Uncovering an effecient binary system as a chemosensor for visual and fluorescence detection of chromium (VI) in water samples.

There is an urgent requirement for the development of sensitive and quick sensors to monitor chromium (VI) due to its substantial carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. A coexisting system of coumarin 334 and diphenylcarbazide (C334/DPC) was used in this study as a fluorescent chemosensor to detect Cr(VI) ions. Upon the addition of Cr(VI), a purple chelate complex (Cr(III)-diphenylcarbazone) was produced, which resulted from the quantitative reaction between Cr(VI) ions and diphenylcarbazide (DPC), whereas no interaction between Cr(VI) and coumarin 334 took place. More interestingly, the absorption spectra of purple (Cr(III)-diphenylcarbazone) complex (λmax = 540 nm) were overlapped with emission and excitation spectra of coumarin 334 (λex/em = 453/492), resulting in the efficient quenching of coumarin 334 (C334) via the inner filter effect. Furthermore, the semi-quantitative estimation of Cr(VI) ion concentration may be achieved by visually watching the progressive color transformation of the probe from yellow to red after the addition different concentration of Cr(VI). The calibration plot for determination of Cr(VI) by this method is ranging from 0.048 to 268 µM. DFT calculations were conducted to enrich our understanding about the mechanism of action. This approach demonstrates an excellent selectivity and sensitivity for Cr(VI) including a detection limit of 48 nM. The new sensor was successfully applied to water samples (tap, mineral, and waste waters). The accuracy was confirmed by the atomic absorption spectroscopy.

GSH-responsive and folate receptor-targeted pyridine bisfolate-encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles for enhanced intracellular drug delivery in MCF-7 cells.

Folic acid receptor-targeted drug delivery system is a promising candidate for tumor-targeted delivery because its elevated expression specifically on tumor cells enables the selective delivery of cytotoxic cargo to cancerous tissue, thereby minimizing toxic side effects and increasing the therapeutic index. Pyridine bisfolate-chitosan (PyBFA@CS NPs) and folate-chitosan nanocomposite (FA@CS NPs) were synthesized with suitable particle size (256.0 ± 15.0 and 161.0 ± 5.0 nm), high stability (ζ = -27.0 ± 0.1 and -30.0 ± 0.2 mV), respectively, and satisfactory biocompatibility to target cells expressing folate receptors and try to answer the question: Is the metal center always important for activity? Since almost all pharmaceuticals work by binding to specific proteins or DNA, the in vitro binding of human serum albumin (HSA) to PyBFA@CS NPs and FA@CS NPs has been investigated and compared with PyBFA. Strong affinity to HSA is shown by quenching and binding constants in the range of 105 and 104 M-1, respectively with PyBFA@CS NPs showing the strongest. The compounds-HSA kinetic stability, affinity, and association constants were investigated using a stopped-flow method. The findings showed that all formulations bind by a static quenching mechanism that consists of two reversible steps: rapid second-order binding and a more slowly first-order isomerization reaction. The overall coordination affinity of HSA to PyBFA@CS NPs (6.6 × 106 M-1), PyBFA (4.4 × 106 M-1), and FA@CS NPs (1.3 × 106 M-1) was measured and The relative reactivity is roughly (PyBFA@CS NPs)/(PyBFA)/(FA@CS NPs) = 5/3/1. Additionally, in vitro cytotoxicity revealed that, consistent with the binding constants and coordination affinity, active-targeting formulations greatly inhibited FR-positive MCF-7 cells in compared to FRs-negative A549 cells in the following trend: PyBFA@CS NPs > PyBFA > FA@CS NPs. Furthermore, in vitro drug release of PyBFA@CS NPs was found to be stable in PBS at pH 7.4, however, the in pH 5.4 and in pH 5.4 containing 10 mM glutathione (GSH) (mimicking the tumor microenvironment) reached 43 % and 73 %, respectively indicating that the PyBFA@CS NPs system is sensitive to GSH. Folate-modified nanoparticles, PyBFA@CS NPs, are a promising therapeutic for MCF-7 therapy because they not only showed a greater affinity for HSA, but also showed higher cleavage efficiency toward the minor groove of pBR322 DNA via the hydrolytic way, as well as effective antibacterial activity that avoids the usage of extra antibiotics.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬.

