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The SEG Advanced Modeling (SEAM) Arid benchmark model was designed to simulate an extremely heterogeneous low-velocity near surface (NS), which is typical of desert environments and typically not well characterized or imaged. Imaging of land seismic data is highly sensitive to errors in the NS velocity model. Vertical seismic profiling (VSP) partly alleviates the impact of the NS as the receivers are located at depth in the borehole. Deep learning (DL) offers a flexible optimization framework for full-waveform inversion (FWI), often outperforming typically used optimization methods. We investigate the quality of images that can be obtained from SEAM Arid VSP data by acoustic mini-batch reverse time migration (RTM) and full-waveform imaging. First, we focus on the effects of seismic vibrator and receiver array positioning and imperfect knowledge of the NS model when inverting 2D acoustic data. FWI imaging expectedly and consistently outperforms RTM in our tests. We find that the acquisition density is critical for RTM imaging and less so for FWI, while NS model accuracy is critical for FWI and has less effect on RTM imaging. Distributed acoustic sensing along the full length of the well provides noticeable improvement over a limited aperture array of geophones in imaging deep targets in both RTM and FWI imaging scenarios. Finally, we compare DL-based FWI imaging with inverse scattering RTM using the upgoing wavefield from the original SEAM data. Use of significantly more realistic 3D elastic physics for the simulated data generation and simple 2D acoustic inversion engine makes our inverse problem more realistic. We observe that FWI imaging in this case produces an image with fewer artifacts.

In recent years, we are facing the challenge of drug resistance emergence in fungi. The availability of limited antifungals and development of multi-drug resistance in fungal pathogens has become a serious concern in the past years in the health sector. Although several cellular, molecular, and genetic mechanisms have been proposed to explain the drug resistance mechanism in fungi, but a complete understanding of the molecular and genetic mechanisms is still lacking. Besides the genetic mechanism, epigenetic mechanisms are pivotal in the fungal lifecycle and disease biology. However, very little is understood about the role of epigenetic mechanisms in the emergence of multi-drug resistance in fungi, especially in Candida auris (C. auris). The current narrative review summaries the clinical characteristics, genomic organization, and molecular/genetic/epigenetic mechanisms underlying the emergence of drug resistance in C. auris. A very few studies have attempted to evaluate the role of epigenetic mechanisms in C. auris. Furthermore, advanced genetic tools such as the CRISP-Cas9 system can be utilized to elucidate the epigenetic mechanisms and their role in the emergence of multi-drug resistance in C. auris.

The insular cortex had been considered a mysterious structure for years and consists of only 2% of all cortical surface area. It is a separate lobe of the cerebral cortex and lies close to the limbic system, which makes it a paralimbic structure, and forms the floor of the lateral sulcus. Despite the myriad of research regarding the insular cortex over the years, it is still considered an obscure and incompletely known structure. Thus, this study aimed to summarize the previous studies regarding the structure, embryology, location, connections, and functions of the insular cortex. Moreover, this review would tend to reorganize the data in a more comprehensive fashion to facilitate reaching the information regarding the insular cortex. The results of the studies were summarized from three perspectives that is neuroanatomy, physiological function, and pathologies commonly affecting the insular cortex. Overall, many textbooks, reviews, case reports, and clinical trials have demonstrated that the insular cortex has a crucial, active, and integrative role in functions throughout the body, from the brain to feeling pain in dorsal part of the foot. Moreover, ischemic stroke cases have demonstrated clearly, how much important the insular cortex is, in normal physiological functioning. More studies, especially clinical trials, should be performed to evaluate the effects of impeding this important intracranial structure.

Bacillus thuringiensis is known as a bioinsecticide for controlling taro caterpillar, Spodoptera litura Fab. in cabbage plants. However, Bt. is easily degraded by ultraviolet (UV), so it needs UV protectant. This research aimed to study the synergism of extract of turmeric, moringa, cloves, and red betel as UV protectants for Bt. and to measure the Bt. half lifes. As much as 25 (w/v) of turmeric, moringa, cloves, and red betel extracts was used to make Bt. suspension. The Bt. suspension then was exposed to sunlight for 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days then it was tested againts 25 individuals of 1st larval instar of taro caterpillar and each treatment was using three replicates. Pathogenicity of each formulation was observed by calculating larval mortality up to the 7th day after treatment. The results showed that the highest larval mortality was found in the Bt. formulation added extracts at 0-day exposure. Mortality data for each Bt. treatment. showed a decrease from the treatment of 0 to 28-day exposures. After 28 days of exposure, Bt. without extract addition had a pathogenicity of 15.2%, whereas Bt. with clove extract had pathogenicity about 56.4%, which is higher than those on turmeric, moringa, and red betel. The first half life of Bt. added with clove was 32.3 days, while the second half life was 50.7 days. Based on this research, it can be concluded that clove has synergism affect when applied with Bt.

Processing seismic data from drillbit-generated vibrations requires a reliable source signature for correlation and deconvolution purposes. Recently, a land field trial has been conducted in a desert environment. A memory-based downhole vibration accelerometer has been used together with a more conventional top-drive sensor to continuously record the pilot signal from 590 to 8600 ft (180–2621 m). Past results indicate that seismic-while-drilling (SWD) data processed using the top-drive accelerometer exhibit good quality in the middle sections of the well but a reduced signal-to-noise ratio for shallow and deep sections. One of the main challenges in using the downhole pilot is a substantial drift of the downhole clock time. To resolve it, a novel automated time-alignment procedure using the GPS-synchronized signal of the top-drive sensor as a reference is applied. The downhole recording provides a source signature of better quality. In shallow sections of the well, it helps to overcome the intense surface-related vibrational noise, whereas, in deeper sections, it provides a cleaner extraction of weaker signals from the polycrystalline diamond compact bits. Processing with the downhole pilot results in better surface seismic data quality than with a conventional top-drive sensor. Therefore, enabling the use of the synchronized downhole pilot signal is of crucial importance for SWD applications. Modern cost-effective near-bit vibrational sensors widely used for different nonseismic applications could be an effective acquisition solution, as shown in this study.

