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Introduction: There is a growing interest in studying natural products for the identification of novel lead compounds for drug development for treating inflammatory diseases. Although some studies have focused anti-inflammatory activity of benzophenones and xanthones, exploring additional targets such as enzymes and cytokines, involved in their inflammatory response could provide more comprehensive understanding of the compounds' anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, four xanthones ananixanthone (1), smeathxanthone A (2), smeathxanthone B (3), and 1,3,5,8-tetrahydroxy-2-(3-methybut-2-enyl)-4-(3,7- dimethyloct-2,6-dienyl) xanthone (4); and three benzophenones guttiferone O (5), guttiferone M (6), and aristophenone A (7) from Garcinia smeathmannii (Planch. & Triana) Oliv. were investigated for their effect on nitric oxide production, cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase inhibition, and Th1/Th2 cytokines production in activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Methods: The Griess reagent method and the ferrous oxidation-xylenol orange assay were used to evaluate the inhibition of NO production and the 15-lipoxygenase activity respectively. Cyclooxygenase activity was assessed using the fluorometric COX activity assay kit and measurement of Th1/Th2 cytokines was performed using a flow cytometer. Results: All the tested compounds exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of NO production with varying degrees of inhibitory effects on 15-LOX activity. Compound (6), displays the best inhibitory effect on COX-1/COX-2 activity. A general trend of the tested compounds on cytokines profiles revealed that compound (5) showed a pronounced enhancement of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10). Conclusion: This observation supports future exploration of ananixanthone (1), guttiferone O (5), and guttiferone (6) as potential candidates for the development of anti-inflammatory drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Eimeria spp. are intracellular protozoan parasites of the phylum Apicomplexa causing economic losses to various wild and domestic animals. An eimerian species infecting Columba livia domestica was identified in this study. Methods: A total of 15 faecal samples were examined by floatation technique, a prevalence rate of 60% was reported. Eimerian oocysts were sporulated in 2.5% potassium dichromate solution then identified using morphological and molecular (DNA amplification of the 18S rRNA and ITS-1 genes) diagnostic techniques. Results: Sporulated oocysts were identified as Eimeria labbeana-like, after morphometry with typical bi-layered wall with spherical to subspherical oocysts morphology. A polar granule is present, but no micropyle or oocyst residuum. Sporocysts are elongated ovoidal with stieda body. Sporocyst residuum with many granules and sporozoites with refractile bodies and nucleus. Both 18S rRNA and ITS-1 sequences have been deposited in GenBank database. DNA sequences from the partial 18S rRNA generated from the oocysts were found to be related to eimerian and isosporan parasites found in domestic pigeons. For the first time, ITS-1 sequences for E. labbeana-like were provided. Conclusion: The necessity of using molecular techniques to describe pigeon intestinal coccidian parasites in conjunction with traditional morphology-based tools was emphasized in this work in order to understand the biology of such parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coccidiosis is an intestinal protozoan disease that affects the poultry industry worldwide. The severity of this disease varies depending on the identity of the infectious agents. Therefore, this study was carried out to identify the Eimeria species that affect broiler chickens, Gallus gallus domesticus, through morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses. Twenty‐five faecal samples were collected from the broiler chickens in a commercial poultry farm in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). Using the floatation technique, faeces were examined microscopically for the Eimeria occurrence. Identification of Eimeria species was performed based on morphological criteria and molecular tools (DNA amplification for the partial small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA), internal transcribed spacer (ITS)‐1, and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) genes. In this study, 32% (8 out of 25) of collected samples were found to be positive for coccidiosis. After sporulation in potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7), the sporulated oocysts were observed as ovoid and measured 18.37–23.19 µm (19.87) long and 15.07–18.67 µm (16.46) wide, with the anterior location of a polar granule and absence of micropyle. These Eimeria oocysts were assumed to size and shape characteristics of Eimeria acervulina. Molecular analysis was conducted on the sequences of the polymerase chain reaction products from the three genes studied (18S rRNA, ITS‐1, and COI). At the three genes, results showed that the resultant sequences clustered with E. acervulina from different regions confirming morphological description. This study highlighted the importance of molecular techniques to detect avian Eimeria species more than the traditional morphology‐based tool to optimise the appropriate anticoccidial strategies for long‐term control in the studied area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study primarily aims to identify the major economic and social transformations in the Egyptian countryside over the past fifteen years. The problem addressed in the study is the scarcity of economic resources in rural communities, which hinders the process of economic and social transformation. Societies that lack mineral and natural resources do not experience significant economic transformations. Therefore, developing communities