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Copyright of Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Graphical abstract Novel 1-hydroxy-naphthyl substituted heterocycles were synthesized and tested in vitro as antioxidant and antimicrobial agents. In silico molecular docking were performed in order to understand the binding interactions of the molecules with the receptors. Abstract The versatile precursor 2-acetyl-4-allyl-1-hydroxy naphthalene was synthesized efficiently via Claisen rearrangement 2-acetyl-1-allyloxynaphthalene. The Claisen-Schmidt condensation of latter precursor afforded the corresponding chalcones which were exploited to synthesize a series of potential heterocycles such as pyrazoline, isoxazoline, benzocoumarin and benzoflavone. The synthesized products showed potent antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Chalcone 3c , naphthyl pyrazoline 6b and hydroxycoumarin 13 exhibited the highest activity as antioxidants. Their binding mode showed specialized recognition of hydroxycoumarin 13 with the triad key amino acids at the active site of the oxidoreductase enzyme (PDB code 1DXO). 1-Hydroxynaphth-2-yl pyrazoline (6b) revealed the highest efficacy against both Gram positive and negative bacterial species. In silico molecular docking of pyrazoline 6b endorsed its proper binding at the active site of the 2EX6 enzyme which explains its potent antibacterial activity in comparison with standard ampicillin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The accuracy of preoperative lymph-node staging in patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) or gastric cancer (GC) is low. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET-CT) for lymph-node staging in patients with AEG or GC, with or without neoadjuvant treatment. Patients and methods 221 consecutive patients with GC (n = 88) or AEG (n = 133) were evaluated. Initial staging included endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), multidetector spiral CT (MDCT) and PET-CT. PET-CT was performed for restaging in patients after neoadjuvant treatment (n = 94). Systematic lymphadenectomy was routinely performed with histopathological assessment of individual mediastinal and abdominal lymph-node stations. Preoperative staging from EUS, MDCT, and PET-CT was correlated with histopathological results. Results PET-CT showed a high specificity (91%) and positive predictive value (89%) for the preoperative detection of lymph-node metastases. In comparison, EUS was more sensitive (73% versus 50%, P < 0.01) but less specific (60%, P < 0.01). In patients with intestinal/mixed-type tumors, PET-CT improved the detection of extra-regional lymph-node metastases ( P = 0.01) and distant metastases ( P = 0.01) compared to CT alone. In contrast, lymph-node assessment by PET/CT after neoadjuvant treatment (32%, P < 0.01) and in diffuse-type cancers (24%, P < 0.01) is futile because of low sensitivities. Conclusion PET-CT does not improve the overall accuracy of N staging, but does improve specificity compared to EUS and MDCT in AEG and GC. We do not recommend routine PET-CT for the initial staging in patients with diffuse-type cancer or for restaging of lymph nodes after neoadjuvant treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is common practice in modelling to pick a numeraire and in the Dixit-Stiglitz model, it is not an 'unorthodox assumption' to select labor as the numeraire. One must pick a numeraire to prevent delaying the illumination of the problem at hand. If labor is chosen as the numeraire, then real wages must be the main focus. An equilibrium is solved where entrepreneurs eliminate labor supply to cities in making decisions, thus producing inefficiency in results.

Two-dimensional numerical study has been carried out to investigate the effect of gap spacings for flow past five side-by-side rectangular cylinders using the lattice Boltzmann method at a Reynolds number of 150 and aspect ratio defined as AR=length/height=1.5. The gap spacing between the cylinders is varied systematically from g =0.5 to 4, so that the sensitivity of the flow and force statistics can be inspected. The gap spacings have strong effect on the hydrodynamic interaction of the cylinders wakes which significantly affects the flow structure. The flow behavior can be grouped into five patterns: (i) symmetric, (ii) flip-flopping, (iii) in-phase and anti-phase modulated deflected, (iv) in-phase modulated non-synchronized and (v) in-phase and anti-phase modulated synchronized. Calculations of mean drag coefficient, Strouhal number and root-mean-square value of drag and lift coefficients are carried out on each cylinder and compared with available literature. Each flow pattern will be studied in terms of wake structure, power spectra analysis of lift coefficients and time analysis of drag and lift coefficients. The average Strouhal number and average drag coefficient show significant variation against gap spacing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were most prevalent bacteria in the sheep rumen. • Bacteroidetes were negatively correlated with the Euryarchaeota. • Archaea constituted ∼2.5% of the ruminal microbiota. • Methanobrevibacter gottschalkii constituted > 50% of the ruminal archaea. • Hydrogenotrophic