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Abstract Background Medical students are particularly vulnerable to acquiring various health conditions due to the nature of their education but often hesitate to consult doctors and resort to self-managing their illnesses. This study aims to examine the healthcare-seeking behaviors and barriers among medical students in Egypt. Methods This cross-sectional study involved a convenience sample of 1,535 medical students from 12 public universities across Egypt. Data on healthcare-seeking behaviors, barriers, and associated factors were collected using an online survey distributed through official university channels and social media platforms. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with consulting a doctor when experiencing health problems. Results Only 52.2% of participants reported consulting doctors when ill. Participants from rural backgrounds (COR = 0.69, CI: 0.51–0.93), those facing barriers to healthcare (COR = 0.80, CI: 0.66–0.98), with less than sufficient income (COR = 0.61, CI: 0.46–0.81), or a non-working mother (AOR = 0.76, CI: 0.58–0.99) were less likely to consult a doctor. In contrast, participants with more than sufficient income (COR = 1.35, CI: 1.02–1.78), a parent in healthcare (AOR = 13.18–17.31, CI: 6.87–36.35), or who exercised regularly (AOR = 1.48, CI: 1.09–2.01) were more likely to consult a doctor. A substantial proportion of students reported relying on past experiences with the illness (54.1%), using the Internet (46.8%), and self-diagnosing (36.2%). The most common reported barriers to seeking healthcare were lack of time (29.2%), long wait times (22.7%), and academic concerns (12%). A history of feeling uncomfortable or discriminated against when seeking healthcare was reported by 19.5% of participants. Conclusion Many medical students in Egypt engage in self-diagnosis and self-management rather than consulting doctors when ill. Addressing healthcare barriers is crucial for encouraging appropriate care-seeking behaviors within this population.

Abstract Background Both attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are complicated illnesses that sometimes co-occur in children and adults with significant negative influence on a person’s life and general well-being. Aim This study aims to conduct a systematic review that investigates the comorbidity of PTSD and ADHD in the adult population. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted across five electronic databases (PsycNET, Cochrane, PubMed, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov) between October 5 and 20, 2023, using predefined keywords including “ADHD,” “PTSD,” and “comorbidity.” Studies were included if they involved adult participants (≥ 18 years) with both ADHD and PTSD diagnoses. Two independent reviewers conducted screening and data extraction. No meta-analysis was performed due to heterogeneity in study designs. The results were synthesized qualitatively. Results Out of 818 identified studies, 21 met the inclusion criteria. Studies reported an increased risk of developing PTSD in individuals with ADHD, with the prevalence of comorbidity ranging between 28 and 36%. ADHD in PTSD patients was associated with greater psychosocial impairment, more severe PTSD symptoms, and functional difficulties. Treatment approaches, including pharmacotherapy (atomoxetine, Vyvanse) and mindfulness training, showed potential benefits for managing comorbid symptoms. Conclusions ADHD and PTSD commonly co-occur in adults, leading to more severe clinical outcomes. Early diagnosis and effective treatment of ADHD may reduce the risk of developing PTSD. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and optimal treatment strategies for individuals with ADHD/PTSD comorbidity. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42023479631.

Abstract The control of powdery mildew disease is one of the main objectives in Mango production. Mango production with superior quality is becoming increasingly challenging due to climate change, which may negatively affect all stages of their development. Recently, Nanotechnology is a promising and rapidly evolving field that could be a very useful tool to raise the efficiency of fungicides. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs) and reducing the incidence of powdery mildew, improving growth performance and productivity of mango cv. Keitt (Mangifera indica L.). Four concentrations of SNPs (0, 100, 300, and 500 ppm) were compared to sulfur microform (bulk) at a concentration of 500 ppm. At a private farm on Cairo Alex Desert Road K78, Egypt, foliar spray treatments were administered to an eight-year-old mango cv. Keitt grafted on Sukari rootstock. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design, with each tree receiving a five-liter spray of the solution. The results suggested that the use of 500 ppm concentration of SNPs led to reducing powdery mildew disease incidence by 8.8% but it negatively affected productivity, as it decreased by 27% compared to the control treatment. Whereas 100 ppm concentration of SNPs led to increasing the productivity by 342% compared to the control treatment, reducing powdery mildew disease incidence in mango was recorded at 14.6%. Furthermore, the TSS and vitamin C increased significantly by 16 Brix and 46.3 mg, respectively, in association with decreasing titratable acidity in fruits. In aggregate, our data demonstrated that 100 ppm and 300 ppm of sulfur nanoparticles was more efficient than 500 ppm of sulfur bulk in improving POD and PPO enzyme activity. It is recommended to add SNPs of 100 ppm as foliar spraying three times at 15-day intervals for alleviating the harmful impact of disease on mango trees by improving the enzyme activity, thereby yield, and fruit quality of mango trees exposed to powdery mildew disease.

Abstract Background Oral anticoagulant therapy (OAT) is critical for managing thromboembolic disorders, but adherence challenges significantly impact its effectiveness and patients’ quality of life (QoL). This study explores the predictors of adherence and their effects on QoL among OAT users in Egypt. Methods This multi-center cross-sectional descriptive study with an analytical component was conducted at Mansoura University Hospital and Ain Shams University Hospital. Participants were adults over 18 years old, on OAT for at least one month, who provided informed consent. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 212 participants. Data were collected using a survey that included socio-demographic details, the Arabic Version of the Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale (ARMS), and the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Student’s t-tests, and multivariate logistic regression. Results The study included 212 participants, with an average age of 55 years, 57% female and 43% male. Among the participants, 25.5% were adherent to their anticoagulant regimen, while 74.5% were non-adherent. Adherence was significantly higher among NOAC users (44.4%) compared to warfarin users (19.0%). Key predictors of adherence included the use of NOACs (OR = 2.7), residency in rural areas (OR = 2.4), and having first-degree relatives in medical specialties (OR = 2.4). Quality of life scores were significantly higher for NOAC users in psychological, social, and environmental domains compared to warfarin users. The overall QoL score was also higher in NOAC users. Poorer adherence was associated with lower scores in these QoL domains. Conclusions Our study indicates that NOACs enhance adherence and quality of life relative to VKAs. Key adherence predictors include NOAC use, rural residency, and having relatives in medical professions. Educational level, initially significant, did not persist as a predictor in multivariate analysis. Targeted strategies are needed to improve adherence and patient outcomes.

Abstract The study investigates the effectiveness of blind and ultrasound-guided epidural injections in Egyptian donkeys in the sacrococcygeal region, a topic of limited research, by comparing and assessing their onset in 20 healthy adult donkeys of both sexes. In the first group, we used ten cadaver donkeys that were humanely euthanized. In the second group, we used 10 live, healthy adult donkeys to assess the efficacy and time of analgesia onset for blind and ultrasound-guided epidural injections at the sacrococcygeal region. Cadavers were randomly designated to blind (n = 5) or US-guided (n = 5) epidural injections at the sacrococcygeal region in sternal recumbency in donkeys using Methylene Blue (1%) as a diagnostic marker for caudal epidural injection. The injection criteria were comparatively assessed between the two techniques of injection. Our findings comparing the blind and US-guided injection approaches showed substantially higher needle accuracy penetration to comparatively assess these two injection techniques. Both injection difficulties and trial numbers were significantly greater in blind techniques as opposed to US-guided procedures. US-guided injection procedures revealed the effectiveness of the time needed for perfect placement of the needle was significantly less than with a blind one. A shorter time for the onset of analgesia was achieved with the ultrasound-guided method, although the difference was not statistically significant (P

Abstract Background Mediastinal lesions are tumors that develop mainly from structures commonly located in the three compartments of the mediastinum and the paravertebral areas. The diagnosis of these lesions is primarily based on imaging studies such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, which confirm the presence of the lesions and suspected metastatic disease. The study aims to determine the factors that determine the diagnostic accuracy and yield of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in diagnosing mediastinal lesions. Methods This multi-country study involved a list of centers providing EUS services across ten countries—the United Kingdom, Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, Romania, and Thailand. The appropriate information was collected regarding EUS-FNA and EUS-FNB procedures, including needle types, nature of lesion, needle passes, and complications of the techniques. The frequency/percentage conveyed data on the qualitative variables. The p-values were obtained using the Chi-square two-tailed exact test. The significance of the analysis was defined as p 5). EUS-FNB accounted for a 0.5% complication incidence rate each for fever, pain, thoracic pain, and hemorrhage. EUS-FNA had no complication rate. Patients undergoing EUS-FNA, EUS-FNB, or both procedural examinations had no significant complications (p = 0.085). Conclusion The diagnostic yield of EUS procedures is affected by needle types, number of needle passes, lesion size, and needle size. Besides, EUS-FNA and EUS-FNB are infrequently associated with various complication rates. These techniques are safe and offer higher diagnostic yield when utilized responsibly by endosonographers.

