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Abstract Background Sono-photodynamic therapy (SPDT), which combines photodynamic (PDT) and sonodynamic (SDT) therapies with sensitizers, offers new avenues for cancer treatment. Even though new sensitizers for SPDT have been synthesized with great success, few of them are effectively used. The limited tumor-targeting specificity, inability to transport the sensitizers deeply intratumorally, and the deteriorating tumor microenvironment limit their anti-tumor effectiveness. The current study was carried out aiming at high-frequency ultrasound-assisted drug delivery of chia, cress and flax conjugated hematite iron oxide nanoparticles (CCF–HIONP) for photothermal–photodynamic lung cancer (LCA) treatment in vitro and in vivo as activated cancer treatment up-to-date modality. Materials and methods The study was conducted in vitro on human LCA cells (A-549) and the study protocol application groups in vivo on Swiss albino mice treated with benzo[a]pyrene only and were not received any treatment for inducing LCA, and only after LCA induction the study treatment protocol began, treatment was daily with CCF–HIONP as HIFU–SPDT sensitizer with or without exposure to laser (IRL) or high-frequency ultrasound (HIFU–US) or a combination of laser and/or high-frequency ultrasound for 3 min for 2 weeks. Results Revealed that HIONP can be employed as effective CCF delivery system that directly targets LCA cells. In addition, CCF–HIONP is a promising HIFU–SPS for HIFU–SPDT and when combined with HIFU–SPDT can be very effective in treatment of LCA–A549 in vitro (cell viability decreased in a dose-dependent basis, the cell cycle progression in G0/G1 was slowed down, and cell death was induced as evidenced by an increase in the population of Pre-G cells, an increase in early and late apoptosis and necrosis, and an increase in autophagic cell death) and benzo[a]pyrene LCA-induce mice in vivo (decreased oxidative stress (MDA), and ameliorated enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants (SOD, GR, GPx, GST, CAT, GSH, and TAC) as well as renal (urea, creatinine) and hepatic (ALT, AST) functions, induced antiproliferative genes (caspase 3,9, p53, Bax, TNFalpha), suppressed antiapoptotic and antiangiogenic genes (Bcl2,VEGF respectively) and effectively reducing the growth of tumors and even leading to cancer cell death. This process could be attributed to photochemical and/or high-frequency sono-chemical activation mechanism HIFU–SPDT. Conclusions The results indicate that CCF–HIONP has great promise as an innovative, effective delivery system for selective localized treatment of lung cancer that is activated by HIFU–SPDT.

Abstract Background Vaccination of healthcare workers (HCWs) is pivotal in decreasing the incidence of contagious infections in hospital settings. In this study, we assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding HCWs’ recommended vaccines among medical students and interns in Egypt. Methods A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured, pilot-tested, and self-administered questionnaire among Egyptian medical students and interns. We invited 1332 participants to our survey using a systematic random sampling that included participants across nine medical schools in Egypt during the 2021–2022 academic year. Results Out of 1332 participants, 1141 completed our questionnaire with a response rate of 85.7%. Overall, 43% of the participants had intermediate knowledge (knew 2–3 HCWs’ recommended vaccines). Furthermore, 36.7% had received a booster dose of at least one of the HCWs’ recommended vaccines over the last 10 years, with only 6.1% having received all recommended vaccines. Hepatitis B vaccine was the most widely known (71%) and received (66.7%). Interns were more likely to know, receive, and recommend HCWs’ recommended vaccines. The majority (> 90%) agreed that vaccination is beneficial and safe, with a median score of eight (interquartile range [IQR: Q25-Q75]: 7–9) out of ten for vaccine efficacy and eight (IQR: 7–8) for safety. However, the median score for hesitancy was five (IQR: 2–7). The most common influential and limiting factors for vaccination were scientific facts (60.1%) and fear of vaccine side effects (44.9%). Conclusion Although medical students in Egypt have good knowledge of and attitudes towards vaccination, there is a gap in their practices. Interventions are needed to improve vaccination uptake among medical students in Egypt.

