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Background: Omentin-1 an adipokine expressed in visceral fat, endothelium and gut. Its level was found lower in obesity and type II diabetes. It is expressed in placenta and was associated with insulin sensitivity during pregnancy. Methods: Rats were divided into 4 groups; group I: control, group II: sham group (normal pregnant), group III: gestational diabetic group and group IV: omentin-1 treated gestational diabetic group. Blood glucose, insulin HOMA-IR, lipid profile, CRP and osteopontin (OPN) levels were measured and gene expression of PI3K, AKT, GSK-3, NF-κB and OPN Results: In group III, a significant increase in insulin resistance, CRP, OPN, increased mRNA expression of GSK-3, NF-κB, and OPN while PI3K and AKT expression decreased. Omentin-1 treatment in group IV attenuated insulin resistance, increased PI3K and AKT expression but decreased OPN, GSK-3, and NF-κB expression. Conclusion: Omentin-1 administration in gestational diabetic rats improved insulin sensitivity and attenuated inflammatory response through PI3K/AKT/GSK-3 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP) contact immunotherapy has been successfully utilized in various forms for treatments of recalcitrant and facial warts, molluscum contagiosum (MC) and alopecia areata. The objective was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of DPCP in the treatment of MC. Methods: Twenty-four patients with MC were assigned to two groups: twelve patients (group A) were treated with topical application of DPCP one session per week for a maximum of 12 sessions or until clinical cure. Also, twelve patients (group B) were subjected to topical application of normal neutral saline as a control group. Follow-up was done for 3 months. Results: In group A, eight patients (66.7%) showed complete response while four patients (33.3%) showed partial response to the topical application of DPCP after seven to twelve sessions. However, in group B, eleven patients (91.7%) showed no response and (8.3%) showed partial response. A highly significant difference was found in the clinical response between both groups (p<0.05). Adverse effects were minimal and well tolerated in both groups. Conclusion: Diphenylcyclopropenone is safe and effective therapeutic option in treatment of MC and cost effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: renal stone is one of the commonest causes of loin pain and leads to multiple visits to the urology emergency department with increasing costs for health systems. this study to assess the accuracy of the NECT technique in the prediction of whether ureteral stones will pass spontaneously or not. Methods: In a prospective cohort study including 36 participants (age range, 18-70 years) having a ureteral stone, referred for NECT examination at the Radio-Diagnosis Department of Zagazig University Hospitals. Results: our study revealed two groups of patients according to the stone passage, group 1 (stone passed spontaneously) and group 2 (stone not passed). in which, there is a significant relationship between the two study groups according to the stone location (p <0.05). However, we found a statistically highly significant relationship between the two groups regarding the stone size (p < 0.001), but it is a statistically insignificant relation between outcome and other signs like (density, TRS, PFS and degree of hydronephrosis)... (P > 0.05). Our study demonstrated a method based on stone size and location can predict the probability of stone passage within a short time (8 wks.). Conclusions: That NECT is a good predictor for spontaneous passage of ureteral stones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stroke is a multifactorial disease that affects people all over the world. Elevated plasma leptin levels have been found to be independently related to ischemic stroke; additionally, high serum leptin levels serve as an independent biomarker of poor outcome after ischemic stroke. The current study sought to investigate the role of serum leptin levels as a predictor of short-term outcome in acute ischemic stroke. Methods: This prospective cohort study included sixty patients with their first acute ischemic stroke (19 males and 41 females). All patients underwent a full clinical evaluation as well as a thorough general and neurological examination. The NIHSS was used to assess stroke severity on admission, and the mRS was used to assess functional outcome 30 days later. Serum leptin levels and routine laboratory tests were also evaluated. All patients had neuroimaging, including CT and/or MRI brain scans. Results: from the analysis it was found a statistically significant link between serum leptin levels and diabetes, hypertension, cardiac disease, and obesity. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between serum leptin levels and infarction size. There was also a statistically significant relationship between serum leptin level and stroke severity as measured by NIHSS score on admission. AIS patients with poor functional outcome as measured by mRS after 30 days of admission had highly statistically significant serum leptin levels. After adjusting for other confounding variables, a binary logistic regression analysis of neurological outcome with associated risk factors revealed that diabetes mellitus, elevated serum leptin levels, NIHSS, and mRS scores were the most significant risk factors for predicting deterioration and short-term outcome after ischemic stroke. Conclusions: Elevated serum leptin levels were associated with vascula r risk factors, infarct size, and severity of acute ischemic stroke, supporting the hypothesis that serum leptin can be used as a significant and reliable biomarker of poor outcome after ischemic stroke, independent of other baseline variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is an inescapable problem. Diacerein, a chondro-protective drug, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Its effect on PF injury has not yet been fully clarified. Therefore, the current study aimed to detect its protective effect on lung tissue with the explanation of possible underlying mechanisms. Methods: Adult male albino rats were assigned to four groups: control group, diacerein control group, PF non-treated group, and PF diacerein pretreated group. Lung tissue oxidative stress parameters, inflammatory biomarkers mainly Toll-like receptors-4 (TLR4), and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) levels were determined. Histopathological examination of lung tissue and immunohistochemical studies of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and transforming growth factor- β (TGF-β) were also done. Results: Diacerein pretreatment has the ability to restore the PF damaging effect, proved by the reduction of the oxidative stress and lung tissue inflammation via downregulation of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway together with the restoration of TGF-β level and improvement of the histopathological and immunohistochemical study findings in the lung tissue. Conclusion: These results suggested the protective effect of diacerein on PF relies on its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects reducing TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work is to propose a model for enhancing chromatic dispersion compensation in standard single mode optical fibers (SSMFs). The proposed model consists of a single stage Apodized Uniform Fiber Bragg Gratings (AUFBG) in a post-compensation scheme. It is based on the Maximum Time Division Multiplexing (MTDM) technique. The performance of the proposed model is evaluated through the quality factor (Q-factor) and Bit Error Rate (BER) in four cases, in a comparative study. In case one, the system performance is evaluated without using UFBG. The other cases study the effect of the proposed model with using different connections schemes and the most common apodization functions. For simulation, the proposed model is connected in a 10 Gbps WDM 70 km link under ordinary operating parameters. The simulation and evaluation process is conducted by Optisystem 7.0. In the pre-compensation scheme, the best results are obtained as a maximum Q-factor of 9.2 and a minimum BER of 3.25 × 10–20, using a tanh apodization function. The proposed model realizes an improvement over the related work by at least ~ 68%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on compensating chromatic dispersion affecting the propagated signal in a standard single mode optical fibers (SSMFs). We propose a model that consists of an identical four stages cascaded linear chirped apodized fiber Bragg gratings (CFBGs) in a post-compensation scheme under Maximum Time Division Multiplexing (MTDM) technique. MTDM is free of the limitations resulting from the fiber nonlinear effects. It, thus, effectively utilizes optical wavelength and operating in various network of different distances and capacities. Therefore, MTDM is designed to be used in the high-capacity and high-speed transmission systems. The evaluation of the proposed model performance is performed through a comparative study using different connections and the most common apodization functions. This comparative study includes three cases based on the used connection scheme. A 10 Gbps Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) 70 km link is simulated under ordinary operating parameters. Optisystem 7.0 is used for the simulation and evaluation process, in terms of two metrics which are quality factor (Q-factor) and bit error rate (BER). In the pre-compensation scheme, the highest results are: Q-factor = 7.664 and BER = 8.99 × 10–15, using the raised cosine apodization function. Using the raised sine apodization in the post-compensation connection realizes the best performance: Q-factor = 8.58 and BER = 4.77 × 10–18. In the symmetrical-compensation scheme and using the raised sine apodization, the proposed model attains the highest Results: Q-factor = 7.49 and BER = 3.53 × 10–14. The proposed model achieves at least 92.6% improvement in BER and 3.75% in Q-factor