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Abstract Background Myxomas are the most common primary benign heart tumors, typically found in the left atrium, with only 2–4% occurring in the right ventricle. Clinical presentations vary widely, including congestive heart failure and systemic embolic phenomena. This case report describes a rare right ventricular myxoma causing both inflow and outflow obstruction, presenting as progressive exertional dyspnea. Case Presentation A 23-year-old male presented with two weeks of worsening exertional dyspnea. He was stable but tachypneic with a systolic murmur over the tricuspid area. Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-Reactive protein (CRP) were noted, while other lab tests were normal. Imaging, including echocardiography and chest tomography scan (CT) revealed a 4 × 3.8 × 4.6 cm mass in the right ventricle extending to the pulmonary trunk. Surgical resection via right ventriculotomy was performed, and histopathology confirmed myxoma. The patient recovered uneventfully. Conclusion Right ventricular myxomas, though rare, can cause significant obstruction and present with diverse symptoms. Timely diagnosis using imaging techniques like echocardiography is crucial. Surgical resection remains the definitive treatment, offering excellent outcomes and low recurrence rates. Early intervention is vital to prevent serious complications and ensure favorable patient prognosis.

Robotic assistance systems are being used more and more frequently in the operating room, with the goal to support surgeons and to automate parts of a procedure. The laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most common procedures in Germany.We aim to automate the assistant grasp task in this procedure. To achieve this goal, first the grasp points on the gallbladder need to be determined. In this work, we therefore present a statistical shape model fitting to the gallbladder for grasp point determination. Gallbladder and liver point clouds are utilized as inputs. A registration algorithm is used to fit the shape model to the gallbladder mesh. The process is evaluated on three different datasets achieving a successful grasping point identification of 90% for artificially created gallbladders, 100% for our silicon phantom model, and 90% for ex-vivo organs.

Training and prototype development in robotassisted surgery requires appropriate and safe environments for the execution of surgical procedures. Current dry lab laparoscopy phantoms often lack the ability to mimic complex, interactive surgical tasks. This work presents an interactive surgical phantom for the cholecystectomy. The phantom enables the removal of the gallbladder during cholecystectomy by allowing manipulations and cutting interactions with the synthetic tissue. The force-displacement behavior of the gallbladder is modelled based on retraction demonstrations. The force model is compared to the force model of ex-vivo porcine gallbladders and evaluated on its ability to estimate retraction forces.

In this paper, a numerical investigation of a class of parabolic Volterra integro-differential equations has been carried out. Basically, the finite difference method associated with the Haar wavelet collocation technique is pursued. The main idea relies on semi-discretizing the parabolic-VIDEs by considering the finite differences in time and approximating the integral term within the trapezoidal rule. Afterwards, using a uniform mesh, the spatial derivative is approximated by the Haar wavelet method. Stability and convergence of the proposed approach are established in the frame of Sobolev space. Numerical examples are used to illustrate the effectiveness of this approach under different test scenarios. The error analysis, using both [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] norms, shows that the method has high efficiency computationally with a great deal of accuracy. It is observed that these numerical results are in excellent agreement with the analytical solution. In addition, the methods and results obtained in this study are compared with those reported in recent literature.

Abstract This review explores the therapeutic potential of propolis, a natural resin produced by bees, by analyzing recent literature spanning from 2005 to 2023. Various databases including Google Scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed, SCOPUS, and WoS were searched to uncover recent findings. Propolis exhibits a diverse array of pharmacological properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and wound-healing effects. It shows promise in treating respiratory infections, oral diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, and skin conditions. Additionally, recent research suggests its potential as an anticancer agent. The review also investigates efficacy of propolis in addressing antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, gastrointestinal diseases, metabolic disorders (diabetes), reproductive disorder (PCOS), cardiovascular diseases, hepatotoxicity, and wound healing properties of propolis. Hence, propolis could emerge as a natural remedy with significant potential for enhancing healthcare outcomes.

Background:The secondary or recurrent herpetic infections (RHIs) are caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) type-1 and type-2. low-power laser therapy 940 nm may consider one of the best and most optimistic and optional local therapeutic and biological options. Objectives:To determine both molecular detection and viral load of HSV-1 and HSV-2 by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) pre- and post-diode laser therapy 940 nm for evaluating the laser efficacy. Materials and Methods:Thirty patients in age range 6–48 years have participated in this clinical trial study complaining from RHI. Sixty viral swabs were taken for those thirty participant patients including 30 swabs pre and 30 swabs post 3–5 days. Diode laser therapy 940 nm for biostimulation, real-time PCR for accurate detection of both HSV-1 and HSV-2. Results:The results in this present study showed mean age range of RHI patients was 25.7 ± 12.1 years with a male ratio more than the female 1.5:1. Overall participants were infected with HSV type-1, whereas 3 (10%) of the participants were noninfected with HSV type-2. There was a significant increase in HSV type-1 PCR threshold cycle (Ct) mean of RHI patients after treatment with diode laser therapy 940 nm which means decreasing in the viral load. Conclusions:The real-time PCR technique is a highly efficient, reliable, and rapid technique for accurate diagnosis and viral load measuring of HSV-1 and HSV-2. Low-power laser therapy is utilized to reduce pain levels, change the state of disease from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory, and may reduce the viral load.

Background: The dipteran phlebotominae sandflies are considered a major threat to public health because they are proven vectors of leishmaniasis, phleboviruses, and some species of pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, scientists paid great attention to studying it at the phenotypic and molecular levels. In Iraq, leishmaniasis is considered an endemic disease and exists in its visceral and cutaneous forms (Baghdad boil). Its spread is greater in the southern regions than in the northern regions due to high temperatures, which in turn leads to an increase in the widespread of the sandflies. Given the lack of studies in the northern region of Iraq, this study was conducted and included a survey of all provinces of the Nineveh Governorate (the second governorate in Iraq in terms of population density). Methods: The sandflies collection process was performed during the period from May 2023 to February 2024, and DT150-TUN light traps were used for this purpose. For the initial phenotypic identification, several taxonomic keys of the subfamily phlebotomine were used as male genitalia, pharynx, and female spermatheca. Conventional polymerase chain reaction based on the amplification of the COI gene was performed for the molecular process of 60 captured sandflies from about 34 regions and 89 sites. Before performing a phylogenetic tree, high-quality sequences are matching with the closest global isolates in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Results: A total of 4861 (2034 males and 2827 females) sandflies were captured in the current study and five species were identified belong to two genera (Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia). Sandflies were found to be more widespread in Mosul province and Phlebotomus papatasi was the most widespread of the rest of the species. Molecular results confirmed the other results of the study, and isolates of the identified species were recorded in NCBI. Conclusion: The current study demonstrated the importance of sandflie identification using molecular methods and was able for the first time from molecular identification of three species in Iraq. It is also the first molecular study of sandflies at the level of the Nineveh Governorate

In this article, the plane Poiseuille flow of couple stress fluid of Vogel’s model between two parallel plates under the influence of non-isothermal effects have been investigated using Optimal homotopy asymptotic method (OHAM) and New iterative method (NIM). The governing continuity and momentum equations are transformed to ordinary differential equations and the coupled system of differential equations is then explored using the said methods. The expressions for velocity profile, temperature distribution, average velocity, volume flux, and shear stress have been obtained employing the said methods. Various essential flow properties have been presented and discussed. The results acquired via these techniques are in the form of infinite series; thus, the results can be effortlessly calculated. Comparison of both techniques are illustrated with the help of different tables and graphs and found both methods to be in a good agreement. Consequently, it will be more appealing for the investigators to apply the proposed methods to diverse problems arising in fluid dynamics.

