Dermatological Manifestation of SLE Patients, Living in Aseer Region.

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that affects both men and women differently and has a variety of multisystemic symptoms. One of the diseases most often affected target organs is the skin. Different ethnic and racial groupings may display variations in disease incidence, clinical heterogeneity, and severity depending on environmental, cultural, or genetic factors. This study is conducted to determine the prevalence of SLE's cutaneous symptoms and their relationship to organ involvement. Materials and Methods: Data were gathered for this study from the patient chart, the study design was the retrospective chart review after the consent of the patients and obtaining an ethical approval, The study was carried out in Aseer Central Hospital, Abha Saudi Arabia. Results: Out of a total of 100 patients 92% were females while 8% were males. The mean (SD) of the age of the respondent was 38.3 (8.5). 89.2 of the respondents had skin manifestations. Conclusion: A thorough understanding of SLE skin lesions will aid in the accurate identification of the condition and in the effective therapy of lupus patients. In order to more accurately diagnose cutaneous lesions in SLE patients, we need more dermatology and rheumatology clinics that combine expertise together.

Heterologous maternal antibodies derived from infectious bronchitis vaccines prevent the development of lesions associated with false layer syndrome.

Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) strains of the Delmarva (DMV)/1639 genotype have been causing false layer syndrome (FLS) in the Eastern Canadian layer operations since the end of 2015. FLS is characterized by the development of cystic oviducts in layer pullets infected at an early age. Currently, there are no homologous vaccines for the control of this IBV genotype. Our previous research showed that a heterologous vaccination regimen incorporating Massachusetts (Mass) and Connecticut (Conn) IBV types protects layers against DMV/1639 genotype IBV. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of maternal antibodies conferred by breeders received the same vaccination regimen in the protection against the development of DMV/1639-induced FLS in pullets. Maternal antibody-positive (MA+) and maternal antibody-negative (MA-) female progeny chicks were challenged at 1 day of age and kept under observation for 16 weeks. Oviductal cystic formations were observed in 3 of 14 birds (21.4 %) in the MA- pullets, while the lesions were notably absent in the MA+ pullets. Milder histopathological lesions were observed in the examined tissues of the MA+ pullets. However, the maternal derived immunity failed to demonstrate protection against the damage to the tracheal ciliary activity, viral shedding, and viral tissue distribution. Overall, this study underscores the limitations of maternal derived immunity in preventing certain aspects of viral pathogenesis, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies to address different aspects of IBV infection.

Sex Related Anatomical Differences in Patients With Aortic Arch Pathology and Their Impact on the Feasibility of Double and Triple Branched Endografts.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate sex based differences in ascending aorta and arch anatomy in patients with underlying proximal aortic disease and to evaluate their impact on feasibility for total endovascular repair with custom made, arch branched devices. METHODS: This was a retrospective cross-sectional review of all patients undergoing open and or total endovascular arch repair due to distal ascending aorta and or aortic arch pathologies in a single high volume aortic centre between 2012 and 2022. Anatomical ascending aorta and aortic arch parameters were analysed on a centreline of flow on a dedicated 3D workstation. Sex related differences of the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and supra-aortic vessels were evaluated. Subsequently, four endovascular devices were assessed for feasibility: double and triple branched devices both for the Zenith (Cook Medical) and Relay (Terumo Aortic) platforms, first in accordance with the instructions for use and then considering the possibility of adjunctive cervical debranching. The primary endpoints were sex specific differences in aortic anatomy, while secondary endpoints included sex based feasibility of branched endograft devices. RESULTS: During the study period, 395 patients underwent total aortic arch repair, of whom 152 (51 female, 33.5%) had high quality available computed tomography angiographies and were included in the study. Female patients had a shorter proximal landing zone than male patients (22 mm vs. 47 mm; p < .001). Left subclavian artery dissection was more frequent in men (24.8% vs. 3.9%; p < .001). Other anatomical parameters showed a similar distribution between sexes. Female patients presented a lower feasibility for double branched devices (35.3% vs. 58.4%; p = .015) as well as a tendency for lower feasibility rates for triple branched devices (31.4% vs. 47.5%; p = .081). CONCLUSION: Although most ascending aortic and arch parameters showed similar trends in both sexes, the availability of a suitable proximal landing zone was lower in female patients. Consequently, female patients had lower feasibility rates for double arch branched endografts and, to lesser extent, for triple arch branched endografts.