The immune system's performance declines as we age, increasing our vulnerability to illnesses and perhaps lowering our quality of life. Stress and normal ageing both cause a decline in immune function. Social and psychological pressures are a regular component of life and the cause of significant events that alter direction. Throughout their lives, people are exposed to a variety of stressors, with effects that develop at various rates due to differences in stress exposure, stress buffering, stress reactivity, stress duration (recovery), and restorative mechanisms. The consequences of these processes on older persons' stress levels have been shown to mimic, aggravate, and possibly accelerate the immune system's ageing process. Therefore, it would be advantageous for aged people and less expensive for society to be able to renew the ageing immune system.

Taghreed A Hafiz,1 Juliana Linnette D’Sa,2 Sahar Zamzam,2 Maria Liza Visbal Dionaldo,3 Esraa Aldawood,1 Nouf Madkhali,4 Murad A Mubaraki1 1Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 2Maternal and Child Health Nursing Department, College of Nursing, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 3University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, College of Nursing, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; 4Virology Department, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Taghreed A Hafiz, Email thafiz@ksu.edu.saIntroduction: Helicobacter pylori infection is widespread and harmful, rendering its eradication a serious public health problem. Undergraduate students’ general understanding of H. pylori infection is relatively poor. This was a second-phase research study to evaluate the efficacy of an educational intervention in raising awareness among university students.Methods: A quasi-experimental approach was employed, with 108 undergraduate students at King Saud University as participants. First, during the October 2021 academic year, data were gathered using a validated survey. The survey was divided into sociodemographic characteristics and H. pylori knowledge. Second, we assessed the effectiveness of an educational intervention to increase university students’ awareness of the topic.Results: Before the intervention, the percentage of students that had good (9.3%), fair (28.7%) and poor (62%) knowledge of H. pylori infection changed to 55.6%, 41.7%, and 2.8% respectively. There was a significant increase in overall and domain-wise mean knowledge score after the educational intervention (p = 0.001). The pretest knowledge was independent of all socio-demographic variables except “whether or not they had heard about H. pylori infection” (χ 2= 8.666, p = 0.013).Conclusion: Educational intervention may help increase students’ awareness of H. pylori infections.Keywords: awareness, infectious disease, H. pylori infection, education-intervention, undergraduate student, infection control

An insecticide containing the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam + the diamide chlorantraniliprole was evaluated against adults of Rhyzopertha dominica, Tribolium castaneum, Trogoderma granarium, and Sitophilus oryzae under laboratory bioassays both on freshly treated grain as well as on treated grain stored over 90 days for its persistence in efficacy. In laboratory bioassays, the insecticide was applied on wheat, maize, or rice at four doses, while in persistence bioassays on wheat at the same doses. Mortality and progeny were assessed in both laboratory and persistence bioassays. After 14 days of exposure, S. oryzae exhibited 100% mortality on all three commodities at the highest dose, while R. dominica showed complete mortality on wheat or rice and T. castaneum on wheat. For a period of 90 days, S. oryzae exhibited 42.69% mortality, followed by R. dominica (35.26%), T. castaneum (27.08%), and T. granarium (18.63%) at the highest dose. Progeny was successfully suppressed in all cases of complete mortality in laboratory bioassays and for S. oryzae for 90 days in persistence bioassays. Laboratory trials were also performed on plywood, concrete, ceramic tile, and steel at one dose. The highest mortality was observed on steel, followed by concrete, ceramic tile, and plywood for all insect species tested. This study demonstrates that thiamethoxam + chlorantraniliprole is effective against the tested species depending on exposure, storage period, surface, commodity, and dose.

