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Erythema nodosum is a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction with an unknown trigger in the majority of cases. It is characterized by the development of erythematous tender nodules on the shins. Septal panniculitis without vasculitis is a characteristic histopathological finding. We report the case of a 26-year-old woman who presented with a four-day history of an erythematous swollen left lower limb. She was treated with intravenous clindamycin for suspected cellulitis. However, her symptoms persisted. Punch biopsy revealed findings consistent with erythema nodosum. Two days later, she developed colicky abdominal pain associated with nonbloody diarrhea. Stool culture yielded Salmonella enterica serotype enteritidis. Two days after discharge, she presented again with a right breast abscess for which she underwent incision and drainage along with antibiotic therapy. After discharge, she was symptom-free with complete resolution of the cutaneous lesions. The presented case is unique as it had multiple clinical manifestations of Salmonella infection including erythema nodosum, diarrhea, and presumably a breast abscess. It should be kept in mind that gastrointestinal symptoms are not necessarily the initial presentations of Salmonella infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Semiconductor zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have unique properties, such as inherent selectivity and photosensitization effects under ultraviolet (UV) radiation. ZnO NPs serve as promising anticancer agents. However, UV radiation limits their penetration into the body. In most clinical settings, it is essential to use high-energy photons in the treatment of deep-seated tumors. The present study aimed to evaluate the radiosensitization effects of ZnO NPs on human lung cancer cells under megavoltage (MV) X-ray irradiation. Materials and Methods: ZnO NPs with the mean diameter of seven nanometers were synthesized and characterized. The cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of ZnO NPs were evaluated in SKLC-6 lung cancer and MRC-5 normal lung cells using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-yl)-5(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTT) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry assays, respectively. In addition, the radiosensitization effects of ZnO NPs were investigated under MV irradiation using a clonogenic survival assay. Apoptosis induction and DNA damage were also evaluated using flow cytometry and cytokinesisblock micronucleus assay, respectively. Results: ZnO NPs were taken up and reduced the viability of the cancer cells at a higher rate compared to the normal cells. Moreover, ZnO NPs significantly enhanced the radiosensitivity of the cancer cells with the sensitizer enhancement ratios of 1.23 and 1.31 at the concentrations of 10 and 20 μg/ml, respectively. However, they had no significant effect on the radiosensitivity of the normal cells. Apoptosis induction and DNA damage also improved at a higher rate in the cancer cells compared to the normal cells with the combination of ZnO NPs with MV radiation. Conclusion: According to the results, ZnO NPs had the potential to be a selective radiosensitizer for lung cancer radiotherapy under MV X-ray irradiation. Some of the cytotoxic and genotoxic mechanisms in radiosensitization by ZnO NPs were elevated apoptosis induction and DNA damage levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bismuth based pyrochlores have attracted a massive interest in the modern research areas owing to their structural tenability and variety of physical properties. The structural variation and its consequent effects on dielectric relaxation have been presented in this work by synthesizing a series of La-mediated Bi 2-x La x Mg 2/3 Nb 4/3 O 7 (x = 0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25) ceramics using sol–gel auto-combustion technique. Coexistence of fluorite and cubic pyrochlore phases in the parent composition and gradual enrichment of pyrochlore phase with increase of substitution contents was observed from the structural analysis. Distortion of spherical symmetry of grains with reduced grain size from 950 to 500 nm was revealed by field emission scanning electron microscope. The presence of required constituent elements with their correct proportion was analysed using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Complex impedance study and frequency dependent dielectric dispersion analysis was performed to check ac -conductivity and to explore potential of material for energy storage applications. With the help of complex modulus analysis, the range of carrier transportation inside the material was distinguished in different frequency regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entomopathogenic fungi are a promising category of biocontrol agents with mosquitocidal properties. Prior studies have proved their potential to reduce fecundity, human biting and vector competence, all of them together determine vectorial capacity of the mosquitoes. Unfortunately, conventional vector control strategies are inadequate with growing problem of insecticide resistance and environmental deterioration. Therefore, alternate vector control measures are immediately needed and to accomplish that, an improved understanding of behavioral and physiological defense mechanisms of the mosquitoes against fungal infection is essential. In this study, fitness was considered with respect to different behavioral (self-grooming and flight), physiological (antifungal activity and antimicrobial peptides) parameters and survival rates as compared to the control group. We found a significant upregulation in CLSP2 , TEP22 , Rel1 and Rel2 genes at multiple time periods of fungal infection, which indicates the successful fungal infection and activation of Toll and IMD pathways in mosquitoes. RNAi-mediated silencing of Rel1 and Rel2 genes (transcription factors of Toll and IMD pathways, respectively) significantly reduced the survival, self-grooming frequencies and durations, and flight locomotor activity among adult Ae. aegypti female mosquitoes. Moreover, Rel1 and Rel2 knockdown significantly decreased antifungal activity and antimicrobial peptides expression levels in target mosquitoes. These results indicate an overall decrease in fitness of the mosquitoes after fungal challenge following Rel1 and Rel2 silencing. These findings provide an improved understanding of behavioral and physiological responses in mosquitoes with altered immunity against entomopathogenic fungal infections which can guide us towards the development of novel biocontrol strategies against mosquitoes. [Display omitted] • Mosquitoes were able to detect the threat of fungal infection. • Rel1 and Rel2 silencing improved the lethal effect of Metarhizium anisopliae. • Behavioral and physiological fitness decreased in mosquitoes with impaired immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the non-degradable nature of heavy metals (HMs), the industrial effluent, whether treated or untreated, carrying HMs, eventually end up into the water bodies, soil, and sediments. Numerous countermeasures were applied, but the use of ornamental plants for the stress mitigation associated with HMs on the environment is a neglected research domain. The composition of wastewater influences bioremediation strategies. As the wastewater is contaminated with multiple HMs, many lab studies, with the plants, failed in the industrial field. This work focuses on the potential of Nicotiana alata L. and Petunia hydrida L. against multiple HMs contaminated synthetic wastewater. To improve plant tolerance, soil amendments (biochar, compost, and moss, each at 5% v/v in soil) were used, individually and in combination. After 6 weeks of the exposure, plant physiological, biochemical and enzymatic parameters, as well as the distribution of HMs, (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Mn, Ni, and Zn) in the plant (flower, leaves, root, and shoot) and soil, were measured. The HMs uptake positivity influenced the malondialdehyde content, hydrogen peroxide content and electrolyte leakage, while negatively to photosynthetic pigments, and resulted in increased catalase, guaiacol peroxidase, glutathione s-transferase, ascorbate peroxidase, while reduced superoxide dismutase activity. It was found that all amendments improved the plant growth by metal stabilization, and best results were obtained with the combined application of biochar + compost + moss. So, HMs stabilization can be achieved by growing ornamental plants, like Nicotiana alata L. and Petunia hydrida L. along with soil amendments. Image 1 • Heavy metal (HM) contents were quantified in selected industrial effluents. • Ornamental plants were tested against multi-HMs containing synthetic wastewater. • Biochar, compost, and peat moss reduced plant stress and metal mobility. • N. alata L. and P. hydrida L. were suitable for treatment of HMs in wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There is limited evidence of studying the associated factors of