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Coccidiosis is an intestinal protozoan disease that affects the poultry industry worldwide. The severity of this disease varies depending on the identity of the infectious agents. Therefore, this study was carried out to identify the Eimeria species that affect broiler chickens, Gallus gallus domesticus, through morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses. Twenty‐five faecal samples were collected from the broiler chickens in a commercial poultry farm in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). Using the floatation technique, faeces were examined microscopically for the Eimeria occurrence. Identification of Eimeria species was performed based on morphological criteria and molecular tools (DNA amplification for the partial small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA), internal transcribed spacer (ITS)‐1, and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) genes. In this study, 32% (8 out of 25) of collected samples were found to be positive for coccidiosis. After sporulation in potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7), the sporulated oocysts were observed as ovoid and measured 18.37–23.19 µm (19.87) long and 15.07–18.67 µm (16.46) wide, with the anterior location of a polar granule and absence of micropyle. These Eimeria oocysts were assumed to size and shape characteristics of Eimeria acervulina. Molecular analysis was conducted on the sequences of the polymerase chain reaction products from the three genes studied (18S rRNA, ITS‐1, and COI). At the three genes, results showed that the resultant sequences clustered with E. acervulina from different regions confirming morphological description. This study highlighted the importance of molecular techniques to detect avian Eimeria species more than the traditional morphology‐based tool to optimise the appropriate anticoccidial strategies for long‐term control in the studied area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study primarily aims to identify the major economic and social transformations in the Egyptian countryside over the past fifteen years. The problem addressed in the study is the scarcity of economic resources in rural communities, which hinders the process of economic and social transformation. Societies that lack mineral and natural resources do not experience significant economic transformations. Therefore, developing communities cannot meet the needs of their individuals due to a decrease in capital accumulation and investment rates. Previous studies have indicated that there have been changes in rural areas that have impacted the national income. Thus, it was necessary to study these economic changes, which led to the formulation of the following research question: What are the major economic transformations in rural areas? The study relied on primary data, which involved designing a questionnaire that includes a set of questions aligned with the study's objectives and aimed to test their validity in fulfilling this purpose. Three centers with varying levels of development were selected to represent different patterns of rural communities in the governorate: Fayoum, Itsa, and Youssef El-Siddik. A systematic random sample was chosen, and the optimal sample size was estimated using the Krejci and Morgan equation, representing 5% of the total number of rural households in the three study villages. Accordingly, the study sample consisted of 208 rural households distributed as follows: 110 in El-Azab villages )Fayoum center(, 60 in Qalhana village )Itsa center(, and 38 in Qasr Abu Lataye Al-Basal village )Youssef El-Siddik center(.The study reached several results, including a clear surge in consumption values, albeit values foreign to the village, surpassing the original economic values. Monthly spending on food items, communication services, electricity consumption, luxury goods, and entertainment increased. Moreover, there was an increase in agricultural income and per-acre profitability, as well as the availability of production requirements and agricultural tools. The study also observed an increased reliance on the market to fulfill food needs, leading to a decrease in self-sufficiency in food and animal products. The quantities of fish produced decreased, and self-sufficiency in poultry and birds decreased. Furthermore, the relative importance of non-agricultural income sources within rural household incomes increased.The nature of agricultural work shifted from collective to individual, deviating from the traditional work structure in rural households. Unemployment in villages increased, accompanied by a rise in the availability of agricultural labor and a tendency among rural residents to engage in non-agricultural activities. This led to an increase in work in crafts, construction, and trade, as well as individuals seeking employment abroad in oil-rich countries. Internal migration to major cities for work also increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of communication disturbances on microgrids (MGs) needs robust and scalable Information Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure for efficient MG control. This work builds on advances in the Internet of Things (IoT) to provide a practical platform for testing the impact of various cyber-attacks on a distributed control scheme for a Multi-Agent System (MAS). This paper presents a Controller Hardware-in-the-Loop (CHIL) testbed to investigate the impact of various cyber-attacks and communication disruptions on MGs. A distributed consensus secondary control scheme for a MAS within an MG cyber-physical system (CPS) is proposed. The proposed cyber-physical testbed integrates a real-time islanded AC microgrid on RT-Lab, secondary controllers implemented on single-board computers, and an attacker agent on another single-board computer. Communication occurs via a UDP/IP network between OPAL-RT and controller agents, as well as between the agents. Through meticulous experimentation, the efficacy of the proposed control strategy using the developed platform is validated. Various attacks were modeled and launched including deception attacks on sensors, actuators, and their combinations, as well as disruption attacks. The ramifications of both deception and disruption cyber-attacks on system performance are analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulating evidence suggests that dysregulation of FOXO3a plays a significant role in the progression of various malignancies, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). FOXO3a inactivation, driven by oncogenic stimuli, can lead to abnormal cell growth, suppression of apoptosis, and resistance to anticancer drugs. Therefore, FOXO3a emerges as a potential molecular target for the development of innovative treatments in the era of oncology. Linagliptin (LNGTN), a DPP‐4 inhibitor known for its safe profile, has exhibited noteworthy anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidative properties in previous in vivo studies. Several potential molecular mechanisms have been proposed to explain these effects. However, the capacity of LNGTN to activate FOXO3a through AMPK activation has not been investigated. In our investigation, we examined the potential repurposing of LNGTN as a hepatoprotective agent against diethylnitrosamine (DENA) intoxication. Additionally, we assessed LNGTN's impact on apoptosis and autophagy. Following a 10‐week administration of DENA, the liver underwent damage marked by inflammation and early neoplastic alterations. Our study presents the first experimental evidence demonstrating that LNGTN can reinstate the aberrantly regulated FOXO3a activity by elevating the nuclear fraction of FOXO3a in comparison to the cytosolic fraction, subsequent to AMPK activation. Moreover, noteworthy inactivation of NFκB induced by LNGTN was observed. These effects culminated in the initiation of apoptosis, the activation of autophagy, and the manifestation of anti‐inflammatory, antiproliferative, and antiangiogenic outcomes. These effects were concomitant with improved liver function and microstructure. In conclusion, our findings open new avenues for the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting the AMPK/FOXO3a signaling pathway in the management of chronic liver damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article adopts a novel technique to numerical solution for fractional time-delay diffusion equation with variable-order derivative (VFDDEs). As a matter of fact, the variable-order fractional derivative (VFD) that has been used is in the