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For the association between of Follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) gene (partial part of exon 10) polymorphisms and litter size trait in Egyptian Ossimi sheep, polymerase chain reaction-single stranded conformational polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) and DNA sequencing techniques were developed. Fifty female Ossimi sheep reared under Egyptian conditions were selected according to their litter size. DNA from blood samples of these animals was isolated to amplify 250-bp of the FSHR gene influencing litter size production trait in sheep. Based on litter size, 50 animals were selected from the highest to the lowest litter size productivity during three seasons. PCR-SSCP analysis of the FSHR gene (250-bp) showed two various genotypes AA and AB with frequencies 0.64 and 0.36, respectively. The frequencies of the A and B alleles were 0.82 and 0.18, respectively. PCR fragment of FSHR gene (191-bp) was sequenced only in the high and low litter size productivity animals (GenBank accession numbers from MG973191 to MG973207, sequentially). The result indicated that 6SNPs (G/71, G/72, G/77, A/110, A/111, A/191) in high fertile animals, while, 10 SNPs (T/1, C/2, T/14, A/69, A/70, A/71, A/74, G/74, A/75, A/136) have found in low fertile animals. Statistically, AA and AB genotypes have no significant differences (p> 0.05) on litter size trait in Ossimi sheep. FSHR (exon 10) locus was moderate polymorphic (PIC= 0.25) and it can be used for high litter size productivity in Ossimi sheep as a marker-assisted selection (MAS).

Abstract Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a world public health problem that enhances the risk of premature coronary artery disease (CAD) with a high incidence of acute coronary syndrome. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and angiographic characteristics of the patients with and without FH who had ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). It included 690 patients who presented with the first attack of STEMI and underwent primary percutaneous coronary interventions (PPCI). The patients were analyzed to diagnose FH according to the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network (DLCN) criteria. All angiograms were analyzed for the number of diseased vessels, Syntax score, thrombus burden grade, and final Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade. The majority of patients were male (72.6%) with a mean age of 54 ± 12 years. Based on DLCN criteria, they were classified into unlikely/possible FH (86.1%) and probable/definite FH (13.9%) groups. Probable/definite FH patients were significantly younger, and higher incidence of males

Abstract The possibility of reusing ceramic roller waste to produce cordierite and mullite refractories was investigated. Five batches were designed using wastes representing ceramic roller waste, magnesite, and silica sand, shaped and fired at 1300 °C/2 h, and one batch was selected at 1200 °C. The chemical composition and precipitated phases of the used raw materials and the fired batches were analyzed using XRF and XRD techniques, respectively. Densification parameters, morphology, microstructure and electrical properties were also studied to evaluate the effect of the formed phases on the properties of fired materials. Bulk density increases with an increase in mullite and a decrease in cordierite, and it also increases with increasing temperature, whereas porosity and water absorption show a opposite behavior to density (it decreases with an increase in mullite and temperature). The main phases developed after firing at 1300 °C/2 h were cordierite, mullite, corundum, baddeleyite, and spinel. Bending strength increases with increasing mullite percentage and density, and decreasing grain size and porosity. The microstructure develops and becomes finer with increasing mullite percentage and density. The grain size of the crystals was very fine at 1200 °C/2 h and increased at 1300 °C/2 h. Broadband dielectric spectroscopy was employed to study the electrical and dielectric behavior of the investigated samples. The increase in mullite concentration shows a remarkable increase in ε’, especially at lower frequencies, as it is three times higher than that of M10. At f > 103 Hz ε’, frequency independence is accompanied by an increase in mullite concentrations due to the lag of dynamics fluctuations after the alteration of the electric field. The generation of new free ions leads to the enhancement of conductivity as the mullite concentration increases.

