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Abstract A new series of substituted benzo[h]chromene, benzochromenopyrimidine, and benzochromenotriazolopyrimidine derivatives were synthesized via chemical transformations of iminonitrile, ethoxymethylene amino, and cyanomethylene functionalities. The chemical structures of the synthesized compounds were assured by spectroscopic data and elemental analysis. The larvicidal efficacy of these compounds against Culex pipiens L. larvae was investigated, revealing potent insecticidal activity, particularly for compounds 6, 10, and 16, exceeding that of the standard insecticide chlorpyrifos. The mode of action of these compounds was explored through molecular docking studies, indicating their potential as acetylcholine esterase (AChE) inhibitors and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) blockers. The structure–activity relationship analysis highlighted the influence of substituents and fused heterocyclic rings on larvicidal potency. These findings suggest that the synthesized compounds hold promise as potential candidates for developing novel and effective mosquito control agents.

Abstract This study aimed to assess the knowledge regarding impacts, causes and management of black triangles (BT) among participants from different educational backgrounds including dental students, dentists and laypeople. This descriptive cross-sectional observational research included 435 participants who comprised 4 groups: pre-clinical (3rd year) dental students, clinical (4th and 5th year) dental students, dentists, and laypeople. A constructed self-reported questionnaire was utilized to assess participants’ demographic data and their knowledge of the impacts, causes and management of BT. The VAS scale was used to assess participants’ ratings for the impacts of BT on esthetics, with 0 meaning no impact and 10 meaning very severe negative impacts. The most reported treatments for BT were “cannot be treated” 99.3% and “non-surgical periodontal treatment” 67.1%. Meanwhile, the least reported was “modify the porcelain” 41.8%. The most reported cause of BT was “periodontal disease” 85.1%. However, the least reported were “parafunction” and “deep implants” 33.1% each. Dental professionals had better knowledge of the causes (t = 8.189, P

Abstract This study aims to examine the relationship between the locations of Fovea Palatinae and the posterior vibrating line in different classes of soft palate angulation (House Classification), accordingly determine its reliability as a landmark and a tool for determining the posterior limit of the maxillary complete denture. 280 completely edentulous patients with normal healthy mucosa from both genders were randomly selected. The House classification of the soft palate angulation was identified and recorded as Class I, II, or III. Phonation was used to determine the position of the vibrating line. The Fovea Palatinae was then marked. Then, the distance between the Fovea Palatinae and the vibrating line was measured and recorded. Finally, the relative position of the Fovea Palatinae to the vibrating line was recorded as being anterior, posterior, or on the vibrating line. The Chi Square test, the effect size measures (Eta and Cramer’s V tests), The Spearman’s Rho rank correlation test, and multinominal logistic regression analysis were utilized to analyse the data. House classification percentages were measured among people whose Fovea Palatinae was detectable; Class II palate was the most prevalent (47.14%), followed by Class I (43.93%), and then Class III (8.93%). Based on vibrating line position, 129 (58%) had a vibrating line anterior to Fovea Palatinae, 57 (26%) on the Fovea Palatinae, 36 (16%) posterior to Fovea Palatinae, and in 58 (21%) Fovea Palatinae were not detected. The mean distance between the vibrating line and Fovea Palatinae was 3.66 ± 1.6 mm anteriorly and 2.97 ± 1.36 mm posteriorly. No significant differences were found between males and females in regard to House classification and vibrating line position. The odds of having the fovea posterior to the vibrating line would increase by 5% for each year increase in the age (P = 0.035, odds ratio = 1.050). Class II House classification of the soft palate was found to be the most prevalent among the study participants. Also, the vibrating line was anterior to the Fovea Palatinae in the majority of cases. The odds of having the fovea posterior to the vibrating line would increase by age. The Fovea Palatinae could be considered a useful guide for locating the vibrating line.

Abstract This analytical cross-sectional study evaluated the perception of black triangles (BT) and examined the relationships between the perception of BT, personality factors, different educational backgrounds and demographic factors. 435 participants were included and divided into four groups: dentists, clinical (4th and 5th year) dental students, pre-clinical (3rd year) dental students, and laypeople. Participants’ perception of the attractiveness of smile profiles of maxillary and mandibular anterior dentition with BT was rated using a ten-point VAS scale with 0 being the least, and 10 being the most attractive smile profile. The personality was assessed using the NEO-FFI personality questionnaire. The smile profile with multiple large BT was rated the least attractive for the maxillary (mean = 3.6) and mandibular (mean = 3.9) tested profiles. The smile profile without BT was rated the most attractive for the maxillary (mean = 9.1) and mandibular (mean = 8.8) tested profiles. The dental professionals perceived the maxillary smile profile with multiple large BT as less attractive than the non-dental participants (t = − 2.715, P = 0.007). Being a male, having dental education, having lower Neuroticism scores, as well as having higher Openness, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and Extraversion scores predicted and contributed more towards perceiving various tested smile profiles as more attractive. These findings show that black triangles negatively impacts the perception of smile attractiveness, and that personality traits and having dental education impact the perception of smile attractiveness for smiles with black triangles.

