Search

The aim of this study is to build a pilot plant system working in a continuous mode to purify sulfur from bituminous impurities. This study focused on the role of the added mineral salt of view to help choose and design the right and suitable purification reactor that is capable of overcoming any future problems and getting pure sulfur. The presence of these impurities deteriorates the specification of the produced sulfur and has to be removed from it. Two different processes were used in the mine both based on the carbonization of the bitumen (in two different ways) and then the separation of the carbonized material by filtration. Both processes suffered serious technical, ecological and economic problems. Search for another purification method that can overcome these problems continued, finally, it was possible to purify sulfur from accompanied bituminous impurities by treating raw sulfur at about (125-130 ºC) with certain metal salt for 10 minutes, then subjecting the mixture to a filtration step. No hydrogen sulfide gas was detected. The reaction conditions are quite mild compared with the conditions currently used in the Mishraq sulfur mine (440-500 ºC for ~ 2 hours), with a large percentage of sulfur being converted to sulfurous gases. Rather than carbonizing the bitumen, it is presumed that purification is accomplished through the formation of a complex between the hydrocarbon and the metal salt that can be deposited on the surface of the filter element. It is possible to recover the spent metal salt and reuse it again.

Abtsract Background Healthy pregnancy and maternal health status influence fetal growth. Studies linking maternal and neonatal anthropometry showed confounding results. Objectives To study the relationship between maternal and neonatal anthropometry. Methods This cross-sectional study included 491 full-term healthy newborns born to healthy mothers with uncomplicated pregnancy. Neonatal and maternal anthropometric measurements as well as detailed perinatal history were recorded. Results Third trimester weight, body mass index (BMI), and mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) were positively related to neonatal birth weight (BW), length and head circumference (HC) (p

Background Early-life food consumption patterns may affect children’s health by increasing susceptibility to developing non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) in adulthood. Aims To evaluate Jordanian children and adolescents’ energy and macronutrient intake and how closely they adhere to dietary recommendations. Methods This cross-sectional study used data from Jordan’s Population-based Food Consumption Survey, a household population-based study conducted in Jordan between 2021 and 2022 (561 children and adolescents 8-19 years). Dietary intake was assessed using the two non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recall methods (24-h DR). The estimated food group and nutrient intakes were compared to nutritional recommendations, including MyPlate dietary guidelines. Results The prevalence of overweight/obese individuals based on body mass index (BMI) was 44%, and the average waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) was 24.7%. Compared to MyPlate dietary guidelines, children and adolescents had a higher added sugar intake (57g/day). Also, consuming vegetables, fruits, and dairy fell short of MyPlate dietary guidelines. The total discretionary calorie intake in children and adolescents was approximately one-third of the total energy intake. Conclusion The food consumption of Jordanian children and adolescents includes high intakes of discretionary calories, with a low intake of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was elevated compared to international norms.

Background: The ratios of fatty acids in different diets and their connection to chronic diseases including obesity and CVD have been researched. The current study set out to detect the dietary fatty acid patterns among Jordanian adults and their relationships with obesity indices. Methods: The data of 1096 adults were extracted from a household food consumption patterns survey study. Food intake was analyzed, and fatty acid patterns were determined. After anthropometric measurements, obesity indices were calculated. Results: Two fatty acid patterns were determined (High fatty acids from Protein and Olive Oil sources pattern, and the low Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) pattern), explaining an overall variance of 41.78% and 24.31%, respectively. A significant difference in obesity scores through fatty acids pattern quartiles was only seen among female participants. Q4 of the “High fatty acids from Protein and Olive Oil sources” pattern had a significantly higher means of body mass index (25.12 ± 0.46; p = 0.015), waist-to-height-ratio (0.51 ± 0.01; p = 0.002), weight-adjusted waist index (10.13 ± 0.09; p = 0.021) and body roundness index (3.61 ± 0.15; p = 0.007) compared to Q1, while Q4 of “Low EPA and DHA” pattern had significantly higher means of waist circumference (WC) (86.28 ± 1.34) and a body shape index (ABSI) (10.12 ± 0.30) in comparison to Q1 (WC = 81.55 ± 1.08 and ABSI = 9.07 ± 0.22; p = 0.025, 0.013; respectively). In females, there was a significant association between the “High fatty acids from Protein and Olive Oil sources” pattern and all the obesity indices. Conclusion: Our results suggest that an increase in the high fatty acids from Protein and Olive Oil sources pattern is associated with a reduction in obesity indices, which is opposite to the low EPA and DHA pattern. This was a sex-specific association.

