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Studies have shown that carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induces hepatic and renal damage arising from oxidative stress. The present study was undertaken to examine the effect of omega-3 fatty acids and/or soya isoflavones on CCl4 induced toxicity in male albino rat liver and kidney. For this purpose, 42 rats were divided as follows: group 1, rats serves as the control without any treatment; group 2, rats were administered a single dose of CCl4 intraperitoneally (1 mg/kg b. wt.); group 3, rats were supplemented daily with omega-300 orally (400 mg/kg b. wt.); group 4, rats were supplemented daily with pro-S orally (50 mg/kg b. wt.); group 5, rats were supplemented daily with omega-300 orally for four weeks, then after 24 hours treated with a single dose of CCl4 at the same tested doses. group 6, rats were supplemented daily with pro- S orally for four weeks, then after 24 hours treated with a single dose of CCl4 at the same tested doses; group 7, rats were supplemented daily with an oral combination of omega-300 and pro-S orally for four weeks, then after 24 hours treated with a single dose of CCl4 at the same tested doses. Results showed that CCl4 administration induces hepatic damage indicated by a significant increase in the activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Aalanine aminotransferase (ALT) enzymes and glucose level, with a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels and a significant decrease of reduced glutathione (GSH) level in liver tissue. Also, CCl4 toxicity induce renal damage manifested in a significant increase in serum urea, creatinine, uric acid, and oxidative stress of kidney tissue reflected by increase of MDA, NO and the decrease of GSH levels. The pre-treatment with omega-3 fatty acids and/or soya isoflavones revealed ameliorative effect against deleterious effects of CCl4 toxicity on hepatic and renal tissues and all tested parameters. Results of the current study revealed also that the pre-treatment with omega-3 fatty acids and/or soya isoflavones to rats improved liver and kidney function and produced high antioxidant activity. Resumo Estudos demonstram que o tetracloreto de carbono (CCl4) induz danos hepáticos e renais decorrentes do estresse oxidativo. O presente estudo almejou examinar o efeito de ácidos graxos ômega-3 e/ou isoflavonas de soja na toxicidade induzida por CCl4 no fígado e no rim de ratos albinos machos. Para tanto, 42 ratos foram divididos da seguinte forma: grupo 1, indivíduos que servem como controle sem nenhum tratamento; grupo 2, indivíduos que receberam uma dose única de CCl4 intraperitonealmente (1 ml/kg do peso corporal); grupo 3, indivíduos que foram suplementados diariamente com ômega-300 por via oral (400 mg/kg do peso corporal); grupo 4, indivíduos que foram foram suplementados diariamente com pró-S por via oral (50 mg/kg do peso corporal); grupo 5, indivíduos que foram suplementados diariamente com ômega-300 por via oral por quatro semanas, depois de tratados por 24 horas com uma dose única de CCl4 nas mesmas doses testadas; grupo 6, os indivíduos foram suplementados diariamente com pro-S por via oral por quatro semanas, depois de tratados por 24 horas com uma dose única de CCl4 com as mesmas doses testadas; grupo 7, os indivíduos foram suplementados diariamente com uma combinação oral de ômega-300 e pró-S por via oral por quatro semanas, depois de tratados por 24 horas com uma dose única de CCl4 com as mesmas doses testadas. Os resultados mostraram que a administração de CCl4 induz dano hepático, indicado por um aumento significativo nas atividades das enzimas fosfatase alcalina (ALP), aspartato aminotransferase (AST) e Alanina aminotransferase (ALT) e nível de glicose, com aumento significativo de malondialdeído (MDA) e nítrico, e dos níveis de óxido (NO), além da diminuição significativa do nível de glutationa reduzida (GSH) no tecido hepático. Além disso, a toxicidade do CCl4 induz dano renal manifestado em um aumento significativo da ureia sérica, creatinina, ácido úrico e estresse oxidativo do tecido renal, refletindo no aumento de MDA, NO e diminuição dos níveis de GSH. O pré-tratamento com ácidos graxos como ômega-3 e/ou isoflavonas de soja revelou efeito melhorador contra os efeitos deletérios da toxicidade do CCl4 nos tecidos hepático e renal e em todos os parâmetros testados. Os resultados do presente estudo demonstraram também que o pré-tratamento com ácidos graxos ômega-3 e/ou isoflavonas de soja em ratos melhorou a função hepática e renal e produziu alta atividade antioxidante.

