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Abstract Background Environmental and genetic factors associated with canine impaction have been extensively researched, whereas the bone characteristics in the impaction area have not been thoroughly studied. Accordingly, the objective of this investigation was to provide a skeletal assessment in terms of bone density, bone microstructure, bone volume, and palatal volume in subjects with unilaterally impacted maxillary canines. Methods A retrospective design has been employed to address the aim of this study, where the initial pre-treatment cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 30 patients with unilateral maxillary canine impaction were assessed. The obtained patients’ data were equally divided according to the location of the impaction into 2 groups, one with buccally impacted canines, and another with palatal impactions, with the contra-lateral sides in both groups serving as the controls. Skeletal measurements such as bone density (BD), bone microstructure in terms of fractal dimension (FD), maxillary bone volume (MBV), and palatal volume (PV) were evaluated from the acquired CBCTs in both groups and compared to the controls. Results With buccal impactions, significantly greater BD and FD have been reported (p

Rot disease is responsible for serious economic losses related to okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) crops cultivated in Upper Egypt. Colonies with a consistent morphology were isolated from the infected okra stems and leaves and subjected to morphological and molecular examinations. The causal pathogen was identified as Cochliobolus spicifer based on morphological fungus descriptions, as well as on the amplified 28S rDNA and internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) sequences, which showed 99%–100% similarity to the sequences of C. spicifer-CSN-20 strains. The volatile and non-volatile organic compounds (VOCs and n-VOCs, respectively) produced by the endophytic fungi that are associated with the medicinal plant Solenostemma arghel, namely Fusarium solani-F4-1007, Penicillium verrucosum-F2-1006, and Aspergillus terreus-F5-1008, inhibited the growth of the C. spicifer pathogen by 34.2%,31.4%, and 30.5%, respectively. In total,27 VOCs were identified by GC/MS, among which eight were specific to A. terreus-F5-1008, eight to P. verrucosum-F2-1006, and three to F. solani-F4-1007, whereas nine VOCs were commonly produced by the three endophytic fungi. Moreover, F. solani-F4-1007-produced VOCs and n-VOCs exhibited the highest antifungal activity, with 37.27% and 37.1% inhibition against C. spicifer colony growth, respectively. The potent antifungal VOCs produced by F. solani-F4-1007 were identified as 3,4-dihydro-2 h-1,5-(3″-t-butyl) benzodioxepine, 4-(2-hydroxyethyl) phenol, and phenylethyl alcohol using GC/MS. Therefore, F. solani-F4-1007 was tested as a potential biocontrol agent against C. spicifer-CSN-20 using an in-planta assay. Okra plants treated with endophytic F. solani-F4-1007did not show any disease symptoms, whereas those that were not treated with F. solani-F4-1007 exhibited severe disease symptoms when challenged with inoculation of the C. spicifer pathogen. Our results demonstrated the contribution of the endophytic fungus F. solani-F4-1007 as a potential biocontrol agent against the C. spicifer pathogen, to improve okra growth.

Abstract Discoidin Domain Receptor 2 (DDR2) is a collagen-activated receptor kinase that, together with integrins, is required for cells to respond to the extracellular matrix. Ddr2 loss-of-function mutations in humans and mice cause severe defects in skeletal growth and development. However, the cellular functions of Ddr2 in bone are not understood. Expression and lineage analysis showed selective expression of Ddr2 at early stages of bone formation in the resting zone and proliferating chondrocytes and periosteum. Consistent with these findings, Ddr2 + cells could differentiate into hypertrophic chondrocytes, osteoblasts, and osteocytes and showed a high degree of colocalization with the skeletal progenitor marker, Gli1. A conditional deletion approach showed a requirement for Ddr2 in Gli1-positive skeletal progenitors and chondrocytes but not mature osteoblasts. Furthermore, Ddr2 knockout in limb bud chondroprogenitors or purified marrow-derived skeletal progenitors inhibited chondrogenic or osteogenic differentiation, respectively. This work establishes a cell-autonomous function for Ddr2 in skeletal progenitors and cartilage and emphasizes the critical role of this collagen receptor in bone development.

