Understanding charge transport and dielectric relaxation properties in lead-free Cs2ZrCl6 nanoparticles.

In the exploration of perovskite materials devoid of lead and appropriate for capturing solar energy, a recent finding has surfaced concerning Cs2ZrCl6. This compound has attracted interest as a potential candidate, displaying advantageous optical and electrical features, coupled with remarkable durability under environmental stresses. This research outlines the effective production of non-toxic metal halide nanoparticles of Cs2ZrCl6 using the gradual cooling technique. Thorough examinations have been conducted to explore the structural, optical, and dielectric traits. Over the frequency range of 101-106 Hz, the dielectric constant, loss factor, electric modulus, and electrical conductivity of Cs2ZrCl6 exhibit a strong dependence on temperature. The Nyquist plot confirms the distinct contributions of grains and grain boundaries to the total impedance. In the high-frequency region, the dielectric constant tends to increase with temperature. In accordance with the modified Kohlrausch-Williams-Watts (KWW) equation, an asymmetric nature corresponding to the non-Debye type is observed in the electric modulus spectra at different temperatures. Furthermore, the imaginary part of the electric modulus spectrum shifts from the non-Debye type towards the Debye type with increasing temperature, despite not obtaining an exact Debye response. The frequency-dependent behavior of AC conductivity has been modeled using Joncher's universal law. The conduction mechanism within the Cs2ZrCl6 compound is attributed to the small polaron tunneling model (NSPT). Furthermore, Cs2ZrCl6 has the potential to function as an energy harvesting device due to its elevated dielectric constant combined with minimal dielectric loss.

The Prevalence of Sleep Disorders in People with Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Purpose: Difficulty falling or staying asleep are considered sleep disorders, and these are common among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. The presence of sleep disorders may cause poor glycemic control among this population. We therefore designed this study to assess sleep disorders among patients with T2DM and obesity. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence of sleep disorders in 148 patients with T2DM and obesity at a hospital in Taif, Saudi Arabia using a validated questionnaire. Results: Among those patients who have been involved in this study, we found a moderate level of sleep disorders and disturbances. The average sleep disorder assessment score for the patients with T2DM and obesity was 2.8 ± 1.4. Additionally, the average score for the sleep pattern assessment was 2.7 ± 1.3 and 2.9 ± 1.5 for symptoms of lack of sleep. Our study also revealed that those patients also had suboptimal weight and glycemic control. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that patients with T2DM and obesity are at a higher risk of developing sleep disorders. Therefore, these patients need to be screened for sleep disorders to avoid further diabetes-related complications and to have an early lifestyle intervention.

Exploring the Impact of Iron Deficiency Anaemia on Glycated Haemoglobin A1c Levels in Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review.

Haemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) is fundamental in monitoring glycaemic control during pregnancy. However, several conditions could affect this test's accuracy, including iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). Hence, this systematic review delves into the underexplored connection between IDA, iron replacement therapy (IRT), and haemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) during pregnancy. An electronic search of the Cochrane, MEDLINE, and Embase databases was conducted by six authors. From a comprehensive search strategy, 968 records were obtained. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, seven studies were included, comprising 365 women selected for analysis. Six studies indicated a positive correlation between IDA and HbA1c levels, while one found no correlation. The average HbA1c level of the included studies in pregnant women was 5.64%. In comparison, it was found that non-pregnant women had lower HbA1c levels. Among the included studies, the mean HbA1c levels decreased from 5.1% to 4.89% after treating pregnant women with IRT. The review emphasises the complexity of interpreting HbA1c levels in pregnant women with IDA, highlighting the influence of pregnancy-induced physiological changes. In addition, this suggests that HbA1c should not be the sole criterion for diabetes management in pregnant women with IDA. Future research should focus on alternative glycaemic monitoring methods unaffected by IDA.