cannot meet the needs of their individuals due to a decrease in capital accumulation and investment rates. Previous studies have indicated that there have been changes in rural areas that have impacted the national income. Thus, it was necessary to study these economic changes, which led to the formulation of the following research question: What are the major economic transformations in rural areas? The study relied on primary data, which involved designing a questionnaire that includes a set of questions aligned with the study's objectives and aimed to test their validity in fulfilling this purpose. Three centers with varying levels of development were selected to represent different patterns of rural communities in the governorate: Fayoum, Itsa, and Youssef El-Siddik. A systematic random sample was chosen, and the optimal sample size was estimated using the Krejci and Morgan equation, representing 5% of the total number of rural households in the three study villages. Accordingly, the study sample consisted of 208 rural households distributed as follows: 110 in El-Azab villages )Fayoum center(, 60 in Qalhana village )Itsa center(, and 38 in Qasr Abu Lataye Al-Basal village )Youssef El-Siddik center(.The study reached several results, including a clear surge in consumption values, albeit values foreign to the village, surpassing the original economic values. Monthly spending on food items, communication services, electricity consumption, luxury goods, and entertainment increased. Moreover, there was an increase in agricultural income and per-acre profitability, as well as the availability of production requirements and agricultural tools. The study also observed an increased reliance on the market to fulfill food needs, leading to a decrease in self-sufficiency in food and animal products. The quantities of fish produced decreased, and self-sufficiency in poultry and birds decreased. Furthermore, the relative importance of non-agricultural income sources within rural household incomes increased.The nature of agricultural work shifted from collective to individual, deviating from the traditional work structure in rural households. Unemployment in villages increased, accompanied by a rise in the availability of agricultural labor and a tendency among rural residents to engage in non-agricultural activities. This led to an increase in work in crafts, construction, and trade, as well as individuals seeking employment abroad in oil-rich countries. Internal migration to major cities for work also increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy storage systems are essential in modern energy infrastructure, addressing efficiency, power quality, and reliability challenges in DC/AC power systems. Recognized for their indispensable role in ensuring grid stability and seamless integration with renewable energy sources. These storage systems prove crucial for aircraft, shipboard systems, and electric vehicles, addressing peak load demands economically while enhancing overall system reliability and efficiency. Recent advancements and research have focused on high-power storage technologies, including supercapacitors, superconducting magnetic energy storage, and flywheels, characterized by high-power density and rapid response, ideally suited for applications requiring rapid charging and discharging. Hybrid energy storage systems and multiple energy storage devices represent enhanced flexibility and resilience, making them increasingly attractive for diverse applications, including critical loads. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of recent technological advancements in high-power storage devices, including lithium-ion batteries, recognized for their high energy density. In addition, a summary of hybrid energy storage system applications in microgrids and scenarios involving critical and pulse loads is provided. The research further discusses power, energy, cost, life, and performance technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is an increasing awareness of the role of dyslipidemia in lupus nephritis patients, no researchers have studied dyslipidemia in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Tabuk. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between dyslipidemia and lupus nephritis in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional comparative longitudinal hospital-based study was conducted at a rheumatic clinic in the North West Armed Force Hospital (NWAFH) during the period April 2014–June 2015. Seventy-three patients diagnosed with SLE were invited to participate in the study. All participants were required to sign a written informed consent, following which they were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Data collected include demographic data, clinical characteristics, fasting lipid profile, renal function tests, urine analysis, antinuclear antibody, anti-double-stranded antibodies, complement levels, serum albumin, anticardiolipin, ant bodies, and antiphospholipid antibodies. Lupus nephritis was ascertained by renal biopsy. The research was approved by the ethical committees of both the University of Tabuk and the NWAFH and data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: Out of 73 patients with SLE, 86.3% were females with a mean age of 34 ± 6.4 years. Lupus nephritis was evident in 26% of the patients, proteinuria in 44.1%, high total cholesterol in 17.8%, high low-density lipoprotein in 15.1%, high triglycerides in 27.3%, and low high-density lipoproteins in 52.1%. Patients with lupus nephritis had high total cholesterol, high LDL, high TG, and low HDL than those without lupus nephritis p < 0.05. Conclusion: Dyslipidemia was more common among patients with SLE nephritis, and an aggressive treatment is recommended to reduce this serious complication. The relatively small size of the study group and the fact that the study was conducted at a single tertiary center are the limitations of this study.

