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In the current work, we deal with a class of stochastic time-fractional integral equations in Hilbert space by studying their well-posedness and regularity. Precisely, we use the celebrity fixed point theorem to prove the well-posedness of the problem by imposing the global Lipschitz and the linear growth conditions. Further, we prove the spatial and temporal regularity by imposing only a regularity condition on the initial value. An important example is considered in order to confirm and support the validity of our theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peptic ulcer disease causes abdominal discomfort and pain. Helicobacter pylori bacteria, infection and long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs are the most common causes of peptic ulcers. Untreated ulcers can lead to other more serious health complications. Gastric cancer is the second commonest cause of death from malignant disease. Speed performance is always quietly essential in detecting and treating peptic ulcer. Combining artificial intelligence with medical knowledge provides a faster and more accurate diagnosis. The main purpose of this study is to design a novel, inexpensive, reliable and quick Fuzzy Expert System for diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease. A data set of 101 Male adult Wistar rats with a weight range of 200–250 g were obtained from the Pasteur institute. Peptic ulcer induced by Indomethacin (50 mg/kg, 2 ml). A computational approach based on a Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) is suggested in this study for the evaluation of peptic ulcer. The Fuzzy Inference System was produced with Fuzzy C-Means and tuned using the Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System model (ANFIS). In order to compare the two methods, the performance of the FIS was evaluated with a ROC curve that prepares the FCM accuracy of 90% and ANFIS accuracy of 85%. In conclusion, the Fuzzy Expert System can potentially increase the accuracy and efficiency of medical practices for peptic ulcer diseases to move towards more precision medicine and treatment. This applicable Fuzzy system may impact hospitals and health systems in improving efficiency and productivity, while reducing the cost of care. It can also be considered in medicine to reduce manual tasks and human error. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of food on physical and mental co-complications of ulcerative colitis (UC) has not been clearly defined. The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of a dietary modification program (DMP) on fatigue, mental health, quality of life, fasting blood glucose, and lipid profile of UC patients during the remission phase. To conduct this parallel, randomized controlled trial study, 80 UC patients were recruited and allocated randomly to an intervention or a control group. Participants were provided dietary guidelines in the form of an educational booklet and a dedicated diet that was recommended for use for 12 weeks. The DMP consisted of recommendations that participants eat often and little (4-6 times per day), consume foods at a balanced temperature, decrease consumption of spicy foods, decrease excess intake of fat, decrease simple carbohydrates and drink adequate fluids. Moreover, increase goodquality protein and eliminate dairy products in the presence of lactose intolerance. Furthermore, it included avoidance of margarine, limiting alcohol, caffeine, and commercially prepared foods such as fast foods, ready meals, and canned foods. Baseline and post-intervention measurements of primary and secondary outcomes were recorded for final analysis. Overall, 76 patients completed the study. The participants in the DMP group consumed higher amounts of protein, zinc, vitamin C, and D and lower amounts of dietary energy, carbohydrate, saturated fat, sodium, and lactose compared to the control group (all P values <.05). Recommendations to follow the DMP resulted in a significant improvement of fatigue and mental health (depression, anxiety, and stress) in the intervention group compared with usual recommendations and a significant increase in some aspects of quality of life, including bodily pain and general health (all P values <.05). No significant changes were found in fasting blood glucose and lipid profile (all P values >.05). The study suggests that there is likely to be a link between the provided dietary advice with physical and mental improvements. The effect of diet does not arise through the elimination or the addition of specific nutrients; rather, each food syndicate many nutrients that let for a synergistic or an antagonistic action when present in a certain composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate the long-term clinical effect of dry needling with two-week and three-month follow up, on individuals with myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle. Methods: A sample of convenience (33 individuals) with a trigger point in the upper trapezius muscle, participated in this study. The individuals were randomly assigned to two groups: trigger point compression (N = 17) or dry needling (N = 16). Pain intensity, neck disability, and disability of the arm, hand, and shoulder (DASH) were assessed before treatment, after treatment sessions, and at two-week and three-month follow ups. Results: The result of repeated measures ANOVA showed significant group-measurement interaction effect