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Background In the last few years, there has been a growing attention to sleep and related disorders. Numerous studies conducted within the past decade have analyzed the deleterious effects of sleep deprivation on medical students and medical staff in various specialties, but only few studies have been conducted in the Middle East. Aim of the study This study intends to explore the quality of sleep in different academic classes of medical undergraduate students of two Egyptian Universities. Subject and methods This is a cross-sectional, questionnaire based, observational study carried out during the period of April to June, 2015 among 1182 under graduate medical students enrolled at Assiut and Mansoura Universities, Egypt. The data were gathered using socio-demographic questionnaire and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and were analyzed using SPSS software. Results Mean PSQI score was 6.01 (SD = 2.73), according to PSQI interpretation 46.7% of subjects had good sleep quality and 53.3% had poor sleep quality. Poor sleep quality was mostly prevalent among early years of medical education, caffeine consumers, cigarette smokers, students with fair academic achievement, those with fairly bad and very bad subjective sleep quality, sleep latency above 30 minutes, sleep duration less than 7 hours, fairly bad and very bad daytime functioning, those taking sleep medications, those with sleep disturbance, and sleep efficiency below 85%. Conclusion Poor sleep quality is highly prevalent in the medical students in Egypt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some alkylnaphthalene and alkylphenanthrene sulfonates were synthesized by means of a Wurtz-Fittig reaction. The HLB values for the prepared compounds were calculated, and the basic properties were studied in water at different temperatures, namely, 25, 35 and 45 °C. Through surface tension measurements, the following values were determined: the critical micelle concentration (CMC) and the surface tension at the CMC (γ). The following values were calculated: area per molecule at the CMC (A), standard free energy change of micellization (Δ G), standard free energy of adsorption (Δ G), and the efficiency of a surfactant in reducing surface tension (pC20). Furthermore, the partition coefficients of the synthesized compounds were also measured. The results show that n-alkylnaphthalene and n-alkylphenanthrene surfactants studied exhibit desirable properties that may be of value in some fields such as detergency. To confirm the detergency power of the prepared surfactants, some foam studies were performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apis florea bees were recently identified in Egypt, marking the second occurrence of this species on the African continent. The objective of this study was to track the distribution of A. florea in Egypt and evaluate its potential for invasive behaviour. Field surveys were conducted over a 2-year period, resulting in the collection of data on the spatial distribution of the red dwarf honeybees. A comprehensive analysis was performed utilizing long-term monthly temperature and rainfall data to generate spatially interpolated climate surfaces with a 1-km resolution. Vegetation variables derived from Terra MODIS were also incorporated. Furthermore, elevation data obtained from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission were utilized to derive slope, aspect, and hillshade based on the digital elevation model. The collected data were subject to resampling for optimal data smoothing. Subsequently, a random forest model was applied, followed by an accuracy assessment to evaluate the classification output. The results indicated the selection of the mean temperature of coldest quarter (bio11), annual mean temperature (bio01), and minimum temperature of coldest month (bio06) as temperature-derived parameters are the most important parameters. Annual precipitation (bio12) and precipitation of wettest quarter (bio16) as precipitation parameters, and non-tree vegetation parameter as well as the elevation. The calculation of the Habitat Suitability Index revealed that the most suitable areas, covering a total of 200131.9 km 2 , were predominantly situated in the eastern and northern regions of Egypt, including the Nile Delta characterized by its fertile agricultural lands and the presence of the river Nile. In contrast, the western and southern parts exhibited low habitat suitability due to the absence of significant green vegetation and low relative humidity., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethics Approval: This research was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt (approval code: ASU-SCI/ENTO/2023/8/3). Consent to Participate: Not applicable. Consent for Publication: Not applicable. Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background : Selective Immunoglobulin A Deficiency (SIgAD) is one of the most prevalent immunodeficiencies, characterized by an increased risk of mucosal infections. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is among the most common neurodevelopmental disorders and is associated with significantly higher rates of various infectious diseases, white blood cell abnormalities, and considerable morbidity. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of ADHD among patients with SIgAD. Methods : We conducted a retrospective, observational, population-based case-control study, within Leumit Health Services, by comparing individuals diagnosed with SIgAD to a matched control group. Data were extracted from electronic health records. Results : Of the >700,000 registered individuals, 772 aged ≥4 years with SIgAD were identified (mean age 22.0 ± 17.5 years; male/female ratio 1:1). The 5:1 matched control group consisted of 3860 subjects without SIgAD, with no significant differences between the groups regarding age, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. ADHD prevalence was significantly higher in the SIgAD group (16.2%) than in the control group (12.9%), with an odds ratio of 1.30 (95% confidence interval 1.05-1.61, p = 0.017), as was the use of methylphenidate (6.6% vs. 4%). Additionally, respiratory and intestinal infections were significantly more common in the SIgAD group ( p < 0.001). Conclusion : A significantly higher prevalence of ADHD was observed in patients with SIgAD compared to strictly matched controls without SIgAD. These findings enhance our understanding of the pathophysiology of ADHD and its associated health complications.

