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Abstract Diabetes is thought to be the most common illness in underdeveloped nations. Early detection and competent medical care are crucial steps in reducing the effects of diabetes. Examining the signs associated with diabetes is one of the most effective ways to identify the condition. The problem of missing data is not very well investigated in existing works. In addition, existing studies on diabetes detection lack accuracy and robustness. The available datasets frequently contain missing information for the automated detection of diabetes, which might negatively impact machine learning model performance. This work suggests an automated diabetes prediction method that achieves high accuracy and effectively manages missing variables in order to address this problem. The proposed strategy employs a stacked ensemble voting classifier model with three machine learning models. and a KNN Imputer to handle missing values. Using the KNN imputer, the suggested model performs exceptionally well, with accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, and MCC of 98.59%, 99.26%, 99.75%, 99.45%, and 99.24%, respectively. In two scenarios one with missing values eliminated and the other with KNN imputer, the study thoroughly compared the suggested model with seven other machine learning techniques. The outcomes demonstrate the superiority of the suggested model over current state-of-the-art methods and confirm its efficacy. This work demonstrates the capability of KNN imputer and looks at the problem of missing values for diabetes detection. Medical professionals can utilize the results to improve care for diabetes patients and discover problems early.

Abstract Blood cancer has emerged as a growing concern over the past decade, necessitating early diagnosis for timely and effective treatment. The present diagnostic method, which involves a battery of tests and medical experts, is costly and time-consuming. For this reason, it is crucial to establish an automated diagnostic system for accurate predictions. A particular field of focus in medical research is the use of machine learning and leukemia microarray gene data for blood cancer diagnosis. Even with a great deal of research, more improvements are needed to reach the appropriate levels of accuracy and efficacy. This work presents a supervised machine-learning algorithm for blood cancer prediction. This work makes use of the 22,283-gene leukemia microarray gene data. Chi-squared (Chi2) feature selection methods and the synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE)-Tomek resampling is used to overcome issues with imbalanced and high-dimensional datasets. To balance the dataset for each target class, SMOTE-Tomek creates synthetic data, and Chi2 chooses the most important features to train the learning models from 22,283 genes. A novel weighted convolutional neural network (CNN) model is proposed for classification, utilizing the support of three separate CNN models. To determine the importance of the proposed approach, extensive experiments are carried out on the datasets, including a performance comparison with the most advanced techniques. Weighted CNN demonstrates superior performance over other models when coupled with SMOTE-Tomek and Chi2 techniques, achieving a remarkable 99.9% accuracy. Results from k-fold cross-validation further affirm the supremacy of the proposed model.

Syndrome of Congenital Sideroblastic Anemia, B-cell Immunodeficiency, Periodic Fevers, and Developmental Delay (SIFD) is caused by mutations in the tRNA nucleotidyltransferase 1 (TRNT1) gene. We present the case of a 13-month-old boy with developmental delay, microcytic anemia, and recurrent febrile illnesses. Immunological workup revealed B cell lymphopenia. Whole exome sequencing identified two novel heterozygous mutations in the TRNT1 gene (Thr49Fs and Ile122Thr). Our patient had a milder phenotype than previously reported cases of sideroblastic anemia. However, he developed left ventricular dilated cardiomyopathy at the age of 2 years. At the age of 5 years, COVID-19 infection resulted in mitochondrial encephalomyopathy and respiratory failure. Subsequent immunology evaluation revealed low IgG levels, prompting the initiation of immunoglobulin replacement therapy. This case highlights the importance of genetic testing in multisystem disorders and the variable clinical course in SIFD patients. Additionally, it emphasizes the unique susceptibility to COVID-19 due to immunodeficiency and mitochondrial defects.

In computer vision and image processing, vehicle detection and tracking in complicated aerial images have become important subjects. The need for automated systems that can precisely detect and track vehicles in aerial image data is growing due to the abundance of data coming from numerous sources, including drones and satellites. This study introduces a new method for lane extraction that relies on centroid tracking and template matching, followed by co-registration and geo-referencing. Our approach offers robust vehicle detection and tracking over a range of sizes and positions in complicated backgrounds, while also efficiently segmenting the region of interest. Our suggested method, which makes use of machine learning and feature extraction techniques, shows excellent precision and effectiveness when it comes to detecting and tracking vehicles in complex aerial images. This finding has important implications for traffic management and urban planning, going beyond computer vision and image processing. Our technology has the potential to transform traffic management procedures by making it simpler to detect traffic bottlenecks and monitor traffic flow. Furthermore, our method can help identify damaged vehicles in disaster response scenarios, which will help prioritize rescue and recovery activities. All things considered, our suggested approach is a significant addition to the domains of computer vision and image processing, with a broad range of uses in traffic control, urban planning, and disaster management.

