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The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of dry turmeric rhizomes on in vitro biogas production and diet fermentability. Turmeric rhizomes were included at gradually increased levels: 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2% of a diet containing per kg dr matter (DM): 500 g concentrate feed mixture, 400 g berseem hay and 100 g rice straw, and incubated for 48 h. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed that ar-turmerone, α-turmerone and β-turmerone were the major bioactive compounds in the rhizomes. Turmeric rhizomes increased (p

Abstract Introduction The assessment of hemodynamic status in polytrauma patients is an important principle of the primary survey of trauma patients, and screening for ongoing hemorrhage and assessing the efficacy of resuscitation is vital in avoiding preventable death and significant morbidity in these patients. Invasive procedures may lead to various complications and the IVC ultrasound measurements are increasingly recognized as a potential noninvasive replacement or a source of adjunct information. Aimof this study The study aimed to determine if repeated ultrasound assessment of the inferior vena cava (diameter, collapsibility (IVC- CI) in major trauma patients presenting with collapsible IVC before resuscitation and after the first hour of resuscitation will predict total intravenous fluid requirements at first 24 h. Patients & methods The current study was conducted on 120 patients presented to the emergency department with Major blunt trauma (having significant injury to two or more ISS body regions or an ISS greater than 15). The patients(cases) group (shocked group) (60) patients with signs of shock such as decreased blood pressure 100 b/m, cold, clammy skin, capillary refill > 2 s and their shock index above0.9. The control group (non-shocked group) (60) patients with normal blood pressure and heart rate, no other signs of shock (normal capillary refill, warm skin), and (shock index ≤ 0.9). Patients were evaluated at time 0 (baseline), 1 h after resucitation, and 24 h after 1st hour for:(blood pressure, pulse, RR, SO2, capillary refill time, MABP, IVCci, IVCmax, IVCmin). Results Among 120 Major blunt trauma patients, 98 males (81.7%) and 22 females (18.3%) were included in this analysis; hypovolemic shocked patients (60 patients) were divided into two main groups according to IVC diameter after the first hour of resuscitation; IVC repleted were 32 patients (53.3%) while 28 patients (46.7%) were IVC non-repleted. In our study population, there were statistically significant differences between repleted and non-repleted IVC cases regarding IVCD, DIVC min, IVCCI (on arrival) (after 1 h) (after 24 h of 1st hour of resuscitation) ( p-value 38.5 has a sensitivity of 80.0% and Specificity of 85.71% with AUC 0.971 and a good 95% CI (0.938 – 1.0), which means that IVCci of 38.6% or more can indicate fluid responsiveness. We also found that IVCci 1 h (after fluid resuscitation) at cut-off point > 28.6 has a sensitivity of 80.0% and Specificity of 75% with AUC 0.886 and good 95% CI (0.803 – 0.968), which means that IVCci of 28.5% or less can indicate fluid unresponsiveness after 1st hour of resuscitation. We found no statistically significant difference between repleted and non-repleted cases regarding fluid requirement and amount of blood transfusion at 1st hour of resuscitation (p-value = 0.104). Conclusion Repeated bedside ultrasonography of IVCD, and IVCci before and after the first hour of resuscitation could be an excellent reliable invasive tool that can be used in estimating the First 24 h of fluid requirement in Major blunt trauma patients and assessment of fluid status.

This study aimed to evaluate the nutritive value of different vegetative parts of Moringa oleifera (leaves, stems and plant debris) and Leucaena leucocephala (leaves and dried pods after seed harvesting). Nutrient composition, secondary metabolites and kinetics of gas production (GP) from in vitro rumen fermentation were measured to investigate the adequacy of these materials as feed resources for ruminants. Leaves of M. oleifera had the highest (p

Background: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a prevalent issue in children, which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to understand the bacterial etiology, antibiotic susceptibility patterns, and associated risk factors for UTIs in children aged 0–13 years. Aim and Objectives: Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of pediatric UTI, clinical profile, risk factors, etiology, and antimicrobial resistance pattern with a special emphasis on change in resistance pattern. Material and Methods: The retrospective study, approved by Oman's research committee, involved children aged 0–13 diagnosed with UTI from January 2017 to December 2022. The relevant data of the study subjects was retrieved from hospital electronic health records. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, with qualitative data reported in frequencies and percentages, while quantitative data were represented by the mean and standard deviation. Results: The study involved 295 non-duplicate bacterial isolates recovered from 275 patients. The frequency of isolation was predominant in females (65.5%) and in infants (37.5%). Congenital anomalies such as prenatal hydronephrosis (6.5%) and vesicoureteral reflux (3.6%) were the most common risk factors for UTI in children. Poor fluid intake (5.8%), urolithiasis (1.8%), obesity (1.5%), and infrequent voiding of urine (1.5%) were the other independent risk factors for UTI noticed in our study. Septicemia was observed in 1.5% of the subjects. Escherichia coli (55.3%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (22.3%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5.8%) were the most common etiological agents causing UTI. Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBL) production was observed in 32.3% and 29.4% of K. pneumoniae and E. colistrains, respectively. Conclusion: In summary, the updated knowledge of local data will help clinicians manage cases, administer appropriate antibiotic treatment, and alleviate antibiotic resistance.

The dataset represent the results of a cross-sectional study conducted in Telangana, India, to investigate the effects of pesticide exposure in agricultural regions. This study includes 341 pesticides exposed participants and 152 controls in three districts of Telangana including 15 farming villages. Blood and urine samples were analysed to determine various pesticide concentrations present in blood including organophosphates, carbamates and pyrethroids group of pesticides, and six dialkyl phosphate (DAP) metabolites, including dimethyl phosphate (DMP), diethyl phosphate (DEP), dimethyl thiophosphate (DMTP), dimethyldithiophosphate (DMDTP), diethylthiophosphate (DETP) and diethyldithiophosphate (DEDTP) were analysed in urine samples.In addition the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity were measured using advanced analytical methods. The data provide information on pesticide profiles, exposure biomarkers and the relationship between exposure duration and AChE activity. These study results emphasise the importance and addressing pesticide-related health problems in farmers for proactive measures to mitigate the harmful effects of pesticide exposure in agriculture.

In this study, the structural performance of reinforced concrete frames strengthened with external post-tension tendons was investigated. An experimental study was performed to investigate the failure modes and generate the data required to validate the numerical model. The experimental study includes a reinforced concrete (RC) frame control specimen without strengthening and three strengthened specimens under vertical loads. The specimens were strengthened using external post-tensioning with three different tendon layouts, including a straight tendon in the beam-positive moment zone, straight tendons in the beam-positive and column-negative moment zones, and U-shape tendons along the frame beam. The numerical model was built for the four specimens, validated using the experimental results, and used to analyze the lateral load performance. Results showed that the most effective strengthening technique for the vertical load was the beam U-shape tendons, and for the lateral load, it was the beam and column strengthening. It can be concluded from this case study that strengthening frames with external post-tensioning techniques can enhance the first crack load, yielding load, and ultimate load by 80–100 %, 180–250 %, and 35–70 %, respectively.

