Nano-therapeutics: The upcoming nanomedicine to treat cancer.

Nanotechnology is considered a successful approach for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Preferentially, cancer cell recognition and drug targeting via nano-delivery system include the penetration of anticancer agents into the cell membrane to damage the cancer cell by protein modification, DNA oxidation, or mitochondrial dysfunction. The past research on nano-delivery systems and their target has proven the beneficial achievement in a malignant tumor. Modern perceptions using inventive nanomaterials for cancer management have been offered by a multifunctional platform based on various nano-carriers with the probability of imaging and cancer therapy simultaneously. Emerging nano-delivery systems in cancer therapy still lack knowledge of the biological functions behind the interaction between nanoparticles and cancer cells. Since the potential of engineered nanoparticles addresses the various challenges, limiting the success of cancer therapy subsequently, it is a must to review the molecular targeting of a nano-delivery system to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of cancer. This review focuses on using a nano-delivery system, an imaging system, and encapsulated nanoparticles for cancer therapy.

A Rare Case of Neonatal Hypomagnesemia with Secondary Hypocalcemia Caused by a Novel Homozygous TRPM6 Gene Variant.

BACKGROUND Familial hypomagnesemia with secondary hypocalcemia (HSH) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder (OMIM# 602014) caused by mutations in the gene encoding transient receptor potential melastatin 6 (TRPM6)) on chromosome 9q22, a channel involved in epithelial magnesium resorption. While a plethora of studies have delineated various clinical manifestations pertinent to this mutation, the literature is devoid of connections between TRPM6 mutations and bleeding diathesis, or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This report presents a case of familial HSH associated with the novel homozygous TRPM6 gene variant c.5281C>G p. (Arg1761Gly) chr9: 77354845. CASE REPORT This report details a 26-day-old neonate, born full term with optimal Apgar scores, who experienced an abrupt emergence of apnea, cyanosis, bilateral nasal bleeding, and diminished alertness. Despite the neonate's initially unremarkable clinical birth indicators, a meticulous assessment unveiled a pronounced family history of SIDS, including a sibling previously diagnosed with hypomagnesemia. Laboratory examination of the infant demonstrated severe hypomagnesemia and hypocalcemia, conditions which were promptly ameliorated following intravenous administration of magnesium and calcium. Whole-exome sequencing identified a homozygous TRPM6 gene mutation c.5281C>G p. (Arg1761Gly) at chr9: 77354845. This gene is crucial for magnesium regulation. The mutation involves a cytosine-to-guanine shift, resulting in an arginine to glycine amino acid substitution at position 1761 of the TRPM6 protein. CONCLUSIONS This report has highlighted that infantile hypomagnesemia may be associated with symptoms and signs that can mimic infection, or it can present with seizures. Although familial HSH is a rare genetic disorder that can be identified by genetic testing, correction of hypomagnesemia is the most important and immediate clinical management strategy.

Evaluating the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Varicose Veins in Surgeons and Operating Room Staff at Buraidah Center Hospital.

Background Varicose veins (VVs), which are characterized by visible, convoluted veins in the lower limbs, are a prevalent disorder that afflicts a substantial portion of the population. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to look at the prevalence and risk factors for VVs among surgeons and operating room personnel at Buraidah Central Hospital in Saudi Arabia. They usually become worse over time once they develop, which highlights the importance of early intervention and preventive actions. Methodology Data from 91 participants were collected from diverse healthcare professionals between August 2023 and September 2023 via an online questionnaire covering demographics, health, and occupational factors. The chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were employed to examine the correlation between these variables and the occurrence of VVs. Results The data analysis revealed that several specific factors displayed notable associations. Occupations as Surgical Physicians, OR Staff, or Nurse (p=0.009), the number of days worked in the operating room (p=0.040), the role in the operating room, especially those mainly standing (p=0.001), contraceptive pill usage (p=0.000), and vaginal delivery (p=0.037) displayed statistically significant relationships with VVs. In contrast, factors like gender, age group, ethnicity, family history of VVs, social status, smoking habits, exercise frequency, BMI, lifting heavy objects, and years in the field did not reveal substantial associations with VVs, as indicated by p-values exceeding 0.05. Conclusion The study identified a low VV diagnosis prevalence, with an equal distribution among male and female respondents. Key factors that contribute to the risk of developing VVs include the number of days worked in the operating room, the role in the operating room, a family history of VVs, contraceptive pill usage, and the method of delivery.

