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Abstract Background Neonicotinoids are widespread insecticides because of their potent effects against aphids and other piercing-sucking insects in addition to having high selectivity toward insects rather than vertebrates. However, they affect severely some non-target insects, mainly honeybee in a phenomenon called colony collapse disorder (CCD). Results Effects of imidacloprid (IMI), most used neonicotinoids, on aphid acetylcholinesterase (AChE), in vivo and in vitro were examined; besides, molecular modeling was used to investigate similarities and differences of AChE and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors α1-subunit (nAChRα1) in aphids, target insect, and honeybees, non-target insect. Results showed that aphid AChE was inhibited in vitro, with IC50 108.6 mg/L but not affected in vivo while the mortality was concentration-dependent with high toxicity (LC50 9.50 mg/L); in addition, aphid AChE was more inhibited, in vitro, but with much less effects, in vivo, than that of honeybees. These results indicate that AChE is not the main cause of the observed mortality, but it still has a role in insect resistance system with different responses in both insects. Molecular modeling showed high similarity in primary and secondary structures of AChE indicated by high identity (67%) and low gaps (1%); besides, the same template for both enzymes was auto-selected for homology. In addition, similar positions of the triad amino acids were found in AChE of both insects indicating high similarity. Conversely, the similarity in nAChRα1 in both insects is lower (50% identity and 9% gaps). These gaps (50 amino acids) are found in the intracellular large loop between TM3 and TM4 and account for the observed differences in the nAChRα1 binding sites of in both insects. Conclusion These observed variations in nAChRα1 structures and binding sites in different insect species can be used as good bases in designing new neonicotinoids that express high effects on target insects with better selectivity to minimize adverse effects on non-target organisms. Graphical Abstract

Background: Maxillofacial defects may arise from congenital, developmental, traumatic, or surgical procedures. The presence of such defects may adversely affect an individual's appearance and function, resulting in an inability to lead a typical life and impacting their psychological well-being. Surgical reconstruction is often regarded as the primary therapeutic option in such instances. However, it may not be feasible in numerous cases due to various unfavorable conditions. Consequently, the need for maxillofacial prosthesis reconstruction becomes obligatory. Purpose: This study assesses the antibacterial efficacy of copper oxide nanoparticles at different rates against Staphylococcus epidermidis after incorporation into maxillofacial silicone. Methods: A pilot study was first conducted in Iraq and copper oxide nanoparticles were added to VST50F silicone elastomer in different five percentages (0.01 wt%, 0.02 wt%, 0.03 wt%, 0.04 wt%, and 0.05 wt%). Thirty specimens were prepared and grouped into six groups: one control group and five experimental groups, and then the best effective two percentages (0.03 wt% and 0.04 wt%) were selected for the main study. Thirty specimens for the main study were divided into three groups: control group (A) and two experimental groups (B and C). A statistical analysis was done with an ANOVA and the Games-Howell multiple comparison test (P < 0.05). The data's normal distribution and homogeneity were assessed. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FES-EM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were also conducted. Results: The statistical analysis showed a significant difference between all groups with P < 0.05. There was a significant difference between control group A and experimental groups B and C with P < 0.05, as well as between experimental groups B and C (P < 0.05). FESEM showed that nanoparticles were distributed well within the silicone matrix. FTIR spectra proved no chemical reaction to occurr between the copper oxide nanoparticles and VST50F silicone. Conclusion: Incorporating copper oxide nanoparticles into VST50F maxillofacial silicone improved their antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Background: For decades, the use of naturally accessible materials in treating human disease has been widespread. The goal of this study was to determine the anti-fungal effectiveness /of the lemongrass essential oil (LGEO) versus Candida albicans (C. albicans) adhesion to polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) materials. Material and methods: LGEO's anti-fungal activity was tested against C. albicans adhesion using the following concentration of LGEO in PMMA monomer (2.5 vol. %, 5 vol. % LGEO) selected from the pilot study as the best two effective concentrations. A total of 40 specimens were fabricated for the candida adherence test and were subdivided into four equal groups: negative control 0 vol. % addition, experimental with 2.5 vol. % and 5 vol. % of LGEO addition and positive control with 1.4 wt. % nystatin addition. The sterile PMMA specimens were incubated at room temperature for 1 hr in sterile tubes with a sabouraud dextrose broth (SDA) in which a small amount of the yeast was isolated and suspended; under the inverted light microscope, the examination was done. The data were evaluated using a one-way ANOVA test, which showed a significant result at p< 0.05. Results: The findings of the C. albicans adherence test exposed a considerable reduction in the number of C. albicans cells adhering to PMMA after adding 2.5 vol. % and 5 vol. % LGEO compared to specimens from the negative control and positive control groups at p< 0.05. Conclusion: Adding LGEO into a heat-cure acrylic material can result in a denture base material with anti-fungal properties versus C. albicans microorganisms. The experimental group 5 vol. % LGEO additive showed the best anti-fungal activity