acute kidney injury (AKI) among patients with influenza A (H1N1) virus infection pandemic in 2009. AKI is one of the most prevalent complications in the intensive care unit. Its incidence is associated with high mortality and negative impacts on long-term survival. The aim of this narrative review was to determine the prevalence and mortality due to AKI, among patients admitted with the H1N1 virus. Materials and Methods: A narrative review of studies reporting about treatment measures and mortality associated with AKI during the H1N1 pandemic over a 10- year period (from September 2009 to August 2018), was performed. We searched the following databases; EMBASE, Medline/PubMed, NHS evidence, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library. Our inclusion revealed 20 studies of patients (n = 3579) who were admitted with H1N1 infection and developed AKI. Results: In this study, 33% of patients (n = 1164) who were admitted with H1N1 infection had developed AKI. Within the first 5 years (2009 to 2013), 36% of patients (n = 1013) developed AKI. Within the next 5 years (2014-2018), 812 patients were admitted with the H1N1 infection and 18% of patients (n = 150) had developed AKI. Over the 10 years, there was a 50% reduction in the number of patients who developed AKI (2009 and 2018) (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Patients showed varied responses to treatment measures, depending on their geographical location, comorbidities, and other characteristics. Despite a reasonable prevalence of AKI among patients with the H1N1 virus infection, the mortality over the last 10 years was reduced, with renal replacement therapy as a common therapy in most studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The accuracy of dose calculation algorithm (DCA) is highly considered in the radiotherapy sequences. This study aims at assessing the accuracy of five dose calculation algorithms in tissue inhomogeneity corrections, based on the International Atomic Energy Agency TEC-DOC 1583. Material and Methods: A heterogeneous phantom was scanned using computed tomography and tests were planned on three-dimensional treatment planning systems (3D TPSs) based on IAEA TEC-DOC 1583.Doses were measured for 6- and 18-MV photon beams with ion chambers and then the deviation between measured and calculated TPS doses were reported. The evaluated five DCAs include Monte Carlo (MC) algorithm employed by Monaco, pencil beam convolution (PBC) and anisotropic analytical algorithms (AAA) employed by Eclipse and Superposition (SP), and Clarkson algorithms employed by PCRT3D TPSs. Results: In Clarkson algorithm, low and high energy photons indicated 7.1% and 14.8% deviations out of agreement criteria, respectively. The SP, AAA, and PBC algorithms indicated 0.9%, 7.4%, and 13.8% for low energy photon and 9.5%, 21.3%, and 23.2% for high energy photon deviations out of agreement criteria, respectively. However, MC algorithm showed 1.8% and less than 1% deviations at high and low energy photons, respectively. Conclusion: The DCAs had different levels of accuracy in TPSs. Some simple DCAs, such as Clarkson, showed large deviations in some cases. Therefore, the transition to more advanced algorithms, such as MC would be desirable, particularly for the calculation in the presence of inhomogeneity or high energy beams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research describes the photocatalytic design for oil removal from produced water. It involves batch and continuous processes. The photocatalytic degradation of oil has been conducted in glass reactors. The effects of nano-TiO2 concentration, the number of lamps, and the time of radiation were studied in the batch system, while in the continuous treatment, the number of lamps, the direction of light radiation, and the time of processes were studied. The results showed that all the oil was removed in the batch system and the maximum percentage of oil removal was 71% in the continuous system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Two validated CFD models were developed to simulate FS and HF modules. • Two-level full factorial design and analysis tool was utilized. • Influence of four DCMD operating parameters were investigated. • FS membrane module showed better performance than the HF membrane module. • Flow in permeate channel is critical to enhance permeate flux in the HF module. Abstract The effects of select system parameters on the performance of direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD), in terms of permeate flux (J) and temperature polarization coefficient (TPC), were investigated and compared for flat-sheet (FS) and hollow-fiber (HF) modules. Three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models were developed and validated using experimental data. Then, a two-level full factorial design tool was used to design the simulation runs to investigate the effects of four selected process parameters on flux and TPC. These are: feed inlet temperature (T f), permeate inlet temperature (T p) and Reynolds number on the feed (Re f) and permeate (Re p) sides. The effect of each factor and the interactions thereof were assessed based on data obtained from the CFD models. Although all four parameters showed a significant influence on flux and TPC , their interactions had different effects on the HF and FS modules. For instance, since the permeate stream temperature increases much faster along the permeate channel in the HF module than in the FS module, Re p has a more substantial impact in the HF module. At higher Re p values, higher T f results in further enhancement in permeate flux in the HF module. Furthermore, the CFD model results indicate that the FS module generally showed better performance, in terms of permeate flux, than the HF module under the same DCMD process conditions. In the CFD model runs which yielded the highest flux in both HF and FS modules, the permeate outlet temperatures from the HF and FS modules were 21.72 °C and 18.53 °C, respectively, under the same operating conditions. Generally, the HF module exhibited about 21% lower flux than the FS module. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. This study is aimed at investigating the effect of Shogaol, a phenolic constituent of ginger, on dextran sodium sulfate- (DSS-) induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice in comparison with 6-thioguanine (6-TG), an immune-suppressant chemotherapeutic medicine used for treatment of ulcerative colitis. Material & Methods. Thirty-six adult, male and female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into six groups: group 1 (control negative) not exposed to DSS and did not receive any treatment, group 2 (control positive) exposed to DSS but did not receive any treatment, group 3 exposed to DSS and treated by 0.1 mg/kg of 6-thioguanine, and groups 4, 5, and 6 exposed to DSS and treated by 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg b.w. Shogaol, respectively. At day 56, the mice were checked for their disease activity index (DAI) and they were sacrificed. The colons of the mice were examined for length measurement, histological index score, and the expression of CD133 and CD34 stem cell markers. Results. Shogaol showed a better curative effect than did 6-TG in repairing the colonic mucosal damages in DSS-exposed mice as indicated by the levels of CD133 and CD34 expression in the colonic crypts and by the DAI score, colon length measurements, & histological index score which were significantly reduced in mice treated by Shogaol, particularly the 20 and 40 mg/kg BW doses. Conclusion. The results of this study indicated that oral treatment with the ginger-derived substance Shogaol could be better than the conventional immunosuppressive chemotherapeutic remedy 6-TG in treatment of DSS-induced UC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of Study: The aim of this study is to evaluate some dosimetry parameters such as uniformity, surface dose, and max depth dose with thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD) and EBT3 film in total skin electron beam therapy (TSEBT). Methods: Stationary and rotary methods were set on Varian linear accelerator, Clinac 2100C. To create a radiation field large enough (168 cm × 60 cm) and uniform, the source skin distance was set 400 cm. Electron beam energy was 6 MeV. The skin dose values were obtained in 21 different points on the phantom surface. Results: The results of dose uniformity in stationary technique were obtained as 10% and 2.6% by TLDs and 6% and 2.3% by films in longitudinal axis and transverse axis, respectively. The measurements at rotational technique by TLDs at the referred conditions showed a homogeneous total field with intensity variation of 10% in the longitudinal axis and 4% at horizontal axis. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, stationary techniques are preferred for TSEBT. The main advantage of rotational techniques is reducing the time of treatment. The results also demonstrate that TLD should be routinely used in TSEBT treatment. Due to the high sensitivity of radiochromic films, this type of film was suitable for a wide therapeutic field. Comprehensive treatment to Rando phantom showed that the uniformity is better at the trunk than in the mobile parts of the body; the soles of the feet, perineum region, and scalp vertex should be treated in boost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This article considers the problem of nonparametric estimation of the regression operator r in a functional regression model Y = r (x) + ε with a scalar response Y , a functional explanatory variable x , and a second order stationary error process ε. We construct a local polynomial estimator of r together with its Fréchet derivatives from functional data with correlated errors. The convergence in mean squared error of the constructed estimator is studied for both short and long range dependent error processes. Simulation studies on the performance of the proposed estimator are conducted, and applications to independent data and El Niño time series data are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objectives Grid therapy is a radiation therapy technique for the treatment of bulky tumours. The high dose gradients and non-uniformity of dose distributions within the target lead to a challenge in the dosimetry of the Grid radiation fields. The aim of this study is to perform a precise EBT3 Gafchromic film dosimetry for Grid therapy fields using a commercially available flatbed colour scanner. Methods In this project, samples of the EBT3 Gafchromic films are exposed to Grid radiation fields. The irradiated EBT3 films were read using a flatbed Microtek scanner. The responses of these films (i.e. films from the same batch) as functions of the absorbed dose values are calibrated by irradiation under a fixed standard technique (i.e. 10 × 10 cm2 filed, 100 cm SSD, and depth of the maximum dose). These films are also read with the same scanner using the red, green, and blue channels. Four different approaches were used to evaluate film dosimetry for the Grid therapy applications: 1) single channel film dosimetry method (SCM), 2) dual channel film dosimetry method (DCM), 3) linearized dose-response curve method (LRCM), and 4) triple channel film dosimetry method (TCM). A dose of 20 Gy was delivered to the point along the central axis of the grid hole at the depth of maximum dose (dmax) for a 20 × 20 cm2 Grid field size. Beam profiles and percentage depth dose distributions of the Grid radiation have been measured in water-equivalent phantom material, using EBT3 films. The accuracy of the relative and the absolute dosimetry of the films were examined by comparison of the TLD measured data with the Monte Carlo simulated values. Results The results of these investigations show that for a gamma index criterion of 5%/3 mm, the agreements between the MC calculations dose profiles and the SCM, DCM, LRCM, and TCM film dosimetry approaches the passing rates of 91%, 92%, 95%, and 95%, respectively. A much closer agreement was observed for using a linearized dose-response curve and triple-channel methods. Conclusions Selection of an appropriate methodology in Gafchromic film dosimetry may lead to an accurate dose-response in a high dose gradient radiation field such as Grid therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypoxic-ischemic injury is the most common cause of encephalopathy in newborns. Objectives: The goal of our study was to demonstrate the role of transcranial ultrasound (TCUS) compared to MRI in assessment of neonatal encephalopathy. Patients and methods: Consecutive thirty sex neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) were included. All cases had undergone MR imaging as well as transcranial ultrasound study of the brain. The study was conducted between May 2015 and September 2017. They were collected from the Neonatology Intensive Care Unit at Elsayed Galal and El-Demerdash University Hospitals. Results: Our study found that stages I and II showed mild to moderate HIE presented with peripheral pattern and white matter injuries while stage III revealed severe HIE presented with central pattern of injury (BGT). In addition, our study reported that all patients with stage III of HIE showed severe central pattern on MRI. Conclusion: MRI imaging is considered a sensitive technique in detecting different MR patterns of encephalopathy in newborns. MRI placed other imaging modalities in diagnostic assessment and early predictor of future development of neurological abnormalities in neonates with encephalopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Speech is the motor act of communicating by articulating verbal expression, whereas language is the data of an emblem system used for social communication. Aim of the work: This study aims to find a relationship between childhood speech, language disorders and epileptiform discharges without seizures and to evaluate the cognitive function in those children, which may help in early diagnosis and management of such cases. Study Design: Case control study Place: Pediatrics Department at Al-Azhar University Hospitals. Methodology: The study was conducted on fifty patients with speech/language disorder without epilepsy, their age ranged from 2-5 years, who were selected from Outpatient Clinic of Pediatric Neurology, Al-Azhar University Hospitals through the period from March 2018 to October 2018. The study also included fifty normal language developed children who were matched both in age and gender as control group. Results: The control group matched the study group in age and gender with no statistical difference between them. Delayed language development (DLD) affected males (64%) more than females (36%) with ratio of 1.78: 1. Caesarean section (C.S.) represented 44% of cases 56% of the cases were delivered through the normal vaginal delivery (p value > 0.05). In our study we were unable to find any influence of epileptogenic activity on IQ levels. Conclusion: Electrocardiogram must be performed for the child who suffers from delayed development of the language even if he does not complain of clinical convulsions. Diagnosis and treatment should be carried out by a multi-disciplinary team and not a single specialty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the species richness of the blow fly (Calliphoridae: Diptera) fauna (1600 species), the relevant environmental, medical, agricultural, and forensic knowledge of these species found in Saudi Arabia is limited. As part of a study on the biodiversity of Diptera of south-western Saudi Arabia a survey of the Diptera fauna of Jazan, Asir and Najran was performed between 2010-2016 at 17 sites, mainly using Malaise traps, sweep nets and baited traps. Eighteen species of Calliphoridae were identified and recorded in this study, seven of which were recorded for the first time. This makes the total number of Calliphoridae species in Saudi Arabia (including 26 species previously recorded and excluding two species which were synonymized namely: Rhyncomya zumptii Peris 1952; Chrysoma regalis Robineau-Desvoidy 1830) to be 44. A list of all species of Calliphoridae recorded from Saudi Arabia is provided. Images of five species are presented. Biological information on each species (where known) and geographical distribution are included. In addition to the results of the identifications all available literature about Calliphoridae of Saudi Arabia is summarized and analysed. The species recorded in this study are more Afrotropical in origin than they are to other regions. The need for further field and laboratory work and surveillance is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acidic insulating refractory bricks were prepared by mixing kaolin and grog with polystyrene (PS) beads up to 1.5% and bagasse up to 5% (by weight). This latter is a fibrous waste residue from the sugar cane industry. The bricks were dried and fired at 1250°C in a cycle lasting for 16 hours. The bricks were tested for water absorption, porosity, bulk density, cold crushing strength and thermal conductivity at three different temperatures (400, 600, and 800°C). It was concluded that bricks containing 1% PS and 3% bagasse abided by ASTM C155‐97 for C‐30 type insulating refractories with a bulk density of 1.01 g/cm3, a cold crushing strength of 4.08 MPa, and a thermal conductivity of 0.37 W/K/m at 800°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The critical factors and interactions which affect the module-level performance of permeate gap membrane distillation (PGMD) were investigated. A three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed for the PGMD configuration, and the model was validated using experimental data. The realizable k- ε turbulence model was applied for the flow in the feed and coolant channels. A two-level full factorial design tool was utilized to plan additional simulation trials to examine the effects of four selected parameters (i.e., factors) on permeate flux and thermal efficiency, both of which represent performance indicators of PGMD. Permeate gap conductivity (k gap), permeate gap thickness (δ gap), module length (L module), and membrane distillation coefficient (B m) were the selected factors for the analysis. The