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Human activities lead to a large accumulation of heavy metals in the soil which comes from industrial activities such as mining smelting refining manufacturing processes and waste resulting from excessive use of chemical fertilizer and vehicle exhausts. So, soil pollutants especially with heavy metals can be treated using different types of plants; such as forest trees and grasses. These plants can tolerate soil pollutants at high concentrations in their biological tissue, and treat pollutants by absorbing and accumulating heavy metals in their living tissues. Therefore, in this article, we reviewed several forest tree species, that showed high resistance in the absorption and accumulation of heavy metals, such as genus Eucalyptus, Acacia, Salix, Populus, Tamarix, Melia, Dalbergia, Leucaena, Acer, Fraxinus, and Thuja. It has been noted that planting forest trees with high biomass that resist high concentrations of heavy metals in soil, works to rid the soil of these pollutants. This is the latest and best technology for treating soil pollution. In particular, it is unique from its counterparts in its environmental friendliness, economic benefits, and other returns resulting from plant cultivation. Therefore, applying phytoremediation techniques that benefit is the best and safest for the environment and living organisms.

Banking operations have always evolved in tandem with developing technologies in all fields, providing new services to customers and facilitating easier banking transactions. Many banks have adopted modern financial technology, which has immensely impacted their financial performance, often linked to their operation markets and client bases. This study aims to examine the relationship between financial technology and bank performance using panel data for 21 Arabian banks, from Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, from 2015 to 2022. Financial technology was determined by the frequency with which digitalization terminology appeared in annual reports. Bank performance is measured by return on assets and return on equity. Ordinary least squares and two-stage least squares were applied to achieve the objective. The findings reveal that financial technology positively impacts the return on assets for Arabian banks, where a one-unit increase in fintech causes a 0.37 increase in ROA. In addition, financial technology positively impacts return on equity for Arabian banks, where a one-unit increase in fintech leads to a 0.29 increase in ROE. To confirm the study results, robustness was examined for the regression results using sub-period analysis before and during COVID-19. The results obtained using the two sub-periods show that financial technology positively impacts banks’ financial performance in the two sub-periods before and during COVID-19. In addition, financial technology’s impact on financial performance in model 1 and model 2 during COVID-19 (0.78 and 0.47) is higher than its impact before COVID-19 (0.49 and 28).

Construction projects in Iraq suffer from many complex problems. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify the most critical factors affecting the performance of Iraqi construction projects, delving into their identification, analysis, and understanding. A comprehensive list of 32 influential factors was compiled through site surveys, interviews with engineers and experts, and a review of previous research. These factors were categorized into eight groups: planning and management, design and engineering, procurement and supply chain, workforce and labor, technology and innovation, environmental and regulatory aspects, site conditions and infrastructure, and external factors. One hundred and ten questionnaires were distributed to project stakeholders, including owners, consultants, and contractors. The results found that the five most important factors affecting performance ranked using the relative importance Index are poor planning, failure to allocate resources properly, unavailability of skilled labor, poor labor productivity, and volatile economic conditions. Based on these results, for solutions to be effective, they must be adapted to the local environment. Project participants must be interested in planning as it is essential to address the same. The skills of project workers must be developed through training programs. Communication with project stakeholders must be coordinated to contribute to the decision-making process.

Abstract Premature physeal arrest can cause progressive deformities and functional disabilities of the lower limbs. This study addressed the outcomes after physeal bar resection with or without guided growth (temporary hemiepiphysiodesis) for the treatment of angular limb deformities. We retrospectively analyzed 27 patients (mean 9 years; range, 3–12 years) who underwent physeal bar resection of the distal femur (15 patients), proximal tibia (3 patients), and distal tibia (9 patients) between 2002 and 2020. Fifteen patients underwent physeal bar resection only (Group A), and the other twelve underwent simultaneous guided growth (Group B). The correction angle (angle change between the preoperative and last follow-up values) was compared and analyzed. The overall mean correction angle was 2.9° (range, − 9 to 18.3°). A total of 12 (45%) patients had a > 5° angular deformity improvement (mean, 9.6°; range, 5–18.3°), 9 (33%) had a 5° worsening of the angular deformity (mean, 6.7°; range, 5.2–9°). The correction angle in Group B (mean 7.6° ± 6.2) was significantly higher than that in Group A (mean − 0.77° ± 6.3) (P = 0.01). We found six (40%) and zero patients with a > 5° angular deformity increase in Groups A and B, respectively (P

Abstract Background To compare two types of intrauterine devices, namely Cu T380A IUD and Multiload 375 IUD, inserted immediately post-placental during cesarean section, with regard to expulsion rates and side effects. Methods A randomized comparative clinical trial was carried out over 200 patients with 100 patients in each group. Transabdominal ultrasonography (US) was done on all patients before discharge to ensure the adequate position of the IUD in addition to casco speculum examination to assess the IUD threads, and then women were requested to attend a follow-up appointment at 6 weeks after delivery; gynecological examinations in addition to transvaginal sonography were done to measure the top-fundal distance that reflects the position of the IUD. The participants were instructed to report the pattern of bleeding during the puerperium, fever, or vaginal discharge. Results The ultrasonographic assessment of IUD position before patient discharge (1st assessment) revealed that 18% of Cu T380A IUD users were displaced in comparison to 24% of Multiload 375 IUD, and such difference between both groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.3); furthermore, the ultrasonographic assessment of IUD position after 6 weeks (2nd assessment) revealed that 19% of Cu T380A IUD users were displaced in comparison to 30% of Multiload 375 IUD, and such difference between both groups was statistically significant (P = 0.047). In addition, none of the included patients in both groups suffered from fever after IUD insertion. Conclusion The present study demonstrated that post-placental insertion of Multiload 375 IUCD results in significantly higher displacement compared to post-placental insertion of Cu T380A IUCD, as well as significantly more bleeding problems with Cu T380A IUCD as compared with Multiload 375 IUCD. Trial registration The study was registered prospectively on clinical trial.gov with trial registeration number NCT05624411 (Registered 22-October-2022, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05624411 ).

This study delves into the dynamics of green product innovation, artificial intelligence (AI) adaption, and intellectual capital, investigating their impact on the competitiveness of firms in Oman. It emphasizes the crucial role of government intervention and R&D investments in this process. Based on the responses of 214 top managers in Oman, the research employs structural equation modeling to analyze the intricate relationships between these factors. The findings underscore a significant positive correlation between green innovation, AI implementation, and intellectual capital, with government involvement and R&D investments as vital moderators. This study provides a novel perspective on the synergy of technology, innovation, and intellectual capital in developing economies. It offers essential insights for business leaders, policymakers, and scholars, highlighting the necessity of integrating advanced technologies and sustainable practices in business strategies to achieve competitive advantage. The research adds to the existing body of knowledge on innovation and competitiveness. It offers practical implications for enhancing firm performance in Oman and similar emerging markets.

