Iron-promoted zirconia-alumina supported Ni catalyst for highly efficient and cost-effective hydrogen production via dry reforming of methane.

Developing cost-effective and high-performance catalyst systems for dry reforming of methane (DRM) is crucial for producing hydrogen (H2) sustainably. Herein, we investigate using iron (Fe) as a promoter and major alumina support in Ni-based catalysts to improve their DRM performance. The addition of iron as a promotor was found to add reducible iron species along with reducible NiO species, enhance the basicity and induce the deposition of oxidizable carbon. By incorporating 1 wt.% Fe into a 5Ni/10ZrAl catalyst, a higher CO2 interaction and formation of reducible "NiO-species having strong interaction with support" was observed, which led to an ∼80% H2 yield in 420 min of Time on Stream (TOS). Further increasing the Fe content to 2wt% led to the formation of additional reducible iron oxide species and a noticeable rise in H2 yield up to 84%. Despite the severe weight loss on Fe-promoted catalysts, high H2 yield was maintained due to the proper balance between the rate of CH4 decomposition and the rate of carbon deposit diffusion. Finally, incorporating 3 wt.% Fe into the 5Ni/10ZrAl catalyst resulted in the highest CO2 interaction, wide presence of reducible NiO-species, minimum graphitic deposit and an 87% H2 yield. Our findings suggest that iron-promoted zirconia-alumina-supported Ni catalysts can be a cheap and excellent catalytic system for H2 production via DRM.

Pyridazinone-based derivatives as anticancer agents endowed with anti-microbial activity: molecular design, synthesis, and biological investigation.

Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy are highly susceptible to infections owing to their compromised immune system, which also promotes cancer progression through inflammation. Thus, this study aimed to develop novel chemotherapeutic agents with both anticancer and antimicrobial properties. A series of diarylurea derivatives based on pyridazinone scaffolds were designed, synthesized, and characterized as surrogates for sorafenib. The synthesized compounds were tested for their antimicrobial activity and screened against 60 cancer cell lines at the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Compound 10h exhibited potent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 16 µg mL-1), whereas compound 8g showed significant antifungal activity against Candida albicans (MIC = 16 µg mL-1). Additionally, ten compounds were further evaluated for VEGFR-2 inhibition, with compound 17a showing the best inhibitory activity. Compounds 8f, 10l, and 17a demonstrated significant anticancer activity against melanoma, NSCLC, prostate cancer, and colon cancer, with growth inhibition percentages (GI%) ranging from 62.21% to 100.14%. Compounds 10l and 17a were selected for five-dose screening, displaying GI50 values of 1.66-100 µM. Compound 10l induced G0-G1 phase cell cycle arrest in the A549/ATCC cell line, increasing the cell population from 85.41% to 90.86%. Gene expression analysis showed that compound 10l upregulated pro-apoptotic genes p53 and Bax and downregulated the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2. Molecular docking studies provided insights into the binding modes of the compounds to the VEGFR-2 enzyme. In conclusion, the pyridazinone-based diarylurea derivatives developed in this study show promise as dual-function antimicrobial and anticancer agents, warranting further investigation.

Satisfaction and wellbeing of general surgery trainees in the Saudi Arabian residency educational environment: A mixed-methods study.

Background: Surgical residency training is prominently demanding and stressful. This can affect the residents' wellbeing, work-life balance and increase the rates of burnout. We aimed to assess rates of satisfaction and burn-out among GS residents in the national training programs and provide a subsequent in-depth analysis of the potential reasons. Method: A sequential explanatory mixed-methods study was conducted using an online survey and virtual interviews. The validated abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory (aMBI) was used to assess burnout while satisfaction was assessed via 5-points Likert scale. Results: After excluding incomplete responses from the total 74 received, 53 were analyzed. The average participant age was 27.4 ± 2 years, with females comprising 52 % of the sample. Junior residents made up 58.5 %, and nearly half -45 %- considered quitting GS training. Moderate to high burnout rates were noted on each aMBI subscale, ranging from 41.7 % to 62.5 %. The majority of residents expressed dissatisfaction with the level of research engagement (81.1 %), supervision, and mentorship. However, operative exposure was a source of satisfaction. Dissatisfaction rates with intra-operative learning, academia, teaching, and clinical exposure were 62.3 %, 52.8 %, 50.9 %, and 35.8 %, respectively. Interviews revealed surgical case flow and a friendly work environment as major satisfaction sources. Conversely, lack of academic supervision and suboptimal hands-on training were major dissatisfaction sources. Conclusion: Dissatisfaction and burn-out is prevalent among national GS training programs. Sub-optimal educational delivery and low-quality hands-on operative exposure -rather than lack of exposure to cases- seem to be the culprit.

