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As fossil fuels deplete day by day due to the growing demand in various sectors such as agriculture and transportation, the escalation of fuel prices in the international oil market, and increasing global warming, the search for alternative fuels has become urgent. The technology utilized and the cost of feedstock have the greatest impact on the cost of biodiesel production. In the present work, the goal was to produce high-quality biodiesel utilizing waste cooking oil as a feedstock and a natural catalyst in a continuous mode via Oscillatory Baffled Reactor (OBR). A transesterification catalyst based on the activation of dolomite rocks was prepared under a vacuum atmosphere. A kinetic study was conducted using oleic acid as a waste cooking oil model compound at 40, 50, and 60 °C in the OBR at low and high oscillation conditions and a reaction time range of 5–40 min. The study revealed that the transesterification reaction over the dolomite catalysts was the first order, and the activation energy was approximately 34 kJ/mol. The oscillation conditions do not affect the kinetics of the reaction. The OBR was used to evaluate the dolomite catalyst for the continuous slurry production of biodiesel via transesterification. The evaluation parameters were methanol: oil ratio of 6:1, temperature (50, 60, and 70 °C), residence time (5–40 min), the amplitude of oscillation (2, 4, 6, and 8 mm), and frequency of oscillation (1, 2, 3, 4 and 4.3 Hz). The results of the evaluation were used to generate an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model to predict the continuous transesterification process in the OBR. The model was built with one hidden layer and 20 neurons. The simulated results were very close to the experimental results as a mean square error (MSE) of 0.0712 and a regression coefficient (R2) of 0.998 were obtained.

This paper reviews the environmental implications associated with the COVID-19 pandemic at the individual and community levels in the UAE. The positive effects emanating from the pandemic include improved air quality and reduced contamination of public spaces with pollutants. On the other hand, far-reaching negative effects include poor disposal of medical plastic waste and facemasks and the rise in unhygienic health practices amongst residents of UAE. The long-term ecological implications of the pandemic are still not well understood. The findings shed the light on the importance of addressing the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic through preventative policies and strategies for better environmental health and readiness for future crises. Future research could assess the long-term environmental conse-quences of the pandemic on the UAE.

Abstract Background Despite the good outcomes achieved with intravitreal angiogenic therapy, a subset of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients experience resistance to therapy after repeated injections. Switching drugs could offer benefit to this group of patients. Purpose To determine visual and anatomical outcomes in a cohort of neovascular AMD patients resistant to repeated injections of bevacizumab/ranibizumab after switching to aflibercept therapy. Methods This was a retrospective chart review of patients who had a diagnosis of neovascular AMD and persistent intraretinal (IRF) and/or subretinal fluid (SRF) on optical coherence tomography (OCT) for at least 3 months despite monthly bevacizumab and/or ranibizumab injections prior to transition to aflibercept. We reviewed patients’ records and OCT images obtained at baseline, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after transition to aflibercept. Data collected included demographics, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), number of injections received and the occurrence of any adverse events. Studied OCT parameters included central macular thickness (CMT) values and the presence or absence of SRF, IRF and/or pigment epithelial detachment (PED) at each visit. Results We included 53 eyes of 48 patients. Mean change in BCVA from baseline was 0.05 ± 0.13 (P = 0.01) at M1, 0.04 ± 0.16 (P = 0.08) at M3, 0.01 ± 0.22 (P = 0.9) at M6, and 0.02 ± 0.28 (P = 1) at M12, while the mean change in CMT from baseline was 64 ± 75 μm (P

A perfluorocarbon (PFC) investigated for treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) delivers oxygen to support brain function, but causes transient thrombocytopenia. TBI can cause acute inflammation with resulting thrombocytopenia; an interaction between the PFC effects and TBI inflammation might exacerbate thrombocytopenia. Therefore, PFC effects on platelet (PLT) function and hemostasis in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) model of inflammation in the baboon were studied. Animals were randomized to receive saline ±LPS, and ± one of two doses of PFC. PLT count, transmission electron microscopy, and microparticle populations were quantified at baseline (BL) and at 2, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours; hemostatic parameters for aggregometry and for blood clotting were measured at baseline (BL) and days 3 and 4. Injection of vehicle and LPS caused thrombocytopenia within hours; PFCs caused delayed thrombocytopenia beginning 48 hours post-infusion. LPS+PFC produced a more prolonged PLT decline and decreased clot strength. LPS+PFC increased ADP-stimulated aggregation, but PFC alone did not. Microparticle abundance was greatest in the LPS+PFC groups. LPS+PFC caused diffuse microvascular hemorrhage and death in 2 of 5 baboons in the low dose LPS-PFC group and 2 of 2 in the high dose LPS-PFC group. Necropsy and histology suggested death was caused by shock associated with hemorrhage in multiple organs. Abnormal morphology of platelets and red blood cells were notable for PFC inclusions. In summary, PFC infusion caused clinically significant thrombocytopenia and exacerbated LPS-induced platelet activation. The interaction between these effects resulted in decreased hemostatic capacity, diffuse bleeding, shock and death.