Abdu Aldarhami,1 Abdulrahman S Bazaid,2,3 Husam Qanash,2,3 Iqbal Ahmad,4 Fahad H Alshammari,2,3 Abdulrahman M Alshammari,2,3 Abdulrahman H Alshammari,2,3 Fahad M Aljanfawe,3 Bushra Aldamiri,5 Esraa Aldawood,6 Mashail A Alghamdi,7 Naif K Binsaleh,2,3 Nizar H Saeedi,8 Mejdi Snoussi3,9,10 1Department of Medical Microbiology, Qunfudah Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Al-Qunfudah, 21961, Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha’il, Hail, 55476, Saudi Arabia; 3Medical and Diagnostic Research Center, University of Ha’il, Hail, 55473, Saudi Arabia; 4Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, India; 5Biochemistry Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, 12372, Saudi Arabia; 6Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, 12372, Saudi Arabia; 7Biology Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia; 8Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia; 9Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha’il, Hail, 81451, Saudi Arabia; 10Laboratory of Genetics, Biodiversity and Valorization of Bio-Resources, Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Monastir, University of Monastir, Monastir, 5000, TunisiaCorrespondence: Abdulrahman S Bazaid; Husam Qanash, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha’il, Hail, 55476, Saudi Arabia, Tel +966 16 5358200 ext. 1713, Email ar.bazaid@uoh.edu.sa; h.qanash@uoh.edu.saIntroduction: Although Sumra and Sidr Saudi honey is widely used in traditional medicine due to its potent activity, it is unknown whether its prolonged usage has impact upon bacterial virulence or leading to reduced antibiotic sensitivity. Thus, the study aims to investigate the effect of prolonged (repeated) in-vitro exposure to Saudi honey on the antibiotic susceptibility profiles and biofilm formation of pathogenic bacteria.Methods: Several bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Acinetobacter baumannii, were in-vitro exposed ten times [passaged (P10)]to Sumra and Sider honey individually to introduce adapted bacteria (P10). Antibiotic susceptibility profiles of untreated (P0) and adapted (P10) bacteria were assessed using disc diffusion and microdilution assays. The tendency regarding biofilm formation following in-vitro exposure to honey (P10) was assessed using the Crystal violet staining method.Results: Adapted (P10) bacteria to both Sumra and Sidr honey showed an increased sensitivity to gentamicin, ceftazidime, ampicillin, amoxycillin/clavulanic acid, and ceftriaxone, when compared with the parent strains (P0). In addition, A. baumannii (P10) that was adapted to Sidr honey displayed a 4-fold increase in the minimal inhibitory concentration of the same honey following in-vitro exposure. 3-fold reduction in the tendency toward biofilm formation was observed for the Sumra-adapted (P10) methicillin resistant S. aureus strain, although there was a lower rate of reduction (1.5-fold) in biofilm formation by both the Sumra- and Sidr-adapted A. baumannii (P10) strains.Conclusion: The data highlight the positive impact of prolonged in-vitro exposure to Saudi honey (Sumra and Sider) for wound-associated bacteria since they displayed a significant increase in their sensitivity profiles to the tested antibiotic and a reduction in their ability to form biofilm. The increased bacterial sensitivity to antibiotics and a limited tendency toward biofilm formation would suggest the great potential therapeutic use of this Saudi honey (Sumra and Sidr) to treat wound infections.Keywords: Sider and Sumra honey, Saudi honey, resistance, biofilm formation, antibiotic susceptibility

Indium oxide nanoparticles (In

Tobacco armyworm (Spodoptera litura Fab.) is one of the major insect pests of crops in Indonesia. The management of this pest still depends on the use of chemical insecticides. The use of bio-insecticides, such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt.), are known to be alternatives, but it easily degraded by sunlight. This research aimed to study the effects of UV B on Bt. pathogenicity and to explore plant-based additives as UV B protectants for Bt. against armyworm. Thirteen plant extracts were screened based on their UV spectra absorbencies using UV spectrophotometry. The extracts, namely cloves, Jicama, Celebes pepper, turmeric, and Moringa, then used for the formulations of Bt. and exposed under UV B lights for 0, 72, and 144 h. After exposure to UV B, Bt. formulations were tested for bioassay against one- day-old 1st and one day old 2nd larval instars of tobacco armyworm. The result indicated that at 72 and 144 h of UV B exposures, the Bt. added formulations were signifcantly different compared to Bt. alone. At 72 h exposure against the 2nd larval instar, the larval mortality of tobacco armyworm on the second day of observation on Bt. formulated with Celebes pepper and turmeric was 97.3 and 80%, respectively, whereas, at 144 h exposure, the mortality was 96 and 89.3%, respectively. This study concluded that Celebes pepper and turmeric extracts were the potential to be used as the Bt. protectants against UV B.

This study aimed to investigate the radiation risks in terms of effective dose and the cancer risk probability resulting from computed tomography (CT) scans of the head for traumatic patients and determine how often traumatic abnormalities occur. Data were collected retrospectively for 138 traumatic patients from the picture archiving and communication system, including exposure parameters and clinical findings. The mean values of the dose length product, CT dose index volume and effective dose for the CT head examinations were 787 ± 67.7 mGy•cm, 40.1 ± 1.33 mGy and 1.47 ± 0.12 mSv, respectively. Of the total cases of CT scans of the head, 57.2% (n = 79) exhibited positive findings. The cancer risk probability for the patients was 6.04 × 10−5 per procedure, with no statistically significant differences between positive and negative findings (p = 0.345). Taking into consideration the justification of the examination, the risk of missing positive findings and the radiation risks, the immediate benefit of head CT for trauma patients for guiding medical decisions outweighs the radiation risk that will probably manifest later.

The incorporation of graphene with metal oxide has been widely explored in various fields, including energy storage devices, optical applications, biomedical applications, and water remediation. This research aimed to assess the impact of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) doping on the photocatalytic and anticancer properties of In2O3 nanoparticles. Pure and In2O3/RGO nanocomposites were effectively synthesized using the single-step microwave hydrothermal process. XRD, TEM, SEM, EDX, XPS, Raman, UV–Vis, and PL spectroscopy were carefully utilized to characterize the prepared samples. XRD data showed that synthesized In2O3 nanoparticles had high crystallinity with a decreased crystal size after RGO doping. TEM and SEM images revealed that the In2O3 NPs were spherical and uniformly embedded onto the surface of RGO sheets. Elemental analysis of In2O3/RGO NC confirmed the presence of In, O, and C without impurities. Raman analysis indicated the successful fabrication of In2O3 onto the RGO surface. Uv–Vis analysis showed that the band gap energy was changed with RGO addition. Raman spectra confirmed that In2O3 nanoparticles were successfully anchored onto the RGO sheet. PL results indicated that the prepared In2O3/RGO NCs can be applied to enhance photocatalytic activity and biomedical applications. In the degradation experiment, In2O3/RGO NCs exhibited superior photocatalytic activity compared to that of pure In2O3. The degradation efficiency of In2O3/RGO NCs for MB dye was up to 90%. Biological data revealed that the cytotoxicity effect of In2O3/RGO NCs was higher than In2O3 NPs in human colorectal (HCT116) and liver (HepG2) cancer cells. Importantly, the In2O3/RGO NCs exhibited better biocompatibility against human normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). All the results suggest that RGO addition improves the photocatalytic and anticancer activity of In2O3 NPs. This study highlights the potential of In2O3/RGO NCs as an efficient photocatalyst and therapeutic material for water remediation and biomedicine.