Background: Denture liners’ viscoelasticity absorbs shocks and relieves tissue pressure. Soft liners must be replaced every 6–12 months because oral conditions destroy elastomers. By adding chemicals to soft liners, researchers have created a new class of flexible, oral-friendly materials. This lowers denture and mucosa pressure. Objectives: The aim of the study is to discover if the best two concentrations of lemongrass essential oil (LGEO) added to heat-cured soft denture liner improves the material’s hardness, the strength of the peel bond, and surface roughness. Materials and Methods: In a pilot study, 2.5 vol.% and 5 vol.% LGEO improved the heat-cured soft-liner material’s Shore A hardness and surface roughness. The main study categorized 90 specimens into three groups (Shore A hardness, peel bond strength, and surface roughness). Each of the groups has three subgroups (control, 2.5 vol.% of LGEO additive, and 5 vol.% of LGEO additive). One-way analysis of variance, Dunnett’s T3 post hoc, Tukey’s honestly significant difference, and Fisher’s exact test were used for data analysis, which was significant at P < 0.05. Results: After adding 2.5 vol.% and 5 vol.% of LGEO additives (experimental subgroups), Shore hardness, peel bond strength, and surface roughness of the two experimental subgroups decreased significantly from the control subgroup at P < 0.05, except for 2.5 vol.% of the LGEO additive subgroup, which did not differ significantly at P > 0.05. When failure mode was assessed, all subgroups varied substantially. The 2.5 vol.% of LGEO addition specimens showed adhesive and cohesive failure with some mixed type, whereas 5 vol.% showed predominantly cohesive failure. Conclusions: LGEO enhances the hardness and surface roughness of the soft-lining material, making it more resilient and smoother. This leads to a greater cushioning effect and reduced damage to the oral tissues while decreasing the liner’s peel bond strength to an acceptable level. 5 vol.% is the best percentage that improves liner properties.

Teachers' expectations of student capabilities can meaningfully affect future achievement. However, the consistency of teachers' expectations over time and their differential impact by student gender and ethnicity have not been thoroughly investigated in the context of students' reading achievement. The current study investigates the longitudinal influence of teacher expectancy effects on student achievement through a novel measurement approach that considers classroom context while drawing on cognitive assessments and teacher ratings collected through the large, nationally representative Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Kindergarten data set (N = 8,503 students). Results of the autoregressive cross-lagged models with five time points between kindergarten and eighth grade indicate teachers' expectations of students' reading achievement are not significantly associated from one time point to the next, though their effects increase over time. Significant differences in longitudinal expectancy effects based on student gender and ethnicity were not found. Implications for teaching practice based on these results are discussed.

Abstract Background The objective of this study was to assess the overall quality of study-level meta-analyses in high-ranking journals using commonly employed guidelines and standards for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Methods 100 randomly selected study-level meta-analyses published in ten highest-ranking clinical journals in 2016–2017 were evaluated by medical librarians against 4 assessments using a scale of 0–100: the Peer Review of Electronic Search Strategies (PRESS), Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) Standards for Systematic Reviews, and quality items from the Cochrane Handbook. Multiple regression was performed to assess meta-analyses characteristics’ associated with quality scores. Results The overall median (interquartile range) scores were: PRESS 62.5(45.8–75.0), PRISMA 92.6(88.9–96.3), IOM 81.3(76.6–85.9), and Cochrane 66.7(50.0–83.3). Involvement of librarians was associated with higher PRESS and IOM scores on multiple regression. Compliance with journal guidelines was associated with higher PRISMA and IOM scores. Conclusion This study raises concerns regarding the reporting and methodological quality of published MAs in high impact journals Early involvement of information specialists, stipulation of detailed author guidelines, and strict adherence to them may improve quality of published meta-analyses.