for VAS (p =.02). No significant interaction was found for NPQ and DASH (p >.05). The main effect of measurements for VAS, NPQ, and DASH were statistically significant (p <.0001). The results showed a significant change in pain intensity, neck disability, and DASH after treatment sessions, after two weeks and three months when compared with before treatment scores in both groups. There was no significant difference in the tested variables after two-week or three-month as compared to after treatment sessions between the two groups. However, pain intensity after treatment sessions was significantly different between the two groups (p =.02). Discussion: Dry needling and trigger point compression in individuals with myofascial trigger point in the upper trapezius muscle can lead to three-month improvement in pain intensity and disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Syrian conflict has resulted in major humanitarian crises. The risk is particularly high amongst female children who face additional gendered risks, such as harassment and sexual violence, including a rise in prevalence of child marriage. Despite the importance of this topic, current literature remains relatively scarce. Objectives: This study aims to explore the social and healthcare repercussions of Syrian refugee child marriages in Jordan and Lebanon. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was carried out to gather evidence, from a total of eight articles. Data analysis was conducted using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme check tool to systematically assess the trustworthiness, relevance and results of the included papers. Results: The findings of this research identify tradition, honour, economics, fear, and protection-related factors as drivers of child marriage of refugees in Jordan and Lebanon. These motives overlap with findings regarding access to reproductive health and reproductive rights. The lack of autonomy of the child to give informed consent is augmented in the context of protracted violence and displacement. Conclusion: There is a need for a holistic approach to provide safe spaces, education, and protection to young girls and their families to reduce their acceptance of child marriage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maclura pomifera, a dioecious tree species, is recognized by its orange-like fruits and has a fascinating history and varied economic uses. The morphology and anatomy of female inflorescence, flower, embryo, fruit and seed development were surveyed by cyto-histological methods. The flowers and fruits were collected at different developmental stages, fixed in FAA fixative, embedded in the paraffin, sectioned using microtome, stained by hematoxylin and eosin and were photographed using light microscopy. There are 60–70 female flowers in each hairy inflorescence. Each young flower has pinkish and tetrameric perianth which surrounds the unicarpellate pistil composing of a unilocular ovary and long style. The perianth becomes fleshy and green during development and surrounds the ovary forming a drupe-like fruit with a permanent long style. The fleshy perianths and the drupes inside them produce a false multiple (accessory fruit or pseudocarp) and pomaceous fruit in which a few filled seeds are formed. Ovule primordium appears in an apical placentation and its growth direction changes during development. The ovule is ana-campylotropous, suspended, bitegmic and tenuinucellate. The embryo passes globular, heart-shaped and cotyledonary steps. Finally, the curved embryo is formed whose cotyledons constitute massive volume of ovule (seed) and endosperm is eventually degenerated. Suspensor is short and multi-celled. Ovule integument makes the membranous seed coat. The middle part of perianth contains secretory cells that is detached during development forming a soft spongy tissue. This study shows the characteristics of inflorescence and fruit architecture during development that can also clarify phylogenetic relationships among genera and in the family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been suggested that tight hamstring muscle, due to its anatomical connections, could be a compensatory mechanism for providing sacroiliac (SI) joint stability in patients with gluteal muscle weakness and SIJ dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between hamstring muscle length and gluteal muscle strength in subjects with sacroiliac joint dysfunction. A total of 159 subjects with and without low back pain (LBP) between the ages of 20 and 65 years participate in the study. Subjects were categorized into three groups: LBP without SIJ involvement (n=53); back pain with SIJ dysfunction (n=53); and no low back pain (n=53). Hamstring muscle length and gluteal muscle strength were measured in all subjects. The number of individuals with gluteal weakness was significantly (P=0.02) higher in subjects with SI joint dysfunction (66%) compared to those with LBP without SI joint dysfunctions (34%). In pooled data, there was no significant difference (P=0.31) in hamstring muscle length between subjects with SI joint dysfunction and those with back pain without SI involvement. In subjects with SI joint dysfunction, however, those with gluteal muscle weakness had significantly (P=0.02) shorter hamstring muscle length (mean = 158 ± 11°) compared to individuals without gluteal weakness (mean = 165±10°). There was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) in hamstring