Search

Abstract Chronic prostate inflammation in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) correlates with the severity of symptoms. How inflammation contributes to prostate enlargement and/or BPH symptoms and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we utilize a unique transgenic mouse model that mimics chronic non-bacterial prostatitis in men and investigate the impact of inflammation on androgen receptor (AR) in basal prostate stem cells (bPSC) and their differentiation in vivo. We find that inflammation significantly enhances AR levels and activity in bPSC. More importantly, we identify interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) as a crucial regulator of AR in bPSC during inflammation. IL-1RA is one of the top molecules upregulated by inflammation, and inhibiting IL-1RA reverses the enhanced AR activity in organoids derived from inflamed bPSC. Additionally, IL-1RA appears to activate AR by counteracting IL-1α's inhibitory effect. Furthermore, using a lineage tracing model, we observe that inflammation induces bPSC proliferation and differentiation into luminal cells even under castrate conditions, indicating that AR activation driven by inflammation is sufficient to promote bPSC proliferation and differentiation. Taken together, our study uncovers mechanisms through which inflammation modulates AR signaling in bPSC and induces bPSC luminal differentiation that may contribute to prostate hyperplasia.

Pay senedi fiyatlarını etkileyen faktörlerin tahmin edilmesi, sürdürülebilir karlılığı sağlayacak yatırımların seçilmesi açısından önem arz eden bir konudur. Dolayısıyla bu çalışmanın amacı, Türk bankacılık sektöründe bankaların pay senedi fiyatları üzerinde etkili olan finansal oranları tespit etmektir. Bunun için 2015-2023 dönemini kapsayan veriler ile panel veri analizi yapılmaktadır. Analizde Türk bankacılık sektöründe faaliyet gösteren 10 mevduat bankasının yıllık finansal oranları, Breusch ve Pagan Lagrangian çarpanı testi, Breusch Pagan ve Cook Weisberg testi, Wooldridge otokorelasyon testi ve Arellano-Froot-Rogers tahmin yöntemi ile analiz edilmektedir. Çalışmanın sonuçları, toplam mevduat/toplam aktifler, net kar (zarar)/toplam aktifler ve faiz gelirleri/faiz giderleri oranlarının pay senedi fiyatları üzerinde pozitif bir etkiye sahip olduklarını, finansal aktifler (net)/toplam aktifler, toplam krediler/toplam aktifler ve likit aktifler/toplam aktifler oranlarının ise pay senedi fiyatı üzerinde negatif bir etkiye sahip olduklarını göstermektedir.

Abstract Introduction Neurobrucellosis (NB) can be associated with meningitis and present as a headache with or without meningeal signs. Pseudotumor presentation of NB has been reported to be accompanied by lymphocytic predominant cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) pleocytosis. NB is diagnosed by means of isolation of Brucella from blood or CSF and/or the presence of anti-Brucella antibodies in the CSF. Molecular techniques have been used in chronic or challenging cases of NB. Clinical findings We report on seven cases of NB presenting with different types of headache and signs of meningeal involvement. In five cases, signs of intracranial hypertension were evident in the form of papilledema, sixth nerve palsy and blurred vision. Diagnosis MRIs of the brain revealed signs of intracranial hypertension in three patients, basal meningeal enhancement in one patient and white matter lesions in one patient. Brucella serology in the blood and CSF was negative in all patients. It was interesting that four patients had normocellular CSF analysis with normal glucose and protein results. The diagnosis was made by Brucella PCR in all patients. Conclusion NB should be considered in the differential diagnoses of pseudotumor cerebri syndrome in endemic areas. It is important to employ molecular techniques using sterile CSF samples in the investigation of Brucella.

Abstract Chemokines are proteins important for a range of biological processes from cell-directed migration (chemotaxis) to cell activation and differentiation. Chemokine C-C ligand 5 (CCL5) is an important pro-inflammatory chemokine attracting immune cells towards inflammatory sites through interaction with its receptors CCR1/3/5. Recombinant production of large quantities of CCL5 in Escherichia coli is challenging due to formation of inclusion bodies which necessitates refolding, often leading to low recovery of biologically active protein. To combat this, we have developed a method for CCL5 production that utilises the purification of SUMO tagged CCL5 from E. coli SHuffle cells avoiding the need to reform disulfide bonds through inclusion body purification and yields high quantities of CCL5 (~ 25 mg/L). We demonstrated that the CCL5 produced was fully functional by assessing well-established cellular changes triggered by CCL5 binding to CCR5, including receptor phosphorylation and internalisation, intracellular signalling leading to calcium flux, as well as cell migration. Overall, we demonstrate that the use of solubility tags, SHuffle cells and low pH dialysis constitutes an approach that increases purification yields of active CCL5 with low endotoxin contamination for biological studies.

Abstract Background Obesity among healthcare students (HCs)is a growing concern that needs to be addressed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, awareness, perceptions, practice, and preparedness of obesity, and associated factors among undergraduate HCs. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2023 to March 2024 using an online prevalidated questionnaire, to assess clinical aspects of obesity.Simple random sampling was applied for data collection from nursing, emergency medical services (EMS), and pharmacy students at Saudi University, Riyadh Saudi Arabia. All data were analyzed using statistical package for social science (SPSS). Results A total of 456 HCs participated in this study. Among those 68% believed eating high carbohydrates, fats, and sugars leads to obesity. At the same time, 52.2% and 57.2% were aware that smoking and stress can contribute to obesity. On the other hand, 41.9% live a healthy lifestyle and 38.65% engage in physical activity to control their obesity. The demographic variables such as age (p = 0.0001), gender (p = 0.0001), professional classification (p = 0.0001), presence of chronic diseases (p = 0.0001), history of weight loss treatment (p = 0.0001) and body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.0001) were significantly associated with knowledge of obesity(p = 0.001). Similarly, students’ age (p = 0.001), presence of chronic diseases (p = 0.004) history of weight loss treatment (p = 0.0001), BMI (p = 0.001), and active status (p = 0.0001) were significantly associated with the perception of the obesity. Conclusion Undergraduate HCs possess a good understanding of the clinical prospects of obesity. They know its causes, risks, and treatment options. Additionally, they are well-prepared to support individuals in managing their weight through lifestyle modifications and psychological counseling.

Abstract Background Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) has emerged as the established standard of care for the treatment of anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion (LVO). However, its benefits remain unclear in specific patient populations. Herein, we present an updated systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at thoroughly assessing the effectiveness and safety of combining EVT with medical treatment (MT) compared with MT alone. Methods This systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guideline. The MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases were systematically searched to identify relevant articles published until December 30, 2023. The inclusion criteria restricted articles to randomized clinical trials (RCTs). We pooled odds ratios (OR) and their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Fifteen RCTs involving 3897 patients were included in the study. EVT plus MT was associated with a significant reduction in disability at 90 days (OR = 1.91, [1.61–2.26]), improved functional independence (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] 0–2) (OR = 2.19 [1.81–2.64]), excellent functional outcomes (mRS 0–1) (OR = 2.37, [1.45–3.87]), improved independent ambulation (mRS 0–3) (OR = 2.17, [1.75–2.69]), and higher rates of partial/complete recanalization (OR = 2.18, [1.66–2.87] compared with EVT. Efficacy outcomes for both large and small infarct cores were statistically favorable following EVT. Safety outcomes showed comparable rates, except for intracerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhage, which favored MT alone. Conclusion This meta-analysis supports the use of EVT plus MT as the standard of care for acute ischemic stroke patients with LVO of any infarct core size, as it offers substantial improvements in functional outcomes and recanalization. Safety considerations, particularly the risk of hemorrhage, warrant careful patient selection. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing stroke management protocols and enhancing patient outcomes.

