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Abdelwahed R Sayed,1,2 Sobhi M Gomha,3,4 Eman A Taher,5,6 Zeinab A Muhammad,5 Hesham R El-Seedi,6,7 Hatem M Gaber,5 Mahgoub M Ahmed8 1Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, KFU, Hofuf, Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Beni-suef University, Beni-suef, Egypt; 3Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt; 4Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Islamic University in Almadinah Almonawara, Almadinah Almonawara 42351, Saudi Arabia; 5Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Organization for Drug Control and Research (NODCAR), Giza 12311, Egypt; 6Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, El-Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom 32512, Egypt; 7Division of Pharmacognosy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala SE-75123, Sweden; 8Molecular Drug Evaluation Department, National Organization for Drug Control and Research (NODCAR), Giza 12311, EgyptCorrespondence: Sobhi M Gomha Tel +20 100-164-9576Fax +20 25685799Email s.m.gomha@gmail.comBackground: Thiazole and thiosemicarbazone derivatives are known to have potential anticancer activity with a mechanism of action related to inhibition of matrix metallo-proteinases, kinases and anti-apoptotic BCL2 family proteins.Materials and Methods: A novel three series of 5-(1-(2-(thiazol-2-yl)hydrazono)ethyl)thiazole derivatives were prepared in a one-pot three-component reaction using 2-(2-benzylidene hydrazinyl)-4-methylthiazole as a starting precursor. MS, IR, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR were used to elucidate the structures of the synthesized compounds. Most of the synthesized products were evaluated for their in vitro anticancer screening against HCT-116, HT-29 and HepG2 using the MTT colorimetric assay.Results: The results indicated that compounds 4c, 4d and 8c showed growth inhibition activity against HCT-116 with IC50 values of 3.80 ± 0.80, 3.65 ± 0.90 and 3.16 ± 0.90 μM, respectively, compared to harmine (IC50 = 2.40 ± 0.12 μM) and cisplatin (IC50 = 5.18 ± 0.94 μM) reference drugs. Also, compounds 8c, 4d and 4c showed promising IC50 values of 3.47 ± 0.79, 4.13 ± 0.51 and 7.24 ± 0.62 μM, respectively, against the more resistant human colorectal cancer (HT-29) cell line compared with harmine (IC50 = 4.59 ± 0.67 μM) and cisplatin (IC50 = 11.68 ± 1.54 μM). On the other hand, compounds 4d, 4c, 8c and 11c were the most active (IC50 values of 2.31± 0.43, 2.94 ± 0.62, 4.57 ± 0.85 and 9.86 ± 0.78 μM, respectively) against the hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell line compared with harmine (IC50 = 2.54 ± 0.82 μM) and cisplatin (IC50 = 41 ± 0.63 μM). The study also suggested that the mechanism of the anticancer action exerted by the most active compounds ( 4c, 4d and 8c) inside HCT-116 cells was apoptosis through the Bcl-2 family.Conclusion: Thiazole scaffolds 4c, 4d and 8c showed anticancer activities in the micromolar range and are appropriate as a candidate for cancer treatment.Keywords: hydrazones, hydrazonoyl halides, cyclization, harmine, HCT-116, HepG2, HT-29

Abstract This paper aims to understand the potential factors influencing the accessibility of early childhood education (ECE) in Bangladesh. Utilising data from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2019, this study explored the influence of individual, household, socio-economic as well as geographical variables on ECE enrollment. It employed a comprehensive approach, which involved using descriptive statistics for univariate analysis, chi-square and t-statistics for bivariate analysis, and the logit model for multivariate analysis. The findings revealed that a child’s likelihood of attending an ECE program increases with their age, while those with functional difficulties and larger household sizes exhibit lower odds of attendance. Children with mothers possessing higher education levels demonstrated increased odds of ECE enrollment. Wealthy households and urban or Mymensingh division residency were associated with higher odds of ECE enrollment, while Barishal, Rajshahi, and Sylhet divisions indicated lower odds. To enhance ECE accessibility, the study recommends implementing a roadmap for ensuring universal early childcare and early education with an emphasis on socioeconomically underprivileged children, particularly in rural areas. Proposed strategies may include providing financial assistance to poor households and fostering public–private partnerships for ECE provision in remote regions like Barishal, Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Sylhet divisions. Moreover, it is crucial to make parents and communities aware about the significance of ECE in order to make sure that children ages 3–5 years are involved in ECE programs.

Objective: Food-borne illnesses pose a significant risk to public health on a global scale and are a major contributing factor to illness and death rates worldwide. Salmonella strains found in chicken meat and its related products may be the likely source of a multi-country outbreak. Research is scarce regarding the occurrence of antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella in chicken meat within Afghanistan; therefore, in the present study, the aim was to identify Salmonella found in uncooked chicken meat in the local markets of Kabul city and ascertain their susceptibility to commonly used antibiotics. Materials and Methods: One hundred raw chicken meats were gathered from four districts of Kabul city from May 2022 until April 2023; the isolates were then identified using culture, biochemical tests, and the analytical profile index; an examination of antimicrobial susceptibility was conducted utilizing the disk diffusion technique. Results: Out of 100 samples, only 8 (8%) tested positive for Salmonella spp. The disk diffusion results from Salmonella-positive samples showed multidrug resistance; maximum resistance was against ampicillin (100%) followed by norfloxacin (75%), nalidixic acid (62.5%), cefoxitin (62.5%), tetracycline, and ciprofloxacin (50%). Conclusion: The global occurrence of foodborne infections and antibiotic resistance has increased and preserved public health concerns around the world. Identifying zoonotic bacteria and their antimicrobial resistance patterns is critical for controlling their transmission and facilitating effective antimicrobial therapy in both humans and animals. [Vet. Res. Notes 2024; 4(3.000): 24-29]

Purpose – The extreme measures that have been taken by governments across the globe to minimize the spread of COVID-19 have had significant impacts on almost all the public sectors, especially on the economy and education. This study aims to address the approaches and prospective of online-based training and e-learning for employee learning and development during this COVID-19 crisis. Design/methodology/approach – With an emphasis on the qualitative approach and considering the complex COVID-19 emergency, required data were collected from in-depth interviews to interpret the experiences of the respondents. Findings – The findings suggested that the digital learning ecosystem offered flexibility of time, place and pace, which provided essential convenience during the COVID-19 crisis. From the human resource (HR) perspective, the e-learning culture has enabled the organizations to quickly adopt the new normal, secure sustainable continuity of organizational development and ensure decent work and growth within and across organizations. The adoption of e-learning and flexible working conditions following the setback has enabled the organizations to quickly cope up with the new normal, causing a significant paradigm shift in the organizational culture and corporate sector of Bangladesh. Research limitations/implications – The study will assist the HR of any organization to contemplate e-learning systems as effective alternative training methods. Also, the study will be suggestive to traverse new dimensions and skillsets for the pedagogues. Originality/value – This study offers new evidential scenarios regarding the emergence of effective e-learning initiatives and online-based learning programs for developing the workforce to be efficient and productive even in distressful and inconvenient COVID-19 situations.

Purpose – Human resources (HR) management has encountered unforeseen obstacles and issues in recruiting, retaining, training and developing workforces under the “new normal” due to pandemic circumstances followed by the Russo–Ukrainian War and global economic turmoil. As the world is now well-equipped with technological advancements and internet-based connectivity, many pandemic disruptions have been avoided through rapid adaptation of technological systems. Despite the constructive outcomes of this contemporary approach to learning and development (L&D), this study explores the further depths of massive open online courses (MOOC) platform adoption in human resource development initiatives during pandemic times. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative research approach was adopted to understand the employee and HR perspective on the changes in L&D approaches in organizations. To gather the primary data, respondents were divided into two clusters; different sets of questionnaires were developed for interview sessions. Findings – Results suggest that employee L&D was much more improvised with distance or online learning, including organizational e-learning systems and MOOC platforms. To accomplish their HR development goals, organizations went through significant transformations during the Coronavirus pandemic; organizational attempts to initiate online training and MOOC-based learning fostered positive results in employee capacity development, process improvement, employee engagement and motivation. Originality/value – This research will assist organizations in developing interactive training methods as an effective replacement for traditional training. Additionally, it will assist readers, practitioners and HR specialists in understanding how MOOCs are changing the L&D ecosystem.

