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Plants endure the repercussions of environmental stress. As the advancement of global climate change continues, it is increasingly crucial to protect against abiotic and biotic stress effects. Some naturally occurring plant compounds can be used effectively to protect the plants. By externally applying priming compounds, plants can be prompted to trigger their defensive mechanisms, resulting in improved immune system effectiveness. This review article examines the possibilities of utilizing exogenous alpha-, beta-, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (AABA, BABA, and GABA), which are non-protein amino acids (NPAAs) that are produced naturally in plants during instances of stress. The article additionally presents a concise overview of the studies' discoveries on this topic, assesses the particular fields in which they might be implemented, and proposes new avenues for future investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer (BC) is a heterogenous disease with multiple pathways implicated in its development, progression, and drug resistance. Autophagy, a cellular process responsible for self-digestion of damaged organelles, had been recognized as eminent player in cancer progression and chemotherapeutic resistance. The haploinsufficiency of Beclin 1 (BECN1), autophagy protein, is believed to contribute to cancer pathogenesis and progression. In our study, we investigated the expression of BECN1 in a BC female Egyptian patient cohort, as well as its prognostic role through evaluating its association with disease free survival (DFS) after 2 years follow up and association of tumor clinicopathological features. Twenty frozen female BC tissue samples and 17 adjacent normal tissue were included and examined for the expression levels of BECN1. Although the tumor tissues showed lower expression 0.73 (0–8.95) than their corresponding normal tissues 1.02 (0.04–19.59), it was not statistically significant, p: 0.463. BECN1 expression was not associated with stage, nodal metastasis or tumor size, p:0.435, 0.541, 0.296, respectively. However, statistically significant negative correlation was found between grade and BECN1 mRNA expression in the studied cases, p:0.028. BECN1 expression had no statistically significant association with DFS, P = 0.944. However, we observed that triple negative (TNBC) cases had significantly lower DFS rate than luminal BC patients, p: 0.022, with mean DFS 19.0 months, while luminal BC patients had mean DFS of 23.41 months. Our study highlights the potential role of BECN1 in BC pathogenesis, showing that BECN1 expression correlates with poorer differentiation of BC, indicating its probable link with disease aggressiveness. DFS two years follow up showed that TNBC subtype remains associated with less favorable prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) are widely accepted as the established treatment options for patients diagnosed with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who are deemed unfit for surgical procedures. However, the effective implementation of these techniques is hindered by various challenges, primarily associated with the precise targeting of tumors within the liver. The utilization of thermal ablative methods is not recommended for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that is located near intestinal loops, bile ducts, or in eccentric positions. The unmet need for non-thermal methods in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was addressed following the introduction of irreversible electroporation (IRE) as an innovative approach. Aim of the work: To assess the efficacy, safety, and outcomes of IRE in the treatment of difficult-located HCC compared to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). Methods: This is a prospective study that included 24 patients with HCC who presented to the National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute (NHTMRI) during the period from January 2017 to January 2020. Ten patients underwent IRE, while 14 patients underwent TACE. Results: Sixteen patients (66.7%) were males; eight patients were females (33.3%). Their median age was 60.5 years (48–70 years). Seventeen patients (70.8%) were Child–Pugh class A, while seven patients (29.2%) were Child–Pugh class B. All the study population had a single focal lesion; the mean size of the focal lesions was 2.94 ± 0.59 cm. The most frequent difficult locations of HCC were segment V focal lesions adjacent to both the common bile duct and portal vein in eight patients (33.3%) followed by lesions adjacent to the inferior vena cava in five patients (20%) followed by the subcapsular lesions in three patients (12.5%) and lesions adjacent to the right kidney in two patients (8.3%). Complete response (CR) was higher in the IRE group (80%) compared to the TACE group (50%). Clinical decompensation occurred in six patients in the IRE group (60%) and eight patients in the TACE group (57.1%) (P value 1). Recurrence occurred in five patients (50%) treated with IRE and in seven patients (50%) treated with TACE (P value 1). Within the IRE group, two patients (20%) remained alive; on the other hand, within the TACE group six patients (42.9%) remained alive by the end of the study (P value 0.388). Conclusion: Our data suggest that IRE is an effective procedure in the treatment of difficult-located HCC in terms of complete response, fewer sessions, and fewer side effects as compared to TACE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Methodology Results Conclusions The objective of this study was to compare, evaluate and manage abdominal trauma using two distinct surgical techniques: laparoscopy and laparotomy. The aim was to assess the effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic procedures compared with laparotomy for treating penetrating or blunt abdominal trauma.In this prospective comparative study, we recruited 60 patients clinically diagnosed with abdominal trauma. The research was conducted at the Emergency Unit of the Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Aswan University Hospital. All participants provided signed informed consent before their inclusion in the study.There was a significant statistical difference between the two groups in terms of the operation duration, length of stay in the intensive care unit post‐operatively, occurrence of gas passage and duration of hospitalisation.Laparoscopic surgical procedures present a viable and practical alternative to laparotomy in appropriate cases for patients. The decision to choose laparoscopy as a surgical approach should depend on the surgeon's proficiency and the availability of required resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most significant environmental challenges to crop growth and yield worldwide is soil salinization. Salinity lowers soil solution water potential, causes ionic disequilibrium and specific ion effects, and increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) buildup, causing several physiological and biochemical issues in plants. Plants have developed biological and molecular methods to combat salt stress. Salt-signaling mechanisms regulated by phytohormones may provide additional defense in salty conditions. That discovery helped identify the molecular pathways that underlie zinc-oxide nanoparticle (ZnO-NP)-based salt tolerance in certain plants. It emphasized the need to study processes like transcriptional regulation that govern plants' many physiological responses to such harsh conditions. ZnO-NPs have shown the capability to reduce salinity stress by working with transcription factors (TFs) like AP2/EREBP, WRKYs, NACs, and bZIPs that are released or triggered to stimulate plant cell osmotic pressure-regulating hormones and chemicals. In addition, ZnO-NPs have been shown to reduce the expression of stress markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) while also affecting transcriptional factors. Those systems helped maintain protein integrity, selective permeability, photosynthesis, and other physiological processes in salt-stressed plants. This review examined how salt stress affects crop yield and suggested that ZnO-NPs could reduce plant salinity stress instead of osmolytes and plant hormones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work evaluated the machinability characteristics of three different austempered ductile irons using three machinability indicators: cutting force, tool wear, and surface roughness. Additionally, this paper addresses the interplay among the production conditions of ADIs, microstructural development, the TRIP effect arising from transformations of the retained austenite into martensite, and the machinability behavior of