ABSTRACT Legumes have various types of active constituents with disinfection and disease‐prevention properties. They are highly nutritious, providing carbohydrates, proteins, fibre, vitamins, copper, zinc, iron, magnesium and phosphorus. They are free of saturated fats and cholesterol. The Fabaceae or Leguminosae is regarded as legume family, which includes a major group of plant resources in the north‐western Himalayan region, primarily used as food as well as medicine. The term ‘Nutraceutical’ is derived from two words ‘nutrient’ means nourishing food component and ‘pharmaceutical’, which means a medicinal drug. It refers to any product derived from food resources having extra health benefits and nutritional value. These include minerals, vitamins, herbs and their extracts, which provide us with health benefits and play a significant role in the prevention and treatment of various diseases like diabetes, renal disorders, gastrointestinal ailments, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, allergies, eye conditions, obesity and so forth. Therefore, nutraceuticals may contribute to preventing chronic diseases, improving health, postponing the ageing process and increasing life expectancy by supporting the functions and integrity of the body. The north‐western Himalayan region has several species of legumes of utmost significance due to their nutraceutical and therapeutic potential. Among these, major legumes are lentil, chickpea, soybean, kidney bean and groundnut, while several others legumes have rather limited commercial significance. Various parts, that is, young pods, fresh or mature seeds, leaves and flowers, of these legume plants are used for human consumption. In this article, efforts have been made to compile the nutraceutical and medicinal inferences of leguminous plants of north‐west Himalaya. The information provided also pertains to the nutritional benefits, antinutritional properties and distribution of legumes in various regions of north‐western Himalaya through the analysis of different works available in the literature.

Royal jelly (RJ), a secretion produced by honeybees, has garnered significant interest for its potential as a therapeutic intervention and functional food supplement. This systematic review aims to synthesize current research on the health benefits, bioactive components, and mechanisms of action of RJ. Comprehensive literature searches were conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on studies published from 2000 to 2024 (April). Findings indicate that RJ exhibits a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-aging effects. Beneficial biological properties of RJ might be due to the presence of flavonoids proteins, peptides, fatty acids. Both preclinical and clinical studies have reported that RJ improves the immune function such as wound healing, and also decreases the severity of chronic diseases including diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. The molecular mechanisms underlying these effects involve modulation of signalling pathways such as NF-κB, MAPK, and AMPK. Despite promising results, the review identifies several gaps in the current knowledge, including the need for standardized dosing regimens and long-term safety assessments. Furthermore, variations in RJ composition due to geographic and botanical factors necessitate more rigorous quality control measures. This review underscores the potential of RJ as a multifunctional therapeutic agent and highlights the necessity for further well designed studies to fully elucidate its health benefits and optimize its use as a functional food supplement.

Cerebrovascular pressure reactivity plays a key role in maintaining constant cerebral blood flow. Unfortunately, this mechanism is often impaired in acute traumatic neural injury states, exposing the already injured brain to further pressure-passive insults. While there has been much work on the association between impaired cerebrovascular reactivity following moderate/severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and worse long-term outcomes, there is yet to be a comprehensive review on the association between cerebrovascular pressure reactivity and intracranial pressure (ICP) extremes. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review of the literature for all studies presenting a quantifiable statistical association between a continuous measure of cerebrovascular pressure reactivity and ICP in a human TBI cohort. The methodology described in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews was used. BIOSIS, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Global Health, MEDLINE, and SCOPUS were all searched from their inceptions to March of 2023 for relevant articles. Full-length original works with a sample size of ?10 patients with moderate/severe TBI were included in this review. Data were reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. A total of 16 articles were included in this review. Studies varied in population characteristics and statistical tests used. Five studies looked at transcranial Doppler-based indices and 13 looked at ICP-based indices. All but two studies were able to present a statistically significant association between cerebrovascular pressure reactivity and ICP. Based on the findings of this review, impaired reactivity seems to be associated with elevated ICP and reduced ICP waveform complexity. This relationship may allow for the calculation of patient-specific ICP thresholds, past which cerebrovascular reactivity becomes persistently deranged. However, further work is required to better understand this relationship and improve algorithmic derivation of such individualized ICP thresholds.

Mahmoud A Younis,1,2 Hideyoshi Harashima1 1Laboratory of Innovative Nanomedicine, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan; 2Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, EgyptCorrespondence: Hideyoshi Harashima, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan, Email harasima@pharm.hokudai.ac.jp Mahmoud A Younis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt, Email mahmoudyounis@aun.edu.egAbstract: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the dominant type of liver cancers and is one of the deadliest health threats globally. The conventional therapeutic options for HCC are hampered by low efficiency and intolerable side effects. Gene therapy, however, now offers hope for the treatment of many disorders previously considered incurable, and gene therapy is beginning to address many of the shortcomings of conventional therapies. Herein, we summarize the involvement of genes in the pathogenesis and prognosis of HCC, with a special focus on dysregulated signaling pathways, genes involved in immune evasion, and non-coding RNAs as novel two-edged players, which collectively offer potential targets for the gene therapy of HCC. Herein, the opportunities and challenges of HCC gene therapy are discussed. These include innovative therapies such as genome editing and cell therapies. Moreover, advanced gene delivery technologies that recruit nanomedicines for use in gene therapy for HCC are highlighted. Finally, suggestions are offered for improved clinical translation and future directions in this area of endeavor.Keywords: hepatocellular carcinoma, gene therapy, personalized medicine, nanomedicines, clinical translation

Afnan S Younis,1 Gharam S Julaidan,2 Renad A Alsuwaylimi,2 Buthaina Majed Almajed,2 Rahaf T AlShammari,2 Renad B AlFirm,2 Lena A Alfarra3 1Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 2College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 3Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Afnan S Younis, Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, P.O.Box 2925, Riyadh, 11461, Saudi Arabia, Tel +966-505657525, Email afnan.younis@gmail.comBackground: Paternal prenatal depression affects not only the fathers but also their spouses and children’s future lives. Many socioeconomic and cultural factors affect the probability of paternal depression. Little is known about the prevalence of and factors associated with paternal prenatal depression in the Middle East.Aim: To estimate the prevalence of paternal prenatal depression among fathers visiting a tertiary university hospital, as well as to determine the factors associated with paternal prenatal depression within study participants.Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study included 442 fathers whose wives were pregnant and were undergoing regular assessments at antenatal clinics in a tertiary university hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to assess paternal depression. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed.Results: The prevalence of paternal prenatal depression was 26.9%. It was correlated with smoking (odds ratio (OR)=1.8, p=0.006), maternal depression (OR=4.59, p< 0.001), and experiencing isolation (OR=5.34, p< 0.001). The odds of paternal prenatal depression decreased with social support from friends and family (OR=0.227 and 0.133, respectively) and p< 0.001.Discussion and Conclusion: Paternal prenatal depression was prevalent within the study participants. Notably, experiences of isolation and maternal depression emerged as prominent factors that were significantly associated with the manifestation of paternal depression. Consequently, it becomes imperative to implement systematic depression screenings for expectant fathers and to meticulously consider the array of the factors associated with paternal depression.Keywords: paternal depression, prenatal period, expectant fathers, determinants of depression

