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We investigated the dynamics of highly dispersive nonlinear gap solitons in optical fibers with dispersive reflectivity, utilizing a conformable fractional derivative model. The modified extended direct algebraic method was employed to obtain various soliton solutions, including bright solitons and singular solitons, as well as hyperbolic and trigonometric solutions. The key findings demonstrated that the fractional derivative parameter (α) can effectively control the wave propagation, causing a shift in the wave signal while maintaining the same amplitude. This is a novel contribution, as the ability to control soliton properties through the conformable derivative is explored for the first time in this work. The results showcase the significant influence of fractional derivatives in shaping the characteristics of the soliton solutions, which is crucial for accurately modeling the dispersive and nonlocal effects in optical fibers. This research provides insights into the potential applications of fractional calculus in the design and optimization of photonic devices for optical communication systems.

Background: The umbilical cord (UC) provides life support to the fetus.The length of UC is of great clinical relevance and is associated with a wide range of unfavorable obstetric outcomes. Objectives: Evaluating the feasibility of sonographic measurement of the UC length index in predicting any adverse feto-maternal outcomes of an uncomplicated full-term pregnancy Patients and Methods: This prospective cohort study was done on 369 pregnant women with a singleton pregnancy and ≥ 37 weeks of gestation. The UC length index was calculated by ultrasonography by counting UC rings in each amniotic fluid quadrant. Results: Both groups of women, based on the occurrence of UC problems, had insignificant differences as regards the different characteristics of the studied women, UC length, and UC index. Meanwhile, the frequency of neck loops was significantly higher among women with UC problems (44.2% vs. 25.5%; p = 0.01). There were insignificant differences between different umbilical cord problems regarding UC length (p = 0.42) and UC index (p = 0.28). Conclusion: The UC length index was not a statistically significant predictor of umbilical cord abnormalities.

Background:Autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) are chronic problems that disproportionately impact females of childbearing age. Objective: To evaluate the effect of pregnancy on rheumatic disease activity Patients and Methods: This prospective study was conducted on (70) pregnant patients aged from 18 to 35 years old. They were divided into four groups; (30) with Rheumatoid arthritis, (20) with SLE, (10) with Systemic Sclerosis and (10) with Ankylosing Spondylitis. Routine baseline investigations, auto antibodies and imaging. Results: There were significant differences between the current study groups as regards the history of hormonal therapy (p

Background: The combinations between heart disorders and gestation could be challenging to the physician managing the mother and fetus together. Gestation afterward mechanical heart valve replacements require critical coagulation controlling. Specific consideration must be given to the incidence of complications throughout anti-coagulation treatment. Objectives: was to evaluate the outcome of the antenatal, natal and postnatal outcome of women with prosthetic valve with pregnancy according to the local policies and protocols in our department. Patients and methods: This study was a cohort one that was demonstrated at Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Qena Faculty of medicine, South Valley University in the period between July 2019 to 30th of June 2020. Results: The results of current study showed a positive correlation between dose of warfarin and neonatal outcome as in group A ( 64% with good outcome , 11.8% misscarige) compared with group B (22.2% with good outcome 38.9% misscarige), and good fetal / neonatal outcome was observed in(42.9% )of cases. The miscariage rate was (25.7%). Congenital anomaly was seen in (8.6%). Furthermore, (22.9%) of pregnancies ended as IUFD. Conclusion: Warfarin as an anticoagulant for pregnant women with prosthetic valve throghout pregnancy seems to be secure for the mothers due to a lesser occurrence of thromboembolic conditions than un-fractionated or lower-molecular-weight heparin. The fetal / neonatal outcome is good especially if doses not exceed 5mg.

Background: Pregnancy complications that arise in the second and third trimesters include placenta previa (PP). Objectives: The aim of this study was auditing the current management of placenta previa at Qena university hospital to improve Obstetric care through the use of limited resource and utilization of available services. Identify the gap between the current practice on management of cases with placenta previa at Qena university hospital and the ideal practice according to the international guidelines. Patients and methods: This study was retrospective Observational study, all patients admitted to Obstetric and gynecological department at Qena university hospital who are diagnosed of having placenta previa (according to to RCOG) during the period from June 2020 to June 2022. Results: 172 out of 200 patients had placenta previa, whereas 28 patients had low lying placenta. Regarding depth of invasion 28 (14%) cases had placenta accreta, 4 (2%) cases had placenta percreta and 2 (0.7%) cases had placenta increta, Regarding additional surgical steps, no additional steps were needed in 12 (6%) cases, 176 (88%) cases needed bilateral uterine artery ligation and 12 (6%) cases needed bilateral internal iliac artery ligation Conclusion: The authors of the current study draw the conclusion that placenta previa offers a significant risk to mothers on its own. These patients should be delivered in a tertiary facility with the assistance of a multidisciplinary team. A higher number of prior LSCS is associated with a higher likelihood of placentae accrete.

Abstract The introduction of fish skin as a biological dressing for treating burns and wounds holds great promise, offering an alternative to existing management strategies. However, the risk of disease transmission is a significant concern. Therefore, this study aimed to examine how established sterilization and preservation procedures affected fish skin grafts' microbiological and histological properties for long-term usage. Lyophilization of the fish skin graft followed by rehydration in normal saline for 15 min did not change the collagen content. Furthermore, gamma irradiation of the lyophilized fish skin graft at different lengths 5, 10, and 25 KGy showed a significant reduction in microbial growth (aerobic bacteria, aerobic yeasts, and fungi) at 15- and 30 days after the irradiation. However, exposure to 10 KGy was found to be the most effective intensity among the different gamma irradiation lengths since it preserved the collagen fiber content and intensity in the lyophilized fish skin grafts at 15- and 30 days after the irradiation. These findings provide efficient preservation and sterilization methods for long-term usage of the fresh Tilapia skin grafts used for biological dressings.

