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Several strains were isolated from subsurface soil of the Atacama Desert and were previously assigned to the Micromonospora genus. A polyphasic study was designed to determine the taxonomic affiliation of isolates 4G51T, 4G53, and 4G57. All the strains showed chemotaxonomic properties in line with their classification in the genus Micromonospora , including meso -diaminopimelic acid in the cell wall peptidoglycan, MK-9(H 4) as major respiratory quinone, iso -C 15:0 and iso -C 16:0 as major fatty acids and diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol as major polar lipids. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of strains 4G51T, 4G53, and 4G57 showed the highest similarity (97.9 %) with the type strain of Micromonospora costi CS1-12T, forming an independent branch in the phylogenetic gene tree. Their independent position was confirmed with genome phylogenies, being most closely related to the type strain of Micromonospora kangleipakensis. Digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity analyses between the isolates and their closest phylogenomic neighbours confirmed that they should be assigned to a new species within the genus Micromonospora for which the name Micromonospora sicca sp. nov. (4G51T=PCM 3031T=LMG 30756T) is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Great Al-Mussaib channel (GMC), in Babylon province, Iraq, has been selected as a case study to measure the concentration of nine heavy metals (Pb, Ni, Zn, Fe, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn and Co) in both water and sediments of the GMC. The channel is used as a raw water source for two cities, which reveals the importance of the current study. Where, any heavy metals pollution could cause significant health problems for the population of these cities. The obtained results revealed that the concentrations of the studied heavy metals in the water of the GMC were less than the pollution levels and followed the order: Pb < Ni < Cu < Cr < Mn < Zn < Fe. It is noteworthy to highlight that the concentrations of Co and Cd were below the detectable limits. Additionally, the results obtained from the analyses of the studied sediment samples showed, according to the values of pollution load index and geo-accumulation index (Igeo), that the concentrations of studied metals were less than the pollution levels (except for a few cases) and followed the order: Cd < Co < Cu < Pb < Ni < Cr < Zn < Mn < Fe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation into two non-toxic natural coagulants abundantly growing in different countries, cactus (Opuntia spp.) and okra was performed on monthly river water samples (one-year period). The studied case was the Euphrates river/Al-Mashroo canal/Iraq. Six statistical models were interpreted and tested describing the residual turbidity after coagulation-flocculation for the three studied cases (optimum-coagulant-dose, optimum-flocculator-velocity-gradient and optimum-flocculation-time). According to the environmental parameters recorded during the study and the statistical analyses, two facts were concluded. The first fact was that controlling the optimum-flocculator-velocity-gradient of the coagulation-flocculation process gave the highest contribution ratio of the models. The second fact was that the most significant environmental parameter (statistically) in the coagulation-flocculation process was the initial turbidity. This was proved for the two natural coagulants under study. Also, from the results of the study, it was concluded that the two natural coagulants were of similar coagulation-flocculation properties, and they were competent for turbidity removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharyngeal airway, maxilla, mandible and nasal septum are maxillofacial structures with intimate relationship. The mutual effects of these structures would modify treatment plan and final results of surgical or orthodontic interventions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of nasal septum deviation and pharyngeal airway volume in various antero-posterior and vertical facial skeletal patterns. 215 cone beam computed tomography scans were assessed to determine four variables; Presence of nasal septum deviation in coronal and axial planes, pharyngeal airway volume, antero-posterior skeletal facial pattern and vertical craniofacial pattern. The relation among these variables was investigated. To determine intra-rater reliability of measurements intra-class correlation coefficient was calculated for 10 % of the sample size. A significant difference was found between pharyngeal airway volume of men and women (P < 0.05). No significant association between nasal septum deviation and pharyngeal airway volume was detected in different antero-posterior and vertical facial patterns. Nasal septum deviation had no significant correlation with sagittal facial patterns but presented a considerable relation with vertical facial patterns (P < 0.001). No significant association was distinguished between pharyngeal airway volume and facial pattern of growth both anterior-posteriorly and vertically. The reliability of measurements was excellent (0.9). Males have significantly larger pharyngeal volume. Nasal septum deviation has a