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Abstract Background Unsafe surgical practices are a preventable cause of morbidity and mortality. The WHO published its surgical safety checklist (SSC) to help reduce surgical errors and complications and improve patient outcomes. This study aims to audit compliance with the WHO’s SSC and explore attitudes toward its implementation in hospitals within a low- and middle-income country. Methods This was a two-part, cross-sectional study in which a retrospective desk review was used to audit compliance with SSC use, and a questionnaire was used to explore attitudes toward the SSC. The data were collected between September and November 2021 from two major governmental and nongovernmental hospitals. Surgeons, anesthesiologists, and surgical nurses were invited to complete a self-administered questionnaire that measured attitudes across five domains via a 5-point Likert scale. Results The final sample consisted of 340 patients whose records were retrieved from one governmental hospital (n=170) and one nongovernmental hospital (n=170). Among those patients, 93 (27.4%) underwent general surgery, 49 (14.4%) underwent orthopedic surgery, and 45 (13.2%) underwent pediatric surgery. The SSCs were fully completed for 27.9% of the patients, partially completed for 43.2% of the patients, and left blank for 28.8% of the patients. Compliance with the use of the SSC was significantly associated with age (p=0.002), sex (p=0.022), type of surgery (p

In the title molecule, C13H17N3O3, the substituents on the phenyl ring are rotated slightly out of the mean plane of the ring but the piperidine moiety is nearly perpendicular to that plane. In the crystal, C—H...O hydrogen bonds form chains of molecules extending along the c-axis direction, which are linked by C=O...π(ring) interactions. A Hirshfeld surface analysis showed the majority of intermolecular interactions to be H...H contacts while O...H/H...O contacts are the second most numerous.

Goal: To detect Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) from multiple views of Echocardiogram (cardiac ultrasound) videos. Methods: we propose HCM-Echo-VAR-Ensemble, a novel framework that performs binary classification (HCM vs. no HCM) of echocardiogram videos directly using an ensemble of state-of-the-art deep VAR architectures models (SlowFast and I3D), and fuses their predictions using majority averaging ensembling. Results: HCM-Echo-VAR-Ensemble achieved state-of-the-art accuracy of 95.28%, an F1-Score of 95.20%, a specificity of 96.20%, a sensitivity of 93.97%, a PPV of 96.46%, an NPV of 94.17%, and an AUC of 98.42%, outperforming a comprehensive set of baselines including other ensembling approaches. Conclusions: Our proposed HCM-Echo-VAR-Ensemble framework demonstrates significant potential for improving the sensitivity and accuracy of HCM detection in clinical settings, particularly by ensembling the complementary strengths of the SlowFast and I3D deep VAR models. This approach can enhance diagnostic consistency and accuracy, enabling reliable HCM diagnoses even in low-resource environments.

Bu çalışma, Ebû Mansûr Abdulkâhir b. Tâhir el-Bağdâdî’nin (ö. 429/1037) Şafii fıkhına ilişkin olarak kaleme aldığı el-Mesâilü’d-Devriyye isimli el yazmasının tahkik ve tahlilini içermektedir. Çoğunluğu farazi olmak üzere birçok fıkhî meseleyi özgün bir şekilde temellendirmesi eserin en önemli özelliğidir. Eserde “devir meseleleri” ile kastedilen şey; doğrulanması yanlışlanmasına ve ispat edilmesi çürütülmesine sebep olan (dönüşen) meselelerdir. Bu yöntem; meseleleri kavrama ve değerlendirme, bunları fıkhî usul ve kaidelere indirgeme ve böylece de hüküm çıkarma ve çıkarılan hükmü açıklama noktasında fakihlere geniş ufuklar sunmaktadır. Bu türden bir çıkarım şekli selefin malumu olsa da çağdaş fıkıhçılar arasında pek yaygın değildir. Müellif eserde fıkhî konulara göre bir tasnif yapmıştır. Bazı konularda mezhep imamları arasındaki görüş ayrılıklarına değinmiş ve farklı mezhepler arasında karşılaştırmalar yapmıştır.

Abstract Background Hepatitis C infection is a common cause of liver diseases such as cirrhosis and liver carcinoma. This study aims to determine the clustering of HCV infection among family members of HCV-positive patients (index cases) and the association between internal and external risk factors and HCV infection among these family members. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted during a period from January to June 2024. One hundred and seventeen family members belonging to 26 index cases were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were collected from all family members, and then sera were separated and tested for anti-HCV antibodies by using a commercially available Cobas technique based on ECLIA. Results Among 117 family members, the majority 55.6% were females. The clustering of HCV infection among family members was 7.7%. The highest rates were 9.6% among males and 11.8% among members who were in close contact with female-positive cases, 12.8% in the age group 20–29 years, and 27.3% among brothers, but there were no HCV-positive cases detected among fathers, daughters, and husbands. There was a significant association between HCV infection and some behaviors of family members such as sharing the same sleeping places, nail clippers, and towels with index cases and exposure to cupping (p = 0.0001, 0.002, 0.017, and 0.050), respectively. Conclusion The HCV infection among family members in Aden, Yemen, was low in comparison with most studies globally. The highest rates were found among males, those in contact with female index cases, in the age group 20–29 years, and brothers as relatives, but there were no positive cases among fathers, husbands, daughters, and other relatives.

In the title molecule, C20H18ClN3O2, the 2-chlorophenyl group is disordered to a small extent [occupancies 0.875 (2)/0.125 (2)]. The phenylacetamide moiety is nearly planar due to a weak, intramolecular C—H...O hydrogen bond. In the crystal, N—H...O hydrogen bonds and π-stacking interactions between pyridazine and phenyl rings form helical chains of molecules in the b-axis direction, which are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds and C—H...π(ring) interactions. A Hirshfeld surface analysis was performed, which showed that H...H, C...H/H...C and O...H/H...O interactions to dominate the intermolecular contacts in the crystal.

The dihydroimidazole ring in the title molecule, C20H20N2O3S, is slightly distorted and the lone pair on the tri-coordinate nitrogen atom is involved in intra-ring π bonding. The methylsulfanyl substituent lies nearly in the plane of the five-membered ring while the ester substituent is rotated well out of that plane. In the crystal, C—H...O hydrogen bonds form inversion dimers, which are connected along the a- and c-axis directions by additional C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming layers parallel to the ac plane. The major contributors to the Hirshfeld surface are C...H/H...C, O...H/H...O and S...H/H...S contacts at 20.5%, 14.7% and 4.9%, respectively.

In the title molecule, C25H29N5O, the dihydroquinoxaline unit is not quite planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.030 Å) as there is a dihedral angle of 2.69 (3)° between the mean planes of the constituent rings and the molecule adopts a hairpin conformation. In the crystal, the polar portions of the molecules are associated through C—H...O and C—H...N hydrogen bonds and C—H...π(ring) and C=O...π(ring) interactions, forming thick layers parallel to the bc plane and with the n-octyl groups on the outside surfaces.