Impact of Respiratory Viruses and SARS-CoV-2 on Febrile Seizures in Saudi Children: Insights into Etiologies, Gender, and Familial Associations.

BACKGROUND Childhood febrile seizures occur between 5 months and 6 years of age in children without a previous history of seizure and are associated with high temperature in the absence of intracranial infection. This retrospective study identified 71 children aged 6 months to 5 years with febrile seizures between 2017 and 2021 at a single center in Saudi Arabia and aimed to identify an association between common respiratory virus and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS Pediatric nasopharyngeal specimens were tested using a multiplex PCR respiratory panel detecting human coronaviruses (NL63, 229E, OC43, HKU1), influenza A/B, human adenovirus, parainfluenza viruses 1-4, respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus, rhinovirus/enterovirus, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, and, as of September 2021, SARS-CoV-2, confirmed using the Cepheid Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV2 RT-PCR kit. RESULTS In a cohort of 71 pediatric patients (median age, 19 months; 54.9% female), dominant pathogens included human rhinovirus/enterovirus (23.9%), influenza A/B (26.8%), and SARS-CoV-2 (14.1%). Concurrent infections were noted in 28.2%. Simple seizures occurred in 69%, and complex seizures in 31%. Females exhibited an 8.18-fold increased risk for complex seizures. Each additional fever day reduced complex seizure risk by 36%. Familial seizure history increased risk 8.76-fold. Human rhinovirus/enterovirus or parainfluenza infections inversely affected complex seizure likelihood compared with adenovirus. CONCLUSIONS In Saudi children with febrile seizures, distinct viral etiologies, sex, and familial links play pivotal roles. Given regional viral variations, region-tailored diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are paramount. A multicenter prospective cohort study is essential for comprehensive understanding.

Vitamin D supplementation modulates glycated hemoglobin (HBA1c) in diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes is a metabolic illness that increases protein glycosylation in hyperglycemic conditions, which can have an impact on almost every organ system in the body. The role of vitamin D in the etiology of diabetes under RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end products) stress has recently received some attention on a global scale. Vitamin D's other skeletal benefits have generated a great deal of research. Vitamin D's function in the development of type 1 and type 2 diabetes is supported by the discovery of 1,25 (OH)2D3 and 1-Alpha-Hydroylase expression in immune cells, pancreatic beta cells, and several other organs besides the bone system. A lower HBA1c level, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes mellitus all seems to be associated with vitamin D insufficiency. Most of the cross-sectional and prospective observational studies that were used to gather human evidence revealed an inverse relationship between vitamin D level and the prevalence or incidence of elevated HBA1c in type 2 diabetes. Several trials have reported on the impact of vitamin D supplementation for glycemia or incidence of type 2 diabetes, with varying degrees of success. The current paper examines the available data for a relationship between vitamin D supplementation and HBA1c level in diabetes and discusses the biological plausibility of such a relationship.

Postnatal Calyceal-to-Parenchymal Ratio: A Promising Predictor for Surgical Correction of Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction in Newborns.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore a new parameter, the calyceal-to-parenchymal ratio (CPR) of postnatal renal ultrasonography (RUS) as a predictor of surgery in newborns with possible ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). Although UPJO remains the main surgical category of antenatally detected hydronephrosis, there is a lack of a gold-standard test that predicts the need for pyeloplasty. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed infants with a positive antenatal history of hydronephrosis who were confirmed to have grade 3 or 4 hydronephrosis on postnatal RUS between 2010 and 2020. We compared postnatal CPR between surgical and control groups and tested the correlation between postnatal CPR and diuretic renogram. RESULTS: A total of 79 and 136 kidneys were included in the surgical and control groups, respectively. Kidneys that were managed with pyeloplasty between January 2010 and July 2020 were included in the surgical group, while kidneys from patients with comparable traits who were managed conservatively comprised the control group. At a mean age of 18.9 weeks at presentation and a mean follow-up period of 48.99 months, the median postnatal CPR was significantly greater in the surgical group (3.62 vs. 0.98, p<0.001). A postnatal CPR of 1.68 had a sensitivity and specificity of 96.2% and 84.8%, respectively, in predicting the need for future pyeloplasty (area under the curve (AUC)=0.966). There was a positive and significant correlation between postnatal CPR and the half-life of the renogram (p=0.018) but not significant with the differential function (p=0.090). CONCLUSION: Diuretic renography has little capability for predicting future pyeloplasty. Current RUS grading systems do not offer an objective measure of renal parenchyma. Numerous other RUS parameters are less frequently utilized in clinical practice, and many are challenging to assess and require sophisticated software or equipment. Postnatal CPR is a promising tool for predicting the need for pyeloplasty in newborns with UPJO. Further prospective studies are needed to standardize and assess the reproducibility of this parameter.