The present work aims to study the effect of the CuSO4 additive on the physical and radiation-shielding properties of polyepoxide resins. As a result, a series of four samples with the chemical composition xCuSO4 + (100 − x) (epoxy resin and hardener) was synthesized. The fabrication of samples was performed under atmospheric pressure and at room temperature. The density of the fabricated CuSO4-doped polyepoxides resin was measured experimentally using an MH-300A densimeter with an accuracy of 0.001 mg·cm−3. A narrow beam transmission method with an NaI (Tl) detector was used to evaluate and describe the effect of CuSO4 on the linear attenuation coefficient of the fabricated composites in the γ-ray energy interval, which ranged between 33 and 1,332 keV. The estimated results showed a high enhancement in the µ values that increased from 0.259 to 1.749 cm−1, raising the CuSO4 concentration from 0 to 40 wt% at a γ-photon energy of 33 keV. The enhancement in the µ values decreased with an increase in the γ-photon energy to 1,332 keV, whereas the µ values increased from 0.077 to 0.102 cm−1 with an increase in the CuSO4 concentration between 0 and 40 wt%, respectively. This showed that increased µ values positively affected the half-value thickness (Δ 0.5, cm), mean free path (λ, cm), lead equivalent thickness (Δ eq, cm), and the transmission factor (%); all of the mentioned parameters suffer a considerable decrease with increasing CuSO4 concentration between 0 and 40 wt%.

The objective of this study is to increase the natural clay mineral-based bricks’ ability to shield γ-rays without the use of external doping materials. Six brick samples were consequently developed at various pressure rates (PRs). The chemical composition and structure of the manufactured bricks are unaffected by the PR applied. The main constituents in the clay used to make bricks are illite and quartz minerals, according to an X-ray diffraction pattern. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersion X-rays have demonstrated the morphology and chemical composition of the used clay. Besides, the Mh-300A density meter shows an increase in the fabricated bricks’ density by increasing the PR, where the brick’s density increased by 32.92% by increasing the PR from 7.61 to 114.22 MPa, respectively. Also, the effects of the PR on the radiation shielding properties of the fabricated bricks were investigated using a NaI (Tl) detector. The data reveal that increasing the PR between 7.61 and 114.22 MPa improved the linear attenuation coefficient by 44.5, 23.8, 24.2, and 24.8%, respectively, for gamma-ray energies of 0.662, 1.173, 1.252, and 1.332 MeV. The capacity of fabricated bricks to shield against radiation increases as the linear attenuation coefficient increases. The lead’s equivalent thickness and half-value thickness of the fabricated clay-based bricks, on the other hand, decreased. As a result, the compacted natural clay brick, which is a lead-free material, provides a suitable alternative for gamma-ray shielding in radioactive locations.

ABSTRACT: The demand for commercially available human breast milk has significantly increased in recent years. For various reasons, a significant amount of commercially available human breast milk is being adulterated with other types of milk. This fraudulent practice poses a threat to consumers' health due to potential adulterants such as cow milk, which may put the infant at risk due to intolerance or allergy. A direct sandwich anti-bovine IgG ELISA has been developed for the sensitive and specific detection of cow milk in adulterated human breast milk. This assay uses polyclonal anti-bovine IgG antibody as a capture antibody and monoclonal anti-bovine IgG-alkaline phosphatase antibody as a detection antibody. Once optimized, the assay was found to be highly sensitive, and specific to bovine IgG. The assay had no significant cross-reaction with human breast milk, indicating that it was highly specific. The anti-bovine IgG ELISA was able to detect the presence of cow milk in adulterated human breast milk with a detection limit of 0.001% cow milk. The developed assay was highly reproducible (coefficient of variation

The increased emergence of multidrug-resistant Helicobacter pylori is related to many health issues. Zingiber officinale (Z. officinale) is a plant usually used in folk medicine to treat a variety of diseases. This study was conducted to evaluate the ability of Z. officinale extract to combat resistant H. pylori. The disc diffusion, microdilution, and microplate assays were performed to evaluate the susceptibility to antibiotics and the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of the Z. officinale extracts. Using the checkerboard method, the combined effects of gentamicin and Z. officinale extract were investigated. In addition, anti-inflammatory activity and GC-MS analysis were performed according to a modified protocol. According to the findings, H. pylori isolates exhibited resistance rates of 56.33, 50.0, and 45.85 against metronidazole, gentamicin, and tetracycline, respectively. The methanolic extract of Z. officinale showed the strongest effectiveness against resistant H. pylori isolates with MICs of 20.0 to 50.0 µg/mL, including both H. pylori isolates and the standard strain NCTC 11637. Z. officinale extract suppresses the biofilm formed by H. pylori isolates with a percentage of 92.96% at 50.0 µg/mL, compared with 97.19% for gentamicin at the same concentration. According to FICI values, the combination of methanolic Z. officinale extract with gentamicin increases bacterial sensitivity to such drugs. Moreover, the Z. officinale extract exhibits strong anti-inflammatory activity, with inhibition of red blood cell membrane stabilization increasing from 49.83% to 61.47% at a concentration of 4 to 32 µg/mL. The GC-MS analysis of Z. officinale extract exhibits 17 different chemical compounds. Besides showing antibacterial properties, the extract also contains the anti-inflammatory compound gingerol as the main constituent, which inhibits the growth of H. pylori and its biofilm and is a promising natural therapeutic alternative or enhances antibiotic activity.

