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Abstract To feed the world’s growing population, the agriculture sector has recently had to strike a balance between reducing its detrimental effects on ecosystems and human health and boosting resource efficiency and production. In reality, pesticides and fertilizers are vital to agriculture and are useful instruments that farmers can employ to increase yield and guarantee steady productivity throughout the seasons under both favorable and unfavorable conditions. Therefore, in the present study, fertilizing with potassium citrate as a foliar spray and humic acid (HA) as a soil application allowed for the evaluation of vegetative growth parameters (plant height, number of leaves/plant), total phenolic content, total carbohydrate, antioxidant activity, the essential oil (EO) composition, and bulb yield of garlic (Allium sativum L.). These were carried out in two field experiments throughout the 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 growth seasons. A gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) apparatus was performed to determine the chemical composition of the isolated EOs. The antifungal activity of the EOs was assessed against two fungi, Fusarium proliferatum and Macrophomina phaseolina, that cause geranium plants to wilt and decay. The findings indicated that applying HA at a rate of 2 g/L with potassium citrate at a rate of 5 or 10 mL/L produced garlic bulbs with the highest levels of productivity and diameter. The diverse treatments between HA with potassium citrate resulted in significant variations in the bioactive components, such as total phenol content, antioxidant activity, total carbohydrate, and sulfur content. The analysis of the EOs revealed the presence of dimethyl trisulfide, diallyl disulfide, methyl 2-propenyl trisulfide, allitridin, and methyl allyl disulfide and allyl tetrasulfide as main compounds. By gradually increasing the concentration of the garlic EO to 4000 µg/mL compared to the control, the inhibition percentage of fungal growth of F. proliferatum and M. phaseolina was increased. In conclusion, a high concentration of HA with potassium citrate (5 or 10 mL/L), may be suitable and highly appreciated as a fertilizer application to enhance the productivity and EOs content of garlic plants.

Abstract An effective strategy for enhancing fruit production continuity during extended sweet pepper season involves adopting innovative biostimulants such as potassium silicate (PS) and vinasse. Adjusting PS and vinasse concentrations are crucial for maintaining the balance between vegetative and fruit growth, particularly in sweet pepper with a shallow root system, to sustain fruiting over prolonged season. However, the interaction between PS and vinasse and the underlying physiological mechanisms that extend the sweet pepper season under greenhouse conditions remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of PS and vinasse treatments on the yield and biochemical constituents of perennial pepper plants cultivated under greenhouse conditions. For two consecutive seasons [2018/2019 and 2019/2020], pepper plants were sprayed with PS (0, 0.5, and 1 g/l) and drenched with vinasse (0, 1, 2, and 3 l/m3). To estimate the impact of PS and vinasse on the growth, yield, and biochemical constituents of pepper plants, fresh and dry biomass, potential fruit yield, and some biochemical constituents were evaluated. Results revealed that PS (0.5 g/l) coupled with vinasse (3 l/m3) generated the most remarkable enhancement, in terms of plant biomass, total leaf area, total yield, and fruit weight during both growing seasons. The implementation of vinasse at 3 l/m3 with PS at 0.5 and 1 g/l demonstrated the most pronounced augmentation in leaf contents (chlorophyll index, nitrogen and potassium), alongside improved fruit quality, including total soluble solid and ascorbic acid contents, of extended sweet pepper season. By implementing the optimal combination of PS and vinasse, growers can significantly enhance the biomass production while maintaining a balance in fruiting, thereby maximizing the prolonged fruit production of superior sweet pepper under greenhouse conditions.

Different degrees of natural radioactivity found in quartz can have negative consequences on health. Quartz vein along the investigated Abu Ramad area, Egypt, had its natural radioactivity assessed. The HPGe spectrometer was used to determine the role played by the radionuclides 238U, 232Th, and 40K in the gamma radiation that was emitted, and the results showed that these concentrations are 484.64 ± 288.4, 36.8 ± 13.1 and 772.2 ± 134.6 Bq kg−1 were higher than the corresponding reported global limits of 33, 45, and 412 Bq kg−1 for each radionuclide (238U, 232Th, and 40K). Among the radiological hazard parameters, the excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) is estimated and it's mean value of ELCR (1.2) is higher than the permissible limit of 0.00029. The relationship between the radionuclides and the associated radiological hazard characteristics was investigated based on multivariate statistical methods including Pearson correlation, principal component analysis (PCA), and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). According to statistical research, the radioactive risk of quartz is primarily caused by the 238U, 232Thand 40K. Finally, applying quartz to building materials would pose a significant risk to the public.

Niyaz Mostafa,1 Saxon D Smith2 1Faculty of Medicine, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; 2ANU Medical School, ANU College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, AustraliaCorrespondence: Niyaz Mostafa, Email nmostafa.research@gmail.comIntroduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that usually develops in early childhood. AD has a significant impact on quality of life and psychological health outcomes in both adults and children. There are increased reported rates of psychiatric comorbidities including anxiety, depression, ADHD and suicidal ideation compared to the general population. Primary caregivers of children with pediatric eczema and their families may also have derangements in psychological health and quality of life. A number of interventions exist for AD and address wellbeing outcomes as an important aspect of effective treatment.Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed/Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in February 2023. Published studies up to April 2023 were included related to interventions for childhood AD that included psychological health or quality of life outcomes. These interventions were stratified according to type and evidence quality.Results: Search strategy revealed a wide variety of interventions with demonstrated improvements in quality of life or wellbeing of patients with pediatric AD or their families. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions demonstrated effectiveness in improving disease outcomes.Conclusion: A variety of both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions may be employed to improve psychological health outcomes in children with AD.Keywords: eczema, atopic dermatitis, psychology, wellbeing, children, pediatric