While LTE (4G) networks offer high-speed data transmission, 5G is necessary to meet the growing demands of modern communication. The main goals of 5G are to make communications more agile by significantly increasing network capacity, lowering latency, and speeding up the networks to handle a massive number of connected devices. To materialize this vision, a new concept has emerged in 5G called network slicing; hence, network providers can offer tailored quality of service based on every type of user according to their specific requirements. However, efficient resource allocation in LTE and across slices or even within a slice in 5G systems to meet QoS is still one of the most critical issues for network designers while resources change over the complexity, dynamic nature, and resource constraints of the network. Classic resource allocation methods cannot cope with the dynamics of the changing network environment; hence, there is an increasing need for faster and smarter resource allocation schemes. This paper proposes an efficient dynamic scheduling algorithm based on machine learning methods for real-time applications in LTE networks, extending to 5G using Radio Access Network (RAN) slicing with a focus on enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) slices. Carrying out extensive simulations and evaluations by using the ns-3 simulator, we compare and analyze various downlink scheduling rules in terms of system throughput, spectral efficiency, average delay, and packet loss ratio. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm always outperforms the QoS performance, especially for real-time applications.

Introduction Uveal melanoma remains a disease with aggressive behavior and poor prognosis despite advances in clinical management. Because monotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors has led to limited improvement in response rates, combination with other agents that act on the biological basis of oncogenesis has been proposed as a possible therapeutic strategy. Methods We designed a phase 1b trial to test the safety and tolerability of selinexor in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with advanced uveal melanoma. Patients received selinexor 60 mg PO twice weekly with standard of care, commercially available immune checkpoint inhibitor of the investigator’s choice. In one patient receiving nivolumab and ipilimumab as the immunotherapy backbone, selinexor 60 mg PO was given once weekly. Results We included 10 patients with uveal melanoma who received treatment with either selinexor plus pembrolizumab (n = 9) or selinexor plus nivolumab and ipilimumab (n = 1). The most common adverse events of any grade were neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and anemia. Additional common nonhematological toxicities included hyponatremia, nausea, and vomiting. Dose reductions were required in six patients (60%). Among nine patients with evaluable disease, eight had stable disease as the best response. The median progression-free and overall survival were 6 months (95% CI: 4, not reached and 17 months (95% CI: 7, not reached), respectively. Conclusion The combination of selinexor and immunotherapy was safe and showed a side effect profile consistent with previous reports. Clinical benefit was achieved in most patients and should be validated in larger phase 2 trials. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02419495.

This paper introduces a novel single-loop control scheme for voltage regulation in islanded inverters, using a proportional-integral-lead (PI-Lead) controller designed within the synchronous reference frame (SRF) through a loop-shaping approach. Commonly, dual-loop controllers have been employed for this purpose owing to several limitations, such as insufficient stability with a narrow gain margin, a trade-off between stability and bandwidth, and constrained bandwidth due to the need for a significantly lower outer voltage loop bandwidth compared to the inner current one. The proposed method overcomes these challenges by integrating a Lead compensator, which enhances voltage regulation by eliminating steady-state error, improving stability margins, and providing a fast transient response while maintaining robustness against model parameter variations. Additionally, the control strategy reduces dependence on current measurements, except when dealing with inductive loads where virtual resistor-based active damping is necessary. Despite the challenges posed by multi-resonance phenomena and coupling effects inherent in single-loop SRF-based modeling, a comprehensive frequency-domain analysis is performed, with systematic controller parameter design guidelines to mitigate multi-gain crossover issues. Rigorous experimental results validate the theoretical findings and simulations, demonstrating the superior performance and practical effectiveness of the proposed control strategy compared to existing methods.

Heat features of a ternary nanofluid are examined in a heated flowing condition among a curvy conduit and endoscope that undergo peristalsis motion and sinusoidal variabilities. Three nanoparticles, copper, silver, and aluminum oxide were dispersed in blood as a basic fluid to study their potential effects on the flow and temperatures of the mixed fluid under thermal radiation and magnetic resonance, as well as the system's entropy optimization. The authors explored this system to understand flowing and heat diffusion in peristaltic conduits and as a medical application that may offer a future perspective for all researchers. Continuity and energy equations in their partial differential form related to the Maxwell equation due to the influence of radial magnetic force determined issue modeling based on basic regulating equations. This system was simplified by assuming a long wavelength and translated to ODEs using similarity. Closed-form solutions in magnetic fields were calculated using Mathematica software. Comparing results to earlier studies proved validity. Figures and tables showed how the issue factors affected pumping, temperature, pressure gradient, and heat transfer rate. The most significant findings record that the boluses density climbs considerably and the pressure gradient grows up as the magnetic resonance and gab ratio increases. Data Availability: Manuscript has no associated data.

Abstract This study investigated the effects of non-thermal atmospheric plasma (NTAP) treatment on the growth, chemical composition, and biological activity of geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L’Herit) leaves. NTAP was applied at a frequency of 13.56 MHz, exposure time of 15 s, discharge temperature of 25 °C, and power levels (T1 = 50, T2 = 80, and T3 = 120 W). Results demonstrated significant increases (P

Abstract The design and fabrication of novel electrodes with strong electrochemical responses are crucial in advanced supercapacitor technology. In this study, a poly(m-toluidine)/silver-silver oxide (PMT/Ag-Ag2O) nanocomposite was prepared using the photopolymerization method. Various characterization techniques were employed to analyze the prepared nanomaterials. The resulting structure of Ag-Ag2O minimizes ion diffusion distances, increases active sites, and accelerates redox reactions. The electrochemical response of PMT and PMT/Ag-Ag2O electrodes was evaluated in three different electrolyte solutions (Na2SO4, H2SO4, and HCl). The specific capacitance of PMT/Ag-Ag2O nanocomposite was found to be higher than that of PMT alone. Among the tested electrolytes, HCl exhibited the highest specific capacitance of 443 F g−1 at a gravimetric current density of 0.4 A g−1, surpassing H2SO4 (104 F g−1) and Na2SO4 (32 F g−1). Also, the PMT/Ag-Ag2O nanocomposite has demonstrated good cycling stability. It exhibited a high specific power density of 156 W Kg−1 and a specific energy density of 1.8 Wh Kg−1. These results highlight the potential of the prepared PMT/Ag-Ag2O nanocomposite as a nanoelectrode material for high-performance supercapacitors.

Abstract Developing high-yielding and resilient maize hybrids is essential to ensure its sustainable production with the ongoing challenges of considerable shifts in global climate. This study aimed to explore genetic diversity among exotic and local maize inbred lines, evaluate their combining ability, understand the genetic mechanisms influencing ear characteristics and grain yield, and identify superior hybrids suited for timely and late sowing conditions. Seven local and exotic maize inbred lines were genotyped using SSR (Simple Sequence Repeat) markers to assess their genetic diversity. These diverse lines were utilized to develop 21 F1 hybrids using a diallel mating design. These hybrids, alongside a high-yielding commercial check (SC-10), were evaluated under field conditions across two growing seasons under timely and late sowing conditions. The results showed that sowing date, assessed hybrids, and their interaction significantly influenced all measured agronomic traits. Notably, late sowing reduced plant height, ear characteristics, and, ultimately, grain yield. Several hybrids, particularly L101 × L103, L101 × L105, L104 × L105, and L104 × L107 under timely sowing, and L101 × L105 and L104 × L107 under late sowing, surpassed the agronomic performance of check commercial hybrid. Inbred lines L101 and L103 emerged as superior combiners for ear traits and yield, while line L106 showed promise for breeding shorter-stature plants. Hybrid combinations L101 × L105, L104 × L107, and L106 × L107 were identified as specific good combiners for grain yield and related traits under both sowing conditions, indicating their potential for commercial development. Strong positive associations were observed between grain yield and certain agronomic traits highlighting their utility for indirect selection in early breeding generations.