BackgroundSleep disturbances are common among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and can have a negative impact on their daily functioning and core symptoms. As the use of smart technologies continues to rise, it is crucial to understand how these devices affect the sleep quality of individuals with ASD.AimThe objective of this study was to examine the relationship between the use of smart technology and sleep quality in individuals with ASD.MethodsA mixed-methods approach was employed, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. A sample of 83 individuals with ASD, aged between 8 and 25 years, assessed their sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Additionally, information regarding patterns of smart technology use and relevant covariates was collected. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted to analyze the data. Furthermore, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a subset of participants and their caregivers.ResultsSignificant positive correlations were found between poorer sleep quality scores and total screen time (r = 0.42, p < 0.001), pre-bedtime technology use (r = 0.51, p < 0.001), gaming (r = 0.32, p = 0.003), and social media use (r = 0.29, p = 0.008). Pre-bedtime technology use was a significant predictor of poorer sleep quality (β = 0.32, p = 0.006), even after controlling for age, gender, and ASD severity.ConclusionThe findings of this study emphasize the significant associations between the use of smart technology, particularly before bedtime, and poorer sleep quality in individuals with ASD. These results underscore the importance of developing evidence-based interventions and guidelines to promote healthy sleep habits and mitigate the negative effects of technology exposure in this population.

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Abstract Background In 2003, the first case of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) was recorded. Coronaviruses (CoVs) have caused a major outbreak of human fatal pneumonia. Currently, there is no specific drug or treatment for diseases caused by SARS CoV 2. Computational approach that adopts dynamic models is widely accepted as indispensable tool in drug design but yet to be exploited in covid-19 in Zaria, Nigeria. In this study, steps were taken to advance on the successful achievements in the field of covid-19 drug, with the aid of in silico drug design technique, to create novel inhibitor drug candidates with better activity. In this study, one thousand human immunodeficiency virus (HIV1) antiviral chemical compounds from www.bindingBD.org were docked on the SARS CoV 2 main protease protein data bank identification number 6XBH (PDB ID: 6XBH) and the molecular docking score were ranked in order to identify the compounds with the highest inhibitory effects, and easy selection for future studies. Results The docking studies showed some interesting results. Inhibitors with Index numbers 331, 741, and 819 had the highest binding affinity. Similarly, inhibitors with Index number 441, 847, and 46 had the lowest hydrogen bond energy. Inhibitor with index number 331 was reported with the lowest value (− 48.38kCal/mol). Five new compounds were designed from the selected six (6) compounds with the best binding score giving a total of thirty (30) novel compounds. The low binding energy of inhibitor with index no. 847b is unique, as most of the interaction energies are of H-bond type with amino acids (Thr26, Gly143, Ser144, Cys145, Glu166, Gln189, Hie164, Met49, Thr26, Thr25, Thr190, Asn142, Met165) resulting in an overall negative value (−16.31 kCal/mol) making it the best of all the newly designed inhibitors. Conclusions The novel inhibitor is 2-(2-(5-amino-2-((((3-aminobenzyl)oxy)carbonyl)amino)-5-oxopentanamido)-4-(2-(tert-butyl)-4-oxo-4-(pentan-3-ylamino) butanamido)-3-hydroxybutyl) benzoic acid. The improvement it has over the parent inhibitor is from the primary amine group attached to meta position of first benzene ring and the carboxyl group attached to the ortho position of the second benzene ring. The molecular dynamics studies also show that the novel inhibitor remains stable after the study. This result makes it a better drug candidate against SARS CoV 2 main protease when compared with the co-crystallized inhibitor or any of the 1000 docked inhibitors.

Abstract Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a pneumonia-like disease with a pattern of acute respiratory symptoms, currently remains a significant public health concern causing tremendous human suffering. Although several approved vaccines exist, vaccine hesitancy, limited vaccine availability, high rate of viral mutation, and the absence of approved drugs account for the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 infections. The investigation of possibly repurposing of phytochemical compounds as therapeutic alternatives has gained momentum due to their reported affordability and minimal toxicity. This study investigated anti-viral phytochemical compounds from ethanolic leaf extracts of Spondias mombin L as potential inhibitor candidates against SARS-CoV-2. We identified Geraniin and 2-O-Caffeoyl-(+)-allohydroxycitric acid as potential SARS-CoV-2 inhibitor candidates targeting the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent polymerase receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 viral S-protein and the 3C-like main protease (3CLpro). Geraniin exhibited binding free energy (ΔGbind) of − 25.87 kcal/mol and − 21.74 kcal/mol towards SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent polymerase and receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 viral S-protein respectively, whereas 2-O-Caffeoyl-(+)-allohydroxycitric acid exhibited a ΔGbind of − 32 kcal/mol towards 3CLpro. Molecular Dynamics simulations indicated a possible interference to the functioning of SARS-CoV-2 targets by the two identified inhibitors. However, further in vitro and in vivo evaluation of these potential SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic inhibitor candidates is needed.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is one of the most commonly used feed additives which poses a threat to public health. Nigella sativa is a promising natural approach in this issue due to its antioxidant, hypolipidemic, and cytoprotective characters. Here, we investigated the potential protective effect of Nigella sativa seed (NSS) against MSG-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. To accomplish this objective, fifteen adult Wistar albino rats were randomly and equally divided into three groups for 21 days: the control group received no treatment, MSG group supplemented with MSG at a dose of 30 g/kg feed, and MSG + NSS group supplemented with MSG at the same previous dose together with NSS at a dose of 30 g/kg feed. NSS succeeded in boosting serum alkaline phosphatase activity and total cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose levels. It reduced lipid peroxides in the serum and down-regulated glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase 2 immuno-expression in the hepatic cells. NSS intervention provided cytoprotection by improving the histo-architecture of the liver and reducing the number of apoptotic cells. NSS was effective in protecting against the hepatotoxicity of MSG through its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects. These findings are of utmost significance in directing the attention towards the incorporation of NSS in our food industry as well as a health remedy in traditional medicine to fight MSG-related hepatic abnormalities.