Biocontrol potential of endophytic fungi against phytopathogenic nematodes on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.).

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) are a vital pest that causes significant yield losses and economic damage to potato plants. The use of chemical pesticides to control these nematodes has led to environmental concerns and the development of resistance in the nematode populations. Endophytic fungi offer an eco-friendly alternative to control these pests and produce secondary metabolites that have nematicidal activity against RKNs. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of Aspergillus flavus (ON146363), an entophyte fungus isolated from Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds, against Meloidogyne incognita in filtered culture broth using GC-MS analysis. Among them, various nematicidal secondary metabolites were produced: Gadoleic acid, Oleic acid di-ethanolamide, Oleic acid, and Palmitic acid. In addition, biochemical compounds such as Gallic acid, Catechin, Protocatechuic acid, Esculatin, Vanillic acid, Pyrocatechol, Coumarine, Cinnamic acid, 4, 3-indol butyl acetic acid and Naphthyl acetic acid by HPLC. The fungus was identified through morphological and molecular analysis, including ITS 1-4 regions of ribosomal DNA. In vitro experiments showed that culture filtrate of A. flavus had a variable effect on reducing the number of egg hatchings and larval mortality, with higher concentrations showing greater efficacy than Abamectin. The fungus inhibited the development and multiplication of M. incognita in potato plants, reducing the number of galls and eggs by 90% and 89%, respectively. A. flavus increased the activity of defense-related enzymes Chitinas, Catalyse, and Peroxidase after 15, 45, and 60 days. Leaching of the concentrated culture significantly reduced the second juveniles' stage to 97% /250 g soil and decreased the penetration of nematodes into the roots. A. flavus cultural filtrates via soil spraying improved seedling growth and reduced nematode propagation, resulting in systemic resistance to nematode infection. Therefore, A. flavus can be an effective biological control agent for root-knot nematodes in potato plants. This approach provides a sustainable solution for farmers and minimizes the environmental impact.

Optic Perineuritis Presenting with Transient Monocular Vision Loss (TMVL): Case Report.

Optic perineuritis is an inflammatory condition that presents with reduced visual acuity and painful eye movement. The presentation of optic perineuritis is similar of optic neuritis which results in delayed diagnosis and management. Up to this date, we found a single case of optic neuritis that presented with transient monocular vision loss (TMVL). No cases of optic perineuritis were associated with TMVL. Here, we report a case of a 30-year-old woman who presented with recurrent attacks of painless vision loss in her left eye, reaching up to 30 attacks per day. Ophthalmological examination was otherwise unremarkable. Lab investigations were normal. Magnetic resonance imaging was done, which showed left optic nerve sheath enhancement suggestive of left-sided focal optic perineuritis. Patient was managed with 1 mg IV methylprednisolone for 3 days. We report this case to shed light on the importance of accurate and early diagnosis of optic perineuritis presenting with TMVL. Prompt management of optic perineuritis is crucial in reducing morbidity and risk of relapse.

Temporal Trends in Urinary Diversion among Patients Undergoing Radical Cystectomy Between 1986 and 2022: Experience at the University Medical Center Mainz with 2224 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Analysis of temporal trends of urinary diversion (UD) and identification of predictive factors for continent urinary diversion (CUD) in patients with bladder cancer (BC) is scarce and data on large cohorts are missing. We aimed to describe longitudinal temporal trends and predictive factors for UD among patients with BC receiving radical cystectomy (RC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed institutional data collected from patients undergoing RC from 1986 to 2022 to describe changes in patients' characteristics and UD. Primary end points were patients' characteristics associated with type of UD. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictive factors for CUD. RESULTS: In total, 2224 patients (77.16% male, 22.84% female) with a mean age of 66 years [standard deviation (SD), 10.64 years] were included. We observed an increase in mean age from 59.86 (10.8) years (1986-1990) to 69.85 (9.99) years (2016-2022) (p < 0.001). The proportion of CUD gradually declined from 43.72% (94/215; 1986-1990) to 18.38% (86/468; 2016-2022). Patients who were male [odds ratio (OR): 1.92, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.43-2.57, p < 0.001), younger (OR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.87-0.89, p < 0.001) and had no hydronephrosis prior to RC (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.66-2.92, p < 0.001) were more likely to receive CUD. CONCLUSIONS: We report the largest European single-center cohort of UD after RC, demonstrating a significant shift from CUD to IUD, accompanied by an increasing age. Finally, our data mirrors the development and extensive experience with the Mainz Pouch-I in the 1980's and 1990's together with other colon pouches.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy for prostate cancer: a dosimetric comparison of IMRT and VMAT using flattening filter and flattening filter-free beams.

