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Abstract Background and aim The present study aimed to evaluate the use of 18F-2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) PET/MRI (Positron emission tomography-computed tomography) in predicting the pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with breast cancer (BC) compared to the use of MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) alone. Methods We searched numerous databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Science Direct, using curated keywords. The variance of each study was determined using the binomial distribution, and STATA version 14 was used to analyze the data by performing random-effect models. Additionally, we calculated study heterogeneity using the chi-squared test and I2 index and utilized funnel plots and Egger tests to assess publication bias. Results The current investigation analyzed 239 patients from six published studies. The pooled estimated sensitivity and specificity of 18F-FDG PET/MRI was 0.91 (95% CI = 0.90 to 0.92, I2 = 100% and P = 0.000) and 0.62 (95% CI = 0.53 to 0.72, I2 = 99.8% and P = 0.000), respectively. Pooled sensitivity and specificity of MRI were 0.78 (95%CI = 0.59 to 0.96, I2 = 100% and P = 0.000) and 0.56 (95%CI = 0.33 to 0.80, I2 = 99.8% and P = 0.000), respectively. Conclusions Based on our findings, the combined form of 18F-FDG PET/MRI imaging is more sensitive and specific than MRI alone for predicting response to NAC in BC patients.

Abstract Background Physical function constitutes a key component of outcome assessment for almost all osteoarthritis interventions. The aim was to compare physical function measured using a self-assessed performance-based test versus self-reported function using questionnaires among individuals with knee or hip osteoarthritis (OA) participating in a digital exercise and education therapy. Methods We analysed data from individuals aged 40 + years participating in the digital program. We extracted data on the self-assessed 30-second chair stand test (30s CST) and the function subscales of Knee injury/Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score 12 (KOOS-12/HOOS-12) at enrolment and 3- (n = 10884) and 12-month (n = 3554) follow-ups. Participants completed Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain, EQ-5D-5L, and an external anchor: global rating of change scale. Correlations were assessed using the Spearman correlation coefficient, responsiveness using standardized response mean (SRM) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and agreement using weighted percent of agreement and weighted Gwet’s agreement coefficient. Results Correlations were weak between the 30s CST and KOOS-12/HOOS-12 function (r 1 vs. SRM

Abstract Electrochemical water splitting is a promising approach towards a sustainable and renewable energy source. However, the demand for high anodic potential and sluggish kinetics of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) restrict the efficiency and feasibility of the water-splitting process. In this quest, transition metal oxides and alloys are considered potential candidates owing to their natural occurrence and high redox potential for OER. However, many associated challenges in their use are still there to be addressed. Here, we designed a new class of bismuth-doped iron oxide on exfoliated graphene oxide by optimizing the metal loading on the conductive support to facilitate the flow of charge during catalysis. The catalytic ability of the synthesized Bi-doped nanocomposites was evaluated in activating the OER under extreme alkaline conditions (1 MKOH). On screening different combinations, 20Bi–Fe2O3@GO was identified as the most efficient and sustainable electrocatalyst even under harsh operating conditions, with an onset potential of 1.48 V and a Tafel slope of 65 mV/dec. The current study offers a new class of Bi-doped electrocatalysts, where the precise doping of Bi and the optimized loading of metal was found the key to achieving low onset potential and high current density to initiate OER. Graphical abstract

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has seriously affected older adults’ social lives, physical activity, and cognitive functions. Additionally, the lockdowns have disrupted regular healthcare for patients with chronic illnesses or needing acute care. Furthermore, the pandemic has negatively affected different psychosocial influences in each country due to the various cultural characteristics, technology, health system, and financial opportunities. This study aimed to investigate the effects of COVID-19 on mood, social participation, and healthcare use in older adults living in Turkey. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (March-December 2021) in three medical centers in Turkey. Patients aged 60 + years without significant cognitive impairment were recruited by mail or at hospital admissions. Information on demographics, pandemic-related distancing measures, healthcare use, lifestyle, symptoms of anxiety, depression, and social participation were assessed. Results A total of 343 participants were included in the study. Women had a higher rate of hypertension, symptoms of anxiety, depression, and fatigue compared to men (p

Abstract The current study assessed the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Cowpea-legumin (CPL) against antibiotic-resistant foodborne pathogens (FBP), the consequences on Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) quality and shelf-life, and the growth curves of inoculated FBPs. Fresh LTL-steaks were enriched with either 0.5 mg/g (CPL0.5) or 1 mg/g (CPL1) and evaluated over 15 chilling-days at 4 °C. Antibiotic-resistant Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli were inhibited by 25 and 3.125 mg/mL, respectively, while antibiotic-susceptible FBPs and antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus were suppressed by 0.1 mg/mL CPL. CPL1-fortification produced fully tender LTL that was initially yellower/less red than the control, then turned brighter red with storage. CPL demonstrated promising dose-dependent antioxidant, and antibacterial activities against native spoilage and antibiotic-resistant/susceptible FBPs. CPL’s proteinaceous composition, besides sample size, might impact stability. Conclusively, CPL demonstrated promising preservative stability in fresh meat for a maximum of fifteen-days and represents a viable antimicrobial alternative in battle against antibiotic-resistance.

Abstract Xeroderma Pigmentosum C is a dermal hereditary disease caused by a mutation in the DNA damage recognition protein XPC that belongs to the Nucleotide excision repair pathway. XPC patients display heightened sensitivity to light and an inability to mend DNA damage caused by UV radiation, resulting in the accumulation of lesions that can transform into mutations and eventually lead to cancer. To address this issue, we conducted a screening of siRNAs targeting human kinases, given their involvement in various DNA repair pathways, aiming to restore normal cellular behavior. We introduced this siRNA library into both normal and XPC patient-derived fibroblasts, followed by UVB exposure to induce DNA damage. We assessed the reversal of the XPC phenotype by measuring reduced photosensitivity and enhanced DNA repair. Among the 1292 kinase-targeting siRNAs screened, twenty-eight showed significant improvement in cellular survival compared to cells transfected with non-targeting siRNA after UV exposure in XPC cells. From these candidates, PIK3C3 and LATS1 were identified as particularly effective, promoting over 20% repair of 6-4 photoproduct (6-4PP) DNA lesions. Specifically targeting the autophagy-related protein PIK3C3 alone demonstrated remarkable photoprotective effects in XPC-affected cells, which were validated in primary XPC patient fibroblasts and CRISPR-Cas9 engineered XPC knockout keratinocytes. PIK3C3 knock down in XP-C cells ameliorated in UVB dose response analysis, decreased apoptosis with no effect on proliferation. More importantly, PIK3C3 knock down was found to induce an increase in UVRAG expression, a previously reported cDNA conveying lower photosensitivity in XP-C cells. Thus, attempts to improve the XPC photosensitive and deficient repair phenotype using PIK3C3 inhibitors could pave a way for new therapeutic approaches delaying or preventing tumor initiation.

Abstract Background Regenerative endodontic therapy (RET) is still coming up short to demonstrate histological evidence for true regeneration with clinically feasible protocol of cell homing in single visit approach. Aim The aim of the present study is to evaluate the regenerative potential of photobiomodulation (PBM) on RET in immature roots when photodynamic therapy (PDT) protocol is implemented for root canal disinfection in canine model. Materials and methods Seventy-two root canals were recruited, with sixty assigned to experimental groups and twelve to positive and negative controls. Following the induction of pulp necrosis and apical periodontitis, the roots were divided into two experimental groups: Group I received RET followed by PBM (seven sessions with an 808 nm diode laser at 300 mW for 90 s), and Group II received RET without PBM. Follow-ups were conducted at 1, 2, and 3 months (subgroups A, B, and C respectively). Qualitative and quantitative assessment was carried out histologically. All data were statistically analyzed with the Mann-Whitney U test and Bonferroni’s adjustment, as well as Chi square test. Results The newly formed hard tissue highly resembled true dentine where the dentinal tubules looked well organized lined by poly layers palisading pattern of rounded odontoblast-like cells with cytoplasmic processes extending through the predentine layer. GI exhibited statistically significantly higher scores of vital tissue infiltration and hard tissue deposition in subgroups A and B (P ≤ 0.05). The inflammatory cells scores were significantly lower in GI than in GII at all time intervals. However, no significance could be detected regarding apical closure. Conclusion The disinfection protocol of PDT and subsequent irradiation with low power laser in PBM protocol pose a promising potential for regenerative endodontics in immature teeth.