ADIs. Various characterization studies including hardness measurement, X-ray diffraction analysis, light and electron microscope were used. Machinability results indicated that the increase in cutting force is always associated with a corresponding increase in the martensite content when the cutting depth was increased from 0.5 to 2.0 mm. Such correlation is more evident with ADI grade austempered at high austempering temperature, 375 °C (ADI-375). It was noticed that although ADI-375 has only 0.46% martensite in the structure before machining, this ratio increases with the highest depth of cut of 2.0 mm to reach about ~ 23% martensite with a corresponding increase in the cutting force. Ferrite content and morphology have a great impact on the overall surface finish of each grade as it leads to deteriorating the surface characteristics of the investigated alloys. This could explain the highest roughness values across all processing experiments obtained in the ADI grade austenitized in the intercritical region (IADI), which mainly contains the highest ferrite content. Tool wear and chip characteristics were also studied in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, functionalized cucurbit[n]urils are considered one of the most important examples of macromolecules and have attracted a lot of attention due to their potential applications in several sectors. In the present work monomethyl‐cucurbit[7]uril (3) was synthesized for the first time through facile synthetic route with high purity form by the reaction of monomethylglycoluril (3a‐methyltetrahydroimidazo[4,5‐d]imidazole‐2,5(1H,3H)‐dione) with glycoluril (tetrahydroimidazo[4,5‐d]imidazole‐2,5(1H,3H)‐dione) in the ratio of 1:6, respectively, and formaldehyde in the presence of hydrochloric acid as a catalyst for 24 h at 95°C through Mannich reaction. Moreover, dimethyl‐cucurbit[7]uril (5) was successfully synthesized through the reaction of dimethylglycoluril (3a,6a‐dimethyltetrahydroimidazo[4,5‐d]imidazole‐2,5(1H,3H)‐dione) with glycoluril (tetrahydroimidazo[4,5‐d]imidazole‐2,5(1H,3H)‐dione), following the same procedure as for the monomethyl‐cucurbit[7]uril. The chemical structures of the obtained compounds were established by mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy, and quantum‐chemical calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind turbines are among the fastest-growing technologies for producing sustainable energy. Although numerous studies have been carried out to investigate the dynamic behavior of wind turbines exposed to synoptic winds, the dynamic behavior of such structures under downbursts is not comprehensively studied and not yet well-understood. As such, the main objective of the current study is to develop a numerical model that can be used to investigate the dynamic response of wind turbines subjected to downbursts taking into account the fluid-structure interaction (FSI) effect. To achieve this task, two modules are developed in this study and are integrated with the open-source code, fatigue, aerodynamics, structures, and turbulence (FAST). These modules introduce a three-dimensional (3D) time history of the downburst wind field into FAST inflow-wind module and simulate the interaction between the downburst wind field and the wind turbine structure. The downburst wind field consists of a moving mean component with a superimposed turbulence. The mean component is generated using a previously conducted computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. The turbulence is simulated using the consistent discrete random flow generation (CDRFG) method as a stochastic process based on the turbulence power spectral density and the coherence functions pertaining to downbursts. The developed numerical model is validated using the results of a previously performed experiment on a wind turbine model sited in microburst-liked winds. A parametric study is then conducted on a wind turbine model to investigate the dynamic responses of the tower and blades with and without FSI effect under various downburst configurations. A comparison between the wind turbine quasistatic and dynamic responses is conducted, and the dynamic amplification factor (DAF) is then calculated. The aerodynamic damping of the blades is also estimated and compared with a previously developed closed form solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. There is a rising concern about multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions that occur in the cortical gray matter (GM), owing to its direct relationship with the disability and cognition dysfunction that occur during the MS course. Two magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences that aid in the precise identification of these lesions are the Double Inversion Recovery (DIR) and Fluid Attenuation Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) sequences. Objective. To study the importance of the DIR for brain lesion detection and the various cortical subtypes distinction in MS-diagnosed patients and its correlations to the level of patient disability by comparing it to FLAIR. Patients and Methods: Thirty MS patients participated in this retrospective cross-sectional study, who had been previously diagnosed with MS and were routinely followed up at the Radiology Department at Ain-Shams University. Results. Comparing the DIR sequence to FLAIR, the overall MS lesion detection enhanced by 8% (p<0.001). Regarding the detection of cortical lesion subtypes (I–IV), it was discovered that the DIR sequence revealed significantly more lesions than FLAIR (p<0.001). The cortical lesions detected by DIR or FLAIR were found to have positive, highly significant correlations with both patients’ disability and the MS duration. Conclusion. For lesion identification, DIR is more effective than FLAIR, particularly for cortical and juxtacortical lesions in MS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Varicocele is the most common correctable cause of male infertility that always has been a debatable subject as regards how it affects fertility and the best way to treat it. Proper assessment of the disease bilaterality is crucial not to miss one side and not to jeopardize treatment outcome. This study aimed to objectively assess varicocele bilaterality in infertile men aiming to improve treatment outcome in this cohort of patients. Methods: This prospective study was conducted between January 2019 and January 2022 including infertile males with varicoceles. Assessment of missed concomitant contralateral varicocele done pre-operatively by Color Doppler Ultrasound and intraoperatively by intraoperative Doppler device and measurement of maximal vein diameter of contralateral side. Results: A total of 329 cases completed the study. A hundred cases (30.4%) were initially referred as unilateral varicoceles and 229 (69.6%) as bilateral varicoceles. After reassessment of the study population, bilaterality of varicocele was found to be as high as 98.5% (324/329). Repeat CDUS strongly correlated with the intraoperative measured varicocele diameter (r = 0.9, p < 0.001). Moreover, sperm parameters showed significant improvement 3 and 6 months post varicocelectomy. Normal pregnancy after 1 year of surgery occurred in 118 cases (35.9%). Conclusions: Varicocele bilaterality in infertile men is underreported. Thorough assessment by expert radiologists and andrologists is of paramount importance not to miss significant pathology or hazard treatment outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piezoelectric energy harvesting systems have been drawing the attention of the research community over recent years due to their potential for recharging/replacing batteries embedded in low-power-consuming smart electronic devices and wireless sensor networks. However, conventional linear piezoelectric energy harvesters (PEH) are often not a viable solution in such advanced practices, as they suffer from a narrow operating bandwidth, having a single resonance peak present in the frequency spectrum and very low voltage generation, which limits their ability to function as a standalone energy harvester. Generally, the most common PEH is the conventional cantilever beam harvester (CBH) attached with a piezoelectric patch and a proof mass. This study investigated a novel multimode harvester design named the arc-shaped branch beam harvester (ASBBH), which combined the concepts of the curved beam and branch beam to improve the energy-harvesting capability of PEH in ultra-low-frequency applications, in particular, human motion. The key objectives of the study were to broaden the operating bandwidth and enhance the harvester's effectiveness in terms of voltage and power generation. The ASBBH was first studied using the finite element method (FEM) to understand the operating bandwidth of the harvester. Then, the ASBBH was experimentally assessed using a mechanical shaker and real-life human motion as excitation sources. It was found that ASBBH achieved six natural frequencies within the ultra-low frequency range (<10 Hz), in comparison with only one natural frequency achieved by CBH within the same frequency range. The proposed design significantly broadened the operating bandwidth, favouring ultra-low-frequency-based human motion applications. In addition, the proposed harvester achieved an average output power of 427 μW at its first resonance frequency under 0.5 g acceleration. The overall results of the study demonstrated that the ASBBH design can achieve a broader operating bandwidth and significantly higher effectiveness, in comparison with CBH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fibrosis in the urethral mucosa and surrounding tissues causes the urethral lumen to narrow, which is known as urethral stricture disease. Congenital or idiopathic conditions may be the cause. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of holmium laser versus cold knife in management of short segment urethral stricture. Patients and Methods: A prospective study was conducted in the Department of Urology, Outpatient Clinic, Zagazig University Hospital through the period from October 2019 to June 2020. 34 male patients with short segment anterior bulbar urethral strictures were included. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups: Group A, (cold-knife group) Sachse cold knife was used for internal urethrotomy and group B, (holmium laser group), internal urethrotomy was done with holmium laser. Patients were followed up after the operation at 1, 3 and 6 months respectively. Results: In our study there was recurrence at 6 months in both groups and we found that laser group had lower recurrence rate 2 patients (11.8%) than cold-knife group 3 patients (17.6%) with no significant difference between the two groups (P =0.25). Folly catheter (18 f) was inserted per urethra for approximate 5 to7 days for both groups without significant difference between them. Conclusions: This study showed that holmium laser is a good alternative option for visual internal urethrotomy (VIU) rather than cold-knife urethrotomy as Laser urethrotomy is effective, easy, has minimal invasive procedure and has advantage for shorter operative time and less occurrence perioperative complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Crescent fractures Sacroiliac result in a rotationally unstable hemipelvis with many complications, they are characterized by the disruption of the sacroiliac joint and extend proximally as a fracture of the posterior iliac wing. Operative intervention is recommended for the anatomical reduction and stable fixation of a crescent fracture-dislocation to restore the normal anatomy. This work aims at assessing the outcome of the surgical reduction and fixation of different types of crescent fracture with follow up for one year. Methods: Our prospective study was conducted involving 24 cases with crescent pelvic fracture. All patients were operated at Zagazig University Hospitals. All cases were surgically managed by reduction of the fractures and internal fixation either by reconstruction plates, iliosacral screws or LC-II screws. Posterior internal fixation alone was used in 13 cases, and a combination of anterior and posterior fixation was done in 11 cases. Results: Our results revealed radiologically 21 patients were excellent, three were good according to Tornetta and Matta [8] score. Two patients complained of pain post-operatively, the same two patients had moderate ambulation problems. The postoperative infections were present in two cases. The mean Majeed score one year post-operatively was 90.7/100 for the 15 working patients, and 68/80 for the 11 non-working patients. Conclusion: Early and anatomic reduction and fixation of crescent fracture dislocation is needed to improve results of management of this injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture has become an essential field of study and is considered a challenge for many researchers in computer vision specialization. The early detection and classification of plant diseases are crucial for preventing growing diseases and hence yield reduction. Although many state-of-the-artwork proposed various classification techniques for plant diseases, still face many challenges such as noise reduction, extracting the relevant features, and excluding the redundant ones. Recently, deep learning models are noticeable as hot research and are widely used for plant leaf disease classification. Although the achievement with these models is notable, still the need for efficient, fast-trained, and few-parameters models without compromising on performance is inevitable. In this work, two approaches of deep learning have been proposed for Palm leaf disease classification: Residual Network (ResNet) and transfer learning of Inception ResNet. The models make it possible to train up to hundreds of layers and achieve superior performance. Considering the merit of their effective representation ability, the performance of image classification using ResNet has been boosted, such as diseases of plant leaves classification. In both approaches, problems such as variation of luminance and background, different scales of images, and inter-class similarity have been treated. Date Palm dataset having 2631 colored images with varied sizes was used to train and test the models. Using some well-known metrics, the proposed models outperformed many of the recent research in the field in original and augmented datasets and achieved an accuracy of 99.62% and 100% respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on the use of different parts of the Moringa oleifera plant as a nutritional and pharmaceutical resource for human and animals has increased in recent years. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and the TPCs and TFCs of Moringa leaves, the antimicrobial activities of Moringa successive ethanolic, aqueous, crude aqueous extracts, and green-chemically synthesized characterized Ag-NPs. The results indicated that the ethanolic extract recorded the highest activity against E. coli. On the other side, the aqueous extract showed higher activity, and its effects ranged from 0.03 to 0.33 mg/mL against different strains. The MIC values of Moringa Ag-NPs against different pathogenic bacteria ranged from 0.05 mg/mL to 0.13 mg/mL, and the activity of the crude aqueous extract ranged from 0.15 to 0.83 mg/mL. For the antifungal activity, the ethanolic extract recorded the highest activity at 0.04 mg/mL, and the lowest activity was recorded at 0.42 mg/mL. However, the aqueous extract showed effects ranging from 0.42 to 1.17 mg/mL. Moringa Ag-NPs showed higher activity against the different fungal strains than the crude aqueous extract, and they ranged from 0.25 to 0.83 mg/mL. The MIC values of the Moringa crude aqueous extract ranged from 0.74 to 3.33 mg/mL. Moringa Ag-NPs and their crude aqueous extract may be utilized to boost antimicrobial attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Embolization of the bronchial artery is one of the non-surgical successful measures to treat hemoptysis without surgery. Aim of the Work: To evaluate the technique, efficacy, and safety of Bronchial Artery Embolization (BAE) in patients with hemoptysis due to cavitary lung lesions. Patients and Methods: This study was a reconstructive (retrospective and prospective) cohort study and included 20 candidates who presented with hemoptysis due to cavitary lung lesions and were refractory to the supportive treatment measures during the period between March 2021 and September 2021. The study population was referred from the Chest Department to Interventional Radiology Unit, at Ain Shams University Hospitals. Results: Massive hemoptysis was seen in 15 patients and recurrent mild-moderate in 5 patients. On imaging, cavitary lesions were seen on the left side in 8 patients, the right side in 8 patients, and bilateral involvement in 4 patients. Bronchiectatic changes were the predominant pathology seen in 6 patients. Immediate success was achieved in 20 patients, while recurrence within one month was noted in 4 patients. 