methanogens distribution leads to the variability in methane yield. An in vivo study aiming to investigate the rumen methanogens community structure was conducted in Mandya sheep fed on straw and concentrate diet. The ruminal fluid samples were collected and processed for unravelling the rumen microbiota and methanogens diversity. Further, the daily enteric methane emission and methane yield was also quantified using the SF 6 tracer technique. Results indicated that the Bacteroidetes (∼57%) and Firmicutes (25%) were two prominent affiliates of the bacterial community. Archaea represented about 2.5% of the ruminal microbiota. Methanobacteriales affiliated methanogens were the most prevalent in sheep rumen. The study inveterate that the ruminal archaea community in sheep is composed of 9 genera and 18 species. Methanobrevibacter represented the largest genus of the archaeome, while methylotrophs genera constituted only 13% of the community. Methanobrevibacter gottschalkii was the prominent methanogen, and Methaobrevibacter ruminantium distributed at a lower frequency (∼2.5%). Among Methanomassiliicoccales , Group 12 sp. ISO4-H5 constituted the most considerable fraction (∼11%). KEGG reference pathway for methane metabolism indicated the formation of methane through hydrogenotrophic and methylotrophic pathways, whereas the acetoclastic pathway was not functional in sheep. The enteric methane emission and methane yield was 19.7 g/d and 20.8 g/kg DMI, respectively. Various species of Methanobrevibacter were differently correlated, and the distribution of hydrogenotrophic methanogens mainly explained the variability in methane yield between the individual sheep. It can be inferred from the study that the hydrogenotrophic methanogens dominate the rumen archaeal community in sheep and methylotrophic/aceticlastic methanogens represent a minor fraction of the community. Further studies are warranted for establishing the metabolic association between the prevalent hydrogenotrophs and methylotrophs to identify the key reaction for reducing methane emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, automated learning systems are widely used for educational and training purposes within various organisations including, schools, universities and further education centres. There has been a big gap between the extraction of useful patterns from data sources to knowledge, as it is crucial that data is made valid, novel, potentially useful and understandable. To meet the needs of intended users, there is requirement for learning systems to embody technologies that support learners in achieving their learning goals and this process don’t happen automatically. This paper propose a novel approach for automated learning that is capable of detecting changing trends in learning behaviours and abilities through the use of process mining techniques. The goal is to discover user interaction patterns within learning processes, and respond by making decisions based on adaptive rules centred on captured user profiles. The approach applies semantic annotation of activity logs within the learning process in order to discover patterns automatically by means of semantic reasoning. Therefore, our proposed approach is grounded on Semantic Modelling and Process Mining techniques. To this end, it is possible to apply effective reasoning methods to make inferences over a Learning Process Knowledge-Base that leads to automated discovery of learning patterns or behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The olfactory reaction of larvae and moths was investigated towards 18 oils (6 natural oils and 12 commercial chemical oils). Some of these oils such as peppermint and camphor (natural oils) and eugenol and camphene (commercial oils) were repellent to both larvae and moths. Other oils such as strawberry and d-limonene were attractive to both larvae and moths. Some of the repellent oils were, therefore, tested for their effect on certain biological aspects of the insects. Eugenol and peppermint oils, each at the 0.01% conc., caused a significant depression in the fecundity of moth and decreased the percentage of egg hatchability. Eugenol oil was much more effective than peppermint oil at 1%. Dried (leaves, fruits or seeds) powder of 14 different plants species were tested in different concentrations with talcum powder (carrier material) against egg deposition. The results indicated that dried powders of Allium cepa, Curcuma longa, Colocasia antiqurum, Ocimum basilicum. Dodonaea viscose and Thuja orientalis played a highly significant role in reducing egg deposition. The most impressive effect was displayed by powders of D. viscose and A. cepa, which caused the highest depression in egg deposition as well as in the emerging offsprings. Ethanolic extracts of 11 plants indicated that extracts of Pithuranthos tortosus and Iphiona scabra caused the maximum inhibition of egg hatchability, followed by C. longa, Citrullus colocynthia and T. orientalis. Ethanolic extracts of Schinus terebenthiflius (leaves) and I. scabra caused the highest depression in the deposited eggs, as they played a remarkable role as ovipositor deterrents. The majority of the plant extracts at 1% conc. could protect potato tubers at different intervals according to