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The presence of dyes in water is a significant contributor to water pollution, posing threats to both aquatic ecosystems and human health. To address this issue, metal oxide nanomaterials, particularly CdO, have gained attention for their efficacy in wastewater treatment through efficient photodegradation of dyes. In this study, CdO and Cd0.995Mn0.005O (CdMnO) nanorods were synthesized using the co-precipitation method. Structural characterization through powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and Raman analysis confirmed the purity of the synthesized nanorods. Mn doping induced slight variations in the lattice parameter and reduced the crystallite size. The two-dimensional nanowires to nanorods morphology of CdO and CdMnO samples were revealed by TEM, with an average diameter of 17.10 and 15.99 nm, respectively. Optical analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in the bandgap energy of CdO upon Mn doping. Moreover, the photoluminescence (PL) analysis indicated that Mn2+dopant ions reduced the recombination rate of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, Cd interstitials, and oxygen vacancies. CdMnO exhibited higher conductivity and lower activation energy compared to pure CdO. Additionally, 90.3% and 97.8% of Congo red dye were degraded after 60 min of UV irradiation duration in the presence of CdO and CdMnO photocatalysts, respectively. The enhanced photocatalytic activity was attributed to the slow recombination rate of CdMnO, as indicated by PL analysis.

In adults, 68Ga-FAP inhibitor (68Ga-FAPI) PET/CT outperforms 68Ga-radiolabeled somatostatin analog peptides (68Ga PET/CT) and 18F-FDG PET/CT in detecting thyroid lesions. This is the case of a 13-year-old boy newly diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer with high calcitonin level. 68Ga PET/CT revealed the presence of only a primary thyroid lesion. Proven to be superior in detecting metastasis, 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT was performed. The results came out negative for primary and potential metastatic lesions. This case sheds shed light on false-negatives reported in 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT scans in pediatric patients, emphasizing the need for alternate radiotracers when a negative study is met.

In recent years, advanced deep learning techniques have emerged as pivotal tools in enabling the development of robust vision-based solutions for steel surface inspection. This resulted in enhanced inspection accuracy, all while significantly reducing costs in the manufacturing industry. However, the lack of actual steel surface defects datasets currently places a certain constraint on further research into classifying those anomalies. As a consequence, the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) technique, known for its prowess in image-related tasks, faces certain challenges especially in classifying less common defects. This work proposes a novel hybrid CNN model with an SVM classifier at the output layer for surface defects classification. The features extracted from the pre-trained ResNet152 and EfficientB0 CNN algorithms are concatenated and fed to the SVM layer for classification. Extensive experiments on a merged dataset consisting of the publicly available Northeastern University (NEU) dataset and Xsteel surface defect dataset (X-SDD) are carried out and the accuracy and F1 scores are calculated for performance evaluation. The merged dataset contains eleven typical defect types with a total of 2660 defect images. Then, the adopted algorithm is compared with ten fine-tuned deep learning models to evaluate the performance of transfer learning for steel defect detection and identification. The evaluation results show that the deep feature extraction and SVM classification produced better results than the transfer learning. Finally, the proposed classifier model is validated on a new collected dataset from a Computed Tomography scanner with an accuracy reaching over 96%.

BackgroundMost people with mental disorders in communities exposed to adversity in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) do not receive effective care. Digital mental health interventions are scalable when digital access is adequate, and can be safely delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic.ObjectiveTo examine the effects of a new WHO-guided digital mental health intervention, Step-by-Step, supported by a non-specialist helper in Lebanon, in the context of concurring economic, humanitarian and political crises, a large industrial disaster and the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsWe conducted a single-blind, two-arm pragmatic randomised trial, comparing guided Step-by-Step with enhanced care as usual (ECAU) among people suffering from depression and impaired functioning. Primary outcomes were depression (Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9)) and impaired functioning (WHO Disability Assessment Schedule-12 (WHODAS)) at post-treatment.Findings680 people with depression (PHQ-9>10) and impaired functioning (WHODAS>16) were randomised to Step-by-Step or ECAU. Intention-to-treat analyses showed effects on depression (standardised mean differences, SMD: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.45 to 0.97), impaired functioning (SMD: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.21 to 0.65), post-traumatic stress (SMD: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.27 to 0.79), anxiety (SMD: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.49 to 0.99), subjective well-being (SMD: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.12 to 0.62) and self-identified personal problems (SMD: 0.56; 95% CI 0.29 to 0.83). Significant effects on all outcomes were retained at 3-month follow-up.ConclusionsGuided digital mental health interventions can be effective in the treatment of depression in communities exposed to adversities in LMICs, although some uncertainty remains because of high attrition.Clinical implicationsGuided digital mental health interventions should be considered for implementation in LMICs.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov NCT03720769.