Advancement in total hip implant: a comprehensive review of mechanics and performance parameters across diverse novelties.

The UK's National Joint Registry (NJR) and the American Joint Replacement Registry (AJRR) of 2022 revealed that total hip replacement (THR) is the most common orthopaedic joint procedure. The NJR also noted that 10-20% of hip implants require revision within 1 to 10 years. Most of these revisions are a result of aseptic loosening, dislocation, implant wear, implant fracture, and joint incompatibility, which are all caused by implant geometry disparity. The primary purpose of this review article is to analyze and evaluate the mechanics and performance factors of advancement in hip implants with novel geometries. The existing hip implants can be categorized based on two parts: the hip stem and the joint of the implant. Insufficient stress distribution from implants to the femur can cause stress shielding, bone loss, excessive micromotion, and ultimately, implant aseptic loosening due to inflammation. Researchers are designing hip implants with a porous lattice and functionally graded material (FGM) stems, femur resurfacing, short-stem, and collared stems, all aimed at achieving uniform stress distribution and promoting adequate bone remodeling. Designing hip implants with a porous lattice FGM structure requires maintaining stiffness, strength, isotropy, and bone development potential. Mechanical stability is still an issue with hip implants, femur resurfacing, collared stems, and short stems. Hip implants are being developed with a variety of joint geometries to decrease wear, improve an angular range of motion, and strengthen mechanical stability at the joint interface. Dual mobility and reverse femoral head-liner hip implants reduce the hip joint's dislocation limits. In addition, researchers reveal that femoral headliner joints with unidirectional motion have a lower wear rate than traditional ball-and-socket joints. Based on research findings and gaps, a hypothesis is formulated by the authors proposing a hip implant with a collared stem and porous lattice FGM structure to address stress shielding and micromotion issues. A hypothesis is also formulated by the authors suggesting that the utilization of a spiral or gear-shaped thread with a matched contact point at the tapered joint of a hip implant could be a viable option for reducing wear and enhancing stability. The literature analysis underscores substantial research opportunities in developing a hip implant joint that addresses both dislocation and increased wear rates. Finally, this review explores potential solutions to existing obstacles in developing a better hip implant system.

Knowledge and Awareness of the Relationship Between Heart Failure and Chronic Uncontrolled Hypertension Among Communities in the Aseer Region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: The primary objective of this study was to assess the awareness among respondents in Aseer, Saudi Arabia, regarding the link between uncontrolled hypertension (HTN) and the potential development of heart failure (HF). Furthermore, we examined variations in the knowledge of essential information based on whether participants had a history of HF or HTN. METHODS: Employing a snowball sampling method, we conducted a prospective online cross-sectional survey targeting adults aged 18 years and above, encompassing both males and females. The survey participants were residents of the Aseer region with access to the internet. RESULTS: A total of 418 responses were included in the final analysis; 26.8% were aged 45-55 years, 53.8% were males, 69.1% held a university degree, 17.5% were healthcare workers (HCWs), and 26.8% reported having HTN. There was a statistically significant difference between respondents with and without HF regarding knowledge about uncontrolled HTN and its definition. Television and the internet were the most prominent sources of information, with 31.8% and 35.6%, respectively. Of the responders, 50% knew that uncontrolled HTN can lead to HF. Gender differences were significant, with 51.20% of females and 48.80% of males recognizing this link (p = 0.039). HCWs showed higher awareness compared to non-HCWs (70.81% vs. 29.19%, p < 0.001). HF awareness significantly impacted the respondent's knowledge (80.38%, p < 0.001). Those knowledgeable about uncontrolled HTN were more likely to be aware of this connection (60.29% vs. 25.84%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A large sector of the general population did not know that uncontrolled HTN may cause HF, especially those free from both conditions.

