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Abstract Backgrounds Recovery for poststroke aphasia has a decelerating trajectory, with the greatest improvement is within weeks and the slope of change decreasing over time. Therefore, it is essential to predict the prognosis of aphasia at an early stage as it could provide useful data in specific plans for management strategies. The aim of this work was to assess the arcuate fasciculus in stroke patients with aphasia and its impact on predicting the outcome. A prospective study was performed including 25 patients with acute ischemic stroke and aphasia and 10 healthy control subjects with no history of neurologic or psychiatric disease. All patients underwent language assessment using an Arabic version of the Comprehensive Aphasia Test (Arabic CAT), with the resultant mean T-score aphasia quotient (AQ). Early assessment of stroke and delayed assessment at three months. All patients had diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI-MRI) of the brain to localize the lesion and 3D diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of the arcuate fasciculus (AF) within 30 days of stroke. Results Patients in whom the AF could not be reconstructed had a poor score in early and late AQ and a poor prognosis compared to those in whom the AF could be reconstructed. Preservation of the left AF on DTI could mean the potential recovery of aphasia after stroke. Conclusion The prognosis of aphasia in patients whose left AF could be reconstructed was better than those whose left AF could not be reconstructed, irrespective of the AF's integrity. That is why, we can assume that evaluation of the DTI of the left AF at early stages of stroke can help in predicting outcome of aphasia.

Abstract Background Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare, fatal neurodegenerative disorder, with few months as a usual duration from onset to death. Case presentation In this case report, a patient of Sporadic CJD (sCJD) who presented one month after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The diagnosis of this case was established after confirming findings from clinical, neurophysiology, radiological, and laboratory features of this disease. Conclusion Putting in mind all the updated data on the pathogenesis of CJD and the immune responses to SARS-CoV-2, we can suggest that COVID-19 can lead to accelerated pathogenesis and exaggerated manifestations of this fatal neurodegenerative disease.

Abstract The objectives were to describe the morphometric measurements and determine the best model for estimating the relationship between body weight and morphometric measurements of the two Sudanese antelopes, Dorcas Gazelle (Gazella dorcas) and Bohor Reedbuck (Redunca redunca). Twenty-four animals belonging to two Sudanese antelope species, six males and six females from each species were used. Data on body weight and body measurements were recorded from each species. Averages of body weight and morphometric traits of Bohor Reedbuck were larger than the corresponding values of Dorcas Gazelle, while the opposite was true in the case of horn thickness, which was larger in the later. Stepwise regression analysis indicated that, the best model for Dorcas Gazelle had the variables neck length, belly girth and chest height, while Bohor Reedbuck had body length, head length, neck length, tail length, chest girth and pelvic height. These variables explained 82% of the total variation in body weight of Dorcas Gazelle, and 92% of the variation of Bohor Reedbuck. These results are discussed in relation to morphometric measurements reported for antelopes elsewhere.

Abstract Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a pandemic disease which predominantly affects the respiratory system with high critical care mortality and morbidity, yet it also causes multiple organs dysfunction in affected patients. There is a strong evidence that it increases the susceptibility of cerebrovascular strokes in such patients. Besides this prothrombotic complication, arterial dissection can be one of its mechanisms increasing the risks of stroke. Case presentation Herein, we report a case of spontaneous isolated subclavian artery dissection in a COVID-19 patient. Sixty-one-year-old female presented with spontaneous isolated subclavian artery dissection without any traumatic events nor history of connective tissue disorders. She had left upper limb ischemia followed by cerebellar, thalamic and occipital infarctions. Whether this patient’s subclavian artery dissection was triggered by exaggerated inflammatory response or arteriopathy secondary to COVID-19 remains speculative. Conclusions Nonetheless, arterial dissection can be one of its complications, it is essential for treating physicians to be attentive for the diversity of COVID-19 clinical manifestations.

Reinforcing bar bonding in concrete is essential for reinforcing bar anchoring and reinforced concrete cracking control. A pull out test of a reinforcing bar embedded in a concrete block is commonly used to determine it. When compared to plain concrete, steel fiber enhanced the mechanical properties of reinforced concrete. This paper presents experimental and analytical study on pull-out force of steel fiber-reinforced concrete blocks. Experimental program consists of six specimens. Two parameters are considered in this study, which are steel bar diameter and content of steel fiber. The numerical analysis was conducted by the finite element ANSYS software and was carried out on the experimental specimens. An analytical analysis was conducted to investigate the developing of the shear stress in surrounding concrete in XZ-plan and stresses in steel bar. Test results show that the steel fibers had significant influence on the increase of the pull-out force. The pull-out force increased by 3%, 4% and 15%, for CS1, CS2 and CS3 compared with specimens without steel fiber C1, C2, and C3 respectively.

