Search

Velaphi C Thipe,1 Nya Hall,1 Amoolya Pandurangi,2 Samuel Ajayi,3 Prosper Emeh,3 Iti Gauttam,3 Rania Ghamgui,3 Fatima Hameedat,3 Sihem Khelil,3 Nhu Ky Ly,3 Mahmoud Salim,3 Anum Shahid Waleed,3 Prajna Hegde,4 Vrushali Hegde,4 Deepa Prakash,4 Ilaadevi Hegde,4 Kavita Katti,1 Alice Raphael Karikachery,1 Emilie Roger,3,5 Anne Landreau,3,6 Kattesh V Katti1,7,8 1Department of Radiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA; 2Department of Biology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, 63103, USA; 3Pharmacy School, UNIV Angers, Angers, F-49000, France; 4Kadamba Intrac Private Ltd, Bangalore, KA, 560011, India; 5MINT, INSERM 1066, CNRS 6021, University of Angers, Angers, France; 6Univ Angers, Univ Brest, IRF, SFR ICAT, Angers, F-49000 France; 7Departments of Physics, Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; 8Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, 2028, South AfricaCorrespondence: Kattesh V Katti, Department of RadiologyUniversity of Missouri-ColumbiaOne Hospital Drive, Columbia, Missouri, 65212, USA, Tel +1 573 882 5656, Fax +1 573 884 5679, Email KattiK@health.missouri.eduPurpose: Breast cancer is a significant global health issue, contributing to 15% of cancer-related deaths. Our laboratory has pioneered a novel approach, combining Ayurvedic principles with green nanotechnology, to develop a scientifically rigorous medical modality referred to as Nano-Ayurvedic Medicine, recently approved by the US Patents and Trademarks Office. Here in we report a new Nano-Ayurvedic medicine agent derived from gold nanoparticles encapsulated with phytochemicals from Ginkgo biloba plant (GB-AuNPs).Methods: We have developed biocompatible gold nanoparticles using electron-rich phytochemicals from Ginkgo biloba as reducing agent cocktail. Ginkgo biloba phytochemical-encapsulated gold nanoparticles (GB-AuNPs) were fully characterized, and their anticancer activity, including immunomodulatory profiles, were evaluated against breast (MDAMB-231) cancer cell lines.Results: Characterization revealed spherical morphology for GB-AuNPs and possessed optimum in vitro stability through high zeta potential of − 34 mV for optimum in vivo stability. The core size of GB-AuNPs of 19 nm allows for penetration into tumor cells through both EPR effects as well as through the receptor-mediated endocytosis. The Antitumor efficacy of this nano-ayurvedic medicine agent revealed strong antitumor effects of GB-AuNPs towards MDAMB-231. Our investigations reveal that GB-AuNPs enhance anti-tumor cytokines (IL-12, TNF-α, IFN-γ) and reduce pro-tumor cytokines (IL-10, IL-6), promoting the conversion of protumor M2 macrophages into M1-like macrophage antitumor phenotype. Cellular studies show that GB-AuNPs offer superior anti-tumor efficacy and a better safety profile against breast tumors compared to cisplatin.Conclusion: Our investigations have demonstrated that the nano-ayurvedic medicine agent, GB-AuNPs, treats cancers through an immunomodulatory mechanism facilitated by elevated levels of anti-tumor cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-12) with concomitant downregulation of pro-tumor cytokines expression (IL-6 and IL-10). The green nanotechnology approach for the development of nano-ayurvedic medicine agent (GB-AuNPs), as described in this paper, presents new and attractive opportunities for treating human cancers and other debilitating diseases and disorders.Keywords: Ginkgo biloba, gold nanoparticles, anticancer, Nano-Ayurvedic

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a metric for evaluating air quality in a region. Jakarta holds the fifth position globally in terms of air pollution. Several studies have been performed to forecast pollution levels in Jakarta. However, existing studies exhibit limitations such as outdated datasets, lack of data normalization, absence of machine learning parameter setting, neglect of k-fold cross-validation, and a failure to incorporate deep learning algorithms for pollution detection. This study introduces an air quality detection system called APD-BayTM to address these issues. This proposed system leverages Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and uses Bayesian Optimization (BO) to enhance the performance of air pollution detection. The methodology used in this research involves four key steps: data preprocessing, LSTM model development, hyperparameter tuning through BO, and performance assessment using 5-fold cross-validation. APD-BayTM exhibits robust performance that is comparable to previous research outcomes. The LSTM model in APD-BayTM on the training dataset achieved average precision, recall, F1 score, and accuracy values of 93.29%, 91.41%, 91.89%, and 95.90%, respectively. These metrics improved on the test dataset, reaching 97.44%, 99.71%, 98.52%, and 99.34%, respectively. These findings show the robustness of APD-BayTM across datasets of varying sizes, encompassing both large and small datasets.

Introduction: Brain histamine is considered an endogenous anticonvulsant and histamine H1 receptor. H1R antagonists have, in earlier studies, been found to induce convulsions. Moreover, research during the last two decades has provided more information concerning the anticonvulsant activities of histamine H3R (H3R) antagonists investigated in a variety of animal epilepsy models.Methods: Therefore, the in vivo anticonvulsant effect of the H3R antagonist DL76, with proven high in vitro affinity, in vitro selectivity profile, and high in vivo antagonist potency in mice against maximal electroshock (MES)-induced seizures in mice, was assessed. Valproic acid (VPA) was used as a reference antiepileptic drug (AED). In addition, DL76 was tested for its reproductive and fetal toxicity in the same animal species.Results and discussion: Our observations showed that acute systemic administration (intraperitoneal; i.p.) of DL76 (7.5 mg/kg, 15 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg, and 60 mg/kg, i.p.) provided significant and dose-dependent protection against MES-induced seizures in female and male mice. Moreover, the DL76-provided protective effects were comparable to those offered by the VPA and were reversed when animals were co-administered the CNS-penetrant selective H3R agonist R-(α)-methylhistamine (RAM, 10 mg/kg, i.p.). Furthermore, the administration of single (7.5 mg/kg, 15 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg, or 60 mg/kg, i.p.) or multiple doses (3 × 15 mg/kg, i.p.) of H3R antagonist DL76 on gestation days (GD) 8 or 13 failed to affect the maternal body weight of mice when compared with the control mice group. No significant alterations were detected in the average number of implantations and resorptions between the control and DL76-treated groups at the early stages of gestation and the organogenesis period. In addition, no significant differences in the occurrence of skeletal abnormalities, urogenital abnormalities, exencephaly, exomphalos, facial clefts, and caudal malformations were observed. The only significant abnormalities witnessed in the treated groups of mice were in the length of long bones and body length. In conclusion, the novel H3R antagonist DL76 protected test animals against MES-induced seizures and had a low incidence of reproductive and fetal malformation with decreased long bone lengths in vivo, signifying the potential therapeutic value of H3R antagonist DL76 for future preclinical as well as clinical development for use in the management of epilepsy.