Shimaa M Ghanem,1 Rehab Mahmoud Abd El-Baky,1,2 Mohamed AS Abourehab,3 Gamal FM Fadl,1 Nancy GFM Gamil1 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia, Egypt; 2Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Deraya University, Minia, Egypt; 3Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, 21955, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Mohamed AS Abourehab, Email maabourehab@uqu.edu.saPurpose: Antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes play important roles in increasing the severity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, especially in hospitalized patients with high antibiotic pressure. Most genes that encode Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence factors are controlled and regulated by the quorum sensing (QS) system. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of some virulence genes (rhlR, rhlI, lasR, lasI, lasB, toxA, aprA, algD, ExoS, and plcH genes) and their association with antibiotic resistance.Methods: Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by Kirby–Bauer agar disk diffusion method. A total of 125 clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa were tested for some virulence genes using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Results: The highest resistance was observed against cefepime (92.8%). Multi-drug resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa represented 63.2% of total isolates with high distribution among wound isolates (21/79, 26.3% of MDR isolates). LasB was the most prevalent virulence gene among the tested isolates (89.6%) followed by aprA (85.6%), exoS (84%), algD (80%), toxA (76.8%), and plcH (75.2). Furthermore, a significant association (P < 0.05) among most of the tested virulence genes and MDR isolates was found. The presence of more than 5 virulence genes was highly observed among wound infections, otitis media, and respiratory tract infection isolates.Conclusion: The complex association of virulence genes including QS system regulating genes with antibiotic resistance indicates the importance of the tested factors in the progression of infections, which is considered a great challenge for the health-care team with the need for specific studies for each area having different antibiotic resistance profiles and the development of effective treatment strategies such as anti-virulent and quorum sensing inhibiting drugs against P. aeruginosa infections.Keywords: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, quorum sensing, virulence genes, antibiotic resistance

It is advised to add cuts as circular holes to constructions’ walls for technical requirements such as the assembly and to reduce the weight. Since these induced cutouts have a substantial influence on crashworthiness and failure mechanisms, the size, location, and number of these cutouts should be carefully selected for energy absorption components. This research concentrates on the optimization of process parameters for the crushing performance of perforated thin-walled glass/epoxy (GFRP) square tubes. Taguchi model was adapted to formulate the design of the experiment while desirability function analysis (DFA) was used for process parameters optimization in terms of crashworthiness indicators. Test specimens were fabricated via wet warping by hand lay-up technique and tested under quasi-static axial crushing. Finally, the specimen yielding the optimum process parameter combination was compared with the intact sample. GFRP samples with circular holes exhibit optimum initial peak force ([Formula: see text]) and total absorbed energy [Formula: see text] with values of 38.35 and 4.47 % which are smaller than those of the intact samples. On contrary, the optimum specific absorbed energy [Formula: see text] and crush force efficiency ([Formula: see text]) present, respectively, 31.08 and 80.28 % greater than those of intact one. The considered process parameters were noticed to be of substantial influences on the crush behavior of perforated GFRP tubes exposed to axial compression.

Currently, evaluation for hematuria is driven by the AUA/SUFU guidelines, and urine markers are not recommended for routine evaluation. Bladder cancer is a disease characterized by a high recurrence rate that is impacted by stage and grade. The use of urine markers within the guidelines is recommended for very specific indications such as atypical cystoscopic findings or atypical cytologic findings. Routine use is also not recommended for patients undergoing surveillance. Many protein, DNA and RNA, and molecular biomarkers have been examined as an adjunct to cystoscopy and cytology in the diagnosis and surveillance of bladder cancer, and several FDA-approved tumor markers are now available. The role of biomarkers remains an important area of further study to enhance the diagnosis and surveillance of bladder cancer. Beyond this, tumor markers may also play an important role in risk stratification and prediction of treatment response, allowing for personalized care for patients with bladder cancer. This article reviews the urine biomarkers currently available in the diagnosis and surveillance of bladder cancer.