We carried out this study to validate the use of ultrasound sliding sign to predict intraperitoneal adhesions in women undergoing repeated caesarean section (CS). A cross-section study was performed in women with at least one CS scheduled for an elective CS. We used the sliding sign of the uterus against the anterior abdominal wall to assess intraperitoneal adhesions, positive sliding sign if uterus moved freely and a negative sliding sign if limited mobility. The obstetrician was blind to the ultrasound results, asked to report if adhesions were absent or present during CS to validate accuracy of the sliding sign. We examined 120 women, negative sliding was reported in 54 patients, positive sliding in 66 women. The presence of intra-abdominal adhesions was confirmed in 44/54 cases assigned to the high-risk group, while the prediction of low risk for adhesions confirmed in 66/66 patients with a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 86.84%. Sliding sign is an effective method to detect intra-abdominal adhesions in women with a history of repeated caesarean delivery.Impact statement What is already known on this subject? There has been a dramatic increase in the caesarean section (CS) rate worldwide; repeated CSs may be associated with intraperitoneal adhesions that result in difficulty during the procedure and may be related to bowel or bladder injuries and neonatal morbidities. What do the results of this study add? The sliding sign by ultrasound has a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 86.84%, a positive predictive value of 81.5, a negative predictive value of 100, and accuracy of 91.67, considering it rapid, easy and reliable method for prediction of intraperitoneal adhesions. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or future research? The use of sliding sign by ultrasound in cases with repeated CSs offers a good predictor tool for presence of intraperitoneal adhesions and subsequently avoid severe sequels during surgery and good preparation.

Abstract Background Transradial access (TRA), which has a minimal risk of problems such as radial artery occlusion (RAO), hemorrhage, spasm, and so on, is now considered the standard procedure for cardiac catheterization. The aim of the study is to present the distal transradial access (d-TRA) as a possible promising novel technique in the field of cardiac coronary interventions comparing it to the standard conventional TRA using primary and secondary endpoints, exploring its benefits and drawbacks as a new experience in Alexandria University. One hundred cases with variable indications for coronary interventions were randomized to two arms using systematic random sampling method, coronary interventions in the first one were done via d-TRA (50 patients) and in the second arm via conventional TRA group (50 patients). Results Technically, there were highly statistically significant differences between the two arms in favor of TRA regarding procedural success, number of punctures taken, Access time, Total procedural time, vasodilator used, and crossover to another access site; meanwhile safety profile parameters have showed statistically significant differences in favor of d-TRA regarding post-operative hematoma, AV fistula, post-operative pain and compression time, and there were no statistically significant differences regarding RAO although it occurred more in TRA group. Conclusions In the realm of cardiac intervention, the distal radial approach is a promising technique. When compared to TRA, we found it to be a viable and safe method for coronary angiography and interventions and it could be a real option for the interventionists in the near future, with a lower risk of radial artery blockage and no significant differences in wrist hematoma and radial artery spasm. The success rate of d-TRA is proportional to the steepness of the operator's learning curve and the quality of the examples chosen.

In the present study, norlobaridone (NBD) was isolated from Parmotrema and then evaluated as a new potent quorum sensing (QS) inhibitor against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm development. This phenolic natural product was found to reduce P. aeruginosa biofilm formation (64.6% inhibition) and its related virulence factors, such as pyocyanin and rhamnolipids (% inhibition = 61.1% and 55%, respectively). In vitro assays inhibitory effects against a number of known LuxR-type receptors revealed that NBD was able to specifically block P. aeruginosa’s LasR in a dose-dependent manner. Further molecular studies (e.g., sedimentation velocity and thermal shift assays) demonstrated that NBD destabilized LasR upon binding and damaged its functional quaternary structure (i.e., the functional dimeric form). The use of modelling and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations also allowed us to further understand its interaction with LasR, and how this can disrupt its dimeric form. Finally, our findings show that NBD is a powerful and specific LasR antagonist that should be widely employed as a chemical probe in QS of P. aeruginosa, providing new insights into LasR antagonism processes. The new discoveries shed light on the mysterious world of LuxR-type QS in this key opportunistic pathogen.

Background: Several parameters were proposed to predict the impact of premature luteinization on intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes such as isolated progesterone (P) level, progesterone to oocyte ratio, and progesterone/estradiol ratio (P/E2). Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the predictive value of P/E2 ratio and isolated P level on the ovulation triggering day for pregnancy outcomes in fresh GnRH antagonist ICSI cycles. Settings and Design: A retrospective cohort study conducted in a university-affiliated in vitro fertilization center between January 2017 and April 2019. Methods: The study included women who underwent their first- or second-ranked GnRH antagonist ICSI cycles with day-3 embryo transfer. P/E2 ratio was calculated as (P [ng/mL] × 1000)/E2 (pg/mL). Cutoff values of ≥1.5 ng/ml for high P (HP) and ≥0.55 for HP/E2 ratio were chosen based on the literature. Statistical Analysis: A receiver operating curve was performed to detect the predictability of serum P/E2 and P for the ongoing pregnancy rate. First, patients were divided according to either P level (low P < 1.5 ng/mL and HP ≥1.5 ng/mL) or P/E2 ratio (low P/E2

There are many technological innovations in the field of agriculture to improve the sustainability of farmed products by reducing the chemicals used. Uses of biostimulants such as plant extracts or microorganisms are a promising process that increases plant growth and the efficient use of available soil resources. To determine the effects of some biostimulants' treatments on the photosynthetic pigments and biochemicals composition of zucchini plants, two experiments were conducted in 2019 and 2020 under greenhouse conditions. In this work, the effects of beneficial microbes (Trichoderma viride and Pseudomonas fluorescens), as well as three extracts from Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaf extract (LE), Citrus sinensis LE, and Ficus benghalensis fruit extract (FE) with potassium silicate (K2SiO3) on productivity and biochemical composition of zucchini fruits, were assessed as biostimulants. The results showed that E. camaldulensis LE (4,000 mg/L) + K2SiO3 (500 mg/L) and T. viride (106 spore/ml) + K2SiO3 (500 mg/L) gave the highest significance yield of zucchini fruits. Furthermore, the total reading response of chlorophylls and carotenoids was significantly affected by biostimulants' treatments. The combination of K2SiO3 with E. camaldulensis LE increased the DPPH scavenging activity and the total phenolic content of zucchini fruits, in both experiments. However, the spraying with K2SiO3 did not observe any effects on the total flavonoid content of zucchini fruits. Several phenolic compounds were identified via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) from the methanol extracts of zucchini fruits such as syringic acid, eugenol, caffeic acid, pyrogallol, gallic acid, ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, α-tocopherol, and ellagic acid. The main elemental content (C and O) analyzed via energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) of leaves was affected by the application of biostimulants. The success of this work could lead to the development of cheap and easily available safe biostimulants for enhancing the productivity and biochemical of zucchini plants.