Investigating the heavy metals in soil is important to the life of humans and living organisms. Diyala River Lower Reaches was chosen due to the changes in environmental characteristics that took place in recent years. Twelve sediment samples were collected from four different sites. The physical, and chemical properties and the concentrations of nine heavy metals were indicated. The results showed that the average concentrations of arsenic, copper, chromium, cobalt, iron, manganese, nickel, lead, and zinc are 8.5, 45.7, 538.5, 12.2, 5.07, 991.7, 183.5, 16.07, 136.5 ppm, respectively. They reflect contamination with arsenic, chromium, and nickel, while they are free of lead, and zinc contamination, according to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) sediment quality guidelines. The measured contamination indices (the enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), degree of pollution (Cdeg), geographical accumulation index (Igeo), and pollution load index (PLI)), reflected high contamination factor for arsenic and chromium, and medium for manganese, nickel, lead, and zinc, while low for copper and cobalt. Based on all the results in all sampling sites indicate the presence of heavy element contamination in the sediments of the Diyala River Lower Reaches.

يحاول هذا البحث التعرف على كيفية حل مشكلة تنازع القوانين على العقد الالكتروني الدولي عموماً, ووفقاً للقانون العراقي على وجه الخصوص. وتجدر الإشارة إلى أن الدراسة تأخذ بنظر الاعتبار فكرة العقد الدولي بشكل عام والعقد الالكتروني الدولي بشكل خاص. ويخضع العقد الدولي لقانون العقد الدولي وهو قانون الارادة الصريحة او الضمنية وذلك وفقا للنظرية الشخصية لتحديد القانون الواجب التطبيق على العقد الدولي. كما يخضع لضوابط الإسناد الجامدة والمرنة وفقاً لنظرية التركيز الموضوعي للعقد الدولي. وتناولت هذه الدراسة أخيراً حل تنازع القوانين على العقد الالكتروني الدولي وفقاً للقانون العراقي. وذلك بمقتضى القانون المدني العراقي رقم 40 لسنة 1951 وقانون التوقيع الالكتروني والمعاملات الالكترونية رقم 78 لسنة 2012.

The electronic arbitration is applied by the agreement of the arbitration parties to submit their disputes arising from contracts concluded by electronic means to a third party to decide them according to based on the parties' agreement, by modern communicating means and electronic technologies different from traditional means used in traditional arbitration. The electronic arbitration will be international, if the legal relation which is the subject-matter of the arbitration, is a legal relation interspersed with a foreign element. Or a special international contractual relation. It is worth-bearing in mind that although Iraq did not issue an international electronic arbitration law, but this study tried hard to determine the applicable law to both the procedures and the subject of the international electronic arbitration in conformity with the legal provisions available in the Iraqi law. We tried hard, in order to perform this legal institutionalization, to resort to some texts of the Iraqi Civil Law No. (40) of 1951, the law of civil procedures No. (83) of 1969, and the law of the electronic signature and electronic bargains No. 78 of 2012.

Background: The ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt redirects cerebrospinal fluid flow, with the selection of entry points crucial for optimal outcomes. Anatomical landmarks and specific entry points, such as Kocher's, Frazier's, Keen's, and Dandy's points, have been utilized for shunt catheter placement. This study investigates the impact of various entry points on outcomes, particularly the necessity for revision procedures, in patients undergoing VP shunt placement. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed data from patients in our center's database, collected from October 2017 to October 2022. Participants were classified based on ventriculoperitoneal shunt entry points. The study followed STROBE guidelines. Continuous variables were presented as means with standard deviations (SD) and categorical variables as frequencies and percentages. Linear Model ANOVA and Pearson's Chi-squared tests were used for comparisons. Data analysis was conducted using Jamovi software. Results: Our study included 94 patients who underwent shunt procedures. The patients were categorized into four treatment groups: Dandy point (10), Frazier point (21), Keen point (43), and Kocher point (20). Conclusion: Our study found no significant differences in age, FOHR, and indication for shunt placement among catheter entry point subgroups. However, gender distribution, catheter length, and catheter tip location significantly varied. The proportion of patients requiring revision surgery varied among the groups, with the highest rate in the Dandy point group and the lowest in the Keen group; however, the difference among the entry groups was insignificant.

This research is concerned with studying the consent in contracting by electronic means with any person in general، and with a professional in particular، in the light of the French civil code، amended by the ordinance No.2016-131 dated February 10، 2016 concerning reforms of the law of contract، general regime and proof of obligations. The study is aimed at the benefit of the Iraqi law from the special rules of the new French law of contract as exemplary rules، concerning the expression of the consent in contracting by electronic means، particularly with a professional. The problem of the study lies in how to fill the gaps in both the Iraqi civil law No.40 of 1951، and the law of electronic signature and electronic bargains No.78 of 2012 regarding the up-to-date requirements and modalities of the consent in contracting by electronic means، and its components of the offer and acceptance. To achieve this aim، the study adopts the comparative analytical methodology of legal research. The most significant findings that the study reached are the considerable shortage of the legal regulation and the rules concerning the consent in contracting by electronic means in the Iraqi civil law، as compared to the detailed regulation of this topic in the French law of contract. Finally the study suggested many recommendations to the Iraqi legislator to follow suit the new rules of the French law of contract particularly the article (1127).

Orthodontic acrylic resin is used in the construction of orthodontic appliances. It lacks antimicrobial properties and is prone to microbial infection. So, the infection associated with it can be reduced via modification of orthodontic acrylic resin with nanoparticles (NPs) incorporation. The study directed to evaluate the antifungal properties of modified orthodontic acrylic resin incorporated with magnesium oxide (MgO)-NPs and silver (Ag)-NPs. NPs were mixed with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) in ethanol-assisted mixing method. Disc samples (10 mm in diameter and 2 mm thick) of PMMA-MgO, PMMA-Ag nanocomposites and PMMA alone (as control) were prepared. Then, C. albicans was isolated and identified clinically through taking swabs from acrylic denture base orthodontic appliances, cultured on a Sabouraud Dextrose Agar medium, followed by transferring on HiCrome™ candida Differential agar which is a selective and differential medium to distinguish distinct Candida species. The polymerase chain reaction was performed and the amplicon was separated by 2% gel electrophoresis and then visualised by ethidium bromide. DNA sequencing was performed on the sample at Sanger sequencing/ ABI 3500. Antifungal activity of PMMA-MgO and PMMA-Ag (1%, 3% and 5% of NPs) was conducted through disc diffusion assay and colony forming unit counts. The result showed a decrease in the number of adhered Candida albicans (C. albicans) of all concentrations of both nanocomposite and the decrease was statistically significant (P

New 3-furan-1-thiophene-based chalcones were synthesized, characterized and pharmacologically evaluated as antibacterial and anticancer agents against two bacterial species; Gram-positive (Streptococcus pyogenes) and Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa). All tested final compounds were active against the two bacterial species; S. pyogenes and P. aeruginosa. Especially compound AM4 showed large inhibition zone (27.13 and 23.30 mm), respectively. Using the DPPH assay, the new chalcones were evaluated for their free radical scavenging activity and found to reach up to 90 %, accomplished at a test concentration of 200 μg/mL. Furthermore, the chalcone derivatives were investigated against two breast cell lines; MCF-7 (cancerous) and MCF-10A (non-cancerous). Compound AM4 showed potent anticancer activity (IC50 = 19.354 μg/mL) in comparison to the other tested chalcone derivatives. In silico study was achieved using the PyRx AutoDock Vina software (0.8) to study the interaction types between the new hits and the binding sites of targeted proteins; glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase and tubulin, the target for antibacterial and anticancer drugs, respectively. Based on the molecular docking results the tested chalcones bind to the active pocket of the respective proteins, which support the in vitro results. In conclusion, 3-furan-1-thiophene-based chalcones could serve as new hits in the discovery of novel anticancer and/or antibacterial drugs.

