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Abstract Background Recently, studies on behavioral interventions for autism have gained popularity. Naturalistic Developmental Behavior Interventions (NDBIs) are among the most effective, evidence-based, and widely used behavior interventions for autism. However, no research has been conducted on which of the several NDBI methods is most effective for parents and children with autism spectrum disorders. Therefore, we conducted a network meta-analysis to compare the specific effects of each type of parental-mediated NDBI on children’s developmental skills and parent fidelity. Methods PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Medline, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), CINAHL, and Wanfang databases were searched from inception to August 30, 2023. A total of 32 randomized controlled trial studies that examined the efficacy of different NDBIs were included. Results Parents of children with ASD who received Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) reported significant improvements in their children’s social skills (SUCRA, 74.1%), language skills (SUCRA, 88.3%), and parenting fidelity (SUCRA, 99.5%). Moreover, parents who received Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) reported significant improvements in their children’s language (SMD = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.79) and motor skills (SMD = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.79). In terms of the efficacy of improving parent fidelity, the results showed that the Improving Parents as Communication Teachers (ImPACT) intervention significantly improved parent fidelity when compared with the treatment-as-usual group (TAU) (SMD = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.39, 1.42) and the parental education intervention (PEI) (SMD = 1.10, 95% CI:0.28, 1.91).There was a difference in parent fidelity among parents who received PRT(SMD = 3.53, 95% CI: 2.26, 4.79) or ESDM(SMD = 1.42, 95% CI: 0.76, 2.09) training compared with PEI. Conclusion In conclusion, this study revealed that parents can achieve high fidelity with the ImPACT intervention, and it can serve as an early first step for children newly diagnosed with ASD. It also showed that parent-mediated ESDM is effective in improving language and motor skills for children with ASD and can be used as part of the second stage of parent training. Parent-mediated PRT can also be used as a third stage of parent training with sufficient training intensity to further improve language, social, and motor skills.

Abstract The present work aimed to investigate the effect of salinity in natural habitats in Egypt on the main secondary metabolites of Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Artemisia monosperma L. plants compared to plants grown at normal conditions. Plants grown under salinity were collected from Egyptian Western Coastal region habitats irrigated with underground water. Results showed that salinity increased the essential oil percentage of R. officinalis L. by 52.7% and A. monosperma L by 0.29% in addition to the total phenolics and flavonoids content in dry leaves compared to control plants. GC/MS analysis of rosemary essential oils revealed that salinity decreased the amount of some major oil monoterpenes component as verbenone, with a slight effect on 1,8 cineole and increased Camphor, endo- Boreneol, and linalool in addition to the appearance of new specific components such as Chrysanthenone monoterpene ketone and Caryophyllene sesquiterpene, while, in the case of Artemisia, the GC/MS showed that Artemisia ketone, Camphor, β -phellandrene monoterpenes andα-Bisabolol sesquiterpenewere the major oil components; salinity decreased Camphor and β -phellandrene content and increased artemisia ketone and α-Bisabolol oil content. About 11 new oil constituents were detected such as ( +)-2-Bornanone and Sesquisabinene hydrate. Mineral ions (N, K+, Ca+2, P, and Mg+2) uptake by R. officinalis and A. monosperma decreased in plants grown under salinity, while Na content increased compared to corresponding controls. Results demonstrated that both plants could tolerate the high salinity level in natural Western Coastal region soil which promoted more production of valuable secondary metabolites. The antimicrobial effect of R. officinalis L. and A. monosperma L. leaf methanolic extracts, results showed that R. officinalis extracts had an inhibitory response against all tested gram-positive and negative bacteria, in addition to the yeast (Candida albicans), whereas there was no any inhibitory effect concerning A. monosperma L extract on the tested species.

