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A field experiment was conducted to investigate the changes in soil bacteria when using the bio fertilizers such as; azotobacter, bacillus circullans and bacillus megaterium in sandy soils across varied numbers of cultivated years using drip irrigation. Drip irrigation had a significant effect on bacterial levels. The biological qualities of the soil improved significantly as the number of years planted under drip irrigation rose. After two years of cultivation, the bacterial levels increased 102 times more than on uncultivated ground. The vertical direction, the number of bacterial colonies reduced as soil depth increased. The Bio-fertilizer treatment improved soil fertility more than any other therapy. The average total N, total P, and total K in 0-45 cm soil layers rose to 29.17, 26.67, and 36.7%, respectively. The soil environment was considerably improved, with significant positive relationships between bacterial, phosphate, and urea activity, as well as significant negative correlations with Ece and pH. We anticipate that soil microbial properties in drip-irrigated sandy soils will improve after 6-7 years of cultivation.

Abstract Background Several tests have been suggested for screening and diagnosis of cervical spine and shoulder girdle conditions underlying shoulder pain with variable degrees of clinical accuracy. The present study aimed to test the reliability, clinical benefit and screening value of the Swimmer Arm-to-Shoulder (SAS) test; a new clinical test developed to differentiate shoulder impingement from cervical radiculopathy in patients with shoulder pain of ≤ 12 weeks. Methods The study included 718 patients aged 40–65 years, with unilateral and localized shoulder girdle pain lasting for ≤ 12 weeks. Diagnosis based on clinical, electromyography and radiological findings was considered as the reference gold standard for test assessment. Results Clinical diagnosis identified shoulder pathology in 288 patients (40.1%) and cervical spine pathology in 430 patients (59.9%). SAS test was positive in 274 patients (38.2%). The SAS test proved to be effective in distinguishing shoulder from cervical spine pathology with a sensitivity of 89.2% (95% CI: 85.0-92.6%), specificity of 96.1% (95% CI: 93.8–97.7%), PPV of 93.8% (95% CI: 90.5–96.0%), NPV of 93.0% (95% CI: 90.5–94.9%), LR + of 22.6% (95% CI: 14.1–36.0%), LR- of 0.11 (95% CI: 0.08–0.16) and accuracy of 93.3% (95% CI: 91.2–95.0%). Conclusions SAS test is an easy to perform, patient dependent and reliable as a screening test and diagnosis confirmatory test.

In emerging markets such as the Lima Stock Exchange, characterized by lower liquidity and market depth, investors face unique challenges in maximizing returns and mitigating risks. This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of technical analysis on the Lima Stock Exchange, focusing on 14 stocks from the S&P/BVL Peru General portfolio selected for their broad spectrum of economic sectors, high trading frequency, and consistency in the index, totaling 9,802 quotations during the period from June 21, 2021 to June 21, 2024. The results, excluding transaction costs, show that technical tools such as Momentum, Moving Averages, Stochastic Oscillator, and Williams Oscillator offer superior returns compared to the buy-and-hold strategy, especially in short periods of 5, 10, and 15 days, with average excess returns of 24.28%. However, when including transaction costs, only eight of the 14 stocks achieve excess returns, with the Relative Strength Index (RSI), Bollinger Bands, and Moving Averages standing out as the most efficient tools, especially over longer periods. These findings underscore the importance of careful management of transaction costs to optimize the benefits of technical analysis in emerging markets.

Abstract Global warming has led to a notable increase in heatwaves globally and regionally. In spring 2022, South Asia witnessed an unprecedented heatwave with temperatures breaking historical records and exceeding 5° C from climatological mean at several locations in the northern Indian subcontinent. Here, using 3D tracking, this heatwave ranked the most severe in the past 64 years, characterized by its protracted duration and wide spatial extent. The excess atmospheric heat, represented by temperature anomalies, during the mega-heatwave triggered rapid snowmelt across the snow-covered areas in the region, leading to an average loss of 42% in snow cover and 57% in snow depth of the regional snowpack. This rapid melting resulted in the complete disappearance of low-level snowpack in the western Himalayas, Pir Panjal, and Afghanistan highlands, leading to the lowest snowpack observed in the last six decades. Moreover, during the heatwave, the amount of snowfall received was only 29% of the long-term average. This combination of excessive melting and reduced snowfall culminated in a severe regional snow drought in spring 2022. The heatwave genesis lay a persistent high-pressure system over Northwest South Asia, reinforced by a quasi-stationary Rossby wave packet over Europe during the initial spell. Continuous heat from high-pressure ridges associated with circumglobal Rossby waves combined with the physical barrier of the Himalayas, lent staying power to this system during the second phase.

Abstract Introduction The renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) plays a pivotal role in regulating blood pressure (BP), with dysregulation of RAAS resulting in hypertension and potentially heart failure (HF), myocardial infarction (MI), cardio-renal syndrome, and stroke. RAAS inhibitors, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEis) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), have advantages beyond BP control. However, differences between these two drug classes need to be considered when choosing a therapy for preventing cardiovascular events. Methods A panel of 36 Egyptian cardiologists developed consensus statements on RAAS inhibitors for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular outcomes and stroke, using a modified three-step Delphi process. Results The consensus statements highlight the importance of effective BP control and the role of RAAS blockade for prevention and management of various cardiovascular diseases. ACEis and ARBs differ in their mode of action and, thus, clinical effects. On the basis of available evidence, the consensus group recommended the following: ACEis should be considered as first choice (in preference to ARBs) to reduce the risk of MI, for primary prevention of HF, and for secondary prevention of stroke. ACEis and ARBs show equivalent efficacy for the primary prevention of stroke. Evidence also favors the preferential use of ACEis in patients with type 2 diabetes, for BP control, for the primary prevention of diabetic kidney disease, and to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular and renal outcomes. Treatment with an ACEi should be started within 24 h of ST segment elevation MI (and continued long term) in patients with HF, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, and/or diabetes. Angiotensin receptor/neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs) are the first choice for patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction, with ACEis being the second choice in this group. ARBs are indicated as alternatives in patients who cannot tolerate ACEis. ACEis may be associated with cough development, but the incidence tends to be overestimated, and the risk can be reduced by use of a lipophilic ACEi or combining the ACEi with a calcium channel blocker. Conclusion RAAS blockade is an essential component of hypertension therapy; however, the protective effects provided by ACEis are superior to those of ARBs. Therefore, an ACEi is indicated in almost all cases, unless not tolerated.

Abstract Background Pediatric kidney transplantation is unique when compared to adults. They need optimum post-transplant care to achieve longer graft and patient survival. Infections, rejection, recurrence, malignancy, bone problems, hypertension, and surgical complications are the most important challenges that require prevention, early detection, and management. Chronic allograft nephropathy needs different approaches based on its related causes, allograft pathology, graft function, and availability of re-transplantation. Aim/objectives This national adapted guideline aims to frame evidence-based post-transplant recommendations adopted or adapted from EB source guidelines to optimize post-transplant patient care. Methods Our guideline is evidence based adapted from four national and international source guidelines with permissions [KDIGO 2020, RA/BTS 2022–2018, EAU 2018] that were appraised with AGREE II instrument tool. We followed the “adapted ADAPTE” CPG formal adaptation methodology that consists of 3 phases and 24 steps and tools. Virtual monthly meetings all through the year 2023 were activated for reviewing and validation of final adaptation of evidence-based guideline draft, considering all comments of external reviewers. This guideline was registered in the practice guideline registration for transparency (PREPARE), number: PREPARE-2023CN364. Results Recommendation statements in guidelines stand for results in articles. Discussion of important recommendations and the rationale behind selection of adopted statements and tailoring of others to suit our local facilities, expertise, and renal native disease profile was presented in the text with reasons and references. Conclusion The provided guidelines aim to improve graft and patient outcome through prevention and early management of complications and suggest research areas lacking validated research recommendations.