Physicochemical and photocatalytic properties of Ag2CrO4/Fe2O3/CeO2 ternary nanocomposite.

The study presents Ag2CrO4/Fe2O3/CeO2 ternary nanocomposite, based on Fe2O3/CeO2 binary composites, which demonstrated excellent photocatalytic performance in the photodegradation of methylene blue under solar irradiation. The Ag2CrO4/Fe2O3/CeO2 nanocomposites was orthorhombic, ilmenite, and cubic-fluorite phases of Ag2CrO4, Fe2O3, and CeO2, respectively, according to the XRD examination. A strong bond between Ag2CrO4, Fe2O3, and CeO2 within the nanocomposite was demonstrated by the SEM and TEM investigations. Moreover, it was discovered that the coupling of Ag2CrO4 and Fe2O3 caused a red shift and moved CeO2 absorption edge from the UV to the visible spectrum. The reason behind this is that the band gap of CeO2 reduced 2.85 to 2.69 eV and the absorbance band intensity increased in visible region. Utilizing visible light, Ag2CrO4/Fe2O3/CeO2 ternary nanocomposites exhibit enhanced photocatalytic properties (98.90%) for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) within 100 min. The long-term reliability and recyclability of the photocatalyst were explored through 3 successive cycles. An active radical quenching test was conducted to elucidate the involvement of O2 - and OH which are the primary reactive species in the photocatalytic breakdown of MB. Ag2CrO4/Fe2O3/CeO2 ternary nanocomposites displayed notable improvements in photodegradation activity, making them well suited for the effective removal of hazardous dyes present in textile effluents.

Composite Autonomic Symptom Score-31 for the diagnosis of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in long-term coronavirus disease 2019.

BACKGROUND: Composite Autonomic Symptom Score-31 (COMPASS-31) is an easy-to-use screening tool for the evaluation of autonomic dysfunction in various diseases affecting neural function but has rarely been used in the assessment of long coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the COMPASS-31 score in detecting dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system in patients 3 months after COVID-19 infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-nine subjects were recruited and grouped into 2: (a) controls (n = 31) who had never had positive polymerase chain reaction results for COVID-19 before and (b) the post-COVID-19 patients (n = 28) who had confirmed COVID-19 infection 3-6 months before recruitment. COMPASS-31 questionnaire was utilized to evaluate subjective symptoms or evidence of autonomic dysfunction. Autonomic dysfunction was assessed objectively by cardiovascular autonomic reflex tests (CARTs) and heart rate variability (HRV). For comparison of quantitative variables between two groups, t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, as appropriate, were used. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV), negative likelihood ratio (LR), and positive LR were used as measures of diagnostic accuracy. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis determined the overall accuracy of COMPASS-31. RESULTS: The median COMPASS score was found to be significantly higher in post-COVID-19 participants than controls (15.5 vs. 10, P = 0.021). The median total CART score was also significantly higher in post-COVID-19 participants (0 vs. 1, P < 0.001). Out of 6 domains of the COMPASS score, the median value for orthostatic dysfunction was found to be significantly higher in post-COVID-19 participants than controls (12 vs. 0, P = 0.008). There was significantly fair accuracy of the COMPASS score with an area under the receiver operating curve 0.68 (0.54-0.82) following the total CART score ≥2 as the gold standard in the diagnosis of autonomic dysfunction (P = 0.021). The best cutoff point of the total COMPASS score was 12.5, where the optimal values of sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were achieved. Nonsignificant and weak correlations between CARTs, HRV parameters, and COMPASS score were found. CONCLUSION: COMPASS-31 could be used as a user-friendly screening tool to detect autonomic dysfunction in post-COVID-19 cases with acceptable sensitivity and specificity.

