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Abstract Insufficient functional β-cell mass causes diabetes; however, an effective cell replacement therapy for curing diabetes is currently not available. Reprogramming of acinar cells toward functional insulin-producing cells would offer an abundant and autologous source of insulin-producing cells. Our lineage tracing studies along with transcriptomic characterization demonstrate that treatment of adult mice with a small molecule that specifically inhibits kinase activity of focal adhesion kinase results in trans-differentiation of a subset of peri-islet acinar cells into insulin producing β-like cells. The acinar-derived insulin-producing cells infiltrate the pre-existing endocrine islets, partially restore β-cell mass, and significantly improve glucose homeostasis in diabetic mice. These findings provide evidence that inhibition of the kinase activity of focal adhesion kinase can convert acinar cells into insulin-producing cells and could offer a promising strategy for treating diabetes.

Abstract In this work, a higher order-to-fundamental mode converter is reported and analyzed based on an asymmetric dual channel waveguide (ADC-WG) on silicon. In the reported structure, one of the two waveguides is infiltrated with nematic liquid crystal (NLC) material to add temperature tunability while the other one is a solid BK7 waveguide. The modal characteristics are obtained using the full vectorial finite difference method (FVFDM). In addition, the structural parameters and optical characteristics of the employed materials are investigated to achieve good wavelength selectivity with a short device length (LD). Thus, a compact mode converter that can work at different wavelengths including the telecommunication wavelength i.e., 1.55 μm with LD ~ 482.31 μm and a low crosstalk of − 19.86 dB is presented. To prove the thermal tunability of the suggested mode converter, its operation is tested through a temperature range between 20 and 35 °C and the results show that the mode conversion process is achieved at each temperature with different phase matching wavelengths (λPMW) but with quite similar coupling length (LC). The proposed device can therefore be effectively utilized in integrated photonic circuits.

ABSTRACT: The purpose of the study was to compare young (6-wk-old) and spent (52-wk-old) Japanese quail in terms of body weight, carcass characteristics, and some meat quality traits. Whole carcasses were dissected, pectoral muscles and leg muscles were sampled for determination of basic chemical composition and L*a*b* color parameters, while m. pectoralis major was sampled for texture and microstructure traits. Age of quails had a significant effect on body weight, carcass weight, carcass yield, pectoral muscle, abdominal fat and skin with subcutaneous fat, and carcass remainders contents in eviscerated carcass. Spent quails had significantly higher intramuscular fat content in pectoral and leg muscles and protein content in breast muscle, and also lower content of water in breast and leg muscles than young quails. Slaughter age significantly affected lightness (L*) and redness (a*) of pectoral muscles, as well as texture traits (except for cohesiveness) and microstructure of m. pectoralis major, except for thickness of perimysium and endomysium. Regardless of age, quail sex had an effect on the carcass traits studied (except for leg muscle content), intramuscular fat content of pectoral and leg muscles, water content of leg muscles and yellowness of pectoral muscle. In addition, a significant effect of quail sex was found on cutting work, springiness, chewiness and marked microstructural characteristics, except for vertical fiber diameter. The interaction between age and sex was significant for most slaughter and microstructural characteristics and also WB-shear force of m. pectoralis major, and L*, b* pectoral muscles. Higher fatness of carcasses, higher intramuscular fat in meat, and poorer textural and microstructural characteristics of m. pectoralis major spent Japanese quail indicate poorer fulfillment of most consumers' requirements compared to carcasses and meat of young quails.

Abstract Objectives To investigate the clinical and epidemiological factors associated with severe COVID-19 cases in hospitalized patients across two emirates within the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods A retrospective observational analytical study analysed data from 738 medical records and conducted 573 in-depth interviews with patients hospitalized across multiple healthcare centers in the UAE, between 29 January 2020 and 14 October 2021. Regression analysis predicted risk factors for COVID-19 severity. Results Main risk factors identified were crowding (aOR 1.919; 95%CI 1.144, 3.221), obesity (aOR 2.383; 95%CI 1.332, 4.263), diabetes (aOR 11.14; 95%CI 2.653–46.797), severe dehydration (aOR 3.219; 95%CI 2.161, 4.795), cough or sore throat (aOR 1.607; 95%CI 1.032, 2.502), shortness of breath (aOR 1.921; 95%CI 1.294, 2.853), increased days from symptom onset to admission (aOR 1.055; 95%CI 1.006, 1.105), elevated ANC (aOR 1.263, 95%CI 1.121, 1.424), and AST/SGOT (aOR 1.055, 95% CI 1.016, 1.095). Protective factors included smoking (aOR 0.367; 95%CI 0.182, 0.740), first dose of COVID-19 vaccination (aOR 0.595; 95%CI 0.377, 0.93), higher oxygen saturation (aOR 0.853; 95%CI: 0.801, 0.907) and elevated ALC (aOR 0.540; 95%CI 0.323, 0.905). Conclusion Identifying risk factors is crucial for high-risk individuals who may require closer monitoring to improve their outcomes. This can provide guidance for surveillance systems and early detection strategies to mitigate the impact of future outbreaks.

The UNESCO Agenda 2030 emphasizes the preservation of cultural heritage sites, focusing on coastal heritage preservation, which still poses substantial difficulties. While earlier studies have addressed the overall consequences of natural hazards along the Alexandria coastline, there is a gap in how they specifically affect coastal heritage sites, e.g., the Qaitbay citadel (our case study). This work seeks to bridge this gap by assessing the critical hazards faced by the Qaitbay citadel, including crustal deformation due to tectonic events, earthquakes, and Sea Level Rise (SLR) resulting from climate change. To comprehensively assess these challenges, a stack of Sentinel-1 SAR datasets (2017-2021) was processed using the Persistent Scatterer InSAR (PS-InSAR) technique to conduct spatial and temporal deformation variations of the citadel's site and its buildings. GPS measurements of Alexandria's (e.g., ALX2) station were correlated with InSAR results within the same period. Furthermore, satellite altimetry data from 1993–2021 covering the citadel and surroundings were processed to highlight long-term SLR trends. The findings indicate 1) A subsidence rate of $-$1 $\pm$ 0.2 mm/yr, associated with the citadel's foundational structures and identified through the PS-InSAR analysis, was caused by load-bearing effects and sand migration beneath the citadel, 2) a vertical displacement of $-$1.3$\pm$0.6 mm/yr obtained from ALX2-GPS station, consistent with the LOS velocity rate of PS-InSAR time series analysis at that specific location, 3) a SLR trend of +3.96 mm/yr, with notable peaks potentially related to episodes of Northern Ionian Gyre reversal, that could result in changes in water mass redistribution in the surrounding region.

The Aswan High Dam, located in southern Egypt, is considered one of the most strategic engineering structures in Egypt. After its full operation of the dam in 1971, a series of micro-earthquakes occurred around the High Dam. The largest seismic event recorded in the region was in November 14, 1981, earthquake with a magnitude of 5.6 ML, located 60 km to the southwest of the dam. Due to the great importance of this area, a combination of remote sensing (InSAR) and terrestrial data (precise leveling) was used to shed light on the current state of crustal deformation in this area. The data collected from three leveling lines (six campaigns) covering the period 2013–2022 in addition to 107 SAR scenes (2017–2021) from the Sentinel-1 mission were used to estimate the up-to-date ground deformation of the study area. The results from both Small Baseline Subset (SBAS) and leveling measurements show that the fault normal velocity of the Spillway fault is approximately 3 ± 0.15 mm/yr. The obtained results coincide with the seismicity pattern recorded in the study area, as the seismic events close to the dam are characterized by normal fault mechanisms. Outcomes show the importance of combining terrestrial (leveling) and space geodetic techniques (InSAR) to map the active faults and estimate the deformation rates along these faults.