Caputo sense. The first step of this technique is constructive on the construction of the solution using the shifted Legendre–Laguerre polynomials with unknown coefficients. The second step involves using a combination of the collocation method and the operational matrices (OMs) of the shifted Legendre–Laguerre polynomials, as well as the Newton–Cotes nodal points, to find the unknown coefficients. The final step focuses on solving the resulting algebraic equations by employing Newton's iterative method. To illustrate and demonstrate the technique's efficacy and applicability, two examples have been provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we introduce an approximate method for solving fractional order delay variational problems using fractional Euler polynomials operational matrices. For this purpose, the operational matrices of fractional integrals and derivatives are designed for Euler polynomials. Furthermore, the delay term in the considered functional is also decomposed in terms of the operational matrix of the fractional Euler polynomials. It is applied and substituted together with the other matrices of the fractional integral and derivative into the suggested functional. The main equations are then reduced to a system of algebraic equations. Therefore, the desired solution to the original variational problem is obtained by solving the resulting system. Error analysis has been discussed. An illustrative example is given in order to illustrate that the proposed method is very accurate and efficient for solving such kinds of problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an irreversible and life-threatening lung disease of unknown etiology presenting only a few treatment options. TGF-β signaling orchestrates a cascade of events driving pulmonary fibrosis (PF). Notably, recent research has affirmed the augmentation of TGF-β receptor (TβR) signaling via HSP90 activation. HSP90, a molecular chaperone, adeptly stabilizes and folds TβRs, thus intricately regulating TGF-β1 signaling. Our investigation illuminated the impact of alvespimycin, an HSP90 inhibitor, on TGF-β-mediated transcriptional responses by inducing destabilization of TβRs. This outcome stems from the explicit interaction of TβR subtypes I and II with HSP90, where they are clients of this cellular chaperone. It is worth noting that regulation of proteasome-dependent degradation of TβRs is a critical standpoint in the termination of TGF-β signal transduction. Oleuropein, the principal bioactive compound found in Olea europaea, is acknowledged for its role as a proteasome activator. In this study, our aim was to explore the efficacy of a combined therapy involving oleuropein and alvespimycin for the treatment of PF. We employed a PF rat model that was induced by intratracheal bleomycin infusion. The application of this dual therapy yielded a noteworthy impediment to the undesired activation of TGF-β/mothers against decapentaplegic homologs 2 and 3 (SMAD2/3) signaling. Consequently, this novel combination showcased improvements in both lung tissue structure and function while also effectively restraining key fibrosis markers such as PDGF-BB, TIMP-1, ACTA2, col1a1, and hydroxyproline. On a mechanistic level, our findings unveiled that the antifibrotic impact of this combination therapy likely stemmed from the enhanced degradation of both TβRI and TβRII. In conclusion, the utilization of proteasomal activators in conjunction with HSP90 inhibitors ushers in a promising frontier for the management of PF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver fibrosis is a progressive condition characterized by the build-up of fibrous tissue resulting from long-term liver injury. Although there have been advancements in research and treatment, there is still a need for effective antifibrotic medication. HSP90 plays a crucial role in the development of fibrosis. It acts as a molecular chaperone that assists in the proper folding and stability of TβRII, potentially regulating the signaling of TGF-β1. It has been established that TβRII can be degraded through the proteasome degradation system, either via ubiquitination-dependent or -independent pathways. In the present study, STA9090 demonstrated promising effects in both in vitro and in vivo models. It reduced LDH leakage, prolonged the survival rate of hepatocytes in rats with liver fibrosis, and improved liver function. Importantly, STA9090 exerted pleiotropic effects by targeting proteins involved in limiting collagen production, which resulted in improved microscopic features of the rat livers. Our findings suggest that STA9090-induced inhibition of HSP90 leads to the degradation of TβRII, a fibrogenic client protein of HSP90, through the activation of the 20S proteasomal degradation system. We also revealed that this degradation mechanism is not dependent on the autophagy–lysosomal pathway. Additionally, STA9090 was found to destabilize HIF-1α and facilitate its degradation, leading to the reduced transcription of VEGF. Moreover, STA9090's ability to deactivate the NFκB signaling pathway highlights its potential as an anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic agent. However, further research is necessary to fully elucidate the underlying mechanisms and fully capitalize on the therapeutic benefits of targeting HSP90 and associated pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Using platelet rich plasma (PRP) was associated with more improvement in activity limitation and physical disability when compared with corticosteroids and even with surgical management. Objective: The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of local PRP injection on chronic plantar fasciitis resisting the conservative modalities of treatment. Patients and Methods: This is a prospective interventional study of 30 patients for 6 months. 18 males and 12 females with planter fasciitis were included in this study. Their ages ranged from 35 to 62 years with a mean age of 44.5 years. Patients with widespread inflammatory arthritis, any wound or skin lesion on the plantar aspect of the foot, previous surgery for heel pain, and other local pathologies for heel pain were excluded. Their improvement was measured by Ankle Hindfoot Scale. Results: The Ankle Hindfoot Scale showed a statistically significant (p-value 0.02) improvement over time. Acceptable results were obtained in 70% (n=21) of patients from a single injection and 30% (n=9) needed a second injection. Chronic plantar fasciitis that is resistant to conventional treatment techniques can be effectively treated with local PRP injection. Conclusion: For severe plantar fasciitis that is resistant to conservative treatment approaches, local PRP injection is an effective therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Hedgehog signaling has been recognized as potentially promoting NASH. • Cholesterol affects hedgehog signaling by modifying PTCH1 and SMO activity. • HSP90 plays a role in the stability of SMO and GLI proteins. • Lovastatin and PU-H71 combined therapy effectively suppressed hedgehog signaling. • Lovastatin and PU-H71 improved biochemical parameters in rats with NASH. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized by liver inflammation, fat accumulation, and collagen deposition. Due to the limited availability of effective treatments, there is a pressing need to develop innovative strategies. Given the complex nature of the disease, employing combination approaches is essential. Hedgehog signaling has been recognized as potentially promoting NASH, and cholesterol can influence this signaling by modifying the conformation of PTCH1 and SMO activity. HSP90 plays a role in the stability of SMO and GLI proteins. We revealed significant positive correlations between Hedgehog signaling proteins (Shh, SMO, GLI1, and GLI2) and both cholesterol and HSP90 levels. Herein, we investigated the novel combination of the cholesterol-lowering agent lovastatin and the HSP90 inhibitor PU-H71 in vitro and in vivo. The combination demonstrated a synergy score of 15.09 and an MSA score of 22.85, as estimated by the ZIP synergy model based on growth inhibition rates in HepG2 cells. In a NASH rat model induced by thioacetamide and a high-fat diet, this combination therapy extended survival, improved liver function and histology, and enhanced antioxidant defense. Additionally, the combination exhibited anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic potential by influencing the levels of TNF-α, TGF-β, TIMP-1, and PDGF-BB. This effect was evident in the suppression of the Col1a1 gene expression and the levels of hydroxyproline and α-SMA. These favorable outcomes may be attributed to the combination's potential to inhibit key Hedgehog signaling molecules. In conclusion, exploring the applicability of this combination contributes to a more comprehensive understanding and improved management of NASH and other fibrotic disorders. The cholesterol-lowering drug lovastatin can disrupt Shh signaling by reducing cholesterol biosynthesis and influencing interaction between PTCH and Shh. PU-H71, an HSP90 inhibitor, could offer promise by inhibiting the chaperone machinery and impacting key proteins within the Shh pathway such as SMO and GLI1. Ch, cholesterol; GLI1, glioma-associated oncogene family zinc finger 1; HSP90, heat shock protein 90; PTCH, patched; Shh, sonic hedgehog; SMO, smoothened; SUFU, suppressor of fused. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The main anesthetic goal in the postoperative period of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is early and pain-free recovery, with return of protective airway reflex. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to regional blocks in patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Results: Group bupivacaine + dexmedetomidine (BD) showed statistically significantly lower postoperative pain measurements than group bupivacaine (B), longer time to the first request of rescue analgesia, less patients needing rescue analgesia, and less rescue morphine analgesic requirements. Other measurements were insignificantly different between both groups. Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine can be used as an adjuvant to regional nerve block in patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery. It effectively prolonged postoperative analgesia, decreased postoperative opioid analgesic requirements, and reduced the number of patients needing rescue analgesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aim of the Work: To evaluate the efficacy of melatonin versus mirtazapine administration in preventing emerging agitations in adults following nose surgery. Patients and Methods: This prospective randomized clinical trial study was conducted at Ain Shams University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt. One hundred and sixty five (165) consecutive patients scheduled for elective nasal surgery under general anesthesia where nasal packing was packed in both sides. The patients' age was above 21 years old from both genders and with the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification (ASA) I or II. Results: The mirtazapine category had the greatest patients satisfactions scores 24 hours after surgery, followed by the melatonin category, while the control group had the lowest score. There were statistically significant differences between the control group and other categories, but not between the mirtazapine and melatonin groupings. Conclusion: Prophylactic administration of melatonin or mirtazapine attenuated emergence agitation with minimal hazards in patients scheduled for nasal surgery under general anesthesia with priority to mirtazapine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epigenetic processes, including non-coding RNA, histone modifications, and DNA methylation, play a vital role in connecting the environment to the development of a disorder, especially when there is a favorable genetic background. Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic type of spinal arthritis that highlights the significance of epigenetics in diseases related to autoimmunity and inflammation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that are involved in both normal and aberrant pathological and physiological gene expression. This study focuses on the pathophysiological pathways to clarify the role of miRNAs in AS. We have conducted a thorough investigation of the involvement of miRNAs in several processes, including inflammation, the production of new bone, T-cell activity, and the regulation of pathways such as BMP, Wnt, and TGFβ signaling. Undoubtedly, miRNAs play a crucial role in enhancing our comprehension of the pathophysiology of AS, and their promise as a therapeutic strategy is quickly expanding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory condition that affects the colon's lining and increases the risk of colon cancer. Despite ongoing research, there is no identified cure for UC. The recognition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the pathogenesis of UC has gained widespread acceptance. Notably, the ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate inhibits NLRP3 demonstrating its anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, BD-AcAc 2 is ketone mono ester that increases β-hydroxybutyrate blood levels. It has the potential to address the constraints associated with exogenous β-hydroxybutyrate as a therapeutic agent, including issues related to stability and short duration of action. However, the effects of β-hydroxybutyrate and BD-AcAc 2 on colitis have not been fully investigated. This study found that while both exogenous β-hydroxybutyrate and BD-AcAc 2 produced the same levels of plasma β-hydroxybutyrate, BD-AcAc 2 demonstrated superior effectiveness in mitigating dextran sodium sulfate-induced UC in rats. The mechanism of action involves modulating the NF-κB signaling, inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome, regulating antioxidant capacity, controlling tight junction protein expression and a potential to inhibit apoptosis and pyroptosis. Certainly, BD-AcAc 2's anti-inflammatory effects require more than just increasing plasma β-hydroxybutyrate levels and other factors contribute to its efficacy. Local ketone concentrations in the gastrointestinal tract, as well as the combined effect of specific ketone bodies, are likely to have contributed to the stronger protective effect observed with ketone mono ester ingestion in our experiment. As a result, further investigations are necessary to fully understand the mechanisms of BD-AcAc 2 and optimize its use. βHB, a ketone body produced by the liver during fasting or a ketogenic diet, exhibits anti-inflammatory effects through modulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. It hinders NF-κB activation by interfering with the phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα. Additionally, it suppresses the NLRP3 inflammasome, hindering capsase-1 activity, reducing IL-1β and IL-18 production. The inhibitory effect on caspase 3 would help increase the expression of tight junction proteins and would also decrease NLRP3 activation. βHB enhances cellular antioxidant capacity by reducing ROS production, increasing the levels of SOD and GSH. βHB has a positive impact on autophagy dynamics, promoting autophagosome formation. [Display omitted] • BD-AcAc 2 demonstrated superiority over β-hydroxybutyrate in the management of UC. • BD-AcAc 2 modulated NF-κB signaling and inhibited the NLRP3 inflammasome. • BD-AcAc 2 controlled tight junction proteins and improved colon histology. • BD-AcAc 2 exhibited enhanced anti-inflammatory and antioxiadant capacity. • BD-AcAc 2 demonstarted a potential to inhibit pyroptotic cell death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrical resistivity methods are one of the powerful methods for the detection and evaluation of shallower geophysical properties. This method was carried out at Hit area, western Iraq, in two stages; the first stage involved the use of 1Dimensional Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) technique in three stations using Schlumberger array with maximum current electrodes of 50m. The second stage included the employment of two dimension (2D) resistivity imaging technique using dipole-dipole array with a-spacing of 4m and n-factor of 6 in two stations. The 1D survey showed good results in delineating contaminated and clear zones that have high resistivity contrast. Near the main contaminated spring, the 2D resistivity imaging technique was applied in four sections length (100 m) using a dipole-dipole array position coincided with the three points VES. We compared the results of the interpretation of imaging the techniques 2D and VES. We found that the 2D imaging resistivity technique was better than VES survey in determining the distribution of pollution under the surface in the area surveyed. It was also found that the polluted water is located about 5 m below the surface. The largest amount of leakage was found towards the northeast and coincided with the direction of the groundwater movement. Spring water has leaked from outside the region through the Kubaisah area. Most of