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P Mokhles, JSAG Schouten, HJM Beckers, CAB Webers University Eye Clinic Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands Purpose: Blindness in glaucoma is difficult to assess with merely the use of the current World Health Organization (WHO) definition (a visual field restricted to 10° in a radius around central fixation), as this criterion does not cover other types of visual field loss that are encountered in clinical practice and also depict blindness. In this study, a 5-point ordinal scale was developed for the assessment of common visual field defect patterns, with the purpose of comparing blindness as outcome to the findings with the WHO criterion when applied to the same visual fields. The scores with the two methods were compared between two ophthalmologists. In addition, the variability between these assessors in assessing the different visual field types was determined.Methods: Two glaucoma specialists randomly assessed a sample of 423 visual fields from 77 glaucoma patients, stripped of all indices and masked for all patient variables. They applied the WHO criterion and a 5-point ordinal scale to all visual fields for the probability of blindness.Results: The WHO criterion was mostly found applicable and in good agreement for both assessors to visual fields depicting central island of vision or a temporal crescent. The percentage of blindness scores was higher when using the ordinal scale, 21.7% and 19.6% for assessors A and B, respectively, versus 14.4% and 11.3% for the WHO criterion. However, Kappa was lower, 0.71 versus 0.78 for WHO.Conclusions: The WHO criterion is strictly applied and shows good agreement between assessors; however, blindness does not always fit this criterion. More visual fields are labeled as blind when a less stringent criterion is used, but this leads to more interobserver variability. A new criterion that describes the extent, location, and depth of visual field defects together with their consequence for the patient’s quality of life is needed for the classification of glaucoma blindness. Keywords: glaucoma, blindness, visual fields, World Health Organization

Heavy metal toxicity is a real threat to the environment, crop productivity, and the health of humans and their animals, especially when the toxicity enters the food chain. This study investigates the effect of cadmium on the physiological and molecular levels of ten introduced wheat genotypes. Genotypes were stressed by cadmium (75 mg.L-1) in comparison with unstressed treatment to highlight their response to the cadmium. The experiment was laid out as a factorial arrangement in RCBD, with three replicates. The genotypes included in this study varied in their response to cadmium stress during the laboratory tests. Notably, genotype G-41 was superior to the rest of the genotypes in terms of seed vigor (18.58), chlorophyll content (8.72 mg.g-1), and carotenoid content (4.87 mg.g-1), while genotype IRAQ had wider epidermis in the root (2.28 µm) and ordinary epidermis cells (3.10 µm). Cadmium boosted some physiological and anatomical traits (e.g., REC, Chlorophyll, carotenoids, length and width of root epidermis cells). However, cadmium concentration caused a deterioration in some anatomical traits, including cortex thickness and the length of the ordinary epidermis cells. Some wheat genotypes showed more resistance to cadmium stress than others, and G-3 was notably affected by cadmium treatment and this was associated with the high PCS1 expression of the enzyme that chelates Cd to the vacuole (39 folds). It can be concluded that cadmium reduced the physiological performances except for some genotypes that showed more tolerance. Those genotypes could therefore be investigated further to assess the accumulation of cadmium in their grains

ObjectiveThere is uncertainty about surgical procedures for adult patients aged 18-60 years undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR). Options include conventional AVR (mechanical, mAVR; tissue, tAVR), the pulmonary autograft (Ross) and aortic valve neocuspidisation (Ozaki). Transcatheter treatment may be an option for selected patients. We used formal consensus methodology to make recommendations about the suitability of each procedure.MethodsA working group, supported by a patient advisory group, developed a list of clinical scenarios across seven domains (anatomy, presentation, cardiac/non-cardiac comorbidities, concurrent treatments, lifestyle, preferences). A consensus group of 12 clinicians rated the appropriateness of each surgical procedure for each scenario on a 9-point Likert scale on two separate occasions (before and after a 1-day meeting).ResultsThere was a consensus that each procedure was appropriate (A) or inappropriate (I) for all clinical scenarios as follows: mAVR: total 76% (57% A, 19% I); tAVR: total 68% (68% A, 0% I); Ross: total 66% (39% A, 27% I); Ozaki: total 31% (3% A, 28% I). The remainder of percentages to 100% reflects the degree of uncertainty. There was a consensus that transcatheter aortic valve implantation is appropriate for 5 of 68 (7%) of all clinical scenarios (including frailty, prohibitive surgical risk and very limited life span).ConclusionsEvidence-based expert opinion emerging from a formal consensus process indicates that besides conventional AVR options, there is a high degree of certainty about the suitability of the Ross procedure in patients aged 18-60 years. Future clinical guidelines should include the option of the Ross procedure in aortic prosthetic valve selection.

