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تعتبر واجهات المباني من أهم عناصر الغلاف الخارجي لتنوع وظائفها وتأثيرها على إستهلاك طاقة المبنى بأكمله، وتمثل نوافذ المباني أحد أهم مفردات التصميم المعماري للواجهات والتي يوليها المعماري المصمم أهمية كبيرة ويقاوم أي بدائل مقترحة لتغيير موقعها أونسبها من قبل الفرق الهندسية المشاركة في العمل التصميمي، وهو ما يمثل إشكالية هذه الدراسة التي تستهدف طرح بدائل تصميمية للنوافذ لتحسين الأداء الحراري للواجهات اعتماداً على متغيرات لا تؤثر على مساحتها أو موقعها بالواجهة، وتوظيف تطبيقات نمذجة معلومات المباني والمحاكاة الرقمية لتقييم الأداء الحراري لهذه البدائل ودعم المصمم في إتخاذ القرارات التصميمية المناسبة تجاهها متبنية في ذلك المنهج الوصفي والتجريبي. خلصت الدراسة إلى أن البدائل المقترحة لنوافذ أحد المباني السكنية في مدينة الرياض أثرت إيجابياً في تحسين الأداء الحراري للواجهات، وأن تطبيق المعماري للتقنيات الحديثة سواء على مستوى التطبيقات أو على مستوى المواد له دور كبير في دعم المعماري لتقييم البدائل المطروحة لتحسين الأداء الحراري للمباني وتفادي المشاكل المحتملة في المراحل المبكرة من التصميم. Abstract: Building facades are one of the most important elements of the building envelope for their functions and impact on energy consumption. Windows are considered one of the most important elements of building facades that are given special importance by architects who resist any alternatives proposed by engineering teams, based on changing its location or proportions. This represents the problem of this study that aims to offer windows’ facades’ alternatives to enhance its thermal performance, with nearly no effect on its location or proportions, and employ Building Information Modeling and digital simulation applications in assessing the thermal performance of such alternatives to support the Architect in taking the suitable related design decisions. The study adopted a descriptive and experimental approach and concluded that the windows’ facades’ alternatives have a positive impact on enhancing facades’ thermal performance, and that the new technologies used by architects, whether at the level of applications or at the level of materials, have a major role in supporting the architect to assess any offered alternatives to enhance the thermal performance of building facades and avoid Potential problems that may arise in the early design stages.

Introduction: The study aimed to provide the dose accuracy effects between the Anisotropic Analytical Algorithm (AAA) and the deterministic solver Acuros XB (AXB) that are available on Eclipse TPS (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA) treatment planning system (TPS). The purpose is to investigate the difference between the AAA and Acuros XB Algorithm, The difference is due to the electron transport difference in the case of small fields. Material and Methods: For the study of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patient Computed tomography (CT) scans are used to do retrospective stereotactic body radiosrgery (SBRT) plans via AAA and recalculated by AXB dose calculation algorithms using the Eclipse treatment planning system. The main dosimetric comparison parameters are Conformity index (CI), Homogeneity Index (HI), Gradient Index (GI), Target mean dose, and calculation time. The Statistical analysis done by the gamma index comparison. Results: Based on the results, the CI is (1.45±0.55) to (1.85±0.7) (P