Orthopaedic trauma is a predominant cause of patient mortality and prompt surgical interventions. The locking compression plate (LCP) is widely regarded as a gold standard in treating bone fractures. However, current fixation materials, such as 316 L stainless steel (316 L SS) and titanium (Ti) alloys induce stress shielding. A novel design approach is considered to design the next generation of bone plates to minimize stress shielding through design for additive manufacturing principles. Embedding of 316 L SS sheets within the bone plate structure has improved the mechanical properties by 200% compared with PLA-only plate, resulting in a flexural modulus of 9.3 GPa, which is closer to the cortical bone range of 10–25 GPa. In contrast, commercial plates measured 51 GPa for Ti and 112 GPa for 316 L SS. The novel plates showed to have a lower economic and environmental impact than commercial ones. Additively manufactured bone plates are more sustainable and cost-effective than current commercial ones.

Abstract Background Studies evaluating the patterns of antibiotic consumption are becoming increasingly necessary as a result of the increased use of antibiotics and development of antibiotic resistance globally. This study aimed to evaluate the use of antibiotics in in terms of both quantity and quality at the largest surgical hospital in the north of the West Bank, Palestine. Methods An observational retrospective study with a total population sampling method was conducted to collect data from the inpatients of the orthopedic departments of a large governmental hospital in the northern West Bank, Palestine. The data were collected from patients’ files and evaluated using the anatomical therapeutic chemical and defined daily dose (ATC/DDD) methodology, and the drug utilization 90% (DU90%) index. The ATC/DDD methodology, designed by the World Health Organization (WHO), as a well-trusted and standardized tool that allows measuring and comparing antibiotic utilization across different contexts. Antibiotic prescriptions were classified using the World Health Organization Access, Watch and Reserve classification (WHO AWaRe). Results Of the 896 patients who were admitted to the hospital in the year 2020 and included in the study, 61.9% were males, and 38.1% were females. The percentage of patients who received antibiotics was 97.0%, and the overall antibiotic usage was 107.91 DDD/100 bed days. The most commonly prescribed antibiotic was cefazolin (50.30 DDD/100 bed days), followed by gentamicin (24.15 DDD/100 bed days) and ceftriaxone (17.35 DDD/100 bed days). The DU90% segment comprised four different agents. Classification of antibiotics according to the WHO AWaRe policy revealed that 75.9% of antibiotics were prescribed from the access list. Conclusion This study comes as part of the efforts exerted to combat the growing problem of antibiotic resistance in Palestine. Our results showed that the consumption of antibacterial agents in the orthopedic unit at a large governmental hospital in Palestine was relatively high. The results of this study provide valuable insights for the decision-makers to create policies aimed at regulating antibiotic prescriptions. This study also aims to provide a look into the antibiotic prescription patterns, offering a clearer understanding of the current situation of antibiotic consumption in Palestine. It also emphasizes the need for antibiotic stewardship and surveillance programs.

Copper sulfide (CuS) is a material of growing interest due to its distinctive electronic, optical, and catalytic properties. In this study, we successfully synthesized ultrathin CuS crystals, with thicknesses as low as 14 nm and lateral dimensions reaching 60 μm, using a single-step chemical vapor deposition process. Detailed structural, compositional, and morphological analyses revealed intrinsic lattice defects, including stacking faults and domain misorientations. These defects disrupt the centrosymmetry of the CuS lattice and are responsible for an unexpected second harmonic generation response, an uncommon behavior in centrosymmetric materials. In addition, we measured the first-order temperature coefficients of Raman shifts, providing insights into the thermal dynamics of the CuS crystal structure. These findings position CuS as a potential material for nonlinear optical applications, while reinforcing its established roles in catalysis and electronics.

Background The practice of preoperative hair removal has been debated regarding its role in Surgical Site Infection (SSI) prevention. This study aimed to compare the different hair removing modalities and investigate the effect of preoperative hair removal on SSI rates. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Three databases—PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library—were searched for relevant studies comparing preoperative hair removal to no hair removal. Studies eligible for inclusion were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies reporting SSI rates. Odds ratios, mean differences, and p-values were analyzed using a random effect model. Results Seventeen studies involving 5,407 patients were included. No statistically significant difference in SSI rates was found between the hair removal and no removal groups (OR = 1.066, 95% CI 0.646–1.758, p = 0.803). When comparing clipping to no hair removal, there was no significant difference (OR = 0.967, 95% CI 0.642–1.455, p = 0.870). Razor shaving was associated with higher skin damage and slightly increased SSI risk compared to clipping but not statistically significant (OR = 0.749, 95% CI 0.346–1.623, p = 0.464). Depilatory creams, however, were favored over razor shaving (OR = 3.235, 95% CI 1.543–6.785, p = 0.002), as they were linked to less skin damage and easier application. Conclusion Preoperative hair removal does not significantly impact SSI rates. Clipping appears to be a safer alternative to shaving, while depilatory creams show promise as an effective, less damaging option.

This study investigates the effect of wood black charcoal powder (WBCP) as a partial cement (C) replacement and carbon fiber textile on concrete. The objective is to explore the potential benefits of these additions on the properties of the concrete. Sixty concrete cubes and 30 concrete cylinders were prepared for this analysis. Fifteen concrete cylinders were wrapped with carbon fiber textiles, serving as an external reinforcement. The concrete cubes were cured for days 7, 14, and 28 based on the individual procedure. The cement-wood black charcoal powder (C-WBCP) 3 concrete paste had the highest slump value of 20 mm and the compressive strength ([Formula: see text]) of the concrete cubes were higher at C-WBCP 2 concrete with 29.37 N/mm2 with C-WBCP 1 concrete being next at day 28 of curing. The test results proved that C-WBCP 2 concrete cylinders wrapped with carbon fiber textile exhibited improved [Formula: see text] with 34 N/mm2 as the highest on day 28 of curing. It was observed that the density of concrete decreased with the addition of WBCP and a reduction in the cement percentage. Also, the C-WBCP concrete wrapped with carbon fiber textile proved to have a reduced density when compared with the unwrapped C-WBCP concrete. The workability of concrete is affected by the incorporation of the WBCP.

