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Exposure to aluminum chloride (AlCl3) induces progressive multiregional neurodegeneration in animal models by promoting oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. The current study was designed to assess the potential efficacy of the natural antioxidants celastrol and thymoquinone (TQ) for alleviating AlCl3-induced psychomotor abnormalities and oxidative-inflammatory burden in male albino rats. Four treatment groups were compared: (i) a vehicle control group, (ii) a AlCL3 group receiving daily intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of AlCl3 (10 mg/kg) for 6 weeks, (iii) a AlCl3 plus TQ (10 mg/kg, i.p.) cotreatment group, and (iv) a AlCl3 plus celastrol (1 mg/kg, i.p.) cotreatment group. Open-field, rotarod, and forced swimming tests were conducted to assess locomotor activity, motor coordination, anxiety-like behavior, and depressive-like behavior. Acetylcholine (ACh), dopamine, and serotonin levels were measured in brain homogenates. Malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and catalase activity were measured as oxidative stress markers, while tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interlukin-6 (IL-6) expression levels were measured as inflammatory markers. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA was measured as an index for the endogenous neuroprotective response. Daily AlCl3 injection reduced free ambulation, impaired motor coordination, promoted anxiety- and depression-like behaviors, reduced whole-brain ACh, dopamine, and serotonin concentrations, increased MDA accumulation, reduced TAC, elevated TNF-α and IL-6, and suppressed BDNF mRNA expression. All of these effects were significantly reversed by TQ or celastrol cotreatment. Thus, TQ and celastrol may be promising treatments for AlCl3-induced neurotoxicity as well as neurodegenerative diseases involving oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.

Population connectivity influences the distribution of genetic diversity and divergence along a species range, as the likelihood of extinction or differentiation increases in isolated populations. However, there is still poor understanding of the processes mediating inter-population dispersal in marine species that are sessile and lack planktonic life stages. One such case is the seagrass species Halodule wrightii, which produces basal seeds, although detached plants can drift. Along the tropical western coast of Africa, this species occurs in distant discontinuous habitats, raising the question of how interpopulation dispersal is mediated. The species is a key source of ecosystem functions including feeding large migratory grazers. This study aims to infer whether genetic differentiation of the seagrass H. wrightii along the western coast of Africa supports a hypothesis of predominant transportation of rafting seagrass by ocean currents, versus the hypothesis of biotic vectors of dispersal. Additional hypotheses were addressed concerning range-wide clonality and genetic diversity, assessed with microsatellite markers on populations of the west coast of Africa from Mauritania to Angola. Population genetic diversity and structure were compared with predictions from biophysical models of dispersal by oceanographic currents. The genetic data revealed low divergence among most populations, in strong contrast with predictions of very low probability of connectivity mediated by currents along the western African coastline. Moderate to high genotypic diversity showed important seed recruitment, but genetic and genotypic diversities were lower at range edges. Populations north and south of the equator were differentiated, and remarkably, so were neighboring equatorial populations despite their proximity. These results reveal independent sources of colonization of meadows in these islands, which are major habitat for migratory grazing green turtles, also supporting the hypothesis of biotically mediated seed transport. The importance of seagrass for conservation of endangered macrofauna has been widely reported; here we report evidence supporting the reciprocal role, that macrofauna protection can also plays a role in long-term survival and reproductive success of seagrass.

Abstract The grafting of grapevines has become essential to overcome biotic and abiotic stresses because permits access to the benefits of the agronomical characteristics of different rootstocks. Stimulating the rapid formation of the grafting union is the key to grafting success. This investigation studied the effect of removing growth inhibitors through soaking in water for 24 hours versus adding growth stimulate through fast dipping in 250 mg/L benzyladenine (BA) for 30 seconds of graft wood before grafting on the grafting success of ‘Flame Seedless’ and ‘Early Sweet’ scions (Vitis vinifera) grafted onto ‘Freedom’ rootstock (Vitis champinii x 1613C). Water soaking came first and followed by treatment of 250 mg/L BA, which significantly improved the grafting success of both cultivars. Grafting success was positively associated with increasing callus formation at the grafting zone, which was accompanied with the highest total indols content, the lowest total phenols content, and peroxidase activity above and below the grafting zone. However, water soaking significantly increased total indols and decreased the total phenols content of the ungrafted cuttings. In this study, it was suggested that the application of water soaking to grafted cuttings prior to grafting is an environmentally friendly and alternative practice for synthetic growth regulators to improve grafted cuttings success.

Abstract Background To evaluate the results of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and silicone oil (SO) tamponade with or without encircling scleral band for repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in children with buphthalmos. Patients and methods Retrospective comparative nonrandomized interventional case series including consecutive patients who underwent PPV with or without encircling band and SO tamponade for RRD associated with buphthalmos. Results The study included 19 eyes of 19 children. Mean age was 8 years, range 3–16 years. Mean follow-up period was 28 months, range 19–63 months. Globe survival has been achieved in 15 out of 19 eyes (79%). Phthisis bulbi was reported in four cases (22%). Eight patients (42%) achieved ambulatory vision. Most eyes initially achieved anatomical success. Conclusion Despite the poor visual and anatomical results of RRD repair in eyes with buphthalmos, globe survival might be the rationale for surgery in such cases. Globe preservation could avoid the psychological and social consequences of phthisis bulbi in non-operated children.

Abstract Background Childhood obesity is a major global health concern. Weight-management camps involving delivery of a program of physical activity, health education, and healthy eating are an effective treatment, although post-intervention weight-management is less well understood. Our objective was to assess the effectiveness of a weight-management camp followed by a community intervention in supporting weight-management for overweight children and children with obesity. Methods Participants were overweight Qatari schoolchildren or schoolchildren with obesity, ages 8–14 years, (n = 300) recruited over a three-year period across 14 randomly selected schools in the Doha area. They attended a two-week weight management camp, then a 10-week program of weekly lifestyle education and physical activity sessions, which also included behavior change techniques. The programme was cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)-focused with a strong element of behavioural economics blended in. Results Participants saw a significant BMI SDS reduction as a result of the entire intervention (camp + education and activity sessions) both at the individual (p

Abstract Background Cervicofacial vascular lesions are one of the most challenging diseases managed by intervention radiologists and specialized surgeons. These lesions were diagnosed to be vascular in origin by other imaging techniques such as Duplex and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All patients underwent computed tomographic angiography (CTA) to confirm the diagnosis as well as to decide the most effective choice of management based on multidisciplinary team (MDT). Then, Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was done as it is offering an accurate vascular map for the vascular lesions which is inevitable for successful super-selective endovascular embolization which can be done at same sitting. Small cases of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) were sufficiently managed by only embolization, whereas cases of adequately embolized large AVMs as well as juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) cases were followed by surgery with the advantage of less blood loss and decreasing operation time as well as complications. This prospective study was done to highlight the role of combined CTA and DSA in cervicofacial vascular lesion management. Results Twenty patients were included in our study: 16 patients were males, and 4 were females; 17 of them were under 40 years, and three were above 40 years. Preoperative embolization was done in 12 patients, which were all the cases of JNAs and large AVMs. Four patients were managed by only embolization as a definitive treatment. Complete technical success rate was about 94%, while only 6% (single case) of the partial technical success rate which was due to a very small accessory feeder that could not be catheterized even with repeated trials. Conclusions Combined CTA and DSA is the cornerstone for managing vascular lesions in the cervicofacial region, which necessitates a MDT to decide the most beneficial and least complicated way for management.