Introduction Management of epiphora in children is a stepwise process, starting with probing after age of 1 year and it provides a high cure rate. Nasolacrimal intubation is recommended when symptoms persist after two probings. For persistent epiphora following probing and intubation, more invasive procedure is required like balloon dacryocystoplasty, or external and endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy. Objective This study was designed to evaluate the indications and surgical outcome of external dacryocystorhinostomy in the paediatric age group. Design A retrospective case series study that was carried out in the oculoplastic unit in Minia University Hospital including children undergoing external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in a 5-year period (from June 2008 to June 2013). Patients and methods Data of all patients who underwent external DCR with silicone intubation in a 5-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Patients aged 15 years or less were chosen for the study and data collected were age and sex of the patients, side of the obstruction, indication for surgery, follow-up period and postoperative results and complications. Criteria of success were disappearance of epiphora, discharge and/or the mucocele in addition to negative fluorescein dye disappearance test and patent lacrimal passages on syringing and probing. The follow-up period was at least 6 months. Data of 29 patients were retrieved and the patients were categorized into two subgroups according to the cause of obstruction: congenital group (17 patients) and acquired group (12 patients) and the collected data were statistically analysed. Results Seventeen (58.6%) out of the 29 patients had congenital causes of epiphora, whereas 12 (41.4%) patients had acquired causes. Age of the patients ranged from 6 to 180 months with a mean of 78 months. Males were slightly more (53%) in the congenital subgroup, whereas 58% of the patients in the acquired subgroup were females and the overall male to female ratio in all patients was nearly 1 : 1. The overall success rate in all patients was 89%, which was higher in the congenital subgroup (94%) than in the acquired subgroup (83%). Conclusion External DCR yielded good results with minimal complications regarding epiphora in children. The results were better in patients with congenital causes than acquired causes.

Introduction Although malignant eyelid tumors are rare, their incidence appears to be increasing. The recognition and treatment of malignant eyelid tumors pose a challenge. Moreover, late diagnosis of the tumors, although is rarely lethal, requires more invasive surgery and consequently will have adverse aesthetic effects. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate histopathologically confirmed eyelid malignant lesions as regards pathological types and degree of tissue invasion at the time of presentation in patients admitted to the Oculoplastic Unit in Minia University Hospital during the 5-year period. Design This is a retrospective case series study that was carried out in the Oculoplastic Unit in Minia University Hospital during the 5-year period (from January 2009 to December 2013). Patients and methods Five years′ medical records of all patients admitted to the Oculoplastic Unit at the Ophthalmology Department, Minia University Hospital, for the diagnosis and management of suspected eyelid lesions were reviewed. Data such as age and sex of the patients, laterality of the lesion, upper or lower lid lesion, site of the lesion, histopathological type of the lesion, grade of tissue invasion at the time of presentation, the procedure performed for each case, the recurrence if any and the follow-up period were evaluated. Results An overall 65% of eyelid malignancies were basal cell carcinoma (BCC), 23% were squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and only 12% were sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC). An overall 0.62% of the cases were confined to the lower eyelids and 38% were confined to the upper eyelids. An overall 88% of BCCs were confined to the eyelids and only 12% were extended deeper to the underlying periosteum. An overall 33% of cases with SCC and SGC extended deeper in the tissues or to the regional lymph nodes. Local recurrence after resection was nil in BCC, 16% in SCC and 33% in SGC. Conclusion In our locality, BCC represented two-thirds of the malignant eyelid lesions, whereas SCC was responsible for one-fourth of the lesions. Most of the malignant lesions were confined to the eyelid only. Although SGC was less frequent, it was aggressive and invasive; moreover, it had a higher rate of local recurrence.

In this paper, we evaluate the impacts of historic strong El Niño events on the coastal Mississippi-Alabama (MS-AL) hydroclimate. The normal physical association is that the increase in soil moisture, as a result of greater precipitation, is also associated with increased streamflow. When compared to the historic (1960−2015) long-term average, January through August streamflow volumes for five unimpaired streamflow gages located in coastal MS-AL exhibit an average increase of ~20% following a strong El Niño event. This overall increase was due to above-average precipitation during the winter-spring (January through April) season, with the corresponding average increase in streamflow volume for the five gages ~32%. In evaluating the temporal (monthly) variability of streamflow, we observe that the summer (June through August) season was dry following strong El Niño events, with streamflow volumes for the five gages decreasing by an average of ~21%. The agricultural industry in coastal MS-AL produces a variety of crops including cotton and peanuts. The typical planting season for these crops ends in mid-June with harvesting occurring in early September. Thus, the primary growing season for these crops is June−August. Given the lack of impoundments and irrigated lands in coastal MS-AL, the agricultural sector would be severely impacted by an El Niño driven drier summer. When evaluating the influence of the 2015−2016 El Niño on January through August 2016 streamflow, a similar pattern was observed in which high winter−spring streamflow was followed by diminished summer streamflow.