Diagnostic accuracy of intrathecal fluorescein versus other radiological modalities in evaluating non-congenital skull base defects: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The intraoperative detection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks during endoscopic skull base surgery is critical to ensure watertight sealed defects. Intrathecal fluorescein (ITF) is a valuable adjunct to intraoperative investigation. Hence, our aim is to summarize the evidence of the efficacy of ITF as an accurate diagnostic modality and reconstruction guide for non-congenital skull base defects. METHODS: Using the Cochrane Central, MEDLINE, and Embase databases, we identified studies involving the use of ITF in non-congenital CSF leaks which were published until November 2023. The STATA 18 software was used for meta-analysis. RESULTS: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria, in which seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. ITF was used in 1898 (90.3%) of patients, with a detection rate of 88.1%. The overall detection rate of non-congenital CSF leaks among ITF concentrations of 5% and 10% had a statistically significant pooled effect size of 2.6 (95% CI = 2.25, 2.95), while when comparing the ITF to other alternative radiological tests, it was not statistically significant with a mean difference of 0.88 (95% CI = - 0.4, 2.16). Moreover, the pooled prevalence was statistically significant in regards of the complications associated with ITF with an effect size of 0.6 (95% CI = 0.39, 0.82), indicating that 60% of patients who underwent ITF would experience at least one of the measured complications. CONCLUSION: ITF is considered as an efficient tool in localizing skull base defects. However, there was no significant results when comparing the ITF to other alternative radiological tests. Accordingly, if the ITF intervention is indicated, patients should be carefully selected based on their clinical need.

A Case of Late-Onset Neutropenia in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Following Ocrelizumab Therapy.

Ocrelizumab, a monoclonal antibody, has proven effective in treating both primary progressive and relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Common adverse effects observed in clinical studies include flushing, sore throat, pruritus, and rash. This abstract discusses a case of severe, late-onset neutropenia in a patient with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis undergoing ocrelizumab treatment. The neutropenia emerged 46 days following the patient's most recent ocrelizumab dose. The patient responded well to treatment with intravenous meropenem and filgrastim. This rare and unforeseen adverse effect highlights the importance of regular blood monitoring for early detection of severe neutropenia in patients treated with ocrelizumab.

Hydrogen Peroxide Stress Induced in the Marine Cyanobacterium Synechococcus aeruginosus and Phormidium valdarianum.

Biochemical markers against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress were developed in marine cyanobacteria under standard laboratory conditions. To find out the ability to cope with different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, two species of marine cyanobacteria including unicellular and filamentous forms were exposed for shorter duration. Synechococcus aeruginosus and Phormidium valderianum tolerated hydrogen peroxide by showing the highest growth of Superoxide dismutase in Synechococcus aeruginosus and Phormidium valderianum, catalase in Synechococcus aeruginosus, peroxidase in Synechococcus aeruginosus and Phormidium valderianum, Glutathione S-transferase in Synechococcus aeruginosus and Phormidium valderianum which were identified as biochemical markers of oxidative stress against H2O2 in marine cyanobacteria. Synechococcus aeruginosus showed new isoforms for Superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, Glutathione peroxidase, and Glutathione S-transferase and Phormidium valderianum for Superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and Glutathione S-transferase. Synechococcus aeruginosus is suggested as the indicator species for biochemical markers against hydrogen peroxide in marine cyanobacteria. Peroxidase is suggested as biochemical enzyme marker. The present investigated on these new isoenzymes were identified as biochemical markers for oxidative stress.

Lemierre's Syndrome in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report.

Lemierre's syndrome (LS) is a rare and potentially life-threatening complication of an oropharyngeal infection, resulting in the presence of septic thrombophlebitis in the internal jugular vein. This condition is most commonly caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum, with a prevalence of one case per million people annually. LS is more commonly seen in adolescents or young adults, but it can also occur in children. Despite its rare occurrence, prompt diagnosis of this condition and the initiation of treatment are crucial to preventing fatal complications. In this study, we report a unique case of a previously healthy seven-year-old male with LS who presented with fever, left-sided neck pain, and swelling.