Objectives Scant data are available on syphilis infection within migrant populations worldwide and in the population of the Middle East and North Africa region. This study investigated the prevalence of both lifetime and recent syphilis infections among migrant craft and manual workers (MCMWs) in Qatar, a diverse demographic representing 60% of the country’s population.Methods Sera specimens collected during a nationwide cross-sectional survey of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among the MCMW population, conducted between 26 July and 9 September 2020, were analysed. Treponema pallidum antibodies were detected using the Mindray CL-900i Chemiluminescence Immunoassay Analyzer. To differentiate recent infections, rapid plasma reagin (RPR) testing was performed, with an RPR titre of ≥1:8 considered indicative of recent infection. Logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with lifetime syphilis infection. Sampling weights were incorporated into all statistical analyses to obtain population-level estimates.Results T. pallidum antibodies were identified in 38 of the 2528 tested sera specimens. Prevalence of lifetime infection was estimated at 1.3% (95% CI 0.9% to 1.8%). Among the 38 treponemal-positive specimens, 15 were reactive by RPR, with three having titres ≥1:8, indicating recent infection. Prevalence of recent infection was estimated at 0.09% (95% CI 0.01 to 0.3%). Among treponemal-positive MCMWs, the estimated proportion with recent infection was 8.1% (95% CI: 1.7 to 21.4%). The adjusted OR for lifetime infection increased with age, reaching 8.68 (95% CI 2.58 to 29.23) among those aged ≥60 years compared with those ≤29 years of age. Differences in prevalence were observed by nationality and occupation, but no differences were found by educational attainment or geographic location.Conclusions Syphilis prevalence among MCMWs in Qatar is consistent with global levels, highlighting a disease burden with implications for health and social well-being. These findings underscore the need for programmes addressing both sexually transmitted infections and the broader sexual health needs of this population.

IntroductionThe long-distance, seasonal migrations of birds make them an effective ecological bridge for the movement of ticks. The introduction of exotic tick species to new geographical regions can cause the emergence of novel tick-borne pathogens. This study examined the prevalence of exotic tick species parasitizing migratory songbirds at stopover sites along the northern Gulf of Mexico using the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene.MethodsOverall, 421 individual ticks in the genera Amblyomma, Haemaphysalis, and Ixodes were recorded from 28 songbird species, of which Amblyomma and Amblyomma longirostre were the most abundant tick genera and species, respectively. A high throughput 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing approach characterized the microbial communities and identified pathogenic microbes in all tick samples.Results and discussionMicrobial profiles showed that Proteobacteria was the most abundant phylum. The most abundant pathogens were Rickettsia and endosymbiont Francisella, Candidatus Midichloria, and Spiroplasma. Permutation multivariate analysis of variance revealed that the relative abundance of Francisella and Rickettsia drives microbial patterns across the tick genera. We also noted a higher percentage of positive correlations in microbe-microbe interactions among members of the microbial communities. Network analysis suggested a negative correlation between a) Francisella and Rickettsia and, b) Francisella and Cutibacterium. Lastly, mapping the distributions of bird species parasitized during spring migrations highlighted geographic hotspots where migratory songbirds could disperse ticks and their pathogens at stopover sites or upon arrival to their breeding grounds, the latter showing mean dispersal distances from 421–5003 kilometers. These findings spotlight the potential role of migratory birds in the epidemiology of tick-borne pathogens.

Background Trichinella spiralis is a worldwide intestinal nematode that can parasitize the striated muscles of its hosts at the larval stage. This study aims to evaluate potential of vitamin C for treating trichinellosis-related pathological problems in the infected muscles of mice. Materials and Methods Thirty CD1 male Albino mice were divided into three groups (10 mice per group). Negative and positive control groups (0.9% NaCl) and the infected vitamin C group (10 mg/kg body weight). Two weeks post-infection, each group was intraperitoneally injected daily for two weeks with Vitamin C or saline. The performance of the muscles was assessed both before and after the treatment. After dissection, constant parts of striated muscles were removed for further assays. The scoring of the histological changes of infected muscles was carried out. In addition to muscle malondialdehyde levels, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were measured for the oxidative and antioxidant states. Creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase were also measured in tissues to reflect the degree of muscular damage. Results Vitamin C enhances the weakness of the muscular performance resulting from the infection. Vitamin C was able to repair some of the histological lesions that resulted from the infection. Trichinellosis caused severe changes in the biochemical markers in positive control animals. Muscle damage biomarkers and, besides, oxidative and antioxidant conditions were greatly ameliorated in infected vitamin C animals. Summing up, vitamin C can be used as a complementary drug due to its efficiency in improving pathogenesis following a trichinellosis infection. The supplement also must be tested in the intestinal stage of infection after showing promising results in the muscular stage.

Background Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a potentially fatal condition for which prompt recognition, risk assessment and appropriate treatment must be implemented to reduce mortality and morbidity. This study was planned to analyze all cases of venous thromboembolism (VTE) admitted to the tertiary care hospital during three successive Muslim hajj seasons. Methods A prospective observational study that included 135 patients of which 65 patients were with deep vein thrombosis (DVT group), 50 patients were with pulmonary embolism (PE group) and 20 patients were with concomitant DVT and PE (DVT/PE group). All patients were subjected to full history taking, clinical examination, laboratory, and radiological studies. Results The presentation with hemodynamic compromise and the percentage of mortality were more in patients with DVT/ PE compared to patients with PE alone. The patients in the DVT group had the highest D-dimer and triglyceride levels. The patients in the PE group had the most severe tachypnea and the highest values of cardiac biomarkers and aminotransferases. The patients in the DVT/PE group had the most rapid average pulse, the lowest average blood pressure, and the lowest oxygen saturation. Conclusions The presentations with DVT or DVT/PE were more in females and presentation with PE without DVT was more in males. Hajjis with VTE presented with less frequent symptoms, more overt clinical signs, more hemodynamic compromise and overall mortality compared to other studies. The study information may encourage the designated health authorities to raise awareness and implement VTE preventive measures during pilgrimage season.

In the title compound, C31H24N4O2, the dihydroquinoxaline units are both essentially planar with the dihedral angle between their mean planes being 64.82 (4)°. The attached phenyl rings differ significantly in their rotational orientations with respect to the dihydroquinoxaline planes. In the crystal, one set of C—H...O hydrogen bonds form chains along the b-axis direction, which are connected in pairs by a second set of C—H...O hydrogen bonds. Two sets of π-stacking interactions and C—H...π(ring) interactions join the double chains into the final three-dimensional structure.

In the title molecule, C21H17N3O2, the five-membered ring is slightly ruffled and dihedral angles between the pendant six-membered rings and the central, five-membered ring vary between 50.78 (4) and 86.78 (10)°. The exocyclic nitrogen lone pair is involved in conjugated π bonding to the five-membered ring. In the crystal, a layered structure is generated by O—H...N and N—H...O hydrogen bonds plus C—H...π(ring) and weak π-stacking interactions.

Abstract Limited data exist on viral hepatitis among migrant populations. This study investigated the prevalence of current hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and lifetime hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among Qatar's migrant craft and manual workers (CMWs), constituting 60% of the country's population. Sera collected during a nationwide COVID-19 population-based cross-sectional survey on CMWs between July 26 and September 9, 2020, underwent testing for HBsAg and HCV antibodies. Reactive samples underwent confirmatory testing, and logistic regression analyses were employed to explore associations with HBV and HCV infections. Among 2528 specimens tested for HBV infection, 15 were reactive, with 8 subsequently confirmed positive. Three samples lacked sufficient sera for confirmatory testing but were included in the analysis through multiple imputations. Prevalence of current HBV infection was 0.4% (95% CI 0.2–0.7%). Educational attainment and occupation were significantly associated with current HBV infection. For HCV infection, out of 2607 specimens tested, 46 were reactive, and 23 were subsequently confirmed positive. Prevalence of lifetime HCV infection was 0.8% (95% CI 0.5–1.2%). Egyptians exhibited the highest prevalence at 6.5% (95% CI 3.1–13.1%), followed by Pakistanis at 3.1% (95% CI 1.1–8.0%). Nationality, geographic location, and occupation were significantly associated with lifetime HCV infection. HBV infection is relatively low among CMWs, while HCV infection falls within the intermediate range, both compared to global and regional levels.