A series of polyepoxide resins doped by lead oxide with low concentrations were fabricated in order to study the impacts of low PbO concentrations on the fabricated composites’ physical- and radiation-shielding properties. The epoxide resin was reinforced with the PbO compound with concentrations 0, 5, and 10 wt%. The density measurements affirmed that by elevating the PbO concentration between 0 and 10 wt%, the composites’ density increased from 1.103 to 1.185 g·cm−3. This low-density increase was echoed in the fabricated composites’ radiation-shielding properties, where the Monte Carlo simulation code affirmed a linear attenuation coefficient increase by factors of 230%, 218%, 24%, and 10%, respectively, at 59, 121, 356, and 662 keV. The half-value layer, mean free path, and transmission factor indicated a linear attenuation coefficient enhancement.

Background: Blastocystis hominis (B. hominis) is a ubiquitous parasite that has spread worldwide and is commonly present in human stool specimens. It was hypothesized that infection with B. hominis plays a role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases in humans. The aim of this study is to test this hypothesis by investigating patients with autoimmune diseases. Patients with various types of autoimmune diseases with gastrointestinal symptoms were enrolled in this study as cases (n = 72) along with nongastrointestinal symptom patients as controls (n = 58). All participants in this study were subjected to history taking and were investigated for B. hominis infection via wet-mount microscopic stool examinations, staining with trichrome stain, and molecular-based tests applied to their fecal samples. Blood samples were also tested for complete blood counts. B. hominis were identified with specific PCR more in cases (12/72; 16.6%) than in controls (3/58; 5.2%), with a significant difference (p < 0.05). Significant decreases in white blood cell counts were demonstrated in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and ulcerative colitis (UC) patients infected with B. hominis when compared to patients with nongastrointestinal symptoms (p-value < 0.05).

Due to the misuse of antibiotics, the multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MDRSA) has caused serious infections and become more difficult to deal with. Here we propose to synthesise copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) using a cell-free filter of Streptomyces rochei to enhance antibiotics activity against (MDRSA) and kill them. Characterisation of CuO-NPs using ultraviolet, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, transmission electron microscopic (TEM), and X-ray diffraction, were investigated. The antibacterial action of the CuO-NPs was tested against standard strain and clinical isolates using the agar well diffusion method and the microdilution assay. The results showed the monodispersed spherical shape CuO-NPs with a mean diameter of 10.7 nm and were found to be active against (MDRSA). By a combination of CuO-NPs with different antibiotics, the highest synergistic effect was observed with cefoxitin, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was reduced to 6.5 for CuO-NPs, and 19.5 for cefoxitin. Time-kill assay showed the highest reduction in log10 colony-forming unit (CFU)/ml of initial inoculum of MRSA after 24 h. The HFB-4 cells cultured in the presence of CuO-NPs showed normal morphology with 100% viability at 8 µg/ml. TEM showed that combination (1/4 MIC cefoxitin +1/16 MIC CuO-NPs) highly damages bacterial cells’ shape. The biosynthesis CuO-NPs showed antibacterial activity against S. aureus suggesting a promising alternative in clinical.

Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is an immunosuppressive disease causing significant damage to the poultry industry worldwide. Its etiological agent is infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), a highly resistant RNA virus whose genetic variability considerably affects disease manifestation, diagnosis and control, primarily pursued by vaccination. In Egypt, very virulent strains (genotype A3B2), responsible for typical IBD signs and lesions and high mortality, have historically prevailed. The present molecular survey, however, suggests that a major epidemiological shift might be occurring in the country. Out of twenty-four samples collected in twelve governorates in 2022–2023, seven tested positive for IBDV. Two of them were A3B2 strains related to other very virulent Egyptian isolates, whereas the remaining five were novel variant IBDVs (A2dB1b), reported for the first time outside of Eastern and Southern Asia. This emerging genotype spawned a large-scale epidemic in China during the 2010s, characterized by subclinical IBD with severe bursal atrophy and immunosuppression. Its spread to Egypt is even more alarming considering that, contrary to circulating IBDVs, the protection conferred by available commercial vaccines appears suboptimal. These findings are therefore crucial for guiding monitoring and control efforts and helping to track the spread of novel variant IBDVs, possibly limiting their impact.

