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Background/Introduction One of the most common complications encountered during transradial procedures is radial artery (RA) spasm, whereas its management remains a challenge. Purpose We hypothesized that in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization via the RA, the use of transdermal nitroglycerin (NTG) patches applied to skin over the RA puncture site may prevent the occurrence of radial artery spasm. Methods NURSE-TTS (Nitrate Use to Obtain Radial Spasm Embarrassment) is a parallel-group, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the impact of transdermal NTG application to RA spasm prevention. 146 patients were consecutively enrolled from February 2021 to December 2021 from an experienced center in Greece and underwent diagnostic coronary angiography. The primary endpoint was the exerting force of the RA measured by the dynamometer in Newton. Results The primary endpoint of the dynamometer measurements was found to be significantly different between the two groups. The treatment group's mean force was 5.95±2.60 and 7.21±2.82 for the placebo group respectively (p=0.007). The multivariate analysis confirmed that NTG patches affected radial spasm (treatment group p=0,010, 95% CI: −2,038, −0,282; age p=0,010, 95% CI: −0,099, −0,014; male gender p=0,011, 95% CI: −2,612, −0,349; CKD p=0,044, 95% CI: 0,064,0,951). Conclusions This is the first prospective randomized study demonstrating that the application of transdermal NTG 10mg on skin for 30 minutes before coronary angiography resulted in lower exerting force of the cannulated radial artery thus lower arterial spasm. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Begomoviruses infect food, fiber, and vegetable crop plants, including tomato, potato, bean, cotton, cucumber, and pumpkin, and damage many economically important crop plants worldwide. Tomato leaf curl Sudan virus (ToLCSDV) is the most widespread tomato-infecting begomovirus in Saudi Arabia. Using phage display technology, this study isolated two camel-derived nanobodies against purified ToLCSDV virions from a library of antigen-binding fragments (VHH or nanobody) of heavy-chain antibodies built from an immunized camel. The isolated nanobodies also cross-reacted with purified tomato yellow leaf curl virus virions and showed significant enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay reactivity with extracts from plants with typical begomovirus infection symptoms. The results can pave the way to developing diagnostics for begomovirus detection, design, and characterization of novel nanomaterials based on virus-like particles, in addition to nanobody-mediated begomovirus resistance in economically important crops, such as tomato, potato, and cucumber.

Background Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and postoperative pain (POP) are most commonly experienced in the early hours after surgery. Many studies have reported high rates of PONV and POP, and have identified factors that could predict the development of these complications. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between PONV and POP, and to identify some factors associated with these symptoms. Methods This was a prospective, multicentre, observational study performed at An-Najah National University Hospital and Rafidia Governmental Hospital, the major surgical hospitals in northern Palestine, from October 2019 to February 2020. A data collection form, adapted from multiple previous studies, was used to evaluate factors associated with PONV and POP in patients undergoing elective surgery. Patients were interviewed during the first 24 h following surgery. Multiple binary logistic regression was applied to determine factors that were significantly associated with the occurrence of PONV. Results Of the 211 patients included, nausea occurred in 43.1%, vomiting in 17.5%, and PONV in 45.5%. Multiple binary logistic regression analysis, using PONV as a dependent variable, showed that only patients with a history of PONV [odds ratio (OR) = 2.28; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.03–5.01; p = 0.041] and POP (OR = 2.41; 95% CI = 1.17–4.97; p = 0.018) were significantly associated with the occurrence of PONV. Most participants (74.4%) reported experiencing pain at some point during the first 24 h following surgery. Additionally, the type and duration of surgery were significantly associated with POP (p-values were 0.002 and 0.006, respectively). Conclusions PONV and POP are common complications in our surgical patients. Factors associated with PONV include a prior history of PONV and POP. Patients at risk should be identified, the proper formulation of PONV protocols should be considered, and appropriate management plans should be implemented to improve patients’ outcomes.

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a rising medical concern around the world. End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is the last stage of CKD stages that necessitates renal replacement therapy (RRT), such as hemodialysis (HD), which seems to be the most commonly used type. However, patients on HD still suffer from high mortality and morbidity rates compared to those who receive a kidney transplant. Therefore, we aimed in this study to assess the prevalence of pain among ESKD patients on HD, as well as to explore the factors that were associated with this complaint. Methods We conducted a multicenter cross-sectional study in the West Bank, Palestine, between August and November 2018. We used questionnaire-based direct interviews with subjects. After reviewing previous studies in the field, we developed our questionnaire and included items on patients’ social, demographic, and clinical characteristics, including dialysis-related data. It also contained the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) to assess different aspects of pain symptoms. A convenience sampling technique was used to collect data. Results Of the 300 participants, 66.3 % reported having chronic pain. HD sessions themselves were the most commonly cited cause for pain (21.6 %). The most commonly cited site of pain was the upper and lower limbs (37.3 %). Paracetamol was the most frequently used pharmacotherapy for pain alleviation. Multiple regression analysis showed that BMI (p = 0.018), gender (p = 0.023), and the number of comorbidities (p Conclusions Pain is a highly prevalent symptom among HD patients in Palestine. Subpopulations with higher pain severity include females, patients with higher BMI, and those with multiple comorbidities. Healthcare providers should routinely assess pain in HD patients as it is considered a significant concern. This would involve pain assessment and development of a treatment plan to improve clinical outcomes. The nephrology associations should also push for pain management in HD patients as a clinical and research priority to improve pain-related disability.

