Sources and pathways of carbon and nitrogen of macrophytes and sediments using stable isotopes in Al-Kharrar Lagoon, eastern Red Sea coast, Saudi Arabia.

Elemental ratios (δ13C, δ15N and C/N) and carbon and nitrogen concentrations in macrophytes, sediments and sponges of the hypersaline Al-Kharrar Lagoon (KL), central eastern Red Sea coast, were measured to distinguish their sources, pathways and see how they have been influenced by biogeochemical processes and terrestrial inputs. The mangroves and halophytes showed the most depleted δ13C values of -27.07±0.2 ‰ and -28.34±0.4 ‰, respectively, indicating their preferential 12C uptake, similar to C3-photosynthetic plants, except for the halophytes Atriplex sp. and Suaeda vermiculata which showed δ13C of -14.31±0.6 ‰, similar to C4-plants. Macroalgae were divided into A and B groups based on their δ13C values. The δ13C of macroalgae A averaged -15.41±0.4 ‰, whereas macroalgae B and seagrasses showed values of -7.41±0.8 ‰ and -7.98 ‰, suggesting uptake of HCO3- as a source for CO2 during photosynthesis. The δ13C of sponges was -10.7±0.3 ‰, suggesting that macroalgae and seagrasses are their main favoured diets. Substrates of all these taxa showed δ13C of -15.52±0.8 ‰, suggesting the KL is at present a macroalgae-dominated lagoon. The δ15N in taxa/sediments averaged 1.68 ‰, suggesting that atmospheric N2-fixation is the main source of nitrogen in/around the lagoon. The heaviest δ15N (10.58 ‰) in halophytes growing in algal mats and sabkha is possibly due to denitrification and ammonia evaporation. The macrophytes in the KL showed high C %, N %, and C/N ratios, but this is not indicated in their substrates due possibly to a rapid turnover of dense, hypersaline waters carrying most of the detached organic materials out into the Red Sea. The δ13C allowed separation of subaerial from aquatic macrophytes, a proxy that could be used when interpreting paleo-sea level or paleoclimatic changes from the coastal marine sediments.

Sol-Gel Functionalized Polyurethane Foam-Packed Mini-Column as an Efficient Solid Extractor for the Rapid and Ultra-Trace Detection of Textile Dyes in Water.

Textile dyes widely used in industrial products are known as a major threat to human health and water ecological security. On the other hand, sol gel represents a principal driver of the adoption of dispersive solid-phase microextractors (d-µ SPME) for pollutants residues in water. Thus, the current study reports a new and highly rapid and highly efficient hybrid sol-gel-based sponge polyurethane foam as a dispersive solid-phase microextractor (d-µ-SPME) platform packed mini-column for complete preconcentration and subsequent spectrophotometric detection of eosin Y textile dye in wastewater. The unique porous structure of the prepared sol-gel immobilized polyurethane foams (sol-gel/PUF) has suggested its use for the complete removal of eosin Y dye (EY) from water. In the mini-column, the number (N) of plates, the height equivalent to the theoretical plates (HETP), the critical capacity (CC), and the breakthrough capacities (BC) of the hybrid sol-gel-treated polyurethane foams towards EY dye were determined via the breakthrough capacity curve at various flow rates. Under the optimum condition using the matrix match strategy, the linear range of 0.01-5 µg L-1, LODs and LOQs in the range of 0.006 µg L-1, and 0.01 µg L-1 for wastewater were achieved. The intra-day and inter-day precisions were evaluated at two different concentration levels (0.05 and 5 µg L-1 of dye) on the same day and five distinct days, respectively. The analytical utility of the absorbents packed in pulses and mini-columns to extract and recover EY dye was attained by 98.94%. The column could efficiently remove different dyes from real industrial effluents, and hence the sol-gel/PUF is a good competitor for commercial applications. The findings of this research work have strong potential in the future to be used in selecting the most suitable lightweight growing medium for a green roof based on stakeholder requirements. Therefore, this study has provided a convenient pathway for the preparation of compressible and reusable sponge materials from renewable biomass for efficient removal of EY from the water environment.

Modelling of land use land cover changes using machine learning and GIS techniques: a case study in El-Fayoum Governorate, Egypt.