The purpose of this study was to provide information on cysts of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee. This included an anatomical and radio-anatomical reminder of the cruciate ligaments of the knee, along with details of the epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, anatomical risk factors, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and treatment of ACL cysts. A retrospective analysis was conducted, involving the review of 7 radioclinical records from the medical imaging department of Ibn Sina University Hospital in Rabat, covering a period of 3 years (2018-2020), during which 7 cases of ACL cysts were diagnosed. The results revealed that ACL cysts are a rare condition, frequently detected incidentally during the assessment of meniscal lesions. Symptoms commonly include knee pain and limited mobility, and MRI is considered the diagnostic modality of for distinguishing between simple fluid-filled cysts and infiltrative cysts, as well as for ruling out other differential diagnoses. Treatment options include radio-guided infiltration puncture and arthroscopic resection.

Hydatid disease is still endemic in several regions worldwide including Morocco, and is caused in most cases by the larval form of 2 species of the tapeworm Echinococcus: E. granulosus and E. multilocularis. Primary hydatid disease of the bone without systemic involvement is rare. The disease has a silent clinical evolution until it reaches complicated stages. Complications may include pathological fracture, neural deficit, infection, and fistulization of the abscess. Preoperative diagnosis is based on clinical history, imaging findings, and serological tests, which lack high sensitivity and specificity. Although the interpretation of imaging studies can prove to be very confusing because the bone changes evolve with time, and the nonspecificity of these findings often leads to a mistaken diagnosis. The diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion, especially in patients who reside in or travel to sheep-raising areas where hydatid disease is endemic. A high index of suspicion is necessary for the diagnosis, especially in patients that live in or travel to sheep-raising areas where hydatid disease is endemic. The treatment of choice remains surgical, following the principles of a locally malignant lesion. Chemotherapy (albendazole alone or in combination with praziquantel) is indicated when surgery is not possible or as an adjuvant treatment. The prognosis is often poor. We report the case of a 28-year-old woman with long-standing pain in the left hip joint in which the imaging findings were thought of as being either tuberculous or neoplastic. The result of a CT-guided biopsy concurred with an unexpected diagnosis of a hydatid cyst. This case highlights that in the absence of a high index of suspicion for echinococcal infection, the semblance of imaging findings of hydatid disease in the bone to those of other skeletal pathologies can lead to misinterpretation.

Background and Objectives: Endoscopic biliary plastic stenting is a safe and effective temporary therapeutic modality used in various benign biliary disorders. Long-term indwelling stents for more than one year without retrieval are termed “forgotten biliary stents”. In clinical practice, the forgotten stents are underestimated and the majority of data were obtained from case reports. The aim of this study was to determine the forgotten-biliary-plastic-stent-related complications, their management, and the patients’ clinical outcomes. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was performed at three hospitals during the period from January 2021 to December 2023. In total, 577 patients with biliary plastic stents—inserted for a variety of benign biliary conditions—were included. They were divided into two groups, as follows: group 1 included 527 patients who had biliary stents removed within 3 months, and group 2 included 50 patients with biliary stents retrieved after one year of their deployment. The stent-related complications (e.g., acute cholangitis, stent clogging, distal stent migration, new common bile duct (CBD) stone formation, and proximal stent migration) and the endoscopic management success rate were evaluated. Results: Irretrievable CBD stones were the main indication for biliary plastic stenting in both groups. The stent-related complications, number of endoscopic sessions, and hospital admissions were significantly higher in the patients with forgotten biliary stents than those with stent removal within 3 months. All the study patients were successfully managed endoscopically with uneventful outcomes. Conclusions: Based on this retrospective study, non-adherence to the endoscopists’ instructions is the main reason for retained biliary stents for more than one year. The patients with forgotten stents had significantly higher complication rates, a higher number of endoscopic sessions, and a higher number of hospital admissions than those with stents that were retrieved in the scheduled time. All patients were managed endoscopically with a technical success rate of 100%, and with no complication-related mortality.

Preserving cultural heritage through monitoring, registering, and analyzing damage in historical architectural structures presents significant financial and logistical burdens. Developed approaches for monitoring and registering 4D (4-dimensional)-scanned range and raster images of damaged objects were investigated in a case study of historical Baron Palace in Egypt. In the methodology, we first prepared and observed the damaged historical models. The damaged historical models were scanned using a laser scanner at a predetermined date and time. Simultaneously, digital images of the models were captured (by a calibrated digital camera) and stored on a researcher’s tablet device. By observing and comparing the scanned models with the digital images, geometric defects and their extent are identified. Then, the observed data components were detected on the map. Then, damaged statue materials were investigated using system of energy dispersive (SEM; scanning electron microscope, Gemini Zeiss-Ultra 55) and XRF (X-ray fluorescence) spectroscopic analysis to identify the statue’s marble elements, and the results indicate that SEM-EDX and XRF analyses accurately identify major and minor compositions of the damaged statue. Then, the damaged models were registered in two stages. In the registration stages, the corresponding points were determined automatically by detecting the closest points in the clouds and ICP (iterative closest point) algorithm in RiSCAN. The point clouds (of the Palace and damaged statues) gave very detailed resolutions and more realistic images in RiSCAN, but it is a costly program. Finally, the accuracies of the registration tasks were assessed; the standard deviations are within acceptable limits and tend to increase irregularly as the number of polydata observations used in the registration calculations increase.

Abstract Background Up to date, a well-defined microRNAs (miRNAs) profile involved in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) pathogenesis remains indecisive. Thus, employing miRNAs for HCC diagnosis is demanded for early therapeutic interventions. We aimed to evaluate the usage of miRNAs set related to the SuperPath: miRNAs involved in DNA damage response pathway as effective biomarkers for HCV-related HCC diagnosis. Results The study enrolled 97 patients with HCV-related HCC, 84 with hepatitis C virus (HCV), 97 with liver cirrhosis (LC), and 84 healthy individuals. Serum miRNA-23a, miRNA-203, miRNA-100-5p, and miRNA-16 were quantified using qRT-PCR experiments, AFP and routine LFTs were estimated via standard techniques. Pathway enrichment analysis along with the construction of miRNAs regulatory network were performed. With respect to healthy individuals, miRNA-203, miRNA-100-5p, and miRNA-16 were significantly downregulated in HCC, HCV, and LC groups, while miRNA-23a showed significant upregulation (p 5 cm. Additionally, the diagnostic performance of miRNA-23a expression level at a selected cut-off value of 3.99 overtakes AFP, while expressions of miR-203, miRNA-100-5p, and miRNA-16 represent poor diagnostic outcomes. Conclusions Keeping in mind the individual variability and high level of heterogeneity in HCC, our data revealed the diagnostic value of miRNA-23a expression in HCV-related HCC patients. Further extra in silico HCC-specific microRNAs sets are demanded in diagnosis.

