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BACKGROUND: The appendix is a small organ with no particular known function. Primary appendiceal neoplasms (ANs) are rare. While the prevalence is increasing worldwide over the past two decades, no apparent increase in the prevalence of ANs has been reported in the Arabian Gulf States. Recently, a significant decline in the age at diagnosis of some types of ANs has been reported worldwide, with a female predominance. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the prevalence and clinicopathological characteristics of ANs within our institution in Saudi Arabia and compare them to limited existing studies from different regions as well as the Arabian Gulf States. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort SETTING: Tertiary care center in Riyadh PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients who underwent appendectomy and had the appendix submitted for histopathological evaluation between May 2015 and June 2020 were included to allow for a follow-up of 5 years or more at the time of data collection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographics, clinical presentations, surgical interventions, histopathological findings, complications, and recurrence rates. SAMPLE SIZE: 25 AN patients RESULTS: Of 1110 patients, 25 had ANs (13 female and 12 male participants) with a mean (standard deviation) age of 54.6 (14.1) years. Only 40% presented with acute appendicitis, 64% had comorbidities, and less than 50% underwent laparoscopic appendectomy. Histopathologically, 72% were low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (LAMNs). Complications were minimal grades (Clavien-Dindo classification), with 80% experiencing none. The mean hospital stay was 9.96 days. Local recurrence occurred in 8% of cases, and distant metastasis was documented in one adenocarcinoma case. However, the 5-year overall and disease-free survival rates were 88% and 80%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of ANs is increasing in Saudi Arabia with the higher prevalence of LAMNs. The pathological examination of the resected appendix played a pivotal role in the diagnosis of ANs. LIMITATIONS: Data collected retrospectively, a single institution, and a small population.

In this article, we design an optimal neural network based on new LM training algorithm. The traditional algorithm of LM required high memory, storage and computational overhead because of it required the updated of Hessian approximations in each iteration. The suggested design implemented to converts the original problem into a minimization problem using feed forward type to solve non-linear 3D - PDEs. Also, optimal design is obtained by computing the parameters of learning with highly precise. Examples are provided to portray the efficiency and applicability of this technique. Comparisons with other designs are also conducted to demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed design.

Introduction. Obesity has become one of the most prevalent nutritional disor-ders, characterized by excess adipose tissue with physical and psychosocial conse-quences, affecting negatively quality of life. Objectives. To study the diet quality and identify eating disorders (TCA) in a pediatric population suffering from overweight. Population and methods. Thirty patients (16 girls/14 boys), aged 5 to 17 years, were recruited from the Pediatric Department of Oran University Hospital. Anthropometric parameters were measured. Physical activity level as well as diet quality by the KIDMED index were evaluated. The Binge Eating Scale (ADO-BED), and the Child-Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (CTFEQ) were used to identify possible eating disorders. Results. Obesity was noted in 77% of the pediatric population, while 23% were overweight. Only 40% of patients practiced sporting activity, while 60% had sedentary behavior on weekends. The KIDMED score calculation showed low adherence to the Mediterranean diet (RM), in 83% of the population. Although the ADO-BED questionnaire indicated a low risk of binge episodes in 97% of patients, CTFEQ data revealed that 67% had signs of loss of eating control, 7% had cognitive restriction, and 7% had emotional eating. Conclusion. Poor dietary habits, associated with sedentary lifestyle, are observed in the studied overweight pediatric population. These results highlight the need for nutritional intervention and psychological care for these patients. [Introduction. L'obésité est devenue l'un des troubles nutritionnels les plus répandus, caractérisé par un excès de tissu adipeux avec des conséquences physiques et psychosociales, affectant négativement la qualité de vie. Objectif. Etudier la qualité de l’alimentation et identifier les troubles des conduites alimentaires (TCA) chez une population pédiatrique, souffrant de surcharge pondérale. Population et méthodes. Trente patients (16 filles/14 garçons), âgés de 5 à 17 ans, ont été recrutés au niveau du Service de Pédiatrie du CHU d’Oran. Les paramètres anthropométriques ont été mesurés. Le niveau d'activité physique (NAP) ainsi que la qualité de l'alimentation par l’indice KIDMED ont été évalués. Le Binge Eating Scale (ADO-BED) et le Child-Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (CTFEQ) ont été utilisés afin d’identifier d’éventuels TCA. Résultats. L'obésité était observée chez 77% de la population pédiatrique, alors que 23% présentaient un surpoids. Seuls 40% des patients pratiquaient une activité sportive, tandis que 60% avaient un comportement sédentaire le week-end. Le calcul du score KIDMED a montré une adhésion faible au régime méditerranéen (RM) chez 83% de la population. Bien que le questionnaire ADO-BED ait indiqué un faible risque d'épisodes hyperphagiques chez 97% des patients, les données du CTFEQ ont révélé que 67% présentaient des signes de perte de contrôle alimentaire, 7% une restriction cognitive, et 7% une alimentation émotionnelle. Conclusion. De mauvaises habitudes alimentaires, associées à un mode de vie sédentaire, sont observées chez la population pédiatrique en surcharge pondérale. Ces résultats soulignent la nécessité d'une intervention nutri-tionnelle et d'une prise en charge psychologique pour ces patients.]

