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Abstract The Identification of various mycobacterial species is critical for understanding their pathogenicity and epidemiology. Despite the existence of several established methods for identifying mycobacterial species, each of these methods has several significant limitations, including high costs, substantial time demands, and a restricted ability to detect a wide range of recoverable species. This study presents an in silico method using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) to differentially identify 75 clinically important mycobacterial species.The present investigation employed specific primer combinations to identify and generate a distinct hypervariable sequence across the ribosomal RNA gene. This unique sequence using appropriate restriction enzyme digestion followed by gel electrophoresis enabled the creation of highly precise and distinct patterns or profiles for each of the 75 medically relevant Mycobacterium species, including members of closely related Mycobacterium complex groups. This approach can quickly and reliably identify mycobacterial species, allowing for more timely treatment decisions and contributing to beneficial epidemiological investigations.

Abstract Emotion prediction is a subset of sentiment analysis that aims to extract emotions from text, speech, or images. The researchers posit that emotions determine human behavior, making the development of a method to recognize emotions automatically crucial for use during global crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. In this paper, a real-time system is developed that identifies and predicts emotions conveyed by users in Arabic tweets regarding COVID-19 into standard six emotions based on the big data platform, Apache Spark. The system consists of two main stages: (1) Developing an offline model and (2) Online emotion prediction pipeline. For the first stage, two different approaches: The deep Learning (DL) approach and the Transfer Learning-based (TL) approach to find the optimal classifier for identifying and predicting emotion. For DL, three classifiers are applied: Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU), and Bidirectional GRU (BiGRU). For TL, five models are applied: AraBERT, ArabicBERT, ARBERT, MARBERT, and QARiB. For the second stage, create a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) socket between Twitter’s API and Spark used to receive streaming tweets and Apache Spark to predict the label of tweets in real-time. The experimental results show that the QARiB model achieved the highest Jaccard accuracy (65.73%), multi-accuracy (78.71%), precision-micro (78.71%), recall-micro (78.71%), f-micro (78.71%), and f-macro (78.55%). The system is available as a web-based application that aims to provide a real-time visualization of people’s emotions during a crisis.

Abstract Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is globally recognized for its outstanding color and flavor. It has been acknowledged for its therapeutic value since the ancient Romans. It is used to treat cardiovascular disorders. The therapeutic benefits of red beetroot are due to the substantial amounts of various bioactive metabolites, such as ascorbic acid, carotenoids, nitrates, phenolics, and betalains. However, the bioavailability and shelf life of these substances are significantly affected by the considerable variations in their processing methods among different countries. The longevity of the extracts is prolonged by employing well-established preservation techniques, such as boiling and steaming, which involve the application of heat. Our study aimed to analyze and compare the phytochemical composition of raw and heat processed beetroot using UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. In addition, the study aimed to assess the effectiveness of processed beetroot in protecting against cardiovascular complications in a rat model of obesity induced by high-fat diet (HFD). UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS phytochemical profiling revealed the presence of 51 compounds, including organic acids, flavonoids, phenolics, betanins, and saponins. All the extracts demonstrated a significant decline in MDA, TNF- α, and IL-6 levels, suppressed the TGF-β expression, and restored the serum catalase level to normal. Among all the tested extracts, the steamed extract exhibited the slightest percentage change in body weight (10.2 ± 6.4) and effectively lowered the TNF-α level to normal levels. In contrast, the normal histological structure of heart muscle fibers was notably preserved in the cardiac sections of rats pretreated with steamed and boiled beetroot extracts. Additionally, mild caspase-3 immunoreactivity was observed in the cardiac muscles. The current study demonstrated that the steamed beetroot extract showed improved cardioprotective properties compared to the fresh and boiled extracts.

