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Abstract Background The high rates of the sustained virologic response 12 weeks after treatment (SVR12) in real world settings provoked the adoption of shortened courses of the costly direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) regimens. This study provides, to our knowledge, the first systematic review and meta-analysis for the efficacy of the shortened 8-week course of sofosbuvir (SOF) plus daclatasvir (DCV), the most accessible DAAs in the low-middle income countries (LMICs). Methods We performed a proportion meta-analysis to determine a reliable rate of SVR12 by pooling all studies that evaluated the results of the 8-week regimen of DCV + SOF. In addition, we applied sensitivity analyses using two imputation paradigms: a conservative approach, and a pragmatic approach to avoid overestimating the efficacy of the 8-week regimen in studies that followed a response-guided treatment (RGT) approach. Results Six studies with a total of 159 patients were included. The pooled SVR12 rate ranged from 91 to 97% in the included scenarios. The pragmatic scenario showed that the pooled SVR12 was 97% (95% confidence interval (CI) 91%; 100%) with lower variability as assessed by the prediction interval. The conservative approach revealed an SVR12 of 93% (95% CI 84%; 95%). Conclusion The 8-week course of 60 mg DCV with SOF provided a comparable SVR12 to the standard 12-week regimen in treatment-naïve, non-HIV co-infected patients with a minimum estimated efficacy of 90%.

Abstract Gasdermin C is one of the least studied members of the gasdermin family of proteins, known for their critical involvement in pyroptosis and host defense. Furthermore, evidence for the role of Gasdermin C in the intestine is scarce and partly controversial. Here, we tested the functional role of Gasdermin C in intestinal homeostasis, inflammation and tumorigenesis. : We studied Gasdermin C in response to cytokines in intestinal organoids. We evaluated epithelial differentiation, cell death and immune infiltration under steady state conditions in a new mouse line deficient in Gasdermin C. The role of Gasdermin C was analyzed in acute colitis, infection and colitis-associated cancer. Gasdemin C is highly expressed in the intestinal epithelium and strongly induced by the type 2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 in a STAT6-dependent manner. Gasdermin C-deficient mice show no changes in tissue architecture and epithelial homeostasis. Epithelial organoids deficient in Gasdermin C develop normally and show no alterations in proliferation or cell death. No changes were found in models of acute colitis, type 2 intestinal infection and colitis-associated cancer. Gasdermin C genes are upregulated by type 2 immunity, yet appear dispensable for the development of intestinal inflammation, infection and colitis-associated cancer.

Abstract Recent improvements in renewable energy sources (RESs) and their extensive use in the power industry have created significant issues for their operation, security, and management. Due to the ongoing reduction of power system inertia, maintaining operational frequency at its nominal value and minimizing tie-line power variations constitute essential variables for these improvements. A novel improved frequency stabilization approach based on modified fractional order tilt controller is presented for interconnected diverse power systems with integration of sea wave energy, photovoltaic, wind, energy storage system and biodiesel generator. The fractional order tilt integral double derivative (FOTIDD2) is a novel controller that is developed to address the frequency stabilization problems of a hybrid power structure that is integrated with sources of clean energy and devices for storing energy. A recent optimization algorithm inspired by human behavior called mother optimization algorithm (MOA) is applied to adjust the coefficient of the proposed cascaded controller. The FOTIDD2 controller was compared with other control methods in terms of its transient performance, in order to determine its effectiveness. Further, the mother optimization algorithm results are compared with those of sine cosine algorithm (SCA), fox optimization algorithm (FOA), and grey wolf optimization (GWO). FOTIDD2 controller was found to be more effective than PID controller in respect of reducing overshoot (Osh) by 79.31%, 83.78% and 67.99%, improving time settlement by 33.22%, 29.87%, and 22.45% and reducing undershoot (Ush) by 79.13%, 89.34%, and 86.90% for the (∆F1), (∆F2), and (∆Ptie), respectively.

Abstract This research presents an experimental, analytical, and numerical study to predict the flexural behavior of reinforced concrete hidden and wide beams embedded in slabs. The experimentally studied parameters of testing eight specimens include beam depth, beam width, and beam eccentricity from the column. The obtained test results were compared to the predictions of finite element analysis using the ANSYS program. A numerical parametric study was conducted by the ANSYS program to explore other parameters affecting the ultimate flexural strength of beams. The studied parameters encompass concrete compressive strength, steel reinforcement strength, bottom reinforcement ratio, top-to-bottom reinforcement ratio, and web reinforcement ratio. The results revealed that an increase in beam depth led to higher ultimate load and secant stiffness, along with a decrease in deflection. The increase in beam width significantly affected beam depth, resulting in increased ultimate load and secant stiffness and a slight decrease in deflection. The increase in beam eccentricity from the column resulted in a decrease in ultimate load and secant stiffness while increasing the deflection. Comparisons between experimental and numerical results were made against calculations based on the ECP 203-2017 and ACI 318-19 codes, and the comparison yielded satisfactory results.

Abstract Background There is growing evidence that supports the role of breastfeeding in reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). There are considerable gaps in breastfeeding outcomes in mothers with chronic diseases due to a lack of knowledge and support in the postpartum period. Mothers who have NCDs and pregnancy complications are at risk of breastfeeding failure. Aim To compare breastfeeding outcomes in mothers with NCDs with healthy mothers and determine the underlying challenges that lead to poor outcomes. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted among 150 women (50 with high-risk pregnancies (HRP) and 100 with normal pregnancies (NP)). They were recruited from those attending the immunization and outpatient clinics at Sohag General Hospital. Mothers were recruited at 34 weeks gestation and were followed up at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 6 months after delivery. A pretested and validated questionnaire was used to collect detailed epidemiological, personal, health-related status, medications, hospitalizations, reproductive history, current delivery, and previous breastfeeding experiences. On follow-up they were assessed for breastfeeding practices, their health and health and growth of their children, and social support. Results Delivery by cesarean section and postpartum bleeding were commoner among HRP patients. Initiation of breastfeeding in the 1st hour of delivery was significantly lower among women with HRP than those with normal pregnancies (48.0% versus 71.0%, p = 0.006). The most common reason for not initiating breastfeeding among the NP group was insufficient milk (34.5%), while in the HRP group, it was the mother’s illness (80.8%). Skin-to-skin contact with the baby after birth was significantly less practiced in the HRP than in the NP group (38.0% vs 64.0% at p = 0.003). Herbs (such as cumin, caraway, cinnamon, aniseed, and chamomile) were the most common pre-lacteal feeds offered (63.0% in NP vs 42.0% in HRP). Artificial milk was more used in HRP than NP (24.0% vs 4.0%). Breast engorgement was 3 times more common in the HRP compared to the NP group (61.5% vs19.6%). Stopping breastfeeding due to breast problems was 2.5 times higher in the HRP than in the NP group (38.5% vs. 15.2%, p = 0.003). Nipple fissures were twice as common among the NP than among the HRP group ((73.0%) vs. (38.5%), p = 0.026). Exclusive breastfeeding during the period of follow-up was lower in the HRP than in the NP group (40.0% vs 61.0%, p

Abstract Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) technology has emerged as a revolutionary therapeutic technology in dermatology, recognized for its safety, effectiveness, and minimal side effects. CAP demonstrates substantial antimicrobial properties against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, promotes tissue proliferation and wound healing, and inhibits the growth and migration of tumor cells. This paper explores the versatile applications of CAP in dermatology, skin health, and skincare. It provides an in-depth analysis of plasma technology, medical plasma applications, and CAP. The review covers the classification of CAP, its direct and indirect applications, and the penetration and mechanisms of action of its active components in the skin. Briefly introduce CAP’s suppressive effects on microbial infections, detailing its impact on infectious skin diseases and its specific effects on bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. It also highlights CAP’s role in promoting tissue proliferation and wound healing and its effectiveness in treating inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and vitiligo. Additionally, the review examines CAP’s potential in suppressing tumor cell proliferation and migration and its applications in cosmetic and skincare treatments. The therapeutic potential of CAP in treating immune-mediated skin diseases is also discussed. CAP presents significant promise as a dermatological treatment, offering a safe and effective approach for various skin conditions. Its ability to operate at room temperature and its broad spectrum of applications make it a valuable tool in dermatology. Finally, introduce further research is required to fully elucidate its mechanisms, optimize its use, and expand its clinical applications.