Abstract The current study investigates removing tetracycline from water using batch, column, and tank experiments with statistical modelling using ANN for continuous tests. An artificial neural network (ANN) using the Levenberg-Marquardt back-propagation (LMA) training algorithm is constructed to compare the effectiveness of Tetracycline removal from aqueous solution using the sorption technique with prepared adsorbent. Several characterization analyses XRD, FT-IR, and SEM are employed for prepared Brownmillerite (Ca2Fe2O5)–Na alginate beads. The operating conditions of batch tests involved, contact time (0.1–3 h), initial of tetracycline (Co) of (100–250 mg/L), pH (3–12), agitation speed (50–250) rpm and dosage of adsorbent (0.2–1.2 g/50 mL). The outcomes of experiments have demonstrated that the optimum conditions for the batch test to achieve the maximum adsorbent capacity (qmax =7.845 mg/g) are achieved at pH 7, contact time 1.5 h, adsorbent dose 1.2 g/50 mL, agitation speed of 200 rpm, and initial concentration of TC 100 mg/L. Minimum mean square error (MSE) values of 7.09E-04 for 30 hidden neurons and 0.0029 for 59 hidden neurons in the 1D and 2D systems are accomplished, respectively. The artificial neural network model has exhibited excellent performance with correlation coefficients exceeding 0.980 for the operating variables, demonstrating its accuracy and effectiveness in predicting the experimental outcomes. According to sensitivity analysis, the influential parameter in the column test (1D) is the flow rate (mL/min), with a relative importance of 32.769%. However, in the tank test (2D), time (day) is signified as an influential parameter with a relative importance of 31.207%.

Accumulation of reactive oxygen species during testicular torsion causes oxidative stress, which in turn causes ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury to the testis. In testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D) in male mice, the purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of Mito-TEMPO (MT) on I/R injury. Forty-two male mice were divided into seven groups, including a control group and six treatment groups (360° T/D, 720° T/D, 360° T/D + 0.70 mg/kg MT, 360° T/D + 1 mg/kg MT, 720° T/D + 0.70 mg/kg MT and 720° T/D + 1 mg/kg MT). After inducing testicular torsion, oxidative enzymes, and testicular histopathology were evaluated. The results showed that 720° T/D resulted in increased testicular malondialdehyde levels and histological damage, along with reduced activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase. Treatment with MT reduced tissue malondialdehyde levels and increased the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase. These findings suggest that MT administration protects against acute testicular T/D injury in mice.

Background: Several investigations suggested correlation between microscopic colitis (MC) and celiac disease (CD). This study aimed to examine this relationship using large-sized, population-based data with adequate control for confounding factors. Methods: This study employed the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database over 4 years (2016–2019). Patients with/without MC in the presence/absence of CD were identified through ICD-10 codes. Univariate and multi-variate analyses involving odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were performed. Results: Overall, 26,836,118 patients were analyzed. Of whom, 6,836 patients had MC (n = 179 with CD and n = 6,657 without CD). The mean hospital stay was not significantly different between both groups (5.42 ± 5.44 days vs. 4.95 ± 4.66 days, P = 0.202). The univariate analysis revealed a significant association between MC and CD (OR = 22.69, 95% [19.55, 26.33], P < 0.0001). In the multi-variate analysis, which adjusted for potential confounders including age, race, hospital region, hospital teaching status, ZIP income, smoking status, alcohol overuse, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, lipidemia-related disorders, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, and selected auto-immune diseases, the association remained significant (OR = 15.71, 95% CI [13.52, 18.25], P < 0.0001). Moreover, in patients with MC, the presence of CD emerged as a significant, independent variable of in-hospital mortality in univariate (OR = 2.87, 95% [1.14, 7.21], P = 0.025) and multi-variate (OR = 3.37, 95% CI [1.32, 8.60], P = 0.011) analyses. Conclusion: This study establishes a probable link between MC and CD, backed by both univariate and multi-variate analyses, while also identifying CD as an independent risk factor for increased mortality among MC patients. These findings need to be validated in real-world clinical studies.

Introduction: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a haemoglobinopathy that leads to the formation of distorted sickle-shaped red blood cells that are prone to vaso-occlusion. This may lead to vaso-occlusive crises that may affect any organ. Acute pancreatitis (AP) in SCD patients may be mimicked by a vaso-occlusive crisis in the abdomen. The objective of this article is to analyse the clinical profiles of SCD patients with AP and understand the differences in the presentation of AP compared to an abdominal vaso-occlusive crisis and the difference between its presentation in SCD patients in comparison to other patients. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight SCD patients who were diagnosed with AP during their admission to the paediatric department at a tertiary hospital between January 2012 and December 2020 were retrospectively studied. Patients aged older than 14 years were excluded. The data collected concerned: demographics, the clinical course and the hospital course. The diagnosis and severity protocols followed the revised Atlanta Criteria. Results: The patients were aged with a mean of 9.61 years. There were 15 males and 13 females. Demographics were not significantly correlated to complication rates (P > 0.05). The mean duration of hospitalisation was 6.43 days. The most common clinical presentations were abdominal pain, fever, then vomiting and nausea. Three patients experienced complications and they were all cases of cholangitis (10.71%). There were no cases of pseudocysts, acute necrotic collections, pancreatic or peripancreatic necrosis or walled-off necroses. All of the cases of AP in SCD children were mild according to the revised Atlanta classification. Leucocytosis was present in 29.29% of patients and 17.8% of patients had high C-reactive proteins (CRPs). There was no significant correlation between leucocyte counts, CRP levels, serum or urinary amylase levels and complications (P > 0.05). All patients had haemoglobin (Hb) levels above 7 g/dL. The levels of sickle Hb ranged from 40 to 70 g/dL and reticulocyte counts averaged at 3.57%. Haematologic parameters were not significantly correlated with complication rates (P > 0.05). There were no recurrences. Conclusion: AP in SCD patients presented with classic signs and symptoms. There were no associations between demographics and complications. The levels of leucocytes, CRP counts and serum and urinary amylase were not correlated with complications. The level of Hb and sickle cell Hb was not associated with complication rates. Reticulocytes were slightly elevated in SCD patients with AP. More studies are needed to demarcate factors distinguishing AP in SCD from abdominal vaso-occlusive crises.

Abstract Background Multiple trauma has serious complications, which increases the risk of morbidity and mortality in the patients. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of supplementation with phytosomal curcumin on clinical and laboratory factors in critically ill patients with multiple trauma. Methods In this double-blind trial, 53 patients with multiple trauma, who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) were randomized to receive either 2 capsules, each capsule containing 250 mg phytosomal (a total of 500 mg daily) as an intervention group or 2 identical capsules (placebo capsules), each containing 250 mg maltodextrin for 7 days. Clinical and laboratory were parameters assessed before and after the intervention. Results After seven days of intervention, the mean increase from baseline in the Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score was significantly higher in the curcumin compared with the placebo group (P-value: 0.028), while the reduction in the APACHE-II score in the curcumin group was greater than that the placebo group in a marginally non-significant fashion (P-value: 0.055). Serum total bilirubin (P-value: 0.036) and quantitative C-reactive protein (CRP) (P-value: 0.044) levels significantly decreased while potassium (P-value: 0.01) significantly increased in the curcumin compared with the placebo group. Moreover, supplementation with phytosomal curcumin significantly increased platelet count (P-value: 0.024) as compared with placebo. The 28-day mortality rate was 7.7% (n: 2 patients) and 3.7% (n: 1 patients) in the placebo and curcumin groups, respectively (P-value > 0.05). Conclusion Phytosomal curcumin had beneficial effects on several clinical and laboratory factors including GCS, APACHEII, serum total bilirubin, CRP, and platelet count in ICU-admitted patients with multiple trauma. Trial registration IRCT20090306001747N1, Available on: https://www.irct.ir/trial/52692 . The first registration date was 12/01/2021.

Abstract Introduction Hirschsprung’s disease (HD) is a neurogenic intestinal disorder attributed to incomplete neural crest cell migration during fetal intestinal development, leading to an aganglionic segment of the colon and functional obstruction. Associated malformations like intestinal atresia, hydronephrosis, and imperforate anus can accompany Hirschsprung’s disease. this study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Calretinin and Cajal cells (CD34 and CD117) immunohistochemical staining in improving HD diagnosis. Methods The study involved 70 pediatric patients suspected of Hirschsprung’s disease. Clinical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical analyses were conducted, focusing on calretinin, CD34, and CD117 markers to identify ganglion cells and Cajal cells. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS software. Results In the examination of the samples, the calretinin marker exhibited a consistent accuracy of 100% in diagnosing Hirschsprung’s disease (with sensitivity and specificity both at 100%). Regarding the markers for Cajal cells in cases of Hirschsprung’s disease, an irregularity in the arrangement of Cajal cells was observed, which was absent in normal cases. These markers also demonstrated a specificity and sensitivity of 100% in diagnosing the disease. Conclusion Hirschsprung’s disease remains a complex condition with multifaceted pathophysiological mechanisms. Calretinin immunohistochemical staining offers enhanced diagnostic accuracy, while the debate surrounding ICC distribution underscores the need for advanced diagnostic techniques. Further research is warranted to unravel the intricacies of Hirschsprung’s disease and its associated complications.