over the related works. The study is a simulation work and is performed through Optisystem ver. 7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article scrutinises the linkage between ethnicity and people's behaviour on Twitter. It examines how offline culture manifests itself online among Arabs. The article draws upon the literature to identify the offline ethnic characteristics of Arabs, and through interviews with and observations of Arab social media users, discovers their online ethnic characteristics. It then compares these online and offline characteristics and, through this comparison, finds that offline culture has been enacted online among Arabs, sustaining expressions of generosity, religiosity, traditionalism, female privacy, over-flattery, collectivism, tribalism, pan-Arabism, and social contracts; however, in other ways, offline culture has been counteracted online, which has led to the destabilisation of power relations between genders, elites and non-elites, and majorities and minorities. A further finding is that online culture has been enacted offline among Arabs in that online performance has exerted influence over offline ethnic identity expectations. In short, there are three main findings: offline culture has been enacted online, offline culture has been counteracted online, and online culture has been enacted offline. The take-home finding of this study is the existence of 'e-ethnic culture', that is, although ethnic activity online tends to be based on and reinforces offline realities and may alter offline realities as well, not all online performances have roots offline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Primary percutaneous intervention (PCI) is the favored reperfusion strategy to achieve normal cardiac blood flow. Objective: To study if the level of NT-pro BNP before primary PCI can be used as an independent predictor for successful reperfusion in cases presented with STEMI after primary PCI. Patients and Methods: This study included 40 cases subjected to Emergency Departments of Ain Shams University and Misr University for Sciences and Technology (MUST) Hospitals from September 2021 to June 2022, diagnosed with STEMI and had been revascularized by primary PCI. Serum samples for NT-pro BNP were collected before primary PCI and correlated with the TIMI flow, MBG grades, and ST resolution post primary PCI. Results: Our study demonstrated a higher baseline NT-pro BNP level that was significantly correlated with increased risk of poor myocardial reperfusion following primary PCI expressed by ST resolution less than 50%, TIMI flow grade < 3 as well as MBG < 3 and was also associated with increased incidence of No Reflow. Conclusion: Initial NT-pro BNP level in STEMI cases correlates with myocardial reperfusion following primary PCI besides its early marker for risk stratification of STEMI patients. High-risk patients are in need of more aggressive complementary treatment strategies to improve microvascular perfusion and optimization of medical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatic decompensation and mortality are common after COVID-19 infection in patients with cirrhosis. According to Child-Pugh class, mortality rose in a linear pattern. Objective: The aim of the current study is to predict outcome of COVID-19 infection in cirrhotic patients. Patient and methods: A total of 104 patients with COVID-19 infection with history of cirrhosis admitted to Zagazig University Hospital and El-Ahrar Teaching Hospital participated in our case control study. Patients were divided into 2 groups: The case group included 52 COVID-19 cirrhotic patients, and the control group included 52 patients with cirrhosis but with no evidence of COVID-19 infection. All subjects were subjected to full history taking, clinical examination, laboratory investigations, and radiological findings. Results: The inflammatory markers (D-dimer, CRP, ESR first hour, ESR second hour and WBC) and Ferritin were statistically significant higher in the case group compared with the control group. There were high significant correlations between severity COVID-19 and Child Pugh classification. There were high significant correlations between laboratory parameters and severity of COVID-19. Mortality rate was significantly higher in the case group compared with the control group (13.4% vs. 25%, respectively). Length of hospital stay, Child Turcot Pugh, fresh frozen plasma transfusion to correct coagulopathy, ascites and hepatic encephalopathy could predict hospital mortality among COVID-19 patients. Conclusion: The in-hospital mortality rate for patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in the context of cirrhosis is higher than the in-hospital mortality rate for patients hospitalized for cirrhosis alone. It is essential to acknowledge that hospitalized patients with cirrhosis are at an elevated risk of mortality regardless of the presence of COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Over the past several decades, we have witnessed a significant shift in healthcare delivery from the acute, inpatient hospital setting to a variety of outpatient settings. Much of the inpatient care is now delivered in outpatient settings, using invasive procedures and advanced technologies, which increase the risk for HCAIs. Objective: To evaluate the role of educational program in eliminating infection potential hazards inside gynecology and obstetrics clinic. Material and Methods: Three phases interventional study included before education (phase I) for 3 months, after education (phase III) for 3 months, and interventional phase of 1-month (phase II) in which educational sessions about IC standard precautions, environmental cleaning and reprocessing medical devices done. Result: Contamination level in phase I was 77.8% in bed, 83.3% in table, 63.9% in stethoscope, 80.6% in U/S abdominal probe, 50% in vaginal speculum after cleaning, and 16.7% in vaginal speculum after sterilization. This level decreased in phase III to 38.9% in bed, 38.9% in table, 30.6% in stethoscope, 27.8% in U/S abdominal probe, 13.9% in vaginal speculum after cleaning, and 0% in vaginal speculum after sterilization. The indicator organisms isolated were [MRSA, Pseudomonas spp., Acinetobacter spp. E. coli, and Klebsiella spp.]. (100%) S. aureus isolates (48/48) were MRSA, (100%) Acinetobacter spp. (15/15), E. coli (5/5), and Klebsiella spp. (3/3) were multidrug resistant (MDR), and 88.2% (15/17) of Pseudomonas spp. isolates were MDR. Conclusion: The educational program in phase II succeeded in achieving a statistically significant reduction in contamination level (p=0.05 at all sites), also achieved a decrease in number of indicator organisms found in all sample sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bariatric surgery interferes with food absorption, which may cause deficiencies in certain elements and complications. Copper deficiency after bariatric surgeries may be misdiagnosed, which may cause serious diseases. Objective: The current study aimed to investigate the significance of serum copper level in the early detection of anemia related to bariatric surgery. Patients and methods: This study included 50 participants from both sexes divided into 25 anemic patients after bariatric surgery and 25 healthy individuals. Full history taking and complete clinical examination were performed for all participants. Laboratory investigations included hemoglobin (Hb) measurement, serum copper measurement, and iron parameters including serum iron, ferritin, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and transferrin saturation. Results: There was a highly statistically significant decrease in Hb, serum iron, copper, and ferritin levels after bariatric surgery while transferrin level and TIBC were significantly higher in cases than their controls (P <0.001 for each), while transferrin level and TIBC were significantly higher after bariatric surgery compared to controls (P <0.001 for each). There were highly statistically significant positive correlations between copper level and each of serum hemoglobin (r= 0.726, P=0.03) and iron level (r=0.986, P <0.001), while there were significant negative correlations between copper level and each of transferrin level (r=-0.617, P=0.005) and TIBC (r=-0.520, P=0.008). Conclusion: Copper deficiency after bariatric surgery is associated with iron deficiency anemia. So, copper supplement in addition to iron supplement after bariatric surgery is necessary to avoid the occurrence of anemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The multifactorial nature of pathologies causing mitral valve insufficiency in children along with the anticipated child's growth make mitral valve repair in such age group a complex procedure. The main cardiac surgeon's consideration in repairing insufficient mitral valve is to rgestore the valve's geometry and motility using the simplest possible technique. Objective: This study assessed mid-term feasibility and durability of mitral posterior annuloplasty using pericardial patch in patients aged less than 18 years as a simple technique of mitral valve repair. Patients and Methods: Data from Cairo University Hospitals on total number of 100 children who underwent successful mitral valve repair (without need for valve replacement) were gathered from their records, including postoperative and follow-up echocardiographic studies. Results: there were no in-hospital mortalities nor early postoperative significant mitral regurgitation (MR). Follow-up echocardiographic studies revealed moderate mitral regurgitation in 8 patients (8%) and only one patient (1%) required re-operation for severe mitral regurgitation where mitral valve replacement (MVR) was done. Conclusion: MV repair (MVr) in children using pericardial patch for posterior annuloplasty showed excellent survival, acceptable re-operation rate and satisfactory valve function at short and mid-term follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mycophenolic acid (MPA), an efficient immunosuppressive medication used in SLE, is glucuronidated by UGTs