeneous cold beam of electrons of arbitrary density with an inhomogeneous cold plasma in the presence of an external static magnetic field. The formation of waves of double frequency at the inlet of the beam into the plasma is considered. Far enough from the plasma boundary inwards, the external static magnetic field may increase the amplitude of the fundamental waves, and the electric field component of waves with double frequency will remain stronger than that of the basic frequency. In addition, it is found that the inhomogeneity of electron beams has more effect on the generation of the second harmonic wave. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heart failure (HF) is a common cause of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Despite advances in treatment, the prognosis remains poor. Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors decrease HF events by 27–39% in high-risk patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Moreover, the DAPA-HF and EMPEROR-Reduced studies randomized patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) with or without diabetes mellitus to receive guideline-directed medical therapy versus guideline-directed medical therapy plus an SGLT-2 inhibitor. Both studies showed the benefits of SGLT-2 inhibitors. In addition, SGLT-2 inhibitors have shown improvement according to the EMPEROR-Preserved study of HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Therefore, a panel of cardiology experts from the Egyptian Atherosclerosis and Vascular Biology Association (EAVA) revised the literature for SGLT-2 inhibitors in HF, along with the recommended indications and contraindications, and this article presents their consensus on the topic. The panel concluded that SGLT-2 inhibitors have significantly benefited patients with chronic HFrEF, as indicated through the DAPA-HF and EMPEROR-Reduced trials. The panel recommended early use of dapagliflozin 10 mg or empagliflozin 10 mg in patients with symptomatic chronic HFrEF, whether diabetic or non-diabetic, to ameliorate HF hospitalization rate, mortality, symptoms, and decline in renal function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic age-related neurodegenerative disease characterized by degeneration of the central cholinergic neurons, inflammation and oxidative stress in the basal forebrain, prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Hesperidin (Hesp) is one of the flavonoids havinganti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties in some neurodegerative brain lesions. To investigate the possible neuroprotective role of Hespin an AD-like rat model induced experimentally by Scopolamine (Scop). Forty adult male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly allocated into four groups. Group I—(Control), group II—(Hesp) (supplemented orally with 100 mg/kg Hesp for 28 days), group III—(AD) (injected i.p with 1 mg/kg Scop for 9 days) and group IV—(Hesp/AD). At the end of the experiment, behavioral (Y-maze test) and biochemical analysis were carried out along with histological, immunohistochemical and morphometric studies of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. AD rats displayed memory impairment in the behavioural paradigm with a concomitant increase of serum TNF-α and IL-1β, while IL-10 decreased significantly. Also, there was a rise of amyloid beta-42 (Aβ-42), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) together with a decrease of reduced glutathione (GSH) in hippocampal and prefrontal homogenate. In addition, sections of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex revealed obvious histopathological changes, overexpression of p-Tau protein and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) with a decrease in the expression of synaptophysin (SYN). Contradictorily, pre-treatment with Hesp offset the spatial memory deficits, redox imbalance, Aβ-42 and AChE over activity as well as preserved the histological architecture and attenuated the raised p-Tau protein and GFAP while upregulated SYN immuoreactivity of AD rats. Collectively, our results highlight the potential mitigating role of Hesp in AD-like state in rats and this may presumably raise the possibility of its future implementation as a prophylactic remedy against AD in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this context, the electrical conductivity and surface activity of cobalt sulphide (CoS) as counter electrode CE is improved by incorporating with graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) to enhance the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of quantum dot sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Core–shell nanocomposite CoS@g-C3N4 composed of CoS core encapsulated by graphitic carbon nitride shell in different weight ratios of CoS to constant ratio of g-C3N4 was synthesised. The prepared composites were assigned as 1:1 (CoS-1), 5:1 (CoS-5), 7:1(CoS-7), 9:1(CoS-9) and 11:1(CoS-11). The different prepared CoS@g-C3N4 nanocomposites were applied as counter electrodes (CEs) in QDSSCs based on TiO2 nanorod arrays with 84.37-nm length and 