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Abstract Background Hepatosteatosis is considered a universal problematic health due to bad lifestyle. Thereby, the current study evaluates the influence of the Cicer arietinum polyunsaturated fatty acids (CAP) and newly synthesized C. arietinum polyunsaturated fatty acids phytosome (CAPP) against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) persuaded through a high-fat diet (HFD) in addition to tamoxifen (TAM) in male albino rats. Forty-eight rats were separated into eight groups (6 rats/group). Rats of the control group were administered distilled water for 45 consecutive days, while phosphatidyl choline (PC), CAP, and CAPP groups administered distilled water (15 days), afterward administered PC, CAP, and CAPP, respectively (500 mg/kg b.wt), orally for 30 days. All the previous groups fed normal diet for the 45 days, while NAFLD rats feed HFD for 45 days and receive TAM (200 mg/kg b.wt, i.p) daily for 15 days, followed by administration of vehicle, PC, CAP, and CAPP orally for another 30 days. Results Hepatosteatosis was appraised biochemically by significant increase in the concentrations of serum AST, ALT, γGT, LDH, ALP, total bilirubin, total lipid, triglycerides, fatty acid synthase (FAS), stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD-1), and LDL-cholesterol, as well as hepatic total lipids and triglycerides. In addition, a significant decline in serum total protein, albumin, and HDL-cholesterol concentrations was observed in comparison with the control group. NAFLD induces oxidative stress by noteworthy increase in hepatic MDA, H2O2, and meaningful reduction in hepatic GSH, SOD, GST, GRD, and CAT levels as compared with the corresponding control group. Liver histological changes were noted in the NAFLD group as compared to the control. Interestingly, CAP and CAPP treatments modulate the abnormal effects of NAFLD in all the previous parameters. For the histological changes caused by NAFLD, the liver tissue appeared nearly normal after the treatment with CAP and CAPP. Conclusion CAP and CAPP administration may have a potential role in alleviating hepatosteatosis. This may relate to its downregulation against FAS, SCD-1, and oxidative stress.

Flooding poses a severe global threat, necessitating advanced methodologies to assess and manage its risks effectively. This study introduces a novel approach that integrates Geographic Information System (GIS) with hydrologic-hydraulic modeling to evaluate the combined drivers of current and future flood risks. The method is applied to the development Bonita Bay in southwest Florida. It occurs in a region highly susceptible to flooding due to its low elevation and proximity to tidal waters. The innovative integration of GIS with hydrologic-hydraulic models enables detailed assessment and visualization of flood inundation areas under multiple flood drivers including design storms, land use changes, groundwater rise, and sea-level rise. This allows for the seamless simulation of complex flood interactions with only minor adjustments to the model for the identified drivers. The results indicate significant increases in initial water storage caused by sea and groundwater level rise and amplified storm runoff from land use changes. A 2% increase in flooded areas is projected with stronger design storms, and a 5% increase by 2,100 compared to 2024. This approach provides a robust framework for developing tailored flood mitigation strategies and can be adapted to various coastal regions globally.

Background and rationale: Fascioliasis is a neglected parasitic infection that affects both humans and animals. It is caused by the trematode parasites known as Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica, which primarily infect the bile duct. Fascioliasis has a significant negative social and economic impact, with estimated infected rate in livestock (18%) and 2.6 million persons worldwide. The highly prevalence was recorded in least developed countries. The actual challenge is to obtain a cheap and efficient diagnosis technique to diagnose the early mild stage of fascioliasis, parasitological examination techniques are usually effective in the final stage of infection when a large number of fascioliasis eggs are execrated in stool. Aim: The aim of this study was conducted to develop and compare a novel diagnostic lateral flow assay and sandwich ELISA for detection of active fascioliasis infection. The conjugation of fascioliasis tegumental antibodies to AuNPs through covalent conjugation using EDC/Sulfo-NHS, to application in the setup of immuno-chromatography lateral flow assay (LFA) and sandwich ELISA. The novel LFA succeeded to diagnose (37 out of 38 true positive infected fascioliasis group), (2 out of 81 true negative other parasites infected group) and (0 out of 27 negative control group), the sensitivity, specificity, NPV and PPV of were 97.4%, 98.2%, 99.1%, and 94.8%, respectively. while the sensitivity, specificity, NPV and PPV of sandwich ELISA were 94.7%, 96.3%, 98.1%, and 90%, respectively. Conclusion: The higher sensitivity and specificity were recorded in LFA. Lateral flow assays (LFA) technique could be used as Ideal diagnostic techniques in monitoring and control of fasciolosis infection.