13 patients reported experiencing minor problems like chest pain, but no serious ones like spinal cord ischemia. Conclusion: When a patient has hemoptysis, BAE is a standard technique that is both safe and effective with a very low complication rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Traditional open orchiopexy remains the gold standard for palpable undescended testicles. Several authors recently noted successful outcomes in therapy of palpable cryptorchidism using laparoscopic approach. Objectives: This review article aimed to compare outcomes of laparoscopic versus open orchiopexy in peeping and high inguinal undescended testis. Conclusion: Both laparoscopic and open orchiopexy were safe & effective in cure of peeping and high inguinal undescended testis. However, laparoscopic orchiopexy was superior to open orchiopexy as it was associated with better outcomes as regards final testicular position at the bottom of the scrotum or low level below the mid-scrotal point and shorter hospital stay. It was also associated with non-significantly higher success rate. Further comparative research with greater sample size & longer follow-up are required to approve results & to identify risk factors of adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major abiotic barrier to crop yield and profitability is salt stress, which is most prevalent in arid and semi-arid locations worldwide. Salinity tolerance is complicated and multifaceted, including a variety of mechanisms, and to adapt to salt stress, plants have constructed a network of biological and molecular processes. An expanding field of agricultural research that combines physiological measures with molecular techniques has sought to better understand how plants deploy tolerance to salinity at various levels. As the first line of defense against oxidative damage brought on by salt stress, host plants synthesize and accumulate several osmoprotectants. They (osmoprotectants) and other phytohormones were shown to serve a variety of protective roles for salt stress tolerance. Intrinsic root growth inhibition, which could be a protection mechanism under salty conditions, may be dependent on phytohormone-mediated salt signaling pathways. This article may also make it easier for scientists to determine the precise molecular processes underlying the ZnO-NPs-based salinity tolerance response for some plants. ZnO-NPs are considered to improve plant growth and photosynthetic rates while also positively regulating salt tolerance. When plants are under osmotic stress, their administration to zinc nanoparticles may also affect the activity of antioxidant enzymes. So, ZnO-NPs could be a promising method, side by side with the released osmoprotectants and phytohormones, to relieve salt stress in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is a pivotal objective for photovoltaic (PV) systems. To test various MPPT techniques, a reliable and effective PV emulator is required. Therefore, this article proposes a low-cost PV emulator for partial shading conditions, in which a cascaded structure of a DC power source with a resistor is constructed to generate the multiple peaks of the power-voltage (P-V) curve. The proposed structure is simple and modular. Consequently, it can be extended to obtain several peaks in the P-V characteristics to emulate more complex partial shading conditions. The partial shading occurrence over the PV source (PV array) causes a significant power loss production from the PV system. To increase the PV system's efficiency, optimization techniques are employed to harness the global power. Accordingly, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique is used to track the global peak. Furthermore, the conventional perturb and observe (P&O) method is applied for comparison and investigation. The proposed PV emulation system is validated under different operating conditions using simulation and experimental hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition characterized by abnormally high blood glucose levels that eventually results in catastrophic damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. The available data from previous studies on the application of the 5 A's model-based self-management program to increase knowledge and self-care practices in children are insufficient. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a self-management program based on the 5 A's paradigm on school-aged children with type 1 diabetes. Methods: The research design was quasi-experimental. The investigation was conducted at EL Mogamma EL Teby AL Shamal diabetes facility. This study enrolled a convenience sample of 90 children who were accompanied by their moms. Five tools were utilized to collect the data: questionnaire for children's examination; questionnaire for diabetic knowledge; a questionnaire on diabetes self-care; Diabetic Attitude Scale; and self-care practices for diabetics. Results: A total of 72.2%, 90.0%, 91.1%, 93.3%, and 96.7% of youngsters, respectively, lacked knowledge, engaged in ineffective self-care activities, had a negative attitude, and practiced incompetently. Differences between pre- and post-program implementation are statistically significant when a self-management program based on the 5 A's model is implemented. Discussion/Conclusions: Self-management and self-care models, particularly the 5 A model, are helpful at improving the control of these symptoms, reducing associated problems, enhancing nursing care, and enhancing patients' quality of life. Increasing the duration of a self-management program based on the 5 A's model for children with type 1 diabetes reduces negative attitudes and improves quality of life but requires follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays heterocyclic compounds containing pyrimidine scaffold attract the interest of many organic chemists due to their strong biological activity, so herein we present the synthesis of new polycyclic compounds starting from 4-chloro-9-phenyl-N-(p-tolyl)pyrimido[5',4':4,5]thieno[3,2-d][1,2,3]triazin-7-amine (1) which allowed to react with hydrazine hydrate to give hydrazinyl triazine compound (2) which subjected to some ring closure reactions using various reagents represented in triethyl orthoformate, acetyl acetone, and carbon disulfide to give compounds (3–5), respectively. Also, when the hydrazinyl compound was allowed to react with acetophenone, ethoxymethylene ethylcyano acetate, and diethyl malonate gave the derivatives (9–11), respectively. The structures of all newly synthesized compounds were confirmed using spectral analysis techniques as well as elemental analysis. Besides, four new compounds were screened for their antimicrobial activity using different strains of bacteria and fungi, and compound 5 displayed the best antimicrobial activity among all the tested compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) virus infection is an ongoing, catastrophic, worldwide pandemic with significant morbidity and mortality. Large numbers of people who are getting COVID-19 virus infection are at high risk of developing COVID-19 pneumonia; early diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia, patient care, and isolation using simple, less expensive images are required. High-resolution computed tomography chest (HRCT chest) is the reference standard method for the diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia; however, it is expensive with increasing the exposure risk; chest ultrasonography (CUS) may be an alternative method. Patients and methods CUS is performed on patients accepting to participate in the study at presentation of COVID-19 suspicious cases. HRCT chest to confirm COVID-19 pneumonia were done within 24 h of CUS examination. Two chest consultants who are experts in CUS at Assiut University Hospital performed CUS. The CUS is done using a convex probe of 3.5 MHz. The CUS was considered positive for pneumonia if the examiners find the presence of abnormal multiple vertical B lines with or without the presence of consolidation dots unilateral or bilateral with good cardiac function; HRCT chest results are recorded. Results In all, 197 patients were included in the study (102 males, mean age 48 ± 16.2 years). Regarding comorbidity: 10% had diabetes mellitus and 9% had hypertension. Ten (5%) patients needed hospitalization with a mean oxygen saturation of 95 ± 5%. One hundred fifty-two patients confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia with HRCT chest, while 45 patients had normal HRCT chest. CUS showed positive pneumonic finding in 128 patients and normal picture in 69 patients. There was good association (r=0.690, P<0.001) between both diagnostic modalities in COVID-19 pneumonia diagnosis. Sensitivity and specificity and accuracy of CUS in the diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia were 84.56, 95.83, and 87.31%, respectively, when compared with HRCT chest. One hundred and two patients were successfully followed; all of them showing clinical and ultrasonographic improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Labor is a state of uterine contractions having adequate frequency, duration, and strength resulting in cervical effacement and dilatation. Prolonged labor could cause maternal and neonatal medical issues and these unfavorable labor clinical outcomes are elevated in prolonged gestations in comparison with term pregnancies. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of oral propranolol supplementary agent to oxytocin on Induction and Outcome of Labor and compare it with the control group (oxytocin alone). Patients and methods: This was a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial which was conducted in Zagazig University Hospital and Zagazig General Hospital in the period between January 2021 and December 2021 to compare the efficacy of propranolol and oxytocin vs. oxytocin alone for induction of labor at 38-41 week gestational age. The study was conducted on 106 pregnant women; divided into two groups each group contain 53 pregnant women. Results: Duration of Latent Phase and Duration of 3rd stage was significantly shorter among study group but there was no significance difference in duration of active phase and 2nd stage between two groups. Dose of Oxytocin at which sufficient contractions occurred (3 contractions per 10 minutes) was significantly lower among the study group than the control group. Normal vaginal delivery was more frequent among the study group than among the control group: 41 cases (77.4%) versus 32 controls (60.4%). Cesarean section mode was less in the study group than the control group (p>0.05). Conclusion: Administration of oral propranolol combined with oxytocin during latent phase of labor is an effective agent in shortening the labor duration and decreasing the rate of cesarean section with no considerable side effects neither to the mother nor to her newborn has been recorded during the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, an adaptive shape optimization is developed using Geometry Independent Field approximaTion (GIFT) for 3D acoustics problems. The geometry-independent field approximation, using Non-uniform Rational B-splines (NURBS) to model the geometry, and Polynomial-splines over Hierarchical T-meshes (PHT-splines) to model the field space, are employed for 3D shape optimization problems in the context of time-harmonic acoustics. The adaptive optimization scheme proposed in this work combines a gradient-based optimization method with a local refinement algorithm. In this case, two types of local refinement algorithms are tested: a recovery-based and a residual-based algorithm. Single and multi-patch examples are studied, and it is shown that the proposed adaptive shape optimization scheme can lead to the same results as the uniform optimization, but using less time and fewer degrees of freedom. • Geometry Independent Field approximation (GIFT) is proposed for 3D shape optimization Helmholtz acoustic problems. • Geometry is modeled by NURBS while the physical domain is modeled by PHT-splines. • The proposed optimization scheme combines a gradient-based method with adaptive optimization. • Two different types of marking algorithms for the adaptive-refinement are tested: recovery-based and residual-based. • Shape optimization is performed over NURBS control points on the boundary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we examined eight white inbred lines of maize and their F1 crosses under normal and drought stress conditions to estimate their combining ability for grain yield and associated traits. The results showed significant correlation (mean squares) of irrigation treatment with the studied traits. The effects of parents, crosses, and genotypes were all determined to be highly significant under both irrigation levels. Grain yield and other traits showed significant differences (mean squares) associated with both General combining ability (GCA) and Specific combining ability (SCA) under both irrigation regimes, demonstrating the importance of both additive and nonadditive genetic effects in the expression of performance traits. The parental line (P-86) had positive and highly significant GCA effects, as well as the crosses (P-17×P-96), (P-8×P-96), (P-8×P-171), (P-24×P-86), (P-86×P-96), (P-86×P-171), and (P-96×P-171) which then gave the highest specific combinations under both irrigation regimes for grain yield and some of the associated traits. The highest level of heterosis (heterobeltiosis) for grain yield was obtained in the crosses (P-8×P-96), (P-8×P-137), (P-8×P-171), (P-96×P137), and (P-96×P-171) under both irrigation regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the efficacy of steroid and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in the setting of acute noise-induced hearing loss.Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis of noise-induced hearing loss treatment studies that reported on patients who (1) reported individual frequencies up to 8,000 Hz with mean and SDs; (2) were treated only with steroids ± HBOT; and (3) sustained acute acoustic trauma. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess risk of bias across cohorts. Data sources were Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Databases (via Ovid EBM Reviews), and PubMed.Results: Four studies were of retrospective cohorts and one of a prospective cohort. Only one study examined blast acoustic trauma, and the remaining four examined gunfire acoustic trauma. This meta-analysis used a random-effects model for pure tone average (PTA) (0.5, 1, and 2 kHz) and "high-frequency" PTA (HPTA) (4, 6, and 8 kHz) for the five studies included. Steroid therapy demonstrated a 6.55-dB (95% CI, 0.08-13.17 dB) PTA (n = 55) improvement and a 9.02-dB (95% CI, 1.45-16.59 dB) HPTA (n = 71) improvement. Steroid with HBOT demonstrated a 7.00-dB (95% CI, 0.84-13.17 dB) PTA (n = 133) improvement and a 12.41-dB (95% CI, 3.97-20.86 dB) HPTA (n = 150) improvement. According to our statistical analysis of the pooled studies' heterogeneity, there was moderate inconsistency in the cross-study results of both treatment groups.Conclusion: Steroids with or without HBOT appear to improve both low and high hearing thresholds following acoustic trauma. Future studies will require inclusion of control groups, precise definition of acoustic trauma intensity and duration, and genetic polymorphisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a comparative review for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques based on model predictive control (MPC) is presented in the first part. Generally, the implementation methods of MPPT-based MPC can be categorized into the fixed switching technique and the variable switching one. On one side, the fixed switching method uses a digital observer for the photovoltaic (PV) model to predict the optimal control parameter (voltage or current). Later, this parameter is compared with the measured value, and a proportional–integral (PI) controller is employed to get the duty cycle command. On the other side, the variable switching algorithm relies on the discrete-time model of the utilized converter to generate the switching signal without the need for modulators. In this regard, new perspectives are inspired by the MPC technique to implement both methods (fixed and variable switching), where a simple procedure is used to eliminate the PI controller in the fixed switching method. Furthermore, a direct realization technique for the variable switching method is suggested, in which the discretization of the converter's model is not required. This, in turn, simplifies the application of MPPT-based MPC to other converters. Furthermore, a reduced sensor count is accomplished. All conventional and proposed methods are compared using experimental results under different static and dynamic operating conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Numerous chemotherapeutic agents have antitumor activity in recurrent/metastatic (R/M) nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). Evidence of capecitabine's effectiveness as monotherapy is limited. Capecitabine tolerability in solid malignancies has ethnic and geographical variability. We investigated capecitabine's tolerability and identified potential prognostic factors for clinical outcomes in R/M NPC. Methods. A consecutive retrospective cohort of patients who received capecitabine as the first recurrence, second- or third-line monotherapy for metastatic NPC (2011–2019) was reviewed concerning patient characteristics, pathological features, treatment outcomes, and toxicity. Results. Fifty-one patients were eligible (median age at diagnosis: 42 [35.5–52.5] years). Most patients (78.4%) tolerated a standard oral dose of 1,250 mg/m2 capecitabine (2 weeks on/1 week off) in a 3-week cycle. The objective response rate was 49%, and the disease control rate was 66.7%, with a median