The technical and technological development in the architecture sector contributes to reducing the consumption of primary energy resources, by employing them in the architecture sector, especially in the architectural facades. It produced smart facades that respond to the surrounding environment and its changes to maintain the stability of the internal environment while benefiting from renewable natural energy. Unlike the traditional facades, which were highly stable and contributed to raising the consumption of electrical energy in buildings, their consumption in buildings to provide the appropriate internal environment for users amounted to approximately 60% of the total energy consumed in the buildings sector. With Saudi Arabia heading within its 2030 vision to digital transformation and support for the application of the latest technologies in all fields. The problem of the lack of sufficient data for the reality of the availability and application of these technologies in the Saudi local market and what are the most important trends and challenges facing their application. This data represents an important resource to support the decision-maker in prioritizing, directing support, overcoming the challenges it faces, and benefiting from its capabilities in achieving user convenience and operating sustainability at the same time, Which is considered a research gap that represented the main motivation for this research, which aims to extract the most important trends of smart facades applications and technologies, the challenges facing their application, and the reality of the availability and application of these technologies in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia as an initiative for future studies to bridge this research gap in this important field. The research used the descriptive analytical method to achieve its objectives in two parts: the first was the literature reviews that dealt with the trends and challenges of applications and technologies of smart facades, and the second was the monitoring of the reality of the availability and application of these technologies. This research paper constitutes an initiative aimed at "bridging the research gap" occurring in the local market in the Saudi Arabia to document the most important trends and challenges facing the field of smart facades technologies, and to encourage future studies in this direction on the one hand, and to monitor the relative importance of these trends and challenges and the reality of their availability and application on the one hand. Second, in addition to being considered one of the digital transformation initiatives of the 2030 vision from a third party. یساهم التطور التقنی والتکنولوجی بقطاع العمارة فی خفض استنزاف الموارد الأولیة للطاقة، بتوظیفها بقطاع العمارة وعلى وجه الخصوص بواجهاتها، فتشکلت واجهات ذکیة تستجیب للبیئة المحیطة ومتغیراتها لتحافظ على استقرار البیئة الداخلیة بالإضافة الى انها استغلت تلک التقنیات للاستفادة من الطاقة الطبیعیة المتجددة، بخلاف الواجهات التقلیدیة التی کانت ثابته الى حد کبیر وتساهم فی زیادة الاستهلاک للطاقة الکهربائیة بالمبانی حیث بلغ استهلاک الطاقة الکهربائیة فی المبانی لتوفیر البیئة الداخلیة المناسبة للمستخدمین بما یقارب 60% من اجمالی الطاقة المستهلکة فی قطاع المبانی. ومع توجه المملکة إلى التحول الرقمی ودعم تطبیق أحدث التقنیات فی جمیع المجالات ضمن رؤیتها 2030، تظهر إشکالیة عدم توافر بیانات کافیة لواقع اتاحة وتطبیق هذه التقنیات فی المملکة فی السوق المحلی وأهم اتجاهاتها والتحدیات التی تواجه تطبیقها. تمثل هذه البیانات مورداً مهماً لدعم متخذ القرار فی تحدید الأولویات وتوجیه الدعم اللازم لتحقیق فعالیة تطبیقها، والتغلب على التحدیات التی تواجهها، والإستفادة من إمکانیاتها فی تحقیق راحة المستخدم واستدامة التشغیل فی نفس الوقت، وهو ما یعتبر فجوة بحثیة مثلت الحافز والدافع الرئیسی لهذا البحث الذی یهدف إلى استخلاص أهم توجهات تطبیقات وتقنیات الواجهات الذکیة، والتحدیات التی تواجه تطبیقها، وواقع اتاحة هذه التقنیات وتطبیقها فی مدینة الریاض بالمملکة العربیة السعودیة کمبادرة لدراسات مستقبلیة لتجسیر هذه الفجوة البحثیة لهذا المجال المهم. تبنى البحث المنهج الوصفی التحلیلی لتحقیق أهدافه على جزأین: الأول تم فیه المراجعات الأدبیة التی تناولت اتجاهات وتحدیات تطبیقات وتقنیات الواجهات الذکیة، والثانی تم فیه رصد واقع اتاحة وتطبیق هذه التقنیات من جهة أخرى. تشکل هذه الورقة البحثیة مبادرة تهدف إلى "تجسیر الفجوة البحثیة" الحادثة فی السوق المحلی بالمملکة العربیة السعودیة