effect of each factor and their interactions were evaluated. B m was found to be the most influential factor for both performance indicators, followed by k gap and δ gap. The factorial analysis indicated that the influence of each variable depends on its interactions with other factors. The effect of k gap was more significant for membranes with higher B m because the gap resistance becomes dominant at high B m. Similarly, δ gap is inversely proportional to the permeate flux and only significant for membranes with high B m. Highlights • A validated CFD model was developed to model PGMD configuration. • Realizable k- ε turbulence model was applied in the feed and permeate channels. • Two-level full factorial design and analysis tool was utilized. • Effect of four PGMD configuration parameters were investigated. • Membrane distillation coefficient has the most important effect on PGMD performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper introduces a 9-bit time-based capacitance-to-digital converter (T-CDC). This T-CDC adopts a new design methodology for parasitic cancellation with a simple calibration technique. In T-CDCs, the input sensor capacitance is first converted into a delay pulse using a capacitance-to-time converter (CTC) circuit; then this delay signal is converted into a digital code through a time-to-digital converter (TDC) circuit. A prototype of the proposed T-CDC is implemented in UMC 0.13 μm CMOS technology. This T-CDC consumes 8.42 μW and achieves a maximum SNR of 45.14 dB with a conversion time of 1 μs that corresponds to a figure of merit (FoM) of 16.4 fJ/Conv. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Typically, core–shell–shell semiconductor nanowires (NWs) made from III–V materials with low lattice mismatch grow pseudomorphically along the growth axis, i.e. the axial lattice parameters of the core and shell materials are the same. Therefore, both the structural composition and interface strain of the NWs are encoded along directions perpendicular to the growth axis. Owing to fluctuations in the supplied growth species during molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) growth, structural parameters such as local shell thickness, composition and strain may differ between NWs grown onto the same substrate. This requires structural analysis of single NWs instead of measuring NW ensembles. In this work, the complete structure of single GaAs/(In,Ga)As/GaAs core–shell–shell NW heterostructures is determined by means of X‐ray nanodiffraction using synchrotron radiation. The NWs were grown by MBE on a prepatterned silicon (111) substrate with a core diameter of 50 nm and an (In,Ga)As shell thickness of 20 nm with a nominal indium concentration of 15%, capped by a 30 nm GaAs outer shell. In order to access single NWs with the X‐ray nanobeam being incident parallel to the surface of the substrate, a single row of holes with a separation of 10 µm was defined by electron‐beam lithography to act as nucleation centres for MBE NW growth. These well separated NWs were probed sequentially by X‐ray nanodiffraction, recording three‐dimensional reciprocal‐space maps of Bragg reflections with scattering vectors parallel (out‐of‐plane) and perpendicular (in‐plane) to the NW growth axis. From the out‐of‐plane 111 Bragg reflection, deviations from hexagonal symmetry were derived, together with the diameters of probed NWs grown under the same conditions. The radial NW composition and interface strain became accessible when measuring the two‐dimensional scattering intensity distributions of the in‐plane and reflections, exhibiting well pronounced thickness fringes perpendicular to the NW side planes (truncation rods, TRs). Quantitative values of thickness, composition and strain acting on the (In,Ga)As and GaAs shells were obtained via finite‐element modelling of the core–shell–shell NWs and subsequent Fourier transform, simulating the TRs measured along the three different directions of the hexagonally shaped NWs simultaneously. Considering the experimental constraints of the current experiment, thicknesses and In content have been evaluated with uncertainties of ±2 nm and ±0.01, respectively. Comparing data taken from different single NWs, the shell thicknesses differ from one to another. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systemic studies dealing with 6-Shogaol (C17H24O3) safety in experimental animals is lacking. Therefore, the aim of current study was to determine the safe dose of 6- Shogaol that can be used in mice model and to assess the potential toxicity that may be initiated by the higher concentrations of this substance by means of clinical observations and evaluation of histopathological changes in liver, kidney and spleen. Sixty mice were divided into 6 groups; groups 1 and 2 served as negative and vehicle control respectively, whereas animals of groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 were treated with 10, 20, 40, and 100 mg/kg b.w. Shogaol respectively. The animals were investigated daily for any sign indicative for activity alterations and toxicity along with their body weight measurement throughout experiment for 14 days. At the end of the experiment, the animals were euthanized and the liver, spleen and kidney were collected for histopathological examination. The results obtained from this study showed that the 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg b.w. doses of Shogaol were safe compared to the 100 mg/kg b.w. dose which resulted in mild clinical activity alterations, reduction in body weight gain and histopathological changes, probably attributed to Shogoal toxicity, in 30% of the total mice treated by this dose. No mortality was observed in all groups. These results may provide a new insight into the safe doses of this phenolic constituent of ginger in experimental animals and open the way for more future studies related to its medicinal benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, a novel sensitive electrochemical potentiometric sensor for sensing Fe3+ ions based on 1,4-diaminoanthraquinone (DAQ) as a hydrophobic selector element was prepared to implement as an ion selective carbon paste electrode in the aqueous solutions. The adequate amounts of ionophore (5%), paraffin oil (25%) as a binder, Nanosilica (NS: 0.5%) multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs: 1%) as a modifier, and graphite powder (68.5%) as an inert matrix was occupied to form the paste. This new FeCP sensor demonstrated a Nernstian slope of 19.7 ± 0.7 mV per decade over widish linear range between 1.0 × 10-8 to 1.0 × 10-2 mol L-1 at working pH range of 1.9-5.0 in the optimized conditions. The average elapsed time to response of electrode was about ~6 s for concentrations from lower (1.0 × 10−8 mol L-1) to higher (1.0 × 10−2 mol L-1) of Fe3+ ion solution. The selectivity of electrode toward Fe3+ ions in comparison with other cations was studied by matched potential method. The making FeCP sensor has been put to use successfully as an indicator electrode in analytical applications such as the potentiometric titration and determination of iron(III) ion in blend of different ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): This study aimed to investigate the effect of Shogaol on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)- induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice compared to an immune-suppressant chemotherapeutic medicine, known as 6-thioguanine (6-TG). Materials and Methods: Thirty-six adult BALB/c mice were divided into six groups: group 1 (positive control): no DSS exposure and no treatment; group 2 (negative control): DSS exposure without treatment; group 3 (vehicle control): DSS exposure and olive oil treatment; group 4: DSS exposure and 0.3 mg/kg 6-TG treatment; group 5: DSS exposure and 20 mg/kg Shogaol treatment; and group 6: DSS exposure and 40 mg/kg Shogaol treatment. At day 16, the mice were euthanized and UC was evaluated according to colon length, histologically index score and expression scores of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Results: The disease activity index (DAI) and histological index scores of mice treated with 40 mg/kg body weight (BW) Shogaol were approximately lower than the corresponding scores of mice treated with 6-TG. In addition, the rate of healing in the former mice was approximately 3 folds higher than that of the latter ones as indicated by the lack of EGFR expression in colonic glands and macrophages. Conclusion: These findings showed that the therapeutic effect of 40 mg/kg BW Shogaol could be better than 6-TG in the treatment of UC, and it may draw the attention regarding the priority of using this cheap plant-derived substance for treatment of the inflammatory bowel diseases because treatment with 6-TG is usually associated with adverse side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, progressive inflammatory rheumatic disease that leads to structural damage, functional impairment, and decrease in the quality of life. Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a part of the complete blood count (CBC) and estimates erythrocyte variability. Objective. To analyse RDW in patients with AS and to evaluate the relationships with acute phase reactants (APRs) and disease activity index. Patients and Methods. A total of 100 patients with AS (78 males and 22 females) were diagnosed according to the modified New York classification criteria for AS and 146 (99 males: 47 females) healthy individuals matched in age and sex as controls enrolled in the study. Demographic data, disease activity scores using Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), medical history, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocytes sedimentation rate (ESR), and complete blood count (CBC) were measured. Results. The mean age for patients and controls was 38.0 ± 9.0 and 35.8 ± 9.0 years, respectively (p=0.057). RDW was significantly higher in patients with AS compared with controls (14.133 ± 1.613 versus 12.299 ± 1.031, p < 0.001). There was a direct correlation of RDW with both ESR and CRP (P < 0.001); RDW had r=0.38 for C-reactive protein (CRP) and r=0.413 for ESR. Also BASDAI was directly correlated with RDW (r=0.326 p<0.001). RDW was a valid measure to differentiate between patients with AS and controls (AUC=0,84, p<0.001) and at optimum cut-off value>13% has highest accuracy (78.9%) with very good sensitivity test (81%) and NPV (85.6%) as well as good specificity (77.4%) and PPV (71.1%). Conclusion. RDW was higher in AS patients compared with controls and was directly correlated with ESR, CRP, and BASDAI. RDW was a valid simple measure with good accuracy to differentiate between patients with AS and controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crown wasp Foenatopus hesperophagus Aguiar is recorded for the first time from Western parts of Iran, which is associated with xylophagous larvae, mostly Anthaxia sp (Col.: Buprestidae), collected on Pistacia vera (Anacardiaceae). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On October 3rd, 2021, cyclone Shaheen made landfall on the northeast coast of Oman as a first-category cyclone after crossing the Sea of Oman. It is the first time in more than 130 years that a storm has made such extraordinary landfall on the northeast coast of Oman. This study intends to examine the effects of cyclone Shaheen on ocean cooling and biological response in the Sea of Oman (SO) and the the Arabian Sea (AS) using satellite remote sensing data, an Argo float, and the HYCOM model. The validation analysis of the HYCOM model and the Argo float showed strong correlations between vertical temperature profiles (R = 0.99) and vertical salinity profiles (R = 0.89). Furthermore, winds during the cyclone caused mixing and upwelling leading to Sea Surface Temperatures (SST) dropping 2.5 °C along southern Iranian coastlines, decreasing 5 °C along northern Oman's coastlines, and rising 1 °C across the Arabian Sea. As a result of the exitance of the cyclonic eddies in the Sea of Oman, a significant drop of 5 °C in SST was observed along the coastline of Oman caused by cold upwelled water from southern Iranian coastlines. Cyclone Shaheen's heavy rainfall caused the Sea Surface Salinity (SSS) in the Sea of Oman to drop from 36.7 to 36.8 psu. According to the results, Ekman pumping and upwelling processes predominated along the southern Iranian coast resulting in nutrient uplift and phytoplankton blooms (3 mg/m3). In contrast, strong stratification near the coast of Oman prevented nutrient uplift and led to low Chl-a concentrations. Due to the unique nature of cyclone Shaheen, it is essential to examine the complex dynamic and interaction between the ocean and atmosphere in the Sea of Oman and the Arabian Sea. • Shaheen is the first tropical cyclone to hit Oman's northern coasts since 1890. • Shaheen induced upwelling and Ekman pumping along the southern Iranian coasts. • Coastal Oman observed a 5 °C drop in SST, and the Arabian Sea warmed by 1–2 °C. • Southern Iran coast observed a slow drop in SST (∼ 2.5 °C). • Southern Iranian coasts saw significant phytoplankton blooms after the cyclone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tramadol is an analgesic drug that is mainly excreted in the urine. The entry of Tramadol into water samples causes their biological contamination. Therefore, three catalysts such as bismuth ferrite, cobalt-doped bismuth ferrite, and a magnetized Keggin type of polyoxometalate (α-Fe 2 O 3 @phosphotungstic acid), were synthesized as photocatalysts to degrade Tramadol in water samples. The morphology and properties of the prepared photocatalysts were evaluated using several techniques. Effects of several factors, including tramadol concentration, pH, hydrogen peroxide concentration, and photocatalyst amount, were studied and optimized by a design experiment procedure based on Box-Behnken design for reducing the number of experiments and cost and investigating the interactions between factors in the photocatalytic degradation process of Tramadol. These factors were optimized for each prepared photocatalyst individually. Under the optimum conditions, the percentages of tramadol degradation and kinetics of the degradation process were evaluated in the presence of each photocatalyst. The tramadol degradation percentages using bismuth ferrite, cobalt-doped bismuth ferrite, and α-Fe 2 O 3 @phosphotungstic acid were 81.10% for 120 min, 90.63% for 80 min, and 91.32% for 80 min, respectively. The rate constants of tramadol degradation were 0.0145, 0.0329, and 0.0312 min−1 for bismuth ferrite, cobalt-doped bismuth ferrite, and α-Fe 2 O 3 @phosphotungstic acid, respectively. The results indicated the highest percentage of tramadol degradation and rate of the degradation process were obtained using α-Fe 2 O 3 @phosphotungstic acid and cobalt-doped bismuth ferrite, respectively. [Display omitted] • Three photocatalysts were synthesized and applied to degrade Tramadol in water samples. • The morphology and structure of these photocatalysts were investigated. • The tramadol photodegradation was optimized using the design experiment method. • The ability of these photocatalysts to degrade Tramadol was compared together. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a rigorous mathematical formulation for topology optimization of a macro structure undergoing ductile failure. The prediction of ductile solid materials which exhibit dominant plastic deformation is an intriguingly challenging task and plays an extremely important role in various engineering applications. Here, we rely on the phase-field approach to fracture which is a widely adopted framework for modeling and computing the fracture failure phenomena in solids. The first objective is to optimize the topology of the structure in order to minimize its mass, while accounting for structural damage. To do so, the topological phase transition function (between solid and void phases) is introduced, thus resulting in an extension of all the governing equations. Our second objective is to additionally enhance the fracture resistance of the structure. Accordingly, two different formulations are proposed. One requires only the residual force vector of the deformation field as a constraint, while in the second formulation, the residual force vector of the deformation and phase-field fracture simultaneously have been imposed. An incremental minimization principles for a class of gradient-type dissipative materials are used to derive the governing equations. Thereafter, to obtain optimal topology to enhance the structural resistance due to fracture, the level-set-based formulation is formulated. The level-set-based topology optimization is employed to seek an optimal layout with smooth and clear boundaries. Sensitivities are derived using the analytical gradient-based adjoint method to update the level-set surface for both formulations. Here, the evolution of the level-set surface is realized by the reaction–diffusion equation to maximize the strain energy of the structure while a certain volume of design domain is prescribed. Several three-dimensional numerical examples are presented to substantiate our algorithmic developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The size of nanoparticles influences the viscosity and thermal conductivity of a nanofluid flow. In this exploration, the impacts of the dynamic viscosity and thermal conductivity of the Corcione model on the magneto-hydrodynamics (MHD) Cu-water nanofluid flow over an exponentially stretched surface are examined. It is pertinent to mention that the whole scenario is done at 300 K and the freezing temperatures of 273.15 K with a particle size of 25 nm. The Navier slip and convective boundary conditions are assumed at the surface. A homogeneous single-phase model is adopted to formulate the problem. Nonlinear, coupled momentum, and energy balance nondimensionalized ordinary differential equations (ODEs) are constructed with suitable transformations. To solve these ODEs numerically, a renowned bvp4c technique of MATLAB software is employed. The effects of the arising parameters are represented graphically and numerically and are depicted in tables and graphs. It is witnessed that the velocity of the copper-water