Abstract Background Genetic factors are implicated in the progression of DR—a global cause of blindness. Hence, the current work investigated the association of HIF-1α rs11549465 and VEGF rs3025039 genetic variants with the different stages of retinopathy among T2DM Egyptian patients. The crosslinks of these variants were explored with angiogenesis (VEGF), inflammation (AGEP and VCAM-1), and anti-inflammation (CTRP3) markers. Two hundred eighty-eight subjects were recruited in this study: 72 served as controls and 216 were having T2DM and were divided into diabetics without retinopathy (DWR), diabetics with non-proliferative retinopathy (NPDR), and diabetics with proliferative retinopathy (PDR). The genetic variants were analyzed using PCR-RFLP and their associations with NPDR and PDR were statistically tested. The circulating levels of AGEP, VCAM-1, HIF-1α, VEGF, and CTRP3 were assayed followed by analyzing their associations statistically with the studied variants. Results Only HIF-1α rs11549465 genetic variant (recessive model) was significantly associated with the development of NPDR among T2DM patients (p < 0.025) with a significant correlation with the circulating HIF-1α level (p < 0.0001). However, this variant was not associated with PDR progression. Neither HIF-1α rs11549465 nor VEGF rs3025039 genetic variants were associated with the PDR progression. The circulating AGEP, VCAM-1, HIF-1α, and VEGF were significantly elevated (p < 0.0001) while the CTRP3 was significantly decreased (p < 0.0001) in NPDR and PDR groups. The HIF-1α rs11549465 CT and/or TT genotype carriers were significantly associated with AGEP and VCAM-1 levels in the NPDR group, while it showed a significant association with the CTRP3 level in the PDR group. The VEGF rs3025039 TT genotype carriers showed only a significant association with the CTRP3 level in the PDR group. Conclusion The significant association of HIF-1α rs11549465 other than VEGF rs3025039 with the initiation of NPDR in T2DM Egyptian patients might protect them from progression to the proliferative stage via elevating circulating HIF-1α. However, this protective role was not enough to prevent the development of NPDR because of enhancing angiogenesis and inflammation together with suppressing anti-inflammation. The non-significant association of HIF-1α rs11549465 with PDR among T2DM patients could not make this variant a risk factor for PDR progression.

This article investigates the extended homoclinic (heteroclinic) breather wave solutions and interaction periodic and dark soliton solutions to the nonlinear vibration and dispersive wave systems. The solutions include periodic, breather, and soliton solutions. The bilinear form is considered in terms of Hirota derivatives. Accordingly, we utilize the Cole–Hopf algorithm to obtain the exact solutions of the (2+12+1)-dimensional modified dispersive water-wave system. The analytical treatment of extended homoclinic breather wave solutions and interaction periodic and dark soliton solutions are studied and plotted in four forms of density plots. A nonlinear vibration system will be studied. Employing appropriate mathematical assumptions, the novel kinds of the extended homoclinic breather wave solutions and interaction periodic and dark soliton solutions are derived and constructed in view of the combination of kink, periodic, and soliton for an extended homoclinic breather and also a combination of two kinks, periodic and dark soliton in terms of exponential, trigonometric, hyperbolic functions for interaction periodic and dark soliton of the governing equation. To achieve this, the illustrative example of the (2+12+1)-D modified dispersive water-wave system is furnished to demonstrate the feasibility and reliability of the procedure applied in this research. The trajectory solutions of the traveling waves are offered explicitly and graphically. The effect of the free parameters on the behavior of designed figures of a few obtained solutions for two nonlinear rational exact cases was also considered. By comparing the suggested scheme with the other existing methods, the results state that the execution of this technique is succinct, extensive, and straightforward.

Current research is moving towards iron and ammonia elimination from groundwater. Here, we are using a poly acrylic–poly acrylamide hydrogel that is grafted with 3-chloroaniline. This copolymer was synthesized by addition polymerization technique. The effects of agitation time, dosage and adsorbent temperature on the removal process sensitivity were investigated. The copolymer was described experientially and theoretically. Isothermal kinetic adsorption models are discussed. This hydrogel could be regenerated efficiently (98.3% removal of iron and 100% removal of ammonia). The density functional theory (DFT) method, using B3LYP/6-311G(d,p), and the LANL2DZ level of the theory were managed to investigate the stationary states of the grafted copolymer and the complexation energy of the hydrogel with the studied cations. DFT has been used to investigate the Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) properties to locate the most negative centers on the hydrogel. The calculated complexation energy showed hydrogel selectivity with regard to the studied cations.