Abstract Environmental management accounting (EMA) has emerged as a potentially valuable tool for companies seeking to monitor and manage their ecological impacts. However, the connection between EMA and environmental performance (EP) remains unclear, with prior studies yielding mixed results. Moreover, little is known about the mechanisms through which EMA may influence EP. Therefore, this study seeks to examine the link between EMA and EP, with a particular focus on the mediating influence of green innovation (GI) within the context of SMEs situated in least-developed countries, such as Yemen. To this end, data was gathered from 299 manufacturing SMEs in Yemen and analyzed using PLS-SEM technique via SmartPLS software. The results of the statistical analysis revealed a positive and important effect of EMA on EP. Importantly, GI serves as a partial mediator in the EMA-EP relationship. Therefore, the results of this study add significantly to the current body of literature on sustainability and provide important new perspectives.

Abstract Compared to the other English medium instruction (EMI) issues, assessment has received very scant research attention. A complex issue in EMI assessment relates to the role of English in measuring learning outcomes, and whether or not language should be assessed along with technical content. Combining questionnaire and semi-structured interviewed data, this study explored the English-related assessment practices and beliefs of native-Arabic and non-native-Arabic faculty members teaching EMI scientific majors at eight Saudi universities. Two hundred and forty-nine faculty members completed the questionnaire, whereas 20 faculty members were interviewed. The results showed that the content teachers do not give much weight to language quality when evaluating students’ written or oral performance. Compared to native-Arabic peers, the non-native-Arabic teachers, who intuitively have little or no translanguaging in their instruction, were found to pay slightly more attention to evaluating students’ English and to considering it in assessing students’ academic performance. Meanwhile, the interviews revealed that the teachers’ negative language-related assessment attitude has been shaped by the view that they are non-responsible for correcting students’ English, and by the too many language errors noted in students’ performance. Finally, the teachers’ highly-rated language assessment self-efficacy beliefs did not match their actual assessment practices.

Abstract Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is a technique involved in photovoltaic (PV) systems for optimizing the output power of solar panels. Traditional solutions like perturb and observe (P&O) and Incremental Conductance (IC) are commonly utilized to follow the MPP under various environmental circumstances. However, these algorithms suffer from slow tracking speed and low dynamics under fast-changing environment conditions. To cope with these demerits, a data-driven artificial neural network (ANN) algorithm for MPPT is proposed in this paper. By leveraging the learning capabilities of the ANN, the PV operating point can be adapted to dynamic changes in solar irradiation and temperature. Consequently, it offers promising solutions for MPPT in fast-changing environments as well as overcoming the limitations of traditional MPPT techniques. In this paper, simulations verification and experimental validation of a proposed data-driven ANN-MPPT technique are presented. Additionally, the proposed technique is analyzed and compared to traditional MPPT methods. The numerical and experimental findings indicate that, of the examined MPPT methods, the proposed ANN-MPPT approach achieves the highest MPPT efficiency at 98.16% and the shortest tracking time of 1.3 s.

Abstract Typically, hydrogels are described as three-dimensional networks of hydrophilic polymers that are able to capture a certain mass of water within their structure. Recently, hydrogels have been widely used as drawing agents in forward osmosis (FO) desalination processes. The major aim of this study is to prepare a novel semi-interpenetrating hydrogel by crosslinking sodium alginate (SA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) by using the epichlorohydrin (ECH) crosslinker and polyethylene glycol (PEG) interpenetrated within the hydrogel’s network as a linear polymer. Based on the optimum composition of SA/PVA composite hydrogel obtained from our earlier research, the effect of various percentages of PEG on the response of the hydrogel was investigated. The optimal composition of SA/PVA/PEG hydrogel was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), compression strength testing, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The morphological and mechanical properties of the SA/PVA/PEG semi-interpenetrating hydrogel were also compared to those of the SA/PVA composite hydrogel. Moreover, the performance of the optimal SA/PVA/PEG hydrogel in a FO batch unit as a drawing agent was investigated based on the optimal operation conditions from our previous experiments. The results showed that the optimal PEG/polymer blend mass ratio was 0.25, which increased the swelling ratio (SR) (%) of the hydrogel from 645.42 (of the neat SA/PVA hydrogel) to 2683. The SA/PVA/PEG semi-interpenetrating hydrogel was superior to the SA/PVA copolymer hydrogel in pore structure and mechanical properties. Additionally, in terms of FO desalination, the achieved water flux by SA/PVA/PEG hydrogel is higher than that accomplished by SA/PVA hydrogel.