Nanotechnology is emerging as a new technology with encouraging innovations. Global antibiotic use has grown enormously, with antibiotic resistance increasing by about 80 percent. In view of this alarming situation, intensive research has been carried out into biogenic nanoparticles and their antibacterial, antifungal, and antitumor activities. Many methods are available to enhance stability and dispersion via peroration of conjugate with a polymer, such as chitosan, and other bioactive natural products. Two marine fungi were isolated and identified as Aspergillus sp. and Alternaria sp. via sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. In this work, these strains were used to form the conjugation of biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Aspergillus sp. Silv2 extract and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) from Alternaria sp. Gol2 extracts with chitosan to prepare chitosan–AgNPs and chitosan–AuNP conjugates. A variety of imaging and analytical methods, such as UV–vis, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), FTIR spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were utilized to characterize biogenic nanoparticles and conjugates. The biosynthesized Ag and Au nanoparticles along with the prepared conjugates were evaluated for their antimicrobial effects on Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial isolates, including Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Both chitosan–AgNP and AuNP showed powerful antimicrobial activities compared to the control. On the other hand, chitosan–AgNP conjugation had better antibacterial ctivity than chitosan–AuNPs, which exhibited moderate activity against S. aureus and very low activity against E. coli. Furthermore, the antibiofilm potentials of the prepared conjugates were tested against four biofilm-forming bacteria, including P. aeruginosa, B. subtilis, E. coli, and S. aureus. The obtained results indicate that the chitosan–AgNP showed a promising anti-biofilm activities on all strains, especially S. aureus, while chitosan–AuNP conjugates showed moderate anti-biofilm against B. subtilis and weak activities against the other three strains. These results showed the superiority of chitosan–AgNP as a promising antibacterial as well as biofilm formation inhibitors.

Background: Natural plant extracts and microbial antagonists have the potential for use in increasing the fungal resistance and productivity of horticulture plants. Methods: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of both natural plant extracts and microbial antagonists as a biotical control of some fungal pathogens, i.e., Fusarium ssp., Exserohilum ssp. and Nigrospora ssp., along with improving the growth and productivity performance of zucchini under greenhouse conditions. Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaf extract (LE), Citrus sinensis LE, Ficus benghalensis fruit extract (FE), and two microbial antagonists Pseudomonas fluorescens (accession no. MW647093) and Trichoderma viride (accession no. MW647090) were tested under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Through morphological characteristics and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, Fusarium solani (accession no. MW947256), F. oxysporum (accession no. MW947254), Exserohilum rostratum (accession no. MW947255), and Nigrospora lacticolonia (accession no. MW947253) were identified. HPLC analysis was used for the identification of phenolic compounds (PCs) and flavonoid compounds (FCs) in the extracts. Results: The highest inhibition percentage of fungal growth (IPFG) against F. oxysporum was obtained with P. fluorescens, T. viride, and E. camaldulensis LE (4000 mg/L); F. solani with P. fluorescens, T. viride, and C. sinensis LE (4000 mg/L); Exserohilum rostratum with P. fluorescens, Ficus benghalensis FE (4000 mg/L) and E. camaldulensis LE (4000 mg/L), and N. lacticolonia with P. fluorescens. Using HPLC analysis, the abundant PCs in E. camaldulensis LE were pyrogallol, and caffeic acid, those in C. sinensis LE were syringic acid and ferulic acid, and those in F. benghalensis FE were gallic acid and syringic acid. In addition, the abundant FCs in E. camaldulensis LE were kaempferol, and naringin, those in C. sinensis LE were hesperidin and quercetin, and those in F. benghalensis FE were kaempferol and quercetin. Under greenhouse experiments, T. viride and E. camaldulensis LE (4000 mg/L) followed by P. fluorescens + T. viride treatments gave the best results of zucchini plants in terms of leaf area, fruits number per plant, yield per plant, and total yield (marketable and non-marketable). Conclusions: Plant extracts and bioagents can be used to control some zucchini fungal pathogens and increase the productivity performance of zucchini plants.

Two types of Portland Cement Clinker "PCC" were used in this study: high fineness grinded and low fineness grinded , and after grinding of PCC, hydrated lime was used in 5%,10% and 15%; by weight, as a replacement of the blend cement with a constant 3% addition of gypsum by the blend weight. The importance of this study is to show the influences of different fineness on the physical properties of the blended cement, and to find the probability of using hydrated lime (that could be a by-product) in cement and declare its effects on the blend, so the solid waste "lime" and air pollutant of cement factories will reduce. In this research, the low fineness blend exhibited about 87% from compressive strength of high fineness blend at 28 days age. The results show that the using of hydrated lime up to 10%; by weight, as a replacement of cement will give good compressive strength and workability, and will reduce moderately the setting time, but the use of hydrated lime by more than 10% will reduce the compressive strength and increase the unsoundness of the blend (from 3mm expansion at 10% hydrated lime to 29mm expansion at 15% hydrated lime).