Objective:  The aim of this study was to compare the bending properties of String of Pearls plate-bone substitute constructs with and without bending tees in the nodes over a simulated fracture gap. It is hypothesized that the constructs with tees will have higher bending stiffness., Study Design:  Acetal polymer tubes and 12-hole, 3.5-mm String of Pearls plates were used to create plate-bone substitute constructs simulating stabilization in a bridging fashion over a 45-mm gap. Twenty-four constructs were made with 12 containing tees in the nodes over the fracture gap. Single-cycle load-to-failure 4-point bending was performed in mediolateral and craniocaudal planes. Bending stiffness was compared with a t -test ( p  < 0.05)., Results:  All plate-bone substitute constructs had a permanent loss of structural integrity via plastic deformation of the plate. The bending stiffness (mean ± standard deviation) of the craniocaudal group was 59.11 ± 1.98 N/mm with tees and 59.25 ± 1.69 N/mm without tees ( p  = 0.88). In the mediolateral group, the bending stiffness was 43.17 ± 0.75 N/mm with tees and 41.09 ± 0.91 N/mm without tees ( p  = 0.0042)., Conclusion:  In 4-point bending, the plate-bone substitute constructs with tees had equivalent bending stiffness in the craniocaudal plane and increased bending stiffness in the mediolateral plane. However, with a small absolute difference in values, the clinical significance is unclear. Future studies for cyclic bending, torsional, and axial compression tests should be performed to further investigate the value of tees in the nodes over a comminuted or gap fracture repaired in a bridging fashion., Competing Interests: None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Background: Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is a novel treatment of resistant corneal ulcers owing to the unique anti-inflammatory molecules and growth factors it contains. Platelet lysates are a potential future alternative. The aim of the present study was to assess the role of human UCB platelet lysate in treating resistant corneal ulcers., Methods: This was prospective, non-comparative, interventional case series involving 40 eyes of patients aged 6 - 65 years with persistent corneal ulcers from the Mansoura Ophthalmic Center and Mansoura Research Center for Cord Stem Cells. Patients were classified according to the cause of persistent corneal ulcer into four groups: group I, including 14 eyes with dry eye disease; group II, including six eyes post-keratoplasty; group III, including four eyes with corneal chemical burn; and group IV, including 16 eyes with persistent corneal ulcer from other causes. All participants underwent detailed ophthalmic examinations, and baseline and final best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA) were recorded. Eye drops were prepared from UCB platelet lysate and administered to all patients along with detailed meticulous instructions for the method of use. Clinical progression of wound healing was continuously observed. The treatment response was identified as complete healing, improvement, or treatment failure., Results: BCDVA improved significantly in all studied groups (all P < 0.05). In group I, complete healing, improvement, and treatment failure occurred in 71%, 29%, and 0% of cases. In group II, complete healing, improvement, and treatment failure occurred in 67%, 33%, and 0% of cases. In group III, complete healing, improvement, and treatment failure occurred in 50%, 50%, and 0% of cases. In group IV, complete healing, improvement, and treatment failure occurred in 63%, 12%, and 25% of cases. No adverse events associated with the treatment were observed or subjectively self-reports in the study period., Conclusions: Eye drops from UCB platelet lysate were a novel therapeutic blood component with unique growth factors and anti-inflammatory compounds that could be an effective and safe treatment option in managing persistent corneal ulcers of different causes. A future randomized clinical trial with a large sample size and a longer follow-up is required to confirm these preliminary outcomes., Competing Interests: None., (© Author(s).)

Background: Umbilical cord patch (UCP) grafts have been successfully used for glaucoma shunt tube coverage and conjunctival surface reconstruction. In recent years, the technique has emerged as a novel alternative for the reconstruction of corneal perforation and descemetocele. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of combined UCP grafting and human amniotic membrane (HAM) transplantation for the management of corneal perforation or descemetocele., Methods: This prospective, non-comparative, interventional case series included nine eyes of nine patients with corneal descemetoceles and 28 eyes of 28 patients with corneal perforations, all in a clinically quiescent state. UCP grafting and HAM transplantation were combined to treat all patients. We re-examined the patients daily throughout the first week, weekly for 1 month, and then monthly for the first 6 months using slit-lamp examination and anterior segment optical coherence tomography., Results: We included 37 eyes with descemetocele or corneal perforation in a clinically quiescent state. The mean (standard deviation) ages of patients with corneal descemetocele and corneal perforation were 56.3 (18.8) years and 54.3 (18.1) years, respectively. The male-to-female ratios in patients with corneal descemetocele and corneal perforation were 56% to 44% and 61% to 39%, respectively. Postoperative corneal thickness increased significantly in eyes with descemetocele compared to preoperative values (P < 0.001). Postoperative best-corrected distance visual acuity improved significantly compared to preoperative values in eyes with descemetocele or corneal perforation (both P < 0.001), with relief of accompanying ocular symptoms. We did not observe any recurrence or complications such as rejection, infection, suture-related problems, or severe inflammation and all had a formed anterior chamber up to the final follow-up visit., Conclusions: Combined UCP grafting and HAM transplantation could be a promising alternative treatment for corneal perforation or descemetocele in clinically quiescent eyes, providing satisfactory reconstruction and functional outcomes. Further studies with robust designs, larger sample sizes, and longer follow-up are needed to verify the efficacy and safety of this modified surgical technique in enhancing vision and restoring anterior segment anatomical integrity in compromised corneas., Competing Interests: None., (© Author(s).)

Objective: To evaluate a double hemitenotomy (DHT) technique as an alternative to complete deep digital flexor (DDFT) tenotomy., Study Design: Experimental ex vivo study., Sample Population: Isolated DDFTs (n = 30) and cadaveric forelimbs (n = 16)., Methods: In part 1, 15 isolated DDFT pairs were used. Two hemitenotomies were created in 1 DDFT while the other served as reference. Monotonic tensile load was applied. Tendon lengthening, load reduction, and load at failure were recorded. In part 2, 16 cadaveric forelimb pairs were subjected to DHT followed by complete tenotomy (CT) under monotonic compressive load. Differences between DHT and controls were assessed with Wilcoxon signed rank tests or Friedman tests., Results: In isolated tendons and cadaveric forelimbs, DHT resulted in DDFT lengthening (median, +1.9 mm and + 3.05 mm) and load reduction (median, -16.7 and -11.2 kg). Less lengthening was achieved with DHT compared to CT (P = .008). Load reduction did not occur between DHT and CT was observed during compressive testing (P = 1). Load reduction following the first hemitenotomy incision was smaller when compared to the second (P = .022). Isolated DHT tendons failed at a tensile load of 195 kg, while no intact tendons failed (P = .0001)., Conclusion: Double hemitenotomy was comparable to CT in load reduction. It reduced tensile strength, but load at failure was similar or exceeded the estimated DDFT load at stance., Clinical Significance: Hemitenotomy may be a useful alternative for surgical management of horses with laminitis, but in vivo studies are needed to confirm these findings., (© 2022 American College of Veterinary Surgeons.)