IntroductionWith the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), there is an urgent need to discover effective therapeutic targets for this complex condition. Coding and non-coding RNAs, with traditional biochemical parameters, have shown promise as viable targets for therapy. Machine learning (ML) techniques have emerged as powerful tools for predicting drug responses.MethodIn this study, we developed an ML-based model to identify the most influential features for drug response in the treatment of type 2 diabetes using three medicinal plant-based drugs (Rosavin, Caffeic acid, and Isorhamnetin), and a probiotics drug (Z-biotic), at different doses. A hundred rats were randomly assigned to ten groups, including a normal group, a streptozotocin-induced diabetic group, and eight treated groups. Serum samples were collected for biochemical analysis, while liver tissues (L) and adipose tissues (A) underwent histopathological examination and molecular biomarker extraction using quantitative PCR. Utilizing five machine learning algorithms, we integrated 32 molecular features and 12 biochemical features to select the most predictive targets for each model and the combined model.Results and discussionOur results indicated that high doses of the selected drugs effectively mitigated liver inflammation, reduced insulin resistance, and improved lipid profiles and renal function biomarkers. The machine learning model identified 13 molecular features, 10 biochemical features, and 20 combined features with an accuracy of 80% and AUC (0.894, 0.93, and 0.896), respectively. This study presents an ML model that accurately identifies effective therapeutic targets implicated in the molecular pathways associated with T2DM pathogenesis.

The inevitable enteric gas emission from ruminants is considered a modern-day problem from an environmental perspective. Addressing this problem requires nutritional approaches such as the use of phytogenic additives in ruminant diets. In this regard, lupin seed (LS) can be a useful additive due to its phytochemical constituents. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) seed supplementation as a functional and sustainable feed additive in sheep diet (50:50 concentrate-to-forage ratio) on in vitro gas production (GP; mL/g DM), methane (CH4; mL/g DM) and carbon dioxide (CO2; mL/g DM) emissions, fermentation parameters, and nutrient degradability (g/kg DM incubated). Gas production and CH4 were measured per gram of incubated dry matter (DM), degradable DM (dDM), degradable neutral detergent fiber (dNDF), and degradable acid detergent fiber (dADF). Lupin seeds were included at 0 (control), 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2% of the diet. The seeds contained 3.27% essential oils (DM basis), with eucalyptol as the main phytochemical. The highest GP per gram of DM and dDM was observed (p < 0.01) with 2.0% LS supplementation level. While 1.0% LS had the highest GP per gram of dNDF, 0.5% lupin diet had the highest GP per gram of dADF. Asymptotic GP and CH4 emissions linearly and quadratically increased (p < 0.01) with increasing LS level, while lag time decreased. Despite increased CH4 production, the proportion of CH4 in total biogas was lower (p = 0.008) for LS treatments than the control, with the 0.5% LS showing the lowest CH4 proportion. Production of CO2 increased with lupin seed treatments, with 0.5% LS producing the highest proportion (p = 0.027). Degradability of DM, NDF, and ADF was greater (p < 0.01) for the high LS supplementation level, while 0.5% supplementation level decreased ADF degradability. Total short-chain fatty acids, acetic acid, and propionic acid increased (p < 0.05) with LS supplementation level, leading to a reduced acetate:propionate ratio. Rumen pH decreased (p = 0.036) with LS supplementation, while ammonia-N decreased (p = 0.045) and estimated metabolizable energy increased (p < 0.001) linearly. Calculated microbial protein synthesis (p = 0.005) and gas yield (p = 0.047) increased with LS supplementation level. LS supplementation at 2.0% of diet (DM basis) increased GP and CH4 emission (mL/g DM) and enhanced nutrient degradability, suggesting its potential use as a functional feed additive for ruminants when supplemented at a 2.0% level into diet.

Introduction: Chest imaging plays a prominent role in the assessment of patients with blunt trauma. Selection of the right approach at the right time is fundamental in the management of patients with blunt chest trauma.[1] A reliable, economic, bedside, and rapidly accomplished screening test can be pivotal. [2] Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of extended- focused assessment with sonography for trauma (E-FAST) to that of the National Emergency X-Radiography Utilisation Study (NEXUS) chest algorithm in detecting blunt chest injuries. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 50 polytrauma patients with blunt chest trauma from the emergency centre of Suez Canal University Hospital. E-FAST and computed tomography (CT) were conducted, followed by reporting of NEXUS criteria for all patients. Blinding of the E-FAST performer and CT reporter were confirmed. The results of both the NEXUS algorithm and E-FAST were compared with CT chest results. Results: The NEXUS algorithm had 100% sensitivity and 15.3% specificity, and E-FAST had 70% sensitivity and 96.7% specificity, in the detection of pneumothorax.In the detection of hemothorax, the sensitivity and specificity of the NEXUS algorithm were 90% and 7.5%, respectively, whereas E-FAST had a lower sensitivity of 80% and a higher specificity of 97.5%. Conclusion: E-FAST is highly specific for the detection of hemothorax, pneumothorax, and chest injuries compared with the NEXUS chest algorithm, which demonstrated the lowest specificity. However, the NEXUS chest algorithm showed a higher sensitivity than E-FAST and hence can be used effectively to rule out thoracic injury.