Abstract Background Biofilm formation is an essential virulence factor that creates a highly protected growth mode for Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) to survive in any hostile environment. Antibiotic sub-minimal inhibitory concentration (sub-MIC) may modulate the biofilm formation ability of bacterial pathogens, thereby affecting bacterial pathogenesis and infection outcomes. Intense antimicrobial therapy to treat biofilm-associated infections can control the pathogenic infection aggravation but cannot guarantee its complete eradication. Objective This study aimed to assess the sub-MICs effect of 5 different antimicrobial classes on biofilm-forming capacity among Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates using three different biofilm quantitation techniques. Methods In this study, the effects of 5 different antimicrobial agents, namely, azithromycin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, and imipenem, at sub-MICs of 12.5%, 25%, and 50% were tested on 5 different clinical isolates of S. aureus. The biofilms formed in the absence and presence of different antimicrobial sub-MICs were then assessed using the following three different techniques: the crystal violet (CV) staining method, the quantitative PCR (qPCR) method, and the spread plate method (SPM). Results Biofilm formation was significantly induced in 64% of the tested conditions using the CV technique. On the other hand, the qPCR quantifying the total bacterial count and the SPM quantifying the viable bacterial count showed significant induction only in 24% and 17.3%, respectively (Fig. 1). The difference between CV and the other techniques indicates an increase in biofilm biomass without an increase in bacterial growth. As expected, sub-MICs did not reduce the viable cell count, as shown by the SPM. The CV staining method revealed that sub-MICs of imipenem and ciprofloxacin had the highest significance rate (80%) showing an inductive effect on the biofilm development. On the other hand, doxycycline, azithromycin, and gentamicin displayed lower significance rates of 73%, 53%, and 47%, respectively. Conclusion Exposure to sub-MIC doses of antimicrobial agents induces the biofilm-forming capacity of S. aureus via increasing the total biomass without significantly affecting the bacterial growth of viable count.

Introduction: Emergency medical services (EMS) are minimally developed in many African countries. We sought to document the achievements and challenges faced by the National Ambulance Service (NAS) of Ghana during its 20-year nationwide expansion, and to understand how well it is providing access to previously unserved, remoter areas. Methods: Data routinely collected by NAS from 2004 to 2023 were analyzed, including structure and capacity (number of stations, ambulances, employees) and utilization and process of care (number of patients served, demographics, medical conditions, response site). Per population indicators of capacity and utilization were compared across Ghana's 16 regions. Results: From 64 emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and nine ambulances in 2004, NAS has grown to 3,473 EMTs and 356 ambulances. From covering three cities in 2004, NAS now has at least one station in each of Ghana's 261 districts. From transporting 205 patients in 2004, NAS transported 38,393 patients in 2022. There have been interruptions due to financial restrictions, with numbers of patients transported per year in 2017–2019 decreasing by over 50% from the prior peak (n = 20,236 in 2014). In 2022, there were 1.13 ambulances per 100,000 people and 0.33 transports/100,000/day. Most (81.3%) transports are inter-facility transfers. Among Ghana's 16 regions, there is moderate variation in utilization from 0.16 to 0.50 transports/100,000/day. However, the three lowest-income, remoter regions currently have utilizations of 0.16, 0.30, and 0.37 transports/100,000/day, mostly near the National average of 0.33. Conclusion: Despite periodic limitations due to finances, the NAS has expanded to cover all of Ghana's 261 districts and has largely achieved geographic equity. Sustainability has been aided by having a training school directly under NAS's control, assuring a steady supply of EMTs. Challenges include assuring financial stability and increasing utilization for emergencies at the scene, in addition to the current high utilization for inter-facility transfer.

The study investigated the beneficial effects of vitamin E-loaded nano-emulsion (NEVE) on hemato-biochemical changes, oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, immunological variables, and semen quality in heat-stressed rabbit bucks. Forty adult V-line rabbit bucks were randomly assigned to four groups and fed diets containing NEVE at 0 (NEVE0), 50 (NEVE50), 100 (NEVE100), and 200 (NEVE200) mg/kg for 12 weeks. The NEVE had a mean particle diameter of 32.6 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.6, and a zeta potential of −31.1 mV. The dietary NEVE significantly improved the hematological, blood protein, lipid profile, and liver functions of rabbit bucks (p

Abstract The gas lift technique applies gas bubble injection into the vertical wells to raise production. Gas and liquid rates, shifts in flow regimes, and system equilibrium influence this process. This study explores the efficient implementation of gas lift techniques to maximize production from the Asmari Formation in the Abu Ghirab Field, southeastern Iraq, using a continuous gas lift for maximum production rate by PIPESIM TM software. The results of the gas lift design for the four wells (AGCS-33, 26, 28, and 36) show that the Vogel method provided the best results for the gas lift design, and faults and facies distribution impact the gas lift injection and oil production rates. These will become evident with wells AGCS-33 and 36 as their proximity to faults will increase oil production rates with a gas injection rate limit of 7 MMSCF/d. Conversely, for wells 26 and 28, the limit will marginally rise, starting at 5 MMSCF/d. In addition, the effect of gas lift is clearly in the middle western of the crest, which shows an increasing percentage of oil production of 136.6% at minimum rate and 198.5% at maximum for the well AGCS-26, 89.7% and 105.7% for the well AGCS-36. Wellhead pressure has a significant impact on gas-lift performance, and improving gas-lift efficiency can be accomplished using an electric control valve. The feasibility of implementing gas lift in the Asmari Formation depends on the water cut, well location, and water saturation distribution within the Formation.

Abstract The combination of hydrogel and fertilizer as slow release fertilizer hydrogel (SRFH) has become one of the most promising materials to overcome the shortcomings of conventional fertilizer by decreasing fertilizer loss rate, supplying nutrients sustainably, and lowering the frequency of irrigation. The hydrogel based on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and polyacrylic acid (PAA) (CMC/PAA) was synthesized. All materials, Vinasse, hydrogel (CMC/PAA) and (Vinasse/CMC-PAA) were characterized by FTIR, XRD, and SEM. The formed hydrogel was applied to control the salinity of Vinasse to use it as a cheap and economical fertilizer. The results showed that using the prepared hydrogel with Vinasse (V/CMC-PAA) as a slow-release organic fertilizer decreased the EC value through the first six hours from 1.77 to 0.35 mmohs/cm. Also, using V/CMC-PAA can control and keep the potassium as fertilizer for 50 days. The productivity per feddan from the sugar cane crop increased by about 15%, and the number of irrigations decreased from 5 to 4 times.