Abstract Background Secretory carcinoma (SC) has been described as a distinct salivary gland tumor in the fourth edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of head and neck tumors. SC is generally considered as a slow-growing low-grade malignant tumor, while several cases have been reported with high-grade features, and even metastases in the literature up until now. In this article, a soft tissue SC case is discussed with high-grade microscopic features and neural invasion. A review of the salivary gland SC cases with aggressive behavior is also debated. Case presentation A 65-year-old Caucasian man presented with a left neck mass for the past six months. The imaging studies demonstrated a very large cystic cervical mass (46 × 23 mm) with papillary projections in the anterolateral aspect of the left neck zone Vb. He underwent left radical neck dissection (level I-V) and was followed up for 12 months with the diagnosis of Secretory carcinoma. Conclusion Although SC generally has a good outcome, multiple recurrences and unusual metastases may occur, which should be considered by either the pathologists or clinicians.

Speech involves the synchronization of the brain and the oral articulators. Inner speech, also known as imagined speech or covert speech, refers to thinking in the form of sound without intentional movement of the lips, tongue, or hands. Decoding human thoughts is a powerful technique that can help individuals who have lost the ability to speak. This paper introduces a high-performance brain wave decoder based on inner speech, using a novel feature extraction method. The approach combined Support Vector Machine (SVM) and multi-wavelet feature extraction techniques to decode two EEG-based inner speech datasets (Data 1 and Data 2) into internally spoken words. The proposed approach achieved an overall classification accuracy of 68.20%, precision of 68.22%, recall of 68.20%, and F1-score of 68.21% for Data 1, and accuracy of 97.5%, precision of 97.73%, recall of 97.50%, and F1-score of 97.61% for Data 2. Additionally, the Area Under the Curve of the Receiver Operating Characteristic (AUC-ROC) demonstrated the validity of the proposed approach for classifying inner speech commands by achieving a macro-average of 78.76% and 99.32% for Data 1 and Data 2, respectively. The EEG-based inner speech classification method proposed in this research has the potential to improve communication for patients with speech disorders, mutism, cognitive development issues, executive function problems, and mental disorder.

In the era of IoT and smart systems, an enormous amount of data will be generated from various IoT/smart devices in smart homes, smart cars, etc. Typically, this big data is collected and sent directly to the cloud infrastructure for processing, analyzing, and storing. However, traditional cloud infrastructure faces serious challenges when handling this massive amount of data, including insufficient bandwidth, high latency, unsatisfactory real-time response, high power consumption, and privacy protection issues. The edge-centric computing is emerging as a complementary solution to address the aforementioned issues of the cloud infrastructure. Furthermore, for many real-world IoT and smart systems, such as smart cars, real-time, in situ, and online data analysis and processing are crucial. With edge computing, data processing and analysis can be done closer to the source of the data (i.e., at the edge of the networks), which in turn enables real-time and in-situ data analytics and processing. As a result, edge computing will soon become the cornerstone of many IoT and smart applications. However, edge computing is still in its infancy; thus, requires novel models and techniques to support real-time and in-situ data processing and analysis. In this research work, we introduce novel and efficient computation models that are suitable for real-time processing and analysis on next-generation edge-computing platforms. Since most common edge-computing tasks are data analytics/mining, we focus on widely used data analytics techniques, including dimensionality reduction and classification techniques, specifically, principal component analysis (PCA) and support vectors machine (SVM), respectively. This is mainly because it is demonstrated that combination of PCA and SVM leads to high classification accuracy in many fields. In this paper, we introduce three different PCA+SVM models (i.e., Model 1, Model 2, and Model 3), for real-time processing and analysis (for online training and inference) on edge computing platforms. Model 1 and Model 2 are created utilizing the same SVM algorithm but with a different design/functional flows, whereas Model 3 is created with the same functional flow as Model 2 but utilizing a modified SVM algorithm. Our experimental results and analysis demonstrate that Model 3 utilizes dramatically lower number of iterations to produce the results, compared to that of other two models, while achieving acceptable performance results. Our results and analysis demonstrate that Model 3 is the most suitable computation model for real-time processing and analysis of edge computing platform.