Abstract Missing pixel imputation presents a critical challenge in image processing and computer vision, particularly in applications such as image restoration and inpainting. The primary objective of this paper is to accurately estimate and reconstruct missing pixel values to restore complete visual information. This paper introduces a novel model called the Enhanced Connected Pixel Identity GAN with Neutrosophic (ECP-IGANN), which is designed to address two fundamental issues inherent in existing GAN architectures for missing pixel generation: (1) mode collapse, which leads to a lack of diversity in generated pixels, and (2) the preservation of pixel integrity within the reconstructed images. ECP-IGANN incorporates two key innovations to improve missing pixel imputation. First, an identity block is integrated into the generation process to facilitate the retention of existing pixel values and ensure consistency. Second, the model calculates the values of the 8-connected neighbouring pixels around each missing pixel, thereby enhancing the coherence and integrity of the imputed pixels. The efficacy of ECP-IGANN was rigorously evaluated through extensive experimentation across five diverse datasets: BigGAN-ImageNet, the 2024 Medical Imaging Challenge Dataset, the Autonomous Vehicles Dataset, the 2024 Satellite Imagery Dataset, and the Fashion and Apparel Dataset 2024. These experiments assessed the model’s performance in terms of diversity, pixel imputation accuracy, and mode collapse mitigation, with results demonstrating significant improvements in the Inception Score (IS) and Fréchet Inception Distance (FID). ECP-IGANN markedly enhanced image segmentation performance in the validation phase across all datasets. Key metrics, such as Dice Score, Accuracy, Precision, and Recall, were improved substantially for various segmentation models, including Spatial Attention U-Net, Dense U-Net, and Residual Attention U-Net. For example, in the 2024 Medical Imaging Challenge Dataset, the Residual Attention U-Net’s Dice Score increased from 0.84 to 0.90, while accuracy improved from 0.88 to 0.93 following the application of ECP-IGANN. Similar performance enhancements were observed with the other datasets, highlighting the model’s robust generalizability across diverse imaging domains.

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

Neuroendocrine tumors are malignant neoplasms arising from neuroendocrine cells. These are increasingly recognized with rising incidence and encompass a diverse range of phenotypes. The large majority of these originate in the gastrointestinal tract however primary neuroendocrine tumors have also been reported to arise in a variety of organs such as lung, breast, prostate, and skin. Primary malignant paratesticular masses are often sarcomatous in origin and metastatic spread to the paratesticular region or scrotum is exceedingly rare. We report a fascinating case of a 56-year-old male who had an unusual initial presentation of paratesticular lesions on a background of an undescended testicle and an incidental umbilical nodule. After a combination of radiological and histopathological investigations, he was diagnosed with metastatic midgut neuroendocrine tumor.

Background/Objectives: The accurate quantification of peripheral nerve axonal regeneration after injury is critically important. Current strategies are limited to detecting early reinnervation. DTI is an MRI modality permitting the assessment of fractional anisotropy, which increases with axonal regeneration. The aim of this pilot study is to evaluate DTI as a potential predictive factor of clinical outcome after median nerve section and microsurgical repair. Methods: We included 10 patients with a complete section of the median nerve, who underwent microsurgical repair up to 7 days after injury. The follow-up period was 1 year, including the current strategy with clinical visits, the Rosén–Lundborg score and electroneuromyography. Additionally, DTI MRI of the injured wrist was planned 1, 3 and 12 months post-operatively and once for the contralateral wrist. Results: The interobserver reliability of DTI measures was almost perfect (ICC 0.802). We report an early statistically significant increase in the fractional anisotropy value after median nerve repair, especially in the region located distal to the suture. Meanwhile, Rosén–Lundborg score gradually increased between the third and sixth month, and continued to increase between the sixth and twelfth month. Conclusions: DTI outcomes three months post-operation could offer greater predictability compared to current strategies. This would enable faster decision-making regarding the need for a potential re-operation in cases of inadequate early reinnervation.

Identifying the most optimal wearable health technology devices for hospitals is a crucial step in emergency decision-making. The multi-attribute group decision-making method is a widely used and practical approach for selecting wearable health technology devices. However, because of the various factors that must be considered when selecting devices in emergencies, decision-makers often struggle to create a comprehensive assessment method. This study introduced a novel decision-making method that took into account various factors of decision-makers and has the potential to be applied in various other areas of research. First, we introduced a list of aggregation operators based on Pythagorean hesitant fuzzy rough sets, and a detailed description of the desired characteristics of the operators under investigation were provided. The proposed operators were validated by a newly defined score and accuracy function. Second, this paper used the proposed approach to demonstrate the Pythagorean hesitant fuzzy rough technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) model for multiple attribute decision-making and its stepwise algorithm. We developed a numerical example based on suggested operators for the evaluation framework to tackle the multiple-attribute decision-making problems while evaluating the performance of wearable health technology devices. In the end, the sensitivity analysis has confirmed the performance and reliability of the proposed framework. The findings indicated that the models being examined demonstrated greater reliability and efficacy compared to existing methodologies.

Abstract Task scheduling problem (TSP) is huge challenge in cloud computing paradigm as number of tasks comes to cloud application platform vary from time to time and all the tasks consists of variable length, runtime capacities. All these tasks may generated from various heterogeneous resources which comes onto cloud console directly effects the performance of cloud paradigm with increase in makespan, energy consumption, resource costs. Traditional task scheduling algorithms cannot handle these type of complex workloads in cloud paradigm. Many authors developed Task Scheduling algorithms by using metaheuristic techniques, hybrid approaches but all these algorithms give near optimal solutions but still TSP is a highly challenging and dynamic scenario as it resembles NP hard problem. Therefore, to tackle the TSP in cloud computing paradigm and schedule the tasks in an effective way in cloud paradigm, we formulated Adaptive Task scheduler which segments all the tasks comes to cloud console as sub tasks and fed these to the scheduler which is modeled by Improved Asynchronous Advantage Actor Critic Algorithm(IA3C) to generate schedules. This scheduling process is carried out in two stages. In first stage, all incoming tasks are segmented as sub tasks. After segmentation, all these sub tasks according to their size, execution time, communication time are grouped together and fed to the (ATSIA3C) scheduler. In the second stage, it checks for the above said constraints and disperse them onto the corresponding suitable processing capacity VMs resided in datacenters. Proposed ATSIA3C is simulated on Cloudsim. Extensive simulations are conducted using both fabricated worklogs and as well as realtime supercomputing worklogs. Our proposed mechanism evaluated over baseline algorithms i.e. RATS-HM, AINN-BPSO, MOABCQ. From results it is evident that our proposed ATSIA3C outperforms existing task schedulers by improving makespan by 70.49%. Resource cost is improved by 77.42%. Energy Consumption is improved over compared algorithms 74.24% in multi cloud environment by proposed ATSIA3C.