The widespread implementation of a latent heat storage system (LHSS) presents a viable solution to the energy imbalance and shortages. Phase Change Materials (PCMs) are key components owing to their remarkable energy storage capabilities. However, the low heat conductivity of phase change materials presents a considerable challenge to their practical use. This study presents the modelling and numerical simulation of a latent heat storage system (LHSS) using blossom-shaped fins (BSF) and nano-integrated phase change material (PCM). The study evaluates the efficacy of the tube heat exchanger by examining multiple physical characteristics, including the number of fins, height, and the interaction between fin pin and height, using ANSYS Fluent and the finite volume approach. The findings indicate that the charging time is reduced by 17% based on modifications in fin compactness and quantity. Additionally, the nano-integrated PCM significantly reduces the amount of time required for melting. The findings demonstrate in comparison to the conventional PCM with nano-mediated PCM, the melting time of nano-integrated PCM is shortened by 18.6%,13.6%,14.7%,12.7% and 16.3% for Case A-1, Case A-4, Case B-1, Case C-2, and Case D-1, incorporating blossom-shaped fins. The findings can have an impact on future studies aimed at improving PCMs energy storage capabilities and creating more efficient heat exchanger designs.

The study aimed to explore the protective effect of Nannochloropsis oculata (N.oculata) on lead induced reproductive toxicity in rams. Sixteen Barki rams were divided equally in to 4 groups; group A: control, group B: was administered 3 % dietary N. oculate, group C: was gavaged 5 mg/kg/day lead acetate and group D: was supplemented with 3 % dietary N. oculata and gavaged with 5 mg/kg/day lead acetate. The experiment lasted 180 days. Semen and blood samples were obtained. Ejaculates were examined for semen criteria besides, analysis of testosterone. Testicular oxidant/antioxidant markers, cytokines, gene expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and nuclear factor Kappa B (NF-κB) were estimated. Alga-treated rams revealed significant upgrades in semen criteria, serum testosterone and reduced glutathione (GSH); meanwhile, downregulation in malondialdehyde (MDA), IL-4, IL-2 as well as gene expressions of IL-6 and NF-κB as compared to other treated groups. However, lead-treated rams showed significant deteriorations in semen criteria and reduced GSH while significant elevations in MDA, IL-4, IL-2 as well as gene expression of IL-6 and NF-κB were noticed than control. Alga supplementation to lead-intoxicated rams significantly upgraded the lead induced alterations that were manifested by improvement in testicular histopathology. In conclusion, the addition of alga mitigated lead induced reproductive toxicity in rams via improving testosterone, oxidant/antioxidant status, semen criteria and reducing inflammatory cytokines.

The present study concerned with the activity concentrations of natural radionuclides (238U, 234U, 230Th, 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and, 235U) in ten sedimentary rock samples collected from fault zone, Gabal Um Hamd, southwestern Sinai, Egypt. These samples were investigated to study their behavior during a part of geologic time. The activity concentrations were measured using γ-ray spectrometry (HPGe detector). The investigated samples were analyzed for major oxides using the XRF technique. The results demonstrated high average activity concentrations of 238U, 234U, 230Th, 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and, 235U than the worldwide average values as reported by UNSCEAR 2008. Theil diagram showed that there are accumulation and leaching of uranium in some samples in the two sides of the fault zone. It is noticed that the ages of uranium depositions for the samples collected from the downthrown of the fault zone vary from 121.5 to 440.1 ky, while for the sample collected from the upthrown of the fault is 210.9 ky. The 230Th/232Th activity ratios range between 4.55 and 91.04 for downthrown samples and between 4.75 and 6.05 for upthrown samples which are smaller than 20 except for two samples, indicating a contamination of the samples by detrital 230Th. After subtraction of the detrital 230Th, the corrected ages for downthrown samples vary from 119.1 to 231.7 ky while for upthrown samples vary from 164.4 to 390 ky.