Plant breeders have to employ strategies and techniques to produce new improved wheat cultivars to increase productivity to meet the needs of the growing population. Therefore, they have to develop a new cultivar for adaptation to a new environment and new management practices. One of the most important criteria plant breeders should focus on is the exploitation of genotype × environment interaction (GEI). Thus, this study aimed to assess the variability of 24 wheat genotypes growing in different seasons by using the R software “Metan Package”. Moreover, the study estimates the stability parameters and finally highlights the winning genotypes across seasons. Field experiments were conducted across three consecutive seasons specifically 2019/2020, 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 and at different locations. The assessment was done on traits such as plant height [cm], flag leaf area [cm2], chlorophyll index [SPAD], spike number [spike/m2], fertility ratio [%], grain number [grain/spike], grain weight [g], and yield [kg/ha]. Results indicated different performances of wheat genotypes in certain environments as well as across the three environments included in this study. Winner genotypes such as G-20, G-10, G-30, G-4, and IRAQ were selected according to their stability and high grain yield potential. It can be concluded that the use of the Multi-Environment Trail Analysis-METAN package is powerful for detecting promising wheat genotypes with high and stable yields across different environments and under various climate change conditions. Furthermore, it can be recommended that wheat performance needs to be assessed across very wide geographical locations.

Abstract Background Psammomatoid ossifying fibroma (POF) is a rare craniofacial neoplasm, primarily affecting the maxillofacial region, and typically observed in adolescents and young adults. This case report presents a unique occurrence of POF in a 50‐year‐old male, defying the conventional age range and exhibiting an unusual anatomical location within the frontal sinus. Case A 50‐year‐old male with a prior history of cecal adenocarcinoma and colectomy presented with left eye proptosis and new‐onset headaches. Imaging revealed a well‐defined calcified mass in the left frontal sinus, leading to a diagnosis of POF. Open surgical resection was performed to remove the tumor, and histopathological evaluation confirmed its diagnosis as psammomatoid ossifying fibroma. The patient exhibited no postoperative complications or signs of recurrence. Conclusion This case underscores the diverse clinical presentations and diagnostic challenges associated with POF, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnosis and multidisciplinary collaboration. Further research is needed to explore the genetic underpinnings and optimal management strategies for this intriguing condition.

Abstract The expression pattern, diagnostic value, and association of PD-L1, IFN-γ and TGF-β with bone tumor type, severity, and relapse are determined in this study. 300 human samples from patients with osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, and GCT were enrolled. The PD-L1 gene and protein expression were assessed by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. ELISA and flow cytometry was used to detect cytokines and CD4/CD8 T cell percentages, respectively. A considerable increase in PD-L1 level was detected in bone tumor tissues at both gene and protein levels that was considerable in osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma. A positive correlation was detected regarding the PD-L1 and tumor metastasis and recurrence in osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma. The increased IFN-γ level was detected in patients with metastatic, and recurrent osteosarcoma tumors that were in accordance with the level of TGF-β in these samples. The simultaneous elevation of IFN-γ and TGF-β was detected in Ewing sarcoma and GCT, also the CD4 + /CD8 + ratio was decreased significantly in patients with osteosarcoma compared to GCT tumors. The elevated levels of PD-L1, TGF- β, and IFN-γ were associated with bone tumor severity that can provide insights into the possible role of this axis in promoting immune system escape, suppression, and tumor invasion.

Architectural styles have evolved, with distinct periods marked by unique styles that reflect broader artistic movements. Despite extensive research on traditional and contemporary architectural styles, there remains a gap in understanding the distinctiveness and contributions of Parametricism as a 21st-century architectural style. This study aims to critically examine the emergence and development of Parametricism, aiming to highlight whether it represents a fundamental evolution in architectural thought and practice or primarily a methodological innovation. Through a comprehensive investigation of its formal characteristics, historical roots, and relationships with other architectural movements, this study seeks to discuss Parametricism’s unique contributions to modern architecture. This research is crucial as it addresses the underexplored area of parametric design’s impact on architectural theory and practice, offering a critical analysis that situates Parametricism within the broader context of 21st-century architectural styles. By clarifying the definition and position of Parametricism, this study aims to enrich both the state of the art and the state of practice in the field, providing valuable insights for scholars, practitioners, and students of architecture. Through this critical assessment, the paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on the evolution of architectural styles, highlighting the originality and significance of Parametricism in contemporary architecture.

Image semantic segmentation using deep learning algorithms plays a vital role in identifying different rock-forming minerals. In this paper, we employ the U-net model for its architecture that guarantees precise localization and efficient data utilization. We implement this deep learning model across two distinct datasets: (1) the first dataset from the ALEX Streckeisen website, and (2) the second dataset from the Gabal Nikeiba area, South Eastern Desert of Egypt. Our model exhibits excellent performance in both datasets, with an average accuracy of precision at 0.89 and 0.83, recall at 0.80 and 0.78, and F1 score at 0.82 and 0.79, respectively, helping in identifying and detecting rock-forming minerals in thin-section images. The model’s most exceptional performance is clearly in eleven different basement rock-forming minerals with precision up to 0.89, recall at 0.80, and F1 score at 0.82 on average. This study is significant as it represents the key to identifying and detecting minerals in the thin sections of rock samples in Egypt and the Arabian–Nubian Shield as a whole. By significantly reducing analysis time and improving accuracy compared to manual methods, it revolutionizes geological research and resource exploration in the region.