the calculated tuber damage index as follows: Iphiopna > Pithuranthos > Curcuma > Schinus (fruits) Thuja > Schinus (leaves) > Dodonaea > Citrullus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a concept of improving the transient stability of power system by simultaneous AC–DC power transmission through a transmission line. A double circuit long transmission line is converted to simultaneous AC–DC line for feasibility study. Loss of synchronism is prevented by quickly producing sufficient decelerating energy to counteract accelerating energy gained during fault and subsequently due to loss of line after clearing the fault. Fast controllability and modulation of DC component is utilized to achieve this feature. The system under consideration is found to remain stable under transient condition up to transmission angle of 80°. Simulation study on PSCAD/EMTDC is carried out to validate the concept. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present work aimed at testing, in a rat model of ethanol-induced gastric ulceration, a local folk medicinal claim that dates are beneficial in gastric ulcers in humans. Aqueous and ethanolic undialyzed and dialyzed extracts from date fruit and pits were given orally to rats at a dose of 4ml/kg for 14 consecutive days. On the last day of treatment, rats were fasted for 24h, and were then given ethanol, 80% (1ml/rat) by gastric intubation to induce gastric ulcer. Rats were killed after 1h of ethanol exposure, and the incidence and severity of the ulceration were estimated, as well as the concentrations of gastrin in plasma, and histamine and mucus in the gastric mucosa. A single group of rats that were fasted for 24h, was administered orally with lansoprazole (30mg/kg), and was given 80% ethanol as above, 8h thereafter, served as a positive control. The results indicated that the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the date fruit and, to a lesser extent, date pits, were effective in ameliorating the severity of gastric ulceration and mitigating the ethanol-induced increase in histamine and gastrin concentrations, and the decrease in mucin gastric levels. The ethanolic undialyzed extract was more effective than the rest of the other extracts used. It is postulated that the basis of the gastroprotective action of date extracts may be multi-factorial, and may include an anti-oxidant action. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Impact of 6-monthly massive dosings of preschool-age children with oral vitamin A (VAC: 200 000IU of oil soluble retinyl palmitate with 40IU vitamin E) was evaluated in Bangladesh. In 100 sites, 11 889 households were visited and eyes of 22 335 children aged 3-71 mo were examined. About half the rural target population and < 20% urban slum population were being reached. Risk of night blindness was halved for children reportedly given VAC, although 2.5% of the reportedly protected population were still night blind. There was no significant reduction in prevalence of Bitot's spot. Risk of corneal ulcers or keratomalacia (X3A/B) was 2.7 times higher in children not given VAC. Based on reported coverage, efficacy of protection against potentially blinding corneal lesions was 63%. For maximum impact on eye lesions, massive dosing with vitamin A at ideally < 6-monthly intervals needs to be combined with other nutrition and health interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the potential degradation of lindane [γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (γ-HCH)], resulting from agricultural runoff, by environmental species of cyanobacteria. Cyanobacterial species isolated from the Egyptian Lakes Qaroun and Mariut were exposed, either individually or as mixtures, to 5 and 10ppm lindane for 7 days. Growth inhibition or stimulation percentage, as well as the percentage of lindane removal efficiency (RE), were calculated, and factors controlling both were discussed. Lindane exhibited different degrees of toxicity or stimulation for the selected cyanobacteria. Stimulation of growth ranged between 0. 0-and 13. 16-fold higher than controls, while inhibition ranged between 0. 0% and 100%. Results also proved that Mariut species were more resistant to lindane toxicity than were Qaroun species. Resistance to lindane among Qaroun spp. Was in the order Oscillatoria sp. 12>Oscillatoria sp. 13>Synechococcus sp. >Nodularia sp. >Nostoc sp. >Cyanothece sp. >Synechococcus sp. Among Mariut spp. , it was Microcystis aeruginosa MA1>Anabaena cylindrica>Microcystis aeruginosa MA15>A. Spiroides>A. Flos-aquae. Mixed cultures showed varying sensitivity. Lindane was removed by all the species, either as individuals or mixtures, at both concentrations. The lindane RE percentage of Qaroun species ranged between 71. 6% and 99. 6% with a maximum of 98. 0–99. 6% at 5ppm, 83. 9% and 99. 7% at 10ppm, and maximum between 95. 5% and 99. 7%. Mariut species showed an RE percentage of 45. 23–100. 0% with maximum between 99. 23% and 100. 0% at 5ppm and 43. 15% and 100. 0% at 10ppm with maximal RE percentage between 99. 67% and 100. 0%. Mixed culture RE percentages ranged between 91. 6% and 100% at 5ppm with a maximum range of 99. 3–100%, while at 10ppm, the RE percentage ranged between 90. 4% and 100%, with a maximum range of 96. 