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Objectives: Dengue fever (DF) is the most common arthropod-borne viral illness with significant public health implications that can cause severe clinical symptoms and possibly death. We sought to determine the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients presented with DF to the Royal Hospital in a recent outbreak in Oman. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study between 1 January and 18 April 2022, at the Royal Hospital, Oman, including all patients who presented with febrile illness and laboratory-confirmed DF. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the results. Results: The cohort included 58 patients with laboratory-confirmed DF, of whom 39 (67.2%) required admission. The overall mean age was 41.0±20.0 years. Over half (55.2%) were females and the majority (86.2%) were Omani citizens. Eighty-one percent of the patients were residents of Bawshar in Muscat governorate. Dengue virus 2 was the isolated serotype. Fever (98.3%), muscular aches and pains (55.2%), and headache (53.4%) were the most common symptoms on presentation. All patients except two had no travel history. The most common comorbidities were hypertension (29.3%) and diabetes mellitus (17.2%). Upon admission, the most prominent hematological and biochemical abnormalities were severe thrombocytopenia (31.0%) with platelet counts of < 50 000/mm3 and hepatic impairment (15.5%). Antibiotics were prescribed to 27.6% of the patients. All patients improved clinically, and no deaths were reported during the study period. Conclusions: Fever and thrombocytopenia were the commonest presentations of DF. Identification of factors linked to increased risk of hospitalization in patients with DF can assist in recognizing individuals who need close monitoring and intensive support.

Aluminum is the most abundant metal that can get admission to the human through several means that include our food, drinking water, cans, drugs, and deodorants, causing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The present study aims to evaluate the role of quercetin nanoemulsion (QCNE) in attenuating neuronal dysfunction in aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced experimental AD. All animals were classified into six groups including negative control group (I): received a vehicle; QC group: received intraperitoneal (IP) injection of QC; Alzheimer’s group: received AlCl3 orally; treated group (I): received AlCl3 orally and IP injection of QC; treated group (II): received AlCl3 orally and QC orally; and treated group (III): received AlCl3 orally and IP injection of QCNE. At the end of the experimental period (30 days), the brain was used to study biochemical parameters (measurement of neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine), oxidant/antioxidant parameters (reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and advanced oxidation protein product), and inflammatory markers (adiponectin, interleukin 1β, and plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha)), while another part was for brain immune-histochemical analysis (study cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2)). Results showed that the mean value of oxidative stress markers was significantly increased in the AD group as well as the inflammatory biomarkers and all the study neurotransmitters, whereas these parameters were attenuated in treated groups, especially those that received QCNE. The immunohistochemistry findings confirm our results. Both approaches (QC and QCNE) succeeded in retracting the negative impact of AlCl3. Meanwhile, the effect of QCNE is more potent in mitigating the impact mediated by AlCl3 in treated animals. In conclusion, the treatment mainly by QCNE has huge potential in protecting against AlCl3-induced neuronal dysfunction, as shown in our results by the elevation of brain antioxidant/anti-inflammatory activities and neurotransmitter levels as well as mending of the histopathological changes in animal models.

In the present investigation, Aloe vera gel (AVG)-based edible coatings enriched with anthocyanin were prepared. We investigated the effect of different formulations of aloe-vera-based edible coatings, such as neat AVG (T1), AVG with glycerol (T2), Aloe vera with 0.2% anthocyanin + glycerol (T3), and AVG with 0.5% anthocyanin + glycerol (T4), on the postharvest quality of fig (Ficus carica L.) fruits under refrigerated conditions (4 °C) for up to 12 days of storage with 2-day examination intervals. The results of the present study revealed that the T4 treatment was the most effective for reducing the weight loss in fig fruits throughout the storage period (~4%), followed by T3, T2, and T1. The minimum weight loss after 12 days of storage (3.76%) was recorded for the T4 treatment, followed by T3 (4.34%), which was significantly higher than that of uncoated fruit (~11%). The best quality attributes, such as the total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), and pH, were also demonstrated by the T3 and T4 treatments. The T4 coating caused a marginal change of 0.16 in the fruit titratable acidity, compared to the change of 0.33 in the untreated fruit control after 12 days of storage at 4 °C. Similarly, the total soluble solids in the T4-coated fruits increased marginally (0.43 °Brix) compared to the uncoated control fruits (>2 °Brix) after 12 days of storage at 4 °C. The results revealed that the incorporation of anthocyanin content into AVG is a promising technology for the development of active edible coatings to extend the shelf life of fig fruits.

سعت الدراسة إلى تحديد متطلبات التطوير التنظيمي الفاعل في مديرية الاحوال المدنية والجوازات والاقامة في محافظة نينوى، والتي تعد من المنظمات الخدمية المهمة لدى المواطن وتمثيله بأبعاد الدراسة (الهيكل التنظيمي، الاستراتيجية، الثقافة التنظيمية، تقانة المعلومات، الموارد البشرية)، وتمحورت مشكلة الدراسة في طرح العديد من التساؤلات كان أهمها مدى تباين توافر أبعاد التطوير التنظيمي في المنظمة المبحوثة؟ وماهي المتطلبات اللازمة لتحقيق هذا البعد وتحقيقاً لهدف الدراسة فقد تم توظيف المنهج الوصفي التحليل كمنهج للدراسة من خلال توزيع استمارة استبانة واخذ اراء المجيبين ومن ثم العمل على تحليلها احصائياً، وتم الاعتماد على إجراء المقابلات مع اصحاب الخبرة والتخصص في المديرية المبحوثة وقد تم أخذ آرائهم ومقترحاتهم في استمارة خاصة، وتمثل مجتمع الدراسة بـ (615) فردا، واختيرت منهم عينة بواقع (216) فردا، وقد تم استخدام نوعين من استمارات الاستبانة كأداة لجمع بيانات الدراسة وتم تحليل بيانات هذه الدراسة من خلال عدة اساليب إحصائية، برنامج الاحصائي (SPSS) وبرنامج (Amos) لاختبار الفرضيات والتأكد من صحتها. وفي ضوء المعالجة الإحصائية تم التوصيل للعديد من النتائج كان أهمها: ان هناك اختلاف في مستوى توافر ابعاد التطوير التنظيمي، وان البعد ذات تأثير الفاعل في تحقيق التطوير التنظيمي هو الهيكل التنظيمي، وان أكثر بعدين بحاجة الى تطوير هما (الهيكل التنظيمي والموارد البشرية) من وجهة نظر ممارسي التطوير التنظيمي وانهما الاكثر تأثيرا على سير العمل في المديرية، وأخيراً اقترح الباحثان المتطلبات اللازمة لتطوير هذه الابعاد.