Abstract Introduction Recently, studies on behavioral tic suppression techniques have gained popularity as opposed to pharmacological alternatives that often have potentially dangerous side effects. Differential Reinforcement of Other Behaviors therapy (DRO) is one such behavioral technique whose efficacy in tic suppression has been experimentally demonstrated albeit in studies with very few patients, and lacking statistical power. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis of these studies to improve their overall power and explore whether DRO intervention is really effective for tic suppression. Materials and methods PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to August 30, 2023. Only original interventional studies that examined the efficacy of DRO for tic suppression were included. Results A total of 8 no control interventional studies involving 79 children with tic disorders were recruited. Most of the children had moderate tic severity. The pooled mean Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) score was 24.64 (95% CI: 21.99 – 30.12, p =

Abstract The use of bio-stimulants in agriculture has emerged as a promising strategy to improve crop growth and yield. One type of bio-stimulant that has gained attention is microalgae extracts, which are known for their high metabolic activity, bioactive compounds, and ability to enhance plant growth and development. To investigate their effectiveness, a pot experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm of Helwan University in Egypt during the 2022 season. The experiment aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Chlorella vulgaris, Nannochloropsis salina, and Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina platensis) extracts as bio-stimulants, applied through foliar spray at concentrations ranging from 0.25 to 2.0%, on common bean plants. Analysis of algal extract showed that . N. salina had the highest content of promotive growth hormones gibberellins (GA3) (74.85 ± 2.7mg100 g−1 d.wt). and auxins (IAA) (34.57 ± 2.7µg 100 g−1 d.wt.) compared to Chlorella and Arthrospira..The results revealed that the application of C. vulgaris, N. salina, and A. platensis extracts at concentrations up to 1.0% significantly improved various growth parameters, such as root, and shoot length, number of leaves and flowers per plant, leaf area, and total fresh and dry weight per plant. These extracts also positively affected yield attributes, including the number and fresh weight of pods per plant, seed index, seed yield per plant, and per feddan [a unit of land area]. Furthermore, the application of these extracts increased the chlorophyll content index with the maximum values of CCI (17.95. and 17.81%) was obtained at 0.50% N. salina, followed by 0.50% C.vulgaris. In addition to increase in the capacity of both non-enzymatic antioxidants [such as total antioxidant capacity, phenolics, and flavonoids] and enzymatic antioxidants [including catalase and ascorbic oxidase]. The most promising results were observed with the application of N. salina, and C. vulgaris extracts at a concentration of 0.5%. Additionally, the extracts significantly reduced the content of oxidative stress markers, such as malondialdehyde, percentage of electrolyte leakage, and hydrogen peroxide, in common bean plants compared to the control group. Contrarily, the measured parameters were reduced, while the levels of oxidative stress markers and some antioxidants including peroxidase, ascorbic peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione transferase were increased by three algal extracts at a concentration of 2.0%, compared to control plants. Additionally, the application of these microalgae extracts improved the quality parameters, proximate composition, seed energy, and mineral contents of the harvested seeds, with the most significant positive impact was observed at 0.5% concentration of algal extract. These findings demonstrate the successful and safe utilization of extracts from C. vulgaris, N. salina, and A . platensis at concentrations up to 1.0% as bio-stimulants to enhance common bean yields and improve the nutritional quality of dried beans for consumers.

Abstract In this rapid review, we critically scrutinize the disaster management infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, illuminating pivotal issues of interoperability, global cooperation, established procedures, community readiness, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies. Our exploration uncovers a significant convergence with international benchmarks, while pinpointing areas primed for enhancement. We recognize that continual commitments to infrastructural progression and technology adoption are indispensable. Moreover, we underscore the value of robust community involvement and cross-border collaborations as key factors in bolstering disaster response capabilities. Importantly, we spotlight the transformative influence of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, in elevating the effectiveness of disaster management strategies. Our review champions in all-encompassing approach to disaster management, which entails harnessing innovative technologies, nurturing resilient communities, and promoting comprehensive disaster management strategies, encapsulating planning, preparedness, response, and recovery. As a result of our analysis, we provide actionable recommendations to advance Saudi Arabia’s disaster management framework. Our insights are timely and crucial, considering the escalating global focus on disaster response in the face of increasing disaster and humanitarian events.

