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Background and objective: An outbreak of pneumonia of unknown origin was reported in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in December 2019. Cases of epidemic pneumonia have been linked to the Huanan Seafood Market; thus, it has been dubbed the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The global spread of thousands of deaths from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has led the WHO to declare a pandemic on March 12, 2020. This study aimed to find out the prevalence of COVID-19 disease and vaccination coverage among public preparatory school teachers in Erbil. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the target group of 772 teachers in 76 public preparatory schools. The study population was 3157 teachers, 1263 male and 1894 female, in Erbil city, from September 1, 2021, to March 30, 2022. A questionnaire was used to collect data through face-to-face interviews using a simple random sampling method. Results: The study sample ages ranged from 26 to 62 years; the mean age, ±standard deviation, was 40.53 ± 9.75. The prevalence rate of COVID-19 was 63.1%. Of the study samples, 58.5% received information about COVID-19 disease from social media and 23.8% from satellite channels. 68.9% of the study samples received the COVID-19 vaccine, and the majority preferred the Pfizer vaccine. Conclusion: The majority of the study samples were infected with COVID-19 disease; many of the study samples received the COVID-19 vaccine; misconceptions need further correction; an increase in updating information regarding mode of transmission; an explanation of COVID-19 disease preventive measures; raising awareness of COVID-19 vaccination; more interesting health campaigns; and using mass media and community programs to change health behavior and reduce future health consequences of COVID-19 disease.

This paper presents the findings of a comprehensive study on the characteristics, creation, and optical properties of silicon nanowires (SN) formed through metal-stimulated chemical etching (MSCE) of single-crystal silicon, considering both hole and electronic types of conductivity. Our investigation aims to deepen the understanding of key factors contributing to SN genesis. Notably, a direct correlation has been established between the duration of chemical etching and the resultant silicon nanowire's (SN) length, irrespective of the total etching time. The research encompasses an exploration of various spectral phenomena, including total and specular infrared (IR) reflection, Raman scattering (RS) of light generated by WHs, photoluminescence (PL) spectra, and more. Remarkably, the study reveals a noteworthy linear relationship between the duration of chemical etching and the length of the silicon nanowires. Furthermore, our investigation into diverse spectral phenomena, such as total and specular infrared (IR) reflection, Raman scattering (RS) from light generated by WHs, and photoluminescence (PL) spectra, elucidates intriguing patterns. Specifically, the silicon band in the Raman spectrum demonstrates an increase in size and a migration towards shorter wavelengths with prolonged chemical etching time.

Background and objective: Internationally, the eighth leading cause of death among young males is attributed to road accidents, as yearly a million and three-quarters of people die which became a series public of health concerns in developing countries. This study aimed at determining the pattern and outcomes of hospitalized road traffic accidents in Erbil city. Methods: This prospective hospital-based study was conducted from March 2020 to February 2021, at RozhHalat and RozhAwa Emergency governmental hospitals in Erbil, Iraq. Data was collected for one complete year and the admitted cases in the year had been included. Which was composed of 2225 road traffic accident victims. A specially designed questionnaire was used to collect the data using direct face-to-face interviews. Results: 2225 victims were obtained in both Emergency hospitals 1835 (82.5%) of them were males, 390 (17.5%) were females, and the mean age±SD was (24.7±15.1) years old. The death rate from road traffic accidents was 250 (18%). Nearly one-third of 689 (31%) of victims were at aged (20-29), the highest pattern rate of 1221 (54.9%) was among drivers, and on motorcycles 883 (39.7%) had the highest reported victims rate, occurred at rush hours (5-7 pm). During Summer season 681 (30.6%), at daylights 1608 (72.3%). With P

Introduction: The identification of bladder detrusor muscle invasion in urothelial cancer is essential for prognosis and management. We studied the clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical expression of p16, p53, and Ki-67 in urothelial detrusor muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) and urothelial non-detrusor muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) in Egyptian patients. Methods: Sixty-two bladder urothelial cancer cases obtained through TURBT were included and divided into two groups: (MIBC, stage T2) and NMIBC (T1). Tissue blocks were recut and re-examined microscopically; then, the immunostaining of p16, p53, and Ki-67 was performed to compare both groups and evaluate the 13% cut-off for Ki-67, 20% for p53, and p16 intensity in various conditions aided by telepathology technology. Results and conclusion: Hematuria was the main clinical first presentation, with no significant difference between either group. The mean age was 61.6 years, with male predominance (52 males and 10 females). The absence of papillary histological pattern was associated with a higher stage, including detrusor muscle invasion (p = 0.000). The overall average percent of p53 immunostaining was 12.9%, revealing no significant difference between MIBC and NMIBC when a cut-off of 20% was implicated. The Ki-67 expression was correlated with higher grade and muscle invasion; however, no association was found with the other two markers’ expression. The negative immunostaining of p16 was associated with low grade and NMIBC in the case of the preservation of the papillary pattern. We recommend further studies on the cut-off of widely used markers and more immunohistochemical and genetic studies on the p16(INK4A), taking into consideration the histological pattern of conventional carcinomas.