Introduction Celiac disease (CD) is an enteropathy that requires a gluten-free diet (GFD), a restriction often generating nutritional imbalances Objective. to assess the nutritional status of a pediatric CD population. Population and methods. Among 84 CD patients recruited, 64 were retained (37 F/27M) and aged 1-

COVID-19 pandemic, which caused by the newly emerged severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS- CoV-2), puts the entire world in an unprecedented crisis, leaving behind huge human losses and serious socio-economical damages. The clinical spectrum of COVID-19 varies from asymptomatic to multi-organ manifestations. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic inflammatory condition, which associated with metabolic and vascular abnormalities, increases the risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection, severity and mortality. Due to global prevalence, DM effect on COVID-19 outcomes as well as the potential mechanisms by which DM modulates the host-viral interactions and host-immune responses are discussed in this review. This review also highlights the effects of anti-diabetic drugs on treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection and vice versa.

With the rapid expansion of electronic data transmission, unauthorized data access is growing. Information security against unwanted access is becoming increasingly essential in data storage and data transfer. Images are a common type of information that is used in almost every aspect of life, so the security of image data against unwanted access is critical. In this article, we propose an encryption technique that uses a symmetric encryption method based on XOR operation between the plain image and another image that will be used as a key agreed upon by both the sender and recipient. To ensure the security of the plain images, the scheme performs pixel permutation procedures dynamically using random numbers on the key image and plain image in each encryption process, which renders the encryption algorithm strong and brute-force resistant. Simulation results on several standard images showed a random distribution of pixel values and a higher pass rate correlated with entropy and ideal values for analysis parameters. Thus, through the use of randomization, the proposed algorithm is resistant to various attacks and offers promising security measurements while maintaining efficient and fast execution.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) technique is one of the modern techniques that have become widely used in many areas of the construction sector, including energy management. This work aims to study the effect of sun path analysis in improving energy performance, analysis and evaluation of the energy performance based on the tools provided by BIM technique, and comparison of simulated electrical energy results with real electrical energy consumption. The criteria of this study applied on one Iraqi project at Diyala University. The results illustrate that BIM very useful to perform various analyses helped to find different strategies for improving the energy efficiency of the project such as sun path analysis and Green Building studio (GBS) tool based on BIM technique useful tool to energy analysis where the result illustrate most electricity consumption goes for cooling space with consumption around (63871) kWh in August month as well as most fuel consumption for the purpose of space heatind with consumption around(187846) MJ in December. GBS tool based on BIM technique is an effective tool that can help designers and architects in energy performance assessment as well as calculate energy costs in the early design stage, also it helps in finding the best solutions that contribute to improving energy efficiency in the early stages of the project life cycle.