Beyond Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: A Comprehensive Review of Chronic Lung Diseases in Neonates.

In neonates, pulmonary diseases such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia and other chronic lung diseases (CLDs) pose significant challenges due to their complexity and high degree of morbidity and mortality. This review discusses the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and diagnostic criteria for these conditions, as well as current management strategies. The review also highlights recent advancements in understanding the pathophysiology of these diseases and evolving strategies for their management, including gene therapy and stem cell treatments. We emphasize how supportive care is useful in managing these diseases and underscore the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. Notably, we discuss the emerging role of personalized medicine, enabled by advances in genomics and precision therapeutics, in tailoring therapy according to an individual's genetic, biochemical, and lifestyle factors. We conclude with a discussion on future directions in research and treatment, emphasizing the importance of furthering our understanding of these conditions, improving diagnostic criteria, and exploring targeted treatment modalities. The review underscores the need for multicentric and longitudinal studies to improve preventative strategies and better understand long-term outcomes. Ultimately, a comprehensive, innovative, and patient-centered approach can enhance the quality of care and outcomes for neonates with CLDs.

Fluorometric detection of copper and imidacloprid using nitrogen-doped graphitic carbon dots: A promising method for environmental monitoring.

Pesticides in environmental samples pose significant risks to ecosystems and human health since they require precise and efficient detection methods. Imidacloprid (IMI), a widely used neonicotinoid insecticide, exemplifies these hazards due to its potential toxicity. This study addresses the urgent need for improved monitoring of such contaminants by introducing a novel fluorometric method for detecting IMI using nitrogen-doped graphite carbon dots (N-GCDs). The sensor operates by quenching fluorescence through the interaction of Cu2+ ions with N-GCDs. Subsequently, IMI binds to the imidazole group, chelates with Cu2+, and restores the fluorescence of N-GCDs. This alternating fluorescence behavior allows for the accurate identification of both Cu2+ and IMI. The sensor exhibits linear detection ranges of 20-100 nM for Cu2+ and 10-140 µg/L for IMI, with detection limits of 18 nM and 1.2 µg/L, respectively. The high sensitivity of this sensor enables the detection of real-world samples, which underscores its potential for practical use in environmental monitoring and agricultural safety.

Galangin attenuates chlorpyrifos-induced kidney injury by mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation and upregulating Nrf2 and farnesoid-X-receptor in rats.

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is a highly toxic commonly used pesticide and can seriously harm human health. This study assessed the potential of galangin (GAL), an antioxidant flavonoid, to attenuate oxidative stress, inflammation and kidney injury caused by CPF, emphasizing the role of farnesoid-x-receptor (FXR) and Nrf2. Rats were supplemented with CPF and GAL for 28 days. CPF increased serum creatinine, urea and Kim-1, provoked several tissue alterations, and increased kidney ROS, malondialdehyde (MDA), NF-κB p65, TNF-α, iNOS, and caspase-3. GAL effectively ameliorated serum kidney injury markers, ROS, MDA, and TNF-α, suppressed NF-κB p65, iNOS, and caspase-3, and enhanced antioxidants. GAL suppressed Keap1 and upregulated FXR, Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO-1 in CPF-administered rats. GAL exhibited binding affinity with Keap1, FXR, caspase-3, iNOS, HO-1, and NF-κB. In conclusion, GAL is effective in preventing CPF nephrotoxicity by attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation. This protection is linked to upregulation of antioxidants, Nrf2/HO-1 signaling and FXR.

Marrow talaromycosis as the initial presentation in a case of Burkitt lymphoma.