The transition to Electric Vehicles (EV) in place of traditional internal combustion engines is increasing societal demand for electricity. The ability to integrate the additional demand from EV charging into forecasting electricity demand is critical for maintaining the reliability of electricity generation and distribution. Load forecasting studies typically exclude households with home EV charging, focusing on offices, schools, and public charging stations. Moreover, they provide point forecasts which do not offer information about prediction uncertainty. Consequently, this paper proposes the Long Short-Term Memory Bayesian Neural Networks (LSTM-BNNs) for household load forecasting in presence of EV charging. The approach takes advantage of the LSTM model to capture the time dependencies and uses the dropout layer with Bayesian inference to generate prediction intervals. Results show that the proposed LSTM-BNNs achieve accuracy similar to point forecasts with the advantage of prediction intervals. Moreover, the impact of lockdowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic on the load forecasting model is examined, and the analysis shows that there is no major change in the model performance as, for the considered households, the randomness of the EV charging outweighs the change due to pandemic.

Al-Si-Mg 4xxx filler metals are widely used in aluminum welding owing to their excellent weldability and capability for strength enhancement by heat treatment. However, weld joints with commercial Al-Si ER4043 fillers often exhibit poor strength and fatigue properties. In this study, two novel fillers were designed and prepared by increasing the Mg content in 4xxx filler metals, and the effects of Mg on the mechanical and fatigue properties were studied under as-welded and post-weld heat-treated (PWHT) conditions. AA6061-T6 sheets were used as the base metal and welded by gas metal arc welding. The welding defects were analyzed using X-ray radiography and optical microscopy, and the precipitates in the fusion zones were studied using transmission electron microscopy. The mechanical properties were evaluated using the microhardness, tensile, and fatigue tests. Compared to the reference ER4043 filler, the fillers with increased Mg content produced weld joints with higher microhardness and tensile strength. Joints made with fillers with high Mg contents (0.6–1.4 wt.%) displayed higher fatigue strengths and longer fatigue lives than joints made with the reference filler in both the as-welded and PWHT states. Of the joints studied, joints with the 1.4 wt.% Mg filler exhibited the highest fatigue strength and best fatigue life. The improved mechanical strength and fatigue properties of the aluminum joints were attributed to the enhanced solid-solution strengthening by solute Mg in the as-welded condition and the increased precipitation strengthening by β″ precipitates in the PWHT condition.

This study presents the fractional reduced differential transform method for a nonlinear mutualism model with fractional diffusion. The fractional derivatives are described by Caputo's fractional operator. In this method, the solution is considered as the sum of an infinite series. Which converges rapidly to the exact solution. The method eliminates the need to use Adomian's polynomials to calculate the nonlinear terms. To show the efficiency and accuracy of this method, we compared the results of the fractional derivatives orders with the ordinary derivative order index α=1 for the nonlinear mutualism model with fractional diffusion. Approximate solutions for different values of the fractional derivatives together with non-fractional derivatives and absolute errors are represented graphically in two and three dimensions. From all numerical results, we can conclude the efficiency of the proposed method for solving different types of nonlinear fractional systems of partial differential equations over existing methods.

The objective of this study was to compare the physical and optical stability of resin composite materials with different filler characteristics. Ninety-six resin composite blocks (6 mm × 6 mm × 2 mm) were prepared using four different types of resin composite, divided into four groups. Specimens from the same material were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6) and allocated for Vickers hardness (VH), water sorption, solubility (WS/SL), and staining and aging challenges tests. One-way ANOVA showed significant differences in microhardness (p = 0.0001), WS (p = 0.0001), and SL (p = 0.003) among the tested groups. Beautifil II LS recorded the highest hardness, and CharmFil®Flow had the lowest value. Beautifil Injectable X and II LS showed negative WS, whereas the other groups had positive values. All groups showed positive SL. Repeated measures ANOVA showed significant color parameter alteration in the tested groups (p = 0.0001). All groups showed significant color shifting after one week of the staining challenge. Repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant color parameter (p = 0.0001) and weight (p = 0.001) alteration after the aging challenge. The optical and physical stability of resin composites may vary according to filler characteristics. Clinicians should choose the composite as per the desired outcome.

The aim of the study was to reveal the influence of phyA mutations on polyamine metabolism in Arabidopsis under different spectral compositions. Polyamine metabolism was also provoked with exogenous spermine. The polyamine metabolism-related gene expression of the wild type and phyA plants responded similarly under white and far-red light conditions but not at blue light. Blue light influences rather the synthesis side, while far red had more pronounced effects on the catabolism and back-conversion of the polyamines. The observed changes under elevated far-red light were less dependent on PhyA than the blue light responses. The polyamine contents were similar under all light conditions in the two genotypes without spermine application, suggesting that a stable polyamine pool is important for normal plant growth conditions even under different spectral conditions. However, after spermine treatment, the blue regime had more similar effects on synthesis/catabolism and back-conversion to the white light than the far-red light conditions. The additive effects of differences observed on the synthesis, back-conversion and catabolism side of metabolism may be responsible for the similar putrescine content pattern under all light conditions, even in the presence of an excess of spermine. Our results demonstrated that both light spectrum and phyA mutation influence polyamine metabolism.

Stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF1) and its C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 receptor (CXCR4) are significant mediators for cancer cells’ proliferation, and we studied their expression in Ehrlich solid tumors (ESTs) grown in mice. α-Hederin is a pentacyclic triterpenoid saponin found in Hedera or Nigella species with biological activity that involves suppression of growth of breast cancer cell lines. The aim of this study was to explore the chemopreventive activity of α-hederin with/without cisplatin; this was achieved by measuring the reduction in tumor masses and the downregulation in SDF1/CXCR4/pAKT signaling proteins and nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB). Ehrlich carcinoma cells were injected in four groups of Swiss albino female mice (Group1: EST control group, Group2: EST + α-hederin group, Group3: EST + cisplatin group, and Group4: EST+α-hederin/cisplatin treated group). Tumors were dissected and weighed, one EST was processed for histopathological staining with hematoxylin and eosin (HE), and the second MC was frozen and processed for estimation of signaling proteins. Computational analysis for these target proteins interactions showed direct-ordered interactions. The dissected solid tumors revealed decreases in tumor masses (~21%) and diminished viable tumor regions with significant necrotic surrounds, particularly with the combination regimens. Immunohistochemistry showed reductions (~50%) in intratumoral NFκβ in the mouse group that received the combination therapy. The combination treatment lowered the SDF1/CXCR4/p-AKT proteins in ESTs compared to the control. In conclusion, α-hederin augmented the chemotherapeutic potential of cisplatin against ESTs; this effect was at least partly mediated through suppressing the chemokine SDF1/CXCR4/p-AKT/NFκB signaling. Further studies are recommended to verify the chemotherapeutic potential of α-hederin in other breast cancer models.

Abstract Background Viral resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) can develop in the setting of DAAs therapy (i.e., emerging RASs). Long-term monitoring of fibrosis regression after achieving SVR to simiprevir (SMV)/sofosbuvir (SOF) is essential. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of baseline and emerging NS34A RASs in chronic HCV patients in Upper Egypt and to assess the impact of SMV/SOF therapy on liver stiffness. Results The enrolled 59 patients had HCV genotype 4a without any baseline RASs in the NS34A region. 96.6% (57/59) of patients achieved sustained virological response (SVR12). Of the two patients who failed to achieve SVR12, one of them developed emerging RASs Q80K in the NS34A region. Seventy-two weeks after SMV/SOF therapy, the percentage of patients with liver fibrosis stage (F2, F3, and F4) decreased from 75.4% before treatment to 42.1% after treatment. The combination of SOF and SMV appeared to be well tolerated. Conclusions All patients had HCV genotype 4a without any baseline RASs in the NS34A region. In addition, there was improvement of non-invasive measures of liver fibrosis in patients who achieved SVR, 72 weeks after SMV/SOF therapy.