Abstract Sulfur (S) is an essential microelement for plants. Based on the chemical similarity between Se and S, selenium may affects sulphur uptake by plants. This work aimed at investigating the effect of foliar spray with sodium selenate, gum arabic coated selenium nanoparticles (GA-SeNPs ≈ 48.22 nm) and sodium sulfate on red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) plants. Each treatment was used at 0.0, 1, 5, 10 and 50 µM, alone or combination of sodium sulfate with either Se or nano-Se, each at 0.5, 2.5 and 5 µM concentrations. The effect of foliar spray on vegetative growth, seed quality, and some metabolic constituents of red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) plants were investigated. Selenium nanoparticles have been synthesized through the green route using gum arabic (as a stabilizing and coating agent. Foliar application of different concentrations of Se, nano-Se, Na2SO4 up to 10 μM and their interaction were effective in increasing the growth criteria (i.e. shoot and root lengths, plant fresh and dry weights, number of leaves and photosynthetic area (cm2 plant−1).There was also a significant increase in photosynthetic pigment contents, yield (i.e., 100-seed weight), total carbohydrate, crude proteins and mineral contents in both leaf as compared to their untreated control plants. Furthermore, interaction between sodium sulfate with nano-Se or Se, each at 5 µM significantly increased the vegetative growth, 100-seed weight, and pigment contents in leaves and improved the nutritional value and quality of red kidney bean seeds.

COVID-19, or coronavirus infection, is an acute respiratory illness caused by the corona virus that can develop into a life-threatening form of ARDS. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a highly effective treatment for life-threatening instances. One of the many complications associated with ECMO was bleeding. COVID patients are at risk for intracerebral bleeding due to several factors, including the drug's action on ACE2 receptors, leading to hypertension, as well as hypercoagulability, dysregulated immune response, DIC, and the use of anticoagulants.

Abstract In the present study, a pot experiment was conducted to investigate the response of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) plants to foliar application of Spirulina platensis at 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4%; soil irrigation with heavy metals (Cd nitrate, Pb acetate, and Cd + Pb, each at 100 ppm), and Spirulina platensis at 0.1% + heavy metals. Spirulina platensis significantly improved growth parameters, oil yield/fed, photosynthetic pigments, and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) with a maximum promoting effect at 0.2% algal extract. On the other hand, heavy metal stress reduced growth criteria, photosynthetic pigments, and oil yield, while, significantly increased levels of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GR) and corresponding non-enzymatic antioxidants (ascorbic acid, total antioxidant capacity, phenolics and flavonoids). Bioaccumulation factor (BF) and translocation factor (TF) indicated that Cd and Pb accumulated largely in the roots, with little transfer to the shoots. Nevertheless, compared with heavy metal treatments, S. platensis at 0.1% significantly increasing growth parameters, oil content, photosynthetic pigments, and the activity of non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants, while, slightly reduced TF of Cd and Pb, alleviated membrane lipid peroxidation, and significantly lowered the content of malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and indole acetic acid oxidase (IAAO) activity in heavy metal (Cd, Pb, and Cd + Pb)-treated rosemary plants.

Background: Febrile seizures (FS) frequently manifest in children below 5 years of age. Although the exact etiology is still unknown, genetic predisposition, changes in neurotransmitter levels, and serum electrolyte imbalance are some of the known risk factors. This study examined the possible association between serum magnesium levels in children with FS compared to febrile children without seizures. Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted from February 2019 to January 2021, recruiting 230 age and gender-matched cases and controls (115 each). Extracted data were analyzed using SPSS using an independent student's t-test, Chi-square test, and Pearson's correlation analysis. Results: The mean serum magnesium levels were 0.93 ± 0.129 vs 0.97 ± 0.0961; p < 0.001, between cases and controls respectively. Similarly, hypomagnesemia (

Objectives: This study aims to uncover the challenges faced by vocational education students in Jordan in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A sample of 1200 newly joined students was selected from the Vocational Training Corporation in the central region of Jordan. A questionnaire was designed, consisting of two domains: challenges related to infrastructure and challenges related to students. The validity and consistency of the questionnaire were verified. Results: The findings indicate that the level of challenges facing the students is high, both at the infrastructure level and the students’ level, with no statistically significant effect on gender. Practical training necessitates specific materials, tools, and instruments that cannot be adequately provided through distance education. Conclusions: The study recommends improving the infrastructure of the vocational training institution to enhance the quality of education and training. Additionally, there is a need to increase financial support for the institution to effectively implement vocational training programs. Lastly, a comprehensive review of educational policies is necessary.

