Static Loading of Different Intraradicular Preparation Depths of Trinia Endocrowns in Maxillary Canines.

AIM: The aim of this study is to compare the fracture resistance of canine teeth restored using TRINIA Endocrowns with three different types of preparations (2, 3, and 4 intracanal preparations). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty maxillary-extracted canines were collected. All teeth were fixed in orthodontic acrylic resin and decapitated at the level of the proximal cemento-enamel junction (CEJ). After being endodontically treated, specimens were distributed equally between 3 groups (n = 10) with different preparation depths (GT: 2 mm Intraradicular Preparation, GH: 3 mm Intraradicular Preparation, GF: 4 mm Intraradicular Preparation). Thirty TRINIA endocrowns were dry milled. After surface treatment, all endocrowns were bonded to their corresponding roots using Permaflo a dual-cure resin cement. Each specimen was then fixed in the lower part of a universal testing machine with a load cell of 5 KN, at an angle of 45 degrees to the tooth long-axis at 0.5 mm/min crosshead speed. Failure loads were recorded in Newton's. Data were recorded, organized, and statistically investigated. RESULTS: Shapiro-Wilk tests revealed that the data were not normally distributed. Descriptive statistics revealed a high mean fracture resistance of GH (647 N), then GT (475.6 N), and finally GF (353.9 N). The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed a significant difference that existed between the groups being studied (p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: TRINIA endocrowns with intracanal preparations of 2 and 3 mm provide more promising fracture resistance than those with intracanal preparations of 4 mm as a way of treating of root-canal-treated maxillary canines. TRINIA endocrowns (2 and 3 mm intracanal preparations) are as promising as fiber posts and all ceramic crowns in terms of fracture resistance. TRINIA endocrowns with 2 mm intracanal preparations are mostly reparable after failure, but those of 3 and 4 mm are mostly irreparable after failure. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Modifying endocrowns to have intraradicular projections, simulating Nayyar core, may improve the success and longevity of endocrowns in anterior teeth. How to cite this article: Alahmad AM, Alenezi AY, Rayyan M, et al. Static Loading of Different Intraradicular Preparation Depths of Trinia Endocrowns in Maxillary Canines. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(6):575-580.

Public Awareness Regarding the Differences Between Ophthalmologists and Optometrists Among Adults Living in Makkah Province, Saudi Arabia.

Background Patients' knowledge of the differences between ophthalmologists and optometrists has been identified as a crucial factor influencing the choice of eye care services. This study aimed to assess the level of understanding of the differences between ophthalmologists and optometrists among the population in the Makkah province. Methods This cross-sectional study utilized an online questionnaire distributed to adults via social media platforms in the Makkah province, Saudi Arabia, from January to April 2023. The total number of respondents was 1,404. Results This study revealed that 464 (33.3%), 690 (49.5%), and 241 (17.3%) of the participants demonstrated a low, fair, and good understanding, respectively of the distinction between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist. Overall, 936 (66.7%) exhibited good knowledge. The high level of knowledge is directly correlated with a history of previous eye examinations and the use of eyeglasses. The variables of age (specifically the 18-30-year cohort) and higher educational attainment (at or above university level) emerged as statistically independent predictors of sufficient knowledge acquisition. The odds ratios for younger age and a higher educational level were (confidence interval of 95%) 1.45 (1.11-1.88) and 1.42 (1.19-1.68), respectively. Conclusion This study revealed a fair public knowledge of the distinctions between optometrists and ophthalmologists. Additionally, we recommend the Ministry of Health encourage and sustain ongoing initiatives to enhance public awareness.

An 8-Year-Old Boy With Hepatic Embryonal Sarcoma Managed With Surgical Resection.