Background: The ideal maxillofacial prosthesis should have fine and thin boundaries that bind with the surrounding facial structures and possess high tear strength. This study aims to determine the best percentages of nanofiller (TiO2) and intrinsic pigment (silicone functional intrinsic) that could be mixed in as additives to improve the tear strength of Cosmesil M511 and VST50F silicone elastomers with the least effect on their hardness. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro experimental study, a total of 80 samples, 40 for each elastomer, were fabricated. Each elastomer sample was split into two equal groups to test for tear strength and Shore A hardness. Each group consisted of 20 samples, including 10 control samples without additives and 10 experimental samples with additives (mixtures of 0.2 wt% nano-TiO2 + 0.25 wt% intrinsic pigment and 0.25 wt% nano-TiO2 +0.25 wt% intrinsic pigment for the Cosmesil M511 and VST50F silicone elastomers, respectively). Two-way ANOVA and Tukey test were used for comparison; P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Significant differences in tear strength were found among all tested groups (P < 0.05). The tear strength of the experimental subgroups significantly increased compared with the control subgroups (P < 0.05). Significant differences in Shore A hardness were also observed among all tested groups (P < 0.05) except between the experimental subgroups of both materials, where a nonsignificant difference was obtained (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Incorporation of select percentages of TiO2nanofiller and intrinsic pigment into Cosmesil M511 and VST50F silicone elastomers yields improvements in tear strength with a slight increase in hardness.

Abstract Background Statistics on cancer incidence and mortalities indicate that this disease still has a fatal outcome for a majority of patients due to non-sufficient treatment. The options available for cancer treatment include chemotherapy, which still commands a leading position in clinical oncology. A major obstacle to successful chemotherapy is the development of cellular resistance to multiple structurally unrelated anticancer drugs. This phenomenon has been termed multidrug resistance (MDR), which occurs in a majority of cancer patients. MDR is mainly due to the overexpression of ABC transporters which extrude chemotherapeutic drugs outside of cancer cells. A plethora of synthetic chemosensitizers have been described during the past decades that block ABC transporter function to reverse their MDR. However, none of them reached clinical routine application as of yet. In this review, we highlight the potential of natural products derived from plants, marine organisms, fungi, and other sources as chemosensitizers to the targeted major ABC transporters (ABCB1, ABCC1, and ABCG2). Conclusion Natural compounds may serve as lead compounds for the development of novel ABC transporter inhibitors with improved pharmacological features that can be used as adjuvant therapy to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs against MDR.

Objective: The approximate life span of a silicone maxillofacial prosthesis is as short as 1.5–2 years of clinical service, then a new prosthesis should be fabricated. The most common reason for re-making the prosthesis is silicone mechanical properties degradation. The aim of this study was to assess some mechanical properties of VST-30 silicone for maxillofacial prostheses after addition of intrinsic pigments. Methods: Two types of intrinsic pigments (rayon flocking and burnt sienna); each of them was incorporated into silicone. One hundred and twenty samples were prepared and split into 4 groups according to the conducted tests (tear strength, hardness, surface roughness, and tensile strength and elongation percentage) with 30 samples for each test. Each group was equally split into three subgroups. Group (A) was without pigment (control group), group (B) was with rayon flocking and group (C) was with burnt sienna. Results: Samples with rayon flocking showed a highly significant decrease in hardness and there was a significant increase in tear strength, while there were non-significant differences in surface roughness, tensile strength and elongation percentage. Samples with burnt sienna showed a highly significant increase in tear strength and a highly significant decrease in hardness, but surface roughness, tensile strength and elongation percentage showed non-significant differences. However, there were non-significant differences between experimental groups in all tests. Conclusions: The addition of each of rayon flocking and burnt sienna changed the mechanical properties of the VST-30 silicone, while no superior pigment-silicone combination was revealed in all the conducted tests. Keywords: Maxillofacial prostheses, Pigments, VST-30 silicone, Mechanical properties, Rayon flocking, Burnt sienna

Background The ART (Arterial Revascularization Trial) showed no difference in survival at 10 years between patients assigned to the single versus bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting strategies. This finding is in contrast with the results of most observational studies, where the use of 2 internal thoracic arteries has been associated with improved survival. Methods and Results We selected propensity‐matched studies from the most comprehensive observational meta‐analysis on the long‐term outcomes of patients receiving 1 versus 2 internal thoracic arteries. Individual participant survival data from each study and the ART were reconstructed using an iterative algorithm that was applied to solve the Kaplan‐Meier equations. The reconstructed individual participant survival data were aggregated to obtain combined survival curves and Cox regression hazard ratios with 95% CIs. Individual participant survival data were obtained from 14 matched observational studies (24 123 patients) and the ART. The 10‐year survival of the control group of ART was significantly higher than that of the matched observational studies (hazard ratio, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.80–0.93). The 10‐year survival of the experimental group of ART was significantly lower than that of the bilateral internal thoracic artery group of the observational studies (hazard ratio, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.03–1.20). Conclusions Both the improved outcome of the control arm and the lower beneficial effect of the intervention had played a role in the difference between observational evidence and ART.