Abstract Backgrounds Primary brain tumors (PBTs) are uncommon, but they significantly increase the risk of disability and death. There is a deficiency of data concerning the epidemiology and anatomical distribution of PBTs among adults in Palestine. Methods A retrospective descriptive study in which data were collected from the clinical reports of Palestinian patients diagnosed with PBTs at Al-Makassed Hospital during the period (2018–2023). Results In Palestinian adolescents and adults, the incidence rate of PBTs was 3.92 per 100,000 person-years. Glioblastoma (18.8%) was the most common type identified, and it was more common in males. Non-malignant tumors were more common than malignant tumors (2.41 vs. 1.52 per 100,000). The mortality rate from PBTs was 4.8%. The most common initial symptom was headaches, and it occurred more with non-malignant tumors (57.28% vs. 42.72%, p-value

The title compound, C8H8ClNO2, is significantly distorted from planarity, with a twist angle between the planes through the hydroxybenzene and acetamide groups being 23.5 (2)°. This conformation is supported by intramolecular C—H...O and N—H...Cl contacts. In the crystal, N—H...O hydrogen-bonding contacts between acetamide groups and O—H...O contacts between hydroxyl groups form tapes propagating parallel to [103].

Streptococcosis is one of the septicaemic bacterial diseases of public health concern due to its zoonotic potential. Its luxurious existence in wild marine fish from an open water body strongly suggests presence of massive sewage pollution. The aim of the current study was to identify and characterize most common streptococci affecting common pandora (Pagellus erythrinus) inhabiting the Mediterranean coast of Tripoli. A total number of 270 common pandora were clinically examined for possible streptococcal infection and non-streptococcal infection. The fishes were collected from the area extending from Tripoli to Tajoura (east to Tripoli) during the three seasons, summer, autumn, and spring. No fish samples were available during winter due to the bad climate / storms along the entire western Libyan Mediterranean coasts. Streptococcus iniae, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Streptococcus phocae, Enterococcus faecalis, and other non-streptococcal species, such as Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas anguilliseptica, and Photobacterium damselae sub species damselae were biochemically identified. Regardless of the season, S. iniae and E. faecalis were the most prevalent streptococcal species (13% and 8.88%, respectively). In contrast, the most retrieved non-streptococcal species were A. hydrophila, followed by Pseudomonas anguilliseptica, with a prevalence of 10%, and 14.44%, respectively. The highest infections were recorded during autumn, followed by summer, then spring with percentages of 53.34%, 50%, and 43.4%, respectively. The majority of the isolates were sensitive to erythromycin, florfenicol, and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. The molecular screening using the sequences of 16S rRNA genes has confirmed the phylogenetic relationship to S. dysgalactiae, E. faecalis, S. iniae, and S. phocae isolates with similarity percentages exceeding 99.6%. The sequences were deposited in the GenBank with accession numbers (OK033868, OK033869, OK033870, and OK033871). To sum up, the obtained results highly suggests that the common pandora fish from Tripoli coast of the Mediterranean is biologically contaminated with various zoonotic streptococci which could be considered as a biological indicator for municipal sewage pollution.

Climate change is now considered one of the greatest challenges and is expected to have a drastic impact on mariculture. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of climatic changes on the emergence of bacterial pathogens among cultured marine fish in northern Egyptian provinces. 135 samples of three marine fish species, represented as 45 of Dicentrarchus labrax (700 ±25 g), 45 of Sparus aurata (350 ±25 g), and 45 Argyrosomus regius (1 kg ±50 g) were collected from private marine fish farms located in Deeba Triangle, Shataa Damietta(Damietta governorate) and Ismailia province, Egypt. Moribund fishes exhibited erratic swimming behaviour, haemorrhage, erosion and ulcers on the skin. Necropsy findings of infected fish revealed congested liver or pale with engorged gall bladder, congested kidney and spleen. With the presence of serous to hemorrhagic ascetic fluid. Vibrio alginolyticus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Photobacterium damselae subspecies piscicida were the most retrievable bacterial strains from moribund fish. V. alginolyticus was the most prevalent isolated bacterial strain and represented 50%, 50% and 40% of the total isolates recovered from Sparus aurata, Dicentrarchus labrax and Argyrosomus regius, respectively. Retrieved isolates were morphologically and biochemically identified using the API 20E system, followed by further confirmation by sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. The histopathological examination revealed severe inflammatory reactions together with melanomacrophage center alterations within the examined splenic, hepatic, and renal tissues. Data analysis has shown that poor water quality and severe climatic change, especially during the summer, were implicated in the emergence of bacterial infections among cultured marine fish.

In the title compound, C17H12N2O, the quinoxaline moiety shows deviations of 0.0288 (7) to −0.0370 (7) Å from the mean plane (r.m.s. deviation of fitted atoms = 0.0223 Å). In the crystal, corrugated layers two molecules thick are formed by C—H...N hydrogen bonds and π-stacking interactions.

Background: Identifying and targeting common preventable causes of 30-day hospital readmissions could help improve survival rates and reduce the healthcare burden. Objective: To determine the rate and causes of unplanned hospital return/readmission to the Outpatient Department (OPD) or Emergency Department (ED) within 30 days after discharge following head and neck surgery (HNS) at a tertiary hospital in Western Saudi Arabia. Methods: This retrospective study included all adult patients (aged ≥18 years) who had undergone HNS at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between January 2015 and December 2022 and returned to the OPD or ED within 30 days of being discharged. Results: Of 1041 patients who had undergone HNS, 84 (8.1%) returned to the hospital within 30 days after discharge: 63 (6.1%) to the OPD and 21 (2.0%) to the ED. A total of 9 (0.9%) patients were readmitted as inpatients, most commonly for infections (33.3%) and neurological symptoms, including weakness and seizures (22.2%). For OPD visits, common causes were wound swelling (25.4%) and neurological symptoms (17.5%). For ED returns, frequent causes were neurological symptoms (23.8%) and surgical site bleeding (19.1%). Readmission was associated with intensive care unit (ICU) admission during the primary hospital stay (P = 0.003) and higher preoperative baseline health burdens when examined using the American Society of Anesthesiology score (P = 0.022), the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (P = 0.007), and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) (P = 0.006). Conclusion: The rate of 30-day unplanned hospital return following head and neck surgery was 6.1% and 2.0% through the OPD and the ED, respectively; 0.9% were readmitted as inpatients. Common causes of return included wound swelling, infections, bleeding, and neurological symptoms.