Neurofibroma of the external genitalia, extreme enlargement of the clitoris.

Neurofibromatosis of the genitourinary tract is rare, with a prevalence of 0.65%, and it is exceedingly rare to involve the external genitalia. Involvement of the clitoris, labia majora, and prepuce was reported with clitoromegaly being the most frequently occurring. Herein, we are reporting the case of a 6-year-old girl who was diagnosed with a neurofibroma of the clitoris; measuring 9.4 cm in its largest dimension. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest clitoral neurofibroma reported in the literature. Due to the rarity of such cases and reports limitations in the literature, the diagnosis of neurofibroma of the external genitalia requires a high index of suspicion by health-care providers. Surgical excision and postoperative follow-up for possible recurrence remain the gold standard of management.

Correlation and Factors Influencing Knee Pain Status among Patients who Underwent Sleeve Gastrectomy in Saudi Arabia: A Cross Sectional Study.

Objective: The goal of this study was to see if there was a link between individuals who had a sleeve gastrectomy and their knee discomfort, as well as what factors could influence knee pain after a sleeve gastrectomy. Materials and Methods: The general population of Saudi Arabia was studied in this cross-sectional survey, which took place from August 2021 to February 2022. Only people who had had a sleeve gastrectomy and were experiencing knee discomfort were included in the research. Results: The results revealed that bariatric surgery had improved knee pain status in most of the participants (76%) while (12.1%) complained that the pain worsened after the surgery. The results also showed that nearly half of our participants (49.8%) that complain of knee pain have lost more than 35 kg after bariatric surgery, which illustrates the impact of a number of kilograms (kg) lost after bariatric surgery. Only (12.8%) of the participants considered physiotherapy as an intervention for their knee pain. Also, the results showed that severe pain was considerably more prevalent in the older age group and those with concomitant chronic disease. Conclusions: Our data revealed that a small percentage of participants had worsening knee discomfort, which might be connected to inactivity following sleeve gastrectomy surgery. As a result, we urge that further clinical studies be conducted to learn more about the exacerbation of knee pain after a gastrectomy.

Broadband near unity absorption meta-structure for solar thermophotovoltaic systems and optical window applications.

Developing a meta-structure with near-unity absorbance in the visible and infrared spectra for solar energy harvesting, photodetection, thermal imaging, photo-trapping, and optical communications is a long-term research challenge. This research presents a four-layered (insulator-metal-insulator-metal) meta-structure unit cell that showed a peak absorbance of 99.99% at 288-300 nm and the average absorbance of 99.18% over the 250-2000 nm wavelength range in TE and TM modes, respectively. The symmetric pattern of the resonator layer shows polarization insensitivity with an average absorption of 99.18% in both TE and TM modes. Furthermore, the proposed design shows a wide incident angle stability up to ≤60 degrees in both TE and TM modes. The proposed structure also exhibits negative index properties at 288-300 nm and 1000-2000 nm, respectively. The negative index properties of the proposed design generate an anti-parallel surface current flow in the ground and resonator layers, which induces magnetic and electric field resonance and increases absorption. The performance of the proposed design is further validated by the interference theory model and a zero value for the polarization conversion ratio (PCR). The electric field E, magnetic field H, and current distribution are analyzed to explain the absorption mechanism of the proposed meta-structure unit cell. It also exhibits the highest photo-thermal conversion efficiency of 99.11%, demonstrating the viability of the proposed design as a solar absorber. The proposed design promises potentially valuable applications such as solar energy harvesting, photodetection, thermal imaging, photo-trapping, and optical communications because of its decent performance.

The Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Persons with Multiple Sclerosis in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate, in a Saudi Arabian context, how the COVID-19 pandemic psychologically impacted persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was undertaken during the period from October 2021 to March 2022. 738 participants resident in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) completed a self-administered online questionnaire. The research focused on persons diagnosed with MS. RESULTS: Participant ages spanned from 18 to over 55. The mean was 36.1±12.9 years old. Four hundred eighty-nine (66.3%) of the 738 participants were female. Two hundred sixty-four (35.8%) were single. Four hundred twelve (55.8%) were married. Six hundred eighty-five (92.8%) had received a COVID-19 vaccine. Regarding MS duration, 117 (15.9%) had been diagnosed for less than 2 years, 171 (23.2%) for 2-5 years, while 251 (34%) had the condition for 10 or more years. Regarding psychological health, 11.2% of participants complained of minimal/no depression, 33.3% of mild depression, 28.3% of moderate depression, and 27.1% of moderately severe to severe depression symptoms. Concerning anxiety, 17.2% of participants reported minimal anxiety, 36.9% mild, 23.3% moderate, while 22.6% suffered from severe anxiety symptoms. CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of depression and anxiety was found, along with high prevalence of co-occurrence of these disorders among PwMS.

Broadband Plasmonic Metamaterial Optical Absorber for the Visible to Near-Infrared Region.

An oblique angle and polarization insensitive metamaterial absorber (MA) are highly desired for the visible and infrared optical applications like, wave energy harvesting, optical filters, and detecting thermal leaks and electrical defects. In this paper, a multi-layered MA consisting of two layers of tungsten resonators on a silicon dioxide substrate, coated with additional SiO2 materials is investigated. The unit cell size of the MA is 0.5λ × 0.5λ × 0.8λ, at the lowest wavelength. The proposed MA offers an average absorption of 92% from 400 nm to 2400 nm with stable oblique incident angles up to 45°. The structure also achieves polarization insensitivity at the entire visible and near-infrared spectrum. Moreover, the MA is found highly compatible for solar absorber applications with high y AAM1.5. The structure is also compatible for filter application in optical communication system by modifying the plasmonic nano structure. The modified structure can block the wavelengths of the visible band (450 nm to 800 nm) and transmit optical communication bands (800 to 1675 nm). These versatile absorption and filtering performance make the proposed design highly potential for solar energy harvesting, photodetection, thermal imaging, photo-trapping, and optical communications applications.

Oral Brincidofovir Therapy for Monkeypox Outbreak: A Focused Review on the Therapeutic Potential, Clinical Studies, Patent Literature, and Prospects.

The monkeypox disease (MPX) outbreak of 2022 has been reported in more than one hundred countries and is becoming a global concern. Unfortunately, only a few treatments, such as tecovirimat (TCV), are available against MPX. Brincidofovir (BCV) is a United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA)-approved antiviral against smallpox. This article reviews the potential of BCV for treating MPX and other Orthopoxvirus (OPXVs) diseases. The literature for this review was collected from PubMed, authentic websites (USFDA, Chimerix), and freely available patent databases (USPTO, Espacenet, and Patentscope). BCV (a lipophilic derivative of cidofovir) has been discovered and developed by Chimerix Incorporation, USA. Besides smallpox, BCV has also been tested clinically for various viral infections (adenovirus, cytomegalovirus, ebola virus, herpes simplex virus, and double-stranded DNA virus). Many health agencies and reports have recommended using BCV for MPX. However, no health agency has yet approved BCV for MPX. Accordingly, the off-label use of BCV is anticipated for MPX and various viral diseases. The patent literature revealed some important antiviral compositions of BCV. The authors believe there is a huge opportunity to create novel, inventive, and patentable BCV-based antiviral therapies (new combinations with existing antivirals) for OPXVs illnesses (MPX, smallpox, cowpox, camelpox, and vaccinia). It is also advised to conduct drug interaction (food, drug, and disease interaction) and drug resistance investigations on BCV while developing its combinations with other medications. The BCV-based drug repurposing options are also open for further exploration. BCV offers a promising opportunity for biosecurity against OPXV-based bioterrorism attacks and to control the MPX outbreak of 2022.

Awareness About Total Knee Arthroplasty Among Hail Population.