Background: Despite the treatment available for tumors in the brain, the prognosis of these tumors has a significant effect on the emotional and cognitive abilities of the patients. Early diagnosis and suitable treatment can prevent the worsening of the tumor. The effect of the tumor on the brain leads to a negative impact on an individual’s social life. This necessitates the requirement for a treatment that is reliable and prevents the worsening of tumors. This study aimed to study the various clinical presentations, various imaging features, Immunohistochemical expression of various tumor markers, and the outcome after surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy and to analyze various prognostic factors of high-grade glioma. Material & Methods: This includes 103 cases of High-grade gliomas admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery, SCB Medical College & Hospital, Cuttack between January 20202 to March 2023. Before the resection of the tumor, neurological and radiological examinations were carried out. The extent of removal was determined by running a CT scan after the surgery. Results: In the present study of 103 cases, males constituted 62.1% as compared to females who constituted 37.9%. 48.5% of all tumors were found in the frontal lobe, followed by the temporal lobe (32%) of cases. Enhancement was seen in 89% of cases, mostly it was seen in Glioblastomas. Hemorrhage was seen in 40.8% of cases mostly seen in grade 4 gliomas. Lipid lactate peak was seen in 71.8% of cases. Conclusion: KPS score, surgical resection, Adjuvant chemotherapy, and radiotherapy showed statistically significant association with the outcome and survival rate. Recommendation: Further studies with a larger number of patients, using multiple immunohistochemical markers, and a longer follow-up are needed, which will provide significant data to conclude on the outcome and survival analysis.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of dried Salvia officinalis (SO) shrub leaves on nutrient degradability, ruminal in vitro fermentation, gas production (GP), methane (CH4), and carbon dioxide (CO2) productions. Dried and ground SO shrub leaves were included at 0% (control), 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% DM of a diet consisting of (per kg DM) 500 g concentrate feed mixture, 400 g berseem hay, and 100 g rice straw. The diet was incubated for 48 h. The asymptotic GP and the rate of GP changed linearly and quadratically (p < 0.01), with the highest GP observed at 1% inclusion of SO and then decreasing thereafter with greater inclusion (i.e., 1.5% and 2%), while CH4 production and its rate decreased linearly (p < 0.01) with all levels of SO inclusion. A linear increase in CO2 production and its rate was also found with an increasing level of SO inclusion in the diet (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the degradability of DM, NDF, and the concentration of total short-chain fatty acids and acetate changed linearly and quadratically, with the greatest being found at 1% SO inclusion and then steadily declining after (p < 0.01) with the 1.5% and 2% inclusion levels. Meanwhile, the propionate, NH3-N, and microbial crude protein levels showed similar trends, with the plateau found at 1% inclusion of SO, where there was no change in butyrate concentration. Moreover, the pH, metabolizable energy, and partitioning factor (PF24) also changed linearly and quadratically (p < 0.05), where the pH and PF24 were considerably reduced and ME increased with a 1% inclusion of SO (p < 0.05). In summary, SO at 1% inclusion in the diet showed the potential to improve gas production kinetics, nutrient degradability, and the ruminal fermentation profile, with a more significant reduction in ruminal CH4 production suggesting that SO at 1% could be included in the ruminant diet to reduce their carbon footprint and increase the production performance.

Abdelhfeez Moshrif,1 Ahmed Mosallam,1 Mohammed Hassan Abu-Zaid,2 Wesam Gouda1 1Rheumatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt; 2Rheumatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, EgyptCorrespondence: Abdelhfeez Moshrif, Rheumatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al Azhar University, Al-Azhar University Square, King Faysal, Assiut, 71524, Egypt, Tel +201062930120, Email dr.moshrif@azhar.edu.egBackground: The impact of delayed diagnosis (DD) on fibromyalgia (FM) patients’ symptomatology and disease outcome has not yet been systematically studied.Objective: To analyze the predictors of DD and the influence of DD on FM aggravation and disease evaluation measures.Methods: 370 FM patients were interviewed prospectively for this study. The following information was obtained: DD, widespread pain index (WPI), symptom severity scale (SSS), polysymptomatic distress scale (PDS) scale (SSS + WPI), and tender points. We identified three groups of patients: early diagnosis (ED: 2 years; 83 patients), late diagnosis (LD: > 2– 7 years; 198 patients), and very late diagnosis (VLD: > 7 years; 89 patients).Results: The patients’ average age was 33.9 (9.8) years, and 79% were female. The SSS, PDS, and tender point means were 7.8 (1.6), 16.46 (4.1), and 14.31 (2.3), respectively. The correlation between DD and SSS (r = 0.14), the PDS scale (r = 0.37), and FM tender points (r = 0.16) was significant, but not with WPI (r = 0.06). When the three groups were examined, the SSS mean was 7.54 (1.6), 7.73 (1.4), and 8.25 (1.7), respectively (P 0.008), while the PDS mean was 15 (3.8), 15.95 (3.8), and 18.96 (4.4), respectively (P 0.008). (P 0.001).Conclusion: Early FM diagnosis is associated with lower SSS, total severity scale, and FM tender points, indicating a less severe condition.Keywords: fibromyalgia, early diagnosis, diagnostic delay, widespread pain, tender points

Nowadays, digital images are a main source of shared information in social media. Meanwhile, malicious software can forge such images for fake information. So, it’s crucial to identify these forgeries. This problem was tackled in the literature by various digital image forgery detection techniques. But most of these techniques are tied to detecting only one type of forgery, such as image splicing or copy-move that is not applied in real life. This paper proposes an approach, to enhance digital image forgery detection using deep learning techniques via transfer learning to uncover two types of image forgery at the same time, The proposed technique relies on discovering the compressed quality of the forged area, which normally differs from the compressed quality of the rest of the image. A deep learning-based model is proposed to detect forgery in digital images, by calculating the difference between the original image and its compressed version, to produce a featured image as an input to the pre-trained model to train the model after removing its classifier and adding a new fine-tuned classifier. A comparison between eight different pre-trained models adapted for binary classification is done. The experimental results show that applying the technique using the adapted eight different pre-trained models outperforms the state-of-the-art methods after comparing it with the resulting evaluation metrics, charts, and graphs. Moreover, the results show that using the technique with the pre-trained model MobileNetV2 has the highest detection accuracy rate (around 95%) with fewer training parameters, leading to faster training time.

Calibration laboratories often face the challenge of the impossibility to perform full capacity range calibration of their force transducers, particularly below 10 % of the force transducer’s capacity. Sometimes these laboratories use curve fitting extrapolation to estimate and predict force transducer behavior within uncalibrated capacity ranges. This work deals with the study of extrapolation errors in force transducers to know and estimate prediction accuracies when using extrapolation for force transducer calibration in ranges below 10 % and between 50 % and 100 % of the transducer’s capacity. The results of this study showed that the magnitude of the extrapolation error is very close to the magnitude of the reproducibility error within calibrated capacity ranges in the laboratory.

The most common kind of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer mortality in women is breast cancer (BC). The most proven cause of mortality in BC patients comprises tumor metastasis and invasive development. Long noncoding RNAs are endangered by a number of crucial mechanisms involved in BC metastasis (lncRNAs). RNAs that are classified as lncRNAs are thought to be longer than 200 nucleotides in length. Literature has long shown that lncRNAs are promising therapeutic targets in BC as well as diagnostic and prognostic indicators. Only a few studies have, to our knowledge, described the bioenergetics of taurine upregulated 1 (TUG1). Human cancer has been linked to a new lncRNA called TUG1. TUG1 has drawn increasing interest in recent years and has been shown to express abnormally in several forms of cancer. Numerous research suggested that the development of tumefaction and cell metabolism may be favorably correlated with TUG1. As a result, we aimed to concentrate on recent developments in the primary molecular processes of TUG1 in cancer in this review. This includes its role in drug resistance, invasion, cell migration, apoptosis, and proliferation. Most recent investigations asserted that TUG was overexpressed in BC tissues and cell lines as compared to their normal counterparts. In order to better understand the critical impact of tamoxifen (TMX) resistance and improve quality of life (QOL), researchers are looking for an early diagnostic marker.