Isra H Ali,1,2 Moawia M Al-Tabakha,3,4 Islam A Khalil5 1Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City, Sadat City, Egypt; 2Nanomedicine Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City, Sadat City, Egypt; 3Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates; 4Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research Centre, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates; 5Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Manufacturing, Misr University for Science and Technology, 6th of October City, Giza, EgyptCorrespondence: Islam A Khalil, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Manufacturing, Misr University for Science and Technology, 6th of October City Giza, 12582, Egypt, Email islam.khalil@must.edu.eg; islamkhll@gmail.com Moawia M Al-Tabakha, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, P.O. Box 346, Ajman, United Arab Emirates, Email m.altabakha@ajman.ac.aePurpose: This study aims to prepare Loratadine-loaded chitosan/tannic acid nanoparticles (LOR-CS/TAN NPs) through ionic gelation to be used as an anti-proliferative agent to aid in overcoming breast cancer propagation.Methods: First, in-silico virtual screening was carried out to select the most appropriate anti-histaminic drug based on its inhibitory effect on the H1-histamine receptor, resulting in the selection of Loratadine (LOR). Molecular interaction between LOR with chitosan (CS), a positively charged polymer, and hyaluronan, a negatively charged polymer, was investigated separately through molecular docking, leading to the selection of CS. Optimization was carried out using Box Behnken Design, with concentrations of CS, LOR, and tannic acid (TAN) as independent variables. The optimized nanoparticles were then examined through morphological and physicochemical studies. Cell studies against the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line were conducted to assess cytotoxicity, cell cycle, apoptosis, and necrosis.Results: The optimum formulation was determined to be CS (0.2% w/v), LOR (1:2 weight ratio to CS), and TAN (1:30.6 weight ratio to CS). The optimized LOR-CS/TAN NPs exhibited a size of 283 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.102, and an entrapment efficiency of 78%, along with sustained drug release for 24 hours. The results demonstrated that LOR-CS/TAN NPs possess higher anti-cancer activity compared to free LOR. This enhanced activity is attributed to the synergistic effect of the drug and the designed nanoparticle, particularly due to the presence of tannic acid.Conclusion: In conclusion, Loratadine-loaded chitosan/tannic acid nanoparticles (LOR-CS/TAN NPs) demonstrated enhanced anti-cancer activity against the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. The synergistic effect of Loratadine and the nanoparticle system, particularly due to the presence of tannic acid, resulted in higher cytotoxicity compared to free Loratadine. These findings suggest that LOR-CS/TAN NPs have significant potential as a novel anti-proliferative agent for breast cancer therapy. Keywords: loratadine, chitosan, tannic acid, nanoparticles, breast cancer, in-silico

This study examines the impact of compensation and work environment on employee job satisfaction at Al-Hoty Analytical Services in the Kingdom of Bahrain. In a competitive global market, optimizing workplace conditions is crucial for enhancing employee morale and organizational performance. A sample of 152 employees from various departments at Al-Hoty Analytical Services was surveyed using a structured questionnaire, applying saturated sampling within a quantitative research framework. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26. The results indicate that the physical work environment significantly contributes to higher levels of job satisfaction, emphasizing the importance of a well-designed workspace. The social work environment, while positively correlated with satisfaction (p = 0.926), did not significantly impact overall satisfaction (β = 0.385, p < 0.001). In contrast, both direct and indirect compensation had significant positive effects on job satisfaction, with direct compensation having a stronger influence (β = 0.273, p < 0.001) than indirect compensation (β = 0.238, p = 0.001). The study provides practical insights for organizational leaders and contributes to the broader understanding of job satisfaction dynamics.

Hawraa Ali-Jerman,1 Zainab Al-Quraishi,1 Ashish Muglikar,1 Yvonne Perrie,1 Rothwelle J Tate,1 Margaret Mullin,2 Gayle McNeill,1 Graeme Mackenzie,1 Christine Dufès1 1Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK; 2Cell Analysis Facility, Medical and Veterinary & Life Sciences Shared Research Facilities, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UKCorrespondence: Christine Dufès, Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK, Tel +44 1415483796, Fax +44 1415522562, Email C.Dufes@strath.ac.ukBackground: Gene therapy is a promising therapeutic approach for treating various disorders by introducing modified nucleic acids to correct cellular dysfunctions or introduce new functions. Despite significant advancements in the field, the effective delivery of nucleic acids remains a challenge, due to biological barriers and the immune system’s ability to target and destroy these molecules. Due to their branched structure and ability to condense negatively charged nucleic acids, cationic dendrimers have shown potential in overcoming these challenges. Despite this, standardized scalable production methods are still lacking. This study investigates the use of microfluidics to formulate generation 3-diaminobutyric polypropylenimine (DAB) dendriplexes and compares their characteristics and in vitro gene delivery efficacy to those prepared using conventional manual mixing.Methods: DAB dendriplexes were produced by both microfluidic and manual approaches and characterized. Their cellular uptake and gene expression were evaluated on C6 glioma cancer cells in vitro.Results: Dendriplexes formed using microfluidics at the optimal flow rate and ratio demonstrated enhanced DNA condensation over time, achieving up to 97% condensation at 24 hours. Both preparation methods produced positively charged dendriplexes, indicating stable formulations. However, dendriplexes prepared through hand mixing resulted in smaller particle sizes, significantly higher cellular uptake and gene expression efficacy compared to those prepared by microfluidics. Nonetheless, microfluidic preparation offers the advantage of standardized and scalable production, which is essential for future applications.Conclusion: This study highlights the potential of microfluidic technology to improve precision and scalability in gene delivery, paving the way for future advancements in gene therapy. Our findings suggest that, with further optimization, microfluidic systems could provide superior control over dendriplex formation, expanding their potential use in gene therapy applications. Keywords: polypropylenimine dendrimer, dendriplex, glioma, microfluidics, cellular uptake, transfection

Faisal Abdi Osoble Osman,1 Ibrahim Mohamed Hirsi,2 Shuayb Moallim Ali Jama,1 Abdirisak Abdikarin Ahmed,3 Abdisalam Abdullahi Yusuf,2 Mohamed Osman Dahir1 1Radiology Department, Mogadishu Somali Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan Training and Research Hospital, Mogadish, Somalia; 2Pediatric Department, Mogadishu Somali Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan Training and Research Hospital, Mogadish, Somalia; 3Opthalmology Department, Mogadishu Somali Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan Training and Research Hospital, Mogadish, SomaliaCorrespondence: Faisal Abdi Osoble Osman, Radiology Department, Mogadishu Somali Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan Training and Research Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia, Email Faisalosoble@gmail.comIntroduction: Septic pulmonary embolism is a serious and rare complication of orbital cellulitis. Orbital infection usually arises from adjacent soft tissue or hematogenous infections.Case: A 2-year-old girl presented with high-grade fever, cough, and bilateral eyelid swelling for 5 days preceded by edema and a perinasal facial skin furuncle. Examination revealed bilateral axial proptosis and orbital and thoracic CT bilateral orbital cellulitis, septic pulmonary embolism, and bilateral pneumothorax.Discussion: A rare but potentially fatal complication of periorbital cellulitis is septic embolism, which carries a high rate of morbidity and mortality. The infections that cause orbital cellulitis can be transmitted to the orbit through dehiscence of the bone wall or through venous drainage. This can lead to septicemia and subsequent serious complications, including septic pulmonary embolism, Cavernous sinus thrombosis, meningitis, and cerebral ischemia. Advanced and timely imaging is crucial to diagnose both orbital cellulitis and its thoracal complications.Conclusion: Early diagnosis of orbital cellulitis, timely investigations of its extracranial complications, and multidisciplinary involvement in patient management are crucial to prevent or treat complications such as septic pulmonary embolism and may improve patient prognosis.Keywords: Septic pulmonary embolism, SPE, Orbital cellulitis, OC and Pneumothorax, PTX

This article presents the application of the Faedo–Galerkin compactness method to establish the local well-posedness of the Newell–Whitehead–Segel equation. By analyzing a finite-dimensional approximate problem, the existence and uniqueness of a local solution were demonstrated. A priori estimates were derived, enabling the transition to the limit and the recovery of the original problem’s local solution. The study further proves the uniqueness and continuous dependence of the solution on initial data. Additionally, under certain conditions, it is shown that the energy norm of the solution decays exponentially over time, and the L2{L}^{2}-norm of the time derivative of the solution approaches zero asymptotically.