Abstract Objective This study aims to assess the efficacy of bioceramic (BC) sealer when applied using the single cone technique (SCT), in comparison to AH Plus sealer applied with the cold lateral condensation technique (LCT), concerning their impact on the healing of large-sized periapical lesions in both untreated and retreatment cases. Materials and methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 41 patients who had 60 permanent teeth in the maxillary incisors that were accompanied by large-sized periapical lesions. The included teeth were radiographed with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images and divided equally into two groups according to the endodontic treatment statute (30 untreated previous cases and 30 retreated cases). Subsequently, teeth received uniform preparation, irrigation, and dressing procedures. Then each group was divided equally according to the used sealer (15 teeth obturated using AH plus sealer with LCT and 15 teeth obturated using BC sealer with SCT). All cases were followed up after 6 and 12 months with CBCT images. Subsequently, the change in periapical lesion diameter (PLD) was observed as an indicator to determine the treatment outcome score. One-way ANOVA and Mann–Whitney U test were used to analyze the PLD changing and scoring the treatment outcome during the follow-up periods. The significance level was set at α = 0.05. Results There were no statistically significant differences between untreated and retreatment cases neither using AH plus sealer with LCT nor BC sealer with SCT regarding changes in PLD in the follow-up periods. Moreover, there were no significant differences between groups regarding treatment outcome scores in the follow-up periods. All groups showed a high success rate. Conclusions Successful treatment was achieved for untreated or retreatment maxillary incisor cases accompanied by large-sized periapical lesions using either BC sealer with the SCT or AH Plus sealer with LCT with a similar high success rate up to 12 months follow-up period.

Abstract Aim To investigate the root number and morphology of the maxillary second molars in the Syrian population besides bilateral symmetry, and the effect of gender. Methods 250 Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images (140 females, 110 males) were examined by two endodontists. The detailed analysis included the number of roots, the number of canals and their configurations, bilateral symmetry, and relation to gender. The evaluation was made according to Vertucci classification by analyzing the CBCT images at all levels (Axial, Coronal, Sagittal, Oblique, and 3D). The Chi-square statistical analysis was performed to compare the canals’ morphologies and bilateral symmetry in both genders via SPSS. Result The most common shape of the upper second molars is three roots (90.4%). There were significant differences between males and females regarding the symmetry of the number of roots (P

In this paper, a comparative examination of four various transimpedance amplifier (TIA) topologies is performed. Each of the four topologies is precisely designed to fit a diverse range of applications. The discussed topologies are the common source (CS) with resistive feedback, the regulated cascode (RGC), the CMOS inverter with resistive feedback, and the composite cascode with resistive feedback. Each topology was studied in both gate-driven (GD) and body-driven (BD) configurations with a thorough evaluation of its performance characteristics provided. Among these topologies, the composite cascode topology is proposed for use for the first time with TIAs in both the gate-driven and the body-driven configurations. The type of applications that are suitable for specific performance metrics are mentioned. The simulation is performed utilizing 130-nm CMOS technology predictive technology model (PTM) with a power-supply voltage, VDD, of 1.2 V for GD configurations and 0.9 V for BD configurations. Finally, the impact of technology scaling on the performance of the GD and BD configurations are investigated.

Rewataya Village is situated on Tanakeke Island, within the Takalar Regency. Despite its significance, previous studies have not addressed the mapping of changes in mangrove land area within this locale. The present research aimed to fill this gap by assessing alterations in mangrove land area from 2013 to 2023, alongside examining density and canopy cover conditions. The method employed for mapping changes in land area entailed utilizing the unsupervised method with maximum likelihood classification. Additionally, the assessment of mangrove conditions involved employing plot line transects to determine species density and hemispherical photography methods to evaluate canopy cover. Notably, two types of mangroves, namely Rhizophora mucronata and Rhizophora apiculata, are prevalent in this village. The mangrove species density in Rewataya Village, Tanakeke Island, is categorized as “good.” In addition, the canopy cover in Rewataya Village falls within the classification of “very dense” according to mangrove damage criteria. However, there has been a notable reduction in the mangrove ecosystem area between 2013 and 2023, with a decrease of 42.28 hectares (from 367.13 hectares to 324.84 hectares). Keywords: Mangrove Landsat 8 Rewataya village Unsupervised

Abstract In this study, thermoplastic starch (TPS) biofilms were developed using starch isolated from the seeds of Melicoccus bijugatus (huaya) and reinforced with bentonite clays at concentrations of 1%, 3%, and 5% by weight. Novelty of this research lies in utilizing a non-conventional starch source and enhancing properties of TPS through clay reinforcement. FTIR analysis verified bentonite’s nature of clays, while SEM analysis provided insights into morphology and agglomeration behavior. Key findings include a notable increase in biofilm thickness and elastic modulus with higher clay content. Specifically, tensile strength of biofilms improved from 2.5 MPa for pure TPS to 5.0 MPa with 5% clay reinforcement. The elastic modulus increased from 25 MPa (TPS) to 60 MPa (5% clay). Thermal stability also showed enhancement, with initial degradation temperature increasing from 110 °C for pure TPS to 130 °C for TPS with 5% clay. Water vapor permeability (WVP) tests demonstrated a decrease in WVP values from 4.11 × 10−10 g m−1 s−1 Pa−1 for pure TPS to 2.09 × 10−10 g m−1 s−1·Pa−1 for TPS with 5% clay, indicating a significant barrier effect due to clay dispersion. These results suggest that biofilms based on huaya starch and reinforced with bentonite clay have considerable potential for sustainable food packaging applications, offering enhanced mechanical and barrier properties.

Abstract Background The presence of childhood abuse is expected to have a great impact on several psychological domains on obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) patients. This study was designed to assess the psychological impact of history childhood abuse (emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional and physical neglect) on five psychological domains among OCD patients (self-esteem, depression, suicidal risk, cognitive functions, and anxiety). Methods This cross-sectional study included 101 OCD patients who were seen in the psychiatric department’s outpatient clinic at Zagazig University Hospital. They were diagnosed according to DSM-IV (SCID-I interview). All the patients were assessed using Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-28), the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Beck’s Suicide Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the MoCA scale (Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test). Results The prevalence of childhood abuse in the studied group was 74.3%. 24.8% with emotional abuse, 20.8% with physical abuse, 16.8% with sexual abuse, and 11.9% of patients with emotional and physical neglect. The different types of childhood abuse (emotional, physical, and sexual abuse) were significantly associated with decreased self-esteem and increased depressive symptoms, while emotional and physical neglect were associated with decreased self-esteem only among OCD patients. The most powerful and significant predictor of lower self-esteem and depression was sexual abuse, and it was also the only significant predictor of increased suicidal risk among OCD patients. Conclusions History of childhood abuse was significantly associated with decreased self-esteem and increased depressive symptoms among OCD patients. Only history of sexual abuse was significantly associated with increased suicidal risk. So, evaluation of the childhood abuse history is highly important among OCD patients to be incorporated in the management plan to reduce the suffering of OCD patients and for better improvement.

Abstract The beekeeping industry plays a crucial role in local economies, contributing significantly to their growth. However, bee colonies often face the threat of American foulbrood (AFB), a dangerous disease caused by the Gram-positive bacterium Paenibacillus larvae (P. l.). While the antibiotic Tylosin has been suggested as a treatment, its bacterial resistance necessitates the search for more effective alternatives. This investigation focused on evaluating the potential of bee venom (BV) and silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) as antibacterial agents against AFB. In vitro treatments were conducted using isolated AFB bacterial samples, with various concentrations of BV and Ag NPs (average size: 25nm) applied individually and in combination. The treatments were administered under both light and dark conditions. The viability of the treatments was assessed by monitoring the lifespans of treated bees and evaluating the treatment's efficiency within bee populations. Promising results were obtained with the use of Ag NPs, which effectively inhibited the progression of AFB. Moreover, the combination of BV and Ag NPs, known as bee venom/silver nanocomposites (BV/Ag NCs), significantly extended the natural lifespan of bees from 27 to 40 days. Notably, oral administration of BV in varying concentrations (1.53, 3.12, and 6.25 mg/mL) through sugary syrup doubled the bees' lifespan compared to the control group. The study established a significant correlation between the concentration of each treatment and the extent of bacterial inhibition. BV/Ag NCs demonstrated 1.4 times greater bactericidal efficiency under photo-stimulation with visible light compared to darkness, suggesting that light exposure enhances the effectiveness of BV/Ag NCs. The combination of BV and Ag NPs demonstrated enhanced antibacterial efficacy and prolonged honeybee lifespan. These results offer insights that can contribute to the development of safer and more efficient antibacterial agents for maintaining honeybee health.