Objectives: The World Health Organization (WHO) published a global strategic response plan in February 2020 aiming to mitigate the impact of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. It identified immediate activities required for global preparedness and response to the outbreak and set eight priority areas (pillars) essential for scaling up countries’ operational readiness and response. Despite a semi-annual progress report on implementing the Global Strategic Plan in June 2020, there is limited granular information available on the extent of the national plan’s content and implementation, particularly in the Member States of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Therefore, we sought to review the preparedness and responsiveness towards the COVID-19 outbreak in the GCC in the first phase of the pandemic and to document lessons learned for improving the ongoing response efforts and preparedness for future pandemics. Methods: A rapid appraisal was conducted in June 2020 according to the WHO Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan and the accompanying Operational Planning Guidelines. The survey was administered to public health professionals or/and infectious disease experts in the states. The findings were cross-triangulated with secondary data that was publicly available for each country. Results: The preparedness and response efforts of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE were fully compliant with all 11 (100%) pillars of the modified strategic response measures. Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar complied with eight of the pillars. The component on conducting COVID-19 related research was the lowest-performing across all the six states. Conclusions: All GCC states demonstrated an effective response to the pandemic, enhanced existing infrastructures, and accelerated reforms that would have otherwise taken longer. The lessons learned through the early phase of the pandemic continue to steer the states in realigning their strategies and resetting their goals of controlling the outbreak, particularly in the current context of vaccine introduction and increasing preparedness capacities for future pandemics.

Objectives: We aimed to determine epidemiological risk factors associated with acquiring severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients requiring hospitalization. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted using a questionnaire comprised of six closed-ended questions to identify potential risk factors for severe COVID-19. Using COVID-19 associated illnesses and complications (pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, need for mechanical ventilation, acute kidney failure, cardiac failure, and thromboembolic events), we derived an index variable to measure the severity of COVID-19 in patients. Results: We included 143 adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 of whom 62.2% (n = 89) were male and 37.8% (n = 54) were female. The average age of the cohort was 50.6±16.5 years. Our study found that being a female, working at the health care facility, being a healthcare worker, attending a mass gathering within the last 14 days, attending a gathering with 10 persons or less, and being admitted to a hospital were associated with increased risk of developing severe COVID-19. The only risk factor associated with severe COVID-19 was working at a health care facility (odds ratio = 33.42, p =0.029). Conclusions: Intervention directed to control risk factors associated with acquiring severe COVID-19 should be a core priority for all countries, especially among high-risk occupations and workplaces, including working at a health care facility. A risk-based approach to prioritize vaccination among these high-risk individuals should be supported to strengthen the implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions.

Abstract This paper reports the use of a self‐assembling hydrogel as a delivery vehicle for the Parkinson's disease drug l‐DOPA. Based on a two‐component combination of an l‐glutamine amide derivative and benzaldehyde, this gel has very soft rheological properties and self‐healing characteristics. It is demonstrated that the gel can be formulated to encapsulate l‐DOPA. These drug‐loaded gels are characterized, and rapid release of the drug is obtained from the gel network. This drug‐loaded hydrogel has appropriate rheological characteristics to be amenable for injection. This system is therefore tested as a vehicle for nasal delivery of neurologically‐active drugs—a drug delivery strategy that can potentially avoid first pass liver metabolism and bypass the blood–brain barrier, hence enhancing brain uptake. In vitro tests indicate that the gel has biocompatibility with respect to nasal epithelial cells. Furthermore, animal studies demonstrate that the nasal delivery of a gel loaded with 3H‐labeled l‐DOPA out‐performed a simple intranasal l‐DOPA solution. This is attributed to longer residence times of the gel in the nasal cavity resulting in increased blood and brain concentrations. It is demonstrated that the likely routes of brain penetration of intranasally‐delivered l‐DOPA gel involve the trigeminal and olfactory nerves connecting to other brain regions.