The extent of hepatic tumors in childhood differs from that found in older age groups. Some of these tumors are believed to be quite rare like undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver (UESL). The challenge in diagnosis arises from the nonspecific clinical, biochemical, and radiological features, with definitive diagnosis requiring pathological confirmation following surgical excision. Treatment options with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgical resection with satisfactory outcomes have been reported in the literature as well as in our case. We present the case of an 8-year-old boy who initially presented with nonspecific symptoms and was diagnosed with UESL. Following a multidisciplinary team discussion, he was treated with chemotherapy and surgical resection. Post-resection follow-up with MRI revealed stable findings.

Rare Case of Post-Traumatic Abducens-Oculomotor Nerve Synkinesis Exhibiting Unusual Ocular Motility.

BACKGROUND Acquired synkinesis is a well-known phenomenon following oculomotor nerve injury. The abnormal movement appears within the distribution of 1 nerve, or other cranial nerves may be involved. The common misdirection of aberrant regeneration of oculomotor nerve involves the lid, extraocular muscles, or pupil. This report presents a case of aberrant connection between abducens and oculomotor nerve, which is quite rare. CASE REPORT A 21-year-old man with history of left-sided frontal, lateral orbital wall, and zygomatic fracture from head trauma in a motor vehicle accident presented for evaluation. He was comatose for 6 weeks in the intensive care unit. Six months later, he presented to the ophthalmology clinic for an eye examination. He had no history of eye problems prior to this accident. His best corrected visual acuity in the right eye was 20/20 and the left eye had no light perception. The right eye exam was normal, with normal ocular motility. The left eye exam showed small esotropia in primary position with markedly decreased adduction, elevation, and minimal depression, but on attempted abduction, the left eye would adduct instead. There was no globe retraction when left eye abduction was attempted. The abnormal movement seen resulted from third nerve function during sixth nerve stimulation, due to unusual ocular motility with abnormal connection between the sixth and third cranial nerves. CONCLUSIONS The most likely pathophysiologic mechanism here is peripheral neuronal misdirection hypothesis after trauma. Careful and detailed examination of a patient presenting with unusual ocular motility after trauma is very important. The abnormal connection between the sixth and third cranial nerves is quite rare but can occur.

Adult Simultaneous Cochlear Implantation: Local Anesthesia.

Purpose: Cochlear implant (CI) surgery is conventionally done under general anesthesia (GA). However, many patients are unable to undergo GA due to various reasons, raising the need for an alternative safe option. CI under local anesthesia is feasible and safely done in patients who can't tolerate GA. This approach allows for device fitting immediately after surgery. This study aims to evaluate simultaneous bilateral cochlear implant (BiCI) surgery performed under local anesthesia with sedation in adults. To our knowledge, this is the largest cohort of patients who underwent this approach. Methods: This is a retrospective chart review in a tertiary center. We included all adult patients who underwent simultaneous BiCI under local anesthesia with sedation from 2018 to 2024. The feasibility of BiCI under local anesthesia with sedation was assessed through clinical, surgical, audiological, and patient questionnaire data. Results: Six patients underwent simultaneous BiCI with local anesthetic and sedation. Mean age was 41.7 ± 16.0, comprising 66.7% male and 33.3% female. No intraoperative problems were encountered. All woke up from sedation without any agitation or difficulties. Their recovery was uneventful. No dizziness, nausea, or vomiting were reported. The device was activated immediately postoperatively. Pure tone audiometry, speech reception threshold, and word recognition score were significantly improved. Positive experiences were reported in all patients. Conclusion: Bilateral simultaneous cochlear implantation under local anesthesia in adults is achievable, through a multidisciplinary approach. This approach is a potential alternative option for some patients and could optimize their hearing rehabilitation.

Exploring Novel Genomic Loci and Candidate Genes Associated with Plant Height in Bulgarian Bread Wheat via Multi-Model GWAS.