Abstract This review aims to comprehensively explore calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement as a crucial biomaterial in dentistry/endodontics. With its growing clinical relevance, there is a need to evaluate its composition, chemical/physical/biological properties, clinical applications, and future perspectives to provide clinicians/researchers with a detailed understanding of its potential in endodontic procedures. Through systematic analysis of available evidence, we assess the advantages/limitations of CEM cement, offering valuable insights for informed decision-making in dental/endodontic practice. Our findings highlight the commendable chemical/physical properties of CEM cement, including handling characteristics, alkalinity, color stability, bioactivity, biocompatibility, sealing ability, and antimicrobial properties. Importantly, CEM cement has shown the potential in promoting regenerative processes, such as dentinogenesis and cementogenesis. It has demonstrated successful outcomes in various clinical applications, including vital pulp therapy techniques, endodontic surgery, open apices management, root resorption/perforation repair, and as an orifice/root canal obturation material. The efficacy and reliability of CEM cement in diverse clinical scenarios underscore its effectiveness in endodontic practice. However, we emphasize the need for well-designed clinical trials with long-term follow-up to further substantiate the full potential of CEM cement. This review serves as a robust reference for researchers/practitioners, offering an in-depth exploration of CEM cement and its multifaceted roles in contemporary dentistry/endodontics.

Travelogues are valuable artifacts that provide firsthand accounts of historical, social, cultural, religious, and literary events. They offer a comprehensive perspective for examination from multiple angles. In ancient Persian literature, travel writing has a rich historical tradition. Approximately a millennium has elapsed since the composition of Nasser Khosrow's travelogue. Subsequently, several travelogues have been authored, serving as compelling evidence of the authors' meticulousness and the audience's profound fascination with this genre of literature. During the Qajar dynasty, travelogue writing played a significant role. Travelogue writing has never been as popular as it is in today's age. Each author in these travelogues examined travel concerns and events from a distinct perspective, focusing on particular aspects. During the Qajar era, the proliferation of this genre of literature led several intellectuals to use travelogues as a means of disseminating information and documenting historical occurrences. The present research has focused on extracting and analyzing prevalent topics and themes in travelogues from this era. To achieve this, we have carefully chosen a selection of significant and comprehensive travelogues from this time period. After a thorough examination of their content, we identified the shared characteristics and themes present in these travelogues. Surveys indicate that these subjects are prevalent in the majority of trip narratives: 1. Worship and adoration of God 2. Explanation 3. Evaluation 4. Inconsistency 5. Providing insufficient information 6. Describing the present circumstances and articulating spiritual states 7. Remorse for one's native land.1. IntroductionA travelogue is a form of written account where the author provides a detailed description of their observations regarding the state of the cities or territories they have visited. These sightings and hearings encompass a variety of factors, including geographical location, weather conditions, population demographics, spoken language, religious beliefs, national and religious customs, esteemed elders, and renowned personalities. Furthermore, the author delineates the cities, structures, thoroughfares, marvels, and other elements, furnishing the readers with pertinent details.Within ancient Persian literature, travel writing has a rich historical tradition. Approximately a millennium has elapsed since the composition of Nasser Khosrow's travelogue. Since then, authors have penned several travelogues, demonstrating their meticulousness and the audience's profound fascination with this literary form.An examination of the historical origins of travelogues in Iran reveals their ancient nature in comparison to other forms of literature. To document the history of travelogue writing and the origins of tourism in ancient Iran, it is necessary to delve into the pre-settlement era of Iranians. Historical evidence indicates that there was a longstanding exchange between tribes on this plateau prior to the establishment of Iranian settlements. Following the Mongol invasion, traditional travel writing experienced a decline. However, with the restoration of Iran's governmental unity during the Safavid era, European visitors produced a multitude of travelogues documenting their journeys to Iran.Travelogue writing gained prominence during the Qajar era. This was primarily due to the political ties with Europe and the prevailing political, social, and economic circumstances that compelled people to leave their homeland. In response to these conditions, the written format of travelogues became widespread.This research aims to analyze and investigate the travelogues of this era from multiple perspectives, including literary, sociological, and historical. However, the primary objective, as perceived by the author, is to examine the content and identify recurring themes in these travelogues.2. Literature ReviewThe study of travelogues has been the subject of numerous publications, including books, articles, and research papers. A few examples are included below:Fouad Farooqi's book "Survey in Travelogues" (1361) is an exceptionally detailed work on travelogues.In his work "Travellers of History: A Review of the History of Travel and Tourism in Iran," Masoud Nourbakhsh thoroughly examines the history of travel and travel literature."From biography writing to narrative writing (2015)" by Qudsieh Rizvanian is a notable contribution to the subject of travel literature. In this book, the author provides comprehensive definitions of travel, travel writing, travel literature, and many genres of travel."Gholamhossein Yousefi's book "Deidari ba Ahl al-Qalam" (1367) includes an item named "Siri Dar Afaq" that delves into the genre of travelogue and travelogue writing.In his 2003 work "Haj Sayah's Travelogue," Mansour Tharwat analyzes the traveler's account in terms of its reporting methodology, significant aspects, unique observations, and literary style.3. MethodologyThis study uses content analysis to investigate writings from the Qajar period, utilizing available materials in libraries. The research focuses on analyzing a significant number of travelogues from this era, paying particular attention to identifying similar content traits.4. ConclusionAfter analyzing the travelogues from the Qajar era, it becomes apparent that the majority of these travelogues share common themes. These themes include description, criticism, contradictions, providing partial information, conveying personal situations, and expressing loss for one's nation.The authors of these travelogues meticulously documented the daily occurrences and provided concise depictions of every individual, location, mode of transportation, city, and residence they encountered.Tourists predominantly discussed the positive aspects of Westerners' lifestyles and openly expressed their love for these phenomena, while unfavorable and critical depictions were also present in these travelogues.The perception and reputation of these trip writers from the Western region were not entirely consistent, and they exhibited varied responses in this matter. The fluctuations in circumstances have been influenced by things such as employment, education, and the desire to explore new places.The advancements made by the Westerners greatly affected the trip writers and captured their attention.Travel writers have often expressed a strong desire for the lifestyle and opportunities available in the West while also feeling sorry for the state of their own hometown. Travel writers who transitioned from an underdeveloped nation to an emerging nation were unable to conceal their astonishment and reverence for the remarkable occurrences and industries they encountered in the Western world.

Abstract Background: The lack of improvement in some endometriotic people's pain after surgery even while using hormone treatment may suggest an inappropriate response to routine hormonal therapies. Objective: This study aimed to determine a cut-off point for selecting the most appropriate treatment based on the hormone receptors of endometriotic lesions. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, by reviewing the medical records of participants and testing their archive samples and phone interviews (if needed), 86 symptomatic women after endometriosis surgery who were operated into governmental hospitals, Shahid Faghihi and Hazrate Zeinab Shiraz Iran were enrolled between March 2017 and March 2019. Women were divided into 2 groups: responsiveness (n = 73 for dysmenorrhea, n = 60 for dyspareunia) to medical treatment and surgery, and unresponsiveness (n = 13, n = 7). We examined the pathological slides of 86 women to determine the amount of hormone receptors and the relationship between the type of medical treatment and the level of hormone receptors on pain relief within 1 yr after surgery. Results: Based on the receiver operating characteristic curve, dysmenorrhea in the presence of tissue estrogen receptors > 60% (p = 0.1065), and dyspareunia in the presence of tissue progesterone receptors > 80% (p = 0.0001) responded well to medical treatment after surgery. In the presence of endometrioma-dysmenorrhea showed the best response to oral contraceptive pills (69.4%), while in deep infiltrative endometriosis-dyspareunia showed the best response to progesterone treatment (75%). Conclusion: Prescribing an appropriate hormone therapy based on a specific immunohistochemistry staining pattern can improve the life quality of postoperative endometriosis individuals.