Objectives: Alveolar echinococcosis is caused by Echinococcus multilocularis, a parasite of zoo¬notic significance with a wide range of intermediate and final hosts, and the parasite survives suc¬cessfully in diversified conditions. Plentiful studies have been done to study the genetic structure of the population of the parasite and the level of intimate kinship using mitochondrial (mt) DNA. The present study was conducted to investigate the population structure, genetic variation, and phylogenetic relationship of various isolates of E. multiocularis submitted to GenBank worldwide. Sequences of mt genes (mt-cytochrome c oxidase (cox1), mt-NADH dehydrogenase (nad1)) of E. multilocularis were analyzed to achieve the set goals. Materials and Methods: A total of 275 and 124 gene sequences of mt-cox1 and mt-nad1 belong¬ing to E. multilocularis, respectively, were retrieved from the National Center for Biotechnology Information GenBank. The retrieved sequences were subjected to alignment with respective reference sequences using MEGA software. The PopArt software was used to establish medi¬an-joining networks, while DnaSp was used to calculate neutrality and diversity indices. MrBayes software was used to investigate the phylogenetic association between haplotypes based on Bayesian phylogeny. Results: Approximately 13 and 20 distinctive haplotypes of nad1 and cox1 genes, respectively, were observed in the present study. In both of the mt genes, diversity indices indicated low haplo¬type (mt-cox1 = 0.140; mt-nad1 = 0.374) and nucleotide (mt-cox1 = 0.00111; mt-nad1 = 0.00287) diversities. The values of Tajima's D and Fu Fs for a population of both of the genes under study were found to be negative. Conclusion: This study is a maiden attempt to provide insights into the population structure and genetic variation of E. multilocularis on a global scale. However, it is suggested that to better understand the population structure and genetic diversity of E. multilocularis, more geographical locations and amplifications of full-length gene sequences should be considered, which could be helpful in widening the insights into the genetic diversity of E. multilocularis. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(2.000): 264-274]

In the title compound, C31H24N4O2, the quinoxaline units are distinctly non-planar and twisted end-to-end. In the crystal, C—H...O and C—H...N hydrogen bonds link the molecules into chains extending along the a-axis direction. The chains are linked through π-stacking interactions between inversion-related quinoxaline moieties.

Background: Cystic echinococcosis, which is triggered by the parasite Echinococcus granulosus, is a global zoonotic disease that is common in rural regions in which there are frequent encounters between dogs and other domestic animals. The disease can have devastating consequences, impacting the health of people and animals and leading to huge financial losses, especially in the agricultural industry. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Egypt, despite the high incidence of disease, few investigations have been conducted into the genetic variation in species of the genus Echinococcus. Aim: This study sought to compare the genetic features of the hydatid cysts carried in sheep in KSA with those found in Egypt. Methods: DNA from the protoscolices was used in a PCR targeting the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase 1 (NAD1), cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COX1), and nuclear actin II (ACT II) genes, and the resulting amplification products of 30 KSA and Egyptian isolates were sequenced and compared. Results: Among the sheep in KSA, the overall prevalence of cystic echinococcosis was 0.51%. Of the sheep cyst DNA samples, 95%, 100%, and 52% were positive for the Cox1, nad1, and act II genes, respectively. Targeting all three genes, all KSA samples belonged to the E. granulosus genotype (G1), whereas all Egyptian isolates belonged to E. granulosus (G1) and E. canadensis (G6). Conclusions: We conclude that isolates of E. granulosus from the two countries shared a common origin in Arabic North Africa, with sheep and camels as common hosts. [Open Vet J 2024; 14(3.000): 866-878]

Background/Objectives: Hyperlipidemia is a serious risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and liver steatosis. In this work, we explored the effect of an herbal formula (CBF) containing immature Ceratonia siliqua pods and Ocimum basilicum extracts on lipid metabolism disorders and lipoprotein-rich plasma (LRP) oxidation in mice. Methods: The phenolic composition was determined using HPLC-DAD analysis. The antioxidant activity was studied using various in vitro methods. Acute toxicity was evaluated in mice. Importantly, the effect of the CBF on lipid metabolism disorders was investigated in a high-fat diet (HFD) hyperlipidemia mouse model. An in silico study was carried out to predict underlying mechanisms. Results: The HPLC analysis revealed gallic acid, cinnamic acid, and naringenin as major phenolics of the carob pod aqueous extract. Concerning the basil hydro-ethanolic extract, rosmarinic, chicoric, caftaric, and caffeic acids were the main phenolics. Accordingly, the CBF prevented LRP oxidation in a concentration-dependent manner. This formula is not toxic in mice (LD50 > 2000 mg/kg body weight). Moreover, animals administered the CBF at 200 mg/kg/day presented a significant decline in their body weight gain, adipose tissue weight, plasma total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level, and glycaemia after 10 weeks’ treatment. Accordingly, the CBF decreased the plasma atherogenic index and the LDL-C to HDL-C ratio and reduced the level of fats accumulated in the liver. The molecular docking study revealed that chicoric, rosmarinic, and caftaric acids, and naringenin bound particularly strongly to many proteins involved in the regulation of lipid and cholesterol metabolism. This includes the HMG-CoA reductase, PPARα/γ, PCSK9, Cyp7a1, and ATP-citrate lyase. Conclusions: The CBF could be a good source of natural supplements, functional foods, and pharmaceuticals effective in managing hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress and preventing their related cardiovascular disorders.

IntroductionAvian coccidiosis presents a significant challenge to the poultry industry in Egypt, highlighting the urgent need for validating new drug targets offering promising prospects for the development of advanced anticoccidials. Although numerous reports highlight the activity of lactoferrin (LF) against various microorganisms, its potential against Eimeria has not been explored. The present study evaluated the potential anticoccidial effect of LF and diclazuril in broiler chickens experimentally infected with Eimeria tenella.MethodsA total of 100 one-day-old broiler chicks were divided into five equal groups (20 each) as follows: Group 1 (G1) served as the normal healthy control group, Group 2 (G2) consisted of chickens infected with 1 × 105 sporulated E. tenella oocysts at 14 days of age, Group 3 (G3) comprised infected chickens treated with diclazuril (0.5 mL/L in drinking water) for 3 days successively, Group 4 (G4) included infected chickens treated with LF (at a dose of 250 mg/kg of diet) from one day of age until the end of the study, and Group 5 (G5) comprised infected chickens treated with both LF and diclazuril.ResultsThe positive control group (G2) experienced significant reductions in body weight (BW), BW gain, serum glucose, lipase, amylase, total antioxidant capacity, several hematological indices, and total proteins, along with alterations in various antioxidant enzymes. Conversely, serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Alkaline phosphatases (ALP), urea, creatinine, nitric oxide, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), White blood cells (WBCs), heterophils, alpha 2, beta 1, and liver contents of malondialdehyde were elevated in this group. Moreover, higher oocyst counts and lesion scores, along with histopathological alterations, were observed in G2. Remarkably, treatment with diclazuril and/or LF demonstrated potent antioxidant and anticoccidial effects, resulting in reduced shedding of oocysts, lesion scores, and lymphocytic infiltrates in the cecum. Additionally, these treatments improved the antioxidant and immune systems in chickens and restored all histopathological changes reported in the infected non-treated group (G2).ConclusionThis study offers novel perspectives on the potential anticoccidial effects of the combination of LF and diclazuril in broiler chickens infected with E. tenella, highlighting the potential synergistic actions of LF in treating poultry coccidiosis.