The overall pattern of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic so far has been a series of waves; surges in new cases followed by declines. The appearance of novel mutations and variants underlie the rises in infections, making surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 mutations and prediction of variant evolution of utmost importance. In this study, we sequenced 320 SARS-CoV-2 viral genomes isolated from patients from the outpatient COVID-19 clinic in the Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357 (CCHE 57357) and the Egypt Center for Research and Regenerative Medicine (ECRRM). The samples were collected between March and December 2021, covering the third and fourth waves of the pandemic. The third wave was found to be dominated by Nextclade 20D in our samples, with a small number of alpha variants. The delta variant was found to dominate the fourth wave samples, with the appearance of omicron variants late in 2021. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that the omicron variants are closest genetically to early pandemic variants. Mutation analysis shows SNPs, stop codon mutation gain, and deletion/insertion mutations, with distinct patterns of mutations governed by Nextclade or WHO variant. Finally, we observed a large number of highly correlated mutations, and some negatively correlated mutations, and identified a general inclination toward mutations that lead to enhanced thermodynamic stability of the spike protein. Overall, this study contributes genetic and phylogenetic data, as well as provides insights into SARS-CoV-2 viral evolution that may eventually help in the prediction of evolving mutations for better vaccine development and drug targets.

Abstract New multi-featured adsorbent beads were fabricated through impregnation of sulfonated graphene (SGO) oxide into cellulose acetate (CA) beads for fast adsorption of cationic methylene blue (MB) dye. The formulated SGO@CA composite beads were thoroughly characterized by several tools including FTIR, TGA, SEM, XRD, XPS and zeta potential. The optimal levels of the most significant identified variables affecting the adsorption process were sequential determined by the response surface methodology (RSM) using Plackett–Burman and Box–Behnken designs. The gained results denoted that the surface of SGO@CA beads displayed the higher negative charges (− 42.2 mV) compared to − 35.7 and − 38.7 mV for pristine CA and SGO, respectively. In addition, the floated SGO@CA beads demonstrated excellent floating property, fast adsorption and easy separation. The adsorption performance was accomplished rapidly, since the adsorption equilibrium was closely gotten within 30 min. Furthermore, the adsorption capacity was greatly improved with increasing SGO content from 10 to 30%. The obtained data were followed the pseudo-second order kinetic model and agreed with Langmuir adsorption isotherm model with a maximum adsorption capacity reached 234.74 mg g−1. The thermodynamic studies designated the spontaneity and endothermic nature of MB dye adsorption. Besides, the floated beads exposed acceptable adsorption characteristics for six successive reuse cycles, in addition to their better adsorption selectivity towards MB dye compared to cationic crystal violet and anionic Congo red dyes. These findings assume that the formulated SGO@CA floated beads could be used effectively as highly efficient, easy separable and reusable adsorbents for the fast removal of toxic cationic dyes.

Background: Understanding the risk factors responsible for the increased infection among HCWs can mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 among HCWs and patients alike. The aim of this study is to evaluate factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare Workers. Methods: Healthcare workers and hospital administrators were asked to participate in this cross-sectional survey study that was conducted in Jaber Al Ahmad Hospital (JAH) between August to October 2020. Participants were invited to undergo SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody testing and to complete a questionnaire targeted to factors that may be associated with acquisition of SARS-CoV-2. Descriptive analysis and multivariate logistic regression were done. Results: 847 healthcare workers participated in the study and 20.5% of them had previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. The average age of participants was 35.7 years (SD = 7.9); 52.4% were female, and 55.8% were doctors. Multivariate analysis showed that working as a nurse (adjusted OR 1.77, 95% CI = 1.15, 2.71), and wearing gloves (adjusted OR 2.93, 95% CI = 1.19, 7.22) were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of contracting SARS-CoV-2 infection while controlling for other factors. Most personal protective equipment (PPE) were reported to be available always or most of the time, with the least available PPE item being coveralls (74.4%). Conclusions: After adjusting for confounding factors, being a nurse and prolonged glove use were associated with increased likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Prospective cohort studies are required to further elucidate the reasons for our findings in order to minimize the transmission of infection among healthcare workers.

The reaction of 2,6-dimethyl-4-phenyl-1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarbohydrazide with variety of carbonyl compounds such as substituted benzaldehydes, cycloalkanones and hetero-cyclic ketones under grinding method under catalyst- and solvent-free conditions at room temperature, in the presence of catalytic drops of acetic acid gave a new series of 2,6-dimethyl-4-phenyl-1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarbohydrazone derivatives in good to excellent yields. The structures of new products were elucidated on the basis of their spectral data and elemental analysis. Most of the newly prepared compounds were evaluated towards HepG2 cell lines and showed good IC50 for some compounds. Additionally, molecular docking of the novel chemical entities using Autodock Vina demonstrated their binding modes within the active site of DYRK1A.