Abstract We sought in our cross-sectional study to investigate the role of metabolic/hypoxial axis in the development of tamoxifen (TMX) resistance in BC patients. Quantification of plasma LncRNA Taurine upregulated-1 (TUG-1), miRNA 186-5p (miR-186), serum Sirtuin-3 (SIRT3), Peroxisome Proliferator Activator Receptor alpha (PPAR-1 α) and Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1 (HIF-1α) was done in a cohort of patients divided into TMX-sensitive and TMX-resistant candidates. Multiple logistic regression and Receiver Operating Characteristic curve were developed for significant predictors. Plasma TUG-1 and miR-186 were significantly elevated in TMX resistant patients. Serum proteins SIRT3, PPAR-1 α and HIF-1α were deficient in TMX resistant patients compared to TMX sensitive patients, respectively. miR-186 was associated with respiratory symptoms, while, HIF-1α was associated with metastases in TMX resistant patients. Strong correlations were found between all parameters. A predictive model was constructed with TUG-1 and HIF-1α to estimate TMX resistance in BC patients with 88.3% sensitivity and 91.6% specificity. Hypoxia and metabolic dysregulations play important role in the development of TMX resistance in BC patients. Correlation between hypoxia, carcinogenesis and patient’s mortality have led to more aggressive phenotypes, increased risk of metastasis and resistance to TMX.

Wesam Gouda,1 Aldosoky Abd elaziz Alsaid,2 Awad Saad Abbas,1 Tarek M Abdel-Aziz,1 Mohamed Z Shoaeir,1 Abd Allah S Abd Elazem,3 Mohammad Hamdy Sayed4 1Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Al Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt; 2Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Al Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt; 3Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Suez University, Suez, Egypt; 4Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Al Azhar University, Assiut, EgyptCorrespondence: Wesam Gouda, Rheumatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al Azhar University, Al Azhar University Square, Assiut, 71524, Egypt, Tel +201002753754, Email drwesamgouda@yahoo.comObjective: Lupus nephritis (LN) affects almost half of all individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Overt LN (OLN) symptoms might vary from asymptomatic microscopic hematuria to renal failure. However, when there are no clinical or laboratory indicators of renal involvement, some people with silent LN (SLN) may have pathological evidence of renal involvement identified by renal biopsy. Monocyte Chemotactic Protein 1 (MCP-1) is a chemotactic factor that promotes leukocyte migration to the kidney. MCP-1 urine levels (uMCP-1) have been demonstrated to be high in individuals with active LN. The purpose of this study was to discover the occurrence of SLN, as well as the possible variations between overt LN (OLN) and SLN across SLE patients based on the histopathological assessment, as well as the role of uMCP-1 in the early detection of SLN.Methods: An overall of 144 patients with SLE were included in the current research. Patients were subsequently divided into two groups: individuals who did not have clinical evidence of LN (84 patients) and those with OLN (60 patients). All the patients were subjected to the following investigations: uMCP-1, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), complement C3 (C3), complement C4 (C4), creatinine, albumin/creatinine ratio (uACR), creatinine clearance, quantitative assessment of proteinuria by 24-hour urine proteinuria (24hr UP) and percutaneous renal biopsy.Results: Sixty patients from group I (71.4%) showed glomerular lesions on renal biopsy (SLN), and class II was the predominant class. uMCP-1 had a sensitivity of 95.2% and a specificity of 98% in the detection of SLN, and uMCP-1 values were markedly higher in patients with OLN in comparison to SLN.Conclusion: The actual frequency of SLN may be higher than expected. High levels of uMCP-1 may have warranted the early activity of LN. uMCP-1 can be used as a non-invasive, useful tool for the prediction of LN.Keywords: systemic lupus erythematosus, silent lupus-nephritis, overt lupus nephritis, urinary chemotactic protein 1, renal biopsy

Dalia Mahmoud Eldewi,1 Hanan A El‑Hagrasy,1 Rasha Mahmoud Gouda,2 Mohammed Abd El Malik Hassan,3 Shimaa Moustafa Kamel,2 Naglaa F Abd El Haliem,4 Haneya AA Anani4 1Department of Clinical Pathology - Faculty of Medicine (For Girls), Al‑Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt; 2Department of Pediatric - Faculty of Medicine (For Girls), Al‑Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt; 3Department of Pediatric - Faculty of Medicine (For Boys), Al‑Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt; 4Departments of Medical Microbiology and Immunology Faculty of Medicine (For Girls), Al‑Azhar University, Cairo, EgyptCorrespondence: Dalia Mahmoud Eldewi, Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11765, Egypt, Tel +20 111 536 0459, Email dalia.eldewi16@gmail.comBackground: Mature bone marrow T lymphocytes and NK may have a special relevance in the control of the malignant growth.Objective: We aimed to assess the percentage of the residual BM T-cells, (T-helper –T-cytotoxic- NKT) and the NK cells of childhood precursor B-lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) as an indicator of innate and adaptive immunity in these patients.Subjects and Methods: This study was conducted on 40 B-ALL patients, and 40 apparently healthy matched children served as a control group. The flow cytometry was used to assess the percentage of the residual BM T-cells (T-helper, T-cytotoxic and NKT), and the NK cells.Results: Compared with the control group, the percentage of the residual BM T-cells, its subtypes (T-helper, T-cytotoxic), and NKT cells in addition to the NK cells was significantly decreased in Group IA, and Group IB, but there was no significant difference between Group IA and Group IB in all studied parameters. In terms of the CD4/CD8 ratio, there was a significant increase in Group IA as compared to the control group (P < 0.026), but there were no significant statistical differences in CD4/CD8 ratio between Groups IB, and the control. Likewise, in CD4/CD8 ratio between groups IA, and Groups IB (P > 0.05). The percentage of NK, and NKT cells shows a significant increase in Hepatomegaly and Splenomegaly, as compared to non-Hepatomegaly and non-Splenomegaly patients of Groups IB (P < 0.05). However, there was a significant increase in statistical differences in the percentage of NKT cell between non-Splenomegaly, as compared to Splenomegaly patients of Group IA (P < 0.05). Additionally, there is a negative correlation between B.M Blast% to CD4/CD8 ratio and NK%, but there is no significant correlation between B.M Blast% to NK T% in the group 1 A.Keywords: CD3, CD56, CD4, precursor B-lymphoblastic leukemia, B-ALL