into an inert 7-O-glucuronide. Studies have shown that the -275T>A and-2152C>T SNPs in the UGT1A9 promoter region are associated with greater hepatic production of UGT1A9 and higher MPA in vitro glucuronidation activity. Subjects and Methods: patients were selected from outpatient Clinics of Rheumatology and immunology department, UGT1A9 -275T>A and-2152C>T (SNPs) were genotyped in 50 SLE Egyptian patients and 100 healthy controls using PCRRFLP. In addition, MPA serum concentrations were measured in patients by homogeneous particle enhanced turbidimetric inhibition immunoassay (PETINIA) technique. Results: UGT1A9-2152C>T and -275T>A distribution of genotypic analysis in SLE patients and controls revealed that the -2152C>T mutation is present in 14% patients and 21% of the control group (P = 0.3), whereas the -275T>A mutation is present in 50% of patients and only in 11% of the control group (P = 0.001). In comparison to the (TT) genotype, the combined (TA+AA) genotype exhibited significant correlation with greater GIT symptoms (68% versus 5%, respectively, P = 0.001). In SLE patients taking MPA with CT+TT genotype against CC genotype, -2152C>T mutations revealed a higher incidence of anemia (85.7% versus%, 30.2 respectively P =0.009). Both SNP genotype carriers had statistically lower C0 MPA values compared to non-carriers (1.25 umol/L (0.62-7.8) versus 4.68 umol/L (0.62-25.9), P = 0.028. Conclusion: Carrier of both UGT1A9-2152C>T and -275T>A SNPS is associated with lower C0 MPA in comparison to non-carrier in Egyptian SLE patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a part of Wadi Al-Sahba, Saudi Arabia, is tested for revealing and modelling potential area of groundwater using integrated data derived from remote-sensing, geology and hydrology through GIS-based analytical hierarchy process method. Nine thematic maps e.g. geology, stream-networks, topography, slope, lineaments, depressions, radar intensity, rainfall and land use/cover that control the occurrence of groundwater were weighted and combined to quantify the potential area of groundwater resources. The output prospection map revealed five predicting zones of groundwater (GPZs) are very low (11.55%), low (28.18%), moderate (29.14%), high (22.41%) and very high (8.73%). The most predicted areas are covering wide part of Al Kharj and downstream of Wadi Al-Sahba. Information derived from well data (# 59), thermal sensor and interferometric SAR coherence change detection data are validated the prospective map. Overall, integration of remote sensing data has the capability for revealing and predicting potential areas of groundwater resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sepsis, caused by a dysregulated response to infections, can lead to cardiac arrhythmias. However, the mechanisms underlying sepsis‐induced inflammation, and how inflammation provokes cardiac arrhythmias, are not well understood. We hypothesized that cannabidiol (CBD) may ameliorate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced cardiotoxicity, via Toll‐like receptors (TLR4) and cardiac sodium channels (NaV1.5). Methods and results: We incubated human immune cells (THP‐1 macrophages) with LPS for 24 h, then extracted the THP‐1 incubation media. ELISA assays showed that LPS (1 or 5 μg·ml−1), in a concentration‐dependent manner, or MPLA (TLR4 agonist, 5 μg·ml−1) stimulated the THP‐1 cells to release inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α and IL‐6). Prior incubation (4 h) with CBD (5 μM) or C34 (TLR4 antagonist: 5 μg·ml−1) inhibited LPS and MPLA‐induced release of both IL‐6 and TNF‐α. Human‐induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC‐CM) were subsequently incubated for 24 h in the media extracted from THP‐1 cells incubated with LPS, MPLA alone, or in combination with CBD or C34. Voltage‐clamp experiments showed a right shift in the voltage dependence of NaV1.5 activation, steady state fast inactivation (SSFI), increased persistent current and prolonged in silico action potential duration in hiSPC‐CMs incubated in the LPS or MPLA‐THP‐1 media. Co‐incubation with CBD or C34 rescued the biophysical dysfunction caused by LPS and MPLA. Conclusion: Our results suggest that CBD may protect against sepsis‐induced inflammation and subsequent arrhythmias through (i) inhibition of the release of inflammatory cytokines, antioxidant and anti‐apoptotic effects and/or (ii) a direct effect on NaV1.5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Axons, crucial for impulse transmission and cellular trafficking, are thought to be primary targets of neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Axonal degeneration occurs early, preceeding and exceeding neuronal loss, and contributes to the spread of pathology, yet is poorly described outside the nigrostriatal circuitry. The insula, a cortical brain hub, was recently discovered to be highly vulnerable to pathology and plays a role in cognitive deficits in PD and DLB. The aim of this study was to evaluate morphological features as well as burden of proteinopathy and axonal degeneration in the anterior insular sub-regions in PD, PD with dementia (PDD), and DLB. Methods: α-Synuclein, phosphorylated (p-)tau, and amyloid-β pathology load were evaluated in the anterior insular (agranular and dysgranular) subregions of post-mortem human brains (n = 27). Axonal loss was evaluated using modified Bielschowsky silver staining and quantified using stereology. Cytoskeletal damage was comprehensively studied using immunofluorescent multi-labelling and 3D confocal laser-scanning microscopy. Results: Compared to PD and PDD, DLB showed significantly higher α-synuclein and p-tau pathology load, argyrophilic grains, and more severe axonal loss, particularly in the anterior agranular insula. Alternatively, the dysgranular insula showed a significantly higher load of amyloid-β pathology and its axonal density correlated with cognitive performance. p-Tau contributed most to axonal loss in the DLB group, was highest in the anterior agranular insula and significantly correlated with CDR global scores for dementia. Neurofilament and myelin showed degenerative changes including swellings, demyelination, and detachment of the axon-myelin unit. Conclusions: Our results highlight the selective vulnerability of the anterior insular sub-regions to various converging pathologies, leading to impaired axonal integrity in PD, PDD and DLB, disrupting their functional properties and potentially contributing to cognitive, emotional, and autonomic deficits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer radiotherapy is one of the most effective regimens of cancer treatments, but cancer cell radioresistance remains a concern. Radiosensitizers can selectively improve the efficacy of radiotherapy and reduce inherent damage. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the effect of silica-coated iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (SIONPs) as a radiosensitizer and compare their therapeutic effect with that of Iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (IONPs). IONPs and SIONPs were characterized using several physical techniques such as a transmission electron microscope (TEM) and Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). MTT and DNA double-strand breaks (Comet) assays have been used to detect the cytotoxicity, cell viability, and DNA damage of MCF-7 cells, which were treated with different concentrations of prepared nanoparticles and exposed to an X-ray beam. In this study, an efficient radiosensitizer, SIONPs, was successfully prepared and characterized. With 0.5 Gy dose, dose enhancement factor (DEF) values of cells treated with 5 and 10 μg/ml of IONPs were 1 and 1.09, respectively, while those treated with SIONPs at these concentrations had DEF of 1.21 and 1.32, respectively. Results demonstrated that SIONPs provide a potential for improving the radiosensitivity of breast cancer. • Coating approaches for synthesis of silica coated iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles were investigated. • Characterization of silica coated iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles using various physical techniques. • Potent radio-sensitizing effect of silica coated iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles against human cancer cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The aim of this work was to explore the expression of miR-320a level in fibromyalgia patients in comparison to healthy controls, and to clarify its impact on the severity of symptoms and the cerebral processing of pain assessed by middle latency somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs). Design Case-control study. Setting Rheumatology and Neurology outpatient clinics. Subjects Seventy-four fibromyalgia patients and seventy-four normal healthy controls. Methods The included patients were subjected to detailed history taking, assessment of severity of fibromyalgia symptoms using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire Revised (FIQR), assessment of pain intensity using the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI), measurement of the serum level of miR-320a in addition to of measurement peak latencies and amplitudes of middle latency SSEPs. Results Fibromyalgia patients had significantly higher micro-RNA-320a levels (0.907 ± 0.022) in comparison to controls (0.874 ± 0.015) (P -value <.001). The mean values of micro-RNA-320a levels were significantly higher in fibromyalgia patients with insomnia, chronic fatigue syndrome, persistent depressive disorder, and primary headache disorder than those without (P -value = .024, <.001,.006,.036 respectively). There were statistically significant positive correlations between micro-RNA-320a levels, and disease duration, FIQR, and NPSI total scores (P -value <0.001, 0.003, 0.002 respectively). There were no statistically significant correlations between micro-RNA-320a levels and middle latency SSEPs. Discussion Micro-RNA-320a level is significantly upregulated in fibromyalgia patient. It has a crucial impact on the severity of symptoms but not