5.24-nm width as working electrode, cadmium sulphide (CdS) as quantum dots and polysulfide electrolyte. The results show that CoS-7 has superior efficiency with clear improvement in cell performance up to 10.15%, short current density Jsc of 19.5 mA/cm2, open circuit voltage Voc of 0.68 mV and fill factor (FF) of 0.78. The improved performance is attributed to the formation of synergistic heterojunction between g-C3N4 and CoS which facilitates a fast electron transfer at the interface between them; also, more photoelectrons could be produced due to the formation of carbon vacancies in g-C3N4 which made g-C3N4 to hold more excitable electrons and inhibit the recombination of photogenerated carriers. Matching the valence and conduction bands of CoS to those of g-C3N4 also catalyses collecting and mobility rate of the electrons and holes and decreases the recombination rate effectively. Cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, the equivalent circuit, analysis of capacitance-frequency spectra, charge transfer spectra and charge recombination were also studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gamma radiation at varying radiation doses was utilized to produce polyacrylonitrile ball clay nanocomposites (PAN/BC). Various analysis methods; The structural morphology, functional groups, and also chemical structures of prepared composites were examined utilizing XRD, XRF, IR, SEM&TEM. The capacity of Cs+, Co2+, Cu2+, & Zn2+ onto studied materials was improved by increasing radiation doses and all prepared composites have affinity sequence; Co2+ > Cu2+ > Zn2+ > Cs+. Optical characteristics for PAN/BC nanocomposite prepared at 60 kGy were investigated before and after saturation by investigated ions and the data represented an enrichment of the bandgap by saturation technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc vanadium oxide (ZV) nanoflake (50 nm size) working electrodes (WE) for dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were successfully prepared by a one-step precipitation method. XRD and FE-SEM were utilized to depict the crystal structure and morphology of the produced ZV nanoflakes. XRD showed that the pristine dried sample at 60 °C (ZV-60) was assembled mainly of the hydrated phase of zinc hydroxide vanadium oxide (Zn3(OH)2V2O7), whereas two other pure phases of ZV were detected and indexed as Zn3V2O8 and Zn2V2O7 after calcination at 400 °C. Higher conversion efficiency (η) of solar light was obtained using calcined ZV at 400 °C (ZV-400) as the WE. The light-to-electricity conversion reached 6.8% upon using ZV-60, whereas it reached 2.7% when ZV-400 was used as the WE. This might be due to the high ionic mobility because of the extremely architecture porous structure of the crystal lattice and/or increased conductivity due to presence of crystalline water in case of the ZV-60 phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the widely spreading of fake news utilizing image manipulation and its bad effects, this paper investigates efficient image contents verification and manipulation detection algorithm performance in presence different attacks and noisy wireless channel. The presented algorithm works based on making horizontal scanning of the image blocks after segmenting it to upper and lower partition, every one of them is divided to equal number of small blocks. These blocks marks the opposite block in another image petitions utilizing different transforms, DFT, DCT, WHT, and DWT transforms. This approach is evaluated and tested in presence different attacks and over the wireless noisy channel for measuring the reliability and robustness of the presented algorithm. The WHT, DCT and DWT based algorithm performed good. The computer simulations reveled the DWT-based approach provides images with littlie quality improving. The algorithm performance over the AWGN channel is bad at the low SNR. For solve this problem the simple and less-complex error control schemes have been utilized to decrease the required SNR for achieving accepted quality of the received image. The merging algorithm is proposed also based on utilizing the mark encrypted image and encrypt marked images verifications approaches. Finally, the computer simulations proved the reliability and robustness of the DWT-based approach and its high detection sensitivity for any image manipulation in the different testing scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents several proposed scenarios for medical image transmission over Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks with multi-level security tools and Unequal Error Protection (UEP) technique to provide highly secure and improved medical images transmitted over the wireless link. The proposed scenario is based on embedding the medical images with audio watermarking technique. The audio signal is presented as a medical report for the embedded medical image. The audio watermarking in this paper used the Singular Value Decomposition technique to hide the image as a watermark into the audio cover signal to form the watermarked signal. This combined signal is