ABSTRACTBackground To improve the outcome after shoulder arthroscopy, effective pain control is needed. We aimed to compare the efficacy of ultrasound (US) guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) versus the intraarticular injection (IAI) of bupivacaine in managing postoperative pain in patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy.Methods This prospective randomized, double-blind, parallel-controlled trial was conducted on sixty patients aged 18–60 years of either gender, BMI < 40 kg/m2, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I–II, posted for elective shoulder arthroscopy. Patients were randomly allocated into two equal groups. Group IA: received IAI using 20 ml of bupivacaine 0.25% done through the surgical port by the surgeon after closure of the shoulder capsule and sham ESBP. Group ES: received US guided ESPB at the T2 level using 20 ml bupivacaine 0.25% after the end of surgery and sham IAI.Results Postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS), heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure were significantly decreased at 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, 8 h, 12 h and 24 h in group ES compared to group IA. VAS increased at 4 h, 6 h in group ES compared to group IA. The time of first postoperative analgesic requirement was significantly increased in group ES compared to group IA. The total diclofenac consumption over 1st 24 hrs postoperatively was decreased in group ES compared to group IA.Conclusion US-guided ESPB controlled postoperative pain effectively in patients undergoing shoulder surgeries with superiority over IAI of bupivacaine.

ABSTRACTIntroduction Increasing numbers of people globally are affected by obesity, and the number of obese parturient women has correspondingly risen. For obese parturient women, neuraxial anesthetic procedures are generally safe. As the body mass index (BMI) increases, spinal anesthesia becomes more challenging, with a larger failure rate.Methodology A total of 383 parturient women were included in this research. They were assigned to three groups according to BMI: Group 1 included 157 women with a BMI of 40. Participants’ ages, weights, and heights were documented, and the number of attempts at inducing spinal anesthesia during labor was counted. Every new skin puncture was considered a new attempt. The success or failure of the blockade was noted.Results In pregnant participants, we found that BMI was a reliable predictor of difficulty with the neuraxial technique of inducing spinal anesthesia. We found a weakly positive correlation (r = 0.132) between BMI and the number of attempts to induce spinal anesthesia. This association was statistically significant (p = 0.01).Conclusion In pregnant patients, especially those who are obese and have a substantial amount of fatty tissue in the back, anesthesiologists should check the patient’s back thoroughly during the initial patient encounter. We also advise that anesthesia induction be carried out by an experienced senior anesthesiologist.

Increased expression of Yes-associated protein-1 (YAP1) was shown to correlate with reduced survival in breast cancer (BC) patients. However, the exact mechanism of YAP1 regulation in BC cells remains ambiguous. Genomic sequence search showed that the promoter region of the YAP1 gene contains CpG Islands, hence the likelihood of epigenetic regulation by DNA methylation. To address this possibility, the effect of estrogen (17β estradiol; E2) on YAP1 gene expression and YAP1 promoter methylation status was evaluated in BC cells. The functional consequences of E2 treatment in control and YAP1-silenced BC cells were also investigated. Our data showed that E2 modulates YAP1 expression by hypomethylation of its promoter region via downregulation of DNA methyltransferase 3B (DNMT3B); an effect that seems to facilitate tumor progression in BC cells. Although the effect of E2 on YAP1 expression was estrogen receptor (ER) dependent, E2 treatment also upregulated YAP1 expression in MDA-MB231 and SKBR3 cells, which are known ER-negative BC cell lines but expresses ERα. Functionally, E2 treatment resulted in increased cell proliferation, decreased apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and autophagic flux in MCF7 cells. The knockdown of the YAP1 gene reversed these carcinogenic effects of E2 and inhibited E2-induced autophagy. Lastly, we showed that YAP1 is highly expressed and hypomethylated in human BC tissues and that increased YAP1 expression correlates negatively with DNMT3B expression but strongly associated with ER expression. Our data provide the basis for considering screening of YAP1 expression and its promoter methylation status in the diagnosis and prognosis of BC.

Abstract Background Lumbar disc prolapse is a localized herniation of disc beyond intervertebral disc space and is the most common cause of sciatica; the aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of ultrasound (US)-guided caudal epidural steroid injection (CESI) compared with fluoroscopy (FL)-guided CESI in treatment of patients with refractory lumbar disc prolapse (LDP) with radiculopathy. Results At the beginning of the study, there was no significant difference between both groups in all parameters. (a) Group 1 had significantly improved the straight leg raising and modified Schober tests, VAS, and ODI at 1-month and 3-month post-injection evaluation in comparison to baseline recordings (p < 0.001); (b) Group 2 had significantly improved the straight leg raising and modified Schober tests, VAS, and ODI at 1-month and 3-month post-injection evaluation in comparison to baseline recordings (p < 0.001); and (c) US-guided CESI was not statistically different from the FL-guided CESI in the improvement of the straight leg raising (p = 0.87, 0.82) and modified Schober tests (p = 0.87, 0.82) as well as VAS (p = 0.40, 0.43) and ODI (p = 0.7, 0.2) at 1-month and 3-month post-injection evaluation. In a multivariate analysis using CI = 95%, the significant predictors for a successful outcome were duration < 6 months (p = 0.03, OR = 2.25), target level not L2-3/L3-4 (p < 0.001, OR = 4.13), and LDP other than foraminal type (p = 0.002, OR = 3.78). However, age < 40 years was found to be non-significant in predicting a successful outcome (p = 0.38, OR = 0.98). Conclusion US is excellent in guiding CESI with similar treatment outcomes as compared with FL-guided CESI. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03933150 .

Abstract Background We know that SWL started on February 07, 1980, by Christian Chaussy with a wide range of indications. Complication rate has always remained very low and usually limited to minor side effects and complications. This study shows the impact of different shock wave release frequencies 60, 80 & 100/min on disintegration of renal stones. Methods A total number of 210 patients with mean age (40 ± 15) years with renal stone who were candidate for SWL divided into 3 groups each are 70 patients on rate 60,80 and 100 per min), Chi-Square test, Fisher’s exact test used in the study. Results Complete stone clearance( defined as complete stone free) was obtained in 184 patients 87.6% after one session, the highest success rate 94.3% were obtained in the second group of patients ( with shock wave frequency 80/min) followed by the first group 87.1% (with shock wave frequency 60/min), and patients with highest frequency (100/min) had the lowest success rate 81.4%. Conclusions The best option is using intermediate shock wave rate 80/min to obtain highest success rate and mild pain. Using high rate 100/min is not favorable due to least disintegration rate with highest pain. Using rate 60/min shows less success than rate 80/min despite it less painful.