This paper discloses a Reinforcement Learning (RL) solution implemented to decrease the peak current by alteration of the clock skews. Clock skews are elements of the clock network calculated throughout the Clock Tree Synthesis (CTS) phase of physical design. Initially, the physical design tools targeted obtaining a balanced clock tree and decreasing the clock skew as low as possible. The resulting zero-skew clock tree caused a drastic increase in the current demand for the battery. The proposed solutions in this paper comprise a Reinforcement Learning agent that maneuvers throughout the design and updates the clock arrival time of each register by either adding, removing, or not changing it. The agent’s end game is to maximize the clock arrival distribution of the design. The Reinforcement learning solution allows the exploration and optimization of the clock tree synthesis process beyond the heuristic algorithms employed by traditional Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools. This paper contains two experiments using the Reinforcement Learning algorithm. The first experiment results indicate a 35% reduction in peak current and a significant reduction in IR decrease (from package to transistor) in the chosen benchmarks. The second experiment modified the Q-table renewing technique, which resulted in another additional 10% improvement compared to the first experiment. In both experiments, the agent traverses the environment and explores different options despite creating timing violations and obtaining a substantial negative feedback reward for the actions taken. However, the timing violation fixed later results in the agent obtaining a future reward for modifying the clock arrival time of other registers. The overall process resulted in the broader spread of clock arrival distribution.

Background: One of the most severe problems that patients with Hypertension (HPN) face are lack of medication adherence, which is influenced by psychological factors. Thus, the current survey sought to compare medication beliefs, cognitive defusion and valued living in hypertensive patients with varying medication adherence.Methods: A cross-sectional study with 162 HPN patients from three clinics at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences was conducted in 2019. Participants completed the BMQ (Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire), MMAS (Morisky Medication Adherence Scale), CFQ (Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire), and VLQ (Valued Living Questionnaire). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: Only 22.2% of patients scored high in medication adherence (MA). MA levels increased with age in a significant correlation (p=0.03). ANOVA results revealed that the three MA levels (low, medium, and high) had substantial differences in both VLQ subscales (importance of person-valued living and allotted time for values; p=0.002 and p=0.023). However, no significant differences in MA levels were found in the CFQ (cognitive defusion and cognitive fusion) and BMQ subscales (specific necessity, specific concern, general overuse, and general harm).Conclusions: This study discovered that a higher MA is associated with increasing age. In addition, patients with HPN who value living and devote more time to their values have higher MA.

In this work, we consider a collocation method for solving the pantograph-type Volterra Hammerstein integral equations based on the first kind Chebyshev polynomials. We use the Lagrange interpolating polynomial to approximate the solution. The convergence of the presented method has been analyzed by over estimating for error. Finally, some illustrative examples are given to test the accuracy of the method. The presented method is compared with the Legendre Tau method.

Introduction: Suture materials selection and application have gained more importance, especially with the increasing number of patients seeking oral surgeries. Since lying in a bacterial-filled environment, sutures make the tissue prone to infection. Suture material plays an essential role in reducing the risk of infection. This study aimed to assess the success rate of an antibacterial suture, Vicryl Plus (Ethicon Inc, Johnson and Johnson Company, Somerville, NJ), in preventing bacterial growth in the surgical site of the mandibular third molar. Materials and Methods: About 27 patients were included in this double-blinded randomized clinical trial study. Surgical extraction of the mandibular wisdom tooth was done, and the incision was managed by randomly using Vicryl Plus and Vicryl (Ethicon Inc) sutures. After 7 days, sutures were removed and assessed microbiologically. Indicator species of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus were assessed, and the total number of colonies on each suture was counted. Results: There was a significant difference between the two suture materials in the colony number-length ratio of Lactobacillus (P = 0.031) and total bacterial colonies (P = 0.016), but not for S. mutans species (P = 0.201). Conclusion: Antibacterial Vicryl suture can be a useful tool to reduce bacterial accumulation on the suture material in third molar extraction surgery.

The objectives of the current study were to investigate the opportunity of estimating soil salinity from hyperspectral data and identifying the most informative spectral zones for estimation. Electrical conductivity (EC) measurements of ninety topsoil samples (0–30 cm) collected from Toshka, Egypt, were used as data set. Analytical spectral device was employed to collect the reflectance spectral signatures of soil samples. Both linear regression and HSD Tukey’s analyses displayed that the SWIR1 and SWIR2 zones are the most suitable for soil salinity prediction while, blue, green and NIR were the wickedest. Moreover, EC estimation was better in case of lower soil salinity (0-2 dS m-1) than higher levels (8-1). Partial-least-squares-regression (ΡLSR) was employed to establish soil salinity prediction model using the training set of soil samples (n=75). The PLSR model was set up using the most informative wave bands (SWIR1 and SWIR2). The result showed that PLSR linear model gave a precise prediction of soil salinity (R2 = 0.93). The results revealed that employing reflectance values in SWIR in the model variables increases the precision of soil EC prediction.

Purpose – In 2020, the education system was preliminary halted by the COVID-19 crisis and went through radical improvisation, and online-based distance learning was the only plausible initiative to continue educational activities ensuring health guidelines properly. However, in reality, such desperate measure in case of a lower-middle-income developing nation lacking proper structural capabilities raised some issues and concerns for both pupils and mentors, and this study aims to explore the practice of online-based distance learning in private universities of Bangladesh and the challenges associated with it. Design/methodology/approach – This exploratory research is qualitative in nature. A total number of 89 undergraduate level university students from different private universities were divided into two main clusters and interviewed in depth. Findings – The findings of this paper revealed that common developing country syndromes like improper technological infrastructure development, limitation to devices or internet accessibility and financial hindrances can disrupt the harmony of the online learning experience. Also, the lack of tech literacy has created a huge tension and psychological inertia among both the teachers and the students. Social implications – The coronavirus pandemic event, with its dreadful influence, is creating immense mental pressures for students to cope well with the online learning system. Comprehending the underlying challenges affiliated with online-based distance learning and enabling faculties or respected personnel with training and development programs to handle impediments better way, this learning initiative can ensure the best outcomes. Originality/value – The significance of this study lies in comprehending the feasibility of online-based education regarding lower-middle-income developing nation context and the realism of such learning process's acceptability considering its actual effectiveness.

At present, hybrid renewable power systems (HRPS) are considered reliable combinations for power generation under various conditions. The challenge facing researchers and engineers today is designing and implementing a reliable, efficient, and applicable SCADA system for adequate monitoring and control of hybrid power systems. In order to analyze, observe, and control the essential parameters of an HRPS, a SCADA system is crucial. As part of this study, a low-cost, low-power, open-source SCADA (Supervisory, Control, and Data Acquisition) system for hybrid renewable energy systems is presented. The system utilizes two remote terminal units (RTUs), an Arduino Mega2560 and a Wio terminal, to communicate with all actuators and measure vital system characteristics such as voltage, current, and power. Using the Firmata protocol, a laptop serves as the main terminal unit (MTU) to communicate with the Arduino. In addition to being the system’s central component, Node-Red is utilized for processing, analyzing, storing, and displaying data. In contrast, a Wio terminal is used to display the values of all sensors in real-time on its LCD screen. As a whole, the proposed SCADA system is designed to keep the HRPS running smoothly and safely by displaying vital parameters, reporting any significant faults, and controlling the generator so that the batteries can be charged and discharged correctly. This article presents a complete description of all algorithms, experimental setups, testing, and results.