The utilization of lightweight construction is one of the keys to increase the fuel efficiency and reduce the environmental effect of automobiles. Natural fiber composites are replacing expensive synthetic fibers increasingly commonly in the automotive sector. To further lower the weight and price of the vehicle without losing rigidity and strength, basalt (B) fiber could be incorporated into jute (J) fiber composites. For the generation of hybrid composite laminates, woven textiles made of J-fiber and B-fiber were combined with an epoxy matrix. The primary mechanical features of the J-B/epoxy composite laminates, including tensile, bending, shear, and bearing characteristics, were investigated. Hand lay-up approach was used to prepare the hybrid composite laminates. The impact of the number of J-plies relative to the number of B-plies on the mechanical properties was explored. The findings proved that the basalt/epoxy composite has the maximum ultimate tensile strength, young’s modulus, toughness modulus, bending strength, bending modulus, in-plane shear strength, and bearing strength. Whereas the J/epoxy composite showed the maximum failure strain and bending strain. Hybridizing J-fiber with B-fiber improved the tensile, bending, in-plane shear, and bearing characteristics of the prepared composite. The maximum specific tensile, bending, in-plane shear, and bearing strengths are displayed by 3B-2 J-3B, followed by 2B-4 J-2B.

Pendahuluan: Kejadian ikutan pasca imunisasi (KIPI) vaksin COVID-19 merupakan gejala medik yang diduga berhubungan dengan vaksin COVID-19, baik berupa reaksi vaksin, reaksi suntikan, efek farmakologis, atau kesalahan prosedur. Pengetahuan yang baik mengenai KIPI dapat mempengaruhi sikap dan perilaku masyarakat dalam menangani kejadian ikutan pasca imunisasi COVID-19. Hasil survey singkat didapatkan data dari 35 responden dengan 17 responden (47,8%) belum mengetahui apa itu KIPI dan sebanyak 18 responden (51,4%) mengetahui apa itu KIPI dan cara penanganannya. Tujuan penelitian: untuk mengetahui gambaran pengetahuan, sikap, dan perilaku mahasiswa keperawatan dalam menangani KIPI vaksin COVID-19. Metode: Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu deskriptif kuantitatif dengan pengambilan total sampling berjumlah 100 orang. Instrumen dalam penelitian ini menggunakan kuesioner dengan teknik analisa univariat. Hasil: Hasil penelitian menunjukkan sebagian besar responden memiliki pengetahuan yang baik mengenai penanganan KIPI vaksin COVID-19 sebanyak 80%, responden yang memiliki sikap yang baik sebanyak 75%, dan responden yang memiliki perilaku yang baik sebanyak 79%. Pengetahuan, sikap, dan perilaku responden termasuk dalam kategori baik karena dipengaruhi oleh faktor pendidikan, lingkungan, sosial budaya, pengalaman pribadi, media massa, lembaga pendidikan, serta orang lain yang dianggap penting. Kesimpulan: Penelitian selanjutnya dapat meneliti lebih lanjut mengenai penanganan KIPI vaksin COVID-19 dengan menggunakan metode deskriptif kualitatif.

This paper derives the expressions for spacelike ruled surfaces with stationary Disteli-axis by means of the E. Study map. This provides the ability to compute a set of Lorentzian curvature functions which define the local shape of spacelike ruled surfaces. Consequently, some well-known formulae of surface theory at Lorentzian line space and their geometrical explanations are obtained and examined. Lastly, a characterization for a spacelike line trajectory to be a constant Disteli-axis is derived and investigated in detail.

In this paper, we address a new version of Darboux frame using a common tangent vector field to a surface along a curve and call this frame the rotation minimizing Darboux frame (RMDF). Then, we give the parametric equation due to the RMDF frame for a sweeping surface and show that the parametric curves on this surface are curvature lines. Consequently, necessary and sufficient conditions for sweeping surfaces to be developable ruled surfaces are derived. Also, we analyze the conditions when the resulting developable surface is a cylinder, cone or tangential surface. We also provide some examples to illustrate the main results.