Statement of the Problem: Determination of remaining growth potential of patients is the most important factor in orthodontic treatment.Purpose: This study aimed to assess the correlation of clivus length and angle with age, gender, sagittal growth pattern of the jaws, and skeletal maturation using lateral cephalometry.Materials and Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 390 lateral cephalograms (Vatech, paX-i3D Green, South Korea) of patients aged 6 to 25 years. The patients were assigned to three groups of skeletal class I, II, III (n=130) with equal gender distribution. The clivus length and angle, Welcher angle, maxillary and mandibular effective length, sella turcica to Nasion (SN), and the angles between SN and point A (SNA), between SN and point B (SNB), and between NA and NB (ANB )were measured. Correlations of variables with age and gender, and cervical vertebral maturation stage (CVMS) were analyzed using the Pearson and Spearman’s correlation tests, independent t-test, and one-way ANOVA at 0.05 level of significance.Results: Clivus length had a significant correlation with SNA (r= 0.103, p= 0.042), SNB (r= 0.108, p= 0.033), maxillary (r= 0.547, p< 0.001) and mandibular (r= 0.589, p< 0.001) effective lengths, SN length (r= 0.586, p< 0.001), and CVMS (r= 0.697, p< 0.001). Clivus angle had a significant correlation with SNA (r= 0.105, p= 0.039), SNB (r= 0.155, p= 0.002), maxillary (r= 0.507, p< 0.001) and mandibular (r= 0.596, p= 0.001) effective lengths, SN length (r= 0.566, p< 0.001), and CVMS (r= 0.699, p< 0.001). The mean clivus length (p= 0.006) and angle (p= 0.002) were significantly higher in males, and had a significant correlation with age (r= 0.636 and r= 0.718, p< 0.001). The mean clivus length and angle were not significantly different in class I, II, III (p> 0.05).Conclusion: All parameters were greater in males, and increased with age (except Welcher angle). Clivus length and angle had significant correlations with position of both jaws but not with sagittal relationship.

Abstract Single nucleotide variants (SNVs) can exert substantial and extremely variable impacts on various cellular functions, making accurate predictions of their consequences challenging, albeit crucial especially in clinical settings such as in oncology. Laboratory-based experimental methods for assessing these effects are time-consuming and often impractical, highlighting the importance of in-silico tools for variant impact prediction. However, the performance metrics of currently available tools on breast cancer missense variants from benchmarking databases have not been thoroughly investigated, creating a knowledge gap in the accurate prediction of pathogenicity. In this study, the benchmarking datasets ClinVar and HGMD were used to evaluate 21 Artificial Intelligence (AI)-derived in-silico tools. Missense variants in breast cancer genes were extracted from ClinVar and HGMD professional v2023.1. The HGMD dataset focused on pathogenic variants only, to ensure balance, benign variants for the same genes were included from the ClinVar database. Interestingly, our analysis of both datasets revealed variants across genes with varying penetrance levels like low and moderate in addition to high, reinforcing the value of disease-specific tools. The top-performing tools on ClinVar dataset identified were MutPred (Accuracy = 0.73), Meta-RNN (Accuracy = 0.72), ClinPred (Accuracy = 0.71), Meta-SVM, REVEL, and Fathmm-XF (Accuracy = 0.70). While on HGMD dataset they were ClinPred (Accuracy = 0.72), MetaRNN (Accuracy = 0.71), CADD (Accuracy = 0.69), Fathmm-MKL (Accuracy = 0.68), and Fathmm-XF (Accuracy = 0.67). These findings offer clinicians and researchers valuable insights for selecting, improving, and developing effective in-silico tools for breast cancer pathogenicity prediction. Bridging this knowledge gap contributes to advancing precision medicine and enhancing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for breast cancer patients with potential implications for other conditions.

Abstract The examination of mechanical and wettability properties of commercial pure titanium (CP-Ti) introduced a novel challenge. The microstructure of samples was analyzed by using OM and SEM micro-images. In this study, the hardness of the surface and cross section of samples was evaluated, and the effect of several surface mechanical attrition treatments (SMATed) on samples was examined. Also, the tensile test was done to compare the effect of SMAT duration on mechanical properties of samples. The contact angle method was then employed to investigate the impact of SAMT duration on the wettability trend. According to results, as the treatment time increases, twins become evident in the deeper layers of the samples. In contrast, the near-surface twins are shorter than those found in the deeper material, signifying the presence of finer grains. Moreover, the elevated hardness in SMATed samples can be attributed to several key factors, including cold work, a rise in defects and twins, and grain refinement. The surface hardness increases across the sample series (up to Ti6) due to the substantial energy input. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that further continuation of the process will result in a constant surface hardness. The increased strength observed in SMATed samples can be attributed to factors such as reduction in grain size and the formation of twins. The wettability results show that the treated surfaces exhibited a significant change in wettability compared to the untreated samples, with a 25% reduction in the contact angle. This is attributed to the surface modifications induced by the treatment process, which introduced more hydrophilic functional groups. The results also show that after 4 h of treatment, the contact angle increases, suggesting that the trend may plateau with additional treatment time.

Background: Meropenem is a widely used carbapenem for treating severe pediatric infections. However, few studies have assessed its pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) in pediatric patients. This study aimed to evaluate the proportion of Saudi pediatric patients achieving the PK/PD target of meropenem. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at King Saud University Medical City from July to September 2022. Pediatric patients receiving meropenem for suspected or proven infections were included in the study. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients achieving the recommended PK/PD target for critically ill or non-critically ill pediatric patients. Results: The study included 30 patients (nine neonates and 21 older pediatric patients). All neonates were critically ill. Among them, 55 % achieved the PK/PD target of 100 % free time above the MIC. In older ICU pediatric patients, only 11 % attained this target, whereas 58 % of older pediatrics in the general wards achieved the PK/PD target of 50 % free time above the MIC. Augmented renal clearance (ARC) was identified in 57 % of our pediatric patient population, none of whom achieved the recommended PK/PD targets. The median trough concentrations in patients with and without ARC were 0.75 and 1.3 μg/mL, respectively (P

After the Fukushima-Daiichi event, there has been notable progress in developing accident-tolerant fuel (ATF) cladding designs to improve light-water reactor (LWR) safety features. In this regard, the Zirconium alloy (Zircaloy) has significant advantages in enhancing the neutron economy, and its unique beneficial characteristics establish it as a reliable and promising material for ATF claddings in the present era. Depositing protective coatings of different interlayer diffusion metals over Zircaloy-based nuclear fuel claddings is becoming increasingly popular as a near-term solution. This strategy can enhance the ability of cladding to withstand accident scenarios, reduce the oxidation rate at high temperatures, and provide additional benefits during both usual and accidental conditions. Current research efforts have strategically prioritized the development of ATF cladding concepts to improve nuclear fuel safety in normal, transient, and potential accidental situations. Herein, we present a comprehensive review of the current research and development events related to the design, manufacturing techniques, and various performance characteristics of chromium (Cr) coated Zircaloy-cladding ATF materials. These materials can improve both the reactor's economics and protection level. Our discussion focuses on these methods for enhancing safety performance in LWRs. In addition, the report provides a prospective viewpoint on future research accomplishments related to these materials.

Abstract The practical implementation of many quantum algorithms known today is limited by the coherence time of the executing quantum hardware and quantum sampling noise. Here we present a machine learning algorithm, NISQRC, for qubit-based quantum systems that enables inference on temporal data over durations unconstrained by decoherence. NISQRC leverages mid-circuit measurements and deterministic reset operations to reduce circuit executions, while still maintaining an appropriate length persistent temporal memory in the quantum system, confirmed through the proposed Volterra Series analysis. This enables NISQRC to overcome not only limitations imposed by finite coherence, but also information scrambling in monitored circuits and sampling noise, problems that persist even in hypothetical fault-tolerant quantum computers that have yet to be realized. To validate our approach, we consider the channel equalization task to recover test signal symbols that are subject to a distorting channel. Through simulations and experiments on a 7-qubit quantum processor we demonstrate that NISQRC can recover arbitrarily long test signals, not limited by coherence time.