This study determined the efficacy of Beauveria bassiana (Bals. -Criv.) Vuill., Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchnikoff) Sorokin, and diatomaceous earth mixed with abamectin (DEA) alone and in their combinations for the integrated management of larvae and adults of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) from three field populations of Pakistan (Multan, Rawalpindi, and Rahim Yar Khan) and one laboratory population (Faisalabad). Treatments were applied on three surfaces, namely, viz. steel, concrete, and jute bags, implementing two application methods, dusting and spraying. The combined treatments were more effective in comparison with single treatments for both larvae and adults. Overall, the highest mortality rates were recorded in the Faisalabad population, followed by the Rehaim Yar Khan, Rawalpindi, and Multan populations. Progeny production was suspended 21 days after exposure to the combined treatment of DEA and both fungi in all populations except Rawalpindi. Larvae were found to be more susceptible than adults in all treatments and intervals. Dusting was more efficient than spraying for both larvae and adults and for all the populations studied. The present study provides a wholistic understanding of the impact of different factors on the success of the combined treatments using DEA and entomopathogenic fungi, supporting their use as surface treatments.

The beneficial effects of melatonin were investigated to mitigate various detrimental effects and toxicity on reproductive performance. The present study aimed, for the first time, to explore the effect of intravenous melatonin injection on testicular artery hemodynamics (TH) and metabolomic changes, reproductive hormones in heat-stressed bucks. Ten bucks were randomly split into two groups (five each): (1) the melatonin group, treated with a single intravenous dose of melatonin solution containing 10 mg melatonin each, and (2) the control group, which was treated with 10 mL of the vehicle without melatonin. Changes in the TH at the level of the supra testicular artery (STA) were assessed by triplex ultrasonography just before (0 h) and at 0.5, 2, 7, 24, and 168 h after melatonin or vehicle administration. Doppler velocity parameters of peak systolic velocity (PSV; cm/s), end-diastolic velocity (EDV; cm/s), and time average maximum velocity (TAMAX; cm/s) were measured. Doppler indices (resistive index; RI and pulsatility index; PI), systole/diastole (S/D) ratio and total arterial blood flow volume (TABFV; ml/minute) were measured. Peripheral concentrations of FSH, LH, inhibin, melatonin, testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), and cortisol were measured just before injection (0 h) and at 0.5, 2, 7, and 24 h and daily up to day 7 post administration in both groups. Results revealed reductions in the RI values and increases in the TABFV in the melatonin group compared to the control one, especially 2 h after administration. Significant increases in concentrations of FSH, T, E2, and melatonin and decreases in cortisol and inhibin in the melatonin group compared to the control one. Plasma metabolomic analysis at 2 h indicated the up-regulation of L-glutamine, L-arginine, sorbitol, D-glucose, ascorbic acid, and ornithine and the down-regulation of D-xylose, D-arabitol, ribitol, and oleic acid in the melatonin versus the control group. In conclusion, acute administration of melatonin (10 mg IV) enhanced testicular artery blood flow and plasma reproductive hormones in the Shiba goat under heat-stress circumstances.

Shaya Yaanallah AlQahtani,1 Ahmed Anwer Alabdulqader,2 Waleed Abdulrahman Al Mashhour,3 Zahra Mohammed Aldawood,4 Osama Ali Al Masari,1 Thabit Alotaibi,1 Zeead M AlGhamdi,5 Ibrahim M Alzahrani,6 Noor Nabil Albaloushi7 1Department of Internal Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia; 2King Fahad Hospital Hofuf, Hofuf, Saudi Arabia; 3Dammam Medical Complex, Dammam, Saudi Arabia; 4King Khalid Hospital- AlKharaj, Alkharaj, Saudi Arabia; 5Thoracic Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia; 6Department of Internal medicine, Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia; 7Ministry of Health, Dammam, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Shaya Yaanallah AlQahtani, Department of Internal Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box. 2208, Dammam, 31952, Saudi Arabia, Email saalQahthani@iau.edu.saObjective: We aim to identify the clinical characteristics and outcome of vaccine breakthrough infection in critically ill COVID-19 patients and to compare the clinical course of disease between vaccinated and non-vaccinated patients.Methods: A retrospective review of all adult patients aged ≥ 18 years admitted to the ICU in King Fahd Hospital of the University in Saudi Arabia with positive COVID-19 RT-PCR test between the period of January 1st to August 31st, 2021, were included. The recruited patients were grouped in to “vaccinated and non-vaccinated group” based on their immunization status. The demographic data, co-morbidities, modality of oxygen support, ICU length of stay (ICU LOS) and mortality were collected and analyzed.Results: A total of 167 patients were included. Seventy-two patients (43%) were vaccinated. Cardiovascular diseases were higher among the vaccinated group (33.3% vs 12.6%, p value < 0.001). Requirements of Non-invasive ventilation was significantly lower in vaccinated group compared to non-vaccinated group (73.6% vs 91.6%, p value < 0.011). The rates of intubation were similar between both groups. The total intubation days was longer in non-vaccinated patients compared to vaccinated patients and the median duration of intubation was 8 days vs 2 days, respectively (p value 0.027). In subgroup analysis, the P/F ratio was significantly higher in patients who received two doses of vaccine compared to single dose (p value < 0.002).Conclusion: In critically ill COVID-19 patients, the vaccinated group has significantly less need for Non-invasive ventilation, fewer intubation days and less hypoxia compared to non-vaccinated patients. We recommend more policies and public education nationwide and worldwide to encourage vaccination and raise awareness of the general population.Keywords: COVID-19 vaccine, breakthrough infection, intensive care unit, vaccine effectiveness, inflammatory markers