The complex nature of water resources systems require methods that collect various management approaches at one integrated form. Meanwhile comprehensive management of such issues and multi-criteria decision-making methods has found a special place. Sistan region encounter with the increasing of water demands in various sectors, successive droughts and water bankruptcy and has a critical condition therefore an integrated management is needed. In this study a Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) is performed to prioritize water resources of Sistan region with the management approaches of economic, social, technical and environmental issues in the water year of 2014-2015. According to the results and based on three approaches as economic, social and technical, the agricultural sector has the most weight and is in the first priority. The weight of the agricultural sector with this approach is 0.851, 0.710 and 0.789 respectively. On environmental approaches, The environment sector (Hamoon Wetland) as superior sector with the weigh equal to 0.603 and agriculture and drinking sectors with the weight of 0.364 and 0.033 are in at the second and third priority respectively. Therefore, it is suggested that according to the living conditions of the people in Sistan and prioritized agricultural sector at three management approaches (especially economic) governors and directors of water supply and demand, should have special attention to this section.

Wheat leaf rust, caused by Puccinia triticina , poses a growing threat to global wheat production, necessitating alternative strategies for effective disease management. This study investigated the potential of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to enhance resistance to leaf rust in two wheat cultivars: the susceptible Morocco and moderately resistant Sakha 94 cultivar. Our findings revealed that GABA significantly improved resistance in both cultivars to P. triticina , particularly in Morocco, by mitigating disease severity and reducing pustule density and size while extending both incubation and latent periods. This study assessed the effectiveness of two GABA application methods: plants received 1 mM GABA treatment, as a foliar spray, twenty-four hours prior to infection (pre-GABA), and plants received 1 mM GABA treatment both 24 h before and after infection (pre-/post-GABA), with the latter yielding significantly better results in reducing infection severity and improving plant resilience. Additionally, GABA application influenced stomatal behavior, promoting closure that may enhance resilience against leaf rust. GABA application on plants also modulated the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This led to a stronger oxidative burst in both susceptible and moderately resistant cultivars. GABA increased O 2 ●- levels in guard cells and surrounding stomata, enhancing stomatal closure and the hypersensitive response. GABA enhanced the accumulation of soluble phenols and increased the activity of key antioxidant enzymes, catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POX), which are vital for managing oxidative stress. To the best of our knowledge, this investigation represents the first report into the impact of GABA on wheat leaf rust disease.

Background: Irisin is an exercise-induced myokine that alleviates endothelial dysfunction and reduces insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The current study aimed to assess the serum level of irisin in T2DM men with erectile dysfunction (ED) compared to T2DM patients with normal erectile function and healthy controls, as well as investigate the association between serum irisin level and the severity of ED in T2DM patients., Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 90 males, divided into three groups: 32 T2DM patients with ED, 24 T2DM patients without ED, and 34 healthy controls. Socio-demographic characteristics and scores of the validated Arabic version of the international Index of Erectile Function-5 (ArIIEF-5), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were obtained. Furthermore, routine laboratory tests employed for diabetes monitoring and serum levels of total testosterone and irisin were assessed within these groups., Results: T2DM men with ED had significantly lower serum levels of irisin and testosterone, as well as a lower ArIIEF-5 score, but their GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores were significantly higher than those without ED or controls (p < 0.001). Among T2DM men, serum irisin levels positively associated with ArIIEF-5 scores and serum testosterone (r = 0.413, p = 0.002; r = 0.936, p < 0.001, respectively) but negatively associated with glycosylated hemoglobin levels (r = -0.377, p = 0.004). Multivariate regression analysis to predict ED in T2DM patients found that GAD-7 score was the only most significant predictor for ED (ꞵ = - 1.176, standard error = 0.062, p < 0.001)., Conclusion: The current study had demonstrated that irisin positively correlated with the ArIIEF-5 and serum testosterone but negatively correlated with HbA1c in T2DM men. Nevertheless, further validation of these findings is necessary through cohort studies., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The current study aimed to evaluate the serum levels of nitric oxide (NO) and adropin in males with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced erectile dysfunction (ED) and NAFLD patients without ED and controls. The current study selected 165 participants from the hepatology department from November 2021 to November 2022. The patients were either suffering from NAFLD with normal liver functions or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis with abnormal liver functions. They were diagnosed by abdominal ultrasonography. Participants were evaluated using the validated Arabic version of the International Index of Erectile Function (ArIIEF-5), the Arabic form of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Noteworthy, there were significant positive correlations between ArIIEF-5 score, NO, adropin and total testosterone (r = 0.380, p = 0.001; r = 0.507, p =  < 0.001; r = 0.246, p = 0.038, respectively). Meanwhile, there were significant negative correlations between ArIIEF-5 score, creatinine, duration of the disease and scores of GAD-7 and PHQ-9 (r = -0.656, p =  < 0.001; r = -0.368, p = 0.002; r = -0.663, p =  < 0.001; r = -0.248, p = 0.037, respectively). Finally, a linear regression analysis revealed that GAD-7, creatinine, and adropin were the only strong independent predictors of ArIIEF-5, as the 95% confidence interval in the form of upper and lower bounds was -0.349, -0.843, p < 0.001, -6.507, -18.402, p < 0.001, 0.476, 0.117, and p 0.002, respectively. Impaired NO and adropin levels play a potential role in the development of ED in patients with NAFLD., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The catalytic activity of chitosan (Cs) and grafted Cs led to the preparation of terephthalohydrazide Cs Schiff's base hydrogel (TCsSB), which was then investigated as an eco-friendly biocatalyst for synthesizing novel thiazole derivatives. TCsSB exhibited greater surface area and higher thermal stability compared to Cs, making it a promising eco-friendly biocatalyst. We synthesized two novel series of thiazoles via the reaction of 2-(2-oxo-1,2-diphenylethylidene) hydrazine-1-carbothioamide with various hydrazonoyl chlorides and 2-bromo-1-arylethan-1-ones, employing ultrasonic irradiation and using TCsSB as a catalyst. A comparative study between Cs and TCsSB revealed higher yields than TCsSB. The methodology offered advantages such as mild reaction conditions, quick reaction times, and high yields. TCsSB could be reused multiple times without a significant loss of potency. The chemical structures of the newly synthesized compounds were verified through IR, 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, and MS analyses. Six synthesized compounds were assessed for their in vitro antibacterial effectiveness by establishing the minimum inhibitory concentration against four distinct bacterial strains. The docking analyses revealed favorable binding scores against several amino acids within the selected protein (PDB Code-1MBT) for these compounds, with compound 4c exhibiting particularly noteworthy binding properties. Additionally, the in silico ADME parameter estimation for all compounds indicated favorable pharmacological properties for these compounds., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2024 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.)

Background: Heterocyclic materials-containing thiazoles exhibited incredible importance in pharmaceutical chemistry and drug design due to their extensive biological properties., Methods: Synthesis of thiazoles and bis-thiazoles from the reaction of 2-((6-Nitrobenzo[ d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)methylene)hydrazine-1-carbothioamide with hydrazonoyl chlorides in dioxane and in the existence of triethylamine as basic catalyst. The antioxidant, in vitro antiproliferative, and cytotoxicity efficacy of thiazoles and bis-thiazoles were measured., Results: In this work, novel series of 5-methyl-2-(2-(-(6-nitrobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)methylene) hydrazinyl)-4-(aryldiazenyl)thiazoles (4a-f) were prepared via the reaction of hydrazonoyl chlorides 2a-f with 2-((6-nitrobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)methylene)hydrazine-1-carbothioamide (1) in dioxane and employing triethylamine as basic catalyst. Following the same procedure, bisthiazoles (6, 8, and 10) have been synthesized by utilizing bis-hydrazonoyl chlorides (5, 7, and 9) and carbothioamide 1 in a molar ratio (1:2), respectively. The distinctive features in the structure of isolated products were elucidated by spectroscopic tools and elemental analyses. The antioxidant, in vitro anti-proliferative, cytotoxicity, and anti-cancer efficacy of thiazoles and bis-thiazoles were evaluated. Compounds 4d and 4f were the most potent antioxidant agents. Gene expression of apoptosis markers and fragmentation assay of DNA were assessed to explore the biochemical mechanism of synthesized products. Thiazoles significantly inhibited cell growth and proliferation more than bis-thiazoles. They induced apoptosis through induction of apoptotic gene expression P53 and downregulation of antiapoptotic gene expression Bcl-2. Moreover, they induced fragmentation of DNA in cancer cells, indicating that they could be employed as anticancer agents by inhibiting tumor growth and progression and can be considered effective compounds in the strategy of anti-cancer agents' discovery., Conclusion: Synthesis, DPPH Radical Scavenging, Cytotoxic activity, and Apoptosis Induction Efficacy based on Novel Thiazoles and Bis-thiazoles., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