Objective: To point out our experience and assess the efficacy and safety of real-time ultrasound-guided central internal jugular vein (IJV) catheterization in the treatment of hemodialysis patients. Methods: This retrospective study comprised 150 patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who had real-time ultrasonography (US)-guided IJV HD catheters placed in our hospital between March 2019 and March 2021. Patients were examined for their demographic data, etiology, site of catheter insertion, type (acute or chronic) of renal failure, technical success, operative time, number of needle punctures, and procedure-related complications. Patients who have had multiple catheter insertions, prior catheterization challenges, poor compliance, obesity, bony deformity, and coagulation disorders were considered at high-operative risk. Results: All patients experienced technical success. In terms of patient clinical features, an insignificant difference was observed between the normal and high-risk groups (p-value > 0.05). Of the 150 catheters, 62 (41.3%) were placed in high-risk patients. The first-attempt success rate was 89.8% for the normal group and 72.5% for the high-risk group (p = 0.006). IJV cannulation took less time in the normal-risk group compared to the highrisk group (21.2 ± 0.09) minutes vs (35.4 ± 0.11) minutes, (p < 0.001). There were no serious complications. During the placing of the catheter in the internal jugular vein, four patients (6.4%) experienced arterial puncture in the high-risk group. Two participants in each group got a small neck hematoma. One patient developed a pneumothorax in the high-risk group, which was managed with an intercostal chest tube insertion. Conclusions: Even in the high-risk group, the real-time US-guided placement of a central catheter into the IJV is associated with a low complication rate and a high success rate. Even under US guidance, experience lowers complication rates. Real-time USguided is recommended to be used routinely during central venous catheter insertion.

Purpose: To report the result of percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL) via standard nephrostomy tract in a single training institution. The perioperative complications in relation to the comorbid state are particularly assessed. Patients and methods: A prospective interventional study between January 2019 to November 2022, included 210 patients scheduled for PCNL. The average age was 40.3 ± 11.8 years (range 18- 67 years). Patients were categorized into two groups. The first group comprised 146 cases (69 .5%) with no associated co-morbidities while the second group 64 (30.5%) had co-morbidities such as obesity in 4 cases (1.9%), hypertension (HTN) in 24 cases (11.4%) cases, diabetes mellitus (DM) in 17 (8.1%) cases, history of recurrent stone surgery in 11 (5.2%) cases and more than one in 8 cases (3.8%). Co-morbidities, stone burden, location of stone, time of surgery, stay in the hospital, further operations, and negative events were among the reported data. Complications and the stone-free rate were the main outcome indicators. Results: Intraoperative complications were reported in 40 (18.8%) patients (18 group 1 and 22 group 2) during PCNL. Bleeding occurred in 22 (10.5%) patients (9 group 1 and 13 group 2), blood transfusions were needed in 4 (1.9%) (2 group 1 and 2 group 2), extravasation was observed in 11 patients (5.2%) (6 group 1 and 5 group 2) and cardiac arrhythmia in 3 (1.4%) (1 group 1 and 2 group 2) patients. Postoperative complications occurred in 61 patients (29%) (24 group 1 and 37 group 2) in the form of fever in 10 patients (4.8 %) (3 group 1 and 7 group 2) and prolonged leakage in 50 patients (23.8%) (21 group 1 and 29 group 2). One patient of group 2 died from postoperative sepsis. Extravasation and postoperative leakage were higher in diabetic patients than in non-diabetics. Stonefree rate was 60.5% (127 of 210). Clinically significant residual fragments (CSRFs) found in 70 cases (33.3%) (33 group 1 and 37 group 2). In 13 cases (6.2%) (5 group 1 and 8 group 2), clinically insignificant residual fragments (CIRFs) were found. In 8 (3 group 1 and 5 group 2) of the 13 cases, spontaneous stone passage was observed within 4-6 weeks of surgery. Residual stones in three cases (1 group 1 and 2 group 2) were asymptomatic and 4 mm or less, whereas stones increased in two cases of group 2. Among all factors studied, stone burden was significantly correlated to both intraoperative and postoperative complications. The occurrence of postoperative fever increased with large stone burden. Conclusions: PCNL is a therapeutic modality that is effective, feasible, and safe for a wide range of patients with concurrent medical issues. A steep curve is required to reduce intraoperative and postoperative complications.