Abstract Background Gender dysphoria, characterized by a misalignment between one’s gender identity and assigned sex, propels individuals towards medical interventions like gender reassignment surgery (GRS) to harmonize their bodies with their gender. This process aims to enhance overall quality of life (QoL), functioning, and body image. Recognizing the importance of cultivating a positive body image for transgender individuals navigating societal norms, this narrative highlights the ongoing debate surrounding QoL post-GRS. In response, our study is outlined, aiming to scrutinize QoL and self-image among transgender men post-GRS, offering valuable insights into societal perceptions and psychological well-being in this context. Method This cross-sectional survey focused on transgender men aged 15 to 35 who underwent gender reassignment surgery (GRS) in 2018–2022 in Shiraz, Iran. Participants, after passing psychiatric evaluations, completed World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-100) questionnaires pre- and at least one-year post-surgery. The scores of the Brief-WHOQOL questionnaire were evaluated in four domains of physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environmental health. Results A total of 60 individual who underwent GRS completed our questionnaire. The average age of the patients was 24.1 ± 3.8 years. Following GRS, the most increase was observed in the psychological factor (by 25.6%). The increase in score was statistically significant in all subgroups (P

This paper represents a wide incident angle-polarization insensitive, stable in results, and compact-sized metamaterial absorber that can be used for Doppler navigation aids and remote sensing applications in Earth Exploration Satellite Services. The unit cell dimension was subwavelength-sized of 0.112λ X 0.112λ, with a good effective medium ratio (8.9), and achieved polarization insensitivity at a maximum incident angle up to 180°, making it more effective for proposed applications. The absorber resonated at 3.855 GHz, 5.13 GHz, 9.855 GHz, 13.335 GHz, and 16.02 GHz with single negative metamaterial properties due to negative permeability and absorptions of 99.7 %, 99.2 %, 98.6 %, 98.1 %, and 97.9 %, respectively. An RLC equivalent circuit on ADS was analyzed to validate the simulated results using the dipoles created by the surface currents. The absorber is cost-effective as no lumped elements or multilayer substrate materials were used, making fabricating less time-consuming and simple. The simulated results were validated by measuring data from a vector network analyzer after fabricating it. The proposed metamaterial absorber is suitable for use in Doppler navigation and Earth Exploration Satellite Services, and this research can further be extended to beamforming and sensing applications in the future.

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to provide a model for choosing the best content for the activity of service guilds.Method: In inferential statistics, the K-S test is used for the normality of research hypotheses. For this purpose, Pearson's correlation coefficient and linear regression tests have been used through SPSS 21 software, and the best content generated using genetic algorithms and forbidden search were introduced.Findings: Analysis of research and implementation results with two collective intelligence algorithms shows that Instagram has a positive and significant effect on all four dimensions and thus leads to the success of the service classes that have used Instagram.Conclusion: In this article, a combination model of genetic algorithm and forbidden search algorithm was chosen for users so that the best content, which of course does not contain malicious ads and cookies, etc., is introduced for the continuation of the service industry.

Background & aim: Pregnant women with gestational hypertension experience higher level of anxiety during pregnancy. Managing pregnancy anxiety is of particular importance in order to control and manage blood pressure and its related complications. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of counseling based on acceptance and commitment therapy on the anxiety of pregnant women with gestational hypertension.Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted in 2021 on 58 pregnant women referring to 5 healthcare centers in Mashhad, Iran. Pregnant women with gestational age of 24-26 weeks with non-severe preeclampsia and gestational hypertension were selected by convenience sampling and then through permutation blocks were randomly placed into two intervention and control groups. Intervention group received 8 group counseling sessions and control group only received the usual pregnancy care. Van den Bergh’s Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire (PRAQ) was completed before, immediately and one month after counseling in both groups. Data were analyzed by SPSS (version 25) using independent t test, Mann-Whitney, and analysis of variance with repeated measures. Results: No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of pregnancy anxiety before intervention (182.7±59.2 vs. 202.0±62.2), Immediately (186.3±57.9 vs. 152.3±44.6), and one month after the intervention (190.6±58.3 vs. 154.1±45.5), the mean pregnancy anxiety score significantly reduced in the intervention group compared to the control group (P=0.015, P=0.011).Conclusion: Counseling based on acceptance and commitment therapy is effective on the anxiety of pregnant women with gestational hypertension. It is therefore recommended to use this counseling approach in delivering pregnancy care to this vulnerable population.

Abstract We quantify the effects of light spin-zero particles with pseudoscalar couplings to leptons and scalar couplings to nucleons on the evolution of solar neutrinos. In this scenario the matter potential sourced by the nucleons in the Sun’s matter gives rise to spin precession of the relativistic neutrino ensemble. As such the effects in the solar observables are different if neutrinos are Dirac or Majorana particles. For Dirac neutrinos the spin-flavour precession results into left-handed neutrino to right-handed neutrino (i.e., active-sterile) oscillations, while for Majorana neutrinos it results into left-handed neutrino to right-handed antineutrino (i.e., active-active) oscillations. In both cases this leads to distortions in the solar neutrino spectrum which we use to derive constraints on the allowed values of the mediator mass and couplings via a global analysis of the solar neutrino data. In addition for Majorana neutrinos spin-flavour precession results into a potentially observable flux of solar electron antineutrinos at the Earth which we quantify and constrain with the existing bounds from Borexino and KamLAND.

Abstract Enteric glia have been recently recognized as key components of the colonic tumor microenvironment indicating their potential role in colorectal cancer pathogenesis. Although enteric glia modulate immune responses in other intestinal diseases, their interaction with the colorectal cancer immune cell compartment remains unclear. Through a combination of single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing, both in murine models and patients, here we find that enteric glia acquire an immunomodulatory phenotype by bi-directional communication with tumor-infiltrating monocytes. The latter direct a reactive enteric glial cell phenotypic and functional switch via glial IL-1R signaling. In turn, tumor glia promote monocyte differentiation towards pro-tumorigenic SPP1+ tumor-associated macrophages by IL-6 release. Enteric glia cell abundancy correlates with worse disease outcomes in preclinical models and colorectal cancer patients. Thereby, our study reveals a neuroimmune interaction between enteric glia and tumor-associated macrophages in the colorectal tumor microenvironment, providing insights into colorectal cancer pathogenesis.

Abstract Medical imaging stands as a critical component in diagnosing various diseases, where traditional methods often rely on manual interpretation and conventional machine learning techniques. These approaches, while effective, come with inherent limitations such as subjectivity in interpretation and constraints in handling complex image features. This research paper proposes an integrated deep learning approach utilizing pre-trained models—VGG16, ResNet50, and InceptionV3—combined within a unified framework to improve diagnostic accuracy in medical imaging. The method focuses on lung cancer detection using images resized and converted to a uniform format to optimize performance and ensure consistency across datasets. Our proposed model leverages the strengths of each pre-trained network, achieving a high degree of feature extraction and robustness by freezing the early convolutional layers and fine-tuning the deeper layers. Additionally, techniques like SMOTE and Gaussian Blur are applied to address class imbalance, enhancing model training on underrepresented classes. The model’s performance was validated on the IQ-OTH/NCCD lung cancer dataset, which was collected from the Iraq-Oncology Teaching Hospital/National Center for Cancer Diseases over a period of three months in fall 2019. The proposed model achieved an accuracy of 98.18%, with precision and recall rates notably high across all classes. This improvement highlights the potential of integrated deep learning systems in medical diagnostics, providing a more accurate, reliable, and efficient means of disease detection.