Abstract Aflatoxins (AFs) are hazardous carcinogens and mutagens produced by some molds, particularly Aspergillus spp. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to isolate and identify endophytic bacteria, extract and characterize their bioactive metabolites, and evaluate their antifungal, antiaflatoxigenic, and cytotoxic efficacy against brine shrimp (Artemia salina) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2). Among the 36 bacterial strains isolated, ten bacterial isolates showed high antifungal activity, and thus were identified using biochemical parameters and MALDI-TOF MS. Bioactive metabolites were extracted from two bacterial isolates, and studied for their antifungal activity. The bioactive metabolites (No. 4, and 5) extracted from Bacillus cereus DSM 31T DSM, exhibited strong antifungal capabilities, and generated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polyphenols. The major VOCs were butanoic acid, 2-methyl, and 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z) in extracts No. 4, and 5 respectively. Cinnamic acid and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid were the most abundant phenolic acids in extracts No. 4, and 5 respectively. These bioactive metabolites had antifungal efficiency against A. flavus and caused morphological alterations in fungal conidiophores and conidiospores. Data also indicated that both extracts No. 4, and 5 reduced AFB1 production by 99.98%. On assessing the toxicity of bioactive metabolites on A. salina the IC50 recorded 275 and 300 µg/mL, for extracts No. 4, and 5 respectively. Meanwhile, the effect of these extracts on HepG2 revealed that the IC50 of extract No. 5 recorded 79.4 µg/mL, whereas No. 4 showed no cytotoxic activity. It could be concluded that bioactive metabolites derived from Bacillus species showed antifungal and anti-aflatoxigenic activities, indicating their potential use in food safety.

Introduction Evidence shows that cancer treatment-related symptoms could be managed effectively in 8–18 years old children through Digital Health Interventions (DHIs), consequently improving their health-related quality of life (HRQOL). However, limited research is available about digitally mediated educative health interventions for children with cancer from lower-middle income countries like Pakistan. This study aims to develop a videogame intervention for children with cancer and test the clinical efficacy of the videogame concerning HRQOL and cancer treatment-related symptoms. Moreover, the following feasibility outcomes will be recorded: acceptability, appropriateness, cost, feasibility and intervention fidelity.Methods and analysis An exploratory sequential mixed methods design is used in this study. In the first phase of the study, we interviewed 28 participants (14 child–parent dyads) and assessed their symptom experiences affecting children’s HRQOL. Moreover, their preferences for the development of the videogame were also elicited. Based on the findings from relevant literature and the interviews, we developed the videogame in collaboration with clinical and digital experts in the study’s second phase. In the third phase of the study, a pilot randomised controlled trial will be conducted at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. There will be two groups: the intervention group and the control group. The intervention group children will receive the videogame application for 8 weeks, during which symptom management strategies will be taught to them. Children in the attention control group will receive weekly WhatsApp messages on healthy behaviours.The primary outcome will be the HRQOL of children, and the secondary outcome will be cancer symptoms frequency and distress. These outcomes will be assessed preintervention and 8 weeks post intervention. The feasibility outcomes will be assessed quantitatively and qualitatively through a questionnaire, videogame dashboard, interviews with a subset of intervention group child–parent dyads and a focus group discussion with nurses and doctors, post intervention, respectively.Ethics and dissemination The study has been approved by the Ethics Review Committee of the Aga Khan University (2022-6833-21251). Data are accessible only to the research team in a secure form. The findings will be disseminated through publications.Trial registration number ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT05796895, registered in April 2023.

The identification studies of rock and reservoir characteristics are essential for evaluating the efficiency of a reservoir by analyzing the types of rock and pores. In this study, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) for six wells was utilized to identify the rock and reservoir characteristics of the Mishrif formation in the South of the Zubair Field, specifically the Rafdyia and Safwan domes, as well as the west flank. Specific correlations were utilized to describe the classification of rocks, estimate pore throat radius, and recognize possible flow intervals. The results revealed that the Mishrif Formation mainly consists of limestone, dolomite, and shale. The Safwan dome consists mainly of pack-wackestone, wackestone, and mudstone, while the Rafdyia dome is a mixture of packstone, grainstone, and wackestone with some shoal and rudist bioherm facies. The west flank is characterized by pack-wackestone, wackestone, and mudstone. These results were further supported by core analysis. Pore throat types in the Safwan dome range from Micropores to Nanopores, while the Rafdyia dome is dominated by Megapores, Macropores, and Mesopores. The back-shoal facies overwhelm the packstone microfacies. The west flank of the Mishrif Formation in the Zubair Field is mesoporous and micropores. Flow units were identified in the Safwan and Rafdyia domes, as well as the west flank. The Safwan dome has fifteen flow units in the north and seven in the south, while the Rafdyia dome has ten flow units in both the north and south regions, with five flow units on the west flank of the Zubair Field.

Abstract Due to vincristine sulfate’s (VCR sulfate) toxicity and non-specific targeting, which might adversely damage healthy cells, its clinical application is restricted. In this study, we loaded VCR sulfate on exosomes generated from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to enhance its targeted distribution. Exosomes are able to deliver molecules to specific cells and tissues and have therapeutic potential. In this study, we isolated exosomes from MSCs, and using probe-sonication approach loaded them with VCR sulfate. Using SRB assay, the cytotoxicity of VCR sulfate-Exo was assessed in T47D breast cancer cells, and the results were contrasted with those of free VCR sulfate. Then We labeled markers (CD44+/CD24−) in the cell line to assess the targeting effectiveness of VCR sulfate-Exo using flow cytometry. Our results showed that the cytotoxicity of VCR sulfate-Exo was nearly the same as that of VCR sulfate. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that VRC sulfate-Exo was more effectively targeted to MSCs than free VCR sulfate. Our study shows that loading VCR sulfate to MSCs-derived exosomes can improve their targeted delivery and lessen their side effects. Additional research is required to determine VCR sulfate-Exo’s in vivo effectiveness and safety and improve the loading and delivery strategies.

Sugeet K Jagpal,1,* Abdullah Alismail,2,3,* Erica Lin,4 Lauren Blackwell,5 Nayla Ahmed,6 May M Lee,7 Jared Chiarchiaro8 1Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA; 2Department of Cardiopulmonary Sciences, School of Allied Health Professions, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA, USA; 3Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA; 4Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; 5Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; 6Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; 7Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of South California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; 8Division of Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Abdullah Alismail, Department of Cardiopulmonary Sciences, School of Allied Health Professions, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA, Email aalismail@llu.eduAbstract: Health profession educators readily identify with the goal of fostering healthcare providers who are critical thinkers focused on quality patient care. In the following paper, we aim to delve into critical thinking at the team level and help educators begin the process of creating a shared mental model focusing on cognition to identify gaps and opportunities for growth in their trainees. We will distinguish between microcognition (an individual’s own critical thinking process in a controlled environment), macrocognition (critical thinking process in a real-world environment), and team cognition (the interaction and relationship among team members to augment macrocognition). A common case example will be used to guide the discussion as well as provide a model framework to be used for clinician educators in the future.Keywords: medical education, cognition, shared mental models, clinician educators

Abstract Scientists know very little about the mechanisms underlying fish skin mucus, despite the fact that it is a component of the immune system. Fish skin mucus is an important component of defence against invasive infections. Recently, Fish skin and its mucus are gaining interest among immunologists. Characterization was done on the obtained silver nanoparticles Ag combined with Clarias gariepinus catfish epidermal mucus proteins (EMP-Ag-NPs) through UV–vis, FTIR, XRD, TEM, and SEM. Ag-NPs ranged in size from 4 to 20 nm, spherical in form and the angles were 38.10°, 44.20°, 64.40°, and 77.20°, Where wavelength change after formation of EMP-Ag-NPs as indicate of dark brown, the broad band recorded at wavelength at 391 nm. Additionally, the antimicrobial, antibiofilm and anticancer activities of EMP-Ag-NPs was assessed. The present results demonstrate high activity against unicellular fungi C. albicans, followed by E. faecalis. Antibiofilm results showed strong activity against both S. aureus and P. aeruginosa pathogens in a dose-dependent manner, without affecting planktonic cell growth. Also, cytotoxicity effect was investigated against normal cells (Vero), breast cancer cells (Mcf7) and hepatic carcinoma (HepG2) cell lines at concentrations (200–6.25 µg/mL) and current results showed highly anticancer effect of Ag-NPs at concentrations 100, 5 and 25 µg/mL exhibited rounding, shrinkage, deformation and granulation of Mcf7 and HepG2 with IC50 19.34 and 31.16 µg/mL respectively while Vero cells appeared rounded at concentration 50 µg/mL and normal shape at concentration 25, 12.5 and 6.25 µg/ml with IC50 35.85 µg/mL. This study evidence the potential efficacy of biologically generated Ag-NPs as a substitute medicinal agent against harmful microorganisms. Furthermore, it highlights their inhibitory effect on cancer cell lines.

