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Abstract Background Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune-mediated demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that is usually associated with varying degrees of progressive disability. Free Kappa light chain (FKLC) has attracted growing attention as a significant diagnostic marker of MS. Our aim was to study the diagnostic utility of cerebrospinal fluid free Kappa light chain and related indices in a sample of Egyptian MS patients vs. CSF IgG oligoclonal bands. It was a prospective case–control study of MS patients carried in our hospital during the period from January 2021 till January 2022. Our study carried on 30 patients with multiple sclerosis and other inflammatory neurologic diseases and 20 age and sex matched controls. The study measured FKLC in the CSF and serum sample pairs of patients and control group. Indices calculated using FKLC measured in CSF and serum included; FKLC index, FKLC intrathecal fraction and quotient of FKLC. Indices were used to assess intrathecal synthesis of FKLC considering blood–CSF barrier function. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine diagnostic performance of FKLC and related indices in comparison to CSF–OCB testing. Results Measured FKLC levels as well as its calculated indices have shown statistically significant higher values among MS patients against OIND patients and healthy control group. Both FKLC index and FKLC IF were similarly showing 100% diagnostic sensitivity and 100% diagnostic specificity for MS diagnosis. Conclusions FKLC biomarkers are proposed to be highly sensitive and easy to detect first-line markers of intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis with accurate performance and low cost that might prove to be promising diagnostic markers of MS.

Background: Alcohol consumption and withdrawal alter social behaviour in humans in a sex-dependent manner. The three-chamber test is a widely used paradigm to assess rodents' social behaviour, including sociability and social novelty. Automatic tracking systems are commonly used to score time spent with conspecifics, despite failing to score direct interaction time with conspecifics rather than time in the nearby zone. Thereby, the automatically scored results are usually inaccurate and need manual corrections. New method: New advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have been used recently to analyze complex behaviours. DeepLabCat is a pose-estimation toolkit that allows the tracking of animal body parts. Thus, we used DeepLabCut, to introduce a scoring model of the three-chamber test to investigate alcohol withdrawal effects on social behaviour in mice considering sex and withdrawal periods. We have compared the results of two automatic pose estimation methods: automatic tracking (AnyMaze) and DeepLabCut considering the manual scoring method, the current gold standard. Results: We have found that the automatic tracking method (AnyMaze) has failed to detect the significance of social deficits in female mice during acute withdrawal. However, tracking the animal's nose using DeepLabCut showed a significant social deficit in agreement with manual scoring. Interestingly, this social deficit was shown only in females during acute and recovered by the protracted withdrawal. DLC and manually scored results showed a higher Spearman correlation coefficient and a lower bias in the Bland-Altman analysis. Conclusion: our approach helps improve the accuracy of scoring the three-chamber test while outperforming commercial automatic tracking systems.

Abstract Background Risk stratification assessment of patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE ACS) plays an important role in optimal management and defines the patient’s prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF score (comprising of the components of the CHA2DS2-VASc score with a male instead of female sex category, hyperlipidemia, smoking, and family history of coronary artery disease respectively) to predict the severity and complexity of CAD and its efficacy in stratification for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with NSTE ACS without known atrial fibrillation. Methods This study included 200 patients (males 72.5%, mean age 55.8 ± 10.1 years) who were admitted with NSTE ACS. CHA2DS2-VASC-HSF score was calculated on admission. Patients were classified into three groups according to their CHA2DS2-VASC-HSF score: low score group (

Abstract Background It is unknown whether the existence of severe bystander damage will affect left ventricular (LV) healing following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). The aim of the present analysis was to follow LV recovery using 2D speckle tracking echocardiography (2-D STE) in cases with single versus multiple vessel disease with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who underwent PPCI and to assess major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) within 3 months. Patients and methods This work was conducted at Assiut University Heart Hospital. Of 1026 screened subjects with AMI needing PPCI and assessed for eligibility, only 89 cases fulfilled the inclusion criteria. They were classified into Group A: single vessel and Group B: multiple vessel (≥ 2 vessels) disease. Their data were obtained on admittance and after 90 days. Results In group A compared to group B, there was a statistically preferable value at baseline in the global longitudinal strain- Apical 2 chamber (GLS-A2C) (-12.05 ± 3.57 vs. -10.38 ± 3.92, P = 0.039). At follow-up, the improvement was in all 2-D STE variables, including GLS-long axis (GLS-LAX) (-13.09 ± 3.84 vs.-10.75 ± 3.96, P = 0.006), GLS- apical 4 chamber (GLS-A4C) (-13.23 ± 3.51 vs.-10.62 ± 4.08, P = 0.002), GLS-A2C (-13.85 ± 3.41 vs-10.93 ± 3.97, P

This paper thoroughly compares thirteen unique Machine Learning (ML) models utilized for Intrusion detection systems (IDS) in a meticulously controlled environment. Unlike previous studies, we introduce a novel approach that meticulously avoids data leakage, enhancing the reliability of our findings. The study draws upon a comprehensively labeled 5G-NIDD dataset covering a broad spectrum of network behaviors, from benign real-user traffic to various attack scenarios. Our data preprocessing and experimental design have been carefully structured to eradicate any data leakage, a standout feature of our methodology that significantly improves the robustness and dependability of our results compared to prior studies. The ML models are evaluated using various performance metrics, including accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, ROC AUC, and execution time. Our results reveal that the K-Nearest Neighbors model is superior in accuracy and ROC AUC, while the Voting Classifier stands out in precision and F1-score. Decision Tree, Bagging, and Extra Trees models exhibit strong recall scores. In contrast, the AdaBoost model falls short across all assessed metrics. Despite displaying only modest performance on other metrics, the Naive Bayes model excels in computational efficiency, offering the quickest execution time. This paper emphasizes the importance of understanding various ML models' distinct strengths, drawbacks, and trade-offs for network intrusion detection. It highlights that no single model is universally superior, and the choice hinges on the nature of the dataset, specific application requirements, and the computational resources available.

Abstract The Mediterranean Sea has been sampled irregularly by research vessels in the past, mostly by national expeditions in regional waters. To monitor the hydrographic, biogeochemical and circulation changes in the Mediterranean Sea, a systematic repeat oceanographic survey programme called Med-SHIP was recommended by the Mediterranean Science Commission (CIESM) in 2011, as part of the Global Ocean Ship-based Hydrographic Investigations Program (GO-SHIP). Med-SHIP consists of zonal and meridional surveys with different frequencies, where comprehensive physical and biogeochemical properties are measured with the highest international standards. The first zonal survey was done in 2011 and repeated in 2018. In addition, a network of meridional (and other key) hydrographic sections were designed: the first cycle of these sections was completed in 2016, with three cruises funded by the EU project EUROFLEETS2. This paper presents the physical and chemical data of the meridional and key transects in the Western and Eastern Mediterranean Sea collected during those cruises.