Chronic stress is a risk factor for depression and is characterized by elevated levels of brain monoamine oxidase A (MAOA). Mounting evidence has shown that MAOA is a biochemical link between stress and depression. Apigenin (API), a natural flavonoid, as demonstrated in vitro inhibitory effect on MAOA, is suggestive of antidepressant-like activity. However, the in vivo inhibitory effect of API on MAOA and how it affects depression still remain unclear. Here, we report the probable mechanisms of action of API in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression in mice. Treatment with API reversed anhedonia, and reduced anxiety and immobility time in behavioral studies. API reduced brain corticosterone and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels but increased brain levels of glutathione and superoxide dismutase. Furthermore, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α were attenuated by API. It also restored cell loss and inhibited the activity of MAOA in the hippocampal brain regions and prefrontal cortex. Comparative binding affinity of API for MAOA (-7.7 kcal/mol) through molecular docking studies was greater than that of reference compound, clorgyline (-6.8 kcal/mol). Favorable hydrophobic interactions important to API binding at MAOA binding cavity was revealed to include conventional hydrogen bond (Cys323 and Tyr444), π-Sulfur (Cys323), π-π Stacked (Tyr407), π-π T-shaped (Phe208), π-lone pair and π-alkyl (Ile335, Ile180) interactions. These results suggest that API is a potent, selective, reversible inhibitor of MAOA with capability of attenuating CUMS-induced depression via inhibiting MAOA enzyme activity and altering other pathomechanisms.

Sapoviruses belonging to the genus Sapovirus within the family Caliciviridae are commonly responsible for severe acute gastroenteritis in both humans and animals. Caliciviruses are known to induce intrinsic apoptosis in vitro and in vivo, however, calicivirus-induced necroptosis remains to be fully elucidated. Here, we demonstrate that infection of porcine kidney LLC-PK cells with porcine sapovirus (PSaV) Cowden strain as a representative of caliciviruses induces receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1)-dependent necroptosis and acts as proviral compared to the antiviral function of PSaV-induced apoptosis. Infection of LLC-PK cells with PSaV Cowden strain showed that the interaction of phosphorylated RIPK1 (pRIPK1) with RIPK3 (pRIPK3), mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (pMLKL) increased in a time-dependent manner, indicating induction of PSaV-induced RIPK1-dependent necroptosis. Interfering of PSaV-infected cells with each necroptotic molecule (RIPK1, RIPK3, or MLKL) by treatment with each specific chemical inhibitor or knockdown with each specific siRNA significantly reduced replication of PSaV but increased apoptosis and cell viability, implying proviral action of PSaV-induced necroptosis. In contrast, treatment of PSaV-infected cells with pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK increased PSaV replication and necroptosis, indicating an antiviral action of PSaV-induced apoptosis. These results suggest that PSaV-induced RIPK1-dependent necroptosis and apoptosis‒which have proviral and antiviral effects, respectively‒counterbalanced each other in virus-infected cells. Our study contributes to understanding the nature of PSaV-induced necroptosis and apoptosis and will aid in developing efficient and affordable therapies against PSaV and other calicivirus infections.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) consumption is responsible for a wide spectrum of health hazards including nephrotoxicity. The search for phytochemical strategies having broad safety profile to counter MSG toxicity is worthwhile. Nigella sativa L. seed (NSS) is very promising in this regard owing to its antioxidant and cytoprotective nature. Therefore, we attempted to investigate the potential protective effect of NSS on MSG-induced renal toxicity in rats. To accomplish this objective, fifteen adult Wistar albino rats were randomly and equally divided into three groups for 21 days: the control group received no treatment, MSG group supplemented with MSG at a dose of 30 g/kg feed, and MSG + NSS group supplemented with MSG at the same previous dose in conjugation with NSS at a dose of 30 g/kg feed. MSG and its combination with NSS failed to cause any significant difference in the kidney function parameters in comparison with the control. A significant elevation in lipid peroxides (LPO) level, glutathione-S-transferase activity and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and a significant reduction in superoxide dismutase activity were found in MSG group. LPO level and TAC in MSG intoxicated rats significantly normalized by NSS ingestion. NO level showed absence of significant difference among all experimental groups. MSG elicited histopathological lesions such as decreased glycoprotein content and fibrosis however, NSS succeeded in enhancing all these features. MSG group showed positive glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase 2 immuno-expression whereas, MSG + NSS group showed weak immunostaining. A significant increase in the number of apoptotic cells was observed in MSG group compared to the control. On the other hand, MSG + NSS group exhibited a significant decrease in the number of apoptotic cells. NSS mitigated MSG-induced renal impairments by ameliorating oxidative stress and exerting anti-apoptotic effect.

Conventional scolicidal agents are still unsatisfactory in combating hydatid disease due to their low efficacy and increased drug side effects. Therefore, novel scolicides are required. This study aimed to evaluate the antihydatic and immunomodulatory effects of eugenol essential oil (Eug) and its nanoemulsion (Eug-NE) in cystic echinococcosis (CE). Eug and Eug-NE were administered orally to CE-infected rats and compared to albendazole (ABZ). Hydatid cyst development was assessed based on organ weight and hypertrophy indicators of the infected organs, along with a histopathological and histochemical evaluation of collagen content. The immunomodulatory effects of treatment on CE were evaluated by serum cytokine levels measurement of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin (IL)-4 and immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4) and GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA3) markers. Eug-NE was the most effective in reducing the cyst weights, organ weights, and hypertrophy indicators and improving histopathological lesions with reduced collagen content. Eug and Eug-NE significantly increased the IFN-γ levels and decreased the IL-4 levels, while IHC analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in STAT4 and GATA3 expression in all treated groups. Eug and Eug-NE demonstrated antihydatic and preventative effects, with a substantial decrease in liver fibrosis compared to that of ABZ. Besides their promising immunomodulatory effects, their good treatment response suggests their use as alternatives or complementary scolicidal agents in hydatid cyst treatment.

Resilient design of robust multi-objectives PID controllers via the D-decomposition method is presented in this paper for automatic voltage regulators (AVRs). The stabilizing interval of derivative gain ( $k_{d}$ ) is analytically calculated by the Routh-Hurwitz criterion. The $k_{p}-k_{i}$ domain, for a fixed value of $k_{d}$ , is decomposed in root invariant regions by mapping the stability boundary from the complex plane. Two regions, described by fixed damping isoclines, are assigned for pole-clustering in the open-left half plane (LHP). Other than regional pole clustering, gain and phase margins, as frequency domain specifications, are considered. Both robust stability and robust performance are considered by stabilizing a set of principle segment plants simultaneously. Optimal pole-placer PID controllers are computed analytically. If a robust control basin does exist for a specific compromise of control objective, the criterion of the maximum inscribed circle is considered to compute the maximum radius of controller resiliency. The merit of the proposed design is the simultaneous consideration of three control concerns, namely performance optimality, stability robustness and controller resiliency. Computation, validation, and simulation results are presented to show the simplicity and efficacy of the suggested method in tracing control basins (CBs) of all admissible PID controllers.