BackgroundThe Omicron variant of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is less likely to cause severe disease in children than the other variants but has become an increasing cause of febrile seizures (FS) among children. In this case-control study, we aimed to examine the risk factors associated with FS in children infected with the COVID-19 Omicron variant and related treatment modalities.MethodsThis retrospective case-control study includes 113 subjects infected with the COVID-19 Omicron variant, grouped into 45 cases (those with FS) and 68 controls (those without FS). Data on clinical features, laboratory parameters, and treatment modalities were collected and analyzed.ResultsApproximately 5.74% of COVID-19 infected children developed COVID-19-associated FS. Children with COVID-19 and high body temperatures [RR 1.474; (95% CI: 1.196–1.818), p

Traditionally fermented pickles are a popular street food in Bangladesh famous for their unique flavors and health benefits. Pickles are often prepared by fermentation using lactic acid bacteria (LAB) that can act as probiotics. The study was aimed to isolate and characterize lactic acid bacteria from pickle samples collected from streets of Dhaka city, as well as assess the microbial quality of pickles for food safety.A total of 30 pickle samples of different kinds were collected from streets of Dhaka city. Isolation and identification were conducted using conventional cultural and biochemical tests, followed by molecular confirmation of identity. Antibiotic susceptibility of isolates was investigated against 7 antibiotics of different groups. Antimicrobial activity of LAB isolates was analyzed by well-diffusion assay and phenotypic enterocin activity assay. Physiological characterizations of LAB were performed to determine their tolerance to temperature, salt, pH, bile, carbohydrate fermentation pattern, proteolytic activity and biofilm formation.Fifty isolates were obtained from pickle samples, of which 18% was identified as LAB, including Enterococcus faecalis (6) and Enterococcus faecium (3). The rest included S. aureus (18), E. coli (11), Klebsiella spp. (5), Salmonella (3), Shigella (3) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1). Antibiotic resistance pattern revealed higher occurrence of resistance against azithromycin among the non-LAB isolates, but none of the LAB isolates were found to resist any of the antibiotics used. Antimicrobial activity of LAB isolates was not observed against the foodborne isolates. All LAB isolates fermented a wide range of carbohydrates and showed adequate tolerance to salt, pH, temperature and bile. Out of 9 isolates, 5 displayed proteolytic activity, and 6 were found as strong biofilm producer.These results suggest that although the LAB isolates from street pickles collected from Dhaka does not have antimicrobial activities, they still have potential to be used as probiotics. It also shows high occurrence of antibiotic resistant foodborne pathogens in pickles, indicating that consumption of such street food can be serious health hazard.

Abstract Background Motor neuron disease is a heterogeneous group of progressive neurodegenerative disorders, most common of which is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). There are many clinical and radiological criteria to diagnose amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and to differentiate it from other motor neuron disease and neurodegenerative disorders. Neuro-sonography is one of the easily applied tools to diagnose and differentiate ALS. ALS diagnosis is delayed up to 3 years according to some authors due to the wide differential diagnosis, with cervical degeneration being a common misdiagnosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of neuro-sonography in diagnosis and differentiation of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis from other causes of progressive mixed upper and lower motor neuron lesion. Results A total neuro-sonography score at a cut-off point (≤ 127) predicted patients with ALS, with good (85%) accuracy, sensitivity = 73% and specificity = 83% (p