Copyright of Al-Mustansiriyah Journal for Pharmaceutical Sciences is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The purpose of the current article lies in determining the impact of the suggestive exercises on the development of the mental capabilities of children. The researchers used the experimental method with a single-group design, which was appropriate for the core of the current article . The study samble has been specified as children aged 4-6 years in Umm Al-Rabi'een Kindergarten, with a total of 95 children. The study samble (15 children) was randomly selected. . After the exercises were completed, the post-tests have been carried out on the sample with similar circumstances as that of pre-tests. Researchers used statistical methods in the SPSS program. After the results were presented, analyzed, and discussed, The researchers concluded that the exercises conducted for the children had a positive effect on how to use and improve the children's mental abilities.

Lipids are implicated in the development of coronary atherosclerosis. Achieving a significant reduction in lipid levels remains a crucial aspect of secondary prevention following an acute coronary syndrome event. Novel lipid-lowering therapies now provide clinicians with a variety of therapeutic strategies to choose from and tailor to individual patient needs. This review focuses on evidence supporting the importance of early and intensive lipid-lowering therapy use in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome, specifically addressing data relating to atorvastatin and ezetimibe use in this high-risk cohort of patients.

Introduction Pharmacogenomic testing (PGx) plays a crucial role in improving patient medication safety, yet ethical concerns and limitations impede its clinical implementation in the primary care settings.Aims To systematically review the current state of PGx in the primary care settings and determine the enablers and challenges of its implementation.Design A scoping review was carried out by adhering to Arksey and O’Malley’s 6-stage methodological framework and the 2020 Joanna Briggs Institute and Levac et al.Data sources Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Global Health, MEDLINE and PubMed were searched up to 17 July 2023.Eligibility criteria All peer-reviewed studies in English, reporting the enablers and the challenges of implementing PGx in the primary care settings were included.Date extraction and synthesis Two independent reviewers extracted the data. Information was synthesised based on the reported enablers and the challenges of implementing PGx testing in the primary care settings. Information was then presented to stakeholders for their inputs.Results 78 studies discussing the implementation of PGx testing are included, of which 57% were published between 2019 and 2023. 68% of the studies discussed PGx testing in the primary care setting as a disease-specific themes. Healthcare professionals were the major stakeholders, with primary care physicians (55%) being the most represented. Enablers encompassed various advantages such as diagnostic and therapeutic benefits, cost reduction and the empowerment of healthcare professionals. Challenges included the absence of sufficient scientific evidence, insufficient training for healthcare professionals, ethical and legal aspects of PGx data, low patient awareness and acceptance and the high costs linked to PGx testing.Conclusion PGx testing integration in primary care requires increased consumer awareness, comprehensive healthcare provider training on legal and ethical aspects and global feasibility studies to better understand its implementation challenges. Managing high costs entails streamlining processes, advocating for reimbursement policies and investing in research on innovation and affordability research to improve life expectancy.

Tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is a highly destructive and invasive pest affecting tomato and other Solanaceae crops, causing severe economic damage. A comprehensive investigation into the presence of the tomato leaf miner T. absoluta was undertaken in this study via a field survey across tomato cultivation zones throughout all districts of Duhok Governorate in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq from July to September 2022. Instances of T. absoluta infestation were documented in Zakho, Amadiya, Summel, Dohuk, Shekhan, Aqrah, and Bardarash districts. The collected moths were described morphologically depending on the phenotypic characteristics and features of the male genitalia; the phallus was cylindrical; the valva was weakly curved and covered with long setae. The apex of the uncus extends almost to the tip of the valve. They were also confirmed at the molecular level through PCR analysis using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) as a molecular marker. The sequences of the mtCOI gene of T. absoluta specimens were analyzed and compared with the available COI sequence data members from GenBank. All studied specimens of T. absoluta were clustered together in a single group with a high support value, suggesting the presence of high homogeneity in the T. absoluta specimens. This work represents the first attempt at molecular identification of obtained specimens of T. absoluta in Iraq.

Based on the catalytic response between hydrogen peroxide and dichlorophenolindophenol, a spectrophotometric method was developed to estimate adrenaline hydrochloride (ADR), Salbutamol sulfate (sal), and dopamine hydrochloride (DOPA) in pharmaceutical preparations. A calculated value of the oxidizing agent (hydrogen peroxide) was added to the basic medium in the presence of dichlorophenolindophenol to form a blue color, which suffers from a bleaching process due to the oxidation process of the drugs mentioned above by the oxidizing agent at λmax 552 nm. The estimated amounts of adrenaline hydrochloride and Salbutamol sulfate were between 0.25 - 5 μg/ml and 0.5 - 5 μg/ml, respectively. The amount of dopamine hydrochloride was between 1 - 7 μg/ml with good sensitivity, as the molar absorbance was 3.8023×104, 8.3506×104and 2.7213×104, respectively. All other statistical values were thoroughly examined. Good agreement with certified value was observed.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most diagnosed cancer in men and the second most common cancer in women and remains associated with high morbidity and mortality in Saudi Arabia. The current understanding of genetic heterogeneity of CRC biology encourages the identification of the genetic causes of CRC in the Saudi population. Methods: In this study, we obtained 89 CRC patients’ tumor samples from Saudi Arabia and investigated the molecular alterations of the NRAS proto-oncogene, GTPase (NRAS) gene in the collected CRC tumor tissue samples to identify gene mutations using DNA sequencing using an automated DNA sequencer ABI 3730xl. The impact of mutations was analyzed using different bioinformatics tools including SwissModel, Missense3D, molecular dynamics simulations using YASARA DYNAMICS and Protein Variation Effect Analyzer (PROVEAN) tool. Results: We identified a novel mutation c.40 G > T, in one patient in whom valine was replaced by phenylalanine (V14F). Notably, we also identified another mutation in the same codon c.40 G > A where valine is replaced by isoleucine (V14I). Our in-silico analysis revealed that this novel mutation alters the binding affinity of the NRAS gene substantially, and as a result, could have lethal consequences on the downstream signaling genes and pathways including MAPK and PI3K involved in regulating CRC growth and progression. Conclusions: These findings provide insights into the molecular etiology of CRC in general and particularly in the Saudi population. Thus, these findings in NRAS mutation testing may also guide further treatment modalities, and more personalized therapy may be optimized.

Purpose: The global cancer burden and mortality rates are increasing, with significant disparities in access to care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aimed to identify radiology and radiation therapy needs in LMICs from the perspective of departmental and institutional leaders. Methods and Materials: A survey was developed and conducted by the American Association of Physicists in Medicine Global Needs Assessment Committee and the American Association of Physicists in Medicine International Council. The survey, organized into 5 sections (Introduction, Infrastructure Needs, Education Needs, Research Needs, and General Information), was open to respondents from March 1, to August 16, 2022. Results: A total of 175 responses were received from 6 global regions: Africa (31.4%), the Americas (17.7%), the Eastern Mediterranean (14.3%), Europe (9.1%), Southeast Asia (23.4%), and the Western Pacific (4.0%). The greatest reported need was for new or updated equipment, particularly positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging technology. There was also a high demand for clinical and equipment training. Approximately 25% of institutions reported a lack of radiology-based cancer screening programs because of high health care costs and a shortage of specialized equipment. Many institutions that expressed interest in research face funding and grant challenges. Conclusions: The findings highlight critical areas where organizations can support LMICs in enhancing radiology and radiation therapy services to mitigate the growing cancer burden.