muscle length between individuals with and without gluteal muscle weakness in other groups. In conclusion, hamstring tightness in subjects with SI joint dysfunction could be related to gluteal muscle weakness. The slight difference in hamstring muscle length found in this study, although statistically significant, was not sufficient for making any definite conclusions. Further studies are needed to establish the role of hamstring muscle in SI joint stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study presented in this paper assesses and compares the laboratory fatigue performance of two gap-graded asphalt concrete (AC) mixture: one using crumb rubber (CR) (rubbermodified) and without using CR (conventional). The rubber-modified and conventional gapgraded mixtures were sampled from the E18 highway located in the Stockholm area of Sweden. The testing program consisted of dynamic modulus, |E*|, bending beam, and axial fatigue tests. The |E*| master curves of the respective AC mixtures and their generalised fatigue model coefficients (k1, k2, k3) from the axial fatigue tests were used to predict and compare the long-term pavement performance of each mixture using the AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design software. This analysis was performed systematically using parametric variations to assess the sensitivity of the predicted performance to individual material factors. Fatigue test results from both bending beam and axial fatigue tests showed clear evidence of improved fatigue behaviour for the rubber-modified gap-graded mixture compared to the conventional gap-graded mixture. The Pavement ME design analysis showed that the rubber-modified gapgraded mixture outperformed the conventional mixture. The parametric sensitivity analysis showed that this improved behaviour was the result of an increase in k1 and decrease in k2 of the fatigue life relationships at individual test temperatures of the rubber-modified gap-graded mixture. It was also found that the |E*| and the fatigue coefficient k3 of the rubber-modified gap-graded mixture has an adverse impact on its fatigue performance compared to that of the conventional gap-graded mixture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the proposed manuscript, we present a novel mathematical model for analysing the persistence of corruption in human communities, based on fractal-fractional concepts and the Mittag-Leffler kernel law. Corruption is considered analogous to a disease that can spread and influence others who are free from corruption. Our model evaluates the equilibrium points of corruption and tests their stability using the corruption reproduction number. We also apply the fixed point theory concept to check for the existence and uniqueness of a solution, in the context of a fractional fractal operator. Solution stability is verified using the perturbed Ulam Hyers technique, and an approximate solution is obtained through the use of Lagrangian polynomials. To test the validity of our model, we simulate all compartments at different fractional orders and time durations, providing additional insights into the dynamics of corruption beyond natural orders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the most common and debilitating disorders globally, risk factor modification is an urgent health priority. Interestingly, an increasing body of literature has suggested honey, and its by-products, can elicit a positive effect on CVD risk factors. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to summarize and discuss the outcomes of interventional studies in humans regarding the effects of bee products' consumption on CVD risk factors. The Cochrane Collaboration tool was used for quality assessment of the included studies. A total of 23 studies met our inclusion criteria. Six studies used natural honey, seven used propolis, and ten administered royal jelly as the intervention. Natural honey consumption could improve lipid profile and anthropometric parameters, and propolis supplementation could enhance lipid profile and glycemic markers. Current evidence precludes conclusions being made regarding royal jelly and CVD risk factors. It seems that honey and propolis consumption could reduce CVD risk factors. Overall, in order to confirm the association between bee products and CVD risk factors, more clinical trials with adequate sample sizes and better methodology should be conducted in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An outbreak of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection has posed significant threats to international health and the economy. The role of nutrition in supporting the immune system is well-established. A wealth of mechanistic and clinical documents shows that vitamins, including vitamins A, B2, B3, B6, B12, C, D, E, and folate; trace elements, including zinc and selenium; probiotics and prebiotics; alpha lipoic acid; omega-3 fatty acids and herbal supplements including curcumin, ginger, Echinacea, garlic, green tea, cinnamon, and ginseng play important and complementary roles in supporting the immune system. Inadequate intake and status of these nutrients are widespread, leading to a decrease in resistance to infections and as a consequence an increase in disease burden. Against this background the following conclusions are made: (1) supplementation with the above micronutrients, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics is a safe, effective, and low-cost strategy to help