Yomna M El-Meligui,1 Naglaa M Hassan,1 Amira B Kassem,2 Nora A Gouda,3 Marwa Mohanad,4 Manal A Hamouda,5 Ahmad Salahuddin6 1Clinical Pathology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt; 2Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt; 3Cancer Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt; 4Biochemistry Department, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Manufacturing, Misr University for Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt; 5Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Menoufia University, Shibin El Kom, Egypt; 6Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, Damanhour, EgyptCorrespondence: Amira B Kassem, Email amira.kassem@pharm.dmu.edu.egIntroduction: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common type of leukemia among adults and is characterized by various genetic abnormalities. HOXB4 and PRDM16 are promising markers of AML. Our objective is to assess the potential roles of HOXB4 and PRDM16 as prognostic and predictive markers in newly diagnosed AML patients and determine the correlation between their expressions and other prognostic markers as FLT3-ITD, NPM1 exon 12 mutations, response to treatment, and patient’s survival.Methods: This study included 83 de novo AML adult patients. All patients were subjected to clinical, morphological, cytochemical, and molecular analysis to detect HOXB4 and PRDM16 gene expressions and FLT3-ITD, NPM1 exon 12 mutations.Results: The results showed that a low expression of HOXB4 was found in 31.3% of AML patients, whereas a high expression of PRDM16 was evident in 33.8% of AML patients. FLT3-ITD mutations were detected in 6 patients (7.2%), while NPM1 exon 12 mutations were detected in 7 patients (19.4%) out of 36 patients with intermediate genetic risk. Out of the 50 patients who achieved complete remission (CR), relapse occurred in 16% of the cases. Low expression of HOXB4 and high expression of PRDM1 6 were associated with CR of 32% and 28%, respectively, and a short overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS).Conclusion: Further larger study should be conducted to verify that high PRDM16 and low HOXB4 gene expressions could be used as a poor prognostic predictor for AML. The correlation between PRDM16 and HOXB4 gene expressions and FLT3-ITD and NPM1 exon 12 mutations might have a role on CR, relapse, OS, and, however, this should be clarified in analysis with a larger number of samples.Keywords: AML, HOXB4, PRDM16, NPM1 exon 12, FLT3-ITD

Abdelhfeez Moshrif, Mohamed Z Shoaeir, Awad Saad Abbas, Tarek M Abdel-Aziz, Wesam Gouda Rheumatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al Azhar University, Assiut, EgyptCorrespondence: Abdelhfeez Moshrif, Rheumatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al Azhar University, Assiut, 71524, Egypt, Tel +201062930120, Email Dr.moshrif@azhar.edu.egBackground: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a common rheumatic illness distinguished by chronic pain, fatigue, cognitive problems, and functional disability. However, the differences between men and women have not yet been comprehensively studied, especially after the development of the last 2016 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. The aim of this study was to evaluate the gender differences in symptom characteristics, cognitive dysfunction, and disease severity in Egyptian FM patients considering both the ACR 1990, 2011, and the last 2016 ACR diagnostic criteria.Methods: This is a prospective cross-sectional study that was carried out on 352 patients with FM in the Rheumatology Department, Al-Azhar University Hospital in Egypt, in the period between January 1, 2020, and June 1, 2021. In addition to the number of tender points (TPC), data was collected on age, gender, body mass index (BMI), marital status, disease onset, duration, and diagnostic delay. The widespread pain index (WPI), the symptom severity scale (SSS), fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, sleep disturbance, awakening unrefreshed, headache, abdominal pain, and depression were evaluated and scored according to 2010 and 2016 ACR criteria. A visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, fatigue, stiffness, anxiety, and depression is included in the questionnaire. The total score ranges were produced using total score ranges ranging from 0 to 80 (excluding job items), with higher scores indicating a stronger negative effect and/or intensity of symptoms. The polysymptomatic distress scale (PDS) has been calculated by the summation of the SSS with the WPI. The Revised FM impact questionnaire (FIQR) has also been evaluated.Results: The study shows that females have a significantly higher prevalence of fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, sleep disturbance, headache, and abdominal pain (p < 0.05). Also, females showed significantly higher scores than males regarding WPI, SSS, and mean TPC (p = 0.004, 0.027, and 0.001, respectively). While there was no difference regarding the FIQR (p=0.93), PDS was significantly higher in women (p= 0.001).Conclusion: Female patients with FM had greater disease severity scores, symptomatology, and number of tender points. Whatever the criteria applied, the prevalence and intensity of the disease features are higher in females, which may underestimate the disease in male patients.Keywords: fibromyalgia, gender differences, chronic pain, diagnostic criteria

In the smart grid, malicious consumers can hack their smart meters to report false power consumption readings to steal electricity. Developing a machine-learning based detector for identifying these readings is a challenge due to the unavailability of malicious datasets. Most of the existing works in the literature assume attacks to compute malicious data. These detectors are trained to identify these attacks, but they cannot identify new attacks, which creates a vulnerability. Very few papers in the literature tried to address this problem by investigating anomaly detectors trained solely on benign data, but they suffer from these limitations: (1) low detection accuracy and high false alarm; (2) the need for knowledge on the malicious data to compute good detection thresholds; and (3) they cannot capture the temporal correlations of the readings and do not address the class overlapping issue caused by some deceptive attacks. To address these limitations, this paper presents a deep support vector data description (DSVDD) based unsupervised detector for false data in smart grid. Time-series readings are transformed into images, and the detector is exclusively trained on benign images. Our experimental results demonstrate the superior performance of our detectors compared to existing approaches in the literature. Specifically, our proposed DSVDD-based schemes have exhibited improvements of 0.5% to 3% in terms of recall and 3% to 9% in terms of the Area Under the Curve (AUC) when compared to existing state-of-the-art detectors.

Background: Neonatal purpura fulminans (PF) is a rare disorder characterized by the formation of dermal microvascular thrombosis associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). It can be caused by inherited protein C or protein S deficiency or severe sepsis with DIC due to organisms such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Gram-negative bacteria. Clinical Description: A preterm boy of 31-week gestation and weighing 1480 g was delivered by cesarean section. There were no risk factors for sepsis. He presented with respiratory distress after birth, was shifted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), was diagnosed as respiratory distress syndrome, and was managed as per standard protocol. Management: On the 6th day of life, the neonate developed pulmonary hemorrhage, multiple purpura on his upper and lower extremities, and shock. Raised D-dimer (>400 ng/ml), increased prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin time, and thrombocytopenia (6000/μL) were indicative of DIC. The blood culture isolated Elizabethkingia meningoseptica. Meningitis was ruled out. Supportive care included fresh frozen plasma and platelet transfusion, antibiotics as per drug sensitivity, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. The baby improved and the lesions healed with scarring. Protein S and protein C deficiency was excluded on follow-up. On follow-up, at corrected age of 6 months, the baby was developmentally normal. Three additional cases were identified in the unit around the same time, however outbreak investigation could not identify origin of the pathogen. Conclusion: We could not find any earlier publications of neonatal PF due to E. meningoseptica septicemia. This organism is a cause of sepsis and meningitis in preterm babies and outbreaks in NICU settings. Early identification, meticulous assessment, and prompt specific antimicrobial treatment are important for survival.