Abstract Background and Aims Contrast‐enhanced cross‐sectional imaging is the cornerstone in the diagnosis, staging, and management of HCC, including eligibility for liver transplantation (LT). Radiological‐histopathological discordance may lead to improper staging and may impact patient outcomes. We aimed to assess the radiological‐histopathological discordance at the time of LT in HCC patients and its impact on the post‐LT outcomes. Methods We analyzed further the effect of 6‐month waiting policy on the discordance. Using United Network for Organ Sharing—Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (UNOS‐OPTN) database, we examined the discordance between pre‐LT imaging and explant histopathology for all adult HCC patients who received liver transplants from deceased donors between April 2012 and December 2017. Kaplan–Meier methods and Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate the impact of discordance on 3‐year HCC recurrence and mortality. Results Of 6842 patients included in the study, 66.7% were within Milan criteria on both imaging and explant histopathology, and 33.3% were within the Milan based on imaging but extended beyond Milan on explant histopathology. Male gender, increasing numbers of tumors, bilobar distribution, larger tumor size, and increasing AFP are associated with increased discordance. Post‐LT HCC recurrence and death were significantly higher in patients who were discordant, with histopathology beyond Milan (adj HR 1.86, 95% CI 1.32–2.63 for mortality and 1.32, 95% CI 1.03–1.70 for recurrence). Graft allocation policy with 6‐month waiting time led to increased discordance (OR 1.19, CI 1.01–1.41), although it did not impact post‐LT outcome. Conclusion Current practice for staging of HCC based on radiological imaging features alone results in underestimation of HCC burden in one out of three patients with HCC. This discordance is associated with a higher risk of post‐LT HCC recurrence and mortality. These patients will need enhanced surveillance to optimize patient selection and aggressive LRT to reduce post‐LT recurrence and increase survival.

Abstract Chronic pancreatitis is a debilitating disease affecting millions worldwide. These patients suffer from bouts of severe pain that are minimally relieved by pain medications and may necessitate major surgeries with high morbidity and mortality. Previously, we demonstrated that “chemical pancreatectomy,” a pancreatic intraductal infusion of dilute acetic acid solution, ablated the exocrine pancreas while preserving the endocrine pancreas. Notably, chemical pancreatectomy resolved chronic inflammation, alleviated allodynia in the cerulein pancreatitis model, and improved glucose homeostasis. Herein, we extensively tested the feasibility of a chemical pancreatectomy in NHPs and validated our previously published pilot study. We did serial computed tomography (CT) scans of the abdomen and pelvis, analyzed dorsal root ganglia, measured serum enzymes, and performed histological and ultrastructural assessments and pancreatic endocrine function assays. Based on serial CT scans, chemical pancreatectomy led to the loss of pancreatic volume. Immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated exocrine pancreatic ablation with endocrine islet preservation. Importantly, chemical pancreatectomy did not increase pro-nociceptive markers in harvested dorsal root ganglia. Also, chemical pancreatectomy improved insulin secretion to supranormal levels in vivo and in vitro. Thus, this study may provide a foundation for translating this procedure to patients with chronic pancreatitis or other conditions requiring a pancreatectomy.

This study introduces environmentally-friendly nanocellulose-based membranes for AZO dye (methylene blue, MB) removal from wastewater. These membranes, made of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), zeolite, and citric acid, aim to offer eco-friendly water treatment solutions. CNCs, obtained from sugarcane bagasse, act as the foundational material for the membranes. The study aims to investigate both the composition of the membranes (CMC/CNC/zeolite/citric acid) and the critical adsorption factors (initial MB concentration, contact time, temperature, and pH) that impact the removal of the dye. After systematic experimentation, the optimal membrane composition is identified as 60% CNC, 15% CMC, 20% zeolites, and 5% citric acid. This composition achieved a 79.9% dye removal efficiency and a 38.3 mg/g adsorption capacity at pH 7. The optimized membrane exhibited enhanced MB dye removal under specific conditions, including a 50 mg adsorbent mass, 50 ppm dye concentration, 50 mL solution volume, 120-min contact time, and a temperature of 25°C. Increasing pH from neutral to alkaline enhances MB dye removal efficiency from 79.9% to 94.5%, with the adsorption capacity rising from 38.3 mg/g to 76.5 mg/g. The study extended to study the MB adsorption mechanisms, revealing the chemisorption of MB dye with pseudo-second-order kinetics. Chemical thermodynamic experiments determine the Freundlich isotherm as the apt model for MB dye adsorption on the membrane surface. In conclusion, this study successfully develops nanocellulose-based membranes for efficient AZO dye removal, contributing to sustainable water treatment technologies and environmental preservation efforts.

An infrared (IR) rotary dryer was designed and fabricated to sterilize flaxseeds under different experimental treatments. The investigations were conducted under varying IR intensities (882, 964, 1050, and 1140 W/m2) and exposure times (6, 9, 12, and 15 min). Data analysis showed the minimum amount of specific energy consumed at 882 W/m2 and 6 min for the studied varieties Sakha 3 and Sakha 6. The highest thermal efficiency belonged to the highest radiation intensity and the lowest exposure time, with values of 77.26 % and 86.17 % for Sakha 3 and Sakha 6, respectively. Different IR intensities caused an increase in oil yield (OY), acid value (AV), and peroxide value (PV). For example, 1050 W/m2 for 15 min showed the highest OY for Sakha 3 (37.37 %), whereas 964 and 1050 W/m2 for 12 min reported the highest activity for Sakha 6 (43.20 and 43.43 %, respectively); 1140 W/m2 was the intensity that recorded the highest content of AV (range of 2.67–3.93 mg KOH/g for Sakha 3 and 3.19–4.22 mg KOH/g for Sakha 6) and PV (range of 4.05–6.91 meq. O2/kg for Sakha 3 and 5.21–5.92 meq. O2/kg for Sakha 6). Moreover, increasing IR intensity caused an increase in total phenolic content. The maximum amount was obtained at 1140 W/m2 for 12 min (153.27 and 154.59 mg GAE/100 g sample for Sakha 3 and 6, respectively) without significant changes at 1050 W/m2 and 12 min. For radical scavenging activity, 1050 W/m2 at 9, 12, and 15 min represented the highest activity for Sakha 3 (range of 30.27%–32.64 %) and Sakha 6 (range of 36.58%–37.37 %). Thus, IR pretreatment at 1050 W/m2 and duration between 12 and 15 min is recommended for Sakha 3 and 6. After the oil extraction and storage period (4 weeks), PV increased in all the investigated oil samples. In general, the heat-treated seeds’ oil will stay stable and maintain quality as long as the seeds are stored before the oil is extracted.

Proximal avulsion rupture of the flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendon associated with an ankle dislocation is extremely rare. We report a case of a 29 years old patient presenting a severe open ankle dislocation with flexor digitorum longus tendon tear after a motorcycle accident. We performed wound debridement, ankle reduction, tendon repair and stabilization with external fixation. At our last follow-up 17 months after the operation, the patient had good functional outcome and returned to work. This report is noticeable as it is, to the best of our knowledge, the third study reporting a case with simultaneous open ankle dislocation and proximal avulsion rupture of the FDL tendon.

The functional characteristics of starch can be altered by shear force, which makes the impact on its microstructure of great importance to the food industry. This study investigated the effects of freeze-drying on the gel texture, pasting capabilities, and swelling power of starches made from sweet potatoes (SP), chickpeas (CP), and wheat (WS) combined with Cordia (CG) and Ziziphus gum (ZG). The samples were annealed in water without shearing and in a rapid visco-analyzer (RVA) for 30 min at 60 °C while being spun at 690 rpm. Both native and freeze-dried samples were mixed with 1% or 3% ZG and CG. After annealing, the starches were examined using a texture analyzer and RVA. The results showed that freeze-drying had a substantial (p > 0.05) impact on the starch granule, in addition to the effect of annealing. The peak viscosity of freeze-dried native CP and SP starches increased, but the peak viscosity of freeze-dried wheat starch decreased. The setbacks for CP and WS increased, whereas the setbacks for SP varied slightly. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that annealing in an RVA exhibited a substantially lower peak viscosity than annealing in a water bath; the RVA’s shearing effect may have been the cause of this difference. Cordia gum fared better than ZG in terms of peak viscosity, although ZG significantly reduced setback in comparison to CG. Among the various blends, the native WB sample had the lowest hardness (100 ± 4.9 g), while the freeze-dried WB SP sample had the greatest (175.5 ± 4.8 g). Shearing of starches broke up the granules into smaller pieces, which made them gel at lower temperatures. This could be a good thing when they are needed for food uses that require little cooking.