Bakar Ali Adam,1,2 Ahmed Adam Osman,3 Mohamed Sheikh Hassan,1,2 Nor Osman Sidow,1 Mohamed Farah Osman Hidig,1 Abdulkadir Ahmed Mohamed,1 Abdiwahid Ahmed Ibrahim,1 Said Abdi Mohamed,1 Yahye Garad Mohamed,3 Said Abdirahman Ahmed,4 Mohamed Osman Omar Jeele,5 Mohamed Omar Hassan4 1Department of Neurology, Mogadishu Somali Turkish Training and Research Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia; 2Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Mogadishu University, Mogadishu, Somalia; 3Department of Radiology, Mogadishu Somali Turkish Training and Research Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia; 4Department of Cardiology, Mogadishu Somali Turkish Training and Research Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia; 5Department of Internal Medicine, Mogadishu Somali Turkish Training and Research Hospital, Mogadishu, SomaliaCorrespondence: Bakar Ali Adam, Email atiika2009@gmail.comBackground: Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the formation of a blood clot in the dural venous sinuses or cerebral veins. CVT presents a diverse array of clinical symptoms, making its diagnosis challenging. Understanding regional variations and specific risk factors associated with CVT is crucial, especially in low-resource settings like Somalia, where epidemiological data is limited and healthcare resources are scarce.Objective: This study aims to investigate the clinical and risk factors associated with CVT in patients presenting to Mogadishu Somali-Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan Research and Training Hospital, a tertiary hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia.Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study involving 68 patients diagnosed with CVT between January 2019 and December 2023. Data included demographic information, clinical presentations, risk factors, and anatomical thrombosis locations. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used for analysis.Results: The majority of patients were female (86.76%) and aged 20– 40 years (86.76%). Significant risk factors included the postpartum period (77.94%) and pregnancy, with statistical analysis showing strong associations between CVT and the postpartum period (χ² = 62.96, p < 0.0001) and pregnancy (χ² = 5.21, p = 0.022). Postpartum CVT was linked to thrombosis location (p = 0.025). Headache was the predominant symptom (98.53%), followed by altered mental status (83.82%), focal motor deficits (80.88%), and seizures (70.59%). The superior sagittal sinus was the most commonly involved site (57.35%).Conclusion: This study emphasizes the postpartum period as a significant risk factor for CVT in Somalia and highlights the need for clinical vigilance and early intervention strategies. Larger, multicenter studies are needed to validate these findings.Keywords: cerebral venous thrombosis, CVT, postpartum, pregnancy, risk factors, Somalia, regional study

Abstract Concrete-filled double-skin steel tubular (CFDST) columns have become widely utilized in building construction and bridges, thanks to their exceptional structural capabilities. Therefore, this study investigates the axial compressive behavior of square CFDST columns. The study aims to explore the influence of external and internal plate shapes (flat or corrugated plates) and different widths of internal steel tubes on the axial compressive behavior. The effects of varying internal widths of the internal steel tube (60 mm, 116 mm, and 160 mm) on the performance of CFDST columns were examined. Additionally, the study compared the performance of concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) and CFDST columns with external flat or corrugated plates. The findings indicated that incorporating internal corrugated plates notably improved both the load-carrying capacity and ductility of the specimens. Notably, CFDST columns featuring corrugated internal plates (116 mm width) exhibited strength enhancements of 25.3% and 7.4% compared to internal widths of 160 mm and 60 mm, respectively. Furthermore, the study proposed two machine-learning models, namely Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Gaussian Process Regression (GPR), to estimate the ultimate compressive strength of square CFDST columns. The findings indicated that the GPR model outperformed the ANN model in predicting the bearing capacity of square CFDST columns. Additionally, the Shapley Additive Explanation technique was employed for feature analysis. The outcomes of this analysis revealed that parameters such as section width and concrete strength positively influence the compressive strength index.

Abstract Nanomedical applications have increased significantly. This work aimed to fabricate and characterize cobalt oxide nanoparticles (CoOnps) synthesized biologically via aqueous Alhagi maurorum extract and evaluate their cytotoxic and antimicrobial impacts. Green-synthesized CoOnps were prepared and analyzed using UV–Vis spectrophotometer UV–vis, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy TEM, Energy dispersive X-ray analysis EDAX, Fourier transform infrared, FTIR, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In vitro traits of green-synthesized CoOnps were studied on ovarian cancer cells (SKOV3) using a Sulforhodamine B (SRB) method. The cytotoxic effect and IC50 were estimated. Moreover, concentrations of 10, 30, 40, 70, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 μg/mL CoOnps were applied to investigate their antimicrobial effect against Listeria, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus as gram +ve pathogenic bacteria, Bifidobacterium bifidum 2203, Bifidobacterium bifidum LMG 10,645, Bifidobacterium breve LMC 017, Bifidobacterium angulatum 2238 and Bifidobacterium longum ATCC 15,707 as probiotics, E. coli as gram −ve bacterial model and yeast strain Candida albicans. CoOnps showed anti-ovarian cancer effects at 24.02 μg/mL. Furthermore, it exerted antimicrobial activity versus Listeria, Streptococcus, S. aureus, and E. coli were 31.66 ± 0.88, 24.33 ± 2.08, 25.66 ± 0.33, and 33.00 ± 6.08; however, they did not suppress the growth of Candida albicans and all tested Bifidobacterial strains up to concentrations of 500 μg/mL with significant difference compared to all concentrations p

Abstract Background Endometriosis is a benign gynecological disease characterized by the growth of endometrial cells beyond the uterus, forming endometriotic cyst tissues called ovarian endometriomas. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that epigenetically control the physiological and pathological processes of different diseases, including endometriosis. In this study, we screened the expression levels of 11-selected miRNAs, namely miR-21-5p, miR-200c-3p, miR-19a-3p, miR-203-3p, miR-181b-5p, miR-182-5p, miR-let7a-5p, miR-205-5p, miR-200b-3p, miR-16-5p, and miR-222-3p in ovarian endometriomas relative to eutopic endometrial tissues using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). In addition, the level of mRNA expression of lumican (LUM), an extracellular matrix proteoglycan (PG), and a putative target of miR-21-5p was quantified by qPCR. Results Our screening qPCR results showed that 9 miRNAs were upregulated (miR-21-5p, miR-200c-3p, miR-19a-3p, miR-203-3p, miR-181b-5p, miR-182-5p, miR-let7a-5p, miR-205-5p, and miR-200b-3p), whereas 2 miRNAs were downregulated (miR-16-5p and miR-222-3p) in ovarian endometriomas compared to eutopic endometrium. A significant overexpression of miR-21-5p in ovarian endometrioma was further independently verified by qPCR. Using bioinformatics tools, Gene Ontology Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways, and protein–protein interactions, we identified differentially expressed genes and several pathways regulated by miR-21-5p that may contribute to endometriosis progression. Among them, LUM was found to be significantly diminished expressed in ovarian endometriomas compared to eutopic endometrium. Conclusion In conclusion, this study identified miR-21-5p and LUM as potential factors that may contribute to ovarian endometriomas’ pathogenesis.

Abstract The world is now facing a water scarcity crisis due to waste, pollution, and uneven distribution of freshwater resources, which are limited. Thus, the creation of innovative, economical, and effective methods for purifying water is crucial. Here, the photo-assisted degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under visible light and UV was achieved by using RGO photocatalyst loaded with Zn0.5Cu0.5Fe2O4 in three different loaded 10%, 20%, and 30% called MRGO 10, MRGO 20, and MRGO 30. Furthermore, all prepared samples was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transformation infrared (FTIR), transmission electron microscope (TEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and Raman analysis. After 40 min, the high photocatalytic efficacy effectively eliminated about 95.2% of the 10 ppm MB using 20 mg of MRGO 20 NPs at pH9 Visible light. From the results, the photocatalytic activity of MRGO 20 reduced to 54.6% after five cycles of methylene blue (MB) dye degradation. The produced samples' observed efficacy in both UV and visible light may encourage continued research into more effective photocatalysts for the filtration of water.