Abstract A series of 1″-(alkylsulfonyl)-dispiro[indoline-3,2′-pyrrolidine-3′,3″-piperidine]-2,4″-diones 6a‒o has been synthesized through regioselective multi-component azomethine dipolar cycloaddition reaction of 1-(alkylsulfonyl)-3,5-bis(ylidene)-piperidin-4-ones 3a‒h. X-ray diffraction studies (6b‒d,h) confirmed the structures. The majority of the synthesized analogs reveal promising antiproliferation properties against a variety of human cancer cell lines (MCF7, HCT116, A431 and PaCa2) with good selectivity index towards normal cell (RPE1). Some of the synthesized agents exhibit potent inhibitory properties against the tested cell lines with higher efficacies than the standard references (sunitinib and 5-fluorouracil). Compound 6m is the most potent. Multi-targeted inhibitory properties against EGFR and VEGFR-2 have been observed for the synthesized agents. Flow cytometry supports the antiproliferation properties and shows the tested agents as apoptosis and necrosis forming. Vero cell viral infection model demonstrates the anti-SARS-CoV-2 properties of the synthesized agents. Compound 6f is the most promising (about 3.3 and 4.8 times the potency of the standard references, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine). QSAR models explain and support the observed biological properties.

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a public health problem accounting for 17.9 million deaths worldwide in 2019. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that has various cardioprotective actions and its deficiency is associated with a variety of CVDs. Nano systems for vitamin D may overcome the variable oral bioavailability, poor water solubility and chemical degradation of vitamin D. Objectives: The potential cardioprotective effect of oral vitamin D and vitamin D nanoparticles was evaluated on isoprenaline induced myocardial infarction (MI) rat model. Materials and method: the study evaluated the effect of vitamin D and vitamin D nanoparticles on MI rate models. MI induced by isoprenaline 100 mg/ kg on the last two days of the 30 day treatment period. We analyzed cardiac injury, lipid peroxidation markers and lipid profile. Results: isoprenaline treated rats show marked elevation in cardiac troponin-I (cTn-I), and malondialdehyde (MDA), (p value

Abstract During the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, symptoms of depression are commonly documented among both symptomatic and asymptomatic quarantined COVID-19 patients. Despite that many of the FDA-approved drugs have been showed anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity in vitro and remarkable efficacy against COVID-19 in clinical trials, no pharmaceutical products have yet been declared to be fully effective for treating COVID-19. Antidepressants comprise five major drug classes for the treatment of depression, neuralgia, migraine prophylaxis, and eating disorders which are frequently reported symptoms in COVID-19 patients. Herein, the efficacy of eight frequently prescribed FDA-approved antidepressants on the inhibition of both SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV was assessed. Additionally, the in vitro anti-SARS-CoV-2 and anti-MERS-CoV activities were evaluated. Furthermore, molecular docking studies have been performed for these drugs against the spike (S) and main protease (Mpro) pockets of both SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV. Results showed that Amitriptyline, Imipramine, Paroxetine, and Sertraline had potential anti-viral activities. Our findings suggested that the aforementioned drugs deserve more in vitro and in vivo studies targeting COVID-19 especially for those patients suffering from depression.

Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency affecting many adults around the world. The quality and efficacy of cardiopulmonary resuscitation [CPR] are associated with improved survival. Reported differences in CPR performance and survival among centres have motivated the resuscitation community to develop guidelines and tools to improve CPR outcomes.Many tools are proposed for the assessment of cardiac arrest aiming for identifying the underlying cause, especially reversible ones, assessing the response of the patient to resuscitation in order to restore the normal circulation. Each of these tools have its own limitations and even failure of improving survival rates.Point of care ultrasound [POCUS] is increasingly used in the emergency department. The application and utilization of POCUS is still below what is expected. This may be attributed to the fact that ultrasound is operator-dependent. However, in presence of a well-trained expert, POCUS may improve outcomes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. This review will highlight the role of POCUS in cardiac arrest.