Pain produces several physiological, and degenerative complications. This study aimed to formulate meloxicam (MLX) in liposomes to increase solubility and deliver MLX in a controlled manner to overcome its poor aqueous solubility and relatively short t1/2 problems. Liposomes were prepared by thin film hydration followed by ultrasonication. Tests for characterizing formulations included particle size, span, entrapment efficiency, drug loading, stability, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transformation infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, morphology, in vitro release, release kinetics mathematical modeling, and an in vivo pain model in dogs undergoing orthopedic surgeries, followed by in vivo pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pain assessment studies in comparison to the reference standard, Mobitil®. Liposomal MLX had a particle size of around 100 nm, 82 % entrapment efficiency, and 4.62 % drug loading. Stability studies, DSC, and FT-IR spectroscopy indicated that liposomes were highly stable. The formulation showed an improved in vitro controlled release pattern and an enhanced in vivo pharmacokinetic behavior as manifested by higher t1/2 and AUC0–24 and lower Cl/F in comparison to Mobitil®. The pharmacodynamics study and pain scales demonstrated liposomal MLX managed postoperative pain better than Mobitil®. In conclusion, the incorporation of MLX in liposomes increased its solubility and stability, as well as its pain management properties.

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency (ID) is considered a common health condition among military personnel, particularly soldiers during a period of high-intensity workouts. The causes, prevention, and treatment of ID anemia (IDA) remain the subject of ongoing and extensive research in various populations. AIM: This is the first research to study the outcome of 14 weeks of intensive physical exercise on the prevalence and factors associated with ID and IDA among Saudi military male trainees. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among n = 101 trainees who completed a questionnaire on sociodemographic data, dietary habits, current or past diagnoses of medical conditions, and physical activity. Two blood samples were collected from each participant to estimate (1) C-reactive protein and iron profile and (2) complete blood counts by the CellDYN Sapphire automated blood cell counter. Hemoglobin (Hb) fractions were identified and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography using the TOSOH G8 analyzer to exclude hemoglobinopathy and thalassemia. RESULTS: The prevalence of ID, comprising both ID erythropoiesis and IDA among trainees, was found to be 65.3%. The occurrence of IDA was 5%, while ID erythropoiesis was detected among 60.4%. The prevalence of ID was statistically significantly higher among those drinking coffee during military training (P = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: Further studies are recommended to validate this study’s findings by incorporating a larger sample and extending the duration of the training period and examine the mechanisms that explain the increased risk of ID during vigorous military training.

Abstract Significant co-conditioning of aluminum-based sludge using alternative conditioner (natural biopolymer-magnetite/H2O2) as a Fenton conditioner for improving the sludge dewaterability is investigated in the current study. Firstly, natural biopolymer/magnetite (NBP-M) were prepared in various ratios and the samples labeled as (NBP-M-(1:1); NBP-M-(1:3) and NBP-M-(2:1). Focuses were placed on factors influencing such novel Fenton conditioner. Capillary suction time (CST) was utilized to assess sludge dewaterability. Experiments have exhibited that significant development of alum sludge dewaterability could be attained at minimum reaction time and using low concentrations of the applied catalyst, i.e. natural biopolymer/magnetite and H2O2. It was found that sludge conditioning and dewaterability became better with increasing both reagents concentrations. A Box–Behnken experimental design based on the response surface methodology was investigated to explore the optimum of the influencing variables, i.e. catalyst (NBP-M) concentration, H2O2 loading and pH. The optimized values for NBP-M, H2O2, and pH are 46 and 380 mg/L, respectively at pH 3.0, at which the CST reduction efficiency of 58 ± 3% can be attained, this approved with that predicted by an established polynomial model in the current investigation.