الملخص: أهداف البحث: قيّمت هذه الدراسة الآثار المترتبة على إضافة أكسيد التيتانيوم كـ ’ نانوفيلر’ على التمزق وقوة الشد، ونسبة الاستطالة، وصلابة اللدائن السيليكونية المبركنة للفك في درجة حرارة الغرفة “في إس تي ٥٠ إف” واللدائن السيليكونية المبركنة للفك في درجة الحرارة العالية “ كوزميسيل إم ٥١١”. طرق البحث: تم استخدام نوعين من اللدائن الفكية “في إس تي ٥٠ إف” و “ كوزميسيل إم ٥١١”. واستُخدم مسحوق أكسيد التيتانيوم كـ “ نانوفيلر”. وتم إعداد ما مجموعه ١٢٠ عينة: ٦٠ عينة للدائن بدرجة حرارة الغرفة و٦٠ عينة للدائن بدرجة الحرارة العالية. وتم تقسيم العينات من كل نوع من اللدائن إلى ثلاث مجموعات وفقا للاختبارات التي أجريت: اختبار قوة التمزق، واختبار قوة الشد، واختبار الصلابة. أستخدمت عشرون عينة لكل اختبار. وقُسمت كل مجموعة إلى مجموعتين فرعيتين: (أ) مجموعة التحكم، سيليكون بدون نانو- أكسيد التيتانيوم و (ب) مجموعة التجربة، سيليكون مضاف إليه نانو- أكسيد التيتانيوم بنسبة ٠.٢٥٪ من الوزن و٠.٢٪ من الوزن بالنسبة لـ “في إس تي ٥٠ إف” و “ كوزميسيل إم ٥١١” على التوالي. شملت كل مجموعة فرعية عشرة عينات. وتم بعدها تقييم العينات، كما تم تحليل البيانات باستخدام تحليل إحصائي وصفي واختبار “أنوفا” في الاتجاهين. النتائج: أدت إضافة ٠.٢٥٪ بالوزن و٠.٢٪ بالوزن من أكسيد التيتانيوم كـ ’ نانوفيلر’ إلى كل من “في إس تي ٥٠ إف” و “ كوزميسيل إم ٥١١” على التوالي إلى زيادة ذات دلالة إحصائية في القيم المتوسطة لقوة التمزق وقوة الشد ونسبة الاستطالة والصلابة. الاستنتاجات: إن إضافة تراكيز مختارة من نانو-أكسيد التيتانيوم إلى كل من “في إس تي ٥٠ إف” و “ كوزميسيل إم ٥١١” من مواد سيليكون الفكين أدت إلى تحسن الخواص الميكانيكية لكل منهما. Abstract: Objective: This study evaluated the effects of adding titanium oxide (TiO2) nanofillers on the tear strength, tensile strength, elongation percentage, and hardness of room-temperature-vulcanized (RTV) VST50F and high-temperature-vulcanized (HTV) Cosmesil M511 maxillofacial silicone elastomers. Methods: Two types of maxillofacial elastomers, VST50F RTV and Cosmesil M511 HTV, were used. Nano-TiO2 powder was applied as a nanofiller. A total of 120 specimens were fabricated, 60 each of VST50F and Cosmesil M511. The specimens of each type of elastomer were divided into three equal groups on which tests were conducted for tear strength, tensile strength, and hardness i.e., 20 specimens were used for each test. Each group of 20 specimens was further divided into two equal subgroups: (A) control i.e., silicone without nano-TiO2, and (B) experimental i.e., VST50F and Cosmesil M511 silicone incorporated with 0.25 wt% and 0.2 wt% nano-TiO2, respectively. Each subgroup thus had 10 specimens. The specimens were evaluated, and data were studied using descriptive statistical analysis and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The addition of 0.25 wt% and 0.2 wt% TiO2 nanofiller into VST50F and Cosmesil M511 elastomers, respectively, resulted in a statistically significant increase in the mean values (p