BACKGROUND: Knee joint osteoarthritis is the most common among older adults. The knee joint needs to be treated surgically. The prevalence of this disorder is believed to be higher than 40% among people over 60. OBJECTIVE: To study public awareness about total knee replacement among the Hail population and to explore the relationship between the level of awareness and different socio-demographic factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Hail, Saudi Arabia, using an online self-administered questionnaire created via Google Forms. Collected data were coded, entered, and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS; Version 23). RESULTS: A total of 431 participants enrolled in the study, of which 242 (56.15%) were males and 189 (43.9%) were females. Out of a total of 34 points, the average awareness score was 15 ± 6 (range: 5-33), with a mean percentage of awareness of 44.1%. The most reported causes of total knee replacement were overweight or obesity (82.6%), aging (61%), and rheumatoid arthritis (45.2%). The most known symptoms were pain (85.6%) and clicking sounds during movements (64.7%). Regarding the knowledge about the treatment, both physiotherapy and weight reduction were mentioned by 290 (67.3%), exercise by 244 (56.6%), and surgical intervention by 177 (41.1%) participants. The purpose of knee replacement surgery was to relieve pain according to 357 (82.8%) participants, improve walking quality according to 257 (59.6%) participants, and be able to do prayers (while kneeling) according to 215 (49.9%) participants. The most reported reasons that might prevent the participants from undergoing knee replacement surgery were the pain after surgery (59.4%), unavailability of surgeons (35.5%), and general complications from anesthesia (37.4%). Moreover, 188 (43.6%) participants thought that knee osteoarthritis is diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Educational level was found to be associated with awareness score (p = .012). Conversely, gender, nationality, residence, and history of chronic disease were not found to be associated with awareness about total knee replacement (p = .548, .357, .734, and .639, respectively). CONCLUSION: An average level of awareness and knowledge regarding total knee replacement was observed. Educational level was found to be significantly associated with this awareness.

Genetic variants of TORC1 gene promoter and their association with carcass quality and body measurement traits in Qinchuan beef cattle.

In the present study, sequencing of TORC1 prompter region explored three SNPs at loci g.80G>T, g.93A>T, and g.1253G>A. The SNP1 produced GG, GT and TT, SNP2 AA, AT and TT, and SNP3 produced GG, GA and AA genotypes. Allelic and genotypic frequencies analysis exhibited that SNP1 is within Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). All three SNPs were found highly polymorphic as PIC value (0.25 < PIC < 0.50). At loci g.80G>T the cattle with genotype GG showed significantly (P <0.01) larger body length (BL), Wither height (WH), Hip height (HH), Rump length (RL), Hip width (HW), Chest depth (CD), and Chest circumference (CC). The genotype AA at g.93A>T showed significantly (P< 0.01 and 0.05) Larger body length (BL), Wither height (WH), Hip height, Rump length (RL), Hip width (HW), Chest depth (CD), and Chest circumference (CC). Interestingly, the carcass quality parameters such as Ultrasound loin area (ULA) and Intramuscular fat percentage (IF%) was highest in genotype GG at loci g.1253G>A. These findings conclude that genotype GG at loci g.80 G>T and AA at loci g.93A>T could be used as genetic markers for body measurement and genotype GG at loci g.1253G>A for carcass quality traits of TORC1 gene in Qinchuan beef cattle.

Selection signatures of Qinchuan cattle based on whole-genome sequences.

Qinchuan cattle has gradually improved in body shape and growth rate in the long-term breeding process from the draft cattle to beef cattle. As the head of the five local yellow cattle in China, the Qinchuan cattle has been designated as a specialized beef cattle breed. We investigated the selection signatures using whole genome sequencing data in Qinchuan cattle. Based on Fst, we detected hundreds of candidate genes under selection across Qinchuan, Red Angus, and Japanese Black cattle. Through protein-protein interaction analysis and functional annotation of candidate genes, the results revealed that KMT2E, LTBP1 and NIPBL were related to brain size, body characteristics, and limb development, respectively, suggesting that these potential genes may affect the growth and development traits in Qinchuan cattle. ARIH2, DACT1 and DNM2, et al. are related to meat quality. Meanwhile, TBXA2R can be used as a gene associated with reproductive function, and USH2A affect coat color. This provided a glimpse into the formation of breeds and molecular genetic breeding. Our findings will promote genome-assisted breeding to improve animal production and health.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Schoolteachers Toward Epilepsy and Students With Epilepsy in the Aseer Region.