The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an emerging respiratory infection with severe impacts on the nutritional status of the worldwide population. This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the food insecurity, dietary diversity, and food-related coping strategies in Jordan during the pandemic using an online, self-administered questionnaire. Among the 740 adults who completed the survey, the prevalence of food security was 84.1%, whereas 2% and 13.9% were moderately and severely food-insecure, respectively. The determinants of food insecurity were educational level, monthly income, marital status, availability of health insurance, and type of residence. In addition, food insecurity was significantly higher among the participants who consumed two or fewer meals per day (p = 0.015). Moreover, an acceptable food consumption score was shown among 76.2% of the participants, and the remaining participants were at borderline (14.1%) or had poor scores (9.7%), with a significant association between food insecurity and food consumption scores (p < 0.001). The food-related coping strategies studied were significantly associated with food insecurity at both levels (p < 0.001) and were more evident in the severely food-insecure group. These findings highlight the adverse effects of COVID-19 restrictions on nutritional status, especially among food-insecure households, which might reduce food accessibility due to economic difficulties.

Bangladesh, with a forest cover estimated at 17.08% of all land surface area, has experienced massive degradation of its natural resources and a conside­rable change in its land cover. While deforestation in Bangladesh is obviously a complex issue, one important aspect emerges from previous research findings in explaining deforestation: industrialization. This study focuses on the causes of deforestation in Bangladesh, particularly in tropical moist deciduous Sal forests, using multi levels factor analysis framework. Data were collected through questionnaire surveys, formal and informal discussions with local people, expert interviews and literature reviews. The main findings of defore­station framework show that illegal logging and forest land conversion were the ultimate causes of Sal forests deforestation in Bangladesh. Illegal logging is a complex phenomenon and is being patronized by a local syndicate, functio­ning from behind the scenes. On the other hand, land conversion into different commercial activities has direct influence on national policy and the predispo­sing conditions of this country. Therefore, the immediate task of the nation would be to stop illegal logging and land conversion of Sal forests. This can be done by involving all relevant stakeholders in the form of effective forest policy formulation and execution of strict environmental protection law.

Background: Movement disorders, particularly those associated with basal ganglia disease, have a high rate of comorbid neuropsychiatric illness.Methods: We consider the pathophysiological basis of the comorbidity between movement disorders and neuropsychiatric illness by 1) reviewing the epidemiology of neuropsychiatric illness in a range of hyperkinetic movement disorders, and 2) correlating findings to evidence from studies that have utilized modern neuroimaging techniques to investigate these disorders. In addition to diseases classically associated with basal ganglia pathology, such as Huntington disease, Wilson disease, the neuroacanthocytoses, and diseases of brain iron accumulation, we include diseases associated with pathology of subcortical white matter tracts, brain stem nuclei, and the cerebellum, such as metachromatic leukodystrophy, dentatorubropallidoluysian atrophy, and the spinocerebellar ataxias.Conclusions: Neuropsychiatric symptoms are integral to a thorough phenomenological account of hyperkinetic movement disorders. Drawing on modern theories of cortico-subcortical circuits, we argue that these disorders can be conceptualized as disorders of complex subcortical networks with distinct functional architectures. Damage to any component of these complex information-processing networks can have variable and often profound consequences for the function of more remote neural structures, creating a diverse but nonetheless rational pattern of clinical symptomatology.

Background Early-life food consumption patterns may affect children’s health by increasing susceptibility to developing non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) in adulthood. Aims To evaluate Jordanian children and adolescents’ energy and macronutrient intake and how closely they adhere to dietary recommendations. Methods This cross-sectional study used data from Jordan’s Population-based Food Consumption Survey, a household population-based study conducted in Jordan between 2021 and 2022 (561 children and adolescents 8-19 years). Dietary intake was assessed using the two non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recall methods (24-h DR). The estimated food group and nutrient intakes were compared to nutritional recommendations, including MyPlate dietary guidelines. Results The prevalence of overweight/obese individuals based on body mass index (BMI) was 44%, and the average waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) was 24.7%. Compared to MyPlate dietary guidelines, children and adolescents had a higher added sugar intake (57g/day). Also, consuming vegetables, fruits, and dairy fell short of MyPlate dietary guidelines. The total discretionary calorie intake in children and adolescents was approximately one-third of the total energy intake. Conclusion The food consumption of Jordanian children and adolescents includes high intakes of discretionary calories, with a low intake of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was elevated compared to international norms.