DFT and TD-DFT Investigations for the Limitations of Lengthening the Polyene Bridge between N,N-dimethylanilino Donor and Dicyanovinyl Acceptor Molecules as a D-π-A Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell.

One useful technique for increasing the efficiency of organic dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is to extend the π-conjugated bridges between the donor (D) and the acceptor (A) units. The present study used the DFT and TD-DFT techniques to investigate the effect of lengthening the polyene bridge between the donor N, N-dimethyl-anilino and the acceptor dicyanovinyl. The results of the calculated key properties were not all in line with expectations. Planar structure was associated with increasing the π-conjugation linker, implying efficient electron transfer from the donor to the acceptor. A smaller energy gap, greater oscillator strength values, and red-shifted electronic absorption were also observed when the number of polyene units was increased. However, some results indicated that the potential of the stated dyes to operate as effective dye-sensitized solar cells is limited when the polyene bridge is extended. Increasing the polyene units causes the HOMO level to rise until it exceeds the redox potential of the electrolyte, which delays regeneration and impedes the electron transport cycle from being completed. As the number of conjugated units increases, the terminal lobes of HOMO and LUMO continue to shrink, which affects the ease of intramolecular charge transfer within the dyes. Smaller polyene chain lengths yielded the most favorable results when evaluating the efficiency of electron injection and regeneration. This means that the charge transfer mechanism between the conduction band of the semiconductor and the electrolyte is not improved by extending the polyene bridge. The open circuit voltage (VOC) was reduced from 1.23 to 0.70 V. Similarly, the excited-state duration (τ) decreased from 1.71 to 1.23 ns as the number of polyene units increased from n = 1 to n = 10. These findings are incompatible with the power conversion efficiency requirements of DSSCs. Therefore, the elongation of the polyene bridge in such D-π-A configurations rules out its application in solar cell devices.

Postoperative Pain Following Transoral Thyroidectomy via Vestibular Approach and Cervical Thyroidectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy via the vestibular approach (TOETVA) represents a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open thyroidectomy (OT). The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to comprehensively analyze and compare postoperative pain outcomes between conventional open thyroidectomy (COT) and TOETVA. We conducted a systematic search across multiple databases, including PubMed, Medline, Elton B. Stephens Company (EBSCO), and Google Scholar, to identify cohorts and randomized trials comparing postoperative pain outcomes between patients undergoing transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy via the vestibular approach (TOETVA) and those undergoing conventional thyroidectomy. The search period spanned from the earliest available article up to January 15, 2022. Keywords such as "scarless thyroidectomy," "endoscopic transoral via vestibular thyroidectomy," "conventional thyroidectomy," "transcervical thyroidectomy," "postoperative pain," and "visual analog pain score" were utilized to retrieve relevant studies. A total of 1,291 patients from 11 studies were included in our analysis, with 10 studies originating from Asia and one from Europe. Among these studies, seven were prospective, while four were retrospective. The primary outcome measure was postoperative pain. Various statistical tests were also performed for data analysis, including the Chi-square and random effects model. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of studies. There was no significant statistical difference observed between the endoscopic transoral vestibular route and the conventional cervical approach in terms of visual analog scale (VAS) score, with an odds ratio of -0.37 and a 95% confidence interval ranging from -0.9 to 0.17. The overall effect had a P-value of 0.18. However, substantial heterogeneity was noted, with an I2 value for heterogeneity of 98% and a P-value for heterogeneity of less than 0.001. The Chi-square value was calculated as 364.02, and the main difference was 9. In comparison, TOETVA exhibited lower pain levels on the first day post-operation compared to conventional thyroidectomy, with an odds ratio of -1.36 and a 95% confidence interval ranging from -2.65 to -0.06. Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy via the vestibular approach demonstrated superior outcomes compared to conventional thyroidectomy in terms of postoperative pain management on the first day following surgery. However, when considering overall pain management throughout the recovery period, no significant difference was observed between the two approaches. More extensive studies evaluating pain levels on the day of surgery and controlling for analgesic interventions are warranted.