Abstract Introduction Stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide with grave morbidity and mortality. Sleep and stroke have a definite intermingling neuropathological relationship, so along with expeditious acute management, efficient secondary prevention and consistent rehabilitation, sleep disorders’ management has a hand in offering a medical service up to the mark. Objective Screening of sleep disorders’ prevalence in patients who survived a previous stroke by applying simple questionnaires and to determine the correlation between these disorders and stroke’s demographic, clinical, and risk factor variables. Methods Cross-sectional prospective study on 75 stroke patients from stroke outpatient clinic and all patients were subjected to answer a sheet of sleep questionnaire, Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Apnea/Hypopnea Index (AHI), Arabic versions. Results A total of 70.6 % were found to have sleep disorders, 61.6% had poor sleep quality, 20% had a severe degree of excessive day time sleepiness (EDS). Sleep disorders were more prevalent in the moderate severity of stroke by NIHSS and in the first 1–4 weeks. There was no correlation between the occurrence of sleep disorders and the site of the lesion. Conclusion Sleep disorders are broadly prevalent after a stroke. Resulting damage impedes the functional outcome. Simple questionnaires are easy applicable methods for screening of such disorders in post-stroke patients. Guidelines needed regarding screening and management of sleep disorders after a stroke.

IntroductionAfter the results of phase III vaccine studies became available, the leading oncology societies recommended two doses of COVID-19 vaccination to all patients with cancer with no specific recommendation for tumor type and active treatments. However, the data on the COVID-19 vaccine efficacy in cancer patients is limited due to exclusion of cancer patients from most vaccine clinical trials. Therefore, we systemically reviewed the available evidence evaluating the antibody responses in cancer patients.MethodsWe conducted a systematic search from the Pubmed database and calculated risk differences (RD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to compare seroconversion rates between cancer patients and controls using the Review Manager software, version 5.3.ResultsOur systematic search retrieved a total 27 studies and we included 17 studies with control arms in the analyses. Cancer patients had significantly lower seroconversion rates (37.3%) than controls (74.1%) (RD: -0.44, 95% CI: -0.52, -0.35, p

Background Ischemic stroke is defined as focal or global neurological dysfunction lasting longer than 24 h or leading to death that is caused by vascular insult, either stricture or occlusion of a specific vascular territory. Aim of the study This study aimed to determine the relationship between different risk factors and different infarction patterns in posterior circulation such single small lacunar lesion, single large lesion, and multiple scattered lesions. Patients and methods This study included 60 patients recruited from the stroke unit of Ain Shams University and El Sahel Teaching Hospitals during the period from April to October 2018 with the diagnosis of posterior circulation ischemic stroke. The study population was divided into three groups according to the infarction pattern. Infarction patterns were categorized into a single small lacunar lesion (20 patients) (group I), a single large lesion (20 patients) (group II), and multiple scattered lesions (20 patients) (group III). Results There was no significant difference between the three groups in the presence of vascular risk factors such as hypertension (P = 0.153), diabetes (P = 0.317), dyslipidemia (P = 0.420), presence of cardiac diseases (P = 0.180), and smoking (P = 0.931). The only significant difference in terms of vascular risk factors was atrial fibrillation (AF). AF was present in six patients in group II and six patients in group III, and not present in group I patients (P = 0.024). Conclusion Different vascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and smoking are present in all infarction patterns of posterior cerebral circulation, either single or multiple infarctions, and there were no significant differences in the presence of these vascular risk factors in relation to the type of the vascular lesion. AF and significant vertebrobasilar stenosis were mostly associated with large and multiple infarct lesion patterns. Small-vessel disease was the most common stroke etiology for a single small lacunar lesion, whereas large artery atherosclerosis was mostly present in a single large lesion and multiple lesions. Strict control of vascular risk factors is highly recommended in all infarction patterns of posterior circulation.

Schistosomiasis remains to be the most common fibrotic disease resulting from inflammation and deposition of scar tissue around trapped parasitic eggs in the liver. Though chemotherapy eradicates matured worms efficiently and prevents the accumulation of schistosome eggs, fewer effective drugs are directed to reverse the present hepatic fibrosis. Therefore, treatment targeting hepatic fibrosis associated with schistosomiasis remains a challenging proposition.