Background: The objective of the study to evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture during laparotomy in goats. Aim: To study the abdominal anaesthesia in goats by electroacupuncture using the physiological variables, vital parameters, haematological, biochemical, cortisol hormone, pain threshold and wound healing for laparotomy in goats. Methods: Fifteen healthy adult bucks were used to receive electroacupuncture in 10 newly selected acupoints. The data (M±SD) were assessed at intervals (0 min.) before induction (control group), (5 min.), (10 min.), (15 min.) and (20 min.) during induction, (30 min.), (45 min.) and (60 min.) throughout surgery and (24 hrs.) after surgery, cortisol levels in serum at (0), (24 hrs.), and (72 hrs.) throughout laparotomy. Results: The goats of the study showed improvement in the rates of eyelid closure, head, and neck relaxation, rumen motility, and tympany which were graded into mild (+), moderate (++), and severe (+++) degrees. The respiratory rates, body temperatures, and capillary fill times were not significantly different. The total mean of hematocrit was (19.9±2.68), the total mean of hemoglobin was (9.9±0.94), the total mean of RBCs was (7.9±0.8), the total mean of platelets was (244861.3±138444.8) and the total mean of SPO2 was (70.5±4.6). ALT and AST showed no significance. The significant mean cortisol level was (2.6±2.01) and the significant mean pain threshold level was (0.02±0.03). The results proved that electroacupuncture had a lot of significant parameters. The wound healing was improved by early epithelization and immature granulation tissue (at 7 days). Thick keratinized epithelization and collagen deposition in the dermal tissue with enhanced angiogenesis (at 14 days). Mild restoration of skin and the dermal tissue was well-organized (at 21 days). Besides, well-formed scar tissue covering a highly cellular organized dermal tissue (at 28 days). Conclusions: Electroacupuncture had been considered a powerful anaesthetic for abdominal surgery in goats. Moreover, wound healing proved excellent and better healing.

Background and Objectives: Determination of the impact of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on the cognitive function (CF), and serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6 and 1β levels and the effect of OSA management on these variables in children. Materials and Methods: A total of 224 patients were evaluated using the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire, the NEPSY score for CF, and polysomnography (PSG) to grade OSA severity according to the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI). Adentonsillectomy (AT) was performed for patients with adenotonsillar hypertrophy grade > 2. Patients with overweight or obesity with mild or moderate OSAS underwent a 6-month protocol of lifestyle intervention (LSI). Blood samples were obtained for an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) estimation of cytokine levels. All variables were re-evaluated at the end of the 6-month follow-up period. Results: A total of 181 patients had surgical interference and 43 patients underwent a LSI trial; 15 patients failed to respond and underwent surgery. At the end of the follow-up, 33 patients had residual OSAS with a significantly higher incidence among patients with severe OSAS, the mean score of the pediatric sleep questionnaire was significantly decreased in all patients, 181 patients showed an improved NESPY score, and cytokine levels were decreased. The baseline NESPY score, AHI index and sleep questionnaire score were negatively correlated. The percentage of change in the NESPY score and serum cytokine levels showed a positive correlation. Conclusions: OSAS is associated with cognitive dysfunction that significantly improves after adenotonsillectomy. LSI as a therapeutic line is satisfactory for children with mild OSAS and minimal cognitive dysfunction and is of value preoperatively to improve the surgical outcomes of AT.

The potential of plant-based natural compounds in the creation of new molluscicidal and antimicrobial medications has gained attention in recent years. The current study compared the metabolic profiles, antibacterial, and molluscicidal properties of the medicinal plants Calotropis procera (C. procera) and Atriplex halimus (A. halimus). In both plants, 118 metabolites were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Palmitic acid, stigmasterol, and campesterol were the most prevalent constituents. C. procera extract showed stronger antibacterial activity than A. halimus against Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis. Both extracts exhibited molluscicidal activity against Biomphalaria alexandrina, with LC50 values of C. procera (135 mg/L) and A. halimus (223.8 mg/L). Survival rates of snails exposed to sub-lethal concentrations (LC25) of C. procera and A. halimus extracts were 5% and 20%, respectively. The hatchability of snail eggs exposed to both extracts has been dramatically reduced. Both extracts significantly decreased the levels of alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, total protein, and albumin in snails, as well as causing DNA damage and resulting in numerous hermaphrodite and digestive gland damages and distortions. Molecular docking showed palmitic acid binding with acid, alkaline, and alanine aminotransferases in treated digestive gland snails. In conclusion, C. procera and A. halimus have antibacterial and molluscicidal properties.

Many complementary and alternative medicines have enjoyed increased popularity in recent decades. Efforts to validate their use have seen their putative therapeutic properties, which come under increasing scrutiny in vitro and in some cases in vivo. One of such products is tea and its tree oil (TTO); which is a secondary metabolite derived from tea plant (Melaleuca alternifolia). Both black and green tea has several polyphenolic compounds with possible antibacterial effects. It is employed largely due to its antimicrobial properties, and is incorporated as the active ingredient in many topical formulations used to treat cutaneous infections, in addition to being marketed as a remedy for various ailments. The essential oil of M. alternifolia exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial potential. The TTO may help to treat severe yeast infections. Results also suggested that TTO exerts a greater bactericidal potency against biofilm-grown methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and methicillin-sensitive Staph. aureus (MSSA) strains. Moreover, tea has inhibitory efficacy against the carcinogenic bacteria.