Abstract Neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative pathology occur in Schizophrenia. This study compared the utility of corneal confocal microscopy (CCM), an ophthalmic imaging technique with MRI brain volumetry in quantifying neuronal pathology and its relationship to cognitive dysfunction and symptom severity in schizophrenia. Thirty-six subjects with schizophrenia and 26 controls underwent assessment of cognitive function, symptom severity, CCM and MRI brain volumetry. Subjects with schizophrenia had lower cognitive function (P ≤ 0.01), corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), length (CNFL), branch density (CNBD), CNBD:CNFD ratio (P

Synthetic datasets are gradually emerging as solutions for data sharing. Multiple synthetic data generators have been introduced in the last decade fueled by advancement in machine learning and by the increased demand for fast and inclusive data sharing, yet their utility is not well understood. Prior research tried to compare the utility of synthetic data generators using different evaluation metrics. These metrics have been found to generate conflicting conclusions making direct comparison of synthetic data generators very difficult. This paper identifies four criteria (or dimensions) for masked data evaluation by classifying available utility metrics into different categories based on the measure they attempt to preserve: attribute fidelity, bivariate fidelity, population fidelity, and application fidelity. A representative metric from each category is chosen based on popularity and consistency, and the four metrics are used to compare the overall utility of four recent data synthesizers across 19 datasets of different sizes and feature counts. The paper also examines correlations between the selected metrics in an attempt to streamline synthetic data utility.

The modulation of molecular characteristics in metal-free organic dyes holds significant importance in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The D-π-A molecular design, based on the furan moiety (π) in the conjugated spacer between the arylamine (D) and the 2-cyanoacrylic acid (A), was developed and theoretically evaluated for its potential application in DSSCs. Utilizing linear response time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) with the CAM-B3LYP functional, different donor and acceptor groups were characterized in terms of the electronic absorption properties of these dyes. All the studied dye sensitizers demonstrate the ability to inject electrons into the semiconductor’s conduction band (TiO2) and undergo regeneration through the redox potential triiodide/iodide (I3−/I−) electrode. TDDFT results indicate that the dyes with CSSH anchoring groups exhibit improved optoelectronic properties compared to other dyes. Further, the photophysical properties of all dyes absorbed on a Ti(OH)4 model were explored and reported. The observed results indicate that bidentate chemisorption occurs between dyes and TiO4H5. Furthermore, the HOMO–LUMO energy gaps for almost all dye complexes are significantly smaller than those of the free dyes. This decrease of the HOMO–LUMO energy gaps in the dye complexes facilitates electron excitation, and thus more photons can be adsorbed, guaranteeing larger values of efficiency and short-circuit current density.

The design of highly efficient sensitizers is one of the most significant areas in dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) research. We studied a series of benzothiadiazole-based D-π-π-A organic dyes, putting emphasis on the influence of the donor moiety on the DSSC’s efficiency. Using (linear-response time-dependent) density functional theory ((TD)DFT)) with the CAM-B3LYP functional, different donor groups were characterized in terms of electronic absorption spectra and key photovoltaic parameters. As a reference, a dye was considered that had a benzothiadiazole fragment linked via thiophene rings to a diphenylamine donor and a cyanoacrylic-acid acceptor. The different systems were first studied in terms of individual performance parameters, which eventually aggregated into power conversion efficiency. Only the amino-substituted species showed a modest increase, whereas the dimethylamino case showed a decrease.

Mechanisms devoted to the secretion of proteins via extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been found in mammals, yeasts, and plants. Since they transport a number of leader-less proteins to the plasma membrane or the extracellular space, EVs are considered part of Unconventional protein secretion (UPS) routes. UPS involving EVs are a relatively new field in plants. Aside from their role in plant physiology and immunity, plant extracts containing EVs have also been shown to be beneficial for human health. Therefore, exploring the use of plant EVs in biomedicine and their potential as drug delivery tools is an exciting avenue. Here we give a summary of the state of knowledge on plant EVs, their crosstalk with mammalian systems and potential research routes that could lead to practical applications in therapeutic drug delivery.

Abstract The aim of this controlled randomized crossover study was to assess post-treatment pain and the need for root canal treatment after the use of a traditional caries removal method followed by restoration, or after an ozone method of more conservatively managing the deep caries and a restoration. 84 participants (42 males and 42 females, mean age ± SD = 23.9 ± 2.0 years) were randomly allocated to receive either a traditional (n = 42, 21 males and 21 females) or ozone (n = 42, 21 males and 21 females) method. The ozone method only differed from the traditional method by leaving the deep leathery caries on the pulpal floor and then treating this with 20 s of ozone from the healozone X4 (Curozone, Germany). All caries was removed in the traditional group. A conventional glass ionomer cement (Riva Self Cure High Viscosity, SDI, Australia) was placed followed by a bonded composite resin restoration (Filtek Z250 Universal Restorative, 3 M ESPE, USA) in each cavity. The visual analogue scale was used to assess pain scores before treatment and after 24 h. The participants were then followed up for 2 years to assess the need for root canal treatment. Statistical significance levels were set at α ≤ .05. Both groups were associated with significant reduction of pain scores 24 h after treatment (p