This paper derives the expressions for kinematic-geometry of lines with special trajectories in spatial kinematics by means of the E. Study map. A particular assurance goes to the 2nd order movement characteristics for extracting a new proof of the Disteli formulae of the axodes. Meanwhile, a new height dual function is defined and utilized to investigate the geometrical properties of the Disteli-axis. Consequently, as an implementation, the spatial equivalent of the cubic of stationary curvature is established and researched. Finally, Disteli formulae of a line-trajectory are extracted and inspected in detail.

The impact of plasma processing technology as an electric conversion of fuels in the oil and gas industry is demonstrated with significant GHG emission reduction while producing fuels of high quality.

As a class of promising cost-effective lightweight structures, metal-composite hybrids have rapidly emerged in automotive industry largely attributable to their outstanding multifunctional and crashworthy characteristics. The aim of this study is to investigate the potentiality of metal-composite cylinders for crash energy absorption applications. In this context, the crashworthiness performance, and the deformation history of jute (J)/glass (G) reinforced epoxy hybrid composite over wrapped aluminum (Al) cylinders were experimentally studied under quasi-static axial loading. Crashworthiness characteristics of the proposed cylinders were evaluated by measuring the average and peak crushing loads ($${\mathrm{F}}_{\mathrm{avg}}$$ F avg , $${\mathrm{F}}_{\mathrm{ip}}$$ F ip ), specific energy absorption ($$\mathrm{SEA}$$ SEA ), total absorbed energy ($$\mathrm{U})$$ U ) , and crush force efficiency ($$\mathrm{CFE}$$ CFE ). The influence of the number of J-layers on the deformation profiles has also been defined. Result revealed that the highest ($${\mathrm{F}}_{\mathrm{ip}}$$ F ip ), ($${\mathrm{F}}_{\mathrm{avg}})$$ F avg ) , and ($$\mathrm{SEA}$$ SEA ) noted for Al-3G-2 J-3G with values of 85.45 kN, 53.14 kN, and 39.99 J/g, respectively. The maximum ($$\mathrm{U}$$ U ) was documented for Al-8G with a value of 3535.89 J. The highest $$(\mathrm{CFE})$$ ( CFE ) was recorded for Al-2G-4 J-2G followed by Al-3G-2 J-3G with a value of 0.65 and 0.62, respectively. Al-3G-2 J-3G cylinders exhibit excellent energy-absorbing capacity and could be applied as energy-absorbing crashworthiness structures in automotive applications.

Background. The aim of this study was the clinical and laboratory evaluation of using polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers loaded with oxytetracycline hydrochloride (OTC) and zinc oxide (ZnO) as an adjunct to mechanical therapy in managing stage II grade A periodontitis patients concerning GCF lipocalin2- levels. Methods. Fifty stage II grade A periodontitis patients (27 women and 23 men, with an age range of 30‒60) were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomly assigned to five equal groups and treated with scaling and root planing (SRP), followed by local application of PCL nanofibers: group I: SRP + PCL loaded with OTC and ZnO, group II: SRP + PCL loaded with OTC, group III: SRP + PCL loaded with ZnO, group IV: SRP + unloaded PCL, and group V: SRP alone. Additionally, 10 healthy subjects with healthy periodontium (group VI) (age- and gender-matched) served as the negative control. Nanofibers were applied in the selected pockets of periodontitis patients in groups I to IV once weekly for two months. All the participants were examined clinically by assessing periodontal indices (gingival index, plaque index, pocket depth, and clinical attachment level), and biochemically by assessing GCF lipocalin-2 levels. Results. Compared to controls, periodontitis groups (I, II, III, IV, and V) showed significant elevation of both clinical parameters and GCF lipocalin2- levels at baseline. In addition, these parameters improved significantly after treatment, which was more pronounced in groups I, II-, and III) compared to groups IV and V. However, it did not reach normal values. Conclusion. In association with SRP, PCL nanofibers loaded with OTC and ZnO had beneficial therapeutic effects at both clinical and laboratory levels.