Abstract Background Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a major cause of cancer morbidity and mortality in Eastern Africa. The majority of patients with ESCC in Eastern Africa present with advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. Several palliative interventions for ESCC are currently in use within the region, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy with and without chemotherapy, and esophageal stenting with self-expandable metallic stents; however, the comparative effectiveness of these interventions in a low resource setting has yet to be examined. Methods This prospective, observational, multi-center, open cohort study aims to describe the therapeutic landscape of ESCC in Eastern Africa and investigate the outcomes of different treatment strategies within the region. The 4.5-year study will recruit at a total of six sites in Kenya, Malawi and Tanzania (Ocean Road Cancer Institute and Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center in Moshi, Tanzania; Tenwek Hospital in Bomet, Kenya; Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya; and Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi). Treatment outcomes that will be evaluated include overall survival, quality of life (QOL) and safety. All patients (≥18 years old) who present to participating sites with a histopathologically-confirmed or presumptive clinical diagnosis of ESCC based on endoscopy or barium swallow will be recruited to participate. Key clinical and treatment-related data including standardized QOL metrics will be collected at study enrollment, 1 month following treatment, 3 months following treatment, and thereafter at 3-month intervals until death. Vital status and QOL data will be collected through mobile phone outreach. Discussion This study will be the first study to prospectively compare ESCC treatment strategies in Eastern Africa, and the first to investigate QOL benefits associated with different treatments in sub-Saharan Africa. Findings from this study will help define optimal management strategies for ESCC in Eastern Africa and other resource-limited settings and will serve as a benchmark for future research. Trial registration This study was retrospectively registered with the ClinicalTrials.gov database on December 15, 2021, NCT05177393 .

Development of the craniofacial skeleton requires interactions between progenitor cells and the collagen-rich extracellular matrix (ECM). The mediators of these interactions are not well-defined. Mutations in the discoidin domain receptor 2 gene (DDR2), which encodes a non-integrin collagen receptor, are associated with human craniofacial abnormalities, such as midface hypoplasia and open fontanels. However, the exact role of this gene in craniofacial morphogenesis is not known. As will be shown, Ddr2-deficient mice exhibit defects in craniofacial bones including impaired calvarial growth and frontal suture formation, cranial base hypoplasia due to aberrant chondrogenesis and delayed ossification at growth plate synchondroses. These defects were associated with abnormal collagen fibril organization, chondrocyte proliferation and polarization. As established by localization and lineage-tracing studies, Ddr2 is expressed in progenitor cell-enriched craniofacial regions including sutures and synchondrosis resting zone cartilage, overlapping with GLI1 + cells, and contributing to chondrogenic and osteogenic lineages during skull growth. Tissue-specific knockouts further established the requirement for Ddr2 in GLI +skeletal progenitors and chondrocytes. These studies establish a cellular basis for regulation of craniofacial morphogenesis by this understudied collagen receptor and suggest that DDR2 is necessary for proper collagen organization, chondrocyte proliferation, and orientation.

ABSTRACT Hypophosphatasia (HPP), caused by loss‐of‐function mutations in the ALPL gene encoding tissue‐nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP), is characterized by skeletal and dental hypomineralization that can vary in severity from life‐threatening to milder manifestations only in adulthood. PHOSPHO1 deficiency leads to early‐onset scoliosis, osteomalacia, and fractures that mimic pseudo‐HPP. Asfotase alfa, a life‐saving enzyme replacement therapy approved for pediatric‐onset HPP, requires subcutaneous injections 3 to 6 times per week. We recently showed that a single injection of an adeno‐associated virus vector serotype 8 harboring TNAP‐D10 (AAV8‐TNAP‐D10) effectively prevented skeletal disease and prolonged life in Alpl−/− mice phenocopying infantile HPP. Here, we aimed to determine the efficacy of AAV8‐TNAP‐D10 in improving the skeletal and dental phenotype in the AlplPrx1/Prx1 and Phospho1−/− mouse models of late‐onset (adult) HPP and pseudo‐HPP, respectively. A single dose of 3 × 1011 vector genomes per body (vg/b) was injected intramuscularly into 8‐week‐old AlplPrx1/Prx1 and wild‐type (WT) littermates, or into 3‐day‐old Phospho1−/− and WT mice, and treatment efficacy was evaluated after 60 days for late‐onset HPP mice and after 90 days for Phospho1−/− mice. Biochemical analysis showed sustained serum alkaline phosphatase activity and reduced plasma PPi levels, and radiographic images, micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) analysis, and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining showed improvements in the long bones in the late‐onset HPP mice and corrected scoliosis in the Phospho1−/− mice. Micro‐CT analysis of the dentoalveolar complex did not reveal significant changes in the phenotype of late‐onset HPP and pseudo‐HPP models. Moreover, alizarin red staining analysis showed that AAV8‐TNAP‐D10 treatment did not promote ectopic calcification of soft organs in adult HPP mice after 60 days of treatment, even after inducing chronic kidney disease. Overall, the AAV8‐TNAP‐D10 treatment improved the skeletal phenotype in both the adult HPP and pseudo‐HPP mouse models. This preclinical study will contribute to the advancement of gene therapy for the improvement of skeletal disease in patients with heritable forms of osteomalacia. © 2022 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Background and Aim: Equine herpesvirus-1 infection in horses causes a wide range of manifestations affecting the respiratory tract. The virus can cause serious economic losses through sporadic abortion in pregnant mares, perinatal death, respiratory disease in young foals. This study was designed to prepare inactivated equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) vaccine using both 0.005 M binary ethylenimine (BEI) and 0.0006% formaldehyde (FA) to decrease the use of BEI and provide a good immunological response. The efficacy, safety, and duration of immunity of the prepared inactivated EHV-1 vaccine were evaluated. Materials and Methods: The prepared FA/BEI-inactivated EHV-1 vaccine was adjuvanted with Alhydrogel and then evaluated by inoculation into guinea pigs, followed by comparison with the commercial inactivated EHV-1 vaccine. These two vaccines were evaluated by testing the safety and immunogenicity in horses classified into two groups. Group A was vaccinated with two doses of the prepared vaccine at a 4-week interval, while Group B was vaccinated with two doses of the commercial vaccine only. Anti-EHV-1 antibodies were detected in horse serum using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and virus neutralizing test (VNT). Results: Regarding the time required to inactivate EHV-1 vaccine, this was decreased using 0.005 M BEI and 0.0006% FA from 24 to 8 h. ELISA in Group A horses demonstrated a significant increase in EHV-1 antibody titer at 2 weeks after the booster dose compared with that for the pre-booster one, from 485 to 855 antibody titer, which then peaked at 1240 in the 3rd month post-vaccination; after that, it began to decline gradually until the 6th month. Meanwhile, in Group B, the ELISA reading increased from 420 to 790 and then peaked at 1215. The VNT mean in Group A increased from 1.1 to 2.5 within 2 weeks after administration of the booster dose, while in Group B it increased from 0.8 to 2.1. Moreover, ELISA in Group A pigs indicated mean antibody titers at the 3rd week post-inoculation of 576 for Group A and 554 for Group B. Conclusion: The inactivated EHV-1 vaccine, with fewer chemicals, was prepared in a shorter time. It is safe and also more potent to protect horses for up to 6 months against EHV-1 infection than the commercially produced vaccine.