The increasing global population drives a rising demand for food, particularly fish as a preferred protein source, straining capture fisheries. Overfishing has depleted wild stocks, emphasizing the need for advanced aquaculture technologies. Unlike agriculture, aquaculture has not seen substantial technological advancements. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools like Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning, cameras, and algorithms offer solutions to reduce human intervention, enhance productivity, and monitor fish health, feed optimization, and water resource management. However, challenges such as data collection, standardization, model accuracy, interpretability, and integration with existing aquaculture systems persist. This review explores the adoption of AI techniques and tools to advance the aquaculture industry and bridge the gap between food supply and demand.

Virtual social network platforms have rapidly become settings for cultivating various types of bonding, bridging, and building social capital. This promotes professional and personal relationships and has implications for our psychological wellness. Our qualitative study, which has taken place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman, explored the perspectives of science teachers in training regarding the utilization of social networks for professional development (PD). We conducted 26 semi-structured interviews across both countries. Our results unveiled nuanced insights into the influence of social networks on the professional development of prospective science teachers, the challenges they face while using these means for networking, and how cultural norms and institutional factors impact learning, collaboration, and adoption of such virtual social systems. The findings suggest that social networks can serve as valuable tools for the professional development of prospective science teachers. Notably, there was a subtle divergence between the two groups. The UAE participants have emphasized global perspectives and valued insights into worldwide educational trends, whereas the Omani participants have appreciated the global perspective and prioritized local connections. Additionally, remarkable differences in technology access and infrastructure challenges between UAE and Oman teachers in training highlight the need for more equitable professional development opportunities. Emirati and Omani participants differ in their access to international educational trends and technology because of economic disparities. This could be translated into more resources for education and technological infrastructure, as the geographical location of the UAE as a global hub makes it easier to access global networks and trends. The implications of these findings point to the critical need for the effective use of social networks in the professional development of science teachers. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-08-01-014 Full Text: PDF

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the end of in-person classes at universities and schools and the beginning of digital advancements in higher education. Flipped learning is very different from traditional teaching methods and necessitates some shifts in the roles of the teacher and the student. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of using flipped learning on students' achievement and measure their attitudes towards learning through it during the Corona pandemic period. A quasi-experimental study design was adopted through the pretest and posttest measurements. Two groups were randomly assigned one to be experimental, and the other a control. The present study showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the mean of the pre-measurement and post-measurement tests of the experimental group’s motivation towards learning using the flipped learning strategy. The findings from the quantitative data revealed that flipped learning contributed to the academic success of students and their attitudes toward learning during the corona pandemic period. Hence, further studies with more extended periods are recommended to examine the effect of Flipped learning on self-directed learning and other related variables.

Abstract Background A major component of emergency medical care is blood. The Gaza Strip has faced repeated wars over the last few years, emphasizing the importance of blood donation even more. This study aims to assess medical students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding voluntary blood donation in Gaza (VBD). Methods This cross-sectional study used stratified sampling method to survey medical students at Gaza’s two medical schools, Al-Azhar and Islamic Universities, between March and April 2022. A 35-item self-administered questionnaire with four sections: demographics, knowledge, attitude, and practice, was used. The data were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results A total of 329 students were surveyed (response rate of 89.6%). The median age was 20 (IQR = 3). Males made up 44.7% of the sample. Overall, 54.7% were found to have good knowledge about VBD, 68.1% did not know the time-to-wait between each whole blood donation, and in terms of blood donation criteria, only 30.7%, 25.2% were aware of the appropriate age and weight for donating. Moreover, school was the source of most information (66.6%). Meanwhile, 73.3% of participants expressed a positive attitude toward VBD. Only (17,6%) did not show a willingness to donate blood regardless of their relationship with the recipient. The vast majority (83.3%) had never donated blood before, and 12.5% had no plans to do so in the future. The two most common reasons for this were the lack of opportunity and health issues (31.0%, 11.9%, respectively). Conclusion The sampled medical students had a positive attitude toward VBD, but there were deficiencies in their knowledge of blood donation criteria, and most had not donated blood. Adequate awareness campaigns are required to increase awareness about this universally and locally important subject.

Abstract Background Optimal cerebral perfusion pressure (CPPopt) has emerged as a promising personalized medicine approach to the management of moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Though literature demonstrating its association with poor outcomes exists, there is yet to be work done on its association with outcome transition due to a lack of serial outcome data analysis. In this study we investigate the association between various metrics of CPPopt and failure to improve in outcome over time. Methods CPPopt was derived using three different cerebrovascular reactivity indices; the pressure reactivity index (PRx), the pulse amplitude index (PAx), and the RAC index. For each index, % times spent with cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) above and below its CPPopt and upper and lower limits of reactivity were calculated. Patients were dichotomized based on improvement in Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOSE) scores into Improved vs. Not Improved between 1 and 3 months, 3 and 6 months, and 1- and 6-month post-TBI. Logistic regression analyses were then conducted, adjusting for the International Mission for Prognosis and Analysis of Clinical Trials (IMPACT) variables. Results This study included a total of 103 patients from the Winnipeg Acute TBI Database. Through Mann–Whitney U testing and logistic regression analysis, it was found that % time spent with CPP below CPPopt was associated with failure to improve in outcome, while % time spent with CPP above CPPopt was generally associated with improvement in outcome. Conclusions Our study supports the existing narrative that time spent with CPP below CPPopt results in poorer outcomes. However, it also suggests that time spent above CPPopt may not be associated with worse outcomes and is possibly even associated with improvement in outcome.

The solution of nonlinear Fredholm integro-differential equations plays a significant role in analyzing many nonlinear events that occur in chemistry, physics, mathematical biology, and a variety of other fields of science and engineering. A physical event can be represented by a differential equation, an integro-differential equation since many of these equations cannot be solved directly or it is difficult to solve. Numerical approaches that are useful combinations of numerical integration must frequently be used. This work presents a method for solving the type of nonlinear Fredholm integro-differential equation (NFIDE) of the second kind. The Leibnitz rule is used with the Haar wavelet collocation method in this paper to solve NFIDE numerically. Some techniques are used to transfer the equation into an algebraic system through an operational matrix. The convergence analysis had been proved through this work and the numerical experiments had been given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method based on MATLAB programming.