Purpose. To evaluate a new surgical technique using fascia lata to deepen the shallow inferior conjunctival fornix in contracted socket and anophthalmic socket syndrome. Methods. A prospective controlled study in which 24 sockets of 24 patients who were unable to wear and retain their ocular prosthesis due to shallow inferior fornix were enrolled and categorized into anophthalmic socket syndromes (9 patients) and contracted sockets (15 patients). Another 24 patients who underwent evisceration or enucleation with healthy sockets and can wear and retain their prosthesis comfortably were chosen as a control group. Deepening of the fornix was performed using fascia lata strips under general anesthesia. Central depth of the inferior fornix was measured preoperatively and postoperatively. Results. A statistically significant improvement of the postoperative central inferior fornix depth was reported which was marked in anophthalmic subgroup. 100% of anophthalmic sockets and 93.3% of contracted sockets achieved satisfactory results during the follow-up period with no postoperative lower eyelid malposition or obvious skin scar. Conclusion. Fascia lata technique is a new alternative and effective procedure to deepen the shallow inferior fornix that can be used in moderate to severe contracted sockets or anophthalmic socket syndrome with minimal lower eyelid or socket complications.

Two field experiments were performed at Sids Agriculture Farm Research Station, Bani Swif Governorate during 2003 and 2004 seasons, to study the suitability of different tillage treatments, i.e. chisel plough two and three passes at 10, 15 and 20cm depths and intercropping patterns of maize and soybean i.e. two ridges of maize : two ridges of soybean (2:2) and two ridges of maize : four ridges of soybean (2:4) on water consumption, growth characters, yield and quality of maize (cv. T.W.C. 310) intercropped with soybean (cv. Clark). The results indicated that using chisel plough 3 passes decreased the value of mean weight diameter (M.W.D) by 33.00%, 27.92% and 31.87% as compared when using chisel plough 2 passes for 10, 15 and 20cm depths respectively. On other hand, yield and quality of maize, as well as, yield and quality of soybean were significantly increased by using tillage with chisel plough 3 passes. Both yield of maize and soybean per feddan. in pure stand were always higher than those within any intercrop combination, these results were true in both seasons. The data also revealed that maize yield in (2:2) pattern and using chisel plough 3 passes at 15cm depth gave the highest yield whereas, the highest yield of soybean per feddan was obtained when soybean plants grown in (2:4) pattern with 3 passes of chisel plough at15cm depth. On other hand the highest values of water use efficiency (W.U.E) in the two seasons were recorded when (2:4) pattern was applied and using chisel plough 3 passes at15cm depth The highest values of land equivalent ratio (LER) in the two seasons were 1.54 and 1.53 respectively when (2:4 ) pattern was applied.

Bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) transplantation has shown promise for repair of the spinal cord. We showed earlier that a BMSC transplant limits the loss of spinal nervous tissue after a contusive injury. Here, we addressed the premise that BMSC-mediated tissue sparing underlies functional recovery in adult rats after a contusion of the thoracic spinal cord. Our results reveal that after 2 months BMSCs had elicited a significant increase in spared tissue volumes and in blood vessel density in the contusion epicenter. A strong functional relationship existed between spared tissue volumes and blood vessel density. BMSC-transplanted rats exhibited significant improvements in motor, sensorimotor, and sensory functions, which were strongly correlated with spared tissue volumes. Retrograde tracing revealed that rats with BMSCs had twice as many descending brainstem neurons with an axon projecting beyond the contused spinal cord segment and these correlated strongly with the improved motor/sensorimotor functions but not sensory functions. Together, our data indicate that tissue sparing greatly contributes to BMSC-mediated functional repair after spinal cord contusion. The preservation/formation of blood vessels and sparing/regeneration of descending brainstem axons may be important mediators of the BMSC-mediated anatomical and functional improvements.

We investigated whether small-animal positron emission tomography (PET) could be used in combination with computed tomography (CT) imaging techniques for longitudinal monitoring of the injured spinal cord. In adult female Sprague-Dawley rats ( n = 6), the ninth thoracic (T9) spinal cord segment was exposed by laminectomy and subsequently contused using the Infinite Horizon impactor (Precision System and Instrumentation, Lexington, KY) at 225 kDyn. In control rats ( n = 4), the T9 spinal cord was exposed by laminectomy but not contused. At 0.5 hours and 3, 7, and 21 days postinjury, 2-[ 18 F]fluoro-2-deoxy- d -glucose ([ 18 F]FDG) was given intravenously followed 1 hour later by sequential PET and CT. Regions of interest (ROIs) at T9 (contused) and T6 (uninjured) spinal cord segments were manually defined on CT images and aided by fiduciary markers superimposed onto the coregistered PET images. Monte Carlo simulation revealed that about 33% of the activity in the ROIs was due to spillover from adjacent hot areas. A simulation-based partial-volume compensation (PVC) method was developed and used to correct for this spillover effect. With PET-CT, combined with PVC, we were able to serially measure standardized uptake values of the T9 and T6 spinal cord segments and reveal small, but significant, differences. This approach may become a tool to assess the efficacy of spinal cord repair strategies.