response duration of 6.2 months. Hand-foot syndrome (HFS) was associated with a higher objective response rate (odds ratio, 5.1 [95% confidence interval: 1.18–21.98]; P = 0.02). The median follow-up duration was 17.8 (interquartile range: 7.8–30.4) months. The median (95% confidence interval) progression-free survival and overall survival were 6.6 (4.3–8.8) and 32.7 (25.9–39.5) months, respectively. HFS (P = 0.02), better performance status (P = 0.02), and absence of brain metastasis (P = 0.04) were associated with prolonged progression-free survival. Conclusion. Capecitabine monotherapy is effective and well-tolerated as a palliative treatment for R/M NPC. Despite the lower incidence of HFS in our patients, it remained a favorable prognostic factor for objective response and progression-free survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Plain chest radiography is the commonest ordered investigation in chest outpatient clinic; however, it is time consuming and may be expensive in some settings. With the availability of chest ultrasonography (CUS) at bedside, CUS might be used instead of plain chest radiography in outpatient settings. Still there is controversy regarding CUS as the primary investigation in outpatient chest clinics. Patients and methods Consecutive patients referred to the outpatient chest clinic of Assiut University between March 2018 till June 2020 who were proposed to have computed tomography (CT) chest after plain chest radiography were asked to participate in the study. The included patients had CUS with a pulmonologist who was blind to the chest radiography and chest CT results. CUS was done using a convex probe of ultrasonography in all chest anatomical planes for any finding that may help in the diagnosis. The plain chest radiography results also were recorded. Both results were compared with chest CT results as the gold standard investigation. Result A total of 101 patients were included in the study. There were 18% female patients, with mean age of 49.4±17.9 years. The final diagnosis was lung malignancy, pneumonia, bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive lung diseases, pulmonary embolism, pleural effusion, interstitial lung disease, and other miscellaneous causes. CUS were normal in 14 cases, with a sensitivity of 89.5% and a specificity of 80%, whereas chest radiography was normal in 20 cases, with a positive finding in 81 cases, with a sensitivity of 83.3% and a specificity of 80%, in comparison with chest CT. Conclusion CUS may be the primary investigation in chest outpatient clinic with good accuracy and rapid patient diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we will define the new notions (e.g., semi-θ-neighbor-hood system of point, semi-θ-closure (interior) of a set and semi-θ-closed (open) set) based on fuzzy logic (i.e., fuzzifying topology). Then, we will explain the interesting properties of above five notions in detail. Several basic results (for instance, Definition 2.3, Theorem 2.5 (iii), (v) and (vi), Theorem 2.10, Theorem 2.14 and Theorem 4.6) in classical topology are generalized to the fuzzy case based on Łukasiewicz logic. In addition to, we will show that every fuzzifying semi-θ-closed set is fuzzifying semi-closed set (by Theorem 2.5 (vi)). Further, we will study the notion of fuzzifying semi-θ-derived set and fuzzifying semi-θ-boundary set, and discuss several of their fundamental basic relations and properties. Also, we will present a new type of fuzzifying strongly semi-θ-continuous mapping between two fuzzifying topological spaces. Finally, several characterizations of fuzzifying strongly semi-θ-continuous mapping, fuzzifying strongly semi-θ-irresolute mapping, and fuzzifying weakly semi-θ-irresolute mapping along with different conditions for their existence are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photovoltaic (PV) power systems are integrated with high penetration levels into the grid. This in turn encourages several modifications for grid codes to sustain grid stability and resilience. Recently, constant power management and regulation is a very common approach, which is used to limit the PV power production. Thus, this article proposes dual-mode power generation algorithm for grid-connected PV systems. The developed system considers the two-stage PV configuration for implementation, where the dual-mode power generation technique is executed within the DC–DC conversion (boost) stage. Most of the techniques adopted for dual-mode power operation employ the conventional perturb and observe method, which is known with unsatisfactory performance at fast-changing atmospheric conditions. Considering this issue, this study suggests a modified maximum power point tracker for power extraction. Furthermore, a new adaptive DC-link controller is developed to improve the DC-link voltage profile at different operating conditions. The adaptive DC-link controller is compared with the traditional PI controller for voltage regulation. The inverter control is accomplished using finite-set model predictive control with two control objectives, namely reference current tracking and switching frequency minimization. The overall control methodology is evaluated at different atmospheric and operating conditions using MATLAB/Simulink software. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The primary goal of modified radical mastectomy is to remove cancerous cells and reduce the risk of breast cancer spreading. This operation is associated with considerable acute postoperative pain and restricted shoulder movement. If this acute pain is neglected most patients will develop chronic post-mastectomy pain, which reduces the quality of life. Regional anesthesia using ultrasound-guided paravertebral nerve block or pectoral nerve block has become an ideal addition to general anesthesia for providing analgesia after breast cancer surgery. This was a randomized clinical trial conducted between February 2018 and February 2019. This study compared between the two nerve blocks regarding the efficacy in terms of analgesic consumption. Results: The study included 30 female patients who were undergoing modified radical mastectomy under general anesthesia and randomly divided into 2 groups of 15 patients in each. This study showed there was a statistically significant increase in the amount of total fentanyl used intraoperatively in TPVB group than PECs group with p value = 0.008. Less VAS score in PECS group with statistically significant difference between groups at 4 h, 5 h, 6 h, and 8 h. More time needed for 1st requested rescue analgesia in PECS group with P value = 0.013. Patients in PECS group received a less total dose of fentanyl in the first 24 h postoperative with P value = 0.040. There was no statistically significant difference found between groups regarding postoperative complications. Conclusions: In female patients undergoing breast surgeries, the PECs block can be used efficiently and safely, providing better pain relief than the TPVB and reducing intraoperative and postoperative opioids use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The incidence of urolithiasis in the pediatric population is on the rise. Urolithiasis in the pediatric age group, although occurring less in adults, causes considerable morbidity. The role of ureteroscopy (URS) in the management of calculus anuria could be primary or deferred. The deferred URS after initial ureteral stenting or percutaneous drainage is the standard one. However, the remarkable progress in the manufacturing of ureteroscopes and lithotripters favored the primary URS. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the results of primary versus deferred URS for management of obstructive calculus anuria (OCA) in children in previous literatures. Methods: We have searched literature in the American National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), PubMed, Google scholar, Egyptian bank of knowledge, and science direct. Conclusion: Primary URS is a definitive stone management technique and an appropriate option that can reduce hospital stay, prevent multiple anesthesia, and alleviate the costs in children with OCA when performed by skilled endourologists. However the deferred URS is a favored procedure for management of calculus anuria in pediatric patients compared to primary URS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we generalize six kinds of rough set models based on j-neighborhood space (i.e., reflexive 1 j-neighborhood rough set, reflexive 2 j-neighborhood rough set, reflexive 3 j-neighborhood rough set, similarity 4 j-neighborhood rough set, similarity 5 j-neighborhood rough set, and similarity 6 j-neighborhood rough set) and investigate some of their basic properties. Further, we propose a new neighborhood space called j-adhesion neighborhood based on six types of rough set models (i.e., reflexive 7 j-adhesion neighborhood rough set, reflexive 8 j-adhesion neighborhood rough set, reflexive 9 j-adhesion neighborhood rough set, similarity 10 j-adhesion neighborhood rough set, similarity 11 j-adhesion neighborhood rough set, and similarity 12 j-neighborhood rough set) to reduce the boundary region and the accuracy. The fundamental properties of approximation operators based on j-adhesion neighborhood space are investigated. The relationship between the properties of these types is explained. Finally, we give comparisons between the proposed approach with the previous approach (i.e., Abo-Tabl's approach and Dai et al.'s approach) from six types of rough set models. Consequently, the accuracy from the proposed approach is improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose the adaptive shape optimization algorithm based on the concept of Geometry Independent Field approximaTion paired with the Sequential Quadratic Programming method, applied to time-harmonic acoustics. Non-Uniform Rational Basis Splines are used for the geometry parametrization, and in the same manner, as in conventional isogeometric shape optimization, the control points of the optimized boundary serve as design variables. This preserves the tight link between the design, analysis, and optimization models. Polynomial splines over Hierarchical T-meshes are employed for the solution approximation, providing the capability to refine the solution locally and adaptively to the boundary changes during the optimization process in a step-by-step procedure controlled by the error tolerance. This leads to significant savings in terms of the number of degrees of freedom and computational time. The performance of the proposed method is demonstrated in three benchmark examples and the results are compared with the data from the literature, showing the high accuracy and efficiency of the technique. It is shown that an adaptive optimization scheme can bring over 90% reduction in both, the number of degrees of freedom and time, in comparison with the uniform refinement. • A generalization of IGA, Geometry Independent Field approximation (GIFT), is used. • NURBS parameterize the geometry and PHT-splines approximate the sound pressure. • Acoustic shape optimization is performed over NURBS control points on the boundary. • Adaptive refinement of PHT-splines is driven by recovery-based error estimator. • Adaptive optimization scheme can bring up over 90% reduction in both DOFs and time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Comparison of serratus anterior plane block to different analgesic methods for anterolateral thoracic wall incisions. Meta-analysis was used to address this concern. Authors systemically searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane databases to identify all published randomized and prospective clinical trials, comparing the SAPB with other methods that used for analgesia in different thoracic surgical procedures and trauma. Results: Ten studies were identified for inclusion in this study, involving a total of 735 patients. Meta-analysis showed that, compared with thoracic wall analgesia and PCA methods, the SAPB group resulted in a significant decrease in pain scores, significant decrease in consumption of analgesic drugs, and a significant decrease in the incidence of nausea and vomiting with no difference in the rate of hypotension. Conclusions: The use of SAPB in cardiothoracic surgery and trauma is a safe and effective option for thoracic analgesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensorless strategies become very popular in modern control techniques because they increase the system reliability. Besides, they can be used as back-up control in case of sensor failure. In this paper, a DC-link sensorless control approach is developed, which is suited for grid-connected PV systems. The studied system is a two-stage PV scheme, where the DC–DC stage (boost converter) is controlled using an adaptive step-size perturb and observe (P&O) method. Further, the inverter control is accomplished by voltage oriented control (VOC). Generally, the VOC is implemented with two cascaded control loops, namely an outer voltage loop and an inner current loop. However, in this work, the outer loop is avoided and the reference current is generated using a losses model for the system. The losses model accounts for the most significant losses in the PV system. Moreover, particle swarm optimization (PSO) is utilized to compensate for the unmodeled losses. The PSO is executed offline for the purpose of calculation burden reduction. The proposed approach simplifies the cascaded VOC strategy and eliminates the DC-link voltage sensor, which in turn decreases the cost of the system. Finally, the proposed technique is compared with the conventional one at different atmospheric conditions and validated using MATLAB simulation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Anew design of smart window integrated photovoltaic, phase change materials, and vacuum glazing is proposed. • Five distinct window designs are numerically investigated. • The design combined the air gap, glass photovoltaic, PCM and vacuum glass layers decreases the total heat gain 91.5 % compared with the basic case. • The PCM (RT35HC) with a thickness of 50 mm decreases the heat gain by 73 % and maintain the inner surface temperature lower than 25 °C. Nowadays, new generations of building envelope need to manage the energy exchange between outdoor and indoor environment responsively and save the building energy. A significant amount of solar heat gain in buildings comes through the windows. The transparent envelope also must answer to visual requirements allowing for external vision but guarantying comfort conditions. In this framework, this article aims to test numerically the thermal performance of a new design of multifunctional glazed window combining the most recent technologies used in building envelopes. Five distinct window designs combing phase change material (PCM), vacuum glazing (VG), photovoltaic (PV), and air cavity were numerically tested for hot weather conditions. The proposed window designs slide inside the wall of the building. A comprehensive transient Multiphysics model coupling the thermo-electric model of the PV, melting and solidification model of the PCM, and the heat transfer mechanisms in the vacuum and air gaps are developed. The model is step by step validated with data in the literature. Various PCM types and PCM thickness are investigated. Among the five investigated window designs, the result showed that the window, including the air gap with PV, PCM cavity, and VG, is the optimal design for the indoor air's thermal isolation. Simultaneously, the PCM with a melting point of 35 ˚C and thickness of 50 mm is the best performance material in a hot arid region in summer at Cairo. The proposed multifunction window generated maximum electrical power intensity of 162 W/m2 at received solar radiation of 1000 W/m2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we will propose the novel notion of neighborhood rough sets on a universe set and study some of their basic properties. Then, the relationships between the neighborhood rough sets and covering rough sets are established. Further, the several related notions of probabilistic neighborhood rough sets are investigated and their basic theoretical are discussed. In addition, the notion of neighborhood rough sets over two different universes is defined, and interesting in their properties are explained. Depend on the neighborhood rough sets over two different universes, two algorithms are designed to solve the rough decision-making problems and clarify their applicability by two illustrative examples, respectively. Finally, a comparison between Liu et al.'s approach and our approach is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this article is to present the concept of restricted union and extended intersection of belief interval-valued soft sets, along with its properties. In addition, we propose the concept of possibility belief interval-valued soft set theory and investigate their properties. For suitability of possible applications, there are seven kinds of operations (e.g., union, intersection, restricted union, extended intersection, complement, soft max-AND, and soft min-OR) on the possibility belief interval-valued soft sets are defined and their basic theoretical are given. Then, we construct two algorithms by using soft max-AND and soft min-OR operations of possibility interval-valued soft sets for fuzzy decision-making problem. Lastly, we introduce an algorithm using a possibility