Abstract Background Since 2014, dengue epidemics have occurred almost annually in Nouakchott, the capital city of Mauritania, coinciding with the recent establishment of Aedes aegypti, the primary vector of dengue, in the city. Anopheles arabiensis, the primary vector of malaria, is also abundant not only in Nouakchott but also in most areas of the country. Resistance to insecticides has been studied in An. arabiensis but not in Ae. aegypti in Mauritania. The objective of the present study was to establish the baseline data on the frequencies of knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel (vgsc) gene in Ae. aegypti collected in Nouakchott to improve vector control. Methods Resting Ae. aegypti mosquitoes were collected in 2017 and 2018 in Teyarett and Dar Naim districts in Nouakchott using a battery-powered aspirator. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing were performed to detect the presence of five kdr mutations known to be associated with pyrethroid resistance: L982W, S989P, I1011M/G, V1016G/I, and F1534C. Results A total of 100 female Ae. aegypti mosquitoes were identified among collected resting culicid fauna, of which 60% (60/100) were unfed, 12% (12/100) freshly blood-fed, and 28% (28/100) gravid. Among the mutations investigated in this study, 989P, 1016G, and 1534C were found to be widespread, with the frequencies of 0.43, 0.44, and 0.55, respectively. Mutations were not found in codons 982 and 1011. No other mutations were detected within the fragments analyzed in this study. Genotype distribution did not deviate from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The most frequent co-occurring point mutation patterns among Ae. aegypti mosquitoes were the heterozygous individuals 989SP/1016VG/1534FC detected in 45.1% of mosquitoes. In addition, homozygous mutant 1534CC co-occurred simultaneously with homozygous wild type 989SS and 1016VV in 30.5% of mosquito specimens. Inversely, homozygous wild-type 1534FF co-occurred simultaneously with homozygous mutant 989PP and 1016GG in 19.5% of the mosquitoes. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the presence of three point mutations in the vgsc gene of Ae. aegypti in Mauritania. The findings of the present study are alarming because they predict a high level of resistance to pyrethroid insecticides which are commonly used in vector control in the country. Therefore, further studies are urgently needed, in particular phenotypic characterization of insecticide resistance using the standardized test. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Humidity sensing has been offering a noticeable contribution in different industrial, medical, and agricultural activities. Here, graphene quantum dots doped with polyaniline (PANI) and MnO2 were successfully prepared. The synthesized system is exposed to a set of structural, morphological, and optical investigations. The apparent crystallite size is less than 30 nm, reflecting the nanoscale of the structure, and thus validating the preparation route as evident on XRD pattern. SEM images show a fibrous structure where polyaniline dominates and covers most of the structure’s surface. The evident bands of the FTIR spectrum are designated to the component used in synthesis confirming the chemical structure of the fabricated system. The humidity sensing study of the synthesized structure is carried out through a wide range of relative humidity (RH) levels range of 11–97%. The response and recovery times of the fabricated structure are found to be around 120 and 220s, respectively.

ABSTRACTThe provision of urban green spaces has been widely acknowledged to offer numerous benefits to individuals and communities. Recently, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of evaluating urban greenness from a human-centered perspective, partly due to the rapid development of eye-level greenness measurement. To provide a comprehensive overview of measurement approaches and topics related to eye-level urban greenness, we conducted a systematic review of 77 relevant papers. Our review revealed that street view images are the primarily utilized data source to quantify eye-level urban greenness in urban analysis. Additionally, simulated eye-level urban greenness represents a new frontier for the general public and urban planners, offering the potential to acquire universally applicable quantitative greenness data. Our findings further suggest that eye-level urban greenness has been explored across various domains, including physical behavior, public health, urban planning, human perception, and inequity. Such exploration has highlighted a significant association between eye-level urban greenness and individuals and communities. Our review generates new insights on the integration of urban greenness into urban planning and design, encouraging a greater focus on eye-level urban greenness as a critical component of urban environmental quality.

This article presents an evaluation of BukaGini, a stability-aware Gini index feature selection algorithm designed to enhance model performance in machine learning applications. Specifically, the study focuses on assessing BukaGini’s effectiveness within the domain of intrusion detection systems (IDS). Recognizing the need for improved feature interaction analysis methodologies in IDS, this research aims to investigate the performance of BukaGini in this context. BukaGini’s performance is evaluated across four diverse datasets commonly used in IDS research: NSLKDD (22,544 samples), WUSTL EHMS (16,318 samples), WSN-DS (374,661 samples), and UNSWNB15 (175,341 samples), amounting to a total of 588,864 data samples. The evaluation encompasses key metrics such as stability score, accuracy, F1-score, recall, precision, and ROC AUC. Results indicate significant advancements in IDS performance, with BukaGini achieving remarkable accuracy rates of up to 99% and stability scores consistently surpassing 99% across all datasets. Additionally, BukaGini demonstrates an average reduction in dimensionality of 25%, selecting 10 features for each dataset using the Gini index. Through rigorous comparative analysis with existing methodologies, BukaGini emerges as a promising solution for feature interaction analysis within cybersecurity applications, particularly in the context of IDS. These findings highlight the potential of BukaGini to contribute to robust model performance and propel intrusion detection capabilities to new heights in real-world scenarios.

Abstract Purpose To share our experience in the management of a specific type of vascular malformations (lymphatic) at a specialized multidisciplinary clinic for vascular anomalies. Methods Data of patients attending the vascular anomaly clinic during the period 2015 through 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The study included cases diagnosed primarily as lymphatic malformations (LMs). We excluded cases associated with complex/syndromic vascular malformations. Available data included regional distribution of the LMs, age at presentation, sex, imaging studies, and different modes of treatment. Results The study included 131 cases of LMs whose data were available for retrospective analysis. Generally, LMs had a benign course with good prognosis apart from two recorded mortalities (1.5%) during the 9-year period of the study. In this series, 93 cases were managed by injection sclerotherapy (Bleomycin). About 57 cases showed satisfactory response to injection sclerotherapy alone without the need to add other treatment modalities. Forty cases underwent surgical excision/debulking. Postoperative wound complications were recorded in 5 cases (12.5%). Sirolimus was offered for patients with LMs after the failure of conventional treatment (injection/surgery) to control associated significant complications. Conclusion Lymphatic malformations represent a common presentation at the vascular anomaly clinic, which usually have a benign course. Complications are mainly cosmetic especially when involving the face, and sometimes superadded infections may occur. Airway compromise is a potential serious complication with submandibular lymphatic malformations in the neck.