nanofluid declined with larger estimations of the volume fraction of nanoparticles, although the temperature distribution showed the reverse tendency. Moreover, at the surface for higher values of the slip parameter, the velocity profile reduces and the temperature of the fluid augments for higher values of the Biot number. The validation of the model is also executed by comparing it with the published result in the limiting case. An outstanding correlation is attained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titanium subrogated lanthanum strontium manganite LSMO (La0.5Sr0.5Mn1-xTixO3; Ti ratio = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5) nanoparticles have been prepared based on an organic acid precursor pathway using glycine-nitrate as a fuel. The effectuation of Ti4+ ion concentration on the crystallo-aspects, microstructure as well as the optical features was scrutinized. Exemplary, orthorhombic perovskite LSMTO with a space group Pbnm were manifested at low annealing temperature 800 °C for period 2h. Further, insertion of Ti4+ ion instead of Mn4+ ion in LSMO commenced to increment the crystallite size from 14 to 24 nm. The FT-IR spectrum demonstrated that band around 600 cm−1 linked to Mn-O become broad imputed to Ti-O stretching modes. The morphology of all samples presented the spherical clusters with enhancing the grain size by incorporation of Ti4+ ion into the LSMO crystal. Band gap energy with boost of Ti4+ ion weight ratio was found to augment from 1.83 to 2.1 eV. Meanwhile, the refractive index was found to slightly minify from 2.78 to 2.66. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron (Fe) oxide nanoparticles (NPs) improve crop growth. However, the comparative effect of root and foliar-applied different sources of Fe oxide NPs on plant performance at morphological and physiological levels still needs to be discovered. In this study, we characterized the growth and physiological responses of hydroponic-cultured maize seedlings to four sources of Fe (i.e., α-Fe2O3, γ-Fe2O3, Fe3O4 NPs, and bulk Fe3O4) and two application methods (root vs. foliar). Results showed that Fe concentration in root and shoot increased by elevating the level of NPs from 100 mg L−1 to 500 mg L−1. Overall, the responses of maize seedlings to different sources of Fe oxide NPs were as follows: Fe3O4 > γ-Fe2O3 > α-Fe2O3 > bulk Fe3O4. The application of Fe at concentrations ranging from 100 mg L−1 to 500 mg L−1 had no significant effects on various growth parameters of maize, including biomass, chlorophyll content, and root length. Iron oxide NPs increased the plant biomass by 23–37% by root application, whereas it was 5–9% by foliar application. Chlorophyll contents were increased by 29–34% and 18–22% by foliar and root applications, respectively. The non-significant response of reactive oxygen species (i.e., superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase) suggested optimum maize performance for supplementing Fe oxide NPs. A confocal laser scanning microscope suggested that Fe oxide NPs entered through the epidermis and from the cortex to the endodermis. Our results provide a scientific basis that the root application of Fe3O4 at the rate of 100 mg L−1 is a promising approach to obtain higher maize performance and reduce the quantity of fertilizer used in agriculture to minimize environmental effects while improving crop productivity and quality. These findings demonstrated the tremendous potential of Fe NPs as an environmentally friendly and sustainable crop approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study focuses on nonlinear convective nanofluid (MoS2 − vacuum pump oil) flow with different shapes in an annular region across coaxial cylinders in a permeable media. At the interface of coaxial cylinders velocity slip and temperature jump conditions are incorporated. The phenomenon of thermal transport is enhanced by amalgamating generalized Fourier law with variable thermal conductivity. The Hamilton-Crosser nanofluid flow model is adopted here. The nonlinear equations that govern the flow are simplified via a similarity transformation. For the numerical solution, the bvp4c algorithm is utilized. Graphical analysis is employed to illustrate how important factors affect the temperature and velocity fields. Computational values of the drag force coefficient and Nusselt number are summarized in tabular form. The study reveals that the velocity field upsurges on enhancing the nonlinear convective and radii ratio parameters. On amplifying the rarefaction and thermal conductivity parameters, the thermal field upsurges. Skin friction coefficient exhibits a decreasing behavior on incrementing the porosity parameter. Heat flux diminishes more rapidly by boosting the concentration of nanoparticles. A considerable correlation is apparent graphically and in tabular form by comparing the results of the current investigation with published studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The key function of lubricants is to reduce the friction, wear, and heat between the parts that are in contact with each other. The main applications of the lubricants are to control temperature, and reduction in wear and corrosion of the machinery. Keeping in mind the importance of lubrication and its applications in varied machines. The goal of this research is to inspect the heat transmission impact in the magnetohydrodynamic flow of Jeffrey liquid near a stagnation point through a lubricated surface. Lubrication is accomplished by a shear-thinning liquid. The velocity, continuity, and shear stress, amalgamated with power-law fluids, are used to develop interfacial conditions. The exclusivity of the anticipated model is the inclusion of variable thermal conductivity and diffusion coefficients in the existence of homogeneous-heterogeneous reactions. Using the Keller–Box finite-difference approximation approach, the numerical results are accomplished. The outcomes are portrayed and tabulated in the form of diagrams and tables, respectively. It is witnessed that a greater magnetic field affects the fluid flow velocity and the drag force coefficient. Moreover, it is also inferred that the heat transfer rate dwindled for the greater thermal conductivity parameter. Authentication of the presented model is also part of this investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the widespread use of herbal preparations and ongoing studies on their therapeutic potential, there are no safety standards on their usage. We report a case of a 36-year-old male patient who presented with severe muscle weakness and generalized fatigue. He had no significant medical history. Initial laboratory investigations revealed hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypophosphatemia. His condition suddenly deteriorated, and he went into cardiac arrest. He was resuscitated in accordance with advanced life support guidelines. On recovery, he had left-sided weakness and dysarthria. He underwent head computed tomography, which revealed an acute infarct in the right middle cerebral artery territory. We determined that he had developed electrolyte deficiency as a result of a recent intake of a mixture of herbs consisting of khella, barley, and frankincense for kidney stones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates personality dimensions and attributional styles among individuals with and without gender dysphoria in relationship to gender, educational level, and ethnicity. Participants were 60 men and women with and without gender dysphoria. A demographic sheet and two inventories were used. Results showed that patients with gender dysphoria had significantly higher neuroticism and lower agreeableness compared with individuals without gender dysphoria. No significance differences in extraversion, openness to experience, and conscientiousness (based on the "big five" personality model) were found between those with and without gender dysphoria. Also, individuals without gender dysphoria had higher positive attributional styles compared to patients with gender dysphoria. Finally, there were significant effects for gender and ethnicity on personality dimensions, but not for gender, ethnicity, or the ethnicity by gender interaction on the attributional styles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Removal nickel from the aquatic environment is a serious environmental problem in view of public health. The present article studies the applicability of activated carbon, obtained from graphite, as a source of adsorbents to remove nickel from the aqueous polluted water. Activated carbon was obtained by steam activation of graphite and then was oxidized by nitric acid followed by modification with Tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA). The applicability of graphite activated carbon (GAC), and modified activated carbon by Tetraethylenepentamine (GACA) to remove nickel ions Ni(II) from aqueous media was studied. The effect of pH, initial concentration, contact time, and the temperature was evaluated during Ni(II) removal operating in a batch process. Experimental results show that the studied