Incidence of mortality and risk factors among adult stroke patients in public hospitals Jigjiga town Somali region, Ethiopia: Cohort study design.

Background: A stroke is a sudden loss of blood supply to the brain, leading to permanent tissue damage caused by embolism, thrombosis, or hemorrhagic events. Almost 85% of strokes are ischemic strokes. Objective: To assess the incidence of mortality and risk factors among adult stroke patients in public hospitals of Jigjiga town, Somali Region, Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based retrospective cohort study was conducted from 25 May to 15 June 2022 at Sheikh Hassen Yabare Referral Hospital and Karamara Hospital. Data were entered using Epi-Data version 4.3 and exported to be analyzed using SPSS 20 statistical software. Kaplan-Meier was used to estimate mean survival time, and a predictor with a p-value < 0.05 was considered to have a significant in multivariate Cox regression. Results: About 480 stroke patients' charts were included in this study; among those, 229 (53.3%) were male stroke patients, and 259 (60.2%) had an ischemic stroke. The overall incidence rate was 7.15 deaths per 1000 person-day observations. The overall median survival time for adult stroke patients was 120 days. GCS level b/n 3-8 has a lower survival time with a mean survival time of 57 days (95% CI: 48.8-66.7) as compared to those who had GCS level 9-12 with a mean survival time of 103 days (95% CI: 93.4-112.9). Age ⩾ 71 (AHR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.02-3.45), presence of pneumonia (AHR = 2.7; 95% CI: 1.52-4.63), and history of hypertension (AHR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.08-3.89) were the predictors of mortality among stroke patients. Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, the incidence of mortality was high, at 7.15 per 1000 person-years. The presence of pneumonia, decreased GCS, age ⩾ 7, and history of hypertension were predictors of mortality in adult stroke patients.

The connection between hypertension and diabetes and their role in heart and kidney disease development.

Hypertension and diabetes are two common metabolic disorders that often coexist in the same individual. Their concurrence increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, renal dysfunction, and other complications. Cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of morbidity and mortality in individuals with diabetes, and hypertension further aggravates this condition. Interestingly, hypertension and diabetes share several common pathophysiological mechanisms including insulin resistance, vascular inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, obesity, and oxidative stress suggesting a cross-talk between these two conditions that could potentially contribute to the development of other human diseases. Effective management of diabetes should include a multifaceted approach that addresses not only glycemic control but also blood pressure (BP) and lipid control. Treatment plans should be individualized to each patient's needs and should involve a combination of lifestyle modifications and medications to achieve optimal control. With the availability of newer antidiabetic medications such as SGLT inhibitors and GLP1 receptor agonists, it is crucial to consider their potential to reduce BP, enhance kidney function, and lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases when initiating treatment for glycemic control. A more profound comprehension of the shared underlying mechanisms between these conditions could pave the way for the development of innovative therapeutic approaches to tackle them. Our review offers an in-depth analysis of the literature, providing a holistic view of the mechanisms underlying diabetes-hypertension comorbidity and its implications on heart and kidney diseases. The present article concludes by discussing current approaches for managing hypertensive diabetic patients to create a set of comprehensive individualized recommendations.

Providing technical assistance: lessons learned from the first three years of the WHO Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Technical Assistance Coordination Mechanism.

Young people's sexual and reproductive health (SRH) continues to be a major challenge in low and middle-income countries, with implications for public health now and in the future. Fortunately there is a growing array of evidence-based interventions, and commitments from governments, development partners and donors, to support programmes that aim to improve young people's SRH.However, in some situations, the technical assistance that governments feel that they need to strengthen and implement national policies and strategies, to move from words to action, is not available. The WHO Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (AYSRHR) Technical Assistance (TA) Coordination Mechanism was initiated to help fill this technical assistance gap; to respond to TA requests from ministries of health in ways that are timely, efficient, effective and contribute to strengthening capacity.This paper describes the process of developing the Technical Assistance Coordination Mechanism (TA Mechanism) and the outcomes, experiences and lessons learned after three years of working. It triangulates the findings from a preliminary review of the literature and discussions with selected key informants; the outcomes from a series of structured review meetings; and the documented processes and results of the technical assistance provided to countries.The lessons learned focus on three aspects of the TA Mechanism. How it was conceptualized and designed: through listening to people who provide and receive AYSRHR TA and by reviewing and synthesizing past experiences of TA provision. What the TA Mechanism has achieved: a standardized process for TA provision, at different stages for a range of AYSRHR issues in ten countries in three geographic regions. And what worked well and what did not: which common challenges was the TA Mechanism able to address and which ones persisted despite efforts to avoid or resolve them. The paper ends with the implications of the lessons learned for future action.

