Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients With Rheumatic Diseases in Medina, Saudi Arabia: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: The Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic undoubtedly ranks among the most health-impacting pandemics throughout medical history. Although the COVID-19 global public health emergency has ended, lessons need to be learned to be more ready to face similar pandemics in the future. Few studies in Saudi Arabia discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on autoimmune rheumatic disease (AIRD) patients. Thus, this study was conducted to elaborate on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on AIRD patients and rheumatology practices in Saudi Arabia.  Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted among patients aged over 14 with AIRD using a pre-designed validated survey questionnaire. Data were collected from AIRD patients who were following up between November 2021 to April 2022 at the Rheumatology Clinic of King Fahad General Hospital in Madinah City, Saudi Arabia. This center was chosen as being the main hospital in the city following patients of AIRD. RESULTS: A total of 324 patients were included in our study, with the majority (n=264, 81.5%) being females. The mean age was 44.42±14.4 years. Clinical data revealed that 115 (35.5%) of our patients experienced mild COVID-19 infection, 19 (5.9%) suffered from respiratory insufficiency, and seven (2.2%) required admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Non-compliance to medication was recorded at 25.2%. There were 115 (35.5%) patients who had an AIRD flare that was significantly higher among those who were not adherent to the medications (p<0.001). Disease flare was also significantly seen among patients who were not on prednisone or were on low doses of prednisone (p<0.001). The majority (n=33, 97.1%) of the 34 infected patients who had an AIRD flare had their flare-up at the same time as their COVID-19 infection (p<0.001). COVID-19 vaccination rate was 87.7% (n=284). The most common reason for non-vaccination in 40 (12.3%) patients was the patients' concern about disease flare-ups by the vaccine or interference of the vaccine with their medication (n=16, 4.9%). CONCLUSION: Our study showed a 35.5% (n=115) COVID-19 infection rate. The majority of our AIRD patients sustained minor infections that did not require hospitalization or ICU admission. The majority of the patients who underwent a severe COVID-19 infection course were not on prednisolone or were on low-dose prednisone. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and drug shortages, one in four patients (25.3%) stopped taking their medications and was significantly found to have a high prevalence of underlying AIRD flare. Despite the high vaccination rate, disease flare was the biggest concern for those who were not immunized. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has ended, doctors should be aware of risk factors associated with severe AIRD outcomes that should be balanced based on the infection severity, underlying disease flares, and patient-centered education about medication adherence and vaccination.

Bioprospecting endophytic fungi for bioactive metabolites with seed germination promoting potentials.

There is an urgent need for new bioactive molecules with unique mechanisms of action and chemistry to address the issue of incorrect use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which hurts both the environment and the health of humans. In light of this, research was done for this work to isolate, identify, and evaluate the germination-promoting potential of various plant species' fungal endophytes. Zea mays L. (maize) seed germination was examined using spore suspension of 75 different endophytic strains that were identified. Three promising strains were identified through screening to possess the ability mentioned above. These strains Alternaria alternate, Aspergilus flavus, and Aspergillus terreus were isolated from the stem of Tecoma stans, Delonix regia, and Ricinus communis, respectively. The ability of the three endophytic fungal strains to produce siderophore and indole acetic acid (IAA) was also examined. Compared to both Aspergillus flavus as well as Aspergillus terreus, Alternaria alternata recorded the greatest rates of IAA, according to the data that was gathered. On CAS agar versus blue media, all three strains failed to produce siderophores. Moreover, the antioxidant and antifungal potentials of extracts from these fungi were tested against different plant pathogens. The obtained results indicated the antioxidant and antifungal activities of the three fungal strains. GC-Mass studies were carried out to determine the principal components in extracts of all three strains of fungi. The three strains' fungus extracts included both well-known and previously unidentified bioactive compounds. These results may aid in the development of novel plant growth promoters by suggesting three different fungal strains as sources of compounds that may improve seed germination. According to the study that has been given, as unexplored sources of bioactive compounds, fungal endophytes have great potential.

Expression of concern: Cefotaxime incorporated bimetallic silver-selenium nanoparticles: promising antimicrobial synergism, antibiofilm activity, and bacterial membrane leakage reaction mechanism.

Expression of concern for 'Cefotaxime incorporated bimetallic silver-selenium nanoparticles: promising antimicrobial synergism, antibiofilm activity, and bacterial membrane leakage reaction mechanism' by Abdelrahman A. Elakraa et al., RSC Adv., 2022, 12, 26603-26619, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2RA04717A.