Abstract Background Locally advanced breast cancer (LABC), the most aggressive form of the disease, is a serious threat for women's health worldwide. The AU-rich RNA-binding factor 1 (AUF1) promotes the formation of chemo-resistant breast cancer stem cells. Thereby, we investigated the power of AUF1 expression, in both cancer cells and their stromal fibroblasts, as predictive biomarker for LABC patients’ clinical outcome following neoadjuvant treatment. Methods We have used immunohistochemistry to assess the level of AUF1 on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues. Immunoblotting was utilized to show the effect of AUF1 ectopic expression in breast stromal fibroblasts on the expression of various genes both in vitro and in orthotopic tumor xenografts. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the WST1 assay, while a label-free real-time setting using the xCELLigence RTCA technology was utilized to assess the proliferative, migratory and invasive abilities of cells. Results We have shown that high AUF1 immunostaining (≥ 10%) in both cancer cells and their adjacent cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) was significantly associated with higher tumor grade. Kaplan–Meier univariate analysis revealed a strong correlation between high AUF1 level in CAFs and poor patient’s survival. This correlation was highly significant in patients with triple negative breast cancer, who showed poor disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). High expression of AUF1 in CAFs was also associated with poor OS of ER+/Her2− patients. Similarly, AUF1-positive malignant cells tended to be associated with shorter DFS and OS of ER+/Her2+ patients. Interestingly, neoadjuvant therapy downregulated AUF1 to a level lower than 10% in malignant cells in a significant number of patients, which improved both DFS and OS. In addition, ectopic expression of AUF1 in breast fibroblasts activated these cells and enhanced their capacity to promote, in an IL-6-dependent manner, the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and stemness processes. Furthermore, these AUF1-expressing cells enhanced the chemoresistance of breast cancer cells and their growth in orthotopic tumor xenografts. Conclusions The present findings show that the CAF-activating factor AUF1 has prognostic/predictive value for breast cancer patients and could represent a great therapeutic target in order to improve the precision of cancer treatment.

Aim: We aimed to study the effect of COVID-19 on the in-hospital outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Method: A systematic literature search was performed in 2nd February 2022 updated in 12th December 2022 for recruiting relevant papers. The effect size was computed via the odds ratio (OR) for dichotomous data or standardized mean difference (SMD) for continuous data along with the 95% confidence interval (95%CI). Results: After the screening of 1075 records, we found 11 relevant papers that included 2018 COVID-19 patients and negative controls 21,207. ACS patients with COVID-19 had a significant higher mortality rate (OR: 4.95; 95%CI: 3.92–6.36; p

Objectives:To identify coronary plaque morphology using grey scale and virtual histology intravascular ultrasound in patients with and without elevated glycated haemoglobin. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Cardiology Department of Kafrelsheikh University, Egypt, from November 2019 to January 2022, and comprised adult patients of either gender suffering from acute coronary syndrome admitted for catheterisation. The patients were divided into three groups.Diabetic patients were in group A, prediabetic patients with elevated glycated haemoglobin in group B, and patients with normal glycated haemoglobin in group C. All patients were subjected to clinical examination, 12-lead electrocardiogram, coronary angiography and multimodality intravascular ultrasonography scan of proximal segments 3-6cmof non-culprit coronary arteries intra group differences were compared using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. Continue..

Chitosan (CS) is a biopolymer and has reactive amine/hydroxyl groups facilitated its modifications. The purpose of this study is improvement of (CS) physicochemical properties and its capabilities as antiviral and antitumor through modification with 1-(2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)thiosemicarbazide (3A) or 1-(5-fluoro-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)thiosemicarbazide (3B) via crosslinking of poly(ethylene glycol)diglycidylether (PEGDGE) using microwave-assisted as green technique gives (CS-I) and (CS-II) derivatives. However, (CS) derivatives nanoparticles (CS-I NPs) and (CS-II NPs) are synthesized via ionic gelation technique using sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP). Structures of new (CS) derivatives are characterized using different tools. The anticancer, antiviral efficiencies and molecular docking of (CS) and its derivatives are assayed. (CS) derivatives and its nanoparticles show enhancement in cell inhibition toward (HepG-2 and MCF-7) cancer cells in comparison with (CS). (CS-II NPs) reveals the lowest IC50 values are 92.70 ± 2.64 μg/mL and 12.64 µ g/mL against (HepG-2) cell and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) respectively and the best binding affinity toward corona virus protease receptor (PDB ID 6LU7) −5.71 kcal / mol. Furthermore, (CS-I NPs) shows the lowest cell viability% 14.31 ± 1.48 % and the best binding affinity −9.98 kcal/moL against (MCF-7) cell and receptor (PDB ID 1Z11) respectively. Results of this study demonstrated that (CS) derivatives and its nanoparticles could be potentially employed for biomedical applications.