This review covers the literature information on the chemistry of hydrazonoyl halides with different substrates to give heterocyclic compounds. From the foregoing survey, it seems this provides a useful and convenient strategy for the synthesis of numerous heterocyclic derivatives. The subject of such reactions is still ongoing and undoubtedly will provide new fused functionalized compounds of both industrial and biological interest. A literature survey revealed that a great deal of interest has been focused on the synthesis of functionalized heterocyclic compounds due to their wide range of biological activities, such as contact dermatitis, anthelmintic, antiviral, antimicrobial, herbicidal, and anti-cancer. On the other hand, hydrazonoyl halides are interesting synthons for valuable bioactive heterocyclic compounds. The reaction of hydrazonoyl halides with various types of substrates gave a huge number of different heterocyclic systems. In this review, we collected all reactions of hydrazonoyl halides with different moieties and classified them as aryl diazo of monoheterocycles, aryldiazo of 5,5-bis-heterocycles, aryldiazo of 5,6-bis-heterocycles, aryldiazo of 6,6-bis-heterocycles, aryldiazo of 5,5,6-tri-heterocycles, aryldiazo of 5,6,6-tri-heterocycles, aryldiazo of 6,6,6-tri-heterocycles, hetero annulation of bisheterocycles, hetero annulation of tri-heterocycles, hetero-annulation of tetra-heterocycles, synthesis of spiro-heterocycles, heterocyclic ring transformations, and 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions catalyzed by transition metals using hydrazonoyl halides as substrates.Most reaction types have been successfully applied and used in the production of biologically active compounds. The aim of the present survey is to consider in the reader the opportunity interactions and biological activities of hydrazonoyl halides. The information of several artificial paths and varied physics-chemical factors of such heterocycles made a special consideration of chemists in different fields to yield a combinatorial library and carry out thorough efforts in the search for hydrazonoyl halides., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

The β-lactam antibiotics have been successfully used for decades to combat susceptible Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which has a notoriously difficult to penetrate outer membrane (OM). However, there is a dearth of data on target site penetration and covalent binding of penicillin-binding proteins (PBP) for β-lactams and β-lactamase inhibitors in intact bacteria. We aimed to determine the time course of PBP binding in intact and lysed cells and estimate the target site penetration and PBP access for 15 compounds in P. aeruginosa PAO1. All β-lactams (at 2 × MIC) considerably bound PBPs 1 to 4 in lysed bacteria. However, PBP binding in intact bacteria was substantially attenuated for slow but not for rapid penetrating β-lactams. Imipenem yielded 1.5 ± 0.11 log 10 killing at 1h compared to <0.5 log 10 killing for all other drugs. Relative to imipenem, the rate of net influx and PBP access was ~ 2-fold slower for doripenem and meropenem, 7.6-fold for avibactam, 14-fold for ceftazidime, 45-fold for cefepime, 50-fold for sulbactam, 72-fold for ertapenem, ~ 249-fold for piperacillin and aztreonam, 358-fold for tazobactam, ~547-fold for carbenicillin and ticarcillin, and 1,019-fold for cefoxitin. At 2 × MIC, the extent of PBP5/6 binding was highly correlated ( r 2 = 0.96) with the rate of net influx and PBP access, suggesting that PBP5/6 acted as a decoy target that should be avoided by slowly penetrating, future β-lactams. This first comprehensive assessment of the time course of PBP binding in intact and lysed P. aeruginosa explained why only imipenem killed rapidly. The developed novel covalent binding assay in intact bacteria accounts for all expressed resistance mechanisms., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Background: Population ageing and access to anti-retroviral therapies in South Africa have resulted in ageing of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, which has implications for policy, planning and practice. Impactful interventions on HIV/AIDS for older persons require knowledge on effects of the pandemic on this population. A study was undertaken to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of HIV/AIDS, as well as health literacy (HL) level of a population aged ≥ 50 years., Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at three sites in South Africa and two sites in Lesotho with an educational intervention at the South African sites. At baseline, data were collected for assessment of KAP of HIV/AIDS and HL levels. The pre- and post-intervention comprised participants at South African sites being familiarised with the contents of a specially constructed HIV/AIDS educational booklet. Participants' KAP was reassessed six weeks later. A composite score of ≥ 75% was considered adequate KAP and an adequate HL level., Results: The baseline survey comprised 1163 participants. The median age was 63 years (range 50-98 years); 70% were female, and 69% had ≤ 8 years' education. HL was inadequate in 56% and the KAP score was inadequate in 64%. A high KAP score was associated with female gender (AOR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.2-2.1), age < 65 years (AOR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.5-2.5) and education level (Primary school: AOR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.4-3.4); (High school: AOR = 4.4; 95% CI = 2.7-7.0); (University/college: AOR = 9.6; 95% CI = 4.7-19.7). HL was positively associated with education but no association with age or gender. The educational intervention comprised 614 (69%) participants. KAP scores increased post intervention: 65.2% of participants had adequate knowledge, versus 36% pre-intervention. Overall, younger age, being female and higher education level were associated with having adequate knowledge about HIV/AIDS, both pre- and post-intervention., Conclusions: The study population had low HL, and KAP scores regarding HIV/AIDS were poor but improved following an educational intervention. A tailored educational programme can place older people centrally in the fight against the epidemic, even in the presence of low HL. Policy and educational programmes are indicated to meet the information needs of older persons, which are commensurate with the low HL level of a large section of that population., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

2-Mercaptobenzothiazole (2-MBT) in a solution of 0.5 M HCl is an effective corrosion inhibitor for aluminum and aluminum-titanium alloys. Tafel polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were employed to assess this heterocyclic compound's anticorrosive potential and complementary by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and calculating porosity percentage in the absence and presence of various inhibitor concentrations. Inhibition efficiency (IE%) was strongly related to concentration (10 -6 -10 -3  M). Temperature's effect on corrosion behavior was investigated. The data exhibited that the IE% decreases as the temperature increases. An increase in activation energy (E a ) with increasing the inhibitor concentration and the decrease in the IE% value of the mentioned compound with raising the temperature indicates that the inhibitor molecules are adsorbed physically on the surface. Thermodynamic activation parameters for Al and Al-Ti alloy dissolution in both 0.5 M HCl and the inhibited solution were calculated and discussed. According to Langmuir's adsorption isotherm, the inhibitor molecules were adsorbed. The evaluated standard values of the enthalpy ([Formula: see text], entropy ([Formula: see text] and free energy changes ([Formula: see text] showed that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are negative, while [Formula: see text] was positive. The formation of a protective layer adsorbed on the surfaces of the substrates was confirmed with the surface analysis (SEM). The porosity percentage is significantly reduced in the inhibitor presence and gradually decreased with increasing concentration. Furthermore, the density functional theory (DFT) and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations were employed to explain the variance in protecting the Al surface from corrosion. Interestingly, the theoretical findings align with their experimental counterparts. The planarity of 2-MBT and the presence of heteroatoms are the playmakers in the adsorption process., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