Objectives: We assessed the ability to use circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and the DNA integrity index (DNAII) to detect the transition from liver cirrhosis (LC) to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)., Methods: Circulating cfDNA and DNAII were measured in 50 patients with advanced LC and 50 patients with HCC who were followed for 1 month after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). Fifty healthy participants served as a control group. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to measure circulating cfDNA concentration, and Alu-PCR was used to measure the concentration of Alu repeats, both short fragments (115 base pairs [bp]) and long fragments (247 bp). We compared liquid biopsy results with the relevant traditional markers., Results: The HCC group showed significantly higher circulating cfDNA concentrations and DNAII values compared with the LC and control groups. No significant differences were found in circulating cfDNA concentrations and DNAII values between the LC and control groups. Circulating cfDNA concentrations decreased significantly after treatment (TACE); areas under the curve of circulating cfDNA concentration and DNAII values were significantly better than those of ɑ-fetoprotein and vascular endothelial growth factor in discriminating between LC and HCC., Conclusions: The combined use of DNAII with proteins induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist showed better diagnostic performance in HCC. Circulating cfDNA could have a potential role in monitoring HCC treatment., (© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of American Society for Clinical Pathology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Traditional dilated ophthalmoscopy can reveal diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic macular edema (DME), retinal tear, epiretinal membrane, macular hole, retinal detachment, retinitis pigmentosa, retinal vein occlusion (RVO), and retinal artery occlusion (RAO). Among these diseases, AMD and DR are the major causes of progressive vision loss, while the latter is recognized as a world-wide epidemic. Advances in retinal imaging have improved the diagnosis and management of DR and AMD. In this review article, we focus on the variable imaging modalities for accurate diagnosis, early detection, and staging of both AMD and DR. In addition, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in providing automated detection, diagnosis, and staging of these diseases will be surveyed. Furthermore, current works are summarized and discussed. Finally, projected future trends are outlined. The work done on this survey indicates the effective role of AI in the early detection, diagnosis, and staging of DR and/or AMD. In the future, more AI solutions will be presented that hold promise for clinical applications.

Cysteine (Cys) and α-lipoic acid (ALA) are naturally occurring antioxidants (sulfur-containing compounds) that can protect plants against a wide spectrum of environmental stresses. However, up to now, there are no conclusive data on their integrative roles in mitigation of drought stress in wheat plants. Here, we studied the influence of ALA at 0.02 mM (grain dipping pre-cultivation treatment) and Cys (25 and 50 ppm as a foliar application) under well watered and deficit irrigation (100% and 70% of recommended dose). The results showed that deficit irrigation markedly caused obvious cellular oxidative damage as indicated by elevating the malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide content (H 2 O 2 ). Moreover, water stressed plants exhibited multiple changes in physiological metabolism, which affected the quantitative and qualitative variables of grain yield. The enzymatic antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POX) were improved by Cys application. SOD and APX had the same response when treated with ALA, but CAT and POX did not. Moreover, both studied molecules stimulated chlorophyll (Chl) and osmolytes' biosynthesis. In contrast, the Chl a/b ratio was decreased, while flavonoids were not affected by either of the examined molecules. Interestingly, all above-mentioned changes were associated with an improvement in the scavenging capacity of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leaf relative water content (RWC), grain number, total grain yield, weight of 1000 kernels, gluten index, falling number, and alveographic parameters (P, W, and P/L values). Furthermore, heatmap plot analysis revealed several significant correlations between different studied parameters, which may explore the importance of applied Cys and ALA as effective compounds in wheat cultivation under water deficit conditions.

Despite the role of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in plant tolerance to chilling stress having been widely discussed in the seedling stage, very little information is clear regarding its implication in chilling tolerance during the reproductive stage of the plant. Here, we investigated the influence of GABA (1 and 2mM) as a foliar application on tomato plants ( Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Super Marmande) subjected to chilling stress (5°C for 6h/day) for 5 successive days during the flowering stage. The results indicated that applied GABA differentially influenced leaf pigment composition by decreasing the chlorophyll a/b ratio and increasing the anthocyanin relative to total chlorophyll. However, carotenoids were not affected in both GABA-treated and non-treated stressed plants. Root tissues significantly exhibited an increase in thermo-tolerance in GABA-treated plants. Furthermore, applied GABA substantially alleviated the chilling-induced oxidative damage by protecting cell membrane integrity and reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) and H 2 O 2 . This positive effect of GABA was associated with enhancing the activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). Conversely, a downregulation of peroxidase (POX) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) was observed under chilling stress which indicates its relevance in phenol metabolism. Interesting correlations were obtained between GABA-induced upregulation of sugar metabolism coinciding with altering secondary metabolism, activities of antioxidant enzymes, and maintaining the integrity of plastids' ultrastructure Eventually, applied GABA especially at 2mM improved the fruit yield and could be recommended to mitigate the damage of chilling stress in tomato plants., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Abd Elbar, Elkelish, Niedbała, Farag, Wojciechowski, Mukherjee, Abou-Hadid, El-Hennawy, Abou El-Yazied, Abd El-Gawad, Azab, Gobouri, El-Sawy, Bondok and Ibrahim.)