Twelve local Zaraiby goats with average live body weight of 10.71±0.23 kg (5-6 months). Animals were divided into three comparable groups. Goats in first group were fed without supplement (control group) or sup-plemented with 25% ordinary cobalt and 25% nanocobalt from cobalt requirements (NRC, 1985). The results showed that no significant difference (P>0.05) among experimental groups for DMI and CPI values. However, there was a highest significant difference (P0.05) differences were observed at 0, 3and 6 hrs. after feeding for all blood parameters. There was a slight in-crease for most of body measurements with nanocobalt supplement. It could be concluded that adding nanocobalt for goats' rations en-hanced growth performance, digestibility coef-ficients, rumen parameters and slightly body measurements without any diverse effect on animals' health.

In this paper, we present an experimental setup developed for the calibration of dynamic force transducers which is based on the drop mass method. The traceability to SI units is realized through well-known mass characteristics and a reference shock accelerometer attached to that mass. Two approaches are proposed to analyse dynamic force employing a drop mass system. One approach depends on the inertial force of a falling mass while the other deals with the work-energy principle. Results of both approaches are then compared to the response of a statically calibrated force transducer. It is shown that the obtained maximum relative deviations between the response of force transducer and the first approach results are 1% while those of the second approach are 2%.

This research article refers to the application of the evaluated measurement uncertainty for deciding the statement of conformity. It is a proposal to rethink about the classification of measuring devices, taking into account the calculations of uncertainty as a decision rule. It is also a base for complete compatibility and harmonization between ISO 17025:2017 and the other standards. To verify this proposal a case study on compression testing machine classification is used. This proposal aims to review classification criteria for these machines. Since the uncertainty value is equivalent to all parameters that may affect the performance of these machines, it is logical and accurate to use it as the basis for the classification. This approach may be employed for the upcoming version of ISO 7500 standard to use the uncertainty value as a base for machine classification.

Background: Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a disorder of water homeostasis due to insufficient production or inappropriate action of vasopressin. Central DI (CDI) develops due to intracranial causes such as hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy, meningitis, and intraventricular hemorrhage. Manifestations such as polyuria, polydipsia, and irritability may not be obvious in preterm infants, resulting in delayed recognition and difficulty in establishing diagnosis. Clinical Description: A 1.4 kg preterm girl delivered by cesarean section for a significant nonstress test (but normal Apgar scores) was admitted for very low birth weight and preterm care. Initial clinical examination was normal, and the baby remained euglycemic. The neonate developed shock and fever on the 3rd day of life without any apparent cause. Management: DI was suspected on identification of hypernatremia (150 mEq/L) and polyuria (9 mL/kg/h). The urine osmolality was low (62.54 mOsmol/kg), despite high serum osmolality (312 mOsmol/kg) confirming the diagnosis. An increase in urine osmolality by >50% following oral desmopressin (5 μg/kg/day) suggested CDI. This was continued until the baby became asymptomatic and urine/serum osmolality normalized. A trial of discontinuation of desmopressin did not lead to recurrence of symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging brain showed features of subacute hypoxic insult and absent posterior pituitary bright spot. After 7 months of follow-up, she is asymptomatic without any treatment, and her growth and development are age appropriate. Conclusion: A high index of suspicion of CDI should be kept in neonates presenting with unexplained shock, fever, hypernatremia, and polyuria.

This is an experimental work on seventy load cells which aims to highlight the difference between results out of force, proving instruments calibration according to ISO 376:2011 and its practical use. It spots on the difference between the relative error of repeatability and reproducibility and their contributions on load cells classifications, uncertainty estimation and calibration time. Results show that there is no significant effect for relative error of repeatability on load cell classification, ignoring the relative repeatability error in estimating the relative expanded uncertainty lead to decrease with values between 1 ppm and 270 ppm in the range from 20% to 50% of load cell capacity and by values between 1 ppm and 183 ppm in the range from 50% to 100% of the load cell capacity. It is concluded that performing measurements to calculate the relative error of repeatability is not effective in the normal calibration process for the examined seventy load cells, further measurements over subsequent years are recommended to ensure results reproducibility aiming to generalize the conclusion and recommend measurements for the relative repeatability error for load cell conformity assessment after manufacturing.

This research is considered the milestone for metrologists to choose the appropriate method for determination of the nonlinear interpolation function for the measuring instruments. Three methods of generating the interpolation polynomial equations were investigated; Newton, Lagrange, and Least Square method. The response of the measuring instruments under investigation was calculated and compared with the experimental results. Least Square method was found that it is the most accurate and most realistic approach to determine the interpolation polynomial function for the measuring instruments. It is recommended to use Least Square method rather than other methods to interpolating the polynomial equation. This recommendation is very important for metrologist as well as for measuring instruments applicant. This article is millstone to determine the response of the measuring instrument at non calibrated points in the calibrated range.

Abstract Background Several plants have not been investigated for their endophytes, such as the medicinal plant Ficus carica for which anticancer activity has been confirmed. The endophyte Aspergillus neoniger was selected for investigation of its metabolites since it exerted anticancer activities in preliminary screening assays. Results Bioactivity-guided chromatographic fractionation was performed on the endophytic extract and resulted in the identification of asperazine and asperazine A through spectroscopic analysis. Moderate cytotoxicity against HeLa cell lines (CC50 = 18.4 µg mL−1) and moderate antiproliferative effects against HUVEC and K-562 cell lines (GI50 = 31.5 and 24.8 µg mL−1, respectively) were observed for asperazine. Asperazine A on the other hand showed weak cytotoxic activity against HeLa cell lines (CC50 = 34.6 µg mL−1) as well as weak cytostatic activities against HUVEC and K-562 cell lines (GI50 = 40.7 and 50.2 µg mL−1, respectively) while no antimicrobial activity was detected for both compounds. Conclusions These results suggest contribution of A. neoniger to the reported anticancer activity of the host plant and provides a new source of anticancer metabolites with therapeutic potential.