Quinoa, Chenopodium quinoa Willd. (Chenopodiaceae) is a herbaceous flowering plant which is originated in the Andeas region (Latin America). Seeds of quinoa are of high nutritional value, so it is important for the diversification of future agricultural systems. It is believed that quinoa deserves more research for successful cultivation in order to get the benefit of its high nutritional value. The presented study dealt with a survey and study on the common insect species which proved to infest quinoa seeds during storage. Quinoa seeds storage proved liable for infestation by three insect species; Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller), Lasioderma serricorne and Tribolium castaneum. (3.17±0.08, 21.50±1.23, 36.25±0.63 and 44.00±0.25 total infestation % at the end of each of the 4 successive years, respectively). By close observation, E. kuehniella proved to be the most common and serious pest on quinoa seeds. This insect species caused the first infestation, followed by L. serricorne and T. castaneum. The results of this study suggest that E. kuehniella more tolerant to quinoa saponin. Some biological information on the surveyed insect species was carried out. The role of saponin against either stored grain insect pests needs more investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the percentage of women assuming the role of household leaders rises, there is a prevailing consensus to lend them support. Determining their experience of social support phenomenologically is the objective of the present study. The investigation utilized the phenomenological method. In 1400, twenty-one female heads of household in Mashhad participated in semi-structured interviews; the resulting data were subsequently analyzed using MAXQDA software. Three entities provide assistance to female heads of household: family, friends, and governmental organizations. Often, family support is both financial and emotional. Companionship and friends offer practical, financial, and emotional assistance, while governmental bodies and organizations prioritize monetary support. However, these assistance programs—consisting primarily of low-interest loans—will contribute to the perpetuation of poverty if not accompanied by policies that target and alleviate poverty. Widows initially require emotional support before progressing to requiring financial, material, and informational resources. Following financial support, divorced women require emotional support. Financial, informational, instrumental, and emotional autonomy are all essential for single women. Because mistrust, particularly towards men, constitutes the foundation of each of these women's living space, conformity and aloofness serve as the primary tenets of their social connections. The findings revealed that female heads of household encounter numerous obstacles in their personal and social spheres, necessitating assistance. Nevertheless, policymakers must be concerned with the manner in which these supports are delivered in order to prevent it from becoming a "social issue" and to mitigate social harm.

Abstract Background This animal study sought to evaluate two novel nanomaterials for pulpotomy of primary teeth and assess the short-term pulpal response and hard tissue formation in dogs. The results were compared with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Methods This in vivo animal study on dogs evaluated 48 primary premolar teeth of 4 mongrel female dogs the age of 6–8 weeks, randomly divided into four groups (n = 12). The teeth underwent complete pulpotomy under general anesthesia. The pulp tissue was capped with MCM-48, MCM-48/Hydroxyapatite (HA), MTA (positive control), and gutta-percha (negative control), and the teeth were restored with intermediate restorative material (IRM) paste and amalgam. After 4–6 weeks, the teeth were extracted and histologically analyzed to assess the pulpal response to the pulpotomy agent. Results The data were analyzed using the Kruskal‒Wallis, Fisher’s exact, Spearman’s, and Mann‒Whitney tests. The four groups were not significantly different regarding the severity of inflammation (P = 0.53), extent of inflammation (P = 0.72), necrosis (P = 0.361), severity of edema (P = 0.52), extent of edema (P = 0.06), or connective tissue formation (P = 0.064). A significant correlation was noted between the severity and extent of inflammation (r = 0.954, P