Talaromyces marneffei is a thermally dimorphic fungus which causes opportunistic infections in immunocompromised individuals. The diagnosis of T. marneffei infection rests on the microscopic demonstration of the fungus in the tissues and/or isolation of the fungus from clinical specimens. In this report, we discuss a case involving a 23-year-old man who presented with a history of intermittent fever, cough and constitutional symptoms. Clinically, the patient exhibited pallor, jaundice, generalized seborrhoeic dermatitis, hepatomegaly, and small palpable cervical lymph nodes. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen showed homogenous hypodense lesions in both liver lobes. HIV screening result was reactive. Microscopic examination of the bone marrow aspirate smear and trephine biopsy identified fungal bodies, and culture of the marrow aspirate confirmed the presence of T. marneffei. Notably, the liver biopsy revealed Burkitt lymphoma alongside fungal bodies. He was treated with intravenous Amphotericin B but ultimately succumbed to the illness due to severe metabolic acidosis and multiorgan failure. This case underscores the importance of presumptive diagnosis through morphological or histological examination of bone marrow samples, as microbiologic culture methods can be time-consuming. Timely diagnosis and aggressive treatment are critical in managing patients with T. marneffei infection.

Vortioxetine ameliorates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model of multiple sclerosis in mice via activation of PI3K/Akt/CREB/BDNF cascade and modulation of serotonergic pathway signaling.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition characterized by immune cell infiltration and cytokine overproduction that led to myelin sheath inflammatory assaults, thus causing axonal destruction. The former consequently provokes motor impairment and psychological disorders. Markedly, depression is one of the most prevalent lifelong comorbidities that negatively impacts the quality of life in MS patients. Vortioxetine (VTX), a multi-modal molecule prescribed to manage depression and anxiety disorder, additionally, it displays a promising neuroprotective properties against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. To this end, the present study investigated the potential therapeutic efficacy of VTX against experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of MS in mice. Notably, treatment with VTX significantly ameliorated EAE-induced motor disability, as evident by enhanced performance in open field, rotarod and grip strength tests, alongside a reduction in immobility time during the forced swimming test, indicating a mitigation of the depressive-like behavior; outcomes that were corroborated with histological examinations and biochemical analyses. Mechanistically, VTX enhanced serotonin levels by inhibiting both serotonin transporter (SERT) and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) enzyme, thereby promoting the activation of serotonin 1A (5-HT1A) receptor. The latter triggered the stimulation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) cascade that entailed activation/phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). This activation increased brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and myelin basic protein (MBP) contents that mitigated demyelination in the corpus callosum. Furthermore, VTX suppressed phospho serine 536 nuclear factor kappa B (pS536 NF-κB p65) activity and reduced tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) production. The results underscore VTX's beneficial effects on disease severity in EAE model of MS in mice by amending both inflammatory and neurodegenerative components of MS progression.

An Overview of the Management of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Six French-Speaking African Countries from 2018 to 2022.

Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) poses a significant public health challenge, particularly in resource-limited settings. The prevalence and management of DR-TB in African countries require comprehensive strategies to improve patient outcomes and control the spread of the disease. Aggregated routine data (from 2018 to 2022) on multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) were collected from the National TB Programs (NTPs) from all six countries. The diagnostic capacity for MDR-TB was globally insufficient. The system for collecting and transporting samples was sometimes inoperative. A total of 2353 cases of MDR-TB were reported, with 86.4% receiving treatment. The gap between the expected number of MDR-TB cases and the number reported per country varied from 51.5% to 88.0%, depending on the year. Fifty-two extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB cases received treatment regimens over five years, with variations across countries. All patients received free follow-up examinations, nutritional and financial support for travel expenses to the outpatient care and treatment centers. The MDR-TB treatment success rates for all regimens between 2018 and 2021 ranged from 44.4 to 90.9%, varying by country and year. The information system relied on primary tools, reporting tools, and digital solutions. Progress has been made in MDR-TB management; however, challenges persist, necessitating resources to enhance access to rapid molecular screening tests.

Flibanserin conquers murine depressive pseudodementia by amending HPA axis, maladaptive inflammation and AKT/GSK/STAT/BDNF trajectory: Center-staging of the serotonergic/adrenergic circuitry.