this water is contained in quaternary deposits and karst gypsum fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monogeneans are highly host‐specific parasites infecting marine and freshwater fish. However, little information is available about the parasitic taxa within Heteraxinidae. An integrative study was performed to understand the taxonomic status of an unconfirmed heteraxinid marine species parasitizing the gill region of Acanthopagrus bifasciatus (Sparidae) from the Arabian Gulf (Saudi Arabia). Based on the morphological study, this parasite has all the generic features of the genus Kannaphallus (Heteraxinidae, Mazocraeidea). Distinct criteria that discriminated this species from other taxa of the same genus are the presence of genital spines (26–29), a short sclerotized duct in the male copulatory organ, the number of testes (mean 40, range 30–50), and clamps in the haptoral structure (45–50 in a long row and 19–22 in a short row). DNA of parasite species reported in the present study was amplified and sequenced for the nuclear large subunit of the ribosomal RNA (28S rRNA) gene and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. Results indicate that sequences obtained from both genes are unique and different from related sequences from the genus Kannaphallus. Morphological as well as molecular data indicate that our specimens are from a new species, and the name Kannaphallus acanthopagrusi n. sp. is suggested. This is the first report of a heteraxinid parasitizing marine sparid fish from Saudi Arabia, with unique morphological and molecular features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stroke is a widespread neurological disorder associated with physical disabilities, mortality, and economic burden. In recent decades, substantial progress has been achieved in reducing the impact of this public health problem. However, further understanding of the pathophysiology of stroke and the underlying genetic pathways is required. The pathological mechanisms of stroke comprise multifaceted molecular cascades regulated by various microRNAs (miRNAs). An increasing number of studies have highlighted the role of miRNAs, which have received much attention during the last decades as an important class of post-transcriptional regulators. It was shown that miRNAs exert their role in the etiology of stroke via mediating excitotoxicity and neuroinflammation. Additionally, miRNAs could be helpful as non-invasive or minimally invasive biomarkers and therapeutic agents. Thus, the current review focused on the interplay of these miRNAs in stroke pathology to upgrade the existing therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver cancer stands as the fourth leading global cause of death, and its prognosis remains grim due to the limited effectiveness of current medical interventions. Among the various pathways implicated in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the hedgehog signaling pathway has emerged as a crucial player. Itraconazole, a relatively safe and cost-effective antifungal medication, has gained attention for its potential as an anticancer agent. Its primary mode of action involves inhibiting the hedgehog pathway, yet its impact on HCC has not been elucidated. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of itraconazole on diethylnitrosamine-induced early-stage HCC in rats. Our findings revealed that itraconazole exhibited a multifaceted arsenal against HCC by downregulating the expression of key components of the hedgehog pathway, shh, smoothened (SMO), and GLI family zinc finger 1 (GLI1), and GLI2. Additionally, itraconazole extended survival and improved liver tissue structure, attributed mainly to its inhibitory effects on hedgehog signaling. Besides, itraconazole demonstrated a regulatory effect on Notch1, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling molecules. Consequently, itraconazole displayed diverse anticancer properties, including anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenic, antiproliferative, and apoptotic effects, as well as the potential to induce autophagy. Moreover, itraconazole exhibited a promise to impede the transformation of epithelial cells into a more mesenchymal-like phenotype. Overall, this study emphasizes the significance of targeting the hedgehog pathway with itraconazole as a promising avenue for further exploration in clinical studies related to HCC treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, myocardial infarction (MI) and other cardiovascular illnesses have long been considered the top killers. Heart failure and mortality are the results of myocardial apoptosis, cardiomyocyte fibrosis, and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, all of which are caused by MI. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial regulatory function in the progression and advancement of heart disease following an MI. By consolidating the existing data on miRNAs, our aim is to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their role in the pathological progression of myocardial injury after MI and to identify potential crucial target pathways. Also included are the primary treatment modalities and their most recent developments. miRNAs have the ability to regulate both normal and pathological activity, including the key signaling pathways. As a result, they may exert medicinal benefits. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of the role of miRNAs in MI with a specific emphasis on their impact on the regeneration of cardiomyocytes and other forms of cell death, such as apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy. Furthermore, the targets of pro- and anti-MI miRNAs are comparatively elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a debilitating neurological disorder characterized by the impairment of the motor system, resulting in symptoms such as resting tremor, cogwheel rigidity, bradykinesia, difficulty with gait, and postural instability. The occurrence of striatal dopamine insufficiency can be attributed to a notable decline in dopaminergic neurons inside the substantia nigra pars compacta. Additionally, the development of Lewy bodies serves as a pathological hallmark of PD. While current therapy approaches for PD aim to preserve dopaminergic neurons or replenish dopamine levels in the brain, it is important to acknowledge that achieving complete remission of the condition remains elusive. MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miR) are a class of small, non-coding ribonucleic acids involved in regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. The miRNAs play a crucial part in the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of several neurodegenerative illnesses, including PD. The aim of this review is to explore the role of miRNAs in regulating genes associated with the onset and progression of PD, investigate the potential of miRNAs as a diagnostic tool, assess the effectiveness of targeting specific miRNAs as an alternative therapeutic strategy to impede disease advancement, and discuss the utilization of newly developed nanoparticles for delivering miRNAs as neurodegenerative therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel species of coccidia, resembling a member of the genus Eimeria, was found in bats, Scotophilus leucogaster, collected in southern Saudi Arabia has been described on the basis of unsporulated oocysts and DNA sequencing of the Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 (ITS1) and partial 18S rDNA regions. Unsporulated oocysts of this form are ovoidal to spheroidal and had a 2-layered wall, 1.5–2.0 (1.9 ± 0.2); the outer layer was light blue with striations, and thicker than the inner, darker layer. No micropyle was present. Unsporulated oocysts (N = 150) measured 27.2 × 22.1 (25–30 × 20–25), length width ratio, 1.2 (1.1–1.4). There was no evidence of an oocyst residuum and/or polar granule. This parasite was detected in 2/7 (29%) S. leucogaster collected from southern Saudi Arabia. Oocysts incubated at 25 °C in 2.5% K2Cr2O7 did not sporulate after > 1 month. Unsporulated oocyst measurements were compared with other coccidian parasites of bats that discharge oocysts in their feces. Sequences of the ITS1 and the 18S rDNA regions obtained from the unsporulated oocysts grouped this coccidium from S. leucogaster with eimerian species from various rodent and squirrel species. It is critical that future investigators obtain fully sporulated oocysts of this coccidium for full description of the parasite recovered in our study so it can be correctly assigned to genus and given an accurate