transmitted using the UEP technique by employing different error control schemes and different packet lengths to enhance the quality of extracting encrypted/unencrypted medical images. The results show that the quality of the extracted medical images with encoded packets is better, also, the encryption of different error control schemes employing with the image enhances the extracted image and its quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted in the apiary of Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Egypt, to examine and determine the effect of Imidacloprid & Chlorpyrifos and their nano compounds on certain morphological characteristics of honeybee workers. This study proved that: Chlorpyrifos and nano-chlorpyrifos compounds showed more toxicity and harmful than Imidacloprid and nano-imidacloprid towards honeybee workers, especially on body balling extent and mouthparts out & straight by percentages 80.27% and 78.71% for nano-chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos, respectively. Imidacloprid and its nano form had the same effect approximately for body balling, legs shrinkage and abdomen length. In contrast, nano-imidacloprid recorded the lowest damage on honeybee wings horizontality and mouthparts out & straight by percentages 46.40% and 16.92%, respectively. Also, only nano-chlorpyrifos showed negative and significantly effect on abdomen length of honeybee worker by value 0.48 cm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) represents a significant public health burden associated with incremental health care costs. Given the limitations associated with pharmacological autonomic regulation therapy (ART), device-based autonomic neuromodulation is on the horizon now for ART in those patients. This systematic review aimed primarily to determine the effect of ART by devices on functional status and quality of life (QOL) in patients with HFrEF. We performed a meta-analysis of five randomized controlled trials (1074 patients) comparing ART by devices versus optimal medical therapy (OMT) in HFrEF. We assessed pooled estimates of odds ratio (OR) for improvement in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class and mean differences (MD) in 6-minute hall walk distance (6-MHWD), Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) score, N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels, and left ventricular end-systolic volume index (LVESVi) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) at 6-month follow-up. Compared to OMT alone, ART by devices in HFrEF significantly improves NYHA class (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.33 to 3.83, P = 0.003), increases 6-MHWD (MD 45.53 m, 95% CI 30.61 to 60.45, P < 0.00001), improves MLHFQ score (MD - 10.59, 95% CI - 20.62 to - 0.57, P = 0.04) with neutral effect on NT-proBNP levels (MD - 236.5 pg/ml, 95% CI - 523.86 to 50.87, P = 0.11) and LVESVi (MD - 1.01 ml/m2, 95% CI - 4.49 to 2.47, P = 0.57). We concluded that device-based neuromodulation therapy significantly improves functional status and quality of life in patients with HFrEF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study involved in vivo evaluation of the growth promoting effects of thymol and thymol nanoemulsion and their protection against Salmonella Typhimurium infection in broilers. One-day old 2400 chicks were randomly divided into eight groups; negative and positive control groups fed basal diet without additives and thymol and thymol nanoemulsion groups (0.25, 0.5 and 1% each). At d 23, all chicks except negative control were challenged with S. Typhimurium. Over the total growing period, birds fed 1% thymol nanoemulsion showed better growth performance even after S. Typhimurium challenge, which came parallel with upregulation of digestive enzyme genes (AMY2A, PNLIP and CCK). Additionally, higher levels of thymol nanoemulsion upregulated the expression of MUC-2, FABP2, IL-10, IgA and tight junction proteins genes and downregulated IL-2 and IL-6 genes expression. Moreover, 1% thymol nanoemulsion, and to lesser extent 0.5% thymol nanoemulsion and 1% thymol, corrected the histological alterations of cecum and liver postinfection. Finally, supplementation of 1% thymol, 0.5 and 1% thymol nanoemulsion led to increased Lactobacilli counts and decreased S. Typhimurium populations and downregulated invA gene expression postinfection. This first report of supplying thymol nanoemulsion in broiler diets proved that 1% nano-thymol is a potential growth promoting and antibacterial agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulsed laser deposition facilitates the epitaxial deposition and growth of TiO2 at low temperature on hot substrate. In this study, nanosized nitrogen-doped TiO2 thin films were deposited on fabricated alumina disc-shaped and glass substrates. Textural properties of the fabricated disc and alumina disc-supported TiO2 were investigated using N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. FESEM showed the presence of single crystals of TiO2 on the alumina disc. FTIR showed the presence of octahedral TiO2 and different hydroxyl