Purpose: For patients with a failed forearm autogenous fistula (AF) and an exhausted cephalic vein, there is controversy about whether a brachial basilic AF with transposition or an arteriovenous prosthetic bridging graft (BG) must be the second vascular access option. This work measured and compared these two modalities according to patency rates, complications, and revisions. Patients and methods: A retrospective study of 104 cases that had either a brachial basilic AF (72) or an Arteriovenous BG (32). Technical success, operative complications, procedurerelated mortality, maturation time, functional primary, secondary, and overall patency rates were all assessed. Results: Technical success was obtained in all participants. No procedure-linked mortality. Maturation time for BGs was significantly shorter than AFs. The complication rate was significantly higher in BGs than in AFs. The most prevalent complication was access thrombosis. The functional primary patency rate was significantly higher in AF than in BG at 12-month followup: 77.7% vs 53.1% (p < 0.012). secondary patency rate was higher in AF than in BG at 1-year follow-up 62.5% vs 42.8% (p = 0.063), respectively. In addition, BGs required more interventions to preserve patency. Conclusions: AF had higher primary, secondary and overall functional patency rates and needed fewer procedures to keep patency than BGs. Cases that need early vascular access as a result of central venous catheter complications or who have a reduced life expectancy may benefit from BGs.

Motorization has improved the lives of people and societies; these benefits have to go with a value. Though the number of lives lost in road accidents in high-income nations points to a downward style in recent decades, for many of the world's population, the liability of road-traffic injury in terms of social and economic costs is rising considerably. This study aims to determine the prevalence of the environmental factors associated with the outcomes in Erbil city. A community-based cross-sectional descriptive household visits survey study was carried out from March-November 2021 and was composed of 3743 individuals selected through a multi‐stage sampling technique. A specially designed questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic and environmental data from the participants through face-to-face interviews with the amount RTAs occurrence, Chi-square, and percent used with P-value ≤5 for significance. A total of 3743 road accidents were surveyed, and 675(18%) reported road accidents. Young males were main (53%), mean of age (28.5±18.26) years old. statistically, the highest prevalence occurred in urban location 550(81.5%), by drivers 475(70.4%) at daylight 410(60.7%), during rush hours. A significant association was reported between death proportion and the rural crash, on 80 km street speed, wet weather, rollover type, at night-shift, on Sunday, in January. The outcome of the present study shows a significant relationship between environmental situations and road traffic accidents in Erbil.

Abstract Malaria is a serious threat to global health, with over $$95\%$$ 95 % of the cases reported in 2020 by the World Health Organization in African countries, including Sudan. Sudan is a low-income country with a limited healthcare system and a substantial burden of malaria. The epidemiology of malaria in Sudan is rapidly changing due to factors including the rapidly developing resistance to drugs and insecticides among the parasites and vectors, respectively; the growing population living in humanitarian settings due to political instability; and the recent emergence of Anopheles stephensi in the country. These factors contribute to changes in the distribution of the parasites species as well as malaria vectors in Sudan, and the shifting patterns of malaria epidemiology underscore the need for investment in improved situational awareness, early preparedness, and a national prevention and control strategy that is updated, evidence based, and proactive. A key component of this strategy is accurate, high-resolution endemicity maps of species-specific malaria. Here, we present a spatiotemporal Bayesian model, developed in collaboration with the Sudanese Ministry of Health, that predicts a fine-scale (1 km $$\times $$ × 1 km) clinical incidence and seasonality profiles for Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax across the country. We use monthly malaria case counts for both species collected via routine surveillance between January 2017 and December 2019, as well as a suite of high-resolution environmental covariates to inform our predictions. These epidemiological maps provide a useful resource for strategic planning and cost-effective implementation of malaria interventions, thus informing policymakers in Sudan to achieve success in malaria control and elimination.