Arrhythmia refers to an irregular heart rhythm resulting from disruptions in the heart's electrical activity. To identify arrhythmias, an electrocardiogram (ECG) is commonly employed, as it can record the heart's electrical signals. However, ECGs may encounter interference from sources like electromagnetic waves and electrode motion. Several researchers have investigated the denoising of electrocardiogram signals for arrhythmia detection using deep autoencoder models. Unfortunately, these studies have yielded suboptimal results, indicated by low Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) values and relatively large Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). This study addresses these limitations by proposing the utilization of a Deep LSTM Autoencoder to effectively denoise ECG signals for arrhythmia detection. The model's denoising performance is evaluated based on achieved SNR and RMSE values. The results of the denoising evaluations using the Deep LSTM Autoencoder on the AFDB dataset show SNR and RMSE values of 56.16 and 0.00037, respectively. Meanwhile, for the MITDB dataset, the corresponding values are 65.22 and 0.00018. These findings demonstrate significant improvement compared to previous research. However, it's important to note a limitation in this study—the restricted availability of arrhythmia datasets from MITDB and AFDB. Future researchers are encouraged to explore and acquire a more extensive collection of arrhythmia data to further enhance denoising performance.

This study examines the Green Vision of Saudi Arabia and its efforts towards achieving sustainability in various domains such as energy, economy, tourism, and carbon emissions. The research uses time-series data from 2002 to 2020 to analyze the dynamic impacts of these variables. To achieve this, it employs a co-integration regression test, Granger causality relationships, and one-way and two-way causal effects between carbon emissions, tourism, economic growth, and energy use. The findings of the study provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for sustainability in the kingdom, considering the goals of SDGs 8 and 13. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on sustainable development in Saudi Arabia and offers significant insights for lawmakers, entrepreneurs, and researchers to influence the country's future direction. The research aims to guide strategic decision-making in line with Saudi Arabia's commitment to achieving a sustainable and resilient future by examining the interconnections between energy, economic growth, tourism, and carbon emissions.

In this article, we provide a brief overview of solar photovoltaic and thermal energy, wind turbines with vertical and horizontal axes, and other sustainable energy production systems as well as energy storage systems. In some remote areas away from easy access to electricity and fresh water, a self-contained and self-sustainable off-grid energy production and storage farm is very much needed. In this so-called sustainable energy farm, solar photovoltaic and solar thermal energies along with wind energy can be harvested and stored in a secured battery warehouse with mobile wireless surveillance systems with unpredictable coherent motions. In this battery-based energy storage system, special fire protection measures must also be employed with heat sensors and early detection and alarm systems. The alarm system will be connected to both local fire stations and automated fire extinguishing systems. A subsequent paper will present the details of this wireless fireproof alarm powered by sustainable energy resources. The main purpose of this paper is to document, provide references, and inform about the state-of-the-art achievements in the field of renewable energies, particularly, solar, wind, and other green energy resources.

Context: Anterior craniocervical junction lesions have always been a challenge for neurosurgeons. Presenting with lower cranial nerve dysfunction and symptoms of brainstem compression, decompression is often required. While posterior approaches offer indirect ventral brainstem decompression, direct decompression via odontoidectomy is necessary when they fail. The transoral and endoscopic endonasal approaches have been explored but come with their own limitations and risks. A novel retropharyngeal approach to the cervical spine has shown promising results with reduced complications. Aims: This study aims to explore the feasibility and potential advantages of the anterior retropharyngeal approach for accessing the odontoid process. Methods and Surgical Technique: To investigate the anatomical aspects of the anterior retropharyngeal approach, a paramedian skin incision was performed below the submandibular gland on two cadaveric specimens. The subcutaneous tissue followed by the platysma is dissected, and the superficial fascial layer is opened. The plane between the vascular sheath laterally and the pharyngeal structures medially is entered below the branching point of the facial vein and internal jugular vein. After reaching the prevertebral plane, further dissection cranially is done in a blunt fashion below the superior pharyngeal nerve and artery. Various anatomical aspects were highlighted during this approach. Results: The anterior, submandibular retropharyngeal approach to the cervical spine was performed successfully on two cadavers highlighting relevant anatomical structures, including the carotid artery and the glossopharyngeal, hypoglossal, and vagus nerves. This approach offered wide exposure, avoidance of oropharyngeal contamination, and potential benefit in repairing cerebrospinal fluid fistulas. Conclusions: For accessing the craniocervical junction, the anterior retropharyngeal approach is a viable technique that offers many advantages. However, when employing this approach, surgeons must have adequate anatomical knowledge and technical proficiency to ensure better outcomes. Further studies are needed to enhance our anatomical variations understanding and reduce intraoperative risks.

This research aims to determine whether the proposed time series model is stable or not. To achieve this, Ozaki’s approximation method was utilized, where the nonlinear part is a function that approaches zero, similar to Ozaki’s imposed function. The study produced examples of both stable and unstable models, and it was discovered that the stability and instability of the model are affected by the enforced optional constants. The researchers used the approximation method to obtain an asymptotic linear model that satisfied the singular point of the proposed model. The study first identified the singular points of the suggested model and then focused on determining the stability conditions, which was the main objective of the study. Last, the stability conditions of the limit cycle were established.

ObjectiveMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a standard imaging modality in intracranial stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for defining target volumes. However, wide disparities in MRI resolution exist, which could directly impact accuracy of target delineation. Here, sequences with various MRI resolution were acquired on phantoms to evaluate the effect on volume definition and dosimetric consequence for cranial SRS.Materials/MethodsFour T1-weighted MR sequences with increasing 3D resolution were compared, including two Spin Echo (SE) 2D acquisitions with 5mm and 3mm slice thickness (SE5mm, SE3mm) and two gradient echo 3D acquisitions (TFE, BRAVO). The voxel sizes were 0.4×0.4×5.0, 0.5×0.5×3.0, 0.9×0.9×1.25, and 0.4×0.4×0.5 mm3, respectively. Four phantoms with simulated lesions of different shape and volume (range, 0.53–25.0 cm3) were imaged, resulting in 16 total sets of MRIs. Four radiation oncologists provided contours on individual MR image set. All observer contours were compared with ground truth, defined on CT image according to the absolute dimensions of the target structure, using Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), Hausdorff distance (HD), mean distance-to-agreement (MDA), and the ratio between reconstructed and true volume (Ratiovol). For dosimetric consequence, SRS plans targeting observer volumes were created. The true Paddick conformity index (CIpaddicktrue), calculated with true target volume, was correlated with quality of observer volume.ResultsAll measures of observer contours improved as increasingly higher MRI resolution was provided from SE5mm to BRAVO. The improvement in DSC, HD and MDA was statistically significant (p

PURPOSENational cancer control strategies have been identified as essential tools for reducing and managing the growing burden of cancer in low- and middle-income countries. Cancer registration is an instrumental component of any cancer control strategy, providing the data to inform effective cancer policy. In the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey (MENAT) region, cancer registration varies immensely and faces multifaceted challenges including protracted conflict. This study investigates and maps out the present capacities and outputs of cancer registration in the MENAT region and identifies thematic barriers facing implementation and utilization of cancer registry data.MATERIALS AND METHODSWe used a self-administered online survey with open and close-ended questions targeting national and institutional cancer registry managers in the MENAT countries.RESULTSRegistry managers from 19 MENAT countries reported the presence of 97 population-based, 48 hospital-based, and 24 pathology-based registries. Most population-based registries were well- or partially developed. Lack of accurate death records, complete medical records, and communication between stakeholders and deficiencies in trained personnel were critical challenges that were more severe in active conflict zones and neighboring conflict-affected regions. Cancer registration challenges included weak health infrastructure, absence of legislation mandating cancer registration, and disruption of cancer registration because of active conflict and loss of funding. Refugee host countries, such as Lebanon, Turkey, and Jordan, also reported conflict-related challenges including refugee mobility and lack of accurate data on forced migrants.CONCLUSIONThis study provides a much-needed understanding of the current landscape and contextual challenges affecting cancer registration in the MENAT. These data are important for identifying areas on which to focus regional capacity-strengthening initiatives.