Background: Ensuring the physical fitness of Egyptian children is of paramount importance to their overall well-being, given the unique socio-cultural and educational barriers they face that may hinder their active participation. As part of the DELICIOUS project, the “Be Fit Program” aims to increase the level of physical fitness among Egyptian school-aged children. This study explores the effectiveness of a structured, six-week physical activity (PA) program in improving various facets of physical fitness in children, including body composition, speed, coordination, muscular strength, and cardiovascular endurance. With the increasing prevalence of sedentary lifestyles, such efforts are imperative to improve overall health outcomes. Methods: A cohort of 125 children, aged 8.50 to 12.25 y (mean age 10.19 ± 1.03 y), participated in the study. Their body composition, speed, coordination, strength, and aerobic fitness were assessed before and after the Be Fit Program using the revised International Physical Performance Test Profile. Paired t-tests were used to detect changes between the pre- and post-tests. Results: Following the six-week intervention, statistical analyses revealed significant improvements in coordination and lower body strength (p < 0.01). Aerobic endurance showed marginal improvements, approaching statistical significance (p = 0.06). Conversely, there were no statistically significant changes in body composition, speed, or upper body strength (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The study confirms that tailored, non-competitive physical activities can positively influence specific fitness components in Egyptian children. However, achieving holistic improvements across all targeted fitness domains may require further strategic adjustments or a longer program duration. This pilot study underscores the importance of culturally tailored, school-based PA programs and highlights the continued need for research and program refinement to comprehensively improve children’s fitness in the Egyptian context.

Abstract Background Olfactory dysfunction can be a troublesome condition affecting the quality of life of the patient. Post-viral olfactory dysfunction is the most common cause attributing to up to 40% of anosmia. COVID-19 infection commonly causes anosmia in 30–66% of patients. The long-term effect of post-COVID olfactory dysfunction is reported to be increasing in incidence. Steroids are usually used in the treatment of olfactory dysfunction and most commonly used locally in the form of nasal steroid sprays, rinses, or drops. Oral systemic steroids are sometimes used; however, they have several known side effects. Other treatments experimented include giving vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, antivirals, and monoclonal antibodies, in addition to olfactory training, counseling, and acupuncture. In this study, the effect of intranasal steroid injection is studied in post-COVID olfactory dysfunction. Results Forty patients with olfactory dysfunction post-COVID-19 for more than 3 months were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group A patients received 8 doses of dexamethasone over 2 months (twice weekly) injected near the olfactory mucosa in the nasal septum and middle turbinate, compared to group B who received saline injected in the same way as placebo. Numerically, nasal injection of corticosteroids in group A showed more subjective improvement using the questionnaire of olfactory disorders-negative statement QOD-NS than the control patients in group B but this improvement was statistically insignificant. Conclusion The use of intranasal corticosteroids injection should be considered in the treatment of post-COVID anosmia.

Abstract Background COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed people’s lifestyles and daily routines around the world. This study aimed to investigate changes in daily step counts – as an indicator of physical activity – before, during, and after the pandemic among university students in Egypt and Saudi Arabia and to identify regional and gender factors that may have influenced physical activity during these periods. Methods A total of 1273 university students from Egypt (Assiut University and Zagazig University) and Saudi Arabia (Taif University, King Faisal University, and Imam AbdulRahman Bin Faisal University) provided valid data on their daily step counts recorded by a smartphone application (iPhone Health App) from January 2019 to December 2021. The data was divided and averaged based on three periods: the pre-pandemic year (January to December 2019), the first pandemic year (January to December 2020), and the second pandemic year (January to December 2021). Results The results showed a significant decrease in daily steps from pre-pandemic to the first pandemic year, followed by an increase in the second pandemic year. However, daily step counts did not fully recover to pre-pandemic levels in male Egyptian and marginally in male Saudi participants. In both nationalities, female participants did not show a significant difference in daily steps between the pre-pandemic and second-pandemic years. Female Egyptian participants had significantly lower daily step counts than male Egyptian participants, and a gender difference in daily steps was also observed in Saudi female participants in the pre-pandemic and the second pandemic year but not during the first pandemic year. Conclusion These findings outline the need for strategies in Egypt and Saudi Arabia to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior, especially among young women, to mitigate the negative consequences of COVID-19 and meet physical activity guidelines.

The two-spotted spider mite (TSSM) Tetranychus urticae, is regarded as one of the most dangerous pests responsible for great losses in most of agricultural crops. It is a persistent pest in Saudi Arabia, especially in greenhouses where T. urticae is primarily controlled by chemical pesticides. The main problem for the two-spotted spider mites is its high resistance to pesticides and high fertility rate. In the long term, chemical pesticides cause health problems and economic losses, so it was necessary to search for a safe alternative method for human health and the environment. One of these alternative methods was the selection of plant varieties resistant to the TSSM, in addition to biological control that includes mites or predatory insects and entomopathogenic fungi. The growth, reproduction, and life-table parameters of T. urticae were examined in a laboratory setting with a 16L:8D photoperiod at 28 ± 1 °C and 65 ± 5% RH, in the presence of three major members of Family: Solanaceae tomato, eggplant, and pepper. Pepper was shown to be less conducive to T. urticae growth and reproduction compared to eggplant and tomato. Tetranychus urticae proceeded through all five stages of its life cycle (egg, larva, protonymph, deutonymph, and adult) on tested solanaceous plants, and these plants significantly influenced its growth, reproduction, and Life-table parameters. Additionally, entomopathogenic fungi have been used against insects that have proven highly effective in controlling and reducing the density of two-spotted spider mites. Eight fungi were isolated from 80 insect and mite samples collected from several Saudi Arabia regions. Analysis of the 18S rRNA sequences revealed that the fungal strains identified as Beauveria bassiana, Fusarium sp. F. equiseti, F. oxysporium, Scopulariopsis brevicaulis1, S. brevicaulis2, Aspergillus sclerotiorum, and Penicillium citrinum. The ability of isolated fungi to secrete enzymes degrading the two-spotted spider mite cuticle, namely lipase, protease, and chitinase, were studied.

In this work, a novel electrochemical detection strategy was developed based on a metal-organic framework of zinc oxide nanorod nanoparticles and rutin for selective screening of Thiourea as toxic chemicals. The zinc oxide nanorod were synthesized by following direct chemical precipitation methods and characterized by X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. The surface of modified electrodes was also characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopes, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and attenuated total reflectance flourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Furthermore, the electrochemical activity of the developed sensor was tested by cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The modified electrode showed outstanding electro-catalytic activity towards the detection of Thiourea in phosphate buffer saline at a high pH level of 12.0. The proposed sensor showed a linear range of linearity in a concentration ranging from 5.0 × 10−6 - 900 × 10−6 molL−1 and a detection limit of 2.0 × 10−6 molL−1. Moreover, the selectivity of the developed electrochemical sensor was investigated for the detection of Thiourea in the presence of organic compounds and a group of anions. Furthermore, the proposed strategy demonstrated an excellent recovery value in the spiked farmland water and fruit juice sample.