BACKGROUND: The knowledge that teachers have about epilepsy affects their attitudes and practices towards students with the disorder. This study aimed to explore teachers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward epilepsy in the Aseer region. METHODS: This online cross-sectional survey targeted teachers aged 18 years and above, encompassing both males and females residing in the Aseer region with internet access. Teachers included in this study were recruited using snowball and convenience non-random sampling methods. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's chi-square test in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27 were employed, with a significance level of 0.05 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). RESULTS: A total of 62 teachers were included in this study: 62.90% were aged 35-49, 93.55% were females, 90.32% were married, 80.65% worked in the governmental sector, 51.61% earned between 5,000 and 10,000 SAR, and 93.55% held a university education. Regarding knowledge, 36.6% of the teachers studied had very bad knowledge, 29% had poor knowledge, 35.5% had intermediate knowledge, and 4.8% had good knowledge. While 1.9% had a detrimental attitude about epilepsy, 58.1% had an incorrect attitude, 30.6% had an approximate attitude, and 1.6% had a correct attitude. Concerning teacher practice, 4.8% of the studied sample had detrimental practice, 56.5% had inadequate practice, and 4.8% had average practice. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the need for targeted educational interventions to improve teachers' knowledge about epilepsy. The positive attitudes observed provide a foundation for fostering inclusivity in educational settings. Strategies that address misconceptions and improve first aid preparedness can contribute to a more supportive environment for students with epilepsy.

Design and Parametric Analysis of a Wide-Angle and Polarization Insensitive Ultra-Broadband Metamaterial Absorber for Visible Optical Wavelength Applications.

Researchers are trying to work out how to make a broadband response metamaterial absorber (MMA). Electromagnetic (EM) waves that can pass through the atmosphere and reach the ground are most commonly used in the visible frequency range. In addition, they are used to detect faults, inspect tapped live-powered components, electrical failures, and thermal leaking hot spots. This research provides a numerical analysis of a compact split ring resonator (SRR) and circular ring resonator (CRR) based metamaterial absorber (MMA) using a three-layer substrate material configuration for wideband visible optical wavelength applications. The proposed metamaterial absorber has an overall unit cell size of 800 nm × 800 nm × 175 nm in both TE and TM mode simulations and it achieved above 80% absorbance in the visible spectrums from 450 nm to 650 nm wavelength. The proposed MA performed a maximum absorptivity of 99.99% at 557 nm. In addition, the steady absorption property has a broad range of oblique incidence angle stability. The polarization conversion ratio (PCR) is evaluated to ensure that the MMA is perfect. Both TM and TE modes can observe polarization insensitivity and wide-angle incidence angle stability with 18° bending effects. Moreover, a structural study using electric and magnetic fields was carried out to better understand the MMA's absorption properties. The observable novelty of the proposed metamaterial is compact in size compared with reference paper, and it achieves an average absorbance of 91.82% for visible optical wavelength. The proposed MMA also has bendable properties. The proposed MMA validation has been done by two numerical simulation software. The MMA has diverse applications, such as color image, wide-angle stability, substantial absorption, absolute invisible layers, thermal imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications.

Identification of the hub genes related to adipose tissue metabolism of bovine.

Due to the demand for high-quality animal protein, there has been consistent interest in how to obtain more high-quality beef. As well-known, the adipose content of beef has a close connection with the taste and quality of beef, and cattle with different energy or protein diet have corresponding effects on the lipid metabolism of beef. Thus, we performed weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) with subcutaneous adipose genes from Norwegian red heifers fed different diets to identify hub genes regulating bovine lipid metabolism. For this purpose, the RNA sequencing data of subcutaneous adipose tissue of 12-month-old Norwegian red heifers (n = 48) with different energy or protein levels were selected from the GEO database, and 7,630 genes with the largest variation were selected for WGCNA analysis. Then, three modules were selected as hub genes candidate modules according to the correlation between modules and phenotypes, including pink, magenta and grey60 modules. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that genes were related to metabolism, and participated in Rap, MAPK, AMPK, VEGF signaling pathways, and so forth. Combined gene interaction network analysis using Cytoscape software, eight hub genes of lipid metabolism were identified, including TIA1, LOC516108, SNAPC4, CPSF2, ZNF574, CLASRP, MED15 and U2AF2. Further, the expression levels of hub genes in the cattle tissue were also measured to verify the results, and we found hub genes in higher expression in muscle and adipose tissue in adult cattle. In summary, we predicted the key genes of lipid metabolism in the subcutaneous adipose tissue that were affected by the intake of various energy diets to find the hub genes that coordinate lipid metabolism, which provide a theoretical basis for regulating beef quality.