In thermal management system, nanofluids will act as robust elements in future for coolants. Nanofluids have remarkable potential during the heat transfer increase reported by researchers from all over the world. Nanofluids have attracted many researchers, and there have been tremendous advances because of the high thermal characteristics and possible applications in certain areas such as the transport sector, aerospace, medical regions, and microelectronics. This current study reports on the thermal characteristics of nanofluid based on ZrO 2 /EG. The nanoparticles are characterized by XRD and SEM techniques. Nanofluid was prepared by a two-step method in ethylene glycol (EG) using ultra sonication. The thermal conductivity of ZrO 2 /EG nanofluid was investigated experimentally at various volume concentrations (0.02-0.1vol. %) and temperature range between 35 and 55 °C. The enhancement in thermal conductivity was observed to be 26.2% at 0.1 vol. % which exhibits superior performance as compared to base fluid (EG). The results of the experiment were compared with the three most often utilized model in the literature. The behavior of ZrO 2 /water-based nanofluid thermal conductivity, viscosity, and stability in various concentrations was studied., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Cancer has remained one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In Lesotho, breast and cervical cancers contribute about 43% of all the cancer cases annually., Aim: This study is aimed at comparing knowledge, attitudes, and practices between breast and cervical cancers among females in Maseru., Settings: This study consists of women residing in five study sites which have clinics that offer cervical and breast cancer-screening services., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2021 in Maseru, the Capital city of Lesotho. The participants were interviewed using a pre-tested questionnaire, through which their knowledge, practices about, and attitudes towards breast and cervical cancers were assessed., Results: A total of 228 women aged 15-75 years participated in the study and the majority were aged 30 years and above. Of the women interviewed for cervical cancer, 89.5% had heard of it, 11.8% had heard of its screening, and 7.4% had at least one examination. Similarly, for breast cancer, 77.6% of women who had heard of it, 72.9% had heard of screening, and 40.1% of women did at least one examination., Conclusion: The majority of women were more knowledgeable about cervical cancer than breast cancer. However, more women had heard about breast cancer screening than cervical cancer screening. Therefore, there is a need for awareness campaigns related to cervical cancers' screening.Contribution: There is an urgent need to intensify awareness about cervical and breast cancer screening and availability of services at the nearby clinics.

DWI involves acquisition of signal of movement of water proton in cellular spaces of body (Brownian motion). It includes qualitative method either restricted or facilitated and quantitive method which is apparent diffusion coefficient value(ADC) which is related to proportion of extracellular and intracellular components of the tissue., ADC is calculated with use of at least two b value more accurate using more DWI with different b value,ADC levels is low in increased tissue cellularity, as malignancy., ADC levels is high in non-tumoral tissue alterations such as direct endoscopy oedema, radiotherapy necrosis are expected to have minimal cellularity. ADC is most accurate in the detection of malignancy versus tissue edema or radionecrosis the aim of study to assess value of ADC as regarding measuring sensitivity and specificity and accuracy to differentiate tumor recurrence from radionecrosis. This study includes 36 patients who were suspected patients of tumor recurrence after radiotherapy; it is a prospective randomized comparative clinical trial. The patients were assessed using direct laryngoscopic examination under general anaesthesia and biopsy, and diffusion weighted image on the neck (b0 and b1000), ADC map and ADC value measured al lesion and normal tissues and compared with pathology results. ADC value (mean 0.93 ± 0.30 X 10 -3 mm 2 /s) in patients had recurrent carcinoma was significantly lower ( P  < .0001) than the mean ADC of normal tissue in the same patients (1.26 ± 0.134) while mean ADC of tumour recurrence ( P  < .0001) was lower than mean ADC value of radio necrosis (1.63 ± 0.21 × 10 -3 mm 2 /s). MRI ADC value is a sensitive and non-invasive method in detection of a recurrent laryngeal lesion from radionecrosis., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestThe authors have no conflict of interest to declare., (© Association of Otolaryngologists of India 2022.)

Herein we studied the preparation of different thiazoles via the reaction of 2-(3,4-dimethoxybenzylidene)hydrazine-1-carbothioamide ( 1 ) with hydrazonoyl halides under base-catalyzed conditions. The reactions proceed through nucleophilic substitution attack at the halogen atom of the hydrazonoyl halides by the thiol nucleophile to form an S -alkylated intermediate. The latter intermediate undergoes cyclization by the loss of water to afford the final products. The structures of the azo compounds were confirmed by FTIR, MS, NMR, and elemental analyses. Indeed, the newly synthesized azo compounds were estimated for their potential anticancer activities by an MTT assay against different human cancer cells, such as lung adenocarcinoma (A549) and colorectal adenocarcinoma (DLD-1). The caspase-3 levels were also estimated using Western blotting and the dual staining technique to evaluate the potency of the titled compounds to promote apoptosis.

Aims: The study aims to synthesize bioactive hybrid pharmacophores (thiazole ring and imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole system) by incorporating them into one biological assessment molecular system., Background: A literature survey revealed that various imidazo[2,1-b]thiazoles, thiazoles, and hydrazones have powerful antimycobacterial activity., Objective: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of molecular hybridization and the scope for imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole-hydrazone-thiazoles to develop as promising antimycobacterial agents., Methods: Several imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole-hydrazine-thiazoles 5a-g, 7a,b, 9a,b, 11a,b, 13, and 15a,b were generated using a molecular hybridization strategy and assessed against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (ATCC 25618) for their in vitro antituberculous activity., Results: Derivative 7b (MIC = 0.98 μg/mL) has shown the most promising antimycobacterial activity among the series tested. Brief structure-activity relationship studies found that the thiazole of chlorophenyl or pyridine, or coumarin had a significant relation with the antimycobacterial activity., Conclusion: The promising antimycobacterial activity of compound 7b compared with the reference drug suggests that this compound may contribute as a lead compound in the search for new potential antimycobacterial agents., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Background: During the second wave of COVID-19, there is an increasing incidence of reported cases in children compared to the early wave. Data on the clinical and laboratory characteristics of COVID-19 in children are evolving, and reports on the characteristics and outcomes of severe COVID-19 in children are still under evaluation. We aimed to describe the clinical, laboratory, and radiological characteristics and outcomes of children with COVID-19 infection admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU)., Results: The study included 27 children with COVID-19 infection. Fever, respiratory, and gastrointestinal (GIT) symptoms were predominant presenting symptoms in our patients. The median age of our patients was 9 months (2 m-12 years). Comorbidity was reported in 59.3%. The typical laboratory findings were leukocytosis, lymphopenia, elevated C-reactive proteins levels, and elevated d-dimer levels. The most frequent radiological findings were ground-glass opacities in 100% of patients and bilateral findings in 96%, while cardiomegaly was found in 44% of patients. The multisystem inflammatory syndrome was reported in 33% of patients with GIT symptoms were the most frequent presenting symptoms. Myocarditis was reported in 22% of patients. The mortality rate in this cohort was 14.8%. On multivariate analysis, the only predictor of mortality was the development of MIS-C., Conclusions: COVID-19 is more severe in children with comorbid conditions. Fever, respiratory and gastrointestinal (GIT) symptoms were predominant presenting symptoms. MIS-C is of increasing concern in children with high mortality rates., Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s43088-021-00168-x., Competing Interests: Competing interestsThe authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (© The Author(s) 2021.)