Objectives: To compare the efficacy of intrathecal fentanyl and dorsal penile nerve block for postoperative pain management in patients undergoing inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP). Patients and methods: A prospective single-center study included 80 patients amenable to IPP. Patients were divided equally into two groups. Group I included 40 patients who were managed with spinal anesthesia with intrathecal fentanyl before undergoing IPP. Group II comprised 40 patients who received spinal anesthesia with dorsal penile block before IPP. Study groups were compared regarding postoperative VAS (Visual Analog Scale) scores, total narcotics consumption, patient satisfaction levels, and perioperative complications. Results: The study groups were comparable regarding baseline patients’ criteria. The operative time was comparable between the study groups, with group I and group II having respective median times of 64 minutes (interquartile range: 55-78) and 67 minutes (interquartile range: 56-81) (p = 0.65). Additionally, both groups demonstrated similar distributions in IPP implant cylinder and reservoir size (p = 0.9). Postoperative pain was higher in group I, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). Eight patients in group I (20%) called the physician’s office asking for pain medication, compared to two patients in group II (5%) (p = 0.04). 85% of patients in group II were highly satisfied compared to 50 % in group I (p = 0.003). We reported a 5% complication rate in group I compared to 2.5% in group II (p = 0.6). Conclusions: The present study found that the dorsal penile nerve block offers superior postoperative pain control and patient satisfaction compared to intrathecal fentanyl for patients undergoing inflatable penile prosthesis insertion.

Today, there is a significant “digital divide” in the agricultural sector between developing and developed countries. Such a digital disparity has negative consequences on the international competitiveness of these countries and their ability to comply with Food Satefy Standards. We propose a theoretical model to analyze the role of smart agriculture in the ability of countries to comply with international food safety regulations, specifically the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for contaminants such as aflatoxins, pesticides,and heavy metals. Firstly, we show that reducing the digital divide will always improve international food safety and food security (availability of a global supply). However, it can lead to more intense international competition, potentially causing a perverse effect: underinvestment in good agricultural practices by more digitally advanced countries. Furthermore, the digital catch-up of less advanced countries cannot sufficiently reduce health risks in international markets unless accompanied by strengthening official food control systems. Finally, we show that such digital catch-up encourages lowering MRLs rather than relaxing them, contrary to what producers or authorities might hope.

The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) has revolutionized healthcare with remote patient monitoring and real-time diagnosis, but securing patient data remains a critical challenge due to sophisticated cyber threats and the sensitivity of medical information. Traditional machine learning methods struggle to capture the complex patterns in IoMT data, and conventional intrusion detection systems often fail to identify unknown attacks, leading to high false positive rates and compromised patient data security. To address these issues, we propose RCLNet, an effective Anomaly-based Intrusion Detection System (A-IDS) for IoMT. RCLNet employs a multi-faceted approach, including Random Forest (RF) for feature selection, the integration of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) models to enhance pattern recognition, and a Self-Adaptive Attention Layer Mechanism (SAALM) designed specifically for the unique challenges of IoMT. Additionally, RCLNet utilizes focal loss (FL) to manage imbalanced data distributions, a common challenge in IoMT datasets. Evaluation using the WUSTL-EHMS-2020 healthcare dataset demonstrates that RCLNet outperforms recent state-of-the-art methods, achieving a remarkable accuracy of 99.78%, highlighting its potential to significantly improve the security and confidentiality of patient data in IoMT healthcare systems.

Dielectric composite materials are ubiquitously used across a wide variety of industries. Inherent features encompassing immunity against corrosion, light weight and reasonable strength have allowed composites to be seamlessly integrated within critical applications in the oil and gas, aerospace, energy, transportation and defense sectors. While composites are advantageous to their metal counterparts in certain applications, they are not free from vulnerabilities to defects which could potentially compromise their structural integrity. Being prone to numerous flaws and anomalies during operation and manufacturing, routine inspections and periodic health monitoring of composites is of paramount importance. Various non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques have successfully been applied for composite inspection. However, most modalities have had limited success in reliably detecting and localizing flaws/defects in thick dielectric composites. Among the few successful techniques, microwave NDT has repeatedly shown potential for detection of surface/sub-surface defects in such composites. While other NDT techniques have been thoroughly reviewed in the literature, microwave NDT has not been substantially covered. In this paper, a review of various microwave NDT approaches towards the inspection of various composites is presented. The utility of microwave based probes to reliably detect different types of flaws in composites is highlighted. A succinct overview of effectiveness of microwave techniques used to detect a variety of defects in composites is represented in tabular form for convenience of readers to visualize the progress of microwave based NDT methods in the past decade.

IntroductionMetabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has become a major cause of end-stage hepatic disease worldwide requiring liver transplantation, whereas cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Development of MASLD and CVD among young adults is understudied. This study aimed to assess CVD risk in healthy young medical university students using lipid-based and body mass index (BMI)-based 30-year Framingham risk scores (FS30) and to evaluate disease burden for asymptomatic patients with MASLD by performing FibroScan.MethodsWe included medical university students aged 18–30 years without any known medical conditions. All participants underwent physical and anthropometric measurements, and completed a questionnaire. Blood samples were collected for the analysis of glycosylated haemoglobin levels, renal and liver function, biomarker analysis to calculate liver fibrosis risk, and subclinical atherosclerosis biomarkers. Liver stiffness measurements (LSM) and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) values were measured using FibroScan 430 mini to calculate liver fibrosis and steatosis, respectively. FS30 based on body mass index (FS30-BMI) and lipid levels (FS30-Lipid) were also calculated.ResultsOverall, 138 medical students participated in this study after providing informed consent. Using FS30-Lipid and FS30-BMI, CVD risk was identified in two (1.5%; n = 138) and 23 (17.6%; n = 132) individuals, respectively. MASLD fibrosis was identified based on FibroScan LSMs >7.0 kPa in 12 medical students (9.4%, n = 128; 95% CI, 4.7–14.8%). Consumption of coffee and sugary soft drinks were predictive of liver fibrosis. In total, 36 students (28.6%; n = 128) were found to have hepatic steatosis based on FibroScan CAP values >236 dB, and the predictive factors included increased body fat percentage, male sex, and lack of physical activity. Levels of inflammatory biomarkers, such as C-reactive protein and lipids were not elevated in participants with MASLD.DiscussionCVD risk was identified in >17% of young medical students. The frequency of liver fibrosis and steatosis was also high among the participants, indicating that liver damage starts at a relatively early age. Early intervention is needed among young adults via health promotion and lifestyle changes.