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.

Unveiling biological activities of biosynthesized starch/silver-selenium nanocomposite using Cladosporium cladosporioides CBS 174.62.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Microbial cells capability to tolerate the effect of various antimicrobial classes represent a major worldwide health concern. The flexible and multi-components nanocomposites have enhanced physicochemical characters with several improved properties. Thus, different biological activities of biosynthesized starch/silver-selenium nanocomposite (St/Ag-Se NC) were assessed. METHODOLOGY: The St/Ag-Se NC was biosynthesized using Cladosporium cladosporioides CBS 174.62 (C. cladosporioides) strain. The shape and average particle size were investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM), respectively. On the other hand, the St/Ag-Se NC effect on two cancer cell lines and red blood cells (RBCs) was evaluated and its hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging effect was assessed. Moreover, its effects on various microbial species in both planktonic and biofilm growth forms were examined. RESULTS: The St/Ag-Se NC was successfully biosynthesized with oval and spherical shape and a mean particle diameter of 67.87 nm as confirmed by the HR-TEM analysis. St/Ag-Se NC showed promising anticancer activity toward human colorectal carcinoma (HCT-116) and human breast cancer (MCF-7) cell lines where IC50 were 21.37 and 19.98 µg/ml, respectively. Similarly, little effect on RBCs was observed with low nanocomposite concentration. As well, the highest nanocomposite H2O2 scavenging activity (42.84%) was recorded at a concentration of 2 mg/ml. Additionally, Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) ATCC 12,228 and Candida albicans (C. albicans) ATCC 10,231 were the highly affected bacterial and fungal strains with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 18.75 and 50 µg/ml, respectively. Moreover, the noticeable effect of St/Ag-Se NC on microbial biofilm was concentration dependent. A high biofilm suppression percentage, 87.5% and 68.05%, were recorded with S. epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) when exposed to 1 mg/ml and 0.5 mg/ml, respectively. CONCLUSION: The biosynthesized St/Ag-Se NC showed excellent antioxidant activity, haemocompatibility, and anti-proliferative effect at low concentrations. Also, it exhibited promising antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities.

Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index in Relation to Diabetes Markers in Saudi Adults: A Retrospective Study.

Background and objectives: Low-grade inflammation is associated with metabolic disturbances like diabetes. The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) has been proposed as a predictive tool to identify individuals at a greater risk of diabetes. This study aims to examine the association between SII and diabetes markers. Method and materials: We used retrospective data from a large cohort of adults (n = 3895) aged ≥18 in Saudi Arabia. The SII was calculated, and the markers of diabetes such as fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were included. Results: Across the quartiles of SII, FBG, insulin, and HbA1c were significantly higher in adults with higher compared to lower SII (p < 0.0001, p = 0.04, p < 0.0001, respectively). A two SD higher FBG was significantly associated with an SII difference of 47.7 (95% CI: (15.5, 91.9)). In subgroup analysis, this relationship prevailed in normal-weight participants and among those with normoglycemia and prediabetes but was attenuated in participants with diabetes. The association also prevailed in separate analyses for males and females but was stronger among females. Linear regression models showed no significant association between insulin, HbA1c, and SII. Conclusions: SII was associated with the markers of diabetes. The utility of SII for predicting diabetes can be confirmed with prospective cohort studies.

Performance of Iron Phosphate Glass Containing Various Heavy Metal Oxides for Particulate Nuclear Radiation Shielding.

INTRODUCTION: Employees may be exposed to different kinds of ionizing radiation at work. When ionizing radiation interacts with human cells, it can cause damage to the cells and genetic material. Therefore, one of the scientists' primary objectives has always been to create the best radiation-shielding materials. Glass could offer promising shielding material resulting from the high flexibility of composition, simplicity of production, and good thermal stability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The melt-quenching technique was used to create a glass having the following formula: 50%P2O5+20%Na2O+20%Fe2O3+10%X, where X = As2O3, SrO, BaO, CdO, and Sb2O3 mol %. The impact of the different heavy metal additions on the structure of the glass networks was studied using FTIR spectroscopy. Glass's ability to attenuate neutrons and/or charged particles has been theoretically investigated. The performance of the developed glass as a shield was examined by a comparison against commercial glass (RS 253 G18), ordinary concrete (OC), and water (H2O). RESULTS: For charged particle radiations (Electrons, Protons, and Alpha), the shielding parameters like the mass stopping power, the projected range, and the effective atomic number were evaluated, where S5/Sb glass achieves the best performance. In the case of Neutrons, the results values reveal that S3/Ba glass ( Σ! = 0.105) is the best-modified glass for neutron shielding. CONCLUSION: Among all the investigated glasses, S5/Sb glass composition has a smaller range and provides superior protection against charged particles. In contrast, the S3/Ba glass composition is a superior choice for shielding against neutron radiation.