The Effect of Iron Replacement Therapy on HbA1c Levels in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported that iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) and its treatment might lead to a distorted reading of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) value. Hence, this review aims to systematically investigate the effect of iron replacement therapy (IRT) on HbA1c levels, as the literature is deficient in assessing this clinical phenomenon. METHODS: An electronic search of the Cochrane, MEDLINE, and Embase databases was conducted by four independent authors. RESULTS: Among the 8332 articles identified using the search strategy, 10 records (with a total of 2113 participants) met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. In nine of the studies, IRT was found to decrease HbA1c levels; in the remaining study, IRT was found to increase HbA1c levels. The effect size of the pooled standardized mean difference in HbA1c levels between the treatment and control groups with IDA was 1.8 (95% CI = -0.5, 2.31). Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 and χ2 tests, and the resultant values were 98.46% and p = 0.09, respectively. Additionally, the mean difference between the HbA1c levels (pre-IRT and post-IRT) showed a drop in the HbA1c levels which ranged from 1.20 to 0.43 mg/dL. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that IRT decreases HbA1c levels, and it is helpful in treating IDA patients with poor glycemic control. Accordingly, the results provide an added perspective on antidiabetic medication dosing and physicians' interpretation of initially elevated HbA1c values.

Effect of membrane stabilizers on semen quality and sperm membrane protein expression during cryopreservation of goat semen.

BACKGROUND: Semen cryopreservation is a complex process during which there is alteration in the expression of sperm and seminal plasma proteins, molecular weight of protein or loss of membrane proteins during the process. In order to compensate for these changes, different membrane stabilizers are used in freezing semen extenders. However, there is scarcity of such studies during cryopreservation of goat semen. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of membrane stabilizers on sperm membrane protein expression during cryopreservation of goat semen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 36 semen ejaculates from nine Assam Hill Goat bucks aged 2 to 2.5 years was collected by artificial vagina method. Three membrane stabilizers, each at two different concentrations viz. 50 and 80 mM sucrose, 50 and 100 mM trehalose, and 100 and 150 ng per mL IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1 protein) were added to Tris-citric acid fructose egg yolk glycerol (TCFEYG) extender and semen samples were cryopreserved. The sperm membrane protein profile was studied in fresh and cryopreserved semen by SDS-PAGE. RESULTS: SDS- PAGE of sperm membrane extract of fresh semen revealed the presence of 24 protein bands with molecular weights ranging from 10 kDa to 240 kDa. Samples supplemented with 50 mM sucrose and 80 mM sucrose revealed 21 protein bands with molecular weights ranging from 10 kDa to 240 kDa. All the 21 protein bands were same as those observed in the sperm membrane of fresh spermatozoa, except that the 23 kDa, 29 kDa and 42 kDa bands were absent in frozen semen. Similarly, frozen semen extended with 50 mM trehalose and 100 mM trehalose revealed 22 protein bands with molecular weights ranging from 10 kDa to 240 kDa, but lacking the 29 kDa and 42 kDa bands. Proteins with molecular weights of 29 kDa, 130 kDa and 240 kDa were absent in frozen semen supplemented with 100 ng per mL IGF-1 and 150 ng per mL IGF-1. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed that supplementation of tris basic extender with trehalose at 100 mM and or IGF-1 at 100 ng/mL or 150 ng per mL improves the post-thaw semen characteristics and protects certain fertility related sperm membrane proteins. Doi.org/10.54680/fr23510110612.

Non-obstetric Acute Abdomen in Pregnancy: a Review of Literature.