To feed the world's growing population, the agriculture sector has recently had to strike a balance between reducing its detrimental effects on ecosystems and human health and boosting resource efficiency and production. In reality, pesticides and fertilizers are vital to agriculture and are useful instruments that farmers can employ to increase yield and guarantee steady productivity throughout the seasons under both favorable and unfavorable conditions. Therefore, in the present study, fertilizing with potassium citrate as a foliar spray and humic acid (HA) as a soil application allowed for the evaluation of vegetative growth parameters (plant height, number of leaves/plant), total phenolic content, total carbohydrate, antioxidant activity, the essential oil (EO) composition, and bulb yield of garlic (Allium sativum L.). These were carried out in two field experiments throughout the 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 growth seasons. A gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) apparatus was performed to determine the chemical composition of the isolated EOs. The antifungal activity of the EOs was assessed against two fungi, Fusarium proliferatum and Macrophomina phaseolina, that cause geranium plants to wilt and decay. The findings indicated that applying HA at a rate of 2 g/L with potassium citrate at a rate of 5 or 10 mL/L produced garlic bulbs with the highest levels of productivity and diameter. The diverse treatments between HA with potassium citrate resulted in significant variations in the bioactive components, such as total phenol content, antioxidant activity, total carbohydrate, and sulfur content. The analysis of the EOs revealed the presence of dimethyl trisulfide, diallyl disulfide, methyl 2-propenyl trisulfide, allitridin, and methyl allyl disulfide and allyl tetrasulfide as main compounds. By gradually increasing the concentration of the garlic EO to 4000 µg/mL compared to the control, the inhibition percentage of fungal growth of F. proliferatum and M. phaseolina was increased. In conclusion, a high concentration of HA with potassium citrate (5 or 10 mL/L), may be suitable and highly appreciated as a fertilizer application to enhance the productivity and EOs content of garlic plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An effective strategy for enhancing fruit production continuity during extended sweet pepper season involves adopting innovative biostimulants such as potassium silicate (PS) and vinasse. Adjusting PS and vinasse concentrations are crucial for maintaining the balance between vegetative and fruit growth, particularly in sweet pepper with a shallow root system, to sustain fruiting over prolonged season. However, the interaction between PS and vinasse and the underlying physiological mechanisms that extend the sweet pepper season under greenhouse conditions remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of PS and vinasse treatments on the yield and biochemical constituents of perennial pepper plants cultivated under greenhouse conditions. For two consecutive seasons [2018/2019 and 2019/2020], pepper plants were sprayed with PS (0, 0.5, and 1 g/l) and drenched with vinasse (0, 1, 2, and 3 l/m3). To estimate the impact of PS and vinasse on the growth, yield, and biochemical constituents of pepper plants, fresh and dry biomass, potential fruit yield, and some biochemical constituents were evaluated. Results revealed that PS (0.5 g/l) coupled with vinasse (3 l/m3) generated the most remarkable enhancement, in terms of plant biomass, total leaf area, total yield, and fruit weight during both growing seasons. The implementation of vinasse at 3 l/m3 with PS at 0.5 and 1 g/l demonstrated the most pronounced augmentation in leaf contents (chlorophyll index, nitrogen and potassium), alongside improved fruit quality, including total soluble solid and ascorbic acid contents, of extended sweet pepper season. By implementing the optimal combination of PS and vinasse, growers can significantly enhance the biomass production while maintaining a balance in fruiting, thereby maximizing the prolonged fruit production of superior sweet pepper under greenhouse conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co-channel interference cancellation (CCI) is the process used to reduce interference from other signals using the same frequency channel, thereby enhancing the performance of wireless communication systems. An improvement to this approach is adaptive CCI, which reduces interference without relying on prior knowledge of the interfering signal characteristics. Recent work suggested using machine learning (ML) models for this purpose, but high-throughput ML solutions are still lacking, especially for edge devices with limited resources. This work explores the adaptation of U-Net Convolutional Neural Network models for high-throughput adaptive source separation. Our approach is established on architectural modifications, notably through quantization and the incorporation of depthwise separable convolution, to achieve a balance between computational efficiency and performance. Our results demonstrate that the proposed models achieve superior MSE scores when removing unknown interference sources from the signals while maintaining significantly lower computational complexity compared to baseline models. One of our proposed models is deeper and fully convolutional, while the other is shallower with a convolutional structure incorporating an LSTM. Depthwise separable convolution and quantization further reduce the memory footprint and computational demands, albeit with some performance tradeoffs. Specifically, applying depthwise separable convolutions to the model with the LSTM results in only a 0.72% degradation in MSE score while reducing MACs by 58.66%. For the fully convolutional model, we observe a 0.63% improvement in MSE score with even 61.10% fewer MACs. Additionally, the models exhibit excellent scalability on GPUs, with the fully convolutional model achieving the highest symbol rates (up to 800 $\times$ 103 symbol per second) at larger batch sizes. Overall, our findings underscore the feasibility of using optimized machine-learning models for interference cancellation in devices with limited resources.

Background: Family boundaries play a role in the formation of schemas, this can have significant psychological consequences for family members. Despite the theoretical links between enmeshed family boundaries and early maladaptive schemas, there is a noticeable research gap on this relationship. Aims: The present study was conducted with the aim of comparing enmeshed family boundaries in students with and without early maladaptive schemas. Methods: The method of this descriptive research was causal-comparative. The statistical population of the research included all students of Islamic Azad University of Tehran in the academic year of 2023-2024. Among the people of the statistical population, 204 people (152 women, 52 men) were selected by convenience sampling method. The data collection tools in this research included the Young Schema Questionnaire-Short Form (Young, 1998) and the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale (Olson et al., 1985). Independent t-test, Benferoni test and SPSS-26 software were used to analyze and compare the data. Results: The scores of enmeshed boundaries in people with an Enmeshment/Undeveloped Self schema were significantly higher than those without an Enmeshment/Undeveloped Self schema (P< 0.05). Enmeshed family boundaries in individuals with and without Disconnection and Rejection Domain impaired schemas, Impaired Autonomy and Performance Domain impaired schemas, Entitlement/Grandiosity schema,Insufficient Self-Control/Self-discipline schema, Other Directedness Domain schemas, Over vigilance /Inhibition Domain impaired schemas, were not significantly different. (P> 0.05). Conclusion: Intertwined borders can lead to the formation of the intertwined schema itself. However, the development of other maladaptive schemas is not directly related to family entanglement. These schemas may develop through various pathways, such as traumatic experiences, peer relationships, or social influences.

