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The electrocatalytic performance of VSe2 doped with nonmetals (NMs) was studied using density functional theory, in which NM atoms (C, N, O, P, S, F, Cl, Br, and I) replaced Se or V (denoted as NM@Se or NM@V). Notably, P@V and Br@V monolayers exhibit high catalytic hydrogen evolution reaction activity with the lowest ΔGH* = 0.08 eV and −0.03 eV, respectively, surpassing Pt (ΔGH* = −0.1 eV). By applying the scaling relationship of ΔGH* of H*, which is an intermediate for each volcano, the exchange current density diagrams are established. Based on thermodynamic analysis, P@V and Br@V monolayers produce exchange currents of about −1.42 and −0.70i0/(A cm−2), respectively. The oxygen evolution reaction activity of the I@Se monolayer (ηOER = 0.95 V) is the best among all the monolayers. Among the oxygen reduction reaction catalysts, the O@Se monolayer displays high activity with a low ηORR (0.82 V), which is even better than that of binary Pt and Pd alloys (0.9–0.87 V). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study experimentally and theoretically the dynamics of permanent paramagnetic chains and mixed clusters formed by permanent paramagnetic chains and paramagnetic particles under the influence of a time-varying magnetic field. First, we examine the dynamics of permanent chains at high frequencies (∼50 to 1000 Hz). These permanent chains exhibit continuous rotational motion with a frequency several orders of magnitude lower than that of the magnetic field. We develop a theoretical model that accurately describes the dependence of the rotational dynamics of chains on their length, as well as the amplitude and frequency of the external magnetic field in this high frequency regime. Next, we examine how cluster dynamics are affected by the presence of permanent chains. We show that the rotation of clusters composed of a high proportion of permanent chains is slowed down but remains qualitatively well described by the theoretical model we developed for homogeneous clusters of isotropic particles. We propose that the decrease in angular velocity for mixed clusters is due to the hardening of the cluster's 2D elastic modulus caused by the increase of the steric interaction parameter stemming from the presence of chemical links between particles in the chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work studies the influence of the adsorbed layer on the glass transition of thin films of polysulfone. Therefore, the growth kinetics of the irreversibly adsorbed layer of polysulfone on silicon substrates was first investigated using the solvent leaching approach, and the thickness of the remaining layer was measured with atomic force microscopy. Annealing conditions before leaching were varied in temperature and time (0–336 h). The growth kinetics showed three distinct regions: a pre-growth step where it was assumed that phenyl rings align parallel to the substrate at the shortest annealing times, a linear growth region, and a crossover from linear to logarithmic growth observed at higher temperatures for the longest annealing times. No signs of desorption were observed, pointing to the formation of a strongly adsorbed layer. Second, the glass transition of thin polysulfone films was studied in dependence on the film thickness using spectroscopic ellipsometry. Three annealing conditions were compared: two with only a tightly bound layer formed in the linear growth regime and one with both tightly bound and loosely adsorbed layers formed in the logarithmic growth regime. The onset thickness and increase in the glass transition temperature increases with annealing time and temperature. These differences were attributed to the distinct conformations of the formed adsorbed layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An IR–vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) ion-dip spectroscopy method is utilized to examine the IR spectrum of acetaldehyde oxide (CH3CHOO) in the overtone CH stretch (2νCH) spectral region. IR activation creates a depletion of the ground state population that reduces the VUV photoionization signal on the parent mass channel. IR activation of the more stable and populated syn-CH3CHOO conformer results in rapid unimolecular decay to OH + vinoxy products and makes the most significant contribution to the observed spectrum. The resultant IR–VUV ion-dip spectrum of CH3CHOO is similar to that obtained previously for syn-CH3CHOO using IR action spectroscopy with UV laser-induced fluorescence detection of OH products. The prominent IR features at 5984 and 6081 cm−1 are also observed using UV + VUV photoionization of OH products. Complementary theoretical calculations utilizing a general implementation of second-order vibrational perturbation theory provide new insights on the vibrational transitions that give rise to the experimental spectrum in the overtone CH stretch region. The introduction of physically motivated small shifts of the harmonic frequencies yields remarkably improved agreement between experiment and theory in the overtone CH stretch region. The prominent features are assigned as highly mixed states with contributions from two quanta of CH stretch and/or a combination of CH stretch with an overtone in mode 4. The generality of this approach is demonstrated by applying it to three different levels of electronic structure theory/basis sets, all of which provide spectra that are virtually indistinguishable despite showing large deviations prior to introducing the shifts to the harmonic frequencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analytical expressions for the cross-spectral density matrix elements of the partially coherent elegant Laguerre–Gaussian (eLG) vortex beam propagating through anisotropic turbulent plasma were derived based on the extended Huygens-Fresnel principle and used to study the changes in the polarization degree and the coherence degree of the partially coherent eLG vortex beam in the turbulent plasma. The numerical results show that the polarization degree of a partially coherent eLG vortex beam reaches a specific value (which is equal to the degree of polarization in the source plane) after a long propagation distance in the turbulent plasma. Moreover, this value is independent of the beam order, topological charge, correlation coefficient, wavelength of the source plane, anisotropy parameter, refractive index fluctuation variance, and outer and inner scales of the turbulent plasma. The results also show that with increasing distance, the coherence degree first decreases from unity and then oscillates around zero. However, this oscillation gradually disappears after traveling a long distance. Our results intuitively present the beam polarization and coherence properties through anisotropic hypersonic turbulence, which can be useful for optical communication in hypersonic turbulent environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactic acid fermentation (LAF) has recently been considered a promising strategy to store food waste (FW) prior to dark fermentation (DF), as it can stabilize organic matter with no negative impact on biohydrogen potential (BHP). However, concentrations can affect LAF and its subsequent impact on BHP is not known. This novel study evaluates the impact of storing FW by LAF at 1%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% total solids (TS), at 35 °C and 23 °C, subsequently converted to biohydrogen through DF. Storing FW in LAF at 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% TS has no impact on its BHP (88 ± 23 mL/gVS). Storing at 1% TS increases variability of metabolic pathways, with replicates undergoing butyric fermentation instead of LAF, resulting in 33 mL/gVS and 13 mL/gVS of BHP, compared to the total average of all conditions at 84 ± 25 mL/gVS. Microbial analysis shows Lactobacillus sp. and Weissella sp. as the main genera selected during storage. The concentrations affect the relative abundance of various remaining genera, such as Burkholderia-Paraburkholderia sp. at 20% TS and Lactococcus sp. at 1% TS. Except at low TS, LAF is a robust storage strategy of FW prior to DF, preserving its BHP without the need for conventional refrigeration. [Display omitted] • Lactic acid fermentation (LAF) was investigated as storage for food waste (FW). • FW stored in LAF was converted to biohydrogen through dark fermentation (DF). • FW stored in LAF produced an average of 84 ± 25 mL/gVS of hydrogen in subsequent DF. • Storage at 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% TS preserved biohydrogen potential (BHP) of FW. • Storage at 1% TS increased variability of metabolic pathways, resulting in BHP loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have recently been applied in various veterinary and medical fields, however, the toxicological evaluations of these NPs in dogs are lacking. Therefore, the current study is designed to assess the impact of exposure to daily subcutaneous (SC) injections of ZnO NPs at different concentrations on various organs of mongrel dogs. Nine dogs were randomly divided into three groups (n = 3 for each) as follows: group (1) served as the control group, whereas groups (2&3) received SC injections of 50 and 100 ppm ZnO NPs (8 and 16 μg/kg bwt), respectively, once/day for 7 days. Our results revealed that ZnO NPs disrupted the oxidant/antioxidant balance in the lungs, liver, and kidneys of dogs in a dose-dependent manner. ZnO NPs induced dose-dependent radiological, ultrasonographical, and histopathological alterations in various organs especially lungs, spleen, liver, and kidneys along with disturbance in both liver and kidney biomarkers levels. Most organs of both ZnO NPs receiving groups displayed strong caspase-3 protein expression. Additionally, it upregulates the transcriptase levels of TNF-α and VEGF, as well as downregulates the antiapoptotic gene