Traffic accidents continue to be a significant cause of fatalities, injuries, and considerable disruptions on our highways. Understanding the underlying factors behind these incidents is crucial for improving safety on road networks. While recent studies have highlighted the usefulness of predictive modeling in uncovering factors leading to accidents, there remains a gap in explaining the inner workings of complex machine learning and deep learning models and how various features influence accident prediction. This lack of transparency may lead to these models being perceived as black boxes, potentially undermining trust in their findings among stakeholders. The primary aim of this research is to develop predictive models using diverse transfer learning techniques and shed light on the most influential factors using Shapley values. In predicting injury severity in accidents, we employ Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Residual Networks (ResNET), EfficientNetB4, InceptionV3, Extreme Inception (Xception), Visual Geometry Group (VGG19), AlexNet, and MobileNet. Among these models, MobileNet emerges with the highest accuracy at 0.9817. Furthermore, by comprehending how different features impact accident prediction models, researchers can deepen their understanding of the factors contributing to accidents and devise more effective interventions for their prevention.

Z American English is an application that works as a personal instructor for L1 speakers of Arabic who wish to learn English as it takes them on a fun learning trip that starts from the absolute beginner's level until they gain proficiency in English and acquire other abilities. It offers a comprehensive approach to language acquisition, with lessons created by an experienced teacher, Ibrahim Adel. The app is highly accessible, free, and compatible with both iOS and Android devices. One of its notable strengths is its clear learning path, suitable for learners of all levels. The addition of video content and interactive quizzes makes learning enjoyable and effective. Additionally, the premium "Activities Icon" subscription offers extra features. The inclusion of chat rooms fosters learner interaction, enhancing the educational experience. Overall, Z American English is a valuable resource for learners of English, providing a structured and engaging path to language mastery.

Swarm intelligence (SI) is the collective behavior of several intelligent agents (IAs), and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) or drones are widely used as IA in SI, of which UAV-based decentralized networks are one. Since the UAV can move in different directions without any surface in the 3D environment, the problem of UAV-to-UAV (UAV2UAV) based interaction is observed in UAV-based SI processes. In a UAV-based network, each UAV needs to follow the 3D flying pattern, and if there is any problem in determining the 3D position pattern, the network loses its arrangement, which may cause chaos in the entire network system. 3D movement of biological animal is observed based on these six relative directions: right, left, up, down, back, and front. The aim of this study is to establish an IA-enabled interaction based on the mentioned 6 relative directions in the UAV-based SI process to overcome the raised issues. First, the article presents various relative directional 3D positions of a UAV and then proposes a novel UAV-to-UAV Relative Directional Interaction (UAV2UAV-RDI) model. Here, two different algorithms are performed on two different UAVs to execute an optimization-based evolutionary computation for detecting and tracking the relative directional 3D position of a UAV. Consequently, according to the findings of this research, the interaction between two UAVs occurs and one UAV can track the relative directional 3D position of the other UAV. The performance of the proposed model is compared with the three models where the proposed model performed more directionally. Additionally, we also point out the limitations of the proposed model for future improvements.

Agricultural production is a cornerstone of national economies, and the prevalence of plant diseases poses a significant threat to crop yields. Timely disease detection is essential to mitigate these risks. However, manual plant observation methods are labor-intensive and time-consuming, necessitating a shift toward automated solutions. This study addresses the pressing problem of plant disease identification by leveraging advanced image processing techniques. This research begins with a comprehensive analysis of the pepper bell leaf disease dataset. Through a series of meticulously designed image processing steps, the dataset is normalized, enhancing its quality and consistency. Building upon this preprocessing, the UNET segmentation technique in conjunction with the InceptionV3 transfer learning model is employed. This novel approach yields exceptional results, with 99.48% accuracy, 99.97% precision, 99.99% recall, and 99.98% F1 scores. To objectively assess the significance of the proposed model, the performance is benchmarked against existing state-of-the-art models. The findings demonstrate the superiority of the proposed approach in the domain of plant disease identification. By automating the detection process, this research not only enhances efficiency but also enables early disease detection, thereby potentially contributing to the agricultural sector to identify crop disease and manage it efficiently.

Rumex is one of about 50 genera in the knotweed family, Polygonaceae. The genus comprises about 200 species with bisexual, or more commonly, unisexual flowers, with the species displaying monoecious, dioecious, synoecious (hermaphroditic) or polygamous reproductive systems. Some of the dioecious species have heteromorphic sex chromosomes, which is rare amongst angiosperms. We here present a plastid phylogeny of 67 species, representing all four subgenera. For this study, we used three chloroplast markers, rbcL, trnH-psbA, trnL-F and dense taxon sampling to reconstruct the most comprehensive molecular phylogeny of Rumex to date. The reconstructed phylogeny for this work resolves six major clades and one large grade in Rumex subg. Rumex. In addition, the species with known dioecious reproductive systems are resolved within a broader clade we term “the dioecious clade”. These results suggest that the species with divergent reproductive systems are more closely related to each other than to other species comprising the rest of the Rumex genus.