The given text is a list of burials found in different locations within a specific archaeological site. The burials include individuals of various ages and are associated with different artifacts such as ceramic jars, stone pendants, bronze rings, and shell jars. The orientations of the burials vary, and some burials have no associated artifacts. The text provides a comprehensive overview of the burials and their associated artifacts, allowing researchers to further explore the details of each burial. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract Background We aimed to investigate the compression and ischemic effects of two different tourniquet pressures on tissues during surgery show a clinical difference. Methods Patients aged 18–65 years who underwent foot and ankle surgery and applied a tourniquet in a single center between September 2022 and November 2023 were included in this prospective randomized study. Accordingly, tourniquet pressures were applied as limb occlusion pressure (LOP) + 50 mmHg in group 1 (12 patients) and LOP + 100 mmHg in group 2 (12 patients). The time point at which the femoral nerve motor evoked potential (MEP) decreased by 50%, the time point at which the MEP decreased by 100% for all nerves (femoral, tibial, and deep peroneal), and the time point at which all responses returned after the tourniquet was deflated were identified as the time points for analysis. Results There were no differences in demographic data (age, body mass index, and sex) between the two groups. The mean tourniquet pressure was 191 ± 16 mmHg in Group 1 and 247 ± 21 mmHg in Group 2 (p

Abstract The proximity-effect, whereby materials in contact appropriate each other’s electronic-properties, is widely used to induce correlated states, such as superconductivity or magnetism, at heterostructure interfaces. Thus far however, demonstrating the existence of proximity-induced charge-density-waves (PI-CDW) proved challenging. This is due to competing effects, such as screening or co-tunneling into the parent material, that obscured its presence. Here we report the observation of a PI-CDW in a graphene layer contacted by a 1T-TaS2 substrate. Using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and spectroscopy (STS) together with theoretical-modeling, we show that the coexistence of a CDW with a Mott–gap in 1T-TaS2 coupled with the Dirac-dispersion of electrons in graphene, makes it possible to unambiguously demonstrate the PI-CDW by ruling out alternative interpretations. Furthermore, we find that the PI-CDW is accompanied by a reduction of the Mott gap in 1T-TaS2 and show that the mechanism underlying the PI-CDW is well-described by short-range exchange-interactions that are distinctly different from previously observed proximity effects.

The paper proposes a process to translate systemic grand challenges of agricultural supply chain into company specific operationalization actions. The objectives of this study are to elucidate the requisite stages of the process, delineate the specific aspects addressed by each step, and present potential methodologies employed throughout the process. The approach adopted in this paper is inherently constructive, employing a mixed methodology that integrates various methods and tools. Furthermore, 90 challenges of agricultural supply chain are delineated and structured around 6 themes. The strength of evidence of the challenges is then analyzed with a model that takes into account the number and types of references in which the challenges are mentioned and found, respectively. The study identified 21 challenges as “evident” and proceeded to the next step for quality function deployment. Finally, operationalization actions, including cooperating with other stakeholders of the supply chain, regulators, and farmers were determined to tackle critical first mile challenges for the case company. The paper makes a distinctive contribution by presenting a comprehensive framework for translating systemic agricultural supply chain challenges into actionable steps, uniquely addressing the intersection of intricate challenges and sustainability imperatives. This novel approach does not only advance the understanding of operationalization but also underscores the vital role of sustainability in navigating the complexities of modern agricultural supply chains.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of adding postbiotics produced from two species of lactic acid bacteria, Lactobacillus acidophilus (Lap) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (Lpp), to broiler chicken diets on their productivity, gastrointestinal microbiota count, and nutrient digestibility. Using a completely randomized design, 315 one-day-old broiler chicks (Ross- 308) were randomly divided into seven groups and three replications, with fifteen unsexed chicks per replicate. The basal diet was administered without supplements (negative control) or supplemented with Tetracycline (TET) at 0.02% (positive control). The other five groups: T1, T2 (basal diet supplemented with Lap 0.25%, and Lap 0.50% respectively); T3, T4 (basal diet supplemented with Lpp 0.25%, and Lpp 0.50% respectively); T5, (basal diet supplemented with 0.25% Lap + 0.25% Lpp).Results indicated that feeding broiler chickens with postbiotics supplements (excluding T1) and a positive control (TET) resulted in significant improvements (P≤0.05) in body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, production index, and economic efficiency compared to the negative control group. Also postbiotics supplements showed the highest level (P≤0.05) Lactobacilli count of jejunum, and the lowest level of E. coli bacteria decreased significantly (P≤0.05) in all groups compared to the negative control. Additionally, postbiotics (excluding T1) and TET treatments improved (P≤0.05) digestibility of dry matter, protein, fat, protein efficiency ratio and passage rate compared to the negative control group. The results suggest that postbiotics supplements can enhance growth performance, nutrient digestibility, protein efficiency, passage rate, and intestinal microbiota count of broiler chickens.