Repurposing vitamins as antiviral supporting agents is a rapid approach used to control emerging viral infections. Although there is considerable evidence supporting the use of vitamin supplementation in viral infections, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the specific role of each vitamin in defending against coronaviruses remains unclear. Antiviral activities of available vitamins on the infectivity and replication of human coronaviruses, namely, SARS-CoV-2, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E), were investigated using in silico and in vitro studies. We identified potential broad-spectrum inhibitor effects of Hydroxocobalamin and Methylcobalamin against the three tested CoVs. Cyanocobalamin could selectively affect SARS-CoV-2 but not MERS-CoV and HCoV-229E. Methylcobalamin showed significantly higher inhibition values on SARS-CoV-2 compared with Hydroxocobalamin and Cyanocobalamin, while Hydroxocobalamin showed the highest potent antiviral activity against MERS-CoV and Cyanocobalamin against HCoV-229E. Furthermore, in silico studies were performed for these promising vitamins to investigate their interaction with SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, and HCoV-229E viral-specific cell receptors (ACE2, DPP4, and hAPN protein, respectively) and viral proteins (S-RBD, 3CL pro, RdRp), suggesting that Hydroxocobalamin, Methylcobalamin, and Cyanocobalamin may have significant binding affinity to these proteins. These results show that Methylcobalamin may have potential benefits for coronavirus-infected patients.

Despite the panzootic nature of emergent highly pathogenic avian influenza H5Nx viruses in wild migratory birds and domestic poultry, only a limited number of human infections with H5Nx viruses have been identified since its emergence in 1996. Few countries with endemic avian influenza viruses (AIVs) have implemented vaccination as a control strategy, while most of the countries have adopted a culling strategy for the infected flocks. To date, China and Egypt are the two major sites where vaccination has been adopted to control avian influenza H5Nx infections, especially with the widespread circulation of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses. This virus is currently circulating among birds and poultry, with occasional spillovers to mammals, including humans. Herein, we will discuss the history of AIVs in Egypt as one of the hotspots for infections and the improper implementation of prophylactic and therapeutic control strategies, leading to continuous flock outbreaks with remarkable virus evolution scenarios. Along with current pre-pandemic preparedness efforts, comprehensive surveillance of H5Nx viruses in wild birds, domestic poultry, and mammals, including humans, in endemic areas is critical to explore the public health risk of the newly emerging immune-evasive or drug-resistant H5Nx variants.

Abstract Background Debonding of ball attachments is one of the complications that annoy teeth supported overdenture wearers. The polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) polymers are widely applied in the dental field. The purpose of the current study was to compare the tensile bond strength of ball attachments made of such materials and the commonly used titanium ones after 5 years of overdenture insertion and removal (5000 cycles) in addition to chewing simulation (1,200,000 cycle). Methods Extracted mandibular canines (N = 60) were randomly allocated into three groups and received ball attachments; titanium (group TI; N = 20), PEEK (group PE; N = 20), PEKK (group PK; N = 20). In each group, the samples were divided into two subgroups whereas tensile bond strength was measured pre aging (T0; n = 10) and post aging (T1; n = 10). Tensile bond strength was measured by the Pull out test using the Universal testing machine. Failure mode analysis was determined by examination of the samples’ surfaces under 65X stereomicroscope. The resulting data followed normal distribution and the significance level was set at (α = 0.05). Results One Way Anova showed statistically significant difference between the three groups (P