Background: Acute abdomen in pregnancy (AAP) is defined as intensive abdominal pain lasting less than 24 hours that may require urgent surgery. It is a challenging situation to diagnose and manage, as it is associated with pain due to the normal anatomical and physiological changes that occur during pregnancy. Objective: Therefore, understanding these changes and their effect on almost every system, will help us appreciate the upcoming causes of AAP, mainly the non-obstetric surgical emergencies (e.g., appendicitis, cholecystitis). Methods: This article highlights the importance of the well-rounded care that should be offered to every pregnant patient presenting to any center with a Non-obstetric Acute Abdomen. The causes are discussed separately (for surgical pearls), laparoscopic approach and radiologic modality decision-making in pregnancy, which is an academic and a practice-based helpful summary. Results and Discussion: This article highlights the importance of the well-rounded care that should be offered to every pregnant patient presenting to any center with a Non-obstetric Acute Abdomen. The causes are discussed separately (for surgical pearls), laparoscopic approach and radiologic modality decision-making in pregnancy, which is an academic and a practice-based helpful summary. Results and Discussion: In addition, the sequence of ideas and language used in the article was based to help the reader understand the topic, rather than inform them about it. In addition, the utility of laparoscopy in pregnancy remains a concern due to the possible risk of injury to the fetus and fetal acidosis. Although, trials showed that laparoscopy was associated with less blood loss and a shorter hospital stay. Moreover, in some cases radiographic imaging is necessary, posing a diagnostic dilemma. Conclusion: AAP is a major concern that requires early interventions to pinpoint the cause and manage the patient, properly.

Characteristics of Emergency Visits Among Lung Cancer Patients in Comprehensive Cancer Center and Impact of Palliative Referral.

INTRODUCTION: During the treatment course, cancer patients are prone to develop acute symptoms that are either treatment-related or cancer-related. Emergency services are available during the whole day to manage the acute problems of patients with chronic diseases, including cancer patients. Previous studies have shown that palliative care (PC) provided at the beginning of stage IV lung cancer diagnosis helped to reduce emergency visits and increase survival rates. METHOD: A retrospective study was conducted on lung cancer patients with confirmed histopathology of non-small cell cancer and small cell lung cancer who visited the emergency department (ED) from 2019 to 2021. The demographic data, disease-related-data causes of ED visits (including disposition), number of emergency visits, and palliative referral and impact on the outcome and frequency of emergency visits were reviewed. RESULTS: Of a total number of 107 patients, the majority were male (68%), the median age was 64 years old, and almost half of them were smokers (51%). More than 90% of the patients were diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), more than 90% with stage IV, and a minority underwent surgery and radiation therapy. The total number of ED visits amounted to 256, and 70% of the reasons for ED visits were respiratory problems (36.57%), pain (19.4%), and gastrointestinal (GI) causes (19%), respectively. PC referral was performed only for 36% of the participants, but it had no impact on the frequency of ED visits (p-value > 0.05). Besides, the frequency of ED visits had no impact on the outcome (p-value > 0.05), whereas PC had an impact on the live status (p-value < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study had similar findings to another study regarding the most common reason for ED visits among lung cancer patients. Improving PC engagement for patient care would render those reasons preventable and affordable. The palliative referral improved survival among our participants but had no impact on the frequency of emergency visits, which may be due to the small number of patients and the different populations included in our research. A national study should be conducted to obtain a larger sample and to determine the impact of PC on ED visits.

Effect of Zn Doping on Structural/Microstructural, Surface Topography, and Dielectric Properties of Bi2Fe4O9 Polycrystalline Nanomaterials.

In the present research work, bismuth ferrite mullite type Bi2Fe4-xZnxO9 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.05) nanostructures are prepared by a chemical coprecipitation method and the effect of Zn doping concentration on the structural, surface topography, and dielectric properties is reported. The powder X-ray diffraction pattern of the Bi2Fe4-xZnxO9 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.05) nanomaterial shows an orthorhombic crystal structure. Using Scherer's formula, the crystallite sizes of the nanomaterial Bi2Fe4-xZnxO9 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.05) have been calculated and found to be 23.54 and 45.65 nm, respectively. The results of the atomic force microscopy (AFM) investigations show that spherical shape nanoparticles have grown and are densely packed around each other. AFM/scanning electron microscopy images, however, also illustrate that spherical nanoparticles transform into nanorod-like nanostructures with an increase in Zn concentrations. The transmission electron micrography images of Bi2Fe4-xZnxO9 (x = 0.05) showed elongated/spherical shape grains homogeneously distributed throughout the inside of the surface of the sample. The dielectric constants of Bi2Fe4-xZnxO9 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.05) materials have been calculated and found to be 32.95 and 55.32. It is found that the dielectric properties improve with an increase in the Zn doping concentration, making it a good potential contender for multifunctional modern technological applications.