Abstract Partial shading on series‐connected photovoltaic (PV) panels in conventional PV systems results in lower harvested power. To resolve this, it is vital to utilize module level power electronics (MLPE) such as Solar Power Optimizers (SPOs). This paper introduced a non‐isolated common ground non‐inverting output voltage buck‐boost converter as an SPO. Proposed converter benefits from continuous input and output currents which has a significant role in designing SPOs. Having a quadratic gain, beside acceptable step‐down range are other features of the converter. Operating principle, design, steady‐state, small‐signal analysis, and dynamic performance of proposed converter are included. Proposed converter is compared with other buck‐boost converters in terms of voltage gain, voltage stresses, continuous input and output current, and output polarity. To validate the performance of introduced converter, experimental results for a prototype with input voltage 24 V, output voltage 72 V for step‐up and 15 V for step‐down modes are given and results are examined. The maximum efficiency of the prototype is 93% and 89% for step‐up and step‐down modes, respectively. To evaluate the effect of proposed SPO for extracting maximum available power from PVs, simulation results of a grid connected PV system with two series connected SPOs is discussed.

Abstract This paper presents a new structure of a high step‐up DC–DC converter. The proposed converter has one input and two outputs with different voltage levels, suitable for applications that require multiple voltage levels such as photovoltaic systems, electric vehicles and DC microgrids. The proposed converter is expandable to more outputs and has a higher voltage conversion ratio compared to similar converters. The operational modes of the proposed converter are investigated and the conversion ratio of the converter is obtained. Additionally, small‐signal equations of the converter are derived, and using state‐space matrices, transfer functions of the converter are obtained and the controller is designed. Also, the proposed converter is compared with similar converters and power losses equations of the converter are derived. To investigate the converter's performance, simulations are done using MATLAB/Simulink software. Moreover, to validate the theoretical analysis, a laboratory prototype is implemented. The obtained results confirm the operation of the proposed converter.

The present research integrates remote sensing (RS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) techniques to identify groundwater potential zones (GWPZs) in Muzaffarpur. Various data sets and study areas were considered to contribute to groundwater availability. The groundwater potential was evaluated, and later, the GWPZ map was validated. It was further categorized into various potential zones from 2005 to 2020. High potential areas, located in gently sloping terrains conducive to high infiltration and percolation, maintained coverage of about 50% of the watershed. Poor potential zones, which represent a small fraction of the area with limited groundwater capacity, showed a consistently low proportion over the years. It highlights the impact of geological and geomorphological factors, particularly the Charnockite Gneiss Complex and sedimentary rocks of the Ganges Basin, on groundwater potential. Soil types, ranging from fine to coarse loamy, play a significant role in groundwater recharge. Rainfall and slope are crucial factors that influence groundwater potential. Higher rainfall and flatter slopes enhance groundwater recharge, emphasizing the importance of variables in assessment. ROC analysis revealed mixed validation results, with zones showing high potential, while others remained poor. It underscores the need for effective water conservation practices to improve groundwater availability.

According to ancient Iranian mythology, the world is depicted as a battleground between the forces of good and evil. Ahuramazda is revered as the ultimate source of goodness, while Ahriman is portrayed as the creator of all things malevolent, such as darkness, ignorance, pain, and disease. These mythological concepts have been passed down through references in the Avesta texts and Pahlavi literature, providing insights into the beliefs of ancient Iranians. In a scholarly exploration of these themes, the research delves into the textual evidence concerning illness, treatment, and the origins of these concepts as presented in the Bundahishn, a reliable source for understanding ancient Iranian beliefs. Ancient Iranian cosmology posits that afflictions and maladies stem from the destructive influence of Ahriman and his cohorts, who seek to wreak havoc upon creation. Conversely, the forces of Ahuramazda strive to counteract this demonic evil by imparting medical knowledge to humanity and teaching healing practices. Within this dualistic worldview, pain and disease are attributed to demonic origins, while medicine and treatment are associated with Ahuramazda. The ancient Iranians viewed the pursuit of medical knowledge and the practice of pharmacy as integral components of the eternal battle between good and evil. In this framework, safeguarding health and administering treatment are essential in the ongoing struggle against evil forces. This holistic perspective underscores the interconnectedness of physical well-being with spiritual beliefs, emphasizing the role of individuals in preserving their health as an act of resistance against demonic influences.

Abstract We present the holographic dual to a family of N $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 1 SCFTs in four dimensions, deformed by a VEV leading to a gapped system. We calculate Wilson loops in this system containing adjoint, bifundamental, and fundamental matter. We calculate the quark-antiquark energy E in terms of their separation L, finding an approximate analytic expression for E(L). This expression shows the transition between conformal, confining, and screened behaviors. Interesting phenomenology is discussed in a variety of examples. The tool used is the minimization of the F1 string action, for which the code used is made publicly available.

Abstract Background/aim Benign tracheal stenosis (TS) is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by iatrogenic events resulting from endotracheal intubation and tracheostomy. The study aimed to determine the clinical characteristics, management, and long-term outcomes of patients with simple or complex post-intubation tracheal stenosis (PITS) who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Materials and methods Retrospective analysis of patients admitted to the ICU between June 2016 and June 2022 and diagnosed with PITS were performed until June 2023. Results 76 patients (mean age 54.9 ± 17.3%, 63.2% male, 61.8% complex stenosis) admitted to the ICU were analysed. The diagnosis of PITS was made by fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) in 53.9% and computed tomography (CT) in 46.1%. The most common location of stenosis was the upper trachea area (57.9%, n = 44). The median stenosis length of the TS was 1.9 cm (median 2 cm for complex stenosis, 1 cm for simple stenosis, p

Abstract Background Chad with 7,698 confirmed cases of infection and 194 deaths since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, is one of the African countries with the lowest reported case numbers. However, this figure likely underestimates the true spread of the virus due to the low rate of diagnosis. The high rate of asymptomatic infections reflects the reality of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Chad. In this study, we estimated the seroprevalence and identified factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2022 and February 2023. A total of 1,290 plasma samples were collected from outpatient attendees at Health Facilities located in 11 provinces of Chad and tested by ELISA method, for the presence of IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV2 nucleocapsid (N) protein. KoboToolbox was used to gather data from the participants and data were analyzed using STATA 16. Results The overall seroprevalence was 83.0% [95% CI = 81.6%—85.5%], with variations between provinces, ranging from 99.2% [95% CI = 94.0%—100%] in Moundou (Southern Chad) to 46.8% [95% CI = 36.0% -57.1%] in Biltine (Eastern Chad). Factors associated with the seroprevalence included military occupation (OR = 0.37 CI [0.80–1.77] p = 0.025) and age group between 55–64 years (OR = 0.33 CI [0.15–0.72] p = 0.005). While, other factors, such as gender and age were not significantly associated with seroprevalence. Conclusion Our results indicated that, the seroprevalence of COVID-19 in Chad is among the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa. These estimates could guide the response and public health policy decisions, enhancing the management of future outbreaks involving respiratory pathogens.