Micropolar fluids have received a lot of interest for their industrial uses due to their distinctive microstructures. The diversified utilization of heat and mass transport process of micropolar material induced by shrinkable curved surface in raising the efficiency of numerous industrial processes has been found. For instance, extrusion procedure, fiber technology, polymer extraction, etc. The primary motive for conducting this disquisition is to explore the transmission of heat and mass in the flow of a micropolar (non-Newtonian) fluid processing vortex viscosity and micro-inertial aspects over a curved stretching/shrinking sheet. Physical factors of irregular heat generation/absorption rate along with linear radiative heat flux are included in thermal transport whereas mass diffusion involves the impact of Arrhenius kinetics and chemically reactive species. The basic constitutive equation is modeled in curvilinear coordinates after obliging conservation laws. A set of similar variables is implemented to change the governing formulation into the dimensionless format. Multiple branch solutions are attained via the bvp4c procedure. Associated distributions (velocity, micro rotation, temperature, and concentration) are organized against the sundry parameters for both branches and interpreted through sketches. Relevant quantities versus different parameters are also encountered through tabular data. The credibility of computed results is assumed by making agreement with previous studies. After a thorough insight into this work, it is inferred that multiple solutions are noted for distinct values of suction and material parameters.

Worldwide, fermented foods (FF) are recognized as healthy and safe. Despite the rapid increase of research papers, there is a lack of systematic evaluation of the health benefits and risks of FF. The COST Action CA20128 “Promoting innovation of fermented foods” (PIMENTO) aims to provide a comprehensive assessment on the available evidence by compiling a set of 16 reviews. Seven reviews will cover clinical and biological endpoints associated with major health indicators across several organ systems, including the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurological, immune, and skeletal systems. Nine reviews will address broader biological questions associated with FF including bioactive compounds and vitamin production, nutrient bioavailability and bioaccessibility, the role of FF in healthy diets and personalized nutrition, food safety, regulatory practices, and finally, the health properties of novel and ethnic FF. For each outcome assessed in the reviews, an innovative approach will be adopted based on EFSA’s published guidance for health claim submissions. In particular, each review will be composed of three parts: (1) a systematic review of available human studies; (2) a non-systematic review of the mechanism of action related to the clinical endpoints measured by the human studies identified in part 1; and (3) a non-systematic review of the characterization of the FF investigated in the human studies identified in part 1. The evidence and research gaps derived from the reviews will be summarized and published in the form of a strategic road map that will pave the way for future research on FF.

Abstract Background Growth performance, which can be evaluated using various body measurements, is crucial for providing red meat for human consumption. This study aims to improve the growth performance of sheep by identifying the different genotypes of leptin and IGFI genes associated with higher body measurements. Methods In this study, we collected blood samples from Barki (n = 30) and Farafra (n = 30) sheep, and measured their body height, width, length, and weight, and tail width and length to assess their growth performance. We used single strand conformation polymorphism polymerase chain reaction (SSCP-PCR) and sequencing analysis to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and different genotypes of the leptin and insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGFI) genes associated with sheep body measurements. Results The leptin gene (209 bp) and IGFR gene (345 bp) were found to have three (TT, TG, and GG) and (TT, TC, and CC) genotypes, respectively, by SSCP-PCR. Sequence analysis revealed a SNP in the leptin gene (200G > T) with two alleles (G allele: OR058867 and T allele: OR058868). This SNP resulted in the substitution of the amino acid valine with leucine, which increased the width, length, and weight of the body and tail width in the heterozygous form (TG). The IGFI gene had three SNPs: 305 G > T in TT genotype (OR260670), 184C > T, 265T > C, and 305G > T in TC genotype (OR260669), and 265T > C in CC genotype (OR260671). The TC genotype of the IGFR gene was correlated with higher values of body measurements. Barki sheep were found to have the highest values for body weight, width, length, and tail width compared to Farafra sheep. Conclusion We recommend the use of entire Barki sheep in inbreeding programs to improve growth performance in Egyptian sheep.