This paper proposes a new modified architecture for AC microgrid consisting of multiple grid-supporting master units (MUs) and multiple grid-feeding slave units (SUs). In this study, a coordinated four-layer hierarchal control (HC) approach is applied to the proposed structure for allowing the MUs, SUs and loads to be easily integrated as a microgrid and operated in both grid-integrated and standalone operation mode. The proposed structure of the AC microgrid enhances the system redundancy to prevent the single point of failure of MU and has more stability, efficiency, flexibility and reliability than the conventional structures. Furthermore, optimal design guidelines, based on a new hybrid Harries hawks and particle swarm optimization algorithm (H-HHOPSO) with the cooperation of different types of proposed multi-objective functions, are presented to fulfill the study objectives. The optimization constraints/objectives are employed for optimal parameters selection of HC controllers to improve the power quality, enhance dynamic and steady-state performance and guarantee a seamless transition between operation modes. To accomplish this work, the newly modified structure is modeled, constructed in MATLAB/SIMULINK and tested under the variations of generations and loads. This structure is also examined when the fault occurs at any one of the MUs and during the connecting and disconnecting of utility grid. This testing is to verify its flexibility and reliability, and confirm the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed optimal controllers. Additionally, the experimental work is carried out using the hardware-in-the-loop real-time emulation to prove the optimal controllers' feasibility. Finally, the experimental and simulation results are compared.

Context: Multimorbidity (MM) is a global concern following the increase in life expectancy, the conquering of major infectious diseases, and the advances in the management of chronic illnesses. It places a substantial burden on patients and healthcare systems. Aims: This study aims to describe the prevalence and pattern of MM in adults among primary healthcare users in Qatar. Settings and Design: A retrospective cross-sectional study design. Methods and Material: Data were extracted from the electronic health records of patients aged 18 years and above who registered for care with 27 primary health centres in Qatar from 1st January 2017 to 30th June 2020. The distribution of MM among age groups, gender and nationality was analysed. Results: In the study population of 7,96,427, the prevalence of MM was found to be 22.1%. MM was more prevalent in females (51.2%) than males (48.8%). The prevalence of MM showed an increasing trend with increasing age, with a peak of 25.8% found in the 46–55 age group. Qatari nationals accounted for 32.7% of MM, Southeast Asians for 28.3%, North Africans for 16.7% and individuals from other Middle Eastern countries for 14.1%. The five most common long-term chronic conditions were type-2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obesity and eczema, with the first three being the most prevalent disease clusters. Conclusions: Our findings confirm that MM is common in Qatar's primary care centres. While the prevalence of MM was found to increase with increasing age, the largest proportion of patients with MM were those aged 46–55 years. This information adds to the available data on MM and directs health policymakers towards tailoring the management for the same.

Power grid pattern is expected to evolve from generator-based power systems towards converter-based systems in the forthcoming decades. Therefore, grid-forming converters will be pertinent to interconnected power grids in pursuance of enhancement their resilience against disturbances. This paper introduces a new efficient damping control method for grid-forming converters that provides a smooth power modulation and an efficient damping response against frequency and voltage deviations. First, an averaged state-space representation for a grid forming application in dq synchronization frame is derived. Based on this model, a new hybrid damping controller, including the concept of state feedback control and PI control, is proposed to address the main issues in existing controllers. The state feedback controller is optimally designed using a linear-quadratic regulator (LQR) approach to optimize the system performance. Moreover, the PI controller is optimally designed using the pattern search algorithm. The proposed damping control method integrates optimally between the control loops through a mapping matrix to rapidly synchronize with the grid and efficiently damp the oscillations. Simulations are carried out to prove the proposed method robustness. Finally, a comparative study using controller hardware-in-the-loop (CHiL) is employed against conventional system to validate the proposed damping method.

Social media plays a significant role in disaster management by providing valuable data about affected people, donations, and help requests. Recent studies highlight the need to filter information on social media into fine-grained content labels. However, identifying useful information from massive amounts of social media posts during a crisis is a challenging task. In this paper, we propose I-AID, a multimodel approach to automatically categorize tweets into multi-label information types and filter critical information from the enormous volume of social media data. I-AID incorporates three main components: i) a BERT-based encoder to capture the semantics of a tweet and represent as a low-dimensional vector, ii) a graph attention network (GAT) to apprehend correlations between tweets’ words/entities and the corresponding information types, and iii) a Relation Network as a learnable distance metric to compute the similarity between tweets and their corresponding information types in a supervised way. We conducted several experiments on two real publicly-available datasets. Our results indicate that I-AID outperforms state-of-the-art approaches in terms of weighted average F1 score by +6% and +4% on the TREC-IS dataset and COVID-19 Tweets, respectively.

Introduction: The piezoelectric device was implemented successfully in many oral and maxillofacial surgeries. However, in endodontic surgery, it is not widely used due to lack of scientific support. Thus, the aim of the conducted study was to compare the formation of the cracks of roots resected with piezoelectric surgery versus high-speed surgical bur using scanning electron microscopy. Materials and Methods: Sixty single-rooted human teeth were accessed followed by canal preparation with rotary files and filled with gutta-percha. The teeth were mounted on plastic cylindrical test tubes and emerged within the impression material to simulate periodontal ligament. Consequently, the teeth were divided into three groups: the control group (n = 10), piezoelectric group (n = 25), and the surgical bur group (n = 25). The surface of the resected root was examined under scanning electron microscopy for cracks detection. The one-way analysis of variance test was used to investigate the number and types of cracks at a significance level of 95%. Results: Dentinal cracks were detected in all groups. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the number of cracks between the three groups, but they differed in terms of crack type. Conclusions: All tested groups produce cracks on resected root surface, whereas the piezoelectric presented with satisfactory result.

The wide application of microgrid concept leads to challenges for the traditional protection of distribution networks because of the changes in short circuit level and network topology during the two modes of microgrid operation. This paper proposes a promising solution for these problems by offering a new protection coordination scheme not affected by the variation of short circuit level or the changes in network topology. The proposed protection scheme is based on local measurements at relay location with low sampling frequency by computing the rate of change of fundamental voltage (ROCOV) to detect different fault types, identify the faulty zone accurately and guarantee robust coordination between primary and backup relays. The proposed coordination scheme can be achieved by optimizing either two settings for relay characteristic (time dial setting and pickup value) or four settings (time dial setting, pickup and the parameters that control the characteristic shape A & $B$ )). The proposed scheme is extensively tested using MATLAB simulations on the modified IEEE 14 bus meshed network embedded with synchronous/inverter-based distributed generation units under wide variations in operating conditions and short circuit levels for both grid-connected and islanded modes of operation. The achieved results confirm that the proposed coordination scheme can maintain the coordination between primary and backup relays for different fault locations, types and different topologies. It provides selective, reliable, and secured microgrid operation compared with conventional schemes, using fault current limiters and some other techniques discussed in the literature.

Background: Endovenous thermal techniques, such as endovenous laser ablation [EVLA], are the recommended treatment for varicose veins. Non-thermal techniques such as Mechanochemical ablation [MOCA] have potential benefits. Aim of the work: To compare EVLA with MOCA in the treatment of primary varicose vein of the lower limb. Patients and Methods: 40 patients who had primary great saphenous varicose veins [VV] admitted at the Vascular Surgery Department, Al-Azhar University Hospital, New Damietta, Egypt. They randomized into two equal groups each one included 20 patients group [1] treated by EVLA and group [2] treated by MOCA. Results: The time of operation of studied patients ranged from 22 to 44 minutes, and there a statistically significant decrease in time of group 2 compared to group 1. [25.36±1.80 vs. 37.30±2.47 respectively]. Postoperative pain in studied patients ranged from 0 [no pain] to 7 [severe pain], there statistically significant decrease in pain of group 2 compared to group 1. As regard to induration, it was reported in 4 patients, representing 20% of group 1 [4] patients, were significant differences between groups 1 and 2 [20% vs. 0% respectively]. At the end of the sixth month postoperatively, as regard complete occlusion of the great saphenous vein [GSV] vein, there was statistically no significant difference between group 2 when compared to group 1 [92.5% vs. 95% respectively]. Conclusions: MOCA was associated with better results on short-term follow-up.