Background: To evaluate the energy and macronutrient intake of Jordanian children and adolescents, and how closely they adhere to dietary recommendations. Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from Jordan’s Population-based Food Consumption Survey, a household population-based study that was conducted in Jordan between 2021-2022 (561 children and adolescents 8-19 years). Dietary intake was assessed using the two non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recall method (24-h DR). The estimated food group and nutrient intakes were compared to nutritional recommendations, including MyPlate dietary guidelines. Results: The prevalence of overweight/obese individuals based on body mass index (BMI) was 44%, and the average waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) was 24.7%. Compared to MyPlate dietary guidelines, children and adolescents had a higher added sugar intake (57g/day). Also, the consumption of vegetables, fruits, and dairy fell short of MyPlate dietary guidelines. The total discretionary calorie intake in children and adolescents was approximately one-third of the total energy intake. Conclusion: The food consumption of Jordanian children and adolescents includes high intakes of discretionary calories, with a low intake of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was elevated compared to international norms.

This paper examines the direct and indirect roles of individual entrepreneurial orientation and entrepreneurship education in determining students' entrepreneurial intention through the mediation of entrepreneurial motivations. The study also attempts to ascertain the influence of entrepreneurship education on individual entrepreneurial orientation. Cross-sectional data were collected from 323 university students using the convenience sampling method. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess the model fitness and the reliability and validity of the data while hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling. The findings affirm that entrepreneurship education facilitates both individual entrepreneurial orientation and entrepreneurial motivations and also has a positive association with entrepreneurial intention. More importantly, entrepreneurial motivations significantly mediate individual 'entrepreneurial orientation--entrepreneurial intention' and 'entrepreneurship education--entrepreneurial intention' relationships. The findings provide practical support for the framing of new educational policies to assist students in their existing and future entrepreneurial projects. The study contributes to the literature by recognizing the mediating effect of entrepreneurial motivations on the above relationships. It also adds to the scarce literature on the lately recognized individual entrepreneurial orientation construct.

