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Abstract Since the beginning of humanity, people have used wild medicinal plants for the treatment of various diseases. Nowadays, researchers and scientists pay attention to exploring new tools to maximize the efficacy of natural products from natural resources, and among these tools formulation of nanoparticles is very promising. The green synthesis of metal/metal oxide nano-solutions using the Deverra tortuosa extract has still not been explored well. This study aims to prepare many metal/metal oxide nanoparticle solutions such as ZnO-NPs, SeO2-MNPs, and Ag-NPs via the methanol extract of D. tortuosa as safe, easy, green, and economic approach as well as characterize the chemical components of D. tortuosa plant by GC-MS spectroscopy analysis. The synthesized M-NPs solutions were characterized by UV–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), zeta potential, Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and phytochemical analyses. The potential antioxidant capacity was estimated for the methanol extract of this plant along with the metal/metal oxide nanoparticles solutions by DPPH assay. In addition, the cytotoxic activity was in vitro assessed for the inspected samples against various tumor and normal cell lines applying MTT assay. The application of the D. tortuosa methanolic extract resulted in NPs with a range of 11.79–85.9 nm which was characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, TEM, zeta potential, and FT-IR spectroscopy that revealed various functional groups of the tested samples. The GC-MS analysis of the D. tortuosa methanolic extract showed the presence of 31 chemical compounds with 2-methyl-3-oxocyclopent-1-ene-1-carboxylic acid, methyl oleate, and 6-allyl-4,5-dimethoxybenzo[d][1,3]-dioxole as major constituents. The extract showed considerable antioxidant activity as well as antimicrobial activity that was assessed also against varied bacterial and fungal species. Remarkable potencies for the investigated metal/metal oxide nanoparticle solutions hinder the growth of the tumor cell lines, in addition to the growth of the microbial species. Based on the determined biological activities of the produced NPs, future study is recommended to characterize the pure authentic compounds that are identified within the D. tortuosa as major compounds as well as evaluate their modes of action.

BACKGROUND: Stress and anxiety during pregnancy are extremely prevalent and are associated with numerous poor outcomes, among the most serious of which are increased rates of preterm birth and low birth weight infants. Research supports that while in-person mindfulness training is effective in reducing pregnancy stress and anxiety, there are barriers limiting accessibility. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to determine if mindfulness meditation training with the Headspace app is effective for stress and anxiety reduction during pregnancy. METHODS: A longitudinal, single-arm trial was implemented with 20 pregnant women who were instructed to practice meditation via the Headspace app twice per day during the month-long trial. Validated scales were used to measure participants levels of stress and anxiety pre- and postintervention. Physiological measures reflective of stress (heart rate variability and sleep) were collected via the Oura Ring. RESULTS: Statistically significant reductions were found in self-reported levels of stress (P=.005), anxiety (P=.01), and pregnancy anxiety (P

Recent studies identified that Escherichia coli O157:H7 (ECO157H7) causes hemorrhagic colitis in humans, a rare spectrum of diarrheal illness. According to the findings of epidemiological investigations, cattle serve as the principal reservoirs for this bacterium. This study was conducted to understand the incidence of ECO157H7 in houseflies (HFs), a key disease vector. HFs (n = 40) were collected from cattle barns. The HFs were cultured on MacConkey (MC) agars, and any suspected colonies were grown on Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar. EMB-based metallic sheen colonies were grown on specific media, such as sorbitol Chromagar (SCA) and cefixime tellurite sorbitol-MacConkey (CT–SMAC) agar. Sorbitol non-fermenting (SNF) isolates were subjected to a commercial latex agglutination kit to identify the existence of O157 group. The results recorded 31/40 (77.5%) E. coli isolates identified from HF samples. The findings revealed that only 18/31 (58%) were from the SNF isolates. The identities of the isolates were further examined by targeting the rfbO157 and fliCH7 genes, as genetic markers in a PCR method. The PCR results reported 10/18 (55.5%) and 12/18 (66.6%) isolates that carried the rfbO157 and fliCH7 genes, respectively. Our research revealed that HFs represent a harbor for the pathogenic E. coli. The ecology and way this bacterium spreads among animals and across the environment may depend heavily on the presence of ECO157H7 in agricultural environments.