Synthetic microwave focusing methods have been widely adopted in qualitative medical imaging to detect and localize anomalies based on their electromagnetic scattering signatures. This paper discusses the principles, challenges, and limitations of synthetic microwave-focusing techniques in medical applications. It is shown that the various focusing techniques, including time reversal, confocal imaging, and delay-and-sum, are all based on the scalar solution of the electromagnetic scattering problem, assuming the imaged object, i.e., the tissue or object, is linear, reciprocal, and time-invariant. They all aim to generate a qualitative image, revealing any strong scatterer within the imaged domain. The differences among these techniques lie only in the assumptions made to derive the solution and create an image of the relevant tissue or object. To get a fast solution using limited computational resources, those methods assume the tissue is homogeneous and non-dispersive, and thus, a simplified far-field Green’s function is used. Some focusing methods compensate for dispersive effects and attenuation in lossy tissues. Other approaches replace the simplified Green’s function with more representative functions. While these focusing techniques offer benefits like speed and low computational requirements, they face significant ongoing challenges in real-life applications due to their oversimplified linear solutions to the complex problem of non-linear medical microwave imaging. This paper discusses these challenges and potential solutions.

Kojic acid (KA) is a multipurpose natural compound, commonly used in the food and cosmetics industry. It is produced by different types of molds especially by the species Aspergillus oryzae. In this study, we test the mutagenicity of local produced kojic acid PKA produced by the wild-type strain of A. oryzae as well as the standard commercially produced kojic acid SKA and ascorbic acid SAA for comparison to stop food manufacturers doubts about using KA. AMES test with Salmonella enterica ATCC 29629 strain TA1535 and S9 liver enzyme for metabolic activation of the tested compounds were utilized in this study by direct and indirect methods were used in the test. The study results showed that the tested PKA kojic acid had cannot induce reverse mutation in the strain ATCC 29629TA1535 used in the test in contrast with the positive control in direct and indirect methods, even where the tested acids were treated with S9 liver enzymes with or without pre-incubation for three hours at 37 °C hadn’t given positive results on TA1535. The used concentration of 1% and 10% S9 liver enzymes hadn’t metabolically activated the three acids. 6 mg/plate of KA inhibited the growth of TA1535. SAA gave the same negative results as PKA and SKA. In conclusion, the tested PKA produced by wild-type A. oryzae was not has mutagenic effect on bacterial strain TA1535 and gave the same effect as the commonly used as food additive SAA and SKA even when treated with S9 liver enzymes.

Background:Heavy metals are pollutants that do not decompose, but enter the food chain, and thus form toxic compounds that have a harmful effect on biological functions. There are an unlimited number of organisms in various environments, including bacteria, that are able to degrade and reduce the high levels of many pollutants, most of which have not been as important to researchers as they are interested in pathological microorganisms. Objective: This research sheds light on a number of bacterial isolates that were isolated and identified, one of which showed its high ability to grow in culture environments with high concentrations of heavy metals. Materials and Methods: Twelve sediment samples were collected from the Diyala River within the boundaries of the study area, which included four main sites. Fifteen bacterial isolates capable of resisting heavy metals were recognized at a concentration of (50 mg / L), and then five isolates were selected as the best isolates to grow and resistance of cobalt between (400-750 mg/L), chromium between (1600-2600 mg/L), nickel between (1200-1600 mg/L) and lead between (1200 - 2200 mg/liter). One of these isolates, (iso 4) showed a high ability to remove heavy metals (chromium, cobalt, nickel, and lead) after the test, with concentrations of (25, 50, and 100 mg/L), and the removal rate for 5 days of chromium was (36, 55, 68, 73 and 77%) respectively, and the removal rate of cobalt was (22, 34, 44, 54 and 59%) and the removal rate of nickel was (23, 40, 56, 68 and 80%) and the removal rate for lead is (58, 68, 74, 80 and 86%). The same isolate also showed high efficiency in removing lead due to the ability to resist high concentrations with a 100% percentage of lead removal at a concentration of 25 mg/L from the first day until the fifth day. The biochemical diagnosis of the selected bacterial isolates was adopted and the diagnosis was made using the VITEK-2 system for isolate No. 4, as the results showed that it belongs to the genus Klebsiella pneumonia. Conclusions: These environmental isolates can be applied in many bioremediations techniques to remove many toxic compounds cheaply and safely.

A total of 194 specimens of the predatory leech Helobdella stagnalis were collected from Sarchnar Stream, in Sulaimaniyah City along year of 2022 from January to the end of December. The seasonal distribution and occurrence, time of egg laying and hatching in relation with some physico-chemical factors were studied, including air and water temperatures, dissolved oxygen, pH, FCO2, HCO3-, Cl-, Ca+2 and Mg+. The temperature and dissolved oxygen were the most effective factors on leech’s population density as well as time of egg lying and juvenile hatching. The highest density was in Autumn, while the lowest was recorded during Summer. Cocoons were seen to laid in late winter and maximum juvenile numbers were recorded during Spring.

تعرضت ترب الغابات والنبت الطبيعي في الساحل السوري إلى انتهاكات واضحة من خلال القطع الجائر والحرائق المفتعلة وغير المفتعلة، انعكس ذلك بشكل سلبي على خواص تلك الترب التي تعرضت للاستنزاف وعلى الأخص الحرائق التي حدثت في العام 2020 التي حوّلت الجبال الساحلية إلى رماد. اعتماداً على تحميل صورتين فضائيتين Landsat8 المركبتين بعد دمج نطاقاتهما وتعديلهما لتحديد مكان الحريق دون ضباب أو دخان، الأولى قبل الحريق في شهر تموز عام 2020 والثانية بعد الحريق في شهر تشرين أول 2020، صُممت خرائط شدة الحرائق لمنطقة الباير والبسيط لتقييم المناطق التي تأثرت بسبب حرائق الغابات. أُنتجت خارطة مؤشر شدة الحريق وتصنيفها اعتماداً على تصنيف مستويات شدة الحريق وبالتالي المساحات المحترقة التي شكّلت مستوى خطورة عالية بلغت 1499.72 هكتار من منطقة الباير والبسيط في حين بلغت المساحات المحترقة التي شكّلت مستوى خطورة متوسطة 10820.73 هكتار. أُخذت ثلاث عينات تربة من الغابات المحروقة في زغرين وبللوران ورأس البسيط وقُورنت مع ثلاث عينات تربة من نفس المواقع غير المحروقة. تربة المواقع غنية بالمادة العضوية قبل الحريق بينما انخفضت تقريباً الى النصف بعد الحريق، أما قيمة الـPH نجد أنها بالمواقع المحروقة كانت أعلى من المواقع غير المحروقة بسبب الرماد الناتج عن حرق الغطاء النباتي فوق أرض الغابة، وإن نسبة الآزوت في المواقع المحروقة لا تتجاوز 0.3 %، كما أن كمية الفوسفور بالمواقع المحروقة كانت أكبر منها بالمواقع غير المحروقة، وتتزايد كمية البوتاسيوم والكالسيوم والمنغنيز والحديد والزنك والنحاس المتاحة بعد الحريق، وعلى الرغم من كل هذه الزيادات في الكاتيونات فإن الحرائق قد تؤدي لفقدانها أيضاً وذلك عن طريق انجراف التربة والسيلان السطحي وانغسال العناصر أو عن طريق تطاير الرماد.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder affecting reproductive-aged women, characterized by clinical manifestations such as hyperandrogenism, menstrual irregularities, and polycystic ovaries. Despite its prevalence and impact on women's health, the pathogenesis of PCOS remains incompletely understood. This review provides a comprehensive critical appraisal of existing literature on PCOS pathogenesis, addressing knowledge gaps and highlighting its multifactorial nature. A systematic literature review identified relevant articles published up to the knowledge cutoff date in 2023, focusing on molecular, genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors contributing to PCOS pathogenesis. Electronic databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase, were systematically searched using predefined terms. Eligible studies investigated molecular, genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors associated with PCOS pathogenesis. The critical appraisal revealed diverse studies enriching our understanding of PCOS. Molecular and genetic studies highlighted alterations in signaling pathways, hormonal dysregulation, and the role of insulin resistance. Environmental factors, including lifestyle and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, were implicated. Heterogeneity in study designs and methodologies underscored the need for standardized approaches to enhance comparability. This review synthesizes current evidence on PCOS critical appraisal and pathogenesis, emphasizing its multifaceted nature. Standardization of study designs and methodologies will facilitate future comparisons, enabling the development of targeted therapeutic interventions and personalized management strategies for women affected by PCOS.