Metal contamination of lip care products can cause potential adverse effects for consumers, hence assessment of human health risks associated with the consumption of these products is inevitable to ensure the consumers’ safety. In the presented study, the profiles of 18 elements in 37 of the most popular lip cosmetic products, of various types and brands, sold in the Saudi Arabian markets, were investigated and their associated potential carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic human health risks were assessed. The metal concentrations were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry preceded by microwave digestion for sample preparation. In general, the concentrations of the investigated metals were lower than the safe permissible limits with the exception of Cd, Pb and Hg. The results found that Cd was regarded as the primary metal contaminant present in the analyzed lip products contributing to 66.3% of the total determined carcinogenic health risk. Overall, however it was observed that there was no significant non-carcinogenic (hazard index

Abstract Background Correct choice of the implant design and the occlusal scheme is important for the success of implant supported restorations. So, the aim of the current study was to find out the difference in the stresses induced by the one piece dental implants designed to be used in the All-on-4® concept and the conventional two piece ones under simulated lateral occlusal schemes using nonlinear finite element analysis. Methods Two finite element models of the maxilla, implants, and prostheses were designed according to the All-on-4® concept. In the model TP, two piece dental implants were placed while in the model OP one piece dental implants were used. Two loading scenarios were applied to each model; the first one simulated a group function occlusal scheme while the second scenario simulated a canine guided one. Results The highest stress value was recorded in the model TP with the group function occlusion and the lowest stress value was in the model OP with the canine guidance occlusion. Conclusion The one-piece dental implants can be concluded to induce less stress compared to the two piece dental implants when used in the All-on-4® implant supported prosthesis in the different lateral occlusal schemes. Canine guided occlusion can be concluded to cause lower stress values in comparison to the group function occlusal scheme.

Weighted hesitant fuzzy set (WHFS) is an extension of hesitant fuzzy set (HFS), in which the weights indicate that the decision maker has different confidence in giving every possible assessment of the membership degree. In this paper, we redefine the union and intersection operations of weighted hesitant fuzzy elements (WHFEs), investigate their operation properties, and propose the variance function of the weighted hesitant fuzzy element (WHFE) to compare WHFEs. Furthermore, we develop two aggregation operators such as weighted hesitant fuzzy ordered weighted averaging (WHFOWA) and weighted hesitant fuzzy ordered weighted geometric (WHFOWG) operators to aggregate weighted hesitant fuzzy information, and present multiple-attribute group decision making algorithm under weighted hesitant fuzzy environment. Finally, four numerical examples are used to illustrate the effectiveness of our proposed aggregation operators.

Abstract Background Abrupt bradycardia and hemodynamic instability during spinal anesthesia for cesarean section are not uncommon and are considered as one of the primary causes of intraoperative nausea and vomiting (IONV). We hypothesized that prophylactic use of hyoscine butyl-bromide (HBB) could improve hemodynamics and reduce IONV in parturients undergoing cesarean section. Methods A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial was carried out in a tertiary university hospital, patients scheduled for elective cesarean section were equally randomized to receive either IV HBB 20 mg in 1 ml (Hyoscine group) or the same volume of 0.9% saline (Control group), one minute after spinal anesthesia. The primary endpoint was the incidence of intraoperative bradycardia (HR

Abstract Objective Many studies still dispute the identification of independent risk factors that influence outcome after neonatal cardiac surgery. We present our study to announce the contemporary outcomes and risk profile of neonatal cardiac surgery at our institute. Methods We designed a retrospective study of neonatal patients who underwent surgery for congenital heart diseases between June 2011 and April 2020. Demographic, operative, and postoperative data were collected from medical records and surgical databases. The primary outcome was the operative mortality (in-hospital death) and secondary outcomes included hospital length of stay, intensive care unit stay, duration of mechanical ventilation. Results In total, 1155 cardiac surgeries in children were identified; of these, 136 (11.8%) were performed in neonates. Arterial switch operations (48 cases) were the most frequent procedures. Postoperatively, 11 (8.1%) patients required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and 4 (2.9%) patients had complete heart block. Postoperative in-hospital mortality was 11%. The median postoperative duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit stay, and hospital length of stay were 6, 18, and 24 days, respectively. Conclusion The early outcomes of neonatal cardiac surgery are encouraging. The requirement of postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support, postoperative intracranial hemorrhage, and acute kidney were identified as independent risk factors of mortality following surgery for congenital heart defects in neonates.