Abstract Sitosterolemia is a rare inherited disorder caused by mutations in the ABCG5/ABCG8 genes. These genes encode proteins involved in the transport of plant sterols. Mutations in these genes lead to decreased excretion of phytosterols, which can accumulate in the body and lead to a variety of health problems, including premature coronary artery disease. We conducted the first genome-wide association study (GWAS) in the Middle East/North Africa population to identify genetic determinants of plant sterol levels in Qatari people. GWAS was performed on serum levels of β-sitosterol and campesterol using the Metabolon platform from Qatar Biobank (QBB) and genome sequence data provided by Qatar Genome Program. A trans-ancestry meta-analysis of data from our Qatari cohort with summary statistics from a previously published large cohort (9758 subjects) of European ancestry was conducted. Using conditional analysis, we identified two independent single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with β-sitosterol (rs145164937 and rs4299376), and two others with campesterol (rs7598542 and rs75901165) in the Qatari population in addition to previously reported variants. All of them map to the ABCG5/8 locus except rs75901165 which is located within the Intraflagellar Transport 43 (IFT43) gene. The meta-analysis replicated most of the reported variants, and our study provided significant support for the association of variants in SCARB1 and ABO with sitosterolemia. Evaluation of a polygenic risk score devised from European GWAS data showed moderate performance when applied to QBB (adjusted-R2 = 0.082). These findings provide new insights into the genetic architecture of phytosterol metabolism while showing the importance including under-represented populations in future GWAS studies.

Background: Currently, one in 300 pregnancies is diagnosed with placental adhesion disorders (PADs), and over the last 50 years, the incidence has increased 10-fold due to increasing numbers of cesarean sections. The accuracy of diagnostic procedures is critical and requires further research. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of placental adhesions. The correlations between placental adhesions and maternal age, gestational age, gravidity, and the number of previous cesareans were assessed. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted from January 2019 to August 2021. Data were obtained from the records of 180 pregnant women who underwent MRI pelvis examinations for PADs between the 23rd and 39th week of pregnancy. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed by calculating different statistical measures using surgery findings as the gold standard. Results: The results revealed 100% sensitivity and 93% specificity for the overall MRI diagnosis of placental adhesions. Significant correlations were observed between gestational age and the presence of placental adhesions (P = 0.030, r = 0.233) and between the number of previous cesareans and the presence of placental adhesions (P = 0.0003, r = 0.142). Maternal age and number of pregnancies did not show significant effects. Conclusion: MRI is an accurate and reliable method for diagnosing placental adhesions. Gestational age is considered a key factor in accurate MRI diagnosis.

Abstract Across development, experience has a strong impact on the way we think and adapt. School experience affects academic and social-emotional outcomes, yet whether differences in pedagogical experience modulate underlying brain network development is still unknown. In this study, we compared the brain network dynamics of students with different pedagogical backgrounds. Specifically, we characterized the diversity and stability of brain activity at rest by combining both resting-state fMRI and diffusion-weighted structural imaging data of 87 4–18 years old students experiencing either the Montessori pedagogy (i.e., student-led, trial-and-error pedagogy) or the traditional pedagogy (i.e., teacher-led, test-based pedagogy). Our results revealed spatiotemporal brain dynamics differences between students as a function of schooling experience at the whole-brain level. Students from Montessori schools showed overall higher functional integration (higher system diversity) and neural stability (lower spatiotemporal diversity) compared to traditionally schooled students. Higher integration was explained mainly through the cerebellar (CBL) functional network. In contrast, higher temporal stability was observed in the ventral attention, dorsal attention, somatomotor, frontoparietal, and CBL functional networks. This study suggests a form of experience-dependent dynamic functional connectivity plasticity, in learning-related networks.

Abstract Diabetes mellitus is a widespread endocrine disorder, which is categorized as the fourth leading cause of global mortality. Allopathic medicine has yet to provide a satisfactory cure for this condition. Consequently, there is an urgent demand for innovative antidiabetic treatment approaches with enhanced management and minimum side effects and costs. The study investigated the synergistic antidiabetic potential of combining selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) and plasma-rich platelets (PRP) in diabetic mice. Antidiabetic activity of the proposed combination (Se NPs and PRP) was evaluated from histopathological and biochemical perspectives. The experiment involved alloxan monohydrate induced diabetic mouse model. In the in vivo study, several biochemical parameters for assessing the antidiabetic effect of the novel combination of (Se NPs and PRP) were performed such as blood glucose levels, body weight, lipid profiles, and liver damage markers (AST and ALT). Scavenging antioxidant activity was assessed by evaluation levels of hepatic and renal GSH, MDA, SOD, and CAT activities. Complete histopathological examinations of vital internal organs were carried out. Results revealed that combining Se NPs and PRP presents a novel approach for better diabetes management and reduced complications associated with the disease. These findings have therapeutic implications for managing diabetes mellitus.

The resilience and adaptability of civil infrastructure are paramount for societal well-being and economic stability. This paper examines the transformative impact of neuromorphic computing on enhancing the resilience of infrastructure systems and advancing sustainable engineering practices. Drawing inspiration from the human brain's processing capabilities, neuromorphic computing has been demonstrated to significantly enhance the efficiency of real-time data analysis, learning, and prediction of structural integrity. We detail the fundamental principles of neuromorphic computing, its practical applications within civil engineering, and notable implementations, underscoring its substantial contributions to predictive maintenance, disaster preparedness, and environmental conservation. Our findings reveal that neuromorphic systems, through their capability to continuously learn and adapt, have effectively improved the accuracy of predictive models for infrastructure behavior under various environmental stressors, thereby facilitating more robust disaster response strategies and reducing maintenance costs by up to 30 %. Despite facing technological and integration challenges, neuromorphic computing emerges as a pioneering force in the field of civil engineering, offering a future where infrastructure is not only more durable but also inherently intelligent and responsive to changing conditions. The integration of neuromorphic computing holds the promise of revolutionizing civil engineering practices by fostering greater interdisciplinary collaboration and driving a commitment to environmental sustainability. This study advocates for broader adoption of neuromorphic technologies to cultivate a resilient, adaptive, and sustainable built environment.

Incorporating the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart irrigation systems into developing regions encounters significant financial constraints. To address this gap, this study aimed to identify the most effective locations for the sensor deployment using the Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques, maximizing the spatial coverage of soil moisture states while minimizing the number of required wireless sensor nodes. Ensuring the accuracy of YL-69 soil moisture sensors is pivotal for system efficiency therefore, a volumetric water content (VWC) calibration was conducted. Soil samples from the surface and subsurface layers were subjected to a comprehensive laboratory analysis to assess their physical and chemical attributes. Employing the Soil-Plant-Atmosphere-Water model (SPAW), the available water-holding capacity (AWHC) for these soil samples was estimated. A sensor placement strategy was formulated, aligning with AWHC maps to detect the spatial variations at varying depths. Further soil samples were collected to fine-tune the sensor calibration. Our findings revealed that third-order polynomial regression equations yielded the best correspondence between the sensor readings and the reference VWC measurements, with R2 values ranged from 0.94 to 0.99 for surface layers and 0.95 to 0.98 for subsurface layers. This innovative approach facilitated the deployment of IoT and smart irrigation applications by determining the optimal sensor placement and enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the water management systems.