binomial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, an efficient reliable method, which is the residual power series method (RPSM), is used in order to investigate the approximate solutions of conformable time fractional nonlinear evolution equations with conformable derivatives under initial conditions. In particular, two types of equations are considered, which are time coupled diffusion-reaction equations (CD-REs) and MKdv equations coupled with conformable fractional time derivative of order α. The attitude of RPSM and the influence of different values of α are shown graphically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Writing in a second or a foreign language has been studied by many researchers using quantitative and qualitative measures over the past decades. Research has shown that writing is a challenging skill for students at both school and university levels. Concerning the latter, firstyear undergraduates are reportedly faced with a considerable mismatch between high school L2 writing skills and the greater proficiency level required for potential course of university study. Phase two of a larger project (Mohammed et al., 2020) which has focused on writing apprehension, this experimental case study investigates the impact of ejournaling and writer‟s workshop techniques on enhancing learners‟ writing in a second language (L2). Carried out at an English as a foreign language (EFL) university classroom context in Saudi Arabia, this study contributes quantitative evidence indicating effective impact of the techniques of e-journaling and writer‟s workshop on enhancing L2 writing skills. This research signifies a resourceful input into EFL teaching and learning through investigating the findings associated with integrating these two techniques. Instruments featured a treatment course of study and a writing competence test of L2 writing skills. The randomised control-group post-test model was applied within the experiment. Participants (n= 50) were randomly consigned to a treatment group taught using the treatment-programme and a control group (n= 50) taught habitually. Ultimately, the two groups were post-tested using a writing skill competence test (WSCT). Statistical data revealed significant difference across the test scores of the two participant groups in support of the treatment trial. Writing competence scores raised by 38.63% (t = 6.210, p < 0.01) and the effect size of the difference was significantly large in the calculated difference of Cohen‟s d (d = 1.242). Overall, the findings suggest that in general that e-journaling combined with the writer‟s workshop techniques have major influence on improving learners‟ L2 writing competence. It was also shown that participants have welcomed the use of the aforementioned techniques. The empirical findings in this study provide a new understanding of enhancing learners‟ L2 skills at a university-level EFL classroom context. Taken together, these results also provide an actionable catalyst for researchers and educators at the study context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) stands as the third most prevalent ailment globally and represents the primary cause of mortality associated with cancer. Significant advancements have been made in the clinical management of patients with CRC, encompassing the development of more streamlined methodologies and a diverse array of biomarkers utilized for prognostic, diagnostic, and predictive objectives. MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) play a key role in the development of CRC by modulating the expression of their target genes, which govern a number of metabolic and cellular processes. They are related to malignant traits such as enhanced invasive and proliferative capacity, evasion of apoptosis, cell cycle aberration, and promotion of angiogenesis through dysregulation in their function. This review's objectives were to examine miRNA biogenesis, provide an updated list of oncogenic and tumor suppressor miRNAs, and discuss the likely causes of miRNA dysregulation in CRC. Additionally, we discuss the diagnostic and predictive functions of miRNAs in CRC and summarize their biological significance and clinical potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatic fibrosis arising from chronic liver injury is characterized by dysregulated healing, including hepatic stellate cell activation and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins. Administration of the hepatotoxin thioacetamide (TAA) induces liver injury coupled to fibrogenesis in rodents, mimicking aspects of human disease. Alogliptin is a highly selective inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 with purported antifibrotic actions. We investigated the protective effects of alogliptin against TAA-mediated hepatic fibrosis in rats. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats received intraperitoneal injections of TAA (150 mg/kg) twice weekly for 6 weeks to induce liver fibrosis. A subset of rats also received daily oral alogliptin (20 mg/kg). At 6 weeks, liver injury and fibrosis were assessed by histology, hydroxyproline content, serum liver enzymes, inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress markers, and genes related to inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrosis. TAA elicited necroinflammation, oxidative stress, upregulation of pro-fibrogenic mediators, increased hydroxyproline content, and excessive collagen deposition, indicating hepatic fibrosis. The administration of Alogliptin led to notable enhancements in liver histology, an extension in survival time, a decrease in hydroxyproline levels and the expression of fibrogenic genes, a reduction in inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, and mitigation of hepatocellular apoptosis in rats subjected to TAA treatment. Alogliptin displayed potent antifibrotic, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties in this model of toxic liver damage, likely by impeding NFκB while enhanced Nrf2 DNA binding activity which together modulate oxidative stress, inflammation, myofibroblast activation, and apoptosis. These results highlight the potential therapeutic value of alogliptin offering hope for improved treatment of hepatic fibrosis. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comprehensive solution that allows a wirelessly connected electric vehicle (EV) to be autonomously charged and discharged, during long-term parking and/or transient stops. A bilayer power flow controller for bidirectional wireless power transfer system (BWPTS) in EVs applications is proposed. The proposed controller can manage the power flow between the EV and surrounding infrastructures, such as utility grid, home micro-grid, building micro-grid, road, or another vehicle. It consists of two control layers; the first is responsible for communicating with the surrounding infrastructures and gathering information from the vehicle operator, charging station, utility grid, and battery management system. These data are analyzed to generate the reference power signal with information about the mode of operation (charge, discharge, or abstain) and rate. The second layer receives the reference signal and predicts the control parameters for the resonant converters (on both the vehicle and grid sides) to track the desired power. The proposed algorithm is adaptively estimating the mutual inductance to consider the misalignments in the system, based on a new simple real-time mutual estimation algorithm using a single voltage measurement from the vehicle side. The second control layer is designed based on an accurate analytical model for the BWPTS's power flow. For verification purposes, a prototype for BWPTS was built and driven by the proposed controller, which was implemented using a field-programmable gate array integrated circuit. Also, a vehicle-level simulation was performed to validate the operation of the proposed controller in quasi-dynamic wireless charging at traffic signals. The proposed controller shows fast and stable response during both the transient and steady-state operation in comparison with the conventional proportional-integral controller. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1997, the 21 countries in the World Health Organization (WHO) Eastern Mediterranean Region* (EMR) passed a resolution during the 41st session of the Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean to eliminate measles† (1). In 2015, this goal was included as a priority in the Eastern Mediterranean Vaccine Action Plan 2016-2020 (2), approved at the 62nd session of the Regional Committee (3). To achieve measles elimination, the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean developed the following four-pronged strategy: 1) achieve ≥95% vaccination coverage with the first dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV) among children in every district of each country through routine immunization services; 2) achieve ≥95% vaccination coverage with a second MCV dose in every district of each country either through implementation of a routine 2-dose vaccination schedule or through supplementary immunization activities (SIAs)§; 3) conduct high-quality, case-based measles surveillance in all countries; and 4) provide optimal measles clinical case management, including dietary supplementation with vitamin A (4). Pakistan, an EMR country with a population of approximately 200 million, accounts for nearly one third of the overall EMR population. This report describes progress and challenges toward measles elimination in Pakistan during 2000-2018. During the study period, estimated coverage with the first MCV dose (MCV1) increased from 57% in 2000 to 76% in 2017. The second MCV dose (MCV2) was introduced nationwide in 2009, and MCV2 coverage increased from 30% in 2009 to 45% in 2017. During 2000-2018, approximately 232.5 million children received doses of MCV during SIAs. Reported confirmed measles incidence increased from an average of 24.6 per 1 million persons during 2000-2009 to an average of 80.4 during 2010-2018, with peaks in 2013 (230.3) and 2018 (153.6). In 2017 and 2018, the rates of suspected cases discarded as nonmeasles after investigation were 2.1 and 1.5 per 100,000 population, reflecting underreporting of cases. To achieve measles elimination, additional efforts are needed to increase MCV1 and MCV2 coverage, develop strategies to identify and reach communities not accessing immunization services, and increase sensitivity of case-based measles surveillance in all districts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although often referred to as “the forgotten chamber”, compared with left ventricle (LV), especially in the past years, the left atrium (LA) plays a critical role in the clinical expression and prognosis of patients with heart and cerebrovascular disease, as demonstrated by several studies. Objective: The aim of the work was to assess the left atrium functional and volume changes during atrial fibrillation (AF) and after sinus rhythm cardioversion in patients with paroxysmal AF, to detect recovery of effective mechanical atrial function (EMAF) after cardioversion with preserved bioelectrical function. Patients and methods: This prospective observational study included a total of 75 subjects divided on two groups: Group 1 (control) consisted of 25 apparently normal people with normal sinus rhythm, and Group 2 (patients) consisted of 50 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, attending at Damanhur Medical National Institute, for cardioversion. 25 (50%) of patients were cardioverted pharmacologically either by amiodarone or propafenone and 25 (50%) of patients were cardioverted by DC shock. Results: Mean age of controls involved in the study was 44.60 ± 9.82 years. 56% of them were males. Mean age of patients was 51.40 ± 7.23, 54% of them were males. Left Anterior Descending Artery (LAD) showed a significant decreased after cardioversion and after one month. It showed insignificant decrease after 2 months. Number of patients who did not recovered effective mechanical atrial function (EMAF) after one month were 6 (12%). Conclusion: Left atrial diameters and left atrial volumes increase in AF and showed significant reduction by the time after successfully cardioversion. Patients who were underwent DC shock had a slower recovery of atrial function and of LA volumes reduction, implying a greater degree of atrial dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electric vehicles (EVs) are recently gaining traction in the power sector due to various challenges and opportunities they provide to utility operators. For electric utilities that incorporate demand side management (DSM) programs, EVs could become either a burden or an advantage depending on their charging control strategy and the signaling of the DSM program. This paper proposes a decentralized fuzzy-based controller to successfully integrate and coordinate the charging of EVs that ensures fair charging of EVs at different point of connections (POCs) in the distribution grid where voltage conditions might not be the same. The controller operates in an autonomous mode that reduces the monetary cost of the communication overhead and preserves bandwidth. The proposed controller takes into consideration the owner requirements in terms of energy needed and time to charge, the voltage at the POC with the grid, and the pricing signal coming from the utility. The controller is tested under different DSM programs that exist in the literature. This paper also proposes a new DSM program that is capable of benefiting from EVs as prosumers that can provide grid services. The controller's performance was validated through MATLAB simulations that showed the controller's ability to successfully coordinate the charging of EVs in a fair manner and achieve flat system peaks without any rebound effect. The controller was also successfully tested in the presence of voltage control units, such as capacitor banks, and in the presence of distributed generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of this investigation was to evaluate the meal of Egyptian chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) as a source of bioactive components comparing with the USA imported one. The results showed slight differences in proximate composition, dietary fibers components, nutritional value, total and HPLC separated simple phenolic compounds especially, caffeic acid, gentisic, rosmarinic and cteachin between meals of local and imported chia seeds. Both meals had nearly similar amino acids pattern, in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) (66.5 - 66.9%), computed- protein efficiency ratio (C-PER) (1.1 - 1.3) and biological value ( CBV) ( 69.4 - 71.6% ) , high water ( 7.5-8.5 g water /g meal), oil ( 5.1-5.3 g oil / g meal) holding capacities, good emulsification capacity (52-55 ml oil/100 g), poor foaming capacity and stability, high total (55.8-57.7%), insoluble (48.2-53.3%) , neutral detergent (43-47.2%) and acid detergent (34.2-36%) dietary fibers. The antioxidant activity as determined by DPPH and ABTS methods was relatively higher in meal of the local than imported chia seeds. Dry fractionation of chia seed meal through 100 mesh sieve gave two fractions, one rich in protein (41.5- 45.5%) and others high in neutral detergent (86.5 - 90.7%), acid detergent (49.01-54%) and hemicellulose (36.7- 37.49%) dietary fibers. Panelists accepted the physical and sensory properties of the biscuit products containing 5% of rich protein and high fiber chia seed meal fractions. Such results indicated the successful use of chia seeds meal as a source of bioactive ingredients in preparing functional food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the analysis of three-phase squirrel-cage induction machine (IM) with interturn short-circuit (ITSC) fault and its influence on direct torque control (DTC). The particularities of the DTC such as its behavior, its standard heuristic derivation, and its nature of been a nonlinear hysteresis-based predictive controller are exploited, thus allowing the improvement and development of alternative explanations to the phenomena. The understanding of DTC and the development of the current state–space model of the asymmetric IM, presented here for first time in the literature, enables the analytical treatment of the research topic and the discovery of several DTC reactions to the fault. The ITSC impact on DTC and its reaction leads to the following twofold characterizations: first, unobservable and visible effects, and second, compensation and tolerant reactions. For purposes of simulation, a plug-and-play configurable circuit-block for the asymmetric IM was developed based on Norton's equivalent circuit. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate the assertiveness of the developed analyses and theoretical findings, which allows future research in online fault diagnostics and condition monitoring of inverter-fed IM with this type of fault. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inductive power transfer (IPT) technology has been approved to be convenient and reliable interface for charging and discharging the electric vehicles (EVs). Precise model for such system can help designers and researchers to anticipate, optimize, and evaluate its behavior amid the development. Thus, this paper presents a physics-based co-simulation platform for the bidirectional IPT system (BIPTS) in EVs’ applications. The platform is established through the coupling between finite element and circuit analysis. The power electronic converters and controllers are developed in Simulink; and the power pads are modeled in Magnet environment. The two parts are lined together through the compatible Simulink plug-in tool. In addition, a state-space dynamic mathematical model for the same BIPTS is derived and implemented in MATLAB environment. A 1.2 kW BIPTS is analyzed under different dynamics by both models and the results are compared. The effect of the nonlinearities and the magnetic material characteristics on the BIPTS's performance is assessed, in terms of errors and harmonics analysis. The analysis considered both the full and light loading operating conditions in the system. Finally, a small-scale prototype for a BIPTS is built, tested, and compared with the co-simulation results for verification purposes. The proposed co-simulation could provide accurate prediction for the system's dynamics, during both charging and discharging operation. The scheme is generic and can be easily expanded to different pad structures, compensation networks, and converter topologies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

To improve the performance of perpendicular magnetic recording using a single-pole-type (SPT) head and double-layered medium, a finite-element method simulation has been carried out with a calculation model for 1 Tb/in.[SUP2]. Additional side shield poles have been introduced to reduce the side-writing field while maintaining the recording field strength. The side-writing ratio, assumed to be (field strength at adjacent track center)/(field strength at home track center), was 0.31 without the side shields. The optimized side shield allows this to be reduced to 0.11. A much narrower off-track field distribution than with conventional heads was obtained with the SPT head. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To study the effect of heterothermia on anaesthetic drug requirements in semi-free ranging Arabian oryx and to assess the temperature quotient (Q10) of oxygen consumption. Study design Prospective observational study and controlled metabolic experiment. Animals Sixty-eight anaesthetic events in 59 Arabian oryx fromMahazat As-Sayd protected area, Saudi Arabia. Methods Anaesthesia was induced by remote injection of 25 mg ketamine, 10 mg midazolam and 0.5 mg medetomidine with a variable amount of etorphine based on a target dosage of 20 µg kg-1 and subjective assessment of body mass. Animals not recumbent within 15minutes or insufficiently anaesthetized were physically restrained and administered supplementary etorphine intravenously depending on the anaesthetic depth. Body temperature (Tb) was measured rectally immediately upon handling of each animal. Fromsix anaesthetized oryx, expiratory gasses for oxygen analysis and metabolic rate calculation were collected at twoTbs; before and after submersion in icewater for approximately 30 minutes. Results: Forty-two animals (62%) became recumbent with the initial dose, with a mean induction time (± standard deviation) of 9 ± 2 minutes. The remaining animals could be handled but needed 0.3 ± 0.1 mg etorphine intravenously to reach the desired level of anaesthesia. There was a significant positive correlation between Tb and effective etorphine dosage (R² = 0.48, p < 0.0001). Average Tb of the six animals in which metabolic rate was measured decreased from 40.0 ± 0.5°C immediately after induction to 35.5 ± 0.5°C after cooling. This reduction was associated with a reduction in oxygen uptake from 3.11 ± 0.33 to 2.22 ± 0.29 mL O2 minute-1 kg-1, reflected in Q10 of 2.17 ± 0.14. Conclusions and clinical relevance: Tb significantly affects anaesthetic requirements in Arabian oryx and should be considered when selecting dosages for anaesthetic induction for species showing diurnal heterothermy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a lithium ion cobalt polymer battery cell is modeled using 3-D finite elements (3DFE) for the study of its performance under a wide range of operating scenarios. The electrochemistry is modeled and coupled to an electromagnetic model to forecast the cell voltage overpotential as a result of charging and discharging under six current densities. To study this phenomenon, light ( $C$ /10), medium ( $C$ /2), and high ( $1C$ ) charging and discharging currents are imposed at the battery terminals and compared with experimental results. The electric field inside the electrodes and electrolyte is analyzed at each case highlighting regions where loss occurs. A magnetic field analysis depicts the total electrochemical generation of current densities inside the cell while identifying how the development of gradient currents occur, a mechanism which can shorten the life span of the battery. This paper distinguishes where 3DFE analysis battery models can be useful in studying how lithium ion batteries will behave given a particular loading or a charging profile before placing them in service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To compare Ologen implant versus mitomycin-C (MMC) in combined trabeculotomy and trabeculectomy as a treatment of primary congenital glaucoma. Setting. Sohag University Hospital, Egypt. Design. A prospective comparative study. Methods. Thirty-four eyes of twenty-one patients with primary congenital glaucoma were included in this study. All patients were subjected to preoperative evaluation including complete anterior segment examination under general anesthesia. The patients were divided into two groups: patients of the first group (group A) underwent combined trabeculotomy and trabeculectomy with Ologen implantation while those of the second group (group B) underwent combined trabeculotomy and trabeculectomy with MMC application. Results. Postoperatively, the IOP in group A was as follows: 8 eyes developed IOP levels less than 14 mmHg (complete success), 3 eyes had levels between 14 and 16 mmHg (accepted result), 2 eyes had levels between 16 and 20 mmHg (guarded result), and only 2 eyes showed levels exceeding 20 mmHg (failed procedure), while in group B, 7 eyes showed complete success, 3 eyes had accepted result, 3 eyes had guarded result, and 2 eyes had failed procedure. Conclusion. Ologen is a safe and effective adjuvant in combined trabeculotomy and trabeculectomy for treatment of primary congenital glaucoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The DC power system is an effective architecture that achieves more reliable power with higher efficiency, leading to a better integration of energy sources with fewer power electronic converters. However, the protection of DC power systems, especially multi-source distribution systems and multi-terminal dc lines, involves many challenges. Through extensive study, this paper presents the key requirements for the protection of these systems, such as personal safety, fault detection and location capabilities, equipment survivability and ride-through capability. Various grounding topologies utilized in DC systems are detailed and their advantages and limitations are compared in terms of personal safety, transient short circuit current behavior, fault detection and protection capabilities, and insulation requirements. In multi-source systems, the proper design and coordination of circuit breakers and disconnecting switches are very important to rapidly isolate the faulted area and restore the system. In this paper, different circuit breaker technologies and configurations have been studied and their performances are compared. Moreover, this paper presents a comprehensive overview of various fault detection and location techniques suggested in the literature. The requirements and applications of these techniques are discussed and areas for future research are indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proposes a miniature transformer/direct current (dc)-dc converter for implantable medical devices. Overview of the electromagnetic field problem; Synthesis technique for predicting geometries utilizing dynamic programming; Numerical design procedure for the transformer; Design verication.

Presents information on a study that provided an effective optimum design method for voice coil motor. Methodology of the study; Results and discussion on the study; Conclusion.