Mg-doped CuO nanoparticles (Cu1-xMgxO) capped with ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), 0.000 ≤ x≤ 0.020, have been synthesized by the co-precipitation route. The anti-corrosion behavior of 10 ppm of pure and Mg-doped CuO nanoparticles was studied on mild steel in 0.5 M hydrochloric (HCl) and sulfuric (H2SO4) acids, containing 1% of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as surfactant. Potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were employed to study their anti-corrosion behavior. Based on the results provided, the successful corrosion inhibition of mild steel in 0.5 M HCl and H2SO4solutions has been established and confirmed by Raman measurements at 50 min in the presence of pure and Mg-doped CuO nanoparticles. Mg-doped CuO nanoparticles enhanced the corrosion protection of mild steel in 0.5 M HCl and H2SO4solutions. This might be attributed to the adsorption reaction of Mg2+ions that form a protective film on the mild steel surface. This was confirmed by Raman spectra in both media, where the corrosion products formed such as hematite, goethite, maghemite, and green rust were detected and analyzed.

An unconventional approach using the time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) technique to determine the height topography at the microscale is detailed in this work with an application to cotton paper banknotes. The study was conducted by determining the effect of all related factors and parameters on the height measurement by taking the simplest model made from two Post-it sheets. For each sample, the difference in the TOF of the same secondary ion coming from two different heights was successfully attributed to the step height of the studied areas’ topography, which was measured using classic methods. The measurement was independent of the orientation of the topography with regard to the primary ion beam and the electron beam azimuth. Moreover, the adjustment of the extraction gap with different layers has no effect on such measurements. However, a range of the analyzer acceptance energy values could be considered to achieve the expected outcomes only if the different analyzers’ component energies are also changing accordingly. Heights between 20 and 180 μm were successfully measured using this new method. An added benefit to this method over other height measurement methods is the ability to discern areas with different chemical compositions, which eventually may help aid understanding of the sample in question.

Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), also known as NF2-related schwannomatosis (SWN), is a rare dominantly inherited genetic disorder mainly characterized by the presence of vestibular schwannomas (VSs) in addition to a range of other tumors that affect both the central and peripheral nervous systems. These tumors include cranial, spinal, peripheral nerve, and intradermal schwannomas, cranial and spinal meningiomas, and intrinsic central nervous system (CNS) tumors, usually spinal ependymomas. Juvenile cataracts are also common in patients with NF2, with most symptoms at presentation being hearing loss and visual disturbances. We present the case of a previously healthy 12-year-old girl who presented with postprandial right upper quadrant pain and was found to have a large hydrops of the gallbladder on ultrasound scan of the abdomen. Pathology of the gallbladder post laparoscopic cholecystectomy showed diffuse involvement of the gallbladder by a benign nerve sheath tumor that was suggestive of schwannoma. Further testing confirmed the diagnosis of NF2. This case helps shed light on unusual NF2 symptoms and underscores the importance of recognizing atypical presentations for timely intervention and management. It also adds value to a multidisciplinary approach in diagnosing and managing NF2.

The impact of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza on immunocompromised patients in western countries has been described, but reports from pediatric patients in the Middle East or Arab countries are deficient. In this study, we describe the clinical characteristics of children with hematological malignancies and laboratory-proven H1N1 influenza.

Abstract: Anomalous pancreaticobiliary junction with cystic dilatation of the biliary tract is usually associated with carcinoma arising from the cyst wall. We report an extracystic location of biliary carcinoma in the presence of anomalous pancreaticobiliary junction and cysts in a patient with obstruction of the origin of the left hepatic duct who underwent hepatobiliary resection. Cholangiocarcinoma was found to have arisen in a noncystic left hepatic duct, in conjunction with cystic dilatation involving both the cystic and common bile ducts. The present case supports a relationship between anomalous pancreaticobiliary junction and biliary carcinogenesis that may affect the extracystic biliary tree.