Abstract Background Plasmodium vivax infection is rising in sub-Saharan Africa, where Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for more than 90% of malaria cases. While P. vivax is identified as a major cause of severe and cerebral malaria in South east Asia, the Pacific and South America, most of the severe and cerebral cases in Africa were attributed to P. falciparum. Cases of severe malaria due to P. vivax are emerging in Africa. A few severe P. vivax cases were reported in Eastern Sudan and they were underestimated due to the lack of accurate diagnosis, low parasitaemia and seldom use of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). Case presentation A 60-year-old Sudanese male presented to the Al Kuwaiti hospital in the Sudan capital Khartoum. On admission, the patient was complaining of fever (measured temperature was 38 °C), sweating, chills, vomiting and confusion in the past 2 days prior to his admission. He rapidly deteriorated into a coma state within 48 h of the admission, with significant neck stiffness. He was admitted to the intensive care unit and was suspected of meningitis. Lumbar puncture was not performed since the patient was suffering from spinal cord disc. Brain CT scan was unremarkable. Several biochemical, haematological tests, and blood film for malaria were performed. The results of the laboratory tests were within the normal range except of mild elevation of the total white blood cell count and a significant decrease in the platelets count. Malaria parasites were seen in the blood film with high parasitaemia (quantified as 3 +++). The patient was diagnosed as P. vivax cerebral malaria based on the positive blood film and the amplification of P. vivax specific 499 bp amplicon using Plasmodium multi-species multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The patient was treated with quinine 10 mg/kg body weight for 10 days followed by primaquine 15 mg/days PO for 2 weeks. The symptoms subsided within 48 h and the patients was cured and released from the hospital. Conclusions Plasmodium vivax is an emerging cause of cerebral malaria in adults in Sudan and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cerebral malaria for proper management of patients.

Background Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is the standard of care for many patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis and relies on accurate sizing of the aortic annulus. It has been suggested that 3‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D TEE) may be used instead of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) for TAVR planning. This systematic review and meta‐analysis compared 3D TEE and MDCT for pre‐TAVR measurements. Methods and Results A systematic literature search was performed. The primary outcome was the correlation coefficient between 3D TEE– and MDCT‐measured annular area. Secondary outcomes were correlation coefficients for mean annular diameter, annular perimeter, and left ventricular outflow tract area; interobserver and intraobserver agreements; mean differences between 3D TEE and MDCT measurements; and pooled sensitivities, specificities, and receiver operating characteristic area under curve values of 3D TEE and MDCT for discriminating post‐TAVR paravalvular aortic regurgitation. A random effects model was used. Meta‐regression and leave‐one‐out analysis for the primary outcome were performed. Nineteen studies with a total of 1599 patients were included. Correlations between 3D TEE and MDCT annular area, annular perimeter, annular diameter, and left ventricular outflow tract area measurements were strong (0.86 [95% CI, 0.80–0.90]; 0.89 [CI, 0.82–0.93]; 0.80 [CI, 0.70–0.87]; and 0.78 [CI, 0.61–0.88], respectively). Mean differences between 3D TEE and MDCT between measurements were small and nonsignificant. Interobserver and intraobserver agreement and discriminatory abilities for paravalvular aortic regurgitation were good for both 3D TEE and MDCT. Conclusions For pre‐TAVR planning, 3D TEE is comparable to MDCT. In patients with renal dysfunction, 3D TEE may be potentially advantageous for TAVR measurements because of the lack of contrast exposure.

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is strongly recommended by the World Health Organization, United Nation Children's Fund (UNICEF), and American Academy of Pediatrics during the first six months of life. Breastfeeding should continue up to two years for optimal growth and development while it is suggested to start supplementary foods beginning from the seventh month. The study aimed to determine the frequency and examine the affecting factors of EBF in infants who attended the pediatrics outpatient clinic in Althawra Hospital in Albaida city, Libya. A cross-sectional study was conducted in eight months period among 223 breastfeeding mothers, with infants aged 6-24 months, who attended the pediatrics Outpatient clinic. Mothers’ perceptions about breastfeeding, complementary feeding practices, and demographic characteristics were collected by interviews with them. EBF periods were 1-45 weeks, Median week was 17 weeks. Six months EBF rate was 32,28%. Younger mother (≤ 20) or older (≥35) ages, and mothers having chronic diseases had a shorter median week of EBF. The median duration of breastfeeding was 9 months (0-24 months). The most frequent reason of the early interruption of EBF was, according to mother’s perceptions, for having inadequate breast milk (50.3 %). The study indicates that the frequency of 6 months EBF (32,28%) and the median duration of breastfeeding (17 weeks) are low in Albaida. A local strategy must be developed to overcome mothers negative perceptions about EBF in the first 6 months of age.