DC microgrid systems with hybrid energy resources are of significant interest in shipboard and spacecraft applications. In such a system, coordinated operation of circuit breakers (CBs) and disconnecting switches (DSs) can rapidly isolate short-circuit faults and restore the system very fast. In this paper, we investigate a new protection scheme for a Multi-Bus dc systems based on an event classification approach. The proposed protection scheme transfers less data when compared with commonly used data-based protection methods and does not require high-speed communication and synchronization. The results show that the developed protection scheme is able to identify the type of fault accurately, isolate the faulted area, and restore the system very quickly while maintaining continuous power to the loads. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Energy storage systems provide viable solutions for improving efficiency and power quality as well as reliability issues in dc/ac power systems including power grid with considerable penetrations of renewable energy. The storage systems are also essential for aircraft powertrains, shipboard power systems, electric vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles to meet the peak load economically and improve the system’s reliability and efficiency. Significant development and research efforts have recently been made in high-power storage technologies such as supercapacitors, superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES), and flywheels. These devices have a very high-power density and fast response time and are suitable for applications with rapid charge and discharge requirements. In this paper, the latest technological developments of these devices as well as advancements in the lithium-ion battery, the most power dense commercially available battery, are presented. Also, a comparative analysis of these high-power storage technologies in terms of power, energy, cost, life, and performance is carried out. This paper also presents the applications, advantages, and limitations of these technologies in a power grid and transportation system as well as critical and pulse loads. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: There is increasing awareness about the association of sleep quality and academic achievement among university students. However, the relationship between sleep quality and academic performance has not been examined in Sudan; this study assessed the relationship between sleep quality and academic performance among Sudanese medical students. Methods: A case-control study was conducted among 165 male and female medical students at two Sudanese universities. Excellent (A) and pass (C) academic groups were invited to respond to a self-administered questionnaire, using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Students also completed a diary detailing their sleep habits for 2 weeks prior to filling out the questionnaire. Various parameters of sleep quality were then compared between the two groups. Results: A significant difference (p < 0.001) between the excellent and average groups was found for overall sleep quality, subjective sleep rating, bedtime later than midnight, sleep latency, and daytime dysfunction (during driving, preparing a meal, etc.). No differences were found between groups for the use of sleep medications. The mean sleeping hours was (7 ± 1.9) and (6.3 ± 1.9) for the excellent and pass groups respectively (p < 0.05). A significant difference (p < 0.001) between the excellent and average groups was found for weekday and weekend bedtime, weekend wake-up time, and weekend wake-up delay. No differences were found between groups for the weekday's wake- up time, and bedtime delay during weekends. Besides, snoring was present in 9.2 % of the excellent group versus 28 % in pass group (p < 0.005). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serological surveys have confirmed Anaplasma marginale and Anaplasma phagocytophilum infections in dromedary camels, but molecular surveys and genetic characterisation of camel-associated Anaplasma species are lacking. In this study, we detected tick-borne Anaplasmataceae in 30 of 100 (30%) healthy dromedary camels screened using a combined 16S rRNA– groEL PCR-sequencing approach. Nucleotide sequencing confirmed Anaplasmataceae genome presence in 28 of the 33 16S rRNA PCR-positive samples, with two additional positive samples, for which 16S rRNA sequence data were ambiguous, being identified by groEL gene characterisation. Phylogenetic analyses of a 1289 nt segment of the 16S rRNA gene confirmed the presence of a unique Ehrlichia lineage and a discrete Anaplasma lineage, comprising three variants, occurring at an overall prevalence of 4% and 26%, respectively. Genetic characterisation of an aligned 559 nt groEL gene region revealed the camel-associated Anaplasma and Ehrlichia lineages to be novel and most closely related to Anaplasma platys and Ehrlichia canis . Based on the confirmed monophyly, minimum pairwise genetic distances between each novel lineage and its closest sister taxon, and the inability to isolate the bacteria, we propose that Candidatus status be assigned to each. This first genetic characterisation of Anaplasmataceae from naturally infected, asymptomatic dromedary camels in Saudi Arabia confirms the presence of two novel lineages that are phylogenetically linked to two pathogenic canid species of increasing zoonotic concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new energy control scheme is proposed for actively controlled hybrid dc microgrid to reduce the adverse impact of pulsed power loads. The proposed energy control is an adaptive current–voltage control (ACVC) scheme based on the moving average measurement technique and an adaptive proportional compensator. Unlike conventional energy control methods, the proposed ACVC approach has the advantage of controlling both the voltage and current of the system while keeping the output current of the power converter at a relatively constant value. For this study, a laboratory-scale hybrid dc microgrid is developed to evaluate the performance of the ACVC strategy and to compare its performance with other conventional energy control methods. Using experimental test results, it is shown that the proposed strategy highly improves the dynamic performance of the hybrid dc microgrid. Although the ACVC technique causes slightly more bus voltage variation, it effectively eliminates the high current and power pulsation of the power converters. The experimental test results for different pulse duty ratios demonstrated a significant improvement achieved by the developed ACVC scheme in enhancing the system efficiency, reducing the ac grid voltage drop and the frequency fluctuations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this paper, the economic analysis of a real-time power flow control algorithm for charging a large-scale plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) network is proposed. Such a system is in an urban area power system with optimized renewable energy resources in South Florida. In this model, the PEVs charging rates are controlled by a central aggregator through wireless communication. To limit the impact of the PEVs' charging to the utility grid, while optimizing the scheduling of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) frequency regulation services, a V2G intelligent power flow management algorithm based on fuzzy logic control was developed. The smart charging system will improve the power system stability and robustness while bringing benefits to the utility ac grid, the PEVs network, and its customers. An economic analysis model was built with the consideration of the battery degradation and capital cost. The proposed smart charging algorithm was tested with a 50 000 PEVs network model. The simulation results show the effectiveness and economic value of the proposed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work represents the most extensive genetic study of the grey wolf (Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758) in Arabia and the first considering genetic data from multiple locations within Saudi Arabia. Previous suggestion of the occurrence of two subspecies of wolves in Arabia is not supported by this study. The genetic evidence suggests that the wolves of Saudi Arabia are genetically variable and more closely related to the Eurasian wolf Canis lupus group (dog included) than to the Indian wolf C. l. pallipes . The genetic diversity observed for C. lupus in Saudi Arabia indicates that the subspecific status C. l. arabs should be retained for the Arabian wolf. What remains unclear is the degree to which genetic introgression from domestic dogs has influenced the composition and integrity of C. lupus in Saudi Arabia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes a novel model for medical differential diagnosis designed to make recommendations by utilizing semantic web technologies. Topics discussed include the evidence-based recommender component and the proximity-based recommender component as 2 major components of the model. Also mentioned are both approaches being driven by disease diagnosis ontologies designed specifically to enable the process of generating diagnostic recommendations and test cases from model implementation.

Introduction: in Africa and Asia hair dye is applied together with henna to decorate the hands and feet. Paraphenylene-diamine (PPD), a highly toxic constituent of hair dye can lead to acute kidney injury (AKI). Methods: a cohort study was conducted during the period from April 2012 to March 2013 in Khartoum Teaching Hospital, Sudan. It targeted adults presenting acutely with an evident history and clinical features of hair dye poisoning, together with AKI as per the RIFLE criteria. Analysis of data was done using SPSS. Results: 30 adults were included, their mean age was 25.6 ± 4.2 years, 93.3% were females. Exposure to PPD was suicidal in 86.7%. The mean duration to onset of renal symptoms was 34.8 ± 7.6 hours, maximum median serum creatinine was 8.6 ± 2.3 mg/dl, 86.7% had loss of kidney function as per the RIFLE classification and required dialysis. Initial renal recovery was seen after a mean duration of 9.8 ± 2.2 days. One patient died, 3.3%; all others, 96.7%, recovered normal kidney function. The amount of ingested PPD correlated significantly to the severity of symptoms, number of dialysis sessions required and time for renal recovery with P values < 0.05. Conclusion: hair dye poisoning was associated with prolonged hospital stay, requirement of dialysis and increased morbidity. The severity of symptoms directly correlates to the dose of PPD ingested, with the kidney damage being reversible in almost all survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]