Numerous common human disorders, including cancer, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, inflammatory bowel diseases, obesity, and oral health issues, have been linked to changes in the composition and activity of the gut microbiota. This review aimed to highlight the significance of probiotics due to their positive impacts on gut microbiota, overall human health, cancer prevention, and production of bioactive compounds. Therefore, modifying the gut microbiota's balance can be highly beneficial for maintaining the human health. Probiotics are live microbial supplements, when consumed with meals; they help the host by harmonizing his/ her intestinal microflora. Supplements containing these good bacteria can be used up, or they can be added to dairy-free or non-dairy foods and drinks. Probiotics are mainly categorized into two main genera; mainly Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. Probiotics are vital for maintaining a healthy microbiota; especially in cancer patients. They enhance the production of anticancer enzymes, apoptosis, autophagy, immunology, and other processes. Additionally, probiotics produce various bioactive molecules such as short-chain fatty acids, enzymes, vitamins, and exopolysaccharides with antibacterial attributes. Consequently, probiotics are utilized in food technology to develop the functional foods that promote the human health.

PCR-RFLP technique was developed for identification and differentiation among chicken's, duck's, quail's, rabbit's and turkey's meat. DNA from small amount of muscles (0.05 g) was extracted and a region of mitochondrial DNA (cytochrome-b gene) in chicken, duck, quail, rabbit and turkey was amplified by PCR. Fragment length of the PCR product was 371 bp in chicken, 374 bp in duck and rabbit and 377 bp in both quail and turkey. Six nucleotides different makes it difficult to differentiate among these five species-specific meat. For differentiation, three different restriction enzymes (DdeI, MspI and TaqI) were used to digest the PCR products. Restriction analysis showed difference among chicken's, duck's, quail's, rabbit's and turkey's meat. Where, DdeI yielded two fragments (291 and 83 bp) only in rabbit's meat. MspI yielded three fragments (221, 85 and 65 bp) in chicken's meat and two fragments (290 and 87 bp) in both quail's and turkey's meat. TaqI yielded three fragments (146, 134 and 94 bp) in duck's meat and two fragments (226 and 151 bp) in quail's meat. The use of Cytb- PCR-RFLP assay allowed a direct and fast authentication and differentiation among chicken's, duck's, quail's, rabbit's and turkey's meat.

For the fast and sensitive determination of camel's and goat's meat and milk, species-specific regions (SSR) of follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) gene in both camel and goat were amplified using PCR technique. DNA was extracted from small amount of muscles (0.05 gm) and very little of fresh milk (100 μl) to amplify specific DNA sequences of FSHR gene in both camel and goat using designed species-specific primer pairs. PCR amplified fragment size was 300 bp in camel's meat and milk, while the fragment size in goat's meat and milk was 855 bp. The use of species-specific regions of FSHR gene allowed direct and fast detection of adulteration and authentication of camel's and goat's meat and milk.

Abstract Background Urinary bladder cancer, is the 10th most common global cancer, diagnosed in over 600,000 people causing 200,000 deaths annually. Artemisinin and its derivatives are safe compounds that have recently been proven to possess potent anti-tumor effects in vivo, through inhibition of cancer cell growth. The aim of this study is to assess the efficiency of artemisinin as a cancer treatment alone and as a pre-treatment fore cisplatin therapy for high grade urothelial carcinoma. Methods Sixty male albino mice were divided into six groups, and BBN was used to induce urinary bladder cancer. Blood samples were tested for renal functions and complete blood counts, kidney and urinary bladder tissues were harvested for histopathological examination. Total RNAs from urinary bladder tissues was collected, and gene expression of FGFR3, HRAS, P53, and KDM6A was quantified using qRT-PCR. Results Compared to the induced cancer group, the results revealed that FGFR3 expression levels were down-regulated in the induced cancer group treated by artemisinin only and the induced cancer group pre-treated with artemisinin prior to cisplatin by ~ 0.86-fold and 0.4-folds, respectively, aligning with HRAS down-regulation by ~ 9.54-fold and 9.05-fold, respectively. Whereas, P53 expression levels were up-regulated by ~ 0.68-fold and 0.84-fold, respectively, in parallel with KDM6A expression, which is up-regulated by ~ 0.95-folds and 5.27-folds, respectively. Also, serum creatinine and urea levels decreased significantly in the induced cancer group treated by artemisinin alone and the induced cancer group pre-treated with artemisinin prior to cisplatin, whereas the induced cancer group treated by cisplatin their levels increased significantly. Moreover, Hb, PLT, RBC, and WBC counts improved in both cancer groups treated by artemisinin alone and pre-treated with artemisinin prior to cisplatin. Histologically, in kidney tissues, artemisinin pre-treatment significantly reduced renal injury caused by cisplatin. While Artemisinin treatment for cancer in bladder tissues reverted invasive urothelial carcinoma to moderate urothelial dysplasia. Conclusions This study indicates that artemisinin demonstrated a significant effect in reversal of the multi-step carcinogenesis process of high grade urothelial carcinoma and could enhance the effect of cisplatin therapy using artemisinin pre-treatment.