Abstract Background Radiation shielding in radiology has historically been achieved with lead; however, there has been an increasing demand for radiation shielding to be more environmentally friendly. Barium has shown promise as a substitute in many radiology applications. This study aims to investigate a barium sulphate shield in protecting the thyroid and the eye lens during panoramic radiography. Methods During a simulated panoramic examination, an anthropomorphic phantom and a solid-state detector measured the radiation dose to the surface thyroid and the eye lens. The measurements were taken using no shield and a barium sulphate shield. A Welch's T-test was employed to compute the shield's effect on radiation. Two radiologists assessed the image quality with and without the thyroid shields. Results The dose reduction was between 66 and 75% for the barium shield at the thyroid. The dose reduction ranged between 15 and 61% in the eye region. Images using a barium shield were deemed adequate for diagnostic interpretation. Conclusions Barium shields effectively reduce the radiation dose in the thyroid region during panoramic radiography without degrading image quality. The dose reduction depends on the tube voltage and the area of interest.

Mahmoud Ahmed Ali,1 Moustafa Adam El Taieb,1 Eisa Mohamed Hegazy,2 Hassan M Ibrahim,2 Alshimaa Abbas Mohamed,1 Mohamed Amer Ahmed Abdellatif,1 Nour Mohammed Ahmed,3 Ali Mohamed Younis1 1Dermatology, Venereology, and Andrology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt; 2Dermatology, Venereology, and Andrology Department, Faculty of Medicine South Valley University, Qena, Egypt; 3Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan, EgyptCorrespondence: Mahmoud Ahmed Ali, Dermatology, Venereology, and Andrology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan, 81528, Egypt, Tel +201002364902, Email dr.mahmoudali8051@gmail.comBackground: In the entire world, acne vulgaris (AV) is the most prevalent skin condition. Approximately 9.4% of people worldwide have acne vulgaris. This study compared the blood levels of chitinase 3-like protein 1 (YKL-40) in acne vulgaris patients before and after oral isotretinoin therapy.Patients and Methods: The design of the study was cross-sectional case-control. Forty patients with moderate to severe acne vulgaris and twenty healthy participants participated in this study. Using the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) score, patients with acne vulgaris were evaluated both before and after concluding their treatment. Using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the serum levels of YKL-40 were measured before and after oral isotretinoin therapy in healthy controls and acne patients.Results: Patients with acne vulgaris had considerably greater serum levels of YKL-40 than healthy control subjects (p 0.001) did. After three months of oral isotretinoin medication, the GAGS score and blood levels of YKL-40 in acne vulgaris patients both significantly decreased.Conclusion: The conclusion of this study was that reducing the blood levels of YKL-40 and the GAGS score in patients with acne vulgaris who took oral isotretinoin for three months was a crucial strategy.Keywords: acne vulgaris, YKL-40, isotretinoin, GAGS

Accurate assessments of the deformation and strength properties of rock masses are essential for analysing the foundations, subsurface excavation, and construction of slopes, however, identifying geotechnical properties, particularly weak rock masses, is challenging for geoscientists, geologists, and geotechnical investigators. To determine the rock mass properties, geophysical techniques, and rock mass classification methods are widely used. Although rock classification methodologies exist, they are rarely employed in foundation construction analysis due to being predominantly established for tunnelling purposes. This study aims to employ classification methods, and geophysical and geotechnical investigation approaches to provide realistic rock mass properties for a building foundation, compare results, and assess techniques' effectiveness; it also reviews current state-of-the-art methods for classification techniques and investigations. Results show that compressional and shear wave velocities increase with depth indicating a change from poor to satisfactory mechanical behaviour, and empirical equations provide highly valuable and satisfactory deformation modulus values when compared to field seismic values. Almost all classification methods provided reasonable results compared with the seismic results, however highly overestimated and underestimated outcomes were obtained from some empirical equations applying the Rock Quality Designation index and Rock Mass Rating system. Empirical equations that gave the practical deformation modulus outcomes are the Rock Mass Rating based equations and Q-based equations and Geological Strength Index-based equations. Overall, the Rock Quality Designation index underestimated the seismic result, whereas the Rock Mass Rating, Q, and Geological Strength Index systems produced good agreement and realistic results. To conclude, classification methods were effectively applied to a building foundation. Since the Rock Quality Designation is a key value and feature for other systems including Q, and Rock Mass Rating systems, it is an essential factor. Although the Q systems provided practical consequences, this system mainly relied on the Rock Quality Designation value not the compressive strength of the intact rock. The Rock Mass Rating and being the most feasible and essential systems due to detailed geotechnical observations as inputs more significantly the uniaxial compressive strength of the intact rock, and various factors including deformation modulus, strength, Poisson’s ratio, equivalent cohesion, and friction angle of rock mass as outcomes.

Abstract A 12‐week growth experiment was conducted to evaluate the suitability of Azolla cristata as a fish meal (FM) substitute in diets for Cyprinus carpio var. communis fingerlings. Six iso‐nitrogenous and isocaloric (16.17 kJ/g GE) diets were formulated to contain 42% crude protein and each treatment had three replicates. The mean initial weight of the fish was 3.4 ± 0.2 g. Graded levels of A. cristata 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% in the diets were fed to the fish in triplicate groups, respectively. No significant (p > 0.05) differences in growth performance of fish‐fed diets containing 10% and control (0%) inclusion levels were seen. However, further increase in Azolla meal (AM) supplementation resulted in gradual decline in growth performance of fish in terms of live weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, and protein efficiency ratio. All hematological parameters had a linear declining trend as the proportion of AM in diet was increased. Protein content of fish was found significantly (p