Abstract Background The use of biological dressings has recently emerged in the management of burns and wounds. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the Nile tilapia skin as a biological dressing for full-thickness cutaneous metacarpal wounds in donkeys. The study was conducted on nine clinically healthy donkeys (n = 9). Here, fish skin dressings were obtained from fresh Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus and sterilized by immersion in silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) solution for 5 min, with no change in collagen content. Bilateral, circular full-thickness excisional skin wounds (2 cm in diameter) were created on the dorsal aspect of the mid-metacarpals of each donkey. Wounds on the right metacarpals (treated wounds, n = 9) were dressed with sterile fish skins, while wounds on the left metacarpals (control wounds, n = 9) were dressed with sterile non-adherent dressing pads without any topical applications. Wound dressings were changed weekly. Wounds were evaluated microbiologically, grossly, and histologically on days 7, 14, and 21 post-wound inductions. Results Fish skin-dressed wounds showed a significant (P < 0.0001) reduction in microbial counts (Total viable bacterial count, Staphylococcal count, and Coliform count), a significant (P < 0.0001) decrease in the wound size, and a significant reduction (P < 0.0001) in the epithelial gap compared to the untreated wounds. No frequent dressing changes were needed. Conclusions Fish skin dressing accelerated the wound healing process and efficiently inhibited the local microbial activity and exuberant granulation tissue formation suggesting its reliable and promising application for metacarpal wounds of donkeys.

Unusual deposits formed by corundum are described from two separate pegmatitic veins in the Hafafit-Nugrus area of the South Eastern Desert of Egypt. Other related minerals are described too. The vein-type of corundum at Locality 1 (Vein 1) crosscuts through exposed rocks of an ophiolitic mélange, whereas at Locality 2 (Vein 2), it crosscuts through exposed serpentinised ultramafic rocks. The main minerals in Vein 1 are plagioclase, corundum, grossular, phlogopite, muscovite and clinochlore, while almandine, xenotime-(Y), allanite-(Ce), zircon, Cr-rich spinel, apatite, titanite, fergusonite-(Y), meta-ankoleite, U-rich thorite (uranothorite), carbonate and illite are the accessories. In Vein 2, the main minerals are plagioclase, corundum, phlogopite and chlorite, while clinochlore, euxenite-(Y), Nb-rich rutile, almandine, xenotime-(Y), allanite-(Ce), zircon, spinel, apatite, titanite, kasolite, dickite, illite, carbonate, antigorite and talc are accessories. The two types of corundum veins differ in their concentrations of Th, U, Zr, Nb, Ta, REE, Y and Li in whole-rock compositions. Field observations, mineralogy and chemical analyses of samples from the two veins of corundum deposits, as well as concentrations of chromophore elements in corundum crystals, suggest metasomatic origins. The present study suggests that the two types of corundum veins formed at different ages from different residual magmas that underwent in-situ hybridisation with the host rocks.

Summary: Background: Dyslipidaemia is highly prevalent in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Numerous studies have sought to disentangle the causal relationship between dyslipidaemia and T2DM liability. However, conventional observational studies are vulnerable to confounding. Mendelian Randomization (MR) studies (which address this bias) on lipids and T2DM liability have focused on European ancestry individuals, with none to date having been performed in individuals of African ancestry. We therefore sought to use MR to investigate the causal effect of various lipid traits on T2DM liability in African ancestry individuals. Methods: Using univariable and multivariable two-sample MR, we leveraged summary-level data for lipid traits and T2DM liability from the African Partnership for Chronic Disease Research (APCDR) (N = 13,612, 36.9% men) and from African ancestry individuals in the Million Veteran Program (Ncases = 23,305 and Ncontrols = 30,140, 87.2% men), respectively. Genetic instruments were thus selected from the APCDR after which they were clumped to obtain independent instruments. We used a random-effects inverse variance weighted method in our primary analysis, complementing this with additional sensitivity analyses robust to the presence of pleiotropy. Findings: Increased genetically proxied low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) levels were associated with increased T2DM liability in African ancestry individuals (odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval, P-value] per standard deviation (SD) increase in LDL-C = 1.052 [1.000 to 1.106, P = 0.046] and per SD increase in TC = 1.089 [1.014 to 1.170, P = 0.019]). Conversely, increased genetically proxied high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was associated with reduced T2DM liability (OR per SD increase in HDL-C = 0.915 [0.843 to 0.993, P = 0.033]). The OR on T2DM per SD increase in genetically proxied triglyceride (TG) levels was 0.884 [0.773 to 1.011, P = 0.072] . With respect to lipid-lowering drug targets, we found that genetically proxied 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR) inhibition was associated with increased T2DM liability (OR per SD decrease in genetically proxied LDL-C = 1.68 [1.03-2.72, P = 0.04]) but we did not find evidence of a relationship between genetically proxied proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibition and T2DM liability. Interpretation: Consistent with MR findings in Europeans, HDL-C exerts a protective effect on T2DM liability and HMGCR inhibition increases T2DM liability in African ancestry individuals. However, in contrast to European ancestry individuals, LDL-C may increase T2DM liability in African ancestry individuals. This raises the possibility of ethnic differences in the metabolic effects of dyslipidaemia in T2DM. Funding: See the Acknowledgements section for more information.