Abstract Background This study aimed to assess the quality of various obturation techniques to fill perforation caused by internal root resorption using Micro-computed Tomography. Methods Cone-beam computed tomography images of a maxillary central incisor tooth with perforating internal resorptive defect were used to create a 3D printed model of the affected tooth. The replicas were divided into four groups based on the obturation technique used. The techniques included Group 1: a polydimethylsiloxane-based sealer (GuttaFlow-2) with gutta-percha. Group 2: same as Group 1 except for using a pre-mixed Bioceramic-based sealer (NeoSEALER Flo). Group 3: the defect was filled entirely using the NeoSealer Flo Bioceramic-based sealer. Group 4: the samples were obturated using the warm vertical compaction technique with a resin-based sealer (ADSeal). The resin models were then scanned a micro-computed scanner to evaluate the percentage of voids in each group. Results The results showed that NeoSEALER Flo groups had significantly the highest volume of voids while GuttaFlow-2 and warm vertical compaction groups had the lowest void volume. Conclusions GuttaFlow-2 and warm vertical compaction techniques performed best in filling the internal resorptive defect.

Background: Children with congenital heart defects (CHD) now live longer due to advances in surgical and catheter techniques. Their neurodevelopment, including intellectual functioning, has become a major area of concern, attracting both clinical and research interest. Objectives: To assess the cognitive functions in children with CHD after cardiac surgeries and to compare between cyanotic and acyanotic heart disease regarding cognitive functions. Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study included sixty patients with CHD, 30 patients with cyanotic heart disease and 30 patients with acyanotic heart disease, who underwent cardiac surgeries and were examined by Stanford Binet IQ test 5th edition. They were recruited from the post cardiac intervention clinic at Pediatric Hospitals of Cairo University. Results: The mean ± SD age of the children with cyanotic and acyanotic heart diseases was 5±2 and 4 ±1 years respectively (p= 0.345). The IQ was higher among the children with cyanotic compared to those acyanotic heart diseases with mean ± SD (range) of 85.4 ± 12 and 99.9 ± 13 respectively (p= 0.0001). IQ was not influenced by age at operation (p= 0. 171), type of operation (p= 0. 381), sex (p= 0.323), or oxygen saturation (p= 0.308). Mean ±SD IQ of those with cyanotic CHD who underwent closed and open heart surgeries was 88±11 and 84±13 respectively (p= 0.381), and in acyanotic group was 104±14 and 98±13 respectively (p= 0.323). Conclusion: Children with congenital heart defects may have cognitive dysfunction. Children with cyanotic CHD have significantly lower IQ values than those with acyanotic CHD. No significant differences in IQ were found between patients who underwent closed and open heart surgery.

Background: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is the preferred method for diagnosing axillary nodal involvement in breast cancer. Touch imprint cytology (TIC) and frozen section (FS) are two intraoperative techniques used to assess SLNs. Both methods have their disadvantages, and the superior technique remains uncertain. Aim: To determine the accuracy of TIC compared to FS in identifying metastases in SLNs in preoperatively node-negative axilla. Methods: Forty-six females with breast cancer and clinically and radiologically negative axillary lymph nodes were included in the study. For TIC, SLNs were bisected, imprinted onto clean slides, stained, and evaluated. For FS, tissue slices of the same lymph nodes were embedded in an appropriate medium and frozen to -25ºC. Tissue sections were prepared using a cryostat, stained, and evaluated. Results: The patients' ages ranged from 30 to 71 years. There was a strong agreement between TIC and FS results (κ=0.864; p < 0.0001). Both TIC and FS findings strongly correlated with the final nodal evaluation of SLNs by paraffin section (κ=0.909; p < 0.0001 and κ=0.955; p < 0.0001, respectively). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of TIC for detecting axillary lymph node metastasis were 96.4%, 94.4%, 96.4%, and 94.4%, respectively. For FS, these values were 96.4%, 100%, 100%, and 94.7%, respectively. Conclusion: Touch imprint cytology is a feasible, quick, and cost-effective alternative to frozen section for intraoperative evaluation of SLNs in breast cancer.