Key Clinical Message Neuroendocrine tumors of the bladder are rare, accounting for less than 1% of all bladder tumors. Among these, large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma is an extremely uncommon subtype. We report on a histologically confirmed case of mixed both large and small cells neuroendocrine tumor of the bladder in a 64‐year‐old male with a history of bilharzial cystitis. The diagnosis was made after radical cystectomy with Immunohistochemical staining revealing positivity for synaptophysin, CD56, and AE1/3. While bilharzia is commonly linked to squamous cell carcinoma in the bladder, the potential relationship with neuroendocrine tumors is still relatively unexplored in this context. This case marks the first reported instance of the atypical coexistence of bilharzial cystitis and mixed large and small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the bladder. This unique case of coexisting highlights a rare phenomenon warranting further study. Similar associations have been documented in other organs, emphasizing the importance of exploring underlying mechanisms and clinical implications for improved patient care and outcomes.

PurposeGM1-gangliosidosis (GM1) leads to extensive neurodegenerative changes and atrophy that precludes the use of automated MRI segmentation techniques for generating brain volumetrics. We developed a standardized segmentation protocol for brain MRIs of patients with type II GM1 and then assessed the inter- and intra-rater reliability of this methodology. The volumetric data may be used as a biomarker of disease burden and progression, and standardized methodology may support research into the natural history of the disease which is currently lacking in the literature.ApproachTwenty-five brain MRIs were included in this study from 22 type II GM1 patients of which 8 were late-infantile subtype and 14 were juvenile subtype. The following structures were segmented by two rating teams on a slice-by-slice basis: whole brain, ventricles, cerebellum, lentiform nucleus, thalamus, corpus callosum, and caudate nucleus. The inter- and intra-rater reliability of the segmentation method was assessed with an intraclass correlation coefficient as well as Sorensen-Dice and Jaccard coefficients.ResultsBased on the Sorensen-Dice and Jaccard coefficients, the inter- and intra-rater reliability of the segmentation method was significantly better for the juvenile patients compared to late-infantile (p < 0.01). In addition, the agreement between the two rater teams and within themselves can be considered good with all p-values < 0.05.ConclusionsThe standardized segmentation approach described here has good inter- and intra-rater reliability and may provide greater accuracy and reproducibility for neuromorphological studies in this group of patients and help to further expand our understanding of the natural history of this disease.

ObjectiveInvestigating the functional properties of treated flour composites derived from fruit by-products of avocado (Persea americana), kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa), pineapple (Ananas comosus), and pomegranate (Punica granatum) skins, peels, and/or seeds combined, aiming to understand their stability and potential applications in food products.MethodsFruit by-product flours were used to replace all-purpose wheat flour in ratios of 5, 10, 15, and 20%. The treated flours were evaluated for physicochemical characteristics and used in cookie preparation, with 100% all-purpose wheat flour as the control.ResultsThe water holding capacity (WHC) of composite flours increased with higher substitution levels, regardless of the holding temperature (25, 35, 45, and 55°C), with the most significant increase observed in pomegranate treatments. Furthermore, freeze–thaw stability and viscoelasticity characteristics generally decreased for all composite flours compared to the control, likely due to gluten content dilution. The activation energy of the treated flours ranged from 11.1 to 62.0 kJ/mol. Therefore, gelatinization properties, formulation, and processing were affected by temperature variations due to viscosity dependence and activation energy requirements. Consumer testing indicated that cookies made with fruit by-product flours had an acceptable overall liking score of more than 6 out of 9.ConclusionOverall, the results suggest that utilizing fruit by-products for treated flours can offer valuable natural sources of nutrients with enhanced functional properties, highlighting potential benefits for various food products.

The study area, which consists of carbonate, is located in the unstable Mesopotamian basin on the Arabian plate, which makes it a field with high heterogeneity. It has a discrepancy in its bubble point pressure, which raises concerns about the faults or reefs that caused it. The study's main objective is to determine how faults and reefs impact production performance and pressure behavior under a future development strategy. This goal will be achieved by completing the necessary seismic, static, and dynamic models. After re-evaluating the seismic survey data, the seismic analysis detected many irregular amplitudes of reflected events and abrupt discontinuities, indicating either a reef or a fault. The static model was built based on seismic possible results and to make them as inputs for building the reservoir model. Based on the history-matching results, faults were detected, while reefs were ruled out. The development plan was implemented for the next 20 years in four cases, and case four had the most favorable results among all the cases, with production plateauing at 140 MSTB/D and a cumulative volume equal to 1.09 MMMSTB. The reservoir pressure behavior shows a hierarchical drop in all cases, with some differences, including a sharp decline in the area of the proposed wells and the fault, which has become a compartment that prevents reservoir compensation from adjacent regions.

This works documents a new silica gel-supported nanocatalyst (Si@NSBPdNPs 3) with low Pd loadings for n-alkylation reactions at room temperature. Post synthesis characterisation using SEM-EDX and ICP techniques provided a quantitative assessment of palladium species. Additionally, TEM analysis unveiled an average palladium nanoparticle size of 5.87 ± 0.2 nm. In-depth X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analysis revealed its predominant composition as Pd(0) complexed to a Schiff base ligand on low cost silica matrix. The nanocatalyst exhibited high efficacy in the catalysis of n-alkylation (Michael addition) reactions with various α,β-unsaturated Michael acceptors, yielding the corresponding n-alkyl products at room temperature with exceptional yields. Notably, the catalyst exhibited good stability and could be easily separated from the reaction mixture. Moreover, the catalyst displayed recyclability potential, maintaining its original catalytic efficacy for up to seven cycles without any discernible loss.

In a recent phase 2a clinical trial, the candidate leishmaniasis vaccine ChAd63-KH was shown to be safe and immunogenic in Sudanese patients with post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL). However, its value as a stand-alone therapeutic was unknown. To assess the therapeutic efficacy of ChAd63-KH, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2b trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03969134). Primary outcomes were safety and efficacy (≥90% improvement in clinical disease). Secondary outcomes were change in severity grade and vaccine-induced immune response. 86 participants with uncomplicated PKDL of ≥6 month duration were randomized to receive ChAd63-KH (7.5 × 1010 viral particles, once by the intramuscular route) or placebo. 75 participants (87%) completed the trial as per protocol. No severe or serious adverse events were observed. At day 90 post-vaccination, 6/40 (15%) and 4/35 (11%) participants in the vaccine and placebo groups, respectively, showed ≥90% clinical improvement (risk ratio [RR] 1.31 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.40–4.28], p = 0.742). There were also no significant differences in PKDL severity grade between study arms. Whole-blood transcriptomic analysis identified transcriptional modules associated with interferon responses and monocyte and dendritic cell activation. Thus, a single vaccination with ChAd63-KH showed no therapeutic efficacy in this subset of Sudanese patients with PKDL.

Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) was estimated to be the sixth leading cause of death in 2019, and second most common cause of non-communicable disease-related deaths in India. Systemic or inhaled corticosteroid use must be assessed against any known toxicities risk to determine potential benefits. Thus, there should be a system to streamline the utilization of corticosteroids in COPD patients. Objective: To highlight the potential of clinical markers in promoting steroid stewardship. Additionally this study also emphasizes the need to identify more clinical markers that could determine steroid efficacy and help in tailoring the therapy for patients with COPD. Methodology: Two independent researchers conducted a systematic review to recognize the markers affecting COPD therapy. A literature search was conducted using a thorough search strategy, including search terms “COPD,” “corticosteroids,” “biomarkers,” and related MeSH terms to recruit all relevant literature between 2007 and 2023. In total, 919 PubMed, Embase, and Scopus articles were screened, and 16 were finalized. Results: After thoroughly screening articles, two biomarkers were identified from the review. The majority (n = 13) stated that blood eosinophil count (BEC) could impact steroid therapy in COPD patients, further strengthened by the latest Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines. Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) is another component captured from (n = 3) studies presenting its benefit in directing corticosteroid therapy in COPD patients. Conclusion: This study showed that with an understanding of patient history, using BEC and FENO to determine steroid therapy in COPD could benefit. Although more studies are required, it is believed these markers can individualize steroid therapy, leading to better patient care and shaping the core of the steroid stewardship program.

Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is a rare disorder, defined as the appearance of hematopoietic elements outside the bone marrow or peripheral blood due to ineffective erythropoiesis or inadequate bone marrow activity in a variety of hematological diseases. EMH often manifests as hemopoietic masses in a variety of normal and abnormal bodily sites. We present a 21-year-old man with a medical history of beta thalassemia since he was nine months old. The primary clinical symptom was mild abdominal pain. In this case, we describe a rare instance of small bowel obstruction due to EMH and portal hypertension. Surgery solved the clinical problems, and the patient was discharged home.

Background:The most interesting lineage of Escherichia coli is the sequence type 131 (ST131), a pandemic clone that is responsible for the high incidence of E. coli infections outside the intestine; in addition, it contributes to the global dissemination of multiantibiotic resistance.Aims:To determine the prevalence of E. coli st131, along with their fluoroquinolone resistance patterns and their phylogenetic background.Materials and Methods:A total of 150 high vaginal swabs were taken from female patients with aerobic vaginitis and were screened for the isolation and identification of E. coli ST131 using polymerase chain reaction technology that targets ST131-specific sequence polymorphisms in both the mdh and gyrB genes. An antibiotic sensitivity test was performed to determine resistance patterns.Results:Twenty-seven (18%) E. coli isolates were obtained from women with aerobic vaginitis, including 11 (40.7%) isolates belonging to sequence type 131. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the majority belonged to phylogroup B2 (90.9%), and one isolate belonged to phylogroup B1 (9.09%). All the isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin, and levofloxacin, whereas they were all sensitive to gatifloxacin and moxifloxacin.Conclusions:The presence of E. coli ST131 among E. coli isolates from patients with aerobic vaginitis, and the confirmation of their high resistance to most fluoroquinolones included in this study reflect their ability to adapt to different sites, which increases their risk as a pathogen.

BACKGROUND: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare disease worldwide; To the best of our knowledge, there is no established standard of care specifically tailored for the adolescent population. The majority of existing research relies on retrospective data analysis. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate clinical features, treatment results, prognostic factors and late toxicities of locally advanced NPC patients treated with tomotherapy. DESIGN: Retrospective SETTINGS: Tertiary care hospital PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2007 and January 2020, we treated patients with NPC, aged between 14 and 21 years, with concomitant chemoradiotherapy using tomotherapy at our institution. We prospectively collected details of clinical characteristics, treatment modalities, outcomes and prognostic factors of these patients and then analysed them retrospectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 3-5 years overall survival (OS), 3-5 years locoregional control rate, 3-5 years disease-free survival (DFS), prognostic factors. SAMPLE SIZE: 51 patients RESULTS: There were 26 male and 25 female patients included in our study. The mean age was 16.5 years, 5 (9.8%) patients with stage III, and 46 (90.2%) with stage IVa according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer, 8th edition staging system. Most patients (98%) received two or more cycles of induction chemotherapy. All patients received concomitant chemoradiotherapy. The median total dose of radiotherapy delivered was 6600 cGy (range 4800-7000). With a median follow-up of 73 months (range 9-168 months), a 5-year locoregional control rate, 5-year OS and 5-year DFS rates were 100%, 86.8% and 71.7%, respectively. Five years later, disease control was 71.7%. Ten (19.6%) patients had disease recurrence in the form of distant metastases during the follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Helical tomotherapy has an excellent late toxicity profile without compromising clinical outcome for patients with NPC. Radiotherapy remains the mainstay of treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma to achieve remarkable local control rates. LIMITATIONS: Single institution experience, small number of patients, and retrospective design.

Abstract This study aims to develop an AI-enhanced methodology for the expedited and accurate diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a chronic disease affecting the central nervous system leading to progressive impairment. Traditional diagnostic methods are slow and require substantial expertise, underscoring the need for innovative solutions. Our approach involves two phases: initially, extracting features from brain MRI images using first-order histograms, the gray level co-occurrence matrix, and local binary patterns. A unique feature selection technique combining the Sine Cosine Algorithm with the Sea-horse Optimizer is then employed to identify the most significant features. Utilizing the eHealth lab dataset, which includes images from 38 MS patients (mean age 34.1 ± 10.5 years; 17 males, 21 females) and matched healthy controls, our model achieved a remarkable 97.97% detection accuracy using the k-nearest neighbors classifier. Further validation on a larger dataset containing 262 MS cases (199 females, 63 males; mean age 31.26 ± 10.34 years) and 163 healthy individuals (109 females, 54 males; mean age 32.35 ± 10.30 years) demonstrated a 92.94% accuracy for FLAIR images and 91.25% for T2-weighted images with the Random Forest classifier, outperforming existing MS detection methods. These results highlight the potential of the proposed technique as a clinical decision-making tool for the early identification and management of MS.

Abstract Over the last four decades, studies have investigated the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into education. A recent prominent AI-powered technology that has impacted the education sector is ChatGPT. This article provides a systematic review of 14 empirical studies incorporating ChatGPT into various educational settings, published in 2022 and before the 10th of April 2023—the date of conducting the search process. It carefully followed the essential steps outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) guidelines, as well as Okoli’s (Okoli in Commun Assoc Inf Syst, 2015) steps for conducting a rigorous and transparent systematic review. In this review, we aimed to explore how students and teachers have utilized ChatGPT in various educational settings, as well as the primary findings of those studies. By employing Creswell’s (Creswell in Educational research: planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research [Ebook], Pearson Education, London, 2015) coding techniques for data extraction and interpretation, we sought to gain insight into their initial attempts at ChatGPT incorporation into education. This approach also enabled us to extract insights and considerations that can facilitate its effective and responsible use in future educational contexts. The results of this review show that learners have utilized ChatGPT as a virtual intelligent assistant, where it offered instant feedback, on-demand answers, and explanations of complex topics. Additionally, learners have used it to enhance their writing and language skills by generating ideas, composing essays, summarizing, translating, paraphrasing texts, or checking grammar. Moreover, learners turned to it as an aiding tool to facilitate their directed and personalized learning by assisting in understanding concepts and homework, providing structured learning plans, and clarifying assignments and tasks. However, the results of specific studies (n = 3, 21.4%) show that overuse of ChatGPT may negatively impact innovative capacities and collaborative learning competencies among learners. Educators, on the other hand, have utilized ChatGPT to create lesson plans, generate quizzes, and provide additional resources, which helped them enhance their productivity and efficiency and promote different teaching methodologies. Despite these benefits, the majority of the reviewed studies recommend the importance of conducting structured training, support, and clear guidelines for both learners and educators to mitigate the drawbacks. This includes developing critical evaluation skills to assess the accuracy and relevance of information provided by ChatGPT, as well as strategies for integrating human interaction and collaboration into learning activities that involve AI tools. Furthermore, they also recommend ongoing research and proactive dialogue with policymakers, stakeholders, and educational practitioners to refine and enhance the use of AI in learning environments. This review could serve as an insightful resource for practitioners who seek to integrate ChatGPT into education and stimulate further research in the field.