Abstract Background The link between diabetes mellitus and chronic hepatitis C infection remains well established. It is estimated that up to one third of chronic hepatitis C patients have type II diabetes mellitus. Hepatitis C virus infection is one of the main global health burdens. Sofosbuvir and Daclatasvir are used as effective antiviral inhibitors of hepatitis C virus. The cardiovascular effects of those drugs are not well studied. We used electrocardiography and echocardiography with global longitudinal strain assessment by speckle tracking to detect their effect on cardiac function. Methods and results One hundred diabetic patients with hepatitis C infection were included in the study. Abdominal ultrasound and laboratory work up were carried out for all participants. Left ventricular systolic and diastolic function were assessed by 2D-echocardiography and global longitudinal strain, before and 3 months after treatment. Results showed significant decrease in global longitudinal strain 3 months after therapy (-21 ± 4 vs. -18 ± 7; P

The existing body of research on dynamic customer segmentation has primarily focused on segment-level customer purchasing behavior (CPB) analysis to tailor marketing strategies for distinct customer groups. However, these approaches often lack the granularity required for personalized marketing at the individual level. Moreover, the analysis of customer transitions between different groups has largely been overlooked. This study addresses these gaps by developing an efficient framework that enables businesses to forecast customer behavior, assess the impact of various strategies on each customer separately, and analyze customer transition between segments. This can facilitate providing personalized marketing strategies, fostering a gradual transition toward a desired customer status, and enhancing the overall marketing precision. In this study, we employ time series feature vectors encompassing recency, frequency, monetary value, and lifespan, applying the K-means algorithm with a range of distance metrics for customer segmentation along with classification algorithms to predict customer behavior. Leveraging counterfactual analysis, we establish a solution for analyzing customer transitions between groups and evaluating personalized marketing strategies. Our findings underscore the superior performance of the Euclidean distance metric, closely followed by the Manhattan distance, in distinguishing the patterns in time series customer behavior, with logistic regression excelling in predicting customer status. This study enables decision-makers to forecast the impact of diverse marketing strategies on customer behavior which facilitates customer retention and engagement through well-informed decisions.

The process of selecting and configuring equipment fleets for open-pit mining is complex, requiring consideration of both quantitative and qualitative criteria. This paper presents a novel comprehensive framework for selecting loading/hauling fleets in open-pit mining projects. Through an extensive review of the literature, a total of 21 selection criteria are initially identified. With guidance from local experts, these criteria are shortlisted into five primary groups: site conditions, managerial, social, and environmental criteria. The ranking of the identified selection criteria is carried out by employing the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and multi-attribute utility theory (MAUT) methods, utilizing a questionnaire survey. The most crucial criteria in selecting loading/hauling equipment are identified as the equipment's operating cost, productivity, repair and maintenance costs, and soil condition. An optimization module is developed to optimize the selected fleet, while adhering to sustainability principles and project constraints. The optimization module considers social, economic, and environmental sustainability variables to determine the optimal number, size, type, and capacity of fleets needed to complete the work within the allotted time. As a case study, the proposed framework is validated by experts in these types of projects. The framework's ability to effectively select fleet units for sustainable loading/hauling fleet is confirmed through this validation method.