Land use/land cover (LULC) changes can occur naturally or due to human activities. In this study, the maximum likelihood algorithm (MLH) and machine learning (random forest algorithm (RF) and support vector machine (SVM)) were investigated for image classification to oversight spatio-temporal land use changes in El-Fayoum governorate, Egypt. The Google Earth Engine has been utilized to pre-process the Landsat imagery, and then upload it for classification. Each classification method was evaluated using field observations and high-resolution Google Earth imagery. LULC changes were assessed, utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques, over the last 20 years in three different periods: 2000-2012, 2012-2016, and 2016-2020. The results showed that socioeconomic changes occurred during these transitions. The SVM procedure provided the most accurate maps in terms of the kappa coefficient (0.916) compared to MLH (0.878) and RF (0.909) procedures. Therefore, the SVM technique was adopted to classify all available satellite imagery. The results of change detection showed that urban sprawl has occurred and most of the encroachments were on agricultural land. The results showed that agricultural land area decreased from 26.84% in 2000 to 26.61% in 2020 and urban area increased from 3.43% in 2000 to 5.99% in 2020. In addition, urban land expanded rapidly on account of agricultural lands by a total of 4.78% from 2012 to 2016, while it expanded slowly by a total of 3.23% from 2016 to 2020. Overall, this study offers useful insight into LULC changes that might aid shareholders and decision makers in making informed decisions.

Seasonal variations, acute rhinosinusitis and orbital infections in children.

BACKGROUND: Orbital infections in children are commonly secondary to acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS). It is unclear whether seasonal variations can predispose to these complications mirroring acute rhinosinusitis incidence. OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of ABRS as a cause of orbital infections and whether seasonality is a risk factor. METHODS: A retrospective review of all children who presented to West Virginia University children's hospital between 2012 and 2022 were reviewed. All children with CT evidence of orbital infection were included. Date of occurrence, age, gender, and presence of sinusitis were reviewed. Children with orbital infection secondary to tumors, trauma, or surgery were excluded. RESULTS: 118 patients were identified with mean age of 7.3 years with 65 (55.1 %) males. 66 (55.9 %) children had concomitant sinusitis on CT scan, and the distribution of orbital complications per season showed 37 (31.4 %) cases occurred in the winter season, followed by 42 (35.6 %) cases in spring, 24 (20.3 %) cases in summer, and 15 (12.7 %) in fall. Children with orbital infections during winter & spring had sinusitis in 62 % of children vs. 33 % in other seasons (P = 0.02). Preseptal cellulitis was present in 79 (67 %) children, 39 (33 %) children with orbital cellulitis, and 40 (33.9 %) children with abscesses. 77.6 % children were treated with IV antibiotics and 94 % with oral antibiotics, and 14 (11.9 %) with systemic steroids. Only 18 (15.3 %) children required surgery. CONCLUSIONS: There seems to be a seasonal predisposition for orbital complications mainly in the winter and spring seasons. Rhinosinusitis was present in 55.6 % of children presenting with orbital infections.

The effect of using personal protective equipment and aerosol box in the emergency department on the intubation times.

Background: Endotracheal intubation is a procedure commonly performed in the emergency department (ED). Endotracheal intubation poses a risk of exposure to infectious aerosol droplets. Aim: The present study aims to test the effect of using an aerosol box (AB) and personal protective equipment (PPE) on the intubation time while performing endotracheal intubation manikin. Subjects and Methods: The study participants (11 emergency specialists, 11 emergency physicians, and 11 general practitioners) performed endotracheal intubation on a training manikin in three different airway simulations. Simulation 1 had neither PPE nor AB, simulation 2 had PPE, and simulation 3 had both PPE and AB. The intubation times, the number of intubation attempts, and the discomfort caused by the AB were recorded. Results: There was no significant difference in the number of intubation attempts between the physicians according to their position and airway simulations (p > 0.05). There was a significant difference at all time points except for the time to endotracheal tube cuff inflation in three different airway simulations using PPE and an AB (p < 0.05). The median intubation times were longer using PPE and an AB. Conclusion: The use of PPE and an AB significantly increases the total intubation time.

The antioxidant defense capacities and histological alterations in the livers and gills of two fish species, Oreochromis niloticus and Clarias gariepinus, as indicative signs of the Batts drain pollution.