The tendency towards carbon dioxide reduction greatly stimulates the popularity of electric vehicles against conventional vehicles. However, electric vehicle chargers represent a huge electric burden, which affects the performance and stability of the grid. Various optimization methodologies have been proposed in literature to enhance the performance of the distribution grids. However, existing techniques handle the raised issues from individual perspectives and/or with limited scopes. Therefore, this paper aims to develop a distributed controller-based coordination scheme in both medium and low voltage networks to handle the electric vehicles’ charging impact on the power grid. The scope of this work covers improving the network voltage profile, reducing the total active and reactive power, reducing the load fluctuations and total charging cost, while taking into consideration the random arrivals/departures of electric vehicles and the vehicle owners’ preferred charging time zones with vehicle-to-grid technology. Simulations are carried out to prove the success of the proposed method in improving the performance of IEEE 31-bus 23 kV system with several 415 V residential feeders. Additionally, the proposed method is validated using Controller Hardware-in-the-Loop. The results show that the proposed method can significantly reduce the issues that appear in the electric power grid during charging with minor changes in the existing grid. The results prove the successful implementation of different types of charging, namely, ultra-fast, fast, moderate, normal and vehicle-to-grid charging with minimum charging cost to enhance the owner’s satisfaction level.

Polypyrrole nitrogen porous carbon composite (PP/N-PCC) was prepared from molasses of the sugarcane industry. PP/N-PCC was characterized and used in the cadmium removal from the aqueous feed in a column system. The inlet metal concentration, flow rate, bed depth and pH were studied. Removal percent was reached 71.45% with a sorption capacity of 233.54 mg/g at pH5, 10 ml/min, and 7.5 bed depths. The column system was modelled using Thomas, Adams-Bohart and Yoon-Nelson kinetic models. The higher R2 > 0.98 indicates that the Thomas model appeared to a well-fitting with the experimental outcomes. PP/N-PCC adsorbent appeared well recycled up to 8 cycles indicating the economic feasibility of PP/N-PCC in the separation of Cd (II) ions from liquid wastes.

Replicating the naturalistic biomechanical milieu of cells is a primary requisite to uncover the fundamental life processes. The native milieu is significantly not replicated in the two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures. Alternatively, the current three-dimensional (3D) culture techniques can replicate the properties of extracellular matrix (ECM), though the recreation of the original microenvironment is challenging. The organization of cells in a 3D manner contributes to better insight about the tumorigenesis mechanism of the in vitro cancer models. Gene expression studies are susceptible to alterations in their microenvironment. Physiological interactions among neighboring cells also contribute to gene expression, which is highly replicable with minor modifications in 3D cultures. 3D cell culture provides a useful platform for identifying the biological characteristics of tumor cells, particularly in the drug sensitivity area of translational medicine. It promises to be a bridge between traditional 2D culture and animal experiments and is of great importance for further research in tumor biology. The new imaging technology and the implementation of standard protocols can address the barriers interfering with the live cell observation in a natural 3D physiological environment.

Employees’ turnover intentions and work-family conflict as a result of the hospitality work environment are considered the major global challenges confronted by hospitality organizations, especially in the era of COVID-19. This study aims at identifying the impact of the hospitality work environment on work-family conflict (WFC), as well as turnover intentions and examining the potential mediating role of WFC in the relationship between work environment and turnover intentions, during the COVID-19 pandemic in a sample of three- and four-star resorts in Egypt. A total of 413 resorts employees from Egyptian destinations (Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada) participated in the study. The findings of the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) revealed that the hospitality work environment significantly and positively affects employees’ turnover intentions and WFC. In the context of the mediating role of WFC, results illustrated that WFC significantly partially mediates the relationship between the hospitality work environment and turnover intentions. Upon these findings, the study suggests that to prevent WFC and eliminate turnover intentions among resorts’ employees, an urgent need to create a better work environment is vitally important. limitations and future research directions have been discussed.

Toxic heavy metals (THMs) are non-essential hazardous environmental pollutants with intractable health challenges in humans and animals. Exposure to lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), and chromium (Cr) are ubiquitous and unavoidable due to food contamination, mining, and industrial mobilization. They are triggers of tissue impairment and aberrant signaling pathways that cascade into several toxicities and pathologies. Each of Pb, Cd, Hg, As, Ni, and Cr aggravate oxidative inflammation, protein dysregulation, apoptotic induction, DNA damage, endocrine deficits, and mitochondrial dysfunction contributing to the pathophysiology of diseases. Hesperidin (HSD) and hesperetin (HST) are flavonoids from citrus fruits, and systematic investigations suggest their potential to combat the molecular alterations and toxicities induced by THMs. They mitigate heavy metal toxicity via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects via scavenging free radicals and modulation of ATPases, cell cycle proteins, and various cellular signaling pathways, including Nrf2/HO-1/ARE, PI3K/mTOR/Akt, MAPK/caspase-3/Bax/Bcl-2, iNOS/NF-κB/TNF-α/COX-2. This review summarized the mechanistic effects of heavy metal toxicity and the insights on molecular mechanisms underlying mitigation of heavy metal toxicity by HSD and HST. Hesperidin and hesperetin are potential flavonoids for the modulation of pathological signaling networks associated with THMs. Therefore, HSD and HST can be suggested as natural dietary agents and blockers of harmful effects of THMs.

The female pelvis morphology represents an evolved compensation between two opposing needs: a broad pelvis enough to deliver a sizeable brained offspring while remaining narrow enough to allow for effective bipedal gait. The precise expectation of hip abductor force generation is critical in anthropological studies and experimental practice of human stride mechanics. Hip implants and surgical procedures for hip anatomy reconstruction are based on the static single-leg stance paradigm. The current work investigated the impact of sexual dimorphism on the ground reaction force (GRF) acting on the mediolateral direction during level walking, emphasizing the difference in hip abductor muscle biomechanics and its correlation to ground reaction force moment arm, R. The ground reaction force in the mediolateral direction, hip abduction and adduction moments during the gait cycle and ground reaction force moment arm, R were measured. The current study concludes that the male individuals exhibit significantly higher mass-specific mediolateral ground reaction force during level walking. In contrast, hip abductor moments/kg body weight, medialization of the trochanter, R, and hip coronal were more significant in female individuals. We conclude that increased abductor moment and medialization of the greater trochanter will increase R, hip coronal and decrease abductor moment arm, r, in female individuals, affecting the effective mechanical advantage (EMA) of hip abductors in single-limb stance during level walking.

ABSTRACT Interstock is commonly used in deciduous fruit trees as a sustainable strategy to reduce the vigor of the scion associated with the high quality of fruits. In this study, we tested the effect of Paulsen 1103 (Vitis berlandieri x Vitis rupestris) as interstock on the grafting success, growth, and the physiological and chemical parameters of Flame seedless (Vitis vinifera) grapevine grafted onto Freedom (Vitis champinii x 1613C) and Paulsen 1103 rootstocks. This study was conducted over two seasons (2019 and 2020). The results indicated that direct grafting on the Paulsen 1103 rootstock recorded the highest grafting success percentage. Moreover, the grafting success percentage increased significantly when Paulsen 1103 was used as interstock between Flame seedless and Freedom rootstock (FI/P/Fr) compared to the grafting success without Paulsen 1103 interstock (FI/Fr). Also, using Paulsen 1103 as interstock between Flame seedless scion and Freedom rootstock (FI/P/Fr) significantly reduced the morphological parameters (shoot length, leaf area and the dry weight of shoots and roots) and physiological parameters of leaf (relative water content, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance) but significantly increased the leaf chemical content (peroxidase activity, total phenols, total proline, and total soluble sugar content) compared to values of the parameters measured in Flame seedless grafted onto Freedom rootstock (FI/Fr). Peroxidase activity could be used for predicting the degree of compatibility in grapevine grafts. This study suggested that the effect of Paulsen 1103 interstock on the vegetative growth of scion is correlated with its effect on chemical content and physiological responses of the scion.