Introduction Unplanned hospital returns are frequent and may be preventable.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising cancer treatment strategy utilizing photosensitizers (PS) and light to generate singlet oxygen, with Malachite Green (MG) showing high singlet oxygen quantum yield. Effective delivery of MG to the target tissue remains a key challenge. Encapsulation techniques have been investigated to improve PS delivery, minimize PS leakage, inhibit diaphorase-induced reduction, and mitigate PS-related toxicity. Silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) offer favorable characteristics for drug delivery in PDT and serve as promising delivery carriers. In this study, SiNPs were synthesized and employed as carriers for MG. The size and shape of nanoparticles were determined using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). A range of concentrations of MG were applied to MCF-7 breast cancer cells in order to evaluate the cytotoxicity of both naked and encapsulated MG. This helped identify the most effective concentrations and exposure durations required to induce damage under red laser light (Intensity ∼110 mW/cm2). The results indicated that SiNPs-encapsulated MG exhibited superior efficacy compared to naked MG, with a concentration efficacy increase of +50 % and an exposure time efficacy increase of +45 %. This underlines the enhanced capability of encapsulated MG to eliminate MCF-7 cells when compared to naked MG. The application of synthesized SiNPs for MG delivery improved the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy by augmenting MG bioavailability in target cells.

BackgroundBrucellosis is a bacterial zoonotic infection that is endemic in Saudi Arabia and associated with clinical and economic impacts. Several studies from countries endemic for brucellosis evaluated the knowledge and attitude of livestock farmers regarding brucellosis. However, no such study was conducted in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of livestock farmers and meat handlers in Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study, where participants were interviewed in-person in Arabic in livestock markets between September–December 2023. Convenient sampling was utilized. The questionnaire included basic demographics and questions to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice toward personal protection and protection of the animals from brucellosis. The questionnaire was adapted from a previously validated survey and included 59 questions. Providing at least one correct answer to a certain question indicated a good knowledge about this item or a safe practice. The participants were divided into: farmers (shepherds working for the animal owners), commercial animal owners (those who rent a stockyard in the livestock market and employ farmers to sell their animals), and private animal owners (owners of private farms from which they sell their animals).Results545 participants were interviewed (n = 291 farmers, n = 118 commercial animal owners, n = 113 private animal owners, and n = 23 animal slaughterhouse workers). >90% have heard of brucellosis. Lack of education and short experience (

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a significant consequence of metabolic dysfunction, often associated with changes in the intestinal microbiota. Prebiotics and probiotics have shown promise in NAFLD management. This study evaluated a silymarin-based herbal remedy with piperine and fulvic acid, alongside a probiotic blend of Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus casei, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Using a NAFLD mouse model induced by a high-fat and high-fructose diet, we assessed biochemical parameters, liver function, glucose levels, and conducted histological analysis. Stool samples underwent 16S rRNA metagenomic analysis to explore changes in microbiota composition. Mice on the high-fat diet exhibited elevated lipids, liver enzymes, and glucose, with reduced high-density lipoprotein levels (with p value

ObjectivesLymph node metastasis (LNM) is the most significant parameter affecting overall survival in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas (OCSCC). Elective neck dissection (END) is the standard of care in the early management of OCSCC with a depth of invasion (DOI) greater than 2-4 mm. However, most patients show no LNM in the final pathologic report, indicating overtreatment. Thus, more detailed indicators are needed to predict LNM in patients with OCSCC. In this study, we critically evaluate the existing literature about the risk of different histological parameters in estimating LNM.MethodsA systematic review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus were searched from inception to December 2023 to collect all relevant studies. Eligibility screening of records was performed, and data extraction from the selected studies was carried out independently. Inclusion in our systematic review necessitated the following prerequisites: Involvement of patients diagnosed with OCSCC, and examination of histological parameters related to lymph node metastasis in these studies. Exclusion criteria included animal studies, non-English articles, non-availability of full text, and unpublished data.ResultsWe included 217 studies in our systematic review, of which 142 were eligible for the meta-analysis. DOI exceeding 4 mm exhibited higher risk for LNM [Risk ratio (RR) 2.18 (1.91-2.48), p

This research conducts a comparative analysis of Faster R-CNN and YOLOv8 for real-time detection of fishing vessels and fish in maritime surveillance. The study underscores the significance of this investigation in advancing fisheries monitoring and object detection using deep learning. With a clear focus on comparing the performance of Faster R-CNN and YOLOv8, the research aims to elucidate their effectiveness in real-time detection, emphasizing the relevance of such capabilities in fisheries management. By conducting a thorough literature review, the study establishes the current state-of-the-art in object detection, particularly within the context of fisheries monitoring, while discussing existing methods, challenges, and limitations. The findings of this study not only shed light on the superiority of YOLOv8 in precise detection but also highlight its potential impact on maritime surveillance and the protection of marine resources.

Aim: This study probed into the gender variation, subject dispersion and citation impact of dental research with an objective to highlight the increasing influence of female authors in the field of dentistry. Methodology: The research employed bibliometric techniques to highlight gender variation in dental research as demonstrated in the Saudi Dental Journal (SDJ), over a period of thirteen years, 2009–2021. The examination comprised SDJ publications indexed in PubMed, with citation data extracted from Google Scholar on July 2023. The analysis encompassed the progressive growth of papers, authors, and citations, the gender distribution of authors, the co-authorship structure, subject dispersion, and collaboration patterns based on affiliation, both national and international. Results: 625 SDJ publications were identified in the PubMed database from 2009 to 2021. There was a notable rise in the volume of papers and the number of authors per year. The citation impact analysis revealed that these 625 papers achieved an average of 26 citations each. Remarkably, the representation of female authors increased from 0.47 to 2.23 authors per paper during the study period. The authorship pattern largely showed single-authorship, closely followed by a three-author pattern. Almost half the papers (48%) were a collaboration between male and female authors, with female authors solely producing about 15% of papers.The topological classification of papers revealed that the most considerable number of papers were on Periodontics, with the least number focusing on Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Female authors prominently contributed to Pediatric Dentistry and Periodontics papers. Conclusion: The study illustrates an encouraging trend of heightened female authorship in dental research over the years. Their increasing engagement not only enriches the academic diversity but also impacts the progressive evolution of dental science, contributing to a more inclusive and balanced society.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of child-friendly dentist attire and camouflage syringes on reducing dental anxiety in children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 120 pediatric patients aged 6 to 12 years. Participants were assigned to one of three groups: group A (child-friendly dentist attire), group B (camouflage syringe), or group C (control group). Child preference for dentist attire was assessed using a visual analog scale, while dental anxiety was measured using the Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale and the Facial Image Scale. Results: The results showed a significant decrease in dental anxiety scores in both group 2 and group 3 compared to group 1 (P < 0.001). Children in group A exhibited a higher preference for child-friendly dentist attire [mean score: 8.7, standard deviation (SD): 1.2] compared to group 1 (mean score: 3.2, SD: 1.5) (P < 0.001). Similarly, children in group 2 showed a higher preference for a camouflage syringe (mean score: 8.5, SD: 1.3) compared to group 1 (mean score: 3.4, SD: 1.6) (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Child-friendly dentist attire and camouflage syringes were found to be effective in reducing dental anxiety among pediatric patients. These interventions were well received by children and their parents, highlighting the importance of considering child preferences in dental settings.