Antibacterial Activity of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Lawsonia inermis Against Common Pathogens from Urinary Tract Infection.

New and creative methodologies for the fabrication of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs), which are exploited in a wide range of consumer items, are of significant interest. Hence, this research emphasizes the biological approach of Ag-NPs through Egyptian henna leaves (Lawsonia inermis Linn.) extracts and analysis of the prepared Ag-NPs. Plant extract components were identified by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-mass). The analyses of prepared Ag-NPs were carried out through UV-visible (UV-Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. UV-Vis reveals that Ag-NPs have a maximum peak at 460 nm in visible light. Structural characterization recorded peaks that corresponded to Bragg's diffractions for silver nano-crystal, with average crystallite sizes varying from 28 to 60 nm. Antibacterial activities of Ag-NPs were examined, and it is observed that all microorganisms are very sensitive to biologically synthesized Ag-NPs.

Synthesis, Optimization, and Characterization of Cellulase Enzyme Obtained from Thermotolerant Bacillus subtilis F3: An Insight into Cotton Fabric Polishing Activity.

The efficacy of 40 bacterial isolates obtained from hot spring water samples to produce cellulase enzymes was investigated. As a result, the strain Bacillus subtilis F3, which was identified using traditional and molecular methods, was selected as the most potent for cellulase production. Optimization was carried out using one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) and BOX-Behnken Design to detect the best conditions for the highest cellulase activity. This was accomplished after an incubation period of 24 h at 45°C and pH 8, with an inoculum size of 1% (v/v), 5 g/l of peptone as nitrogen source, and 7.5 g/l of CMC. Moreover, the best concentration of ammonium sulfate for cellulase enzyme precipitation was 60% followed by purification using a dialysis bag and Sephadex G-100 column chromatography to collect the purified enzyme. The purified cellulase enzyme was characterized by 5.39-fold enrichment, with a specific activity of 54.20 U/mg and a molecular weight of 439 kDa. There were 15 amino acids involved in the purified cellulase, with high concentrations of 160 and 100 mg/l for glycine and proline respectively. The highest stability and activity of the purified cellulase was attained at pH 7 and 50°C in the presence of 150 ppm of CaCl2, NaCl, and ZnO metal ions. Finally, the biopolishing activity of the cellulase enzyme, as indicated by weight loss percentages of the cotton fabric, was dependent on concentration and treatment time. Overall, the thermotolerant B. subtilis F3 strain has the potential to provide highly stable and highly active cellulase enzyme for use in biopolishing of cotton fabrics.

Transcriptomic analysis reveals candidate genes associated with salinity stress tolerance during the early vegetative stage in fababean genotype, Hassawi-2.

Abiotic stresses are a significant constraint to plant production globally. Identifying stress-related genes can aid in the development of stress-tolerant elite genotypes and facilitate trait and crop manipulation. The primary aim of this study was to conduct whole transcriptome analyses of the salt-tolerant faba bean genotype, Hassawi-2, under different durations of salt stress (6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h) at the early vegetative stage, to better understand the molecular basis of salt tolerance. After de novo assembly, a total of 140,308 unigenes were obtained. The up-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were 2380, 2863, 3057, 3484, and 4820 at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h of salt stress, respectively. Meanwhile, 1974, 3436, 2371, 3502, and 5958 genes were downregulated at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h of salt stress, respectively. These DEGs encoded various regulatory and functional proteins, including kinases, plant hormone proteins, transcriptional factors (TFs) basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH), Myeloblastosis (MYB), and (WRKY), heat shock proteins (HSPs), late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins, dehydrin, antioxidant enzymes, and aquaporin proteins. This suggests that the faba bean genome possesses an abundance of salinity resistance genes, which trigger different adaptive mechanisms under salt stress. Some selected DEGs validated the RNA sequencing results, thus confirming similar gene expression levels. This study represents the first transcriptome analysis of faba bean leaves subjected to salinity stress offering valuable insights into the mechanisms governing salt tolerance in faba bean during the vegetative stage. This comprehensive investigation enhances our understanding of precise gene regulatory mechanisms and holds promise for the development of novel salt-tolerant faba bean salt-tolerant cultivars.