Abstract Background The significance of narrative skills is evident due to their role in the development of language and their connection to significant social and academic skills. This study aimed to translate, adapt, and validate the Test of Narrative Language-Second Edition (TNL-2) for its use as a tool for the assessment of narrative language in Arabic-speaking Egyptian children. In a cross-sectional study design, the Arabic-translated version of the TNL-2 was administered to 200 typically developing Arabic-speaking Egyptian children ranging in age from 4 years to 15 years and 11 months for validation. The participants were categorized according to their age into ten groups and their scores were analyzed. Face validity was assessed by asking five expert phoniatricians to review the Arabic version of the TNL-2 and complete a questionnaire that assessed the test’s effectiveness in measuring different narrative skills. Results A statistically significant difference was found when comparing the TNL-2 scores among the age groups under study. In addition, there was a significant correlation between standardized Arabic language test scores and the total comprehension and total production subtests’ raw scores of the TNL-2. The test-retest reliability and inter-rater agreement demonstrated a high level of reliability and inter-rater agreement. Experts have reached a consensus that the Arabic version of the TNL-2 is capable of evaluating the primary microstructural and macrostructural components of Arabic narratives. Furthermore, it can provide insights into the overall narrative skills of Egyptian Arabic-speaking children. Conclusion The Arabic-translated version of the TNL-2 demonstrated validity and reliability as an instrument for assessing narrative language comprehension and production skills in Arabic-speaking Egyptian children.

Abstract There are several industrial uses for carbon black (CB), an extremely fine powdered form of elemental carbon that is made up of coalesced particle aggregates and almost spherical colloidal particles. Most carbon black is produced from petroleum-derived feedstock, so there is a need to find an alternative method to produce CB, which relies on renewable resources such as algae and agricultural waste. A process involving hydrolysis, carbonization, and pyrolysis of green algae and sugarcane bagasse was developed, as the optimal hydrolysis conditions (16N sulfuric acid, 70 °C, 1 h, 1:30 g/ml GA or SC to sulfuric acid ratio), a hydrolysis ratio of 62% for SC and 85% for GA were achieved. The acidic solution was carbonized using a water bath, and the solid carbon was then further pyrolyzed at 900 °C. The obtained carbon black has a high carbon content of about 90% which is confirmed by EDX, XRD, and XPS analysis. By comparison carbon black from sugar cane bagasse (CBB) and carbon black from green algae Ulva lactuca (CBG) with commercial carbon black (CCB) it showed the same morphology which was confirmed by SEM analysis. The BET data, showed the high specific surface area of prepared CB, which was 605 (m2/g) for CBB and 424 (m2/g) for CBG compared with commercial carbon black (CBB) was 50 (m2/g), also the mean pore diameter of CBB, CBG and CCB indicated that CBB and CBG were rich in micropores, but CCB was rich in mesoporous according to IUPAC classification. This study might have created a technique that can be used to make carbon black from different kinds of biomass.

Introduction Healthcare systems in developing countries faced significant challenges during COVID-19, grappling with limited resources and staffing shortages. Assessment of the impact of pharmaceutical care expertise, particularly in critical care units during the pandemics, in developing countries remains poorly explored. The principal aim of our study was to assess the impact of the Drug and Therapeutics Committee (DTC), comprising clinical pharmacists, on the incidence, types, and severity of medication errors and associated costs in using COVID-19 medications, especially antibiotics.Methods An interventional pre–post study was carried out at a public isolation hospital in Egypt over 6 months.Results Out of 499 medication orders, 238 (47.7%) had medication errors, averaging 2.38 errors per patient. The most frequent were prescribing errors (44.9%), specifically incorrect drug choice (57.9%), excessive dosage (29.9%), treatment duplication (4.5%), inadequate dosage (4.5%), and overlooked indications (3.6%). Linezolid and Remdesivir were the most common medications associated with prescribing errors. Pharmacists intervened 315 times, primarily discontinuing medications, reducing doses, introducing new medications, and increasing doses. These actions led to statistically significant cost reductions (p

ABSTRACTObjectives: Distant liver injury is a complication of renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, which imposes mortality and economic burden. This study aimed to elucidate the cross-talk of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and mitochondrial perturbations in renal I/R-induced liver injury, and the potential hepatoprotective effect of azilsartan (AZL).Methods: Male albino Wister rats were pre-treated with AZL (3 mg/kg/day, PO) for 7 days then a bilateral renal I/R or sham procedure was performed. Activities of liver enzymes were assessed in plasma. The structure and ultra-structure of hepatocytes were assessed by light and electron microscopy. Markers of ER stress, mitochondrial biogenesis and apoptosis were analyzed in livers of rats.Results: Renal ischemic rats showed higher plasma levels of liver enzymes than sham-operated rats, coupled with histological and ultra-structural alterations in hepatocytes. Mechanistically, there was up-regulation of ER stress markers and suppression of mitochondrial biogenesis-related proteins and enhanced apoptosis in livers of renal ischemic rats. These abnormalities were almost abrogated by AZL pretreatment.Discussion: Our findings uncovered the involvement of mitochondrial perturbations, ER stress and apoptosis in liver injury following renal I/R, and suggested AZL as a preconditioning strategy to ameliorate remote liver injury in patients susceptible to renal I/R after adequate clinical testing.