The impacts of the Batts drain on two chronically exposed fish (O. niloticus and C. gariepinus) were assessed using multiple biomarkers. Concentrations of metals in water and sediments (Cu, Zn, Fe, Cd, Pb, and Al) showed significant elevations near the Batts discharges (site 2) compared to the reference site (site 1). The liver and gills of fish collected from site 2 showed marked elevations in the catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels. In addition, significant reductions in glutathione-reduced contents were also recorded. Tissue and species-specific antioxidant responses were associated with excessive generations of reactive oxygen species, which were visualized fluorescently. Various histological alterations were observed in the gills and livers of both species. These alterations varied between compensatory responses (ex: epithelial thickening and lifting) and irreversible damage (ex: necrotic degeneration). Based on the level of lipid peroxidation and the frequency of histopathological modifications, O. niloticus demonstrated greater resistance to the same level of pollution than C. gariepinus. Using integrated biomarkers to evaluate the real impacts of untreated discharges of the Batts drain is applied for the first time on the selected fish species at the studied sites.

Metal Accumulation and DNA Damage in Oreochromis niloticus and Clarias gariepinus After Chronic Exposure to Discharges of the Batts Drain: Potential Risk to Human Health.

The present work showed the impact of long-term exposure to the Batts drain's discharges on O. niloticus and C. gariepinus fish species. The accumulation level of Cu, Zn, Fe, Cd, Pb and Al in five vital tissues was markedly elevated near the Batts drain (site2) compared to the samples from the reference site (site 1). At the same site, C. gariepinus displayed the highest accumulation capacities when compared to O. niloticus. Based on the metal pollution index, livers and kidneys, followed by gills, showed the maximum overall metal load. The degree of DNA damage (assessed by comet and diphenylamine assays) was relative to the accumulated metals in tissues with species and site specification. The values of the hazard index for human consumption showed that the studied metals were within safe values at normal consumption rates. While harmful health consequences were observed at the habitual consumption level at site 2.

Molecular interactions of polyvinyl chloride microplastics and beta-blockers (Diltiazem and Bisoprolol) and their effects on marine meiofauna: Combined in vivo and modeling study.

The ecotoxicological effects of beta-blockers (i.e. Diltiazem and Bisoprolol) and their interactions with the microplastic polyvinyl chloride on marine meiofauna were tested in laboratory microcosms. An experimental factorial design was applied, using meiobenthic fauna collected from the Old Harbor of Bizerte (NE Tunisia), but with a main focus on the nematode communities. The meiobenthic invertebrates were exposed to two concentrations of Diltiazem and Bisoprolol, of 1.8 µg.L-1 and 1.8 mg.L-1, respectively, and one concentration of polyvinyl chloride (i.e. 20 mg.kg-1), separately and mixed. The overall meiofauna abundance was significantly reduced in all treatments, mainly that of polychaetes and amphipods. Moreover, the juveniles-gravid female ratios of the nematode communities were the lowest in the 1.8 µg.L-1 Bisoprolol treatment and for the 1.8 mg.L-1 mixture of Diltiazem and microplastics, suggesting that different dosages influence the maturity status of the examined species. The demographic results were also supported by in silico approach. The simulation of molecular interactions revealed acceptable binding affinities (up to -8.1 kcal/mol) and interactions with key residues in the germ line development protein 3 and sex-determining protein from Coenorhabditis elegans. Overall, the experimental outcome strongly indicates synergistic interactions among the beta-blockers Diltiazem and Bisoprolol and the microplastic polyvinyl chloride on marine nematode communities.

Adsorption studies of molybdate(VI)-99Mo onto nano zirconium hydroxide gel.

Zr(OH)4 gels have been prepared by sol-gel method using isoamyl alcohol/ammonia mixture of different concentrations. The nano Zr(OH)4 gel obtained using 80% isoamyl alcohol and diluted ammonia (6%) gave the highest 99Mo distribution coefficient. SEM images indicated a jelly-like appearance of the optimum Zr(OH)4 gel. XRD analysis proved that Zr(OH)4 gel is an amorphous material. HRTEM analysis indicated a particle size of ≤100 nm with the existence of particle aggregates. According to DLS studies, the hydrodynamic diameter was found to be 78.82 nm (with a mean number percentage of 21.1%), while zeta potential was found to be 29.2 mV N2 adsorption/desorption chromatographic analysis calculations stated a BET surface area of 151 m2/g and an average pore diameter of 1.93 nm. Molybdate(VI)-99Mo adsorption process onto the optimum Zr(OH)4 gel was found to follow pseudo 2nd order and (to some extent) film diffusion mass transfer kinetic models. The adsorption isotherm was found to follow Langmuir model. From kinetic and adsorption isotherm studies it could be determined that the optimum Zr(OH)4 gel has Ea, ΔH° and ΔS° values of 31.29, 50 and 0.185 kJ/mol, respectively, in addition to ΔG° values of -5.09, -7.86 and -11.56 kJ/mol at 25, 40 and 60 °C, respectively. Static molybdate(VI)-99Mo capacity (determined from Langmuir adsorption model) was found to be 292.4, 333.3 and 357.1 mg/g at 25, 40 and 60 °C, respectively, while dynamic capacity was found to be 134.3 mg/g at 25 °C.