interval-valued soft set to solve the decision-making problems and clarify its applicability by a numerical example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we will define the new notions (e.g., b − θ -neighborhood system of point, b − θ -closure (interior) of a set, and b − θ -closed (open) set) based on fuzzy logic (i.e., fuzzifying topology). Then, we will explain the interesting properties of the above five notions in detail. Several basic results (for instance, Definition 7, Theorem 3 (iii), (v), and (vi), Theorem 5, Theorem 9, and Theorem 4.6) in classical topology are generalized in fuzzy logic. In addition to, we will show that every fuzzifying b − θ -closed set is fuzzifying γ -closed set (by Theorem 3 (vi)). Further, we will study the notion of fuzzifying b − θ -derived set and fuzzifying b − θ -boundary set and discuss several of their fundamental basic relations and properties. Also, we will present a new type of fuzzifying strongly b − θ -continuous mapping between two fuzzifying topological spaces. Finally, several characterizations of fuzzifying strongly b − θ -continuous mapping, fuzzifying strongly b − θ -irresolute mapping, and fuzzifying weakly b − θ -irresolute mapping along with different conditions for their existence are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we will define the new notions (e.g., b − θ -neighborhood system of point, b − θ -closure (interior) of a set, and b − θ -closed (open) set) based on fuzzy logic (i.e., fuzzifying topology). Then, we will explain the interesting properties of the above five notions in detail. Several basic results (for instance, Definition 7, Theorem 3 (iii), (v), and (vi), Theorem 5, Theorem 9, and Theorem 4.6) in classical topology are generalized in fuzzy logic. In addition to, we will show that every fuzzifying b − θ -closed set is fuzzifying γ -closed set (by Theorem 3 (vi)). Further, we will study the notion of fuzzifying b − θ -derived set and fuzzifying b − θ -boundary set and discuss several of their fundamental basic relations and properties. Also, we will present a new type of fuzzifying strongly b − θ -continuous mapping between two fuzzifying topological spaces. Finally, several characterizations of fuzzifying strongly b − θ -continuous mapping, fuzzifying strongly b − θ -irresolute mapping, and fuzzifying weakly b − θ -irresolute mapping along with different conditions for their existence are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we propose a novel concept of the generalized picture fuzzy soft set by combining the picture fuzzy soft set and the fuzzy parameter set. For possible applications, we explain five kinds of operations (e.g., subset, equal, union, intersection, and complement) based on generalized picture fuzzy soft sets. Then, we establish several theoretical operations of generalized picture fuzzy soft sets. In addition, we present the new type by using the AND operation of the generalized picture fuzzy soft set for fuzzy decision-making and clarify its applicability with a numerical example. Finally, we give a comparison between the picture fuzzy soft set theory and the generalized picture fuzzy soft set theory. It is shown that our proposed (i.e., generalized picture fuzzy soft set theory) is viable and provide decision makers a more mathematical insight before making decisions on their options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Nutritional deficiencies and health-related quality of life represent a major concern after bariatric procedures and can cause serious complications. Bariatric procedures have different effects on the domains of quality of life. Objective To prospectively compare between the effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic mini-gastric bypass (LMGB) on nutritional deficiencies and quality of life during the first postoperative year. Patients and methods We included 40 patients. In the first group, 20 patients underwent LSG, whereas 20 patients in the second group underwent LMGB. Postoperative assessment of nutritional parameters and quality of life was performed every 3 months. Quality of life was assessed using bariatric analysis and reporting outcome system (BAROS) and short form-12 questionnaires. Results All nutritional parameters showed significant decrease with more significant deficiencies after LMGB. Quality of life improved significantly after both procedures. Using BAROS questionnaire, LMGB was associated with significant better results. Conclusion LSG and LMGB are associated with significant decrease of nutritional parameters and significant improvement of quality of life. However, LMGB is associated with significantly more nutritional deficiencies and better improvement of quality of life than LSG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Post-thoracotomy pain syndrome (PTPS) is a significant clinical problem affecting patient recovery and quality of life. Effective postoperative pain management is crucial in reducing the incidence of PTPS. Both parascapular sub-iliocostalis plane (PSIP) block and thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) are employed to manage post-thoracotomy pain, but their efficacy and safety profiles need thorough comparative analysis. Objective: In order to reduce the occurrence of PTPS, compare the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided PSIP block to TEA for postoperative analgesia in patients following elective thoracotomy. Patients and methods: This randomised, single-blind clinical study was undertaken at Benha University Hospital. A randomised comparison was conducted between two groups of 52 adult patients undergoing elective thoracotomy: one group received PSIP block, and the other group received TEA. The incidence of adverse effects, visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores, morphine use, and hemodynamic parameters were evaluated for both groups. Results: The study enrolled 52 patients with no significant differences in demographic characteristics between the groups (p>0.05). The TEA group demonstrated significantly lower morphine consumption in the first 48 hours postoperatively (p<0.001), indicating superior analgesic efficacy. However, patients in the TEA group experienced higher incidences of hypotension (p<0.001) and did not differ significantly in pain scores across most time points (p>0.05). The PSIP group had a shorter ICU stay (mean 1.31 days versus 2.00 days, p<0.001). Conclusion: While TEA provides superior analgesia reflected in lower morphine consumption, PSIP block is associated with fewer hemodynamic complications and shorter ICU stays, suggesting an advantageous profile for enhancing recovery after thoracotomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The monotypic subfamily Pseudophotopsidinae Bischoff, 1920 (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) from the Arabian Peninsula is revised. Six Pseudophotopsis species are reported from Saudi Arabia, Oman and Yemen. Two new species, P. dhofarensis sp. nov. (male) from Oman and P. subaurea sp. nov. (male) from Saudi Arabia, are described and illustrated. The hitherto unknown female of P. mascatiana Invrea, 1962 is described and P. aegyptiaca (Bischoff, 1920) (female) is associated and synonymized with P. maura Bischoff, 1920 (male). An illustrated key for the species and their distribution in the Arabian Peninsula are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential role of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) application on the pharyngeal repair on decreasing the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) after total laryngectomy. Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 67 patients with advanced laryngeal carcinoma who underwent total laryngectomy, over 2 years in the Otorhinolaryngology Department, Mansoura University Hospitals, Egypt. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups: PRF group (n = 35) and control group (n = 32). Risk factors for development of PCF as well as the incidence of PCF were studied in both groups. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding demographic data, medical comorbidities, basal hemoglobin and albumin levels, data related to the tumor (location, grade and TNM staging) and surgical details (preoperative tracheotomy and neck dissection). However, regarding the incidence of PCF, there was a statistically significant difference between groups as shown in Table 2. PCF was detected in 2/35 patients (5.7%) in the PRF group and in 10/32 patients (31.3%) in the control group (p = 0.004). Conclusion: PRF application on the pharyngeal repair after total laryngectomy enhances the healing process and consequently decreases the incidence of PCF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]