Recent progress on sonochemical production for the synthesis of efficient photocatalysts and the impact of reactor design.

Sonochemical-assisted synthesis has flourished recently for the design of photocatalysts. The main power used is ultrasound that allows the nanomaterials shape and size modification and control. This review highlights the effect in formation mechanism by ultrasound application and the most common photocatalysts that were prepared via sonochemical techniques. Moreover, the challenge for the suitable reactor design for the synthesis of materials or for their photocatalytic evaluation is discussed since the most prominent reactor systems, batch, and continuous flow, has both advantages and drawbacks. This work summarises the significance of sonochemical synthesis for photocatalytic materials as a green technology that needs to be further investigated for the preparation of new materials and the scale up of developed reactor systems to meet industrial needs.

CRISPR-Cas System, a Possible "Savior" of Rice Threatened by Climate Change: An Updated Review.

Climate change has significantly affected agriculture production, particularly the rice crop that is consumed by almost half of the world's population and contributes significantly to global food security. Rice is vulnerable to several abiotic and biotic stresses such as drought, heat, salinity, heavy metals, rice blast, and bacterial blight that cause huge yield losses in rice, thus threatening food security worldwide. In this regard, several plant breeding and biotechnological techniques have been used to raise such rice varieties that could tackle climate changes. Nowadays, gene editing (GE) technology has revolutionized crop improvement. Among GE technology, CRISPR/Cas (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/CRISPR-associated protein) system has emerged as one of the most convenient, robust, cost-effective, and less labor-intensive system due to which it has got more popularity among plant researchers, especially rice breeders and geneticists. Since 2013 (the year of first application of CRISPR/Cas-based GE system in rice), several trait-specific climate-resilient rice lines have been developed using CRISPR/Cas-based GE tools. Earlier, several reports have been published confirming the successful application of GE tools for rice improvement. However, this review particularly aims to provide an updated and well-synthesized brief discussion based on the recent studies (from 2020 to present) on the applications of GE tools, particularly CRISPR-based systems for developing CRISPR rice to tackle the current alarming situation of climate change, worldwide. Moreover, potential limitations and technical bottlenecks in the development of CRISPR rice, and prospects are also discussed.

Recent Insights into Nanotechnology in Colorectal Cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third cancer among the known causes of cancer that impact people. Although CRC drug options are imperfect, primary detection of CRC can play a key role in treating the disease and reducing mortality. Cancer tissues show many molecular markers that can be used as a new way to advance therapeutic methods. Nanotechnology includes a wide range of nanomaterials with high diagnostic and therapeutic power. Several nanomaterials and nanoformulations can be used to treat cancer, especially CRC. In this review, we discuss recent insights into nanotechnology in colorectal cancer.

Influence of biosynthesized magnesium oxide nanoparticles on growth and physiological aspects of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) plant, cowpea beetle, and cytotoxicity.

Recently, agricultural management innovation has incorporated engineered nanoparticles. The current investigation was carried out to produce magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgONPs) for the first time applying S. cerevisiae extract. FTIR, XRD, HRTEM, and zeta potential analysis were used to characterize the MgONPs. The FTIR data show that the bioactive substances reduce and cap the synthesized MgONPs. The crystalline metallic MgONPs had four significant peaks in the XRD pattern. The size and form of MgONPs were validated by TEM, which exhibited spherical structures with an average size of 27 nm. The effect of various dosages of MgONPs administered to the cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) plant on all in vitro parameters was shown to be significant in the study. The concentration 200 ppm was the most significant treatment which increased shoot length, shoot dry-weight and root dry-weight by 27.35%, 45.09%, and 31.91% when compared with the untreated cowpea plants. MgONPs significantly increased photosynthetic pigments, with 150 ppm treatment significantly increasing soluble proteins and carbohydrates. MgONPs effectively treated cowpea C. maculatus, with dose and time-dependent insecticidal activity. MgONPs death rates varied by 82.66% and 100% on fifth day. Biochemical and histopathological studies of rats were investigated. Rats treated with MgONPs showed higher GOT, GPT, Urea levels, but lower creatinine, indicating significant differences. MgONPs-treated rats' liver showed mild to moderate histopathologic changes, including portal blood vessel congestion, lymphocytic cholangitis, and degenerative changes. MgONPs has the potential to improve cowpea development outcomes and suppress grain insects (C. maculatus).