This retrospective study was performed to evaluate plan quality and treatment delivery parameters of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for prostate cancer. The study utilized different isocentric modulated techniques: intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) using 6 MV flattening filter (FF) and 10 MV flattening filter-free beams (FFF). Fifteen retrospective prostate cancer patients were selected for this study. Sixty plans were created with an SBRT-prescribed dose of 36.25 Gy delivered in five fractions. Planning target volume (PTV) coverage, plan quality indices, doses delivered to organs at risk (OARs), and treatment delivery parameters were compared for all plans. It turned out that VMAT plans, particularly those using the FFF beam, provided superior target conformality and a steeper dose gradient as compared to IMRT plans. Additionally, VMAT plans showed better OARs sparing compared to IMRT plans. However, IMRT plans delivered a lower maximum dose to the target than VMAT plans. Importantly, the VMAT plans resulted in reduced treatment delivery parameters, including beam on time (BOT), monitor unit (MU), and modulation factor (MF), compared to IMRT plans. Furthermore, a statistically significant difference was observed in BOT and mean body dose between FF and FFF beams, with FFF beams showing superior performance. Considering all results, VMAT using 10 MV (FFF) is suggested for treating prostate cancer patients with SBRT. This offers the fastest delivery in addition to maintaining the highest plan quality.

Femoral versus radial access for middle meningeal artery embolization for chronic subdural hematomas: multicenter propensity score matched study.

BACKGROUND: With transradial access (TRA) being more progressively used in neuroendovascular procedures, we compared TRA with transfemoral access (TFA) in middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) for chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH). METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing MMAE for cSDH at 14 North American centers (2018-23) were included. TRA and TFA groups were compared using propensity score matching (PSM) controlling for: age, sex, concurrent surgery, previous surgery, hematoma thickness and side, midline shift, and pretreatment antithrombotics. The primary outcome was access site and overall complications, and procedure duration; secondary endpoints were surgical rescue, radiographic improvement, and technical success and length of stay. RESULTS: 872 patients (median age 73 years, 72.9% men) underwent 1070 MMAE procedures (54% TFA vs 46% TRA). Access site hematoma occurred in three TFA cases (0.5%; none required operative intervention) versus 0% in TRA (P=0.23), and radial-to-femoral conversion occurred in 1% of TRA cases. TRA was more used in right sided cSDH (58.4% vs 44.8%; P<0.001). Particle embolics were significantly higher in TFA while Onyx was higher in TRA (P<0.001). Following PSM, 150 matched pairs were generated. Particles were more utilized in the TFA group (53% vs 29.7%) and Onyx was more utilized in the TRA group (56.1% vs 31.5%) (P=0.001). Procedural duration was longer in the TRA group (median 68.5 min (IQR 43.1-95) vs 59 (42-84); P=0.038), and radiographic success was higher in the TFA group (87.3% vs 77.4%; P=0.036). No differences were noted in surgical rescue (8.4% vs 10.1%, P=0.35) or technical failures (2.4% vs 2%; P=0.67) between TFA and TRA. Sensitivity analysis in the standalone MMAE retained all associations but differences in procedural duration. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, TRA offered comparable outcomes to TFA in MMAE for cSDH in terms of access related and overall complications, technical feasibility, and functional outcomes. Procedural duration was slightly longer in the TRA group, and radiographic success was higher in the TFA group, with no differences in surgical rescue rates.