Perovskite photovoltaics is one of the fastest growing research field in materials science. The effect of caffeine in the absorber structure of the PSCs was studied systematically in this study. Caffeine was added at different concentration ratio of 0.3 ml (S1), 0.6 ml (S2), 0.9 ml (S3) and 1.2 ml (S4) while the PSCs without caffeine content is denoted as C. The as-prepared PSCs were characterized via SEM, UV-vis, Profiler and J-V analysis techniques. The SEM results shows a nucleated orientation with average diameter of 185.16±0.2 µm. Optical analysis shows a red shift within the visible light spectrum, indicated a more visible lights are being absorbed, thus, a potential photoanode for perovskite solar cells applications. The profiler results shows the as-prepared nanomaterials is within the range of ⁓40 nm. The electrical performance of PSCs, caffeine NPs was observed to have enhanced the PSCs by improving Jsc, Voc, FF and PCE of the fabricated devices. The highest performing PSCs was observed in device S1 with PCE of 9.57%, Jsc of 15.71 mAcm-2, Voc 0.94 and FF 0.65, which shows ~1.57 times improvement in PCE over the control device (C). The addition of caffeine NPs increased the rate of exciton generation and the probability of exciton dissociation, enhancing charge separation, reducing the recombination rate as well as facilitating carrier transport in the device. Thus, in this study, device S1 showed an improved PCE of 9.57%.

The literature review showed insufficient relevant research on the application of Glass-Fiber-Reinforced-Polymers (GFRP) gratings in the structural elements, while GFRP bars, laminate, sheets, and strips, have been extensively explored. This research aims to present a proposal for a new reinforcing system using GFRP gratings to improve the punching shear resistance of RC flat slabs. Results of seven specimens tested experimentally under vertical static loading are displayed, taking into account the influence of the gratings variables. Test results revealed an improvement in the ultimate load ranging between 9.03% and 27.67% for the specimens strengthened by the proposed GFRP grating system. A Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis (NLFEA) was carried out using the ANSYS program with correlational evaluation using load-deflection response and cracking pattern, which resulted in a good convergence of numerical simulations and experimental performance results ranging from 1.0% to 8.0%. Key parameters, namely the concrete compressive strength, steel reinforcement yield strength, main steel reinforcement ratio, secondary steel reinforcement ratio, column dimensions, slab thickness, concrete cover, and GFRP gratings characteristics, were investigated through a parametric study adopting NLFEA by the ANSYS program, where the output results were compared to the recent code provisions

Abstract Maintaining a power balance between generation and demand is generally acknowledged as being essential to maintaining a system frequency within reasonable bounds. This is especially important for linked renewable-based hybrid power systems (HPS), where disruptions are more likely to occur. This paper suggests a prominent modified “Fractional order-proportional-integral with double derivative (FOPIDD2) controller” as an innovative HPS controller in order to navigate these obstacles. The recommended control approach has been validated in power systems including wind, reheat thermal, solar, and hydro generating, as well as capacitive energy storage and electric vehicle. The improved controller’s performance is evaluated by comparing it to regular FOPID, PID, and PIDD2 controllers. Furthermore, the gains of the newly structured FOPIDD2 controller are optimized using a newly intended algorithm terms as squid game optimizer (SGO). The controller’s performance is compared to benchmarks such as the grey wolf optimizer (GWO) and jellyfish search optimization. By comparing performance characteristics such as maximum frequency undershoot/overshoot, and steadying time, the SGO-FOPIDD2 controller outperforms the other techniques. The suggested SGO optimized FOPIDD2 controller was analyzed and validated for its ability to withstand the influence of power system parameter uncertainties under various loading scenarios and situations. Without any complicated design, the results show that the new controller can work steadily and regulate frequency with an appropriate controller coefficient.

Background: Resuscitation can sometimes be futile and making a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) decision is in the best interest of the patient. The electronic poor outcome screening (ePOS) score was developed to predict 6-month poor outcomes of critically ill patients. We explored the diagnostic accuracy of the ePOS score in predicting DNR decisions in the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: This study was conducted at the ICU of a tertiary referral hospital in Saudi Arabia between March and May 2023. Prospectively, we calculated ePOS scores for all eligible consecutive admissions after 48 h in the ICU and recorded the DNR orders. The ability of the score to predict DNR was explored using logistic regression. Youden's ideal cut-off value was calculated using the DeLong method, and different diagnostic accuracy measures were generated with corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). Results: We enrolled 857 patients, 125 received a DNR order and 732 did not. The average ePOS score of DNR and non-DNR patients was 28.2±10.7 and 15.2±9.7, respectively. ePOS score, as a predictor of DNR order, had an area under receiver operator characteristic (AUROC) curve of 81.8 % (95% CI: 79.0 to 84.3, P 17 was associated with a sensitivity of 87.2 (95% CI: 80.0 to 92.5, P 17 may help guide clinical decisions to withhold or commence resuscitative measures.

The objective of this study was to investigate Babesia caballi in horses at three main gatherings of racehorses located in the Baghdad Governorate through clinical examinations, microscopy, and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. The 18S rRNA gene of B. caballi was PCR amplified, sequenced, and phylogenetically examined between January and December of 2021. One hundred sixty blood samples were taken from horses of different ages, breeds, and sexes. Prevalence and risk variables for babesiosis were analyzed using chi-square tests and odds ratios. 3 ml of blood was taken from the jugular vein in test tubes containing anticoagulant to detect Babesia caballi in blood smears and molecular technology. The outcomes showed that the clinical manifestations of babesiosis comprised pale to icterus, mucus membranes, emaciation, anorexia, and leg swelling—a slight increase in body temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate. Microscopic observation revealed the presence of Babesia caballi in 49 out of 160 (30.625%) horse blood smears. These smears exhibited various morphological stages of B. caballi within the red blood cells. The confirmation process of 160 blood samples by PCR to detect 18Sr RNA demonstrated that 91 samples (56.87%) yielded positive findings for the desired product size of 540 base pairs (bp). There was no significant variation in the percentage of infection with B. caballi between stallions and mares. Additionally, it is worth noting that no age group exhibited a significant prevalence of infection. However, it is essential to highlight that Arabian horse breeds showed a greater susceptibility to infection at a rate of 63.34%; however, this difference was not statistically significant when compared to Thoroughbred and crossbred horses. This study identified a new genotype of Babesia caballi based on phylogenetic analysis of our samples and comparison with data from the International Gene Bank. This genotype, called Clade C, is characterized by a high infection rate and low illness severity.

Abstract Introduction Severe congenital ptosis poses a complex challenge for oculoplastic surgeons, requiring meticulous surgical intervention to restore eyelid function and improve aesthetic outcomes mainly by using frontalis sling approach. A crucial issue in frontalis sling surgeries is the sustainability of effect. Purpose This retrospective study reports the outcomes of two surgical techniques for treating severe congenital ptosis in the paediatric age group: Silicon rods ptosis sling and a novel technique involving the use of Silicon rods with green braided polyester (Ethibond) sutures to secure the rods in place “sling for the sling”. Methods The medical records of children who underwent frontalis suspension were reviewed in a retrospective fashion. We identified two groups; the first group (20 patients: 35 eyelids) had the traditional frontalis suspension surgery using silicone suspension set, the second group (14 patients: 25 eyelids) was operated using the new “sling for sling” technique. We used the postoperative marginal reflex distance-1 (MRD-1) as the primary outcome measure while the frequency of both wound related complications and recurrence were considered as secondary outcome measures. Post operative data were collected and compared after 1 month, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months. Results Preliminary results indicate promising outcomes for both techniques, with significant improvement in eyelid elevation observed in both groups. However, the novel technique using Silicon rods with Ethibond sutures demonstrated enhanced sustainability, leading to a more durable outcome with significantly less recurrence. Conclusion This study highlights the potential benefits of the novel technique in treating severe congenital ptosis and introduces an innovative approach to Silicone rods fixation to achieve a long-term corrective effect.