In the past, studies have been conducted on the evaluation of meat traits of pigeons, but the knowledge obtained is incomplete and needs to be expanded. The purpose of this study was to obtain information on the weight and proportion of carcass elements, femur and tibia bone dimensions, and egg characteristics of meat of King breed and carrier pigeons. For this study, 16 carcasses of carrier pigeons and 16 carcasses of King pigeons were used, with 8 carcasses of males and 8 carcasses of females of each breed. Additionally, 20 eggs evaluated were from carrier pigeons and 20 eggs from King breed pigeons. The carcasses and eggs were obtained from birds that were 12 months old. The compared pigeon breeds differed (p < 0.05) significantly in terms of the weight of the eviscerated carcass with the neck; the content of neck, wings, pectoral and leg muscles in the carcass; as well as in terms of all specified dimensions of tibia and femur length and width. The origin of the pigeons had an effect (p < 0.05) on egg weight and dimensions, egg index, and the other studied egg traits, with the exception of eggshell weight and eggshell yellowness, yolk weight, yolk height, yolk diameter, and yolk index. So far, there have been no studies comparing carrier pigeons and King breed pigeons in terms of femur and tibia bone dimensions, morphological composition and egg dimensions, and egg content traits, which adds to the knowledge in this area and indicates the need for continuation in the future.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of slaughter age and sex on the carcass characteristics, meat quality parameters, and leg bone dimensions of common pheasants. The study material consisted of 40 common pheasants, including 10 males and 10 females at 12 weeks of age and 10 males and 10 females at 15 weeks of age. The birds were kept on a farm in a semi-intensive system. The slaughter age had significant effects on the eviscerated carcass weight; the percentage of skin with subcutaneous fat; the wings percentage; electrical conductivity (EC24); the work required to cut the samples (cutting work); redness (a*); the intramuscular fat content in the breast meat; and the protein, intramuscular fat, water, and collagen contents in the leg meat. The sex of the pheasants had significant effects on the eviscerated carcass weight; the contents of leg muscles, skin with subcutaneous fat, and wings in the carcasses; and the electrical conductivity, thermal loss, lightness (L*), and redness (a*) of the breast muscles. It also significantly affected the protein and water contents of the pectoral and leg muscles, the intramuscular fat contents of the leg muscles, the texture traits of the pectoralis major muscle, and all femur and tibia bone dimensions. The results indicate a greater influence of sex compared to slaughter age on the pheasant traits studied. We confirmed the occurrence of a clearly marked sexual dimorphism in birds of this species. Both factors (slaughter age and gender) have significant effects on the nutritional and technological value of pheasant meat. The few studies on meat texture and the dimensions of pheasant leg bones indicate a need for continued research in this area in the future.

Congenital proximal radioulnar synostosis limits prono-supination and is often well tolerated. Only one publication in the literature describes a fracture associated with this malformation. We report a case of radius and ulna shaft fractures in a 35-year-old patient with well-tolerated bilateral proximal congenital proximal radioulnar synostosis.

Bronchial asthma (BA) is one of the common presentations in the outpatient clinic. In most cases, diagnosis of BA is straightforward with typical history and pertinent physical examination. However, a significant number of patients who present or referred as BA, yet they lack the classical signs and symptoms of BA. The pattern of symptoms and past history of similar episodes are crucial in the diagnosis. Several diseases can mimic asthma presentation including air hunger, acute bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and vocal cord dysfunction need to be identified and managed accordingly. Even if BA can be easily managed in most cases, there are several obstacles that can prevent a good asthma control. Compliance with medication, incorrect use of different devices, and steroid phobia may lead to a poor control of BA. A better control of BA can be obtained by additional measures in the treatment plan. These include step-up and step-down method of therapy, offering influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, attention to comorbidities, and utilizing telemedicine for easy approach and follow-up.

Background Acute pain is a common concern after breast surgery, and despite the conventional management of pain with different analgesics, many patients have poor responses. Paravertebral, epidural, pectoral and serratus plane blocks are the regional blocks, which are used commonly to control pain after breast surgeries. Each of these techniques has its advantages and disadvantages. Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a new regional approach which can provide analgesia to the chest wall, by which local anesthetic drugs can be deposited in the plane between erector spinae muscle and the transverse process producing hemithoracic analgesia. This study was intended to assess the efficacy of ESPB for postoperative analgesia after breast surgeries.Results Fifty-four patients were enrolled in this study and divided into two groups, 27 patients in each group. Group B patients received general anesthesia with ESPB and group C patients received general anesthesia with conventional intravenous analgesia. Group B showed statistically significant reduction in total opioid consumption at 24 hours postoperatively, lower VAS score and improved hemodynamic parameters in the first 8 hours postoperatively.Conclusions Ultrasound-guided ESPB performed at the level of T5 was found to be effective and safe in controlling postoperative pain after breast surgery.

زادت أهمية علم الحشرات الجنائي واستعمال الحشرات وغيرها من المفصليات في تحقيقات الطب الشرعي، ولضمان الاستعمال الأمثل من قبل المحققين الجنائيين، كان من الضروري وجود إطار عام من الممارسات القياسية والمبادئ التوجيهية التي يمكن الدفاع عنها في المحكمة؛ لذلك وضعت المجموعة العلمية العربية لعلم الحشرات الجنائي وثيقة (بروتوكول) لأفضل الممارسات في علم الحشرات الجنائي، والتي تشمل تعريفات المصطلحات الرئيسية ووصفاً تفصيلياً للطرق والأدوات المستخدمة لجمع الأدلة الحشرية. جنباً إلى جنب مع مقدمة قصيرة عن أهم الطرق لتقدير الحد الأدنى للوقت بعد الوفاة، وتحليل البيانات الحشرية، ووصف لنماذج تعاقب الحشرات على الجثث، وبيانات الطقس والأحوال الجوية في موقع الجريمة، وطرق تربية الحشرات فى المختبر، وتعريف بأهم النماذج الحيوانية فى التجارب، وطرق التعريف المورفولوجي والجزيئي لحشرات الجثث، وعلم تحليل السموم في الحشرات، وسجلات وتقارير القضايا باستعمال حشرات الجثث، وصفات عالِم الحشرات الجنائي، وكذلك معايير ضمان الجودة والاعتماد للممارسات القياسية. وتهدف هذه المقالة بشكل عام إلى الوصول إلى مستوى عالٍ من الكفاءة في مجال علم الحشرات الجنائي.

Primary hydatid disease of the skeletal muscle without systemic involvement is rare. Since the infection appears on clinical examination to be a soft-tissue tumor. It is important to have a preoperative radiological evaluation, particularly with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to avoid biopsy or improper cyst management during surgery. We present a unique case of a primary hydatid cyst manifesting as an expanding soft-tissue mass in a 31-year-old woman's left thigh with magnetic resonance imaging revealed a very suggestive aspect of hydatid cyst in the adductor muscles and shows the interaction between cysts and nearby structures. The cyst was surgically removed, and macroscopic and microscopic histopathological examinations confirmed the diagnosis of muscular hydatidosis.