In newborn humans, and up to approximately 2 y of age, calvarial bone defects can naturally regenerate. This remarkable regeneration potential is also found in newborn mice and is absent in adult mice. Since previous studies showed that the mouse calvarial sutures are reservoirs of calvarial skeletal stem cells (cSSCs), which are the cells responsible for calvarial bone regeneration, here we hypothesized that the regenerative potential of the newborn mouse calvaria is due to a significant amount of cSSCs present in the newborn expanding sutures. Thus, we tested whether such regenerative potential can be reverse engineered in adult mice by artificially inducing an increase of the cSSCs resident within the adult calvarial sutures. First, we analyzed the cellular composition of the calvarial sutures in newborn and in older mice, up to 14-mo-old mice, showing that the sutures of the younger mice are enriched in cSSCs. Then, we demonstrated that a controlled mechanical expansion of the functionally closed sagittal sutures of adult mice induces a significant increase of the cSSCs. Finally, we showed that if a calvarial critical size bone defect is created simultaneously to the mechanical expansion of the sagittal suture, it fully regenerates without the need for additional therapeutic aids. Using a genetic blockade system, we further demonstrate that this endogenous regeneration is mediated by the canonical Wnt signaling. This study shows that controlled mechanical forces can harness the cSSCs and induce calvarial bone regeneration. Similar harnessing strategies may be used to develop novel and more effective bone regeneration autotherapies.

(1) Background: surveillance data from the Saudi Ministry of Health shows that the Kingdom’s large-scale immunisation programme has significantly reduced the mortality and morbidity of the target diseases among children. In this study, we review relevant literature and test a number of hypotheses related to the association between demographic, socio-economic, clinic-related, and parents-related variables and completion of childhood immunisation. In doing so, this study identifies critical factors associated with completion of childhood immunisation and presents important implications to healthcare practitioners, particularly in Saudi Arabia; (2) Literature review: a systematic literature review was conducted to understand what is currently published concerning parents’ immunisation compliance in Saudi Arabia and the factors associated with immunisation compliance. (3) Methods: from March to May 2022, an online survey was administered to parents attending one of the 27 primary health care (PHC) centres in Qatif. Data from parents (n = 353) were analysed using exploratory factor analysis, correlation, and a series of OLS and logistic regression models; (4) Results: parental (child) age was negatively (positively) associated with the completion status of childhood immunisation (both p < 0.05). Parents with positive attitudes, social norms, perceptions towards immunisation, and those working in private companies were more likely to immunise their children (all p < 0.05). Conversely, living in an apartment building, walking to PHCs, waiting longer at PHCs, and having higher knowledge of immunisation were negatively associated with the completion of childhood immunisation (all p < 0.05); (5) Conclusions: several factors that positively or negatively influence the completion of childhood immunisation have been identified. Future studies may investigate the causal link between these factors and parental decision-making regarding childhood immunisation.

Seismic while drilling (SWD) can provide high-resolution subsurface information and characterize near-surface geology. We present a case study of SWD analysis using a data set from a desert environment acquired over a complex overburden. The data were acquired with a system composed of wireless surface geophones as well as top-drive and downhole sensors. The drill-bit noise data were reprocessed using a specialized workflow with two essential elements. First, a downhole pilot from a near-bit sensor was used for deconvolution, which led to improved data quality, particularly in the shallow subsurface. Second, nonlinear beamforming leveraged the 3D carpet of geophones to enhance signal quality and enable picking 3D traveltimes. A simple workflow for building a 1D velocity model used 3D traveltimes from an offset of 180 to 500 m. We vertically projected and averaged all 3D traveltimes to obtain a robust checkshot profile for the section from 190 to 1855 m. For the shallow subsurface (0–800 m), we further applied an advanced workflow with 3D traveltime inversion that more accurately handled mid- and far-offset data using a ray-tracing engine. More than 100,000 offset traveltime picks were inverted for a 1D velocity model. The model closely ties with the geology of the near surface, namely the formation tops associated with major impedance and lithologic contrasts. Amplitude signatures of 3D SWD gathers also correlate with the velocity model and lithologic changes, showing weak energy associated with soft formations and higher-energy first-arrival waveforms associated with compacted formations. Finally, we used the data extracted from a 2D line to reconstruct a migrated image of the back-propagated drill-bit sources. Joint use of kinematic and dynamic signatures helps characterize markers associated with loss circulation zones and target layers.

Background: Subtrochanteric fractures account for around 7% to 34% of all femur fractures. Cephalo-medullary nailing is the gold standard in the repair of subtrochanteric femur fractures. Case presentation: We present a case of a medically free 21-year-old man, who was admitted with right thigh deformity and inability to bear weight after a motor vehicle accident. Standard pelvis and right femur radiographs showed a subtrochanteric femur with deformity forces of the fracture fragments. The patient was operated on with cephalo-medullary nailing using a Lowman bone holder. The fracture remained stable after cephalo-medullary fixation. The patient was discharged and was advised to continue follow-up. Conclusion: Fixation of femur subtrochanteric fracture with cephalo-medullary nailing technique using a Lowman clamp showed excellent clinical and radiographic results and a low complication rate.