Listeriosis is a important abortive diseases in sheep , and is considered one of the most risky bacterial zoonotic disease worldwide.The study was carried out in 50 sheep flocks placed in the Nineveh governorate, Iraq during November and December 2022, a total of 300 specimens of blood , abomasum content and brain ( 100 each)were collected from local breed ovine aborted fetues(in the last stage of gestation) were obtained to be tested for molecular detection of Listeria monocytogenes . L monocytogenes DNA was detected in a total of 61(20.3%) specimens , distributed as: 35(57.4%) ,15(24.6% and 11(18.0%) strains from fetal brain, abomasum and blood specimens respectively using direct genus-specific conventional polymerase chain reaction (prfA gene) C- PCR. Two L. monocytogenes strains ( HMB1 listeriolysin, HMB 2 listeriolysin ) deposited in GenBank under accession numbers LC769365.1,and LC769366.1. All L. monocytogenes strains were positive for three genes (InlJ, InlA, and hlyA) except actA gene was detected in 46 (75.4%) strains. In conclusion , L. monocytogenes is one of the important causal agents of abortion in sheep flocks in Nineveh province , Iraq, and most of the brain specimens were positive for listeric infection compared to the other specimens.

Abstract Background Branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation is one of the most popular strategies used by the general population and athletes to reduce muscle soreness and accelerate the recovery process of muscle damage biomarkers after an intense exercise or training session. Objectives This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of BCAA supplementation on muscle damage biomarkers and muscle soreness after exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). Methods The systematic literature search for randomized controlled trials was conducted using seven databases, up to September 13th, 2022. The eligibility criteria for selecting studies were as follows: studies performed on healthy active participants, using BCAA at least once, controlled with a placebo or control group, performing resistance or endurance exercises, and followed up at least once post-EIMD. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the “SIGN RCT checklist”. Random-effects meta-analyses were processed to compute the standardized mean difference (Hedges’ g). Meta-regression analyses were completed with daily and total dosage and supplementation as continuous moderator variables. Results Of the 18 studies included in this meta-analysis, 13 were of high quality and five were of acceptable quality. Our results revealed BCAA supplementation elicits a significant effect on reducing creatine kinase (CK) levels immediately (g = − 0.44; p = 0.006) and 72 h (g = − 0.99; p = 0.002), but not 24 h, 48 h, and 96 h post-EIMD. Additionally, a significant effect on delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) was identified at 24 h (g = − 1.34; p

AIM: To investigate the short-term effects of commercially available eyelid-cleaning wipes on film parameters. METHODS: This study enrolled 48 healthy participants aged 20-35y (both males and females). Clinical assessment included the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, non-invasive tear break-up time (NITBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH), and lipid layer pattern (LLP). Based on these initial results, participants were categorized as either non-dry eye or dry eye. Participants in each group were randomly allocated to either Blephaclean® or Systane® treatments. Changes in NITBUT, TMH, and LLP levels before and after lid wipe treatment were assessed. RESULTS: The dry eye group exhibited significantly higher OSDI scores and lower NITBUT and TMH levels than in the non-dry eye group (P0.05). Similarly, the LLP levels were significantly improved with Systane® (P