Background Self-efficacy is a widely applied psychosocial concept that is commonly used in association with management of chronic diseases, including hypertension. The aim of this study was to assess self-efficacy of hypertension management and patient-physician communication, as well as the factors associated with self-efficacy and patient-physician communication among patients with hypertension in Palestine. Methods We conducted face-to-face, questionnaire-based interviews using validated instruments to assess self-efficacy in managing hypertension (Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease 6-Item Scale (SES6C)) and patient-physician communication (Perceived Efficacy in Patient-Physician Interaction Questionnaire (PEPPI)) in patients with hypertension at the three main primary healthcare centers in Nablus district in northern West Bank, Palestine. We also performed a multiple linear regression analysis to determine the variables independently associated with PEPPI and SES6C scores. Results We enrolled 377 participants with hypertension in this study. The average age (measured in years) was 56.8 with a standard deviation of 11.6. The mean PEPPI and SES6C scores were 20.0 (SD 4.4) and 41.1 (SD 10.6), respectively. In a multiple linear regression model, subjects who were city dwellers (B=3.597, p=0.004), and subjects with high education levels (B=4.010, p=0.001) achieved higher PEPPI scores, whereas subjects in the normal weight category (B=5.566, pB=0.706, p Conclusions We found that impairment in self-efficacy was linked to overweight and obesity, as well as lower patient-physician communication. Moreover, our results showed that lower patient-physician communication was independently associated with low education level as well as non-city residency types. We recommend making the appropriate changes by both the policy-makers and the health care providers to improve the health facilities and its services, especially outside the cities. We also suggest holding specific counseling and training session on the management and control of hypertension.

Background The use of radiological examination is increasing worldwide. Since radiation exposure can result in many health hazards, medical professionals, as well as medical students, should possess adequate knowledge regarding radiation and its related hazards to protect themselves and the patients. Many studies have assessed medical students’ knowledge on this topic, but never in Palestine. In this study, we aimed to examine Palestinian medical students’ awareness and knowledge regarding radiological examination modalities and their risks on themselves and their patients. Methods This was an observational, cross-sectional, population-based study, conducted to assess the awareness of radiation exposure and its risks among Palestinian medical students. An online questionnaire was implemented on medical students at An-Najah National University. A total knowledge score that ranged from 0 to 22 was calculated for each participant, with higher scores indicating better knowledge regarding radiation doses and the related hazards. Results Two hundred eighty and seven students participated in our study, with a response rate of 71%. The average knowledge score of the participants was 10.97 ± 4.31 out of a maximum of 22 points. Male participants and participants in advanced study years achieved better knowledge scores (p-values were 0.034 and p-valuep-values were Conclusions We found a severe lack of knowledge regarding radiation doses and related risks among medical students. Therefore, we recommend that medical schools update and supplement their curriculum regarding knowledge on radiation.

Rationale Asthma phenotyping requires novel biomarker discovery. Objectives To identify plasma biomarkers associated with asthma phenotypes by application of a new proteomic panel to samples from two well-characterised cohorts of severe (SA) and mild-to-moderate (MMA) asthmatics, COPD subjects and healthy controls (HCs). Methods An antibody-based array targeting 177 proteins predominantly involved in pathways relevant to inflammation, lipid metabolism, signal transduction and extracellular matrix was applied to plasma from 525 asthmatics and HCs in the U-BIOPRED cohort, and 142 subjects with asthma and COPD from the validation cohort BIOAIR. Effects of oral corticosteroids (OCS) were determined by a 2-week, placebo-controlled OCS trial in BIOAIR, and confirmed by relation to objective OCS measures in U-BIOPRED. Results In U-BIOPRED, 110 proteins were significantly different, mostly elevated, in SA compared to MMA and HCs. 10 proteins were elevated in SA versus MMA in both U-BIOPRED and BIOAIR (alpha-1-antichymotrypsin, apolipoprotein-E, complement component 9, complement factor I, macrophage inflammatory protein-3, interleukin-6, sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase 3, TNF receptor superfamily member 11a, transforming growth factor-β and glutathione S-transferase). OCS treatment decreased most proteins, yet differences between SA and MMA remained following correction for OCS use. Consensus clustering of U-BIOPRED protein data yielded six clusters associated with asthma control, quality of life, blood neutrophils, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and body mass index, but not Type-2 inflammatory biomarkers. The mast cell specific enzyme carboxypeptidase A3 was one major contributor to cluster differentiation. Conclusions The plasma proteomic panel revealed previously unexplored yet potentially useful Type-2independent biomarkers and validated several proteins with established involvement in the pathophysiology of SA. © 2022 European Respiratory Society. All rights reserved.