Textile industries use large amounts of water as well as dyes. These dyes containing water are then discharged into the water bodies causing a significant role in water pollution. Brilliant Green dye contributes to many harmful diseases related to the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract. In this study, Symplocos racemosa (SR) agro-waste was chemically treated with acid (SR-HCl) and base (SR-NaOH) and then used for removing Brilliant Green Dye (BGD) on the batch scale. They were characterized by SEM, EDX, FTIR, XRD, TGA and DSC. Optimized conditions were 30 °C temperature, pH 6, adsorbent dose of 0.10 g/25 ml dye solution, shaking speed of 100 revolutions per minute, initial dye concentration of 50 ppm and 35 min time for shaking adsorbent and dye solution. Adsorption data obtained were analyzed using isotherms. The experimental data was found to fit well with the Langmuir model and the maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of BGD on the SR, SR-HCl, and SR-NaOH was revealed to be 62.90, 65.40, and 71 mg/g respectively. Kinetic data (pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order) were evaluated and adsorption tends to follow the pseudo-2nd-order, which indicated the chemisorption mechanism. The results revealed that Symplocos racemosa agro-waste can be considered as the potential biosorbent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Several studies have reported an association between improvements in hand hygiene and the reductions in rates of intestinal parasitic diseases. However, only a some have addressed its link to the frequency of influenza-like illness. The current study aimed to find the correlation between personal hygiene habits and the frequency of influenza-like illness. Methods A cross-sectional study targeting 3000 participants conducted in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. A systematic random sampling methodology was applied for participant from different part of Riyadh city using a computer generating system. The researcher first started by calling each participant. A full explanation was given to each participant in details (from the purpose of the research, consent to answer the questionnaire, to the explanation of the outcome definition). Each point of the questionnaire was explained to them to make sure they had excellent comprehension, and therefore, respond accurately. Descriptive statistics and Odds Ratio and its 95% confidence intervals were used to determine the association between frequency of influenza-like illness and the studied variables. Results Two thousand eighty-two (69.4%) completed the questionnaire. The participants who spent 5–10 s in handwashing with soap and rubbing were at increased risk of more frequent influenza-like illness (odds ratio = 1.37, 1.08–1.75). Handwashing with soap and rubbing after handshaking is an independent protective habit against frequent influenza-like illness (adjusted OR = 0.59, 0.37–0.94). Conclusion The decrease of the frequency of influenza-like illness could be done through the following: getting the influenza vaccine annually, washing hands with soap and hand rubbing not less than 15 s after getting out of the bathroom, before and after handshaking and before eating. Soap companies should invent soaps that take less rubbing time to kill bacteria, and subsequently may maximize compliance in the community.

Latent heat storage has shown a great potential in many engineering applications. The utilization of latent heat storage has been extended from small scales to large scales of thermal engineering applications. In food industry, latent heat has been applied in food storage. Another potential application of latent heat storage is to maintain hot beverages at a reasonable drinking temperature for longer periods. In the present work, a numerical calculation was performed to investigate the impact of utilizing encapsulated phase change material PCM on the temperature of hot beverage. The PCM was encapsulated in rings inside the cup. The results showed that the encapsulated PCM reduced the coffee temperature to an acceptable temperature in shorter time. In addition, the PCM maintained the hot beverage temperature at an acceptable drinking temperature for rational time.

This investigation was carried out in Sweida governorate of Syria from 2014 to 2015. The purpose of this investigation was to estimate the genetic diversity among 17 old local grape cultivars using morphological traits and SSR molecular markers. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of morphological traits revealed that four main components were accountable for 50.34 % of variance, with Eigen values of 16.77%, 13.31%, 10.59% and 9.67%, respectively. While distribution of cultivars was found significantly dependent of first and second components, which separated Aswad Sharar and Derbly cultivars rather than other studied cultivars. Hierarchical cluster of morphological traits showed high diversity among studied cultivars. On the other hand, molecular characterization was conducted using eight informative SSR primer pairs, polymorphism was detected by seven SSR's primers. As a result, 18 polymorphic alleles were revealed with a polymorphism percentage of 100%, which reflected the genetic variation among studied cultivars. Genetic similarity was achieved, where 0.875 was the highest between Zeiny and Khedry cultivars, while the other two cultivars Ebeidy and AhmarMokamaa showed the lowest genetic similarity as 0.077. Cluster analysis of SSR markers grouped the studied cultivars into three clusters as per Jaccard coefficient. The first cluster grouped Ebeidy, Aswad Helwany and Derbly cultivars together, the second cluster contained two cultivars Beiady and Alb Atair, while the third cluster contained the remaining cultivars. Consequently, the results showed high diversity among studied cultivars, and some morphological traits were useful for cultivar discrimination.

ABSTRACT: Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effects of propolis on immune mediators and tissue histopathology in rats with L-arginine-induced acute pancreatitis (AP). Methods: This study was conducted at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudia Arabia between September and November 2017. A total of 24 male albino Wistar rats were divided into three equal groups. Group one was the negative control, group two was the positive control (L-arginine-induced AP) and group three received treatment (L-arginineinduced AP and propolis). The rats in group three were treated with 100 mg/kg propolis for seven days after AP induction. Pancreatic tissue was evaluated histologically and levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-22 and IL-1β and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were measured. Results: Propolis reduced the quanitity of proinflammatory molecules (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) in group three compared to group two, significantly increased the overall anti-inflammatory effect of IL-22 (P

Abstract Background Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7), a member of TLR family, plays a pivotal role in pathogenesis of different malignancies. Among these is urinary bladder cancer (UBC), which has not been extensively studied. Therefore, it was aimed to determine TLR7 serum level in UBC patients and evaluate its association with some demographic and clinicopathological characteristics. In addition, four TLR7 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs: rs179018, rs179019, rs179020, and rs179021) were investigated to determine their susceptibility role in UBC and inspect SNP’s impact on TLR7 level. Sixty-six UBC Iraqi patients were enrolled in this case-control study. Two control samples were also involved, 40 urinary tract infection (UTI) patients, and 48 healthy control subjects. Results Male gender, older age, and cigarette-smoking are risk factors for UBC. TLR7 level showed a significant decreased median in UBC patients compared to UTI patients or control (1.4 vs. 8.1 and 9.5 ng/ml, respectively; p < 0.001). The decrease was more pronounced in males, age group ≥ 48 years, cigarette-smokers, alcohol non-consumers, clinical stages I–II, and superficial tumor, as well as patients with family history of cancer and untreated patients. Mitomycin C and Bacillus Calmette–Guérin therapies tended to increase TLR7 level. Among the four investigated SNPs, only rs179019 C allele showed significantly uncorrected increased frequency in UBC males compared to control males (p = 0.038), while among UTI females, C allele frequency maintained a significantly corrected decreased frequency compared to control females (p = 0.005). Some SNPs influenced serum level of TLR7, but a significant impact was recorded for rs179019 in UTI females (p = 0.006). Conclusions Downregulation of TLR7 is suggested to have a role in etiology and pathogenesis of UBC, especially the male, elderly and smoker patients. Mitomycin C and Bacillus Calmette–Guérin may enhance TLR7 production in the blood of UBC patients. TLR7 SNPs are suggested to influence susceptibility to develop UBC, and their potential in impacting TLR7 serum level is augmented.