Abstract Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition that primarily manifests as demyelination of neuronal axons in the central nervous system, due to the loss or attack of oligodendroglia cells that form myelin. Stem cell therapy has shown promising results for the treatment of MS due to its capability to halt the immune attack, stop apoptosis and axonal degeneration, and differentiate into oligodendrocytes. Stem cell-derived Exosomes (Exosomes) have shown great capabilities for neuronal diseases as they have growth factors, complex sets of miRNA, enzymes, proteins, major peptides, lipids, and macromolecules with anti-inflammatory, angiogenesis, and neurogenesis activities. Methods This study aimed to compare the healing properties of stem cells, against Exosomes for the treatment of an experimentally induced MS dog model. Dog models of MS received either a single treatment of stem cells or a single treatment of Exosomes intrathecally and the treatment process was evaluated clinically, radiologically, histopathologically, and electron microscopy and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Results showed marked amelioration of the clinical signs in both treated groups compared to the control one, magnetic resonance scans showed the resolution of the hyperintense lesions at the end of the study period, the histopathology and electron microscopy showed marked healing properties and remyelination in treated groups with superiority of the stem cells compared to Exosomes. Conclusions Although stem cell results were superior to Exosomes therapy; Exosomes have proven to be effective and safe important actors in myelin regeneration, and their use in diseases like MS helps to stimulate remyelination.

The accurate determination of sugar content in tangerines plays a pivotal role in assessing their quality, nutritional value, and marketability. Traditional methods for sugar quantification often involve time-consuming and resource-intensive processes. In this paper, we introduce a novel approach for sugar determination in tangerines utilizing fluorescence spectroscopy in conjunction with an improved Partial Least Squares (iPLS) algorithm. A robust testing model was developed, incorporating a diverse dataset of tangerine samples with known sugar concentrations. Fluorescence spectra were acquired for 80 samples, of which 37 were used to build the iPLS model and were considered as the training dataset. The remaining 43 samples served as the validation dataset and were used to show the model’s efficacy. The training dataset was evaluated using cross-validation, and F -values were computed to determine how many main components should be utilized to build the model. The result approved validation dataset’s R -square and root-mean-square error were 0.9777 and 0.002992, respectively. These findings open the door to broader applications in the citrus industry and beyond, with the potential for automating the analysis process and improving overall quality control.

Novel bidentate chelator, 2-(((1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)imino)methyl)-4-(o-tolyldiazenyl)phenol was employed for designing and preparation of transition metallic complexes. The synthetics were characterized based on various analytical, spectral, and theoretical tools. Based on the various analysis data, the azo-Schiff base chelator (H2L) linked with metallic cations as a neutral/uni-negative bidentate chelator via the protonated/deprotonated hydroxyl oxygen and azomethine nitrogen atoms adopted a distorted octahedral, tetrahedral, or square planar geometry. The mass spectroscopy confirmed that the molecular weights of azo-Schiff base and some of its complexes closely match with that of the estimated m/z values. Additionally, the structure of the azo-Schiff base ligand and some metallic complexes were studied by Density functional theory (DFT) calculations to assess the molecular orbitals (LUMO&HOMO) as well as the molecules electrostatic potential (MEP) to complete the picture. The synthetics were evaluated for their in vitro activity against Escherichia coli, Aspergillus niger, and Bacillus subtilis. According to this research, unbound ligand molecules are inactive while their metallic complexes have low to moderate activity.

This research aims to explore the capabilities of Artificial Intelligence model applications in sustainable urban planning design, aiming to create an AI-powered model that detects urban sprawl, urban decay, infrastructure deficiencies, and environmental degradation, and generates sustainable solutions. The methodology includes model development, data preprocessing, architecture design, training, and comprehensive questionnaire design and statistical analysis. Insights into the model's performance and perception were gathered from 200 participants, including researchers, developers, architects, and urbanists Results reveal significant variations in perceived model performance across demographic groups. Statistical tests and correlations study showed that participants from urban areas rated the model's effectiveness in detecting urban sprawl significantly higher than those from rural areas, and urban planners found the model's infrastructure deficiency detection less accurate compared to architects. These findings provide valuable guidance for enhancing urban planning strategies and underscore AI's potential in transforming urban planning with more effective and inclusive solutions.

This study assessed the concentrations of several trace and heavy metals in bottled drinking water. A total of 27 samples were collected from Yemeni markets. The ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry) technique was utilized to analyze the levels of Li, Al, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Se, Rb, Ag, Cd, Cs, Ba, Hg, Tl, Pb, and U. Furthermore, the study also examined the levels of total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), and pH in the collected samples. The concentrations of the elements in the bottled drinking water samples were compared to the maximum allowable concentration (MAC) values for these elements in drinking water, set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Yemen’s Ministry of Water and Environment (YMWE). The limit of detection (LOD) and recovery ranged from 0.0003 to 1.86 μg/l, 80 to 120 %, respectively. Only trace elements Mn and Pb were detected in all samples at concentrations below the LOD. Out of the elements examined, only Hg exceeded the acceptable limits defined by both the WHO and YMWE in most of the samples.

Abstract Background Increased surgical efficacy has led to a remarkable increase in the usage of minimally invasive surgical procedures since their inception. The use of simulation in surgical teaching has grown significantly during the past 10 years. Several laparoscopic simulators have been built. Virtual reality (VR) simulators and box trainers (BTs), often known as pelvic trainers, are the two primary training modalities used in hospitals and clinical training institutes for the development and acquisition of laparoscopic skills. Our study aimed to evaluate the proper sequence of pelvic trainers and VR simulator training to improve laparoscopic gynecological skills. Methodology We carried out this pilot study at the Virtual Endoscopic Simulation and Skills Acquisition Laboratory at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department in the Kasr Al Ainy Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt, from February to August 2022. All residents with minimal or without laparoscopic experience (twenty residents) were divided into two groups and classified as (group A versus group B). Group A’s training began with a pelvic trainer, which was tested using a checklist. Later, the group trained on a virtual reality simulator, which tested them using an electronic autoassessment. After training on a virtual reality simulator and passing an electronic autoassessment test, group B moved on to pelvic trainers and had a checklist-based assessment. Results We compared pelvic trainer tasks between the training groups, and detected no significant differences in camera navigation, cutting pattern, peg transfer, or running stitches (P values 0.646, 0.341, 0.179, and 0.939 respectively); when we compared VR simulator tasks between the training groups, there were no significant differences in camera navigation, cutting pattern, peg transfer, or running stitches (P values 0.79, 0.3, 0.33, and 0.06, respectively). Conclusion There was no difference in training, between residents who started on a pelvic trainer or the VR simulator; therefore, both could be used in laparoscopic training with no preferred order. Trial registration The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov with the name “Pelvic trainer vs VRS” and the identifier “NCT05255614.” The registration date was January 19, 2022, and the trial was prospectively registered. URL: https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/ViewOrUnrelease?uid=U0004GED&ts=22&sid=S000BR5D&cx=t6mc14

Abstract Parthenium hysterophorus, a globally widespread weed, poses a significant threat to agricultural ecosystems due to its invasive nature. We investigated the chloroplast genome of P. hysterophorus in this study. Our analysis revealed that the chloroplast genome of P. hysterophorus spans a length of 151,881 base pairs (bp). It exhibits typical quadripartite structure commonly found in chloroplast genomes, including inverted repeat regions (IR) of 25,085 bp, a small single copy (SSC) region of 18,052 bp, and a large single copy (LSC) region of 83,588 bp. A total of 129 unique genes were identified in P. hysterophorus chloroplast genomes, including 85 protein-coding genes, 36 tRNAs, and eight rRNAs genes. Comparative analysis of the P. hysterophorus plastome with those of related species from the tribe Heliantheae revealed both conserved structures and intriguing variations. While many structural elements were shared among the species, we identified a rearrangement in the large single-copy region of P. hysterophorus. Moreover, our study highlighted notable gene divergence in several specific genes, namely matK, ndhF, clpP, rps16, ndhA, rps3, and ndhD. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 72 shared genes placed P. hysterophorus in a distinct clade alongside another species, P. argentatum. Additionally, the estimated divergence time between the Parthenium genus and Helianthus (sunflowers) was approximately 15.1 million years ago (Mya). These findings provide valuable insights into the evolutionary history and genetic relationships of P. hysterophorus, shedding light on its divergence and adaptation over time.