Background: There is an agreement on the use of absorbable sutures for urethroplasty of distal penile hypospadias (DPH) repair in children. Early absorbable sutures may cause less tissue reaction, less stricture formation but increase the risk of fistula formation, while delayed absorbable sutures may decrease the rate of fistula formation but can cause more tissue reaction and increase the stricture formation rate. Aim of the work: To study the effect of tabularizing the urethral plate in DPH in children using 2 different absorbable suture materials, rapidly absorbable braided 6/0 glycolide (Vicryl) and slowly absorbable monofilament 6/0 polydioxanone (PDS), on outcome and complication rates. Subjects and Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study included 78 boys with DPH. It was conducted at the Urology Department, Cairo University Specialized Pediatric Hospital, between September 2021 and September 2022. They were randomly divided into 2 groups: group (A): Vicryl and group (B): PDS. Each group included 39 children. Tubularized incised plate (TIP) was the surgical technique used by a single pediatric urologist. Follow up was performed in outpatient clinic at 7 days, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The complications and reoperation rates for both groups were compared. Results: The mean ± SD age at the time of surgery for groups (A) and (B) was 46.95 ± 28.07 and 39.33± 21.63 months respectively (p = 0.353). The number of children with complications was 8/39 (20.5%) in group (A) while it was 9/39 (23.1%) in group (B) (p = 0.784). The rates of urethro- cutaneous fistula, wound dehiscence and wound infection were 4/39 (10.3%), 2/39 (5.1%) and 4/39 (10.3%) in group A, while they were 4/39 (10.3%), 3/39 (7.7%) and 5/39 (12.8%) in group B respectively, (p = 1.000, 0.644 and 0.723 respectively). The reoperation rates were the same for both groups 6/39 (15.4%) (p= 1.000). There was no correlation between the suture material type used in urethroplasty and urethra-cutaneous fistula (UCF), or overall complication rate or reoperation rate. Conclusion: The short-term outcome of TIP procedure was not different among the studied groups using either rapidly absorbable braided suture or slowly absorbable monofilament sutures. The rate of absorption and braiding did not influence the tubularization of the neourethra in children with DPH, rate of complications or re-operation rate.

Abstract The vision transformer (ViT) architecture, with its attention mechanism based on multi-head attention layers, has been widely adopted in various computer-aided diagnosis tasks due to its effectiveness in processing medical image information. ViTs are notably recognized for their complex architecture, which requires high-performance GPUs or CPUs for efficient model training and deployment in real-world medical diagnostic devices. This renders them more intricate than convolutional neural networks (CNNs). This difficulty is also challenging in the context of histopathology image analysis, where the images are both limited and complex. In response to these challenges, this study proposes a TokenMixer hybrid-architecture that combines the strengths of CNNs and ViTs. This hybrid architecture aims to enhance feature extraction and classification accuracy with shorter training time and fewer parameters by minimizing the number of input patches employed during training, while incorporating tokenization of input patches using convolutional layers and encoder transformer layers to process patches across all network layers for fast and accurate breast cancer tumor subtype classification. The TokenMixer mechanism is inspired by the ConvMixer and TokenLearner models. First, the ConvMixer model dynamically generates spatial attention maps using convolutional layers, enabling the extraction of patches from input images to minimize the number of input patches used in training. Second, the TokenLearner model extracts relevant regions from the selected input patches, tokenizes them to improve feature extraction, and trains all tokenized patches in an encoder transformer network. We evaluated the TokenMixer model on the BreakHis public dataset, comparing it with ViT-based and other state-of-the-art methods. Our approach achieved impressive results for both binary and multi-classification of breast cancer subtypes across various magnification levels (40×, 100×, 200×, 400×). The model demonstrated accuracies of 97.02% for binary classification and 93.29% for multi-classification, with decision times of 391.71 and 1173.56 s, respectively. These results highlight the potential of our hybrid deep ViT-CNN architecture for advancing tumor classification in histopathological images. The source code is accessible: https://github.com/abimouloud/TokenMixer .

Abstract Background Monkeypox has emerged as a global health concern, necessitating preventive measures and awareness among healthcare students. Understanding nursing students’ fears, concerns, and preventive practices regarding Monkeypox can help improve preparedness and response strategies. Aim This study aimed to assess the levels of fear, concerns, and preventive practices related to monkeypox among nursing students at Beni Suef University, Egypt, during the 2024–2025 academic year. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed, involving 505 nursing students systematically randomized recruited. Data collection utilized three validated tools: the Monkeypox Fear Scale, Monkeypox Concern Scale, and Monkeypox Preventive Practices Scale. Reliability was confirmed with Cronbach’s alpha values ranging from 0.87 to 0.94. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation, and multiple linear regression using SPSS Version 23. Results Most (56.2%) students rarely worried about Monkeypox infection, though 49.2% reported anxiety influenced by media coverage. High preventive practices were noted, with 60.6% frequently practicing hygiene measures. A strong positive correlation between Monkeypox concern and fear (r = 0.646, p

Abstract This study aimed to predict the toughness of date palm fruit (Barhi, Saqie, and Khodry varieties) at different ripening stages (Khalal, Rutab, and Tamar) using Hertz Theory by evaluating the physical and mechanical characteristics of the fruits. Physical measurements revealed that high moisture content in the Khalal stage led to larger dimensions and mass across all varieties, with Barhi dates showing a moisture content of 63.31%, which decreased to 32.60% at Rutab as the fruit dehydrated. This moisture reduction also impacted other characteristics, such as bulk density, volume, and flesh thickness, resulting in a concentrated, denser structure in the Tamar stage. Mechanical analysis demonstrated significant softening in all varieties as they transitioned from Khalal to Rutab stages, with Barhi dates’ modulus of elasticity dropping from 548.83 to 16.72 kPa. Similarly, bioyield and rupture stress decreased, highlighting the influence of moisture loss on textural characteristics. Saqie and Khodry varieties followed similar trends, with initial softening from Khalal to Rutab, and a slight firmness increase at Tamar due to dehydration. The force-deformation curves and toughness measurements confirmed these findings, showing significant reductions in toughness from Khalal to Rutab, with a slight increase in Tamar. These results underscore the pronounced textural and structural changes as dates ripen, influencing their suitability for different applications. Also, the measured toughness (τm) closely aligned with predicted toughness (τp), with significant textural differences observed across varieties and ripening stages. For all varieties, the τp is approximately 0.00–9.24% lower than the τm. Finally, the derived equation can be used with enough confidence to theoretically predict the toughness of date palm fruit.

Abstract This study investigates the negative impact of climate change on water resources, specifically water for agricultural irrigation. It describes how to optimize swelling, gel properties and long-term water retention capacities of Na-CMC/PAAm hydrogels for managing drought stress of Sugar beet plants through techniques such as changing the composition, synthetic conditions and chemical modification. Gamma radiation-induced free radical copolymerization was used to synthesize superabsorbent hydrogels using sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC) and acrylamide (AAm). The study also explored how varying Na-CMC/AAm ratio and radiation dose influence their swelling behaviour, gel fraction, and water retention. FTIR showed that CMC and PAAm components are part of the hydrogel structure. The equilibrium swelling reached a maximum value of ~ 500 g/g at a Na-CMC/AAm ratio of 60/40. High content of AAm reduced swelling because it caused increased hydrophobicity while high radiation doses up to 50 kGy increased crosslinking resulting in improved but limited swelling from 65 to 85 (g/g). After the second cycle, KOH modification reached maximum swelling capacity by introducing anionic carboxylate groups up to 415 (g/g). SEM images revealed uniform pores in an unmodified scaffold while larger cavities were formed upon modification facilitating Water absorption. Surprisingly, the improved hydrogels retained more water: about 75% even after 16 days as opposed to a 50% drop within five days in the case of unmodified ones. This hydrogel significantly enhanced shoot length by 18%, root length by 32%, fresh weight shoot by 15%, and dry weight shoot by 15% under severe drought conditions. As a result, yield increased by 22%, proteins went up by 19%, and carbohydrates rose by 13%. Leaf chlorophyll content increased with a corresponding decline in stress enzymes indicating decreased oxidative damage. This eco-friendly Na-CMC/PAAm-based hydrogel seems to have potential use for addressing water scarcity and agricultural challenges.

Abstract Visual servoing using image registration is a method employed in robotics to control the movement of a system using visual information. In this context, we propose a new intensity-based image registration algorithm (IBIR) that uses information derived from images acquired at different times or from different views to determine the parameters of the geometric transformations needed to align these images. The Arithmetic Optimization Algorithm (AOA) is used to optimize these parameters, minimizing the difference between the images to be aligned. The proposed algorithm, Intensity-Based Image Registration via Arithmetic Optimisation Algorithm (IBIRAOA), is robust to image data fluctuations and perturbations and can avoid local optima. Simulation results prove the importance and efficiency of the proposed algorithm in terms of computation time and similarity of aligned images compared to other methods based on various metaheuristics. In addition, our results confirm a significant improvement in the trajectory of the wheeled mobile robot, thus reinforcing the overall effectiveness of our method in practical navigation and robotic control applications.