Sentinel satellite images are enhanced using Erdas-2014 and analyzed by GIS techniques to distinguish the main geological features in the study area. The enhancement process and correct satellite image with Topography, Geomorphology, and Lithology characterize for landscape classify. GIS method environmental, geological, hydrological, and topographic analysis. to identified and assess the suitable location of Geopark in the eastern masian area. This study shows the east misan area has many suitable sites that can be developed as Geopark. By GIS method can choose the suitable Geopark that achieves the basic requirements set by UNESCO for the establishment of Geopark. It includes The existence of wildlife or watery Presence of geological, geophysical, or hydrological factors Hydrogeology is of importance in the region, and high Geodiversity, the area is of importance to ecotourism, The presence of archaeological sites in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Anti-MDA5 (Melanoma differentiation-associated protein-5) positive dermatomyositis (MDA5+-DM) is characterised by rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (ILD) and high mortality. MDA5 is an RNA sensor and a key pattern recognition receptor for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study of a surge in MDA5 autoimmunity, as determined using a 15 muscle-specific autoantibodies (MSAs) panel, between Janurary 2018 and December 2022 in Yorkshire, UK. MDA5-positivity was correlated with clinical features and outcome, and regional SARS-CoV-2 positivity and vaccination rates. Gene expression patterns in COVID-19 were compared with autoimmune lung disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) to gain clues into the genesis of the observed MDA5+-DM outbreak. Findings: Sixty new anti-MDA5+, but not other MSAs surged between 2020 and 2022, increasing from 0.4% in 2019 to 2.1% (2020), 4.8% (2021) and 1.7% (2022). Few (8/60) had a prior history of confirmed COVID-19, peak rates overlapped with regional SARS-COV-2 community positivity rates in 2021, and 58% (35/60) had received anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. 25/60 cases developed ILD which rapidly progression with death in 8 cases. Among the 35/60 non-ILD cases, 14 had myositis, 17 Raynaud phenomena and 10 had dermatomyositis spectrum rashes. Transcriptomic studies showed strong IFIH1 (gene encoding for MDA5) induction in COVID-19 and autoimmune-ILD, but not IPF, and IFIH1 strongly correlated with an IL-15-centric type-1 interferon response and an activated CD8+ T cell signature that is an immunologic hallmark of progressive ILD in the setting of systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases. The IFIH1 rs1990760TT variant blunted such response. Interpretation: A distinct pattern of MDA5-autoimmunity cases surged contemporaneously with circulation of the SARS-COV-2 virus during COVID-19. Bioinformatic insights suggest a shared immunopathology with known autoimmune lung disease mechanisms. Funding: This work was supported in part by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leeds Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), and in part by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant R01-AI155696 and pilot awards from the UC Office of the President (UCOP)-RGPO (R00RG2628, R00RG2642 and R01RG3780) to P.G. S.S was supported in part by R01-AI141630 (to P.G) and in part through funds from the American Association of Immunologists (AAI) Intersect Fellowship Program for Computational Scientists and Immunologists.

During the last decades, Caspian forests have been attacked by human interference. Easy access, abundance and diversity of valuable forest products have led to the increase in population density, the creation of new residential areas and the activity of deforestation. Revealing the changes is one of the basic methods in the management and evaluation of natural resources. The purpose of this study is to estimate the forest area using support vector machine classification model in Landsat 8 satellite images in Shafarood forests of Gilan province. The results of the image classification in the support vector machine method showed that the area of the forest in 2010 was equal to 12104.64 hectares, which has reached 9478.69 hectares in 2020, that is, its area has decreased by 2625.95 hectares due to changes in its use and its conversion to residential use and poor rangeland. With its growth in the years 2010 to 2020, residential use has changed from 1385.1 to 2542.35, that is, the area has increased by 1157.25 hectares. The changes in pasture use have also changed from 2707.74 to 4478.17 hectares, i.e. 1770.43. The reason for the increase in this could be that many parts of forest use have turned into poor rangeland. According to the Kappa coefficient and the overall accuracy obtained by the support vector machine classification in 2010 and 2020, for 2010, 95.76 and 91.75% and 99.72 and 99.62% were obtained in 2020. The results showed that the support vector machine method had a higher accuracy in the separation of uses.

Background and Objectives: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a subtype of major depressive disorder, which is correlated with having an infant with cleft lip and palate (CL/P). Since there is a dearth of research in this regard, this study compares mothers of infants with CL/P and mothers of normal infants in terms of PPD and suicidal thoughts. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 50 mothers of children with CL/P and 50 mothers of normal children who had recently given birth and presented to the Research Center of Cranial Deformities, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan City, Iran, from September 2020 and 2021. The Edinburgh postnatal depression scale was used to assess PPD. Results: The mean PPD score was 15.42±4.77 (range=5-24) and 10.3±6.7 (range=0-29) in mothers of children with CLP and those with normal children, respectively. The frequency of PPD was significantly higher among the mothers of CLP children, compared to mothers of normal children (χ2=25.25, P

The aim of this study was to describe the frequency, clinical signs, management, and outcomes of snakebite patients admitted to the envenomation treatment center of the Institut de Recherche en Biologie Appliquée de Guinée (IRBAG). This was a retrospective review combining aggregated annual statistics (2011–2015) and routine data (from January to October 2021) from the IRBAG treatment center. There were 1345 (57.2%) snakebite victims out of a total of 2352 consultations at the center during the study period. Males (67.7%), persons aged ≥45 years (29%) and ≤14 years (27.7%), farmers/housewives (44.5%), workers (23.9%), and those residing in the Kindia Prefecture (53.5%) were the most commonly affected. The majority of victims (84.5%) were admitted three hours after snakebite, with bites mainly occurring in rural areas (86.5%) and during the rainy season (83.2%). Pain (100%), edema (76.8%), and bleeding (65.2%) were the most common clinical presentations. Almost all victims received antivenom serum (98%), antibiotics (87.7%), and analgesics or anti-inflammatory drugs (88.4%). Six out of the one hundred and fifty-five patients died. Snakebites are a frequent public health problem in rural Guinea. The majority of victims seek medical attention too late. There is an urgent need to include snakebite in the country’s list of priority NTDs in order to promote access to antivenom serum.