Abstract Recent studies have suggested that the interaction between diet and an individual’s genetic predisposition can determine the likelihood of obesity and various metabolic disorders. The current study aimed to examine the association of dietary branched-chain amino acids(BCAAs) and aromatic amino acids(AAAs) with the expression of the leptin and FTO genes in the visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues of individuals undergoing surgery. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 136 Iranian adults, both men and women, aged ≥18 years. The samples were selected from patients admitted for abdominal surgeries. The dietary intake of BCAAs and AAAs was determined using a valid and reliable 168-item food frequency questionnaire. Using the quantitative PCR method, leptin and FTO mRNA expression was measured in both visceral and subcutaneous fat tissues. The mean age of the participants was 39.8 ± 12.7 years, and the mean intake of BCAAs and AAAs was 17.7 ± 0.9 and 9.3 ± 0.3% of protein per day, respectively. In overweight-obese patients(body mass index = 25–34.9 kg/m2), the intake of BCAAs(β:-0.75,95%CI:-1.47,-0.03), valine(β:-0.78,95%CI:-1.51,-0.05), and tyrosine(β:-0.81,95%CI:-1.55,-0.06) was inversely associated with FTO gene expression in subcutaneous fat tissue in adjusted model. In morbidly obese patients(body mass index ≥ 35 kg/m2), a higher intake of total BCAAs(β:1.10,95%CI:0.07–2.13), leucine(β:1.07,95%CI:0.03–2.13), and isoleucine(β:1.49,95%CI:0.46–2.52) was associated with an increase of leptin gene expression in subcutaneous fat tissue. Our findings suggest that dietary BCAA may associated with gene expression in adipose tissues, potentially influencing obesity-related metabolic pathways. Further prospective studies are warranted to validate results and elucidate the potential for dietary interventions targeting amino acids intake in obesity management.

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Water pollution emerges from different sources such as industry, domestic uses, use of pesticides and fertilisers and other daily uses of organic materials. Wastewater treatment has received great interest especially in the last few years and different techniques have been used for that object. The most recents are the advanced oxidation processes; where photocatalytic reactions represent a sounding technique. In the present work Methylene Blue dye (MB) is used as a model pollutant and the dye-polluted water is photocatalytically treated using TiO2 as nanoparticles and nanofiber in different dosages. The catalyst is supported on Agar-Agar before being used. Another set of experiments is run with silver-doped catalyst where the catalyst is doped with different concentrations of silver (Ag). Results showed that TiO2 nanoparticles have better performance as a photocatalyst than TiO2 nanofiber. It is clear that the highest performance is given by the catalyst doped with 2% silver (51.679% degradation). This is followed by doping with 3% silver (37.367% degradation) while doping with 1% silver gave results very close to the results of un-doped TiO2 (24.026% degradation for 1% silver-doped catalyst as compared to 24.393% degradation for the undoped catalyst). The Response Surface Methodology (RSM) is used for predicting the optimum values for the operating parameters which lead to the highest percentage dye degradation. The optimum values were found to be as follows: 40 ppm, 10 ppm and 5 for catalyst conc., dye conc. and pH, respectively. The maximum percent degradation achieved at these conditions was 49.45%. Validation of the model with experimental results showed that the model fits well this type of processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We carried out this study to validate the use of ultrasound sliding sign to predict intraperitoneal adhesions in women undergoing repeated caesarean section (CS). A cross-section study was performed in women with at least one CS scheduled for an elective CS. We used the sliding sign of the uterus against the anterior abdominal wall to assess intraperitoneal adhesions, positive sliding sign if uterus moved freely and a negative sliding sign if limited mobility. The obstetrician was blind to the ultrasound results, asked to report if adhesions were absent or present during CS to validate accuracy of the sliding sign. We examined 120 women, negative sliding was reported in 54 patients, positive sliding in 66 women. The presence of intra-abdominal adhesions was confirmed in 44/54 cases assigned to the high-risk group, while the prediction of low risk for adhesions confirmed in 66/66 patients with a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 86.84%. Sliding sign is an effective method to detect intra-abdominal adhesions in women with a history of repeated caesarean delivery. What is already knownonthissubject? There has been a dramatic increase in the caesarean section (CS) rate worldwide; repeated CSs may be associated with intraperitoneal adhesions that result in difficulty during the procedure and may be related to bowel or bladder injuries and neonatal morbidities. What do the results of this study add? The sliding sign by ultrasound has a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 86.84%, a positive predictive value of 81.5, a negative predictive value of 100, and accuracy of 91.67, considering it rapid, easy and reliable method for prediction of intraperitoneal adhesions. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or future research? The use of sliding sign by ultrasound in cases with repeated CSs offers a good predictor tool for presence of intraperitoneal adhesions and subsequently avoid severe sequels during surgery and good preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: One of the new treatment methods for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in patients who do not respond to the first line of drug treatment is brain stimulation from transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS). However, there has been limited research regarding its effectiveness, with the results often being contradictory. In the present study, the effect of TDCS with sertraline drug on the severity of the disease and the improvement of various areas of obsessive thoughts and actions was investigated. Materials and Methods: In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, 50 patients with OCD were randomly assigned to two groups of 25: an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group underwent active TDCS and the control group underwent passive TDCS each for 16 sessions (20 min per session). The intensity of OCD symptoms in both groups was evaluated using the Padua questionnaire at four time points: before treatment, 4 weeks after the start of treatment, 8 weeks after treatment initiation, and 1 month after the conclusion of the treatment. Results: The two groups were similar in terms of age, gender, duration of illness, and severity of OCD before treatment (P