Introduction: Primary squamous cell carcinomas are rare in the colon. Identified as colonic growths causing obstructive or ulcerative features, they are treated like usual colonic adenocarcinomas until the surprise findings on histopathology. A thorough search for possible primary with colonic metastasis is warranted prior to confirmation of diagnosis. They can coexist with adenocarcinomas and ulcerative colitis. We present this case with intent to add to existing literature the presentation and catastrophic clinical course of the disease in our patient., Clinical Findings: The patient presented with obstructive pattern of a colonic growth with rapid weight loss. There was no family history of colonic disease and the patient did not suffer from inflammatory bowel disease., Diagnosis and Therapeutic Intervention: CT Scan of the abdomen revealed the growth which was infiltrating the abdominal musculature causing micro abscess formation. Colonoscopy was inconclusive as the growth was not passable enough to obtain enough biopsy for pathology. The patient underwent surgery for removal of tumor and the histopathology revealed the squamous cell carcinoma. Through the course of patient's recovery in hospital thorough evaluation was done to identify primary in sites mainly the urogenital tract. The patient was discharged and unfortunately succumbed to her disease at home before definitive treatment could be given., Conclusion: Squamous cell carcinomas in the colon warrants extensive search for the primary and coexistent adenocarcinomas or ulcerative colitis. In patients who recover from surgery, chemoradiation directed towards the pathology should be initiated to prevent rapid deterioration as in our case. Its presentation may be exophytic infiltrating surrounding structures and micro abscesses or perforations may also be encountered. We add our case report to the existing literature of primary squamous cell colon carcinoma series., (Copyright © 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Background: Hydrazonoyl halides are convenient for the synthesis of arylazothiazoles., Materials and Methods: A series of novel arylazothiazoles were efficiently synthesized from the reaction of hydrazonoyl chlorides with 2-(adamantan-2-ylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamide or 2-(ferrocenyl-1-ylidene)hydrazinecarbo-- thioamide in dioxane used as an aprotic solvent because of its lower toxicity and higher boiling point (101 °C) and triethylamine at reflux. The reaction mechanistic pathway proceeded by the nucleophilic substitution reaction by the elimination of hydrogen chloride to give thiohydrazonates as intermediate, which in situ undergo intramolecular cyclization and loss of water molecule to afford the final product of novel arylazothiazoles. This method is simple with good yield and excellent purities., Results and Discussion: The synthetic schemes for the final products are proposed and discussed. The chemical structures of the final products were identified by different techniques, such as elemental analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and mass spectrometry (MS)., Conclusion: In this article, we prepared arylazothiazoles from the reaction of 2-(adamantan-2-ylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamide or 2-(ferrocenyl-1-ylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamide with hydrazonoyl halides., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Pyrazoles, thiazoles and fused thiazoles have been reported to possess many biological activities. 3-Methyl-5-oxo-4-(2-arylhydrazono)-4,5-dihydro-1 H -pyrazole-1-carbothioamides 3a , b (obtained from the reaction of ethyl 3-oxo-2-(2-arylhydrazono)butanoates 1a , b with thiosemicarbazide) could be transformed into a variety of thiazolyl-pyrazole derivatives 6a - h , 10a - c , 15a - c , 17 , 19 and 21 via their reaction with a diversity hydrazonoyl chlorides as well as bromoacetyl derivatives. Moreover, the computational studies were carried out for all new compounds. The results indicated that five compounds showed promising binding affinities (10a : - 3.4 kcal/mol, 6d : - 3.0 kcal/mol, 15a : - 2.2 kcal/mol, 3a : - 1.6 kcal/mol, and 21 : - 1.3 kcal/mol) against the active site of the epidermal growth factor receptor kinase (EGFR). The cytotoxicity of the potent products 3a , 6d , 10a , 15a , and 21 was examined against human liver carcinoma cell line (HepG-2) and revealed activities close to Doxorubicin standard drug. There was an understanding between the benefits of restricting affinities and the data obtained from the practical anticancer screening of the tested compounds., Competing Interests: Competing interestsThe authors declare that they have no competing interests., (© The Author(s) 2019.)

Background:  Research consistently demonstrates the importance of effective team work for improving the quality of health care. We conducted a baseline measure of primary health care (PHC) team effectiveness and overall PHC performance at a primary care facility., Aim:  To improve PHC team effectiveness and ultimately the quality and user experience of primary care at a community health centre (CHC)., Setting:  Du Noon CHC in the southern and western substructure of the Cape Town Metro district services (MDHS)., Methods:  A cross-sectional study using a combination of the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) consensus method and the South African Primary Care Assessment Tool (ZA PCAT) to assess PHC team effectiveness and PHC organisation and performance., Results:  The ZA PCAT was administered to 110 CHC users (patients) and 12 providers (doctors and clinical nurse practitioners). Data from 20 PHC team members showed they perceived their team as well functioning (70% agreement on a 7-item PHC team assessment tool incorporated into the ZA PCAT). The NGT method achieved participant (20) consensus on communication and leadership as the main challenges to effective team functioning and on ideas to overcome the challenges. The ZA PCAT user data showed 18.2% of users rated first contact access as acceptable to good; 47.3% of users rated ongoing care as acceptable to good. Provider data showed that 33% of providers rated first contact access as acceptable to good; 25% of providers rated ongoing care as acceptable to good. First contact access received the lowest acceptable to good score (18.2%) and comprehensiveness (services available) the highest score (88.2%) from users. For the providers, the lowest acceptable to good score was for ongoing care (25%) and the highest acceptable to good score was for primary health care team availability (100%). The ZA PCAT total primary scores were good (above 60%) for both users and providers but moderately higher for the providers., Conclusion:  Knowledge of how teams perceive their effectiveness can motivate them to generate ideas for improving performance. There were discrepancies between providers' assessment of team functioning using the ZA PCAT measure and the NGT method results. The ZA PCAT also showed differences between providers' and users' perceptions of PHC performance - consistent with the findings of the multi-CHC Western Cape ZA PCAT study. These findings should encourage and support CHC and district level staff in their efforts to improve the quality and user experience of primary care, as well as PHC team performance.

Background: Breast cancer and cervical cancer are the two leading cancers among women in Ethiopia. This study investigated knowledge and attitudes related to these two types of cancer among women in 4 zones of Ethiopia. This is the first study employing a validated questionnaire to investigate knowledge and attitudes relating to breast and cervical cancer in Ethiopia., Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from September to November 2015 in the North Shewa zone (Amhara region), Gamo Gofa zone (Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples' region) and zones 1 and 3 (Afar region) of Ethiopia. A total of 799 women aged 18 years and older participated in the survey. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association of possible predictors with breast and cervical cancer knowledge., Results: A total of 799 women aged 18 years and older participated in the survey. Of the women interviewed, 63.0% had heard of breast cancer and 42.2% had heard of cervical cancer. Among those who had heard of breast cancer, 21.3% (107/503) had heard of breast cancer screening and 1.4% of women aged 40 years and older had undergone at least one breast screening examination. Fewer than half of the participants provided the correct response to questions related to risk factors for breast and cervical cancer. Among those who had heard of cervical cancer, 41.5% (140/337) had heard of cervical cancer screening and 3.3% had undergone at least one cervical cancer screening examination. Women with primary and higher levels of education were more likely to have heard of breast cancers (OR = 3.0; 95% CI: 2.1-4.2; p < 0.001) and cervical cancer (OR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.4-2.6; p < 0.001). From the overall attitude score, the majority of the women were found to have negative attitudes towards breast cancer (67.4%) and cervical cancer (70.6%)., Conclusions: This study found that the overall knowledge of risk factors for breast cancer and cervical cancer among women was low. Lack of cancer awareness, and lack of education in general, are the most potent barriers to access and care, and should be addressed through multi-faceted strategies including peer-education, mass media and other community-based interventions.