A new single switch universal supply voltage DC-DC converter for PV systems with MGWM-AFLC MPPT controller.

The present power generation government companies focus on Renewable Power Sources (RPS) because their features are zero carbon footprint, unlimited power source, fewer greenhouse pollutants, fewer output wastages, plus creatinga very healthy atmosphere. In this work, the sunlight source is utilized for the Photovoltaic (PV) standalone network. The merits of sunlight sources are very optimal human resources needed, unlimited natural sources, plus easy operation. However, the solar power resource is nonlinear fashion. As a result, the operating point of the sunlight network fluctuates concerning sunlight intensity. So, in this article, the Modified Grey Wolf Methodology with Adaptive Fuzzy Logic Controller (MGWM-AFLC) is introduced to maintain the operating point of the sunlight system at the global power point position of the PV array. This controller traces the MPP with very low fluctuations in the PV-produced voltage. The advantages of this proposed method arefewer sensing devices required, less difficulty in development, more useful for rapid changes inthe sunlight temperatures, simpler to realize operation, greater economic growth, plus highly useful for household applications. The sunlight set-up generation voltage is lowwhich is improved by introducing the new Wide Power Rating High Voltage DC-DC Boost Converter (WPRHVBC). The features of this WPRHV converter are low voltage strain on semiconductor devices, few passive elements are enough to develop the circuit, plus easy understanding.

The influence of internally architected voids in the creation of high-strength, low-weight 3D-printed cobalt-chromium prototypes.

Background: The additive manufacturing technology made the topology optimization technique feasible. This technique can indefinitely reduce the weight of the printed items with a promising increase in the mechanical properties of that item. Materials and Methods: In the current experimental study, 50 samples were fabricated for a 3-point bending test. They were divided into (n = 5) as a control Group 1 free of internal geometries, (n = 15) for each of Groups 2-4, and they were subdivided into (n = 5) for each percentage of reduction per volume (10%, 15%, and 20%). Spherical, ovoid, and diamond shapes were each group's fundamental geometries, respectively. Cylindrical tunnels connected the voids in each group. Radiographic images were performed to validate the created geometries, the weight was measured, and flexural strength and modulus of elasticity were calculated. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Duncan's post hoc tests at P < 0.05. Results: The weight results showed a significant reduction in mass. The flexural strength of Group 2 at a 10% reduction per volume had the highest mean significantly without compromising the elastic modulus. In comparison, the means of group 4 at 20% reduction showed the lowest level of toughness. Conclusion: The weight was reduced according to the reduction percentage. The flexural strength of Group 2 at a 10% reduction showed the highest degree of toughness among all groups. The void shape and density influenced the mechanical properties tested.