Concrete completely submerged in sulfate solutions has been used as the primary study subject for the durability of concrete subjected to sulfates. On the other hand, empirical data from the field indicates that concrete exposed to sulfates may exhibit physical attack-induced surface scaling above. This study aims to study the two different types of local bacteria, (BS) and (BM), with content of 0%, 0.25%, 1%, 2.50%, and 5.00% by cement weight used in this work under curing in sulfate to examine the efficiency of bacterial self-healing of cracks for sustainable concrete in aggressive sulfate attack environments. The results show that in both curing in freshwater, FW, and sulfate, SUL, the optimum bacteria ratio was 2.5% BM, and the compressive strength improved by 43.34% for FW and 47.65% for sulfate. On the other hand, the results proved that the crack-filling and crack-repairing methods may be considered quicker than conventional methods. Moreover, a detailed conclusion about the preparation and processing of bacteria to provide the most significant content of locally accessible bacteria in Egypt, mainly when using chemical and mineral additives

Harnessing high-precision spaceborne InSAR data, this study investigates the seismic impacts of the Ms 6.9 Menyuan earthquake in Qinghai, China, on January 8, 2022. The earthquake occurred at the intersection of the Lenglongling (LLLF) and Tuolaishan (TLSF) faults within the Qilian Haiyuan Fault (QL-HYF) zone, causing extensive infrastructure damage but no fatalities. Previous studies explored the step-over rupture zone and slip distribution of the Menyuan event but often relied on oversimplified rectangular dislocation models, insufficient for capturing complex fault ruptures. This simplification impedes accurate representation of curved fault segments in the QL-HYF zone, leading to unclear slip distribution estimates, particularly at the transition from LLLF strike-slip to TLSF thrust behavior. To address these limitations, this study employs a 3D triangulated angular dislocation slip-inversion approach in an isotropic half-space, enabling precise modeling of curved fault geometries. Leveraging Differential InSAR (D-InSAR) and Pixel Offset Tracking (POT), we reconstructed the earthquake’s 3D displacement field and extracted surface fault traces, informing our angular dislocation model for accurate coseismic slip distribution. Our results revealed significant horizontal displacement, with 38.5 cm of left-lateral movement accompanied by a 4 cm downward thrust. The slip model showed 2.7 m of slip along the LLLF and 0.8 m along the TLSF, concentrated at shallow depths between 2 and 7 km, highlighting surface rupture. The transition zone between the faults acted as a valve, modulating rupture progression and controlling energy release. These findings refine the understanding of coseismic deformation and slip distribution, supporting seismic hazard mitigation and emergency response strategies.

Meckel's diverticulum, a congenital anomaly of the omphalomesenteric duct, is a rare cause of acute abdomen and poses significant diagnostic challenges due to its variable presentation and complications such as perforation. We present the case of a 19-year-old male with a 24-hour history of right iliac fossa pain progressing to generalized abdominal tenderness. Laboratory results showed leukocytosis and elevated C-reactive protein, while CT imaging suggested pneumoperitoneum and an inflamed Meckel diverticulum. Laparoscopic exploration, followed by conversion to laparotomy, confirmed a perforated Meckel diverticulum, which was resected with an uneventful recovery. This case highlights the importance of including Meckel's diverticulum in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen in young patients, emphasizing the utility of CT imaging and the need for prompt surgical intervention to achieve favorable outcomes.

Abstract Background Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a complex condition characterized by high morbidity and mortality, frequently within multiple comorbidities like obesity. Pathophysiology of HFpEF is implicated by emerging evidence that epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) or epicardial fat serves an essential function. This research intends to determine the association between EAT volume and HFpEF using cardiac computed tomography and correlate it with echocardiographic parameters of diastolic dysfunction. Results This case–control study included 80 participants (40 HFpEF patients and 40 matched controls). HFpEF patients exhibited significantly higher EAT volume (147.9 ± 28.6 cm3) compared to controls (98.3 ± 20.4 cm3, P ≤ 0.001). EAT volume showed a strong positive correlation with increased left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (r = 0.9, P ≤ 0.001) and mean E/e′ ratio (r = 0.9, P ≤ 0.001). ROC analysis exhibited an optimal cutoff value of > 124 cm3 for EAT volume, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.9, yielding a sensitivity of 87.5% and specificity of 95% for diagnostic accuracy of HFpEF. Conclusions EAT volume is significantly elevated in HFpEF patients and correlates with diastolic dysfunction severity, and is independent predictor for HFpEF highlighting its potential as a noninvasive marker for diagnosing and monitoring HFpEF. EAT assessment may offer new insights into targeted therapeutic strategies for managing HFpEF.

Abstract The Wadi Um Laseifa area, located in the Central Eastern Desert of Egypt, encompasses a range of Neoproterozoic rock units, including ophiolitic mélange, island arc assemblage, and granitic intrusions as well as Miocene clastic deposits. The current research attempts to analyze the structural and lithological characteristics of this area by integrating data from multisource remote sensing (Sentinel 2, Planetscope and hyperspectral PRISMA), along with field and structural relationships, geometrical analysis of structural readings, and petrographic studies. Applying various techniques of remote sensing, such as false color composite (FCC), principal component analysis (PCA), and Minimum noise fraction (MNF), enabled the identification of the structural features over various scales besides accurate lithological discrimination. Data analyses have discriminated the intricate Neoproterozoic rocks into ophiolitic mélange that includes serpentinites, meta-pyroxenites, metagabbro, chert and mélange matrix, island arc assemblage comprising metavolcanics, metavolcano-sedimentary rocks and hornblende schist, and monzogranite and granodiorite intrusions. These rocks have been affected by a thrust stack of three major faults striking NW-SE to NNW-SSE and dipping steeply to the SW. There are two prominent folds represented by a major anticline affecting the island arc metavolcano-sedimentary rocks and a major syncline affecting the ophiolitic rocks. Both folds possess axial planes striking NW-SE and gently plunging NW fold axes. The area is also intersected by E-W or ENE-WSW strike-slip faults, along with major NW-SE normal faults that controlled the distribution of the Miocene clastic deposits. Geometrical analysis has identified three ductile deformation phases: D1 is marked by NW-SE isoclinal folds; D2 produced NW-SE major folds and thrust faults that are coaxial with D1; and D3 led to the formation of NE-SW open folds. The multisource remote sensing analysis that has been carried out in this work illustrated the efficacy of the employed methodology in conducting thorough geological analyses and strongly advocates for its application in analogous studies in arid environments.

Abstract Developments in object detection algorithms are critical for urban planning, environmental monitoring, surveillance, and many other applications. The primary objective of the article was to improve detection precision and model efficiency. The paper compared the performance of six different metaheuristic optimization algorithms including Gray Wolf Optimizer (GWO), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Genetic Algorithm (GA), Remora Optimization Algorithm (ROA), Aquila Optimizer (AO), and Hybrid PSO–GWO (HPSGWO) combined with YOLOv7 and YOLOv8. The study included two distinct remote sensing datasets, RSOD and VHR-10. Many performance measures as precision, recall, and mean average precision (mAP) were used during the training, validation, and testing processes, as well as the fit score. The results show significant improvements in both YOLO variants following optimization using these strategies. The GWO-optimized YOLOv7 with 0.96 mAP 50, and 0.69 mAP 50:95, and the HPSGWO-optimized YOLOv8 with 0.97 mAP 50, and 0.72 mAP 50:95 had the best performance in the RSOD dataset. Similarly, the GWO-optimized versions of YOLOv7 and YOLOv8 had the best performance on the VHR-10 dataset with 0.87 mAP 50, and 0.58 mAP 50:95 for YOLOv7 and with 0.99 mAP 50, and 0.69 mAP 50:95 for YOLOv8, indicating greater performance. The findings supported the usefulness of metaheuristic optimization in increasing the precision and recall rates of YOLO algorithms and demonstrated major significance in improving object recognition tasks in remote sensing imaging, opening up a viable route for applications in a variety of disciplines.