Abstract Favipiravir is considered a potential treatment for COVID-19 due its efficacy against different viral infections. We aimed to explore the safety and efficacy of favipiravir in treatment of COVID-19 mild and moderate cases. It was randomized-controlled open-label interventional phase 3 clinical trial [NCT04349241]. 100 patients were recruited from 18th April till 18th May. 50 patients received favipiravir 3200 mg at day 1 followed by 600 mg twice (day 2–day 10). 50 patients received hydroxychloroquine 800 mg at day 1 followed by 200 mg twice (day 2–10) and oral oseltamivir 75 mg/12 h/day for 10 days. Patients were enrolled from Ain Shams University Hospital and Assiut University Hospital. Both arms were comparable as regards demographic characteristics and comorbidities. The average onset of SARS-CoV-2 PCR negativity was 8.1 and 8.3 days in HCQ-arm and favipiravir-arm respectively. 55.1% of those on HCQ-arm turned PCR negative at/or before 7th day from diagnosis compared to 48% in favipiravir-arm (p = 0.7). 4 patients in FVP arm developed transient transaminitis on the other hand heartburn and nausea were reported in about 20 patients in HCQ-arm. Only one patient in HCQ-arm died after developing acute myocarditis resulted in acute heart failure. Favipiravir is a safe effective alternative for hydroxychloroquine in mild or moderate COVID-19 infected patients.

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to determine whether the treatment with doxycycline before and after oocyte retrieval is as effective as salpingectomy in minimizing the detrimental effect of hydrosalpinx on the outcomes of IVF-ET. Methods A retrospective analysis was done for the outcomes of the IVF-ET cycles of patients with hydrosalpinx who underwent laparoscopic salpingectomy prior to IVF cycle (n = 260) or were treated with extended doxycycline treatment during the IVF cycle (n = 45). In doxycycline group, doxycycline (100 mg twice daily) was started 1 week before anticipated oocyte retrieval and was continued for 1 week after oocyte retrieval. In salpingectomy group, the mesosalpinx was coagulated as close as possible to the fallopian tube. Results The implantation, clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy and live birth rates were significantly higher in the salpingectomy group (20.87% Vs. 9.91%, P value =0.007, 44.62% Vs. 20%, P value = 0.002, 39.62% Vs. 17.78%, P value = 0.005 and 37.31% Vs. 15.56%, P value = 0.005 respectively). Conclusion Salpingectomy is more effective than extended doxycycline treatment in improving the outcomes of IVF-ET in patients with hydrosalpinx undergoing IVF-ET. Further, larger well designed randomized controlled trials should be conducted to confirm the findings of this study.