Background: Investing in women leaders in global health catalyzes growth and positive outcomes for individuals and their communities, yet large gender disparities persist in leadership within the field due to several barriers. The use of digital tools facilitates cross-institutional and international collaborations to allow individuals or groups to create or share information, ideas, career interests, and other forms of expression via virtual communities. Digital tools can dramatically expand access to and the quantity and quality of opportunities for networking, mentoring, and collaboration to support women in their professional development. Objectives: The objective of this paper is to document tangible examples of positive experiences, connections, or collaborations resulting from connecting with other participants in a Slack network. We aimed to evaluate this network to understand how to better build, model, and scale advantageous digital networks of women leaders in global health moving forward. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted virtually with seven members of the Slack network from Africa and North America who volunteered to share their experiences. Transcripts of six of these interviews were analyzed for key points using thematic analysis to derive short vignettes from each interview. Findings: The findings of this study indicate that Slack is a highly beneficial tool for women in global health to use for facilitating job searches, mentoring opportunities, promoting project collaborations, and proposing programming and outreach ideas in a remote environment. We found distinct recommendations for utilizing this digital networking tool in a way that best supports and engages women in global health. It is important to spread awareness and ensure visibility of the network to recruit and maintain members, design the network in a way that inspires internal motivation, encourage consistent and meaningful engagement, send weekly emails, and maintain accessibility for a global membership base. Conclusions: The Slack network provides an engaging digital tool that facilitates communication, opportunities, and growth among women in global health. Digital tools such as Slack can help to increase opportunities for participants from low- and-middle-income countries to engage in the same networking and leadership opportunities as individuals from high-income countries. It remains critical to continue to build, advance, and scale advantageous networks like Slack to promote equity and accessibility among women leaders in the global north and south into the post-pandemic world.

Background: In the recent past, numerous researchers have analyzed dissimilar aspects of osteoporosis in liver cirrhosis, we still have deficient indigenous literature. The present study aims to determine the frequency of osteoporosis with liver cirrhosis. Methodology: A prospective observational study was carried out at the Tertiary referral center of Karachi. Osteoporosis of liver cirrhosis patients was established as specified by WHO using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) on the L1-L4 spine and having spine bone mineral density (BMD) expressed as T score 5 years (p=0.000). As far as outcome of the patients is concerned 52(17.5%) and 30(10.1%) patients had osteoporosis with BMI < 25 kg/m2 and > 25 kg/m2 respectively (p=0.590). When layered according to the Childs Class, among patients with Class A, B, and C, 0.33%, 3.37%, and 23.9% of patients had osteoporosis (p=0.050). Conclusion: In conclusion, the prevalence of osteoporosis in patients with cirrhosis was found to be 27.7%. Furthermore, patients with a longer duration of disease, low BMI, and with child class C are at greater threat of the occurrence of osteoporosis and require early detection and prompt treatment.

Background: Networks are critical for leadership development, but not all networks and networking activities are created equally. Women and people of color face unique challenges accessing networks, many of which were exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual platforms offer opportunities for global professionals to connect and can be better tailored to meet the needs of different groups. As part of the Consortium of Universities for Global Health annual meeting in 2021, we organized a networking session to provide a networking space for emerging women leaders in global health (i.e. trainees, early career professionals, and/or those transitioning to the field). Objectives: We evaluated the virtual networking session to better understand participants’ perception of the event and its utility for professional growth and development. Methods: We distributed online surveys to participants immediately after the event and conducted a 3-month follow-up. Out of 225 participant, 24 responded to both surveys and their data was included in the analysis. We conducted descriptive quantitative analysis for multiple choice and Likert scale items; qualitative data was analyzed for themes. Findings: Participants represented 8 countries and a range of organizations. Participants appreciated the structure of the networking session; all participants agreed that they met someone from a different country and most indicated they had plans to collaborate with a new connection. When asked if the event strengthened their network and if they will keep in touch with new people, most participants strongly agreed or agreed in both surveys. However, after the follow-up, participants noted challenges in sustaining connections including lack of follow-up and misaligned expectations of networks. Conclusions: The virtual networking event brought together women in global health from diverse backgrounds. This study found that while networking events can be impactful in enhancing professional networks, ensuring sustained connections remains a challenge. This study also suggests that measures to increase the depth and meaningfulness of these connections in a virtual setting and enabling post-event collaboration can help networks become more inclusive and sustainable.