Background: Cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women in Kenya. However, only 3% of women are routinely screened. This study aimed to assess women's knowledge and attitudes towards cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening in Kenya's Isiolo and Tharaka Nithi counties., Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between January and March 2017. Using a multistage cluster sampling methodology, 451 women 18 years of age and older participated in the study. Interviewers administered a 35-item questionnaire collecting demographic information, knowledge of risk factors and attitudes towards cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening. Bivariate and multivariate analyses of cervical cancer knowledge and demographic characteristics were conducted., Results: The response rate for the study was 98% (451/460). Two-thirds of the study participants originated from Tharaka Nithi county (n = 318). Respondents reported a median age of 32; 70.5% were married; and 35.0% had primary education. Eighty percent of the participants were aware of cervical cancer, 25.6% of whom had previously undergone a cervical screening examination, and 44.4% had above-average knowledge of risk factors of cervical cancer. Knowledge of cervical cancer risk factors was significantly associated with employment status (adjusted odds ratio = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.0-2.6) and county of origin (adjusted odds ratio = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.6-5.0). Almost all (89.2%) of those who had heard of cervical cancer categorised it as "scary". There was a marginal significant difference in the overall attitude assessment score towards cervical cancer between participants from Isiolo and Tharaka Nithi counties; the mean (SD) score was 2.13 (0.34) and 2.20 (0.30) respectively. The score was comparatively higher among participants residing in Tharaka Nithi (95% CI: 0.002-0.146; p = 0.043)., Conclusions: Interventions to increase cervical cancer knowledge are needed in Isiolo and Tharaka Nithi counties, Kenya. Additional research is needed to further understand and assess the effectiveness of different strategies to improve attitudes regarding cervical cancer in order to increase the uptake of screening services, particularly among less-educated women and those in hard-to-reach areas.

Small heterocyclic compounds containing nitrogen and sulfur atoms, such as thiazole derivatives, represent a significant class of organic azoles that exhibit promising bioactivities and have a great potential in medicinal and agricultural fields. A convenient and high-yielding synthetic approach for a range of organic molecules is presented. The nuclease-like activities of compounds were studied with the aid of E. coli AB1157 DNA and agarose gel electrophoresis. The antioxidant evaluation of the compounds was carried out with different antioxidant techniques, such as ABTS and NO scavenging efficiency. The antibacterial behavior was evaluated against various bacterial strains, both Gram-positive and -negative, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of these compounds were determined. The antiproliferative activities and IC 50 values of the synthesized organic molecules compounds against HEPG-2, MCF-7, and HCT-116 cell lines were evaluated.

Synthesis and characterization of new thiadiazoles, bisthiadiazoles from the reaction of mono- and di-hydrazonoyl halides with various hydrazinecarbodithioate derivatives were studied. Treatment of hydrazonoyl halides with 2,5-dihydrazinyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole afforded new bistriazines containing thiadiazole; we also examined the reaction of 2,5-dihydrazinyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole with active methylene compounds to afford new pyrazoles containing thiadiazole compounds. The new synthesized compounds were identified by elemental analysis and various spectral data (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance).

Aim: To investigate how Tregs are regulated in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients via assessment of Tregs markers (granzyme 2, CD69 and FoxP3), Teffs markers [TNFRSF4 (OX40), INFG] and CD4 , CD25 genes., Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 120 subjects divided into 4 groups: Group I ( n = 30) treatment naïve chronic HCV patients; Group II ( n = 30) chronic HCV treated with Peg/Riba; Group III ( n = 30) chronic HCV associated with non-organ specific autoantibody and Group IV ( n = 30) healthy persons as a control group. Tregs and Teffs markers were assessed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by quantitative real time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction., Results: Chronic HCV patients exhibited significant higher levels of both Teffs and Tregs in comparison to healthy control group. Tregs markers were significantly decreased in Peg/Riba treated HCV patients in comparison to treatment naïve HCV group. In HCV patients with antinuclear antibody (ANA) +ve, Tregs markers were significantly decreased in comparison to all other studied groups. Teffs markers were significantly elevated in all HCV groups in comparison to control and in HCV group with ANA +ve in comparison to treatment naïve HCV group., Conclusion: Elevated Tregs cells in chronic HCV patients dampen both CD4 + and CD8 + autologous T cell immune response. Interferon-α and ribavirin therapy suppress proliferation of Tregs. More significant suppression of Tregs was observed in HCV patients with autoantibodies favoring pathological autoimmune response., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: There are no conflicts of interest.

Background: Major health sector reform and the need for baseline measures of performance to determine impact., Aim: Baseline audit of primary healthcare (PHC) performance., Setting: Cape Town and Cape Winelands (rural) PHC facilities (PCFs) in Western Cape Province, South Africa., Method: The South African cross-culturally validated ZA PCAT to audit PHC performance on 11 subdomains associated with improved health and reduced costs. Adult PCF users systematically sampled. All full-time doctors and nurse practitioners in PCFs sampled and all PCF managers in sub-districts sampled invited into the study., Results: Data from 1432 users, 100 clinicians and 64 managers from 13 PCFs in 10 sub-districts analysed (figures show stakeholder percentages scoring subdomain performance 'acceptable to good'). 11.5% users scored access 'acceptable to good'; community orientation and comprehensive services provided 20.8% and 39.9%, respectively. Total PHC score for users 50.2%; for managers and practitioners 82.8% and 88.0%, respectively. Among practitioners access was lowest (33.3%); PHC team (98.0%) and comprehensive services available (100.0%) highest. Among managers, access (13.5%) and family centredness (45.6%) are lowest; PHC team (85.9%) and comprehensive services available (90.6%) highest. Managers scored access, family centredness and cultural competence significantly lower than practitioners. Users scored comprehensive services available, comprehensive services provided and community orientation significantly lower than practitioners and managers., Conclusion: Gaps between users' experience and providers' assessments of PHC performance are identified. Features that need strengthening and alignment with best practice, provincial and national, and health policies are highlighted with implications for practitioner and manager training, health policy, and research.

Background: Isoxazoles exhibit interesting biological activities, and the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition(13DC) reactions play an important role in both mechanistic and synthetic organic chemistry. Pyrazoles and annulated pyrazoles exhibit some diverse biological activities. They are used as antipyretic, analgesic drugs, tranquilizing, and herbicidal agents. Pyrazoles are also used extensively as useful synthons in organic synthesis. Pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyridazines showed good antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. Several oximes are found to be hyperglycemic, anti-neoplastic, anti-inflammatory, anti-leishmanial and VEGFR-2 kinase inhibitors., Results: The present work describes an efficient synthesis protocol and molecular orbital calculations of isoxazoline and pyrrolo[3,4-d]isoxazole-4,6-dione derivatives from the reaction of hydroximoyl chloride with acrylonitrile, acrylamide, and N-arylmalemides. In addition, pyrazoles and pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyridazines are obtained via the reaction of 3-(dimethylamino)-1-(2,4-dimethyl-1,3-thiazol-5-yl)prop-2-ene-1-one with hydrazonoyl halides. Pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines were derived from condensation of either Sodium Salt of 3-Hydroxy-1-(2,4-dimethylthiazol-5-yl)prop-2-en-1-one (10) or 3-(dimethylamino)-1-(2,4-dimethyl)(1,3-thiazol-5-yl)prop-2-en-1-one (11) with aiminopyrozoles. A comparative study of the biological activity of the synthesized compounds with ampicillin and tetracycline is compiled in Table 3. Generally, all synthesized compounds showed an adequate inhibitory efficiency of growth of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Structures of the newly synthesized compounds were elucidated by elemental analysis, spectral data and a computational study., Conclusions: In summary, new and efficient synthetic routes of isoxazoline, pyrrolo[3,4-d]isoxazole-4,6-dione derivatives, pyrazoles, pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyridazines and pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines have been achieved and the biological activity has been investigated.Graphical abstractNew and efficient synthetic routes of isoxazoline, pyrrolo[3,4-d]isoxazole-4,6-dione derivatives, pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyridazines and pyrazolo [1,5-a] pyrimidines.