With its rapid spread, the coronavirus infection shocked the world and had a huge effect on billions of peoples' lives. The problem is to find a safe method to diagnose the infections with fewer casualties. It has been shown that X-Ray images are an important method for the identification, quantification, and monitoring of diseases. Deep learning algorithms can be utilized to help analyze potentially huge numbers of X-Ray examinations. This research conducted a retrospective multi-test analysis system to detect suspicious COVID-19 performance, and use of chest X-Ray features to assess the progress of the illness in each patient, resulting in a "corona score." where the results were satisfactory compared to the benchmarked techniques. This research results showed that rapidly evolved Artificial Intelligence (AI) -based image analysis can accomplish high accuracy in detecting coronavirus infection as well as quantification and illness burden monitoring.

Cancer registration is a core component of national and regional cancer control strategies. In the Middle East, North-Africa and Turkey (MENAT) region, capacity and resources for cancer registration is variable and shaped by multiple contextual challenges. This viewpoint maps out practical recommendations around cancer registration, in an attempt to inform cancer control planning, policy, and implementation. The recommendations laid out in this viewpoint are informed by the discussions held at the Initiative for Cancer Registration in the MENAT (ICRIM) virtual workshop, which convened registry managers, policy makers, and international agencies from 19 countries in the MENAT region. The discussions were distilled in four categories of recommendations, revolving around cancer registration procedures, collaborative governance, putting cancer registration on the map, and capacity building. This viewpoint provides a much-needed mapping of practical recommendations around cancer registration, informed by direct key stakeholders in the region. These practical recommendations offer a road map for policy making, cancer control planning, and future regional capacity strengthening initiatives.

The mechanism of the interfacial Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction in heavy metal-ferromagnet heterostructures is debated. Here, the authors show the oscillating behaviour of the interaction as a function of the MgO spacer layer thickness, supporting the interlayer exchange coupling mechanism of the Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida type.

Purpose: The superior soft-tissue contrast of MRI-guided radiotherapy offers enhanced localization accuracy of the spinal cord in spine Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT). This work includes a planning study for spine-SBRT on an MR-Linac. Additionally, a patient with spine metastasis was treated using an adaptive radiation therapy workflow. We report our initial experience of targeting accuracy, image-guided localization, on-line adaptive planning, and treatment with real-time intrafraction imaging with automatic beam gating.Methods: Six spine-SBRT patients were retrospectively re-planned to 18 Gy in 1-fraction on a commercial, Monte Carlo-based MR-Linac treatment planning system. Plans were generated using 9–13 step-and-shoot intensity-modulated radiation therapy 6 MV-flattening filter free beams and optimized to achieve plan quality criteria recommended by RTOG-0631. One thoracic vertebral body clinical case was treated to 27 Gy in 3-fractions utilizing ART, where daily anatomical changes were accounted for via re-planning and treatment in an on-line manner to account for limited ability to correct rotational setup uncertainties.Results: Plans met all critical-tissue constraints outlined in RTOG-0631 and AAPM Task Group-101, while covering 90% of the target with the prescription dose. Clinically, visibility of the spinal cord allowed for patient setup focusing on spinal cord-alignment. Utilization of the online ART workflow, while re-contouring the target and spinal cord, enabled an increase in prescription dose coverage from 89 to 95% in two of three fractions while maintaining acceptable doses to organs-at-risk. Real-time MR-cine imaging demonstrated sufficient quality for the automatic beam gating algorithm to provide intrafraction motion management of the spinal canal utilizing a 3.0 mm gating boundary and 1–2% region of excursion allowance, in the sagittal plane. A decrease in coverage, below the 95% threshold was noted in post-treatment volumetric imaging due to lateral movement not observed during real-time gating.Conclusion: Achieved plan quality and deliverability was within accepted standards. MR-guidance with an on-line ART workflow offered increased accuracy in the localization of the spinal cord at the time of treatment to enhance both tissue sparing and target volume coverage. Increased spatial resolution of cine-images, and tracking in three-dimensions would be beneficial for future spine-SBRT treatments on the MR-Linac.

Copper based materials are widely used in industrial and marine applications due to good mechanical properties and high corrosion resistant behavior. But the corrosion immunity varies for the variation of environmental factors. Moreover, alloying elements can have role on corrosion behavior, especially if it occurs through inclusion of Sn-Pb solder for repair works and environmental effects due to ageing. The present paper is an attempt to characterize the corrosion immunity level of copper after inclusion of tiny SnPb-solder material and work hardening in pH varied fresh water environments from pH1 to pH13 using gravimetric analysis, conductivity investigation and micrograph observation using optical as well as field emission scanning electronic microscope. The result reveals that solder material inclusion has increased the corrosion rate by about 14% in 30 days immersion in pH varied environments.

Using a modified Cahn-Hilliard-Cook theory for spinodal decomposition in a binary mixture that exhibits both diffusion and interconversion dynamics, we derive the time-dependent structure factor for concentration fluctuations. We compare the theory and obtain a qualitative agreement with simulations of the temporal evolution of the order parameter and structure factor in a nonequilibrium Ising/lattice-gas hybrid model in the presence of an external source of forceful interconversion. In particular, the characteristic size of the steady-state phase domain is predicted from the lower cut-off wavenumber of the amplification factor in the generalized spinodal-decomposition theory.

Introduction: Mammography screening has been shown to improve early breast cancer (BC) detection, by shifting the disease at diagnosis to locally confined stages, offering lighter treatments and better prognoses. BC awareness campaigns calling for annual mammography screenings have been ongoing in Lebanon since 2002. Changes in BC staging at diagnosis as a consequence of documented improvements in mammography uptake remain to be described. Materials and Methods: We reviewed 2,822 BC cases identified by pathology reports in the American University of Beirut Medical Center between the years 1990 and 2015. After age stratification, we have trended the extracted stages versus time. Results were compared between the prescreening (1990?2001) and the postscreening period (2002?2015). Results: During the postscreening period, stage I represented 31%, stage II 47%, stage III 14%, and stage IV 8% of the cases. Stage I cases had more than doubled whereas stage III cases showed a mirror decrease compared with the years before the implementation of awareness campaigns. The increase in stage I was significantly more prominent in women aged 40 years and older (from 14% to 32%), compared with the younger group. Shifts in staging happened in parallel with a concurrent rise in reported uptake of mammography screening. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate significant trends in earlier detection, which are likely associated with an increase in screening uptake and an awareness of BC as a public health issue. Staging data from hospitals all over Lebanon should be available for building national evidence. The Ministry of Public Health should require reporting of BC stage at diagnosis to the National Cancer Registry, as part of the annual cancer incidence reporting in Lebanon.