Not much information is available to substantiate the possible role of γ -aminobutyric acid (GABA) signaling in mitigating water-deficit stress in snap bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) plants under semiarid conditions. Present work aims to investigate the role of exogenous GABA (foliar application; 0.5, 1 and 2 mM) in amelioration of drought stress and improvement of field performance on snap bean plants raised under two drip irrigation regimes (100% and 70% of water requirements). Water stress led to significant reduction in plant growth, leaf relative water content (RWC), cell membrane stability index (CMSI), nutrient uptake (N, P, K, Ca, Fe and Zn), pod yield and its content from protein and total soluble solids (TSS). Meanwhile, lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde content- MDA), osmolyte content (free amino acids- FAA, proline, soluble sugars) antioxidative defense (activity of superoxide dismutase- SOD, catalase- CAT, peroxidase- POX and ascorbate peroxidase- APX) and the pod fiber content exhibited significantly increase due to water stress. Exogenous GABA application (especially at 2 mM) revealed partial normalization of the effects of drought stress in snap bean plants. GABA-induced mitigation of drought stress was manifested by improvement in growth, water status, membrane integrity, osmotic adjustment, antioxidant defense and nutrient acquisition. Furthermore, GABA application during water stress in snap bean plants resulted in improvement of field performance being manifested by increased pod yield and its quality attributes. To sum up, exogenous GABA appears to function as an effective priming molecule to alleviate drought stress in snap bean plants under semiarid conditions.

Objective: To compare the biomechanical properties and healing of ventral midline celiotomies (VMC) closed with a self-locking knot combination and forwarder start and Aberdeen end (F-A) vs a traditional knot combination and surgeon's start and end (S-S)., Study Design: In vivo, experimental., Animals: Twenty-one horses., Methods: Fourteen horses underwent VMC, which was closed with either an F-A (n = 7) or an S-S (n = 7) knot combination. Incisions were subjectively graded by masked evaluators for dehiscence, edema, and drainage. Biomechanical testing was performed on three abdominal segments, and histology was performed on one segment from each animal after humane euthanasia 10 days post-VMC. The abdominal wall of control horses (n = 7, no celiotomy) was collected for biomechanical testing., Results: Forwarder start and Aberdeen end and S-S horses had less tensile strength compared with control horses (P ≤ .001). No differences were detected between treatment groups for any variable evaluated, including tensile strength (P = .975), location of failure (P = .240), and histologic healing at the knot (P = .600)., Conclusion: Closure of VMC with self-locking knots resulted in biomechanical and healing features similar to those with a traditional closure technique, with neither restoring the tensile strength of the linea alba., Clinical Significance: Results of this study provide evidence to support a clinical trial to evaluate long-term performance of the F-A self-locking knot closure in horses., (© 2020 American College of Veterinary Surgeons.)

Few reports explain the mechanism of PEG action on stomatal behavior and anatomical structure and analyze the photosynthetic pigments of in vitro date palm plantlets for better tolerance to ex vitro exposure. The main challenge for in vitro micropropagation of date palm techniques remains restricted to high survival rates and vigorous growth after ex vitro transplantation. In vitro hardening is induced by Polyethylene glycol PEG (0.0, 10, 20, 30 g L -1 ) for 4 weeks. Leaf anatomy, stomatal behavior, water loss %, photosynthetic pigments, and reducing sugars were examined in date palm plantlets ( Phoenix dactylifera L.) cv. (Sewi) after 4 weeks from in vitro PEG treatment and after 4 weeks from ex vitro transplanting to the greenhouse. Leaf anatomy and the surface ultrastructure of in vitro untreated leaves showed a thin cuticle layer, wide opened malfunctioning stomata, and abnormal leaf anatomy. Furthermore, addition of PEG resulted in increasing cuticle thickness, epicuticular wax depositions, and plastids density, improving the stomatal ability to close and decreasing the stomatal aperture length while reducing the substomatal chambers and intercellular spaces in the mesophyll. As a result, a significant reduction in water loss % was observed in both in vitro and ex vitro PEG treated leaves as compared to untreated ones, which exhibited rapid wilting when exposed to low humidity for 4 h. PEG application significantly increased Chlorophylls a, b and carotenoids concentrations, especially 10, 20 g L -1 treatments, which were sequentially reflected in increasing the reducing sugar concentration. However, leaves of plantlets treated with PEG at 30 g L -1 became yellow and had necrosis ends with death. In vitro hardening by 20 g L -1 PEG increased the survival rate of plantlets to 90% after ex vitro transfer compared to 63% recorded for the untreated plantlets. Therefore, this application provides normal date palm plantlets developed faster and enhances survival after ex vitro transfer.

Objective: This work described a video information processing scheme for optogenetic forms of visual cortical prosthetics., Approach: The architecture is designed to perform a processing sequence: Initially simplifying the scene, followed by a pragmatic visual encoding scheme which assumes that initially optical stimulation will be stimulating bulk neural tissue rather than driving individual phosphenes. We demonstrate an optical encoder, combined with what we called a zero-run length encoding (zRLE) video compression and decompression scheme-to wirelessly transfer information to an implantable unit in an efficient manner. In the final step, we have incorporated an even power distribution driver to prevent excessive power fluctuations in the optogenetic driving., Significance: The key novelty in this work centres on the completeness of the scheme, the new zRLE compression algorithm and our even power distributor., Main Results: Furthermore, although the paper focusses on the algorithm, we confirm that it can be implemented on real time portable processing hardware which we will use for our visual prosthetics.