Temporal Relationship of Acute Rheumatic Fever Following COVID-19 Infection: A Pediatric Case Report.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has the potential to trigger the onset of autoimmune disorders, one of which is acute rheumatic fever (ARF). ARF is an immune system response that can manifest after an individual has been infected with Streptococcus pyogenes. In this study, we document a unique case involving a previously healthy child who exhibited symptoms of fever, polyarthritis, and ankle swelling after history of COVID-19 infection one month ago. This rare pediatric case report discussed the occurrence of ARF after a one-month period of COVID-19 infection, and we observed significant improvement in our patient after a three-month treatment regimen.

Neuroprotective Effects of Phytochemicals against Aluminum Chloride-Induced Alzheimer's Disease through ApoE4/LRP1, Wnt3/ß-Catenin/GSK3ß, and TLR4/NLRP3 Pathways with Physical and Mental Activities in a Rat Model.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is associated with abnormal cognition. AD is aided in its initiation and progression by hereditary and environmental factors. Aluminum (Al) is a neurotoxic agent that causes oxidative stress, which is linked to AD progression. Additionally, Nrf2/HO-1, APOE4/LRP1, Wnt3/ß-catenin, and TLR4/NLRP3 are the main signaling pathways involved in AD pathogenesis. Several phytochemicals are promising options in delaying AD evolution. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed at studying the neuroprotective effects of some phytochemicals as morin (MOR), thymol (TML), and thymoquinone (TMQ) on physical and mental activities (PhM) in Al chloride (AlCl3)-induced AD rat model. Another objective was to determine the specificity of phytochemicals to AD signaling pathways using molecular docking. METHODS: Eighty male Dawley rats were divided into eight groups. Each group received: saline (control group), AlCl3, (ALAD), PhM, either alone or with a combination of MOR, TML, and/or TMQ for five weeks. Animals were then subjected to behavioral evaluation. Brain tissues were used for histopathological and biochemical analyses to determine the extent of neurodegeneration. The effect of phytochemicals on AlCl3-induced oxidative stress and the main signaling pathways involved in AD progression were also investigated. RESULTS: AlCl3 caused a decline in spatial learning and memory, as well as histopathological changes in the brains of rats. Phytochemicals combined with PhM restored antioxidant activities, increased HO-1 and Nrf2 levels, blocked inflammasome activation, apoptosis, TLR4 expression, amyloide-ß generation, and tau hyperphophorylation. They also brought ApoE4 and LRP1 levels back to normal and regulated Wnt3/ß-catenin/GSK3ß signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: The use of phytochemicals with PhM is a promising strategy for reducing AD by modulating Nrf2/HO-1, TLR4/NLRP3, APOE4/LRP1, and Wnt3/ß-catenin/GSK-3ß signaling pathways.