Elena Barengolts,1,2 Michael Salim,3 Arfana Akbar,2 Farah Salim2 1Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; 2Section of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; 3Department of Internal Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Chicago, IL 60608, USACorrespondence: Elena BarengoltsSection of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USATel +1-312-996-6060Fax +1-312-569-8123Email eibareng@uic.eduPurpose: Obesity is a chronic disease that is acquiring pandemic proportions. Emerging research suggests that probiotics can be a valuable yet still an underutilized modality for obesity treatment. This review aims to analyze and summarize recent data focusing on published meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to help understand the role of probiotics in fighting obesity.Materials and Methods: Meta-analyses were sought and reviewed from PubMed, Cochrane Central Library, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar for body weight and/or BMI changes (two main outcomes of interest).Results: The literature review identified 14 meta-analyses. On average, the meta-analyses dedicated to probiotics included 4– 15 trials with 154– 994 participants, whereas more inclusive probiotics and/or synbiotics analyses included 15– 68 trials with 895– 4015 participants. Eleven out of 14 meta-analyses showed that probiotic use in RCTs resulted in reduced body weight and/or BMI compared to placebo. An average weight loss was 0.6 kg, and the most substantial loss was 4.8 kg corresponding to 0.7% and 5.9% reductions in body weight, respectively. Probiotics’ use was associated with improved health outcomes in addition to weight loss and was safe. The subgroup analyses showed that the probiotic forms (supplements vs food) and the dosages (lower vs higher than 1010 CFU/day) did not substantially influence weight loss. The single species particularly helpful for weight loss appeared to be L. gasseri, L. casei, L. delbrueckii, L. reuteri, L. rhamnosus, a combination of L. curvatus and L. plantarum and Bifidobacterium longum. Bacillus subtilis and Akkermansia muciniphila also had a potential as anti-obesity probiotics.Conclusion: Probiotics, despite small effects, could be a valuable addition to the armamentarium of obesity management. Further basic and translational research and clinical trials are required to elucidate mechanisms and specific probiotic and patients’ types for the best achievable precision medicine approach to the obesity epidemic.Keywords: probiotic, synbiotic, obesity, overweight, body weight, body mass index

Municipalities in Lebanon represent local governments at the basic community level. The proximity of the municipality to the local community and its knowledge of available resources, can be crucial in easing the impact of any disaster. This study aimed to document the range of preparedness/reactivity of municipalities as COVID-19 swept through Lebanon. A qualitative case study was implemented to explore municipal response to control the epidemic, using in-depth semi-structured interviews with twenty-seven stakeholders from nine municipalities across all governorates in Lebanon. In each municipality, participants included mayors/deputy mayors, available members of municipal councils, prominent community leaders, health care professionals, and managers of local NGOs. The collected data were analyzed using the comparative thematic analysis. The socioecological model was adopted to illustrate the dynamic interplay between the barriers and facilitators at all ecological levels. The response to the pandemic differed significantly in volume and nature among different municipalities across regions, with rural areas clearly disadvantaged in terms of adequacy and completeness of response. Barriers consistently mentioned by most municipalities included economic collapse and poverty, shortage in resources, lack of support from the central government, stigma, lack of awareness, underreporting, flaws in the MOPH surveillance system, impeded accessibility to healthcare services, limited number and weak role of municipal police, increased mental illnesses, and political patronage, favoritism, and interference. On the other hand, increased donations, community engagement, social support and empathy, sufficient human resources, the effective role of healthcare systems, and good governance were identified as key facilitators. The socioecological model identified several multi-level facilitators and loopholes which can be addressed through a suggested strategic "roadmap" providing evidence-based interventions for future epidemics. It is crucial meanwhile that the central government strengthens the administrative and financial resources of municipalities in preparing and rapidly deploying the expected optimal response.

Introduction: Malaria and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) co-infection is an important parasitic infection affecting populations in co-endemic countries including Equatorial Guinea. To date, the health impact of STH and malaria co-infection is inconclusive. The current study aimed to report the malaria and STH infection epidemiology in the continental region of Equatorial Guinea. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study between October 2020 and January 2021 in the Bata district of Equatorial Guinea. Participants aged 1–9 years, 10–17 years and above 18 were recruited. Fresh venous blood was collected for malaria testing via mRDTs and light microscopy. Stool specimens were collected, and the Kato–Katz technique was used to detect the presence of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, hookworm spp. and intestinal Schistosoma eggs. Results: A total of 402 participants were included in this study. An amount of 44.3% of them lived in urban areas, and only 51.9% of them reported having bed nets. Malaria infections were detected in 34.8% of the participants, while 50% of malaria infections were reported in children aged 10–17 years. Females had a lower prevalence of malaria (28.8%) compared with males (41.7%). Children of 1–9 years carried more gametocytes compared with other age groups. An amount of 49.3% of the participants infected with T. trichiura had malaria parasites compared with those infected with A. lumbricoides (39.6%) or both (46.8%). Conclusions: The overlapping problem of STH and malaria is neglected in Bata. The current study forces the government and other stakeholders involved in the fight against malaria and STH to consider a combined control program strategy for both parasitic infections in Equatorial Guinea.

DHCP is an important aspect in small and large networks, since it facilitates the IP configuration of computers. However, DHCP is vulnerable to different attacks; therefore, the essential objective of this paper is to propose solutions against DHCP attacks. The paper gives an explanation about how DHCP works and understand the handshake mechanism and give a brief summary about DHCP attack, how they occur and how they affect the security of the enterprise since a leakage of sensitive Information could happen, which threatens the enterprise's security or a denial of service that immobilizes the network. Three effective countermeasures are looked up and tested against DHCP attacks, and each one successfully prevented the attack.

Purpose: Treatment planning of skull based meningiomas can be difficult due to the irregular shaped target volumes and proximity to critical optic structures. This study evaluated the use of HyperArc (HA) radiosurgery optimization and delivery in conjunction with multicriteria optimization (MCO) to create conformal and efficient treatment plans for conventionally fractionated radiation therapy to difficult base-of-skull (BOS) lesions. Methods and Materials: Twelve patients with BOS meningioma were retrospectively planned with HA-specific optimization algorithm, stereotactic normal tissue objective (SRS-NTO), and conventional automatic normal tissue objective to evaluate normal brain sparing (mean dose and V20 Gy). MCO was used on both SRS-NTO and automatic normal tissue objective plans to further decrease organ-at-risk doses and target dose maximum to within clinically acceptable constraints. Delivery efficiency was evaluated based on planned monitor units. Results: The SRS-NTO in HA can be used to improve the mid- and low-dose spread to normal brain tissue in the irradiation of BOS meningiomas. Improvement in normal brain sparing can be seen in larger, more irregular shaped lesions and less so in smaller spherical targets. MCO can be used in conjunction with the SRS-NTO to reduce target dose maximum and dose to organ at risk without sacrificing the gain in normal brain sparing. Conclusions: HA can be beneficial both in treatment planning by using the SRS-NTO and in delivery efficiency through the decrease in monitor units and automated delivery.