In the context of crop breeding, plant height (PH) plays a pivotal role in determining straw and grain yield. Although extensive research has explored the genetic control of PH in wheat, there remains an opportunity for further advancements by integrating genomics with growth-related phenomics. Our study utilizes the latest genome-wide association scan (GWAS) techniques to unravel the genetic basis of temporal variation in PH across 179 Bulgarian bread wheat accessions, including landraces, tall historical, and semi-dwarf modern varieties. A GWAS was performed with phenotypic data from three growing seasons, the calculated best linear unbiased estimators, and the leveraging genotypic information from the 25K Infinium iSelect array, using three statistical methods (MLM, FarmCPU, and BLINK). Twenty-five quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with PH were identified across fourteen chromosomes, encompassing 21 environmentally stable quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs), and four haplotype blocks. Certain loci (17) on chromosomes 1A, 1B, 1D, 2A, 2D, 3A, 3B, 4A, 5B, 5D, and 6A remain unlinked to any known Rht (Reduced height) genes, QTL, or GWAS loci associated with PH, and represent novel regions of potential breeding significance. Notably, these loci exhibit varying effects on PH, contribute significantly to natural variance, and are expressed during seedling to reproductive stages. The haplotype block on chromosome 6A contains five QTN loci associated with reduced height and two loci promoting height. This configuration suggests a substantial impact on natural variation and holds promise for accurate marker-assisted selection. The potentially novel genomic regions harbor putative candidate gene coding for glutamine synthetase, gibberellin 2-oxidase, auxin response factor, ethylene-responsive transcription factor, and nitric oxide synthase; cell cycle-related genes, encoding cyclin, regulator of chromosome condensation (RCC1) protein, katanin p60 ATPase-containing subunit, and expansins; genes implicated in stem mechanical strength and defense mechanisms, as well as gene regulators such as transcription factors and protein kinases. These findings enrich the pool of semi-dwarfing gene resources, providing the potential to further optimize PH, improve lodging resistance, and achieve higher grain yields in bread wheat.

Distal Pancreatectomy with and without Celiac Axis Resection for Adenocarcinoma: A Comparison in the Era of Neoadjuvant Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Distal pancreatectomy with celiac axis resection (DP-CAR) has been used for selected patients with pancreatic cancer infiltrating the celiac axis. We compared the short- and long-term outcomes between DP-CAR and distal pancreatectomy alone (DP) in patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy. METHODS: Patients undergoing DP-CAR from 2013 to 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinicopathologic features, post-operative morbidity, and survival outcomes were compared with patients undergoing DP after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. RESULTS: Twenty-two DP-CAR and thirty-four DP patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy were identified. There were no differences in comorbidities or CA19-9 levels. OR time was longer for DP-CAR (304 vs. 240 min, p = 0.007), but there was no difference in the transfusion rate (22.7% vs. 14.7%). Vascular reconstruction was more common in DP-CAR (18.2% vs. 0% arterial, p = 0.05; 40.9% vs. 12.5% venous, p = 0.04). There was no difference in morbidity or mortality between the two groups. Although there was a trend towards larger tumors in DP-CAR (5.1 cm vs. 3.8 cm, p = 0.057), the overall survival from the initiation of treatment (32 vs. 28 months, p = 0.43) and surgery (30 vs. 24 months, p = 0.43) were similar. DISCUSSION: DP-CAR is associated with similar survival and morbidity compared to DP patients requiring neoadjuvant chemotherapy and should be pursued in appropriately selected patients.

Integrative bioinformatic and experimental analysis of benzoylbenzodioxol derivatives: hypoglycemic potential in diabetic mice.

We investigated the hypoglycemic activity and pharmacokinetic study of two synthesized benzoyl benzodioxol derivatives, compound I (methyl 2-(6-(2-bromobenzoyl)benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)acetate), and compound II, 2-(6-benzoylbenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)acetic acid, which showed very strong α-amylase inhibiting activity in our previous study. Then, diabetes was induced by the injection of streptozotocin to mice. The molecular docking simulations and analyses of density functional theory analyses were conducted to study the binding interactions with human pancreatic alpha-amylase, and their pharmacokinetic properties were further evaluated by ADMET profiling. Compound I showed the most important hypoglycemic effect, decreasing the blood glucose by 32.4%, higher than that of compound II by 14.8% and even the positive control acarbose by 22.9%. Histopathological examination revealed that diabetic livers showed portal inflammation with some apoptotic hepatocytes due to streptozotocin treatment, whereas controls without any treatment maintained normal liver architecture. Molecular docking studies gave results for the best binding affinity of the compound I, through its strong water bridges and π-π interactions, and also through analysis with density functional theory, was more stable and reactive when compared to compound II. Further ADMET analysis showed that both compounds shared a promising pharmacokinetic profile, and compound I had the potential for CNS penetration. Thus, compound I was selected as the best candidate for developing new hypoglycemic agents with potent efficacy, good binding interactions, and excellent pharmacokinetic properties.