In all the major medical centers throughout the Middle East, there is a functioning pediatric hematology oncology department. In almost all countries, opioids such as morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl are available. Pediatric palliative care services are still in their infancy and await further recognition and development. Unfortunately, there are still countries in the Middle East where children with cancer are diagnosed when the disease is already at stage III or IV, when the only option left is palliation. To decrease the incidence of late presentation, more effort is needed concerning public awareness, and concomitantly, an urgent need to develop hospital-based and community-based palliative and supportive care services. The initial step in this direction would involve more training of health care providers: Pediatricians, Pediatric Oncologists, Oncology Nurses, and Social Workers with updated pharmacological and nonpharmacological modalities of treatment.

The article reports on the social condition of Lote 8, one of the dozens of Maya-Q'eqchi' villages scattered within the steep and perennially green Sierra de Santa Cruz in Guatemala. It reveals that the residents of Lote 8 have initially departed from the rich plain, as the banana empire expanded. It also notes that the original village of Lote 8 is now found abandoned, overgrown roads, a fire-scarred tree, and mysterious holes left by company geologists.

Percutaneous adductor longus tenotomy (PAT) is a frequently used procedure, yet no study has ever compared its effectiveness and safety with those of open adductor longus tenotomy (OAT). We conducted this prospective study to describe the effects of PAT and to compare them with those of OAT.

The article discusses the Section and Cooperating Society meeting sponsored by the American Iris Society (AIS) that was held in Newark, New Jersey on May 24, 2014.

Background:Double parathyroid adenomas occur in 2% to 15% of primary hyperparathyroidism cases, but the very existence of double adenomas has been controversial. This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical significance and anatomic distribution of parathyroid double adenomas.

This research uses the tools of modern medical science to study ancient descriptions of the symptoms suffered by King David. Biblical texts were examined, with a close study of verses relating to the mental disorder that afflicted King David, the second and greatest King of Israel, who ruled more than3525 years ago. We include no commentaries, but refer only to the words of the Bible exactly as written. Evaluation of the passages referring to King David indicates that he was afflicted by some mental disorder, and among the many possibilities major depression, dysthymia and minor depression are the most likely. Of these diagnoses, major depression seems the most acceptable. This report suggests that the roots of contemporary psychiatry can be traced back to Biblical times.

Families have existed for thousands of years and are the most enduring form of small social group. This article discusses the family of Jacob as described in the Bible, and analyses the dynamics of the family system, the relationships between family members and the ways in which they interact and respond to stressful events. Such events disrupted the equilibrium of the family and led to a severe crisis, but this was eventually resolved peacefully, and family members were reconciled. The story of Joseph, Jacob's son, unfolds as possibly the earliest description of a psychotherapeutic intervention to resolve a long-standing family crisis.

Bilateral facet dislocation of the lumbosacral joint is an uncommon injury. We report on the imaging findings in a patient who had an acute disc herniation associated with a bilateral traumatic lumbosacral dislocation.

Objective: To determine a relationship between neck circumference (NC) and risk factors for coronary heart disease by evaluating the components of the metabolic syndrome. Research Methods and Procedures: The study group included 561 subjects (231 men and 330 women) who had no known major medical conditions and were not receiving any medication therapy. The subjects were those who attended a family health clinic for any reason between 1998 and December 2001. Main indicators studied included NC, waist circumference, waist‐to‐hip ratio, body mass index, blood pressure, and lipoprotein, glucose, and uric acid levels. Results: Pearson's correlation coefficients indicated a significant association between NC and body mass index (men, r= 0.71; women, r= 0.81; each, p< 0.0001), waist circumference (men, r= 0.75; women, r= 0.79; each, p< 0.0001), waist‐to‐hip ratio (men, r= 0.56; women, r= 0.63; each, p< 0.0001), total cholesterol (men, r= 0.50; women, r= 0.66; each, p< 0.0001), low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (men, r= 0.42; women, r= 0.60; each, p< 0.0001), triglycerides (men, r= 0.48; women, r= 0.49; each, p< 0.0001), glucose (men, r= 0.21, p< 0.001; women, r= 0.44; p< 0.0001), uric acid (men, r= 0.50, p< 0.0001; women, r= 0.60, p< 0.001), and systolic (men, r= 0.53; women, r= 0.69; each, p< 0.0001), and diastolic (men, r= 0.55; women, r= 0.65; each, p< 0.0001) blood pressure. Discussion: Higher NC is correlated positively with the factors of the metabolic syndrome; therefore, it is likely to increase the risk of coronary heart disease.