AbstractThis study addressed the increasing challenges of climate change by exploring the use of machine learning (ML) algorithms to predict the reference evapotranspiration (ETo). Accurate ETo prediction is crucial for optimizing irrigation water management. This research aimed to assess the reliability and accuracy of ML algorithms in predicting ETo values. Three ETo calculation methods were employed: Penman-Monteith (PM), Hargreaves (HA), and Blaney-Criddle (BC). The study analyzed ETo and other climate variables using the modified Mann-Kendall test (m-MK) and Theil Sen’s slope estimator methods to identify trends. Multiple ML algorithms, including Support Vector Regression (SVR), Random Forest (RF), XGboost, K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Decision Trees (DT), Linear Regression (LR), and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) were utilized for ETo prediction. The ML algorithms exhibited excellent performance, with coefficients of determination (R2) values ranging from 0.97 to 0.99 for PM, 0.99 for HA, and from 0.91 to 0.92 for BC. The models demonstrated a high value of the Kling-Gupta efficiency (KGE) with low Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Mean Absolute Error (MAE) values. Strong correlations between the predicted and calculated daily ETo were observed with R2 values of 0.99, 0.99, and 0.92 for PM, HA, and BC methods, respectively. In conclusion, this study affirmed the accuracy and reliability of ML algorithms to match that of standard ETo prediction equations.

هدفت الدراسة الى اعداد تمرينات المقاومة الخاصة بوسط مائي و التعرف على قيم بعض المتغيرات البدنية والانجاز لعينة البحث, واستعمل الباحث المنهـــج التجريبــــــي بأسلــــوب (المجموعة الواحدة) ذات الاختبارين القبلي والبعُدي وتصميمها, و جرى تحديد مجتمع عينة البحث لفعالية 100 م بالطريقة العمدية والذي طبق عليهم التمرينات باستعمال الوسط المائي ، وتمثلت العينة فئة الرجال فوق 21 سنة في بطولة اندية ومؤسسات العراق لألعاب القوى لموسم (2024) الذين ينتمون الى الأندية العراقية (نادي الحشد، نادي الجيش ، نادي الشرطة), اما اهم الاستنتاجات التي خرج بها الباحث كانت بان استخدام تدريبات مقاومة الوسط المائي لها دور فعال في تحسين الانجاز, اما اهم التوصيات كانت بأن استخدام تدريبات الوسط المائي لها اثر فعال في تطوير القدرات البدنية و الانجاز.

Objectives: To compare the efficacy of intrathecal fentanyl and dorsal penile nerve block for postoperative pain management in patients undergoing inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP). Patients and methods: A prospective single-center study included 80 patients amenable to IPP. Patients were divided equally into two groups. Group I included 40 patients who were managed with spinal anesthesia with intrathecal fentanyl before undergoing IPP. Group II comprised 40 patients who received spinal anesthesia with dorsal penile block before IPP. Study groups were compared regarding postoperative VAS (Visual Analog Scale) scores, total narcotics consumption, patient satisfaction levels, and perioperative complications. Results: The study groups were comparable regarding baseline patients’ criteria. The operative time was comparable between the study groups, with group I and group II having respective median times of 64 minutes (interquartile range: 55-78) and 67 minutes (interquartile range: 56-81) (p = 0.65). Additionally, both groups demonstrated similar distributions in IPP implant cylinder and reservoir size (p = 0.9). Postoperative pain was higher in group I, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). Eight patients in group I (20%) called the physician’s office asking for pain medication, compared to two patients in group II (5%) (p = 0.04). 85% of patients in group II were highly satisfied compared to 50 % in group I (p = 0.003). We reported a 5% complication rate in group I compared to 2.5% in group II (p = 0.6). Conclusions: The present study found that the dorsal penile nerve block offers superior postoperative pain control and patient satisfaction compared to intrathecal fentanyl for patients undergoing inflatable penile prosthesis insertion.

تحدد خصائص المنحدرات ملامح العمليات الجيومورفولوجية السائدة وانعكاس ذلك على الجوانب التطبيقية في حياة الإنسان متمثلة باستعمالات الأراضي، مما يعطي دراسة المنحدرات أهمية كبيرة عند إقامة أي من المشاريع في سبيل تحقيق متطلبات نجاحها وقابليتها على التطوير الاستثماري، ومن خلال تحليل خصائص المنحدرات في حوض نهر الحصين والمتمثلة في (درجة الارتفاع _ درجة الانحدار _ اتجاه الانحدار) تبين أن سطح الحوض يتدرج في الارتفاع من مستوى سطح البحر غربا إلى 1100m شرقا، ومن 400m جنوبا إلى 700m شمالا، كما تبين غلبة فئة الانحدار فوق المتوسط بنسبة 40.00))% من مساحة الحوض، ويسود الاتجاه الجنوبي للمنحدرات بنسبة 18.36))% من المساحة العامة للحوض، وقد حُددت الأنماط الرئيسية لاستعمالات الأراضي فتبين أن الأراضي الزراعية هي نمط استعمال الأراضي الرئيسي في منطقة الدراسة بنسبة %(62.52) من المساحة العامة للحوض، متبوعاً بالغابات والمناطق الحضرية بنسبة %(28.11) %(9.28) على التوالي، من ثم تمت مطابقة نتائج تدرج فئات خصائص المنحدرات مع نتائج التوزع المكاني لأنماط استعمالات الأراضي لإبراز العلاقة بينهما، ليتبين تأثير الخصائص الانحدارية لمنحدرات الحوض على تزايد وتناقص مساحة أنماط استعمالات الأراضي.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) requires patients to take on a high level of responsibility for their daily care. Thus, care for people with diabetes is moving toward patients taking an active role in their own health care. Objective: To evaluate the impact of self-management care on glycemic control in individuals with DM and determine the correlation between glycated hemoglobin (A1C) levels and self-management practices. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among diabetes patients at a diabetic center in Armed Forces Military hospitals, Southern region. A questionnaire of demographic and clinical information and self-management measured with the Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire was used. Glycemic control was assessed using HbA1c levels. Results: The study involved 255 patients with diabetes, of which 61.2% were females and 81.6% aged ≥41 years. The average diabetic self-management score was 6.49 on a scale of 10. The mean glucose self-management subscale score was 7.83 points, while the mean dietary control (DC) subscale score was 4.89. The patients had a mean physical activity (PA) subscale score of 6.31 and 8.75 for healthcare usage. Patients with higher education were significantly less likely to have poor glycemic control. Diabetes duration was significantly and positively correlated with poorer glycemic control. Mean perceived PA and DC scores were significantly associated with glycemic control. Conclusion: Type 2 diabetes patients had satisfactory self-care practices. Many did not achieve the target glycemic control for diabetes.

Background: Thromboembolic events are serious left ventricular thrombus (LVT) complications. Despite the limitations of vitamin K antagonist (VKA) drugs, it continues to be the recommended oral anticoagulation for LVT. Recently, nonvitamin K oral antagonist (NOAC) has gained popularity as an off-labeled treatment for systemic embolism prevention in LVT. Objective: In this study, we aim to compare the outcomes (stroke and bleeding) of warfarin versus NOAC therapy in patients with LVT. Methods: This retrospective cohort study compares NOAC and VKA therapy in LVT patients. We enrolled 201 patients with an echocardiography-confirmed LVT from January 2018 to December 2022. Patients who received NOAC therapy (NOAC, n = 77) were compared to VKA patients (VKA, n = 124). The primary endpoint was a composite of stroke, minor and major bleeding. Results: The median follow-up time was 17 months (25th–75th percentiles: 8–38). On unmatched analysis, both groups had no difference in major bleeding (log-rank, P = 0.61) and stroke (log-rank, P = 0.77). However, all bleeding events were higher with NOAC (log-rank, P = 0.01). On matched analysis, there was no difference between both groups in the overall bleeding events (P = 0.08), major bleeding (P = 0.57), and stroke (P = 0.66). Minor bleeding was significantly lower in the VKA group (P = 0.04). Conclusion: In patients with LVT, NOAC was as effective as VKA in stroke prevention without increasing the risk of major bleeding.