Background: Despite advances in gender equality, women still experience inequitable gaps in global health leadership, and barriers to women’s advancement as leaders in global health have been well described in the literature. In 2021, the Johns Hopkins Center for Global Health conducted two virtual working groups for emerging women leaders to share challenges and suggest solutions to advance women’s leadership in global health. In this paper, we present emerging themes from the working groups, provide a framework for the results, and discuss strategies for advancing women’s leadership in global health. Objectives: The objective of this paper is to synthesize and share the themes of the two working group sessions to provide strategies for improving women’s leadership training and opportunities in the field of global health. Methods: Approximately 182 women in the global health field participated in two virtual working group sessions hosted by the Johns Hopkins Center for Global Health using the Zoom platform. Participants were divided into virtual breakout rooms and discussed pre-assigned topics related to women’s leadership in global health. The participants then returned to share their ideas in a plenary session. Notes from the breakout rooms and transcripts from the plenary session were analyzed through a participatory and iterative thematic analysis approach. Findings: We found that the working group participants identified two overarching themes that were critical for emerging women leaders to find success in global health leadership. First, the acquisition of individual essential skills is necessary to advance in their careers. Second, the institutional environments should be setup to encourage and enable women to enter and succeed in leadership roles. The participants also shared suggestions for improving women’s leadership opportunities such as including the use of virtual technologies to increase training and networking opportunities, intersectionality in mentorship and sponsorship, combatting impostor syndrome, and the importance of work-life balance. Conclusions: Investing in women and their leadership potential has the promise to improve health and wealth at the individual, institutional, and community levels. This manuscript offers lessons and proposes solutions for increasing women’s leadership through improving individual level essential skills and fostering environments in which women leaders can emerge and thrive.

Abstract Background The natural history of patients with moderate aortic stenosis (AS) is poorly understood. We aimed to determine the long-term outcomes of patients with moderate AS. Methods We examined patients with moderate AS defined by echocardiography in our healthcare system, and performed survival analyses for occurrence of death, heart failure (HF) hospitalization, and progression of AS, with accounting for symptoms, left ventricular dysfunction, and comorbidities. Results We examined 729 patients with moderate AS (median age, 76 years; 59.9 % men) with a median follow-up of 5.0 years (interquartile range: 2.0 to 8.1 years). The 5-year overall survival was 52.3 % (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 48.6 % to 56.0 %) and survival free of death or HF hospitalization was 43.2 % (95 % CI: 39.5 % to 46.9 %). Worse New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class was associated with poor long-term survival, with mortality rates ranging from 7.9 % (95 % CI: 6.6–9.2 %) to 25.2 % (95 % CI: 20.2–30.3 %) per year. Among patients with minimal or no symptoms, no futility markers, and preserved left ventricular function, 5-year overall survival was 71.9 % (95 % CI: 66.4–77.4 %) and survival free of death or HF hospitalization was 61.4 % (95 % CI: 55.5–67.3 %). Risk factors associated with adverse events were age, NYHA class, low ejection fraction and high aortic valve velocity (all p

The survival of the human enteric organisms in the aquatic environment has drawn attention in view of its public health importance. The present study deals with the collection of benthic fauna and some selected bacterial clusters from 13 stations of Timsah Lake and Western Lagoon to determine if there is a relationship between them on one hand and their relationship with certain environmental variables on the other. The study lasted from autumn 2015 to summer 2016. The results showed that macro-benthic populations consisted of 43 species and annual densities of 177,879 individuals/m2 falling under four groups. The Western Lagoon contained 15 species and 11,974 ind./m2, while the Timsah Lake was represented by 39 species and 165,905 ind./m2 (4 species of which were exclusively present on the Western Lagoon, 28 species were exclusively present on the Timsah Lake and 11 species were present in the two lakes). The total bacterial count in water was estimated at 15,869 CFU/100 ml with an average of 1220.7, while, in sediment there was 14,375 CFU/g with an average of 1105.8. Nearly, all the bacterial types had their lowest values in stations I and II (in Timsah Lake), whereas, they attained their maximum values in the stations of Western Lagoon. The current results indicated that (with the exception of the TC that was within the permitted level of the World Health Organization (TC

The present study aims to document the diversity and density of benthic fauna in Great Bitter Lakes through their spatial and temporal changes in this important area from spring 2016 to winter 2017. Eleven sampling stations representing most of the area of the Great Bitter Lakes were selected. The results showed that there was 41 species and an annual density of 104,680 organisms/m2 of macro-benthic fauna belonging to five phyla in the studied area. Eighteen species from polychaetes, 12 molluscs, 7 species from crustaceans, 3 echinoderms and one species belonging to cephalochordate were recorded. With the exception of the most dominant species of the lakes, Modiolus auriculatus, which was represented by an annual average of 6822.91 organisms/m2, the onshore stations were the highest in density and diversity than offshore stations (35 and 28 species with an annual density of 18,873 and 10,755 organisms/m2, respectively). The value of heavy metals in surface water was within the following sequence; Fe > Zn > Cu > Pb > Mn > Cd. While in the sediments were arranged as follows: Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu > Ni > Pb > Cd. In the studied area, the medium sediments (Ø2+Ø3) recorded the highest percentage (61.34%) of the total percentage of sediment. Keywords: Macro-benthic fauna, Heavy metals, The Great Bitter Lakes, Suez Canal, Egypt

We present a unique and unusual case of a male patient diagnosed with two coexisting and typically unassociated X-linked conditions: he was initially diagnosed with X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) followed by a diagnosis of X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (XCGD) and an as of yet unpublished hypomorphic gp91phox variant in the CYBB gene. The latter was tested after the finding of granulomatous gingivitis. Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) was performed due to severe colitis and nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) of the liver. Following transplant, complete donor engraftment was observed with the restoration of a normal oxidative burst and full restoration of normal levels of circulating, mature CD19+ B cells. This case is singular in that it does not involve a contiguous gene syndrome in which deleted genes are in close proximity to either BTK and CYBB, which has been previously reported. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of XLA and XCGD co-existing in a single patient and of having both inborn errors of immunity successfully treated by HSCT.