Different reactor configurations for enhancement of CO2 methanation.

Greenhouse gas emissions are a massive concern for scientists to minimize the effect of global warming in the environment. In this study, packed bed, coated wall, and membrane reactors were investigated using three novel nickel catalysts for the methanation of CO2. CFD modelling methodologies were implemented to develop 2D models. The validity of the model was investigated in a previous study where experimental and simulated results in a packed bed reactor were in a good agreement. It was observed that the coated wall reactor had poorer performance compared to the packed bed, approximately 30% difference between the results, as the residence time of the former was lower. In addition, two membrane configurations were proposed, including a membrane packed bed and membrane coated wall reactor. Additional studies were performed in the coated wall reactor revealing that lower flow rates lead to higher conversion values. As for the bed thickness the optimum layer was found to be 1 mm. In both membrane reactor configurations, the effect of the thickness of M1 membrane, which indicates the membrane for the removal of H2O, didn't show difference while the reduction of the thickness of M2 membrane, which indicates the membrane for the removal of CO2, H2 and H2O, showed better results in terms of conversion.

Asphaltene Remediation and Improved Oil Recovery by Advanced Solvent Deasphalting Technology.

Resin molecules play a crucial role in the stability of colloidal asphaltene particles in petroleum reservoirs. De-stabilization of the asphaltene/resin interaction due to changes in thermodynamic parameters can cause asphaltene precipitation, thus leading to petroleum field problems such as decreased in situ permeability, as well as severe plugging problems in production facilities. One remedial technology used in the oil industry involves developing synthetic resins with enhanced chemical potential to increase the stability of asphaltene in the oil phase. However, accurately predicting what synthetic resin structures are compatible with asphaltenes in this context can be difficult and ineffective. Here, we introduce a method that enhances the stability of colloidal asphaltene in petroleum fluid by increasing the concentrations of natural-state oil resins and increases reservoir oil recovery by increasing the oil's aromatic power solvency. The stability of colloidal asphaltene and improvements in oil reservoir recovery were investigated by using an oil prefractionation process and a solvent deasphalting technology based on the residuum oil supercritical extraction process to develop three types of deasphalted oils derived from Kuwait Marrat oil. Using these methods, we found that resin concentration by volume in Marrat oil increased with the removal of more oil fractions. Asphaltene stability in the oil phase was strongly influenced by resin concentration. The deasphalted oils' aromatic power solvency increased the oil reservoir permeability by twofold. No formation damage was observed for all DAO products in core flooding tests.

Oral sildenafil citrate: a potential approach for improvement of endometrial thickness and treatment of unexplained infertility in women.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to determine the impact of using sildenafil citrate as an adjuvant with clomiphene citrate (CC) in the treatment of women with unexplained infertility. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 130 women with unexplained infertility were enrolled in a prospective randomized study. After dividing into two groups, all patients received CC 50 mg-BD from the 2nd to the 7th day of the cycle. Oral sildenafil citrate 20 mg was given BD to the study group from the end of menstruation till ovulation. A transvaginal ultrasound was carried out for all patients to assess ovulation, number of follicles, and endometrial thickness (ET). The beta-hCG blood test was used to determine pregnancy two weeks after ovulation followed by an ultrasound to confirm viability. Adverse effects were recorded and miscarriage, ectopic, and multi-fetal pregnancy were followed up for twelve weeks. RESULTS: Median ET in the study group was 8 mm compared to 7 mm in the control group (p<0.01). The number of pregnancies increased in the study group but with no significant difference. The median ET was greater in the study group with an infertility duration of less than 2 years. Headache was the most significant adverse effect in the study group (9.2% vs. 1.5%, p=0.052). CONCLUSIONS: Adding sildenafil citrate to CC is a good choice for overcoming the antiestrogenic action of CC and improving ET in women with unexplained infertility, especially in those with less than 2 years of infertility.

Knowledge About Epidural Analgesia Among Women in Al-Qassim Province of Saudi Arabia.