Analysis of Target Vessel Instability in Fenestrated Endovascular Repair (f-EVAR) in Thoraco-Abdominal Aortic Pathologies.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of target vessel anatomy and post-stenting geometry on the outcome of fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (f-EVAR). Methods: A retrospective review of data from a single center was conducted, including all consecutive fenestrated endovascular aortic repairs (f-EVARs) performed between September 2018 and December 2023 for thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) and complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (cAAAs). The analysis focused on the correlation of target vessel instability to target vessel anatomy and geometry after stenting. The primary endpoint was the cumulative incidence of target vessel instability. Secondary endpoints were the 30-day and follow-up re-interventions. Results: A total of 136 patients underwent f-EVAR with 481 stented target vessels. A total of ten target vessel instabilities occurred including three in visceral and seven instabilities in renal vessels. The cumulative incidence of target vessel instability with death as the competing risk was 1.4%, 1.8% and 3.4% at 1, 2 and 3 years, respectively. In renal target vessels (260/481), a diameter ≤ 4 mm (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.035-1.274, p = 0.009) and an aortic protrusion ≥ 5.75 mm (OR 8.21, 95% CI 3.150-12-23, p = 0.027) was associated with an increased target vessel instability. In visceral target vessels (221/481), instability was significantly associated with a preoperative tortuosity index ≥ 1.25 (HR 15.19, CI 95% 2.50-17.47, p = 0.045) and an oversizing ratio of ≥1.25 (HR 7.739, CI % 4.756-12.878, p = 0.049). Conclusions: f-EVAR showed favorable mid-term results concerning target vessel instability in the current cohort. A diameter of ≤4 mm and an aortic protrusion of ≥5.75 mm in the renal target vessels as well as a preoperative tortuosity index and an oversizing of the bridging stent of ≥1.25 in the visceral target vessels should be avoided.

The role of internal architecture in producing high-strength 3D printed cobalt-chromium objects.

PURPOSE: The objectives of the current study were to estimate the influence of self-reinforced hollow structures with a graded density on the dimensional accuracy, weight, and mechanical properties of Co-Cr objects printed with the direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-five dog-bone samples were manufactured to evaluate the dimensional accuracy of printing, weight, and tensile properties of DMLS printed Co-Cr. They were divided into Group 1 (control) (n = 5), Group 2, 3, and 4 with incorporated hollow structures based on (spherical, elliptical, and diamond) shapes; they were subdivided into subgroups (n = 5) according to the volumetric reduction (10%, 15%, 20% and 25%). Radiographic imaging and microscopic analysis of the fractographs were conducted to validate the created geometries; the dimensional accuracy, weight, yield tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity were calculated. The data were estimated by one-way ANOVA and Duncan's tests at P < .05. RESULTS: The accuracy test showed an insignificant difference in the x, y, z directions in all printed groups. The weight was significantly reduced proportionally to the reduced volume fraction. The yield strength and elastic modulus of the control group and Group 2 at 10% volume reduction were comparable and significantly higher than the other subgroups. CONCLUSION: The printing accuracy was not affected by the presence or type of the hollow geometry. The weight of Group 2 at 10% reduction was significantly lower than that of the control group. The yield strength and elastic modulus of the Group 2 at a 10% reduction showed means equivalent to the compact objects and were significantly higher than other subgroups.

Metabolite profiling of human renal cell carcinoma reveals tissue-origin dominance in nutrient availability.

The tumor microenvironment is a determinant of cancer progression and therapeutic efficacy, with nutrient availability playing an important role. Although it is established that the local abundance of specific nutrients defines the metabolic parameters for tumor growth, the factors guiding nutrient availability in tumor compared to normal tissue and blood remain poorly understood. To define these factors in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), we performed quantitative metabolomic and comprehensive lipidomic analyses of tumor interstitial fluid (TIF), adjacent normal kidney interstitial fluid (KIF), and plasma samples collected from patients. TIF nutrient composition closely resembles KIF, suggesting that tissue-specific factors unrelated to the presence of cancer exert a stronger influence on nutrient levels than tumor-driven alterations. Notably, select metabolite changes consistent with known features of RCC metabolism are found in RCC TIF, while glucose levels in TIF are not depleted to levels that are lower than those found in KIF. These findings inform tissue nutrient dynamics in RCC, highlighting a dominant role of non-cancer-driven tissue factors in shaping nutrient availability in these tumors.