The scarcity of nonrenewable resource motivated inclination towards the environmental-friendly novel materials and development of waste natural filler-based hybrid composite is encouraged to fulfill the material demand. Epoxy resins-based composites are high-performing thermosetting polymers and have outstanding blending properties, good machinability, and low cost. Due to these advantages, thermoset plastic is largely used in a broad range of engineering applications; however, thermomechanical properties of neat epoxy are low. Thus, to enhance the thermomechanical properties of epoxy, it is interfaced materials such as graphite, graphene nanoplatelet, boron, carbon fiber, aluminium, silver, etc. Among various substances, graphene has been deliberated as an acceptable novel filler because of its exceptional properties. In addition to inorganic filler inclusion, natural filler/fiber like hemp, sisal, flax, bamboo, jute, etc. can be utilized in a higher percentage as biodegradable material. The present article assisted to improve thermomechanical properties of neat epoxy. This work identifies and addresses (i) processes used for graphene modification; (ii) treatment utilized for enhancing the binding properties of natural filler; (iii) various natural filler extraction process employed; (iv) neat epoxy modification; and (v) influence of different dimensions of fillers.

Abstract Background The medicinal plant Ficus carica L., inhabiting southwest regions of Asia, is known for its wide ethnopharmacological applications. In traditional medicine, it has been applied as a treatment of respiratory, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disorders, among others. Recent studies confirmed antimicrobial and anticancer activities for the plant extract. To find out whether endophytes of F. carica contribute to its biological activities, endophytes of the aerial parts of the plant were isolated and examined for anticancer and antimicrobial effects. Results The isolated species were identified as Chaetomium globosum, Penicillium oxalicum, Alternaria alternata, Fusarium proliferatum and Aspergillus neoniger. An anticancer assay was carried out on the extracts of fungal strains against human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), human immortalized myelogenous leukemia cell line (K-562) and human immortal cervical cancer cell line (HeLa). Results revealed antiproliferative effects for all endophytic strains against HUVEC and K-562 with GI50 values ranging from 4.75 to 13.75 µg mL−1 as well as cytotoxicity against HeLa with CC50 ranging from 8.25 to 18.75 µg mL−1. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was tested against several test strains in agar diffusion assay, and MIC values were determined by the broth microdilution method. All strain extracts exerted antibacterial and antifungal activities with highest antifungal effect observed for A. neoniger extract (MIC = 3.75 µg mL−1). Conclusions These results support the assumption that endophytes of F. carica contribute to the plant’s reported antimicrobial and anticancer activities and its corresponding applications in traditional medicine.

This study was conducted to determine the seasonal variation (two seasonal harvests during winter and spring) in some chemical and biochemical characteristics of Paulownia shan tong leaves. To achieve this, we analyzed the chemical composition in terms of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), cell-wall content (neutral detergent fiber (NDF)), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), and lipids. The phenolic compounds (PC) and antioxidant activity (AA) of the leaves were also determined. In vitro gas production (GP) and nutrient degradability were evaluated using two ruminal-content donors (sheep and goats). Higher (p < 0.05) antioxidant activities were observed in the winter harvest of P. shan tong, while higher concentrations of OM (90.5%), lipids (3.02%), NDF (69.7%), ADF (54.8%), ADL (35.4%), total flavonoids (0.45 mg catechin equivalents/mg DM), and total phenolics (2.52 mg gallic acid equivalents/mg DM) were observed in the spring harvest. Higher asymptotic GP and rate of GP (p < 0.05) were observed when the leaves were incubated with rumen liquor of goats compared to sheep; however, higher (p < 0.05) lag time of GP and half-time of GP were observed with rumen liquor from sheep. Moreover, higher asymptotic GP, rate of GP, and half-time of GP were observed with the winter harvest of P. shan tong. Higher (p < 0.001) metabolizable energy, OM degradability, and microbial protein supplies were obtained when the leaves were incubated with rumen fluids from goats and from the winter harvest of P. shan tong compared to the spring harvest. In conclusion, based on the chemical composition and the kinetics of in vitro gas production, P. shan tong leaves seem to be characterized by a good nutritive value and could be considered as an alternative feed resource for ruminants.

Purpose – The relationship between military expenditure and economic growth is complex. The purpose of this paper is to examine this relationship in India. Design/methodology/approach – The design of this study is descriptive in the theoretical part, and quantitative in the applied one. The study uses time series approach, and Hendry General-to-Specific (GTS) modeling methodology, to examine and analyze the relationship between military expenditure and economic growth in India, during the period 1980-2016. Findings – The study shows the following: Absence of causal relationship between military expenditure and economic growth in India, during indicated period. The continuous regional tensions facing India represent the main factor for adopting Indian military strategy and emphasizing military capabilities. India has been able to build and develop links between civilian and military sectors. The Indian military scientific and manufacturing policies have achieved self-sufficiency in some of its military needs, a strong military industrial base and high levels of military exports. India participated with developed countries in military strategic industries. Such participation contributed to the integration of civilian and military sectors. India gave rights to private sector and foreign direct investment (FDI) for manufacturing in military industries, giving full marketing rights to the Indian government. These new policies considered a great move toward deep changes for Indian military manufacturing policy. Social implications – The findings shed light on the importance of stimulating links between civilian and military sectors, particularly in the industrial sectors and scientific activities. Originality/value – This study has a contribution to literature of military expenditures' economic effects. Theoretically, this study tries to fill the research gap regarding the impact of military expenditure in Indian case. Furthermore, to the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study that examines the relationship between military expenditure and economic growth in India using Hendry general-to-specific (GTS) modeling methodology and time series approach.

This investigation focuses on modelling the fracture zone of four materials at different test speeds. The influence of these test speeds on the fracture zone formula was investigated as well. The fracture behaviour of materials is an important parameter which greatly affects the performance of these materials. In this paper, an empirical formula was generated to predict the fracture zone. This formula was produced from experimental characterisation of the fracture process at different loading rates for some engineering materials. Statistical analysis was done for the results being obtained from the experimental work to verify the accuracy of this formula, and it was found that it can introduce an accurate base for fracture zone prediction and determination. It was noted that at fracture process initiation, there are no significant effects of varying loading rate; this effect is increased with increasing the fracture process propagation.

