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Abstract Blockchain technology has gained significant attention in the most recent years due to its potential to address related issues to privacy, transparency, and security. In the healthcare industry, it is considered a promising solution to challenges related to data management, medical data privacy, and security. This paper proposes a novel framework for managing electronic medical healthcare records that uses Amazon Web Services (AWS) to create a secure and cost-effective solution. The proposed solution uses a serverless approach to reduce costs and only pay for the compute resources when needed. The framework focuses on improving the security of access to the blockchain network by implementing a multi-level security approach, starting from protecting the Hyperledger and implementing role-based access for end-users who require access to the stored data. The effectiveness of the proposed framework is demonstrated by creating a role-based access matrix for three different user types and performing multiple experiments to validate access for each user type.

Background: Dimethoate (DM) is one of the most important organophosphate insecticides used for controlling many pests which affect vegetables, fruits and agricultural crops, its persistence in soils and crops could cause a health hazard to humans as well as other non-target organisms. Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate effect of the recommended dose and its double of dimethoate (DM) on sex hormones, sperm morphology and fertility of adult male mice. Methods: Twenty-seven Swiss albino adult male mice were divided into three groups of nine animals each: control group received distilled water only, while other groups received DM orally at doses (0.1 and 0.2 ml DM /100 ml distilled water) for 20 days, at the end of the treatment, six mice from each group were sacrificed. The sperm morphology was evaluated and sex hormones were measured. Three mice from each group were allowed to mate with untreated females (1: 2). Result: The results revealed a decrease in LH level in mice treated with (0.2 ml DM /100 ml distilled water) compared with control group while the levels of FSH and testosterone did not record any significant differences. Also, the results demonstrated a significant increase in abnormal sperm morphology such as head and tail. The fertility reduced and average number of dead embryos increased while the average number of live embryos decreased. Conclusion: This current study confirmed that DM has detrimental effects on sperm morphology, fertility and the embryos, therefore, more efforts should be exerted to protect ourselves and our environment from the harmful effects of this pesticide. [Open Vet J 2023; 13(7.000): 873-878]

Aiming the potential application of lipopeptide biosurfactant (BioS) in bioremediation, we studied its production by a novel, isolated strain of Bacillus sp. MI27. Using the experimental design methodology, a novel medium composed of 2% sucrose, 0.27% Na2HPO4, 0.2% ammonium sulfate, 0.02% NaCl, 0.02% CaCl2, 0.02% MgSO4, 0.001% MnSO4, 0.06% KH2PO4, 0.005% FeSO4 and 0.005% ZnSO4 was optimized. With this composition, strain MI27 produces 1.4 g/L BioS with maximum surface tension (ST) reduction of 23 mN/m and a dispersion diameter of around 10 cm. Emulsifying and foaming activities have been also confirmed. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) value was about 120 mg/L with corresponding ST of 23 mN/m. The dispersion and emulsification index (EI) were about 12 cm and 45% at 1,000 mg/L respectively. Moreover, the foaming capacity, stable over 1 h of incubation, was about 80% at 1,000 mg/L. Additionally, we studied the effect of different pH, temperature and salinities on MI27 BioS activity and stability. Obtained results showed interesting surface activities at extreme physicochemical conditions, especially at acidic and alkaline pH values, high and low temperatures and higher salinities. All these characteristics enable the possible application of BioS in water treatment biotechnology under diverse environmental conditions. HIGHLIGHTS Experimental methodology to optimize lipopeptide production by Bacillus sp. MI27.; Optimized medium composed only of sucrose, ammonium sulfate and mineral elements.; The lipopeptide had a CMC value of 120 mg/L with a surface tension of 23 mN/m. It disperses and emulsifies oil to about 12 cm and 45% with a foaming capacity of about 80%.; The lipopeptide showed surface activity and stability at extreme physicochemical conditions.;

Background: Traumatic isolated rupture of the long head of the biceps (LHB) tendon is an uncommon injury that can result in significant pain and functional impairment. Surgical treatment is often required to restore normal shoulder function. Case presentation: A 40-year-old male presented with a chronic pain and weakness in his right shoulder. An MRI revealed a complete tear of the LHB tendon with retraction. Keyhole technique was performed, in which the tendon was reattached to the bicipital tuberosity. Results: The patient was discharged on the next day of the surgery and was able to return to normal activities within 12 weeks. At the final follow-up, the patient reported significant improvement in pain and function. Conclusion: This case illustrates the successful use of Keyhole technique in the treatment of traumatic isolated rupture of the LHB tendon. Keyhole technique is a safe and effective surgical technique for restoring normal shoulder function in cases of LHB tendon rupture.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Alzheimer's Related Dementias (ADRD) are projected to affect 50 million people globally in the coming decades. Clinical research suggests that Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), a precursor to dementia, offers a critical window of opportunity for lifestyle interventions to delay or prevent the progression of AD/ADRD. Previous research indicates that lifestyle changes, including increased physical exercise, reduced caloric intake, and mentally stimulating activities, can reduce the risk of MCI. Early detection of MCI is challenging due to subtle and often unnoticed cognitive decline and is traditionally monitored through infrequent clinical tests. In this research, the Smart Driving System, a novel, unobtrusive, and economical technology to detect early stages of neurodegenerative diseases, is presented. The system comprises a multi-modal biosensing array (MMS) and AI algorithms, including driving performance and driver's biometrics, offering insights into a driver's cognitive function. This publication is the first work reported towards the ultimate goal of developing the Smart Driving Device and App, integrating it into vehicles, and validating its effectiveness in detecting MCI through comprehensive pilot studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dimethoate is one of the most organophosphorus pesticide used all over the world to control insect pests, the extensive use of this insecticide causes a health hazard to animals and humans. Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the positive effect of green tea extract on sperm quality and testicular cytoarchitecture in male mice treated with dimethoate and on its reproductive performance. Methods: Mice were divided into three groups, each group contained nine mice, the first group (control) was given distilled water only, the second group received dimethoate at a dose (0.1 ml dimethoate /100 ml distilled water) while the third group was given dimethoate at a dose (0.1 ml dimethoate/ 100 ml distilled water) and the green tea extract at a dose (100 mg/kg). After 20 days of the treatment, six mice from each group were killed, sperm quality (sperm count, morphology motility) and histopathological lesions of testis were evaluated. Results: The results showed that dimethoate significantly affected sperm quality a decrease in sperm motility and an increase in abnormal sperm morphology) and caused marked alterations in the microstructures of testicular tissues. When treated males were mated with untreated females, a decline in the number of live embryos was found, while the green tea extract revealed an effective role by reducing those negative influences. Conclusion: This study revealed that dimethoate has detrimental effects on sperm quality, testicular tissues and the embryos while treatment with green tea revealed a positive role in improving those negative influences of dimethoate without causing any harmful side effects.