Predictors of Aneurysm Obliteration in Patients Treated with the WEB Device: Results of a Multicenter Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Despite the numerous studies evaluating the occlusion rates of aneurysms following WEB embolization, there are limited studies identifying predictors of occlusion. Our purpose was to identify predictors of aneurysm occlusion and the need for retreatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a review of a prospectively maintained database across 30 academic institutions. We included patients with previously untreated cerebral aneurysms embolized using the WEB who had available intraprocedural data and long-term follow-up. RESULTS: We studied 763 patients with a mean age of 59.9 (SD, 11.7) years. Complete aneurysm occlusion was observed in 212/726 (29.2%) cases, and contrast stasis was observed in 485/537 (90.3%) of nonoccluded aneurysms. At the final follow-up, complete occlusion was achieved in 497/763 (65.1%) patients, and retreatment was required for 56/763 (7.3%) patients. On multivariable analysis, history of smoking, maximal aneurysm diameter, and the presence of an aneurysm wall branch were negative predictors of complete occlusion (OR, 0.5, 0.8, and 0.4, respectively). Maximal aneurysm diameter, the presence of an aneurysm wall branch, posterior circulation location, and male sex increase the chances of retreatment (OR, 1.2, 3.8, 3.0, and 2.3 respectively). Intraprocedural occlusion resulted in a 3-fold increase in the long-term occlusion rate and a 5-fold decrease in the retreatment rate (P < .001), offering a specificity of 87% and a positive predictive value of 85% for long-term occlusion. CONCLUSIONS: Intraprocedural occlusion can be used to predict the chance of long-term aneurysm occlusion and the need for retreatment after embolization with a WEB device. Smoking, aneurysm size, and the presence of an aneurysm wall branch are associated with decreased chances of successful treatment.

Rare­earth (Eu3+) substitution impact on the structural, morphological, magneto-dielectric, and electrochemical properties of 〖Cd〗_(0.45) 〖Co〗_(0.55) 〖Fe〗_(2-y) 〖Eu〗_y O_(4 )spinel nanoferrites.

A series of Cd_0.45 Co_0.55 Fe_(2-y) Eu_y O_(4 )(y = 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) spinel nanoferrites (SNFs) were synthesized using a self-igniting process and employed as electrode materials for supercapacitor applications. The results demonstrated the formation of a single SNFs phase, as shown by the XRD data. The crystallite size lies between the range of 29.30 nm - 51.12 nm. The porosity percentage is within the range of 31.37% - 32.99%. Rietveld refinement of XRD and Raman analysis revealed the pure spinel phase and no secondary phase was observed. The saturation magnetization and magnetic anisotropy were also decreased with the addition of Eu3+ in Cd-Co SNFs. The high coercive field was enhanced for Eu3+ doping as compared to pure Cd-Co SNFs. The dielectric constant was improved with the substitution of Eu3+ in Cd-Co SNFs. The dielectric tangent loss was reduced with the doping of Eu3+. The electrochemical performance of the Eu3+ doped Cd-Co SNFs achieved an impressive maximum specific capacitance at a lower scan rate. Based on these findings, the outstanding electrochemical performance of the Eu3+ doped Cd-Co SNFs suggests their potential as promising materials for high-frequency, magnetic ferrofluid, and supercapacitor electrodes.

Nirsevimab and Hospitalization for RSV Bronchiolitis.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of bronchiolitis, resulting in 3 million hospitalizations each year worldwide. Nirsevimab is a monoclonal antibody against RSV that has an extended half-life. Its postlicensure real-world effectiveness against RSV-associated bronchiolitis is unclear. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, multicenter, matched case-control study to analyze the effectiveness of nirsevimab therapy against hospitalization for RSV-associated bronchiolitis in infants younger than 12 months of age. Case patients were infants younger than 12 months of age who were hospitalized for RSV-associated bronchiolitis between October 15 and December 10, 2023. Control patients were infants with clinical visits to the same hospitals for conditions unrelated to RSV infection. Case patients were matched to control patients in a 2:1 ratio on the basis of age, date of hospital visit, and study center. We calculated the effectiveness of nirsevimab therapy against hospitalization for RSV-associated bronchiolitis (primary outcome) by means of a multivariate conditional logistic-regression model with adjustment for confounders. Several sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: The study included 1035 infants, of whom 690 were case patients (median age, 3.1 months; interquartile range, 1.8 to 5.3) and 345 were matched control patients (median age, 3.4 months; interquartile range, 1.6 to 5.6). Overall, 60 case patients (8.7%) and 97 control patients (28.1%) had received nirsevimab previously. The estimated adjusted effectiveness of nirsevimab therapy against hospitalization for RSV-associated bronchiolitis was 83.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 73.4 to 89.2). Sensitivity analyses gave results similar to those of the primary analysis. The effectiveness of nirsevimab therapy against RSV-associated bronchiolitis resulting in critical care was 69.6% (95% CI, 42.9 to 83.8) (27 of 193 case patients [14.0%] vs. 47 of 146 matched control patients [32.2%]) and against RSV-associated bronchiolitis resulting in ventilatory support was 67.2% (95% CI, 38.6 to 82.5) (27 of 189 case patients [14.3%] vs. 46 of 151 matched control patients [30.5%]). CONCLUSIONS: In a real-world setting, nirsevimab therapy was effective in reducing the risk of hospitalized RSV-associated bronchiolitis. (Funded by the National Agency for AIDS Research-Emerging Infectious Disease and others; ENVIE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT06030505.).