Background Studies have reported that people living with HIV have higher burden of subclinical cardiovascular disease, but the data are not adequately synthesized. We performed meta‐analyses of studies of coronary artery calcium and coronary plaque in people living with HIV. Methods and Results We performed systematic search in electronic databases, and data were abstracted in standardized forms. Study‐specific estimates were pooled using meta‐analysis. 43 reports representing 27 unique studies and involving 10 867 participants (6699 HIV positive, 4168 HIV negative, mean age 52 years, 86% men, 32% Black) were included. The HIV‐positive participants were younger (mean age 49 versus 57 years) and had lower Framingham Risk Score (mean score 6 versus 18) compared with the HIV‐negative participants. The pooled estimate of percentage with coronary artery calcium >0 was 45% (95% CI, 43%–47%) for HIV‐positive participants, and 52% (50%–53%) for HIV‐negative participants. This difference was no longer significant after adjusting for difference in Framingham Risk Score between the 2 groups. The odds ratio of coronary artery calcium progression for HIV‐positive versus ‐negative participants was 1.64 (95% CI, 0.91–2.37). The pooled estimate for prevalence of noncalcified plaque was 49% (95% CI, 47%–52%) versus 20% (95% CI, 17%–23%) for HIV‐positive versus HIV‐negative participants, respectively. Odds ratio for noncalcified plaque for HIV‐positive versus ‐negative participants was 1.23 (95% CI, 1.08–1.38). There was significant heterogeneity that was only partially explained by available study‐level characteristics. Conclusions People living with HIV have higher prevalence of noncalcified coronary plaques and similar prevalence of coronary artery calcium, compared with HIV‐negative individuals. Future studies on coronary artery calcium and plaque progression can further elucidate subclinical atherosclerosis in people living with HIV.

Background Snakebites are emergent and life-threatening injuries that may require intensive care. Physicians face difficulties in dealing with snakebite injuries due to the knowledge gaps in the diagnosis and management of snakebites. The study aimed to assess medical students’ knowledge about the diagnosis and management of snakebite injuries, as well as their proficiency in first aid methods in case of snakebite and perception regarding snakes and snakebite injuries. Methods A cross-sectional study conducted among 200 medical students in their clinical years at An-Najah National University. A questionnaire was developed and distributed among those students. The questionnaire assessed the students’ knowledge regarding the diagnosis and management of snakebites and their attitude regarding snakes and snakebites. The total scores of knowledge were obtained and tested based on the participants’ demographic characteristics using the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Mann-Whitney U test. P-values of Results The mean age of participating medical students was 22.2 ± 2.4 (year). Half of these medical students were in there final year of study (sixth year). After the analysis was done, we found a knowledge deficit in snakebite diagnosis and management among medical students. The mean knowledge scores regarding Vipera palaestinae, signs and symptoms, laboratory investigations, anti-venom, and first aid were 3.8/13, 8.2/16, 6.1/10, 3.6/11 and 8.3/15 respectively for medical students. It was found that medical students in higher years of study had a higher knowledge of laboratory investigation, and males were more knowledgeable in the correct way for first aid methods than females (p Conclusions The level of knowledge regarding the diagnosis and management of snakebites was not good enough among most of the students. In order to improve their knowledge, snakebite diagnosis and management should be introduced and focused on in medical curriculum. Also, formal first aid training classes for medical students should be introduced in order to teach them the correct and updated methods of first aid as they will be the future health care providers and proper first aid will effectively decrease morbidity and mortality of snakebites.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-10T16:56:19Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-08-01 Deanship of Scientific Research at King Saud University Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Long-term assessments of bio-thermal responses in a hair coat sheep breed were performed to investigate the effect of the thermal environment on their physiological performance and thermal balance. Twelve healthy non-lactating Morada Nova ewes (3 +/- 1.2 years old, body mass 32.7 +/- 3.7 kg) were assigned in two 12 x 12 Latin square designs (from 07:00 to 19:00 h and from 19:00 to 07:00 h, respectively) for assessments of their biothermal responses during 24 consecutive days. There was a monophasic pattern in the ambient temperature (T-A), which ranged between 21 and 38 degrees C, thereby exposing the ewes to different levels of surrounding T-A over the day and influencing several of their bio-thermal responses (P = 0.0001). Their body temperatures (i.e., rectal, skin, and hair coat surface temperatures) gradually increased (P = 0.0001) from 04:00 h. The mean peak for rectal temperature (39.3 degrees C) was recorded at 19:00 h, while for skin and hair coat surface temperatures it occurred at 13:00 and 14:00 h, respectively. The sensible heat loss by long wave radiation and surface convection exceeded the metabolism of ewes when the T-A was below 24 degrees C, which usually occurred between 24:00 and 06:00 h. During exposure to higher ambient temperatures, the sheep increased respiratory evaporative heat loss, without panting. In conclusion, the sheep regulated rectal temperature within a relatively narrow range of 1.4 degrees C over 24 h, and appear to be well adapted to coping with heat. Minimum 24 h body temperature was correlated with minimum T-A, indicating that heat conservation strategies are likely to be important for Morada Nova sheep in a tropical biotype at night, when rates of sensible heat loss exceed the heat generated by metabolism. Sao Paulo State Univ, Biometorol Lab, Innovat Grp Biometeorol Behav & Anim Welf INOBIO, Jaboticabal, Brazil King Saud Univ, Dept Anim Prod, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Univ Witwatersrand, Sch Physiol, Brain Funct Res Grp, Johannesburg, South Africa Univ Fed Paraiba, Anim Biometeorol & Ethol Grp BIOET, Areia, Brazil Sao Paulo State Univ, Biometorol Lab, Innovat Grp Biometeorol Behav & Anim Welf INOBIO, Jaboticabal, Brazil Deanship of Scientific Research at King Saud University: RGP-VPP-171 FAPESP: 2011/17388-6