Objectives Paediatric cancer is a leading cause of death for children. Children in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) were four times more likely to die than children in high-income countries (HICs). This study aimed to test the hypothesis that the COVID-19 pandemic had affected the delivery of healthcare services worldwide, and exacerbated the disparity in paediatric cancer outcomes between LMICs and HICs.Design A multicentre, international, collaborative cohort study.Setting 91 hospitals and cancer centres in 39 countries providing cancer treatment to paediatric patients between March and December 2020.Participants Patients were included if they were under the age of 18 years, and newly diagnosed with or undergoing active cancer treatment for Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, Wilms’ tumour, sarcoma, retinoblastoma, gliomas, medulloblastomas or neuroblastomas, in keeping with the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer.Main outcome measure All-cause mortality at 30 days and 90 days.Results 1660 patients were recruited. 219 children had changes to their treatment due to the pandemic. Patients in LMICs were primarily affected (n=182/219, 83.1%). Relative to patients with paediatric cancer in HICs, patients with paediatric cancer in LMICs had 12.1 (95% CI 2.93 to 50.3) and 7.9 (95% CI 3.2 to 19.7) times the odds of death at 30 days and 90 days, respectively, after presentation during the COVID-19 pandemic (p

يواجه التعليم العالي في العصر الحديث تحديات كثيرة متمثلة بالتفجر المعرفي، وهذا يتطلب تنشيط دور الادارة الجامعية لتستطيع الاضطلاع عبر واجباتها الجديدة، اذ لم يعد من المناسب ادارة الجامعات بنفس الاساليب التي كانت تدار بها في الماضي، اذ تعاني المؤسسات التعليمية من تركه ادارية مثقلة بالتحديات على الرغم من الجهود التي تبذل في محاولاتها من اجل تطوير ذاتها، وتشهد الجامعات محاولات جادة لتطوير انظمتها كافة، وتعد الكليات الوحدة الاساسية للجامعة، وعلية فان كفاءة العمل الاداري يرتبط الى حد كبير بدور افرادها وما يقدمون به من اعمال ادارية فاعلة لإدارة الازمات التي تواجهه مؤسساتهم الامر الذي يستوجب القول الى ان عمداء الكليات يعتمد نجاحهم على كفاءتهم الادارية وكذلك على توفير المناخ المناسب لإدارة الازمات التي تواجههم. تكمن اهمية البحث بوصف الجامعة قائدة للتطور والتقدم، كذلك يستدعي الامر بوجود ادارة تتسم بالفاعلية في الكفاءة الادارية تعمل على تحقيق اهدافها التي انشئت من اجلها ومواجهة الازمات التي تعترض سير عملها، اذ ان اهمية ادارة الازمات تتضح من خلال اتباع المنهج العلمي في كيفية احتواء الازمة والحد منها. اهداف البحث: يهدف البحث الحالي التعرف على: مستوى الكفاءة الادارية لدى عمداء كليات جامعات بغداد من وجهة نظر رؤساء الاقسام. مستوى ادارة الازمات لدى عمداء كليات جامعات محافظة بغداد من وجهة نظر رؤساء الاقسام. العلاقة الارتباطية بين الكفاءة الادارية وادارة الازمات لدى عمداء كليات جامعات محافظة بغداد من وجهة نظر رؤساء الاقسام. شمل مجتمع البحث رؤساء الاقسام في كليات جامعات محافظة بغداد والبالغ (419) رئيس قسم لكافة الكليات، وقد اختيرت عينة البحث باتباع الاسلوب الطبقي العشوائي اذ بلغ افراد العينة (200) رئيس قسم وتم التحقق من الخصائص السيكومترية للأداة من الصدق فقد تم عرضها على مجموعه من الخبراء المختصين في مجال الادارة والقياس والتقويم وكذلك عن طريق مؤشر آخر وهو صدق البناء. أما الثبات؛ فتم التحقق منة بطريقتين الاولى الاختبار واعادة الاختبار والطريقة الثانية طريقة تحليل التباين باستعمال معادله الفاكرونباخ واهم الوسائل الاحصائية المستعملة هي (معامل ارتباط بيرسون، ومعادله الفاكرونباخ، الاختبار التائي لعينه واحدة).

The paper is aiming to examine the magnetic impacts on the mixed convection of a nanofluid contained by an undulating porous cavity with the help of radiative and heat generation. The condition of the local thermal non-equilibrium (LTNE) is considered. The partial heater is in the corrugated bottom partition and the top corrugated partition has Tc. The vertical walls are adiabatic with a lid-velocity in the right wall. The regulating equations are worked out by the finite volume method (FVM). The involved parameters are the heater length B (between 0.2 and 0.8), heat generation/absorption coefficient Q (between −2 and 2), modified conductivity ratio (between kr=0-10), thermal radiation parameter Rd (between 0 and 5), a porosity parameter ε (between 0.4 and 0.9), heater position D (between 0.3 and 0.7), thermal conductivity ratio kfs (between 4 and 0.25), an undulating number λ (between 1 and 5), Darcy parameter Da (between 10-1 and 10-5), an inclination angle of a cavity α (between 0°and 90°), nanoparticles parameter ϕ (between 0 and 0.1), and coefficient of an inter-phase heat transfer H∗ (between 0 and 5000). The results indicated that the growth in nanoparticles parameter augments the profiles of average Nu of a fluid phase. The heat transfer is influenced by the variations in the length/position of the heater source. The maximum of the streamlines decreases by 97.55% as Da decreases from 10-1 to 10-5 and increases by 42.86% as an undulating number λ raises from 1 to 5.

Chili is widely used as a food additive and a flavouring and colouring agent and also has great importance in health preservation and therapy due to the abundant presence of many bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, and capsaicinoids. Most of these secondary metabolites are strong antioxidants. In the present study, the effect of light intensity and spectral composition was studied on the growth, flowering, and yield of chilli together with the accumulation of secondary metabolites in the fruit. Two light intensities (300 and 500 μmol m–2 s–1) were applied in different spectral compositions. A broad white LED spectrum with and without FR application and with blue LED supplement was compared to blue and red LED lightings in different (80/20 and 95/5%) blue/red ratios. High light intensity increased the harvest index (fruit yield vs. biomass production) and reduced the flowering time of the plants. The amount of secondary metabolites in the fruit varied both by light intensity and spectral compositions; phenolic content and the radical scavenging activity were stimulated, whereas capsaicin accumulation was suppressed by blue light. The red colour of the fruit (provided by carotenoids) was inversely correlated with the absolute amount of blue, green, and far-red light. Based on the results, a schematic model was created, representing light-dependent metabolic changes in chilli. The results indicated that the accumulation of secondary metabolites could be modified by the adjustment of light intensity and spectral composition; however, different types of metabolites required different light environments.