Background: Bacteraemia due to carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria is challenging. This study examined the burden of carbapenem and colistin resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii bacteraemia in Oman. Methods: Adult patients admitted to Sultan Qaboos University Hospital between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2016 with positive blood cultures for P. aeruginosa, A. baumannii, or K. pneumoniae were identified. Rates of carbapenem resistance, trends in prevalence, and 30-day all-cause mortality were examined. Results: Two hundred and twenty-seven (29.8%) of 761 bacteraemia cases due to these three isolates were carbapenem-resistant, with 87.2% being healthcare-associated. A. baumannii caused 52% of all carbapenem-resistant bacteraemia, K. pneumoniae caused 30%, and P. aeruginosa caused 18%. Rates of carbapenem resistance in P. aeruginosa, A. baumannii, and K. pneumoniae bacteraemia increased from 20%, 67%, and 0%, respectively, in 2007 to 25%, 86%, and 35%, respectively, in 2016. Seventeen (7.9%) carbapenem-resistant bacteraemia cases were also colistin-resistant. Thirty-day all-cause mortality was 62% in patients with carbapenem-resistant bacteraemia and 22% in patients with carbapenem-sensitive bacteraemia. Conclusions: The prevalence of carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae, A. baumannii, and P. aeruginosa bacteraemia is increasing alarmingly in Oman, with a large proportion of K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa demonstrating additional resistance to colistin. Patients with carbapenem-resistant bacteraemia had higher 30-day all-cause mortality. Keywords: Bacteraemia, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Carbapenem resistance, Colistin resistance, Mortality, Oman

This study was carried out in the laboratory of collage of agriculture and Forestry to identifying the phenolic compounds for ten kinds of plants of the species used in plant identification, The crude lipid free extract was prepared by using soxhlet and Petroleum ether and Ethanol as a solvent, HPLC High performers liquid Chromatography was used for determining phenolic compounds in the extract. The results showed the isolation of 8phenolic compounds including (Hydroquino, Salicylis acid, Coumarin, Cinnamic acid, Thymol,Quercetin, Rutin,Gallic acid), The results were showed many differences in the number and rates of these phenolic compounds between the species, Salicylic acid was the purulent in species of Fabaceae family,(Trifolium purpureum, T. campestre,T. palaestin),foure importent phenolic compounds in the Asteraceae family differ according to the species (Centaurea pallascens, Centaurea solstitialis, Centaurea calcitrapa)in clouding (Quercetin, Coumarin, Cinnamic acid, Salicylic acid), while in Fagaceae family Quercus infectoria four types of phenolic compounds were identified, Rutin was the only identified of the phenolic compounds, the remaning compounds were unknown glycosides,while in Quercus aegilops two chemical compounds(Quercietin and Salicylic acid) were identified. These differences in chemical compounds could be used as an indicator for plant identification .

This study was carried out in the laboratory of college of agriculture and forestry to identifying the phenolic compounds for twenty kinds of plants used in plant identification, The crude lipid free extract was prepared by using soxhlet and Petroleum ether and Ethanol as a solvent, Thin layer technique was used for determine phenolic compounds in the extract. The results showed the isolation of 27 phenol compounds including Salicylic acid, Vanillin, Catechol, Gallic acid, p–Hydroxybenzoic acid Resorcenol, Coumarin, Phenol, Cinnamic acid, Rutin, Quercetin, Kaempferol, Hydroquinone, Syringic acid, Ellagic acid, Myricetin, Apigenin, Ferulic acid, Lutelen, Catiechin, Afzelechin, Epiafzelechin) Esuliten, Apicathichin, Gallocatechin, Herniaren, Thymol) phenolic compounds between the species, Salicylic acid was the purulent. The results were showed many differences in the number and rates of Salicylic acid, Vanillin, Catechol, Gallic acid, p – Hydroxybenzoic acid Resorcenol,, Coumarin, Phenol, Cinnamic acid, Rutin, Quercetin, Kaempferol, Hydroquinone, Syringic acid, Ellagic acid, Myricetin, Apigenin, Ferulic acid, Lutelen, Catiechin, Afzelechin, Epiafzelechin), Esuliten, Apicathichin, Gallocatechin, Herniaren, Thymol) The result showed many differences in phenolic compounds in the Genus and between the species and semelirty of species in same Genus in some of phenolic compounds (Salicylic acid, Quercetin) were the purulent in Fabaceae family (Trifolium, Onobrychis) Genus, also the result showed differences between (Hordeum bulbosum, H. glaucum) in Poaceae family,some differences showed between (Quercus aegilops, Q. infectoria) in Fagaceae family,the result appeared many differences in kind and number and percentage of phenolic compounds between species in chemical compounds could be used as an indicator for plant identification

Abstract Serious problems will be presented due to using conventional chemical additives to regulate the drilling mud properties, as they have health, safety, and environmental side effects. Thus, there is a considerable necessity for alternative multifunctional bio-enhancer drilling mud additives, which can assist in optimizing the drilling fluid specifications and enhance its effectiveness with the least effects on the environment and the drilling personnel safety. The effects of adding two concentrations of palm tree leaves powder (PTLP) to water-based mud were conducted under fresh and aged conditions using standard API drilling fluids testing methods such as rheometer/viscometer, pH meter and temperature, and filter press. All tests results were minutely recorded to understand the influence of PTLP additives on the drilling mud properties. The results indicated that PTLP as an effective material to be used as pH reducer, viscosity reducer, and as an excellent filtration loss control agent under the surface and sub-surface conditions. Thus, PTLP has excellent feasibility to be utilized as biodegradable drilling mud additive replacing or at least supporting other conventional chemical additives, which have usually been used for the same purposes such as lignosulphonate, chrome-lignite, and Resinex. Finally, this work can serve as a practical guide for minimizing the cost of the drilling fluid and reducing the amount of non-biodegradable waste disposed to the environment.