Inherently poor soil fertility and non-adoption of fertilizer recommendations based on soil test and yield targets by farmers limit the productivity and profitability from monsoon rice in Bangladesh and much of South Asia. In the Level Barind Tract (LBT; AEZ-25) and the High Ganges River Floodplain (HGR; AEZ-11) agro-ecological zones (AEZs) of Bangladesh, monsoon (aman/kharif) season transplanted rainfed rice (known as T. aman rice) is grown in large areas after maize, wheat and/or mungbeans, with residues of each crop removed from the field after grain harvest. This results in lower grain yield and lower profits in these AEZs as compared with other AEZs. Nutrient management, based on soil test, yield targets, or integrated use of inorganics and organics for each AEZ together with retention of crop residue, has the potential to increase rice yield, reduce production cost and increase income. With this hypothesis, this study was conducted to determine the optimum nutrient management practices for achieving higher yield, maintaining apparent soil nutrient balance, and obtaining high profits from monsoon rice. Twelve nutrient management options were evaluated, of which the first six were: (i) 80-16-44-12-2 kg ha-1 of N, P, K, S, Zn respectively for a high yield goal (T1; ‘HYG’); (ii) 56-12-32-8- 1.5 kg ha-1 respectively for a medium yield goal (T2; ‘MYG’); (iii) 65-13-32-9-2 kg ha-1 respectively plus 5 t ha-1 cowdung as integrated plant nutrient management system (T3, ‘IPNS’); (iv) 67-14-41-9-2 kg ha-1 respectively as a soil test-based fertilizer management strategy (T4; ‘STB’); (v) 40-9-11-0-0 kg ha-1 respectively as per farmers’ practice (T5; ‘FP’) and (vi) 0-0-0-0-0 kg ha-1 as a control (T6; ‘CON’). The remaining six treatments were the same as above but each also included the crop residue incorporation (CRI), i.e., (vii) T7, ‘HYG+CRI’; (viii) T8, ‘MYG+CRI’; (ix) T9, ‘IPNS+CRI’; (x) T10, ‘STB+CRI’; (xi) T11 ‘FP’+CRI’; and (xii) T12, ‘CON+CRI’. In both AEZs, STB plus CRI resulted in the highest rice yield (p≤0.05) followed by ‘STB’ and ‘IPNS+CRI’. In comparison with ‘FP’ and ‘CON’, each without CRI, balances were positive (p≤0.05) for P, S, Zn and B but were negative for N and K in ‘HYG’, ‘MYG’, ‘IPNS’ and ‘STB’ with or without CRI. In both AEZS, STB nutrient management had the highest (p≤0.05) net returns (526 & 487 US$ ha-1, respectively), highest benefit cost ratio (BCR; 3.54 & 3.36) and highest marginal benefit cost ratio (MBCR; 10.47 & 10.19). These were followed by STB+CRI’ and ‘IPNS’, while they were lowest (p≤0.05) for CON and FP. We recommend that nutrient application, based on soil test with incorporation of mungbean residue, followed by IPNS, could be the best strategies for achieving high yield, improving soil fertility and for fetching a higher profit from monsoon rice in Bangladesh and similar soils and growing environments of South Asia.

Abstract Introduction Pseudocyst of the pinna is a rare condition that occurs when fluid accumulates in the intercartilagenous space of the auricle. The main goal when treating this condition is to keep acceptable cosmetic results with no recurrence rate. Objective To demonstrate the superior impact of incision and drainage of auricular pseudocysts with the insertion of a catheter drain and daily irrigation as the treatment of this condition. Methods A total of 42 patients with auricular pseudocysts were enrolled in the present study in the period between May 2011 and May 2017. All of the patients were treated with incision and drainage with compression. The average follow-up time reached ∼ 6 months in all of the cases. Results All of the patients had satisfactory cosmetic results with no recurrence and no complications. Conclusion Among the different methods of surgical treatment of pseudocyst of the pinna, incision and drainage with daily irrigation is a significantly efficient method both for the eradication of auricular pseudocysts and for good cosmetic results.

Infants who are exclusively breastfed in the first six months of age receive adequate nutrients, achieving optimal immune protection and growth. In addition to the known nutritional components of human breast milk (HBM), i.e., water, carbohydrates, fats and proteins, it is also a rich source of microRNAs, which impact epigenetic mechanisms. This comprehensive work presents an up-to-date overview of the immunomodulatory constituents of HBM, highlighting its content of circulating microRNAs. The epigenetic effects of HBM are discussed, especially those regulated by miRNAs. HBM contains more than 1400 microRNAs. The majority of these microRNAs originate from the lactating gland and are based on the remodeling of cells in the gland during breastfeeding. These miRNAs can affect epigenetic patterns by several mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications and RNA regulation, which could ultimately result in alterations in gene expressions. Therefore, the unique microRNA profile of HBM, including exosomal microRNAs, is implicated in the regulation of the genes responsible for a variety of immunological and physiological functions, such as FTO, INS, IGF1, NRF2, GLUT1 and FOXP3 genes. Hence, studying the HBM miRNA composition is important for improving the nutritional approaches for pregnancy and infant’s early life and preventing diseases that could occur in the future. Interestingly, the composition of miRNAs in HBM is affected by multiple factors, including diet, environmental and genetic factors.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) such as ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) are diseases of the gastrointestinal system involving genetic and environmental factors attributed to oxidative stress and inflammation. Targeting oxidative stress and inflammation by novel dietary compounds of natural origin convincingly appears to be one of the important therapeutic strategies to keep the disease in remission. As there is no permanent cure for IBD except for chronic long-term treatment or surgery, it is therefore imperative to investigate plant-based agents that are receiving attention for their therapeutic benefits to overcome the debilitating clinical conditions of IBD. Lycopodium (LYCO), a plant of tropical and subtropical origin and known by numerous names such as ground pine, club moss, or devil’s claw, has been popularly used for centuries in traditional medicine including Chinese and Indian medicines. In the present study, the effect of LYCO has been investigated in an acetic acid (AA)-induced colitis model in Wistar rats. LYCO was orally administered at the dose of 50 mg/kg/day either 3 days before or 30 min after the induction of IBD and continued for 7 days by intrarectal administration of AA. The changes in body weight and macroscopic and microscopic analysis of the colon of rats of different experimental groups were observed on days 0, 2, 4, and 7. The levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO), reduced glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. AA caused a significant reduction in body weight and increased macroscopic and microscopic ulcer scores along with a significant decline in antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase and antioxidant substrate, glutathione (GSH). There was a concomitant increased formation of malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation, and raised myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, a marker of neutrophil activation. Treatment with LYCO significantly improved IBD-induced reduction in body weight, improved histology, inhibited MDA formation, and restored antioxidants along with reduced MPO activity. AA also caused the release of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-23 (IL-23). Furthermore, AA also increased the levels of calprotectin, a protein released by neutrophils under inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. LYCO treatment significantly reduced the release of calprotectin and proinflammatory cytokines. The results demonstrate that LYCO treatment has the potential to improve disease activity by inhibiting oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and inflammation along with histological preservation of colonic tissues.

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate trends in the increasing costs of oncology drugs procured by the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) between 2014 and 2016 and to assess the impact of the introduction in mid-2015 of new immunotherapy drugs for the treatment of lung cancer on the overall and specific costs of that treatment. Methods: A secondary analysis of data from the MOPH Cancer Drug Scientific Committee data base was conducted using a total of 18,133 cancer files between 2014 and 2016. Results: Over the 3-year period, about $140 million (USD) was spent on cancer drugs by the MOPH free cancer drug dispensing program. The expenditures increased by 27% after immunotherapy was phased in. The average cost of drugs per patient per year measured across all cancer types increased from $7,000 in 2014 to $8,400 in 2016. Trastuzumab, approved for treating human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive breast cancer ranked first in total expenditures for 2014-2015. By 2016, two new immunotherapy drugs had topped the list: pembrolizumab ranked first and nivolumab ranked third, representing 64% of the total cost of lung cancer treatment and approximately 19% of the total yearly budget; beneficiaries represented only 3% of all patients. Conclusion: This update documents the increasing financial impact of newer cancer drugs on the procurement process in the middle-income country of Lebanon. The trend is aligned with the financial burden of cancer drugs worldwide, which calls for a collaborative global response to this crisis.