Background: This is a first-time report to evaluate the effect of natural antioxidants, pH, and green solvents upon catechins yield and stability during the active process of extraction from green tea leaves. Methodology: Green solvents (model-A) augmented with piperine (PPN) and quercetin (QT) as natural antioxidants (model-B) at different pH 2–6 (model-C) were used to extract catechins from green tea leaves using an ultrasonic extraction process (USE). For quantification of catechins (EC; epicatechins, ECG; epicatechin gallate, and EGCG; epigallocatechin gallate), a green and sensitive UHPLC-MS/MS method was developed and validated. Results: The UHPLC-MS/MS method showed an accuracy of 98.3–102.6 % within the linearity range of 1–500 ppb for EC (m/z) 289 → 245 → 109, ECG (m/z) 441.2 → 169 → 289, and EGCG (m/z) 457.1 → 169 → 125.1. The general yield (ppb) for EC, ECG, and EGCG was observed with the ranges and sum of (N = 180) 0.06–157.80 and 6696.83, 0.04–316.93 and 12632.60 and, 0.12–584.11 and 26144.83, respectively. Model-C revealed the highest yield for catechins at the lowest pH-2 with an individual catechin yield of EGCG (584.11) > ECG (316.93) > EC (157.80) in CW2. In terms of stability, EGCG was the most unstable catechin whereas, catechins extracted in model-B exhibited more stability (%recovery of 14.70 for EC, 10.55 for ECG, and 5.36 for EGCG in BEP). Moreover, model-B showed the minimal degradation for catechins within the range of 11.81–94.64 (BEP); even the most degradable EGCG was seen with the smallest %loss of 11.81–94.64 at time 24–70 h, as compared to the loss of > 95 % in model-A and C. The ANOVA score for catechins yield was; F11,168 = 61.06 (EC), F11,168 = 66.53 (ECG), and F11,168 = 48.92 (EGCG) (P = 0.00) with mean scores of (M = 94.63, SD = 25.46) for EC, (M = 194.87, SD = 51.41) ECG, and (M = 357.57, SD = 96.80) EGCG in CE2. Conclusion: A significant effect on catechins yield and stability was observed with the use of natural antioxidants and lowest pH-2.

Global spread and regional endemicity of H5Nx Goose/Guangdong avian influenza viruses (AIV) pose a continuous threat for poultry production and zoonotic, potentially pre-pandemic, transmission to humans. Little is known about the role of mutations in the viral neuraminidase (NA) that accompanied bird-to-human transmission to support AIV infection of mammals. Here, after detailed analysis of the NA sequence of human H5N1 viruses, we studied the role of A46D, L204M, S319F and S430G mutations in virus fitness in vitro and in vivo. Although H5N1 AIV carrying avian- or human-like NAs had similar replication efficiency in avian cells, human-like NA enhanced virus replication in human airway epithelia. The L204M substitution consistently reduced NA activity of H5N1 and nine other influenza viruses carrying NA of groups 1 and 2, indicating a universal effect. Compared to the avian ancestor, human-like H5N1 virus has less NA incorporated in the virion, reduced levels of viral NA RNA replication and NA expression. We also demonstrate increased accumulation of NA at the plasma membrane, reduced virus release and enhanced cell-to-cell spread. Furthermore, NA mutations increased virus binding to human-type receptors. While not affecting high virulence of H5N1 in chickens, the studied NA mutations modulated virulence and replication of H5N1 AIV in mice and to a lesser extent in ferrets. Together, mutations in the NA of human H5N1 viruses play different roles in infection of mammals without affecting virulence or transmission in chickens. These results are important to understand the genetic determinants for replication of AIV in mammals and should assist in the prediction of AIV with zoonotic potential.