Abstract Background The Global Point Prevalence Survey (PPS) of antimicrobial consumption and resistance has been widely undertaken to combat the global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study was conducted in alignment with the Global-PPS in three tertiary care hospitals in Kerman, Iran, to evaluate antimicrobial consumption patterns. Methods The study was conducted from January 2020 to January 2021 in Afzalipour, Shafa, and Shahid Bahonar Hospitals. Data were collected using the standardized Global-PPS method at three different points throughout the year to minimize bias. Information on antimicrobial prescriptions, primary diagnosis, prophylaxis, therapy indications, and treatment type were documented. Antimicrobial prevalence was calculated using the total number of admitted patients as the denominator and those on antimicrobial regimens as the numerator. Results The point prevalence of antimicrobial consumption in adult wards was 65.6% in Afzalipour Hospital, 42.3% in Shafa Hospital, and 78.7% in Bahonar Hospital. Non-penicillin beta-lactams, macrolides, lincosamides, and streptogramins were the most frequently prescribed antibiotic classes. Approximately 80% of prescriptions had explicit reasons documented, and targeted antibiotic therapy rates varied between 7.7% and 44.8% across hospitals. Conclusions Antimicrobial consumption in Kerman’s tertiary care hospitals exceeded national and global levels, indicating an urgent need for interventions to promote rational antibiotic use. Infection control committees must implement rigorous monitoring measures to reduce antimicrobial resistance. Ongoing surveillance and targeted interventions are essential to curb the rising rates of antimicrobial resistance in the region.

Abstract Background The increasing use of nanoparticles (NPs) necessitates investigation of their impact on wastewater treatment processes, particularly anammox, a critical biological nitrogen removal pathway. This study explored the effects of short-term exposure to TiO2, ZnO, and Ag-NPs on anammox activity in enriched cultures derived from River Nile sediments. Materials and methods Anammox bacteria were identified and enriched, with activity confirmed through 16S rRNA and hydrazine oxidoreductase (hzo) gene amplification and sequencing. Activity assays demonstrated efficient ammonium removal by the enriched culture. Subsequently, the impact of different sized and concentrated NPs on anammox activity was assessed. Results XRD analysis confirmed NP behavior within the microcosms: TiO2 transformed, ZnO partially dissolved, and Ag remained ionic. hzo gene expression served as a biomarker for anammox bacterial activity. Interestingly, 100 nm TiO2-NPs up-regulated hzo expression, potentially indicating a non-inhibitory transformed phase. Conversely, ZnO and Ag-NPs across all sizes and concentrations significantly down-regulated hzo expression, suggesting detrimental effects. Ag-NPs amended microcosms showed a significant reduction (79%) in hzo gene expression and a detrimental effect on bacterial populations. Overall, anammox activity mirrored hzo expression patterns, with TiO2 (21 and 25 nm, respectively) exhibiting the least inhibition, followed by ZnO and Ag-NPs. Conclusion This study highlights the differential effects of NPs on anammox, with the order of impact being Ag > ZnO > TiO2. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential environmental risks of NPs on anammox-mediated nitrogen cycling in freshwater ecosystems.

Abstract Supplementing with antioxidants may be one of the most efficient means of minimizing oxidative stress during workouts in obese individuals. The aim of this study is to identify the results after twelve weeks of CrossFit workouts combined with Spinach thylakoid extract on the levels of insulin resistance (insulin and Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance [HOMA-IR]), fasting blood sugar (FBS), malondialdehyde (MDA), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in obese males. Sixty-eight males with an average age of 27 ± 8 yrs and a BMI of 32.6 ± 2.6 kg.m− 2 were randomly split into four groups each consisting of seventeen individuals. : control group (CG), supplement group (SG), training group (TG), and training + supplement group (TSG). After initial assessments, the two training groups (TG and TSG) started on a 12 weeks of the CrossFit workouts program involving three sessions per week each lasting up to 60 min. Participants in supplement groups ingested 30 min before lunch, 5 gof Spinach thylakoid extract per day or one sachet of raw corn starch in the control group. Baseline and post-intervention measurements were performed 48 h pre- and post-last session, respectively. The findings revealed noteworthy relationships between the exercise groups and timefor TAC, SOD, GPx, MDA, CK, and LDH (p

Abstract Background Critical thinking, moral courage, and moral sensitivity are among the topics that are widely considered today in response to turbulent and complex environments in organizations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the state of critical thinking and its effect on moral courage and moral sensitivity in nurses working in hospitals under Jiroft University of Medical Sciences in southern Iran in 2024. Methods This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 385 nurses. The data collection tools were standard questionnaires of critical thinking, moral courage and moral sensitivity. Data were analyzed using t-test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression using SPSS23 software. Results The average scores of critical thinking, moral courage, and moral sensitivity of the studied nurses were 188.16 ± 8.22 out of 450, 62.32 ± 7.45 out of 105, and 71.55 ± 6.39 out of 100, respectively, indicating the weak level of critical thinking and the average level of moral courage and moral sensitivity of nurses. Between moral courage (p

Abstract Deforestation exerts profound ramifications on soil quality and biodiversity, thereby exerting substantial economic repercussions. The depletion of organic matter and structural integrity of soil following tree removal for agricultural purposes underscores the severity of this issue. In elucidating the soil pollution stemming from deforestation, this research employs a sophisticated five-compartment SDIFR model integrating fractal dimension and fractional order dynamics. The rigorous analysis, including the application of Picard Lindelof’s fixed point theorem, establishes the existence and uniqueness of explicit solutions. Furthermore, the examination of local and global stability sheds light on the system’s behavior, delineating between pollution-free equilibrium and pollution-extinct equilibrium states. To regulate system behavior, an adaptive control framework grounded in fractal fractional order is proposed, leveraging the Adams-Bashforth numerical approximation scheme for implementation. Through numerical simulations, the study underscores the pivotal role of parameters, thus substantiating the significance of the proposed model in comprehensively addressing the complexities of soil pollution induced by deforestation.

Abstract α-Glucosidase inhibitors are important in the treatment of type 2 diabetes by regulating blood glucose levels and reducing carbohydrate absorption. The present study focuses on identifying new inhibitors bearing imidazo[1,2-c]quinazoline backbone through multi-step synthesis. The inhibitory potencies of the novel derivatives were tested against Saccharomyces cerevisiae α-glucosidase, revealing IC50 values ranging from 50.0 ± 0.12 µM to 268.25 ± 0.09 µM. Among them, 2-(4-(((2,3-diphenylimidazo[1,2-c]quinazolin-5-yl)thio)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)-N-(2-methoxyphenyl)acetamide (19e) and 2-(4-((benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-c]quinazolin-6-ylthio)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)-N-(2-methoxyphenyl)acetamide (27e) emerged as the most potent inhibitors and were further investigated in various assessments. Finally, molecular docking studies were performed to reveal the crucial binding interactions and to confirm the results obtained from structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis.