Summary: Here, we present a chromatin-immunoprecipitation-based protocol to quantify the recruitment of proteins adjacent to site-specific DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), such as proteins involved in DSB repair. We describe steps to induce DSBs in U2OS osteosarcoma cells stably expressing the restriction endonucleases FokI or AsiSI. We then detail the procedures of chromatin isolation and immunoprecipitation, followed by protein elution and quantitative-PCR-based quantification of DNA. This protocol cannot be used on DSBs generated at random loci by DNA damaging agents.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Fitieh et al. (2022).1 : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

Abstract Background Bardet–Biedl syndrome is a rare multisystem autosomal recessive disorder that falls under the spectrum of ciliopathy disorders. It is characterized by rod–cone dystrophy, renal malformations, polydactyly, learning difficulties, central obesity, and hypogonadism. Many minor features that are related with Bardet–Biedl syndrome might aid in diagnosis and are crucial in clinical management. Bardet–Biedl syndrome is diagnosed on the basis of clinical signs and symptoms, which can be confirmed by genetic testing. Here we present four cases of Bardet–Biedl syndrome. To our knowledge, these are the first cases of Bardet–Biedl syndrome reported from Sudan. Case presentation Here, we report four Sudanese patients who presented with a variety of clinical manifestations of Bardet–Biedl syndrome (two males, 50 and 16 years old; two females, 38 and 18 years old). The first two patients presented with features of chronic kidney disease. The third patient had recently been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis. The fourth patient showed signs of retinal dystrophy early on. Case 1: a 38-year-old female presented with vomiting and irritability; the patient was diagnosed with Bardet–Biedl syndrome as she fulfilled six items of the primary features (obesity, retinitis pigmentosa, post-axial polydactyly, renal abnormalities, learning disabilities, and genitourinary malformations), as well as one secondary feature (cardiovascular involvement, that is, left ventricular hypertrophy). Case 2: a 50-year-old male presented with fatigability; the patient was diagnosed with Bardet–Biedl syndrome as he fulfilled four items of the primary features (obesity, retinitis pigmentosa, post-axial polydactyly, and renal abnormalities) in addition to two secondary features (diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular involvement, that is, left ventricular hypertrophy). Case 3: an 18-year-old female presented with polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, and epigastric pain for 2 days; the patient was diagnosed with Bardet–Biedl syndrome because he had four major features (retinal dystrophy, post-axial polydactyly, obesity, and learning disabilities) in addition to three secondary features (developmental delay, diabetes mellitus, and strabismus). Case 4: a 16-year-old male presented with a blurring of vision; the patient was diagnosed with Bardet–Biedl syndrome as he exhibited four major features (retinal dystrophy, post-axial polydactyly, obesity, and learning disabilities) plus two secondary features (developmental delay and cataract). Conclusion The scarcity of Bardet–Biedl syndrome necessitates a high index of suspicion to diagnose this syndrome. Increased awareness among physicians is required for the early diagnosis and treatment of Bardet–Biedl syndrome and to avoid complications and mortality.

The textile industry's waste often contains excessive amounts of crystal violet (CV), leading to environmental concerns. Graphene oxide has been studied as a promising adsorbent for removing crystal violet, a cationic dye, from aqueous solutions. The study involved a comprehensive analysis of various experimental parameters, including initial concentration, pH, adsorbent mass, contact time, and temperature. Graphene oxide underwent thorough analysis using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and specific surface area determination via the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method. Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) was also employed. This study aimed to optimize the synthesis yield of graphene oxide from graphite using the Hummers method and response surface methodology (RSM), achieving a yield of 106.14% with 5 g of KMnO4 and 1 g of NaNO3 for 8 hours. The graphene oxide was analyzed via FTIR, XRD, SEM, BET, pHpzc, and EDS. Optimal conditions for maximal adsorption included 0.016 g of graphene oxide, 18 minutes of contact time, pH 10, and a temperature of 25°C, resulting in a 97.38% reduction in crystal violet with a monolayer adsorption capacity of 470.78 mg/g. Kinetic data were best fitted by the pseudosecond‐order model, and the Langmuir isotherm accurately depicted adsorption. Thermodynamic analysis indicated spontaneous (ΔG° < 0) and exothermic (ΔH° < 0) crystal violet adsorption. Density functional theory (DFT) explored interactions between graphene oxide and crystal violet, supporting experimental findings and confirming graphene oxide's efficacy as an adsorbent for crystal violet removal from aqueous solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: DNA end resection is a critical step in the homologous recombination pathway of repairing DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) that can be visualized in cells by detecting the generation of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) intermediates formed during the resection of the DSBs. Here, we describe quantitative polymerase-chain-reaction-based procedures to quantitatively measure ssDNA intermediates formed during the DNA end resection. Using the ER-AsiSI system, we use differential digestion patterns by restriction endonucleases that digest unresected double-stranded DNA at DSB sites.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Fitieh et al. (2022).1 : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

Detailing the connection between homeostatic functions of enzymatic families and eventual progression into tumorigenesis is crucial to our understanding of anti-cancer therapies. One key enzyme group involved in this process is the Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) family, responsible for an expansive number of cellular functions, featuring members well established as regulators of DNA repair, genomic stability and beyond. Several PARP inhibitors (PARPi) have been approved for clinical use in a range of cancers, with many more still in trials. Unfortunately, the occurrence of resistance to PARPi therapy is growing in prevalence and requires the introduction of novel counter-resistance mechanisms to maintain efficacy. In this review, we summarize the updated understanding of the vast homeostatic functions the PARP family mediates and pin the importance of PARPi therapies as anti-cancer agents while discussing resistance mechanisms and current up-and-coming counter-strategies for countering such resistance.