B cells and antibodies are indispensable for host immunity. Our understanding of the mechanistic processes that underpin how B cells operate has left an indelible mark on the field of clinical pathology, and recently has also dramatically reshaped the therapeutic landscape of diseases that were once considered incurable. Evaluating patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases (PID)/inborn errors of immunity (IEI) that primarily affect B cells, offers us an opportunity to further our understanding of how B cells develop, mature, function and, in certain instances, cause further disease. In this review we provide a brief compendium of IEI that principally affect B cells at defined stages of their developmental pathway, and also attempt to offer some educated viewpoints on how the management of these disorders could evolve over the years.

The current study aims to assess the environmental response of macro-benthic invertebrates in the exposed coastal area of Suez Bay to a big fuel oil spill leakage from Ataqa Power Station. This oil spill occurred in the area opposite to the Power Station where the ninth (IX) sampling station was located. Thirteen stations were selected in the studied area and sampling was carried out during spring, 2018 (before the oil spill) and autumn, 2018 (after the oil spill) incident. The results indicated that the density of macro-benthic invertebrates were higher in spring than that in autumn (61,636 and 26,839 ind./m2, respectively). The Northern stations recorded higher densities than the southern ones (16,438 ind. ∕m2 with 34 species and 10,401 ind. ∕m2 with 19 species, respectively). Except for ammonia, the recorded values of dissolved nutrients (nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, and silicate) were higher in autumn than in spring. In addition, it was found that the average concentration of total petroleum hydrocarbons in sediments was 431.49 μg/g in autumn. While in spring, it was estimated to be in average of 194.96 μg/g. Keywords: Benthic invertebrates, Petroleum hydrocarbons, Ataqa Power Station, Suez Bay, Red Sea

Macro-benthic invertebrates were collected from Suez Bay from March to June 2018. Thirty seven species represented by (61,636 individuals/m2) were recorded. These Macro-benthic invertebrates belonging to four phyla namely: polychaetes (15 species and 25,538 individuals/m2); molluscs (14 species and 16,384 individuals/m2); crustaceans (7 species and 19,709 individuals/m2) and echinoderms (1 species and 5 individuals/m2). PH, water temperature; dissolved oxygen and salinity were measured in selected stations. The heavy metals Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in water and sediments were determined, as well as, other nutrients (NO2; NO3; NH4 and PO4). Heavy metals' concentration of the surface water were organized according to the following sequence, Fe > Zn > Cu > Ni > Pb > Cd > Mn. While, the order of metal concentrations in the Suez Bay sediment were Fe > Zn > Mn > Ni > Pb > Cu > Cd. Keywords: Macro-benthic invertebrates, Community structures, Heavy metals, Nutrients, Suez Bay, Red Sea

INTRODUCTION: Palliative care offers a care and support system to people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). In Nigeria, the palliative care (PC) practice generally is new and still developing. While most studies on HIV/AIDS assess drug treatment and adherence for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), there is paucity of data on PC services available for them. We therefore assessed the PC services offered and referral services available to PLWHA in health facilities. METHODS: we conducted a cross-sectional study across all public secondary and tertiary health facilities offering HIV care services in Abuja, Nigeria between February and May 2017. We used an interviewer-administered semi-structure questionnaire to collect information from the heads of health facilities. The questionnaire assessed palliative care and referral services for PLWHA. Frequencies and proportions were calculated using Microsoft-Excel. RESULTS: of the 17 health facilities assessed, only 6 (35.3%) have constituted a palliative care team but only 3 (17.6%) had some sources of fund for PC. Twelve (70.6%) provided nutritional support for PLWHA, 6 (35.3%) provided spiritual and 8 (47.1%) offered bereavement support for families of PLWHA. Sixteen (94.1%) had well-established referral services for PLWHA.

Purpose: To report on a case of submacular choroiditis in a patient with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). Observations: An 80-year-old man was referred with a diagnosis of a central retinal vein occlusion with CME and later developed intraocular inflammation. History was notable for recurrent bacterial infections and myelodysplastic syndrome known to be due to CVID. Ophthalmic examination and multimodal imaging revealed mild intraocular inflammation, retinal vasculitis, submacular choroiditis, and CME. Genetic testing identified a point mutation in TNFRSF13B, a pathogenic variant in the tumor necrosis factor gene known to be associated with CVID, but not with CVID-associated uveitis. Conclusions and importance: The diagnosis of CVID should be considered in patients with uveitis and a history of recurrent bacterial infections. Genetic testing can support the diagnosis.