A hierarchical optimization approach to maximize hosting capacity for electric vehicles and renewable energy sources through demand response and transmission expansion planning.

Within the scope of sustainable development, integrating electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy sources (RESs) into power grids offers a number of benefits. These include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, diversifying energy sources, and promoting the use of green energy. Although the literature on hosting capacity (HC) models has grown, there is still a noticeable gap in the discussion of models that successfully handle transmission expansion planning (TEP), demand response (DR), and HC objectives simultaneously. Combining TEP, DR, and HC objectives in one model optimizes resource use, enhances grid stability, supports renewable and EV integration, and aligns with regulatory and market demands, resulting in a more efficient, reliable, and sustainable power system. This research presents an innovative two-layer HC model, including considerations for TEP and DR. The model determines the highest degree of load shifting appropriate for incorporation into power networks in the first layer. Meanwhile, the second layer focuses on augmenting the RES and EVs' hosting capability and modernizing the network infrastructure. System operators can choose the best scenario to increase the penetration level of EVs and RESs with the aid of the proposed model. The proposed model, which is formulated as a multi-objective mixed-integer nonlinear optimization problem, uses a hierarchical optimization technique to identify effective solutions by combining the particle swarm optimization algorithm and the crayfish optimizer. When compared to traditional methods, the results obtained from implementing the proposed hierarchical optimization algorithm on the Garver network and the IEEE 24-bus system indicated how effective it is at solving the presented HC model. The case studies demonstrated that integrating DR into the HC problem reduced peak load by 10.4-23.25%. The findings also highlighted that DR did not impact the total energy consumed by EVs throughout the day, but it did reshape the timing of EV charging, creating more opportunities for integration during periods of high demand. Implementing DR reduced the number of projects needed and, in some cases, led to cost savings of up to 12.3%.

Fetuin-A: a relevant novel serum biomarker for non-invasive diagnosis of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD): a retrospective case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine how fetuin-A contributes to diagnosing and assessing MASLD severity. METHODS: Fifty MASLD patients and fifty healthy control participants were involved in this retrospective case-control research. Abdominal ultrasonography, fibroscan with controlled attenuated parameter scan (CAP scan), laboratory investigation (including fetuin-A assessment), clinical examination, and history-taking were performed on every case. RESULTS: Fetuin-A level was considerably higher in the Cases group (1154.85 ± 629.89) than in the Control group (505.29 ± 150.4) (p < 0.001). Fetuin-A had significant validity in the prediction of MASLD at a cut-off > 702.5 with 82% sensitivity, 90% specificity, and 86% overall accuracy. CONCLUSION: One possible marker for MASLD diagnosis could be fetuin-A. Furthermore, a substantial association between such marker and the severity of the disease as it revealed a significant correlation with ultrasound grading and fibroscan with controlled attenuated parameters. Trial registration 1- Pan African Clinical Trial Registry. Unique Identifying number/registration ID: PACTR202309644280965. URL: https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=26860 . Registration Approval date: 21/09/2023. 2- ClinicalTrials.gov. Unique Identifying number /registration ID: NCT06097039. URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06097039?cond=NCT06097039&rank=1 . Registration Approval date: 25/10/2023.

Design and synthesis of chromene-1,2,3-triazole benzene sulfonamide hybrids as potent carbonic anhydrase-IX inhibitors against prostate cancer.