Introduction: Endobronchial mucormycosis is very rare with only few cases reported in the literature. Here, we report a rare presentation of pulmonary mucormycosis in a diabetic patient who presented with left lung collapse. Bronchoscopy revealed an endobronchial growth, mimicking a tumor, causing complete occlusion of the left main bronchus. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of invasive mucormycosis. Case presentation: Male patient 35 years old with accidental discovered Diabetes Mellitus, complained of hoarseness of voice and dry irritating cough that didn’t respond to antitussives and nonspecific treatment. CT chest was done and revealed left total lung collapse. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy was done and revealed total occlusion of the left main bronchus with whitish fungating glistening tissue from which biopsies were obtained. Histopathological examination was consistent with mucormycosis. A trial of medical treatment failed after which the patient was referred for surgical resection. Conclusion: Successful treatment of mucormycosis requires early diagnosis; prompt administration of antifungal therapy, and surgical intervention when applicable. Aggressive surgical intervention to remove necrotic tissue is generally accepted as the therapeutic mainstay for endobronchial obstructing mucormycosis

The leaves of Azadirachta indica L. and Melia azedarach L., belonging to Meliaceae family, have been shown to have medicinal benefits and are extensively employed in traditional folk medicine. Herein, HPLC analysis of the ethyl acetate fraction of the total methanolic extract emphasized the enrichment of both A. indica L., and M. azedarach L. leaves extracts with phenolic and flavonoids composites, respectively. Besides, 4 limonoids and 2 flavonoids were isolated using column chromatography. By assessing the in vitro antiviral activities of both total leaves extracts against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), it was found that A. indica L. and M. azedarach L. have robust anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities at low half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 8.451 and 6.922 μg/mL, respectively. Due to the high safety of A. indica L. and M. azedarach L. extracts with half-maximal cytotoxic concentrations (CC50) of 446.2 and 351.4 μg/ml, respectively, both displayed extraordinary selectivity indices (SI>50). A. indica L. and M. azedarach L. leaves extracts could induce antibacterial activities against both Gram-negative and positive bacterial strains. The minimal inhibitory concentrations of A. indica L. and M. azedarach L. leaves extracts varied from 25 to 100 mg/mL within 30 min contact time towards the tested bacteria. Our findings confirm the broad-spectrum medicinal value of A. indica L. and M. azedarach L. leaves extracts. Finally, additional in vivo investigations are highly recommended to confirm the anti-COVID-19 and antimicrobial activities of both plant extracts.

The treatment options for mycosis fungoides (MF) have been expanding but unfortunately many of the currently used treatment modalities are unavailable in Egypt and other African/Arab countries. In addition, there is a lack of consensus on the treatment of hypopigmented MF (HMF), which is a frequently encountered variant in our population. We aimed to develop regional treatment guidelines based on the international guidelines but modified to encompass the restricted treatment availability and our institutional experience. Special attention was also given to studies conducted on patients with skin phototype (III-IV). Treatment algorithm was formulated at Ain-Shams cutaneous lymphoma clinic through the collaboration of dermatologists, haematologists, and oncologists. Level of evidence is specified for each treatment option. For HMF, phototherapy is recommended as a first line treatment, while low-dose methotrexate is considered a second line. For early classical MF, we recommend Psoralen-ultraviolet A (PUVA), which is a well-tolerated treatment option in dark phenotype. Addition of either retinoic acid receptor (RAR) agonist and/or methotrexate is recommended as a second line. Total skin electron beam (TSEB) is considered a third-line option. For advanced stage, PUVA plus RAR agonist and/or methotrexate is recommended as first line, TSEB or monochemotherapy is considered a second line option. Polychemotherapy is regarded as a final option. All patients with complete response (CR) enter a maintenance and follow-up schedule. We suggest a practical algorithm for the treatment of MF for patients with dark phenotype living in countries with limited resources.