Introduction and importance: Tillaux fracture occurs as a result of a forced external rotation mechanism involving the anterolateral tibial plafond. The occurrence of this fracture in adults is rare because the ligament usually disrupts before causing bone avulsion. Case presentation: We report the case of a 31-year-old man who, following a trauma in a foot-ball game, was admitted for management of an isolated anterolateral tibial plafond fracture. The diagnosis was made by X-ray, supported by CT scan, which investigated the fracture and excluded other associated injuries. Management was based on open reduction and direct screw fixation. After a 12-month follow-up, we obtained an excellent result. Clinical discussion: Tillaux fracture occurs most often in adolescents, more rarely in adults. The balance between ligament strength and bone strength explains the occurrence of this fracture in children, and the decrease in its incidence with the closure of the conjugation cartilage. Diagnosis is based on a complete radiological workup with standard radiographs and possibly a CT scan. Treatment is most often surgical using either direct screw fixation or plate osteosynthesis. Conclusion: Avulsion of the anterolateral distal tibia, called Tillaux fracture, is a rare entity requiring careful examination and a complete assessment in order to make the diagnosis and to eliminate other associated injuries. Although the literature reports single cases, management is often surgical.

Salmonella is a major foodborne pathogen and a leading cause of gastroenteritis in humans and animals. Salmonella is highly pathogenic and encompasses more than 2600 characterized serovars. The transmission of Salmonella to humans occurs through the farm-to-fork continuum and is commonly linked to the consumption of animal-derived food products. Among these sources, poultry and poultry products are primary contributors, followed by beef, pork, fish, and non-animal-derived food such as fruits and vegetables. While antibiotics constitute the primary treatment for salmonellosis, the emergence of antibiotic resistance and the rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella strains have highlighted the urgency of developing antibiotic alternatives. Effective infection management necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the pathogen’s epidemiology and transmission dynamics. Therefore, this comprehensive review focuses on the epidemiology, sources of infection, risk factors, transmission dynamics, and the host range of Salmonella serotypes. This review also investigates the disease characteristics observed in both humans and animals, antibiotic resistance, pathogenesis, and potential strategies for treatment and control of salmonellosis, emphasizing the most recent antibiotic-alternative approaches for infection control.

Abstract Background IBD is a multifactorial disease. Although dysbiosis of commensal bacteria and breakdown of the intestinal barrier are considered as major pathological mechanisms in the development of IBD, other important factors such as genetic aberrations also contribute to its development. Results Our results revealed that serum miR-34a RQ values were significantly lower and serum MACF1 RQ values were significantly higher in IBD patients compared to healthy controls. In addition, serum miR-34a in relation to pathological activity and disease severity in the IBD group revealed a significant difference (p>0.05). Conclusion Serum miR-34a RQ and serum MACF1 RQ value-based biomarker panels can act as a potential biomarker for IBD diagnosis and prognosis.

Abstract Objective Many studies still dispute the identification of independent risk factors that influence outcome after neonatal cardiac surgery. We present our study to announce the contemporary outcomes and risk profile of neonatal cardiac surgery at our institute. Methods We designed a retrospective study of neonatal patients who underwent surgery for congenital heart diseases between June 2011 and April 2020. Demographic, operative, and postoperative data were collected from medical records and surgical databases. The primary outcome was the operative mortality (in-hospital death) and secondary outcomes included hospital length of stay, intensive care unit stay, duration of mechanical ventilation. Results In total, 1155 cardiac surgeries in children were identified; of these, 136 (11.8%) were performed in neonates. Arterial switch operations (48 cases) were the most frequent procedures. Postoperatively, 11 (8.1%) patients required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and 4 (2.9%) patients had complete heart block. Postoperative in-hospital mortality was 11%. The median postoperative duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit stay, and hospital length of stay were 6, 18, and 24 days, respectively. Conclusion The early outcomes of neonatal cardiac surgery are encouraging. The requirement of postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support, postoperative intracranial hemorrhage, and acute kidney were identified as independent risk factors of mortality following surgery for congenital heart defects in neonates.

Starches from different botanical sources are affected in the presence of enzymes. This study investigated the impact of α-amylase on several properties of pre-gelatinized starches derived from chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), corn (Zea mays L.), white beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), and sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas L.). Specifically, the water holding capacity, freezable water content, sugar content, and water sorption isotherm (adsorption and desorption) properties were examined. The source of α-amylase utilized in this study was a germinated sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) extract (GSE). The starch samples were subjected to annealing at temperatures of 40, 50, and 60 °C for durations of either 30 or 60 min prior to the process of gelatinization. A significant increase in the annealing temperature and GSE resulted in a notable enhancement in both the water-holding capacity and the sugar content of the starch. The ordering of starches in terms of their freezable water content is as follows: Chickpea starch (C.P.S) > white beans starch (W.B.S) > wheat starch (W.S) > chickpea starch (C.S) > sweet potato starch (S.P.S). The Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer (GAB) model was only employed for fitting the data, as the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) model had a low root mean square error (RMSE). The application of annealing and GSE treatment resulted in a shift of the adsorption and desorption isotherms towards greater levels of moisture content. A strong hysteresis was found in the adsorption and desorption curves, notably within the water activity range of 0.6 to 0.8. The GSE treatment and longer annealing time had an impact on the monolayer water content (mo), as well as the C and K parameters of the GAB model, irrespective of the annealing temperature. These results can be used to evaluate the applicability of starch in the pharmaceutical and food sectors.

A novel modeling methodology is developed for interconnect parasitic capacitances in rule-based extraction tools. Traditional rule-based extraction tools rely on pattern matching operations to match every interconnect structure with corresponding pre-characterized capacitance formulas. Such a method suffers from three main problems including limited pattern coverages, potential pattern mismatches, and limited handling of systematic process variations. These problems prohibit rule-based methods from coping with the new capacitance extraction accuracy requirements in advanced process nodes. The proposed methodology overcomes these problems by providing machine learning compact models for interconnect parasitic capacitances that cover varieties of realistic cross-section metal patterns. Those models efficiently include the impact of systematic process variations on parasitic capacitances. Moreover, each model can handle thousands of patterns replacing thousands of existing capacitance formulas. The input to the models is a cross-section pattern that is represented by a novel vertex-based pattern representation. The models are implemented using two different machine learning methods: neural networks and support vector regressions. The two methods are tested and compared to each other. The proposed methodology is tested over thirteen test chips of 28nm, 14nm, and 7nm process nodes with more than 6.7M interconnect cross-section patterns. The results show that the proposed methodology provided outstanding accuracy as compared to field-solvers and rule-based models with an average error < 0.15% and a standard deviation < 3.3%, whereas the average errors and standard deviations of rule-based models exceed 6%, for the same test chips. Also, the computational runtimes of the compact models are almost 2.5X faster than rule-based models.