Objectives: The effects of early renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade using angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor lisinopril and/or angiotensin receptor blocker valsartan on renal nephrin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A gene expression were investigated in diabetic-hypertensive rats. Materials and Methods: Diabetes and hypertension were induced in adult Wistar rats using streptozotocin (45 mg/kg, i.p.) and Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (60 mg/kg/12 h) for 4 consecutive days. Experimental animals were allocated into six groups (n = 6): normal control, diabetic control, diabetic-hypertensive control and lisinopril-, valsartan- and combination-treated diabetic-hypertensive groups (5 mg/kg/drug/day, p.o., for 21 days). Blood glucose, blood pressure, body weight, kidney weight to body weight ratio, serum albumin, creatinine, total protein and urea were measured and recorded every week. Nephrin and VEGF-A gene expression were measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Renal nephrin protein was measured using ELISA as well as nephrin immunostaining. Results: Blood pressure was significantly decreased by all treatments (P ≤ 0.05). All treatments normalised serum albumin and urea. Serum creatinine significantly decreased, while total protein significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05). Nephrin gene expression had a non-significant decrease in diabetic-hypertensive rats, yet it was statistically increased with individual treatments (P ≤ 0.05) and normalised with combined treatment. Renal nephrin protein significantly decreased in diabetic-hypertensive rats, normalised by lisinopril and significantly increased by valsartan and combined treatments (P ≤ 0.05). VEGF-A expression significantly increased in diabetic-hypertensive rats and significantly decreased with lisinopril and valsartan monotherapy and normalised with combined treatment (P ≤ 0.05). Immunostaining of nephrin also showed an obvious increase in the case of combined treatment. Conclusion: Early dual blockade of RAS in diabetic-hypertensive rats protected against renal damage and improved renal nephrin and VEGF-A gene expression as well as renal nephrin protein expression.

This paper investigates the crashworthiness performance of square pipes with induced holes. Glass reinforced epoxy (GFRP) specimens were fabricated and tested under quasi-static axial crashing. Four design parameters were chosen, each at three levels, to calculate crashworthiness indicators. The design parameters are the hole diameter (d), the hole position to specimen length ratio (P/L), the number of holes and distribution (n), and crosshead speed (V). Taguchi technique has been adapted to get the optimum crashworthiness parameters. Experiments based on Taguchi’s orthogonal array with 9 experimental runs (L9) were performed. Optimal conditions with the maximum absorbed energy (U) and minimum initial peak force ([Formula: see text]) were determined. The main effects, signal to noise ratio (S/N), and analysis of variance (ANOVA) have been investigated. Results indicated that “V” followed by “d” are the highest influencing parameters on the values of “U” with a contribution of 49% and 43%, respectively. The dominant influencing parameter on the values of [Formula: see text] is “n” with a contribution of 94%. Finally, confirmation tests were carried out to validate the estimated model with respect to experimental results. The optimum U and [Formula: see text] of GFRP square pipes with circular cutouts were compared with those of non-porous specimens.

Background. Secondary lymphedema results from a known insult to the lymphatic system. Worldwide, secondary lymphedema is more common than primary lymphedema. Compression therapy is the mainstay of management for all stages of lymphedema. Purpose. To compare between the effectiveness of compression bandaging (CB) alone to the international standard treatment of (CDT) in patients with advanced secondary lymphedema. Methods. Sixty patients of both genders with lower limb secondary lymphedema (stage II and III) aged from 40 to 55 years old, with body mass index (BMI) less than 35 and duration of illness ranged from 3-9 years were included in the study. They were randomly assigned into two groups of equal numbers. Group A: Thirty patients received CDT (Manual lymph drainage, CB, exercises, and skin care). Group B: Thirty patients received MCB using short stretch bandages alone. The treatment sessions consisted of twelve sessions, three times per week for a total duration of four weeks. The assessment of limb volume was done using water displacement method and truncated cone volumetric measurements (pre-treatment and after 12 sessions (post-treatment)). Results. Within both groups, there was a significant reduction in water displacement volumetric measurements pre vs. post treatment in groups (A& B) p-value = 0.0001, p-value = 0.0001 respectively. As well, there was a significant reduction in truncated cone lower extremity volumetric measurements between pre and post treatment in groups (A & B) p-value = 0.0001, p-value = 0.028 respectively. However, there were no significant differences in the mean values of water displacement volumetric measurements and truncated cone mean volumetric values between both groups (p = 0.835, p = 0.397) respectively. Conclusion. Compression bandaging alone is as effective as complete decongestive therapy in advanced secondary lymphedema.