0–100%. Results indicate the potential of natural resources as efficient agents for pollution control. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Antigen ELISA has been developed using monoclonal antibodies raised against recombinant VSG of T. evansi. • The assay has been evaluated using 652 blood samples collected from cattle, buffalo, horse and camel. • The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the assay was found to be 97.4% and 96.4% respectively, with a positive-negative cut-off OD value >0.28. Abstract Trypanosoma evansi , a haemo-flagellated protozoan parasite causes chronic wasting disease in a wide range of animals. For its diagnosis, blood smear examination is useful in clinical cases for direct identification of the parasite but in latent infection the carrier animals are difficult to screen out by conventional blood smear test. Harboring low level of parasites and showing no symptom, the carrier animals for surra can act as a source of infection. The level of parasitaemia fluctuates, especially during latent infection; moreover the antibodies which are not found early in the infection may persist even after recovery or chemotherapy. In the present study a double antibody sandwich ELISA exploring, monoclonal antibodies and hyperimmune serum, raised against recombinant variable surface glycoprotein has been developed to detect circulating trypanosome antigens. The developed antigen detection ELISA (Ag-ELISA) was evaluated using 652 blood samples collected from cattle, buffalo, equine and camel. The statistical analysis of the data showed diagnostic sensitivity and specificity at 97.4% and 96.4% respectively, with a positive-negative cut-off OD value >0.28. Furthermore, the detection limit of the assay was found to 7.15 trypanosomes per mL. The present finding revealed that the developed assay can be exploited as a potential diagnostic test in the detection of circulating trypanosome antigens and also can be used as a population screening test for multiple animal species for detection of active infection for further treatment and control of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trypanosomosis, an endemic disease in Asia, America (central and south) and Africa causes havoc economical loss in livestock industry. The carrier animals which are symptomless and harbours low level of parasites can act as a source of infection. The level of parasitaemia fluctuates, especially during the latent infection; moreover the antibodies which are not found early in the infection may persit even after recovery or chemotherapy. The parasitological and/or serological tests always can not detect current infection or carrier animals. Hence, in the present study double antibody sandwitch antigen detection ELISA (Ag-ELISA) is developed to detect circulating trypanosomes. The new assay has been evaluated using 554 field samples comprising bovine and camel. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the new assay was found to be 97.4% and 99.0% respectively, with a Cohen’s kappa value of 0.96. The developed assay could detect 11.5 Trypanosoma evansi per mL from the experimentally infected blood, buffy coat and purified T. evansi samples. The findings revealed that the developed assay can be exploited as a potential diagnostic tool in the detection of active trypanosomal infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trypanosoma evansi , a haemoflagellated protozoan parasite, is responsible for chronic as well as the acute debilitating disease called surra in a wide range of herbivores and carnivores including domestic and wild animals. Since the parasite is having wide host range, there is a need for diagnostic test which can detect the T. evansi specific antibody in different species of animals for generating sero-surveillance data. In the present study we developed and evaluated competitive enzyme immunoassay using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) raised against recombinant variable surface glycoprotein (rVSG) of T. evansi . The immunoreactivity of the developed MAbs (IgG3-subtype) was evaluated by immunoblot as well as ELISA and subsequently used in the development and standardization of competitive ELISA (C-ELISA). Further, the serological data generated from the C-ELISA using reference samples constituting true positive or surely infected (35), true negative (45), sero-positive (225) and sero-negative (215) samples and was analyzed statistically. The true positivity/negativity was determined by thin blood smear examination and diagnostic PCR assay, While, seropositivity/seronegativity of the reference samples was determined through standard reference tests. The data showed the diagnostic sensitivity of 92.6% and specificity of 96.4% with Cohen's kappa value of 0.88. In order to determine the utility of C-ELISA in detecting T. evansi antibodies in different species of animals, the assay was further evaluated with 1361 field sera sample comprising bovine, horse, donkey and camel. Since the C-ELISA described herein has showed high sensitivity and specificity, this single test can be explored in the sero-surveillance of T. evansi in a wide range of animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study envisages expression of immunodominant ectodomain of peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) fusion (F) protein in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and its characterization to assess its immunoreactivity. The ectodomain gene sequences corresponding to 222 amino acids, was amplified from PPR vaccine virus, cloned into pET33b vector and expressed in E. coli at an optimal temperature of 37 °C with 1 mM IPTG for 5 h. The expressed and Ni-NTA purified PPRV F protein (31 kDa) was characterized by SDS-PAGE and Western blot using anti-his-tagged-conjugate, anti-serum raised against recombinant PPRV F protein, hyper immune serum against whole PPRV and convalescent sera from sheep and goats. The expressed protein was assessed for its immunoreactivity by ELISA and immunoblotting. The antibody response mounted against the recombinant PPRV F protein in immunized rabbits was detected by recombinant PPRV F antigen based indirect ELISA, and whole virus antigen based indirect ELISA, which indicating the native confirmation of the expressed protein in E. coli. Indirect ELISA was optimized using known true positive and negative sera with respect to PPRV antibodies in order to assess the reactivity of the PPRV F protein in detecting PPRV F antibodies in small ruminants. The E. coli expressed recombinant ectodomain of PPRV F protein exhibits immunoreactivity and was able to specifically detect PPRV antibodies in response to both vaccination and disease in natural host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patient experience tools are used throughout healthcare as a means of evaluating the performance of providers and the department. In radiation medicine, these tools are important in evaluating patient-specific metrics through their care journey. This study assessed patient experience outcomes from a central tertiary cancer program and multiple community satellite clinics in a single academic healthcare network. Radiation medicine patient experience survey data was collected from a central facility and 5 satellite locations from January 2017 through June 2021. Surveys were distributed to all patients after completion of their radiation treatment. The study cohort was divided by our central facility and satellite locations respectively. Questions were scored on the Likert scale (1-5) and were converted to a 0-100 scale. To compare the scores between central and satellites, 2-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tests were completed on each question followed by an adjustment for multiple comparisons (Dunnett's test). Approximately 4,000 consecutively returned surveys were reviewed. During the study period, the central site conducted a total of 117,583 LINAC, 1,425 non-invasive stereotactic radiosurgery, 273 SRS, and 830 SBRT procedures. The combined satellites conducted a total of 76,788 LINAC, 131 non-invasive stereotactic radiosurgery, 95 SRS, and 355 SBRT procedures. Patient satisfaction scores were compared between central & satellites. The central facility fared better than the satellites on "Convenience of Parking" (95.9 vs 87.9, p =.0001), but worse across the board (Table 1). All sites yielded exemplary patient experience rates with satellites scoring higher than the main campus. These results exemplifying enhanced patient experience at the satellite sites require a deeper analysis of factors influencing the central facility, as the survey did not account for varying patient volumes and disparities in complexity of care across sites. Further, these results are counter to the variety of clinical resources at the main campus such as full-time social workers, patient concierge, dieticians, psychiatrists, et cetera. Attributes related to the community clinics include a smaller setting where the practice layout is easier to navigate and where patients likely feel a more individualistic relationship with the staff. These results suggest that high volume, tertiary facilities will require unique program initiatives to improve the patient experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Field experiments were conducted during 2005–09 at ICAR Sikkim Centre, Tadong, East Sikkim, India at an altitude of 1400mamsl to identify the suitable environment for high production of good quality fruits with less diseases for strawberry varieties Ofra and Chandler. Both the varieties were grown under low cost polyhouse, plastic tunnel and open conditions. Maximum number of flower trusses per plant was recorded in Chandler under open condition (13.0) followed by plastic tunnel (12.7). The maximum number of fruits per inflorescence was found in Ofra (7.12) under polyhouse while maximum number of runners per plant was observed in Ofra (12.3) in open conditions. Plastic tunnel with Ofra produced highest fruit weight (26.2g), fruit length (5.5cm) and fruit diameter (3.9cm). Best fruit quality in terms of TSS (6.8%), lower acidity (0.83%) and total sugar (6.3%) was observed in Chandler under plastic tunnel conditions. The highest total fruit yield was recorded with Ofra under plastic tunnel (40.2t/ha) but the maximum marketable yield was obtained in Chandler under plastic tunnel (35.3t/ha). Diseases were found to be less prevalent in tunnel as compared to polyhouse and open conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]