In this study, the Senegal River, being the main source of water, plays a crucial role in the area’s agricultural development. Irrigation on the M’Pourie plain using water from the Senegal River is carried out without any prior sanitation control. An evaluation of the quality of irrigation water and its impact on soil salinization in different agricultural plots soil salinity is crucial for the effective utilization of traditional irrigation water over extended periods. Comprehensive physico-chemical analyses were conducted across nine locations on the M’Pourie plain in Rosso during the dynamic seasons of 2021-2023. Nevertheless, a relatively small number of studies have employed soil salinity indexing methods to examine the consequences of river irrigation on soil salinity. The analysis and interpretation of the results obtained were based both on classic methods (average and correlations) and more advanced techniques such as principal component analysis (PCA) and the Piper diagram which allow characterization and a spatial typology of water. Analysis of the Piper diagram highlights the distinction between two groups of water, weakly and moderately mineralized, ranging from 52.22 μS.cm-1 in the dry season to 72.22 μS.cm-1 in the rainy season, presenting a sodium-potassium bicarbonate facies The variability of irrigation water supplies, proves to be important in the functioning of an agro-systems. Two modes of operation have become individualized: the dry phase mode, characterized by very strong mineralization of the water linked to a significant load of dissolved elements, and the wet phase mode, whose water quality is poorly mineralized but shows the impact that its irrigation water can represent in the loading of organic and mineral pollution and the need for strict control of these waters upstream before their agricultural use. The results of this study show the absence of risks of soil salinization in relation to the chemical nature of irrigation water and the impact of agriculture on the M’Pourie plain.

Abstract Background The staging and management of patients with breast cancer are significantly influenced by the pathological state of the axillary lymph nodes (ALN). Thus, it is very desirable to have a differential diagnosis of metastatic ALN. Purpose The aim of this research is to assess the effectiveness of non-invasive ALN staging using PEM versus traditional breast mammography and ultrasound in patients presenting with early-stage breast cancer. This study focuses on determining if PEM can reliably stage ALNs and potentially eliminate the need for more invasive methods. Methods In a study involving 94 breast cancer patients, PEM was used to assess ALNs. The nodes were visually evaluated for positive or negative uptake, and further categorized as non-specific, indeterminate, or malignant based on their maximum uptake values. This classification was then compared with histopathological results. Results There were a total of 94 breast cancer patients; the results from PEM demonstrated an ALN detection sensitivity of 83.3%. The specificity of PEM in this context was found to be 98.08%, and the overall accuracy rate was 91.49%. Additionally, the Positive Predictive Value (PPV) was calculated to be 97.2%, and the Negative Predictive Value (NPV) was 87.9%. Conclusions The initial study has shown encouraging outcomes in terms of accurate lymph node assessment.

PurposeThe present study tests the hypothesis that mitochondrial genes have retrograde signaling capacity that influences the expression of nuclear genes related to angiogenesis pathways. Cytoplasmic hybrid (cybrid) in vitro cell lines with patient specific mitochondria inserted into an immortalized retinal pigment epithelial cell line (ARPE-19) were used to test this hypothesis. This type of analysis can provide important information to identify the optimal regimen of anti-VEGF treatment, personalizing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) therapies.MethodsMitochondria deficient ARPE-19 cells (Rho0) were fused with AMD donor's platelets to create individual cybrid cell lines containing mitochondria from patients with phenotypic AMD disease and nuclear DNA from the immortalized RPE cell line. The cybrids were treated with Ranibizumab (Lucentis, Genentech, San Francisco, CA), at 4 different concentrations for 24 h, and subsequently the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), gene expression for VEGF-A, hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF1-a) and manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2) were measured. The clinical evolution of the two AMD-donors were correlated with the molecular findings found in their 'personalized' cybrids.ResultsCybrids from Patient-01 showed down-regulation of gene expression of VEGF-A and HIF-1a at both 1X and 4X Ranibizumab concentrations. Patient-01 AMD cybrid cultures had an increase in the ROS levels at 1X (P = 0.0317), no changes at 2X (P = 0.8350) and a decrease at 4X (P = 0.0015) and 10X (P = 0.0011) of Ranibizumab. Clinically, Patient-01 responded to anti-VEGF therapy but eventually developed geographic atrophy. Patient-02 cybrids demonstrated up-regulation of gene expression of VEGF-A and HIF-1a at Ranibizumab 1X and 4X concentrations. There was decreased ROS levels with Ranibizumab 1X (P = 0.1606), 2X (P = 0.0388), 4X (P = 0.0010) and 10X (P =