Background: Measuring primary care is important for health sector reform. The Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCAT) measures performance of elements essential for cost-effective care. Following minor adaptations prior to use in Cape Town in 2011, a few findings indicated a need to improve the content and cross-cultural validity for wider use in South Africa (SA)., Aim: This study aimed to validate the United States of America-developed PCAT before being used in a baseline measure of primary care performance prior to major reform., Setting: Public sector primary care clinics, users, practitioners and managers in urban and rural districts in the Western Cape Province., Methods: Face value evaluation of item phrasing and a combination of Delphi and Nominal Group Technique (NGT) methods with an expert panel and user focus group were used to obtain consensus on content relevant to SA. Original and new domains and items with > = 70% agreement were included in the South African version--ZA PCAT., Results: All original PCAT domains achieved consensus on inclusion. One new domain, the primary healthcare (PHC) team, was added. Three of 95 original items achieved < 70% agreement, that is consensus to exclude as not relevant to SA; 19 new items were added. A few items needed minor rephrasing with local healthcare jargon. The demographic section was adapted to local socio-economic conditions. The adult PCAT was translated into isiXhosa and Afrikaans., Conclusion: The PCAT is a valid measure of primary care performance in SA. The PHC team domain is an important addition, given its emphasis in PHC re-engineering. A combination of Delphi and NGT methods succeeded in obtaining consensus on a multi-domain, multi-item instrument in a resource-constrained environment.

Since the Physicians start use of antibiotics long ago with un-notice drug resistance. However actual problem was recognized about 85 years ago. Antibiotic resistant and Multi-drug resistant bacterial strains are at rise throughout the world. It is physicians and researchers to take scientific research based appropriate action to overcome this ever-spreading problem. This study is designed to find out sensitive (S), resistant (R) and multi-drug resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumanii strain along with other isolates in the resident patients of Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is excluded from other gram-negative organisms isolated from different sites as it will be dealt separately. This study is based in was retrospective observations designed to collect data of different stains of Acinetobacter baumanii with reference to their Sensitivity (S), Resistance (R), Multi-Drug Resistance (MDR) along with other Gram negative isolated from different sites (from 1st January 2004 to 31st December 2011) at King Abdulaziz Hospital located Eastern Region of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). All necessary techniques were used to culture and perform sensitivity of these isolates. There were 4532 isolates out of which 3018 (67%) were from patients. Out of Acinetobacter baumanii infected were 906 (20%) while other 3626 (80%) isolates were miscellaneous. Numbers of patients or cases were 480 (53%) out of 906 isolates and numbers of patients or cases in other organisms were 2538 (70%) out of 3626 isolates. Acinetobacter baumanii infected patients 221 (46%) were male and 259 (54%) were female and the male and female ratio of 1:1.2. In other organisms this male female ratio was almost same. There was steady rise in number of patients and the hence the isolates from 2004 to 2011. Majority of the bacterial strains were isolated as single organism but some were isolated as double or triple or quadruple or more organisms from different sites. Sensitive, Resistant and Multi-Drug Resistant Acinetobacter baumanii have been isolated from different sites. The other Gram negative isolates included Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella oxytoca, Serratia marcescens and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. A significant rise in R and MDR but there is rise in R and MDR Acinetobacter baumanii Strains has been interceded other isolates. It is important to adopt proper and sustainable policies and guideline regarding antibiotics prescription and used. We should also check our infection control practices in our hospital or healthcare settings. We should start antibiotics stewardship in our hospital in order to reducing or overcoming antibiotics Resistant (R) and Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) strains prevalence.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the early pathologic changes in the follicular tissue of completely impacted mandibular third molar., Materials and Methods: 52 patients, between 18 and 52 years of age of which 25 were males and 27 were females, were selected. They had impacted mandibular third molars, which were indicated for extraction. After extraction, the follicle was sent for a histopathological evaluation to two different oral pathologists., Results: The results showed that 80.8% of the specimen had normal follicles. 11.5% specimen suggested cystic changes while 7.7% suggested infected follicle., Conclusion: It is desirable to consider prophylactic removal of impacted mandibular third molar presenting at a younger age, whereas their removal remains an enigma for the older age group and should only be considered appropriate in those cases where frank causes for its removal are established.

An expedient synthesis of novel triazoles, tetrazine and thiadiazoles, using conveniently accessible and commercially available starting materials has been achieved. The synthesized compounds were characterized by spectroscopic and elemental analyses, and screened for their antibacterial activities against four different strains, namely E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus and B. megaterium. In particular, the compounds 5, 24 and 26h exhibited excellent antibacterial activities compared to the reference antibiotic. To get further insight about their behavior, these compounds were tested for their antioxidant activities via SOD-like activity, DPPH free radical scavenging activity, ABST and NO, which showed promising results. Furthermore, these compounds effectively promoted the cleavage of genomic DNA as well, in the absence of any external additives.

Aim: To assess co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory markers of dendritic cells (DCs) in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected subjects with and without uremia., Methods: Three subject groups were included in the study: group 1 involved 50 control subjects, group 2 involved 50 patients with chronic HCV infection and group 3 involved 50 HCV uremic subjects undergoing hemodialysis. CD83, CD86 and CD40 as co-stimulatory markers and PD-L1 as a co-inhibitory marker were assessed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) and hyaluronic acid (HA) levels were also assessed. All findings were correlated with disease activity, viral load and fibrogenesis., Results: There was a significant decrease in co-stimulatory markers; CD83, CD86 and CD40 in groups 2 and 3 vs the control group. Co-stimulatory markers were significantly higher in group 3 vs group 2. There was a significant elevation in PD-L1 in both HCV groups vs the control group. PD-L1 was significantly lower in group 3 vs group 2. There was a significant elevation in IL-10 and HA levels in groups 2 and 3, where IL-10 was higher in group 3 and HA was lower in group 3 vs group 2. HA level was significantly correlated with disease activity and fibrosis grade in group 2. IL-10 was significantly correlated with fibrosis grade in group 2. There were significant negative correlations between co-stimulatory markers and viral load in groups 2 and 3, except CD83 in dialysis patients. There was a significant positive correlation between PD-L1 and viral load in both HCV groups., Conclusion: A significant decrease in DC co-stimulatory markers and a significant increase in a DC co-inhibitory marker were observed in HCV subjects and to a lesser extent in dialysis patients.

Idiopathic omental infarction is a rare cause of acute abdomen in adults, and the clinical finding can mimic acute appendicitis. Although idiopathic omental infarction is uncommon, the incidence of its detection has become more frequent as a result of advances in radiological technologies. We reported on a 21-year-old man who presented with sudden onset of intermittent right lower quadrant abdominal pain for seven days. The pain became more localized at the right iliac fossa (RIF) at day 2 before admission. A physical examination revealed a fever (38.2°C), severe RIF tenderness, mass-like fullness, and positive rebound tenderness. A CT of the abdomen showed inflammatory changes and increased fat density mass in the right upper quadrant measuring 5 × 4 cm representing focal panniculitis. However, the appendix was visualized normally and the findings were not in favor of acute appendicitis. Diagnosis was carried on laparoscopically. Serosanguinous free fluid was found in all abdominal quadrants. A 6 × 4 cm gangrenous omental mass was noted. The omental mass was excised and an appendectomy was performed. In summary, omental infarction should be considered as a deferential diagnosis for acute right-sided abdominal pain, especially if the clinical finding does not correspond to appendicitis.

Using of building materials containing naturally occurring radionuclides as (238)U, (232)Th and (40)K and their progeny results in an external exposures of the housing of such buildings. In the present study, indoor dose rates for typical Egyptian rooms are calculated using the analytical method and activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in some building materials. Uniform chemical composition of the walls, floor and ceiling as well as uniform mass concentrations of the radionuclides in walls, floor and ceiling assumed. Different room models are assumed to discuss variation of indoor dose rates according to variation in room construction. Activity concentrations of (238)U, (232)Th and (40)K content in eight samples representative Clay soil and different building materials used in most recent Egyptian building were measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The specific activity for (238)U, (232)Th and (40)K, from the selected samples, were in the range 14.15-60.64, 2.75-84.66 and 7.35-554.4Bqkg(-1), respectively. The average indoor absorbed dose rates in air ranged from 0.005μGyh(-1) to 0.071μGyh(-1) and the corresponding population-weighted annual effective dose due to external gamma radiation varies from 0.025 to 0.345mSv. An outdoor dose rate for typical building samples in addition to some radiological hazards has been introduced for comparison., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)