Abstract This review aims to evaluate the current literature on the potential therapeutic effects of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) in treating eye diseases and to identify the pharmacologic activities related to ocular diseases. To conduct this scoping review, a comprehensive literature search was conducted using electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. The search terms used included “Silybum marianum”, “milk thistle”, “eye diseases”, “cataracts”, “age-related macular degeneration”, and “glaucoma.” Inclusion criteria were in-vitro, in-vivo, or human studies investigating the potential therapeutic effects of Silybum marianum in ocular diseases. Studies not related to ocular diseases or not investigating the use of Silybum marianum as a therapeutic agent were excluded. Milk thistle has been found to have various therapeutic effects in treating ocular surface diseases, cataracts, glaucoma, and uveitis. Its pharmacologic activities related to ocular diseases include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities. It also has anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and aldose reductase inhibitor characteristics, which may be beneficial in treating some eye diseases. The appropriate dose and route of administration of milk thistle have also been identified. Milk thistle might be a potentially effective therapeutic agent for various eye diseases. However, further research is needed to fully understand its safety and effectiveness. Milk thistle represents a promising avenue for future research in the field of natural products and the treatment of eye diseases. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Simultaneous CNS tuberculosis and neuro cryptococcosis are rare in immunocompromised patients and more rare in immune-competent patients, immunosuppression by HIV infection is the main contributing factor, herein, we describe a case of CNS tuberculosis with cryptococcal meningitis after a long period of severe psychological stress alternating with anxiety and depression, the purpose is to highlight the effect of stress on the immune system and the consequent exposure to severe infection.