With the emergence of COVID 19 disaster, dependence on technological and electronic learning is increasing. National Education technology standard has a great impact on improving students' skills. One of these skills is problem solving which is very crucial to nurse student to be prepared to be professional nurse. This study sought to assess application of national education technology standards as perceived by nursing students and its relation to their problem solving skill during COVID 19 disaster. The study adopted a descriptive correlational design using a convenience sample (N = 218) of all fourth nursing students who accept to participate in the study at Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University. The instruments used to gather the data were developed questionnaire by researchers to assess application of national education technology standards, and problem solving skill questionnaire. The results show that the majority of nursing students have high level of perception regarding application of these standards. Moreover, the high percentage of nursing students had high level problem solving skill, and there was a positive moderate correlation between total score national education technology standards, and total score problem solving skill. Based on the findings, it is very important to ensure application of national education technology standards for teaching staff and administrative system. Moreover, Periodic updates and training on the new changes in education technology for both nursing students and teaching staff.

Abstract Background Melatonin (MEL) is a powerful antioxidant molecule with anti-androgenic property. A microemulsion (ME) system loaded with MEL was designed for treatment of androgenic alopecia. Pseudo-ternary phase diagram was constructed, and ME formulae were developed using coconut oil, Tween 80 and PEG 400. In the present study, MEL ME was characterized and evaluated for droplet size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, morphology using TEM imaging. MEL ex vivo permeation study through rat skin followed by tape stripping for stratum corneum (SC) was performed for different ME formulae, to determine skin permeation parameters and detect SC-MEL deposition. Results Spherical and uniform particles of MEL-loaded microemulsion were formulated with high stability. In ex vivo permeation study, MEL ME exhibited low steady-state skin flux along with pronounced SC deposition which prevailed a controlled release manner. Conclusion The results suggested that MEL ME could be a promising candidate for further permeation and in vivo studies for androgenic alopecia treatment.

Background: Hepatosteatosis is considered a universal problematic health due to bad lifestyle. Thereby, the current study evaluates the influence of the Cicer arietinum polyunsaturated fatty acids (CAP) and newly synthesized C. arietinum polyunsaturated fatty acids phytosome (CAPP) against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) persuaded through a high-fat diet (HFD) in addition to tamoxifen (TAM) in male albino rats. Forty-eight rats were separated into eight groups (6 rats/group). Rats of the control group were administered distilled water for 45 consecutive days, while phosphatidyl choline (PC), CAP, and CAPP groups administered distilled water (15 days), afterward administered PC, CAP, and CAPP, respectively (500 mg/kg b.wt), orally for 30 days. All the previous groups fed normal diet for the 45 days, while NAFLD rats feed HFD for 45 days and receive TAM (200 mg/kg b.wt, i.p) daily for 15 days, followed by administration of vehicle, PC, CAP, and CAPP orally for another 30 days. Results: Hepatosteatosis was appraised biochemically by significant increase in the concentrations of serum AST, ALT, γGT, LDH, ALP, total bilirubin, total lipid, triglycerides, fatty acid synthase (FAS), stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD-1), and LDL-cholesterol, as well as hepatic total lipids and triglycerides. In addition, a significant decline in serum total protein, albumin, and HDL-cholesterol concentrations was observed in comparison with the control group. NAFLD induces oxidative stress by noteworthy increase in hepatic MDA, H2O2, and meaningful reduction in hepatic GSH, SOD, GST, GRD, and CAT levels as compared with the corresponding control group. Liver histological changes were noted in the NAFLD group as compared to the control. Interestingly, CAP and CAPP treatments modulate the abnormal effects of NAFLD in all the previous parameters. For the histological changes caused by NAFLD, the liver tissue appeared nearly normal after the treatment with CAP and CAPP. Conclusion: CAP and CAPP administration may have a potential role in alleviating hepatosteatosis. This may relate to its downregulation against FAS, SCD-1, and oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flooding poses a severe global threat, necessitating advanced methodologies to assess and manage its risks effectively. This study introduces a novel approach that integrates Geographic Information System (GIS) with hydrologic-hydraulic modeling to evaluate the combined drivers of current and future flood risks. The method is applied to the development Bonita Bay in southwest Florida. It occurs in a region highly susceptible to flooding due to its low elevation and proximity to tidal waters. The innovative integration of GIS with hydrologic-hydraulic models enables detailed assessment and visualization of flood inundation areas under multiple flood drivers including design storms, land use changes, groundwater rise, and sea-level rise. This allows for the seamless simulation of complex flood interactions with only minor adjustments to the model for the identified drivers. The results indicate significant increases in initial water storage caused by sea and groundwater level rise and amplified storm runoff from land use changes. A 2% increase in flooded areas is projected with stronger design storms, and a 5% increase by 2,100 compared to 2024. This approach provides a robust framework for developing tailored flood mitigation strategies and can be adapted to various coastal regions globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the ensemble method of prescreening-based subset selection to improve ensemble predictions of Earth system models (ESMs). In the prescreening step, the independent ensemble members are categorized based on their ability to reproduce physically-interpretable features of interest that are regional and problem-specific. The ensemble size is then updated by selecting the subsets that improve the performance of the ensemble prediction using decision relevant metrics. We apply the method to improve the prediction of red tide along the West Florida Shelf in the Gulf of Mexico, which affects coastal water quality and has substantial environmental and socioeconomic impacts on the State of Florida. Red tide is a common name for harmful algal blooms that occur worldwide, which result from large concentrations of aquatic microorganisms, such as dinoflagellate Karenia brevis, a toxic single celled protist. We present ensemble method for improving red tide prediction using the high resolution ESMs of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) and reanalysis data. The study results highlight the importance of prescreening-based subset selection with decision relevant metrics in identifying non-representative models, understanding their impact on ensemble prediction, and improving the ensemble prediction. These findings are pertinent to other regional environmental management applications and climate services. Additionally, our analysis follows the FAIR Guiding Principles for scientific data management and stewardship such that data and analysis tools are findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable. As such, the interactive Colab notebooks developed for data analysis are annotated in the paper. This allows for efficient and transparent testing of the results’ sensitivity to different modeling assumptions. Moreover, this research serves as a starting point to build upon for red tide management, using the publicly available CMIP, Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX), and reanalysis data.