groups on the surface which is responsible for the photoactivity and also showed the functional groups adsorbed on the catalyst surface after the photocatalytic degradation. The concentration of 2-chlorophenol and the photo-redox intermediate products as a function of irradiation time was determined. The concentration of the produced chloride ion during the photocatalytic degradation was determined by an ion chromatography. The results showed that the photocatalytic activity of the catalyst decreased upon cycling. The obtained results were compared with nanostructured TiO2 supported on glass substrate. Higher efficiency of 100% degradation was achieved for TiO2/Al2O3 catalyst, whereas about 70% degradation of 2-CP was achieved using TiO2/glass. Different photointermediates of 2-CP degradation have been identified for each cycle. The difference of intermediates is supported by the adsorbed fragments on the catalyst surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authentication of the Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs) nodes is a vital factor in its medical applications. This paper, investigates methods of authentication over these networks. Also, an effective unimodal and multimodal biometrics identification approaches based on individual face and voice recognition or combined using different fusion types are presented. The cryptography and non-cryptography-based authentication are discussed in this research work and its suitability with the medical applications. Cryptographic based authentication is not suitable for WBANs. The biometrics authentication is discussed and its challenges. In this work, different fusion types in multimodal biometric are presented. There are two unimodal schemes have been presented based on using the voice and face image individually, these two biometrics have been used in the multimodal biometric scheme. The presneted multimodal scheme is evaluated and applied using the feature and score fusion. The mechanism operation of presented algorithm starts with capturing the biometics signals 'Face/Voice', the second step is the feature extracting from each biometric individually. The Artificial Neural Network (ANN), The Support Vector Machine (SVM) and the Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) classifiers have been employed to perform the classification process individually. The computer simulation experiments reveal that the cepstral coefficients and statistical coefficients for voice recognition performed better for the voice scenario. Also, the Eigenface and support vector machine tools in the face recognition scheme performed better than other schemes. The multimodal results better than the unimodal schemes. Also, the results of the scores fusion-based multimodal biometric scheme is better than the feature fusion-based scheme. Hence, the biometric-based authentication is effective and applicable for the WBANs authentication and personality continuous authentication on these medical applications wireless networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Regional level data on hospitalized heart failure (HHF) patients in Egypt is scarce. The aim of this study was to compare the demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of HHF patients from four distinct geographical regions of Egypt. Results: Study participants were part of the European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Long Term (ESC-HF-LT) Registry, which enrolled patients from April 2011 to February 2014. A total of 1661 HHF patients from Egypt were enrolled, of whom 1645 were eligible for analysis: 914 from Alexandria, 249 from Cairo, 409 from the Delta region, and 73 from Upper Egypt. The mean age ranged from 52.2 to 62.8 years and differed significantly between the 4 groups (P < 0.01). Females represented one-third of the cohort (P = 0.5 between groups). The prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension also varied significantly across the groups (P < 0.01). The most common etiology of heart failure (HF) was ischemic heart disease. HF with reduced systolic function was the leading type of HF in the 4 groups (P = 0.6). The most common valvular abnormality in all regions was mitral regurgitation. For patients with prior history of HF, community-acquired infection was the most common reason for a HF exacerbation in all 4 groups. In-hospital mortality ranged from 2.9 to 7.7% in the 4 groups (P = 0.06). Only Alexandria and Delta groups provided reliable 1-year follow-up data, given low patient retention in Cairo and Upper Egypt groups. At one-year, 32% of patients from Alexandria compared to 22.6% from Delta were re-hospitalized for HF (P < 0.01). Mortality at 1 year was also significantly higher in Alexandria compared to Delta, 31.8 vs 13.2% respectively (P < 0.01). Conclusions: HHF patients from different geographic regions of Egypt differed significantly in their demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes. Those differences underscore the importance of region-specific HF prevention and management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]