Rashid Ali Khan,1 Prem Kapur,2 Abhinav Jain,3 Farrukh Farah,4 Uma Bhandari11Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, 2Department of Medicine, 3Department of Radiology, 4Department of Paramedical Sciences, Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, IndiaAbstract: Orlistat is recommended in the treatment of obesity, which is an independent risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The reported findings of orlistat in NAFLD are divisive. Recently, periostin is identified as an important regulatory molecule in the pathogenesis of obesity-induced fatty liver. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the potential effects of orlistat in the treatment of NAFLD. A 16-week prospective observational study was conducted, with obese NAFLD patient (n=77) receiving orlistat (120 mg capsules, three times a day) with hypocaloric diet or hypocaloric diet only. Grades of fatty liver were determined using ultrasound (US) echogenicity of liver; serum levels of periostin, adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin-6 were determined using ELISA kits at 0 and 16 weeks. Correlations of US grades of fatty liver with these biomarkers were also determined. Orlistat significantly reversed the US grades of fatty liver (P=0.016), decreased serum levels of periostin (P=0.030) and TNF-α (P=0.040), and increased serum adiponectin levels (P

This paper represents the finite element results for the local buckling of tapered plate girders subjected to combine pure bending and shear stresses. An idealized model is developed representing the loading of the tapered panel that generates uniform normal stresses due to flexure, or uniform and constant shear stresses in the case of shear. Eigen-value analysis was performed for several tapered web plate girders that have different geometric parameters. A parametric study is made to reduce the FE model size showing the effect of decreasing the tapered panel adjacent straight panels, maintaining the same result accuracy as a complete girder model. The combined buckling capacity of bending and shear is determined by applying all possible load pattern combinations, together with different interaction ratios. An analysis study is presented to investigate the effect of the tapering angle on the combined bending–shear capacity of the girder. The study also includes the effect of the flange and web slenderness on the local buckling of the girder. Considering residual stresses as part of the loading stresses, the analysis procedure is repeated for some cases, and the effect of combining of the residual stresses together with the external loads is found. Empirical approximate formulae are given to estimate the combined flexure–shear buckling resistance of the tapered girder safely.

Recently, the use of mobile devices to run multimedia applications is becoming more popular. Such applications are known to be energy consuming. Since these devices are mostly battery powered with a limited battery life, energy saving strategies becomes vital for such systems operation. WiMAX systems utilize a standard sleep mode in order to reduce the mobile station (MS) power usage. It is also used to reduce the usage of base station (BS) air interface resources. IEEE 802.16e proposes three power saving classes (PSCs), depending on the type of the application(s) running on the device. However, when multiple applications that belong to different service types are operating simultaneously, the power consumption may increase due to overlapping among the used PSCs. In this work, a new mechanism is proposed to minimize power consumption of mobile WiMax devices. The proposed mechanism tries to eliminate the overlapping of PSCs by synchronizing the different PSCs. A simulation study is conducted and the simulation results indicate that the proposed mechanism can significantly reduce power consumption of MS; OPNET 14.5 modeler is the simulation tools that used in this work. However, this version of OPNET does not support sleep mode, but the sleep protocol is programed (in this work) using C Language inside the modeler, in order to show the effect of the proposed mechanism to enhance the power saving.

Apical ballooning syndrome (ABS), also known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, was first reported by Dote and colleagues in Japanese literature in 1991 in a review of five cases. Case series have highlighted the association of severe psychological stressors as the major precipitating factors of this syndrome. Status Epilepticus and Sub-Arachnoid hemorrhage are also now established independent etiologies for this phenomenon in patients without coronary artery disease. We report a case of reversible apical ventricular dysfunction in a 50-year-old male presenting with status asthmaticus who quickly underwent intubation. Following this, he had ST elevations in precordial leads with mild cardiac enzyme leak. Subsequent cardiac catheterization revealed a left ventricular ejection fraction of 25–30% with apical aneurismal segment. No obstructive disease was observed. Three days later there was marked clinical improvement; the patient was extubated and repeat echocardiography revealed a remarkable return to normal ventricular size and systolic function. Our case demonstrates that excess use of beta-agonists may be a potential risk factor for ABS and raises the possibility of cathecholamine cardiotoxicity being mediated via beta-receptors. Furthermore, it also negates the propensity of apical ballooning so far reported only in women with respiratory distress without confounding emotional stressors.