Abstract Background Due to rarity of duodenal GISTs, clinicians have few information about its clinical features, diagnosis, management and prognosis. Case report We report a case of promptly diagnosed duodenal GIST in a 61-year-old Egyptian man presented shocked with severe attack of hematemesis and melena. Upper gastroduodenal endoscopy was done and revealed a large ulcerating bleeding mass at first part of duodenum 4 hemo-clips were applied with good hemostasis. An exploratory laparotomy and distal gastrectomy, duodenectomy and gastrojejunostomy were performed. The morphology of the mass combined with immunohistochemistry was consistent with duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) of high risk type. The patient is on amatinib one tablet daily and he was well with no evidence of tumor recurrence. Conclusion despite being rare, emergency presentation with sudden severe, life-threatening hemorrhagic shock duodenal GISTs might be a cause of potentially lethal massive combined upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding which is the key feature of this rare and challenging tumor.

Abstract Background Bacterial infection plays an important role in persistent periapical lesions and inadequate disinfection of root canals is considered the biggest factor responsible for endodontic treatment failure. Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT) has become the latest choice to eradicate microorganisms in root canals. Objective This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT) in bacterial count reduction compared to Passive Ultrasonic Activation (PUI) and Ca(OH)2 dressings. Materials and methods Forty-five anterior single canal teeth with medium-sized periapical lesions (2–5 mm) were divided into three groups according to the disinfecting technique (each group consists of 15 canals with 1:1:1 allocation ratio): Group A: Ca(OH)2 dressing. Group B: Passive Ultrasonic Activation (PUI). Group C: Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT). Direct bacterial viable count method was used to count the colonies forming units (CFU) before and after the disinfecting and the bacterial count reduction was estimated, the statistical analysis was performed at a 95% confidence level using the Chi-square and Mann–Whitney U test. Results aPDT showed no statistically significant difference when compared to passive ultrasonic irrigation (P > 0.05) but showed higher and more promising results when compared to Ca(OH)2 dressings (P

Abstract Objective This study aimed to evaluate the obturation ability of simulated lateral canal in mandibular premolars at three levels (3, 5, and 7 mm) from the apex using gutta-percha and BC Sealer HiFlow (BCHiF) with different obturation techniques, including continuous wave compaction (CWC), cold lateral condensation (CLC), and single cone (SC) techniques, by a 3D assessment method of the obturation volume with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and MIMICS software analysis. Methods Thirty intact human mandibular premolars were decoronated, instrumented up to #30 taper 4%, and uniformly irrigated with 5.25% NaOCl and 17% EDTA. Six simulated lateral canals (3 pairs) were prepared at 3, 5, and 7 mm from the apex in each root, using #10 modified C-file. CBCT images were obtained, and lateral canal volumes were calculated using MIMICS software. The samples were divided into three groups: CWC (n = 10), CLC (n = 10), and SC (n = 10). All groups were obturated with BCHiF and gutta-percha. Another CBCT image was taken post-obturation, and 3D lateral canal obturation volume percentages were calculated using MIMICS software. Data were analyzed using SPSS software with One-way ANOVA and Sidak tests (α = 0.05). Results Significant differences were observed in the 3D lateral canal obturation volume percentage at all three levels (P

Objective Automated machine learning (autoML) platforms allow health care professionals to play an active role in the development of machine learning (ML) algorithms according to scientific or clinical needs. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate such a model for automated detection and grading of distal hand osteoarthritis (OA). Methods A total of 13,690 hand radiographs from 2,863 patients within the Swiss Cohort of Quality Management (SCQM) and an external control data set of 346 non‐SCQM patients were collected and scored for distal interphalangeal OA (DIP‐OA) using the modified Kellgren/Lawrence (K/L) score. Giotto (Learn to Forecast [L2F]) was used as an autoML platform for training two convolutional neural networks for DIP joint extraction and subsequent classification according to the K/L scores. A total of 48,892 DIP joints were extracted and then used to train the classification model. Heatmaps were generated independently of the platform. User experience of a web application as a provisional user interface was investigated by rheumatologists and radiologists. Results The sensitivity and specificity of this model for detecting DIP‐OA were 79% and 86%, respectively. The accuracy for grading the correct K/L score was 75%, with a κ score of 0.76. The accuracy per DIP‐OA class differed, with 86% for no OA (defined as K/L scores 0 and 1), 71% for a K/L score of 2, 46% for a K/L score of 3, and 67% for a K/L score of 4. Similar values were obtained in an independent external test set. Qualitative and quantitative user experience testing of the web application revealed a moderate to high demand for automated DIP‐OA scoring among rheumatologists. Conversely, radiologists expressed a low demand, except for the use of heatmaps. Conclusion AutoML platforms are an opportunity to develop clinical end‐to‐end ML algorithms. Here, automated radiographic DIP‐OA detection is both feasible and usable, whereas grading among individual K/L scores (eg, for clinical trials) remains challenging.

Abstract The pure conjugated polyarylene azomethine (CPAA) and its nanocomposites (CPAA-TiO2) with different concentrations of TiO2 nanoparticles were successfully prepared by in-situ technique and analyzed by different advanced techniques. XRD has confirmed the structural properties and crystallinity of (CPAA) and nanocomposites. The SEM clearly shows that the (CPAA) is uniform and homogeneous, with tightly connected aggregate layers in shape. However, the amount of TiO2 in the nanocomposites greatly affects their morphology, revealing structural differences and indicating a reaction between (CPAA) and TiO2, especially at a higher concentration of 5% TiO2. A new composite of (CPAA) was introduced and the photocatalytic effect for MB was studied. The removal efficiency of (pure-CPAA) over MB dye under simulated sunlight was 62%. However, (CPAA-TiO2 1%) destroyed 90% of MB dyes. It was discovered that the low band gap of (CPAA-TiO2 1% (2.84 eV)) accelerates high electron–hole recombination, increasing photocatalytic activity.

A factorial experiment was carried out by foliar application of zinc in two forms zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) prepared from aqueous zinc acetate using a wet chemistry method, which were characterized using an atomic force microscope (AFM) as having dimensions of 40-80 nanometres. The foliar of two zinc forms were applied in three concentrations (25, 50 and 100 ppm) in addition to distilled water with the aim of studying their effect on the growth and productivity of durum wheat plants ( Triticum durum, L var. Sham 7) grown under the conditions of Deir Ez-Zor Governorate-Syria. The results showed that adding zinc had a significant effect on all tested morphological indicators (plant heights - chlorophyll - number of branches/plant - number of spikes /plant) and productivity (1000 kernel weight, grain and straw productivity), as well as the grain content of some elements (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and zinc). The treatments for adding zinc oxide nanoparticles were significantly superior to those of zinc sulphate in all tested indicators. as the lowest values for the tested indicators were recorded in the regular zinc sulphate treatment at a concentration of 25 ppm compared to the rest of the treatments except for the control treatment, while the Nano zinc oxide treatments at a concentration of 50 and 100 ppm showed superiority significantly in all studied indicators especially in increasing wheat productivity by 24- 26%, compared to the control treatment.