Abstract Background The residual burden of coronary artery disease (CAD) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) drew a growing interest. The residual SYNTAX Score (rSS) was a strong prognostic factor of adverse events and all-cause mortality in patients who underwent PCI. In addition, the SYNTAX Revascularization Index (SRI), a derivative of rSS, was used to figure out the treated proportion of CAD and could be used as a prognostic utility in PCI for patients with multi-vessel disease (MVD). Purpose We aimed at the assessment of the use of rSS and the SRI as predictors of in-hospital outcomes and up to two-year cumulative follow-up outcomes in patients with MVD who had PCI for the treatment of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) or Non-STEMI (NSTEMI). Methods We recruited 149 patients who had either STEMI or NSTEMI while having MVD and received treatment with PCI. We divided them into tertiles based on their rSS and SRI values. We calculated baseline SYNTAX Score (bSS) and rSS using the latest version of the calculator on the internet, and we used both scores to calculate SRI. The study end-points were In-hospital composite Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE) and its components, in-hospital death, and follow-up cumulative MACE up to 2 years. Results Neither rSS nor SRI were significant predictors of in-hospital adverse events, while female sex, hypertension, and left ventricular ejection fraction were independent predictors of in-hospital MACE. At the two-year follow-up, Kaplan-Meyer analysis showed a significantly increased incidence of MACE within the third rSS tertile (rSS > 12) compared to other tertiles (log rank p = 0.03). At the same time, there was no significant difference between the three SRI tertiles. Unlike SRI, rSS was a significant predictor of cumulative MACE on univariate Cox regression (HR = 1.037, p 12 had a significantly higher incidence of cumulative MACE after 2 years. The best prognosis was achieved with complete revascularization.

Abstract Background The long-term patency of arterial and venous grafts is crucial for the success of CABG. This study was designed to investigate graft patency using 128-slice coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and compared the results with those obtained using invasive coronary angiography (ICA). In this observational cross-sectional study, we included 40 symptomatic post-CABG patients underwent CCTA and ICA within the same month. Results Fifty-five percent were aged more than 60 years, and 80% were males. 67.5% had diabetes, 90% had hypertension, and 30% were smokers. Mean body mass index was 28.89 ± 5.17 kg/m2. Mean duration since CABG was 5.25 ± 4.04 years. In total, 124 native vessels and 97 grafts were assessed using CCTA and ICA. CCTA delineated 8 non-cannulated venous grafts and 6 non-cannulated left internal mammary artery grafts. CCTA required a significantly lower radiation dose (1165.77 ± 123.54 vs. 47,589.78 ± 6967.53, p

The use of solid waste such as ceramic sludge, ceramic rollers, and magnesite was studied to obtain cheap refractory ceramics at temperatures of 1300 °C based on XRF, XRD SEM, EDX, bending strength, and dielectric properties. The prepared samples were examined. The results showed that the significant crystalline phases formed were mullite, spinel, and corundum. They also showed that mullite hindered the formation of cordierite and enhanced spinel formation. With increased cordierite content, the microstructure varied from fine grained to coarse grained. Bending strength increased with increasing mullite content and bulk density, ranging from 10.80 to 13.50 MPa. Bulk density increased with the increase in mullite content and sintering temperature and ranged from 1.99 to 1.94 g/cm3, while the percentage of porosity and water absorption decreased and ranged from 29.40 to 38.83, respectively. To examine the effect of the produced phases on the dielectric characteristics, the permittivity (ε′), dielectric loss (ε″), and AC conductivity (σac) were measured in the frequency range of 10−1 Hz to 106 Hz. As the concentration of cordierite increased, there was a noticeable drop in ε′ from 35.6 to 8.2 and σac from 10−8 s/cm to around 10−11 s/cm and high values of resistivity from 108 cm/s to about 1010 cm/s, suggesting that this material might be an excellent insulator.