Clinical characteristics, risk factors and diagnostic outcomes of patients presented with indeterminate biliary stricture: A multicenter study.

Background and aim: Indeterminate biliary stricture (IBS) is a frequently encountered clinical problem. In this study, we aimed to highlight the clinical characteristics, risk factors and diagnostic outcomes of patients presented with indeterminate biliary stricture. Method: A Retrospective multicenter study included all patients diagnosed with IBS in the participating centers between 2017 and 2021. Data regarding IBS such as presentations, patient characteristics, diagnostic and therapeutic modalities were collected from the patients' records and then were analyzed. Results: Data of 315 patients with IBS were retrospectively collected from 7 medical centers with mean age: 62.6 ± 11 years, females: 40.3% and smokers: 44.8%. For diagnosing stricture; Magnetic resonance imaging/Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRI/MRCP) was the most frequently requested imaging modality in all patients, Contrast enhanced computerized tomography (CECT) in 85% and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in 23.8%. Tissue diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma was achieved in 14% only. The used therapeutic modalities were endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)/stenting in 70.5%, percutaneous trans-hepatic biliary drainage (PTD): 17.8%, EUS guided drainage: 0.3%, and surgical resection in 8%. The most frequent type of strictures was distal stricture in 181 patients, perihilar in 128 and intrahepatic in 6. Distal strictures had significant male predominance, with higher role for EUS for diagnosis and higher role for ERCP/stenting for drainage, while in the perihilar strictures, there was higher role for CECT and MRI/MRCP for diagnosis and more frequent use of PTD for drainage. Conclusion: Indeterminate biliary stricture is a challenging clinical problem with lack of tissue diagnosis in most of cases mandates an urgent consensus diagnostic and treatment guidelines.

Mapping the effect of drugs on ACE2 as a novel target site for COVID-19 therapy.

Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has potentially conflicting roles in health and disease. COVID-19 coronavirus binds to human cells via ACE2 receptor, which is expressed on almost all body organs. Boosting the ACE2 receptor levels on heart and lung cells may provide more cellular enter to virus thereby worsening the infection. Therefore, among the drug targets, ACE2 is suggested as a vital target of COVID-19 therapy. This hypothesis is based on the protective role of the drugs acting on ACE2. Therefore, this review discusses the impact and challenges of using ACE2 as a target in the current therapy of COVID-19.

Prevalence, antibiogram and virulence characterization of Vibrio isolates from fish and shellfish in Egypt: a possible zoonotic hazard to humans.

AIMS: Infection of seafood with pathogenic species of the genus Vibrio causes human food-borne illnesses. This study was executed to examine the antimicrobial resistance phenotypes, biofilm-forming capability and virulence-associated genes of Vibrio from fish and shellfishes. METHODS AND RESULTS: Three hundred fresh water and marine fish and shellfish samples were collected from wet markets and supermarkets in Mansoura, Egypt. Bacteriological examination and PCR amplification identified 92 Vibrio spp., including 42 Vibrio parahaemolyticus and 50 Vibrio alginolyticus isolates from the examined fish and shellfish (infection rate: 30·67%). However, V. vulnificus was not found in this study. Vibrio spp. exhibited variable frequencies of antimicrobial resistance with higher percentages to ampicillin and penicillin. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was detected in 69·04 and 38% of V. parahaemolyticus and V. alginolyticus respectively. PCR testing of virulence genes, tdh, trh and tlh revealed the presence of tlh and trh in 100 and 11·9% of V. parahaemolyticus isolates respectively and none of V. alginolyticus carried any of these genes. Biofilm-forming capability was displayed by 76% of V. parahaemolyticus and 73·8% of V. alginolyticus isolates. Both V. parahaemolyticus and V. alginolyticus showed nonsignificant weak positive correlations (r < 0·4) between antimicrobial pairs belonging to different classes; however, a significant positive correlation (P <0·05) between trh and resistance to erythromycin (r = 0·45) and imipenem (r = 0·38) was only identified in V. parahaemolyticus. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports the existence of MDR strains of V. parahaemolyticus and V. alginolyticus from the common types of fishes and shellfishes in Egypt. Furthermore, the presence of virulence genes in these isolates and the ability to produce a biofilm in vitro pose potential health hazards to consumers. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Frequent monitoring of seafood for the presence of Vibrio spp. and their antimicrobial susceptibility, virulence determinants and biofilm-forming capability is important for assessing the risk posed by these organisms to the public and for improving food safety.