statistically significant relation with vertical skeletofacial patterns. Although pharyngeal airway volume did not present a significant relation with sagittal and vertical craniofacial patterns, the greatest dimensions were related to horizontal vertical facial pattern and Class I sagittal pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • To put flexibility in the non-radial DEA models. • Presenting the flexible model as a mixed integer second order conic programming problem. • The new model gives higher efficiency score compared to the similar recent models in the literature. Abstract The role of some factors is not completely clear as an input or an output in many real applications of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). In other words, a factor can be used as an input by some Decision-Making Units (DMUs) while it may play an output role in other DMUs. This type of factors are called flexible factors. To improve the models for determining the type of flexible factors, two models were presented in this article in which flexible factors are added to be used in the best situation. In this way, factors in both output and input roles will optimize productivity with maximum efficiency without any change in the productivity level. The proposed models showed more consistency to achieve the desired goals in DEA as compared to similar models. Eventually, the proposed models were compared with existing models through a numerical example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamic properties of structures change due to the damages produced during the manufacturing process or operation conditions. This is more critical for structures made of fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) materials owing the fact that they possess more complicated structural components which are under invisible delaminations. If the relationship between the properties and the damage is not known, experimental investigation of the changes can be employed to detect and quantify the damages to some extent. In this paper, the structural response of several FRC components are investigated by using non-contact experimental modal analysis employing Laser Vibrometer. To this end, the components with and without artificial invisible damages are tested to identify the changes in the natural frequencies and mode shapes. The method merits and its limitations are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The presence of large number of pilgrims during Hajj in Makkah region increases the risk of respiratory diseases. In this study, we aimed to assess the bacteriology of acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) during Hajj season and to demonstrate the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns that should guide the clinicians towards more appropriate antibiotic use. Methods Patients with ARS presenting during Hajj season of 2014 were prospectively enrolled. According to EPOS2012 criteria. Sampling of sinus secretions was performed from the middle meatus adjacent to the maxillary sinus ostium via endoscopic guidance. Over all, the study has covered all ENT, emergency and outpatient departments in Hajj. Results Two hundred and twenty six patients with ARS were enrolled in the study. Pathogenic bacteria were identified in 93 (41.2%) patients. Of the 93 patients with bacterial ARS, Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 46 (49.5%) patients, out of which 13 (28.3%) were methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).The second most common group of bacterial isolates was Enterobacteriaceae such as Escherichia coli , and various Klebsiella species . Antibiotic sensitivity showed that methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) was also sensitive to cephalosporins, quinolones and clindamycin, while exhibiting relatively less sensitivity rates to amoxicillin-clavulinic acid and macrolides. Conclusion Our study demonstrates the importance of assessing the bacteriology of ARS to help implement guidelines for proper treatment and prevention protocols during Hajj season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly robust hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography ( HILIC) method that involves both fluorescence and mass spectrometric detection was developed for profiling and characterizing enzymatically released and 2-aminobenzamide (2- AB)-derivatized mAb N-glycans. Online HILIC/mass spectrometry ( MS) with a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer provides accurate mass identifications of the separated, 2- AB-labeled N-glycans. The method features a high-resolution, low-shedding HILIC column with acetonitrile and water-based mobile phases containing trifluoroacetic acid ( TFA) as a modifier. This column and solvent system ensures the combination of robust chromatographic performance and full compatibility and sensitivity with online MS in addition to the baseline separation of all typical mAb N-glycans. The use of TFA provided distinct advantages over conventional ammonium formate as a mobile phase additive, such as, optimal elution order for sialylated N-glycans, reproducible chromatographic profiles, and matching total ion current chromatograms, as well as minimal signal splitting, analyte adduction, and fragmentation during HILIC/ MS, maximizing sensitivity for trace-level species. The robustness and selectivity of HILIC for N-glycan analyses allowed for method qualification. The method is suitable for bioprocess development activities, heightened characterization, and clinical drug substance release. Application of this HILIC/ MS method to the detailed characterization of a marketed therapeutic mAb, Rituxan®, is described. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 103:1967-1978, 2014 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most common cause of viral intrauterine infection. Placental infection suggests hematogenous spread and permissiveness may vary according to the age of pregnancy. We set up and investigate permissivity of early and term placenta to HCMV with an ex vivo model of placental histocultures and evaluate the activity profile of IDO. Fourteen first trimester placentae were obtained following elective abortion and twelve term placentae after elective caesarean section. Fresh placental chorionic villi were isolated, washed and distributed on collagen sponge gels after overnight incubation with the virus. The culture medium was collected and fresh medium renewed regularly. Histology and immunohistochemistry showed preserved villous integrity in cultured placental histocultures. Infection could be seen in tissue sections of both early and term placentae, although early placentae were more permissive. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is highly expressed in the placenta and is known to prevent maternal immune rejection. Constitutive IDO activity was higher in early, compared to term placentae and HCMV infection inhibited IDO activity in early placentae. IFN-γ-induced IDO activity was suppressed by HCMV in both early and term placentae. Our work shows a novel method of placenta organ culture. Our findings suggest that HCMV infects early placentae more strongly than term placentae. Early placental dysfunction through the inhibition of IDO activity may reveal a possible mechanism for miscarriages. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Quantitative estimation of canopy biophysical variables are very important in different studies such as meteorology, agriculture and ecology, so knowledge of the spatial and temporal distribution of these variables would be highly beneficial. Meanwhile, remote sensing is known as an important source of information to estimate fractional vegetation cover in large areas. Today spectral indices have been very popular in the remote sensing of vegetation features. But often reflections of soil and rocks are much more than reflections of sparse vegetation in these areas, that makes separation of plant signals difficult. So in this study measured fractional vegetation cover of a desert area were evaluated with 20 vegetation indices in five different categories as the most appropriate category, or indicator for desert vegetation to be identified. The five categories were including: (1) conventional ratio and differential indices such as NDVI; (2) indices corrected and derived from the traditional indicators such as NDVIc and GNDVI; (3) soil reflectance adjusted indices such as SAVI; (4) triangle indices based on three discreet bands in their equation (Green, Red and NIR) like TVI; and (5) non-conventional ratio and differential indices such as CI. According to the results of this research, DVI index with 0.668 the coefficient of determination (R 2) showed the best fractional vegetation cover estimation. But according to the sparse vegetation in desert areas and the results of this research it seems none of these indicators alone can accurately estimate the percentage of vegetation cover, however, to do a proper estimation it is possible to enter data of these indices in a multivariate regression model. Using this method enabled us to increase the coefficient of determination of fractional vegetation cover estimation model up to 0.797. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Accurate determination of in situ stress magnitude and orientation is an essential element of the design process of all underground openings. A stress calculation method was proposed for the new stress measurement technique using the borehole slotter device. Two major objectives were the focus of this research work. The first goal was to simulate the slotter test process numerically and delve into the mechanisms involved in this test. A precise 3D numerical model of a typical slotter test condition was constructed using the FLAC3D code. The effects of variations in rock mass deformation modulus on the strain/stress relieve, and thus borehole slotter test results, were investigated numerically. The second objective of the work was to employ 3D modelling in the interpretation of slotter field tests conducted at Bakhtiari dam site. These tests were aimed at determining the stress magnitude and orientation to be used in the design of underground chambers and tunnels associated with Bakhtiari dam. The stress regimes measured in field were applied as boundary condition on the constructed 3D model and a backward analysis was conducted. For each case the actual strain field measured was compared against strain field calculated numerically. Accordingly, the boundary condition (stress magnitude and orientation) associated