Abstract Background Total laryngectomy (TL) is a complex procedure, and patients undergoing TL are at high risk for readmission, which exposes them to hospital-acquired complications. Readmission rate is a metric for quality of care. We aimed to identify the rate, causes, and predictors of hospital readmission within 60 days after discharge following TL. Methods This is a 12-year retrospective study where we included all patients undergoing TL in a single tertiary care center between 2008 and 2022. Patient charts were reviewed for demographics, comorbidities, and causes for readmission. Results Of 83 patients who underwent TL, 12 (14.50%) were readmitted within 60 days. Common causes were surgical site infection (33.33%) and mucocutaneous fistula (25%). Significant predictors for readmission were tobacco use (P = 0.003), African ethnicity (P = 0.004), being unmarried (P

Introduction: Hematophagous arthropods can acquire and transmit several pathogens of medical importance. In ticks, the innate immune system is crucial in the outcome between vector-pathogen interaction and overall vector competence. However, the specific immune response(s) elicited by the immune cells known as hemocytes remains largely undefined in Ehrlichia chaffeensis and its competent tick vector, Amblyomma americanum. Methods: We utilized injection of clodronate liposome to deplete tick granulocytes combined with infection with E. chaffeensis to demonstrate their essential role in microbial infection. Results: Here, we show that granulocytes, professional phagocytic cells, are integral in eliciting immune responses against commensal and pathogen infection. The chemical depletion of granulocytes led to decreased phagocytic efficiency of tissue-associated hemocytes. We demonstrate that E. chaffeensis can infect circulating hemocytes, and both cell-free plasma and hemocytes from E. chaffeensis-infected ticks can establish Ehrlichia infection in recipient ticks. Lastly, we provide evidence to show that granulocytes play a dual role in E. chaffeensis infection. Depleting granulocytic hemocytes increased Ehrlichia load in the salivary gland and midgut tissues. In contrast, granulocyte depletion led to a reduced systemic load of Ehrlichia. Conclusion: This study has identified multiple roles for granulocytic hemocytes in the control and systemic dissemination of E. chaffeensis infection.

In this study, the friction stir technique is proposed to process aluminum nanocomposites reinforced with alumina nanoparticles. The effects of different processing parameters, including spindle speed (900–1800 rpm), feed (10–20 mm/min), and number of passes (1–3) on the mechanical and dynamic properties of the processed samples were investigated. The investigated properties were ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, natural frequency, and damping ratio. An advanced machine learning approach composed of a long short-term memory model optimized by a special relativity search algorithm was developed to predict the properties of the processed samples and different processing conditions. The adequacy of the developed model was tested and compared with three other machine learning models; the predicted properties were in good agreement with the measured properties. The developed model outperformed other tested models and was found to be a powerful prediction tool for predicting processing conditions to obtain high-quality nanocomposite samples. The model succeeded in predicting the ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, natural frequency, and damping ratio with good R2 of 0.912, 0.952, 0.951, and 0.987, respectively. The obtained results showed that the samples' damping ratio and loss factor increase with the number of passes, while the natural frequency, shear modulus, and complex modulus decrease with the number of passes. Thus, friction stir processing can be used to improve the damping properties of materials.

This study targeted developing a novel Zinc oxide with alpha hematite nanoflowers (NFs)-loaded bee venom (Bv) (Bv-ZnO@αFe2O3 NFs) as a bio-natural product from bees to combine both the advantages of combination magnetic properties and the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties on isolated coliform bacteria from the effluent of wastewater treatment plants. About 24 isolates of treated wastewater isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR). The phylogenetic grouping of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Klebsiella pneumonia (K. pneumonia) showed that the largest group was Group A, followed by Group B2 and Group B1. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), The X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM− EDX) validated the coating operation’s contact with Bv onto ZnO@αFe2O3 NFs. According to high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED), pattern analyses for prepared nanoformulations exhibited a spherical shape of αFe2O3 (~9–15 nm), and floral needle shapes with uniform distribution of size with aggregation of ZnOαFe2O3 and Bv-ZnO@αFe2O3 NFs around (~100–200 nm). The toxicity of Bv-ZnO@αFe2O3 NFs was comparable up to 125 µg mL−1, when it reached 64.79% (IC50, 107.18 µg mL−1). The antibacterial activity showed different zones of inhibition against different isolates. The biofilm inhibitory activity of NPs and NFs showed a highly significant reduction (p < 0.001) in treated biofilms with ZnO@αFe2O3 and Bv-ZnO@αFe2O3. In essence, ZnO@αFe2O3 and Bv-ZnO@αFe2O3 NFs are promising antimicrobials for inhibiting the growth and biofilm of MDR E. coli and K. pneumonia isolates, thereby, biocontrol of wastewater.

Abstract Background Limited data exists on herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) infections in migrant populations. This study investigated HSV-1 and HSV-2 seroprevalences and associations among craft and manual workers (CMWs) in Qatar who constitute 60% of Qatar’s population. Methods A national population-based cross-sectional seroprevalence survey was conducted on the CMW population, all men, between July 26 and September 9, 2020. 2,612 sera were tested for anti-HSV-1 IgG antibodies using HerpeSelect 1 ELISA IgG kits and for anti-HSV-2 IgG antibodies using HerpeSelect 2 ELISA IgG kits (Focus Diagnostics, USA). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify associations with HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections. Results Serological testing identified 2,171 sera as positive, 403 as negative, and 38 as equivocal for HSV-1 antibodies, and 300 sera as positive, 2,250 as negative, and 62 as equivocal for HSV-2 antibodies. HSV-1 and HSV-2 seroprevalences among CMWs were estimated at 84.2% (95% CI 82.8–85.6%) and 11.4% (95% CI 10.1–12.6%), respectively. HSV-1 infection was associated with nationality, educational attainment, and occupation. HSV-2 infection was associated with age, nationality, and educational attainment. Conclusions Over 80% of CMWs are infected with HSV-1 and over 10% are infected with HSV-2. The findings highlight the need for sexual health programs to tackle sexually transmitted infections among the CMW population.