Introduction: Among all cervical fractures, type II odontoid fractures are 66% that are mainly due to high energy trauma, for example motorbike accidents. For surgery, there are two acceptable methods; anterior odontoid screw fixation (AOSF) and posterior cervical instrumented fusion (PCIF). Case descriptions: In this, retrospective case series, we described presentation of 5 such cases, mostly after trauma. Ages for one of them was of 17 years, another was of 23 years and three cases were of 45 years, (three more patients presented but refused to have surgery). Three patients had no neurological deficits but only neck pain. One patient had weakness in extremities while one patient was in coma due to brain trauma. Placement of screws and spinal stabilization with early mobilization was achieved in all patients. There were no neurological symptoms after surgery. Only one patient had decreased power as was before and it takes time to recover, but he was able to move his neck without any pain. In patient who had a low GCS due to brain trauma, the odontoid process was aligned successfully with screw fixation. Discussion: Usually patients have no neurological symptom but has neck pain. Patient selection was based on radiological characteristics and clinical status. AOSF helps to retain most of the cervical rotation; show quick recovery, has higher fusion rate and less risk of damage to vital and surrounding tissues and safer approach. Therefore, it can be considered as the first line of treatment but in carefully selected patients.

Background As a measure of the global left ventricular afterload, valvuloarterial impedance (ZVA) can be estimated using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and invasive measuring methods. The objective of this study was to compare the performance of TTE in measuring ZVA with invasive haemodynamics, direct Fick and thermodilution (TD), in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS).Methods This is a retrospective cohort study of 66 patients with severe AS who underwent TTE and bilateral heart catheterisation preaortic valve replacement. ZVA was calculated non-invasively from TTE and invasively using TD and Fick. The differences in measurements were estimated using a generalised estimating equation approach. The exchangeability of the measurements from different methods was evaluated under binary risk stratification rules.Results The mean±SD ZVA by TTE was 4.6±1.4 vs 4.9±1.6 by TD vs 4.3±1.2 mm Hg m2/mL by Fick. From multivariate analyses, ZVA by TTE was 5.9% (95% CI −15.0 to 2.5) lower than by TD and 5.9% (95% CI −1.5 to 12.8) higher than by Fick. At the same time, ZVA by TD was 12.5% (3.0 to 22.9) higher than with Fick. Risk classifications for ZVA-based binary decision rules showed poor agreement between TTE and invasive methods (kappa ≤0.3).Conclusions The differences in ZVA estimates between TTE and invasive standards do not appear to exceed those between the standards. As such TTE-based estimates may be deemed acceptable as a clinical measure of global haemodynamic load. However, TTE-based and invasive measurements may not be interchangeable to identify patients at risk using binary classification rules based on ZVA.

Macro-benthic fauna are considered the good bio-indicators for the environmental changes of any aquatic ecosystems. Samples of macro-benthos, sediments and surface water were collected from 13 stations representing different conditions in the Western Lagoon (10 stations) and Timsah Lake (3 stations) from autumn 2014 to summer 2015. Macro-benthic density and diversity in Timsah Lake were higher than those in the Western Lagoon; the density at Timsah Lake encompassed 167,649 individual/m2 representing 42 species from the total of 46 species recorded in the investigated area. While species density in the Western Lagoon constituted 12,008 individual/m2 presenting only 16 species. Winter recorded the highest density (74,854 individual/m2); the highest dominance (CDI = 0.858) and the lowest Equitability (0.293) due to the dominance of the opportunistic species. Spring harvested both the highest diversity (28 species) and species richness (SR = 2.917). While autumn and summer procured both the lowest density and diversity (34,021 and 29,544 individual/m2 and 23 and 25 species respectively). The equitability index (E′) showed its highest values within the Western Lagoon (>0.90) owing to the species poorness relative to Timsah Lake. The water quality data showed that the Western Lagoon and Timsah Lake had significant high oxygen influx in spring (11.00 and 9.35 mg/l, respectively) and oxygen depletion in summer (1.00 and 3.00 mg/l, respectively). Reactive phosphorus and ammonia in the Western Lagoon exceeded the world averages. Timsah Lake sediments were highly affected by the sediment drifts from the Western Lagoon. The highest influx of the fine sediment group (FSG) was estimated during spring with an average of 62.77% and 61.18% in Timsah Lake and Western Lagoon, respectively. Total organic matter (TOM) in Western Lagoon recorded the highest average of 17.05% in spring accompanied with the high biological productivities.