In the present study, norlobaridone (NBD) was isolated from Parmotrema and then evaluated as a new potent quorum sensing (QS) inhibitor against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm development. This phenolic natural product was found to reduce P. aeruginosa biofilm formation (64.6% inhibition) and its related virulence factors, such as pyocyanin and rhamnolipids (% inhibition = 61.1% and 55%, respectively). In vitro assays inhibitory effects against a number of known LuxR-type receptors revealed that NBD was able to specifically block P. aeruginosa's LasR in a dose-dependent manner. Further molecular studies (e.g., sedimentation velocity and thermal shift assays) demonstrated that NBD destabilized LasR upon binding and damaged its functional quaternary structure (i.e., the functional dimeric form). The use of modelling and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations also allowed us to further understand its interaction with LasR, and how this can disrupt its dimeric form. Finally, our findings show that NBD is a powerful and specific LasR antagonist that should be widely employed as a chemical probe in QS of P. aeruginosa, providing new insights into LasR antagonism processes. The new discoveries shed light on the mysterious world of LuxR-type QS in this key opportunistic pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The present research was conducted with the aim of providing a local model of organizational self-leadership with an emphasis on training in non-governmental organizations, with the approach of data-based theory, in Moalem Insurance Company. This research is of a mixed type. Participants in the qualitative part are 32 people (7 women and 25 men). In the quantitative part, the statistical population is 720 employees, and the sample size was determined by using Morgan's table to be 251 people. Next, using the snowball sampling method and reaching theoretical saturation, a semi-structured interview was conducted with 18 experts from Moalem Insurance Company. In the quantitative part of the research, a questionnaire was compiled from the output of the three stages of coding and the calculated components. Content validity method was used to evaluate its validity and reliability. To analyze the quantitative data of the questionnaire; structural equation modeling method with PLS approach and Smart_PLS software were used. Based on the obtained results, the native model of organizational self-leadership was calculated. Extended abstract Introduction Organizations are organized societies whose leaders are an elite class of that society (Eacott, 2018) and these elites are the creators of wealth in organizations. The biggest challenge of organizations in the 21st century is competition based on expensive resources, which determines the survival and growth of organizations. Among these sources, organizational leadership and human resources development have a special position and importance. In today's era, human resources have found a central position in organizations in such a way that the employees of any organization are considered the most valuable productive resource of that organization (Nazifkar et al., 2023), and the type of their leadership and guidance is a fundamental and determining factor for the management of organizations. Furthermore, paying attention to the human capital has important organizational and social consequences. Self-development approach is one of the most important new approaches to the development of human capital; and one of the most important and fundamental development mechanisms of this approach is self-leadership and self-management (Abili, Mazari, 2015). Based on this, awareness of the concept of self-leadership and the factors affecting it can have significant effects on organizations and the desired performance of individuals in line with the organizational vision. What is organizational leadership? What should be done to train efficient leaders in organizations? What is the mechanism of leadership development in organizations? Can the phenomenon of self-leadership and its effective training be useful in training effective leaders? These questions and such questions are the basic and important concerns of today's organizations, because the excellence of people, as the main assets of organizations, is one of the key duties and roles of leadership in organizations. Theoretical framework Leadership Leaders are the rarest basic resource of all organizations, and the effectiveness of organizations in today's complex world, which is characterized by the emergence of new changes, implies the existence of competent leaders (Mohtaram, Pakbaz, 2023). On this basis, organizations are continuously searching for effective leaders; leaders who are focused, motivated and inspiring in the face of adversity (Mutsoli, Oginde, 2023). It is very clear that the concept of leadership has a dynamic nature like any other phenomenon, so it is not a matter of discovery but a skill that can be learned. Self-leadership The term self-leadership was first proposed by Charles Manz (1986). The concept of self-leadership is the process of influencing oneself to move oneself in order to achieve the expected result (Manz, & Neck, 2009). In other words, self-leadership is a conscious exercise to control thoughts, behavior and inner feelings; and helps a person to achieve life goals. One of the most obvious abilities that can be developed in human resources is the ability of self-leadership, because self-leadership can potentially lead to creativity and innovation (Najafi Nezhad et al., 2021) as well as the career success of the organization's employees. On the other hand, in the explanation and preparation of the self-developing organization, self-leadership training can provide the sustainable development of human resources and capital and the continuous enjoyment of agile and growing human capital in the organization. NGO An organization is a purposeful group that follows a system, and has clear boundaries that separate it from its surrounding environment (Douma & Schreuder, 2017). Accordingly, a non-governmental organization is an organization that is not directly considered a part of the government structure and is established and managed with the personal funds of individuals and written articles of association. These organizations act based on their goals and vision in recruiting and cultivating human resources. Model A model is a representation of a system using constituent factors and a pattern of causal relationships between factors. In other words, a model is a representation of realities in which systems continuously behave in different and sometimes complex ways due to the internal interaction of components with each other and their external interaction with the environment. This diversity and complexity of the behaviors of a system prompts researchers in this field to design models and check the results by applying and making changes in it based on the desired variables and parameters to understand the complexity and describe or predict these behaviors. The first person who designed the self-leadership model was Manz (1986). Based on this model, he described self-leadership as a journey to self-discovery, a method of self-influence, a technique for self-efficacy, a source of behavioral control, and even a process of self-sufficiency. In a research titled investigating the role of self-leadership strategies on employee creativity as a mediator of career success, Shamkhani, Kazemi Laegh (2023) finally concluded that self-leadership strategy has a positive and significant effect on creativity with a role as a mediator of employee career success. In a research titled Self-Leadership as a Support for Empowerment, Klosel (2022) concluded that leadership empowerment should not only be considered as granting freedom of action in decision-making and action, but also the role of support in the development and performance of a role model of leaders should consciously be used; for this purpose, their self-leadership skills should also be continuously developed. In a research titled investigating the effect of self-leadership strategies on general self-efficacy beliefs, Proios et al., (2020) concluded that self-leadership strategies help to improve the general self-efficacy of participants in organizational activities. Self-goal setting, self-reward, self-punishment, and nature reward were found to be stronger predictors. In a study titled Why Self-Leadership Matters, Brownin (2018) concluded that organizational leaders are more sensitive to issues internal to their organization, such as diversity and talent management. These leaders must be able to reflect on their strengths and weaknesses and turn them into learning opportunities. Research methodology The strategy used in the current research is Data-based (Strauss and Corbin). The community of participants (qualitative part) is 32 people and the statistical community (quantitative part) is 720 people. The data collection tool in the qualitative part of the research was a semi-structured interview, which was conducted using the snowball sampling method with 18 experts until reaching theoretical saturation. Also, in order to collect information in the quantitative part of the research, a questionnaire was compiled and made available online to the statistical community of the quantitative part of the research. To analyze the data, the information went through the three steps of coding in such a way that the researcher selected the components while converting them into categories and aggregating and explaining the interrelationship of the categories, finalized the process of achieving a systematic theory by putting these categories together around one central category. In order to analyze the data in the quantitative part of the research, model fitting based on the structural equation model was used through Smart-PLS software. Research findings In the qualitative part, the central phenomenon of the research was determined; the category of organizational self-leadership with an emphasis on training in non-governmental organizations. Also, causal conditions with 7 categories, intervening conditions with 9 categories, background conditions with 7 categories, strategies with 9 categories and finally consequences with 5 categories were counted. In the quantitative part of the research, all categories have a factor loading above 0.50 at the confidence level of 0.95. On the other hand, the basis of significance of the items is that the significant number is greater than the value of ±1.96, which indicates the significance of factor loadings. In the model fitting output, CMIN/DF index was obtained equal to 1.515. The comparative fit indices are more than 90% and the economic indices are also greater than 0.5. Also, the RMSEA index was 0.043, which is less than 0.05. Therefore, the structural model of the research was confirmed. Discussion and conclusion The current research was conducted with the aim of presenting the indigenous model of organizational self-leadership with an emphasis on training in non-governmental organizations. Based on the findings of this research, the main category of statistics is self-leadership training at the individual and organizational level. The results calculated in this study are consistent with the results obtained in the following studies; Manz (1986), Browning (2018), Shamkhani & Kazemi Laegh (2023), Abdolmaleki & Khorasani (2019), Muller & Niessen (2019), Daud (2020), Proios et al., (2020), Liu et al., (2023), and Mousavi et al., (2020). Since self-leadership is a set of thinking, speaking, and acting skills that increase individual performance, improve performance efficiency, creativity and innovation and individual effectiveness; therefore it can be taught. In order to achieve this goal, including the subject of self-leadership skills in elementary school and high school courses; and further, expanding its education in the higher education system can play an essential role in the generation of self-leadership in the society. It is also very clear that training self-leadership skills at the organizational level also leads to self-responsibility, job satisfaction, entrepreneurship, a sense of trust between the members of the organization, better communication in the group, and ultimately more correct group decisions.

Abstract Background Familial dietary intake can be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors; the current study aimed to examine the role of these two factors on dietary intake by investigating the resemblance in energy, nutrient, and food group intake among spouses and siblings in twin and family-based studies. Methods The online literature databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched up to September 2024. The pooled correlation coefficient (r) of studies was calculated using Fisher’s z and standard error (SE) of z’s of all studies and our final results were reported in six groups including non-twin siblings, monozygotic (MZ) twins, dizygotic (DZ) twins, all-twins, all siblings, and spouse. Results Our findings on 30 observational studies indicate that siblings, especially MZ twins, tend to have similar dietary intake, with high correlations for vegetables (r: 0.59), red meat (r: 0.58), and fruits (r: 0.56). Among DZ twins, the lowest correlations were observed for eggs (r: 0.07), soft drinks (r: 0.14), and daily intake of simple carbohydrates (r: 0.17). DZ twins did not show significant differences in dietary resemblance compared to non-twin siblings. Among spouses, the highest correlations for dietary intake were found for polyunsaturated fats (r: 0.41), saturated fats (r: 0.40), and total fats (r: 0.39), while the lowest correlation was for protein intake (r: 0.24). Conclusions While the greatest similarity in dietary intake was observed among MZ twins, no significant difference in dietary intake similarity was noted between DZ twins and non-twin siblings. Furthermore, spouses exhibited a significant degree of similarity in their dietary consumption. Therefore, dietary intake is shaped by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors, warranting further investigation to validate these observations.