This paper presents the development of a numerical model for predicting and studying the effects of tool nose geometries and its interactions with cutting parameters during orthogonal cutting of AISI 1045 steel. The process performance characteristics studied were cutting temperature, effective stress, cutting forces and tool wear. The cutting simulations were done using the commercial DEFORM-2D R V 11.3 software, based on the finite element method (FEM). The cutting tool used had a round nose with various nose radii (0.01–0.9 mm), while the machining parameters tested were the feed rate (0.1–0.3 mm/rev), the cutting speed (100–500 m/min) and the rake angle (–5° to +10°). The interactions between the tool nose radius and the cutting parameters (speed, feed) were found to affect mostly the cutting stress and, slightly, the tool wear rate. These interactions did not much influence the cutting temperature, that was found to be high when the tool nose radius and/or the cutting speed were high. The maximum temperature was found to occur at the middle of the tool-chip contact length and at the interaction of nose radius and flank face of the tool. Except for some fluctuations, there was no significant difference in tool wear rate between small and large nose radius scales.

Background and Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep-related respiratory disorder that affects between 5% and 20% of the population. In obstructive sleep apnea, lingual tonsillar hypertrophy (LTH) has been suggested as a contributing factor to airway blockage. Objectives: The aim of this work is to demonstrate the polysomnographic indices and their values in OSA patients with LTH before and after the surgical intervention. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on eighteen patients endoscopically diagnosed as having LTH, with the main complaints being snoring, sleep apnea, and/or sleep disturbance. Clinical examination, grading of LTH, body mass index (BMI), endoscopic assessment using Muller’s maneuver, and sleep endoscopy were recorded for all patients. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and overnight sleep polysomnography (PSG) were conducted before and after the surgical removal of LTH. All data were submitted for statistical analysis. Results: The mean ± SD of the AHI decreased from 33.89 ± 26.8 to 20.9 ± 19.14 postoperatively, and this decrease was of insignificant statistical value. The average SpO2 (%) mean ± SD was 91.14 ± 5.96, while the mean ± SD of the desaturation index was 34.64 ± 34.2. Following surgery, these indices changed to 96.5 ± 1.47 and 9.36 ± 7.58, respectively. The mean ± SD of the ESS was changed after the surgery, from 17.27 ± 6.48 to 7.16 ± 3.56. The mean ± SD of sleep efficacy was 71.2 ± 16.8 and the snoring index mean ± SD was 277.6 ± 192.37, and both improved postoperatively, to become 88.17 ± 9.1 and 62.167 ± 40.01, respectively. Conclusions: The AHI after lingual tonsillectomy showed no statistically significant change. The changes in the average SpO2 (%), desaturation index, sleep efficiency, snoring index, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale following the surgery were statistically significant.

Natural renewable materials can play a big role in reducing the consumption of synthetic materials for environmental sustainability. Natural fiber-reinforced composites have attracted significant research and commercial importance due to their versatile characteristics and multi-dimensional applications. As the natural materials are easily rotten, flammable, and moisture absorbent, they require additional chemical modification for use in sustainable product development. In the present research, jute fibers were treated with rot-, fire-, and water-retardant chemicals and their corresponding polymer composites were fabricated using a compression molding technique. To identify the effects of the chemical treatments on the jute fiber and their polymeric composites, a Fourier transformed infrared radiation (FTIR) study was conducted and the results were analyzed. The presence of various chemicals in the post-treated fibers and the associated composites were identified through the FTIR analysis. The varying weight percentage of the chemicals used for treating the fibers affected the physio-mechanical properties of the fiber as well as their composites. From the FTIR analysis, it was concluded that crystallinity increased with the chemical concentration of the treatment which could be contributed to the improvement in their mechanical performance. This study provides valuable information for both academia and industry on the effect of various chemical treatments of the jute fiber for improved product development.