Red palm weevil (RPW) management is important to the economic success of date palm agriculture. Monitoring with acoustic sensors was conducted in naturally infested trees in date palm orchards for six months after treatments with entomopathogenic fungi (Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae), entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernema carpocapsae), aluminum phosphide, emamectin benzoate, or fipronil to evaluate their efficacy in an integrated pest management treatment vs. a distilled water injection. Reductions in the mean rates of RPW sound impulse bursts over time after treatment were used as indicators of RPW mortality. Entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes, aluminum phosphide, and emamectin benzoate were the most effective treatments, reducing RPW impulse burst rates within 2–3-months to levels indicating absence of infestation. However, when applied as a spray, fipronil had only a minor effect. The results indicate that treatments utilizing entomopathogenic fungi or nematodes can beneficially manage RPW in palm orchards and can help to limit treatments that may induce insecticide resistance or cause human and environmental harm. Furthermore, the use of an acoustic sensor can be beneficial in monitoring the activities of insect borers inside the tree trunk.

Objective: The objective of this study is to explore whether different screen sizes have an influence on ARAT consistency, when scored by physiotherapists with a chronic Stroke patient. Design: Quantitative retrospective correlational cohort study. Twenty physiotherapists were recruited using non-probability snowball sampling. The participants viewed a video of a physiotherapist performing ARAT and had to apply the ARAT scoring system to rate the patient’s upper limb function. There were two groups of participants: one group viewed the video on a laptop (n=8) and the other with a projector (n=12). Non-parametric data analysis–Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to analyse the association between ARAT and screen size. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean age of the participants was 32 (SD = 6.989). There were 65% (n=13) male and 35% (n=7) female participants, of seven different nationalities. The ARAT scoring data were approximately normally distributed. Spearman’s rho correlation analysis indicated there is no significant association between ARAT scoring and screen size. The p-value equalled 0.282, higher than the significance level of 0.05. Conclusions: This is the first study to focus on the influence of extraneous variables (specifically screen size) on ARAT evaluation. The results show that there is no correlation between screen size and ARAT scoring, adding to the existing evidence that ARAT is a reliable tool and therefore should be seen as one of the best options for use clinically with chronic stroke patients for assessing impairment of the upper limbs. However, there are some limitations to the study. A study with a random sample and higher sample size is required to increase the representativeness of the findings and allow generalisation.

This study determined the efficacy of the Beauveriabassiana (Balsamo-Crivelli) Vuillemin (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) alone or combined with the diatomaceous earth DEA (a mixture of DE + abamectin) against adults and larvae of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). DEA was evaluated at 50 ppm while the fungi at 1.6 × 105, 1.6 × 106, and 1.6 × 107 conidia/kg wheat). Mortalities were assessed after 7 or 14 days of exposure, while progeny reduction in adults after 30, 60, 90, or 120 days. The radial fungus growth was significantly affected by the dose of DEA. Mortalities were higher in the combined treatments compared to the application of DEA or B. bassiana alone for both larvae and adults. Larvae were more susceptible than adults in all treatments and exposure intervals. Insect survival and progeny production were recorded for four months. Significantly fewer progeny was noted on wheat treated with DEA + B. bassiana treatments compared with control. The maximum number of mycosed cadavers and the rate of sporulation were observed at the lowest dose of B.bassiana alone, followed by the higher doses gradually. These findings indicate that the DEA + B. bassiana combinations can efficiently control T. castaneum, providing long-term protection of wheat.

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection globally. Investigating HPV awareness can reduce the burden of HPV-related cancers. Aims: (1) Assessing HPV awareness and knowledge among health college students at King Saud University, (2) comparing these outcomes across sociodemographic characteristics. Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted from November to December 2022 and included 403 health college students. Associations of HPV awareness and knowledge with sociodemographic characteristics were assessed using logistic regression analysis and linear regression analysis, respectively. Results: Only 60% of students were aware of HPV, with awareness higher among females, although their knowledge scores were comparable to males. The odds of awareness of HPV were greater among medical students compared to other colleges and among students belonging to older age groups compared to the younger age group (18–20). The odds of HPV awareness among hepatitis B vaccinated students were 2.10 times that among unvaccinated students (AOR = 2.10; 95% CI = 1.21, 3.64). Conclusions: The low level of HPV awareness among college students warrants the need for HPV educational campaigns to improve HPV awareness and to promote HPV vaccination in the community.

Urbanization affects all elements of the pre-urban environment, including soils, hydrology, vegetation, and microclimate. Recently, Saudi Arabia has experienced rapid urbanization and growth. Thus, the country’s biodiversity has been threatened. In the Riyadh region, beetle assemblages were assessed along a rural-suburban-urban gradient. A total of 2791 individuals from 94 species belonging to seven families were collected at 15 sites along three different gradients of urbanization in Wadi Hanifa, which runs for a length of 120 km from northwest to southeast. Tenebrionidae dominated abundance (60.1%) and richness (38%). Beetle abundance, evenness, and diversity were not different among habitats; however, species richness was higher in rural habitats. Detrended correspondence “DCA” and canonical correspondence “CCA” analyses showed distinct differences among sites along gradients. Urbanization intensity, soil variables, and land cover were significantly correlated with CCA axis 1, while elevation and flora were significantly correlated with CCA axis 2. The most critical operating environmental variables in Wadi Hanifa were buildings, elevation, soil organic carbon, litter cover, and litter depth, as well as plant species such as Launaea capitata, Lycium shawii, Alhagi graecorum, and Heliotropium currasavicum. Ten species in our study were associated with urban habitats, six with suburban habitats, and seven with rural habitats. Consequently, expanding urban areas may negatively affect the richness and composition of beetles and may result in the loss of some native species.