related to the cerebral processing of pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Airborne particulate matter (PM) attracts heightened attention due to its implication in various diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases. Although numerous epidemiological studies have been published worldwide in developing countries on risks associated with exposure to PM, such studies are still scarce in developing countries such as Saudi Arabia. Objective: To examine the association between the concentration of airborne particulate matter (PM) and hospital admissions resulting from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia, specifically in the cities of Dammam and Khobar. Methodology: The daily concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 were obtained from 10 monitoring stations distributed around the two hospitals. There was an examination of the discharge data of patients diagnosed with cardiac arrhythmias, acute myocardial infarction, and heart failure as their primary diagnoses. The data were obtained from two big governmental hospitals in the Eastern Region. The primary cause of hospital admission of 259 patients was identified as acute cardiac condition. Results: For PM10 and PM2.5, the 24 h mean was calculated as 101.2 and 37.1 µg/m3, respectively; such means are considered higher than the Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs). We found evidence of an increased risk of cardiovascular events for long-term exposure to PM2.5–10 concentrations, and a correlation with the IHD hospital admission within 6 days of the peak PM10 or PM2.5 concentration. In addition, the increased PM2.5 concentration also had a correlation with hospital admissions; however, analysis shows an increase in mortality at lag1, lag2, and lag3 prior to hospital admission. Conclusions: Hospital admissions for several cardiovascular diseases acutely increase in response to higher ambient PM concentrations. It is recommended that residents need to use personal protection, especially those residents with cardiovascular disease, while the government needs to strengthen the governance of air pollution in areas with lighter air pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a dispersion compensation model to minimize the chromatic dispersion to enhance system performance. The proposed model is based on applying the duobinary modulation scheme on 4-stages of cascaded identical apodized uniform fiber Bragg grating. Different apodization functions are tested to determine the one that provides the best performance. The proposed model is connected in three different connection schemes: pre, post and symmetrical, to get the best connection. To evaluate the performance of the proposed system, a comparative study is conducted using non-return to zero (NRZ) and modified duobinary (MDB) modulation schemes. For evaluation, a 10 Gbps WDM link is simulated at a distance of 100 km under a set of predefined operating parameters. Optisystem 17.0 is used for simulation and evaluation. Both quality factor (Q-factor) and bit error rate (BER) are used as performance indices. All cases of NRZ modulation scheme do not meet the minimum operational requirements in terms of Q-factor and BER. Only in the case of MDB modulation scheme, the symmetrical compensation with tanh apodization meets the minimum operational requirements with a Q-factor of 6.39 and BER of 8.44 × 10–11. The proposed model achieves better results as compared to the other modulation schemes: a maximum Q-factor values of 8.964 and a BER of 1.3 × 10–19 with tanh apodization in the pre-compensation scheme. As compared to related work, the system performance achieves ~ 99% improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a tanh apodized FBG as a dispersion compensator in optical fiber communication systems. This grating is integrated as a hybrid system of four cascaded apodized FBGs with soliton transmission technique. This enhances the linewidth of the light source to get the most out of transmission per-channel bit rate of 9.687 Tbps at a temperature of 20 °C, a relative refractive index difference of 0.002, a Germania doping ratio of 0.2, and a signal wavelength of 1.65 µm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This research compared laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) and vaginal hysterectomy (VH) for operative time, complications, postoperative pain, inflammatory response, hospital stay, and costs. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial compared LH and VH for 80 patients equally allocated to undergo either for benign pathology (Canadian Task Force Classification I). Results: Mean operative time was significantly higher for LH (127.5 ± 25.9 minutes; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 119.2, 135.8) than for VH (104 ± 30.8 minutes; 95% CI: 94.2, 113.9); p = 0.0004. There was no significant difference in median blood loss (LH: 250 mL and VH: 235 mL); p = 0.7983). There was a strong positive correlation between operative time and estimated uterine weight, especially for VH. Adnexal surgery was performed as planned preoperatively in 62.5% of LHs versus 27.5% of VHs; p < 0.0035. Both groups were comparable regarding intra- and postoperative complications (p = 1.0). Median postoperative pain intensity was lower in LH than in VH at 2 hours (51 versus 64.5; p = 0.0038), 6 hours (38.5 versus 46; p = 0.0009), and 24 hours (24.5 versus 36.5; p < 0.0001). Inflammatory response did not differ between the groups, neither as postoperative fever (7.5% of LH versus 2.5% of VH; p = 0.6153) nor as postoperative C-reactive protein rise (median: 57.4 mg/L for LH; 41.6 mg/L for VH; p = 0.1489). There was no difference in hospital stay (LH median: 35.5 hours; VH median: 30 hours; p = 0.6991). Costs for LH were higher (LH median: 5525 Egyptian pounds (EGPs), 335 US dollars (USD); VH median: 3400 EGPs, 207 USD; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: LH has longer operative time, yet better postoperative pain profile, than VH. However, cost considerations make LH fall behind VH as a primary choice for benign hysterectomy, especially in low-resource settings. (J GYNECOL SURG 38:400) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study on TC21 Ti-alloy (6.5Al–3Mo–1.9Nb–2.2Sn–2.2Zr–1.5Cr), the thermal oxidation formed oxide layers that considerably influenced mechanical properties (hardness and wear). TC21 specimens were oxidized at 600, 700, 800, and 900 °C for 5, 20, and 50 h. NaCl-induced hot corrosion testing was carried out on raw (un-oxidized) and oxidized specimens at 600 and 800 °C for 50 h. The cyclic testing was performed at 600 °C for durations of 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 h. The average thickness of the layer grew with increasing oxidation time and temperature. A thin oxide layer (average 0.16 µm) was generated by oxidation at a temperature of 600 °C for a duration of 5 h, and at 800 °C, a large oxide layer of 10.8 µm thickness was formed. The most significant surface hardness of 1000 ± 150 HV0.05 was produced for the layer oxidized at 900 °C. On the other hand, the lowest hardness of 360 ± 150 HV0.05 was recorded for the raw materials. Best wear resistance had been achieved for specimens oxidized at 800 °C. During NaCl hot corrosion test, the weight loss of the raw specimen was 6.4 mg/cm2 due to the flaking off of the corrosion product. However, for specimens oxidized at 600 °C for 50 h, weight loss after corrosion testing was 0.54 mg/cm2, less than that of the specimen before corrosion. Oxidized specimens at 800 °C exhibited the best mechanical characteristics and corrosion resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is an asymptomatic skin condition linked to several underlying systemic conditions. Chemerin is an adipokine that increases during inflammatory disorders such as metabolic syndrome (MetS). Aims: This case–control study investigates the link between AN and the underlying MetS and serum levels of chemerin in individuals with obesity. Patients/Methods: Twenty‐five adults with AN and obesity (body mass index [BMI] > 30 kg/m2), 25 adults with obesity but no AN, and 25 healthy controls (BMI < 30 kg/m2) had their lipid profiles and serum chemerin concentrations examined. Results: The neck (80.0%) and axilla (68.0%) were the most common sites of AN. In participants with obesity, either alone or with AN, serum chemerin concentrations were significantly higher than in the control group (p < 0.001). Participants with obesity and AN had significantly higher levels of cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐c), and serum chemerin levels (p < 0.001), and significantly lower high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐c) levels (p < 0.001) when compared to participants with obesity alone. All participants with obesity and AN (100%) and 88% of those with obesity alone had MetS. Logistic regression revealed that systolic blood pressure >130 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure >85 mmHg, waist circumference >90 cm, TG >150 mg/dl, HDL‐c <45 mg/dl, fasting blood glucose >100 mg/dl, and serum chemerin >300 ng/ml were significant (p < 0.05) risk factors for AN. Conclusions: Acanthosis nigricans is a non‐invasive and reliable sign of the underlying MetS and increased serum chemerin levels among individuals with obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatments of waste tire rubber (WTR) have been attracted the attention of many researchers because of their great impact on improving the properties of these wastes and then using it as an alternative to the virgin rubber than if it was used as it is. In this context, styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) and SBR/Devulcanized waste tire rubber prepared by two methods, mechano-chemical and ultrasonic devulcanization of WTR have been reinforcing by polyester tire cord (PTC) with different contents 3 and 5 wt%. Vulcanization effect by gamma radiation doses up to 150 kGy have been studied on the prepared composites. Evaluations of the prepared composites have been done using various