The standard serological test such as Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) is routinely used for the diagnosis of brucellosis. This test depends on the agglutination of colored particulate antigen (killed Brucella organisms) by the antibodies present in sera of infected animals. Faulty negative and positive results are commonly experienced in these traditional agglutination tests. We developed three simple, new, additional and cost-effective steps that can help in these problems; Superagglutination test for serodiagnosis of brucellosis differs from conventional RBPT by three simple new and coast effective additional steps which are used to overcome this problem. These steps depend on the staining of sera antibodies by adding dye before the test and addition of diluted biotinylated antiglobulin and Avidin in sequence then mixing the antigen with the stained serum. By testing 150 serum samples, Superagglutination test had higher positive predictive value and specificity than RBPT and standard tube agglutination test (STAT). Also, it had higher negative predictive value and sensitivity than RBPT, STAT, ELISA (Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and CFT (Complement Fixation test).

Mineralization of the skeleton occurs by several physicochemical and biochemical processes and mechanisms that facilitate the deposition of hydroxyapatite (HA) in specific areas of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Two key phosphatases, phosphatase, orphan 1 (PHOSPHO1) and tissue-non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP), play complementary roles in the mineralization process. The actions of PHOSPHO1 on phosphocholine and phosphoethanolamine in matrix vesicles (MVs) produce inorganic phosphate (Pi) for the initiation of HA mineral formation within MVs. TNAP hydrolyzes adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and the mineralization inhibitor, inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi), to generate Pi that is incorporated into MVs. Genetic mutations in the ALPL gene-encoding TNAP lead to hypophosphatasia (HPP), characterized by low circulating TNAP levels (ALP), rickets in children and/or osteomalacia in adults, and a spectrum of dentoalveolar defects, the most prevalent being lack of acellular cementum leading to premature tooth loss. Given that the skeletal manifestations of genetic ablation of the Phospho1 gene in mice resemble many of the manifestations of HPP, we propose that Phospho1 gene mutations may underlie some cases of “pseudo-HPP” where ALP may be normal to subnormal, but ALPL mutation(s) have not been identified. The goal of this perspective article is to compare and contrast the loss-of-function effects of TNAP and PHOSPHO1 on the dentoalveolar complex to predict the likely dental phenotype in humans that may result from PHOSPHO1 mutations. Potential cases of pseudo-HPP associated with PHOSPHO1 mutations may resist diagnosis, and the dental manifestations could be a key criterion for consideration.

Abstract Background Many plants of genus Cordia are traditionally used as astringent, anti-inflammatory, anthelminthic, antimalarial, diuretic, febrifuge, appetite suppressant and cough suppressant and to treat urinary infections, lung diseases and leprosy. The aim of the study is to determine the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of total ethanol extract and different fractions of C. myxa L. leaves, in addition to evaluation of some pharmacological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic and antidiabetic effects. Methods Air dried powder of C. myxa leaves were extracted using 95% ethanol and fractionated successively with petroleum ether, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and finally with n-butanol. The fractions were concentrated and then investigated for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic and antidiabetic activities using phosphomolybidinum and DPPH assays, carrageenan-induced paw edema, hot plate, yeast -induced pyrexia and streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia methods, respectively. Results The ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest antioxidant activity with high phenolic and flavonoid contents (31.03 ± 0.15 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dried weight and 811.91 ± 0.07 mg rutin equivalent/g dried weight, respectively). Dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions exhibited higher anti-inflammatory activity with percentages of inhibition 45.16% and 40.26%, respectively, which were quite comparable to that of indomethacin (51.61%). The petroleum ether and dichloromethane fractions showed the highest analgesic activity with reaction time 289.00 ± 3.00 and 288.33 ± 20.82, respectively. Evaluation of antipyretic activity revealed that the total ethanol extract and different fractions showed high antipyretic activities after 2 h, which were very close to that of the standard acetyl salicylic acid with a rapid onset (30 min). The total ethanol extract and the petroleum ether fraction exhibited the most potent hypoglycemic effect with a significant reduction in blood glucose level especially after 3 h to 95.67 ± 5.77 mg/dl and 87.67 ± 10.26 mg/dl, respectively and percentages decrease in blood glucose level were 68.22% and 70.78%, respectively. Conclusion Cordia myxa L. extract and fractions exhibited antioxidant, anti-inflammatory analgesic, antipyretic and antidiabetic activities which may be attributed by the presence of active phytoconstituents.