Integration of HIV DNA into host chromosome requires a 3'-processing (3'-P) and a strand transfer (ST) reactions catalyzed by virus integrase (IN). Raltegravir (RAL), commonly used in AIDS therapy, belongs to the family of IN ST inhibitors (INSTIs) acting on IN-viral DNA complexes (intasomes). However, studies show that RAL fails to bind IN alone, but nothing has been reported on the behaviour of RAL toward free viral DNA. Here, we assessed whether free viral DNA could be a primary target for RAL, assuming that the DNA molecule is a receptor for a huge number of pharmacological agents. Optical spectroscopy, molecular dynamics and free energy calculations, showed that RAL is a tight binder of both processed and unprocessed LTR (long terminal repeat) ends. Complex formation involved mainly van der Waals forces and was enthalpy driven. Dissociation constants (Kds) revealed that RAL affinity for unbound LTRs was stronger than for bound LTRs. Moreover, Kd value for binding of RAL to LTRs and IC50 value (half concentration for inhibition) were in same range, suggesting that RAL binding to DNA and ST inhibition are correlated events. Accommodation of RAL into terminal base-pairs of unprocessed LTR is facilitated by an extensive end fraying that lowers the RAL binding energy barrier. The RAL binding entails a weak damping of fraying and correlatively of 3'-P inhibition. Noteworthy, present calculated RAL structures bound to free viral DNA resemble those found in RAL-intasome crystals, especially concerning the contacts between the fluorobenzyl group and the conserved 5'C(4)pA(3)3' step. We propose that RAL inhibits IN, in binding first unprocessed DNA. Similarly to anticancer drug poisons acting on topoisomerases, its interaction with DNA does not alter the cut, but blocks the subsequent joining reaction. We also speculate that INSTIs having viral DNA rather IN as main target could induce less resistance.

In this article, we design an optimal neural network based on new LM training algorithm. The traditional algorithm of LM required high memory, storage and computational overhead because of it required the updated of Hessian approximations in each iteration. The suggested design implemented to converts the original problem into a minimization problem using feed forward type to solve non-linear 3D - PDEs. Also, optimal design is obtained by computing the parameters of learning with highly precise. Examples are provided to portray the efficiency and applicability of this technique. Comparisons with other designs are also conducted to demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary hyperparathyroïdism is observed in 35 to 44 subjects/ 100000 persons. The increased production of parathyroid hormones is secondary to primary glandular modifications consisting mainly in adenomas. The authors report a clear-cell hyperplasia causing primary hyperparathyroidism. Observation: We report the case of a 25-year-old man who was admitted to explore pathologic fractures of the left arm and a malignant hypercalcaemia. Complementary laboratory tests revealed primary hyperparathyroidism. A multiple endocrine neoplasia was excluded by radiologic examinations. Cervical ultra-sound examination revealed 2 parathyroid adenomas and per-operative exploration showed 3 « adenomas ». Microscopic examination of the 4 parathyroid glands specimen concluded to a clear cell hyperplasia. Conclusion: Clear cell hyperplasia is a benign cause of primary hyperparathyroidism. The diagnosis is based upon histologic findings and examination of the 4 glands.

In today's rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape, the efficient allocation of human resources is crucial for optimizing production systems. This paper addresses the dual resource-constrained flexible job shop scheduling problem (DRCFJSP) by implementing a Multi-Start Tabu Search-based Multi-Agent Model (MuSTAM). MuSTAM considers a set of initial solutions that are run in parallel using an intensification technique. The main objective of MuSTAM is to reduce the completion time (makespan), which is an important metric in workshops. The proposed model is composed of two classes of agents: a supervisor agent named MainAgent and a set of tabu search agents called TabuAgents. The MainAgent launches the system, collects inputs, generates the initial population, creates TabuAgents based on the number of solutions in the initial population (PopSize), and displays the best solution. Each TabuAgent receives a solution from the initial population and then conducts a concentrated search around its neighbourhood space by applying the intensification technique of tabu search. TabuAgents cooperate and communicate with each other to enhance search quality. Numerical tests are performed during the experimental phase to compare MuSTAM with ITS based on well-known benchmark instances of the DRCFJSP. The results demonstrate that MuSTAM is effective in terms of makespan and CPU time.