Considering the promising effects of molecular hybridization on drug discovery in recent years and the ongoing endeavors to develop bioactive scaffolds tethering the 1,2,3-triazole core, the present study sought to investigate whether the 1,2,3-triazole-linked chromene and benzene sulfonamide nucleus could exhibit activity against the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 and prostate cancer cell line PC-3. To this end, three focused bioactive series of mono- and -bis-1,2,3-triazoles were effectively synthesized via copper-assisted cycloaddition of mono- and/or di-alkyne chromenone derivatives 2a and b and 9 with several sulfa drug azides 4a-d and 6. The resulting molecular derivatives were tested for cytotoxicity against prostate and breast cancer cells. Among the derivatives, 10a, 10c, and 10e exhibited potent cytotoxicity against PC-3 cells with IC50 values of 2.08, 7.57, and 5.52 µM compared to doxorubicin (IC50 = 2.31 µM) with potent inhibition of CA IX with IC50 values of 0.113, 0.134, and 0.214 µM. The most active compound, 10a, was tested for apoptosis-induction; it induced apoptosis by 31.9-fold cell cycle arrest at the G1-phase. Further, the molecular modeling approach highlighted the relevant binding affinity for the top-active compound 10a against CA IX as one of the most prominent PC-3 prostate cancer-associated biotargets.

How reliable is the distinction between thoracolumbar AO type A3 and A4 fractures? A systematic literature review.

PURPOSE: The AOSpine classification divides thoracolumbar burst fractures into A3 and A4 fractures; nevertheless, past research has found inconsistent interobserver reliability in detecting those two fracture patterns. This systematic analysis aims to synthesize data on the reliability of discriminating between A3 and A4 fractures. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Scopus, and the Web of Science for studies reporting the inter- and intra-observer reliability of detecting thoracolumbar AO A3 and A4 fractures using computed tomography (CT). The search spanned 2013 to 2023 and included both primarily reliability and observational comparative studies. We followed the PRISMA guidelines and used the modified COSMIN checklist to assess the studies' quality. Kappa coefficient (k) values were categorized according to Landis and Koch, from slight to excellent. RESULTS: Of the 396 identified studies, nine met the eligibility criteria; all were primarily reliability studies except one observational study. Interobserver k values for A3/A4 fractures varied widely among studies (0.19-86). The interobserver reliability was poor in two studies, fair in one study, moderate in four studies, and excellent in two studies. Only two studies reported intra-observer reliability, showing fair and excellent agreement. The included studies revealed significant heterogeneity in study design, sample size, and interpretation methods. CONCLUSION: Considerable variability exists in interobserver reliability for distinguishing A3 and A4 fractures from slight to excellent agreement. This variability might be attributed to methodological heterogeneity among studies, limitations of reliability analysis, or diagnostic pitfalls in differentiating between A3 and A4. Most observational studies comparing the outcome of A3 and A4 fractures do not report interobserver agreement, and this should be considered when interpreting their results.

Comparing Left Ventricular Structure and Functions in End-Stage Renal Disease Using Conventional Echocardiography and 2D Speckle Tracking Echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Patients on hemodialysis (HD) are prone to various cardiovascular complications. Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D STE) is an innovative technique for early myocardial dysfunction detection, even with normal ejection fraction (EF). OBJECTIVE: We aim to detect left ventricle (LV) dysfunction in regular hemodialysis patients using 2D STE compared to traditional echocardiography. METHODS: The study comprised 30 patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), subdivided according to left ventricular mass index (LVMI) into group 1 with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (n=19) and group 2 without LVH (n=11). Another 30 healthy control subjects were recruited as group 3. The EF, average systolic velocity (Sa), and 2D LV strain were taken as measures of LV systolic function. The indicators for diastolic function included the E/A ratio and E velocity/peak early diastolic velocity. RESULTS: Regarding the parameters of LV systolic and diastolic functions assessed by traditional echocardiography, we found no significant difference between groups 1 and 2. However, using 2D STE, we observed significant differences in the average Sa velocity (p=0.025), average LV strain (p=0.03), 2D global longitudinal strain (GLS) (p=0.03), E/Ea (p=0.003), and LV myocardial performance index (MPI) (p=0.006). Also, a significant positive correlation was found between LVMI and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) (p<0.01, r=0.63), EF measured by 2D (p=0.034, r=0.39), mitral E/A ratio (p=0.03, r=0.49), and mitral E/Ea (p<0.01, r=0.72). There was a significantly strong negative correlation between LVMI and 2D average LV strain (p=0.034, r=-0.39). CONCLUSION: We concluded that 2D STE is more sensitive than a conventional echo in detecting early LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction even in patients with normal EF.