This paper explores targeted advertising, focusing on voice recognition technology and its potential effects on user privacy, assessing the advantages and challenges of such advertising methods. By emphasizing the need to balance marketing efficacy and user privacy protection, the analysis delves into the evolution, current state, and potential applications of voice recognition technology in targeted advertising while considering ethical and legal aspects. Security implications of overheard conversations are also addressed, highlighting the importance of user consent, awareness, and legal frameworks. Strategies for preserving user privacy are proposed, encompassing privacy-enhancing technologies, policy recommendations, consumer awareness, and education efforts. This paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on balancing advertising efficiency and user privacy in today's digital landscape. It provides a comprehensive analysis and valuable insights for stakeholders, including advertisers, policymakers, and users.

Feature interaction is a vital aspect of Machine Learning (ML) algorithms, and gaining a deep understanding of these interactions can significantly enhance model performance. This paper introduces the BukaGini algorithm, an innovative and robust approach for feature interaction analysis that capitalizes on the Gini impurity index. By exploiting the unique properties of the BukaGini index, our proposed algorithm effectively captures both linear and nonlinear feature interactions, providing a richer and more comprehensive representation of the underlying data. We thoroughly evaluate the BukaGini algorithm against traditional Gini index-based methods on various real-world datasets. These datasets include the High School Students’ Performance (HSSP) dataset, which examines factors affecting student performance; Cancer Data, which focuses on identifying cancer types based on gene expression; Spambase, which targets spam email classification; and the UNSW-NB15 dataset, which addresses network intrusion detection. Our experimental results demonstrate that the BukaGini algorithm consistently outperforms traditional Gini index-based methods in terms of accuracy. Across the tested datasets, the BukaGini algorithm achieves improvements ranging from 0.32% to 2.50%, underscoring its effectiveness in handling diverse data types and problem domains. This performance gain highlights the potential of the BukaGini algorithm as a valuable tool for feature interaction analysis in various ML applications.

Diabetic cardiovascular diseases are leading causes of death. In diabetic patients, oxidative stress is key event in cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were identified as molecules regulating oxidative stress effects of oxygen free radicals. This work aimed to evaluate association of UCP2-866G/A (rs659366) gene polymorphism and serum MPO with CVD among type 2 diabetic patients. The present work was conducted on 80 type 2 diabetic Egyptian patients including 40 patients with CVD compared to 40 age- and sex-matched non-CVD patients; recruited from Outpatient Clinics in Beni-suef University Hospital and Kasr Eleiny Hospital. Lipid profile was assayed. Serum MPO was analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. UCP2-866G/A (rs659366) gene polymorphism was determined using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Statistically significant increase in concentration of total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was found among CVD patients with MPO ˃ 44.3 ng/ml (P=0.01 and 0.019, respectively). Serum MPO showed significant positive correlation with TC and LDL-C (P=0.004 and 0.002, respectively). The UCP2-866 (rs659366) (GA and AA) genotype variants did not demonstrate statistically significant higher risk to develop cardiovascular events, yet were observed to have higher frequency among CVD patients and among patients with MPO ˃ 44.3ng/ml. In conclusion, our results revealed significant correlation between serum myeloperoxidase and CVD lipid risk factors in diabetic patients. This study suggests UCP2 -866G/A (rs659366) gene polymorphism and MPO as target assay studies on CVD etiology and oxidative stress parameters evaluation among type 2 diabetic patients.

Growing evidence indicates that culture and education can influence cognitive constructs. Studies targeting Western and Asian populations have shown a positive relationship between aerobic fitness and cognitive control in children; however, this association has yet to be explored in the Arab world. The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between aerobic fitness and attentional networks in Egyptian preadolescent children. In total, 103 preadolescent children (9.76 ± 0.11) completed an assessment of aerobic fitness using a 6-min running test and a computerized attention network test that allowed for assessing alerting, orienting, and executive networks. The results revealed that higher aerobic fitness was associated with shorter response time and higher response accuracy in a more cognitively demanding task condition (i.e., incongruent trials). Furthermore, higher aerobic fitness was associated with a more efficient executive network. No associations were observed for alerting and orienting networks. These findings corroborate growing evidence indicating the importance of aerobic fitness for cognitive development and extend the literature by suggesting that the positive association between aerobic fitness and cognitive control might be generalized to the Arab population and not significantly change across cultures.

Abstract Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Elderly subjects, obese, and patients with chronic illnesses, are the most affected group. HDL has pleiotropic physiological functions that are affected with alteration(s) in its structure. Main text Inflammation whether septic, immune, or other affects HDL structure and function. COVID-19 is associated with systemic immune-inflammation due to cytokine surge. Viral interaction with erythrocytes and hemoglobin-related compounds (may cause anemia and hypoxia) and other factors may affect HDL function. Trials have been conducted to resume HDL functions using peptide preparation, nutritional, and herbal elements. Conclusions In this review article, I’ll discuss the use of reconstituted HDL (rHDL), Apo-A1 mimetic peptide D-4F, ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and the powdered roots and/or extract of Saussurea lappa (costus) to avoid comorbidity and mortality of COVID-19 in patients with chronic illness or elderly-age mortality.

Trauma is a hidden disease in Egypt, and its significance on public health has been underestimated for decades. Road traffic accidents are the leading cause of injuries presented to hospitals in Egypt. Trauma systems in developed countries effectively reduced the morbidity and mortality associated with injuries in crowded cities. Developing a trauma system in Egypt is mandatory with the exploding population growth, increasing incidence of injuries, and the vast expansion of the infrastructures in the road network. However, the implementation of the trauma system in Egypt will not be devoid of challenges, including a lack of mandatory healthcare infrastructures such as adequate pre-hospital care, poor quality of data, and a shortage of adequately trained emergency physicians across the country.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has left an indelible effect on healthcare delivery and education system, including residency training. Particularly, neurosurgical departments worldwide had to adapt their operating model to the constantly changing pandemic landscape. This review aimed to quantify the reduction in neurosurgical operative volume and describe the impact of these trends on neurosurgical residency training. Methods: We performed a comprehensive search of PubMed and EMBASE between December 2019 and October 2022 to identify studies comparing pre-pandemic and pandemic neurosurgical caseloads as well as articles detailing the impact of COVID-19 on neurosurgery residency training. Statistical analysis of quantitative data was presented as pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: A total of 49 studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 12 (24.5%) were survey-based. The case volume of elective surgeries and non-elective procedures decreased by 70.4% (OR=0.296, 95%CI 0.210–0.418) and 68.2% (OR=0.318, 95%CI 0.193–0.525), respectively. A significant decrease was also observed in functional (OR=0.542, 95%CI 0.394–0.746), spine (OR=0.545, 95%CI 0.409–0.725), and skull base surgery (OR=0.545, 95%CI 0.409–0.725), whereas the caseloads for tumor (OR=1.029, 95%CI 0.838–1.263), trauma (OR=1.021, 95%CI 0.846–1.232), vascular (OR=1.001, 95%CI 0.870–1.152), and pediatric neurosurgery (OR=0.589, 95%CI 0.344–1.010) remained relatively the same between pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. The reduction in caseloads had caused concerns among residents and program directors in regard to the diminished clinical exposure, financial constraints, and mental well-being. Some positives highlighted were rapid adaptation to virtual educational platforms and increasing time for self-learning and research activities. Conclusion: While COVID-19 has brought about significant disruptions in neurosurgical practice and training, this unprecedented challenge has opened the door for technological advances and collaboration that broaden the accessibility of resources and reduce the worldwide gap in neurosurgical education.