Collaborative perception exploits exchanging perception data across multiple agents to enhance situational awareness. To overcome the constraints created by limited network resources, it is necessary to have a reliable collaborative perception that can sustain the trade-off between performance and bandwidth. This research proposes a method to address this issue through the development of a graph attention network (GAT) for intermediate collaborative perception. The proposed approach aims to enhance object detection accuracy by exchanging information among multiple agents, addressing issues such as sensor limitations, and occluded objects, and expanding the sensing range. Additionally, the proposed approach addresses the challenges caused by limited communication bandwidth and inconsistencies in the data shared by different agents by maintaining a balance between performance and bandwidth, fitting real-life application requirements. Our approach aggregates the intermediate features obtained from multiple neighboring agents and introduces a novel attention mechanism to selectively emphasize significant regions within the intermediate feature maps. This attention mechanism operates on both the channel and spatial levels to direct the data aggregation process. This research presents a new method for aggregating features utilizing various attention architectures. We perform quantitative and qualitative assessments of the final results of this method and compare them to other state-of-the-art collaborative perception techniques. The results of this work are evaluated using the V2XSim and OPV2V datasets, and our quantitative and qualitative experiments in multi-agent object detection show that our approach achieves a better performance than the state-of-the-art collaborative perception methods.

Abstract Background There is a need for expanded options for therapeutic interventions for patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD). The study aimed to examine evidence for the feasibility, safety, and acceptability of a virtual Mantram Repetition Program for adults with PTSD and SUD. Methods This project utilized mixed-method design (explanatory sequential design) to collect quantitative and qualitative data to evaluate the program in terms of its feasibility and acceptability. The program took place over Webex, an encrypted virtual platform. The group ran over 8 weeks, was 90 min in length, and facilitated by two individuals per cohort. Each group had 4–5 participants given each group cycle. The study used the Mantram Repetition Program which is a brief mindfulness based non-tramua focused group intervention. Results Out of 43 participants enrolled, 5 people (11.6%) did not commence the program and 8 (18.6%) participants dropped out after commencing the program, resulting in 35 completers (81.4% retention rate). Treatment completion and retention were above 70%. Qualitative data explained several aspects of the program’s acceptability including delivery methods, informative material provided and gaining a practical mindful tool to manage symptoms. Conclusions This study showed quantitative and qualitative evidence of the Mantram Repetition Program’s feasibility, acceptability and safety to be used with individuals with PTSD-SUD. Although further evaluation of virtual Mantram Program to control group in longitudinal trials is needed to identify how it compares with other interventions in the field. Clinical trial registration number NCT05058963, (28/09/2021).

Abstract Background Stress and dissatisfaction are common issues among patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). The process of IVF can be emotionally and psychologically challenging, leading to stress, anxiety, and depression in patients. This can be exacerbated by factors such as the length of infertility, the uncertainty of the outcome, and the financial burden of treatment. Additionally, the physical demands of the treatment, the side effects of medication, and the fear of failure can contribute to dissatisfaction and emotional strain in IVF patients. This pre-post intervention study design aimed to evaluate the effect of a health education program on knowledge, stress, and satisfaction among 100 infertile women undergoing IVF attending the Woman’s Health Hospital’s infertility outpatient clinic and IVF unit at Assiut University. Knowledge and stress were measured by women’s knowledge about IVF and the perceived stress scale, respectively. The satisfaction was measured using the Scale of Patient Satisfaction about IVF. Results There is a marked improvement in the knowledge of infertile women, with a significant reduction in their stress levels after the health education program. Furthermore, the satisfaction scores of the women who participated in the program improved significantly. Conclusion The health education program demonstrated a positive impact on knowledge, stress levels, and satisfaction among infertile women undergoing IVF. These findings highlight the positive impact of the program on the participants and emphasize the importance of continuous educational programs regarding IVF to improve knowledge, decrease stress levels, and increase their overall satisfaction with the treatment.

Abstract Background To evaluate the impact of tumor size on the perioperative and long-term outcomes of liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods We reviewed the patients’ data who underwent liver resection for HCC between November 2009 and 2019. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the tumor size. Group I: HCC

Chinese traditional medicine (CTM) has a long-standing history and plays a crucial role in complementary and alternative medicine. However, ensuring the quality and safety of CTM products has been a persistent concern due to the lack of effective quality control methods. This study addresses this concern by leveraging chemometric models, specifically partial least squares (PLS), support vector machine (SVM), and random forest, in conjunction with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) data. These models are applied to establish a comprehensive quality control framework for ginkgolide production. This framework includes predicting terpenolactones content at three key production stage of ginkgolide product development. The collect extensive NIRS data throughout the ginkgolide production process and develop chemometric models using PLS, SVM, and random forest algorithms. These models are rigorously validated through cross-validation and independent testing to assess their accuracy and precision in predicting chemical content and classifying product stages. The result reveal that the SVM model, when applied to NIRS data, demonstrates outstanding performance in terms of accuracy and precision. It excels in predicting chemical content and effectively classifying the various stages of ginkgolide production.

Abstract In the sugar industry, eliminating side impurities throughout the manufacturing process is the most significant obstacle to clarifying sugar solutions. Herein, magnetic chitosan (MCS) nanocomposite was Fabricated to be used as a biodegradable, environmentally friendly clarifying agent throughout the cane juice and sugar refining processes. Fe3O4 was synthesized using the coprecipitation procedure, and then MCS was combined using a cross-linking agent. Furthermore, 14.76 emu g−1 was the maximum saturation magnetization (Ms) value. Because MCS is magnetically saturated, it may be possible to employ an external magnetic field to separate the contaminant deposited on its surface. Additionally, zeta potential analysis showed outstanding findings for MCS with a maximum value of (+) 20.7 mV, with improvement in color removal % up to 44.8% using MCS with more than 24% in color removal % compared to the traditional clarification process. Moreover, utilizing MCS reduced turbidity from 167 to 1 IU. Overall, we determined that MCS nanocomposite exhibits considerable effectiveness in the clarifying process for different sugar solutions, performing as an eco-friendly bio-sorbent and flocculating material.