Depressive pseudodementia (DPD) is a debilitating cognitive dysfunction that accompanies major and/or frequent depressive attacks. DPD has gained significant research attention owing to its negative effects on the patients' quality of life and productivity. This study tested the procognitive potential of Flibanserin (FBN), the serotonin (5HT) receptor modulator, against propranolol (PRP), as ß/5HT1A receptors blocker. Serving this purpose, female Wistar Albino rats were subjected to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) and subsequently treated with FBN only (3 mg/kg/day, p.o), PRP only (10 mg/kg/day, p.o), or PRP followed by FBN, using the same doses. FBN ameliorated the behavioral/cognitive alterations and calmed the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis storm by reducing the levels of stress-related hormones, viz, corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone (CORT) parallel to epinephrine (EPI) hyperstimulation. The maladaptive inflammatory response, comprising of interleukin (IL)-1ß/6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, was consequently blunted. This was contemporaneous to the partial restoration of the protein kinase-B (AKT)/glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)3ß/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-3 survival trajectory and the reinstatement of the levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Microscopically, FBN repaired the hippocampal architecture and lessened CD68/GFAP immunoreactivity. Pre-administration of PRP partially abolished FBN effect along the estimated parameters, except for 5HT2A receptor expression and epinephrine level, to prove 5HT1A receptor as a fulcrum initiator of the investigated pathway, while its sole administration worsened the underlying condition. Ultimately, these findings highlight the immense procognitive potential of FBN, offering a new paradigm for halting DPD advancement via synchronizing adrenergic/serotonergic circuitry.

Formulation of a Three-Component Essential Oil Mixture from Lavandula dentata, Rosmarinus officinalis, and Myrtus communis for Improved Antioxidant Activity.

The optimization of existing natural antioxidants that are highly effective is crucial for advancements in medicine and the food industry. Due to growing concerns regarding the safety of synthetic antioxidants, researchers are increasingly focusing on natural sources, particularly essential oils (EOs). Combining EOs might enhance antioxidant activity due to increased chemical diversity. This study investigates, for the first time, the antioxidant properties of EOs from Lavandula dentata, Rosmarinus officinalis, and Myrtus communis, both individually and in combination, using the augmented-simplex design methodology. The in vitro evaluation of the antioxidant activity was performed using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. Chromatography gas-mass spectrometry (CG-MS) revealed that 1,8-cineol (37.27%) and pinocarveol (12.67%) are the primary components of L. dentata; verbenone (16.90%), camphor (15.00%), and camphene (11.03%) are predominant in R. officinalis; while cineol (43.32%) is the main component of M. communis. The EOs showed varying scavenging activities against ABTS and DPPH radicals, with DPPH assay values ranging from 194.10 ± 3.01 to 541.19 ± 3.72 µg/mL and ABTS assay values ranging from 134.07 ± 1.70 to 663.42 ± 2.99 µg/mL. These activities were enhanced when the EOs were combined. The optimal antioxidant blend for DPPHIC50 consisted of 20% L. dentata, 50% R. officinalis, and 30% M. communis. For the highest ABTS radical scavenging activity, the best combination was 18% L. dentata, 43% R. officinalis, and 40% M. communis. These results highlight the potential of EO combinations as new natural formulations for use in cosmeceutical, food, and pharmaceutical sectors.

Are the Clinical Outcomes and Cost-Effectiveness of Robot-Assisted Pedicle Screw Placement in Lumbar Fusion Surgery Superior to Computed Tomography Navigation and Freehand Fluoroscopy-Guided Techniques? A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Spinal fusion surgery is known to be an expensive intervention. Although innovative technologies in the field aim at improving operative efficiency and outcomes, total costs must be considered. The authors hope to elucidate any differences between robot-assisted (RA) and computed tomography navigation (CT-nav) or freehand fluoroscopy-guided (FFG) pedicle screw placement in relation to patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness in lumbar fusion surgery (LFS). METHODS: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, the authors performed a systematic review to identify studies comparing clinical outcomes between CT-nav or RA versus FFG in LFS patients. All included studies utilized bilateral pedicle screws. Statistical analysis was performed using R. RESULTS: Of the 1162 identified studies, 5 were included in the analysis. Direct evidence showed that RA decreased hospital length of stay when compared to FFG (mean difference [MD]: -2.67 days; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -4.25 to -1.08; P < 0.01). Indirect evidence showed that RA decreased operative time when compared to CT-nav (MD: -65.57 minutes; 95% CI: -127.7 to -3.44; P < 0.05). For estimated blood loss, direct evidence showed that RA was superior to FFG (MD: -120.62 mL; 95% CI: -206.39 to -34.86; P < 0.01). However, no significant difference was found between RA and CT-nav for estimated blood loss (MD: 14.88 mL; 95% CI: -105.54 to 135.3; P > 0.05). There were no other significant differences in Oswestry Disability Index, visual analog scale, or complication or reoperation rates between RA and FFG or CT-nav. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that RA pedicle screw placement in LFS provides similar patient outcomes to CT-nav and FFG. Robot-assisted operations were found to give rise to cost savings via decreased length of stay when compared to both CT-nav and FFG techniques. Cost-savings of $4086-$4865/patient and $7317-$9654/patient could be achieved when utilizing RA over CT-nav and FFG, respectively. However, extra upfront and maintenance costs may impact full adoption of RA in LFS.