Abstract The non-biodegradable additives used in controlling drilling fluid properties cause harm to the environment and personal safety. Thus, there is a need for alternative drilling fluid additives to reduce the amount of non-biodegradable waste disposed to the environment. This work investigates the potential of using mandarin peels powder (MPP), a food waste product, as a new environmentally friendly drilling fluid additive. A complete set of tests were conducted to recognize the impact of MPP on the drilling fluid properties. The results of MPP were compared to low viscosity polyanionic cellulose (PAC-LV), commonly used chemical additive for the drilling fluid. The results showed that MPP reduced the alkalinity by 20–32% and modified the rheological properties (plastic viscosity, yield point, and gel strength) of the drilling fluid. The fluid loss decreased by 44–68% at concentrations of MPP as less as 1–4%, and filter cake was enhanced as well when comparing to the reference mud. In addition, MPP had a negligible to minor impact on mud weight, and this effect was resulted due to foaming issues. Other properties such as salinity, calcium content, and resistivity were negligibly affected by MPP. This makes MPP an effective material to be used as pH reducer, a viscosity modifier, and an excellent fluid loss agent. This work also provides a practical guide for minimizing the cost of the drilling fluid through economic, environmental, and safety considerations, by comparing MPP with PAC-LV.

The current study aims at determining the water quality of the Nimrud district wells, southwest of Mosul, for drinking and civilian purposes by using the Canadian model of water quality. The aquatic samples were collected from randomly distributed wells in the area during the dry season for chemical and physical testing to assess their quality. The results of the study indicated the high levels of most of the studied characteristics, which reflected negatively on the values of CCME WQI (Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environmental Water Quality Index), where 70% of them classified as poor quality water for drinking and domestic use. The study recommended periodic monitoring of the quality of water with water treatment processes before being used for drinking.

Most of water-containing shielding materials are not very stable and shielding performance and operating characteristics can change with air temperature and humidity variation. To solve the problem of solution fillers retention in the porous material we suggest the use of polymer hydrogels based on polyacrylate acid. It is shown that the samples on the basis of the polymer hydrogel keep stable their shielding performance during six mounth not only at room temperature, but also in terms of temperature change within -15ºC...+50.

Effects of pulsed magnetic field on developed samples of models of biological tissue are examined. Experimental methodology for rapid assessment of stun effects of discharges on replicas of the body, using different types of protective materials, reduces the impact of these discharges is proposed.

The shielding characteristics of hydrophilic polymer, which is a crosslinked polyelectrolyte hydrogels and used for developing of flexible modules for electromagnetic radiation shields, are studied.

The research results of influence fiber materials drenching carbonaceous solution on attenuation electromagnetic radiation properties are presented. Micrographs of surfaces and cross sections of the samples, which show the distribution of carbon particles in the material, are shown. Frequency characteristics of reflection and transmission coefficients of such carbonaceous materials are analyzed.

This paper presents the results of the research to study the dependence of the VVER-1000 (1200) cores neutronic characteristics on the cladding – fuel pellet gap conductance coefficient in the process of the fuel burn-up. The purpose of the study was to determine more accurately the dependence of the cladding – fuel pellet gap conductance coefficient on the fuel burn-up as shown in the Final Safety Report for the Bushehr NPP and to determine the extent of the effects this dependence had on the spatial distribution of the neutron field, on the xenon accumulation rate, and on the kinetic and dynamic behavior of the reactor facility. The paper presents the results of calculating the parameters using which the heat engineering safety of the reactor core is monitored in the process of the fuel burn- up (for a generalized fuel load of a VVER-1000) during the transition to an 18-month nuclear fuel cycle. This paper also includes the results of a numerical research to determine the cladding – fuel gap conductance coefficient depending on the fuel burn-up. These results have shown that, in reality, the gap conductance coefficient dependence on the burn-up does not affect greatly the steady-state characteristics. At the same time, it affects to rather a great extent the xenon accumulation rate, specifically in the event of an extended fuel life. In conditions of maneuvering (load following) modes accompanied by the xenon processes in the reactor core. These facts should be into consideration in design of engineering codes, that used to support the operation of the VVER-1000 (1200) and full-scale simulators.

It is the correct cropping structure that achieves the compatibility between more than one goal to reach the most efficient cropping structure in achieving and rationalizing water consumption and low use in the context of a set of constraints and determinants of productivity. In order to increase farm income and provide a large amount of irrigation water to benefit from the surplus In horizontal expansion. The model of the analysis of the agricultural structure in Dakahlia governorate included 18 crops through five different models. The first model (alternative) achieved this total yield of 6.780 billion pounds, more than the equivalent of 116 million pounds. Of the proposed model is less than its equivalent in the prevailing crop structure of 81 million m3 as a result of the increase in the area of some of the crops grown from their counterparts in the dominant structure. In accordance with Ministerial Decision No. 28 of 2018 issued by the Minister of Irrigation published in Al-Ahram newspaper on 8/3/2018, the year 142 - No. 47939, reducing the area of rice in Dakahlia governorate by 45%, four other models were reached.