Objective: An impacted canine has no eruption following the completion of the normal growth pattern. To expose an impacted canine, a laser can be used as an additional tool in addition to a scalpel and electrocautery. To compare the effectiveness of a dual diode laser with a traditional scalpel procedure for exposing impacted canines, with the parameters of bleeding and pain as main outcomes. Methods: Thirty patients were chosen for this investigation. Each of them needed an operation for canine impaction, and they were divided into two groups at random: the study group, which were treated with a dual diode laser (980+810nm), and included fifteen patients, and the control group, which were treated with a scalpel. Data obtained prior to, during, and following surgery were compared. There were follow-ups after two hours, on the second, and third days after surgery. The Student's t and the one-way ANOVA tests were used for all comparisons. Results: Thirteen males and seventeen females were examined in this study, and their mean age was 23 years. Intraoperative bleeding score showed a significantly decrease in laser group versus the surgical blade group (0.4666 vs. 0.29333, P=0.001). The postoperative pain score was significantly decreased in the laser group compared to the surgical blade group, at two hours (4.6 vs 8.233, P = 0.001), two days (2.067 vs 4.833, P=0.001), and three days (1.066 vs 2.01, P=0.001). There were significant differences in the pain and bleeding scores (P≤ 0.05). Conclusion: When using a dual diode laser (810+910nm) as opposed to a scalpel, hemostasis can be achieved with minimal pain.

The suite of U.S. federal farm programs available to organic farmers includes conservation programs through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), risk management through crop insurance, and the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (commonly referred to as Organic Cost Share or just Cost Share). Of these programs, the Organic Cost Share is the most widely used. Many organic farmers do not enroll in conservation pro­grams or purchase crop insurance. The under­utilization of federal farm programs by organic producers is well known in the organic community, but there is a lack of systematic evidence about the rationale for not applying for or using programs. Using qualitative data collected through structured interviews, we find that many organic producers want to participate in the Organic Cost Share, EQIP, CSP, and crop insurance. Many are success­ful, but others face institutional, cultural, and programmatic barriers that prevent them from participating. A key recommendation from this study is the creation of specialized, highly trained crop insurance and conservation agents with expertise in organic farming systems to facilitate the application process and program use for conservation programs and crop insurance. The Organic Cost Share Program would have more impact if its funds were used to support beginning organic farmers in addition to small-scale farm operators.

Background: Children’s oral health and clinical management are significantly affected by dental fear and anxiety. Purpose: This study investigates the effectiveness of audiovisual distraction in reducing the anxiety levels of children visiting for dental treatment. Methods: Sixty pediatric patients ages 6–10 years were included in this cross-sectional study. They were divided into two groups—a study group and a control group—of 30 patients each. The study group was provided with a tablet and headphones that played their favorite shows, and the control group was not provided with any gadgets. For both groups, anxiety levels were scored using the Facial Image Scale. A two-way repeated-measure ANOVA test was used to compare the levels of dental anxiety among the study and control groups at three intervals: before treatment, during treatment, and after treatment. For the tests, the statistically significant difference was assumed at a p ≤ 0.05. Results: The children of both study and control groups had the same anxiety levels (p > 0.05) before the treatment. The study group had reduced anxiety levels compared to the children in the control group during and after the treatment, with p < 0.05. Conclusion: A child’s favorite show can be played using a tablet and headphones for the child, as it has been shown to be an effective and easy method to reduce anxiety in children visiting dentists for operative procedures. This technique of distraction also reduces post-operative stress on the pediatric dentist.

Chronic respiratory disease is famous in poultry farming, mainly in broiler farms. The disease is caused by Mycoplasma species in participation with E. coli. Our study was conducted on CRD of broiler chickens to isolate and determine the resistance of Escherichia coli Seventy-four swabs of the internal organs of broilers (severe respiratory signs) were collected from different areas of Mosul from September 2021 to March 2022. MacConkey agar was used with cefotaxime (1 μg/ml) to grow the isolates, and they were incubated at 37 °C for 24 hours. Colonies were identified according to standard bacteriological methods. The cefotaxime-resistant E. coli isolates underwent DNA extraction. The polymerase chain reaction of Escherichia coli isolates was used for confirmation. The results of the existing study revealed that 61 samples appeared positive for bacterial isolation from 74 (82.4%). All isolates were resistant to an arsenal of antibiotics when testing their sensitivity to antibiotics, including azithromycin, levofloxacin, gentamycin, chloramphenicol…ext. Molecular detection of resistance genes showed that all isolates contained the CTX-M gene by 100%. In comparison, the TEM gene appeared in 52 isolates (85.25%), and only 9 (14.75%) isolates showed the SHV gene. In conclusion, our results shed light on the serious problem in poultry fields, which showed that Escherichia coli isolates contain genes with high resistance to antibiotics, which are the most widely used in the treatment of bacterial infections in these farms, which means the demand for introducing more novel antibiotics in the cure of poultry health problems.