Abstract Background Recently, vitamin D was discovered to have an important role in female reproduction and IVF. However, there were no studies specifically addressed its role in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients undergoing ICSI cycles. Therefore, this cross-sectional study in a university hospital was conducted to evaluate the effect of serum level of vitamin D (VD) on the number of retrieved and fertilized oocytes, and chemical and clinical pregnancy rate in PCOS females undergoing ICSI cycles. The study included 80 PCOS cases undergoing ICSI cycles in the age from 20 to 39 years using antagonist protocol. Cases with severe male or tubal factors were excluded. Serum 25 (OH) D vitamin level was assessed by the ELIZA method on the day of oocyte retrieval. Correlation and regression analyses were used in the analysis. Results VD was positively correlated to both numbers of retrieved and fertilized oocytes (r = 0.35, 95% CI 0.15, 0.53, P = 0.001; r = 0.33; 95% CI 0.03, 0.57, P = 0.03, respectively). It was still significantly correlated to the number of oocytes (coefficient 0.47; 95% CI 0.1, 0.9; P = 0.018) and to the number of fertilized eggs (coefficient 0.3; 95% CI 0.02, 0.58; P = 0.03) after adjusting for age, BMI, and type of ovulation-triggering agent. This means with each 2 ng/mL increase in serum VD level, around one more egg will be retrieved. In addition, there will be one more fertilized oocyte with each 3 ng/mL increase in the vitamin level. However, no significant correlation was found between the vitamin level and the occurrence of chemical or clinical pregnancy. Conclusions Serum vitamin D level is positively correlated with the number of retrieved and fertilized oocytes in PCOS patients undergoing ICSI cycles.

High blood pressure (HBP) has been implicated as a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in several populations, including individuals of African ancestry. Despite the elevated burden of HBP-induced cardiovascular diseases in Africa and other populations of African descent, limited genetic studies have been carried out to explore the genetic mechanism driving this phenomenon. We performed genome-wide association univariate and multivariate analyses of both systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) traits in 80,950 individuals of African ancestry. We used summary statistics data from six independent cohorts, including the African Partnership for Chronic Disease Research (APCDR), the UK Biobank, and the Million Veteran Program (MVP). FUMA was used to annotate, prioritize, visualize, and interpret our findings to gain a better understanding of the molecular mechanism(s) underlying the genetics of BP traits. Finally, we undertook a Bayesian fine-mapping analysis to identify potential causal variants. Our meta-analysis identified 10 independent variants associated with SBP and 9 with DBP traits. Whilst our multivariate GWAS method identified 21 independent signals, 18 of these SNPs have been previously identified. SBP was linked to gene sets involved in biological processes such as synapse assembly and cell–cell adhesion via plasma membrane adhesion. Of the 19 independent SNPs identified in the BP meta-analysis, only 11 variants had posterior probability (PP) of > 50%, including one novel variant: rs562545 (MOBP, PP = 77%). To facilitate further research and fine-mapping of high-risk loci/variants in highly susceptible groups for cardiovascular disease and other related traits, large-scale genomic datasets are needed. Our findings highlight the importance of including ancestrally diverse populations in large GWASs and the need for diversity in genetic research.

Background: White blood cell (WBC) traits and their subtypes such as basophil count (Bas), eosinophil count (Eos), lymphocyte count (Lym), monocyte count (Mon), and neutrophil counts (Neu) are known to be associated with diseases such as stroke, peripheral arterial disease, and coronary heart disease.Methods: We meta-analyze summary statistics from genome-wide association studies in 17,802 participants from the African Partnership for Chronic Disease Research (APCDR) and African ancestry individuals from the Blood Cell Consortium (BCX2) using GWAMA. We further carried out a Bayesian fine mapping to identify causal variants driving the association with WBC subtypes. To access the causal relationship between WBC subtypes and asthma, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using summary statistics of the Consortium on Asthma among African Ancestry Populations (CAAPA: ncases = 7,009, ncontrol = 7,645) as our outcome phenotype.Results: Our metanalysis identified 269 loci at a genome-wide significant value of (p = 5 × 10−9) in a composite of the WBC subtypes while the Bayesian fine-mapping analysis identified genetic variants that are more causal than the sentinel single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). We found for the first time five novel genes (LOC126987/MTCO3P14, LINC01525, GAPDHP32/HSD3BP3, FLG-AS1/HMGN3P1, and TRK-CTT13-1/MGST3) not previously reported to be associated with any WBC subtype. Our MR analysis showed that Mon (IVW estimate = 0.38, CI: 0.221, 0.539, p < 0.001), Neu (IVW estimate = 0.189, CI: 0.133, 0.245, p < 0.001), and WBCc (IVW estimate = 0.185, CI: 0.108, 0.262, p < 0.001) are associated with increased risk of asthma. However, there was no evidence of causal relationship between Lym and asthma risk.Conclusion: This study provides insight into the relationship between some WBC subtypes and asthma and potential route in the treatment of asthma and may further inform a new therapeutic approach.

Objectives: To assess left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Background: Mechanical synchronization disorder leads to a decrease in LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and stroke volume, an abnormal distribution of wall tension, and increase in workload during cardiac contraction. Methods: We enrolled 56 participants, 36 with acute STEMI and 20 healthy controls. The automatically color-coded time to peak myocardial velocity was measured using a 6mm sample volume, manually positioned within the two-dimensional-tissue strain image of the 12 basal and middle LV segments. Results: A significant delay was found between the septal-lateral and septal-posterior walls in patients with STEMI compared to patients in the control group (36.36 vs. −6.0ms, P = 0.036; and 42.7 vs. 23.94ms, P = 0.042, respectively). Furthermore, all segment maximum differences and all segment standard deviation (SD; dyssynchrony index) were found to be significantly higher in the STEMI group (131.28 vs. 95.45ms, P = 0.013; and 44.47 vs. 26.45ms, P = 0.001, respectively). A significant delay between the septal-lateral walls and septal-posterior walls, all segment maximum difference, and all segment SD (dyssynchrony index) were found in patients with complicated STEMI (70.89 vs. 15.83ms, P = 0.038; 57.44 vs. 19.06ms, P = 0.040; 138.11 vs. 100.0ms, P = 0.035; and 45.44 vs. 32.50ms, P = 0.021, respectively). There was a significant negative correlation between tissue synchronization imaging parameters and LVEF, and a positive correlation with LV end systolic dimension. Conclusion: Patients with acute STEMI showed significant LV dyssynchrony, which was an independent predictor of inhospital complications.