Laboratory experiment was conducted in the College of Agricultural Engineering at Al-Furat University in Deir Ez-Zor. The seeds of durum wheat (Triticum durum L., var. Sham 7) were soaked before planting in Petri dishes with two solutions: silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and regular silver nitrate (AgNO3) at four concentrations (10-20-40-80 ppm) in addition to soaking in distilled water (control treatment) for a duration soaking of 1,2 and 3 hours. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by green methods from extract of dried Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaves and the resulting silver nanoparticles exhibit a spherical shape with dimensions of 12 nanometers as described by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surface plasmon resonance peak at a wavelength of 450 nm is based on UV-Vis spectroscopy. The results of seed soaking experiment indicated that the seed soaking of durum wheat before planting in silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) or regular silver nitrate (AgNO3) for two hours had a significant effect on the studied germination indicators (germination rate, germination percentage, shoot length, root length, dry weight of shoots and roots). The values were higher when seeds were soaked in a 20 and 40 ppm of silver nanoparticles. The study recommends to soaking wheat seeds in a solution of silver nanoparticles at a concentration of 20-40 ppm for two hours before planting, also recommends to conducting several seed priming experiments with different nanomaterials for other varieties and crops.

Introduction: Lupus nephritis (LN) is known to be one of the most serious complications of SLE and it is a major predictor of poor prognosis. Despite the improvement in understanding the pathophysiology of lupus nephritis and greater improvement in diagnostic approaches, lupus nephritis patients have poorer outcomes. Objectives: Study the relation between renal resistive index (RRI) and renal function and histopathological parameters in lupus nephritis (LN) patients. Also to investigate the usefulness of RRI in predicting response to treatment. Patients and methods: This study included 126 patients who were split into two groups (group 1: 101 LN patients and group 2: 25 SLE patients without renal affection); and 100 healthy controls (group 3). The RRI was measured for all participants through a colored Doppler ultrasound examination. LN patients underwent renal biopsy and received their therapy and were followed up for 6 months. Results: The RRI was significantly greater in the LN group (mean ± SD; 0.64 ± 0.07) than in SLE patients without nephritis (0.5884 ± 0.04) (P

Background: Healthcare work is a major risk for having musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), including low back pain (LBP). This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of LBP and define its associated risk factors among resident physicians. Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among all resident physicians of all specialties in Abha city during the period from July 2020 to September 2020. Data were collected using an online pre-structured data collection tool. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) (back pain section) was applied to assess the effect of LBP on the residents’ ability to perform job duties effectively. Results: A total of 312 resident physicians responded. Their age ranged between 25 and 41 years. Males represented 57.7% of them. The prevalence of LBP was 64.7%. The most common reported aggravating factors for LBP were working in uncomfortable posture (73.3%), standing for long periods (64.4%), and long sitting sessions (51.5%). Regarding the pain-relieving factors, sleeping ranked first (60.4%), followed by taking analgesics (48.5%) and maintaining a good posture (35.6%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that obese subjects were at higher risk than underweight subjects to develop LBP (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) =6.18, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.26–30.34, P = 0.025). Compared to resident physicians without family history of back pain, those with such history were at almost 4-fold higher risk of developing LBP (AOR = 3.90, 95% CI: 2.33-6.52, P < 0.001). Conclusion: LBP is a very prevalent problem among resident physicians, particularly obese subjects and those with family history of back pain. LBP adversely impacts the work performance of the affected physicians.

Abstract Purpose To determine the impact of the loco-regional treatment modality, on the loco-regional recurrence (LRR) rates and overall survival (OS) in breast cancer patients younger than 40 years. Methods Data of 623 breast cancer patients younger than 40 years of age were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were stratified according to the locoregional treatment approach into three groups: the mastectomy group (M), the mastectomy followed by radiation therapy group (MRX) and the breast conservative therapy group (BCT). Results Median follow-up was 72 months (range, 6-180). Two hundred and nine patients were treated with BCT, 86 with MRM and 328 with MRX. The 10-year rate LRR rates according to treatment modality were: 13.4% for BCT, 15.1% for MRM and 8.5% for MRX (p 0.106). On univariate analysis, T stage (p 0.009), AJCC stage (p 0.047) and Her 2 status (p 0.001) were associated with LRR. Ten-year overall survival (OS) was 72.7% (78.5% in the BCT group, 69.8% in the MRM group and 69.8% in the MRX group, p 0.072). On Univariate analysis, age

Abstract Background Globally, MAFLD becomes in the top list of causes of liver disease. Its effect ranges from steatosis, metabolic steato-hepatitis to MAFLD-related cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. There is a growing evidence that MAFLD-related HCC seems to be different from HCCs of other causes pathologically, so the purpose of our study was to assess the effect of MAFLD on the prognosis of HCC regarding outcome after management of HCC and survival rate in comparison to a group of patients with HCV-related HCC. Results Twenty-nine patients with MAFLD related HCC were included in group A, while 58 patients with HCV related HCC were enrolled as group B. Both groups were matched regarding age and gender. The mean age in group A and B was 58.86 (±8.47) years and 60/05(± 6.83) years respectively. Comparison between both groups regarding tumor burden and characteristics of HCC, type of management, and post intervention follow-up showed no significant statistical difference between both groups except for lymph node metastases which was higher in patients with HCV related HCC with p = 0.045. Also, a significant difference between both studied groups regarding AFP was detected; the median of AFP in MAFLD-related HCC was (7.2 ng/ml) but much higher in HCV-related HCC group (129.2 ng/ml) with p = 0.001. Conclusion Our data showed no significant difference between the two studied groups regarding outcome of HCC or survival rate except for AFP level before and after management which was higher in HCV patients related HCC. Although both of inclusion and exclusion criteria were strict to the criteria, so the number of participants in the research were not large enough; to our knowledge, this is the first study on MAFLD-HCC in Egypt and Africa. More studies on prospective bases are essentially needed to stand on solid conclusion about the nature and outcome of MAFLD-related HCC.

The objective of this study is to examine the nature of the relationship between the internal work environment including its all-encompassing dimensions (organizational structure, participation in decision-making, incentives) and job alienation in Higher education institutions through focusing on faculty members at Jijel University in Algeria. That being the case, the study aims to fill a research gap by investigating the underexplored relationship between the Internal Work Environment and Job Alienation, hence while there is ample literature on work alienation, studies specifically focusing on work alienation within higher education institutions through the prism of internal work environment are notably scarce. The study utilized a descriptive approach, employing a survey sampling method to collect data from the target population with a specifically designed questionnaire for this purpose. The questionnaire consisting of 60 items was administered to a randomly selected sample of 167 faculty members at Jijel University. The collected data were analyzed through the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 22. The study's findings illustrate that faculty members perceive their work environment as inadequate for carrying out their activities, coupled with a notably high level of job alienation. Additionally, the research underscores a significant correlation between the internal work environment, encompassing its various dimensions, and the prevalence of job alienation among faculty members at Jijel University. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-SIED1-07 Full Text: PDF

Background: Renal forniceal rupture (FR) is a unique complication of obstructive uropathy. This study aimed to identify the predictors of FR among patients presenting with renal colic due to obstructing ureteral calculi. Materials and Methods: After obtaining ethics approval, electronic records of patients from three National Guard hospitals in Saudi Arabia were reviewed between 2016 and 2020 to identify patients who presented with renal colic and were diagnosed with FR due to obstructive ureteric stones (FR group). An equivalent number of consecutive patients presenting with renal colic due to obstructing ureteric stones without FR was selected as a control group (non-FR group). Patients were grouped according to age group (50 years), body mass index (BMI) class, gender, comorbidities, grade of hydronephrosis, location of the stone in the ureter, size of the stone (7 mm), and stone former status. Baseline patients’ and stone characteristics were compared, and a regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of FR. Results: A total of 50 patients with FR were identified, and a control group of 50 patients without FR were selected. The baseline patients’ and stone demographic characteristics in terms of age (P = 0.42), gender (P = 0.275), BMI (P = 0.672), comorbidity, grade of hydronephrosis (P = 0.201), and stone location (P = 0.639) were comparable between the FR group and the non-FR group. However, the stone size was statistically significant between both groups (P = 0.014). On multivariable analysis, it was found that the stone size was associated with a significantly higher increase in the incidence of FR (odds ratio [OR]: 6.5 [1.235–34.434]; P = 0.027). Furthermore, the age group between 30 and 40 years was potentially at a lower risk for FR (OR: 0.262 [0.069–0.999]; P = 0.049). Conclusion: This multicenter study showed that the stone size 3–7 mm had a six-fold increase in the chance of FR, and the age group between 30 and 40 years is potentially at a lower risk for FR.