Rutin-Loaded Transethosomal Gel for Topical Application: A Comprehensive Analysis of Skin Permeation and Antimicrobial Efficacy.

This study conducts a systematic investigation of the creation and optimization of a rutin-loaded transethosome intended for topical use. The formulation's characteristics were thoroughly assessed for vesicle size (160.45 ± 1.98 nm), polydispersity index (0.235 ± 0.067), and zeta potential (-22.89 mV), with an entrapment efficiency and drug loading of 89.99 ± 1.55% and 8.9 ± 2.11%, respectively, and found to have a spherical shape by the use of transmission electron microscopy. The conversion to a gel suitable for application on the skin was carried out. The drug release form Opt-RUT-TE formulation (73.61 ± 2.55%) was significantly higher than that of release form RUT-suspension (34.52 ± 1.19%). The drug that permeated the skin from Opt-RUT-TEG (935.25 ± 10.49 µg/cm2) was significantly higher than the permeability from RUT-Suspension gel (522.57 ± 6.79 µg/cm2). Notably, tape stripping analysis revealed that the Opt-RUT-TE gel effectively penetrated the skin layers, with a higher concentration observed in the epidermis-dermis than in the RUT-suspension gel. The transethosomal gel exhibited favorable characteristics, highlighting its capacity to efficiently permeate the skin and suppress the growth of microorganisms, and Opt-RUT-TEG showed a higher microorganism inhibition zone (Gram-positive bacteria) than that of RUT-suspension gel. The investigation highlights the significant therapeutic possibilities of rutin in a transethosomal gel formulation for treating dermatological diseases by improving skin permeability and exhibiting antibacterial effects.

Atopy and allergic diseases among college students at a Saudi Public University.

Background: Despite its significant prevalence worldwide, atopy and allergic diseases continue to need more studies, with a need for published articles describing the prevalence of atopy and allergic diseases in Saudi society. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of atopic dermatitis diseases among college students at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University. Methods: The Cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia among college students at Imam Mohammed bin Saud Islamic University in Riyadh based on self-report Asthma and Allergies questionnaires (ISSAC questionnaire, atopic dermatitis part). Results: Seven hundred ninety-seven (797) students from 11 colleges participated in the study. About half (47.6%) aged between 21 and 24, and 73.7% were females. More than one-third (34.8%) had atopic dermatitis during the last six months, while 30.7% of the participants reported having itchy rash in the past 12 months, and 33.8% were diagnosed with eczema in any life interval. Age is not one of the significant factors affecting the prevalence of atopic dermatitis. However, the prevalence of atopic dermatitis slightly increases with age (P = 0.062). Atopic dermatitis was significantly higher among female students (39.7%) than 21.0% among male students (P = 0.000). College level nor GPA had no significant impact on the prevalence of atopic dermatitis (P = 0.238 and 0.884, respectively). Conclusion: Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University students have a high prevalence of atopic dermatitis, which may indicate a higher prevalence of allergens. Females and older participants were more liable to reported atopic dermatitis.

Nurses' knowledge of medical device-related pressure injuries and risk factors: A descriptive study at a large medical centre from Palestine.