INTRODUCTION: Epidural analgesia is one of the most effective and fast anesthesia techniques to relieve labor pain. The technique involves inserting a needle in the epidural space that covers the spinal cord, providing a full block of sensation in the lower part of the abdomen and the lower limbs that starts seconds to minutes after the administration, while the effects last for a couple of hours after. This study assessed women's knowledge of epidural analgesia in the Al-Qassim Province of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: The study was conducted through a descriptive cross-sectional survey distributed among citizens of Qassim Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from October 2022 to February 2023. The respondents were selected randomly via social media advertising, and only women older than 18 were allowed to participate in the survey. RESULTS: Out of 520 responses, 483 met the study criteria. This study found significant associations between awareness levels of epidural analgesia and pregnancy history. Women who had previous histories reported epidural analgesia as the most effective means of pain control (p < 0.001), postpartum back pain as the major complication (p = 0.025), being used by the majority of other women (p = 0.022), and the potential for epidural analgesia to yield complications (p < 0.001). This means that other studies are required to explore more such associations to widen the scope of this field of study. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the mixed awareness levels of epidural analgesia among Saudi women from the Qassim area. The awareness provided by clinics or hospitals is limited, and further research is required to explore the awareness levels of epidural analgesia. Overall, the study highlights the need for a concerted effort by healthcare providers to improve the awareness and uptake of epidural analgesia in the Qassim area and beyond.

Preparation of new surface coating based on modified oil-based polymers blended with ZnO and CuZnO NPs for steel protection.

In our paper, we have synthesized modified PEA and alkyd resin by replacing the new source of polyol (SDEA) which was confirmed by different analyses such as IR, and 1HNMR spectra. A series of conformal, novel, low-cost, and eco-friendly hyperbranched modified alkyd and PEA resins were fabricated with bio ZnO, CuO/ZnO) NPs through an ex-situ method for mechanical and anticorrosive coatings. The synthesized biometal oxides NPs and its composite modified alkyd and PEA were confirmed by FTIR, SEM with EDEX, TEM, and TGA, and can be stably dispersed into modified alkyd and PEA resins at a low weight fraction of 1%. The nanocomposite coating was also subjected to various tests to determine their surface adhesion, which ranged from (4B-5B), physico-mechanical characteristics such as scratch hardness, which improved from < 1.5 to > 2 kg, gloss (100-135) Specific gravity (0.92-0.96) and also chemical resistance test which passed for water, acid, and solvent except alkali, was poor because of the hydrolyzable ester group in the alkyd and PEA resins. The anti-corrosive features of the nanocomposites were investigated through salt spray tests in 5 wt % NaCl. The results indicate that well-dispersed bio ZnO and CuO/ZnO) NPs (1.0%) in the interior of the hyperbranched alkyd and PEA matrix improve the durability and anticorrosive attributes of the composites, such as degree of rusting, which ranged from 5 to 9, blistering size ranged from 6 to 9, and finally, scribe failure, which ranged from 6 to 9 mm. Thus, they exhibit potential applications in eco- friendly surface coatings. The anticorrosion mechanisms of the nanocomposite alkyd and PEA coating were attributed to the synergistic effect of bio ZnO and (CuO/ZnO) NPs and the prepared modified resins are highly rich in nitrogen elements, which might be regarded as a physical barrier layer for steel substrates.

The effect of air quality parameters on new COVID-19 cases between two different climatic and geographical regions in Turkey.

Different health management strategies may need to be implemented in different regions to cope with diseases. The current work aims to evaluate the relationship between air quality parameters and the number of new COVID-19 cases in two different geographical locations, namely Western Anatolia and Western Black Sea in Turkey. Principal component analysis (PCA) and regression model were utilized to describe the effect of environmental parameters (air quality and meteorological parameters) on the number of new COVID-19 cases. A big difference in the mean values for all air quality parameters has appeared between the two areas. Two regression models were developed and showed a significant relationship between the number of new cases and the selected environmental parameters. The results showed that wind speed, SO2, CO, NOX, and O3 are not influential variable and does not affect the number of new cases of COVID-19 in the Western Black Sea area, while only wind speed, SO2, CO, NOX, and O3 are influential parameters on the number of new cases in Western Anatolia. Although the environmental parameters behave differently in each region, these results revealed that the relationship between the air quality parameters and the number of new cases is significant.