Abstract The utilization of the Lie group method serves to encapsulate a diverse array of wave structures. This method, established as a robust and reliable mathematical technique, is instrumental in deriving precise solutions for nonlinear partial differential equations (NPDEs) across a spectrum of domains. Its applications span various scientific disciplines, including mathematical physics, nonlinear dynamics, oceanography, engineering sciences, and several others. This research focuses specifically on the crucial molecule DNA and its interaction with an external microwave field. The Lie group method is employed to establish a five-dimensional symmetry algebra as the foundational element. Subsequently, similarity reductions are led by a system of one-dimensional subalgebras. Several invariant solutions as well as a spectrum of wave solutions is obtained by solving the resulting reduced ordinary differential equations (ODEs). These solutions govern the longitudinal displacement in DNA, shedding light on the characteristics of DNA as a significant real-world challenge. The interactions of DNA with an external microwave field manifest in various forms, including rational, exponential, trigonometric, hyperbolic, polynomial, and other functions. Mathematica simulations of these solutions confirm that longitudinal displacements in DNA can be expressed as periodic waves, optical dark solitons, singular solutions, exponential forms, and rational forms. This study is novel as it marks the first application of the Lie group method to explore the interaction of DNA molecules.

Abstract Background In 2019, the World Health Organization identified improving access to safe abortion as an important priority toward improving sexual and reproductive health and rights and achieving Sustainable Development Goals. One strategy for addressing this priority is strengthening access to medicines for medical abortion. All 11 countries in the South-East Asia Region have some indications for legal abortion and permit post-abortion care. Therefore, strengthening access to medical abortion medicines is a reasonable strategy for improving access to safe abortion for the Region. Methodology We applied an adapted version of an existing World Health Organization landscape assessment protocol for the availability of medical abortion medicines at the country-level in the South-East Asia Region. We collected publicly available data on the existence of national health laws, policies, and standard treatment guidelines; inclusion of medical abortion medicines in the national essential medicines list; and marketing authorization status for medical abortion medicines for each country and verified by Ministries of health. The findings were once more presented, discussed and recommendations were formulated during regional technical consultation workshop. Each country teams participated in the process, and subsequently, the suggestions were validated by representatives from Ministries of Health.. Results Few countries in the Region currently have national policies and guidelines for comprehensive safe abortion. However, either mifepristone-misoprostol in combination or misoprostol alone (for other indications) is included in national essential medicines lists in all countries except Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Few countries earmark specific public funds for procuring and distributing medical abortion commodities. In countries where abortion is legal, the private sector and NGOs support access to medical abortion information and medicines. Several countries only allow registered medical practitioners or specialists to administer medical abortion. Conclusion Following this rapid participatory assessment and technical consultation workshop, the World Health Organization South-East Asia Regional Technical Advisory and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights technical committee recommended priority actions for policy and advocacy, service delivery, and monitoring and evaluation, and indicated areas for support.

Abstract Background Thyroid dysfunction is common in older people, with females at higher risk. Evidence suggests that thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels naturally increase with age. However, as uniform serum TSH reference ranges are applied across the adult lifespan, subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) diagnosis is more likely in older people, with some individuals also being commenced treatment with levothyroxine (LT4). It is unclear whether LT4 treatment in older people with SCH is associated with adverse cardiovascular or bone health outcomes. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to synthesise previous studies evaluating cardiovascular and bone health outcomes in older people with SCH, comparing LT4 treatment with no treatment. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception until March 13, 2023, and studies that evaluated cardiovascular and bone health events in people with SCH over 50 years old were selected. Results Six articles that recruited 3853 participants were found, ranging from 185 to 1642 participants, with the proportion of females ranging from 45 to 80%. The paucity of data resulted in analysis for those aged over 65 years only. Additionally, a study with 12,212 participants aged 18 years and older was identified; however, only data relevant to patients aged 65 years and older were considered for inclusion in the systematic review. Of these 7 studies, 4 assessed cardiovascular outcomes, 1 assessed bone health outcomes, and 2 assessed both. A meta-analysis of cardiovascular outcomes revealed a pooled hazard ratio of 0.89 (95% CI 0.71–1.12), indicating no significant difference in cardiovascular risk between older individuals with SCH treated with LT4 compared to those without treatment. Due to overlapping sub-studies, meta-analysis for bone health outcomes was not possible. Conclusions This systematic review and meta-analysis found no significant association between LT4 use and cardiovascular and bone health outcomes in SCH participants over 65 years. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42022308006

Abstract Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurological condition which results in social skill deficits, communication difficulties, and restrictive and repetitive behaviour. The difficulties associated with parenting children with ASD have been studied extensively, mainly from the perspectives of mothers. The extent of involvement of fathers in the raising of children with ASD has received limited scholarly attention, especially in non-Western contexts such as the United Arab Emirates. Objectives This study asked mothers to evaluate the involvement of fathers in the development of children with ASD. Methods In all, 240 mothers completed the Fathers’ Involvement in Development and Rehabilitation Scale, designed based on a review of literature on the construct of involvement, namely attitude, participation in training, and support domains. The data were subjected to computation of mean scores, multivariate analysis of variance, hierarchical regression, and moderation analyses. Results The results suggested that fathers held positive attitudes and provided substantial support to their children with ASD. However, mothers were ambivalent regarding the participation of fathers in training to support the development of their children. Differences were also observed between participants according to marital status, location, child gender, and ASD severity. Conclusion Recommendations for targeted training for fathers and other study implications are discussed.