The advancement of technology like artificial intelligence (AI) provides a chance to help teachers and students solve and improve teaching and learning performances. The goal of this review is to add to the conversation by offering a complete overview of AI in mathematics teaching and learning for students at all levels of education. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted using established and robust guidelines. We follow the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA). We searched ScienceDirect, Scopus, Springer Link, ProQuest, and EBSCO Host for 20 AI studies published between 2017 and 2021. The findings of the SLR indicate that AI approach used in mathematics education forthe samples studied were through robotics, systems, tools, teachable agent, autonomous agent, and a comprehensive approach. Then, it can be shown that the majority of the collected studies were carried out in the USA and Mexico. The analysis revealed that most of the reviewed studies used quantitative research methods. The types of themes for AI in mathematics education were categorized into advantages and disadvantages, conceptual understanding, factors, role, idea suggestion, strategies and effectiveness.

Background:. Tissue expansion to treat of alopecia of the scalp is the corner stone to restore a hairy scalp, although the process of expansion takes time to achieve a satisfactory result. Overexpansion could help in managing limited areas of donor sites or inadequate supply of tissue expanders. Meticulous patient selection and follow-up is the key to avoid complications and to obtain good results. Methods:. Tissue expanders were used to restore the hairy scalp after burns or direct trauma. More than one tissue expander could be used simultaneously or after the first stage; the expander could be reused for the same patient for further expansion in another part of the hairy scalp to complete hair restoration and removal of all scar tissue. Results:. Twenty-five patients with alopecia underwent hair restoration with 28 expanders, all of which were overexpanded. Three pairs of expanders were used simultaneously in three patients. Three expanders were reused in the other three patients after removal to complete the second stage. All patients showed complete restoration of their hairy scalp with minimal complications and a high rate of satisfaction. Conclusions:. Tissue expansion is a cornerstone in the treatment of scalp alopecia. Meticulous patient selection and follow-up provided the most satisfactory results, with fewer postoperative complications. Overexpansion can be safely used.

هدفت الدراسة إلى تحديد مدى التوافق الأكاديمي في التعليم الجامعي من وجهة نظر الطلبة ذوي الإعاقة في جامعات سلطنة عمان، والبحث عن فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية في المتغيرات المستقلة المؤثرة في التوافق ‏الأكاديمي للطلبة ذوي ‏الإعاقة، كالنوع، ونوع الإعاقة، والمعدل التراكمي، والوقوع في الملاحظة ‏الأكاديمية، ونوع الجامعة (حكومية/‏خاصة)، والسنة الدراسية، ومكان الحصول على الدبلوم العام. ‏واستندت الدراسة إلى المنهج الوصفي التحليلي، باستخدام المسح الاجتماعي على عينة بلغت 133 مشاركًا (79 ذكرًا و54 أنثى) من ذوي الإعاقة الدارسين في مؤسسات التعليم العالي في السلطنة. وأظهرت الدراسة العديد من النتائج، أهمها أن الطلبة ذوي الإعاقة يوافقون من وجهة نظرهم على شعورهم بالتوافق الأكاديمي في دراستهم ‏الجامعية، وأنه ليس هناك فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية تبعًا لمتغيرات: ‏النوع، ونوع الإعاقة، والمعدل التراكمي، ‏والوقوع في الملاحظة ‏الأكاديمية، ونوع الجامعة، والسنة الدراسية، ومكان الحصول ‏على الدبلوم العام، ‏على التوافق الأكاديمي للطلبة ذوي الإعاقة. كما توصلت الدراسة إلى أن أكثر الطلبة الواقعين في الملاحظة الأكاديمية درسوا الدبلوم العام في مدارس حكومية دون دمج، في المدارس الخاصة بالإعاقة. وقدمت الدراسة مجموعة من المقترحات لتحسين الخدمات الداعمة للطلبة ذوي الإعاقة في مسيرة تعليمهم ‏الجامعي، وتذليل التحديات التي تواجههم في الجوانب الأكاديمية، وتهيئتهم لسوق العمل، بالإضافة إلى إجراء المزيد من الدراسات التفصيلية حول القضايا المتعلقة بالطلبة ذوي الإعاقة في تعليمهم الجامعي.