Abstract Background: As fat grafting is commonly used as a filler, Adipose-derived stem/stromal cells (ASC) have been reported to be key player in retention rate. Paracrine and differentiation potential of those cells confer them strong pro-angiogenic capacities. However, a full characterization of the influence of aging on ASC has not been reported yet. Here we’ve investigated the effect of age on paracrine function, stemness and angiogenic potential of ASC. Methods: ASC were extracted from young and old adult donors. We assessed stromal vascular fraction cell populations repartition, ASC stemness potential, capability to differentiate into mesenchymal lineages as well as their secretome. Angiogenic potential was assessed using a sprouting assay, an indirect co-culture of ASC and dermal microvascular endothelial cells (EC). Total vascular sprout length was measured, and co-culture soluble factors were quantified. Pro-angiogenic factors alone or in combination as well as ASC-conditioned medium (CM) were added to EC to assess sprouting induction. Results: Decrease of endothelial cells yield and percentage is observed in cells extracted from adipose tissue of older patients, whereas ASC percentage increased with age. Clonogenic potential of ASC is stable with age. ASC can differentiate into adipocytes, chondrocytes and osteoblasts, and aging does not alter this potential. Among the 25 analytes quantified, high levels of pro-angiogenic factors were found, but none is significantly modulated with age. ASC induce a significantly longer vascular sprouts compared to fibroblasts, and no difference was found between young and old ASC donors on that parameter. Higher concentrations of FGF-2, G-CSF, HGF and IL-8, and lower concentrations of VEGF-C were quantified in EC/ASC co-cultures compared to EC/fibroblasts co-cultures. EC/ASC from young donors secrete higher levels of VEGF-A compared to old ones. Neither soluble factor nor CM without cells are able to induce organized sprouts, highlighting the requirement of cell communication for sprouting. CM produced by ASC supporting development of long vascular sprouts promote sprouting in co-cultures that establish shorter sprouts. Conclusion: Our results show cells from young and old donors exhibit no difference in all assessed parameters, suggesting all patients could be included in clinical applications. We emphasized the leading role of ASC in angiogenesis, without impairment with age, where secretome is a key but not sufficient actor.

Abstract Self-healing hydrogels are emerging materials capable of restoring functionality after damage, making them highly suitable for biomedical applications, such as tissue engineering, wound healing, and drug delivery. In this study, we synthesize and characterize a novel biodegradable, conductive, and self-healing hydrogel. The synthesis is based on a Schiff base formed between gelatin and hyaluronic acid, and the dynamic reversible Schiff base bond provides the self-healing property. To characterize and assess the self-healing behavior of the hydrogel, dynamic speckle pattern (DSP) analysis is introduced as a non-destructive, non-contact, and easy-to-implement method. Speckle patterns are formed upon scattering of laser light from a diffusive matter and includes a huge overall information about the sample, to be extracted by statistical processing. DSP analysis is employed to monitor the self-healing process of the hydrogel at both macroscopic and microscopic scales. Experimental procedure involve in situ acquisition of speckle patterns over time under controlled environmental conditions, followed by statistical analysis to evaluate the internal dynamics of the healing process. Several statistical parameters are computed for real-time monitoring of the self-healing property of the hydrogel. The findings, on the one hand, underscore the potential of Schiff base hydrogels in advanced biomedical applications where self-healing properties are critical for sustained performance and longevity. On the other hand, the introduced analysis method shows its potential to serve as an effective approach for biomaterial characterization.

Abstract The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), a crucial half-reaction in the water-splitting process, is hindered by slow kinetics, necessitating efficient electrocatalysts to lower overpotential and enhance energy conversion efficiency. Transition-metal electrode materials, renowned for their robustness and effectiveness, have risen to prominence as primary contenders in the field of energy conversion and storage research. In this investigation, we delve into the capabilities of transition metals when employed as catalysts for the HER. Furthermore, we turn our attention to carbon nanomaterials like graphene, which have exhibited tremendous potential as top-performing electrocatalysts. Nevertheless, advancements are indispensable to expand their utility and versatility. One such enhancement involves the integration of phosphorus-doped graphene. Our research focuses on the synthesis of CuS–NiTe2/PrGO, a nanocomposite with a crystalline structure, through a straightforward method. This nanocomposite exhibits enhanced catalytic activity for the HER, boasting a Tafel slope of 57 mV dec−1 in an acidic environment. Consequently, our findings present a straightforward and efficient approach to developing high-performance electrocatalysts for HER.

Abstract Many studies have shown that infectious diseases are responsible for the majority of deaths in children under five. Among these children, Acute Respiratory Infections is the most prevalent illness and cause of death worldwide. Acute respiratory infections continue to be the leading cause of death in developing countries, including Ethiopia. In order to predict the main factors contributing to acute respiratory infections in the Amhara regional state of Ethiopia, a machine learning technique was employed. This study utilized data from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey. Seven machine learning models, including logistic regression, random forests, decision trees, Gradient Boosting, support vector machines, Naïve Bayes, and K-nearest neighbors, were employed to forecast the factors influencing acute respiratory infections. The accuracy of each model was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves and various metrics. Among the seven models used, the Random Forest algorithm demonstrated the highest accuracy in predicting acute respiratory infections, with an accuracy rate of 90.35% and Area under the Curve of 94.80%. This was followed by the Decision Tree model with an accuracy rate of 88.69%, K-nearest neighbors with 86.35%, and Gradient Boosting with 82.69%. The Random Forest algorithm also exhibited positive and negative predictive values of 92.22% and 88.83%, respectively. Several factors were identified as significantly associated with ARI among children under five in the Amhara regional state, Ethiopia. These factors, included families with a poorer wealth status (log odds of 0.18) compared to their counterparts, families with four to six children (log odds of 0.1) compared to families with fewer than three living children, children without a history of diarrhea (log odds of -0.08), mothers who had occupation(log odds of 0.06) compared mothers who didn’t have occupation, children under six months of age (log odds of -0.05) compared to children older than six months, mothers with no education (log odds of 0.04) compared to mothers with primary education or higher, rural residents (log odds of 0.03) compared to non-rural residents, families using wood as a cooking material (log odds of 0.03) compared to those using electricity. Through Shapley Additive exPlanations value analysis on the Random Forest algorithm, we have identified significant risk factors for acute respiratory infections among children in the Amhara regional state of Ethiopia. The study found that the family’s wealth index, the number of children in the household, the mother’s occupation, the mother’s educational level, the type of residence, and the fuel type used for cooking were all associated with acute respiratory infections. Additionally, the research emphasized the importance of children being free from diarrhea and living in households with fewer children as essential factors for improving children’s health outcomes in the Amhara regional state, Ethiopia.

Abstract Humans have utilized plants for various purposes, including sustenance and medical treatment for millennia. Researchers have extensively investigated medicinal plants’ potential in drug development, spurred by their rich array of chemical compounds. Curcumin, a valuable bioactive compound, is extracted from Turmeric, known by the scientific name Curcuma Longa L. Notably, curcumin boasts potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a promising candidate for treating cancer and other microbial diseases. Therefore, the simulation study of the extraction of this important medicinal compound by water, which is a green solvent, was carried out. This study employed molecular dynamics simulation for the first time to explore the extraction of Curcuma Longa L. extract using subcritical water. The simulations were carried out at constant pressure and different temperatures, using the Compass force field in the Lammps simulation package. The findings revealed an increase in the amount of Curcuma longa extract with rising temperature, indicating a weakening of hydrogen bonds in water molecules. Water lost its polar state with increasing temperature and became a suitable non-polar solvent for extracting non-polar compounds. The average absolute relative deviation (AARD) for calculated and simulated density data was 6.45%.

Abstract The intermittency and randomness of photovoltaic power present different characteristics due to seasonal variations, which greatly affects the reliability of power supply. To boost the prediction accuracy of photovoltaic power, a short-term prediction combination model named GSK–BiGRU–XGboost is proposed. First, the Pearson correlation coefficient is adopted to determine highly-correlated meteorological factors to photovoltaic power to construct the input features. Second, the prediction errors of different single models are compared, and the two, i.e., Bidirectional Gated Recurrent Unit (BiGRU) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGboost) that have the smallest errors and lowest correlation are selected to construct the combination model. Third, to achieve an appropriate weight coefficient of the model, an improved gaining sharing knowledge-based algorithm (GSK) based on parameter adaption is designed to optimize it effectively. Fourth, seasonal models and year-round model based on GSK–BiGRU–XGboost are compared to reveal the effect of seasonal characteristics. Finally, the influence of historical meteorological data window with different steps is investigated. To verify the performance of GSK–BiGRU–XGboost, it is compared with different single and combination models under different weather conditions. GSK–BiGRU–XGboost achieves a high prediction accuracy of 97.85%, which is 9.46% and 12.43% higher than its member models, respectively. Besides, GSK can lead to a 1.71% improvement in the accuracy.

Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is characterized by low cytotoxic lymphocytes, abundant immune-suppressive cells, and resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Preclinical PDA models showed the HDAC inhibitor entinostat reduced myeloid cell immunosuppression, sensitizing tumors to ICI therapy. This phase II study combined entinostat with nivolumab (PD1 inhibitor) in patients with advanced PDA (NCT03250273). Patients received entinostat 5 mg orally once weekly for 14-day lead-in, followed by entinostat and nivolumab. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR) by RECIST v1.1. Secondary endpoints included safety, duration of response, progression free-survival and overall survival. Between November 2017 and November 2020, 27 evaluable patients were enrolled. Three showed partial responses (11% ORR, 95% CI, 2.4%-29.2%) with a median response duration of 10.2 months. Median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were, respectively, 1.89 (95% CI, 1.381-2.301) and 2.729 (95% CI, 1.841-5.622) months. Grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events occurred in 19 patients (63%), including decreased lymphocyte count, anemia, hypoalbuminemia, and hyponatremia. As exploratory analysis, peripheral and tumor immune profiles changes were assessed using CyTOF, mIHC, and RNA-seq. Entinostat increased dendritic cell activation and maturation. Gene expression analysis revealed an enrichment in inflammatory response pathways with combination treatment. Although the primary endpoint was not met, entinostat and nivolumab showed durable responses in a small subset of PDA patients. Myeloid cell immunomodulation supported the preclinical hypothesis, providing a basis for future combinatorial therapies to enhance clinical benefits in PDA.

Abstract Various critical applications, spanning from watershed management to agricultural planning and ecological sustainability, hinge upon the accurate prediction of reference evapotranspiration (ETo). In this context, our study aimed to enhance the accuracy of ETo prediction models by combining a variety of signal decomposition techniques with an Artificial Bee Colony (ABC)–artificial neural network (ANN) (codename: ABC–ANN). To this end, historical (1979–2014) daily climate variables, including maximum temperature, minimum temperature, mean temperature, wind speed, relative humidity, solar radiation, and precipitation from four arid and semi-arid regions in Egypt: Al-Qalyubiyah, Cairo, Damietta, and Port Said, were used. Six techniques, namely, Empirical Mode Decomposition, Variational Mode Decomposition, Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition, Local Mean Decomposition, Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition with Adaptive Noise, and Empirical Wavelet Transform were used to evaluate signal decomposition efficiency in ETo prediction. Our results showed that the highest ETo prediction accuracy was obtained with ABC-ANN (Train R 2: 0.990 and Test R 2: 0.989), (Train R 2: 0.986 and Test R 2: 0.986), (Train R 2: 0.991 and Test R 2: 0.989) and (Train R 2: 0.988 and Test R 2: 0.987) for Al-Qalyubiyah, Cairo, Damietta, and Port Said, respectively. The impressive results of our hybrid model attest to its importance as a powerful tool for tackling the problems associated with ETo prediction.

Abstract Background Owing to their unique physiochemical properties, low toxicity, antipathogenic effects and tunability, fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs) represent a new generation of carbon-based nanomaterials. Despite the mounting research on the efficacy of CQDs against resilient plant pathogens, their potential ability to mitigate viral pathogens and the underlying molecular mechanism(s) remain understudied. In this study, we optimized the CQDs to maximize their antiviral effects against a highly pathogenic Begomovirus (cotton leaf curl Multan virus, CLCuMuV) and elucidated the mechanistic pathways associated with CQDs-mediated viral inhibition. To fine-tune the CQDs-induced antiviral effects against CLCuMuV and investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms,we used HR-TEM, XRD, FT-IR, XPS, and UV‒Vis spectrophotometry to characterize the CQDs. SPAD and FluorCam were used for physiological and photosynthetic performance analysis. Transcriptome, RT‒qPCR, integrated bioinformatics and molecular biology were employed to investigate gene expression, viral quantification and data validation. Results The application of fluorescent, hexagonal crystalline, UV-absorptive and water-soluble CQDs (0.01 mg/ml) significantly reduced the CLCuMuV titer and mitigated viral symptoms in N. benthamiana at the early (5 dpi) and late (20 dpi) stages of infection. CQDs significantly increased the morphophysiological properties, relative chlorophyll contents and photosynthetic (Fv/Fm, QY_max, NPQ and Rfd) performance of the CLCuMuV-infected plants. While CLCuMuV infection disrupted plant immunity, the CQDs improved the antiviral defense response by regulating important immunity-related genes involved in endocytosis/necroptosis, Tam3-transposase, the ABC transporter/sphingolipid signaling pathway and serine/threonine protein kinase activities. CQDs potentially triggered TSS and TTS alternative splicing events in CLCuMuV-infected plants. Conclusions Overall, these findings underscore the antiviral potential of CQDs, their impact on plant resilience, and their ability to modulate gene expression in response to viral stress. This study’s molecular insights provide a foundation for further research on nanomaterial applications in plant virology and crop protection, emphasizing the promising role of CQDs in enhancing plant health and combating viral infections. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Background Ethical decision making is a complex issue because it strongly depends on the religion, beliefs, traditional laws and moral views of each society. The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of Iranian family caregivers of end stage cancer patients about ethical decision making. Methods This qualitative study is based on van Manen’s method of hermeneutic phenomenology. In-depth interviews were carried out to collect data. Participants were 12 caregiver. Audiotapes were transcribed and analyzed for common themes that represented the participants’ experiences. Trustworthiness of the findings was established using the Lincoln and Guba’s criteria. Results Three themes reflected the essence of caregivers’ lived experience including; fluctuating between hope and despair, wandering dilemma, and ethical decision making. Each of these themes consisted of several subthemes. Conclusion The present study revealed that, the caregivers of terminally ill cancer patients need different information about prognosis and end of life decision making process. Our perception of how families negotiate ethical issues in their decision-making is still developing. Opportunities should be created to empowering caregivers to talk about their uncertainties and concerns.

Abstract Background Regarding the psychosocial aspect of treating those with substance use, it is crucial for them to exhibit a capacity for personal transformation, fully utilize their remaining capabilities, and eradicate societal discrimination. We aimed to assess the efficacy of educational instruction grounded in the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in enhancing adherence to medication regimens, fostering hope, and improving marital quality among people with substance use disorders. Methods This study was conducted at the Rapid Addiction Closure Center in Fasa city, Iran, involving a sample of 140 patients undergoing addiction treatment with methadone and buprenorphine in 2021–2022. Subjects were randomly allocated to intervention and control groups. The intervention group participated in 15 weekly educational sessions, each lasting 50 to 55 min, covering topics such as quitting strategies, social support, problem solving, communication skills, and coping mechanisms. Data were collected using demographic questionnaires, TPB construct questionnaires, Miller’s Hope Survey, and the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale. Results The study included 140 individuals receiving treatment for addiction. No differences were seen among the two groups in education, occupation, marital status, and living conditions before the intervention. However, six months later, the intervention group showed improvements in attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, behavioral intention, medication regimen adherence, hope, and marital quality compared to controls. Conclusion The results indicate that family-based educational interventions grounded in TPB are effective in improving medication regimen adherence, hope, and marital quality among patients with substance use disorders. Significant increases in attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intention positively impacted medication regimen adherence in these patients.

In this study, we applied the Riccati-Bernoulli sub-ODE method and Bäcklund transformation to analyze the time-space fractional Oskolkov equation for kink solutions by matching the coefficients and optimal series parameters. The time-space fractional Oskolkov equation is used to analyze the behavior of solitons for different applications such as fluid dynamics and viscoelastic flow. The kink solutions derived have important consequences for stability analysis and interaction dynamic in these systems, and these are useful in controlling the physical behaviour of systems described by this equation. Such effects are illustrated by 2D and 3D plots, showing that the proposed model can handle both fractional and integer-order solitons with different but equally efficient outcomes. This research contributes to a valuable analytical method that can determine and manage processes in diversified systems based on fractional differential equations. This work provides a basis for subsequent analysis in other branches of science and technology in which the fractional Oskolkov model is used.