IntroductionUnbearable post-hemorrhoidectomy pain is a well-documented challenge, significantly impacting patient well-being and satisfaction after surgery, often influencing patients to decline in undergoing this procedure. It is widely recognized that methylene blue has an effect of reducing inflammation and pain by reduces the production of nitric oxide and inhibiting the action potentials production in nerves. This study aims to explore the potential benefits of postoperative regional administration of methylene blue in providing extended relief from post-hemorrhoidectomy pain.MethodsThis study included 97 patients aged 18–75 undergoing hemorrhoidectomy for stage III or IV hemorrhoids. A double-blind, randomized controlled trial compared postoperative intradermal injections of 1% methylene blue to 0.5% Marcaine as the control group. Two-week follow-up assessed pain. Statistical analysis, adherence to ethical standards, and registration were conducted.ResultNo significant differences were found in baseline demographics, surgical parameters, or complications between the Methylene Blue and control groups. Intervention group remained lower in mean pain score until the 12th day. Methylene blue group reported significantly lower postoperative pain scores from days 1 to 7, with no significant differences afterward.ConclusionThis ongoing randomized controlled trial reveals the potential analgesic benefits of intradermal injection 1% methylene blue. It demonstrates comparable efficacy in reducing post-hemorrhoidectomy pain, with negligible side effects and complications.

Abstract Carbon materials play important roles as catalysts or catalyst supports for reduction reactions owing to their high porosity, large specific surface area, great electron conductivity, and excellent chemical stability. In this paper, a mesoporous N-doped carbon substrate (exhibited as N–C) has been synthesized by ionothermal carbonization of glucose in the presence of histidine. The N–C substrate was modified by Fe3O4 nanoparticles (N–C/Fe3O4), and then Pd nanoparticles were stabilized on the magnetic substrate to synthesize an eco-friendly Pd catalyst with high efficiency, magnetic, reusability, recoverability, and great stability. To characterize the Pd/Fe3O4–N–C nanocatalyst, different microscopic and spectroscopic methods such as FT-IR, XRD, SEM/EDX, and TEM were applied. Moreover, Pd/Fe3O4–N–C showed high catalytic activity in reducing nitroaromatic compounds in water at ambient temperatures when NaBH4 was used as a reducing agent. The provided nanocatalyst's great catalytic durability and power can be attributed to the synergetic interaction among well-dispersed Pd nanoparticles and N-doped carbonaceous support.

Abstract Objectives The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) virus causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), a respiratory infection that has spread worldwide and is responsible for a high death toll. Although respiratory symptoms are the most common, there is growing evidence that oral signs of COVID‐19 can also be seen in children. The purpose of this systematic review is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the available data on the oral manifestations of COVID‐19 in children and to recommend appropriate methods of diagnosis and treatment. Methods A systematic search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was done to discover relevant papers published between their establishment and January 2023. Articles detailing oral symptoms in pediatric patients with confirmed COVID‐19 infection were included, and data on clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes were extracted and evaluated. Results A total of 24 studies involving 2112 pediatric patients with COVID‐19 were included in the review. The most common presentations are oral lesions, taste and smell disorders, oral candidiasis, hemorrhagic crust, tongue discoloration, lip and tongue fissuring, gingivitis, and salivary gland inflammation. These manifestations were sometimes associated with multi‐system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS‐C) or Kawasaki disease (KD). Management strategies varied depending on the severity of the oral manifestation and ranged from symptomatic relief with topical analgesics to systemic medications. Conclusion Oral symptoms of COVID‐19 are relatively prevalent in juvenile patients and can be accompanied by severe systemic diseases, such as MIS‐C or Kawasaki illness. Early detection and adequate care of these oral symptoms are critical for the best patient results. Understanding the underlying pathophysiology and developing targeted treatments requires more investigation.

Free radicals produced through biochemical processes cause dangerous health problems due to their oxidative effect on cellular proteins and lipids. There is an urgent need for natural antioxidants to be used as therapeutic agents. Streptomyces are known as producers for antioxidants, in this study, two Streptomyces species were isolated from the rhizosphere soil of mangrove tree Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh. The isolates were identified by conventional as well as molecular methods as Streptomyces atrovirens (MS5) and S. labedae (MR15). The ethyl acetate extracts of cell free production broth medium of the two isolates demonstrated potent biological activities against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria and Candida albicans. Moreover, a radical scavenging activity in DPPH assay with significant inhibition percentage of 62 and 78%, respectively, was recorded. The IC50 values were 3000 and 241 µg/mL (P <0.05) for S.atrovirens (MS5) and S. labedae (MR15), respectively. Streptomyces atrovirens extract showed anticancer activity against hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG-2) and colon carcinoma cells (HCT-116) cell lines with 61 and 50.6%, respectively, while S. labedae (MR15) showed anticancer activity against all the tested cell lines with 92.9 and 85.89% against (HepG-2) and (HCT-116) compared to the control cells and showed selective cytotoxicity. LC-MS/MS analyses revealed the presence of compounds with known antioxidant and anticancer activities such as Gamma Aminobutyric acid (GABA) and Indole-3-carboxyaldehyde, linoleic acid and phenyl chromen-4-one derivative with various intensities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An integral part of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) quality control is identifying optimal process parameters tailored to each application, often achieved through time-consuming and costly experiments. Melt pool dynamics further complicate LPBF quality control due to their influence on product quality. Using machine learning and melt pool monitoring data collected with photodiode sensors, the goal of this research was to efficiently customize LPBF process parameters. A novel aspect of this study is the application of standard and off-size powder feedstocks. Ti6Al4V (Ti64) powder was used in three size ranges of 15–53 µm, 15–106 µm, and 45–106 µm to print the samples. This facilitated the development of a process parameters tailoring system capable of handling variations in powder size ranges. Ultimately, per each part, the associated set of light intensity statistical signatures along with the powder size range and the parts’ density, surface roughness, and hardness were used as inputs for three regressors of Feed-Forward Neural Network (FFN), Random Forest (RF), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost). The laser power, laser velocity, hatch distance, and energy density of the parts were predicted by the regressors. According to the results obtained on unseen samples, RF demonstrated the best performance in the prediction of process parameters.