Molecular detection of lumpy skin disease virus in naturally infected cattle and buffaloes: unveiling the role of tick vectors in disease spread.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a viral disease that affects cattle and buffaloes in Egypt, causing considerable economic losses in the animal sector. This study aimed to investigate the recent outbreak of LSDV in cattle and buffaloes and evaluate the potential role of the hard tick Rhipicephalus annulatus in their transmission through isolation and molecular characterization by multiplex PCR (mPCR) and real-time quantitative PCR (rt-qPCR) assays. A total of 50 skin biopsies (cattle n = 30, buffaloes n = 20), 110 nasal swabs (cattle n = 76, buffaloes n = 44), and 129 blood samples (cattle n = 84, buffaloes n = 45) were collected. In addition, 145 hard ticks of different stages were collected from cattle and buffaloes of different breeds and ages in different governorates in Egypt from November 2021 to June 2022. Multiplex PCR and real-time quantitative PCR (rt-qPCR) assays based on SYBR Green and targets (P32, VP32, G protein, and viral fusion protein) were used. We identified positive results in 17 out of 30 cattle skin biopsies (56.6%), 1 out of 7 buffalo skin scabs (14.3%), and 5 out of 45 buffalo blood samples (11.11%) using mPCR and RT-qPCR methods. We successfully isolated LSDV from hard ticks and cattle infested with ticks and exhibited characteristic signs of LSD on the chorioallantois membrane (CAM) of specific pathogen-free embryonated chicken eggs (SPF-ECE). The isolates were confirmed by multiplex PCR and RT-qPCR. The cyclic threshold (Ct) with correlation-slandered curve values of rt-qPCR ranging from 10.2 to 36.5 showed the amount of LSDV-DNA in different samples. The study's findings demonstrated the widespread circulation of LSDV in both cattle and buffaloes in Egypt and provided strong evidence that hard ticks R. annulatus play a role in the transmission of LSDV in susceptible animals.

Association between postoperative complications and hospital length of stay: a large-scale observational study of 4,495,582 patients in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) registry.

BACKGROUND: Precise estimates of risk-adjusted increases in postoperative length of stay (LOS) associated with postoperative complications across a range of complications and operations are not available in the existing literature. METHODS: Associations between preoperative characteristics, postoperative complications and postoperative LOS were tested using medians, interquartile ranges, and nonparametric rank sum tests in a retrospective cohort study using the 2005-2018 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) dataset. A negative binomial model was used with postoperative LOS as the dependent variable and preoperative characteristics and postoperative complications as independent variables. The model was applied to estimate each patient's postoperative LOS with and without each postoperative complication to measure the association between each complication and risk-adjusted change in postoperative LOS. RESULTS: A total of 4,495,582 patients were included. After risk-adjustment, occurrence of each postoperative complication was associated with significantly increased postoperative LOS (between + 3.9 and + 20.1 days, p < 0.0001). The longest risk-adjusted postoperative LOS increases were associated with prolonged ventilator use (+ 20.1 days), wound disruption (+ 19.4 days), and acute renal failure (+ 17.1 days). CONCLUSION: Occurrence of any postoperative complication was associated with increased risk-adjusted postoperative LOS. Degree of increase varied by complication. These data could be useful for patient counseling, allocation of resources, discharge planning, and quality improvement efforts.