Listeria monocytogenes are Gram-positive bacilli cause listeriosis, associated with high rates of hospitalization and mortality. A total of 1362 samples were investigated included 647 clinical samples and 715 from food. This study investigated the differences in the seasonal occurrence of L. monocytogenes in Kurdistan region-Iraq. L. monocytogeneswas found in 48 samples (3.52%) out of 1362 samples. There were 7/642(1.09%) human clinical samples diagnosed with cold and moderate weather (November, December 2016, and January, February, April 2017). While 41/715(5.73%) of L. monocytogenesisolates were found among food samples, meat samples (n=37) and dairy samples (n=4). A total of 37/476 (7.77%) of the L. monocytogenes isolates in meat samplesweredetected during warm weather (from July through October 2016). In addition, L. monocytogenesin dairy products was found to be by 4/239 (1.68%), were isolated during the moderate season (October, November 2016, and April, May 2017). The study found that the incidence of meat contamination by L. monocytogenesincrease significantly during the warm season in comparison with other seasons. Furthermore, the cases of human Listeriosis caused correlated well with the seasonal levels of L. monocytogenesfound in dairy products. A statistically significant difference in the occurrence of L. monocytogenesisolates and seasons were identified in this study (P value=

Background High plasma iron in β-thalassemia major (BTM) leads to enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress, and endocrine disorders. We aimed to assess thyroid function and trace elements [copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn)] in patients of BTM and to evaluate the relation, if any, of thyroid function with iron store in the form of ferritin levels. Patients and methods A total of 30 children with BTM and 30 healthy controls were enrolled and interviewed at the Al-Azhar University. Complete blood count, random blood sugar, liver enzymes, and creatinine were measured in all participants. Iron level, total iron-binding capacity, ferritin level, Zn level, and Cu level in sera were determined. Thyroid function was also assessed by evaluating free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. Results There were significantly increased serum iron, ferritin, Cu, and Zn levels, whereas total iron-binding capacity was depleted in patients with BTM as compared with healthy controls. There were significant positive correlations between ferritin level and both serum Cu and Zn (r=0.536 and 0.513, respectively), with P value less than 0.05. Moreover, there were significant positive correlations between TSH level and both serum Cu and Zn (r=0.416 and 0.355, respectively), with P value less than 0.05. Thyroid function represented by FT3, FT4, and TSH did not correlate with serum ferritin level. Conclusion Careful monitoring of ferritin, Cu, Zn, TSH, FT4, and FT3 levels at regular intervals is recommended for early diagnosis of thyroid dysfunctions in patients with BTM.

Bosom malignancy is the most regularly analyzed disease and the imperative reason for growth-related passing among ladies, accounting for 23% of all new tumor cases and 14% of tumor passing's. L-Ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C is well-known in chemistry since long back. It has tremendous medical applications in several diseases. Therefore, in this paper five concentrations of complex cis-[Pt(Asc)(NH3)2] where Asc=L-ascorbic acid derivative on MCF-7 cell line to detect the changes in five cellular parameters (nuclear intensity, mitochondrial membrane potential, valid cell count, cytochrome C, and membrane permeability) after exposure with 24 h are investigated. The results showed that 400 μg/mL has the highest significant effect on the five parameters (nuclear intensity, mitochondrial membrane potential, valid cell count, cytochrome C, and membrane permeability) when compared with Doxorubicin 20 μM (substance used as anti-cancer) which represent the positive control. Also, the 200 μg/mL showed results close to those of the untreated cells which represent the negative control (-ve) with a very few significant differences.

We sought to provide an epidemiological situation of HIV in Oman and assess the ongoing impact of the program established in 1987 using data collected from national health reports between 1984 and 2015. Since the report of the first AIDS case in Oman in 1984, the numbers have steadily increased. Eighty percent of the cases were reported between 1996 and 2015. By the end of 2015, there were 2879 people known to be living with HIV (PLHIV) giving a prevalence of < 1%. More males were affected than females (p < 0.001); 69.7% of affected males and 73.1% of females were aged 20–49 years. The highest HIV rate was in the Musandam governorate. Most (66.8%) new HIV infections were caused via unprotected sex, 8.3% from mother-to-child, 4.3% by intravenous drug abuse, 3.2% via blood transfusion, and 17.4% by unknown causes. PLHIV on antiretroviral drug therapy (ART) increased 57.0% by the end of 2015 (p < 0.0001). A 23.0% reduction in mortality due to HIV was noted (p < 0.0001). Maternal-to-child transmission per 100000 live births were 11, 9, 17, 10, 6, and 4 from 2009 to 2014, respectively. In 2015, 67.6% of PLHIV knew their HIV status, 65.0% were on ART, and 48.0% achieved virological suppression. There is an urgent need to focus on the quality and coverage of treatment, as well as care and support to HIV patients with special attention to high-risk groups.

Background: Back pain is common among factory workers and is responsible for about 25% of workers' compensation cases. However, data on back pain among workers from paint industry in Saudi Arabia are limited. Objectives: The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of low back pain and to evaluate the associated risk factors among workers of a paint factory. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study used a self-administered questionnaire to elicit data regarding demography, job characteristics and prevalence of low back pain in the past 12 months among workers of a paint factory (n = 102) in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. In addition, a scale of low back pain risk was generated for each department by occupational health professionals using interviews and observations. Results: The annual prevalence of low back pain was 44.1%, and it was more common among Saudi workers (67.9%) compared with non-Saudi workers (35.1%). Multivariate analysis indicated significant associations between low back pain and nationality (relative risk [RR] = 1.93; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.29–2.88), smoking (RR = 1.85; 95% CI = 1.20–2.83) and aerobic exercise (RR = 2.37; 95% CI = 1.19–4.71). Spearman rank correlation showed correlation between the symptom pain scale and smoking (rs = 0.259; P = 0.008), and exercise was associated with lower pain scale scores (rs= −0.241, P = 0.015). Conclusion: This study found that low back pain is common among paint factory workers in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Nationality and smoking are risk factors for low back pain and are associated with each other. Many workers did not exercise, and lack of exercise was associated with an increased risk of low back pain. Reducing smoking and increasing exercise in addition to workplace ergonomic intervention may reduce this frequently occurring problem.