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on students’ academic performance. The effects of the pandemic have varied among students, but some general trends have emerged. One of the primary challenges for students during the pandemic has been the disruption of their study habits. Students getting used to online learning routines might find it even more challenging to perform well in face to face learning. Therefore, assessing various potential risk factors associated with students low performance and its prediction is important for early intervention. As students’ performance data encompass diverse behaviors, standard machine learning methods find it hard to get useful insights for beneficial practical decision making and early interventions. Therefore, this research explores regularized ensemble learning methods for effectively analyzing students’ performance data and reaching valid conclusions. To this end, three pruning strategies are implemented for the random forest method. These methods are based on out-of-bag sampling, sub-sampling and sub-bagging. The pruning strategies discard trees that are adversely affected by the unusual patterns in the students data forming forests of accurate and diverse trees. The methods are illustrated on an example data collected from university students currently studying on campus in a face-to-face modality, who studied during the COVID-19 pandemic through online learning. The suggested methods outperform all the other methods considered in this paper for predicting students at the risk of academic failure. Moreover, various factors such as class attendance, students interaction, internet connectivity, pre-requisite course(s) during the restrictions, etc., are identified as the most significant features.

Abstract Background The role of bacterial contamination in the development and progression of endometriosis lesions is currently a hot topic for gynecologists. In this study, we decided to compare the endometrial cultures of women affected by endometriosis with those of non-endometriotic women, focusing on specific microbial pathogens. Material and method In this cross-sectional case-control study, 30 women with endometriosis in stages 4 of the disease whose endometriosis was confirmed based on clinical, ultrasound, and histopathological findings, and 30 women without endometriosis who were candidates for surgery due to benign uterine diseases with regular menstrual cycle, underwent endometrial biopsy with Novak Kort in sterile conditions before starting their operation, and the results of their endometrial culture were analyzed and compared. Results Results of the study indicate that there were no significant differences in terms of age, BMI, smoking, education level, place of residency, use of the intrauterine device, or vaginal douche, and age of menarche between the case and control groups. The only demographic difference observed was in parity, where the control group had a significantly higher parity than the case group (P = 0.001). Out of the 60 cultures, only 15 samples were positive in the endometriosis group, and E. coli was the most prevalent species, with 10 (33.3%) samples testing positive for it. Klebsiella spp. and Enterobacteria spp. were also detected in 3 (10.0%) and 2 (6.7%) samples, respectively. The comparison between the two groups showed that only E. coli had a significant association with the presence of endometriosis (P = 0.001). There was no significant relationship between the location of endometriosis in the pelvic cavity and culture results. It was observed that parity among the E. coli negative group was significantly higher compared to the E. coli positive group (P

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong hereditary neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by a lack of social communication and restricted and repetitive behaviours. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) classified symptoms of autism into two domains: the social communication and interaction domain. However, studies on autism in Saudi Arabia are still insufficient. Therefore, awareness and knowledge about autism can facilitate early detection and treatment, resulting in better outcomes. Aim: To evaluate parents’ knowledge, awareness, and attitude towards their autistic children in a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Baljurashi Mental Health Hospital, AL-Baha region, Saudi Arabia, from January 2023 to November 2023. A total of 69 parents with autistic children who attended the outpatient clinic at Baljurashi Mental Health Hospital were included in the study. A questionnaire was administered among parents to assess their knowledge, awareness, and attitude regarding autism. Data was statistically analysed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test. Results: The age of the parents ranged from 16 to over 50 years, with 47 (68.1%) being males and 22 (31.9%) being females. Almost 29 (42.0%) of the parents were postgraduates, and 21 (30.4%) had a university-level education. About 24 (34.8%) of the participants believed that consanguineous marriage increases the risk of autism, 19 (27.5%) believed that some vaccines increase the risk of autism, and 39 (56.5%) knew that autism is associated with learning disabilities. Three-quarters of the participants, 54 (78.3%), stated that autism was known to them, 50 (72.5%) thought that an autistic child could be affected by a normal child, and 53 (76.8%) had good knowledge about autism. Conclusion: The study showed that the majority of parents had good knowledge about autism disorder. The findings reflect the positive impact of focused training initiatives and public awareness efforts aimed at improving parents’ knowledge, awareness, and attitude toward autism.

The introduction of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) in Pakistan presents a transformative opportunity to enhance the nation's financial landscape by providing a more efficient, inclusive, and secure medium for financial transactions. CBDCs can facilitate cross-border payments, enhance financial inclusion and control for financial crime. However, the success of implementing digital currencies depends very much on society's acceptance of this idea. This study uses a quantitative descriptive design to explore public opinion, awareness and readiness to adopt the Central Bank Digital Currencies in Pakistan. A survey was conducted with respondents from diverse demographic backgrounds to assess their understanding of CBDCs, concern regarding privacy and financial security, and overall willingness to adopt digital currencies issued by the central bank. In this study, the factors that may influence or predict the success of Central Bank Digital Currency in Pakistan's economy are independent variables. The success of CBDC in usage and integration in Pakistan's economy is the dependent variable. Gender and profession are control variables. The analysis that was conducted highlights a generally positive outlook towards CBDC among the survey participants, tempered by notable concerns about trust and sustainability. However, the findings suggest that while there is cautious interest in CBDCs among common Pakistanis, substantial efforts are needed to address the knowledge gap and mitigate concerns about security and privacy. Digital education of the population is one of the key factors in successfully implementing digital currencies in any country, particularly Pakistan. In addition, trust issues remain a critical barrier, especially among those aware of CBDC's benefits. Thus, the results of this study will be useful for policymakers and financial institutions in the context of planning activities for implementing CBDC in Pakistan.

Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide (CO2), a significant greenhouse gas, drives climate change, influencing temperature, rainfall, and the hydrologic cycle. This alters precipitation patterns, intensifies storms, and changes drought frequency and timing of floods, impacting ecosystems, agriculture, water resources, and societies globally. Understanding how global CO2 fluctuations impact regional atmospheric CO2 levels can inform mitigation strategies and Facilitate water resources management. The study investigates how global CO2 fluctuations affect atmospheric CO2 concentrations (XCO2) in Iran from 2015 to 2020, aiming to inform mitigation strategies against climate change. XCO2 data OCO-2 satellite and CO2 surface flux data from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) were analyzed. Over the 6 years, XCO2 in Iran increased steadily by 12.66 ppm, mirroring global rises. However, Iran's CO2 surface flux decreased, with slight increases in anthropogenic emissions but decreased natural and total fluxes. Monthly patterns of XCO2 and surface flux exhibited variations, with XCO2 reaching its zenith in spring and dipping to its lowest point during summer, while surface flux peaked during the summer months. The results reveal a significant discrepancy between Iran's surface CO2 flux and atmospheric XCO2 trends. While Iran's anthropogenic emissions increased barely from 2015–2020, its natural and total CO2 fluxes decreased. However, XCO2 increased steadily over this period, indicating the dominant impact of global rather than local factors on Iran's XCO2. Curbing worldwide greenhouse gas output is imperative to disrupt the current trajectory of climate change. Reporting CO2 levels can inform climate mitigation plans, reducing emissions to combat global warming and minimize global impacts on the hydrologic cycle. HIGHLIGHTS Global CO2 changes significantly impacted atmospheric CO2 levels in Iran from 2015–2020.; Atmospheric CO2 in Iran increased 12.66 ppm despite decreases in natural CO2 fluxes.; The discrepancy between surface flux and atmospheric CO2 trends indicates global dominance.; Emphasizes the critical role of global CO2 changes over local emissions.;

In this paper, we propose using a mixed genetic-floyd-warshall algorithm in combination with a Floyd-warshall algorithm to model the satisficing behaviour of consumers across spatially differentiated stores. Consumer agents can pick a basket of goods from different stores to either maximize their utility or to “satisfice” by selecting the first basket with a utility that is higher than their satisfaction threshold. The Floyd-warshall algorithm is used to find the shortest path between two chosen stores by considering travel cost. Factors such as price, quality of goods, the cost of travel to the store, consumers' decision-making preferences, and store locations play significant roles in the decision-making process of consumer agents. The model is tested based on mechanisms at the individual level to show how the model works and at the macro-level to reproduce foundational theories in economics.