measurements like Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectrophotometry and mechanical parameters. Stress–strain response for describing the crosslink density of polymer network was designated. Thermal stability of the blend formulations by thermogravimetric analysis and activation energy calculations have been calculated. Moreover, the internal structure has been investigated by scanning electron microscope. Mechanical parameters, based on tensile strength, Elongation at break (E%) and hardness increase with of presence PTC. Furthermore, an improvement in thermal behavior was recorded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The most prevalent infection in cirrhotic individuals is spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). Acute GI bleeding, a history of SBP, or low ascetic fluid protein contents are all risk factors for the development of SBP in cirrhotic individuals. The purpose of this study was to see if the neutrophil-tolymphocyte ratio (NLR) could predict spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in individuals with liver cirrhosis. Patients and methods: This prospective, casecontrol and observational study was conducted at Internal Medicine Department, Zagazig University Hospitals during the period from June 2021 to March 2022. The study included 100 cirrhotic patients. The patients were divided into two groups: Group I included 50 cirrhotic patients with SBP (case group) and group II included 50 cirrhotic patients without SBP (control group). Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio was calculated for all patients. Results: In this study, there was statistically significant difference between the two studied groups in neutrophil count, lymphocyte count and increased neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (group 1 had increased neutrophils and decreased lymphocytes than group 2). Conclusion: We can conclude the clinical utility of NLR as a biomarker predictive factor in the occurrence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Febrile seizures (FS) are the single most common seizure type and occur in 2 to 5% of children younger than age 5 years with a peak incidence in the second year of life. Evidence that iron might be important for neurological functioning has generated considerable optimism that this element might also play a role in initiation of febrile convulsions. This study aimed to determine the relation between iron deficiency anemia and febrile seizures in infant and children aged 6 months to 6 years. Methods: A case-control study was done in Pediatrics Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University during the period from September 2018 to March 2019. It included 90 infants and children (45 infant and children presented with febrile convulsions and 45 age and sex matched healthy infants and children between 6 months and 6 years as a control group). All children with febrile convulsion were investigated for iron deficiency to find if there is any association between Anemia and febrile convulsion. Results: The current study showed that cases were significantly higher regarding Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC) than control group with no significant difference between groups regarding ferritin or iron. But, cases were significantly lower regar ding Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) and Hemoglobin (Hb). Therefore, cases were significantly associated with anemia. Conclusion: the study concluded that iron deficiency anemia is a risk factor for febrile seizures in infants and children aged 6 months to 6 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Zinc (Zn) is an essential element in the nutrition of human beings. It is needed in all DNA and RNA syntheses and is required at every step of the cell cycle. Zinc deficiency in children can cause stunted growth and increased incidence of infections. Zinc deficiency has been suggested as a major risk factor for developing pneumonia. The aim of this study was to assess the serum Zn levels in children with lower respiratory tract infe ctions (LRTI) and study the association between low Zn levels and other known risk factors of LRTI. Methods: A cross-sectional study, which was conducted on ninety patients with acute LRTI. They aged between two months and five years. The patients were admitted to pediatric department at Zagazig University Hospitals during the period from February 2017 to February 2018. All patients were subjected to general and chest examinations. Also, complete blood picture, serum Zn level measurement and chest X ray were done. Results: Mean serum Zn level among the studied patients was 200.75 ± 37.44 µg/dl, which is considered normal or even slightly elevated than normal values There was no association between serum Zn levels and any of the other risk factors of LRTI. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in serum zinc level among different lower respiratory infections and there was no significant difference in serum zinc level and other risk factors of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Several minimally invasive procedures were used to treat displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACFs). No agreement among different authors about either the ideal fixation method or which technique is minimally invasive. The aim of this study was to compare functional and radiographic outcomes of two minimally invasive techniques in treatment of Sanders type II and III DIACFs by using K-wires or cannulated screws without bone grafts.Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted on 28 patients (34 feet) with Sanders type II or III DIACFs, treated by closed reduction and fixation using cannulated screws or K-wires, at the Orthopedics Department of Sohag University Hospital, between April 2020 and February 2022. Functional assessment was done by American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and VAS for pain. Radiographic assessment was done by measurement of three calcaneal angles (Gissane, Böhler's, and posterior facet inclination angles) and three calcaneal distances (height, length, and width of the calcaneus).Results: Mean ages of patients at the time of operation were 34.8 years for the cannulated screw group and 36.6 years for the K-wire group. A vast majority of patients were males (78.6%). Involvement of the right side in the cannulated screw group was 57.1% and that in the K-wire group was 47.9%. Mean operative time was significantly shorter among the K-wire group (42 min) compared to the cannulated screw group (57 min). Mean AOFAS score was higher among the cannulated screw group (85.9 points) compared to the K-wire group (75.8 points). Final VAS was significantly better among the cannulated screw group compared to the K-wire group. Mean time of radiographic union in the cannulated screw group was 8.9 weeks and that in the K-wire group was 10.1 weeks.Conclusion: Both techniques avoided wound complications associated with ORIF with the advantage of a shorter hospital stay. Patients in the cannulated screw group had better functional and radiographic outcomes and a lower rate of subtalar arthritis than patients in the K-wire group. K-wires had advantages of reduced operative time, and easy removal as an outpatient procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to report the findings of a study of library anxiety among a group of Arab students in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The paper also investigated the factors that affect the students' level of anxiety while using academic libraries. The study tried to compare the difference in the level of anxiety in the two countries using a scale (LLPB) developed by the researchers which fit the culture in the Arab region. The study adopted a mixed methods approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with several students in Saudi Arabia and Egypt to determine the main factors that lead to having a level of anxiety in the libraries. In the second stage, a questionnaire was sent to students to measure what factors have a greater impact on the level of anxiety. The data showed that Egyptian students are more anxious about using the libraries than the Saudi students. The results also indicated that there is a need to train students on how to use the libraries and also change students' perception regarding the library to reduce the level of anxiety. This study was conducted in Egypt and Saudi Arabia the level of library anxiety and the factors that may affect the students may vary in other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced radiation techniques are frequently used in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (H&N). Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is currently the standard treatment across the world. It provides good target volume coverage and enhanced conformal dose distributions while sparing the organs at risk (OARs). However, this may result in a considerable volume of low-dose region in the surrounding normal tissue. In the clinical practice, our oncology center has implemented the Triple Arc (TA) VMAT approach in head and neck cancer treatment planning using three full arcs to enhance the radiation outcomes and effectively spare midline structures. This dosimetric study was performed to verify Triple Arc Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (TA-VMAT) in head and neck cancer treatment planning using the simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) technique by proving its deliverability and dosimetric accuracy when compared to Dual Arc (DA)VMAT. Thirteen head and neck cancer cases were randomly enrolled in this comparative study. The planning target volumes(PTVs) and OARs were defined using RTOG 0225/0615. Additionally, we identified the thyroid and trachea as well. For each case, two treatment plans TA and DA were generated by the Varian Eclipse planning system yielding a total of 26 treatment plans. Both plans have full arcs that span an angle between 179-181 CW and CCW using a collimator angle of 330 and 30 degrees for the CW, and CCW, respectively. However, in TA arc plans, a third arc with an 80-degree collimator angle was added. Doses of 70Gy, 63Gy, and 54 Gy were delivered to PTV high, intermediate, and low risk, respectively in 35 fractions using the SIB technique. All these treatment plans are assessed in terms of dosimetric quality, OARs sparing, and delivery efficiency. According to RTOG 0225/0615; both Triple Arc and Dual Arc plans provided appropriate target coverage while lowering OAR doses. However, TA-VMAT effectively managed the dose hotspot and maintained a consistent gantry speed for precise radiation delivery yielding a significantly enhanced target homogeneity and dose conformity in comparison to DA-VMAT (P=0.02 and 0.002 respectively). Moreover, it provides superior dosage reduction to the brain stem, larynx, esophagus, trachea, and spinal cord. A paired-sample t-test was conducted to assess the value of using Triple-arc VMAT over Dual-arc VMAT in terms of the dose coverage, conformity index(CI), and homogeneity index(HI) for targets as well as the mean and maximum dosage for OARs. Treatment delivery time (min), monitor units (MUs) per fraction, and normal tissue integral dose(NTID) were also evaluated. The maximum dosage (Dmax) to the brain stem in TA-VMAT was significantly lower than in DA-VMAT (p=0.001). The spinal cord maximum dosage (Dmax) was significantly low in TA-VMAT as compared with DA-VMAT (p=0.002).TA-VMAT produced a significantly lower mean dose to the larynx (p=0.027) than DA-VMAT. The mean doses to the esophagus and trachea were significantly lower in TA than in DA treatment plans(p=0.008 and 0.001 respectively). Both treatment plans had almost the same mean treatment delivery time. There were no significant changes in the number of monitor units MU/fraction or normal tissues integral dose NTID(p=0.057). These results suggest that the Triple Arc VMAT approach is unique, precise, and highly effective in reducing the dose of the OARs during radiation therapy among head and neck cancer patients. In terms of target coverage and OAR sparing, radiation therapy treatment planning using TA-VMAT outperformed DA-VMAT, resulting in superior treatment outcomes without compromising delivery efficiency in patients with head and neck cancer. It has the potential to be a very effective, and high-quality radiation therapy approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the effect of menopause with subsequent estrogen drop on optic nerve head structure and peripapillary vasculature. This cross-sectional analytic study was carried out on 100 eyes of 100 patients; patients were divided into a premenopausal group (50 eyes) and a postmenopausal group (50 eyes). Optical coherence tomography was done to evaluate retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to assess the peripapillary capillary vessel density. RNFLT as well as the peripapillary vessel density (VD) were significantly lower in the postmenopausal group (P value < 0.001) with increasing age, hormonal drop, and higher intraocular pressure (IOP), specifically in the inferior quadrant. However, the negative correlation between IOP and VD (r = − 0.541) was stronger than its negative correlation with RNFLT (r = − 0.318). Postmenopausal hormonal changes lead to a significant rise in IOP-although still not glaucomatous- and a decrease in the RNFLT and perfusion of the optic nerve. This confirms the relation between hormonal drop and glaucoma in postmenopausal women. Changes in peripapillary vascular density were more evident than RNFL in correlation with IOP and age changes. So, OCTA can be used to detect early optic nerve affection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Amoxicillin is a pharmaceutical pollutant that has severe impacts on aquatic life. Traditional treatment methods of Amoxicillin contaminated wastewater are expensive and inefficient. This paper uses soft computing to identify the best operating parameters of the solar photocatalysis process. The target is to maximize the degradation of Amoxicillin from wastewater. The proposed methodology integrates ANFIS modelling and grey wolf optimization (GWO). Three operating parameters are considered: TiO2 (g/L) dosage, initial antibiotic concentration (mg/L), and initial pH to maximize the AMX degradation (%). Based on experimental datasets, ANFIS model is designed to simulate the output solar photocatalysis process in terms of the mentioned operating parameters. The constructed ANFIS model is accurate; the R‐squared values are 0.9982 and 0.9979 for training and testing. Then, using GWO, the best values of TiO2 (g/L), Amoxicillin (mg/L), and pH are determined. The results were compared with an optimized performance by response surface methodology and experimental data to demonstrate the superiority of the suggested methodology. The suggested methodology maximized the Amoxicillin (AMX) degradation by 3% while using higher initial AMX concertation by 60% and 90%, compared with the experimental and RSM methodologies. The results demonstrated the superiority of the proposed method in determining the adequate operating conditions while keeping the same operating conditions of the applied pH and TiO2 concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is a common non‐scarring, inflammatory type of hair loss that affects people of all ages and genders. Aims: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intralesional vitamin D3 injection in the treatment of alopecia areata. Patients and Methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial included a total of 60 adult patients with localized alopecia areata were randomly assigned into two groups. Group I consisted of thirty patients who received 1ml of intralesional injection of vitamin D3 every 4 weeks for a maximum of 3 sessions. Group II consisted of thirty patients who received intralesional injection of normal saline 0.9% every 4 weeks for 3 sessions as a control group. All patients had their serum levels of 25‐hydroxy vitamin D, TSH, antithyroglobulin, and thyroid peroxidase antibodies estimated before starting treatment. The 5‐point semiquantitative regrowth score (RGS) and dermoscopy were used to evaluate the therapeutic response. Results: There was statistically significant difference with p‐value <0.001 between two study groups regarding degree of improvement. Dermoscopic findings that explain signs of activity were decreased, and signs of improvement were appeared after the third months of treatment being better in intralesional vitamin D group. The adverse effects were negligible and transient, and there was no recurrence of lesions. Conclusion: Intralesional vitamin D3 is an effective treatment option for localized patchy (not more than 40% of scalp distribution) alopecia areata. There is no relation between serum vitamin D3 and efficacy of treatment, so measuring vitamin D3 before starting treatment is not advised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anticoagulation therapy represents a mainstay of treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading causes of mortality worldwide. In addition, several case reports of spontaneous bleeding occurred, linking the consumption of many dietary supplements during treatment with anticoagulants or in postoperative patients. This prompted our study, which was conducted on eleven well-known Egyptian medicinal plants, to highlight their effect on blood coagulation profile using Prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) tests. Some of these plants showed exciting results that need a more in-depth evaluation of their anticoagulant activity as Hibiscus sabdarifa calyx, for its effect on PT. In addition, extracts of Trifolium alexandrinum aerial parts and Pimpinella anismum fruit were proved to affect aPTT. Therefore, postoperative or cardiovascular patients using herbal supplements should be cautioned about food-drug or herb-drug interactions and adjust their herbal medication regimen before surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a miniaturized size UWB 4-element MIMO antenna with a band rejection feature is introduced. The four elements have a rectangular radiator with curved edges and a partial ground plane with an etched slot to enlarge the bandwidth of the suggested structure to operate from 3 up to 12 GHz with S11 ≤ − 10 dB. The high isolation between elements was achieved by forming the antennas orthogonally without adding decoupling elements to simplify the design. The suggested design has a size of 47 × 47 mm2 placed on low price FR4 substrate. A simple slot is etched into the radiator to achieve the desired band rejection. The simulated and tested outcomes achieved operated band extended from 3 up to 12 GHz with band rejection feature within 3.3 GHz up to 4.3 GHz to eliminate interference with WIMAX applications and high isolation of more than 22 dB between ports. Also, the antenna fulfills peak gain of 3.5 dBi, envelope correlation coefficient(ECC) < 0.005, diversity gain (DG) 9.98 dB and channel capacity loss (CCL) < 0.4 bit/s/Hz within the operating bands. The outcomes have good consistency which made the suggested antenna to be used in UWB MIMO systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two antimony complexes {[Sb(L1)Cl2] C1 and [Sb(L2)Cl2] C2} with the thiosemicarbazone ligands {HL1 = 4-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1-((pyridin-2-yl)methylene)thiosemicarbazide and HL2 = 4-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-((pyridin-2-yl)methylene)thiosemicarbazide} were introduced. The structures were elucidated on the basis of a CHNS analysis, spectroscopic techniques (UV-Vis and FT-IR), and DMF solution electrical conductivities. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of complex C1 assigned the complex pseudo-octahedral geometry and triclinic P-1 space group. Only the ligand HL1 and its derived complex C1 displayed antifungal activities against Candida albicans and this activity was enhanced from 10 mm to 21 mm for the respective complex, which is the same activity given by the drug "Amphotericin B". The ligands HL1 and HL2 gave inhibitions, respectively, of 14 and 10 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and 15 and 10 mm against Escherichia coli; however, complexes C1 and C2 increased these inhibitions to 36 and 32 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and 35 and 31 mm against Escherichia coli exceeding the activities given by the ampicillin standard (i.e., 21 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and 25 mm against Escherichia coli). Against MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, the IC50 values of HL1 (68.9 μM) and HL2 (145.4 μM) were notably enhanced to the values of 34.7 and 37.4 μM for both complexes, respectively. Further, the complexes induced less toxicity in normal BHK cells (HL1 (126.6 μM), HL2 (110.6 μM), C1 (>210.1 μM), and C2 (160.6 μM)). As a comparison, doxorubicin gave an IC50 value of 9.66 μM against MCF-7 cells and 36.42 μM against BHK cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Men with diabetes mellitus frequently experience erectile dysfunction (ED). Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine whether or not 5 mg of tadalafil daily is effective in treating erectile dysfunction in men who are diabetic. Patients and methods: In this trial, 50 diabetic males with ED were given 5 mg of tadalafil once daily for 12 weeks. Using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and penis-specific Color Duplex Doppler Ultrasonography, researchers evaluated tadalafil's effects on erection quality and duration. Results: Age of 45 was the median, and the average body mass index was 30.3 kg/m², 54 % of them were smokers. We found statistical significant (p-value < 0.001) increased 12 weeks IIEF score (median = 18.5, IQR = 13 – 22) when compared baseline IIEF score (median = 12.4, IQR = 10 – 17). Our results showed statistical significant (p-value < 0.001) increased 12 weeks PSV (median = 36, IQR = 35 – 37) when compared with baseline PSV (median = 33, IQR = 30 – 35). Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, we demonstrated that smoking, BMI, dyslipidemia and bad glycemic control were predictive factors for ED severity. Conclusion: Taking 5 milligrams of tadalafil once a day may help diabetic men's erectile dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human endometrium is a complex, multicellular tissue that is regulated by steroid hormones (estrogens, progesterone, androgens, and glucocorticoids) and has different characteristics in the various phases of the menstrual cycle. HCG plays a major role in endometrial receptivity via modulation of the production of various cytokines and chemokines. Aim of the Work: The study aimed to show the effect of intrauterine injection of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) on the day of ovum pickup in patients with a history of one or two failed Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm injections (ICSI). Patients, and Methods: A sample of 110 patients was obtained, half of them were candidates for intrauterine injection of 500 units of HCG immediately after ovum retrieval during the mock, while the other half were controls. All patients underwent controlled ovarian stimulation using the long protocol. The study was conducted at the Assisted reproduction unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, between December 2019 and November 2021. Results: The rate of chemical pregnancy was 39.6 % in the first group and 27.8% in the second group. The clinical pregnancy rate was 28.3% in the first group and 18.5% in the second group. There was no significant difference between the two studied groups regarding the proportion of chemical pregnancies (P-value 0.195) and the proportion of clinical pregnancies (P-value 0.232). Conclusion: Although intrauterine injection of HCG improves chemical and clinical pregnancy rates in patients undergoing ICSI trial after failed one or two trials, statistically seems with no differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a novel chitosan Schiff base 4-(2-Hydroxyaniline)pent-3-en-2-one chitosan (2-HyA-CS) and its ZnO nanocomposite (2-HyA-CS/ZnO) were sensitized and characterized by appropriate methods; FTIR, XRD, Elemental analysis, SEM, TEM and TGA. The result of characterization methods confirms the preparation of 2-HyA-CS and 2-HyA-CS/ZnO. The SEM images reveal that chitosan, 2-HyA-CS, and 2-HyA-CS/ZnO have a varied roughness and porous surfaces. The reason for this difference was attributed to the formation of Schiff base 2-HyA-CS and the presence of ZnO nanoparticles in 2-HyA-CS/ZnO. The patterns of XRD and FTIR confirm the formation of 2-HyA-CS and 2-HyA-CS/ZnO. The degree of substitution (DS) of modified chitosan 2-HyA-CS was calculated using Elemental analysis and FTIR.ATR, it was found to be 74%. The adsorption efficiency of the produced adsorbents was compared with pure chitosan to remove of Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR) from an aqueous medium and antimicrobial activity. The removal percentage of RBBR by chitosan, 2-HyA-CS, and 2-HyA-CS/ZnO are 47.12%, 91.9%, and 96.56%, respectively with the following order: 2-HyA-CS/ZnO > 2-HyA-CS > chitosan. Their antimicrobial activities were studied against two Gram negative bacteria (E. coli and P. aeruginosa), two Gram positive bacteria (S. aureus and B. cereus) and (C. albicans) as a yeast strain, the inhibitory zone measurements revealed that the activity of 2-HyA-CS/ZnO is excellent and higher than 2-HyA-CS and pure chitosan. The cytotoxicity of the prepared compound 2-HyA-CS and 2-HyA-CS/ZnO along with pure chitosan was estimated against two human cancer cells MCF-7 cells and HepG-2 cells, the result indicates that 2-HyA-CS/ZnO having higher Inhibitory activity against both MCF-7 and HepG-2 cells with 53.5 ± 2.86 and 27.4 ± 1.23 µg/mL respectively and 2-HyA-CS possessing moderate Inhibitory activity against both MCF-7 and HepG-2 cancer cells with IC50 = 216.5 ± 7.48 and 135.6 ± 6.49 µg/ml respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prefix sums problem for an array X = (x 0 , x 1 , ... , x n − 1) is to compute all sums x 0 + x 1 ⋯ + x i , ∀ 0 ≤ i < n. In this paper, we introduce an improvement for the best previous algorithm that runs in O (log ∗ n) time using O (n / log ∗ n) processors on a Sum Concurrent Read Concurrent Write, Parallel Random Access Machine (Sum-CRCW PRAM). The improvements include (1) reducing the total number of operations and (2) reducing the amount of storage required by the algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgery for benign anal conditions is a common practice and is usually followed by a good outcome. The present review aimed to summarize the emergence and evolution of different laser techniques used for the treatment of benign anal conditions and report their current outcome. PubMed and Scopus were searched for studies that assessed the use of laser in benign anal conditions. Anal conditions reviewed were hemorrhoids, anal fistula, anal warts, anal stenosis, and anal fissure. The full text of the studies retrieved was summarized in a narrative and tabular form. Laser techniques used for the treatment of hemorrhoidal disease were laser open hemorrhoidectomy, laser hemorrhoidoplasty, and Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal laser dearterialization. Resolution of hemorrhoidal symptoms was reported in 72–100% of patients after laser treatment. YAG laser, fistula laser closure, and photodynamic therapy have been used for the treatment of anal fistula with success rates ranging from 20 to 92.6%. Anal warts can be treated with photodynamic therapy with or without YAG or CO2 laser with a success rate up to 88%. A few studies reported the use of laser in the treatment of chronic anal fissure and anal stenosis. The use of laser in the treatment of benign anal conditions is associated with promising outcomes. Laser was most assessed in hemorrhoidal disease and anal fistula and showed more consistent success rates with hemorrhoidal disease than with anal fistula. Preliminary reports assessed the outcome of laser treatment in other conditions as anal fissure and warts with acceptable outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New complexes of trivalent cobalt with substituted thiosemicarbazone ligands having an NNS donor system {HL1 = 4-(4-nitrophenyl)-1-((pyridin-2-yl)methylene)thiosemicarbazide and HL2 = 4-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-((pyridin-2-yl)methylene)thiosemicarbazide} were synthesized via the in situ oxidation of divalent cobalt chloride accompanying its addition to the ligands. The complexes C1 and C2 were characterized via elemental (CHNS) analysis and 1H NMR, FT-IR and UV-Vis. spectroscopic data. Further, conductometric studies on the DMF solutions of the complexes indicated their 1:1 nature, and their diamagnetism revealed the low-spin trivalent oxidation state of the cobalt in the complexes. The X-ray diffraction analysis of complex C1 indicated that it crystallizes in the triclinic space group P-1. The metal exhibits an octahedral environment built by two anionic ligands bound via pyridine nitrogen, imine nitrogen and thiol sulfur atoms. The complex is counterbalanced by a chloride ion. In addition, two lattice water molecules were detected in the asymmetric unit of the unit cell. The ligand HL2 (20 mg/mL in DMSO) displayed inhibition zones of 10 mm against both S. aureus and E. coli, and the same concentration of the respective complex raised this activity to 15 and 12 mm against these bacterial strains, respectively. As a comparison, ampicillin inhibited these bacterial strains by 21 and 25 mm, respectively. Screening assay by HL1 on four human cancer cells revealed the most enhanced activity against the breast MCF-7 cells. The induced growth inhibitions in the MCF-7 cells by all compounds (0–100 μg/mL) have been detected. The ligands {HL1 and HL2} and complex C2 gave inhibitions with IC50 values of 52.4, 145.4 and 49.9 μM, respectively. These results are more meaningful in comparison with similar cobalt complexes, but less efficient compared with the inhibition with IC50 