The study's objectives were to investigate the acute toxicity and related biochemical effects of levamisole and ivermectin in mice. The 24 h oral median lethal dose (LD50) of levamisole was determined by the up-and-down method and was 155.5 mg/ kg of body weight. The treated mice showed signs of acute poisoning represented by excessive grooming, lacrimation, piloerection, straub tail, tachycardia, bulged eyes, tremor, convulsion and finally death within 24 h of treatment. The approximate lethal dose (ALD) of levamisole was 368 mg/kg, and the mice showed signs of poisoning similar to the previous signs of poisoning within 24 h of treatment. The 24 h oral LD50 of ivermectin was 115.2 mg/kg and the mice showed acute signs of poisoning, represented by excessive grooming, lacrimation, closed eyelids, piloerection, tachycardia, rapid respiration, depression, flat body appearance, paralysis and finally death within 24 h of treatment, while the approximate lethal dose of ivermectin was 121 mg/kg and also with the presence of severe poisoning signs as mentioned before. Non-lethal toxic doses of levamisole at 100 and 150 mg/kg and ivermectin at 75 and 100 mg/kg led to significant blood biochemical changes after 24 h of treatment, represented by a significant increase in the activity of the enzymes alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), and a significantly increased total bilirubin concentration in the blood plasma of mice. These results proved the presence of acute toxicity and biochemical effects of both anthelmintics levamisole and ivermectin even though they have wide safety margins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlled/slow-release fertilizers (CSRF) continue to be developed because of the need to increase agricultural productivity and reduce the economic, social, and environmental impacts of conventional fertilizers leaching into nature. Additionally, the use of biodegradable polymers as CSRF materials continues to be a priority in CSRF development. Therefore, this review synthesizes the current research on lignin- and polysaccharide-based CSRFs and emphasize their compatibility and performance in agricultural applications. Lignin, an abundant and renewable biopolymer, was evaluated for its effectiveness as a slow-release agent in CSRF. Studies have demonstrated the potential of lignin to improve nutrient release profiles and environmental sustainability when used alone or in combination with other polymers. Polysaccharides, which are known for their biocompatibility and biodegradability, have also been explored. The incorporation of lignin into polysaccharide-based CSRFs has been highlighted, particularly in starch, cellulose, chitosan, and sodium alginate matrices. These composites offer improved mechanical properties, controlled nutrient release, and enhanced soil water retention. The challenges and future directions regarding lignin- and polysaccharide-based CSRF are also reviewed. These findings underscore the importance of developing sustainable fertilizer technologies to meet future food demands while mitigating environmental impacts.

Purpose– This study aims to investigate social media marketing activities and electronic word of mouth (EWOM) on consumer behavior (purchase intention and loyalty intention) through quality relationships. Methodology – This study used a quantitative approach, where the source of data used was primary data in the form of questionnaires. The distribution of questionnaires is carried out online. Respondents in this study amounted to 108 respondents, where respondents were individuals who had shopped using social media. The sampling technique uses purposive sampling. The analytical tool used is the structural equation model, and is tested using PLS-SEM. Findings – This research shows that social media activities have an effect on relationship quality, but electronic word of mouth has no effect. In addition, the results of this study show that relationship quality mediates the influence of social media activities and EWOM on customer behavior (purchase intention and loyalty intention). Originality/Novelty – The findings of this study can provide a reference for the Company to carry out social media marketing and EWOM activities intensely in order to improve the quality of the relationship between producers and consumers, which in turn will increase consumer buying interest. Implications – The practical implication of this research is that companies can be more intense in carrying out activities with social media. This is because doing so can improve