Background End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a leading cause of death and morbidity worldwide. Malnutrition is a common problem among hemodialysis (HD) patients that negatively impacts their prognosis and is linked to an increase in morbidity and mortality in these patients, as well as a decrease in their quality of life (QOL). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the QOL and to investigate factors that can influence it, including nutritional status, as well as socio-demographic factors, among Palestinian diabetic patients on HD therapy. Methods This was a cross-sectional study that occurred at a large hemodialysis center in Palestine. Malnutrition was assessed by the malnutrition-inflammation scale (MIS), and the quality of life was evaluated by using the EuroQoL five-dimensional instrument (EQ-5D). Multivariable linear regression analysis was carried out to look at the effect of multiple variables on QOL. Results A total of 118 diabetic patients on HD were included. Of these, 66.9% were male, and 60.2% were aged 60 years or higher. Having multiple comorbid diseases (p=0.004) and having been on HD for >4 years (p=0.003) were significantly associated with a higher MIS score, whereas living alone (p=0.037) and having been on HD for >4 years (p=0.002) was significantly associated with lower EQ-5D score. We also observed a significant association between the MIS score and the EQ-5D score(r=−0.616, pp = 0.015), and MIS score was significantly and negatively correlated with QOL scores (standardized coefficient, −0.587; 95% CI, −0.047 to −0.028; p Conclusions We found that malnutrition was associated with a lower QOL score among diabetic patients on HD. We recommend general practitioners, dietitians, nephrologists, and nurses to make plans that pay more attention to this group of patients who show evidence of malnutrition. Patients on dialysis for ≥ 4 years, patients who live alone, and those suffering from multiple co-morbid diseases should receive special care due to their higher risk of being impacted by this problem.

Head motion continues to be a major problem in fMRI research, particularly in developmental studies where an inverse relationship exists between head motion and age. Despite multifaceted and costly efforts to mitigate motion and motion-related signal artifact, few studies have characterized in-scanner head motion itself.This study leverages a large public dataset (N=1388, age 5-21y, The Healthy Brain Network Biobank) to characterize pediatric head motion in space, frequency, and time. We focus on practical aspects of head motion that could impact future study design, including comparing motion across groups (low, medium, and high movers), across conditions (movie-watching and rest), and between males and females.Analyses showed that in all conditions, high movers exhibited a different pattern of motion than low and medium movers that was dominated by x-rotation, and z- and y-translation. High motion spikes (>0.3mm) from all participants also showed this pitch-z-y pattern. Problematic head motion is thus composed of a single type of biomechanical motion, which we infer to be a nodding movement, providing a focused target for motion reduction strategies. A second type of motion was evident via spectral analysis of raw displacement data. This was observed in low and medium movers and was consistent with respiration rates. We consider this to be a baseline of motion best targeted in data preprocessing. Further, we found that males moved more than, but not differently from, females.Significant cross-condition differences in head motion were found. Movies had lower mean motion, and especially in high movers, movie-watching reduced within-run linear increases in head motion (i.e., temporal drift). Finally, we used intersubject correlations of framewise displacement (FD-ISCs) to assess for stimulus-correlated motion trends. Subject motion was more correlated in movie than rest and stimulus-correlated stillness occurred more often than stimulus-correlated motion. Possible reasons and future implications of these findings are discussed.