Abstract Background Pulmonary agenesis is a rare congenital anomaly with a reported prevalence of about 1 in 100,000 births. It may be bilateral or unilateral. Among the unilateral form, left lung agenesis is more common (70%); however, it is the right lung agenesis which carries a dismal prognosis due to the frequent association with a gamut of other congenital anomalies and greater degree of mediastinal shift leading to tracheo-bronchial and vascular distortion. The patients of unilateral pulmonary agenesis usually present in infancy or early childhood. Presentation in late adulthood as seen in our patient is rare. We present a case of left pulmonary agenesis that was diagnosed in 4th decade of life. Case presentation A 36-year-old male presented with gradually progressive exertional dyspnea of 1 month duration. Clinical examination revealed tachycardia and tachypnea. Chest radiograph showed opaque left hemithorax with ipsilateral mediastinal shift. Computed tomography clinched the diagnosis by demonstrating absence of left main bronchus, lung and left pulmonary artery with shift of heart, and great mediastinal vessels into left hemithorax. The patient was managed conservatively and discharged with attachment to out-patient department for regular follow-up. Conclusion Presentation of unilateral lung agenesis in late adulthood, as seen in the present case is extremely rare. This case report highlights that, a rare condition like unilateral pulmonary agenesis, should be considered in the list of differentials in an adult presenting with opaque hemithorax with ipsilateral mediastinal shift on radiography.

Solid tumours are often poorly oxygenated, which confers resistance to standard treatment modalities. Targeting hypoxic tumours requires compounds, such as nitroimidazoles (NIs), equipped with the ability to reach and become activated within diffusion limited tumour niches. NIs become selectively entrapped in hypoxic cells through bioreductive activation, and have shown promise as hypoxia directed therapeutics. However, little is known about their mechanism of action, hindering the broader clinical usage of NIs. Iodoazomycin arabinofuranoside (IAZA) and fluoroazomycin arabinofuranoside (FAZA) are clinically validated 2-NI hypoxic radiotracers with excellent tumour uptake properties. Hypoxic cancer cells have also shown preferential susceptibility to IAZA and FAZA treatment, making them ideal candidates for an in-depth study in a therapeutic setting. Using a head and neck cancer model, we show that hypoxic cells display higher sensitivity to IAZA and FAZA, where the drugs alter cell morphology, compromise DNA replication, slow down cell cycle progression and induce replication stress, ultimately leading to cytostasis. Effects of IAZA and FAZA on target cellular macromolecules (DNA, proteins and glutathione) were characterized to uncover potential mechanism(s) of action. Covalent binding of these NIs was only observed to cellular proteins, but not to DNA, under hypoxia. While protein levels remained unaffected, catalytic activities of NI target proteins, such as the glycolytic enzyme glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and the detoxification enzyme glutathione S-transferase (GST) were significantly curtailed in response to drug treatment under hypoxia. Intraperitoneal administration of IAZA was well-tolerated in mice and produced early (but transient) growth inhibition of subcutaneous mouse tumours.

Toxoplasma gondii is an important zoonotic foodborne parasite capable of infecting almost all warm-blooded animal species worldwide. Toxoplasmosis is usually acquired via ingestion of undercooked infected animal tissues resulting in life-threatening consequences for unborn foetus and immunocompromised individuals. A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of T. gondii infection, its associated risk factors in farms, and haplotypes isolated from the native village chicken and pig populations in Peninsular Malaysia. The seroprevalence of T. gondii in village chickens at the animal level was low at 7.6% (95% CI: 4.60–11.60), while at the farm level, it was 52.0% (95% CI: 31.30–72.20). For pigs, the animal-level seroprevalence of T. gondii was 3.0% (95% CI: 1.60–5.10), while the farm-level, it was 31.6% (95% CI: 12.60–56.60). The PCR-based DNA detection on meat samples from chickens (n = 250) and pork (n = 121) detected 14.0% (95% CI: 9.95–18.9) and 5.8% (95% CI: 2.4–11.6) positive, respectively. Six unique T. gondii haplotypes were isolated from the tissue samples. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that feeding the chickens farm-produced feeds and allowing wild animals access to pig farms were significant determinants for farm-level seropositivity. Providing hygienic and good quality feeds to chickens and increasing biosecurity in pig farms through prevention of access by wildlife may reduce the risk of transmission of T. gondii infection in the local chickens and pig farms.