Melatonin " N -Acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine" (MT) has recently been considered as a new plant growth regulator with multiple physiological functions. Although many previous studies have confirmed that exogenous applied-MT can alleviate the deleterious effects of drought stress in many plant species, most of these studies were exclusive on seeds, seedlings, and young plants for a short period of their life cycles. Therefore, the knowledge of using MT as a potential promising agricultural foliar application to improve crop productivity and quality is still insufficient under adverse open field conditions. In this study, we investigated the effect of MT as a foliar application at 0, 20, and 40 ppm on tomato plants that were grown in the open field under the long term of optimal and deficit irrigation conditions. The results indicated that exogenous MT significantly enhanced plant growth, chlorophyll and activities of antioxidant enzymes, including ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POX). This improvement was associated with a marked reduction in proline and soluble sugars. In addition, applied-MT worked as a protective agent against oxidative damage by reducing the cellular content of toxic substances such as H 2 O 2 and malondialdehyde (MDA). Similarly, MT-treated plants showed greater total fruit yield with improving its quality attributes like total soluble solids (TSS), ascorbic acid, and lycopene. Generally, the highest significant fruit yield either under well-watered (13.7%) or water deficit (37.4%) conditions was achieved by the treatment of 20 ppm MT. These results indicate that exogenous MT played an essential role in enhancing tomato tolerance to deficit irrigation and could be recommended as a promising agricultural treatment under such conditions.

Aortic valve tissue excised during stenotic valve replacement surgery commonly exhibits histopathologic changes including prominent calcification of variable severity. We present briefly a case of a 78-year-old man with aortic valve stenosis and coronary artery disease undergoing aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting. After pathologic examination of excised tissue, the aortic valve was determined to have nodular calcification and myxoid degeneration, as well as evidence of prominent, contiguous fatty infiltration of the valve's spongiosa layer. Although osseous and chondroid metaplasia have been described within excised cardiac valves, a significant constituent of adipose tissue contiguous through the length of a valve and not representing a discrete mass-forming, neoplastic lesion has been only described in isolated case reports., (© 2019 APMIS. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objective: To evaluate the effect of exposure to a balanced electrolyte solution (BES), or equine abdominal fat on the knot-holding capacity (KHC), relative knot security (RKS), weight, and volume of forwarder knots versus surgeon's knots., Sample: 315 knots tied and tested in vitro., Procedures: United States Pharmacopeia size-3 polyglactin 910 suture exposed to air (dry [control]), equine abdominal fat (fat-exposed), or BES (BES-exposed) was used to tie forwarder knots with 2, 3, and 4 throws and surgeon's knots with 5, 6, 7, and 8 throws. A universal materials testing machine was used to test the tensile strength of suture and knots to failure, and the KHC, RKS, weight, and volume of knots were determined., Results: Forwarder knots had significantly higher KHC and RKS and lower volume, compared with surgeons' knots. Forwarder knots tied with fat-exposed suture had greater weight, but not volume, than did forwarder knots tied with dry or BES-exposed suture with the same number of throws., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Results indicated that forwarder knots were superior to surgeon's knots when configured as start knots intended for continuous lines of suture. Exposure to media did not negatively affect mechanical or physical properties of forwarder knots and may improve specific biomechanical functions, including KHC and RKS.

The role of Notch pathway in hepatocarcinogenesis is unclear with conflicting results reported from different researchers. This study aimed to investigate the exact role of Notch1 in hepatocarcinogenesis and its influence on survival and to determine the possibility of it being a target therapy. Differential immunohistochemical expression of Notch1 in 100 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and adjacent non-neoplastic liver tissue was performed. The results showed that expression of Notch1 was significantly higher in the non-neoplastic hepatic tissues than in HCC tissues (p < 0.001), but there was no significant difference in Notch1 expression between cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic liver tissue (p = 0.197). Notch1 expression was higher in low grade than in high grade HCC (p = 0.036). Notch1 expression showed reverse correlation with mitotic count (p = 0.008), and necrosis (p = 0.005). The disease free survival was shorter in patients displaying low levels of Notch1 expression (p = 0.045). The overall survival showed no significant difference between high and low levels of Notch1 expression; however, it was somewhat longer in patients with high Notch1 expression (p = 0.220). In conclusion, the tumour suppressor role of Notch1 was supported and the use of Notch1 agonists may have a role in improving the prognosis of HCC., (Copyright © 2018 Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background and Aim: There are millions of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) virus-infected patients who have been treated with a combination therapy (interferon and ribavirin) and have achieved a virological response (SVR) worldwide. The aim of this study is to evaluate the risk factors for de-novo diabetes mellitus in CHC patients treated with combination therapy (interferon and ribavirin) and have achieved an SVR., Patients and Methods: A total of 214 nondiabetic CHC patients with SVR and baseline homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) less than or equal to 2 were divided into group A, which included 108 patients with a BMI less than 25, and group B, which included 106 patients with a BMI of at least 25 and less than 30. HOMA insulin resistance (IR) and BMI were measured at the baseline, at achievement of an SVR, and 1 year after achievement of an SVR. Leptin levels were assessed at baseline and 1 year after achievement of an SVR in patients with increased BMI., Results: One year after SVR, 36 (33.33%) patients from group A developed increasing BMI with no significant changes in HOMA versus that at SVR (P=0.53), but showed a significant reduction versus baseline HOMA (P=0.02). In group B, 68 (64.1%) patients showed increased BMI of at least 25, with a significant increase in HOMA versus that at SVR (P=0.02), and with no significant reduction versus baseline HOMA (P=0.44). In group B, serum leptin showed a significant reduction 12 months after achievement of an SVR versus baseline in patients with increased BMI. Six patients from group B with increased BMI after 1 year developed de-novo IR and type two diabetes mellitus., Conclusion: In nondiabetic CHC patients with SVR and baseline BMI of at least 25, the post-SVR increase in BMI predisposed to an increase in HOMA-IR and could be considered a predisposing factor for diabetes mellitus.