Abstract Aim to assess the outcomes of a novel algorithm for the calculation of the amount levator muscle plication in congenital blepharoptosis surgery. Methods this retrospective comparative study included 34 patients with congenital ptosis subjected to levator muscle plication surgery during the period from October 2021 to November 2022. They were divided into two groups. Group A: the amount of levator muscle plication was calculated by a traditional formula [(amount of ptosis x 3) + 9 mm in cases with good levator function or (amount of ptosis x 3) + 11 mm in cases with fair levator function]. Group B: the amount of levator muscle plication was calculated by a novel nomogram [the result of the traditional formula was modified by subtracting 4 mm if the calculated amount was ≥ 15 mm or subtracting 3 mm if the calculated amount was

Umer Ejaz,1 Muhammad Afzal,1 Modasrah Mazhar,1 Muhammad Riaz,1 Naveed Ahmed,2 Waleed Y Rizg,3,4 Amerh Aiad Alahmadi,4 Moutaz Y Badr,5 Rayan Y Mushtaq,6 Chan Yean Yean2 1Department of Basic and Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan; 2Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, 16150, Malaysia; 3Center of Innovation in Personalized Medicine (CIPM), 3D Bioprinting Unit, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia; 4Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia; 5Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, 24381, Saudi Arabia; 6Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, 31441, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Chan Yean Yean, Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, 16150, Malaysia, Email yeancyn@yahoo.com Muhammad Afzal, Department of Basic and Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan, Email dr.afzal@ucp.edu.pkIntroduction: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been found to exhibit unique properties which show their potential to be used in various therapies. Green synthesis of AgNPs has been progressively gaining acceptance due to its cost-effectiveness and energy-efficient nature.Objective: In the current study, aqueous extract of Thymus vulgaris (T. vulgaris) was used to synthesize the AgNPs using green synthesis techniques followed by checking the effectiveness and various biological activities of these AgNPs.Methods: At first, the plant samples were proceeded for extraction of aqueous extracts followed by chromatography studies to measure the phenolics and flavonoids. The synthesis and characterization of AgNPs were done using green synthesis techniques and were confirmed using Fourier transform infra-red (FT-IR) spectroscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), zeta potential, zeta sizer and X-Ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. After confirmation of synthesized AgNPs, various biological activities were checked.Results: The chromatography analysis detected nine compounds accounting for 100% of the total amount of plant constituents. The FT-IR, UV–vis spectra, SEM, zeta potential, zeta sizer and XRD analysis confirmed the synthesis of AgNPs and the variety of chemical components present on the surface of synthesized AgNPs in the plant extract. The antioxidant activity of AgNPs showed 92% inhibition at the concentration of at 1000 μg/mL. A greater inhibitory effect in anti-diabetic analysis was observed with synthesized AgNPs as compared to the standard AgNPs. The hemolytic activity was low, but despite low concentrations of hemolysis activity, AgNPs proved not to be toxic or biocompatible. The anti-inflammatory activity of AgNPs was observed by in-vitro and in-vivo approaches in range at various concentrations, while maximum inhibition occurs at 1000 μg (77.31%).Conclusion: Our data showed that the potential biological activities of the bioactive constituents of T. vulgaris can be enhanced through green synthesis of AgNPs from T. vulgaris aqueous extracts. In addition, the current study depicted that AgNPs have good potential to cure different ailments as biogenic nano-medicine.Keywords: nanotechnology, medicinal plants, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic

In the present study, the role of silver nanoparticles (AgNP)-loaded S. costus was investigated in an atherosclerosis Albino rat model by testing AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) genetic pathways and related biomarkers, including apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), serum amyloid A (SAA), oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), visfatin, and lactate dehydrogenase enzyme (LDH). This pathway has been identified as a key regulator of cellular metabolism and energy homeostasis. Also, it is linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease that affects arterial walls and is a major cause of cardiovascular disease. Nanoparticles in medicine have gained attention due to their unique properties and potential applications. One such nanoparticle that has shown promising results in treating atherosclerosis is silver nanoparticles. The costus extract was prepared and characterized to do so, followed by the synthesis of costus-loaded nanoparticles. The synthesized product was characterized by various methods, including UV-visible spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared, X-Ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, Atomic Force Microscopy, and Energy dispersive spectroscopy. Rats were treated with costus-loaded nanoparticles. The results of AMPK gene pathways and related biomarkers (ApoA1, SAA, oxLDL, visfatin, and LDH) were measured and compared between positive and negative control groups. The results have confirmed that costus-loaded nanoparticles have greatly influenced and reduced AMPK gene pathways and related biomarkers (ApoA1, SAA, ox-LDL, visfatin, and LDH) compared to the positive control group of atherosclerosis rat models. The study concluded that costus-loaded nanoparticles are important in atherosclerosis and improve rat status by reducing the genetic and proteomic pathways linked to atherosclerosis.

A thorough study of the literature indicated that there is not much relevant research on the application of GFRP gratings. Otherwise, extensive study has been done on FRP bars, laminates, sheets, strips, and rods. This study proposes a novel approach to improve the punching shear resistance of flat slab column connections by inserting GFRP gratings across the slab thickness. The results of seven specimens tested under vertical static loading are presented, considering the influence of the grating�s characteristics. All specimens were tested as simply supported slabs under one point of static loading. Experimental results, including crack patterns, slab deflection, concrete compressive strain, tensile steel strain, GFRP grating strain, and failure load, were recorded using extensive electric instrumentation. Test results revealed an enhancement in the failure load ranging between 9.03% and 27.67% for the specimens provided with the GFRP grating. In addition, a nonlinear finite element numerical model analysis was carried out using the ANSYS 15 program. Correlational studies based on the load-deflection response and crack patterns were utilized, resulting in a good agreement between numerical simulations and experimental results with differences ranging from 1.0% to 8.0%.

There are a few kinds of research about box section Reinforced Concrete (RC) beams under the effect of combined shear and torsional stresses. In the present research, the concept of adding external strengthening, in the transverse direction, is adopted. The paper focuses on using Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer GFRP ropes as near-surface mount stirrups. Nine box-section concrete specimens were decanted and tested. Three variables are adopted, (1) GFRP stirrups diameter, (2) GFRP stirrups inclination, and (3) GFRP stirrups spacing. The experimental results showed considerable enhancement in the shear capacity of the strengthened beams by 8 to 56% depending on the effectiveness of the studied parameters. Ductility and toughness were improved when more intensive strengthening schemes were adopted. The shear capacity of all tested beams based on Egyptian code ECP 208�2019 is calculated and compared with that from American code ACI 440�2019 and Canadian code CSA-A23.3-04. The shear capacity from both Egyptian and American codes compared with experimental loads. The analytical results are conservative in some cases and unconservative in others while the analytical results in general are conservative. The Canadian code CSA-A23.3-04 is unconservative compared to the experimental results for the range of the studied parameters and specimens.

Fresh pomegranate peel extract was employed to synthesize silver oxide nanoparticles (Ag2O NPs). Rapid formation of stable Ag2O NPs was observed on exposure to the aqueous fresh pomegranate peel extract with solution of AgNO3. The Ag2O NPs were characterized by X-ray analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed that the forming Ag2O NP has a crystalline size of 37 nm, while SEM micrographs revealed a comparatively spherical shape, with the size of ~ 64 nm. The Ag2O spectrum displayed a peak in the visible range and a blue shift at 461 nm corresponding to the Plasmon absorbance of silver nanoparticles. Four bacterial strains and one type of fungus were tested using Ag2O NPs. The results showed the negative influence of Ag2O NPs on the growth rate, thus implying the significance of the present study in production of biomedical products.

A new upgrade to the SIM–OFDM is suggested to solve a critical problem that crashes the system even over noiseless channel. This problem is the interference of the zeros at the IFFT output with the BOOK's zeros that confuses the receiver during demodulation which leads to BER accumulation. The suggested solution is to use a threshold to differentiate the data carried by the BOOK from the IFFT's symbols. The new system is called Threshold SIM–OFDM (TSIM–OFDM). The mathematical analysis of TSIM–OFDM proves it operates normally and meets the theoretical bounds. The TSIM–OFDM preserves the probability of 1 equal to 1/2. This preservation comes from the direct connection of the ON/OFF switching bits to the subcarrier which overrides the majority condition. This new switching technique simplifies the system operation resulting in higher transmission speed and increased spectral and power efficiency. A simple approach to derive the BER for the SIM–OFDM is presented which proves that the SIM–OFDM will never reach zero BER level unlike the TSIM–OFDM. The simulation results show that the TSIM–OFDM BER reaches zero level and the output power is almost half of the OFDM. Adding the threshold will increase the transmitted power slightly and tends to decrease with the increase of IFFT length.