Despite the proven outcomes of implementing chrono-physiological management (CPM) in several animals to promote their production performance, studies on its usefulness in goats are lacking. Twelve healthy Aardi male goat kids (22.60±1.10kg body weight; 6 months of age) were randomly allocated into two groups (morning-fed at 09:00 h and evening-fed at 21:00 h). The physiological and productive advantage of CPM (in form of shifting feeding time) was investigated in both groups while exposed to experimentally induced heat stress for 42 days (daily ambient temperature was cycling from 25 to 45°C). Thermophysiological (rectal, skin, and coat temperatures as well as respiratory rate), blood biochemical (plasma level of albumin, glucose, triacylglycerol, and urea), and production performance (daily feed intake, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio) measurements were all obtained throughout this period. Current findings collectively revealed that shifting feeding time from 09:00 to 21:00 h had no (P > 0.05) impact on the thermophysiological status and blood metabolites of heat stressed kids. Above all, evidences have indicated that shifting feeding time had failed (P > 0.05) to demonstrate any consequence on promoting growth in these kids, thereby suggesting that shifting feeding time under hot climatic conditions has no advantage in goats. In fact, implementation of such an approach might not to be encouraged for heat-adapted animals. Experiments using other CPM methods (such as simultaneous shift of both feeding time and lighting program) can be however of further interest.

Background Chronic kidney disease is considered as a global health problem. Hemodialysis (HD), following renal transplantation, is the most common form of renal replacement therapy. However, HD may impact the quality of life (QOL). Pain is a frequent complaint among this population that also affects their QOL. The purposes of this study were to assess pain and QOL among end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on HD and to examine their association. Methods This was a multicenter, cross-sectional study that occurred in Palestine between August and November 2018. Brief Pain Inventory and European Quality of Life scale 5 dimensions (EQ-5D) scale, including its European Quality of Life visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) component, were used to assess pain and QOL, respectively. Results A total of 300 participants were included in the final study. The average age of the subjects was 54 ± 16 years. Their median EQ-5D score was 0.68 [0.54–0.88], whereas their median EQ-VAS score was 60 [40–75]. A statistically significant association of pain severity score with EQ-5D score was found (r = − 0.783, p p p p p p = 0.003), and those with lower pain interference scores (p Conclusions Pain has a significant negative impact on QOL in ESRD patients undergoing HD. The subgroups that were at higher risk included elderly patients, females, those with higher BMI, those without a formal education, those unemployed, those living with low monthly income, smokers, those who have multiple comorbidities, and patients with longer dialysis vintage. Our findings provide reliable data for educators and clinicians working with HD patients.

Allelic variations affecting the activity of the maternal renin-angiotensin system may play a role in the development of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy like preeclampsia, its more severe early-onset form, and intrauterine growth restriction. We examined the association of common allelic variants of angiotensin II type 1 and type 2 receptor genes (AT1R and AT2R) sorted in five AT1R/AT2R receptor combination genotype groups with susceptibility to early-onset preeclampsia (EOP). The occurrence of AT1R (A1166C) and A2TR (C3123A) alleles in wild type (AA, CC), heterozygous (A/C, C/A), and homozygous (C/C, A/A) states was recorded in 84 women with a history of EOP and 84 age-matched controls sorted in five AT1R/AT2R receptor combination genotype (wild type: AA/CC, one mutant: AA/CA, AC/CC, two mutant: AC/CA, AA/AA, CC/CC, three mutants: AC/AA, CC/CA and four mutant: CC/AA) groups, by polymerase chain reaction-RFLP analysis. Three mutant receptor combination genotype carriers were more common in women with a history of EOP than in controls (26.18% vs. 4.76%, p = 0.003, OR = 8.25). Receptor combination genotyping may be of clinical value in: (a) maternal prediction of susceptibility to EOP, (b) disease subtyping for directed studies with receptor signaling antagonists, (c) the broader study of hypertension.

BackgroundLower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are prevalent among pregnant women. Several articles show the impact of LUTS on pregnant women’s quality of life (QoL). This study was designed to examine the impact of non-pathological LUTS on QoL among pregnant Palestinian women.MethodsA cross-sectional, hospital-based study was conducted on women who were pregnant and receiving regular antenatal care at the obstetrics and gynecology clinic in Rafidia Hospital, Palestine. This self-administered questionnaire included the Urinary Distress Inventory – short-form (UDI-6), the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire – short-form (IIQ-7), the European Quality of Life scale – 5 dimensions (EQ-5D), and the European Quality of Life – visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS). A convenience sampling method was used. In addition to this, multiple linear regression analyses were performed aiming to identify variables that have a significant relationship with QoL (i.e. socio-demographic variables, UDI-6 score, and IIQ-7 score).ResultsThis study included a total of 306 pregnant women. Participants had a mean age of 26.9 years (SD, 3.6). The subjects scored an average of 31.2 ± 19.2 out of 100 points for the UDI-6 scale and an average of 31.9 ± 24.9 out of 100 points for the IIQ-7 scale. On the other hand, the subjects’ average EQ-5D and EQ-VAS scores were 0.76 ± 0.17 and 67.96 ± 19.28 respectively. The subjects’ responses on UDI-6 significantly correlated with their responses on both the EQ-5D and EQ-VAS scales (r = − 0.338,p p p p p = 0.001) and IIQ-7 score (p ConclusionsOur study shows a remarkable correlation between LUTS and QoL among pregnant women. Further longitudinal studies are required to assess the status of LUTS in the pre-pregnancy stage to ascertain a more accurate assessment of LUTS or LUTS related intervention and its impact on QoL during pregnancy.