Aeromonas hydrophila from marketed mullet (Mugil cephalus) in Egypt: PCR characterization of ß-lactam resistance and virulence genes.

AIMS: Aeromonas hydrophila has been isolated from various fish species in Egypt and is known to carry virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes, which pose a risk for public health. The aim of the present study is to report, for the first time, the infection of mullet (Mugil cephalus) with A. hydrophila and to clarify the potential association between antimicrobial resistance and virulence traits encoded in A. hydrophila. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, the occurrence of A. hydrophila in marketed mullet and the antimicrobial resistance phenotypes of these isolates were determined. Aeromonas hydrophila isolates were screened for the presence of virulence and ß-lactam resistance genes; the correlation between both gene groups was also investigated. The infection rate of examined mullet with A. hydrophila was 37% (50/135). The highest antimicrobial resistance was detected to cefoxitin (100%), followed by ampicillin (84%), ceftazidime (56%) and cefotaxime (40%). Only 4% of the isolates were resistant to erythromycin; 6% were resistant to both gentamicin and kanamycin with no resistance to ciprofloxacin. Variable frequencies of virulence and ß-lactam resistance genes were evident from PCR, where aerA and blaTEM predominated. The study also indicated a general weak positive correlation (R = 0·3) between both virulence and ß-lactam resistance genes. Some of the studied virulence genes (e.g. aerA:hlyA and hlyA:ast) were found to correlate positively. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of virulence and resistance genes in A. hydrophila from food sources poses a serious threat to public health. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the occurrence of A. hydrophila in mullet and highlighting the coexistence of virulence and ß-lactam resistance genes encoded by these bacteria. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: These data provide insights into the potential association of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes in A. hydrophila from marketed mullet in Egypt, which could pose threats to humans even if a weak positive correlation exists between both genes.

Cross-linked graphene oxide sheets via modified extracted cellulose with high metal adsorption.

We have studied the extraction of Cu(II) and Pb(II) ions from different types of aqueous solution by novel cross-linked graphene oxide sheets by modified extracted cellulose. The novel sorbent cellulose was extracted from the mangrove trees (Avicennia marina) and it was then grafted with acrylamide and immobilized by ethylenediamine for cross-linking process. The cross-linked graphene oxide sheets were identified by means of FT-IR, SEM and XRD. The adsorption studies of synthesized sorbent was optimized. Langmuir and Freundlich models were used for establish sorption equilibria. The cross-linked graphene oxide sheets showed maximum adsorption capacity 46.39 and 186.48mgg-1 for Cu(II) and Pb(II), respectively. The potential applications of this sorbent was applied to remove Cu(II) and Pb(II) metal ions from hard water samples by using a multi-stage micro-column technique.

Cytokeratin 13, Cytokeratin 17, and Ki-67 Expression in Human Acquired Cholesteatoma and Their Correlation With Its Destructive Capacity.