The analytical chemistry community is attempting to incorporate green chemistry concepts in the development of analytical techniques to redefine analytical methods and dramatically modify the philosophy of analytical technique development. Each greenness assessment method has its own benefits and drawbacks, as well as its own procedures. The results of each greenness assessment method produce numerous deductions regarding the selection of a greenest chromatographic method on which the determination of a greenness assessment tool depends. The current study examined the greenness behavior of 26 reported chromatographic methods in the literature for the evaluation of the medicine empagliflozin using three evaluation methods: the national environmental methods index (NEMI), the eco-scale assessment (ESA), and the green analytical procedure index (GAPI). This comparative study discussed the value of using more than one greenness evaluation methods while evaluating. The findings showed that the NEMI was a less informative and misleading tool. However, the ESA provided reliable numerical assessments out of 100. Despite the GAPI being a complex assessment compared to the others, it provided a fully descriptive three-colored pictogram and a precise assessment. The findings recommended applying more than one greenness assessment tool to evaluate the greenness of methods prior to planning laboratory-based analytical methods to ensure an environment friendly process.

Novel, accurate, selective, and rapid high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry method was developed for simultaneous analysis of amoxicillin trihydrate, dicloxacillin sodium, and their official impurity 6-aminopenicillanic acid. The chromatographic separation was carried out by applying the mixture on a C18 column (3.5 µm ps, 100 mm × 4.6 mm id) using acetonitrile:water (65 : 35 by volume) as a mobile phase within only 4 min. The quantitative analysis was executed using single quadrupole mass spectrometer in which electrospray ionization, selected ion monitoring, and negative mode were operated. The retention times were 1.61, 2.54, and 3.50 mins for amoxicillin, 6-aminopenicillanic acid, and dicloxacillin, respectively. The method was validated in linear ranges of 2–28 µg mL−1, 2–35 µg mL−1, and 1–10 µg mL−1 for amoxicillin, dicloxacillin, and 6-aminopenicillanic acid, respectively. The results obtained from the suggested HPLC/MS were statistically compared with those obtained from the reported HPLC method, where no significant difference appeared respecting accuracy and precision. According to the analytical eco-scale assessment method, the proposed method was proved to be greener than the reported one, where the analysis time and the amount of the wasted effluent decreased.

Context: Emergency contraception (EC) use is rare in Saudi Arabia. Aims: The aim of this study is to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice of EC among Saudi women of childbearing age. Settings and Design: This study is a cross-sectional descriptive study using a survey questionnaire tool. Materials and Methods: We conducted a survey of married women of childbearing age (18–45 years) attending the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between January and April 2018. Statistical Analysis Used: Pearson's Chi-square test is used for this study. Results: This study included 370 of 525 (70.5%) women, with a mean age of 32.3 ± 6.3 years. Of these, 117 (31.6%) knew how to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, and 62 knew about EC. Forty-two women (67.7%) thought EC should be widely advertised, and 30 (48.4%) thought it should be made available even without prescription. Forty-seven women (75.8%) said that they were not shy to ask for EC, and 37 (59.7%) claimed that both partners should decide about the use of EC. The most common reason for not using EC was medical concerns (n = 30, 48.4%). Thirty three (53.2%) of the 62 women with knowledge about EC would use it immediately after sex. Knowledge, awareness, and use of EC were significantly correlated with higher monthly income, educated women, having three or more children, and working women. Conclusions: Among Saudi women, knowledge, awareness, and use of EC remain low, although a positive attitude for future use of EC exists. Health information campaigns are necessary to reach women, particularly those of low socioeconomic status, less educated women, and housewives to explain EC, its availability, and its proper use.

Various herbal compounds are used for medical purposes due to their safety, as there are no or minimal side effects. This study was performed to assess the wound healing and antioxidant activities of ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and methanolic extract (MeoH) of Solenostemma arghel (S. arghel). Their antifungal activities were also evaluated against isolated swabs of equine wounds. They underwent GC-MS analysis for the characterization of both extracts. For wound healing evaluation, forty-five male albino rats were divided into three groups; the control group was treated with normal saline, and the other two groups were treated with S. arghel EtOAc and MeoH extract gels, respectively. The wounds were examined clinicopathologically and immunohistochemistry on the 3rd, 7th, and 14th days post-wounding. GC-Ms analysis of S. arghel recorded fifty-one volatile organic compounds (VOCs) within EtOAc extraction and thirty VOCs in MeoH extract. VOCs represented in EtOAc extract showed higher antioxidant activity and better and faster wound healing than VOCs of MeOH extract. The treated groups showed improved wound healing clinically and pathologically in comparison with the control group as they decreased the wound surface area (WSA) and percent (WSA%) and increased the wound contraction percent (WC%), epithelization, fibroblast proliferation with neovascularization, and reduced the inflammatory reaction. Moreover, the treated groups showed higher expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) compared with the control. The EtOAc extract showed higher antifungal activity against Penicillium funiculosum, P. jensenii, M. cinctum, and Candida albicans, which were isolated from infected clinical equine wounds, than MeOH extract. The treated groups showed improved wound healing clinically and pathologically in comparison with the control group as they decreased the wound surface area (WSA) and percent (WSA%) and increased the wound contraction percent (WC%), epithelization, fibroblast proliferation with neovascularization, and reduced the inflammatory reaction. Moreover, the treated groups showed higher expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) compared with the control. Additionally, the two extract gels showed promising healing of equine wounds. In conclusion, the study recommended the use of S. arghel EtOAc extract as it was proven to promote wound healing compared with MeoH extract.