Urbanization affects all elements of the pre-urban environment, including soils, hydrology, vegetation, and microclimate. Recently, Saudi Arabia has experienced rapid urbanization and growth. Thus, the country's biodiversity has been threatened. In Riyadh, beetle assemblages were assessed along a rural-suburban-urban gradient. A total of 2,791 individuals from 94 species belonging to seven families were collected at 15 sites along three different gradients of urbanization in Wadi Hanifa. Tenebrionidae dominated abundance (60.1%) and richness (38%). Beetle abundance, evenness, and diversity were not different among habitats; however, species richness was higher in rural habitats. DCA and CCA analyses showed distinct differences among sites along gradients. Urbanization intensity, soil variables, and land cover were significantly correlated with DCA axis 1, while elevation and flora were significantly correlated with DCA axis 2. The most critical operating environmental variables in Wadi Hanifa were buildings, elevation, soil organic carbon, litter cover, and litter depth, as well as plants such as Launaea capitata, Lycium shawii, Alhagi graecorum, and Heliotropium currasavicum. Ten species in our study are associated with urban habitats, six with suburban habitats, and seven with rural habitats. Consequently, expanding urban areas may negatively affect the richness and composition of beetles and may result in the loss of some native species.

Objectives: To evaluate the reliability of sealer penetration measurement methods used with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) in correlation with the percentage of residual root filling, and to examine the effect of residual root filling on dentine penetrability after endodontic retreatment. Materials & Methods: Root canals of extracted teeth were prepared and obturated using different calcium silicate-based sealers (CSBSs): BioRoot-RCS, MTA-Fillapex, Bio-C, or epoxy resin-based sealer (ERBS) (AH-Plus) and single cone gutta-percha. After 8-week storage, the root filling material was removed, and canals were chemo-mechanically prepared again before obturation using warm vertical compaction and fluorescein labelled ERBS. Control teeth obturated using warm vertical compaction and labelled ERBS were not retreated. Sealer penetration was measured from images obtained by CLSM using 4 methods: maximum and average depth, penetration area, and penetration percentage. Using Spearman’s test, penetration measurements were correlated with the residual filling material obtained from micro-computed tomography. Results: The highest correlation was with the penetration percentage method. Significant differences were found among sealers in the percentage of residual filling material and sealer penetration (pp=0.013) and middle (p=0.016) thirds, respectively. When compared with non-retreated teeth, the penetrability of dentine was not affected by the residual root filling material regardless to the sealer type (p=0.094). Conclusions: Measuring sealer penetration into radicular dentine using the penetration percentage method was found to be the most reliable. Dentine penetrability during retreatment did not seem to be affected by the type of residual root filling material. Clinical Significance: During non-surgical endodontic retreatment, dentine penetrability may not be affected by the residual root filling material after canal preparation regardless to the type of sealer used in the initial treatment.

The rate of the sounds (i.e., substrate vibrations) produced by the movement and feeding activity of red palm weevil (RPW) pest infestations in a date palm tree was monitored over time after trees were separately treated with injection of entomopathogenic fungal isolates, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae, or water treatment as the control. The activity sensing device included an accelerometer, an amplifier, a digital recorder, and a signal transmitter that fed the data to a computer that excluded background noise and compared the rates of bursts of movement and feeding sound impulses among treated trees and controls. Observations were made daily for two months. The rates of bursts were representative of the feeding activity of RPW. The unique spectral pattern of sound pulses was typical of the RPW larval feeding activity in the date palm. The microphone confirmed that the same unique tone was produced in each burst. Two months after fungal injection, the RPW sound signal declined, while the RPW sound signal increased in the control date palms (water injection). The mean rates of bursts produced by RPW decreased to zero after the trees were injected with B. bassiana or M. anisopliae compared with the increased rates over time in the control treatment plants.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening disorder marked by low oxygen levels and rigid or non-compliant lungs. In the absence of any indication of cardiogenic pulmonary edema, ARDS is defined as an acute disease that begins within 7 days of the triggering event and is marked by bilateral lung infiltrates and severe progressive hypoxemia. ARDS has a significant death rate, and there are few effective treatment options for this life-threatening illness. The management of these severely ill patients in the intensive care unit relies heavily on imaging. Chest radiography, bedside lung ultrasonography, and computed tomography scans can all help with patient care and prognostic variables identification. However, imaging results are not always specific, and other diagnosis should be considered.

We report the results of a bilateral comparison of radiation temperature measurements between SASO-NMCC (National Measurement and Calibration Center of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) and TUBITAK-UME (National Metrology Institute of Turkey) over the range of the nominal target temperature from − 20 to 1600 °C. Two radiation thermometers, employed as the transfer standard instruments, were provided by the pilot laboratory TUBITAK–UME and traceable to the UME primary level radiation temperature scale approximation and realization. During the measurements each laboratory applied its own internal calibration procedures. The results of the comparison showed that all twelve pairs of temperature measurements performed by the participating laboratories are in a good agreement within declared combined standard uncertainty values. The comparison results obtained here support calibration and measurement capabilities both of UME and SASO.