Purpose: The structural appearance of each disabled athlete or the shape of their body, as determined by their individual genotype and influenced by the environment, considerably affects their technical and physical performance. This study sought to examine the morphological characteristics of elite track and field athletes with different disabilities, including their possible effects on physical and physiological performance. Methods: A total of 66 male elite athletes with cerebral palsy (n = 12), upper arm amputation (n = 12), short stature (n = 20), or intellectual disability (n = 22) were included. For each athlete, height, weight, sitting height, arm span and four skin folds were assessed; ape index, body mass index, body fat percentage, fat mass, fat mass index and fat-free mass values were calculated; and vertical jump, drop jump, countermovement jump, squat jump, repeated sprint ability and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 tests were performed. Results: Significant differences were noticed between short stature and the other groups concerning morphological characteristics, however, the best motor performance was observed in amputees and, to a lesser degree, in short stature. In the top performing athletes, physical performance was significantly correlated with body mass index and fat mass index for amputees, and with arm span, ape index, body fat percentage and fat mass index for short stature. Regression analysis revealed that regardless of disability type, physical and physiological performance (except maximum heart rate) were significantly influenced primarily by adipose tissue-specific variables. A significant effect of height, weight, fat free mass, arm span, sitting height, and ape index on drop jump performance with left leg, maximal oxygen consumption, and maximum heart rate was also noticed. The type of disability affects performance in the squat jump and vertical jump tests, and to a lesser extent in the countermovement jump test.

Abstract Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a newly emerging pandemic that affected millions of people worldwide caused by novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. The first cases reported suffered from respiratory symptoms. Main body Various extrapulmonary manifestations were linked to COVID-19 in several reports including cardiovascular, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, and skin. It is important that every clinician should be aware of these non-respiratory manifestations for early diagnosis and prompt management. This review aims to summarize the different extrapulmonary manifestations of COVID-19 disease and highlight the importance of multidisciplinary care. Conclusion COVID-19 is a disease of multi-organ involvement. Manifestations may vary depending on which organ is involved.

Abstract Background SYNTAX Scores I (SSI) assesses the complexity of CAD; SYNTAX Score II (SSII) uses both SSI and other clinical variables, in estimation of 4 years mortality following both coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and gives recommendations for the best revascularization strategy in a specific patient. Our aim is to investigate the impact of both SYNTAX Scores on short-term outcome following CABG. Results Prospectively, we studied 150 patients with multi-vessels coronary artery disease, referred to perform, elective primary isolated CABG. All cases performed on pump CABG with aortic cross clamping, then followed up for 90 days postoperatively, for onset of mortality from all causes, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, mediastinitis, and need for renal replacement therapy (RRT). SSI showed a statistically significant association with in-hospital and 90 days mortality, MI, and mediastinitis (P = < 0.001, 0.015, 0.045 respectively); SSII showed a statistically significant association with in-hospital mortality and 90 days mortality and need for renal replacement therapy (P = 0.007, 0.043, 0.012 respectively); SSI is independent risk factor for overall mortality (OR 1.192, 95% CI 1.018–1.396) (P = 0.029) and MI (OR 1.182, 95% CI 1.016–1.375). Conclusions SYNTAX Scores are good predictors of short-term outcome after CABG; increased SSI was associated with increased mortalities (in-hospital and total 90 days), MI and mediastinitis, increased SSII associated with increased mortalities (in-hospital and total 90 days), and need for RRT; SSI is independent risk factor for mortality and MI.

البروستاجلاندينات مواد شبيهة بالهرمونات تنتج في مختلف أنسجة الثديات، وتتوسط مدى واسع من الوظائف الفسيولوجية، وتوجد ومركباتها الأيضية تقريبا في كل الأعضاء والأنسجة [13]. وهي تلعب دوراً مهما في عمليات التكاثر والحمل فهي تؤثر على وظائف الرحم في الدورة الحيضية والإنغراس الجنيني والحمل والولادة [9] .وتكمن أهمية الـ (PG) في المراحل المبكرة جداً من تطور الحويصلة المختلفة قبل ظهور مستقبلات الهرمونات النخامية، ويساعد على تحفيز مستقبلات (FSH)، و قد تعمل الـ (PG) بأسلوب مشابه لـ (LH) على خلايا التيكا ويساعد على بدء نمو الحويصلة، و يمكن إعتبار الـ (PG) عوامل ذات منشأ حويصلي داخل المبيض للاشتراك في التحكم في نمو الحويصلات غير النامية مع الجونادوتروبين النخامي لتصبح عوامل تنظيم أساسية للنمو فهي قد تستحوذ على مستقبلات (LHوFSH) [2]. بداية الحيض تسبق مباشرة انقباض الشرينات الصغيرة في بطانة الرحم فالـ (PG) تشترك في هذه العملية من خلال عمل (PGF2α) على هذه الشرينات ،ويكون النشاط الإنقباضي لعضلة الرحم كبيرة في فترة الحيض ويرتبط هذا النشاط بالتركيزات العالية للـ (PGF2α) في هذا الوقت مع إنخفاض مستوى البروجسترون والمعروف أن البروجسترون يثبط الفعل المحفز للـ (PGF2α) على عضلة الرحم . [9] تشترك الـ (PG) في تمزيق الحويصلة البيضية (خاصة PGF2α) ويزداد تشكل الـ (PG) خلال فترة الإباضة وتعتمد هذه الزيادة على هرمونات الجونادوتروبين [21] ، تنتج الـ (PG) خلال الحمل بواسطة أغشية الكوريون والساقطية والأمنيون وتلعب دورا مهما في جميع مراحل الحمل والإنغراس الجنيني فهي تمكن التروفوبلاست أن يغزو ويستقر في الأوعية الدموية في المايوماتريوم في رحم الأم، في جميع مراحل نمو وتطور الجنين، حيث تلعب دورا مهما كمنظم وعائي لتدفق الدم الرحمي الجنيني، وتسيطر على بداية عملية الولادة وتقدمها [9]. فالبروستاجلاندينات تلعب دورا مهما في إنقباض عضلات الرحم وتحفيز الولادة [16]

The need is increasing in our time to teach and learn design for art students using multiple educational methods due to the technological development in the methods of teaching , learning and the emergence of advanced educational techniques and media with advanced capabilities that can be relied upon and benefit from their potential in distance education based on printed materials, multimedia, web of information, educational platforms, model applications, social network applications and telegrams.The use of technological innovations produced by the intermarriage between information technology and education technology in the educational process has become an urgent necessity for educational systems to make a qualitative shift in the objectives they seek to achieve in order to give learners the range of skills that life in the information age requires, such as self-learning skills, informatics skills, technological innovations, and self-management, rather than focusing solely on providing them with knowledge information The study presents a proposed vision for the teaching and learning of remote design in the light of contemporary technologies and media and shed light on some of the results of their application. Educational applications for these programs have emerged through the creation of interactive channels, which represent a unique and fertile environment for team management and continuous communication with students thanks to its multiple advantages. The proposed vision aims to achieve an advanced level of design education and learning in the fields of teaching and evaluation, and to manage learning by opening channels of continuous communication between faculty and students with multiple learning resources available to them. One of the results of the study is that the diversification of the sources of education and learning design for students of arts and art education based on contemporary technological techniques and their applications may lead to increase the educational and intellectual aspects and technical and conceptual skills they have.Keywords - (Teaching and Distance Learning, Design, Contemporary Technology)