Geochemical and Organic Petrological Characteristics of the Bituminous Carbonate Succession (Upper Cretaceous Shu'ayb Formation) in Northern Jordan: Implications for Organic Matter Input and Paleosalinity, Paleoredox, and Paleoclimatic Conditions.

Bituminous carbonate rocks of the Upper Cretaceous Shu'ayb Formation from the Ajloun outcrop in Northern Jordan were geochemically and petrologically analyzed in this study. This study integrates kerogen microscopy results with geochemical results (i.e., biomarker, stable carbon isotope, and major elemental compositions) to understand the organic matter (OM) inputs and to reveal the dispositional setting and its effect on the occurrence of OM. The Shu'ayb bituminous carbonate rocks have high total organic carbon (TOC) and sulfur (S) contents, with average values of 12.3 and 4.59 wt %, respectively, indicating redox conditions during their precipitation. The high abundance of alginite (i.e., lamalginite) in the Shu'ayb bituminous carbonate sediments is a further evidence for redox conditions. The finding of mainly marine-derived OM was also demonstrated by the biomarker distribution and carbon isotope composition. The biomarkers are represented by a narrow Pr/Ph ratio of up to 0.97, abundance of tricyclic terpanes, and high C27 regular sterane, indicating that the OM was primarily derived from phytoplankton algae, along with small amounts of land plant-derived materials, and were accumulated under reducing conditions. The studied Shu'ayb bituminous carbonate facies is composed of mainly calcium (CaO; average, 45.10 wt %), with significant amounts of silicon (Si2O3; avg., 9.35 wt %), aluminum (Al2O3; avg., 6.91 wt %), and phosphorus (P2O3; avg., 1.47 wt %) and low amounts of iron (Fe2O3) and titanium (TiO2) of less than 1 wt %, indicating that the detrital influx was low in an open water depth system with higher primary bioproductivity. The geochemical proxy suggests that the Shu'ayb bituminous carbonate facies was established in a saline water environment, with Ca/Ca + Fe and S/TOC values of more than 0.9 and 0.50, respectively, which could be attributed to the increase in reducing conditions of the water column. The chemical index of alteration values of more than 0.8 also indicate that the Shu'ayb bituminous carbonate facies formed during warm and humid climatic conditions, thereby resulting in intense subaerial weathering.

Enhancing Florida red tilapia aquaculture: biofloc optimization improves water quality, pathogen bacterial control, fish health, immune response, and organ histopathology across varied groundwater salinities.

Freshwater scarcity poses challenges to aquaculture worldwide, including countries like Egypt. In this study, we investigate the feasibility of integrating underground saline water (USW) with varying salinities into a Biofloc (BFT) system for desert mariculture of Florida red tilapia (FRT) and its impacts on water quality, fish performance and health. Four BFT treatments (C/N ratio = 15) were examined in triplicate using four salinity levels 0 ppt, 12 ppt, 24 ppt and 36 ppt, expressed as S0, S12, S24 and S36, respectively. For 75 days, a total of 12 fiberglass tanks (each 250 L-1 water) were used to store FRT fry (average weight of 1.73 ± 0.01 g/fish). The fish were fed an experimental diet (protein/fat = 30/5) and an additional carbon source of rice bran. The results revealed that group S12 showed better growth indicators, higher survival rate, lower FCR, and lower ammonia levels, while group S0 exhibited lower growth indicators (final weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate) than all groups. The serum kidney, liver, and antioxidant indices performed better in the S12 group. At 12 ppt, the immune-related parameter (IgM) increased by 22.5%, while the stress parameter (cortisol) decreased by 40.8% compared to the S0 group. The liver and intestinal histopathological results revealed that the S12 and S24 groups performed better. Pathogenic bacterial load counts favored the S24 group, which had the lowest number among the groups studied. The recommended salinity for FRT cultivation in USW and BFT is 19.94-20 ppt, determined by polynomial regression of FW and FCR.