Background: Neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) is a rare condition, usually genetic in etiology, that presents with hyperglycemia requiring insulin within the first 6 months of life. Most cases of permanent NDM are caused by mutations in the KCNJ11 or ABCC8 gene, which are involved in the potassium adenosine triphosphate channels. Clinical Description: A 1.88 kg female infant product of a consanguineous marriage was delivered at term by cesarean section for oligohydramnios and intrauterine growth retardation. There was a strong family history of DM involving the mother, father, and grandparents. Clinical examination was normal. Routine blood sugar monitoring identified hyperglycemia at 1 and 3 h. There was no clinical or laboratory evidence of sepsis. Management: Persistent hyperglycemia continued that necessitated the administration of insulin from the 1st day onward. The abdominal ultrasonogram was normal. C-peptide was low, indicating poor endogenous insulin production. Genetic analysis revealed a novel mutation in the glucokinase (GCK) gene (p. Glu178Asp). A brief trial of sulfonylureas (glibenclamide) was ineffective. The infant attained control, although with considerable difficulty, on a mixture of NPH and long-acting insulin. After 5 months of follow-up, she is thriving well. Conclusion: GCK mutation is a rare but important cause of NDM. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first Indian infant to be reported with a GCK gene mutation.

Exploring suitable alternatives for high-cost concentrate feeds is a critical factor for successful livestock production. The present experiment aimed to evaluate the dietary inclusion of Moringa oleifera silage and Chlorella vulgaris microalgae (at 1% of total diet, DM basis) in a quintuplicate 3 × 3 Latin square design for milk production performance, nutrient utilization and ruminal fermentation in Damascus goats. Fifteen lactating Damascus goats were divided into three groups to be fed a diet composed of a concentrate mixture and rice straw at 60:40 (DM basis) in the control group and fed for 30 days in each period. The concentrate mixture in the control treatment was replaced with M. oleifera silage and C. vulgaris microalgae at 20% (MA20 treatment) or 40% (MA40 treatment). Treatments did not affect total feed intake but increased (p < 0.01) crude protein (CP) and fiber intakes while decreasing nonstructural carbohydrates intake. The digestibility of CP and acid detergent fiber increased due to silage supplementation compared to the control treatment. Treatments increased (p < 0.05) ruminal pH and the concentrations of total volatile fatty acids, acetate, and propionate; however, they decreased (p < 0.05) the concentrations of ammonia-N. Treatments increased (p < 0.05) the concentrations of serum glucose and antioxidant capacity. Both MA20 and MA40 treatments increased the daily milk production, the concentrations of milk fat and lactose, and feed efficiency compared to the control treatment. Additionally, MA20 and MA40 treatments increased the proportions of total polyunsaturated fatty acids and total conjugated linoleic acids. It is concluded that the concentrate feed mixture in the diet of lactating goats can be replaced up to 40% (equals to 24% of total diet) with M. oleifera silage to improve feed intake and nutrient utilization, and milk production performance.

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the ensiling of date palm leaves (DPL) with organic acids (lactic or malic acid) for 45 day as a feed for lactating ewes under desert conditions. Two weeks before expected parturition, 50 multiparous lactating Farafra ewes (mean ± SD: 2 ± 0.3 parity, 34 ± 1.9 kg bodyweight, 25 ± 2.4 months of age, and 555 ± 13.0 g/day of previous milk production) were equally divided into five treatments in a completely randomized design for 90 day. The ewes in the control treatment were offered a diet composed of a concentrate feed mixture and DPL at 60:40 on a dry matter (DM) basis ensiled without additive. In the other treatments, DPL (ensiled without organic acids) in the control treatment was replaced with DPL ensiled with lactic or malic acid (at 5 g/kg DM) at 50 or 100% levels. Organic acids linearly and quadratically increased (p < 0.01) DPL and total intakes and digestibilities of DM, organic matter, crude protein, and nonstructural carbohydrates without affecting fiber digestibility. Malic and lactic acid treatment also increased the concentrations of ruminal total volatile fatty acids, acetate, propionate, and ammonia-N. Additionally, malic and lactic acid-treated DPL increased serum glucose concentration and total antioxidant capacity. Without affecting daily actual milk production, treatments increased (p < 0.001) the daily production of energy-corrected milk (ECM), fat-corrected milk (FCM), milk energy output, milk contents of fats, and feed efficiency. Organic acid-treated DPL increased (p < 0.05) the proportions of total polyunsaturated fatty acids and total conjugated linoleic acids and the unsaturated to saturated fatty acid ratio in milk. It is concluded that feeding DPL ensiled with malic or lactic acid at 20 or 40% of total diet DM increased daily ECM and FCM production, nutrient utilization efficiency, and milk quality. No differences were observed between lactic and malic acid treatment of DPL during ensiling; therefore, both of them are recommended to treat DPL for silage preparation.

With the rapid emergence of smart grids, charging coordination is considered the intrinsic actor that merges energy storage units (ESUs) into the grid in addition to its substantial role in boosting the resiliency and efficiency of the grid. However, it suffers from several challenges beginning with dependency on the energy service provider (ESP) as a single entity to manage the charging process, which makes the grid susceptible to several types of attacks such as a single point of failure or a denial-of-service attack (DoS). In addition, to schedule charging, the ESUs should submit charging requests including time to complete charging (TCC) and battery state of charge (SoC), which may disclose serious information relevant to the consumers. The analysis of this data could reveal the daily activities of those consumers. In this paper, we propose a privacy-preservation charging coordination scheme using a blockchain. The blockchain achieves decentralization and transparency to defeat the security issues related to centralized architectures. The privacy preservation will be fulfilled using a verifiable aggregation mechanism integrated with an aggregated signing technique to identify the untrusted aggregator and assure the data source and the identity of the sender. Security and performance evaluations are performed, including off-chain and on-chain experiments and simulations, to assess the security and efficiency of the scheme.

The use of nanomaterials improves the performance of reinforced concrete (RC) beams in terms of cracking load, failure load, and deflection. To further evaluate this improvement, the behavior of RC beams subjected to cyclic loading has to be experimentally investigated. In the present study, the effect of adding nanomaterials to RC beams was studied experimentally under monotonic and cyclic loadings. Eight RC beams with the dimensions of 2200 mm × 350 mm × 120 mm were prepared and divided into two groups. Both groups were tested under three-point bending, but one group was tested monotonously whereas the other group was tested cyclically. Each group consisted of four beams. The first beam in each group was tested without adding any nanomaterials. Nanotitanium, nanoaluminum, and nanosilica were added to the concrete mixes of the remaining three to replace 1% of the cement content. The performances of the tested beams were compared in terms of load-deflection curves, failure mode, cracking load, failure load, bending stiffness, toughness, and residual strength ratio (RSR). The results from both monotonic and cyclic loadings indicated better performances when nanotitanium was used.

Xanthogranulomatous inflammation is an uncommon form of chronic inflammation that is destructive to affected organs; it is characterized by the presence of lipid-filled macrophages with admixed lymphocytes, plasma cells, and neutrophils. Only a few cases of xanthogranulomatous oophoritis have been reported to date. We describe a rare case of xanthogranulomatous oophoritis with involvement of omentum.