support optimal immune function; (2) supplementation above the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), but within recommended upper safety limits, for specific nutrients such as vitamins C, D, and selenium is warranted; and (3) public health officials are encouraged to include nutritional strategies in their recommendations to improve public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silk fibroin (SF) is a natural polymeric biomaterial that is widely adopted for the preparation of drug delivery systems. Herein, we aimed to fabricate and characterize SF nanoparticles loaded with the selective estrogen receptor modulator; tamoxifen citrate (TC-SF-NPs) and to assess their in vitro efficacy against breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231). TC-loaded SF-NPs were characterized for particle size, morphology, entrapment efficiency, and release profile. In addition, we examined the in vitro cytotoxicity of TC-SF-NPs against human breast cancer cell lines and evaluated the anticancer potential of TC-SF-NPs through apoptosis assay and cell cycle analysis. Drug-loaded SF-NPs showed an average particle size of 186.1 ± 5.9nm and entrapment efficiency of 79.08%. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed the nanoparticles had a spherical morphology with smooth surface. Tamoxifen release from SF-NPs exhibited a biphasic release profile with an initial burst release within the first 6 h and sustained release for 48 h. TC-SF-NPs exerted a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect against breast cancer cell lines. In addition, flow cytometry analysis revealed that cells accumulate in G0/G1 phase, with a concomitant reduction of S- and G2-M-phase cells upon treatment with TC-SF-NPs. Consequently, the potent anticancer activities of TC-SF-NPs against breast cancer cells were mainly attributed to the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Our results indicate that SF nanoparticles may represent an attractive nontoxic nanocarrier for the delivery of anticancer drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidemiological studies have suggested that there is an association between dietary acid load (DAL) with complications and outcomes of pregnancy. The current study aimed to explore the impact of DAL on theses parameters through a prospective cohort of Iranian pregnant women. In this prospective cohort study, 812 singleton pregnant women without any medical condition, use of medications, and without following a specific diet were included. Dietary intake of participants was examined using a 117-item semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Net endogenous acid production (NEAP) and potential renal acid load (PRAL) parameters were used to explore potential DAL using the suggested formula. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used and odds ratio (OR) and 95% corresponding confidence interval (CI) were reported. DAL (NEAP and PRAL) was not associated with pregnancy outcomes including birth weight, birth height and birth head circumference (all P values > .05). NEAP was associated with preeclampsia (Model 3: OR = 0.48, 95%CI (0.25, 0.94); Ptrend = 0.05), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (Model 2: OR = 3.99, 95%CI (1.09, 14.53); Ptrend = 0.04), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (Model 3: OR = 2.45, 95%CI (1.05, 5.72); Ptrend = 0.03), and intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) (Model 3: OR = 2.82, 95%CI (1.02, 7.78); Ptrend = 0.01). Moreover, PRAL was related with risk of pre-eclampsia (Model 3: OR = 0.41, 95%CI (0.19, 0.86); Ptrend = 0.003), SBP (Model 2: OR = 6.07, 95%CI (1.23, 29.94); Ptrend = 0.03), DBP (Model 3: OR = 3.62, 95% CI (1.23, 10.65); Ptrend = 0.03), and IUGR (Model 2: OR = 2.63, 95%CI (0.93, 7.44); Ptrend = 0.02). Our study focused on DAL which showed a significant association with pregnancy-related complications including higher SBP, DBP, IUGR, and pre-eclampsia. Further research with larger sample sizes in different populations might be required to evaluate the compatibility of DAL during pregnancy [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing evidence on the possible effects of probiotics on inflammatory status is inconclusive. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to clarify the effects of probiotic consumption on inflammatory markers among athletes. A systematic literature search was performed in the databases PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of science, Cochrane's library, and Google Scholar (up to July 2020). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of probiotics on inflammatory markers in athletes were included. Jadad scale was used for quality assessment. In fixed-effects meta-analysis model, standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) demonstrated the overall effect. Any possibility of publication bias was inspected through Egger's and Begg's statistics. A total of 14 RCTs with 393 participants were included. Probiotic consumption resulted in a significant decrease in plasma concentrations of interleukin-6 (SMD = -0.58; 95% CI, -0.87 to -0.28; P˂0.001) and tumor necrosis factor-α (SMD = -0.72; 95% CI, -1.11 to -0.33; P < .001), and significant increase in interferon-γ (SMD = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.76; P = .012). The effects were more pronounced when probiotics were consumed in Asian, male athletes, using a single strain capsule or when they were consumed