Red palm weevil [Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier)], is native to South Asia and expanding its distribution range globally. Recent invasions of red palm weevil around the world, including Saudi Arabia, has become a global constraint for the production of palm species. Although, several control measures have been tested, none of them seemed successful against this invasive species. Therefore, we focused on silencing the reproduction control gene vitellogenin (Vg) based on RNA interference (RNAi) strategy for its possible application in the management of R. ferrugineus. The Vg is a major yolk protein precursor critical for oogenesis. To do this, fat body transcriptome of R. ferrugineus female adults was sequenced, which provided partial Vg gene transcript (FPKM 5731.60). A complete RfVg gene transcript of 5504 bp encoding 1787 amino acids was then sequenced using RCAE-PCR strategy and characterized. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that RfVg has closer ancestry to the coleopteran insects. The RfVg-based RNAi significantly suppressed the expressions of Vg gene. The 15, 20 and 25 days post-injection periods suppressed Vg expressions by 95, 96.6 and 99%, respectively. The suppressed Vg expressions resulted in the dramatic failure of Vg protein expression, which caused atrophied ovaries or no oogenesis and ultimately eggs were not hatched. These results suggest that knockdown of Vg gene involved in R. ferrugineus reproduction is a promising target for RNAi-based management of R. ferrugineus.

Synovial sarcoma is a soft tissue malignancy harboring t(X;18) resulting in fusion of two genes SS8 (at 18q11) and SSX (1, 2 or 4 at Xp11) forming the gene fusion product SS18-SSX. It affects adults in their 3rd-4th decades, most frequently in the para-articular regions of the extremities. Less than 10% of the cases occur within the head and neck region and of these, 60% occur in the neck and only 10% occur in the oral cavity. We report a synovial sarcoma of the tongue in a 14-year-old female patient with unusual histology. The patient presented with a mass occupying most of the tongue with extension into the floor of mouth and the lingual gingiva of the anterior mandibular teeth. The tumor was composed of a highly cellular proliferation of spindle cells in a herringbone pattern with many small vessels but without glandular structures, and with extensive calcifications throughout the tumor. Tumor cells were positive for epithelial membrane antigen and transducin-like enhancer of split-1, and fluorescence in situ hybridization studies identified SS18 gene rearrangement. The patient was managed with two debulking procedures followed by chemoradiation and is currently alive with disease.

In the present study, we investigated the effect of acrylamide (ACR) exposure during pregnancy on the ovary of female adult offspring of two subsequent generations. Sixty-day-old Wistar albino female rats were given different doses of ACR (2.5 and 10 mg/kg/day) from day 6 of pregnancy until giving birth. Females from the first generation (AF1) were fed ad libitum, and thereafter, a subgroup was euthanized at 8 weeks of age and ovary samples were obtained. The remaining females were maintained until they reached sexual maturity (50 days old) and then treated in the same way as the previous generation to obtain the second generation of females (AF2). The histopathological examination indicated a high frequency of corpora lutea along with an increased number of antral follicles that reached the selectable stage mainly at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg/day. Interestingly, ACR exposure significantly increased the mRNA levels of CYP19 gene and its corresponding CYP19 protein expression in AF1 females. The TUNEL assay showed a significantly high rate of apoptosis in stromal cells except for dose of 2.5 mg/kg/day. However, in AF2 females, ACR exposure significantly increased the number of degenerating follicles and cysts while the number of growing follicles was reduced. Moreover, in both ACR-treated groups, estradiol-producing enzyme CYP19A gene and its corresponding protein were significantly reduced, and an excessive apoptosis was produced. We concluded that the ovarian condition of AF1 females had considerable similarity to the typical early perimenopausal stage, whereas that of AF2 females was similar to the late perimenopausal stage in women.

The incidence rates of sepsis and septic shock as a complication have become more common over the past several decades. With this increase, sepsis remains the most common cause of intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and one of the most mortality factors, with a huge burden on healthcare facilities. Septic shock has devastating consequences on patients' lives, including organ failures and other long-term complications. Due to its dynamic clinical presentations, guidelines and tools have been established to improve the diagnosis and management effectively. However, there is still a need for evidence-based standardized procedures for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of sepsis and septic shock patients due to the inconsistency of current guidelines and studies contrasting with each other. The standardization would help physicians better manage sepsis, minimize complications and reduce mortality. Septic shock is usually challenging to manage due to its variety of clinical characteristics and physiologic dynamics, affecting the outcomes. Therefore, this review presented the available data in the literature on septic shock diagnosis, management, and prognosis to have an overview of the updated best practice approach to septic shock.

Background Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental illness characterized by emotional instability. Its prevalence can be as high as 1.8% among the general population. Poor knowledge and negative perceptions of the disorder by mental health workers (MHWs) can affect patients' care and their help-seeking behavior. This study aims to explore MHW's knowledge and attitudes toward BPD. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted on MHWs across the five regions of Saudi Arabia (SA) using a questionnaire that assessed knowledge, attitude, and training regarding BPD. Results Data collected from 1028 MHWs showed a good knowledge level. Superior knowledge was observed among females, residents in the central region, physicians, those who received specific BPD training, and MHWs who had more experience and frequent interactions with BPD patients. Participants had moderate to high levels of perceived knowledge and confidence regarding the identification, assessment, and management of BPD patients. Undergraduate training programs were the most reported source of information on the disorder. While 66% of participants admitted that they find dealing with BPD patients more difficult and thought patient management was inadequate, 71% were willing to attend further BPD training. Conclusion MHWs in SA have moderate knowledge of but negative perceptions of BPD; specific training is needed to improve the care provided for BPD patients.