The present work aims to fabricate new inexpensive epoxy-based composites with a concentration described by the formula (90 − x)epoxy + 10Sb2O3 + xPbO, where x = 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%. The impacts of the substitution of epoxy by PbO on the composite density and radiation shielding properties of the fabricated composites were studied. The density of the fabricated composites varied between 1.30 and 1.49 g·cm−3, enriching the PbO concentration. Utilizing the narrow beam transmission method, the linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) of the fabricated composites was measured using the NaI (Tl) detector as well as radioactive sources Am-241 and Cs-137. The LAC increased by 84% and 18% at gamma-ray energy of 0.059 and 0.662 MeV, when the PbO concentration raised between 5 and 20 wt%, respectively. Then the transmission rate and half-value layer of the fabricated composites were reduced by raising the PbO concentration. Therefore, the fabricated composite has good shielding properties in the low gamma-ray energy interval to be suitable for medical applications and low radioactive waste container constructions.

Cross-coupling reactions with [B12H11I]2− as one partner have been used successfully for Kumada and Buchwald Hartwig couplings with Pd catalysis. Here, we found that the iodide could be substituted easily, and unexpectedly, with other halides such as Br and Cl, and with pseudohalides such as cyanide, azide, and isocyanate. We found that for Cl, Br, N3, and NCO, tetrabutylammonium salts—or sodium salts—were successful halide sources, whereas for cyanide, CuCN was the only halide source that allowed a successful exchange. The azide could be reacted further in a click reaction with triazoles. While no substitution with fluoride occurred, tetrabutylammonium fluoride in the presence of water led to [B12H11OH]2−. Yields were high to very high, and reaction times were short when using a microwave oven as a heating source.

Eugenol essential oil (EEO) is the major component in aromatic extracts of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) and has several biological properties, such as antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, as well as controlling vomiting, coughing, nausea, flatulence, diarrhea, dyspepsia, stomach distension, and gastrointestinal spasm pain. It also stimulates the nerves. Therefore, the aim of this study was to extract and purify EEO from clove buds and assess its ability to combat resistant Helicobacter pylori. Additionally, EEO’s anti-inflammatory activity and its ability to suppress H. pylori biofilm formation, which is responsible for antibiotic resistance, was also investigated. Syzygium aromaticum buds were purchased from a local market, ground, and the EEO was extracted by using hydro-distillation and then purified and chemically characterized using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). A disk-diffusion assay showed that Helicobacter pylori is sensitive to EEO, with an inhibition zone ranging from 10 ± 06 to 22 ± 04 mm. The minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) of EEO ranged from 23.0 to 51.0 μg/mL against both Helicobacter pylori clinical isolates and standard strains. In addition, EEO showed antibiofilm activity at 25 µg/mL and 50 µg/mL against various Helicobacter pylori strains, with suppression percentages of 49.32% and 73.21%, respectively. The results obtained from the anti-inflammatory assay revealed that EEO possesses strong anti-inflammatory activity, with human erythrocyte hemolysis inhibition percentages of 53.04, 58.74, 61.07, and 63.64% at concentrations of 4, 8, 16, and 32 μg/L, respectively. GC–MS analysis revealed that EEO is a major component of Syzygium aromaticum when extracted with a hydro-distillation technique, which was confirmed by its purification using a chemical separation process. EEO exhibited antibacterial action against resistant Helicobacter pylori strains, as well as antibiofilm and anti-inflammatory activities, and is a promising natural alternative in clinical therapy.

Abstract Background Varroa mite, Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman (Parasitiformes: Varroidae), is an ectoparasitic mite of the honey bee, Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae), with a great economic importance. It is the major deadlock of apiculture development all over the world. Results This work aimed to assess the effect of bee house and dark bee house on numbers of Varroa mite on white card board sheets, worker broods, and alive bees during spring and autumn of 2018 and 2019. Two types of card board for sticking the fallen Varroa mite were evaluated through winter of 2019. Keeping honey bee hives in a dark room during March and September of 2018 and 2019 for a successive 3 days resulted in a great reduction in the number of Varroa inner bee hive, i.e., on the white card board sheets, area of broods, and alive honey bee. Highest number of fallen Varroa mite on the white card board sheets was obtained in the case of using the dark bee house during March and September in 2018 and 2019, followed by keeping in a normal bee house then those fallen in the case of the open apiary. Conclusion The dark bee house grooming behaviour increased through 3 days of dark. Environmental management of bee house and dark bee house can be promising in colony collapse disorder. Modified adhesive sheets were more efficient in this regard than the normal ones.