Crab is an exotic marine fishery commodity whose demand is increasing significantly in Indonesia. However, the industry also produces much waste in the form of crab shells, reaching 52.59% of its total weight. This waste (often called by-product) can be processed into several products with economic value such as chitosan, liquid organic fertilizer, and animal feed. This study assesses the environmental impact of crab shells processed into chitosan, liquid organic fertilizer, and animal feed. The study was carried out using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach with cradle-to-gate scope. The environmental impacts were observed consisting of some aspects such as Global Warming Potentials (GWP), Acidification Potentials (AP), Eutrophication Potentials (EP), and Cumulative Energy Demand (CED). The three-alternative utilization of crab shells produces environmental impacts resulting from fishing, transportation, and processing of the crab shells into these products. Afterward, the results of this study indicate that the crab shells processed into liquid fertilizer have the highest emission according to the GWP, AP, and CED values compared to the other by-product alternatives (i.e., chitosan and fertilizer). Whilst, the highest EP is produced by the processing of CS-based animal feed. These results can potentially become a consideration in making environmental policy by the local government, especially in Karawang Region.

This research aims to identify the performance and mechanical characteristics of polypropylene-based antistatic bio-nano composites reinforced with 2% mono-diacylglycerols (M-DAG) and 0, 0.5, 2.5% cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and compared to pure PP. Based on the results of SEM on cross-section, there was an agglomeration of M-DAG and CNC on the PP matrix. XRD diffractogram pattern of antistatic bio-nano composites showed peaks representing the diffraction structure of glycerol monostearate and cellulose I. The FTIR spectrum of each formulation was very similar to the characteristic peaks of PP and showed three distinct peaks compared to pure PP. The melting temperature of antistatic composites without CNC (176.54oC) was higher than pure PP (175.44oC). Thermal stability of antistatic bio-nano composites with 0, 0.5, and 2.5% CNC were 472.07, 470.25, and 475.15 oC, respectively, higher than pure PP (468.27 oC). The best mechanical properties were 2.5% CNC with 11.071 MPa flexural modulus, 30.376 MPa tensile strength, 23.796% tensile elongation, 1.659 J/m2 impact strength, which were higher than pure PP, and it generated antistatic activity of 1010 - 1012 /sq resistivity.

Background: Following COVID-19 vaccination, some women suffered from menstrual cycle disturbances. This studyaimed to investigate menstrual cycle disturbances after COVID-19 vaccination in women of reproductive age.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 407 vaccinated women in the vaccinationcenter of Imam Hossein Hospital (Tehran, Iran) between October 2021 and October 2022. They were interviewedbased on a research-made checklist which consisted of two areas of questions about the baseline characteristics of participantsand menstrual cycle characteristics to explore menstrual characteristics following COVID-19 vaccination.Results: The prevalence of menstrual disturbances was higher after the third dose (38.3%) compared with the second(27.9%) and first (17.7%) doses (P

Objective: Uterine fibroids (UFs) are the most common benign tumors in women, and their prevalence varies between 5.4 and 77.0% in reproductive-aged women. Patients with UFs may experience severe symptoms that they can affect different aspects of their lives, including quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the health-related quality of life among Iranian women with UFs. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Imam Hossein Hospital, Tehran, Iran, between November 2023 and February 2024, Data collection was based on the census method. Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Health-related Quality of Life (UFS-QOL) questionnaire was used to assess symptom severity and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of women with UFs. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 23.0. Results: Overall, 220 patients with a mean age of 43.10±5.01 years were included in the study. Patients had total UFS-QOL score of 64.11±20.35 with the following subscales’ scores: symptom severity: (19.00±6.39), concern: (60.79±26.47), activities: (71.76±23.02), energy/mood: (54.39±25.14), control: (66.52±22.82), self-consciousness: (77.63±26.39), and sexual function: (59.40±31.18). Furthermore, patients with multiparity history (P= 0.001), obesity (P