Clinical and Radiological Presentation of Patients with Smear Positive Pulmonary Tuberculosis.

Chest X-ray is an important diagnostic aid frequently used alongside microscopic smear of sputum for the confirmation of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). However, there is a dearth of literature investigating the clinical and radiological pattern of sputum positive pulmonary TB among adults in Bangladesh. The current study explored these patterns in presentation. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at outpatients in department of medicine of a tertiary care hospital. A total of 50 newly diagnosed adult cases of smear positive pulmonary TB attending at the Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) corners were consecutively included. Informed written consent was taken before inclusion. Data were collected through face-to-face interview. Radiological presentation was explored using chest X-ray. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 26.0. The average age of patients was 41.0±17.12 years and majority were male (78.0%). The most prevalent respiratory symptom was cough (80.0%) followed by constitutional symptom like fever (70.0%) and weight loss (72.0%). Wasting was the predominant sign (60.0%). Radiologically both lungs were involved in 32.0%, left lung were involved in 30.0% cases and right lung were involved in 26.0% of cases. Twelve percent (12.0%) of patients had normal chest X-ray. Upper zone involvement was commonly observed in this study's patients (66.0%). The predominant pattern was consolidation (46.0%) followed by fibrosis (26.0%), nodular opacity (12.0%), collapse (10.0%), cavity (6.0%), pleural effusion (2.0%) and bronchiectasis (2.0%). Findings of this study would help familiarize and identify the common clinical and radiological presentations of sputum positive pulmonary TB patients in day-to-day practice.

Optimizing Emergency Department Length of Stay and Quality of Care: A Quality Improvement Project.

Background Patients' long length of stay (LOS) in the emergency department (ED) is a common measure of quality of care that could be a cause of increased morbidity and mortality. This quality improvement project (QIP) aimed to identify causes of long LOS and to improve common causes such as long consultation times. Methodology Over two months, three plan, do, study, and act (PDSA) cycles were conducted aiming to identify causes of long ED LOS and improve common causes that extended ED LOS beyond four hours. Additionally, the project aimed to reduce the time taken from requesting a consultation from another specialty until it was completed and documented to an average of 60 minutes. Main interventions included raising awareness of staff and administration through video presentations, printed posters, direct contact, and optimizing the electronic health records system to audit performance. Results From PDSA cycle 1 through PDSA cycle 3, average consultation times decreased from 91 to 65 minutes. Common organization-related causes of long LOS included pending radiology or laboratory investigations, awaiting inpatient admission, and awaiting consultations from other specialties. Physician-related factors included delay in documentation likely resulting from heavy workload. Pending investigations and admissions were factors that could be amended with better administrative control. Conclusions A multifaceted approach that tackles physician-related and organization-related factors could be a necessity to improve LOS and the quality of care in the ED. Having staff and administration aware of targets and performance along with utilizing the electronic health records system to audit performance and increase efficiency are beneficial in improving the LOS in the ED.

Large transethmoidal meningoencephalocele in a neonate involving three discrete defects in lamina cribriform: A case report.

Background: Intranasal meningoencephaloceles are rarely encountered in pediatric neurosurgery. The symptoms and clinical features may mimic those of nasal polyps or dermoid cysts. Transethmoidal meningoencephalocele is a rare congenital meningoencephalocele of the anterior skull base with diverse clinical presentation. The appropriate surgical intervention is chosen according to the meningoencephalocele type and location. Radiological examinations such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are helpful for the differential diagnosis of the encephalocele sac and localization of the cranial bone defect. Case Description: We are reporting a case of basal meningoencephalocele of the transethmoidal type, which was discovered in a 20-day-old boy presenting with cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, respiratory distress, difficulty in feeding, and meningitis. The preoperative images showed a large herniated intranasal sac with bony discontinuity of the cribriform plate; however, three discrete defects of the cribriform plate with their related discrete herniated sacs were identified intraoperatively. Two staged surgeries were performed in succession: transcranial to separate the sacs from the cranial cavity and seal the anterior fossa floor, followed by transnasal to remove the remnant of the intranasal sacs. Patient symptoms and signs markedly improved after the surgeries. Conclusion: We highlight the need for urgent intervention at a very young age if the clinical presentation mandates, and also the importance of meticulous intraoperative identification of all bony and dural defects that might be missed in preoperative images to ensure complete repair and prevent recurrence.