BACKGROUND: Monitoring of intracranial pressure is a highly valued tool in neurosurgical practice. There is no consensus about the exact outer zero point for correlation with the brain center while measuring the intracranial pressure using external ventricular drainage system. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of using the top of the head serving as the zero-reference point of the intracranial pressure monitoring device and correlate its relation to the foramen of Monro at clinically used positions of the head. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 30 patients who were candidates for invasive intracranial pressure monitoring with external ventricular drain for different pathological reasons. We compared two points as a zero-reference point; the glabella and the tragus as approximation to the foramen of Monro in different head positions. RESULTS: Readings while using the tragus were slightly higher than those while using the glabella as regards the intracranial pressure and drained higher cerebrospinal fluid volumes, with no statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that a zero point at the foramen of Monro was found to be insignificantly different from using the glabella as the zero-reference point when the head of the patient was positioned either supine or elevated 45°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: BMI-1 is an essential regulator of transcriptional silencing during development. Recently, the role of BMI-1 in the DNA damage response has gained much attention, but the exact mechanism of how BMI-1 participates in the process is unclear. Here, we establish a role for BMI-1 in the repair of DNA double-strand breaks by homologous recombination (HR), where it promotes DNA end resection. Mechanistically, BMI-1 mediates DNA end resection by facilitating the recruitment of CtIP, thus allowing RPA and RAD51 accumulation at DNA damage sites. Interestingly, treatment with transcription inhibitors rescues the DNA end resection defects of BMI-1-depleted cells, suggesting BMI-1-dependent transcriptional silencing mediates DNA end resection. Moreover, we find that H2A ubiquitylation at K119 (H2AK119ub) promotes end resection. Taken together, our results identify BMI-1-mediated transcriptional silencing and promotion of H2AK119ub deposition as essential regulators of DNA end resection and thus the progression of HR.

Carotid blowout syndrome is described as rupture of the carotid artery most commonly following head and neck dissection. It is an uncommon complication that can be fatal if not diagnosed and managed promptly. This report will discuss the case of a 45-year-old male, who developed carotid blowout syndrome following receiving several therapies for his laryngeal cancer. It will include how careful assessment of the patient's current state and taking into consideration his previous history and risk factors can lead to a case-tailored management plan to be performed in a timely manner, maximizing the chances of a successful life-saving procedure.

The aim of this study is to demonstrate the effect of particle size on semiconductor properties; artificial intelligence is being used for the research methods. As a result, we picked cadmium sulfide (CdS), which is a unique semiconductor material that is employed in a broad variety of current applications. Given that CdS has distinct electrical and optical characteristics, it may be employed in the production of solar cells, for example. Solar cells, as is also well known, have become an essential source of energy in the world. Within the visible range (500-700 nm), we create one layer of bulk CdS and one layer of nano-CdS air bulk CdS air and air nano-CdS air. We used a number of instrumentation methods to investigate the naked CdS nanoparticles, including XRD, SEM-EDX, UV-Vis spectroscopy, TEM, XPS, and PL spectroscopy, among others. The results show that for bulk CdS at normal incidence, the transmittance is T=45, and for nano-CdS with particle size 3 nm, the transmittance is T=85.8, with transverse-electric (S-polarized) and transverse-magnetic (P-polarized) transmittances of TE=75 and TM=80, respectively.

This study was designed to determine the genotype and the phylogeny of Burkholderia pseudomallei isolated from veterinary cases and from the animal environments in Peninsular Malaysia. The Malaysian B. pseudomallei population were then compared to those found elsewhere. A total of 113 isolates from veterinary cases (35) and the environment (56 from soil and 22 from water) were characterized using multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Two novel alleles, allele 97 and 69 of the gene locus ace and lepA respectively were recovered. Isolates were resolved into 12 distinct sequence types (STs) out of which five were novel, namely ST1130, ST1131, ST1338, ST1339 and ST1367. The isolates from veterinary cases co-clustered with those from the environment. B. pseudomallei isolates in this study were highly clonal and have descended from a common ancestor clonal complex (CC) 48 found in Southeast Asia. This study shows that veterinary case isolates are often caused by similar STs, with similar populations found in the direct animal environment and those previously reported to cause human infections in Malaysia and elsewhere. Isolates of B. pseudomallei from human infections have been given more attention, with a comparatively lower focus on isolates from animals and the farm environment. This study highlighted the genotype and phylogeny of B. pseudomallei isolated from animals and the environment and their relations to the isolates from human cases reported in Malaysia and elsewhere. Most STs reported in this study, from veterinary cases and animal environment are similar to those previously reported as causing human infections in Malaysia and elsewhere. Therefore, even though direct zoonosis is uncommon, monitoring melioidosis occurrences in animals can provide insights on the bacterial strains infecting humans. Keywords: Burkholderia pseudomallei, Phylogeny, Veterinary, Environmental, Sequence types