The first Pahlavi Era coincided with many changes and developments that led to the advent of modern Iran. Reza Shah tried to institutionalise power in society based on a new political rationality. To do so, he needed obedient and disciplined citizens to achieve sovereignty. According to Foucault, the famous French philosopher, the modern form of power differs from its traditional. He believes that modern power has tacitly influenced all society layers, and controlled the behaviour of large populations by bringing discipline. In this case, Foucault points to some techniques that create discipline in the space. The question here is how architectural space played a vital role in implementing power in the first Pahlavi era from the Foucauldian perspective of power theory. The extant study aimed at matching the spatial configuration of Tabriz Municipality Building with Foucault's spatial discipline techniques. The research was conducted based on the descriptive-analytical method, and data analysis was done through Depthmap software. According to results obtained from VGA indices (including visual integration, visual control, entropy, coherence, and depth), the location of the main entrance of the building, spatial articulation, settings of walls, the arrangement of rooms along narrow corridors, and transparent room doors were consistent with disciplinary techniques introduced by Foucault. The features mentioned above could play a significant role in visual and physical control of the interiors of a building, as well as creating a spatial discipline. The results pointed to a pattern that can be used in the design of public buildings by city managers.

Background: The epidemic of respiratory diseases and their complications and mortalities have always been considered one of the health threats to humans. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the predictors of Covid-19 prevention behaviors based on the health belief model among the students of the Nursing and Midwifery Faculty of Zanjan City in 2021. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 294 nursing students recruited using the convenience sampling method. A three-part questionnaire addressing demographic characteristics, the health belief model, and preventive behaviors were used. The questionnaire was provided to the participants via sharing on social media. For statistical analysis, the independent t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and regression were conducted in SPSS v.22 software. Results: The mean (SD) of preventive behaviors and health belief scores were 42.36 (3.23) and 113.11 (10.07), respectively. The highest and lowest scores were related to the constructs of perceived benefits (3.82 from 5) and perceived barriers (3.003 from 5), respectively. According to Pearson’s correlation coefficient, preventive behaviors had a direct and statistically significant correlation with the perceived sensitivity, perceived intensity, perceived benefits, self-efficacy, and action guide constructs (P

Abstract Background Combination anti‐obesity medications (AOMs) to treat postoperative bariatric surgery weight regain have limited data on their use in the clinical setting. Understanding the optimal treatment protocol in this cohort will maximize weight loss outcomes. Methods A retrospective review of bariatric surgery patients (N = 44) presenting with weight regain at a single academic multidisciplinary obesity center who were prescribed AOM(s) plus intensive lifestyle modification for 12 months. Results Age: 28–76 years old, 93% female, mean weight 110.2 ± 20.3 kg, BMI 39.7 ± 7.4 kg/m2, presenting 5.2 ± 1.6 years post‐bariatric surgery [27 (61.4%), 14 (31.8%), and 3 (6.8%) laparoscopic Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB), laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), and open RYGB, respectively], with 15.1 ± 11.1 kg mean weight gain from nadir. Mean weight loss after medical intervention at 3‐, 6‐, and 12‐month time points was 4.4 ± 4.6 kg, 7.3 ± 7.0 kg, and 10.7 ± 9.2 kg, respectively. At 12 months, individuals prescribed 3 or more AOMs lost more weight than those prescribed one (−14.5 ± 9.0 kg vs. −4.9 ± 5.7 kg, p

IntroductionDonor choosing remains to play a pivotal role in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Numerous criteria beyond HLA compatibility impact the selection of a suitable donor.MethodsWe evaluated the effect of donor parity on transplant outcomes in a large homogeneously treated population that received an HLA-matched allo-HSCT between 2010 and 2021 at our center. All patients were transplanted from a peripheral blood stem cell source following a myeloablative Busulfan-based conditioning and an identical protocol for graftversus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis regimen.ResultsA total of 1103 allo-HSCT recipients were included. 188 (17%) had transplants from parous female donors, whereas 621 (56.30%) and 294 (26.70%) received transplants from male and nulliparous female donors, respectively. HSCTs from parous female donors compared to male and nulliparous females were associated with a significantly higher incidence of grade III-IV acute (a) GVHD (55.27% vs. 11.34 and 10.84%) and extensive chronic (c) GVHD (64.32% vs. 15.52 and 13.65%), as well as lower relapse incidence (RI).DiscussionThis study finds that while parous female donors are associated with higher incidences of grade III-IV aGVHD and extensive cGVHD post-allo-HSCT, the advantages, such as a lower RI, outweigh the risks. The results of our study provide valuable insights for donor selection.