Background: Prediabetes is a significant risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes and its associated complications. Within Africa, the prevalence of prediabetes is approximately 7.8%, with a projected escalation of 8.0% by 2045. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of prediabetes and its associated factors among staff and students in Mogadishu, Somalia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on World Diabetes Day November 14, 2023, at SIMAD University. Convenience sampling was used to include participants aged 17 years or above. Blood glucose levels were measured using a portable glucose meter (CareSens N, South Korea), and participants were classified as having normal glucose levels or prediabetes, based on fasting or post-meal status. Data analysis was performed using R software with descriptive statistics, linear regression, and chi-square tests. Results: Among 217 participants (mean age 20.95 ± 5.68 years), the prevalence of prediabetes in the population was 15.2% (95% CI: 10.84%-20.84%). Staff members had a significantly higher prevalence of prediabetes (45.45%) than students (13.59%) (95% CI: 8.3%-18.8%) (p=0.004). Fasting participants had a higher prevalence of prediabetes (39.39%) than did post-meal participants (4.64%) (p

Abstract Purpose Addressing the dynamics shaping nurses’ career trajectories and strategies to support workforce stability and retention in the healthcare sector. The aim of this study was to explore nursing graduates’ perceptions of their future Career pathways, and their tendency toward career shifts. Additionally, the study examined the factors influencing career shift tendencies and the relation between career pathway perceptions and career shift tendencies. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was used, with an online distributed questionnaire for study participants from different nursing graduates’ categories. That included demographic characteristics, a section that measured nursing graduates’ future career pathway perception, and career shift tendency. Results Nursing graduates in Egypt were having a positive perception regarding their future career pathway. However, more than one quarter of them were considering career shift represents potential workforce instability and dissatisfaction within the nursing profession and financial factors was one of the main provoking drivers for career shift tendency. In addition, nursing graduates’ perception of career pathway had a significant effect on their career shift tendency in future. Conclusion Based on the findings of this study, further efforts should be made to confront nursing shortage in Egypt, implementing targeted interventions to support nursing graduates in navigating their career pathways. Additionally, proactive measures should be taken to address the identified factors driving intentions to leave the profession, such as improving workplace conditions, fostering intergenerational collaboration, and offering mentorship programs. These strategies are essential for fostering a resilient and satisfied nursing workforce and ensuring the delivery of high-quality patient care in the healthcare sector.

Abstract This paper presents an analytical and finite element modeling (FEM) investigation on the carbon fiber reinforced polymer concrete-filled polyvinyl chloride tube (CCFPT) concrete columns under axial eccentric compression. The study involved collecting experimental data from 32 CFPT columns confined with CFRP from literature and modeling them using FEM in ABAQUS. A parametric study was conducted on 260 CCFRP concrete columns, examining various parameters such as eccentricity, number of CFRP layers, thickness of PVC tube, column slenderness ratio, CFRP spacing, thickness of CFRP strips, confined concrete strength, and concrete core diameter. The effects of these parameters on the ultimate load and strain capacity were analyzed. Analytical models were developed to express the confined concrete strength and strain as functions of the constituent properties and dimensionless confinement parameters. The findings revealed that increasing eccentricity significantly reduced the ultimate load (up to 45%) and strain (up to 67%) capacities. Adding more layers of CFRP increased strength and strain capacities by 25% when going from 2 to 3 layers at a 20 mm eccentricity. Thicker PVC tubes increased load capacity by preventing buckling, but had inconsistent effects on strain. Higher slenderness ratios decreased both capacities, particularly strain. Six machine learning models were employed to predict the load-carrying capacity and confined ultimate strain. Various performance metrics, data visualization techniques, SHAP analysis, sensitivity analysis, and error characteristic curves were used to evaluate the prediction performance and analyze the impact of input parameters. The findings revealed that increasing eccentricity and CFRP layers lead to reduced ultimate load and strain capacities, while higher slenderness ratios result in increased ultimate loads. The study concluded that CCFPT columns with optimized CFRP wrapping can offer superior performance for eccentrically loaded columns.

Abstract Background Endoscopic management of gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is challenging. Most of the published studies investigated the role of argon plasma coagulation (APC). However, comparing APC versus endoscopic band ligation (EBL) is still underestimated. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate and compare efficacy and safety of EBL and APC in management of GAVE. Methods Between April 2022 and April 2024, a randomized, controlled study was conducted in EL-Rajhi endoscopy unit at Assuit university hospital to enroll all patients endoscopically diagnosed with GAVE. Each patient was randomly assigned to his group using quick Calcs method for randomization. Post-procedure follow-up after 3 months and 6 months to evaluate potential complications. Results A total of 30 patients diagnosed endoscopically with gastric GAVE were randomly divided into two groups: APC group including 16 patients (62.5% males and 37.5% females), their median age was 64.00, and EBL group including 14 patients (71.4% males and 28.6% females), their median age was 65.00. We found that both EBL and APC were effective in successful management of GAVE and improving hemoglobin level (p 0.056). Conclusion APC and EBL are effective in the management of GAVE. However, EBL is potentially superior in fewer number of treatment sessions, but not in the extent to which the two methods improved hemoglobin level and blood transfusion needed. Further studies with large numbers, different inclusions are needed.

Background and Aim: Fowl cholera, caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pasteurella multocida type A, poses a significant threat to chicken production globally. This study investigates the potential of ethanolic extracts from Wild Egyptian Artichoke (WEA) (Cynara cardunculus L. var. sylvestris) to modulate virulence-associated genes and provide an alternative control strategy. Materials and Methods: A total of 160 tissue samples from diseased chickens were collected and analyzed. Phenotypic, biochemical (via Vitek 2 Compact), and molecular methods were used to identify P. multocida. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed the presence of key adhesion and colonization genes (omp87, ptfA, pfhA) in MDR isolates. The antimicrobial efficacy of WEA ethanolic extract was assessed using disk diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays. Gene expression changes were evaluated using quantitative reverse-transcription PCR after treatment with sub-inhibitory extract concentrations. Results: Eleven isolates (6.9% prevalence) of P. multocida type A were confirmed, with four showing resistance to over five antimicrobial classes. The ethanolic WEA extract demonstrated significant antibacterial activity, with inhibition zones of up to 25 mm, MIC values ranging from 4 to 16 μg/mL, and MBC values between 8 and 32 μg/mL. Gene expression analysis revealed up to threefold downregulation in omp87 (0.28-fold), pfhA (0.25-fold), and ptfA (0.12-fold) after treatment. Conclusion: The WEA ethanolic extract effectively downregulates critical virulence genes in MDR P. multocida, highlighting its potential as a novel natural agent for controlling fowl cholera in chicken. This study emphasizes the importance of exploring plant-based antimicrobials to combat resistance and improve animal health.

Abstract Introduction Cervical cancer presents a significant global public health challenge, particularly affecting low- and middle-income countries like Egypt. Despite the availability of effective screening methods such as Pap smears and HPV testing, the incidence of cervical cancer remains high in Egypt. Health literacy, which refers to the ability to access, understand, and utilize basic health information and services to make informed decisions, is crucial in influencing individuals’ health behaviors, including their participation in cancer screening programs. Objectives To examine the correlation between health literacy levels and cervical cancer screening behaviors among women. Methods This study employed a multi-site cross-sectional research design from September 2023 to January 2024. The research was conducted at four primary health care (PHC) facilities in the Damanhur district of Egypt. Three hundred fifty women participated in the study, completing a comprehensive questionnaire that included a Woman’s Social and Health Form, a Cervical Cancer Knowledge Scale, a Cervical Cancer Screening Behaviors Scale, and a Health Literacy Scale (HLS-SF12). Results The study revealed significant relationships between the importance of health literacy (HL) in understanding cervical cancer (CC) knowledge and screening behaviors among Egyptian women. A positive correlation was found between Knowledge and HL (r = 0.507, p

Abstract Background Applying artificial intelligence (AI) to nursing practice has dramatically enhanced healthcare delivery in Arab countries. However, AI application also raises complex moral issues, including patient privacy, data security, responsibility, transparency, and equity in decision-making. Aim A systematic analysis of the ethical issues surrounding the application of AI in nursing practice in Arab nations is carried out in this review, highlighting the most important ethical issues and recommending responsible AI integration. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major databases. Following the initial identification of 150 articles, 120 were selected for full-text review based on the title and abstract screening. Subsequently, 50 pertinent studies were incorporated into this review. Results Numerous significant ethical concerns regarding AI application in decision-making processes were identified. The assessment also highlighted the possible effects of AI on the nurse-patient interaction and the critical role played by the ethics committees and regulatory frameworks in resolving these issues. Conclusion Ethical frameworks must be established to guarantee AI integration into nursing practice, safeguard patients’ welfare, and strengthen the trust between healthcare providers and patients. Clinical trial No clinical Trial.