In connection with our research program on the development of novel anticancer candidates, herein we report the design and synthesis of novel series of 1-(2-methyl-6-arylpyridin-3-yl)-3-phenylureas 5a–l. The target pyridins were evaluated for their in vitro anticancer activity against two cancer cell lines: non-small cell lung cancer A549 cell line and colon cancer HCT-116 cell line. Compound 5l emerged as the most active congener towards both A549 and HCT-116 cell lines with IC50 values equal to 3.22 ± 0.2 and 2.71 ± 0.16 µM, respectively, which are comparable to those of Doxorubicin; 2.93 ± 0.28 and 3.10 ± 0.22, respectively. Furthermore, compound 5l stood out as the most potent pyridine derivative (mean % GI = 40), at US-NCI Developmental Therapeutic Program anticancer assay, with broad-spectrum antitumor activity against the most tested cancer cell lines from all subpanels. Compound 5l was able to provoke apoptosis in HCT-116 cells as evidenced by the decreased expression of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein, and the enhanced expression of the pro-apoptotic proteins levels; Bax, cytochrome C, p53, caspase-3 and caspase-9. Moreover, 5l disrupted the HCT-116 cell cycle via alteration of the Sub-G1 phase and arresting the G2-M stage. Also, 5l showed a significant increase in the percent of annexinV-FITC positive apoptotic cells from 1.99 to 15.76%.

In this paper, two finite element models were performed. The fiber and matrix represented as two different materials in the first plate, while the second showed as a composite plate. The boundary conditions included clamped the plates on four ends and the dimensions of the composite plates were changed in this study. The finite element was performed and ANSYS 16.1 was employed in modeling. By comparing the results between the frequency ratio and mode numbers for different plate thickness, the results showed that natural frequencies calculated by these two model thickness of the (length/width) ratio will be more uniform and the error will be small. The numerical equations that performed from this study used to investigate the natural frequencies for longitudinal clamped composite plate.

Duranta erecta Linn. has a longstanding history for use in folk remedy for several disorders. Its hydroalcoholic extract has been investigated intensely in the treatment of many ailments, but to date very few data are presented to explain the pharmacological use of its oil. In this study, the chemical profiles of the leaf oils extracted from three Egyptian Duranta erecta cultivars, namely ‘Green’, ‘Golden edge’, and ‘Variegata’ are traced using GC-MS analysis. D. erecta ‘Green’ showed predominance of vitamin E (22.7%) and thunbergol (15%) whereas D. erecta ‘Golden edge’ and ‘Variegata’ contained tetratetracontane as a major component in their oils. The highest phenolic and flavonoid contents, displayed as gallic acid and rutin equivalents per gram oil, respectively, were observed in the ‘Golden edge’ and ‘Variegata’ cultivars, which was reflected by their strong DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities as well as the highest reducing power in both CUPRAC and FRAP assays. D. erecta ‘Green’ displayed better metal chelating potential, which may be attributed to its content of vitamin E. All cultivars showed similar enzyme inhibitory profiles. The best inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase was observed by D. erecta ‘Green’. In silico studies of the major constituents docked on the active sites of the target enzymes NADPH oxidase, amylase, glucosidase, butyrylcholinesterase, and tyrosinase revealed high binding scores, which justified the biological activities of the tested oils.

Environment-friendly materials (e.g., Honey and Mint) are used as corrosion inhibitors for aluminum in hydrochloric acid (HCl) using both the density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6–31G* basis set level and semi-empirical methods (AM1, PM3, MINDO, and RM1). The aim of this study is to investigate the inhibition efficiency (%IE) in terms of their molecular structure. The quantum chemical parameters such as the highest occupied molecular orbital energy (EHOMO), the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy (ELUMO), the energy gap (ΔE), the charge on the reactive core, the hardness (η), and the total energy have all been computed. The MINDO method was used to measure the electronic energies and charge densities of the inhibitors that were used. Theoretical calculations were also carried out, with the findings correlating well with the experimental data. Gravimetry and gasometry measurements were used to investigate the effects of honey and mint on aluminum corrosion in a 1.0 M hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution. In acid solutions, honey and mint were found to be effective inhibitors of aluminum corrosion, with honey being the better option. Because of the adsorption of its components on aluminum surfaces, the inhibitory effect of the used inhibitors was addressed. The higher dipole moment of honey than that of mint caused the adsorption of honey on the aluminum surface better. The IEs measured by gravimetry and gasometry are almost identical.

The reduction of herbicide use and herbicide-resistant weeds through allelopathy can be a sustainable strategy to combat the concerns of environmental degradation. Allelopathic crop residues carry great potential both as weed suppressers and soil quality enhancers. The influence of sorghum crop residues and water extracts on the weed population, soil enzyme activities, the microbial community, and mung bean crop productivity was investigated in a two-year experiment at the Student Research Farm, University of Agriculture Faisalabad. The experimental treatments comprised two levels of sorghum water extract (10 and 20 L ha−1) and two residue application rates (4 and 6 t ha−1), and no sorghum water extract and residues were used as the control. The results indicated that the incorporation of sorghum water extract and residue resulted in significant changes in weed dynamics and the soil quality indices. Significant reduction in weed density (62%) and in the dry weight of weeds (65%) was observed in T5. After the harvest, better soil quality indices in terms of the microbial population (72–90%) and microbial activity (32–50%) were observed in the rhizosphere (0–15 cm) by the same treatment. After cropping, improved soil properties in terms of available potassium, available phosphorus soil organic matter, and total nitrogen were higher after the treatment of residue was incorporated, i.e., 52–65%, 29–45%, 62–84%, and 59–91%, respectively. In the case of soil enzymes, alkaline phosphatase and dehydrogenase levels in the soil were 35–41% and 52–77% higher, respectively. However, residue incorporation at 6 t ha−1 had the greatest effect in improving the soil quality indices, mung bean productivity, and reduction of weed density. In conclusion, the incorporation of 6 t ha−1 sorghum residues may be opted to improve soil quality indices, suppress weeds, harvest a better seed yield (37%), and achieve higher profitability (306 $ ha−1) by weed suppression, yield, and rhizospheric properties of spring-planted mung beans. This strategy can provide a probable substitute for instigating sustainable weed control and significant improvement of soil properties in the mung bean crop, which can be a part of eco-friendly and sustainable agriculture.