Objectives: To evaluate the ongoing debate concerning the choice of valve prosthesis for women requiring mitral valve replacement (MVR) and who wish to conceive. Bioprostheses are associated with risk of early structural valve deterioration. Mechanical prostheses require lifelong anticoagulation and carry maternal and fetal risks. Also, the optimal anticoagulation regimen during pregnancy after MVR remains unclear. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted of studies reporting on pregnancy after MVR. Valve- and anticoagulation-related maternal and fetal risks during pregnancy and 30 days’ postpartum were analyzed. Results: Fifteen studies reporting 722 pregnancies were included. In total, 87.2% of pregnant women had a mechanical prosthesis and 12.5% a bioprosthesis. Maternal mortality risk was 1.33% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69-2.56), any hemorrhage risk 6.90% (95% CI, 3.70-12.88). Valve thrombosis risk was 4.71% (95% CI, 3.06-7.26) in patients with mechanical prostheses. 3.23% (95% CI, 1.34-7.75) of the patients with bioprostheses experienced early structural valve deterioration. Of these, the mortality was 40%. Pregnancy loss risk was 29.29% (95% CI, 19.74-43.47) with mechanical prostheses versus 13.50% (95% CI, 4.31-42.30) for bioprostheses. Switching to heparin during the first trimester demonstrated a bleeding risk of 7.78% (95% CI, 3.71-16.31) versus 4.08% (95% CI, 1.17-14.28) for women on oral anticoagulants throughout pregnancy and a valve thrombosis risk of 6.99% (95% CI, 2.08-23.51) versus 2.89% (95% CI, 1.40-5.94). Administration of anticoagulant dosages greater than 5 mg resulted in a risk of fetal adverse events of 74.24% (95% CI, 56.11-98.23) versus 8.85% (95% CI, 2.70-28.99) in ≤5 mg. Conclusions: A bioprosthesis seems the best option for women of childbearing age who are interested in future pregnancy after MVR. If mechanical valve replacement is preferred, the favorable anticoagulation regimen is continuous low-dose oral anticoagulants. Shared decision-making remains priority when choosing a prosthetic valve for young women.

Abstract The present study aims to explain the geochemical and mineralogical details of the granitic rock types in Gabal EL-Faliq area, South Eastern Desert of Egypt, in relation to geotechnical engineering and their suitability as dimension stones. The objective of the current research was achieved through two steps; the first step involved geological studies such as the petrographic, geochemical, and mineralogical investigations. The second and applicable step involved the geotechnical assessment of the studied rocks by measuring their engineering properties such as physical, mechanical, and thermal expansion properties. The petrographic investigation revealed that the studied granitic rocks are divided into two main classes: (1) gneissose granites (Biotite–Perthite) of medium to fine-grained size and (2) alkali-feldspar granites of coarse to medium-grained size. Mineralogically, the studied rocks are composed mainly of albite, orthoclase and quartz in varying proportions, along with some accessory minerals such as apatite and rutile in addition to some minor quantities of iron-group minerals such as hematite and ilmenite. The engineering properties showed that the maximum water absorption and apparent porosity values are 0.34% and 0.77%, respectively, while the minimum bulk density is 2604.03 kg/m3. The compressive strength ranges from 999.68 to 2469.10 kg/cm2, while the abrasion resistance varies from 29.67 to 54.64 Ha. The increase in albite content led to an increase in water absorption while a decrease in bulk density and compressive strength. The increase in the grain size led to an increase in apparent porosity and a decrease in mechanical properties. A Great variation in the expansion coefficient as well as the length change, occurs under changes in temperature, mineral composition, and physical properties. The increase in heating temperatures caused an insignificant increase in linear thermal expansion with a maximum value of 0.0385% at 100 °C. These results indicated the suitability of the studied granites as dimension stones for use in indoor and outdoor decorative purposes (cladding/paving) under variable temperature conditions.