Abstract The increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses among the elderly affects their physical and psychological well-being, contributing to emotional burdens and feelings of burdensomeness. This study aims to investigate the mediating and moderating role of social support in the relationship between psychological well-being and burdensomeness among elderly individuals with chronic illnesses. A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed, involving 311 participants aged 60 and older, recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected using validated instruments via structured interviews conducted from June to August 2024. The results indicate that perceived burdensomeness has a strong negative effect on psychological well-being (r = -0.654). Social support significantly mediates this relationship, with higher social support associated with lower burdensomeness (β = -0.646) and improved psychological well-being (β = 0.318). Strengthening social support networks can mitigate feelings of burdensomeness and promote mental health, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for older adults facing chronic health challenges.

Abstract Background Inferior turbinate enlargement is a prevalent cause of chronic nasal obstruction, often requiring surgical intervention when medical treatment fails. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has been reported to mitigate post-operative complications following nasal surgeries. This work aims to evaluate the efficacy of PRF on hemostasis, adhesions, crust formation, and mucosal healing post-turbinoplasty. Results Demographic characters showed no statistical differences in age (p = 0.62) or gender (p = 0.342), but the mean operative time was significantly shorter in the non-PRF group (22.80 ± 2.02) compared to the PRF group (p > 0.001). Early hemostasis and prevention of crustation were significantly better in the PRF group (p = 0.03 and p = 0.024, respectively). No significant difference was observed regarding adhesions between the groups (p = 1). Conclusion The PRF membrane is an affordable and easy method that acts as a protective layer, reducing crusting, ensuring hemostasis, promoting healing by shortening the period of recovery post inferior turbinoplasty and so improving the quality of life of the patients.

Abstract Background There is no consensus on the initial treatment modality for unilateral Wilms tumor (WT) in Egypt. This multicenter study investigates the factors guiding the decision-making between primary surgery and delayed resection for this tumor in our clinical practice. A retrospective analysis was conducted on all patients with unilateral, non-metastatic WT treated at four major Egyptian institutions from January 2019 to January 2024. Clinical characteristics, management details, and outcomes were reviewed. Timing of nephrectomy was analyzed in relation to tumor characteristics such as size, midline crossing, suspicion of perinephric spread, intravascular extension, and retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy. Results The study included 112 patients with a median age of 2.8 years. The median largest tumor diameter was 12 cm (range, 7–16 cm). Primary nephrectomy was performed in 62 patients (55.4%), while 50 (44.6%) underwent delayed resection after biopsy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Tumors larger than 12 cm and tumors crossing the midline were reported in 38.5% and 35% of all patients, respectively. Suspicion of perinephric spread was noted in 31% of patients, and significant lymphadenopathy in 13.5%. Intravascular tumor thrombus was detected in 7 patients (6.25%) at various locations. Statistically significant differences were observed between the primary surgery and delayed resection groups regarding suspicion of perinephric spread, intravascular thrombus, and retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy (p-value

Abstract Background Lumboperitoneal shunts have been used as a valuable CSF diversion tool in the pediatric age group. This retrospective study reports the indications, outcomes, and possible complications of lumboperitoneal shunts placed in children. Results A total of 19 patients are included in our study. 12 children were males (63.2%) and 7 were females (36.8%). The mean age at LP shunt placement was 5.7 years (6 months–12 years), and most of the children were in the school-age group 11 (57.9%). Idiopathic intracranial hypertension was the most identifiable cause in 9 cases (47.4%), and headache was the most common presenting symptom in 6 patients. The mean follow-up was 36.1 months (17–61 months). Two patients underwent shunt revision due to catheter migration, and three patients (15.8%) developed acquired Chiari malformation for whom the lumboperitoneal shunt was removed and replaced with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt; all the patients are doing well till the last follow-up. Conclusion Lumboperitoneal shunt insertion is a safe and valuable CSF diversion tool in children for various indications on the top of it is idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Long-term follow-up is required for the possibility of acquired Chiari malformation, and the presence of a horizontal–vertical valve could avoid this possible problem.

Abstract Background Spiritual leadership emphasizes that nurses encounter situations that require compassion, empathy, and a deep understanding of the human experience. Passion can drive nurses' motivation, engagement, and commitment to patient care. Altruism is a core value in nursing that involves selfless concern for the well-being of others. Spiritual leadership might be an essential organizational resource in enhancing followers’ inspiring vision, compassion for others, and passion for their work. Aim of the study To investigate the role of spiritual leadership in the relationship between altruism and passion for work among nurse colleagues. Subjects & method A multicenter descriptive, cross-sectional research study was conducted at six Nursing Egyptian faculties affiliated with Alexandria, Port-Said, Fayoum, Damanhur, Assiut, and Sohag Universities, with 391 nurse colleagues. Data collection tools Personal and Job-related Data Questionnaire, Spiritual Leadership Questionnaire (SLQ), Passion Scale, and 9- Self-Report Altruism Scale (9- SRA) were utilized to collect data. Results The current study verified that nurse colleagues had high levels of perceived spiritual leadership, passion, and altruism (50.9, 47.6, and 40.2, respectively). The results revealed noteworthy positive correlations between spiritual leadership, passion, and altruism (r = 0.644, 0.519, & 0.509). Furthermore, mediation analysis highlighted that spiritual leadership could mediate the effect of altruism on the passion level. Conclusion This study delivers valued insights into the crucial role of spiritual leadership in augmenting nurse colleagues’ altruistic tendencies and passion. Recommendations Cultivating workplace spirituality on a daily agenda is a key component of management that requires spiritual competencies from nurse leaders. These competencies ultimately enhance passion for work, performance, and altruistic behaviors.

Abstract Recently, slotted airfoils have been introduced as a passive flow control approach. The slotted airfoil method resulted in stall delay and enhanced the lift coefficient. The single-slot airfoil is unable to delay stall if the flow is injected downstream of the separation point at the stall angle of attack. A multi-slot airfoil ensures air is injected along the airfoil suction side, delaying stalls over a large range of AOA. The current study focuses on enhancing wind turbine blades’ efficiency by utilizing a novel multi-slot NACA23012C airfoil design as a passive control approach. A numerical study of the optimal grid number was carried out, followed by validating the numerical model with previous experimental results in the literature. The numerical study is followed by a study of the effect of the number of airfoil slots: one, two, three, four, five, and six. The characteristics of the flow field were analyzed to explain the benefit of applying multi-slotted on the aerodynamic performance of an airfoil with a high AOA at Reynolds number 2.74 × 105. The findings showed a significant improvement in the lift coefficient values and the delayed stall AOA for multi-slot airfoils compared to the clean and single-slot airfoils. Increasing the slots number is effective up to four slots. The four-slot airfoil improved lift by 15.8%, and the two slots achieved a 22.31% CL/CD increase. Future work could optimize slot geometry, validate findings experimentally, and study dynamic and 3D effects.

Abstract This research evaluates the environmental and health risks linked to potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and PAHs along the western coast of the Gulf of Suez, Egypt. This study investigated the concentration of 16 PAH compounds in the Suez Gulf, revealing significantly higher levels than the EU (0.20 µg/L) and US (0.030 µg/L) standards. The average total PAH concentration across eight locations was significantly higher, with the Suez area having the highest concentration at 479 µg/L. Pyrene (Pyr) was the dominant PAH with a concentration of 443 µg/L in Suez, while acenaphthylene (Ace) had the lowest concentration at 0.120 µg/L in Northern Zaafarana. Carcinogenic PAHs (CAR) ranged from 8.67 µg/L at Ras Gharib to 29.62 µg/L at Suez, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory measures. Confirmatory ratios pointed to industrial and shipping influences as petrogenic sources. Elevated total organic carbon (TOC) levels in Suez Bay indicated aggravated organic pollution, exacerbated by oil rigs and refineries. The ecological risk assessment highlighted substantial risks, particularly in Suez, necessitating immediate interventions to combat PAH contamination and preserve the environmental balance of the Red Sea. The dominant metals in water samples were arranged in descending order as follows: Pb > Fe > Cr > Cu > Zn > Mn > Cd > Ni. The study evaluated environmental and human health risks using a multifaceted approach, including cluster analysis, principal component analysis, and various indices (HPI, RI, MI, HQ, HI, and CR). Most water samples exhibited high pollution risks, surpassing permissible limits for HPI (> 100) and MI (> 6). Notably, HI oral values indicated significant non-carcinogenic risks for adults and children. While HI values for adults suggested low-risk dermal contact, those for children showed a substantial proportion in the high-risk category. Most water samples displayed CR values exceeding 1 × 10–4 for Cd, Cr, and Pb, indicating vulnerability to carcinogenic effects in both age groups. Monte Carlo simulations reinforced these findings, revealing a significant carcinogenic impact on children and adults. The identified clusters, reflective of industrial, petroleum-related, and urban runoff contamination sources, were consistently validated and clarified through PCA, enhancing the reliability of the findings. In light of these results, urgent and comprehensive water treatment measures are imperative to mitigate carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks. These insights provide a foundation for implementing targeted management strategies to effectively address the challenges of heavy metal contamination in the Red Sea.