for lower than 4 weeks. Probiotic supplements may be beneficial to improve inflammatory markers, including interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interferon-γ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing evidence on the possible effects of saffron on glycemic indices were inconclusive. The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to clarify the effects of saffron supplementation on glycemic indices, including fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI) and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) among both diabetic and nondiabetic patients. A systematic literature search of online databases PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of science and Cochrane's library was conducted up to August 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of saffron supplementation on glycemic indices in adults were included. A total of 15 trials involving 1139 participants were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Saffron supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in FBS (WMD = -5.26 mg/dL; 95% CI: -10.08 to -0.44; I² = 89.7%), HbA1c (WMD = -0.15%; 95% CI, -0.28 to -0.02; I² = 79.4%,), fasting insulin (WMD = 0.12 mIU/L; 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.20; I² = 26.6%), and an increase in QUICKI (WMD = 0.01; 95% CI, 0.001 to 0.009; I² = 78.4%) compared to control. Saffron supplementation could not reduce HOMA-IR significantly (SMD = -0.21; 95% CI, -0.45 to 0.02; I² = 0.0%). Saffron supplements may be beneficial to improve glyceamic indices. Therefore, saffron could be considered as a valuable adjuvant therapy regarding glycemic control of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current evidence about the feasible effects of probiotic consumption on the metabolic status of athletes including lipid profile, fecal zonulin, and cortisol is debatable. Therefore, the present systematic reviewed and meta-analysis was aimed to clarify this inconclusiveness. Online databases (PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Cochrane's library) were searched until May 2020. The overall effect was presented as weighted mean difference (WMD) or standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) in a random-effects meta-analysis model. Publication bias was assessed using Egger's and Begg's statistics. A p-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool was used for quality assessment. Eleven RCTs (n = 398 participants) were considered as eligible. Probiotic consumption significantly decreased fecal zonulin (SMD = -0.63; 95% CI, -1.17 to -0.08; P = .02) with significant heterogeneity (I² = 79.4%, P = .008). Also, serum triglyceride (WMD = -32.26 mg/dL; 95% CI, -60.44 to -4.08; P = .02) was reduced with high heterogeneity across the studies (I² = 93.0%, P < .001). Subgroup analysis revealed that probiotic consumption did increase HDL-C among non-Asian studies. Also, serum triglyceride was higher when probiotics were consumed as food, among non-Asian population, and for less than 4 weeks. Probiotics may be beneficial to improve metabolic markers in athletes including fecal zonulin and serum triglyceride. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was aimed to develop an effective nanoliposomal vaccine delivery system with P435 HER2/neu-derived peptide conjugated to Maleimide-PEG2000-DSPE. The nanoliposome formulation composed of DSPC/DSPG/Chol/DOPE and monophosphoryl lipid A was used as an adjuvant. Liposomal formulations were prepared and their physical properties were characterized. Anti-tumoral efficacy of formulations was evaluated by immunization of tumor-bearing BALB/c mice and the generated immune response was studied by using ELISpot and flow cytometry analysis. The results of the study demonstrated Lip + DOPE + P535 formulation caused the lowest tumor size and the longest survival time in TUBO mice model and could make it a promising candidate in developing effective vaccines against HER2-positive breast cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine whether individual or interactive single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may influence the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods: DNA from buccal cells of 212 participants (110 cases and 102 controls) were subjected to TaqMan genotyping of the HTR2A rs7997012, HTR2C rs6318, SLC6A4 rs3813034, ANKK1 rs1800497, and BDNF rs6265 SNPs. The ASD symptoms and severity were assessed by DSM-IV criteria and CARS scores. The SNPStats software was used to determine the best interactive model of inheritance of genotypic data. Results: We found susceptibility in ASD cases when compared with controls in rs7997012 (log-additive), rs6318, and rs3813034 (overdominant) and in 1800497 and rs6265 (recessive) (P< 0.05). Heterozygosity significantly contributed to the risk of ASD for rs6318 and rs3813034 SNPs (56%, P= 0.03 and 89%, P= 0.005, respectively). The rs6318 and rs6265 SNPs were significantly associated with cases with CARS scores ≥37 (recessive) (P= 0.03 and P= 0.05, respectively). Both the rs7997012 and rs6265A variant alleles were strongly associated with ASD cases with CARS scores ≥37 (P= 0.005 and P= 0.003). Conclusions: Our study provides clear evidence of associations between all five examined biomarkers and risk for ASD. Achieving exome analyses for Saudi patients with ASD could enable to identify more genetic variants and candidate genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]