Abstract Methamphetamine, pseudoephedrine, and related drugs are among the first drugs used for the stimulation of the central nervous system. In this study, two adsorbents based on graphene oxide (GO) were synthesized and used for the analysis of methamphetamine and pseudoephedrine. The prepared nano-adsorbents based on GO in this study were coated by polyaniline (PANI) and Fe3O4/C-nanodot/GO (magnetic adsorbent). The average size of nanoparticles (GO/PANI) was 18.43 nm. The specific surface area and pore size diameter of Fe3O4/C-nanodot/GO were 22.71 m2 g− 1 and 15.23 nm, respectively. Experimental variables affecting the extraction efficiency of the analytes such as pH of the sample solution, amount of adsorbent, extraction time, and type of eluents were investigated and optimized by response surface methodology. Under optimum conditions, GO/PANI and Fe3O4/C-nanodot/GO were considered appropriate solid phase extraction adsorbents for HPLC-based analyses of the studied drugs in human urine samples. However, GO/Fe3O4 nano adsorbent (Fe3O4/C-nanodot/GO) showed superior working condition than GO/PANI. The validated proposed analytical methods can be used for the quantitative determination of methamphetamine and pseudoephedrine in actual samples.

Abstract Background Alcohol septal ablation (ASA) is recommended for moderate to severe symptomatic patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. The current guidelines don not recommend particular alcohol doses and the amount of alcohol injected into the septal artery is based more on the interventionalist’s decision rather than on systematic evidence. Our objective is to execute a comprehensive assessment of the efficacy and safety of low alcohol doses (1–2 ml)) in comparison to large ones (2–4 ml). Methods Multiple databases, encompassing PubMed, WOS, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane library were systemically assessed from inception to October 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies comparing low-alcohol and high-alcohol dose in patients with HOCM was included. The main outcome was creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB). The secondary ones are septal thickness, left ventricular outflow pressure gradient, and atrioventricular (AV) block. Results Eight studies, with a total of 1446 individuals, were finally involved in our investigation. low alcohol doses showed lower CK-MB levels relative to high ones (MD=-0.93, 95% CI [-1.15 to -0.72], P = 0.00001). Furthermore, in terms of septal thickness, left ventricular outflow pressure gradient, and AV block, neither of the two doses was preferred. Conclusion We propose that the low alcohol dose is equally effective as the high dose. moreover, the low alcohol dose was associated with a lower CK-MB levels in comparison to the high one. PROSPERO registration CRD42024511537

Abstract Background Aged heart is defined via structural and mitochondrial dysfunction of the heart. However, there is still no potent compound to improve cardiac function abnormalities in aged individuals. Olive oil (OLO), as an oil with monounsaturated fatty acids, has diverse protective effects on the cardiovascular system, including anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and mitigating effects on blood pressure. In the present study, we evaluated the protective effects of OLO against aging-related cardiac dysfunction. Methods Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: Control, D-galactose-induced aging rats (D-GAL group), and aging rats treated with OLO (D-GAL + OLO group). Aging in rats was induced by intraperitoneal injection of D-GAL at 150 mg/kg dose for eight weeks and the D-GAL + OLO group was treated with oral OLO by gavage for eight weeks. The heart tissues were harvested to assay the oxidative stress, molecular parameters, and histological analysis. Results The D-GAL given rats indicated increased cardiomyocyte diameter as cardiac hypertrophy marker (21 ± 0.8, p

Abstract Background Malaria continues to be a critical public health concern in India, predominantly driven by complex interplays of ecological, climatic, and socioeconomic factors. Methods This study aimed to assess the association between climatic variables (temperature and precipitation) and malaria incidence across India from 2010 to 2019, utilizing data from the Global Historical Weather and Climate Data for climate metrics and the Global Burden of Disease Study for malaria incidence rates. Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs) with a Poisson distribution were employed to analyze the data, adjusting for socio-economic status, as indexed by the Human Development Index (HDI). Results The results indicated a declining trend in both the number of malaria cases and age-specific incidence rates (ASIR) over the study period. In 2010, India reported approximately 20.7 million cases with an ASIR of 1688.86 per 100,000 population, which significantly reduced to 9.8 million cases and an ASIR of 700.80 by 2019. High malaria incidence was consistently observed in the states of Jharkhand and Odisha, whereas Sikkim reported the lowest numbers. Statistical analysis identified significant associations between malaria incidence and both temperature deviations and precipitation levels, with variations also linked to HDI, suggesting better detection and reporting capabilities in more developed areas. Conclusion The study underscores the critical interactions between climatic variables and socio-economic factors in shaping the trends of malaria incidence across India. These findings highlight the necessity for adaptive, localized public health strategies that integrate environmental monitoring with socio-economic data to efficiently predict and manage malaria outbreaks.

Abstract Purpose Candida auris, a multidrug-resistant yeast, poses significant challenges in healthcare settings due to its ability to form biofilms and resistance to common disinfectants. Understanding its susceptibility to biocides used in hospital disinfection practices is crucial for infection control. We investigated the biocide sensitivity of eight clinical C. auris strains from different patients and one reference strain (CDC B11903) using the biocide activity tests. Methods Species identification was confirmed through MALDI-TOF MS, while clade differentiation and phylogenetic classification were determined via whole-genome sequencing. Biofilm formation was assessed using the MTT assay. Antifungal susceptibilities were tested according to CLSI standards. The effectiveness of biocides, including chlorine, chlorhexidine, and benzalkonium chloride, was evaluated through broth microdilution following CLSI standards and quantitative suspension and carrier tests, following EN standards. Results All clinical strains were identified as clade 1, and the reference strain as clade 4, with all exhibiting biofilm formation. Clade 1 strains showed resistance to fluconazole, with MIC values ranging from 8 to 32 µg/ml, while being susceptible to other antifungals. Broth microdilution MIC assays for biocides demonstrated that all strains exhibited resistance to benzalkonium chloride. Chlorine and chlorhexidine showed variable efficacy, dependent on concentration and environmental cleanliness. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers demonstrated effectiveness against C. auris from the first minute of application. Conclusion The study highlights the variable susceptibility of C.auris to different biocides, underscoring the challenge in eradicating this pathogen from healthcare environments. Our findings advocate for the careful selection of disinfectants in hospital settings, emphasizing the need for high-concentration chlorine and chlorhexidine solutions to combat C. auris, even in especially clean environments.

Abstract Background Emotion control, adherence to ethics, and organizational commitment are among the widely addressed topics in response to turbulent and complex organizational environments. The aim of this study was to investigate emotional and moral intelligence and their effect on organizational commitment among nurses working in public hospitals. Methods This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 385 nurses. The data collection tools were standard questionnaires on emotional intelligence, moral intelligence, and organizational commitment. The data were analyzed using t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression with SPSS23 software. Results The mean scores indicated moderate levels of emotional and moral intelligence and a low levels of organizational commitment among nurses. There was a significant positive correlation between emotional intelligence and moral intelligence with organizational commitment. Based on the results of multiple linear regression, components of emotional intelligence and moral intelligence, including responsibility, compassion, self-awareness, forgiveness, integrity, relationship management, self-management, and social awareness were identified as predictors of organizational commitment. Conclusion Emotional intelligence and moral intelligence were estimated to be at moderate levels, and organizational commitment among the nurses was at a low level. Improving emotional and moral intelligence may enhance nurses’ organizational commitment. Therefore, it is recommended that hospital managers provide training courses and workshops to improve nurses’ emotional and moral intelligence, which can, in turn, promote their organizational commitment.