In the domains of data mining and machine learning, feature selection (FS) is an essential preprocessing step that has a significant effect on the machine learning model’s performance. The primary purpose of FS is to eliminate unnecessary features, resulting in time-space reduction as well as improved the corresponding learning model performance. Horse herd optimization algorithm (HOA) is a new metaheuristic algorithm that mimics the herding behavior of horses. Within a wrapper-based approach, a binary version of HOA is proposed in this study to select the optimal subset of features for classification purposes. The transfer function is the most important aspect of the binary version. Eight transfer functions, S-shaped and V-shaped, are tested to map the continuous search space into binary search space. Two main enhancements are integrated into the standard HOA to strengthen its performance. A Levy flight operator is added to improve the HOA’s exploring behavior and alleviate local minimal stagnation. Secondly, a local search algorithm is integrated to enhance the best solution obtained after each iteration of HOA. The purpose of the second enhancement is to increase the exploitation capability by looking for the most promising places discovered by HOA. Large-scaled, middle-scaled, and low-scaled datasets from reputable data repositories are used to validate the performance of the proposed algorithm (BinHOA). Comparative tests with state-of-the-art algorithms reveal that the Levy flight with the local search algorithm have a significant favorable impact on the performance of HOA. An enhancement of the population diversity is observed with avoidance of being trapped in local optima.

A parasitic-aware routing optimization and analysis methodology for integrated circuits is developed based on an incremental parasitic extraction and a fast optimization methodology. Existing routing optimization methodologies rely on many circuit simulations, detailed sensitivity analysis, and inefficient simple parasitic models to optimize routes. Moreover, they do not provide a mechanism to help layout designers in identifying problematic layout geometries that have a bad impact on a route’s performance. The proposed methodology works on overcoming such problems by providing three features. First, it provides novel sensitivity circuit models to analyze the integrity of signals in layout routes. Such circuit models are based on an accurate matrix circuit representation, a cost function, and an accurate parasitic sensitivity extraction. The circuit models identify critical parasitic elements along with the corresponding layout geometries in a certain route, where they measure the sensitivity of a route’s performance to corresponding layout geometries very fast. Therefore, they can correlate the problems of a route’s performance to specific layout geometries. Second, the proposed methodology uses a nonlinear programming technique to optimize problematic routes with pre-determined degrees of freedom using the proposed circuit models. Third, the proposed methodology uses a novel incremental parasitic extraction method to extract parasitic elements of modified geometries efficiently. The incremental extraction is used as a part of the routing optimization process to improve the optimization runtime and increase the optimization accuracy. The proposed methodology is tested over different designs of 7nm and 65nm process nodes. The results show that the proposed methodology managed to identify and optimize the problematic geometries in critical routes efficiently with up to 10% performance improvements and a speedup of 3 to 9X as compared to traditional template-based methods.

Background. Comminuted tibial pilon fractures are induced by high-energy mechanisms and are often associated with soft tissue injuries. Their surgical approach is problematic due to postoperative complications. Minimally invasive management of these fractures has a considerable advantage in preserving the soft tissue and the fracture hematoma. Materials and Methods. We conducted a retrospective study of a series of 28 cases treated at the Orthopedic and Traumatological Surgery Department of the CHU Ibn Sina in Rabat over a period of 3 years and 9 months, from January 2018 to September 2022. Results. After a mean follow-up of 16 months, 26 cases had good clinical results according to the Biga SOFCOT criteria and 24 cases had good radiological results according to the Ovadia and Beals criteria. No cases of osteoarthritis were observed. No skin complications were reported. Conclusion. This study highlights a new approach that deserves to be considered for this type of fracture as long as no consensus has been given.

Some studies have suggested that dietary medicinal plants or herbs may have a variety of biological functions such as anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antifungal, antioxidative stress, and anticarcinogenic activities. The present study was undertaken to assess the incorporation of the extract of licorice supplementation on the growth performance, carcass yield, blood indices, and antioxidative capacity in broilers. Three hundred twenty unsexed one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were allocated randomly into four groups. Chicks in each group were randomly subdivided into eight replicates of ten chicks. The first group received a basal diet and was considered a control. The respective groups received a basal diet supplemented with 1, 2, and 3 g licorice extract/kg diet. The obtained results indicated that supplementation of licorice extract to broiler chicks resulted in heavier BW and weight gain and a better feed conversion ratio during the experimental periods compared with the control group. However, feed consumption increased during the entire growing period. Supplementing the broiler’s diet with licorice extract led to a higher value of erythrocytes, leukocytes, haemoglobin, plasma total protein, albumin, and antioxidant concentration and a low value in plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, urea, and total cholesterol. It could be concluded that the dietary addition of licorice extracts 2 and 3 g licorice extract/kg diet improved broiler chicks' growth performance and physiological status.

Humans consume snail flesh as part of their diet. To assess its nutritional value and toxicity, chemical analyses were conducted to confirm the presence of protein, total and reduced carbohydrates, fat, fatty acid composition and mineral components. Furthermore, an acute toxicity study was carried out to determine the safety of Helix aspersa Müller snail flesh. H. aspersa Müller snail flesh exhibits a high nutritional content, a good ω3/ω6 ratio and higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids. Various minerals have been found in the flesh of H. aspersa Müller. Around 76.91 kcal, or 3.84% of the energy of a daily meal of 2000 kcal, are present in 100 g of this flesh. The evaluation of the antioxidant capacity indicated that the flesh’s extracts contained a large quantity of antioxidant biomolecules. Administration of the aqueous extract of H. aspersa Müller flesh didn’t cause death in laboratory rats, indicating that the lethal dose 50 is greater than 2000 mg·kg−1 body weight. The consumption of the flesh of H. aspersa Müller is highly recommended for human consumption due to its high concentration of nutrients and essential elements, as well as unsaturated fats, and due to its safety.

To determine the effects of organic selenium (0.0–0.6 mg and 0.9 mg Se/Kg diet) and Zn-Cr mixture (100 mg Zn/Kg diet plus 1.5 mg Cr/Kg diet) on broiler chicken performance, carcass traits, blood hematology, and biochemistry under heat stress conditions, this study was conducted. Under temperatures between 30.21 to 31.82 °C, 240 broiler chickens (Ross-308), which were 7-day-old, were randomly assigned to one of six treatments: T1 (control), T2 (100 mg Zn per kg of diet and 1.5 mg Cr per kg of diet), T3 (0.6 mg Se per kg of diet), T4 (0.9 mg Se per kg of diet), T5 (100 mg Zn, 1.5 mg Cr and (LSe), and T6 (100 mg Zn, 1.5 mg Cr and (HSe)). At 35 days old, the chicks fed a diet containing Zn-Cr with low or high organic selenium (organic-Se) outweighed the control group in terms of live body weight, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05). In comparison to the control treatment, birds fed diets supplemented with Zn-Cr or organic-Se (LSe, HSe) significantly increased their serum levels of total protein and total antioxidant capacity. However, these additives resulted in a decrease (p < 0.01) in their serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, creatinine, and uric acid. Together, it was found that trace elements (Zn-Cr and organic-Se) may greatly lessen the impacts of heat stress on broilers by promoting growth performance and boosting metabolic processes.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic is a major international public health crisis, which has led to over 3 million deaths as of April 2021. Several therapeutics have been tried for this deadly illness including antivirals, immunosuppressive agents and convalescent plasma (CP). In this study, we present our inner-city safety net hospital experience with CP therapy. Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 who were treated with CP. Results: A total of 60 patients received CP during the study period. The mean age for patients in this study was 58.95 years. The most common presenting symptoms were shortness of breath (85%) and cough (73%). Hypertension (65%) and diabetes mellitus (55%) were the most common comorbidities in our patients. In our multivariate regression analysis, male sex, nausea and loss of appetite at presentation were associated with improvement in oxygenation after CP. Total survival time, history of obstructive airway disease, home use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin-receptor blockers were associated with decreased survival, whereas Hispanic ethnicity showed a trend towards lower survival after CP therapy. Conclusions: Our study highlights several important characteristics of inner-city safety net hospital patient population who might benefit from CP therapy.