Sarah Abdullah Alhubail, Mayar Mohammed Alharthi, Fadiyah Faisal Alsayyah, Nancy S Younis Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, 31982, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Nancy S Younis, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, 31982, Saudi Arabia, Email nyounis@kfu.edu.saIntroduction: Drug and Food Interactions (DFI) arise when particular nutrients in food interact with drugs when consumed concurrently, consequently resulting in alterations in the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and therapeutic effectiveness of the drug. This study aimed to evaluate the information and understanding of healthcare providers (HCPs) about common DFI.Methods: A cross-sectional study was achieved by a self-administered online-based questionnaire to gather data from HCPs in eastern region of Saudi Arabia between Sep. to Oct. 2022. The questionnaire integrated questions related to HCP demographic features and knowledge of DFI. The DFI section included questions that assessed the general knowledge of DFI and knowledge of specific food and drug interactions.Results: A total of 401 participants completed the study questionnaire; 41.4% were undergraduate students, 37.2% were pharmacists, 10.5% were nurses, and 9.5% were doctors. Unfortunately, HCPs are unable to recognize several food types that may interact with medications, which may lead to undesirable consequences associated with an enormous financial burden. For instance, only 27.9% of the HCPs stated that patients on monoamine oxidase inhibitors should avoid cheese. In addition, only approximately 11% of HCPs knew that patients on levothyroxine should avoid cauliflower, those taking digoxin should avoid wheat bran, those taking lithium should avoid cola, and those on heparin should avoid calcium-rich food. Overall knowledge was significantly higher among pharmacists and others HCPs with more than 5 years of experience.Discussion and Conclusion: This study demonstrated a low level of knowledge regarding specific food and drug interactions among healthcare providers in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia.Keywords: drug and food interactions, healthcare providers, eastern region, Saudi Arabia

The commonhold of parts in buildings, floors, and apartments in English law is one of the types of real estate ownership that occurs on real estate built vertically, especially buildings, which are divided into groups of units such as apartments, offices, and shopping centers. The legal regulation of this type of common ownership in English law is relatively recent, introduced by the English legislator through the legislation reforming the system of ownership of common parts in floors and apartments and their long lease for the year 2002. This type of ownership is managed by a federation or association for managing ownership of common parts In buildings, floors and apartments, which undertakes to issue a statement known as the statement of the Common Parts Ownership Management Association. As for the Iraqi law, it regulated the ownership of common parts in buildings, floors, and apartments in two laws: the first is the Law No. 61 of 2000 regulating the ownership of floors and apartments in Iraqi buildings, and the second is the Real Estate Registration Law No. (43) for the year 1971, which included the system of ownership of floors and apartments in Articles ( 290-297) from him. At a time when the Iraqi Civil Law No. (40) of 1951 included the system of upper and lower in Articles (1082-1086) thereof.

This work aims to present a numerical method for solving Fredholm integro-differential equations (FIDE). This work discusses the use of a fourth and sixth-order compact finite difference method (CFDM) based on composite Boole’s rule to solve FIDE. The accuracy of the suggested schemes is computed through and norms and the efficiency of the approach is assessed through short CPU-time values. An important factor of the proposed methods is leading to a reduction in the computational cost of the schemes. This is a significant improvement over traditional methods, which often struggle to maintain high accuracy levels. The presented methods are shown to be the fourth and sixth order in space. Numerical experiments are presented to illustrate the performance of the suggested methods. Overall, the proposed method is a significant step forward in the field of solving FIDE problems. It offers a robust and efficient numerical approach that can achieve high levels of accuracy where exact solutions are hard to obtain.

Since its introduction in the 1960s, intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring has become an indispensable tool in neurocritical care practice and a key component of the management of moderate/severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). The primary utility of ICP monitoring is to guide therapeutic interventions aimed at maintaining physiological ICP and preventing intracranial hypertension. The rationale for such ICP maintenance is to prevent secondary brain injury arising from brain herniation and inadequate cerebral blood flow. There exists a large body of evidence indicating that elevated ICP is associated with mortality and that aggressive ICP control protocols improve outcomes in severe TBI patients. Therefore, current management guidelines recommend a cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) target range of 60?70?mm Hg and an ICP threshold of >20 or >22?mm Hg, beyond which therapeutic intervention should be initiated. Though our ability to achieve these thresholds has drastically improved over the past decades, there has been little to no change in the mortality and morbidity associated with moderate-severe TBI. This is a result of the ?one treatment fits all? dogma of current guideline-based care that fails to take individual phenotype into account. The way forward in moderate-severe TBI care is through the development of continuously derived individualized ICP thresholds. This narrative review covers the topic of ICP monitoring in TBI care, including historical context/achievements, current monitoring technologies and indications, treatment methods, associations with patient outcome and multi-modal cerebral physiology, present controversies surrounding treatment thresholds, and future perspectives on personalized approaches to ICP-directed therapy.

The research studied the effects of adding industrial Iraqi bentonite clay on the mechanical and physical properties of the Iraqi Rutbah sand with a wide range moisture weight ratio ranging from 1.8 - 8.5%. Properties included green shear and compression resistance; permeability, hardness and moisture content. Samples of green sand blocks (standard sample 50 mm x 50 mm) adhered to Iraqi bentonite clay were subjected to test’s properties using crash index and universal strength machines. The results showed that the ability to improve the local sand in the Iraqi Rutbah for the purpose of renewal in the preparation of molds. The results also showed that adding industrial Iraqi bentonite improved the compressive strength of the green sand mold by about 116.2%, and the shear strength by about 37.8%. It also increased the green transmittance by 12.9% and the hardness by about 9.4%.

Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) play a crucial role in promoting stability and trust between India and Pakistan. This article, therefore, examines the different domains of CBMs, including political, military, economic, people-to-people, and nuclear, and highlights their significance in reducing tensions and fostering cooperation. Various examples of CBMs, such as hotlines between military authorities, cultural exchanges, economic cooperation, and religious pilgrimages, are explored to showcase their positive impact on communication and understanding. The paper also discusses the prospects and recommendations for CBMs, emphasizing sustained dialogue, economic cooperation, strengthened military CBMs, and exploring non-traditional security dimensions. By prioritizing CBMs, India and Pakistan can create a more stable and peaceful environment, paving the way for conflict resolution and long-term peace in the region. It is important to note that the study is completely based on secondary data; no primary research or data collection was conducted for this specific study.

This work proposes a numerical scheme for heat parabolic problem by implementing a collocation method with a cubic B-spline for a uniform mesh. The key idea of this method is to apply forward finite difference and Crank–Nicolson methods for time and space integration, respectively. The stability of the presented scheme is proved through the Von-Neumann technique. It is shown that it is unconditionally stable. The accuracy of the suggested scheme is computed through the L_2 and L_∞-norms. Numerical experiments are also given and show that it is compatible with the exact solutions.

This paper describes the development of a programme theory for a football-based radicalisation prevention programme. As part of the Belgian Red Courts programme, an initiative of the Belgian Football Association in cooperation with the Vrije Universiteit Brussels and the Hannah-Arendt Institute, a literature review was conducted that links current research on preventing radicalisation with findings from the field of Sport for Development research. The Belgian Football Association is building and renovating 40 mini-football pitches in Belgium, providing sports infrastructure as well as a theory-based football programme to prevent radicalisation and promote social cohesion, and training of coaches to implement the programme. Starting in September 2023, the implementation of the trainings will start in 10 locations, which will be accompanied and evaluated within the framework of a PhD. In 2024, a further 10 locations will be implemented and evaluated. The paper aims to develop and describe a programme theory as the basis of a football curriculum for young people aged 14-18. The central mechanism for the prevention of radicalisation is Daniel Koehler's (2017) theory of re-pluralisation. In the course of the literature review, concrete contents and competences were identified that are considered to prevent radicalisation and at the same time work towards re-pluralisation of the target group in the course of the programme theory. This research aims to contribute to a larger body of scientific literature on the use of sport as an instrument in the prevention of radicalisation but also to develop a theory-based and practice-oriented foundation for promising sports programmes. With the completion of the research, the project will provide empirical evidence about the effect and possibly also the programme's sustainability.