ObjectiveNon-respiratory long-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms are mainly related to a long-lasting endothelial dysfunction and microcirculation impairment. We hypothesized that Sulodexide, a purified glycosaminoglycan mixture with a beneficial endothelial effect in arterial and venous peripheral diseases, may be effective in a subset of patients with long COVID-19.Approach and ResultsWe conducted a multicenter prospective quasi-experimental study. A total of 290 patients from the TUN-EndCOV study with long-COVID-19 symptoms and endothelial dysfunction were included. The endothelial function was clinically assessed using a post-occlusive reactive hyperemia protocol with finger thermal monitoring device. Endothelial quality index (EQI) was assessed at inclusion and at 21 days later. The study population was assigned to a sulodexide group (144 patients) or a no-medical treatment group (146 patients). Clinical characteristics were similar at inclusion in the two groups. Fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain were the most common symptoms, respectively, 54.5, 53.8, and 28.3%. At 21 days, the sulodexide group improved significantly better than the no-medical treatment group in chest pain (83.7 vs. 43.6%, p < 10−3), palpitations (85.2 vs. 52.9%, p = 0.009), and endothelial function [median delta-EQI 0.66 (0.6) vs. 0.18 (0.3); p < 10−3]. Endothelial function improvement was significantly correlated with chest pain and palpitations recovery (AUC, i.e., area under the curve = 0.66, CI [0.57– 0.75], p = 0.001 and AUC = 0.60, CI [0.51– 0.69], p = 0.03, respectively).ConclusionSulodexide significantly improves long-lasting post-COVID-19 endothelial dysfunction and alleviates chest pain and palpitations.

The COVID-19 disease is a multisystem disease due in part to the vascular endothelium injury. Lasting effects and long-term sequelae could persist after the infection and may be due to persistent endothelial dysfunction. Our study focused on the evaluation of endothelial quality index (EQI) by finger thermal monitoring with E4 diagnosis Polymath in a large cohort of long COVID-19 patients to determine whether long-covid 19 symptoms are associated with endothelial dysfunction. This is a cross-sectional multicenter observational study with prospective recruitment of patients. A total of 798 patients were included in this study. A total of 618 patients (77.4%) had long COVID-19 symptoms. The mean EQI was 2.02 ± 0.99 IC95% [1.95–2.08]. A total of 397 (49.7%) patients had impaired EQI. Fatigue, chest pain, and neuro-cognitive difficulties were significantly associated with endothelium dysfunction with an EQI

Hybrid halide perovskite-like materials have recently attracted great interest due to their potential applications in optoelectronic devices, energy storage and the semiconductor industry. In this work, two tin(IV) based organic–inorganic hybrid compounds [Cl–(CH2)2–NH3]2SnCl6(1) and [Cl–(CH2)2–NH3]2SnBr5.65Cl0.35(2) were prepared by the reaction of 2-chloroethylamine hydrochloride with SnX2 (X = Cl, Br) in the corresponding concentrated halogen acids. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that compounds (1) and (2) are isotypic and crystallize in the monoclinic system with space group P21/m. The asymmetric unit of the crystal structure in each compound is composed of an independent [SnX6]2− anion charge balanced by [Cl–(CH2)2–NH3]+ cations, where X is a halogen. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and electric measurements show that no phase transition occurs in the hybrid compounds over the temperature range of 298–453 K. Interestingly, both materials exhibit a semiconducting property with optical bandgaps of 4.7 eV for (1) and 2.94 eV for (2). Photoluminescence (PL) measurements evidenced the presence of green emissive traps activated by excitation below the optical gap for the [Cl–(CH2)2–NH3]2SnCl6(1) compound, resulting in an emissive color change of the crystals, from blue to green. These findings of Sn(IV)-based metal halides with prominent semiconducting behaviors and photoluminescence properties contribute to the exploration of new types of hybrid perovskite-like with adjustable properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]