Bio-nanotechnology employing bio-sourced nanomaterial is an emerging avenue serving the field of fish medicine. Marine-sourced chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) is a well-known antimicrobial and immunomodulatory reagent with low or no harm side effects on fish or their human consumers. In this study, in vitro skin mucus and serum antibacterial activity assays along with intestinal histology, histochemical, and gene expression analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of dietary CSNPs (5 g kg−1 dry feed) on rainbow trout resistance against ‘enteric redmouth’ disease. Two treatment conditions were included; short-term prophylactic-regimen for 21 days before the bacterial challenge, and long-term therapeutic-regimen for 21 days before the challenge and extended for 28 days after the challenge. Our results revealed higher antibacterial defense ability and positive intestinal histochemical and molecular traits of rainbow trout after dietary CSNPs. The prophylactic-regimen improved trout health while the therapeutic regimen improved their disease resistance and lowered their morbidity. Therefore, it is anticipated that CSNPs is an effective antibacterial and immunomodulatory fish feed supplement against the infectious threats. However, the CSNPs seem to be more effective in the therapeutic application rather than being used for short-term prophylactic applications.

To determine the prevalence and severity of neuropathic pain, sudomotor dysfunction and abnormal vibration perception in patients with MS.73 patients with MS and 32 age-matched healthy controls underwent assessment of expanded disability severity score (EDSS), DN4 to assess neuropathic pain, electrochemical skin conductance (ESC) to assess sudomotor function and vibration perception threshold (VPT).Patients with MS had a higher DN4 score (p < 0.001) with 14% fulfilling the criteria for neuropathic pain elevated VPT (p < 0.001) and lower ESC on the feet (p < 0.001) and hands (p < 0.001) compared to control participants. ESC on the feet (32% of MS patients) and hands (30% of MS patients) were lower, and DN4 (77% of MS patients) and VPT (64% of MS patients) were greater than 2SD of the healthy control values, respectively. EDSS correlated with the number of relapses (r = 0.564, p < 0.001), VPT (r = -0.457, < 0.001) and ESC on the feet (r = -0.268, p = 0.023).Patients with multiple sclerosis have evidence of sudomotor dysfunction and elevated vibration perception, which were associated with neurological disability from MS.

Rumex dentatus L. and Rumex vesicarius L., of the family Polygonaceae, are edible herbs growing wild in Egypt. Their lipoid constituents were examined by both liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Their essential oil compositions consisted mainly of thujene, limonene, fenchon, estragole, and anethole but at largely different concentration. Fatty acid compositions were similar among the two species and consisting of palmitic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids, with R. vesicarius containing much higher level of omega-3-fatty acids. Both of the crude lipid extracts of the two species showed strong antioxidant activity as a radical quenching agent against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) systems. Antioxidant activities were mostly associated with the polar lipid fractions. High performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC), both in the normal and reversed phase,as well as liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) in the positive and negative electrospray ionization (ESI), showed unique chemical profile for each species that can be useful for species identification and quality control of herbal drug formulations. R. vesicarius was characterized by abundances of flavonoids and R. dentatus was abundant in anthraquinones and chromones.

BACKGROUND:On the Zanzibar islands, United Republic of Tanzania, elimination of urogenital schistosomiasis is strived for in the coming years. This qualitative study aimed to better understand community knowledge, perceptions, and practices associated with schistosomiasis among school-aged children on Unguja and Pemba islands, in order to inform the development of behavior change interventions contributing to eliminate urogenital schistosomiasis. METHODOLOGY:In 2011, we conducted 35 children's discussion groups, 41 in-depth interviews with parents and teachers, and 5 focus group discussions with community members in Zanzibar. Using a modified-grounded theory approach, we transcribed and coded the narrative data followed by thematic analysis of the emergent themes. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:Urogenital schistosomiasis is a common experience among children in Zanzibar and typically considered a boys' disease. Children engage in multiple high-risk behaviors for acquiring schistosomiasis because of poor knowledge on disease transmission, lack of understanding on severity of disease-associated consequences, and lack of alternative options for water related activities of daily living and recreational play. Local primary school teachers had little to no training about the disease and no teaching tools or materials for students. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE:Conducting activities in open natural freshwater contaminated by S. haematobium larvae compromises the health of school-aged children in Zanzibar. The perception of urogenital schistosomiasis as a minor illness rather than a serious threat to a child's well-being contributes to the spread of disease. Understanding community perceptions of disease along with the barriers and facilitators to risk reduction behaviors among children can inform health promotion activities, campaigns, and programs for the prevention, control, and elimination of urogenital schistosomiasis in Zanzibar.