Vaccination to prevent influenza virus infection and to lessen its severity is recommended among healthcare workers (HCWs). Health professionals have a higher risk of exposure to viruses and could transmit the influenza virus to vulnerable patients who are prone to severe disease and mortality. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the levels of influenza vaccine acceptance and uptake as well as its determinants, among Jordanian HCWs over the last influenza season of 2021/2022. This study was based on a self-administered electronic survey that was distributed in March 2022. Psychological determinants of influenza vaccine acceptance and vaccine conspiracy beliefs were assessed using the previously validated 5C scale questionnaire (confidence, complacency, constraints, calculation and collective responsibility) and the vaccine conspiracy beliefs scale. The study sample comprised a total of 1218 HCWs: nurses (n = 412, 33.8%), physicians (n = 367, 30.1%), medical technicians (n = 182, 14.9%), pharmacists (n = 161, 13.2%) and dentists (n = 87, 7.1%), among others. About two-thirds of the study sample expressed willingness to receive influenza vaccination if provided free of charge (n = 807, 66.3%), whereas less than one-third were willing to pay for the vaccine (n = 388, 31.9%). The self-reported uptake of the influenza vaccine in the last influenza season was 62.8%. The following factors were significantly associated with higher acceptance of influenza vaccination if provided freely, as opposed to vaccine hesitancy/rejection: male sex; physicians and dentists among HCW categories; higher confidence and collective responsibility; and lower complacency, constraints and calculation. Higher influenza vaccine uptake was significantly correlated with nurses and physicians among HCW categories, older age, a higher monthly income, higher confidence and collective responsibility, lower complacency and constraints and lower embrace of general vaccine conspiracy beliefs. The results of the current study can provide helpful clues to improve influenza vaccine coverage among HCWs in Jordan. Consequently, this can help to protect vulnerable patient groups and reserve valuable resources in healthcare settings. Psychological determinants appeared to be the most significant factors for vaccine acceptance and uptake, whereas the embrace of general vaccine conspiracy beliefs was associated with lower rates of influenza vaccine uptake, which should be considered in educational and interventional measures aiming to promote influenza vaccination.

Cryptosporidium is a worldwide enteric protozoan parasite that causes gastrointestinal infection in animals, including humans. The most notable species is Cryptosporidium parvum because of its zoonotic importance; it is also the leading cause of cryptosporidiosis in preweaned calves. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection, investigate the potential risk factors, and use molecular diagnosis to identify the predominant Cryptosporidium spp. in preweaned calves in Kuwait. Of 175 preweaned calves, Cryptosporidium antigens were detected in 58 (33.1%) using rapid lateral immunochromatography assay (IC). Calves less than one month of age (OR = 4.32, p = 0.0001) and poor hygiene (OR = 2.85, p = 0.0075) were identified as significant risk factors associated with Cryptosporidium infection. Molecular identification revealed that C. parvum (62.8%) was the dominant species infecting preweaned calves in Kuwait. In contrast, C. bovis and C. andersoni were recorded at 5.7% and 2.9%, respectively. All C. parvum gp60 nucleotide sequences were subtype IIaA15G2R1. Calves could be a source of C. parvum infection due to the similarity of the subtypes recorded previously in Kuwaiti children and preweaned calves in this study. Therefore, more research is needed to understand the Cryptosporidium transmission cycle in Kuwait.

The Plicosepalus genus includes hemiparasitic mistletoe and belongs to the Loranthaceae family, and it has several medicinal uses. In the present study, we sequenced the complete plastomes of two species, Plicosepalus acaciae and Plicosepalus curviflorus, and compared them with the plastomes of photosynthetic species (hemiparasites) and nonphotosynthetic species (holoparasites) in the order Santalales. The complete chloroplast genomes of P. acaciae and P. curviflorus are circular molecules with lengths of 120,181 bp and 121,086 bp, respectively, containing 106 and 108 genes and 63 protein-coding genes, including 25 tRNA and 4 rRNA genes for each species. We observed a reduction in the genome size of P. acaciae and P. curviflorus and the loss of certain genes, although this reduction was less than that in the hemiparasite and holoparasitic cp genomes of the Santalales order. Phylogenetic analysis supported the taxonomic state of P. acaciae and P. curviflorus as members of the family Loranthaceae and tribe Lorantheae; however, the taxonomic status of certain tribes of Loranthaceae must be reconsidered and the species that belong to it must be verified. Furthermore, available chloroplast genome data of parasitic plants could help to strengthen efforts in weed management and encourage biotechnology research to improve host resistance.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death after cardiovascular diseases. Conventional anticancer therapies are associated with lack of selectivity and serious side effects. Cancer hallmarks are biological capabilities acquired by cancer cells during neoplastic transformation. Targeting multiple cancer hallmarks is a promising strategy to treat cancer. The diversity in chemical structure and the relatively low toxicity make plant-derived natural products a promising source for the development of new and more effective anticancer therapies that have the capacity to target multiple hallmarks in cancer. In this review, we discussed the anticancer activities of ten natural products extracted from plants. The majority of these products inhibit cancer by targeting multiple cancer hallmarks, and many of these chemicals have reached clinical applications. Studies discussed in this review provide a solid ground for researchers and physicians to design more effective combination anticancer therapies using plant-derived natural products.