activated carbon have a good adsorption capacity for Ni(II) ions and could reduce the concentrations of it in the groundwater. A maximum removal efficient of Ni(II) was observed at 55°C. The experimental data showed an endothermic and spontaneous process, which was fitted to Langmuir isotherm. Based on our results, we can conclude that it is possible to use GAC and GACA for removing Ni(II) effectively from groundwater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper a new technique based on dynamic stream cipher algorithm is introduced. The mathematical model of dynamic stream cipher algorithm is based on the idea of changing the structure of the combined Linear Feedback Shift Registers (LFSR's) with each change in basic and message keys to get more complicated encryption algorithm, and this is done by use a bank of LFSR's stored in protected file and we select a collection of LFSR's randomly that are used in algorithm to generate the encryption (decryption) key. We implement Basic Efficient Criteria on the suggested Key Generator (KG) to test the output key results. The results of applying BEC prove the robustness and efficiency of the proposed stream cipher cryptosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the eutectic behaviour in binary miscible blends of a rigid and two semi-flexible Liquid Crystal Polymers (LCP) model systems for self and thermoplastic reinforcement. At the eutectic point of the studied LCP-LCP blends, the systems showed suppressed crystal-nematic temperatures and wider nematic range with lower process temperature than the single LCP components. This approach broadens the application of LCPs as high-performance polymers, as well as in reinforcement of engineering plastics. The eutectic points of LCP blends could be a blueprint for development of varieties of multi-component LCP materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed and validated to estimate the liquid entry pressure (LEP) of hydrophobic membranes used for membrane distillation (MD). The volume of fluid (VOF) approach was employed to model the pore wetting process at pore-scale. As a result, the water/air interface could be identified at the pore entrance and then monitored through the pore in the course of gradually increased liquid water pressure at the feed side of the membrane. The contact angle ( θ ), pore length (L), pore entrance sharpness ( r s ) and pore throat geometry were studied for their effects on wetting using the CFD model. Additionally, the impact of applying permeate-side vacuum on the LEP was assessed, in comparison to feed-side-only trans-membrane pressure. An accurate LEP estimation with a high-resolution capillary effect monitoring strategy was achieved using the CFD tool. Pore throat geometry variation, θ , r s and L were all found to have a significant effect on LEP. Air-mixed layer formation was observed in the case of superhydrophobic membranes. Permeate-side vacuum resulted in earlier wetting, compared to atmospheric pressure outlet, but only for one pore geometry. The results of this work provide an insight for understanding the wetting progress through a membrane's micropore, enabling better mitigation of premature wetting in MD membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) involves many aspects such as chewing ability, sleeping, social interactions, self-esteem, and satisfaction with life and oral health. The increasing research interest in OHRQoL began only after the shortcomings of previous approaches of treating symptoms only and neglecting the patient's self-perception were revealed. Patients and methods: The current study design is a cross-sectional study of patients who attended King Abdulaziz University Dental Hospital (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) and King Saud University Dental Hospital (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia). After obtaining their verbal consent, young adult and adult patients (mean age 25.19±7.29 years old) with anterior spacing or crowding were recruited to participate in the study. They filled the Arabic short version of the oral-health impact profile-14 questionnaire after a clinical evaluation of the severity of their spacing or crowding. Parameters of spacing/crowding severity assessment were as follows: ,4, mild; 4--8, moderate; and .8, severe. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test in SPSS statistical package. The level of significance was set to ,0.05. Results: The sample size of this study was 308 subjects. Findings indicated a statistically significant (p=0.001) association between anterior spacing malocclusion (ASM) with Q5 "self-consciousness", since 64.2% of patients with ASM reported being self-conscious. Results indicated a statistically significant association between educational level with anterior crowding malocclusion (ACM; p=0.02) and ASM (p=0.01) with Q3 "painful aching". Moreover, findings indicated a statistically significant association (p=0.04) between income and ACM with Q5 "self-consciousness". On the other hand, results showed no significant association between gender with either ACM or ASM. Conclusion: This study sheds light on how anterior malocclusion (crowding or spacing) impacts OHRQoL negatively, especially heightening self-consciousness about their appearance. These effects should be addressed by the orthodontist during the course of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast plasmacytoma is a rare neoplasm. Here we present a case of extramedullary plasmacytoma of the breast in a 41-year-old Iranian lady who was a known case of spine plasmacytoma. Two years ago study case was presented with severe back pain. At that time, MRI revealed an expansile and destructive lesion in the body of S1 which was suggestive of metastasis. The patient underwent incisional biopsy that was a representative of a plasmacytoma. Skeletal survey, bone marrow aspiration, and serum protein electrophoresis were negative. The patient received radiation therapy. This year (2 years later) she detected a mass in her right breast. A mammography revealed a 30 mm high-density mass with an ill-defined border in the right breast. The mass was excised, and histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of plasmacytoma. Although plasmacytoma of the breast is rare, this tumor should be considered as a differential diagnosis of a breast mass, especially in patients with plasma cell dyscrasias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enhancement in the convective heat transfer coefficient of the ethylene glycol (EG) base cuprous oxide (CuO) nanofluids were investigated. The nanofluids of different volume concentrations i-e 1%, 2.5% and 4.5% were prepared by the two step method. Cuprous oxide (CuO) nanoparticles were ultrasonically stirred for four hours in the ethylene glycol (EG). The experimental study has been performed through circular tube geometry in laminar flow regime at average Reynolds numbers 36, 71 and 116. The constant heat flux Q = 4000 (W/m) was maintained during this work. Substantial enhancement was observed in the convective heat transfer coefficient of ethylene glycol (EG) base cuprous oxide (CuO) nanofluids than the base fluid. The maximum 74% enhancement was observed in convective heat transfer coefficient at 4.5 vol% concentration and Re = 116. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mental health patients with self-stigma often loss their self-esteem. The objectives: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence rate of mental illnesses stigma and its association with quality of life in adult Saudi patients attending the out patient's in psychiatry department in King Fahad University Hospital at Al Khobar, KSA. Methods: This is a cross sectional study. A demographic data including age, sex, marital status and occupation were collected in addition to a 32 question-based questionnaire with different variables divided into three parts; To gain further perspective on discrimination experienced by persons with mental illness. To study rejection experienced by mentally ill patients. To evaluate the patients coping ways to stigma which characterized by secrecy, avoidance and withdrawal, and advocacy and confrontation. Results: There were 71 (34.6%) women, 112 (54.6%) men. About third (36.6%) of respondent agrees that people think of mentally ill patients as untrustworthy. Almost half of them (44.9%) disagree that people find them dangerous. The same percent (44.9%) agree that people take them less seriously.41.5% of them feel that people avoid them. More than half of them 51.2% disagree that someone will not take them as close friend. But 54.6% didn't feel any avoidance from relative, neighbors or colleagues (missing data 11.2%). 