Background and Objective: Ensuring suitable access to hemodialysis, which provides high-quality dialysis over an extended period, is a significant challenge for patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). One crucial aspect of this is maintaining the performance of hemodialysis catheters. Our study, which aimed to evaluate the one-year performance of long-term catheters in chronic hemodialysis patients in Golestan Province, is a critical step toward improving patient care in this population. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 99 patients (34 men and 65 women) with ESRD who were candidates for starting or continuing dialysis with a catheter in the educational and therapeutic centers of Golestan Province, Iran during 2021-22. Transjugular catheters were placed for the patients, and after one year, variables such as age, gender, history of diabetes, history of hypertension, catheter placement site (right or left jugular), and antiplatelet medication use were evaluated concerning the performance of long-term catheters in providing adequate flow for hemodialysis. Results: In 91 patients (91.9%), the one-year catheter performance was assessed as satisfactory. The age of 61.6% of the patients were over 60 years old. Sixty-nine patients (69.7%) had a history of hypertension, and 58 patients (58.6%) had a history of diabetes. Fifty-seven patients (57.6%) received antiplatelet medication. The catheters were placed on the right side in 82 patients (82.8%). Catheter performance in patients taking antiplatelet medication was non-significantly higher than in those not taking antiplatelet medicines. Conclusion: The performance of long-term catheters in chronic hemodialysis patients with ESRD showed no significant correlation with age, gender, diabetes, hypertension, antiplatelet medication use, or the side of the jugular vein where the catheter was placed.

Introduction: Considering the importance of agrin, mTOR and AKT proteins in cognitive and physiological function, knowing the effects of different exercise programs is of particular importance. Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the responses of agrin, mTOR and AKT proteins in dual resistance-cognitive exercises of healthy people. Method: The research method is semi-experimental. 10 healthy men were randomly divided into two groups (resistance-cognitive group of 5 people and resistance group of 5 people). Resistance contraction included eccentric and concentric knee extension with maximum strength and speed. The contractions included 12 sets of 10 repetitions for the right leg, and in the cognitive group, cognitive task exercises included counting numbers in reverse, multiplying and dividing numbers, counting the months of the year, and counting coins simultaneously with facial resistance exercises. Took A biopsy was performed at the beginning and end of the study. To analyze the data, dependent t statistical method and covariance test were performed in SPSS21 software. Results: The results showed that the intra-group changes of mTOR and AKT proteins after one activity session were significant in the resistance-cognitive and resistance groups (p≤0.05). However, the inter-group changes of agrin, mTOR and AKT proteins showed no difference between the two groups. Conclusion: The present study showed that a session of resistance and resistance-cognitive activity leads to changes in the factors involved in the strength and hypertrophy of skeletal muscles. In addition, these changes are generally more resistance-cognitive in the resistance group.

Abstract Background With a wide therapeutic index, efficacy, ease of use, and other neuroprotective and respiratory benefits, caffeine citrate(CC) is currently the drug of choice for preterm neonates (PTNs). Caffeine-induced excessive energy expenditure, diuresis, natriuresis, and other CC-associated potential side-effects (CC-APSEs) result in lower daily-weight gain (WG) in premature neonates. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors for daily-WG in neonates exposed to different dose regimens of caffeine in ICU. Method This retrospective cohort study included neonates of ≤ 36weeks gestational age (GA) and received CC-therapy. The same participants were followed for data analysis in two postnatal phases: 15–28 and 29–42 days of life (DOL). Based on daily CC-dose, formed group-I (received; standard-doses = 5 mg/kg/day), group-II (received;>5-7 mg/kg/day), and group-III (received;>7 mg/kg/day). Prenatal and postnatal clinical characteristics, CC-regimen, daily-WG, CC-APSEs, and concomitant risk-factors, including daily-caloric intake, Parenteral-Nutrition duration, steroids, diuretics, and ibuprofen exposure, were analyzed separately for group-II and group-III using group-I as standard. Regression analysis was performed to evaluate the risk factors for daily-WG. Results Included 314 PTNs. During 15–28 DOL, the mean-daily-WG(MD-WG) was significantly higher in group-I than group-II [19.9 ± 0.70 g/kg/d vs. 17.7 ± 0.52 p = 0.036] and group-III [19.9 ± 0.70 g/kg/d vs. 16.8 ± 0.73 p 7-10 mg/kg/day (β=-1.36; 95%CI:-1.56,-1.02) were associated with a lower daily-WG. However, during 29-42DOL, this association was present only for > 7-10 mg/kg/day (β=-1.54; 95%CI:-1.66,-1.42). The GA ≤ 27weeks (β=-1.03 95%CI:-1.24, -0.88) was associated with lower daily-WG only during 15-28DOL. During both periods of therapy, higher cumulative-caffeine dose and presence of culture proven sepsis, tachypnea, hyponatremia, and feeding intolerance were significantly associated with lower daily-WG. Conversely, daily kcal intake was found to be linked with an increase in daily-WG in both periods. Conclusion In this study cohort exposure to higher caffeine daily and cumulative doses is associated with lower postnatal daily-WG in PTNs than standard-daily doses, which may be due to its catabolic effects and CC-APSEs.

Two independent pot experiments were conducted to evaluate the potential of two different application methods for culture filtrates of 10 Trichoderma spp. strains to reduce infection of Phelipanche aegyptiaca in tomatoes. In the first method (foliar spray), seedlings were foliar sprayed three times with culture filtrate of each Trichoderma spp. strains pre- and posttransplanting. In the second method (soil drench), these culture filtrates were incorporated into the top 5 cm of the soil surface during transplantation. Foliar sprays of T33, T60, and T36 significantly reduced the progression of P. aegyptiaca infection throughout the growing period (85 days). The number of P. aegyptiacaʹs aboveground stalks and underground juveniles was also significantly reduced (83 and 66%) in T33-treated plants at the end of the experiment, while the fresh and dry weights of tomato fruits was significantly increased (86% and 90%). In the second approach, T66, T33, T35, T36, and T67 strains caused a significant reduction in the progression of P. aegyptiaca infection on tomatoes during the same period. The fresh and dry weights of stalks and attached juveniles of P. aegyptiaca in T66-treated plants were significantly reduced by 77, 52, 75, and 49%, respectively, compared to the control. The conclusion showed that T. virens T33 culture filtrate as foliar spray through some kind of induced systemic resistance (ISR) and T. brevicompactum T66 culture filtrate as soil drench can be used as natural bioherbicides to control P. aegyptiaca in tomatoes.

Abstract The global trend of advanced aging comes at the cost of amplified onset of age-related diseases. Dementia is a common multifactorial age-related neurodegenerative disorder, which manifests with progressive declines in cognitive functioning and ability to perform activities of daily living. As polices discourage institutionalized care, family members act as primary caregivers and endure increased vulnerability to physical and mental health problems secondary to care-related changes in life routine and relationships. Targeting clinically significant distress at earlier stages through valid brief measures may promote caregivers’ wellbeing and dementia care continuity/quality. This study aimed to determine the optimal cutoff score of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 8-items (DASS-8) in a convenience sample of 571 European caregivers (Mean age = 53 ± 12 years, Italian = 74.4%, Swiss = 25.6%) through three methods. K-means clustering classified the sample into high- and low-distress clusters based on DASS-8 score of 19. Receiver operator curve (ROC) analysis using 48 and 7 cutoffs of the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) and the Three-Item University of California, Los Angeles, Loneliness Scale-version 3 (UCLALS3), revealed two DASS-8 cutoffs (12.5 and 14.5, area under the curve (AUC) = 0.85 and 0.92, p values

Abstract Background Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) can be classified as one of the most common malignancies worldwide. There is scarcity of the published data on the risk factors for HCC in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries specifically Kuwait. Therefore, this case-control study sought to examine the risk factors associated with HCC in Kuwait. Methods Fifty-three histopathologically confirmed HCC cases were recruited from the Kuwait Cancer Control Center Registry. One hundred ninety-six controls (1:4 ratio) were selected from medical and/ or surgical outpatient’s clinics at all six public hospitals of Kuwait. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data both from cases and controls through face-to-face interviews. A multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to the case-control data. Adjusted odds ratios (ORadj) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed using the parameters’ estimates of the final model and used for interpretation of the model. Results The HCC cases compared with the controls were 41.6 times more likely to have had the history of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (ORadj = 41.6; 95% CI: 8.9–193.5; p

Crop height measurement is widely used to analyze and estimate the overall crop condition and the amount of biomass production. Not only is manual measurement on a large scale time-consuming but also it is not practical. Besides, advanced equipment is available but they require technical skills and are not reasonable for smallholders. This article investigates the feasibility of a simple and low-cost measurement system that can monitor crops height of paddy rice and wheat using laser technology. After designing and fabricating, this system was tested and evaluated in both laboratory and farm sections. In the laboratory, paddy rice height was measured, and in the field section, the height detection system measured wheat height. The results showed that the coefficient of determination (R2) between manual measurement and height detection system measurement for paddy rice was 0.96 and for wheat was 0.85. Besides, there was no significant difference between the two datasets at the level of 5%. Hence, this system can be a useful and accurate tool to monitor crops height in different growing steps.