Abstract The current contribution conducted new geochemical, remote sensing integrated with gravity detailed studies of talc deposits to identify the talc protolith as well as its extension, depth, and structures. There are two examined areas, distributed from north to south, Atshan and Darhib and both belong to the southern sector of the Egyptian Eastern Desert. They occur as individual lenses or pocket bodies in ultramafic-metavolcanics following NNW-SSE and E-W shear zones. Geochemically, among the investigated talc, Atshan samples have high contents of SiO2 (av. 60.73 wt.%), and higher concentrations of transition elements such as Co (av. 53.92 ppm), Cr (781 ppm), Ni (av. 1303.6 ppm), V (av. 16.67 ppm), and Zn (av. 55.7 ppm). Notably, the examined talc deposits contain low contents of CaO (av. 0.32 wt.%), TiO2 (av. 0.04 wt.%), SiO2/MgO (av. 2.15), and Al2O3 (av. 0.72 wt.%), which is comparable with ophiolitic peridotite and forearc setting. False color composite (FCC), principal component analysis (PCA), minimum noise fraction (MNF), and band ratio (BR) have been used to distinguish talc deposits in the investigated areas. Two new proposed band ratios were created to separate talc deposits. FCC band ratios (2/4, 4/7, 6/5) and (4 + 3/5, 5/7, 2 + 1/3) have been derived to focus on talc deposits in two case studies, Atshan and Darhib areas. The application of regional, residual, horizontal gradient (HG), and analytical signal (AS) techniques to gravity data are used in interpreting the structural directions of the study area. The analysis of this technique displays several notable faults trending in NW–SE, NE–SW, NNW–SSE, and E–W directions. Two techniques of gravity depth calculation were applied in the study areas, namely source parameter image (SPI), and Euler deconvolution (EU). The analysis of these techniques reflects that the depth of subsurface sources ranges between 383 and 3560 m. Talc deposits may be attributed to greenschist facies metamorphism or to a magmatic solution that is (associated with granitic intrusions) interacted with the surrounding volcanic rocks forming metasomatic minerals.

Background and Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common type of cancer that has a high death rate and is becoming more common in developed countries. Currently, there are several treatment options available for CRC patients, and clinical trials are being conducted to improve conventional therapies. This study investigates the combined impact of Bacillus coagulans (B.C) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) on the growth of human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (HT29 cell line). Materials and Methods: The HT29 cell line was cultured under controlled laboratory conditions. They were treated with Fluorouracil (5-FU), NDV, and B.C., after which various assessments were conducted to determine the effects of these treatments. These assessments included MTT assay for cytotoxicity, evaluation of cell viability, and measurement of caspase 8 and 9 activity levels. The significance of the data was determined at a threshold of P

Key Clinical Message Endometrial Carcinoma Arising from Adenomyosis (EC‐AIA) is an unusual condition, primarily occurring in postmenopausal women. We present a rare case of a 34‐year‐old woman with EC‐AIA, highlighting the diagnostic challenges in distinguishing this malignancy from adenomyosis preoperatively. Conventional imaging methods exhibited limitations, necessitating post‐surgery confirmation through comprehensive examinations. The case emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach for accurate diagnosis and timely management in such uncommon gynecological conditions.

Background Acute type B aortic dissection is a cardiovascular emergency with considerable mortality and morbidity risk. Male–female differences have been observed in cardiovascular disease; however, literature on type B aortic dissection is scarce. Methods and Results A retrospective cohort study was conducted including all consecutive patients with acute type B aortic dissection between 2007 and 2017 in 4 tertiary hospitals using patient files and questionnaires for late morbidity. In total, 384 patients were included with a follow‐up of 6.1 (range, 0.02–14.8) years, of which 41% (n=156) were female. Women presented at an older age than men (67 [interquartile range (IQR), 57–73] versus 62 [IQR, 52–71]; P=0.015). Prior abdominal aortic aneurysm (6% versus 15%; P=0.009), distally extending dissections (71 versus 85%; P=0.001), and clinical malperfusion (18% versus 32%; P=0.002) were less frequently observed in women. Absolute maximal descending aortic diameters were smaller in women (36 [IQR: 33–40] mm versus 39 [IQR, 36–43] mm; P

Background: Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is a highly lethal event, associated with aortic dilatation. It is not well known if patient height, weight or sex impact the thoracic aortic diameter (TAA) at ATAAD. The study aim was to identify male–female differences in TAA at ATAAD presentation. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study analysed all adult patients who presented with ATAAD between 2007 and 2017 in two tertiary care centres and underwent contrast enhanced computed tomography (CTA) before surgery. Absolute aortic diameters were measured at the sinus of Valsalva (SoV), ascending (AA) and descending thoracic aorta (DA) using double oblique reconstruction, and indexed for body surface area (ASI) and height (AHI). Z-scores were calculated using the Campens formula. Results: In total, 59 % (181/308) of ATAAD patients had CT-scans eligible for measurements, with 82 female and 99 male patients. Females were significantly older than males (65.5 ± 12.4 years versus 60.3 ± 2.3, p = 0.024). Female patients had larger absolute AA diameters than male patients (51.0 mm [47.0–57.0] versus 49.0 mm [45.0–53.0], p = 0.023), and larger ASI and AHI at all three levels. Z-scores for the SoV and AA were significantly higher for female patients (2.99 ± 1.66 versus 1.34 ± 1.77, p

