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Background: Cancer continues to be a significant worldwide health concern with substantial mortality. The cancer mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR), a proxy measure of observed five-year survival, can serve as a valuable indicator of cancer management outcomes and healthcare disparities among countries. This study aims to determine the MIR trend for all cancers combined among Iraqi citizens during 2012-2020 for health expenditure percentages out of the gross domestic product (e/GDP (%)) and population growth rate., Methods: The study used the Iraqi Cancer Registry annual reports for cancer data and World Bank data for health expenditure and population growth. Simple linear regression analysis examined the relationship between health expenditure, growth rate, and MIR, while joinpoint regression analysis examined the trend over time. The Ethics Committee of the College of Medicine at the University of Basrah approved the study., Results: An increasing trend in crude incidence rates for all cancer types combined was seen with a decrease in mortality rates from 2012 to 2020 in both sexes. A non-statistically significant reduction in MIR was found with an average annual percent change (AAPC) of -3.1% (P = 0.100). The decrease in MIR was higher among females than males, with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.003). High health expenditure presented as e/GDP (%) was associated with a favorable cancer survival rate, but this was not statistically significant (R 2 = 0.263, P = 0.158). In contrast, a low growth rate was significantly associated with cancer patients' survival (R 2 = 0.505, P = 0.032)., Conclusions: As indicated by the MIR and the MIR complement (1-MIR), the proxy five-year survival rate is improving in Iraq with time. Although not statistically significant, high health expenditure favorably affected overall cancer survival. A low growth rate, on the other hand, significantly improves cancer patients' survival., Competing Interests: None of the authors declares a conflict of interest., (© 2023 Al-Asadi, Salman, Licensee HBKU Press.)

Context: In the present work, we investigated the adsorption mechanism of natural sodium (Na), potassium (K), and lithium (Li) atoms and their respective ion on two nanostructures: boron-nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) and beryllium-oxide nanotubes (BeONTs). The main goal of this research is to calculate the gain voltage for Na, K, and Li ionic batteries. Density function theory (DFT) calculations indicated that the adsorption energy between Na + is higher than that of the other cations, and this is particularly clear in the BeONT. Furthermore, gain voltage calculations showed that BNNTs generate a higher potential than BeONTs, with the most significant difference observed in BNNT/Na + . This research provides theoretical insights into the potential uses of these nanostructures as anodes in Na, K, and Li-ion batteries., Method: Density function theory used to compute the ground state properties for BeONT and BNNT with and without selected atoms and their ions (Li, K, and Na). B3LYP used for exchange correlation between electrons and ions, and 6-31G* basis set used for all atoms and ions. Gauss Sum 2.2 software used for estimate the density of state (DOS) for all structure under investigation., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