Abstract Background Hypothermia and shivering are common complications after spinal anaesthesia, especially after uroscopic procedures in which large amounts of cold intraluminal irrigation fluids are used. Magnesium sulfate and dexmedetomidine are the most effective adjuvants with the least side effects. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of intrathecal dexmedetomidine versus intrathecal magnesium sulfate on the prevention of post-spinal anaesthesia shivering. Methods This prospective randomized, double-blinded controlled study included 105 patients who were scheduled for uroscopic surgery at the Kasr El-Aini Hospital. The patients were randomly allocated into three groups. Group C ( n = 35) received 2.5 ml of hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% (12.5 mg) + 0.5 ml of normal saline, Group M ( n = 35) received 2.5 ml of hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% (12.5 mg) + 25 mg of magnesium sulfate in 0.5 ml saline, and Group D ( n = 35) received 2.5 ml of hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% (12.5 mg) + 5 μg of dexmedetomidine in 0.5 ml saline. The primary outcomes were the incidence and intensity of shivering. The secondary outcomes were the incidence of hypothermia, sedation, the use of meperidine to control shivering and complications. Results Group C had significantly higher proportions of patients who developed shivering (21), developed grade IV shivering (20) and required meperidine (21) to treat shivering than group M (8,5,5) and group D (5,3,6), which were comparable to each other. The time between block administration and meperidine administration was similar among the three groups. Hypothermia did not occur in any of the patients. The three groups were comparable regarding the occurrence of nausea, vomiting, bradycardia and hypotension. All the patients in group C, 32 patients in group M and 33 patients in group D had a sedation score of 2. Three patients in group M and 2 patients in group D had a sedation score of 3. Conclusions Intrathecal injections of both dexmedetomidine and magnesium sulfate were effective in reducing the incidence of post-spinal anaesthesia shivering. Therefore, we encourage the use of magnesium sulfate, as it is more physiologically available, more readily available in most operating theatres and much less expensive than dexmedetomidine. Trial registration Clinical trial registration ID: Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR) Trial Number PACTR201801003001727; January 2018, “retrospectively registered”.