BACKGROUND: Nurses' knowledge of pressure injuries causes and risk factors helps to prevent their occurrences and protect the patient. AIM: To assess the level of knowledge of medical device-related pressure injuries and to identify risk factors that affect the knowledge. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was used in this study considering a convenience sample from critical care nurses. The nurses were invited to complete the Medical Device-Related Pressure Injuries Knowledge Questionnaire. RESULTS: About 71 nurses participated in the study. The mean score of MDRPI_KQ was 23.28 ± 4.14 out of 36. Mann-Whitney Test did not show statistically significant relationships between the MDRPI_KQ mean score and related variables (p > 0.05). The regression results indicated that the three predictors explained 46.4% of the variance (R2 = 0.215, F(3, 6.114) = 3.75, p = 0.001). It was found that the Frequency of encountering a patient with MDRPIs significantly predicted MDRPI_KQ score, job position, and assuming the care responsibility for MDRPIs in the department. CONCLUSIONS: Poor knowledge of pressure injuries can negatively affect patient care so training programs and policies should be developed based on the level of knowledge and practices of the staff to be more effective.

Impacts of poultry by-product meal substituting fishmeal on growth efficiency, body composition, liver, and intestine morphology of European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax.

A twelve week feeding experiment was conducted to evaluate the replacement of fishmeal (FM) with poultry by-product meal (PBM) in practical diets for European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax with an average initial weight of 0.89 g. Five isocaloric (5.1 kcal lipid g-1) and isonitrogenous (451 g protein kg-1) diets were formulated with PBM replacing FM at levels of 0% (control), 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. The experiment was carried out in 30-in. nylon mesh net cages (hapas). At the termination of the trial, growth performance including final body weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, and protein growth rate of diets containing up to 75% PBM were comparable to those of the control group, whereas the diet with 100% PBM resulted in a significantly lower values (p < 0.05). Feed utilization exhibited variation among the treatments (p < 0.05). Whole body composition also showed significant differences across the dietary treatments. Essential amino acid (EAA) contents specifically arginine (Arg), histidine (His), methionine (Met), and threonine (Thr) in the whole body of fish fed diets with up to 50% PBM replacement were not significantly different from those in the control group. Furthermore, the intestinal microvilli length, width and absorption area increased significantly (p < 0.05) with PBM replacement levels up to 50%. Histological analysis of the liver revealed mild vacuolation of hepatocytes in fish fed up to 50% PBM,while pre-pancreatic fatty degeneration of hepatocytes was observed in fish fed diets with 75% and 100% PBM. Therefore, this study demonstrates that PBM can replace up to 50% of FM in the diets of European sea bass without adverse effects on growth performance, body composition, or liver and intestine morphology.

Key performance indicators for monitoring of anemia management and iron status in children attending a pediatric dialysis unit: the experience of Ain Shams University.

BACKGROUND: Anemia in children on maintenance hemodialysis (HD) leads to poor quality of life. Our study aimed to assess and monitor anemia and iron status management in children on maintenance HD over 18 months using key performance indicators. METHODS: Key performance indicators, formulated as the percentage of patients achieving the KDIGO (2012) guideline-recommended targets for hemoglobin (Hb) (11-12 g/dl), transferrin saturation (TSAT) (20-40%) and serum ferritin (200-500 ng/ml), were reported quarterly over the 18-month-period of this study. RESULTS: This study was carried out over an 18 month-period, from April 1st, 2020, till October 31st, 2021. A total of 78 patients (45 males and 33 females) were included; mean age 12.16 ± 3.3 years and HD duration range 3.0-140.88 months, median 16.51 months. The three most common primary causes of CKD were Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract (CAKUT) (29.5%), unknown cause (24.4%), and chronic glomerular diseases (20.5%). The quarterly reported percentages of patients achieving the recommended targets for Hb, TSAT, and serum ferritin ranges were 18.2-35.7%, 38.8-57.1%, and 11.9-26.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Although the mean Hb trend was nearing the KDIGO (2012) target, the key performance indicators showed that only a small percentage of our HD patients were achieving the targets for Hb, TSAT, & serum ferritin, thus alerting us to the need to revise our protocol for the management of anemia and iron status.