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a B cell malignancy marked by genomic instability that arises both through pathogenesis and during disease progression. Despite recent advances in therapy, MM remains incurable. Recently, it has been reported that DNA repair can influence genomic changes and drug resistance in MM. The dysregulation of DNA repair function may provide an alternative explanation for genomic instability observed in MM cells and in cells derived from MM patients. This review provides an overview of DNA repair pathways with a special focus on their involvement in MM and discusses the role they play in MM progression and drug resistance. This review highlights how unrepaired DNA damage due to aberrant DNA repair response in MM exacerbates genomic instability and chromosomal abnormalities, enabling MM progression and drug resistance.

تهدف هذه الدراسة إلى اختبار تأثير قيم وممارسات سمعة صاحب العمل في الاحتفاظ بالعاملين. جُمِعَت البيانات من المنظمات الدولية العاملة في سورية. تم استخدام الاستبيان كأداة رئيسة في الدراسة، وتم تحليل 371 استبيان صالح للتحليل. توصلت الدراسة إلى مجموعة من النتائج، منها: وجود تأثير معنوي وإيجابي للقيم الاقتصادية والنفعية والتطويرية في الاحتفاظ بالعاملين، و وجود تأثير معنوي وسلبي للقيم الاجتماعية في الاحتفاظ بالعاملين، وعدم وجود تأثير معنوي للقيم التطبيقية في الاحتفاظ بالعاملين. وجود تأثير معنوي وإيجابي للقيم الاقتصادية والنفعية والتطويرية في العقد النفسي، وعدم وجود تأثير معنوي للقيم الاجتماعية والتطبيقية في العقد النفسي وجود تأثير معنوي وإيجابي للعقد النفسي في الاحتفاظ بالعاملين يؤدي العقد النفسي دور الوساطة الكلية في العلاقة بين ثلاث من قيم سمعة صاحب العمل (الاقتصادية والنفعية والتطويرية) والاحتفاظ بالعاملين، في حين لا يؤدي دور الوساطة بين اثنتين من قيم سمعة صاحب العمل (الاجتماعية والتطبيقية) والاحتفاظ بالعاملين. تم عرض مقترحات وتطبيقات عملية في نهاية الدراسة.

Objective: Isolated salpingeal torsion (IST) is a rare cause of acute abdomen in women of the reproductive age group. The lack of pathognomonic clinical, laboratory or radiographic findings makes early diagnosis a challenge. We describe a case of IST in a 13-year-old who suffered from a repeat torsion following initial conservative management. Case Report: A 13-year-old girl presented with acute right lower quadrant abdominal pain of insidious onset. Her past medical history was non-contributory and her initial workup was unremarkable. Exploratory laparoscopy subsequently revealed isolated torsion of the right fallopian tube which was detorted. She presented 10 months later with similar complaints and further workup demonstrated right adnexal torsion which was confirmed by laparoscopy; salpingo-oophorectomy was necessary due to gangrenous necrosis. Conclusion: Conservative management of fallopian tube torsion confers the advantage of fertility preservation but the risk of repeat torsion remains clinically significant.

Background: Melioidosis is a fatal emerging infectious disease of both man and animal caused by bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei. Variations were suggested to have existed among the different B. pseudomallei clinical strains/genotypes which may implicate bacterial susceptibility and resistance toward antibiotics. Aim: This study was designed to determine whether the phenotypic antibiotic resistance pattern of B. pseudomallei is associated with the source of isolates and the genotype. Materials and Methods: A collection of 111 B. pseudomallei isolates from veterinary cases of melioidosis and the environments (soil and water) were obtained from stock cultures of previous studies and were phylogenetically characterized by multilocus sequence typing (ST). The susceptibility to five antibiotics, namely meropenem (MEM), imipenem, ceftazidime (CAZ), cotrimoxazole (SXT), and co-amoxiclav (AMC), recommended in both acute and eradication phases of melioidosis treatment were tested using minimum inhibitory concentration antibiotics susceptibility test. Results: Majority of isolates were susceptible to all antibiotics tested while few resistant strains to MEM, SXT, CAZ, and AMC were observed. Statistically significant association was found between resistance to MEM and the veterinary clinical isolates (p