IL-10 in lung, kidney, and liver tissue homogenates. It was concluded that the daily SC injections of dogs with ZnO NPs at concentrations of 50 and 100 ppm caused extensive oxidative stress damage in various organs which provoked serious pathological processes such as apoptosis and inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Surgical safety remains a critical global health concern, with complications from surgical procedures resulting in significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC) has been shown to reduce surgical complications and mortality rates. However, its implementation and impact in resource-limited settings like Somalia remain understudied. This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of the WHO SSC in selected hospitals in Mogadishu, Somalia, and assess its impact on surgical safety practices. Methods: A pre- and post-intervention study was conducted in 15 randomly selected hospitals in Mogadishu, Somalia. The intervention involved a comprehensive training program on the WHO SSC for surgical teams. Data on hospital characteristics, surgical details, and adherence to the SSC were collected over two periods: pre-intervention (April 12th to May 4th, 2024) and post-intervention (May 12th to June 3rd, 2024). The primary outcome was the adherence to the SSC, categorized as good (> 60%) or poor (≤ 60%). Descriptive statistics, McNemar's test, and binary logistic regression were used for data analysis. Results: Adherence to the WHO SSC significantly improved post-intervention, with 98.8% of surgical cases demonstrating good adherence compared to 37% pre-intervention (p < 0.001). The mean adherence score increased from 51.6% (SD = 29.6) to 94.1% (SD = 8.2). Significant improvements were observed for most individual checklist items, including patient identity confirmation, surgical site marking, anesthesia machine checks, and pulse oximeter use (p < 0.001). Team dynamics and communication also improved significantly post-intervention. Hospital type, size, years of service, funding source, surgical department, surgery type, urgency, and staff numbers were associated with checklist adherence pre-intervention. Conclusion: The implementation of a comprehensive training intervention significantly improved adherence to the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist in resource-limited hospitals in Mogadishu, Somalia. The findings highlight the feasibility and effectiveness of the SSC in enhancing surgical safety practices, team communication, and patient outcomes in challenging healthcare environments. Tailored implementation strategies, ongoing training, and cultural adaptation are crucial for the successful adoption of the SSC in resource-constrained settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B streptococcus, GBS) induces a serious infection that can harm not only aquatic life but also humans and other animals. In a fish farm in southern Egypt, Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) has developed an epidemic with clinical symptoms resembling piscine streptococcosis. Results: Initial microscopic inspection of the affected fish brain and kidney indicated the presence of Gram-positive cocci. S. agalactiae was effectively isolated and identified using nucleotide homology of the 16S rRNA and species-specific PCR. The partial 16S rRNA sequence was deposited in the GenBank database at the NCBI and given the accession number MW599202. Genotyping using RAPD analysis indicated that the isolates in the present study belonged to the same genotypes and had the same origin. The challenge test, via immersion (9.2 × 107, 9.2 × 106, and 9.2 × 105 CFU/ml for 1 h) or intraperitoneal injection (4.6 × 107, 4.6 × 106, and 4.6 × 105 CFU/fish), elicited clinical symptoms resembling those of naturally infected fish with a mortality rate as high as 80%. The ability to create a biofilm as one of the pathogen virulence factors was verified. Zinc oxide nanoparticles and the ethanolic leaf extracts of nine medicinal plants demonstrated considerable antibacterial activities against the tested S. agalactiae strain with low minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC). The ethanolic leaf extracts from Lantana camara and Aberia caffra showed potent antibacterial activity with MBC values of 0.24 and 0.485 mg/ml, and MIC values of 0.12 & 0.24 mg/ml, respectively. Conclusion: This study isolated S. agalactiae from O. niloticus mortalities in a fish farm in Assiut, Egypt. The pathogen persists in fish environments and can escape through biofilm formation, suggesting it cannot be easily eliminated. However, promising findings were obtained with in vitro control employing zinc oxide nanoparticles and medicinal plant extracts. Nevertheless further in vivo research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Royal jelly renowned for its robust nutritional, functional, and biological properties, is a pivotal product derived from honeybees. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the theory that in ovo injection of freeze‐dried royal jelly (FDRJ) solutions at varying concentrations can influence the hatchability, blood properties and hatching characteristics of day‐old chicks. A total of 480 eggs (54.81 ± 0.187 g) were allocated into four experimental groups: negative control (NC), without injection, positive control (PC), administered with regular saline, a low FDRJ dose group (9 mg/egg), and a high FDRJ dose group (18 mg/egg). The in ovo injections were administered on Day 18 of incubation, and the experiment was subsequently continued until the incubation period concluded at 21 days. Results revealed that the lower FDRJ dose (9 mg/egg) significantly improved hatchability percentages compared to other treatments. Conversely, the higher FDRJ dose (18 mg/egg) and control groups (NC and PC) resulted in significantly higher chick yield percentages than the lower FDRJ and PC groups. The NC group showed the supreme yolk sac (YS) percentage, whereas the yolk‐free body mass (YFBM) percentages displayed an inverse trend. Furthermore, the in ovo FDRJ injection did not affect haematological values or the relative organ weight of day‐old chicks. In conclusion, in ovo FDRJ injection demonstrated beneficial effects on hatchability and chick weight, as evidenced by the studied parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Periodic paralysis is a condition that causes recurrent episodes of flaccid paralysis, and it can be primary or secondary. Hypokalemic periodic paralysis is the most common type of primary periodic paralysis, and it is inherited through autosomal dominant gene transmission. Males are affected three times more often than females, and the paralysis attacks usually occur at night after a period of vigorous exercise. It is crucial to exclude other diagnostic entities based on the nature of presentation, physical examination, and paraclinical studies. Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis is more prevalent in Asian or Hispanic males with thyrotoxicosis, where up to 10% of thyrotoxic patients may experience periodic paralysis. Case Presentations: Here, we present 6 cases of patients who came to our care with varying degrees of muscle weakness, each showing interesting and diverse laboratory results. Conclusion: In patient assessment, it is crucial to consider social and family history. Even without this information, awareness of potential diagnoses is vital. The cause should be carefully considered for possible simple treatments. Failing to recognize and address this condition promptly could lead to severe outcomes. Timely identification and intervention are essential for effective disease management and patient welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work investigates the unsteady flow around triangular prisms with vertex angles of 30 ° , 45 ° , 60 ° , and 90 ° for shedding Reynolds number between 50 and 150. The numerical simulations of flow around triangular prisms at different vertex angles and Reynolds number has been carried out using the open-source code OpenFOAM. The wake of the prisms in different cases has been examined using instantaneous and time-averaged velocity and vorticity fields. The energy dynamics in the wake are demonstrated using enstrophy. The paper explains the shedding around a prism and reports the differences in the wake due to the different vertex angles of the prisms employed in the present work. Strouhal number and force coefficients have been obtained and compared for different prisms. The coefficient of lift and drag phase plot indicates a higher spread for prisms with larger vertex angles at higher Reynolds number. The shedding frequency has a linear variation with Reynolds numbers for the prisms. The obtained results were compared with earlier works on square cylinders and 45 ° oriented square cylinder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Radiology, endoscopy, and clinical evaluation are the three most used diagnostic modalities for adenoids. This research aimed to evaluate the most accurate method for assessment of adenoid hypertrophy (radiological versus endoscopic Assessment). Patients and methods: We carried out this cross-sectional study on 60 children with chronic adenoid hypertrophy recruited from the ENT outpatient clinic in Zagazig university hospital for management their problem. During the initial assessment, a diagnostic nasal endoscopy was conducted utilizing both rigid and flexible endoscopes.X-ray nasopharynx lateral view was done for all patients. Results: By X ray 30% of the cases were Grade I, 31.7% were Grade II, 18.3% were Grade III and 20 % were Grade IV. By endoscope 30% of the cases were Grade I, 31.7% were Grade II, 28.3 were Grade III and 10% were Grade IV. Statistically significant agreements were revealed between the clinical grading and X ray (p<0.001), the clinical grading and endoscope (p=0.003), X ray and endoscope (p<0.001). Statistically significant positive correlation was found between grading by clinical examination and both X ray and endoscope (p<0.001). The sensitivity of X ray in diagnosis of the adenoid obstruction was 83.3%, specificity was 94.4%, PPV 62.5%, NPV 98% and Accuracy was 93.33% in comparison to endoscope as gold standard. Conclusion: The X-ray alone can rule out adenoidal hypertrophy, but alone it could be insufficient for assessment of the degree of adenoidal obstruction. Endoscopy was found to be more reliable, convenient, correlate well with the volume of adenoid tissue and allow estimation of adenoidal hypertrophy with degree of obstruction. This study demonstrates that combining clinical grading with endoscopy and radiology is important for the evaluation of adenoid hypertrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tracheostomy patients commonly develop anxiety and depression. This study investigates the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral interventions in improving mental health and quality of life (QOL) in tracheostomy patients. The focus is on assessing the effectiveness of structured psychological support as part of holistic tracheostomy recovery protocols. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted at Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Iraq, in the second half of 2022, we included 100 tracheostomy patients. The sampling method was convenience sampling, and the study population comprised tracheostomy patients referred for treatment. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: an intervention group receiving tracheostomy education and cognitivebehavioral training (n = 50) and a control group receiving conventional care (n = 50). We used the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) to measure anxiety and depression, and the 36-ltem Short Form Survey (SF-36) to assess QOL. The Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, employing chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U-test. Results: This study showed significant improvements in anxiety and depression among tracheostomy patients receiving cognitive-behavioral interventions. Anxiety scores in the intervention group decreased from 23.66 ± 14.73 to 14.44 ± 10.36, while the control group saw negligible change. Depression scores similarly improved in the intervention group, dropping from 16.82 ± 9.31 to 12.30 ± 8.10, with the control group remaining stable. QOL, measured via the SF-36, also improved, with notable increases in physical health and mental health scores for the intervention group, affirming the effectiveness of the cognitive-behavioral approach in enhancing mental health outcomes for tracheostomy patients. Conclusion: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) coupled with tracheostomy self-care education demonstrated meaningful improvements in mental health and QOL compared to conventional care over a 6-month follow-up. These findings support integrating structured psychosocial guidance within holistic post-tracheostomy recovery protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel nickel-molybdenum carbide-graphite nanofiber composite is introduced as an electrocatalyst for ethanol electrooxidation. The proposed nanofibers have been prepared by calcinating electrospun nanofibers composed of nickel acetate tetrahydrate, molybdenum chloride, and polyvinyl alcohol. The calcination process was conducted at different temperatures (700, 850, and 1000°C) under a nitrogen gas atmosphere with a heating rate of 2.5 deg/min and a holding time of 5 h. Physicochemical characterizations have indicated that nickel acetate is entirely reduced to nickel metal during the sintering process, and molybdenum has bonded with carbon to produce molybdenum carbide. At the same time, the used polymer has been pyrolyzed to produce a carbon nanofiber matrix embedding formed inorganic nanoparticles. Electrochemical measurements concluded that molybdenum content and calcination temperature should be controlled to maximize the electrocatalytic activity of the proposed catalyst. Typically, the oxidation peak current density was 28.5, 28.8, 51.5, 128.3, 25.6, and 3 mA/cm2 for nanofibers prepared from an electrospun solution containing 0, 5, 10, 15, 25, and 35 wt% molybdenum carbide, respectively. Moreover, it was observed that increasing the calcination temperature distinctly improves the electrocatalytic activity. Kinetic studies have indicated that the reaction order is close to zero with a reaction temperature-dependent value. Moreover, it was detected that the electrooxidation reaction of ethanol over the proposed nanofiber composite follows the Arrhenius equation. The determined activation energy is 33 kJ/mol, which indicates good catalytic activity for the introduced nanofibers. Through the application of a set of visualization-based tools and the general linear model (GLM), the optimal conditions that generate the highest current density were identified. The computations unveiled that the optimal parameter settings are as follows: Mo content at 15 wt.%, methanol concentration of 1.55 M, and reaction temperature of 59°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) in legume crops is a crucial ecosystem service that enhances soil nitrogen and reduces the need for chemical fertilisers. This study evaluates the factors influencing the proportion of plant nitrogen derived from atmospheric fixation (Ndfa) in legume crops. We compiled a global dataset spanning from 1980 to 2018 and used the 15N method to assess the impacts of crop species, climatic conditions, stand composition and nitrogen fertilisation on Ndfa. The global meta‐analysis reveals that the percentage of nitrogen derived from atmospheric fixation (Ndfa) in legumes ranges from 5% to 99%, with an average of 68%. Fodder legumes exhibited higher Ndfa, averaging 75%, while grain legumes showed more variability, ranging from 38% to 85%, depending on species and climatic conditions. The significant variability in Ndfa underscores the complexity of the process, which is influenced by species‐specific traits, ecological conditions and competition in mixed stands. However, the current data is insufficient for precise Ndfa estimation in nitrogen balances and decision support tools. The study highlights the need for further research on the impact of nitrogen fertilisation and stand composition on Ndfa. These findings emphasise the potential of BNF to support sustainable agriculture by improving nitrogen availability and reducing dependence on synthetic fertilisers and particularly susceptibility to climate change challenges. To optimise the benefits of BNF, future research should focus on refining fertilisation regimes and exploring species‐specific responses to various ecological conditions. Exploring adaptive strategies, like selecting drought‐tolerant legumes and optimising irrigation, is essential. This will enhance the application of BNF in diverse agricultural systems, contributing to more sustainable and efficient farming practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paralimnini Distant, 1908, is a notable leafhopper tribe that exhibits a wide distribution across all biogeographical regions, namely the Palearctic, Nearctic, Afrotropical, Oriental, Neotropical, and Australian regions. Among these, the Oriental region demonstrates the highest diversity of Paralimnini, with a significant portion of this diversity remaining unexplored according to recent investigations. This study focuses on examining 10 species under seven genera of the Paralimnini leafhopper tribe found in Pakistan. A comprehensive morphological study is conducted, which includes the description of two new genera, Paralimnolus gen. nov. and Lalianlus gen. nov. , with P. bicolor sp. nov. and L. bifurcates sp. nov. within the tribe. The study meticulously describes and provides illustrations of all the taxa based on careful observations of specimens obtained from Pakistan. Additionally, the study furnishes an updated checklist and a key to facilitate the identification of known and new Pakistani genera belonging to the tribe Paralimnini. The present findings shed light on the diversity and distribution patterns of the Paralimnini tribe in Pakistan, particularly emphasizing the junction of the Oriental and Palearctic regions in the northern parts, as these parts of the country serve as a significant reservoir of undocumented species. The thorough documentation and available identification resources provided in this study serve as valuable references for future investigations and contribute to our knowledge of the leafhopper fauna in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cinnamaldehyde (CIN), a harmless bioactive chemical, is used in bio-based packaging films for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties. However, high amounts can change food flavor and odor. Thus, ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) as a supplementary antimicrobial agent are added to gelatin film with CIN. The CIN/ZnO interactions are the main topic of this investigation. FTIR-Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were utilized to investigate CIN/ZnO@gelatin films. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images revealed nanospheres morphology of ZnO NPs, with particle sizes ranging from 12 to 22 nm. ZnO NPs integration increased the overall activation energy of CIN/ZnO@gelatin by 11.94%. The incorporation of ZnO NPs into the CIN@gelatin film significantly reduced water vapour permeability (WVP) of the CIN/ZnO@gelatin film by 12.07% and the oxygen permeability (OP) by 86.86%. The water sorption isotherms of CIN/ZnO@gelatin were described using Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer (GAB) model. The incorporation of ZnO NPs into the CIN@gelatin film reduced monolayer moisture content (M0) by 35.79% and significantly decreased the solubility of CIN/ZnO@gelatin by 15.15%. The inclusion of ZnO into CIN@gelatin film significantly decreased tensile strength of CIN/ZnO@gelatin by 13.32% and Young's modulus by 18.33% and enhanced elongation at break by 11.27%. The incorporation of ZnO NPs into the CIN@gelatin film caused a significant decrease of antioxidant activity of CIN/ZnO@gelatin film by 9.09%. The most susceptible organisms to the CIN/ZnO@gelatin film included Candida albicans, Helicobacter pylori, and Micrococcus leutus. The inhibition zone produced by the CIN/ZnO@gelatin film versus Micrococcus leutus was 25.0 mm, which was comparable to the inhibition zone created by antibacterial gentamicin (23.33 mm) and cell viability assessment revealed that ZnO/CIN@gelatin (96.8 ± 0.1%) showed great performance as potent biocompatible active packaging material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In rivers, the addition of finer sediment to a coarser riverbed is known to increase the mobility of the coarser fraction. Two mechanisms have been suggested for this: a geometric mechanism whereby smaller sizes smooth the bed, increasing near-bed velocity and thus mobility of the larger sizes, and a viscous mechanism whereby a transitionally smooth turbulent boundary layer forms, rendering the coarser grains more mobile. Here, we report on experiments using two sediment mixtures to better understand these proposed mechanisms. In Mixture 1, we used 0.5 and 5 mm grains, and in Mixture 2, we used 2 and 20 mm grains. If the entrainment of coarse gravel by finer sediment is a purely geometric effect, then the addition of finer material should produce the same effect on the mobility of the coarser material for both mixtures because they have the same size ratio. We show that addition of finer material has a different effect on the two mixtures. We observed an increase in the mobility of the coarse fraction for both mixtures, but the increase in coarse fraction mobility for Mixture 1 was almost twice that for Mixture 2. Our experiments show that in addition to the geometric effect, enhancement of coarse gravel transport by finer sediment is also driven by a viscous effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new coprecipitation procedure was improved for preconcentration-separation and detection of trace propineb. In order to coprecipitate propineb, 8-hydroxyquinoline (8HQ) and copper (II) were used as a precipitating agent and a carrier element, respectively. Using the stoichiometric relationship with zinc, propineb was determined. The critical parameters on the quantitative recoveries of analyte such as pH, mass of precipitating agent, mass of carrier element, and sample volume were studied. The influences of the matrix components were also tested. The preconcentration factor was 80. The limit of detection (LOD), and the limit of quantification (LOQ) for propineb were 0.114 mg L−1 and 0.38 mg L−1, respectively. Copper(II)-8-hydroxyquinoline coprecipitation was applied to determine propineb in vegetable and fruit samples from Kayseri-Turkey with satisfactory results. Flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) was utilized for measurements of model and real sample solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractMethiocarb is a carbamate pesticide and is widely used due to its short lifetime but is a health concern due to its toxicity. To address this challenge, a novel nano-sorbent (zinc aluminate hybrid doped onto a magnetic activated carbon cloth (magnetic ACC@ZnAl2O4)) was synthesized. The characterization of the composite was done using FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, XRD, and EDX. The synthesized composite was then employed for the efficient extraction of methiocarb from food samples. Under the optimum conditions of (pH: 7.0, vortex time: 0.5 min, adsorbent dose: 5 mg, initial volume of sample: 50 mL, volume of eluent: 1.0 mL), quantitative recovery values of methiocarb in food samples were obtained (80–114%). This method impresses with its exceptional sensitivity, achieving incredibly low detection (LOD: 20 µg L−1) and quantification (LOQ: 67 µg L−1) limits for methiocarb. Its efficiency is equally impressive, with high values of preconcentration factor (PF: 50) and enhancement factor (EF: 49.4), ensuring accurate and reliable analysis with a low value of relative standard deviation (RSD: 4.8%). The method’s impressive selectivity, evident in its minimal interference from other pesticides, paves the way for reliable methiocarb analysis in food samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous traditional practices are both beneficial and harmful. Traditional harmful practices, such as female genital mutilation and traditional cervical cauterization, are carried out for a number of reasons but can have negative health and social effects. In addition to deeply held beliefs, a lack of knowledge and awareness of the consequences of these practices contributes to the persistence of these issues. The objective of this study is to examine whether traditional cervical cauterizations were associated with preterm births in Somalia. This prospective cohort study was conducted at our hospital over a one-year period. Seven hundred and two patients were included in this study; these patients were divided into two groups, cauterized and non-cauterized groups, and the two groups were compared on pregnancy outcomes. We examined whether traditional cervical cauterizations were associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm births. According to the findings of this study, traditional cervical cauterization was prevalent among patients visiting MSTREH (n = 328, 46.7%). Infections of the uterine cervix and infertility were the two main indications for cauterization, 44.8%, and 34.8%, respectively.Being older, uneducated, and poverty were significantly associated with traditional cauterization (P < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between prior traditional cervical cauterization and the risk of preterm births. Women with prior cauterization were two and half times more likely to deliver a preterm fetus (OR: 2.64, 95% CI 2.15–3.33) compared to non-cauterized mothers. Our findings show that women who have previously undergone traditional cervical cauterization have a significantly higher risk of preterm birth and negative pregnancy outcomes than non-cauterized women. Health professionals, particularly those who are close to the community, are crucial in developing and putting into practice plans to end harmful traditions in Somalia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of diabetes among Egyptians is rising. Therefore, there is always a demand for innovative natural medicines. Medicinal plants have long been a significant source in search of novel, effective alternatives for human therapy. Chamomile is one of the most widely used medicinal plants, which may help hyperglycemic patients by lowering blood sugar levels. Objectives: To determine how chamomile extract affects the kidneys when albino male rats with chronic diabetes are induced by streptozotocin (STZ). Methods: The study was conducted in the Al-Azhar Faculty of Medicine (Assiut) pharmacology department animal laboratory. For this investigation, a local strain of fifty adult male albino rats was used as the animal model and weighed 120 to 150 g. In this study, rats were divided into five groups, body weight, and systolic blood pressure was measured, and blood samples were collected for measuring blood glucose and insulin level, HbA1c, Na, K, and renal function tests, and histopathological examination was done. Results: After the study, mean glucose levels, HbA1c, urea, creatinine, K, and systolic blood pressure were significantly decreased in group IV & group V compared to group III. In contrast, body weight serum insulin level and Na increased dramatically in group IV & group V compared to group III. Conclusion: The serum levels of urea and creatinine in diabetic patients may be positively affected by chamomile. Additionally, short-term chamomile uses benefits diabetic individuals by decreasing loss of body weight, lowering HbA1c, and increasing insulin levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Many potential applications of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), which include diagnostics, antimicrobial agents, and cancer therapy, have made them a popular subject of study in recent years. Despite their importance and widespread use, they may cause environmental and human toxicity. Aim of the Work: To assess outcomes of different Ag NPs doses on adult female albino rat's lung and cardiac muscle histologically and immunohistochemically. Materials and Methods: 30 adult female albino rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: control (group I), group II received 30 mg/kg Ag NPs, and group III received 300 mg/kg. Groups II and III received Ag NPs orally daily for two weeks. Lung and cardiac muscle specimens were histologically and immunohistochemically processed. Studies employing morphometry and statistics were conducted as well. Results: Lung specimens from Ag NPs treated animals showed collapse of some alveoli, emphysematous dilatation to others and thickening of the interalveolar septa. Collagen fibers were deposited. Congested blood vessels, hemorrhage areas, and inflammatory cells were seen. Immunohistochemical results showed an increase in the cytoplasmic reaction for CD-68. Cardiac muscle specimens showed extravasated RBCs and congested blood vessels. Inflammatory cellular infiltration and vacuolation of cardiac muscle fibers were noticed. Cardiac muscle fibers exhibited interruption with wide spaces and deposition of collagen fibers between them. Cleaved caspase 3 optical density in cardiomyocytes increased significantly. Group III experienced all these changes to a greater degree than group