This paper describes the studied effects of thermal radiation and chemical reaction on unsteady MHD non-Newtonian (obeying Walter’s B model) fluid in porous medium. The resulting problems are solved numerically. Graphical results for various interesting parameters are presented. Also the effects of the different parameters on the skin-friction and the heat fluxes are obtained and discussed numerically.

Essential oils of the fruits of three organically grown cultivars of Egyptian fennel (Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum, Foeniculum vulgare var. dulce and Foeniculum vulgare var. vulgare) were examined for their chemical constituents, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis of the essential oils revealed the presence of 18 major monoterpenoids in all three cultivars but their percentage in each oil were greatly different. trans-Anethole, estragole, fenchone and limonene were highly abundant in all of the examined oils. Antioxidant activities of the essential oils were evaluated using the DPPH radical scavenging, lipid peroxidation and metal chelating assays. Essential oils from the azoricum and dulce cultivars were more effective antioxidants than that from the vulgare cultivar. Antimicrobial activities of each oil were measured against two species of fungi, two species of Gram negative and two species of Gram positive bacteria. All three cultivars showed similar antimicrobial activity.

Euphorbia species are rich in diterpenes. A solvent extraction of Euphorbia sanctae-catharinae, a species indigenous to the Southern Sinai of Egypt, afforded several premyrsinane diterpenoids (1–4) as well as previously reported metabolites (5–13) that included three flavonoids. Isolated compounds were chemically characterized by spectroscopic analysis. Identified compounds were bioassayed for anti-proliferative activity in vitro against colon (Caco-2) and lung (A549) tumor cell lines. Compound 9 exhibited robust anti-proliferative activity against A549 cells (IC50 = 3.3 µM). Absolute configurations for 8 versus 9 were determined by experimental and TDDFT-calculated electronic circular dichorism (ECD) spectra.

A partially ionized fluid is driven by a stretching disk, in the presence of a magnetic field that is strong enough to produce significant hall current and ion-slip effects. The limiting behavior of the flow is studied, as the magnetic field strength grows indefinitely. The flow variables are properly scaled, and uniformly valid asymptotic expansions of the velocity components are obtained. The leading order approximations show sinusoidal behavior that is decaying exponentially, as we move away from the disk surface. The two-term expansions of the radial and azimuthal surface shear stress components, as well as the far field inflow speed, compare well with the corresponding finite difference solutions, even at moderate magnetic fields. The effect of mass transfer (suction or injection) through the disk is also considered.

Teaching is one of the most stressful occupations, often due to the emotional investment of managing and caring for a classroom of students. In addition to environmental stressors, teacher wellbeing is impacted by relationships with students. While the relation between challenging student behaviors and adverse outcomes for both teachers and students is well-established, less is known about teachers' mental representations and perceptions of challenging behaviors. This study examines preschool teachers' perceptions and interpretations of challenging student behaviors through a reflective writing exercise. Eight Head Start teachers provided reflections on their relationship with a specific student displaying challenging behavior. Through content analysis, we found four distinct themes: balance, malleability, valence, and relational flexibility. Taken together, these themes suggest that, while all teachers' mental representations of their relationship with students are impacted by the challenging behavior, their perceptions of the types of behaviors identified as challenging, the attribution of the challenging behavior, the tone used to describe the relationship, and the beliefs around sources of and solutions for the challenging behavior, vary considerably. By gaining a deeper understanding of teachers' perceptions of their relationships with students displaying challenging behaviors through reflective writing, these findings provide the groundwork for interventions capable of improving overall classroom interaction quality, teacher wellbeing, and student learning and development.

An open classroom climate, one where diverse opinions and discussion of social and political issues are welcome, promotes civic development among youth and fosters critical consciousness. Critical consciousness, defined as the capacity to recognize societal inequity along with the motivation and action taken to challenge such inequity and promote positive social change, also engenders civic development and engagement. Advancements in critical consciousness measurement and changes in the sociopolitical climate over the past two decades suggest the need to reexamine the effects of open classroom climate on critical consciousness. This paper explores the extent to which an open classroom climate is associated with critical consciousness in a contemporary, diverse sample of preadolescent and adolescent youth (n = 4,901, M[subscript age] = 14.69). Results suggest open classroom climate is linked with the reflection, motivation, and action dimensions of critical consciousness. Implications for promoting an open classroom climate and critical consciousness are discussed.