OBJECTIVES: Cholesteatoma is a nonneoplastic destructive lesion of the temporal bone with debated pathogenesis and bone resorptive mechanism. Both molecular and cellular events chiefly master its activity. Continued research is necessary to clarify factors related to its aggressiveness. We aimed to investigate the expression of Ki-67, cytokeratin 13 (CK13) and cytokeratin 17 (CK17) in acquired nonrecurrent human cholesteatoma and correlate them with its bone destructive capacity. METHODS: A prospective quantitative immunohistochemical study was carried out using fresh acquired cholesteatoma tissues (n=19), collected during cholesteatoma surgery. Deep meatal skin tissues from the same patients were used as control (n=8). Cholesteatoma patients were divided into 2 groups and compared (invasive and noninvasive) according to a grading score for bone resorption based upon clinical, radiologic and intraoperative findings. To our knowledge, the role of CK17 in cholesteatoma aggressiveness was first investigated in this paper. RESULTS: Both Ki-67 and CK17 were significantly overexpressed in cholesteatoma than control tissues (P<0.001 for both Ki-67 and CK17). In addition, Ki-67 and CK17 were significantly higher in the invasive group than noninvasive group of cholesteatoma (P=0.029, P=0.033, respectively). Furthermore, Ki-67 and CK17 showed a moderate positive correlation with bone erosion scores (r=0.547, P=0.015 and r=0.588, P=0.008, respectively). In terms of CK13, no significant difference was found between cholesteatoma and skin (P=0.766). CONCLUSION: Both Ki-67 and CK17 were overexpressed in cholesteatoma tissue and positively correlated with bone resorption activity. The concept that Ki-67 can be a predictor for aggressiveness of cholesteatoma was supported. In addition, this is the first study demonstrating CK17 as a favoring marker in the aggressiveness of acquired cholesteatoma.

Cytokeratin 13, Cytokeratin 17, and Ki-67 Expression in Human Acquired Cholesteatoma and Their Correlation With Its Destructive Capacity

OBJECTIVES: Cholesteatoma is a nonneoplastic destructive lesion of the temporal bone with debated pathogenesis and bone resorptive mechanism. Both molecular and cellular events chiefly master its activity. Continued research is necessary to clarify factors related to its aggressiveness. We aimed to investigate the expression of Ki-67, cytokeratin 13 (CK13) and cytokeratin 17 (CK17) in acquired nonrecurrent human cholesteatoma and correlate them with its bone destructive capacity. METHODS: A prospective quantitative immunohistochemical study was carried out using fresh acquired cholesteatoma tissues (n=19), collected during cholesteatoma surgery. Deep meatal skin tissues from the same patients were used as control (n=8). Cholesteatoma patients were divided into 2 groups and compared (invasive and noninvasive) according to a grading score for bone resorption based upon clinical, radiologic and intraoperative findings. To our knowledge, the role of CK17 in cholesteatoma aggressiveness was first investigated in this paper. RESULTS: Both Ki-67 and CK17 were significantly overexpressed in cholesteatoma than control tissues (P < 0.001 for both Ki-67 and CK17). In addition, Ki-67 and CK17 were significantly higher in the invasive group than noninvasive group of cholesteatoma (P=0.029, P=0.033, respectively). Furthermore, Ki-67 and CK17 showed a moderate positive correlation with bone erosion scores (r=0.547, P=0.015 and r=0.588, P=0.008, respectively). In terms of CK13, no significant difference was found between cholesteatoma and skin (P=0.766). CONCLUSION: Both Ki-67 and CK17 were overexpressed in cholesteatoma tissue and positively correlated with bone resorption activity. The concept that Ki-67 can be a predictor for aggressiveness of cholesteatoma was supported. In addition, this is the first study demonstrating CK17 as a favoring marker in the aggressiveness of acquired cholesteatoma.

Prevalence and correlates of metabolic syndrome in pre-crisis Syria: call for current relief efforts.

This study aimed to assess the prevalence, components and correlates of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adults in pre-crisis Aleppo, Syrian Arab Republic. We used a population-based, 2-stage cluster sampling method in a population of 557 men and 611 women, randomly selected from 83 residential neighbourhoods including many rural settlers. Sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics, comorbidity, anthropometry and biochemical indices were measured. Prevalence of MetS was estimated at 39.6%, with comparable rates in men and women. Hypertension was the most prevalent component (56.6%), followed by central obesity (51.4%). Among women, education (12 years) was inversely associated with risk of MetS, while family history of obesity and diabetes was associated with an increased risk. The high prevalence of MetS and its components emphasizes the burden of cardiovascular diseases among adults in pre-crisis Aleppo. A system of surveillance and management for cardiovascular diseases needs to be incorporated into the current humanitarian response.