يهدف هذا البحث الى دراسة التنوع الحيوي للطحالب القاعية الكبيرة وتحديد غزارتها في الشاطئ الشمالي والجنوبي لمدينة جبلة. قسم موقع الدراسة إلى منطقتين (شمالية وجنوبية)، وقسم كل موقع إلى ثلاثة محطات لأخذ العينات من نقاط مختلفة. جمعت العينات من الأعماق (1 – 0.5) م خلال أشهر فصل الربيع عام (2021) فترة النمو الأعظمي للطحالب القاعية. اختلف انتشار وغزارة الأنواع في موقعي الدراسة باختلاف طبيعة القاع، وحركة المياه، وكان عامل تركيز التلوث بالنفايات المنزلية والصرف الصحي هو العامل الأساس. تم تحديد 35 نوع من الطحالب القاعية في الموقع الأول، بينما بلغ عدد الأنواع في الموقع الثاني 32 نوع. لوحظ غزارة نوعي الطحالب الخضراء (Enteromorpha, Ulva) في مياه الموقع الملوث بالصرف الصحي ، بينما ازدادت غزارة الطحالب السمراء (Sargassum) والحمراء (Pterocladia) في المياه الأقل تلوثاً.

Human health and safety are significantly impacted by soil contamination. Finding the levels of heavy metals As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, V, Pb, and Zn in surface soil in Al-Hawija, southwest Kirkuk, is the primary goal of the research. To measure the concentration of heavy metals and evaluate soil pollution using the Enrichment factor, Contamination Factor, and geoaccumulation index (Igeo), thirty samples were collected and subjected to inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry analysis. According to the results, anthropogenic sources in industrial areas have a highly polluted nickel mean of 169.33 ppm higher than the permissible limits (WHO). The mean EF values of heavy metals in all samples decrease in order from Pb > Ni > As > Zn > Cd > Cu > Co > Hg > Cr. The mean values of the Contamination Factor for heavy metals in all samples increased in the order of Cr < V< Hg< Co< Cu< Zn< Cd< As< Ni< Pb.

Abstract Background The linkage between prolactin (PRL) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is still vague. Determination of serum levels of prolactin to reveal its role in patients with SLE is the aim of the study. Methods This is a case-control study performed on 40 children with SLE and 40 age- and sex-matched controls. Cases were further subdivided according to disease activity into mild, moderate, and severe groups using the SLEDAI (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index) score. Serum prolactin levels were assayed by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Results prolactin level was significantly higher in SLE patients (17.3 ± 6.6 µg/L) than in controls (13.5 ± 5.3 µg/L) (P value = 0.005). Although the prolactin level was highest in severe cases (19.3 ± 7.7 µg/L), followed by moderate cases (17.0 ± 5.3 µg/L), and lowest in mild cases (14.0 ± 6.2 µg/L), the variance between the 3 groups was not statistically significant (P value = 0.212). A significant positive correlation between prolactin level and SLEDAI score was detected (r = 0.368) (P value = 0.019). Hyperprolactinemia was found in 8 patients (20%) but not in controls; 4 out of 8 patients with hyperprolactinemia (50%) showed neurological manifestations compared to only 3 out of 32 patients with a normal prolactin level (9.4%) (P value = 0.007). Conclusion A relationship between serum prolactin levels and juvenile SLE disease was detected. Neurological manifestations were more prevalent among SLE patients with hyperprolactinemia.