Abstract Porcine rotaviruses cause severe economic losses in the Korean swine industry due to G- and P-genotype mismatches between the predominant field and vaccine strains. Here, we developed a live attenuated trivalent porcine group A rotavirus vaccine using 80 cell culture passages of the representative Korean predominant strains G8P[7] 174-1, G9P[23] PRG942, and G5P[7] K71. Vaccination with the trivalent vaccine or its individual components induced no diarrhea during the first 2 weeks post-vaccination, i.e., the vaccines were attenuated. Challenge of trivalent-vaccinated or component-vaccinated piglets with homologous virulent strain(s) did not induce diarrhea for 2 weeks post-challenge. Immunization with the trivalent vaccine or its individual components also alleviated the histopathological lesions in the small intestines caused by challenge with the corresponding original virulent strain(s). Fecal secretory IgAs specific for each of vaccine strains were detected starting at 14 days post-vaccination (dpv), and IgA levels gradually increased up to 28 dpv. Oral immunization with the trivalent vaccine or its individual components induced high levels of serum virus-neutralizing antibody by 7 dpv. No diarrhea was observed in any experimental piglets during five consecutive passages of each vaccine strain. Our data indicated that the live attenuated trivalent vaccine was safe and effective at protecting piglets from diarrhea induced by challenge exposure of homologous virulent strains. This trivalent vaccine will potentially contribute toward controlling porcine rotavirus disease in South Korea and other countries where rotavirus infections with similar G and P genotypes are problematic.

Nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) are one of the most common forms of mutations known to disrupt the product of translation thereby altering the protein structure-function relationship. GULP1 (PTB domain-containing engulfment adaptor protein 1) is an evolutionarily conserved adaptor protein that has been associated with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS). In order to understand the role of GULP1 in the etiology of diabetes, it is important to study some functional nsSNPs present within the GULP1 protein. We, therefore, used a SNPinformatics approach to retrieve, classify, and determine the stability effect of some nsSNPs. Y27C, G142D, A144T, and Y149C were jointly predicted by the pathogenic-classifying tools to be disease-causing, however, only G142D, A144T, and Y149C had their structural architecture perturbed as predicted by I-MUTANT and MuPro. Interestingly, G142D and Y149C occur at positions 142 and 149 of GULP1 which coincidentally are found within the binding site of GULP1. Protein-Protein interaction analysis also revealed that GULP1 interacted with 10 proteins such as Cell division cycle 5-like protein (CDC5L), ADP-ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6), Arf-GAP with coiled-coil (ACAP1), and Multiple epidermal growth factor-like domains protein 10 (MEGF10), etc. Taken together, rs1357922096, rs1264999716, and rs128246649 could be used as genetic biomarkers for the diagnosis of diabetes. However, being a computational study, these nsSNPs require experimental validation to explore their metabolic involvement in the pathogenesis of diseases.

Tilapia fish skin has demonstrated promise as a stable and practical biological dressing to be used in wound and burn management. However, the appropriate sterilization technique of the Tilapia fish skin is crucial before its clinical application. The standard sterilization technique must eliminate harmful pathogens but maintain the structural and biochemical properties that could compromise the dressing function. This study investigated and compared the efficiency of three sterilizing agents; chlorhexidine gluconate 4% (CHG), povidone iodine 10% (PVP-I), and silver nanoparticles (25 μg/mL) (AgNPs), at three different times (5, 10, and 15 min) on Tilapia fish skin based on the microbial count, histological and collagen properties. Among the sterilization procedures, AgNPs showed rapid and complete antimicrobial activity, with a 100% reduction in microbial growth of the fish skin throughout the treated times. Furthermore, AgNPs did not impair the cellular structure or collagen fibers content of the fish skin. However, CHG and PVP-I caused alterations in the collagen content. This study demonstrated that the AgNPs treatment of Tilapia fish skin provided sterile skin while preserving the histological properties and structural integrity. These findings provide an efficient and quick sterilization method suitable for Tilapia fish skin that could be adopted as a biological dressing.

Abstract Caliciviruses in the genus Sapovirus are a significant cause of viral gastroenteritis in humans and animals. However, the mechanism of their entry into cells is not well characterized. Here, we determined the entry mechanism of porcine sapovirus (PSaV) strain Cowden into permissive LLC-PK cells. The inhibition of clathrin-mediated endocytosis using chlorpromazine, siRNAs, and a dominant negative (DN) mutant blocked entry and infection of PSaV Cowden strain, confirming a role for clathrin-mediated internalization. Entry and infection were also inhibited by the cholesterol-sequestering drug methyl-β-cyclodextrin and was restored by the addition of soluble cholesterol, indicating that cholesterol also contributes to entry and infection of this strain. Furthermore, the inhibition of dynamin GTPase activity by dynasore, siRNA depletion of dynamin II, or overexpression of a DN mutant of dynamin II reduced the entry and infection, suggesting that dynamin mediates the fission and detachment of clathrin- and cholesterol-pits for entry of this strain. In contrast, the inhibition of caveolae-mediated endocytosis using nystatin, siRNAs, or a DN mutant had no inhibitory effect on entry and infection of this strain. It was further determined that cell entry of PSaV Cowden strain required actin rearrangements for vesicle internalization, endosomal trafficking from early to late endosomes through microtubules, and late endosomal acidification for uncoating. We conclude that PSaV strain Cowden is internalized into LLC-PK cells by clathrin- and cholesterol-mediated endocytosis that requires dynamin II and actin rearrangement, and that the uncoating occurs in the acidified late endosomes after trafficking from the early endosomes through microtubules.

Enterobacteriaceae are now the predominant pathogens isolated in patients with liver cell failure associated with bloodstream infections. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who were admitted for the diagnosis of hepatorenal failure (HRF) between June 1999 and May 2008 to investigate the risk factors of Enterobacteriaceae bacteremia (EB). EB was defined as the isolation of an EB species from at least one blood culture within three months following diagnosis of HRF. Variables were collected from the medical records and analyzed in relation to EB. Twenty-four (32.5%) of the 73 patients developed EB. The origin of EB was abdominal in 21% of the patients, urinary in 12.5%, pulmonary in 16.5%, and primary in the remaining patients (50%). Two-thirds of EB occurred within 10 days following the development of HRF. The main pathogens were Escherichia coli (44%), Enterobacter species (20%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (22%). Eighteen patients (75%) with EB died. Variables significantly associated with EB after multivariate analysis were a model for end-stage liver disease score >20 [odds ratio (OR): 2.84, P