Objective: To investigate the effect of isokinetic training enhanced by Kinesio tape (KT) on weak quadriceps muscle following healed lower limb burn. Design: A double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial. Setting: Outpatient, Kasr El Aini Hospital, and Orabi Hospital. Participants: Sixty patients with weak quadriceps of dominant lower limb following healed partial thickness burn. Thirty to forty percent of their total body surface area (TBSA) was affected by burn including the anterior thigh. They were distributed randomly into two groups; the isokinetic training and Kinesio tape group, and the isokinetic training group. Intervention: group (A); 30 patients who received isokinetic training (concentric and eccentric contraction exercises) of the quadriceps muscle (dominant side) at an angular velocity of 90°/s, three times per week, and Kinesio tape was applied twice per week, group (B): 30 patients who received isokinetic training in the form of (concentric and eccentric contraction exercises) of the quadriceps muscle (dominant side) at an angular velocity of 90°/s, three times per week. All groups were evaluated pre-treatment and after 8 weeks from the beginning of the treatment.

In this study, we developed a mathematical framework for studying spherical and null curves in dual Lorentzian 3-spaceD13. Considering the causal character of the dual curve, sufficient and necessary conditions for spacelike curves to be dual Lorentzian spherical were given. Also, new sufficient and necessary conditions for non-null curves to be hyperbolic dual spherical were presented. Then, an insight on curves with null-principal normal is reported.

Creating ultrathin mountable fibers from a wide range of polymeric functional materials have made electrospinning an adequate approach to produce highly flexible and elastic materials. In this paper, electrospinning was utilized to produce thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanofibrous membranes for the purpose of studying their thermal and mechanical properties. Towards a study of the effects of fiber orientation and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as a filler on both mechanical and thermal characteristics of electrospun TPU mats, an experimental comparison was held between a unidirectional and randomly aligned TPU and TPU/CNT nanofibrous structures. Incorporation of MWCNTs into randomly oriented TPU nanofibers resulted in a significant increase in Young's modulus (E), from 3.66 MPa to 5.68 MPa. Conversely, for unidirectionally spun fibers, Young's modulus decreased from 16.68 MPa to 11.63 MPa upon addition of MWCNTs. However, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) revealed a different behavior. The randomly oriented specimens exhibited a storage modulus with a significant increase from 180 MPa to 614 MPa for TPU and TPU/CNT mats, respectively, and a slight decrease from 157 MPa to 143 MPa for unidirectional TPU and TPU/CNT mats, respectively. Meanwhile, the loss modulus increased with the addition of MWCNTs from 15.7 MPa to 58.9 MPa and from 6.4 MPa to 12 MPa for the random and aligned fibers, respectively. Thermal degradation of the membranes was not significantly affected by the addition of MWCNTs, indicating that the mixing of the two constituents did not change the TPU’s polymer structure, and the TPU/CNT nanocomposite exhibited stable thermal degradation properties.

The developable surface is a surface that can be unfolded on a plane without tearing or stretching, which is widely used in many fields of engineering and manufacturing. This work presents a new version of developable ruled surfaces in Euclidean 3-space. First, we establish an adapted frame along a spatial curve, denoted by the quasi-frame. We then introduce a parametric representation of a developable ruled surface and call it a directional developable ruled surface. At the core of this paper, we investigate the existence and uniqueness of such developable surfaces, then study their classification by singularity theory and unfolding method. Some examples are given in the final.