Abstract Background The infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve (IPBSN) contains only sensory fibers that innervate the knee regarding its anteromedial aspect and the anterior-inferior portion of its capsule. IPBSN damage has been recorded as a postoperative complication of surgery about the knee, which is manifested by pain, numbness and reflex sympathetic dystrophy. The incisions made for arthroscopy, medial arthrotomy, and anterior cruciate ligament surgery also, can causes IPBSN damage in about 0.5 to 30% of cases. We aimed to study the frequency of infrapatellar branches of the saphenous nerve entrapment/injured in Egyptian patients to find the incidence of its affection in post-operative knee surgeries and to increase the awareness of this condition. Results Ninety patients complaining pain at the antero-medial aspect of the knee were collected and divided into 3 groups: G1 included 30 patients with a history of total knee replacement, G2 included 30 patients with a history of knee arthroscopy and G3 included 30 patients with non-specific knee pain. All patients went to clinical, electrophysiological study and laboratory measures. There was a significant statically differences of sensory nerve conduction study regarding latency and amplitude of infrapatellar nerve between the three groups and significant statically differences of clinical signs among patients of the studied groups regarding Hofmann-Tinel sign and pain provocation test. Conclusion The entrapment/injury of IPBSN is an underestimated sometimes unrecognized cause of post-operative knee pain to many clinicians. Awareness of this condition would probably help in managing these cases to decrease post-operative pain and disability as the frequency of infrapatellar neuropathy post total knee replacement was 56.6% and post arthroscopic surgery was 63.3% in cohort of Egyptian patients.

External confinement of reinforced concrete columns using fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets can significantly enhance their seismic behavior. This research presents a numerical investigation to evaluate the seismic performance of RC rectangular columns with limited cross-sections' aspect ratios (1, 1.5, and 2) strengthened with a fully wrapped CFRP jacket under constant axial and pushover lateral loads. Therefore, a three-dimensional finite element model was implemented via ABAQUS software, which has been adopted in this study, where the proposed model showed a reliable agreement with the previous experimental work. The studied parameters are: longitudinal steel reinforcement ratio, CFRP confinement ratio, and axial load/capacity ratio for each cross-section aspect ratio. The obtained numerical results have proved that the external wrapping of RC rectangular columns with CFRP sheets has effectively increased drift capacity ratios for cross-sections aspect ratios 1, 1.5, and 2. Moreover, the strengthening of RC rectangular columns using external CFRP wrapping increases the nominal shear and flexural strengths of the strengthened columns. Also, the effect of increasing the longitudinal steel reinforcement ratio can significantly decrease the ultimate lateral displacement and drift capacity ratios. Besides, with the increase of the axial load/capacity ratios, the drift capacity ratios significantly decrease for the strengthened RC rectangular columns.

Background: Diet and physical activity are the most commonly recommended strategies for preventing and treating metabolic syndrome (MetS). This randomized trial aims to examine the effectiveness of a weight reduction intervention based on caloric restriction, low-impact aerobics (LIA), and a resistance-training program in improving body composition, metabolic parameters and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among obese students diagnosed with MetS. Methods: In all, 23 male participants, aged 19–24 years, were randomly introduced to a dieting program (the diet group, or DG = 09) or to dieting associated with a supervised physical training program (the diet plus training group, or DTG = 14). Before and after the intervention, the participants’ anthropometric measures and cardiovascular disease risk factors were assessed. Results: Following the diet-based intervention, significant improvements were noted in BMI (p = 0.39), PBF (p = 0.022) and LDL-c (p = 0.024). However, in response to the diet plus aerobic and resistance exercise intervention, obese participants had significant reductions in body weight (p = 0.018), WC (p = 0.042), BMI (p = 0.001), BFP (p

Abstract Background To evaluate the role of partial splenic artery embolization in corpuscular correction in cirrhotic patients. Results Bleeding tendency was experienced in two thirds of patients (66.7%) and anemia in 63.3%. Splenic size ranged from 14.3 to 22 cm. PV diameter ranged from 11 to 18 mm. The mean platelet at the pre-operative laboratory was 34.9 ± 10.3 × 103, corrected to 137.6 ± 37.1 × 103 within 1 month follow-up, and then 140 × 103 after 6 months. The mean of RBCs was 3.6 ± 0.3 × 106, then 4 ± 0.5 × 106 at 1 month follow-up period. WBCs showed correction at the early post-operative period, 3.3 ± 0.4 × 103, compared to 5.4 ± 1.4 × 103 at 1 month. Reduction in splenic size was achieved by 3–6 months. All patients (100%) had post-embolization syndrome. Gelfoam was used in 20 patients, PVA was used in 5 patients, and microspheres were used in 5 patients. Antiviral treatment regimen was started after an adequate rise in corpuscular counts in all patients. Conclusion Partial splenic artery embolization is an effective alternative method to surgery in treatment of hypersplenism particularly in cirrhotic patients prepared for antiviral treatment with correction of the associated thrombocytopenia.

Abstract The potato tuber moth (PTM), Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller 1873) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is a destructive pest of stored potatoes and potato crop. Biopesticides are certain types of pesticides derived from animals, plants, and bacteria. Botanicals are especially efficient in the form of antifeedant, repellent, protectants, and growth-disrupting hormones. They are also sources of secondary metabolites that are safer than synthetic insecticides. Present research was conducted to evaluate some botanical extracts as natural local alternatives against PTM under storage conditions. Twelve different 80% ethanolic plant extracts were tested on PTM during storage condition (30 ± 2°C and 70 ± 5% RH) at a light regime of the day 10-h light and 14-h dark. Biological parameters of the pest, evidence of the potato tubers damage, and continuation of protection to the tubers were recorded. Extracts of mint, zygophyllum, coriander, arnoglosse, harmel, and solanum indicated a total inhibition of egg deposition at 2.5% concentration; also, they provided high protections to the potato tubers from the PTM infestation for about 3 months and without observations’ effect on tubers germination. Senna, colocynth, and basil reduced the number of deposited egg/female. Jasmine, geranium, and chamomile recorded a low potential on egg deposition. Basil showed the highest potency in decreasing development of larvae that hatched from eggs, therefore, reduced the number of next adult offspring (F1) and followed by jasmine and geranium. Variable levels of extracts’ protection can be arranged according to their damage evidence as follows: basil > colocynth > jasmine > geranium > senna > chamomile.

Abstract Background Although gender-related disparities in cardiovascular surgery have been investigated extensively in the past decades, knowledge about the impact of gender on outcomes after surgery for acute aortic dissection type A (AADA) is sparse. This study investigated the impact of gender on early morbidity and mortality and follow-up outcome in patients after surgery for AADA and to analyze gender-related risk factors for 30-day mortality. Methods This retrospective study included 368 consecutive patients (male 65.8% vs. female 34.2%) undergoing surgery for AADA between 2001 and 2016 at our department. Survival was estimated by Kaplan-Meier curves. Risk factors for 30-day mortality were assessed by multivariable logistic regression and interaction analysis. Results Women were older (70.7 years vs. 60.6 years; p

Abstract Background Cancer colon is one of the leading causes of death and MiRNAs are incorporated in biological pathways that affect tumorigenesis as proved by multiple studies. The present study aimed to investigate whether miR-17-3p is elevated in the plasma free samples of colon cancer patients in correlation with other tumor markers (CEA, CA19.9). Results MiRNA 17-3P plasma free sample levels were significantly elevated in the plasma free samples of colon cancer patients compared with healthy controls (P < 0.001); on the other hand, serum levels of CA19.9 were significantly higher in colon cancer patients compared to healthy controls while serum levels of CEA were found to be of no statistical significance. Conclusion The detection miRNA-17-3p may be considered of clinical value for the detection of colon cancer; also, CA19.9 detection was found to significantly increase the sensitivity and specificity of a colon cancer diagnosis.