67.8% also, didn't feel any avoidance from family members. More than half (55.1 %) tries to hide the fact that they are mentally ill and 72.2% will not avoid getting married or starting a family because of their mental illness history. Conclusion: Our study indicated that most of mental health patients in our community have experienced moderate to severe level of stigma. Future researches are needed to study the prevalence of stigma and rejection in mental health patients allover Saudi Arabia. Community awareness campaigns to raise the knowledge that mental illness is a disease like other body diseases and there is no shame of being mental health patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural, morphological, and optical characteristics of GZO ultra-thin films were investigated using XRD (X-ray diffraction), FE-SEM (field emission electron microscopy), in situ EDS (Energy Dispersive X-ray) spectroscopy, UV–VIS-IR spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) respectively. Morphological analysis reveals the noodle, seed and particle like structure of GZO for GaN, sapphire and Si substrates respectively with average grain size ranging from 5 to 20 nm. An effective mass model (EM-Model) for particle in a cylindrical wave function of e–h pair was correlated with experimental results. The reduction in FWHM value (from 31 nm to 13 nm) of NBE (near-band-edge) emission peak and enhanced NBE intensity have been achieved with small grain size. Blue shift in optical band gap is explained in term of grain radius by EM-model. Improved optical and structural properties were found in relation with quantum confinement effect. The current study states that grain size plays vital role in order to tailor optical properties of GZO thin films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiation oncology has been rapidly improved by the application of new equipment and techniques. With the advent of new complex and precise radiotherapy techniques such as intensity modulated radiotherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, and volumetric modulated arc therapy, the demand for an accurate and feasible three-dimensional (3-D) dosimetry system has increased. The most important features of a 3-D dosimeter, apart from being precise, accurate and reproducible, include also its low cost, feasibility, and availability. In 2004 a new generation of solid plastic dosimeters which demonstrate a radiochromic response to ionizing radiation was introduced. PRESAGE ® plastic dosimeter lacks the limitations of previous Ferric and polymer plastic 3-D dosimeters such as diffusion, sensitivity to oxygen, fabrication problems, scanning and read out challenges. In this decade, a large number of efforts have been carried out to enhance PRESAGE ® structure and scanning methods. This article attempts to review and reflect on the results of these investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The clinical efficacy of Grid therapy has been examined by several investigators. In this project, the hole diameter and hole spacing in Grid blocks were examined to determine the optimum parameters that give a therapeutic advantage. Methods:The evaluations were performed using Monte Carlo (MC) simulation and commonly used radiobiological models. The Geant4 MC code was used to simulate the dose distributions for 25 different Grid blocks with different hole diameters and center-to-center spacing. The therapeutic parameters of these blocks, namely, the therapeutic ratio (TR) and geometrical sparing factor (GSF) were calculated using two different radiobiological models, including the linear quadratic and Hug-Kellerer models. In addition, the ratio of the open to blocked area (ROTBA) is also used as a geometrical parameter for each block design. Comparisons of the TR, GSF, and ROTBA for all of the blocks were used to derive the parameters for an optimum Grid block with the maximum TR, minimum GSF, and optimal ROTBA. A sample of the optimum Grid block was fabricated at our institution. Dosimetric characteristics of this Grid block were measured using an ionization chamber in water phantom, Gafchromic film, and thermoluminescent dosimeters in Solid Water™ phantom materials. Results: The results of these investigations indicated that Grid blocks with hole diameters between 1.00 and 1.25 cm and spacing of 1.7 or 1.8 cm have optimal therapeutic parameters (TR > 1.3 and GSF˼ 0.90). The measured dosimetric characteristics of the optimum Grid blocks including dose profiles, percentage depth dose, dose output factor (cGy/MU), and valley-to-peak ratio were in good agreement (±5%) with the simulated data. Conclusion: In summary, using MC-based dosimetry, two radiobiological models, and previously published clinical data, we have introduced a method to design a Grid block with optimum therapeutic response. The simulated data were reproduced by experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A radiation treatment delivery technique, intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), has found widespread use in the treatment of cancers. One of IMRT implementing methods is IMRT compensator based, which the modulation are done by high Z materials. When photons with energies higher than 8 MV interact with high Z material in path, Photoneutrons are produced. In this study, the effect of compensator on photoneutron production was investigated. The Monte Carlo code MCNPX was used to calculate the neutron dose equivalent as a function of the depth in phantom with and without compensator. Measurements were made using CR-39 track-etched detectors. CR-39 detectors, were cut in dimensions of 2.5×2.5 cm 2 by laser, placed in different depths of slab phantom and then irradiated by 18 MV photons. Same procedure was performed with the compensator present and absent. The measured data were compared with MCNP calculations. In both experimental and simulation results, neutron dose equivalent when compensator used, was less than non-compensator field. The calculated neutron dose equivalent was maximum at surface and decreased exponentially by increasing depth, but in experimental data, the neutron dose equivalent reached a maximum at approximately 3 cm depth in the phantom and beyond which decreased with depth.CR-39 calibration was carried out in air, by considering that neutron energy spectrum changes toward thermal neutrons by depth in phantom increasing, it is suggested that for measuring equivalent neutron dose at phantom depth, should have proper neutron calibration in terms of energy spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In barley endosperm arabinoxylan (AX) is the second most abundant cell wall polysaccharide and in wheat it is the most abundant polysaccharide in the starchy endosperm walls of the grain. AX is one of the main contributors to grain dietary fibre content providing several health benefits including cholesterol and glucose lowering effects, and antioxidant activities. Due to its complex structural features, AX might also affect the downstream applications of barley grain in malting and brewing. Using a high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) method we quantified AX amounts in mature grain in 128 spring 2-row barley accessions. Amounts ranged from ~ 5.2 μg/g to ~ 9 μg/g. We used this data for a Genome Wide Association Study (GWAS) that revealed three significant quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with grain AX levels which passed a false discovery threshold (FDR) and are located on two of the seven barley chromosomes. Regions underlying the QTLs were scanned for genes likely to be involved in AX biosynthesis or turnover, and strong candidates, including glycosyltransferases from the GT43 and GT61 families and glycoside hydrolases from the GH10 family, were identified. Phylogenetic trees of selected gene families were built based on protein translations and were used to examine the relationship of the barley candidate genes to those in other species. Our data reaffirms the roles of existing genes thought to contribute to AX content, and identifies novel QTL (and candidate genes associated with them) potentially influencing the AX content of barley grain. One potential outcome of this work is the deployment of highly associated single nucleotide polymorphisms markers in breeding programs to guide the modification of AX abundance in barley grain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myasthaenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder which is twice as common among women, often presenting in the second and third decades of life. Typically, the first trimester of pregnancy and first month postpartum are considered high-risk periods for MG exacerbations. During pregnancy, treatment for MG is usually individualised, thus improving its management. Plasma exchange and immunoglobulin therapies can be safely used to treat severe manifestations of the disease or myasthaenic crises. However, thymectomies are not recommended because of the delayed beneficial effects and possible risks associated with the surgery. Assisted vaginal delivery--either vacuum-assisted or with forceps--may be required during labour, although a Caesarean section under epidural anaesthesia should be reserved only for standard obstetric indications. Myasthaenic women should not be discouraged from attempting to conceive, provided that they seek comprehensive counselling and ensure that the disease is under good control before the start of the pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]