Abstract Background The genetic basis of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is under-investigated in the Middle East, despite the rapidly growing disease prevalence. We aimed to define the genetic determinants of T2D in Qatar. Methods Using whole genome sequencing of 11,436 participants (2765 T2D cases and 8671 controls) from the population-based Qatar Biobank (QBB), we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of T2D with and without body mass index (BMI) adjustment. Results We replicated 93 known T2D-associated loci in a BMI-unadjusted model, while 96 known loci were replicated in a BMI-adjusted model. The effect sizes and allele frequencies of replicated SNPs in the Qatari population generally concurred with those from European populations. We identified a locus specific to our cohort located between the APOBEC3H and CBX7 genes in the BMI-unadjusted model. Also, we performed a transethnic meta-analysis of our cohort with a previous GWAS on T2D in multi-ancestry individuals (180,834 T2D cases and 1,159,055 controls). One locus in DYNC2H1 gene reached genome-wide significance in the meta-analysis. Assessing polygenic risk scores derived from European- and multi-ancestries in the Qatari population showed higher predictive performance of the multi-ancestry panel compared to the European panel. Conclusion Our study provides new insights into the genetic architecture of T2D in a Middle Eastern population and identifies genes that may be explored further for their involvement in T2D pathogenesis.

Abstract Background Hartmann's reversal, a complex elective surgery, reverses and closes the colostomy in individuals who previously underwent a Hartmann's procedure due to colonic pathology like cancer or diverticulitis. It demands careful planning and patient optimisation to help reduce postoperative complications. Preoperative evaluation of body composition has been useful in identifying patients at high risk of short-term postoperative outcomes following colorectal cancer surgery. We sought to explore the use of our in-house derived Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithm to measure body composition within patients undergoing Hartmann’s reversal procedure in the prediction of short-term postoperative complications. Methods A retrospective study of all patients who underwent Hartmann's reversal within a single tertiary referral centre (Western) in Melbourne, Australia and who had a preoperative Computerised Tomography (CT) scan performed. Body composition was measured using our previously validated AI algorithm for body segmentation developed by the Department of Surgery, Western Precinct, University of Melbourne. Sarcopenia in our study was defined as a skeletal muscle index (SMI), calculated as Skeletal Muscle Area (SMA) /height2

Abstract Background We recently adopted a guideline for chronic cough in children in the Egyptian health system. Adapting clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) to the local healthcare setting is a valid alternative to de-novo development that can improve their uptake and implementation without demanding a substantial drain on resources. The objective of this study was to adapt evidence-based recommendations from global high-quality CPGs for children with a chronic cough to suit the Egyptian healthcare context. Methods We followed the Adapted ADAPTE methodological framework for guideline adaptation. This process includes three phases: set-up, adaptation, and finalization. A guideline adaptation group (GAG) and an external review group including clinical content experts and methodologists conducted the process. Results The GAG adapted 10 sections of recommendations from three original CPG(s) including (i) the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) 2006–2020, (ii) the European Respiratory Society (ERS) 2019, (iii) the Korean Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Clinical Immunology (KAAACI) 2018. A set of CPG implementation tools was added to enhance implementability including an algorithm, a slide presentation for clinical diagnosis, investigations and treatment of chronic cough, patient education, and online resources. Conclusion The adapted CPG provides pediatricians and related healthcare workers with applicable evidence-based recommendations for chronic cough in children in Egypt. The project also highlighted the utility of Adapted ADAPTE and the invaluable collaboration between the clinical and methodological experts for the adaptation of pediatric national guidelines.

Introduction Radiography is a crucial healthcare specialty that requires ongoing research to advance imaging technologies and techniques. Despite this, radiographers are faced with obstacles such as time constraints, lack of resources, and the need for training on new technologies, which can discourage their research involvement. This study aims to provide a more representative understanding of the radiography research culture in Saudi Arabia, building upon previous studies. Methods Following the approval of an ethics committee at Taibah University (2024/173/302 DRD), a cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to March 2024 among registered radiographers in Saudi Arabia. An online questionnaire was distributed via social media platforms using a snowball sampling strategy to reach a diverse group of radiographers across different regions and institutions. Participants provided informed consent before completing the questionnaire. The questionnaire, originally in English, was translated into Arabic and validated by two bilingual academics. It included sections on demographics, previous research experience, barriers to research involvement, factors encouraging research engagement, and self-assessment of research competencies. Descriptive statistics and Cronbach’s alpha were used to analyze the data. Results A total of 105 radiographers participated in the study, with 41% having prior research involvement. Among those engaged, the most common activity was data collection (65%), followed by preparation of scientific articles (49%). Challenges such as the lack of a research-focused culture (48%), insufficient awareness of opportunities (36%), and time constraints (34%) were prominent barriers to research participation. Encouraging factors included the need for research training (63%), support from research groups (51%), and allocated research time (50%). Respondents assessed their research skills, with confidence varied across skills, with 50% feeling capable of initiating research and 51% of participating, yet a significant proportion expressed uncertainties, especially in statistical knowledge and research methodology. Conclusion Most of the surveyed radiographers did not engage in research. However, there is a substantial interest in enhancing research involvement, with training, collaborative groups, and organizational support identified as key factors encouraging participation. The findings suggest that addressing these barriers can foster a more robust research culture, leading to improved diagnostic practices.

Background: Despite its high efficacy in treating severe acne, isotretinoin is associated with serious side effects, including teratogenicity. However, the extent of isotretinoin exposure during pregnancy in Saudi Arabia remains unknown. Objectives: This study aims to quantify the extent of fetal exposure to isotretinoin in Saudi Arabia and to evaluate adherence to risk minimization measures approved by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: This multicenter retrospective study included a cohort of 6233 women of childbearing ages (WCBAs) who had received isotretinoin therapy between 2015 and 2020. Exposure to isotretinoin use was ascertained from patients’ electronic health records and was defined as any positive pregnancy test (urine or serum) or any diagnosis or procedure related to pregnancy occurring during the risk period. We defined the risk period starting from isotretinoin initiation until up to 30 days after the last prescription. We quantified the overall incidence proportion of fetal exposure to isotretinoin by dividing the number of pregnancy cases during the risk period by the total study sample of WCBAs. Results: The cohort predominantly included young females (20–29 years), with a mean age of 24 years. Only 5% of the WCBAs used contraceptives, and 10% have a record of pregnancy testing. During the risk period, 34 pregnancies were identified, yielding a cumulative pregnancy incidence of 5.6 per 1000 WCBAs. Pregnancy outcomes for exposed women were about 5% of births had defects, while abortions accounted for 14.3% of pregnancies. Conclusion: Our investigation shows an alarming incidence of fetal exposure to isotretinoin in Saudi Arabia, substantially surpassing global estimates. These results underscore a critical need for enhanced interventions and robust risk minimization strategies tailored to the distinct challenges faced by the Saudi Arabian population.