أدى التقدم في وجهات النظر الجديدة في التكنولوجيا الإنجابية المساعدة من خلال استخدام تقنيات تقييم العقم الحديثة إلى قيام الأطباء بإعادة تقييم أفضل طريقة لعلاج العقم. فائدة تنظير البطن في العمل التشخيصي لمرضى العقم أو في المرضى الذين لا يستجيبون لعلاجات الخصوبة أمر قابل للنقاش. الغرض من هذه المراجعة هو تحديد دور تنظير البطن في إدارة العقم ، وهو أحد أكثر جوانب الطب التناسلي إثارة للجدل. على حد علمنا ، لا يعد تنظير البطن حاليًا خطوة روتينية في تقييم النساء المصابات بالعقم ؛ يجب تقييم كل مريض وحالة سريرية على حدة. في هذه المراجعة ، حققنا في فعالية وفائدة تنظير البطن كأداة تشخيصية وعلاجية في إدارة العقم.

Dalla seconda metà del Novecento ad oggi, la progettazione architettonica delle strutture sanitarie ha subito notevoli cambiamenti. Alla componente architettonica, soprattutto negli ultimi decenni, si sono aggiunti nuovi elementi e criteri valoriali che non comprendono solo forma e funzione. Questi “nuovi valori”, rivalutando esperienze del passato e aderendo ad una visione in chiave umanistica della realtà, insieme alle recenti scoperte tecnologiche e alle nuove modalità di trattamento e cura, influenzano le scelte progettuali dei centri sanitari contemporanei. Questo articolo analizza in prima analisi alcuni esempi di architetture sanitarie, per molti aspetti analoghe a quelle delle Case della Salute e di Comunità in Italia, degli ultimi quindici anni nel contesto internazionale. Nella selezione dei casi si è cercato di allargare lo sguardo a scala mondiale e in particolare ai Paesi in via di sviluppo, sottolineando le caratteristiche e le qualità peculiari di queste architetture contemporanee preposte a fornire servizi sanitari vicini alla popolazione.

Ti6Al4V has been used widely as a biomedical alloy and is increasingly manufactured by additive manufacturing due to customized shapes. As implant material, it is frequently exposed to both friction and corrosive environments. This study investigates the effect of the fabrication process (laser powder bed fusion and forging) on the tribocorrosion behavior of Ti6Al4V in various environments including diluted hydrochloric acid to simulate the acidic environment in a crevice (HCl), phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.3) with 10 g/L bovine serum albumin (PBS+BSA), and PBS+BSA with 30 mM H2O2. While the presence of BSA hindered the repassivation (reforming of the protective passive surface oxide), the presence of H2O2 accelerated it. HCl resulted in a localized tribocorrosion process. The highest plastic deformation rate was found in the PBS+BSA solution followed by HCl and PBS+BSA+H2O2. In addition, AM parts presented a higher microhardness and smaller grain sizes compared to forged materials. There was no influence of the manufacturing process on the coefficient of friction (COF) in HCl and PBS+BSA solutions, however, a significantly higher COF was found for forged samples in PBS+BSA+H2O2 than AM samples. Tribocorrosion was more extensive for forged than AM Ti6Al4V in all solutions.

Abstract Indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1) pathway has vital role in cancer immune escape and its upregulation leads to immunosuppressive environment which is associated with poor prognosis and progression in various cancers like melanoma. Previously, we showed the antitumoral efficacy of nanoliposomal form of Epacadostat (Lip-EPA), as an IDO1 inhibitor. Herein, we used Lip-EPA as a combination approach with liposomal gp100 (Lip-gp100) anti-cancer vaccine in melanoma model. Here, we showed that B16F10 tumor express IDO1 so using Lip-EPA will enhance the efficacy of vaccine therapy. The biodistribution of ICG-labelled liposomal form of EPA showed the remarkable accumulation of drug at tumor site. In an in vivo study, Lip-EPA enhanced the antitumor efficacy of Lip-gp100 in which the IDO mRNA expression was decreased (~ fourfold) in tumor samples. Also, we identified a significant increase in the number of infiltrated T lymphocytes (p 47.36%) in treated mice. Our study demonstrated that novel combination of Lip-EPA and Lip-gp100 was effective treatment with capability of being used in further clinical studies.