Incidence, Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Toward Needle Stick Injury Among Health Care Workers in Abha City, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: A needle stick injury is a serious occupational health hazard in health care settings. Health care workers are at risk of bloodborne diseases and the psychological consequences of these injuries. This study aims to estimate the incidence of needle stick injuries among healthcare workers during the previous 12 months and to assess their knowledge, attitude, and practice toward these injuries. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from 1st August 2019 till 15th February 2020, and included 786 healthcare workers in Abha city, Saudi Arabia. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. RESULTS: The incidence of needle stick injury among healthcare workers during the previous 12 months was (91/786) 11.57%. Nurses, females, and Saudis reported most needle stick injuries. More than half (52.7%) of the injuries went unreported. About 52.7% of needle stick injuries occurred during using sharp devices, and 42.9% of injuries happened in the patient room. The incidence of needle stick injury was significantly higher among those working at the secondary healthcare level (p = 0.003) and those practicing surgery (p < 0.001). Out of 786 participants, 94.7% knew the definition of needle stick injury, and 81.0% were aware of the procedure and guidelines to follow on sustaining a needle stick injury. Only 61.2% recognized that the recap of the needle is not recommended. Almost half of the participants (47.1%) agreed, and 33.6% strongly agreed that needle stick injury is preventable. A majority of healthcare workers (89.1%) had been vaccinated against Hepatitis B. Nearly 27.5% of healthcare workers incorrectly practiced recapping the needles with two hands and 8.7% bent needles before disposal. Recapping the needles was statistically significantly higher among healthcare workers who had a history of needle stick injury (p = 0. 046). CONCLUSION: Needle stick injury and its under reporting among healthcare professionals is still a prevalent risk. Raising awareness among healthcare workers and improving the reporting systems for needle stick injuries to ensure more protection and early use of post-exposure prophylaxis is required. Implementation of safety precautions and safe injection practices and providing engineered safety devices may further reduce the risk.

Influence of seawater intrusion and heavy metals contamination on groundwater quality, Red Sea coast, Saudi Arabia.

Groundwater samples were collected from 115 boreholes and dugwells to document the influence of seawater intrusion and heavy metals contamination on groundwater quality of the Al Qunfudhah region along the Red Sea coast, Saudi Arabia. The groundwater quality index (GWQI), metal index (MI), and heavy metal pollution index (HPI) were calculated and multivariate analyses were conducted. pH, EC, TDS, Cl-, HCO3-, SO42-, NO3-, NO2-, PO43-, SiO2, F-, NH4+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, B, Ba, Cd, Cr, As, Ni, Pb, Se, Sb, Hg, Cu, and Zn were analyzed and interpreted. The average values for TDS, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Cl-, HCO3-, SO42-, B, and Se were greater than the permissible limit of WHO standards for drinking water. Piper plots indicated three types of groundwater facies, Na-K-SO4-Cl (72.50%), Ca-Mg-So4-Cl (25.50%), and Na-K-CO3-HCO3 (2%). Based on GWQI, MI, and HPI, approximately 37-70% of the groundwater samples fell under poor quality to unsuitable waters (strongly to severely affected), especially in the western part along the Red Sea coast. This proven the role of seawater intrusion through the NE-SW fault system, dissolution/precipitation of carbonates, silicates, fluorite, and gypsum, as well as anthropogenic factors in increasing the concentrations of heavy metals and controlling the chemistry and quality of the groundwater in the study area. These findings provide an important information on heavy metals pollution in coastal aquifer with seawater intrusion along the Red Sea.

Impact of family-based selection on growth performance and immune response of Japanese quail.

The present study was aimed to evaluate the growth performance and immune response of three genetic lines of Japanese quails. These lines i.e., selected for 4-week body-weight group (WBS), selected for egg number (EBS), and random-bred control (RBC), were selected for three consecutive generations from a base population of 1125 quails. In total, 2700 four-week-old quails from three selected groups were slaughtered in total of four generations (G0 to G3). Effects of selection and generations as well as their interactions were assessed for growth performance and immune response by applying a two-way analysis of variance. Significant means were compared with Duncan's Multiple Range Test. The statistical analysis showed a significant effect of selection and generations on most of the growth and immune response parameters. WBS in G3 presented significantly higher values of body weight, weight gain, and FCR than RBC and EBS. FCR was better in WBS during G3 than those of EBS and RBC. However, Livability% was highest in RBC while the lowest was noted in G3 of WBS line. Thymus% and spleen% were higher in EBS as compared to RBC and WBS. RBC presented a better B/S ratio and ND titer than those of EBS and WBS. The decreasing trend of ND titer in both lines of WBS and EBS as compared to RBC suggested a decrease in New Castle disease resistance in progressive generations of selection. It was concluded that selection for body weight and egg number has a positive impact on respective traits but negatively affects the immunity in later generations.