L’agriculture joue un rôle socio-économique important au Maroc. Elle représente 13 % du Produit National Brut du pays et engage environ 46 % de la population. La stratégie du Plan Maroc Vert 2008-2020 a contribué significativement à l’agriculture marocaine à travers le renforcement des filières agricoles, l’augmentation de la productivité et de l’export. Le changement climatique qui engendre une pluviométrie insuffisante et des températures élevées réduit la productivité des principales cultures. De plus l’augmentation de la population engendre une demande croissante en produits agricoles. Avec les autres facteurs géopolitiques comme la guerre en Ukraine, qui a impacté disponibilité et prix des céréales et oléagineuses, le pays est contraint de développer une agriculture plus résiliente pour sécuriser ses besoins essentiels en produits agricoles de base comme les céréales, les légumineuses, les viandes, les fruits et légumes. La recherche agricole joue un rôle clé pour accompagner la stratégie Génération Green (2020-2030) à travers plusieurs programmes visant une agriculture innovatrice, productive et résiliente. Cet article présente d’abord le contexte général de sécurité et souveraineté alimentaire, suivis par les outils et les solutions aux différents défis liés au nexus biodiversité-sol-eau, base de productivité et de résilience. La conservation des ressources génétiques est primordiale pour la sélection de variétés résilientes et productives des différentes cultures. Ainsi le Maroc renforce ses capacités dans ce domaine, avec une nouvelle banque de gènes de l’ICARDA focalisant sur les accessions de céréales et légumineuses. Un centre national des ressources génétique verra le jour en 2024 et inclura toutes les cultures importantes pour l’agriculture marocaines. Récemment, des nouvelles variétés de blé ont été développées affichant des rendements jusqu’à 30% supérieurs à la variété témoin en année de sécheresse. Des variétés de cactus résistantes à la cochenille ont été sélectionnées grâce à une collection de plus de 300 génotypes et sont actuellement en multiplication en vue de leur distribution aux petits agriculteurs. L’agriculture de précisions est une priorité pour une utilisation plus raisonnée des intrants en particulier l’eau et les fertilisants. La mise en œuvre du semis direct pour faire face aux problèmes de sècheresse et de santé du sol a été lancée avec succès depuis 2020 pour couvrir 1 M ha d’ici 2030. Enfin, l’adoption de l’agroforesterie qui contribue à l’amélioration des rendements via un programme de plantation de plusieurs cultures comme celui de 100 000 ha de caroubier. Toutes ces actions contribueront au développement d’une agriculture résiliente conduisant le Maroc vers sa souveraineté alimentaire.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The increasing adoption of robotic-assisted cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD), despite its complexity, prompts a detailed comparison with extracorporeal urinary diversion (ECUD). Our study at a single institution investigates perioperative outcomes and identifies risk factors impacting the success of these surgical approaches. Methods: In this retrospective analysis, 174 patients who underwent robotic-assisted cystectomy at the University of Louisville from June 2016 to August 2021 were reviewed. The cohort was divided into two groups based on the urinary diversion method: 30 patients underwent ECUD and 144 underwent ICUD. Data on demographics, complication rates, length of hospital stay, and readmission rates were meticulously collected and analyzed. Results: Operative times were comparable between the ICUD and ECUD groups. However, the ICUD group had a significantly lower intraoperative transfusion rate (0.5 vs. 1.0, p=0.02) and shorter hospital stay (7.8 vs. 12.3 days, p

Air valves and pressure vessels are among the most important protection devices used to protect the main pumping lines due to their reliability in controlling transient pressures. The proper and rational design of the water hammer protection devices ensures high efficiency in controlling the values of transient pressures in addition to achieving acceptable cost. For this purpose, the genetic algorithm approach was adopted in the process of selecting the optimal parameters for both pressure vessels (size and orifice diameter) and air valves (orifice diameter of inlet and outlet, discharge coefficients of inlet and outlet) in addition to determining the type and location of the air valve. The performance of the proposed protection devices was verified by comparing three objective equations: (1) minimizing the cost of protection devices, (2) minimizing the difference between the maximum and minimum pressure, and (3) minimizing the difference between the maximum and minimum pressure with a specific constraint on the budget of protection devices. The study results showed that selecting the optimal design parameters for pressure vessels and air valves helps control the cost of protection devices and transient pressure values. HIGHLIGHTS A model was created to analyze the water hammer using the method of characteristics and it was linked with the genetic algorithm model.; Three cases were produced to select the optimal parameters for both pressure vessels and air valves, each case depending on achieving a single objective.; The results of the three cases were compared to choose the design that achieves acceptable cost for the protection devices with high reliability in controlling the transient pressures.;

Multi-hazard events have received attention globally due to their increasing frequency and severity in recent years. The coastal region of Bangladesh is particularly vulnerable to multi-hazard events induced by tropical cyclones (TC), including coastal flooding, extreme precipitation, extreme winds, and salinity intrusion. These events inflict substantial damage on human lives and property, yet there has been limited effort to quantitatively assess the associated risks. This study aims to investigate the spatial distribution of multi-hazard risks stemming from TC events, employing a Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) approach. Risk is assessed in relation to hazard, exposure, vulnerability, and mitigation capacities in the study area. Various indicators are selected to define each of these four risk components, with weights determined through expert input for FAHP modeling. The results indicate that more than 50% of the area faces multi-hazard risks, with the hazard component exhibiting the highest degree of risk association, followed by exposure, vulnerability, and adaptive capacity. Storm surge-induced flooding is identified as the most prominent hazard during TC events, followed by intense precipitation, extreme winds, and salinity intrusion. Areas characterized by high population density, a large number of vulnerable populations (e.g., those under 15 years or over 65 years), low elevation, and underdevelopment are found to be the most risk prone. Notably, the presence of hospitals, cyclone centers, and effective warning systems in proximity to an area enhances its potential to withstand multi-hazard impacts. Among the 19 coastal districts, Cox's Bazar and Feni are identified as the most risk prone. The framework and findings presented in this study offer valuable insights for the development and prioritization of multi-hazard risk mitigation policies by identifying the most vulnerable zones and the associated risk factors.

Abstract Background: Diabetes mellitus is a major noncommunicable disease worldwide, and its prevalence is rapidly increasing. The Finish score helps in the prediction of the risk of future diabetes development, as well as in the identification of undiagnosed diabetes. The current study was conducted to identify people at risk of developing type II diabetes mellitus in River Nile State, Sudan. Methods: This cross-sectional community-based study was conducted in River Nile state between 2019 October and 2020 March. Data were collected using a questionnaire that included the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score variables from 400 participants after an informed consent. Chi-square test was used to test the associations, with the P-value considered significant when < 0.05. Results: The majority of participants (257 [64.3%]) were < 45 years old, and 229 (57.3%) were male. The risk of type II diabetes mellitus was found to be low in 187 (46.8%) people and high in 213 (53.2%). Moreover, 128 (32%) had a body mass index (BMI) between 25and 30 kg/m2, while 46 (11.5%) had > 30 kg/m2. Waist circumference of < 94 cm was found in 147 (36.8%) males, while only 63 females (15.8%) had a waist circumference < 80 cm. Age, gender, BMI, daily activity, history of hypertension, history of hyperglycemia, and family history of diabetes were all significantly associated with the risk of developing diabetes mellitus (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The Finnish Diabetes Risk Score was found to be useful in facilitating wider access to the risk of type II diabetes among the study population. More than half of the study population were at risk of developing diabetes mellitus.