Neutrosophic logic is a very powerful and effective concept. It has different application areas due to its ability to capture the stochasticity in many complex real-life use cases. This paper presents the main types of neutrosophic sets. It also surveys and analyzes its most common applications.

This experiment aimed to evaluate the impact of continuous and intermittent thermal stress during early embryogenesis on hatchability, physiological body reaction, ovary weight, and follicle development of quails. A total of 540 eggs were divided into 3 equal groups (3 groups × 6 replicates × 30 eggs). In the first group (control), eggs were incubated at normal incubation conditions (37.5°C and 50–55% relative humidity) from day 0 till hatching. In the second group (continuous thermal stress [CTS]), eggs were daily exposed to 39.5°C and 50 to 55% during the early embryogenesis for 3 successive days (E4–E6) for 3 h (12:00–15:00). In the third group (intermittent thermal stress [ITS]), eggs were daily exposed to 39.5°C and 50 to 55% during the early embryogenesis for 90 min (12:00–13:30) then temperature was returned to 37.5°C for 60 min (13:30–14:30) after that the temperature was raised again for 39.5°C for 90 min (14:30–16:00) daily for 3 successive days (E4–E6). The findings showed that the highest relative water loss form egg (RWL/%) at 6 d of incubation was obtained in the CTS group (P ≤ 0.05). The hatchability rate was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased in the thermal-treated groups compared with the control group. The body surface temperature and cloacal temperature in the CTS and ITS groups significantly (P ≤ 0.001) increased compared with the control group. Chick weight (g) at 5 wk old, total weight gain, daily weight gain were significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05) in the CTS group compared with the control group. Triiodothyronine (T3) hormone concentration and globulin level were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) lower in the CTS and ITS groups compared with the control. The ovarian follicle weights (first, second, third, fourth, and fifth) and the diameter of the large follicle (fifth follicle) were significantly (P ≤ 0.01) decreased by increasing incubation temperature. From these findings, it could be concluded that the hatchability and body weight at sexual maturity for quails produced from eggs exposed to CTS and IST were significantly decreased by 8 and 2.1% as well as 2.98 and 2.1%, respectively, compared with the control group.

Abstract Background Spinal anesthesia is the preferred anesthetic method for elective cesarean sections (C.S.) due to considerable risks regarding airway management associated with physiological changes of pregnancy. Hypotension is reported to occur in up to 80% of spinal anesthesia cases. Many approaches have been tried to prevent spinal hypotension, e.g., fluid loading, vasopressors, or both. The aim of this prospective, randomized, double blind study is to compare the administration of intermittent i.v. boluses of norepinephrine and ephedrine to guard against the hypotensive effect of spinal anesthesia during cesarean delivery. Methods In the present study, 120 pregnant female undergoing elective CS were randomly divided into “group E” for ephedrine and “group N” for norepinephrine, 60 female in each group. Standard spinal anesthetic technique using 25 spinal needle under complete aseptic technique with injection of 1.8–2.2 ml of heavy bupivacaine 0.5% plus 25 μg of fentanyl according to female height. Group E will receive 10 mg of i.v. diluted ephedrine as hypotension prophylaxis, and group N will receive 16 μg as hypotension prophylaxis at the time of intrathecal block. Measurements of intraoperative episodes of hypotension and their treatment with the same dose of the studied drug in each group, incidence of intraoperative nausea and vomiting, and APGAR score of baby at 1 and 5 min will be recorded. Results Compared with ephedrine, norepinephrine maintained maternal blood pressure. Further, it was associated with lower numbers of hypotension episodes, but more frequency of bradycardia during cesarean delivery. Conclusion Norepinephrine can be used as an alternative vasopressor to maintain maternal blood pressure during spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery, with no adverse effect on neonatal outcome.

Customer lifetime value (CLV) is an essential measure to determine the level of profitability of a customer to a firm. Customer relationship management treats CLV as the most significant factor for measuring the level of purchases and, consequently, the profitability of a given customer. This motivates researchers to compete in developing models to maximize the value of CLV. Dynamic programming models in general—and the Q-learning model specifically—play a significant role in this area of research as a model-free algorithm. This maximizes the long-term future rewards of a certain agent, given their current state, set of possible actions, and the next state of that agent, assuming the customer represents the agent and CLV is their future reward. However, due to the stochastic nature of this problem, it is inaccurate to obtain a single crisp value for Q. In this paper, fuzzy logic and neutrosophic logic shall be utilized to search for the membership values of Q to capture the stochasticity and uncertainty of the problem. Both fuzzy Q-learning and neutrosophic Qlearning were implemented using two membership functions (i.e., trapezoidal, and triangular) to search for the optimal Q value that maximizes the customer's future rewards. The proposed algorithms were applied to two benchmark datasets: The Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining (KDD) cup 1998 direct mailing campaign dataset and the other from Kaggle, related to direct mailing campaigns. The proposed algorithms proved their effectiveness and superiority when comparing them to each other or the traditional deep Q-learning models.

Abstract We report a successful surgical closure of a rught pulmonary artery to left atrium fistula (RPALAF) with secondary atrial septal defect (ASD) in a 3.5 years old girl. These fistulae are rare cause of cyanosis and require early diagnosis and treatment to prevent the serious complications of them.

ABSTRACT Red seaweed possess various sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) that could potentially be exploited as bioactive agents for medical and industrial applications. Crude polysaccharides from the red algae Corallina officinalis (SP1) and Pterocladia capillacea (SP2) were extracted and characterized according to their chemical content and their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, antibacterial, antifungal, and antifouling activities. The isolated polysaccharides contained low levels of protein and high levels of carbohydrate and sulfate. The extracted SPs were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectral data and revealed that SP1 is composed of carrageenan, while SP2 is composed of polysaccharides containing sulfated galactans plus κ- and ι-carrageenan. Both isolated SPs exhibited all the tested biological activities but those of SP2 were superior. These results reflect the beneficial effects that red algal polysaccharides have as a natural renewable bio-product and that there is a significant relationship between polysaccharide structure, sulfate content and their biological properties. Further studies should be undertaken on the fractionation and characterization of polysaccharides extracted from species of red seaweed in addition to experiments to verify the efficiency of the extracted SPs for food and medical uses in vivo.

The objective of the study was to compare Muscovy and Pekin ducks for proximate analysis, colour attributes, tenderness, meat microstructure, and content of some minerals in meat and liver. The material of the study was sexed 51 Muscovy ducks and 47 Pekin ducks. At the end of the rearing period, 40 birds were selected for dissection. Duck genotype influenced the content of water, protein, fat, collagen, zinc, iron, haematin, and redness, chroma, hue angle, WB shear force, muscle fibre diameter and density of the breast muscle, and also protein, fat, magnesium, iron, haematin content, WB shear force and lightness of the leg muscle. The sex of ducks had an impact on the content of water, protein, fat, potassium, copper, on redness, chroma and muscle fibre diameter of breast muscle, and on water, protein, fat, sodium, potassium, magnesium and copper in liver content of the leg muscle. The genotype-sex interaction was significant for water, protein and sodium content, redness, chroma of breast muscles; for water, protein, sodium, magnesium and haematin content, redness and chroma of leg muscles; and for phosphorus content in the liver. Muscovy ducks had more favourable chemical composition and poorer tenderness and microstructural characteristics compared to the meat of Pekin ducks.