Introduction and aim of the work Patients infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) are at increased risk of renal disease. This study compares factors associated with proteinuria and doubling of serum creatinine level in patients who were infected with HCV or HBV alone with those who were coinfected with HCV and HBV. Materials and methods The study was performed on 1243 patients who were diagnosed with HBV and/or HCV at the Cairo University Hospitals. All the included subjects underwent urine analysis for proteinuria and serum creatinine level. Clinical characteristics were recorded at baseline and at last follow-up. Results Of 1243 patients, 293 (23.6%) patients had proteinuria. Subset analysis of the patients with proteinuria showed that 10.6% were HBV infected, 63.8% were HCV infected, and the remaining 25.6% were coinfected with both HBV and HCV. Overall, coinfection with both viruses (P=0.01), lower serum albumin (P=0.001), hypertension (P=0.01), and diabetes (P=0.001) were associated with an increase in risk of proteinuria. Coinfection (P=0.001), presence of HBV (P=0.001), and increasing HCV RNA level in patients with HCV and in coinfected patients (P=0.05) was associated with doubling of serum creatinine level. Conclusion The patients coinfected with HBV and HCV are at greater risk of clinically significant proteinuria and loss of renal function owing to complex virological profile. Progressive loss of renal function in that population is associated with markers of viral activity such as proteinuria and increasing HCV RNA levels among HCV-infected patients.

Abstract Background Chemokine ligands (CCLs) play a pivotal role in tissue injury before and after kidney transplantation. Meanwhile, transplantation improves patient’s survival and diminishes morbidity. It is hypothesized, then, that kidney transplantation diminishes pre-transplant (pre-TX) levels of circulating inflammatory CCLs. This retrospective study compared circulating levels and profiles of CCLs before transplantation (pre-TX) and after transplantation (post-TX). Methods Nineteen CCLs (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 11, 13, 15, 17, 21, 24, 26, 27, CXCL 5, 8, 10, 12 and 13) were measured in 47 stable post-TX recipients, and their stored pre-TX plasma was analyzed by multiplexed fluorescent bead-based immunoassay. Twenty normal controls were included for comparisons. Normalized data was presented as mean ± SD and non-normalized data as median (5–95 % CI). Significance was measured at p

Hepatocellular cancer (HCC) is increasing dramatically in incidence in Europe and the United States due mainly to the hepatitis C epidemic and, to a lesser extent, increased body mass index of the population. In the fairly recent past, HCC was largely considered as untreatable due to detection mainly at late stages and lack of effective drugs for treatment. Several advances have led to changes in the prognosis of HCC. Screening of high-risk populations has allowed for earlier detection in some studies. If found at an early stage, liver transplantation not only cures the usual underlying cirrhosis but has cure rates for HCC in the range of 60% in recent series. Larger lesions can sometimes be cured by partial hepatic resection assuming the remaining liver is not too damaged to sustain liver functions after surgery. Vaccination for hepatitis B has led to reduction in the incidence of HCC. Significant improvements in antiviral treatments for both hepatitis B and hepatitis C may be having an impact on the incidence of HCC as well. It is still generally held that a finding of metastases precludes cure of HCC. We here report the case of a patient who presented with a large HCC in the context of occult hepatitis C infection. The primary tumor was resected. Over a year later, he developed a lung metastasis that was resected as well. He has not shown recurrence for 6 years since the metastasectomy. We review the recent literature on resection of lung metastases from HCC.

Sarcocystosis is considered one of the major parasitic diseases with a worldwide distribution. It is caused by the obligatory intracellular protozoan parasites of the genus Sarcocystis. Besides its public health issues, sarcocystosis results in significant economic losses due to its impact on productivity and milk yield. A wide range of final and intermediate hosts have been identified, including mammals, birds, and reptiles; however, few studies have investigated the contribution of camels to maintaining the epidemiological foci of the disease in countries such as Egypt. The present study was conducted to grossly and histopathologically identify the prevalence rate of Sarcocystis spp. in camels (N = 100) from the Aswan Governorate, Egypt. Furthermore, the major risk factors related to the development of sarcocystosis in camels were investigated. Samples from the diaphragm, cardiac muscle, esophagus, and testes of the slaughtered camels were collected. Interestingly, Sarcocystis was detected in 75% of the examined camels. Following the studied variable factors, camels aged 5 years or more were found to be at higher risk, with an infection rate of 87.7% (57 of 65) than those younger than 5 years. The infection rate was 81.4% (57 of 70) in males and 60% (18 of 30) in females. The esophagus was the most affected organ (49%), followed by the diaphragm (26%) and cardiac muscle (17%), whereas none of the testes samples were affected. Taken together, the present study demonstrates the high prevalence of Sarcocystis in the examined camels and suggests the importance of these animals in preserving the epidemiological foci of sarcocystosis in Egypt. Future research should map the circulating strains in Egypt and aim to raise public health awareness about the importance of sarcocystosis and other related zoonotic diseases.

The cellular PI3K/Akt and/or MEK/ERK signaling pathways mediate the entry process or endosomal acidification during infection of many viruses. However, their roles in the early infection events of group A rotaviruses (RVAs) have remained elusive. Here, we show that late-penetration (L-P) human DS-1 and bovine NCDV RVA strains stimulate these signaling pathways very early in the infection. Inhibition of both signaling pathways significantly reduced production of viral progeny due to blockage of virus particles in the late endosome, indicating that neither of the two signaling pathways is involved in virus trafficking. However, immunoprecipitation assays using antibodies specific for pPI3K, pAkt, pERK and the subunit E of the V-ATPase co-immunoprecipitated the V-ATPase in complex with pPI3K, pAkt, and pERK. Moreover, Duolink proximity ligation assay revealed direct association of the subunit E of the V-ATPase with the molecules pPI3K, pAkt, and pERK, indicating that both signaling pathways are involved in V-ATPase-dependent endosomal acidification. Acidic replenishment of the medium restored uncoating of the RVA strains in cells pretreated with inhibitors specific for both signaling pathways, confirming the above results. Isolated components of the outer capsid proteins, expressed as VP4-VP8* and VP4-VP5* domains, and VP7, activated the PI3K/Akt and MEK/ERK pathways. Furthermore, psoralen-UV-inactivated RVA and CsCl-purified RVA triple-layered particles triggered activation of the PI3K/Akt and MEK/ERK pathways, confirming the above results. Our data demonstrate that multistep binding of outer capsid proteins of L-P RVA strains with cell surface receptors phosphorylates PI3K, Akt, and ERK, which in turn directly interact with the subunit E of the V-ATPase to acidify the late endosome for uncoating of RVAs. This study provides a better understanding of the RVA-host interaction during viral uncoating, which is of importance for the development of strategies aiming at controlling or preventing RVA infections.