Abstract Morphine, as one of the most important narcotic drugs, significantly affects the nervous system and increases euphoria, which raises the likelihood of its misuse. Therefore, its measurement is of great importance. In this work, a new electrochemical sensor based on a nanocomposite of CuS/g-C3N5/AgNPs was developed for modifying Screen printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) and used for the measurement of morphine through cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. Various analytical methods initially characterized the nanocomposite. The prepared sensor, which also has an extensive surface area, achieved a detection limit of 0.01 µM for morphine in a concentration range of 0.05–100 µM at pH 7. Besides its excellent capability in measuring morphine in real samples, the sensor exhibits good stability, reproducibility, and repeatability. The presence of CuS, due to its excellent high surface area alongside silver nanoparticles, leads to an increase in the conductivity of the g-C3N5 modified electrode, resulting in an increased oxidative current of morphine at the surface of the prepared sensor. Therefore, measuring low concentrations of morphine with this sensor was made possible. Additionally, measuring morphine without interference from various species is a strong point of the electrochemical sensor for morphine detection, and combined with the simplicity and ease of the method, it allows for morphine measurements to be conducted in the shortest possible time.

Abstract Cold expansion is a mechanical method for creating residual stresses. This method is a proven technique to increase the fatigue life, and checking the residual stress on it, is of particular importance. A cold expansion process is widely used to generate beneficial residual stresses into an annular region around the hole. In the present research work, AA 6016-T6 and AA 1100 aluminum alloys which are two strain rate sensitive materials, were subjected to cold expansion process with different mandrel velocities. In fact, the effect of mandrel velocity on the created residual stresses has been investigated. The constants of the Johnson-Cook material model have been determined for them and the process has been investigated, experimentally and numerically. The obtained results revealed that the values of the residual stresses created in the sheets depend on the velocity of the process especially at the edge of the sheets holes. By increasing the mandrel velocity from 5 to 500 mm/min, depending on the distance from the hole to the edge of the sheet, it is possible to enhance the hoop residual stress by 37.3–41.2% in AA 1100 aluminum alloy and by 37.6–38.1% in AA 6016-T6 aluminum alloy. This research showed that in all cases, the radial residual stresses created around the holes are negative. Also, it was cleared that due to the existence of material constraints and the movement of the sheet material, the amount of hoop residual stress created in the mid-thickness is more than the exit face and in the exit face is also more than the entrance face, exactly unlike the size of their zones.

Abstract Open surgery for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) may cause severe pain due to tenotomies and pelvic–femoral osteotomies. This study aims to evaluate the analgesic effect of ultrasound-guided Lumbar Erector Spina Plane (L-ESP) Block in pediatric patients undergoing DDH surgery. Sixty children scheduled for DDH surgery were randomly assigned into two groups. Group I (n = 30) received L-ESP with 0.5 mL/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine before surgery. In contrast, Group II (n = 30), as the control group, received the same volume of saline injection. Identical postoperative analgesia protocol was adjusted for both groups. Parental satisfaction, pain levels, ibuprofen, and opioid consumption were recorded. Pain levels were evaluated with the FLACC (Face, Legs, Activity, Crying, Consolability) scale. FLACC scores at the first 24th hours were lower in the L-ESP group than the control group (p

Abstract Vaccine acceptance is a crucial component of a viable immunization program in healthcare system, yet the disparities in new and existing vaccination adoption rates prevail across regions. Disparities in the rate of vaccine acceptance result in low immunization coverage and slow uptake of newly introduced vaccines. This research presents an innovative AI-driven predictive model, designed to accurately forecast vaccine acceptance within immunization programs, while providing high interpretability. Primarily, the contribution of this study is to classify vaccine acceptability into Low, Medium, Partial High, and High categories. Secondly, this study implements the Feature Importance method to make the model highly interpretable for healthcare providers. Thirdly, our findings highlight the impact of demographic and socio-demographic factors on vaccine acceptance, providing valuable insights for policymakers to improve immunization rates. A sample dataset containing 7150 data records with 31 demographic and socioeconomic attributes from PDHS (2017–2018) is used in this paper. Using the LightGBM algorithm, the proposed model constructed on the basis of different machine-learning procedures achieved 98% accuracy to accurately predict the acceptability of vaccines included in the immunization program. The association rules suggest that higher SES, region, parents’ occupation, and mother’s education have an association with vaccine acceptability.

Abstract Background Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer with poor prognosis. Programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and its ligand 1 (PD-L1) immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have recently presented as a viable option in some first line but primarily as a second-line treatment of advanced-stage malignant mesothelioma (asMM). Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the safety and efficacy of PD-1/L-1 ICIs in advanced-stage malignant mesothelioma. Methods PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched for all studies assessing the safety and efficacy of anti PD-1/PD-L1 agents. Primary outcomes were objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR). Secondary outcomes were median progression free (mPFS) and overall survival (mOS). Safety outcomes were treatment- (TRAEs) and immune-related adverse events (IRAEs). A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to pool medians and to derive event rates. Results A total of 15 studies were included with total of 1064 asMM patients. ORR and DCR were 16% and 57%, respectively. A pooled mPFS was 4.53 (CI: 3.40–5.65) and mOS was 10.51 (CI: 9.03-12.00). Overall TRAEs had an event rate of 0.69 (0.50–0.83) whereas IRAEs had an event rate of 0.28 (0.15–0.46). There were no significant differences between pembrolizumab, nivolumab primarily, and avelumab subgroups for all the outcomes. Additionally, meta-regression found no covariate to be a significant factor in ORR and DCR. Conclusion In this meta-analysis we found that anti-PD1/PD-L1 treatment could be useful in pretreated asMM as they had at least comparable or greater mPFS, mOS, ORR, and DCR than other second-line agents currently being used. Registration number This systematic review was registered at PROSPERO prior to the literature search, CRD42023442350.

Abstract Background Interferon-induced helicase C domain-containing protein 1 (IFIH1) is one of the main pattern recognition receptors that sense viral RNA and activate host cells to mount an effective antiviral immunity. Methods A case–control study (90 patients with mild/moderate COVID-19 and 90 matched controls) was performed to explore the association of two variants of the IFIH1 gene with COVID-19 risk using the tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase-chain-reaction method. The first is a missense variant, rs1990760 C/T, and the second is an intergenic variant, rs2111485 A/G. In addition, serum IFIH1 levels were assessed using an ELISA kit. Results Mutant alleles (T and G, respectively) and corresponding homozygous genotypes (TT and GG, respectively) of both variants were significantly associated with increased risk of COVID-19. IFIH1 levels were significantly higher in patients compared to controls and were favorably affected by the rs1990760 and rs2111485 mutant-type genotypes. Conclusion IFIH1 protein showed up-regulated levels in the serum of patients with mild/moderate COVID-19. In addition, the IFIH1 gene variants rs1990760 C/T and rs2111485 A/G were associated with susceptibility to COVID-19, and the study suggests that their mutant-type genotypes are not only associated with increased risk of COVID-19 but also contributed to higher serum IFIH1 levels.

Abstract Background Pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy is primarily characterized by early-onset refractory seizures. This condition can be caused by alpha-aminoadipic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency due to a mutation in the ALDH7A1 gene, leading to the accumulation of certain substances that impact the production of various brain neurotransmitters and enzymes. Case presentation Our report presents the first documented case of pyridoxine dependency in Syria. The female infant, born to consanguineous parents, exhibited seizures on the second day of life. Despite the administration of multiple antiepileptic medications, seizures persisted. A comprehensive assessment, including metabolic evaluation, electroencephalography, and phenotypic characteristics of seizures, prompted genetic testing for pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy, which identified a homozygous likely pathogenic variant in the ALDH7A1 gene, confirming the diagnosis of this condition. Subsequently, the baby was put on oral pyridoxine, resulting in complete cessation of seizures. Conclusions Due to its rarity, this condition was initially overlooked and led to an inappropriate therapeutic approach. Pyridoxine dependency should be considered after the manifestation of refractory seizures, as increased awareness can enable early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and avoid unnecessary use of antiepileptic drugs. However, predicting the long-term outcome remains challenging.