Introduction Clinical estimation of consciousness is the most fundamental and crucial component of neurological examinations for pediatric patients in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). The full outline of unresponsiveness (FOUR) Coma Scale assesses four variables: eye response, motor response, brainstem reflexes, and respiratory pattern. A score of 0 represents non-function in each category, whereas a score of 4 indicates normal functioning. The FOUR Coma Scale is easy to apply and is currently the most widely used scale for assessing consciousness, particularly in intubated children. Objectives This study aimed to improve pediatric critical care nurses’ practice in implementing the FOUR Coma Scale. Methods A quasi-experimental research design (pre/post-test design) was employed on a convenience sample composed of 45 male and female nurses who participated in the study and provided direct care for critically ill children at the Medical Pediatric Intensive Care Unit affiliated with the Mansoura University Children's Hospital, Mansoura University, Egypt. All the participants completed the FOUR Coma Scale knowledge and practice assessment questionnaire. Results Majority of the nurses were females and had bachelors’ degrees in nursing (94.6% and 71.1%, respectively). Moray Coma Scale was used to assess level of consciousness (LOC) by more than half the number of nurses (55.6%) in the PICU. All PICU nurses had poor knowledge and practice scores in the pre-intervention phase, and this percentage statistically significantly improved in the post-intervention phase ( P = .001). Conclusion The mean score of nurses’ knowledge and practice on the FOUR Coma Scale significantly improved after the implementation of instructional intervention.

Background & objectives: Rigid ring and Flexible band are techniques used to repair tricuspid valve regurgitation. The comparison between both techniques' effectiveness is controversial in the literature. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the safety and efficacy of rigid ring versus flexible band for tricuspid valve repair in patients with tricuspid valve regurgitation. Methods: We conducted a PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis. A systematic search was performed in major databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane CENTRAL to identify relevant published studies. Data were extracted and analyzed using Stata (version 17 for Mac) and Revman (version 5.4 for Windows). Results: Twelve studies were included in this meta-analysis. Total number of patients was 4259. The rigid ring wasn't superior to the flexible band in terms of postoperative tricuspid regurgitation RR 0.74, 95 % CI (0.43–1.27) (P = 0.29). However, the results were not homogeneous. After employing sensitivity analysis, the significance of the pooled effect estimate didn't change, showing no significant difference between the two annuloplasty RR 0.72, 95%CI (0.45–1.15). On the other hand, the rigid ring was associated with a higher bypass time than the flexible band (RR 4.85, P = 0.00). There were no differences between the two groups in terms of hospital stay, ICU stays, prolonged ventilation, mechanical ventilation time, annuloplasty size, stroke, concomitant mitral valve surgery, concomitant aortic valve surgery, atrial fibrillation, pacemaker implantation, low cardiac output, in-hospital death, or late death (all P > 0.05). Conclusion: Our study findings suggested no difference between rigid ring compared to flexible band regarding the rates of postoperative tricuspid regurgitation; however, rigid ring may encompass a higher bypass time. Therefore, further research is required to ensure our findings.

Research has identified certain bio-based products, such as probiotics, as alternatives to antibiotics for use in animal feed. They are capable of controlling, preventing or minimizing the colonization of the gastrointestinal tract by pathogenic bacteria. To isolate Pediococcus spp. and assess its technological properties for possible probiotic development, maize and pearl millet were used. The cereals were steeped and wet milled after 48 h of fermentation. The milled cereals were kneaded into dough for 24 h, after which a 10% slurry was prepared for tenfold serial dilution to enumerate the LAB by employing pour plate techniques using MRS Agar. Based on the cell morphology of the isolated bacteria, eight isolates (four from maize and four from millet) that were selected for identification using MALDI-TOF MS showed that five were Pediococcus pentosaceus (P. pentosaceus), one was Pediococcus acidilactici, and two did not match any organism. Subsequently, the six isolates were labeled as MZ1, MZ2, MZ3, MZ4 for the maize isolate and MLT5 and MLT7 for the millet isolate. The six Pediococcus spp. were assessed in vitro for acid and bile salt tolerance, gastric juice and intestinal fluid tolerance and antibiotic resistance and antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed, and the survivability rate of the strains was calculated. With regard to the mean count, there was a reduction in log10 CFU/mL under the lower pH conditions and their duration of exposure with regard to time. Among the isolates, no differences were noted at the various periods of exposure (0 h, 1 h, 2 h and 3 h) at pH 4 (p > 0.05). However, significant differences were noted at pH 3, 2 and 1 among the isolates (p < 0.05). The percentage survival of MZ4 and MLT7 at pH 1 was higher compared to the other isolates at 0 h. Significant differences were observed among the isolated at pH 2, 3 and 4 across the various periods. The mean count of the isolates in gastric juice was similar at 0 and 1 h, but significant differences were noted at 2 and 3 h, where MLT7 was highest (p < 0.05). A similar trend was observed for percentage survival. The mean count and the percentage survival of isolates under different concentrations of bile salt were similar. Significant differences were noted among isolates in both mean count and percentage survival when exposed to intestinal fluid (p < 0.05). All of the isolates were highly tolerant to the antibiotics tested and possessed antibacterial properties against the selected pathogens. The LABs proved to be good probiotic materials, according to the results obtained. However, the Pediococcus strain MLT7 proved to be the LAB of choice; therefore, its molecular identity was verified using the 16S rRNA sequence and was labeled as Pediococcus pentosaceus GT001 after it was discovered to have 100% similarity with some strains of Pediococcus pentosaceus.