This qualitative study sets out to understand the beliefs, functions, and practices of using L1 among EFL learners while they learned new L2 vocabulary. Forty-two Saudi male university students were randomly assigned to 21 pairs and asked to complete three reading comprehension tasks. All pair interactions were audio-recorded. Afterward, interviews were conducted with 21 students. The results suggest that the use of L1 in L2 vocabulary tasks assists students in understanding the meaning of new words. They also revealed the complex sociocultural nature of peer-to-peer collaborative interaction and the role L1 plays in L2 vocabulary learning. The interviews revealed that some participants thought that L1 should not be used in the L2 class, a belief that contradicted their actions. The paper calls for Saudi L2 educational contexts to embrace translanguaging as a beneficial practice that enhances student L2 acquisition and reduces the emotional stress of using L1 in the classroom.

The assessment of greenness of analytical protocols is of great importance now to preserve the environment. Some studies have analyzed either only the neurotransmitters, dopamine, serotonin, glutamate, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), together or with other neurotransmitters and biomarkers. However, these methods have not been investigated for their greenness and were not compared with each other to find the optimum one. Therefore, this study aims to compare seven published chromatographic methods that analyzed the four neurotransmitters and their mixtures using the National Environmental Method Index, Analytical Eco-Scale Assessment (ESA), and Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI). As these methods cover both qualitative and quantitative aspects, they offer better transparency. Overall, GAPI showed maximum greenness throughout the analysis. Method 6 was proven to be the method of choice for analyzing the mixture, owing to its greenness, according to NEMI, ESA, and GAPI. Additionally, method 6 has a wide scope of application (13 components can be analyzed), high sensitivity (low LOQ values), and fast analysis (low retention times, especially for glutamate and GABA).

From March 2020 until July 2020, the UAE implemented mandatory distance learning due to COVID-19, which meant that children had to continue their learning remotely at home. Though schools concerted exemplary efforts to ensure that children received all that was necessary through advanced technology platforms and interfaces, the duty of ensuring that children continued to engage in successful learning fell solely on parents. This paper is based on a self-report study conducted during this first period of distance learning where parents were invited to anonymously complete a survey and then be interviewed. The paper relies on interviews as its main data source. Interview transcripts once transcribed were thematically analysed. One recurring theme in the data was gender differences in domestic and other duties as well as attending to the educational needs of children. Mothers, irrespective of cultural or educational background, disproportionately seemed to be the caretakers of the home and of children’s educational needs. Mothers spoke of their mental health concerns, pressures of time management, and negative effects on their own work. This paper makes an original contribution by exploring parental experiences of emergency remote learning and what these reflect about parental ethnotheories in the UAE.

Niacin is a water-soluble vitamin whose deficiency causes many disorders and diseases, including pellagra and high blood cholesterol. Herein, niacin and four common impurities, isonicotinic acid (ISO), 5-ethyl-2-methylpyridine (MP), pyridine-2, 5-dicarboxylic acid (PDC) and pyridine PYR, are simultaneously analyzed, where PYR is known as potentially nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic. The separation of a mixture using gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC–MS) without any derivatization steps was the main target. Many studies have been published to study Niacin and its impurities using colorimetry and HPLC. GC–MS was selected to study the analyzed mixture owing to its known sensitivity and selectivity. In this study, a single quadrupole mass spectrometer operated in selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode at an electron ionization energy of 70 eV was applied for the quantitative analysis of Niacin. Helium was used as the carrier gas and adjusted to run through an HP-5ms (5%-phenyl)-methylpolysiloxane column. Statistical analysis proved that this method is equally effective as the previously reported method. Importantly, this study was eco-friendly as compared to the reported high performance thin layer chromatographic method (HPTLC). Finally, this study provides a new and valid eco-friendly method analysis to determine the concentration of niacin and its common impurities at very low concentration. Conclusion: A simple, rapid accurate and green GC–MS analytical method was developed and validated to determine niacin and its related official impurities.