Telila Mesfin,1 Abdella Degefa,2 Ibsa Kedir Hassen,1 Degefa Gomora,3 Hamza Sultan,2 Kenbon Seyoum,3 Elias Ibrahim,2 Girma Geta,3 Neway Ejigu,3 Sisay Dadi Abebe,4 Teketel Tilahun,5 Demisu Zenbaba,6 Biniyam Sahiledengle,6 Fikreab Desta,6 Getu Kusa Wakoya,1 Saddam Abdirahman Mohamoud,7 Mesfin Tsegaye1 1Department of Medicine, Madda Walabu University Goba General Hospital, Goba, Oromia, Ethiopia; 2Department of Surgery, Madda Walabu University Goba General Hospital, Goba, Oromia, Ethiopia; 3Department of Midwifery, Madda Walabu University Goba General Hospital, Goba, Oromia, Ethiopia; 4Department of Internal Medicine, Madda Walabu University Goba General Hospital, Goba, Oromia, Ethiopia; 5Department of Public Health, Menelik II Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Finfinnee, Oromia, Ethiopia; 6Department of Public Health, Madda Walabu University Goba General Hospital, Goba, Oromia, Ethiopia; 7Department of Anesthesiology, Kalkaal Specialized Hospital 4J, Yakshid, Mogadishu, SomaliaCorrespondence: Telila Mesfin, Department of Medicine, Madda Walabu University Goba General Hospital, P O Box 76, Goba, Oromia, Ethiopia, Tel +251931504321, Email telilamesfintadesse@gmail.comBackground: Small bowel obstruction is an acute surgical disease necessitating urgent diagnosis and intervention. Ileoileal knotting is a rare condition that can result in acute bowel obstruction and gangrene whereas ileosigmoid knotting is a relatively common surgical condition. There are few published studies so far on ileoileal knotting. Due to the scarcity of ileoileal knotting cases that have been published, the exact causes are not well known. We presenta rare case of small bowel obstruction which was managed successfully and had an uneventful postoperative period.Case: A 45-year-old farmer from the rural kebele of Goba district of Bale Zone visited our institution with a complaint of sudden, colicky pain of 6 hours duration. On presentation, the pain was localized to the periumbilical area and then involved the whole abdomen. Associated with this, he had vomiting of ingested matter of three episodes. Objectively, he was in severe pain and tachycardic. On abdominal examination, there was direct and rebound tenderness over the periumbilical region. Abdominopelvic ultrasound revealed long segment ileoileal intussusception with adjacent mesenteric significant edema and proximal small bowel loop dilatation which was later found to be ileoileal knotting intraoperatively. The patient was put on intravenous fluid and antibiotics with a diagnosis of acute abdomen secondary to ileoileal knotting at the surgical emergency department. Exploratory laparotomy plus resection plus end to side ileotransverse anastomosis was done after written informed consent was received.Conclusion: Ileoileal knotting is a rare condition that can result in acute bowel obstruction and gangrene. The diagnosis is usually made intraoperatively even though proper history, laboratory tests, and imaging are quite helpful. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion of bowel knotting in patients with an acute abdomen and take early interventions to reduce the risk of gangrene.Keywords: ileoileal knotting, bowel obstruction, gangrene, laparotomy, resection

Abstract In Egypt, sunflower charcoal-rot caused by Macrophomina phaseolina and maize late-wilt caused by Magnaporthiopsis maydis are the most prevalent, and can lead to huge yield losses of both crops under epidemic conditions. In this study, the potential use of vermitea and wood vinegar for management of both diseases was investigated. Data revealed that, among the 17 bacterial strains obtained from vermitea, three strains named VCB-2, VCB-7 and VCB-11 were chosen for having the greatest in vitro inhibitory effect against M. phaseolina and M. maydis, with fungal inhibition values of 54.2; 61.7, 65.2; 74.0 and 57.1; 87.0% against both pathogens, respectively. These strains were identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Serratia marcescens and Bacillus velezensis, respectively. Wood vinegar significantly reduced the colony diameter of M. phaseolina and M. maydis in in vitro trials conducted on potato dextrose agar medium amended with the desired concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5%. The efficiency increased with increasing wood vinegar concentration, and 2.0% was the most effective (100% suppression). Data from greenhouse experiments showed that the application of vermitea or wood vinegar tended to decrease the incidence (% dead plants) of sunflower charcoal-rot (by 61.1 and 66.7%) and maize late-wilt (by 70.6%). These treatments had positive impacts on the plant growth parameters, photosynthetic pigments and antioxidative enzymes of sunflower and maize plants. Data from field experiments showed that the application of vermitea or wood vinegar decreased the incidence of charcoal-rot (by 72.8 and 72.0%) and late-wilt (by 88.7 and 87.0%) as well as increased the production sunflower and maize plants.