Abstract The study aimed to assess the hen’s eggs knowledge, handling practices, and consumption among Palestinian consumers using the cross-sectional survey design. Online questionnaire was sent via social media platforms including well-known Facebook and WhatsApp groups in West bank, Gaza and Jerusalem, along with an invitation explaining the research objectives and the voluntary participation. The online questionnaire consisted of three main sections: socio demographic, knowledge and practices for hen’s eggs during purchase, preparation, storage, and consumption. The items were developed based on previous literature and international guidelines for hen's eggs purchase and handling, and subjected to content validity process, followed by a pilot study to determine the reliability of the questionnaire using Cronbach’s alpha test. The final data were analysed based on the dichotomous Rach model for knowledge and polytomous Rasch model for practices using Winsteps version 5.1.3. The Rasch SPSS output interval data files were used in the inferential analyses tests (one-way ANOVA test and independent samples t-test). The Rasch analysis showed that on average the participants had quite low level of knowledge of hen's eggs consumption safety, (person ability Mean 0.10 logit). The item difficulty measures ranged between + 1.65 (most difficult) and − 2.24 logit (easiest). It was not easy for the participants to endorse the items pertaining their practices in handling the hen’s eggs during purchase, preparation, storage and consumption, (person ability Mean − 0.11 logit). The item difficulty measures ranged between + 2.68 logits (most difficult) to − 2.45 logit (easiest). In addition, female participants significantly outperformed males in knowledge scores; and the level of hen's eggs hygiene practices and storage during purchase depended on participants’ knowledge level. The research recommended interventional programs to enhance Palestinians’ awareness and knowledge about hen's eggs knowledge, handling practices, and consumption. Further quantitative and qualitative research studies were also recommended.

Abstract Background Emerging data suggested a favorable outcome in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients treated by immunotherapy. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of neoadjuvant immunotherapy among NSCLC with COPD versus NSCLC without COPD and explore the potential mechanistic links. Patients and methods Patients with NSCLC receiving neoadjuvant immunotherapy and surgery at Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital between November 2020 and January 2023 were reviewed. The assessment of neoadjuvant immunotherapy’s effectiveness was conducted based on the major pathologic response (MPR). The gene expression profile was investigated by RNA sequencing data. Immune cell proportions were examined using flow cytometry. The association between gene expression, immune cells, and pathologic response was validated by immunohistochemistry and single-cell data. Results A total of 230 NSCLC patients who received neoadjuvant immunotherapy were analyzed, including 60 (26.1%) with COPD. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that COPD was a predictor for MPR after neoadjuvant immunotherapy [odds ratio (OR), 2.490; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.295–4.912; P = 0.007]. NSCLC with COPD showed a down-regulation of HERV–H LTR-associating protein 2 (HHLA2), which was an immune checkpoint molecule, and the HHLA2low group demonstrated the enrichment of CD8+CD103+ tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM) compared to the HHLA2high group (11.9% vs. 4.2%, P = 0.013). Single-cell analysis revealed TRM enrichment in the MPR group. Similarly, NSCLC with COPD exhibited a higher proportion of CD8+CD103+TRM compared to NSCLC without COPD (11.9% vs. 4.6%, P = 0.040). Conclusions The study identified NSCLC with COPD as a favorable lung cancer type for neoadjuvant immunotherapy, offering a new perspective on the multimodality treatment of this patient population. Down-regulated HHLA2 in NSCLC with COPD might improve the MPR rate to neoadjuvant immunotherapy owing to the enrichment of CD8+CD103+TRM. Trial registration Approval for the collection and utilization of clinical samples was granted by the Ethics Committee of Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital (Approval number: K23-228).

Abstract Harmonic generation is a result of a strong non-linear interaction between light and matter. It is a key technology for optics, as it allows the conversion of optical signals to higher frequencies. Owing to its intrinsically large and electrically tunable non-linear optical response, graphene has been used for high harmonic generation but, until now, only at frequencies

In this study, La1-xBixFeO3 (x=0.0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6) perovskite nanoparticles were synthesized by a modified Pechini method. Rigorous analysis through XRD and SEM/EDX confirmed the absence of secondary phases in both pure and Bi-substituted LaFeO3 samples, indicating the formation of a single-phase perovskite. SEM images revealed the quasi-spherical shape of the particles. The photocatalytic activity of La1-xBixFeO3 (x=0.0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6) was evaluated by the degradation of ortho-Toluidine Blue under visible light irradiation, indicating that La0.8Bi0.2FeO3 exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity. The overall removal rate of o-Toluidine Blue reached 90.09% after visible light irradiation lasting for 60 min. We attribute this heightened photocatalytic activity to the grain size and optical properties of prepared sample. Consequently, the La0.8Bi0.2FeO3 can be considered as a very promising photocatalyst in future industrial application to treat effectively wastewater of dyes.

Abstract. Background:. The inappropriate management of pain after thoracotomy results in serious complications. Several adjuvants have been added to the thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) to enhance its effects. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of adding ketamine to TPVB on thoracotomy-related acute and chronic pain. Methods:. This randomized controlled double-blinded trial included 60 patients scheduled for open thoracotomy. Patients were equally randomized into 2 groups: group K: received TPVB + 1 mL ketamine (50 mg). Group C (n = 30): received TPVB (19 mL of 0.5% levobupivacaine + 1 mL normal saline) as a control arm. Results:. Group K exhibited a significant delay in requesting analgesia, required less morphine in the first 24 and 48 hours, and reported lower numerical rating scale at rest and at deep breathing at various time points compared with the control group. However, both groups were comparable in post-thoracotomy pain syndrome and the incidence of complications at 2 months and 3 months. Conclusions:. Adding ketamine to TPVB resulted in better analgesia as demonstrated by significantly delayed time to first rescue analgesia, lower total amount of consumed opioid, and pain score without considerable effect on chronic pain and complications in patients undergoing thoracotomy.

A combination of electrical circuit design and the Finite Automation model leads to improved efficiency in terms of memory usage, computation time, and overall performance. LLC resonant converters are known for their high efficiency and ability to convert DC voltage from solar panels into the desired AC voltage for grid-tied or off-grid PV systems. However, designing, testing, and implementing LLC in a PV system requires careful consideration of various factors, including voltage and current requirements, resonant frequency, and compliance with standards and regulations. Eight cases are taken for this purpose with a special case of a 3kW-PV module. The major parameters for the LLC resonant Converter were 480-500V. as output voltage for 36-40V. input voltage range with a 39V. nominal voltage. The calculated coefficients for these values were as follows: A = C = 7.29, B = -50.58, D = -0.25, and E = -11. Combining LLC circuit design with FA, it is providing 94.5 % efficiency through selecting precise parameters that minimized overall calculated losses such as conductive and switching types. The right path and accepted words for different cases are given to provide several solutions with the correct path of design. ZVS and ZCS have been obtained through precise selection process of phase shift between Half Bridge of LLC circuit achieved by this design.