Abstract This within subject clinical experiment assessed oral health impacts before and after Invisalign orthodontic treatment and their relationships with personality characteristics. 50 patients (26 females and 24 males; mean age = 27.62 ± 8.25 years, SE = 1.17, 95% CI = 24.71–29.89 years) were assessed before and after treatment with Invisalign orthodontic treatment. Treatment clinical success was evaluated according defined clinical guidelines. Oral health impacts before and after Invisalign orthodontic treatment were measured via the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP). Personality features were measured via the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI). Probability of α = .05 was utilized to identify significant findings. Females scored less OHIP scores after treatment (had less negative impacts) in comparison to baseline OHIP scores (t = 3.782, df = 25, P = .001, 95% CI of mean difference = 2.750–9.327). Among males, openness scores (R2 = .911, B = 5.235, 95% CI for B = 0.062–10.407, t = 2.601, P = .048) were able to predict OHIP scores before treatment; meanwhile, extraversion (R2 = .959, B = − 8.224, 95% CI for B = − 14.605–1.843, t = − 3.313, P = .021), openness (R2 = .959, B = 21.795, 95% CI for B = 10.737–32.853, t = 5.067, P = .004), and conscientiousness (R2 = .959, B = 10.293, 95% CI for B = 4.796–15.790, t = 4.813, P = .005) scores were useful to predict OHIP scores after treatment (R2 = .959, P .05). These findings demonstrate that oral health impacts of Invisalign orthodontic treatment and personality profiles contribution to oral health impacts were different between genders.

Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease of multifactorial etiology and affects synovial joints. The risk of developing OA substantially increases with each decade after the age of 45 years. It is characterized by progressive deterioration and loss of articular cartilage with structural and functional changes in the entire joint, including the synovium, periarticular ligaments, and subchondral bone. Objective To assess the clinical effects of intra-articular injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into the knee joint with mild to moderate OA regarding pain, quality of life, and return to activity. Patients and methods The study included 30 patients in the age range of 30–70 years complaining of knee OA grade II and III based on Kellgren and Lawrence classification and confirmed by radiographs. The patients received three intra-articular PRP injections with weekly intervals. Results A statistically significant improvement in the joint function was observed after 6 months according to the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scoring index. Conclusion From the results of our study, intra-articular PRP injection is considered as a safe and low-cost line of knee OA treatment with few adverse effects.

Herein, silver nanoparticles (Ag) embedded in polystyrene (PS) nanofiber composites have been prepared by an electrospinning technique using N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) as a solvent and safe reducing agent. Electrospinning of polystyrene (PS) solutions is conducted using different electrospinning parameters such as polymer concentration in the electrospinning solution; solution feed rate, and electrical field strength. Then silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were embedded into PS nanofibers to obtain an AgNPs-PS nanofiber composite as a powerful, cheap, and nontoxic bioactive material. PS nanofibers and AgNPs-PS nanofibers composite were characterized by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Also, AgNPs were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and EDX analysis. Results showed that PS nanofibers were obtained with concentrations ranging from 10–30 wt.% in DMF solvent. Also, an AgNPs-PS nanofiber composite has been produced from its solutions by using DMF at the optimum value. The prepared AgNPs have a 21–40 nm particle size and a semi-spherical shape. In addition, the antibacterial activity of AgNPs-PS nanofibers towards both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria has been increased. Therefore, this nanocomposite can be used as a powerful bioactive material in biomedical fields.

Background: This cross-sectional observational study aimed to evaluate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related precautions to avoid COVID-19 infection, distress and behavioral changes, fears and concerns, and effects on opinions and beliefs among participants from different backgrounds and also to identify the relationships between personality factors and COVID-19-related changes and impacts.Methods: One thousand and three hundred nineteen participants (744 females and 575 males, mean age ± SD = 32.7 ± 11.6 years) completed a three-section survey collecting data regarding demographic information, personality factors [using the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI)], and COVID-19-related issues (using the VAS scale).Findings: COVID-19 was associated with changes related to precautions to avoid COVID-19 infection, distress and behavioral changes, fears and concerns, and effects on opinions and beliefs (P < 0.05). Higher neuroticism scores were associated with more negative COVID-19-related changes and impacts (P < 0.05). Higher extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness scores were associated with more acceptance of COVID-19 containment measures as well as less COVID-19-related changes and impacts (P < 0.05).Conclusions: Personality factors were associated with COVID-19-related impacts. These findings demonstrate the importance of the relationship between personality factors and COVID-19-related changes.