Abstract This study predicts future values of energy consumption demand from a novel dataset that includes the energy consumption during COVID-19 lockdown, using up-to-date deep learning algorithms to reduce peer-to-peer energy system losses and congestion. Three learning algorithms, namely Random Forest (RF), Bi-LSTM, and GRU, were used to predict the future values of a building’s energy consumption. The results were compared using the RMSE and MAE evaluation metrics. The results show that predicting the future energy demand with accurate results is achievable, and that Bi-LSTM and GRU perform better, especially when trained as univariate models with only the energy consumption values and no other features included.

This study evaluated the antinociceptive effect of dexmedetomidine-nalbuphine vs. dexmedetomidine alone in jacks undergoing field castration under total intravenous anesthesia. Jacks were premedicated with intravenous (IV) dexmedetomidine (5 µg/kg), either alone (Group D, n = 6) or in combination with 0.3 mg/kg nalbuphine (Group DN, n = 6). IV ketamine (1.5 mg/kg) and propofol (0.5 mg/kg) were used to induce general anesthesia, which was maintained by a continuous propofol (0.2 mg/kg/min) IV infusion. The quality of anesthesia, analgesia, and recovery were evaluated. A simple descriptive scale (SDS) was used to measure pain from the recovery time to 6 h later. The DN group exhibited improvements in analgesic and recovery quality and SDS of pain at 1-, 2-, and 3-h post-recovery. There was an apparent improvement in cardiac status, as evidenced by the enhanced heart rate and electrocardiogram findings compared to group D during surgery and recovery time. The DN group had a lower level of inflammatory cytokines, both during the surgery and shortly after recovery. Therefore, the dexmedetomidine-nalbuphine combination prior to IV anesthesia of ketamine and propofol in jacks undergoing field castration resulted in a stable surgical plane of anesthesia, improved antinociception, less pain postoperatively, and better cardiac stability.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a significant member of the Solanaceae family with substantial worldwide production. The nutritional content of vegetables affects their metabolic and quality characteristics positively or negatively in many aspects and is one of today’s important research areas. In this study, grown tomato samples collected from fields and greenhouses in nine different cities of Türkiye were analysed for boron, calcium, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, sodium, and zinc concentrations using spectroscopy, compared with available studies in terms of fertilization/nutrient uptake status and it was decided whether there is a difference between tomato samples grown in the field and the greenhouse. The study revealed that there are differences between macro and microelement contents of the field and greenhouse-grown tomatoes. Greenhouse tomatoes have greater nutritional element contents since they are protected from external effects and pesticides, growing in a healthy and nutritionally rich manner. The lowest and highest concentrations (mg kg-1 dry weight) of mineral elements were boron (18.13-28.30), calcium (1277-1836), copper (4.60-9.45), iron (18.86-27.33), potassium (20384-22305), magnesium (1870-2107), manganese (10.12-23.27), Sodium (119.65-209.11) and zinc (15.55-25.41). As a result, tomatoes produced in Türkiye for export to various countries were found to be containing adequate macronutrients according to the relevant literature except for potassium, and micronutrients contents were found to be within the safe limits. Also, considering the percentage of daily Recommended Dietary Allowance values it provides, it can be said that tomatoes are a good source of micronutrients.