Assessment of hydrological processes operating in a multi-layered sedimentary aquifer system in Saudi Arabia using integrated chemical and statistical approach.

Hydrochemical processes have a great influence on the groundwater quality especially in arid regions where groundwater is the single most important source of water supply. The present study was carried out in the Wadi Ad Dawasir region of Saudi Arabia. The objective of this study was to determine the processes influencing the groundwater composition in the region by integrated hydrochemical and statistical assessment. Hydrochemical data from 140 groundwater samples were interpreted using hydrochemical and statistical techniques. Evaporation, mineral dissolution, reverse ion exchange, and chloride/nitrate contamination from irrigation return flows were the main geogenic and anthropogenic sources influencing the groundwater composition. Principal component analysis was carried out to determine the component showing the maximum variability in the data. Two principal components were extracted. The first principal component representing gypsum dissolution and anthropogenic pollution (chloride and nitrate pollution from agricultural farms) was more pronounced in the western part of the study area whereas the second principal component representing silicate weathering process was more dominant in the eastern part. Total dissolved solid was found to be the single most important hydrochemical parameter showing the maximum variation in the analyzed data set. This study demonstrates that the loadings of the individual hydrochemical parameters in the extracted principal component and the component scores of the individual samples for each extracted principal component can be effectively used for determining the hydrochemical processes influencing the groundwater chemistry in an area.

Spatial distribution and ecological risk assessment of the coastal surface sediments from the Red Sea, northwest Saudi Arabia.

To assess the spatial distribution and ecological risk assessment along the Red Sea coast, Saudi Arabia, 30 samples were collected for aluminum, chromium, copper, zinc, cadmium, lead, mercury, iron, cobalt, nickel and organic matter analysis. The descending order of metal concentrations was Al > Fe > Cr > Cu > Zn > Ni > Co > Pb > Hg > Cd. Average values of enrichment factor of Hg, Cd, Cu, Co, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn were higher than 2 (209.50, 25.52, 20.36, 9.62, 7.28, 6.52, 6.21 and 6.07 respectively), which means anthropogenic sources of these metals. The average levels most of the studied metals were lower than those of the background shale and the earth crust and those recorded along most worldwide coasts, while the average values of zinc, copper, cobalt and nickel were higher than the values recorded from the Red Sea coast, the Gulf of Aqaba and some Caspian Sea coasts. The Duba bulk plant-Saudi Aramco, Duba refinery station and the tourist resort were the possible anthropogenic sources of pollutants in the southern part of the study area; and the landfilling, cement factory and Duba port and shipment operations in the central part, while the landfilling resulting from construction of the green Duba power plant and crowded fish boats were the possible sources in the northern part.

Diagnosis of Avian Mycoplasmas: A Comparison between PCR and Culture Technique.

Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae are the causative agents of avian mycoplasmosis in commercial poultry. Among the available tools, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and culture are confirmatory tools for the diagnosis of mycoplasmosis after the initial serological screening of suspected birds. Overall, 181 samples were analyzed, 152 (84%) and 103 (57%) of which were found positive by PCR and culture, respectively. Further, 54 (92%) broiler samples were found positive for general avian mycoplasma. Among the total positive samples, MS positivity was as high as 72 (47%) by PCR, while it was 45 (44%) by culture. MG positivity was 23% and 25% in PCR- and culture-positive samples. MG grows more easily compared to MS. The agreement value between the tests was 67%. Overall, flock wise prevalence was not much varied. The prevalence of mycoplasmosis was higher during winter. Our study confirmed that PCR is the most sensitive and reliable tool for the diagnosis of avian mycoplasmosis in field samples.