Objective: To investigate the knot holding capacity (KHC) of pattern-ending square, surgeon's and Aberdeen knots each tied in 4 throw combinations using large gauge suture after exposure to media commonly found in equine abdominal surgery., Study Design: In vitro mechanical study., Sample Population: Knotted suture strands (n = 10/group)., Methods: Strands of 2 polydioxanone or 3 polyglactin 910 were exposed to 1 of 4 media for 15 minutes. Control suture strands remained dry. Media used included balanced electrolyte solution, 1% sodium carboxymethylcellulose, equine serum, or equine fat. Pattern-ending knots for the 3 knot configurations were loaded to failure in a linear fashion on a materials testing machine to determine KHC., Results: Surgeon's knots tied using media-exposed 3 polyglactin 910 had a significantly higher KHC than the same dry knots with 5 and 6 throws. Square knots tied using media-exposed to 3 polyglactin 910 had a significantly higher KHC than the same dry knots at 5 throws. Aberdeen knots tied with either media-exposed 2 polydioxanone or 3 polyglactin 910 had a significantly higher KHC than their equivalent dry knots. Aberdeen knots had a superior KHC, while requiring less suture than both surgeon's and square knots., Conclusion: Media exposure either had no effect on KHC or significantly improved the KHC of all knots investigated. Based on KHC and knot volume, Aberdeen knots tied using media-exposed 3 polyglactin 910 with 3 throws and 1 turn are recommended to end a continuous suture pattern., (© 2017 The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.)

Objective: To investigate the strength and size of surgeon's and square knots for starting and ending continuous suture lines using large gauge suture., Study Design: In vitro mechanical study., Study Population: Knotted suture., Methods: Surgeon's and square knots were tested using 2 and 3 USP polyglactin 910 and 2 USP polydioxanone under linear tension on a universal testing machine. Failure mode and knot holding capacity (KHC) were recorded, and relative knot security (RKS) was calculated as a percentage of KHC. Comparisons were made between number of throws, suture size, suture type, and knot types. Knot volume and weight were assessed by a digital micrometer and balance, respectively., Results: There were no significant differences in KHC (P = .295), RKS (P = .307), volume (P = .128), or weight (P = .310) between square and surgeon's knots at the start or end of suture lines with the same number of throws and suture type. A minimum of 6 throws were required for start knots and 7 throws at end knots to prevent unraveling. Knots tied with 3 polyglactin 910 were strongest (P < .001) and 2 polyglactin 910 produced knots with higher KHC and RKS than 2 polydioxanone (P < .001)., Conclusion: No consistent differences were detected between knots types tied with the same suture material; however, number of throws affected KHC and RKS up to 6 throws in start or 7 throws in end knots. The configuration of square and surgeon's knots performed at the end of a continuous line alters their KHC, supporting the use of additional throws for knot security., (© 2017 The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.)

Objective: To determine the stiffness and load to failure of two different ostectomy configurations using canine mandibles., Study Design: Cadaveric biomechanical assessment., Animals: Paired mandibles (n = 30)., Methods: Standardized partial ostectomies were created on the alveolar surface of 30 mandibles. Samples were randomly assigned to right-angled (n = 15) or crescentic ostectomy (n = 15). Excision spanned the mesial aspect of the fourth premolar tooth to the distal aspect of first molar tooth. Mandibles were loaded to failure in three-point bending. The stiffness, displacement at maximum load, and load to failure were measured., Results: There was no significant difference in stiffness (p = 0.59), displacement at maximum load (p = 0.16) and load to failure (p = 0.76) between right-angled or crescentic ostectomy. Right-angled and crescentic ostectomy failed mostly by fracture through an empty alveolus (11/15 and 13/15, respectively)., Clinical Relevance: No significant differences in load to failure or stiffness between ostectomy techniques were observed. Crescentic ostectomy did not improve the acute load to failure for partial mandibulectomy. The empty alveolus served as a focal stress concentration point eliminating the potential mechanical advantage of a crescentic ostectomy.

Objective: To evaluate the strength, size, and holding capacity of the Aberdeen knot compared to surgeon's and square knots using large gauge suture., Study Design: In vitro mechanical study., Study Population: Knotted suture., Methods: Aberdeen, surgeon's, and square knots were tested using 2 and 3 USP polyglactin 910 and 2 USP polydioxanone under linear tension on a universal testing machine. Mode of failure and knot holding capacity (KHC) were recorded and relative knot security (RKS) was calculated as a percentage of KHC. Knot volume and weight were quantified by a digital micrometer and balance, respectively. Strength between number of throws, suture, suture size, and knot type were compared by ANOVA and post hoc testing. P≤.05 was considered significant., Results: Aberdeen knots had higher KHC and RKS than surgeon's or square knots for all suture types and number of throws (P<.001). For all suture materials, none of the Aberdeen knots unraveled, but a portion of square and surgeon's knots with <7 throws did unravel (P=.101). Aberdeen knots had a smaller volume and weight than both surgeon's and square knots with equal numbers of throws (P<.001). The knot with the combined highest RKS and smallest size and weight was an Aberdeen knot with 4 throws using 3 USP polyglactin 910., Conclusion: The Aberdeen knots were stronger, more secure, and smaller than surgeon's and square knots for ending a continuous suture pattern. Clinically, the Aberdeen knot may be a useful alternative for completion of continuous patterns using large gauge suture, without sacrificing knot integrity., (© Copyright 2016 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.)