Thirty Three recent sediment ( 5 surface wadi filling and 13 flood plain + 15 soil at 0.7m depth) samples were selected from different localities namely ( from south to north ) : Al-Sallamya + Lazzaga villages, Hawi Al-Kanessa, Shuraikhan, Al-Mallaeen Quarter, Tel-Kief, Wadi Al-Malah, and Fifeal area. The collected samples were subjected to traditional geochemical test and analysis in aaddition to Radon gas measurement using solid plastic nuclear detector CR-39 ( Columbia Resin ) in the field( cup irradiation technique ) and in the laboratory ( test tube irradiation technique ). Sodium hydroxide etched detector were investigated under optical microscope to count the track density and later Radon gas exhalation measurements (Bq.m-3) were calculated. Variation in Radon gas measurements were displayed and followed in contour maps and discussed in relation to the obtained geochemical data and to know faults and other structural features in the studied area

The associations of ever using and/or repeating a mammography test with psychosocial and socio-demographic factors were surveyed in 2014 among Lebanese women ≥40. A sample of 2400 women was selected across Lebanon. Variables with significant bivariate associations with various types of behaviors were entered in multivariate analysis. Of the total, 105 women (4·4%) had never heard of mammography as a tool for early breast cancer detection. Among the remaining 2295, 45% had ever used it, of whom 10% had obtained it for the first time within the 12 months preceding the survey. Repeaters were 67% of 926 women who had the time opportunity to do so (median lifetime frequency: 2). Older age, higher socio-economic status (SES) and living within the Greater Beirut (GB) area were significantly associated with ever-use. Within GB, psychosocial factors such as perceived susceptibility and benefits were most strongly associated with ever-use. Outside GB, socio-economic advantage seemed to mostly affect ever-use. Only 4% reported opposition from husbands to their mammography, and husband's support was significant for adherence to mammography guidelines mostly outside GB. Higher education emerged also as a significant socio-demographic determinant for ever-repeating in all regions. Perceived comfort of the previous test strongly affected the likelihood of repeating it. Providing mammography free-of-charge may alleviate some obstacles among women with socio-economic disadvantage. Stressing that good results one year do not make the cancer less likely or repeating the test less important, as well as improving the comfort of mammography testing could ensure test repeating.

The role of histamine H3 receptors (H3Rs) in the regulation of gastroprotection and production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) as well as somatostatin remains contradictory. Therefore, the effects of the H3R antagonist/inverse agonist M39 on in vivo acidified ethanol-induced gastric ulcers and gastric acid secretion in the C57BL/6 mice were assessed. Results showed that acute systemic administration of H3R agonist (R)-α-methylhistamine (RAMH, 100 mg/kg, i.g.) significantly reduced the severity of ulcer index, increased gastric acid output, and increased mucosal PGE2 production without any alteration of somatostatin concentration in gastric juice. However, only acute systemic administration of the H2R agonist dimaprit (DIM, 10 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly decreased the level of somatostatin measured in gastric juice. Moreover, acute systemic administration of M39 (0.3 mg/kg, i.g.) abrogated the RAMH-induced increase of acid output as well as PGE2 production, but not the DIM (10 mg/kg, i.g.)-stimulated acid secretion, indicating that RAMH as well as M39 modulate the gastroprotective effects through interactions with histamine H3Rs. The present findings indicate that agonistic interaction with H3Rs is profoundly involved in the maintenance of gastric mucosal integrity by modulating PGE2 as well as gastric acid secretion, with no apparent role in the regulation of the inhibitory influence of somatostatin.

BackgroundThe Bangladesh Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) Elimination Programme has made significant progress in interrupting transmission through mass drug administration (MDA) and has now focussed its efforts on scaling up managing morbidity and preventing disability (MMDP) activities to deliver the minimum package of care to people affected by LF clinical conditions. This paper highlights the Bangladesh LF Programme's success in conducting a large-scale cross-sectional survey to determine the number of people affected by lymphoedema and hydrocoele, which enabled clinical risk maps to be developed for targeted interventions across the 34 endemic districts (19 high endemic; 15 low endemic).Methodology/principal findingsIn the 19 high endemic districts, 8,145 community clinic staff were trained to identify and report patients in their catchment area. In the 15 low endemic districts, a team of 10 trained field assistants conducted active case finding with cases reported via a SMS mHealth tool. Disease burden and prevalence maps were developed, with morbidity hotspots identified at sub-district level based on a combination of the highest prevalence rates per 100,000 and case-density rates per square kilometre (km2). The relationship between morbidity and baseline microfilaria (mf) prevalence was also examined. In total 43,678 cases were identified in the 19 high endemic districts; 30,616 limb lymphoedema (70.1%; female 55.3%), 12,824 hydrocoele (29.4%), and 238 breast/female genital swelling (0.5%). Rangpur Division reported the highest cases numbers and prevalence of lymphoedema (26,781 cases, 195 per 100,000) and hydrocoele (11661 cases, 169.6 per 100,000), with lymphoedema predominately affecting females (n = 21,652). Rangpur and Lalmonirhat Districts reported the highest case numbers (n = 11,199), and prevalence (569 per 100,000) respectively, with five overlapping lymphoedema and hydrocoele sub-district hotspots. In the 15 low endemic districts, 732 cases were identified; 661 lymphoedema (90.2%; female 39.6%), 56 hydrocoele (7.8%), and 15 both conditions (2.0%). Spearman's correlation analysis found morbidity and mf prevalence significantly positively correlated (r = 0.904; pConclusions/significanceThe Bangladesh LF Programme has developed one of the largest, most comprehensive country databases on LF clinical conditions in the world. It provides an essential database for health workers to identify local morbidity hotspots, deliver the minimum package of care, and address the dossier elimination requirements.

It is believed that Mirror Visual Feedback (MVF) increases the interlimb transfer but the exact mechanism is still a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to compare between a bimanual task (BM) and a MVF task, within functionally rather than geometrically defined cortical domains. Measure Projection Analysis (MPA) approach was applied to compare the dynamic oscillatory activity (event-related synchronization/desynchronization ERS/ERD) between and within domains. EEG was recorded in 14 healthy participants performing a BM and an MVF task with the right hand. The MPA was applied on fitted equivalent current dipoles based on independent components to define domains containing functionally similar areas. The measure of intradomain similarity was a “signed mutual information,” a parameter based on the coherence. Domain analysis was performed for joint tasks (BM and MVF) and for each task separately. MVF created 9 functional domains while MB task had only 4 functionally distinctive domains, two over the left hemispheres and two bilateraly. For all domains identified for BM task alone, similar domains could be identified in MVF and joint tasks analysis. In addition MVF had domains related to motor planning on the right hemisphere and to self-recognition of action. For joint tasks analysis, seven domains were identified, with similar functions for the left and the right hand with exception of a domain covering BA32 (self-recognition of action) of the left hand only. In joint task domain analysis, the ERD/ERS showed a larger difference between domains than between tasks. All domains which involved the sensory cortex had a visible beta ERS at the onset of movement, and post movement beta ERS. The frequency of ERD varied between domains. Largest difference between tasks existed in domains responsible for the awareness of action. In conclusion, functionally distinctive domains have different ERD/ERS patterns, similar for both tasks. MVF activates contralateral hemisphere in similar manner to BM movements, while at the same time also activating the ipsilateral hemisphere. Significance: Following stroke cortical activation and interhemispheric inhibition from the contralesional side is reduced. MVF creates stronger ipsilateral activity than BM, which is highly relevant of neurorehabilitation of movements.