The goal of this study is to investigate whether alterations of myocardial global longitudinal strain and high‐sensitive cardiac troponin could be detected early in patients receiving anthracycline chemotherapy & if it could predict future cardiac dysfunction. Methods: Thirty patients with cancer treated with Adriamycin were studied. Blood collection for measurement of high sensitive troponin and echocardiography were performed at baseline, three months & six months of chemotherapy. Global longitudinal strain (GLS), were calculated using speckle tracking echocardiography. Left ventricular ejection fraction was measured by M-mode echocardiography. Results: LVEF although reduced after treatment, remained within the normal range (65±3.6% at base line vs. 63±2.7% at three months vs. 62±2.6% at six months of treatment, p = 0.002).LVIDd & LVIDs was highest after 6 months of chemotherapy. GLS was significantly reduced after treatment (-20.56±1.9% vs. -18.2±2.2% at three months vs -17.1±2.1 at six months of treatment, p < 0.001). Subclinical LV dysfunction (>15% reduction in GLS compared to before therapy) occurred in 43%. Serum hs‐cTnI levels increased significantly after 3 months of treatment with anthracycline (0.0088± 0.012, vs. 0.345 ± 0.5 after three months of treatment, p = 0.001).There was positive correlation between EF & GLS while a negative correlation was found between hscTnI & GLS. Hs‐cTnI assays was significantly increased in patients with Drop in GLS as compared with patients with no Drop in GLS after 3 months follow-up. No statistically significant difference between drop in GLS or hs-cTnI levels and cumulative dose of anthracyclines. No clinical parameters were associated with the drop in GLS or elevation of hs‐cTnI levels. Conclusion: Measurement of LV GLS by 2D STE during & after anthracycline therapy combined with hs-cTnI assay may allow an early identification of cardiac damage and therefore provide a way to minimize cardiac related mortality and morbidity while undergoing chemotherapy and afterwards.

During the past four decades, recurrent outbreaks of various arthropod-borne viruses have been reported in Mauritania. This review aims to consolidate the current knowledge on the epidemiology of the major arboviruses circulating in Mauritania. Online databases including PubMed and Web of Science were used to retrieve relevant published studies. The results showed that numerous arboviral outbreaks of variable magnitude occurred in almost all 13 regions of Mauritania, with Rift Valley fever (RVF), Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), and dengue (DEN) being the most common infections. Other arboviruses causing yellow fever (YF), chikungunya (CHIK), o’nyong-nyong (ONN), Semliki Forest (SF), West Nile fever (WNF), Bagaza (BAG), Wesselsbron (WSL), and Ngari (NRI) diseases have also been found circulating in humans and/or livestock in Mauritania. The average case fatality rates of CCHF and RVF were 28.7% and 21.1%, respectively. RVF outbreaks have often occurred after unusually heavy rainfalls, while CCHF epidemics have mostly been reported during the dry season. The central and southeastern regions of the country have carried the highest burden of RVF and CCHF. Sheep, cattle, and camels are the main animal reservoirs for the RVF and CCHF viruses. Culex antennatus and Cx. poicilipes mosquitoes and Hyalomma dromedarii, H. rufipes, and Rhipicephalus everesti ticks are the main vectors of these viruses. DEN outbreaks occurred mainly in the urban settings, including in Nouakchott, the capital city, and Aedes aegypti is likely the main mosquito vector. Therefore, there is a need to implement an integrated management strategy for the prevention and control of arboviral diseases based on sensitizing the high-risk occupational groups, such as slaughterhouse workers, shepherds, and butchers for zoonotic diseases, reinforcing vector surveillance and control, introducing rapid point-of-care diagnosis of arboviruses in high-risk areas, and improving the capacities to respond rapidly when the first signs of disease outbreak are identified.

According to treatment guidelines of urinary bladder carcinoma, using Neoadjuvent chemotherapy followed by radical cystectomy is the standard treatment which improve overall survival and progression free survival. This study is conducted to compare effect of (1) neoagjuvent chemotherapy followed by radical cystectomy with (2) radical cystectomy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy, (3) Radical cystectomy only on OS and PFS. Patients and methods: This a retrospective study of all patients with urinary bladder cancer attended out patients at oncology , Beni seuf university hospital at period of 2013 to 2017 with follow up for 5 year.Results: In our study mean progression free survival was 24.6 months, longest time was among the patients underwent radical cystectomy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy with 27.8 months then neoadjuvant arm with 20.8 months then radical cystectomy only with 18.1 months with statistically significant difference between the three arms regarding the time spent till the occurrence of relapse (P-value

ABSTRACTBackground: Treatment guidelines for asthma management are derived almost exclusively from the results of controlled clinical trials undertaken in carefully selected patient populations; meaning that their outcomes may not reflect the true performance of treatments when used in general daily medical practice. The aim of this meta-analysis was to combine the results of observational studies investigating the fluticasone propionate/formoterol (FP/FORM) fixed-dose combination in real-world asthma patients. Methods: A systemic literature review was completed in March 2019 using the PubMed database. We identified 394 studies. Five studies, which included a total of 4756 patients treated with FP/FORM, were judged eligible and included in the meta-analysis. Results: The estimated severe asthma exacerbation rate was 11.47% (95% CI, 5.8 to 18.72%), calculated from the random effect model. A sensitivity analysis excluding 2 studies (one was an outlier, and the exacerbation rate for the studied treatment alone could not be determined in the other) showed a 7.04% rate of severe asthma exacerbations. The estimated relative risk of the incidence of severe asthma exacerbations was 0.323 (95% CI, 0.159 to 0.658). The estimated asthma control rate was 60.6% (95% CI, 55.7% to 65.6%). The odds of achieving asthma control significantly increased by FP/FORM compared with pre-study conditions (estimated odds ratio: 2.214 [95% CI, 1.292 to 3.795]; p