The production of biodiesel has become an important issue in the effort to reduce gas emissions due to the climate change crisis; therefore, algae have widely used to produce biodiesel for energy sustainability. The present study represented an effort to assess the ability of the alga Arthrospira platensis to produce fatty acids involved in biofuel (diesel) by cultivation in Zarrouk media enriched with different municipal wastewater concentrations. Wastewater was used in different concentrations (5, 15, 25, 35 and 100% [control]). Five fatty acids from the alga were determined and included in the present study. These were inoleic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid. Impact of different cultivation conditions were studied in terms of observed changes in growth rate, doubling time, total carbohydrate, total protein, chlorophyll a, carotenoids, phycocyanin, allophycocyanin, and phycobiliproteins. Results showed an increase in the values of growth rate, total protein content, chlorophyll a, and levels of carotenoids at all treatments except for carbohydrate content, which decreased with an increasing concentration of wastewater. The high value of doubling time (11.605 days) was recorded at treatment 5%. Fatty acids yields were increased at treatment 5% and 15%. The highest concentrations of fatty acids were 3.108 mg/g for oleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid (28.401 mg/g), docosahexaenoic acid (41.707 mg/g), palmitic acid (1.305 mg/g), and linoleic acid (0.296 mg/g). Moreover, the range of phycocyanin (0.017-0.084 mg/l), allophycocyanin (0.023-0.095 mg/l), and phycobiliproteins (0.041-0.180 mg/l) were obtained in treatment with 15-100%, respectively. Cultivation with municipal wastewater reduced the values of nitrate, phosphate, and electrical conductivity as well as increased dissolved oxygen. Maximum electrical conductivity was recorded in untreated wastewater with algae, while the highest level of dissolved oxygen was noted at 35% concentration. The use of the household wastewater is more environmentally friendly as an alternative of the traditional cultivation techniques used for long-term for biofuel production., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The current study deals with the biological response variations on some biochemical properties of the freshwater green algae Chlorella vulgaris by exposure to different Mg 2+ concentrations (5, 10, and 15) mg/L. Physiological and biochemical parameters, including growth curve, doubling time, photosynthesis pigments, total protein and carbohydrates were investigated. Moreover, enzymatic parameters such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were also examined. The maximum growth rate was 0.482/day during the 9th day with 5 mg/L Mg 2+ , while the minimum was 0.019/day during the 13th and 14th days with 10 mg/L Mg 2+ . Furthermore, doubling time ranged between 15.501 during the 13th day with 10 mg/L Mg 2+ , and 0.624 during the 9th day with 5 mg/L. The maximum value of chlorophyll-a was 0.157 μg/mL during the 1st day with 10 mg/L Mg 2+ , while the minimum was 0.062 μg/mL during the 14th day with 15 mg/L Mg 2+ . The carotenoid ranged between 0.029 μg/mL during the 7th day with 15 mg/L Mg 2+ and 0.002 μg/mL during the 14th day. The maximum protein value was 9.620 μg/L during the 1st day with 15 mg/L Mg 2+ , while the minimum was 1.772 μg/L during the 14th day with 15 mg/L Mg 2+ . The carbohydrate showed a maximum value of 0.824 μg/mL during the 1st day with 10 mg/L Mg 2+ , while the minimum was 0.293 μg/mL during the 14th day with 15 mg/L. Moreover, SOD ranged between 0.884 unit/L during the 1st day with 15 mg/L Mg 2+ , and 0.073 unit/L as the minimum value during the 14th day with 15 mg/L Mg 2+ . The maximum value of ROS was 3.627 mM/mL during the 1st day with 5 and 15 mg/L Mg 2+ , while the minimum was 1.674 mM/mL during the 14th day with 10 mg/L. The results show that values of CAT ranged between 0.200 unit/mL during the 7th day with 10 mg/L Mg 2+ , and 0.010 unit/mL during the 14th day with 15 mg/L. Overall, 5 mg/L for biomass production and 15 mg/L for protein and carbohydrate production were optimum doses., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2023 Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

In recent years, enzymatic remediation/biocatalysis has gained prominence for the bioremediation of recalcitrant chemicals. Laccase is one of the commonly investigated enzymes for bioremediation applications. There is a growing interest in immobilizing this enzyme onto adsorbents for achieving high pollutant removal through simultaneous adsorption and biodegradation. Due to the influence of the biomolecule-support interface on laccase activity and stability, it is crucial to functionalize the solid carrier prior to immobilization. Date stone (PDS), as an eco-friendly, low-cost, and effective natural adsorbent, was utilized as a carrier for laccase (fungus Trametes versicolor). After activating PDS through chemical treatments, the surface area increased by thirty-six-fold, and carbonyl groups became more prominent. Batch experiments were carried out for ketoprofen and aspirin biodegradation in aqueous solutions. After six cycles, the laccase maintained 54% of its original activity confirmed by oxidation tests of 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS). In addition, the storage, pH, and thermal stability of immobilized laccase on functionalized date stone (LFPDS) were found to be superior to that of free laccase, demonstrating its potential for ongoing applications. In the aqueous batch mode, this immobilized laccase system was used to degrade 25 mg L -1 of ketoprofen and aspirin, resulting in almost complete removal within 4 h of treatment. This study reveals that agricultural wastes such as date stone can successfully be valorized through simple activation techniques, and the final product can be used as an adsorbent and substrate for immobilization enzyme. The high efficiency of the LFPDS in removing ketoprofen and aspirin highlights the potential of this technology for removing pharmaceuticals and merits its continued development., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The aim: To compare efficacy of intramuscular (IM) versus intravenous (IV) ketamine for sedation in children undergoing brain MRI scanning in children., Patients and Methods: Materials and methods: Children who required elective brain MRI were selected for this study. They were randomly divided into two groups; group I received 1.5 mg/kg IV Ketamine and group II received 4 mg/kg IM ketamine. In each group supplementary 0.1 mg/kg midazolam intravenously before positioning on MRI table was given. Patients were monitored for pulse rate, SPO2, and respiratory wave., Results: Results: Children who received IM ketamine had significantly shorter scan time and a greater success rate of sedation with first dose than the IV group. The proportions of scan interruption and scan repeat were significantly higher among the IV group than in the IM group. The scan time was longer among the IV group than in the IM group with significantly more scan interruption and repeat. Satisfaction with sedation as expressed by the technicians was significantly more in the IM group than in IV group (98.1% vs. 80.8%, P= 0.004)., Conclusion: Conclusions: Intramuscular ketamine injection was predicted to have a better sedative success rate and takes less time to complete than intravenous admin¬istration. This makes IM ketamine more appealing in certain conditions.