Teachers' expectations of student capabilities can meaningfully affect future achievement. However, the consistency of teachers' expectations over time and their differential impact by student gender and ethnicity have not been thoroughly investigated in the context of students' reading achievement. The current study investigates the longitudinal influence of teacher expectancy effects on student achievement through a novel measurement approach that considers classroom context while drawing on cognitive assessments and teacher ratings collected through the large, nationally representative Early Childhood Longitudinal Study–Kindergarten data set (N = 8,503 students). Results of the autoregressive cross-lagged models with five time points between kindergarten and eighth grade indicate teachers' expectations of students' reading achievement are not significantly associated from one time point to the next, though their effects increase over time. Significant differences in longitudinal expectancy effects based on student gender and ethnicity were not found. Implications for teaching practice based on these results are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This mixed methods study examines the impact of online professional development on preschool teachers' self-efficacy, burnout, and stress. Participating teachers (n = 89) were randomly assigned into four groups: one of three treatment conditions (course-only, conference, reflective writing) or a control group. All treatment conditions received a 14-week online course on teacher-child interactions, which included regular homework assignments and community discussion boards. The conference and reflective writing conditions received additional supports. Regression analyses revealed that teachers who were in the course-only treatment condition had decreased self-efficacy and increased emotional exhaustion, a component of burnout, relative to the control group. However, teachers in the conference and reflective writing conditions did not experience such negative effects. Qualitative analyses suggest that all teachers tended to focus on personal challenges within the course, but teachers who had access to conference and reflective writing supports benefited from the availability of emotional outlets and/or opportunities for feedback.

Background: Maxillofacial defects may arise from congenital, developmental, traumatic, or surgical procedures. The presence of such defects may adversely affect an individual's appearance and function, resulting in an inability to lead a typical life and impacting their psychological well-being. Surgical reconstruction is often regarded as the primary therapeutic option in such instances. However, it may not be feasible in numerous cases due to various unfavorable conditions. Consequently, the need for maxillofacial prosthesis reconstruction becomes obligatory. Purpose: This study assesses the antibacterial efficacy of copper oxide nanoparticles at different rates against Staphylococcus epidermidis after incorporation into maxillofacial silicone. Methods: A pilot study was first conducted in Iraq and copper oxide nanoparticles were added to VST50F silicone elastomer in different five percentages (0.01 wt%, 0.02 wt%, 0.03 wt%, 0.04 wt%, and 0.05 wt%). Thirty specimens were prepared and grouped into six groups: one control group and five experimental groups, and then the best effective two percentages (0.03 wt% and 0.04 wt%) were selected for the main study. Thirty specimens for the main study were divided into three groups: control group (A) and two experimental groups (B and C). A statistical analysis was done with an ANOVA and the Games-Howell multiple comparison test (P < 0.05). The data's normal distribution and homogeneity were assessed. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FES-EM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were also conducted. Results: The statistical analysis showed a significant difference between all groups with P < 0.05. There was a significant difference between control group A and experimental groups B and C with P < 0.05, as well as between experimental groups B and C (P < 0.05). FESEM showed that nanoparticles were distributed well within the silicone matrix. FTIR spectra proved no chemical reaction to occurr between the copper oxide nanoparticles and VST50F silicone. Conclusion: Incorporating copper oxide nanoparticles into VST50F maxillofacial silicone improved their antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus epidermidis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imidacloprid is a systematic neonicotinoid widely used to combat piercing-sucking insects; however, neonicotinoids, despite having low effects on vertebrates, showed high adverse effects on honeybees (Apis mellifera L.). Glutathione-S-transferases (GST) are an important constituent of the defense system in detoxifying invading chemicals. This work examines the effects of imidacloprid on GST activity in vivo and in vitro conditions. Results revealed that there are two responses of GST activity toward IMI treatment; first, stimulation of enzyme activity to combat and detoxify the insecticide. Second, direct inhibition of GST, which is confirmed by the in vitro inhibition with IC50 887.42 ppm. At a short exposure time to IMI (2 hours) at an IMI concentration of 0.35 ppm, the enzyme was stimulated up to 113% while increasing exposure time or IMI concentration, the inhibition effect dominates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]