The primary goal of a power distribution system is to provide nominal voltages and power with minimal losses to meet consumer demands under various load conditions. In the distribution system, power loss and voltage uncertainty are the common challenges. However, these issues can be resolved by integrating distributed generation (DG) units into the distribution network, which improves the overall power quality of the network. If a DG unit with an appropriate size is not inserted at the appropriate location, it might have an adverse impact on the power system’s operation. Due to the arbitrary incorporation of DG units, some issues occur such as more fluctuations in voltage, power losses, and instability, which have been observed in power distribution networks (DNs). To address these problems, it is essential to optimize the placement and sizing of DG units to balance voltage variations, reduce power losses, and improve stability. An efficient and reliable strategy is always required for this purpose. Ensuring more stable, safer, and dependable power system operation requires careful examination of the optimal size and location of DG units when integrated into the network. As a result, DG should be integrated with power networks in the most efficient way possible to enhance power dependability, quality, and performance by reducing power losses and improving the voltage profile. In order to improve the performance of the distribution system by using optimal DG integration, there are several optimization techniques to take into consideration. Computational-intelligence-based optimization is one of the best options for finding the optimal solution. In this research work, a computational intelligence approach is proposed to find the appropriate sizes and optimal placements of newly introduced different types of DGs into a network with an optimized multi-objective framework. This framework prioritizes stability, minimizes power losses, and improves voltage profiles. This proposed method is simple, robust, and efficient, and converges faster than conventional techniques, making it a powerful tool of inspiration for efficient optimization. In order to check the validity of the proposed technique standard IEEE 14-bus and 30-bus benchmark test systems are considered, and the performance and feasibility of the proposed framework are analyzed and tested on them. Detailed simulations have been performed in “MATLAB”, and the results show that the proposed method enhances the performance of the power system more efficiently as compared to conventional methods.

In the context of modern power systems, the reliance on a single-time-of-use electricity pricing model presents challenges in managing electric vehicle (EV) charging in a way that can effectively accommodate the variable supply and demand patterns, particularly in the presence of wind power generation. This often results in undesirable peak–valley differences in microgrid load profiles. To address this challenge, this paper introduces an innovative approach that combines time-of-use electricity pricing with the flexible energy storage capabilities of electric vehicles. By dynamically adjusting the time-of-use electricity prices and implementing a tiered carbon pricing system, this paper presents a comprehensive strategy for formulating optimized charging and discharging plans that leverage the inherent flexibility of electric vehicles. This approach aims to mitigate the fluctuations in the microgrid load and enhance the overall grid stability. The proposed strategy was simulated and compared with the no-incentive and single-incentive strategies. The results indicate that the load peak-to-trough difference was reduced by 30.1% and 18.6%, respectively, verifying its effectiveness and superiority. Additionally, the increase in user income and the reduction in carbon emissions verify the need for the development of EVs in tandem with clean energy for environmental benefits.

This study sheds the light on the potential of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root aqueous extract as a cornerstone for mitigating and detoxifying the residues of the widely used agricultural Glyphosate-based pesticides (GBPs). This study examined the GBPs toxic effects on kidney, liver, thyroid functions, and apoptosis using 50 adult male albino rats. All rats were divided into 5 groups, with 10 each. Control: served as untreated rats. GBP: rats were treated with 1 mL glyphosate solution 24 % orally for three weeks. The glyphosate-treated rats were gavaged with licorice root aqueous extractsolution (100, 200, and 300 mg/mLdistilled water, respectively) daily for three weeks. Licorice root aqueous extract solution (300 mg/mL distilled water) yielded notable reductions in liver, kidney enzymes, albumin, and AFP levels within the serum. Immunological tests, including immunohistochemical evaluations of caspase-3 and TNF-α expressions revealed a dose-dependent attenuation of apoptosis and inflammation with licorice intervention. This will provide a valuable perspective for agricultural practices future and paving the way for a more sustainable approach for using GBPs in animal agriculture industries.

Objective: To investigate the correlation between antisperm antibodies (ASAs), pregnancy rates, and the method of conception following vasectomy reversal. This is particularly relevant as patients undergoing vasectomy reversal often express concerns about the potential inhibitory effects of ASAs on achieving pregnancy. Additionally, the American Urological Association guidelines for vasectomy emphasize the need for further research to address this question. Patient and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis involving chart reviews and phone interviews with individuals who underwent vasectomy reversal at our institution between May 2015 and April 2023. Patients who underwent vasectomy reversal for reasons other than fertility, as well as those lacking postoperative semen analysis with ASA data, were excluded. We classified patients based on low (below 50%) or high (50% or above) ASA levels determined by their initial postoperative semen analysis. The primary outcome measured was the pregnancy rate, including details on the method of conception. Results: A total of 145 patients were subjected to chart review. The median age at the time of surgery was 43 years, with a median obstruction interval of 7.7 years. The median age of their partners was 29 years. The majority (80%) of patients underwent bilateral vasovasostomy. Among them, 60 patients (41.4%) exhibited low (< 50%) ASA levels, while 85 (58.6%) had high (≥ 50%) ASA levels. Follow-up phone interviews were completed by 48 patients. Among them, the 19 men with low ASA levels, 13 (68.4%) achieved pregnancy, with 6 (31.6%) experiencing spontaneous conception. For the 29 men with high ASA levels, 21 (72.4%) achieved pregnancy, including 11 (38%) through spontaneous conception. The p-value from Fisher’s exact test was 0.2. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that ASA levels do not show a significant association with either the pregnancy rate or the method of conception following vasectomy reversal.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the current evidence regarding the impact of oral antioxidant supplementation on semen parameters of infertile men. Materials and Methods: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, and Cochrane electronic databases, adhering to modified Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The focus was on studies exploring the effects of antioxidant therapy on infertile men, with an examination of antioxidants in terms of types, doses, rationale for use, and their impact on semen parameters measures. Results: A total of 18 studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in this study. Out of these, 14 studies reported a significantly positive influence of antioxidant therapy on basic semen parameters and advanced sperm function. These comprised 11 randomized clinical trials and 7 prospective studies. Commonly utilized antioxidants included Vitamin E, Vitamin C, carnitines, co-enzyme Q10, N-acetyl cysteine, zinc, selenium, folic acid, and lycopene. Conclusions: Overall, antioxidants generally demonstrate a favorable effect on semen parameters of infertile men. However, further research is necessary to pinpoint the optimal antioxidant regimen that can be applied safely and effectively in clinical practice.

Ensuring fast and efficient hemostasis is crucial for achieving optimal outcomes in laparoscopic ovariectomy surgery. This study compared the clinical outcomes of standing laparoscopic ovariectomy for medium-sized granulosa cell tumors (≤15 cm in size) using a 2-port LigaSure versus a 3-port bipolar electrode, focusing on operating time, mean blood loss, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and the duration of the prospective hospital stay. Twelve mares were divided into two groups: six underwent standing laparoscopic ovariectomy with LigaSure through a 2-port approach, while the remaining six underwent the standard 3-port procedure with the bipolar electrode. Our findings demonstrated that 2-port laparoscopic ovariectomy using LigaSure was not only technically feasible and safe but also offered several advantages, including shorter operating times, simplified procedures, decreased postoperative analgesic requirements, and improved cosmetic appearance of surgical wounds. Moreover, this technique proved to be a reliable method for achieving hemostasis of the mesovarium while also being technically straightforward, time-saving, and cost-effective. Overall, our study suggests that 2-port laparoscopic ovariectomy with LigaSure is a promising alternative to the standard 3-port approach. This approach not only benefits patients by potentially reducing postoperative discomfort and enhancing recovery but also provides advantages for surgeons in terms of efficiency and resource utilization.