We examined the effects of psychiatric comorbidity, sex, and ICU admission on serum ferritin concentration in 628 elderly patients (79.7 ± 8.5 years) with positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test. Hospitalization was required in 96% of patients and 17% required ICU admission. Patients with COVID-19 and psychiatric comorbidities (n = 212) compared to patients without psychiatric comorbidities (n = 416) had significantly lower ferritin concentration (570.4 ± 900.1 vs. 744.1 ± 965, P = 0.029), a greater incidence of delirium (22.6 vs. 14.4%, P = 0.013) and higher mortality (35.3 vs. 27.6%, P = 0.015). Furthermore, we found significant effects for sex (P = 0.002) and ICU admission (P = 0.007). Among patients without comorbid psychiatric conditions, males had significantly higher ferritin compared to females (1,098.3 ± 78.4 vs. 651.5 ± 94.4, P < 0.001). ICU patients without comorbid psychiatric conditions had significantly higher serum ferritin compared to ICU patients with comorbid psychiatric conditions: (1,126.6 ± 110.7 vs. 668.6 ± 156.5, P < 0.001). Our results suggest that the presence of comorbid psychiatric conditions in elderly patients with COVID-19 is associated with higher rates of delirium and mortality and lower ferritin levels during severe illness. Whether high serum ferritin is protective during severe infection requires further investigation.

This paper proposes the use of modified biochar, derived from Sawdust (SD) biomass using sonication (SSDB) and Ozonation (OSDB) processes, as an additive for biogas production from green algae Cheatomorpha linum (C. linum) either individually or co-digested with natural diet for rotifer culture (S. parkel). Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR), thermal-gravimetric (TGA), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were used to characterize the generated biochar. Ultrasound (US) specific energy, dose, intensity and dissolved ozone (O3) concentration were also calculated. FTIR analyses proved the capability of US and ozonation treatment of biochar to enhance the biogas production process. The kinetic model proposed fits successfully with the data of the experimental work and the modified Gompertz models that had the maximum R2 value of 0.993 for 150 mg/L of OSDB. The results of this work confirmed the significant impact of US and ozonation processes on the use of biochar as an additive in biogas production. The highest biogas outputs 1059 mL/g VS and 1054 mL/g VS) were achieved when 50 mg of SSDB and 150 mg of OSDB were added to C. linum co-digested with S. parkle.

Abstract Remdesivir can precipitate fatal acute necrotizing pancreatitis especially in patients who previously suffer from hypertriglyceridemia.

Objective This study aims to evaluate the result of a two‐stage (delayed conversion) management of nonunion after failed external fixation of the lower limb. Methods A case series of 25 patients (19 males and six females) enrolled in this study between February 2008 and October 2016, mean age 33.4 years (range, 22–65 years). Eight had femoral fractures, and 17 had tibial fractures. All were due to high‐energy trauma and were open fractures. All cases were presented by non‐union after external fixation in the lower limb long bones. All patients were managed by two stages (delayed conversion) osteosynthesis. The patients have been assessed for rate and time for union, range of motion of adjacent joints, the Modified functional outcome score of Karlstrom‐Olerud, and Trauma outcomes measure score. Results The mean follow‐up was 36.5 months (range 24–54 months). Twenty‐two cases (88%) were fully united on an average of 5.3 months. According to the Karlstrom‐Olerud scores, the final functional outcome score was excellent 12 cases, good 9 cases, accepted 2 cases, and poor in two cases. As regards the trauma outcome measure score, the mean TOM after 3 months was 26.1 (25.3–27.3), 30.4 (29.3–32.1) after 12 months, and 33.4 (32.3–40) after 24 months. Conclusions The technique of two‐stage treatment of nonunions of long bone after external fixation is a successful tool to achieve bony union. It could be a favorable option with a low risk of complications and a high level of functional outcomes.

Relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is the most prevalent MS subtype. Ample evidence has indicated that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial players in autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. This study investigated the expression of lnc-EGFR, SNHG1, and lincRNA-Cox2 in RRMS patients during active relapses and in remission. Additionally, the expression of FOXP3, a master transcription factor for regulatory T cells, and NLRP3-inflammasome-related genes were determined. Relationships between these parameters and MS activity and annualized relapse rate (ARR) were also evaluated. The study included 100 Egyptian participants: 70 RRMS patients (35 during relapse and 35 in remission) and 30 healthy controls. RRMS patients showed significant downregulation of lnc-EGFR and FOXP3 and dramatic upregulation of SNHG1, lincRNA-Cox2, NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 compared to controls. Lower serum TGF-β1 and elevated IL-1β levels were observed in RRMS patients. Notably, patients during relapses displayed more significant alterations than those in remission. Lnc-EGFR was positively correlated with FOXP3 and TGF-β1 and negatively correlated with ARR, SNHG1, lincRNA-Cox2, and NLRP3 inflammasome components. Meanwhile, SNHG1 and lincRNA-Cox2 were positively correlated with ARR, NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and IL-1β. Excellent diagnostic performance for lnc-EGFR, FOXP3, and TGF-β1 was demonstrated, while all biomarkers exhibited strong prognostic potential for predicting relapses. Finally, the differential expression of lnc-EGFR, SNHG1, and lincRNA-Cox2 in RRMS patients, especially during relapses, suggests their involvement in RRMS pathogenesis and activity. Correlation between their expression and ARR implies relationships to disease progression. Our findings also highlight their promising roles as biomarkers for RRMS.

Amino- and carboxyl-functionalized carbon quantum dots (Amino-CQDs) were synthesized through fast and simple microwave treatment of a citric acid, ethylenediamine and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) mix. The reproducible and stable optical properties from newly synthesized CQD dispersion with a maximum absorbance spectra at 330 nm and the symmetric emission maximum at 470 nm made the Amino-CQDs a promising fluorescence material for analytical applications. The highly aminated and chelate moieties on the CQDs was appropriate for a copper (Cu2+) cation sensor in the linear range from 1 × 10−4 mg/mL to 10 mg/mL with a limit of detection at 0.00036 mg/mL by static fluorescence quenching effects. Furthermore, Amino-CQDs demonstrated stable fluorescence parameters for assays in diluted alkali metal solution (Na+ and K+) and sea water. Finally, a visual sensor, based on Amino-CQDs, was successfully created for the 0.01–100 mg/mL range to produce a colorimetric effect that can be registered by computer vision software (Open CV Python).