II. Conclusion: The findings of the present study indicate that subjection to Ag NPs may cause cardiac and pulmonary histological and immunohistochemical alterations which may affect the function of these vital organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the urgent need for improved personal protective equipment (PPE). Green-synthesised silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius) extract offer a sustainable solution to enhance PPE effectiveness against infectious diseases. This eco-friendly approach utilises pandan's bioactive compounds to reduce silver ions into nanoparticles, providing a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical synthesis methods. The resulting AgNPs exhibit potent antimicrobial and antiviral properties, making them valuable for incorporation into PPE fabrics and coatings. Beyond antimicrobial benefits, pandan-derived AgNPs may impart natural fragrances and skin-soothing properties, enhancing user comfort. The green synthesis process reduces environmental impact and potential toxicity associated with conventional chemical methods. While challenges in scaling production, ensuring regulatory compliance, and assessing long-term health and environmental effects persist, pandan-derived AgNPs-coated PPE represents an innovative approach to infection prevention. This technology has the potential to significantly improve safety measures in healthcare and other high-risk environments while promoting sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Macular amyloidosis (MA) could be of cosmetic concern with a significant psychological impact for patients, and its treatment is challenging. Aim of the work: To compare the efficacy and safety of combined fractional CO2 laser with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) 50% versus fractional CO2 laser alone in the treatment of macular amyloidosis. Patients and methods: Twenty patients with macular amyloidosis were treated with monthly session of fractional CO2 laser only in one side of the lesion (area A), and fractional laser followed by application of DMSO 50% solution in the other side of the lesion (area B). All patients were evaluated clinically, by dermoscope and histopathology before and 3 months after the end of 4 treatment sessions. Results: Both treatments showed significant decrease of pigmentation after treatment (p < 0.001). There was non-significant decrease in rippling on both sides (p = 0.06). The median itching score dropped significantly after treatment from 9 to 3.5 in area A (laser only) and to 2 in area B (laser and DMSO), with non-significant difference between both areas (P = 0.244). Dermoscopic features after treatment showed fading and decreasing in multiple features in both areas A and B, with non-significant difference between the 2 areas. Histopathologically, there was significant reduction in the amyloid deposition after treatment in both areas A and B without significant difference between both areas. Conclusion: both fractional CO2 laser combined with topical DMSO 50% and fractional CO2 laser alone are safe and effective treatment options for MA with significant clinical improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owning pets offers various potential health benefits; however, it can be associated with gastrointestinal illnesses due to poor food safety knowledge and practices. This study aimed to evaluate the level of food safety knowledge and practices among pet owners in Lebanon, exploring the association between their knowledge/practices and socio-demographic characteristics. The participants included 300 pet owners, representing various genders, ages, educational levels, educational backgrounds, and incomes. They completed a questionnaire of 72 food handling practices and knowledge questions related to preparation, cross-contamination, storage and hygiene. In parallel, 300 non-pet owners with comparable sociodemographic characteristics to pet owners (control group) completed the questionnaire. On average, food safety knowledge scores were 62.1 ± 14.9% and 58.7 ± 15.5% among pet and non-pet owners, respectively, and the difference was significant (p = 0.05). On the other hand, mean food safety practice scores were 41.3 ± 14.8% and 40.4 ± 15.3% among pet and non-pet owners, respectively, and the difference was not significant (p = 0.41). In the food safety knowledge part, non-pet owners who were young, high income, university graduate, and from health-related majors scored significantly (p < 0.05) higher, while among pet-owners, only participants with a university degree and from health-related majors scored significantly (p < 0.05) higher, in terms of knowledge. On the other hand, In the food safety practices part, non-pet owners who were young, high income, and university graduates scored significantly (p < 0.05) higher, while among pet-owners, only young and high-income participants scored significantly (p < 0.05) higher. These results highlight the need for ongoing educational initiatives to improve food safety practices among both pet owners in Lebanon. The study suggests that targeted educational programs should be developed, considering specific socio-demographic characteristics, to enhance overall food safety awareness and practices among the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urine amylase levels are usually used to diagnose acute pancreatitis. However, there are reported cases where urine amylase levels are slightly increased in individuals without pancreatitis. Herein, we report the case of a young lady who presented with acute abdominal pain for 3 days. Her urine amylase level was 1717 U/L upon admission, and her condition was initially treated as acute pancreatitis. Unfortunately, the patient demonstrated abdominal guarding after 24 h; thus, urgent computed tomography (CT) was performed. CT revealed the presence of a dilated small bowel. She underwent emergency laparotomy, wherein a gangrenous small bowel with no evidence of saponification at the lesser sac was noted. Due to the non-specific nature of hyperamylasaemia, an alternative diagnosis other than acute pancreatitis should be considered if the clinical symptoms are not suggestive of pancreatitis or the condition worsens despite conservative management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Advances in molecular imaging strategies have had an effect on precise diagnosis and treatment. Research has been intensified to develop more effective and versatile radiopharmaceuticals to uplift diagnostic efficiency and, consequently, the treatment. Purpose: To label the flutamide (FLUT) coupled with diethylenetriamine pentaacetate (DTPA) with technetium-99 m (99mTc) and to evaluate its binding efficiency with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) cancer cells. Material and methods: Radiolabeling of FLUT with 185 MBq freshly eluted 99mTcO4−1 was carried out via DTPA bifunctional chelating agent using stannous chloride reducing agent at pH 5. The labeled compound was assessed for its purity using chromatography analysis, stability in saline and blood serum, AND charge using paper electrophoresis. Normal biodistribution was studied using a mouse model, while binding affinity with RMS cancer cells was studied using an internalization assay. The in vivo accumulation of RMS cancer cells in a rabbit model was monitored using a SPECT gamma camera. Results: Radiolabeling reaction displayed a pharmaceutical yield of 97% and a stability assay showed >95% intact radiopharmaceutical up to 6 h in saline and blood serum. In vitro internalization studies showed the potential of [99mTc]DTPA-FLUT to enter into cancer cells. This biodistribution study showed rapid blood clearance and minimum uptake by body organs, and scintigraphy displayed the [99mTc]DTPA-FLUT uptake by lesion, induced by RMS cancer cell lines in rabbit. Conclusion: Stable, newly developed [99mTc]DTPA-FLUT seeks its way to internalize into RMS cancer cells, indicating it could be a potential candidate for the diagnosis of RMS cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the relative abundance of mosquitoes larvae in three different breeding habitats in seven districts of Beni-Suef Governorate, Egypt during two years (2019–2020). The results showed that the species composition of mosquitoes was represented by four genera and eight species; four of Culex (Cx. pipiens Linnaeus,1758, Cx. theileri Theobald,1903, Cx. perexiguus Theobald, 1903 and Cx. antennatus (Becker,1903)), two of Anopheles (An. coustani Laveran, 1900 and An. multicolor Cambouliu, 1902) and one each of Aedes and Culiseta (Ae. caspius (Pallas, 1771) and Cs. longiareolata (Macquart, 1838)). The results were demonstrated also, that Cx. pipiens (4934 larvae) was the most common species, followed by Cx. perexiguus (2991 larvae) in all breeding habitats. Particularly, this species distributed in drains more than irrigation tanks and agriculture canals, the other species of Anopheles and Aedes were very little or absence in all test breeding habitats. The densities of almost mosquitoes species with higher collections were found in Saft, Elfant and El-Maimun villages and rate of collection decreased in Tizmant and Bedahl. These information on the species composition and their abundance of mosquitoes in Beni-Suef may help better planning for the integrated pest management for these vectors and transmitted diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large-scale laboratory model is constructed to simulate a karst aquifer. Three groups of experiments are conducted to study the matrix-conduit exchange and how head difference, conduit size, and matrix/conduit gradients affect it. The findings can be summarized as follows; (1) In experiments with higher matrix head, a counterintuitive head inversion, where conduit head becomes higher than matrix head, occurs when the matrix-conduit head difference is small (less than 9.3 cm and 11.5 cm for the 1-inch and 2-inch conduits, respectively); (2) Flow exchange is positively related to rescaled head difference (RSHD), a parameter combining the effect of matrix and conduit gradients and the matrix-conduit head difference; (3) When the conduit has the higher head, the flow exchange is on average 2.8 times higher than when the matrix has the higher head; (4) Doubling the conduit size doubled the flow exchange and increased the length of the head inversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This comprehensive review examined the intricate relationship between climate change and rye (Secale cereale L.) production, focusing on the multifaceted challenges and opportunities posed by changing environmental conditions. Rye is a versatile cereal crop cultivated in temperate regions and is known for its resilience and adaptability to adverse growing conditions. However, as global temperatures and atmospheric CO2 concentrations rise, the effects of climate change on rye growth, yield and grain quality become increasingly apparent. In this review, we summarised the recent research findings on various aspects of rye production and quality under climate change, focusing on factors such as temperature (e.g., increasing temperature) resilience, and viability of rye production in the face of ongoing climate challenges, altered rainfall patterns (changing rainfall distributions with decreasing rainfall in the spring and early summer months as well as heavy rainfall events), biotic stress, agronomic practices and greenhouse gas emissions. Exploring the dynamic interplay among climate change, soil quality, biotic stressors and plant–microbe interactions reveals insights into the response of rye to environmental changes. These interactions shape the complex dynamics that influence the adaptation of rye to evolving environmental conditions. Implications for food security, agricultural sustainability and future research directions are also discussed, highlighting the urgent need for adaptive strategies to ensure the resilience and viability of rye production in the face of ongoing climate challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peste des petits ruminants (PPRV), a highly contagious viral disease, causes significant economic losses concerning sheep and goats. Recently, PPR viruses (PPRVs), have adopted new hosts and lineage IV of PPRVs represents genetic diversity within the same lineage. 350 samples, including blood, swabs, and tissues from sheep/goats, were collected during the 2020–2021 disease outbreaks in Pakistan. These samples were analysed through RT-PCR and three isolates of PPRV with accession numbers, MW600920, MW600921, and MW600922, were submitted to GenBank, based on the partial N-gene sequencing. This analysis provides a better understanding of genetic characterizations and a targeted RT-PCR approach for rapid PPRV diagnosis. An IELISA test was developed using the semi-purified antigen MW600922 isolate grown in Vero cells. The PPRV isolates currently present high divergence with the Turkish strain; conversely, similarities equivalent to 99.73% were observed for isolates collected from Pakistan. The developed indirect ELISA (IELISA) test demonstrated antibody detection rates at dilutions of 1:200 for antibodies (serum) and 1:32 for antigens. In comparison to cELISA, high specificity (85.23%) and sensitivity (90.60%) rates were observed. In contrast to the virus neutralization test (VNT), IELISA was observed to be 100% specific and 82.14% sensitive in its results. Based on these results, serological surveys conducted for PPR antibodies using IELISA can be a more effective strategy on a larger scale. Furthermore, our results demonstrate a significant breakthrough in the research in terms of cost-effectiveness and storage efficiency, and the developed IELISA test is highly recommended for use in developing countries. Summary: Peste des petits ruminants (PPRV) is a transboundary, highly contagious, and economically significant viral disease affecting small ruminants and wildlife. PPRV, a disease that only targets animals, is the focus of the Global Eradication Programme (PPRV GEP), which aims to eradicate the disease by 2030. Following the completion of the first phase of the GEP (2017–2021), Pakistan has initiated the second phase: PPRV presence and the implementation of a control strategy. Rapid and accurate laboratory diagnosis is vital to the disease's effective control and eradication. In the present study, we have improved diagnosis by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), which not only can detect low viral concentrations but also contributes to the genetic analysis of lineage-IV viruses. However, the development of cost-effective indirect ELISA (iELISA) may allow for the analysis of serum samples obtained from larger populations of small ruminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is an important sign that gives clues about the ovarian reserve; it is mostly made by the granulosa cells of ovarian follicles. AMH plays a crucial role in the complicated process of folliculogenesis, controlling the "recruitment" of primordial follicles, regulating growth and atresia in primary and secondary follicles, and suppressing the excessive growth of ovarian follicles. Purpose: To ascertain the effect of laparoscopic surgery on AMH levels in patients with ovarian endometrioma. Materials and methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed. Searches of the PubMed, Medline, Scopus, and Embase databases were conducted by two independent reviewers. The search strategy identified relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies from 2000 to 2023. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. The study's primary outcome was the change in AMH levels from baseline to 12 months after laparoscopic surgery for endometrioma. We used a random effects model to estimate pooled means. Findings: The results from the six included RCTs studies involving a total of 681 patients were pooled. The meta-analysis revealed that patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery experienced an overall decline in AMH levels in the 12-month time frame post-surgery, with a mean difference of - 1.41ng/mL (95% CI = - 2.04 to - 0.78, P < 0.0001, I2 = 93%). Conclusion: Laparoscopic surgery on ovarian endometriomas may adversely affect ovarian reserve. Notably, a decline in AMH levels has been observed 12 months post-surgery, indicating potential long-term effects on ovarian function. Therefore, a cautious approach is recommended when considering laparoscopic surgery, emphasizing the importance of monitoring ovarian reserve in the postoperative period to mitigate any adverse outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The most significant accidental head injury complication is extradural hematoma (EDH), requiring to be diagnosed immediately and treated either conservative or surgically. Objective: The current study intended to assess the effectiveness, prognosis, and results of conservative EDH management. Patients and methods: This prospective study included 30 patients with EDH who were admitted to Zagazig University Hospitals. The conservative management was performed, only four of the 26 cases that underwent conservative care of EDH during follow-up required surgical intervention. Results: Patients with Glasgow coma scale score (GCS) 13/15 were 2 cases (6.7%), both cases went for delayed surgical intervention due to increase size of hematoma to surgical volume and deterioration of conscious level. Patients with GCS 14/15 were 7 cases (23.3%); 2 cases went for delayed surgical intervention due to deterioration and the other 5 cases completed their conservative management. Patients with GCS 15/15 were 21 cases (70%). All cases who went for surgical intervention at time when they deteriorate, had improvement for their GCS to be 15/15 with in the first 6 hours postoperatively. Conclusion: Patients who meet the criteria (volume<30 mm, thickness 9) may benefit from conservative surgical therapy of their EDH. Successful outcomes are produced by the conservative management, and the advantages of the conservative management of EDH have increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of photodetectors for ZnO nanostructure films on various substrates, including p-type (100) silicon (Si), and porous silicon (pSi), has been achieved through the utilization of a straightforward technique known as the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method. To analyze the optical properties, surface morphology, and crystal structure of the ZnO layers, UV-Vis spectrometers, field emission scanning electron microscopes (FESEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were employed. The characterization of the ZnO samples revealed that the number of SILAR cycles has a significant impact on the morphology and optical band gap of the synthesized layer. The Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum successfully detected the distinctive extended vibration mode of ZnO. By conducting 20 cycles, high-quality hexagonal ZnO was obtained. The responsivity of the planar ZnO on silicon (ZnO/Si) and ZnO on the porous silicon (ZnO/pSi) surface exhibited variations depending on the substrate surface and bias voltage. The results indicated that the (ZnO/pSi) heterojunction demonstrated a high response in the visible range (350–850 nm) at a low bias voltage. On the other hand, the (ZnO/Si) photodetector displayed a high sensitivity of 666.66% at a low voltage of 1V in comparison to the (ZnO/pSi) photodetector, which exhibited a sensitivity of 483%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) epidemiology has changed rapidly in recent years. We aimed to provide a systematic report of the burden of IBD at a state level in the United States (US), and to study the age- and sex-specific