Cyclooxygenases (COXs)/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) signaling pathways are known to modulate a variety of homeostatic processes and are involved in various pathophysiological conditions. COXs/PGE2 signaling pathways have also been demonstrated to have proviral or antiviral effects, which appeared different even in the same virus family. A porcine sapovirus Cowden strain, a member of genus Sapovirus within the Caliciviridae family, induces strong COX-2/PGE2 but transient COX-1/PGE2 signaling to enhance virus replication. However, whether infections of other viruses in the different genera activate COXs/PGE2 signaling, and thus affect the replication of viruses, remains unknown. In the present study, infections of cells with the feline calicivirus (FCV) F9 strain in the genus Vesivirus and murine norovirus (MNV) CW-1 strain in the genus Norovirus only activated the COX-2/PGE2 signaling in a time-dependent manner. Treatment with pharmacological inhibitors or transfection of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) against COX-2 enzyme significantly reduced the production of PGE2 as well as FCV and MNV replications. The inhibitory effects of these pharmacological inhibitors against COX-2 enzyme on the replication of both viruses were restored by the addition of PGE2. Silencing of COX-1 via siRNAs and inhibition of COX-1 via an inhibitor also decrease the production of PGE2 and replication of both viruses, which can be attributed to the inhibition COX-1/PGE2 signaling pathway. These data indicate that the COX-2/PGE2 signaling pathway has proviral effects for the replication of FCV and MNV, and pharmacological inhibitors against these enzymes serve as potential therapeutic candidates for treating FCV and MNV infections.

Objective: To evaluate the other pharmacological actions of silymarin in Albino rats and mice such as antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antihyperlipidemic effects. Methods: Rats were injected intramuscularly with pyrogenic dose of brewer's yeast for the antipyretic test of silymarin. Another group of rats injected with 0.1 mL of 1% carrageenan solution in saline at the subplanter area of the right hind paw for the anti-inflammatory test of silymarin. Another group of mice tested by hot plate method for determination of antinociceptive effect of silymarin. Hyperlipidemia was induced using high fat diet for 2 months to estimate the antihyperlipidemic activity of silymarin. Results: Silymarin showed a significant antipyretic effect of both doses (50 and 100 mg/kg) compared with control untreated group. Moreover, silymarin elucidated a significant anti-inflammatory effect of both doses reflected on the decrease of the rat paw edema every hour interval for 4 h after administration in comparison with control positive group. By the same taken, both doses of silymarine revealed a significant antinociceptive action in hot plate method at 30 and 60 min post administration. Besides, it lowered significantly the serum levels of prostaglandin E2, tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 1 beta after 2 h of silymarin administration in carrageenan induced rat paw edema besides the significant decrease of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein and significantly elevated high density lipoprotein after 2 weeks of silymarin administration. Conclusions: These outcomes delivered a new vision into the possible pharmacological mechanisms by which silymarin advances antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antihyperlipidemic effects.

Quantitative Structure Activity Relationships (QSAR or SAR) have helped scientists to establish mathematical relationships between molecular structures and their biological activities. In the present article, SAR studies have been carried out on 89 tetrahydroimidazo[4,5,1-jk][1,4]benzodiazepine (TIBO) derivatives using different classifiers, such as support vector machines, artificial neural networks, random forests, and decision trees. The goal is to propose classification models that will be able to classify TIBO compounds into two groups: high and low inhibitors of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. Each molecular structure was encoded by 10 descriptors. To check the validity of the established models, all of them were subjected to various validation tests: internal validation, Y-randomization, and external validation. The established classification models have been successful. The correct classification rates reached 100% and 90% in the learning and test sets, respectively. Finally, molecular docking analysis was carried out to understand the interactions between reverse transcriptase enzyme and the TIBO compounds studied. Hydrophobic and hydrogen bond interactions led to the identification of active binding sites. The established models could help scientists to predict the inhibition activity of untested compounds or of novel molecules prior to their synthesis. Therefore, they could reduce the trial and error process in the design of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) inhibitors.

The Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events calculator (CRCRTR-MACE) estimates the burden of cardiovascular risk in renal transplant recipients (RTR). Our recent study of 95 RTR reported the 7-year median risk of cardiovascular events (CVE) to be 9.97%, ranging from 1.93 to 84.27%. Nearly a third (28.4%) of the cohort was above 20% risk for a CVE. Since interleukins (ILs) as part of the inflammatory response may play a role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD), we extended this study to identify which ILs are associated with high cardiovascular risk in this population.Twenty-two ILs were measured by multiplexed fluorescent bead-based immunoassay in 95 RTR and 56 normal controls. Stepwise analysis after multivariate determination of significant demographic and inflammatory variables was performed between the high and low-CVD risk groups (which were arbitrarily set at scores

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a spectrum of motor and non-motor symptoms, prominently featuring the freezing of gait (FOG), which significantly impairs patients' quality of life. Despite extensive research, the precise mechanisms underlying FOG remain elusive, posing challenges for effective management and treatment. This paper presents a comprehensive meta-analysis of FOG prediction and detection methodologies, with a focus on the integration of wearable sensor technology and machine learning (ML) approaches. Through an exhaustive review of the literature, this study identifies key trends, datasets, preprocessing techniques, feature extraction methods, evaluation metrics, and comparative analyses between ML and non-ML approaches. The analysis also explores the utilization of cueing devices. The limited adoption of explainable AI (XAI) approaches in FOG prediction research represents a significant gap. Improving user acceptance and comprehension requires an understanding of the logic underlying algorithm predictions. Current FOG detection and prediction research has a number of limitations, which are identified in the discussion. These include issues with cueing devices, dataset constraints, ethical and privacy concerns, financial and accessibility restrictions, and the requirement for multidisciplinary collaboration. Future research avenues center on refining explainability, expanding and diversifying datasets, adhering to user requirements, and increasing detection and prediction accuracy. The findings contribute to advancing the understanding of FOG and offer valuable guidance for the development of more effective detection and prediction methodologies, ultimately benefiting individuals affected by PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]