with the model results that provided the best fit to the measured data was determined as the governing stress regime. A good agreement was achieved between numerical and field test results. The obtained numerical results provided valuable insights in selecting the governing in situ stress condition from a set of recorded field data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hck is a phagocyte specific proto-oncogene of the Src family expressed as two isoforms, p59Hck and p61Hck. It plays a critical role in Bcr/Abl-chronic myeloid leukaemia and is able to transform fibroblasts in vitro. However, the tumourigenic activity of Hck and the respective oncogenic functions of Hck isoforms have not been examined. Tet-Off fibroblasts expressing constitutively active mutants of p59Hck and p61Hck together or individually were used. In contrast to cells expressing p59Hckca or p61Hckca alone, cells expressing both isoforms were transformed in vitro and induced tumour formation in 90% of nude mice within 2 weeks. This is the first demonstration of (i) the tumourigenic activity of Hck in mice, (ii) the cooperative action of the two Hck isoforms in vitro and in vivo. To our knowledge, this is the first example of a transforming activity ‘split’ in two requisite isoforms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: We previously described a novel antimelanoma antibody, designated KBA.62. However, review of the literature showed that only a few studies have reported on this antibody. We report our experience in the diagnosis of melanoma using KBA.62 and its value in both primary and metastatic conditions. In addition to conventional melanomas, we included desmoplastic and spindle cell melanomas, whose diagnosis can be challenging. We also focus on identification of malignant cells in sentinel lymph node biopsies using KBA.62, by comparison with anti–S-100 protein and HMB-45 antibodies, because discrepancies in sensitivity and specificity of melanoma markers have given rise to numerous studies aiming to determine the best panel for the evaluation of sentinel lymph node from patients with melanoma. Overall, KBA.62 was positive in 93% of primary and metastatic melanomas. Interestingly, the 12 cases of desmoplastic and spindle cell melanomas had strongly positive results. In addition, the results of our study performed on a series of 215 sentinel lymph nodes showed that the sensitivity of anti–S-100 protein and KBA.62 antibodies in detecting occult metastasis was similar. Moreover, KBA.62 identified 6 patients (3%) who had confirmed sentinel lymph node metastasis but were negative for HMB-45. The resolution was higher with KBA.62 than that observed with anti–S-100 protein antibody, as the nonmelanocytic positive cells for KBA.62 in lymph nodes were only represented by endothelial cells, which therefore constituted an intrinsic positive control. We conclude that KBA.62 antibody is a useful additional marker for melanoma, specifically in desmoplastic/spindle cell cases and in the context of micrometastasis in sentinel lymph node. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: The determination of microsatellite instability (MSI) is an important step in the identification of familial colorectal cancer such as hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer. It could also be of interest in the therapeutic management of sporadic cancer. International criteria for the determination of MSI have been published, recommending the use of microdissection. The aim of this work was to evaluate the impact of contaminant normal DNA in tumor samples for MSI assessment in colorectal cancer using a microdissection technique. We performed a comparative analysis of the microsatellite status between total DNA (DNA extracted from whole tumor samples) and microdissected DNA in 3 different regions from 23 cases of colorectal cancer. Six microsatellites were amplified using fluorescent polymerase chain reaction. We analyzed 9 cases with MSI and 14 cases without instability, with similar results between total DNA and microdissected DNA. Moreover, within a same tumor, the MSI phenotype was observed regardless of the region analyzed. Thus, this work shows the reproducibility of the MSI phenotype throughout a tumor. However, we observed a regional heterogeneity of the MSI profile, consisting of variations in the number and the size of unstable alleles within different regions. This result reflects the genetic heterogeneity of colorectal cancer with MSI. In the 14 cases without instability, we observed an increase of more than 60% in the loss of heterozygosity detection rate after microdissection. Thus, this work confirms the contribution of microdissection for loss of heterozygosity assessment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An important outcome of assessing relative efficiencies within a group of decision making units (DMUs) in fuzzy data envelopment analysis is a set of virtual multipliers or weights accorded to each (input or output) factor taken into account. These sets of weights are, typically, different for each of the participating DMUs, and in some cases it may be considered unacceptable that the same factor is accorded widely differing weights. Thus, it is important to find a common set of weights (CSW) across the set of DMUs. In this paper, by assessing upper bounds on factor weights and compacting the resulted intervals, a CSW is determined. Since resulted efficiencies by the proposed CSW are fuzzy numbers rather than crisp values, it is more informative for decision maker. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