Abstract Background and Aim Colorectal cancer (CRC) accounts for over 8% of all deaths each year, with 1.2 million new cases diagnosed annually worldwide. It represents the seventh most common cancer in Egypt. Early detection of peritoneal metastasis is a major challenge in such cases. It helps with the decision of the immediate application of intraperitoneal chemotherapy after resection. Meta‐analysis studies reported contrast evidence for a possible prognostic role of intraperitoneal free cancer cells (IPCCs) in peritoneal recurrence and survival after curative resection. In this work, we aim to evaluate the prevalence and impact of detecting free malignant cells in peritoneal fluid on survival and local recurrence and to estimate the incidence of peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) during follow up. Methods Design: This was a prospective cohort study. Settings: From June 2016 to December 2018, samples were collected from 104 patients who underwent abdominal surgery for colorectal cancer in the Egyptian National Cancer Institute. A total of 96 Egyptian CRC patients who underwent curative resection were enrolled. Intraoperative peritoneal lavage was performed to detect IPCC by conventional cytology. Patients with no residual tumor after surgery and no evidence of PC were followed up for a median 14 months. The cumulative 12‐month overall survival rate for patients with IPCC was 100% versus 86% for patients with negative cytology. Results Our results demonstrated that the prevalence of IPCC in the peritoneal lavage was 11.5%. Peritoneal and local recurrence occurred at a higher rate in patients with cytology positive lavage (9.1% vs 6.3% and 9.1% vs 3.8%, respectively), although this was statistically insignificant. Distant metastasis occurred significantly in patients with positive cytology (45.5% vs 8.9%) with P‐value

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with a state of chronic inflammation which is responsible for many of the pathophysiological changes detected in these patients. Many studies have evaluated the effect of Ramadan fasting on renal function and cardiovascular morbidity in CKD patients, but the effect of Ramadan fasting on markers of chronic inflammation was not previously assessed. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Ramadan fasting on some markers of chronic inflammation in CKD patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 body surface area and not on dialysis. This was a pilot study that included 20 patients (8 males and 12 females), mean age 61.9 years with CKD (eGFR

Oral therapy of tramadol, an opiate analgesic, undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism and requires frequent administration. Transdermal therapy by virtue can overcome these issues and can improve the efficacy and reduce abuse liability of tramadol. The aim of this research was to investigate the possibility of transdermal delivery of tramadol by formulating proniosome gel and evaluate its therapeutic potential in vivo. The effect of formulation composition as well as amount of drug on physicochemical characteristics of prepared proniosomes were examined. Best proniosome gel (F4) was selected and evaluated for drug release, stability and transdermal efficacy by ex vivo and in vivo experiments. The vesicles demonstrated optimal properties including spherical shape, nanosize with good entrapment efficiency, adequate zeta potential, higher stability and greater transdermal flux. The amorphization and dispersion of tramadol in the aqueous core of proniosome vesicles was confirmed by differential scanning calorimeter. Release profile of F4 was distinct (P

Abstract Background Anopheles multicolor is known to be present in the arid areas of Africa north of the Sahara Desert, especially in oases. To date, its presence in Mauritania has not been reported. Here, we present the first record of its presence in Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania. The larvae of An. multicolor, together with those of An. arabiensis, the major malaria vector in the city, were found thriving in highly saline surface water collections. Methods Entomological surveys were carried out during 2016–2017 in Nouakchott. Mosquito larval habitats were investigated through larval surveys while indoor resting culicid fauna were collected using hand-held aspirator. Physicochemical parameters of the larval habitats were measured on-site, at the time mosquitoes were collected. Larvae and pupae were reared to adults in the insectaries. Morphological and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods were used to identify newly emerged adults. Batches of fourth-instar larvae were used to assess salinity tolerance by exposing them to increasing concentrations of NaCl, and mortality was monitored throughout development. Results Morphological and molecular results confirmed that the specimens were An. multicolor and An. arabiensis. Sequences of 24 An. multicolor adult mosquitoes showed 100% nucleotide identity with the published sequences of An. multicolor from Iran. The physicochemical analysis of the water from the two larval habitats revealed highly saline conditions, with NaCl content ranging between 16.8 and 28.9 g/l (i.e. between c.50–80% seawater). Anopheles multicolor and An. arabiensis fourth-instar larvae survival rates at 17.5 g/l NaCl were 86.5% and 75%, respectively. Anopheles arabiensis larvae showed variable levels of salt tolerance according to the larval habitat. Adult An. multicolor specimens were collected resting indoor at low frequency (0.7%) compared to the other culicid mosquitoes. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this paper is the first report of An. multicolor in Mauritania, extending the known distributional range of the species to the south, as well as to the west. Highly salt-tolerant populations of An. arabiensis and An. multicolor were observed. Because salt-water collections are widespread in Nouakchott, the relevance of these findings for the dynamics and epidemiology of malaria transmission needs to be assessed.

Abstract Background Laparoscopic gastrectomy has been used as a superior alternative to open gastrectomy for the treatment of early gastric cancer. However, the application of laparoscopic D2 lymphadenectomy remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of laparoscopic gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer. Results Between May 2016 and May 2018, twenty-five consecutive patients with gastric cancer underwent laparoscopic D2 gastrectomy: eighteen patients (72%) underwent distal gastrectomy, four patients (16%) underwent total gastrectomy, and three patients (12%) underwent proximal gastrectomy. The median number of lymph nodes retrieved was 18 (5–35). A positive proximal margin was detected in 2 patients (8%). The median operative time and amount of blood loss were 240 min (200–330) and 250 ml (200–450), respectively. Conversion to an open procedure was performed in seven patients (28%). The median hospital stay period was 8 days (6–30), and the median time to start oral fluids was 4 days (3–30). Postoperative complications were detected in 4 patients (16%). There were two cases of mortality (8%) in the postoperative period, and two patients required reoperation (8%). Conclusions Laparoscopic gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy can be carried out safely and in accordance with oncologic principles.

The goal of the current study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs-Exo) and copper sulfide nanoparticles (CuSNPs) as biomaterials in order to understand the mechanisms that contribute to overcoming cadmium (Cad) induced neurological disorders in rats. Animals were divided into five groups (n = 10): group 1 was served as a negative control and receive vehicle saline (Con), group 2 Positive control groups were received Cad as cadmium chloride at a dose of 20 mg/kg/day for six weeks (Cad group), group 3 was received Cad plus MSCs-Exo as a single dose of 100 μLi. v. (Cad + MSCs-Exo), group 4 was received Cad plus CuSNPs at a dose of 6.5 mg/kg orally (Cad + CuSNPs), group 5 was received Cad + MSCs-Exo + CuSNPs for six weeks. However, the activities of each acetylcholine (Ach), acetylcholinesterase (AchE), total antioxidant status (TAC) were measured. Also, the levels of ROS, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Brain brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) were evaluated. Beneficial effects on the behavior of animals were observed after treatment with MSCs-Exo and CuSNPs. Furthermore, the administration of MSCs-Exo and CuSNPs have been improve the TAC, BDNF and NGF via ameliorating the oxidative stress and inflammatory markers. Moreover, Histopathological studies had shown that great development in the brain of Cad rats treated with MSCs-Exo and CuSNPs. In conclusion, this study offers an overview of innovative stem cell therapy techniques and how to integrate them with nanotechnology to boost therapeutic performance.