Cancer cells convert nutrients into energy differently compared to healthy cells. This difference in metabolism allows them to grow and divide more quickly and sometimes to migrate to different areas of the body. The environment around cancer cells ­ known as the tumor microenvironment ­ contains a variety of different cells and blood vessels, which are bathed in interstitial fluid. This microenvironment provides nutrients for the cancer cells to metabolize, and therefore influences how well a tumor grows and how it might respond to treatment. Recent advances with techniques such as mass spectrometry, which can measure the chemical composition of a substance, have allowed scientists to measure nutrient levels in the tumor microenvironments of mice. However, it has been more difficult to conduct such studies in humans, as well as to compare the tumor microenvironment to the healthy tissue the tumors arose from. Abbott, Ali, Reinfeld et al. aimed to fill this gap in knowledge by using mass spectrometry to measure the nutrient levels in the tumor microenvironment of 55 patients undergoing surgery to remove kidney tumors. Comparing the type and levels of nutrients in the tumor interstitial fluid, the neighboring healthy kidney and the blood showed that nutrients in the tumor and healthy kidney were more similar to each other than those in the blood. For example, both the tumor and healthy kidney interstitial fluids contained less glucose than the blood. However, the difference between nutrient composition in the tumor and healthy kidney interstitial fluids was insignificant, suggesting that the healthy kidney and its tumor share a similar environment. Taken together, the findings indicate that kidney cancer cells must adapt to the nutrients available in the kidney, rather than changing what nutrients are available in the tissue. Future studies will be required to investigate whether this finding also applies to other types of cancer. A better understanding of how cancer cells adapt to their environments may aid the development of drugs that aim to disrupt the metabolism of tumors.

Development of inorganic and mixed matrix membranes for application in toxic dyes-contaminated industrial effluents with in-situ treatments.

Dyes are the most ubiquitous organic pollutants in industrial effluents. They are highly toxic to both plants and animals; thus, their removal is paramount to the sustainability of ecosystem. However, they have shown resistance to photolysis and various biological, physical, and chemical wastewater remediation processes. Membrane removal technology has been vital for the filtration/separation of the dyes. In comparison to polymeric membranes, inorganic and mixed matrix (MM) membranes have shown potentials to the removal of dyes. The inorganic and MM membranes are particularly effective due to their high porosity, enhanced stability, improved permeability, higher enhanced selectivity and good stability and resistance to harsh chemical and thermal conditions. They have shown prospects in filtration/separation, adsorption, and catalytic degradation of the dyes. This review highlighted the advantages of the inorganic and MM membranes for the various removal techniques for the treatments of the dyes. Methods for the membranes production have been reviewed. Their application for the filtration/separation and adsorption have been critically analyzed. Their application as support for advanced oxidation processes such as persulfate, photo-Fenton and photocatalytic degradations have been highlighted. The mechanisms underscoring the efficiency of the processes have been cited. Lastly, comments were given on the prospects and challenges of both inorganic and MM membranes towards removal of the dyes from industrial effluents.

Neurosurgical and pharmacological management of dystonia.

Dystonia characterizes a group of neurological movement disorders characterized by abnormal muscle movements, often with repetitive or sustained contraction resulting in abnormal posturing. Different types of dystonia present based on the affected body regions and play a prominent role in determining the potential efficacy of a given intervention. For most patients afflicted with these disorders, an exact cause is rarely identified, so treatment mainly focuses on symptomatic alleviation. Pharmacological agents, such as oral anticholinergic administration and botulinum toxin injection, play a major role in the initial treatment of patients. In more severe and/or refractory cases, focal areas for neurosurgical intervention are identified and targeted to improve quality of life. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) targets these anatomical locations to minimize dystonia symptoms. Surgical ablation procedures and peripheral denervation surgeries also offer potential treatment to patients who do not respond to DBS. These management options grant providers and patients the ability to weigh the benefits and risks for each individual patient profile. This review article explores these pharmacological and neurosurgical management modalities for dystonia, providing a comprehensive assessment of each of their benefits and shortcomings.

Hindering the biofilm of microbial pathogens and cancer cell lines development using silver nanoparticles synthesized by epidermal mucus proteins from Clarias gariepinus.