Prevalence and correlates of metabolic syndrome in pre-crisis Syria: call for current relief efforts

This study aimed to assess the prevalence, components and correlates of metabolic syndrome [MetS] in adults in pre-crisis Aleppo, Syrian Arab Republic. We used a population-based, 2-stage cluster sampling method in a population of 557 men and 611 women, randomly selected from 83 residential neighbourhoods including many rural settlers. Sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics, comorbidity, anthropometry and biochemical indices were measured. Prevalence of MetS was estimated at 39.6%, with comparable rates in men and women. Hypertension was the most prevalent component [56.6%], followed by central obesity [51.4%]. Among women, education [12 years] was inversely associated with risk of MetS, while family history of obesity and diabetes was associated with an increased risk. The high prevalence of MetS and its components emphasizes the burden of cardiovascular diseases among adults in pre-crisis Aleppo. A system of surveillance and management for cardiovascular diseases needs to be incorporated into the current humanitarian response

La présente étude avait pour objectif d'évaluer la prévalence, les composantes et les corrélats du syndrome métabolique chez l'adulte à Alep avant la crise, en République arabe syrienne. Nous avons utilisé une méthode d'échantillonnage en grappe à deux degrés basée sur une population de 557 hommes et 611 femmes, choisis de manière aléatoire dans 83 zones résidentielles, comprenant de nombreux habitants de zones rurales. Les caractéristiques socio-démographiques et relatives au mode de vie, les comorbidités, l'anthropométrie et les indices biochimiques ont été évaluées. La prévalence du syndrome métabolique a été estimée à 39,6%, avec des taux comparables entre hommes et femmes. L'hypertension était la composante la plus prévalente [56,6%], suivie par l'obésité centrale [51,4%]. Parmi les femmes, l'éducation était inversement associée au risque de syndrome métabolique, alors que des antécédents familiaux d'obésité et de diabète étaient associés à un risque accru. La forte prévalence du syndrome métabolique et de ses composantes met en évidence la charge des maladies cardio-vasculaires chez l'adulte à Alep avant la crise. Un système de surveillance et de prise en charge des maladies cardio-vasculaires doit être incorporé à la riposte humanitaire actuelle

Pathogenesis and Bone Resorption in Acquired Cholesteatoma: Current Knowledge and Future Prospectives.

Cholesteatoma is a cystic non tumorous lesion of the temporal bone that has the ability to destroy nearby structures by its power to cause bone resorption and as a result, fatal complications prevail. We aimed to conduct a comprehensive review for pathogenesis of acquired cholesteatoma, bone resorption mechanisms, and offer a future vision of this serious disease. We have reviewed different theories for pathogenesis of acquired cholesteatoma including the most relevant and updated ones with special emphasis on the mechanisms of bone resorption through Medline/PubMed research using the keywords 'aetiopathogenesis, bone resorption, acquired cholesteatoma, temporal bone, and cytokines.' In order to strengthen our study, we searched the reference lists of identified reviews. Cholesteatoma is a subject of debate among otolaryngologists since it was prescribed firstly. Over many decades, several theories were postulated for aetiopathogenesis of cholesteatoma with a tendency to follow more than one theory to explain the proper nature of that disease. Until now, the mechanism of bone resorption has yet to be more clarified. In the last century, a leap has occurred in the field of biomolecular cholesteatoma research which improved our knowledge about its pathophysiology and bone destructive mechanism. However, surgery is still the only available treatment. We conclude that discovery of new therapeutic choices for cholesteatoma other than surgery by the use of anti-growth, anti-proliferative, apoptotic agents as well as medications that antagonize osteoclastogenesis should be the main concern in the future clinical and experimental research work. Also, searching for predictors of the aggressiveness of cholesteatoma can affect the timing of intervention and prevent occurrence of complications.

Removal of Cd(II) and Pb(II) from wastewater by using triethylenetetramine functionalized grafted cellulose acetate-manganese dioxide composite.

In this manuscript, we have studied the removal of Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions from aqueous solution by using triethylenetetramine functionalized cellulose acetate grafted with the copolymer-manganese dioxide composite. The novel sorbent cellulose was extracted from the mangrove trees (Avicennia marina) and it was then acetylated and grafted with acrylamide. The sorbent composite was designed to interact simultaneously with higher metal loading by complexation-adsorption process. FT-IR, SEM, EDAX and TGA techniques were employed to characterize the cellulose modified composite. Sorption equilibria were established after 30min and their data were described by Langmuir and Freundlich models. The functionalized hybrid cellulose composite showed maximum adsorption capacity 82.06 and 196.84mgg(-1) for Cd(II) and Pb(II), respectively. The studied metal ions were successfully recovered from real wastewater samples of different matrices.