Background: Current data from the Middle East suggest a rapid increase in the incidence of smoking water-pipes (narguileh in Lebanon) in parallel with cigarettes. The social context in which these two behaviors are initiated and associated has not been studied. Methods: Data from a standardized questionnaire to measure the prevalence and practices related to cigarettes and narguileh consumption in a representative sample of 1097 children in grade 9 were extracted and analyzed for elements of the social context in which consumption occurs. Results and discussion: Among surveyed children (mean age 14.6), 3.9% were “frequent” cigarette smokers (more than nine times ever). Presence of parents and/or siblings who smoke is a key factor for initiation. Narguileh use is a social phenomenon, rarely smoked alone (

Objectives: The operating theatre (OT) is a vital facility that utilises a considerable portion of the hospital’s budget; thus proper OT utilisation is essential. Surgical cancellation is a leading cause of OT underutilisation. This study aimed to report the rate and reasons for surgical cancellations and no-shows in a large regional hospital in Oman. Methods: This study took place as part of a retrospective quality management project at the Ibri Regional Hospital, Ibri, Oman. All elective surgical procedures scheduled between January and December 2014 were included. Cancelled procedures were reviewed to determine the reasons for cancellation. Results: A total of 4,814 elective procedures were scheduled during the study period; of these, 1,235 (26%) were cancelled. Patient no-shows were the most prevalent reason for surgical cancellation (63%), followed by surgical reasons (17%); in contrast, OT-associated reasons were responsible for only 2% of cancellations. According to speciality, general surgery had the highest percentage of total cancellations (65%), while ear, nose and throat had the highest rate of surgical cancellations among their scheduled cases (42%). Conclusion: Ibri Regional Hospital had a higher surgical cancellation rate due to no-shows than those reported in the literature. Regular audits, quality management projects and the appointment of a dedicated procedure booking coordinator may enhance proper utilisation of the OT, potentially saving funds, conserving resources and alleviating the burden of cancellations.

ABSTRACT The analysis of trace element by x -ray fluorescence spectrometry always required appropriate correction for matrix differences of the geological material . To reduce such effect , mass absorption coefficient were calculated for both known (standards) and unknown samples. Such calculation required analytical data of major element concentration (wt. %) . To make these data available, is in fact time consuming job. Many theoretical and experimental corrections were attempted in order to save this additional analytical work . The uses of incoherent scatter intensity dominate the relevant literature , because it is free of systematic errors affecting the measurements of incoherent scatter intensity. Non of the published attempt claimed routine uses of the suggested method of correction. The present study deals with estimation of mass absorption coefficients of ten international geological standards for wave length range ( 0.50A - 1. 66A ) using intensity (counts /40 seconds) of(GH;Mica-Fe;ATT-1;SY-2;ASk-1; ASk-2; BX-N; UM-2;UM-4;MRG-1) incoherent scatter (I incoh) lines ( Au Lβ , Cr kβ , Mo Kα , Mo Kβ , W Lβ1 , WLβ2 ) reflected from smooth surface of infinity thick pellets prepared from standards samples powders Appropriate computer program were previously written and checked then , later used for computation of mass absorption coefficients () of the standards samples. Sequential x-ray spectrometer (PW1459/10) were used for measurements of incoherent Scatter (I incoh). The inverse relation between (I incoh -) can be explained on the basis of low rate of incoherent scatter generation from sample matrix of high mass absorption coefficient . Same matrix can absorb great deal of departed x-¬ray from the samples . The curved relation is confined to Mo Kα and Mo Kβ incoherent line resulted from the nature of the spectrometer pw 1450/10 used in this study. Comparison between different incoherent reflection lines were made and the whole data was subjected to additional mathematic and statistical treatments for improvement of results .

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a multifactorial disease associated with many genetic polymorphisms; among them is the FokI polymorphism in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene. In this case-control study, samples from 82 T2DM patients and 82 healthy controls were examined to investigate the association of the FokI polymorphism and lipid profile with T2DM in the Jordanian population. DNA was extracted from blood and genotyped for the FokI polymorphism by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing. Lipid profile and fasting blood sugar were also measured. There were significant differences in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglyceride levels between T2DM and control samples. Frequencies of the FokI polymorphism (CC, CT and TT) were determined in T2DM and control samples and were not significantly different. Furthermore, there was no significant association between the FokI polymorphism and T2DM or lipid profile. A feed-forward neural network (FNN) was used as a computational platform to predict the persons with diabetes based on the FokI polymorphism, lipid profile, gender and age. The accuracy of prediction reached 88% when all parameters were included, 81% when the FokI polymorphism was excluded, and 72% when lipids were only included. This is the first study investigating the association of the VDR gene FokI polymorphism with T2DM in the Jordanian population, and it showed negative association. Diabetes was predicted with high accuracy based on medical data using an FNN. This highlights the great value of incorporating neural network tools into large medical databases and the ability to predict patient susceptibility to diabetes.

Gammaherpesviruses in the genus Macavirus establish clinically unapparent persistent infections in reservoir species. Transmission of some of these viruses, including alcelaphine herpesvirus 1 (AlHV-1) and ovine herpesvirus 2 (OvHV-2), to clinically susceptible species in the order Artiodactyla can result in malignant catarrhal fever (MCF), a usually fatal lymphoproliferative disease. Serology can be used to identify MCF virus (MCFV)-infected carrier animals. However, all current serological assays utilize AlHV-1 antigens, thus none is specific for OvHV-2. In situations where sheep and other MCFV carriers are present, such as in zoos and game farms, an OvHV-2-specific assay would determine if OvHV-2 is present in the population. In this study, a recombinant protein containing a truncated OvHV-2 Ov8 glycoprotein was expressed and evaluated as a suitable target antigen to specifically detect OvHV-2 infection using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A competitive inhibition (CI)-ELISA that detects an epitope conserved among all MCFVs was used to categorize, as positive or negative, sera from 205 domestic sheep. The Ov8 assay showed 100% diagnostic sensitivity, 98.97% diagnostic specificity, 99.07% positive predictive value, and 100% negative predictive value and very high agreement (kappa = 0.990 and 95% CI = 0.971-1.000) with the CI-ELISA. Sera from animals infected with MCFVs other than OvHV-2 did not cross-react with Ov8 (100% negative predictive value). These data support the use of the Ov8 ELISA as an OvHV-2-specific diagnostic assay.

The aim of this trial is to evaluate the protocol of treating selected cases of adult acute appendicitis by non-surgical measures. Appendicitis is the most common cause of acute abdomen, for many years the adapted treatment of this disease is by immediate surgery to avoid the serious morbidity and mortality, now a small study suggest that using non-surgical treatment using antibiotic may give same result in curing patients and avoidance of surgery may eliminate the possible morbidity and even mortality in selected patients. This is a prospective non-randomized study of 84 adult patients with acute appendicitis, clinically diagnosed, from both genders were treated in Basra General Hospital from 2005-2009, by intravenous anti biotic, nothing by mouth and clinical monitoring. From the 35 female patients, only six cases did not show clinical improvement, surgery revealed perforated appendicitis in two, pathology other than appendicitis in four (salpingitis, ectopic gestation, ruptured graafian follicle, twisted ovarian cyst respectively). From the 49 male patients, five cases did not show clinical response, operations showed gangrenous and perforated appendicitis in two, other pathology in three (pelvic lymphadenitis, gastroenteritis and urinary tract infection). In conclusion, the non operative regime for treatment of early acute appendicitis is successful, it can be used to treat certain types of patients including high risk patients and when surgical facilities are not available.

Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) is one of the CYP450 mixed-function oxidase system that is of clinical importance due to the large number of drug interactions associated with its induction and inhibition. In addition, significant inter-individual differences in the elimination of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2 enzyme have been observed which are largely due to the highly polymorphic nature of CYP1A2 gene. However, there are limited studies on CYP1A2 phenotypes and CYP1A2 genotypes among Emiratis and thus this study was carried out to fill this gap. Five hundred and seventy six non-smoker Emirati subjects were asked to consume a soft drink containing caffeine (a non-toxic and reliable probe for predicting CYP1A2 phenotype) and then provide a buccal swab along with a spot urine sample. Taq-Man Real Time PCR was used to determine the CYP1A2 genotype of each individual. Phenotyping was carried out by analyzing the caffeine metabolites using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis. We found that 1.4%, 16.3% and 82.3% of the Emirati subjects were slow, intermediate and rapid CYP1A2 metabolizers, respectively. In addition, we found that 1.4% of the subjects were homozygote for derived alleles while 16.1% were heterozygote and 82.5% were homozygote for the ancestral allele. The genotype frequency of the ancestral allele, CYP1A2*1A/*1A, is the highest in this population, followed by CYP1A2 *1A/*1C and CYP1A2 *1A/*1K genotypes, with frequencies of 0.825, 0.102 and 0.058, respectively. The degree of phenotype/genotype concordance was equal to 81.6%. The CYP1A2*1C/*1C and CYP1A2*3/*3 genotypes showed significantly the lowest enzyme phenotypic activity. The frequency of slow activity CYP1A2 enzyme alleles is very low among Emiratis which correlates with the presence of low frequencies of derived alleles in CYP1A2 gene.

Abstract Recent trends and research suggest health conditions of the Syrian refugees in Lebanon are deteriorating. The following case study highlights some of the problems that refugees encounter seeking health care services in Lebanon. A coordinated response from Non-governmental organization (NGO) with intense focus on non-communicable disease (NCD) is needed to avert further worsening of health conditions on the ground.

The grouping model of collaborative learning in the scope of physics learning is less discussed in secondary schools. This study aims to determine the effect of gendered-grouping on the quality of collaboration in Physics Science instructional and its effect on learning outcomes. This study uses an experimental approach with a posttest only group design model that involves two different characteristics of classes. The sampling of this study consisted of class VIII.1 consisting of 27 students (12 males and 15 females) as a homogeneous group, and class VIII.2 consisting of 31 students (14 male and 17 female) as a heterogeneous group taken by random cluster sampling. Data collection uses observation and tests to obtain quantitative data. Data analysis employed comparative statistics on collaboration level data and correlation statistics between collaboration level data and learning outcomes. The result shows that the quality of collaboration and student learning scores from homogeneous groups is better than heterogeneous groups. The correlation test results show that the level of collaboration of students from heterogeneous classes has a significant correlation with their learning outcomes. The correlation values the equation: y = 1,242.x + 8.892, which means it has a positive effect. It is concluded that homogeneous grouping has a positive effect on the quality of collaboration and the acquisition of student learning outcomes. Therefore, in improving the quality of learning collaboration using the SMP Science-Physics experimental technique, a strategy with gender homogeneous grouping worth application.

The high security communication systems became an urgent need in recent years for both governments and peoples desiring protection from signal interception. Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is a famous block encryption algorithm which has several advantages in data encryption. However, AES suffer from some drawbacks such as high computations, pattern appearance if apply for image encryption, and more hardware requirements. These problems are more complicated when the AES algorithm is used for multimedia encryption. New modification to AES-128 algorithm which reduce the computations and hardware requirements are proposed by enforcement Mixcolumn transformation in five rounds instead of nine rounds as in original AES-128. Second proposed is suggest new simple S-box used for encryption and decryption. The implementation of advanced encryption standard algorithm is important requirement where many researches proposed different items to this purpose. A simply item proposed in this paper to speedy, low cost implementation of Modified Advanced Encryption Standard (MAES) cryptographic algorithm is 8085A microprocessor. The results prove that the modifications of AES make implementation it by 8085A microprocessor more effective.

Remote and scattered valuable and sensitive locations such as labs and offices inside university campus need efficient monitoring and warning system. As well as scattered area and belonging. This research presents a Real-Time intruder Surveillance System based on a single board computer (SBC). Thus the design and development of a cost effective surveillance management system based SBC that can be deployed efficiently in remote and scattered locations such as universities belonging. The fusion of embedded Python codes with SBC that attached to cameras, Long distance sensors, alerting circuitry and wireless module presents a novel integration based effective cost solution and enhances SBC of much flexibility of improvement and development for pervasive remote locations. The system proves the high integrity of smooth working with web application, it’s cost effective and thus can be deployed as many of units to seize and concisely covered remote and scattered area as well as university belonging and departments. The system can be administrated by a remote user sparsely or geographically away from any networked workstation. The proposed solution offers efficient stand alone, flexibility to upgrade and cheap development and installation as well as cost effective ubiquitous surveillance solution. In conclusion, the system acceptable boundaries of successful intruder recognition and warning alert are computed between 1m and 3m distance of intruder from system camera. Recognition rate of 95% and 83% are achieved and the successful warning alert were in the range of 86-97%.

The X-ray fluorescence technique meets the requirements of qualitative and quantitative analysis of widely variable major, minor and trace elements including rare earth elements (REE) in geological samples. Although the REE are generally enriched in phosphate rock, yet there are only few elements e.g. La, Ce and Nd can be directly analyzed by XRF method. The analysis of the other REE required additional chemical treatment of the samples (known and unknown) to insure similarity in matrix material, and to obtained lowest spectrum overlap with analytical line of the REE. In addition, the chemical treatment is intended to increase the REE concentration to a level that makes L-lines intensity measurement by XRF is possible. The whole subject represents the core of the present study. The chemical treatment includes three main stages: (1) digestion of the sample using nitric, hydrochloric, hydrofluoric and perchloric acids. (2) Oxalate precipitation to separate elements with oxidation state of +2 or more (including REE) according to the solubility of their oxalate precipitate. After proper filtration, the precipitate on the filter paper is transferred and dissolved in diluted nitric acid. (3) Precipitation of the separated element as hydroxide on aluminum hydroxide carrier. The hydroxide precipitate were pressed into pellet which is subjected to intensity measurement of the L line of the REE. The study display the results of evaluation of the present analytical method which indicate to (in average) analytical accuracy and precision better than 10% and 3% respectively. Key words: phosphorites, phosphatic ore, REE, Akashat Fm., XRF.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is currently considered the gold standard for the managment of gallbladder stones. Many hospitals have employed short stay wards for monitoring patients after surgery. The meaning of the early discharge as true outpatient surgery is controversial. To achieve this objective there is a need to shorten the hours of hospital stay by: Appropriate selection criteria and discharge protocol, Peroperative technical modification and manipulation, Procedures to control pain, nausea and vomiting. This study was carried at Endosurgery Centre, Ibensena University Hospital, Sirte, libya.

Introduction. Osteoma of the temporal bone is a very uncommon benign tumor of bone. Osteomas may occur in the external auditory canals but are reported to be very rare in the mastoid bone. Case Report. A 36-year-old male presented to our department with a hard swelling behind the right ear diagnosed as osteoma. Complete excision was done through a postauricular approach. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of osteoma. Conclusion. Osteomas, although rare, should be considered when dealing with any hard mastoid swelling. Complete removal can be ensured by drilling till the normal cortical bone is reached to avoid recurrence. A cortical mastoidectomy should be done if the mastoid air cell system is involved.

Introduction. External auditory canal polyps usually reflect an inflammatory process. Rarely, they may reflect a serious condition that warrants urgent intervention. Case Report. A 19-year-old deaf mute female presented to our department with persistent left ear discharge and a reddish mass in the ear. After surgery, the cause was identified as a neglected foreign body. Tympanic membrane was intact. Conclusion. Aural polyp that is resistant to medical treatment should raise the suspicion of an inflammatory polyp with underlying chronic suppurative otitis media or foreign body. Rarer neoplastic and immunological causes should also be considered.