There is an urgent need for accurate information as soon as possible to make quick decisions based on accurate and importance studies, and emerged several systems dealing with these areas, including management information systems, operational information systems, expert systems, including: Decision-making system Support System (DSS), which assists senior management in decision-making that serves the organization's objectives, and decision support systems assist all users regardless of administrative level in administrative decision making. The research aims at assessing the potential of the decision support systems, including the material potential, human potential, technical potential, organizational potential of the studied banks, and their role in decision-making to solve the unstructured problems left by the war. In order to achieve this, two main hypotheses were formulated. The researcher used the questionnaire technique to collect the data analyzed using statistical tests, the most important of which were the one-sample T. test and the Pearson Correlation. The researcher found several results, the most important of which are: The necessary resources for decision support systems are at a good level, and there is a strong positive relationship between the availability of the necessary capabilities for the banking decision support systems and their role in the decision making process in the studied banks. أصبحت هناك حاجة ماسة إلى المعلومات الدقيقة بأسرع وقت لاتخاذ قرارات سريعة صائبة مبنية على دراسات بالغة الدقة والأهمية، وظهرت عدة نظم تهتم بهذه المجالات منها نظم المعلومات الإدارية، نظم المعلومات التنفيذية، والنظم الخبيرة ومن ضمن هذه النظم: النظام المتخصص في عملية اتخاذ القرار Decision Support System (DSS) ، الذي يساعد الإدارة العليا في اتخاذ القرار الذي يخدم أهداف المنظمة، كما أن نظم دعم القرار يساعد كافة المستخدمين بغض النظر عن المستوى الإداري في اتخاذ القرارات الإدارية. ويهدف البحث إلى تقييم الإمكانات اللازمة لنظم دعم القرار وتشمل: الإمكانات المادية، والإمكانات البشرية، والإمكانات الفنية، والإمكانات التنظيمية في المصارف محل الدراسة، ودراسة دورها في اتخاذ القرارات لحل المشكلات غير المهيكلة التي خلفتها الحرب. ولتحقيق ذلك تمّ صياغة فرضتين رئيستين، واستخدم الباحث أسلوب الاستبانة لجمع البيانات الّتي تمّ تحليلها باستخدام اختبارات إحصائيّة أهمّها: اختبار الوسط الحسابي One- Sample t. test، واختبار الارتباط الثّنائي Pearson Correlation. وقد توصل الباحث إلى عدّة نتائج أهمّها: تتوافر الإمكانات اللازمة لنظم دعم القرار بمستوى جيد، كما توجد علاقة طردية قوية بين توافر الإمكانات اللازمة لنظم دعم القرارات المصرفية ودورها في اتخاذ القرارات غير المهيكلة في المصارف محل الدراسة.

Background and objective: Stroke is an increasing problem in developing countries and is the principal cause of disability and dependency in the western world. This study aimed to find out the one- and six-month case fatality, dependency and recurrence rates of stroke in Erbil teaching hospitals. Methods: This hospital-based prospective study included 293 stroke patients hospitalized in Erbil teaching hospitals from January 1st, 2015 through December 31st, 2015. Stroke was diagnosed by a consultant internist or neurologist and confirmed by brain CT-scan and/or MRI. Patients were followed-up for six months, then one- and six-month outcomes were measured including case-fatality, dependency and recurrences rates. Results: The one and six month case fatality rates were 28.3% and 37.5%, respectively. The rates in females (33.3%, 42.6%, respectively) were higher than that in males (23.7%, 32.9%, respectively), but there was no significant association between case-fatality rate and gender. A total of 74.3% and 45.4% of patients at one- and six-month were functionally dependent. The majority (88.9%) of diabetic patients were functionally dependent. Also, the one and six month recurrence rates of stroke patients were 15.7% and 23.2%, respectively. For both one and six month post stroke more recurrence occurred from ischemic (16.2%, 14.3%, respectively) than from hemorrhagic (24.5%, 19.5%, respectively) strokes, but there was no significant association between the recurrence and stroke subtype (P = 0.691, P = 0.367, respectively). Conclusion: The reported outcomes are relatively comparable to that reported in other developing countries, although it is still more than the rates of developed countries. Outcome measures can help to give information and develop guidelines for clinical practice and research. Keywords: Stroke; Case fatality; Recurrence; Functional outcome.