Water scarcity is a common phenomenon in arid and semi-arid regions, which could have tremendous effects on livestock production. This study aimed to determine the level of water restriction that lambs fed on a pelleted diet can tolerate without compromising their production performance. A total of 24 male Najdi lambs were housed individually and randomly allocated into three equal groups, namely ad libitum water intake, 33% water-intake restriction, and 67% water-intake restriction. Dry-matter intake, feed conversion ratio, and average daily gain were decreased (p &lt, 0.05) with the increasing level of water restriction. Water restriction had also reduced (p &lt, 0.05) nutrient digestibility. The water-conserving ability of the water-restricted lambs was manifested by the production of concentrated and lower (p &lt, 0.05) quantities of urine and feces. Meanwhile, serum osmolality and concentrations of albumin, total protein, urea-N, glucose, and non-esterified fatty acids were increased (p &lt, 0.05) with the increasing levels of water restriction. It is surprising that lambs subjected to 67% water restriction retained more (p &lt, 0.05) nitrogen relative to intake and had better (p &lt, 0.05) efficiency of nitrogen utilization. It was strongly evident that lambs could tolerate water-intake restriction of up to 33% without compromising their production performance.

We present simultaneous optical and radar observations of meteors observed over the Arecibo radar in Puerto Rico. These observations were obtained during ∼ 24 h of radar time over 3 different nights in May 2012. The radar was operating in a dual-frequency mode at 430 MHz (UHF) and 46.8 MHz (VHF). The optical observations were made at 41 frames per second with an Andor Electron Multiplying CCD camera with a field of view of ∼ 6°, enabling the determination of accurate horizontal meteor velocities and optical light curves. There are varying detection sensitivities of the 3 different techniques (2 radar, 1 optical). The UHF radar is the most sensitive, resulting in a total of 8710 detected meteors during that period, while the VHF radar is significantly less sensitive—resulting in only 278 detected meteors. The optical observations are the least sensitive, resulting in a total of 178 detections. Of all of these meteors, only 19 were simultaneously detected by the 3 instruments. This paper focuses on the analysis of these 19 common events. The meteoroid masses determined from the optical light curves were found to be in the range of 20 μg to 1.2 mg and did not correlate with the maximum Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of either radar. In addition, the UHF radar detected 5 out of these 19 meteors with far side-lobes, beyond the main-beam and first side-lobe. This indicates that a significant fraction of events detected by the UHF radar could be in far side lobes and therefore have significantly underestimated Radar Cross Sections (RCS), given the smaller backscattered powers received in the side lobes.

To follow the inheritance potential for heat tolerance after a crossing program in goats, 24 kids from four groups of goat kids (6 kids in each) from Aradi (A) and Damascus (D), their crossbred first-generation F1 (½D½A) and second-generation F2 (¾D¼A), were exposed to acute elevated environmental temperature in controlled climatic chambers. Rectal temperature (RT), respiratory rate (RR), heat tolerance coefficient (HTC), adaptability coefficient (AC), and mRNA expression of heat shock proteins 70 and 90 ((HSP70 and HASP90, respectively), using real-time PCR were estimated. Results showed that Aradi breed goats had the highest level of expression for heat shock proteins 70 and 90, followed by F1, F2, and Damascus (P ≤ 0.01). Crossbreeds and Damascus showed the highest RT, while Aradi breed showed the lowest value (P ≤ 0.01). Aradi and crossbreeds showed the highest RR, while Damascus showed the lowest RR (P ≤ 0.05). Aradi and F1 showed the highest HTC (P ≤ 0.05), while there was no significant difference between pure breeds and crossbreeds in AC. A significant positive phenotypic correlation (0.81) was observed between HSP70 and HSP90. In addition, RR showed moderate positive correlation with both HSP70 and HSP90. It could be concluded that Aradi breed had putative heat tolerance in comparison to its crossbred progeny from the Damascus breed. The crossbreeding may result in some loss of heat tolerance potential, but the crossbreeds still better adapted to high environmental temperature than the Damascus breed.