INTRODUCTION: cigarette smoking is on the increase among adolescents' especially in developing countries and is a leading cause of premature morbidity and mortality worldwide. Adolescents incorrectly perceive that cigarette smoking is less risky than other behaviors such as alcohol consumption and drug use. This study assessed the prevalence and perception of out of school adolescents on cigarette smoking in Birnin kebbi metropolis of Kebbi state. METHODS: this is a cross-sectional mixed methods study. For quantitative data, respondents were selected using two-staged sampling technique. Semi structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used. Univariate and bivariate analysis was done as appropriate using Epi-info software. Focus Group Discussion guide was used for qualitative data collection. Narrative synthesis was used for qualitative data analysis. RESULTS: the proportion of respondents who had ever smoked cigarettes was 32.2% while 20.8% currently smoke. Most of the respondents (84.1%) perceived that cigarette smoking was harmful and that passive smoking was dangerous to their health (70.8%). Smokers had a significantly lower risk perception about smoking compared to non-smokers (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: the prevalence of cigarette smoking among out of school adolescents is high with smokers having lower risk perception compared to non-smokers. There is an urgent need to create awareness about the specific dangers associated with cigarette smoking, the transient nature of its perceived benefits and the fact that the risks associated with smoking are severe.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an effective antineoplastic agent used for the treatment of a variety of cancers. Unfortunately, its use is limited as this drug induces cardiotoxicity and heart failure as a side effect. There is no report that describes whether transplanted embryonic stem (ES) cells or their conditioned medium (CM) in DOX-induced cardiomyopathy (DIC) can repair and regenerate myocardium. Therefore, we transplanted ES cells or CM in DIC to examine apoptosis, fibrosis, cytoplasmic vacuolization, and myofibrillar loss and their associated Akt and ERK pathway. Moreover, we also determined activation of endogenous c-kit +ve cardiac stem cells (CSCs), levels of HGF and IGF-1, growth factors required for c-kit cell activation, and their differentiation into cardiac myocytes, which also contributes in cardiac regeneration and improved heart function. We generated DIC in C57Bl/6 mice (cumulative dose of DOX 12 mg/kg body weight, IP), and animals were treated with ES cells, CM, or cell culture medium in controls. Two weeks post-DIC, ES cells or CM transplanted hearts showed a significant ( p < 0.05) decrease in cardiac apoptotic nuclei and their regulation with Akt and ERK pathway. Cardiac fibrosis observed in the ES cell or CM groups was significantly less compared with DOX and cell culture medium groups ( p < 0.05). Next, cytoplasmic vacuolization and myofibrillar loss was reduced ( p < 0.05) following treatment with ES cells or CM. Moreover, our data also demonstrated increased levels of c-kit +ve CSCs in ES cells or CM hearts and differentiated cardiac myocytes from these CSCs, suggesting endogenous cardiac regeneration. Importantly, the levels of HFG and IGF-1 were significantly increased in ES cells or CM transplanted hearts. In conclusion, we reported that transplanted ES cells or CM in DIC hearts significantly decreases various adverse pathological mechanisms as well as enhances cardiac regeneration that effectively contributes to improved heart function.

هدف البحث إلى تعرف الأدوار المختلفة لجامعة قطر في التنمية المهنية لأعضاء هيئة التدريس بكلياتها المختلفة. تكونت عينة البحث من (197ا) عضو هيئة تدريس، ولتحقيق غرض الدراسة استخدمت استبانة تتكون من قسمين، يتضمن القسم الأول أربعة محاور هي: دور الجامعة في تطوير الأداء التدريسي، تهيئة بيئة التعلم المناسبة، تشجيع المبحث العلمي، ودعم أنشطة خدمة المجتمع. ويتضمن القسم الثاني، طرائق التدريس الجامعي الشائعة الاستخدام لدى أعضاء هيئة التدريس، ومن أهم النتائج التي توصلت إليها الدراسة: إن الأدوار المختلفة للجامعة من أجل التنمية المهنية لأعضاء هيئة التدريس في المهام الرئيسة للجامعة ( الأداء التدريسي، تهيئة بيئة التعلم، تشجيع البحث العلمي، دعم أنشطة خدمة المجتمع ) كانت أدنى من المستوى المقبول في معظمها في ضوء استجابات عينة الدراسة، واتضح من خلال النتائج أن طريقة المناقشة والمحاضرة بأساليبها المختلفة قد احتلت المرتبة الأولى من حيث الاستخدام في التدريس الجامعي، كما كشفت الراسة عن وجود فروق دالة إحصائيا بين استجابات أعضاء هيئة التدريس نحو دور الجامعة في تنميتهم مهنيا (جميع محاور الاستبانة) تعزى إلى كل من: الكلية، والجنسية، والجنس، وسنوات الخبرة، في حين لم توجد فروق دالة إحصائيا بينهم تبعا للدرجة العلمية، والجامعة المانحة لدرجة الدكتوراه. كما تبين من النتائج أن جميع معاملات الارتباط بين أدوار الجامعة موجبة ودالة إحصائيا، وأن أقوى معاملات الارتباط كان بين تطوير الأداء التدريسي والبحث العلمي، ولصالح كليتي الهندسة والإدارة والاقتصاد، وفي ضوء ذلك تم تقديم مجموعة من التوصيات والمقترحات.