Assessing the impact of a respiratory care bundle on health status and quality of life of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients in Jordan: A quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a respiratory care bundle, including deep breathing exercises, incentive spirometry, and airway clearance techniques, on the quality of life (QoL) of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients in Jordan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quasi-experimental study design and convenience sampling method was used to recruit 120 COPD patients, with 54 in the intervention group and 66 in the control group. The intervention group received additional respiratory care bundle training, while the control group received only discharge instructions and an education program. The St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ-C) was used to assess participants' QoL before and after the intervention. Independent t-tests, paired t-tests, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) analysis were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The study found no significant differences between patients' characteristics, health status, and SGRQ-C scores between the two groups at baseline. After the intervention, there were statistically significant differences in all SGRQ-C subscales, which were lower in the intervention group compared to the control group. The paired t-test showed significant reductions in all SGRQ-C symptoms components (t = 7.62, P < .001), activity component (t = 7.58, P < .001), impact component (t = 7.56, P < .001), and total scores post-intervention (t = 7.52, P < .001) for the intervention group. The ANCOVA analysis showed significant differences in scores of SGRQ-C components and total scores (f = 11.3, P < .001) post-intervention between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The study's findings suggest that providing additional respiratory care bundle training for COPD patients can significantly improve their QoL, as measured by the SGRQ-C scores. The respiratory care bundle intervention was effective in reducing COPD symptoms and improving the QoL of COPD patients. Healthcare providers should consider implementing respiratory care bundles as part of COPD management to improve patients' outcomes.

Hereditary angioedema presented as isolated ascending and transverse colon swelling mimicking acute abdomen.

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare autosomal dominant condition characterized by C1-INH gene mutations, leading to recurrent angioedema episodes affecting various body parts, including the gastrointestinal tract. This case report describes a 24-year-old female presenting with symptoms mimicking an acute abdomen, characterized by severe abdominal cramps, anorexia, and diarrhea, with a significant past medical history of angioedema flares and emergency intubation for asphyxiation at age 11. Despite initial treatment with antihistamines showing no improvement, her symptoms spontaneously resolved. Further investigation revealed low complement C4 levels and reduced C1-INH function, confirming HAE with an unusual isolated involvement of the ascending and transverse colon. This case underscores the importance of considering HAE in patients presenting with acute abdominal symptoms, especially with a history suggestive of angioedema. It highlights the need for emergency physicians and gastroenterologists to be aware of HAE's clinical manifestations to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary interventions. Moreover, the case emphasizes the significance of patient education on recognizing symptoms and seeking timely medical attention to prevent severe complications. This report adds to the existing literature by detailing an uncommon presentation of HAE, aiming to enhance early diagnosis and management of this potentially life-threatening condition.

The potential of nanocomposites (patuletin-conjugated with gallic acid-coated zinc oxide) against free-living amoebae pathogens.

Free-living amoebae infections are on the rise while the prognosis remains poor. Current therapies are ineffective, and there is a need for novel effective drugs which can target Naegleria, Balamuthia, and Acanthamoeba species. In this study, we determined the effects of a nano-formulation based on flavonoid patuletin-loaded gallic acid functionalized zinc oxide nanoparticles (PA-GA-ZnO) against Acanthamoeba, Balamuthia, and Naegleria trophozoites. Characterization of the nano-formulation was accomplished utilizing analytical tools, namely Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, drug entrapment efficiency, polydispersity index, dimensions, and surface morphologies. Anti-amoebic effects were investigated using amoebicidal assay, cytopathogenicity assay, and cytotoxicity of the nano-formulation on human cells. The findings revealed that nano-formulation (PA-GA-ZnO) displayed significant anti-amoebic properties and augmented effects of patuletin alone against all three brain-eating amoebae. When tested alone, patuletin nano-formulations showed minimal toxicity effects against human cells. In summary, the nano-formulations evaluated herein depicts efficacy versus Acanthamoeba, Balamuthia, and Naegleria. Nonetheless, future studies are needed to comprehend the molecular mechanisms of patuletin nano-formulations versus free-living amoebae pathogens, in addition to animal studies to determine their potential value for clinical applications.