Scientists know very little about the mechanisms underlying fish skin mucus, despite the fact that it is a component of the immune system. Fish skin mucus is an important component of defence against invasive infections. Recently, Fish skin and its mucus are gaining interest among immunologists. Characterization was done on the obtained silver nanoparticles Ag combined with Clarias gariepinus catfish epidermal mucus proteins (EMP-Ag-NPs) through UV-vis, FTIR, XRD, TEM, and SEM. Ag-NPs ranged in size from 4 to 20 nm, spherical in form and the angles were 38.10°, 44.20°, 64.40°, and 77.20°, Where wavelength change after formation of EMP-Ag-NPs as indicate of dark brown, the broad band recorded at wavelength at 391 nm. Additionally, the antimicrobial, antibiofilm and anticancer activities of EMP-Ag-NPs was assessed. The present results demonstrate high activity against unicellular fungi C. albicans, followed by E. faecalis. Antibiofilm results showed strong activity against both S. aureus and P. aeruginosa pathogens in a dose-dependent manner, without affecting planktonic cell growth. Also, cytotoxicity effect was investigated against normal cells (Vero), breast cancer cells (Mcf7) and hepatic carcinoma (HepG2) cell lines at concentrations (200-6.25 µg/mL) and current results showed highly anticancer effect of Ag-NPs at concentrations 100, 5 and 25 µg/mL exhibited rounding, shrinkage, deformation and granulation of Mcf7 and HepG2 with IC50 19.34 and 31.16 µg/mL respectively while Vero cells appeared rounded at concentration 50 µg/mL and normal shape at concentration 25, 12.5 and 6.25 µg/ml with IC50 35.85 µg/mL. This study evidence the potential efficacy of biologically generated Ag-NPs as a substitute medicinal agent against harmful microorganisms. Furthermore, it highlights their inhibitory effect on cancer cell lines.

N-doped TiO2/rGO: synthesis, structure, optical characteristics, and humidity sensing applications.

In the current study, the effect of rGO ratio on the N-dopped TiO2has been synthesized through sol-gel method. The prepared N-doped TiO2/rGO composites were examined for humidity sensing applications. The relationship between optical properties and the humidity sensing properties was studied. The structure, morphology, and bonding interaction have been examined using XRD, FT-IR, PL and HRTEM respectively. The average particle size as estimated from XRD and HRTEM was found to be about 9 nm. The optical properties have been studied using UV/ Vis. Spectroscopy. Further, optical parameters including refractive index and optical band gap energy have been estimated. The humidity sensing behavior of the resultant composites were evaluated in a wide range of humidity (7%-97% RH) at different testing frequencies. The optical band gap was found to be decreased as the amount of rGO increase. Among all prepared samples, both the optical parameters and humidity sensing experiments confirmed that the 0.5% rGO@N-dopped TiO2sample is the best candidate for the humidity sensing applications. The best optimum testing frequency was demonstrated to be 50 Hz. The sensor demonstrates a fast response and recovery times of 13 s and 33 s with low hysteresis and large sensitivity. The humidity sensing mechanism was studied using complex impedance spectroscopy at different RH levels under testing frequency range from 50 Hz to 5 MHz and testing voltage of 1 VAC. The produced structure demonstrated a promising material for humidity measuring devices.

Factor XI as a new target for prevention of thromboembolism in cardiovascular disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Anticoagulant therapy is a mainstay in the management of patients with cardiovascular disease. The use of conventional anticoagulants carries potential side effects, mainly bleeding. Drugs targeting Factor XI (FXI) have been investigated in randomized controlled trials as a new option with more favorable outcomes. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies comparing FXI inhibitors to placebo or standard therapy. The primary outcomes were incidence of all bleeding events, major bleeding, and thromboembolism. Secondary outcomes included incidence of all adverse events (AE), serious AE, and all-cause mortality. A total of 11 studies involving 10,536 patients were included. FXI inhibitors were associated with a trend toward reduction of bleeding events and incidence of thromboembolism compared to the control group (placebo/standard therapy). There was no statistically significant difference between both groups in terms of adverse events and all-cause mortality. When compared to enoxaparin, FXI inhibitors significantly reduced the risk of bleeding events (RR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.23-0.76, P = 0.004) and thromboembolism (RR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.44-0.77, P = 0.001). On the other hand, when compared to DOACs, FXI inhibitors were associated with a significant reduction in bleeding events but not thromboembolism. Whereas, compared to placebo, FXI inhibitors did not increase the risk of bleeding events, adverse events, or all-cause mortality (P > 0.05). FXI inhibitors could be a safer and more potent option for prevention of thromboembolism than conventional therapy.