Background: GATA-3 is a transcription factor involved in human tissue growth and differentiation. It is a potential marker for breast carcinoma origin in metastasis and predictive of good prognosis. We aim to evaluate the role of GATA3 in determining the breast origin of metastatic adenocarcinoma in malignant effusions using immunohistochemistry on cell-block microarray in comparison with ER and PR results., Methods: Cell blocks from 100 cases of malignant and reactive serous effusions with confirmed diagnosis were selected; 28 mammary carcinomas, 64 extra-mammary adenocarcinomas (gastrointestinal, pulmonary, gynecologic), and 8 reactive mesothelium proliferation as control. Immunohistochemistry on cell-block microarray was used. Microarray slides were stained for GATA-3, ER and PR. Nuclear staining of >1% was considered positive., Results: GATA3, ER and PR were positive in 25 (89%), 20 (71%) and 16 (57%) of breast carcinoma cases, respectively. All non-breast cancer cases were negative for GATA-3 with the exception of one Müllerian adenocarcinoma (1.6%). The calculated sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) of GATA3 reactivity in determining the breast origin of metastatic adenocarcinoma was 89.3% (95% CI: 71.7-97.7%), 98.6% (95% CI: 91.6-99.9%) and 96.2% (95% CI: 80.4-99.9%), respectively. GATA3 positivity was associated with ER or PR positivity in 84% of cases., Conclusions: GATA3 is a useful marker in determining the breast origin of metastatic adenocarcinoma in malignant serous effusions. Reactivity to GATA3 may indicate good prognosis. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:731-736. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., (© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: This study was conducted to assess different cellular microparticles (MPs) in thrombocytopenic human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and their significance as disease activity markers., Methods: Thirty-five thrombocytopenic human immunodeficiency diseases and 25 healthy controls with matched age and sex were selected. Viral load was quantitated by COBAS real-time polymerase reaction (PCR) assessment of absolute T-cell subsets CD4, CD8 as a disease progress marker. Platelet MPs, platelet-derived monocyte MPs (CD42a, CD61), erythrocyte MP (CD235a), monocytic MP (CD14), and platelet activity MPs (CD62P, PAC-1) were assessed by multicolor flow cytometry FACSCalibur, while platelet functions were assessed by platelet function analyzer (PFA-100). CD42a, CD61, and platelet activity index represented by PAC-1 and CD62., Results: P-selectin in HIV-infected patient samples were significantly greater (P < 0.001) than among controls. There was a negative correlation between the proportion of PAC-1 and CD62 P-selectin-positive MPs and levels of CD4(+) T-cell counts (r = -0.403, P = 0.016; r = -0.438, P = 0.008), respectively. There was a negative correlation between collagen-ADP and levels of CD4(+) T-cell counts (r = -0.368, P = 0.03). There was a significant high expression level of CD14 monocyte MPs in patients than controls (P < 0.0001), overexpression of CD235a (P < 0.0001), and no correlation between CD14 and CD4, whereas there was a significant negative correlation with CD235a (r = -0.394, P = 0.019). A linear regression analysis of CD4 as a disease progression marker with other variable indicators in HIV patients showed that CD235a could be the most sensitive predictor similar to CD4., Conclusion: Different cellular MPs and platelets activated in HIV patients could have a role in thrombotic events in these patients., (© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Hyperbranched poly(amidoamine) (h-PAMAM) compound was synthesized from diethylene triamine and different moles percent of methyl acrylate using simple one-pot and commercial synthesis method. The synthesized h-PAMAM was provided with ester and amine terminations. Chemical structure of the synthesized h-PAMAM, with different terminations, was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. In addition, the size and the distribution of the synthesized h-PAMAM were evaluated using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) analysis. The molecular weights of the synthesized modified hyperbranched polymer, with different terminations, were measured using Gel-permeation chromatograph. The ill-structure of the h-PAMAM with different molar feed methyl acrylate:diethylene triamine (MA:DETA) ratios was designed as h-PAMAM-amine, h-PAMAM-ester and h-PAMAM-amine plus (sharing similar chemical and physical properties with well-defined poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers in generation 2, 2.5 or 3, respectively). Moreover, the synthesized compound expressed broad spectrum antimicrobial and anti-biofilms activity., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Bilingual children are under-referred due to an ostensible expectation that they lag behind their monolingual peers in their English acquisition. The recommendations of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) state that bilingual children should be assessed in both the languages known by the children. However, despite these recommendations, a majority of speech and language professionals report that they assess bilingual children only in English as bilingual children come from a wide array of language backgrounds and standardized language measures are not available for the majority of these. Moreover, even when such measures do exist, they are not tailored for bilingual children., Aims: It was asked whether a cut-off exists in the proportion of exposure to English at which one should expect a bilingual toddler to perform as well as a monolingual on a test standardized for monolingual English-speaking children., Methods & Procedures: Thirty-five bilingual 2;6-year-olds exposed to British English plus an additional language and 36 British monolingual toddlers were assessed on the auditory component of the Preschool Language Scale, British Picture Vocabulary Scale and an object-naming measure. All parents completed the Oxford Communicative Development Inventory (Oxford CDI) and an exposure questionnaire that assessed the proportion of English in the language input. Where the CDI existed in the bilingual's additional language, these data were also collected., Outcomes & Results: Hierarchical regression analyses found the proportion of exposure to English to be the main predictor of the performance of bilingual toddlers. Bilingual toddlers who received 60% exposure to English or more performed like their monolingual peers on all measures. K-means cluster analyses and Levene variance tests confirmed the estimated English exposure cut-off at 60% for all language measures. Finally, for one additional language for which we had multiple participants, additional language CDI production scores were significantly inversely related to the amount of exposure to English., Conclusions & Implications: Typically developing 2;6-year-olds who are bilingual in English and an additional language and who hear English 60% of the time or more, perform equivalently to their typically developing monolingual peers., (© 2014 Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.)