The expansion of cities and the change in the urbanization system have led to the increased activity duration in cities and the continuation of part of daytime activities during the night. In this sense, the night is an opportunity to redefine the urban landscape in a period, and this definition is different from urban society and urban tourism. The term “night tourism” refers to any kind of tourism that occurs between sunset and sunrise. Therefore, this type of tourism is raised by the time when tourism activities are carried out and their spatial limits, not by the nature of these activities and their motivations.Despite the development of the “Master Nightscape Plan” in official documents and academic literature, the term “night tourism” has not yet been correctly defined, and the night tourism classification has not been analyzed in terms of the type of audience, the selection of a suitable place, and the type of activity carried out during the night. In many cities of the world, night tourism has become the main element of tourism competitiveness in the city and makes an essential economic contribution to the urban economy. The existing studies in the master nightscape plan focus on decorative actions and specific spaces. However, there is no approach to the different timings making the night, and no realistic interpretation of night tourism and its impacts.

The current work aims to describe the physico-mechanical characteristics and shielding efficiency with reference to the mineralogical and geochemical compositions of the Neoproterozoic Um Had composite granitoid pluton in order to deduce their favorability as dimension stones. The Um Had granitoid pluton has an elliptical outline with a mean diameter of about 10 km. This pluton is a composite (ranging from white to reddish pink color), hard, massive, and medium- to coarse-grained granitoid body. It is classified as syenogranite according to their modal and bulk chemical compositions. Geochemically, the granitoid pluton is a highly calc-alkaline, peraluminous granite, formed by low degree partial melting of tonalitic source rock in a post-collisional tectonic setting. The physico-mechanical properties of the granitoid pluton under study satisfy the requirements of dimension stone in terms of their bulk density (from 2561 to 2564 kg/m3), and to some extent water absorption capacity (from 0.38% to 0.55%). However, their compressive strength values (50.4–113.4 MPa) do not achieve the minimum requirement for interior use and light duty exterior use. This study delves into the potential of some of our syenogranite samples (I, IIA, IIS, and 10) as gamma radiation shielding materials. We have assessed the mass attenuation coefficient (GMAC), effective atomic number (Zeff), exposure build-up factor (EBF), and energy absorption build-up factor (EABF) for each of these samples. The GMAC and Zeff calculations were performed using the Phy-X online software, across a photon energy range of 0.015–15 MeV. Our findings suggest an inverse relationship between photon energy and GMAC, with the highest values observed for the (I) granite sample (∼18). This study shows the promising radiation shielding capacity of our samples. The insights derived from GMAC, Zeff, EBF, and EABF can serve as a guide for the development of effective, naturally sourced radiation shielding materials.

The mantle rocks from Kadaboura and Madara areas represent sections of dismembered ophiolitic complexes developed during the Neoproterozoic in the Eastern Desert of Egypt, which is located in the northwestern corner of the Arabian–Nubian Shield. The Kadaboura mantle rocks comprise serpentinites and serpentinized dunites, whereas those of the Madara consist of serpentinites and serpentinized pyroxenites. Despite the serpentinization of the studied mantle rocks, few relicts of primary chromite, olivine and pyroxene are preserved. Chromite is partly altered having unaltered Al-rich chromite cores surrounded by Fe-rich chromite and Cr-rich magnetite rims. The unaltered Al-rich chromite cores show compositions equilibrated at temperatures mostly below ~500-600°C, which is a temperature comparable to that estimated for primary chromite in greenschist up to lower amphibolite facies rocks. The high Cr# [100×Cr/(Cr+Al)= 47-76] of the unaltered chromite cores and the Mg-rich nature of the olivine relicts (Fo91–94) indicate that the studied mantle rocks were produced from a highly depleted mantle that experienced high degrees of melt extraction (mostly ~30-40%). This range of melt extraction resembles that estimated for supra-subduction zone peridotites, but higher than that in abyssal and passive margin peridotites. Furthermore, the clinopyroxene relicts show compositions comparable to those from the Mariana forearc peridotites. Bulk-rock geochemistry also reflects derivation from an extremely depleted and a highly refractory mantle source. Modelling of rare-earth elements suggests that the studied mantle rocks were possibly formed by the interaction of their highly depleted harzburgitic mantle precursors with subduction-related melts/fluids during their evolution in a fore-arc basin of the supra-subduction zone. The proposed geodynamic model suggests that the oceanic lithosphere generated during the seafloor spreading of the Mozambique Ocean was emplaced in the upper plate of the intra-oceanic subduction zone, in which the formely depleted Neoproterozoic mantle of the Arabian-Nubian Shield experienced mature phases of hydrous melting, extreme depletion and enrichment.