trends of incidence, prevalence and mortality rates for the past 3 decades. Methods Using the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 Study Database, we examined the incidence, prevalence and mortality rate, and the disability-adjusted life-years from GBD 2019 at national and state level from 1990-2019. Results There was an overall decrease in incidence and prevalence rates of IBD in the US from 1990-2019, while a simultaneous increase in the overall mortality rates was identified. However, a distinct trend of increasing incidence and prevalence rates emerged starting in 2000, with incidence rates rising from 21 cases per 100,000 persons in 2000 to 23 cases per 100,000 persons in 2019. From 1990-2019, incidence and prevalence decreased in males at a higher rate than in females. However, mortality rates increased more in females than males. Incidence rates were highest in Midwestern and Eastern states, and were lowest across the northern Great Plains and Western states, with the highest incidence noted in Michigan (31 cases per 100,000 persons). California had the greatest decrease in incidence rates from 1990-2019 (-63.3%). Conclusion Our Results concerning recent trends and geographic variations in IBD offer policymakers crucial insights for informed decision-making in policy, research, and investment, facilitating more effective strategies and allocation of resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study is to determine the 5‐year changes in macular thickness and related factors. Methods: Data were from the second (2014) and third (2019) phases of the Shahroud Eye Cohort Study. Examinations included measurement of uncorrected and best‐corrected visual acuity, non‐cycloplegic autorefraction, slit‐lamp biomicroscopy, and funduscopy. Participants underwent Cirrus HD‐OCT 4000 (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA). imaging. Results: The 5‐year changes (95% confidence interval) of central and overall macular thicknesses were − 3.48 ± 8.16 μ (−3.92, −3.03) and − 0.79 ± 4.06 μ (−1.03, −0.54), respectively. The median and IQR of 5‐year changes in the central subfield thickness were −3 and 10, although they were 0 and 5 in the overall macular thickness, respectively. Multiple regression model showed the central macular thickness (CMT) decreased with a U‐shape pattern with increasing age. The 5‐year changes in CMT were significantly lower in females compared to males β = −1.55; (−2.78, −0.32) and in smokers compared to non‐smokers β = −1.92; (−3.55, −0.28). Moreover, higher body mass index β = −0.12; (−0.22, −0.02) and CMT at baseline β = −0.08; (−0.10, −0.06) were significantly associated with lower CMT changes. The average 5‐year changes in overall macular thickness showed a non‐linear decrease with age and was significantly higher in females β = 0.93; (0.4, 1.43). These changes were directly related to the anterior chamber depth β = 0.87; (0.10, 1.64) in the baseline. Conclusions: The macular thickness decreased slightly after 5 years; however, this change is not clinically significant. Demographic factors such as age and sex and refractive errors were significantly related to macular thickness changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ensuring resilience through rapid buildings recovery in seismic zones has been placed at the forefront of recent studies. However, studies that compare the relative resilience of buildings constructed with different materials are lacking. This paper focuses on a comparative resilience analysis of concrete moment frames where beam-column connections are made with varying types of concrete mixtures. The connections are made with normal strength concrete (NSC), rubberized concrete (RbC), steel fiber rubberized concrete (STFRC), synthetic fiber rubberized concrete (SYFRC), and high strength concrete (HSC). Nonlinear static pushover and incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) are utilized to understand system response and the level of damage sustained following an earthquake. Subsequently, seismic fragility functions are constructed for the five considered frame types. The frames are subjected to different seismic scenarios, and the corresponding losses, recovery time, and resilience are quantified. A comparison between the five frame types is carried out to examine the optimal concrete mixture to be used to reduce damage probabilities, total direct losses, and recovery time and subsequently enhance resilience. The results show that rubberized concrete strengthened with steel and synthetic fibers can reduce economic losses by up to 19% and increase building resilience by up to 37% compared with the frames constructed with normal strength concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial intelligence (AI) is intervening in the media industry and revolutionizing the concept of news anchoring and reporting through AI characters. Discover Pakistan, a Pakistani mainstream TV channel, launched the first AI talk show, as claimed by the CEO of the channel, Mr. Qaisar. It showcased one AI clone of Mr. Qaisar himself with three other AI characters of different nationalities. This research intends to discourse on the semiotics of representation of nationality, religious connotations, gender implications, and political evaluation of AI characters portrayed in the program. The study incorporated representation theory to highlight the value and the meaning of reality through the optics of AI and its implications in the future of the media industry. Results denoted that there are generalized judgments about religious association, political disinformation, virtual nationalism, and the prevalent idea of surrendering before AI. This study further highlights the importance of AI in promoting culture through tourism and emphasizes the need to utilize AI for more beneficiary purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Camels are bred for their milk, meat, wool and hair, transportation, and their excrement as fuel. The seasonal reproduction of camel bull is accompanied by changes in sexual activity, the morphology, and function of the testes. This study aimed to evaluate the seasonal fluctuations in serum testosterone (T) levels as well as total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the testes of dromedary bulls (Camelus dromedarius) during the rutting and non-rutting seasons. Moreover, the impact of rutting season on the testicular size and histomorphology was also observed. Seventy mature dromedary bulls were divided into a rutting group (n = 35) and a non-rutting group (n = 35). From these bulls, blood samples and testes were collected during the rutting season (October to April) and non-rutting season (May to September) from a local slaughterhouse. Results: All parameters changed significantly during rutting and non-rutting periods in camel bulls. The levels of TAC in testes, and serum T were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the rutting group than in the non-rutting group. However, testicular MDA was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the rutting group than in the non-rutting group. TAC was negatively correlated with MDA (r = -0.59, p < 0.01). Moreover, in the rutting group and the non-rutting group, T was positively correlated with levels of TAC (r = 0.66, p < 0.0003). Additionally, testicular size (length, breadth, and thickness) was significantly greater in camels during the rutting season than in camels during the non-rutting season. Moreover, the number and diameter of seminiferous tubules, and spermatogenesis increased during the rutting season, whereas, the collagen content and apoptosis increased during the non-rutting season. Conclusion: This study revealed that the rutting normal breeding season (NBS, rutting group) was associated with higher levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), T, and spermatogenic activity while the collagen content, concentrations of MDA (the oxidative stress factor) and apoptosis (an outcome of oxidative stress) were lower than those in the low breeding season (LBS, non-rutting group). In addition, the testicular size and seminiferous tubule diameter and number were higher during the NBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Fewer than one-fifth of all studies on gender-affirming care originate from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This is the first systematic review to examine surgical demographics and outcomes following gender-affirming surgery (GAS) in LMICs. Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, five databases were systematically searched for original studies and case series on GAS within LMIC settings. Excluded reports included animal studies, non-English language studies, secondary studies including reviews, individual case reports and conference abstracts. Results: This review includes 34 studies involving n = 5064 TGNB individuals. Most studies (22, 64.7%) were from upper-middle-income countries, followed by lower-middle-income countries (12, 35.3%). A total of 31 studies (91.2%) reported on post-operative outcomes. Of n = 5013 patients who underwent GAS, 71.5% (n = 3584) underwent masculinizing and 29.5% (n = 1480) underwent feminizing procedures. The predominant procedures were metoidioplasty (n = 2270/3584, 63.3%) and vaginoplasty (n = 1103/1480, 74.5%). Mean follow-up was 47.7 months. In patients who underwent metoidioplasty, 6.8% (n = 155) of patients experienced a complication and 6.3% (n = 144) underwent revision surgery. In patients who underwent vaginoplasty, 11.5% (n = 127) of patients experienced a complication and 8.5% (n = 94) underwent revision surgery. Of the studies (25/34, 73.5%) that reported on quality of life and post-operative satisfaction, the majority showed marked improvements in psychosocial and functional outcomes. Notably, no post-surgical regret was reported among the surveyed patients. Conclusions: Existing literature on GAS in LMICs remains scarce and is concentrated in select institutions that drive specific procedures. Our review highlights the low reported volumes of GAS, variability in surgical outcomes and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Persistent symptoms in hypothyroid patients despite normalized TSH levels suggest the need for alternative treatments. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of combined T4 and T3 therapy or desiccated thyroid (DTE) compared to T4 monotherapy, with a focus on thyroid profile, lipid profile, and quality of life metrics. Methods: We conducted a systematic review in Embase, Medline/PubMed, and Web of Science up to 11/23/2023. We used the following keywords: “Armour Thyroid,” OR “Thyroid extract,” OR “Natural desiccated thyroid,” OR “Nature-Throid,” “desiccated thyroid,” OR “np thyroid,” OR “Synthroid,” OR “levothyroxine,” OR “Liothyronine,” “Cytomel,” OR “Thyroid USP,” OR “Unithroid.” AND “hypothyroidism. “ We only included RCTs and excluded non-RCT, case–control studies, and non-English articles. Results: From 6,394 identified records, 16 studies qualified after screening and eligibility checks. We included two studies on desiccated thyroid and 15 studies on combined therapy. In this meta-analysis, combination therapy with T4 + T3 revealed significantly lower Free T4 levels (mean difference (MD): -0.34; 95% CI: -0.47, -0.20), Total T4 levels (mean difference: -2.20; 95% CI: -3.03, -1.37), and GHQ-28 scores (MD: -2.89; 95% CI: -3.16, -2.63), compared to T4 monotherapy. Total T3 levels were significantly higher in combined therapy (MD: 29.82; 95% CI: 22.40, 37.25). The analyses demonstrated moderate to high heterogeneity. There was no significant difference in Heart Rate, SHBG, TSH, Lipid profile, TSQ-36, and BDI Score. Subjects on DTE had significantly higher serum Total T3 levels (MD: 50.90; 95% CI: 42.39, 59.42) and significantly lower serum Total T4 (MD: -3.11; 95% CI: -3.64, -2.58) and Free T4 levels (MD: -0.50; 95% CI: -0.57, -0.43) compared to T4 monotherapy. Moreover, DTE treatment showed modestly higher TSH levels (MD: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.17, 0.80). The analyses indicated low heterogeneity. There was no significant difference in Heart Rate, SHBG, Lipid profile, TSQ-36, GHQ-28, and BDI Score. Conclusions: Our study revealed that combined therapy and DTE lead to higher T3 and lower T4 levels, compared to T4 monotherapy in hypothyroidism. However, no significant effects on heart rate, lipid profile, or quality of life were noted. Given the heterogeneity of results, personalized treatment approaches are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the accuracy of modern intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulas with that of older formulas, such as SRK/T and Hoffer Q, in pediatric cataract surgery. Methods: This retrospective study included 100 eyes of 100 children who underwent routine cataract surgery with primary IOL implantation in a bag. This study used four IOLMaster 700 integrated formulas: SRK/T, Hoffer Q, Haigis, and Barrett Universal II (BUII). In addition, the following formulas were used: EVO 2.0, Hill RBF 3.0, Hoffer QST, Kane, and PEARL DGS, which are available online. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between SRK/T and most other formulas, except for Hoffer Q, Hoffer QST, and BUII (p < 0.05). SRK/T yielded the lowest median absolute error (MedAE) of 0.63 D. This was followed by the BUII (0.66 D), Hoffer Q, and Hoffer QST (0.68 D). SRK/T also yielded the highest percentage of cases within ± 0.50 D (43% of the cases). For patients aged 2 to 5 years, SRK/T formula yielded statistically significantly better results than all other included formulas (p < 0.05) with MedAE = 0.44 D, 58.33% and 87.50% of the cases were within ± 0.50 D and ± 1.0 D of intended refraction, respectively. Conclusion: The SRK/T formula showed the best IOL power calculation results in pediatric cataract surgery, followed by BUII, Hoffer Q, and Hoffer QST. In children aged 2– 5 years, the SRK/T formula outperformed all other formulas, followed by the BUII and Hoffer QST formulas. In children older than 5 years, there was no statistically significant difference between the different formulas (p > 0.05); Hoffer Q and SRK/T showed slightly better MedAE in this age group (5– 10 years). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, face biometrics recognition systems are a wide space of a computer usage which is mostly employed for security purpose. The main purpose of the face biometrics recognition system is to authenticate a user from a given database. Due to the widespread expansion of the surveillance cameras and facial recognition technology, a robust face recognition system required. The recognition system needs to store a large number of training samples in any storage unit, that time hackers can access and control that data. So, Protecting and managing sensitive data is essential object. This requires a technique that preserve the privacy of individuals, maintain data integrity, and prevent information leakage. The storage of biometric templates on centralized servers has been associated with potential privacy risks. To address this issue, we have developed and implemented a proof-of-concept facial biometric identification system that uses a private Blockchain platform and smart contract technology. So, the proposed approach is presented a secure and tamper-proof from data breaches as well as hacks with data availability, by using the Blockchain platform to store face images. This paper aims to utilize Blockchain technology to identify individuals based on their biometric traits, specifically facial recognition system makes it tamper-proof (immutable) ensuring security. The system consists of enrolment and authentication phases. Blockchain technology uses peer-to-peer communication, cryptography, consensus processes, and smart contracts to ensure the security. The proposed approach was tested on two popular datasets: CelebFaces Attributes (CelebA) and large-scale face UTKFace datasets. The experimental results indicate that the system yields highly performance outcomes, as evidenced by the Equal Error Rate (EER) values of 0.05% and 0.07% obtained for the CelebA and UTKFace datasets, respectively. The system was compared to three baseline methods and scored the lowest Equal Error Rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Al- Dalmaj area is a large water body in Iraq in the Afak district, which feeds from the general downstream between the Tigris and the Euphrates. The present study focused mainly on the changes detection in Al-Dalmaj area through analysis of the Landsat images for four selected years (2000, 2002, 2013 and 2017) to determine the changes in marsh waters, wetlands area, drylands areas and other land classes, The Landsat images of Al-Dalmaj area were analysed with the scene that includes the water surface and the area surrounded by the fixed geographical boundaries. The combination of remote sensing and GIS techniques have been found to be successful and effective in monitoring the spatial and temporal changes in land cover. These changes in the land cover of Al-Dalmaj area were detected using various analyses, including Normalised Difference Vegetation (NDVI), the Normalised Difference Water Index (NDWI), the Salinity Index(SI), and the Salinity ratio using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) programs v.10, using ERDAS Imagine v. 9.2 and spectral index techniques were used in this study to determine the land changes, to analyse Landsat images for the years (2000,2002,2013 and 2017). From the application of the equations of evidence referred to, it was found that the salinity (%) increased in the study area. 2002 represents the most extreme stage of the lack of natural conditions in Al- Dalmaj area. It was concluded that the water change was 83.8% for 2002 as 2000 as a reference. As for the natural vegetation, the percentage of change was 84.5% for the same year. The results showed that the percentage change in salinity was 127.5%, a high percentage compared to the rest of the study years. The bulk density values range between (0.70 - 0.89) Mg/m³. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Menopause represents a pivotal developmental juncture in a woman's life, characterized by a spectrum of physiological alterations and the potential emergence of depressive symptomatology. The manifestation of anxiety and depression during the menopausal phase is intricate and influenced by a confluence of biological, social, and psychological determinants. This study aims to assess depression and anxiety among menopausal women while elucidating their associations with various sociodemographic attributes. A cross-sectional study was executed at the Ali Kamal Consultation Center, encompassing 126 menopausal women. Data compilation utilized a structured questionnaire encompassing sections on sociodemographic particulars, menopausal symptoms, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Statistical analysis employing SPSS version 25 encompassed frequency and percentage along with Chi-square tests. A substantial proportion of women (72.5%) reported prevalent anxiety, with a noteworthy 74.2% exhibiting discernible signs of depression. Sociodemographic determinants, including age and age at marriage, body mass index, and marital status, exhibited robust associations with anxiety and depression. The prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms in menopausal women underscores the imperative for targeted interventions. Sociodemographic variables emerged as pivotal determinants influencing the likelihood of developing these psychological symptoms. Notably, occupation and place of residence exhibited no statistically significant correlations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]