BACKGROUND: Anthrax is an often fatal bacterial infection, occurring in cutaneous, inhalational, gastrointestinal, and meningeal forms. Evaluation of anthrax treatment from ancient history may help healthcare providers to handle this serious disease more efficiently.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the biblical descriptions of anthrax, focusing on its therapy in ancient times.STUDY SELECTION: All biblical texts associated with anthrax were examined and passages relating to this disease were studied closely.DATA SYNTHESIS: Biblical passages such as: “Take a cluster of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil [anthrax], and he recovered,” and “Let them take a cluster of figs, and lay it upon the boil [anthrax], and he shall recover,” convincingly indicate that figs have healing properties in cutaneous anthrax lesions.CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of this study, the National Institutes of Health together with the pharmaceutical industry may consider to work on isolation of compounds from fig plants to develop products against cutaneous and possibly other forms of anthrax once screening tests are completed.

Abstract Osteoarticular manifestations of SAPHO syndrome include vertebral lesions, typically in the thoracic segment. Chronic inflammatory changes are well depicted by MRI. We report the imaging findings with a 10-year follow-up in a case of SAPHO syndrome with marked cervical lesions.

Objective:There are numerous methods of assessing overweight and obesity. We undertook an observational study to test a method of identifying overweight or obese patients solely by measuring the circumference of the neck. Research Methods and Procedures:A test sample and a second validation sample included 979 subjects (460 men and 519 women), who visited a family medicine clinic in a southern Israeli urban district for any reason between the randomly chosen months of January and September 1998. Main outcome included neck, waist, and hip circumferences; body mass index (BMI); and waist:hip ratio measures. Results:Pearson's correlation coefficients indicated a significant association between neck circumference (NC) and: BMI (men, r= 0.83; women, r= 0.71; each, p< 0.0001), age (men, r= 0.33; women, r= 0.36; each, p< 0.0001), weight (men, r= 0.7; women, r= 0.81; each, p< 0.0001), waist circumference (men, r= 0.86; women, r= 0.85; each, p< 0.0001), hip circumference (men, r= 0.62; women, r= 0.56; each, p< 0.0001), and waist:hip ratio (men, r= 0.66; women, r= 0.87; each, p< 0.0001). NC ≥37 cm for men and ≥34 cm for women were the best cutoff levels for determining the subjects with BMI ≥25.0 kg/m2using the receiver output curve analysis. In the validation unrelated group, the test characteristics were excellent with 98% sensitivity, 89% specificity, and 94% accuracy for men, and 100% sensitivity, 98% specificity, and 99% accuracy for women. NC ≥39.5 cm for men and ≥36.5 cm for women were the best cutoff levels for determining the subjects with BMI ≥30 kg/m2using the receiver output curve analysis. In the validation unrelated group, the test characteristics were excellent with 93% sensitivity, 90% specificity, and 91% accuracy for men, and 93% sensitivity, 98% specificity, and 97% accuracy for women. Discussion:NC measurement is a simple and time‐saving screening measure that can be used to identify overweight and obese patients. Men with NC <37 cm and women with NC <34 cm are not to be considered overweight. Patients with NC ≥37 cm for men and ≥34 cm for women require additional evaluation of overweight or obesity status.

This article describes experience with preservation of portal and caval flow during orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for fulminant or subfulminant hepatic failure (FSHF) as an alternative to venous bypass. As a modification of the standard procedure, hepatectomy and graft implantation were performed with preservation or caval patency in combination with a temporary portocaval shunt. From July 1991 to March 1994, 25 consecutive patients with FSHF underwent OLT with preservation of portal and caval flow. All patients had severe confusion (n= 9) or coma (n= 16) with a mean(s.d.) clotting factor V of 13(5) per cent and a mean(s.d.) serum bilirubin level of 408(151) μmol/l. During the anhepatic phase, haemodynamic data showed a preservation of cardiac filling pressure, mean arterial pressure, and renal perfusion pressure, while the mean(s.d.) urine flow was maintained at 182(120) ml/h. Venous bypass was not required. There were three (12 per cent) deaths after the operation, and all survivors made a full neurological recovery. Normal postoperative creatinine values allowed the early use of baseline immunosuppression. The authors conclude that, in patients with FSHF, successful liver transplantation can be achieved with this technical procedure.