There is a general lack of understanding on the accuracy of theoretical and empirical models which can be used to predict the acoustical properties of unsaturated granular media. It is also unclear how well these models are suited for parameter inversion in application to these media. In this work three popular prediction models available in commercial software packages, e.g. COMSOL Multiphysics, are used to invert key non-acoustical parameters of two types of glass beads and two fractions of silica sand for which acoustical data are obtained with a standard acoustic impedance tube setup. These results are compared against predictions made with four established non-acoustical analytical models which relate these characteristics to the effective particle size and other pore characteristics. A discrepancy between the two model classes (acoustical and non-acoustical models) and measured data is quantified. This work also quantifies the accuracy of acoustical characterisation methods used to estimate key pore characteristics of granular media with a relatively inexpensive laboratory setup and rapid inversion method based on optimisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glomus tumors are rare and often benign vascular lesions that present classically in the subungual region of the hand. Nonetheless, presentations in atypical sites have been reported over the years. However, the classic symptoms of typical glomus tumors are often absent in tumors of atypical sites. We present a case of an extradigital glomus tumor with a 3-year history of pain in the lateral aspect of the elbow. The case we present took three years and multiple visits to different clinics and specialties to reach the final diagnosis and management. It often takes longer to diagnose Glomus tumors of atypical sites and presentations. The causes could be related to the rare incidence, the atypical presentation in site and symptoms, or the diagnostic methods. This case report discusses the possible causes behind the diagnostic delay in extradigital glomus tumors, aiming to raise clinical awareness among primary health care physicians. • The classic triad of symptoms to diagnose glomus tumors does not necessarily present in extradigital glomus tumors. • Extradigital glomus tumors of the elbow are especially challenging to diagnose. • Biopsy of the lesion remains the only way to confirm the diagnosis of a glomus tumor, and a an excisional biopsy is curative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isolated retinal venous occlusion rarely occurs in otherwise-healthy children. We report a unilateral case of central retinal vein occlusion with secondary proliferative retinopathy and neovascular glaucoma in a 6-year-old girl. Despite an extensive workup, no etiology was identified. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

EVLW accumulates in the interstitial and alveolar space and represented by vertical artifacts known as B-lines using LUS1. Excess lung water causes poor oxygenation and prolonged ventilation. Aim: To score B-lines using LUS to assess EVLW pre- and post-cardiac surgery and record the effect on oxygenation and time of extubation (Extub T). A prospective cohort study in cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). King Abdullah International Medical Research Center approved this study reference: RYD-18-417780-17652. LUS was performed: pre- T0, one-hour T1 and 24 hrs T2 post-surgery. The arterial oxygen partial pressure to inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) ratio was recorded at each time. LUS was performed using a Philips CX50 and phased array probe, with LUS preset. Ten anatomical sites- thoracic left and right- anterior, lateral and posterior were assessed by LUS and scored according to the number of B-lines. Fluid balance at T1 and T2 was recorded. 79 patients were recruited using consecutive sampling (March 2018 to March 2019). SPSS v23, with simple descriptive and Pearson correlation analysis reported. Significance of p <0.05, two tailed. 73 patients completed the study age 56 (18-87 years). We found a negative correlation between LUS score and PaO2/FiO2 at T1 p<0.001. Fig 1 There was a positive correlation with changes in LUS score at T1 and Extub T p<0.02. Also a positive correlation between LUS score at T2 and a positive fluid balance p<0.013. We showed a negative correlation between ultrasound signs of EVLW and oxygenation. The fewer B-lines the better the oxygenation. The more B-lines the longer the period of ventilation. This is in agreement with other LUS studies identifying patients with increased EVLW by B-lines and a decreased of PaO2/FiO2 correctable by dialysis2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary The tuberculosis (TB) bacillus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), and HIV-1 act synergistically; however, the mechanisms by which Mtb exacerbates HIV-1 pathogenesis are not well known. Using in vitro and ex vivo cell culture systems, we show that human