The Era of Radial-Specific Catheters: A Multicenter Comparison of the Armadillo and RIST Catheters in Transradial Procedures.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: As the radial approach is gaining popularity in neurointervention, new radial-specific catheters are being manufactured while taking into consideration the smaller size of the radial artery, different trajectories of angles into the great vessels from the arm, and subsequent force vectors. We compared outcomes of transradial procedures performed using the Armadillo catheter (Q'Apel Medical Inc.) and the RIST radial guide catheter (Medtronic). METHODS: This is a retrospective multicenter study comparing outcomes of transradial neuroendovascular procedures using the Armadillo and RIST catheters at 2 institutions between 2021 and 2024. RESULTS: The study comprised 206 patients, 96 of whom underwent procedures using the Armadillo and 110 using the RIST. Age and sex were comparable across cohorts. In most procedures, 1 target vessel was catheterized (Armadillo: 94.8% vs 89.1%, P = .29) with no significant difference between cohorts. The use of an intermediate catheter was minimal in both cohorts (Armadillo 5.2% vs RIST: 2.7%, P = .36), and the median number of major vessel catheterization did not significantly differ between cohorts (Armadillo: 1 [1-4] vs RIST: 1 [0-6], P = .21). Failure to catheterize the target vessel was encountered in 1 case in each cohort (Armadillo: 1.0% vs RIST: 0.9%, P = .18), and the rate did not significantly differ between cohorts. Similarly, the rate of conversion to femoral access was comparable between cohorts (Armadillo: 2.1% vs RIST: 1.8%, P = .55). There was no significant difference in access site complications (Armadillo: 1% vs RIST: 2.8%, P = .55) or neurological complications (Armadillo: 3.1% vs RIST: 5.5%, P = .42) between cohorts. CONCLUSION: No significant difference in successful catheterization of target vessels, procedure duration, triaxial system use, complication rates, or the need for transfemoral cross-over was observed between both catheters. Both devices offer high and comparable rates of technical success and low morbidity rates.

Molecular and immunological studies on Theileria equi and its vector in Egypt.

Equine piroplasmosis is not fully understood regarding pathogenicity, prophylaxis, host immune response expression, and specific vectors. Accurately identifying the parasite vector is crucial for developing an effective control plan for a particular infection. This study focused on morphologically identifying two Hyalomma species (H. anatolicum and H. marginatum) and one Rhipicephalus annulatus (R. annulatus) at the species level. The identification process was followed by phylogenetic analysis using the neighbor-joining method based on the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COXI) gene as a specific vector for Theileria equi (T. equi) in horses. T. equi was diagnosed morphologically and molecularly from infected blood samples and crushed tick species using conventional PCR. Subsequently, phylogenetic analysis based on the amplification of the 18 S rRNA gene was conducted. The obtained sequence data were evaluated and registered in GenBank under accession numbers OR064161, OR067911, OR187727, and OR068139, representing the three tick species and the isolated T. equi, respectively. The study demonstrated that T. equi infection leads to immune system suppression by significantly increasing the levels of oxidative stress markers (CAT, GPx, MDA, and SOD) (P ≤ 0.0001), with this elevation being directly proportional to parasitemia levels in infected blood cells. Furthermore, a correlation was observed between parasitemia levels and the expression of immune response infection genes (IFN-gamma, TGF-ß1, and IL-1ß cytokines) in infected horses compared to non-infected equine. Common macroscopic symptoms indicating T. equi infection in horses include intermittent fever, enlarged lymph nodes (LN), and tick infestation.

All-protonic fuel cell designs and developments fuelled by ammonia.

Ammonia is a gas that produces zero carbon emissions when used in energy storage systems. Hence, there is increasing interest for the application of ammonia as fuel in various energy storage devices, specifically solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), as it has the potential to be efficient and environmentally friendly. In addition, compared to other fuel cells, SOFCs fed with ammonia offer various benefits such as such as sustainability and safety. This review compares and contrasts the opportunities and challenges of ammonia fuel cell technologies and helps to analyze their working principles. The main goal of this review is to investigate the viability of an "all-protonic" fuel cell using ammonia fuel while also highlighting the key challenges and limitations of implementing such technology.