Background: This study systematically reviewed scientific literature regarding the effects of the FIFA 11+ warm up program on preventing injuries in soccer and other sports. Methods: We performed a systematic review and conducted a keyword search on 10/09/2022, in PubMed, Google Scholar, CINHAL, Web of Knowledge, Cochrane, Scopus in English language, also in Magiran, SID, Google Scholar, and Noormags in Persian language were reviewed. Results: The results of the study were from 1192 English papers and 143 Persian papers, finally 37 eligible studies were selected and a total of 18378 players were studied. The quality level of the studies was at Level II, Twenty studies, which were at least Level II. Analysis of studies shows that the FIFA 11+ warm-up program for the prevention of sports injuries had positive effects and improve the performance of soccer players. Conclusion: One type of training for an amateur or professional group will not have the same effect and the intensity and duration of the program should be optimized. It is also necessary for the other sports to become more specialized in preventing injury programs.

A challenging SIR epidemiological dynamic model with harmonic rate of incidence and nonlinear rate of recovery is developed to examine the effects of available beds in hospitals and intervention decrease upon the propagation of viral disease. The incorporation of the harmonic mean as an incidence rate is the novelty of the present manuscript. The assumed incidence rate is less sensitive to the larger values of the variables and proves more advantageous for highly skewed data compared to the bi-linear and monod types of incidence rates. For model's stability, precise mathematical conclusions have been produced. The model has two states of equilibrium: an infection-free equilibrium (E0), whenever the threshold number assumes values less than one, and a disease-present state (E1), whenever R0>1. We employ the principle of LaSalle invariance and Lyapunov's direct technique to demonstrate that the basic threshold quantity R0

Background: The medial condyle is wider and has a larger surface area for articulation than the lateral femoral condyle however anteroposteriorly lateral femoral condyle is larger. This study aimed to find normal dimensions of the lateral femoral condyle in the Pakistani population. Methods: This Cross-sectional descriptive study, was carried out from September 2023 to May 2024 in the Radiology department of Peshawar General Hospital, Peshawar with a sample size of 385. Non - probability convenience sampling technique was used. All healthy adults, with intact femurs with clear features were included and scanned through magnetic resonance imaging. Data analysis was done through SPSS version 22, descriptive analysis was done and association was assessed by applying independent sample t-test and ANOVA. P-value ≤ 0.05 is considered statistically significant. Results: About 54% (n=149) male participants and 60% (n=67) of females had right knee measurements, whereas 46% (n=125) males and 40% (n=44) females had measurements of their left knee. There was no significant relationship between gender and the measured side (p=0.169). Age and size of the lateral femoral condyle were shown to be significantly correlated (p=0.027). Males exhibited greater femoral condyle dimensions, notch widths, and heights compared to females (p

Objectives: To compare the efficacy of intrathecal fentanyl and dorsal penile nerve block for postoperative pain management in patients undergoing inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP). Patients and methods: A prospective single-center study included 80 patients amenable to IPP. Patients were divided equally into two groups. Group I included 40 patients who were managed with spinal anesthesia with intrathecal fentanyl before undergoing IPP. Group II comprised 40 patients who received spinal anesthesia with dorsal penile block before IPP. Study groups were compared regarding postoperative VAS (Visual Analog Scale) scores, total narcotics consumption, patient satisfaction levels, and perioperative complications. Results: The study groups were comparable regarding baseline patients’ criteria. The operative time was comparable between the study groups, with group I and group II having respective median times of 64 minutes (interquartile range: 55-78) and 67 minutes (interquartile range: 56-81) (p = 0.65). Additionally, both groups demonstrated similar distributions in IPP implant cylinder and reservoir size (p = 0.9). Postoperative pain was higher in group I, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). Eight patients in group I (20%) called the physician’s office asking for pain medication, compared to two patients in group II (5%) (p = 0.04). 85% of patients in group II were highly satisfied compared to 50 % in group I (p = 0.003). We reported a 5% complication rate in group I compared to 2.5% in group II (p = 0.6). Conclusions: The present study found that the dorsal penile nerve block offers superior postoperative pain control and patient satisfaction compared to intrathecal fentanyl for patients undergoing inflatable penile prosthesis insertion.

In this study, when the field characteristic is 13, we calculate decomposition matrices for the spin characters and which are broken down into blocks, where the decomposition matrices are connected between irreducible spin characters and irreducible modular spin characters. The technique used in this study is -inducing, which produces projective characters for symmetric group by projecting 's character, and symmetric group by projecting 's character. We can find it by fixing all bar divisions, finding all irreducible spin characters for ( ), , and all irreducible modular spin characters for ( ), . In order to explore irreducible modular spin characteristics, general correlations and theorems will be discovered as a result of this research.

One of the basic fluid mechanics problems of fluid flows over a revolving disk has both theoretical and real-world applications. The flow over a rotating disk has been the subject of numerous theoretical studies because it has many real-world applications in areas like rotating machinery, medical equipment, electronic devices, and computer storage. It is also crucial for engineering processes. Therefore, this article deals with a time-independent water-based hybrid nanofluid flow containing copper oxide and silver nanoparticles past a spinning disk. The Newtonian flow is taken into consideration in this analysis. The influence of magnetic field, thermophoresis, nonlinear thermal radiation, Brownian motion, and activation energy has been considered. The present analysis is modeled in a partial differential equation form and is then converted to ordinary differential equations using appropriate variables. A numerical solution using the bvp4c technique is accomplished using MATLAB software. The current results are matched with the previous literature and established a close relationship with previous studies. The purpose of this investigation is to numerically investigate the time-independent hybrid nanofluid flow comprising copper oxide and silver nanoparticles over a rotating disk surface. The results show that the increased magnetic parameters increase the friction force at the surface, which decreases the radial and azimuthal velocity distribution. At the sheet surface, the radial velocity of the hybrid nanofluid shows dominant performance compared to the nanofluid. On the other hand, the magnetic factor has dominant behavior on the azimuthal velocity component of the nanofluid flow compared to the hybrid nanofluid flow. The higher volume fraction and magnetic factor enhance the skin friction at the disk surface. Furthermore, greater surface drag is found for the hybrid nanofluid flow. The higher solid volume fraction, temperature ratio, and Biot number enhance the rate of heat transmission. Also, a higher rate of heat transmission is observed for the hybrid nanofluid flow.

BackgroundThe escalating number of deaths related to opioid usage has intensified the pursuit of non-opioid alternatives for managing chronic pain. It's often observed that psychiatric comorbidities coexist in patients suffering from chronic pain. There are a variety of psychotropic medications that have demonstrated effectiveness in treating both psychiatric symptoms and pain. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to assess the effectiveness of various psychiatric drugs in managing specific types of chronic pain, including fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, and chronic low back pain.MethodsA comprehensive search of five major databases was conducted through February 2023 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that met our inclusion criteria, focusing on outpatients Over 18 years of age with chronic pain. The study assessed the effectiveness of duloxetine, mirogabalin, pregabalin, gabapentin, and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), including serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), across various chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, and chronic low back pain. The primary outcome measures included pain reduction, improvement in function, and quality of life. Of the 29 RCTs in the systematic review, 20 studies qualified for the meta-analysis. The analysis was stratified by pain type and treatment duration (short-term ≤14 weeks vs. long-term >14 weeks), using Hedge's g standardized mean differences and a random-effects model, along with sensitivity and subgroup analyses.ResultsThe overall short-term intervention effect across all studies was significant (SMD −1.45, 95% CI −2.15 to −0.75, p