M(IL-10) anti-inflammatory macrophages, present in TB-associated microenvironment, produce high levels of HIV-1. In vivo , M(IL-10) macrophages are expanded in lungs of co-infected non-human primates, which correlates with disease severity. Furthermore, HIV-1/Mtb co-infected patients display an accumulation of M(IL-10) macrophage markers (soluble CD163 and MerTK). These M(IL-10) macrophages form direct cell-to-cell bridges, which we identified as tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) involved in viral transfer. TNT formation requires the IL-10/STAT3 signaling pathway, and targeted inhibition of TNTs substantially reduces the enhancement of HIV-1 cell-to-cell transfer and overproduction in M(IL-10) macrophages. Our study reveals that TNTs facilitate viral transfer and amplification, thereby promoting TNT formation as a mechanism to be explored in TB/AIDS potential therapeutics. Graphical Abstract Highlights • TB-induced anti-inflammatory M(IL-10) macrophages are prone to HIV-1 overproduction • Tunneling nanotubes between TB-induced M(IL-10) macrophages promote HIV-1 spread • The IL-10/STAT3 axis triggers tunneling nanotube induction in the TB microenvironment • M(IL-10) macrophages accumulate in TB/HIV co-infected patients and non-human primates Tuberculosis is a clear, yet confounding, risk factor for HIV-1-induced morbidity and mortality. In this issue, Souriant et al. reveal that a tuberculosis-associated microenvironment triggers IL-10/STAT3-dependent tunneling nanotube formation in M(IL-10) macrophages, which promotes HIV-1 exacerbation during co-infection. M(IL-10) macrophage accumulation is also observed in vivo in co-infected subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melatonin (MLT) is an endogenous hormone produced by pineal gland which possess promising anti-tumor effects. Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of MLT, along with its immunomodulatory, proapoptotic, and anti-angiogenic properties, are often referred to the main mechanisms of its anti-tumor effects. Recent evidence has suggested that epigenetic alterations are also involved in the anti-tumor properties of MLT. Among these MLT-induced epigenetic alterations is modulation of the expression of several oncogenic and tumor suppressor microRNAs(miRNAs). MiRNAs are among the most promising and potential therapeutic and diagnostic tools in different diseases and enhanced the development of better therapeutic drugs. Suppression of oncomicroRNAs such as microRNA-21, − 20a, and − 27a as well as, up-regulation of microRNA-34 a/c are among the most important effects of MLT on microRNAs homeostasis. Recently, miR-21 has attracted the attention of scientists due to the its wide range of effects on different cancers and diseases. Regulation of this RNA may be a key to the development of better therapeutic targets. The present review will summarize the findings of in vitro and experimental studies of MLT-induced impacts on the expression of microRNAs which are involved in different models and numerous stages of tumor initiation, growth, metastasis, and chemo-resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: There is not enough evidence in the literature to support the use of any treatment in distal radius fractures, mainly because of the heterogeneous aspects of most series. There is a need for more standardized analyses of distal radius fractures that should allow the identification of more homogeneous groups of patients. The authors propose a novel synthetic method to analyse acute distal radius fractures in adults. A one-page chart includes criteria related to the patient (P), the energy of the accident (A), and the characteristics of the fracture (F) along with associated ulnar and carpal lesions. The preliminary results of the use of this chart in 258 consecutive patients are presented. Four homogeneous groups of patients are described and the principles of their treatment are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

One of the challenges for suppliers is to increase their market share due to the limited target market. In other words, in the supply chain, the demand for suppliers' products is limited. Therefore, suppliers produce a determined share of the required amount by producers. However, when it comes to the share in the amount of output among suppliers, the output of suppliers in this indicator is interdependent. In the classical data envelopment analysis (DEA) models, there are no models that assess the suppliers according to the dependence of at least one output on each other. In this paper, a model is presented that can assess sustainable suppliers in the presence of interdependent output among suppliers by using DEA models and their extension. It can also determine the total benchmarks of decision making units (DMUs) in such a way that satisfies the interdependent output constraint. In other words, benchmarks are not determined independently. Ultimately, an approach is presented to determine efficient projections for inefficient DMUs by considering the concept of interdependent output. To represent the applicability of our proposed model, a dataset for two consecutive years including 32 sustainable suppliers with consideration of interdependent output has been implemented using the model presented in this paper. The