Human infestations by bed bugs have upsurged globally in recent decades, including in African countries, where recent reports pointed out an increase in infestation. Sympatric dwelling has been described for two species of bed bug parasitizing humans: Cimex hemipterus (the tropical bed bug) and C. lectularius. Identification of these two species is based on morphological characteristics, and gene sequencing, and may also rely on Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The present work aimed to assess whether MALDI-TOF MS was applicable for species level identification of immature stages of Cimex. Arthropods were collected in domestic settings in Nouakchott, Mauritania. Identification used morphological keys and MALDI-TOF MS identification was assessed for immature stages. Quantitative PCR and sequencing assays were used to detect arthropod-associated bacteria in each specimen. A total of 92 arthropods were collected, all morphologically identified as C. hemipterus (32 males, 14 females and 45 immature stages). A total of 35/45 specimens produced good quality MALDI-TOF MS spectra. Analysis allowed species level identification of all immature C. hemipterus after their spectra were entered into our in-house MALDI-TOF MS arthropod spectra database. Molecular screening allowed detection of Wolbachia DNA in each specimen. These results suggested that MALDI-TOF MS is a reliable tool for species level identification of Cimex specimens, including immature specimens. Future studies should assess this approach on larger panels of immature specimens for different Cimex species and focus on the precise staging of their different immature developmental stages.

Conventional construction materials which rely on a fossil-based, nonrenewable extractive economy are typically associated with an entrenched linear economic approach to production. Current research indicates the clear interrelationships between the production and use of construction materials and anthropogenic climate change. This paper investigates the potential for emerging high-performance biobased construction materials, produced sustainably and/or using waste byproducts, to enable a more environmentally sustainable approach to the built environment. Life-cycle assessment (LCA) is employed to compare three wall assemblies using local biobased materials in Montreal (Canada), Nairobi (Kenya), and Accra (Ghana) vs. a traditional construction using gypsum boards and rockwool insulation. Global warming potential, nonrenewable cumulative energy demand, acidification potential, eutrophication potential, and freshwater consumption (FWC) are considered. Scenarios include options for design for disassembly (DfD), as well as potential future alternatives for electricity supply in Kenya and Ghana. Results indicate that all biobased alternatives have lower (often significantly so) life-cycle impacts per functional unit, compared to the traditional construction. DfD strategies are also shown to result in −10% to −50% impact reductions. The results for both African countries exhibit a large dependence on the electricity source used for manufacturing, with significant potential for future decarbonization, but also some associated tradeoffs in terms of acidification and eutrophication.

Abstract Early and frequent evaluation of thyroid profile in COVID‐19 infected patients is crucial as it will influence thyroid disease sequelae and management in those patients; moreover, it will facilitate setting an appropriate management plan.

Abstract Background and objective Certain substances with some physical and chemical activities can be used to decrease the transpiration rate and alleviate plant water stress through rising leaf resistance to the diffusion of water vapor. Wheat plant is considered as one of the most important and economic winter plants. So, the objective of this work is to evaluate the response of wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar Gimeza 7 to various concentrations of foliar application of anti-transpirant substances as kaolin (3 and 6%), potassium sulfate (100 and 200 mg/l). Materials and methods Two pot experiments were conducted during 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 successive growing winter seasons under greenhouse conditions at the Experimental Station, in the National Research Centre, Egypt. The plants were exposed to various levels of water holding capacity (WHC) 80, 60, and 40%. Results Water stress led to a decrease in growth parameters, yield components, photosynthetic pigments, and carbohydrate contents as compared to 80% of WHC. Meanwhile, water stress caused significant increases in some compatible solute (total soluble sugar, free amino acids, and proline) and some antioxidant enzymes activities. Foliar treatments of wheat plants with kaolin or K2SO4 led to an increase in growth parameters, yield components, photosynthetic pigments, and carbohydrate constituents. More accumulation of the organic solutes of leaves (total soluble sugar and free amino acids), antioxidant enzyme activities, and some minerals (N, P, K, and Ca) was observed. Data also illustrated that the nutritional values of the grain yield of wheat were also improved when sprayed with kaolin and K2SO4. Conclusion The used substances are safe for the environment, and for the plant, potassium is an essential nutrient and its ability controls several biochemical and physiological responses in plants. Kaolin also can ameliorate plant physiology and consequently lead to higher yield production.

This paper presents an extension for the current developed experience-based frameworks. The current experience-based scheme depends on executing two parallel threads; one tries to solve the problem using traditional approaches, while the other thread uses experience from past solutions for solving it. Once one of these threads solves the problem, its solution is promoted to be the problem's solution, yet disregarding the solution quality. However, our extension to experience-based frameworks uses clustering to decides which thread will solve the problem while maintaining solution quality. We have used experience-based motion planners for benchmarking our approach, where the presented results demonstrate that this approach works with different experience representations while maintaining better path quality, experience utilization, and reduced computational cost.

Incisional hernias are common late complications of abdominal surgery, with a 1-year post-laparotomy incidence of about 20%. A giant hernia is often preceded by severe peritonitis of various causes. The Fasciotens® Abdomen device is used to stretch the fascia in a measurably controlled manner during surgery to achieve primary tension-free abdominal closure. This prospective observational study aims to clarify the extent to which this traction method can function as an alternative to component separation (CS) methods.Methods: We included data of 21 patients treated with intraoperative fascia stretching in seven specialized hernia centers between November 2019 and August 2020.Results: Intraoperatively-measured fascial distance averaged 17.3 cm (range 8.5–44 cm). After application of diagonal-anterior traction >10 kg for an average duration of 32.3 min (range 30–40 min), the fascial distance decreased by 9.8 cm (1–26 cm) to an average 7.5 cm (range 2–19 cm), which is a large effect (r = 0.62). The fascial length increase (average 9.8 cm) after applied traction was highly significant. All hernias were closed under moderate tension after the traction phase. In 19 patients, this closure was reinforced with mesh using a sublay technique.Conclusion: This method allows primary closure of complex (LOD) hernias and is potentially less prone to complications than component separation (CS) methods.