Objective As thoracic aortic disease (TAD) is generally asymptomatic, biomarkers are needed to provide insight into early progression. We aimed to examine the association between circulating blood biomarkers and the maximal thoracic aortic diameter (TADmax).Methods In this cross-sectional study, consecutive adult patients with a thoracic aortic diameter ≥40 mm and/or genetically proven hereditary TAD (HTAD) visiting our specialised outpatient clinic between 2017 and 2020 were prospectively included. Venous blood sampling and CT angiography and/or transthoracic echocardiography of the aorta were performed. Linear regression analyses were performed and estimates were presented as mean difference in TADmax in mm per doubling of standardised biomarker level.Results In total, 158 patients were included (median age 61 (50.3–68.8) years, 37.3% female). HTAD diagnosis was confirmed in 36 of 158 (22.7%) patients. TADmax was 43.9±5.2 mm in men vs 41.9±5.1 in women (p=0.030). In unadjusted analysis, significant associations with TADmax were found for interleukin-6 (1.15 (95% CI 0.33 to 1.96), p=0.006), growth differentiation factor-15 (1.01 (95% CI 0.18 to 1.84), p=0.018), microfibrillar-associated protein 4 (MFAP4) (−0.88 (95% CI −1.71 to 0.05), p=0.039) and triiodothyronine (T3) (−2.00 (95%CI −3.01 to 0.99), p

Irregular flowering and biennial bearing are challenging in many apple (Malus ×domestica) cultivars such as Honeycrisp. Apple flowering is influenced by many factors including crop load, fruit weight, seed number, and bourse shoot length. However, it is unclear how these factors exert their control. We investigated flowering in ‘Honeycrisp’ and whether flower formation is regulated locally within the spur or if it is under the control of the whole tree system. Treatments consisting of 30 to 240 fruit per tree with one or two fruit per spur were applied, and seed number, fruit weight, bourse shoot length, bourse number, and resulting flower formation measured. In 2013, flowering was affected by fruit number per tree, fruit number per spur and their interaction, and with lower total tree crop loads, spurs bearing two fruit had fewer flowers than those with a single fruit. In 2014, few spurs formed flowers regardless of treatment. In 2013, flowering was unaffected by seed number on single-fruited spurs but flowering inhibition was correlated with fruit weight. In spurs bearing two fruit, flowering was inhibited by higher seed numbers but fruit weight per spur had no effect on flowering. Our data suggest that both whole tree and within-spur characteristics contribute to local flower formation. Therefore, ‘Honeycrisp’ spurs can be considered semiautonomous organs because inhibition of flower formation appears to be related to the depletion of resources both locally within the spurs, and systematically within the whole tree. The main factors associated with flower formation were fruit number per tree, fruit number per spur, bourse shoot length, and bourse number per spur. In contrast to previous reports, our data show that seeds do not play a direct role in regulating flower formation.

In fish diets, soybean meal (SBM) is still positioned as the most widely used alternative to replace fishmeal. Red vetchling (Lathyrus cicera), a crop locally produced in Europe, is here evaluated as a substitute for SBM. Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) juveniles (10.34 ± 0.04 g) were fed for 90 days. Six experimental diets replacing the SBM content at 0, 8, 16, 33, 66, and 100% (Named Control, T8, T16, T33, T66, and T100) were tested. Growth performance and fish fillet amino acid composition were only significantly reduced in fish fed the T100 diet. Histopathological analysis showed that no major alterations were observed in the intestine, while T100 fish had a higher density of pyknotic nuclei in the hepatocytes than the Control, but similar hepatocyte surface coverage. Finally, postprandial levels of glucose and triglycerides in blood plasma decreased when red vetchling content was increased, but was only not fully restored after 24 h in the case of glucose in T66 and T100 fish. According to these results, red vetchling meal can replace up to 66% of the SBM without a negative effect on fish growth or physiology, representing a good alternative raw material for reducing European aquaculture’s dependency on SBM imports and the carbon footprint of aquafeeds.