Bayesian inference of microbial soil respiration models is often based on the assumptions that the residuals are independent (i.e., no temporal or spatial correlation), identically distributed (i.e., Gaussian noise), and have constant variance (i.e., homoscedastic). In the presence of model discrepancy, as no model is perfect, this study shows that these assumptions are generally invalid in soil respiration modeling such that residuals have high temporal correlation, an increasing variance with increasing magnitude of CO2 efflux, and non-Gaussian distribution. Relaxing these three assumptions stepwise results in eight data models. Data models are the basis of formulating likelihood functions of Bayesian inference. This study presents a systematic and comprehensive investigation of the impacts of data model selection on Bayesian inference and predictive performance. We use three mechanistic soil respiration models with different levels of model fidelity (i.e., model discrepancy) with respect to the number of carbon pools and the explicit representations of soil moisture controls on carbon degradation; therefore, we have different levels of model complexity with respect to the number of model parameters. The study shows that data models have substantial impacts on Bayesian inference and predictive performance of the soil respiration models such that the following points are true: (i) the level of complexity of the best model is generally justified by the cross-validation results for different data models; (ii) not accounting for heteroscedasticity and autocorrelation might not necessarily result in biased parameter estimates or predictions, but will definitely underestimate uncertainty; (iii) using a non-Gaussian data model improves the parameter estimates and the predictive performance; and (iv) accounting for autocorrelation only or joint inversion of correlation and heteroscedasticity can be problematic and requires special treatment. Although the conclusions of this study are empirical, the analysis may provide insights for selecting appropriate data models for soil respiration modeling.

Groundwater management policy around the world increasingly seeks to protect groundwater-dependent ecosystems and associated human uses and values. This includes uses of ecosystems and agricultural systems linked to natural spring discharge. Yet, there are few examples of practical tools to balance human groundwater use with ecological water demand related to spring discharge. Using a simulation optimization framework, we directly incorporate a spring discharge constraint into the analysis of sustainable yield for operationalizing groundwater policy in the state of Hawai‘i. Our application on the island of O‘ahu is a spring discharge-dependent watercress farm with historical, cultural, and ecological significance. This research provides decision-makers in Hawai‘i with information regarding the trade-off between groundwater pumping and spring discharge, which is connected to multiple benefits, including historical and cultural values in line with codified state beneficial use protections. Because this trade-off provides an important step in operationalizing sustainable yield policy in Hawai‘i, we conclude by discussing further conceptual and technical developments necessary to move groundwater policy in Hawai‘i closer to full incorporation of the public trust principles of the state water code.