of 9.66 μM afforded by doxorubicin. In addition, doxorubicin, HL1 and HL2 induced cytotoxicity towards healthy BHK cells with IC50 values of 36.42, 54.8 and 110.6 μM, but surviving fractions of 66.1% and 62.7% of these cells were detected corresponding to a concentration of 100 μg/mL of the complexes (136.8 μM of C1 and 131.4 μM of C2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Available data collected from patients of different types of cerebrovascular strokes can detect risk factors, severity and clinical outcome of these patients. Differentiating between different types of strokes is mandatory for early diagnosis and proper management. The aim of this study is to compare between cerebral small vessel disease with lacunar infarctions and internal border zone infarctions regarding vasomotor reactivity by using transcranial color-coded duplex and its correlation with their MRI perfusion, disease severity and outcome. Results: On admission, 56.7% of patients in lacunar stroke had impaired reactivity vs. 100% of patients in internal border zone group. At 3 months follow-up, this number dropped to 23.3% in lacunar group, but persisted as 100% in internal border zone group. On comparing the 3 perfusion parameters between the 2 groups, there was statistically significant impairment in all parameters in patients with internal border zone infarction than patients with lacunar infarction (longer time to peak, decreased cerebral blood flow and cerebral blood volume). By comparing the severity of the stroke by using National Institute of Health and Stroke Scale, it was found that patients with internal border zone infarction had higher disability than patients with lacunar infarction on admission and on discharge. At 3 months follow-up, the lacunar group had a better outcome than of the border zone group. Conclusion: Patients having internal border zone infarction had higher clinical disability and worse prognosis, together with more impairment in vasomotor reactivity and MRI perfusion parameters than patients having lacunar infarction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to investigate the effect of transforaminal injection of Magnesium sulphate versus Ozone on pain intensity, functional disability and the oxidative stress biomarkers; superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Glutathione (GSH) in patients with lumbar disc prolapse. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 135 patients having symptomatic lumbar disc prolapse, received either transforaminal injection of Magnesium sulphate with steroids, Ozone with steroids, or steroids alone. Assessment of pain severity and functional disability were done before intervention, 2 weeks, 1, 3, and 6 months after intervention. Serum SOD and GSH were measured for all included patients before and 2 weeks after intervention. Results: There was a statistically significant improvement in pain intensity and functional disability 2 weeks after intervention in the three groups, but at 1-month and 3-months after intervention, the significant improvement was in Mg sulphate and Ozone groups only. At 6-months follow up, Mg sulphate group only showed a significant improvement. There was a statistically significant increase in SOD and GSH serum levels, 2-weeks after intervention in both Magnesium sulphate (P-value = 0.002, 0.005 respectively) and ozone groups (P-value < 0.001, < 0.001), but there was no statistically significant change in SOD and GSH serum levels in control group. Conclusion: Transforaminal injection of Mg sulphate in patients with lumbar disc prolapse causes significant long-term improvement (up to 6 months) in pain intensity and functional disability. The serum levels of SOD and GSH were significantly increased at 2 weeks following both transforaminal injection of Mg sulphate and ozone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The African Migratory Locust, Locusta migratoria migratorioides (Reiche & Fairmaire, 1849) (Orthoptera: Acrididae), is a major threat to agricultural crops and food security on a worldwide scale; hence, maintaining control over it is crucial. Photorhabdus luminescens bacteria can accomplish the efficient biocontrol agent criteria. As a result, the aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of the P. luminescens (EGAP3) strain and its cell-free filtrate against L. migratoria migratorioides, as well as to investigate changes in the activity of carbohydrates hydrolyzing enzymes, amylase, invertase, and trehalase in whole-body homogenates of the 5th nymphal instar under laboratory conditions and to investigate the histopathological changes in the midgut of the locust. Results: The virulence of entomopathogenic bacteria was determined at different densities of 4 × 107, 4 × 106, 4 × 105, and 4 × 104 colony-forming units (CFU)/ml at different exposure times as well as different concentrations of its cell-free filtrate, undiluted cell-free filtrate (100, 50, 25, and 12.5%). The results indicated that higher-density cell suspension up to 4 × 107 cells.ml−1 and undiluted cell-free filtrate (100%) were the most effective insecticidal fluids, reaching up to 76.7 and 80%, respectively, after 7 days. The estimated LC50 value was 2.7 × 106 cells.ml−1 for bacteria, and the estimated LC50 value for cell-free filtrate was the 2nd dilution (50%). Conclusions: The data clarified the toxicological and histopathological effects and carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzyme activities of the host insect L. migratoria migratorioides, following bacteria and cell-free filtrate infection; that provides an overview of the efficiency of bacteria and their cell-free filtrate on the host. In conclusion, P. luminescens (EGAP3) and its toxins can be an optimal option for bio-controlling of L. migratoria migratorioides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the main cause of death in calves, and early BRD diagnosis saves lives. This study aimed to diagnose clinical and subclinical BRD in calves by assessing some biochemical alterations and ultrasonography (USG). Materials and Methods: Fifty-four Holstein dairy calves in Al-Sharqiyah Province, Egypt, were used in the study. They were divided into three groups. The first control group consisted of 10 clinically healthy calves. The second group consisted of 34 calves suffering from clinical lower respiratory tract disorders. The third group consisted of 10 subclinical BRDaffected calves. Ultrasonographic examinations of chest and thoracic ultrasound scoring were performed once per 2 weeks for each calf. Blood samples were collected for serum separation to measure albumin (ALB), total protein (TP), ALB, globulin, and haptoglobin (HP). Results: The USG revealed small consolidation areas within an aerated lung lobe, a hypoechoic parenchyma of the entire distal lung lobe, and a hypoechoic-circumscribed structure surrounded by an echogenic wall appeared within the lung tissue in calves that suffered from lobular pneumonia, lobar pneumonia, and lung abscess, respectively. However, subclinical cases showed a small consolidation area in the cranial aspects of the right cranial lung lobe. The ultrasound lung score (ULS) was greater in clinical than in subclinical cases. The BRD-affected calves recorded significant increases in serum TP, globulin, and HP. Meanwhile, serum ALB decreased significantly. Conclusion: Thoracic ultrasound had a reliable tool in the BRD diagnosis, especially in the early prediction of subclinical cases in newborn calves. In addition, the ULS appeared to be a better classifier than the clinical respiratory score (CRS) for BRD diagnosis. On the other side, it was found that regression models were very useful in assessing the prediction of biochemical blood parameters based on the ULS and CRS in diseased cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The correlation between simultaneous observations of the atmospheric weather and geomagnetic field has been studied during the period 1999–2021. We found that there is a strong correlation between atmospheric weather and the geomagnetic field. This correlation is lower at the Earth's surface, due to the strong influence of the source of the magnetic field coming from the core of the Earth. In contrast, when we move towards the outer magnetosphere, the interaction between weather and the magnetic field strength is stronger. This indicates that the weather and external magnetic field could play an important role in the variations of the atmospheric weather parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical spectroscopy has a broad scientific basis in chemistry, physics, and material science, with diverse applications in medicine, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and environmental monitoring. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers and tunable laser spectrometers (TLS) are key devices for measuring optical spectra. Superior performance in terms of sensitivity, selectivity, accuracy, and resolution is required for applications in gas sensing. This review deals with gas measurement based on either direct optical absorption spectroscopy or photoacoustic spectroscopy. Both approaches are applicable to FTIR spectroscopy or TLS. In photoacoustic spectroscopy, cantilever‐based photoacoustic spectroscopy is focused due its high performance. A literature survey is conducted revealing the recent technological advances. Theoretical fundamental detection limits are derived for TLS and FTIR, considering both direct absorption and photoacoustic spectroscopies. A theoretical comparison reveals which technology performs better. The minimum normalized absorption coefficient and normalized noise equivalent absorption coefficient appear as key parameters for this comparison. For TLS‐based systems, direct absorption spectroscopy is found to be the best for lower laser power and longer path length. For FTIR‐based systems, direct absorption is found to be the best for low temperature sources, higher spectrometer throughput, faster mirror velocity, and longer gas cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]