The current research paper addresses the hypothesis that management system (grazing vs. stabling) and/or stage of lactation (early- to late-lactation) can influence the lactation performance and milk fatty acid (MFA) profile in dromedary camels. The results obtained revealed that milk and protein yields of stabled camels were higher, while milk fat content was lower compared to grazing camels. In addition, stabled camels produced milk richer in short- and medium-chains fatty acids but lower in long-chain fatty acids and fatty acids linked with possible health benefits such as oleic acid, vaccenic acid (VA) and rumenic acid (RA), when compared to grazing camels. Moreover, atherogenicity index was higher, while overall Δ9-desaturase and health-promoting indices were lower in stabled camels. In a similar way, results demonstrated an increase in milk fat and protein contents as lactation advanced. In fact, camels at mid-lactation produced milk richer in short- and medium-chain fatty acids as well as total saturated fatty acids but poorer in oleic acid, VA, RA, long-chain fatty acids and total unsaturated fatty acids, when compared to milk samples collected at early stage of lactation. Moreover, compared to early- and late-lactations, atherogenicity index was higher while overall-Δ9-desaturase and health promoting indexes were lower at mid-lactation. In conclusion, the intensive stabling system and mid-lactation stage can alter lactation performance and MFA profile in dairy dromedary camels.

Background Pain continues to be a prevalent yet undertreated problem among cancer patients. Achieving adequate control of cancer pain is influenced by physicians’ knowledge and practices, which have been found to be inadequate by many studies. In this study, we aimed to examine knowledge and practices, as well as perceived barriers relating to the management of cancer pain among Palestinian physicians. Methods This cross-sectional study took place at eight hospitals in the northern West Bank in Palestine. A questionnaire was developed and distributed to physicians who were responsible for the care of cancer patients. The questionnaire assessed knowledge, perceived barriers, assessment practices, pain documentation, and delaying processes relating to cancer pain management (CPM). Results In total, we analysed 109 questionnaires. The mean age of the participants was 32.3 ± 7.0 years and 73.4% had less than 10 years of professional experience. After analysing the data, we found physicians’ knowledge to be inadequate, with a mean knowledge score of 6.2 ± 1.9 out of 14. The barriers that were perceived by the highest percentages of physicians to affect CPM were inadequate pain assessment (89%), insufficient experience (79.8%), and insufficient knowledge (76.1%), all of which are staff-related. However, 65% reported assessing pain on every round and 70% asked about all items related to the nature of pain. Finally, obtaining opioids from the pharmacy was the most recognized delaying step in CPM. Conclusions Despite reporting good practices, physicians showed substantial knowledge deficits regarding CPM. Besides, many barriers appear to impede effective CPM. Therefore, appropriate educational programmes and policy changes are recommended in order to improve professional performance as well as patient care.

A faunistic complex of chalcidoid parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) associated with cynipids and cecidomyids (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae; Diptera: Cecydomyiidae) inhabiting capsules of the annual weed Papaver rhoeas L. (corn poppy) was recorded in Amynteo, Northern Greece (2012) and Orchomenos, Voeotia, Central Greece (2013). The parasitoids are Idiomacromerus papaveris (Forster, 1856), Idiomacromerus sp., Pseudotorymus papaveris (Thomson, 1876) (Torymidae), Aprostocetus epicharmus Walker, 1839 (Eulophidae), and Cyrtoptyx sp. (Pteromalidae). Aprostocetus epicharmus was recorded only in Amynteo while Idiomacromerus spp. and Cyrtoptyx sp. only in Voeotia. This is the first record of these parasitoid species in corn poppy capsules in Greece. All parasitoids except the eulophid, which probably parasitizes Cecydomyiidae, are most likely parasitoids of Aylax papaveris (Perris, 1840) (Cynipidae)

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary chromium (Cr) supplementation on the apparent metabolism of some trace elements in camel calves reared under hot summer conditions. The study was conducted on a total of 15 male camel calves (5–6 months old) reared under hot summer conditions for 12 weeks. The animals were housed individually under shelter and divided into three dietary treatment groups (diets supplemented with 0.0, 0.5, or 1.0 mg Cr/kg DM), five animals each. At the end of the study, a metabolic trial was conducted on all camels for the evaluation of trace elements metabolism. Cr excretion, absorption, and retention showed an increasing trend with the increasing level of dietary Cr supplementation. Dietary Cr supplementation at 0.5 mg Cr/kg DM to camel calves resulted in a significant (P

Background. Snakebite is a serious and important medical emergency encountered in many parts of the world. The estimated number of victims of venomous snakebites in Palestine is about 100 to 150 annually, with death occurring in 2 to 3 of them. This study was designed to assess the level of knowledge on the diagnosis and management of snakebites among nursing students in Palestine, as well as their attitude towards snakebites. Methods. This was a cross-sectional survey that took place at An-Najah National University. Two hundred nursing students were asked to fill a questionnaire that was developed to assess the participants' knowledge and attitude regarding snakebite's diagnosis and management. Different knowledge scores were calculated, and the relationships between students' knowledge and their characteristics were calculated by implementing the Mann–Whitney U test and the Kruskal–Wallis test. The statistical significance limit of p values was set at 0.05. Results. The majority of the participants (57%) were fourth-year students with an average age of 20.7 ± 1. Areas of knowledge and the participants’ mean scores on them were as follows: Vipera palaestinae snake, 5.1/13; signs and symptoms, 9.6/16; laboratory investigations, 6.1/10; anti-venom, 4.2/11; and first aid, 6.6/15. The only statistically significant differences in knowledge were between male and female students on Vipera palaestinae (male students scored higher, p value = 0.004) and between different types of residence (village dwellers scored the highest, p value = 0.041). Conclusions. We found knowledge gaps in many aspects of snakebite’s diagnosis and management among nursing students in Palestine. Based on the results of this study, we suggest integrating more materials on this topic in the curriculum of Palestinian nursing schools, as well as more practical training, which will positively reflect on the care for snakebite victims.