Background Endothelial dysfunction is the primary step for the development of CKD-related cardiovascular disease. Early prediction and management can influence patient survival. Serum testing of FGF 23 hormone and urinary phosphate excretion were studied as predictors of all-cause cardiovascular morbidity in CKD patients; however, their relation to endothelial dysfunction is controversial. A combination of both in one index is hypothesized to increase their sensitivity in detecting endothelial dysfunction, especially in the early stages of CKD before the dominance of hyperphosphatemia, the original risk. Methods A cross-sectional comparative analysis between thirty CKD stage 3 patients and sixty stage 4–5 CKD patients was conducted. All patients were tested for markers of mineral bone disorders including serum FGF 23 and 24-h urinary phosphate excretion. A combination of both in one index (nephron index) is calculated and hypothesized to correlate with nephron number. Endothelial dysfunction was assessed by measuring the post-occlusion brachial flow-mediated dilatation (FMD). Results In univariate and multivariate regression analyses, the nephron index was the only predictor of endothelial dysfunction in individuals with stage 3 CKD (r = 0.74, P 0.01). This was not applied to stage 4–5 CKD patients where serum phosphorus (r = − 0.53, P 0.001), intact PTH (r = − 0.53, P 0.001), uric acid (r = − 0.5, P 0.001), and measured GFR (r = 0.59, P 0.001) were the highest correlates to FMD; the Nephron index had the weakest correlation (r = 0.28, P = 0.02) and is not predictive of endothelial dysfunction. Conclusion Nephron index calculation showed better correlation with endothelial dysfunction than using any of its determinants alone in early stages of CKD when FGF 23 levels are just beginning to rise. In advanced CKD patients, hyperphosphatemia, hyperparathyroidism, hyperuricemia, and measured GFR are more reliable than nephron index.

Feline parvovirus infection, caused by feline parvovirus and canine parvovirus 2, is a highly contagious, life-threatening disease affecting cats. The available epidemiological data on parvovirus infection in cats in Egypt is limited. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to provide data concerning the epidemiological profile of cats infected with parvovirus, including the prevalence of parvovirus infection in cats in three Egyptian provinces (Sohag, Assiut, and Cairo) and the associated risk factors. Using rapid antigen tests of fecal samples and conventional PCR, the overall prevalence of parvovirus infection in cats was found to be 35% (35/100) and 43% (43/100), respectively. Anorexia, bloody diarrhea, severe dehydration, hypothermia, and vomiting were the most common clinical findings significantly associated with parvovirus-infected cats. The geographical location (Sohag) and the season (winter) were both statistically significant risk factors for parvovirus infection. These findings indicate that parvoviruses are circulating in different regions of Egypt. Our study provides baseline epidemiological data for future preventive and control measures against parvovirus infection, as well as highlighting the need for future genomic surveillance studies involving a large study population from various parts of Egypt in order to better shape the epidemiological picture of parvovirus infection.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup was the first major multi-continental sporting Mass Gathering Event (MGE) of the post COVID-19 era to allow foreign spectators. Such large-scale MGEs can potentially lead to outbreaks of infectious disease and contribute to the global dissemination of such pathogens. Here we adapt previous work and create a generalisable model framework for assessing the use of disease control strategies at such events, in terms of reducing infections and hospitalisations. This framework utilises a combination of meta-populations based on clusters of people and their vaccination status, Ordinary Differential Equation integration between fixed time events, and Latin Hypercube sampling. We use the FIFA 2022 World Cup as a case study for this framework. Pre-travel screenings of visitors were found to have little effect in reducing COVID-19 infections and hospitalisations. With pre-match screenings of spectators and match staff being more effective. Rapid Antigen (RA) screenings 0.5 days before match day outperformed RT-PCR screenings 1.5 days before match day. A combination of pre-travel RT-PCR and pre-match RA testing proved to be the most successful screening-based regime. However, a policy of ensuring that all visitors had a COVID-19 vaccination (second or booster dose) within a few months before departure proved to be much more efficacious. The State of Qatar abandoned all COVID-19 related travel testing and vaccination requirements over the period of the World Cup. Our work suggests that the State of Qatar may have been correct in abandoning the pre-travel testing of visitors. However, there was a spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalisations within Qatar over the World Cup. The research outlined here suggests a policy requiring visitors to have had a recent COVID-19 vaccination may have prevented the increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalisations during the world cup.Author summaryMass Gathering Events (MGEs) can potentially lead to outbreaks of infectious disease and facilitate the dissemination of such pathogens. We have adapted previous work to create a framework for simulating disease transmission and mitigation at such MGEs. We use the 2022 FIFA World Cup as a test case for this framework. A policy of Pre-travel screenings of visitors was found to have little effect in reducing COVID-19 cases and hospitalisations. Pre-match screenings of spectators and match staff was found to be more effective. The most effective policy was to ensure that all visitors had a COVID-19 vaccination (second or booster dose) within a few months before departure. Qatar abandoned all COVID-19 related travel testing and vaccination requirements over the period of the World Cup. Our work suggests that the State of Qatar may have been correct in abandoning the pre-travel testing of visitors. However, there was a spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalisations within Qatar over the World Cup. Given our findings, we suggest a policy requiring visitors to have had a recent COVID-19 vaccination may have prevented the increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalisations during the world cup.