Since Antiquity, sustainable resources of gold and copper have been mined at two prominent prospects in the north Eastern Desert of Egypt, namely the south Gabel Um Monqul (SGUM) and Gabal Al Kharaza (GKZ). Mineralization is hosted by Neoproterozoic shield rocks represented by dacite and monzo- to syenogranite at the SGUM prospect whereas they are diorite, granodiorite, and quartz feldspar porphyry at the GKZ prospect. These hosts have been emplaced in an island arc environment from calc-alkaline magmas with a peraluminous to metaluminous signature. They are hydrothermally altered including albitization, sericitization, silicification, epidotization, and chloritization. The Au and Cu mineralizations are confined to shear zones that lately filled with auriferous quartz veins adjacent to mineralized alteration zones. In the GKZ prospect, the old trenches trend mainly in a NW–SE direction whereas it is NE–SW and NW–SE in the SGUM prospect. Evidence of shearing ranges from megascopic conjugate fractures and shear planes in the outcrops to microscopic sheared and crumbled Au-Cu ore assemblages dominated by Fe-Cu sulfides, specularite, and barite. Microscopic investigation suggests that the formation of specularite is due to the shearing of early existing magnetite. The ore textures and paragenetic sequence indicate that pyrite in the alteration zones is oxidized, leading to the liberation of gold up to 3.3 g/t. The formulae of the analyzed electrum lie in the range Au74.5-76.8 Ag22.2-24.5. Integration of the field, geochemistry, and mineral chemistry data, combined with the gold fire assay data prove the presence of sustainable amounts of disseminated Au and Cu, not only in the mineralized quartz veins, but also in the alteration zones. Data materialized in our paper show similarities in the style of mineralization at the SGUM and the GKZ prospects with iron oxide-copper-gold (IOCG) deposits elsewhere in the Arabian-Nubian Shield (ANS) and other world examples.

Background: Pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect (PA-VSD), with or without systemic pulmonary collateral arteries (SPCAs), represents a complex anatomic and surgical spectrum of congenital heart disease. Currently, there is limited evidence on homograft durability after complete correction, which potentially could be affected by anatomic differences in pulmonary vasculature. Methods: This retrospective single-center study included all 69 consecutive PA-VSD patients (46 with SPCAs, 23 without SPCAs) operated on between 1978 and 2018. The primary interest was in homograft durability after complete repair. Longitudinal echocardiographic homograft function and right ventricular systolic pressure were analyzed with linear mixed-effects models. Results: The median duration of follow-up was 20 years. Of the 46 patients with SPCAs, 37 (80.4%) underwent biventricular correction at a median age of 2.7 years (interquartile range [IQR], 1.8-6.3 years). Two patients are currently awaiting unifocalization and correction. All 23 patients without SPCAs underwent successful complete correction at a median age of 1.6 years (IQR, 1.1-3.6 years). Freedom from any reintervention after 20 years was 15%. When a homograft was used during correction, freedom from homograft replacement after 20 years was comparable in the 2 groups (P = .925), at 32 ± 11% in the SPCA group and 32 ± 13% in the non-SPCA group. Indications for homograft replacement were isolated stenosis (n = 7; 46.7%), isolated regurgitation (n = 3; 20.0%), and mixed stenosis and regurgitation (n = 5; 33.3%) in the SPCA group and isolated stenosis (n = 8; 88.9%) and stenosis and regurgitation (n = 1; 11.1%) in the non-SPCA group. Peak homograft gradient was significantly (P = .0003) higher in patients without SPCA, with a comparable rate of progression in the 2 groups. However, the prevalence of severe pulmonary regurgitation (PR) was higher in patients with SPCAs, estimated at 35% at 10 years, compared with 15% in patients without SPCAs. Conclusions: Homografts used for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction in patients with PA-VSD, either with or without SPCAs, have similar limited durability. Repeated reintervention is common, and careful follow-up with attention to severe PR is warranted.

In this paper, we considered one of the problems that arise during drilling automation, namely the automation of lithology identification from drill cuttings images. Usually, this work is performed by experienced geologists, but this is a tedious and subjective process. Drill cuttings are the cheapest source of rock formation samples; therefore, reliable lithology prediction can greatly reduce the cost of analysis during drilling. To predict the lithology content from images of cuttings samples, we used a convolutional neural network (CNN). For training a model with an acceptable generalization ability, we applied dataset-cleaning techniques, which help to reveal bad samples, as well as samples with uncertain labels. It was shown that the model trained on a cleaned dataset performs better in terms of accuracy. Data cleaning was performed using a cross-validation technique, as well as a clustering analysis of embeddings, where it is possible to identify clusters with distinctive visual characteristics and clusters where visually similar samples of rocks are attributed to different lithologies during the labeling process.