هدفت الدراسة إلى تعرف درجة ممارسة مهارات إدارة الصف لدى معلمات التربية الأسرية في المرحلتين الإعدادية والثانوية، وتم تطبيق أداة الدراسة، وتشمل (28) موقفاً سلوكيا، ويعكس الممارسات الفعلية، ويمثل كل موقف (3) بدائل محتملة الحدوث، والاختيار للبديل الأمثل، وموزعة على (3) ابعاد، وهي: الضبط الصفي، التعزيز والعقاب، تقبل مشاعر الطلبة.وقد بلغت عينة الدراسة (140) معلمة في مادة التربية الأسرة للمرحلتين الاعدادية والثانوية، ومن أهم النتائج التي توصلت إليها الدراسة: عدم وجود درجة مرتفعة لممارسة مهارات إدارة الصف لدى أفراد العينة، كما ظهرت فروق دالة إحصائية لصالح معلمات المرحلة الإعدادية وعدم وجود فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية بين درجة ممارسة مهارات إدارة الصف لكل من متغير الخبرات التدريبية، ومجال التدريس، وبناء على نتائج الدراسة تقدمت الباحثة بمجموعة من التوصيات والمقترحات.

تهدف هذه الدراسة إلى التعرف على مستوى الوعي الغذائي السائد للطالبات المعلمات تخصص الاقتصاد المنزلي بكلية التربية- جامعة قطر والتخصصات الدراسية الأخرى، وأثر كل من متغيرات الجنسية والتخصص الأكاديمي وعدد مصادر التعلم على المعرفة الغذائية.ولتحقيق هدف البحث قامت الباحثة بإعداد اختبار يقيس عدداً من المفاهيم الغذائية المرتبطة بالوعي الغذائي، وأثر المتغيرات السالفة الذكر من خلال اطلاعها على عدد من الدراسات والبحوث المرتبطة بمشكلة البحث الحالي وقراءاتها لمراجع وكتب في تدريس مادة الاقتصاد المنزلي (الغذاء والتغذية)، وتم إعداد الاختبار في صورة مبدئية، واتبعت الباحثة في تصميمه الإجراءات المنهجية المتعارف عليها في بناء الاختبار حتى توصلت إلى صورته النهائية، وتم تطبيقه على عينة من الطالبات المعلمات المنتظمات في الفصل الدراسي السادس للعام الجامعي 2000/2001م، وبلغ عددهن (275) طالبة معلمة. وقد توصلت الدراسة إلى أن مستوى الوعي الغذائي السائد لدى الطالبات المعلمات تخصص الاقتصاد المنزلي بكلية التربية جامعة قطر والتخصصات الأخرى كان منخفضاً، كما أنه لا توجد فروق دالة إحصائياً بين متوسط درجات الطالبات المعلمات تخصص الاقتصاد المنزلي في مستوى الوعي الغذائي ومتوسطات درجات الطالبات المعلمات في التخصصات الأخرى، كما أظهرت الدراسة أن مصادر المعلومات الغذائية التي حظيت بأعلى نسبة مئوية لدى أفراد العينة والأكثر استخداما هي الصحف والمجلات والإذاعة والتلفزيون، أما مصادر الحصول على المعلومات الغذائية التي تعتمد على دراسة مادة الاقتصاد المنزلي بمراحل التعليم العام؛ فقد حظيت على نسبة مقدارها 50.9% واحتلت الترتيب الرابع، وكذلك أظهرت الدراسة عدم وجود فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية في مستو ى الوعي الغذائي لدى أفراد العينة وفقأ للجنسية وعدد مصادر الحصول على المعلومات الغذائية.

The probability of inserting, without overlap, a hard spherical particle of diameter σ in a hard-sphere fluid of diameter σ0 and packing fraction η determines its excess chemical potential at infinite dilution, μex(σ, η). In our previous work [R. L. Davidchack and B. B. Laird, J. Chem. Phys. 157, 074701 (2022)], we used Widom's particle insertion method within molecular dynamics simulations to obtain high precision results for μex(σ, η) with σ/σ0 ≤ 4 and η ≤ 0.5. In the current work, we investigate the behavior of this quantity at small σ. In particular, using the inclusion-exclusion principle, we relate the insertion probability to the hard-sphere fluid distribution functions and thus derive the higher-order terms in the Taylor expansion of μex(σ, η) at σ = 0. We also use direct evaluation of the excluded volume for pairs and triplets of hard spheres to obtain simulation results for μex(σ, η) at σ/σ0 ≤ 0.2247 that are of much higher precision than those obtained earlier with Widom's method. These results allow us to improve the quality of the small-σ correction in the empirical expression for μex(σ, η) presented in our previous work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]