Phytochemical analysis of the methanolic and aqueous extracts of Faidherbia albida legumes indicated the presence of terpenes, cardiac glycosides, monosaccharides and carbohydrates type of compounds in both extracts. While alkaloids and saponins were found in aqueous extract only, flavonoids were found to be absent in both extracts. The aqueous and methanolic extracts exhibited a potent growth stimulation effect. Inhibition of both the rootlet and shoot showed a dose dependent response. Aqueous extract has a greater inhibitory effect on rootlet growth than shoot growth. The methanolic extract has a greater inhibitory effect than the aqueous extract. Both extracts and some fractions were tested against three pathogenic bacterial species; Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Shigella dysenteriae, also tested against three pathogenic fungal species; Fusarium oxysporum, Alternaria alternate, and Aspergillus niger. Most of the plant extracts stimulate the studied fungal growth specially the aqueous extract. Meanwhile it shows interesting results by inhibiting the growth of the studied pathogenic bacterial species with most extracts and fractions.

Novel manipulations of the well-established multivariate calibration models namely; partial least square regression (PLSR) and support vector regression (SVR) are introduced in the presented comparative study. Two preprocessing methods comprising first derivatization and orthogonal projection to latent structures (OPLS) are implemented prior to modeling with PLSR and SVR. Quantitative determination of pyridostigmine bromide (PR) in existence of its two associated substances; impurity a (IMP A) and impurity b (IMP B); was utilized as a case study for achieving comparison. A series consisting of 16 mixtures with numerous percentages of the studied compounds was applied for implementation of a 3 factor 4 level experimental design. Additionally, a series consisting of 9 mixtures was employed in an independent test to verify the predictive power of the suggested models. Significant improvement of predictive abilities of the two studied chemometric models was attained via implementation of OPLS processing method. The root mean square error of prediction RMSEP for the test set mixtures was employed as a key comparison tool. About PLSR model, RMSEP was found 0.5283 without preprocessing method, 1.1750 when first derivative data was used and 0.2890 when OPLS preprocessing method was applied. With regard to SVR model, RMSEP was found 0.2173 without preprocessing method, 0.3516 when first derivative data was used and 0.1819 when OPLS preprocessing method was applied.

Background: A signed informed consent (IC) form proves voluntary participation in a study. Yet the development of accessible and understandable IC forms comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when conducting international research. Purpose: This study explores understanding by participants in an Eldoret-based clinical trial of IC and its implications as well as whether they will volunteer for future trials. Materials and Methods: In mid-2010, in-depth interviews with trial participants were recorded in audio format. Content analysis provides a description of trial participants′ experiences and thoughts. Results: All participants were informed about the trial and its voluntariness and they consented. However, some were too ill to scrutinize trial details. Thus, they relied on their health care provider′s advice, or on their guardians. In general, participants understood their role and were happy to volunteer or invite others to participate in future trials. They also emphasised the importance of an open on-going dialogue in order for participants to be able to ask questions. Conclusion: Clinical trial participants in Eldoret seem to understand their role, but rely on providers and guardians when consenting. They are very willing to participate in future trials. Evaluation of research participants′ opinions may improve trial protocols, increase comprehension and guard against manipulation of study participants. In addition, this research focus should guide development of consent forms and process that facilitates a truly IC.

The output feedback eigenvalue assignment problem for discrete-time systems is considered. The problem is formulated first as an unconstrained minimization problem, where a three-term nonlinear conjugate gradient method is proposed to find a local solution. In addition, a cut to the objective function is included, yielding an inequality constrained minimization problem, where a logarithmic barrier method is proposed for finding the local solution. The conjugate gradient method is further extended to tackle the eigenvalue assignment problem for the two cases of decentralized control systems and control systems with time delay. The performance of the methods is illustrated through various test examples.

Development of the craniofacial skeleton requires interactions between progenitor cells and the collagen-rich extracellular matrix (ECM). The mediators of these interactions are not well-defined. Mutations in the discoidin domain receptor 2 gene (DDR2), which encodes a non-integrin collagen receptor, are associated with human craniofacial abnormalities, such as midface hypoplasia and open fontanels. However, the exact role of this gene in craniofacial morphogenesis is not known. As will be shown, Ddr2-deficient mice exhibit defects in craniofacial bones including impaired calvarial growth and frontal suture formation, cranial base hypoplasia due to aberrant chondrogenesis and delayed ossification at growth plate synchondroses. These defects were associated with abnormal collagen fibril organization, chondrocyte proliferation and polarization. As established by localization and lineage-tracing studies, Ddr2 is expressed in progenitor cell-enriched craniofacial regions including sutures and synchondrosis resting zone cartilage, overlapping with GLI1 + cells, and contributing to chondrogenic and osteogenic lineages during skull growth. Tissue-specific knockouts further established the requirement for Ddr2 in GLI +skeletal progenitors and chondrocytes. These studies establish a cellular basis for regulation of craniofacial morphogenesis by this understudied collagen receptor and suggest that DDR2 is necessary for proper collagen organization, chondrocyte proliferation, and orientation.

BackgroundEsophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a major cause of cancer morbidity and mortality in Eastern Africa. The majority of patients with ESCC in Eastern Africa present with advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. Several palliative interventions for ESCC are currently in use within the region, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy with and without chemotherapy, and esophageal stenting with self-expandable metallic stents; however, the comparative effectiveness of these interventions in a low resource setting has yet to be examined.MethodsThis prospective, observational, multi-center, open cohort study aims to describe the therapeutic landscape of ESCC in Eastern Africa and investigate the outcomes of different treatment strategies within the region. The 4.5-year study will recruit at a total of six sites in Kenya, Malawi and Tanzania (Ocean Road Cancer Institute and Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center in Moshi, Tanzania; Tenwek Hospital in Bomet, Kenya; Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya; and Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi). Treatment outcomes that will be evaluated include overall survival, quality of life (QOL) and safety. All patients (≥18 years old) who present to participating sites with a histopathologically-confirmed or presumptive clinical diagnosis of ESCC based on endoscopy or barium swallow will be recruited to participate. Key clinical and treatment-related data including standardized QOL metrics will be collected at study enrollment, 1 month following treatment, 3 months following treatment, and thereafter at 3-month intervals until death. Vital status and QOL data will be collected through mobile phone outreach.DiscussionThis study will be the first study to prospectively compare ESCC treatment strategies in Eastern Africa, and the first to investigate QOL benefits associated with different treatments in sub-Saharan Africa. Findings from this study will help define optimal management strategies for ESCC in Eastern Africa and other resource-limited settings and will serve as a benchmark for future research.Trial registrationThis study was retrospectively registered with the ClinicalTrials.gov database on December 15, 2021,  NCT05177393 .

Discoidin Domain Receptor 2 (DDR2) is a collagen-activated receptor kinase that, together with integrins, is required for cells to respond to the extracellular matrix. Ddr2 loss-of-function mutations in humans and mice cause severe defects in skeletal growth and development. However, the cellular functions of Ddr2 in bone are not understood. Expression and lineage analysis showed selective expression of Ddr2 at early stages of bone formation in the resting zone and proliferating chondrocytes and periosteum. Consistent with these findings, Ddr2+ cells could differentiate into hypertrophic chondrocytes, osteoblasts, and osteocytes and showed a high degree of colocalization with the skeletal progenitor marker, Gli1. A conditional deletion approach showed a requirement for Ddr2 in Gli1-positive skeletal progenitors and chondrocytes but not mature osteoblasts. Furthermore, Ddr2 knockout in limb bud chondroprogenitors or purified marrow-derived skeletal progenitors inhibited chondrogenic or osteogenic differentiation, respectively. This work establishes a cell-autonomous function for Ddr2 in skeletal progenitors and cartilage and emphasizes the critical role of this collagen receptor in bone development.

The paper describes the role parental language ideology and the home literacy environment play in heritage language (HL) literacy learning of bilingual Arabic-English-speaking children in the UK. Information about the under-reported literacy practices of Arabic-English-speaking families will enhance current knowledge about HL literacy practices within the home. Data were collected over a period of 12 months in the form of language background surveys, audio recordings of activities within the home and parental interviews. The analysis of data suggests that parents' HL ideologies are the impetus for language practices that develop children's literacy skills in Arabic and the motivation to create a literacy environment within the home. The families made small libraries, invested (much) time in learning the unique skills needed to master an additional orthographic system and sent their children to Arabic weekend schools. The most significant factor, however, in determining HL literacy development was mothers' HL proficiency. The main challenges were the diglossic nature of Arabic and difficulty in locating and affording Arabic literacy material that ensure systematic development of HL literacy skills.

The paper describes the transformational role technology plays in the management and transmission of heritage (minority) languages (HL) in two UK-based multilingual families. Data were collected in the form of a language background survey, parental interviews, and recordings of interactional events within the home. Findings suggest that parents use technology as a language management tool within the home domain to transmit their HL through enhancing HL language practices and creating rich HL linguistic environments, which both support and seem to contradict parents' declared language beliefs. Technology allows Family members from across the world to frequently partake in everyday multilingual talk thereby strengthening HL learning and use. Interestingly, the support parents feel technology offers them in transmitting the HL reduces their own anxiety over their children's HL development whilst also unexpectedly relaxing their attitudes towards fears of (over)consumption of technology. Equally, technology appears to support children to consciously develop overt bilingual identities that they previously did not (openly) profess. The data supports the notion of technology as semiotic practice emphasising that with strategic parental support and agency from children, technology can transform the home into a hub where the learning and maintenance of the HL is advocated in multiple unprecedented ways.