Aim of the study: To investigate the direct effect of heat stress on rumen fermentation characteristics and nutrients degradability of pair-fed rams to subsequently eliminate the confounding effects of dissimilar feed intake induced by heat stress exposure.Area of study: Saudi Arabia.Material and methods: Five rumen-cannulated desert rams (45 ± 1.63 kg body weight; 2–3 years of age) were placed individually in controlled climatic-chambers to be exposed to two successive periods. The 1st period was a control thermoneutral period (TN; 23.64 ± 0.14 °C; extended for 21 days) followed by a 2nd period of heat stress (HS; 44.26 ± 1.70 °C, for another 21 days). Each period was consisted of a temperature acclimation phase (7 days) and a data collection phase (14 days). Alfalfa hay was offered twice daily during both periods in a pair-fed manner (800 g DM per head and day).Main results: Exposing pair-fed desert rams to elevated ambient temperature had (p0.05) changes in their rectal temperature. Most of the rumen fermentation characteristics and nutrients degradability were not affected by HS (p>0.05). However, exposure to HS increased (p

Critical gaps exist in our understanding of the diagnostic reliability of subclinical mastitis tests in dromedary camels. Using a retrospective longitudinal cross-sectional approach, 191 lactating camels were randomly sampled from 47 camel herds to investigate at first the practicability of somatic cell count (SCC) and electrical conductivity (EC) tests as subclinical mastitis tests in camels through their validations by California mastitis test (CMT) score, and then through the subsequent employments of those objective means in assessing certain potential risk markers predisposing camels to this disease. Results indicate the reliability and validity of SCC test, in contrast to EC test, in distinguishing subclinical mastitic udders in camels, as demonstrated by the strong interrelationships ( r = 0.83 vs 0.12; R 2 = 0.80 vs 0.02), excellent agreement beyond chance (kappa coefficient = 0.76 vs 0.09) between SCC test and CMT scores, as well as by the high sensitivity of SCC test [Area Under Curve (AUC) = 0.94 vs 0.48] in distinguishing mastitic udders compared to the EC test. Based on the SCC test, the calculated overall prevalence rate for subclinical mastitis was 35 %, and the breed, parity, and lactation period were the only risk markers predisposing camels to subclinical mastitis. Collectively, it can be concluded that the objective SCC test possesses considerable diagnostic merit for early detection of subclinical mastitis in camels, while the EC test was non-satisfactory and non-diagnostic. Accordingly, it seems logical to base herd management decisions on SCC readings using the cut-off Log10SCC value of 5.67 (or SCC = 472.50 × 03 cells mL–1).

Background Patients on hemodialysis (HD) commonly suffer from poor sleep quality which in turn compromises their quality of life and well as their mortality risk according to many studies. In Palestine however, no single study had emphasized the association and prevalence of sleep quality and daytime sleepiness among hemodialysis patients (HDP). Therefore, we conducted this study to determine the relationship between regular HD and the situation regarding sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in HDP. Methods In this cross-sectional survey, we targeted HDP at one HD center in An-Najah National University Hospital. Sleep problems were assessed by both the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), which are considered as standardized tools for the assessment of sleep quality and daytime sleepiness, respectively. Results Of the 192 dialysis patients who were interviewed, 167 were included in the final analysis of this study, with a response rate of 87%. The mean age of the participants was 57.6 ± 12.9. Fifty-two percent were males, and an equal percentage of the participants were 60 years old or older. The median ESS of the participants was 7 [4–11] and 43.1% of the participants had 9 or more ESS score, indicating excessive daytime sleepiness. The median PSQI score was 8 [6–12] and 76.65% of the participants scored more than 5 points on the PSQI, indicating poor sleep quality. Neither the ESS score nor the PSQI score were significantly associated with any particular category of participants, based on their demographic or clinical characteristics. Conclusions In conclusion, we found that dialysis patients had poor sleep quality, evident by their high median PSQI score, though their excessive daytime sleepiness was less evident by their median ESS score in the high normal values. Additionally, we found a high prevalence of poor sleep quality among HDP, whereas excessive daytime sleepiness was less prevalent. Finally, no significant association was found between either of the two scores and the participants’ demographic or clinical characteristics surveyed in this study.