Abstract Biofloc (BF) stands out as a promising system for sustainable shrimp farming. Optimizing various culture conditions, such as stocking density, carbohydrate source, and feeding management, is crucial for the widespread adoption of the BF system. This study compares the growth performance of white-leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in culture ponds at low density (LD) with 50 organisms/m2 and high density (HD) with 200 organisms/m2. Post-larvae of white-leg shrimp were stocked for 16 weeks in both LD and HD groups. The LD group exhibited a superior survival rate, growth rate, and feed consumption compared to the HD group. The BF from the LD system recorded a significantly higher protein content (16.63 ± 0.21%) than the HD group (15.21 ± 0.34%). Heterotrophic bacterial counts in water did not significantly differ with stocking density. However, Vibrio count in water samples was higher in the HD group (3.59 ± 0.35 log CFU/mL) compared to the LD group (2.45 ± 0.43 log CFU/mL). The whole shrimp body analysis revealed significantly higher protein and lipid content in the LD group. In contrast, the total aerobic bacterial count in shrimp from the HD group was high, with the identification of Salmonella enterica ssp. arizonae. Additionally, Vibrio counts in shrimp samples were significantly higher in the HD group (4.63 ± 0.32 log CFU/g) compared to the LD group (3.57 ± 0.22 log CFU/g). The expression levels of immune-associated genes, including prophenoloxidase, transglutaminase, penaiedin 3, superoxide dismutase, lysozyme, serine proteinase, and the growth-related gene ras-related protein (rap-2a), were significantly enhanced in the LD group. Conversely, stress-related gene expression increased significantly in the HD group. Hepatopancreases amylase, lipase, and protease were higher in the LD group, while trypsin activity did not differ significantly. Antioxidant enzyme activity (catalase, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase) significantly increased in the LD group. The histological structure of hepatopancreas, musculature, and female gonads remained similar in both densities. However, negative effects were observed in the gills' histology of the HD group. These results suggest that increasing stocking density is associated with significantly negative biological, microbial, and physiological effects on white-leg shrimp under the BF system.

Abstract Background It has been found that 25% of posterior circulation stroke patients experience vertigo. Sudden hearing loss due to a vascular source is typically caused by infarction in the anterior inferior cerebellar artery territory. However, it is uncommon in the posterior inferior cerebellar artery territory infarction. Aim of the work The objective of the proposed study is to evaluate the function of the auditory and vestibular system in patients with posterior circulation cerebrovascular stroke. Methods Fifty patients with posterior circulation stroke, diagnosed by MRI at least 3 months after onset, were included. The controls consisted of fifty healthy people. The average age in cases was 58.68 ± 8.60 years, while in controls, it was 55.44 ± 11.72. The Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was used to conduct clinical assessments. All study groups were investigated using pure tone audiometry, auditory brain stem-evoked potential (ABR), videonystagmography (VNG), and vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (VEMP). Results MRI findings revealed that pontine infarction was the most frequent lesion in 36 (72%) patients. The latencies of ABR waves I, III, V, 1–III, I–V, and III–V were all considerably longer in cases than controls. Cervical VEMP P1 latency was considerably delayed in cases compared to controls, as the amplitude was lower. VNG data found abnormalities in all test parameters, indicating central disease. Conclusion Posterior circulation stroke causes acute sensorineural hearing loss with varying degrees. Videonystagmography is an accurate assessment of oculomotor function that can be combined with vestibular-evoked myogenic potential to objectively assess posterior circulation stroke patients.