Melatonin, (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) an indoleamine exerts multifaced effects and regulates numerous cellular pathways and molecular targets associated with circadian rhythm, immune modulation, and seasonal reproduction including metabolic rewiring during T cell malignancy. T-cell malignancies encompass a group of hematological cancers characterized by the uncontrolled growth and proliferation of malignant T-cells. These cancer cells exhibit a distinct metabolic adaptation, a hallmark of cancer in general, as they rewire their metabolic pathways to meet the heightened energy requirements and biosynthesis necessary for malignancies is the Warburg effect, characterized by a shift towards glycolysis, even when oxygen is available. In addition, T-cell malignancies cause metabolic shift by inhibiting the enzyme pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase (PDK) which in turn results in increased acetyl CoA enzyme production and cellular glycolytic activity. Further, melatonin plays a modulatory role in the expression of essential transporters (Glut1, Glut2) responsible for nutrient uptake and metabolic rewiring, such as glucose and amino acid transporters in T-cells. This modulation significantly impacts the metabolic profile of T-cells, consequently affecting their differentiation. Furthermore, melatonin has been found to regulate the expression of critical signaling molecules involved in T-cell activations, such as CD38, and CD69. These molecules are integral to T-cell adhesion, signaling, and activation. This review aims to provide insights into the mechanism of melatonin’s anticancer properties concerning metabolic rewiring during T-cell malignancy. The present review encompasses the involvement of oncogenic factors, the tumor microenvironment and metabolic alteration, hallmarks, metabolic reprogramming, and the anti-oncogenic/oncostatic impact of melatonin on various cancer cells.

BackgroundCommunity pharmacists play an important role in increasing vaccination rates especially in countries where they offer vaccination services and administration. However, little is known about community pharmacist's willingness to provide vaccination services in Saudi Arabia. The objective of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, willingness and beliefs of community pharmacists in Saudi Arabia towards providing vaccines at pharmacies.MethodsA cross-sectional, online questionnaire-based study using convenience sampling (Snowball technique) was used to obtain responses from community pharmacists across Saudi Arabia. The survey collected information on participants' demographics, knowledge about vaccine, attitude towards vaccine and their attitude to be immunization providers. Bivariate analysis and multiple linear regression models were employed to assess the relationships between demographic variables and outcomes.ResultsThe study sample consisted of 384 community pharmacists. More than half of participants had poor knowledge about vaccines (54%). Only 8.4% of participants had good knowledge about vaccines. The results indicated that community pharmacists in the study sample have positive attitude toward vaccines and are willing to provide vaccination services. There was a significant relationship between knowledge about vaccine and attitude toward vaccines. Pharmacists with poor knowledge about vaccines had negative attitude toward vaccines as compared to those with high knowledge (β = -1.743; P-value = 0.024). Additionally, there was a significant relationship between knowledge about vaccine and attitude to be immunization providers. Pharmacists with poor knowledge about vaccines had negative attitude to be immunization providers as compared to those with high knowledge (β = -2.631; P-value = 0.002). Furthermore, a significant number of the community pharmacists reported facing critical barriers to provide vaccines including legal liability, lack of personal resources and lack of appropriate training.ConclusionComprehensive training and certification programs for pharmacists are crucial to improve their competencies in handling and administering vaccines to increase the rate of vaccinations in Saudi Arabia.

Belatacept is a novel T-cell costimulation blockade agent that has unresolved controversy in lung transplant recipients. Belatacept has been recognized as a calcineurin sparing agent for solid organ transplant recipients after reported success in renal transplant patients, despite limited evidence in other transplant recipients. We present the first case of a lung transplant recipient receiving Belatacept, in combination with low dose calcineurin inhibitor, who developed progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. While Belatacept without calcineurin inhibitor has been associated with increased risk of acute rejection in solid organ transplant recipients, its infectious risk profile in combination with calcineurin inhibitor remains unclear.

BackgroundEvaluating immune responses following COVID-19 vaccination is paramount to understanding vaccine effectiveness and optimizing public health interventions. This study seeks to elucidate individuals' immune status after administering a second dose of diverse COVID-19 vaccines. By analyzing immune responses through serological markers, we aim to contribute valuable insights into the uniformity of vaccine performance.MethodsA total of 80 participants were enrolled in this study, with demographic and COVID-19 infection-related data collected for categorization. Serum samples were acquired within a specified timeframe, and SARS-CoV-2 IgM/IgG rapid tests were conducted. Moreover, CTLA-4 levels were measured through ELISA assays, allowing us to assess the immune responses comprehensively. The participants were divided into eight groups based on various factors, facilitating a multifaceted analysis.ResultsThe outcomes of our investigation demonstrated consistent immune responses across the diverse types of COVID-19 vaccines administered in Iraq. Statistical analysis revealed no significant distinctions among the vaccine categories. In contrast, significant differences were observed in CTLA-4 among the control group (non-infected/non-vaccinated, infected/non-vaccinated) and infected/Pfizer, non-infected/Pfizer, and infected/Sinopharm, non-infected/sinopharm (P = 0.001, < 0.001, 0.023, respectively). This suggests that these vaccines exhibit comparable effectiveness in eliciting an immune response among the study participants.ConclusionsIn conclusion, our study's results underscore the lack of discriminatory variations between different COVID-19 vaccine types utilized in Iraq. The uniform immune responses observed signify the equitable efficacy and performance of these vaccines. Despite minor quantitative discrepancies, these variations do not hold statistical significance, reaffirming the notion that the various vaccines serve a similar purpose in conferring protection against COVID-19.

Healing with herbs has been a common practice for ages. Nowadays, various infectious diseases like malaria, flu, hepatitis B; COVID-19, etc. are commonly spreading around the world as a consequence of environmental pollution and related consequences. These diseases are not well controlled by the present drug treatment. Antibiotics are failing because of bacterial resistance. Although people believe that herbal medicines are more effective and safer. Therefore, traditional herbal remedies have been recommended for treatment purposes throughout the world. They are often used in combination, fused with honey, or alone for curing different types of ailments. Today, modern formulations of these medicines exist in the form of capsules, tablets, powders, and granules. In several traditional systems, ‘Honey’ is recommended as a natural medicine that improves several health conditions. In ‘Ayurveda’, honey is considered a most precious and miraculous product of nature and is used to treat various diseases either alone or after its infusion with herbs. It is a natural, antioxidant-rich, and highly nutritious food that is widely used as a natural sweetener without any side effects. It has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. It also proves fruitful in managing/curing various disorders like colds, coughs, cancer, diabetes, wound healing, and cardiovascular disorders. Honey infused with herbs is also used to repair wounds, diabetes, lymphedema, and the prevention of chronic venomous diseases as a part of the folk medicinal system. The current article aims to analyse the medicinal efficiency of honey infused with herbs for curing/managing/treating various types of ailments.