Simple Summary: We aimed to evaluate the extent to which clinical trials represent countries with different socio-demographic indexes and the availability of tyrosine kinase inhibitors for chronic myeloid leukemia. We found a significant lack of availability for tyrosine kinase inhibitors on the global level, and a lack of equitable distribution of trials across countries is an issue that needs to be addressed. Background: Evaluating clinical trial representation for countries with different socio-demographic index (SDI) and tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) availability for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Methods: CML incidence rates (IRs) and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) (1999–2019) from the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation were analyzed. Trials investigating TKI use in CML were obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov. Site data for eligible trials (N = 30) and DALYs were analyzed. TKI approvals, DALYs, and IRs were summarized by SDI. Results: North America (NA) had significant decreases in annual percent change (APC) in DALYs and incidence rates from 1999 to 2004. IRs were highest in Europe and Central Asia (ECA) and NA, while DALYs were highest in South Asia (SAsia) and Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Countries in the high-SDI quintile were likely to have lower DALYs than lower-SDI quintiles. Differences in regional DALYs vs. sites in TKI trials were significant for SAsia, SSA, and ECA. High-SDI countries were included in all 30 trials, and TKI approvals were prominent in high-SDI (142) vs. low-SDI (14) countries. Conclusions: The inclusion of disproportionately affected countries during the design of and recruitment into clinical trials should occur, as should TKI availability. The lack of representation demonstrates healthcare disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Weather and season are determinants of physical activity. Therefore, it is important to ensure built environments are designed to mitigate negative impacts of weather and season on pedestrians to prevent these losses. This scoping review aims to identify built environment audits of pedestrian environments developed for use during a specific weather condition or season. Secondly, this review aims to investigate gaps in the inclusion of relevant weather mitigating built environment features in pedestrian environment audit tools. Methods: Following a standard protocol, a systematic search was executed in CINAHL, Medline and Web of Science to identify built environment audit tools of pedestrian spaces. These databases were chosen since they are well-known to comprehensively cover health as well as multi-disciplinary research publications relevant to health. Studies were screened, and data were extracted from selected documents by two independent reviewers (e.g., psychometric properties and audit items included). Audit items were screened for the inclusion of weather mitigating built environment features, and the tool's capacity to measure temperature, precipitation, seasonal and sustainability impacts on pedestrians was calculated. Results: The search returned 2823 documents. After screening and full text review, 27 articles were included. No tool was found that was developed specifically for use during a specific weather condition or season. Additionally, gaps in the inclusion of weather mitigating items were found for all review dimensions (thermal comfort, precipitation, seasonal, and sustainability items). Poorly covered items were: (1) thermal comfort related (arctic entry presence, materials, textures, and colours of buildings, roads, sidewalk and furniture, and green design features); (2) precipitation related (drain presence, ditch presence, hazards, and snow removal features); (3) seasonal features (amenities, pedestrian scale lighting, and winter destinations and aesthetics); and (4) sustainability features (electric vehicle charging stations, renewable energy, car share, and bike share facilities). Conclusions: Current built environment audit tools do not adequately include weather / season mitigating items. This is a limitation as it is important to investigate if the inclusion of these items in pedestrian spaces can promote physical activity during adverse weather conditions. Because climate change is causing increased extreme weather events, a need exists for the development of a new built environment audit tool that includes relevant weather mitigating features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) undergoes a protracted maturation process. This is true both for local interneurons and for innervation from midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neurons. In the striatum, dopaminergic (DA) neurotransmission is required for the maturation of medium spiny neurons during a critical developmental period. To investigate whether DA innervation influences the maturation of interneurons in the PFC, we used a conditional knockout (cKO) mouse model in which innervation from mDA neurons to the mPFC (mesoprefrontal innnervation) is not established during development. In this mouse model, the maturation of parvalbumin (PV) and calbindin (CB) interneuron populations in the PFC is dysregulated during a critical period in adolescence with changes persisting into adulthood. PV interneurons are particularly vulnerable to lack of mesoprefrontal input, showing an inability to maintain adequate PV expression with a concomitant decrease in Gad1 expression levels. Interestingly, lack of mesoprefrontal innervation does not appear to induce compensatory changes such as upregulation of DA receptor expression in PFC neurons or increased innervation density of other neuromodulatory (serotonergic and noradrenergic) innervation. In conclusion, our study shows that adolescence is a sensitive period during which mesoprefrontal input plays a critical role in promoting the maturation of specific interneuron subgroups. The results of this study will help to understand how a dysregulated mesoprefrontal DA system contributes to the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines how the substrate temperature affects the electrical characteristics of the Zr-doped HfO2/Al/Zr-doped HfO2 (HZO/Al/HZO) tri-layer stack. Tri-layer stack is deposited by a simultaneous use of RF magnetron sputtering for HfO2 and DC magnetron sputtering for Zr and Al targets. During deposition, the substrate temperature is varied from 25 to 300°C. The observed hysteresis loop is prominent for the stack deposited at room temperature, while it becomes minute at higher temperatures. Interface trap density and oxide charge density of the tri-layer stack are minimum at 300°C and maximum at room temperatures. Frequency dispersion is detected in the stack deposited at room temperature, but it disappears in stacks deposited at 300°C. In addition, compared to other tri-layer stacks, the stack deposited at 300°C shows good conductivity. Therefore, compared to other samples, the tri-layer stack deposited at 300°C has improved electrical characteristics. It is shown that the substrate temperature has a significant impact on the electrical properties of the stack. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Wilson Disease (If D) of neurological presentation is rare in pediatric population . Very limited study has been done in this disorder particularly from Bangladesh. This study was done to describe clinical profile of children with Wilson Disease with neurological presentation. Methods: This cohort study was conducted in the Department of Pediatric Neurology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMV) from July 20 IS to July 2021. Children under IS years of age having either neurological or combined hepatic und neurological features of WD were included. Results: Total 74 patients were taken as study case. A male predominance was observed. Age of presentation was comparatively late in neuro-heputic group. Jaundice and cirrhosis of liver was observed in more than two third cases of neuro-heputic group. Most of the patients of both group presented with deterioration of school performance (100% and 88.89%, respectively), dystonia (95% und 75.63%. respectively), drooling (85% and 75.93%, respectively). altered activity of daily living (85% and 77.78%, respectively), dysphasia (95% and 81.48%, respectively). Patients with neuro-hepatic manifestations had significantly lower serum ceruloplasmin and serum albumin while that of urinary total copper excretion was significantly higher in this group. In MR1 of brain, most affected parts were puramen, head of caudate nucleus and thalamus. C on elusion: The most important clinical features were school performance deterioration, dystonia, impaired daily activity and jaundice. Patients with neuro-hepatic features had lower serum ceruloplasmin and higher urinary total copper. In MR I, most affected part was putamen, thalamus and head of caudate nucleus. Most patients showed some improvement or remained stable after treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]