resulting sustainability has been compared with a classical model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We report a case of subperiosteal osteoid osteoma of the triquetrum located into the piso-triquetral joint space. Such a variant at this particular location is very rare. The diagnosis was delayed for six years. A bloc resection of the tumour was followed by complete recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Displacements of articular fragments are not always visible on initial radiographs of acute distal radius fractures. Despite the wide use of CT scan, it may be useful to know a simple index that could suggest an articular displaced fracture from the initial standard radiographs. The authors describe an articular sagittal index (ASI) of the distal radius and provide reference values from a study of 100 healthy volunteers. An increase of the ASI index suggests a displaced articular distal radius fracture with possible impaction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Origanum majorana L. is a member of the Lamiaceae family and is commonly used in Egyptian cuisine as a seasoning and flavor enhancer. It is also recognized as a well-known traditional medicine in Egypt and is widely used for treating abdominal colic due to its antispasmodic properties. However, the protective effects of Origanum majorana L. against ulcerative colitis and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Aim of the study: This study aimed to identify the biologically active components present in methanol extracts of Origanum majorana L. using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Additionally, it aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of these extracts on acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis and elucidate the potential mechanisms involved. Materials and Methods: We conducted a GC-MS analysis of the methanolic extract obtained from Origanum majorana L. Thirty-two male rats were included in the study and divided into four experimental groups, with eight rats in each group: sham, UC, UC + O. majorana , and UC sulfasalazine. After euthanizing the rats, colon tissue samples were collected for gross and microscopic examinations, assessment of oxidative stress, and molecular evaluation. GC-MS analysis identified 15 components in the extracts. Pretreatment with O. majorana L. extract and sulfasalazine significantly improved the disease activity index (DAI) and resulted in notable improvements in macroscopic and microscopic colon findings. Additionally, both treatments demonstrated preventive effects against colonic oxidative damage by reducing the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and increasing the levels of the antioxidant systems superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH), which operate through the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Moreover, these treatments downregulated the colonic inflammatory cascade by inhibiting NFκB, TNFα, IL-1β, IL6, IL23, IL17, COX-2, and iNOS, subsequently leading to downregulation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and a decrease in the Th17 cell response. Furthermore, a reduction in the number of apoptotic epithelial cells that expressed caspase-3 was observed. Conclusion: pretreatment with O. majorana L. extract significantly ameliorated acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis. This effect could be attributed to the protective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties of the extract. [Display omitted] • Origanum Majorana L exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects against experimental colitis. • Origanum Majorana L extract increased antioxidant markers in colitis rats. • Origanum majorana L extract decreased NFκB/JAK2/STAT3 inflammatory signaling pathway. • Origanum majorana decreased Th17 cells response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The airflow resistivity is a key parameter to predict accurately the acoustical properties of fibrous media. There is a large number of theoretical and empirical models which can be used to predict the airflow resistivity of this type of porous media. However, there is a lack of experimental data on the accuracy of these models in the case of multi-component fibrous media. This paper presents a detailed analysis of the accuracy of several existing models to predict airflow resistivity which make use of the porosity, bulk density and mean fibre diameter information. Three types of polyester (PET) materials made using regular PET, hollow PET and bi-component PET with a range of densities are chosen for this study. It is shown that some existing models largely under- or overestimate the airflow resistivity when compared with the measured values. A novel feature of this work is that it studies the relative performance of airflow resistivity prediction models that are based on the capillary channel theory and drag force theory. These two groups of models are then compared to some purely empirical models. It is found that the prediction error by some models is unacceptably high (e.g. >20–30%). The results suggest that there are existing models which can predict the airflow resistivity of multi-component fibrous media with 8–10% accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]