Background and rationale: Fascioliasis is a neglected parasitic infection that affects both humans and animals. It is caused by the trematode parasites known as Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica, which primarily infect the bile duct. Fascioliasis has a significant negative social and economic impact, with estimated infected rate in livestock (18%) and 2.6 million persons worldwide. The highly prevalence was recorded in least developed countries. The actual challenge is to obtain a cheap and efficient diagnosis technique to diagnose the early mild stage of fascioliasis, parasitological examination techniques are usually effective in the final stage of infection when a large number of fascioliasis eggs are execrated in stool. Aim: The aim of this study was conducted to develop and compare a novel diagnostic lateral flow assay and sandwich ELISA for detection of active fascioliasis infection. The conjugation of fascioliasis tegumental antibodies to AuNPs through covalent conjugation using EDC/Sulfo-NHS, to application in the setup of immuno-chromatography lateral flow assay (LFA) and sandwich ELISA. The novel LFA succeeded to diagnose (37 out of 38 true positive infected fascioliasis group), (2 out of 81 true negative other parasites infected group) and (0 out of 27 negative control group), the sensitivity, specificity, NPV and PPV of were 97.4%, 98.2%, 99.1%, and 94.8%, respectively. while the sensitivity, specificity, NPV and PPV of sandwich ELISA were 94.7%, 96.3%, 98.1%, and 90%, respectively. Conclusion: The higher sensitivity and specificity were recorded in LFA. Lateral flow assays (LFA) technique could be used as Ideal diagnostic techniques in monitoring and control of fasciolosis infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying migraine comorbidities may guide prognosis and treatment options. This study aimed to assess the frequency of comorbid conditions among adults with migraine living in Greater Cairo. In this cross-sectional study, Egyptian migraine sufferers aged ≥ 18 years living in Greater Cairo were consecutively recruited (April 2019 – April 2021). Following The International Classification of Headache Disorders-third edition, diagnosis of migraine was confirmed, and the type of migraine was defined as whether episodic or chronic, with or without aura, with childhood/adolescence or adulthood onset. Specialist physicians from the research team assessed comorbid conditions among the respondents. The mean age of respondents (n = 1064) was 35 ± 7. Irritable bowel syndrome represented the most common comorbidity in our patients (45.5%), followed by vitamin D deficiency (41.8%). The frequency of epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus was significantly higher in patients with chronic than episodic type (χ2 = 4.514, P = 0.034), (χ2 = 12.302, P = 0.001), (χ2 = 12.302, P = 0.001), (χ2 = 4.806, P 0.028), respectively. Females with menstrual migraines had a significantly higher frequency of generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, and restless leg syndrome than those with non-menstrual migraines (χ2 = 7.636, P 0.006), (χ2 = 9.245, P = 0.002), and (χ2 = 11.997, P = 0.001), respectively. The frequency of diabetes was significantly higher in patients with migraine with aura than in those without aura (χ2 = 4.248, P value 0.039). This study provides a better understanding of the comorbidities in Egyptian patients with migraine and will provide new avenues for developing individualized therapy for migraine patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relational leadership skills have been acknowledged as essential of improving the performance of the health system. To keep up with the changes in healthcare, proactive behavior, relationship coordination, and professional identity are deemed to be excellent qualities that all nurses should possess. An important strategy for enhancing nurses' qualities is relational leadership. Purpose: This study aimed to assess nurses' proactive behavior, relational coordination, and professional identity as predictors of head nurses' relational leadership. Methods: A descriptive correlational design was utilized. The study was conducted at all critical care units at Emergency Menoufia University hospital. A simple random sample of one hundred nurses comprised the study 's sample. Four tools were used: the nurses' proactive behavior scale, relational coordination scale, professional identity, and head nurse's relational leadership from nurses' perspectives. Results: There was a high statistical association between relational leadership and both of proactive behavior, and the relational coordination (p<0.0001). Concerning the association of relational leadership with professional identity, it was not applicable to do statistical analysis as all nurses showed only one level of professional identity (high level). Conclusion: Based on the study findings, the predictors of head nurses' relational leadership are proactive behavior, and relational coordination. On the other hand, professional identity was excluded as a predictor. Recommendations: Enrich and update the awareness of head nurses about relational leadership via workshops and programs. Activating evidence-based research regarding nurses' proactive behavior and relational coordination in practice. Increase awareness among nurse administrators and hospital directors about relational leadership. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concerns over groundwater depletion and ecosystem degradation have led to the incorporation of the concept of groundwater sustainability as a groundwater policy instrument in several water codes and management directives worldwide. Because sustainable groundwater management is embedded within integrated, co-evolving hydrological, ecological, and socioeconomic systems, implementing such policies remains a challenge for water managers and the scientific community. The problem is further exacerbated when participatory processes are lacking, resulting in a communication gap among water authorities, scientists, and the broader community. This paper provides a systematic review of the concept of groundwater sustainability, and situates this concept within the calls from the hydrologic literature for more participatory and integrated approaches to water security. We discuss the definition of groundwater sustainability from both a policy and scientific perspective, tracing the evolution of this concept from safe yield, to sustainable groundwater management. We focus on the diversity of societal values related to groundwater sustainability, and the typology of the aquifer performance and governance factors. In addition, we systematically review the main components of an effective scientific evaluation of groundwater sustainability policy, which are multi-process modeling, uncertainty analysis, and participation. We conclude that effective groundwater sustainability policy implementation requires an iterative scientific evaluation that (i) engages stakeholders in a participatory process through collaborative modeling and social learning; (ii) provides improved understanding of the coevolving scenarios between surface water-groundwater systems, ecosystems, and human activities; and (iii) acknowledges and addresses uncertainty in our scientific knowledge and the diversity of societal preferences using multi-model uncertainty analysis and adaptive management. Although the development of such a transdisciplinary research approach, which connects policy, science, and practice for groundwater sustainability evaluation, is still in its infancy worldwide, we find that research towards groundwater sustainability is growing at a much faster rate than groundwater research as a whole.

Several diagnostic measures have been employed to precisely detect the SARS-CoV-2 viral infection using viral antigens, nucleic acids, and other serological approaches. The sensitivity and specificity of the serological tests remain a challenging need. Here, we describe the detection of human anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM antibodies qualitatively through two optimized in-house ELISA and lateral flow immunoassay. Both approaches are based on the prokaryotic expression of 50 kDa SARS-CoV-2 recombinant nucleocapsid protein. This SARS-CoV-2rN-6×His was used either to coat ELISA plates or to be conjugated to gold nanoparticles followed by colorimetric detection of bound human IgG or IgM. In the LFA, we show the optimization of nanoparticle size, protein-binding capacity, membrane treatment, and finally testing the potential capacity of using either the optimized ELISA or LFA in detecting antibodies raised against viral infection. Assessment of both methods was carried out using human sera-positive and negative SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The ELISA and LFA tests showed 86%, 96.5% sensitivity, 92%, 93.75% specificity, 97%, 98.2% PPV, and 64%, 88.2% NPV, respectively. In conclusion, both approaches were able to successfully detect human antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. The importance of both protocols cannot be overstated in the detection and diagnosis of viral infections, especially in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]