In 1997, during the 41st session of the Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean, the 21 countries in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) (1) adopted a resolution to eliminate [...]

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory disease of the colorectal area that demonstrates a dramatically increasing incidence worldwide. This study provides novel insights into the capacity of the exogenous β-hydroxybutyrate and ketogenic diet (KD) consumption to alleviate dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced UC in rats. Remarkably, both interventions attenuated disease activity and colon weight-to-length ratio, and improved macro and microstructures of the damaged colon. Importantly, both β-hydroxybutyrate and KD curbed the DSS-induced aberrant NLRP3 inflammasome activation as observed in mRNA and protein expression analysis. Additionally, inhibition of the NLRP3/NGSDMD-mediated pyroptosis was detected in response to both regimens. In parallel, these modalities attenuated caspase-1 and its associated consequences of IL-1β and IL-18 overproduction. They also mitigated apoptosis as indicated by the inactivation of caspase-3. The anti-inflammatory effects of BHB and KD were confirmed by the reported decline in the levels of inflammatory markers including MPO, NFκB, IL-6, and TNF-α. Moreover, these interventions exhibited antioxidative properties by reducing ROS production and improving antioxidative enzymes. Their effectiveness in mitigating UC was also evident in the renovation of normal intestinal epithelial barrier function, as shown by correcting the discrepancies in the levels of tight junction proteins ZO-1, OCLN, and CLDN5. Furthermore, their effects on the intestinal microbiota homeostasis were investigated. In terms of autophagy, exogenous β-hydroxybutyrate upregulated BECN-1 and downregulated p62, which may account for its superiority over KD in attenuating colonic damage. In conclusion, this study provides experimental evidence supporting the potential therapeutic use of β-hydroxybutyrate or β-hydroxybutyrate-boosting regimens in UC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study we employed immunohistochemical techniques to investigate the localisation of three calcium-binding proteins (parvalbumin, calbindin, and calretinin) in 10 neuronal structures of the cerebellar cortex (stellate cells, basket cells, parallel fibres, climbing fibres, Purkinje cells, granule cells, Golgi type II cells, Lugaro neurons, unipolar brush neurons, and mossy fibres) in 143 species from across themammalian radiation. Most often, parvalbumin was localised in the neural structures of themolecular and Purkinje cell layers but was absent in the granule cell layer. Calbindin was most often immunolocalised in the neural structures of the Purkinje cell layer and mossy fibres, whereas calretinin was most often immunolocalised in the climbing fibres of the molecular layer and all neural structures of the granule cell layer. Despite this general consistency, variations in the localisation of these three calcium-binding proteins were found in every lineage, and almost every species, the one exception being the western tree hyrax that showed the full suite of most often observed calcium-binding protein chemoarchitecture for the mammalian cerebellar cortex. These consistencies and variances in the calcium-binding protein chemoarchitecture of the cerebellar cortex of mammals may play significant roles in the species-specific learning and refining of motor, perceptual, and cognitive skills and capacities required to survive in the environments they inhabit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coccidiosis, caused by apicomplexan Eimeria species, is a protozoan disease that affects various species of wild and domestic animals. However, data available on Eimeria diversity in ruminants in Saudi Arabia is meagre. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate some eimerian parasites infecting sheep (Sawakni and Harrie breeds) using microscopy and molecular methods for the first time in Saudi Arabia. Twenty‐four fecal samples were collected from sheep farms. Based on the floatation technique, eimerian oocysts were observed in 8 of the 24 (33.33%) fecal samples. The coccidian‐positive samples were subjected to fecal culture in a shallow layer of 2.5% potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7). Detected eimerian oocysts were described micromorphometrically as the basis for traditional oocyst identification. Morphologically, the sporulated oocysts were similar to those of sheep eimerian parasies; Eimeria faurei and Eimeria crandallis. PCR products from the two eimerian species detected from Sawakni and Harrie breeds were sequenced and were found to be distinct from each other with mutations at five positions. One of them clustered with E. crandallis with 99.8%–100% identity with sequences available in GenBank. E. crandallis was obtained from two Sawakni sheep and two Harrie sheep. The other sequences grouped with E. faurei with 99.8% identity with the only sequences available in GenBank. E. crandallis was detected from both Sawakni and Harrie breeds whereas E. faurei was detected only from Sawakni sheep. The findings of this study have implications for the importance of morphometric identification with advanced molecular tools to confirm the identities of sheep Eimeria species and to address the taxonomic study of this eimeriid parasite at the species level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-microgrids (MMGs) revolutionize integrating and managing diverse distributed energy resources (DERs), significantly enhancing the overall efficiency of energy systems. Unlike traditional power systems, MMGs comprise interconnected microgrids that operate independently or collaboratively. This innovative concept adeptly addresses challenges posed by pulsed load effects, capitalizing on the cooperative nature of interconnected microgrids. A coordinated MMG system effectively redistributes and shares the impact of pulsed loads, mitigating voltage fluctuations and ensuring sustained system stability. The proposed cooperative MMG scheme optimizes power distribution and load prioritization, facilitating the seamless allocation of surplus energy from neighboring microgrids to meet sudden surges in demand. This study focuses on DC standalone multi-microgrid systems, showcasing their inherent adaptability, resilience, and operational efficiency in managing pulse, variable, and unpredictable generation deficits. Several experiments on a laboratory-scale DC multi-microgrid validate the system's robust performance. Notably, transient current fluctuations during pulse loads are promptly stabilized through the effective collaboration of microgrids. Variable load experiments reveal distinct behaviors, shedding light on the profound influence of control strategies. This research reveals the transformative potential of MMGs in addressing energy challenges, with a particular focus on DC standalone multi-microgrid systems. The findings underscore the adaptability and resilience of the proposed cooperative scheme, marking a significant stride in the evolution of modern power systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Batteries are considered critical elements in most applications nowadays due to their power and energy density features. However, uncontrolled charging and discharging will negatively affect their functions and might result in a catastrophic failure of their applications. Hence, a battery management system (BMS) is mandated for their proper operation. One of the critical elements of any BMS is the state of charge (SoC) estimation process, which highly determines the needed action to maintain the battery's health and efficiency. Several methods were used to estimate the Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) SoC, depending on the LIBs model or any other suitable technique. This article provides a critical review of the existing SoC estimation approaches and the main LIB models with their pros and cons, their possibility to integrate with each other's for precise estimation results, and the applicability of these techniques in electric vehicles and utility applications with the commonly used standards and codes in these sectors. Moreover, this study will also explore a future framework for integrating digital twins (DTs) with BMSs for improved and advanced management. Based on this comprehensive review, it can be concluded that merging the model‐based estimation techniques with the data‐driven approaches with their promising development to determine the dynamic patterns inside the battery can efficiently achieve precise estimation results while reducing the complexity of these models. This integration will align also with the integration of digital twin technology to provide complete and accurate supervision for the BMSs. This article is categorized under:Emerging Technologies > Energy StorageEmerging Technologies > DigitalizationEnergy and Power Systems > Distributed Generation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]