Genome-wide association scan reveals the reinforcing effect of nano-potassium in improving the yield and quality of salt-stressed barley via enhancing the antioxidant defense system.

Salinity is one of the major environmental factor that can greatly impact the growth, development, and productivity of barley. Our study aims to detect the natural phenotypic variation of morphological and physiological traits under both salinity and potassium nanoparticles (n-K) treatment. In addition to understanding the genetic basis of salt tolerance in barley is a critical aspect of plant breeding for stress resilience. Therefore, a foliar application of n-K was applied at the vegetative stage for 138 barley accessions to enhance salt stress resilience. Interestingly, barley accessions showed high significant increment under n-K treatment compared to saline soil. Based on genome-wide association studies (GWAS) analysis, causative alleles /reliable genomic regions were discovered underlying improved salt resilience through the application of potassium nanoparticles. On chromosome 2H, a highly significant QTN marker (A:C) was located at position 36,665,559 bp which is associated with APX, AsA, GSH, GS, WGS, and TKW under n-K treatment. Inside this region, our candidate gene is HORVU.MOREX.r3.2HG0111480 that annotated as NAC domain protein. Allelic variation detected that the accessions carrying C allele showed higher antioxidants (APX, AsA, and GSH) and barley yield traits (GS, WGS, and TKW) than the accessions carrying A allele, suggesting a positive selection of the accessions carrying C allele that could be used to develop barley varieties with improved salt stress resilience.

Exploring Risk Perception, Mental Health, Mental Fatigue, Stigma, and the Quality of Life among UAE Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A National Multicentric Cross-Sectional Study.

Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented serious mental health challenges for healthcare professionals. This study investigated the mental health, mental fatigue, quality of life, and stigma of social discrimination among healthcare workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the COVID-19 pandemic. A correlational, cross-sectional, multi-centric design was employed to collect data from 1383 healthcare workers across various healthcare settings. Participants were recruited using combined cluster and purposive sampling techniques. Standardized questionnaires, including the COVID-19 Pandemic Mental Health Questionnaire (CoPaQ), the Mental Fatigue Scale (MFS), the Social Discrimination Scale-Stigma Subscale (SDS), and the WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire-Brief (WHOQOL-BREF), were administered to assess the study variables. The results indicated significant mental health impacts, with high average scores for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (9.37 ± 6.74) and positive coping by inner strengths (17.63 ± 5.72). Mental fatigue was prevalent (8.15 ± 8.62), and stigma of social discrimination scored notably (23.83 ± 7.46). Quality of life was the highest in the social domain (65.38 ± 24.58). Significant correlations were observed between mental health subscales, mental fatigue, and quality of life domains. These findings highlight the critical need for targeted mental health support programs, improved social support networks, and personalized interventions to mitigate the mental health challenges faced by healthcare workers. Healthcare organizations can guarantee a resilient workforce that can handle future health crises by giving mental health resources and support systems top priority.

Management of Infections Associated with Penile Prostheses and Artificial Urinary Sphincters.

Prosthetic urology can substantially enhance the quality of life for patients. However, it is not without challenges. Infections of penile prostheses and artificial urinary sphincters are often difficult to diagnose, manage, and treat. Over time, device improvements, refined surgical methods, better understanding of microbiology, and biofilms in combination with higher sterility standards and protocols, have significantly reduced the rates of infection. Here, the authors offer a comprehensive overview of prosthetic urologic infections and their management in the current era.