Abstract Background The possible role of the insulinemic potential of diet in the etiology of type 2 diabetes (T2D) has recently received significant attention in observational studies. This meta-analysis aimed to synthesize available evidence and quantify the potential association between the empirical dietary index for hyperinsulinemia (EDIH) score and T2D risk. Methods Various electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science, were comprehensively searched up to January 2024 using related keywords to identify relevant studies. The hazard ratios (HR) or odds ratios were extracted from eligible cohort studies, and a random-effects model with an inverse variance weighting method was used to calculate the pooled effect size, which was expressed as HR. Results The analysis included six cohort studies (four publications), with sample sizes ranging from 3,732 to 90,786 individuals aged 20 to 79 years. During follow-up periods of 5 to over 20 years, 31,284 T2D incidents were identified. The pooled results showed that a higher EDIH score was associated with an increased risk of T2D incidence (HR: 1.47; 95%CI 1.21–1.77; I2 = 91.3%). Significant publication bias was observed in the present meta-analysis (P = 0.020). Geographical region and follow-up period can be as sources of heterogeneity (Pheterogeneity

Abstract This prospective cohort study included 80 healthy candidates for Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) implantation who underwent biometric assessments with Scheimpflug imaging (the Pentacam-AXL) and swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT; the IOLMaster-700), both before and 3 months after surgery. The main outcome measures were mean keratometry, anterior chamber depth, axial length, and various intraocular lens (IOL) calculation formulas (Haigis, SRK/T, Hoffer Q, Holladay 1, Barrett Universal 2, and Olsen). The interchangeability of the devices was assessed by generating 95% limits of agreement (95% LoA) and associated Bland-Altman plots. The average age of the participants was 31.5 ± 5.4 years (22–43), with 58 (72.5%) being female. Among the cases analyzed, 11 (13.4%) had incorrect anterior lens surface segmentation using the IOLMaster-700, and 1 case (1.2%) had inappropriate segmentation using the Pentacam-AXL. Postoperative IOL power calculation resulted in readings that were, on average, 0.15 to 0.30 D higher compared to preoperative measurements. The 95% LoAs could differ by up to 0.85 D higher after surgery, indicating weak agreement between pre- and postoperative measurements. There was poor agreement between the IOLMaster-700 and Pentacam-AXL in IOL power calculation for eyes with post-ICL implantation, with a difference of more than 1 D in the 95% LoAs. In conclusion, Scheimpflug imaging was found to be less susceptible than the SS-OCT technique to segmentation errors of the anterior lens surface after ICL implantation. Neither device showed interchangeable results for pre- versus postoperative IOL power calculation. The determination of IOL power by the IOLMaster-700 versus Pentacam-AXL was not interchangeable in eyes with ICL implantation.

Abstract Background Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) are widespread, treatable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) of global significance, affecting millions annually. Left untreated, they pose significant risks, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and complications during pregnancy. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommends annual chlamydial screening for sexually active women to address these risks. Responding to this global challenge, the World Health Organization (WHO) has formulated a global health sector strategy on sexually transmitted infections, outlining priority actions to strengthen STI responses in countries. However, STI epidemiological studies encounter challenges in developing nations like Egypt due to socio-cultural factors, poverty, and limited diagnostic facilities. In Egypt, STI diagnosis primarily relies on clinical presentations, lacking structured screening programs for CT and NG. This study’s main objective is to estimate the prevalence of Chlamydial and gonorrheal infections, advocating for supportive STI strategies in Egypt. Additionally, the study aims to provide a foundation for national prevalence estimates of CT and NG infections. Methods A cross-sectional study encompassed five antenatal clinics in different regions of Egypt. A total of 1040 pregnant women attending these clinics were consecutively sampled. Data collection involved structured questionnaires, and urine samples were subjected to the GeneXpert CT/NG qualitative real-time PCR test. Results The prevalence of CT infections was 0.29% (95% CI, 0.10–0.86%), with no detected NG infections. The three CT-positive cases were distributed across different recruitment centers, with no statistically significant differences observed between infected and non-infected participants. Notably, 40.3% of recruited women reported gynecological symptoms, primarily discharge. Additionally, 9.6% had undergone previous testing for sexually transmitted infections, with 8.2% receiving positive results. Conclusions This study provides valuable data on the prevalence of CT and NG infections among pregnant women attending ANC clinics in Egypt. The findings underscore the importance of ongoing surveillance, routine screening, and targeted interventions to ensure the reproductive health and well-being of pregnant women and their infants. Further research is warranted to explore the broader implications of STIs in different populations and to inform evidence-based guidelines for screening and management in diverse settings. Trial registration: IRB no.: 17,400,017; WHO ERC Protocol Id. A66005.

Background: Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure a child’s health. This study investigated the effect of an extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) on exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). Methods: In this randomized educational trial, 132 pregnant women were divided into two intervention groups and one control group using a multi-stage random clustering method. The first intervention group received interventions based on the TPB. In the extended theory group, interventions to promote breastfeeding self-efficacy and social support for breastfeeding were also provided. In order to collect information, the constructs of the planned behavior questionnaire, Dennis’s breastfeeding self-efficacy questionnaire and boateng’s breastfeeding social support questionnaire were used, all of which have confirmed validity and reliability. Data were analyzed using the paired t-test, analysis of covariance, one-way analysis of variance, and chi-square and Bonferroni tests. Results: All the constructs of the TPB in both groups improved after the intervention (P0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that the constructs of both the TPB and the extended TPB could effectively promote EBF behavior. It appears that combining the use of planned behavior theory constructs with social support structures and breastfeeding self-efficacy can be effective in promoting breastfeeding behavior.