Abstract Cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity is one of the limiting factors to its use especially in tumors that demand high drug dosage. One of the Cisplatin pathways is ferritinophagy which may end up in ferroptosis. So, we aimed to use iron chelator as a new strategy based on an anti-ferroptotic mechanism and to evaluate its neuroprotective effect against polyneuropathy in Cisplatin-treated rats. Twenty-four male Wistar albino rats were arranged into four groups: (I) Control group, rats were given vehicle; (II) Def group, rats received deferiprone (200 mg/kg orally once daily for 10 days); (III) Cis group, rats were injected by Cis 2 mg/Kg once daily for 3 consecutive days i.p.; and (IV) Cis + Def group, rats received deferiprone (200 mg/kg orally once daily for 10 days, rats were injected with Cis in the 4th, 5th, and 6th days). Cis increased and upregulated ferritinophagy inducers significantly including MDA, NCOA4, and IREB1 as compared to the control group. On the other hand, GSH, GPX4, SLCA11 and FTH1 were decreased and down regulated significantly compared to the control group. In addition to significant deterioration in the histopathological and immunological nerve tissue assessment using silver stain and PNCA. Embracing the cisplatin dosage with deferiprone reversed cisplatin-induced neuropathy, in which the physiological function significantly improved along with the immune and histopathology of nerve tissue. This was accompanied by down regulation of ferritinophagy inducers and enhancing ferritinophagy inhibitors. The current results concluded that rapping cisplatin with deferiprone can mitigate neurotoxicity induced by cisplatin in experimental animals through ferritinophagy pathway adjustment.

Abstract The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of the biological properties of hDPSCs exposed to Bio MTA+ & ProRoot MTA pulp capping materials on the proliferation and odontogenic differentiation of hDPSCs. Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) were isolated from impacted third molars. Extracts of Bio MTA + and ProRoot MTA were prepared at a 1:1 ratio. The effects of the extracts on hDPSCs cytotoxicity and proliferation were assessed via a CCK-8 assay. Annexin V expression was investigated to assess the effects of both materials on the induction of apoptosis. The effects of ProRoot MTA and Bio MTA + extraction media on the stemness properties of hDPSCs were assessed via real-time quantitative PCR, and the expression of odontogenic markers (RUNX2, DMP1 & DSSP) was analyzed via RT‒PCR Alizarin Red staining. Cells exposed to Bio MTA + had the greatest degree of proliferation. The results of Annexin V staining indicated that Bio MTA + caused the least amount of apoptosis. RUNX2, DMP1 and DSSP were highly expressed by Bio MTA + and indicated successful odontogenic differentiation. Compared with ProRoot MTA, Bio MTA + exhibited an exceptional level of cytocompatibility, as well as advantageous bioactivities, including the preservation of stemness and an increase in the proliferation capacity of hDPSCs. In addition, it demonstrated favorable bioactive properties by stimulating odontogenic differentiation. Bio MTA + offers significant advantages in terms of biocompatibility, bioactivity, and regenerative potential, making it an excellent choice for procedures aimed at preserving or regenerating dental pulp tissue. However, additional research is required to address the lack of in vivo validation, as replicating physiological conditions is crucial for accurately assessing clinical outcomes and comparing them with results obtained from in vitro experiments.

Abstract With the advancement of automation technologies in household appliances, the flexibility of smart home energy management (EM) systems has increased. However, this progress has brought about a new challenge for smart homes: the EM has become more complex with the integration of multiple conventional, renewable, and energy storage systems. To address this challenge, a novel modified Weighted Mean of Vectors algorithm (MINFO) is proposed. This algorithm aims to enhance the performance of smart building EM by overcoming the limitations of conventional approaches, such as low solution accuracy and inadequacy in handling complex problems. MINFO operates on two key principles. Firstly, it employs the Elite Centroid Quasi-Oppositional Base Learning (ECQOBL) approach to improve the exploitation capabilities of conventional algorithms. Secondly, it utilizes an Adaptive Levy Flight Motion (ALFM) technique to enhance exploration. The EM problem tackled involves optimizing the scheduling of multiple energy sources, including diesel generators, PV units, and batteries, within a smart building context. Additionally, it incorporates time-of-use-based demand-side response (DSR) to manage shiftable loads, thereby reducing electricity costs and peak-to-average ratio (PAR) simultaneously and independently. The effectiveness of MINFO is demonstrated through comprehensive evaluations, comparing its performance with other optimization methods across 33 benchmark functions from basic and CEC-2019 test suites. Results indicate that MINFO significantly improves smart building EM, achieving a reduction of 53.20% in electricity costs (cost only), 53.19% in PAR (PAR only), and 50.84% in combined cost and PAR compared to the base case. These findings underscore the robustness of MINFO as an optimizer for smart building energy management.

Abstract Brass (Cu–Zn alloy) used in the crescent of the Al-Maradani Mosque pulpit is subjected to corrosion under certain conditions, such as exposure to polluted air, oxidizing acids, and compounds containing sulphur or ammonia. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of palm kernel oil extract (PKO) as a green corrosion inhibitor for protecting brass artifacts. The crescent was analyzed using metallographic microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to identify its alloy composition, microstructure and corrosion products. The analyses confirmed the crescent was made of a brass alloy (Cu–Zn) and formed by hammering, with corrosion layers composed primarily of cuprite and clinoatacamite, covered by dust containing calcite and quartz. The corrosion protection efficiency of the PKO was evaluated using brass coupons, simulating the artifact of the alloy. Electrochemical methods, including the open circuit potential (OCP), Tafel, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), were used to assess the performance of palm kernel oil on brass coupons at different concentrations (1, 3, 5, 7%). Electrochemical tests showed that corrosion inhibition efficiency increased with higher palm kernel oil concentrations, with the 7% concentration exhibiting the highest corrosion protection, up to 99.7%.

Abstract The primary requirement for electrode materials in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) is efficient electrocatalyst that exhibit high tolerance to methanol oxidation, excellent stability, and reasonable cost. The combination of distinct active materials with distinctive architectures may facilitate the attainment of this objective. The present study included the preparation of a Carbon Xerogel Doped with various metal oxides derived from Banana peels. The nanocomposites were thoroughly examined utilizing several characterization modalities including XRD, FTIR, and SEM. The electrocatalytic performance of Carbon xerogel doped with Iron (Fe3O4/CX), carbon xerogel doped with magnesium (MgO/CX), and carbon xerogel doped with Copper (CuO/CX) about the Methanol Oxidation Reaction (MOR) was investigated using electrochemical methods such as cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, and chronoamperometry. The results showed that the Fe3O4/CX, MgO/CX, and CuO/CX are effective electrocatalysts with an onset potential of around 1.00 V and current densities of approximately 42.98 mA cm − 2, 28.2784 mA.cm − 2, and 6.60698 mA.cm − 2, respectively, in the optimized electrolyte for methanol oxidation. The stability of Fe3O4/CX, MgO/CX, and CuO/CX electrodes was examined using chronoamperometry and the Cyclic Stability method. The results revealed that the (Fe3O4/CX) electrode exhibited outstanding stability throughout the whole 60-minute chronoamperometry Technique and demonstrated great stability for 100 cycles in the Cyclic Stability technique. The remarkable electrochemical activity and stability may be attributed to the synergistic effect of Fe3O4/CX, which provided sufficient active sites for methanol electro-oxidation and reduced the equivalent series resistance, as shown by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis. This work used environmentally friendly materials, which presents a novel opportunity to enhance the efficiency of methanol oxidation via the utilization of affordable catalysts. This study of the theoretical technique methods for establishing the route of methanol decomposition, and systematizes their confirmation with experimental data, within the methodological framework.