Students' freedom of choice is critical to promoting equity and literacy in the classroom. When students choose what they read, they are more likely to find books that represent their lives, interests, and personal desires and feel that they are autonomous and can self-regulate learning. Previous research suggests that offering choice during learning activities increases motivation. However, less is known about whether choice is related to reading performance and which factors predict choice. Examining data from fourth-grade students, we found that students' perception of choice in their reading materials is associated with literacy achievement, even when accounting for the degree to which the teacher reports providing choice of texts in the classroom and student interest. These findings suggest that true choice (i.e., choice that resides within the student) is linked to greater learning than choice that a teacher determines externally. Further, we argue it may be especially important for educators to explore ways to expand the perceived options available to students with the lowest demonstrated in-school literacy competencies.

Nanoparticle engineering via plants (green synthesis) is a promising eco-friendly technique. In this work, a green protocol was applied to the preparation of silver, zinc, and selenium nanoparticle solutions supported by the extracted aerial parts of Pulicaria undulata. The formation of nanoparticles in the solution was characterized using phytochemical analysis, and UV-visible, TEM, and zeta-potential spectroscopy. In addition, various biological activities were investigated for the extract of P. undulata and the produced nanoparticles (selenium, silver, and zinc), including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities. The volatile components of the extracted constitute verified the fact that twenty-five volatile components were characterized for the majority of abundant categories for the fatty acids, esters of fatty acids (59.47%), and hydrocarbons (38.19%) of the total area. The antioxidant activity of P. undulata extract and metal nanoparticles was assessed using DPPH assay. The results indicated reduced potency for the metal nanoparticles’ solutions relative to the results for the plant extract. The cytotoxicity of the investigated samples was assessed using an MTT assay against various tumor and normal cell lines with improved cytotoxic potency of the solutions of metal nanoparticles, compared to the plant extract. The antimicrobial activity was also estimated against various bacterial and fungal species. The results confirmed amended potency for inhibiting the growth of microbial species for the solutions of metal nanoparticles when compared to the extracted aerial parts of the plant. The present study showed that green synthetized nanoparticles using P. undulata have various potential bioactivities.

Abstract Background Coronavirus disease 2019 can cause severe inflammation and damage to the lungs. Vitamins A and E are essential in the enhancement of immunity and they tend to decrease in cases with inflammation. Determination of serum levels of vitamins A and E in COVID-19 patients was the aim of the study. Methods This case–control study was carried out on 30 ICU–admitted SARS-CoV-2–infected individuals (group A), 30 ward–admitted SARS-CoV-2–infected individuals (group B) and 30 healthy controls (group C). High-performance liquid chromatography was used to measure vitamin A and E levels. Results Median levels of vitamin A in group A [0.16 (0.08–0.23) µg/ml] were significantly lower than those in group B [0.4 (0.15–0.65) µg/ml] and in group C [0.81 (0.70–1.16) µg/ml] with P value

Respiratory infections in poultry are considered one of the most acute infections that negatively affect the poultry industry and cause severe economic losses worldwide. Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT) is one of the fundamental causes of poultry respiratory diseases due to misdiagnosis with other respiratory pathogens and the absence of ideal diagnostic protocols. Accordingly, this study aimed to detect the presence of antibodies against ORT using indirect ELISA. For this purpose, serum samples n=368 were collected from 16 small broiler farms in Mosul city and adjacent areas. The results showed that 32.1% (118/368) of the tested samples were seropositive for ORT antibodies. Furthermore, only (18.8%) 3/16 of the farms follow standard management practices, while 13/16 (82.2%) have poor management practices. Additionally, the study showed that only 2/16 (12.5%) of the farms use antibiotics after performing an antibiotic sensitivity test, while 14/16 (87.5%) randomly use antibiotics without testing antibiotic sensitivity. Finally, 62.5% (10/16) of the studied farms have a previous history of respiratory infections, while only 37.5% (6/16) of the farms have no previous history of respiratory infections. In conclusion, detecting seropositive against ORT in the studied broiler farms with poor management and arbitrary use of antibiotics might suggest a significant role of ORT in developing respiratory infections and finally contribute to the massive financial losses.

IntroductionIdiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) encompass a diverse group of diseases characterized by considerable variability in clinical manifestations, antibody profiles, and responsiveness to immunosuppressive therapies. This study aimed to investigate the association between organ involvement and distinct myositis autoantibodies in individuals with IIM in a single-center cohort.MethodsPatients with ICD diagnoses M33.1, M33.2, M33.9, or M609 who (1) had been tested with Euroline blot assay for myositis autoantibodies and (2) met the classification criteria of definite/probable polymyositis (PM) or dermatomyositis (DM), anti-synthetase syndrome (ASS), or inclusion body myositis (IBM) were included. Medical journals were retrospectively examined with respect to clinical disease features.ResultsSeventy patients (median age 58 years; 66% females) were included and represented the following diagnosis: PM (n = 23), DM (n = 21), ASS (n = 23), and IBM (n = 3). Most of the patients (87%) presented a muscle biopsy indicative of myositis. The presence of autoantibodies was as follows: myositis-specific antibodies, MSA (n = 53), myositis-associated antibodies, MAA (n = 33), both MSA + MAA (n = 24), MSA only (n = 29), MAA only (n = 9), no MSA, or MAA (n = 8). Anti-Jo-1 was the most common MSA (19%), whereas the most common MAA was anti-Ro/SSA52 (31%). We observed a significant association between antibody patterns and lung disease. In our cohort, 47% of the patients in the whole study group, 86% of patients with anti-SSA52, and 100% with anti-Jo-1 had pulmonary involvement. Patients with both MSA and MAA had a higher incidence of lung disease and decreased CO-diffusion capacity. This was especially prominent in anti-Ro/SSA52-positive patients. Interestingly, none of the patients suffered from lung disease if only antibodies against Mi-2α, Mi-2β, NXP2, HMGCR, and TIF1γ were present or no MSA/MAA were detected.Discussion:The simultaneous presence of both MAA and MSA indicates an increased risk of lung involvement in patients with inflammatory myopathies. The presence of any MAA, and especially anti-Ro/SSA52, is associated with more severe pulmonary disease. Our data suggest that MAA antibodies might be relevant markers for early detection and treatment of lung involvement in IIM.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255408.].

Background: Adolescent pregnancy is associated with major health consequences for adolescent pregnant women including medications and oral health problems such as dental caries and periodontal disease. Pregnancy is a unique state of physical, hormonal, and metabolic changes that can result in an oral cavity imbalance. Changes in salivary components and a decrease in salivary flow rate caused by an increase in progesterone may compromise saliva's protective effects, resulting in dental caries. Objectives: To evaluate dental caries experience in adolescent pregnancy. Method: A sample including 80 pregnant ladies were recruited in this study and categorized into a study group involving 40 primigravida adolescent females aged (15-19)years old and a control group involving 40 primigravida women (20-32) years old who married at age 20 years or more, all of them in the second trimester of pregnancy. Unstimulated salivary samples were collected, salivary flow rate, pH, and dental caries experience were assessed. Saliva samples were analyzed to estimate salivary lactoferrin concentration. Results: The mean (±sd) of decayed surface of the study group was (11.850±0.669) compared to (9.425±1.015) of the control group (p=0.049) and the level of salivary lactoferrin of the study group was (8.071± 0.558) compared to (6.610±0.447) of the control group (p=0.044), while the mean (±sd) of salivary flow rate of the study group was (0.349±0.020) compared to (0.540±0.157) of the control group (p=0.231) and the mean (±sd) salivary pH was (5.935±0.053) ) compared to (5.995±0.153) of the control group (p=0.712). Conclusion: Adolescent pregnancy is linked to increased dental caries experience by altering salivary characteristics, including lactoferrin levels. Received: June, 2023 Accepted: Aug, 2023 Published: Jan..2024