Four fungal isolates were obtained from marine sediments collected from El-Max shore of Alexandria City, Egypt. The four isolates were screened for exopolysaccharide (EPS) production. The most promising isolate SEI that provided the highest EPS yield (4.98 g/L) was identified morphologically and genetically using 18S rRNA gene sequence analysis as Aspergillus terreus (A. terreus). Physio-chemical analysis using UV–Vis estimated the carbohydrate contents to be ~ 70.7%. As well, HPLC analysis indicated that it composed of O-glucosamine 59.2%, D-fucose 1.27%, D-glucose 0.88% and D-galactose 0.56%. Further, NMR showed the abundance of α-type monosaccharides over β-anomers, existed mainly in the pyranose form. The SEC estimated the molar mass (Mw-) to be ~ 5.0 x 104 g/mol. The SEM revealed irregular blocks-like structure with smooth surface. The anticoagulant activity of SEI-EPS was investigated for the first time using activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) assay. The current results displayed that the SEI-EPS had successfully increased the APTT from 33 s to 56 s and 251 s at concentrations of 10 and 100 mg/mL, respectively. Moreover, SEI-EPS showed cytotoxic effects against breast cancer and human skin fibroblast cell lines (IC50 > 100 µg/mL and IC50 ~ 47 µg/mL, respectively). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time to report the anticoagulant and cytotoxic activities of A. terreus EPS.

Abstract Photobleaching is the permanent loss of fluorescence after extended exposure to light and is a major limiting factor in super‐resolution microscopy (SRM) that restricts spatiotemporal resolution and observation time. Strategies for preventing or overcoming photobleaching in SRM are reviewed developing new probes and chemical environments. Photostabilization strategies are introduced first, which are borrowed from conventional fluorescence microscopy, that are employed in SRM. SRM‐specific strategies are then highlighted that exploit the on–off transitions of fluorescence, which is the key mechanism for achieving super‐resolution, which are becoming new routes to address photobleaching in SRM. Off states can serve as a shelter from excitation by light or an exit to release a damaged probe and replace it with a fresh one. Such efforts in overcoming the photobleaching limits are anticipated to enhance resolution to molecular scales and to extend the observation time to physiological lifespans.

Abstract Background Heavy tobacco smoking, a hallmark feature of lung cancer, is drastically predominant in Middle Eastern populations. The precise links between nicotine dependence and the functional contribution of the oral microbiota remain unknown in these populations. Methods We evaluated the composition and functional capabilities of oral microbiota with relation to cigarette smoking in 105 adults through shotgun metagenomics using buccal swabs. Results The oral microbiota composition in our study subjects was dominated by the phyla Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes, in addition to the genera Prevotella and Veillonella, similar to previously described westernized cohorts. Furthermore, the smoker's oral microbiota represented a significant abundance of Veillonella dispar, Leptotrichia spp. and Prevotella pleuritidis when compared to non-smokers. Within the smoking groups, differential relative abundance testing unveiled relative abundance of Streptobacillus hongkongensis, Fusobacterium massiliense, Prevotella bivia in high nicotine dependent compared to low nicotine dependent profiles based on Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence. Functional profiling showed marked differences between smokers and non-smokers. Smokers exhibited an enrichment of Tricarballylate utilization and Lactate racemization when compared to the non-smokers. According to their nicotine dependence, enrichment of Xanthosine utilization, p-Aminobenzoyl-Glutamate utilization, and multidrug efflux pump in Campylobacter jejuni biosynthesis modules were detected in the high nicotine dependent group. Conclusions These compositional and functional differences may provide critical insight on how variations in the oral microbiota could predispose to respiratory illnesses and smoke cessation relapse in cigarette smokers. In particular, the observed enrichment of Fusobacterium and Prevotella in the oral microbiota possibly suggests an intriguing linkage to gut and lung cancers.

Abstract Background This study compared dexmedetomidine versus ketamine as regard sedation and anxiolysis produced by giving them through intranasal route to pediatric patients undergoing adenotonsillectomy. This study was double-blinded randomized comparative prospective interventional clinical study done in Ain Shams University Hospital (El Demerdash Hospital) on 76 pediatric patients who underwent adenotonsillectomy, and they were randomly allocated equally into two main groups; group D received 2 μg/kg intranasal dexmedetomidine and group K received 5 μg/Kg intranasal ketamine 30 min before the operation, and the aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of intranasal dexmedetomidine versus intranasal ketamine for anxiolysis and sedation to alleviate stress, agitation, and anxiety in children before general anesthesia and for promoting good level of sedation for them. Results Results of this study as regards sedation level that was assessed by modified Ramsay sedation score showed that there was statistically significant difference between both groups at 10, 20, and 30 min from intranasal application of the drug (P value < 0.05), the median (IQR) of sedation score at 10, 20, and 30 min preoperative in group D was (2 (2 – 2)), (3 (3 – 4)), (4 (4 – 5)) compared to (2 (2 – 3)), (3 (2 – 3)), (4 (3 – 4)) in group K respectively which revealed that there was better and effective sedation in group D more than in group K, this difference was statistically significant but clinically insignificant as both drugs produced an acceptable level of sedation and decreased the level of anxiety in children. Conclusion Both drugs produce effective and favorable sedation level with superiority to dexmedetomidine in sedation scores and time of onset of sedation, and also there was little decrease in heart rate and mean arterial pressure which is favorable during such surgeries; also, there was accepted level of cannulation and parental separation scores, and the parents were highly satisfied with the procedure and were grateful for us due to alleviating stress and anxiety from them and from their children.

This paper presents the new concept of symbolic-based continuous (infinite) modal approach for systems control and operation in varying parameters environment. In this approach, the system is run under varying parameters form where the variations are sensed and fed back in a continuous manner for determining using symbolic-based expressions the corresponding control functions. The approach permits the simultaneous manipulation of system control and operation with the online changes of system parameters. The generic symbolic approach enables high system operation flexibility, while the continuous (infinite) modal operation ensures complete smoothing system behavior and full operation modal compatibility all over various system varying parameters regions. The realization of the continuous (infinite) modal design is carried out through symbolic-based embedded control expressions and using computational mathematics. The proof of concept of the presented scheme is demonstrated through both an illustrative example and an application representing the implementation of control of inverted pendulum system with varying cart mass operation. It is successfully elucidated that the exact generic tracking of changing parameters could effectively be achieved in very smoothly and with complete continuous modal compatibility and full auto or self-modality. Moreover, the proposed scheme enables providing more performance flexibility compared to the known unimodal and multimodal operation approaches and adds a new dimension for future system control and operation specially in the fields of mechatronics and robotics where smooth and flexible system behavior are to be maintained all over the modes of system operation. Finally, the applications of the suggested approach to examples of parameters varying direct and networked cyber-physical systems are addressed such that the varying parameters are monitored online and continuously fed to the symbolic-control function to yield at the end the exact/generic flexible control scheme.

This paper examines the relationship between karst landforms and biological diversity. We investigated the distribution of a migratory threatened species, the Sooty Falcon (Falco concolor), within different karst landform zones identified in the White Desert National Park in the Farafra Oasis, Western Desert, Egypt. Field surveys of the distribution and breeding of Sooty Falcons were conducted within different karst landforms in the White Desert National Park during September to November from 2009 to 2013. Numbers of Sooty Falcon pairs recorded in the park have ranged from 33 to 101 per annum and the species has been recorded in all years from 2009 to 2013. The number of single adults and juveniles ranges from 11 to 71, while the nestlings recorded range between 29 and 88 through the study period. Our results confirm that the distribution pattern, density and breeding success of the falcons are strongly related to solution cavities formed within tower karsts which are the home base for the species. The increased numbers in the last two years are likely related to lesser impacts of human disturbance as a result of a decrease in tourist activity in the study area due to security concerns.