Pituitary abscess is an uncommon pituitary lesion. Its clinical diagnosis can be difficult to distinguish from other pituitary lesions. This pathology is characterised by vague symptoms of headaches, generalised tiredness and hypopituitarism manifestations. A history of recent meningitis, paranasal sinusitis or head surgery can be a suggestive of the source of infection.A 20-year-old man was admitted to neurosurgery department with complain of headache, fatigue, polyuria, polydipsia, blurred vision and sexual dysfunction. MRI of the head revealed a suprasellar mass that was centrally hyperintense lesion on T2-weighted images with peripheral hypointensity and isointense centrally on T1 images with peripheral hyperintensity images. Treatment of this lesion pituitary abscess was surgical drainage of the pituitary area through a trans-sphenoidal approach and broad spectrum antibiotic therapy with ceftriaxone, metronidazole and vancomycin for 6 weeks. The patient continues to have pituitary insufficiency and treated with oral hydrocortisone.Although pituitary abscess is a rare condition, it should always be kept in mind when evaluating a patient with hypopituitarism. After the diagnosis, the surgery and antibiotics should be commenced rapidly. The outcome is usually good with proper treatment., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Ltd (unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.)

Hand hygiene is a growing concern among populations and is a crucial element in ensuring patient safety in a healthcare environment. Numerous management efforts have been conducted in that regard, including education, awareness and observations. To better evaluate the possible impact of technology on a healthcare setting, we observed the impact of a particular niche technology developed as an answer to the growing hand hygiene concerns. A study was conducted at Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) in Bahrain on a total of 16 Coronary Care Unit (CCU) beds where the system was installed, and the hand hygiene activity of healthcare workers (HCWs) in this area was monitored for a total period of 28 days. Comments, remarks and suggestions were noted, and improvements were made to the technology during the course of the trial. While resistance to change was significant, overall results were satisfactory. Compliance with hand hygiene techniques went from 38-42% to 60% at the beginning of the trial and then increased to an average of 75% at the end of the 28-day trial. In some cases, compliance peaked at 85% or even at 100%. Our case study demonstrates that technology can be used effectively in promoting and improving hand hygiene compliance in hospitals, which is one way to prevent cross-infections, especially in critical care areas., (Copyright © 2014 King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Malakoplakia is a rare granulomatous disorder of unknown aetiology and usually affects patients with underlying immunosuppression. This disorder usually involves the genitourinary tract but has been reported in a wide array of anatomical sites. We are presenting, what is to our knowledge, the first case in the literature in which a patient was diagnosed with malakoplakia and after his successful management; he was diagnosed with chronic meylomoncytic leukaemia. All cases of malakoplakia reported in the literature were either preceded or accompanied by an immunosuppressive state.

Palm-date pits were used to prepare activated carbon by physiochemical activation method, which consisted of potassium hydroxide (KOH) treatment and carbon dioxide (CO(2)) gasification. The effects of variable parameters, activation temperature, activation time and chemical impregnation ratios (KOH: char by weight) on the preparation of activated carbon and for removal of pesticides: bentazon, carbofuran and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) were investigated. Based on the central composite design (CCD), two factor interaction (2FI) and quadratic models were respectively employed to correlate the effect of variable parameters on the preparation of activated carbon used for removal of pesticides with carbon yield. From the analysis of variance (ANOVA), the most influential factor on each experimental design response was identified. The optimum conditions for preparing activated carbon from palm-date pits were found to be: activation temperature of 850 °C, activation time of 3 h and chemical impregnation ratio of 3.75, which resulted in an activated carbon yield of 19.5% and bentazon, carbofuran, and 2,4-D removal of 84, 83, and 93%, respectively.