Objective: To address human papillomavirus (HPV) testing on negative Pap tests preceded by atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) without reflex HPV testing., Study Design: Positive HPV test results with concurrent negative Pap tests over 1 year were identified. Pathology records for all patients diagnosed with ASCUS without reflex HPV testing in the previous year were reviewed; all cytologic and surgical specimens over the subsequent 2 years were evaluated for squamous abnormalities., Results: Fifty patients had positive HPV DNA (HPV-DNA) test result combined with a negative Pap test. Twenty-three had a previous Pap test interpretation of ASC-US (without HPV testing) within the preceding year. On follow-up, 8 of 23 developed a squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) within 1 year. Four additional cases developed SIL in the second year after positive HPV testing. All dysplasias in the first year of follow-up were low grade; 1 of 4 developing in the second year was high grade., Conclusion: Negative Pap smear following an ASC-US interpretation without a concurrent HPV test is associated with significant false negative rate. We suggest consideration of combining HPV-DNA testing to all initial follow-up negative Pap tests of patients with previous ASC-US, if reflex HPV testing has not been performed.

Objective: To determine the impact of repeated treatment failure of clomiphene and intrauterine insemination on the quality of life of couples with infertility., Methods: A prospective comparative study involving 3 groups of 50 couples each. The first group consisted of infertile couples with repeated treatment failure (group FT), the second group consisted of infertile couples who had never attempted any medical treatment (group NT), and the third was a control group of couples with at least 1 child and no history of infertility. Participants completed a comprehensive questionnaire to assess 16 areas of quality of life., Results: The quality of life score of the control group was higher than the scores reported by groups NT and FT (P <.001). There was no significant difference in the quality of life score reported by group NT and group FT or between male and female partners. Among the women, a high quality of life was reported by 22% in group FT, 14% in group NT, and 54% in the control group. Among the men, a high quality of life was reported by 14% in group FT, 12% in group NT, and 60% in the control group. In contrast to their male partners, the women with repeated treatment failure placed higher importance on children and home than their counterparts who had not started the treatment (P <.05)., Conclusion: Although couples with repeated treatment failure of clomiphene and intrauterine insemination do not demonstrate a lower overall quality of life than other infertile couples beginning baseline assessment, the quality of life of infertile couples is lower than that of fertile couples.

Free and total polyphenolic compounds were extracted from the fruits and leaves of the Picual cultivar. The safety limits of these compounds were recognized by measuring the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and total lipids of rat serum. The free and total phenolic compounds (400, 800, and 1600 ppm) and butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT) (200 ppm) were daily ingested for 7 weeks. The administration of olive total and free phenolic compounds at 400 and 800 ppm did not cause any significant changes on ALT and AST activities and serum total lipids. These compounds at 1600 ppm caused significant increase in ALT and AST activities and the content of total lipids. Both olive phenolic compounds were superior to that of BHT in increasing HDL-cholesterol level. Nutritional experiments demonstrated that BHT at 200 ppm caused an enlargement in the kidney and liver of the rat compared with the administration of total and free olive phenolic compounds at 1200 and 1600 ppm. Microscopical examination of kidney and liver tissues of rats administered free and total phenolic compounds at 1200 ppm had the same histological character as that of control rats, while the administration of BHT (200 ppm) and phenolic compounds (1600 ppm) induced severe damage to the tissues of the rat kidney and liver.

The antioxidant property of anise, caraway, cumin and fennel essential oils extracted from untreated, gamma-irradiated and microwaved fruits against sunflower oil oxidative rancidity was evaluated. The fruits were exposed to gamma-irradiation at 10 KGy and to microwaves at low oven power setting for 1 min. The essential oils were added individually (200 ppm) to sunflower oil and the rate of oil oxidation was followed by determining the peroxide value during storage at room temperature. The irradiated and microwaved essential oils exhibited an antioxidant activity and was superior to that of sunflower oil catalysed by a mixture of BHT + BHA (200 ppm) in most cases. The present data show that gamma-irradiation and microwave treatments did not affect the antioxidant property of the essential oils under study. In addition the essential oils extracted from the gamma-irradiated fruits were more effective as an antioxidant in sunflower oil than those produced from microwaved fruits.

A dot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (dot-ELISA) was developed using excretory-secretory (ES) antigens of Fasciola gigantica adult worms and freeze-thaw antigen (AFT) of adult Schistosoma mansoni worms. Specific IgG and IgM antibodies were simultaneously investigated in sera from 17 febrile eosinophilic hospitalized patients and 20 healthy controls. Dot-ELISA was shown useful and could differentiate fascioliasis from schistosomiasis prior to parasite egg detection in patient's stool. This assay is field and laboratory applicable.

Refined cottonseed oil and hydrogenated palm oil were heated by two methods, conventionally by gas-cooker (deep fat frying) and by microwave energy. Quality assurance methods such as refractive index, color, diene content, acid value, peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid value, iodine value, petroleum ether insoluble oxidized fatty acid content, and degree of polymerization were determined. Exposing the oil samples to various heating times and microwave oven power levels caused some hydrolysis to free fatty acids and accelerated the formation of hydroperoxides and secondary oxidation products. The value from each test increased with both the power settings of the microwave oven and the time of heating. In general, the development of rancidity for refined cottonseed oil heated by microwaves was twice as fast as that produced by conventional heating. Also, the chemical values indicating deterioration for refined cottonseed oil were much higher for refined cottonseed oil than for hydrogenated palm oil in all cases. Gas-liquid chromatographic analysis of fatty acids obtained from the heated oils indicates the occurrence of oxidative degradation and production of short-chain acids.

The delay in discharge of patients from an acute geriatric unit was reviewed. More than three-quarters of the patients were subject to delayed discharge and the cumulative delay accounted for 24% of the total occupancy of beds by the 100 patients studied. Some delays may be avoided by changes in management procedure at ward level.