This report describes a case of bilateral stapedial superstructure fixation by a stapes-pyramid bony bar with a mobile footplate, which is an extremely rare occurrence among the ossicular malformations that cause conductive hearing impairment.A 23-year-old female with bilateral hearing impairment since childhood presented to our department. The Otoscopy was normal, and pure tone audiometry showed bilateral mixed hearing loss with Carhart notch. An abnormal bony bar bridging between the posterior crura and the pyramid was found in temporal bone CT scan of both ears.An exploratory tympanotomy via trans-canal approach was conducted and a bony bar between the superstructure of the stapes and the pyramid, just lateral to stapedial tendon, was encountered on both sides. Stapes mobility was restored by removing the bony bar. Postoperative audiometry showed complete closure of air-bone gap.Thus, regarding the surgery of patients with stapes fixation, surgeons should be aware of the possibility of stapedial superstructure fixation with mobile footplate.

Toxoplasmosis continues to be a prevalent parasitic zoonosis with a global distribution. This disease is caused by an intracellular parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii, and the development of effective novel drug targets to combat it is imperative. There is limited information available on the potential advantages of wheat germ oil (WGO) and propolis, both individually and in combination, against the acute phase of toxoplasmosis. In this study, acute toxoplasmosis was induced in Swiss albino mice, followed by the treatment of infected animals with WGO and propolis, either separately or in combination. After 10 days of experimental infection and treatment, mice from all groups were sacrificed, and their brains, uteri, and kidneys were excised for histopathological assessment. Additionally, the average parasite load in the brain was determined through parasitological assessment, and quantification of the parasite was performed using Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction targeting gene amplification. Remarkably, the study found that treating infected animals with wheat germ oil and propolis significantly reduced the parasite load compared to the control group that was infected but not treated. Moreover, the group treated with a combination of wheat germ oil and propolis exhibited a markedly greater reduction in parasitic load compared to the other groups. Similarly, the combination treatment effectively restored the histopathological changes observed in the brain, uterus, and kidney, and the scoring of these reported lesions confirmed these findings. In summary, the present results reveal intriguing insights into the potential therapeutic benefits of wheat germ oil and propolis in the treatment of acute toxoplasmosis.

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the largest medical challenges because of the rising frequency of opportunistic human microbial infections across the globe. This study aimed to extract chitosan from the exoskeletons of dead bees and load it with bee venom (commercially available as Apitoxin [Api]). Then, the ionotropic gelation method would be used to form nanoparticles that could be a novel drug-delivery system that might eradicate eight common human pathogens (i.e., two fungal and six bacteria strains). It might also be used to treat the human colon cancer cell line (Caco2 ATCC ATP-37) and human liver cancer cell line (HepG2ATCC HB-8065) cancer cell lines. The x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) properties, ζ-potentials, and surface appearances of the nanoparticles were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). FTIR and XRD validated that the Api was successfully encapsulated in the chitosan nanoparticles (ChB NPs). According to the TEM, the ChB NPs and the ChB NPs loaded with Apitoxin (Api@ChB NPs) had a spherical shape and uniform size distribution, with non-aggregation, for an average size of approximately 182 and 274 ± 3.8 nm, respectively, and their Zeta potential values were 37.8 ± 1.2 mV and − 10.9 mV, respectively. The Api@ChB NPs had the greatest inhibitory effect against all tested strains compared with the ChB NPs and Api alone. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the Api, ChB NPs, and Api@ChB NPs were evaluated against the offer mentioned colony forming units (CFU/mL), and their lowest MIC values were 30, 25, and 12.5 μg mL−1, respectively, against Enterococcus faecalis. Identifiable morphological features of apoptosis were observed by 3 T3 Phototox software after Api@ChB NPs had been used to treat the normal Vero ATCC CCL-81, Caco2 ATCC ATP-37, and HepG2 ATCC HB-8065 cancer cell lines for 24 h. The morphological changes were clear in a concentration-dependent manner, and the ability of the cells was 250 to 500 μg mL−1. These results revealed that Api@ChB NPs may be a promising natural nanotreatment for common human pathogens.

In this study, porous silicon (PS) and aluminum (Al) doped porous silicon were synthesized through an electrochemical method, utilizing carefully selected parameters. The etching procedure was calibrated with a 4:1 HF/ethanol ratio, maintaining a current of 20 mA for 20 min, and incorporating 0.05 g of doping powder. Comprehensive structural analysis using FESEM-EDX revealed the incorporation of Al into the porous silicon matrix. Subsequently, the samples were covered with a finger mask, which facilitated the creation of an interdigitated electrode using a sputtering deposition method. The I–V characteristics of the samples were systematically studied, showing an increase in bias voltage at the source correlated with the measured current. Remarkably, upon X-ray exposure, pulses were successfully measured, highlighting the potential of these materials for radiation detection. These pulses were evaluated under various X-ray irradiation parameters using a sample detector. The study successfully identified the optimal parameters for PS and Al-PS as (90 V, 100 mA, 1 s) and (100 V, 10 mA, 0.5 s), respectively. This research underscores the potential applications of these materials in advanced electronic devices and sensors. The unique properties of synthesized porous silicon, particularly when doped with aluminum, could be beneficial in areas such as photovoltaics, biosensors, and photonics. Additionally, the material's efficiency in detecting X-ray radiation suggests its suitability for medical imaging, security scanning, and radiation monitoring systems. Based on the I–V characteristic studies, these materials may be well-suited for use in electronic components requiring precise control of electrical properties. Overall, this study not only enhances our understanding of porous silicon and aluminum-doped porous silicon but also opens up new avenues for their application in a wide range of sensing technologies.

Objectives: This study aims to quantify the cross-sectional and prospective associations between quality of life (QoL) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).Methods: This study was based on the Swiss children’s Objectively measured PHYsical Activity cohort. The primary endpoint is the overall QoL score and its six dimensions. The main predictor is the average time spent in MVPA per day. Linear mixed effects and linear regression models respectively were used to investigate the cross-sectional and prospective associations between MVPA and QoL.Results: There were 352 participants in the study with complete data from baseline (2013–2015) and follow-up (2019). MVPA was positively associated with overall QoL and physical wellbeing (p = 0.023 and 0.002 respectively). The between-subject MVPA was positively associated with the overall QoL, physical wellbeing, and social wellbeing (p = 0.030, 0.017, and 0.028 respectively). Within-subject MVPA was positively associated with physical wellbeing and functioning at school (p = 0.039 and 0.013 respectively). Baseline MVPA was not associated with QoL 5 years later.Conclusion: Future longitudinal studies should employ shorter follow-up times and repeat measurements to assess the PA and QoL association.