In this work, activated carbon was prepared from banana stalks (BSAC) waste to remove the insecticide carbofuran from aqueous solutions. The effects of contact time, initial carbofuran concentration, solution pH and temperature (30, 40 and 50 degrees C) were investigated. Adsorption isotherm, kinetics and thermodynamics of carbofuran on BSAC were studied. Equilibrium data were fitted to the Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm models and the data best represented by the Langmuir isotherm. Thermodynamic parameters such as standard enthalpy (DeltaH(o)), standard entropy (DeltaS(o)) and standard free energy (DeltaG(o)) were evaluated. Regeneration efficiency of spent BSAC was studied using ethanol as a solvent. The efficiency was found to be in the range of 96.97-97.35%. The results indicated that the BSAC has good regeneration and reusability characteristics and can be used as alternative to present commercial activated carbon., (2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Oil palm fronds (OPF) were used to prepare activated carbon (PFAC) using physiochemical activation method, which consisted of potassium hydroxide (KOH) treatment and carbon dioxide gasification. The effects of the preparation variables, which were activation temperature, activation time and chemical impregnation ratios (KOH: char by weight), on the carbon yield and bentazon removal were investigated. Based on the central composite design (CCD), two factor interaction (2FI) and quadratic models were, respectively, employed to correlate the PFAC preparation variables to the bentazon removal and carbon yield. From the analysis of variance (ANOVA), the most influential factor on each experimental design response was identified. The optimum conditions for preparing activated carbon from OPF were found as follows: activation temperature of 850 degrees C, activation time of 1h and KOH:char ratio of 3.75:1. The predicted and experimental results for removal of bentazon and yield of PFAC were 99.85%, 20.5 and 98.1%, 21.6%, respectively., ((c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

In this work, the adsorption of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) on activated carbon derived from date stones (DSAC) was studied with respect to pH and initial 2,4-D concentration. The experimental data were analyzed by the Freundlich isotherm, the Langmuir isotherm, and the Temkin isotherm. Equilibrium data fitted well with the Langmuir model with maximum adsorption capacity of 238.10 mg/g. Pseudo-first and pseudo-second-order kinetics models were tested with the experimental data, and pseudo-first-order kinetics was the best for the adsorption of 2,4-D by DSAC with coefficients of correlation R(2)>or=0.986 for all initial 2,4-D concentrations studied. The results indicated that the DSAC is very effective for the adsorption of 2,4-D from aqueous solutions.

The purpose of this study was (1) to produce a cortisone induced myopathy, (2) to find out whether or not there is an associated neuropathy, and (3) if a cortisone induced neuropathy is produced, to determine its temporal relation to the myopathy. Several corticosteroid preparations were administered to rabbits, in different dosages and for different periods of time in an attempt to produce maximal effects. Decadron and cortisone acetate in doses of 0.8 mg/kg of body weight and 10 mg/kg of body weight respectively, proved most effective in producing a myopathy. Higher dosages of decadron were fatal, and hydrocortisome, 10 mg/kg of body weight, was not effective. Experimental animals receiving effective doses of decadron, cortisone acetate, and hydrocortisone lost weight, became less agile and, with continued administration of corticosteroids, became immobile. Hind limbs were affected earlier than forelimbs. The muscle lesion consisted of Z-line irregularity and streaming, vacuolation, variation in fiber size, fragmentation and phagocytosis. Cytologic alterations consisted of Z-line streaming, mitochondrial and lipid aggregates and myofilamentous disarray and disorganization. Sciatic nerve histological and cytological findings were not different from controls. They consisted of minor degrees of thickening and tortuosity of myelin sheaths which occurred in both controls and experimental animals. The electron microscopic findings in the sciatic nerve following cortisone administration have not heretofore been reported in the literature. It is concluded that cortisone myopathy is due to a primary effect of cortisone on skeletal muscle and not secondary to a peripheral nerve lesion.