Abstract The clinical efficacy regarding bleaching sensitivity and tooth shade lightening using a standard hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) bleaching gel was compared with the additional use of ozone either before or after application of H2O2. Using computer-generated tables, 45 participants were randomly allocated into three groups (n = 15 each) in this investigator-driven, single-centre trial. In Group 1, upper anterior teeth were bleached using ozone (produced via a healOzone X4 device) for 60 seconds, then 38% H2O2 for 20 minutes; in Group 2, 38% H2O2 application (20 min) was followed by ozone (60 s); air produced by the healOzone machine (60 s) followed by 38% H2O2 (20 min) was used in Group 3 (control). Bleaching sensitivity was evaluated via visual analogue scales, and a treatment-blinded reader objectively recorded tooth shades using a colorimeter before and 24 hours after bleaching (at α = 0.05). The H2O2/ozone combination did not result in pain sensations, while both ozone/H2O2 and H2O2 alone increased bleaching sensitivity (p

Background/purpose of the study Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a cause of significantly higher morbidity and mortality in patients with cirrhosis. This study was conducted to assess the effect of adding rifaximin to cefotaxime in treatment of SBP. Materials and methods The study was a prospective one that involved 98 patients with cirrhosis with SBP, who were divided randomly into two equal groups. Patients in group I received cefotaxime, whereas patients in group II received a combination of cefotaxime and rifaximin. Patients were evaluated clinically, and diagnostic aspiration was repeated on the third day of antibiotic therapy. Results Both groups showed significant reduction in white blood cells on the third day compared with the first day (P

Background: The significance of reciprocal ST segment depression during acute myocardial infarction has been an area of debate, whether it is a sign of multivessel disease, ischemia at a distance or merely a benign electrical phenomenon. Objective: To study the relation between the presence of reciprocal ST segment depression in ST elevation myocardial infarction, extent of coronary artery disease & left ventricular systolic function. Patients and methods: A prospective, controlled study involving 200 ST elevation myocardial infarction patients (100 inferior, 100 anterior), each group was sub-grouped into 2 subgroups according to the presence of reciprocal ST segment depression or absence: in anterior STEMI group we had subgroup A1 with RSTD (41 patients) and subgroup A2 without RSTD (59 patients) while in inferior STEMI group each subgroup (B1 and B2) consisted of 50 patients. Echocardiography & coronary angiography were done for all patients. Results: Patients with reciprocal ST segment depression showed a significant lower mean Left ventricular ejection fraction compared to those without (37 + 3% vs 53 + 5% P

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Egypt and worldwide, placing great strain on the world’s health systems. This is one of the few Egyptian registries dealing with patients with acute coronary syndrome admitted in critical care department, Cairo University. Methods: This is a retrospective non-controlled cohort study of patients with acute coronary syndrome admitted from January 2010 to December 2012. Retrospective analysis of these patients data were retrieved through reviewing written paper and electronic database. Results: A total number of 503 patients were enrolled in our study. The mean age was 57.2 ± 10.4 years. Their pain duration was 14 ± 24.4 h. Average length of stay was (7 ± 4.4 days). Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was done to 154 patients (30.6%), while we had 105 elective PCI procedures (20.9%). Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were higher in patients with higher age (60 years vs 56.7 years P value 0.021), STEMI (25.7% vs. 18% in UA/NSTEMI P value 0.002), higher CKMB levels (157iu/l vs 89iu/l P value0.019), and higher Killip class upon presentation (class III-IV 64.9% vs 2.2% class I-II p

Objectives: To evaluate left atrial (LA) function using speckle tracking based strain (SPTS) in systolic heart failure (SHF) patients. Background: LA changes occur in patients with SHF and LA enlargement is commonly found by echocardiography. New speckle tracking based strain can be used to detect left atrial changes in SHF. Materials and methods: Forty patients with clinical (SHF), EF

Objectives: To compare RV function by DTI in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with isolated mitral stenosis and with similar mitral valve area. Background: Patients with MS of moderate or severe degree are not homogenous regarding symptomatology and some suffer more than others; the RV function is an important determinant of clinical symptoms. DTI is a technique that allows a quantitative assessment of myocardial function and by using this technique RV function can be assessed in MS patients of different degrees of symptomatology. Methods: Fifty patients with isolated MS of moderate to severe degree were classified into two groups according to New York Heart Association (NYHA) class (asymptomatic group NYHA class I and symptomatic group NYHA class II–III). The RV function was evaluated by both conventional echo and Doppler tissue imaging. Pulsed wave DTI was placed at the lateral tricuspid annulus to measure the peak velocities of IVC (IVC max), S wave (S max), E′, A′ waves and E′/A′ ratio also the duration of IVC, IVR, time to peak of IVC, S wave duration were measured then isovolumic acceleration (IVA) and Tei index were calculated. Results: Conventional echo could not detect significant changes between the two groups, while using DTI the symptomatic group was found to show a significantly lower E′ wave peak velocity (P = 0.005), E′/A′ ratio (P = 0.009), S wave peak velocity (P = 0.033), IVC max (P = 0.02) and IVA (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Patient with impaired RV function as detected by DTI are more symptomatic than other with better RV function and of similar MVA.