Background Enhancement of lipid accumulation is the major strategy to improve the commercial feasibility of microalgae as a source for biodiesel production. Pseudochlorella pringsheimii (Formally was named as Chlorella ellipsoidea) green microalgae strain was chosen with respect to their ability as a potential source to produce high lipids content, could be used for the production of biofuel, which can be an alternative renewable energy source instead of fossil fuels. Results Initially, the Pseudochlorella pringsheimii microalgae was evaluated on the basis of tested at Lab scales 2 L by applicable different nutrient individual of N, P, Fe conditions in BBM medium concentrations for choosing the best concentrations induce lipid contents and productivity to cultivate in large scale in the 2000 L PBR. The suitable concentrations of nutrients with highest lipid contents were obtained under deficient of nitrogen (1.25 gL−1, limited N) and phosphorus (0.1 mg L−1, limited P) coupled with high iron concentration (10 mg L, rich Fe) and CO2 (6%). Therefore, their collective of nutrients was applied to culture of microalgae cells at large scale in 2000 L photobioreactor (PBR model), which, this techniques was used to quantify high lipid contents (25% w/w) and high lipid productivity (74.07 mgL−1 day−1). The inducted lipid conversion to biodiesel via transestrification process was 91.54 ± 1.43%. The fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs profile by means of GC/MS resulted in C16:0, C18:1, C18:2, C18:3 as a main constituents. With regard to physical–chemical property (such as density, kinematic viscosity, gravity, and certain number), the Pseudochlorella pringsheimii biodiesel have biofuel properties, in accordance with appropriate biodiesel properties, as ASTM and EU standards, that thereby referring to high quality biodiesel. Conclusions Pseudochlorella pringsheimii cultured in large scale in photobioreactor under stress condition have a high potential of lipids production with high quality of FAMEs that can be used as a promising biodiesel fuel. It has also a potential to be applied for commercialization based on the techno-economic and environmental impacts.

Background Cochlear implantation (CI) is an electronic hearing device that is surgically implanted to bypass damaged portions of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. Nowadays, CI prospects for children with profound hearing loss (HL) have been significantly improved. Now, most implanted children can expect similar audiological outcomes to those with moderate to severe HL with aids depending on the time of loss and cognitive function. Aim This study aimed at assessing the progress in all aspects of language acquisition and the effect of various factors on the outcome of cochlear implantation in children undergoing auditory training for at least 2 years after surgery. Results The results showed the effectiveness of early implantation in terms of improvement in linguistic skills, indicated by significant change of language age scores when compared before and after surgery (median age 1.167 years to 4.75 years with p value p value p value = 0.006) and abstract IQ scores (mean from 83.48 ± 9.81 to 94.45 ± 10.41 with p value = 0.0001). Conclusion CI children showed significant improvement in speech perception, auditory skills, and IQ scores as well as receptive and expressive language after CI denoted by the improvement of language age. Significant improvement was found in early implantation age (under 2 years) in the postoperative degree of hearing level and in language test scores in comparison to older aged children.

Background: Breast cancer survivors frequently experience shoulder pain and decreased range of motion, making their daily activities more difficult. No previous studies have established the results of bee venom phonophoresis in the treatment of shoulder dysfunction post-mastectomy. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate if bee venom phonophoresis has beneficial effects on improving the shoulder pain, dysfunction, and range of motion in post-mastectomy patients. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was carried out between November 2021 and April 2022. Forty female patients aging from 40-to 65 years suffering from shoulder dysfunction 3 to 6 months following modified radical mastectomy were randomly divided into two equal-sized groups: a study group (Group A) who received bee venom phonophoresis with pulsed ultrasound around the shoulder and a control group (Group B) who received pulsed ultrasound around the shoulder only. Three consecutive weeks of three sessions per week were devoted to the intervention program. Patients in both groups received their medical care and selected exercise program (shoulder circles figure, arm lifts figure, wand exercise figure, wall climbing& corner wall stretch).